"This lad is quite a character!"
Jin Yuehai stood amidst the crowd, gazing at the bewildering Chaotic Void Sea in the distance, unable to resist voicing his thoughts.
The young man from the Tianhuang Forbidden Land stood not far away, remaining silent, his gaze sinister and cold. Then he turned and left, disappearing from this expanse of void in moments.
Afterward, the others also began to disperse. A small portion, unwilling to give up, continued to sense and deduce, selecting a direction based on their deductions to continue the pursuit.
At the same time, within the Peng Family world of the Tianyan World Cluster...
"Spread the order," commanded the Peng Family's Elder Ancestor. "Our Peng Family members are to split into two groups. One group will remain stationed at the Peng Family headquarters, and the other is to immediately transfer and leave this world cluster."
The Elder Ancestor knew that the Shen Family and the Demon Race would most likely send forces to this world cluster next and would not let the Peng Family off easily.
The events that occurred in the Tianyan Realm had already reached the Elder Ancestor's ears.
"Young Master Ye truly lives up to his reputation as a monstrously talented youth!
So many experts joined forces against just him, yet he was still able to leave with such ease.
Moreover, it is highly likely Young Master Ye obtained the treasures left behind by the Heavenly Flame Divine Bird!"
the Elder Ancestor exclaimed with admiration.
Following the Elder Ancestor's arrangements, the Peng Family clan immediately split into two routes. One stayed within the Peng Family World Cluster, while the other promptly departed the Tianyan World Cluster for another secret base that the Peng Family had covertly operated for a long time.
In fact, many forces and families within the Chaotic Void Sea possessed their own secret bases—a final place of refuge for a force or family.
Once a cataclysmic disaster struck, they could immediately transfer a portion of their people to the secret base, preserving a hope for future resurgence.
"You two siblings, remember, after you reach the family's secret base, you must act with extreme low-key.
If there is no urgent business, do not go outside at all. Stay within the secret base and devote your time and energy to cultivation,"
The Elder Ancestor called Peng Rou and her brother before him and gave them a thorough admonishment.
"Furthermore, if our Peng Family's secret base is discovered by the enemy later, then you two must immediately find a way to go to the Three Thousand Major and Minor Worlds to seek out Young Master Ye and take shelter under his protection."
The Elder Ancestor added another reminder.
Simultaneously, Ye Yunfei was within the vast Chaotic Void Sea, rapidly teleporting using the Spatial Teleportation Token.
Ye Yunfei discovered that this teleportation artifact, the Spatial Teleportation Token, was far more advanced than he had imagined.
As long as more spatial energy crystals were infused into it, the Spatial Teleportation Token could cover a much greater distance.
So far, Ye Yunfei hadn't discovered the limit of the token's teleportation range.
"This artifact is truly excellent,"
Hun Lao spoke as if knowing what Ye Yunfei was thinking.
"Indeed! This Spatial Teleportation Token is likely many grades more advanced than I initially thought,"
Ye Yunfei nodded.
"Hun Lao, these six Innate Jianmu are for you,"
Ye Yunfei took out six wooden stumps and handed them over to Hun Lao.
"Excellent!"
Hun Lao accepted the six wooden pieces, utterly thrilled.
"With these six Innate Jianmu, my realm and strength will surely improve,"
Hun Lao said excitedly.
"I must now go into seclusion for cultivation!"
Having obtained the six Innate Jianmu, Hun Lao was eager beyond patience. He needed to enter seclusion immediately to fuse with them.
"I also need to find a place for cultivation. After fusing with the Tianyan Divine Pearl and cultivating the Nine-Yang Ancient Scripture to the third layer, I have already sensed the opportunity to break through and rise in level. I should seize this chance to advance a realm."
Ye Yunfei spoke.
Then, Ye Yunfei found an ordinary world cluster nearby, entered it, and located a remote space within. He arranged a small formation-space, entered it, and then stepped into the Phantom Tower. Taking out a large batch of cultivation resources, he began seclusion, charging against the realm barrier.
Approximately half a year later within the Phantom Tower...
Ye Yunfei finally welcomed his Lightning Tribulation. Emerging from the Phantom Tower, he found the sky above already thick with dark, brooding clouds.
Coarse thunderbolts swam back and forth within the clouds, emanating devastating lightning auras.
Moments later, the tribulation began.
Ye Yunfei released Lei Ze, and together they stood amidst the surging storm of thunder and lightning, beginning to weather the tribulation.
"Your tribulation is somewhat fierce!"
Hun Lao couldn't help but remark, watching the dense rain of lightning bolts crashing down from the high sky.
Although Hun Lao was in seclusion within the Phantom Tower, refining and fusing the six Innate Jianmu, his spatial perception was astonishing. He could still perceive the space outside clearly.
Thousands upon thousands of dazzling, thick thunderbolts completely submerged Ye Yunfei's position.
One bolt after another continuously smashed onto Ye Yunfei's physical body—a truly terrifying sight.
However, Ye Yunfei's body had already fused with too many Demigod-level artifacts. Thus, these thunderbolts could cause him no harm whatsoever. Instead, Ye Yunfei used them to temper his own body.
Lei Ze stood beside Ye Yunfei, continuously devouring the thick lightning crashing down from above. The more lightning it swallowed, the more powerful and robust the energy aura emanating from its colossal beastly form became.
"People are starting to arrive!"
At this point, Hun Lao sent a sound transmission to Ye Yunfei.
Due to the immense commotion of Ye Yunfei's tribulation, causing the entire area to tremble and shake, it quickly attracted the attention of some passing beings.
"How terrifying! Just who is weathering a tribulation here? A tribulation of this scale… I estimate it's at least an Advanced Demigod, if not a Consummation Demigod."
Driven by curiosity, many beings began to stealthily approach Ye Yunfei's tribulation location, gathering to watch.
"It's actually a young man!"
Upon clearly seeing Ye Yunfei's appearance, the onlookers gasped in surprise.
"Why does this young man look somewhat familiar? It's as if I've seen him somewhere before!"
Suddenly, someone whispered.
"He seems to be Ye Yunfei from the Three Thousand Major and Minor Worlds!"
Finally, someone recognized Ye Yunfei. Because he did not conceal his aura or appearance while undergoing the tribulation, instead facing it with his true appearance and Soul Body's essence, he was easily identified.
"Right, I recognize him too! It is Ye Yunfei of the Three Thousand Major and Minor Worlds!"
Soon, more people recognized him, exclaiming in shock.
"So this little brat is hiding here! He dares to undergo his tribulation in public?!"
A creature shrouded in a haze of black mist stared at Ye Yunfei weathering the tribulation in the distance and spoke softly.
He immediately took out a communication jade slip and sent a message.
"Our Dark Faction has already taken control of three world clusters nearby, so this vicinity of the Chaotic Void Sea belongs to our faction's territory.
Ye Yunfei, you actually dared to come to our Dark Faction's territory to undergo your tribulation? You're truly audacious!
This is called walking straight into a trap!"
After sending the message, the black mist-shrouded creature sneered coldly.
"You've been recognized. Someone will likely come to cause trouble for you before long,"
Hun Lao transmitted to Ye Yunfei.
"No matter. Let anyone who wants to cause trouble come.
Last time during my tribulation, so many Demigods came to obstruct me. This time, they are welcome to come again.
I will embark on a great massacre!"
Ye Yunfei replied calmly.
The time passed as Ye Yunfei stood amidst the roiling heaven's fury, continuing to weather his tribulation.
Because the disturbance from Ye Yunfei's tribulation was simply too massive, the number of beings attracted to spectate grew larger and larger.
Suddenly, from the Chaotic Void in the distance, a large force came rolling towards them.
"It really is Ye Yunfei from the Three Thousand Major and Minor Worlds!"
The leader was an Advanced Demigod from the Dark Faction, emanating a powerful aura. He recognized Ye Yunfei from afar and shouted loudly.
"Attack! Kill him while he's undergoing his tribulation!"
This Dark Faction Advanced Demigod hesitated not one bit, ordering the moment he arrived.
"Everyone, don't get too close to him! Use your own magical treasures or employ long-range attacking secret techniques!"
The leading Dark Faction Advanced Demigod then shouted again.
He knew that under such circumstances, getting too close to Ye Yunfei would be highly likely to incur reprisals.
Back in the Qiancang World Cluster, Ye Yunfei's tribulation had been obstructed and surrounded by a large group of Demigod experts. In that critical moment, Ye Yunfei had provocatively intensified his tribulation, increasing its power to a terrifying degree, then led the tribulation in pursuit of those Demigods.
This incident had long since spread throughout the Chaotic Void Sea.
Thus, facing Ye Yunfei undergoing his tribulation, this Advanced Demigod of the Dark Faction dared not approach too closely.
Boom! Rumble!...
The Dark Faction's force began to activate their magical treasures, launching long-range attacks against Ye Yunfei.
One treasure after another was successively activated, soaring through the air and smashing towards him amidst deafening roars. Wave after wave of energy attacks also streaked across the sky, bombarding Ye Yunfei's position.
The leading Advanced Demigod went even further, summoning over a dozen Advanced Demigod-level magical treasures. They soared into the sky, launching furious assaults.
Among this group from the Dark Faction, there were over twenty Demigods in total, ranging from Primary to Advanced Demigods.
The Dark Faction was a super-powerful force with an extremely ancient legacy. Over the vast expanse of time, they had accumulated a staggering number of Demigod experts, their overall strength astonishing.
Recently, they had begun to reveal more and more of their terrifying overall power.
"Focus on enduring your tribulation. Let us deal with them."
The Golden-Horned Dragon Silkworm was the first to emerge from the Phantom Tower, beginning to help Ye Yunfei fend off attacks from all directions.
Following that, Hu Miao, Huang Shang, and the Blood Clan Clone also appeared.
The Blood Clan Clone had already refined and absorbed a massive amount of Demigod's bloodline essence. Its current combat power was astonishingly formidable. Clenching a scarlet greatsword in hand, each slash unleashed several surging crimson rivers, flowing with blood as if they were blood dragons pouncing forward—a harrowing spectacle.
Hun Lao was refining and fusing the six Innate Jianmu within the Phantom Tower and thus had no time to act.
Next, Ye Yunfei released the other eight divine beasts of the Nine Palaces Totem Wheel. Each beast unleashed a sky-covering oppressive aura of energy, charging and killing towards eight different directions. They engaged the Dark Faction force in battle.
As for Ye Yunfei, he stood beneath the roiling storm of tribulation lightning, a cold glint in his eyes as he surveyed the surrounding battlefield.
"This brat actually has this many powerful companions around him…"
Seeing how formidable both the Golden-Horned Dragon Silkworm and beings like Hu Miao were, the Dark Faction Advanced Demigod felt a pang of shock and anger.
"Immediately spread the news. Say that Ye Yunfei of the Three Thousand Major and Minor Worlds is undergoing his tribulation right here.
This kid has made far too many enemies. Once the news spreads, even more major factions will definitely send people to deal with him,"
The Dark Faction Advanced Demigod instructed an Intermediate Demigod beside him.
That Intermediate Demigod immediately dispatched subordinates to disseminate the information.
"Everyone," the Dark Faction Advanced Demigod called out, projecting his voice to the onlookers. "This person is Ye Yunfei of the Three Thousand Major and Minor Worlds. Arrogant by nature, cruel and fond of slaughter, he could practically be considered a public enemy of our Chaotic Void Sea.
Now, we should all take action together, join forces, and kill this brat! Rid our Chaotic Void Sea of a scourge!
If any take action, our Dark Faction will remember this favor. In the future, should they ever need assistance, they may come seek our help.
Of course, if any choose not to act… we will remember that as well."
As he spoke the latter part, his gaze carried a thick sense of threat.
"This doesn't concern us, does it? We're just here to watch..."
Hearing the Dark Faction Advanced Demigod's words, some onlookers secretly bemoaned their luck, quietly retreating, with no intention of intervening.
"What the Dark Faction lord says is right! This Ye Yunfei youth's various evil deeds have long been infamous throughout the Chaotic Void Sea.
Let us all act together to rid our Chaotic Void Sea of this scourge!"
However, many other beings, after brief consideration, stepped forward loudly in support.
It must be noted, the Dark Faction was a super-powerful faction within the Chaotic Void Sea. To have such an opportunity to gain favor and curry their favor was not to be missed.
Thus, many of the spectating beings stepped forward, retrieving their magical treasures and weapons, or utilizing their preferred long-range secret techniques, and joined the siege against Ye Yunfei.
"This Ye Yunfei is not someone to be trifled with. He has already slaughtered many from various major powers across the Chaotic Void Sea, and rumors say he has even destroyed a number of their outposts.
Such a ruthless character is not one ordinary folks like us can provoke. It would be wiser to keep our distance."
Others, however, quietly retreated, putting distance between themselves and the battlefield.
As more and more beings joined the siege, the Golden-Horned Dragon Silkworm, Hu Miao, and the others began to feel increasingly pressured.
Ye Yunfei then released five Doppelganger Statues to join the fight and handed a bundle of formation flags to Hu Miao, letting her set up various formations while simultaneously fighting.
"How has your tribulation still not ended?"
More than a day later, the Golden-Horned Dragon Silkworm couldn't help but ask Ye Yunfei.
Generally speaking, there was no absolute standard for the duration of a Lightning Tribulation. It could range from a few hours to several days.
The lower a being's realm, the shorter the tribulation time usually was.
Additionally, if the cultivator was exceedingly well-prepared, their accumulation plentiful, weathering the tribulation would become relatively easy and the time shorter.
"No need to rush. We take it slowly.
Even if you all cannot hold them off, that's also fine. They cannot harm me."
Ye Yunfei replied with a smile.
Unbeknownst to them, another half a day passed.
"Ye Yunfei, you little beast! You're truly here!"
Suddenly, demonic aura surged from the distance as a mighty force from the Demon Race arrived.
Three Advanced Demigods from the Demon Race led them. Spotting Ye Yunfei, they immediately erupted with murderous killing intent, shouting at the top of their voices. Then, the Demon Race force charged towards Ye Yunfei, though they still attacked from long range, not daring to get too close.
"More and more people are coming. Continuing like this, we'll be overwhelmed sooner or later!"
The Golden-Horned Dragon Silkworm said to Ye Yunfei.
"Hold on a little longer. My tribulation is about to end,"
Ye Yunfei answered.
"You little beast Ye Yunfei! Finally found you!"
An angry roar echoed from the distant void.
A large force came rolling into view.
"It's the Shen Family,"
the Golden-Horned Dragon Silkworm said.
"No matter. If they're seeking death, let them come,"
Ye Yunfei sneered.
Not long after, another large force arrived.
It was a force from the Heavenly Hall!
About half an hour later, the Zhan Family also arrived, bringing with them a large number of warbeasts. These warbeasts, utterly fearless of death, charged at Ye Yunfei from all directions with complete disregard for their own survival.
"Has it ended yet? The enemies keep growing!"
the Golden-Horned Dragon Silkworm yelled.
At that moment, he was in combat with over a dozen Demigod-level warbeasts. The battle was fierce, these beasts possessing immense strength and shocking speed, with the most crucial factor being that they fought without regard for their lives, tearing at him with a fanatic fury.
By then, group after group from various major powers were launching maddened assaults from all sides. The Golden-Horned Dragon Silkworm, Hu Miao, and Huang Shang increasingly felt the strain.
Though they were assisted by the eight divine beasts of the Nine Palaces Totem Wheel, the five Doppelganger Statues, and the Blood Clan Clone, the enemy's numbers were simply overwhelming.
Furthermore, the Demigod experts from those few major factions amounted to over fifty when combined!
Moreover, some onlooking beings had joined the siege.
So many Demigod experts not only pressed Hu Miao and the others into a state of disheveled desperation, but quite a few attacks also began to continuously land on Ye Yunfei himself.
Yet Ye Yunfei was unaffected. Though one attack after another pounded against his body, his formidable physique completely neutralized them.
However, Hu Miao, Huang Shang, the Golden-Horned Dragon Silkworm, the Blood Clan Clone, and the five Doppelganger Statues also started getting hit frequently, sent flying time and again.
Hu Miao, Huang Shang, and the Golden-Horned Dragon Silkworm truly possessed immense combat power. Even facing an Advanced Demigod was rather easy for them.
The situation for the Blood Clan Clone was roughly the same.
Coupled with the five Doppelganger Statues each possessing sixty to seventy percent of Ye Yunfei's own strength, their united force could withstand such a vast number of foes for this duration.
But the enemy's sheer numbers were simply too great. The truth is, no matter how mighty the martial artist, one simply cannot combat overwhelming odds. Eventually, they became increasingly overwhelmed.
Fortunately, Ye Yunfei had entrusted Hu Miao with a vast quantity of formation flags. As she fought, Hu Miao continuously laid down formations, using them to fend off attacks from all quarters, barely allowing them to hold out to the end.
Ye Yunfei's gaze slowly swept across the besiegers around him, a cold sneer playing at the corner of his lips.
"How can this be? Our attacks have already struck that guy a hundred times, yet he seems completely unscathed!
His fleshly body appears terrifyingly resilient. Not even Demigod treasures can shatter it!"
Someone couldn't help but exclaim.
"It's about to end.
The moment my tribulation concludes, that is when the great slaughter will begin."
Ye Yunfei suddenly whispered to himself, radiating limitless murderous intent.
"Kid Ye Yunfei! So you were truly here!
Prepare to die!"
Suddenly, demonic energies roiled in the distance as a menacing force from the Devil Race arrived in full force. A Devil Race Advanced Demigod at the lead glared with wide, furious eyes, overflowing with killing aura.
"Kill!"
The Devil Race Advanced Demigod waved a hand, leading the Devil Race force in acceleration towards Ye Yunfei's tribulation location.
"Come on then,"
Ye Yunfei said coldly.
"Good news! Your tribulation is about to end!"
At that moment, the Golden-Horned Dragon Silkworm suddenly cried out in pleasant surprise.
The oppressive tribulation clouds overhead began to steadily disperse. The once-dense barrage of heavy thunderbolts also started thinning out, eventually fading away completely.
"Not good! That brat's tribulation is ending!"
Someone shouted in alarm.
Every attacker besieging Ye Yunfei watched as the calamitous clouds above dissipated and the thunderbolts thinned into oblivion, hearts filled with an unwilling frustration.
"Now… it's my turn to act."
Ye Yunfei realized he had successfully broken through, becoming an Intermediate Demigod. Energy surged violently along the eight Chaos God Meridians within him, roaring with heaven-shaking force. He then spoke calmly.
Swoosh!
His words scarcely fading, Ye Yunfei took a single step forward, appearing right before an Intermediate Demigod of the Dark Faction.
With his enhanced realm and power, Ye Yunfei's movement speed was now even faster than before.
Boom! Rumble!...
Energy roared out from within Ye Yunfei, sweeping forward like a vast ocean.
"Ye Yunfei! You…!"
This Dark Faction Intermediate Demigod was terrified pale by Ye Yunfei's sudden appearance before him. Having heard various legends about Ye Yunfei, he clearly understood he was no match. He wanted to retreat, yet discovered that under the pressure of Ye Yunfei's aura, he couldn't even move half a step.
He was an Intermediate Demigod, just as Ye Yunfei now was. But Ye Yunfei's energy was far stronger! Suppression through raw energy alone!
Bam!
Ye Yunfei casually slapped out his hand, instantly shattering this Dark Faction Intermediate Demigod into a bloody mist.
Naturally, Ye Yunfei didn't destroy the bloodline essence or the Soul Body, but casually collected them.
Next, Ye Yunfei strode ten steps consecutively, striking with a fist each time, killing ten Demigods in a row.
Upon reaching the Intermediate Demigod realm, the intensity of Ye Yunfei's energy could now rival that of a Consummation Demigod—perhaps even exceed the average Consummation Demigod.
Thus, these Advanced, Intermediate, and Initial Demigods before him posed no threat whatsoever.
"Too powerful!"
"Since when have Demigods become so easy to slay?"
Witnessing Ye Yunfei slaughtering Demigod experts as if they were mere livestock for slaughter, all onlookers stood dumbfounded, jaws slack.