Supreme Sword Exalt

“Heavenly tribulation?” Gu Han asked.

Fatty said with assurance, “Correct. The path of cultivation is endless. Qi Condensation, Meridian Opening, Acupoint Unsealing, Essence Gathering, Spirit Profound, Divine Connection, Soaring Realm—these correspond to Tiers 1 to 7 of demonic beasts.

“If a Tier 7 demonic beast wishes to take human form and become a true demonic species, the first hurdle it must face is the lightning tribulation. Same goes for a human Soaring Realm cultivator who wishes to reach Heavenly Tribulation realm.

“However, the power of lightning is no small matter, as it contains the Great Dao’s might. Even an ordinary person would suffer bodily destruction at the slightest touch. Who would dare to attempt it recklessly? To successfully undergo the tribulation, one must first temper and forge an indestructible physique, capable of withstanding the power of lightning.

“The Green Lotus Fruit is exactly what you need for this! Originally, it nourishes the flesh and temper the physique, so using it to treat your injury is a bit overkill...”

The mention of the Heavenly Tribulation piqued Gu Han’s curiosity. “Then? What comes after the Heavenly Tribulation?”

Fatty answered without thinking, “That would be the Earthly Tribulation realm. Actually, the fundamental roles of both tribulations are quite similar. But unlike the Heavenly Tribulation, the Earthly Tribulation realm tempers your soul instead. You must find a place abundant with earthly malignant qi, though.” 𝘧𝓇ℯℴ𝓂

A hint of yearning crept into his tone. “After enduring both tribulations, you will attain a flawless physique and a pure, untainted soul. Only then can you fully shed your mortal body and ascend to the Transcendent Realm. You will be free, unbound, and without restraint.”

Fatty then glanced at Gu Tian. With his experience, he could tell that Gu Tian was not far from undergoing the tribulation. Indeed, Gu Tian coming here despite his madness was no accident.

The Great Freedom Heavenly Demon Scripture was the ultimate method, leading to the Limitless Demonic Dao, encompassing a vast array of knowledge. Its records of various realms, divine powers, techniques, and even all kinds of spirit pills and precious herbs far exceeded the imagination of ordinary people.

Driven by instinct, Gu Tian had long been eyeing the Green Lotus Fruit. Even if Gu Han hadn’t appeared, the fruit would ultimately have fallen into his hands.

Gu Han reached the same conclusion as Fatty. He held the Green Lotus Fruit, hesitating to take a bite for a long time.

“Brother Gu, it has to be stored in a specially crafted box, or its medicinal efficacy will dissipate within a few days. Haa... It’s so precious, countless fathers, sons, and brothers would turn against each other. You’re holding it, yet you’re still hesitating.” Fatty sighed at Gu Han, uncharacteristically showing a bit of genuine emotion. However, his true nature soon emerged. “If you’re not going to eat it, giving it to me is fine too!”

Looking wary, Gu Han immediately chomped off one-third of the fruit. “Don’t even think about it!”

Gu Han understood Gu Tian’s nature all too well. If Gu Han refused to eat, he feared Gu Tian would force it into his mouth. Thus, Gu Han made up his mind to find Murong Chuan once he was back. No matter how difficult, he had to find another precious herb with a similar effect to let Gu Tian successfully undergo the Heavenly Tribulation.

As soon as the fruit pulp entered his mouth, it immediately turned into a stream of clear spring, flowing into his abdomen. The unique fragrance became at least ten times more concentrated.

Fatty started swallowing hard. His old habit acted up again, watching Gu Han eagerly. “What’s it taste like? I’ve eaten it before, but I’ve forgotten...”

Gu Han thought about it. “Nothing special.”

“Let me taste it again.”

Gu Han bit off another third as a response.

Fatty was somewhat unwilling to give up. “How about now?”

“It’s quite sweet...”

Just after these words, Gu Han’s expression changed, and he quickly sat down cross-legged. The extremely vigorous spirit qi, compressed by his meridians, turned into streams of liquid spirit power. They rushed towards the remaining acupoint barriers.

Although the Green Lotus Fruit’s main function was to nourish the body, its contained spirit qi shouldn’t be underestimated. If an ordinary Acupoint Unsealing realm cultivator swallowed it as it was, it would be extremely wasteful.

However, Gu Han’s meridians were unusual. They absorbed all the scattered spirit qi, not letting a single thread escape. The impact force became unprecedentedly strong as a result.

In the blink of an eye, more than ten acupoint barriers were broken through. Gu Han’s already ravaged body regained its vitality, reminiscent of a crystal spring restoring life to a barren riverbed. His greying hair turned black again, and his slack skin also regained its previous fullness and suppleness. In fact, his body had become much stronger than before!

Fatty glanced at Gu Han, then at Gu Tian, feeling a bit envious. Maybe, after going back, I should also find a stepfather?

Just as he thought this, his eyebrows suddenly furrowed. He was somewhat gloating at Gu Han. “See? You ate too much! Hahaha, I’d like to see you cry when you miss the Supreme Stage of the Acupoint Unsealing realm!”

Gu Han sweated profusely, his face constantly flashing with pain. Shit, I got careless.

He never expected the fruit’s spirit to be so terrifying. Now, the barriers of all three hundred and sixty acupoints had been broken through. Yet, the spirit power within his meridians showed no sign of weakening, continuously pushing his cultivation level towards the Essence Gathering realm.

I must not break through. I absolutely cannot break through. Otherwise, all my previous efforts will be wasted!

Suddenly, he gave a loud shout, stood up, and swung his palm violently. An overbearing spirit power instantly poured out, landing in the distant swamp. A loud noise scattered large patches of mist. Gu Han’s face reddened, and he spat out a mouthful of blood. He had forcibly reversed his spirit power. He suffered considerable backlash because the load was too great. Yet he wasn’t the least bit discouraged, and even somewhat happy.

That’s good. I haven’t broken through yet.

Gu Tian didn’t share his sentiment. Demonic flames soared into the sky, and he instantly arrived before Gu Han.

“Who... who injured you...” He stared fixedly at Fatty. “Was... it you?”

Fatty shivered in fright. “Uncle... he did this to himself! Making me take the blame for this, I’d be so wronged...”

Gu Han’s eyelids twitched. He was truly afraid Gu Tian couldn’t hold back and ended up slapping Fatty to death. Thus, he quickly explained to Gu Tian. “Father...”

Then, Gu Tian looked at Fatty again, his demonic flames slowly dispersing.

Fatty felt like crying. That was close! Uncle Gu really isn’t normal. He won’t hesitate to kill his own kin at the slightest disagreement!

Meanwhile, Gu Han looked at the remaining fruit, feeling troubled. Should I eat it? I really cannot. Should I give it to Father instead? Forget it, that would be too embarrassing!

Subconsciously, he glanced at Fatty, feeling somewhat awkward. “Ahem... Fatty, are your injuries getting better?”

Fatty pointed at the bruise on his face, full of indignation. “You still care enough to ask about me? Look at me! How the hell is it getting better?!”

Gu Han handed the leftover fruit to Fatty. “How about you eat it?”

Fatty’s face was as red as a volcano as if he had suffered a great insult. However, he simply couldn’t bring himself to reject the offer. Still, looking at the clear row of tooth marks on the fruit made him feel conflicted. If he ate it, he would be completely healed, but he really couldn’t bring himself to put it in his mouth.

For a moment, the two of them stared at each other, deadlocked for a full quarter-hour.

Gu Han shook his head. “Forget it. I won’t make it hard for you.”

Fatty gritted his teeth and snatched the fruit from Gu Han’s hand. “Wait! I will eat it!”

He closed his eyes, hardened his heart, and stuffed the fruit into his mouth. A real man born between heaven and earth must know when to yield and when to stand firm! This little humiliation is nothing! Anyway, no one will know.

Gu Han imitated him just now, leaning closer. “Fatty, what’s it taste like?”

Fatty turned deathly pale. “It’s a bit gross.”