The Nine-Nine Transformation Lightning Tribulation was grand and affected an area of several hundred li, causing nearby weak Yao Beasts to flee and hide.
Some high-level Yao Beasts, Nascent Soul cultivators, and Soul Transformation Cultivators exploring the Ancient Barren Plain, instead of retreating, advanced, their attention drawn by the immense Lightning Tribulation.
They quickly gathered towards the Lightning Tribulation, staying on its outskirts, observing the situation of the Undergoing Tribulation.
Once the Undergoing Tribulation failed and died under the Lightning Tribulation, it would be the prelude to a grand feast.
If the Undergoing Tribulation successfully passed the Lightning Tribulation, that would also be when their strength was at its weakest, and at that time, there would be profits to be made.
Therefore, Cultivators Undergoing Tribulation would choose a place to undergo tribulation, either relying on the protection of their Sect or Family forces, or going to a remote wilderness.
This Undergoing Tribulation today chose to undergo tribulation in the core area of the Ancient Barren Plain, a place that was a treasure trove for many Nascent Soul cultivators and Soul Transformation Cultivators to hunt high-level Yao Beasts and explore high-level Spirit Objects.
The immense commotion of the Lightning Tribulation naturally attracted everyone's attention.
Streaks of sharp Sword Qi swiftly flew from all directions; each streak of Sword Qi represented a Nascent Soul Realm Cultivator, and there were even a few Soul Transformation Cultivators.
“Oh! It's actually an insect spirit undergoing a transformation tribulation, tsk tsk tsk! How rare!” a Soul Transformation Cultivator in brocade robes, who had arrived on the wind, exclaimed with astonishment.
“Elder Shangong, the scale and power of this Lightning Tribulation are extraordinary.
Do you recognize what kind of Lightning Tribulation it is?” another Late Stage Nascent Soul young Cultivator, riding a green Spirit Boat, asked curiously.
“It's the most difficult Nine-Nine Soul Destroying Tribulation.
I wonder what kind of heavenly wrath and human resentment this spirit insect has incurred, and what kind of Aptitude it possesses to actually bring down such a Lightning Tribulation!” Shangong Hong glanced at the Nascent Soul cultivator and explained.
After speaking, Shangong Hong saw several figures flying towards them.
“Senior Li, you're here too!” The Nascent Soul youth, Nangong Feiyu, greeted a red-robed Soul Transformation Elder riding a wine gourd.
“Nangong brat, Old Ghost Shangong, you're everywhere!”
“Heh! How lively, Ning Daoren, Elder Shangong, all old acquaintances!”
…
The four Soul Transformation Cultivators gathered together, chatting while gazing from afar at the insect spirit Undergoing Tribulation.
Because of the Nine-Nine Soul Destroying Tribulation, none of them dared to use their Divine Sense to check the specific situation of the Undergoing Tribulation insect spirit.
“Where did that insect spirit come from, do any of you know?” A Soul Transformation Daoist in a green Daoist robe suddenly spoke, asking the three Soul Transformation Cultivators.
“Never seen it.
It's truly rare for an insect spirit to be able to produce something like this!” Shangong Hong frowned and shook his head.
“This spirit pet must have advanced by devouring some Spirit Object!
Its Foundation isn't very good, it will definitely die under the Lightning Tribulation!” the red-robed Soul Transformation Cultivator, Li Changkong, guessed.
“This Lightning Tribulation is too fierce; I'm afraid it won't leave any relics behind.
In the end, it might be a wasted effort!” The white-robed Soul Transformation Cultivator frowned, looking at the fierce and grand Lightning Tribulation.
“Since that's the case, why doesn't Fellow Daoist Wang just leave now!” Li Changkong looked at the Elder in White Robes and mocked with a smile.
“Heh heh, this old man has never seen a sixth-tier insect spirit Undergoing Tribulation and wishes to broaden his horizons!” The Elder in White Robes stroked his beard and smiled, responding.
...
The Soul Transformation Cultivators gathered together, watching the insect spirit Undergoing Tribulation under the Lightning Tribulation, guessing its origin, all waiting for a result.
“Seniors, could this insect spirit be someone's possession?
Look at that Nascent Soul cultivator; he also has two sixth-tier Yao Beasts and two fifth-tier Yao Beasts beside him!” Nangong Feiyu saw Li Mu near the Lightning Tribulation, as well as the four-tier Yao Beasts beside him, and reminded them.
Hearing this, the four Soul Transformation Cultivators, who were discussing heatedly, all froze.
“Impossible!
That's a sixth-tier insect spirit undergoing a transformation Lightning Tribulation.
How could a mere Early Stage Nascent Soul cultivator possess such a Spirit Object?” The red-robed Soul Transformation Cultivator, Li Changkong, darkened his Face.
“An ordinary Nascent Soul cultivator indeed cannot, but that brat has tamed four high-level Yao Beasts with extraordinary Aptitude.
His beast-taming ability is unusual, so it's not impossible for him to possess a sixth-tier insect spirit!” The Elder in White Robes stroked his beard and smiled lightly, indicating.
Hearing this, Shangong Hong and Ning Daoren exchanged glances, and a hint of surprise appeared in their eyes.
Just as Wang Wuchen said, that Nascent Soul Realm brat, who could simultaneously control two sixth-tier Yao Beasts and two fifth-tier Yao Beasts, had a very high possibility of also controlling a sixth-tier insect spirit.
Just as the Soul Transformation Cultivators were scrutinizing him, Li Mu seemed to sense something, and his brows couldn't help but furrow.
“Master, that group of people has ulterior motives and might be disadvantageous to Little White.
Should I go send them away!” The Azure-Eyed White Ape noticed Li Mu's gaze and quickly suggested.
“That's right, a few Soul Transformation Cultivators dare to covet Little White.
Master, I'll go drive them away!” The Double-Horned Azure Moon Flood Dragon's eyes flashed with fierce light, eager to try.
After consuming the Net Blood Spirit Zhi, the Double-Horned Azure Moon Flood Dragon's Bloodline purity was further refined, and its strength surged.
Just now, it easily defeated the sixth-tier Crimson-Eared Monkey without much effort.
Now, facing four Human Race Soul Transformation Cultivators, it felt no fear at all.
Firstly, it had the Azure-Eyed White Ape, Little Gold, and Little Wa as helpers.
Secondly, it also had Li Mu, a strong backer.
Even though its master only had Early Stage Nascent Soul cultivation, if he fully unleashed his power, he could easily contend with two Soul Transformation Cultivators.
In terms of overall strength, they held the advantage.
“Hmm! You two come with me!
Little Gold, Little Wa, stay and guard.
Little White is in a critical stage of Undergoing Tribulation and cannot be disturbed.” Li Mu glanced at the four tamed beasts and instructed.
As soon as his voice fell, Li Mu flew through the air towards the Soul Transformation Cultivators, with the Double-Horned Azure Moon Flood Dragon and the Azure-Eyed White Ape following closely, one on his left and one on his right.
“Seniors, my spirit pet is currently Undergoing Tribulation.
Please forgive any disturbance!” Li Mu flew in front of the Cultivators and cupped his hands, indicating with neither humility nor arrogance.
“Is that insect spirit really your spirit pet?
What kind of spirit insect is it?
Why have I never seen it?” Nangong Feiyu scrutinized Li Mu and asked curiously.
“Young friend, what Sect and Family are you from?
Are these two sixth-tier Yao Beasts also your tamed beasts?” Shangong Hong looked at the two sixth-tier Yao Beasts behind Li Mu and inquired.
The strength of a sixth-tier Yao Beast is comparable to that of a Human Race Soul Transformation Cultivator.
However, Yao Beasts have tough hides and thick flesh, and some sixth-tier Yao Beasts with excellent Aptitude are far stronger than Human Race Soul Transformation Cultivators.
Currently, this sixth-tier Double-Horned Azure Moon Flood Dragon and Six-Armed Ape are undoubtedly high-level Yao Beasts with superior Bloodline, making them very difficult to provoke.
“Indeed, they are my tamed beasts.
I am Ye Tianling from the Yu Yao Sect, a small and unremarkable Sect.
I hope you Seniors can grant me some Face.
Once my spirit pet has completed its Lightning Tribulation, I will leave immediately.” Li Mu casually fabricated an identity and said with a smile.
“Yu Yao Sect?
Fellow Daoist Ning, you have extensive connections and vast knowledge, have you heard of this Sect?” Shangong Hong frowned and looked at Ning Daoren, asking.
“No!
I know about Sects skilled in taming beasts like the Yu Ling Sect and the Myriad Beast Sect, but I've never heard of the Yu Yao Sect!” Ning Daoren scrutinized Li Mu up and down, saying suspiciously.
“Brat, are you trying to drive us away?
What's wrong with us watching the Lightning Tribulation here?” Li Changkong, hearing that Ning Daoren didn't know this 'Yu Yao Sect,' immediately judged that this brat came from an insignificant small Sect and scolded him without giving Face.
Hearing this, the other three Soul Transformation Cultivators looked at Li Mu with ill intent, silently awaiting his response.
“Senior has misunderstood!
I have no intention of driving anyone away.
I merely came to pay my respects and explain the origin of the Undergoing Tribulation spirit insect, so as to avoid any misunderstanding with you Seniors!” Li Mu smiled faintly, responding with neither humility nor arrogance, directly facing the invisible pressure released by the four Soul Transformation Cultivators.
Seeing this scene, Nangong Feiyu, also a Nascent Soul Stage Cultivator, looked at Li Mu with astonishment and admiration.
The Soul Transformation Realm is a major Realm higher than the Nascent Soul Stage; there is a chasm between the two, and the strength gap is immense.
An ordinary Nascent Soul cultivator encountering a Soul Transformation Cultivator would be extremely cautious, like a grandson, not daring to even breathe loudly.
Even Nangong Feiyu, backed by the Nangong Family, had to show utmost respect to Soul Transformation Seniors and dared not offend them.
However, this Nascent Soul cultivator before him directly faced four Soul Transformation Cultivators, showing no fear at all, able to withstand the invisible pressure simultaneously released by the four Soul Transformation Cultivators without falling into a disadvantage.
Seeing such a scene, Nangong Feiyu couldn't help but be amazed!
“Misunderstanding? What misunderstanding?
Brat, you're very rude!” Li Changkong let out a cold laugh, clearly intending to teach Li Mu a lesson.
Hearing this, Li Mu knew that these Soul Transformation Cultivators had set their sights on Little White, who was Undergoing Tribulation.
Attracted by the Lightning Tribulation, they originally harbored the thought of taking advantage.
Given his low strength, it was impossible to send them away with just a few words.
“Senior, if you insist on thinking that way, I can't help it.
You can lay down the Dao, and I will accept it, to avoid unnecessary casualties!” Li Mu smiled helplessly and responded.
“Such guts!
Are you relying on those two sixth-tier Yao Beasts behind you?” Li Changkong frowned, and his gaze involuntarily turned to Shangong Hong, Ning Daoren, and the others.
If they weren't applying pressure together, Li Changkong alone wouldn't dare to provoke Li Mu.
Feeling Li Changkong's pleading gaze, Shangong Hong, Ning Daoren, and Wang Wuchen all looked at Li Mu, preparing to stand on the same front as Li Changkong, revealing an unspoken aura.
“No need; a few moves with Senior will suffice!” Li Mu chuckled and quickly suggested.
Hearing this, Shangong Hong, Ning Daoren, and Wang Wuchen's eyes all lit up.
Li Changkong's interest also greatly increased.
This was indeed a good method to prevent a drastic change, but he quickly thought and looked at Nangong Feiyu.
“Brat, your cultivation is only at the Nascent Soul.
If I were to make a move, it would be seen as bullying the weak.” Li Changkong frowned, scrutinized Li Mu, then looked at Nangong Feiyu and indicated, “Nangong brat, you go up and exchange a few moves with him!”
“One task doesn't require two masters.
I think it's better to trouble Senior to personally step in!” Li Mu smiled slightly, rejecting Li Changkong's suggestion.
“Good! Good!
You refuse a toast only to drink a forfeit.
I'll grant your wish!” Hearing this, Li Changkong laughed in extreme anger.
As soon as his voice fell, Li Changkong flew closer, unleashing a red palm strike that transformed into a crimson fiery Qi, rushing directly towards Li Mu with immense power.
With a “Pa!” sound, like the gentle pop of a bubble, the crimson fiery Qi directly shattered Li Mu's body, turning into a charred black piece of wood.
“Wood Escape Substitution Technique, when?”
Seeing this, Li Changkong was slightly stunned, not expecting his unexpected strike to be so easily dodged by the opponent.
“Senior, you're too impatient.
Fortunately, I made preparations beforehand!” Li Mu's figure materialized from a mist of water to Li Changkong's right.
Seeing this superb Five Elements Water Escape, Li Changkong couldn't help but become serious.
This Early Stage Nascent Soul brat possessed an extremely powerful Five Elements Escape technique, making him very troublesome.
A hint of ruthlessness flashed in Li Changkong's eyes.
He extended a hand and threw out a purple Spirit Net, which enveloped Li Mu.
With his other hand, he released a red Spirit Sword, which directly slashed towards Li Mu, incredibly sharp.
The purple Spirit Net rapidly expanded in the air, covering a ten-li radius.
If he were to use an escape technique again, he would have to flee the battlefield.
Li Mu prepared for a quick battle, not wanting to drag it out for too long.
Li Mu extended his right hand, injecting a large amount of spiritual power into the spirit control treasure bracelet on his wrist, and gently shook it.
The next moment, streaks of white light flashed out, and massive three-to-four-tier spirit beasts appeared.
They charged out, launching a 'self-inflicted trap' assault towards the large purple net, helping him break through the net's encirclement.
The spirit control treasure bracelet came with a large number of spirit beasts.
Summoning them to form a formation and charge had quite good power, successfully resolving the danger of the net's cover.
Li Mu then extended his hand, summoning five fifth-tier Spirit Swords from the Nine Treasures Spirit Lord.
They quickly merged into one in the air, forming a Five Elements Giant Sword, which slashed towards the red Spirit Sword.
With a loud “Boom,” the Five Elements Giant Sword and the red Spirit Sword fiercely collided, unleashing a world-destroying impact.
Sword Qi shot out in all directions, the ground cracked, and broken pieces of wood flew everywhere.
The core area of the explosion immediately formed a hundred-zhang deep circular pit.
Shangong Hong, Ning Daoren, and Wang Wuchen, who were observing the battle at close range, were forced to take out their protective Spirit Treasures to resist the shockwaves.
Nangong Feiyu fared a bit worse; his fourth-tier Spirit Sword, which he was riding, was sent flying, and streaks of Sword Qi slashed at the Spirit Ship, scattering it in disarray, a truly pathetic sight.
As countless dust particles dispersed, Li Mu recalled the five fifth-tier Spirit Swords and stopped in mid-air, silently looking at Li Changkong, awaiting his next attack.
“Good, good! No wonder your tone is so arrogant.
With a mere Nascent Soul cultivation, you possess such strength; you indeed have confidence!” Li Changkong also recalled the red Spirit Sword, looking at Li Mu with deep meaning, unable to help but praise him.
At this moment, Li Changkong was inexplicably shocked.
He had unleashed a move with eighty percent of his strength, yet it was easily blocked by the opponent, who seemed to exert no effort at all.
If they continued to fight, he might even have a chance of losing.
To save some Face, Li Changkong praised Li Mu after recalling the red Spirit Sword, then stopped attacking.
“Senior flatters me!
I wonder which Senior is willing to offer guidance!” Seeing that Li Changkong intended to stop, Li Mu immediately turned his gaze to the other three Soul Transformation Cultivators, scanning them back and forth as he asked.
“Young friend, though young, your strength is indeed extraordinary.
Allow me to experience it!” Unable to tolerate Li Mu's aggressive tone, Ning Daoren flew out and said impolitely.
“Pay attention!”
As soon as his voice fell, Ning Daoren conjured a green bell, which emitted a soul-shaking chime, and sound waves in the form of beams attacked Li Mu.