C860 Original Circle of Damnation

On the outskirts of the Forgotten Ruins.

Under the influence of Yu Zhu's theurgy, Thylethlume, which once belonged to the Empire, was enveloped by the spiritual energy flooding in from the Lost Lands, effectively becoming a part of Shadow's Keep's domain.

This move was necessitated when the Gao family, backed by Mo Yan, took control of Asvetaesi.

Concerned for the safety of the Yu family, Zixi implored Shadow's Keep to intervene. Yu Zhu then acted, incorporating Thylethlume into their territory and relocating all members of the Yu family from Asvetaesi.

To this day.

Besides Thylethlume, two new towns have emerged from the earth: the Zhao family's town and the Zhan family's town.

Yu Cen, alongside Zhao Zhenghao, patriarch of the Zhao family, observed the Yu family's herb slaves bundling up medicinal herbs in the waning light of the evening. Their expressions grew increasingly troubled.

Today was also the day the Skyreach Consortium was scheduled to purchase the herbs, as per the agreement.

Yet, for the past two months, the Consortium had concocted numerous excuses to avoid sending representatives.

The reason was clear to the elder.

Yu Yuan, the Yu family's most prominent grandson, had been branded a heretic by the sects of Euwrea due to certain events in Afnetalos, earning him the moniker of 'evil demon' and casting a shadow over his family.

As a result, the Skyreach Consortium, preferring to maintain its neutrality, had ceased purchasing the Yu family's herbs over the last two months.

This, in turn, plunged the Yu family into hardship once again.

"The times are changing in unforeseen and twisted ways. Could either of us have predicted the emperor would so abruptly switch allegiances with the backing of the Devil Palace?" Zhao Zhenghao said, fanning away the heat with his leaf fan as he led Yu Cen to the shade of an ancient locust tree. He gestured toward Gavanas with his fan, "If all else fails, perhaps we could sell our herbs there."

"If the Skyreach Consortium won't buy them, who in Gavanas would dare?" Yu Cen replied with a wry smile.

The three upper sects, the seven lower sects, the Devil Palace, Shadow's Keep, and the other sects all seemed to shun the Yu family, as if fearing any association with them.

Under these circumstances, the medicinal herbs cultivated by the Yu family were inevitably facing a sales slump.

"There are also independent cultivators in Gavanas," Zhao Zhenghao reminded.

"Forget it. I'm concerned that if I leave Thylethlume, I'll be ambushed by those harboring malicious intent on my way to Gavanas," Yu Cen said, shaking his head in resignation.

The Python Queen, Xu Zixi, had specifically warned them that members of the Yu family should avoid leaving town for the time being.

In Thylethlume, Yu Zhu's protective presence was a deterrent. Should any formidable individuals dare to intrude, she would immediately sense it.

Yu Zhu was gradually attuning to the Way of Heaven within the Forgotten Ruins, while simultaneously safeguarding Thylethlume from external threats. However, her protection could not be assured beyond its borders.

After all, she couldn't constantly monitor every member of the Yu family.

Whoosh!

A figure descended abruptly before Yu Cen and Zhao Zhenghao, swift as a streak of lightning.

His arrival caught the attention of many Yu family members. Yu Lili, Yu Xi, and Yu Feifei, along with several individuals from the Zhao family, all turned their gaze in his direction.

"Mr. Gao?!" Yu Cen exclaimed with delight.

"The trade agreement for medicinal herbs between the Skyreach Consortium and the Yu family will proceed," Gao Qin announced, arriving on a sword with an air of ease and grace. As his sword light swept by, bundles of herbs vanished. He chuckled, adding, "There's been some internal debate within the consortium over the past couple of months. But now, we've reached a unified decision."

"Has my grandson's name been cleared?" Yu Cen asked, full of hope.

"I always said Yu Yuan could never betray the Everlands!" Yu Lili, who had advanced to the late period of the Subtlety Stage, remarked with a hint of a smile, though her expression remained stern. "He's been wrongfully maligned by those with nefarious motives!"

"My brother has saved many lives in the Moonfall Sanctuary; I can vouch for him!" Yu Feifei called out.

Other members of the Yu family, as well as allies from the Zhao family, echoed their support.

Gao Qin wore an odd expression, chuckling awkwardly, "I'm not entirely sure of the details. In any case, the consortium has received new directives."

He was itching to tell them that Yu Yuan, that rascal, not only failed to clear his name but actually intensified his actions, wreaking havoc on the three upper sects, Devil Palace, and Shadow's Keep in the Land of Terror, leading to the downfall of Dhoreus. He even brazenly entered the Skyblight Cult and pressured them to relocate. How could they not be terrified by his audacity?

Yu Yuan had not merely strayed from the right path; he had ventured further down the path of wickedness.

Yet, the Skyreach Consortium suddenly found the continental dynamics shifting dramatically.

The five supreme forces were no longer the sole arbiters of this world's destiny.

...

Chen Liangquan arrived as expected.

With Yu Yuan's permission, the reigning emperor of the Songbird Empire and the cauldron spirit Yu Yiyi engaged in a thorough discussion before getting to work beneath the mountains.

Zhou You had said that Chen Liangquan was a master of rune circles, brimming with creativity in the Everlands.

This hybrid of human and Dawnbringer lineage had mastered the Way of Heaven, earning even Zhou You's admiration.

"The thirty-six underground meridians, linked to Fiendpeak, together form the Myriad Demons Circle. The Skyblight Cult's relocation altered the rune circle's lines, making them more conducive to the goast and better suited for the Skytaint Orb's power circulation."

"Chen Liangquan's task is to restore the Myriad Demons Circle to its original state, allowing the Bane's power to flow uninterrupted below."

"I possess the original blueprint of the Myriad Demons Circle. I relayed it to him, and he understood everything, casting spells instantaneously. It's truly astonishing."

Inside the cave of Fiendpeak.

Yu Yiyi's soul form materialized, and as she spoke, her white dress began to transform mysteriously.

The snow-white gown enveloped her figure, and starting from her heart at the center of her chest, thirty-six slender beams of light could be seen extending to the hem of her dress.

Like thirty-six streams flowing from a large pond, the subtle shifts in the Myriad Demons Circle were accurately mirrored in Yu Yiyi's dress.

Beru and Luo Yue had already left the cave. Yu Yuan watched her with a curious gaze, discovering that she had transformed into a little girl of exquisite beauty and grace.

Clad in a snow-white gown, her skin as fair as jade, she exuded an extraordinary aura. She was a stark contrast to Yu Zhu of old, as different as night and day.

"The Skyblight Cult has relocated, taking many goasts with them. I'm left with only a handful of low-level Banes," she said, massaging her forehead with a look of concern. "The Myriad Demons Circle, true to its name, requires a vast number of Banes as its foundation. At the very least, ten thousand Banes are needed, though a hundred thousand would not be too many..."

She went on to describe the intricate wonders of the Myriad Demons Circle to Yu Yuan. Once activated, all the Banes could traverse any part of the mountains through thirty-six subterranean channels, ready to assault any trespassers.

Moreover, it could integrate with the numerous Soul Nexuses etched into the Crucible of Evil, such as the Soul Shatter and Soul Prison. Even a cultivator at the Unbound realm, if targeted by a formation of a hundred thousand Banes, would find themselves in dire straits, potentially trapped and their cultivation gradually worn down.

This was assuming Yu Yuan was still at the Lunar Spirit level with relatively low personal cultivation. Should Yu Yuan ascend to the Solar Spirit level or harness the power of the Unbound realm, wielding the Crucible of Evil within the mountains to unleash the Myriad Demons Circle against foes, even Primordial Spirit Realm experts would face peril. The formation's might could be significantly amplified by the spellcaster.

As Yu Yiyi spoke, the thirty-six slender beams of light radiating from her continued to stretch outward. She delved further into the enigmatic depths of the Myriad Demons Circle. Throughout this process, Yu Yuan could sense numerous Banes, purified and reconditioned within the cauldrons, steadily departing and flowing into the Myriad Demons Circle.

Each time Chen Liangquan meticulously arranged the subterranean network and restored the rune circle to its original state, new Banes would join the flow, like streams merging into a river.

In what seemed like a mere moment, several days had passed. "It's complete!" Yu Yuan heard both Yu Yiyi and Chen Liangquan exclaim in unison. Yu Yiyi was ecstatic, while Chen Liangquan breathed a sigh of relief.

"I have fulfilled my duty."

Chen Liangquan materialized within the mountain's core in a mere instant, his complexion somewhat pallid, betraying a weary mien. "Yu Yuan, oh Yu Yuan, I have indeed been generous in my dealings with you. Remember, you must look after those who come here from the Songbird Empire, whether they be of the Chen family or other mixed heritage."

"Senior, your assistance has not been forgotten," Yu Yuan replied promptly.

Back in Afnetalos, it was Chen Liangquan who had come to his aid multiple times, even bestowing upon him a garment made of beast hide that had shielded him from many a calamity. And when his vitality waned, it was Chen Liangquan who lent his strength, using the body of an archdemon to provide support.

And now, history repeated itself.

"Before long, members of the Dawnbringers will arrive here to engage in a grand exchange," Chen Liangquan said with a faint smile. "Should she have a temper and cause offense, I ask for your patience and understanding."

With that, Chen Liangquan continued, "Next, try to attune yourself to the rune circle."

"I'm eager to see if I've properly reconstructed this brand-new Myriad Demons Circle."

He looked on at Yu Yuan with anticipation.

"Back in the Moonfall Sanctuary, I also connected with the Soulforge Matrix. Is there a difference?" Yu Yuan inquired with curiosity.

"Young man, what was your level at that time? Without having cultivated to the Lunar Spirit and refined your Soul Power, how could you claim to have merged with the formation?" Chen Liangquan mocked. "The Myriad Demons Circle may not be as advanced as the one in the Moonfall Sanctuary, but now that you are a Lunar Spirit, you should experience it anew."

Yu Yiyi chimed in, "It will be a different experience."

"Then I shall give it a try!"

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