Chapter 91: Chaotic Lightning Tribulation

Ji Jiuxuan gazed at the shifting clouds overhead, worried that lightning might truly strike. Without any preparation, being killed by a stray bolt would be an unjust fate. She searched her spatial realm, trying to find anything that could withstand the tribulation.

The phantom lifted his head to the sky, formed seals with his hands, and cast a concealing spell onto the broken pen. The celestial thunder, as if it had lost its target, searched for a while, then discharged a random bolt before vanishing.

Such an occurrence was most unusual.

Once the thunder dissipated, the sect members hurried to investigate. They were shocked to discover the Phoenix-Plume Imperial Bird severely injured by the lightning.

“Was it the Phoenix-Plume Imperial Bird advancing?” Qi Shuoyuan looked out at the tranquil horizon, perplexed by the abrupt heavenly tribulation.

“Master, upon investigation, the Phoenix-Plume Imperial Bird wasn’t at the stage of advancement—merely a victim of collateral damage,” Nie Xingyuan was equally baffled. Could lightning tribulation really cause accidental harm?

This was unprecedented; none had ever heard of such a thing. Or perhaps the Yu family was up to their usual schemes again?

“In that case, leave it be.” The Phoenix-Plume Imperial Bird belonged to the Yu family, and over the years had aided them in many covert dealings. If it were struck dead by lightning, many would rejoice.

He turned to Nie Xingyuan. “Has Yu Heng been found?”

His disciple’s actions were never concealed from him.

Nor did he intend to spare Yu Heng.

“Not yet. The Yu family is searching as well.” Nie Xingyuan was curious—who could silently teleport Yu Heng out of the sect without leaving a trace?

The two old foxes never suspected Ji Jiuxuan, and even worried the culprit hadn’t noticed the little girl, taking extra precautions as a result.

Meanwhile, Ji Jiuxuan held in her hand the black talisman brush inlaid with multicolored crystals, her eyes full of delight and awe. Such a beautiful brush—every detail matched her preferences.

“It must be of the highest purple grade!” Weapons were classified into seven colors: red, orange, yellow, green, cyan, blue, and purple. Most were simply divided into low, medium, and high grades—red, orange, and yellow were low; green and cyan were medium; blue and purple were high-grade magical tools.

Most of the high-grade magical tools her maternal grandfather, grandfather, and martial uncle gifted her were of the highest grade; middle-grade items were rare.

“Yes.” The phantom’s gaze was deep as he looked at the brush. “As your cultivation increases, it can further upgrade.”

Ji Jiuxuan stared in shock. “It can upgrade again?”

Wasn’t purple the highest in this world?

“Some things you’ll learn in time.” Images flickered in his mind, and though his head ached, he struggled to suppress it, not wanting Ji Jiuxuan to notice. “Rest for now; I’ll be going.”

He reminded her, “Call me when you dig in the rear mountain.”

Ji Jiuxuan nodded absently. Only after the phantom vanished did she realize the lightning tribulation had been odd. The birth of a high-grade purple magical tool should have shaken heaven and earth, yet after the phantom cast a spell on the brush, the tribulation disappeared.

The phantom could dispel heavenly tribulation?

This revelation left Ji Jiuxuan stunned. Who was the phantom, truly? Such a powerful figure wasn’t a chance encounter, but a contract bestowed by Aunt Wen Ying, who claimed he could protect her.

Now, she was surrounded by mysteries.

First, Suiyi’s identity. Second, Aunt Wen Ying’s situation. Third, why Long Xuan was sealed. Fourth, whether the system was native to this world, and what its true identity was.

And finally, where her parents had gone and what had happened to them, as well as which party was behind the previous attempt to kidnap her.

She recalled Long Xuan’s warning from earlier—why would the danger intensify if Long Xuan and the phantom helped her more? Everything was snowballing into complexity.

Fortunately, Ji Jiuxuan wasn’t one to brood. She’d meet obstacles head-on. Worrying wouldn’t solve anything.

Taking a deep breath, she went to her desk, took out paper and brush, and wrote down her thoughts on Tianji Chengying.

She hadn’t been confident, but when she finished developing the cultivation method, she was astonished.

Instinctively, she wanted to ask the phantom for feedback, but remembering he’d exhausted himself refining the talisman brush, she refrained. The lively Long Xuan was now sleeping atop her ring. Ji Jiuxuan finally asked the system, “System, help me check—are the modifications feasible?”

“Excellent. The power during the day has increased significantly, and drawbacks are negligible.” It was the first true modification of a cultivation method by the host—such talent was remarkable.

The initial aptitude selection had given her a solid foundation, but the host’s own qualities were strong, with high comprehension.

‘She should be able to ascend smoothly this time,’ the system murmured to itself.

With the system’s affirmation, Ji Jiuxuan was delighted. “Then I’ll give it a try.”

Tomorrow she would have to dig in the rear mountain—three days allotted, with today nearly gone, leaving only tomorrow and the day after. She resolved to fulfill the mission and diligently cultivate Tianji Chengying, so she could hunt the Phoenix-Plume Imperial Bird once done.

The system imposed no restrictions on cultivation, but when it was time to rest, its urging became menacing, compelling her to sleep.

After a restful night, Ji Jiuxuan stretched and set out for the rear mountain.

Before leaving, she checked her maternal grandfather’s and junior uncle’s whereabouts, fearing they’d discover her intentions.

Once certain all was safe, Ji Jiuxuan arrived at the rear mountain.

The area was lush, with many clearings and groves.

“System, is there a precise location for the rear mountain?” She preferred clarity; if she dug everywhere only to be told it was the wrong spot, she’d be frustrated.

“There’s guidance in the mission.”

As the words fell, Ji Jiuxuan saw a large red dot in the grove ahead.

“That must be it.”

The rear mountain belonged to her maternal grandfather, parents, and uncles. Digging a big pit and filling it up afterward posed no problem.

She walked to the red dot, retrieved a defensive array disc from her spatial realm, and shielded the area from detection.

Tools appeared in her hands—adult-sized—and without hesitation, she called out, “Suiyi, come help dig! You promised yesterday.”

For some reason, after seeing the phantom’s increasingly clear face, her sense of familiarity resurfaced.

She even felt more at ease asking for his help, though she once hesitated to involve him. Had she been bewitched by his appearance? That couldn’t be—his features were clearer, but not fully visible.

With Suiyi’s strength, she would never have dared before; after all, she could be quite timid.

No sooner had she spoken than the phantom appeared, his aura gentle, agreeing to help dig without objection.

Ji Jiuxuan watched as the phantom enlarged the small spade, then, under spiritual power, the two spades dug automatically.

“How could I forget this trick!” She’d suffered—had she bought more spades, the job would be faster.

She worried about the random penalty—if she drew a bad one, she’d be truly vexed.

The pit deepened, and at about twenty meters, the sound of the spade striking something rang out—a crisp “dong.”

Thanks to Fan Fan and Xiao Xiao for the moon tickets—thank you!

(End of chapter)