“Driven by wind, lightning strikes the riverbank—
The fierce white serpent tempers its Dao body.”
In the face of heavenly tribulation, indomitable will is everything.
Lightning struck again, flaying flesh to reveal bloody bones. Electric serpents danced across its body before dissipating into the earth.
The agony threatened to overwhelm its soul, but the serpent knew—losing consciousness meant death.
Above, the black vortex churned, gathering power for the final blow.
Survive, and the the world would lie at its feet. Fail, and this would be its grave.
All it could do now was raise its defiant head, letting the heavens know—a humble white serpent refused to yield!
Its jaws gaped toward the sky, venomous fangs bared in challenge.
The distant spectators—Xu Ling, Yang Mu, and the others—stared in awe, trembling at the sky’s wrath yet admiring the serpent’s unyielding spirit. Unconsciously, their hearts and minds ascended…
“Hssss—!”
The ferocious hiss drew down the heavens’ fury.
A mystical purple bolt lanced from the vortex, slamming the serpent into the earth. The lightning charred it black, leaving only a smoldering husk.
The clouds parted. Sunlight spilled through.
Xu Ling and Yang Mu rushed to the crater, only to freeze at the sight of the blackened lump within.
“Waaah… Bai Yu Jun’s been roasted into charcoal…!”
The soft-hearted Xu Ling burst into tears. Even Yang Mu was stunned.
The long, blackened object in the pit was unmistakably a burnt snake. The heavens had cooked it alive.
“Bai Yu Jun turned into Big Black… Sniff…”
Yang Mu’s face twitched.
Crack.
A faint splitting sound.
Yang Mu silenced Xu Ling, ears straining. The noise had come from the charcoal lump. Was it possible…?
Crack. Crack.
The burnt shell crumbled away, exposing the serpent’s head—alive! Against all odds, it had survived the tribulation!
Xu Ling lunged forward in joy, but Yang Mu yanked her back.
“Don’t interfere.”
The serpent was shedding its skin—a direct result of the tribulation’s tempering. Lightning had strengthened its body and cultivation, and for snakes, progress meant molting. This was its metamorphosis.
As the charred remains fell away, a larger, fiercer white serpent emerged. Having cheated death, it was euphoric.
It now had centuries ahead, free from tribulation worries—at least until ascension, which was too distant to fret over.
Raising its head high, the serpent celebrated its victory.
…………
This tribulation had been the Form-Shaping Trial, granting the ability to assume human form. Legends of fox spirits seducing scholars or boar demons becoming sons-in-law stemmed from this.
Of course, most demons avoided human society—unless they fancied decapitation and public display.
The commotion soon faded. The serpent resumed its routine—guarding gates, scavenging pills, stealing lessons on Zuowang Peak.
But Xu Ling and Yang Mu, shaken by the heavens might, trained harder than ever, pleasing Yu Rong immensely.
As for shapeshifting? That required self-exploration. The idea of instantly turning human post-lightning was nonsense—who could focus on reshaping flesh while being electrocuted?
Post-tribulation, energy control refined, allowing gradual transformation. But permanent human forms were pointless. Everything under heaven had its purpose—no need to abandon one’s nature for a half-breed existence.
Humans were humans.
Demons were demons.
This was immutable.
The serpent knew shapeshifting was possible but felt no urgency. After 65 years in this world, it had fully adapted to reptilian life.
Pure Yang lacked demon cultivation manuals, so the serpent switched to Taoist techniques—with remarkable success.
One could only imagine Pure Yang’s founder learning his teachings had been mastered by a snake.
Clear Void Palace, main hall.
Yu Rong sat solemnly, Xu Ling and Yang Mu standing at attention.
“Having witnessed the serpent’s tribulation, what have you learned? Ling’er, you first.”
Xu Ling peeked at her master, realizing no amount of (撒娇- sājiāo)to act in a spoiled or cute way to get affection or favors [/mfn], would work today.
“I… I think Bai Yu Jun had it really hard…” This chapter is updated first at g.com.
“Mm. Continue.”
“And… and…”
She shot Yang Mu a pleading look, but the ice block of a senior brother offered no rescue.
“Yang Mu, your turn.”
“Yes, Master.”
Yang Mu bowed, then spoke methodically.
“First, tribulations invite interference. One must prepare countermeasures or deter enemies.”
“Second, Junior Sister and I lack real-world experience. We failed to detect those lurking cultivators.”
“Third, cultivation defies heaven, seizing a sliver of survival. No matter the hardship, never surrender.”
“Fourth, tribulations test our resolve. Without courage, why seek immortality?”
Yu Rong nodded, satisfied. For their age, this was impressive insight.
“Well said. Cultivation is hard—harder still for beasts. Humans enjoy safety, resources, and no Form-Shaping Trials. We are heaven’s favorites, but never grow arrogant. That serpent has endured countless crises, emerging stronger each time. Learn from it.”
The two bowed.
“Books pale beside experience. Soon, you’ll journey down the mountain.”
She expected reluctance. Instead—
Xu Ling’s eyes lit up, while even Yang Mu’s lips twitched into a smile.
Yu Rong blinked. Are these really my disciples?
“So… when do we leave?” Xu Ling whispered.
With a sigh, Yu Rong rose, her parting words drifting back.
“When the serpent learns shapeshifting. The three of you will go together.”
“YES! Let’s find Bai Yu Jun—hurry up and turn human so we can travel! I’ve always wanted to see Chang’an!”
Xu Ling dashed off toward Spirit Void Palace, where the serpent likely lurked, waiting for failed pills like a hopeful vulture.
In the alchemy wing, the waste manager sighed at his latest batch of discarded elixirs.
Why has the failure rate spiked lately…?