Second Senior Sister Has A Highly Dangerous Profession - Chapter 66
Chapter 66
The heavenly tribulation struck with a deafening roar, completely engulfing Chi Nan’s figure.
The lightning had come without warning, but the night was deep, and everyone had been too absorbed in the thrilling swordplay on the stage to look up.
When the thick bolt of lightning tore through the darkness, Yu Xizhi was also startled.
However, having grown accustomed to such tribulations, she instinctively reached for a lightning-warding talisman—only to find her storage pouch empty.
She then remembered she had already used up all her talismans.
And because of that reflexive motion, she failed to dodge the tribulation in time.
Having an outsider within a tribulation was bad news for both the one undergoing it and the bystander.
But by the time Yu Xizhi tried to retreat, the lightning was already bearing down on her!
The tribulation’s radiance was blinding, yet a sword glare outshone even the lightning.
She watched as that unfamiliar yet somehow familiar sword light shot toward her, her mind instantly conjuring dozens of ways to evade—yet her instincts told her she couldn’t possibly avoid this strike.
But the sword light dissolved just before reaching her, as if its sole purpose had been to split apart the heavenly thunder.
Then, a familiar figure followed in the sword light’s wake, pulling her into an embrace and forcibly carrying her out of the tribulation’s range!
Only when she turned back did she see that the sword intent, which had seemed aimed at her, had instead surged upward, blocking the descending lightning until the two of them were completely clear.
Only then did the sword light dissipate, allowing the thwarted tribulation to crash down once more.
“Xie Junzhi?” The girl instinctively clutched the front of his robes.
From her angle, she could clearly see his sharply defined jawline and the faint press of his lips.
“You see someone breaking through a realm, and instead of running, you just stand there—do you have a death wish?”
Xie Junzhi’s voice was calm, but his eyes were darker and more sullen than usual.
“Hm?”
Before Yu Xizhi could answer, he glanced at her storage pouch and added, “Do you plan to meddle with every single tribulation in Kunwu Mountain Sect?”
Yu Xizhi froze. “I—”
By then, they had already landed.
The elders’ barrier enveloped them both, shielding them from the roaring tribulation outside.
The crowd cast concerned glances at Yu Xizhi, who had emerged unscathed.
Yi Zui was the first to rush over, scrutinizing her before sighing in relief.
“Good thing Little junior uncle was here, or you’d have been in trouble. Speaking of which, there’ve been a lot of people undergoing tribulations in the sect lately. I bet Senior Sister Jiang’s will come soon too. Is breaking into the Overseeing The World Realm really that easy nowadays?”
—Unintentionally cutting off Yu Xizhi’s words.
“Even counting Senior Sister Jiang, that’s only four people. How is that ‘a lot’?” Shen Ye retorted.
“If you’re so confident, why not add me to the list?”
Everyone crowded around to ask if she was alright.
True immortal Ji Liang, the peak master of Xuecan Peak, also hurried over, forcing them to exchange pleasantries.
The man was both shocked and delighted—he had prepared many tribulation aids for Chi Nan, and fortunately, the cautious disciple had carried them all.
Even without prior formations, he should manage.
“Little junior brother, you’re here too?” Ji Liang chuckled.
“I heard Qianya Peak swept the rankings today, dominating the upper tiers of the scoreboard. Congratulations.”
The conversation with Yu Xizhi was abruptly drowned out by the commotion.
Xie Junzhi’s expression remained unreadable, but when he lifted his gaze, it was with his usual mild demeanor as he returned the greeting.
“Senior Brother Ji Liang.”
After a few more polite words, Ji Liang’s eyes lingered on Yu Xizhi for a moment before drifting downward—and pausing again.
Only then did Yu Xizhi belatedly realize that Xie Junzhi’s arm was still around her.
Maybe he’d forgotten in the chaos.
But since he hadn’t let go, she couldn’t very well remind him.
She could only pretend nothing was amiss and bow to Ji Liang, reasoning that as long as she wasn’t embarrassed, the awkwardness was his problem.
Sure enough, Ji Liang’s brow twitched before he averted his gaze.
Still, he couldn’t resist sighing.
“When Yu Si broke through, I saw little immortal setting up formations to divert the lightning. Though I don’t understand talismanic arrays, even I could tell how intricate it was. It seems Chi Nan won’t have that fortune today.”
“It was sudden. There were only two sets of those talismans—one used on my brother, and the other happened to go to Yi Zui when he broke through.”
Yu Xizhi smiled faintly.
Ji Liang pressed further.
“The cycle of the world turns once every sixty years. When one person reaches Overseeing The World, more will follow. If every disciple in Kunwu Mountain Sect had access to such formations, wouldn’t that be ideal?”
Tribulations weren’t something one could simply endure without risk.
By nature, they carried the chance of failure—and death.
Major sects had it easier, backed by deep reserves and their masters’ preparations.
The ones who truly perished in these trials were usually rogue cultivators.
But Yu Xizhi couldn’t refute Ji Liang’s words.
In the past, she might have gone along with it, handing over the thunder-warding talismans for the sect’s use.
It would cost her nothing, and she’d earn merit.
Yet for some reason, Xie Junzhi’s earlier words echoed in her mind:
—”Do you plan to meddle with every single tribulation in Kunwu Mountain Sect?”
So the response on her tongue rolled back unspoken.
Instead, she smiled.
“It would be ideal. Since True Immortal has spoken, I’ll consult my master another day.”
She didn’t specify which master, but it was clearly the red-robed elder.
Nor did she elaborate on what exactly she’d ask, leaving the impression that the talismans belonged to him, not her.
Ji Liang’s expression cooled slightly.
“Then I’ll trouble Little immortal.”
After that, his demeanor grew noticeably more distant, clearly not expecting her to secure the talismans for the sect.
Yu Xizhi exhaled quietly in relief.
Chi Nan’s tribulation was because of her—but not entirely.
He had already been at the threshold.
Even without her, his breakthrough would’ve come within days.
It was just her luck to encounter him now, to strike with that sword and inadvertently hasten his ascension.
Someone in the crowd suddenly murmured, “Doesn’t it feel like everyone who spars with Second Senior Sister ends up breaking through?”
“Right?! I was thinking the same but didn’t dare say it! There’s something about her swordplay!”
Another voice scoffed.
“By that logic, is Second Senior Sister’s sword some kind of enlightenment blade? Since when does a single fight guarantee a breakthrough? Read more books.”
“Pfft. You say it like it’s nothing. Why don’t you break through first before lecturing us? Thought you were some grandmaster, but turns out you’re just a late-stage Qi Refining stage. Can’t cultivate for shit, but that mouth never stops flapping.”
“You—!”
Debate erupted, but Chi Nan’s tribulation had reached its end.
The young man stood tall amidst the fading lightning—a disciple not born into a great clan, yet one who had climbed this far through sheer talent and effort.
When the tribulation cleared, his eyes glistened with emotion.
He first bowed deeply to Ji Liang in gratitude, then turned to Yu Xizhi.
“Thank you, Junior Sister. The Great Dao is simple. All things under heaven are but the breeze and drifting clouds.”
Yu Xizhi moved to sidestep the bow, but Xie Junzhi held her in place, forcing her to accept it graciously.
Flustered, she replied, “It was just coincidence. Congratulations, Senior Brother Chi, on reaching Overseeing The World.”
Countless eyes followed Chi Nan’s gaze to Yu Xizhi—and to the white-robed Little junior uncle standing beside her.
His expression remained aloof yet gentle, but the closeness between them made that detachment seem selective.
An elder holding a purple clay teacup wove through the crowd, his gaze settling on the youth in white.
Xie Junzhi met his eyes and gave a slight nod.
The elder suddenly smiled.
“‘Qingfeng Liuyun has always been the true sword of enlightenment. Why else would the sect have you practice it? You all rush to learn flashier techniques, but ask yourselves—have any of you truly mastered this foundation?”
His voice carried just far enough for all to hear.
Ji Liang’s pupils constricted as he hurried forward, his posture almost deferential.
“Elder Qi… When did you leave seclusion?”
“Woke up and decided to stretch my legs.”
Elder Qi’s eyes never left Xie Junzhi as he mused, “So the branches were yours, and the sword as well. To think you’ve grown so much since I last saw you.”
The words carried the tone of an elder addressing a junior—yet in this sect, Little junior uncle’s seniority was unmatched. Who dared speak to him like this?
And what did his words mean?
What branches? What sword?
Weren’t the branches just the dead forest of Qianya Peak? And the sword—wasn’t it Second Senior Sister’s?
Moreover, hadn’t Little junior uncle always been on that mountain, his youthful appearance merely a preference despite being as ancient as the peak masters? Otherwise, why would he be called “Little junior uncle”?
Yet this elder said, “You’ve grown so much”?
Just how old was this Elder Qi, then?
Xie Junzhi’s gaze turned icy, though his expression didn’t shift.
He regarded the elder from afar and answered, “People grow. Just as some… inevitably age.”
His voice was mild, his tone even, yet the words cut sharp—and carried unmistakable implication.
Elder Qi seemed ready to say more, but Xie Junzhi had already turned away, unwilling to entertain further cryptic exchanges.
Yu Xizhi naturally followed.
Yi Zui, Cheng Luochen, and the others trailed behind as the group mounted their swords.
Unable to contain himself, Yi Zui blurted, “Little junior uncle, what did Elder Qi mean about branches? Is there something special about the one Second Senior Sister uses to tie her hair? Or is there something about the Ten-Mile Barren Forest?”
The night was thick, but sword glows streaked across it.
Ahead, the withered trees swayed, while warm light and the scent of cooking smoke drifted from the peak.
Yu Xizhi sniffed the air.
“What’s Huang Li making tonight?”
“What else does he know how to make?”
Cheng Luochen replied, a faint smile in his eyes.
“Probably beef noodles again.”
The two chatted quietly, but their ears were perked, waiting to see if Xie Junzhi would answer Yi Zui.
“Nothing particularly special.”
Xie Junzhi, who disliked the wind when sword-riding, always traveled with a barrier.
While the others’ robes fluttered, his remained perfectly still, his demeanor coldly precise.
“Everyone has a lifebound sword. Of course, I’m no exception.”
Their figures skimmed over the Ten-Mile Barren Forest.
The group had begun to piece it together but hardly dared believe it.
“The Ten-Mile Barren Forest is my lifebound sword.”
