"No, that may be the case for most of you, but for our Golden-Horned Dragon Silkworm race, cultivation emphasizes the breakthrough and elevation of our bloodline. The Divine King Fruit can allow our bloodline to continuously break through.
Regardless of the stage, the Divine King Fruit is extremely useful for our race. I plan to use this Divine King Fruit right now to greatly enhance my bloodline."
The Golden-Horned Dragon Silkworm declared this and then, holding the Divine King Fruit given to him by Ye Yunfei, entered the Phantom Bell to begin closed-door cultivation.
Hun Lao and Huang Shang did the same, starting their own closed-door cultivation within the Phantom Bell. As Hu Miao had indicated, she intended to cultivate here to become a Deity, so it would likely take some time and wouldn't be quick.
At this point, no longer worried about Hu Miao's safety, Ye Yunfei directly entered the Phantom Bell and also began his own closed-door cultivation.
Ye Yunfei had both his Soul Bodies along with over twenty Soul Power planets working simultaneously, cultivating multiple techniques and martial skills, which of course included alchemy and Formations.
An unknown length of time later, Ye Yunfei suddenly sensed a surge of powerful energy beginning to boil within the palace ahead. Following this, he saw a small and exquisitely lovely fox appear in the space above the palace.
It was none other than Hu Miao!
Boom…
Suddenly, without anyone noticing when it appeared, a massive gathering of tribulation clouds manifested in the space above the palace. The dark, heavy clouds rapidly coalesced, and thick bolts of lightning began to form and flash thunderously, dazzlingly bright.
"Hu Miao has started to undergo her Lightning Tribulation for deityhood!
So even beast races must undergo this tribulation to become Deities!"
The Golden-Horned Dragon Silkworm exclaimed in surprise.
"I never imagined Hu Miao would be the first among us to become a Deity.
This is excellent!"
Ye Yunfei thought to himself as he watched Hu Miao standing above the palace.
Boom! Boom!
Soon after, thick bolts of lightning began to crash down in a continuous torrent. Hu Miao had now reverted to her original form — a fox that appeared gentle and lovely, yet her entire body radiated wild, frenzied energy. Facing the sky-filled deluge of lightning without the slightest fear, she strode upon the thunder, clashing directly with the bolts.
"Hu Miao should be alright, right?"
Ye Yunfei felt a touch of worry.
After all, her previous strength had been inferior to his.
"Don't worry. Since the elder of Hu Miao's clan allowed her to undergo this tribulation, they must be confident.
The Ancient Heavenly Fox Clan was a mighty and illustrious race in ancient times. An elder of their clan must be no ordinary figure.
In my opinion, you needn't worry about Hu Miao."
Hun Lao stated.
"That's also true."
Ye Yunfei nodded.
Boom…
By this time, the torrent of lightning crashing down had already enveloped Hu Miao.
Hu Miao's body began to enlarge continuously, transforming into a gigantic fox with nine massive tails swaying behind her. Vast waves of energy continuously emanated from her form, contending against the lightning from above on equal footing.
"Hu Miao's strength has increased significantly."
Ye Yunfei could tell at a glance that Hu Miao's current strength was far greater than before. It was clear her power had advanced by leaps and bounds after entering the palace.
"She indeed possesses the strength to break through to deityhood now."
Hun Lao also nodded in agreement.
Boom…
The vast, sweeping lightning high in the sky transformed into rolling thunder that crashed down with terrifying force and momentum.
Hu Miao stood within the tumbling tempest of thunder and lightning, not retreating a single step. Instead, she strode into the heavens, charging right into the black mass of tribulation clouds. She stirred up wind and clouds; her nine massive tails continually clashed with the thick, powerful lightning bolts.
Ye Yunfei focused all his attention on Hu Miao's tribulation. His initial concern gradually shifted to astonishment and then to pleasant surprise.
Because the strength Hu Miao was displaying now was more than sufficient to withstand the heavenly trial.
"This Small World was constructed from a phantom realm. Yet a Lightning Tribulation can actually occur inside it… That's astounding. The one who built this Small World must be a formidable master of illusion techniques."
Hun Lao couldn't help but sigh in admiration while watching the rolling, crashing lightning tribulation.
"Indeed. To create a Small World from illusion and still allow tribulation within it… that level of skill is truly exceptional."
Ye Yunfei was also deeply impressed.
"However, I suspect that only members of the Ancient Heavenly Fox Clan can undergo tribulation within this Small World made of illusion.
Because the energy and laws that fill this Small World all belong to the Ancient Heavenly Fox Clan. A member of any other race likely couldn't undergo their tribulation here."
Hun Lao speculated.
Finally, after enduring a chaotic and violent Lightning Tribulation, a certain moment arrived. A more powerful energy suddenly erupted from within Hu Miao's body, as if an invisible shackle had been shattered.
It seemed as if her body underwent a great sublimation, her aura entirely transformed. Every movement exuded a powerful, oppressive force. Her massive fox form began to gradually shrink, and her shape started to morph. Quickly, she transformed into a breathtakingly beautiful and charming woman.
The Lightning Tribulation in the high sky also began to slowly dissipate; the dark cloud layer grew sparse.
After transforming into a beauty, Hu Miao sat cross-legged high in the air. Invisible traces of Dao Principles streamed continuously from the surrounding space, gathering towards and entering her form.
"No, her tribulation isn't over. She's entered the final stage, the most critical one — the tempering of the body by the Great Dao Principles.
In this stage, vast amounts of Great Dao Principles will enter her body, tempering both her physical form and her Soul Body. Only by passing this stage will her tribulation be truly successful, allowing her to ascend as a Deity."
Hun Lao explained.
"Yes, this is the last hurdle."
Ye Yunfei nodded.
In fact, Ye Yunfei now had a very clear understanding of the deityhood tribulation process and knew its full sequence.
Hu Miao sat cross-legged in the sky, her body trembling slightly. Within her, vast amounts of Great Dao Principles turned into a raging inferno, tempering her flesh and Soul Body through fiery refinement.
Tempering the body with Dao Principles is a stage all living beings must pass through during their breakthrough to deityhood!
Ye Yunfei saw that the tribulation clouds above Hu Miao had completely dispersed. Suddenly, he noticed her body began to shake even more violently.
Ye Yunfei knew Hu Miao's tribulation had reached its most critical juncture.
"I hope Hu Miao can successfully break through."
Ye Yunfei thought silently to himself.
Thus, time flowed onward. An unknown length of time later, Hu Miao's body suddenly convulsed fiercely. A thunderous blast of energy erupted from her, causing the surrounding space to tremble.
Moreover, Ye Yunfei sensed that, at that precise moment, something within Hu Miao's body seemed to shatter. Her aura also underwent a qualitative sublimation instantly, a refinement of her very life essence.
Boom…
A genuine Deity-level energy surged from Hu Miao's body with awe-inspiring force. Then, Hu Miao suddenly opened her eyes and rose to her feet.
"Excellent! Hu Miao has successfully passed her tribulation! She's finally become a Deity!"
A wave of intense relief washed over Ye Yunfei, and a wide smile broke across his face.