Deep within the Black-Corner Region, a vast mountain range stretched endlessly, its peaks draped in a verdant forest like a seamless green carpet. The air resonated with the roars and movements of countless magical beasts, their restless energy filling the land with an untamed vitality.
Amid this wild expanse, hidden within a secluded cave, a young man sat cross-legged atop a smooth bedrock, his posture steady and composed. His eyes remained shut, exuding an air of tranquility that contrasted sharply with the chaotic world beyond.
The gentle morning breeze swept through the cave, causing his long, jet-black hair to ripple softly, its silky strands cascading like a waterfall of midnight. This interplay of motion and stillness only accentuated the serene elegance etched upon his youthful face.
Clad in a flowing black robe adorned with intricate dark-blue patterns, his attire radiated understated elegance. The soft glow of dawn illuminated his figure, lending him an ethereal charm—a presence both graceful and commanding, impossible to ignore.
If one looked closer, they would notice a faint, ethereal mist enveloping him. This mist, brimming with the boundless energy of heaven and earth, swirled around him in rhythmic harmony, drawn inward with each steady rise and fall of his chest.
After some time, the figure slowly opened his eyes, revealing a striking pair of dual-colored irises.
His eyes were nothing short of enchanting—one burned with the fiery intensity of a scarlet sunset, a vivid crimson that seemed to ignite the air itself. The other shone with the tranquil serenity of a boundless azure sea, its cyan depths holding the mysteries of eternity. Together, they wove an ethereal harmony of fire and water, a duality that captivated all who dared to meet his gaze.
It was a sight so enchanting that even immortal fairies and peerless mortal beauties could find their hearts involuntarily ensnared, unable to resist the allure.
Rising from the bedrock, he stepped forward, his every movement exuding grace and power. As his feet touched the ground, the air beneath him rippled faintly, as if bowing to his presence.
Emerging from the cave, he tilted his head upward, his gaze fixed upon the heavens. The once-clear sky had begun to darken, and as he stood there, countless crimson threads of lightning wove across the firmament, their arcs illuminating the approaching storm with an ominous, otherworldly brilliance.
He sighed softly, his expression tinged with a mixture of concern and resignation. As his thoughts lingered on the events to come, he murmured with a grimace look, "Sister Azure, Sister Xue Yue… it seems a massive storm is approaching."
"Indeed, child," a voice responded, rich and melodious, like the soothing tune of a flowing stream.
"This one will truly be perilous if you are not fully prepared," added another voice, ethereal and heavenly, resonating like a symphony of cascading snowflakes.
As the words echoed in the air, two radiant glows emerged from his body. One burned with an azure brilliance, a warmth like a flame that refused to yield to the wind. The other exuded a misty white luminance, cold yet serene, reminiscent of a pristine winter landscape.
The azure glow gradually dimmed, revealing a figure of captivating beauty. A woman emerged, exuding a warmth and allure that felt both enchanting and commanding. Her jade-green hair cascaded down her back like a flowing river of verdant silk, its luster shimmering softly under the faint light.
Her eyes, a luminous emerald hue, sparkled like priceless jewels. Flecks of tiny white lights danced within them, evoking the image of stars scattered across an otherworldly green sky—mystical, infinite, and profoundly mesmerizing.
Clad in a form-fitting emerald robe that accentuated her graceful curves, the fabric seemed to merge with her very essence, its sheen reflecting her ethereal aura. With every subtle movement, her body swayed in a rhythm so natural and fluid it felt almost musical, weaving an irresistible charm that could ensnare the senses of all who dared to behold her.
In contrast, the white misty glow transformed into a vision of icy elegance—an unparalleled beauty whose presence radiated an unapproachable majesty. Her long, snow-white hair, bound in a sleek ponytail by a simple black ribbon, tumbled down her back like an ethereal waterfall, its silken strands shimmering with a frosty brilliance.
Her crystal-blue eyes, sharp and cold as a frozen lake, exuded an air of glacial detachment. Yet, as they rested upon the young man, a faint flicker of warmth appeared, a subtle and fleeting emotion that softened her icy demeanor, betraying a bond that words could not convey.
Her flawless, porcelain-like complexion seemed almost otherworldly, unmarred save for three delicate, petal-like symbols adorning her smooth forehead. These intricate emblems, glowing faintly with an ethereal light, spoke of her transcendent beauty and divine lineage.
She was clad in a form-fitting robe of blue and white, its intricate design accentuating her lithe, graceful figure. The interplay of icy hues and flowing fabric framed her radiant allure, drawing every gaze while maintaining an air of untouchable elegance.
They were Lady Azure and Xue Yue, two older sisters who had faithfully remained by Xiao Hua's side throughout his seven-year retreat. In that time, the young man had shed the childlike features of his youth, maturing into a strikingly handsome figure whose presence now commanded respect and admiration.
"Sister Azure, if I remember correctly, the next lightning you mentioned is somewhat unique," Xiao Hua said, his tone carrying a hint of curiosity. "You said I need to refine it personally without relying on the Lightning Beast for assistance, correct?"
Lady Azure nodded gracefully. "That's correct. This lightning is no ordinary tribulation. It is called the Heavenly Judgment Lightning, a phenomenon of immense significance for your future cultivation. Taking shortcuts with this one is not an option."
Her emerald eyes glimmered with a mix of encouragement and solemnity as she added, "Since you'll refine this one personally, you can consider using assistance for the subsequent Heavenly Lightning. But for now, your focus must be on surviving and refining it completely."
Xiao Hua let out an exaggerated sigh, rolling his eyes with mock exasperation. "Survive first, huh? Truly, Sister Azure, your words of encouragement are unmatched," he said, his tone dripping with playful sarcasm.
Lady Azure's lips curved into a faint smile, her allure undiminished. "You'll thank me later, child."
"Nevertheless, you must truly brace yourself for this one," Xue Yue said, her tone cold and composed. Yet, beneath the icy veneer, an unmistakable warmth softened her voice, a testament to her care for him.
"Unlike ordinary Heavenly Lightnings, which strike repeatedly until their energy depletes, the Heavenly Judgment Lightning gathers all its remaining power into a single, devastating flash," she continued. "When it descends, its force will be sufficient to obliterate even a high-ranking Dou Zun, shattering their soul into oblivion."
As her words echoed, both Lady Azure and Xue Yue transformed into faint glows of azure and misty white, drifting away to maintain a safe distance from the impending calamity.
Watching them retreat, Xiao Hua shook his head, a wry smile tugging at his lips. "I swear, those two should really learn how to give better encouragement in moments like this…"
He turned and re-entered the cave, the faint glimmers of crimson lightning above fading from view. His brief excursion had been merely to observe the ominous sky and converse with Lady Azure and Xue Yue.
Seated once more atop the bedrock, Xiao Hua closed his eyes and directed his focus inward. As his consciousness sank into his body, he marveled at the transformation within. His meridians and bones now bore a faint, crystalline layer of green Dou Qi, shimmering like a protective armor forged from pure energy.
The soft glow emitted from within radiated a serene yet formidable power, an unmistakable testament to the progress of his cultivation. Each pulse of Dou Qi coursing through him felt like a raging river, vast and inexhaustible, as if his very being had become a reservoir of boundless strength.
Xiao Hua's eyes narrowed as he noted a peculiar phenomenon accompanying his movements—each step, whether inside or outside the cave, caused the space beneath his feet to ripple faintly. This proves that he had advanced to the Dou Zong class!
"After six long years of retreat… I've finally broken through," he muttered under his breath, his voice tinged with equal parts relief and satisfaction.
Still, there was no time to dwell on the achievement. Turning his gaze inward once more, Xiao Hua murmured, "Since there's still some time before the Heavenly Lightning strikes, I might as well check a few other matters."
No sooner had the thought crossed his mind than a translucent blue screen materialized before him, hovering in the air. Visible only to his eyes, the System interface had appeared, responding to his silent command.
[Congratulations to the host for surviving until now. The main story will begin in one more year. As a reward for your survival, the System will issue a Yearly Sign-In early and Basic-Grade Gift Pack a week before the main story begin. The rarity of this pack can be upgraded by expending a certain amount of ACP.]
Xiao Hua's lips quirked into a faint smile as he read the notification. 'Does that mean I'm already fourteen?' he mused, his thoughts drifting momentarily. 'How quickly time flies…'
After reading the last words of the notification, Xiao Hua's gaze shifted to his ACP balance—the accumulation of six years' worth of disciplined effort and resourcefulness.
6,987,940 ACP.
The number felt staggering even to him. Yet, as his eyes flickered toward the price of a Primordial Heavenly Flame in the System's inventory, his expression turned wry.
"Forty million…" he murmured inwardly, shaking his head. "Even if I sold a Tian-Class Dou Technique and a Qi Method of the same rank, it wouldn't even come close to covering half the cost…"
The prices of him selling the Tian-Class Dou Techniques and Qi Methods are merely 700ACP and he have merely only a couple of hundreds. Moreover, it have to be an original skill, not one that he had copied and write it on the paper.
Still, he managed to stifle his frustration with a resigned sigh. 'Regardless, it's enough to handle other priorities for now. No need to dwell on the unattainable—yet.'
With that thought, Xiao Hua focused his mind, causing the System's interface to shift seamlessly to the Gacha menu. His eyes scanned the accumulated progress of his pulls: 10 out of 300 completed, with 290 more to go before the Pity Reward was available.
"Let's see what fortune has in store," he muttered, activating another round of pulls without hesitation. Though tempted to exhaust his resources, he made a point to reserve enough ACP for a future Rate Upgrade.
As the Gacha wheel spun, Xiao Hua waited with practiced patience, watching the glowing icons flash across the screen. Once the process concluded, his gaze methodically swept over the results, analyzing the list with quiet efficiency. Each reward was noted, categorized, and judged for its potential utility in the future.
You have received…]
[...]
[3 Heavenly Flames: Ghostly Poison Flame, Sea Heart Flame, and Life Spirit Flame.]
[...]
"Oh, now this is interesting. Three Heavenly Flames in one go…" Xiao Hua murmured, his tone tinged with mild surprise.
Though the appearance of three Heavenly Flames was undeniably fortunate, Xiao Hua remained unimpressed. These weren't the flames he sought. His ambitions lay far beyond ordinary Heavenly Flames; only the Primordial Heavenly Flames could truly pique his interest.
As his gaze swept over the rest of the rewards, he noted several rare and high-grade medicinal ingredients, each highly coveted in the cultivation world. Yet even these treasures failed to ignite excitement. The Di-Class Dou Techniques and Qi Methods included in the list were similarly dismissed—they held little value for him or his sworn siblings at their current level.
What soured his mood further was the glaring absence of ACP rewards. Despite completing over two hundred draws, not a single ACP boost had been included among the rewards. He couldn't help but grumble inwardly about his dismal luck, frustration creeping into his usually composed demeanor.
Just as he was about to close the list with a sigh, two specific rewards caught his eye. His breath hitched, and the faint flicker of disappointment in his expression gave way to intrigue.
"'Corpse of the Immortal Fire Phoenix and Corpse of the Heaven Demon Phoenix,'" Xiao Hua read aloud, his voice tinged with satisfaction. "It seems I've just acquired the next components for my Four Divine Phoenixes, Fly and Dance Across Heaven technique."
He nodded thoughtfully, his mind already crafting a plan. "With the blood essences extracted, I can gift one to Sister Mei Ling. As for the Heaven Demon Phoenix's corpse, Xun'er could use it to craft her own pair of wings. With her background, I doubt even the Heaven Demon Phoenix tribe would dare to provoke her."
A rare smile crossed his face. These rewards had opened doors to numerous possibilities. Not only could he enhance his allies' strength, but he could also unlock the second level of the Four Mysterious Body, the enigmatic hidden technique buried deep within Four Divine Phoenixes, Fly and Dance Across Heaven.
Satisfied with the gains, Xiao Hua shifted his focus back to the System. Without hesitation, he invested heavily, upgrading the ACP Rate three times in quick succession.
[Congratulations! Your ACP rate has increased. You will now gain 100 ACP every 6 hours.]
Xiao Hua leaned back slightly, his gaze lingering on the screen as he let out a contented sigh. "Slow and steady," he murmured. "It's not much yet, but this rate will add up soon enough."
The anticipation of future possibilities settled within him, fueling his resolve to face the challenges ahead.
Boom—!
The muffled thunder outside grew louder, reverberating through the cave with an ominous intensity. Xiao Hua raised his head, his sharp eyes catching the faint flashes of red lightning dancing across the sky above. He knew—it was time.
Just as he braced himself, Lady Azure's voice resonated within his mind. "Just an advice, child." Her tone was calm, yet her words carried an unexpected weight.
Before Xiao Hua could question her intent, she continued, dropping a revelation that left him stunned.
"The violent and chaotic energy within the Heavenly Judgment Lightning has a unique ability which causes the other Heavenly Lightnings in your body to turned violent as well."
"What?" Xiao Hua was momentarily startled, his composure cracking as the shocking statement registered.
But before he could even form a proper response, a deafening crack split the air.
Boom—!
The Heavenly Judgment Lightning descended without warning, striking Xiao Hua with a force that shook the earth beneath him.
As Xue Yue had warned, the Heavenly Judgment Lightning struck only once, yet that single flash carried an intensity that was nothing short of annihilation. The crimson lightning coursed through Xiao Hua's veins and muscles with terrifying speed, tearing through his body as though intent on dismantling him from within.
The pain was beyond anything he had ever endured. For a fleeting moment, his consciousness teetered on the edge, threatening to slip into oblivion.
The red lightning didn't simply dissipate after its initial strike. Instead, it rampaged within him, tearing apart his organs, shattering bones, and rupturing veins in its relentless path. But this wasn't destruction for destruction's sake—it was as if the lightning sought to reconstruct his body, reshaping it to endure a higher realm of power.
Yet, this was not the end of Xiao Hua's torment. The Heavenly Judgment Lightning, wild and chaotic, began to stir the five other Heavenly Lightnings already slumbering within him. Their latent energies awakened, merging into a storm of unprecedented volatility.
The result was catastrophic. The violent clash of these six distinct lightnings created a turbulence within his body that bordered on the apocalyptic. His Dou Qi spiraled out of control, a maelstrom of chaos threatening to tear him apart from the inside out.
"Just… what the… hell is this…?!"
Xiao Hua barely managed to force the words through gritted teeth, his voice ragged and strained. Every fiber of his being was overwhelmed, his body and soul assaulted by pains of a kind he had never imagined.
As his world blurred with the dual agony of physical destruction and spiritual upheaval, a single thought burned in his mind:
Just as Xue Yue had forewarned, the Heavenly Judgment Lightning struck him once, in a singular yet overwhelmingly destructive flash. The red-colored lightning pierced through his body, surging into his veins and muscles before reaching his soul at an unfathomable speed.
The pain was instant and nearly unbearable, threatening to sever his consciousness entirely. Yet the torment had only begun.
The lightning continued its rampage within him, tearing apart his organs, bones, and blood veins with relentless ferocity. It wasn't mere destruction—it was a ruthless attempt to reconstruct his body into something greater.
But the true nightmare arose as the energy within his body turned uncontrollably violent. The intrusion of the Heavenly Judgment Lightning awakened the other five Heavenly Lightnings already residing within him, each surging to life in chaotic unison.
"Just… what is… happening…?!" Xiao Hua gasped, forcing the words through gritted teeth, his body and soul writhing under the assault of diverse, excruciating pain.
The golden-colored lightning felt like countless needles stabbing into his skin, organs, and lungs, its sharp energy relentless. The blue-colored lightning attacked his soul directly, delivering strikes of soul-wrenching agony as though it sought to shatter his very essence.
His muscles and bones groaned and creaked under the immense pressure of the purple-colored lightning, every tendon strained to its breaking point. The orange-colored lightning coursed through his blood veins, searing his bone marrow and causing an unbearable burning sensation.
The green-colored lightning brought an entirely different kind of torment—it felt as though his very life force was boiling away, his vitality evaporating like mist under a relentless sun.
And then… the red-colored lightning.
It swarmed his entire body, arcing around him like a violent, unrelenting inferno, making him feel as though he were submerged in molten lava. His body felt as if it was being melted and remade, again and again, each cycle bringing new waves of torment.
"All… the Heavenly… Lightnings suddenly… went out of control…!" Xiao Hua growled through his clenched jaw, the strain evident in his trembling voice.
This was the first time he had experienced the convergence of all five Heavenly Lightnings within his body, now amplified by the sixth—the Heavenly Judgment Lightning. The realization hit him like a thunderclap.
For the first time, Xiao Hua truly understood the gravity of Lady Azure's warning.
This tribulation was not merely stronger than the previous five. It made them seem trivial in comparison, their combined ferocity like a child's tantrum next to a raging storm.
"AGHHHH!!!"
Xiao Hua's agonized bellow tore through the air like a raging tidal wave, reverberating against the stone walls and shaking the entire cave. Loose debris fell from the ceiling, as though the earth itself recoiled in sympathy to his pain.
Even with the torment threatening to overwhelm him, Xiao Hua clenched his teeth, his eyes blazing with defiance as he began to circulate the chaotic Heavenly Judgment Lightning. The flow of energy followed the intricate pathways dictated by the Chaos Mantra, each loop through his meridians amplifying the intensity of the agony.
It had been years since he last had to personally refine the Heavenly Lightning—the first with the Heavenly Tribulation Lightning, and the second being the Heavenly Astral Lightning.
However, the third and fourth lightnings had proven far more manageable, thanks to the trials created by the Heavenly Astral Lightning. Overcoming those challenges had earned him the recognition of the Lightning Beasts dwelling within him, easing his control over their immense power.
Xiao Hua recalled the discussions he had with Lady Azure and Xue Yue after advancing to the Dou Huang class.Following their advice, he resolved to refine the Heavenly Judgement Lightning himself, even though its benefits remained unclear.
"Even so…" he growled through gritted teeth, his voice strained. "You never warned me this lightning could cause the others to suddenly grow violent… Sister Azure, Sister Xue Yue!"
As the Heavenly Judgement Lightning surged through his Qi Paths, Xiao Hua's focus deepened. He had long understood a critical truth: each Heavenly Lightning followed its own unique Qi Path, yet inevitably, they all converged at certain intersections. This delicate interplay required precision and endurance—traits Xiao Hua honed as he braced himself against the escalating storm raging within.
Moreover, when attempting to merge the Heavenly Lightning with the Primordial Heavenly Flame, Xiao Hua discovered a peculiar phenomenon: the Primordial Heavenly Flame would follow the exact Qi Paths of the specific Heavenly Lightning it was fusing with.
This realization presented a significant risk. It was precisely for this reason that Xiao Hua refrained from fusing multiple Heavenly Lightnings together or the Primordial Heavenly Flames, should he acquire more in the future.
The danger was clear—if each Heavenly Lightning possessed unique Qi Paths, attempting to fuse them without understanding the proper alignment was tantamount to courting death. The chaos of multiple conflicting Qi Paths would undoubtedly tear his body apart.
Only by unlocking the second level of the Chaos Mantra will Xiao Hua gain the insight and ability to perceive the intricate Qi Paths clearly.
Fortunately, it only took Xiao Hua several hours to circulate the Heavenly Judgement Lightning and complete its refinement. Once done, he closed his eyes, taking a brief respite to stabilize his Qi and recover from the grueling ordeal.
After what felt like an eternity, his eyes slowly opened. His brows furrowed tightly, and a faint frown tugged at the corners of his lips. Taking a deep breath, he exhaled slowly, his gaze sweeping across the cavern. The scene that unfolded before him would send chills down anyone's spine—especially the area directly beneath him.
Radiating outward from where Xiao Hua sat were massive crack lines, like a spiderweb of destruction centered on his position. The ground was littered with rock fragments and colossal debris, as though a devastating tornado had ripped through the cave.
But what truly froze the blood was the horrifying sight of dried blood covering the entire area. It painted the ground and walls in a grotesque crimson, as if a massacre of unimaginable proportions had occurred. The sheer amount of bloodshed was staggering—almost impossible to believe that it had all come from one person. And yet, Xiao Hua remained alive and breathing, a testament to his unyielding vitality.
This resilience was owed to the fifth Heavenly Lightning he possessed, one he had refined after advancing to the Dou Huang class. It bestowed upon him an extraordinary, near-infinite lifeforce and vitality—a blessing that had saved him from what would have been certain death for anyone else.
However, the reason for his frown was not the devastation around him but the changes he sensed within his body—profound, and more than one. The first two that stood out distinctly: his skeleton and his blood.
His skeleton had undergone an extraordinary transformation, radiating an otherworldly purity reminiscent of flawless jade. What were once ordinary bones were now pristine white, exuding a celestial glow.
Intricate red and orange runes, ancient and brimming with boundless power, were etched upon their surfaces. These runes pulsed faintly, as though imbued with life, enhancing the divine aura of his newly refined frame and imbuing him with an almost invincible presence.
Even more astonishing was the change in his blood. The once crimson liquid now flowed with a slight radiant golden hue, brimming with unparalleled vitality and life force.
Each drop seemed to hum with the essence of life itself, so potent that Xiao Hua felt an unshakable confidence—no matter how grievous the injury, his body would mend itself in moments, restoring him to peak condition with astonishing speed.
However, the reason for Xiao Hua's frown was not the devastation around him. Instead, it was the profound changes he sensed within his body—changes that were anything but ordinary.
The first transformation lay in his skeleton and blood.
His bones had undergone a remarkable metamorphosis, now radiating a purity akin to flawless jade. Once mundane, they had become pristine white, shimmering with an otherworldly luster. Intricate red and orange runes, pulsating faintly as though imbued with life, were etched upon their surface. These ancient markings brimmed with boundless power, enhancing the divine aura of his newly refined frame.
His blood, once crimson, now glowed with a slight golden hue. It coursed through his veins with an unparalleled vitality, exuding the essence of life itself. Each radiant drop pulsed with unimaginable strength, instilling him with the confidence that even the gravest of wounds would heal in moments, restoring him to his peak condition with effortless ease.
The second transformation centered on his heart and internal organs.
His heart emitted a faint green glow, an unyielding aura of vitality that made him feel invincible. It was as though his heart had become impervious to destruction, capable of enduring even fatal blows without faltering.
Meanwhile, his internal organs shimmered softly with a golden radiance, enveloped by a protective essence. This glow seemed to shield them from harm, ensuring that his cultivation and future breakthroughs would proceed without obstacles. The golden light was like an impenetrable barrier, a guardian of his internal strength.
The third and final change was in his soul.
His soul was now wrapped in a faint blue glow, akin to the protective radiance of his heart and organs. This serene light not only shielded his soul from harm but also nourished it constantly, drawing in Spiritual Strength from the surrounding world. Like the tempering touch of Celestial Ancient Frost, this ethereal blue glow refined his soul with slow yet relentless strength, forging it into something far more resilient and profound.
"What exactly is happening to my body…?" Xiao Hua murmured softly, his voice laced with confusion and unease.
"It is the tribulation of the Heavenly Judgement Lightning, child," came the calm, ethereal voice of Lady Azure, resonating from deep within him.
Moments later, Lady Azure and Xue Yue emerged from his body, their figures materializing before him. Xiao Hua remained silent, his sharp gaze fixed on them as he waited for the explanation he knew would come. He understood now—this was the benefit they had hinted at.
"The Heavenly Judgement Lightning serves to enhance your physical strength, refine your soul, and elevate both your talent and potential," Lady Azure explained. Her voice was steady, but her eyes narrowed, her expression turning stern. "However, this is merely preparation for the three most dangerous Heavenly Lightnings."
"These final three are known as the Heavenly Extermination Lightning, the Heavenly Retribution Lightning, and the Heavenly Cataclysm Lightning," Xue Yue added, her tone heavy with solemnity.
"Preparation…" Xiao Hua murmured again, his brows furrowing deeply as a storm of thoughts raced through his mind. A grave expression settled over his face. "For Sister Azure and Sister Xue Yue to react like this, these three Heavenly Lightnings must be unimaginably dangerous."
"That's right, child," Lady Azure said with a solemn nod. "However, it's not just the danger of facing these three Heavenly Lightnings individually. The true peril lies in the fact that they will descend simultaneously!"
"Simultaneously? Like the Heavenly Astral Lightning and Heavenly Mortal Lightning, right?" Xiao Hua tilted his head, puzzled. It wasn't the first time he had faced multiple Heavenly Lightnings, so the concept didn't initially seem alarming.
Noticing his confusion, Lady Azure shook her head. "No, it's far worse. After refining the Heavenly Astral Lightning, there was at least a brief moment of reprieve, allowing you to recover and prepare before the descent of the Heavenly Mortal Lightning. But for these three? There will be no pause, no mercy. They will all descend and strike at the same time—a force capable of obliterating an entire group of Dou Di experts in an instant!"
"All three at once?!" Xiao Hua exclaimed, his face paling until it was as white as a sheet of paper. "I could barely endure one Heavenly Lightning on its own, yet you expect me to withstand all three simultaneously? And with enough power to decimate Dou Di experts, no less…"
"That's nothing short of seeking death, Sister Azure, Sister Xue Yue…" he muttered, swallowing hard. Fear surged through him, but deep down, he knew there was no room for error when it came to Heavenly Lightnings. Their precision and ruthlessness were absolute.
Moments ago, he had been basking in the triumph of his advancement to the Dou Zong class. Yet now, this devastating revelation felt like a bucket of ice-cold water dousing his hard-won joy, leaving him shivering in the shadow of an impending catastrophe.
"You don't need to worry, child," Xue Yue interjected with a soothing voice, her tone gentle yet reassuring. The warmth in her words caused Xiao Hua's tense shoulders to relax ever so slightly.
"There is a benefit to refining the three Heavenly Lightnings as well," she continued, pausing for a moment to let the weight of her words settle. "After successfully enduring and refining them, your strength will advanced to the Half-Step Dou Di realm, and your soul will ascend to the Di State—all without harming your foundation."
Xiao Hua's eyes widened in shock. The news was even more astonishing than the peril of the three Heavenly Lightnings. If what Xue Yue said was true, it meant he would bypass two entire cultivation realms—Dou Zun and Ban-Sheng—to reach the level of a Dou Sheng with one foot already in the Dou Di class.
Moreover, his soul entering the Di State was an achievement so rare it bordered on the impossible. Only three individuals in the novel—Gu Yuan, Hun Tiandi, and Xiao Yan—had ever attained this pinnacle of Spiritual State in the Dou Qi Continent. The sheer significance of such a feat left Xiao Hua momentarily speechless, his mind racing with the implications of this monumental leap.