Bai Zihe was unaware that his performance had profoundly shocked the little pagoda.
Indeed.
Domains were already a distant concept for current cultivators, rarely heard of. But for the little pagoda, a pagoda spirit born since ancient times, it was quite familiar. Its former master had also faced similar scenarios to Bai Zihe, being ravaged by domain experts before narrowly escaping. Only then, through diligent research and comprehension, did he finally master his own domain.
Yet, Bai Zihe now…
Breaking through during battle undeniably refreshed the little pagoda's understanding, and it began to regard Bai Zihe, a potential future master, with newfound seriousness.
"Perhaps…"
The little pagoda gazed into the depths of the Tongtian Tower, its gaze becoming complex. "I was too prejudiced against him from the start."
"Bai Zihe, even in the era of the former master, was an absolutely astonishing genius!"
The little pagoda pondered many things. About the former master, about Bai Zihe, and about itself. It was time for a change.
Bai Zihe remained unaware that his display had earned the little pagoda’s admiration and even led it to make certain decisions. He was still struggling against the perilous attacks of the Eighth Transformation Loose Immortal, unable to afford any distraction, lest his efforts be in vain.
"There's something…"
For the first time, a look of gravity appeared on the Eighth Transformation Loose Immortal’s face. Initially, Bai Zihe, despite showcasing extremely potent fused attacks of water and fire, was confident of victory. But he hadn't anticipated that Bai Zihe would repeatedly shatter his perceptions. And now, right under his nose, during their battle, Bai Zihe was comprehending and breaking through, mastering the 'field'!
It was known that if Bai Zihe advanced further, he would possess his own domain! A domain nurtured by his True Essence derived from the Five Elements would undoubtedly be terrifying and difficult to counter!
Indeed.
Generally, the attribute of a domain was related to the cultivator's power. A cultivator who primarily cultivated fire power would eventually manifest a fire domain, greatly amplifying the power and resistance to fire-elemental attacks within it. For someone like Bai Zihe, once his domain took shape, the power boost would be far more than a simple additive effect.
"But no matter what…"
The Eighth Transformation Loose Immortal’s expression turned cold, devoid of any warmth. "Today, you still won't defeat me and pass this trial!"
With that said, the Eighth Transformation Loose Immortal suddenly stopped. Within ten feet of Bai Zihe, he slowly raised both hands towards the sky.
"Hum…"
Bai Zihe could visibly see, as if with his own eyes, that a rapidly spinning vortex formed in each of his palms. As the vortices grew larger, potent energies flowed upon them, accompanied by wind and thunder, crackling lightning, and an immense pressure.
"Hum…"
"Swish…"
The vortices expanded, but instead of moving towards Bai Zihe, they ascended towards the sky within the domain.
"Clang…"
"Dong…"
The next moment, the vortices attached themselves to the sky within the domain, completing their connection.
"Hiss…"
"Crack…"
"Snap…"
Almost simultaneously, the forces that had been present in the vortices – fierce winds, lightning serpents, crackling thunder – suddenly became much more violent and powerful. It was as if they had received a tremendous surge of energy, unleashing even greater might.
"This move…"
The Eighth Transformation Loose Immortal stared intently at Bai Zihe and spoke slowly, his voice exceptionally cold. "If you can still survive this, I will admit defeat."
Defeat! Bai Zihe was slightly taken aback but also became much more solemn. The Eighth Transformation Loose Immortal dared to say this, clearly possessing absolute confidence in this move to easily defeat Bai Zihe!
"Bai Zihe!"
At this moment, the little pagoda's voice echoed in his mind. "This move actually opens a bridge between the domain and the external world, allowing it to absorb the world's power for its use."
"A domain…"
"Originally, it isolated oneself from the world. Even if powerful, it had limits. Beyond those limits, one could break through sheer force and shatter the domain."
"But by connecting with the world, the domain's power becomes virtually inexhaustible. You are fighting against a portion of the world itself; consider the difficulty involved."
Bai Zihe's expression changed slightly. According to the little pagoda, he was no longer fighting against the Eighth Transformation Loose Immortal and his domain, but against a part of the world's power…
The might of heaven and earth was vast and boundless, invincible and unparalleled. Even true immortals would suffer greatly when confronting it. How could he possibly contend?
"The only way…"
The little pagoda continued, "is to comprehend your own domain before he kicks you out. Only by confronting domain with domain can there be a sliver of hope!"
"I understand."
After speaking, Bai Zihe paid no further attention to the little pagoda. Instead, he fully immersed himself in his confrontation with the Eighth Transformation Loose Immortal, his mind singularly focused, beginning to perceive all its mysteries.
Bai Zihe already had an idea regarding domains! If 'fire borrowing wind' was just a very superficial concept, then a 'field' was something that naturally possessed over time, without needing any deliberate action. A strong aura. Or a single glance, a single movement, could overwhelm people with pressure, making breathing difficult.
As for domains… they were a more profound yet purer application derived from 'fields', using one's understanding of heaven and earth's laws as a link, and the entire universe as a target, thereby forming a formidable technique!
"Whoosh—"
"Swish—"
"Boom—"
The Eighth Transformation Loose Immortal gave Bai Zihe no more time. Having connected with the heavens and earth, he appeared towering, like a lofty deity looking down upon the Bai Zihe below. With a wave of his hands, countless attacks rained down around Bai Zihe.
These attacks… were mostly ice arrows and golden light. This indicated that the Eighth Transformation Loose Immortal possessed dual elemental powers of water and metal, making him highly resistant to Bai Zihe's water and fire abilities.
"Hah…"
Bai Zihe let out a cold cry, and streaks of light flowed around him. These were extremely pure Five Elements energies. The next moment, Bai Zihe actually slowly closed his eyes.
"Presumptuous!"
The Eighth Transformation Loose Immortal, seeing this, became enraged. His movements quickened, his techniques becoming even more powerful and domineering, intending to crush Bai Zihe.
Bai Zihe made no further response. Instead, he poured all his focus into comprehending this domain, observing its structure, and studying its principles. He endured the continuous attacks that landed on him, causing him injury after injury.
These attacks continued for three minutes. Bai Zihe was already on the verge of death, with only his last breath remaining, on the verge of being eliminated and returned to the ancient clan.
"Die!"
The Eighth Transformation Loose Immortal, seeing his tenacious resistance, roared in defiance and unleashed an extremely powerful move. He intended to use a decisive method, giving Bai Zihe no further opportunities.