Qi Yuan and Bai Xirou were both somewhat dumbfounded as they watched the Formation Spirit display such an exaggerated expression.
What kind of tragedy could have occurred to make a Formation Spirit that had lived for thousands of years grieve to this extent?
The Formation Spirit seemed lost in some memory, tears welling in its eyes, looking utterly miserable.
“Bai Yanju and I were as close as brothers. He failed to break through to Dao Integration and died when his lifespan ran out. Before he died, he entrusted his descendants in Falling Cloud Valley to my care.”
“Not long after his death, I also faced a Formation Spirit Tribulation. Under the scouring of the tribulation’s energy, I fell into a deep slumber. But when I woke up…”
Speaking of the past, the Formation Spirit took a deep breath, trying hard to adjust its emotions before continuing.
“While I was focused on crossing my tribulation, some damned thief—who knows which one—sneaked into the core area of the formation and looted all the savings I had accumulated over the years.”
“I had just survived the tribulation and was weak, urgently needing treasures to restore my spirit body. But when I returned home, I found it stripped bare. The thief had not left a thing.”
“What’s even more excessive is that over the past thousand years, every time I faced my Artifact Spirit Tribulation, that vile thief would come and plunder my dwelling again. They never missed a single time!”
At this point, it suddenly paused, looking at the two with grief and indignation.
“Because I never had enough rare treasures to restore my spirit body in time, my cultivation level dropped from the peak of Soul Formation all the way down to mid-stage Soul Formation.”
“Traditionally, only the Falling Cloud Valley Sect Leader holds the key to enter the formation’s core. This matter is definitely connected to someone from your Falling Cloud Valley.”
“If it weren’t for the restrictions of the grand formation’s rules, I would have long gone to settle accounts with that villain. And you two actually have the nerve to come question me?”
So it was because its home had been robbed repeatedly.
After hearing this, Qi Yuan finally understood.
No wonder the Formation Spirit got so worked up over a mere hundred spirit stones earlier. Besides being inherently poor, it probably recalled a series of unbearable past events…
A Formation Spirit is born from the essence qi of a high-level formation. As long as the formation remains intact, its lifespan is virtually endless.
Of course, the Heavenly Dao is impartial; it wouldn’t allow a Formation Spirit to grow indefinitely. Every hundred years, a Formation Spirit Tribulation descends.
If it can safely pass through, it gains another hundred years of life and can continue cultivating. Otherwise, it perishes, its Dao dissipating, turning to ashes.
After an old Formation Spirit dies, after some time, the formation will give birth to a brand-new Formation Spirit, starting the next cycle.
The Formation Spirit before them was utterly miserable. Every time it faced its tribulation, its dwelling would be completely looted, yet it could do nothing about it. No wonder it felt so aggrieved. Read this novel at g.com for the best experience.
“With such a major incident happening, why didn’t you inform the sect?” Bai Xirou couldn’t help but ask.
The spirit sneered. “I am not senile. You people are my prime suspects. Why tell you, just to watch the culprits pretend to hunt themselves down?”
“Senior, you might be mistaken. This matter may not necessarily be related to our Falling Cloud Valley,” Bai Xirou said, her tone lacking some confidence.
“Enough! Prove that Falling Cloud Valley had no part in this, or do not expect any kindness from me.” Its tone left no room for argument.
Having one’s entire wealth reset to zero every hundred years—who could endure that?
Bai Xirou lightly pursed her thin lips; her gaze gradually grew determined. With a solemn expression, she inquired:
“Senior, when is your next tribulation?”
The Formation Spirit seemed to realize something, looking at her intently. “What do you intend to do?”
“I intend to investigate and uncover the truth.”
“You?” The spirit scoffed. “My next tribulation is in six months. What can a junior at late Foundation Building do to investigate?”
“Rest assured, Senior. I may be weak, but I cannot let my fellow disciples stand unjustly accused. I will do everything I can to give you an answer.”
Bai Xirou understood clearly in her heart: To resolve this matter, she must uncover the truth. Any other explanation would be useless.
After saying this, she directly bowed deeply to the Formation Spirit. Without waiting for its reaction, she pulled along Qi Yuan—who wore a strange expression—and left the formation tower.
Only after the two had gone far away did an infuriated voice from the Formation Spirit reach them from behind.
“Wait! Brat! Didn’t you say earlier you’d return those spirit stones? Come back and return them!”
Qi Yuan didn’t stop walking and casually brushed it off.
“Next time for sure.”
“Argh! You little brat! You’re deceiving me again!”
Ignoring the infuriated voice of a certain Formation Spirit, Qi Yuan pondered silently.
Even a little thought made it clear that this would be hard to investigate.
After all, over a thousand years, being able to accurately grasp every single time the Formation Spirit faced its tribulation—and being persistent enough to visit every hundred years without fail—such a thief really didn’t seem like a normal person. Enjoying the story? Read on at g.com.
He himself couldn’t even imagine what that thief’s mental state must be like.
The Formation Spirit was confined within the formation; it wasn’t wealthy to begin with. After being robbed multiple times, it became utterly destitute—even holding onto resentment over being owed a hundred spirit stones. Yet despite that, the thief still relentlessly targeted this poor victim… It was simply insane!
…
Not long after.
Outer Sect.
“Thanks to your help, Junior Brother Qi, I finally know what has been troubling the spirit.”
“This matter holds great significance for our sect. I will report it to Elder Mo so he can record a major merit for you in the Merit Hall. The sect will issue special rewards accordingly.”
After returning to the Outer Sect, Bai Xirou put away her worried look and turned gratefully toward Qi Yuan beside her.
“You’re too polite, Senior Sister Bai. Such small matters aren’t worth mentioning.”
Qi Yuan waved his hand dismissively. He wasn’t interested in getting involved with the Formation Spirit’s affairs. Right now, he just wanted to complete his tasks related to Falling Cloud Valley as soon as possible, and incidentally adjust himself into peak condition in preparation for forming his Nascent Soul.
“In that case, I’ll take my leave now. If you encounter any difficulties in the Outer Sect, you can find me at Jade Bamboo Peak in the Inner Sect.”
Seemingly eager to investigate, Bai Xirou only exchanged brief pleasantries before hurriedly bidding farewell. She transformed into a streak of clear light that shot into the sky, vanishing beyond the horizon in an instant.
After Bai Xirou left, Qi Yuan had only walked a short distance when a group of six or seven people appeared before him.
Most wore Outer Sect Disciple robes and had varying levels of cultivation. At their center, surrounded by the others, was a plump, arrogant youth in Servant Disciple robes: Wang Luchuan, who had distinguished himself in the entrance test.
“Is that Lin Zhen?”
Qi Yuan immediately noticed Lin Zhen lying not far behind them. This Child of Destiny seemed to have just been beaten up; his face was bruised and swollen as he struggled to get up from the ground, looking utterly disheveled.
“Halt!”
Seeing this scene, Qi Yuan narrowed his eyes slightly and extended a hand to block Wang Luchuan’s group’s path.
Wang Luchuan, who had been stopped by Qi Yuan, raised an eyebrow and spoke disdainfully. “Big Qi, I advise you not to meddle in others’ business. Otherwise, we’ll beat you up too.”
He had announced his status as an elder’s nephew as soon as he joined. With an older male cousin who was also a Foundation Building Inner Sect Disciple, he was soon swaggering through the Outer Sect and no longer took Qi Yuan seriously.
Qi Yuan looked at him expressionlessly, his tone indifferent.
“Didn’t I tell you Lin Zhen was under my protection? You hurt him. You owe me an explanation.”