After the war between the demons and devils, however, the Soul Refinement Lineage had completely overshadowed even the Blood Sea Lineage in reputation. 

As the sect stood on the verge of destruction, the Soul Refinement Lineage's grand elder established the Myriad Soul Demon-Locking Formation and sealed the demon army within the Heaven of Northern Yama. Had the Ghost Immortal Tower not attacked the formation while the demons strained against it from within, the Northern Sea might have enjoyed several more centuries of peace.

Still, such an achievement could hardly have depended on the lineage's cultivation techniques alone. Soul essence had most likely played an important role, which would explain why Devil's Snare continued refining it despite having no apparent use for the material. 

Their activities had come to light during the war between the righteous and demonic factions. Devil's Snare had sent...