Chapter 123

The tribulation lightning for ascension is not like ordinary tribulation lightning—it cannot be completed in just ten days or half a month.

Ning Xu had originally planned to observe and learn during this period, but to her surprise, on the second day of the former Tower Master’s ascension tribulation, she received an invitation to meet from the Lord of Sky City.

Since the other party could not contact her directly, they had to relay the message through the steward of Moon Moon Laurel Tower.

The City Lord’s invitation was unexpected yet not surprising to Ning Xu.

Mingyue Tower had always been the largest taxpayer in Sky City. Now that it had a new owner, it was only natural that the City Lord would want to meet her.

They agreed to meet the following afternoon at the largest restaurant in the city. Coincidentally, the meeting place happened to be the very same room where Ning Xu had first met the former Tower Master.

Having decided to attend the meeting, Ning Xu felt it was best to first learn more about the City Lord. If she could find out his weaknesses and preferences, she would not be at a disadvantage during their conversation.

Unless something unexpected happened, Moon Laurel Tower would continue to exist in Sky City for another three thousand years. As the saying goes, “A powerful dragon cannot suppress a local snake”—and in Sky City, the City Lord was the strongest local snake. He had operated in the city for many years, built extensive connections, and wielded great influence. In Sky City, he was an all-powerful presence.

Ning Xu was well aware of her knack for attracting trouble. While others might not be able to do anything to her directly, they could certainly target the employees of Moon Laurel Tower. Protecting her staff was also part of her responsibility as the Tower Master.

If she could establish a good relationship with the City Lord, then all potential problems would cease to be problems. The City Lord’s residence would become Moon Laurel Tower’s strongest backing.

Ning Xu and the Melon-Eating System discussed the matter at length. Once they were certain that there would be no issues during tomorrow’s meeting, she finally turned her attention back to the former Tower Master.

Time passed quickly, and in the blink of an eye, the next day arrived.

Ning Xu informed the Sword Immortal that she had some matters to attend to and would be leaving for a while.

The Sword Immortal hesitated for a moment before asking, “Do you need me to accompany you?”

Ning Xu was about to refuse when she noticed the old yellow ox beside her looking at her with eager eyes.

The Melon-Eating System cackled: 【I’ve figured it out—this old yellow ox may have an honest face, but it’s not the least bit well-behaved. Wherever there’s excitement, it just has to join in.】

Ning Xu had a fairly good impression of the old yellow ox, perhaps because it looked so simple and honest. Though she was well aware that beneath its skin lay the ferocious beast Yazi, and that its seemingly honest demeanor was just a disguise, she still did not feel any sense of caution around it. Once she returned to three thousand years in the future, she would no longer see this fun-loving old yellow ox.

After all, three thousand years later, it was still just an unhatched egg.

Their time together was already in its final countdown. They would not have much longer to spend together.

Thinking of this, Ning Xu could no longer bring herself to refuse.

She said, “I’m going to meet the City Lord. If you want to come along, you can.”

—

When Ning Xu arrived at the agreed meeting place, she saw the City Lord waiting at the entrance to greet her, along with an advisor standing beside him.

The City Lord had white hair and black eyes, with an appearance that seemed to be in his early twenties. However, from what Ning Xu had learned from the Melon-Eating System, he was actually over six hundred years old and had held the position of City Lord for more than four hundred years. Even though he looked like a young and cool nobleman, in reality, he was a mighty figure who had ruled from a high position for a long time.

However, this high-ranking powerhouse was unexpectedly friendly toward her.

He greeted her warmly, saying, “Hearing about you a hundred times is not as good as meeting you once. I never expected the Tower Master of Moon Laurel Tower to be so young—truly a talented youth.”

Ning Xu responded politely, “You flatter me, City Lord.”

The City Lord’s lips curved slightly. “How could it be flattery?” Then, he turned his gaze to the Sword Immortal beside Ning Xu and smiled. “I didn’t expect Fellow Daoist Si to be here as well. What wind has blown you over today?”

The Sword Immortal, as always, was concise with his words. “I came with her.”

The City Lord looked slightly surprised, but the expression quickly disappeared. He then enthusiastically invited them inside.

“Please, have a seat.”

Once Ning Xu and Si Zang sat down, the City Lord’s advisor served them tea and refreshments.

Ning Xu had not expected the City Lord’s advisor to be the one handling such tasks, so she stood up to accept the tea herself.

The advisor smiled at her, and after handing over the tea, he returned to stand behind the City Lord.

For a moment, the only sounds in the room were those of people quietly sipping tea.

Ning Xu took a sip, set down her teacup, and said, “Good tea.”

The City Lord extended his goodwill. “If you like it, you can take some back with you.”

Ning Xu accepted his kindness. “Then I’ll thank the City Lord in advance.”

After exchanging pleasantries, Ning Xu knew that the real discussion was about to begin.

Sure enough, as soon as they finished talking about tea, the City Lord broached the main topic. “I wonder what kind of relationship the Tower Master had with the former Tower Master? I have known her for many years, yet I have never heard her mention you before.”

Ning Xu smiled faintly. “The former Tower Master and I have only known each other for a few days.”

“A few days?”

The City Lord probed further. “And in just a few days, she entrusted Mingyue Tower to you?”

Over the years, many people had expressed interest in purchasing Mingyue Tower from the former Tower Master. Some had even approached the City Lord, offering large sums to take over the Tower, but she had always refused.

She had once said that even if the day came when she could no longer continue as Tower Master, she would never hand over the position lightly.

If she could not find the right successor, she would rather see Mingyue Tower shut down entirely.

It was clear that the former Tower Master had her own principles and standards for choosing a successor.

Ning Xu watched the curling smoke from the tea and replied, “The former Tower Master and I hit it off at first sight.”

Both the City Lord and his advisor couldn’t help but chuckle.

A young cultivator in her early twenties who had just entered the cultivation world, and an old cultivator who had lived for nearly ten thousand years—hit it off at first sight?

The City Lord half-joked, half-seriously asked, “Then I wonder, Tower Master, upon meeting me, do you also feel we have hit it off at first sight?”

Both the City Lord and Ning Xu had their own objectives. Hearing his question, she naturally responded, “Of course I do.”

The City Lord and his advisor both smiled with satisfaction.

Since both sides were willing to show goodwill, the conversation that followed was bound to go smoothly.

Ning Xu didn’t beat around the bush and spoke directly. “My foundation in Sky City is still shallow. Although I took over Mingyue Tower from the previous owner, I’m still using her original staff. I am weak and alone in Sky City, and if anyone wants to cause trouble for Moon Laurel Tower…”

She didn’t finish her sentence, but the City Lord understood the implications and smiled as he responded. “What is there to worry about? The entire Sky City is under the control of the Ji family. The previous owner of the tower contributed a substantial amount in taxes each year. Now that the tower has a new owner, I believe it will surpass its predecessor. Ensuring the safety and stability of Moon Moon Laurel Tower is also one of the City Lord’s Mansion’s responsibilities.”

Ning Xu smiled easily. “With the City Lord’s assurance, I can be at ease. In the coming millennia, I’ll be counting on your guidance.”

Hearing this, the City Lord’s smile deepened.

What did this mean? It meant that the Ji family would continue to reign over Sky City for the next few thousand years.

Though pleased, the City Lord hadn’t forgotten his primary reason for meeting Ning Xu today.

He smiled and said, “Dear sister, to be frank, I am extremely curious about the previous tower owner’s ascension tribulation. I wonder if you could enlighten me?”

The Melon-Eating System clicked its tongue twice. 【Just a moment ago, he was addressing you as ‘Tower Master,’ and now you’re ‘dear sister’? How pragmatic.】

Ning Xu made a gesture and calmly said, “What does the City Lord wish to know?”

The City Lord looked at her intently, as if he didn’t want to miss even the slightest change in her expression. He asked, word by word, “Was her ability to actively summon the ascension tribulation… related to you?”

As soon as he finished speaking, even the City Lord’s advisor and the Sword Immortal turned to look at her in unison.

The advisor was filled with excitement, while the Sword Immortal simply wanted to observe her.

Ning Xu chuckled but didn’t answer directly. Instead, she said something seemingly unrelated. “The Ji family’s ancestors once possessed a Hundred Flowers Glazed Lamp. If it could be recovered, perhaps another person could ascend.”

Hearing this, the City Lord’s breath hitched. He eagerly asked, “Do you know where the Hundred Flowers Glazed Lamp is?”

Ning Xu nodded. “I do.” Just as the City Lord was about to press further, she leisurely added, “The time is not yet right. I ask the City Lord to wait patiently.”

—

As Ning Xu left the restaurant, she could almost still feel the City Lord’s intense gaze on her.

The Melon-Eating System commented, 【This carrot is quite good—it can keep the Ji family on a tight leash, making them willingly wait for your next meeting. For the next three thousand years, there’s no need to worry about the safety of Moon Laurel Tower.】

That was because the City Lord’s Mansion would ensure its protection.

Even if Ning Xu wasn’t around, there would be no issues whatsoever. They could fully trust in the City Lord’s power.

Ning Xu said in a low voice, “For the next three thousand years, there will be no ascendants. That means even if the Ji family wants to produce one, they’ll have to wait three thousand years.”

The Melon-Eating System replied, 【For now, it seems the City Lord doesn’t have the fate to ascend. But who knows? You just gave him a clue about something he desires. Perhaps his destiny will change?】

【After all, three thousand years later, he’ll still be alive.】

【Without some fateful encounters, he wouldn’t survive that long.】

Ning Xu: “…”

“Will he still be guarding Moon Laurel Tower three thousand years later?”

【Yes, though by then, he will have stepped back from the front lines.】

【His eighteenth-generation descendant will have become the City Lord of Sky City and will still be diligently protecting Moon Laurel Tower.】

Perhaps because Ning Xu had become the owner of Moon Laurel Tower, the Melon-Eating System had unlocked more information related to it.

Ning Xu: “…” For some reason, she felt a bit moved. What was this feeling?

She hadn’t expected the City Lord to be so faithful to his word, guarding it for three thousand years. Even when he grew old, he didn’t forget to pass on this duty to his descendants.

The information she had just given him was well worth it.

They had already left the location where the previous tower owner underwent her tribulation for more than half a day. Looking at the Sword Immortal beside her, she said, “Let’s head back.”

The Sword Immortal replied, “Mm.”

Even though they had been away for a short time, it didn’t matter much.

Those with fate could gain enlightenment even from witnessing a small portion of the tribulation.

Those without fate might watch the entire process and still gain nothing.

In the end, it all depended on one’s comprehension and fortune.

—

Ten days passed in a flash.

Soon, the previous tower owner faced the last two bolts of heavenly tribulation.

The final two bolts carried an overwhelming presence, showing no mercy, making the spectators feel immense pressure.

Those with lower cultivation could no longer withstand the tribulation’s oppressive aura and immediately retreated to a safer distance.

Those who remained were cultivators who had already attained a certain level of strength.

Ning Xu asked, “Melon, do you think she will succeed?”

The Melon-Eating System replied, 【Host, I’ve told you before, haven’t I? In the history of the cultivation world, only three people have successfully ascended. After them, no one else has succeeded.】

Cultivators had good memories, and Ning Xu clearly recalled what the system had told her.

She asked, “So she…”

【And she just so happens to be the last one to succeed. After her, for three thousand years, no one else will ascend!】

As it finished speaking, the Melon-Eating System let out a smug laugh. 【Out of the three successful ascendants, one only succeeded because of you. My host, that’s incredible!】

Ning Xu: !!!

That was… truly incredible.

Just as the Melon-Eating System finished speaking, the previous tower owner, as it had predicted, successfully overcame the ascension tribulation. A golden-light-filled ascension passageway emerged!

As soon as the ascension passage appeared, the storm cleared, and the once-deadly tribulation lightning vanished completely. All that remained within sight was the dazzling ascension passage.

For a moment, the barren mountain, filled with high-level cultivators, became as lively as a marketplace.

“She made it? She actually made it?”

“Is this real? No one has ascended in countless years, and now I’ve witnessed one?”

“We’re witnessing history, brothers!”

“I’m not the one ascending, but why am I so emotional? My eyes are tearing up.”

The City Lord and his advisor were also present.

Seeing this symbol of success, even the City Lord momentarily lost his composure.

“She… ascended. She really ascended!”

From now on, their statuses would be as far apart as the clouds and the dirt.

The advisor wiped his eyes emotionally and said with conviction, “City Lord, the new tower owner didn’t say it outright, but I have a strong feeling that the previous tower owner’s success was entirely thanks to her.”

The City Lord didn’t reply. He knew the advisor’s intuition was incredibly accurate.

That intuition had helped them avoid many difficulties and seize many opportunities.

“City Lord, she has already pointed you in the right direction. As long as you find the Hundred Flowers Glazed Lamp, you will have a chance to ascend!”

“If you maintain a good relationship with her, I believe that day will come sooner or later.”

The City Lord stared intently at the ascension passage and solemnly said, “I trust my advisor’s words.”

“Rest assured, as long as I live, Moon Laurel Tower will always remain safe in Sky City.”

—

Under the gaze of countless onlookers, the previous tower owner stepped into the ascension passage with unwavering determination.

The moment she entered, her grievous injuries miraculously healed.

She hadn’t forgotten her promise to Ning Xu.

So, as soon as she entered, she decided to immediately fulfill their agreement and send Ning Xu a wisp of Primal Chaos Qi.

However, there were too many cultivators present, so she quickly devised a plan.

—

In the distance, more cultivators continued rushing toward the scene. Sky City and its surroundings were nearly overwhelmed by the gathering cultivators.

To their surprise, a dense fog suddenly enveloped the ascension passage.

Just as they were wondering about its origin, a golden light shot out from the passage. It appeared suddenly and disappeared even faster, vanishing into the crowd before anyone could react.

Some lower-level cultivators were puzzled. “What was that golden light?”

“Yeah, it looked impressive. Could it be some kind of treasure?”

“An ascension produces treasures? What kind of treasure?”

A knowledgeable cultivator gasped in shock. “That was Primal Chaos Qi!”

“It was Primal Chaos Qi!”

Upon hearing this, the low-level cultivators finally realized what it was.

They had an epiphany.

The previous tower owner must have gifted a wisp of Primal Chaos Qi to someone in the crowd.

So now, the real question was—who was the lucky recipient?

And why were they chosen?

They could accept someone ascending, but knowing someone had received Primal Chaos Qi made them seethe with jealousy.