Chapter 296: Nine Heavens Pure Spirit Tribulation

Several days after the joyous banquet on Jin'ao Island.

"Jiao Zhu Gege is now far beyond what we can reach, alas."

In the East Sea Dragon Palace, within the Second Prince's palace, two figures were nestled together in the corner of that massive bed, several dozen zhang wide.

Upon hearing Ao Yi's sigh, Jiang Si'er didn't know how to comfort him, so she simply held her husband a bit tighter and whispered,

"Husband, why are you sighing like this?

Jiao Zhu has already been extremely kind to us and has done his utmost for the Dragon Clan.

Didn't the elders mention before that when you entered the Heavenly Court, the Dragon Clan's destiny clearly improved, and after those sixteen patrolling sea deities took their positions, the clan's destiny rose even more?

All of these are benefits that Jiao Zhu has brought us."

"This is what I call a happy sigh," Ao Yi laughed. "I'm happy for Jiao Zhu Gege. Now, he can sit and drink with the top experts in the world. Back in the beginning, Jiao Zhu Gege was just..."

"Husband."

Jiang Si'er suddenly interrupted Ao Yi, speaking softly: "You instructed me not to mention anything about Jiao Zhu Gege's origins, not even to me."

Ao Yi immediately became alert and quickly checked the various arrays outside the grand hall before letting out a slight breath of relief.

"Thank you for reminding me."

Jiang Si'er said gently: "Jiao Zhu is resented by powerful enemies because of the Dragon Clan matter. We absolutely cannot make such a mistake."

Ao Yi held his wife even closer and murmured some intimate words.

"Reporting to the Second Prince, the Crown Prince of the West Sea, Ao Shi, has arrived at the palace. The Dragon Mother requests that the Second Prince come to meet him, as there is a matter to discuss."

Suddenly, a sea maiden announced from outside the hall, and Jiang Si'er let out a soft "eep" as she ducked under the thin blanket.

Ao Yi's mouth twitched slightly...

"Understood, I'll be right there."

"Husband," Jiang Si'er poked her head out from under the covers and whispered, "Remember to consult with Jiao Zhu about everything. Although the Four Seas have been peaceful lately, I still feel a bit uneasy deep down."

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

Half an hour later, Ao Yi returned with a furrowed brow. Jiang Si'er, now fully groomed, hurried over to greet him.

"Husband, what happened?"

"It's nothing to do with us," Ao Yi said. "Cousin Ao Shi invited our elder brother to a banquet at the West Sea Dragon Palace. This time, it's a gathering of the crown princes from all Four Seas Dragon Palaces.

It's probably just for fun and revelry, nothing serious."

"Then why do you look so troubled?"

"I just feel something's off," Ao Yi pondered, recalling what he had seen earlier. "Today, it wasn't just Cousin Ao Shi who came— Cousin Ao Mou from the South Sea was here too.

You might not know Cousin Ao Mou's personality; he doesn't like rules and restraints, he's quite unrestrained, and he often indulges himself, mixing with attendants..."

Jiang Si'er blinked. "There are quite a few Dragon Clan youths like that."

"Tsk," Ao Yi whispered, "The last time I saw Cousin Ao Mou was two years ago. He was listless, with depleted yang energy, unstable dragon essence, and a floating aura.

But today, Cousin Ao Mou looked completely different— his eyes full of divine light, his breath deep and steady, his face ruddy, and his dragon essence profound. It's like he's a new person."

"You," Jiang Si'er teased, "Maybe he's just changed his ways, or perhaps he took some pills or tonics?"

"There's something wrong," Ao Yi shook his head, pacing back and forth by the bed as he thought it over. "But I can't go bother Jiao Zhu Gege over just this observation."

Jiang Si'er quickly said: "Husband, don't think of doing anything risky. Jiao Zhu said to report everything, big or small, to him."

"Don't worry," Ao Yi thought carefully.

If I were Jiao Zhu Gege, how would I handle this?

Soon, Ao Yi had a plan in mind.

First, play it safe.

"I'll go consult with a few elders about this and see if we can get some experts to secretly follow and check out the West Sea."

With that, Ao Yi hurried out of the hall again.

Jiang Si'er wanted to say something but held back and didn't speak.

At Xiaoqiong Peak, in the back mountain gaming room.

The card game, which was only halfway through, lay on the table. The young girl Yu Shi, who had just started cultivating, was meditating in the next room.

Two graceful figures and one tower-like form gathered at the stairs of the pavilion, watching upstairs with concern.

Soon, Jiu Jiu came down the stairs lightly, set up a barrier with her immortal power, and then relaxed.

Youqin Xuanya asked: "Is Ling'e junior sister cultivating now?"

"No, she just fell asleep directly," Jiu Jiu frowned and sighed. "This is really scary!"

Jiang Lin'er asked hurriedly: "What happened? Earlier, I saw her return on a cloud, completely exhausted, like she'd lost her soul."

"I don't know," Jiu Jiu furrowed her brows and said seriously: "I just heard her mumbling something about her senior brother wanting her to do it... five thousand four hundred times... or something."

Youqin Xuanya was a bit confused. "Five thousand four hundred times?"

"Pfft!"

Jiang Lin'er almost burst out laughing. "Xuanya, don't misunderstand. Little Jiu is joking."

Youqin Xuanya tilted her head, sinking into deeper confusion.

"Hee-hee-hee," Jiu Jiu jumped down two steps, her short hemp outfit straining at the seams for a moment.

Jiu Jiu laughed: "It's copying scriptures five thousand four hundred times. Master, you're overthinking it. Ling'e is still being criticized by her senior brother for having an unstable foundation."

Mentioning the tribulation, Jiang Lin'er, as Ling'e's grandmaster, couldn't help but look serious.

"Ling'e's tribulation is imminent. If her foundation is really unstable, she should endure some trials.

But how can copying scriptures consolidate her foundation?"

"If it's something Senior Brother Changshou asked Ling'e junior sister to do, then it's naturally beneficial for her," Youqin Xuanya said from the side. "Just trust Senior Brother Changshou."

Xiong Lingli nodded vigorously beside them. "My cousin is super awesome!"

"The problem is, how did Ling'e's foundation become unstable?" Jiu Jiu puffed her cheeks and said: "I've seen Ling'e's foundation manifestations a few times before when she had insights. Her foundation green lotus already has more than eight petals.

This foundation is even more solid than mine was back then."

"Hey," Jiang Lin'er suddenly interrupted Jiu Jiu, pointing at the ceiling. "Look!"

Everyone looked up and saw a green lotus flower, about two inches in diameter, slowly floating down from the ceiling.

The green was faint, with nine petals glowing, as if a faint fragrance was spreading everywhere.

Jiu Jiu's eyes widened in surprise. "It's nine petals now!"

"No," Jiang Lin'er said, her eyes shining with divine light as she observed Ling'e's condition.

In the quiet room on the second floor, Ling'e, who had been lying sideways on the bed, was now enveloped in spiritual light, hovering in a cross-legged position with vague characters circling around her.

These characters were converging behind Ling'e, where a faint shadow of a book was forming.

"Quick!"

Jiang Lin'er urgently called out: "Ling'e is about to undergo her tribulation! Hurry! Hurry!"

Jiu Jiu said anxiously: "Hurry and do what, Master?"

Youqin Xuanya said nothing and immediately started toward the stairs.

"There's no need to rush. She's in the final enlightenment before becoming an immortal right now."

At that moment, a gentle breeze blew in from the door, and Li Changshou's figure appeared directly in front of them.

She enlightened so quickly?

Li Changshou was a bit surprised himself. He had thought Ling'e would need half a month of rest to break through...

No.

Li Changshou focused on Ling'e on the second floor, his gaze falling on the shadow of the book behind her, where he vaguely saw the character "wen," meaning "stable."

Uh, entering the Dao through the "Stable Scripture"?

Li Changshou's mouth twitched slightly, and he felt a bit disorganized.

Fortunately, after careful observation, he found that his junior sister had indeed forged a unique path based on the "Scripture of Inaction"...

This path was flawless, and the future looked promising.

"Grandmaster," Li Changshou said, "Please inform the sect that Ling'e will soon go outside the mountain gate to undergo her tribulation.

Ask the sect members and disciples not to approach and disturb her, to avoid being accidentally injured by the heavenly tribulation."

Jiang Lin'er replied: "Alright, I'll go to the Hall of Hundreds right away and say it's on behalf of my precious one!"

Youqin Xuanya asked from the side: "Senior brother, is there anything I can do?"

"Undergoing a tribulation is a personal matter," Li Changshou smiled. "Don't worry, Ling'e's preparations are thorough. I'll also be there to protect her afterward."

Jiu Jiu volunteered: "I'll go beat the drums to cheer her on!"

Xiong Lingli asked quietly: "Can I help?"

"Great!" Jiu Jiu waved her hand. "You be the drum!"

Xiong Lingli agreed with a pitiful expression, and the pavilion filled with a few laughs.

Unlike Master Qi Yuan's tribulation, which was hesitant and drawn out,

And unlike Li Changshou's tribulation, which kept returning and restarting,

Ling'e's tribulation came gently.

After the final enlightenment before becoming an immortal, Ling'e slowly opened her eyes. Her pupils were filled with dazzling spiritual light, her whole body wrapped in faint mist, and her fair skin was smooth and radiant.

Li Changshou transmitted his voice: "The heavenly tribulation has arrived. Are you ready?"

"Mm," Ling'e nodded gently, already sensing it.

She had thought she might feel worried or afraid, but hearing her senior brother's voice instantly calmed her heart.

So what if it's a tribulation?

Once she passed it, she would have more lifespan and could stay with her senior brother on the peak...

Taking a deep breath, Ling'e quickly checked the storage treasures on her. Seeing the various "tribulation-specific" pouches neatly categorized, her confidence grew.

She changed into a specially made treasure skirt, layered it with another skirt, let her long hair fall loose, and simply tied it up.

Holding a short sword in one hand and a jade flute in the other, she went downstairs, exchanged a smile with her senior brother, and pushed open the door. Outside, dark clouds loomed for a hundred li.

Boundless spiritual energy surged in, and the clouds above churned violently.

The entire mountain gate was stirred, with streams of immortal senses converging here.

Li Changshou waved his sleeve, and a white cloud lifted him and Ling'e as they rode toward the mountain gate.

Li Changshou asked: "Have you checked everything?"

"Mm," Ling'e nodded gently. "Senior brother, you can relax. Everything's prepared."

"Hold this in your mouth," Li Changshou took out a golden pill wrapped in immortal power.

Ling'e didn't think twice and didn't ask what it was. She picked up the pill and put it in her mouth, puffing out her cheeks.

Li Changshou warned: "Don't swallow this pill directly. It's a last-resort lifesaver for you, very expensive."

"Got ith... Can't thpeak clearly..."

"Don't talk."

"Oh."

Ling'e agreed obediently, looked up at the dark clouds in the sky, and felt completely at peace.

At the mountain gate, over a dozen figures waited for the senior-sister pair.

Grandmaster Jiang Lin'er, Master Qi Yuan, Little Martial Uncle Yu Shi, Martial Uncle Jiu Wu, Jiu Shi, and the other four immortals with the "Jiu" character, as well as Senior Sister Yan Er, Junior Brother Qi Qi...

Ling'e stepped forward and bowed.

Jiang Lin'er laughed: "Once you pass the tribulation, I'll have Martial Uncle Wangqing knock your senior brother out and throw him into your room!"

Ling'e's face turned red, and she wanted to nod but didn't dare, so she just glanced weakly at her senior brother.

Li Changshou stood by with a smile.

Qi Yuan, still worried, advised: "Undergoing a tribulation is something I've experienced. If you can't withstand it head-on, don't force it. Changshou, did you prepare those pills for your junior sister?"

"I prepared another kind," Li Changshou said quickly. "Master, don't worry. Back when you underwent your tribulation, I wasn't strong enough. For junior sister's tribulation, everything's been prepared securely."

"That's good, that's good," Qi Yuan said with a sigh.

Then, Jiang Lin'er and Qi Yuan stepped aside, one on each side, as Li Changshou took Ling'e on the cloud past the mountain gate.

Encouraging voices came from all around, and Ling'e bowed to each one, though she couldn't speak at the moment.

Beyond the mountain gate, the tribulation site was on the barren mountain ahead.

Qi Yuan and the others followed on clouds, stopping ten li away.

Li Changshou escorted her five li further and pointed out the tribulation spot, saying: "Go ahead."

"Senior brother..."

"Stay steady."

"Mm!"

Ling'e nodded lightly, extended her left hand to lead the way, and her figure floated up. Her skirt fluttered, her long hair danced, like a fairy ascending in a mural, as she flew to that barren mountain full of tribulation scars.

Boom!

Thunder rumbled overhead, and Ling'e looked up to see the dark clouds beginning to swirl.

'Oh, right, where's Little Martial Uncle?'

Just then, a burst of gongs and drums sounded from the side. Ling'e turned to see a cloud a few li away, where Jiu Jiu, in a short outfit with her hair tied up, was vigorously beating a drum.

Xiong Lingli stood beside her, constantly banging a gong.

The two shouted in unison:

"Ling'e, must win!"

"Pass the tribulation, become immortal!"

Youqin Xuanya stood behind them, her right leg bent, left foot lightly touching the ground, wearing a fiery red long skirt that made her stunningly beautiful.

Her delicate hands formed sword fingers, controlling sixteen flag poles.

The banners boldly read "Ling'e Must Win" and "Pass the Tribulation, Become Immortal"...

Ling'e couldn't help but cover her face with one hand, feeling a bit... embarrassed.

"Don't get distracted."

Li Changshou's voice transmission arrived.

Ling'e quickly focused, taking out various treasures and tools from her pouch and placing them a hundred zhang around her, wrapping them in magical power for easy access.

Special Xiaoqiong Peak tribulation tools like the Dharma Bird Cage: three categories, nine pieces total.

Rare treasures for protecting the primordial spirit during tribulation: six pieces, half of them top-grade immortal treasures.

Treasures for quickly gathering spiritual energy and restoring personal magical power: four pieces.

Self-triggering micro-arrays for defense against sneak attacks: twelve sets...

Second-grade spiritual pills for increasing lightning tribulation resistance: two bottles.

Fourth-grade spiritual pills that continuously heal injuries: six bottles.

Third-grade spiritual pills that sustain medicinal effects and speed up immortal power recovery: three bottles.

Pills for repairing primordial spirit damage: one bottle.

Pills for quickly repairing foundation damage: three pills...

And so on.

Ten li away, in the direction of the mountain gate, the Du Xian Men immortals watching this scene had complex expressions.

Jiang Lin'er muttered quietly:

"When did our Xiaoqiong Peak get so wealthy?

This setup could pass for a Golden Immortal Tribulation, and people might believe it!"

Qi Yuan chuckled lightly, his eyes full of comfort.

"Cough, cough," a few coughs sounded as a tall figure descended from the sky, landing in front of them and standing with hands behind his back.

It was, of course, the Du Xian Men sect leader, Ji Wuyou.

Ji Wuyou smiled: "These are all gifts from me. Ling'e is a rare cultivation prodigy in our Du Xian Men for a thousand years. It's only natural that I took extra care of her."

The Du Xian Men immortals suddenly understood.

Ji Wuyou narrowed his eyes in a smile.

'With this lineup, it's set in stone that she'll be my predecessor's daughter-in-law.

If anything goes wrong during the tribulation, I'll destroy a few treasures to help her through safely.'

Just then, the tribulation clouds, which had started forming a "thunder well vortex," suddenly paused.

Streams of spiritual energy began converging from all directions, and the already formed tribulation clouds started expanding!

Seeing this, Li Changshou felt no surprise.

The tribulation that appeared earlier was based on Ling'e's original aptitude, but now the tribulation power was increasing due to her current foundation.

Li Changshou quickly calculated in his mind—the success rate was still ninety percent... eighty...

"Hmm?"

Li Changshou sensed something and looked up to see a gray cloud suddenly emerge from the tribulation clouds and stop directly above his head.

Why?

Three thousand li east of Du Xian Men, in a forest, a hidden figure moving forward suddenly stopped.

It was a black panther carrying a young woman on its back.

The black panther had recently awakened some of its past memories and was rushing with his wife to a forest on the edge of Nan Zembu Continent to search for treasures he had buried in his previous life as "Yuan Ze Daozhang."

Now, he looked east and vaguely saw a tribulation cloud, where images of dancing fairies seemed to appear.

"Hiss—"

"It's actually the ninth-ranked Nine Heavens Pure Spirit Tribulation among the immortal tribulations!"

The black panther sucked in a sharp breath.

The young woman quickly said: "Keep it simple, no long explanations."

"There's no way to pass it. Such a major tribulation definitely can't be overcome!"