Dark clouds swept across the sky above Venus Palace, immediately drawing the attention of all the immortal officials in Heaven. Thanks to the now-standardized and comprehensive bronze mirror broadcast system, immortals throughout the Heavenly Court observed this rare occurrence through various-sized mirrors.
Besides the mortal management offices in the Lower Three Heavens, heavenly tribulations rarely appeared in the Heavenly Court. After all, the celestial soldiers’ cultivation started at the late-stage Element Immortal realm at minimum, and becoming a Golden Immortal was no easy feat for the heavenly officials. Each tribulation would cause a small commotion.
In the Hall of Clarity, the duty immortals expressed their surprise.
“Who’s undergoing tribulation? Why wasn’t it reported to the Hall of Clarity beforehand? What about our heavenly protocols?”
“Sir, it seems to be at Venus Palace…”
“*Cough* *cough*! Who from Venus Palace is undergoing tribulation? Why hasn’t the Register of Immortals shown any reaction? We should prepare congratulatory gifts!”
Throughout the Jade Pool, numerous fairy maidens rode clouds into the sky to gaze toward Venus Palace, their divine consciousness probing its rear courtyard.
In the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the Jade Emperor in white robes was discussing minor matters with various immortals—issues that didn’t require Venus Star Lord’s attention. He raised an eyebrow and gestured for his subordinates to stop speaking, having Wood Minister open the bronze mirror to display the scene behind Venus Palace.
Just then, a firefly emerged from the “small mountain” protected by the Universe-in-Mustard-Seed Formation, transforming into a fairy maiden’s figure.
Though unfamiliar to the immortals in the hall, they all knew of her existence.
*Like a blue lotus adding color to nature,
A secluded immortal maiden unknown to the world.
Like fresh hibiscus and newly blooming lotus,
In one morning her attainment brings divine recognition.*
This was the hidden powerhouse ranked just below Queen Mother, Chang’e, and Princess Long Ji on the “Most Untouchable Female Immortals in Heaven” list!
Venus Star Lord’s only designated junior sister, Honored Master of the Human Sovereign’s registered disciple, who achieved supreme immortal destiny while staying at home—the number one lucky person of this Primordial Era!
Ling’e.
Now, Ling’e manifested her true form, supported by a lingzhi-shaped white cloud as she swiftly flew upward.
The heavenly winds brushed her hair, and passing clouds played with her in divine light. Even the dark clouds gathering above her head seemed unwilling to frighten her, slowing their convergence—nearly forming a giant hand to gently brush her forehead bangs.
Facing the Long Life Tribulation, Ling’e was quite nervous. Her adorable face was tense, her moistened thin lips slightly pursed, her breathing somewhat irregular.
“Aunt Master Ling’e!”
A gentle call came from afar—it was Princess Long Ji riding clouds, leading a group of Jade Pool fairies rushing over.
“Don’t worry,” Long Ji noticed Ling’e’s nervousness and smiled. “Mother said your tribulation definitely won’t have any anomalies. Even the Heavenly Dao will protect your safety.”
Ling’e became even more nervous.
Not far from Little Qiong Peak, divine light circled as a small mountain rapidly expanded, then extended arms and legs, transforming into a thousand-zhang-tall mighty female giant wearing bright golden armor and wielding two large axes, who shouted:
“Sister-in-law Ling’e! I’m here to help guard your formation!”
The male immortals of Heaven Court who had been admiring the cute and charming little fairy all shuddered.
Li Changshou appeared nearby.
Though concerned about heavenly punishment, he still stayed relatively close to Ling’e.
Better safe than sorry—if Ling’e encountered tribulation too strong to resist, and had exhausted all nine Nine Revolutions Golden Pills and both bottles of Nine Revolutions Spirit Pills…
Well, he wouldn’t mind opposing the Heavenly Dao to forcefully protect his junior sister’s Golden Immortal fruit of attainment.
At worst, he could disregard everything and flee with his master’s protection.
[The backup plan of directly taking Zhao Gongming and the Three Pure Ones away from Honghuang to avoid disaster wasn’t something Li Changshou hadn’t considered.]
If you can’t change the rules, try stepping outside them.
Li Changshou activated his Void-Clarity Heart State, zeroing out his emotions. Standing on a white cloud, he transmitted to Ling’e:
“Don’t be nervous. Just do as we practiced before—you’ve developed muscle memory.”
“Yes, understood.”
Ling’e agreed, though she didn’t understand what muscle memory meant, but…
How could a fairy have such obvious muscles? The lines of her arms and legs were perfect, thank you very much.
So, Ling’e became even more nervous.
Under the gaze of countless divine consciousnesses, she clasped her fingers tightly, stopped at a desolate mountain, muttered a few words, and then raised her head to directly face the heavens.
She had prepared for this day for a long time.
After the Golden Immortal Tribulation, her life level would advance, becoming an immortal of longevity who neither ages nor dies. Then she could focus on skincare and face masks…
*Ahem*, focus on how to make her senior brother happy!
Finally, she could help her senior brother somewhat in the future!
Come, tribulation! Today she would…
Hmm, as senior brother reminded her, she absolutely couldn’t raise death flags. First review her self-created “Tribulation Crossing Song”!
*Crossing heaven’s trial, don’t be in haste,
Keep senior brother’s teachings firmly in place.
First bow and name, second courtesy make,
Third thank the Heavenly Dao for fate.
The first three bolts, resist with might,
Don’t spare pills, preserve immortal light.
Fourth and fifth, wind and fire rise,
Use treasures well, don’t be surprised.
Sixth and seventh, keep your heart steady,
Compare illusions, and stay ready.
Eighth and ninth, long life attain,
Give your all, don’t slack or strain!*
Now for step one!
Ling’e softly exhaled, made a Daoist salute to the sky, pink light flashing in her beautiful eyes as she proclaimed:
“Daoist disciple Lan Ling’e thanks Ancestral Master for taking time from his busy schedule to strike…”
Ah, wrong words!
“Thanks Heavenly Dao Grandfather! No, that’s wrong too—thanks, Lord Heavenly Dao!”
Ling’e’s face paled as she hurriedly tried to recover, but unexpectedly the black clouds trembled, revealing the blurry face of an old Daoist within!
The Ancestral Master manifested! The might of Heavenly Dao!
Li Changshou was about to flash forward to apologize for Ling’e and voluntarily request a heavenly punishment or two, but unexpectedly…
“Oh ho ho ho ho.”
The tribulation clouds laughed.
Right here in this place of divine heavenly authority, in this future core power center of the Three Realms, under the observation of countless immortals through divine consciousness, treasures, and supernatural arts.
Those tribulation clouds that should have contained lightning revealed the Ancestral Master’s face, showing a kindly smile.
The Jade Emperor in the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the Queen Mother in the Jade Pool, and Li Changshou at the edge of the black clouds were all stunned, not to mention the various civil and military officials, celestial soldiers, and fairy maidens.
But that wasn’t all!
“Mm, good girl Ling’e.”
The old Daoist face revealed in the tribulation clouds smiled quite brilliantly, speaking gently:
“No need to be nervous. I just checked for you—your tribulation is a relatively ordinary one. You’ll endure it. Are you ready? Can I let the tribulation clouds release the first bolt?”
“Yes, thank you, Lord Ancestral Master,” Ling’e responded softly. “I’m all prepared. You can let the lightning fall, I can bear it myself!”
“Mm, the Heavenly Dao is impartial, so I can’t exempt you from tribulation lightning. This will also benefit you somewhat.”
This!
One dared to speak, one dared to respond!
The Heavenly Court fell silent.
The immortal officials watched as those tribulation clouds released a bolt—estimated to be just a few times stronger than the ninth bolt of some immortal ascension tribulations—falling slowly, striking gently, hitting in front of the little fairy then lightly whipping toward her shoulder…
It seemed to particularly avoid touching vulnerable spots like her forehead and crown that could easily cause serious injury.
Ling’e closed her small mouth tightly, her three thousand strands of dark hair flying up, her small face full of determination.
The lightning tore a fingernail-sized hole in the immortal dress at her shoulder! The skin within gleamed like a pearl, without leaving the slightest mark.
Li Changshou: …
How unfair!
But since it benefited his little junior sister and the Lord Ancestral Master didn’t seem inclined to take the opportunity to punish him, Li Changshou decided not to complain further.
However, Li Changshou then began to consider the deeper meaning behind Ancestral Master’s actions.
Showing goodwill toward him, reassuring him before the Great Investiture of the Gods?
No, there was no need for that.
Though Ancestral Master’s action seemed simple, it actually had profound implications. Most importantly, it was to demonstrate his existence, reminding all beings not to forget who truly sets the rules in Honghuang.
Especially at this crucial moment.
The Ancestral Master was declaring ownership of the “Heaven Court tool,” reminding the Six Sages that the Great Investiture couldn’t threaten Heaven Court itself, while also preparing the Orthodox, Severing, and Western schools entering the劫 to ready their elite disciples to fill Heaven Court’s vacant positions.
[Entering Heaven Court brings one a step closer to the Ancestral Master.]
[Though the Heavenly Dao is impartial, the Ancestral Master stands above it, has personal feelings, and will care for Daoist disciples.]
[Heaven Court’s Venus Star Lord works for the Ancestral Master—he’s one of their own.]
Besides these, Li Changshou thought of a string of benefits and various subsequent effects.
One could only say, the Ancestral Master’s wisdom was truly supreme.
While these thoughts crossed Li Changshou’s mind, Ling’e had already “endured” the second tribulation.
At this moment, she…
Well, nothing major happened—everything remained incredibly stable. She hadn’t even needed to use any pills or treasures.
She stood proudly in the air, undergoing subtle changes with each strike of heavenly lightning: her skin gained more luster, her features became more enchanting, and her dao rhythm emanated a sense of permanence and antiquity.
During the lightning tribulation, suddenly a bolt of lightning fell, completely enveloping her, and adding to her divine presence.
A gentle chuckle came from the clouds: “The heart demon tribulation is coming. Everything you see next will be illusions.”
“Yes!” Ling’e responded, making a Daoist salute toward the sky. “Thank you for the reminder, my Lord.”
Li Changshou quietly lowered his head, unable to bear watching anymore.
In the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the Jade Emperor sighed deeply—he was finally no longer the Ancestral Master’s most favored child.
In the Jade Pool, traces of contemplation flashed through Queen Mother’s eyes as she sighed softly, but showed no further reaction.
Senior officials like Wood Minister and the Old Man Under the Moon couldn’t help but shed tears, lamenting the vast difference between being a deity and being a *deity*.
In the Water God’s mansion, Youqin Xuanya leaned against the windowsill, watching this scene in her bronze mirror with a peaceful and gratified smile, mixed with a touch of yearning.
Meanwhile, in another courtyard not far away, Spirit Zhenzhu Boy silently lowered his head, looked at his hands, and then sighed dejectedly as he swung gently on a swing.
“Here.”
A jade-green carrot was offered, and a small face filled Spirit Zhenzhu Boy’s vision—it was Little Jade Rabbit, who had just arrived at his residence after hearing about Ling’e’s tribulation.
Seeing Spirit Zhenzhu Boy’s lifeless eyes and dim expression, she sat on the neighboring swing, thinking of words of comfort.
She knew well the knot in Spirit Zhenzhu Boy’s heart.
He was a disciple of the Orthodox School’s Twelve Golden Immortals, following the path of righteous cultivation. His origin was a spirit pearl of heaven and earth, no inferior to primordial beings, and his destiny was extraordinary.
Comprehension, talent, origin, dao methods, supernatural powers, treasures, circumstances, determination…
What did he lack?
Yet, he couldn’t break through a single bottleneck for hundreds of years, and now his dao realm was like stagnant water, without a single ripple.
Even going into deviation would be fine, but the phenomenon of deviation simply couldn’t occur.
Spirit Zhenzhu Boy knew that throughout history, too many so-called cultivation prodigies, too many supposed Golden Immortal potentials, had been stuck at this tiny bit of enlightenment.
But the problem was, he didn’t lack enlightenment. His master had even tried direct spiritual transmission, and he had sought breakthrough pills from the Tusita Palace.
Without exception, the bottleneck became more firmly stuck, hope growing dimmer.
This was a situation most cultivators would encounter.
A few hundred years wasn’t that long,… but watching Yang Jian, who started cultivation so much later yet surpassed him, now already at the sixth rank of Golden Immortal;
Watching Ao Yi, his sworn brother who, after awakening his dragon bloodline, advanced through realm after realm like breaking bamboo;
Watching Bian Zhuang, who after being confined to the Heavenly River as punishment and experiencing a false accusation incident, had his dao realm soar—now seemingly about to overtake him on the curve!
And today, watching Aunt Master Ling’e smoothly beginning her tribulation…
How could his heart be at peace?
How could he be content?
He yearned to face the heavenly tribulation, yearned for a breakthrough in his dao realm and life transformation, and yearned to stand on the same cloud as Yang Jian and Ao Yi.
No one demanded he immediately become a Golden Immortal, nor did anyone pressure him to achieve any particular accomplishment.
But he…
Refused mediocrity, and refused anonymity.
For a long time now, Spirit Zhenzhu Boy hadn’t left this courtyard.
Now reflected in Jade Rabbit’s light ruby-like pupils, Spirit Zhenzhu Boy’s face showed weariness, and though he forced a smile, his eyes had little vitality.
Jade Rabbit bit her lip slightly and said softly: “How about… we try dual cultivation… I heard some sisters in the Moon Palace mention that humans have a method of dual cultivation that can quickly break through barriers. I-I’ll be fine…”
“Don’t think too much,” Spirit Zhenzhu Boy sighed. “A bottleneck is a bottleneck. Only through enlightenment can one advance in the dao realm—crooked paths aren’t the answer. I’ll return to Mount Qianyuan to see my master and ask if there’s any solution.”
“Mm,” Jade Rabbit said quietly, “cultivation ultimately depends on destiny. Perhaps your time hasn’t come yet. Besides, I haven’t become a Golden Immortal either. What’s the big deal? I don’t envy those long-life immortals living so long—my mistress spends every day spacing out doing nothing, how boring.”
“Thank you, good brother.”
Spirit Zhenzhu Boy showed a gentle smile, raising his fist toward Jade Rabbit.
Jade Rabbit made a face, clenched her little fist, and gently bumped it against Spirit Zhenzhu Boy’s.
“Good brother.”
“I’ll pass the Golden Immortal tribulation too!”
Spirit Zhenzhu Boy stood up, his eyes full of light, gazing at the dark clouds and tribulation lightning in the distance, and declared firmly:
“I must become a great hero like Uncle Master White Star, someone who’s needed, who’s trusted, who can do great things for heaven and earth!
Slaying demons and eliminating evil!
Protecting the weak!
I will help Uncle Master and help the Heavenly Court!
Definitely!”
“Well, do your best,” Jade Rabbit muttered beside him, “Those all sound like goals that take both effort and time.”
Spirit Zhenzhu Boy grinned and shook his head, reciting: “Let not time pass in vain, a man’s accomplishments lie in all directions.”
“What? So we women can’t achieve merit and establish ourselves?”
“Well… of course you can.”
“Talk like that will get you beaten up by all the sisters.”
“Hehe, just don’t tell them. What shall we play today? Wrestling? Physical arts? Chase with teleportation? Spear, sword, staff, or pole?”
“Pah, it’s an odd-numbered day, so I choose. Let’s play this!”
“What’s this? Ah, as long as it’s not folding paper boats.”
“It’s a cat’s cradle! Cat’s cradle!”
Amidst Jade Rabbit’s complaints and Spirit Zhenzhu Boy’s groaning, the two swings swayed gently;
Large hands and small hands intertwined, a red string woven into hundreds of patterns, yet never able to bind their two pairs of fingers.
…
Two hours later.
Divine light swirled and celestial music played in waves. The world was filled with auspicious meaning as golden clouds gathered toward Ling’e, bearing images of dancing fairies and blessing elderly immortals.
Though it was just an ordinary eight-layer Long Life Tribulation, it displayed the top-tier completion effects of a nine-layer tribulation!
Well, none of that was important.
Ling’e stood quietly in the air, her immortal dress bearing several tears that only added to her delicate appearance, making her seem particularly pitiful and lovely.
Smiling, filled with immortal power, she enjoyed the comfort of her dao body being “gently” tempered by the tribulation force, not forgetting her senior brother’s instructions.
Temporarily suppressing the many insights in her heart, Ling’e made a Daoist salute to the tribulation clouds above and said softly:
“Thank you, Lord Ancestral Master, for sending down the tribulation to help this disciple attain the fruit of long life.”
The black tribulation clouds, still maintaining about two-thirds of their diameter, once again revealed the Ancestral Master’s face, still wearing that kindly smile.
“Mm, good girl. When your senior brother has time, have him bring you to visit the Purple Void Palace.”
The Ancestral Master’s voice remained gentle but then took a turn as a beam of golden light gently pushed Ling’e away, and another beam struck Li Changshou.
With a gentle pull of the golden light, Li Changshou was still somewhat dazed when that large patch of tribulation clouds flew over on its own, beginning to spin rapidly above his head.
“Master Ancestor?” Li Changshou was somewhat startled.
“What,” the Ancestral Master said coldly, “isn’t it right for you to take what’s left of your junior sister’s tribulation?”
“Right, right, thank you Master Ancestor for looking after Ling’e.”
Li Changshou glared at Ling’e, and made a respectful Daoist salute, setting an example for her.
This was the correct tribulation-crossing posture!
“Thank you, Lord Heavenly Dao, for taking time from your busy schedule to strike!”
“Mm,” the Ancestral Master’s face slowly dissipated, leaving only that light laugh and a soft murmur.
“Still more satisfying to strike you.”
Whoosh!
Thousands of purple-red lightning bolts fell like a waterfall, without ceremony enveloping Li Changshou’s form, not dispersing for a long while.
That heavenly might, that lightning, made even the highest-cultivation immortal officials in the Heavenly Court break out in cold sweat, trembling non-stop…