Dark clouds churned in the sky above the Martial Realm, accompanied by deafening thunderclaps that seemed to shake the heavens. The world was shrouded in a gray haze.

Most Core Formation cultivators had experienced Heavenly Tribulations before. The more talented the cultivator, the more terrifying the tribulation.

It was said that even the most gifted individuals could perish under the Ninefold Heavenly Tribulation.

From the first to the ninth tribulation, each stage added a ‘Thunder Dragon’, its destructive power increasing exponentially.

If a cultivator at the peak of the Core Formation Realm faced the Ninefold Heavenly Tribulation, the ninth tribulation would be equivalent to a full-powered attack from a Nascent Soul cultivator or even stronger.

However, Wei Mengrou’s tribulation clearly wasn’t the Ninefold Heavenly Tribulation.

This was a punishment from the heavens, triggered by her existence.

She was the Calamity Body, a being outside the rules of heaven and earth!

This punishment, although a Heavenly Tribulation, only targeted her. If other cultivators entered the area, it wouldn’t trigger additional tribulations for them.

And the heavens’ intervention often brought ‘treasures’, which was why so many cultivators had gathered here.

By the time Ye Yu arrived, dozens of cultivators had already gathered a hundred meters away from Wei Mengrou. Tang Sufei, afraid of affecting her tribulation, hadn’t approached and was also among the crowd.

Ye Yu stared at the maid in the yellow dress hovering in the sky, his eyes filled with disbelief.

I should be the protagonist! Why is this maid of Mu Zhi’an’s already approaching the Nascent Soul Realm?!

One of the signs of reaching the Nascent Soul Realm was the ability to fly without a sword, and although Wei Mengrou hadn’t reached that level yet, she was clearly on the verge of a breakthrough.

Even he was only at the sixth-grade Core Formation Realm, and he had only reached that level through relentless cultivation, absorbing even impure Spiritual Energy…

Compared to her, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of imbalance.

If Wei Mengrou failed her tribulation, it would be fine. But if she succeeded, she would become the strongest cultivator below Lan Mulian…

Ye Yu’s fists clenched tightly, his desire for power intensifying.

He took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down. “Master, where’s the treasure you mentioned?”

“Don’t worry. Just watch,” the old man inside him replied, suppressing his excitement. “It will likely appear when that little girl starts her tribulation. That will be the best time for you to seize this heavenly opportunity.”

“But remember, others will also notice the treasure, so choose your moment carefully.”

Ye Yu nodded slightly, then suddenly asked, “But if other cultivators enter someone else’s tribulation, won’t they also be forced to undergo it? And the tribulation will be even more terrifying?”

Although he considered himself a genius, he didn’t dare to test whether he could withstand a combined tribulation with more than two people.

“Her tribulation won’t affect others. Don’t worry,” the old man’s voice echoed in his mind.

“I was wondering why her cultivation speed was so much faster than those other geniuses. It seems the answer has been revealed.”

“What do you mean, Master…?”

“Those who exist outside the rules of heaven and earth are not acknowledged by the heavens. Therefore, her tribulation isn’t a normal Heavenly Tribulation… Or rather, she’s deceiving the heavens, so the difficulty of her tribulation will be far greater than that of others.”

“In short, even if you enter her tribulation, you won’t be affected.”

“However, that little girl… might not be so lucky…”

Ye Yu’s eyes flickered, and he looked up. “What do you mean, Master…?”

“The tribulation won’t resonate with you, but it will resonate with everyone who enters it, amplifying its power for the one undergoing the tribulation,” the old man said, his voice filled with a deep meaning.

“This is the punishment for defying the rules of heaven and earth.”

Ye Yu hesitated for a moment, then looked at Wei Mengrou in the sky. “If that’s the case, if others notice the treasure within the tribulation and rush in, won’t she…?”

Be obliterated by the amplified tribulation?

“Perhaps.”

“But that’s not what we should be focusing on. What’s important is…”

“I know, the treasure born from the tribulation!” Ye Yu replied, his eyes filled with excitement as he listened to the murmurs of the surrounding cultivators.

Boom!

A deafening roar shook the heavens, and everyone instinctively looked up.

Wei Mengrou stood with her sword, her yellow dress fluttering in the wind. Faint sparks of lightning crackled around her.

This was a sign that the Heavenly Tribulation was brewing.

“This tribulation seems different from the ones I’ve experienced… It seems to be targeting only this female cultivator,” a cultivator said after observing it for a moment.

“Indeed. If it were a normal tribulation, other cultivators who approach would also trigger their own tribulations… But we’re so close, and it’s not resonating with us. This is strange.”

The cultivators whispered amongst themselves.

Boom!

Another deafening roar echoed through the sky, drawing everyone’s attention to Wei Mengrou.

They realized… the Heavenly Tribulation was brewing, and it was terrifying!

The dark clouds in the sky swirled like a vast galaxy, and within them, a roaring Thunder Dragon circled.

Its form was fearsome, its tail lashing out, sending sparks of lightning flying. It held a pale white orb in its mouth.

“Heavenly Dao Energy!” someone in the crowd exclaimed.

Their eyes lit up with desire and excitement.

It was incredibly rare for a Heavenly Tribulation to produce a treasure, but for a Core Formation cultivator’s tribulation to produce Heavenly Dao Energy… the probability was less than one in a billion.

This was the mark of a protagonist.

Although her bad luck was astonishing… a Heavenly Dao Energy had indeed appeared within her tribulation.

Suddenly, the Thunder Dragon opened its mouth, and the Heavenly Dao Energy fell from its grasp, swirling amidst the sparks of lightning, radiating a deep, mysterious black glow that captivated all who saw it.

Huang Manting, who had arrived at some point, looked up at the Heavenly Dao Energy, a knowing glint in her eyes.

The other cultivators were restless, their gazes fixed on the treasure, wanting to snatch it.

But they knew that although Wei Mengrou’s tribulation wouldn’t affect them, the first person to make a move would be attacked by the others.

Finally, a cultivator in a green robe, unable to resist the temptation, transformed into a streak of light and shot towards the Heavenly Dao Energy.

Suddenly, Tang Sufei, the Holy Maiden from the World Sea, formed a hand seal, and a dazzling light, carrying a terrifying aura, surged towards the cultivator.

He was forced to stop and, looking up, saw Tang Sufei standing before him, a faint smile on her face. “Someone is undergoing a tribulation. Isn’t it inappropriate for you to barge in like this?”

The cultivator frowned, glaring at Tang Sufei, then at the Heavenly Dao Energy. He suddenly chuckled. “If I remember correctly, the one undergoing the tribulation is a cultivator from the Eastern Realm, right? Why are you, a Holy Maiden from the World Sea, siding with them?”

Tang Sufei’s expression remained unchanged. She chuckled. “I simply disapprove of your actions. Don’t you know what will happen if you enter the tribulation area now?”

Wei Mengrou’s tribulation was unique. If this cultivator entered, he wouldn’t be affected by it, but the difficulty of her tribulation would increase exponentially.

Wei Mengrou was likely connected to the Primordial Witch. Even if it meant offending everyone present, Tang Sufei couldn’t allow them to interfere with her tribulation.

However, the cultivator laughed as if he had heard a joke. “You’re quite righteous, Miss Tang. But aren’t you standing here because you want the Heavenly Dao Energy within the tribulation area?”

His eyes turned cold. “We don’t need outsiders meddling in the Eastern Realm’s affairs!”

“I believe I’m not the only one who feels this way, right?” He turned to the crowd behind him.

Although they didn’t respond, some nodded silently.

“If you insist on blocking our path, Miss Tang, then we’ll have to deal with you first before deciding who gets the Heavenly Dao Energy,” the cultivator said with a sneer.

No one responded.

Although they knew he was using them, they were also using him.

If they could force the World Sea’s Holy Maiden to retreat, they would have a chance to seize the Heavenly Dao Energy…

Seeing their silence, the cultivator sneered inwardly, then cupped his fists. “Since you refuse to move, Miss Tang, then forgive my rudeness!”

“The World Sea wants to meddle in the Eastern Realm’s affairs? You’re overstepping your bounds,” another voice said, fueling the tension.

The relationship between the realms had been strained after the incident with the Jade Empress, and now, the atmosphere was becoming increasingly hostile.

Suddenly, a calm voice rang out, “The World Sea can’t interfere, but can the Forbidden Zone?”

Everyone instinctively turned to look and saw Ye Cian, a prodigy from the Forbidden Zone, standing among them!

A behemoth from the Eastern Realm siding with Wei Mengrou… Regardless of their motives, it calmed down some of the restless cultivators.

The cultivator in the green robe frowned. “Ye Cian, I heard you have a grudge against Mu Zhi’an. This matter has nothing to do with you, does it?”

Ye Cian shook his head and chuckled. “I’m not helping him, but he’s connected to the Forbidden Zone’s Holy Maiden. If we stand by and do nothing, people might think we’re heartless.”

Although he disliked Mu Zhi’an, he was very close to Ye Lingxuan, who was destined to inherit the Forbidden Zone. Ye Cian knew what he had to do.

However, although Ye Cian’s words deterred some cultivators, they still coveted the Heavenly Dao Energy within the tribulation area.

This was the Martial Realm. No matter what happened between them, their elders would smooth things over later.

Besides, Mu Zhi’an’s connection to the Forbidden Zone was indirect. They wouldn’t intervene for a mere maid…

Thinking of this, some of the cultivators who had been deterred by the ‘Forbidden Zone’ started to get restless again.

After all, some of them weren’t from the Eastern Realm and would leave after the Ascension Ceremony… If they missed this opportunity, they might never obtain another Heavenly Dao Energy.

“Amitabha.”

A golden light shone as a monk from the Western Regions, dressed in saffron robes, raised his vajra, a dazzling golden pattern appearing behind him.

“Since none of you are interested in the Heavenly Dao Energy, I’ll gladly take it.”

The monk transformed into a golden streak of light and shot towards the treasure!

“Get lost, baldy!” Tang Sufei’s eyes turned cold, and she immediately attacked, blocking the monk’s path.

However, with the first person making a move, other cultivators also seized the opportunity and rushed towards Wei Mengrou.

The cultivator in the green robe’s eyes flickered, and he also charged towards the Heavenly Dao Energy.

“Wang Teng, do you truly intend to antagonize the Forbidden Zone?” Ye Cian asked, his voice cold, as he stepped forward, blocking his path.

Wang Teng narrowed his eyes and chuckled. “You’re joking, Brother Ye. Who in the Eastern Realm would dare to antagonize the Forbidden Zone? But look, many of these people aren’t from the Eastern Realm. Wouldn’t it be better if we took the Heavenly Dao Energy instead of letting them have it?”

He glanced at a young cultivator in the crowd and seemed to say something through voice transmission.

The cultivator nodded discreetly and transformed into a streak of light, taking advantage of the chaos to approach the Heavenly Dao Energy!

Ye Cian’s expression darkened as he looked up.

It was another cultivator from the Wang family!

These two would stop at nothing to obtain the Heavenly Dao Energy…

Boom!

As the first cultivator entered the tribulation area, the Heavenly Tribulation roared, its aura intensifying.

Tang Sufei’s expression changed slightly, and she glanced at Wei Mengrou, her heart filled with anxiety.

She didn’t know what the Primordial Witch had left for Wei Mengrou, but if she failed this tribulation, it would be difficult to find another such opportunity.

“Amitabha, Benefactor, you’re clinging to worldly desires.”

A Buddhist chant echoed through the air, tempting Tang Sufei to lay down her arms. She snapped out of her daze, her eyes clearing, and snorted coldly, breaking the monk’s spell.

However, she now had to focus on dealing with him.

The World Sea’s Holy Maiden was indeed a formidable opponent, but this monk, representing the Western Regions in the Ascension Ceremony, was also incredibly powerful. They were evenly matched.

While fighting Ye Cian, Wang Teng glanced at his younger brother, Wang Shuo, who was approaching the Heavenly Dao Energy. A faint smile appeared on his face.

It’s time… Ye Yu’s eyes gleamed, and he transformed into a streak of light, charging towards the treasure.

A black mist surged as the Southern Wilderness’s Holy Son also couldn’t wait any longer.

“Nigati, you’re from the Southern Wilderness! Don’t interfere in the Eastern Realm’s affairs!” Ye Cian shouted angrily, looking up.

The Southern Wilderness’s Holy Son, shrouded in black mist, ignored him and sneered. “The Heavenly Dao Energy should belong to the strongest, regardless of their origin.”

He accelerated, reaching out to grab the treasure.

Boom!

As Nigati entered the tribulation area, Wei Mengrou’s tribulation, which was already at the difficulty level of two people, became even more terrifying. A deep black pattern appeared on the surface of the roaring Thunder Dragon.

“This tribulation only targets her… Other cultivators aren’t affected, but its difficulty increases with each person who enters…” a cultivator sighed sympathetically.

“It seems so. And if I remember correctly, she’s been alone since entering the Martial Realm. I wonder why she seems to be acquainted with the World Sea’s Holy Maiden…”

“No matter how talented she is, she can’t stand against so many cultivators… It’s a case of ‘possessing a treasure invites disaster’.”

Nigati looked at Wei Mengrou, who had closed her eyes, seemingly ready to face the tribulation, then up at the increasingly terrifying tribulation. He sneered.

“How pitiful. If I were you, I would crush the jade slip and leave, instead of becoming everyone’s target.”

The black mist around him surged, enveloping the Heavenly Dao Energy and concealing it from the others.

Seizing the opportunity, he reached out to grab the treasure.

The black mist seemed to be absorbing their Spiritual Energy, forcing them to retreat, including Ye Yu.

He had suffered from this ability before and was now wary.

As he retreated from the black mist, he saw Nigati reaching for the Heavenly Dao Energy.

At the same time, the destructive aura emanating from the Thunder Dragon intensified. Wei Mengrou opened her eyes and unleashed a sword strike towards Nigati.

However, the black mist around him swallowed her attack. He glanced at her and sneered. “You might be a threat to me if it weren’t for this tribulation, but now… You should worry about yourself instead of the Heavenly Dao Energy.”

“You’re all alone now!”

Wei Mengrou’s eyes turned cold. She wanted to attack again, but sensing the terrifying power of the Thunder Dragon, she could only watch helplessly as Nigati reached for the Heavenly Dao Energy that should have been hers.

“You won’t leave the Martial Realm unscathed,” she said, her voice cold as ice, staring at Nigati.

“Let’s see if you can even survive this tribulation,” Nigati chuckled, his hand closing around the Heavenly Dao Energy!

Boom!

A whistling sound suddenly came from the distance, and just as Nigati grabbed the treasure, a pure, cleansing light enveloped the entire tribulation area.

Under countless shocked gazes, the Pure World Azure Lotus descended from the sky, crashing down on Nigati!

Mu Zhi’an, dressed in a black and gold robe, stood outside the tribulation area, a hundred birds circling behind him, their cries echoing through the air. A golden light shone behind him.

“Stealing someone’s fortune while they’re defenseless, and even justifying your actions… You’ll be punished by the heavens.”

The green light forced the cultivators within the tribulation area to retreat, their eyes filled with apprehension as they looked at the Pure World Azure Lotus.

Nigati looked up abruptly, his eyes narrowing. “Mu Zhi’an!”

Mu Zhi’an glanced at the surrounding cultivators and said with a smile, cupping his fists, “Everyone, please give me some face. This Heavenly Dao Energy belongs to my maid. It’s not right to steal it from her.”

“Are you willing to offend so many people for a mere maid, Young Master Mu?” a cultivator frowned, speaking up from the crowd.

Mu Zhi’an shook his head and chuckled. “To be honest, she’s not just my maid. She’s also my Dao Companion.”

“Isn’t it natural to help one’s Dao Companion?”

His voice wasn’t loud, but it reached everyone’s ears. Wei Mengrou glanced at him, as if wanting to say something, but she held back.

Mu Zhi’an’s gaze swept over the other cultivators.

Some of them were disciples of the Two Polarities Sect. He had interacted with them in the past, and some even owed him favors.

They exchanged glances, their expressions conflicted.

After a moment of hesitation, over a dozen of them cupped their fists and retreated.

“Thank you.”

Mu Zhi’an also cupped his fists, then his gaze shifted to the remaining cultivators, including Ye Yu, who hadn’t moved.

“I really don’t want to fight. Are you sure you won’t back down?” Mu Zhi’an asked, his tone conciliatory.

“Don’t bluff, Mu Zhi’an. So what if you have that strange lotus? Do you think you can force us all out of the Martial Realm?” Nigati sneered.

“Amitabha, Benefactor Mu, your attachment is too strong. You should lay down your arms and focus on your cultivation,” Jingchen said, his hands clasped together, a gentle golden glow emanating from behind him.

Although Mu Zhi’an’s lotus was strange, they knew he couldn’t maintain it for long if they all attacked him together.

They had no intention of retreating.

“Do you think you can handle us all by yourself?” Ye Yu also sneered, his eyes burning with fighting spirit.

However, Mu Zhi’an maintained his gentle smile.

“I can handle it alone.”

At least, he could hold them off until Wei Mengrou finished her tribulation.

The tribulation clouds churned in the distance, the deep, crackling lightning causing a stir among the crowd.

“Why is she triggering another tribulation?” someone muttered.

Nigati’s eyes were also filled with confusion.

Then, as if realizing something, his expression changed, and he exclaimed, “No, this is Mu Zhi’an’s tribulation!”

He finally understood why Mu Zhi’an was so confident… His trump card wasn’t the Pure World Azure Lotus, but this Heavenly Tribulation!

Mu Zhi’an’s fourth-grade Core Formation tribulation!

“Are you insane, Mu Zhi’an?! Even if we’re eliminated, you won’t escape unscathed!”

The tribulation enveloped dozens of cultivators, and many of the usually composed geniuses couldn’t help but curse as they retreated hastily, distancing themselves from Mu Zhi’an.

Mu Zhi’an ignored them, stretching lazily, a gentle smile on his face.

It had been a while since he had played the villain. Some people seemed to have forgotten that he was a true villain.

Even though the ‘Villainous Supporting Character’ title on his personal interface had disappeared, and he had ‘retired’ from villainy… it didn’t mean his ruthlessness was completely gone.

Boom!

He broke through the bottleneck of the fourth-grade Core Formation Realm, and the tribulation clouds completely enveloped Nigati and the others.

At this moment, a wave of regret washed over the talented disciples, including Nigati.

The Heavenly Dao Energy was valuable, but there was only one. If they were eliminated in the Martial Realm, they would miss out on the Ascension Ceremony.

They were all geniuses from prominent factions. Being eliminated in the Martial Realm… would be a humiliating joke.

Imagine, walking outside and hearing people whisper, “Look, that’s so-and-so, one of the greatest geniuses of our time, but he couldn’t even pass the Martial Realm trial.”

…They would be branded with shame for the rest of their lives.

However, Mu Zhi’an’s tribulation had already enveloped them. There was no escape.

With so many people undergoing the tribulation together… no one could survive until the end.

“Mu Zhi’an—!”

Nigati and the others glared at him, their eyes filled with anger and hatred.

But Mu Zhi’an simply smiled calmly, welcoming the terrifying combined tribulation.

The Two Polarities Sect’s jade slip would ensure his survival, but if he was severely injured, it would transport him out of the Martial Realm.

And he would be disqualified from the Ascension Ceremony.

Nigati and the others assumed Mu Zhi’an didn’t care about the Ascension Ceremony, but in reality, he wanted to participate more than anyone else.

After all, if one of the girls around him won, he would have to ‘marry’ them…

Well… perfect timing. His potential ‘spouses’ were arriving.

Mu Zhi’an saw the purple figure and the woman in the white dress with her ample bosom approaching in the distance.

He took a deep breath and exhaled slowly.

Then, under their hateful gazes, he smiled gently.

“I told you, you’ll be punished by the heavens.”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by Aunomay