Chapter 1675: Eight Directions Converge

Wuxia and Xianxia

The ethereal image of the wordless jade stele, towering several zhang high, displayed marks etched by its raised hand, visible not only to those on the mountain but also to cultivators flying swiftly towards it.The Dao marks vanished in an instant.This caused a commotion.At that moment, countless people sighed with regret, wishing they could fly directly to Emperor-Bestowed Mountain.The Dao marks lasted for too brief a moment and were affected by various factors, leaving the cultivators with almost no discernible gains. Yet, they could perceive the extraordinary nature of these marks, imbued with the essence of the Great Dao, causing them to sigh deeply at the sky.It was not until True Lord Zi Lei ascended to the pinnacle in nine steps, drawing down a heavenly tribulation, that this emotion reached its peak.These were Dao marks capable of helping one break through the Soul Transformation barrier!“Soul Transformation Heavenly Tribulation!”“Someone has broken through!”Everyone's expressions varied, their emotions complex.Nearly everyone present was witnessing a Soul Transformation Heavenly Tribulation for the first time.From a distance, Emperor-Bestowed Mountain was seen covered in dark clouds, and soon after, vibrant clouds of colorful light descended, encircling the mountain and forming a continuous expanse.A sudden shift in the winds and clouds!A terrifying pressure descended. All the cultivators within the Boundless Immortal Sect's domain changed their expressions, feeling a tremor of fear in their hearts.They had personally experienced this feeling during their own Nascent Soul Heavenly Tribulations, but how could a Nascent Soul tribulation compare to a Soul Transformation tribulation?On Emperor-Bestowed Mountain, cloud waves surged, and colorful mists swirled chaotically.In a short while, a storm took shape.Wind and thunder raged together!This was a terrifying storm imbued with the might of heaven and earth.At this moment, all the spiritual energy between heaven and earth was mobilized by an unknown force, and the entire ancient abode trembled.Spiritual tides abruptly surged, visible to the naked eye.During the Nascent Soul Heavenly Tribulation, the spiritual energy was gradually drawn from near to far, forming distinct layers of spiritual tides. At this moment, it was no longer so distinct; the spiritual energy of heaven and earth was mobilized simultaneously, creating what appeared to be a sea of spiritual energy suspended overhead.The spiritual tides unleashed monstrous waves, emitting earth-shattering roars. Then, the spiritual tide pressed down horizontally, its momentum like a collapsing mountain, crushing everything in its path. The figure suspended above Emperor-Bestowed Mountain was at the center of this tide, ultimately submerged!Witnessing this spectacle, everyone's hearts were filled with terror.There was no need to wait for the heavenly tribulation; if it were them, they would already have been severely injured by the impact of the spiritual tide. Those with weaker cultivation might even have been instantly pulverized.Gasps of alarm then arose, but they were very brief, interrupted by the ensuing spectacle.The scene at the center of the spiritual tide began to distort inexplicably, rapidly affecting its surroundings. A familiar fluctuation emanated, awakening painful memories in all cultivators who had experienced a Nascent Soul Heavenly Tribulation.“It’s Yin Fire!”“The Heavenly Tribulation has arrived!”Invisible Yin Fire descended from the sky.Outwardly, the Soul Transformation Heavenly Tribulation seemed little different from the Nascent Soul Heavenly Tribulation, both involving the descent of the Three Calamities, followed by the Heart Demon Tribulation. However, their power was incomparable; if one were to be touched by this Yin Fire, they would instantly be incinerated from the inside out.Under the oppressive might of the heavenly tribulation, all the cultivators simultaneously fell silent, holding their breath. Even those with the fastest escape speeds, who were nearly at Emperor-Bestowed Mountain, instinctively slowed down, not daring to approach too closely.The impact of the Soul Transformation Heavenly Tribulation extended beyond this.Although the strange phenomena within the ancient abode were obscured by Emperor-Bestowed Mountain's sect-protecting array, the surrounding Grand Peak Mountain Range exhibited some celestial phenomena, to varying degrees.Furthermore, because the Soul Transformation Heavenly Tribulation mobilized an immense amount of heaven and earth spiritual energy, the resulting fluctuations spread to more distant places, detected by discerning individuals.

Northwest of the Grand Peak Mountain Range.Rivers had carved out valleys amidst the towering mountains.Steep cliffs rose on both sides of the river valleys, and the rivers flowed rapidly. From time to time, poisonous miasma formed dense fog banks, sealing off large sections of the river, lingering throughout the year.At this moment, several streaks of light were speeding through the sky above these river valleys. Their direction clearly indicated they were also heading towards the Grand Peak Mountain Range.During this period, similar scenes were constantly unfolding across the two Southern Barbarian Prefectures. As news of the Boundless Immortal Sect's emergence spread, countless cultivators were drawn to seek treasures.“Heavenly Tribulation!”The foremost streak of light suddenly halted, revealing the figure of an old monk.The old monk had white eyebrows and a white beard, with a benevolent face. One could tell at a glance that he was an enlightened senior monk, yet there were no powerful fluctuations emanating from him. Any of the figures behind him looked more like a master than he did.Another streak of light, moving alongside the old monk, also stopped, revealing an enchanting woman.These two were none other than Sage Huiguang and Saint King Green Fox, who had rushed there upon hearing the news.Saint King Green Fox divided her attention for a moment to sense the situation, then suddenly smiled enchantingly, “It’s a Soul Transformation Heavenly Tribulation!”Her voice carried a hint of laughter, as if she were gloating. She looked at Sage Huiguang with an expression of one watching a play, “Old monk, you harbored ambitions of catching them all in one net, but you didn’t expect someone to achieve a breakthrough on the spot, did you?”They were far away in Jinyu Prefecture, and news traveled slowly. Even if a Soul Transformation cultivator's escape speed was immense, by the time they arrived, the event would likely be over. For this reason, Sage Huiguang forcefully commandeered an ancient teleportation array controlled by Dragon Abode Grotto-Heaven, saving some time.Afterward, Sage Huiguang did not rush his journey; instead, he first gathered some Nascent Soul cultivators.Saint King Green Fox knew Sage Huiguang’s intention: he wanted to use the Boundless Immortal Sect to attract more demons and monsters, catching them all in one fell swoop. He hadn't expected such an unforeseen variable.Based on the direction from which the fluctuations emanated, it could be concluded that someone was undergoing a Soul Transformation Heavenly Tribulation within the Boundless Immortal Sect!If another Soul Transformation cultivator were to appear, it would actually be a good thing, as they would gain more assistance in resisting the Demonic Sound of the Heavenly Dao.However, according to her and Sage Huiguang's deductions, as long as the Demonic Sound of the Heavenly Dao was not eliminated, it would be virtually impossible for any cultivator in this realm, no matter how strong their mental fortitude, to withstand the final Heart Demon Tribulation.Facing a Soul Transformation Heavenly Tribulation, a cultivator's process of undergoing the tribulation is also a step-by-step process of comprehending and approaching the Great Dao. By the time they overcome the Three Calamities and the Heart Demon Tribulation descends, they can already perceive the Demonic Sound of the Heavenly Dao.At that point, with the Demonic Sound and the Heart Demon Tribulation arriving simultaneously, there would be no chance of survival.This was the will of heaven, impossible for human power to resist.Seeing Sage Huiguang's unprecedentedly grave expression, Saint King Green Fox knew what he was worried about, and it wasn't fear of a new formidable opponent.That person was undergoing tribulation in full view of everyone. On the verge of death, they might very likely reveal a heavenly secret with a single word, causing the Demonic Sound of the Heavenly Dao to leak out prematurely!Sage Huiguang cared deeply for his sect. He intended to arrange the world before chaos erupted, ensuring that the Sweet Dew Zen Temple maintained its hegemonic status and its legacy continued for ten thousand generations.Once the news spread, the cultivation world would be in an uproar.With cultivators in this realm losing all hope of ascending to the Soul Transformation stage, great chaos was inevitable, reshaping the entire landscape!Even if Sage Huiguang were still present, how long could he suppress it? He wouldn't be able to prevent the undercurrents from surging.‘Whoosh!’A spiritual breeze arose out of thin air.Sage Huiguang suddenly transformed into a streak of light and vanished, leaving behind a lingering expanse of shimmering, colorful mist that refused to dissipate for a long time. He had apparently employed an extremely profound Buddhist spiritual light escape technique.Saint King Green Fox chuckled softly, her figure like smoke, and followed closely.The others exchanged glances, not daring to delay, and exerted themselves to fly.The only two remaining Soul Transformation powerhouses in this realm, exerting their full strength, moved with astonishing speed. Thousands of mountains and rivers seemed trivial, and soon, the Grand Peak Mountain Range was before their eyes.

At this moment, above the former site of the Grand Peak Sect.The vortex channel formed by the Boundless Immortal Sect remained in place. Figures swarmed around the vortex like ants, or like moths drawn to a flame, desperately throwing themselves towards that faint, elusive chance of achieving enlightenment.As the cloud wall weakened, Nascent Soul cultivators had already entered the ancient abode. Occasionally, newly arrived cultivators appeared; they only needed to release their aura, and the crowd would spontaneously part, forming a path for them.Core Formation cultivators had also largely entered the channel, rushing into the cloud wall.The turbulence within the channel gradually weakened, and Foundation Establishment cultivators were also moving. Outside, more ambitious individuals with insufficient cultivation were anxiously waiting.Sage Huiguang and Saint King Green Fox did not reveal their auras. One after the other, they vanished into the channel. The surrounding cultivators only felt a faint breeze brush past them, completely unaware that powerhouses standing at the peak of this realm had just brushed past them.Facing the cloud wall that stretched across the sect gate, Saint King Green Fox disregarded it and directly rushed in. Unexpectedly, just as she entered the cloud wall, she sensed something. Her expression subtly shifted, and she turned, changing direction.

Within the cloud wall, in its most secluded corner.At this moment, a group of figures was carefully moving through that area.Their clothing appeared normal, but their physiques and attire were somewhat peculiar. Some were extremely burly, others short and thin as monkeys, and most wore cloaks that covered almost their entire bodies.Although they were doing their utmost to suppress their auras and deliberately avoid the crowds, some of them still carried an undeniable aura, distinct from ordinary people—it was demonic qi!Among this group of transformed demon kings, one's attire was strikingly different from the others, making him stand out from the crowd.This demon was tall and slender, wearing a mask that obscured its features. Its white hair was very conspicuous, and combined with a white robe, it possessed an ethereal bearing.Its aura was also the most concealed among them, akin to the Green-Furred Rat Demon who participated in the human cultivation trade fair back then. Even standing before human cultivators, it would be difficult to discern its demon race identity.As they flew through the cloud wall, a fish demon approached and said, “Great Sage, the end of the cloud wall is not far ahead. Why don’t we stop here for a while, hunt a few Nascent Soul cultivators, and let our brothers feast?”The white-robed Great Sage's expression was amiable, and he smiled faintly, “You and Oriole discovered this secret realm, sent timely reports to this King, and uncovered the secrets here. With such great merit, are a few Nascent Soul cultivators enough to satisfy you? If we obtain our clan's treasures in the Immortal Palace, you two will have first pick.”The fish demon was overjoyed.The bird demon beside him was also very excited.The other demon kings cast envious glances.However, as they conversed, their expressions all showed vigilance. The heavenly tribulation fluctuations emanating from within the ancient abode made them feel as if thorns were pricking their backs, and they were eager to enter and understand the situation. If someone truly was undergoing a Soul Transformation tribulation, they might have no choice but to turn back and leave.Before his words fully fell, the white-robed Great Sage suddenly looked up, his expression abruptly changing.At the same time, laughter came from above their heads, “Bai Xiao, you have quite some nerve, daring to stir up trouble in human territory. Aren’t you afraid of losing all of White Abyss Mountain’s elites here?”The laughter was soft and alluring, but all the demons who heard it turned pale with fright.Including the white-robed Great Sage known as Bai Xiao, all the demon kings collectively bowed in salute, respectfully saying, “Greetings, Saint King!”The next moment, the clouds and mist before them rippled, and Saint King Green Fox materialized.Sensing the Saint King's gaze, Bai Xiao's heart skipped a beat, and he hastily explained, “Reporting to Saint King, the Saint King Palace spread rumors of your disappearance. Your subordinate was worried…”Before he finished speaking, Saint King Green Fox impatiently waved her hand, interrupting him, “This is a human sect's ancient ruin, filled with human experts. What are you doing going in there?”Bai Xiao knew the Saint King's temper well and didn't dare ask where she had been. He immediately fell silent, glanced at the fish demon, and then meticulously reported, “When this ancient abode opened, a few of my subordinates happened to be nearby. They took advantage of the chaos to capture some human cultivators and learned that this ancient abode was once the sect gate of a top human sect. That sect is connected to the legendary Southern Sea Immortal Palace, and there might be a passage to the Immortal Palace here.”The demon race was not unfamiliar with the legends of the Southern Sea Immortal Palace.However, the Immortal Palace was located in the Southern Sea, under human control, placing it beyond the reach of the demon race.Only Soul Transformation grand cultivators of the demon race had the chance to be invited into the Immortal Palace. Upon learning of the Boundless Immortal Sect's connection to the Southern Sea Immortal Palace, Bai Xiao was greatly tempted.Out of caution, they waited until most of the human experts had entered before taking action.The Immortal Palace was vast and riddled with restrictions. As long as they entered the Immortal Palace, they wouldn't fear being surrounded by humans.“Immortal Palace,”Saint King Green Fox scoffed, her laughter carrying a meaning that Bai Xiao and the other demons couldn't fathom.“The Immortal Palace is out of reach now. However, this King is in need of assistance, so you shall come with me.”With that, Saint King Green Fox turned and flew towards the Boundless Immortal Sect.The demons exchanged glances, all a little surprised, but not daring to disobey, they quickly followed.“It truly is a Soul Transformation Tribulation…”Passing through the cloud wall and entering the Boundless Immortal Sect, Bai Xiao Demon King, despite his high cultivation, was immensely shocked by the sight towards Emperor-Bestowed Mountain.‘Rumble…’Deep within the ancient abode, thunder roared, shaking the heavens.Dark clouds covered the sky there, with boundless thunder and lightning raining down.Not only was it a Soul Transformation Heavenly Tribulation, but he had already successfully weathered the Yin Fire and Bi Wind. Judging by the distant might of the tribulation, the final calamity was likely imminent.“This…”Demon King Bai Xiao looked at Saint King Green Fox's back, wanting to speak but hesitating.They were about to personally witness the birth of another Soul Transformation cultivator among the human race!Saint King Green Fox led her subordinates to land on a mountaintop, where Sage Huiguang stood, gazing at the horizon. Upon seeing the old monk, all the demons instantly fell silent, as if frozen.“It’s Zi Lei.”Sage Huiguang let out a long sigh, “This child possesses extraordinary talent. True Monarch Danyun once stated that among all past True Monarchs of the Eight Sceneries Temple, he could rank among the top three. He should have soared straight to the nine heavens…”When Saint King Green Fox looked at the figure within the tribulation lightning, she too put away her smile, her expression solemn.It was not about anything else, but rather respect for a fellow cultivator and a sense of regret.Sage Huiguang vanished in a flash, and Saint King Green Fox also swept up her demons, flying skyward, hurtling towards Emperor-Bestowed Mountain amidst the anti-flight restrictions and arrays of killing spirit swords.

On Emperor-Bestowed Mountain.True Lord Zi Lei wore a thunder robe, with the Eight Scenery Palace Lantern floating above his head, and his Zi Lei followers protected him on both sides.As the heavenly lightning descended, the surroundings transformed into an endless domain of thunder, yet he remained safe.The illusory scenery of the palace lantern unfurled in the void, unleashing all its divine abilities. He continuously overcame the Three Calamities, his momentum surging like a rainbow, showing no signs of weakness.On the mountain, a person underwent tribulation; below the mountain, people vied for their own paths.Zhu Wudao suddenly pulled the divine statue back before him.As the chains tightened, the Demon Child was dragged out.It could then be seen that blood-red runes covered the Demon Child's body. Zhu Wudao, having personally orchestrated the blood sacrifice and refined the divine statue, knew it inside out. It was now not difficult for him to secretly manipulate things.Of course, his greatest reliance was his profound understanding of ancient demons.His eyes, now inexplicably black, emanated a terrifying aura as he stared directly at the Demon Child, as if seeing through to its very core. In an instant, countless runes surged into the Demon Child's body. Though seemingly crude, they acted like unraveling silk, peeling away the Demon Child's origin.His timing was so precise, and his actions so swift, that before those above could ascertain what was happening, he had already completed the process and suppressed it with a demonic seal.His other reliance was the Spirit-Suppressing Incense.For him to devour the Demon Child's origin with only Nascent Soul cultivation was akin to a snake swallowing an elephant. The Spirit-Suppressing Incense could stabilize his nascent soul, ensuring the smooth completion of the secret technique and blocking the fiercest initial impact from the Demon Child's origin.The demonic seal, carrying the Demon Child's origin, submerged into Zhu Wudao's body.Zhu Wudao's aura surged wildly!