"So..."
Ji Wuhui sighed helplessly.
It was clear now that suppressing news about the Jade Nectar Dew would be nearly impossible.
His gaze shifted, falling upon the statues surrounding them. As if struck by inspiration, he stood silent for a mont, deep in thought. Slowly, a proud gleam appeared in his eyes.
"Even if the strongest in the land gather in Nine Stars City, they will abide by the laws I set!"
He spoke each word deliberately, his tone resolute.
"After all, I am no weaker than the emperors who ca before ! I am the emperor of the Heavenly Star Empire!"
His voice carried unwavering confidence, as though declaring his dominance to the heavens themselves.
Old Bai, observing from the side, smiled faintly.
How long had it been since Ji Wuhui radiated this fiery determination?
Having followed Ji Wuhui for decades, Old Bai had witnessed the transformation of a proud and reckless youth into a asured and wise ruler.
But today, that sa fiery spirit had returned, rging with the emperor's wisdom and resolve.
Suddenly, Old Bai looked upward, his expression solemn.
"They're here."
His voice was calm but carried a sense of gravity.
Ji Wuhui followed his gaze and murmured, "The Thunder Tribulation has arrived."
Thunder Tribulation—the trial that cultivators must face to ascend to a higher realm.
Not all breakthroughs triggered this event. Only those reaching the Pathseeker realm or higher would encounter the celestial challenge.
The intensity of a Thunder Tribulation varied based on the cultivator's strength. The higher their cultivation, the more powerful the trial. For demonic beasts, it was often even more dangerous than for human cultivators.
---
Outside the Imperial Tomb
Although evening had descended, the warm glow of the setting sun still lingered in the distant sky. Golden-orange light bathed the land, wrapping it in a tranquil, hazy veil.
But the peace was short-lived.
Dark clouds gathered suddenly, blotting out the remaining sunlight. The sky transford into an ominous, stormy canvas.
No wind stirred, yet thunder rolled through the heavens, reverberating like the roar of a celestial beast. Lightning snaked through the clouds, illuminating the sky in brief, blinding flashes.
In the Nine Stars Mountain Range, beasts cowered under the oppressive power radiating from above. Even the most ferocious predators dared not move, instinctively lowering themselves to the ground.
---
Nine Stars City
The vision in the sky had not gone unnoticed.
For the city's cultivators, the overwhelming pressure of the Thunder Tribulation was palpable.
Ordinary citizens felt nothing unusual, but those attuned to spiritual energies experienced a suffocating weight. The stronger the cultivator, the more pronounced the pressure.
"Why has the sky turned dark all of a sudden? Where did these clouds co from?"
"That's Thunder Tribulation! Soone's attempting a breakthrough nearby!"
"What imnse power... Judging by this aura, it's likely soone at the peak of the Pathseeker realm. They're on the verge of reaching ninth grade"
Countless cultivators turned their eyes skyward, each with their own thoughts.
---
At Drunken Moon Pavilion
Inside a private room, students from Soaring Cloud Academy watched the storm clouds with grave expressions.
Ying Wuji and Murong Haitang, two instructors at the academy, exchanged a glance before looking toward the distant sky.
"If they succeed in passing this Thunder Tribulation, another ninth grade Pathseeker will erge," Murong Haitang remarked, her tone tinged with awe.
"The tribulation's location isn't far from Nine Stars City," Ying Wuji noted flatly. "I'll go take a look."
Murong Haitang nodded. "I'll co with you. It might be one of the powerhouses who's recently arrived here."
She turned to address the students.
"As for you, stay here in Drunken Moon Pavilion. If I return to find anyone missing..."
Her eyes narrowed slightly, and her voice trailed off. The faint pressure she exuded was enough to send shivers through the group.
The students imdiately straightened, nodding fervently.
"Don't worry, Teacher Haitang! We won't leave, we promise!"
Jiang Wanshang, a disciplined and dependable student, stepped forward and added, "You can count on us, Teacher. We'll stay put."
Satisfied, Murong Haitang nodded before departing with Ying Wuji.
Once they were gone, the students collectively let out a sigh of relief.
Among the two instructors, Ying Wuji was known for his aloof indifference. Murong Haitang, on the other hand, was generally warm and approachable—but when she was angry, her punishnts were unforgettable.
Gu Yunxi grinned, nudging Jiang Wanshang. "Thanks, Wan Chang. If it weren't for you, who knows what else Teacher Haitang might've said?"
The other students nodded in agreent, their expressions still wary from the earlier confrontation.
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