Cao Yun was quite literally pouring all of his Exalted Demon cultivation into his attack. Apart from the late Spirit Warriors, no one could see through the storm raging all around him. Besides, no one nearby could even feel his aura. As such, he fully unsealed his cultivation, revealing it in all its glory.
The young man was as red as blood with white hair. Golden light was emanating from him as his Golden Blood was flowing throughout his flesh. His muscles had swelled two or three times their usual volume. At this moment, Cao Yun was physically stronger than absolutely everyone on the Piaolu planet, even considering all demonic beasts. Not a single living being on the Piaolu planet could rival his pure physical strength. However, he was still struggling to push this simple leaf.
From Baziyun City, Emperor Weide was shocked. Finally, he had realized the truth behind the Forsaken Dao Era. He had never imagined that such a thing was possible. Although it filled him with dread, it also showed him that there was actual hope. Mankind could overcome this Forsaken Dao Era. However, it would be much harder than he could have ever imagined.
Apart from Emperor Weide, the other late Spirit Warriors watching the scene were those close to Cao Yun and Matriarch Huang Yufeng. They were taken aback by this sight. With their increased senses, they could see a giant tree hidden in the dark clouds of the tribulation. The only branch they could see looked like frozen lightning in the sky, but it was definitely wood, as they could see a few leaves. Considering the size of the branch, the tree had to be as large as the Hongchen Kingdom.
What was even more incredible was that this branch, no matter how long it was, seemed to be extremely thin and young. Indeed, Cao Yun could tell that this branch was young and immature. Even in such a state, Cao Yun could barely move a single leaf. If he had faced the actual tree, he would have been crushed in an instant.
Within Cao Yun, Dian Mo had also realized what this branch was. After all, he had read Emperor Nuwa's journals too, through Cao Yun's eyes and memories.
"Boy, is this that Withering Fusang Tree she mentioned?"
"That's my guess, yes."
Even Dian Mo was shocked. After all, if what Emperor Nuwa had written was true, this tree was supposed to be larger than a planet, maybe even as large as the Sun itself. Although she didn't mention anything about a cultivation realm, it had to be as powerful and ancient as an Immortal or Immortal Demon. Of course, it wasn't following either the human or the asura cultivation path. However, it was clear that it had some form of cultivation. In fact, it might even have a mind of its own, it was difficult to say. After all, they were merely seeing one of its youngest branches.
Cao Yun had guessed what was behind the Forsaken Dao Era thanks to Emperor Nuwa's journals, but also thanks to Cleansed Asura's memories. Indeed, this Withering Fusang Tree had reminded him of the gigantic world tree Cleansed Asura had once met. Deep within his own body, Cao Yun still had the seed of this world tree.
Since Cao Yun was having a hard time fighting against this leaf, he pushed his cultivation further and further. He tried to connect with his world tree within. He felt as though roots and branches were spreading in his meridians. More and more Qi poured through his body and amplified his Qi Manifestation.
Four red wooden arms appeared from his back and began to push the leaf out of the way. The young man knew that he couldn't pierce through the leaf, let alone destroy it. Instead, he was just trying to push it enough so that Matriarch Huang Yufeng could access the Dao hidden above. Since she was fully focused on her task, Matriarch Huang Yufeng fully understood the young man's intent. The onlookers also realized his goal. They were all studying what was going on. If there was a way to go around that branch, this might open their own path to the Sage realm. However, they were all aware that this branch would keep on growing and growing until it was impossible to go around it.
If Cao Yun himself was unable to fully move it out of the way, it was simply impossible for any of them to even affect it in any way.
Bits and pieces of white bone protruded from the four wooden arms on Cao Yun's back. His Death Energy was combining with his Qi. The azure dragon bit into the leaf and slammed its entire body against it. All of Cao Yun's being was pushing and pushing, the leaf bent but didn't break. Not a single tear even appeared on the leaf at all.
The young man was truly reaching his limit. Ironically, this was also a great form of training. Indeed, during the Greater Tribulation, the Dao could be said to somehow coalesce above the dark, ominous clouds. Lucky or talented cultivators might even be able to grab a piece of the Dao, just like the Hellish Dragon Fruit had obtained the Rune of Fire. Honestly, the process was very mysterious. But what mattered was that Cao Yun was closer to the Dao than he had ever been. In other words, his own understanding of the Dao was growing faster. Unfortunately, it wasn't exceptionally fast, but it was still faster than usual.
Finally, Matriarch Huang Yufeng could see a path. Thanks to Cao Yun's struggle against this leaf, she was able to fully see the branch and spot an opening. The leaf reacted to her spiritual senses shifting, but Cao Yun grabbed it as much as he possibly could. There was no way he would let the leaf prevent Matriarch Huang Yufeng's breakthrough.
The pillar of light surrounding Matriarch Huang Yufeng bent a little and flowed like water. For the very first time in over fourteen thousand years, someone actually went through the ominous dark clouds of the Greater Tribulation. As Cao Yun was near the pillar of light, he felt a powerful soothing sensation. His still-injured Soul Embryo felt better than ever despite his current struggle.
When, finally, Matriarch Huang Yufeng's pillar of light began to fade away, Cao Yun released the leaf. He had completely exhausted himself and slowly flew back to the ground. The large pillar of light was now only a thin line focused on Matriarch Huang Yufeng's Bai Hui. She opened her eyes, and pure white light emerged. At last, she had pierced through the veil. A powerful wave of pure spiritual energy spread out from her body.
Everyone could feel the vibrancy of her Soul Embryo. The tornado and all the phenomena caused by Cao Yun dissipated in an instant as if they had never existed. Everything was calm and serene as if a living god had descended into the mortal world. However, the dark clouds didn't dissipate as they should have during a Greater Tribulation.
The hostility in the dark clouds had grown stronger. For what seemed like an eternity, everyone held their breath. They were worried that this celestial tree would somehow strike them down. Considering that Cao Yun could barely do a thing against a single leaf, they could do nothing at all if it attacked. Thankfully, the tree never attacked.
Among all cultivators, only Cao Yun had not been worried about such an outcome. After all, he knew what this Withering Fusang Tree was. It simply couldn't attack them on the Piaolu planet. However, it could absolutely seal their fate. Most likely, the Withering Fusang Tree was feeding off the connection between cultivators on the Piaolu planet and the Dao. This was the reason why cultivating had become harder and harder, and also why no one could actually contact the Dao and become a Sage or an Exalted Demon.
Now, Cao Yun knew what he had to do. One way or another, he had to go to the Withering Fusang Domains, as Emperor Nuwa had done. He wouldn't follow Demon God Da Mo's example of launching a campaign against those domains. But he had to go there. Besides, he had all of Emperor Nuwa's journals, and she had been incredibly active in those domains. Since her time there, only a few centuries had probably passed, certainly no more than a millennium. Considering that time flowed very differently from in the Hongchen Kingdom, it was hard to know for sure.
Unfortunately, going there would also mean the end of his current life in the Hongchen Kingdom. Even a few days there could be months or years in the Hongchen Kingdom. And Cao Yun would need to go for much more than a few days. As such, decades or centuries could go by without him. On the other hand, it also meant that he could stay decades here before going to the Withering Fusang Domains. This wouldn't ultimately be a problem for him.
Anyway, Cao Yun didn't focus on that at all. He watched as the dark, ominous clouds finally began to dissipate. After they were gone, no trace of the Withering Fusang Tree remained at all. Thanks to his and Matriarch Huang Yufeng's experience, the Spirit Warriors around them could probably imagine a way to achieve the Greater Tribulation by passing the branch. It would be much more difficult, but there was a way now. With the help of powerful Spirit pills, like the Nine-Souls Calamity Ascension Pill, their chances would still be low, but much more reasonable.
After this war was over, Cao Yun planned to help produce more Nine-Souls Calamity Ascension Pills, as well as other pills. The Forsaken Dao Era wasn't yet over, but there would be a way where there had been none, no matter how arduous it would be.
Matriarch Huang Yufeng fully manifested her bloodline. She had all nine True Fiery Drops of 'Nine Chambers of Life Fire'. As such, her understanding of the Dao of Fire was already advanced. Apparently, she had absorbed some of the actual Dao of Fire. Indeed, she could tell that one of her True Fiery Drops had changed. There were glyphs and runes in it that she had never seen before.
Although she was elated, Matriarch Huang Yufeng also felt a deep melancholy. She had achieved her biggest dream, she was now a 1st-grade Sage. However, she was already very close to the end of her natural lifespan. Clearly, she knew that she had no hope of ever living for two more centuries. In fact, she would probably die within this century, even if she survived the war. At the very least, she wanted to do everything she could to make sure her family was set.
Not only was Huang Cixi about to become the Emperor, but the Huang family was also the wealthiest and most influential family in the Hongchen Kingdom. Besides, Matriarch Huang Yufeng had opened a way for her kin to become Sages. Now, she would study the Dao of Fire as much as she could in order to improve 'Nine Chambers of Life Fire' and her family's cultivation. If Huang Liyue or Huang Cixi could become Sages, the Huang family would not face any trouble for centuries, or even millennia to come.
To be fair, even among her allies, the Wubei Sect and the Golden Flowery Fragrance Institute were worried about the hegemony of the Huang family. Thankfully, Cao Yun would also help them rise. The Huang family's power would always be balanced out. Cao Yun fully believed in the doctrine of Emperor Nuwa. The most important criterion for the Emperor was competence. Never should the Hongchen Kingdom fall under the reign of a dynasty. Huang Cixi should not put someone of her own blood on the throne after her. Mankind's unity was its strength, and Cao Yun didn't want to witness a civil war in the future. He had seen how devastating it was for the demons.
Now that the Greater Tribulation was over, Feng Yingyue rushed to her Dao companion's side and made sure he was okay. Although he was exhausted, he had sustained no injuries, either outside or within. That being said, she would take care of him and make sure that his exhaustion was gone as soon as possible.
The entire Baziyun City had noticed the dark clouds and the pillar of light. Although there was little hope of success, everyone was waiting for news. They were clinging to any hope that the powerful Matriarch Huang could become a Sage. Not only would this be prestigious for their entire Wu Province, but this would also be a good omen against the demon invasion.
People were all afraid of being slaughtered. Unfortunately, they had very good reasons to feel that way. As such, they were hoping, no matter how hopeless the situation was. If only they could produce a Sage to help in battle.
Matriarch Huang Yufeng had absolutely no reason to hide her success. In fact, she had every incentive to boast about it. As such, she prepared herself with the best adornments. With Cao Yun by her side, they both entered Baziyun City with their full auras on display. Although Cao Yun wasn't technically a Sage, no cultivator could actually sense the difference. There were two Sages in Baziyun City.
The city had already celebrated Emperor Weide's presence, but the streets completely erupted with joy. This was absolutely insane. Emperor Weide also congratulated Matriarch Huang Yufeng in public and revealed the major role of Cao Yun, the Wubei Sect's Young Sect Master.
Mankind had more hope than ever. News spread fast and far. In a matter of weeks, the entire Hongchen Kingdom was aware of this phenomenal event. Moreover, they were also expecting yet another miracle.
After all, if the Wubei Sect's Young Sect Master had helped Matriarch Huang Yufeng break through, he would obviously do the same for his master, Sect Leader Xuan Mu. In other words, mankind would probably get three Sages. Only one Sage would be enough to turn the tide of war, but three of them were just on another level. Mankind already imagined victory.
That being said, Empyrean Asura also heard about this incredible event, and he had a completely different perspective on it.