Xunfeng Valley sank into a deathly stillness. Even with their enemies right before their eyes, no one dared rashly strike, because everyone, Human Cultivators and Undead alike, feared drawing the Heavenly Tribulation's attention. That was not a power they could resist.
Cultivating beings were seldom disturbed while advancing to the upper realm, not because everyone observed the rules, but because the Heavenly Tribulation would not let an intruder off.
If you struck, you might not know what would happen to your opponent, but you would certainly know what would happen to you.
This was forbidden ground. Human Cultivators understood its intricacies through their inherited teachings, while other races knew they must not do such a thing through instincts branded into their bodies.
"Why haven't you left yet? Never seen someone advance to the upper realm?" Hou Niao reminded Xiang Anshi, who was still craning his neck to look around, as he drifted furtively outward.
Xiang Anshi froze, finally coming to his senses after the dazzling changes just now.
"Well, well, I finally understand why Tang Yan was so desperate to advance back then. You were lighting a fire under him! Another one now. Brother, we've known each other a while-you wouldn't send your older brother up there too, would you?"
Hou Niao firmly denied it. "Don't go spreading nonsense and ruining my reputation. He simply couldn't keep himself in check. There's a flaw in his temperament, or something went wrong when he unleashed that thunder just now. What does it have to do with me?"
Xiang Anshi felt a chill rise from his tailbone. He had actually traveled alongside a demon like this for months. That he was still in one piece truly meant his ancestors had burned incense on his behalf.
"Exactly. It was all his own recklessness, his