Chapter 1220
Special Circumstances, Success in Achieving the Great Dao
"A letter from the sect, could it be that Senior Sister Bai has something to discuss with me?"
After taking the letter from Song Qingyu, Song Qingming's expression quickly changed after just one glance, revealing a hint of surprise.
"Qingyu, I'm going to Guyang Mountain first. I'll leave things here to you for now."
I'll make up for the feast I owe you when I get back.
Before Song Qingyu could nod in agreement, Song Qingming led Li Xuanyi down the mountain.
".
"Guyang Peak" is located in a cave at the summit.
Within Xu Ziyan's dantian, her "natal nascent soul" had already taken on the form of four limbs, resembling a child with five or six parts humanoid features.
Unlike other Nascent Soul cultivators, Xu Ziyan's "natal Nascent Soul" has an additional black stripe in its eyes.
It faintly emitted wisps of black spiritual light, appearing somewhat strange.
Having reached this stage, the cultivator has already completed eight or nine tenths of the "Nascent Soul Transformation" process.
If the Nascent Soul stage cannot be successfully formed, not only will the cultivation level drop, but the natal Golden Core will also immediately shatter.
Seeing that she was ready, Xu Ziyan did not hesitate any longer and took out another bottle of "Cold Jade Spirit Liquid" that she had prepared in advance and inhaled it into her stomach.
As soon as the spiritual liquid entered her dantian, a pure magical power instantly enveloped her, calming the slight agitation brought about by Xu Ziyan's "natal nascent soul".
Next comes the final step.
"Transformation into a Nascent Soul!"
As Xu Ziyan concentrated all her magical power into her nascent soul, the "natal nascent soul," which was originally only half a humanoid shape, immediately burst forth with golden light.
Before long, Xu Ziyan's "natal nascent soul" transformed again, taking on a three-inch-sized human form.
"It's done!"
Upon sensing that her "natal nascent soul" had opened its eyes and could be controlled freely by her divine sense, Xu Ziyan immediately showed a hint of joy.
Having been a Taoist for over five hundred years, he failed to achieve the Nascent Soul stage twice, enduring countless hardships and setbacks.
Unexpectedly, his desperate move actually brought him the "Nascent Soul Path" he had always dreamed of.
Looking at the "natal primordial spirit" that had successfully formed inside his body.
At this moment, Xu Ziyan was incredibly excited and still couldn't quite believe that she had truly reached the Nascent Soul realm.
At this moment, she had already reached the pinnacle that countless cultivators in the cultivation world aspired to, becoming a revered sect patriarch.
"This is the Nascent Soul realm!"
"What a wonderful feeling! It's truly different!"
Whether it was because of her refining of the "spiritual infant" or not, Xu Ziyan felt that her body was still full of magical power after "transforming into a nascent soul".
The magical power that a "natal nascent soul" can control seems to far surpass that of those cultivators who have just advanced to the nascent soul stage.
However, she couldn't be sure if that was the reason right now.
Before Xu Ziyan could figure out what was wrong with her, a thunderclap suddenly rang out in the distant sky, instantly interrupting her train of thought.
Seeing this, Xu Ziyan immediately withdrew her thoughts and transformed into a streak of light, rushing out of the cave's restrictions.
In the distance, dark clouds rolled and lightning flashed continuously in the sky.
Having successfully transformed into a nascent soul, Xu Ziyan is now about to face her own nascent soul tribulation.
Looking at the fierce lightning tribulation about to fall from the sky, Xu Ziyan showed no fear in her eyes, but rather a calm demeanor.
Before the lightning tribulation could strike, Xu Ziyan raised her hand and waved it, and a green jade tablet appeared in front of her. A protective shield of spiritual light instantly rose above her head.
The next moment, a deafening roar echoed in the sky, and the azure lightning tribulation struck above the protective barrier.
In the middle of the battlefield, lightning flashed and sparks flew.
Even after the lightning completely disappeared, Xu Ziyan remained steadily suspended in mid-air.
His breathing was perfectly steady, showing that he was completely at ease.
They have begun preparing to face the second tribulation of lightning brewing in the sky.
"boom!"
As the leading Nascent Soul sect in the Floating Cloud Mountains, the Free and Unfettered Sect naturally has many methods specifically designed to deal with Heavenly Tribulation lightning.
Even before Xu Ziyan went into seclusion, the sect had already arranged numerous magical treasures, spiritual objects, and high-level formations to help her cope with the lightning tribulation.
Despite being struck by five bolts of lightning, Xu Ziyan only suffered damage to one of her magical artifacts and minor injuries.
He appeared to be unharmed.
Standing in mid-air at a distance, the members of the "Free and Unfettered Sect" who were watching Xu Ziyan's tribulation were also full of confidence in her success.
Only Song Qingming, standing at the front, stared at the black cloud above that was brewing the sixth "thunder tribulation," and felt a vague sense of familiarity in his heart, which made his expression somewhat solemn.
Seemingly noticing Song Qingming's worried expression, Bai Yuxian quickly spoke up to comfort him.
"Don't worry, Junior Brother Song. Before I went into seclusion, I gave Ziyan two level-four defensive talismans and a magic array to help her."
"Given her current condition, she should have no problem dealing with this final lightning tribulation."
Upon hearing Bai Yuxian's words, Song Qingming did not respond, his gaze remaining fixed on the impending tribulation lightning.
"boom!"
As a thunderous roar echoed across the sky, a white bolt of lightning as thick as a bucket, accompanied by an overwhelming force, shot straight toward Xu Ziyan below.
Faced with the menacing sixth bolt of heavenly lightning, Xu Ziyan rapidly circulated her magical power and immediately summoned a silver talisman, which floated in front of her.
This silver talisman is of the fourth-grade low quality, and it is also a high-grade talisman specifically used to resist lightning tribulations.
Under Xu Ziyan's spell control, a silver crane quickly flew out from the silver talisman, exuding a powerful aura that was no less than that of a Nascent Soul cultivator.
"go with!"
As soon as Xu Ziyan uttered a soft cry, the "Silver Crane" also let out a long cry, then soared into the sky to meet the heavenly lightning in mid-air.
Two streaks of light, one silver and one white, converged rapidly in mid-air, instantly illuminating the entire night sky covered by dark clouds.
The entire battlefield, including Xu Ziyan below, was shrouded in spiritual light, making it impossible to see what was happening inside.
Although it was already known that Xu Ziyan carried many high-level tribulation-crossing spiritual objects and would not easily perish under the lightning tribulation.
However, upon witnessing the "Heavenly Tribulation Thunder" in the center of the battlefield, which was comparable to a full-force attack from a Nascent Soul cultivator, the many Golden Core cultivators from various sects who had come to observe from afar couldn't help but feel a sense of tension.
In particular, Yao Muling, Zheng Zongxun, and others who were on good terms with Xu Ziyan, the sect leader, all stared wide-eyed ahead, not daring to miss the moment when the other party successfully transcended the tribulation.
After flashing white light for a moment, it still shattered the "silver crane" in front of it and continued to fall down towards Xu Ziyan.
However, with most of its power blocked, the lightning tribulation's momentum was no longer comparable to before, with only 30-40% of its original power remaining.
Just as it landed above Xu Ziyan's head, it was blocked outside the "Heavenly Gang Eight Extremes Formation" that she had prepared in advance.
The "Tiangang Baji Formation" in Xu Ziyan's hand is a new formation that Song Qingming created by combining the "Tiangang Five Elements Formation" and the "Yin Yang Baji Formation".
Although this formation is only a third-grade high-level formation, it is very effective against lightning-attribute divine abilities, and its power in dealing with Heavenly Tribulation is no less than that of a fourth-grade low-level formation.
"Boom! Boom! Boom!"
Bolts of lightning continuously struck the protective shield above, causing Xu Ziyan's arms to go numb.
With the "Tiangang Baji Formation" blocking it, the remaining lightning tribulation was firmly blocked outside the formation.
Although she had already withstood five "heavenly lightning" strikes in a row, Xu Ziyan was still in relatively good condition, and her internal magic power was still sufficient to fully activate the great formation in her hands.
Only when the lightning completely disappeared and they saw that the familiar figure still standing in mid-air did the crowd relax a little.
"Senior Sister Xu, she has successfully transcended the tribulation."
"Sect Leader, you have finally achieved the Nascent Soul stage."
".
"Wait, the tribulation is not over yet, no one is allowed to move."
Just as the surrounding crowd stirred, a somewhat serious voice suddenly filled the air, immediately silencing the many happy disciples of the "Free and Unfettered Sect".
At this moment, Bai Yuxian and the others, who were standing in mid-air, all stared intently at the dark clouds above, their faces showing disbelief.
The dark clouds showed no sign of dissipating; instead, they flashed with bursts of white light once more, as if they were brewing something terrifying.
"This aura, could it be the seventh tribulation lightning!"
"Oh no! Everyone, quickly spread out to avoid being accidentally injured by the lightning tribulation!"
Upon hearing the reminder from the Nascent Soul Grand Elders of the sects above, the numerous Golden Core cultivators below hurriedly cast spells and retreated a thousand feet away.
Before they could regain their footing, another booming sound came from the sky.
Everyone looked up and stared in utter shock at the "lightning tribulation" that was about to fall from the dark clouds ahead.
"There's a seventh lightning tribulation? How is this possible?!"
In the cultivation world, the "Nascent Soul Tribulation" usually involves the Six Paths.
Although some ancient books also record the special case of lightning tribulation occurring in more than six realms.
There are even rumors that ancient cultivators braved nine tribulations of lightning and were eventually directly guided to the upper realm.
However, since the establishment of the "Xiaoyao Sect" on Guyang Mountain, there have been no fewer than ten Nascent Soul cultivators in the sect who have undergone tribulations over the thousands of years, and the most they have ever experienced was only six tribulations of lightning.
This seventh lightning tribulation was the first time it had appeared above "Guyang Peak".
Compared to the surprised crowd, Song Qingming, standing in mid-air, did not appear too surprised.
Hundreds of years ago, back in the "Heavenly Sword Pavilion" of Xihua Prefecture, Song Qingming had already witnessed the appearance of the seventh tribulation. At that time, the person undergoing the tribulation was Song Qingyu, the only one in the sect who had formed his Nascent Soul outside.
While watching Xu Ziyan undergo her tribulation, Song Qingming had already vaguely sensed a strange familiarity.
That's why he noticed something was wrong with the lightning tribulation immediately and used magic to send a telepathic message to the people nearby who wanted to come forward to congratulate him.
“Junior Brother Song, Ziyan actually experienced a seventh lightning tribulation. Could it be because of refining the nascent soul? Why is this not recorded in the Qi family's records?” “Although I don’t know the reason either, the lightning tribulation is most likely related to that nascent soul.”
I had heard Fellow Daoist Xianyun mention it before, and I had also personally witnessed the supernatural powers of that infant spirit, which were no less than those of a peak sixth-level Nascent Soul cultivator.
Prior to this, it had already devoured many Golden Core cultivators who wanted to refine him.
"It's probably because that nascent soul was too powerful. After Junior Sister Xu refined it, a significant amount of its magical power remained in her body, which is why the lightning tribulation became so intense."
"Although it is somewhat dangerous, it is also an opportunity for her. We'll see if Junior Sister Xu can get through this smoothly."
In the cultivation world, when a Nascent Soul cultivator normally forms their Nascent Soul, they will only experience six tribulations of lightning.
Only in certain special circumstances will more lightning tribulations occur.
The reason why Song Qingyu experienced the seventh lightning tribulation was because when she formed her nascent soul, she fused the sword intent left behind by a Nascent Soul senior from the "Heavenly Sword Pavilion" in the Sword Tomb.
Xu Ziyan did not possess any sword intent during this Nascent Soul formation.
If nothing unexpected happens, the problem should be her refining that "spiritual infant".
Although the records left by the Qi family cultivators do not directly state that refining a "spiritual infant" will increase the number of lightning tribulations for cultivators.
Song Qingming realized immediately that Xu Ziyan's seventh lightning tribulation was definitely related to this.
The appearance of this seventh tribulation lightning is extremely dangerous, but as long as one can successfully overcome it, it will be an opportunity for the cultivator.
Of all the Nascent Soul cultivators in the "Free and Unfettered Sect," only Song Qingyu survived seven tribulations of lightning back then.
After successfully forming his Nascent Soul, he had already reached the fifth level of the Nascent Soul realm in less than two hundred years.
It should be noted that Song Qingyu, after only forming her Nascent Soul with three-attribute spiritual roots, already possessed a cultivation speed that was in no way inferior to Bai Yuxian, who had a heavenly spiritual root.
This is not something that can be easily achieved simply by consuming more spiritual substances.
Li Xuanyi, who reached the Nascent Soul stage around the same time as Song Qingyu, would probably have fallen far behind Song Qingyu in cultivation level if it weren't for Song Qingming's help, and would have been unable to catch up with her.
For Xu Ziyan, the appearance of the seventh lightning tribulation also indicated that her Nascent Soul formation was different from others.
As long as they can successfully pass the tribulation, their cultivation speed should surpass that of Zhou Ziyang, Song Yuanhao, and other normal Nascent Soul cultivators, and their path to enlightenment will be broader.
Just as Song Qingming and the others showed a hint of worry and their eyes were fixed on the distance.
Despite facing the impending lightning tribulation, Xu Ziyan, suspended in mid-air, showed no fear on her face and once again cast a spell to summon the last level-four spirit talisman on her body.
Having faced six tribulations of lightning in succession, Xu Ziyan's magical power was almost completely depleted.
But right now, she has no way out.
The power of her "natal nascent soul" surged out rapidly, and Xu Ziyan immediately poured it into the talisman in her hand, transforming it into a green treasure tree.
The next moment, the "Azure Treasure Tree" began to grow wildly upwards, soaring straight into the sky.
At the same time, a booming sound rang out in the sky, and a lightning tribulation with even greater power than before descended from the sky onto the "Azure Treasure Tree".
The moment they made contact, the top of the "Azure Treasure Tree" was shattered into pieces by the lightning, turning into streaks of azure light and disappearing without a trace.
But as the blue light disappeared, the "blue treasure tree" below continued to grow rapidly, at a speed several times faster than before.
No matter how many bolts of lightning struck, the "Azure Treasure Tree" did not completely wither and disappear. Its azure branches formed layers of defense, desperately consuming the falling lightning.
This "Green Wood Withering and Flourishing Talisman" was auctioned off by Bai Yuxian decades ago when she attended the "Thunder Origin Sea" trading conference.
Wood-attribute talismans, although they do not counter lightning-attribute divine abilities.
However, the lightning-attracting wood used to refine the "Azure Wood Withering and Flourishing Talisman" is a rare high-level spiritual object that can resist lightning, and its defense against lightning tribulations far exceeds that of other defensive spiritual talismans of the same level.
With the help of the "Green Wood Withering and Flourishing Talisman", Xu Ziyan consumed 50% of the power of the lightning tribulation in mid-air.
Only after the power of the talisman in his hand was completely exhausted did he activate the "Heavenly Gang Eight Extremes Formation" above his head once more.
"boom!"
As the lightning struck, Xu Ziyan's body trembled slightly in mid-air, and she almost fell to the ground.
In order to activate the "Green Wood Withering and Flourishing Talisman", she had already exhausted all her magical power, and her face was somewhat pale. She could only grit her teeth and persevere.
"Now that things have come to this, I absolutely cannot give up."
With her gaze fixed on the descending lightning above, Xu Ziyan's eyes flashed with a dark light, and a powerful aura erupted from her body once again.
On the battlefield, lightning and magic arrays collided, illuminating the entire sky with a white light.
Seeing Xu Ziyan fighting desperately against the lightning tribulation, the members of the "Xiaoyao Sect" below were all excited and wished they could go forward to help her.
Unfortunately, the "Heavenly Tribulation" cannot be aided by external forces.
Even Nascent Soul cultivators like Song Qingming could only stand aside, unable to get close to the area covered by the lightning tribulation.
".
"boom!"
After the last flash of lightning, the sky suddenly fell silent.
Once the smoke cleared, the protective shield above Xu Ziyan's head was already covered in cracks.
The "Tiangang Baji Formation," riddled with various gaps, had been mostly destroyed by the lightning tribulation, and was now flickering with a faint light.
Within the cracked protective barrier, a figure in purple robes stood in mid-air, gazing upwards, holding a formation plate that had been broken in two.
Although she looked somewhat disheveled after withstanding the lightning tribulation, she was already exuding a powerful aura unique to Nascent Soul cultivators.
The dark clouds in the sky began to dissipate, and a five-colored ray of light fell upon Xu Ziyan, making her appear extremely majestic.
"Today, I have achieved the Nascent Soul stage thanks to the protection of my fellow disciples and senior uncles. Ziyan expresses her deepest gratitude to you all!"
Upon seeing this, the onlookers in the distance immediately bowed in unison and said:
"Congratulations, Sect Leader, on achieving the Nascent Soul stage!"
".
"Ziyan! Are you alright?"
Several streaks of light flashed in mid-air, and Bai Yuxian and Song Qingming arrived in front of them.
Seeing that Xu Ziyan's aura was still stable and she was alright, everyone breathed a sigh of relief and asked her a few questions with concern.
Xu Ziyan raised her hand slightly to return the greeting to everyone, then walked to Song Qingming's side and respectfully took out a piece of cyan jade that she had prepared.
"I am fortunate to have received the help of my uncle's treasure during this seclusion to form my Nascent Soul. I will never forget the kindness of my uncle in helping me achieve enlightenment."
Before Song Qingming captured the black "spiritual infant," it was already very skilled at bewitching and manipulating people's minds. Even Li Xianyun was almost controlled and possessed by it.
Before Xu Ziyan went into seclusion, in order to help her stabilize her mind when the other party formed the Nascent Soul, Song Qingming lent her the "Azure Rhinoceros Jade Pendant," which was very effective at resisting illusions.
It was with the help of the "Azure Rhinoceros Jade Pendant" that Xu Ziyan was able to avoid being trapped by the "Spiritual Infant" mental demon illusion during her ten years of seclusion and successfully refine it.
Without the help of this treasure, it's hard to say whether I could have successfully formed my Nascent Soul.
At this moment, Xu Ziyan's gaze towards Song Qingming was filled with indescribable gratitude.
After receiving the cyan jade token from Xu Ziyan, Song Qingming quickly smiled and reassured her, "Junior Sister and I are from the same sect, there's no need to be so polite."
Today, Junior Sister Xu has achieved the Great Dao of Nascent Soul, and our sect has gained another Nascent Soul cultivator. This is truly a cause for celebration.
When Song Qingming handed the "spiritual infant" to Xu Ziyan, he actually had some concerns, worried that she would lose her life because she would not be able to refine it.
Unexpectedly, Xu Ziyan did not disappoint him and actually passed the test, successfully forming a Nascent Soul.
At this moment, Song Qingming felt quite gratified as he looked at the other party.
Bai Yuxian, Li Mufeng, and the others who were standing nearby witnessed Xu Ziyan forming her Nascent Soul, and they were also very happy.
Just over twenty years after Song Yuanhao and Zhou Ziyang successfully formed their Nascent Souls, Xu Ziyan once again went into seclusion and formed her own Nascent Soul.
In just over thirty years, the "Free and Unfettered Sect" has gained three Nascent Soul cultivators, which is truly unexpected.
Including Li Xianyun, who recently joined the sect as a guest elder, the "Xiaoyao Sect" now has as many as eleven Nascent Soul elders.
Moreover, Song Qingming's cultivation had advanced to the ninth level of the Nascent Soul realm, and his supernatural abilities were already comparable to those of a half-step Nascent Soul expert.
Bai Yuxian also recently broke through to the late Nascent Soul stage, becoming the second late Nascent Soul stage cultivator in the "Xiaoyao Sect".
The current top-tier Nascent Soul cultivators of the "Free and Unfettered Sect" are among the best in the entire "Eastern Phoenix Immortal Continent".
The "Free and Unfettered Sect" is no longer just a name without substance; its strength has truly reached the ranks of the top Nascent Soul sects in the Eastern Phoenix Immortal Continent.
After everyone offered their congratulations, Bai Yuxian took out a jade bottle and urged Xu Ziyan to collect the spiritual liquid that had fallen from mid-air before continuing to speak:
"Junior Sister Ziyan has just undergone her tribulation and still needs to recuperate in seclusion, so we won't disturb you any further today."
"Once Junior Sister's cultivation has stabilized and she emerges from seclusion, we'll celebrate for you. For now, please leave things here to the other disciples."
"Thank you very much, Uncle Bai!"
".
Faced with Bai Yuxian's meticulous arrangements, Xu Ziyan quickly bowed in thanks and then returned to her secluded cave.
At Bai Yuxian's invitation, Song Qingming, Li Xuanyi, and Zhou Ziyang enjoyed some spiritual tea in her cave for a while before returning to Qingyun Mountain together.
The group had just returned to the mountain when Song Qingyu, having heard the news, immediately rushed over.
Upon hearing the news that Xu Ziyan had successfully formed her Nascent Soul, Song Qingyu was overjoyed and prepared a large banquet at the "Immortal Phoenix Pavilion" to entertain everyone.
It wasn't until nightfall that Song Qingming bid farewell to everyone and returned to his cave alone.
After entering the secluded stone chamber, Song Qingming did not begin to meditate as usual.
Instead, he carefully organized his "storage bag" and carried some of the spiritual items he needed with him.
Then, he turned around and went to a stone chamber next to him, pushed open the door and went inside.
As soon as Song Qingming entered, the black-clad figure who was meditating in front of him immediately opened his eyes.
"What brings you here, kid?"
"I might have to go out for a while soon, and I'll need your help looking after things on the mountain." (End of Chapter)