The many saints within Purgatory dodged, their eyes filled with despair. They never imagined Lu Fan would do something like this, directing the power of numerous lightning strikes towards them, effectively pushing them into a desperate corner.
"This brat is truly ruthless. If he dies, we all die together!" Bai Mian Shu Sheng declared, a sharp glint in his eyes.
"As someone from the Assassin Dynasty, how can one survive without ruthlessness?" Mu Dan said softly. "I quite admire someone like him."
"Oh, you've changed a lot!" Gui Ying chuckled. "Could it be that you've taken a liking to him? Otherwise, why would you speak up for him?"
"I'm not speaking up for him; I'm just stating the facts!" Mu Dan replied casually. "Besides, can't you see? In this situation, this is probably the only way to escape!"
"The lightning power of the Nine Dragon Heavenly Tribulation is incredibly potent. Even if they face it together, they won't be able to weaken its might!" Jian Bei shook his head. "It might even make the tribulation stronger, as more people usually means more intense lightning, that's an age-old principle."
"According to Master, then he's doomed!" Mu Dan frowned slightly, feeling a knot of tension in her heart. It would be a great pity for someone as exceptional as Lu Fan to perish so ignominiously.
"I don't know. We can only leave it to fate!" Jian Bei sighed, unable to say more. Whether Lu Fan could withstand the Nine Dragon Heavenly Tribulation was entirely up to destiny. After all, under normal circumstances, Lu Fan should have died when the tribulation began, but the fact that he was still alive indicated a different destiny.
Concurrently, throughout Purgatory, many saints were tainted by the aura of the heavenly tribulation and were being assaulted by lightning. Despair filled their eyes as they realized they had miscalculated. Their objective in coming to Purgatory was to become the foremost figure there and then become Jian Bei's disciple. But now, with Lu Fan's actions, they were utterly incapable of resisting.
The entire Purgatory was engulfed in a sea of lightning, with countless bodies littering the ground. Hundreds of Saint-level killers met their demise, utterly useless against the formidable lightning. Despair filled their hearts.
Witnessing the scene, Mu Dan furrowed her brows. She knew few who entered Purgatory ever returned alive, but seeing this carnage evoked a sense of regret.
"These are all Saint-level assassins cultivated by the Assassin Dynasty. Is it not a waste to let them slaughter each other?" Mu Dan voiced.
"In the Assassin Dynasty, only those who stand at the apex have the right to speak," Jian Bei stated. "Therefore, their lives are worth nothing!" This was the rule of the Assassin Dynasty – to forge stronger existences from the countless assassins, thus identifying leaders who would become the foundation of the dynasty.
Under the powerful lightning, hundreds of Saint-level killers desperately resisted the tribulation but to no avail. In the face of the heavenly power, they appeared utterly helpless, with no recourse. Such a terrifying tribulation was beyond their ability to withstand; all they could do was accept their fate.
"This brat truly hasn't disappointed me!" The Old Village Chief felt a sense of relief. He had expected Lu Fan to face immense pressure, but it seemed only he would survive, as all other Saint-level killers had perished in the tribulation.
At this moment, Lu Fan felt no joy. He had never expected these Saint-level killers to be so fragile, offering no resistance whatsoever against the tribulation. Now, the ninth bolt of lightning was still condensing. If it struck with full force, he might not be able to withstand it, possibly dying in the tribulation. If that were to happen, it would be an incredibly anticlimactic end.
Gazing at the corpses scattered everywhere, Jian Bei was also moved. He looked towards the heavens, holding a high regard for Lu Fan and naturally not wishing for him to die in vain. However, with such a powerful tribulation, it was extremely difficult for Lu Fan to resist with his current strength.
Meanwhile, many people in the Eastern Region watched with astonishment. The terrifying sea of lightning had already spread throughout the entire region, and dark clouds gathered overhead, hinting at an immense tribulation about to descend.
Tao Mao Cheng stood atop a mountain peak, his gaze fixed on the sea of lightning. He frowned slightly. Even when he broke through to the Saint realm, he had never encountered such a terrifying tribulation. He wondered who could have unleashed such a formidable aura.
"What are you looking at?" The Patriarch of the Tao family arrived, a smile on his face.
"As everyone knows, the Assassin Dynasty's branch only has one Saint King assassin!" Young Master Tao stated directly. "This means there's no second Saint King, nor is there anyone with the qualifications to break through to the Saint Dragon King level. That's why I'm worried about this tribulation..."
"Are you suggesting that this tribulation might be caused by your sworn brother?" The Patriarch of the Tao family expressed slight surprise. "This is a Nine Dragon Heavenly Tribulation, not something an ordinary person can provoke. And such a powerful tribulation aura likely can only be triggered by a Saint King level expert. Your sworn brother probably doesn't have that kind of power!"
"Doesn't Father know? Ancient Divine Bodies grow against the heavens, which is why their tribulation power is exceptionally terrifying," Young Master Tao stated. "I've checked ancient texts; the divine tribulation of an Ancient Divine Body is extraordinary, even reaching terrifying levels beyond our imagination. If I'm not mistaken, it's likely him breaking through during this Nine Dragon Heavenly Tribulation, which is causing such a massive disturbance!"
"If what you say is true, then your sworn brother is truly extraordinary!" The Patriarch of the Tao family said directly. "Few people can trigger the Nine Dragon Heavenly Tribulation. Even a King-level expert, merely breaking through to Saint, triggering such a tribulation, isn't that defying heaven?"
"The Ancient Divine Body is inherently a heaven-defying constitution!" Young Master Tao shrugged slightly. "I just don't know whose constitution is stronger, his or mine!"
"Ancient Divine Bodies are indeed incredibly powerful, but you also possess a special constitution. Ordinary special constitutions belong to extraordinary individuals. Moreover, a new era has begun, and many special constitutions are being reborn. There will undoubtedly be a rivalry in the future," the Patriarch of the Tao family smiled. "Nothing can stop your progress."
Young Master Tao said no more, his gaze fixed intently on the direction of Lion Peak. He felt a sense of anticipation, yet he was not worried. In his opinion, Lu Fan would never be defeated by the Heavenly Dao so easily.