Chapter 629: Own People, Feel Free

Black clouds swept across the sky above Tai Bai Palace, immediately attracting the attention of the gods and immortals in the Heavenly Court. With the bronze mirror live broadcasting system fully prepared and operational, various parts of the Heavenly Court also noticed this rare event through their large and small bronze mirrors.

Aside from the abodes of celestials in the lower three heavens, divine tribulations rarely occurred within the Heavenly Court. After all, Heavenly Soldiers' cultivation started at the late stage of the Origin Immortal realm, and it was no easy feat for Heavenly Court immortals to become Golden Immortals. Thus, every appearance of a tribulation would cause a minor sensation.

In the Tongming Hall, the gods and immortals on duty were each surprised.

"Who is undergoing a tribulation? Why wasn't it reported to Tongming Hall in advance? What about the rules of our Heavenly Court?"

"My lord, it is said to be from Tai Bai Palace..."

"Pfft! Cough, cough, cough! This... who from Tai Bai Palace is undergoing a tribulation? Why is there no reaction from the immortal registry in Tongming Hall? We could have prepared some gifts to send!"

Throughout the Jade Pool, many fairies rode clouds into the sky, gazing towards Tai Bai Palace, as streams of divine sense descended upon its backyard.

In the Lingxiao Palace, the White-Robed Jade Emperor, who was discussing minor matters with the immortals that didn't require the Grand White Planet's intervention, now raised an eyebrow. He motioned for the generals below to pause their conversation and had Mu Gong open the bronze mirror, revealing the scene behind Tai Bai Palace.

Coincidentally, a firefly flew out from the 'small mountain' protected by the Mustard Seed Universe Array, transforming into the figure of a fairy. While the gods and immortals in the hall found this fairy somewhat unfamiliar, they all knew of her existence.

Named Ling'e, born of the Lan clan, she had achieved enlightenment in deep seclusion, unknown to most immortals. Like a newly bloomed lotus adding color, once she achieved enlightenment, all gods would know. This was a hidden grand-master on the Heavenly Court's list of most unprovokable female immortals, ranked only after the Queen Mother, Chang'e, and Princess Longji! She was the Grand White Planet's sole designated junior sister, a registered disciple of the Human Teaching's Grand Pure Saint, and the first person in this epoch of the Primordial World to effortlessly achieve supreme immortal destiny without lifting a finger!

At this moment, Ling'e revealed her true form, supported by a ganoderma-shaped white cloud, and swiftly flew into the sky. The winds of the celestial realm ruffled the hair by her ears, and passing clouds, accompanied by immortal light, seemed to play with her. Even the black clouds moving above her head seemed unwilling to frighten her, slowing their gathering speed as if they were about to condense into a large hand to gently caress the bangs on her forehead.

Facing the tribulation of longevity, Ling'e was quite nervous. Her cute and charming face was tense, her thin, moist lips were gently pursed, and her breathing was somewhat erratic.

"Aunt Ling'e!"

A soft call came from afar; it was Longji, riding on a cloud, swiftly flying over with a group of Jade Pool fairies.

"Don't worry," Longji said with a smile, sensing Ling'e's nervousness. "Mother said your tribulation will surely be uneventful; the Heavenly Dao itself will protect you."

Ling'e immediately grew even more nervous.

Not far from Little Qiong Peak, surrounded by streaks of immortal light, a small mountain rapidly grew, then stretched out its limbs, transforming into a robust female giant a thousand feet tall. Clad in bright golden armor and wielding two large battle-axes, she let out a roar:

"Cousin-in-law Ling'e! I'm here to help you guard the array!"

The male immortals in the Heavenly Court, who had been admiring the cute and charming fairy, all shivered simultaneously.

Li Changshou appeared not far away. Although he worried about being struck by divine punishment, it was still better to be a little closer to Ling'e. Better safe than sorry: if the tribulation Ling'e faced was too strong and she truly couldn't withstand it, and all nine Nine-Reversion Golden Elixirs and two pots of Nine-Reversion Spirit Elixirs were exhausted, then he wouldn't mind confronting the Heavenly Dao and forcefully protecting his junior sister's Golden Immortal Dao fruit. At worst, he would simply disregard everything and leave under his teacher's protection. Taking Zhao Gongming and the Three Xiao sisters directly out of the Primordial World to avoid disaster was a path Li Changshou had considered; it was one of his backup plans. If he couldn't change the rules, he would try to step outside them.

Li Changshou activated his serene Dao heart, clearing his mind of all emotions. He stood on a white cloud with his hands behind his back and transmitted a message to Ling'e:

"Don't be nervous," he said. "Just do exactly as you practiced before. You've already developed muscle memory."

"Oh, okay," Ling'e replied. Ling'e responded, though she didn't understand what "muscle memory" meant, but... How could a fairy have such obvious muscles? Her arm and leg lines were perfectly elegant, weren't they?

As a result, Ling'e became even more nervous.

Under the gaze of countless divine senses, she clasped her fingers tightly, stopped on a desolate mountain, muttered a few words, then looked up directly at the sky. She had actually been preparing for this day for a long time. After the Golden Immortal tribulation, her life level would leap forward, allowing her to become an ageless, immortal longevity immortal. Then, she could finally focus on skincare, maintenance, applying face masks... Cough, or rather, on how to make her senior brother happy! Finally, she too could help her senior brother a little in the future!

Come, tribulation, today she will! Hmm, as her senior brother advised, she absolutely must not make any boasts. Instead, she should first silently recite her self-created "Tribulation-Crossing Song"!

*When crossing a tribulation, do not rush; keep Senior Brother's advice deep in your heart.**First, state your name; second, bow; third, thank the Heavenly Dao.**For the first three strikes, resist with all your might; do not be stingy with elixirs or save your immortal power.**For the fourth and fifth strikes, fire and wind will rise; use your magic treasures wisely, and don't be surprised.**For the sixth and seventh strikes, do not be anxious; distinguish illusions by comparison.**For the eighth and ninth strikes, longevity will be established; go all out, and do not be careless!*

Now, for the first step!

Ling'e gently exhaled, bowed towards the sky, and with pink light gleaming in her beautiful eyes, she said aloud:

"Daoist disciple Lan Ling'e, thanks Dao Ancestor Grandpa for coming to strike..."

Uh, she got it wrong!

"Thanks Heavenly Dao Grandpa! No, that's not right either, thanks Heavenly Dao Elder!"

Ling'e's little face turned pale, and she quickly tried to correct herself. To her surprise, the black clouds trembled, and the blurry face of an old Daoist appeared within them! The Dao Ancestor manifested! The might of the Heavenly Dao!

Li Changshou was about to flash forward, apologize on Ling'e's behalf, and proactively invite one or two divine punishments upon himself, but to his surprise...

"Oh ho ho ho."

The tribulation clouds laughed. Right in this sacred place where the Heavenly Dao held divine authority, right in this future central power hub of the Three Realms, and under the gaze of countless gods and immortals using their divine senses, magic treasures, and magical arts—the tribulation clouds, which should have been brewing thunder, revealed the Dao Ancestor's face and displayed a benevolent smile.

The Jade Emperor in Lingxiao Palace, the Queen Mother in the Jade Pool, and Li Changshou at the edge of the black clouds were all stunned, let alone the various civil and military officials, Heavenly Soldiers, and fairies. But that wasn't all!

"Hmm, good girl, Ling'e."

The old Daoist's face, revealed by the tribulation clouds, had a rather radiant smile as he said gently:

"No need to be nervous," he said. "I've just checked for you; your tribulation is a relatively ordinary one. You will definitely be able to withstand it. Are you ready? Can I let the tribulation clouds send down the first strike now?"

"Oh, thank you, Dao Ancestor Elder," Ling'e responded softly. "I'm all ready. You can just let the thunder fall; I can withstand it myself!"

"Hmm, the Heavenly Dao is supremely just and impartial, so I cannot simply exempt you from the tribulation lightning," he said. "This can also bring you some benefits."

One truly dared to say it, and the other truly dared to respond!

The Heavenly Court fell silent.

The gods and immortals watched as a longevity tribulation lightning bolt, estimated to be only a few times stronger than the ninth strike of some immortal ascension tribulations, bloomed from the tribulation clouds. It slowly descended and gently struck, landing in front of the little fairy, then lightly brushing her shoulder... As if fearing to touch vital points like her forehead or crown, which could easily cause severe injury.

Ling'e kept her small mouth tightly shut, her long dark hair fluttered upwards, and her small face was filled with determination. The immortal dress on her shoulder was struck by the heavenly lightning, creating a tiny hole the size of a fingernail! Yet, the skin beneath was as translucent as a pearl, without leaving the slightest mark.

Li Changshou was speechless. Why was this happening! However, since it was his junior sister who benefited, and the Dao Ancestor Elder didn't seem to intend to use this opportunity to punish him, Li Changshou refrained from complaining further. But then, Li Changshou began to ponder the deeper meaning behind the Dao Ancestor's actions. Was he showing goodwill towards him, comforting him on the eve of the Investiture of the Gods calamity? No, there was no need for that. The Dao Ancestor's action seemed simple, but its true intention was quite profound. The most important aspect was likely to reveal his own existence and to remind all beings not to forget who was truly setting the rules in the Primordial World. Especially at this critical juncture. The Dao Ancestor was asserting ownership of the 'Heavenly Court's tools,' reminding the Six Sages that the Investiture of the Gods calamity must not threaten the Heavenly Court itself. Simultaneously, he was preparing the involved Chan, Jie, and Western sects to fill the Heavenly Court's divine vacancies with their elite disciples. Entering the Heavenly Court meant getting one step closer to the Dao Ancestor. Although the Heavenly Dao was supremely just and impartial, the Dao Ancestor transcended the Heavenly Dao, harbored personal sentiments, and would care for Daoist disciples. The Grand White Planet of the Heavenly Court served the Dao Ancestor; he was one of the Dao Ancestor's own. Besides these, Li Changshou thought of a series of benefits and various subsequent effects. One could only say, the Dao Ancestor was truly on a higher level.

As these thoughts flashed through Li Changshou's mind, Ling'e had already 'endured' the second heavenly tribulation. At this moment, she... nothing major happened. Everything was very stable; elixirs and magic treasures were completely unnecessary. She stood proudly in the air; each time she was struck by heavenly lightning, subtle changes occurred. Her skin became more radiant, her features more charming, and her Dao aura emitted a sense of constancy and timelessness. During the lightning tribulation, a ray of lightning suddenly fell, completely enveloping her and further enhancing her sacred aura.

A soft chuckle came from the clouds: "The tribulation that induces inner demons is coming. Everything you see next will be an illusion."

"Mhm!"

Ling'e responded, bowing towards the sky. "Thank you, Elder, for the reminder."

Li Changshou silently lowered his head, no longer able to bear watching directly.

The Jade Emperor in Lingxiao Palace let out a faint sigh; he was finally no longer the Dao Ancestor's favorite. In the Jade Pool, the Queen Mother's eyes showed a hint of thought. She sighed softly but showed no further expression. Old ministers like Mu Gong and the Old Man under the Moon couldn't help but shed tears, lamenting the vast difference between being a god and being *that* kind of god.

In the Water God's residence, Youqin Xuanya leaned against the windowsill, watching the scene in the bronze mirror in her hand, her expression calm and pleased, with a hint of longing. In another courtyard not far away, Ling Zhuzi silently lowered his head, looking at his hands, and sighed dejectedly again, gently swaying on a swing.

"Here."

A jade carrot was offered. A small face filled Ling Zhuzi's vision; it was the little Jade Rabbit, who had just arrived at his residence upon hearing of Ling'e's tribulation at Tai Bai Palace. She saw Ling Zhuzi's eyes were dull and his expression dim as he sat on the swing next to her, and she thought of comforting words. She naturally knew about Ling Zhuzi's inner turmoil.

He was a disciple of the Chan Sect's Twelve Golden Immortals, following a pure and righteous path of cultivation. His origin was an immortal pearl born of heaven and earth, no less impressive than that of primordial beings, and his own fortune was extraordinary. Comprehension, talent, origin, Dao methods, divine abilities, treasures, circumstances, obsessions... What was he lacking? Yet, he had been stuck at a bottleneck for hundreds of years, unable to break through. Now, his Dao realm was like stagnant water, completely still. Even falling into qi deviation would be fine, but the phenomenon of qi deviation simply couldn't occur for him. Ling Zhuzi knew that throughout history, too many so-called cultivation geniuses and those with the potential for Golden Immortals were stuck at this slight lack of enlightenment. But the problem was, it wasn't that he lacked enlightenment. His teacher had even attempted to enlighten him, and he himself had sought elixirs to break through realms in the Tushita Palace. Without exception, the bottleneck became tighter and tighter, and his hope diminished. This was a situation most Qi Refiners would encounter.

Actually, a few hundred years wasn't too long. But seeing Yang Jian, who started so late yet later caught up, now already at the sixth rank of Golden Immortal; seeing Ao Yi, who became his sworn brother, whose Dao realm had advanced like a broken bamboo after awakening his dragon bloodline; seeing Bian Zhuang, who was punished with confinement in the Heavenly River, experienced a false accusation, and whose Dao realm had rapidly surged, subtly about to overtake him! And today, Aunt Ling'e, who had already successfully begun her tribulation... How could he feel at peace? How could he be reconciled? He longed to face a heavenly tribulation, longed for a breakthrough in his Dao realm and a sublimation of life, longed to stand on a cloud with Yang Jian and Ao Yi. No one demanded that he immediately achieve Golden Immortal status, nor did anyone force him to attain any specific accomplishments. But he... was unwilling to be mediocre or unknown.

It had been a long time since Ling Zhuzi had left this courtyard. At this moment, reflected in the Jade Rabbit's eyes, which were like pale red gemstones, Ling Zhuzi's face appeared somewhat dejected. Though he was forcing a smile, his eyes lacked much vitality.

The Jade Rabbit bit her lip slightly and whispered, "How about we try dual cultivation... I heard some of the Moon Palace sisters mention that humans have a method of dual cultivation that can quickly break through barriers. I, I don't mind..."

"Don't overthink it," Ling Zhuzi sighed. "A bottleneck is a bottleneck. Only through genuine comprehension can one elevate their Dao realm; crooked paths are not advisable. I'll go back to Mount Qianyuan and visit my teacher again, to ask if there's any way."

"Mhm," the Jade Rabbit whispered, "Cultivation, in the end, depends on destiny. Perhaps your destiny simply hasn't arrived yet. Besides, I haven't become a Golden Immortal either, so what's the big deal? I don't envy those longevity immortals living so long; my master just stares blankly all day, which is quite boring."

"Thank you, my good friend."

Ling Zhuzi offered a gentle smile, then raised his fist towards the Jade Rabbit. The Jade Rabbit made a face, clutched her small fist, and gently bumped it against Ling Zhuzi's.

"Good friends."

"I will definitely be able to cross the Golden Immortal tribulation too!"

Ling Zhuzi stood up, his eyes filled with bright light. Gazing at the dark clouds and tribulation lightning in the distance, he said firmly:

"I must become a great hero like Uncle Tai Bai—someone who can be needed, trusted, and do great things for heaven and earth! Slaying demons and vanquishing devils! Protecting the weak! I will definitely help Uncle, and help the Heavenly Court! Definitely!"

"Then you go for it," the Jade Rabbit whispered beside him. "All those aspirations sound like they'll take a lot of effort and time."

Ling Zhuzi grinned, shook his head, and recited, "Do not let time pass in vain; a man's achievements lie in all directions."

"What? Can't we women achieve great things too?"

"This... of course you can."

"You'll get beaten up by the sisters if you say that."

"Hehe, just don't tell anyone," he said. "What are we playing today? Wrestling? Hand-to-hand combat? Escape technique chase? Spears, swords, staves, and clubs?"

"Bah, today's an odd day," she retorted, "so you should listen to me. We're playing this!"

"What's this?" he asked. "Ah, as long as it's not folding paper boats."

"It's string games, string games!"

Amidst the Jade Rabbit's complaints and Ling Zhuzi's cries of hardship, the two swings gently swayed. Large hands and small hands intertwined; a red string was twisted into a hundred different patterns, yet it could never bind the two pairs of fingers.

Two hours later.

Immortal light swirled, immortal music played, and the world was filled with auspiciousness. Golden clouds gathered towards Ling'e, adorned with ethereal figures of dancing fairies and scenes of old immortals bestowing blessings. Although it was only an ordinary eighth-tier longevity tribulation, it displayed the completion effects of a top-tier ninth-tier longevity tribulation! Hmm, none of that was important.

Ling'e stood quietly in the air, her immortal dress having several tears, which added a touch of fragility, making her a sight that inspired pity and affection. With a smile and abundant immortal power, she felt the comfortable sensation of her Dao body being 'gently' tempered by the power of the heavenly tribulation, and she didn't forget her senior brother's instructions. Temporarily suppressing the profound insights in her heart, Ling'e bowed towards the tribulation clouds in the sky and said softly:

"Thank you, Dao Ancestor Elder, for sending down the heavenly tribulation and helping this disciple achieve the Dao fruit of longevity."

The dark tribulation clouds, still about two-thirds of their original diameter, once again revealed the Dao Ancestor's face, still with that benevolent smile.

"Hmm, good girl," he said. "When your senior brother has time, have him bring you to Zixiao Palace for a visit."

The Dao Ancestor's voice was still as gentle, but then his tone shifted. A beam of golden light gently pushed Ling'e aside, and another beam of golden light struck Li Changshou. The golden light gave a gentle tug, and Li Changshou was still a bit bewildered when the large mass of tribulation clouds flew over on their own and began to rapidly circle above his head.

"Grand-Teacher?" Li Changshou was a little startled.

"What," the Dao Ancestor said coldly, "shouldn't you bear what's left of your junior sister's tribulation?"

"Yes, yes, thank you, Grand-Teacher, for caring for Ling'e."

Li Changshou glared at Ling'e, then respectfully bowed, setting an example for her. This was the correct posture for crossing a tribulation!

"Thank you, Heavenly Dao Elder, for taking time out of your busy schedule to strike!"

"Hmm," the Dao Ancestor's face slowly faded, leaving only a soft chuckle and a faint murmur.

"It's still more comfortable to strike you."

*Crash!*

Thousands of purple-red lightning bolts crashed down like a waterfall, enveloping Li Changshou's figure without a word and not dispersing for a long time. That divine might, that lightning, made even the highest-cultivated gods and immortals in the Heavenly Court break out in cold sweats and tremble incessantly...