46 Life Sizing Tribulation

With a wary smile, Han Zhi posed a question, "There's one matter that truly baffles me, and I hope Your Majesty could dispel my confusion."

Raising an eyebrow, Ji Fang responded, "What might that be?"

"Aren't ascension and immortality the ultimate goals pursued by all cultivators?"

Ji Fang nodded in agreement, "Indeed, they are."

Han Zhi inhaled deeply, gathering himself before voicing his primary concern, "Then why are there individuals who choose to remain in the lower domain?"

Ji Fang was momentarily taken aback, but swiftly, a grin spread across his face. "Firstly, are you aware of the average lifespan of a Dao Integration Realm cultivator?"

After pondering for a moment, Han Zhi provided his answer, "Nascent Soul cultivators can live for a millennium, whereas Spirit Severing cultivators tend to have a lifespan of approximately five thousand years. When it comes to Dao Integration, their lifespans seldom dip below twenty thousand years."

Ji Fang, content with his answer, raised another question, "What about the lifespan of Void Transformation cultivators?"

A flicker of confusion passed over Han Zhi's face while he contemplated the question. Eventually, he shrugged and admitted, "I'm not certain."

With an instructional tone, Ji Fang clarified, "Theoretically, they possess an indefinite lifespan."

The shock was visible on Han Zhi's face; his voice eked out a whisper, "Do you mean they are... immortals?"

Upon hearing the word 'immortal', Ji Fang burst into hearty laughter but quickly regained his serious demeanor. "That's a bold term, 'immortal', isn't it? Personally, I don't believe they exist, at least not anymore."

"In the Upper Domains, the concept of death diverges from our common understanding. Cultivators do not simply exhaust their life span as we do. Instead, their existence is curtailed by what we call the Life Sizing Tribulations."

Han Zhi shuffled uncomfortably, his brows furrowing in confusion. "Life Sizing Tribulations?"

Expressing an audible sigh, Ji Fang peered at Han Zhi. "It's a phenomenon bearing some resemblance to the Lightning Punishment Tribulations."

" To the best of my knowledge, Void Transformation cultivators must endure a Life Sizing Tribulation once every ten thousand years. Each tribulation progressively grows more formidable than its predecessor."

Han Zhi's mouth twitched, a glimmer of understanding beginning to illuminate his darkened confusion. "I think I'm beginning to grasp the concept. But isn't it true that cultivators are compelled to ascend after breaking through to the Void Transformation realm within a specified time due to repulsion from lower dimensions?"

The corners of Ji Fang's mouth curved into a satisfied smirk."Indeed they are, However currently there are now many methods that can allow you to hid your presence from the Heaven's Eyes."

Han Zhi furrowed his brows in contemplation, trying to process all the new information. "So, a Void Transformation cultivator, could potentially have an unlimited lifespan?"

Ji Fang nodded, a knowing look in his eyes. "Indeed. Void Transformation cultivators possess the ability to control and manipulate their life force to such an extent that it becomes nearly limitless. They can assimilate the energy of the universe and use it to sustain themselves indefinitely."

Han Zhi's eyes widened in astonishment. "That's incredible. So, in theory, They could stay in the lower domain and continue to live for thousands, even millions, of years?"

 ****

Meanwhile, With a smirk playing on his lips, Evil Warding let out a laugh, shaking his head in disbelief, before finally voicing his thoughts. "Benefactor, from where does such audacity spring in you?"

His eyes narrowed subtly, his gaze piercing "This monk here," he said, " Has well apprised the measure of power each one of you wields. To be honest, your inflated confidence is what truly bewilders this humble monk."

Without further words, Chang Jin figure shown with a blinding golden light and his body begin to expand rapidly like a celestial giant rising among the ordinary mortals. His growth unbounded, as if tethered to the furthest expanse of the universe itself.

However, this miraculous transformation was far from over. With an awe-inspiring burst of power, shimmering golden wings erupted from his back. They rose, majestic and timeless, each feather throbbing with a sublime divinity.

As Evil Warding watched the transformation, his chuckles faded, replaced with unprecedented seriousness.

With a final transformation, the newly formed celestial giant, Chang Jin, stood in stark contrast against the monk's humble appearance, striking an imposing spirit.

Chang Jin, with his divine wings unfurling like a guardian angel, began to hum with golden energy.

With a deep and resounding voice, he pointed towards Evil Warding, and declared, "A monk with such hubris must be brought to reason."

Before Evil Warding could react, Chang Jin punched forward a blaze of golden fire, aiming to land the first strike. 

In retaliation, Evil Warding channelled his spiritual energy into the palm of his hands. A radiant, lotus-coloured aura began glowing around his palms, and with a battle cry, he thrust forward his attack towards Chang Jin.

Chang Jin, despite his massive form, managed to dodge the energy attack. With a swift turn of his spectacular wings, he ascended into the sky, evading the monk's retaliation. Circling above his opponent like a divine hawk, Chang Jin wasted no time to counter. He summoned an array of divine spears made of pure celestial energy and launched them towards the monk.

The monk, undeterred, started weaving intricate hand symbols, forming a shield of energy, and fending off the celestial spears that were raining down. As the spears touched his shield, they were dissolved into golden dust that scattered into the wind.

"Surely, the revered monk didn't foresee this, am I right?" queried Chang Jin, an unmistakable spark of delight illuminating his aura.

"Indeed, it's astonishing to conceive that the benefactor has transcended to the Dao Integration realm in a mere span of sixty years."

At this declaration, Xue Ren's eyes widened in astonishment. " To think that senior brother Chang has broken through - and judging by your aura, your foundation is as solid and unyielding as the Heavenly Iron Mountain. Please accept my heartfelt congratulations."

Bai Shuan cast a chilly gaze at him; yet before he had a chance to retort, Li Yan materialized before him. "I doubt Brother Chang could withstand the weight of such earnest congratulations from you." .

Completely eliminating any opportunity for him to respond, With a wave of her hand, multiple violet small needles appeared in the air heading towards Xue Ren with unimaginable speed.