Chapter 988 710: True Monarch Possession
Returning to the depths of the cave mansion, he finally dispelled his disguise and emerged from the practice room.
Maid Xiangcao routinely reported the information from this period.
Everything was as usual.
However, she additionally presented a Jade Scroll with flowing red patterns.
"Master, this is an invitation sent by True Monarch Red Flame, inviting you to visit his cave mansion on Red Flame Peak."
Shen Xuan received it and scanned it with his Divine Sense.
The content was insincerely perfunctory.
"It's been a long time since we last met. Fellow Daoist's cultivation has advanced, congratulations. I hope we can meet to discuss the Dao" and so on.
Shen Xuan pondered briefly and penned a reply with courteous wording and ample reason.
The gist was that it was an honor to be invited by True Monarch, but as he had gained some insights recently during cultivation, he was in a critical phase of seclusion and could not go out, hoping for understanding.
The reason was grandiloquent, but in reality, it was a polite refusal.
He had no desire to associate with True Monarch Red Flame and would avoid him if possible.
A month later.
On this day, while cultivating in the cave mansion, Shen Xuan suddenly sensed something.
He rose and stepped out of the cave mansion.
Looking up.
Above Red Lotus Peak, thick clouds of tribulation gathered like ink, layer upon layer, slowly rotating, forming a massive vortex covering dozens of miles.
The Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi was in a frenzy, a palpable pressure spread from the vortex's center, enveloping the surroundings.
This celestial phenomenon of breaking the Great Realm was beyond ordinary illusion arrays to conceal.
"It has started..."
Shen Xuan understood inwardly.
"It is True Master Shou Yang, attempting to break into the Divine Power Realm, attracting the Celestial Thunder Tribulation."
The Body Refining Divine Realm, similar to Spirit Cultivation Nascent Soul, both signify entering Tier Four.
Speaking of which, the Dragon Bone Fruit he traded away greatly aided True Master Shou Yang's breakthrough.
Judging by the brewing momentum of the tribulation clouds and the faint lights of arrays above Red Lotus Peak, it was obvious True Monarch Red Lotus had prepared well and provided thorough protection.
Watching the familiar tribulation clouds, Shen Xuan's heart was not moved much.
This was his fifth encounter with a celestial tribulation.
Twice he assisted others, twice he experienced himself.
This time he felt no psychological burden, instead feeling like a spectator enjoying a melon theater.
"Boom!"
The first silver Celestial Thunder, as thick as a pillar, tore through the clouds, carrying a destructive aura, mercilessly struck the summit of Red Lotus Peak!
Immediately following, the second, the third...
Each thunderbolt was fiercer than the last, the air filled with deafening thunder and dazzling electric lights.
For the first six thunder tribulations, True Master Shou Yang withstood them by relying on his cultivation and the pre-arranged grand array.
From the seventh Celestial Thunder onwards, its power dramatically increased.
At this point, atop Red Lotus Peak, a splendid red lotus veil suddenly rose, radiating brilliance!
The veil grew with the wind, instantly transforming into a red lotus sea of fire covering the summit, the flames circulating, elegantly countering the terrifying lightning bolts.
The clash between thunder and fire erupted in earth-shattering noise, the violent energy stirred the thick tribulation clouds into turmoil.
"True Monarch Red Lotus's Lifebound Spiritual Treasure..."
Shen Xuan's eyes slightly narrowed.
The honor of a Nascent Soul True Monarch, personally mobilizing his Lifebound Spiritual Treasure, to reduce the power of True Master Shou Yang's tribulation.
This entails considerable cause and risk.
The Heavenly Dao is balanced, high-tier cultivators excessively intervening in others' tribulations risk incurring the dissatisfaction of the Heavenly Dao and incurring karma.
In the future, during their own tribulations, the heavenly might might become even greater.
"This True Monarch Red Lotus is truly sparing no effort and cost in nurturing True Master Shou Yang."
Shen Xuan thought secretly.
With True Monarch Red Lotus sparing no cost in unwavering protection, even the final ninth Celestial Thunder, after being weakened by the red lotus sea of fire, was successfully overcome.
The tribulation clouds slowly dissipated, the oppressive force of heaven and earth receded like a tide.
Next moment, clouds opened and mist dispersed, faintly celestial music was heard, purifying rain infused with Spiritual Qi gently drifted down, bathing Red Lotus Peak.
Heavenly rain descended, congratulating the successful completion.
True Master Shou Yang successfully passed the Celestial Thunder Tribulation, formally stepping into the Divine Power Realm, becoming another Tier Four Great Cultivator of the Bright Flame Sect.
...
Two months later.
Tiger Roar Peak.
The direct disciple under True Master Shou Yang personally arrived, respectfully handing over a letter.
"True Master Guo, my master invites you, hoping you can visit the summit of Shou Yang Peak tomorrow for urgent matters."
Shen Xuan took the letter and scanned it with his Divine Sense.
The meeting was set for tomorrow, the location being the summit of Shou Yang Peak.
"The Sect Leader has summoned, how dare one not comply?"
Shen Xuan chuckled lightly, his tone calm.
That night, the cave mansion was brightly lit.
Shen Xuan sat quietly, adjusting his breath, bringing his state to its peak, then carefully inspecting and safely storing several critical items.
The next day, at the first light of dawn, magnificent morning clouds rose in the east, tinging the sea of clouds into a splendid tapestry.
Shen Xuan rose on the wind, arriving as promised.
At the summit of Shou Yang Peak, a wide stone platform.
A jade table, two jade chairs.
True Master Shou Yang had been waiting for quite some time, seeing Shen Xuan arrive, an earnest smile appeared on his face, extending his hand to invite him.
"Fellow Daoist Profound Ice, please be seated. With luck, I have stepped into the Divine Power Realm, thanks to the Dragon Bone Fruit. Today, I have prepared a modest feast to express my gratitude, please do not refuse."
Shen Xuan's expression did not change, calmly sat in the guest seat, his gaze peaceful as he looked opposite.
True Master Shou Yang's aura was restrained, his spirit radiant, indeed showing the appearance of recently breaking through the realm.
"This is the Cold Mountain Snow Lotus Tea, which Shou Yang has cherished for many years, born atop ten-thousand feet snow peaks and blossoms once every three hundred years. It's Tier Three Upper Grade Spirit Tea, best to nurture water and ice attribute Spirit Roots. Specially taken out to share with fellow Daoists."
True Master Shou Yang personally poured, his movements flowing like clouds and water.
Tea flowed into the cup, several translucent snow lotus petals unfolded like ice jade.
A refreshing and invigorating scent of tea with a snowy essence immediately rose, permeating all around.
Shen Xuan raised the white jade tea cup to his nose and gently sniffed.