Cultivation Begins From The Desert-Chapter 868 - 13: Late-Tribulation Crossing Stage, Battling Heaven
Li Yang Realm, Ju Yang Continent, Purple Mist Mountain Range.
It has been thirty years since that earth-shattering battle that shocked the entire realm.
After thirty years of heated discussions, the talks about that battle have finally subsided somewhat.
However, aside from those at the top level, not many cultivators in the Li Yang Realm knew that the protagonist who orchestrated that battle has never left the Li Yang Realm.
"Fellow Daoist Zhou, news came from Master Zidian, saying that recently there has been a Demon Race True Spirit entering and leaving the Chixiao Sword Sect. Do you think that guy Red Star might want to harm us?"
Inside a certain cave abode in the Purple Mist Mountain Range, as soon as Fairy Zi Yi entered and saw Zhouyang, she spoke with a worried expression.
Since thirty years ago, when Zhouyang gave up ascending back to the Upper Realm for various reasons, he followed Fairy Zi Yi back to Ju Yang Continent, settling in the Purple Mist Mountain Range where he secluded himself for cultivation.
And because the Chixiao Sword Sect was also seriously injured in that battle and feared the powerful strength Zhouyang displayed at the time, no one has come seeking revenge all these years.
Only some Tier Seven existences from the Li Yang Realm, under various pretexts, would often come to visit and exchange, wanting to understand the situation of the True Immortal Realm from Zhouyang and inquire about his purpose for staying in the Li Yang Realm.
At this time, after listening to Fairy Zi Yi's words, Zhouyang was not alarmed at all, only calmly said: "Fairy need not worry, Zhou has completely recovered from his injuries, even if those few from the Chixiao Sword Sect join forces with the Demon Race True Spirit to attack, with the help of Fellow Daoist Cangming and the Cyan Simurgh True Spirit, we need not worry about losing."
The reason he dared to stay in the Li Yang Realm was not without reliance.
Even though he used up the power left in him by a Returning to Void Stage Great Power, as long as he is willing to pay the price, he can still forcibly elevate his own magical power to the Late-Tribulation Crossing Stage using secret techniques that superimpose potential bursts.
Once he enters such a state, it is almost impossible for anyone in Li Yang Realm to encircle and kill him.
Most importantly, over the years, through inquiries and investigations, combined with the observations he made during his encounters back then.
He has essentially confirmed that the red-haired old man [Master Yanli] who appeared in the Chixiao Sword Sect's Grotto Heaven Blessed Land back then did not achieve the Late-Tribulation Crossing Stage through normal means.
Although he doesn't know exactly how this person broke through to the Late-Tribulation Stage, Zhouyang can be sure of one thing: his true body has a hard time leaving that Grotto Heaven Blessed Land.
This also explains why, despite having Late-Tribulation Stage cultivation, he has not ascended to the Upper Realm.
In summary, Zhouyang is not at all concerned that anyone in the Li Yang Realm can threaten him.
Perhaps influenced by his calm and unflappable demeanor, Fairy Zi Yi's eyes also showed much less anxiety after hearing his words.
Immediately, she smiled and said with relief, "With Fellow Daoist Zhou's assurance, I am relieved."
Then she cautiously asked Zhouyang, "I wonder what Fellow Daoist Zhou's plans are next? Is there anything that requires my assistance?"
Hearing this, Zhouyang couldn't help but smile faintly, saying, "Fairy wants to ask when Zhou plans to return to the Upper Realm, right? Rest assured, Zhou will not return to the Upper Realm for the short term, and when the time comes to leave, I will surely inform the fairy."
Upon hearing his response, Fairy Zi Yi noticeably breathed a sigh of relief.
She feared that once Zhouyang's injuries were healed, he would ascend and return to the True Immortal Realm without a second thought.
If that happened, she, along with Master Cangming and Cyan Simurgh True Spirit, would certainly be avenged by the Chixiao Sword Sect.
To be honest, the fact that they didn't manage to kill Master Red Star or Master Yun Jian in that battle back then left Fairy Zi Yi, Master Cangming, and Cyan Simurgh True Spirit with some grievances against Zhouyang.
They dared to follow Zhouyang and Master Lie Hu to attack the Chixiao Sword Sect because they thought that after gaining the upper hand, the two Upper Realm True Immortals would certainly not spare Master Red Star and Master Yun Jian for repeatedly provoking and offending them.
But the subsequent changes in the situation were far from what they had imagined.
So much so that now, they could only remain closely united by Zhouyang, relying on his reputation to deter the Chixiao Sword Sect.
"With Fellow Daoist Zhou's assurance, I am relieved."
She left those words and silently exited the cave abode.
In fact, how could Zhouyang not see through the thoughts of Fairy Zi Yi and others, but he held his own convictions and did not care about these.
This choice to stay in the Li Yang Realm was a plan he had made in his heart long ago.
In terms of time flow, the flow of time in the Li Yang Realm is much faster compared to the True Immortal Realm, roughly one year in the True Immortal Realm equates to six years in the Li Yang Realm.
Under such circumstances, it is undoubtedly more "time-efficient" to cultivate in the Li Yang Realm and break through to the Late-Tribulation Stage by refining Immortal Pills.
Time is life, and his family in the "Linghuan Realm" is still waiting for him to bring them to the True Immortal Realm.
Therefore, even though staying in the Lower Realm poses considerable risks, Zhouyang willingly stays in the Li Yang Realm to cultivate.
However, before going into seclusion to refine Immortal Pills, Zhouyang still has to make a trip to the Chixiao Sword Sect.
He doesn't want to be interrupted during his seclusion for refining Immortal Pills, so he must prepare accordingly.
So he made a slight preparation, then sent a message to Fairy Zi Yi, explaining briefly, and then went alone to Chiyu Continent.
If possible, Zhouyang would like to hide his whereabouts.
But after all, he is an outsider and is not well-received by the Heavenly Dao Will of Li Yang Realm, making it extremely difficult to conceal his trail.
Therefore, before he even reached Chiyu Continent, information about him moving toward Chiyu Continent had already spread.
The end result was that as soon as Zhouyang reached the edge of Chiyu Continent, he was blocked by Master Red Star, Master Yun Jian, and Master Zidian, three Human Race True Immortals, and he sensed covertly several Tier Seven existences hiding in the distance, watching him.
Nevertheless, he was not the least bit flustered. Instead, he looked at the three Human Race True Immortals with a relaxed smile and asked, "Did several Immortal Friends know that Zhou was coming over, and specially came to welcome Zhou?"
Upon hearing his slightly teasing words, Master Red Star and Master Yun Jian's faces turned dark, a look of anger flashed in their eyes.
The Two Immortals' hatred for Zhouyang needs no further elaboration. If given the opportunity, they would never show any leniency toward Zhouyang.
However, at that moment, they didn't say a word but instead let Master Zidian have the right to speak.
Master Zidian's eyes flickered with hesitation for a moment, then he looked at Zhouyang and asked, "Fellow Daoist Zhou has stayed in this realm for thirty years. I wonder how long you intend to remain?"
"Can Zhou take it as Fellow Daoist Zidian's hint that you want Zhou to leave this realm as soon as possible?"
Zhouyang's smile disappeared, and his tone and expression suddenly became stern.
His tone and demeanor startled Master Zidian, who hurriedly waved his hands, exclaiming, "No, no, no, Fellow Daoist Zhou, don't misunderstand, I didn't mean that, definitely didn't mean that."
"Then what do you mean? Surely, you three didn't really just come to welcome Zhou, did you?"
A fleeting cold smile appeared on Zhouyang's face as he looked at the Three Immortals opposite him with sharp eyes, evidently aiming to take the advantage.
Seeing his assertive demeanor, Master Zidian was momentarily speechless.
"Hmph, if Fellow Daoist Zidian cannot speak, then let me say it."
Master Red Star locked eyes with Zhouyang coldly and said in a low voice, "No matter what you're up to in this realm, you'd better not do anything detrimental to this realm, or you will become the public enemy of all living beings in this realm!"
"Ha, is what Zhou decides to do any of your concern, defeated opponents?"
Zhouyang cast a contemptuous glance at Master Red Star, eyeing him with a sneering smile, "If you are not convinced, you can call everyone you can and have another fight with Zhou to see if you can do anything to Zhou!"
This statement made Master Red Star's fury surge, as if ready to fight Zhouyang.
Seeing things not going well, Master Zidian hurriedly interjected, "Misunderstanding, Fellow Daoist Zhou, don't misunderstand, we absolutely have no intention of being your enemy, Fellow Daoist."
"Fellow Daoist Red Star's real intention is that we are all Human Race True Immortals, so please, Fellow Daoist Zhou, for the sake of us being of the same race, let's sit down and discuss everything well, and not resume large-scale conflict!"
After speaking, he cupped his hands towards Zhouyang and said, "I can guarantee that as long as Fellow Daoist Zhou no longer targets Fellow Daoist Red Star and the Chixiao Sword Sect, the two fellow Daoists absolutely will not make the first move against Fellow Daoist Zhou."
"Is that so?"
Zhouyang's gaze swept over the faces of Master Red Star and Master Yun Jian, and he shook his head, saying, "Although I don't think Fellow Daoist Zidian's guarantee is of much use, since Fellow Daoist Zidian has spoken so clearly, I will temporarily trust the fellow Daoist once."
At this point, he deliberately or unintentionally said coldly, "However, I'll make it clear here that if anyone thinks that Zhouyang, being alone, is easy to bully, be prepared to face my unrestrained revenge!"
The threatening words made the faces of the three True Immortals from the Li Yang Realm change instantly.
But Zhouyang no longer wanted to say much to the Three Immortals. After leaving his harsh words, he turned and left directly.
This time he came, initially intending to have another battle with Master Red Star, so the other party could clearly see the situation.
But since Master Zidian was willing to mediate and guarantee neutrality, his purpose was achieved, and he felt it was unnecessary to make a move.
As Zhouyang's figure receded into the distance, disappearing beyond the range of his perception, Master Red Star slowly said in a low tone, "This scoundrel clings to this realm, certainly with an enormous plot. If we can figure out what he's scheming, then maybe..."
Master Red Star didn't finish his sentence.
However, Master Yun Jian and Master Zidian also showed expressions of contemplation, seemingly having guessed what his unfinished words meant.
After pondering for a while, Master Zidian gently said, "Let's observe further. He is now cultivating beside Fairy Zi Yi's grotto. If he has any major actions, it will surely be impossible to hide from Fairy Zi Yi. I believe Fairy Zi Yi will definitely stand on our side in such matters!"
Hearing this, Master Red Star furrowed his brows and instantly expressed his dissent, "That woman Zi Yi is not necessarily reliable. If that scoundrel promises to take her for ascension, she will betray us without a moment's hesitation."
"Fellow Daoist Red Star is overthinking. If he could really take someone to ascend, he only needed to offer the condition thirty years ago, and I along with those demon race True Spirits would absolutely have joined him. But they didn't dare propose such a thing under those circumstances."
Master Zidian shook his head, clearly disagreeing with Master Red Star's view.
Seeing him speak this way, Master Red Star didn't say any more, and promptly took his leave along with Master Yun Jian.
When Zhouyang returned to the Purple Mist Mountain Range of the Ju Yang Continent, he fully activated the arrays set outside his grotto, summoned his avatar to guard the grotto, while he plunged into the secluded chamber deep within to close himself off for cultivation.
Inside the secluded chamber, Zhouyang adjusted his state, then waved his hand to first retrieve the Nine Revolutions Golden Liquid Pill given to him by Master Yuanjing for the redemption of his Spirit Pet's Lifebound Immortal Artifact.
The golden glimmering Immortal Pill seemed made of pure gold, yet a glance deep inside revealed a seeming motion of golden liquid.
As soon as Zhouyang took out the pill, the Spiritual Qi within the chamber became exceptionally active.
Although it wasn't his first time witnessing this scene, Zhouyang was genuinely amazed.
He examined the Immortal Pill for a while and finally released a golden glow from his mouth to envelop the pill, pulling it into his abdomen, before silently refining this pill.
The pill's massive medicinal power was unmatched by any Spirit Pill Zhouyang had previously taken.
Refining the power of this single Nine Revolutions Golden Liquid Pill took him almost thirty years.
But it was all worth it.
Just the cultivation growth brought by this single pill equaled several hundred years of meditation in the True Immortal Realm.
Moreover, because of this immense cultivation growth, Zhouyang would need decades to temper his magical power and stabilize his foundation.
During this period, Late-Tier Seven beings from the Li Yang Realm continued to approach Zhouyang, seeking to exchange cultivation insights or inquire about the True Immortal Realm.
To avoid suspicion, Zhouyang didn't outright reject these visitors, instead delegating matters to his avatar to host them.
Over time, seeing that Zhouyang showed no intent of leaving the Purple Mist Mountain Range, those Late-Tier Seven beings relaxed their vigilance and surveillance on him.
However, Zhouyang was indifferent to the outside changes, focusing solely on refining the Immortal Pill within the grotto.
With his real body never appearing, no one could discern the pace of his cultivation growth, otherwise, they might be frightened by the speed of his progress.
Three hundred years passed, and unexpectedly Fellow Daoist Cangming arrived.
After over three hundred years of cultivation and preparation, he had successfully practiced the Realm-Breaking Technique imparted by Zhouyang and others, and refined related treasures accordingly.
He approached now seeking Zhouyang's final confirmation of this method's feasibility.
"Fellow Daoist Cangming, rest assured, the Secret Technique taught to you by Senior Brother Lie Hu has absolutely no issues. As long as you're not too unlucky, breaking through the realm barrier will definitely be possible."
"But I won't hide from Fellow Daoist Cangming. Breaking through the realm barrier doesn't guarantee ascension success, merely granting a shred of the ascension opportunity."
"Moreover, be it the Heavenly Dao Will's pressure faced upon breaching the realm barrier or the various dangers within the chaos void beyond the barrier, they will be obstacles on your path to ascension."
"And once you embark on this path, there's no turning back!"
Inside the grotto, Zhouyang's avatar spoke firmly to the anxious Fellow Daoist Cangming offering assured replies.
Though he and Master Lie Hu had indeed exploited Fellow Daoist Cangming and Fairy Zi Yi, local True Immortals of the Li Yang Realm, they hadn't stooped to tampering with the Secret Technique provided.
As mentioned earlier, breaking the realm barrier alone doesn't imply ascension success.
Receiving this confirmation, Fellow Daoist Cangming seemingly sighed with relief, visibly relaxing and nodding repeatedly towards Zhouyang, "With your words, I feel assured."
After pausing briefly and hesitating, he watched Zhouyang's avatar and softly inquired, "Do you know when you plan to return to the Upper Realm? Will you also break the realm barrier for ascension like me?"
Upon hearing this question, Zhouyang's avatar immediately fell silent.
Over the years, at least ten Late-Tier Seven beings from the Li Yang Realm had asked this very question.
How these people reasoned was unclear, knowing he'd unlikely provide a proper answer, yet taking turns to ask.
They had undeniably irritated him.
After a prolonged silence, he faced Fellow Daoist Cangming and said, "This isn't your concern, is it? Are you planning to leave with me? If so, you're likely to be disappointed, as I'm not leaving this realm anytime soon!"
"I apologize for my presumptiveness; please don't take offense, Fellow Daoist Zhou."
Fellow Daoist Cangming detected the displeasure in his tone and quickly cupped his hands to apologize, then promptly departed without lingering further.
After Fellow Daoist Cangming left the grotto, Zhouyang's main body deep within the secluded chamber suddenly opened his eyes.
He frowned slightly, a hint of concern flickered in his gaze, and he muttered lowly, "Need to expedite the progress, these guys might secretly be plotting something, it won't do to capsize here."
In the Otherworld, Zhouyang never truly relaxed his vigilance.
He was acutely aware that regardless, he was an outsider to the local cultivators of the Li Yang Realm.
Although he could temporarily disperse the native cultivators, there was no guaranteeing they wouldn't set aside grievances and unite against him anew.
Now, without any companions, he appeared more vulnerable than a few hundred years ago.
Taking this precaution, Zhouyang no longer confined his avatar strictly to the grotto, discreetly sending it out sometimes, using his ability to communicate with vegetation to monitor the situation near Fairy Zi Yi's grotto.
If they intended to move against him, avoiding Fairy Zi Yi was impossible, so closely monitoring that area could provide warning in advance.
It was merely a preemptive measure, but achieving absolute safety relied on cultivation breakthroughs.
If he could advance to the Late-Stage Tribulation Stage, the initiative would be firmly in his grasp.
By then, even if all Late-Tier Seven beings from the Li Yang Realm opposed him, he wouldn't feel the slightest fear.
What made Zhouyang feel uneasy was that as he continued his surveillance over Fairy Zi Yi's grotto, he increasingly felt that his suspicions were gradually approaching reality.
It wasn't because he saw any Tier Seven beings frequently entering and exiting her grotto.
On the contrary, under his watch, aside from the occasional visit by the Cyan Simurgh True Spirit, there were no other Tier Seven beings coming and going from Fairy Zi Yi's grotto.
Yet this was precisely where the mystery lay.
He knew that before he went into retreat and shortly afterward, Tier Seven beings would either visit in person or send avatars to see Fairy Zi Yi frequently.
Of course, Fairy Zi Yi would also frequently visit him to inquire about matters of the True Immortal Realm.
But now, not only had Fairy Zi Yi's visits to him decreased, but her in-person contacts with other Tier Seven beings had almost ceased, which was abnormal no matter how he looked at it.
Realizing the strangeness within this situation, Zhouyang became a bit uneasy. He knew he had to do something now, at least to slow down the progress of those secretly plotting.
Thus, after some thought, Zhouyang sent an avatar to visit Fairy Zi Yi's grotto on his behalf.
"It's truly a rarity, Fellow Daoist Zhou. How is it that you have time to leave your grotto and come to visit me today?"
Inside the grotto, Fairy Zi Yi looked at Zhouyang's visiting avatar, unable to conceal her surprise.
No wonder she was so shocked, because since Zhouyang moved to the Purple Mist Mountain Range to cultivate, aside from visiting her grotto initially, this was the second time he had come here.
"I just thought of something and came specially to remind the fairy about it."
Zhouyang's avatar looked at Fairy Zi Yi with a calm expression, not wasting any words, and directly got to the point: "Earlier, when Fellow Daoist Cangming asked about ascension, it reminded me of an important matter. If the fairy and Fellow Daoist Cangming wish to ascend in the future, this matter must be done."
Hearing this, Fairy Zi Yi's expression became serious, as he had anticipated, and she immediately asked, "What important matter might that be?"
"It's an Immortal Technique, a teleportation divine technique that allows a Tribulation Crossing True Immortal to move quickly within the Chaos Void!"
Zhouyang's avatar gazed at Fairy Zi Yi and slowly said in a low voice, "The Chaos Void is endless. If one relies on conventional methods to fly and move, not only is the speed slow, but it also consumes immense Magical Power and Immortal Yuan. Unless one is a Late-Stage Tribulation Cultivator, it's nearly impossible to reach the True Immortal Realm."
"But if one cultivates the 'Void Shift' Immortal Technique and masters it, the movement speed in the Chaos Void would be more than a hundred times faster than those who haven't cultivated this technique!"
Indeed, the Li Yang Realm does not have the 'Void Shift' Immortal Technique.
This was something Zhouyang had already confirmed during exchanges with many Tier Seven beings in this realm.
Perhaps precisely because of this, this realm has never seen a Tribulation Crossing True Immortal successfully ascend to the Upper Realm.
After all, without the help of this technique and lacking the guidance of an Ascension Platform, even a Late-Stage Tribulation True Immortal finds it extremely difficult to ascend to the True Immortal Realm successfully.
Although Zhouyang knew this before, he had no intention of playing the good guy and disclosing it.
Originally, he planned to pass on this Immortal Technique to Fairy Zi Yi after his cultivation reached the Late-Tribulation Crossing Stage and he returned to the True Immortal Realm, thus forming a good connection.
But now, sensing a certain crisis, he felt compelled to deliver this benevolent act ahead of schedule.
As expected, after hearing his words, Fairy Zi Yi was shocked as he had anticipated.
More than a hundred times faster than normal movement speed!
Just those words would be enough to shock any cultivator hearing it for the first time.
The shock Fairy Zi Yi experienced at that moment was no less than when she first heard of the connection between Chixiao Sword Sect and Chixiao Immortal Palace.
Her lips parted in astonishment as she gazed at Zhouyang's avatar, exclaiming incredulously, "Fellow Daoist Zhou, is what you say true? Does such a marvelous technique truly exist in the world?"
"Of course, it's true. Since when has Zhou ever lied to you, fairy?"
Zhouyang's avatar said with a calm expression, his tone betraying no abnormality.
Of course, those words were just to be taken with a grain of salt. Fairy Zi Yi wouldn't take them as truth.
After her initial shock, she seemed quickly influenced by Zhouyang's calm manner and quickly regained her composure.
"Then why is Fellow Daoist Zhou telling me this now? What does Fellow Daoist need me to do for him to impart this Immortal Technique to me?"
She was evidently aware that there was a reason Zhouyang chose this moment to reveal this information, and it likely involved a request.
That was precisely what Zhouyang was waiting for.
Without hesitation, he immediately said, "I have recently reached a critical point in cultivating a divine technique and can no longer spare energy to control this avatar, but I cannot do without a guardian."
"Therefore, I seek the fairy's presence at my grotto to guard me for a period of time."
"In return, I will impart the cultivation method of 'Void Shift' to the fairy."
So it's for a closed-door cultivation of a divine technique?
Fairy Zi Yi's eyes flashed with a hint of a different shade as she hung her head in thought.
If Zhouyang wasn't exaggerating, she definitely needed to cultivate the 'Void Shift' technique.
Such an important technique clearly needed to be grasped as soon as possible.
Even if she couldn't immediately learn to master it, understanding the method of cultivation was crucial.
Therefore, she didn't ponder long before nodding towards Zhouyang's avatar, saying, "Since Fellow Daoist Zhou needs a guardian, it's only natural that I oblige!"
Upon hearing her reply, Zhouyang's avatar also smiled and nodded, saying, "Very well, with the fairy's assurance, I am at ease."
He truly was at ease.
If his conjectures were correct, and Fairy Zi Yi was indeed conspiring with the Tier Seven beings of the Li Yang Realm, then this move should buy him quite some time.
Moreover, with Fairy Zi Yi by his side, he could even capture a hostage if things went awry.
Fairy Zi Yi presumably understood that during her time guarding him at his grotto, if other Tier Seven beings joined forces to attack, Zhouyang would know exactly what to do.
With everything settled, Zhouyang's avatar didn't linger at Fairy Zi Yi's grotto and returned directly to his own.
Several days later, having made all necessary preparations, Fairy Zi Yi officially moved to Zhouyang's grotto to guard him.
From then on, Fairy Zi Yi wholeheartedly dived into studying and cultivating the 'Void Shift' technique provided by Zhouyang, abstaining from leaving the grotto.
Meanwhile, the other Tier Seven beings of the Li Yang Realm seemed to forget about Zhouyang, rarely visiting him.
Time flowed by, and before he knew it, Zhouyang had spent seven hundred years in the Li Yang Realm!
Seven hundred years was enough for many cultivators who once knew of his presence to forget or overlook his existence.
Besides those Tier Seven beings of the Li Yang Realm, very few knew that such an Upper Realm True Immortal existed in the Li Yang Realm.
But on this day, as Zhouyang finished refining the last 'Taiyi Flying Immortal Pill', and forcibly advanced himself to the Late-Tribulation Crossing Stage using the power of the pill, the sky of the Li Yang Realm changed!
Advancing from the Mid-Tribulation Crossing Stage to the Late-Tribulation Crossing Stage might not be a significant event in the True Immortal Realm, at least not causing considerable celestial phenomena.
However, in a lower realm like the Li Yang Realm, the commotion was significant.
Almost as soon as Zhouyang successfully broke through, the Heavenly Dao's will of the Li Yang Realm locked onto him, and thick thunderclouds appeared above his closed-door cultivation site, more imposing than the Immortal Ascension Celestial Tribulation.
Seeing this situation, it was evident that the Heavenly Dao Will of the Li Yang Realm had reached its limit with him, ready to take action directly.
The commotion instantly caught the attention of all Tier Seven beings within the Li Yang Realm.
Fairy Zi Yi, located inside Zhouyang's cave dwelling, was utterly shocked by this sudden change.
She never expected that Zhouyang, who was in closed-door training, was not cultivating any divine techniques but was breaking through to the Late-Tribulation Crossing Stage.
Nor did she expect that Zhouyang could achieve this in just seven hundred years; he had truly succeeded!
When Zhouyang's cultivation broke through from the depths of the cave, the powerful aura of a Late-Stage Tribulation True Immortal erupted unchecked, leaving her dumbfounded, standing frozen in place.
It wasn't until she was stimulated by the oppressive feeling created by the gathering thunderclouds above the cave that she suddenly came to her senses, realizing what had happened.
"Fellow Daoist Zhou, you you you..."
She looked towards the location where Zhouyang was in closed-door training, wanting to ask, in shock, how Zhouyang had achieved this.
But Zhouyang had no time to pay attention to her.
"Thank you, Fairy, for acting as a guardian for me. Now that my cultivation is complete, to prevent the Thunder Tribulation from harming you, I must ask the Fairy to leave this place first!"
As Zhouyang's voice rang out, a force acted upon Fairy Zi Yi, pushing her away.
Fairy Zi Yi could have easily resisted this force, but at that moment, her mind was wholly captivated by Zhouyang, so she dared not resist his power and was swiftly taken miles away.
Rumble!
Almost the instant Fairy Zi Yi retreated beyond the boundary of Zhouyang's cave dwelling, the powerful Celestial Tribulation Thunder Punishment struck at Zhouyang.
This was not the Immortal Ascension Celestial Tribulation, yet its power was more terrifying than the Celestial Tribulation Thunder within the Immortal Ascension Celestial Tribulation.
From afar, Fairy Zi Yi watched the celestial thunder descend, her heart pausing for a beat.
She had no doubt that if she were facing such celestial punishment, she would not escape death.
But Zhouyang was different.
As a Late-Stage Tribulation Cultivator, Zhouyang was undeniably the foremost immortal in the Li Yang Realm.
Facing the overwhelming Celestial Tribulation Thunder Punishment, he not only showed no fear but let out a long roar, actively charging out of the cave towards the thunder, waging battle with the tribulation.
Originally, under the cover of dark thunderclouds, Zhouyang's cave was plunged into darkness.
However, when Zhouyang rushed out of the cave, the golden fiery light emanating from him was as dazzling as a golden blazing sun, tearing through the darkness and restoring light to the world.
The clash of thunder and flames thus began.
And the only spectator present was Fairy Zi Yi.
Thus, she witnessed an unprecedented spectacle in the Li Yang Realm.
Under the Tribulation Thunder, Zhouyang not only wielded immortal artifacts and unleashed immortal techniques to strike back at the tribulation thunder but also sometimes transformed into a half-dragon, half-human form to tear through the tribulation thunder, even counterattacking the thunderclouds above.
Fairy Zi Yi was left speechless at this savage approach, something she had never even heard of.
She stared blankly at the scene, recalling certain plans with Master Cangming and others, her face instantly turning pale with boundless terror.
She immediately wanted to leave and escape far away.
But before the thought of escape fully formed, she forcibly suppressed it.
The Li Yang Realm, albeit large, was not so big to a Tribulation Crossing True Immortal.
If she didn't escape this realm, there was no way Zhouyang wouldn't find her if he decided to.
Fleeing now would only expose her guilty conscience.
Zhouyang, busy dealing with the Celestial Tribulation Thunder Punishment, of course, had no idea what Fairy Zi Yi was thinking.
He also never expected that the Heavenly Dao Will of the Li Yang Realm would be so ruthless, imposing a Celestial Punishment Thunder Punishment when he had just broken through to the Late-Tribulation Crossing Stage, intending to annihilate him.
Typically, such celestials punishments are reserved for anomalies such as the Drought Fiend Celestial Corpse, which the world cannot tolerate.
However, although he miscalculated here, he was not overly afraid of this matter.
The World's Heavenly Dao Will is formidable indeed; if it were to exert its full effort, even Great Powers at the Returning to Void Stage existing like him within a lower realm could not withstand the incessant strikes of thunder punishment.
But likewise, this ongoing thunder punishment does not come without costs.
On the contrary, the costs are significant.
For instance, although the Celestial Tribulation Thunder Punishment had not harmed Zhouyang much, it had already devastated thousands of miles around his cave.
Once a magnificent Spiritual Mountain Blessed Land, now it lies in ruins, the earth cleaved, all life obliterated, utterly transformed into a wasteland.
Zhouyang, while countering the thunder punishment, was continuously moving towards other areas.
Continued at this rate, countless regions would be shattered into wastelands by the Celestial Tribulation Thunder Punishment.
To the Heavenly Dao Will, such a massive loss is inevitable.
It is well known that although the Heavenly Dao Will exists, it lacks distinct personality consciousness, devoid of human-like intense emotions.
Its actions are solely to maintain the world's normal operation.
Thus, it monitors and restrains those Tribulation Crossing True Immortals that might disrupt the world's normal workings, striving to expel or eliminate foreign intruders.
But when realizing that eliminating intruders would severely impact the world's normal operations, it weighs the pros and cons.
Hence, when the half-day continuation of the thunder punishment failed to eliminate Zhouyang, the Heavenly Dao Will dissipated the thunderclouds, choosing instead to open an exit above Zhouyang, intending to forcibly expel him.
This time, however, Zhouyang refused to comply. If he wanted to leave the Li Yang Realm, he would have already broken through the realm's barrier to escape, rather than enduring through the Celestial Tribulation Thunder Punishment.
Facing the force intending to pull him out, he immediately chose to forcibly break free, declaring to the sky: "No, no, no, Zhouyang cannot leave now. Give Zhouyang ten more years, and he will leave willingly!"
As he spoke, his aura gradually receded.
The Heavenly Dao Will, sensing the weakening aura from him, seemed to accept his words and swiftly closed the exit that had appeared in the sky.
Soon, the clouds dispersed, the thunder ceased, leaving only Zhouyang's imposing figure suspended in the air, standing proudly in the vast sky.
From afar, Fairy Zi Yi watched this scene, her eyes filled with awe and astonishment.
To negotiate with the Heavenly Dao Will, such a feat was unheard of, expanding her horizons immensely.
Zhouyang's display of power during the celestial tribulation battle further shook her soul profoundly.
So that when Zhouyang's gaze fell upon her, she involuntarily lowered her head, adopting a docile demeanor.
Zhouyang saw this but was not moved, instead coldly stated, "Fairy Zi Yi, Zhouyang requires an explanation."
