At the summit of Kunlun, clouds churned like a sea. Tang Xiao Qi sat cross-legged on the enlightenment platform carved from ten-thousand-year mystical ice, his aura merging with the entire mountain range. Three days ago, he had bid farewell to the people of Qingxu Temple and come alone to this sacred ground, the closest place to heaven's Dao in the cultivation world. At this moment, he clearly sensed, the Deity Transformation Heavenly Tribulation was about to descend.
This was not a sudden premonition, but the inevitable result of three years of arduous cultivation. During these three years, he had entrusted all sect affairs, and each day except necessary cultivation was spent in quiet contemplation. The Nirvana Crimson Flame Sword and Creation Universe Wok had long been in perfect harmony with his will, and the Green Lotus origin in his dantian had transformed into a golden lotus bud about to bloom. Cultivation, mindset, and magical artifacts had all reached the pinnacle of the Nascent Soul stage.
However, whenever night deepened, the demonic entity's whispers would arrive as scheduled. The voice grew clearer and more seductive. Xiao Qi understood this was a sign that the demonic entity's origin, sealed within the Green Lotus, was continuously gathering strength. If he could not break through to Deity Transformation soon, the seal might eventually be broken through.
"Deity Transformation, Deity Transformation, what is transformed is not merely the mortal body, but also the mind's spirit." He recalled his master Xuan Lin's teaching from years ago. "To achieve Deity Transformation, one must undergo three trials: Thunder Tribulation to temper the body, Demon Tribulation to temper the heart, and the Ultimate Question to temper the spirit."
Above the sea of clouds, lightning flickered faintly. This was not ordinary lightning, but tribulation lightning condensed from heavenly Dao laws. Xiao Qi could sense that the first Thunder Tribulation would arrive in seven days. But what concerned him more was the accompanying Demon Tribulation, when the demonic entity's whispers would be amplified a thousandfold, becoming the most terrifying test for his Dao heart.
He slowly rose, his fingertip gently stroking the blade of the Nirvana Crimson Flame Sword. The sword spirit sent back a docile response, as if comforting its master. During these three years, he had not only perfected the Scripture of World Purification but also integrated his lifetime of learning, creating three divine techniques sufficient to face the heavenly tribulation.
The first technique, Green Lotus Opens Heaven, based on the Green Lotus origin, fusing the paths of purification and creation, specifically to suppress inner demons;
The second technique, Chaos Returns to Origin, borrowing the power of the Universe Wok to evolve chaos, capable of dissolving all methods;
The third technique, Nirvana Rebirth, combining the wonders of the Crimson Flame Sword and Phoenix Divine Gold, containing the true meaning of samsara, was the trump card he prepared for the worst-case scenario.
"Sect Master." A familiar voice came from behind. Xiao Qi turned, only to find Senior Brother Mu Qingfeng had somehow arrived at the edge of the enlightenment platform.
"Why did you come?" Xiao Qi frowned slightly. "The sect affairs..."
"Everything has been arranged properly." Mu Qingfeng handed over a jade slip. "These are tribulation experiences shared by various sects. They might be useful for the Sect Master."
Xiao Qi accepted the jade slip, his divine sense scanning its contents. This contained not only insights from Qingxu Temple's previous generations but also secret teachings from Xuanji Holy Land, the Dragon Clan of the Eastern Sea, and even overseas sects. To help him pass the tribulation, the entire cultivation world had offered their most treasured knowledge.
"Additionally..." Mu Qingfeng hesitated. "Three days ago, news came from the Western Desert, ancient battlefields there showed abnormal spatial fluctuations."
Xiao Qi's gaze sharpened: "Demonic energy?"
"Not certain yet." Mu Qingfeng shook his head. "But the timing is too coincidental."
The two exchanged glances, both understanding what this meant. The demonic entity would never sit idle watching him successfully pass the tribulation. It would undoubtedly try every means to obstruct.
After Mu Qingfeng left, Xiao Qi sat down again to adjust his state. He first comprehended the experiences in the jade slip one by one, especially the parts about the Demon Tribulation. Records from all sects indicated that the Demon Tribulation would amplify the cultivator's deepest fears and obsessions, and a slight misstep could cause the Dao heart to collapse.
"What is my deepest fear?" Xiao Qi asked himself.
Was it the demonic entity breaking its seal? Was it Qingxu Temple's destruction? Was it his loved ones suffering tragedy? These were all true, but none seemed to be the root.
He closed his eyes, allowing his consciousness to sink to the deepest part of his mind. There, he saw the scene of Xu Lan Manor collapsing in flames when he was seven; saw his father's pain-filled eyes as demonic energy corroded him; saw his own small, helpless form.
"So that is it." Xiao Qi suddenly understood.
His deepest fear was repeating the past, to watch everything he cherished be destroyed, yet be utterly helpless. This fear, buried deep in his heart over the years, had become both his motivation to grow stronger and the most vulnerable flaw in his Dao heart.
Understanding this, he felt relieved instead. Since he knew the root of the demon, he could prepare specifically.
During the following days, Xiao Qi laid out numerous formations around the enlightenment platform. These included not only Qingxu Temple's protective grand formation but also space restrictions learned from overseas and the latest Spirit Demon Engine developed by Second Senior Brother, this device after improvement could now stably output chaotic energy, having miraculous effects in resisting heavenly tribulation.
On the evening of the sixth day, Mu Xue arrived gracefully. She said nothing, merely sitting beside Xiao Qi, her hands forming seals as pure ice-element Dao rhythm enveloped the entire platform. This was the Ice Heart Art of Xuanji Holy Land, capable of keeping one's spirit platform clear and resisting inner demons.
"Thank you." Xiao Qi said softly.
Mu Xue shook her head slightly: "Between us, why speak of thanks?"
As the last rays of sunset disappeared into the sea of clouds, Kunlun Mountain suddenly fell silent. Even the wind ceased, and only an intangible pressure condensed in the air. Xiao Qi looked up to see the clouds growing increasingly dense with lightning, vaguely forming nine distinct colors.
The Nine Heavens Divine Thunder Tribulation, this was one of the strongest Deity Transformation tribulations recorded.
He took a deep breath. The Nirvana Crimson Flame Sword hummed excitedly, and the Creation Universe Wok slowly rotated above his head. The three techniques flowed through his mind, and the tribulation experiences from various sects settled as insights in his heart.
The time had come.
Xiao Qi stood, his blue robes fluttering in the increasingly intense pressure. He gazed east, toward Qingxu Temple, as if he could see those expectant gazes. Senior Brother's steadiness, Third Senior Sister's resolve, Second Senior Brother's persistence, Tiezhu's boldness, these were what he wanted to protect.
Then, he gazed west, toward where the demonic energy fluctuated. There were enemies he must annihilate, causes he must settle.
Finally, he gazed at the vast rivers and mountains beneath his feet. Here lay the common people he must protect, the righteous path he pursued.
"Bring it on." He said softly, both to the heavenly tribulation and to enemies lurking in the dark.
The first tribulation lightning blazed across the night sky, illuminating Kunlun Mountain as bright as day. The Deity Transformation tribulation officially began. And this trial would determine the future of the entire cultivation world.