Chapter 555: The Blood Lightning Tribulation, Witnessed Together

"This Nascent Soul lightning tribulation is at least forty percent stronger than normal. And that last bolt… it might even transform into Blood Lightning."

"Looks like Fourth Brother’s tribulation won’t be smooth."

Inside his cave, Wei Tu raised his head. Through layer upon layer of barriers, he stared at the thunderclouds roiling above.

Blood Lightning was a stronger form of ordinary tribulation lightning. Its power was often several times greater.

The Blood Lightning of the Nascent Soul tribulation was roughly equal to the full-force strike of a peak early Nascent Soul cultivator.

And this lightning could not be blocked with magic treasures—it could only be endured by the cultivator’s own body.

That was why Blood Lightning was seen in the cultivation world as Heaven’s punishment against demonic cultivators.

Even so, Wei Tu estimated that with Fu Zhizhou’s corpse-path body refinement, he could still withstand it. It just wouldn’t be easy.

"If Blood Lightning appears even in the Nascent Soul tribulation, then in the Divine Transformation tribulation, every bolt will probably be Blood Lightning."

"No wonder Ancestor Tianxie stalled for several thousand years, unwilling to break through to Divine Transformation."

Wei Tu’s eyes flickered thoughtfully.

When it came to walking the demonic path, Fu Zhizhou hadn’t gone all the way. Over ninety percent of the blood on his hands came from powerful demonic cultivators.

In other words, he hadn’t killed many. But in terms of quality, his kills were far above the average demonic cultivator.

So the only reason the tribulation was targeting him could be one thing—he had refined the Soul-Devouring Wood.

The lightning was not aimed at Fu Zhizhou personally, but at anyone who refined the Soul-Devouring Wood.

"Poison for the strong, a treasure for the weak."

Wei Tu commented inwardly.

He wasn’t pessimistic about Fu Zhizhou’s so-called "hopeless future." After all, being hopeless down the road still required having the strength to even walk that road.

The Soul-Devouring Wood might indeed trap Fu Zhizhou below Divine Transformation. But at least it gave him the chance to reach the doorstep and glimpse that realm.

That opportunity was something countless cultivators could only dream of.

…

Before Wei Tu and the cultivators of Five Elder Mountain, Fu Zhizhou finally soared out of his cave after nearly three years in seclusion and faced the lightning.

His appearance was very different from his cloaked and gloomy look of old.

Now he wore a black fitted combat outfit, holding a bright silver spear plastered with talismans. With his sharp features and hardened presence, he looked more like a worldly warrior than a soul-stealing demonic elder.

"Like brother, like brother!"

"This Fellow Daoist Fu’s strength really can’t be underestimated."

Outside the range of the lightning, the Second Mountain Lord and the Third, Fourth, and Fifth Mountain Lords of Five Elder Mountain stood together, observing Fu Zhizhou’s tribulation.

The Second Mountain Lord stroked the three-inch beard under his chin, smiling as he praised.

At first, he thought Fu Zhizhou would struggle to survive even the Opening Spirit trial.

Yet within a year, Fu Zhizhou had not only passed that stage, but now stood at the final lightning trial. And his strength after breaking through to Nascent Soul was far beyond expectation.

His aura wasn’t at the level of veteran Nascent Souls, but it was clearly more solid than that of newly advanced cultivators.

"These three ghosts of Kang Mountain Cave… none of them can be underestimated. I used to think Fu Zhizhou was the weakest. But now, it seems he may even surpass that Cao Mi."

The Third Mountain Lord nodded, speaking with a serious tone.

"Surpass her?"

At those words, the Second Mountain Lord smiled faintly, his face carrying a trace of meaning.

"Third Brother, Cao Mi’s realm is also on the verge of breaking through. In another one or two hundred years, she won’t be beneath you."

The Second Mountain Lord said it casually, as if offhand.

"What? Not beneath me?"

The Third Mountain Lord was startled, his disbelief plain.

His cultivation was at the peak of early Nascent Soul.

Though he had stalled there because advancing to mid-stage was so difficult… the thought of a "newcomer" catching up so quickly was hard for him to swallow.

"She chose the right leader."

The Second Mountain Lord spoke with quiet weight.

He didn’t know exactly why Cao Mi’s strength was rising so fast, or why she had been gathering fire-attribute materials through Five Elder Mountain. But putting pieces together, and recalling the Fireburn Sect Patriarch’s death…

He could roughly guess that Wei Tu had played a role in it.

But since Wei Tu was friend, not foe, he had no intention of exposing it.

Today, he was only reminding his brothers, so that because of his abdication they wouldn’t grow resentful toward the "ghosts of Kang Mountain Cave."

It was another precaution.

"Second Brother, I understand."

At his words, the Third Mountain Lord and the others immediately nodded in understanding.

…

Fu Zhizhou’s luck wasn’t great.

After he safely endured the earlier bolts of ordinary lightning, the final few suddenly transformed into Blood Lightning, crashing down from the heavens.

At that moment, every cultivator watching tensed up.

Even Wei Tu.

Though he knew Fu Zhizhou’s chances of surviving this Blood Lightning weren’t small, there was always the fear of ‘what if.’ If he failed to withstand it… he might not even have the chance to become a false Nascent Soul elder.

But in the next instant, when Wei Tu saw Fu Zhizhou’s move, the worry on his face melted into a faint smile.

"Three Corpses, emerge!"

With a sharp slap to his forehead, three identical refined corpses leapt out from Fu Zhizhou’s crown, rushing straight into the Blood Lightning.

Under the protection of the Heaven Corpse, Earth Corpse, and Human Corpse, the blood-red bolt—thick as an arm—was instantly weakened by more than half, leaving only enough force for Fu Zhizhou’s body to withstand.

A thunderclap boomed.

Charred black but still brimming with vitality, Fu Zhizhou plummeted from the sky and slammed into the ground.

"Congratulations, Fellow Daoist Fu, on stepping into the Nascent Soul realm…"

"Congratulations, Fellow Daoist Fu, you’ve succeeded in forming your Nascent Soul, from this day a true one of our ranks, unfallen for a thousand autumns."

The Second Mountain Lord and the others immediately flew over, hands clasped, offering their congratulations.

"Nascent Soul realm…"

Hearing those words, Fu Zhizhou, his body scorched black, went momentarily dazed.

What rose in his heart wasn’t joy, but memories of every hardship he had endured from mortal beginnings until now.

For the Dao, he abandoned his family.

For the Dao, he staked his life in the Demon Wolf Mountains, becoming a blade-for-hire where death was nearly certain.

For the Dao, he nearly perished on the righteous-demonic frontlines, almost possessed by the Old Freak Canglan.

The road had not been easy.

But now, with inferior spiritual roots, he had reached the Nascent Soul realm—a realm countless cultivators longed for.

"Many thanks, Third Brother, for your support."

Fu Zhizhou rose, bowing deeply toward Wei Tu.

He knew clearly—without Wei Tu, there would be no today for him.

Even though Wei Tu’s help had come with a price, such help was not something most Nascent Soul elders would offer lightly.

After all, few were foolish enough to make such a "profitless trade."

Repaying this debt was his duty, not an excuse to belittle Wei Tu’s kindness.

"Fourth Brother, no need for formality."

Wei Tu’s expression softened into relief as he waved a hand, signaling Fu Zhizhou to set courtesy aside.

Investment sometimes required calculating returns.

But sometimes, it was only about the person.

And Fu Zhizhou was without doubt the latter.

After centuries of brotherhood, calling them blood brothers was no exaggeration.

…

After some brief conversation, the Second Mountain Lord turned to discuss with Wei Tu how Fu Zhizhou should be treated from now on, and whether a "Nascent Soul Ceremony" should be held.

"Becoming the Eighth Mountain Lord is fine."

"But… as for the ceremony, it isn’t needed."

Fu Zhizhou shook his head, quietly sending his response to Wei Tu.

He wasn’t one who sought empty fame.

Besides, Yunyang Island wasn’t his "homeland." To make a name here brought him no sense of achievement.

"Very well." Wei Tu nodded, agreeing with Fu Zhizhou’s choice.

Though holding a ceremony carried no clear downside, and could bring him congratulatory gifts to expand his wealth, if Fu Zhizhou didn’t enjoy the spotlight, Wei Tu wouldn’t force it.

"If Fellow Daoist Fu dislikes it, then let the ceremony be skipped. We can simply gather together within the sect instead."

The Second Mountain Lord smiled gently, not displeased in the least.

In his view, a solitary temperament was often easier to deal with than most.

"In that case, I won’t intrude further on Fellow Daoist Fu and Fellow Daoist Fu’s brother here."

After chatting a while longer, the Second Mountain Lord rose with a courteous bow, ready to take his leave.

But just then…

Wei Tu reached out, stopping him.

"Fellow Daoist Fu, what do you mean by this?"

The Second Mountain Lord frowned slightly, puzzled.

He thought, ‘If you’re not in the same circle, forcing it only ruins things. Surely Wei Tu knows this.’

"Second Mountain Lord, I have something I’d like to entrust to you."

Wei Tu’s voice was calm and open.

"Oh? And what might that be?"

The Second Mountain Lord raised a brow, surprised. With Wei Tu’s realm and power, what could possibly require his help?

"Come with me… to meet someone."

Wei Tu smiled faintly as he spoke.

The person Wei Tu spoke of was none other than the Ninth Princess of the Donghua Demon Kingdom—Lüqiu Qingfeng—whom he had sent word to not long after arriving on Yunyang Island.

Recently, Lüqiu Qingfeng had finally replied, agreeing to meet him on the island. She expressed strong interest in working with him, but whether she would reward him with "Ancestral Blood" would depend on the results of their negotiation.

From her words, Wei Tu easily understood the hidden meaning: the amount of Ancestral Blood he could gain depended directly on the strength he could bring to the table.

In personal cultivation, Wei Tu could hardly break through again in such a short time. But in terms of group power, he still had plenty of room to grow.

The Righteous Society needed no mention.

Cao Mi and Fu Zhizhou would surely lend him support.

So besides them, the people worth winning over were none other than the Four Mountain Lords of Five Elder Mountain—especially the Second Mountain Lord, a strong mid-Nascent Soul cultivator.

"Meet who?"

The Second Mountain Lord grew cautious, unwilling to agree rashly.

He had passed on his position and the foundation of Five Elder Mountain to Wei Tu, but that didn’t mean he had become Wei Tu’s subordinate or lackey.

He sought peace and leisure, not to become someone’s dog.

"Second Mountain Lord, be at ease. I would never scheme against you. It’s only that the person we’ll meet has a sensitive identity and cannot be revealed beforehand."

"When you see them yourself, you’ll know who it is."

Wei Tu smiled faintly, keeping Lüqiu Qingfeng’s name to himself.

"Besides, if I truly wanted to deal with you, Second Mountain Lord… you wouldn’t be able to stop me."

With a sweep of his sleeve, Wei Tu laid the corpse of the Fireburn Sect’s old ancestor on the table.

"So it really was you…"

The Second Mountain Lord’s expression hardened, his gaze toward Wei Tu full of sharp vigilance.

Though he knew Wei Tu wouldn’t fight him openly within Five Elder Mountain, learning that someone by his side had the power to kill him left it impossible to feel at ease.

"Really?" Wei Tu raised a brow, realizing from those words that the Second Mountain Lord had already guessed he was behind the Fireburn Sect ancestor’s death.

He wasn’t surprised.

After all, they were peers in cultivation. It wasn’t difficult for the Second Mountain Lord to notice traces of what had happened.

The important part was keeping Yunyang Island’s cultivators in the dark. As long as they didn’t suspect him, it didn’t matter.

"Now, Second Mountain Lord, are you willing to come with me to meet this person?"

Wei Tu asked again.

"Of course, if you don’t wish to, then simply promise not to reveal today’s matter. I won’t repay kindness with betrayal."

With that, Wei Tu turned his palm, drawing out a Heaven’s Nether True Page, and sent it floating toward the Second Mountain Lord with his mana.

Such pages were rare treasures even within the Nascent Soul realm—though that was mainly for early Nascent Soul cultivators.

Years ago, when he had visited the Myriad Yin Sect, Lady Jin had gifted him several.

Seeing the True Page, the Second Mountain Lord let out a quiet sigh of relief. He understood now that Wei Tu spoke sincerely, not falsely.

"Will there be any benefit for me?"

The Second Mountain Lord asked after a pause.

With his experience, he could tell Wei Tu’s plan was something significant.

But he wasn’t afraid of that. His lifespan was already running short. Better to gamble than to fade away quietly in Five Elder Mountain.

What he feared was only one thing—that Wei Tu intended a trap.

Now, with the True Page as proof, that fear eased.

"As long as the meeting goes smoothly, there will be benefits."

Wei Tu answered without hesitation, firm and clear.

Ancestral Blood was the only resource he had found that could help him break through mid-stage Body Refinement fourth tier.

Even if Lüqiu Qingfeng promised nothing else, Wei Tu would make sure the Second Mountain Lord was compensated.

"Good! Then this old man will risk life and limb, and accompany Fellow Daoist Fu to meet this person…"

The Second Mountain Lord laughed and agreed.

…

According to her letter, Lüqiu Qingfeng would arrive on Yunyang Island in about two months to meet Wei Tu.

Wei Tu didn’t waste that time.

Together with Cao Mi, he went into Five Elder Mountain’s "Corpse Refining Cave." Deep within, they reforged the Yin-Yang Demon Corpse, strengthening the soul imprint upon it.

"Roughly twenty years more, and the Yin-Yang Demon Corpse will be fully nourished by the Myriad Spirits Corpse Fluid."

Wei Tu calculated after finishing the refinement.

"But with Sister Cao’s Profound Nether Yin Fire, it might go even faster."

He glanced at the ghostly blue flames in Cao Mi’s palm and nodded.

The Three Flames Fire-Control Technique was merely a fire-attribute cultivation method. It didn’t produce a true spirit flame.

So, when Cao Mi first began training, Wei Tu had passed her a seed of the Profound Nether Yin Fire he had obtained in earlier years.

This seed perfectly matched the yin-cold arts of Moon Condensation Palace that Cao Mi practiced.

Because of that, switching to the Three Flames Fire-Control Technique hadn’t harmed her foundation—in fact, it had only made her stronger.

Along the way, they also discovered that the Profound Nether Yin Fire greatly nourished the process of corpse refinement.

Thus, Wei Tu made that remark aloud.