Chapter 580 - 475: Why Undergo a Tribulation? What If I Die?

The morning after Xiao Mo clashed with those scholar’s attendants from the Demon Race.

Cold Mountain Academy was celebrating its founding, so Shallow Study Peak was on a five-day holiday.

So, Tushan Jing Ci didn’t have to go to class today, and Xiao Mo didn’t have to accompany her to the Book Hall.

Xiao Mo planned to use this five-day holiday to attempt Crossing the Tribulation and reach Foundation Establishment.

Although his superficial injuries hadn’t healed yet, Xiao Mo felt it wasn’t a major issue.

Besides, today was an auspicious day. Xiao Mo felt that if he missed this chance, another one wouldn’t come for half a year.

And he couldn’t wait for half a year.

After getting up and changing, Xiao Mo planned to absorb the morning sun’s essence as usual, and then attempt to Cross the Tribulation in the afternoon.

However, when Xiao Mo stepped out of his room, he was taken aback.

Tushan Jing Ci was sitting on a stone stool in the courtyard.

In the past, whenever the Book Hall was on holiday, Tushan Jing Ci would always sleep in.

She wouldn’t get up until the sun shone on her rump.

But for Jing Ci to be up this early was truly unusual.

Tushan Jing Ci rested her chin in her hands, her fluffy fox tail swishing back and forth as she stared blankly out of the courtyard.

The usually carefree girl now actually looked somewhat sorrowful.

It seemed her little head was pondering something very important.

"You’re up early, Young Lady," Xiao Mo said with a smile, walking over to her.

"Ah!"

Lost in thought, Tushan Jing Ci jumped, the fur on her ears and tail instantly bristling.

"Xiao Mo, you scared me to death!" Tushan Jing Ci exhaled, repeatedly patting her chest with her small hands.

"My apologies, Young Lady. I didn’t do it on purpose." Xiao Mo smiled. "But you were staring into space. Is something troubling you?"

"Troubled? Not at all." Tushan Jing Ci sat up straight and shook her little head.

"Really?" Xiao Mo asked, looking into her fox-like eyes. "If something is troubling you, Young Lady, you can tell me. Maybe I can help you think of something."

"What troubles could I have? I don’t have any troubles!"

Tushan Jing Ci shook her head emphatically, but she kept stealing glances at Xiao Mo, looking as if she wanted to say something but held back.

"I see. Well, that’s good."

Xiao Mo could tell that Tushan Jing Ci definitely had something on her mind. But since she wasn’t saying anything, he felt it would be rude to press the issue.

After quickly washing up, Xiao Mo sat down facing the sun and began circulating the Great Dream of Yellow Millet to absorb the essence of the morning sun.

As a most orthodox Daoist Sect Technique, the Great Dream of Yellow Millet required one to absorb the essence of the sun and moon, comprehend the principles of heaven and earth, and merge oneself with nature.

And over the past year, the more Xiao Mo practiced the Great Dream of Yellow Millet, the more he sensed the freedom and spontaneity of this Cultivation Technique.

This Cultivation Technique had no rigid framework; it was more about following one’s heart, self-cultivation, and nurturing one’s disposition.

Because of this, Xiao Mo felt that if he could cultivate the Great Dream of Yellow Millet to its pinnacle, he could achieve a state where ’mastery of one art opens the door to all arts.’

Sitting to one side, Tushan Jing Ci was already used to seeing Xiao Mo glow.

Only, her gaze upon Xiao Mo seemed to hold a hint of childlike sorrow.

Two hours later, Xiao Mo opened his eyes to see Tushan Jing Ci still sitting on the stone stool, lost in a daze.

Her upper body was slumped over the table, her large fox tail swishing back and forth, restlessly flicking pebbles around on the ground.

Several times, Xiao Mo sensed that Tushan Jing Ci wanted to say something to him.

But each time, she gave up, seemingly unsure of how to start.

At lunch, Tushan Jing Ci started spouting some strange platitudes at Xiao Mo out of nowhere.

For example—

"I actually think the most important thing is just to be happy."

"The books say you can’t force things."

"Xiao Mo, I think you’re perfectly fine just the way you are!"

"Really, you are!"

Xiao Mo had no idea what she was getting at, so he could only nod along.

Seeing that Xiao Mo didn’t get her meaning, Tushan Jing Ci pouted, shoveled down the food in her bowl, and then fell silent.

Xiao Mo didn’t know how he had managed to anger her.

After finishing lunch, Tushan Jing Ci went back to her room to take an afternoon nap.

Once there was no sound from Tushan Jing Ci’s room, Xiao Mo, knowing she was asleep, opened his own door and walked out.

"Going to attempt Crossing Tribulation and Foundation Establishment?"

Just as Xiao Mo was about to step through the courtyard’s wicker gate, Yue Shi’s voice sounded from behind him.

Xiao Mo turned and nodded. "Yes, Sister Yue Shi. I’ve reached Qi Cultivation Perfection and I have the Elixir. It’s time to try for Foundation Establishment."

"Crossing the Tribulation is no small matter. Aren’t you going to tell the Young Lady?" Yue Shi asked.

"It’s precisely because it’s not a small matter that I can’t tell her."

Xiao Mo smiled and shook his head.

"The Young Lady may be innocent and naive, but she still knows what Crossing the Tribulation entails. If I tell her, it will only make her worry more."

"So it’s better to say nothing. But if I don’t come back... please tell her for me. Tell her... thank you for taking care of me all this time."

"Heh."

Yue Shi gave a short, cold laugh and tossed a vial of Elixir to Xiao Mo.

"This vial of Elixir is from the Madam. She told me to give it to you for your tribulation. When you think you’re about to die, take this. Perhaps—and I can only say perhaps—it might just save your life!"

"As for your thanks... you can tell her yourself."

As soon as she finished speaking, Yue Shi turned and entered Tushan Jing Ci’s room without waiting for Xiao Mo’s thanks.

’Another favor to repay...’

Looking at the vial of Elixir in his hand, Xiao Mo sighed softly, tucked it into his sleeve, and walked out of the courtyard.