After Transmigrating Into The Body Of The Chief Disciple, The Villain Was Reborn. - Chapter 5

Four years later.

As the Foundation Establishment lightning tribulation approached, Ning Yuzhao felt a wave of anxiety. He gripped Lu Shi’an’s sleeve tightly, his voice trembling. “Senior Brother, I am afraid.”

Lu Shi’an stroked Ning Yuzhao’s head gently to comfort him. “Don’t be afraid. I am here.”

As the lightning tribulation descended, Lu Shi’an deployed his protective formation, shielding Ning Yuzhao firmly within it. He watched Ning Yuzhao with intense nervousness and worry. Dark clouds gathered in the sky, and thunder roared as the Foundation Establishment tribulation arrived.

Standing on the mountaintop, Ning Yuzhao was understandably frightened, as this was his first time undergoing such a tribulation. However, seeing his Senior Brother guarding him, his anxiety began to dissipate. He took a deep breath, adjusted his inner energy, and prepared to face the test.

Lu Shi’an’s heart raced, and his palms were damp with sweat. He knew the tribulation was a necessary trial; only by surviving it could a cultivator truly become powerful. Nevertheless, watching the young boy standing within the formation, he could not help but feel anxious.

Suddenly, the first bolt of lightning struck. Ning Yuzhao raised his sword to meet it. With a deafening boom, the lightning and the sword collided, releasing a blinding light. Ning Yuzhao’s body shuddered, but he stood firm. Seeing this, Lu Shi’an felt a surge of relief. He knew the first bolt had been overcome, but the subsequent ones would be even more powerful.

As time passed, bolts of lightning continued to fall. Ning Yuzhao’s body began to show signs of injury, but he did not falter. He continuously adjusted his breathing to face the onslaught. Finally, the last bolt arrived. Ning Yuzhao channeled his remaining strength to meet it. Another massive boom echoed, and after the brilliant flash of light faded, Ning Yuzhao had successfully achieved Foundation Establishment.

Lu Shi’an was filled with joy and excitement. He ran to Ning Yuzhao and hugged him tightly. “Congratulations, Yuzhao! You succeeded!”

Ning Yuzhao threw himself into Lu Shi’an’s arms and chirped, “Senior Brother, I did it!” Lu Shi’an smiled, a sense of pride and relief welling up within him.

After the tribulation, the body’s injuries were naturally healed by the baptism of spiritual energy, so there was no need for concern. Seeing the boy standing before him, his clothes tattered and his face covered in soot, Lu Shi’an could not resist a playful jab. “Where did this little stray cat come from?”

Ning Yuzhao immediately covered his face with his hands, leaving only his bright, sparkling eyes exposed. “Senior Brother, you are so mean to mock me!”

Lu Shi’an laughed out loud at his adorable appearance. “Alright, alright, it is my fault. Don’t be angry. Let’s go get the little kitten some clean clothes.” He took Ning Yuzhao’s hand and led him inside.

Once indoors, Lu Shi’an cast a cleansing spell to wash away the grime, then produced a set of clothes he had prepared in advance to help him change. Throughout the process, neither of them felt anything amiss. Lu Shi’an had long viewed Ning Yuzhao as his own son, meticulously taking care of every detail of his life for the past four years.

Before they could share a moment of respite, Lu Shi’an received a telepathic message from his master. “Shi’an, now that the tribulation is over, bring your Junior Brother to the Assembly Hall. I have a task for you.”

Lu Shi’an pondered this silently. Over the past four years, his master had rarely contacted them proactively, mostly offering brief guidance on their cultivation and otherwise leaving them to their own devices. Why summon them now so suddenly, and with Yuzhao in tow? Was there something urgent?

Noticing his Senior Brother’s silence and thoughtful expression, Ning Yuzhao felt a wave of insecurity. Fearing his appearance might have been ruined by the lightning, he asked anxiously, “Senior Brother, did the lightning ruin my face? Have I become ugly?”

His voice was laced with tears, as if he might cry at any moment. Lu Shi’an snapped out of his thoughts and comforted him immediately. “How could that be? Yuzhao is still as handsome and cute as ever.” He looked at the boy tenderly, scanning his face with doting eyes.

“I just received a message from Master,” Lu Shi’an explained. “He wants me to take you to the Assembly Hall. I am wondering if there is an urgent matter we need to handle.”

His gentle, warm voice calmed Ning Yuzhao’s anxiety. As long as he had not become ugly, the boy was satisfied. After all, his Senior Brother loved this face the most, and it could not be ruined. “Senior Brother, since Master has summoned us, let us go quickly.”

“Agreed.”

Half an incense stick later, the two arrived at the Assembly Hall. Inside, they found two others besides their Master: a stunningly beautiful woman, the Peak Master of the Sixth Peak, Venerable Yuling, who specialized in alchemy; and a burly, rugged-looking man, the Peak Master of the Ninth Peak, Venerable Chaofan, who specialized in the blade.

They walked forward and bowed in unison. “Disciples Lu Shi’an and Ning Yuzhao greet Master and the two Venerables.”

Before the Sect Master could speak, Venerable Yuling smiled and congratulated them. “Congratulations to Yuzhao on achieving Foundation Establishment! To succeed in only four years of cultivation with such talent, I am afraid only Shi’an can compare to you. Your cultivation speed is simply crushing the rest of the cultivation world!”

Venerable Chaofan laughed heartily and chimed in, “Indeed! Foundation Establishment in four years, and Shi’an has reached the late stage of Golden Core at only twenty. This talent is extremely rare in the entire cultivation world. You two are geniuses among geniuses!”

Seeing the two continuing to heap praise on his disciples, the Sect Master interrupted them. “Enough, enough. No matter how you praise them, they are still my disciples, and you cannot envy that.” He could not hide the pride and joy in his voice.

“Thank you, Venerables, for your kind words. Master, may I ask why you have summoned us? Is there something urgent?” Lu Shi’an asked respectfully.

At the mention of this, the smiles vanished from the faces of the Sect Master and the two Venerables, replaced by heavy, grave expressions.