Seeing the Green-Eyed Golden Ape charge, the Sword Cultivator at Spirit Transformation Stage dared not be careless in the slightest.
He drew the long sword from his waist and unleashed a fierce sword light, striking towards the Green-Eyed Golden Ape.
A golden light flashed in the Green-Eyed Golden Ape's eyes, and its figure instantly blurred, skillfully evading the sword light.
At the same time, it launched a punch directly at the Sword Cultivator at Spirit Transformation Stage's chest.
The Sword Cultivator at Spirit Transformation Stage reacted extremely quickly, parrying the punch with his sword.
However, the Green-Eyed Golden Ape's strength was beyond imagination; he felt a tremendous force, and his body involuntarily retreated.
"Such powerful strength!" The Sword Cultivator at Spirit Transformation Stage was shocked, not expecting this ape demon's strength to be so terrifying.
After retreating a hundred zhang, the Sword Cultivator at Spirit Transformation Stage unleashed the Soaring Dragon Movement Technique and attacked the Green-Eyed Golden Ape with his sword again.
This time, the Sword Cultivator at Spirit Transformation Stage held nothing back, fully unleashing the Qiankun One Sword Art, with One by one fierce sword lights enveloping the Green-Eyed Golden Ape.
A hint of excitement flashed in the Green-Eyed Golden Ape's eyes.
It felt the pressure from the Sword Cultivator at Spirit Transformation Stage, but at the same time, it ignited its fighting spirit.
Suddenly, with a furious roar, its body dramatically swelled by a factor of one, transforming into a ten-zhang Golden Ape, and its massive fist smashed towards the sword net.
With a series of loud "bangs," the sword net was instantly shattered and blasted towards the Sword Cultivator at Spirit Transformation Stage.
The Sword Cultivator at Spirit Transformation Stage moved like a soaring dragon, his figure elusive, avoiding the sharp edge.
"Qiankun One Sword Art, Sword Breaks the Firmament!" The Sword Cultivator at Spirit Transformation Stage roared, and his long sword vibrated fiercely.
A powerful Sword Qi erupted from the sword tip, transforming into a sword light tens of zhang long, piercing directly towards the Green-Eyed Golden Ape's chest.
The golden light in the Green-Eyed Golden Ape's eyes intensified, clearly sensing the power of this sword.
It clenched its massive fist and slammed it towards the sword light.
"Boom!" The two powerful forces collided in mid-air, producing a deafening roar.
The great battle erupted instantly, with Sword Qi and fist shadows intertwining, and the fight entered a fever pitch.
The Green-Eyed Golden Ape displayed astonishing combat talent; each swing of its massive fist carried the power to shatter mountains and crack the earth, using brute force to overcome its opponent.
The Sword Cultivator at Spirit Transformation Stage's swordplay was exquisite, but facing the Green-Eyed Golden Ape's seemingly endless strength, he began to struggle.
Although his Spiritual Artifact was sharp, it could only leave shallow scratches on the Green-Eyed Golden Ape's iron-hard skin.
Time passed minute by minute, and both the human and the beast displayed their full strength.
In this fierce battle, the Green-Eyed Golden Ape gradually gained the upper hand; its strength seemed inexhaustible, and each attack was as fierce as a storm, leaving the Sword Cultivator at Spirit Transformation Stage struggling to cope.
Finally, in a fierce exchange, the Sword Cultivator at Spirit Transformation Stage was struck by the Green-Eyed Golden Ape's punch, sending his body flying backward, and his figure subsequently vanished into the Sword Tower Space.
"Roar!" The Green-Eyed Golden Ape roared to the sky, its voice shaking the surroundings, filled with the joy and pride of victory.
This battle made it incredibly exhilarated, yet it still felt a bit unsatisfied.
Li Mu smiled slightly, his figure flashed, and he took the Green-Eyed Golden Ape to challenge the next competitor.
Soon, news of Li Mu and his Beast Companion challenging the Sword Tower spread throughout the Xuantian Sword Sect.
To obtain a spot for Artifact Refining, countless Disciples eagerly tried, heading to the Sword Tower Space, ready to challenge his Beast Companion.
Within the Sword Tower Space, the Green-Eyed Golden Ape engaged in fierce battles with the elite Disciples and True Disciples of the Xuantian Sword Sect.
One after another, challengers were defeated, their eyes filled with admiration and unwillingness.
The Green-Eyed Golden Ape's strength far exceeded their imagination.
However, there were also true powerhouses among the challengers, whose swordplay was exceptional or whose spellcasting was superb.
Each challenge brought considerable pressure to the Green-Eyed Golden Ape, and during this period, the Green-Eyed Golden Ape had both victories and defeats.
If the Green-Eyed Golden Ape won, it would continue to climb the Tower; if it lost, Li Mu would take it back to the beginning and continue to challenge the Tower.
Seeing Li Mu promise out more than a dozen Artifact Refining slots because of it, the Green-Eyed Golden Ape was filled with shame.
It knew that its master had paid a huge price for its growth.
To avoid disappointing Li Mu again, the Green-Eyed Golden Ape would carefully reflect after each battle, seeking out its shortcomings.
Through repeated failures and reflections, the Green-Eyed Golden Ape gradually became more composed.
Its eyes no longer held only the wildness and ferocity of battle, but more calmness and wisdom.
Its movements became more agile, its strength more restrained, and each strike was perfectly timed, making it impossible to guard against.
As the Green-Eyed Golden Ape's practical combat ability improved, its performance in the Sword Tower Space also became increasingly outstanding.
It began to easily handle the Sword Tower challengers who had once given it immense pressure, and could even take the initiative to force opponents into desperate situations.
Li Mu appeared with the Green-Eyed Golden Ape on the 63rd floor of the Sword Tower Space.
Opposite them was a Void Refining Sword Cultivator, who stood quietly on the arena, his eyes deep and sharp.
He wore a cyan robe, with his long sword held horizontally across his chest, and his entire being exuded an indescribable Sword Intent.
Upon seeing Li Mu and the Green-Eyed Golden Ape's arrival, he nodded slightly in greeting: "Chen Xuanzi, greetings Elder Li.
It is truly a fortunate thing to be able to fight your Beast Companion today."
"Daoist Friend Chen, feel free to give it your all.
If you win this battle, gather your Artifact Refining Spiritual Materials and come to Seven Profound Sect to find me," Li Mu said with a slight smile, gesturing.
The Green-Eyed Golden Ape let out a low growl, its eyes flashing with the light of battle, eager to try.
It leaped onto the arena, ready to engage Chen Xuanzi in a fierce battle.
The battle was about to begin.
Chen Xuanzi moved, his long sword instantly unsheathed, transforming into a fierce sword light, striking directly at the Green-Eyed Golden Ape.
With a loud "bang," the Green-Eyed Golden Ape, agile in form, held its golden long staff and parried Chen Xuanzi's sword light, engaging him in close combat.
However, Chen Xuanzi's swordplay was simply too exquisite; each sword seemed to predict the Green-Eyed Golden Ape's movements.
No matter how the Green-Eyed Golden Ape attacked, it could not avoid Chen Xuanzi's Spiritual Artifact...
About half an hour passed.
Li Mu appeared out of thin air at the bottom of the Sword Tower, accompanied by a dejected Green-Eyed Golden Ape.
"Master, I'm sorry, I failed again," the Green-Eyed Golden Ape lowered its head, its golden fur seeming to have lost its usual luster, its eyes full of self-reproach and unwillingness.
Although it tried its best, it still felt powerless in the face of Chen Xuanzi's unfathomable swordplay.
Li Mu gently stroked the Green-Eyed Golden Ape's head, his voice firm and gentle: "Little Gold, you don't need to apologize.
You did very well in today's battle, and you showed me your growth and potential.
Chen Xuanzi's swordplay is exquisite, not something achieved overnight; it's not shameful to lose to him."
The Green-Eyed Golden Ape looked up, its eyes flashing with determined light: "Master, I know I still have many shortcomings, but please believe me, I will continue to work hard and become stronger, and no longer disappoint you."
Li Mu nodded, a relieved smile appearing on his face: "I have never been disappointed in you.
I've witnessed your growth and progress.
Failure is not terrible; what's important is to learn from failures and constantly improve yourself."
"Master!" The Green-Eyed Golden Ape looked at Li Mu with gratitude.
"That's enough.
There's no need to challenge the Sword Tower anymore.
Let's proceed to the next trial!" Li Mu smiled slightly, gesturing.
"?" The Green-Eyed Golden Ape was a bit puzzled, but still nodded obediently, following behind Li Mu.
The two humans and one beast left the Sword Tower and flew towards the Seven Profound Sect.
Soon after, they returned to Seven Profound Sect.
Li Mu took the Green-Eyed Golden Ape into a closed-door cultivation room and entered the Painting World Treasure Mansion.
Within the Painting World Treasure Mansion Space, Xue'er had been waiting for a long time.
She wore an elegant white dress, like a blooming white lotus, and greeted them with a smile: "Li Dage, Little Gold, you're finally here!"
"Xue'er, we can start!" Li Mu smiled slightly, getting straight to the point.
Upon hearing this, Xue'er nodded slightly, and with a gentle wave of her hand, a soft spiritual energy surged from her palm, releasing an ancient Spiritual Artifact.
It looked like an ancient bronze mirror, with complex spiritual patterns and designs carved on its surface, containing endless mysteries.
As Xue'er activated her spiritual energy, the spiritual mirror slowly floated in the air, emitting a faint light that enveloped a large area of spiritual land in a hazy glow.
With the activation of the spiritual mirror, the surrounding space twisted and shifted, as if being pulled by a mysterious force, forming independent illusion spaces.
Some were like barren deserts, some like dense forests, and others like the deep sea, each filled with unknown dangers.
"This is...?" The Green-Eyed Golden Ape looked at Li Mu and Xue'er in confusion.
"This is an array artifact refined by Li Dage, called the 'Illusionary Sky Profound Mirror,' an extremely rare illusion array artifact that can create ever-changing illusions.
You need to be careful, I won't go easy on you," Xue'er said with a slight smile to the Green-Eyed Golden Ape, a hint of slyness flashing in her eyes.
Upon hearing this, the Green-Eyed Golden Ape's eyes widened, and a hint of fear flashed in its golden pupils.
Xue'er possessed the Heavenly Fox Bloodline of the Nine-Tailed Sky Fox, excelling in charm and illusion techniques.
Having been with her for over two hundred years, it had not been teased by her any less.
Now, coupled with the illusion artifact refined by its master, wasn't this going to be the end of it?
"Master! Must we undergo this trial?!
Let's continue to challenge the Sword Tower!
I promise I won't fail again," the Green-Eyed Golden Ape turned to look at Li Mu, its eyes filled with pleading, speaking pitifully.
"No, the True Spirit Thunder Tribulation is no small matter, especially the test of Heart-Nature.
You must undergo the illusion array trial to enhance your willpower and ability to handle various Heart-Nature challenges.
Only by experiencing various predicaments within this array can you calmly face the True Spirit Thunder Tribulation," Li Mu interrupted the Green-Eyed Golden Ape, his tone firm and unquestionable.
As he spoke, Li Mu waved his hand, took out a Dao Pill bottle from the nine storage spiritual pearl, and handed it to the Green-Eyed Golden Ape, saying: "This is the Enlightenment Pill I refined for you.
Combined with this array, you will gain deeper insights and growth.
Remember, although this trial is difficult, each tempering and Breakthrough means you are one step closer to successfully Undergoing Tribulation the True Spirit Thunder Tribulation."
Knowing that Li Mu was thinking of it, the Green-Eyed Golden Ape took the Dao Pill bottle, a determined light flashing in its eyes.
It poured out the Enlightenment Pill and consumed it, then resolutely stepped into the illusion array.
Xue'er formed hand seals, casting spells to manipulate the 'Illusionary Sky Profound Mirror,' dragging the Green-Eyed Golden Ape into the illusion to temper its Heart-Nature.
At this moment, Xue'er stood before the Illusionary Sky Profound Mirror, her posture tall and elegant, like a proud plum blossom braving the snow.
Her eyes were closed, her face serene and focused, with an ethereal aura emanating from her brows.
Her long eyelashes trembled slightly, and her spellcasting movements were accompanied by faint spiritual light, with countless spiritual lights dancing like spirits between her fingertips, converging into a powerful spiritual energy that flowed into the Illusionary Sky Profound Mirror.
Xue'er softly chanted complex and mystical incantations, her voice melodious and ethereal, guiding the mind into another mysterious world.
The Heavenly Fox Bloodline of the Nine-Tailed Sky Fox quietly Awakened within her body.
Xue'er's aura instantly became profound and mysterious, and a faint glow emanated from her entire being, showcasing endless charm and power.
With the activation of the Nine-Tailed Sky Fox Bloodline, Xue'er's appearance also became even more beautiful and captivating.
Her long hair, like a waterfall, moved without wind, shimmering with a silver luster, gently swaying with her movements, emitting an enchanting fragrance.
At this moment, Xue'er seemed to have transformed into another person; her beauty and charm were irresistible.
Li Mu stood by, also deeply attracted by her beauty, gazing intently at Xue'er, his eyes filled with admiration, but also a hint of crisis.
Little Gold faced the threat of the True Spirit Thunder Tribulation, and Xue'er was the same; it wouldn't be long before she too would have to prepare for Undergoing Tribulation the True Spirit Thunder Tribulation.
Li Mu sighed at this thought.
This illusion trial was a tempering of Heart-Nature for Little Gold, and it was also a test for Xue'er; he hoped she would also gain something.
Fortunately, he had refined some extra Enlightenment Pills, hoping they could help Xue'er successfully Undergoing Tribulation the True Spirit Thunder Tribulation as well.
Xue'er did not notice Li Mu's gaze; she was fully focused on manipulating the Illusionary Sky Profound Mirror, creating one illusion after another for the Green-Eyed Golden Ape.
Time flew by, and in the blink of an eye, the Green-Eyed Golden Ape's trial in the illusion array had lasted for three years.
Finally, one morning, the light of the Illusionary Sky Profound Mirror gradually dissipated, and the Green-Eyed Golden Ape's figure reappeared before Li Mu and Xue'er.
At this moment, the Green-Eyed Golden Ape was no longer the impulsive and unruly demon king of the past.
Its figure was burly and majestic, and its golden fur shimmered with dazzling light in the morning glow, like a golden sculpture.
Its eyes were deep and bright, and a sense of vicissitude and composure emanated from its golden pupils, a culmination of countless illusionary Sharpening, a transformation and sublimation of its innermost being.
Each illusion trial was like a sharp knife, carving deep imprints on its soul, making it tougher and stronger.
The Green-Eyed Golden Ape's aura became calm and restrained, no longer as restless and flamboyant as before.
It stood there, as stable as a mountain, exuding an invisible oppressive force that made people dare not underestimate it.
A subtle, agile golden light faintly emanated from its body, which was the manifestation of a profound Epiphany of the Dao of golden origin.
After undergoing the baptism of the illusion array and the tempering of the Enlightenment Pill, its golden origin demon Qi had greatly improved, becoming purer and more powerful.
At the Tribulation Transcending Platform in the back mountain of Seven Profound Sect.
In the sky, dark clouds began to gather, and thunder rumbled, as if foretelling that the approaching Lightning Tribulation would be exceptionally fierce.
The Green-Eyed Golden Ape stood on the Tribulation Transcending Platform, fearless.
It looked up at the sky, its eyes flashing with the light of challenge.
Around the Tribulation Transcending Platform, Li Mu, Xue'er, and a group of Elders from Seven Profound Sect all came to observe, witnessing a significant moment in the Green-Eyed Golden Ape's life, a crucial step on its Cultivation path. (End of this chapter)
