Chapter 433

Chapter 433: Late Void Refinement Stage!

After Ji Yang broke through several realms, the observing cultivators were all stunned in place.

Many cultivators even rubbed their eyes to confirm that they hadn’t just imagined what they saw.

Some even harmed themselves to ensure that what they just witnessed was not an illusion.

They had seen geniuses before, but they had never encountered a cultivator who, after overcoming a lightning tribulation, directly crossed three realms.

If it weren’t for the need to comprehend the essence of the Way to ascend to the Unity with the Dao stage, they would suspect Ji Yang would become a Unity with the Dao stage cultivator right away!

Such a cultivator could no longer be described as a genius; he was a prodigy!

Many late Void Refinement stage cultivators who had intended to move forward now halted in their tracks. Ji Yang’s previous performance had been exceptionally brilliant, showcasing extraordinary Techniques, coupled with his impressive body-refining techniques that tempted them greatly.

They had initially planned to use their two higher cultivation levels to suppress Ji Yang after his Tribulation Crossing, then extract his Techniques from him.

To prevent any accidents, a late Void Refinement stage cultivator secretly transmitted a message, gathering several people at the same cultivation level.

After discussing, they reached a consensus to completely take Ji Yang down.

But now, they dared not take another step forward.

This person, merely at the Void Refinement Stage, was already quite daunting; how could they dare to continue their previous plan with Ji Yang now at a higher realm?

As they halted, Ji Yang’s sharp gaze swept over them, and the momentum he exuded made them break into a sweat, afraid to make any other movements lest they provoke a misunderstanding with him.

Fortunately, Ji Yang did not pursue their unfinished actions. After giving them a glance, he transformed into a streak of light and headed toward the entrance of the secret realm!

Having broken through his realm, Ji Yang was no longer impeded at the entrance of the upper levels of the secret realm and quickly vanished from their sight.

After Ji Yang left, the remaining cultivators still did not take any action.

After a moment, confirming that Ji Yang had completely departed and would not return, a late Void Refinement stage cultivator cautiously wiped the sweat off his forehead.

“Who exactly is this person?”

He voiced his question, but no one responded; they all wanted to know who this terrifying cultivator was.

Having witnessed Ji Yang enter the upper levels of the secret realm, the late Void Refinement stage cultivators who originally intended to seek opportunities there now wore hesitant expressions.

Ji Yang’s gaze lingered in their minds, causing feelings of trepidation.

If they encountered him in the upper levels of the secret realm, would they even survive?

After some inner turmoil, several late Void Refinement stage cultivators decided to retreat without hesitation, choosing not to go to the upper levels of the secret realm.

They could still seek the essence of the Way in the mid levels of the secret realm; why did they have to compete with him in the upper levels?

It was better not to meet at all; if they accidentally did and given this person’s ferocity, they might not escape unscathed. Their priority was their own survival.

However, some late Void Refinement stage cultivators were resolute and headed straight for the upper levels of the secret realm.

They were all sect geniuses with considerable strength; why should they be intimidated from advancing just because of Ji Yang’s gaze?

Moreover, they were all late Void Refinement stage cultivators; who could say who might be quicker to reach the Unity with the Dao stage?

They would not give up on the opportunity to ascend to the Unity with the Dao stage during this trip!

Additionally, a few Void Refinement stage cultivators, after inquiring about Ji Yang’s recent actions and reflecting on his character, reached a conclusion that gave them the confidence to proceed to the upper levels of the secret realm.

As most Void Refinement stage cultivators departed, what remained were many Spirit Transformation Stage cultivators. They initially intended to draw upon the spiritual energy radiating from the upper levels of the secret realm to break through to the Void Refinement stage, and even if they couldn’t grasp the essence of the Way, seeking some opportunities would still be quite worthwhile.

After all, compared to other late Void Refinement stage cultivators, their need for the essence of the Way was not as urgent at the moment.

Additionally, watching other cultivators break through the Void Refinement stage lightning calamity could benefit them.

However, after experiencing Ji Yang’s lightning calamity, everyone’s face turned ashen; in their current state, they felt there was no hope for them to cross the calamity.

At this point, being blocked at the entrance seemed meaningless.

Some cultivators were quite decisive and turned to leave in other directions, seeking their own opportunities.

But a few cultivators showed hesitation; after some contemplation, they chose to stay and cultivate in place.

Originally, the mid levels of the secret realm were relatively safe for them, but now, with several Void Refinement stage cultivators leaving, they had to consider the risks of departing from this place.

…

As a flash of white light passed, Ji Yang’s view changed dramatically.

The dense spiritual energy around him made Ji Yang feel comfortable in both body and mind. As he slightly activated the Feather Transformation Ascension Skill, a large amount of spiritual energy converged around him.

The concentration of spiritual energy in the upper levels of the secret realm was more than double that of the mid levels.

No wonder it was referred to as the "celestial realm" within the secret realm.

Looking around, he saw several low-level spiritual plants growing freely, untouched and unpicked.

In contrast, the nearby empty patch showed signs of harvesting; those must have been mid-tier or high-level spiritual plants.

Such a rich place made Ji Yang feel emotional; as expected of a large secret realm, the resources were indeed abundant.

Yet, upon further reflection, it was not surprising.

All the cultivators who reached the upper levels of the secret realm were Void Refinement stage cultivators, many of whom were sect geniuses aiming to seek the essence of the Way, not to harvest spiritual plants.

They wouldn’t even glance at low-level spiritual plants; even mid-tier ones might not attract their interest, so they naturally wouldn’t waste too much time on them.

Ji Yang initially dismissed them, seeking cultivation points, or at the very least, Yun Ling Dan.

The low-level spiritual plants could only produce white light points, increasing the Four attributes; even with luck, they might only yield green light points, but wouldn’t provide any cultivation points.

However, after experiencing the recent lightning calamity, Ji Yang’s mindset shifted slightly.

Cultivation points were indeed important, but they weren’t urgently needed for him at the moment. With his Talent Jealousy, when he next broke through to the Unity with the Dao stage, the lightning calamity he faced would surely exceed this one in power.

If it weren’t for the appearance of that white light during this calamity, Ji Yang would have faced a life-or-death situation.

The power of the Void Refinement stage lightning calamity was formidable; one could only imagine the strength of the calamity at the Unity with the Dao stage.

Though advancing from late Spirit Transformation to late Void Refinement increased Ji Yang’s strength, against even more terrifying lightning calamities, he felt no glimmer of hope for survival.

Thus, even if he found the suitable essence of the Way, Ji Yang was not ready to break through.

The only way to change the situation was to elevate his physical constitution to withstand the world-destroying thunder.

No, that’s not enough; he needed to handle that golden tribulation thunder with ease to have even a slim chance of survival.

As such, the low-level spiritual plants he once disregarded transformed into his primary resources for dealing with the calamity.

A few points may seem small, but when accumulated, they would undoubtedly lead to a transformation of his body once again.

The enhancement of his Four attributes was urgent, and Ji Yang would not give up on seeking the essence of the Way in the upper levels of the secret realm.

With about a month left before the secret realm closed, he felt no need to rush. Instead, he decided to search for spiritual plants in the upper levels and then look for the essence of the Way. Furthermore, while collecting light points, he would likely gain a substantial number of cultivation points as well.

Of course, the reason Ji Yang had such a plan also stemmed from another important reason: he was injured.

Although the increase in his realm greatly enhanced his strength and the operation of True Immortal-Level Techniques allowed his True Essence within the body to recover quickly, the injuries to his body could not heal in a short period.

If he were an ordinary cultivator, using magical energy for nurturing could help him recover rapidly.

However, Ji Yang’s body was too robust, making the recovery more challenging after an injury.

Not only that, but the power of lightning calamity he previously absorbed remained in Ji Yang’s body, and his injuries hindered the complete absorption of this power.

Under the constant destructive force of the residual lightning calamity, Ji Yang’s recovery speed slowed even further.

Now, although his body strength was still intact, he no longer had the power to bare-handedly receive magical treasures, and the negative effects on his body extended far beyond that.

When his body could not suppress the residual power of lightning calamity within, it required a large amount of True Essence to contain it. Otherwise, the residual power would erupt, worsening Ji Yang’s injuries.

This also meant that Ji Yang could not use his magical energy significantly in the short term.

This was why, immediately after his breakthrough, Ji Yang left the mid levels of the secret realm; otherwise, facing the attacks of those late Void Refinement stage cultivators, he might not have been able to deal with them.

Ji Yang estimated that it would take about ten days to fully recover.

After ten days, Ji Yang could welcome his peak condition.

With his current late Void Refinement stage realm, combined with his formidable physique and hidden identity, no one in the secret realm would be able to stop him!

But before that, Ji Yang hoped not to encounter other Void Refinement stage cultivators; it was best not to engage with them.

During his recovery, picking some low-level spiritual plants to strengthen his physique and refining the power of lightning calamity within him would be a good choice.

With a solid plan in place, Ji Yang no longer hesitated and immediately moved forward to start picking the large expanse of low-level spiritual plants in front of him.

Even a newly sprouted seedling could not escape Ji Yang’s grasp.

Power +1

Agility +1

Physique +1

Physique +1

Spirit +1

…

In no time, countless White Light Points were absorbed by Ji Yang. Although some of these attributes did not provide an obvious enhancement, as long as he absorbed enough light points, he could achieve a qualitative leap.

Looking at the spiritual plant seedlings he had harvested, Ji Yang couldn’t help but speculate.

Perhaps the reason other Void Refinement stage cultivators hadn’t picked any was to allow other cultivators entering the secret realm to also gain something; this could be considered sustainable development.

However, in Ji Yang’s view, the concept of sustainable development outside was not true sustainability; only what was within his peak counted!

Moreover, these spiritual plants in Ji Yang’s hands were not wasted. With his unique abilities, he could easily take them back to the peak for cultivation.

Though they were only low-level spiritual plants, if given enough time, they might have promising potential for development.