Chapter 253: Hunting Journey

When the two colossal beasts struck together, their terrifying physical power erupted instantly. Even though Bai Lianxue's Sacred Lotus Bone could significantly immunize her against external forces and reduce the risk of actual physical injury, in a direct confrontation, they were simply not in the same league.

Sensing the formidable power output from her opponents, Bai Lianxue used her Buddhist cultivation techniques to conjure a golden phantom outline. Although the Spirit Devouring Beasts were mighty, they survived by consuming spiritual energy to bolster their physical strength, and their mental prowess was not exceptional. Consequently, they couldn't immediately distinguish Bai Lianxue's decoy, and a powerful, real blow still landed squarely on the illusion.

Seizing this crucial window, Bai Lianxue decisively turned and retreated, positioning herself at a relatively safe distance.

However, this only offered a temporary reprieve, not a lasting solution.

As the two colossal creatures drew nearer, everyone gradually began to fall back, continuously closing in on Xu Yang and the Empress.

Meanwhile, the Tao Heart Duster continuously emanated a soft golden glow, enveloping both Xu Yang and the Empress.

Roar!!

With a sky-shattering roar, the two Spirit Devouring Beasts finally lost patience and unleashed a destructive, gravity-infused palm strike.

The people below struggled to resist, but ultimately found it difficult to withstand such overwhelming pressure.

Just as this protective barrier was on the verge of collapsing, the golden light instantly expanded, engulfing and shielding everyone within its embrace.

Terrifying waves of aura instantly permeated the entire island, and a golden pillar of light shot heavenward. It was as if the hazy island space had been entirely ignited by a radiant light, nurturing hope.

"Oh my goodness! Could it be that..."

Everyone gazed at the golden light in profound shock. Immediately after, Xu Yang and the Empress abruptly opened their eyes, radiating incredibly powerful auras.

"To dare to harm our people, the Spirit Devourer Beast lineage must truly be tired of living!"

Xu Yang and the Empress stepped forward side-by-side in mid-air, and a vast golden light instantly diffused, completely aweing the two colossal creatures before them. From deep within the surrounding island, terrifying roars of demonic beasts continuously echoed, as if welcoming the arrival of deities, bowing in reverence towards Xu Yang and the Empress.

"This aura is the most terrifying I have ever witnessed in my life. They both must have absorbed the complete Dragon Source Power, and their strength has advanced to an unprecedented level!"

Everyone exhaled a long breath, gazing at Xu Yang and the Empress with immense excitement.

Xu Yang gently raised his hand, and behind him, a golden sword light materialized.

There was no terrifying sound wave explosion as one might expect. The sword light was as serene as a cloud, gently floating towards the two Spirit Devouring Beasts before them.

However, everyone soon realized the extraordinary nature of this sword. Wherever the sword light passed, even the void seemed completely sealed, making it impossible to move even an inch.

"My heavens, is that... integrating a domain-like power into his swordsmanship? This is truly astonishing!"

Everyone was utterly dumbfounded, except for the Empress, who watched it all with a calm expression. She was, without a doubt, the one most aware of Xu Yang's current power.

Faced with the overwhelming pressure radiating from the sword, the two Spirit Devouring Beasts simultaneously knelt, whimpering tremulously in their shock to express their submission. The arrogant aura they had just displayed while tormenting Long Kun and the others had completely vanished.

"Now, I will grant you a chance to live. Tell me about the situation on this island."

As Xu Yang spoke, the two Spirit Devouring Beasts began whimpering and chattering for a long time. Apart from Xu Yang himself, no one could understand what the creatures were saying.

"The Tribulation Transcendence Realm! Our leader has likely broken through to the Tribulation Transcendence Realm, reaching the pinnacle attainable by human cultivators!"

"What did you say?"

Bai Lianxue and the others looked at Long Kun in astonishment.

"I once heard my grandmother say that cultivators with divine beast bloodlines and human cultivators who have surpassed the Tribulation Transcendence Realm can communicate with all spirits; any life form can interact with them without hindrance. Now that our leader can understand the sounds of these demonic beasts, it indicates he has broken through to the Tribulation Transcendence Realm! Even if his formal cultivation realm hasn't changed, his combat ability and physical instincts have already surpassed this level."

Everyone collectively gasped in shock.

"My heavens! Is he truly a peak expert of the Tribulation Transcendence Realm? In our Cold Moon Empire's hundreds of thousands of years of legacy, only the founding emperor, Cold Moon, ever reached such a realm... A realm previously only encountered in legends has now appeared before our very eyes!"

The young women from the Cold Moon Empire also appeared exceptionally excited.

Being exceptionally intelligent young women, they naturally understood their master, the Empress', feelings for Xu Yang. Even if Xu Yang were incredibly oblivious, he couldn't entirely ignore it. With the Empress and Xu Yang's relationship, the Cold Moon Empire would undoubtedly gain a formidable patron in the future.

"Very well then, you two may choose for yourselves. You decide who you wish to offer your sacrifice to."

Xu Yang spoke again, once more drawing everyone's attention.

"What? They were suppressed just like that? Without even needing to lift a finger?"

Ling Qingshu smiled at Long Kun, "If it were you, would you dare to engage someone in the Tribulation Transcendence Realm? Their actions are merely the most correct instinct. Seeking advantage and avoiding harm is the path to survival!"

The two Spirit Devouring Beasts became completely docile, obediently approaching the group.

The male Spirit Devouring Beast on the left chose Bai Lianxue, while the female beast on the right chose Ling Yao.

These two were currently the strongest members of the team, besides the Empress and Xu Yang. Of course, Long Kun had also reached their level, but due to the overly dominant fire-attributed spiritual energy within him, not all demonic beasts could adapt to survive alongside him.

*Zing!*

Soon, two purplish-red sacrificial lights simultaneously flashed, as the two Spirit Devouring Beasts offered themselves to the two individuals. Massive spiritual energy fluctuations surged wildly into their bodies, truly subjecting them to a powerful, transformative metamorphosis. Aided by this sacrificial energy, both Bai Lianxue and Ling Yao successfully broke through the Nascent Soul Realm, crossing the crucial threshold into the Divine Infant Realm.

In the Three Thousand Dao Provinces, cultivators of the Divine Infant Realm could already stand shoulder to shoulder with the elders of the Thousand Cloud Sect. Although still slightly less powerful than the sect master, Qianyun Liefeng, they were considered figures of the same caliber. Regardless of which faction or power they visited, they would undoubtedly be prominent and respected individuals.

With their breakthroughs, Xu Yang's team's overall strength advanced significantly.

"Congratulations on crossing this crucial bottleneck into the Divine Infant Realm! Many individuals of astonishing talent fail to transcend this threshold in their entire lives. This is because advancing from the Grand Perfection Nascent Soul Realm to the Divine Infant Realm not only demands a deep cultivation foundation but also a transformative opportunity. Fortunately, you did not miss this chance."

Ling Qingshu was genuinely delighted for these two companions in her team. Although there was a considerable difference in their seniority, they had grown to get along harmoniously, like siblings.