Spiritual insects are inherently weak, and reversing their True Spirit is not tolerated by the Heavenly Dao.
Xiaobai was a Gu Spirit formed from thousands of spiritual insects refined into a Gu, and the power within its body was even more complex and powerful, condensed from the remnant Souls and wills of numerous illusory demon butterflies and insects. Such an existence, when Undergoing Tribulation, would certainly face a Heavenly Tribulation of extraordinary power, far exceeding that of ordinary Cultivators.
Xiaobai was able to successfully Undergo the shapeshifting Lightning Tribulation with the help of the Tribulation Transcending Spirit Treasure he refined and his full assistance.
However, the shapeshifting Lightning Tribulation was merely a threshold on its cultivation path; the true challenges lay ahead. Especially the intricate power within its body, which was both the source of its strength and a hidden danger on its cultivation path. If it couldn't properly control these powers, they could backfire at any time, dragging it into an abyss of Soul Flying Away and Spirit Scattering.
Now, it was about to face the True Spirit Thunder Tribulation.
Unlike the shapeshifting Lightning Tribulation, the True Spirit Thunder Tribulation is one of the most vast and severe Heavenly Tribulations between Heaven and Earth. It is not only the ultimate test of a living being's cultivation and power but also the ultimate challenge to its Soul essence and willpower.
The Lightning of the True Spirit Thunder Tribulation is no longer simple Lightning power, but the purest and cleanest power containing the Heavenly Dao's Law and the Dao's will, judging and purifying the living being Undergoing Tribulation, stripping and reshaping until it perfectly transcends, transforming from mortal to True.
For a Gu Spirit like Xiaobai, successfully Undergoing the True Spirit Thunder Tribulation was almost a matter of certain death.
The desperate situation Xiaobai faced left Li Mu with mixed emotions. In the face of the Heavenly Dao's Law, individual power seemed so insignificant. Even if he had the ability to refine Dao Artifacts and set up high-level Formations, he still couldn't find a way for Xiaobai to safely Undergo the True Spirit Thunder Tribulation.
Beside the spiritual field, a solitary stone house was brightly lit. Li Mu sat alone in the study, surrounded by bookshelves filled with yellowed ancient books, various old leather scrolls, and cyan Jade Slips, most of which contained records related to the True Spirit Thunder Tribulation, Formations, and spiritual insects.
After countless days and nights of diligent study and research, Li Mu did find several backup plans to preserve Xiaobai during its True Spirit Thunder Tribulation.
The first backup plan, named "Spiritual Yuan Differentiation - Multi-Life Co-Tribulation," involved Li Mu utilizing his profound understanding of Artifact Refining and Talisman arts to attempt a delicate differentiation of the complex powers within Xiaobai's body, creating multiple relatively independent yet interdependent insect shadow Clones.
These insect shadow Clones would bear a portion of Xiaobai's power and will, jointly facing the True Spirit Thunder Tribulation. When an insect shadow Clone could no longer withstand the Lightning Tribulation, another insect shadow Clone could quickly take over, achieving a seamless transition of power, thereby greatly increasing Xiaobai's chances of Undergoing the Lightning Tribulation. Furthermore, this differentiation could, to a certain extent, reduce the pressure of the Lightning Tribulation on Xiaobai's main body's perception, allowing it to seek a chance for survival in a clearer state.
However, this method was still a temporary solution. Although Xiaobai's Divine Soul was powerful, refining multi-form insect shadow Clones for it was not an issue. The real problem lay in the fact that while each insect shadow Clone could bear a portion of the power, the last few waves of the True Spirit Thunder Tribulation would ultimately test the main body. Without experiencing the previous waves of Lightning Tribulation, Xiaobai would still find it difficult to complete the extreme test of the True Spirit Thunder Tribulation.
The second backup plan was "Heavenly Secret Concealment - Void Evasion Talisman Formation." Li Mu deeply understood that the terror of the True Spirit Thunder Tribulation lay in its ability to precisely lock onto the Tribulation Undergoer's aura and location. Therefore, he meticulously designed a Void Evasion Talisman Formation. This Formation could be activated at a critical moment, concealing Xiaobai and the surrounding space from the Heavenly Secret, making it impossible for the Lightning Tribulation to accurately capture its whereabouts. The Void Evasion Talisman Formation could not only interfere with the Heavenly Dao's perception but also distort space-time within a small range, creating a temporary haven for Xiaobai, allowing it to recover power and seek opportunities for Breakthrough during the intervals of the Lightning Tribulation.
However, this method could only serve as a transitional means for Undergoing the True Spirit Thunder Tribulation. Xiaobai would ultimately still have to accept the test of the True Spirit Thunder Tribulation, and the possibility of failure remained not low.
The third backup plan, "Severing Spiritual Resources - Origin Returning to Truth," was conceived by Li Mu when he realized the extreme difficulty for Xiaobai to Undergo the True Spirit Thunder Tribulation. He considered severing its Foundation, allowing Xiaobai to permanently remain at the sixth-order shapeshifting Realm, completely abandoning the opportunity to Undergo the True Spirit Thunder Tribulation.
However, the process of severing the Foundation would be extremely painful and dangerous. A slight mistake could lead to Xiaobai's Soul Flying Away and Spirit Scattering. Even if Li Mu was willing, Xiaobai probably wouldn't be.
After much deliberation, Li Mu realized that this seemingly foolproof "backup plan" was, in fact, the greatest betrayal of Xiaobai's desire for life. Although Xiaobai was a Gu insect spirit, it, like other living beings, yearned to Break through the limits of life and pursue a higher Realm. If, for the sake of safety, it was deprived of the opportunity to challenge the True Spirit Thunder Tribulation, this would not only be a denial of Xiaobai's efforts but also a blasphemy against the meaning of life.
Li Mu immediately abandoned this idea and began to consider backup plans for Xiaobai's Tribulation failure.
Li Mu found a secret art called "Soul Transfer Reincarnation" in an ancient secret tome. This art did not directly confront the Heavenly Tribulation but could preserve a living being's Divine Soul when it faced a desperate situation, guiding it into another Physical Body, temporarily avoiding the brunt of the Heavenly Tribulation, and waiting for the opportune moment to seek Rebirth.
Xiaobai's Divine Soul was powerful, and it even fed on Souls, excelling in Soul arts. Using this secret art itself was not a problem.
However, the implementation conditions for this "Soul Transfer Reincarnation" secret art were extremely harsh, requiring extremely precious Materials and complex rituals, and the success rate was extremely low. A slight mistake could cause the Soul to be permanently lost in nothingness.
But even so, Li Mu decided to try. He couldn't just watch Xiaobai disappear under the Lightning Tribulation.
Coincidentally, Li Mu had a high-grade spiritual item in his possession that was very suitable for Xiaobai. Perhaps Xiaobai could even use this opportunity to turn misfortune into a blessing, with its life continuing in another dimension, and even gaining a more powerful Soul body.
Li Mu took out the Soul Binding Plate, which imprisoned an eighth-order corpse. Under the Talent Divine Power - Identify Myriad Spirits, its attributes were clearly displayed before his eyes.
Nine Nether Kun Whale Corpse
Grade: Eighth-Order Overlord Remnant
Characteristics: Netherworld Body, Netherworld Resonance, Whale Swallowing Myriad Things, Divine Soul Slumber, Netherworld Wing Transformation, ...
Status: Fallen under the Heavenly Tribulation, Physical Body destroyed, Divine Soul not scattered.
After tens of thousands of Years, it encountered a world-destroying Heavenly Tribulation in the Nine Nether Abyss. The whale bones contained Nether Qi, slowly condensing Netherworld essence. The former Nine Nether Kun Whale, as the supreme overlord in the abyss, cultivated for endless Years, devouring countless rare treasures deep within the Netherworld. Its Bloodline fused with a trace of ancient Kunpeng blood, and its strength was close to the peak of the Nine Nethers. During an attempt to Breakthrough to a higher Realm, it unfortunately encountered the Nine Heavens Netherworld Dual Lightning Tribulation. Although its Physical Body was severely damaged and disintegrated, its spirit and will were unyielding. By virtue of the toughness of the whale bones and the power of the abyss, it maintained a wisp of Eternal Soul, awaiting the right time and place, attempting to reshape its Physical Body and reappear the might of the Kun Whale.
Li Mu had originally planned to refine this eighth-order overlord corpse into a ship for future exploration beyond the domain. Now, with Xiaobai's True Spirit Thunder Tribulation imminent, this item was suitable as a backup for Xiaobai's Tribulation failure storage.
Li Mu gazed at the Soul Binding Plate before him, complex emotions surging in his heart.
Xiaobai had devoured too many high-grade Divine Souls. High-grade Divine Souls not only made its Soul Power increasingly powerful but also accelerated its speed in Undergoing the True Spirit Thunder Tribulation.
Li Mu quickly adjusted his plan, using the Nine Nether Kun Whale corpse for Xiaobai's "Soul Transfer Reincarnation" secret art. As an abyss overlord, the Nether Qi contained within the Nine Nether Kun Whale's whale bones had a natural compatibility with Xiaobai's powerful Divine Soul, making it highly likely to become the best sanctuary for Xiaobai's Divine Soul.
Li Mu's figure flickered and disappeared, entering the Painting World Treasure Mansion. He immediately took out a demon-sealing Formation plate and cast a spell to set up the demon-sealing grand Formation.
Then, Li Mu cast a spell to unlock the Soul Binding Plate, releasing the eighth-order Nine Nether Kun Whale corpse from the Soul Binding Plate.
The next moment, the eighth-order Nine Nether Kun Whale corpse rapidly expanded, its body instantly transforming into a mountain nearly a thousand zhang tall.
With a deafening roar, the enormous corpse crashed to the ground, shaking the surroundings and stirring up dust. A terrifying and profound Nether Qi instantly permeated the air, causing the entire Treasure Mansion Space to tremble. The Nine Nether Kun Whale's colossal body, even though it had lost its vitality, still exuded a heart-palpitating coercion. Above its whale bones, Nether Qi swirled, its might shaking the heavens.
Li Mu's expression was solemn. He quickly formed hand seals, and complex runes danced at his fingertips, finally transforming into streaks of light that merged into the demon-sealing Formation plate. As the Formation plate activated, the entire space began to distort, and a gigantic Formation slowly took shape, enveloping the Nine Nether Kun Whale's corpse.
The Treasure Mansion Spirit - Five-Colored Flood Dragon was startled by the huge commotion. It immediately gathered its form and appeared beside Li Mu.
"Master, what are you doing!"
The Five-Colored Flood Dragon looked at the enormous creature before it and the Nine Nether Qi that polluted the space, asking Li Mu in astonishment.
"You came at the right time. Help me suppress this corpse!" Li Mu glanced at the Five-Colored Flood Dragon and explained, "Although this Nine Nether Kun Whale has fallen, the Nether Qi contained within its whale bones is extremely compatible with Xiaobai's Divine Soul. I intend to use this to cast the 'Soul Transfer Reincarnation' secret art, seeking a glimmer of hope for Xiaobai."
"So that's how it is. Master, don't worry, I will do my best to assist you."
Hearing this, a hint of understanding flashed in the Five-Colored Flood Dragon's eyes. It then transformed into a stream of light, circling around the Nine Nether Kun Whale corpse, releasing powerful Five Elements Spiritual Power to form a delicate balance with the Nether Qi, preventing the Nine Nether Qi from dissipating.
Seeing this, Li Mu felt at ease and summoned Xiaobai from the spirit control treasure bracelet.
Xiaobai revealed its figure, drowsily. Upon seeing the enormous creature before it, it was immediately startled. Then, it was attracted by the remnant Soul of the Kun Whale hidden within the corpse, its round black eyes widening, filled with surprise and greed.
Xiaobai flew forward, about to pounce on the Kun Whale's corpse, but the next moment, a large hand timely stopped it.
Li Mu smiled faintly, looking at Xiaobai with doting eyes, and stopped it, saying, "Xiaobai, don't rush. Although this Nine Nether Kun Whale has fallen, its remnant Soul and Nether Qi are extraordinary. Don't act rashly."
Hearing this, Xiaobai restrained its eagerness, but the curiosity and longing in its eyes remained undiminished. It looked at Li Mu in confusion, seemingly asking what it should do.
"I plan to use this item as a backup for your True Spirit Thunder Tribulation. You separate a portion of your Divided Soul, and I will help you refine it." Li Mu looked at Xiaobai and said solemnly, "Xiaobai, you are not far from Undergoing the True Spirit Thunder Tribulation, and the True Spirit Thunder Tribulation is extremely dangerous for you. Therefore, I decided to use the whale bones of this Nine Nether Kun Whale to create another Soul Transfer method for you, just in case."
"Chirp! Master, aren't you letting me eat it?" Xiaobai said aggrievedly.
"You little glutton! Don't just think about eating. This item is prepared for your True Spirit Thunder Tribulation!"
Hearing this, Li Mu couldn't help but laugh, scolding it playfully. Then, he patiently explained the key points and purpose of the 'Soul Transfer Reincarnation' secret art to Xiaobai.
"The powerful Nether Qi contained within this Nine Nether Kun Whale corpse, though not entirely identical to your Divine Soul's attributes, can become another sanctuary for your Divine Soul after being harmonized by a special secret art. When you Undergo the True Spirit Thunder Tribulation and your body can no longer bear it, you only need to activate the secret art within these whale bones, and your Divine Soul will instantly transfer here, avoiding the direct impact of the Lightning Tribulation."
"And under the protection of this whale corpse, your Divine Soul will not only be protected from harm but can also Cultivate using the characteristics of Nether Qi in the future." Li Mu said this, a hint of anticipation flashing in his eyes: "Next, I will guide you to refine a portion of your Divine Soul into this whale corpse. This way, even if you encounter an accident during the Lightning Tribulation, a wisp of your Divine Soul can be preserved under the protection of these whale bones, awaiting the opportunity for Rebirth in the future."
Xiaobai listened intently, its round black eyes sparkling with excitement and curiosity.
"Chirp! Master, I understand!" Xiaobai nodded its small head, suddenly enlightened.
Seeing this, Li Mu nodded in satisfaction, then began to meticulously guide Xiaobai on how to separate its Divine Soul, while simultaneously casting the Spirit Control Divine Ability - Shared Soul Art, teaching Xiaobai the secret method of controlling its Divine Soul to Fuse with the whale bones.
Next, with the cooperation of the Treasure Mansion Spirit, Li Mu began to refine the Nine Nether Kun Whale corpse.
The Five-Colored Flood Dragon circled in the air, occasionally spitting out circles of colorful spiritual light. These halos intertwined with the Nine Nether Kun Whale's Nether Qi, forming a strange balance.
Li Mu stood in the center, constantly forming hand seals. Each Daoist Magic seal contained profound spiritual power and exquisite Law, guiding the portion of Divine Soul separated by Xiaobai to devour and Fuse into the Nine Nether Kun Whale corpse.
...
Several months passed like a fleeting white steed, and Xiaobai ushered in the most crucial moment of its cultivation life—the True Spirit Thunder Tribulation.
On this day, above the Tribulation Transcending Platform on the back mountain of the Seven Profound Sect, the wind and clouds changed dramatically, dark clouds gathered, and Lightning flashed, causing Heaven and Earth to change color.
Li Mu stood at the edge of the Tribulation Transcending Platform, looking at Xiaobai, who was about to undergo the test, with both worry and anticipation.
As the first bolt of Lightning tore through the darkness in the sky, the True Spirit Thunder Tribulation officially began. The Lightning roared like a giant Dragon, striking towards Xiaobai with destructive power. Xiaobai's delicate body appeared incredibly tiny under the Tribulation Lightning. It released a Tribulation Lightning ball, which transformed into a brilliant protective light shield, fiercely clashing with the Lightning.
However, most of the attending Elders frowned, their faces filled with worry.
"Sect Master, the True Spirit Thunder Tribulation is too fierce and violent. Your spirit beast, Undergoing this Tribulation, will likely face more misfortune than good!" Fang Shixin looked at Li Mu, saying worriedly.
"The True Spirit Thunder Tribulation is the ultimate test of a living being's will and cultivation! This Tribulation is not easy to Undergo!" Qin Wentong nodded in agreement, unable to hide his worry.
Looking at the terrifying thunderclouds above and the powerful bolts of Lightning, Li Mu remained silent. How could he not know the dangers involved? However, he had done everything he could for Xiaobai. Now, he could only wait for the outcome. (End of Chapter)
