With the tribulation cloud's dispersing and sunlight breaking through, a warm, pure spiritual energy spontaneously generated, flowing into Xiao Qi's body like spring rain nourishing the earth. The changes within his body were beyond description.
His Nascent Soul, that small humanoid figure seated in his sea of consciousness, suddenly opened its eyes. Those eyes contained both its original simplicity and a newfound depth and brilliance. The Nascent Soul slowly rose, and as it rose, it began to transform.
Where it previously resembled a translucent infant, it now rapidly matured. Features became distinct, spiritual aura increased exponentially, becoming indistinguishable from Xiao Qi's main consciousness. This was the essence of Spirit Transformation—transformation of the spiritual to become the true self, no longer needing a separate form to house the soul.
Simultaneously, his physical body underwent a baptism of fire. Though the external thunder tribulation had ended, residual tribulation energy within his body continued refining his flesh and meridians. Each cell was purified, strengthened, infused with spiritual essence. His skin, which had been ordinary in appearance, now faintly glowed with a healthy luster, as if a jade statue had come to life.
His cultivation base also underwent a qualitative transformation. The spiritual energy within his dantian, previously limited by Nascent Soul stage, now seemed to break through some invisible boundary, surging with terrifying force through his entire body, then settling into a new, stable state. This was Spirit Transformation success—the leap from mortal to immortal, from Nascent Soul to Spirit Transformation!
Xiao Qi slowly opened his eyes. His gaze was calm yet profound, as if capable of seeing through all deception and illusion, understanding the essence of all things. The halo behind his head seemed to solidify into reality, becoming a faint, indistinct circle of light that added an indescribably sacred aura to his already handsome features.
He slowly rose from his seated position. Though just a simple action, it seemed to make the very space around him tremble. His body felt unprecedentedly light, as if he could float at will, yet also weighty, as if connected to the earth itself.
He raised his right hand, studying it carefully. His spiritual sense could now clearly sense every cell in his body, every thread of spiritual energy, every subtle change in the surrounding world. This was completely different from Nascent Soul stage perception—this was the comprehensive enhancement brought by Spirit Transformation, the true transcendence of life level!
"It is done," he murmured, a faint smile on his lips. No ecstasy, no arrogance, only a serene satisfaction—the satisfaction of one who had finally taken that legendary step through years of hardship and effort.
At this moment, Senior Brother Mu Qingfeng, Third Sister Liu Yun, and others guarding outside the forbidden zone finally couldn't contain their excitement. They had sensed that the tribulation cloud was dissipating, and the energy fluctuations from the back mountain were transforming from chaotic to peaceful, eventually becoming calm yet profound, completely different from any energy level they had ever sensed!
"He succeeded! Xiao Qi succeeded!" Senior Brother Mu Qingfeng's voice trembled with irrepressible emotion. Tears welled in his eyes.
Third Sister Liu Yun's usual icy demeanor melted; she covered her mouth with her hand, eyes filled with tears of joy and disbelief. Throughout the cultivation world since ancient times, countless geniuses had failed at the Spirit Transformation threshold, yet today, someone they knew, someone they had grown up with, had actually succeeded!
Zhao Tiezhu was so excited he didn't know what to do with his hands, repeatedly punching the air, his roar echoing through the mountains: "Brother Xiao Qi! You're awesome!"
At Alliance headquarters, Second Brother Luo Feng's virtual image had already gone crazy with calculations: "Energy readings completely stabilized! Completely stabilized at an unprecedented level! This is real Spirit Transformation! It's really real!"
Soon, Xiao Qi's figure appeared at the entrance of the back mountain forbidden zone, walking out slowly. His white robes remained undamaged, his face was calm, and that faint halo seemed to follow him, giving him an almost divine appearance.
Seeing him emerge, everyone instinctively knelt. This wasn't out of fear but from genuine reverence—this was a Spirit Transformation True Lord, a legendary existence, one who had transcended the limitations of ordinary cultivators!
Xiao Qi raised his hand gently: "Rise, everyone."
His voice was no longer loud, yet it clearly entered everyone's ears. It carried an indescribable charm, as if capable of calming all uneasiness and doubts.
He looked at Senior Brother Mu Qingfeng, at Third Sister Liu Yun, at Zhao Tiezhu, at the crowd of disciples, his gaze warm: "I have returned."
Three simple words, yet they contained the weight of years and the depth of emotion.
Mu Qingfeng rushed forward, grabbing Xiao Qi's shoulders, examining him over and over, words failing him: "Good, good, good..."
Xiao Qi smiled, patting his hand: "Senior Brother, I'm fine."
He then turned, gazing toward the distant horizon. Though he had reached the legendary Spirit Transformation realm, his eyes held no arrogance—only that unwavering determination to protect, now carrying the power to match his resolve.
"Brother, where are you looking?" Mu Qingfeng asked.
Xiao Qi's gaze seemed to pierce through countless mountains and rivers, seeing a faraway shadow: "Looking at the future."
Spirit Transformation success was merely a new beginning. The true test of this legendary realm was yet to come.