Seated on a plush cushion in his quarters, Slifer took a moment to reflect. The journey back had not been a comfortable one for him. He had found himself constantly looking around and upwards, half expecting a disaster at every turn.

With my luck stat decreasing twice, it's a wonder the Heavens didn’t send a bolt down to finish me, he thought with a shudder. To his relief, the only real threats they encountered on their return were a few Core Formation beasts. But those were dispatched with ease by his disciples.

But with them around, at least I don’t need to worry about the minor nuisances.

Taking a deep breath, Slifer leaned back and considered the events of the past day. Ever since his return, his mind had been preoccupied with preparing for the breakthrough.

Cultivation... A path of defiance against the very heavens, he pondered. Every cultivator, in their bid to ascend to greater power, had to face a tribulation imposed by the heavens. This was their way of testing and challenging the audacity of mortals who dared to tread too close to godhood.

Breakthroughs below the immortal realm, he contemplated, are not created equal. His mind separated the tribulations into five distinct grades.

The first grade, he thought, The Azure Pinnacle Tribulation. A mental image of azure clouds gathered in his mind. These sky-blue formations indicated the arrival of a Grade 1 tribulation. The tribulation consisted of three lightning strikes, one following the other. The intensity of these strikes was determined by the level the cultivator was advancing to. In Slifer's case, it would be at the Foundation Establishment level.

His thoughts shifted to the next. Grade 2, a tribulation he was all too familiar with, was the Crimson Wave Tribulation. Contrary to its name, it wasn't a wave of water. Instead of successive strikes, five lightning bolts would come crashing down simultaneously, like a sudden tidal wave.

Surviving the Crimson means a touch of the heavens' own qi. Slifer remembered. Cultivators who endured this grade were rewarded. Merging with just a hint of that divine qi, their Foundation Establishment pillars became more fortified.

20 to 30% increase in qi quality and quantity...

The difference between the Azure and the Crimson could mean the difference between mediocrity and superiority.

Slifer sighed, the original had faced this very tribulation. Even among top sects where the Crimson was somewhat common, it was no mere spectacle. The intensity of the Grade 2 Origin Realm tribulation had nearly claimed the original's life.

The Grade 3 Tribulation, known as the Golden Crown Tribulation, was reserved for the true geniuses of the top sects. As the name suggested, a brilliant, mesmerizing gold would cover the skies, akin to a monarch's crown.

For this tribulation, nine lightning strikes would descend. It was as if the heavens gave a guided tour through the Foundation Establishment realm. The first three strikes, representing the Early stage, were challenging but not insurmountable. The middle trio, symbolizing the Mid stage, were potent and ferocious. But it was the final trinity, signifying the Late stage, that truly tested a cultivator’s mettle.

"Beyond the increase in qi quality and quantity, there’s the chance for enlightenment," he murmured aloud. This brief but profound moment allowed cultivators to either birth a brand-new technique or master an existing one. It was a coveted opportunity as entering the state of enlightenment naturally was almost impossible.

Caelum’s Shadowstep Slash... Slifer wondered, deep in thought. The memory was hazy, but he felt certain that his disciple had created his signature move during that brief moment.

His thoughts then shifted to Amelia. She, too, had undergone the tribulation, and he couldn’t help but wonder about the insights she might have gleaned. Unfortunately for him, the memories of the original Slifer were hazy, incomplete.

"Either the original didn’t bother to ask, or the memories were lost," Slifer sighed.

“Actually, given Amelia's nature,” he murmured, “it's best if I remain in the dark. With her tendencies, it’s likely some strange soul technique, and some things are better left undiscovered.”

"The Obsidian Monarch...” Slifer whispered as his thoughts turned to the fourth grade. The skies during such a tribulation would turn a deep, inky black, as if the heavens themselves were consumed by darkness.

Thirteen strikes, he thought, a knot of dread forming in his stomach. The initial nine mirrored the Golden Crown Tribulation, but it was the subsequent blows that were terrifying. “A blow from a Peak Foundation Establishment cultivator,” he whispered, trying to fathom its intensity. Yet, the ultimate test was the thirteenth strike, a blow powerful enough to have come from a Core Formation expert.

"How can the heavens expect a Foundation Establishment cultivator to bear such an onslaught?” He muttered, frustration evident in his voice. “Is it a trial or a death sentence?

His fingers tapped the armrest in contemplation. “But the reward...” he said, his voice trailing off.

"It includes the enlightenment of Grade 3 and something more," he whispered in awe. “A bloodline.”

Bits and pieces of memories floated to the surface of Slifer’s consciousness. Hughie, he thought. The young genius likely faced this tribulation, Slifer would need to subtly ask him later what bloodline he received. But there was another face intertwined with those memories, a face which left a bitter taste in his mouth – Tyrus.

Did Tyrus rely on insane luck, like Hughie? Slifer wondered. Or did he possess some other technique, some hidden strength that saw him through? If Tyrus had indeed faced and surpassed the Obsidian Monarch Tribulation, it meant he now had a bloodline. A bloodline that made him even more dangerous.

The significance wasn’t lost on Slifer. A cultivator's bloodline was the essence of their identity, an intrinsic power inherited from birth. "To acquire one..." he murmured, "only the Obsidian Monarch Tribulation can grant such a reward…and now the System."

Obviously, those that underwent a Grade 4 tribulation at the Foundation Establishment realm received a weaker bloodline than those encountering it at higher realms. Still, in the eyes of the sects, even the faintest of bloodlines was a treasure. They'd leverage such disciples, essentially transforming them into the founders of new, powerful clans.

"I mean, who wouldn't want to sire an entire clan?" Slifer thought out loud, an amused smirk on his face. "Being surrounded by ethereal beauties, a dream for any vir-”, he paused, chuckling, “...well, for someone like me."

But that dreamlike scenario had a dark flip side. The odds of survival for these tribulations, even for prodigious talents, were abysmally low. The mere notion of facing such dire odds, especially with his recent stroke of misfortune, made Slifer's skin glisten with nervous sweat.

The perks of higher-grade tribulations – bloodlines, constitutions, enhanced spiritual roots – they all paled in comparison to the threat of obliteration. "With the System by my side, I could buy those blessings, can't I?” he whispered, trying to reassure himself. “And if I consider their actual value... it's a bargain."

Drawing a deep breath, Slifer tried to center himself. Hughie's extraordinary luck should balance out my misfortune. He tried to convince himself of the likelihood of facing a more manageable tribulation, perhaps Grade 2 or even Grade 3.

A thought suddenly struck him. "If only I could get my disciples to bear the brunt of the tribulation for me," he said, a hint of mischief in his voice. "Imagine Val and the others fending off a Grade 4 tribulation. I'd simply reap the rewards." But he quickly sobered up. The memories of the original Slifer warned against such folly. Interference in another's tribulation wasn't just discouraged; it was catastrophic.

Interfering with another's tribulation invites one's own, he shuddered at the thought.

"I don't even want to imagine what a protagonist's tribulation would be like.”

Slifer's mind drifted to the Celestial Prism Tribulation, the highest grade. He almost scoffed, it wasn’t worth even considering. It was a legend, an enigma; its trials and tribulations remained shrouded in mystery.

"I don't even know why it's considered part of the grades," Slifer mumbled, "The original has never met anyone who has witnessed it. I doubt even the Elders of ancient sects have any reliable records of it."

Regardless, anything related to the Heavens can go so wrong, he thought, rubbing his temples. It's always best to be as prepared as possible. And for Slifer, preparation translated to ensuring that he had enough credits on hand. He needed to be in a position to instantly buy a card if the situation called for it.

Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.

However, the system's generosity in providing karmic credits lately was suspicious.

It's too quiet... Too... generous. Something is amiss.

He felt the weight of impending doom, though, thankfully, it wasn't a heart attack. Slifer chuckled to himself. Can cultivators even die from heart issues? He pondered for a moment before grinning wryly. Although, given what I've read, dying by furiously coughing up blood seems to be all the rage.

His thoughts then drifted to Amelia. When she had mentioned her new healing technique, an idea had taken root in his mind and he had immediately sent her back, If she refines that technique, perhaps I can harness its potential through my mirror skill, he thought. A righteous healing technique without any need for conversion? That's savings right there.

He nodded to himself, a plan forming. The side benefit?

Perhaps some time in the medicine hall will tone down Amelia's... aggressiveness. Slifer chuckled at the notion. The girl had a fire in her, but sometimes, even fires needed to be controlled.

If all goes well, I'll have a new technique and a less volatile disciple.

Ding! Your Disciple Hughie Has Completed A Task Reward: 50 Karmic Credits.

Good timing, Slifer nodded. He should be back soon.

While waiting for Hughie's arrival, a thought popped up. "System, when can I view my own stats?"

The System Is Currently At Version 1 Upgrade To Version 2 To Access Additional Features

Raising an eyebrow, Slifer contemplated. Interesting, an upgradeable System. Just how OP can this thing become?

Keen on pursuing this line of thought, he asked, "How do I upgrade you?"

Requirements For Upgrade: 1. Kill a demonic cultivator. Status: Complete. 2. Convert at least one demonic cultivator to the righteous path. Status: Incomplete. 3. Upgrade Disciple Management Function. This will occur when all disciples achieve a breakthrough to the next major realm - Status: 0/4 Complete.

"Sounds reasonable enough."

All my disciples are exceptional in their own rights. Their breakthroughs shouldn’t take too long. Slifer rubbed his chin thoughtfully. But breaking through to the Nascent Soul realm from Peak Core Formation... even for prodigies like them, it can take decades.

He sighed. "Time isn't on my side. I need to speed things up. The faster they achieve their breakthroughs, the sooner I can upgrade."

Looking at the second requirement, he smirked. Converting a demonic cultivator to the righteous path... Well, I've got that covered. It's only a matter of time.

Status!

Name Slifer Race Human Alignment Demonic Cultivation Qi Refining – 9th Stage Lifespan Remaining 45 Days Karmic Credits 1300 Skills Insight (Basic) Items Reversal Cards x2, Peak Slifer Card x2, Critical Block Card, Whimsical Wind Card Abilities Mirror Mastery: Level 1 Techniques Sunrise Slash: Level 2 Weapon Mastery Sword: 1%

Slifer's eyes darted over his stats, noting the healthy number of credits he had accumulated. Having all four disciples working in tandem is a real game changer.

He had previously compiled a list of beneficial cards to potentially utilize during the tribulation.

Critical Heal Card Cost: 100 Karmic Credits Description: Heals 30% of wounds instantly

This could be crucial, especially if I face a Grade 3 tribulation, Slifer thought.

Thunder's Ward Card Cost: 500 Karmic Credits Description: Grants 30% Resistance to lightning for 1 minute

Considering the essence of the tribulations, this card seemed invaluable.

Critical Block Card Cost: 900 Karmic Credits Description: Protects User From A Critical strike

I won’t have the luxury to gamble in the heat of tribulation. I already have one but it couldn’t hurt to have another.

Impeccable Card Cost: 1200 Karmic Credits Description: Provides 10 Seconds Of Absolute Damage immunity

Ten seconds of damage immunity. That could make or break the tribulation.

Still, there's no urgency to buy now, he thought, trying to curb his enthusiasm. Maybe, with Hughie around, I won't even have to spend these credits.

The reason he hadn’t picked up the Heaven’s Shield card to balance out his luck stat wasn’t out of negligence. Even with normal luck, if I face an insurmountable tribulation... Better to save and strategize, he mused, relying on Hughie's luck to shield him.

His thoughts were suddenly interrupted by a familiar voice. "Master, you called for me?" Hughie hesitated at the entrance of Slifer's chamber.

It’s time.

Slifer exited his quarters to find Hughie standing nervously. Slifer could sense the confusion emanating from the young man.

Clearing his throat, Slifer tried to find a logical explanation, "Hughie, I've been delving into a few...unique techniques. I might have drawn the attention of the heavens."

Hughie’s eyes widened. Why am I involved in this? his posture seemed to question.

Reading Hughie's unease, Slifer reassured with a smile, "Remember the battle against Elder Olakin? I need you by my side, just like then." With a beckoning gesture, Slifer motioned for Hughie to come closer.

Hughie gulped. He wants to... hold my hand? Why did the heavens bless me with such looks? He thought frantically for a way out. "Master, perhaps Senior Brother Caelum would be better suited for this? He's quite handsome too, although maybe not at my level..."

Slifer's face scrunched in bewilderment. What in the world do looks have to do with this? He shook his head, dismissing the thought. "No, Caelum won't suffice. It has to be you."

Hughie's shoulders drooped, and he murmured, mostly to himself, "Senior Brother attracts all the ladies, while I...I keep drawing old men."

Choosing to dismiss Hughie’s peculiar muttering, Slifer decided to focus on the task at hand.

Grasping Hughie’s hand firmly, he closed his eyes, allowing his spiritual sense to delve into his being. As he began the process of condensing his qi, a subtle shift in the atmosphere enveloped them.

Ding! Warning Heavenly Tribulation Triggered

Opening his eyes, Slifer noticed the sky transforming. The formation of ominous red clouds heralded the incoming tribulation.