On top of a mountain's peak.
Ye Xiu was seated cross-legged atop the mountain's summit. At this moment, tribulation clouds gathered in the sky, a fierce wind raged, and the air was permeated with the oppressive might of Heaven and Earth, heralding an imminent lightning tribulation.
It was unknown how long he had been sitting there when a phantom image emerged from within Ye Xiu's body, floating upwards. This phantom image was precisely the Nascent Soul that Ye Xiu had condensed through many years of cultivation!
When a Nascent Soul realm cultivator breaks through to the Divinity Transformation realm, not only must they endure the lightning tribulation from Heaven and Earth, but the Nascent Soul itself must also undergo a tribulation.
For the Nascent Soul to ascend, the heavenly lightning punishment will manifest as a Thunder Beast; the more powerful the Nascent Soul, the more terrifying the Thunder Beast it must face. If the Nascent Soul is not sufficiently condensed or if the cultivated techniques are not powerful enough, then both spirit and body will be annihilated.
Artifacts capable of helping a Nascent Soul transcend the lightning punishment are exceedingly rare.
Yet, amidst these tribulation clouds, a figure suddenly appeared!
This person had the appearance of an elderly man and was dressed in magnificent clothes, making it clear at a glance that he hailed from official circles.
He gazed at the phantom image of the lightning punishment that was gradually condensing from the tribulation clouds before Ye Xiu's Nascent Soul in the sky.
He smiled and said, "Congratulations, Daoist Friend Ye Xiu, on your imminent breakthrough to the Divinity Transformation realm. Hailing from the Starfall Region, for Daoist Friend Ye Xiu to have such accomplishments truly marks you as a rare genius in this world."
"Lord Cheng."
Gazing at the newcomer, Ye Xiu frowned.
This was an official from the Imperial Capital, belonging to the faction of Imperial Preceptor Min Youguo. The man's name was Cheng Lingwu.
Many years ago, in Starfall Region, Cheng Lingwu had attempted to recruit him. However, at that time, Ye Xiu was still a disciple of the Myriad Arts Sect, and his master was still alive, so he had refused Cheng Lingwu at a banquet.
Upon arriving in the Imperial Capital this time, Cheng Lingwu had not relented in his attempts to recruit him. And now, as he faced the Divinity Transformation lightning tribulation, he had still, it seemed, not escaped the notice of Min Youguo's faction.
Ye Xiu dispensed with any pleasantries and said in a low voice, "My Divinity Transformation tribulation is about to arrive. It would be best if Lord Cheng kept this brief."
"Hahaha, Daoist Friend Ye Xiu, still as straightforward as ever! In that case, I won't beat around the bush either!"
Cheng Lingwu stroked his beard and said, "The Lord Imperial Preceptor has always held Daoist Friend Ye Xiu in high regard, mentioning on multiple occasions that if Daoist Friend Ye Xiu were not from a place as barren and chaotic as Starfall Region, his prospects would likely be far greater than they are at present. Seeing that Daoist Friend Ye Xiu is about to face the Divinity Transformation tribulation, the Lord Imperial Preceptor has specially dispatched me to deliver a secret treasure that can provide assistance in your great ordeal."
Despite observing Cheng Lingwu's kind demeanor, Ye Xiu still showed not a trace of pleasure.
He merely stared intently at Cheng Lingwu, his expression noncommittal.
Under Ye Xiu's steady gaze, Cheng Lingwu continued, "As long as Daoist Friend Ye Xiu agrees to serve the Lord Imperial Preceptor after achieving the Divinity Transformation realm, your lightning tribulation can be overcome, and your path to immortality will be smooth and illustrious."
Yet, faced with such a seemingly heaven-sent stroke of fortune, Ye Xiu merely scoffed, "Lord Cheng, please take your leave."
Cheng Lingwu's expression changed.
He was well aware of the Imperial Preceptor's high regard for Ye Xiu—a favoritism that even he felt a twinge of jealousy towards. Yet, he hadn't anticipated Ye Xiu would so bluntly refuse their renewed attempt at recruitment.
He couldn't help but say angrily, "Daoist Friend Ye Xiu, you had best think this through carefully! Without external aid, this lightning tribulation of yours will not be easy to overcome. And as far as I know, you've made absolutely no preparations for it."
As he spoke, Cheng Lingwu glanced around his surroundings, a scoff escaping his nostrils. "Moreover, in recent years, you've meddled in the affairs of the Li family, provoking enemies you ought not to have. I fear that even if you do manage to overcome this lightning tribulation, your enemies will seize the opportunity to strike when you are at your weakest."
"Agree to join the Lord Imperial Preceptor's command, and I guarantee, with but a single word from me, this current crisis of yours will be entirely resolved!"
"Otherwise..."
His eyes were filled with mockery; Ye Xiu's repeated refusals had made his threatening intent now easily perceived, and he had clearly lost patience.
Yet, upon hearing this, Ye Xiu paid no heed to Cheng Lingwu's threat. Instead, his own expression shifted dramatically. "Min Youguo knows of Tian Xing's existence?!!"
"Hahaha!"
Cheng Lingwu roared with laughter. "Ye Xiu, of all the affairs under Heaven, how many could possibly escape the Lord Imperial Preceptor's notice? The Lord Imperial Preceptor knows far more than just this!"
Seeing Ye Xiu frown, Cheng Lingwu's tone softened somewhat.
"Daoist Friend Ye Xiu, your dealings with the Li family these past years have not escaped our notice. The fact that you've managed to survive to this day is partly due to the Lord Imperial Preceptor discreetly lending you some minor assistance from behind the scenes. As the saying goes, 'A wise man submits to circumstances.' You possess such talent; why must you let it go to waste? Furthermore, only the Lord Imperial Preceptor is aware that your true strength would likely place you within the top five on the Nascent Divinity List."
"Believe me, join the Lord Imperial Preceptor's command, and you will gain benefits beyond your imagination. You should also consider this carefully: for all these years you've aided the Li family, what have you truly gained? The Li family cannot help you withstand the Heavenly Tribulation, nor can they assist you in fending off your enemies...."
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