Chapter 1433: Chapter 1434 Tribulation Crossing
Nangong Menglu was the one speaking. She had been waiting at the inn’s entrance for quite some time. Watching the constant flow of people and carriages delivering money to Li Xiaobai, she did not wish to disrupt them.
She only went in when the crowd began to disperse.
“Perfect timing. With the many affairs in Cangtian City settled, I must return to the Academy after protecting your path,” said the elder.
Li Xiaobai nodded and said, “Have you brought the money? Leave the rare earth with me first.”
Nangong Menglu took out a storage bag full of various treasures, originally prepared to hire experts from the Baihe Family. She handed it all to Li Xiaobai, confident she could take risks with such a powerful guardian, without worrying about safety.
“Why does the elder seek so many disciples when the Academy expressly forbids it?”
After a moment of hesitation, Nangong Menglu voiced her concern. This was a major issue—Heavenly God Academy’s recruitment at Li Xiaobai’s place seemed whimsical, where those who paid could join. If this were the case, all entrants would be worthless, and genuinely talented disciples would be overwhelmed by the masses.
“There’s no need for you to worry about this. I would never act against the Academy’s interests. I just met with the cultivators who truly select disciples for the Academy. You can be assured your concerns won’t arise!”
Li Xiaobai gave her a glance, speaking matter-of-factly.
“Ah, I see, my apologies for misspeaking,”
Nangong Menglu nodded, relieved that Li Xiaobai wasn’t offended. With the day of the tribulation crossing approaching, she wished to avoid provoking any complications, as breaking through her realm and cultivation level was her current priority.
“Let’s move out!”
…
Minor Tribulation Peak.
Numerous young talents had gathered here in anticipation. Earlier, Nangong Menglu had issued invitations at a tea gathering, allowing many young cultivators to attend, hoping to gain insights from the Divine Academy’s prodigy amidst her heavenly tribulation.
Even if they gained nothing, witnessing a breakthrough to the Immortal Platform Realm amidst heavenly tribulation would make for an interesting tale.
“Thank you all for coming. The heavenly tribulation is perilous, and to avoid endangering you, please retreat three feet from here to avert unnecessary disaster!”
Nangong Menglu’s clear voice resonated with the cultivators. After speaking these words, she flew to the mountaintop, sitting cross-legged and focusing her mind, attuning to the natural forces.
This breakthrough was beyond her control; she merely suppressed her cultivation level at the critical point of breaking through. It would take several hours before she could attract the heavenly tribulation.
“It’s truly happening; Immortal Nangong is preparing to face the tribulation at Minor Tribulation Peak!”
“What a sight, watching a genius undergo tribulation is indeed a treat!”
“Keep your eyes wide open; don’t miss the exciting moment! If she peacefully passes through today, I will brag about it for a lifetime!”
“Isn’t that elder beside her from the Heavenly God Academy? Having the Academy’s elder protect her path is truly enviable!”
“An elder from the Academy aiding its disciple is certainly a noteworthy event!”
The cultivators exchanged words, their envy evident in their expressions.
To the rear of the crowd, experts from various prominent families were present, all watching the mountain top with a hint of anticipation.
“Never expected the chance to see the Academy elder in action. Perhaps we could learn something.”
“Indeed, even when challenging the Baihe Family, he never lifted a finger. Now he’s here protecting a youth—must be due to family ties!”
The family heads were also full of envy, hoping to glean some knowledge from Li Xiaobai, considering he was a top-level elder at the Heavenly God Academy, with unfathomable power.
Li Xiaobai ignored the chatter, sitting not far from Nangong Menglu, his thoughts active.
He held the Thousand-Miles Instant Travel Talisman in his hand, ready to flee at any moment.
He wanted to test whether the Unlimited Eternity required for defensive power advancement was the same as the heavenly tribulation cultivators faced, as it was rare to encounter and worth trying.
Nangong Menglu was at the peak of the Transcendent Third Layer, so the tribulation would be of that level. With four times the defensive power, he should barely withstand it.
Time slowly passed by.
The sky gradually dimmed. By late night, Nangong Menglu was still cross-legged, calm as ever, under a clear sky without signs of thunder, not even a single cloud—certainly no tribulation.
The cultivators at the mountain’s base grew restless and impatient, with many choosing to leave early, feeling duped for wasting an entire day just watching someone meditate.
Where’s the promised tribulation crossing?
When will the thunderstorm arrive?
Not only were the cultivators below feeling impatient, but even Li Xiaobai atop the mountain was baffled. Nangong Menglu hadn’t mentioned when the tribulation would start. Would she keep him waiting indefinitely?
He was anxious, having already collected the bounty, waiting for the opportune moment to make a swift exit.
As the saying goes, speak of the devil and he shall appear—amidst the idle crowd, suddenly a thunderclap roared from the heavens above.
The night was instantly lit by a blinding white flash—a massive thunderbolt descending upon Minor Tribulation Peak, striking directly onto Nangong Menglu.
The heavenly tribulation began!
“What the…”
Nangong Menglu was caught off guard, feeling a bitter taste in her throat, and vomited a large mouthful of blood, her face pale like paper money.
“Elder, why didn’t you warn me!”
Nangong Menglu was furious, expecting the guardian to alert her to signs of such a significant tribulation. Surely there were warning signs, but the elder hadn’t mentioned a word. Even after the immeasurable damage from the bolt, he remained motionless—was this how one guards a path?
“Uh… sorry, I forgot!”
“Don’t panic, child, I’ll help you now!”
Li Xiaobai awkwardly scratched his head, then stepped directly into the tribulation’s range, causing Nangong Menglu to scream in shock, “What are you doing, elder? Entering with your cultivation level will enhance the tribulation’s power to terrifying heights! Are you trying to harm me?”
“Uh… that is indeed the saying,”
Li Xiaobai muttered to himself, but outwardly reassured, “Don’t worry, the tribulation’s power won’t increase. Since I dared to come, it means I can handle it!”
His actual level was only the Transcendent Second Layer, technically lower than Nangong Menglu’s, thus would not amplify the tribulation’s force—only an additional bolt would target him.
“I…”
Nangong Menglu was beyond words, unable to comprehend the elder’s intentions—is this really how one protects a path?