Si Ji's body ignited with fierce pink flames. Pink, feather-like shadows danced across her form, rendering her unbearably cold. The Nine Lives Nine Deaths Yin-Yang Mandarin Ducks symbolized a tribulation of love spanning nine lifetimes. Once the Yin Mandarin Duck was separated from the Yang Mandarin Duck, a residue of resentment surged forth, unleashing a destructive force of nine deaths.

In terms of lethality, this Calamity Source surpassed even the Yang Mandarin Duck in Yun Xiao’s possession.

Seeing Si Ji about to overcome the tribulation, Yun Xiao prepared to withdraw after completing his part.

“The Nine Deaths Yin Mandarin Duck's tribulation energy will merge with toxic spiritual yin energy. I still need your help reducing it. Our session still isn't over yet. Continue,” Si Ji said, straining to even speak as she endured the tribulation.

“No problem." Yun Xiao gazed at the Snow Lineage Diva lying before him, her contours a masterpiece of human artistry.

He had regained his composure, remaining calm. Yet, his

sword

stood resolute like a pine amidst ice and snow, refusing to bow to the biting cold.

“You breakthrough, and I’ll cultivate as well," Yun Xiao said, trying to distract himself. He took out some Heavenly Dao Sariras and Origin Orbs, merging them into his Dantian as he channeled his tribulation power.

Both Yun Xiao and Si Ji were formidable talents, engaging in life-saving

therapy

while also breaking through.

In the case of the latter, Yun Xiao was only in the Late Second Baptism Realm, making the task considerably easier.

“I've stacked up quite a bit of resources this time around. With the protection fees on top of that, it should be more than enough," Yun Xiao mused.

Yun Xiao’s cultivation progressed even more smoothly than Si JI’s. With resources in place, he effortlessly broke through two stages.

“Establishment Stage of the Second Baptism Realm!”

Reaching the Establishment realm signified the completion of a celestial baptism. At this juncture, most cultivators would wait, consolidating their tribulation power before absorbing another Calamity Source to break through to the next level.

However, Yun Xiao was a true adventurer.

“The Southern Divine Dragon Realm is assembling their army. I don’t have the luxury of time. I might as well go for it!”

Feng Yao and Wan Ji's seven daughters were currently taking his place, swatting down the

flies

being drawn to the Extreme Yin Star.

Defending wasn't difficult, but forcefully enlisting new recruits was no easy task.

Yun Xiao feared complications might arise, and that it would affect their momentum.

So, he had to return as soon as possible!

Yun Xiao freed a hand and opened the white jade box containing the Nine Lives Yang Mandarin Duck Calamity Source.

Upon opening, a divine bird ablaze with crimson flames illuminated the snow cave, emanating immense heat that melted the surrounding ice and snow.

“Don’t burn the Snow Lineage Diva and hinder her tribulation!” With this thought, Yun Xiao acted with reckless courage, directly swallowing the Yang Mandarin Duck.

He immediately felt he'd eaten molten lava, his throat and entire body burning up with unbearable heat.

However, Yun Xiao had experience dealing with Burying Heaven grade Calamity Sources. Such a terrifying Calamity Source, when first ingested, certainly possessed its strongest destructive power.

“Hold on!” Yun Xiao took a deep breath, focusing all his attention inward. In his Dantian, the Yang Mandarin Duck spread its wings like a phoenix, and endless tribulation flames swept over his entire body.

Yun Xiao himself began to burn, covered in layers of crimson feathers, his entire being emitting thick smoke as the surrounding snow walls melted away.

Yun Xiao was seated, and Si Ji was lying prone. One was hot, the other was cold.

For a moment, the Yin-Yang Mandarin Ducks appeared to resonate…

“Tribulation, tribulation.” Yun Xiao chose to forget everything around him, concentrating solely on overcoming the Yang Mandarin Duck. The scorching yang energy coursed through his body, burning him red-hot like an iron sword, sweat pouring from his head.

“This Calamity Source is even more ferocious than I imagined. Why? Last time I absorbed the Deca-Yin Frost Fiend Calamity Source, it wasn’t this ruthless!”

Yun Xiao felt like he'd been plunged into the core of the sun. His hair began to burn, his entire being transforming into a fire god, with a pair of crimson feathered wings sprouting from his back!

“It’s over. If this continues, I’ll burn away! I need to find a way to cool down…” Yun Xiao gasped, flames shooting from his throat.

𝒻𝘳ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝒷𝘯ℴ𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝑐ℴ𝑚

This burning sensation made his brain boil. In this state, it wasn’t just an empty void in his mind—it was as if his brain was melting.

His thoughts and reason were all burned to charcoal, leaving his entire being with only one thought. He needed to cool down.

Then, Yun Xiao’s eyes, burning like two fierce suns, looked down and saw salvation—a divine bird covered in icy pink flames.

Si Ji's tribulation had been going smoothly. But at that moment, it seemed she was suffering a similar fate. She was shivering from the cold, her body pale, looking even worse off than Yun Xiao. She was groggy, mumbling incoherently to herself as she struggled desperately for life.

“Boundless Immortal, Boundless…” Si Ji whispered to herself. She didn’t know why she had failed. She was so cold, only wanting to approach the fierce sun to melt herself.

“Diva!” Yun Xiao was completely engulfed in flames!

His entire world was left with only this pink bird. It was everything, so perfect. It was the destination of all things, an eternal harbor.

The Nine Lives Nive Deaths Yin-Yang Mandarin Ducks possessed an irresistible attraction to each other!

They were the most complementary forces among the Calamity Sources; only through merging could there be peace.

So, Yun Xiao was like a helpless sailboat in a raging storm. As the tribulation power filled his entire body, he became the embodiment of the Nine Lives Yang Mandarin Duck!

Yun Xiao's hand had stopped, but his

root of sin

broke through!

“Diva…”

By the time Yun Xiao regained a semblance of consciousness, he'd already

altered

the heavens and earth.

"Ahh…! Ahhh…! Ahhh~!"

Si Ji furrowed her brows, moaning in deep ecstasy... It was as if she'd taken a fresh breath of air after almost drowning, an indescribable expression on her face—fear, obsession, confusion, bewilderment, and madness… and more.

“Your hand…” Si Ji whispered.

“Don't worry, it’s just swollen from all the cold and heat…!" Yun Xiao gritted his teeth. Then, he began to save both their lives.

▬ι══🪦✧⚰

The area shrouded in snow mist naturally obscured any watching eyes. But something had happened—the ground of the surrounding valley began to shake violently, as if the earth was under continuous assault, cracking apart!

Crimson and pink tribulation flames swept the surroundings, melting the snowstorms around the valley.

The disturbance was immense!

“Is that celestial slave practicing a sword technique that strikes the earth?” someone whispered in the Million Starlight Palace.

The gazes of the spectators followed Yun Xiao to this place, only to lose sight of him, clearly guessing he was pulling a last-minute gambit.

Time continued to pass, and before long a whole day went by!

On the Extreme Yin Star, countless

flies

caught the scent and were captured by the Carefree Windy Clouds faction.

And on the far side of the Extreme Yin Star, Yun Xiao practiced thrusting his sword in nine waves throughout the entire day, pausing only briefly between each, showing his determination.

The number nine naturally resonated with the Nine Lives Nine Deaths Yin-Yang Mandarin Ducks. Perhaps only in this way could Yun Xiao survive the brink of life and death and truly overcome this tribulation!

After the nine waves of sword thrusts ended, the frozen valley finally returned to tranquility…

There was blood mist everywhere, outsiders naturally could not fathom the secrets of this snowstorm.

However, a graceful figure with flowing dark green hair stood near the depths of the valley, lingering for a long, long time.

Finally, once peace was restored, she exhaled a breath of murky air, her face slightly flushed, and trembled as she spoke, “No wonder Si Ji likes him so much. This guy… he's a real monster!”