Lightning flashed and thunder roared, illuminating the courtyard in a brilliant white light. The long-awaited rain poured down in torrents, sweeping across the sky and drenching Li Chongkang and the others.
They seemed oblivious, making no effort to shield themselves. Yet, whenever raindrops the size of beans were about to hit them, an invisible barrier would deflect the drops, leaving them completely dry.
After transcending the first Heavenly Tribulation, the most significant and crucial change was the spontaneous generation of mana, constant self-protection, and the ability to ride the wind and clouds, surveying the world from above.
As rain splashed and white foam turned into mist, Meng Qi flicked his horsetail whisk and draped it over his arm, chuckling, “Since fellow Daoists prefer discussing matters in the courtyard, this old Daoist has no choice but to oblige. Earlier, it was mentioned that a few must remain hidden, awaiting the right opportunity to assist the Ninth Prince in obtaining that extraordinary item. Now, this old Daoist must ask—which of you are willing?”
The last six words erupted like spring thunder, shaking the spirits of those present, including the Ninth Prince Xiao Kun, jolting them fully awake.
They exchanged glances, taking a dozen breaths to fully grasp the situation before sinking into deep contemplation.
Staying in the capital would be exceptionally dangerous, with no room for the slightest exposure—a stark contrast to their previous illustrious lives. Yet, all present were elite figures of the capital, deeply rooted here for decades or even generations, with strong attachments to this place. Moreover, leaving the capital would mean unfamiliar territory and relentless pursuit by the imperial court, hardly a more comfortable alternative.
For a moment, their thoughts raced, making it difficult to reach a decision. The sound of rain in their ears isolated them from the clamor of the mundane world.
“This junior is willing to stay in the capital and assist the Ninth Prince,” Li Chongkang said through gritted teeth, his expression shifting several times.
If the situation took a favorable turn, restoring the Daoist sects to their former glory, the one to ascend the throne and wield power would undoubtedly be the Ninth Prince, Xiao Kun. Offering help in times of need was far more valuable than adding flowers to brocade later!
Following Li Chongkang’s lead, Bi Chongde and the master of Fenghuo Temple, Lu Si, also expressed their resolve to remain hidden in the capital.
“Excellent. The three of you, disregarding life and death, are true models for the Daoist community. Please accept this old Daoist’s salute.” Meng Qi performed a Daoist bow, then turned to the Ninth Prince Xiao Kun. “To lure Grand Preceptor Pei out of the capital and personally oversee the suppression of unrest, the efforts of fellow Daoists alone may not suffice. This old Daoist intends to meet the world’s foremost expert tomorrow.”
Grand Preceptor Pei Daotong, a Seven-Tribulation True Person, could create objects from the void and roam the heavens freely in this realm. Since the fall of Daoist Xu Tianjun, he had been the undisputed number one in the world.
Xiao Kun was stunned at first, then his eyelids twitched as he spoke in alarm, “Senior, please reconsider. Grand Preceptor Pei’s ‘Jade Emperor Divine Fist’ is unparalleled through the ages and must not be underestimated. It would be better to wait until you’ve fully recovered your peak strength before making plans.”
Though you’ve transcended the Heavenly Tribulation again and regained your status as a True Person, the gap between you and a Seven-Tribulation True Person like Pei Daotong is immeasurable. How could you possibly challenge him like a mantis trying to stop a chariot?
Recalling recent events, Xiao Kun and the others had confirmed that the Cloud Gathering True Person only possessed the strength of a One-Tribulation True Person. However, his effortless transcendence of the tribulation like child’s play suggested that his past reputation was not unfounded—his foundation remained, though some mishap had stripped him of his cultivation, forcing him to rebuild slowly.
Li Chongkang and the others nodded in agreement with the Ninth Prince’s words. Judging by how the Cloud Gathering True Person had casually transcended a tribulation during a break in their discussion, given enough time, he could at least restore his original strength—if not reach Seven Tribulations. Even a Six-Tribulation True Person was already a rarity among Daoists today. There was no need to take such reckless risks!
Meng Qi waved his whisk and smiled faintly. “Ninth Prince, rest assured. Fellow Daoists, rest assured. This is merely a meeting, not a direct confrontation. Moreover, this humble Daoist has his own plans.”
With that, he stepped through the rain and returned to his room, his resolve unshaken.
The others exchanged uneasy glances, their hearts heavy with concern.
—
Deep within the palace, in the imperial study.
The current emperor, Xiao Xuan, clad in a robe embroidered with nine dragons chasing a pearl, stood with his hands behind his back by the window, gazing at the unrelenting rain outside. His lips were pressed into a firm line, etching a stern expression on his face.
Though nearing seventy, he showed no signs of aging. His flesh and skin seemed to contain immense power, and his deep, ocean-like eyes made him appear no older than thirty. Standing beside the Ninth Prince Xiao Kun, one might mistake them for brothers.
Grand Preceptor Pei Daotong sat steadily in an imperial-bestowed armchair, observing Xiao Xuan’s back with unshakable composure, like an immovable mountain.
His appearance was meticulously groomed—his sideburns, mustache, and beard were perfectly trimmed, as if carved from steel or stone. His eyes radiated such authority that none dared meet his gaze.
At the head of the room stood Xiao Xuan’s desk, where he reviewed memorials. At its center rested a crystal lamp, its pale gold hue translucent and pure. The lamp’s oil was nearly invisible, and the flickering flame, small as a bean, swayed in the breeze, casting shifting shadows that lent an eerie atmosphere to the room.
“After two days of searching, not a single Daoist True Person who transcended the tribulation has been found?” Xiao Xuan remained facing the window, where dark clouds loomed and a light drizzle persisted.
Pei Daotong replied calmly, devoid of emotion, “Indeed. It is suspected that someone leaked the plan. The Mandate of Heaven has shifted.”
Xiao Xuan sighed deeply and turned around, his gaze settling beside the desk.
“Yes, the Mandate has indeed changed. Venerable One, what counsel do you offer?”
In the imperial study, aside from Emperor Xiao Xuan and Grand Preceptor Pei Daotong, there was a third person present!
Beside the desk stood a monk in gray robes, his handsome face bearing a faint smile as he observed the crystal lamp, exuding an air of serene detachment.
Hearing Xiao Xuan’s question, the gray-robed monk smiled slightly. “Your Majesty need not panic.”
Xiao Xuan frowned and asked solemnly, “Venerable Ananda, what do you mean?”
The monk known as Ananda replied gently, “Observe and adapt.”
—
The rain fell like threads as the clouds gradually dispersed. Pei Daotong departed the palace in a sedan chair, accompanied by the Ninth Prince Xiao Kun.
His eyes were closed as if in slumber, but his mind was occupied with the recent upheavals in the capital, analyzing the key developments.
The grand preceptor’s entourage was large, and their progress was slow. It took some time before they left Vermilion Bird Avenue and turned toward Qingyang District, where Xiao Kun would part ways with Pei Daotong.
Due to the prolonged rain, the streets were nearly empty, with only a few pedestrians carefully navigating the wet paths under oil-paper umbrellas. The wind stirred ripples in the puddles, leaving no trace of dust behind.
Suddenly, Pei Daotong’s eyes snapped open in the sedan chair, lightning gathering in his pupils like the retinue of a supreme deity, reflecting the scene of a quiet alley beside them:
A gaunt Daoist in black robes was approaching leisurely, holding a bamboo hat as he bathed in the light rain, as if savoring nature’s gifts.
One step, two steps, three steps—the world seemed to stretch infinitely, while the two figures appeared to shrink abruptly.
The Cloud Gathering True Person! The Ninth Prince Xiao Kun was startled, gripped by fear and worry.
“Only one tribulation…” Pei Daotong murmured, extending his right hand as countless silver streaks converged into a thunder arrow, its patterns ancient and its presence tangible.
Just as he was about to release the arrow, he saw Meng Qi smile faintly, utterly unperturbed.
The sky darkened abruptly as leaden clouds gathered, threatening to crush the capital. Countless silver-white lightning bolts merged into one and struck down with a deafening roar, the terrifying force separating Pei Daotong and Meng Qi on either side.
**Boom!**
The lightning exploded, silver radiance spreading like water, surging toward Pei Daotong.
Meng Qi, enduring the heavenly punishment, seemed unaffected as he took another step.
**Boom!**
Another bolt of lightning descended, gold mingling with silver, its might surpassing the last.
From the rolling sphere of thunder emerged Meng Qi, clad in black, wreathed in electricity as he took yet another step.
**Boom!**
The heavens raged as five golden thunderbolts struck simultaneously.
Xiao Kun watched in stunned silence, muttering under his breath,
“Two tribulations… three… four…”
One step, one tribulation. One breath, one ascent!
Pei Daotong watched as Meng Qi advanced, lightning wreathing his form, and for the first time, he felt his momentum wane—his thunder arrow remained undischarged.
In the end, the storm clouds seemed to descend to the earth, forming a sea of lightning that rippled outward, growing ever more terrifying at its core.
The multicolored sea of thunder parted slowly, revealing Meng Qi, bamboo hat in hand, standing not far from Pei Daotong.
As he donned the hat, he smiled faintly. “This old Daoist has also reached seven tribulations.”
Pei Daotong’s gaze sharpened, and with a surge of energy, he finally released the thunder arrow—only for it to pierce through Meng Qi’s illusory form, which dissipated like foam.
Were it not for the lingering aura of lightning, the entire encounter might have been dismissed as a dream.
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