Chapter 35: Beauty And Jade, Tribulation After Tribulation!
Cultivation Practice Hall, Scorpion Basin reopens.
The surroundings were packed with Tuition Fee Disciples, each one staring intently at the colorful, bizarrely shaped snakes and insects in the Scorpion Basin, some feigning disdain, others showing shock on their faces.
Especially those Tuition Fee Disciples seeing the Scorpion Basin for the first time had the strongest reactions, muttering nonstop from their mouths:
“Entering the Dao is just soaking in this Gu Worm basin?”
“Damn it, is this Entering the Dao or seeking death!”
The veteran disciples heard this and immediately showed mocking expressions: “Shut your mouths! If you want to soak in this Scorpion Basin, you still need a full year before you get the chance.”
Fang Shu blended into the crowd, his face expressionless as he pinched the hard object in his sleeve.
According to the rules of the Du Gu Guan, only Tuition Fee Disciples who have accumulated a full year of study in the Dojo can participate in the Scorpion Basin Tribulation.
Fang Shu clearly did not meet this condition yet, so he brought Spirit Stones, hoping that after the other disciples finished their Tribulations, he could spend Spirit Stones to request the Dojo Master to allow him to enter the basin early for Tribulation.
Amid the neglect.
He stood alone in the corner, looking around at his fellow senior brothers and senior sisters with varied expressions but all appearing excited, a slight sigh rising in his heart.
In the previous times watching the Scorpion Basin Tribulation, he had always been with Li Hou Er, but now Li Hou Er had become an Immortal Cultivator and had long entered the Dojo’s inner sect for cultivation, leaving him alone to watch.
Fortunately, after half a year of cultivation, it was finally almost Fang Shu’s turn to show his skills, knock on the gate to Entering the Dao, and leave the front courtyard!
Thus, Fang Shu was actually far more anticipatory of today’s Scorpion Basin Tribulation than the surrounding Tuition Fee Disciples.
However, his face remained calm, suppressing his thoughts, patiently waiting on the side, regulating his breathing while quietly watching.
Soon, the Dojo Master appeared.
After this old woman routinely explained the First Tribulation of Entering the Dao and Essence Refining, she clapped her hands, signaling the disciples undergoing Tribulation today to step forward on their own.
Clap clap! A total of five disciples squeezed out from the crowd, instantly drawing everyone’s attention.
The most eye-catching among them was the burly, bull-like Arduous Cultivation youth—Shi Hou.
“It’s Senior Brother Shi Hou, he’s the number one Arduous Cultivation person in our Dojo!”
“If Senior Brother Shi Hou doesn’t Enter the Dao this time, it would be against heaven’s will.”
Many disciples were lively discussing aloud, clearly full of admiration for Shi Hou.
But there were also whispers of gossip:
“Hmph! Just warmed-over leftovers. Even if he Enters the Dao today, so what? His age is right there.”
“He hasn’t even undergone Tribulation yet, wait until after to fawn over him.”
Shi Hou’s face was resolute; he clearly paid no mind to the surrounding flattery or ridicule.
Only when a woman nearby spoke softly to him did he react slightly, a smile appearing on his face.
That woman’s attire was different from the disciples of the Du Gu Guan. Though neat, she had no Arduous Cultivation aura, standing out among the Dojo Disciples like a sheep among wolves.
While everyone was discussing and waiting, the woman consulted the Dojo Master with a few words, then suddenly faced the crowd, cupping her fists and speaking:
“Esteemed disciples of the Dojo Master of Du Gu Guan, I am Xiang Xing Wu, daughter of the Seven Fragrance Tower Master in Gu Ling Town, fifth in seniority.
Today is the grand event for your Dojo’s many disciples to undergo Tribulation and Enter the Dao. Our Tower has long been on good terms with the Du Gu Guan, so today we specially prepared a Prize for everyone.”
The woman’s words instantly drew the attention of the many disciples present.
Many disciples muttered aloud:
“Seven Fragrance Tower? That somewhat famous Restaurant in the Marketplace?”
“I hear this Seven Fragrance Tower has several branches in the Marketplace, also deals in Demonic Beast Materials, specializes in Medicinal Cuisine. Though not a renowned Merchant Association, it qualifies as one, with vast assets.”
The woman from Seven Fragrance Tower showed a faint smile, rolling up her sleeve to reveal her fair left arm and the jade pendant tied to it.
The jade pendant was white, shaped like a crescent moon.
She said:
“This jade is called Plain Moon Jade, weighing one tael and three qian. Wearing it aids entering meditation, dispels depression, clears the mind and sharpens awareness. Placed under the moonlight at night, it has a chance to attract Moonlight, not much but enough to enhance cultivation.
The holder of this jade can enjoy VIP Preferential Treatment at our Seven Fragrance Tower, and using it as collateral allows a three thousand Talisman Money credit line.”
These words immediately caused a stir in the crowd.
Even Fang Shu couldn’t help but shift his gaze to the treasure jade on the wrist of the Seven Fragrance Tower Master’s daughter.
He had tasted the flavor and benefits of consuming Moonlight.
Unfortunately, later attempts at meditation failed to draw even a thread of Moonlight, though having consumed it before allowed him to clearly discern if Spiritual Energy entered his body during Cultivation Practice, with minor gains.
“This treasure jade is that woman’s personal item, could it be…” Some quick-witted disciples immediately guessed the Seven Fragrance Tower Master’s daughter’s intent:
“This woman is offering a token of affection; getting this jade means gaining the favor of Seven Fragrance Tower, her favor?”
Facing the crowd’s discussions, the woman named Xiang Xing Wu was poised and generous, her gaze flowing as she deliberately glanced at the Arduous Cultivation youth Shi Hou beside her.
This glance made the surrounding disciples even more certain:
“Damn! So that’s it, it’s all to build momentum for that guy Shi Hou.”
“No wonder damn it felt so familiar, Seven Fragrance Tower was the Merchant Association that funded Shi Hou before.”
In an instant, everyone understood that the so-called Prize was indeed Xiang Xing Wu’s “token of affection,” and the winner would gain the favor of Seven Fragrance Tower.
But this item already had an owner!
Facing the crowd’s discussions, the Arduous Cultivation youth Shi Hou broke from his usual reticence, stepping forward half a pace to stand out in the crowd, scanning all around with sharp eyes fixed on the group of disciples who had yet to Enter the Dao.
Not to mention the onlookers, even the other four disciples planning to undergo Tribulation furrowed their brows slightly and wisely looked away.
Xiang Xing Wu’s face flushed slightly, but smiling, she continued:
“Today in the Du Gu Guan, the disciple who succeeds in Tribulation with the strongest Qi and Blood and best Precious Blood shall receive this gift from our Seven Fragrance Tower.”
After saying this, the woman retreated into the crowd, standing behind the Dojo Master, whispering softly only with Senior Sister Yu Er, the Dojo Master’s granddaughter.
But her eyes remained fixed on the Arduous Cultivation youth Shi Hou, and after being teased a few words by Senior Sister Yu Er beside her, her face flushed even more, like a peach.
“Enough.” At this moment, the Dojo Master, holding a teacup, spoke calmly:
“The Prize is mere icing on the cake. It’s time for my Dojo’s disciples to test the results of your Arduous Cultivation and fight for your futures.”
“Yes, Master.”
The five disciples, including Shi Hou, both men and women, responded in low voices.
Immediately, one disciple stepped forward first from the five.
He gritted his teeth, slapping his body forcefully until it turned red like a cooked shrimp shell, muttering incantations, before stepping into the Scorpion Basin.
Next, other disciples hurriedly took medicine or ignited Talismans, turning them to ash and swallowing, making all preparations.
Only the Arduous Cultivation youth Shi Hou remained unmoved, eyes on nose, nose on heart, waiting quietly.
Clearly, this man had no intention of going first but planned to enter the Scorpion Basin last, saving his Tribulation breakthrough for the finale!
Ahhh!
As before, Screams, cries of pain, and groans echoed in the Cultivation Practice Hall.
Disciples were continuously carried out, the best outcome being half-paralyzed, crawling out of the Scorpion Basin while wailing.
He even brought out a pile of snakes and insects, scaring the surrounding disciples into scattering.
This Scorpion Basin Tribulation was as tragic as ever, with four in a row failing.
Though expected, the scene still left the surrounding disciples silent, no longer as jovial as at the start.
Even the Dojo Master furrowed her brows slightly, her gaze falling on the Arduous Cultivation youth Shi Hou.
Shi Hou’s gaze was calm; seeing the four failures, he showed no hesitation, bowing to the Dojo Master before turning and calmly entering the Scorpion Basin, without even pre-circulating his energy to warm up.
Only after reaching the center of the Scorpion Basin did his chest, abdomen, limbs, and neck bulge with veins, muscles twisting, condensing nine large and small Insect Skill Secret Scripts on his skin.
Boom! Thick Qi and Blood emanated from him, not yet formed but making nearby disciples feel a wave of heat.
This sign of Qi and Blood overflowing brightened many eyes.
Fang Shu also narrowed his eyes, sizing him up.
Shi Hou’s Tribulation today was virtually guaranteed success!
The disciples began whispering excitedly again, watching the basin eagerly. Even the Dojo Master’s furrowed brows relaxed.
It seemed today the Dojo would not end without a single success.
Xiang Xing Wu from Seven Fragrance Tower’s eyes shone even brighter, gazing intently.
Senior Sister Yu Er beside her teased: “What’s this, do people from your Merchant Association still find this uncut gem of our Dojo too old?”
Xiang Xing Wu excitedly replied:
“Though Shi Bro is over twenty, his resolve is firm. After Entering the Dao, with our Seven Fragrance Tower’s support, he will surely catch up later, even possibly joining a Sect!”
She said joyfully: “Such an uncut gem others see as stone, I see as jade—how could I disdain it.”
Hearing this, Senior Sister Yu Er’s scrutinizing look in her eyes softened slightly, and she too watched the Scorpion Basin leisurely.
At that moment, in the span of a few words.
The snakes and insects in the Scorpion Basin went berserk, no longer fearing Shi Hou, swarming to bite with legs or mouths, spraying massive amounts of venom.
But this venom did not frighten Shi Hou; instead, it made his Qi and Blood surge even fiercer.
Unperturbed, he Performed Boxing and Cultivation Practice in the square Scorpion Basin, urging his Qi and Blood.
His shouts rang out, his movements like lion or tiger, momentum ferocious.
In a flash, a hundred breaths passed.
Thump thump, suddenly drum-like sounds rang in everyone’s ears.
Including Fang Shu, all stared unblinkingly at Shi Hou—this was the manifestation of his vigorous Qi and Blood, heart beating like a drum.
This youth was moments from Breaking Through to Entering the Dao, controlling Qi and Blood, releasing it as smoke, advancing to a One Tribulation Essence Refining Immortal!
The Dojo Master nodded slightly at this moment.
But just then.
Shi Hou suddenly opened his eyes; instead of pushing through to Enter the Dao, he scooped up Poisonous Blood from the Scorpion Basin with his hand, about to pour it into his mouth.
This act of voluntarily drinking blood stunned the surrounding disciples.
Senior Sister Yu Er and the Dojo Master, seeing it, showed Suspicion on their faces.
Senior Sister Yu Er urgently shouted: “Stop! Shi Hou.”
Pa!
At the instant Shi Hou was about to ingest the blood, the Dojo Master spat out a jujube pit.
The pit struck Shi Hou’s wrist, making his arm go limp and drop, preventing it from entering his mouth.
The Dojo Master sternly shouted:
“Shi Hou! I remind you: for Breaking Through, seek stability, do not advance rashly.”
Seeing the Dojo Master suddenly interfere with Shi Hou’s Tribulation, the disciples were stunned, some confused.
Fang Shu, watching, raised his brows slightly, understanding the situation.
Shi Hou actually held the same idea as Fang Shu, wanting to squeeze out his potential as much as possible during the Scorpion Basin Tribulation for a better future.
And Shi Hou was even more aggressively advancing than Fang Shu imagined, going straight for ingesting Poisonous Blood into his organs!
Honestly, Fang Shu hadn’t even considered this.
After all, before becoming an Immortal Cultivator, Qi and Blood was uncontrolled, the internal organs extremely fragile; whether Insect Skill or Lead Skill, both worked from outside in, mainly refining muscles and sinews, not yet deeply involving organs.
If unable to withstand the Poisonous Blood corrosion, it would be a matter of life and death.
In the Scorpion Basin, Shi Hou heard the Dojo Master’s words, staring at his limp right hand with hesitation.
But at that moment, the woman from Seven Fragrance Tower suddenly spoke: “Shi Bro, breakthrough Tribulation also forbids an unsettled mind.”
After saying this, she retreated behind the Dojo Master.
Hearing this, resolve returned to Shi Hou’s face.
He faced the Dojo Master, hand on chest in a bow, saying solemnly:
“Reporting to Du Shi, this disciple comes from poverty, wasted years; if this Tribulation doesn’t yield top Precious Blood for a strong comeback, how can there be a chance to join an Immortal Sect!
I beg Du Shi’s approval.”
Hearing this, the Dojo Master glanced coldly toward where the Seven Fragrance Tower woman stood.
But with a wooden expression, she did not intervene further, merely saying flatly:
“I’ve said what needs saying; decide for yourself.”
With that, the Dojo Master lowered her eyelids, unwilling to watch more.
Nearby, Senior Sister Yu Er’s face still showed concern.
Looking at the Dojo Master who had closed her eyes beside her, she hesitated but ultimately stepped back, no longer interfering.
However, after stepping back, she ignored the Seven Fragrance Tower’s Xiang Xing Wu beside her.
Only Xiang Xing Wu kept her eyes tightly fixed on Shi Hou, her face as excited as his, full of anticipation.
She clenched her teeth, encouraging Shi Hou with her gaze.
Shi Hou nodded slightly to her, then scooped Poisonous Blood from the Scorpion Basin with his good left hand and gulped it down.
Sizzle!
Instantly, corrosive sounds came from Shi Hou’s mouth and throat; in everyone’s eyes, his face was contorted in agony.
Not done yet, he grabbed snakes and insects from the Scorpion Basin, tearing into them with big bites.
Drinking Poisonous Blood, eating Poisonous Insects.
This was his Tribulation method.
Under everyone’s gaze, his Qi and Blood was stimulated to the extreme, spontaneously condensing into smoke, lush and verdant.
His body surface emitted a black-red glow, oily and shiny, swelling several sizes.
This momentum left many shocked, exclaiming in admiration.
“What a sturdy body! He can succeed!”
Xiang Xing Wu was even more moved, trembling with excitement, face full of expectation.
But just as everyone thought Shi Hou would condense Blood into smoke and succeed in breakthrough,
Pfft!
His face suddenly changed; he held back for a few breaths, but a mouthful of pitch-black Poisonous Blood sprayed from his mouth, landing outside the Scorpion Basin.
The Poisonous Blood corroded tracks into the black Stone Slabs of the Cultivation Practice Hall.
Fortunately, prior Tribulation disciples had carried out snakes and insects, scaring the crowd around the Scorpion Basin to retreat. Otherwise, Shi Hou’s blood might have sprayed on bystanders.
In an instant, the Cultivation Practice Hall fell silent for a moment, then erupted in uproar.
Many sighed in regret.
This mouthful of blood proved Shi Hou couldn’t withstand the Poisonous Blood, losing control of his Qi and Blood.
Xiang Xing Wu’s eyes widened, face full of shock, staring fixedly at Shi Hou.
She seemed to hold onto hope, expecting him to endure.
But Shi Hou, seated in the Scorpion Basin, tensed his sturdy body for three or four breaths, then black blood slowly seeped from his seven orifices.
He gazed blankly at the Dojo Master in the hall, mouth dryly murmuring: “Tribulation, Tribulation…”
The Dojo Master sat with eyes downcast, unmoving.
Pa!
Shi Hou’s Physical Body suddenly collapsed into the Scorpion Basin, splashing Poisonous Blood.
Everyone stared; Xiang Xing Wu was dazed.
The Dojo Master’s movements were ghostly; without opening her eyes, she had somehow stood and swiftly fished him out, placing him on the Stone Slab, preventing more Poisonous Blood from entering his mouth.
Once pulled out, Shi Hou lay sideways on the ground, his iron-like body curled like a shrimp, skin black-red with underlying pallor.
“Gah gah…” His teeth chattered, body convulsing, as if muttering two words.
Fang Shu knew he was still murmuring “Tribulation.”
This pitiful scene made Fang Shu sigh inwardly, at a loss for words.
The sight fell on others too, quieting the Cultivation Practice Hall again, only breaths audible.
Even the Dojo Disciples who had mocked Shi Hou earlier now fell silent, faces showing reluctance.
Xiang Xing Wu’s face showed utter disappointment, eyes misty.
In the silence.
The Dojo Master, interest waning, waved her hand, calling other disciples: “Carry him down too. Remember to have the Leech Master call the Ant Master to help as much as possible.”
This instruction sealed his failure and future.
Then, the Dojo Master, hunched, silently turned, intending to lift the stone carving and close the Scorpion Basin.
Shi Hou lay on the ground; hearing the words, his face twisted in unwillingness, straining to look at the Dojo Master, but he was quickly lifted onto a Plank by two disciples and rushed to the Medicine Hall.
Just before exiting the door, in Shi Hou’s unwilling and blurry peripheral vision, someone suddenly stepped forward into view before the Scorpion Basin, facing the Dojo Master’s back.
Shi Hou could no longer make out the figure, only hearing faintly that person’s clear voice making a request:
“This disciple is presumptuous; I beg Du Shi to grant me the Scorpion Basin’s First Tribulation.”
No rush no rush. Friends, cast Monthly Tickets, charge into the new book list top ten, and on the 12th Bu Gu will add another chapter! The gap isn’t big, just two spots away.
