
The air buzzed with congratulatory words, and Ji Wuhui graciously acknowledged each one. Yet, none of the gathered cultivators showed any intention of leaving.
The real event had only just begun.
The vortex created by the thunder tribulation hadn’t dissipated. Instead, it solidified further, forming a massive spiritual storm. Endless energy surged into the vortex, its center focused entirely on Mr. Bai.
Like a black hole, his body absorbed the spiritual storm, swallowing the immense power. With each passing moment, his aura grew more formidable, and the injuries from the tribulation began to heal visibly.
The very atmosphere seemed to hum with vitality as the spiritual energy in the area reached an unprecedented peak.
---
The surrounding cultivators quickly took advantage of the situation.
The aftermath of a thunder tribulation was a rare opportunity. The heavens and earth, in harmony with the tribulation, would release a burst of pure spiritual energy to nourish the one who had ascended. Those nearby could also benefit, absorbing this unrefined energy directly into their bodies.
It was a golden chance, one usually reserved for the disciples of great sects witnessing their elders’ breakthroughs.
For a brief moment, the world seemed united under the immense flow of spiritual energy.
---
Gradually, the spiritual storm began to dissipate, and the dark clouds scattered. Above, a clear night sky revealed countless twinkling stars.
The silence that followed was almost reverent.
Mr. Bai opened his eyes, and for a fleeting moment, a brilliant light radiated from within them. A terrifying yet controlled aura surged outward, rippling through the area before subsiding.
He exhaled deeply, then stood tall, his presence commanding yet serene.
Turning toward the direction of Nine Stars City, Mr. Bai’s expression turned solemn. He bowed deeply, his voice resounding across the land:
“Thank you, senior, for your great kindness!”
---
The declaration sent a ripple through the gathered cultivators.
“Senior?” someone murmured, their eyes wide with shock.
Could it be that Mr. Bai’s breakthrough to the ninth rank of Pathseeker was due to the aid of a higher power?
What kind of strength must this mysterious figure possess to grant such fortune to an eighth-rank expert? Was it someone at the level of Eminence, or perhaps even a Celestial Ascendant?
Then the implications hit them—Mr. Bai had bowed toward the direction of Nine Stars City.
---
The crowd’s thoughts churned.
Nine Stars City...
Rumors had already spread about the city's hidden depths. Not long ago, a mysterious expert there had shattered the soul projection of Chu Yangping, a prominent master. Yesterday, the second prince’s offense toward another unknown figure had ended with him being exiled to the Southern Protectorate under the Heavenly Star Emperor's personal order.
And now, Mr. Bai was giving credit to a “senior” in Nine Stars City for his breakthrough.
The city was far more than it seemed.
---
Among the crowd, a few cultivators shared uneasy glances.
“The water in Nine Stars City runs deep,” one muttered under their breath.
Another nodded. “It seems we’ll need to keep our subordinates in check when we return. Provoking someone unknowingly could spell disaster.”
A third voice chimed in. “And if these powerhouses are drawn to the ancient ruins in the Nine Stars Mountain Range... there’s no telling how bloody things might get.”
Yet none of them dared to voice the ultimate question:
If all these events were connected to a single figure, what kind of being could orchestrate such chaos so effortlessly?
---
Ji Wuhui interrupted their thoughts, stepping forward with a warm smile. “Congratulations, Mr. Bai, on successfully advancing to the ninth rank of Pathseeker.”
Mr. Bai inclined his head respectfully. “Your Majesty, thank you for safeguarding me during the tribulation.”
The breakthrough had rejuvenated him. His once-gray hair now gleamed jet-black, and his demeanor carried a vigor that belied his years.
Ji Wuhui chuckled, patting Mr. Bai on the shoulder. “Nonsense! Your triumph is your own. I simply ensured no one dared turn a blind eye to your success.”
Mr. Bai’s expression softened with a hint of nostalgia. “Decades have passed since I last made waves in the world. I wonder, how many still remember the name of the Black Spear God?”
---
As the group prepared to return to Nine Stars City, the atmosphere was heavy with unspoken plans.
Even though it was late at night, the city’s gates bustled with activity. Many practitioners hurriedly departed, eager to deliver the startling news to their factions. The recent events in Nine Stars City, combined with whispers of powerful figures, demanded immediate attention.
Meanwhile, the “mastermind” behind it all—the one who had inadvertently triggered these ripples—was sound asleep, completely oblivious to the storm brewing in his name.
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