Chapter 429 - 173: Zhao Xin’s Progress

’But I’m still too weak right now, so there’s nothing I can do.’

’What if I take all the explosives in my Storage Bracelet and use them on Yuan Kong all at once? Could I kill him?’ Xu Lei wondered.

During his first time Crossing the Tribulation, he hadn’t dared to bring anything with him, fearing the Nirvana Fire would incinerate it all.

But this time, Xu Lei was experienced and still Crossed the Tribulation with his Bodhisattva Mirror level of Cultivation.

Naturally, he brought various Magical Artifacts and a Storage Bracelet full of explosives.

However, it was uncertain if such a stunt would even kill Yuan Kong.

And by then, Xu Lei certainly wouldn’t be able to get by in the Celestial Palace anymore. He might even be killed and forced to reincarnate again.

He would have to make Zhao Xin wait for him all over again.

So, after some thought, he could only suppress the idea for now.

「Three months later.」

Zhao Xin felt an unprecedented advancement in her Cultivation. She discovered that after spending time with Xu Lei, her Cultivation speed seemed to have increased.

"Uncle Hui Chi, I feel like my Cultivation has become much smoother ever since I received your ’Charitable Giving,’" Zhao Xin said, a little bashfully.

Xu Lei smiled faintly. He guessed it might be related to the Nine Dragon Pattern Seal. This Cultivation Technique wasn’t just miraculously effective for young bodies; it also contained a powerful Innate Qi that was beneficial for Cultivation.

Furthermore, Xu Lei had cleverly avoided the baptism of the Nirvana Fire during his Ascension, preserving his body’s Innate Qi. This was likely the reason for his high cultivation efficiency.

"Perhaps it’s the effect of the Nine Dragon Dharma Seal. It might be more suitable for younger bodies," Xu Lei explained.

Zhao Xin nodded. She thought about how Xu Lei’s body was not only young but had also retained its Innate Qi. Coupled with the assistance of the Phoenix True Flame, all of this might have been nourishing her without her realizing it.

"In that case, I should thank you for nourishing me, Uncle Hui Chi," Zhao Xin teased with a smile.

Xu Lei laughed too. The atmosphere between them was relaxed and warm.

Afterward, Zhao Xin asked Xu Lei to be intimate with her again. Xu Lei naturally agreed and generously bestowed his "Charitable Giving" upon her.

In the blink of an eye, a year had passed since Xu Lei arrived in the Celestial Palace.

On this day, he prepared to challenge the Copper Puppet again.

Zhao Xin accompanied him, but to avoid attracting unnecessary attention, they walked to the assessment chamber one after the other, pretending to be strangers.

Jue Gen appeared again, trying to get close to Zhao Xin, but she continued to ignore him completely.

Despite this, Jue Gen seemed entirely undiscouraged, continuing to enjoy his one-sided pursuit of her.

Xu Lei found this kind of relentless pestering hard to understand.

Just then, the figure of the previous challenger emerged from the assessment chamber’s doorway.

Xu Lei took a deep breath, composed himself, and strode into the assessment chamber.

The door to the assessment chamber slowly closed, cutting off all sound from the outside world.

Inside the assessment chamber, the Copper Puppet stood silently in the center.

Its body, forged from refined copper, gleamed with a cold luster under the chamber’s light.

"Begin," a cold, indifferent voice echoed within the chamber.

The Copper Puppet immediately sprang into action. Its movements were swift and powerful, each attack whistling through the air.

Xu Lei focused completely, channeling his Magical Power. His Golden Magic Staff cut through the air, unleashing rumbling blasts of power in an attempt to block the Copper Puppet’s assault.

However, the Copper Puppet’s Power far exceeded Xu Lei’s expectations. Every one of its attacks placed him under immense pressure.

Although Xu Lei’s Magical Power could be recycled within the assessment chamber, he had almost no chance to catch his breath against the Copper Puppet’s relentless onslaught.

Time ticked by, second by second. Xu Lei’s body was soon covered in wounds, and his Magical Power was nearly depleted.

The protective barrier from his black alms bowl was shattered.

Finally, under a heavy blow from the Copper Puppet,

Xu Lei was sent flying, crashing heavily against the chamber wall.

The flow of Magical Power in the chamber gradually subsided as Xu Lei recalled it into his body.

The Copper Puppet ceased its attack and slowly retreated to its original position.

The assessment was over.

Xu Lei struggled to his feet and wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth. Although he had failed, it was within his expectations.

In fact, he had done better this time than the last.

Xu Lei estimated that if he continued like this, he should be able to pass the assessment after about ten more years of Cultivation.

For most others, that was already considered very fast.

The door to the assessment chamber slowly opened, and Xu Lei walked out.

Zhao Xin’s gaze immediately fell upon him, her eyes filled with concern.

"Uncle Hui Chi, how did it go?" Zhao Xin asked via voice transmission.

Xu Lei smiled faintly and replied via voice transmission, "I’m fine. I lost, but I feel like I’ve made some progress."

A flicker of relief passed through Zhao Xin’s eyes, but she couldn’t give Xu Lei a hug.

"Uncle Hui Chi, you’ve already done very well."

Zhao Xin continued via voice transmission, "This failure is only temporary. I believe you will pass the assessment eventually."

Xu Lei could feel Zhao Xin’s concern and support, which filled his heart with warmth.

"Xin’er, thank you."

Xu Lei sent via voice transmission, "With you by my side, I believe there’s nothing I can’t overcome."

Their gazes met, and everything was understood without words.

Of course, with Jue Gen nearby, they didn’t hold their gaze for long.

Afterward, Zhao Xin also entered the assessment chamber.

Outside the chamber, Xu Lei chatted with Wu Sheng while waiting for Zhao Xin to finish her assessment.

Wu Sheng expressed his admiration for Xu Lei’s Cultivation progress and shared some of his own insights.

After some time, the chamber door slowly opened, and Zhao Xin walked out. A slight smile was on her face, a clear sign she was satisfied with her assessment results.