Yuelong Star Realm.
Deep inside the sky-filling tribulation lightning, two figures sat cross-legged at a safe distance from each other—ensuring their respective Heavenly Tribulations would not interfere.
One woman had blazing crimson hair like living flame, her voluptuous body wrapped in pure white robes. Her beauty could only be described in four words: peerless elegance. She allowed the destructive lightning to strike her body without resistance.
Anyone close enough would be horrified to see countless golden flame feathers dancing across her snow-white skin like living beings—radiating supreme nobility. They radiated terrifying heat that warped space. Every bolt of seemingly world-ending lightning was met and devoured by those golden feathers—leaving not even a scratch on her.
Hidden beneath her robes, on her flawless back, a divine beast tattoo shimmered: a proud Three-Legged Golden Crow spreading golden flaming wings around the sun, talons razor-sharp, eyes arrogant beyond measure. The pressure it exuded was indescribable.
Three-Legged Golden Crow!
This woman was none other than Yan Yueqi. During the five years inside the Time Acceleration Formation, she had exited once early after successfully refining the Golden Crow bloodline, rocketing to Perfect Harmony Realm.
She then sparred endlessly with her mother-in-law Liu Yuqing, consolidating realm, mastering bloodline power at lightning speed. Afterwards, she secluded again to continue absorbing the bloodline—only emerging recently when she felt ready for Tribulation.
Triggering Heavenly Tribulation was no easy feat. Only when heaven and earth judged you qualified—with sufficient accumulation—would lightning descend. Some lingered at Perfect Harmony for centuries without success.
Far opposite Yan Yueqi sat Hua Qingzhu—platinum hair flowing hair, seductive yet ethereal body, beauty that dimmed heaven and earth.
On her skin now danced countless ice-crystal feathers—transparent as glass, sparkling like diamonds, yet so cold the surrounding area turned into a blizzard.
Lightning struck endlessly—yet couldn't penetrate that icy barrier. Terrifying to the extreme.
Compared to Yan Yueqi, Hua Qingzhu had already been Late Harmony after reaching Layer 4 of Extreme Ice Heaven Art. A single drop of Ice Phoenix Royal bloodline instantly pushed her to Perfect Harmony—no need for consolidation like Yueqi. She leisurely tamed the bloodline arrogance and absorbed its power.
On her bare back, an equally vivid tattoo shimmered: a regal Ice Phoenix Royal perched atop a snowy peak, wings folded, eyes half-closed—cold and untouchable.
The divine beast bloodlines they received were hand-picked by the System—outstanding specimens even among their species. They could dominate even in higher worlds. Facing mere tribulation on a low-level star realm? Effortless.
To others, Tribulation was nightmare. To them—smooth as flowing water. Eight lightning waves were required for success. Both had endured seven. The eighth and most dangerous: Heart Demon Lightning.
The first seven tested defence, techniques, strength. The eighth tested mind and will.
A firm, unshakable heart could pass easily. A single flaw exploited by Heart Demon Lightning—death.
Did Yan Yueqi and Hua Qingzhu have flaws or regrets?
BOOM BOOM…
Two pitch-black Heart Demon Lightning bolts struck directly at their minds. Even their divine beast feathers couldn't block this type.
Black clouds roared. Lightning formed a barrier—completely isolating the scene from the outside world.
On Dream Immortal Boat, the women clenched jade hands, worry filling their eyes. Heart Demon was unpredictable—even they didn't know if Yueqi and Qingzhu had any inner weaknesses.
Yan Yueqi and Hua Qingzhu sweated coldly. Regret toward their beloved man surged—magnified by Heart Demon Lightning. They even felt the urge to die to atone—for coming to him with the "stain" of another man's name, even if only nominal.
COCK-A-DOODLE-DOO…
Suddenly, two majestic cries rang through the lightning space.
From their bodies, two colossal phantom beasts emerged—enveloping them protectively.
Yan Yueqi's: a blazing Three-Legged Golden Crow dominating the sky—destructive yet warm, wings like twin suns shielding her.
Hua Qingzhu's: a crystalline Ice Phoenix Royal—transparent as glass, wings folding around her with cold yet tender care.
In that instant, their hearts shook. They felt cradled in their man's embrace. His hateful yet beloved face appeared. Strong arms held them as his domineering, whispered words echoed:
"What nonsense are you thinking? I want you—who dares gossip gets killed until they shut up forever. Besides—if you didn't have that past, how would I have gotten Hong Lian, Diep Tinh, and Lian Hua?"
Seeing his familiar smug grin, their hearts instantly warmed. Regret vanished—replaced by clarity, then overflowing confidence.
Yes. Without that past, they wouldn't have their precious daughters. Anyone who spoke ill, harming their man—just kill.
The past didn't need erasing—it should be accepted and cherished.
Sweet smiles curved their lips. Illusions of Diem Nho and Bai Sa shattered. Divine beast phantoms returned to their bodies. Black clouds and lightning dispersed—revealing clear blue sky.
At that moment—miracle.
Within a hundred-li radius, a massive spiritual energy vortex formed—pure heavenly energy condensed into colourful spirit flowers, pouring into their bodies.
"It really is them…!" Countless experts' faces turned complex. Though guessed, confirmation still felt unreal.
The star realm gained two more Tribulation Realm experts—a power shift of historic proportions.
"Such dense spiritual energy—what phenomenon?" Eighth-Rank leaders stared greedily.
"Heavenly and earthly reward for successful tribulation. Absorb it all—officially enter Tribulation Realm!" Tian Wanbao explained with a beard-stroke.
"So that's it!" Many nodded in awe—first time witnessing legendary ascension.
Yan Yueqi's cleansing finished quickly. Her body felt indescribably refreshed. Pores opened, endless spiritual energy flooded in. Most importantly—strength soared to unprecedented heights.
Early Tribulation Realm.
She curved her crimson lips, murmuring: "Little Nam, your wife is stronger again…"
She glanced at Hua Qingzhu—then froze.
Hua Qingzhu had also reached Early Tribulation—but the spiritual energy around her still hadn't stopped.
"What the…?!" Gui Ling Laoren shivered.
Even the Five Great Freaks showed fear.
"Correct. Hua Qingzhu's tribulation cleansing… has not ended. Her final realm will exceed Early Tribulation," Tian Wanbao said gravely.
"Impossible!" The crowd's faces changed dramatically.
Hua Ming laughed and cried—his daughter's achievement reduced him to tears of joy. Countless faction leaders swarmed to congratulate him. He inwardly roared: Best decision ever—tying Hua Clan to Rear Palace!
As time passed, Hua Qingzhu's aura continued rising. When the cleansing finally ended—Mid Tribulation Realm.
"Such a divine bloodline!" Hua Qingzhu inwardly marvelled. She had only absorbed a fraction of the Ice Phoenix Royal bloodline power. If a single drop was this overbearing—what of true Divine Beasts in the Immortal Realm?
"Husband, I want to explore every corner of the cosmos with you—even the Immortal Realm!" Her eyes burned with ambition—the heart of a peak woman returned.
She smiled at Yan Yueqi. Both women understood each other—figures flashed, reappearing on Dream Immortal Boat.
"Mother!" Hong Lian and Diep Tinh threw themselves at Yan Yueqi. Bai Lian Hua into Hua Qingzhu's arms.
"Well done!" Liu Yuqing, holding Xiao Shi, praised her two daughters-in-law. She herself was Perfect Harmony—Tribulation not far.
The women swarmed, chattering happily. Su Yan and Meng Ying stared at Yan Yueqi with fighting spirit.
Meng Ying had reached Late Harmony after forging Five Elements Holy Body. Though physiques no longer held raw power like bloodlines, they massively accelerated cultivation—benefits endless.
Hua Yufeng had reached Mid Void Refining—forging Formation Saint Physique. Five years in Time Acceleration: Mid Seventh-Rank War Formation Master, even inventing new arrays.
Su Yan reached Mid Harmony after refining Heterogeneous Earth.
Yan Yueqi and Hua Qingzhu hugged their daughters, hearts warm. Happiness filled the air.
But it didn't last long.
Ten thousand li of sky suddenly turned blood-red, stench of blood choking the air.
In countless horrified gazes, arrogant, bloodthirsty laughter echoed:
"Quite the lively party! Care to have a friendly match with my Blood Emperor Domain? Hehehe!"
…