"That's the Innocent Monk from the Spirit Realm!"
Someone recognized the origins of this old monk and couldn't help but whisper in shock. This old monk had been renowned throughout the entire Chaotic Void Sea long ago, but he had suddenly gone into seclusion later and rarely made appearances. No one had expected him to appear again now.
"Old Monk Innocent, I never imagined my Lightning Tribulation would draw you out as well."
After the Innocent Monk appeared, a grand voice suddenly emerged from the very center of that vast sea of lightning.
The people around the sea of lightning only noticed it at this moment—there was a figure there. At the center of the sea of lightning, where the thunderous radiance and electrical serpents were densest and most dazzling, sat a withered and aged-looking old Daoist priest. Against the rolling sea of lightning, he appeared very thin and small, giving a feeling of seeming almost insignificant.
But everyone knew that the fact this old Daoist could occupy that central position meant his power was beyond description. An ordinary Demigod at that spot would likely be utterly obliterated in an instant, reduced to dust and bones by the terrifying lightning energy.
"Hahaha, the Master of Xiaoliang Temple undergoing the Divine Tribulation is a grand event that rocks the entire Chaotic Void Sea. How could I miss it?" the Innocent Monk replied with a faint smile.
He then found a spot at the edge of the sea of lightning, sat cross-legged, and closed his eyes to rest.
*Boom...*
Just then, a massive golden palace came tearing through the void from the distance, emanating fearsome immortal power energy.
On the plaque above the main gate of this enormous golden palace were inscribed three large, cursive characters:
Heavenly God Hall.
"Heavenly God Hall's experts are here," Hun Lao said quietly to Ye Yunfei.
The giant golden palace arrived at the edge of the lightning sea and hovered motionless. Not a sound came from within. However, some creatures nearby quietly retreated, putting distance between themselves and the palace.
"One of the Heavenly God Hall's patriarchs might have come," someone whispered.
The Heavenly God Hall was a relatively powerful force within the Chaotic Void Sea, and it was said to have several patriarchs with terrifying strength.
"Dark Faction experts have arrived!" Hun Lao suddenly sent a secret message to Ye Yunfei.
In another direction, a stretch of blackness spread from the distant void, and then a tall, dark silhouette materialized. In just one step, it arrived before the sea of lightning. It stood motionless, observing the Master of Xiaoliang Temple at the center of the sea.
"It truly is the Divine Tribulation," the tall black figure spoke softly after a moment, its voice drifting and strangely elusive.
Next, experts from other major forces arrived one after another—Demon Capital, Devil Capital, Great Yin Netherworld, Supreme Void Sect, and more. The pinnacle experts of all the renowned powers within the Chaotic Void Sea gathered, all of them Demigods, most of them Perfected or Advanced Demigods. Each exuded an intensely terrifying aura.
Hiding within a small dimensional formation, Ye Yunfei felt the auras of each of the supreme experts around him. He didn't dare move a muscle, nor did he dare extend his Soul Power energy outwards to probe. Ye Yunfei knew his current strength was respectable, but if he faced any of those Advanced or Perfected Demigods, he would definitely be no match.
Fortunately, the secret technique Mr. Liu taught Ye Yunfei for concealing himself from tribulations was highly advanced. Coupled with the Golden-Horned Dragon Silkworm and Hun Lao working together to use profound spatial secrets to help mask his aura, and Hu Miao releasing the unique illusion energy of her clan to cover his body, on top of the dozens of isolation arrays Ye Yunfei set up beforehand, the surrounding experts failed to detect him.
After a day or two, a considerable number of Demigods had gathered in the space around the lightning sea. They were all focused intently on the lightning sea ahead and the Master of Xiaoliang Temple at its center.
Ye Yunfei noticed the energy of the lightning sea seemed to be growing increasingly violent. Those thick arcs of lightning radiance and electrical serpents writhed with growing frenzy, as if possessing life, emitting deafening roars that thoroughly roiled this vast expanse of void.
"It seems this tribulation is about to start soon," Hun Lao sent a message to Ye Yunfei.
Approximately a day later, the lightning energy accumulated within the sea seemed to reach a terrifying apex, and then abruptly, the tribulation began.
A mighty torrent of lightning, like a waterfall, cascaded down from the lofty heavens.
The very beginning of this tribulation seemed to reach its most formidable level immediately. Layer upon layer of dense lightning instantly submerged the Master of Xiaoliang Temple completely.
From a distance, it seemed like that patch of space had exploded, turning into dust. Endless thick bolts of lightning, like thousands upon thousands of dazzling dragons, continuously pounced upon the Master of Xiaoliang Temple.
The sight was enough to make one shudder and hair stand on end. Soon, the Master of Xiaoliang Temple's figure became completely invisible, that space engulfed by a white radiance of lightning and electrical serpents.
Some weaker Demigods could no longer sense his aura at all. They saw nothing; it was like darkness had swallowed everything.
Only those top-tier Perfected Demigods could see that at the very heart of the lightning, the Master of Xiaoliang Temple was battling it. His body was riddled with blood holes, flesh flew everywhere, and blood stained the long sky.
"I can't even sense that Master's aura anymore. This lightning is just too terrifying! I reckon if a Initial Demigod went to that spot, they'd turn to ashes instantly, vanishing without a trace," Hun Lao couldn't help but give a bitter laugh.
"The Divine Tribulation certainly lives up to its name," a Demigod master exclaimed with awe. "This is only the beginning, and the power is already so immense. Even a top-tier master of his caliber might not be able to withstand it!"
*Boom...*
Thunderous roars spread far into the distance, audible clearly across the vast expanse of time and space. The sheer scale of this tribulation was too immense, as if it intended to utterly annihilate this void, leaving nothing behind.
The void wailed, and lightning filled the heavens. Within that sea of lightning, everything was obliterated. Every point, every inch of space was saturated with terrifyingly dazzling lightning radiance.
*Roar…!*
Suddenly, from the endless sea of lightning, a long roar echoed forth. Then everyone saw a figure at that location continuously magnifying itself, erupting with dazzling light that rivaled the brilliant lightning radiance around it.
"That's the Master! He's resisting the tribulation! His condition looks good!" Seeing that radiant figure growing taller, the overwhelming majority of the Demigods' spirits were lifted.
"Did you notice," Hun Lao sent a telepathic message to Ye Yunfei with a touch of realization in his mental voice, "these Demigods who came to observe all seem to sincerely hope this Master of Xiaoliang Temple can break through successfully."
Observing the expressions of the surrounding Demigods, Ye Yunfei thought for a moment and replied mentally with his own speculation. "I suspect achieving a breakthrough into deityhood is too difficult in this current era. If this Master can succeed, it would provide a massive hope for the other Demigods. It would demonstrate that breakthroughs are possible even now. So they're hoping he can succeed, paving the way for others."
"That makes a lot of sense. It's very likely that's the reason," Hun Lao nodded in agreement.
Unconsciously, this tribulation persisted for two full days and nights. Then, everyone suddenly noticed the intensity of the tribulation slowly begin to weaken, showing signs of gradually subsiding.
"Could it be ending? Has the Master truly succeeded in enduring this tribulation? Is he about to achieve divinity? That's simply astonishing! In this post-Deity era, someone is about to break through into deityhood!" someone cried out in shock after seeing the tribulation wane.
In this era where deities rarely showed themselves, and Demigods were considered the peak of power, having someone undergo the Divine Tribulation and approach success would rock the entire Chaotic Void Sea once word spread.
"If the Master truly becomes a Deity, wouldn't that mean starting now he'll be the most powerful being in our Chaotic Void Sea? He will rule over it all. Who could possibly contend with him?" someone thought of this point and couldn't help but murmur softly.
Hearing such words, many people felt a heaviness in their hearts. When the tribulation began, many Demigods had hoped for the Master's success, offering hope to others. But now, as he seemed truly on the verge of succeeding, masters from numerous major forces felt a sense of unease. Because if the Master truly became a Deity, he would become the supreme figure of the Chaotic Void Sea. Other major forces would have to bow their heads to him! No major force was willing to submit to another!
"Ignorant fools," a tall elder scoffed coldly from a distance, glancing at the Demigods engaged in discussion. "The Divine Tribulation would never be this simple, or end this quickly. This is only just beginning."
Hearing his words, the discussing Demigods immediately shut their mouths, daring not speak further. The aura emanating from that elder was far too terrifying. These ordinary-strength Demigods wouldn't dare provoke him; they could only obediently stay silent.
"Look! Above the Master's head, another tribulation is forming! There are nine layers! Each layer is like a separate heaven! Nine levels of heavens! So terrifying! That such a tribulation exists in this world!" someone suddenly pointed and yelled in shock.
Everyone looked. In the space above the Master of Xiaoliang Temple, nine layers of lightning seas appeared! Each layer was comparable in scale to the first sea. The nine layers stacked upon each other, distinct from bottom to top, each seemingly exuding stronger lightning energy than the one below. Everyone present felt their scalps tingle at the sight.
"Nine-Layered Lightning Tribulation! It is an unavoidable stage of the Divine Tribulation!" The Innocent Monk, who had been silent all this while, spoke lightly.
The Master of Xiaoliang Temple looked up at the nine-layered tribulation above, gave a long laugh, and then actively attacked! Soaring upwards, he charged towards the first layer of the heavenly tribulation above!
"As expected of the prestigious Master of Xiaoliang Temple!" Seeing his actions, many Demigod masters immediately began cheering.
His defiant act instantly provoked the first layer of heavenly tribulation. A dense rain of lightning cascaded down, completely submerging the Master in an instant. He then began employing divine abilities. His originally thin and small body continuously expanded and grew taller, transforming in moments into a giant standing amidst the roiling sea of lightning. He punched and kicked, battling the surrounding bolts of lightning.
After about several hours, the Master actually managed to extinguish the first layer of the heavenly sea of lightning by sheer force!
"Unbelievable!" The Demigod masters surrounding him, watching his divine might displayed within the lightning sea center, couldn't help but be filled with admiration.
After smashing the first layer, the Master charged towards the next layer and began contending with the second sea of lightning.
Roughly half a day later, the Master extinguished the second sea completely and began challenging the third layer.
As time passed, everyone watched as the Master smashed through layer after layer of the lightning seas. Eventually, he had destroyed all the lightning seas. All the dark clouds dispersed, and the void regained a clear and serene appearance.
The Master of Xiaoliang Temple stood in the void, that slight frame emanating a hair-raising aura.
"Has the tribulation ended? Has the Master become a Deity now? This is truly astonishing! We actually witnessed the birth of a deity! Does this mean the post-Deity era is ending? Is the world once again going to have Deities?"
Watching the standing Master, whose aura was becoming increasingly terrifying, many Demigods felt profoundly shocked.
"The Master's Divine Tribulation is not yet over," a voice emerged from within one of the golden palaces. "The third hurdle is about to begin. Thunderborn Lifeforms will appear."
Within this golden palace resided an expert from the Heavenly God Hall.
"Thunderborn Lifeforms?" Everyone in the surroundings was taken aback.
Then everyone witnessed a bizarre scene. Within the space surrounding the Master of Xiaoliang Temple, one lifeform after another appeared, each body radiating dazzling light. These beings came from all races—Humans, Devils, Beasts, Demons, and others.
Every lifeform was exceptionally radiant. More and more appeared, densely crowding the surrounding space, encircling the Master of Xiaoliang Temple.
"The third hurdle of the Divine Tribulation requires battling these Thunderborn Lifeforms," a Perfected Demigod said softly.
Soon, the Thunderborn Lifeforms launched a fearsome attack. One after another, they rushed towards the Master of Xiaoliang Temple from all directions. Each one possessed Demigod-level power! It was equivalent to a great horde of Demigod masters besieging him, and many among them were Perfected Demigods!
Thousands of Demigod-level masters surged forth madly from every direction. The Master of Xiaoliang Temple immediately felt immense pressure.
But true to his reputation as a long-famed senior master, after countless years of secluded cultivation, his strength far surpassed that of ordinary Perfected Demigods. Facing so many Demigod-level Thunderborn Lifeforms, he still fought brilliantly, not retreating a single step.
"Now I finally understand why the Master possessed the courage to undergo the Divine Tribulation. He truly possesses that foundation and strength. His power far exceeds ours," a sigh emerged from the golden palace.
"The Master might already be the strongest being within our Chaotic Void Sea! Ordinary Demigod masters could be annihilated instantly in front of him!" The beings watching as the Master blasted apart Demigod-level Thunderborn Lifeforms couldn't help but inwardly marvel in awe.
In the end, the Master actually managed to destroy every last Thunderborn Lifeform by sheer force.
"He passed the third hurdle too!"
Watching the Master standing alone in the void, all the Demigod masters around stirred.
So far in this tribulation, the Master had endured and passed three hurdles!
"There's the final hurdle... Igniting the Divine Flame, Incinerating the Self! If he can pass this last gate, then the Master can successfully break through!" an ancient-looking Perfected Demigod slowly spoke.
By now, the Master of Xiaoliang Temple had sat cross-legged at the spot where he had battled the Thunderborn Lifeforms, seemingly resting with his eyes closed.
Suddenly...
"Look! The Master's body is on fire!" someone shouted in alarm.
From within the Master's body erupted one dazzling strand of flame after another. These flames were of different colors, and each strand radiated an astonishing temperature. Then the Master's body ignited completely, starting to burn.
This burning lasted for three days and three nights!
"The Master of Xiaoliang Temple is going to become a Deity! The post-Deity era is about to be shattered! Starting now, Deities will appear once again within the Chaotic Void Sea! A new era has arrived!"
Seeing the Master who had been burning within the Divine Flame for three days and three nights, the Innocent Monk suddenly proclaimed loudly.
Was a new era truly arriving? Hearing his words, everyone felt immense shock.
Just then... a scream! The Master of Xiaoliang Temple suddenly began shrieking in agony! The Divine Flame that had been burning on his body for three days suddenly changed its aura, becoming at least a hundred times more terrifying than before!
The Master's body sizzled and burned, oil splattering outwards. He screamed continuously, even writhing painfully, clearly in extreme agony.
"The path to deityhood has been severed! There are no longer any Deities in the world!"
A monumental voice suddenly boomed forth.
Moments later, everyone watched helplessly as the Master of Xiaoliang Temple's body was completely incinerated, not even a speck of ash remaining. Both his physical form and soul were utterly extinguished.
*How could this be?*
Such an outcome left everyone present momentarily unable to accept it.