The trial of Heavenly Judgement Lightning has concluded. Xiao Hua’s eyes is shut, and his breathing have returned into normal.
His physical body is now undergoing a remarkable restoration process. Every aspect of his being—blood, organs, veins, bones, muscles, and even the very fibres of his cells—is undergoing a profound transformation during the trial.
His blood has turned a brilliant golden hue, radiating extraordinary vitality. His bones have transformed into a jade-like skeleton of pristine brilliance, possessing an inconceivable hardness that could easily withstand attacks from the Old Ground Demon Ghost.
His muscles have been strengthened to an unparalleled degree, granting him the ability to shatter entire mountains with sheer physical strength alone, without relying on Dou Qi.
Meanwhile, his organs and Qi veins were encased in a delicate crystalline yer of energy. This radiant yer not only overflowed with high-density energy but also acted as an unyielding barrier, shielding his vital systems from harm.
The entire recovery process is astonishingly swift, sting only an instant. Such is the reward for successfully overcoming the trial—his physical body undergoes a profound transformation, restoring itself almost instantaneously.
Once his body had fully recovered and reached its peak condition, threads of fmes of varying colors began surging from Xiao Hua’s form. Golden-green fmes, crystal-blue fmes, dark-purple fmes, and pale-orange fmes intertwined, gradually coalescing into the shape of a multi-colored beast, towering several hundred feet in size.
Ming Cheng and the others were momentarily stunned. The beast bore a striking resembnce to one of the Lightning Beasts within Xiao Hua’s body, yet its presence felt subtly different.
The energy radiating from the beast was a chaotic fusion of elements: the violent and overwhelming heat of fmes, the ferocious and untamed power of lightning, and the bone-chilling frost that seemed to pierce one’s soul. Its aura was far deeper and more mysterious, exuding a sense of majesty that surpassed even the Lightning Beasts of Xiao Hua.
As the multi-colored beast fully materialized, it raised its massive head and locked its gaze onto Xun Er and the others. Then, with an earth-shaking roar, it unleashed a deafening cry that reverberated across the entire mountain behind the Xiao Cn.
The ground trembled violently as the roar’s sheer force threatened to overwhelm everything in its wake. Ming Cheng and the other four instantly sprang into action, vanishing from their positions and reappearing in front of Xun Er and the others. Without hesitation, they maneuvered their Dou Qi, creating a protective barrier to shield everyone from the devastating impact of the beast’s roar.
After unleashing its thunderous roar, the multi-colored beast abruptly tilted its massive head, directing its gaze skyward. With a majestic sweep of its colossal body, it soared into the heavens, gliding gracefully as it circled the mountain behind the Xiao Cn’s residence.
As it traversed the skies, the beast’s enormous form gradually began to dissipate, its boundless energy scattering like shimmering waves throughout the area. To everyone’s astonishment, the entire mountain became saturated with the rich energy of heaven and earth.
“This is…” Gu He’s eyes widened in disbelief as he took in the extraordinary sight. Shock etched across his face, he muttered, “What is happening? I’ve never seen anything like this in my life.”
“This entire mountain has been infused with an overwhelming concentration of heaven and earth energy,” Yun Yun remarked, her tone filled with awe.
“It has transformed into cultivation paradise.” Her gaze remained fixed on the phenomenon, admiration gleaming in her eyes at the marvel unfolding before them.
“Does this mean we finally have a pce to nurture our disciples?” the First Elder muttered in disbelief. Never in his wildest dreams had he imagined that the Xiao Cn would one day possess a cultivation sanctuary of their own.
His gaze fell on Xiao Hua, whose eyes remained tightly shut, his body unmoving. A deep sense of admiration, awe, and reverence surged within the First Elder’s heart.
Ever since Xiao Hua’s unparalleled talent was revealed, the Xiao Cn had undergone monumental changes and rapid growth. With this newly created cultivation paradise, they could nurture countless experts to strengthen their lineage.
‘All of this is because of Xiao Hua,’ the First Elder thought, his expression solemn. ‘Yet, it is precisely this unparalleled talent and extraordinary achievements that pce him in a realm no one can reach.’
“How is this even possible? How could someone like him able to create a cultivation paradise…?” Liu Ling murmured under his breath, his heart trembling with disbelief. The sheer transformation of this pce surpassed anything he had ever encountered—even outshining the famed Misty Cloud Sect.
His words, though soft, carried a tone that might seem offensive to the Xiao Cn, who held Xiao Hua in the highest regard, treating him with utmost respect and reverence.
Before Gu He could scold him, Xiao Hua’s body suddenly trembled lightly. An invisible, powerful ripple began to emanate from his figure, forming circur waves that surged outward with him at the center. Moments ter, the ripples spread across the entire mountain, reaching even the spot where Yun Yun and the others stood.
Swoosh–!
The invisible ripple swept across the mountain, instantly plunging the entire area into an eerie silence. All living creatures within the mountain behind the Xiao Cn’s residence shuddered as an overwhelming pressure, seemingly originating from the depths of their souls, descended upon them.
The commotion was both intense and unsettling. Though the fluctuation appeared invisible, its weight was undeniable—a force that could not be resisted. Yun Yun and the others suddenly felt their heads spin, a wave of dizziness overtaking them.
“Quickly, leave the mountain at once!” Yun Yun commanded, her voice sharp and urgent. Even with her formidable strength, she was barely able to stay on her feet. For those weaker than her, the sensation was far worse—they moved sluggishly, as though their very souls were being suppressed.
While Ming Cheng and the other four had been able to shield them from the earth-shaking roar of the multi-colored beast, this spiritual fluctuation was far more insidious. Its pressure bore directly onto their souls, rendering their defenses ineffective.
Without hesitation, Yun Yun grabbed Nan Yanran’s hand, summoning her Dou Qi Wings in an instant. She unched into the air, pulling Nan Yanran with her as they retreated beyond the mountain’s ten-thousand-foot radius. As they distanced themselves, the suffocating pressure gradually eased, allowing her to regain her composure.
The others quickly followed, fear gripping their hearts at the thought of their souls being crushed by this overwhelming spiritual fluctuation. They fled the mountain with all their might, desperate to escape the invisible force that threatened to annihite them.
Once they retreated to a safe distance, a collective sigh of relief escaped their lips. Their gazes instinctively shifted back to the mountain, their expressions heavy with a mix of awe and unease.
“What is going on?” Xiao Zhan muttered, his tone ced with concern.
“That… is Spiritual Strength,” Gu He responded calmly, his voice steady but serious.
“Spiritual Strength?”
Everyone’s attention immediately turned to Gu He, their curiosity evident. As they weren’t alchemists, their understanding of Spiritual Strength was superficial at best.
Noticing their confusion, Gu He patiently began to expin.
“It’s only natural that you don’t know much about Spiritual Strength. For ordinary people, this exceedingly mysterious force, tied to the soul itself, remains beyond their control. They can only adapt to it, never wield it. Even for someone like me, who has learned to manipute Spiritual Strength, my comprehension remains limited...”
Yun Yun narrowed her eyes when she heard Gu He’s words. Even she felt that this Spiritual Strength is extremely mysterious but understood the reason how it could affect her heavily. While she is confident in her strength as Dou Huang expert, when it retes to soul, she cannot do anything about it.
However, a question lingered in Yun Yun’s mind, and her curiosity compelled her to ask Gu He. “Your understanding is cking, yet you spoke with Xiao Hua about this. Does that mean your discussion with him was reted to Spiritual Strength?”
“That’s correct, Ms. Yun,” Gu He replied with a respectful nod. His expression softened with admiration as he mentioned Xiao Hua. “His comprehension of alchemy and Spiritual Strength far surpasses not just mine, but even Chairman Fa Ma’s.”
Pausing briefly, he continued, “Though our discussion was brief, it was enough to feel as though I was on the verge of a breakthrough in my alchemy. His insights are truly extraordinary.”
Xiao Yan, who had been listening intently, suddenly flinched. His body tensed as his head snapped left and right, as though searching for something unseen. His eyes narrowed, then widened in realization as they fixed on the fingers of his right hand—specifically, the ring he wore.
No one noticed Xiao Yan’s peculiar reaction; their attention remained fixed on the mountain and the remarkable phenomenon unfolding before them.
Meanwhile, Xun Er and her sworn brothers and sisters remained where they were, unmoving. Unlike Yun Yun and the others, they managed to endure the spiritual pressure, albeit with great difficulty.
As the pressure subsided slightly, they descended and stood beside Xun Er. Their gazes rested on the distant figure, their expressions a mix of disbelief, astonishment, and admiration.
“Our little brother’s Spiritual Strength has become terrifying…” Ming Cheng said, his tone carrying both awe and weariness.
“With the intensity of that fluctuation, I believe Hua’er has reached the Heavenly State,” Mei Ling remarked thoughtfully, tapping her chin with a slender finger. She turned to Wei Jie and asked, “What do you think, Brother Wei Jie?”
“He must have,” Wei Jie replied with a nod. However, his brows furrowed slightly in puzzlement as he added, “But the strength of this pressure feels far too powerful for someone at the initial stage. I suspect he may have reached the Perfect Stage of the Heavenly State that Lady Azure once spoke of…”
“Regardless, Brother Xiao Hua will become a ninth-tier alchemist once he successfully refines a tier-nine medicinal pill,” Xun Er said, her face lighting up with a bright smile. Although a hint of anxiety and worry lingered in her eyes, her happiness for Xiao Hua was unmistakable.
Her sworn brothers and sisters exchanged weary smiles in response to her words. They had long known of the trial of Heavenly Judgement Lightning, but witnessing it unfold before their very eyes left them deeply shaken.
“Anyway, we should be happy for what our little brother has gained,” Xin Yu said softly, shaking her head as a faint smile graced her lips.
“Indeed. Especially after all he has suffered,” Li Mei added with a gentle smile, a sigh of relief escaping her as she spoke.
Despite their calm words, Ming Cheng and the others couldn’t hide the joy shining in their eyes. Not a trace of envy lingered in their hearts—they wholeheartedly believed Xiao Hua deserved this after enduring the life-threatening and deadly strike of the Heavenly Lightning.
Reaching such a stage at his age had far surpassed even their wildest expectations. While they knew the Heavenly Lightning had pyed a significant role, they also understood that this achievement was neither easy nor straightforward.
Such a monumental breakthrough required more than just talent. It demanded unwavering perseverance, an incredible amount of luck, and the willingness to face countless life-and-death trials.
They were certain that even the so-called geniuses of the Central Pins would pale in comparison, whether in talent, efforts and determination, leaving with no choice but to look up to Xiao Hua with a mix of admiration and envy.
The invisible waves of Spiritual Strength quietly rippled outward from the dense clouds, spreading like unduting water. The entire Wu Tan City and beyond, even reaching Jia Ma Sacred City—several hundred kilometers away—were reflected vividly within Xiao Hua’s mind.
At that moment, Xiao Hua could perceive even the faintest emotional fluctuations of everyone within the range of his spiritual sense. Through these subtle ripples of emotion, he grasped the thoughts and intentions of countless individuals without effort.
This profound ability was a higher form of control—an unparalleled insight into the hearts of others. Such mastery was made possible by the advancement of Xiao Hua’s soul to the Perfect Heavenly State.
“So… this is the sensation of the Perfect Heavenly State…”
A soft murmur echoed within Xiao Hua’s heart. The vast difference between his current self and his former self was unmistakable. In the past, his Spiritual Strength had resembled that of a newborn child—fragile, unrefined, and naive to the complexities of the world.
Now, however, his soul radiated the presence of a seasoned master at the peak of his prime. It carried the profound depth of one who had honed his craft over countless trials, exuding an aura of wisdom and mastery akin to a grand artisan who had reached the pinnacle of perfection after a lifetime of dedication.
However, Xiao Hua didn’t revel in this profound sensation. He withdrew his growing spiritual fluctuation back into his body. Yet, before his spiritual energy fully returned, he could still sense and hear the conversation between Yao Chen and Xiao Yan.
‘It seems Yao Chen has begun speaking with Xiao Yan,’ Xiao Hua thought calmly. ‘He’s using the annulment to motivate Xiao Yan. But what ultimately swayed him was the terrifying commotion I caused and the admiration Xiao Yan now feels for me, leading him to accept Yao Chen as his master.’
‘I never would’ve imagined Xiao Yan would come to admire me, nor did I expect Yao Chen to use that admiration to capture his attention...’ Xiao Hua mused with a slight smile, shaking his head. Losing interest in the matter, he returned his focus to his body.
A moment ter, Xiao Hua opened his eyes and took a deep breath, slowly exhaling. He could feel a slight discomfort in his body, aware that it was the result of the transformation his body and soul had undergone.
“Even so… I never expected this trial to suddenly turn dangerous. No wonder Sister Xue Yue and Sister Azure always hid their auras whenever I began a trial…”
Xiao Hua sighed wearily, the weight of the near-death experience still fresh in his mind. He suppressed the creeping fear that threatened to resurface as he recalled how close he had come to perishing.
Despite the perilous nature of the trial, he knew the rewards for passing it were more than worth the risk.
“If it had been an ordinary trial of Heavenly Judgement Lightning, my soul would have only reached the Initial Heavenly State, not the Perfect Heavenly State.” Xiao Hua’s lips curled into a satisfied smile. The unexpected rewards he had gained made all the suffering he endured worthwhile.
He clenched his fist, feeling the surge of strength within him. The sensation was so powerful that it almost tempted him to shatter the very space around him. In that moment, he was confident that if the Old Ground Demon Ghost were still alive and appeared before him, he would defeat him without even needing to unleash the berserk Second Strike.
“Six-star Dou Zong…”
Xiao Hua sensed the Dou Qi circuting within his body. A broader smile spread across his face as he reveled in the immense gratification of his current state.
“It seems you’re satisfied with the result of the trial, Brother Xiao Hua!”
A sweet, excited voice cut through his thoughts. He looked up with an affectionate smile, watching as the young girl descended before him.
“Just a little, Xun’er,” Xiao Hua replied, his lips curving into a faint smile as he rose to his feet. However, his expression shifted into a self-deprecating grin, tinged with bitterness. “Though, I must admit, I’d have preferred it if the reward came with less pain…”
He turned to Ming Cheng and the others. “Thankfully, Brother Ming Cheng and the others were here to prevent the damage of the violent commotion from affecting the cn.”
“It’s also because the trial became harsher, though…” Ming Cheng smiled wryly, recalling the sudden increase in difficulty during the trial.
“Anyway, I must congratute Brother Wei Jie and Sister Mei Ling on advancing to the Dou Zong css,” Xiao Hua shifted the topic, offering his congratutions to Wei Jie and Mei Ling for their successful breakthrough.
“Compared to you, it’s nothing much,” Wei Jie ughed merrily and waved his hand dismissively.
“That’s right, Hua’er.” Mei Ling nodded, then turned her attention to Xun Er and asked, “Did the meeting turn out as awkward as we expected?”
“Very much so, Sister Mei Ling,” Xun Er sighed. While she was indifferent to the annulment of the engagement, she could still feel the heavy atmosphere and the awkwardness once Yun Yun announced it, especially Xiao Zhan, who didn’t even try to hide his gloomy expression.
“Although Xiao Yan didn’t seem to mind, I could still see the discomfort and awkwardness on his face,” Xun Er added, lightly shaking her head in exasperation.
Xiao Hua and the others nodded in response, but they showed no desire to discuss the matter further. They had already made their position clear.
The annulment was strictly a matter between Xiao Zhan and Xiao Yan on one side, and Yun Yun and Nan Yanran on the other. It had nothing to do with them. They had simply stated their stance to Yun Yun’s group to avoid any misunderstanding and ease their concern—they had no intention of involving themselves in this particur issue.
“Speaking of the annulment, Yao Zun Zhe has already made his move, using it to motivate Xiao Yan. I doubt this matter will end quietly,” Xiao Hua informed them, his tone calm but thoughtful as he revealed Yao Chen’s involvement.
“As for that, we’ve already made a deal with Yao Chen, so there’s no need to concern ourselves further,” Li Mei said, her voice steady and indifferent to Xiao Yan’s situation.
“Since there’s nothing more for us to do here, we’ll head back to your residence,” Wei Jie added with a casual smile, pcing his hands behind his head in a rexed manner.
With that, the figures of Ming Cheng and the others blurred and disappeared. However, just before they left, they cast a mysterious gnce at Xun Er. Xiao Hua noticed but dismissed it as insignificant, thinking it wasn’t worth delving into.
“Would you like to return to my residence and rest?” Xun Er asked, her voice filled with gentle concern.
“I’d like to, but unfortunately, I need to address Xiao Zhan and the others. There’s no doubt the cn is in a bit of chaos after all this,” Xiao Hua replied with a wry smile, resignation evident in his expression.
"I will follow you, Brother Xiao Hua," Xun Er said softly, her voice as sweet as a spring breeze. Her radiant smile lit up her delicate face, a hint of joy shimmering in her eyes. With this matter resolved, her heart surged with excitement—finally, they would have more time together.
Yet, beneath her smile y an unspoken sorrow. Just yesterday, Ling Ying had informed her that someone from the cn would come to escort her back in little over a month. She had shared this news with her sworn brothers and sisters, but not with Xiao Hua.
‘If I tell Brother Xiao Hua, he will insist on coming to see me off,’ Xun Er thought, her gaze lingering on his strong, unwavering back. Her golden eyes shimmered with a sorrowful light, reflecting her inner turmoil. ‘But the ones coming to take me away… they’ll have their own motives when they see him.’
Her chest tightened as she imagined the consequences. With her bloodline and talent revealed, the cn would send none other than one of the two Bck Submerged Kings—powerful Dou Sheng experts. They would not only come to retrieve her but would surely turn their attention toward Xiao Hua, especially since he bore the name of the Xiao Cn.
The Gu Cn had grown arrogant after the Xiao Cn’s decline, now reigning as the strongest of the ancient cns. If they perceived Xiao Hua as a threat to their supremacy, the elders would not hesitate to act—no matter how ruthless the measures might be. And Xiao Hua, with his unparalleled talent, was a threat they could not ignore.
‘I will not allow that to happen,’ Xun Er vowed, her hands unconsciously clenching into fists. ‘Once I return, I will force those elders into submission. If they dare to target Brother Xiao Hua… my wrath will reduce their arrogance to ashes!’
A chilling glint flickered in her eyes, her graceful demeanor momentarily repced by an ice-cold expression. Her heart surged with a fierce killing intent, a silent promise that echoed in her soul: she would protect Xiao Hua, even if it meant annihiting the Gu Cn’s heritage.
Taking a deep breath, Xun Er forced herself to suppress the storm raging within her. Her cold expression softened, and her lips curled into a gentle smile. She resolved to prevent such a camity from ever occurring.
But while she believed her emotions were hidden perfectly, Xiao Hua’s sharp senses betrayed her intentions. Ever since his soul had reached the Perfect Heavenly State, he could discern even the subtlest fluctuations in emotions. Xun Er was no exception. Though she had swiftly buried her killing intent, Xiao Hua had felt it—along with the undercurrent of unease in her heart.
He didn’t know the full reason behind her turmoil, but he was certain it involved him. The mysterious gnces that Brother Ming Cheng and the others occasionally exchanged with Xun Er surfaced in his mind.
‘They must know something,’ Xiao Hua thought, his brow furrowing slightly. ‘I’ll ask them. Whatever it is, I won’t let her bear it alone.’
……
By the time they returned to the Xiao Cn’s residence, the chaos had already been suppressed, thanks to the efforts of the cn’s elders. The atmosphere had gradually calmed, though traces of tension still lingered.
“I sincerely apologize for causing such a dangerous commotion, Sect Leader Yun, Cn Head Xiao,” Xiao Hua said earnestly, cupping his hands in apology. His tone was solemn, reflecting his regret for the disturbance he had caused without prior warning.
“Please don’t worry about it, Young Master Xiao,” Yun Yun replied, shaking her head with a reassuring smile. Her gaze softened, carrying a hint of admiration. “In fact, this has been a valuable experience for both Yanran and me.”
“Indeed,” Xiao Zhan agreed with a nod, stroking his beard thoughtfully. “No one could have foreseen that you’d have a breakthrough at this moment.”
“Even so, the commotion caused quite a stir within the cn and disrupted the peace of our guests,” Xiao Hua said with a sigh. “Please inform them that I will personally send compensation for any inconvenience I’ve caused.”
“I will handle it, Supreme Elder.” Xiao Zhan immediately called for the elders and tasked them with notifying the guests who were still in Wu Tan City.
“I must thank you in advance, Young Master Xiao Hua,” Yun Yun said with a warm smile, accepting his offer of compensation with grace.
"If there is ever anything Young Master Xiao Hua needs in the future, please feel free to inform me. I will personally see to it that your request is fulfilled," Yun Yun said warmly, her tone both sincere and respectful.
Unlike the typical hypocritical gesture of declining such offers, Yun Yun accepted it graciously. At the same time, she subtly reinforced her intention to build a stronger connection with Xiao Hua.
As the three of them conversed, Xiao Yan suddenly took a deep breath, as if solidifying a decision in his heart, and stepped forward.
This unexpected action caught Xiao Hua’s attention, and curiosity flickered in his eyes. He could see that Xiao Yan didn’t exhibit anger or rebelliousness in his demeanor. Instead, there was a quiet determination and firm resolve reflected in his gaze.
“Sect Leader Yun,” Xiao Yan said, cupping his hands and bowing slightly with proper respect. “May I request something?”
Yun Yun raised an eyebrow, intrigued by his unexpected approach. “What is it?”
“May I request the opportunity to challenge the Young Lady of Misty Cloud Sect three years from now?” Xiao Yan’s voice was steady, each word resonating with unwavering resolve.