While Bi Ji searched for Qin Jiuxiao, Zi Ji had also finished preparing to face her heavenly tribulation.
Lake of Life, Core Area.
Within a hidden cavern dwelling, purple light flickered faintly.
Zi Ji sat cross-legged atop a smooth bluestone, Soul Power circulating around her body. Her aura had grown several degrees heavier than it had been a few days ago.
She slowly opened her eyes, and a trace of solemnity flashed through her violet pupils.
The three-hundred-thousand-year heavenly tribulation was drawing ever closer.
She could sense it. It was as though an invisible eye in the sky above was watching her, waiting for the right moment to unleash its lightning.
Zi Ji took a deep breath and slowly drew a handkerchief from her robes.
It was an ordinary white handkerchief, with a few simple bamboo leaves embroidered along its edges. It was not particularly exquisite, yet she had kept it in excellent condition, without even a single crease.
She pressed the handkerchief to her cheek, and her gaze softened somewhat.
"Once I get through the heavenly tribulation, I'll go back to find you."
She murmured softly, as though her voice could reach someone far away.
Rustle, rustle, rustle—
Soft footsteps suddenly sounded outside the cavern.
Zi Ji swiftly tucked the handkerchief back into her robes and resumed her usual aloof demeanor.
A large golden head poked in through the entrance.
It was a Soul Beast covered in golden fur, with a vertical eye growing from its forehead. A faint halo surrounded her body, making her appear both majestic and somewhat childish.
She was none other than the Auspicious Beast of Star Dou Forest, the Three-Eyed Golden Lion.
"Big Sister Zi Ji!"
The Three-Eyed Golden Lion scampered into the cavern with a translucent chunk of meat clamped in her jaws.