Chapter 816: Celestial Tribulations and Rising Fate

On the lofty tower of the City Lord’s Mansion, Lu Quanzhen stood in a deep-black brocade robe, tall and poised, surveying the entire Immortal City below.

Just as Father had warned, in recent days suspicious figures had begun appearing in the Immortal City.

Upon entering the city, their first move was to purchase intelligence and probe into the state of Jiang Kingdom and the Immortal City.

As for the tests Father had mentioned, though they hadn’t yet unfolded, Lu Quanzhen felt they were imminent.

At that moment, a message talisman suddenly flew out from his sleeve and settled between his fingers.

It was news sent by Lu Qingsong, the junior steward of the Immortal City.

Recently, resounding disturbances had been heard deep within Da Mengze, hinting that someone might be hunting a Demon King or even inciting a Demon King war.

As the saying goes, live off the mountain if you have one, off the water if you can.

Da Mengze spanned endlessly, so naturally it wouldn’t stop cultivators from going out to fish for demons.

But hunting a third-rank Demon King was an entirely different matter.

First, a failed hunt would likely provoke the Demon King’s counterattack and vengeance.

Second, every third-rank Demon King was a rare treasure, their entire bodies brimming with value.

Even the City Lord’s Mansion thought its own resources were inadequate to allow others to hunt at will; therefore, whenever a thunderous disturbance echoed from deep within Da Mengze, the Mansion would dispatch people to investigate.

They needed to prevent Demon King assaults on islands or the onslaught of bestial hordes.

“Demon Hunting.”

Lu Quanzhen’s first suspicion was that these were cultivators from the Starry Sea arriving by crossing the vast ocean.

After all, due to the Liang-Yue War, there were barely any Core Formation cultivators left in Jiang Kingdom—who would dare hunt in Da Mengze?

Moreover, the dense gray mists deep in Da Mengze hampered a cultivator’s magical power and divine sense, making it far less advantageous than the Myriad Beasts Mountain Range.

But the cultivators from the Starry Sea were different.

They could cross the boundless ocean, boasting at least mid-Core Formation prowess—true elites of their league.

Besides, most of these Starry Sea cultivators were adept in water arts, their abilities largely unaffected in the vast, open sea.

Furthermore, Lu Quanzhen pondered just how these Starry Sea cultivators might test the Immortal City.

For instance, the simplest tactic would be provoking the Demon King to stir up a beastly tide! Half a month later, Lu Qingsong’s message arrived once more.

A team of Immortal City enforcers had set out for the depths of Da Mengze—and a Soul Plate had been shattered.

“So it has finally begun.”

Lu Quanzhen gazed out over the boundless, shimmering expanse of Da Mengze; his deep, dark eyes resembled black holes where a colossal dark fish intermingled with a golden roc.

When such events occur, the City Lord’s Mansion simply cannot stand by idly.

Yet the top-tier fighting power in the Immortal City was limited.

Unless he could call on one of his consorts, he had no choice but to venture out himself.

“In that case, it’s time to test my own strength.”

Lu Quanzhen’s refined and elegant expression remained calm, like the still depths of an unfathomable pool.

Whether his departure from the Immortal City would expose him to danger, he was not overly worried.

Unless a Nascent Soul True Lord personally intervened, he was absolutely confident in himself.

Moreover, based on Father’s earlier words, he guessed that the Nascent Soul True Lord from the Starry Sea wouldn’t act until he had completely surveyed the Immortal City.

If a Nascent Soul True Lord really intended to cause trouble, why probe in this roundabout way?

Though nothing was ever guaranteed,

with Father gone, if he allowed his city to be continually tested and exposed as weak, the situation would become even more disadvantageous.

“There’s still a lack in the array of divine techniques.”

Lu Quanzhen murmured softly, aware that his primary focus now was on his Kunpeng Body and his Kunpeng Divine Ability.

In his early years, the Kunpeng Demonic Art had even circulated throughout the Starry Sea.

And the matter of the Kunpeng Egg had attracted the attention of many factions.

If he were to use techniques from that domain, it would easily catch the eyes of Starry Sea cultivators and Nascent Soul True Lords alike.

So when acting, he must refrain from using his Kunpeng Divine Ability as much as possible! Jiang Kingdom, Lu Family of Bihu Mountain.

These days, Bihu Mountain was abuzz with activity—a scene of jubilant celebration.

First came the celebration of Qingxuan True Immortal’s Core Formation, with guests from all directions paying their respects.

Barely had Qingxuan True Immortal’s ceremony ended when yet another Core Formation spectacle emerged on Bihu Mountain.

This sudden commotion shocked not only the Azure Cloud Sect and nearby clans but even left the Lu Family disciples dumbfounded.

“Is that Sister Wangshu breaking through Core Formation?”

“Of course—who else could manage it besides Sister Wangshu?”

“Ugh, if Wangshu succeeds in shattering through Core Formation again, then Bihu Mountain’s spirit veins might not be sufficient for cultivation!”

Upon witnessing this Core Formation spectacle, nearly every Lu Family disciple—aside from Lu Ping’an, Lu Xingchen, and a few others—believed it was Lu Wangshu pushing her Core Formation limits.

After all, on Bihu Mountain the one best suited for Core Formation was none other than their own Lu Family Symbol Immortal.

“What? Another Lu Family member advancing Core Formation?”

“Back when Changsheng True Immortal and Xiyue True Immortal’s daughter, Immortal Wangshu, obtained a Condensing Crystal Pill in the Immortal City of Damengze, it was most likely her core breakthrough.”

“Are the Lu Family’s Core Formations as common as cabbages? How can they succeed one after another?”

“Yeah, having a Condensing Crystal Pill doesn’t guarantee success—how could the Lu Family never face setbacks?”

“For Immortal Wangshu, being the beloved daughter of Changsheng True Immortal and Xiyue True Immortal, her breakthrough is almost certain; once she succeeds, the Lu Family might even rival the Azure Cloud Sect.”

“Then why doesn’t this Symbol Immortal go to the Azure Cloud Sect for Core Formation? With her connection to Xiyue True Immortal, borrowing their spirit veins shouldn’t be a problem.”

Other clan cultivators also buzzed with discussion upon hearing the news, all attributing the Core Formation phenomenon to Lu Wangshu.

As for Wang Yanjing,

she maintained a rather low profile.

Even though she had once possessed the Core Formation seed of the Five Elements Wang Family, enough to reach a nine-layer Foundation Establishment,

with the downfall of the Five Elements Wang Family, who would remember their Core Formation seed?

Besides, there were plenty of Core Formation seeds available.

Even the fake-Core Formation families like the Jin Family from Golden Dragon Ridge would cultivate a few seeds—yet in over a thousand years, how many actually advanced through Core Formation?

Thus, no one suspected anything about Wang Yanjing.

After all, in top-tier forces such as the Azure Cloud Sect, Beast Spirit Sect, and Luoxia Sect, Core Formation resources were extremely rare and not casually granted.

Moreover, an outsider daughter-in-law was hardly ever favored.

And most powerful clans preferred nurturing male cultivators.

Yue Kingdom, Golden Sun Sect.

“What—Did the Asura Sect’s Immortal of Conflagration break through to Nascent Soul? Or is there news of a new fourth-rank Beast King emerging from Beast God Mountain or a cultivator reaching Nascent Soul?”

Lu Qingshan was stunned by the Golden Sun Sect Leader’s words, his expression dazed.

He never imagined that after years of seclusion, the world outside had seemingly transformed entirely.

This war was already fiercely contested—even with Yuan Kingdom’s intervention, Yue Kingdom was faltering.

Now that Liang Kingdom’s combat power had surged, unless Jiang Kingdom’s True Lord Juejian was summoned to the frontline to hold things at bay, how could they fend off Liang Kingdom’s massive army?

But as a high-ranking member of the Golden Sun Sect, Lu Qingshan knew well that Jin Kingdom’s Yin Ghost Sect had close ties with Beast God Mountain.

So no matter what happened in Jiang Kingdom, it was impossible for both Nascent Soul True Lords to come assist Yue Kingdom.

If they dared to do so, True Lord Mingsha would waste no time hurling himself toward Jiang Kingdom.

“Hmm. I suspect that the Immortal of Conflagration must have forced a breakthrough somehow, waiting until Jiang Kingdom’s Azure Cloud Sect’s Caiyun True Immortal arrives in order to resolve the crisis.”

“Moreover, Hunyuan Sect’s Yuanqi True Immortal is currently pushing toward Nascent Soul; if he succeeds, it will ease the pressure on Beast God Mountain.”

The Golden Sun Sect Leader spoke calmly to Lu Qingshan, though his eyes couldn’t hide his worry.

Something was seriously amiss.

Long ago, Yue Kingdom’s Five Major Immortal Sects had sensed that the war was not ordinary.

But as time passed, that unsettling vibe grew ever clearer.

Especially with the current situations at the Asura Sect and Beast God Mountain.

For instance, while the Immortal of Conflagration barely managed a breakthrough by exploiting the war’s bloodlust and killing intent,

Beast God Mountain’s foundations were severely eroded by its early four-rank Beast Gods.

How could it now produce a new fourth-rank Beast King or support a Nascent Soul breakthrough? The Golden Sun Sect Leader couldn’t help but recall the rumors of an impending great calamity.

Great calamities always heralded a glorious age.

One breakthrough after another at the Nascent Soul stage.

Even Jiang Kingdom’s Azure Cloud Sect had recently seen the rise of a Nascent Soul True Lord—it was as if the prophesied age had arrived.

Yet, facing such a calamity, the Golden Sun Sect had not produced a single Nascent Soul True Lord—a fact that filled him with deep worry.

Moreover, if peace were irrevocably broken, Hunyuan Sect and Ziguang Sect might no longer maintain the current balance among the Five Major Immortal Sects.

“Sigh.”

Thinking of these matters, the Golden Sun Sect Leader couldn’t help but sigh regretfully as he looked at Lu Qingshan, a tinge of sorrow in his eyes.

There was no doubt that the other man was extraordinarily gifted.

Yet his growth was sluggish—only now had he managed to break through to the fourth layer of Core Formation.

Had he advanced a hundred years earlier, he might have leveraged this opportunity to reach Nascent Soul.

“Leader, trust that everything will work itself out in time.”

Noticing the concern in the Golden Sun Sect Leader’s eyes, Lu Qingshan smiled lightly and replied, “Besides, isn’t today’s situation exactly as foretold by the ancient calamity?”

Lu Qingshan’s eyes sparkled like stars as he looked beyond the Golden Sun Sect’s walls, his expression brimming with self-assurance.

He had benefited greatly from the Liang-Yue War, managing to progress from early Core Formation to mid-Core Formation in just over thirty years.

Had it not been for the war—slaying enemy cultivators and earning countless battle merits—he would never have had the resources to repay his sect’s Flying Sword, study divine techniques, or condense his postnatal spirit body.

In peacetime, such opportunities simply don’t come around.

And the Immortal Sects rarely shared their precious resources or natural treasures with outsiders.

Thus, he didn’t mind the war dragging on.

War and chaos were the quickest paths to ascending to Nascent Soul.

Only by harnessing the energy of conflict could he rapidly grow.

As for whether he would perish or meet an untimely end in this war, he never gave it a thought—his confidence in himself was absolute.

No matter how treacherous the path, Lu Qingshan would cut through every obstacle with his sword!

The Golden Sun Sect Leader looked at Lu Qingshan—his eyes sharp and full of arrogance—and for a moment, he was struck by the realization that he himself was growing old.

Once, he too had been as brilliant and spirited as his opponent.

On a frontline stronghold in the Liang-Yue War,

“Young Lord, are you alright?”

A Core Formation cultivator helped a youth wearing a golden mask, asking with concern.

Lu Lingxiao utilized his cultivation method, spitting out a mouthful of dark blood before softly replying, “I’m fine.”

“Now, take stock of the casualties and send word to the Heavenly Sword Sect.”

“The sudden appearance of Zhelao True Immortal from the Asura Sect and a Core Formation assassin from the Qisha Sect here clearly signals changes elsewhere.”

As he spoke, Lu Lingxiao swallowed a pill to soothe his wounds.

Serving as the Young Lord and Core Formation True Immortal of the Immortal City of Damengze, he had led several cultivators and a stockpile of supplies to the Yue Kingdom frontlines to reinforce a key stronghold.

Things had been relatively stable until now.

During today’s confrontation, however, two Core Formation cultivators suddenly emerged.

Had he not merged with a great formation and utilized the talisman Father had given him to repel the enemies, the stronghold would have fallen disastrously today.

“Yes, Young Lord.”

The cultivator nodded and then quietly said to Lu Lingxiao, “Young Lord, this war is decidedly off-kilter. Should we inform the City Lord?”

Belonging to the Immortal City’s clergy and long resigned to a life of ease after being promised ample rewards,

he had come with Lu Lingxiao to the frontlines but over the years even a fool could tell that this war was amiss.

Under these circumstances, he was no longer willing to remain on guard.

He hoped that Lu Lingxiao would seize the opportunity to send a message to the City Lord,

so that someone could then oversee matters from the rear.

After all, the City Lord had once single-handedly slain a fourth-rank Demon King, and at the Whale Hunting Feast had effortlessly subdued a Core Formation Grand Cultivator.

Such a display of combat prowess was most likely attributable to a Nascent Soul True Lord.

With one command, even the Heavenly Sword Sect would have to show a modicum of respect.

Moreover, they had stationed troops on the frontlines for many years and had labored long enough.

“I will inform my Father, but from now on, I’ll need to rely more on Overseer Luo.”

Lu Lingxiao knew full well that his interlocutor no longer wished to expend energy on a war which offered little more than weariness, so he reassured him.

He promised that once the war subsided, the overseer would be granted a choice of a fine island in Da Mengze to rule over.

When it came to lower-level cultivators, well-placed words and incentives were all that were needed.

At the Core Formation stage, only a balance of benefits and authority would sway them!

Deep within the Myriad Beasts Mountain Range,

above the lair of the Golden-Haired Monoceros Bear, a boundless sea of heavenly spiritual energy churned like an immeasurable ocean—a gigantic vortex spanning over a thousand miles formed as a Kunpeng swallowed sky and earth.

Not far off, a golden roc, radiant with brilliant light and with wings like towering clouds, perched imperiously, exuding the horrifying aura of a fourth-rank Demon King.

Its eyes, sharp as golden suns, scanned the surroundings.

Although the surrounding third-rank Demon Kings had long been eradicated by it,

such a massive Nascent Soul disturbance was bound to attract the attention of other Demon Kings.

Thus, in the process it not only exerted deterrence but also used its demonic aura to mask Lu Changsheng’s Nascent Soul breakthrough energy.

Outside the lair of the Golden-Haired Monoceros Bear, Hong Lian and Ling Zixiao watched the astonishing Nascent Soul spectacle, their expressions grim as they sensed the trembling of the earth’s veins.

They could hardly have imagined that Lu Changsheng’s Nascent Soul breakthrough would be so impressive.

Not only did the Nascent Soul aura stretch for thousands of miles,

but shortly after beginning the breakthrough, the earth’s veins trembled violently.

Now the very ground shook as if in upheaval, destabilizing the grand formations they had so painstakingly arranged.

Yet they understood that the greater the disturbance, the more extraordinary Lu Changsheng’s Nascent Soul must be!

“Great Dao Nascent Soul.”

Hong Lian recalled when Lu Changsheng had once inquired of her whether a Great Dao Nascent Soul existed above the Heavenly Dao Nascent Soul.

She had replied that she hadn’t heard of such a thing.

After all, the Heavenly Dao Nascent Soul was already an almost unattainable realm for ordinary mortals.

Only very few cultivators of abnormal talent could achieve it.

To progress further beyond the Heavenly Dao Nascent Soul was virtually unimaginable.

Yet after Lu Changsheng raised the question, she couldn’t help but feel a spark of hope.

If indeed a Great Dao Nascent Soul existed, then only a true reincarnation of an immortal—like Lu Changsheng—might ever attain it.

Within the confines of the Golden-Haired Monoceros Bear’s lair, the intertwined Yin-Yang energies converged into a Yin-Yang Dao Diagram spanning several dozen feet.

Lu Changsheng sat cross-legged at its center, resembling a divine sovereign with an august and awe-inspiring countenance.

Oblivious to the disturbance his breakthrough was causing among the Nascent Soul constellations, he was entirely absorbed in surpassing his current limits.

After endless showers of heavenly spiritual energy and the tempering of the earth’s vein energy, the red Nascent Soul within his Yin-Yang Dao Golden Core had already taken form.

Now it was in the slow process of maturing, growing steadily until it could shatter the core and emerge.

Under the infusion of the Infant Nurturing Flower, Sun Essence, Moon Essence, a Taiyi Dao Seed, a Huaying Pill, Yin-Yang Golden Core and the Sun and Moon Reincarnation Sutra, his infant Nascent Soul was growing rapidly, ready to burst forth at any moment.

Yet, as ever, Lu Changsheng was determined to reach his absolute limit.

He directed the ever-flowing earth vein energy that surged into his body to temper his Golden Core and nurture his Nascent Soul’s spirit body!

Even items like Nine Heavens Pure Spiritual Energy, Lingxu Amber, or Thunderstruck Fusang Wood were set aside—he refused to risk contaminating the purity of his Nascent Soul’s spirit body.

Time passed quietly; no one could tell how long.

Within his Qi Sea Dantian, on the foundation of Yin-Yang Five Elements, the surface of his golden core—now shrouded in a purple-gold luster—cracked with a faint line.

In an instant, a tremendous surge of magical energy rippled through Lu Changsheng, sending a mighty wave of Qi surging outward in all directions.

Not far away, Yun Wanshang suddenly opened her beautiful eyes and looked at Lu Changsheng in astonishment.

He had yet to shatter his Golden Core to birth his Nascent Soul, yet his magical energy rivaled that of a Nascent Soul—could it be that he already possessed Nascent Soul energy? Feeling the tremendous trembling of the earth’s veins and the overwhelming spiritual pressure forming around him, she recalled his words about a “Great Dao Nascent Soul” and exhaled in relief.

She knew not to measure Lu Changsheng by ordinary standards.

“Husband, he’s about to shatter his core and birth his Nascent Soul!”

Outside the lair, Hong Lian too sensed the surge of magical energy and realized that once Lu Changsheng shattered his Golden Core, the golden-winged roc wouldn’t be able to mask his Nascent Soul aura—this might well attract a fourth-rank Demon King.

The process of shattering the Golden Core to birth one’s Nascent Soul was fraught with danger.

Once the core shattered, and the divine soul fused with the nascent spirit body, there was no turning back.

At that point, giving up the breakthrough might offer a slim chance at survival.

Some who nurtured an infant soul—realizing that their Nascent Soul spirit body was too feeble to shatter the core or overcome the Heavenly Tribulation—chose to stabilize their Golden Core instead.

But for Lu Changsheng, none of that mattered.

He even forcibly stifled the shattering of his Golden Core as he continued tempering his Golden Core and Nascent Soul spirit body with the earth vein energy.

Even though his mortal body could tolerate the torrential heavenly energy and earth vein tempering, his Golden Core had already reached its peak—no more progress could be made! Another faint crack appeared, unleashing a dreadful surge of magical energy.

Soon, as the first through ninth fissures appeared one after another, Lu Changsheng could no longer hold back and ceased his struggle.

“Crack!”

A crisp sound, like the profound chime of the Great Dao, emanated from his Qi Sea Dantian, echoing the eternal principles of Yin and Yang.

The sound was soft yet unmistakably clear, reaching the ears of Yun Wanshang, Hong Lian, Lu Miao, Ling Zixiao, and Qian Zhuyan.

Their expressions turned grave as they focused on the lair of the Golden-Haired Monoceros Bear, watching Lu Changsheng’s condition closely.

Seated cross-legged within the Yin-Yang Dao Diagram, Lu Changsheng suddenly grimaced and instinctively clutched his Dantian, a pained expression on his face.

The process of a Golden Core shattering and a Nascent Soul emerging would unleash a fearsome surge of magical energy.

If he didn’t control it, the backlash could be catastrophic.

At that moment, his Yin-Yang Dao Golden Core began to disintegrate, unleashing a destructive force akin to a Nascent Soul True Lord erupting uncontrollably within his Qi Sea Dantian.

It was clear that sometimes, it wasn’t only about accumulating potential—it was also about whether one could bear it.

“Brahma Demon True Form!”

Feeling the destructive shock of his Golden Core’s collapse rippling through his body, Lu Changsheng instantly activated the True Saint Skill of Brahma and Demons along with his Nine Treasures Jade Ruyi Bone.

In an instant, his body was bathed in interwoven layers of celestial and demonic radiance, which, along with the Nine Treasures Jade Ruyi Bone at his chest, suppressed the destructive force.

Meanwhile, within his divine sense, the Taiyi Spirit suddenly sank, merging with the Nascent Soul that, after the collapse of his Golden Core, proclaimed the eternal principles of Yin and Yang.

In that instant, Lu Changsheng felt as if the world were spinning, as though he were experiencing the chaotic evolution of all things under the cycles of Yin and Yang.

Yin and Yang converged to give birth to all; everything carries Ying while embracing Yang—the very essence of harmony.

“Humm!”

The Nascent Soul spirit body abruptly opened its eyes as streams of black and white Yin-Yang energy swirled around it, and Yin-Yang Dao Flowers bloomed.

Then, it inhaled deeply, drawing in all the crystalline, radiant flows and profound Dao principles from the shattered Golden Core into its core.

One could see that the infant’s entire being pulsed with Yin-Yang energy, its form steadily consolidating.

Gradually, it coalesced into a Nascent Soul three inches tall, its features identical to Lu Changsheng’s.

At the precise moment the Nascent Soul took shape, the very mechanism of heaven and earth trembled.

A spectral image, its body wrapped in swirling Yin-Yang energy like that of a divine sovereign, appeared behind him.

It was as if, in the backdrop, the evolution of everything in nature—chaos incarnate—manifested as a three-headed, six-armed Buddha-Demon phantom!

The swirling heavenly vortex paused momentarily in awe.

Then, an unparalleled Nascent Soul-level spiritual pressure suddenly erupted, permeating the entire expanse.

“Nascent Soul Formed!”

Yun Wanshang was the first to sense the surge of this newborn Nascent Soul’s energy.

She knew that Lu Changsheng had just conquered the first major hurdle—a shattered Golden Core giving birth to a Nascent Soul. Next came the trial of the Nascent Soul Tribulation!

When it came to the Heavenly Thunder Tribulation, she harbored no worries.

After all, with his fourth-rank body refinement and several Spirit Treasures, Lu Changsheng was far from troubled by thunder tribulations.

The real challenge was the Heart Demon Tribulation—not due to a lack of Dao-heart,

but because the heavier the burdens and entanglements, the more intractable the heart demons became.

“The Golden Core is shattering and the Nascent Soul is emerging.”

Outside the lair, Hong Lian too sensed the surge of nascent energy.

Typically, a freshly formed Nascent Soul spirit body would be extremely fragile.

That was why achieving the Heavenly Dao Nascent Soul was such a perilous and formidable task! Yet through his nascent energy, she discerned that Lu Changsheng’s spirit body, even without having undergone the cleansing of heavenly laws, rivaled some truly breakthrough Nascent Souls.

It was astonishing.

Even though Lu Changsheng hadn’t yet passed the Nascent Soul Tribulation, his spirit body could already be considered a pseudo-Nascent Soul—a half-step nascent soul.

And such a half-step nascent soul could easily match the prowess of many fully matured Nascent Souls—it was simply beyond belief.

Even if Lu Changsheng only emerged as a lower-tier or even mediocre Heavenly Dao Nascent Soul after tribulation, he would still rival many veteran three-tier Nascent Soul cultivators.

Ling Zixiao and Lu Miao were visibly overjoyed by the surge of nascent energy.

Yet when they noticed gray tribulation clouds gathering above the heavens, their anxiety spiked.

After all, when it came to breaking through Nascent Soul, the two key tribulations—the Heavenly Thunder and Heart Demon—were as fearsome as thunderclaps! Throughout history, countless cultivators had perished at this critical juncture.

Especially the Heart Demon Tribulation—how many prodigies had their souls scattered and bodies utterly lost?

“Nascent Soul.”

In the distance, Qian Zhuyan stared at the lair of the Golden-Haired Monoceros Bear, her eyes alight with a quiet, burning determination.

Though she had never attempted a Nascent Soul breakthrough herself, she was well aware of the risks involved.

Yet, for Lu Changsheng, she was brimming with confidence! She firmly believed that he would not be stopped by the Nascent Soul Tribulation.

At the same time, memories of a deep-seated blood feud surged through her mind.

After all, Lu Changsheng had once promised that once he broke through to Nascent Soul, he would avenge her long-standing grudge!

“Be careful.”

At that moment, Hong Lian signaled to Ling Zixiao and Qian Zhuyan that the emergence of the nascent energy might well attract a fourth-rank shapeshifting Demon King.

These fourth-rank Demon Kings, upon seeing a cultivator undergoing tribulation, would be driven by hatred, greed, and insatiable desire! At that moment, Yun Wanshang stepped out from the lair of the Golden-Haired Monoceros Bear to ensure that her own magical energy would not interfere with Lu Changsheng’s tribulation.

Once outside, seeing Hong Lian, Lu Miao, and Ling Zixiao, she couldn’t help but feel a twinge of embarrassment.

Fortunately, the trio paid little heed to her.

“Heavenly Thunder Tribulation!”

Lu Changsheng lifted his gaze to the sky, where gray tribulation clouds were churning, sparks of lightning dancing like innumerable serpents ready to strike.

Unseen forces locked onto him with grim inevitability—no matter what he did, escape was impossible.

Without hesitation, Lu Changsheng closed his eyes and focused entirely on his cultivation method.

After the Golden Core shatters, the magical energy of his Core Formation would be transformed into Nascent Soul-level power via his Nascent Soul spirit body.

Though time was short and complete transformation was impossible, even converting a tenth of that energy would be a tremendous boost.

After all, compared to Nascent Soul power, Core Formation power was like a wooden stick against a steel blade.

The difference was qualitative!

“Hoo hoo hoo!!!”

Under the power of the Nascent Soul, the heavenly and earth energies swirled fiercely around Lu Changsheng, channeled and refined into Nascent Soul power.

As time passed, the tribulation thunderclouds continued to build, the sky churning with forbidding might—the overwhelming divine force of destruction in full display.

“What is with this Heavenly Thunder Tribulation…”

Yun Wanshang sensed something amiss amidst the ominous tribulation clouds, feeling that Lu Changsheng’s tribulation seemed disproportionately strong compared to her own.

Although cultivators’ tribulations could differ, this gap was unprecedented.

Even if Lu Changsheng’s Golden Core surpassed her own Immortal Golden Core by one rank, tribulation power would at most be two or three times stronger.

Not only did Yun Wanshang notice this,

Hong Lian too detected something off.

Lu Changsheng’s tribulation far exceeded that of ordinary cultivators.

“Could this be due to his fourth-rank body refinement?”

Hong Lian speculated inwardly, suspecting that aside from his unique Yin-Yang Dao Golden Core, his special physical constitution might be linked to his fourth-rank body refinement.

After all, apart from those with pure ancient physique, hardly anyone went through a fourth-rank body refinement before forming a Nascent Soul.

If one possessed such a talent, why bother with the Qi Refining path?

Neither Ling Zixiao nor Lu Miao had ever witnessed a Nascent Soul tribulation.

At that moment, they could only marvel at the terrifying might of the tribulation, no wonder so few had ever succeeded!

While many cultivators still struggled desperately at the Qi Refining or Core Formation stage, hardly anyone ever reached out for a nascent chance.

It could only be said that when it came to the Nascent Soul Tribulation, chance played no part—anyone daring to break through at that stage was a dragon among men!

“Caw!!!”

Just then, the Yin-Yang Yin-Yang Mirror in Hong Lian’s arms trembled softly.

In the distance, a Golden-Winged Roc also cried out mournfully, as the aura of the Demon King filled the skies.

Demon King!

A fourth-rank Demon King was on the attack!

In the far horizon, a vast, stormy cloud—reminiscent of a rolling thunderstorm—rushed toward them with a deep, ominous rumble.

Thunder Roc!

Through the Sun-Moon Yin-Yang Mirror, Hong Lian identified the creature as a three-eyed Thunder Roc.

Its eagle-like head boasted long, dragon-beard wisps of purple lightning, its body etched with ancient thunder motifs, every feather condensed like storm clouds, with arcs of purple and blue lightning surging—a terrifying sight that blotted out the sky.

“This is my territory!”

The Golden-Winged Roc swooped toward the Thunder Roc in a bid to block its advance.

“Golden Roc, why defend a human cultivator’s tribulation?”

The Thunder Roc screeched, its voice like rolling thunder, accusingly addressing the Golden-Winged Roc.

“He’s my possession!”

The Golden-Winged Roc replied in a firm, resounding tone, its golden feathers glistening and its fierce gaze intimidating.

This explanation had been suggested by Hong Lian—after all, it saved some trouble.

Most Demon Kings bore inherent hostility towards cultivators,

especially those who practiced beast taming—their hatred for them was immense, believing it to be an insult to the demon race.

Yet calling him one’s possession could recast him as property of the Demon King, only to be snatched if provoked.

Lu Changsheng himself cared little for such matters.

After all, he knew exactly where his loyalties lay.

“Possession? Human cultivators are crafty—don’t let yourself be deceived by him!”

The Thunder Roc glared at the swirling nascent aura emanating from the lair, its eyes sparking with desire.

That nascent fragrance was an irresistible lure for a fourth-rank Demon King like itself.

“Golden Roc, give me that human cultivator; in exchange, I’ll do you a favor.”

The Thunder Roc locked eyes with the Golden-Winged Roc, clearly proposing a deal.

For it could tell that the Golden-Winged Roc was no ordinary creature and wasn’t willing to completely offend it.

“Get lost!” The Golden-Winged Roc snapped coldly, its aura of sheer sharpness causing the surrounding air to be cleaved as if by a blade.

In the world of beasts, only survival of the fittest mattered.

Too many words only revealed your fear! The Thunder Roc, with surging arcs of lightning crackling from its wings as if a storm had been summoned, was not about to retreat.

Just then, Qian Zhuyan soared upward, her throng of third-rank puppets trembling violently as their combined puppet power formed a formidable battle formation, their spiritual pressure instilling fear.

Watching the golden-winged roc and Qian Zhuyan’s display, the Thunder Roc’s gaze narrowed as it weighed its options, then decided to abandon the enticing prey and turned away.

Hong Lian heaved a sigh of relief.

Now that Lu Changsheng was on the cusp of tribulation, avoiding conflict without forcing surrender was the best outcome.

Otherwise, a combined assault capable of slaying a fourth-rank Demon King would generate tumultuous disturbances, jeopardizing Lu Changsheng—and risking provocation from other Demon Kings.

Under everyone’s tense watch, the stormy tribulation clouds churned as purple and blue heavenly thunder roared like a dragon, their overwhelming awe-inspiring presence filling the skies.

“Boom!”

Thunder roared and lightning flashed.

Nine bolts of purple-blue lightning, resembling raging dragons, tore through the heavens and pounded toward Lu Changsheng’s lair like a force of nature.

“This tribulation…”

Even Yun Wanshang and Hong Lian could clearly sense that Lu Changsheng’s first tribulation alone rivaled the power of her own fourth bolt!

It was evident that facing the third tribulation, she had to don the Nine Abyss Black Tortoise Armor.

And with Lu Changsheng’s first tribulation matching her fourth, one could only imagine the terror of what was to come.

For a moment, Yun Wanshang’s heart pounded with anxiety.

Yet, as a tribulation descended, Lu Changsheng did not hesitate—surrounded by flowing Yin-Yang energy, his body etched with golden Sanskrit and dark demonic patterns, he charged headlong into the storm.

Meanwhile, his Nascent Soul spirit, wrapped in his life-bound treasure—the Yin-Yang Diagram—soared out from his crown to hover protectively by his side, ready to share the burden of the tribulation’s cleansing.

Even though tribulations were perilous,

charging headlong into the Heavenly Dao Nascent Soul breakthrough was even more so—a single misstep could spell death!

Yet his Nascent Soul spirit could hardly bear even one tribulation—if no one could break through to the Heavenly Dao Nascent Soul, who else would dare?

After all, his Nascent Soul not only had the support of a fourth-rank body refinement to withstand the heavenly and earth energies, but also the support of his Great Dao Golden Core nurtured by the earth vein energy and his Taiyi Spirit!

Furthermore, he was not entirely unprepared.

His life-bound treasure, the Yin-Yang Diagram, safeguarded his Nascent Soul spirit.

“Boom!!”

In an instant, lightning exploded—the nine bolts of dragon-like purple-blue lightning came crashing down on Lu Changsheng’s body and Nascent Soul,

and he made no resistance, completely submitting to the tribulation as it battered his shell and Nascent Soul power.

His mind was devoted solely to absorbing the Heavenly Dao energy!

The wayward electric arcs only managed to scorch his robes into cinders, leaving his body unscathed.

Encased by the Yin-Yang Diagram, his Nascent Soul spirit inhaled deeply, drawing in the rolling tribulation and converting it into Heavenly Dao energy.

For to absorb such Heavenly Dao energy, one had to endure the full force of the tribulation!

And Heavenly Dao energy wasn’t something one could acquire in a single breath.

It was akin to drawing from the earth vein energy to temper one’s spirit—the more, the better!

“This…”

Yun Wanshang stared in awe at Lu Changsheng’s actions, utterly dazed.

The sight of him, unassisted by treasures and relying solely on his body and Nascent Soul to brave the tribulation, was so astonishing that if word were to spread, it would shock the entire cultivation realm.

“I wonder how many tribulation bolts my husband’s Nascent Soul spirit can take…”

Hong Lian, watching the scene, maintained a calm countenance—she was convinced that Lu Changsheng would be unscathed.

It was now a matter of whether he could, without resorting to divine treasures for mediation, ride out each wave of the tribulation.

After all, his Nascent Soul spirit might only withstand a few bolts before truly shattering—it was hard to believe it could bear nine!

Exceeding that would undoubtedly damage his Nascent Soul spirit and jeopardize the subsequent Heart Demon Tribulation.

Moreover, most of the so-called Heavenly Dao Nascent Souls in legends were only achieved by using special tribulation-mitigating treasures, often enduring just two or three bolts; lasting through five or six was already extraordinary.

“The might of tribulation is indeed commensurate with its potential benefits.”

Under the cleansing of the tribulation, Lu Changsheng keenly felt that both his mortal body and Nascent Soul power were rapidly increasing.

His Nascent Soul spirit, under the nurturing Heavenly Dao energy, was also growing at a phenomenal rate—condensing to a state as resplendent as that of a deity, far surpassing the initial earth vein energy.

The second tribulation bolt thundered down with a ferocity that seemed capable of engulfing the heavens, making even Yun Wanshang and the others’ hearts race.

Yet, as before, Lu Changsheng stoically allowed both his body and Nascent Soul to be bathed in tribulation.

The second bolt left numerous charred scars on his body.

But even as his nascent spirit, despite the assistance of the Yuanqi Five Elements Mountain and Nine Abyss Black Tortoise Armor, winced in pain while absorbing the lightning to draw in Heavenly Dao energy,

“The Heavenly Dao Nascent Soul is no easy feat indeed.”

After the second bolt subsided, Lu Changsheng tapped his Storage Ring and a Spirit Treasure—the Yuan Magnetic Five Elements Mountain—appeared, landing beside his Nascent Soul spirit to help mitigate the tribulation’s force.

Seeing his actions, Yun Wanshang and the others breathed a sigh of relief.

They knew he was cautious and would not act rashly.

After all, Lu Changsheng was typically far more steady in his actions than they were—how could he recklessly risk it during tribulation?

The third bolt then descended like a torrential wave, scorching Lu Changsheng’s body until it was torn open, charred and bleeding profusely.

Even the protective Yin-Yang Diagram and Yuan Magnetic Five Elements Mountain did little to ease the strain on his Nascent Soul spirit, which appeared on the verge of collapse.

“Mystical Yin-Yang Radiance!”

Clenching his teeth in pain, Lu Changsheng grimaced and unleashed a divine technique, forming a mystical Yin-Yang Armor over his Nascent Soul spirit.

Meanwhile, his mortal body continued to channel the True Saint Skill of Brahma and Demons, enduring the relentless tribulation.

After all, such tribulations were a rare opportunity for advancement.

Thinking of his future pinnacle—a top-tier Heavenly Dao Nascent Soul, or even a Great Dao Nascent Soul—Lu Ancestor would surely be proud if he endured!

And with his wives watching from the side, how could he afford to show any weakness!?

The price, however, was his charred, bleeding, and nearly unrecognizable body—a sight that left Lu Miao and Ling Zixiao heartbroken.

Coughing out a wad of grit, Lu Changsheng lightly tapped his Storage Ring—pill after pill appeared and he swallowed them all.

Soon after, a Bone Talisman materialized.

It shone like a rising sun, unleashing an overwhelming life force that rapidly restored his battered body and Nascent Soul spirit.

Since Lu Changsheng dared to boldly expose himself to tribulation, he had made ample preparations.

How could he allow the tribulation to reduce him to ruins?

Just as the saying goes, adversity breeds change.

For a Nascent Soul tribulation, once it reached the fourth or seventh bolt, its power would multiply exponentially.

The fourth bolt descended, far more fearsome than Lu Changsheng had anticipated—his body was not only torn asunder, blood splattered, even bones shattered.

Nearby, his Nascent Soul spirit—despite the protection of the Yin-Yang Diagram and the Yuan Magnetic Five Elements Mountain—appeared nearly fragmented.

“Humm!” Lu Changsheng activated his Nine Treasures Jade Ruyi Bone; a healing light cascaded from his chest like surging rivers, rapidly rejuvenating his body and Nascent Soul.

Next, he sacrificed the Nine Abyss Black Tortoise Armor to cloak his Nascent Soul spirit.

Thanks to the aid of his pills, the Bone Talisman, and his Nine Treasures Jade Ruyi Bone, Lu Changsheng managed to weather the fifth and sixth tribulation bolts.

He felt his mortal body could barely endure—but if need be, he’d unleash the Nirvana Divine Ability! After all, the benefits of such cleansing were astounding.

Yet, his Nascent Soul spirit was still unpredictable.

To be safe, Lu Changsheng reined in his Nascent Soul spirit, planning to let it emerge later after the tribulation subsided.

Hong Lian, relieved to see him reclaim his Nascent Soul within his body, let out a sigh of relief.

Based on her judgment, once the seventh tribulation bolt fell, Lu Changsheng’s Nascent Soul would likely suffer grievous damage, even fracture—jeopardizing the subsequent Heart Demon Tribulation.

But he continued, undeterred by the lack of divine treasures to mitigate it—he bore the tribulation with only his flesh and Nascent Soul.

After all, his Nascent Soul spirit might soon absorb several more tribulation volleys.

If he managed to withstand all nine bolts and draw the Heavenly Dao energy from each, he might finally be reborn as a true Great Dao Nascent Soul.

However, Hong Lian felt that no matter how it turned out, his Nascent Soul spirit could not possibly bear more than five or six bolts without damage.

Especially since most legendary Heavenly Dao Nascent Souls were only achieved with tribulation-mitigating treasures—enduring even five or six bolts was already extraordinary.

“The power of tribulation is indeed directly proportional to the benefits it confers.”

Under the cleansing of the tribulation, Lu Changsheng clearly sensed his mortal body and Nascent Soul power surging.

Moreover, his Nascent Soul spirit, under the influence of Heavenly Dao energy, condensed rapidly into a form as dazzling and pure as that of a deity—its brilliance far surpassing the earlier earth vein energy!

Soon, the second tribulation bolt subsided, and Lu Changsheng lightly patted his Storage Ring; the Spirit Treasure ‘Yuan Magnetic Five Elements Mountain’ appeared once more, landing beside his Nascent Soul spirit to further weaken the tribulation’s blow.

Seeing his actions, Yun Wanshang and the others relaxed slightly.

They knew he was measured and wouldn’t act rashly.

After all, Lu Changsheng had always been far more steady than any of them—in tribulation, there was no room for recklessness!

Then the third thunderbolt descended like a surging tide, its heat and brilliance overwhelming him—his body was shattered, flesh torn apart with gaping wounds and bones shattered.

Even with the protection of the Yin-Yang Diagram, his Nascent Soul spirit, bolstered by the Yuan Magnetic Five Elements Mountain, was barely holding together as it painfully absorbed the lightning and drew in the Heavenly Dao energy.

“Mystical Yin-Yang Divine Radiance!”

In agonizing pain, Lu Changsheng grimaced, his features contorted as he unleashed a divine technique to form an ethereal Yin-Yang Armor upon his Nascent Soul spirit.

His mortal body, meanwhile, poured all its strength into maintaining the True Saint Skill of Brahma and Demons as it continued to endure the cleansing tribulation.

After all, such tribulations were a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Thinking of his future pinnacle—a top-tier Heavenly Dao Nascent Soul or even a Great Dao Nascent Soul—and remembering Lu Ancestor’s teachings, he gritted his teeth and bore it.

And with his wives watching on, he could not afford to show any sign of surrender!

The cost, however, was his body, blackened and torn asunder, bleeding profusely—a sight that pained both Lu Miao and Ling Zixiao to the core.

Lu Changsheng coughed up a mouthful of turbid air and tapped his Storage Ring; pill after pill appeared, which he swallowed down without hesitation.

Soon, another Bone Talisman materialized.

It shone like the rising sun, unleashing an overwhelming surge of life essence that rapidly restored his battered flesh and Nascent Soul spirit.

Since Lu Changsheng dared to boldly face the tribulation head-on, he had prepared in abundance.

How could he allow the tribulation to leave him in such a dreadful state?

As the saying goes, out with the old, in with the new—those very Bone Talisman-empowered treasures that once benefitted him might soon become a shackle!

Then, seizing the opportunity, he resolved to convert the latent power within his Nine Treasures Jade Ruyi Bone into the foundation of his Nascent Soul, shattering the old to build the new!

In a flash, Lu Changsheng’s inner decision surged; his Yin-Yang magical energy roiled as he activated the Hundred Refinements Body Technique, releasing the latent power of his Nine Treasures Jade Ruyi Bone to nourish his flesh and merge it with his very being.

He even sought to use the tribulation to help rupture his Nine Treasures Jade Ruyi Bone.

“Boom, boom, boom!”

As the latent energy from his Nine Treasures Jade Ruyi Bone surged within him like a volcanic eruption, Lu Changsheng’s entire divine glow soared skyward—his flesh and bones resounded as though being remade, continually shattering and regenerating in a cycle of destruction and rebirth.

Even if the Nine Treasures Jade Ruyi—merely the embryonic form of the Celestial Treasure—had been used up for years, the accumulated primordial power remained formidable and awe-inspiring.

At that moment, as his Nine Treasures Jade Ruyi Bone began to crack under the force of the tribulation, the latent Celestial Treasure power burst forth, flooding every inch of Lu Changsheng’s flesh and skin with resplendent, nine-colored radiance.

His body recovered rapidly, its blood and flesh glittering like polished glaze—as if he were a true deity.

“Since the earth vein’s energy can refine one’s Nascent Soul spirit and the tribulation’s thunder carries the might of Heavenly Dao, then what of the embryonic essence of the Celestial Treasure?”

At that moment, a thought surged in Lu Changsheng’s mind.

“Though the Celestial Treasure essence is an external power, having been fused with my body over a hundred years thanks to my Bone Talisman, it has perfectly merged with my magical energy—perhaps I can try it.”

Without further hesitation, Lu Changsheng channeled the embryonic power of his Nine Treasures Jade Ruyi Bone, as if it were free to him, directing it into his Nascent Soul spirit to refine and cleanse it!

As the Celestial Treasure essence coursed into his Nascent Soul spirit, Lu Changsheng felt his Nascent Soul spirit burgeon and condense at a staggering pace!

He even sensed, in some ineffable way, that he might come to grasp the Nine Great Divine Abilities inherent in his Nine Treasures Jade Ruyi Bone.

But given the urgency of the moment, he had no time to ponder further—if one’s Nine Treasures Jade Ruyi Bone provided such support, then he was ready for more!

Lu Changsheng’s eyes sparkled fiercely, his body radiating a resplendent nine-colored glow, akin to a war god bathed in lightning—his aura indefinably commanding.

He patted his lower abdomen lightly, allowing his Nascent Soul spirit—still clad in the Nine Abyss Black Tortoise Armor and crowned by the Yuan Magnetic Five Elements Mountain—to reemerge, as his body and Nascent Soul spirit braced together to endure the tribulation.

As the relentless forces of the tribulation and the Celestial Treasure essence merged and roared together, Lu Changsheng’s flesh and Nascent Soul spirit seemed to don an immaculate, nine-colored divine raiment—pure, radiant, and inviolable.

Originally, Lu Changsheng had doubted his ability to fully condense the overwhelming power of his Nine Treasures Jade Ruyi Bone, but under the roaring tribulation, his body and Nascent Soul spirit consolidated, growing mightier in a cycle of destruction and rebirth!

“Boom!”

Then came the eighth bolt of the tribulation—its might unimaginable, as if set to obliterate the world.

Still, Lu Changsheng remained entirely unfazed, sitting cross-legged with his Nascent Soul spirit, as if two divine beings—a giant and his lesser self—sat together, their nine-colored radiance pulsating.

Even though his body was scorched to black and shattered, his Nascent Soul spirit nearly collapsed,

yet in a visibly accelerated process under the nine-colored glow, it recovered rapidly, countering the tribulation and solidifying into even purer power.

“What is this?!”

From afar, Hong Lian and Yun Wanshang watched in astonishment as the scene before them defied belief, exchanging worried glances at Lu Changsheng’s unprecedented surge in power.

They marveled at how suddenly he had grown so dramatically—yet this rapid rise filled them with joyous hope.

The ninth bolt of tribulation was about to descend.

Even though his Nine Treasures Jade Ruyi Bone was cracking and the Celestial Treasure essence surged within him, fortified by the Yuan Magnetic Five Elements Mountain, the Nine Abyss Black Tortoise Armor, and his life-bound treasure the Yin-Yang Diagram, Lu Changsheng dared not relax.

He retracted his Nascent Soul spirit back into his body for the time being.

Then he donned the slightly damaged Nine Abyss Black Tortoise Armor and placed the Yuan Magnetic Five Elements Mountain upon his head, standing ready.

The ninth thunderbolt crashed down with a fury that threatened to shatter the world—thousands of rays of dazzling, piercing lightning blazed so bright one could scarcely look directly at them.

Not only did Hong Lian, Yun Wanshang, and Qian Zhuyan watch in apprehension,

even the distant Golden-Winged Roc couldn’t help but shrink back in fear.

Such a terrifying celestial tribulation—even a fourth-rank Demon King wouldn’t dare confront it recklessly, knowing the fatal risks.

Boom, boom, boom!!!

Endless lightning and thunder intertwined, resembling searing divine radiance, overwhelming heaven and earth as the entire void buckled under their force.

Cracks spidered across the Magnetic Five Elements Mountain above Lu Changsheng’s head.

Yet, armed with his Fourth-Rank Physique and Nine Treasures Dao Bone, he didn’t even need to fully activate the Nine Abyss Black Tortoise Armor.

He immediately discarded his armor to shield his Nascent Soul spirit, both bathed in the vast, purple-blue tempest of the thunder tribulation.

Throughout the ordeal, as his physical body and Nascent Soul spirit were scorched black and weakened by the raging tempest’s residue, endless streams of nine-colored glazed light surged forth.

After a long while.

“I’ve passed the Thunder Tribulation!”

Lu Changsheng sat cross-legged, feeling that under the dual cleansing of the Nascent Soul Heavenly Tribulation and the Nine Treasures Dao Bone, his Hundred Refinements Body Technique had surged close to breaking into the fourteenth stage.

As for his Nascent Soul magical energy and spirit, words failed him—vast, magnificent, and irresistible! Even his physical form, nearing the fourteenth stage, paled in comparison to the might of his Nascent Soul magical energy.

“Could this be what transcending into a Great Dao Nascent Soul feels like?”

Lu Changsheng pondered, uncertain of the true state of his Nascent Soul.

As the celestial thunder and lightning faded, Hong Lian, Yun Wanshang, and the others stood speechless in shock.

After all, Lu Changsheng’s method of weathering the tribulation was simply astonishing.

Both Nascent Soul cultivators were utterly stunned, their hearts pounding in tandem with Lu Changsheng’s ascent.

For most cultivators, let alone experiencing a Nascent Soul escape, bearing the tribulation with their physical body is unthinkable.

Even relying on Dao-Comprehending Artifacts to nullify the danger of a tribulation is perilous.

Yet Lu Changsheng had borne the tribulation entirely with both his body and Nascent Soul spirit, embracing its cleansing wholly.

“Could a Great Dao Nascent Soul truly be the union of one’s body and Nascent Soul spirit enduring nine rounds of thunder tribulation?”

Yun Wanshang had never heard the concept of a Great Dao Nascent Soul before.

At that moment, watching Lu Changsheng, who resembled a Demon King or an ancient body cultivator, face the tribulation head-on with his body

and unleashing his Nascent Soul spirit to absorb the tribulation and draw in celestial qi, she couldn’t help but wonder.

“Next comes the Heart Demon Tribulation!”

Lu Changsheng saw the roiling tribulation clouds above forming a vortex resembling a bottomless abyss—a malicious eye that seemed to watch them—and his heart skipped a beat.

He then shook off the charred dead skin and scattered robe dust, donning a brand-new set of robes. With a slight lift of his palm, a swirling black-and-white pill materialized.

It was the Demon Breaking Life Saving Pill! The Heart Demon Tribulation was immensely dangerous, and under normal circumstances, Lu Changsheng wouldn’t dare to traverse it hastily.

But with the extraordinary Demon Breaking Life Saving Pill provided by the system, he felt the Heart Demon Tribulation might not be so fearsome—the pill melted instantly, leaving his mind remarkably clear, almost imperceptibly so.

Settling into a deep meditative pose, he tightened his focus, absorbing the new life-force birthed by the cosmic order following the thunder tribulation, nurturing his magical energy and healing his wounds as he awaited the Heart Demon Tribulation.

“Heart Demon Tribulation.”

Hong Lian and the others gazed at the slowly forming abyssal vortex above, as if being scrutinized by some demonic eye, their instincts stirring with unease.

As the heart tribulation clouds surged and the eerie, otherworldly demonic sound began to echo, Lu Changsheng felt the world spin wildly, and in a haze, he was drawn into the realm of heart demons.

The Heart Demon Tribulation had begun!

“Everyone else, leave the mountain gate immediately!”

From atop the Azure Cloud Sect’s Questioning Altar, a cultivator clad in the sect’s attire bellowed.

Lu Changsheng, his expression dazed, looked at the scene before him.

I’ve been eliminated in the Immortal Gate Examination.

Soon after, he, along with Hong Yi and Li Feiyu, left the Azure Cloud Sect’s mountain gate with heavy hearts.

Seeing the two’s dejection stirred an inexplicable familiarity in him—a vague, disconcerting reminiscence.

“Dear young friends, the Lu Family of Qingzhu Mountain is now recruiting twenty sons-in-law, providing prime spirit vein lands and cultivation manuals. Interested?”

At that moment, a refined man in his thirties or forties, robed in a long blue garment, approached and announced to them.

Without delay, Lu Changsheng and Li Feiyu made their way to the Lu Family to accept the proposal.

Being a cultivator with a Ninth-Grade Spirit Root, Lu Changsheng had achieved little on Qingzhu Mountain aside from the reward for his firstborn—spending his days in a daze.

“Heh, even a mere Qi Refining cultivator can defile my realm!”

“The system merely smoothed out some of the detours for me.”

Lu Changsheng chuckled softly as clarity returned to his heart.

In an instant, the phantasmal scenes before him shattered like a dreamed mirage.

Another bout of dizzying rotation, and he came to, finding himself in a cave with the sound of enormous commotion echoing outside.

Just then, a woman with mesmerizing eyes and a flushed, delicate complexion— the Colorful Skirt Maiden—abruptly appeared before him, shoving him aside.

Three days and nights later.

“How dare a petty Qi Refining cultivator sully my presence!”

The exquisitely beautiful maiden with an air of noble grace declared in a crisp voice, as she waved her jade-like hand.

Lu Changsheng felt himself plummet into an endless dark abyss, his consciousness fading, leaving him paralyzed with fear.

“Damn it!”

In an instant, Lu Changsheng snapped awake from the illusion as the surrounding space shattered.

Various heart demon illusions assailed him, targeting every weakness and fissure in his soul, attempting to engulf him and make him lose himself.

Under normal circumstances, even if a cultivator snaps out of a heart demon illusion, it would still drain their spirit and cause exhaustion.

Eventually, one could become irretrievably lost in such a mirage.

But having consumed the extraordinary Demon Breaking Life Saving Pill, as soon as a heart demon illusion appeared, a surreal clarity overtook him.

It reminded him that he was traversing a Heart Demon Tribulation and that he would soon awaken from the illusion.

Time passed minute by minute, and Lu Changsheng lost track of how many heart demon illusions he had endured.

Suddenly, the profound cosmic sound of the Dao echoed through the heavens as multi-colored auspicious light cascaded down, illuminating him.

“The Heart Demon Tribulation is finally over!”

Bathed in the auspicious glow and the newly awakened cosmic order, Lu Changsheng felt a surge of joy as he successfully ascended to a Great Dao Nascent Soul.

“Congratulations, Husband, on breaking through to Nascent Soul!”

“Lu Changsheng, congratulations!”

“Changsheng, congratulations!”

Hong Lian, Yun Wanshang, Lu Miaoge, Ling Zixiao, Qian Zhuyan, and the Golden-Winged Roc all came forward to offer their congratulations.

In that moment, Lu Changsheng felt a surge of heroic spirit.

Nascent Soul!

He had finally broken through to Nascent Soul!

But then, on a sudden whim and sensing danger in the Immortal City of Damengze, he immediately set off with his wife to annihilate the Nascent Soul True Lord of the Zhenhai Seven Sects.

“Listen up! I, Lu Changsheng, master of the Immortal City of Damengze, am out for revenge. Come at me if you dare—the Daoist Arena is set atop Bihu Mountain under the sun and moon!”

Lu Changsheng announced to the world, positioning the Sun-Moon Yin-Yang Mirror as his formation’s core. At Bihu Mountain, radiant solar energy cascaded by day and the mellow glow of moonlight unfurled by night. Any approaching foe was instantly obliterated.

He later single-handedly quelled the Liang-Yue War, decimated the Qisha Sect, and wiped out the Yin Ghost Sect, advancing relentlessly through Southern Desolation and the Northern Region.

Yet, decades later, the catastrophic demonic calamity of the Seven Cultivator Sects swept over Southern Desolation and the Northern Region. Lu Changsheng witnessed the world stained blood-red as his wife and children fell one by one.

“Daddy!” cried his daughter, Lu Linghe, her voice filled with utter despair.

Overwhelmed with grief, Lu Changsheng trembled before murmuring, “This simply isn’t my style…”

On the Myriad Beasts Mountain Range near the Golden-Haired Monoceros Bear Lair, Lu Changsheng opened his eyes in a daze, as if he had witnessed a thousand years of worldly sorrow.

Just then, the gloomy mists above the heavens receded like a tide, unveiling a vast, five-colored auspicious cloud—brilliant and resplendent.

“Boom, boom, boom!!!”

The profound sound of the Dao resonated from the emerging multi-hued clouds, as if imbued with the supreme principles of heaven and earth.

Soon after, five-colored auspicious radiance and intangible Daoist aura descended upon Lu Changsheng, who sat cross-legged with the dual energies of Yin and Yang flowing around him.

In that instant, his Nascent Soul spirit, aglow with the nine-colored glazed light, seemed to tap into a mysterious enlightenment, merging with the cosmos as he sat atop the Yin-Yang Five Elements Foundation—with one hand pointing to the heavens and the other to the earth.

After 125 years of cultivation, his Nascent Soul had fully manifested!