Cultivation Begins From The Desert-Chapter 848 - 831: [Heaven-Reaching Demon King] Crossing the Tribulation, Duel Scheduled with [Sea-covering Spirit Ape]

The "Profound Sun Treasure Manual" has been completed, and now the eldest son Zhou Guangcheng's cultivation will not be hindered by defects in his cultivation technique and miss the Tribulation Crossing Stage.

However, Zhou Yang has no assurance that Zhou Guangcheng will truly achieve Immortal Ascension through tribulation in the future, nor can he assist him further in this matter.

Anyway, he has already imparted the "Three Treasures Ruyi Technique" to Zhou Guangcheng. As long as Zhou Guangcheng's cultivation advances to the Ninth-Layer Nascent Soul, he can practice this secret technique.

This is the only help that he, as a father, can provide regarding his son's Immortal Ascension through tribulation.

After completing the major task of perfecting the cultivation technique, Zhou Yang plans to schedule his retreat to practice in seclusion on Donglai Immortal Island.

He first returned to the Zhou Family, leaving a secret treasure he refined with Zhou Xiaofeng, the Zhou Family's Nascent Soul Stage cultivator, and witnessed the process of his grandson, Zhou Tonghui, succeeding the Zhou Family Patriarch after returning from training, then prepared to leave the Boundless Sea of Sand Cultivation Realm with Lan Daoist.

But at this moment, Zhou Yang suddenly received a message from Thunder Feather True Spirit, saying that the Heaven-Reaching Demon King, who had been in secluded cultivation for hundreds of years, successfully emerged, triggering the "True Spirit Celestial Tribulation."

Upon hearing this news, he immediately hurried to the location in the Broken Cloud Mountain Range with Lan Daoist to observe.

The Heaven-Reaching Demon King chose a barren mountain less than ten thousand miles from Heaven-Reaching Peak to undergo his tribulation.

When Zhou Yang arrived, due to the oppressive aura of the celestial tribulation, demon beasts from tens of thousands of miles around were fleeing outside desperately, creating a spectacular beast tide.

Fortunately, this was deep in the Broken Cloud Mountain Range, or the beast tide would have caused immense casualties among human cultivators on both sides.

At this time, Thunder Feather True Spirit and the Strong Ape King, among other demon kings of the Broken Cloud Mountain Range, were observing from the external area less than three thousand miles from the Heaven-Reaching Demon King.

One, two, three...

Zhou Yang realized for the first time just how numerous the Tier Six Demon Kings in the Broken Cloud Mountain Range were, reaching a remarkable sixteen!

And that still didn't include the Heaven-Reaching Demon King undergoing tribulation.

Though most of these demon kings were only Tier Six Lower-grade, their numbers were quite impressive.

Seeing Zhou Yang flying over, the demon kings all nervously looked towards Thunder Feather True Spirit.

Compared to other long-time true immortals of human race, Zhou Yang, a recently ascended true immortal among the human race, had a much larger reputation, and his portraits were widely spread.

The demon kings within the Broken Cloud Mountain Range were naturally aware of him.

"Fellow Daoist Zhou is invited here to observe the ceremony by me, you need not be alarmed,"

Thunder Feather True Spirit said calmly, soothing the fears of the demons.

The status of a Tier Seven True Spirit among the demon race is comparable to that of a Tribulation Crossing True Immortal among the human race, naturally possessing substantial authority.

Zhou Yang naturally did not care for the opinions of some Tier Six Demon Kings. He glanced at the Azure Heaven Beast standing proudly in the void and curiously asked Thunder Feather True Spirit: "Fellow Daoist Lei Yu, do you know how confident Fellow Daoist Tongtian is in Crossing the Tribulation this time?"

"He claims to be seventy to eighty percent sure, but who knows if that's true?"

Thunder Feather True Spirit nodded slightly, truthfully answering Zhou Yang's inquiry.

Zhou Yang was slightly surprised and couldn't help but exclaim: "It seems Fellow Daoist Tongtian is really quite confident!"

"We'll see how it turns out once we continue to observe."

Thunder Feather True Spirit said noncommittally, showing little interest in discussing further.

Seeing this, Zhou Yang naturally refrained from pursuing the matter further, choosing to wait quietly.

After waiting for another two days, the celestial tribulation predictably descended.

From the size of the tribulation clouds, the Heaven-Reaching Demon King's celestial tribulation was slightly stronger than Thunder Feather True Spirit's back then, roughly ten percent stronger but still far weaker than Great Demon Mu Qingyun's tribulation.

The process of the Heaven-Reaching Demon King's tribulation crossing resembled that of Thunder Feather True Spirit back then, involving initially relying entirely on the physical body to resist the thunder strikes, using the power of thunder to temper the body.

However, unlike Thunder Feather True Spirit back then who had a large supply of Rejuvenating Immortal Dew to heal injuries quickly, he could only rely on consuming some elixirs and spirit elixirs.

Under these circumstances, by the third round of celestial tribulation, he was forced to use divine techniques to actively counter the tribulation's power.

"Is this what he meant by seventy to eighty percent confident?"

Thunder Feather True Spirit shook his head in disappointment, seemingly unconvinced and displeased with the Heaven-Reaching Demon King's approach.

The "True Spirit Celestial Tribulation" for the demon race is both disaster and gift; during the tribulation crossing, the more thunder power absorbed to temper the body and elevate the bloodline, the greater the future potential and strength after succeeding.

The Heaven-Reaching Demon King's reliance on powerful divine techniques to cross the tribulation meant that even if he successfully survived the celestial tribulation and became a Tier Seven True Spirit, he would likely have little hope of progressing further.

"Perhaps Fellow Daoist Tongtian has his own considerations, hopefully his approach won't affect the results of his advancement!"

Zhou Yang helped speak for the Heaven-Reaching Demon King, showing a hint of worry on his face.

He referred to the advancement results affecting those demon kings who had crossed the tribulation but failed to become Tier Seven True Spirits.

Though rare, such instances can occur.

Sometimes demon kings faced with the threat of demise under the celestial tribulation completely abandon absorbing the tribulation thunder power to elevate their bloodline and focus solely on surviving.

This approach results in lifelong inability to ascend to Tier Seven, with no extension to their lifespan.

However, Zhou Yang believed the Heaven-Reaching Demon King would not be so unwise, having waited so long for this opportunity.

Sure enough, although the Heaven-Reaching Demon King consistently relied on his powerful space divine techniques to counter the thunder strikes, he maintained absorbing thunder power to temper his body until the fourth round's final thunder strike fell.

After the final strike, an aura belonging to a Tier Seven True Spirit began to emanate from the severely injured Heaven-Reaching Demon King.

"Congratulations, Fellow Daoist Tongtian! A thousand-year dream fulfilled today, and the vastness of heaven and earth now awaits your free wandering!"

With genuine smile, Zhou Yang was the first to sincerely congratulate him, his face filled with heartfelt joy.

"Fellow Daoist Zhou is the same, indeed surprising to see how you've moved ahead despite not meeting for hundreds of years!"

The Heaven-Reaching Demon King, or more correctly now, Heaven-Reaching True Spirit, responded to Zhou Yang's congratulations with a tone full of joy.

At this moment, Thunder Feather True Spirit suddenly said: "Fellow Daoist Tongtian, your Dharma Body is yet incomplete, it is best to return for secluded cultivation, completing it fully before indulging!"

Heaven-Reaching True Spirit heeded well and replied swiftly: "Fellow Daoist Thunder Feather is right, then I shall excuse myself!"

Then his figure moved, abruptly vanishing, using space divine techniques to swiftly return to Heaven-Reaching Peak for secluded cultivation.

Seeing this, Thunder Feather True Spirit turned to the Tier Six Demon Kings and said: "You may disperse as well; any celebration can follow Fellow Daoist Tongtian's return from seclusion!"

"Yes, we heed Peng Sheng's command!"

The demon kings obeyed in unison, then dispersed to celebrate the demon race's new Tier Seven True Spirit.

Meanwhile, Zhou Yang, at Thunder Feather True Spirit's invitation, visited his retreat.

"I heard Zhou Daoist's intention that when ascending, you would take Heaven-Reaching Daoist along?"

Atop the towering seventy-thousand zhang Heaven-Reaching Peak, Zhou Yang and Thunder Feather True Spirit sat amidst the howling Gang Wind, discussing future ascension plans.

At this moment, after Zhouyang heard Lei Yu True Spirit's words, he immediately responded without any denial: "Indeed, Fellow Daoist Tongtian's expertise in Space Divine Techniques will be of great help at that time!"

"When Fellow Daoist Zhou ascends, exactly how many people can you bring along?"

Lei Yu True Spirit stared at Zhouyang, suddenly asking this rather sensitive question.

Zhouyang's gaze instantly slightly tensed.

He frowned and glanced at Lei Yu True Spirit saying, "Why suddenly raise this matter, Fellow Daoist Lei Yu?"

Lei Yu True Spirit didn't explain the reason, only shook his head and said: "If Fellow Daoist Zhou finds it inconvenient to answer, there's no need to respond."

"There's no need to hide this from Fellow Daoist Lei Yu, at that time besides myself, I can bring at most four more people!"

Zhouyang pondered a bit and still revealed the truth while looking at Lei Yu True Spirit.

Although this matter is somewhat sensitive, it's not something that cannot be answered. Given his current cultivation, he's not afraid that Lei Yu True Spirit would do anything to him, perhaps it's better to be honest and gain goodwill.

Sure enough, upon hearing this, Lei Yu True Spirit's eyes revealed a hint of emotion, then he looked at Zhouyang and said: "Then I dare to guess, the [East Sea Dragon Saint] will definitely occupy a spot, right!"

"If Fellow Daoist Hai is willing, I would certainly like to allocate a spot for him!"

Zhouyang nodded slightly, agreeing with Lei Yu True Spirit's speculation.

The success rate of his ascension plan isn't very high, if he can bring along a powerful ally like the [East Sea Dragon Saint], it clearly increases his chances of success.

"And for the last person, does Fellow Daoist Zhou have a candidate in mind?" Lei Yu True Spirit continued to ask.

Zhouyang seemed to understand something, immediately shook his head and said: "As of now, there hasn't been a decision, but if my son succeeds in Crossing the Tribulation and becomes immortal, he would certainly be counted as one!"

"I see…"

Lei Yu True Spirit's eyes shifted slightly, then nodded towards Zhouyang and said: "I understand, thank you Fellow Daoist Zhou for your honest disclosure, I will definitely keep this confidential unless Fellow Daoist Zhou allows, no third party will know!"

"Fellow Daoist Lei Yu is courteous."

Zhouyang smiled indifferently, seemingly unconcerned.

Next, Zhouyang and Lei Yu True Spirit chatted for half a day, then he bid farewell and left Heaven-Reaching Peak, heading towards Profound Sun Immortal Sect.

Over two months later, atop Chixia Peak in the Wilderness Jungle, Zhouyang again visited the owner Zhu Zizhen.

"I intend to travel to the East Sea to meet with the [Sea-covering Spirit Saint], is Fellow Daoist Zhu interested in accompanying me?"

On Chixia Peak, upon meeting Zhu Zizhen, Zhouyang straightforwardly revealed his intention.

Upon hearing his words, Zhu Zizhen knew he came to borrow the [Vermilion Bird Fan] again.

She smiled gently and said: "Sure thing, it's rare for Fellow Daoist Zhou to invite me, and to witness a clash between top experts of the demon and human races, how could I miss such a grand spectacle!"

"I will certainly not disappoint Fellow Daoist Zhu."

Zhouyang nodded, thus settling the matter.

Following this, Zhu Zizhen tidied up her dwelling, and accompanied Zhouyang southwards to the Celestial South Continent Cultivation Realm, where Zhouyang had to retrieve his avatar.

In "Kurong Valley", Zhouyang found that his Dao Companion Xiao Ying had already used the Divine Technique of [Life and Death Qi of Withering and Flourishing] to enter a state of extinction, leaving a message for Zhouyang to awaken her after three hundred years.

Seeing this, Zhouyang could only shake his head, store away his avatar which had successfully advanced its cultivation to Tier Seven, and leave Lan Daoist in "Kurong Valley" to help guard it, while he himself took Qin Yue'Er, Zhou Guangcheng, and Zhu Zizhen straight to overseas.

Months later, Zhouyang and his group appeared in the core domain above the East Sea Demon Race.

Then Zhouyang caught a Tier Six Flood Dragon, handed his challenge letter to the [Sea-covering Spirit Saint] to him, instructing him to deliver it to the place where the [Sea-covering Spirit Saint] was secluded in cultivation.

Of course, to ensure this Tier Six Flood Dragon would obediently comply, Zhouyang naturally left a method on him, a method only a Tier Seven being could nullify.

But Zhouyang somewhat underestimated the integrity of that Tier Six Flood Dragon, as he unexpectedly didn't go to the [Sea-covering Spirit Saint], but handed Zhouyang's challenge letter to the Grand Elder of the East Sea Flood Dragon Race, who presented it to the [East Sea Dragon Saint].

So it wasn't long before an avatar of the [East Sea Dragon Saint] formed from seawater appeared before Zhouyang.

"What is the meaning of this, Fellow Daoist Zhou? Did the [Sea-covering Spirit Saint] offend you in some way? Why challenge him as soon as you arrive in the East Sea?"

The avatar of the [East Sea Dragon Saint] immediately questioned Zhouyang with a tone of displeasure, clearly having a strong opinion on this matter.

"Fellow Daoist Hai, please understand, years ago before Zhou achieved the Dao, the [Sea-covering Spirit Saint] relied on his cultivation, rampaged on the Immortal Island, almost causing the Nascent Soul Formation of Zhou's beloved son to fail and nearly result in death!"

"Such a hindrance to one's path, Fellow Daoist Hai, do you think Zhou could let this go with [Sea-covering Spirit Saint]?"

Zhouyang's expression firm as he looked at the avatar of the [East Sea Dragon Saint], his tone was resolute.

"There's actually such a matter?"

The avatar of the [East Sea Dragon Saint] frowned, seemingly feeling troubled.

After a moment of silence, he looked at Zhouyang and asked again: "How does Fellow Daoist Zhou plan to handle this? Must you resort to such extreme measures that harm harmony?"

Upon hearing this, Zhouyang directly countered: "If this issue isn't resolved in such a manner, Fellow Daoist Hai, do you think the [Sea-covering Spirit Saint] would be willing to apologize to Zhou's beloved son?"

The avatar of the [East Sea Dragon Saint] was unable to respond.

But soon after, his gaze sharply fixed on Zhouyang as he said: "Regardless, the [Sea-covering Spirit Saint] is a member of my East Sea Demon Race. If Fellow Daoist Zhou wishes to act against him, as the Lord of the East Sea, I cannot stand aside. If Fellow Daoist can triumph over me, I will naturally no longer involve myself in this matter!"

This is clearly determined to protect his kind!

Zhouyang's heart sank.

Facing off against the [East Sea Dragon Saint], even with several Immortal Artifacts in hand and his avatar assisting, he stands no chance of victory.

At the Tribulation Crossing Stage, the many advantages he previously possessed amount to nothing now. Expecting to easily fight across minor realms as he did in the Nascent Soul Stage is basically impossible.

Moreover, since crossing the tribulation to become immortal, he has yet to cultivate any Immortal Techniques Divine Techniques!

Given physical force is not viable, he can only rely on "clever strategy".

Seeing an insightful gleam in his eye, he suddenly transmitted, saying: "How about making a deal, Fellow Daoist Hai? If you agree to remain uninvolved, I'll offer you a chance for ascension!"

"A chance for ascension? Fellow Daoist Zhou must be joking?"

The avatar of the [East Sea Dragon Saint] suspiciously glanced at Zhouyang, not believing his words at all.

"Would Fellow Daoist Hai think Zhou would dare joke about this matter with you? To be honest, Zhou actually communicated across realms twice with the [Master Donglai] back when he ascended, and now he is a Returning Void Stage Earth Immortal. The ascension method was imparted to Zhou by him!"

Zhouyang's expression turned solemn, revealing the truth earnestly.

"What? Are you serious?"

The avatar of the [East Sea Dragon Saint]'s face changed drastically, full of surprise as he looked at Zhouyang, his tone became somewhat excited.

"Would Zhou dare deceive Fellow Daoist Hai? Given Fellow Daoist Hai's unmatched cultivation in this realm, if Zhou were to deceive you on this matter, am I not afraid of you rallying other demon race peers to surround me? Besides, if Fellow Daoist Hai simply visits the Boundless Sea of Sand Cultivation Realm and sees the [Donglai True Monarch Temple] there, everything will be clear!"