Chapter 26: The Tribulation Begins
Looking at the Primordial Purple Qi within the fragments of the Jade Butterfly of Creation, Xuantian stood frozen in place, disbelief written all over his face.
"Primordial Purple Qi… the foundation of the Dao itself!"
During the great sermon at Hongjun's Zixiao Palace, he had bestowed seven streams of this energy. Six of them were seized by the soon-to-be Six Heavenly Saints, leading to their rise as Saints.
In other words, a single stream of Primordial Purple Qi could elevate one to Sainthood.
As the old saying goes:
"To hear the truth in the morning, one can die in the evening."
If such a treasure appeared in the prehistoric world, even Heavenly Saints would be moved to take action. Though Saints may not personally need it, they have disciples, and a Saint's disciple could rise from this energy.
To a Quasi-Sage, it was a prize far greater than any supreme treasure.
With that realization, Xuantian carefully refined the purple energy into his primordial spirit.
As the Primordial Purple Qi merged within him, his spirit grew radiant. His understanding of the Great Dao expanded exponentially.
"This Qi is truly a supreme treasure of enlightenment, perhaps even greater than the fragments of the Jade Butterfly!"
"With this… I might really become a Saint one day!"
From that moment, Xuantian vowed never to reveal his possession of the Primordial Purple Qi until he reached Sainthood.
He understood not to show off your wealth until you can keep it.
After all, Hongyun was trapped in Wuzhuang Temple for the very same reason. Without Zhen Yuanzi's Earth Book and the Hunyuan Ancestral Vein Formation, he would have been torn apart long ago.
"Once Hongyun falls, the great catastrophic tribulation will start… I must cultivate the Nine Revolutions Profound Art first!"
A sense of urgency filled Xuantian. A terrifying opportunity meant nothing if he couldn't transform it into true power.
He immediately sat cross-legged and began cultivating the supreme body-refining method passed down from the great god Pangu—the Nine Revolutions Profound Art.
Each "revolution" represented a leap:
First: Profound Immortal, Second: Golden Immortal, Third: Taiyi Golden Immortal, Fourth: Daluo Golden Immortal, Fifth: Quasi-Sage, and by the sixth, even Sage Power was achievable.
Compared to the body refinement technique he received from the system, which only reached the Daluo Golden Immortal level, this was on a completely different level.
To his surprise, the Nine Revolutions Profound Art was not complicated at all. The cultivation was astonishingly smooth.
Unconsciously, he advanced to the late third stage, his body now equivalent to a late Taiyi Golden Immortal. His earlier strength was only mid-stage Taiyi, yet he had advanced, not regressed.
"Not only is it easy to cultivate, but it consumes far less energy than others."
Even more miraculous, his body began radiating a faint, clear light—a divine protection that nullified supernatural power.
Normally, only a physically refined Daluo Golden Immortal could form this Protective Clearing Light. But Xuantian achieved it while still at the Taiyi Golden Immortal level!
"This really is the supreme physical cultivation method! Even the Eight-Nine Profound Art practiced by Taiyi Zhenren is garbage compared to this."
Soon, he started practicing the Nine Revolutions Primordial Art and advanced it to the middle third level. Though his cultivation realm remained unchanged, his spiritual energy underwent a qualitative transformation—far more potent for casting spells or wielding treasures.
"Next, I'll comprehend the Dao within the fragments of the Jade Butterfly of Creation!"
Immersing himself in the divine Dao-rhyme light of the fragments, Xuantian felt his spirit become clear and sharp. The Purple Qi within him revealed layers of deeper mysteries.
As the Golden Wheel of Merit evolved, so did the Dao laws within. Among the Ten Great Dao, he chose to begin with the Dao of Time.
1%...
2%...
3%...
His comprehension progressed rapidly.
Meanwhile...
Outside Wuzhuang Temple, the winds of chaos gathered.
Powerful Demon Qusai-Saints, the 3,000 guests of Zixiao Palace, and the East Sea Immortal Alliance led by the Eastern King were all encircling the temple.
There were hundreds of Daluo Golden Immortals, and dozens of Quasi-Sages, their eyes cold and murderous.
If not for Zhen Yuanzi's Hunyuan Ancestral Vein Formation, Hongyun would've been slain long ago.
Inside, Hongyun was fully immersed in refining the Primordial Purple Qi, fully aware of the danger surrounding him.
But the opportunity to become a Saint was right before him. How could he walk away?
"If I attain Sainthood, I'll transcend this mortal fate."
Suddenly—
Buzz!
The purple Qi pulsed. Hongyun's face lit up with joy.
The energy was moving! This was it - the moment of enlightenment!
But then... the Qi began pulling him beyond Wuzhuang Temple.
His expression flickered. Leaving the formation was suicidal.
Yet...
"To hear the truth in the morning... to die in the evening. It's worth it."
He was already a mid-stage Quasi-Sage and among the fastest of his rank. Even if things went wrong, he had confidence he could escape.
With resolve, he stood.
"Hongyun, what are you doing?"
Zhen Yuanzi snapped, glaring at him. The protective formation couldn't guard him once he left.
"I've made up my mind."
Zhen Yuanzi's face changed. Hongyun, usually good-natured, was now radiating an unshakable will.
After a long silence,
"Take care."
He stepped aside.
"Thank you."
Hongyun no longer hesitated. A flash of red light soared into the sky.
"What? Hongyun's coming out!"
"Chase him!"
"The Primordial Purple Qi belongs to our Demon Clan!"
"Nonsense! It belongs to the East Sea Immortal Alliance!"
The moment Hongyun appeared, the world around Wuzhuang Temple exploded into action. Countless figures launched into the sky with killing intent.
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(End of Chapter 26)