108: Chapter 108 The Heavenly Tribulation is Approaching, Trials of the Four Extremes

The first ray of dawn pierced through the window lattice of the quiet room, shining onto Lin Ye's face.

He slowly opened his eyes, where Chaos Qi swirled deep within his pupils before quickly vanishing. This night of deep meditation had brought his state to an unprecedented Peak. His qi and blood surged ceaselessly like a great river, his Divine Power was as deep and boundless as the vast starry sea, and his Divine Sense was as clear as a mirror, capable of perceiving the movement of every speck of dust within a radius of three hundred zhang.

But what truly concerned him was the restless urge to break through within his body.

His Dao Palace Peak Realm was already complete; all five visceral divine treasuries were opened, and the Five Elements—Heart Fire, Liver Wood, Spleen Earth, Lung Metal, and Kidney Water—circulated endlessly. The Life Wheel in his wheel sea secret realm shone brilliantly, his bitter sea churned, his life spring gushed, and his divine bridge connected to the other shore.

Everything was ready.

Only that final step remained—breaking into the Four Extremities.

Lin Ye called up the attribute panel, his gaze falling on the level column:

[Level: 50 (Dao Palace Peak)]

[Breakthrough Conditions: 1. Level reached 50 (Completed); 2. Complete 'Four Extremities Heavenly Tribulation' trial (Not Completed)]

He moved his mind and chose to activate the Breakthrough mission.

[System Prompt: Detected that player has met the Breakthrough conditions. Do you wish to immediately accept the 'Four Extremities Heavenly Tribulation' trial mission? Please note that after accepting, there will be a ten-minute preparation time. Ten minutes later, regardless of where you are, the Heavenly Tribulation will descend on time.]

"Accept."

[Ding! Mission accepted successfully!]

[Mission Name: Four Extremities Heavenly Tribulation]

[Mission Type: Realm Breakthrough Trial]

[Mission Difficulty: Hell]

[Mission Description: Dao Palace Perfection, Four Extremities reaching the heavens. Cultivation is inherently going against the heavens. To break through to the Four Extremities Realm, one must pass the Heavenly Tribulation test, using lightning to temper the four limbs and connect with the four directions of heaven and earth.]

[Mission Goal: Survive the Four Extremities Heavenly Tribulation and successfully undergo tribulation.]

[Mission Reward: Realm upgraded to the first layer of the Four Extremities Realm (Level 51), all attributes +100%, unlock exclusive skill tree for the Four Extremities Realm, obtain Heavenly Tribulation Body Tempering effect (permanent increase in lightning resistance +20%).]

[Special Hint: The intensity of the Heavenly Tribulation is directly proportional to the player's potential, talent, and accumulation. The higher the potential, the stronger the tribulation. Upon detection, you possess the 'Chaos Heavenly Emperor Body' (a one-of-a-kind Physique throughout the ages), and the tribulation intensity will exceed standard limits. It is expected to trigger the 'Nine-Layered Thunder Tribulation' (Legendary difficulty).]

[Suggested Preparation: 1. Lightning-resistant Magic Treasure (at least Epic grade) 2. Recovery-type Medicinal Pill (large quantity) 3. Protector team (recommended not less than 50 people) 4. Tribulation site (abundant Spiritual Qi, open terrain)]

[Failure Penalty: Failure to undergo the tribulation will lead to character death (Level -10, all attributes permanently reduced by 30%, random drop of three pieces of equipment), and you will be unable to accept the Breakthrough mission again within three days.]

[Countdown: 09:59:58]

Nine-Layered Thunder Tribulation.

The Heavenly Tribulation that only those with the bearing of a Great Emperor would trigger.

Lin Ye had been mentally prepared, but seeing the clear System prompt still made his heart sink slightly. In his previous life, he had triggered the Six-Layered Thunder Tribulation during his Four Extremities Heavenly Tribulation, with fifty-four bolts of heavenly lightning, which had already nearly led to his death. The intensity of this life's tribulation was likely several times that of his previous one.

But the arrow was on the string; it had to be fired.

He got up and pushed open the door of the quiet room; several figures were already standing outside.

Su Qingyue, Shi Potian, Zhao Wuji, and Qin Ruoxue—the core members of the Heavenly Court were all present. Obviously, they had all received the System's suggested prompt regarding "Protectors" and knew that Lin Ye was to undergo the tribulation today.

"Boss, did you accept the mission?" Shi Potian asked immediately.

"Accepted," Lin Ye nodded. "Nine-Layered Thunder Tribulation, countdown nine hours and fifty-eight minutes."

Everyone gasped.

The Nine-Layered Thunder Tribulation—the name alone was enough to make one shudder.

"Report the preparation situation," Lin Ye looked at Zhao Wuji.

Zhao Wuji immediately opened his clipboard: "Regarding the lightning-resistant Magic Treasure, the Mysterious Thunder Heart-Protecting Shield has been fully reinforced. We embedded fifteen additional Ice Soul Crystals, increasing lightning damage reduction from 40% to 50%. Furthermore, according to the blueprints provided by Elder Su, the Artifact Refining Hall worked overnight to rush out thirty [Ice Thunder Array Flags]. We can set up the 'Ice Thunder Grand Array' in the tribulation area, weakening the power of the Heavenly Tribulation within the range by 10%."

"In terms of Medicinal Pill, all nine heaven-returning divine pills are ready. We have also prepared five hundred high-grade qi and blood pills and three hundred high-grade Divine Power pills as standard supplements. Considering that the Heavenly Tribulation might last a long time, we have also prepared fifty portions of [Bigu Pill], each of which can maintain twelve hours without hunger or thirst."

"Regarding the Protectors, Hall Master Shi has completed the defense drill for three hundred elites of the Azure Dragon Hall, divided into three rotating shifts to ensure there are no blind spots in the outer perimeter during the tribulation. Elder Su's Vermilion Bird Hall has mobilized one hundred ice-type mages to be responsible for controlling the Ice Thunder Grand Array. My Black Tortoise Hall has set up twelve watchtowers thirty miles outside the perimeter, equipped with detection Formations and warning Talismans."

"Regarding intelligence," Qin Ruoxue took over, "the spies of the Heavenly Secret Pavilion have been scattered to monitor the area within a hundred miles around the Meteorite Plain. Currently, three suspicious targets have been found: a team of about fifty loose players camping thirty miles northeast of the plain, with levels between 45-55, purpose unknown; two solo players watching on a hill twenty miles west of the plain, suspected to be spies from other forces; in addition, according to news from the Eternal Star Domain, the remnants of the Primordial Royal Court have been active frequently recently and may be holding a grudge over their previous defeat."

Lin Ye listened to the report, his brain running at high speed.

"Have you sent anyone to contact that loose player team?" he asked.

"Yes," Qin Ruoxue said. "The other party claims to be the 'Northern Domain Expedition Team', and they are here in the Meteorite Plain to find a rare Ore. We offered to compensate them to find another place, but their attitude was ambiguous, saying they needed time to consider."

"There's a problem," Lin Ye said decisively. "After the three major guilds withdrew, the Meteorite Plain has been effectively controlled by our Heavenly Court. Ordinary loose players wouldn't be so tactless as to intrude at this time. What about the two spies?"

"We recognize one of them; he is an intelligence operative from the 'All Under Heaven Society'. The other one is a stranger who used camouflage props, so we cannot determine his identity."

All Under Heaven Society... A cold glint flashed in Lin Ye's eyes. Although this old-school guild had retreated in the previous faction war, a centipede dies but never falls, and they were definitely still waiting for an opportunity to retaliate.

"As for the Primordial Royal Court," Qin Ruoxue continued, "they have been active frequently at the border of the Yan State recently, but there are no signs of large-scale assembly. I suspect they may not be planning a frontal attack, but rather want to cause trouble while you are undergoing the tribulation."

"Reasonable," Lin Ye nodded. "Pass down the order: First, issue an ultimatum to that loose player team; they must withdraw to fifty miles away within two hours, otherwise they will be considered hostile. Second, if those two spies are still within the alert range after the tribulation begins, take them down directly. Third, strengthen border monitoring; once people from the Primordial Royal Court cross the border, kill them without mercy."

"Yes!"

Everyone took the order.

"The location for the tribulation is finally determined at the Earth Vein Node of the Meteorite Plain." Lin Ye spread out the map and pointed to a mark. "The Spiritual Qi concentration here is five times that of the outside, and the terrain is flat, which is convenient for setting up Formations and protecting the Dharma. Brother Shi, divide your three hundred people into three teams and set up defenses three miles outside the node, with each team spaced at one hundred and twenty degrees to form a triangular defensive circle."

Shi Potian carefully examined the map: "Understood. One team each on the east, west, and north sides, and the south side is left as a retreat passage?"

"No," Lin Ye shook his head. "No retreat passage. Once the tribulation begins, I cannot move. Su Qingyue will personally guard the south side, and the one hundred ice-type mages of the Vermilion Bird Hall will cooperate with her to set up the 'Guanghan Ice Wall' as the final line of defense."

Su Qingyue nodded solemnly: "I will combine the Moon Palace Projection with the Ice Thunder Grand Array to form a dual defense on the south side."

"Zhao Wuji, your Black Tortoise Hall watchtowers must move forward, pushed to twenty miles from the tribulation point. All watchtowers are equipped with transmission Talismans. Once an anomaly is discovered, the intelligence must be transmitted to Shi Potian within three seconds."

"No problem, the transmission Formation has been tested, and the delay is within 2.5 seconds."

"Qin Ruoxue, the intelligence network of the Heavenly Secret Pavilion must be fully opened. Not just the surrounding area of the Meteorite Plain, but the entire Yan State, and even the neighboring Chu State and Qi State must be monitored. Any large-scale personnel movement must be reported immediately."

"It's already being done. Our intelligence stations in the three main cities have all entered a state of first-level alert."

Lin Ye looked at Chen Hao again: "What about your mech troops?"

Chen Hao stood at attention: "The chaos unit no. 1 has completed the final debugging. In addition, five simplified mechs have been urgently assembled. Although they only have the combat power of the early Four Extremities, they are enough as mobile firepower points. I plan to deploy the six mechs behind Hall Master Shi's defense line as a rapid reaction force."

"Very good," Lin Ye nodded with satisfaction. "Now, I need to check the tribulation Materials one last time."

Everyone moved to the warehouse area.

In a special warehouse, all items needed for the tribulation were neatly arranged by category.

First was the Magic Treasure area.

The most conspicuous was the [Mysterious Thunder Heart-Protecting Shield]. At this moment, it had taken on a new look. On the dark gold shield face, fifteen Ice Soul Crystals were embedded in the pattern of the big dipper, each crystal emitting a cold blue light. On the edge of the shield, newly carved Formation patterns spread like vines; these were the ancient ice-thunder runes provided by Su Qingyue, which could convert lightning damage into frost energy, further weakening the power.

Lin Ye reached out and grasped the shield; it felt cold and heavy. With a thought, a light blue film of light appeared on the surface of the shield, which was the sign that the Ice Soul Crystals were activated.

[Mysterious Thunder Heart-Protecting Shield (Epic · Reinforced)]

[Defense +3200 (+400), Block Rate +40% (+5%)]

[Thunder Tribulation Weakening Effect: 50% (+10%)]

[New Special Effect: Ice-Thunder Conversion — Converts 20% of received lightning attribute damage into frost energy, causing a range slow effect on surrounding enemies.]

The reinforced attributes made Lin Ye feel more at ease.

Next to the shield were thirty ice-blue array flags. Each flag was only the size of a palm, with complex thunder patterns and ice patterns embroidered on the flag face, and the flagpole was cast from cold iron, feeling cold to the touch.

[Ice Thunder Array Flags (Rare · Set)]

[Type: Formation Prop]

[Usage: Insert in specific positions to automatically form the 'Ice Thunder Grand Array']

[Formation Effect: Lightning attribute damage within the coverage area reduced by 10%, ice-type skill effects increased by 15%.]

[Duration: 12 hours]

[Usage Count: 3 / 3]

Thirty array flags were enough to cover the entire tribulation area.

Then came the Medicinal Pill area.

Nine jade bottles were neatly arranged, each containing a golden heaven-returning divine pill. Next to them were dozens of larger porcelain bottles containing high-grade qi and blood pills and high-grade Divine Power pills. On the very edge, there was also a sandalwood box, which, when opened, contained fifty brown Medicinal Pills the size of longans; these were the Bigu Pills.

Lin Ye picked up a bottle of heaven-returning divine pills and pulled out the stopper. A rich medicinal fragrance wafted out; just smelling it made him feel refreshed. He poured the pill into his palm; the cloud-like pill patterns on the surface of the pill seemed to be slowly circulating, containing vast life energy within.

[heaven-returning divine pill (Epic)]

[Effect: Restores 50% max qi and blood and Divine Power within 10 seconds after consumption, no usage interval limit.]

[Side effect: Continuous consumption may lead to meridian swelling and pain (Physique ≥ 1000 can ignore).]

[Refiner: Lin Ye]

Confirmed correct.

Finally, the Talisman area.

Thirty Ice Thunder Talismans were stacked neatly, and next to them were fifty [Diamond Body Protection Talismans (Fine)] and twenty [Swift Wind Talismans (Fine)] prepared additionally by Zhao Wuji. The Diamond Body Protection Talisman could temporarily increase defense, and the Swift Wind Talisman could increase movement speed; although they were not of much direct help to the tribulation, they might save his life at a critical moment.

Lin Ye put all these Materials into a special Storage Pouch. This Storage Pouch was refined by his own hands; its internal space was five times that of an ordinary Storage Pouch, and it was equipped with a time-dilation Formation, so the efficacy of the Medicinal Pills stored inside would only be lost at one-tenth the normal rate.

"All Materials are complete," he tightened the bag opening and looked at the crowd. "Let's set off now."

At the third quarter of the Chen hour, at the East Gate of Chaos Valley.

The three hundred elites of the Azure Dragon Hall had finished lining up. These players were all personally selected by Shi Potian, all level 45 or above, with melee classes accounting for 70%, and the rest being support and healers. They wore uniform standard armor, and the Heavenly Court's emblem was branded on the chest of the armor—nine divine dragons rising from a golden sun.

Shi Potian stood at the front of the team, holding the giant axe tempered by the energy of the flat peach. The axe blade flashed with cold light, and a few golden lines appeared on the axe body; this was the mutation that occurred after the Hegemon Blood fused with the flat peach energy.

"Brothers!" Shi Potian's voice was loud. "Today, our Valley Master is going to undergo the Four Extremities Heavenly Tribulation! Nine-Layered Thunder Tribulation, Hell difficulty! Our task is one—protect the Dharma! No matter if the ones coming are human or ghost, demon or devil, as long as they want to get close to the tribulation point, just hack them back for me! Do you hear me clearly!"

"Understood!" Three hundred people roared in unison, the sound shaking the valley.

Su Qingyue walked over from the other side with one hundred mages from the Vermilion Bird Hall. These mages were all ice-type specialists, with levels between 43-48. Each person held an ice crystal staff in their hand, which was mass-refined using Materials brought back by Su Qingyue from the Ice Secret Realm. Although they were only of Fine quality, their advantage lay in their unified attributes, which could cooperate to cast joint Spells.

"I have already taught you the arrangement of the eye of the Ice Thunder Grand Array." Su Qingyue's voice was cold and clear. "After the tribulation begins, listen to my orders and activate the array flags at the same time. Remember, while the Formation is active, your mana will be connected to the array flags; if one prospers, all prosper; if one is damaged, all suffer. Stay focused and don't get distracted."

"Yes, Elder Su!" the female mages replied in unison.

Zhao Wuji and Qin Ruoxue stood further back. Zhao Wuji was accompanied by twenty elites of the Black Tortoise Hall, each carrying a large box containing portable components of the watchtowers and the core components of the communication Formation. Behind Qin Ruoxue were ten intelligence personnel of the Heavenly Secret Pavilion; they had put on various disguises and were ready to disperse in all directions.

Chen Hao's mech troops appeared last.

The chaos unit no. 1 walked with heavy steps, its ten-meter-high steel body glowing with metallic luster in the morning light. The mech's shoulders were loaded with two spiritual power cannons, its arms were sharp alloy blades, and there was a pair of foldable metal wings on its back; although it could not fly for a long time, it could glide and jump for short distances.

The five simplified mechs following the unit no. 1 were only about six meters high, and their weapon configuration was much simpler, with only one main cannon and a pair of mechanical arms. But the five mechs formed a Formation, and their firepower could not be underestimated.

"Everyone, set off!"

At Lin Ye's order, the team set out.

The team of over four hundred people left Chaos Valley and headed for the Meteorite Plain in the southwest. Players encountered along the way looked over one after another, and some who recognized the Heavenly Court emblem whispered immediately:

"Look, it's the people from the Heavenly Court!"

"Such a big battle, are they going to fight?"

"I heard their Valley Master is going to undergo the Four Extremities Heavenly Tribulation today, the Nine-Layered Thunder Tribulation!"

"Nine-Layered?! My god, isn't that the legendary bearing of a Great Emperor?"

"Hurry up and follow to see! This kind of scene might only happen once in a lifetime!"

Many loose players spontaneously followed behind the team, wanting to witness this tribulation that might go down in game history. The Heavenly Court's guard team did not drive them away; as long as they kept a safe distance, they did not mind people watching the ceremony—in a sense, this was also an opportunity to show the strength of the Heavenly Court.

The team moved very fast.

Two hours later, the outline of the Meteorite Plain appeared on the horizon.

It was a vast and boundless flat land, with traces of the last battle still remaining on the ground: scorched earth, broken armor, broken weapons. But deep in the plain, there was an area that was lush with greenery and vegetation; that was the result of the Spiritual Qi overflowing from the Earth Vein Node.

"That's it," Lin Ye pointed to the green space.

The team accelerated.

When they arrived at the Earth Vein Node, it was already noon.

The Spiritual Qi concentration here is truly astonishing. Lin Ye took a deep breath, feeling that every breath inhaled pure Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi. The Chaos Divine Power within his body circulated automatically, nearly 30% faster than when he was in Chaos Valley.

“Begin the setup,” he ordered.

Shi Potian immediately directed the three hundred members of the Azure Dragon Hall to disperse, establishing a defensive line three miles away in the east, west, and north directions. They retrieved the pre-prepared Formation Plates and Formation Flags from their Storage Pouches and began setting up defensive Formations. These Formations were all purchased by Zhao Wuji from the auction house at a high price; although they were only of rare quality, their advantage lay in their quantity, allowing them to stack and take effect.

Su Qingyue led the mages of the Vermilion Bird Hall to set up the Ice Thunder Grand Array within a thirty-zhang radius around the Earth Vein node. One hundred mages were divided into ten groups, with each group responsible for the insertion and activation of three Formation Flags. Their techniques were skillful, clearly the result of many drills.

Lin Ye himself arrived at the very center of the Earth Vein node.

Here, there was a natural spiritual spring. The spring eye was only the size of a bowl, but the gushing spring water contained pure water-attribute Spiritual Qi. Around the spring grew seven peculiar trees, arranged in the big dipper Formation, with patterns of the big dipper naturally formed on their trunks.

“Seven-Star Spirit Gathering Trees...” Lin Ye recognized this rare spirit wood. “No wonder the Spiritual Qi here is so dense. With these seven trees here, I won't have to worry about Spiritual Qi replenishment during the tribulation.”

He sat cross-legged beside the spring eye and began to adjust his state.

Zhao Wuji walked over and handed him a list: “Boss, all sentry towers have been deployed, and the communication Formation has been tested and is normal. Additionally, that team calling themselves the ‘Northern Domain Expedition Team’ evacuated before the two-hour ultimatum deadline, but they left very quickly, almost running. I feel that's not normal.”

“Continue to monitor their movements.” Lin Ye took the list and glanced at it. “What about the other directions?”

“Those two scouts are still there. The one from the All Under Heaven Society retreated to a small hill twenty-five miles away after we set up our defenses and is watching with a long-range vision Spell. The other mysterious scout... disappeared.”

“Disappeared?”

“Yes. Within fifteen minutes of us arriving at the plain, he suddenly vanished from our surveillance. He didn't leave; he just disappeared into thin air, without leaving a trace.” Zhao Wuji's expression was grave. “Either he used a very high-grade stealth or teleportation item, or... his strength far exceeds our estimates.”

Lin Ye was silent for a moment. “Strengthen the alert. Also, don't let Chen Hao's mecha unit be fully exposed. Keep two simplified mechas on standby in a concealed location as a hidden card.”

“Understood.”

Qin Ruoxue also walked over, holding an intelligence scroll. “Lin Ye, just received news. On the Primordial Royal Court side, the Blood Prince came online half an hour ago, and as soon as he came online, he gathered fifty elites, all level 55 or above. Their movements are unknown, but according to intelligence, after they left their stronghold, they were heading toward the Yan State.”

The Blood Prince... That Primordial Royal Court leader whom Lin Ye had defeated at Purple Mountain. Level 58, Bloodline of the Blood Clan, possessing powerful skills like [Blood Sea Towering to the Sky]. If he came to take revenge while Lin Ye was undergoing the tribulation, it would indeed be trouble.

“Can you determine their specific location?” Lin Ye asked.

“No. After they left the stronghold, they used a group stealth item, and our scouts lost them. But according to their estimated speed, if their target is indeed here, they will arrive in three hours at the earliest.”

Three hours... By then, the tribulation should have already begun.

“Understood.” Lin Ye nodded. “You all prepare to respond. If the Blood Prince truly dares to come, then make sure he has no way back.”

Qin Ruoxue and Zhao Wuji withdrew.

Lin Ye closed his eyes and adjusted his breathing again.

Time ticked away second by second.

The Ice Thunder Grand Array was completed, and all thirty Formation Flags were activated. With the Earth Vein node as the center, a pale blue light barrier appeared within a thirty-zhang radius. The temperature inside the barrier dropped sharply, and fine ice crystals condensed in the air, with tiny electric snakes swimming on the surface of the ice crystals.

The defensive Formations of the Azure Dragon Hall were also activated one after another. In the east, west, and north directions, three light curtains of different colors rose up, with runes flowing on the curtains, forming a triple barrier.

Chen Hao's mecha unit: the chaos unit no. 1 sat behind the northern defensive line, three simplified mechas were deployed in the east, west, and north directions, and the remaining two were hidden in the gullies at the edge of the plain, in a powered-down standby state.

Su Qingyue stood on the south side, with a phalanx of one hundred ice-attribute mages behind her. She held a brand new staff in her hand—it was forged from the [Ten Thousand Year Ice Crystal Core] brought back from the Ice Secret Realm. The tip of the staff was inlaid with a fist-sized ice-blue gemstone, inside which a full moon seemed to be sealed.

[Guanghan Staff (Epic)]

[Spirit +350, Ice-attribute skill effect +45%]

[Special Effect 1: Moon Essence Infusion — Passively increases the casting speed of all ice-attribute skills by 20%.]

[Special Effect 2: Ice Soul Embrace — After active activation, the next three ice-attribute skills do not require chanting and are released instantly. Cooldown: 1 hour.]

[Special Effect 3: Guanghan Domain Enhancement — When using the Moon Palace Projection Domain, the range is expanded by 20%, and the effect is increased by 15%.]

This was the exclusive weapon Su Qingyue had crafted for herself for today's protection mission.

Shi Potian finished patrolling the three defensive lines and returned to Lin Ye's side. “Boss, all defensive lines are in position. The three hundred brothers are all pumped up; I guarantee not even a fly will fly in!”

Lin Ye opened his eyes and checked the System time.

Countdown: 00:58:32.

Less than an hour left.

“Brother Shi, after the tribulation begins, all my energy will be focused on resisting the Heavenly Tribulation, and I won't be able to spare any attention to command,” Lin Ye said solemnly. “The outer defensive lines are entirely entrusted to you. Remember, no matter what happens, your primary task is to ensure the tribulation is not interrupted. If the enemy is too strong, don't fight them head-on; use delaying tactics until I finish the tribulation.”

“Understood!” Shi Potian thumped his chest. “Boss, rest assured and undergo the tribulation; leave the matters outside to me!”

Lin Ye nodded and looked at Su Qingyue not far away.

Their eyes met, and Su Qingyue nodded slightly, her ice-blue eyes full of determination.

Everything was ready.

Lin Ye closed his eyes again, his mind sinking into his body.

He began to circulate the Chaos Scripture, mobilizing all the Chaos Divine Power in his body. Gray air currents surged out from the Wheel Sea, flowed along the Meridians, and finally gathered in his limbs.

The Four Extremities Secret Realm Cultivates the four limbs, connecting to the four directions of Heaven and Earth.

The left arm corresponds to the Azure Dragon of the East, belonging to Wood, governing vitality.

The right arm corresponds to the White Tiger of the West, belonging to Metal, governing slaughter.

The left leg corresponds to the Black Tortoise of the North, belonging to Water, governing defense.

The right leg corresponds to the Vermilion Bird of the South, belonging to Fire, governing offense.

When the Four Extremities are at Perfection, the limbs connect to the Heaven and Earth, and every move can trigger the power of the four directions.

Lin Ye could feel his limbs undergoing subtle changes. His bones became tougher, his muscles became more solid, and faint Chaos patterns appeared on his skin. That was the Chaos Heavenly Emperor Body adapting to the impending Breakthrough.

Time continued to pass.

Countdown: 00:30:00.

Above the plain, the originally clear sky began to change.

Wisps of black clouds gathered from all directions. At first, they were just thin wisps of clouds, but soon they became thick and dense. The clouds hung low, as if they were about to press down on the ground, and lightning flickered faintly within the clouds, emitting a low rumble.

That was not ordinary thunder.

The sound contained a certain majesty of the will of Heaven and Earth, as if declaring: Those who defy Heaven shall be punished by Heaven.

Everyone on the plain felt that sense of oppression.

The players of the Azure Dragon Hall gripped their weapons tightly, cold sweat seeping from their foreheads. For many of them, it was their first time feeling the might of a Heavenly Tribulation at such close range. That feeling of the entire world being against you made people instinctively fearful.

“Steady!” Shi Potian's loud voice sounded everywhere. “Stand firm! The Heavenly Tribulation belongs to the Sect Leader, not you! Your task is to watch the outside!”

His words were like a shot of adrenaline, stabilizing the somewhat restless defensive line.

Countdown: 00:15:00.

The black clouds had completely obscured the sky, and the plain fell into darkness. Only the pale blue light barrier of the Ice Thunder Grand Array and the colorful light curtains of the defensive Formations provided some light in the darkness.

The lightning in the clouds became increasingly dense, turning from sporadic flickers at the beginning into a surging sea of thunder. The color of the thunder also gradually changed from ordinary silver-white to include gold, purple, and even... black.

Nine-Layered Thunder Tribulation, one layer, one color.

First layer silver-white, second layer golden-yellow, third layer crimson, fourth layer indigo, fifth layer deep purple, sixth layer jet black, seventh layer Chaos, eighth layer seven-colored, ninth layer... formless and colorless, yet containing all colors.

And now, one could already see at least six colors of lightning intertwining in the clouds.

“Six colors... no, seven colors!” Qin Ruoxue observed the clouds through a long-range vision Spell, her voice trembling slightly. “The seventh-layer Chaos Thunder has appeared. Although it's still faint, it's definitely there!”

This meant that the tribulation Lin Ye had triggered was at least a Seven-Layered Thunder Tribulation.

And in the deepest part of the clouds, there seemed to be even more terrifying energy brewing.

Countdown: 00:05:00.

Lin Ye opened his eyes.

His pupils had completely turned into the color of Chaos; his left eye was gray, and his right eye was mysterious yellow, as if two miniature Universes were rotating. He slowly stood up. The Profound Thunder Heart-Protecting Shield automatically flew to his left hand, and the myriad things mother qi cauldron embryo hovered above his head, dripping down streams of mysterious yellow qi.

With a flip of his right hand, three Ice Thunder Talismans were already clamped between his fingers.

“It's here.”

He whispered to himself.

Countdown: 00:00:03. 00:00:02. 00:00:01.

[Four Extremities Heavenly Tribulation, Start!]

Boom!!! A bucket-thick silver-white lightning bolt tore through the black clouds and struck down at Lin Ye!

First Layer of the Thunder Tribulation, first Heavenly Thunder!

Lin Ye did not dodge or evade, raising the Profound Thunder Heart-Protecting Shield high with his left hand.

The Ice Soul Crystals on the surface of the shield lit up simultaneously, and a pale blue light membrane met the lightning.

The loud noise shook the plain.

The lightning collided with the ice-blue light membrane, exploding with dazzling light. After the light dissipated, Lin Ye stood firmly in place. The frost on the shield had thickened, but he himself was unscathed.

The first Heavenly Thunder was easily received.

But this was just the beginning.

The clouds surged, and the second and third silver-white lightning bolts struck down one after another!

Lin Ye still resisted with the shield. The Lightning Tribulation weakening effect of the Profound Thunder Heart-Protecting Shield was fully utilized; 50% damage reduction, plus the 20% from the Ice Thunder conversion, meant the actual lightning power received was only 30% of the original.

After the three Heavenly Thunders, a tiny crack appeared on the surface of the shield, but it was quickly frozen and repaired by the cold air of the Ice Soul Crystals.

“First layer of the thunder tribulation, nine bolts in total.” Lin Ye counted silently in his heart. “Next is the second layer...”

The color of the clouds began to change.

Golden lightning began to mix into the silver-white lightning.

The second layer of the thunder tribulation was twice as powerful as the first, and it also had a “break evil” effect, dealing extra damage to Demonic Path and Evil Path techniques. Fortunately, Lin Ye's Chaos Power was upright and peaceful, impartial, and not restrained.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

Golden lightning fell like rain.

Lin Ye no longer relied solely on defense. He pinched a Spell with his right hand, and the myriad things mother qi cauldron embryo flew into mid-air, spinning, spraying Chaos Qi from the cauldron mouth to collide with the golden lightning.

Chaos Qi encompasses everything; as soon as the golden lightning touched it, it was decomposed, transformed, and absorbed. Although it couldn't be completely neutralized, it was at least weakened by 30%.

The remaining lightning fell on Lin Ye and was resisted by him with his Chaos Divine Power.

Chaos patterns appeared on his skin. The lightning struck the patterns, splashing tiny electric sparks, but it couldn't truly harm his Physical Body.

This was the might of the Chaos Heavenly Emperor Body—impervious to all laws, indestructible through all kalpas.

Of course, the premise was that the tribulation could not exceed his tolerance limit.

The second layer of the thunder tribulation was passed safely.

The third layer of crimson thunder tribulation arrived.

This layer of lightning contained a “burning” effect. If it hit, it would leave fire poison in the body, continuously burning Qi and blood. Lin Ye had been prepared; before the lightning arrived, he swallowed a high-grade qi and blood pill and activated an Ice Thunder Talisman.

An ice frost shield formed on his body surface, colliding with the crimson lightning, making a hissing evaporation sound.

The confrontation between ice and fire ended with the ice frost shield shattering and the power of the lightning greatly reduced. The remaining tribulation power was suppressed and refined by Lin Ye with his Chaos Divine Power.

Third layer, passed.

The fourth layer, indigo thunder tribulation, with “paralysis” effect.

The fifth layer, deep purple thunder tribulation, with “corrosion” effect.

The sixth layer, jet black thunder tribulation, with “curse” effect.

Each layer was stronger and more dangerous than the last.

Lin Ye's methods were endless: shield blocking, cauldron embryo suppression, Talisman neutralization, Medicinal Pill recovery, and even physical resistance, using lightning to temper his limbs.

When the last jet-black lightning bolt of the sixth layer of the thunder tribulation dissipated, an hour and a half had passed.

Lin Ye panted heavily, kneeling on one knee.

His clothes were tattered, revealing his lean upper body, which was covered in charred marks, with some places having torn skin and flesh, dripping with blood. But if you looked closely, those wounds were healing at a speed visible to the naked eye, and the newborn skin was tougher, with a faint Chaos luster flowing.

Six layers of thunder tribulation, fifty-four Heavenly Thunders.

He had carried through it.

But the hardest part was still to come.

Deep in the clouds, Chaos-colored lightning began to condense.

The seventh layer of the thunder tribulation, Chaos thunder tribulation.

This layer of lightning was of the same Origin as Lin Ye, both being Chaos attribute. This meant that conventional defensive methods were greatly reduced in effect because Chaos Power could erode and assimilate most energy.

Moreover, the Chaos thunder tribulation had an “assimilation” effect—once hit, the energy in the body might be assimilated by the lightning, leading to a regression in cultivation or even damage to the Foundation.

Lin Ye took a deep breath and recalled the myriad things mother qi cauldron embryo.

The small cauldron hovered above his head, and the mysterious yellow qi hanging down formed a barrier. This was an Innate object; although it was only an embryo, it had a natural resistance to Chaos Power.

At the same time, he held the Profound Thunder Heart-Protecting Shield in his left hand, pinched a Spell with his right hand, and fully expanded his Chaos Domain.

Within a thirty-zhang radius, gray Chaos Qi permeated, completely covering the Earth Vein node. Within the Domain, the enemy's attributes would be reduced by 30%, while Lin Ye's own attributes would be increased by 20%.

This was his home field.

Boom—!

The first Chaos lightning bolt fell.

The lightning was gray and misty, like a mass of Chaos fog, but it contained destructive energy inside. It was silent, yet more dangerous than any previous lightning bolt.

The lightning struck the Chaos Domain.

The Domain vibrated violently, and the Chaos Qi at the edge began to dissipate. But at the core of the Domain, where Lin Ye was, the Chaos Qi became even denser.

He was using his own Chaos Dao to confront the Heavenly Dao's Chaos Thunder.

This was a collision of Dao and Dao.

It was not a competition of power, but a confrontation of Origin.

Lin Ye gritted his teeth and persisted, the Chaos Heavenly Emperor Body fully operating, the life spring in the Wheel Sea spinning crazily, providing a continuous stream of power.

The first Chaos lightning bolt lasted for three breaths in the Domain before finally dissipating.

Lin Ye let out a muffled groan, a trace of blood spilling from the corner of his mouth.

The Domain was weakened by one-tenth.

And there were eight more such lightning bolts.

He looked at the clouds.

The Chaos lightning was condensing the second bolt.

And in the deepest part of the clouds, seven-colored light had already begun to flicker.

The eighth layer of the thunder tribulation was also brewing.

Further away, on the northern horizon of the plain, a black team suddenly appeared.

The Blood Prince had come after all.