Chapter 544: Ao Yi's Tribulation Crossing to Golden Immortal, Waves Arise Outside Little Qiong Peak

At the Heavenly Court, in front of the Grand White Palace, Li Changshou sat in a round-backed armchair, observing the bustling square before the hall. Today's excitement was due to nothing else but Ao Yi's imminent tribulation to ascend to Golden Immortal status.

For a dragon king's bloodline, undergoing the Golden Immortal tribulation was not inherently difficult. Furthermore, Ao Yi was a Heavenly Court general, serving the Heavenly Dao, and had already been inducted into the ranks of the gods, so there was little need to worry about his tribulation. Of course, for safety's sake, Li Changshou had still given Ao Yi a large supply of his most potent Seventh-Grade life-saving pills in advance. The paper effigy present carried a Nine-Turn Golden Elixir, ready to be thrown to Ao Yi if he couldn't withstand the Golden Immortal tribulation.

Speaking of which, the cultivation path for dragons was indeed much simpler than for humans. Human cultivation involved: initiation, acquiring methods, absorbing spiritual energy, fasting, purifying the physical body, comprehending the Great Dao, building a Dao foundation, accumulating cultivation, and finally achieving immortality and enlightenment. Most human Qi Refiners either perished in combat or grew old and died at a bottleneck.

Dragon cultivation, however, was: awakening the bloodline, further awakening the bloodline, deeply awakening the bloodline, and then Golden Immortal longevity! It was as if they were told: "You are now a qualified battle dragon with a dragon king's bloodline. Continue striving to reach the Grand Unity Realm, and you can become a qualified dragon king candidate."

This was why the three tribes of 'sea, air, and land' — represented by the Dragon, Phoenix, and Qilin clans — after long periods of unimpeded development in ancient times, possessed the power to shatter the ancient primordial world. Therefore, with Ao Yi undergoing his tribulation today, Li Changshou decided to hold a small 'event' to boost the Heavenly Court's morale.

Gathered before the Grand White Palace were Ao Yi's wife, the Sea Clan's little princess Jiang Si'er, along with several dragon princes and elders from the Four Seas Dragon Clan. Most of the others present were Heavenly Court generals. All of Ao Yi's friends were present, and some Heavenly Court rogue immortals had also come to join the excitement and show their support.

Behind Li Changshou, Princess Longji of the Heavenly Court sat with her eyes closed, recuperating. A flower basket hung from her wrist, holding a congratulatory gift for Ao Yi. To Longji's right were Golden Roc and Ling Zhuzi, the former in golden battle armor, the latter in a long green robe. Near a jade pillar not far behind, a small head peeked out. It wore two rabbit-ear hairpins and cautiously observed the scene. This was naturally the little jade rabbit sent by Chang'e to deliver a congratulatory gift. Oh, Ling Zhuzi's good friend.

Speaking of Chang'e, Li Changshou was reminded of Senior Lang's 'Annals'. The more he pondered them, the more he felt... this senior from his hometown was truly outrageous! Apparently, the initial outbreak of the War Between the Lich Clans was because Senior Lang had gone "stealing perfume and pilfering jade" (a euphemism for illicit affairs), and his tracks were discovered by the Demon Court. Then, the Demon Emperor, enraged, furiously bellowed, "Who dares trespass into the Heavenly Court?" A certain Ancestral Witch, upon hearing this, burst into laughter and retorted, "How can a mere Demon Court possibly stop us brothers from coming and going as we please?" The Demon Emperor then cursed, "By my mother! The war begins today! I vow to slaughter all the Witches!" And that's how the first War Between the Lich Clans erupted, leading to widespread devastation? Yet, in the words of Saint Nuwa, it became a statement about behind-the-scenes manipulation instigating the war?

This was a bit too much... A few vulgar human terms caught in Li Changshou's throat, and he silently swallowed them back. No wonder Senior Lang became a Heavenly Dao taboo! These were just the things he bothered to write in the 'Annals'; who knew how many more frivolous acts he committed that weren't recorded! From this perspective alone, Li Changshou felt that the Dao Ancestor truly... did a splendid job. A little complaint from a fellow native.

Although they were from the same origin, their philosophies weren't necessarily alike, and their worldviews could be poles apart. For instance, regarding matters of affection, Li Changshou and Yun Xiao were now quite enamored with each other. Yet, because Yun Xiao faced tribulation ahead, he had subconsciously avoided developing their relationship too quickly. He wished to help Yun Xiao overcome her tribulation first before discussing trivial matters like cohabitation. There were some things Li Changshou couldn't avoid, and he longed for them. However, the timing was not ripe, and conditions did not permit it. If he didn't prioritize Yun Xiao's upcoming tribulation, it would clearly show an unwillingness to take responsibility...

Although there were many strategies, they must be used for righteous purposes. Confront those who should be confronted, and scheme for matters that should be schemed, otherwise, one would inevitably suffer karmic backlash — a great taboo for the "Steady Sect"!

From the 'Annals', Li Changshou could currently draw few conclusions. Firstly, if Senior Lang wasn't just boasting, he likely encountered Pangu the Great God during the creation of heaven and earth. Senior Lang mentioned a 'second consciousness' and "this body's cultivation is already so high." Li Changshou pondered this for a long time and settled on the most probable storyline: Due to the fluctuations of creation, Lang arrived in the Primordial World, befriended Pangu the Great God, and then for some reason, suffered severe injuries. Either Pangu or Senior Lang himself then formed a body and cultivated a second consciousness, allowing this consciousness to cultivate independently while his original consciousness fell into a long slumber, only awakening much later.

When the Heavenly Dao destroyed Senior Lang, it likely left no trace. Furthermore, Lang deliberately kept his distance from Saint Nuwa, probably fearing retribution after Nuwa became a Saint... This point was actually commendable. The most peculiar aspect of the 'Annals' lay in the last few entries, which revealed Senior Lang's confusion, bewilderment, and even self-negation. Senior Lang's emotions were clearly amiss, and connecting this with what Dao Ancestor Hongjun said about Senior Lang wanting to destroy heaven and earth for unknown reasons, the pieces seemed to fit together... What exactly did Senior Lang mean when he said "wrong"?

Li Changshou sat in his armchair, lost in thought for a while, until his gaze caught Ao Yi approaching, clearing all doubts from his mind. Insufficient information made it difficult to form effective conclusions. If he had the opportunity to learn more history in the future, he would ponder these old events then.

Ao Yi quickly approached. As a Heavenly Court junior general of considerable renown, Ao Yi had also dressed elaborately today. He wore a golden helmet adorned with dragon patterns, half-body chainmail of interwoven golden links, and a dark combat skirt embroidered with soaring azure dragons, which shimmered against the dragon pearls on his long boots. This entire ensemble consisted of spiritual treasures, and it was the first time Ao Yi wore non-Heavenly Court standard armor since his ascension. After all, today was also the Second Prince of the East Sea Dragon Palace's tribulation. Although the Dragon King and Dragon Mother weren't personally present, several dragon elders and talents had come. Ao Yi needed to be appropriately high-profile. He had to maintain the external image of the Dragon Clan, a prominent family of the Primordial World!

Ao Yi arrived before the hall, clasped his fists, and saluted Li Changshou, declaring loudly: "Ao Yi, Deputy Commander of the Heavenly River Naval Forces, wishes to undergo tribulation today to achieve the Golden Immortal Dao Fruit! I specially report this to Lord Star Monarch!"

Li Changshou rose. Although he appeared as an elderly immortal with white hair and white brows, he still caught the eye of many fairies. Of course, more fervent gazes came from the Heavenly Soldiers and Generals. Li Changshou helped Ao Yi up and smiled, "We are brothers; there's no need for such formality. Today, you are to brave the Golden Immortal Heavenly Chasm. As your elder brother, I have little more to assist you with. All necessary advice has been given. At this moment, I can only wish you complete success, the achievement of the Golden Immortal Grand Dao, and for you to become another mighty general for the Heavenly Court!"

Ao Yi looked up at Li Changshou, his face, which had become far more steady and mature than in his youth yet still retained a hint of delicacy, was now full of gratitude. He nodded heavily, then turned to glance at Jiang Si'er, cupping his fists and flexing his arm at her. Then, he resolutely turned, leaped into the air, transformed into a six-hundred-zhang long azure dragon, and with a flick of his tail, soared hundreds of miles away!

"Husband!" Jiang Si'er chased a few steps forward, her beautiful eyes filled with a trace of worry. Li Changshou said, "No need to worry, it's a sure thing." Jiang Si'er smiled gratefully, her gaze reluctant to leave the shadow of the azure dragon.

The azure dragon coiled within the clouds, and following his Sect Leader Brother's previous instructions, he let out a low roar: "I humbly request the Heavenly Dao to bestow the Golden Immortal Heavenly Tribulation!" No sooner had Ao Yi's cry faded than several thunderous roars echoed, and the atmosphere within a thousand-mile radius of the Grand White Palace changed drastically! The sky of the Seventh Heaven was obscured by dark clouds, and an incredibly dense tribulation power converged above the azure dragon's head, forming layer upon layer of pagoda-like structures!

A nine-layered black pagoda truly hung suspended in the sky, and three thousand gods and demons appeared in shadow! A Heavenly General, originating from a Jie Sect immortal lineage, couldn't help but gasp at this moment: "Ah? It's actually a Nine-Layered Golden Immortal Tribulation!" — Indeed, not as professional as an immortal from a Jie Sect Saint's Daoist temple.

Li Changshou sensed it carefully for a moment, a faint smile gracing his lips. Although this Golden Immortal tribulation was powerful, Ao Yi's true dragon body was formidable. The chance of success was ninety percent... ahem, ninety-seven percent. The extra zero point one percent was for the Dao Ancestor's slight mood.

At this moment, Ao Yi did not disappoint Li Changshou. As a veteran figure of the "Steady Sect," he roared upwards: "Ao Yi, Deputy Commander of the Heavenly River Naval Forces, Second Son of the East Sea Dragon King! Many thanks, Lord Heavenly Dao, for taking time out of your busy schedule to strike!" The moment his words fell, the lightning tribulation, which had been brewing, instantly poured down! A purple and blue curtain of lightning cascaded like a waterfall, and mighty heavenly power surged. The Heavenly Gates were illuminated, and the azure dragon was directly engulfed!

*Roar—* A dragon's roar pierced through the lightning curtain! When the lightning subsided, the azure dragon's scales were slightly scorched, and parts of his back were lacerated. His dragon eyes, however, were filled with determination. He raised his head and let out a low growl at the tribulation clouds above. "Again!"

A moment later, the lightning flashed again... Li Changshou had already returned to his armchair, a smile reappearing on his lips. Many Heavenly Generals, who had been worried whether Ao Yi could endure the Golden Immortal tribulation, felt much relieved upon seeing the expression of the Grand White Star Monarch. As for the visiting dragons... they were confident, supremely confident from beginning to end. If even the Dragon King's Second Prince couldn't overcome the Golden Immortal tribulation, there would be no point for the Dragon Clan to continue existing in heaven and earth.

Li Changshou noticed these details and tapped his fingers on the armrest of his chair. The decay of the Dragon Clan, in truth, lay in the two words: 'bloodline'. Relying on the power of their bloodline, the Dragon Clan had established a rigid internal hierarchy. When the East Sea Eye was broken and the Dragon Clan suffered their tribulation, that black jiao had indeed created some cracks in this order, but it remained incredibly solid. His teacher had reminded him to guard against the Dragon Clan's complacency and arrogance, which could disrupt the hard-won stability of the Heavenly Court. This matter required careful consideration.

To his side, Bian Zhuang walked over, lowered his head, and quietly asked, "Lord Star Monarch, may this humble general... livestream this event using a bronze mirror?" "Of course," Li Changshou smiled, "Just remember not to speak carelessly or make baseless remarks." "Yes, sir!" Bian Zhuang delightedly agreed at once.

In a flash, over a hundred figures flew into the air, each holding two bronze mirrors, positioned at slight distances, and began livestreaming the grand tribulation from various angles! As the third heavenly tribulation began to descend upon Ao Yi, lightning and heavenly fire soared together, and dragon blood mingled with spiritual energy, splashing about.

Li Changshou closed his eyes, leaving a portion of his mind here to observe Ao Yi's condition, ready to throw the Nine-Turn Golden Elixir at any moment. The rest of his mind returned to his main body. His main body opened its eyes in an open clearing on Little Qiong Peak.

*Sigh*, it was time for the Heavenly Dao's 'caring' session once again, occurring once per tribulation. He understood the rules: ninety-eight percent heavenly punishment. Now that his Eight-Nine Arcane Art had achieved some success and the one and a half drops of Ancestral Witch essence blood were fully assimilated, what was the big deal about being struck by the Dao Ancestor? If it were someone else, they might not even get such treatment! Feeling inspired, Li Changshou composed a poem especially for this.

"On Being Struck"Anonymous of the Primordial World

When I was young, heavenly tribulations were terrifying immortal flesh-roasting machines, life on one side, immortality on the other.As I grew older, heavenly tribulations were formidable passes laid before me, life on one side, longevity on the other.But later, oh, heavenly tribulations became streaks of purple divine lightning, life on one side, my backside on the other...

Suffering could also be enjoyed.

Ao Yi began to undergo the fourth heavenly tribulation! Li Changshou looked up at the gloomy sky, a faint smile on his lips, and cupped his hands towards the heavens.

After another round... Ao Yi began to undergo the fifth heavenly tribulation. Li Changshou's brows furrowed slightly, feeling a bit nervous. He had a hunch that the Heavenly Dao was brewing a major move, and he still needed to prepare more illusionary formations this time... Ao Yi began to undergo the sixth heavenly tribulation... Ao Yi began to undergo the seventh heavenly tribulation, and Ao Yi charged upwards!

With a valiant and fearless dragon's roar, the azure dragon directly collided with the nine-layered black pagoda tribulation clouds. Azure-blue shockwaves rippled far across the horizon, transforming into a fierce gale that swept across thousands of miles! For a moment, lightning flashed and thunder roared. Countless lightning bolts struck Ao Yi, and layers of heavenly fire enveloped the azure dragon's blood-stained body! Bathed in lightning and heavenly fire, the azure dragon vigorously thrashed its body, raising its head to unleash powerful roars, displaying its utter dominance!

Finally, layers of lightning brewed at the top of the pagoda, and a tribulation lightning orb, infused with the power of lightning, fire, wind, and water, drained the entire tribulation's energy and descended upon Ao Yi. The azure dragon was covered in blood, and a good portion of its scales were damaged, yet at this moment, it remained utterly fearless! Raising its head, lifting its claws, the slender dragon body stood erect. As it trembled, surges of bloodline power erupted. "I, Ao Yi, grandson of the Ancestral Dragon, son of the Dragon King! The pioneer of the Dragon Clan entering the Heavenly Court, I have completed my great task, but I will certainly become a pillar within my clan, and the left and right arm of my Sect Leader Brother!" Facing the final stage of the heavenly tribulation now, success meant soaring to the heavens, failure meant pulverization. He would have no regrets in his journey through heaven and earth! "May my Dragon Clan prosper eternally!"

*Roar—*

Ao Yi's dragon eyes erupted with brilliant light, and the reverse scale behind his dragon head shone with purplish-red brilliance. His dragon body flew straight up, crashing into the strongest strike of the heavenly tribulation! Transformation! Ascension! No regrets even in a hundred deaths, the battle spirit unyielding! Amidst earth-shattering thunderous explosions, Ao Yi's body was engulfed by lightning. Then, the tribulation power surged explosively, wildly assaulting every part of Ao Yi's body, and Ao Yi's primordial spirit was fiercely scorched by the fire of inner demons. He gritted his teeth and endured, refusing to let out a single groan of pain. His consciousness grew somewhat hazy, but in his heart, the conversation with his Sect Leader Brother from yesterday resurfaced:

"In the blink of an eye, you're about to face the Golden Immortal tribulation. I'm not worried about your strength, but I must ask: Is there any crack in your Dao heart?""Hmm... there is.""Oh? What is it?""A cold-faced old Daoist, a human Qi Refiner... but it doesn't matter anymore. He could never achieve what I have today. This time, with the Golden Immortal tribulation, I, Yi, will surely overcome this inner demon and will not disappoint you, elder brother.""Go for it! You can do it! Overcome your obsession... Ah ha ha ha ha, who doesn't have an embarrassing past!"

"That old Daoist!" Amidst the lightning, the blood-soaked Ao Yi suddenly roared, his voice echoing throughout the Heavenly Gates!

Li Changshou's spirit stirred, his Dao heart feeling a slight tremor, after all, the South Sea Dragon Cleansing case... It seemed as if Ao Yi's dragon body had directly exploded, but upon closer inspection, it was only Ao Yi's outermost dragon scales that had burst off. As he roared, blood light surged from various parts of his dragon body, and it rapidly expanded amidst the lightning tribulation! Silver-white dragon scales emerged from Ao Yi's spine, instantly enveloping his body. Silvery dragon manes flowed smoothly, emitting brilliant silver light, forcibly dispersing the last of the heavenly tribulation's power! A thousand-zhang long silver dragon soared into the sky, shattering the tribulation clouds, and roared upwards. In the ancient dragon tongue, it unleashed the cry it had awaited for years from the depths of its heart: "I'm not afraid of you anymore!"

Beside him, Jiang Si'er wept tears of joy, but Li Changshou's mouth twitched slightly, and he sighed inwardly. In the future, he should... be even kinder to Ao Yi.

But then again, why hadn't he suffered heavenly punishment this time, with his relative undergoing tribulation? Had the Dao Ancestor grown tired of it? Li Changshou frowned, realizing the matter was not simple, and sat there deep in thought. It seemed to be related to the degree of his interference with the heavenly tribulation.

With complex emotions, Li Changshou's main body entered an underground secret chamber, retreating to a safe place. His paper effigy in the Heavenly Court also stood up, waiting with the Heavenly Soldiers and Generals for Ao Yi's return. Next was the celebratory immortal banquet for Ao Yi. Although it would be lively, it wouldn't require much mental effort.

After successfully passing his heavenly tribulation, Ao Yi's strength underwent a complete leap. For humans, the benefits of heavenly tribulations mostly focused on 'Dao comprehension'; however, for dragons, a tribulation baptism could ignite their bloodline, leading to a complete sublimation. Li Changshou later granted Ao Yi a few years of special leave, allowing him to spend quality time with Jiang Si'er and handle some social obligations in the Dragon Palace.

Half a month later, stability returned to various regions, but beneath this calm, undercurrents surged. The urgent bell tolls heard previously from the Immortal Du Sect were due to the sect facing a new round of threats. —Several outer sect deacons of the Immortal Du Sect had been ambushed while traveling outside, resulting in two deaths and six injuries. Fortunately, the Immortal Du Sect was no longer what it once was, and its Sect Master Ji Wuyou didn't directly act rashly this time. Knowing that a great tribulation loomed, he made a relatively prudent choice: he sealed the mountain.

Li Changshou paid close attention to this matter, using a paper effigy to investigate the forces behind the attack on the Immortal Du Sect. He discovered that the aggressors didn't have a clear major sect background, and their conflict with the Immortal Du Sect's outer sect deacons was due to a dispute over treasures... Was it the Tribulation's influence at play? Li Changshou did not lower his guard and continued to investigate the matter in secret.

Just as Li Changshou was worrying that the Immortal Du Sect would be embroiled in the immortal sect chaos and was beginning to plan how to help the sect survive this tribulation, two familiar guests from the Chan Sect arrived at the South Sea Sea God Temple, bringing Li Changshou a rather crucial piece of information. These so-called familiar guests from the Chan Sect were naturally Taiyi and Yuding.

The news they brought, however, was related to the consistently peaceful human mortal realm. True Man Yuding said, "I was originally in the Three Thousand Worlds, searching for the next training ground for my disciple Erlang, when unexpectedly, I encountered several Golden Immortal-level evil cultivators burning, killing, and plundering in a small immortal sect. After I struck them down and killed these evil cultivators, I found this jade talisman in their storage treasures." "Oh?"

Li Changshou took the jade talisman, placed it in the paper effigy's palm, and, bracing himself, carefully investigated its contents. His brows slowly furrowed. These evil cultivators had taken a job. Their employer instructed them to gather in the South Sea region of the Five Continents three months later. The information within the jade talisman was limited, only indicating the meeting location and various instructions. It merely revealed that this time, they were to go to the Southern Continent and assassinate several mortal emperors.

Could it be that someone was targeting the Shang tribe, supported by the Heavenly Court, intending to disrupt the rhythm of the Investiture of the Gods Tribulation? Would the Heavenly Dao simply stand by and do nothing in such a matter? No, that wasn't right either. Perhaps it was the Heavenly Dao's guidance that led True Man Yuding to encounter these evil cultivators and obtain this secret message. Although Sister Kong Xuan was stationed in the Shang tribe, Li Changshou still decided to proceed cautiously.

"Empress Houtu's seven-emotion reincarnation is playing in the Southern Continent; this matter must be taken seriously. Elder Brothers, are you free? Could you perhaps keep an eye on things in the Southern Continent?" True Man Yuding nodded with a smile, but True Man Taiyi frowned tightly and deliberated for a few moments, saying, "As for me, I think I'll pass."

"It's fine if Elder Brother is busy.""Well, it's not exactly urgent business, it's just... sometimes, Chang Geng, you know, my mouth has a mind of its own..." True Man Taiyi smiled wryly, "In short, just don't let me meet the seven-emotion reincarnation."

Li Changshou and True Man Yuding exchanged glances, and both couldn't help but laugh heartily, an unrestrained, carefree sound. At the same time, a jade talisman streaked across the sky of the East Continent, hurtling towards the Immortal Du Sect's mountain-protecting formation. Just as it was about to strike the formation's thin, smooth light wall, it was firmly caught by a large hand.

"Cough, cough! Why did my old master suddenly send a message?"