Several months passed quietly, like shifting sands in the Gobi Desert.
Li Qingshan's figure reappeared outside the stone fortress made of rough stones.
Compared to when he left, his aura became even more profound and unfathomable, like a dormant volcano containing power capable of burning the heavens and destroying the earth, yet forcibly restrained, held back from unleashing its full force.
He simply stood there, and the surrounding air subtly distorted. The faint Dao principles in the Void were drawn by the force field he naturally emitted, forming imperceptible ripples.
Between the opening and closing of his eyes, it was no longer just the stars and rivers that swirled, but rather the rotation of earth, fire, wind, and water.
The nascent form of the universe's birth and death flashed by, a manifestation of his increasingly profound understanding of his own "Dao," which had already touched upon the fundamental rules of heaven and earth.
During his two-month seclusion, with the help of the rare ley line node found by the Black Emperor, he not only pushed his Eighth Transformation of Dragon Transformation to its perfect peak, but also stepped one foot into the realm of the ninth transformation.
The spine is like an ancient True Dragon awakening, with each vertebra glowing.
A boundless life force and divine power surge and roar within it.
Only one final baptism of lightning remains before it can completely break free of its shackles and complete the final and most crucial transformation in the Dragon Transformation Secret Realm.
The great dragon has reached its full potential and is now directly at the gateway to Immortal Platform!
He has gained a lot in these two months.
He had mastered the Nine Secrets: Dou obtained from Jiang Taixu, and had already reached the initial stage of its cultivation, though he was still far from the ultimate realm of evolving all techniques and achieving unparalleled offensive power.
But with every gesture, he could invoke the blessings of the laws of heaven and earth, making ordinary divine powers readily available and doubling their power.
He was confident that if he were to unleash his innate divine abilities, such as the Sun Emperor Fist, now, their power would be far greater than it was before he went into seclusion.
The greater gain came from the " Source Heaven Book " that flowed with silver light among the monks of the Bitter Sea.
He did not rush to study those supreme Source Arts that could change the world and locate dragon veins.
Instead, they were immersed in its explanations of the origins of heaven and earth, the veins of mountains and rivers, and the two energies of Yin-Yang.
The Source Heavenly Master Lineage communicates with the most primordial power of heaven and earth, which subtly aligns with his Innate Immortal Fetus constitution.
In a moment of sudden inspiration during his seclusion, he combined the concept of "earthly vein dragon energy" from the " Source Heaven Book " with...
"Primordial Yin Sha"
"Earth's Core Flame"
The description of "Nine Netherworld Gale" and his own keen perception of the laws of the Great Dao allowed him to capture, in his meditative state, a wisp of the violent Dao rhythm of the beginning of Heaven-Opening, the instant when all things came from "nothingness" to "existence".
Based on this, he came to understand a completely new prototype of supernatural power: the Four Symbols Seal.
This method of hand seals is not simply about manipulating the four energies of earth, water, wind, and fire.
Instead, it attempts to recreate and control the chaotic process of creation at the beginning of time, when the Four Symbols basic elements raged and shredded matter and life.
It elucidates the violent nature of the beginning of "existence," implicitly echoing the legendary principle of the Taiji cycle that transforms all things into "nothingness," forming a unity of opposites.
Although it is currently only in its rudimentary form, when activated, it can already manifest a chaotic jade box phantom that is entangled with earth, water, wind, and fire, and is extremely unstable, possessing the terrifying potential to seal and obliterate everything.
"Immortal Master! The Immortal Master has returned!"
The young men on the stockade wall, keeping watch, saw that familiar yet more profound figure in the distance. Their voices trembled with excitement, and they immediately rang the warning stone bell.
"Clang! Clang! Clang!"
The sound of bells echoed over the barren Gobi Desert.
Soon, led by the white-haired and sprightly Fifth Master Zhang and the much stronger Third Master Zhang, dozens of young men from Shizhai quickly gathered.
Compared to a few months ago, they are completely refreshed, their numbness and despair have been replaced by hope and resilience, and their vitality is strong and integrated.
Clearly, the basic techniques left by Li Qingshan have been diligently practiced and are beginning to show results.
One could even see faint magical light flowing from the simple iron spears held by several young men.
"Welcome back, Immortal Master!"
Fifth Master Zhang stepped forward and was about to lead everyone in a grand salute.
He felt it most deeply; the aura of the young immortal master before him was several times stronger than when he left. It was a kind of oppressive feeling on a life level, making his soul tremble slightly.
With a gentle flick of his sleeve, Li Qingshan unleashed an invisible and gentle force that steadily supported everyone.
"No need for such formalities, and none of you need to be so polite."
It seems that you have not slacked off these past few months, which is excellent.
His gaze swept across the crowd, lingering briefly on the young couple named Wang Shu and Lei Bo and their sister. He could sense that the thin Silver Blood Royal Clan bloodline within them seemed to have become more active, and their cultivation progress was much faster than that of others.
Fifth Master Zhang said excitedly, "It is all thanks to the immortal master's bestowed immortal techniques. The young and strong men in the village have been cultivating diligently day and night, and three of them have already opened up the Bitter Sea and stepped into the gate of cultivation."
Last month, a small group of bandits came to harass us, but we repelled them using the techniques taught by our immortal master, injuring several of them. Since then, no bandit has dared to approach within ten miles of our Stone Village!
His words were filled with pride, the joy of winning dignity for the first time after being oppressed for so long.
Li Qingshan nodded slightly; this was exactly what he wanted to see.
"Self-improvement is the foundation of one's character."
I have fulfilled my promise of the past.
He flipped his hand, and a small, bright red flag, about a foot long, appeared in his palm.
The flagpole was neither gold nor wood, but had a warm, smooth feel to it. The flag was woven from some unknown silk thread and embroidered with mysterious flame and cloud patterns.
As soon as it appeared, the surrounding temperature subtly rose, and a scorching and awe-inspiring aura filled the air.
"This flag is named Li Fire," and it is a magical artifact that I acquired in the past.
When activated, it can unleash the Qiantian Li Fire; where the divine fire passes, even ordinary cultivators of the Divine Bridge Secret Realm will find it difficult to withstand.
If several disciples of the Bitter Sea and Life Spring were to work together to take charge, and with the advantage of the stronghold's walls, they could hold off even if the Dao Palace attacked.
Today, it will be left in the village as a foundation for protection.
With trembling hands, Fifth Master Zhang accepted the Li Fire Flag with almost reverence.
As soon as he got the flag, a warm power flowed through his arm and into his body, invigorating him.
Although his cultivation level was not high, he could still sense the terrifying energy contained within this small flag, which was far beyond the rudimentary spells they were currently practicing.
With this flag guarding the village, the safety of Shizhai is as solid as a rock!
"Immortal Master, Immortal Master's great kindness will be forever forgotten by all of us in Shizhai!"
Fifth Master Zhang's voice choked with emotion, tears streaming down his face, and he was about to bow down again.
The villagers behind him also knelt down excitedly, shouting praises of the divine master's benevolence.
Li Qingshan once again used his Daoist power to stop them.
"This item is useless to me; its ability to protect this area is its destiny."
He paused, recalling his previous trip to Purple Mountain, where he had relied heavily on the Stone Garment. He then took out several jade bottles and a pile of source blocks shimmering with rosy light, which, at a rough glance, weighed at least four or five hundred pounds.
"These few bottles of pills can help you consolidate your cultivation, heal your injuries, and prolong your lives."
These resources are used for daily cultivation or to exchange for necessary supplies.
Remember: Cultivate yourself diligently and treat your neighbors kindly.
"I will heed the Immortal Master's teachings!"
The crowd responded in unison, their voices echoing across the surrounding area.
Having settled the karmic Cause and Effect of Shizhai, Li Qingshan felt a sense of relief. The divine power within him, already surging and ready to burst forth, seemed to become even more active, resonating more strongly with the aura of some kind of dark calamity in the world. He knew that the time to leave had come.
"All things arise and cease according to their causes; eventually, they will part ways."
Gentlemen, take heed of this.
Without saying another word, Li Qingshan nodded slightly to the crowd, his figure flickered, and he vanished like a wisp of smoke. The next moment, he appeared on the distant horizon, and with another flash, he disappeared completely from the Gobi Desert horizon.
The people of Shizhai knelt and worshipped in the direction he disappeared for a long time, refusing to get up.
In the Northern Region, amidst a desolate Gobi desert stretching for thousands of miles, lies a seemingly ordinary stone mountain.
Inside the stone mountain, the Black Emperor had created a temporary cave dwelling using ingenious array patterns, which not only concealed his aura but also gathered the dragon energy from the surrounding earth veins.
At this moment, with the aid of the Source Stone, the essence inside the cave was so dense that it was almost impossible to dissolve, and some Origin Qi crystals even condensed on the ground.
Li Qingshan sat cross-legged in the center, his pores opening wide as he greedily devoured the last of the earth's essence.
His body was filled with surging energy, like the Yangtze River flowing endlessly. The great dragon of his spine radiated brilliant immortal light, and the dragon roared repeatedly. The barrier of the ninth transformation was clearly visible, as thin as a cicada's wing.
He slowly opened his eyes, and a faint flash of lightning seemed to appear deep within his pupils.
In the Void before him, the forces of the four basic elements—earth, water, fire, and wind—surged violently, intertwined, and collided, forming an extremely unstable chaotic force field.
At the center, a jade box phantom, about a foot in size and covered with chaotic patterns, floated up and down, emanating a terrifying aura that distorted the Void.
The prototype of the Four Symbols Seal!
Although extremely unstable and requiring a huge drain on divine sense and power to maintain, the destructive and creative power it contained made even the Black Emperor, who was lying nearby, secretly gasp in amazement.
"Kid, what kind of nonsense have you come up with?"
That's incredibly eerie! I have a feeling that if this thing explodes, it could obliterate this entire mountain range!
Black Emperor swished its tail, its eyes filled with surprise and uncertainty.
With a thought, Li Qingshan dispersed the Four Symbols Seal, and the violent aura within the cave immediately subsided.
He stood up, and his bones emitted a series of crisp cracking sounds, like the roar of a dragon and the howl of a tiger. His body was surrounded by radiant light, and his Daoist aura was naturally formed.
"Just a slight insight."
His tone was calm as he felt the immense power within him, reaching its peak and almost uncontrollable. He looked up at the cave's dome, his gaze seemingly piercing through the rock to see the vast sky outside. "It's time."
"Hmm? Is it time?"
The Black Emperor jumped to his feet, "You're going to the Holy City? Heh heh, my claws are itching for a fight!"
"No, let's go to a more open place first."
Li Qingshan shook his head, a subtle, enigmatic smile playing on his lips. "I feel it's coming."
Black Emperor was taken aback at first, then his dog eyes widened in disbelief, and he exclaimed, "Heavenly Tribulation?! You're about to undergo tribulation?"
The Heavenly Tribulation of the Ninth Transformation of Dragon Transformation?
Damn it! Why didn't you say so sooner! Get out of here! Don't let this ruin the array I set up!"
It knew how terrifying the Heavenly Tribulation was, especially the Heavenly Tribulation triggered by this monstrous genius. It had a wide range, great power, and would also affect all living beings and formations near the one undergoing the tribulation.
Li Qingshan laughed heartily and stopped suppressing his aura.
"Boom!"
A terrifying aura, vast as an abyss and sharp as the heavens, suddenly erupted from his body, instantly breaking through the concealment array set up by the Black Emperor and soaring straight into the sky! The cave shook violently, and stone chips fell down in a flurry.
"Walk!"
He grabbed the still-shouting Black Emperor, his figure transforming into a streak of crimson-gold lightning that tore through the sky, crashing through the mountain wall and speeding towards the depths of the Gobi Desert, to an even more desolate place rarely visited by humans.
Almost at the same moment he unleashed his full power, the previously clear sky outside suddenly darkened.
Boundless dark clouds gathered from all directions, churning and surging like a black tide, quickly engulfing the world.
A destructive pressure that sent shivers down one's spine poured down from the heavens as if it were a tangible force!
The tribulation of lightning is imminent!