Chapter 53: Aren't the heavens jealous?

The clouds started to moved in a swirling pattern, a huge pressure descended on the entirety of the seven great islands for a split second before vanishing into thin air.

Outside the dungeon, a few figures were gazing at the sky.

"Elder Xun, do you have any idea what's happening, why is there a sudden tribulation forming and why does it look so different from the normal ones." A disciple of the heavenly sword sect who was originally supposed to enter the abode after the key was aquired from the fourth floor asked an old man.

The old cultivator stood at the edge of the cliff, gazing into the distance with eyes that had seen centuries pass. His frame was tall and wiry, draped in simple yet elegant robes that had faded from vibrant colors to muted earth tones over the years. His hair, once black as a raven’s wing, was now a cascade of silver, flowing down to his waist and held back by a simple wooden pin.

His face was a map of deep lines and creases, each one a testament to the countless battles fought, the wisdom gained, and the sorrows endured. A long, white beard framed his weathered face, and his eyes, though clouded with age, still sparkled with a sharp, penetrating intelligence.

On his back, he carried a majestic jade sword trapped in it's purple sheath, intricately carved with ancient runes that seemed to pulse with a faint inner light. His left hand, adorned with several jade rings, rested calmly at his side, fingers occasionally tracing invisible patterns in the air.

Despite his advanced years, there was an undeniable aura of power surrounding him, a quiet strength that spoke of mastery over the elements and a deep connection to the Dao. Every movement he made was deliberate and graceful, each breath a measured and purposeful act. He was a living relic of a bygone era, a bridge between the ancient and the present, standing as a testament to the endless pursuit of enlightenment and the indomitable spirit of a true cultivator.

Elder Xun calmly replied "This time on the fourth floor of the sub realm dungeon, where the immortal abode had suddenly descended, some treasure is being born or revealed that can affect the heavenly Dao, this kind of tribulation is not for nascent soul instead it is the phenomenon similar to the one that takes place when a new treasure is born naturally or created.

And everyone fell into this situation unprepared, I wonder who will snatch this treasure, it might even be a sacred level treasure , in all 81 realms aside from that place, everywhere else this treasure is enough to cause a blood bath." His expression was extremely grave as he thought that the power balance in their 'Great Samsara world' is about to go an earth shattering change.

He sighed knowing full well what's going to happen next as looked at the faces of the experts from other powers.

But just as he was wondering about the steps they should take in order to ensure the safety of their sect a blinding golden light shot towards the dungeon but they couldn't do anything aside from watching as whatever happens, if someone disturbs the heavenly tribulation all they would face is the wrath of heaven as a tribulation will descend upon them as well, so no one dared to go near that pillar of light.

But one thing he became certain of was, that he has never heard of this happening anywhere or even read about it. This was completely new for him as well.

As he swiveled his around to examine the expressions of everyone present, he noticed that all of them were basically in the same situation as he was, he sighed in relief as information is power, he wouldn't want his heavenly sword sect to be in a disadvantageous position.

.............

In the immortal abode on the fourth floor, in the seclusion room of second trial.

The sky darkened as if heralding an event of cosmic significance. Ning Feng sat alone in the clearing, ranting about this and that but

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suddenly, the heavens opened, and a pillar of golden light descended, enveloping him in its radiant embrace.

The golden light shimmered and danced around him, each beam pulsating with ancient, boundless energy. Within this celestial column, the very air seemed to hum with the harmonies of the universe, resonating with the profound truths of the Dao. The intensity of the light grew, casting everything in a surreal, otherworldly glow.

Ning Feng's form began to shimmer, the boundary between his physical self and the ethereal energy surrounding him blurring. His mind, previously sharp and analytical, now opened like a lotus blooming in the dawn, each petal a new facet of understanding. He could feel the essence of the world flowing into him, filling him with insights that transcended mortal comprehension.

Time lost its meaning as he drifted deeper into this state of enlightenment. His consciousness expanded, embracing the intricate patterns of existence. The concept of duality faded; he became one with the light, the earth, and the vast cosmos. He could sense the Dao rings forming within him, spinning with the force of creation itself.

The golden light intensified, reaching a crescendo as Ning Feng's aura flared brightly, a testament to his newfound understanding. His body levitated slightly, suspended in the pillar of light, radiating an aura of serene power. His expression was tranquil, a soft smile playing on his lips, reflecting the boundless peace and clarity he now possessed.

Around him, the natural world seemed to respond, the leaves rustling in harmonious approval and the very earth beneath him vibrating with a subtle, joyous energy. The light began to recede, but its essence lingered, leaving Ning Feng standing transformed, his eyes now open and glistening with the profound wisdom of his enlightenment.

Seeing this the Holographic old man jumped in excitement making for an amusing scene of an old dwarf jumping around like an overly excited sprite.

"This...this truly is the blessing of the world, another ascender might be born, this is truly a joyous occasion, master is truly amazing could he gave known about it but thats not possible given the time frame and is this the reason that this abode has trvelling through 81 realms non stop.

I think he must have known the general direction he could work in given that he was greatest expert in the Dao of divination.

This is no heavenly punishment, this is no tribulation instead this is the gift of this realm to someone who can change the destiny of the living beings here."

He cackled like a maniac.

.......................

Meanwhile,

Ning Feng who was wondering what just happened suddenly felt his mind getting cleared.

His mind, once tethered to the concerns and distractions of everyday life, now soared freely through the vast expanse of the Dao. This enlightenment was not a sudden burst of knowledge but a gradual unfolding, like a flower blooming in slow motion, each petal revealing a deeper layer of truth.

Within this state, Ning Feng perceived the intricate web of energy that connected all things. He saw the flow of qi in the world around him, a dance of cosmic forces interweaving in perfect harmony. The barriers between his consciousness and the universe dissolved, and he felt himself becoming one with the primal energies that governed existence.

His senses heightened to an unimaginable degree. He could hear the whispers of the wind as it carried the secrets of distant mountains, feel the heartbeat of the earth beneath him, and sense the life force of every living being within miles. Time seemed to stretch and contract, each moment filled with eternity, yet passing in the blink of an eye.

In this profound state, concepts that once seemed complex and elusive now appeared clear and simple. The mysteries of cultivation, the paths to mastery over the elements, and the essence of life and death were laid bare before him. He understood the interconnectedness of all things, how every action created ripples that influenced the cosmos, and how balance and harmony were the keys to true power.

Emotionally, Ning Feng experienced a deep, abiding peace. The fears, doubts, and desires that had once plagued him faded away, replaced by a serene acceptance and clarity. He felt an overwhelming sense of compassion and empathy for all beings, recognizing the shared struggles and joys of existence.

As the golden light continued to infuse him with its celestial energy, Ning Feng embraced this enlightenment fully, allowing it to reshape his very essence. He knew that this moment was a turning point, a transformation that would guide him on his path to ultimate mastery and deeper understanding of the Dao.

He could feel it, the concept he thought would take him atleast a few years to take an initial step in, unfolding itself in front of him.

In the midst of his profound state of enlightenment, Ning Feng felt a subtle shift in the cosmic energies surrounding him. As the golden light continued to envelop him, he began to perceive the elusive concept of space in a new, deeper way. This realization was like a delicate whisper in the vast symphony of his expanding consciousness, hinting at secrets that lay just beyond the veil of his previous understanding.

The very fabric of reality seemed to ripple and bend around him.

The biggest hurdle in front of him was that of sensing space element but right now, he was suddenly grinning like an idiot.