Chapter 440: Earth Fiend Dispersal

About a hundred miles beyond this sprawling mountain range, some demons who had fled earlier naturally noticed the Heaven-Tilting Sword Strike unleashed by Ji Yuan. Indeed, such an immense display of power was impossible to ignore.

Among these demons was the archdemon known as Beimu, also called Beimo, who was the first to escape, accompanied by a considerable number of followers.

The sharp, rending sensation, the overwhelming pressure, the endless sword intent bearing down, and the brilliant sword light across the sky—all made it clear that this was an extraordinary sword-wielding divine ability.

In fact, it wasn't just those in the mountain range; even at this seemingly safe distance, the moment the Heaven-Tilting Sword descended, some demons accompanying the handsome youth were instantly on high alert. They instinctively activated their escape lights and fled rapidly, some even flying low. The sensation of the sky collapsing with that single sword strike was simply too real and too terrifying.

They knew they were at such a great distance, already outside the Immortal Glow Island's formation, and that the sword strike could not have been aimed at them. Yet, even from afar, it was terrifying. How dreadful would it be to face that sword directly, within that mountain range?

"Master, thankfully you anticipated this, otherwise we would have faced that sword directly…"

The handsome youth couldn't help but feel a chill of lingering fear at that moment. Even with his formidable cultivation and unpredictable demonic powers, who could claim certainty of escaping unharmed when facing that sword?

"To be able to unleash such a sword-wielding divine ability, could the newcomer be a True Immortal?"

The handsome youth pondered for a moment, his expression grave as he spoke.

"Even a True Immortal master, facing so many demons, including many powerful greater demons and archdemons, wouldn't be able to eradicate them so cleanly. This person is probably no ordinary True Immortal!"

After that sword strike was unleashed, the other cultivators from Immortal Glow Island descended onto the mountain peaks. This was evident because the colorful mists in the distance had vanished, indicating that the grand formation had ceased operating. Therefore, that sword strike was the work of a single individual.

True Immortal masters are indeed formidable, but even with their lofty cultivation, they cannot simply crush powerful greater demons and archdemons at will, especially when faced with such numbers. While the sword's impact was immense, it was a unilateral display of power from the sword's momentum, leaving the demons with almost no ability to resist.

One could only conclude that among those cultivators referred to as True Immortals, there were significant differences in power, and the range of disparity was certainly not small.

"Master, it seems that sword strike never fully landed in the end?"

The demons present also had discerning eyes. Even though they were utterly shocked, they couldn't believe that a single sword strike could truly make the sky collapse. Although their minds and senses screamed that the sky was indeed falling with that sword, their rationality remained intact, understanding that this was merely due to the sword's immense power, so overwhelming that it rivaled the collapse of the heavens.

If such a sword strike had truly landed, not to mention anything else, that entire mountain range, or at least the central mountainous area, would likely have been directly obliterated. Yet, observing from afar, it didn't seem to be the case.

Hearing the demon's words, the handsome youth turned to look around, then sneered.

"Didn't land? No, that sword strike has already landed. Though not fully unleashed, it certainly did land. It landed right here…"

The handsome youth pointed to his chest. Everyone understood the implied meaning, and many demons revealed expressions of sudden realization. Then, looking towards the mountain range, he continued in a low, murmuring voice.

"The sword wasn't fully unleashed… Heh, indeed. Just catching a glimpse of its power caused the hearts of all the demons to shatter and fall…"

A demon nearby expressed concern.

"Master, the situation at the earth vein fissure has likely settled. With such a terrifying immortal presiding, those creatures won't be able to cause any more trouble. Shouldn't we continue our escape?"

These words made the handsome youth stiffen.

"Indeed, we must leave quickly. It would be disastrous if that person were to rise and pursue us!"

The next moment, beams of faint demonic light shot away, without lingering for another second. Demons who had narrowly escaped in other directions also paused briefly due to Ji Yuan's Heaven-Tilting Sword Strike, then fled rapidly in a faster and more concealed manner.

At the summit of the tall peak in the center of the mountain range where the earth vein fissure was located, Ji Yuan maintained his seated posture, drinking Dragon's Saliva Nectar.

The unique properties of the Dragon's Saliva Nectar significantly alleviated Ji Yuan's discomfort, especially his left hand, which recovered from the piercing pain.

His magic power had just been depleted, and the injuries from the heavenly tribulation, no longer suppressed, immediately flared up again. Although Ji Yuan's magic power was exhausted, his body was still full of spiritual energy, which instantly became a breeding ground for the lingering power of the lightning tribulation.

The intense discomfort of that moment made even Ji Yuan frown involuntarily.

Fortunately, the Dragon's Saliva Nectar was remarkably effective. Soon, new internal energy was refined, crossing the Golden Bridge of Heaven and Earth to reach his Dantian, where it transformed into magic power, quickly suppressing the injury in his left arm once more.

At this moment, the Immortal Glow Island cultivators standing on the mountain all wore expressions of unequivocal shock.

Looking around, across the mountains and fields as far as the eye could see, fallen demons were visible everywhere—some lifeless, others barely clinging to life. Even some powerful greater demons and archdemons were pinned beneath collapsed mountain bodies, yet they made no effort to break free, simply lying there, paralyzed with fear.

"A Heaven-Tilting Sword Strike… There actually exists such a sword-wielding divine ability in this world. Even if it was an immortal sword, it's far too terrifying…"

"Indeed, let alone the demons targeted by the sword, even I, facing it, could barely breathe just now. My heart was utterly overwhelmed with pressure…"

Two Immortal Glow Island cultivators, whose cultivation was considerable, spoke on the mountaintop, their gaze sweeping over the myriad demons and monsters strewn across the ground. Only at this moment did they realize just how many demons they had been up against earlier.

"Those demons… none of them escaped?"

The nearby cultivator nodded.

"Except for those who fled at the very beginning, upon seeing us Immortal Glow Island cultivators arrive, all who subsequently tried to escape are right here."

While the regular Immortal Glow Island cultivators expressed their shock to each other, the six Immortal Glow Island elders communicated through divine sound transmission from a distance. A moment later, the six finally ascended into the sky again, reactivating the Immortal Glow Island formation.

Soon, streaks of colorful light rose from various parts of the mountain range, and the sky once again filled with dazzling brilliance. However, this brilliance paled in comparison to the sword strike from earlier.

"Disciples of Immortal Glow Island, heed my command: purge the demons! Burn the demonic corpses and apprehend the demonic souls."

As the formation activated, the voice of the leading elder immediately filled the mountain air. The Immortal Glow Island cultivators, their morale greatly boosted, ascended on streaks of light and unleashed their divine abilities to slay demons.

A large number of demons in the mountains were already dead, and many of the surviving ones had vacant stares. Even those who could still resist only dared to flee and not fight back.

From the initial bitter struggle between good and evil, it had now turned into a unilateral, devastating extermination of demons by the righteous immortal cultivators. Especially after the successful deployment of the Radiant Fire of the Mist, the entire mountain was ablaze with radiant fire, making it difficult for any demon to survive its scorching intensity.

Ji Yuan could finally breathe a slight sigh of relief. Fortunately, the Immortal Glow Island cultivators were sensible and spared no effort in cleaning up the aftermath. He certainly couldn't be expected to help with the cleanup himself.

Of course, Ji Yuan had no worries about his safety. Not to mention that those demons wouldn't dare approach him, even if they did, the Azure Vine Sword was still standing guard there. Moreover, after a few moments of rest, he still had enough residual power to activate a Warrior Talisman and even unleash two or three bursts of Samadhi True Fire.

He shook the wine in the Thousand-Dou Gourd. This treasure was truly miraculous; though it seemed to contain only a small amount of liquid when shaken, it actually held several dou. Looking at the gourd, Ji Yuan couldn't help but think of the battered wine pot he had given to the garden shop owner back then, wondering if the owner had recognized its true value.

Perhaps because the recent Heaven-Tilting Sword Strike had consumed so much of his mental energy, Ji Yuan's thoughts drifted. He gazed at the fissure where the malevolent energy had been suppressed deep underground, seemingly lost in thought.

Six streaks of colorful light arrived at the peak where Ji Yuan was. They saw him sitting casually on the ground, his right hand resting on his knee, palm supporting one side of his face. The Thousand-Dou Gourd hung from his left index finger, swaying gently, his gaze fixed on the earth vein, as if in a daze. His aura had returned to its usual ordinary state.

"Mr. Ji."

The scholar-like elder, who was most familiar with Ji Yuan, was the first to cup his hands and greet him, but Ji Yuan showed no reaction.

"Mr. Ji? Mr. Ji—"

As he was about to speak louder, the leading elder raised a hand to stop him, then whispered to the others.

"Do not disturb Mr. Ji. We shall wait!"

After this battle, the Immortal Glow Island cultivators' attitude toward Ji Yuan had significantly changed. While they hadn't been disrespectful before, they now showed profound reverence.

On this point, none of the Immortal Glow Island cultivators had any objections.

Ji Yuan was pondering why the earth vein's malevolent energy had also been suppressed by the Heaven-Tilting Sword Strike when he suddenly noticed that the sounds of combat around him had gradually ceased. His five senses then sharpened, and he became aware that the six Immortal Glow Island elders were standing on his peak, albeit a little distance away.

"My apologies, I was momentarily distracted!"

Ji Yuan put away his gourd, stood up, and cupped his hands apologetically to the six, then asked a question.

"How are the fellow cultivators from Immortal Glow Island's branch?"

The leading elder sighed.

"Those fellow cultivators who set up the formation here are mostly fine; though many are gravely injured, our Immortal Glow Island possesses miraculous healing arts. However, the branch's mountain gate has been utterly destroyed by the demons."

Ji Yuan could only sigh as well, without offering any superfluous words of condolence.

"The earth vein's malevolent energy has been sealed. We are preparing to return to Immortal Glow Island. If you have the time, Mr. Ji, we invite you to accompany us back to the island so we may properly thank you for your assistance!"

Ji Yuan, naturally curious about the perpetually mysterious Immortal Glow Island, was about to agree when he suddenly remembered something and frowned as he asked.

"The earth vein's malevolent energy here has been pacified, but what about the energy that diffused earlier?"

"Please rest assured, Mr. Ji. Most of the earth's malevolent energy that diffused earlier has been purified by our Radiant Fire of the Mist. The small amount that escaped is not a concern; it will dissipate into the world over time."

The earth vein's malevolent energy, also known as 'Earth Malevolence,' is subject to two contrasting Daoist theories in the cultivation world: "Heaven and Earth are heartless" and "Heaven and Earth are benevolent." Earth Malevolence is one of the justifications for the "benevolent" theory, which posits that the fracturing of earth veins causes the earth to feel pain, thereby generating this malevolent energy. As this energy originates from Heaven and Earth themselves, it is considered exceptionally formidable.

Hearing the Immortal Glow Island cultivators' explanation, Ji Yuan's mind was somewhat put at ease. However, he then remembered something: the ghostly entity in the Ning'an County well had also been born from a wisp of malevolent earth energy. Moreover, some demons had escaped, and he didn't know how far they had gone.

"Are there any mortal settlements nearby?"

The scholar-like elder immediately replied.

"This is the northwestern region of Yunzhou, so naturally there are mortal nations. About six hundred miles outside the mountain range where we are, there's a mortal settlement."

Seemingly realizing what Ji Yuan was thinking, the scholar-like elder spoke to his fellow sect members beside him.

"Why don't I stay here with Mr. Ji to investigate the surroundings, while the rest of you senior siblings take the branch disciples back to the island for healing?"

The others exchanged glances and nodded.

"That would be good. What do you think, Mr. Ji?"

Ji Yuan simply cupped his hands.

"It's important for you all to take your fellow cultivators back for healing. Mr. Chang and I can handle things here."

Having endured such an impact from the earth vein's malevolent energy, even cultivators would have suffered greatly. Furthermore, the conditions in this place were limited and not suitable for healing.

Hearing Ji Yuan's words, the leading elder nodded slightly at Chang Yi. Then, they all cupped their hands and bowed to Ji Yuan before leading the Immortal Glow Island cultivators away on streaks of light, flying eastward towards the sea.