Heavenly tones rang without end. Purple-gold lightning surged, taking the forms of blades, swords, dragons, and serpents before crashing down one after another.
Xu Xuan kept his mind anchored to the heart of heaven. He recalled what Tiantuo had once said: the Ancient Immortal Dao had no divisions such as Foundation Establishment or Purple Mansion. Everything depended on one's comprehension of the Dao tradition. To survive tribulation and ascend was to have one's name inscribed among the Great Luo, to be called one who had attained the Dao.
The ancients' method of transcending the world was to refine away every trace of yin dross and return to pure qian. Surviving tribulation likewise sought to make the Primordial Spirit pure yang. As the lightning tempered him without cease, a faint sheen of pure gold gradually settled over Xu Xuan's tiny soul avatar.
Xu Yi watched Xu Xuan above her with a peculiar expression. After their contest, Mu Youdu had ultimately proved superior, enduring stronger lightning and reaping greater benefits.
"Is he really about to ascend?"
Confusion filled the woman's bright eyes. She secretly gritted her teeth.
"Hurry up and take this harbinger of calamity away."
As the two continued enduring the lightning tribulation, more and more white qi accumulated in their respective tokens. A sliver opened in the boundless thunderclouds overhead, and brilliant heavenly light gradually spilled through, shimmering with rainbow radiance amid peals of clear music.
"The path has manifested."
Xu Yi cried out in surprise. The lightning had now ceased, and curiosity stirred in her heart. Riding the wind upward, she joined Xu Xuan.
Xu Xuan studied that sliver of heavenly light, sensing something amiss. Rather than act rashly, he turned toward Xu Yi and said gravely:
"Our souls have passed their tempering. Return to your body at once."