My System, My Wife Feng Aotian [Transmigration] - Chapter 32.2

Inside the arena-like cage, Xue Bufan narrowly dodged a bolt of lightning and spat out a mouthful of blood.

A raspy voice from the ring on his finger scolded, “Too slow.”

“Yes, Master,” Xue Bufan replied. Taking a deep breath, he gripped his sword in one hand and a talisman in the other. As the next wave of lightning surged toward him, he hurled the Protective Talisman, creating a brief safe zone. He darted behind the Thunder Beast and thrust his sword forward.

The Thunder Beast let out a pained roar.

The voice in the ring said smugly, “Excellent. With your exceptional spiritual roots and the cultivation technique I taught you, dealing with this Thunder Beast should be effortless. Even though it’s in the Early Foundation Establishment Stage and its realm surpasses yours, you’ve experienced the Late Foundation Establishment Stage as a cultivator. Plus, with the Talisman Protection I taught you, why would you fear it?”

Xue Bufan remained silent, sprinting frantically to evade the lightning. He hadn’t fully recovered to the Foundation Establishment Stage and couldn’t fly on his sword, forced to dart back and forth across the platform.

The arena for the second combat trial, like the Dungeon Maze, was constructed from the same material. No matter how fiercely the lightning roared, it vanished harmlessly upon striking the walls.

Xue Bufan calmly searched for an opportunity to ambush the Thunder Beast. Despite his Master’s assurances of ease, facing a creature so far beyond his current cultivation level was terrifying. Several times, he narrowly escaped disaster.

The more desperate the situation grew, the more Xue Bufan yearned for his former cultivation level. Gritting his teeth, he endured the pain and trembling from the lightning strikes, charging forward.

Amidst the excruciating pain, Xue Bufan’s mind went blank. His Spiritual Consciousness seemed to enter another realm. Floating in this illusory void, he muttered to himself, “I clearly have a Thunder Spiritual Root. Why should being attacked by a Thunder Beast cause me such agonizing pain?”

In a flash of divine inspiration, Xue Bufan’s eyes snapped open. He extended his palm and reached out to grasp the lightning.

This time, he wasn’t blocking it—he was absorbing it!

The Spiritual Consciousness within the ring peeked out, its color draining in shock. The boy was actually absorbing the Thunder Beast’s power—and succeeding!

What a terrifying realization! What extraordinary talent!

A Supreme Thunder Spiritual Root!

The Spiritual Consciousness trembled with excitement, watching Xue Bufan absorb the Thunder Beast bit by bit, then in great gulps. The lightning-infused spiritual power flowed into his spiritual veins, surging along their edges and gradually repairing the once-damaged traces, filling the gaps.

As his spiritual veins smoothed, Xue Bufan’s cultivation steadily advanced, until he crossed that familiar threshold.

The world suddenly brightened.

Unbeknownst to him, Xue Bufan had returned to the Foundation Establishment Stage.

The lightning of Foundation Establishment descended, merging with the Thunder Beast’s dying roar as Xue Bufan devoured it all. The lightning continued to strike, and the Spiritual Consciousness kept count: twelve strikes in total.

A Great Perfection Foundation Establishment!

“Hiss! This boy…”

Before the Spiritual Consciousness could finish speaking, Xue Bufan, his eyes blazing with light, knelt before it and exclaimed fervently, “Thank you, Master, for your guidance!”

“……”

After a moment of deathly silence, the Spiritual Consciousness burst into laughter. “Hahaha! Good boy! I knew you could do it!”

His tone was filled with unwavering conviction. “The Inheritance I left behind is rightfully yours!”

Xue Bufan smiled, his heart swelling with joy and pride. The second Foundation Establishment had swept away all his long-suppressed frustration. He bowed deeply to the Spiritual Consciousness and said, “The second trial is broken. I’ll immediately proceed to the third. But Master, since Thunder Qilin was once your Contracted Spirit Beast, wouldn’t you like to see it?”

Even as a Spiritual Consciousness, he was still an extraordinary existence. Xue Bufan desperately wanted to take Thunder Qilin with him; its innate compatibility with his Thunder Spiritual Root was unparalleled. If his Master agreed, Xue Bufan would take Thunder Qilin.

His Master had said his physical body had been reduced to ashes by heavenly lightning, but the bond with spirit beasts was etched into the divine soul. If his Master would release Thunder Qilin from their contract, Xue Bufan could form a new bond with it.

The Fire Rock Jiao Dragon was another spirit beast left by his Master, but unfortunately, it had chosen Feng Jue. Thunder Qilin, however, was different. With his Supreme Thunder Spiritual Root, Thunder Qilin should surely be drawn to him… right?

Xue Bufan swallowed hard, his thoughts lingering hesitantly.

“If Thunder Qilin’s Spiritual Consciousness comes with us, it would be an excellent life-saving measure,” Xue Bufan said. “I could then better help Master collect the remaining fragments of its consciousness.”

The indistinct Spiritual Consciousness floating before him waved its hand. “Enough. Thunder Qilin is proud and arrogant. You’re not capable of controlling it now. Your goal on this journey is my inheritance. Obtain the inheritance first, leave the Secret Realm, and cultivate diligently. When the Secret Realm opens again, it won’t be too late to come back for Thunder Qilin.”

Xue Bufan felt a flicker of doubt, but remembering that Thunder Qilin had once been his Master’s Contracted Spirit Beast, he reasoned that his Master’s understanding of it far surpassed his own. He acquiesced, rose, and stepped through the woven gate.

The moment he emerged from the lightning-tinged portal, a mountainous shadow descended, sending a jolt of fear through his heart.

It was Thunder Qilin’s Spiritual Consciousness.

It was strange. When he first climbed the Ladder to Immortality, Thunder Qilin had merely manifested as a phantom at the Immortal Palace. Now, it was projecting an illusory form of its true self to wait for him. The doubts his Master had planted resurfaced.

Is it truly impossible to contract it?

Thunder Qilin was also observing Xue Bufan.

Its massive head swayed, causing the thunderclouds across the entire sky to ripple in sync. “You also use a sword?” it rumbled.

“Also?” Xue Bufan sharply seized on the keyword.

The Thunder Qilin lowered its head, scrutinizing Xue Bufan with keen interest. After a long pause, it shook its head and muttered, “Thunder Spiritual Root,” before suddenly dissipating.

“The second trial is passed. You may enter the third trial.”

Xue Bufan immediately broke into a smile. Adjusting his attire, he strode toward the third trial while simultaneously sending a telepathic message to the Spiritual Consciousness within his ring:

“Master, the third trial is a Literary Trial. You’ve told me that as long as I memorize all the books in the Library Pavilion and answer the questions within the allotted time, I can pass.”

“But I’m unsure how many books there are. Though I’ve studied since childhood, I’m not someone who pores over books day and night,” Xue Bufan said nervously.

“Fear not!” the Spiritual Consciousness rasped. “I will naturally assist you. I still remember a few questions from the third trial’s examination. Once inside, memorize these questions first, then focus on the others.”

Xue Bufan paused, frowning. “But Master,” he protested, “if you reveal these questions to me, wouldn’t that be unfair to Palace Master Feng and Miss Qiu?”

“Haha!” The Spiritual Consciousness laughed heartily, calling him a foolish disciple. “I already scolded you for being too soft-hearted and telling them about the last two trials. We’ve come this far—why are you still so weak?”

“What fairness exists in this world? Didn’t I teach you to put yourself first? Nothing should stand in your way! Even if you could ascend to heaven in a single step, that would be your destiny! What you deserve! A fool is one who passes up a shortcut. Would you rather watch your opportunity fall into someone else’s hands?”

“Once you obtain the inheritance, it won’t just be a single step to heaven! Even if you ascend in broad daylight, others will only be left in awe!”

“Remember how you were treated after your spiritual roots were crippled. Do you want to be humiliated, mocked, and scorned again?”

Recalling how even his closest relatives had stripped away their pretense of kindness after his spiritual roots were crippled, Xue Bufan lowered his head, his eyes dimming. He nodded and murmured, “Master is right. This disciple was narrow-minded.”

The Spiritual Consciousness smiled in satisfaction. “Good. Rest assured, the inheritance will ultimately be yours! That woman who broke off the engagement with you has a fierce Thunder Beast. She’ll need to fight fiercely. You’ve already entered the Third Trial ahead of her, and with my assistance, you’ll definitely pass the final trial before her!”

“Excellent! Thank you, Master!” Xue Bufan exclaimed.

In another realm, a fierce battle raged, though it was overwhelmingly one-sided.

Before ascending the Ladder to Immortality, Feng Jue had bathed in the Jade House. The bathwater, infused with spiritual materials, nourished her spiritual veins. She had also consumed numerous healing potions, though the injuries from the Shen Maiden’s self-destruction had not fully healed, they were manageable.

She had also changed into new magical robes, protective gear, and accessories, ready for her confrontation with the Thunder Beast.

But now, what was the situation?

Feng Jue stood within Fanzhi, her face expressionless, clutching her Natal Magic Weapon.

Outside Fanzhi, a shallow silver protective shield encased the bell and its occupant.

Beyond the two layers of protection, lightning crackled and thunder roared as a massive Nascent Soul Stage Thunder Beast clashed fiercely with a silver sphere no larger than its own fingernail.

She had been wrong.

Feng Jue pursed her lips, pondering. She had underestimated 03, simplifying its descriptions of “strong,” “excellent,” and “high-level.” She shouldn’t have assumed 03’s cultivation level was Late Golden Core Stage or higher. Judging by this scene, the Ball System was at least at the Early Nascent Soul Stage!

Boom!!

As the deafening booms echoed ahead, Feng Jue’s fingers curled slightly. No, perhaps it was more accurate to say that the Ball System’s cultivation level defied conventional definition.

Her expression grew even stiffer.

Bang!

Boom!

Ahead, the floating Small System held its little sword aloft, unleashing a blade of sword energy.

A thousand frosty winds surged, filling the world with swirling ice and snow. Even the invisible lightning was frozen solid as the Thunder Beast was relentlessly pursued, its panicked roars echoing through the air.

03: Exchange for Scarlet Moon Spirit Seal?

03: Exchange.

A long strip appeared above the Small System’s head, displaying [ -3,000,000 points ]. In the next instant, a blood-red seal platform shot out from its body, splitting into two, then four, then eight, flying to the corners and forming an impenetrable prison that trapped the Thunder Beast.

Within the confined space, a waning crimson moon rose, its deep, blood-red glow casting a sinister crimson hue over the entire area.

The moonlight, sharp as blades, sliced into the Thunder Beast’s body. Terrified, the mindless phantom was on the verge of gaining consciousness from the relentless assault.

03 browsed the shop, selecting carefully. [ Exchange for Heaven-Shaking Thunder? ]

Yes.

-200,000 points.

A deafening roar suddenly erupted from the crimson space, shaking the earth violently and making the thunderclouds enveloping the Immortal Palace tremble. Cultivators observing the palace from afar heard the violent thunderclaps, so intense they could shatter a person’s soul, and fled in terror.

Feng Jue sighed and lowered her head, even she feeling a rare pang of sympathy. She couldn’t resist stroking the trembling dragon head beside her. Lingshi’s head was buried in its coils, having twisted itself into an immovable knot.

Five consecutive “-200,000” numbers appeared above 03’s head, and the thunderous barrage continued. The Thunder Beast, dazzled by moonlight and blasted by Heaven-Shaking Thunder, was reduced to a shimmering illusion of lightning, violently shattered into smoke.

Then, it vanished like ashes and smoke.

Task complete. 03 lowered its small sword. Inside the bubble, the sweating System raised a matchstick to wipe its brow and exhaled.

“Phew.”

Mission accomplished.

The floating mission panel grayed out the objective: “Protect Feng Jue, defeat the Thunder Beast, and complete the second stage.” Satisfied, 03 stored the Scarlet Moon Spirit Seal, opened its work log, and drifted toward Feng Jue.

While drifting, it logged: “Effort was put into selecting the most cost-effective items from the diverse inventory. Though only a few points were spent, this demonstrated the System’s exceptional capabilities to the Host. This is what humans call ‘achieving great results with minimal investment,’ I suppose.”

As the log entry finished, flowers sprouted from the System’s head, then cracked against the Protective Shield, shattering it and smacking the flowers onto its head.

03 froze momentarily.

Oh, right, I forgot about this.

It hastily retracted its Protective Shield and greeted its Host, saying, “Heaven-Shaking Thunder and the Protective Shield are quite effective, but they’re single-use items. For sustainable development, I should introduce some reusable tools.”

Feng Jue tilted her head back. “Oh…”

Lingshi, who had been clinging to Feng Jue’s leg and eager to join the fight, suddenly let out a whimpering sound after facing off against the silver mass.

Both Feng Jue and the System instinctively glanced at the Fire Rock Jiao Dragon.

How did it get pinched?

The Fire Rock Jiao Dragon: Woo…

Seeing the dragon’s fearful gaze, Feng Jue gasped, snapping back to reality. She turned to 03 and said, “You…”

03, holding its little sword, looked back innocently.

“What exactly is the extent of your cultivation?” Feng Jue asked, drawing in a sharp breath.

Should I calculate it based on the mission world’s standards?

03 pulled up its point balance, referenced the exchange rate for cultivation levels in the mission world, and calculated swiftly. “If the Host has expectations of me, I can achieve anything.”

Feng Jue paused, then slowly closed her eyes.

At that moment, Feng Jue recalled the treasures 03 had mentioned earlier—each one capable of causing a bloodbath in the cultivation world. Yet if 03 wanted, it could produce them in an instant.

Feng Jue’s chest heaved as she slowly exhaled. “Doesn’t that mean you can give me anything I want?”

The path to breaking the narrative and quickly ascending to immortality lay right before her.

Flowers sprouted above 03’s head. “Yes, I’ll give you everything.”

“But those are your merit points,” Feng Jue murmured softly. 03 had existed for far longer than she’d imagined, accumulating each point through countless missions.

03 didn’t understand Feng Jue’s hesitation. It retracted its little sword, floated into Feng Jue’s palm, and gently tapped the ring on her left ring finger.

“It doesn’t matter. You can make any request of me. After all, you’ve already given me so much before I ever gave you anything,” 03 said. “So, Feng Jue, you can have whatever you desire.”

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