Deep in the Endless Sea.
Above, the Tribulation Clouds churned ever more violently.
Long Yun hovered in the air, azure light blazing around him and making his Chi Dragon body, dozens of yards long, gleam like Qingyu.
He raised his head toward the gathering Tribulation Clouds. Golden streaks of lightning coursed across the reflection in his slit pupils.
"Master, you needn't worry about me."
He spoke in a steady voice, without a trace of panic.
"I can handle this myself. I'm sorry for the trouble, but please stand guard for me and keep anyone from interfering."
Ji Yuan stood with his hands behind his back, shifting his gaze from the Tribulation Clouds to Long Yun.
He nodded.
"You needn't worry about that."
After a pause, he asked, "Can you really withstand the tribulation?"
Long Yun dipped his head. His horns glowed softly in the lightning. "I can."
Ji Yuan studied him. "Even if there are nine bolts of Tribulation Lightning?"
Long Yun nodded again, his tone as calm as ever. "I can."
Ji Yuan asked no more.
"Go."
Long Yun said nothing further.
With a gentle sweep of his massive tail, he became an azure streak and flew toward the center of the waters where Long Fei had just faced her tribulation.
The sea had not entirely settled. Faint ripples still crossed its surface.
Above, threads of golden light fell from the dissipating Tribulation Clouds onto Long Fei as she sat cross-legged.
Her injuries healed visibly, and her aura steadily recovered.
It was the Dao-Rhyme Legacy left by surviving a Heavenly Tribulation.
A gift from heaven and earth, a cleansing of her very essence.
Long Yun passed overhead without disturbing her.
He reached the center of the waters and hovered ten yards above the sea, looking up.
Ji Yuan withdrew