Chapter 76: Advancement Success

However, Xiao Yu paid no mind to his injuries. With his body tempered by a foreign fire and strengthened by the Chaos Refinement Technique, his robust physique could afford to endure a little recklessness.

"You've got guts, don't run! Aren't you the ones chasing me?" Xiao Yu taunted as he pursued the group. Despite his provocations, Mobas and the others remained silent, focusing on fleeing as fast as they could. In this scenario, who wouldn't? Staying under the heavenly tribulation any longer could result in their complete annihilation.

Xiao Yu's relentless taunts caused the Snake Race experts to flush with anger. Among them, Yan Ci nearly turned around to fight Xiao Yu out of sheer rage, but fortunately, Yin Shi stopped him just in time.

The sky grew darker as thunderclouds thickened. A majestic, oppressive force descended upon the land. Though the area was far from the Snake Race's capital, the pressure was palpable even there. Countless serpents in the city felt suffocated, while the three Snake Race elders wore grim expressions.

"What on earth is going on? Could Yin Shi and the others be in trouble?" the Great Elder asked gravely.

The Second Elder looked toward the horizon, where faint flashes of lightning illuminated the distant sky. He murmured, "This energy feels similar to the anomaly caused by Her Majesty's evolution earlier. Should we go investigate?"

The Third Elder hesitated before replying, "Too much has happened tonight. Her Majesty's whereabouts are still unknown, and we don't even know if she's alive. Our priority should be calming the people. As for the tribulation, we can ask Yin Shi about it once he returns."

Hearing this, the Great Elder nodded slowly. "Yin Shi is a seasoned veteran and an eight-star Dou Wang. He should know what to do. For now, let's focus on stabilizing the tribe."

Meanwhile, Xiao Yu glanced at the swirling thunderclouds above. He noticed faint traces of crimson lightning beginning to mix with the purple, signaling that a third of the tribulation had passed. Knowing he couldn't continue playing cat-and-mouse with the Dou Wangs, he decided it was time to find a place to properly endure the tribulation.

Seeing the fleeing Dou Wangs ahead, Xiao Yu felt a sense of satisfaction. Despite his battered appearance—skin charred and blood oozing from wounds—he chuckled darkly, "I can't play with you anymore, but let me give you a parting gift. Survive if you can!"

With that, he accelerated, his strange movements closing the distance between them. Above, crimson lightning filled the clouds, intensifying the storm's power.

At the last moment, another bolt of lightning descended, striking the group. Xiao Yu was blasted into the sand, while the seven Dou Wangs suffered severe injuries. Barely escaping the tribulation zone, they collapsed unconscious, their wounds leaving them vulnerable even to low-level Dou Zhe.

Buried beneath the sand, Xiao Yu retained his consciousness, channeling the pure energy within the lightning to heal his injuries and recover. The tribulation hadn't ended yet, as the crimson lightning gathered, preparing for a final, devastating strike.

Summoning the life essence from the Divine Life Tree, Xiao Yu rapidly healed his wounds. But before he could rise, the final bolt descended.

Crack!

A crimson bolt, as thick as a chopstick, pierced the sand. Xiao Yu's body convulsed as the lightning wreaked havoc within him. The searing pain felt as though his organs had been incinerated, and the smell of burnt flesh filled the air.

Finally, the tribulation passed. Xiao Yu lay motionless in the sand, the intense energy of the heavenly lightning coursing through him. Seizing the opportunity, he began refining the energy, his strength climbing rapidly.

One-star Dou Grandmaster.

Two-star.

Finally, he stabilized at three-star Dou Grandmaster. Xiao Yu was thrilled. While others could ascend quickly with single-attribute energy, his tri-attribute system demanded three times the effort for each advancement.

Beneath the sand, Xiao Yu's charred skin cracked, revealing a faint white glow beneath.

Crack.

The scorched layer peeled away, unveiling his toned figure and rejuvenated skin, now smooth and radiant. His previously burnt hair had regained its luster, jet-black and full of vitality.

With a slight movement, Xiao Yu emerged from the sand. Retrieving a fresh set of clothes from his storage ring, he dressed and released the two little serpents. Though spatial rings weren't ideal for living creatures, a short stay posed no harm.

The two snakes circled him, flicking their tongues as if complaining. Their eyes seemed to convey dissatisfaction. Xiao Yu chuckled, "Alright, alright, my bad. I had no choice. I'll be more careful next time." To placate them, he fed each a drop of Amethyst Source, their favorite treat. Only then did they happily nuzzle against him before retreating into his sleeves.

With the snakes pacified, Xiao Yu gripped his Blackscale Sword and approached the unconscious Dou Wangs. Their severe injuries meant they hadn't even begun to recover.

"You didn't escape, so I can't let you live," Xiao Yu muttered coldly.

As he prepared to strike, the snakes emerged from his sleeves, blocking his path. "You don't want me to kill them?" Xiao Yu asked, surprised.

Cai Die nodded slightly, while Medusa stared at him with intelligent, pleading eyes. Sighing, Xiao Yu relented. "Fine, I'll let them go this time. After all, the tribulation gave them enough of a beating."

Sheathing his sword, Xiao Yu watched as the snakes returned to his sleeves. His focus shifted to his next goal: refining the Heavenly Flame he had acquired. It was time to head back to the magma pool where the Green Lotus Core Flame had been found. That secluded spot was ideal for such a process.

Unfurling his Purple Cloud Wings, Xiao Yu soared into the sky. With his newfound strength as a Dou Grandmaster, his speed was faster than ever as he flew toward the cavern. Once the Heavenly Flame was refined, it would be time to return home.