166: Mirror Dragon, Death and Life

The Heavenly Selection rose.

Within this Tribulation Crossing Ground, Gao Xingwen's body ascended, his spearhead pointing upwards, his aura continuously surging like a raging tide, carrying astonishing pressure that dominated all directions.

Above the firmament.

The 'Tribulation' character lightning accumulated, and in the next instant, vast lightning formed, with mysterious symbols enveloped at its center, falling directly from the firmament and illuminating all directions!

The two clashed, and a deafening roar echoed. The aftershocks solidified, sweeping in all directions. After spreading for a certain distance, they were directly swallowed and vanished by this Different Space (different space), no longer spreading as the lightning was dispersed.

Gao Xingwen's body shimmered with brilliant light as he raised his spear and looked up at the long sky.

The first bolt of lightning, passed.

Seeing Gao Xingwen standing tall in mid-air, excited shouts rose from a distance, coming from other meritorious figures who had arrived at this place.

However, this was destined to be just the beginning.

Qin had witnessed a Martial God Su crossing tribulation, and had even experienced it himself, clearly knowing that the Lei Yu Star's Divine Intent contained nine bolts of lightning. Each of these nine bolts was different and increasingly extraordinary, generated based on the person crossing the tribulation. Only by passing all of them could one truly witness the extraordinary nature of the Lei Yu Star's Divine Intent.

In the next instant, the light of the 'Tribulation' character lit up again. Above the firmament of this Tribulation Crossing Ground, thunderclouds began to form around it, and its power began to increase.

Clash again!

A Heavenly Selection capable of establishing countless merits for the Federation possessed an impeccable spirit and will, and his strength at his peak was equally unparalleled.

Now...

He was no longer at his peak, but having prepared for a final desperate struggle, like the last brilliant bloom of a dazzling fireworks display, this Senior Gao held nothing back, employing one technique after another.

This was truly an extraordinary individual who had experienced countless battles in his life, now showcasing all his abilities.

The second, the third!

His progress was continuously increasing.

Qin stood by, observing the process intently.

During the observation, within the Spirit Ruins, the Enlightenment Grotto-Heaven swayed, and Treasure Technique was unleashed. In Qin Jin's eyes, a faint light rose.

Witnessing these powerhouses, who had experienced countless battles, crossing tribulation was itself an excellent learning opportunity. For a Martial Artist, observing stronger individuals was also a way to grow.

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The 'Tribulation' character shone, and lightning raged.

After enduring the seventh bolt of lightning, Qin's gaze deepened.

Senior Gao had been giving his all, without any concealment. Therefore, Qin could keenly sense the changes in his aura. After passing the seventh tribulation lightning, Qin clearly perceived that the other party's aura was like a descending mountain, with a clear sense of decline.

In his twilight years, a momentary, unrestrained burst might reproduce some of his peak glory, but endurance was the biggest problem.

It was during this process...

The eighth bolt of lightning struck.

This bolt of lightning had completely transformed, no longer appearing as ordinary lightning. It formed mysterious ancient characters, carrying power,

Falling from above, like mountains pressing down!

Gao Jingwen stood in mid-air, his aura somewhat withered, but when he looked up at the firmament, his gaze remained sharp, still brilliant, and he met it again without hesitation!

Boom!

The spearhead collided with the characters, some of which shattered, unleashing astonishing power. After a few breaths of stalemate in mid-air, Qin clearly saw Gao Xingwen's body bend slightly.

After bending, it was an unstoppable fall.

The characters evolved from the tribulation lightning pressed down, and Gao Xingwen's body suddenly dropped, falling from mid-air to the ground in an instant. In the next moment, the power contained within the characters erupted violently, and the entire wide central area of the Tribulation Crossing Ground was enveloped by countless bolts of lightning, submerging Gao Xingwen's body within them.

Within the Tribulation Crossing Ground.

Only the roaring sound created by the lightning remained.

Including Qin Jin, countless gazes gathered at the center, various expressions interweaving on their faces.

Worry and anticipation coexisted.

Life is hidden within the tribulation; only by truly overcoming the tribulation can one gain everything.

But how could this 'Tribulation' character be simple?

After approximately half a minute, the rampant lightning began to recede. Just then, lightning fluctuated at the center, and a streak of light shot out, streaking across the sky before arriving in front of Qin and directly plunging into the ground.

That was Gao Xingwen's extraordinary weapon, that long spear of unknown name.

The spearhead was plunged into the ground, and it seemed as if there was a restrictive force above it, keeping the spear fixed there, unable to leave. The spear shaft trembled rapidly, as if it wanted to return.

It was at this moment, from where the lightning had not yet completely vanished, a deep voice emanated.

"Qin Jin."

"Although this is our first meeting, I, this old man, have a favor to ask of you."

"If I die here, please take it, and if there's an opportunity in the future, find a successor for it."

The extraordinary long spear trembled even more intensely.

It was at this moment, amidst the lightning that had not yet completely dissipated on the ground, a figure rose from the ground and once again rushed into the sky—Gao Xingwen.

He had endured the eighth bolt of lightning.

His combat suit was tattered, revealing wounds, and his aura had further declined.

In his eyes, there was a look of determination. He looked up at the sky, weaponless in his hand, he became the weapon himself. He clenched both fists and struck forward into the void high in the sky, his fists becoming afterimages.

With each punch thrown, above him, a mirror formed by extraordinary means appeared. The mirrors overlapped, intertwined, and expanded, beginning to reflect everything in the firmament.

Within this Tribulation Crossing Ground, there was only the 'Tribulation' character in the firmament!

And now...

Within these mirrors, the 'Tribulation' character was also reflected.

However, these special mirrors, evolved from power, were already full of cracks when they formed above. Now, as the 'Tribulation' character flickered within them, the rate at which the cracks appeared was continuously increasing.

"This is probably Senior Gao's ultimate trump card."

"Perhaps, his title came from this."

Thoughts flashed through his mind.

The mirrors expanded, and above the firmament, the ninth bolt of lightning began to accumulate.

The lightning intertwined, stained with an unusual color, almost turning pure black. Above the firmament, it transformed into a dazzling lightning beam, falling down ferociously.

This time, the lightning power did not transform into characters, but underwent other changes. As the lightning beam fell, its form swayed, and it actually grew a head and tail, sprouting scales and claws!

Four claws make a Flood Dragon, five claws make a True Dragon.

This time, the lightning transformed into a black lightning Flood Dragon, baring its fangs and claws, descending from the sky!

"What is this?!"

Qin Jin had been watching intently, and the moment he saw this scene, he reacted.

"The Lei Yu Star's Divine Intent has undergone more profound changes."

"Evolving into a Flood Dragon, is this because Venerable Observer's self-transformation through studying the Lei Ze Method caused the Lei Yu Star's Divine Intent to also change?!"

Thoughts flashed in an instant.

The black Flood Dragon descended.

Everything happened in an instant.

Above Gao Xingwen, as the black Flood Dragon formed, the special mirrors he had created in mid-air actually emitted tangible cracking sounds. The 'Tribulation' character reflected within flickered, and at this moment, an illusory black-scaled Flood Dragon was reflected out, passing through the mirrors and soaring upwards.

The moment it left the mirrors, the mirrors could no longer sustain themselves and shattered with a roar, transforming into pure power.

Subsequently, this pure power chased after it from behind, directly entering the illusory Flood Dragon's body, making it much more solid.

One Flood Dragon descended, one Flood Dragon ascended.

Two entities evolved from power, created by completely different means, collided fiercely in mid-air, head clashing with claw.

It truly looked like two living Flood Dragons fighting in the firmament!

After a momentary stalemate.

How could a mirror Flood Dragon contend with a true Flood Dragon? Although it successfully weakened it, it ultimately shattered, and the black-scaled lightning Flood Dragon sent down by the 'Tribulation' character continued its descent.

But—

Just as the mirror Flood Dragon shattered, Gao Xingwen followed closely, his fists clenched, power madly gathering, and with the purest means, he slammed a punch onto this final lightning bolt!

Fist intent struck the Flood Dragon.

The two collided, but in a blink of an eye, the Flood Dragon plunged downwards, pressing a figure in front of it, like a meteor, fiercely crashing towards the ground!

Boom, boom, boom!

The moment it hit the ground, explosions reverberated through heaven and earth, creating a scene even more shocking than when the previous lightning bolt erupted.

Above the firmament.

After this explosion, the light emanating from the 'Tribulation' character ceased, returning to calm, proving that Gao Xingwen's tribulation crossing had ended. So, what was the result?

At the original spot, lightning still raged, obstructing all surrounding investigations. In this elderly team, someone shouted, unable to resist wanting to go and check.

Though old in years, their blood still ran hot.

However, just as they made a move, they were stopped by those around them, and dissuading voices rose: "Trust Team Leader Gao."

Within the Tribulation Crossing Ground, silence fell, and no more human voices were heard.

After approximately several minutes.

Qin Jin's gaze suddenly sharpened.

At the center of the Tribulation Crossing Ground, the aftershocks of the ninth lightning tribulation lingered. But at this moment, like a glowing object hidden within shattered porcelain, light illuminated and shone forth, and wherever it passed, the lightning dissolved.

At first, it was just a single beam, but after a few brief breaths, more and more light illuminated, radiating from the center in all directions. As the lightning dissolved, Qin Jin clearly perceived that from the central area, an extraordinary aura, like a revival, was continuously rising.

I have a bright pearl, long locked by worldly dust.

One day the dust is cleared, and light emerges, illuminating thousands of mountains and rivers!

In the next instant, the lightning completely melted away.

Unconcealed footsteps emanated from the central area.

Beside Qin Chi.

The long spear that had been plunged into the ground and bound by a restriction, at this moment, rose from the ground, transforming into a streak of light, and suddenly flew over.

In an instant, it arrived at the source of the footsteps, beside that figure, yet it hesitated to approach, as if somewhat unsure, somewhat afraid to recognize.

Until a large hand directly grasped the spear hilt, taking hold of it.

The sound of the spear's cry echoed through heaven and earth at this moment, expressing its joy.

Around that figure, the brilliant light gradually receded at this moment.

Gaze after gaze converged.

Looking across, what entered everyone's eyes was a middle-aged man with flowing black hair.

His combat suit was tattered, revealing his bare skin underneath, and a single glance revealed a stunning sense of perfection.

Heavenly Selection!

This feeling came from life itself, a desire and envy for a more extraordinary existence in the essence of life.

His face was handsome, his figure tall and straight, the long spear held in his hand. Now, he swept his gaze over everyone present, a hearty laugh appearing on his face, revealing a mouthful of white teeth: "I succeeded."

The Tribulation Crossing Ground fell silent for a moment, then—

A cheer suddenly erupted.

He stepped forward, coming beside Qin, and looked back at the others in the queue, raising his hand to interrupt the cheering.

"Next one."

The current him truly felt high-spirited. This place was the battlefield, these people before him were his soldiers, and that 'Tribulation' character in the sky was their goal.

After speaking a sentence, Gao Xingwen did not hesitate, continuing to speak, conveying his own sensations from the tribulation he had just crossed, without any concealment. Although the tribulation lightning was set according to the individual, some experiences could still be useful.

Qin Chi watched this scene, not speaking.

This was the battlefield for these meritorious figures of the Federation.

He would not steal their thunder.

After a series of words.

Someone volunteered.

"I'll go first."

This was precisely one of the individuals who had previously intended to go before Gao Xingwen. His face was considerably younger than Gao Xingwen's before the tribulation, but his hair and beard were both white.

Such people, their true lifespan was not yet near its end, but due to some injury, their life essence was affected, and their lifespan was greatly reduced.

Those who came here had already understood the situation and were prepared, not delaying.

Soon, the second person entered the center of the Tribulation Crossing Ground.

This time...

Within this isolated area, no cheers sounded.

After enduring the seventh tribulation lightning, facing the increasingly fierce eighth tribulation lightning, he failed to withstand it. The lightning fell, and his body turned to smoke.

He perished within this world.

To be among the first to come, he was certainly no simple individual.

But the reduction in their life essence and the influence of their age ultimately prevented all of them from succeeding.

After his demise.

In the distant group of elders, without any communication, someone stepped forward, heading to the central area to continue crossing the tribulation.

How was this not a form of continuous sacrifice, one after another?

Qin Jin watched all of this. Even though it was his first time witnessing it today, he couldn't help but fall silent, his expression rippling with emotion.

Beside him.

Was Gao Xingwen.

His expression was calm, without a trace of sadness, perhaps he was already accustomed to it, or perhaps he had hidden it deep in his heart. At this moment, he gazed at everything within the Transcending Tribulation Ground, and his voice rang out.

“There’s no need to feel sad for him, or for them.”

Qin looked at him.

“The method of extending life, the effect of prolonging longevity.”

“Everything here, if it were to spread, would drive countless lives mad, even if it’s full of danger, they would flock to it.”

“After all, when the possibility of a turning point appears in a matter, even if it’s only one percent, it’s already completely different.”

“The Federation, however, gave this opportunity to us first.”

Gao Xingwen turned his head and looked at Qin Chi: “When we received the news from the military, they had already explained everything. We all understand the risks here. Since we chose to come, we will not regret it.”

“If there was ever any regret.”

“Perhaps, it wouldn’t have been our turn to come here first.”

“If we didn’t come here, in not too long, we would have been nothing but a handful of dust. Since that’s the case, why should we feel sad?”

Qin nodded.

He didn't speak, because, at this moment, in this situation, he truly didn't know what to say.

Within the Transcending Tribulation Ground, thunder roared incessantly.

One by one, the Federation’s meritorious figures went to the central area.

Their cultivation realms were different, and the power of the thunder they attracted varied, but for their aged selves, it was all considered a great risk.

Some failed. Under the power of the thunder, their bones shattered.

Some succeeded, their lifespan increased, their life essence was replenished, truly regaining their youth, and their aged state receded.

For Qin, successfully transcending the tribulation merely added to his already abundant lifespan, but for them, successfully transcending the tribulation was like a new birth!

No matter what.

Today, even if it might be the end of their lives, they still achieved one last brilliance.

Time passed—

As the last person finished transcending the tribulation, the Transcending Tribulation Ground fell silent.

Upon initial arrival, nearly half of the nearly hundred-person team were nowhere to be seen.

They entered the tribulation, died in the tribulation, and did not see life.

Gao Xingwen stood at the front of the line, looking at the figures in the team whose white hair was now gone. He let out a long breath and his voice rang out.

“We have, in a way, lived and died together.”

“Since we’ve survived, since we’ve truly obtained this heaven-sent opportunity, then—next, we will live even more splendidly!”

“Live out the splendor for those ‘comrades’ who didn’t make it!”

His voice fell.

In front, resounding echoes rang out in all directions.

Qin stood behind Gao Xingwen.

At this moment, after the echoes faded, he spoke softly: “Senior Gao.”

Gao Xingwen turned his head.

In Qin Chi’s hand, the [Transcending Tribulation Token] reappeared.

Amidst the surging spiritual power, in the central area, a spatial channel emerged, and boxes, formed by concentrated power as if solid objects, appeared and approached.

Qin Chi’s voice became a bit deeper: “These are the last traces left by the other seniors in this world.”

He didn't explicitly state it, but the meaning was self-evident.

Gao Xingwen looked at those boxes, then at Qin Chi, and said in a deep voice: “You are thoughtful.”

“I dare not take credit.”

Qin Chi shook his head: “This Transcending Tribulation Ground was formed long ago, established by the Federation’s Gui Xu Martial God senior and Observer.”

Everyone present was a highly trusted meritorious figure of the Federation, and the person in front was even a Celestial. They would surely know information related to Observer, so Qin did not conceal anything: “This small design was also left behind at that time.”

Gao Xingwen was silent. With a wave of his hand, he collected all the boxes.

“Qin Chi, take us out of here.”

“Mm.”

After responding, Qin Chi controlled the Transcending Tribulation Token, and a radiant light enveloped everyone present.

Amidst the transmission fluctuations, they appeared in the restricted area they had left.

The Federation’s staff had been waiting around, and there were also soldiers involved in the lockdown nearby. At this moment, they all cast their gazes over, and upon seeing the significantly reduced number of people, their expressions were complex.

Qin Chi’s gaze fell upon the person in charge, and he said in a deep voice: “Take the seniors to rest.”

After speaking, he turned back to Gao Xingwen and the others: “Seniors, I’ll take my leave first.”

“Qin Chi.”

Gao Xingwen called out, his gaze falling on the terminal in Qin Chi’s hand: “Leave a contact method.”

Today, Qin Chi had personally witnessed the life and death of these meritorious figures of the Federation.

After Gao Xingwen spoke, besides him, the others behind him also exchanged contact information with Qin.

The Federation’s staff took them away from here, but Qin embarked on another route.

Their chosen docking place was not far from the Star God Forbidden Zone, because this was originally the core secret place within the planet.

Qin used the ‘Line’ character secret, constantly rushing, and directly arrived at the Star God Forbidden Zone.

After passing identity verification, Qin entered the forbidden zone alone.

This was the core of the entire Lei Yu Star. Within the entire Federation, besides Qin, only true supreme existences could directly set foot here.

After the planetary anomaly was fully conceived, the mist shrouding the forbidden zone had dissipated. Entering the forbidden zone, after walking a certain distance, Qin ascended into the air, power surging, transforming into a streak of light in mid-air, constantly moving forward.

He had no destination.

Within this vibrant forbidden zone, he was truly just wandering, merely wanting to relax his mind.

He had seen much of life and death, and even many had died by his hand, but today, upon seeing those meritorious figures of the Federation making their final desperate struggle, his heart inevitably stirred.

Perhaps it was because of their identities, or perhaps because of their spirit.

“Perhaps—”,

“This is also one of the reasons why that Myriad Tribulation Martial God chose to have me receive these meritorious figures of the Federation.”

“Not only can I observe them during their tribulation and establish connections, but I can also truly witness the spirit that has always existed within the Federation and has not yet decayed.”

“Myriad Tribulation Martial God.”

He murmured in his heart, lowered his eyes, dispelled his thoughts, emptied his mind, and continued to glide forward, looking down at the ground.

Within the forbidden zone, it could be said to be the fastest-changing place on the entire planet. Life was vibrant, and simply breathing the air brought a sense of comfort. Looking down, one could clearly see that there were many more creatures, including many new types of transcendent beings.

The environment here was special and superior, an excellent place for the birth of transcendent life.

As he moved forward.

At a certain moment, Qin Chi’s gaze paused, resting on a particular area.

His figure swept towards that place, and upon approaching, he descended.

As his figure descended to a certain height, a vigilant low growl, deafening, spread over.

But as Qin's figure descended, the vigilant low growl first turned into confusion, as if confirming, and then, it turned into surprise.

The next instant—

Then came the deafening sound of dense footsteps.

Qin’s gaze looked forward.

Several enormous creatures actively approached, their joyful low growls incessant.

Skeleton Thunder Elephant.

These were a group of transcendent creatures that had existed in the forbidden zone since the Heavenly Selection period, and had even fought alongside Qin Chi.

However, their current appearance had undergone a completely different change.

At a glance, Qin Chi’s gaze fell upon the largest of the Thunder Elephants. He could recognize that this was the former leader of the elephant herd. Now—on various parts of its body, where bare bones had once been exposed, flesh and skin had regrown, making it appear normal. The lightning that had once constantly surrounded its body had completely receded. If not for its even larger size, it would not even look like a transcendent creature.

“Living in the Star God Forbidden Zone, has this ethnic group as a whole become more benevolent?”

As Qin Chi observed.

The figures of the several giant elephants galloped, and after reaching not far in front of Qin, they slowed down. The leading Thunder Elephant leader lowered its body, its trunk resting on the ground, forming a long bridge. Its friendly low growl sounded.

“You still remember me.”

Qin’s mood eased a bit. He walked up the elephant trunk bridge it had made and patted the elephant’s head.

“Let’s go, take me to your habitat, your home, to see.”

“At that time, after you invited me, I had never gone to see it.”

Joyful roars rang out.

The giant elephant galloped, kicking up dust. Qin Chi rode on the elephant’s head, the wind blowing, carrying the scent of flowers.

This area was once called a forbidden zone.

But as Lei Yu Star continued to advance, one day, this place would be called a holy land.

The elephant herd’s habitat was located beside a stream.

When Qin arrived, he could still see small elephants nestled beside their mothers, drinking milk.

The newborn small elephants, aside from their size, looked no different from ordinary elephants, but Qin Chi could sense that they contained considerable power within them.

“It seems that the environment has a huge impact on the changes in transcendent creatures.”

“The previous withered bone appearance might have also been an adaptation to the harsh environment of the Mining Star at that time.”

Upon Qin’s arrival, the elephant herd showed great friendliness, even using their trunks to pick fruits they had gathered in the forbidden zone and offering them.

This was a unique and novel experience.

Just as Qin was interacting with the Thunder Elephants.

With a sense of something, his gaze shifted, looking towards the horizon.

There, a huge figure, surrounded by lightning, was rapidly approaching.

Saber-toothed tiger!

The Thunder Elephants in the forbidden zone clearly recognized it and did not block its way. As the Saber-toothed tiger approached, its body continuously shrank. When it entered the elephant herd’s habitat, it had already become as small as a domestic cat, and its speed slowed. It first scanned the surrounding Thunder Elephants, then whined, its eyes showing a wronged expression.

Its voice contained spiritual information, and under the care of Observer, it had clearly gained a lot.

“You're getting smarter and smarter.”

Qin bent down and pushed it with one palm, without using force. The Saber-toothed tiger rolled several times on the ground, then eagerly came closer again.

As the man and beast acted.

Not far away, the little elephant that had just finished drinking milk, attracted by the friendly aura emanating from Qin, also approached.

This was a rare relaxing trip.

After playing with the Saber-toothed tiger and the little elephants in the herd for a while, dusk fell, and the stars illuminated the sky.

Not far away, the sound of the stream flowed. Qin Chi chose a high slope within the habitat, put his hands behind his head, and lay down directly.

The unique scent of green grass wafted into his nostrils.

Beside him.

The Saber-toothed tiger, as if understanding, lay down on its back, belly up.

Next to it was the little elephant, like a tail.

The surroundings quieted down.

The night sky was bright.

Qin Chi looked at the starry sky, recalling the scenes he had witnessed during the day.

For a long time.

He gently closed his eyes.

When he opened his eyes again, the starry sky was reflected in Qin Chi’s eyes, as bright as stars, and he let out a long breath.

“I only hope.”

He muttered to himself: “In the future, one day, if I also encounter such a situation, I must also possess the courage for that final struggle.”

“Regardless of life or death, without regard for life or death.”

His cultivation continued, and he frequently went to the wilderness to check on the Si Huo Tribe.

In the days that followed, Qin received several batches of meritorious figures from the Federation.

It could be said that this was an unimaginable network of connections that Marshal Xi had bestowed upon him.

This was also a form of feedback.

To personally witness Martial Artists of different realms unleash their final techniques—this wasn't pure realm advancement, but it could broaden one's horizons and increase one's experience. What was seen was what was gained, and the scenes personally witnessed would all become his own foundation, which might play a role and have an effect one day in the future.

Days passed one by one.

The vacation was nearing its end.

Throughout the entire vacation, he had been active in his hometown, not choosing the route Martial God Su had arranged, nor even checking it, yet he had lived a very fulfilling life.

Just before school resumed.

Qin boarded the starship returning to the academy.

Accompanying him was Bai Huaiyu.

This visitor from an alien civilization, accompanied by Candle Kite, traveled on Lei Yu Star. A flower, a blade of grass, everything could capture her attention.

Perhaps it was precisely because she had personally witnessed decay that she yearned so much for new life.