## Chapter 357: Fourth-Order Demon King
“The Essence Soul Great Pill has formed!”
On Purple Mist Peak, two True Monarchs observed the giant rat demon roaring amidst the grey tribulation clouds, sensing the immense earth煞 (evil) spiritual pressure of their same level.
“This rat completed the most critical transformation of taking form in just a few days?”
Cloud Mist True Monarch’s pupils contracted slightly, his expression moved.
For a beast to become a fourth-order Demon King, the first two stages were actually more difficult than for human cultivators.
Purple Mist True Monarch had been observing for many days and was not surprised by this outcome.
However, the Earth Rock Rat’s ferocious momentum in taking form, steady and controllable, was extraordinary.
She secretly speculated that perhaps this rat demon had extraordinary fortune, or perhaps Elder Xiang had concealed some key item.
The latter possibility was more likely, but also understandable.
After the Essence Soul Great Pill formed.
The Earth Rock Rat’s life level essentially stepped into the fourth order, its vital energy, spirit, and soul all boiling and leaping.
Zi zi!
The grey tribulation clouds in the sky were rapidly brewing heavenly thunder, targeting the Earth Rock Rat.
Countless fine arcs of blue lightning surrounded the rolling tribulation clouds, continuously converging and merging, forming thunder the thickness of a human arm, radiating a chilling celestial might.
“Form Taking Thunder.”
Lu Chang An, who was protecting from a distance, felt a weight on his heart and soul. He dared not approach or assist.
If outsiders interfered with the tribulation, it would attract a stronger backlash from the heavenly tribulation upon themselves.
“The thunder tribulation faced by a great demon is indeed much more ferocious than ours, human cultivators.”
Cloud Mist True Monarch gazed at the blue thunder that continued to grow on the tribulation cloud, exceeding the thickness of a human thigh.
The mortality rate of this thunder tribulation was higher for beasts than for human cultivators.
According to historical records, certain great demons from the sea had infiltrated the human world, secretly learning the art of refining to increase their means of resisting thunder.
However, doing so had its advantages and disadvantages.
Great demons had powerful physiques and even heavier煞 (evil) energy. If they experienced the baptism of heavenly thunder, it would promote their physical bloodlines, increasing their foundation.
…
Approximately half a cup of tea’s time.
Boom!
The first heavenly thunder struck down from the tribulation cloud, the dazzling blue light splitting the cloudy, dark sky.
The giant rock rat, several feet tall, had already retracted its Essence Soul Great Pill, its body bursting with earth-yellow crystal light, forming a solid pillar of demon energy to directly confront the heavenly thunder.
Crack!
The crystal pillar of demon energy shattered instantly. The thick blue heavenly thunder transformed into dozens of lightning serpents, enveloping the area where the Earth Rock Rat stood.
In an instant, the huge pit where the Earth Rock Rat stood was charred black.
The Earth Rock Rat’s protective demon energy dissipated, its orange-yellow fur bristled, leaving a dozen scorches.
“Although it’s only skin damage, the subsequent thunderbolts will continuously increase and explode in power.”
Lu Chang An paid attention to the tribulation clouds in the sky, the lightning flashes surging, menacing.
Soon, the second, even more solid, thunderbolt arrived, its power increased by 50%!
The Earth Rock Rat showed a hint of fear, using its magic to create multiple layers of thick crystal walls stacked on top of its head.
Boom!
The several-feet thick crystal walls were pierced, the Earth Rock Rat’s body swayed, nearly falling over.
The Earth Rock Rat’s gaze remained firm, its internal demon energy churning violently, becoming even more condensed.
Though it had not suffered serious injuries, it took out a medicine bottle and swallowed a healing sacred pill to confront the even stronger third thunderbolt.
The third thunderbolt arrived, its power again increasing by 50%, enough to make even a Nascent Soul initial cultivator retreat three steps.
The Earth Rock Rat petrified its entire body, covering itself with thick stone armor, in addition to a solid stone wall.
In a flash, the petrified scales shattered, vanishing into smoke.
The Earth Rock Rat rolled, its body charred black, convulsing, blood spilling from its mouth.
“It’s not lightly injured. Why doesn’t it use a tribulation artifact?”
Purple Mist True Monarch’s brows furrowed slightly, perplexed.
Certainly, the physical body would benefit more from being cleansed by the heavenly thunder during the advancement to Demon King.
However, if the injury was too severe, weakening the will, then the subsequent stronger thunder tribulation and mental tribulation would be difficult to overcome.
The tribulation was a protracted battle, requiring more stamina and willpower to be used for the later stages.
Until the fourth heavenly tribulation, the Earth Rock Rat still did not use a tribulation artifact. It immediately vomited blood, already severely injured, nearly fainting.
“No need to resist further.”
Lu Chang An’s expression remained calm, conveying his words from a distance.
The Earth Rock Rat nodded, spitting out a silver-white treasure pearl, which floated above its head in mid-air.
Boom!
The fifth thunderbolt, like a raging thunder python, amidst the flashes of lightning and storms, slammed down.
This blow surpassed the scope of a Nascent Soul initial cultivator.
Buzz!
The silver-white lightning dispelling pearl emitted a translucent ripple force field. When the fifth thunderbolt struck down, its light weakened slightly and there was a faint tendency to split.
The Earth Rock Rat suddenly stood up, its arms crossed above its head, forming a large arc-shaped stone shield, its body again condensing stone skin armor.
The weakened thunderbolt easily pierced the stone shield, leaving cracks on the stone skin armor.
A stray arc of electricity made the Earth Rock Rat grunt, drenched in cold sweat, but it had barely endured it.
After the impact of lightning, the silver-white lightning dispelling pearl was stained with a hint of blue electric纹 (pattern).
“Leaving the lightning dispelling pearl for the final two thunderbolts, for maximum effect?”
Purple Mist True Monarch’s expression showed doubt, she did not expect the Earth Rock Rat to be so daring.
The lightning dispelling pearl was a consumable item, the more it was used, the weaker its quality and effect would be.
The beast tribulation was stronger, if it were used from start to finish, there was a possibility of it being destroyed. Even if it could last until the next time, it would need to be repaired, with its efficacy reduced.
The Earth Rock Rat did this to allow its physical body to receive more cleansing, while also leaving more reserves for its master to use in future tribulations.
Boom!
Finally, the sixth and final thunderbolt struck down, like a world-destroying thunder dragon, making the surrounding hundreds of miles fluctuate between light and darkness.
The Earth Rock Rat’s expression was solemn. Besides the lightning dispelling pearl, it also summoned several magic artifacts that helped resist the thunder tribulation, though they were not of high grade, there were many.
In the end, layer after layer of defenses were broken, several magic artifacts were destroyed, and the Earth Rock Rat, its body charred black, collapsed in the deep pit.
Whew!
The tribulation clouds in the sky began to retract their lightning, dimming.
“The Form Taking Thunder, it survived?”
Cloud Mist True Monarch’s gaze flickered, carefully observing and investigating.
Under the influence of the tribulation, his divine sense was limited, making it difficult to see clearly.
But the Earth Rock Rat, which was lying collapsed in the pit, was stubbornly sitting up, its dissipating demon energy recondensing, becoming even thicker.
It was clear that the Earth Rock Rat had survived the Form Taking Thunder tribulation.
“This rat’s injuries recover quickly, I wonder what healing sacred medicine it took.”
Purple Mist True Monarch saw a few clues.
The merit of the lightning dispelling pearl was one aspect.
As early as the fourth heavenly tribulation, the Earth Rock Rat had already sustained serious injuries. After that, it endured two even stronger tribulations, and yet it was not in mortal danger.
The Earth Rock Rat, which had sat up, swallowed two more pills, taking advantage of the time to heal.
In fact, its internal injuries were not as severe as the outside world imagined.
Back then, Lu Chang An had obtained healing sacred pills from the spoils of war taken from Tian Luo Old Ancestor.
To increase the margin of error, Lu Chang An had used the sealing secret techniques he had researched to inject the Everlasting Green secret technique into the healing sacred pills, sacrificing a year of lifespan.
The effect of the Everlasting Green secret technique would still dissipate by half, but the Earth Rock Rat had sealed it beforehand in its belly. When activated at a crucial moment, combined with the sacred pill itself, the effect was quite remarkable.
This was also why the Earth Rock Rat did not use the lightning dispelling pearl in the first four heavenly tribulations, not worrying about excessive injuries.
…
“【Lightning Dispelling Pearl】? Is it the one traded from Yu Yuan Jin?”
Cloud Mist True Monarch’s face remained impassive, inquiring to his partner.
The Earth Rock Rat’s ability to withstand the terrifying Form Taking Thunder tribulation, the refinement of its physical body, and the benefits it gained, the 【Lightning Dispelling Pearl】 was indispensable.
“Yes.”
Purple Mist True Monarch smiled faintly, praising:
“This 【Lightning Dispelling Pearl】 was originally an artifact Elder Xiang planned to use for his own tribulation when he formed his Nascent Soul. For his灵宠 (spirit beast) to endure the tribulation, he did not hesitate to use his own opportunity.”
She had not told Cloud Mist True Monarch this matter in detail back then.
Because, the admiration and adoration that Yu Yuan Jin, of the Great Jin royal family, had for Purple Mist True Monarch was no secret.
Cloud Mist True Monarch kept his distance from Yu Yuan Jin, not wanting his partner to have too much contact with him.
“Zi Yan, you are truly devoted to Elder Xiang.”
Under the twilight of the tribulation clouds, Cloud Mist True Monarch’s imposing face fluctuated between light and shadow.
Due to past events, Purple Mist True Monarch had been cold towards him, their relationship distant, residing on separate peaks, only maintaining a superficial relationship.
And now, she had gone to such lengths to help an outsider.
“Senior Brother! This junior only helped introduce Elder Xiang, a simple courtesy, nothing out of line.”
Purple Mist True Monarch sensed her partner’s displeasure and explained.
“Now it seems, this junior did not err. If the Earth Rock Rat can successfully take form, it will be of great benefit to the sect. Given Elder Xiang’s character, he will remember the favor of Cloud Mist Sect.”
Upon hearing this, Cloud Mist True Monarch was speechless, but a knot remained in his heart.
Humph!
At this moment, the black energy on the tribulation cloud thickened, swirling into an abyss-like vortex, its core pitch black, like a devil’s eye, gazing at the Earth Rock Rat.
“Mental Tribulation!”
The two Nascent Soul True Monarchs, as well as the high-level cultivators who were paying close attention to the mountain gate, felt a tightening in their hearts.
Three years ago, Cloud Clear True Monarch had failed at this stage.
The mental tribulation was unpredictable and dangerous, beyond comprehension. Even the most top-tier geniuses in the world couldn’t guarantee a 100% chance of success.
Lu Chang An took a deep breath. He was confident in the Earth Rock Rat for the first two stages, but the last one was uncertain.
The abyss-like devil’s eye tribulation cloud twisted and churned, emitting a mysterious, palpitating aura.
Whew!
A mist of ominous grey darkness descended, emitting strange fluctuations of various negative auras, accompanied by the eerie sound of ghosts crying and wolves howling, swallowing the Earth Rock Rat’s figure.
The mental tribulation was invisible from the outside.
But within the mental world, it could be a vast ocean of time, nine rebirths, a world collapsing…
“Zi Yan, do you think this rat has any chance of surviving the mental tribulation?”
After a long silence, Cloud Mist True Monarch spoke, breaking the silence.
“For a great demon to endure tribulation, as long as it passes the first two stages, the final mental tribulation is slightly easier than for us human cultivators. That Earth Rock Rat has a firm will, coupled with the ‘Clear Mind Pill’, it should have a 50% chance of success.”
Purple Mist True Monarch pondered, analyzing.
In this final step, the Earth Rock Rat actually had a higher chance of success than Cloud Clear back then.
“Clear Mind Pill? This is a fourth-order sacred pill that helps maintain one’s Dao heart. You actually dared to give a reserve treasure of the sect to an outsider?”
Cloud Mist True Monarch’s tone was displeased with anger.
His partner’s coldness and indifference towards him, coupled with her favor and care for an outsider, this stark contrast angered him.
“It wasn’t a free gift. This junior merely granted it the privilege to exchange.”
Purple Mist True Monarch sighed softly, explaining.
“Elder Xiang has been in the sect for decades, low-key and diligent, not vying for power or profit, not interested in women. He once helped Hao without compensation, customizing a top-quality third-order puppet for him.”
“For such a talented and dedicated结丹 (Formation Pill) cultivator, this junior shows favor and wins his heart, what’s wrong with that?”
“The Earth Rock Rat’s attempt to take form, reaching this stage, is proof.”
Purple Mist Fairy argued her case, unusually forceful, refusing to concede.
Cloud Mist True Monarch was taken aback, not angry but smiling: “You can be certain that that rat demon can survive the final mental tribulation?”
Purple Mist Fairy pursed her lips, even though the beast mental tribulation was easier, it was still unpredictable and dangerous.
“Even if that rat demon miraculously succeeds. Elder Xiang’s true nature, his true face, whether he will be grateful to you, is all unknown.”
Cloud Mist True Monarch, being much older than Purple Mist, knew that the human heart was unpredictable, and he understood human nature better.
Elder Xiang’s current low-key diligence was probably built on the gap in strength and status.
“This junior believes in my own judgment.”
Purple Mist True Monarch’s tone was decisive, it was the confidence and intuition accumulated from years of observation of the details of Elder Xiang’s conduct.
Cloud Mist True Monarch snorted, no longer arguing, the future would prove everything.
…
At the tribulation location.
Lu Chang An was responsible for protection, focusing on the Earth Rock Rat’s Form Taking Tribulation, not paying attention to the argument between the two True Monarchs.
Several hours later.
The grey darkness enveloping the Earth Rock Rat suddenly dissipated, the eerie, alien sound of the mental tribulation ceased.
Simultaneously with the dissipation of the mental tribulation mist.
The grey-black tribulation clouds in the sky, the tribulation energy receded like a tide.
As if after a rain, the grey-black tribulation clouds burst into five-colored auspicious light, forming a vast expanse of auspicious clouds.
The inaudible sound of the Dao reverberated from the rotating colorful auspicious clouds, descending with the invisible fluctuations of Dao韵 (resonance).
The Earth Rock Rat opened its dark red eyes.
After a brief moment of surviving the tribulation, it showed an enlightened expression, then closed its eyes and meditated, accepting the Dao’s gift of the Form Taking Tribulation.
In the charred pit.
The several-feet tall rat demon shed its tattered, black shell, its body shrinking significantly.
Eventually, it condensed into a streamlined, muscular physique, with dark rock-colored fur, standing only a man’s height, a sturdy rat demon. The fur on its head was dotted with a strand of purple-gold.
Overall, it looked dignified and noble.
Though not yet transformed into a human form, its sitting posture and demeanor, at a glance, resembled a semi-rat human.
Its seemingly small body, with each breath, was as heavy as a mountain, making everything still. The earth煞 (evil) spiritual pressure of a fourth-order beast was born in this world.
“Form Taking Demon King!”
At this moment, the many结丹 (Formation Pill) cultivators of Cloud Mist Sect who were watching were moved in their hearts. The terrifying demon energy they sensed was enough to rival the sect’s Nascent Soul True Monarchs.
The two True Monarchs on Purple Mist Peak were slightly shaken.
“Survived the mental tribulation, achieved fourth-order Demon King… It actually succeeded!”
Cloud Mist True Monarch stared blankly at the five-colored auspicious clouds in the sky, feeling unprepared.
Mainly, the Earth Rock Rat’s mental tribulation was quick, less than half a day.
Back then, Cloud Clear True Monarch had endured for a day and a night, but ultimately perished.
“Senior Brother, don’t underestimate a rat demon. As long as one works hard and has a clear conscience, anything is possible.”
Purple Mist True Monarch smiled faintly, her mood buoyant.
The Earth Rock Rat’s advancement to the fourth order proved her choice and won her a victory.
Cloud Mist True Monarch’s face was alternating between light and darkness. The sect had a Form Taking Demon King, clearly a good thing, but he couldn’t be happy.
The Cloud Clear True Monarch he had meticulously cultivated had failed to form a Nascent Soul, while this rat demon, which he had not paid attention to, had actually successfully taken form in Cloud Mist Sect.
This huge psychological gap made Cloud Mist True Monarch deeply resentful, feeling that fate was unfair.
“Cloud Mist Sect’s fortune has risen, boosting that rat demon…”
Cloud Mist True Monarch looked at the increasingly thick fortune of the sect gate, his face resentful, his voice hoarsely muttering.
The sect’s collective fortune was good, but it couldn’t be controlled by humans, making it fall upon an individual.
Cloud Mist True Monarch judged that the Earth Rock Rat’s successful advancement had a degree of luck from the sect’s rising fortune.
…
The Earth Rock Rat’s advancement to fourth-order Demon King shook the entire Cloud Mist Sect mountain gate, many cultivators began to celebrate.
Near the giant black pit, Lu Chang An was still guarding.
The Earth Rock Rat had just undergone the tribulation, advancing to the Form Taking stage. It needed to digest the Dao’s insights and consolidate its realm. It was best to meditate for half a month.
Moments later, two familiar Nascent Soul遁光 (escape light), one in front of the other, arrived near the tribulation area, maintaining a distance.
“Congratulations to Elder Xiang’s spirit rat for achieving the fourth-order Demon King.”
The True Monarch couples of Cloud Mist Sect offered their congratulations.
Cloud Mist True Monarch smiled warmly, returning a slight bow, secretly observing the Form Taking rat demon behind Lu Chang An.
Purple Mist True Monarch’s eyes were filled with smiles, bright and radiant, she bowed gracefully.
The two Grand Elders, no longer the aloof figures they once were, now spoke and acted politely, with a sense of treating each other as equals.
Lu Chang An felt a lot of emotion in his heart. To receive such courtesy from two Nascent Soul True Monarchs was not because of his own talent, but because of the fourth-order rat king sitting quietly behind him.
After his own灵宠 (spirit beast) took a leap forward in its transformation, he, its master, had also risen with the tide.
“The two True Monarchs are too polite. This junior’s灵宠 (spirit beast) is fortunate today, thanks to the hospitality of your sect, receiving the benefit of the fourth-order spirit vein and the fortune of the mountain gate.”
Lu Chang An politely returned the greeting.
Hearing these words, Cloud Mist True Monarch’s sullen mood eased slightly.
At least, Xiang Da Long had a grateful heart, not losing himself in arrogance.
“Here, this junior expresses sincere gratitude to Senior Purple Mist. If it hadn’t been for Senior’s help and care, the little rat wouldn’t have achieved its current glory.”
“This favor, please accept this junior’s bow.”
Lu Chang An came before Purple Mist Fairy, his words sincere, he bowed deeply in gratitude.
This thanks was at least seven points genuine.
The Earth Rock Rat’s ability to use the fourth-order spirit vein was initially granted by Purple Mist True Monarch.
The lightning dispelling pearl, through Purple Mist True Monarch’s introduction, was traded from Yu Yuan Jin.
The Clear Mind Pill, although not actually used, was also granted by Purple Mist True Monarch, with the privilege of exchange.
Without this female True Monarch, the Earth Rock Rat’s preparation for taking form would not have been so smooth.
This favor, even if Lu Chang An knelt and prostrated himself at the foot of Purple Mist Fairy’s stone-like skirt, he would not hesitate for a moment.
“Elder Xiang is too polite, this junior’s actions are merely icing on the cake…”
Purple Mist Fairy smiled gently, lifting her skirt sleeve, supporting Lu Chang An, who was bowing deeply.
The joy and sense of accomplishment from deep within her heart made this beautiful and noble female True Monarch’s smile bright and vibrant, a stunning sight.
Cloud Mist True Monarch, standing beside her, felt that his partner was more beautiful than ever before. In the reflection of the setting sun’s afterglow, her rosy face seemed to shimmer with a layer of潮韵 (tide-like charm).
Lu Chang An didn’t expect that Purple Mist True Monarch would personally help him up.
The smooth, as-smooth-as-jade touch, accompanied by a fresh, elegant fragrance, was enough to make most men in the world lose their minds.
Cloud Mist True Monarch’s eyelids twitched, his smile stiffened, a gloomy look flashed across his eyes.
Although Lu Chang An didn’t see the subtle changes in Cloud Mist True Monarch’s expression, his back felt a sudden chill.
Cloud Mist True Monarch had always been wary of him, and now it seemed to be even worse.
Even if he did his best, even if he took the initiative to be friendly, it wouldn’t lessen Cloud Mist True Monarch’s prejudice.
Fortunately, after the Earth Rock Rat took form, Lu Chang An no longer needed to watch Cloud Mist True Monarch’s face.
His original plan was to befriend Purple Mist True Monarch, who was relatively weaker.
After they released their hands.
Lu Chang An met Purple Mist Fairy’s clear, violet eyes briefly. The latter still maintained her elegant and noble demeanor, a natural look.
Lu Chang An felt a sense of alarm: Purple Mist True Monarch, a Nascent Soul cultivator who had lived for hundreds of years, was not a naive fool, how could she not know that her subtle actions might intensify Cloud Mist True Monarch’s suspicion.
In a flash of inspiration, Lu Chang An understood Purple Mist True Monarch’s intention.
As the youngest and most talented Nascent Soul cultivator in Cloud Mist Sect, Purple Mist Fairy had been suppressed by her partner for too long, with little power in the sect.
Now, the Earth Rock Rat had taken form, a major turning point.
Purple Mist True Monarch’s casual gesture earlier had intensified her partner’s suspicion and hostility, preventing Lu Chang An from being pulled over to Cloud Mist True Monarch’s side, leaving him only to be loyal to her.
Lu Chang An chuckled bitterly, the Earth Rock Rat had just become a fourth-order Demon King, and it was already causing a shift in the situation for Cloud Mist Sect, this Nascent Soul sect with a legacy spanning thousands of years.
However, he still underestimated the influence of the Earth Rock Rat’s advancement to fourth-order Demon King.
The birth of a new Nascent Soul level, adding another figure to the pinnacle.
This would have an intangible impact on the vast Great Yu 국 (country) situation, even pushing the prelude of a turbulent era.
(End of chapter)
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