"Anyway, what should we do about the Primordial Heavenly Flames?" Xiao Hua asked, clearing his throat to steer the conversation toward the main topic.
"Indeed. Since you can freely choose a Primordial Heavenly Flame, it would be wise to select one that benefits you during the Heavenly Judgment Lightning trial," Xue Yue replied thoughtfully.
Both Xiao Hua and Xue Yue turned to Lady Azure, seeking her advice. While Xue Yue might share a sisterly bond with her, Lady Azure's unparalleled understanding of the twenty-two Primordial Heavenly Flames made her the most qualified to decide.
Lady Azure raised her index finger, her expression calm yet authoritative, and began to share her thoughts.
"First, I recommend the Primordial Fallen Heart Flame. While its ability to accelerate your cultivation speed may not be a primary concern, its potential to damage and refine the soul makes it an ideal complement to the Heavenly Astral Lightning. The energy refined through this combination will be vastly superior in both quality and quantity, thereby significantly enhancing the strength of your soul."
"Next, the Primordial Three Thousand Burning Flame. This will tremendously boost your recovery ability, which is crucial. During and after the Heavenly Judgment Lightning trial, your vulnerability will be at its peak. This flame will allow you to recover swiftly and prepare for any immediate threats."
Hearing her reasoning, Xiao Hua and Xue Yue nodded in agreement. It was true that cultivation speed was not a primary concern, but it would prove helpful to others and lay the foundation for a powerful force in the future.
Moreover, with his soul being vast, any aid in nourishing and enhancing it through the Heavenly Astral Lightning would only be an added benefit.
Meanwhile, Lady Azure's second suggestion struck a chord with him. The trial would leave him in a precarious state, physically and spiritually. Even with the enhanced recovery provided by the Heavenly Mortal Lightning, it was not swift enough to immediately restore his strength, leaving him open to attacks from those harboring enmity.
In truth, there was no downside to further enhancing his energy regeneration and recovery capabilities. The more prepared he was, the better his chances of surviving and overcoming the challenges ahead.
"Thirdly, you should choose the Primordial Bone Chilling Flame," Lady Azure continued, her tone steady. "During the trial, the Heavenly Wrathful Lightning will inflict excruciating searing pain as it transforms your body. While this flame won't eliminate the pain entirely, it will help lessen its intensity, though the trial will remain far from easy."
Hearing this, Xiao Hua could only smile helplessly, unsure whether to laugh or cry at his fate.
Xue Yue cast a glance at him, her eyes filled with silent sympathy. While it wouldn't completely spare him from suffering, she acknowledged that Lady Azure's advice was sound—any relief, no matter how slight, would be a blessing in such a harrowing ordeal.
"Lastly," Lady Azure continued, "you should consider the Life Spirit Flame. Although it lacks destructive power, it holds immense value for an alchemist, as it accelerates the growth of medicinal herbs. Furthermore, it pairs exceptionally well with the Primordial Three Thousand Burning Flame, which uses lifeforce to recover injuries. Together, they will create a harmonious balance that aids both your alchemy and survival."
Xiao Hua nodded firmly, his resolve set. With a thought, he exited his spiritual sea and returned to the real world. Opening his eyes, he turned his attention to the System.
[Do you wish to use the four 'Tickets of Primordial Heavenly Flame' now?]
"Yes," he replied without hesitation.
[Which four of the twenty-one Primordial Heavenly Flames do you choose?]
(A/N: He already possesses one, so the System has excluded it.)
"I choose the Primordial Fallen Heart Flame, the Primordial Three Thousand Burning Flame, the Primordial Bone Chilling Flame, and the Primordial Life Spirit Flame," Xiao Hua declared with determination.
[Sending the chosen Primordial Heavenly Flames…]
[Success! Please prepare to receive the Primordial Heavenly Flames!]
Boom—!
A soul-shaking thunderous explosion reverberated across the entire mountain range. The energy of heaven and earth grew wild and chaotic as fierce winds howled, tearing apart towering trees and gouging chunks of earth into the air.
The cave where Xiao Hua resided was no exception. As the epicenter of this disaster, it was utterly obliterated, leaving the once-hidden refuge fully exposed to the turbulent skies.
"I've reached 4-Star Dou Zong and can contend with 9-Star Dou Zong experts, yet it still took everything I had just to stop myself from being blown away…" Xiao Hua muttered through gritted teeth, his voice strained as he focused entirely on stabilizing his footing.
The chaos persisted—heaven and earth's energy churned violently, the gale shrieked with unbridled ferocity, and deafening thunder rumbled relentlessly. Then, without warning, an enormous spatial crack appeared directly above him. It resembled the gaping maw of a colossal beast, ominous and terrifying, as if preparing to swallow him whole.
As the spatial crack emerged, an eerie stillness blanketed the surroundings. The turbulent energy of heaven and earth abruptly calmed, the violent winds dissipated, and the thundering roars ceased, leaving an unsettling silence in their wake.
Yet, what replaced the previous chaos was a sudden, significant rise in temperature. The forest's heat climbed steadily, transforming the air into a suffocating haze of distortion. Breathing in the scorching air felt akin to inhaling molten flames, burning and unbearable.
The once-lush forest was reduced to smoldering charcoal, while the mountain range turned a molten red, slowly melting into a viscous, fiery liquid.
Xiao Hua could feel his body beginning to burn under the intense heat, his skin stinging as if it might ignite. Just as the discomfort reached its peak, Xue Yue created a cold barrier that enveloped him, shielding him from the oppressive temperature. He let out a sigh of relief and offered her a sincere word of thanks.
Raising his head, Xiao Hua turned his gaze toward the enormous spatial crack in the sky. What he saw next startled him slightly—a sight that was both familiar and strange. Four ethereal figures emerged from the crack, their forms resembling Lady Azure, yet each distinct in their own way.
The first figure possessed hair of a soft, light green, even paler than Lady Azure's. Her serene smile and gentle gaze radiated warmth, a feeling further accentuated by her light-green attire. Her presence exuded vitality, like a flourishing forest in spring.
Beside her stood another figure with flowing dark-purple hair and piercing violet eyes. Her garments, a deep purple adorned with shimmering specks of white, gave the impression of a starry night sky. Her entire being seemed to glimmer beautifully, like constellations in motion.
The third figure's aura was peculiar, a paradox of heat and cold. Despite the biting chill surrounding her, her presence was suffused with an intense heat, as though she absorbed the fiery energy around her. Her blue eyes sparkled with a profound Yin energy that made her seem both distant and fiercely powerful.
Finally, the fourth figure was clad in immaculate white robes with striking red accents. Her complexion was ghostly pale, as though her skin had never felt the touch of sunlight. Her gaze, sharp and penetrating, seemed to pierce directly into Xiao Hua's heart and soul, laying bare all his secrets.
"This young man… he possesses the aura of Sister Green Lotus Core Flame, and this presence…" murmured the lady with dark-purple hair. Though her voice was soft, it carried across the vast space, reaching Xiao Hua effortlessly.
"Isn't this Sister Celestial Ancient Frost's energy… and Sister Heavenly Lightning's presence as well? How can three distinct auras exist within a single boy?" questioned the lady brimming with Yin energy, her tone a mix of curiosity and incredulity.
"It must be tied to the entity within him," the woman draped in white with red-outlined robes remarked, her voice calm yet edged with caution. "I attempted to probe its nature, but the moment I tried, a sense of annihilation consumed me. If I had pressed further, my very existence would have been extinguished."
"Enough. Sister Green Lotus Core Flame is approaching," the light-green-haired lady interjected, her serene voice cutting through their musings.
As her words fell, a radiant green glow emerged from Xiao Hua's body and streaked toward them. The brilliance dimmed, revealing Lady Azure in her full form, her expression calm yet tinged with warmth.
"Sisters, it has been quite some time, hasn't it?" Lady Azure greeted with a gentle smile.
"As much as I would love to exchange pleasantries, let's address the pressing matter first," said the Yin energy lady, her face marked with a trace of impatience. "If we linger any longer, this plane will be reduced to ashes."
"Indeed," added the lady with dark-purple hair, her tone laced with a hint of unease. "And if that happens, Sister Great Thousand World will certainly be enraged by our actions."
"You see…" Lady Azure began, understanding their concerns. She proceeded to recount the entire situation, from Xiao Hua's extraordinary existence to the enigmatic force residing within him.
Her words left her sisters startled, their expressions shifting to somber contemplation as they absorbed the implications of what they had just learned.
Meanwhile, Xiao Hua, shielded by Xue Yue's protective barrier, found himself unable to move. From his current position, he could neither hear nor comprehend the ongoing discussion. It seemed to last for some time until, suddenly, the four "Lady Azures" turned their attention toward him, their gazes fixed and silent.
Feeling their collective stares, Xiao Hua scratched his head awkwardly, a look of confusion spreading across his face. He had no idea what was expected of him.
"What are you spacing out for, child?" Lady Azure's voice rang out as she appeared in front of him, her presence swift and commanding. "Prepare yourself. You must refine and merge all four Primordial Heavenly Flames simultaneously, or else the entire mountain range will be reduced to a world of magma by the time you finish the first one."
Xiao Hua's lips twitched at her words. Memories of the excruciating ordeal he endured when refining the Primordial Green Lotus Core Flame resurfaced. Yet now, he was tasked with refining four Primordial Heavenly Flames.
And it didn't end there. Not only would he have to refine them, but he also needed to merge each flame with a corresponding Heavenly Lightning, all in parallel sessions.
He sighed deeply, resignation weighing on him as he muttered internally. 'Ever since I started using the Chaos Mantra, painless days have become nothing more than a distant dream…'
Yet, as overwhelming as the task seemed, a glimmer of unyielding determination flickered in Xiao Hua's eyes. With a steady breath, he pushed aside his hesitation, rising to his feet.
His gaze shifted to the enormous spatial crack overhead, its form like the maw of a monstrous beast, dark and foreboding. Despite the daunting sight, he stood tall, his resolve as firm as ever.
He stepped forward, leaving behind the protective barrier that Xue Yue had created for him. As soon as he exited, the blazing heat engulfed him, a wave of suffocating temperatures washing over his body. However, the searing agony he had anticipated—akin to being trapped inside a burning cauldron—never arrived.
Instead, it felt as if he were standing under the relentless sun of a scorching summer day. Yet the scene before him told an entirely different story. Everything in the area had been utterly obliterated. The once-thriving forest was reduced to smoldering cinders and charcoal, while the mountains had melted into streams of viscous, molten red liquid that flowed sluggishly downward.
'Is this because of the Trial of Heavenly Judgement Lightning?' he wondered, his thoughts drifting as he tried to make sense of the situation.
By all accounts, he should have been incapable of enduring such extreme heat with his current strength. Naturally, his mind settled on the one plausible explanation: the Trial of Heavenly Judgement Lightning.
Over the past few years, Xiao Hua had repeatedly summoned and absorbed Nine-Colored Pill Lightning into his body, pushing himself to the limits of his endurance. His efforts had paid off, allowing his cultivation to soar. He had endured the Heavenly Judgement Lightning trial not once but four times, advancing to Five-Star Dou Zong class in the process.
Now, he could confidently declare himself invincible within the Dou Zong class. As for whether he could stand against a formidable Dou Zun, that remained uncertain. After all, he had yet to experience a true life-and-death battle against an opponent of such caliber.
However, Xiao Hua also understood that each trial demanded an immense amount of lightning energy. Even with multiple Nine-Colored Pill Lightnings, the energy was barely sufficient. This realization left him feeling gloomy and dispirited, as summoning a single Nine-Colored Pill Lightning was already an arduous task, let alone several.
Adding to his frustration was the imminent breakthrough of his soul. He could sense it teetering on the edge of ascending to the Heavenly State. While this should have been an exciting prospect, it only deepened his disappointment. Once his soul entered the Heavenly State, he would finally be able to refine tier-nine medicinal pills, capable of summoning a Black Demon Lightning—an even more potent force than the Nine-Colored Pill Lightning.
The bitter truth was clear: just one more trial, and his soul would undoubtedly break through, elevating him to the Heavenly State.
'It seems I'll have to refine more tier-eight medicinal pills to summon the Nine-Colored Pill Lightning,' Xiao Hua thought, clenching his fists.
He exhaled a long sigh, frustration flickering in his eyes. Yet, he quickly shook off his disheartened mood. Now was not the time to dwell on setbacks. Gritting his teeth, he shifted his focus back to the task at hand, determination burning within him.
Xiao Hua's figure blurred as he swiftly approached the spatial crack, coming to a halt before the four figures resembling Lady Azure.
Standing before them, he cupped his hands respectfully and offered a slight bow. "Greetings, Lady…"
As the words left his mouth, he paused awkwardly, realizing he had no idea how to address them.
"Just 'sister' is fine, child," said the lady exuding powerful Yin energy. Her cold aura felt as if it could freeze the heavens. "Since Sister Green Lotus Core Flame has acknowledged you as her little brother, that makes you our little brother as well."
Xiao Hua hesitated momentarily, then nodded. "If that's acceptable to all of you… sisters," he replied, his tone laced with awkwardness.
"We don't have much time for formalities, child," interjected the lady with dark-purple hair, her voice carrying an air of urgency. "We've discussed the matter with our sister, and it's decided—Sister Green Lotus Core Flame will be the dominant personality."
The pale lady dressed in white with crimson outlines stepped forward, her gaze sharp and penetrating. "As for you, you may refine us. But be warned—this process is far from simple." Her tone was icy, yet commanding.
"You may have passed the Heavenly Judgement Lightning's trial four times and earned our sisters' acknowledgment," she continued, her expression darkening. "But failure is still a possibility."
Her intense gaze bore into Xiao Hua as she added coldly, "If you fail and squander our sisters' trust, I will burn your soul to ashes. You'll suffer unimaginable torment before I strip your existence and transform you into pure energy—to benefit someone more worthy, child."
Xiao Hua didn't know whether to laugh or cry at the white-clad lady's threat. However, he chose not to complain. Instead, a fierce conviction gleamed in his eyes, and a determined expression settled on his face.
"Then, let's begin," said the lady draped in light-green clothes, her gentle smile easing the tension in the air.
The four embodiments of Lady Azure exchanged a brief glance before their figures dissolved into glowing lights of different hues. These luminous forms swirled in the air briefly before morphing into their original shapes—the Primordial Heavenly Flames.
The first flame shimmered with an ethereal, almost colorless quality, as if it didn't belong to the physical realm, invisible to the untrained eye.
The second flame burned with an intense white radiance, so cold that the surrounding temperature plummeted dramatically, frost forming around it despite its fierce blaze.
The third flame crackled ominously—a chaotic mass of purple-black fire that seemed to consume the very space around it, radiating destructive energy.
The final flame glowed with a liquid-like green texture, gently rising and swirling with the wind. From its surface, layer upon layer of dense, life-rich fog billowed forth, enveloping the air with a vitality so strong it felt as though it could awaken a dying forest.
Xiao Hua inhaled deeply, then let out a slow exhale to steady his nerves. His hands extended forward, and the four Primordial Heavenly Flames flickered, hesitating for a brief moment before inching toward him in unison.
"This is definitely going to be difficult…" he murmured, a wry smile tugging at the corner of his lips.
Without further hesitation, Xiao Hua opened his mouth wide. The four Primordial Heavenly Flames surged forward, their brilliance blinding as they shot directly into his body.
As soon as the essence flames entered his body, an overwhelming wave of searing heat erupted from within, surging through his meridians like a raging inferno. Simultaneously, four arcs of lightning—one blue, one purple, one orange, and one emerald—began to crackle across his body, weaving an intricate dance of raw, violent and wild destructive energy.
The clash between flames and lightning pushed his physical limits to the brink. From every pore, invisible flames, dark purple flames, intense white flames, and liquid-like light-green flames spluttered out in bursts, creating an awe-inspiring yet chaotic display of power.
Xiao Hua clenched his jaw tightly, his veins bulging as he sat cross-legged amidst the torrent of energy. With painstaking effort, he channeled his spiritual energy to stabilize the rampaging forces within.
He focused his mind, suppressing the searing pain, and began the delicate and perilous process of refining the four Primordial Heavenly Flames.
As the refinement process continued, Xiao Hua began to notice something unusual. At the initial stages of refining the Primordial Heavenly Flames, he felt a surprising ease that left him utterly stunned.
"This… this isn't as difficult as I thought it would be…"
His voice carried a trace of disbelief as he observed the state of his body. His veins and Qi Paths, which he feared might struggle to withstand the intensity of the four Primordial Heavenly Flames, seemed to hold up remarkably well. While there was a faint pain, it was a mere shadow compared to the agony he had endured when refining the Primordial Green Lotus Core Flame for the first time.
"It seems the trials of Heavenly Judgement Lightning truly tempered my body beyond my expectations," Xiao Hua murmured, a complicated look flashing across his face. The memories of the excruciating pain he suffered during those four trials surfaced, making him shudder slightly.
Shaking his head to dispel the lingering thoughts, he refocused his mind. "The price was steep… but the benefits are undeniable."
Calming his thoughts, Xiao Hua crossed his legs and assumed a meditative posture. With practiced precision, he guided the four Primordial Heavenly Flames through his Qi Paths, expertly completing the refinement process. The flames, once untamed, now resonated harmoniously with his inner energy.
Next, he began the delicate task of merging each Primordial Heavenly Flame with its corresponding Heavenly Lightning. Sparks of blue, purple, orange, and emerald lightning danced within his body, colliding and intertwining with the flames in an intricate, synchronized manner. Despite the complexity of the process, Xiao Hua found himself navigating it with an unexpected swiftness and clarity.
However, the next step was even more daunting—merging each flame with its corresponding Heavenly Lightning. Every movement of energy demanded absolute precision; one slip, and the fusion could spiral out of control, reducing him to nothing but ashes.
Yet, Xiao Hua's expression didn't falter. His gaze sharpened, brimming with unyielding resolve.
"This is a trial I cannot afford to fail," he whispered, his voice low but steady, as he steeled himself for the arduous task ahead.
...
Meanwhile, Lady Azure had returned to Xiao Hua's spiritual sea. Within the boundless expanse, five identical figures of Lady Azure stood silently in a circle, their gazes locked on one another.
Without a word, they stepped forward in unison, their movements graceful yet filled with solemnity. As the distance between them closed, a faint, radiant glow began to emanate from their forms. The glow intensified, enveloping the five figures and merging them into a cocoon-like structure of pure energy.
The surface of the cocoon shimmered with countless mysterious runes and pulsating lines, each exuding an aura of immense destructive power. Every pulsation sent ripples through Xiao Hua's spiritual sea, causing it to fluctuate as though struggling to maintain its equilibrium. The fluctuations continued relentlessly, until the pulsating runes gradually dimmed and finally stilled, leaving the cocoon eerily silent.
Xue Yue observed the entire process in quiet contemplation, her expression tinged with both concern and unease. She let out a soft sigh, knowing that the path ahead was fraught with difficulty.
"Merging five wills into one… It's no simple task," she murmured to herself, her tone filled with both anxiety and hope. The risk of failure loomed large, but the determination of the five could not be underestimated.
"They've come to a decision, and they will succeed," Xue Yue whispered as she tried to convince herself. Even so, her heart tightened with worry.
She raised her hands together and gently touched the cocoon. She softly muttered, "Good luck, sister. May you triumph in your endeavor."
As her words echoed within the spiritual sea, the cocoon's quiet glow seemed to grow steadier, as though responding to her heartfelt prayer.
...
After refining and merging the flames, Xiao Hua immediately activated the Chaos Mantra to push its evolution. It had been a long time since the mantra last advanced.
The previous evolution occurred when he refined and merged the Primordial Green Lotus Core Flame with the Heavenly Tribulation Lightning, elevating the Chaos Mantra from Huang-Class High Level to Xuan-Class Low Level.
With this latest breakthrough, the Chaos Mantra had advanced once again, ascending to the rank of a Di-Class Low-Level Qi Method. At first glance, this might not seem particularly impressive, but the Chaos Mantra was far from an ordinary Qi Method.
Xiao Hua could feel the profound transformation within his body. His strength surged to an overwhelming degree, the vast and mighty Dou Qi coursing through his veins like an unstoppable tide. While his cultivation realm remained unchanged, the sheer depth and intensity of his power had grown exponentially.
Having read the descriptions of multiple Tian-Class Qi Methods before, Xiao Hua was confident that the current Chaos Mantra stood on equal footing with them.
The Chaos Mantra truly was a mysterious and peerless Qi Method—unfathomable in its potential. And this... was only its first level.
"I truly wonder what kind of strength I would achieve once I unlock the second level," Xiao Hua murmured softly, his eyes filled with anticipation. "Moreover, there is still that mysterious third level—one that even Sister Azure and Sister Xue Yue couldn't perceive."
Although his heart surged with excitement, a lingering worry over Lady Azure's situation clouded his thoughts. Closing his eyes, he entered his spiritual sea.
Upon arriving in the vast expanse of his spiritual sea, Xiao Hua's sharp gaze swept across the entire place, searching intently for Lady Azure.
His eyes eventually landed on Xue Yue, who silently pointed toward a certain direction. Following her gesture, Xiao Hua's gaze fell upon a cocoon-like structure agglomerated from Spiritual Strength. Without hesitation, his feet carried him forward until he stood before it.
"What is this…? Is this where Sister Azure is sleeping?" he murmured softly, his tone laced with curiosity and concern. Quietly probing the cocoon with his senses, he felt a familiar yet subtly altered presence emanating from within.
"She is merging with her five wills, so it's natural that her presence would feel slightly different," Xue Yue's calm voice explained as she appeared beside him.
Raising her delicate hand, Xue Yue extended her fingers toward the cocoon and gently touched its surface. As though responding to her touch, the cocoon trembled faintly before falling silent once more.
Xiao Hua sighed softly and turned to face Xue Yue. "Does Sister Xue Yue know when she will awaken?"
"Unfortunately, no." Xue Yue shook her head gently. "However, I don't think it will take too long. The other wills aren't resisting—Lady Azure will naturally emerge as the dominant one."
"Is that so?"
Hearing this, Xiao Hua let out a sigh of relief. Knowing that Lady Azure would remain dominant reassured him, as it meant she wouldn't feel distant from him. Still, even if things changed, he was determined to rebuild their bond.
"What are you planning to do now, child?" Xue Yue asked, her gaze calm and inquisitive.
"I will check the abilities of the Lightning Beast that possesses the Heavenly Judgement Lightning. Afterward, I'll focus on stabilizing my body and then return to Jia Nan Academy. From there, I can make my way back to my clan."
"Is that so? Do not worry about Sister Azure," Xue Yue replied with a faint smile. "I will watch over her closely and inform you immediately if anything happens. You, however, must focus on what lies ahead and continue to grow stronger."
"I will, Sister Xue Yue."
With determination in his eyes, Xiao Hua turned and headed toward the vibrant door within his Spiritual Sea that led to the special space where the nine Lightning Beasts resided.
After arriving in the special realm, Xiao Hua made his way toward the vast forest where the Lightning Beasts were known to slumber, idle and undisturbed.
Reaching the center of the forest, his gaze fell upon nine enormous Lightning Beasts, each taking on a distinct form. Three of them remained faint and transparent, while the others shone brilliantly with vibrant colors.
Apart from the four prominent Lightning Beasts—gold, blue, purple, and orange—there were now two additional Lightning Beasts, each radiating its unique hue.
One of these emerged when Xiao Hua advanced to the Dou Huang class: an emerald-colored Heavenly Lightning known as the Heavenly Execution Lightning. This lightning possessed a seemingly infinite amount of lifeforce, to the point that when it descended, the once barren mountain range beneath him transformed into a thriving paradise. Forests sprang forth, lush grasses flourished, and greenery blanketed the desolate land in an instant.
"If the Heavenly Mortal Lightning grants me an indestructible and undying body," Xiao Hua thought, "then the Heavenly Execution Lightning bestows upon me boundless lifeforce and eternal youth!"
After establishing a connection with the emerald-colored Lightning Beast, Xiao Hua quickly grasped its capabilities. The beast's power could merge with an artifact, allowing it to unleash an overbearing strike strong enough to execute even a Dou Sheng expert.
However, such immense power came with two significant drawbacks. The first was its excessive energy required—twice as much as the other Lightning Beasts. The second was the harsh rebound effect; once the strike was unleashed, his arm would become completely useless for the remainder of the battle.
Despite the harsh consequences, Xiao Hua still regarded it as a formidable trump card—one that could turn the tide if he ever faced a Dou Sheng expert from the Hall of Souls. Naturally, he preferred not to use it, but having such a weapon in reserve gave him a small sense of assurance.
'That is… if I can even manage to recharge it,' Xiao Hua murmured softly, a faint, resigned smile tugging at his lips. He knew all too well that meeting such a harsh requirement would be no easy task.
Xiao Hua shifted his attention to the next Lightning Beast—the one possessing the dreaded Heavenly Judgement Lightning. This particular lightning had subjected him to excruciating pain four separate times, each trial more unbearable than the last.
The Heavenly Judgement Lightning had an insidious and terrifying ability: sealing one's Dou Qi and cultivation base. Once sealed, the individual would lose their ability to cultivate for the rest of their life. The seal was permanent, leaving them in a fate far worse than death—every movement, every breath, would plunge them into unimaginable agony.
There were only three methods to unseal it. The first method is by his own hand. If he could create and place the seal, then naturally, he could also remove it.
The second method is enduring powerful lightning strikes repeatedly. This method required the individual to endure thousands of lightning strikes and let it arcing around his body to gradually weaken the seal until it shattered.
However, the required number of strikes increased proportionally to the seal's strength. Furthermore, unless one possessed an exceptionally strong physical body before their Dou Qi was sealed, enduring such a trial with a mortal body was nothing short of a death sentence.
The third and last method is by forceful destruction. This method required someone overwhelmingly stronger than Xiao Hua to forcibly destroy the seal. However, this approach came with a dire consequence: a devastating backlash would be inflicted upon both the sealed individual and the person who destroyed the seal. The stronger the seal, the more unimaginable the backlash would be.
While Xiao Hua was still unaware of the abilities of the other three Lightning Beasts—since they had yet to regain their full power—he could already confirm one thing: this Lightning Beast's power was far crueler than the rest. Unlike the others, its ability was deceptively plain yet terrifyingly malicious.
Having experienced the pain firsthand, Xiao Hua knew it was something no ordinary human could bear.
'This Lightning Beast's power leans more toward torture and interrogation than actual combat or cultivation,' he mused, a cold chill lingering in his heart.