Chapter 2094 : Abyssal Cauldron

With a resounding boom, the ultimate realm of the Abyssal Depths finally tore open completely. All 9 cultivators present raised their heads to gaze upon it, faint traces of elation flashing across their faces.

But deep within that ultimate realm, atop the massive Abyssal Ancient Cauldron, dozens of dazzling immortal lights drifted and shimmered, radiating an indescribable supreme divine power.

Among these dozens of treasures, even the lowest grade items were extraordinary rarities at the Chaos Treasure level, with several artifacts reaching the tier of Chaos Spiritual Artifacts.

Primordial Chaos Qi, Abyssal Divine Iron, Motherspring of Chaos, and a genuine Chaos Numinous Treasure.

The crowd present began to murmur softly, unable to suppress a trace of ecstasy from appearing on their faces.

Yet amidst those divine artifacts, a suit of armor forged from Abyssal Iron floated at the center, clearly a peerless defensive Chaos Spiritual Treasure.

Without the slightest hesitation, Zhichang Fenjin charged directly toward Qizhen, his voice brimming with arrogance as he declared.

"Esteemed assembly, among these treasures, I seek only this 'Abyssal Battle Attire'."

"You think obtaining this treasure will be that simple?"

The Chaos Dragon Lord instantly made his move, riding atop a Primordial Divine Spear as he soared into the air, intercepting the wildly arrogant Blazeheart Incinerator.

The others present also sprang into action, most charging toward the set of Abyssal Battle Armor.

Witnessing this scene, a glimmer of understanding flickered in Eldrin’s eyes as a trace of clarity dawned upon his expression.

Among all the primordial chaos spiritual treasures, Primordial Chaos Qi was 1 of the most common yet vital resources.

The value of a Chaos Spiritual Treasure was typically about twice that of Primordial Chaos Qi.

However, among Chaos Spiritual Treasures, those of the armor and battle-garment types are often far more precious than ordinary Chaos Spiritual Treasures.

A Chaos Spiritual Treasure of the battle armor type not only enhances the Chaos Heavenly Emperor's defensive capabilities but also amplifies his combat prowess. Among Chaos Spiritual Treasures, it stands as a superior-grade defensive artifact.

Most crucially, the battle armor relied on its own Chaos Dao Patterns and inherent sturdiness for passive defense, essentially consuming none of the Chaos Celestial Emperor's mana.

While ordinary Chaos Spirit Treasures possess immense power, activating them is an exceedingly arduous task. Generally speaking, an ordinary Chaos Celestial Emperor can only wield a single Chaos Spirit Treasure at any given time.

On this foundation, the more Chaos Daos he mastered, the more Chaos Spirit Treasures the Chaos Celestial Emperor could simultaneously activate.

Under such circumstances, even a top-tier Chaos Celestial Emperor could only wield 2 Chaos Spiritual Treasures simultaneously, while a Half-Step Unity cultivator could manage no more than 3 at once.

In such circumstances, possessing a Chaos Spiritual Treasure battle armor would be equivalent to gaining an additional defensive-type Chaos Spiritual Treasure.

The Chaos Heavenly Emperor could then channel the surplus power to refine a Chaos Spiritual Treasure—either 1 of immense slaughtering prowess or specialized function—thereby augmenting his combat strength and expanding his arsenal.

Under such circumstances, Chaos Spiritual Treasures of the battle armor type were invariably of immense value, with owners being exceptionally rare throughout the 100 Realms of Blazing Capital.

As far as Eldrin (Person Name) knew, among the 20-some Half-Step Unity realm experts across the Blazing Central 100 Domains, fewer than half actually possessed Chaos Spiritual Armor (Magic Treasure).

The remaining half-step into Dao Union possessed no such treasures as their trump cards.

If they were to learn that there was a suit of the Chenyuan Battle Armor here, they would undoubtedly pay a staggering price to acquire it.

The assembled crowd understood the importance of the Abyssal Battle Armor, and thus most of them rushed to seize it.

With this thought, Eldrin exchanged a glance with the Black Abyss Demi-Saint, then declared resolutely, "A bird in the hand is worth 2 in the bush. Let us set aside the Abyssal Armor for now."

As the words faded, Eldrin was the first to shatter the primordial chaos, charging toward the myriad treasures.

Seizing the opportunity while everyone was focused on snatching the Sunken Abyss War Armor, no attention was paid to the other treasures.

Seizing this opportunity, Eldrin and the Black Abyss Demi-Saint joined forces, managing to seize over a dozen pieces of Abyssal Divine Iron—a treasure of chaotic rarity—in an astonishingly short time.

Not only that, Eldrin even charged toward that piece of Abyssal God Iron.

That was a piece of Abyssal Divine Iron of the Chaos Spirit Treasure level, whose value was in no way inferior to the Primordial Chaos Qi. Once it was fed to the Indomitable Chaos Iron, it would likely undergo an ultimate transformation.

"Damn it, if this fight continues, I'm afraid that Eldrin will become the biggest winner."

Seeing Eldrin scheme to seize the Abyssal God Iron, the Blazing Sun Incinerator who coveted the Abyssal Battle Armor could no longer remain idle.

The Blazing Central Incineration instantly harnessed the Chaotic Sky-Scorching Spear, tearing through the void as it descended upon Eldrin with an unstoppable divine might.

"They're here already."

Eldrin's gaze sharpened slightly as he instantly summoned the Chaos Heaven Halberd to block the strike.

In that very instant, a chilling gleam shot toward his back—Thunder Halberd Celestial Saint, astride a thunderous war halberd, tore through the void to join Blazing Central Ember Ash in besieging Eldrin (Person Name).

Clang—

Fortunately, at the critical moment, the Black Abyss Demi-Saint wielded the Black Abyss Emperor Spear to block the strike, shielding Eldrin’s rear.

In that instant, Eldrin and the Black Abyss Demi-Saint exchanged a glance, then joined forces with tacit understanding to confront the 2 Demi-Saints, erupting into an ultimate battle of transcendent ferocity.

From the very outset, this battle descended into absolute chaos. The 9 combatants, vying for the myriad Chaos Treasures, erupted into an unprecedented and earth-shattering confrontation.

The crowd gathered around the Abyssal Battle Armor, all focusing on this Chaos Battle Armor as the core, yet none were willing to relinquish the 3 Chaos Spiritual Treasures: the Primordial Chaos Qi, the Abyssal Divine Iron, and the Chaos Mother Spring.

Anyone who attempted to seize these treasures would inevitably face the united opposition of all others.

Thus, for the moment, none could seize these 4 supreme treasures.

The fierce battle raged on, stretching over 7 1000 exchanges in the blink of an eye. As it became clear that neither side could seize the treasure, alliances finally began to form among those present.

In an instant, the Crimson Phoenix Saintess, the Mist Veil Saintess, and the Chaos Dragon Lord exchanged glances, reaching an unspoken understanding in that fleeting moment.

Seizing the moment while the Blazing Central Ember and the Thunder Halberd Celestial Sage were assaulting Eldrin and the Abyssal Sub-Sage, they instantly launched themselves toward the center of the 4 divine treasures.

The Saintess of the Misty Azure and the Crimson Phoenix Maiden intercepted the Primordial Demon Ape and the Sage Lord of Verdant Sun, clearing the path for the Dragon Lord of Primordial Chaos to seize the treasures at the center of the conflict.

But then, the Chaos Dragon Lord instantly made his move, summoning boundless magic power to seize the Abyssal Battle Armor.

But at that very moment, the Abyssal Battle Armor seemed to be seized by some tremendous suction force,

An immense and overwhelming force seized hold of this treasure, making it momentarily impossible for the Chaos Dragon Lord to retrieve it.

"This is..."

Eldrin (Person Name) froze momentarily before lifting his gaze toward the heart of the battlefield.

Yet upon that massive Abyssal Cauldron, an invisible field enveloped the 3 treasures, generating an indescribable weight.

Pressed down by this immense force, seizing the Abyssal Battle Armor was nearly as difficult as overturning a vast, boundless sea of primordial chaos.

"It seems that to seize these Chaos Spiritual Treasures, 1 must first demonstrate sufficient strength to qualify for drawing them out from the cauldron."

Witnessing this scene, a scornful laugh escaped Chi Yan Fenjin’s lips before he spoke with a tone of icy detachment, “Chaos Dragon Lord, are you even capable of this?”

"Argh, rise for me!"

The Chaos Dragon Lord nearly went mad with fury. In an instant, he harnessed his Primordial True Form, transforming into an ancient true dragon that soared into the colossal cauldron. Coiling around the Abyssal Battle Armor, he sought to wrest it from its depths by force.

The power of the Unique True Form was boundless, vast enough to shake the very foundations of the Primordial Immortal Realm. At this moment, the Chaos True Dragon coiled around the Abyssal Battle Armor, nearly lifting it entirely as it began to inch away from the devouring pull of the Chaos Cauldron.

Yet the Abyssal Cauldron radiated with a scorching light, its pressure so immense it defied all reason. Just as the Abyssal Battle-Armor was about to break free from the colossal vessel, the cauldron’s power wrenched it back with irresistible force.

"Ah—"

On the verge of seeing all his efforts come to naught, the Chaos Dragon Lord was so enraged he nearly went mad, almost spurting a mouthful of rebellious blood on the spot.

Witnessing this, Lord Inferno Conflagration couldn't help but sneer, "Not even a single artifact can be retrieved—it seems the lineage of the Chaotic 9 Dragon Nest is nothing more than this."

Witnessing this scene, everyone present fell into a contemplative silence, their expressions tinged with solemnity.

At this moment, everyone ceased their battles, for they understood clearly that to seize the 4 Chaos Spirit Treasures within the Abyssal Colossal Cauldron, 1 must demonstrate sufficient power.

If their strength was insufficient to even retrieve the treasure, continuing to fight would be utterly meaningless.

The Crimson Phoenix Saintess pondered briefly before speaking directly, "The treasures within the Abyssal Cauldron are all suppressed by both the Abyssal Heaven and the cauldron itself."

"It seems sufficient power must be demonstrated to claim the 4 treasures within the cauldron."

Seeing this, the Azure Sun Sage couldn't help but smile faintly as he spoke, "Since that's the case, why don't we each employ our methods? Whoever retrieves the treasure shall claim it."

"Hmph—"

The crowd present responded with a derisive laugh, yet none deigned to answer the words of Saint Lord Qingyang.

Clearly, although this condition was quite reasonable, none of those present were willing to accept it.

Chi Yang Fen Jin let out a cold sneer and declared bluntly, "There are only 4 supreme treasures in the cauldron, yet 9 of us stand here. These treasures are far from sufficient for all."

"In my opinion, why don't we drive away those who are passing off fish eyes as pearls, and keep the strongest 4 to jointly retrieve the treasure?"

Upon hearing this, many among the crowd subtly shifted their expressions.

According to the method of Chi Yan Fen Jin, having mastered the Chaos Spiritual Treasure, Chi Yan Fen Jin was certain to secure 1 of the slots for rare treasures.

The Chaos Dragon Lord and the Crimson Phoenix Saintess, both standing at the pinnacle of the Half-Step Dao Union realm, each wielded a Chaos Spiritual Treasure. Their strength was simply beyond what any others could hope to match.

If that's the case, do the other 6 have to compete for just 1 spot?

Sure enough, upon hearing the words of Blazing Sun Incinerator, both the Chaos Dragon Lord and the Phoenix Celestial Maiden felt their hearts stir.

The Chaos Dragon Lord swept his gaze over the assembly before proposing, "Those of us who wield Chaos Spiritual Treasures rightfully deserve 3 of the slots."

"The remaining spot might as well be granted to Cangyan, the Female Sage."

As her words faded, the Saintess of Misty Dawn immediately revealed a trace of delight and promptly stepped behind the Crimson Phoenix Saintess.

In the blink of an eye, the 4 who had challenged the Celestial Emperor formed an alliance.

Witnessing this scene, the remaining 5 individuals underwent drastic changes in their expressions, their faces contorting with overwhelming fury.

Thunder Halberd Celestial Sage, Qingyang Sage Lord, and the Primordial Devil Ape all revealed expressions of unwillingness, their faces brimming with boundless fury.

However, the 4 supreme powerhouses on the opposing side had joined forces and even wielded a Chaos Spiritual Treasure(Magic Treasure), their strength likely surpassing that of our 5 by a notch.

After all, among the 5, the Eldrin Sub-Sage had yet to cultivate his Unique Divine Form, making him likely a notch weaker in strength.

With this thought, their brows furrowed slightly, revealing a flicker of fury tinged with unwillingness.

Seeing this, the Black Abyss Demi-Saint couldn't help but coldly remark, "Since possessing a Chaos Spiritual Treasure already secures 1 spot for the rare treasures, why shouldn't the Void-Returning Dao Ancestor claim 1 as well?"

"Daoist Guixu?" Chi Yan Fenjin let out a cold sneer, a trace of killing intent surfacing as he said, "I do not permit it. Is that reason sufficient?"

It turned out that Blazing Sun Incinerator had deliberately courted the Chaos Dragon Lord and the Crimson Phoenix Saintess in order to ostracize Eldrin.

The bargaining chip was that Saint Cangyan obtained the fourth slot.

As the most dazzling female prodigy to emerge across the 100 Domains of Blazing Center in the past 10,000 kalpas, the Azure Mist Saintess had countless suitors.

The Chaos Dragon Lord was 1 of the suitors of Misty Maiden Sage, while the Crimson Phoenix Saintess had also been a close friend of hers for many years.

It was precisely because of Saintess Cangyan that the 2 agreed to join forces with Blazing Central Ember Incineration.

After all, there were only 4 Chaos Spirit Treasures, yet 4 individuals present wielded Chaos Spiritual Artifacts. They could hardly exclude Zhiyang Fanjin—the direct descendant of a Harmony Path Supreme—from their ranks.

"Arrogant."

After comprehending all of this, the Black Abyss Demi-Saint’s killing intent surged, nearly unable to restrain himself from taking action.

Eldrin reached out to press it down, yet spoke calmly, "If we engage in a great battle, it will inevitably attract more powerful experts. You may not succeed in seizing the treasure."

The Crimson Phoenix Saintess nodded slightly and said with a gentle smile, "There's no need for haste, honored guests. Since we're taking this paramount treasure, we naturally won't let you leave empty-handed."

"The cauldron still contains several dozen Chaos Treasures. I can make the decision to relinquish them to you 5."

Witnessing this, Chi Yan Fen Jin suddenly turned his gaze toward the Ancient Demonic Ape, the Thunder Halberd Celestial Sage, and Qingyang Sage. "There are still 30-3 Chaos Treasures within the cauldron. Wouldn't it be excessive for 5 individuals to divide them?"

"Why don't the 7 of us join forces to drive away Eldrin and the Abyssal Sage? The remaining 30-some Chaos Treasures should be more than enough for you all to make a hefty profit."

Upon hearing this, the Thunder Halberd Celestial Sage decisively stepped forward to join the ranks of the 4.

Lord Qingyang contemplated for a moment before finally cupping his hands toward Eldrin (Person Name) and declaring, "Fellow Daoist, such are the circumstances. Do not blame this old man for standing against you."

Only the Primordial Demon Ape's gaze turned icy cold. He sneered and said, "Using power to intimidate others is something I have always despised. Today, I disdain to associate with the likes of you."

Having spoken, the Primeval Ape remained utterly motionless, yet its eyes blazed with overwhelming battle intent.

Eldrin felt a flicker of surprise that the Primordial Demon Ape had not chosen to kick him while he was down, but soon found this outcome only natural.

In ancient times, the reason the Primordial Demon Ape defected was due to his disdain for the conduct of Solar Celestial Emperor and Primordial Divine Monarch, leading him to flee into the 6 Domains of the Northern Abyss.

Now that he was unwilling to leverage his influence to intimidate others, it seemed to be within expectations.

But what Eldrin did not know was that before the Primordial Demon Ape made this choice, a moment of hesitation and struggle had surged within its heart.

To be fair, he really should have gone against his own temperament and principles to join forces with Chi Yan Fen Jin and the others. That way, he would have secured at least 11 Chaos Treasures as a guaranteed reward.

But before making a decision, he recalled his experiences within the Mysterious Heaven Ruins.

At that moment, the Profound Heaven Mirror revealed to him that the course of his future life would be determined by the choices he made now and in the days to come.

Suddenly, he recalled Eldrin's unusual behavior.

Within the Profound Heaven Ruins, Eldrin's exact performance remained unknown to him. However, he was aware that Eldrin had garnered exceptional favor from the Ruins' Spirit, suggesting the potential to attain the realm of a Unity Supreme.

Thus, when the time came to choose, he ultimately followed his inner convictions and personal beliefs, deciding not to ally himself with the Blazing Sun Incineration.

"Regardless, even if there is no harvest this time..."

"Yet I need only follow my heart and act with a clear conscience."

The heart of the Primeval Ape of Chaos flickered with thoughts, until finally, a glimmer of resolve ignited in its gaze.

Witnessing this, the Flameheart Incinerator couldn't help but sneer coldly, "Truly worthy of being a fiend from the Northern Abyss—so stubborn you'd rather forsake the treasures than yield."

"In that case, we shall completely suppress you."

As the words fell, Chi Yang Fen Jin summoned the Chaos Scorching Sky Spear, ready to completely turn against Eldrin (Person Name) and engage in battle.

But at that very moment, from the depths of the Vast Abyssal Heavens, an overwhelmingly powerful aura surged forth.

Everyone present furrowed their brows slightly at the sight, then lifted their gazes in unison.

But within the dim and shadowy depths of the Abyssal Heavens, a towering figure of a man strode forth.

9 divine forms swirled around him, straining against the immeasurable power of the Abyssal Heaven's billions of heavenly wheels. The pressure turned his face deathly pale.

"It's him."

Eldrin's eyes flickered slightly, revealing a trace of astonishment.

The others were also slightly taken aback. The Chaos Dragon Lord could not help but remark, "Pan Huang, the Demi-Saint. Legends say he mastered the 9 divine forms of great power and sought to prove the Dao through sheer force."

"From the looks of it, he has now completely mastered the 9 divine manifestations of the Great Dao of Strength. This breakthrough appears to be truly substantial."

Chi Yang Fenjin let out a cold sneer and said disdainfully, "9 manifestations of the Great Dao of Strength? This Pan Huang is truly beyond arrogant."

"Who does he think he is, the second coming of the Ant Celestial Emperor?"

The Crimson Phoenix Saintess, however, wore a grave expression as she remarked with a hint of astonishment, "Cultivating the Divine Form of the Primordial Force Dao simultaneously may grant 1 peerless power."

However, his defensive capabilities and vitality were remarkably weak. That he could still set foot here under such circumstances was a testament to his truly astonishing perseverance.

Witnessing this, Chiyang Fenjin spoke with icy detachment, "Regardless, he hasn't even cultivated his sole divine form. This is no place for him to tread."

As the words fell, Chiyang Fenjin instantly made his move, wielding the Chaos Scorching Sky Spear as he thrust it toward Panhuang.

Clang—

But at that very instant, Eldrin blocked the strike with the Chaos Heavenly Halberd in hand and spoke calmly, "Although Your Excellency holds a noble status, bullying the weak like this hardly seems appropriate, does it?"

"You're courting death!"

Chi Yang Fen Jin spoke coldly, wielding the Chaos Scorching Sky Spear as his power nearly erupted completely at this very spot.

Eldrin showed not a trace of fear. Instantly unleashing 90 percent of his physical combat power, he channeled the Chaos Heavenly Halberd into a series of shattering collisions, forcibly suppressing Blazeheart Scorchcinder by half a measure.

"So strong."

Upon witnessing this, the Chaos Dragon Lord couldn't help but take a deep breath, a trace of apprehension flashing in his eyes.

The Crimson Phoenix Saintess could not help but let out a sigh before speaking, "Had he not offended Chiyang Fanjin, I would never have wished to cross him either."

Upon hearing this, everyone present showed a trace of solemnity on their faces.

In truth, everyone present harbored their own calculations. Their suppression of Eldrin this time was not merely due to the Confluence Dao Supreme 1 backing the Blazing Central Ember Incineration, nor was it solely for the sake of the Mist Veiled Saintess.

Chapter 1 The biting mountain wind whipped across the cliffside, carrying with it the scent of pine and damp earth. Lin Feng tightened his coarse hemp robe, his breath misting in the chill air. Before him stood the weathered gates of the Cloudy Heaven Sect, their dark wood etched with countless generations of wind and rain. "Name and purpose," a bored voice intoned. A disciple in blue robes glanced up from a stone ledger, his fingers stained with ink. "Lin Feng. I seek the path of cultivation," Lin Feng replied, his voice steady despite the tremor in his hands. He'd traveled 3 months on foot, surviving on wild berries and determination, all for this moment. The disciple made a note. "Spiritual root aptitude test is to your left. The fee is 10 spirit stones." Lin Feng's heart sank. He'd spent his last spirit stone on the mountain pass toll. "Is there... another way?" The disciple's lips curled. "No spirit stones? The kitchens always need more hands. You can start as a labor disciple." He gestured toward a narrow path leading to the back mountains. "Report to Steward Wang. Don't dally." Swallowing his pride, Lin Feng bowed and took the path. The words of the village elder echoed in his mind: "The immortal path cares not for your past, only your determination." He found Steward Wang (Person Name) barking orders at a group of dejected-looking youths. The steward was a bulky man with a permanent scowl, his fingers thick from years of manual labor. "Another 1?" Steward Wang grunted, looking Lin Feng up and down. "Fine. You'll be chopping Firewood of the Blazing Sun (Cultivation Resource). 1 100 bundles per day. Fail, and you go hungry." He tossed a simple axe toward Lin Feng. It was cold and heavy in his hands—Ordinary Iron Axe (Tool), its blade nicked and worn. The work was brutal. The Firewood of the Blazing Sun (Cultivation Resource) was unnaturally tough, its crimson wood resisting each swing. By nightfall, his palms were raw and bleeding, his muscles screaming in protest. He'd managed only 20-3 bundles. As predicted, no food appeared that evening. Sitting on his thin pallet in the drafty communal hut, Lin Feng closed his eyes and attempted to meditate, to feel the spiritual energy of the world as the elders had described. He felt nothing but exhaustion and the gnawing emptiness in his belly. Days bled into weeks. The relentless cycle of chopping, hauling, and hunger was a grind that wore down the spirit. Several youths who had arrived with him had already left, their dreams of immortality shattered by the stark reality of menial labor. 1 evening, as Lin Feng was finishing his fiftieth bundle—still far short of the quota, but an improvement born of sheer desperation—he noticed a peculiar knot in a piece of firewood. It seemed to pulse with a faint, warm light. Thinking it a trick of the fading light, he raised his axe. *Crack!* The wood split cleanly. Nestled within the crimson heartwood was a smooth, black ring, simple and unadorned. It was cool to the touch. Glancing around to ensure he was alone, Lin Feng slipped it onto his finger. A voice, ancient and dry as dust, echoed directly in his mind. "After 10 1000 years... finally, a successor?" Lin Feng froze, his blood running cold. "Who's there?" "The 1 who can change your destiny," the voice rasped. "You currently possess the lowest-grade mortal spiritual root. Your path to immortality is sealed shut. But I possess the Heavenly Devouring Art (Cultivation Method). It cares not for the quality of your spiritual root. It devours all things to fuel your Dao." A flood of information, strange and profound, entered Lin Feng's consciousness. It was a cultivation method unlike any he'd ever heard of, brutal and overwhelming in its principle: consume. "The first step," the ring's voice instructed, "is to devour the spiritual energy within this firewood. Place your hand upon it and circulate the art." Hesitantly, Lin Feng placed his palm on a log of Firewood of the Blazing Sun (Cultivation Resource). He focused, following the esoteric patterns of the Heavenly Devouring Art (Cultivation Method). A strange vortex seemed to form within his dantian. A wisp of warm energy, faint but distinct, flowed from the wood into his palm, up his arm, and into his core. The crimson wood visibly dulled, its inherent warmth vanishing. Within moments, it became no different from ordinary deadwood. Inside Lin Feng, however, a spark of energy bloomed. It was minuscule, but it was real. For the first time, he had felt spiritual energy. A fierce, desperate hope ignited in his eyes. He looked at the massive pile of firewood around him, no longer seeing an impossible task, but an ocean of opportunity. The path ahead was long, fraught with danger, and he was starting from the very bottom. But he had taken the first step. 1 100 years had passed. The boy who had trembled in the cold mountain wind was now a memory. Lin Feng stood atop a solitary peak, his black robes immaculate, his long hair tied simply behind him. His gaze was deep, containing the weight of countless sunrises and sunsets. The Heavenly Devouring Art (Cultivation Method) had been his constant companion, his greatest secret, and his most potent weapon. He had devoured spiritual herbs, monster cores, and the energy of ley lines. He had progressed through the Qi Refinement stage, the Foundation Establishment stage, and had now reached the peak of the Golden Core stage. A low rumble echoed across the heavens. The sky, once clear, was now choked with roiling, purple-black clouds. Bolts of lightning the size of ancient trees snaked within them, gathering above Lin Feng's head. The Heavenly Tribulation (Cultivation Phenomenon) had arrived. This was the trial that separated true experts from the masses. To form the Nascent Soul, 1 must withstand the tempering of heaven's wrath. 9 bolts of heavenly lightning. Failure meant the annihilation of both body and soul. Lin Feng looked up at the terrifying spectacle, his expression calm. He raised his hand, and a simple-looking sword appeared—the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss (Magic Treasure). It hummed softly, its blade glowing with a restrained inner light. "Come," he whispered. The first bolt descended, a blinding pillar of pure destruction that seemed to split the world in 2. Lin Feng stood his ground, the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss (Magic Treasure) meeting the lightning head-on. The impact shook the very mountain beneath his feet.