The Heavenly Tribulation Approaches, the High Immortal is Moved

Cloud Mist Villa was shrouded in spiritual mist, the concentration of spiritual energy far exceeding that of the outside world by several fold.

Qin Yu sat cross-legged on the bluestone in front of Yun Ce, the crimson fire-attribute spiritual energy circulating slowly around his body. With every breath, the spiritual energy of heaven and earth surged into his body like a great whale swallowing water.

The battle at the ancient manor had seen him slay the Xiantian peak expert Yi Qingyu, leading to a transformation in both his state of mind and combat prowess. He was only one step away from breaking through the late Xiantian stage and reaching the Xiantian Great Perfection.

Yun Ce stood to the side with his hands behind his back, his white robes fluttering; his aura as a Nascent Soul late stage cultivator was as restrained as an abyss.

Watching the spiritual energy around Qin Yu gradually stabilize, he nodded slightly and spoke softly, each word resonating like the sound of the Dao:

"Xiao Yu, your physical body is peerlessly strong, and with a high-grade spiritual artifact at your side, your combat power has long since surpassed your cultivation level. Yet, your realm remains incomplete—not because of insufficient spiritual energy, but because your intent has not reached its mark, and your heart is not yet pure."

Qin Yu closed his eyes and focused, listening intently.

"You carry attachments, responsibilities, and gratitude in your heart. These are good things. But on the path of cultivation, one must know when to let go—

It is not about abandoning your loved ones, but about not letting your emotions disturb your Dao heart.

Let battle intent be battle intent, and let your Dao heart be your Dao heart. When your mind is as clear as a mirror, your spiritual energy will naturally reach perfection."

The words awakened the dreamer.

The spiritual energy around Qin Yu's body shook violently, and his previously sluggish meridians suddenly opened up.

All distracting thoughts vanished from his heart, leaving behind only a pure martial will and the resolve to cultivate.

Boom—

An aura far more powerful than before erupted suddenly. Crimson spiritual light shot into the sky, and red currents of air swirled around him like a war god descending upon the world.

His meridians widened, his spiritual energy surged, and his realm broke through the shackles as easily as a boat riding the current.

Xiantian Great Perfection!

Qin Yu slowly opened his eyes, a sharp glint flashing through them. His aura was now steady and vast; he stood at the absolute pinnacle of mortal martial artists.

"Thank you for your guidance, Master."

He stood up and bowed, his heart filled with sincere conviction.

Yun Ce smiled slightly: "Your breakthrough today was a natural progression; I merely gave you a push to help you along. From this day forward, you have no equal among mortals. You need only wait for the Heavenly Tribulation to descend, and you will be able to step onto the true path of immortality."

Just then, a series of hurried footsteps echoed from outside the villa.

A trusted guard from the Prince Mansion ran over, knelt on one knee, and spoke with a respectful yet grave expression:

"Third Prince, Senior Yun, the Prince requests your presence. He says there is a major matter to discuss and asks that you both come to the Eastern Suppressing Prince Mansion at once!"

Qin Yu's heart stirred: "Has something happened to Father?"

"I do not know, Your Highness. I only know that all the core members of the mansion are to be present. I have other urgent matters to attend to, so I must take my leave." He then retreated.

Yun Ce nodded faintly: "Since your father has summoned us, we shall depart immediately."

Yun Ce spread his form, a flying sword appearing beneath his feet, and carried Qin Yu away as a streak of light, heading straight for the Eastern Suppressing Prince Mansion.

Inside the main hall of the Prince Mansion, the room was already filled with people.

The Eastern Suppressing Prince, Qin De, sat in the main seat. His expression was composed, yet he could not hide the trace of excitement and gravity in his eyes.

His eldest son Qin Feng, second son Qin Zheng, the loyal old servant Lian Yan, the strategist Xu Yuan, and Feng Yuzi were all present, each wearing a tense expression.

As soon as Qin Yu and Yun Ce stepped into the hall, everyone's gaze focused on them.

"Father." Qin Yu bowed in greeting.

Qin De nodded, took a deep breath, and spoke slowly, his voice carrying a faint, imperceptible tremor:

"I have summoned you all here today to announce something—

I... have sensed the Four-Nine Heavenly Tribulation."

As the words fell, the hall plunged into instant silence.

Lian Yan stood up abruptly, his face full of disbelief: "My Prince! You... you have truly sensed the Heavenly Tribulation?!"

He had been stuck at the Xiantian Great Perfection for decades and had never been able to touch the threshold of the tribulation. Qin De was much younger than him, yet he had triggered the signs of the tribulation first.

Qin Feng, Qin Zheng, and Qin Yu stood up simultaneously, feeling a mix of shock and joy, though their concern was far greater.

"Father, the Heavenly Tribulation is perilous—a life-or-death trial. You..."

Xu Yuan frowned deeply: "It is a good thing that the Prince's cultivation has advanced, but I have heard that the power of the Four-Nine Heavenly Tribulation is terrifying. A single mistake could lead to one's soul being scattered!"

Of all the people in the hall, only two remained exceptionally calm.

One was Feng Yuzi, who stood beside Qin De; he was a Golden Core middle stage cultivator and a veteran immortal practitioner of the Chu Dynasty.

The other was Yun Ce, a powerful expert at the Nascent Soul late stage.

Feng Yuzi was the first to laugh: "Everyone, there is no need for such panic. The Prince is exceptionally gifted; this fortune was bound to come to him."

Yun Ce stepped forward, his voice calm yet providing endless reassurance:

"That Qin De can sense the tribulation is a natural result of his efforts. I have already prepared a high-grade protective spiritual artifact for him, and with Feng Yuzi and me acting as guardians, passing the Heavenly Tribulation is a certainty."

Only then did the others breathe a sigh of relief.

Qin De's expression turned solemn as he lowered his voice:

"I naturally have confidence in surviving the Heavenly Tribulation. However, the true hidden danger lies not in the tribulation, but in Xiang Guang."

"Once the commotion of my tribulation becomes too great, it will inevitably alert the imperial palace. If Xiang Guang learns that I am about to step onto the path of immortality, he will undoubtedly stop at nothing to sabotage me!"

The atmosphere in the great hall grew heavy once more.

By Xiang Guang's side were the two Immortals, Wu De and Wu Xing!

If they were to strike at the most critical moment of the tribulation, attacking from both inside and out, Qin De would surely die.

Yun Ce pondered for a moment:

"Undergoing the tribulation in the mortal realm is far too conspicuous.

I have a plan—we can head to the outskirts of the Great Wilderness to undergo the tribulation.

The region is vast, the spiritual energy is volatile, and there are numerous demonic beasts. As long as we make preparations in advance, even if Xiang Guang wants to come and cause trouble, he won't be able to find us."

Qin De's eyes lit up: "Immortal Yun Ce, your insight is brilliant! We shall follow this plan!"

The group immediately finalized their strategy:

They would prepare in secret, leave the Eastern Suppressing Prince Mansion without a sound, head to a secluded location in the Great Wilderness, and wait for the Heavenly Tribulation to descend, breaking through in one fell swoop to become a Golden Core cultivator.

Meanwhile, in the palace of the Chu Dynasty.

The secret agents Xiang Guang had planted in the Eastern Suppressing Prince Mansion had already transmitted the news back to the palace at top speed.

"Your Majesty, this is a disaster!" The spy trembled, prostrating himself on the ground, "Qin De... Qin De has sensed the Four-Nine Heavenly Tribulation!"

Clang—

The jade cup in Xiang Guang's hand shattered violently against the floor, his face turning as pale as paper.

"The Heavenly Tribulation?!"

"Qin De is going to become an Immortal?!"

He felt the world spinning around him.

The Qin Family already had Feng Yuzi, and now they had the mysterious and unfathomable Yun Ce.

If Qin De were to survive the tribulation and become yet another Immortal...

Then who in the Chu Dynasty would be able to suppress the Qin Family?!

The Xiang Family's empire was in imminent danger!

"No... I absolutely cannot let Qin De survive the tribulation!"

He paced frantically inside the great hall, his eyes growing increasingly vicious.

Those two cultivators, Wu De and Wu Xing, were driven only by profit; ordinary treasures could not move them at all.

After much thought, Xiang Guang gritted his teeth and turned to rush into the secret chamber within the forbidden grounds of the palace.

Deep inside the secret chamber, a jade bottle sat quietly.

Inside the bottle, a pill, crimson all over with medicinal power as vast as the scorching sun, floated silently.

Crimson Prosperity Pill!

It was a supreme treasure left behind by the ancestor Xiang Yang in his youth, possessing great nourishing effects even for Golden Core cultivators; it was extremely precious.

Xiang Guang grabbed the jade bottle, his heart aching as if being sliced, yet he had no other choice.

"For the sake of the Xiang Family's empire, what is one pill!"

He arrived once again at the elegant courtyard where the two Immortals resided. As soon as he entered, he slammed the Crimson Prosperity Pill onto the stone table.

The moment the pill appeared, its fragrance instantly permeated the entire courtyard.

Wu De and Wu Xing opened their eyes simultaneously, their gazes locked onto the Crimson Prosperity Pill, the greed in their eyes undisguised.

"Two Immortals!" Xiang Guang said in a deep voice, "As long as you are willing to strike when Qin De undergoes his tribulation and kill him, this pill shall be yours!"

Wu De picked up the Crimson Prosperity Pill and took a light sniff; his entire body felt refreshed. He exchanged a glance with Wu Xing, and both saw the temptation in the other's eyes.

A rare pill that could help them advance their cultivation was worth a single strike.

Wu De gripped the Crimson Prosperity Pill tightly and smiled faintly, finally relenting:

"Haha, Your Majesty, what are you saying? We are, after all, retainers of the Xiang Family. Since Your Majesty is so sincere, my brother and I will help you this once." As he spoke, he waved his large hand, and the jade bottle on the table vanished. Seeing this, the corner of Xiang Guang's eye twitched slightly.

"The day of Qin De's tribulation shall be the day of his death," Wu Xing also promised, patting his chest.

The heart that had been hanging in Xiang Guang's throat finally dropped.