I proved immortality through the imperial examination.

Chapter 164 Overcoming the Tribulation
Witnessing Zhou Ping's death firsthand, Xue Xiang felt his chest churning, his internal organs burning as if engulfed in flames, and his vital energy rushing back like a hundred rivers, almost tearing him apart.

He bit his tongue hard, the metallic sweetness filling his mouth, using the intense pain to quell the turmoil in his mind.

The smell of blood filled his mouth, but he stubbornly persisted.

Xue Xiang put the dragon-snake fruit into his mouth. Before long, surging energy burst forth from his dantian and flowed into his limbs and bones, making his flesh and bone marrow seem to burn.

"You damned scoundrel!"

Huang Feng gritted his teeth and cursed angrily.

This Dragon-Snake Fruit was the gift he received when he joined Xue Xiang's forces. It was a top-grade medicine for restoring vitality, but now Xue Xiang was using it to overcome his tribulation.

Xue Xiang's mind shifted, and in his mind, he seemed to be sitting on the summit of a snow-capped mountain.

That was the snow-capped peak he had climbed to the end, after enduring the vicissitudes of the world, tempering his mind, and refining his Dao heart, all in order to condense his literary energy into a divine weapon.

At this moment, he felt as if he had climbed the snow-capped peak again, and all he could see was the desolate ice and snow, and the world was as white as a sheet of paper.

In an instant, his mind became calm, and all the restlessness, struggle, and noise dissipated like a gentle breeze.

When the mind is stable, the energy will immediately return to the right path.

The five-colored lotus platform sank into his body, and the golden light around Xue Xiang's body slowly contracted, like the sun returning to its zenith—a sign that the foundation was about to be completed.

Outside the formation, the attack became increasingly urgent.

The eight scenic spots of the mountains and rivers shimmered with light, their illusory shadows trembling, finally revealing their impending collapse.

Countless magical forces bombarded the cave, causing it to tremble violently and sending fragments of stone falling from the walls.

Just as everyone was filled with ecstasy, the world suddenly changed color.

Thick layers of ink rolled in from all directions, stacked like mountains, pressing down on the peaks and causing them to rustle and murmur.

Thunder rumbled within, its roar like that of a dragon, startling the trees into bowing low.

The monsters lurking in the wilderness were startled and fled in panic, while the demonic birds flapped their wings and soared into the sky.

Boom!

The first bolt of lightning tore through the sky, and purple lightning, like a dragon, slashed down.

"Heavens...Heavenly Tribulation!"

The long-browed old man was horrified and speechless, his eyes filled with fear.

Everyone's expression changed drastically, and their scalps tingled with fear.

"Incredible! How could someone at the Foundation Establishment stage attract a heavenly tribulation!"

"I have searched through all the history books and never seen anything like it!"

"A peerless Dao Foundation... seizing all the world's creation, truly deserving divine punishment!"

A commotion erupted, and everyone frantically logged out.

With the calamity approaching, the fate of the traitor Han is already sealed. What good would it do to break through the protective formation again?
Moreover, once enveloped by the calamity's might, one will also become a person undergoing tribulation.

No one can afford to take such a risk.

King Chujiang's face was ashen, his eyes bloodshot. He stared intently at Xue Xiang, his heart filled with resentment and despair.

Once the heavenly tribulation strikes, this fiend will surely die, but its storage treasures will likely be difficult to preserve under the thunder and fire!

The clouds of calamity surged, and purple lightning flashed, growing ever more imposing.

"These tribulation clouds are so thick, even more terrifying than the tribulation clouds during the Nascent Soul stage..."

An elderly man in white robes murmured, his voice trembling slightly, "Thirty years ago, I served as a protector for Duke Zuo Xiang."

Even when he transformed into his nascent soul, the tribulation clouds were never so towering. Ultimately, Zuo Xiangong also failed to withstand the heavenly tribulation, and his transformation into his nascent soul was unsuccessful.

"Master Chen, do you mean there's absolutely no hope for this person?"

Some busybodies came up to ask more questions, their voices trembling.

"I see that the Eight Scenes of Mountains and Rivers formation he set up is quite powerful. Is it possible... to help him withstand the heavenly tribulation?"

The old man in white robes sneered, shook his head, and sighed, "A fool's dream."

That was a heavenly tribulation! Even the Eight Views Formation of Mountains and Rivers, seemingly impregnable, was ultimately a human construct and had absolutely no chance of withstanding the might of heaven.

Before the words were finished, the sky roared, and the clouds hung even lower, dark and oppressive like an iron curtain collapsing.

Lightning streaked through the clouds, illuminating the mountains in shifting light.

A fierce wind swept in from all directions, carrying a scorching atmosphere, causing the trees to bend low and the grass to lie flat on the ground.

Suddenly, someone's gaze sharpened, and they exclaimed in surprise, "Look quickly! The treasure he's displaying in front of him is the Yu Hui Yu Long!"

"Truly, the afterglow of the jade is hazy! This child probably foresaw that he might achieve an unparalleled foundation in the Dao, so he carried it with him in advance, in preparation for this moment."

The discussions were like waves, one after another.

However, someone quickly retorted coldly, "Although the Yu Hui Yu Long is an ancient treasure, didn't you see it? The light of that Yu Long is dim, clearly over-consumed. At most, it can only manifest the power of a poem."

"The power of poetry?"

The white-robed elder said, "Even if the literary energy transforms into a magnificent scene, it is only a temporary peak. How can it withstand the heavenly tribulation? It can only barely delay things for a moment."

"good."

King Chujiang shook his head, his gaze deep and unfathomable. He looked up at the churning sea of ​​clouds and said, "How long can the imagery manifested in poetry last? ... But the power of the heavenly tribulation will not dissipate in the time it takes to drink half a cup of tea."

With such a huge time gap between the two sides, how can he possibly sustain it?

"Hey, Mr. Wu, why are you frowning? What's troubling you?"

Wu Meng stared intently at Xue Xiang and said in a deep voice, "Han the traitor is no ordinary person."

When the Five Spirit Lands and the Innate Foundation Establishment Pill came together, he was probably already eyeing the Peerless Dao Foundation.

This is a man who plans carefully before acting; he must have done his homework thoroughly.

Everyone else doubted his chances of surviving the tribulation, but I did.

As soon as this statement came out, everyone was shocked.

"What nonsense!"

"What level of cultivation do you possess? How dare you utter such arrogant words?"

"What qualifications does a Foundation Establishment cultivator have to withstand the Heavenly Tribulation, with just a broken piece of the Jade of Afterglow?"

The mountains echoed, and thunder rumbled across the sky, as if trying to crush everyone's voices.

King Chujiang stopped everyone's attacks on Wumeng, saying, "Mr. Wu must give some evidence."

Wu Meng shook his head, his gaze still cold and stern. "I have no basis for this, but I always feel that this person has a backup plan."

Your Majesty, this place is a land of demons.

Once this fiend successfully transcends its tribulation, all impurities will be cleansed from the heavenly tribulation.

"With the loss of impurity, this place will surely be filled with pure literary energy. At that time, the situation will change drastically, and Your Majesty must be prepared."

Wei Ruyi sneered, the lightning making his face pale. "Let alone the fact that he has no chance of surviving the heavenly tribulation."

Even if the situation you mentioned happens, anyone can use refined literary energy, so what is he? This thief killed... me..."

The thought of Princess Yong's death caused Wei Ruyi unbearable pain in her chest.

He intended to take her body away, but it was firmly protected by the radiance of the protective jade pendant, and no one could touch it.

Resentment and jealousy surged within him; he gritted his teeth, his gaze fixed intently on Xue Xiang.

Before the discussion had subsided, another unexpected event occurred.

boom!
With a deafening roar, the might of the heavenly tribulation finally descended from the sky.

A purple arc of electricity, as thick as a bowl, tore through the sky, falling from the clouds of calamity and roaring in all directions.

The peaks roared, the valleys trembled, and even the air was scorched white and blinding.

Even before the electric arc reached the ground, the earth was already trembling violently under its pressure.

The invisible pressure was like divine punishment. The minds of cultivators below the Core Formation stage collapsed instantly, their knees buckled, and they knelt down on the spot, their faces pale.

Even a Core Formation cultivator felt their heart pounding and their breath being sucked away.

"What a terrifying divine power!"

"This is beyond human capability!"

Within the Eight Scenic Spots Formation, Xue Xiang's entire body seemed to be locked by invisible iron chains, making it difficult for him to move even a finger.

This is due to the restrictions imposed by Heaven and Earth as the foundation is about to be formed.

His blood vessels were on the verge of bursting, yet he still straightened his back, his mind still functioning.

As he focused his mind, the Yu Hui Yu Long hanging in front of him suddenly shone brightly, instantly transforming into surging golden literary energy that spread out like thick ink.

A surge of light erupted, and Xue Xiang's chest trembled violently. He suddenly opened his mouth and began to chant loudly.

"The tide follows the dark waves, the snow-capped mountains tilt, and fishing boats on distant shores fish for the bright moon."

The bridge faces the temple gate, the pine path is narrow, and the railing overlooks the spring, the stone waves are clear.

The green trees stretch far into the evening sky over the river, while the rosy clouds gather at dawn.

Looking out, clouds meet water on all sides, and snow-capped peaks dot the landscape, with countless seagulls drifting lightly by!

His voice was as loud as a bell, resounding through the heavens!
Every word uttered seemed to strike the heavens and earth, evoking countless resonances.

Boom boom boom!
As the poem was recited, golden and purple literary energy surged forth and merged into the void.

In an instant, a magnificent scene unfolded layer by layer above the mountains.
The snow-capped mountain collapsed, and the undercurrents surged, like a giant wave pouring down from the sky;

Fishing boats on distant shores, fishing rods dangling in the moonlight, remain steadfast amidst the surging thunder and sea;

The path is narrow with green pines, an ancient temple stands by the bridge, a spring gurgles and its clear waters are crystal clear, like a pure land;
The sky was ablaze with rosy light, the red clouds were intense, like the breaking of dawn, when all things came to life;
The horizon is lined with green trees, the river and sky are vast, and white gulls soar lightly over the snow-capped peaks...

In an instant, the imagery of literary spirit manifested was like a giant scroll unfolding across the heavens and the earth, stretching across the sky.

The vast expanse of the sky enveloped the surrounding area, interwoven layer upon layer, supporting Xue Xiang's head and forcefully blocking the first heavenly tribulation!
The purple thunder dragon roared and crashed down, striking the poetic landscape.

Thunder and fire clashed with the poetic realm, blasting the heavens and earth into darkness, and silencing the stars.

Lightning flashes, but the poetic scene lingers.

Countless cultivators from all directions looked up, their minds captivated by the magnificent imagery, and they dared not even breathe.

"Literary talent... can actually contend head-on with heavenly tribulation!"

"Is this the foundation for an unparalleled Dao, or the return of an ancient sage?"

Exclamations rose and fell, but all the sounds were eventually drowned out by the deafening roar.

Time passed slowly, and finally, the giant painting formed by the poetic imagery began to crumble.

That's all for now.

A voice rang out, and the immense oppressive force brought by the heavenly tribulation began to ease.

The crowd looked in the direction of the sound and saw a scholar in a green robe striding confidently across the sky.

Despite the immense power of this heavenly tribulation, he was able to move freely through the air.

His body was filled with surging literary energy, like a giant net that spread but did not collapse, and he actually withstood the pressure of the heavenly tribulation, while also protecting the three middle-aged Confucian scholars behind him.

Suddenly, someone in the crowd exclaimed in surprise, "Those are the Four Friends of Eastern Zhejiang!"

Following the direction of the gaze, four people slowly emerged from the mountain breeze. The leader, dressed in a green robe, had a face as smooth as jade and an air of scholarly refinement about him.

"Qian Qianshui...the Scholar-official!"

Someone recognized it and exclaimed in a low voice.

Qian Qianshui, a former scholar who had passed the imperial examinations, never took the exams again.

It is said that he was already qualified to become a Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations), but because his literary cultivation had reached the realm of poetry and prose, and he had come to understand the profound truth, he was unwilling to waste his time on the path of fame and fortune.

At this moment, his literary talent was displayed, and everyone felt as if ten thousand volumes of poetry were turning in the air, with flowing rhymes and layered images.

Such a level of skill caused many cultivators present to gasp in astonishment.

"Truly a dragon among men!" someone exclaimed.

The three friends of eastern Zhejiang stand side by side, like stars surrounding the moon, their presence imposing.

King Chujiang's face was deathly pale. He could no longer withstand the pressure of the heavenly tribulation. If it weren't for his attendants supporting him, he would have almost collapsed to his knees.

He stepped forward with his hands clasped and bowed, saying, "King Wei Zixi of Chujiang greets Lord Qian."

Qian Qianshui simply nodded, her expression arrogant, and then turned her gaze to the magnificent scene that Xue Xiang had manifested in the sky.

"This boy is quite talented, but even if he can hold on for a while, he will eventually be reduced to ashes."

His voice was cold and sarcastic, “As the sages said, the wise and the foolish, the wicked and the unworthy, each should be content with their place. Those with mediocre abilities yet presume to scheme and manipulate others, defying the will of Heaven, are surely asking for trouble.”

This statement immediately drew many echoes.

Some shook their heads and sighed, while others chuckled softly.

King Chujiang said, "What Lord Qian said is absolutely right. This villain will eventually be defeated."

Qian Qianshui ignored him and sat cross-legged with his eyes slightly closed.

A surge of literary energy emanated from his body, and in an instant, it transformed into a towering tree.

With its dense foliage and dragon-like roots, it stretched across the sky, blocking out all the invisible might of heaven.

In an instant, the oppressive force of the heavenly tribulation that had just made countless cultivators suffocate vanished under the shade of the big tree.

Everyone looked on with envy—it was as if divinely inspired that someone could cultivate their literary energy to such a level, even though they were both at the Core Formation stage.

In an instant, everyone bowed and expressed their gratitude.

"The arrival of the Heavenly Tribulation is both a danger and an opportunity. If you all cultivate literary energy, you can release it to comprehend the ultimate truths of heaven and earth."

Qian Qianshui spoke calmly.

"Thank you for your guidance, Mr. Qian!"

Immediately, some in the group followed suit. Before long, the spiritual energy in the arena rose up, some like long rivers, some like raging flames, intertwining and flowing, each capturing the mysteries of the heavenly tribulation.

At that very moment, the magnificent scene that Xue Xiang had created with his poem finally showed cracks under the bombardment of the heavenly tribulation, and its brilliance gradually faded, seemingly confirming Qian Qianshui's earlier cold words—it was bound to collapse.

Ten breaths later, the sky roared and thunder and fire crisscrossed.

The magnificent scene that Xue Xiang had created with poetic inspiration finally crumbled and shattered under the fierce bombardment of the heavenly tribulation.

The snow-capped mountains collapsed, the fishing boats were scattered, and the sunset glow, river trees, and green pines all turned to dust.

boom!
The purple thunder dragon tumbled and crashed down, its roar like the collapse of ten thousand mountains.

Lightning crackled into a waterfall, its violent force rushing straight towards Xue Xiang, intending to crush his flesh, soul, and literary energy completely.

In an instant, the mountains and rivers trembled, and all the cultivators held their breath.

Just when everyone thought everything was coming to an end, the scattered remnants of the poetic landscape suddenly gathered in the void.

The surging literary energy reversed course, like a galaxy flowing backward, with specks of light attracting each other and coalescing into another vast and wondrous phenomenon.
Gulls dot the landscape, their white wings fluttering above the snow-capped peaks, sometimes landing, sometimes rising...

Where water meets sky, clouds merge with river, and the view stretches to the horizon...

A fishing boat on a distant shore, a lone lamp illuminating the water as someone fishes, a bright moon hanging high in the sky...

A brand new epic painting of heaven and earth suddenly spans the nine heavens, with layers of poetic beauty, rising anew!

"How can it be!"

"A magnificent landscape, imbued with poetic beauty, can be reassembled after it has crumbled!"

The crowd erupted in uproar, utterly shocked.

Wei Ruyi's eyes were bloodshot as she exclaimed, "Unheard of! Poetic imagery manifests, scattered yet able to gather—Master Qian, have you ever seen this?"

Qian Qianshui's expression was solemn, her face as cold as ice.

Everyone looked at the other three friends, whose expressions were equally solemn, and they all shook their heads.

Immediately, discussions erupted.

"This is simply outrageous..."

"Such a literary wonder truly exists in this world..."

"If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I would never have believed it!"

Amidst the clamor, Wu Meng suddenly exclaimed, his voice drowning out all the noise, "Something's not right!"
If you think about it carefully, the magnificent scene before you is the same as the magnificent scene before you. The objects are unchanged, only the artistic conception has changed.

The problem lies within the poem itself!

At this point, he suddenly slapped his thigh and exclaimed, "I understand!"

Everyone was taken aback and asked in unison.

Wu Meng raised his head, his eyes gleaming. "Listen carefully to the poem that the traitor Han first recited," he said.

The tide surges with the dark waves, the snow-capped mountains seem to tilt, and fishing boats on distant shores cast their lines under the bright moon.

The bridge faces the temple gate, the pine path is narrow, and the railing overlooks the spring, the stone waves are clear.

The green trees stretch far into the evening sky over the river, while the rosy clouds gather at dawn.

Looking out, clouds meet water on all sides, and snow-capped peaks dot the landscape, with seagulls flying lightly among them!
Is that so?

Everyone nodded, but King Chujiang frowned and urged, "Speak quickly, don't try to be mysterious."

Wu Meng continued in a deep voice, "Listen again—"

A few gulls dot the snow-capped peaks, and the water meets the clouds, stretching far into the distance.

On a clear day, the morning glow is rosy, and in the evening sky, the river trees stretch out in a long, green expanse.

Clear waves ripple over the stone spring, a narrow path leads to the pine-lined gate and the temple across the bridge.

A bright moon shines on a distant fishing boat at the shore; snow-white waves crash against the mountainside, rising silently with the tide.

Qian Qianshui suddenly stood up, spun around on the spot, and said in a loud voice, "This poem can be read forwards or backwards and still form a complete poem."

Therefore, even when the poetic landscape collapses, it can still reunite, repeating itself endlessly.

Ordinary literary style is easily revealed, but poetic sentiment is fleeting and will eventually dissipate.

This person, however, defied the natural order with ingenuity, causing the literary style to circulate continuously.

The poems are exceptionally beautiful and unique, each with its own distinct imagery.

Thus, the literary energy is trapped in an endless cycle until its power is exhausted.

One poem, two scenes, repeating endlessly!
In an instant, the mountains and rivers fell silent, and all the cultivators stood there stunned, as if the heavenly tribulation had not fallen on Xue Xiang, but had swept away their hearts.

In today's world where Confucianism reigns supreme, everyone, regardless of their Confucian background, is familiar with the principles of literary cultivation. They are all too aware of the shocking implications of Qian Qianshui's words.

At this moment, everyone had only one thought in their minds: Could it be that this child is really going to successfully overcome the tribulation?

The palindrome poem, reconstituted into a colossal scene, rested above Xue Xiang's head, steadily catching the falling lightning.

A bolt of lightning struck, and the magnificent landscape crumbled layer by layer. Snow-capped mountains collapsed, fishing boats were shattered, and the sunset glow and river trees became mere shadows.

In an instant, the lingering light of literature gathered once more, and in the blink of an eye, a new scene rose from the ground, unfolding layer by layer like an endless scroll.

Everyone stared in disbelief, witnessing the clash between Shi Jing and Tian Jie, as if two laws of heaven and earth were intertwined, presenting a bizarre cycle.

After an unknown amount of time, the rumbling in the sky gradually weakened, and the dark, inky clouds of calamity showed signs of dissipating.

Meanwhile, the continuous bombardment of the heavenly tribulation is rapidly cleansing the foul air from this place.

Suddenly, a series of magnificent energies poured down from the depths of the tribulation clouds, like the Milky Way flowing backwards, rushing straight towards Xue Xiang.

Ten breaths later, a strange change suddenly occurred in the area of ​​thirty feet in radius centered on Xue Xiang, which was enveloped by the power of the calamity.

The scorched earth instantly turns green, tender shoots break through the soil, and the sound of their growth can be heard clearly.

The grass grew wildly, transforming into a lush green carpet in an instant; vines meandered upwards from the crevices of the rocks, their branches and leaves cascading like waterfalls.

Suddenly, Zhou Ping, who was not far away, was surrounded by auspicious light.

Her skin had a faint, radiant glow, like white jade illuminated by the morning sun.

The lifeless body seemed to be assimilated by heaven and earth at this moment, undulating slightly.

She lay quietly on the grass and flower shadows, as if breathing with the plants and sharing the vitality with the earth.

Qian Qianshui's gaze sharpened, and she asked in a deep voice, "What's the deal with this woman?"

Someone replied, "She was insulted by the traitor Han, and committed suicide by taking the Jueji Pill."

Qian Qianshui said coldly, "Once the Absolute Elixir enters the mouth, the vital energy is cut off, and the life force is also cut off."

The body does not decay after death, which is a method chosen by many high-ranking officials and nobles.

She's quite a strong-willed woman.

But the fact that she, clearly dead, exhibited such strange phenomena is truly perplexing.

Wang Xiaofeng, one of the Four Friends of Eastern Zhejiang, had extensive knowledge and said in a deep voice, "Although the Absolute Elixir severs the flow of qi and life, the demise is not instantaneous, but rather a slow erosion."

Now, this woman's vital energy is almost exhausted, yet she is also under the influence of calamity, so she is also considered to be one who is destined for calamity.

This person used poetry and prose to manifest literary talent and withstand the heavenly tribulation.

Now that the heavenly calamity is about to end, heavenly secrets will be revealed.

Wherever the calamity's power shrouds, all benefit.

Even beneath this burnt-out soil, the slightest bit of life has transformed into abundant greenery.

This woman's vitality was almost exhausted when she was suddenly blessed by the heavens, resulting in this strange phenomenon.

This is truly a rare and extraordinary event.

The crowd erupted in uproar.

Wei Ruyi pressed further, "So, could she be resurrected?"

Wang Xiaofeng's expression was complicated. "No one can say for sure. This is extremely rare."

King Chujiang interrupted coldly, "Gentlemen! There is no point in arguing now."

If this scoundrel can truly succeed in transcending the tribulation and establishing an unparalleled foundation for cultivation, do you all think he will forget the previous grudges?

Once he grows up, none of the people present here today can be guaranteed to be safe!
At that time, families will be destroyed and people will die in an instant!

These words were like a spark falling into dry tinder, instantly igniting the fear and hostility lurking in everyone's hearts.

Someone whispered a warning, "The heavenly tribulation is not over yet. If we rashly attack it, we may trigger the tribulation and bring about our own destruction."

King Chujiang sneered and turned his gaze to Qian Qianshui, "I request that you, Lord Qian, take command and oversee the overall situation."

Qian Qianshui opened her eyes, her expression calm, but her voice was like iron striking the ground, "To rid the world of evil, this old man has no fear."

…………

Although the area covered by the heavenly tribulation is considered the tribulation zone.
But the central figure it points to has never changed.

The surging power of the heavens poured into his body, tempering Xue Xiang's flesh and bones from the inside out.

At this moment, the heavenly tribulation was nearing its end, and all the heavenly and earth restrictions placed on Xue Xiang had dissipated.

Xue Xiang stood up, his body crackling with electric arcs, his skin gleaming with a metallic sheen.

At the same time, the peerless Dao foundation sank from the spiritual platform into the dantian, opening up the dantian palace.

The gushing spiritual energy gathered within, transforming into a clear stream, its powerful momentum far surpassing what it once was.

At this moment, Xue Xiang was in perfect harmony with nature, as if he were the model that God used when creating man.

Those who possess the Dao can see that this is a supreme state manifested when one's personal energy and the energy of heaven and earth are integrated.

Suddenly, a loud roar was heard, and the calamity clouds in the sky completely dispersed.

The foul air that had enveloped this place dissipated, and the vast sky revealed a rare, clear blue sky.

The foul air dissipated, and the literary air that had been entangled with it seemed to be released in an instant.

In an instant, countless golden, purple, and black symbols of spiritual energy floated between heaven and earth, flickering like fireflies, intertwining and rising and falling.

These refined literary qualities belong to no one, yet can be used by anyone.

Because of its clarity and purity, untainted by will, it can be moved at will;

Because of its clarity, it is difficult to integrate and cannot be refined for one's own use like a crystal core.

As soon as Xue Xiang moved, all eyes turned to him.

Outside the cave, the number of people gathered had tripled. The extraordinary phenomena in the heavens and earth were so magnificent that they naturally alarmed all directions.

"Lord Qian, gentlemen, this bandit's power is already secured. What should we do?"

King Chujiang shouted a question.

"Even the heavenly tribulation could not destroy him; this must be the will of Heaven."

Some people are disheartened.

Wei Ruyi flew into a rage, "You're so magnanimous! Do you think this scoundrel will forget the grudge we have today?"
With his unparalleled foundation established, his cultivation speed will surely advance by leaps and bounds.

This person can recite such beautiful verses that can be turned upside down into elegant prose. When he gains power in the future, who can control him?
"Don't be discouraged, everyone. Although he successfully transcended the tribulation, he has only reached the Foundation Establishment stage!"

Because of Zhou Ping, Wei Ruyi hated Xue Xiang to the core.

"Yeah, to be honest, he's just a Foundation Establishment cultivator in the early stage. I almost thought he had reached the Nascent Soul stage."

"Yes, if we don't destroy it now, when will we ever get another chance!"

"Those of you who come after me are probably unaware that this scoundrel has been scheming to harm people's families and plunder their treasures, and now he has even achieved an unparalleled foundation in Taoism. Shouldn't such a villain be executed?"

"They must be destroyed! If this scoundrel is not eliminated, where is justice?!"

Amidst the uproar, Qian Qianshui stepped forward, coldly staring at Xue Xiang, and said in a chilling voice, "The foundation of the Dao is a great instrument for the path to immortality, which cannot be undertaken by anyone but a kind and honest person."

As the book "Zhengyan" says, "Cultivate oneself, regulate one's family, govern the state, and bring peace to the world." If one's character is not upright, even if one has extraordinary talent, one will only be a scourge to the world.

Since you dare to steal other people's family members, your heart and actions are despicable. If you are allowed to grow up, you will surely bring disaster to the people.

However, Heaven cherishes life, and I do not wish to indiscriminately slaughter people.

Today, you swear a blood oath to draw a boundary here as a prison, and not to leave for three hundred years.

If one can remain steadfast for three hundred years, allowing one's character to be tempered and human desires to be extinguished, then it will not be too late to discuss the Great Dao.
If you do not comply, this will be your burial place.

After he finished speaking, the world fell silent, and even the sound of the wind seemed to pause for a moment.

A moment later, the group of cultivators erupted in uproar.

Someone nodded solemnly and whispered, "Qian Gong is indeed a true Confucian scholar. His words and deeds are in accordance with the sage's way. This move can not only resolve a great calamity but also preserve the virtue of cherishing life. It can be called benevolence and righteousness."

Some sneered, lowering their voices, "Benevolence and righteousness? It's clearly a disguised form of imprisonment. Three hundred years without being allowed to leave the mountain, how is that any different from execution!"

Some people secretly admired him, saying, "Qian Gong's words not only demonstrate great righteousness but also establish his authority... From today onwards, his reputation will surely rise to a new level."

Wei Ruyi's expression was icy as he cupped his hands and exclaimed, "Lord Qian's benevolence is truly a blessing for all the people!"

He knew in his heart that he could stay in the demonic land for ten days or half a month, but if he stayed too long, he would be corrupted by the foul air and turn into a demon.

Three hundred years? Even thirty days wouldn't be enough!

King Chujiang also chimed in, "I urge Lord Qian to subdue this scoundrel, and I am willing to take on the responsibility of guarding him."

He still longed for the treasure that Xue Xiang was carrying.

The crowd was in uproar, but Xue Xiang seemed oblivious.

He slowly walked out of the cave, came to Zhou Ping, bent down and picked her up.

She lay quietly in my arms, her skin as white as snow, her lips pale, yet her eyes still held a gentle light, as if she were merely asleep.

His long hair fell loosely, brushing against his arm and bringing a chilling sensation.

Xue Xiang gazed at her, his eyes filled with tenderness, as if he wanted to pour all the warmth in the world into that one look.

But deep in my heart, a surging, unquenchable sorrow welled up.

(End of this chapter)