After Xiao Tian returned to his secluded cave, he lit a fire and began roasting the flesh of a lightning beast he had hunted earlier. He ate the meat with practiced efficiency, absorbing its essence and vitality into his body. This was his routine: hunting, consuming the energy of beasts, and relentlessly cultivating.
When he wasn't hunting, he dedicated himself to mastering the "Heaven-Severing Technique of 33 Layers" and the "Nine Demonic Body Refinements." For three months, which marked five months since he had first arrived in the Forest of Thunderous Beasts, Xiao Tian trained tirelessly. Though his previous encounter with a hostile group of cultivators had left him cautious, he no longer felt the shadow of fear hanging over him.
He had familiarized himself with much of the mountain's terrain, turning its dense forests and treacherous cliffs to his advantage. The hunters would be navigating in the open, while he thrived in the shadows. Moreover, Xiao Tian's confidence in his abilities was absolute. Over the months, he had reached the lower perfection realm of the "Heaven-Severing Technique" and advanced to the mid-fifth level of the "Nine Demonic Body Refinements." His understanding of sword intent alone allowed him to leap realms in combat effortlessly.
Occasionally, Xiao Tian ventured deeper into the forest, seeking out fifth- and even sixth-rank beasts. Their beast cores served to strengthen his cultivation base, refine his soul, and reinforce the foundation of his power to a degree that defied conventional wisdom.
One particular moment in his training stood out. Wielding his sword and unleashing the power of the 33 Layers technique combined with his profound sword intent, Xiao Tian had sliced through not one, but two mountain peaks. The attack had torn apart the fabric of space and time in the area, leaving the land scarred and trembling. Though his cultivation base remained at the fifth stage of Qi Condensation, Xiao Tian could easily overpower opponents in the Body Refinement Realm's peak stage.
---
Time passed. A year flew by.
Finally, Xiao Tian broke through the first level of the Spirit Condensation and Body Integration Realm. With this monumental achievement, he laughed uncontrollably, his voice echoing throughout the mountains. The forest around him, however, was silent. He had long since hunted the beasts that once roamed here, turning them into nourishment for his relentless growth. Now, his strength rivaled even those in the fifth level of the Spirit Body Refinement Realm. Xiao Tian had become a genius unmatched in history, surpassing all logic and expectation.
"It seems I've outgrown the beasts in this area," he murmured to himself, his tone filled with excitement and determination. "It's time to venture into the depths of the Forest of Thunderous Beasts."
Without hesitation, Xiao Tian began his preparations and set off toward the forest's perilous heart, eager to find more formidable adversaries.
---
Meanwhile, far from Xiao Tian's cave, a group of cultivators searched tirelessly. They moved through the forest with weary determination, their leader barking orders.
"It's been over a year, and we still haven't found any trace of that brat," one complained. "Do you think he might've been eaten by the beasts here?"
The leader's face darkened as he replied, "Stop spouting nonsense. We must find some sign of him, dead or alive. The master has prepared a special artifact to track him, and if we fail within two months, we'll all be dead men."
Their desperation renewed, the group scattered to continue their search. Unknown to them, one of their scouts had ventured too far and stumbled upon a lone figure moving deeper into the forest. The scout's eyes widened in shock.
"It's him… I've found him!"
Wasting no time, the scout sent a messenger pigeon to alert the rest of the group. Upon reading the message, their leader grinned wickedly. "The brat's still alive—and heading straight into the depths of the forest."
Another cultivator muttered nervously, "The deeper parts of this forest are filled with dangers. Even those in the Alchemy Realm have perished there. Perhaps we should—"
"No!" the leader interrupted sharply. "We must claim his head and bring it back. Failure is not an option!"
With heavy hearts, the group prepared themselves for the perilous journey into the forest's heart, knowing full well the risks that awaited them.
The sight of their comrades being effortlessly slaughtered struck terror into the remaining beasts. Xiao Tian grinned, the thrill of battle igniting a fire within him. "Now I understand," he muttered, recalling the heroic tales from his past life. "This is why they always shout during a fight-it feels incredible!"
Amid the chaos, a new presence emerged. It was a beast unlike the others-a leader among the Level 8 creatures. Its roar echoed with fury, shaking the very ground. The creature, a demonic saber-toothed tiger, revealed its blood-stained claws and dagger-like fangs, exuding a savage and ferocious aura.
Cut to a group of assassins in pursuit of Xiao Tian.
"Are you absolutely certain that was Xiao Tian?" one asked skeptically.
"Of course! I saw him with my own eyes. I even compared his face to the wanted poster. Although the picture is outdated, there's no mistaking him," another replied confidently.
"If you're so sure, we must move quickly. We can't risk letting him fall prey to the beasts before we claim his head. Let's go!"
With that, the group advanced at full speed, heading toward the explosions reverberating from the mountain's depths.
Back to Xiao Tian.
"Die, you foolish beasts! Do you think that attacking in hordes will grant you victory? Pitiful!" Xiao Tian's voice boomed as he carved through the oncoming beasts with a single swing of his sword. The energy of his strikes was so overwhelming that even Level 8 beasts were grievously wounded. Two particularly bold creatures attempted to attack, only to meet their end under the fury of Xiao Tian's advanced sword techniques.
With a swift strike, the tiger sent Xiao Tian hurtling dozens of meters away. Yet, instead of fear, excitement lit up his eyes. "Finally, a worthy opponent!" he exclaimed. Pointing his sword at the beast, he taunted, "Come at me with everything you've got, or I'll tear you apart piece by piece!"
The tiger growled in response, unleashing its Blood Demon Form. Its body surged with energy as it activated its full power, determined to rip Xiao Tian to shreds and savor his blood. The tiger lunged with terrifying speed, faster than even the eye could follow.
But Xiao Tian remained unshaken. In a split second, his sword flashed through the air. Before the tiger realized it, its limbs had been severed, scattering across the battlefield. Reduced to a pitiful, crawling mess, the once-proud beast met its end as Xiao Tian severed its head and retrieved its beast core with ease.
The surrounding Level 8 beasts trembled in horror. Their leader had been killed so effortlessly. Xiao Tian sneered, his voice dripping with arrogance. "If none of you dare to step forward, I will hunt you down one by one until none of you remain."
Moments later, a voice thundered across the mountain, shaking the heavens themselves.
"How dare you!"
The air grew heavy as a terrifying aura swept across the entire Thunder Beast Mountain. Even the strongest beasts were crushed under the pressure, collapsing in submission. The spiritual force that radiated was suffocating, a power far beyond anything Xiao Tian had faced thus far.
From the sky descended a Level 9 Phoenix, its body wreathed in divine golden flames intertwined with streaks of white lightning. Its majestic presence was both awe-inspiring and fearsome, a creature born of celestial might.
"To think you would dare to desecrate my mountain," the Phoenix declared, its voice echoing like a divine proclamation. "Who are you to slaughter my guardians so wantonly?"
Xiao Tian's expression remained calm, a faint smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. "Ah, it seems you are related to that tiny fledgling I encountered last year. Let me guess-it was your descendant whose resources I so generously borrowed?"
The Phoenix's eyes burned with rage, the flames around it intensifying. "So, it was you who dared to rob my kin. Insolent worm! For this crime, I shall incinerate your very soul!"
The divine flames surged, the Phoenix's aura expanding in all directions, causing the earth to sink under its might. Yet, as the oppressive spiritual force bore down upon him, Xiao Tian stood unaffected, his gaze unwavering.
the flames around it intensifying. "So, it was you who dared to rob my kin. Insolent worm! For this crime, I shall incinerate your very soul!"
"Impressive theatrics," he remarked mockingly. "But if that's the best you can do, then I'm afraid you're unworthy to stand before me."
The Phoenix roared in fury, its golden flames surging to new heights. "You dare to mock a sacred beast? Prepare to meet your end, arrogant mortal!"
As the furious roar echoed through the mountains, the Level 9 Phoenix flapped its colossal wings with immense force, unleashing a storm of wind and lightning intertwined with divine golden flames. The heat it radiated melted stones into rivers of lava, and the surrounding forest was reduced to ashes in an instant.
Its attack, "Heaven's Divine Talon," was a pinnacle technique, imbued with celestial flames and sacred lightning. The massive claw, shimmering with golden brilliance, tore through the air with a speed so blinding that even the keenest eyes could not follow.
Amidst the chaos, Xiao Tian stood resolute. The tempest of power roared around him, yet his gaze remained calm, his lips curling into a faint smirk. "You truly believe this feeble display can intimidate me?" His voice was steady, brimming with unwavering confidence.
With a firm grip, he raised his sword, gathering the essence of his Dao into its blade. The surrounding air trembled as sword intent reached its peak, forming radiant arcs of energy around him.
"Heaven-Severing Sword: Soul-Annihilating Slash!"
A blinding streak of sword light surged skyward, as if to split the heavens themselves. The colossal blade, radiating pure, destructive energy, descended with unparalleled might, clashing directly against the phoenix's divine talon.
BOOM!
The clash shook the mountain to its core, sending shockwaves rippling through the land. Golden flames and sword light collided, creating an explosion that obliterated everything in its path. The resulting shockwave hurled beasts hundreds of meters away, leaving a deep scar across the battlefield.
The Level 9 Phoenix, observing the clash in stunned disbelief, growled in frustration. It had never imagined that a mere human, one still bound to the Second Realm, could withstand the full force of its divine might.
"This is impossible!" it roared, its voice shaking with fury.
Xiao Tian smirked, his eyes gleaming with a hint of mockery. "Nothing is impossible. The difference between us is simple: you are shackled by the laws of the heavens, but I... I am not."
With those words, he swung his sword once more. The condensed power of his blade surged forward, piercing the phoenix's defenses and carving a grievous wound across its chest. Golden blood spilled like a radiant waterfall, and the phoenix let out a pained screech that echoed across the Thunder Beast Mountain.
The phoenix staggered, its aura diminishing rapidly, yet it refused to fall. "Who... who are you?" it demanded, its voice trembling. "How can a mortal wield power capable of defying even my divine flames?"
Xiao Tian stood tall amidst the chaos, his expression cold as ice. "I am but one who refuses to bow to the whims of heaven. And today, I will erase the name of the so-called sacred beast from history."
Before the phoenix could respond, Xiao Tian swung his sword one final time. The devastating strike cleaved through its body, silencing its cries for eternity.
Standing over the fallen beast, Xiao Tian gazed at the golden core that now lay in his palm. He spoke softly, his voice carrying a weight of inevitability.
"This... is the beginning of a new legend."
---
Xiao Tian, after narrowly defeating a Ninth-Level Divine Phoenix, a creature birthed from the very Will of the Heavens, let out a deep sigh of relief and spoke:
"I never imagined that someone like me, merely in the Second Realm of Cultivation, the stage of Spirit Refinement and Body Fusion, could triumph over a Ninth-Level Divine Beast, a manifestation of the Heavenly Laws themselves. If I were to tell anyone about this, they would surely call me mad or say I've lost my mind. Yet, I care not, for I have transcended beyond the common understanding of these cultivation realms."
As he finished speaking, Xiao Tian suddenly sensed a disturbance in the air. He looked up, only to be stunned by what he saw. The sky itself seemed to ripple and tear, as countless streaks of black lightning surged forth, creating a chaotic spectacle unlike any the world had ever seen. The aura and the sheer magnitude of this phenomenon spread endlessly across the heavens, making it visible to all who beheld it.
Those outside the Thunder Beast Mountain were astonished, exclaiming in disbelief:
"What an immense calamity! Who could possibly summon a heavenly tribulation of such magnitude? Surely this individual has surpassed the level of a mere Immortal! It cannot be... How could a true Immortal be born in the mortal world?"
They gasped, their hearts gripped with shock, yet they had no choice but to believe their eyes. This was far beyond the realm of mortal comprehension or resistance.
Xiao Tian, however, remained unfazed. He steadied himself, and his body began to emanate a dark, ominous aura, as if preparing to face the full brunt of the Heavenly Tribulation head-on. His intent was clear — to embrace the fury of the heavens and use it to temper his body, to elevate his cultivation foundation.
Such a reckless, audacious thought! To absorb the power of the heavens directly into one's body, to refine it as one's own strength and foundation... It was nothing short of madness.
---
Xiao Tian had already steeled himself for what was to come. He knew that this event was far from ordinary. As he readied himself to face the impending Heavenly Tribulation, the scene shifted abruptly.
The view then cut to a majestic palace.
This palace was constructed with what could only be described as the essence of Heaven's Power itself. It was a resplendent golden palace, unmatched in its beauty and grandeur. Within its opulent halls, a group of figures stood, watching an image of Xiao Tian as if displayed on a mystical screen, akin to the television we know in our world. They gazed in shock, some even left with their mouths agape.
The reason for their astonishment was clear: a mere cultivator at the Second Realm — the stage of Spirit and Body Fusion — had managed to defeat a manifestation of the Heavenly Laws, none other than a Ninth-Level Divine Phoenix. This feat was beyond their understanding and shattered all conventional notions they held.
They began to frantically search for the true origins of Xiao Tian, their minds unable to grasp how such a young cultivator could possess this level of power.
"This surpasses anything that could be called the Second Realm! This is power akin to the mightiest of Immortals!" one of them exclaimed, his voice filled with disbelief.
"What is this? For a mortal realm like this to produce such a terrifying being... He could very well pose a threat to our Heavenly Palace itself!"
The gathering murmured in a mix of fear and resolve.
"We must find a way to eliminate him at all costs! This child cannot be allowed to threaten our celestial dominion!"
Their voices echoed through the grand hall, a mix of shock and grim determination. The fate of Xiao Tian was now a matter of urgent concern to those who presided over the Heavenly Palace.
The Heavenly Tribulation this time was unlike any before. It was imbued with the Laws of Destruction and the Essence of Despair, amplifying its ferocity to the utmost. The intent was clear: to push Xiao Tian into utter hopelessness, forcing him to absorb the endless, dark lightning until his very being would rupture and disintegrate.
"Enough stalling! Begin the assault. We cannot afford any more delays — commence at once!"
The command echoed through the heavens, and the scene shifted back to Xiao Tian.
Xiao Tian felt a shiver run down his spine. Though he had faced numerous tribulations before, he had never encountered such chaotic and volatile Heavenly Laws. The very essence of destruction seemed to hang in the air, and he knew that this trial could very well be the most perilous he had ever faced — a true battle between life and death. He had prepared himself for this, but now, confronted with the overwhelming pressure, a part of him felt an instinctive fear.
"Come then!" Xiao Tian shouted defiantly, his voice resolute despite his fear. "I am ready to risk my life for this! If death is my fate, so be it!"
The moment those words left his lips, the dark lightning surged forth, a torrent of pure, unyielding energy. It struck him head-on, moving with a speed that surpassed the comprehension of even ordinary Immortals. Before Xiao Tian could fully react, the black lightning crashed into his body and spirit, tearing through his defenses.
His physical form and soul shattered into countless fragments in an instant. It appeared as though Xiao Tian's life had come to an abrupt end, his existence snuffed out by the unrelenting might of the tribulation.
But deep within the recesses of his consciousness, in a void of utter emptiness, a figure emerged — a man clothed in a brilliant white aura, radiating an ancient and profound presence.
"It seems you are about to perish far too soon," the figure's voice echoed across the boundless void. "You have only been here for less than two years. You cannot die so quickly. It is not your time yet. I shall grant you a bit more life."
The voice resonated through the void like a divine proclamation. As the words faded, the scene abruptly shifted back to Xiao Tian's physical form. His body lay broken, grievously injured to the point where any ordinary person would have been rendered permanently crippled, if not dead. Yet, somehow, he was still alive, albeit barely.
Suddenly, Xiao Tian's body began to absorb the dark lightning and the very Laws of Heaven that had sought to obliterate him. His shattered soul, which had been reduced to mere fragments, started to mend itself at an incredible pace. It was as if an unseen force was guiding his recovery, patching his spirit back together and restoring his vitality.
The celestial beings in the Heavenly Palace watched in sheer disbelief.
"What is happening?!" one of them exclaimed, his eyes wide with shock. "How can his soul and body be healing so rapidly? Even the greatest of Immortals would have perished under such an assault!"
Another celestial figure, his face filled with dread, muttered, "This is madness! It defies all logic. Could there be a hidden entity of immense power shielding him? Is he perhaps the descendant of someone at the Ninth Realm, the pinnacle of Heavenly Cultivation?"
A third voice, filled with incredulity, added, "Impossible! We have observed his past. He was only at the Sixth Realm of cultivation, mastering the peak of supernatural control. There is no way he could have such a powerful protector. This goes against all reason!"
The grand hall of the Heavenly Palace buzzed with confusion and fear. The celestial beings could not comprehend what they were witnessing. Xiao Tian's miraculous recovery, his ability to withstand the full might of the Heavenly Tribulation, was beyond their wildest imaginations. It was as if the heavens themselves were granting him a chance to defy fate, a chance to ascend beyond what any mortal or immortal had ever achieved.
The implications were clear — Xiao Tian was no ordinary cultivator. His existence was a threat to the established order of the Heavenly Palace, a being who could potentially challenge even the celestial dominion itself.
~~~
A voice among the gathered celestials spoke up with urgency, "Your Excellency, Supreme Lord of Heavenly Laws, what shall we do now? Should we descend and kill this child while he is still unconscious? It would be a simple task in his current state."
The elderly figure, addressed as the Supreme Lord, listened intently. With a calm yet commanding voice, he replied:
"There is no need. Even after we exhausted the full might of the Heavenly Laws to annihilate him, it still proved insufficient. This alone indicates that there may be an existence far beyond our own that is aiding him. Otherwise, how could a mere cultivator at the Second Realm, the stage of Spirit-Body Fusion, contend with a Divine Beast of the Ninth Level? Such a beast represents the pinnacle of power within the mortal realm, a force that no ordinary being could possibly withstand. This outcome proves that this child has the backing of a power far greater than our own."
The Supreme Lord's expression turned contemplative as he continued, "Even when we unleashed the boundless black lightning, imbued with the highest laws of reality, it could not kill him. Instead, he grew stronger and advanced his cultivation in leaps and bounds. This is highly irregular - far beyond the norm. We must not meddle with him further. The cost of invoking the Supreme Heavenly Laws, the expenditure of both our divine will and the essence of Heaven itself, was immense. Yet it failed to bring about his end."
The gathered celestials listened in silence, the gravity of his words sinking in. The Supreme Lord continued:
"We exist to maintain balance and ensure that the natural order proceeds smoothly and justly. However, it appears that the force supporting him is far beyond our reach. We are powerless against this child. Thus, we shall adhere strictly to our role, upholding the equilibrium of this world. As he ascends through the realms, we will invoke increasingly severe Heavenly Tribulations, surpassing those faced by any other. His uniqueness demands trials far greater than those given to ordinary cultivators."
He then paused, his gaze sharp and unwavering. "Let us return to our duties. I shall continue to monitor this situation closely and observe how events unfold."
The other celestials bowed in deference. "Understood, Your Excellency, Supreme Keeper of the Heavenly Laws!"
With that, the gathered celestials dispersed, their minds filled with a mixture of awe and trepidation. They understood now that Xiao Tian was no mere cultivator; he was a force of nature, a variable they had not accounted for - one whose destiny was intertwined with powers beyond even the Supreme
Heavenly Palace.
Xiao Tian gazed around, surveying the aftermath of his ordeal. The once majestic Thunder Beast Mountain was now nothing more than a massive crater, over a hundred meters deep. The area, once teeming with fierce demonic beasts, lay barren and empty. Not a single living creature remained; it had become a desolate, silent void. Xiao Tian, his body entirely exposed with not a thread of clothing left to cover him, slowly made his way out of the ruins.
As he approached the entrance of the Thunder Beast Forest, he spotted a group of people heading in his direction. To his surprise, leading them was none other than his father, accompanied by a large contingent of high-ranking guards and soldiers. Xiao Tian was puzzled, wondering what had brought them here. Without hesitation, he sprinted towards them, shouting out to catch their attention.
From a distance, one of the soldiers squinted at the approaching figure and remarked, "There's a madman running around completely naked over there, Commander. Should we deal with him?"
The commander was about to give an order when he suddenly recognized the familiar silhouette. "Wait... That figure... It looks familiar. Get a closer look!"
As the group approached, they realized with astonishment that it was Xiao Tian, the young master of their sect.
Xiao Tian, noticing their shocked expressions, couldn't help but ask, "Father, why have you come here? This place is incredibly dangerous!"
Hearing his words, the guards and soldiers exchanged uneasy glances. One of them muttered under his breath, "The one causing all this danger... it was you, Xiao Tian!"
Despite their bewilderment, they quickly draped a cloak over him to cover his exposed body. Without uttering another word, they hurriedly escorted him back to the sect, their faces etched with a mixture of awe and fear. They dared not linger; the recent Heavenly Tribulation was still fresh in their minds, and the possibility of another disaster filled them with dread.
They knew all too well that Xiao Tian was no ordinary cultivator, and after witnessing the aftermath of his breakthrough, they had no desire to provoke the wrath of the heavens again.~