“Junior Brother Qi, at the very least, you have the ability to make the Formation Spirit Senior show itself. Just that alone is something no one else in Falling Cloud Valley can do.”
Bai Xirou looked at Qi Yuan, her beautiful eyes filled with anticipation.
Qi Yuan immediately understood.
Well, well, a hater is still a fan, right?
Indeed, compared to being completely ignored, someone like him who has a grudge with the Formation Spirit might actually be more likely to make it appear.
No wonder Bai Xirou made such a strange request.
Thinking of this, Qi Yuan rubbed his nose and put on a troubled expression.
“This… Senior Sister, you also know that the Formation Spirit Senior seems quite displeased with me. That fellow is incredibly powerful. If it comes to blows, I really wouldn’t be able to handle it…”
“Don’t worry, Junior Brother Qi.”
Bai Xirou quickly spoke up to dispel Qi Yuan’s concerns. “You carry the disciple token of Falling Cloud Valley. According to the rules of the grand formation, as long as you don’t take any action detrimental to the formation, the Formation Spirit Senior absolutely cannot initiate an attack against you. Otherwise, it would suffer backlash.”
Seeing he couldn’t get out of it, Qi Yuan had no choice but to say, “In that case, I’ll give it a try. But I can’t guarantee it will work.”
Since there was no real danger, he might as well go with Bai Xirou to meet that Formation Spirit. It was certainly better than being dragged off to fetch water or chop firewood.
Besides, building a good relationship with this senior sister would likely make his future days in Falling Cloud Valley more comfortable.
Seeing him agree, Bai Xirou seemed to let out a sigh of relief, a grateful smile curling at the corner of her mouth.
“Even if it doesn’t work out, it’s fine. As long as you’re willing to help, I’m already very grateful.”
Falling Cloud Valley was rich in spiritual energy, with tranquil, elegant buildings set amid beautiful scenery. It lacked the grandeur of the Supreme Mystery Sanctuary, but had a secluded charm of its own.
Following Bai Xirou through the valley, Qi Yuan soon arrived before a towering iron pagoda deep within the gorge.
This iron pagoda stood dozens of zhang high, its entire body forged from profound iron. Its surface was densely covered with intricate spirit patterns. Mist and clouds swirled around it, and waves of formation power connected heaven and earth, ebbing and flowing continuously.
“Senior Sister.”
Upon seeing Bai Xirou’s figure, the Falling Cloud Valley disciples guarding this place immediately stepped forward and bowed respectfully, automatically clearing a path.
Bai Xirou nodded amiably toward them and directly led Qi Yuan before the iron pagoda.
“Junior Brother Qi, this is the core of the sect’s grand formation.”
Qi Yuan nodded and then called out toward the pagoda.
“Venerable Formation Spirit, I am Big Qi, a new disciple who took the entrance test yesterday. I have come to pay my respects. Will you grant me an audience?”
“Venerable Formation Spirit, can you hear me?”
Still no response.
Qi Yuan tried calling out several more times. The iron pagoda before him remained silent and unchanged.
Seeing this, Bai Xirou let out a soft sigh and said dispiritedly:
“Forget it, Junior Brother Qi. It seems the Formation Spirit Senior is still unwilling to appear. Even so, thank you for accompanying me here.”
Qi Yuan also put on a disappointed expression and murmured:
“Alright then. I originally came intending to return those hundred spirit stones. Since the master of this place isn’t here, let’s head back for now.”
As soon as his words fell, a youthful figure slowly materialized in the void before the formation pagoda. With red lips, white teeth, and handsome features, it was precisely the Formation Spirit of the Illusory Life Universe Formation.
The youth swept his gaze over Qi Yuan and Bai Xirou, raised an eyebrow slightly, and spoke bluntly:
“Where are the spirit stones? Hand them over quickly.”
Spirit stones?
Bai Xirou was momentarily stunned before quickly picking up the storage pouch at her waist. She pulled out one hundred spirit stones from it and respectfully offered them forward.
“Senior, I have the stones right here…”
Before she could finish her sentence, she was coldly interrupted by the Formation Spirit.
“Little girl, what has this to do with you? You owe me nothing. Do you take me for a beggar? It is not the stones I care about—I want what I am owed!”
Hearing this, Bai Xirou’s pretty face changed slightly as she hurriedly lowered her head in apology.
“Forgive my presumption, Senior. Please do not be angry.”
The Formation Spirit didn’t even glance at her but instead turned his gaze toward Qi Yuan beside her. “You little brat! Quickly return my spirit stones!”
Qi Yuan gave a faint smile and threw Bai Xirou a “don’t worry” look before saying:
“Of course. Before I repay you, though, may I ask you something?”
“Hmm?”
The Formation Spirit frowned. “What question? Don’t dawdle! Speak plainly if you have something to say!”
Bai Xirou trembled, her heart pounding as she stared at Qi Yuan in disbelief.
She never imagined that this problem which had long plagued Falling Cloud Valley might truly see a turning point in his hands.
“Senior, you are the spirit of the sect’s protective formation, yet you take no interest in the younger generations of Falling Cloud Valley. How have they offended you to earn such disdain?”
“Hahaha… You say I pay no heed?!”
The Formation Spirit seemed struck on a sore spot; it suddenly burst into wild laughter and angrily declared, “Why don’t you ask what good deeds those unworthy descendants of Bai Yanju have done before coming here to question me?”
What?
Bai Xirou was completely bewildered by these words. After regaining her composure, she immediately knelt on one knee, speaking earnestly.
“Senior, Bai Yanju was my distant ancestor.”
“I have read every secret record in the sect. I can assure you that since his death a thousand years ago, his successors have always treated you with respect. They have never done anything to wrong you!”
“I am willing to swear an oath before the Heavenly Dao: if I have deceived you in the slightest, may I suffer heavenly punishment. Please judge for yourself, Senior.”
Seeing her expression didn’t seem feigned, the Formation Spirit was half-believing and half-doubting, calming down somewhat.
“Little girl, then tell me, who is the current leader of Falling Cloud Valley?”
Bai Xirou immediately replied:
“My father, Bai Qingwu, succeeded to the position of Leader one hundred years ago.”
The Formation Spirit nodded, casually asking, “What cultivation level?”
Hearing the question, Bai Xirou hesitated a moment before answering honestly:
“My father is at late Nascent Soul.”
“So low?” The Formation Spirit seemed somewhat surprised. “Then who has the highest cultivation in the valley now?”
“My father is already the strongest cultivator in the valley, Senior.”
Saying these words, Bai Xirou’s expression was somewhat embarrassed. “We descendants are dull-witted and have failed our ancestors’ trust. Falling Cloud Valley hasn’t produced a Soul Formation cultivator in a long time.”
“Back then, Bai Yanju was a mighty Void Refinement cultivator renowned throughout the region. I never thought his descendants would be worse generation after generation.”
After hearing this, the Formation Spirit shook his head, his tone full of disappointment.
Then, he seemed unable to suppress his emotions anymore, his eyes slightly reddening.
“A thousand years! Do you know what these thousand years have been like for me?”
His tone was brimming with grievance and indignation…