The sky burned crimson as lightning tore through the heavens, splitting mountains and seas with its terrifying might. Standing amidst the chaos, Tang Xiu gritted his teeth, his black robes torn and drenched in blood. His long silver hair danced wildly in the storm as the Tribulation Clouds churned above him, releasing endless strikes of divine lightning.
"This is my ninth heavenly tribulation," he murmured, his voice steady despite the chaos. "If I pass this, I'll ascend beyond mortality. If I fail…" He didn't finish the thought. There was no need. The Immortal World trembled at the sight of his battle, countless beings praying for his success or downfall.
With a flick of his wrist, Tang Xiu summoned his Immortal Sword, its blade gleaming with a radiant golden light. It was a weapon forged by his own hands, imbued with the power of countless ancient treasures. He raised it high, meeting the next strike head-on.
BOOM!
The force of the collision sent him crashing into a distant mountain. Rocks shattered and dust filled the air, but Tang Xiu stood once more, blood dripping from his mouth. His body was battered, his spiritual energy nearly drained, but his eyes burned with unyielding determination.
"Is this all you've got, heavens?" he roared, his voice shaking the void.
The Tribulation Clouds seemed to respond to his defiance. They thickened, darkened, and then unleashed a bolt of golden lightning ten times more powerful than any before.
Tang Xiu gripped his sword tightly, channeling the last of his energy into a protective barrier. But as the lightning descended, he realized the truth. He had overestimated himself.
"No!" he bellowed, but it was too late.
The golden lightning struck him directly, shattering his sword, his barrier, and his body. Pain like he had never felt before coursed through him as his soul began to unravel. His life, his power, his very essence—all of it was being torn apart.
In his final moments, Tang Xiu laughed bitterly. "I, the Supreme Immortal, brought to my knees by the heavens… how ironic."
As the light of his soul faded, a tiny flicker of energy pulsed from the pendant hanging around his neck. It was a simple object, unassuming to the eye, but it held secrets even Tang Xiu had never uncovered.
The heavens roared once more, as if enraged by the pendant's defiance. And then, everything went dark