Chapter 728

The Fuxi Divine Nation.

Translation: "Fuxi Divine State."

The Thunder Marsh.

Translation: "Thunder Marsh."

The wonder of heaven and earth's creation is beyond mortal comprehension.

Translation: "The marvel of heaven and earth's creation is beyond mortal speculation."

It is an extremely deep cavern nearly a million li in diameter, filled with white, silver, blue, purple, even gold and black translucent fluids, each distinctly separated.

Translation: "It is an extremely deep cavern with a diameter of nearly a million li, filled with white, silver, blue, purple, even gold and black translucent fluids that are clearly distinct from one another."

Occasionally, a thunderclap booms, causing the various fluids in the cavern to quiver slightly, sending out barely visible ripples.

Translation: "Occasionally, a thunderclap booms, and the various fluids in the cavern quiver slightly, sending forth barely visible ripples."

These fluids are nothing but condensed manifestations of thunderous power.

Translation: "These fluids are nothing but condensed manifestations of thunderous power."

Even after compressing thousands or tens of thousands of heavenly thunderbolts, they could only condense into a drop of thunder‑fluid the size of a sesame seed. Yet this cavern, a million li wide and unfathomably deep, holds vast quantities of various thunder‑fluids, a feat that must have taken ages to accumulate.

Translation: "Even after forcibly compressing thousands or tens of thousands of heavenly thunderbolts, one could barely gather a sesame‑sized drop of thunder fluid; yet this cavern, a million li across and unfathomably deep, somehow holds vast quantities of various thunder fluids, having consumed who knows how many eons."

Above the cavern, thick rock layers are occasionally wreathed in lightning.

Translation: "Above the cavern, on the thick rock strata, lightning occasionally flickers."

Occasionally, a bolt of furious lightning thousands or tens of thousands of zhang wide erupts from the thick stone vault, striking the cavern—but it creates no ripple, being instantly swallowed whole by the immeasurable ocean of thunder that has been hoarded for countless ages.

Translation: "Occasionally, a bolt of furious lightning several thousand to tens of thousands of zhang in diameter blasts out of the thick stone vault, strikes the cavern with teeth and claws, yet sends not a single ripple, being instantly devoured dry by the unknown‑aged ocean of thunder that has accumulated here."

On the edge of the Thunder Marsh, a mighty city has been carved into the towering stone cliffs.

Translation: "On the edge of Thunder Marsh stands a mighty city carved into the lofty stone cliffs."

The mighty city has an unusual shape: nine tiers, from bottom to top. The lowest tier is the largest, spanning thousands of li, while the uppermost tier is the smallest, only about a hundred li across.

Translation: "The mighty city has an extraordinary shape: nine tiers from bottom to top, the lowest layer sprawling over several thousand li, while the uppermost layer covers no more than a hundred li."

Within the nine tiers lie palaces and pavilions of every kind, built in a rugged, massive style—as if hewn by ancient giants with great axes, devoid of excessive ornamentation, exuding an archaic simplicity.

Translation: "Within the nine tiers lie palaces and pavilions of every sort, their style rugged and massive, as if hewn by ancient giants with great axes, lacking excessive refinement, displaying an archaic simplicity."

On the left and right flanks of the nine‑tier city, countless complex walkways have been carved into the high stone walls, opening numerous large and small caves; some caves contain straight passages illuminated by luminous plants, leading who knows where into the deep darkness.

Translation: "On the left and right flanks of the nine tiers, countless complex walkways have been carved into the high stone walls, opening caves large and small; in some caves, straight passages are illuminated by luminous plants, stretching deep into darkness, their destinations unknown."

The Thunder Marsh is the sole such marsh in the subterranean world.

Translation: "Thunder Marsh, there is only one such place in the subterranean world."

The Nine‑Tier Divine City beside the Thunder Marsh is the capital of the Fuxi Divine Nation.

Translation: "The Ninefold Divine City beside Thunder Marsh is the imperial capital of the Fuxi Divine State."

The supreme ruler of the Fuxi Divine Nation, the Fuxi God‑Emperor, resides in the highest tier of the Nine‑Tier Divine City.

Translation: "The supreme ruler of the Fuxi Divine State, the Fuxi Divine Emperor, resides in the highest tier of the Ninefold Divine City."

The Thunder Marsh and the Nine‑Tier Divine City are intertwined; the marsh serves as the city's strongest defensive ward and its primary energy source, powering countless formations, wards, and massive devices within the city.

Translation: "Thunder Marsh and the Ninefold Divine City form a single entity; the marsh serves as the city's strongest defensive ward and its primary energy source, powering countless formations, wards, and all manner of large devices within the city."

Outside an octagonal altar on the third tier of the Nine‑Tier Divine City, Xi Bai stands with his hands behind his back, silent and still.

Translation: "Outside an octagonal altar on the third tier of the Ninefold Divine City, Xi Bu Bai stood with his hands behind his back, silent and still."

A man over ten feet tall, extraordinarily handsome, stands bare‑chested on the altar, his aura rapidly swelling as he pushes from the half‑step Divine Realm straight into the Divine Realm.

Translation: "A man over ten feet tall, extraordinarily handsome, stood bare‑chested on the altar, his aura rapidly swelling as he broke from the Half‑Step Divine Realm straight into the Divine Realm."

Around him, waves of strange Dao rhythms pulse rapidly; it seems as if countless deep eyes from the void gaze upon him through the heavens and earth. Winds and clouds gather from all directions, condensing above his head into rings of black tribulation thunderclouds.

Translation: "Around him, waves of strange Dao rhythms pulsed swiftly; it seemed as if pairs of deep eyes peered through the void toward him. Winds and clouds gathered from all directions, condensing above his head into rings of pitch‑black Divine Tribulation thunderclouds."

Outside the Nine‑Tier Divine City, several whirlpools a hundred zhang in diameter suddenly appear within the Thunder Marsh.

Translation: "Outside the Ninefold Divine City, within Thunder Marsh, several vortices a hundred zhang in diameter suddenly appeared."

Electric light flares inside and outside the altar as thick‑as‑water‑vat five‑element divine thunder, yin‑yang divine thunder, and other naturally occurring heavenly thunder boom repeatedly, lightning winding around the altar and finally forming a magnificent nine‑dragon thunder pillar that shields the man within.

Translation: "Inside and outside the altar, electric light flared; thick as water‑tank bolts of Five Elements Divine Thunder, Yin‑Yang Divine Thunder, and assorted natural heavenly thunder crashed with a 'Boom—', lightning entwined the altar, ultimately forming a magnificent Nine Dragon Thunder Pillar that shielded the man within."

The Fuxi Divine Nation naturally possesses powerful beings of the Divine Realm.

Translation: "The Fuxi Divine State naturally possesses mighty beings of the Divine Realm."

They cannot possibly obtain the Heavenly Decree, nor can they sacrifice to the gods to weaken the tribulation's power.

Translation: "They could never obtain the Heavenly Decree, nor sacrifice to the gods to weaken the Divine Tribulation's power."

However, the Fuxi Divine Nation has its own method: relying on the Thunder Marsh, they have set up the 'Ascension Platform' to help cultivators of sufficient strength withstand the tribulation and forcefully break through into the Divine Realm.

Translation: "But the Fuxi Divine State naturally has its own means: relying on Thunder Marsh, they have set up the 'Deification Platform' to help cultivators of sufficient strength resist the Divine Tribulation and forcefully break through to the Divine Realm."

Yet the Ascension Platform is a violent clash with the tribulation, making it extremely perilous; only those with extraordinarily deep foundations dare attempt it.

Translation: "Yet the Deification Platform is a violent clash with the Divine Tribulation, making it extremely perilous; only those with profound foundations dare attempt it."

Moreover, activating the Ascension Platform once consumes an unknown amount of resources, but the Xi clan charges outsiders who use it—such as the ancient ancestors of the Wu tribe—an astronomical fee.

Translation: "Moreover, activating a Deification Platform consumes an unknown amount, but the Xi clan charges outsiders who use it—such as the ancestors of the Wu clan—an astronomical fortune."

Using the Ascension Platform gives about a fifty‑to‑sixty percent chance of surviving the tribulation.

Translation: "Using the Deification Platform gives a fifty‑to‑sixty percent chance of surviving the Divine Tribulation."

Without the Ascension Platform, survival is akin to a one‑in‑ten or even one‑in‑hundred chance—so this exclusive trade is surely lucrative for the Xi clan.

Translation: "Without the Deification Platform, it is nigh‑on nine deaths to one life, or even ten deaths with no survival… thus, the profit this exclusive trade brings the Xi clan is easy to imagine."

Now standing on the Ascension Platform is Xi Bai's nephew, Xi Wu Lei, the most talented direct‑line royal of the Xi clan in the past millennium; his talent is said to rival that of the ill‑fated prince Xi Yao from six thousand years ago.

Translation: "Now standing on the Deification Platform is Xi Bu Bai's nephew, Xi Wu Le—the strongest‑talented direct‑line royal of the Xi clan in the past millennium; his talent is said to rival that of the ill‑fated prince Xi Yao from six thousand years ago."

Xi Yao and Xi Yao, the dragon‑phoenix twins born of the same mother, are said in Xi clan legend to be geniuses who inherited the bloodline of the ancient sages.

Translation: "Xi Yao and Xi Yao, dragon‑phoenix twins born of the same mother, are, according to Xi clan legend, geniuses who inherited the bloodline of the primeval sages."

Although Xi Wu Lei lacks such a twin sister, the many elders of the Xi clan agree that his talent can be compared to that of Xi Yao, showing just how extraordinary his innate ability is.

Translation: "Although Xi Wu Le lacks such a twin sister, the many elders of the Xi clan unanimously hold that his talent can be compared to Xi Yao's, showing just how formidable his innate ability truly is."

In the sky, the tribulation thunderclouds suddenly stirred, unleashing thousands of frenzied lightning bolts that struck down without pattern—big and small, long and short, of various colors—slamming the nine‑dragon thunder pillar into violent shaking, nearly shattering several of the lightning dragons.

Translation: "In the sky, the Divine Tribulation thunderclouds stirred, and without any pattern, thousands of frenzied thunderbolts screamed down—large and small, long and short, of every hue—crashing wildly upon the Nine Dragon Thunder Pillar, shaking it violently and nearly snapping several thunder dragons apart."

On the edge of the fourth tier of the Nine‑Tier Divine City, dozens of Xi clan elders stand with hands behind their backs on a rugged gallery, watching Xi Wu Lei anxiously.

Translation: "On the edge of the fourth tier of the Ninefold Divine City, dozens of Xi clan Elders stood with hands behind their backs on a rugged gallery, watching Xi Wu Le nervously."

Xi Wu Lei stands tall and chest‑out on the Ascension Platform, calmly observing the madly falling masses of thunder‑fire in the high sky.

Translation: "Xi Wu Le stood tall and chest‑out on the Deification Platform, calmly watching clusters of thunder‑fire raining down wildly from the heights."

Furthermore, a yin wind rises from his feet, weaving fine threads that cut and permeate his body; likewise, strands of yin fire sprout from his pores, silently seeping into his viscera and bone marrow.

Translation: "Furthermore, yin wind rose from beneath his feet, threading and slicing through his body; threads of yin fire also sprang from his pores, silently seeping into his viscera and marrow."

Xi Wu Lei gave a cold chuckle.

Translation: "Xi Wu Le gave a cold chuckle."

The yin wind stirred sparks inside and outside his body, yet it could not harm him in the slightest.

Translation: "The yin wind stirred sparks within and without his body, yet harmed him not at all."

The yin fire merely purified his form, like fine sandpaper polishing his body to a bright, immaculate sheen, free of any impurity.

Translation: "The yin fire merely made his body purer, as fine sandpaper polishing it to a bright, spotless sheen."

As for the howling thunderbolts falling down……

Translation: "As for the thunderbolts screaming down……"

Xi Wu Lei spread his arms and, with a casual grasp, shattered the nine‑dragon thunder pillar, sucking all its lightning into his mouth.

Translation: "Xi Wu Le spread his hands, casually grabbed, and the Nine Dragon Thunder Pillar shattered with a boom; he sucked all the lightning into his mouth."

Whether the lightning forming the nine‑dragon pillar or the bolts falling from the sky, he swallowed every bit of thunderous power in one gulp; even the swirling tribulation thunderclouds above let out a low, mournful wail, like a long bowl of noodles being sucked dry in one breath.

Translation: "Whether the thunder that formed the Nine Dragon Thunder Pillar or the lightning falling from the sky, all thunderous power was gulped down by him; even the hovering Divine Tribulation thunderclouds emitted a dull moan, like a long strand of noodles sucked dry in one gulp."

Xi Bai smiled with relief.

Translation: "Xi Bu Bai smiled in relief."

All the Xi clan elders laughed as well.

Translation: "All the Xi clan Elders laughed as well."

At birth, Xi Wu Lei naturally bore thirty‑six innate thunder‑god talismans on his body, and his palms condensed two thunder‑god seals; his heavenly gift is command over thunder.

Translation: "At birth, Xi Wu Le's body naturally bore thirty‑six innate Thunder God Talismans, and his palms condensed two Thunder God Seals; his innate divine ability is simply the power of thunder."

Thunder is the decree of heaven and earth; in the age of ancient myth, the thunder god held an indispensable, pivotal status, the supreme pinnacle of existence.

Translation: "Thunder is the mandate of heaven and earth; in the age of primordial myth, the Thunder God held a pivotal, irreplaceable status, a peerless pinnacle of existence."

Xi Wu Lei was born wielding the thunder‑god seal; his heavenly talent is overwhelmingly strong—on the second day after forming his divine embryo, he challenged and defeated two Xi clan elders of the first level of the Divine Realm.

Translation: "Xi Wu Le was born wielding the Thunderbolt Seal; his innate divine ability is stupendously strong—on the very day after forming his Divine Embryo, he challenged two Xi clan Elders of the First Heaven of the Divine Realm and defeated them."

He defeated a first‑level Divine Realm opponent while still in the early stage of the Embryo‑Storage Realm.

Translation: "In the early Embryo Storage Realm, he triumphed over a First‑Heaven Divine Realm expert."

Xi Wu Lei's talent and combat prowess reveal just how formidable and terrifying he is.

Translation: "Xi Wu Le's talent and combat prowess reveal just how mighty and terrifying he is."

His cultivation method comes directly from the blood‑line memory of the 《Myriad Transformations Thunder Classic》, which can turn all things in heaven and earth into thunder, its power so great that even the many Xi elders gasp in awe.

Translation: "His cultivation method is directly drawn from the blood‑memory scripture, the Myriad Transformations Thunder Classic, which can transmute all things of heaven and earth into thunder, its power so great that many Xi clan Elders gasp in astonishment."

Such a genius, Xi Wu Lei is also a stickler for rules—somewhat rigid and inflexible—strictly observing every Xi clan regulation, never overstepping, acting with meticulous caution and exact conformity.

Translation: "Such a prodigy, Xi Wu Le is also a stickler for rules, even a bit rigid and inflexible; he observes every Xi clan precept, never oversteps, acts with utmost caution, and follows every regulation to the letter."

Thus, the ancient monsters of the Xi clan also favor this obedient, rule‑following child.

Translation: "Thus, the Xi clan's ancient monsters also favor this rule‑abiding child."

Compared to the former Xi Yao, Xi Wu Lei is now unanimously recognized by the Xi clan as the sole candidate for the next God‑Emperor.

Translation: "Compared to the former Xi Yao, Xi Wu Le is now unanimously recognized by the Xi clan as the sole candidate for the next Divine Emperor."

Just as Xi Bai's mind flashed with all the information about Xi Wu Lei, the latter had already sucked the tribulation thunderclouds dry; a sudden flash of lightning surrounded him, and all the yin wind and yin fire exploded into tiny electric sparks that vanished without trace.

Translation: "Just as Xi Bu Bai's mind flashed with all the data on Xi Wu Le, the latter had already sucked the Divine Tribulation thunderclouds dry; his body flashed with electric light, and all the yin wind and yin fire exploded into tiny sparks that vanished without a trace."

Drawing a deep breath, Xi Wu Lei transformed into a bolt of lightning and swiftly left the Ascension Platform.

Translation: "Drawing a deep breath, Xi Wu Le turned into a bolt of lightning and swiftly left the Deification Platform."

As he departed the platform, his body bare, he waited for the lightning to fall; then Xi Wu Lei appeared before Xi Bai clad in battle armor, offering a deep, smiling bow of thanks.

Translation: "Upon leaving the Deification Platform, Xi Wu Le's body was bare; as the electric light settled, he appeared before Xi Bu Bai already clad in a battle robe, smiling as he gave a deep bow of thanks."

Having thanked Xi Bai for his protection, Xi Wu Lei turned into light and approached the dozens of elders on the fourth tier, thanking them for their covert guardianship and their care.

Translation: "Having thanked Xi Bu Bai for his protective favor, Xi Wu Le again became electric light, approached the dozens of Elders on the fourth tier, and thanked them for their covert guardianship and their care."

After bowing to the elders and receiving their permission, Xi Wu Lei dissolved into lightning and hurried straight to the hall where his father resided.

Translation: "After bowing to the Elders and receiving their permission, Xi Wu Le turned into electric light and departed, heading straight for the hall where his father resided."

Having successfully broken through into the Divine Realm, this good news naturally needed to be relayed to his father and mother at once.

Translation: "Having successfully broken through to the Divine Realm, this good news naturally must be reported to his parents at once."

Xi Wule's parents did not dare to come to the scene to watch his breakthrough process; Xi Wule naturally needed to hurry over to tell them the good news, at the same time relieving their worries.

"He's a good child," said the Xi elders together with Xi Bai.

Every move Xi Wu Lei makes observes propriety and is utterly flawless; such a fine child, where could you find a second?

The Fuxi Divine Nation desperately needs such a steady, reliable, and powerful heir.

After exchanging a few pleasantries with the elders, Xi Bai hurried away; as the lord of the Black Hall of the Fuxi Divine Nation, he has countless matters to attend to each day.

Only a gifted disciple like Xi Wu Lei, whose future everyone approves, would make Xi Bai steal time from his busy schedule to personally guard his cultivation; no other Xi clan descendant could summon such a deity.

Following a stone‑carved corridor out of the Nine‑Tier Divine City, passing several heavily guarded passageways, Xi Bai arrived at a vast stone cavern.

The cavern spans tens of li; on one wall a stone palace thirty‑three stories high has been carved—this is the Black Hall overseen by Xi Bai. Its duties include monitoring the major tribes of the Fuxi Divine Nation, planting spies within them, and even eliminating troublesome elements that could threaten the clan.

Besides that, sending traitors and secret agents to the surface world to infiltrate, plunder people and resources, and even assassinate, are also part of Xi Bai's daily responsibilities.

In short, the image of the Fuxi Divine Nation in the subterranean world is lofty and supremely noble, sacred and inviolable.

All of the Fuxi Divine Nation's shady, underhanded schemes are orchestrated solely by Xi Bai.

Having entered the stone palace, Xi Bai used his private passage to reach the top floor, pushed open a heavy metal door, and said in a low voice: "Someone, bring all case files marked 'Secret Character Three' or higher."

No one answered Xi Bai.

Xi Bai's expression suddenly changed.

In the stone palace atop the Black Hall, dozens of Xi Bai's trusted aides are permanently stationed to help him process documents from all quarters.

These aides are not only fiercely loyal but also immensely powerful; even the weakest are elite half‑step Divine Realm cultivators. Whenever Xi Bai issues an order, they respond instantly, never delaying.

Yet today, when he gave the order, nobody responded.

At the same moment his face shifted, Xi Bai jerked backward, his body turning into a black wind as he tried to flee.

Four strange, eerie beast roars erupted from beside Xi Bai's ears, the terrifying shakes rattling his body rigid and nearly bursting his head.

The black wind shattered; Xi Bai staggered out of the air, and a huge triangular strange bell crashed down upon him. Its three faces bore carvings of the three ferocious beasts Qiongqi, spewing smoke and continually bellowing terrifying roars.

Xi Bai was pinned beneath the bell as a dreadful binding force struck; several layers of dim light flickered around him and then burst apart. This force crushed his protective talismans, locking him firmly in place.

A shadow flashed, and thirteen ebony spikes bristling with barbs pierced deep into his vital points.

From the spikes came the furious roar of Taotie; a terrible devouring power surged out, making Xi Bai howl in pain as thirteen bowl‑sized hollows appeared on his body, the surrounding flesh and essence sucked completely dry.

"Qiongqi, Hundun, Taowu, Taotie—you four fiendish clans, are you rebelling?" Xi Bai bellowed hoarsely: "You dare invade the Black Hall? You… you're courting death!"

The Taowu clan's eldest and most powerful elder, Taowu Ni, appeared out of thin air before Xi Bai, chuckling "Heh heh": "Xi Bai, how could we dare rebel? What we are doing today is utterly lawful and proper… tsk, we are acting under orders to seize you."

Xi Bai stared, then roared: "By whose order? I answer directly to the God‑Emperor—apart from the Grand Elder and the God‑Emperor himself, who in the Xi clan could command my arrest?"

"Me! How?"

A soft sigh echoed, and Xi Yao slowly stepped from behind a stone screen, walking slowly to stand before Xi Bai.

"Does anyone in the Fuxi Divine Nation still remember me?" Xi Yao gazed deeply at Xi Bai: "It's been over six thousand years—is this nation still the one I once belonged to? Am I still its prince?"

Xi Bai stared in shock: "Your Highness Xi Yao? When did you return? Why… why are you doing this?"

Xi Yao smiled at Xi Bai: "I've come back to borrow the power of the Fuxi Divine Nation."

"Heh, I never imagined… the Martial King Huo Xiong of the Qingqiu Divine Nation is actually… Wu Tie?"

"Xi Bai, that habit of yours is terrible… back when I and Xi Yao came to play in the Black Hall, I knew you liked to keep a backup of your most secret information in what you deemed the safest, most confidential spot."

"That place is known only to you, me, and Xi Yao."

Martial King Huo Xiong, he is actually a spy of the Fuxi Divine Kingdom. Hehe, really, it's too interesting.