Dragon Vein Seeks Remnants, Demonic Mark Surges

Four-colored light streaked through the void, Xuan Fu's figure swaying precariously. The Demonic Contamination Power inside him clung like a Bone-attached Sore, black marks spreading wildly along the four-colored talisman path. Every breath brought tearing pain, his Spiritual Sense pulled back and forth between clarity and chaos. He Grit His Teeth (runes tightening), forcing the milky-white spiritual light of the Innate Jade Fluid into the Talisman Path Core while activating the Life-Destruction Talisman Path, wrapping the Annihilation Power of "Destruction" with the life force of "Life" to form a yin-yang barrier, barely holding back the demonic erosion.

"Fellow Daoist Mystic Talisman, hold on!" Donghua's voice came from behind, Wood Spirit Power flowing like a warm stream into Xuan Fu's body, working with the Innate Jade Fluid to reinforce his Origin Barrier. Ao Guang, Feng Yao, and Qilin Cang Followed closely behind, the Three Clans' Origin Power interweaving into a Three-Colored Light Screen behind Xuan Fu, fending off the demonic aura constantly surging from the chaos.

Ever since fleeing the chaos battlefield, Demon Ancestor Luohu's Demonic Contamination Power had been like a Bone-attached Sore, not only ravaging Xuan Fu's body but also drawing countless demonized chaos beings. These beings, originally remnant souls of innate chaos gods, had become fearless after erosion by the Demonic Contamination Power, charging madly at the group, trying to fully demonize Xuan Fu and drag him back to the chaos depths for the Demon Ancestor.

"These demonized beings are multiplying!" Ao Guang roared, water vapor condensing into several Water Dragons that shredded the charging creatures. "If this continues, we'll be worn down eventually, and Fellow Daoist Mystic Talisman's condition will only worsen!"

Xuan Fu knew it well. Demon Ancestor Luohu was clearly using these demonized beings to stall for time, waiting for the Demonic Contamination Power inside him to erupt fully, then taking control without effort. He had to reach the depths of the Kunlun Dragon Vein and find the Innate Taiji Diagram Fragment, or the consequences would be unthinkable.

"Speed up! Charge straight through!" Xuan Fu's voice was hoarse. He suddenly activated the Life-Destruction Talisman Path, the four-colored talisman light surging into a massive talisman blade that slashed at the demonized beings ahead. The blade carried the Dao rhythm of life-destruction balance, instantly purifying the Demonic Contamination Power of every creature it touched, their bodies dissolving into streams of Chaos Stream.

Seizing the opening, the others pushed to maximum speed, following Xuan Fu through the demonized blockade. But no sooner had they broken free than an even more terrifying aura came from the Chaos Stream ahead, turning everyone's faces grim.

"It's the Demon Bone General under the Demon Ancestor!" Feng Yao's face was pale, flames blazing on her skin. "Legend says he was formed from the demonized bones of a chaos god, with strength at the mid Quasi-Saint level, skilled at eroding opponents' Origin Power with demon bone force!"

Before she finished, a towering figure stepped slowly from the Chaos Stream. His body was made entirely of black demon bones, covered in eerie demonic patterns, radiating a dense demonic pressure—the Demon Bone General. His eyes flickered with crimson light, locked onto Xuan Fu, his voice grating like bone grinding: "Xuan Fu, by the Demon Ancestor's order, I'm taking you back to the chaos depths. Be sensible and surrender, spare yourself the pain!"

"Dream on!" A flash of resolve crossed Xuan Fu's eyes. The Life-Destruction Talisman Path activated again, four-colored talisman light condensing into a massive talisman seal in his hand. "If you want to take me, get past this first!"

"Ignorant ant!" The Demon Bone General sneered, demon bone power erupting as countless black bone blades shot from his body, raining down on the group Like a torrential rain. The Demonic Contamination Power on the blades was dense, corroding space into black spots wherever they passed.

"Block together!" Donghua shouted, Wood Spirit Power surging as countless emerald vines burst from the void, forming a solid barrier before the group. Ao Guang, Feng Yao, and Qilin Cang also activated their Origin Power, the three-colored origin and Wood Spirit Power reinforcing the barrier.

"Clang! Clang! Clang!"

The bone blades struck the barrier with metallic clashes, the barrier trembling violently, cracks spreading across it. The Demon Bone General's strength far surpassed the earlier demonized beings; even the four clans working together could barely hold.

Xuan Fu knew he couldn't stay on the defensive. He took a deep breath, pouring the Last Trace of Innate Jade Fluid into the life-destruction talisman seal, the four-colored talisman light blazing brighter. Instead of attacking head-on, he activated spatial talisman power, turning into a Four-Colored Light that appeared instantly behind the Demon Bone General.

"Purify!"

Xuan Fu slammed the life-destruction talisman seal onto the Demon Bone General's back. The four-colored talisman light exploded, the Dao power of life-destruction balance flooding into the demon bone body, beginning to purify the demonic patterns on his bones. The Demon Bone General let out a pained roar, his body shaking violently, the black marks on his demon bones fading rapidly as the Demonic Contamination Power was cleansed.

"Ant, you dare harm this Venerable One!" The Demon Bone General roared in fury, spinning around and swinging a massive bone claw at Xuan Fu. The Demonic Contamination Power on the claw surged again, trying to counter-devour Xuan Fu's life-destruction talisman force.

Xuan Fu was ready. He activated the Universe Folding Talisman, instantly teleporting back to the group. His face was paler; the strike had drained nearly all his talisman power, and the Demonic Contamination Power inside him took the chance to spread again, black marks now covering a third of the Talisman Path Core.

"Fellow Daoist Mystic Talisman, are you alright?" Donghua quickly offered a strand of pure Wood Spirit Power, asking with concern.

"I'm fine." Xuan Fu shook his head, rapidly absorbing the Wood Spirit Power. "The Demon Bone General's Demonic Contamination Power is strong, but his Origin is demonized bones. The Life-Destruction Talisman Path's purification power counters him. If we launch another joint attack, we should drive him back."

The others nodded. Ao Guang summoned water vapor, Feng Yao condensed flames, Qilin Cang called forth stone spikes, and Donghua grew vines. The four clans' Origin Power interwove again into a massive attack aimed at the Demon Bone General. Xuan Fu also activated his remaining talisman power, forming another four-colored talisman blade that merged with the four clans' attack into a devastating Energy Torrent.

"Boom!"

The Energy Torrent collided with the Demon Bone General's demon bone force. The massive Shockwave scattered the surrounding Chaos Stream. The Demon Bone General let out a piercing wail as the Energy Torrent struck him, his black demon bones shattering inch by inch, Demonic Contamination Power leaking like a tide, eventually dissolving into black mist that fled into the chaos depths—he was thoroughly driven back.

The group Sighed in Relief, landing with exhausted faces. Though victorious, the battle had drained much of their Origin Power. Xuan Fu's Demonic Contamination Power was even worse; the four-colored talisman light had dimmed, black marks flickering faintly on his skin.

"No more delays. We head straight to the Kunlun Dragon Vein depths." Xuan Fu didn't pause, rising and flying toward the Kunlun Mountain Range. The others followed without hesitation.

After a swift journey, they reached the Kunlun Mountain Range. The Kunlun now was completely different. The Dragon Vein power had turned violently savage, clashing with the demonic contamination in the air, forming a massive yin-yang vortex that enveloped the entire mountain range. Most of the Innate Beings in the mountains had fled, leaving only demonized creatures wandering about, turning this sacred land of the primordial era into a dead zone.

"The Dragon Vein depths are in the Taiji Valley ahead." The Jade Void Palace Shadow's voice sounded In his mind. "The Innate Taiji Diagram Fragment is hidden at the deepest Dragon Vein Eye. You must use the Life-Destruction Talisman Path to draw out the fragment, then use its yin-yang power to dissolve the demonic contamination inside you."

Xuan Fu nodded and led the group toward Taiji Valley. The valley lay in the Core Area of the Kunlun Mountain Range, its entrance flanked by peaks shaped like the yin-yang fish eyes of a taiji diagram, emitting faint spiritual light. The Dragon Vein power inside was densest, clashing most fiercely with the demonic contamination, the energy turbulence in the air enough to shred an ordinary Golden Immortal instantly.

"Wait here. I'll go in alone." Xuan Fu turned to Donghua and the Three Clan Experts. "The energy at the Dragon Vein Eye is too violent; multiple people entering would interfere with each other, and my Demonic Contamination Power might affect you."

"No! Your Demonic Contamination Power is this severe—going in alone is too dangerous!" Donghua tried to stop him. "Let me go with you, so we can look out for each other."

Ao Guang, Feng Yao, and Qilin Cang also insisted on joining. Xuan Fu's heart warmed, but he shook his head: "Thank you all for your kindness, but this must be done by me alone. Guard the valley entrance and prevent any sneak attacks from the Demon Ancestor's people—that's the greatest help you can give me."

With that, Xuan Fu hesitated no more. He activated the Life-Destruction Talisman Path, four-colored talisman light wrapping around his body as he flew into the valley. The energy turbulence inside was indeed violent, constantly battering his talisman light barrier. The Demonic Contamination Power within him was also stirred, beginning to rage wildly. Xuan Fu gritted his teeth, forcing himself to stabilize his form, following the Dragon Vein power's guidance toward the deepest Dragon Vein Eye.

The Dragon Vein Eye sat at the center of Taiji Valley, a massive spring from which pure Dragon Vein power continuously Pour Out, forming a towering pillar of light. Around the pillar, yin and yang energy swirled, and a faint taiji shadow could be seen bobbing within—the aura of the Innate Taiji Diagram Fragment.

Xuan Fu rejoiced inwardly and quickened his pace toward the Dragon Vein Eye. He sat cross-legged, closed his eyes, and sank his spiritual sense into his body, beginning to activate the Life-Destruction Talisman Path. A four-colored talisman light rose slowly, resonating with the light pillar of the Dragon Vein Eye to form a wondrous energy bridge.

"Draw!"

Xuan Fu shouted softly, the Life-Destruction Talisman Path erupting with full force. The four-colored talisman light followed the energy bridge, pulling toward the taiji shadow. The shadow seemed to sense the call of the Life-Destruction Talisman Path, slowly flying out of the light pillar and landing before Xuan Fu. It was a palm-sized fragment, its surface covered in yin-yang patterns, radiating a dense yin-yang balance power that mirrored his Life-Destruction Talisman Path.

Without hesitation, Xuan Fu grasped the fragment. The moment it touched his palm, it turned into a black-and-white stream of light, merging into his Talisman Path Core. The yin-yang balance power erupted instantly, like rain after a long drought, rapidly scouring the Demonic Contamination Power inside him. The black marks began to recede quickly under the yin-yang power's wash, and the four-colored talisman light grew bright again.

Xuan Fu's heart leaped with joy. He quickly activated the Life-Destruction Talisman Path, working with the yin-yang power to accelerate the purification. The balance of life-destruction and the balance of yin-yang resonated, forming an even larger energy cycle. The Demonic Contamination Power inside him visibly decreased, and his Spiritual Sense grew clearer.

Just as the Demonic Contamination Power was about to be fully purified, a sudden change occurred.

The Innate Taiji Diagram Fragment that had merged into the Talisman Path Core suddenly burst with an eerie black light. Hidden within the fragment's yin-yang patterns was a faint demonic pattern, identical in origin to the Demonic Contamination Power inside him—the mark of Demon Ancestor Luohu!

"No!" Xuan Fu's heart jolted in shock. He hadn't expected Demon Ancestor Luohu to have already left a mark on the Innate Taiji Diagram Fragment, clearly anticipating his search for it and setting this trap.

The black demonic pattern erupted instantly, resonating with the Demonic Contamination Power still inside him, launching a furious counterattack on the Talisman Path Core. The yin-yang power was forcibly suppressed by the demonic pattern, the Life-Destruction Talisman Path's cycle broken, the four-colored talisman light dimming again, black marks spreading faster than before.

Xuan Fu only felt a dizzying spin, his Spiritual Sense plunging back into chaos. Demon Ancestor Luohu's voice echoed in his mind: "Fellow Daoist Mystic Talisman, I told you, you can't escape. This Innate Taiji Diagram Fragment was a gift I prepared for you. With it, you'll become my most perfect puppet!"

"No! I will never give in!" A flash of resolve crossed Xuan Fu's eyes. He forcibly activated the last shred of clear Spiritual Sense, driving the "Destruction" power of the Life-Destruction Talisman Path to slash at the black demonic pattern and Demonic Contamination Power. He knew this was his last chance; if he failed, he would become the Demon Ancestor's puppet, and the primordial world would fall into irredeemable ruin.

The "Destruction" power of the Life-Destruction Talisman Path clashed with the Demonic Contamination Power and black demonic pattern. The Talisman Path Core trembled violently, cracks spreading across Xuan Fu's talisman body, threatening to shatter at any moment. But he didn't give up, clinging to that last shred of clarity, constantly driving the "Destruction" power in a stalemate with the Demonic Contamination Power.

Meanwhile, fierce sounds of battle came from outside Taiji Valley. Xuan Fu's Spiritual Sense vaguely detected a horde of demonized beings assaulting the valley entrance. The Demon Bone General had returned, bringing even more demon generals. Donghua and the Three Clan Experts were fighting desperately but were clearly losing ground.

Inside the valley, Xuan Fu was locked in a final deadlock with the Demonic Contamination Power; outside, Donghua and the Three Clan Experts faced a siege of demonized armies.

What chilled him more was that deep in his Spiritual Sense, He could feel Demon Ancestor Luohu slowly awakening in the chaos depths, an even more terrifying demonic pressure spreading rapidly toward the Kunlun Mountain Range.

In Xuan Fu's mind, the Demon Ancestor's laughter grew clearer: "Fellow Daoist Mystic Talisman, give up. Your Life-Destruction Talisman Path is no match for my Demonic Contamination Power. Submit to me, rule the primordial world alongside me—that is your only path..."

Xuan Fu's gaze wavered between clarity and chaos, the Life-Destruction Talisman Path and Demonic Contamination Power clashing within him, erupting in violent energy fluctuations. He knew he had reached a critical moment of life and death, and his choice would directly determine the fate of the entire Primordial Era.

Just then, deep within his Talisman Path Core, the fully fused Chaos Annihilation Talisman Seal suddenly erupted with a faint golden light. This light resonated with the forces of Yin-Yang and Life and Death, temporarily suppressing the spread of the black demonic patterns.

His heart stirred, as if a method to break the situation had occurred to him. But he wasn't sure if it would work—if it failed, he would be utterly doomed beyond redemption.

Meanwhile, the demonic pressure of Demon Ancestor Luohu had already enveloped the entire Kunlun Mountain Range. The sounds of battle outside the valley grew fainter, clearly indicating that Donghua and the Three Clan Experts were nearing their limit.

Xuan Fu took a deep breath, a flash of resolve in his eyes. He had no time to hesitate—he could only gamble.

He slowly closed his eyes, sinking his Spiritual Sense into the Talisman Path Core, and began to channel the Chaos Annihilation Talisman Seal, Life-Destruction Talisman Path, and Yin-Yang forces, gradually merging them toward the black demonic patterns.