At the Seven Profound Sect, in the back mountains, stood the Tribulation Transcending Platform.
Above, thunderclouds gathered thickly.
Li Mu and Xue'er floated in the air, looking from afar at the sky above the Tribulation Transcending Platform, their expressions solemn, gazing with reverence at the incessantly rolling thunderclouds in the sky.
Within the thunderclouds, electric light flickered, like a giant Dragon swimming, each flash accompanied by a deafening roar, indicating that the upcoming Lightning Tribulation was no small matter.
“Rumble!”
The first bolt of tribulation lightning finally could not suppress the Heavenly Might, suddenly tearing through the sky, carrying destructive power, heading straight for the golden giant tiger above the Tribulation Transcending Platform.
The golden giant tiger was transformed from a golden Dao Artifact, its entire body exuding a faint golden glow, its eyes like torches, Evil Qi soaring to the sky; facing this world-destroying blow, it not only showed no fear, but instead roared to the sky, its voice shaking the universe, and the golden light around its body greatly intensified.
“Roar!” The giant tiger moved in response, its figure flexibly weaving through the air, transforming into streaks of golden afterimages, directly meeting the impact of the tribulation lightning.
The golden afterimages were like the toughest shields in the world, colliding fiercely with the tribulation lightning, stirring up layers of Qi waves that caused the surrounding Void Realm to ripple.
However, how could the Lightning Tribulation be so easily dealt with? The second and third bolts of tribulation lightning followed one after another, each more violent than the last, as if to tear the golden giant tiger apart.
The golden giant tiger was completely fearless, clashing head-on with them, releasing dazzling light and deafening explosions.
“Crack!” An even thicker bolt of tribulation lightning struck down from the depths of the thunderclouds, its power far surpassing the previous ones, as if it wanted to devour the entire world. Faced with this fatal blow, the golden giant tiger not only did not retreat, but instead unleashed an even stronger Battle Intent; its entire body glowed with golden light, and brilliant electric arcs flowed between its scales, as if it had merged with the tribulation lightning, transforming into the most dazzling existence between heaven and earth.
“Roar—!” The giant tiger let out an earth-shattering roar, its entire body suddenly swelling, transforming into an even larger golden giant beast, directly meeting that thick bolt of tribulation lightning; the two collided violently in the air, erupting in dazzling light and deafening roars, and the entire back mountain seemed to tremble at this moment.
The huge commotion shocked all the Disciples of the Seven Profound Sect.
“Who is Undergoing Tribulation? So terrifying!”
“Within that golden light, is… is a Spirit Beast transforming? Is it a Dao Artifact refined by the Sect Master? Undergoing an artifact tribulation?”
“Such a terrifying Lightning Tribulation, it’s clearly someone Undergoing Tribulation! But such a scale of Lightning Tribulation, even the several Elders within the Sect couldn’t trigger it, could they?”
“Look quickly, that golden giant beast doesn’t seem to be a living creature; it should be formed by an artifact spirit! That’s the Dao Artifact refined by the Sect Master Undergoing an artifact tribulation!”
...
The Disciples discussed animatedly, their faces filled with disbelief. Some stood at the peak of the mountain, others floated in mid-air, their gazes fixed on the golden giant beast on the Tribulation Transcending Platform and the raging thunderclouds, their hearts filled with shock and curiosity.
The three remaining Elders of the Seven Profound Sect, Qin Wentong, Zhong Zilin, and Ge Xinyu, all appeared beside Li Mu and Xue'er.
Looking at the golden giant tiger Undergoing Tribulation above their heads, the three of them showed unconcealed joy on their faces.
“Congratulations, Sect Master, for refining such a top-grade Dao Artifact!” Qin Wentong was the first to cup his hands and congratulate Li Mu, his face showing unconcealed excitement.
Zhong Zilin nodded repeatedly, his eyes gleaming with joy: “The Sect Master’s talent is beyond what we can achieve. This Dao Artifact is not only astonishingly defensive, but it can even contend with tribulation lightning. Its future Realm as an eighth-grade Dao Artifact is certainly within reach. Congratulations, Sect Master!”
“Yes, indeed! The Sect Master’s Artifact Refining skills have become even more exquisite,” Ge Xinyu congratulated him with undisguised admiration and envy.
Li Mu smiled faintly, his deep gaze fixed on the golden giant beast on the Tribulation Transcending Platform, feeling both relief and anticipation in his heart. He gently raised his hand, and a powerful golden origin Spiritual Qi condensed in his palm, injecting it into the golden giant tiger to assist it in Undergoing its artifact tribulation.
As Li Mu’s golden origin Spiritual Qi was injected, the golden giant tiger seemed to receive some mysterious blessing; the golden light on its body became even more dazzling, every scale seemingly containing infinite power, and its resistance against the Lightning Tribulation became even more effortless.
“Roar—!” The golden giant beast let out another deafening roar. This time, its voice carried a hint of confidence and composure. With a flick of its body, it drew a perfect arc in the air, cleverly avoiding several bolts of tribulation lightning that were about to fall. At the same time, it opened its mouth and inhaled, absorbing the surrounding lightning power into its body, as if enjoying the baptism of this Lightning Tribulation.
The thunderclouds also seemed to be enraged by the golden giant tiger’s provocation; lightning power furiously gathered, forming an unprecedentedly huge lightning pillar that shot straight into the sky, suddenly striking down towards the golden giant tiger. This strike gathered all the power within the thunderclouds, its might strong enough to change the color of heaven and earth.
The golden giant tiger glowed with golden light, its sharp golden Qi from its golden fur interweaving with the blue lightning pillar. Under everyone’s gaze, it leaped up fiercely, directly meeting the huge lightning pillar. The two collided with an earth-shattering impact in the air.
“Boom!” An ancient and modern-shaking roar spread throughout the entire Seven Profound Sect, even reaching thousands of miles away.
At this moment, time seemed to freeze, and space became distorted. The collision point of the golden giant tiger and the lightning pillar erupted with dazzling light, like the rising sun, illuminating the entire back mountain.
As the light gradually dispersed, the thunderclouds also began to dissipate, revealing the long-awaited blue sky.
And the golden giant tiger on the Tribulation Transcending Platform, after the baptism of this Lightning Tribulation, became even more mighty. Although its body did not expand further, the sense of power emanating from within made people feel awe.
Seeing this, Li Mu’s lips curved into a satisfied smile. The ‘Tiger King Golden Armor’ had successfully passed its artifact tribulation, becoming a true top-grade Dao Artifact. With a gentle wave of his hand, the golden giant tiger transformed into a streak of light and fell into his palm, turning into an exquisite golden armor pendant, flowing with a faint golden glow that gradually became subdued, yet its extraordinary Aura could not be hidden.
At this moment, the entire back mountain seemed to fall silent, all eyes focused on him, filled with immense admiration.
“This artifact is a congratulatory gift refined for Chen Daojun. Whichever of you can first advance to the Body Integration Realm, I can personally refine a Dao Artifact for you!” Li Mu looked at the three Elders and said with a smile.
Upon hearing this, a hint of excitement and exhilaration flashed in their eyes. They knew what Li Mu’s promise meant; a Dao Artifact often determined a Cultivator’s strength and destiny, and a Dao Artifact personally refined by him was even more precious.
Qin Wentong was the first to step forward, cupping his hands and saying, “Sect Master’s great kindness, we will engrave it in our hearts. We will diligently Cultivate and strive to Breakthrough to Void Refining as soon as possible, not to betray the Sect Master’s high hopes.”
Li Mu smiled and nodded, then bid farewell to the three and flew with Xue'er towards the Xuantian Sword Sect.
The Xuantian Sword Sect, in preparation for Chen Daojun’s promotion ceremony, had already entered an unprecedented period of busyness and grandeur. From outside the Sect’s mountain gate, a grand road paved with Spirit Stones led directly to the main peak. On both sides of the road, flowers bloomed splendidly, and Spirit Beasts chirped in unison, adding a touch of vitality and solemnity to the solemn occasion.
Within the Sect, on the towering sword peaks reaching into the clouds, mist swirled, and Disciples on Flying Swords weaved through it, like an immortal Realm.
At the peak of the main peak, a magnificent altar stood majestically, inscribed with complex and profound Sword Dao runes, flickering with faint Spiritual light, echoing the stars in the sky. Around the altar, various rare Spiritual Plants, Spiritual Fruits, etc., were placed…
Sect Disciples, dressed in unified attire, moved busily and orderly through every corner. Some were responsible for arranging the venue, others were rehearsing the celebration ceremony, and still others were preparing various precious Spiritual materials and Medicinal Pills for any unforeseen needs.
Li Mu, accompanied by Xue'er, slowly flew over.
Li Mu wore a yellow brocade Grand Elder robe, his long hair bound with a green crown, his sleeves fluttering. The robe was embroidered with exquisite sword patterns, imbued with profound Sword Intent, allowing one to perceive his extraordinary Sword Dao Cultivation at a glance. His face was gentle and elegant, yet his eyes revealed determination and wisdom, as if he could discern the essence of all things in the world.
Xue'er, in a white dress, had a face like the cold moon and skin like congealed fat, appearing like a Fairy descended to the mortal world, untainted by dust. Her eyes were clear and bright, as if containing the gentleness and depth of autumn waters and vast skies, making one involuntarily lost in them at a single glance. Her long hair, like a waterfall, gently draped over her shoulders, swaying softly with her movements, emitting a faint, pleasant fragrance.
Her white dress was no ordinary garment; it was light and translucent, yet it could reflect a faint luster under the sunlight, imbued with powerful Spiritual Qi. The hem of the dress swayed gently with the wind, like swirling clouds, adding a touch of etherealness and mystery.
Xue'er followed closely beside Li Mu. Their temperaments complemented each other perfectly; one was extraordinary and refined, the other gentle and ethereal like a Fairy, like a moving painting, drawing the attention of the surrounding Disciples and Elders, who secretly admired them endlessly.
“Hahaha, Elder Li, you’ve finally arrived!”
With Li Mu’s appearance, Sword Master Chen personally appeared to greet him warmly.
For a moment, the distinguished guests of the Sect, the Clan Chiefs of the Eight Great Families, Tianji Old Man from Tianji Pavilion, the Sect Master of Ziyang Sect, Daoist Taiyi, and other Sect Ancestors invited to the grand ceremony, all turned their heads, their eyes filled with curiosity and respect. Among them, there were many with profound Cultivation and extensive knowledge, who naturally knew the background of this newly promoted Grand Elder Li Mu.
However, they could not have imagined that this young Grand Elder would be held in such high regard by Chen Daojun.
Li Mu waved his hand, and a golden light shimmered into existence.
“This artifact is the ‘Tiger King Golden Armor.’ I meticulously refined it by combining the Dao of sharp metal. May it help Chen Daojun’s Sword Dao advance further.” Li Mu then presented the golden armor, looking at Chen Daojun as he spoke slowly.
Although Li Mu’s voice was soft, it clearly reached everyone present. The Divine Sense of all the Old Ancestors fell upon the golden armor, and each of them showed a shocked expression.
“A top-grade Dao Artifact!”
“The power of lightning has not yet dissipated; this Dao Artifact must have just undergone an artifact tribulation recently.”
“Elder Li, you… you can actually refine such a treasure!”
...
The Clan Chiefs of the Eight Great Families and the Old Ancestors of various Sects present were all shocked and astonished by Li Mu’s grand gesture, looking at the golden Dao Artifact with envious eyes.
Just as people have different statuses, artifacts also have varying qualities.
A Dao Artifact that has undergone an artifact tribulation signifies that it has received the recognition of the Heavenly Dao’s will and possesses the qualification to continue advancing to higher grades, an existence one in a million.
However, Li Mu could actually refine such a Dao Artifact and was willing to give it away, showcasing his extraordinary confidence and generosity. Top-grade Dao Artifacts are often regarded as the treasured guardians of a Sect or individual, let alone a treasure that has just undergone an artifact tribulation with unlimited potential.
“Such a grand gesture, truly the fortune of Chen Daojun!”
Tianji Old Man of Tianji Pavilion stroked his beard and sighed, his eyes gleaming with an unusual light. As the helmsman of Tianji Pavilion, he was well-versed in the world’s rare treasures, but what he witnessed today still left him with unprecedented shock.
No one understood Li Mu’s background better than Tianji Old Man. Three hundred years ago, at the instigation of the Ji Family Old Ancestor, he used the Mystic Secret Mirror to deduce Li Mu’s fate and suffered Heavenly Dao backlash.
Therefore, knowing that this young man possessed great Luck, Tianji Old Man had always held deep apprehension and curiosity towards Li Mu. He constantly collected information about him through his subordinates, witnessing his growth. However, what he saw today forced him to re-evaluate his judgment of Li Mu.
“Hahaha! Good, excellent! The precious treasure bestowed by Elder Li truly pleases me. I will engrave this profound friendship in my heart, never to be forgotten.” Chen Daojun’s voice trembled slightly with excitement. He tightly clutched the ‘Tiger King Golden Armor,’ his eyes filled with gratitude as he looked at Li Mu.
“Daojun, you overstate it!” Li Mu humbly smiled and congratulated him: “Although this armor is good, it also requires a fated person to unleash its true power. Your Sword Heart is clear, and your Sword Intent soars to the clouds; you are the perfect master for the ‘Tiger King Golden Armor,’ to assist Daojun in pointing his sword at the firmament, eradicating all injustice in the world, and achieving an immortal sword legacy.”
“Haha, good!” Chen Daojun nodded happily, looking at Li Mu and Xue'er, and warmly invited them: “The grand ceremony is about to begin, Elder Li, and younger sister-in-law, please take your seats!”
Li Mu nodded, and with Xue'er, under the gaze of all the guests, he walked to the distinguished seats that had been prepared for them.
As Li Mu and Xue'er took their seats, the atmosphere of the entire grand ceremony seemed to grow even warmer. The Sect Disciples cast admiring and envious glances, while the Old Ancestors of various Sects and Clan Chiefs frequently paid their respects to Li Mu, showing deference and friendliness.
The grand ceremony officially began. The solemn sound of drums rose, and teams of Disciples wearing the True Disciple robes of the Sect entered the venue. They held long swords, their steps uniform and synchronized, and together they released their Flying Swords.
For a moment, Flying Swords filled the sky like meteors streaking across the night, dazzling and brilliant, interweaving into a spectacular tableau of sword rain. Each Flying Sword contained the Disciples’ Spiritual Qi and painstaking effort; they circled, intertwined, and collided in the air, emitting clear sword cries that resounded through the clouds.
As the Flying Swords danced, the entire venue seemed to be enveloped by a faint Sword Intent, and the air was filled with a rich Sword Dao atmosphere. The Sect Disciples were focused, their eyes revealing their dedication and love for the Sword Dao, exuding endless Sword Intent.
Soon, thousands of Spiritual Swords surrounded the center of the venue, forming the Xuantian Sword Sect’s unique “Profound Heaven Sword Formation.” The sword lights of thousands of Spiritual Swords flickered, weaving into a brilliant net of light, fully showcasing the solemnity of the grand ceremony and the majesty of the Sword Sect, as if performing a special ritual, inviting some mysterious existence. (End of Chapter)
