Chapter 29 Graduation 1 Quickly stop using your supernatural powers!
"Xu Xing! Do you know what you're saying?!"
Feng Ling's expression changed; he clearly couldn't believe it.
Wen Lu became calmer. She reinforced the barrier and whispered, "What did you find? Tell us everything."
Xu Xing then told him about the Wind Spirit Deer.
"The Wind Spirit Deer's temperament has changed drastically for four years, which is something everyone in the Immortal Dao Academy knows. Yet you say that this is not because of the Wind Spirit Deer, but because Zhai Yuzhi has changed her soul?"
Xu Xing made the judgment based on the treasure-hunting compass, but naturally he couldn't tell Feng Ling and the others about the compass's existence.
If she could communicate with the Wind Spirit Deer, she might be able to determine more clearly what was going on, but Xu Xing had no chance to get close to the Wind Spirit Deer.
If Zhai Yuzhi has truly been possessed, her ambitions are likely quite grand. As the dean of the Immortal Dao Academy, she controls hundreds of new disciples. If she has any schemes, their impact could be enormous.
"Seniors, to be honest, I am naturally skilled at communicating with demonic beasts and understand their language. That's how I noticed Dean Zhai's strange behavior through the unusual behavior of the Wind Spirit Deer. However, just as I was about to ask him for clarification, Dean Zhai appeared, so I was unable to find out more information."
After hesitating for a moment, unable to reveal the existence of the compass, Xu Xing simply said that she was someone who could communicate with demonic beasts, and that she could prove it if they wanted to.
"this……"
Wen Lu knew that Xu Xing had brought out an Iron-Eating Beast from the trial, which was almost impossible for a Qi Refining Level 1 disciple who did not know how to control beasts. With this precedent, she believed Xu Xing's ability to understand beast language to some extent.
Wen Lu was a senior whom Xu Xing trusted, and besides, some people are born with extraordinary abilities, so Xu Xing's pretense of understanding animal language wasn't so unbelievable in comparison. Although Feng Ling didn't treat Xu Xing well because of Shen Du's matter, she was the master of Zuo Qiuxu and Xiang Yuquan, and Xu Xing believed she was trustworthy.
Feng Ling stared intently at Xu Xing with a stern face, while Xu Xing neither flinched nor avoided the gaze, his eyes unwavering.
After staring at each other for a long time, Feng Ling slowly exhaled and frowned, saying, "I understand about this matter. I will find a way to investigate. Don't tell anyone else to avoid causing trouble."
Regardless of whether Zhai Yuzhi's identity is problematic, this matter is beyond Xu Xing's capabilities. Taking the risk to warn her is already the limit of what she can do.
With Feng Ling and Wen Lu's attention, Xu Xing felt a little relieved. Seeing that the two seniors clearly had something to say, she left the cave.
"Do you really believe what Xu Xing said?"
Feng Ling's expression shifted between light and dark, as if he were hesitating.
“I’ve known this child for four years. She’s not one to talk nonsense. Since she says the Wind Spirit Deer is acting strangely, there might indeed be something wrong with it. As for whether Dean Zhai was possessed, we still need to investigate carefully.”
Wen Lu said in a deep voice, "However, Dean Zhai is a Nascent Soul stage cultivator. Neither you nor I have the ability to test him. It would be better to report this."
Feng Ling remained silent for a long time. Her father was the best person to investigate the matter quietly, but after her brother died, her father was so heartbroken that he had been in seclusion ever since, and she couldn't even contact him.
“This matter is indeed troublesome,” Wen Lu rubbed her temples. “The Thousand Machines Academy and the Immortal Dao Academy have a close relationship, and without evidence, I’m afraid we can’t tell the people at the Thousand Machines Academy about this…”
Feng Ling curled the corners of his lips. "She's picked the right person. Neither of us is the kind of person who would sit idly by."
"In my opinion, seeking help from Master Jin of the Punishment Hall might be the solution."
Feng Ling and Wei Ze, a disciple of Jin Chu, had spent many years training together after leaving the mountain, and had formed a friendship.
In previous years, Jin Chu delegated power to Kan Yuansi, the deputy head of the Punishment Hall. However, four years ago, he suddenly stepped forward and made sweeping changes to the rules, completely eliminating the corrupt elements in the Punishment Hall. He also found fault with Kan Yuansi and demoted him to the position of Director.
If Zhai Yuzhi is innocent, then out of respect for his father and Wei Ze, Jin Chu will not make things difficult for her. If Zhai Yuzhi's true identity is questionable, then the Punishment Hall is the best choice to take action.
"I'm also worried about something else. Zhai Yuzhi suddenly changed the supplies for the disciples of the Immortal Dao Academy. I heard that the Thousand Machine Academy also had some complaints about this, but she insisted on doing it her own way."
"Although I left the Immortal Academy, I've heard that the Five Elements Trials have been far too easy these past few years. If something's really wrong with her, could these things be intentional? What about those disciples...?"
The Immortal Academy actually holds a very special position within the Jade Cloud Sect. On the one hand, these newly initiated disciples are still young and have low cultivation levels; on the other hand, once they mature, they will naturally become a pillar of the sect.
Wen Lu sighed, "This difficult problem is indeed best left to the Punishment Hall, which has nothing to do with the other branches."
Xu Xing was unaware of the dilemma her two seniors were in. As soon as she stepped out of the cave, Wen Yao came to greet her.
She was always sensible. Since Xu Xing didn't say anything and there were many people around, she didn't ask any more questions. She simply took Xu Xing's arm and stood with Wang Lianhua, Zuo Qiuxu, and the others.
"Just now there were thunderclaps, and the dark clouds have stopped gathering. The tribulation must be about to begin."
Zuo Qiuxu, who always loved to tease Xu Xing, didn't bother to greet him. He looked at the thunderclouds that almost occupied most of the sky above the outer gate, his expression tense and full of worry.
Even Xu Xing, who was unfamiliar with the tribulation of lightning, could tell from the discussions of those around him that the Heavenly Lightning of the Nine Heavens was severe.
"Back then, the sect leader encountered the Heavenly Tribulation of the Nine Heavens when he advanced to the Nascent Soul stage. It's unheard of for a Core Formation cultivator to encounter such a tribulation!"
"I knew of Shen Du. I'd heard he was an exceptional swordsman and quite young. It's such a pity he died like this..."
It seemed that everyone thought Shen Du would definitely fail to complete the tribulation. Xu Xing was also very worried when he heard the discussions of the cultivators around him.
She stood beside Zuoqiu Xu, "Senior Brother Zuoqiu, Chen..."
Before he could finish speaking, the thunderbolts that had been gathering power in the dark clouds for a long time finally struck down with tremendous force!
Countless golden bolts of lightning exploded, forming a spiderweb pattern as they struck the summit of Ruxu Peak! To everyone's astonishment, the peak of Ruxu Peak was leveled by this heavenly lightning!
Countless rocks fell, and the summit collapsed with a deafening roar!
"The first strike flattens the peak; after nine strikes, I'm afraid even the Void Peak will be reduced to rubble!"
"I see that the spiritual power within this heavenly lightning has surged dramatically, even ordinary Golden Core cultivators would find it difficult to withstand!"
"But Chen Du is only at the peak of Foundation Establishment... Alas!"
"Is this the Heavenly Thunder of the Nine Heavens...?"
Staring blankly in the direction of Ruxu Peak, Xu Xing's golden eyes shone even brighter under the electric light, with a faint spiritual light flowing through them. For some reason, she suddenly felt a burning sensation in her right wrist and a dull pain in her chest.
Xu Xing swayed slightly, and Xiang Yuquan quickly grabbed her wrist to support her, asking worriedly, "Junior Sister Xu, are you feeling unwell?"
"I……"
He only saw Wen Yao, Zuo Qiuxu and others gather around, and the next moment Xu Xing completely lost consciousness.
When he woke up again, he was in Wen Yao's bed.
"You're awake? Is anything bothering you?" Wen Yao, who had been watching over her, quickly brought over the medicine.
Xu Xing pressed his hand to his chest, puzzled, and said, "It seems like nothing's wrong..."
Did I sleep for a long time?
"Your cultivation level is too low, and you fainted due to the effects of the lightning tribulation. You are not seriously injured."
Wen Yao handed her the medicine bowl and said helplessly, "The tribulation lasted for three days, but you slept for five. What a coincidence! Linglan was greatly inspired by the tribulation and is currently in seclusion trying to break through to the ninth level of Qi Refining. You, on the other hand, completely missed it."
"It's over? What about Senior Brother Shen...?"
"He's alright. I heard he's meditating on Ruxu Peak to stabilize his cultivation. However, Ruxu Peak is destroyed. All the third-order spiritual veins are severed, and the surrounding area is filled with the aftershocks of heavenly lightning. It's currently sealed off. Apart from Senior Brother Shen, who is still inside and hasn't come out yet, no one else is allowed to approach."
"That's good." Xu Xing leaned against the bed and casually placed the medicine bowl on the small table. Since he was fine, why did he need to take the medicine?
"By the way, has anything happened at the Immortal Academy these past few days?"
"What could be wrong? Because the range of the tribulation is too large, and the Immortal Academy is a bit close to the Void Peak, the morning classes have been canceled for the past few days."
"Drink it quickly. Although it's nothing serious, Mother said that your spiritual energy is somewhat depleted. It must be because you've been refining pills every day and haven't been paying attention to cultivation."
Guessing Xu Xing's thoughts, Wen Yao urged her to drink the medicine with a stern face, "When the first bolt of heavenly lightning struck, the silver-winged roc you were riding also fainted because it was afraid of the heavenly lightning, but it woke up the next day. But you have been unconscious for so long. Everyone knows that demonic beasts are afraid of heavenly lightning. It is the first time I have seen someone faint while cultivating alone. It is all because you did not cultivate properly and your foundation is weak."
Xu Xing knew that no matter what she explained, Wen Yao would bring it up that she hadn't cultivated properly. Seeing that she couldn't avoid it, she had no choice but to drink the dark medicine, which made her face contort from the bitterness.
Wen Yao smiled with satisfaction, "Do you still remember what you promised? You should rest well these few days. Once you've recovered, you'll have to have a match with me."
"If you can't hold out for even half an hour, you're not allowed to slack off anymore!"
"Come!"
Xu Xing roused himself and got out of bed. "I can do it now."
Wen Yao shrugged, feigning displeasure, and said, "Are you looking down on me? My cultivation is at least a few levels higher than yours."
Xu Xing took out a silver-white spirit bead and leaned closer mysteriously, saying, "How could that be? I just wanted to show you something I specially prepared for the graduation assessment."
The two arrived at an open area on Chuyun Peak. Xu Xing glanced into the distance and saw that the once towering Ruxu Peak had disappeared, replaced by ruins. Lightning flickered faintly in the center of the ruins. The disciples clearing the ruins did not dare to approach and only repaired the surrounding buildings that had been affected from a distance.
Shen Du is still inside...
"A third-tier spiritual vein, what a pity."
Wen Yao also looked over, "When Senior Brother Shen comes out, I'm afraid he'll have to have a big argument with the Thousand Machines Academy. Tsk, they're not easy to deal with."
"The Thousand Machines Institute?" Xu Xing asked, puzzled. "What does this have to do with the Thousand Machines Institute?"
"Entering Void Peak is a place frequently visited by disciples below the Golden Core stage, earning rent by relying on third-tier spiritual veins. Now that it's destroyed, we'll have to pay compensation, won't we?"
"Pay back?"
"Yes! But considering the Nine Heavens Thunder, there might be a discount or something. However, based on the value of a third-tier spiritual vein, it will probably cost at least several thousand mid-grade spirit stones."
Wen Yao looked completely at ease. Having grown up in the Jade Cloud Sect, she was well aware of the Thousand Machines Academy's stingy practices. Even high-level cultivators couldn't get away with it, and it was impossible for them to not lose money when a newly promoted Golden Core cultivator was undergoing a transformation.
"I wonder which sect Senior Brother Shen will become his disciple. He is the first one to experience the Nine Heavens Tribulation after the sect leader. He must have been favored by a Celestial Venerable. I suppose Senior Brother Shen's future master will compensate him."
However, Shen Du's luck was already common knowledge. Wen Yao clicked her tongue and didn't say anything more, nor did she notice the change in Xu Xing's expression in an instant.
Xu Xing was speechless for a moment, which meant that Shen Du had already incurred a huge debt before even leaving the pass...
She had bound herself to Shen Du and agreed to "invest" in him, but before she could even realize how expensive it was to raise a Golden Core cultivator, she was overwhelmed by the debt of several thousand spirit stones.
Xu Xing couldn't help but start calculating his assets. He needed to start selling the second-tier spirit pills, and what about those magical artifacts...?
"Enough of that. What good stuff have you refined? Let me see."
Compared to Chen Du, Wen Yao was more interested in the gadgets that Xu Xing crafted. She wondered what was going on in Xu Xing's head, as he always managed to create novel things. They weren't particularly dangerous, but they were fun to make.
Xu Xing had no choice but to put aside her thoughts of making money for the time being. She poured her spiritual power into the spirit pearl, sat down to meditate, and the spirit pearl shone brightly, quickly forming a circular spiritual power shield around her.
"Ayao, just focus all your energy on attacking this spirit shield."
Wen Yao nodded, her eyes sharpening. She immediately unleashed a burst of spiritual energy, striking the shield heavily. The shield trembled slightly, and a tiny crack appeared.
“This…” Wen Yao frowned. “Judging from these cracks, they can only withstand three of my attacks at most. How can this be acceptable?”
Xu Xing smiled and shook his head, signaling her to continue.
Wen Yao also wanted to know what Xu Xing was up to, so she simply summoned her whip.
Although she only has four spiritual roots, her physique is special and her cultivation level is the highest in Yaoguang Academy, not inferior to some disciples with dual spiritual roots. She is currently at the seventh level of Qi Refining, specializing in fire element, and her Fire Dance Whip is outstanding.
The long whip, wreathed in crimson flames, struck the spirit shield heavily. With the weapon's enhancement, the spirit shield couldn't even withstand four attacks. After two more lashes, with a crisp cracking sound, the spirit shield was already mostly broken.
Wen Yao raised an eyebrow, about to tell Xu Xing to admit defeat and focus on cultivation, when she saw her calmly take out a low-grade spirit stone, and the cracked spirit shield instantly restored itself.
"continue."
The fiery red whip was swung once more.
Xu Xing sat in the spirit shield, resting his chin on his hand, slowly placing spirit stones next to the spirit pearl, and watching Wen Yao crack her whip with a smile.
As the spirit stones were consumed one by one, Wen Yao, who had lashed out countless times, also ran out of strength.
Seeing the spirit shield repeatedly shatter and rebuild, she threw down her whip, slumped to the ground without any regard for her image, and said irritably, "Quickly stop your supernatural powers!"
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Author's Note: Shen Du, who opened his eyes to find himself burdened with a huge debt: Author, you'd better release me soon so I can pay off my debts...
Author's Note: Next chapter! But even if you get out, you still won't be able to pay it back; you'll still have to rely on Xu Xu to earn money to support the family. [hugs]
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