Ethan opened his map and saw that the fog of war surrounding Noble Sun City had vanished in a broad circle. As he scanned carefully, a curious symbol caught his eye—a fishing pole icon resting between the mountains and forests to the east.

But something was different this time. The colors didn't match earlier marks.

The Azure Origin Dao Sect and Sun Moon Lake's fishing logos shone with a bronze hue, yet this one gleamed a distinct silver.

Instinctively, Ethan knew this fishing spot was no ordinary place. The rewards lurking here were bound to be significant, yet it lay far from Noble Sun City.

He trained his gaze upon the label next to the icon: Heavenly Lake.

Estimating the distance, it stretched thousands of miles away. To the northeast of Heavenly Lake was the imposing Holy Land of Endless Mountains. Draw a straight line between the Holy Land and Noble Sun City and Heavenly Lake lay precisely in the middle.

"Looks far. I'll enter seclusion first—to break through the peak stage."

He pondered the plan. "Once I reach Nirvana, the Holy Land cultivators need not frighten me."

With that resolution, Ethan tucked the map away and withdrew the Earth Spiritual Heart Stone. His body began to channel the Celestial Jade Physique Scripture.

Beneath him, a pattern of Eight Trigrams manifested, spinning swiftly. This arcane arrangement converted energy into blue motes sparkling like distant stars scattered across a dark sky.

A tangible force flooded Ethan's body.

The blood pill within trembled violently while essence and blood surged upward, coalescing atop his head.

The Earth Spiritual Heart Stone pulsed with glowing energy. Earth attribute power radiated out, drawn in by the Celestial Jade technique. It coursed into Ethan's head point.

Blood and earth energy merged and surged into his head's center.

Reaching the peak of the fourth stage was a grave ordeal.

This critical breakthrough could succeed—or if failed, it meant instant collapse. The eight orifices could shatter, energy would implode, and death would be certain.

Cultivation was the dance of defying the heavens while courting death.

Ethan understood this fully, so no hesitation wracked him.

Every strike on this head point inflicted excruciating agony.

The pain defied description—like smashing full force into a truck barreling down the road, then tumbling inside a meat grinder to be shredded.

Such brutal torment battered Ethan's spirit fiercely.

His face paled, beads of cold sweat forming across his forehead.

He opened his Heaven-piercing Mind Eyes; the sea of consciousness stirred, allowing him to stay alert against this hurricane of pain.

Practicing the Celestial Jade Physique Scripture at any level demanded time, but especially at this peak stage.

He would endure this relentless torment for a lengthy span.

He knew that easing even once would mean failure.

"Eh~!"

Grinding his teeth, Ethan breathed heavily.

He maintained control over the energy barrage, striking the point in steady rhythm.

This methodical pounding allowed his body and spirit to adapt gradually.

Time's passage blurred.

Eventually, Ethan's mind and body adapted to the agony.

The mental burdens lightened considerably.

Color returned to Ethan's face.

He continued drawing in Earth energy from the Spiritual Heart Stone, fusing it with his essence and blood.

He struck his head's point again and again, driving this fusion continuously.

Far to the west of Noble Sun City, nestled amid a sprawling mountain three hundred miles away—

A massive blue phoenix descended gracefully, carrying Seraphina in its talons.

"Behave. Let's rest for a moment."

Seraphina gently stroked Ashira's head to calm the majestic beast.

Ashira, who had just broken free from Seraphina's comforting touch, chirped and called plaintively.

The creature seemed to ask: where is Edwin?

"Uncle Edwin has urgent matters. I want you to carry me and leave the area first. He'll follow in a few days," Seraphina cooed soothingly.

She leaned closer, attempting to comfort Ashira again.

Suddenly, Ashira let out a loud roar and flapped its enormous fiery wings.

Spiritual energy surged violently, the powerful gust sending Seraphina tumbling.

Her left arm, still crippled from a previous grievous blow, offered no resistance.

She had suffered heavily and had fallen to the early stage of Tribulation Transcendence.

At best, her combat power rivaled a cultivator just entering that realm.

Naturally, she couldn't stop Ashira's assault.

"Beast, what are you doing?!" Seraphina struggled to stand.

"I am a saint!"

The beast unleashed a torrent of blue flames.

Reacting swiftly, Seraphina activated her Ice Spirit Soul body.

A blue mist expanded, solidifying into an ice shield before her.

Though it barely blocked Ashira's blazing fire, the lingering heat poured into her body.

Seraphina spat blood.

Ashira's eyes bore into her, silently accusing, "This is your price for deceiving me!"

The beast spread its wings and soared toward Noble Sun City.

Its mission: to find Edwin.

The day they left Azure Origin Dao Sect, Ashira's master had charged it with protecting Edwin.

"Damn beast! Just like Edwin and Ethan—you're all white-eyed wolves!"

Seraphina cursed bitterly before swallowing some healing pills.

She found a cave refuge and retreated inside.

After the chaotic night when Ashenvale family clashed with Ethan, her small group had been shattered.

Even Ryan, her protector, abandoned her.

"Haha, Gale Reed, no one backs you. Your death is assured."

"And you, Ethan—you've angered the Holy Land of Endless Mountains. How long will the Blood Tavern shield you?"

"Edwin, if you side with Ethan, you will die. And that beast—you will all eventually suffer retribution!"

Gripping her teeth in fury, Seraphina reflected on her escape.

Three days had passed since she fled Noble Sun.

Hidden deep in this mountain forest, Bram could not find her.

Her only task now was recovery.

Once she fully restored her peak strength, she would return to the sect.

There, her master would decide her fate.

Seraphina sat cross-legged, bringing out vials and salves to begin the long healing process.

Seven days later...

Deep in the mountain—

Birds suddenly took to flight, their cries piercing the still air.

Monsters stirred restlessly, releasing thunderous roars.

Moments passed—

And then, a sudden rift tore open in the very fabric of space.

A/N:

Extra chapters

100 power stones - 1 Extra chapters

200 power stones - 2 Extra chapters

Capsule - 1 Extra chapters

Massage Chair - 3 Extra chapters

Luxury Car - 5 Extra Chapters

Magic Castle - 15 Extra Chapters

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