Chapter 296: Nine Heavens Pure Spirit Tribulation

Several days after the Jin'ao Island celebration.

“Alas, the Sect Master is now far beyond our reach.”

In the Second Prince’s palace within the East Sea Dragon Palace, two figures embraced in a corner of a massive bed, dozens of feet long.

Hearing Ao Yi’s lament, Jiang Si'er didn't know how to comfort him. She could only lean closer to her husband, whispering:

“Why are you sighing like this, my husband? The Sect Master has been extremely caring towards us, and wholeheartedly devoted to the Dragon Race. Didn’t an elder mention before that when you joined the Heavenly Courts, the Dragon Race’s luck noticeably improved, and it increased even further after the sixteen sea patrol minor gods took their positions? These are all benefits the Sect Master has bestowed upon us.”

“This is called a joyful sigh; I’m happy for the Sect Master,” Ao Yi chuckled. “Now the Sect Master can drink at the same table as the top mighty figures between heaven and earth. To think, back then, the Sect Master was merely…”

“My husband.” Jiang Si'er suddenly interrupted Ao Yi, lowering her voice, “You warned me not to mention anything about the Sect Master’s origins, not even to me.”

Ao Yi immediately became alert, checking the numerous formations outside the grand hall before finally letting out a slight sigh of relief.

“Thank you for reminding me, Si’er.”

Jiang Si'er said gently, “The Sect Master is hated by powerful enemies because of matters concerning the Dragon Race. We absolutely cannot make such a mistake.”

Ao Yi hugged his wife closer, murmuring affectionate words.

“Reporting, Second Highness, Prince Ao Shi of the West Sea has arrived in the palace. The Dragon Mother requests your presence to meet him; she says there is a matter to discuss.”

Suddenly hearing a sea maiden report from outside the hall, Jiang Si'er gave a soft ‘hmmph’ and hid under the thin covers. Ao Yi’s mouth twitched slightly…

“I understand. I’ll go now.”

“Husband,” Jiang Si'er’s head emerged from beneath the covers, and she whispered, “Remember to consult with the Sect Master on everything. Although there have been no major incidents in the Four Seas recently, Si’er feels a sense of unease.”

“Alright,” Ao Yi gave Jiang Si'er a reassuring look, quickly dressed, and headed out of the hall.

Half an hour later, Ao Yi returned with a frown. Jiang Si'er, who had already dressed and tidied herself, hurried to meet him.

“What’s wrong, husband?”

“It has nothing to do with us, actually,” Ao Yi said. “Cousin Ao Shi has invited our elder brother to a banquet at the West Sea Dragon Palace. This time, all the Crown Princes of the Four Seas Dragon Palaces will gather. It’s probably just for pleasure, nothing serious.”

“Then why do you look so worried, husband?”

“I just feel like something isn’t right,” Ao Yi mused, recalling what he had seen earlier. “Today, not only did Cousin Ao Shi arrive, but also Cousin Ao Mou from the South Sea. You might not know Cousin Ao Mou’s temperament; he dislikes rules and restraints, is somewhat dissolute, and usually indulges himself quite a bit, often mixing with maids…”

Jiang Si'er blinked, “The Dragon Race has many such young masters, though.”

“Tsk,” Ao Yi whispered, “The last time I saw Cousin Ao Mou, two years ago, he was listless, lacking in vital energy, with an unstable dragon source and a weak, floating aura. But the Cousin Ao Mou I saw today had divine light in his eyes, a deep and steady aura, a rosy complexion, and a profound dragon source. He was completely like a different person.”

“Oh, you,” Jiang Si'er chided playfully, “Can’t a person change their temperament, or perhaps they took some elixirs or tonics?”

“There’s a problem,” Ao Yi shook his head, rising to pace back and forth by the bed, pondering deeply. “But with just this observation, I can’t disturb the Sect Master.”

Jiang Si'er quickly said, “Husband, please don’t even think of taking risks. The Sect Master once said that every single detail, no matter how small, should be reported to him.”

“Don’t worry,” Ao Yi pondered carefully. ‘If I were the Sect Master, how would I handle this matter?’ Soon, Ao Yi had an idea. First, play it safe. “I’ll go consult with a few elders about this and see if we can enlist some masters to secretly follow them to the West Sea and observe.” With that, Ao Yi hurried out of the hall once more.

Jiang Si'er looked as if she wanted to say more but held back, not saying anything further.

At Little Qiong Peak, in the back mountain card room.

A card game, halfway through, lay on the table. In the next room, the young maiden Yu Shi, who had recently begun cultivating, was meditating; two graceful figures and one towering, iron-tower-like figure gathered at the loft stairs, looking up with concern.

Not long after, Jiu Jiu tiptoed down the stairs. She set up a barrier with her immortal power before finally letting out a slight sigh of relief.

Youqin Xuanya asked, “Is Junior Sister Ling’e cultivating now?”

“No, she fell straight asleep,” Jiu Jiu sighed with a frown. “That was too frightening!”

Jiang Lin’er quickly asked, “What happened? Just now, I saw her return on a cloud, looking utterly exhausted as if she’d lost her soul.”

“I don’t know either,” Jiu Jiu said with a serious, furrowed brow. “I just heard her muttering something about Senior Brother making her… five thousand four hundred times… or something.”

Youqin Xuanya was somewhat confused. “Five thousand four hundred times?”

“Pfft!” Jiang Lin’er almost burst out laughing. “Xuanya, don’t let your imagination run wild. Xiao Jiu is just joking.”

Youqin Xuanya tilted her head, falling into deeper confusion.

“Heh heh heh,” Jiu Jiu leaped down two steps, the seams of her linen tunic momentarily strained. Jiu Jiu laughed, “She copied scriptures five thousand four hundred times. Auntie, you’re overthinking it. Ling’e was even criticized by her Senior Brother for having an unstable Dao foundation.”

At the mention of tribulation, Jiang Lin’er, as Ling’e’s grand-aunt, couldn’t help but show a serious expression.

“Ling’e’s tribulation is approaching. If her Dao foundation is truly unstable, she should indeed endure some hardships. But how can copying scriptures stabilize a Dao foundation?”

“If Senior Brother Changshou asked Junior Sister Ling’e to do it, then it’s naturally something beneficial for Ling’e,” Youqin Xuanya said from the side. “Just trust Senior Brother Changshou.”

Beside them, Xiong Lingli nodded enthusiastically, “My cousin is super amazing!”

“The problem is, why is Ling’e’s Dao foundation unstable?”

Jiu Jiu pursed her lips and said, “I’ve seen Ling’e’s Dao foundation manifestation a few times before when she had insights; her Dao foundation’s green lotus already had more than eight petals. Such a Dao foundation is even more stable than mine was back then.”

“Hey,” Jiang Lin’er suddenly interrupted Jiu Jiu, pointing at the ceiling, “Look!”

The group looked up, seeing a two-inch diameter azure lotus slowly drifting down from the ceiling. Its azure hue was faint, with nine petals shimmering, as if a wisp of clear fragrance permeated the air.

Jiu Jiu’s almond eyes widened, and she exclaimed, “Nine petals!”

“No,” divine light bloomed in Jiang Lin’er’s eyes as she saw Ling’e’s current state. In the quiet room on the second floor, Ling’e, who had been lying on the bed, was now enveloped in spiritual light, sitting cross-legged in mid-air, surrounded by indistinct characters swirling around her. These characters were converging behind Ling’e, where the faint shadow of a book was about to take shape.

“Quick!” Jiang Lin’er immediately began to call out, “Ling’e is about to undergo her tribulation! Quick! Quick!”

Jiu Jiu anxiously asked, “What should we do quickly, Auntie?!”

Youqin Xuanya, meanwhile, said nothing, immediately hurrying upstairs.

“Everyone, there’s no need to rush. She is currently undergoing enlightenment before becoming an immortal.” Just then, a wisp of breeze blew in from outside the door, and Li Changshou’s figure appeared directly before them.

Enlightened so quickly? Li Changshou was also a little surprised; he had thought Ling’e would need half a month of rest before achieving a breakthrough…

No, that’s not right.

Li Changshou observed Ling’e on the second floor, his gaze falling upon the shadowy book behind her. Faintly, he saw the character ‘稳’ (Wěn - stable) on it.

Uh, entering the Dao through the 'Scripture of Stability'? Li Changshou’s mouth twitched a few times, feeling a bit flustered.

Fortunately, after careful observation, he found that his junior sister had indeed forged a unique path based on the 'Scripture of Non-Action'… This path had no flaws, and its future was promising.

“Grand-Aunt,” Li Changshou said, “Please inform the disciples within the sect that Ling’e will be undergoing her tribulation outside the mountain gate later. I ask that disciples within the sect not approach or disturb her, to avoid being accidentally harmed by the heavenly tribulation.”

Jiang Lin’er replied, “Alright, I’ll go to the Hall of Hundred Mortals right away and tell them it’s from my precious boy!”

Youqin Xuanya asked from the side, “Senior Brother, is there anything I can do?”

“Undergoing tribulation is a personal matter,” Li Changshou smiled. “Don’t worry, Ling’e’s preparations are very thorough, and I will also protect her during the process.”

Jiu Jiu eagerly volunteered, “I’ll go beat the drum to cheer Ling’e on!”

Xiong Lingli quietly asked, “Can I help?”

“Good!” Jiu Jiu waved her small hand. “You can be the drum!” Xiong Lingli responded with a wry expression, and a few more laughs echoed in the loft.

Unlike Master Qiyuan, whose heavenly tribulation was so hesitant; and unlike Li Changshou’s heavenly tribulation, which repeatedly returned; Ling’e’s heavenly tribulation arrived very gently.

After her final enlightenment before becoming an immortal, Ling’e slowly opened her eyes. Her pupils were filled with brilliant spiritual light, her entire body enveloped in a faint mist, and her snow-white skin was exquisitely flawless.

Li Changshou transmitted a message: “The heavenly tribulation has arrived. Are you ready?”

“Mm,” Ling’e gently nodded, having already sensed it.

She had thought she would feel some worry and fear, but upon hearing her Senior Brother’s voice, her heart instantly found peace. Even if it was the heavenly tribulation, what of it? Passing the tribulation would grant her more lifespan, allowing her to stay by her Senior Brother’s side on the peak…

Taking a light breath, Ling’e quickly checked the few storage magic treasures on her person. Seeing the various ‘tribulation-specific’ treasure pouches neatly categorized within, her confidence grew even more.

She changed into a specially made magic gauze dress, layered with a silk skirt. Her long hair, which had been flowing freely, was simply tied up. Carrying a short sword and holding a jade flute, she went downstairs, exchanged a smile with her Senior Brother, and pushed open the door, revealing miles of dark clouds outside.

Boundless spiritual energy surged forth, and mist churned above the dark clouds. Alarmed, all parts of the mountain gate observed, with strands of immortal consciousness gathering at this spot.

Li Changshou waved his sleeve, and a white cloud lifted him and Ling’e, carrying them towards the mountain gate.

Li Changshou asked, “Have all areas been checked?”

“Mm,” Ling’e gently nodded. “Senior Brother, rest assured, everything is ready.”

“Hold this in your mouth,” Li Changshou said, taking out a golden elixir enveloped in immortal power. Without thinking or asking what it was, Ling’e took the elixir and placed it in her mouth, her cheeks puffing out immediately.

Li Changshou instructed, “Don’t swallow this elixir directly. This is a last resort, a trump card for your life, and it’s very expensive.”

“It’s thtuck… I can’t thpeak clearly…”

“Don’t talk.”

“Oh.”

Ling’e obediently assented, looking up at the dark clouds filling the sky, her Dao heart utterly peaceful.

At the mountain gate, over a dozen figures awaited the arrival of the senior brother and junior sister pair. There were Grand-Aunt Jiang Lin’er, Master Qiyuan, Junior Martial Uncle Jiu Yushi, Martial Uncles Jiu Wu and Jiu Shi, along with four other immortals whose names included 'Jiu', and also Senior Sister Yan'er, Junior Brother Qiqi…

Ling’e bowed respectfully.

Jiang Lin’er chuckled, “After you pass the heavenly tribulation, I’ll have Senior Grand-Aunt Wangqing knock your Senior Brother out and toss him into your room!”

Ling’e’s pretty face immediately flushed. She wanted to nod but dared not, only casting a weak glance at her Senior Brother.

Li Changshou stood beside her, smiling.

Qiyuan, however, cautioned with concern, “Regarding tribulation, I have experience. If you can’t endure it head-on, then don’t. Changshou, have you prepared those elixirs for your junior sister?”

“I’ve prepared a different kind,” Li Changshou quickly replied. “Master, rest assured. When you underwent your tribulation, my cultivation and abilities were insufficient. For Junior Sister’s tribulation, preparations are thoroughly secure.”

“That’s good, that’s good,” Master Qiyuan said, his eyes filled with emotion.

At once, Jiang Lin’er and Qiyuan moved aside, one to the left and one to the right, as Li Changshou guided Ling’e on a cloud past the mountain gate.

Encouraging words immediately came from all around. Ling’e bowed to each person in turn, though she couldn’t speak at the moment.

Having exited the mountain gate, the tribulation site was on the barren mountain ahead. Qiyuan and the others followed on clouds, stopping ten li away; Li Changshou escorted her five more li forward, explaining the tribulation location to Ling’e, and said, “Go.”

“Senior Brother…”

“Steady.”

“Mm!”

Ling’e gently nodded, extended her left hand as a guide, and floated upward gracefully. Her skirt billowed and her long hair danced, like a flying celestial maiden from a mural, as she ascended to the barren mountain filled with traces of past tribulations.

Rumble! Thunder rumbled overhead. Ling’e looked up, seeing the dark clouds across the sky had begun to swirl.

‘Oh right, where’s Junior Martial Uncle?’

Just then, a commotion of gongs and drums suddenly erupted from the side. Ling’e turned her head, seeing Jiu Jiu on a cloud a few li away, dressed in a short tunic with a headscarf, vigorously beating a drum with drumsticks. Xiong Lingli stood beside her, continuously striking a gong. Both shouted in unison:

“Ling’e will surely win!”“Pass the tribulation, become an immortal!”

Youqin Xuanya stood behind them, her right leg curled, the tip of her left foot pointing distantly at the ground. Dressed in a fiery red long dress, she was incredibly beautiful. Her delicate hands, forming elegant sword-fingers, manipulated sixteen flagpoles. On those large flags, conspicuously written were phrases like ‘Ling’e Will Surely Win,’ ‘Pass the Tribulation, Become Immortal,’ and so on…

Ling’e couldn’t help but cup her hand to her forehead, feeling a strange… slight embarrassment.

“Don’t get distracted.” Li Changshou’s transmitted message arrived.

Ling’e immediately focused, taking out magic treasures and artifacts from her treasure pouches, placing them a hundred zhang around her, enveloped in spiritual power, ready for immediate use.

Little Qiong Peak's special tribulation artifacts like the Old Master Birdcage: three types, a total of nine items. Rarer magic treasures capable of protecting the soul during tribulation: six items, half of which were high-grade immortal treasures. Magic treasures used for quickly gathering spiritual energy and restoring one’s own magical power: four items. Self-activating miniature formation bases to guard against sneak attacks: twelve sets… Grade 2 spiritual elixirs to increase resistance to lightning tribulation: two bottles; Grade 4 spiritual elixirs with continuously releasing medicinal properties for healing injuries: six bottles; Grade 3 spiritual elixirs with continuously releasing medicinal power to accelerate recovery of immortal power: three bottles; Elixirs for repairing soul injuries: one bottle; Elixirs for rapidly repairing Dao foundation injuries: three pills… And so on.

Ten li away, in the direction of the mountain gate, the immortals of the Immortal Ascension Sect who witnessed this scene had rather complex expressions. Jiang Lin’er murmured softly:

“When did our Little Qiong Peak become so wealthy? With this display, let alone an immortal ascension tribulation, people would believe it was a Golden Immortal tribulation!”

Master Qiyuan chuckled softly, his eyes filled with comfort.

“Cough, cough cough,” a few coughs sounded, and a slender figure descended from the sky, landing before the group, standing calmly with hands behind his back. It was, naturally, Ji Wuyou, the Sect Master of the Immortal Ascension Sect. Ji Wuyou smiled, “These are all bestowed by this humble Daoist. Ling’e is a rare cultivation prodigy in our Immortal Ascension Sect, appearing only once in a millennium, so it’s only natural for this humble Daoist to give her extra care.” The immortals of the Immortal Ascension Sect immediately showed expressions of understanding. Ji Wuyou’s eyes narrowed into a smile. ‘Looking at this display, Senior Master Qiyuan’s future daughter-in-law status is set in stone. If anything goes wrong during the tribulation later, this humble Daoist will ensure she passes smoothly, even if it means destroying a few magic treasures.’

Just then, the tribulation clouds, which had begun to form a ‘thunder well vortex,’ suddenly paused. Streams of spiritual energy once again started converging from all directions, and the tribulation clouds, which had already taken shape, actually began to grow again! Seeing this, Li Changshou felt no surprise. The heavenly tribulation that had appeared earlier was the one Ling’e’s original aptitude should have endured; the current increase in tribulation power was due to Ling’e’s current Dao foundation. Li Changshou quickly calculated in his mind: the success rate was still ninety percent… eighty…

“Hmm?” Li Changshou felt a sensation, looked up, and saw a gray cloud suddenly fly out from the tribulation clouds, stopping directly above his head. Wh-why?

Three thousand li east of the Immortal Ascension Sect, a figure moving stealthily through the forest suddenly stopped. It was a black panther, carrying a young maiden on its back. The black panther had recently awakened partial memories of his previous life and was rushing with his wife to a forest on the edge of the Southern Continent, searching for some treasures he had buried when he was known as ‘Daoist Master Yuanze’ in his past life. At this moment, he looked eastward and vaguely saw a tribulation cloud, above which appeared a scene as if a group of celestial maidens were dancing.

“Hiss–––– It’s actually the Nine Heavens Pure Spirit Tribulation, ranked sixth among immortal ascension tribulations!” The black panther gasped sharply.

The maiden quickly said, “Just tell me simply, don’t elaborate.”

“Impossible to pass; this kind of major tribulation definitely cannot be passed!”