On the seventh day at Kunlun's enlightenment platform, before dawn, Tang Xiao Qi summoned Senior Brother Mu Qingfeng to his presence. On the frost platform carved from eternal mystical ice, three jade slips of different colors were neatly arranged, along with the Nirvana Crimson Flame Sword and Creation Universe Wok.
"Sit." Xiao Qi pointed to the cushion opposite him, his expression calm as if merely discussing today's weather.
Mu Qingfeng sat as instructed, his gaze sweeping over the two quasi-immortal treasures emanating vast auras, his heart sinking involuntarily. He knew this disciple too well, if not for preparing for the worst-case scenario, he would never have taken out these treasures he valued more than his own life.
"The Deity Transformation Heavenly Tribulation means nine deaths, one survival." Xiao Qi spoke directly, his voice like the year-round unfrozen snow at Kunlun's summit. "Some things should be arranged now."
He first picked up the green jade slip: "This is the complete Scripture of World Purification. You have read the first three volumes. The remaining four volumes contain my insights on the Dao of Chaos, the true meaning of samsara, and methods to completely refine and destroy the demonic entity's origin."
Mu Qingfeng received it solemnly, his divine sense briefly scanning its contents. This far exceeded ordinary cultivation manuals; it was more like an encyclopedia pointing directly to the Dao.
"If I fail the tribulation," Xiao Qi's voice remained calm, "you will be the next Sect Master of Qingxu Temple. The scripture must not be passed carelessly; select those with pure character and excellent disposition."
The second crimson jade slip was pushed before Mu Qingfeng: "This contains the secret methods to control the Nirvana Crimson Flame Sword and Creation Universe Wok. Both treasures have developed spiritual awareness. If I am gone, they will choose their own master. However, these secret methods can help a new master quickly harmonize with the treasures."
As he spoke, he gently stroked the Crimson Flame Sword's blade, and the sword spirit sent back a mournful hum. This weapon, which had accompanied him since his humble beginnings, had long become part of his life.
The last white jade slip was the most special. Its surface had no patterns whatsoever, yet it emanated faint temporal fluctuations.
"This is the Samsara Jade Slip." For the first time, Xiao Qi's voice showed a hint of waver. "If I die and my Dao dissipates, this jade slip will activate on its own, sending a wisp of my residual soul into samsara. If fortune favors me in a future life, perhaps I can walk the immortal path again."
Mu Qingfeng abruptly looked up: "Sect Master! How could it come to this!"
Xiao Qi waved his hand, indicating he need not speak: "The demonic entity will never sit idle as I pass the tribulation. It will undoubtedly go all out to obstruct. This battle's outcome is uncertain."
He stood and walked to the edge of the platform, gazing down at the churning sea of clouds below: "During these three years, I have often wondered, if my father had left such preparations when Xu Lan Manor fell back then, perhaps..."
He did not finish, but Mu Qingfeng already understood. The tragedy back then had always been the deepest pain in his junior brother's heart.
"Regarding sect affairs," Xiao Qi turned, his gaze sharp as lightning, "after I leave, you will have full authority. Third Senior Sister will assist, Second Senior Brother will focus on research, Tiezhu will be responsible for cultivating combat strength. Each fulfilling their own duties, no mistakes allowed."
"And the demonic entity..." Mu Qingfeng asked with concern.
"If I pass the tribulation successfully, I will personally settle this karmic debt." Xiao Qi's eyes flashed coldly. "If I fail, the methods recorded in the scripture might help future generations complete this mission."
Here he suddenly smiled: "Of course, these are all worst-case scenarios. Perhaps tomorrow I will smoothly break through to Deity Transformation, and all these arrangements will be unnecessary."
But both knew this was merely comforting words. The Deity Transformation tribulation itself was extremely dangerous, and with the demonic entity lurking like a tiger, the chance of passing unscathed was less than thirty percent.
At noon, Xiao Qi solemnly handed over the three jade slips and two treasures to Mu Qingfeng: "These things, you will hold for now. If an accident occurs during my tribulation, you will know what to do."
Mu Qingfeng knelt on one knee, his hands receiving them: "I will surely fulfill the Sect Master's trust!"
"Rise." Xiao Qi helped him up, his tone much gentler: "During these years, you have worked hard. If not for you managing sect affairs, I could not have focused on cultivation until now."
"This is what this junior brother should do."
Xiao Qi nodded, adding final instructions: "During my tribulation period, activate the protective grand formation. No one is permitted to leave or enter. The demonic entity may well employ feints, you must guard the sect well."
"Understood!"
After Mu Qingfeng left with this heavy trust, Xiao Qi stood alone on the platform for a long time. The setting sun stretched his shadow long, lonely yet resolute.
He took out a jade pendant he had always carried close to his body, this was the only surviving token from Xu Lan Manor. The pendant glowed warmly in the sunset, as if still carrying the warmth of his father's palm from years ago.
"Father, Mother..." He murmured softly. "If your spirits are watching, please protect your child..."
Night fell, and he began final preparations. First, he laid out the Seven Star Constellation Formation, an ancient formation from primordial times that could draw upon the power of all celestial stars for protection.
Next, he took out thirty-six flag banners specially made by Second Senior Brother and laid out the Chaos Returns to Origin Formation. This formation, with the Spirit Demon Engine as its core, could transform incoming energy into the most primordial chaotic qi, capable of dissolving a third of any attack, whether from the heavenly tribulation or the demonic entity.
Finally, he drew an arcane symbol on his chest. This was the Nirvana Seal recorded in the Scripture of World Purification, capable of preserving a spark of life in the most critical moment, at the cost of a hundred years of cultivation.
When moonlight filled Kunlun's summit, all preparations were complete. Xiao Qi sat cross-legged in the formation's center, adjusting his state. He needed to elevate his essence, qi, and spirit to their peak, to face tomorrow's heavenly tribulation in the best condition.
Near midnight, he suddenly sensed something and looked toward the southeast. There, a familiar sword intent was rapidly approaching.
"You still came." Xiao Qi said softly.
Mu Xue's figure appeared at the edge of the platform, moonlight draping her in silver gauze. She said nothing, merely sitting beside him as ice-cold Dao rhythm unfolded, dispelling even the last trace of distracting thoughts.
The two sat quietly like this until dawn broke.
When the first rays of sunlight pierced the clouds, Xiao Qi slowly opened his eyes. His state had been adjusted to its best, and his gaze held not a trace of hesitation.
"I go now." He said to Mu Xue.
Mu Xue nodded: "I will guard you."
Xiao Qi took a deep breath and strode toward the platform's center. There, the Nine Heavens Divine Thunder Tribulation was brewing within the clouds.
This journey would either achieve Deity Transformation or end in death and Dao's destruction. Yet he pressed forward without hesitation.