Chapter 841: Xun'er Faces the Spirit Tribulation
After seeing off Lu Tong, the elder from the Great Thousand Palace, Xiao Ze gained new insights about his future. He learned that he would soon need to visit the Great Thousand Palace to formally meet its many elders.
Unlike other superpowers in the Great Thousand World, the Great Thousand Palace functioned more like an alliance.
Many Heavenly Sovereigns from across the Great Thousand World held guest elder positions in the palace. Additionally, the palace recruited those willing to join its ranks. However, unlike other factions that recruited a vast array of strong cultivators, the Great Thousand Palace followed an elite model.
Most non guest members were disciples chosen personally by the palace's Heavenly Sovereigns. As a result, the palace was composed of fewer, but far more exceptional individuals.
Xiao Ze's path to prominence was distinct. His rise to power came through the ranks of the Demon Slaying Division, a route that culminated in his appointment as the Demon Slaying King, granting him supreme authority within the palace.
The Challenge of Leadership
Currently, the Great Thousand Palace lacked a universally recognized leader. Since the fall of the Immortal Emperor, no one had emerged as a successor capable of earning both the palace's and the Great Thousand World's unanimous approval.
The Immortal Emperor, the first among the ancient nine emperors, had set a standard as lofty as the moon in the sky. Any would be successor needed to at least rival his unparalleled strength, potentially reaching the mythical realm beyond the Saint grade a level so extraordinary that many questioned its very existence.
Even a late stage Saint grade Heavenly Sovereign would only qualify to contend for leadership. To reign undisputedly as the palace's lord required attaining the same peerless stature as the Immortal Emperor himself: the title of First Sovereign of the Great Thousand World.
This legendary realm, beyond Saint grade, was little more than speculation. Though the Great Thousand Palace preserved records of its existence, the realm remained elusive, and many doubted whether it was achievable.
For now, with the palace leaderless, Xiao Ze, as the Demon Slaying King, was entrusted with the power to command it.
Time for Personal Affairs
Xiao Ze chose not to return to the palace immediately. Instead, he remained in the Source Realm to oversee its development and spend time with Xun'er and the others.
Guiding Xun'er's cultivation was particularly vital, as her progress directly impacted Xiao Ze's ability to unlock the last two subordinate binding slots.
After bidding farewell to Lu Tong, Xiao Ze immersed himself in absorbing the vast collection of alchemy recipes and spirit formation knowledge provided by the palace.
Thanks to the Divine Sea Space, his spiritual energy had advanced three major levels. However, his spirit formation expertise lagged, roughly equivalent to the late Spirit grade Heavenly Sovereign level. While this was enough to earn him the title of a grandmaster in the Great Thousand World, Xiao Ze wasn't satisfied.
He studied the advanced formations thoroughly, seeking inspiration to push his mastery further. Spirit formation, after all, required constant learning and adaptation.
Progress in Alchemy
Regarding alchemy, Xiao Ze adhered to the principle of "the more, the merrier."
Despite having already created numerous groundbreaking alchemical recipes, such as his Systematic Pill Formulas, which expanded upon the theories of Elder Zhuyang, Xiao Ze knew there was still room to grow.
His mastery of alchemy rivaled the strongest alchemists in the two other alchemy sacred lands. Yet, even he lacked some of the rare and intricate recipes developed through the Great Thousand World's vast history.
This made the new collection a valuable asset, allowing Xiao Ze to fill gaps in his knowledge and refine his craft even further.
Supporting Xun'er's Growth
Over the next two months, Xiao Ze crafted a variety of supplementary pills to aid Xun'er, Mandala, and the others in their cultivation. Their progress was remarkable, with many reaching the late stage Sovereign realm.
Xun'er, for instance, prepared to face her Spirit Tribulation, a significant milestone on the path to becoming a Earth grade Sovereign.
In the Soul Sea Subspace, Xun'er sat atop a mystical lotus platform, her aura surging with spiritual energy.
Holding her close, Xiao Ze felt the fluctuations within her body. "Xun'er, are you sure you don't want to wait a few more months? Spirit Tribulations are no trivial matter."
Leaning into his embrace, Xun'er smiled gently. "Xiao Ze gege, while I haven't been in the Great Thousand World for long, I've spent years cultivating in this space with its slowed time flow."
"Mandala jiejie has also helped me strengthen my foundations. With my current strength and treasures, I'm confident I can face the tribulation head on even against Earth grade Sovereigns."
Hearing her words, Xiao Ze chuckled softly. "In that case, take care and proceed cautiously."
Facing the Spirit Tribulation
Shortly after, dark clouds gathered ominously in the small world. Xiao Ze floated in the air nearby, watching closely.
Although the tribulation posed no threat to him, he refrained from interfering. Spirit Tribulations were manifestations of the heavens, akin to the will of the world itself.
Xun'er, standing amidst the storm, demonstrated her incredible preparation. She wielded treasures that could make Sovereigns Earth grade ones included green with envy.
As lightning bolts descended, Xun'er unleashed a dazzling array of techniques and artifacts, her innate talent shining through.
Watching her, Xiao Ze smiled, his earlier concerns fading. With such extensive preparations and resources at her disposal, success was all but assured.
As the storm subsided, Xun'er emerged radiant. Her every movement brimmed with refined energy, her body exuding a faint, fragrant purity.
A Moment of Peace
Xun'er spun playfully in front of Xiao Ze, showcasing her newfound strength before leaping into his arms.
"Xiao Ze gege, I've grown closer to you again!" she exclaimed.
Laughing, Xiao Ze embraced her gently. "You've always been by my side, haven't you?"
He caressed her back and added warmly, "Take some time to rest. Cultivation should have its rhythm."
"Alright," Xun'er agreed with a nod. "Xiao Ze gege, let's take a trip across the Tianluo Continent. It's been so long since we've spent time together."
Without hesitation, Xiao Ze nodded. "Of course. It's long overdue."
(End of Chapter)
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