txolops Chapter 2609 God of Decay
Chapter 2609 God of Decay
Chapter 2609 God of Decay
"coming!"
"Breakthrough!"
……
The calamity clouds trembled violently, eliciting screams of alarm.
The rings of water and fire obstructed everyone's view, forcing them to rely on the changes in the tribulation clouds for clues. To their disappointment, the anticipated spectacle did not unfold; no powerful figure appeared to seize the spirit insect.
As the churning tribulation clouds brewed the first bolt of tribulation lightning, Qin Sang's expression relaxed slightly. Even if someone wanted to snatch the spirit insect, they wouldn't act when the heavenly tribulation was unleashed, otherwise they would also be implicated.
Qin Sang focused his attention on the Heavenly Eye Butterfly and discovered that the transformation of the spirit insect was very different from what he had expected.
Whether human, demon, sorcerer, or spirit insect, upon reaching this realm, one must face the first hurdle: the erosion of the Great Dao. If it weren't for the Jade Buddha's protection, Qin Sang would have initially been trembling with fear, teetering on the brink of collapse in the turbulent currents of the Great Dao.
Tianmu Butterfly appeared quite relaxed, not asking Qin Sang to protect her, nor did it seem like it was thanks to the Jade Buddha.
However, in Qin Sang's 'eyes', the Tianmu Butterfly in the Great Dao River seemed to be a fog.
The supernatural abilities that the Heavenly Eye Butterfly comprehended after its several transformations include Concealment, Dispelling Illusions, Heavenly Eye, Separation and Union, and Profound Emptiness. These abilities became increasingly evident later on, aligning with the Great Dao of Void. The Void Butterfly is even named after 'Void,' making the Heavenly Eye Butterfly the most likely candidate to ascend to the Great Dao River through this path.
In addition, the Tianmu butterfly has undergone two molts, and neither of them was simple.
He first comprehended the divine power of controlling thunder, and later obtained the Azure Phoenix True Thunder, becoming even more astonishing, even able to devour tribulation thunder. The second time, he obtained the ability to control fire in the Insect Tomb, and was fortunate enough to absorb the Qilin's essence, subsequently becoming even able to devour Yin Fire.
If the Heavenly Eye Butterfly comprehended the Way of Thunder or the Way of Fire, Qin Sang would not find it strange.
However, in Qin Sang's 'eyes', the Heavenly Eye Butterfly in the Great Dao River was like a fog, and within that fog flickered thunder and fire. For a moment, he couldn't even tell which Great Dao the Heavenly Eye Butterfly was connected to.
At the same time, this behavior was also reflected externally. Qin Sang saw the Tianmu Butterfly's wings vibrating. This vibration could not be described by 'frequency'. It looked very light and gentle, but in fact it contained a wonder that Qin Sang was amazed by.
If we compare this world to a lake, the lake should be very calm. The Tianmu butterfly would be a boat sailing into the lake, and its wings would be the oars. The lake water would move rhythmically with the oars.
As the movement continued, a cloud of gray mist emerged from the wings of the Tianmu Butterfly. The gray mist quickly spread, and in the blink of an eye, the Tianmu Butterfly was enveloped in the gray mist. Qin Sang's vision and senses were blocked by the gray mist.
However, the Tianmu Butterfly is his natal spirit insect, and they are connected in spirit, allowing Qin Sang to 'see' the scene inside the gray fog.
Upon entering the gray fog, Qin Sang felt as if she had entered a void, isolated from the outside world. But it was not peaceful here; on one side, lightning flashed and thunder roared, and on the other side, dazzling flames blazed, with thunder and fire never ceasing.
"Is this the Dharma Domain comprehended by the Heavenly Eye Butterfly?"
Qin Sang was filled with doubt. Clearly, this was not the Dharma Domain he recognized; he didn't even know if it could be called a 'Dharma Domain'. With both thunder and flames present, it was impossible to deduce the Great Dao that the Heavenly Eye Butterfly had comprehended from it.
Since she couldn't understand it, Qin Sang didn't dwell on it. As long as the Heavenly Eye Butterfly's realm truly broke through, the rest could be explored later.
Just then, a bolt of silver lightning tore through the tribulation clouds, like a sharp sword piercing the sky, carrying boundless heavenly might, and cleaved down from the heavens!
Neither the protective array of the secret mansion nor the flag array set up by Qin Sang are tribulation-crossing arrays. Their function is to isolate themselves from others' sight and hearing. This time, they will have to rely on their own abilities to overcome the tribulation.
Qin Sang spread out his sword domain, sword stars hanging high, the formation was complete, but it remained hidden.
The gray mist transformed by the Heavenly Eye Butterfly faced the sharp edge of the tribulation lightning head-on. The first lightning bolt was the weakest, and it was impossible for her to fail to withstand even this heavenly tribulation. Qin Sang was also looking forward to the gray mist's performance.
'boom!'
The thunder was blinding.
A beam of silver light pierced the sky and struck the gray mist. The gray mist exploded violently, and a noticeable dent or cavity appeared where it was struck by the lightning. The lightning and flames inside the gray mist could be vaguely seen.
The gray mist seemed to be on the verge of dissipating, and it looked like the tribulation lightning was about to pierce through the gray mist. Surprisingly, the gray mist was extremely tough. The mist surged and rolled back, turning into a giant mouth that swallowed the tribulation lightning whole!
"This is……"
Qin Sang immediately focused her mind into the gray mist, where she saw that the world had been turned upside down. Silver and blue lightning, boiling flames, and strange mist were all mixed together, and a butterfly's shadow appeared and disappeared in this chaos.
The tribulation lightning tore apart the space within the gray mist, while simultaneously shredding itself into countless fragments that scattered outwards. Lightning collided with lightning, lightning clashed with flames, and with the gray mist swirling around, the chaos intensified.
Qin Sang saw that the butterfly shadow kept flashing, seemingly avoiding the strangulation of the tribulation lightning, but in fact it was actively chasing the fragments of the tribulation lightning.
Having done this so many times, the Heavenly Eye Butterfly had become quite adept at devouring tribulation lightning, and it handled its own tribulation with ease. Moreover, this time the devouring was different from before. The Heavenly Eye Butterfly did not swallow the tribulation lightning whole, but instead transformed the broken tribulation lightning power into an invisible force, silently merging it into the gray mist space.
If Qin Sang weren't the owner of the Heavenly Eye Butterfly and fully aware of its changes, she would have assumed the butterfly was desperately trying to extinguish the tribulation lightning and maintain this gray mist space. Furthermore, with the triple barriers of the water and fire ring, the sword domain, and the gray mist outside, no outsider could possibly uncover the true secret.
Before long, the number of tribulation lightning fragments decreased sharply. This shift in power meant that the first tribulation was blocked by the Heavenly Eye Butterfly.
Would the heavenly tribulation give living beings a chance to breathe? The second tribulation lightning bolt descended from the sky immediately, striking the gray mist squarely.
Before the chaos subsides, even greater chaos is on its way.
The second course...
The third way...
……
"The seventh tribulation lightning strike!"
The shouts of cultivators echoed through the mountains and fields. Although they could not see the spirit insect undergoing tribulation, they could see the lightning surging at the edge of the tribulation clouds.
Everyone knows that the spirit insect is blessed with unique advantages, and even when it breaks through to the sixth transformation, it only suffers nine tribulation lightning strikes. However, almost no one present has ever seen a spirit insect that has undergone seven transformations. They are also very curious about what changes will occur in the heavenly tribulation when the spirit insect breaks through to the seventh transformation.
As the voice rang out, the seventh tribulation lightning arrived as scheduled, and the surging waves of the tribulation clouds immediately began to brew the eighth tribulation lightning.
"It seems the seventh tribulation lightning won't be too difficult for it," someone said.
"It's not just that it's not difficult; it's more like a piece of cake," his companion said, pointing to the towering wall of flames in the distance. "Look at that solid wall; does it show any signs of crumbling?"
One can see the whole leopard from a single spot; if the tribulation were not successful, the protective array of the mansion would not be so stable.
Someone nearby exclaimed, "This isn't an unclaimed spirit insect. Don't you think about who its owner is? Of course they would be prepared. Just watch and see. Witnessing the birth of a seven-transformation spirit insect will make this trip worthwhile."
"Fellow Daoist is right. The methods of a great being are beyond our comprehension. A sword cultivator who can cultivate a seven-transformation spirit insect is probably unique in Xunzhou!"
"It's hard to say; there are countless talented and extraordinary people in the world."
At this moment, someone revealed a secret: "I heard that even the one in the Hundred Aperture Gu Abyss couldn't push his own spirit insect to the seventh transformation. Later, he used a trick to give it supernatural powers comparable to the seventh transformation."
People around looked over and asked repeatedly, "Is this true?"
The art of controlling insects by Baiqiao Guiyuan is renowned throughout Xunzhou. All his disciples are proficient in the art of insect control and the raising of spiritual insects. However, the reason for his great fame is that the insect techniques taught by Baiqiao Guiyuan are extremely insidious. Those who are afflicted suffer excruciating pain, unable to live or die.
Realizing he had spoken out of turn, the man quickly covered his face and left. The crowd didn't dare to stop him, but they continued to discuss the matter.
"It seems that Baiqiao Guiyuan needs to seek advice from Elder Qin."
"Has the Hundred Apertures Abyss sent people? I really want to see their expressions now."
……
Ignoring the outside discussions, Qin Sang was controlling his sword domain to help the Heavenly Eye Butterfly reduce the tribulation power so that she would have the strength to refine the tribulation lightning.
The starlight emitted by the sword star was like countless sharp swords, crisscrossing and densely covering the void. The tribulation lightning had to pass through this thorny thicket before it could strike the Heavenly Eye Butterfly.
At this moment, Qin Sang looked up at the tribulation clouds. If there were still only nine lightning bolts, he would be able to pass this tribulation without any worries. Lightning flashed in the clouds, brewing the next lightning bolt, and there were no signs of any change for the time being.
The thunder was deafening as the eighth bolt of tribulation lightning pierced through the sword domain and disappeared into the gray mist.
The Heavenly Eye Butterfly can handle things on its own now. Qin Sang keeps a close eye on the tribulation clouds, ready for battle.
The sea of clouds churned violently, and lightning converged from all directions toward the center of the tribulation clouds, forming a vast and mighty thunder swamp, with terrifying heavenly might constantly accumulating.
This is a sign that the ninth tribulation lightning is about to be born.
Based on Qin Sang's experience, this was also a sign that the tribulation clouds were overdrawing all their power to prepare for the final tribulation lightning.
"Only nine tribulation lightning strikes? The spirit insect race is indeed blessed with extraordinary advantages!" Qin Sang sighed inwardly.
'boom!'
The deafening thunderclap dispelled Qin Sang's distracting thoughts. His expression turned serious; the power of the final tribulation lightning was extraordinary and could not be taken lightly.
……
On the mountaintop.
The old beggar was already drunk, but he kept chugging wine, as if there was an inexhaustible supply of wine in his small gray gourd.
He stopped eating lice, instead using the Heavenly Tribulation as a snack with his wine, constantly exclaiming how amusing it was.
"Fellow Daoist."
Finally, someone nearby couldn't hold back any longer.
This man, dressed in pristine white, possessed an elegant demeanor, a stark contrast to the old beggar. He disregarded the old beggar's filthy state, clasped his hands in a respectful greeting, and spoke gently, "Fellow Daoist, you keep saying it's interesting, but do you know what's so interesting about it?"
The old beggar raised his hand, his dark fingers pointing at the tribulation clouds, and said with a grin, "Some people say he's a sword cultivator, but he takes insects as his life's essence. Isn't that interesting?"
"It's Elder Qin's natal spirit insect? How could you..."
Just as the man was about to blurt out a question, he suddenly realized that the truth was right in front of him, but the impact of the Seven Transformations Spirit Insect was too great, causing him to be flustered and ignore the obvious fact.
If it weren't for his natal spirit insect, how could Elder Qin have dared to stay by its side, protecting it, and sharing the same tribulation cloud?
A cultivator's spirit insect and natal spirit insect are two different concepts. Stealing someone else's natal spirit insect is far more difficult than stealing an ordinary spirit insect, and there's no guarantee that it can be tamed. Just like a natal magic weapon, which is intertwined with its master's life, losing its master means losing half its life, inevitably causing its grade to drop drastically.
Even if Elder Qin was not a Nascent Soul cultivator and knew that this insect was his natal spirit insect, the cultivators present would not have been so greedy.
"The clouds of calamity have dispersed!"
A burst of shouts interrupted the man's thoughts.
He hurriedly looked at the tribulation clouds, and sure enough, the clouds were dissipating at a speed visible to the naked eye, and the heavenly might that permeated this world was also rapidly retreating.
"You successfully transcended the tribulation?"
Seeing this scene, he was somewhat dazed, and from then on, there was another Seven Transformations Spirit Insect in the world.
And Elder Qin, from now on, his name will resound throughout Xunzhou.
What followed was a thunderous roar. The water and fire rings, which had been teetering on the brink of collapse when the eighth tribulation lightning struck, were completely destroyed, signifying that the two great formations and the secret palace had been destroyed by the heavenly tribulation.
As for that wind cave, it had long been destroyed by the spiritual tide caused by the heavenly tribulation, and the surrounding landscape was completely unrecognizable.
Countless eyes were focused there, hoping that Elder Qin and the spirit insect would appear together, but unfortunately they saw nothing.
Only Yu Chang'en and Young Master Yan heard Qin Sang's voice transmission: "You should go with Young Master Yan to the Burning Crystal Sect's training grounds to stay."
Yu Chang'en agreed in his heart and looked at Young Master Yan.
Young Master Yan was naturally very welcoming. For Elder Qin, a cultivator of the Combined Body realm, to come all the way to see Yu Chang'en, the two must have a relationship that goes far beyond just a casual acquaintance.
At this moment, Young Master Yan also sensed that many eyes were watching him, both openly and secretly. If those people couldn't find Elder Qin, they would probably wear down the threshold of the Burning Crystal Sect.
This was something he had anticipated when he announced Elder Qin's identity, and it was something he was happy to see happen. In the eyes of outsiders, the closer the relationship between the Burning Crystal Sect and Elder Qin, the better.
At this time, Qin Sang had already fled this place, but his movements were not unnoticed.
Qin Sang frowned deeply as she looked at the old beggar blocking her way.
He had just secretly fled, but this person had blocked his way without hesitation. He had never seen such a strange person in the cultivation world before, and the stranger the person's demeanor, the more vigilant Qin Sang became.
"Ha ha……"
The old beggar grinned, revealing a mouthful of yellow teeth, and said with a smile, "Fellow Daoist, you must be the renowned Thunder God, who is famous throughout the world?"
This person had a kind smile, but what he said was earth-shattering.
Qin Sang's mind suddenly tensed up.
The First Sword Attendant conspired with Zhang Tianshi to use Lei Zu to cover up his true origins, but Lei Zu's existence was not something that everyone could see through.
Could this person be a Mahayana cultivator?
At the same time, Qin Sang also noticed that after the old beggar appeared, the few faint gazes suddenly disappeared, as if they were very wary of the old beggar.
Who exactly is this person?
"I wonder which esteemed person is visiting?"
Denial was meaningless in the face of such a powerful being, so Qin Sang straightened his expression and solemnly bowed.
The old beggar chuckled and waved his hands repeatedly, “I am but a decaying god, unworthy of being called a great man. People call me Old Beggar, and some have given my true form the name Luo Xianweng. It’s just a name, whatever the Heavenly Lord likes.”
god?
Qin Sang's heart skipped a beat. Could this person be a deity in disguise?