Chapter 277: Cursed by the Heavens

"Breakthrough is extremely difficult?"

Sect Master Wu Xinjue and Sect Master Xu Yongnian were taken aback.

Xiao Fan nodded earnestly and recounted his experience during his recent Breakthrough.

Their expressions grew heavy, as if they had realized something.

Sect Master Wu Xinjue spoke in a deep voice: "Under normal circumstances, when making a Breakthrough to a major Realm, the difficulty varies depending on one's Foundation, strength, and current Realm…"

"But generally speaking, the more solid the Foundation and the greater the strength, the easier the Breakthrough becomes. And you…"

Xiao Fan was puzzled. His Foundation was absolutely fine, and as for his strength, he could crush anyone at the same Realm!

Then… Why was it like this?

"Based on your description, your situation is somewhat special… It sounds a bit like a condition recorded in ancient texts… being cursed by the Heavens…"

"Cursed by the Heavens?"

Xiao Fan was stunned. Just hearing the name, he knew it definitely wasn't a good thing.

Sect Master Wu Xinjue nodded, his expression becoming very serious. Beside him, Sect Master Xu Yongnian's expression also turned grim.

Clearly, he also understood what this situation implied.

"It is said that Cultivators act against the Heavens to change their fate, following the Dao. However, there is a type of person—they cultivate extremely quickly, possess excellent Aptitude, and are often super Prodigies… But…"

"It seems the Heavens do not allow such people to exist. Therefore, every time such a person advances to a major Realm, it becomes exceptionally difficult, and they may even face a Heavenly Tribulation!"

"Heavenly Tribulation!"

Xiao Fan's expression changed.

A Heavenly Tribulation is not a good thing; if things go wrong, one could end up Soul Flying Away and Spirit Scattering…

Seeing Xiao Fan's expression, Sect Master Wu Xinjue smiled and explained: "However, you don't need to worry too much. After all… it has been countless years since such a person last appeared, and even if one did appear, it wouldn't be a Cultivator in the Tongtian Realm."

Hearing this, Xiao Fan's expression improved slightly.

After all, being disallowed by the Heavens meant such people likely wouldn't have a good ending.

A random bolt of Lightning Tribulation could strike them dead!

The two chatted with Xiao Fan for a bit longer, then Xiao Fan took his leave.

But after he left, the smiles on Sect Master Wu Xinjue and Sect Master Xu Yongnian's faces vanished, replaced by solemnity.

Sect Master Wu Xinjue asked: "Do you think he is that kind of person cursed by the Heavens?"

Sect Master Xu Yongnian shook his head: "Unlikely. Those people are usually villainous and evil, and he is not… Furthermore, he possesses an Enlightenment Seed, a divine object bestowed only upon those chosen by the Heavens. How could he simultaneously be rejected by the Heavens?"

Upon hearing this, Sect Master Wu Xinjue's expression improved as well.

Indeed, the Enlightenment Seed is a divine object granted by the Dao.

It is recognized by the rules of the world.

Yet, being cursed by the Heavens—the two seem to conflict!

"I feel the same. Perhaps he had previous injuries, which is why he encountered difficulty during the Breakthrough," Sect Master Wu Xinjue said.

Sect Master Xu Yongnian shook his head and smiled: "Forget it, let's not worry about him for now. His cultivation progress is excellent, living up to our expectations. This way, he might be able to catch up in time for the Four Sects Grand Competition in a year and a half."

Hearing this, Sect Master Wu Xinjue's expression also grew heavy.

…

Xiao Fan was naturally unaware of their calculations.

By this time, he was almost back at his Immortal Cave.

He would only enter the Inner Sect in a few days, so he had to continue living in his Immortal Cave for now.

Although he had gained many benefits in the Marrow Cleansing Pool, Xiao Fan couldn't smile at all right now.

It was truly because of what Sect Master Wu Xinjue said about being cursed by the Heavens…

This matter was just too bizarre.

It would be one thing if it were just difficult to make a Breakthrough to a major Realm, but it might even bring down a Heavenly Tribulation.

The so-called Heavenly Tribulation generally refers to a Lightning Tribulation, a calamity that only descends when true powerhouses make a Breakthrough…

With his current strength, if a few Heavenly Tribulations were to descend…

He would be ninety-nine percent dead.

It was true that Xiao Fan had an Enlightenment Seed, but he knew clearly that it wasn't given to him because the rules of the Dao recognized him.

Rather, it was given to him by the star chart.

They were completely different things.

While thinking about this, Xiao Fan had already returned to his Immortal Cave.

He entered the gate of the Immortal Cave.

Xiao Fan felt a bit melancholy…

"Unknowingly, I've been gone for three days."

Xiao Fan suddenly wanted to check on Xiao Jin…

However, he was very reassured this time, because before leaving, he had piled all five thousand catties of dried meat sent by Zhu Gang in the Spirit Beast room.

He estimated that Xiao Jin shouldn't have finished eating it yet.

Xiao Fan opened the stone door of the Spirit Beast room, and the scene inside immediately stunned him…

He stared at everything in the room in disbelief…

Xiao Jin was also stunned, staring at Xiao Fan with wide lion eyes.

Clearly, it hadn't expected Xiao Fan to return so quickly!

Inside the Spirit Beast room…

The five thousand catties of dried meat were divided into small piles, one by one…

Xiao Fan looked carefully and saw there were about forty piles…

Each pile was one hundred catties!

"This… it must have been scared by hunger… it actually learned food management."

Xiao Fan sighed, feeling that Xiao Jin had made progress!

At least this way, even if he couldn't return next time something came up, it wouldn't starve to death!

It could hold out for a while longer…