Volume Five: Amethyst Turns to Smoke Chapter Eleven: Jinlin Faces the Tribulation

Phoenix Spirit Mountain remained unchanged as always. Jinlin slipped off the vehicle and, guided by Yaoguang, vanished beyond the barrier.

"Yao, I’m finally home," Jinlin said, gazing at the scenery that was both familiar and strange.

"Yes, you are," Yaoguang sighed beside the Spirit Stream. "Jinlin, let me take you to the Thousand Carp Pond. I built it especially for you when I first created Phoenix Spirit Mountain. You’ll face your tribulation there."

"Alright." Yaoguang led Jinlin to the Immortal Gazing Terrace atop the mountain. As they arrived, Jinlin hesitated, but Yaoguang gave her a gentle glance and pointed to the newly built stairs. Jinlin shook her head and slithered up the steps, while Yaoguang glanced helplessly at the male immortal beside her, then leapt lightly onto the terrace.

"It’s beautiful here," Jinlin said, mesmerized by the view, then glanced at Yaoguang and slid toward the water, sending up a great splash.

"Jinlin, welcome home." Suddenly, countless figures appeared above the water’s surface. Jinlin poked her head out, thrilled as she recognized face after face. News of Jinlin’s return had reached Phoenix Spirit Mountain long ago; all were ready to welcome her back.

Jinlin swam through the water like a child.

"Yaoyao, when will Jinlin’s tribulation lightning arrive?" the male immortal asked, watching her shadow flicker in the water.

"It should be in the next few days. The timing of this case was a stroke of luck—otherwise, I’d have had to go to Miaojiang specifically to bring Jinlin home. Here at Phoenix Spirit Mountain, her chances are better," Yaoguang replied.

"But how do you know exactly when Jinlin’s tribulation is? That’s a heavenly secret," the immortal asked, puzzled.

"Some things are better left unsaid among friends," Yaoguang shot him a look.

"You! Getting bolder by the day," the immortal said, exasperated.

"The spiritual energy in this pond is abundant—perfect for Jinlin’s cultivation. I’ll stay here until her tribulation is over, then return to Yecheng," Yaoguang said, stretching out on a chaise lounge. "Will you stay with me or head back to the residence?"

"I’ll do as you say," the immortal replied, watching Yaoguang.

"Silly," Yaoguang rolled her eyes, drew a talisman, then turned to him. "Then let’s all stay—have Yitian bring everyone over."

"Yao, are there mosquitoes here? Do I need to keep watch tonight?" Jinlin surfaced from the water.

"None here—rest easy," Yaoguang replied fondly.

"Then should I sleep inside or outside tonight? The house is big enough," Jinlin swam over.

"Wherever you want, whatever makes you happy," Yaoguang said, reaching out to stroke Jinlin’s massive head.

"Then I’ll sleep inside, and he can sleep outside," Jinlin looked at the male immortal.

"Why?" the immortal protested.

"Yaoguang said, ‘whatever makes you happy,’" Jinlin replied.

"Yaoyao, look at her—you’ve spoiled her rotten," the immortal pouted.

"Not my problem. You two figure it out," Yaoguang shrugged.

"You’re impossible!" the immortal exclaimed.

"Haha, I don’t care either," Jinlin laughed, scooping Yaoguang onto her back. "If only I could carry you like this forever."

"We have carriages now—no need for you to work so hard. I used to carry you; now you’re carrying me," Yaoguang replied, lying proudly atop Jinlin.

"Yaoguang, once I pass my tribulation, I’ll transform into a flood dragon and take you flying. I’ll train diligently—once I become a true dragon, I’ll carry you through clouds and across seas like the White Dragon Immortal. I’ll carry you forever, until the end of time," Jinlin said solemnly.

"Deal," Yaoguang crossed her legs, full of faith in Jinlin. "Jinlin, your lightning tribulation will come soon. Be ready."

"Don’t worry—I won’t let you down," Jinlin promised.

"I know you won’t," Yaoguang replied, and after days of exhaustion, she fell asleep atop Jinlin. The male immortal whispered to Jinlin, "She really is tired, falling asleep like this. She must really care about you—anyone else would have frozen solid from your cold aura."

"Yaoguang is wonderful. She used to carry me in a bamboo basket. By the way, what about you? Can you still have a physical body?" Jinlin whispered.

"It’s a long story," the immortal replied. "If I keep cultivating and ascend to the rank of immortal, some things will become possible, but having a physical body again isn’t one of them."

"What really happened? Can you tell me?" Jinlin asked.

"Of course," the male immortal climbed onto Jinlin’s back and began to recount the tale.

"It must have been hard for you. The Ghost Sect’s crimes are unforgivable," Jinlin said after hearing the story, shaking her head helplessly.

"It’s all in the past. Things are good now. As for the Ghost Sect, Yaoguang is still investigating—they won’t escape," the immortal replied.

"In the future, I’ll help too," Jinlin said.

"I believe in you," the immortal smiled.

Night fell without them realizing it. The immortal and the serpent chatted contentedly, and the sleeper on Jinlin’s back enjoyed a rare sense of peace.

In the days that followed, Jinlin cultivated in the water, ever-prepared for the coming tribulation. Meanwhile, Yaoguang gathered every elixir, herb, and treasure she could find to aid Jinlin’s transformation—the tribulation for becoming a flood dragon would be even more severe, and Yaoguang had to prepare thoroughly.

On the tenth morning, a sharp wind woke Yaoguang. She sat up and looked to the horizon—black clouds were already gathering. Yaoguang leapt up, barefoot, and ran to the water’s edge. "Jinlin, the tribulation is here!"

With a great splash, Jinlin surfaced in the center of the pond, her massive form twisting.

Above, the black clouds roiled, and from within them shone streaks of gold. "Golden lightning! Jinlin has drawn golden lightning—unbelievable. Has she already reached the threshold of immortality?" Yaoguang stared in amazement at the approaching male immortal.

Thunder crashed. The first bolt of golden lightning struck. Jinlin met it head-on, and where it hit her, the golden scales turned black.

Another crash. Jinlin did not evade, using her immense body to receive the second bolt.

The third strike landed with a mighty crack. Jinlin’s great form fell, crashing into the water, sending a cloud of blood billowing around her.

"Jinlin!" Yaoguang’s heart ached—the golden lightning was too fierce. Just three bolts had shattered Jinlin’s scales, as hard as steel.

A fourth bolt struck. Jinlin leapt from the water to meet it, her enormous body now scorched and bleeding from every burn.

The fifth bolt came down straight on her head. With a anguished cry, Jinlin slammed back into the water, shedding even more blood.

"Yaoguang, Jinlin is seriously hurt. Can’t you help her?" The male immortal was frantic.

"I can’t. No one can intervene in the transformation of serpent to flood dragon, or flood dragon to true dragon. Born of the earth, she now seeks to soar the heavens—this is the trial she must endure." Yaoguang shook her head helplessly.

The sixth thunderbolt fell. Jinlin once again rose to meet it.

"Jinlin!" Yaoguang wept. After six strikes, not a single part of Jinlin’s body was unharmed—some wounds were so deep that bone showed. Exhausted, she fell back into the water.

But the golden lightning did not stop. The seventh bolt struck, and blood sprayed from Jinlin’s wounds.

With a heartrending cry, Jinlin suddenly soared from the water.

Thunder roared. The eighth and ninth bolts fell together, bursting blossoms of blood in midair. After being struck by both, Jinlin stopped struggling and crashed heavily into the water, her body sinking into the depths. The surface calmed, save for ripples and scattered crimson blooms.

"Jinlin! Jinlin! Jinlin, answer me!" Yaoguang screamed at the water, her voice torn with anguish.

A sharp chittering sounded. The Golden Silkworm Gu King, who knew from whence it had come, circled above the blood, its beady black eyes frantic.

"Jinlin! Jinlin!" Yaoguang cried. But the water remained still. "No—" her wail split the sky. The black clouds melted away and sunlight poured down, but Yaoguang, her tears blurring her vision, saw only the unbroken surface of the water. "Jinlin..." she sobbed, falling to her knees in agony. She had only just found her again—how could she lose her so soon? Hadn’t Jinlin promised to carry her through eternity? Why break that vow?

One by one, the immortals gathered silently beneath the high terrace, watching the water and Yaoguang’s inconsolable grief. Not a word was spoken. The once vibrant mountain seemed suspended, as if time itself had paused.

Suddenly, excited chittering erupted as the Golden Silkworm Gu King darted above the water. Yaoguang looked up in shock—amid the blood, crimson lotus blossoms slowly began to form, glowing with an ethereal light.

"Jinlin?" Yaoguang’s eyes widened.

With a crash, the water exploded, drenching the Gu King. Light flashed before Yaoguang’s eyes, and a vast shadow burst from the depths, soaring skyward.

"Jinlin!" Yaoguang cried in joy. In the sky, the great figure was no longer that of a serpent—her head was now elongated, a pair of sharp horns grew from her crown, spikes jutted from her tail, two limbs had formed beneath her belly, and she now possessed four legs. Her golden scales shimmered with iridescent light.

A cheer went up, followed by a chorus of joyous cries. Jinlin swept down and coiled around Yaoguang, who landed atop her back, seizing her horns as Jinlin soared into the heavens.

"Yao, I did it," came Jinlin’s voice.

"I told you, you could. Wait, your voice has changed," Yaoguang said.

"How so?" Jinlin asked.

"It’s even more beautiful now," Yaoguang laughed.

"Mischievous," Jinlin replied coyly.

Giggles echoed between them.

Yaoguang did not return to Yecheng until a month later. Having finally reunited with Jinlin and witnessed her success, Yaoguang naturally wanted to stay longer.

Upon entering the police bureau, she saw a crowd at the main gate—people with silk banners, reporters, and media. She slipped into the back building; such scenes gave her a headache.

Inside, Xuan Chen came to meet her. "Avoiding the spotlight again, I see. Here—the final verdict on the missing girls’ case is in. The ringleader, Black Sky, and twenty accomplices were sentenced to death for trafficking, drug smuggling, and murder. The key witnesses, Lihun and Lilie, made significant contributions and were coerced, so they each received five years with three-year suspension. They’ll soon be transferred to Director Chen for supervision." He handed her a folder. Yaoguang didn’t even glance at it. "Where are they?"

"We’re here." As she spoke, Lihun and Lilie walked in. "Sister Phoenix, we’re leaving soon and wanted to say goodbye. Thank you for everything."

"No need to thank me. Just remember to report to the local police as required. Give my regards to the Grand Shaman and your village chief," Yaoguang replied with a smile.

"We will," the two answered gratefully.

"Alright, the green hills will always remain, the rivers will always flow. Till we meet again," Yaoguang said with a smile.

"Till we meet again." The two clasped their fists in farewell and left with the officers.

Yaoguang sat down. The TV was still broadcasting the news: "The case of the missing girls has been solved. All seven abducted girls have been found. The suspects are in custody…"

"Phoenix, you’ve done outstanding work—rescued the hostages, arrested every suspect, even resolved the long-standing conflict between the Black and White Miao. The government’s sent letters of thanks, and the girls’ families are all here with banners, hoping to meet their savior. Why not go out and greet them?" Director Jia entered, beaming. "The provincial department has given Sword of Heaven and you a major commendation."

"Leave the medals and trophies, but the banners are yours," Yaoguang joked. "As for the families—nope, I won’t meet them," she said, grinning.

"Oh, you’re still the same. You skipped the last celebration dinner too, left me to explain to Director Zheng," Director Jia sighed.

"I’m not going, not going. Too much trouble—better to go home and sleep," Yaoguang waved her hand.

"All these years, you’re still as stubborn as ever," a voice called out. Everyone turned and saluted.

"Director Zheng, what brings you here?" Yaoguang was startled.

"You’ve just come down from the mountain and already cracked so many cases. How could I not come see you myself?" Director Zheng laughed.

"I wouldn’t dare trouble you so," Yaoguang teased.

"If you won’t attend the banquet, at least meet the families," Director Zheng suggested.

"No, no, such an honorable but arduous task should be left to you leaders. I don’t know what to say anyway," Yaoguang joked.

"Ha! Still the same as ever," Director Zheng chuckled.

"Uncle Zheng, enough joking. I know you wouldn’t come here for nothing. What is it you want?" Yaoguang saw through his intentions at once—he must have a favor to ask.

"No keeping secrets from you. It’s like this: I have a friend, an antiques collector. He recently acquired a blue-and-white porcelain vase and treasures it dearly. But ever since he got it, he’s been acting oddly. He’s hosting a private exhibition at his villa tomorrow and invited me. I’d like you to come and take a look." Director Zheng produced an invitation.

"I see," Yaoguang opened the invitation, then beckoned to him.

"What is it?" Director Zheng asked.

"Hand it over—don’t play dumb or I’m not going," Yaoguang turned to leave.

"Alright, alright, I can’t win with you," Director Zheng drew out several more invitations. Yaoguang counted five, kept one, and distributed the rest to Xuan Chen, Tianyou, Huo Mingkun, and Jiang Yun. Then she looked at Director Zheng, "Don’t worry—I’ll be there on time tomorrow."

"See you all tomorrow then," Director Zheng said cheerfully as he left with Director Jia.

"Master, you’re bringing me along?" Jiang Yun looked at the invitation—it was clearly for a private club.

"Yes, the food there is quite good," Yaoguang nodded, sitting down and glancing at the black-and-gold invitation. She laughed coldly to herself: A storm is brewing.