# Chapter 2173: Tribulation Crossing Divine Lotus
All the gods present understood that Bian Zhuang War God could use his avatar to defeat Jia Tianxia not only because he possessed the Heavenly Canopy Bell as a divine artifact, but also because this was the Heavenly Court Realm.
The eighty-thousand-mile-wide Heavenly River encircled the entire Heavenly Court. Therefore, as long as he was within the Heavenly Court Realm, Bian Zhuang War God could borrow the momentum of the Heavenly River and transform it into his own power.
What appeared to be merely an avatar actually contained the power of the Heavenly River as well.
Jia Tianxia was no weakling; he was the overlord of a divine temple. If this had taken place anywhere else in the universe, it would have been absolutely impossible for Bian Zhuang War God to defeat him with just an avatar.
His greatest mistake was underestimating the momentum formed by the Heavenly River, and also underestimating Bian Zhuang War God.
"Boom."
Bian Zhuang War God looked down upon all directions, carrying the Heavenly Canopy Bell as he descended once again to Heixin Demon Lord's side. His powerful divine might radiated out naturally.
Heixin Demon Lord's heart trembled. Jia Tianxia had already fled with severe injuries—who would still stand up for him?
Ever since he had embarked on the path of cultivation, he had always been shrewd and calculating, advancing step by step with careful planning. Not only had he successfully crossed one Eon Calamity, but he had also elevated the Black Demon Realm to become one of the top thousand powerful realms within the Heavenly Court Realm, never needing to worry about becoming a Merit Battlefield.
He never expected that this time, he would make a miscalculation. He had intended to speak on behalf of the Paradise Realm, but in the end, he had brought great trouble upon himself, even risking death.
"Kneel down and apologize to the Moon God. I, the Master, can spare your life," Bian Zhuang War God said coldly.
Heixin Demon Lord was immediately enraged: "Bian Zhuang, my strength is indeed inferior to yours, but I will never accept such humiliation from you. I am the overlord of the Black Demon Realm. Even if you are the War God of the Heavenly Palace, you have no right to kill me."
Those who possessed a Divine Heart were indomitable. Having him kneel to someone was absolutely impossible.
As a god, one could be killed but not humiliated.
"Overlord of the Black Demon Realm? What a joke. In my eyes, you are nothing but a lowly ant. Since you want to die so badly, I will grant your wish." Bian Zhuang War God's gaze was contemptuous, and a terrifying killing intent radiated from his body.
Heixin Demon Lord steeled his heart and immediately offered up a demon seal. Even though he knew he was no match, he would not sit idly and wait for death.
Most of the gods present could not help but shake their heads inwardly. With Bian Zhuang War God's domineering and aggressive nature, no one dared to step forward and stop him at this moment.
Just as Bian Zhuang War God was about to make his move, a calm voice suddenly rang out: "Let it end here, Bian Zhuang. You should know the rules of my Truth Heaven Domain."
As this voice fell, a divine light flew out from Truth Mountain, transforming into a tall and imposing figure, radiating a divine might as vast as an abyss.
All the rules of the entire Truth Heaven Domain became active, converging toward her, as if the entire domain was under her control.
The person who appeared was naturally the Truth Hall Master. At this critical moment, she finally chose to step forward, preventing Bian Zhuang War God from killing Heixin Demon Lord.
Zhang Ruochen also followed and left Truth Mountain, now standing behind the Truth Hall Master, unaffected by the pressure of divine might.
Facing the assembled gods, Zhang Ruochen appeared very calm, showing no signs of panic whatsoever.
Back on Moon God Mountain, he had personally fought against gods. Although he held reverence for gods in his heart, he did not fear them.
In truth, Zhang Ruochen did not wish for the Truth Hall Master to step forward at this moment. It would have been the best outcome for Heixin Demon Lord to die at Bian Zhuang War God's hands.
With a flicker of movement, Zhang Ruochen appeared beside the Moon God, clasping his fists and bowing: "Greetings, Moon God."
"You did very well this time. I, the Master, have publicly declared that from now on, you will be the fourth giant of the Guanghan Realm, with a status second only to me and the Tree God," the Moon God said.
Hearing this, Zhang Ruochen was momentarily stunned. He had not expected the Moon God to grant him such a high status. This was not bad, at least from now on, within the Guanghan Realm, he would hardly be constrained by others.
Facts proved that cooperating with the Moon God was an extremely wise choice.
With a shift in his thoughts, Zhang Ruochen said, "Thank you, Moon God."
The Moon God nodded slightly, then turned her gaze toward the Truth Hall Master.
At this moment, the eyes of all the gods present were fixed on the Truth Hall Master, including Bian Zhuang War God.
No one was particularly surprised by the Truth Hall Master's arrival. After all, this was the Truth Heaven Domain. If she still did not show up when Bian Zhuang War God was about to kill Heixin Demon Lord, that would have been abnormal.
The Truth Hall Master looked at Bian Zhuang War God and said, "You should know that divine battles are forbidden in the Truth Heaven Domain. Do you want to kill a god on my territory?"
"I, the Master, merely gave two ants a beating. That can hardly be called a divine battle. Since the Hall Master has personally stepped forward, I can spare his life, but he must pay some price for blaspheming the Moon God," Bian Zhuang War God said.
The Truth Hall Master said, "That is a matter between you. I have no interest in meddling, but I will absolutely not allow another divine battle to erupt in the Truth Heaven Domain."
As she spoke, the Truth Hall Master released an invisible aura of authority, enveloping the Truth Sea. Many of the gods present could not help but slightly change their expressions.
Anyone could truly feel the power of the Truth Hall Master. That pressure far surpassed that of Bian Zhuang War God's avatar.
Bian Zhuang War God squinted his eyes, pondered for a moment, and said, "Rest assured, I know my limits."
Then, Bian Zhuang War God looked at Heixin Demon Lord and said, "Heixin, take out a divine medicine as compensation for the Moon God. Don't say you don't have one. Some things cannot be hidden from my eyes."
Not long ago, Heixin Demon Lord had left the Heavenly Court Realm. When he returned and crossed the Heavenly River, Bian Zhuang War God had sensed the aura of a divine medicine on him.
Heixin Demon Lord's expression darkened. He had not expected Bian Zhuang War God to have such a big appetite, demanding a divine medicine as soon as he opened his mouth.
How precious were divine medicines? Even in a Ten-Thousand-Age Indestructible Great World, it was rare for a few to be born, and they were extremely useful to gods.
Just like back then, the Moon God had recovered a significant amount of divine power merely by refining a single moon leaf of the Seven-Star Divine Lingzhi.
It could be said that the value of any divine medicine was immeasurable.
Heixin Demon Lord did indeed possess a divine medicine, one he had obtained after expending tremendous effort to pick from an extremely dangerous cosmic secret realm.
Tens of thousands of years ago, Heixin Demon Lord had discovered this divine medicine, but it had only recently matured.
To prevent others from discovering the existence of the divine medicine, Heixin Demon Lord had gone to great lengths, quietly guarding it for tens of thousands of years. When he finally picked it, he had suffered not insignificant injuries and had nearly perished in that cosmic secret realm.
Now, to have to give it away—how could Heixin Demon Lord be willing?
Seeing that Heixin Demon Lord remained silent for a long time, Bian Zhuang War God could not help but say coldly, "What? Unwilling? Then you had better never leave the Truth Heaven Domain."
Hearing these words, Heixin Demon Lord's heart sank to the bottom. He understood clearly that if he did not hand over the divine medicine today, Bian Zhuang War God would not let the matter rest.
Perhaps, from the very beginning, Bian Zhuang War God had already set his sights on that divine medicine.
Stay in the Truth Heaven Domain forever? Was that even possible?
Forcing down the anger in his heart, Heixin Demon Lord let out a dark laugh: "The Moon God's return to the Heavenly Court Realm is a cause for celebration. Consider this divine medicine as a small token of my regard."
As he spoke, Heixin Demon Lord took out a brocade box made of Sacred Jade, supported it with divine power, and sent it before the Moon God.
The Moon God glanced at Heixin Demon Lord indifferently but did not refuse.
Who would not want a divine medicine?
She reached out and took the brocade box, opening it.
Instantly, a seven-colored divine light burst forth from the brocade box, and a rich aura of divine medicine spread in all directions.
"This is... the Tribulation Crossing Divine Lotus!"
Some gods could not help but exclaim in admiration.
The gazes of many gods grew fervent. The Tribulation Crossing Divine Lotus was a treasure they also longed to obtain.
The reason was that the Tribulation Crossing Divine Lotus was too special. As its name suggested, the Tribulation Crossing Divine Lotus could help one cross an Eon Calamity, greatly increasing the chances of success.
According to the experience of predecessors, refining a single Tribulation Crossing Divine Lotus could increase the success rate of crossing a calamity by thirty percent.
The Eon Calamities faced by gods became more terrifying each time. Not to mention thirty percent—even one percent would make people willing to pay a huge price to obtain it.
Heixin Demon Lord's heart was bleeding. This Tribulation Crossing Divine Lotus was prepared for his own second Eon Calamity, holding immense significance for him.
If it had been any other type of divine medicine, Heixin Demon Lord would not have kept it. He would have refined it immediately upon obtaining it to enhance his own strength.
Tens of thousands of years of waiting, a divine medicine obtained at the cost of risking his life—all for nothing, becoming a wedding gift for others. It was truly pitiful.
"Excellent. Soon, the Moon God will face her fourth Eon Calamity. This Tribulation Crossing Divine Lotus will be just what she needs," Bian Zhuang War God said with a satisfied smile. When he looked at the Moon God, he even showed a hint of fawning expression.
Such an expression appearing on the face of such a great figure left the gods present speechless, feeling that he lacked the dignity befitting a strong one.
Zhang Ruochen's heart stirred. The fourth Eon Calamity meant that the Moon God had lived for nearly five hundred thousand years—truly an ancient god.
Whether in the Heavenly Court Realm or the Hell Realm, gods as ancient as the Moon God should be rare.
After all, more than half of all gods could not survive their first Eon Calamity. Those who survived their second Eon Calamity were even rarer. Such gods could often shake the heavens and had almost all mastered Profound Meaning.
"With the assistance of the Tribulation Crossing Divine Lotus, the Moon God will surely survive her fourth Eon Calamity, elevating her cultivation and strength to a higher level. Congratulations and felicitations."
Inevitably, many gods began to offer their congratulations to the Moon God.
Given the Moon God's strength, once she survived her fourth Eon Calamity, there would undoubtedly be even fewer people who could provoke her.
Thus, the Guanghan Realm could rest easy for the next Eon.
Even the Moon God's usually cold and frosty face revealed a faint smile. This divine medicine was indeed very useful to her. In truth, even if Bian Zhuang had not acted earlier, she had intended to personally teach Heixin Demon Lord a lesson.
This Tribulation Crossing Divine Lotus was an unexpected gain.
Seeing the smile on the Moon God's face, Bian Zhuang War God's heart blossomed with joy. If he could earn the Moon God's smile, everything he had done was worth it.
With Bian Zhuang War God's aura no longer locked onto him, Heixin Demon Lord did not linger. He immediately transformed into a beam of demonic light and rapidly departed.
Having lost all face this time, he could no longer stay in the Truth Heaven Domain.
But since his skills were inferior, no matter how great his anger, he could only endure it for now.
"Heixin Demon Lord, you have your day today. Let you live for now. In the future, I will personally cut off your head and offer it as a sacrifice to the fallen sages of the Kunlun Realm," Zhang Ruochen thought to himself.
Shifting his gaze, Zhang Ruochen looked at Empress Chi Yao not far away. An extremely complex expression appeared in his eyes, and countless thoughts surged in his heart.
At this moment, Empress Chi Yao also turned her gaze toward him. Her phoenix-like eyes were like two cold stars in the universe, devoid of any emotion.
"Making progress. Keep it up. I'll be waiting for you in the Divine Realm."
After saying this, Empress Chi Yao returned to the Truth Divine Temple.
Zhang Ruochen had wanted to ask her face to face why she had treated Chi Kunlun and Chi Kongle that way, but unfortunately, she had not given him the chance to speak.
"Chi Yao, I won't keep you waiting too long."
Zhang Ruochen calmed his thoughts. To face Chi Yao directly, he still needed to become much stronger.
All those present were gods. Although Zhang Ruochen was not afraid, he could not help but feel somewhat uncomfortable. Therefore, he took his leave from the Moon God and the Truth Hall Master and departed alone.
Although many gods were very interested in the reward Zhang Ruochen had obtained, with the Moon God and Bian Zhuang War God present, no one dared to make any move.
"Congratulations, Big Brother, for crossing the ten layers of sea and ascending Truth Mountain."
Feng Yan, Xiang Chunan, and the others immediately came over to greet him.
Xiang Chunan said excitedly, "Big Brother, how did you appear together with my master's wife?"
"I'm also quite surprised. Your master's wife turns out to be the Hall Master of the Truth Divine Temple. I'm becoming more and more curious about your master," Zhang Ruochen said.
Feng Yan's face showed surprise. "Third Brother's master's wife is the Hall Master of our Truth Divine Temple?"
Not only him, but Xiang Chunan and Feng Xi were also very surprised.
Only Qingsi Xue appeared very calm, as if she had known all along.
Thinking about it, it was only natural. Given her level of cultivation and strength, her parents would not have hidden too much from her.
"Only the Hall Master could have taught such a prodigy with such astonishing talent in the Way of Truth," Feng Xi said with a look of realization.
To become the Hall Master of the Truth Divine Temple, one's achievement in the Way of Truth had undoubtedly reached a level unimaginable to ordinary people, and they must have mastered a considerable amount of Truth Esoterica.
Xiang Chunan laughed heartily and said, "Let's talk later. First, let's find a place to have a few good drinks and celebrate."
"Third Brother is right. Big Brother's ascent of Truth Mountain must be celebrated. Good drinks are on me," Feng Yan said with a smile.
Zhang Ruochen was about to speak when his gaze suddenly caught a graceful figure. He said, "You go find a place first. I have some matters to attend to. I'll join you shortly."
With that, Zhang Ruochen performed a Space Displacement and vanished from the spot.
"What does Big Brother need to do?" Xiang Chunan asked with a puzzled expression.
Feng Yan said, "It must be something very important. Let's go to the tavern and wait for him."
Immediately, the group set off for the best tavern in the Truth Heaven Domain. Since they were celebrating for Zhang Ruochen, Feng Yan naturally would not be stingy.
On the other side, a figure quickly flashed away, moving far from the Truth Sea, intending to enter the Truth Divine Temple.
"Lianxi Fairy, long time no see. I hope all is well?"
Zhang Ruochen's voice rang out as he suddenly appeared ahead of that figure, blocking her path.
This person was none other than the esteemed goddess of the Soul Realm, Great Xi King.
Seeing Zhang Ruochen, Great Xi King's brow furrowed slightly. Ever since Shang Zihong had died at Zhang Ruochen's hands, she had left the Kunlun Realm and had been cultivating in the Soul Realm, only recently arriving in the Truth Heaven Domain.
She had deliberately tried to avoid him, but she had not expected to be discovered by Zhang Ruochen nonetheless.
Great Xi King said, "Zhang Ruochen, this is the Truth Heaven Domain. What do you intend to do?"
"You don't need to be so nervous. I'm not here to deal with you. I just have a few questions I'd like to ask you," Zhang Ruochen said calmly.
Great Xi King said coldly, "It seems I have no obligation to answer any of your questions."
With that, Great Xi King intended to leave directly, not wanting to spend even half a moment alone with Zhang Ruochen.
"Is that so? I have here an image scroll recording scenes of you killing a large number of Paradise Realm cultivators," Zhang Ruochen said as he took out an image scroll.
Originally, he had also infused a kind of terrifying flame insect into Great Xi King's body, but he could no longer sense it now.
Clearly, after Great Xi King returned to the Soul Realm, she had asked a powerful expert from the Soul Realm to expel all the flame insects.
However, with just this image scroll, it was enough to make Great Xi King yield.
Moreover, Zhang Ruochen still held treasures that were extremely important to Great Xi King, so he was not afraid that she would not obediently comply.
When dealing with enemies, necessary measures were still required. One could not expect the enemy to willingly reveal all their secrets.
Great Xi King was a hidden piece that Zhang Ruochen had placed there long ago. Now was the time for her to play her role.
...