318: Zhang Family Genius

Right after Zhang Bai finished speaking on the broadcast, everyone in the Trial area heard the news, and immediately, people began to gossip.

"Holy crap, what's going on? Is Zhang Bai backing down? The Zhang Family Genius actually lost?"

"No way, are you crazy? He said he was at a disadvantage, not that he lost. Clearly, the match isn't over yet."

"Brother, are you slow? This is clearly him losing and trying to find a way to save Face. Can't you see that?"

"It's no wonder Zhang Bai said that. After all, as the Zhang Family Genius, it would be a bit unsightly to directly admit he lost to Feng Ming. Being subtle at least preserves some of his Face." Zhang Bai's broadcast spread throughout the entire area, instantly sparking a flurry of discussion outside the trial grounds.

"Haha, a loss is a loss. 'Subtle' my ass!"

Outside the trial grounds, Bai Xi also received the news. Knowing that Zhang Bai had admitted defeat, she couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief, while also feeling somewhat helpless. "This child is still so concerned with his Face."

Madam Bai also smiled and said, "We can't blame him. Zhang Bai is, after all, a Genius of our Bai Family; he has his own pride. Fortunately, he and Feng Ming are getting along quite well, which puts my mind at ease."

"Yeah, I was incredibly nervous too," Bai Xi agreed. "Luckily, nothing disastrous happened."

...Outside the Weak Water Pool, Jiang Shuwan and the others were thrilled upon hearing the news.

Zhao Peng had previously been conflicted about whether following Feng Ming was wise. Now, seeing even a powerhouse like Zhang Bai at a disadvantage, he was certain: Feng Ming's strength definitely couldn't be judged by his Realm alone!

Perhaps Feng Ming really could do as he said and take him to see the scenery above the Nine Heavens.

Jiang Shuwan was very confident in her husband's strength. Now that she knew Zhang Bai had admitted defeat, she felt even more reassured. She gazed intently toward the Weak Water Pool, eagerly anticipating Feng Ming's early return.

According to normal calculations, they would be reunited in three more days.

But plans can't keep up with changes.

Just as Feng Ming started his journey, the sky within the Weak Water Pool suddenly changed. Dark clouds like ink rolled in, and thunderclouds churned as if the apocalypse had arrived.

This phenomenon lasted for less than three minutes before dissipating, as if it had never appeared.

Feng Ming stopped abruptly, his heart shaking. When the thunderclouds appeared just now, he had clearly felt a surge of palpitations.

"Is this... someone about to be Undergoing Tribulation?"

"Could it be him?"

Feng Ming immediately thought of Zhang Bai. That guy had been at the Ninth level of the Nascent Soul for a while now.

At this thought, excitement instantly flooded his Face. He turned around and headed back in the direction where Zhang Bai was.

A moment later, Feng Ming found Zhang Bai.

Seeing him return, Zhang Bai looked bewildered. "Why are you back? I've already made the area-wide broadcast. You're not back to cause trouble because you think the content was too subtle, are you?"

Feng Ming waved his hand. "Relax, I'm not that bored. Let me ask you, were those thunderclouds just now caused by you?"

Zhang Bai frowned. "Yeah."

Feng Ming became even more excited. "So, you're about to undergo your Lightning Tribulation?"

The more Zhang Bai heard, the more confused he became. He subconsciously took a step back and said warily, "I... I'm about to be Undergoing Tribulation, but why are you so excited about my tribulation?"

"I'm here to help you!" Feng Ming said with great enthusiasm.

Not even a ghost would believe those words.

"You help me? How can you help with my tribulation? Just don't cause trouble. Hurry up and leave!" Zhang Bai urged.

When Undergoing Tribulation, outsiders never dare to interfere. Once tainted by someone else's Lightning Tribulation, it's extremely easy to trigger one's own. If you survive, fine; if not, you will perish body and soul.

Even without that risk, no one wants to be distracted during a tribulation. A slight mistake could lead to eternal damnation.

In fact, as soon as Zhang Bai noticed the heavenly phenomenon, he had planned to find a deserted place to be Undergoing Tribulation in peace. Who would have thought that just as he moved, Feng Ming would chase him back?

Facing Zhang Bai's urging, Feng Ming acted as if he hadn't heard. He stared intently at him, like a cat seeing a fat mouse.

"Don't worry, I definitely won't cause trouble. Just stay here, and I guarantee you'll pass the Lightning Tribulation unscathed!"

"Huh?" Zhang Bai's scalp tingled. "What nonsense are you talking about? I told you to leave, don't you understand? This is me Undergoing Tribulation, not you! On what basis can an outsider like you protect me?"

Feng Ming patted his chest, full of confidence. "I'm not lying. I really can protect you! Just you wait and see!"

Zhang Bai was completely bewildered and didn't know whether to laugh or cry. "Look, big brother, can we stop playing? I gave you the Herbs, and I even broadcasted that I couldn't beat you. Is it really that fun to mess with me like this?"

Feng Ming said solemnly, "I'm not playing with you. If you let me help you with your tribulation, I'll even broadcast that I lost!"

"Are you sick? Is that what I care about?" Zhang Bai completely broke down. "Fine, fine, fine. You're not leaving, right? I'll leave! My tribulation isn't some beauty pageant; what the hell are you so excited about!"

With that, Zhang Bai turned and ran.

But Feng Ming was like a piece of plaster, sticking to him relentlessly.

Seeing this, Zhang Bai sped up, but since flying was forbidden in the Weak Water Pool, how could he outrun Feng Ming?

In desperation, he threw out several Formations to block him, but not a single one could stop Feng Ming for more than half a minute. Every time he managed to pull away, Feng Ming would reappear behind him like a ghost.

Zhang Bai shouted in despair, "Feng Ming, I beg you, go find someone else, okay? My tribulation is no joke!"

Feng Ming said seriously, "You're the one Undergoing Tribulation, why would I find someone else? I really can help you!"

"Feng Ming, I was wrong, please stop following me! Brother Feng? Grandpa? I beg you to spare me!" Zhang Bai pleaded as he ran, but Feng Ming turned a deaf ear and chased even closer.

About ten minutes later, a loud "Boom—" shook the heavens and earth. The dark clouds and lightning churned again, this time lasting for a full five minutes, even more intense than before.

The longer the phenomenon lasted, the closer the Lightning Tribulation was. These omens were unpredictable, like labor contractions; when it would actually happen was entirely up to heaven's will.

Meanwhile, outside the Weak Water Pool.

Jiang Shuwan and the others watched Feng Ming and Zhang Bai's movements on the map, completely bewildered.

Feng Mian frowned. "I don't get it. What is Second Brother doing? Why did he run back to play games with Zhang Bai? A game of tag?"

"No, my husband wouldn't be that bored. Something must have happened. Should we go in and check?" Jiang Shuwan was worried.

"Absolutely not," Feng Mian immediately refused. "Flying is forbidden in the pool, and it's easy for things to go wrong. You're pregnant; you must not take any risks."

Qin Hu and Guan Rong quickly agreed. "That's right. If anyone goes, it should be us. Madam, you absolutely cannot move!"

"Are you guys crazy?" Zhao Peng suddenly spoke up, pointing at the map. "Look at the direction they're moving. They're clearly coming toward us. Why go in? Just wait here; they'll be out in four or five days at most!"

Everyone looked closely, and it was indeed the case.

Although Feng Ming had Shrinking the Ground to an Inch, Zhang Bai could only rely on his legs. Even with the strength of the Ninth level of the Nascent Soul, it would take four or five days of traveling day and night to exit the pool.