Above the Universe Demon Realm, heavenly tribulation thunder roared without end.
The Chaos Bell above Tai Yi's head trembled gently and incessantly. The Spirit Light on its body had dimmed somewhat; clearly, after enduring several rounds of heavenly tribulation, it was no longer at its peak.
Large swathes of golden feathers around him were disheveled and curled, many feather shafts scorched black and carbonized by heavenly lightning. Strands of demon blood seeped from his body, carrying the scent of Divine Fire—and even a faint smell of charred flesh.
Yet the sea of lightning above the Nine Heavens showed no sign of weakening. Instead, its might had surged severalfold beyond the previous seven rounds. Black tribulation clouds pressed heavily upon the world, their destructive Dao essence locking down the entire sky and tearing at the soul.
But there was not the slightest trace of fear in his eyes. Instead, blazing battle intent burned there, and his face showed the utmost exhilaration and delight.
Restrained by Karma for countless years, he had not fought so recklessly and wholeheartedly in a very long time.
At this moment, he even felt a faint anticipation. He raised his eyes to the endlessly churning sea of terrifying lightning and waited calmly for its next killing move.
In an instant, a strange phenomenon arose within the lightning sea.
The lightning raging across the heavens suddenly drew back and vanished without a trace. In its place, the phantom of a majestic, ancient palace quietly floated amid the tribulation clouds of the Nine Heavens.
The moment Tai Yi saw that hall, his expression sharpened, and his eyes instantly filled with utmost gravity.
He could not have been more familiar with that phantom.
It was Zixiao Palace!
And this was merely the beginning.
Around Zixiao Palace, countless streams of Spirit