Qi Yuan and Bai Xirou were both somewhat dumbfounded as they watched the Formation Spirit display such an exaggerated expression.

What kind of tragedy could have occurred to make a Formation Spirit that had lived for thousands of years grieve to this extent?

The Formation Spirit seemed lost in some memory, tears welling in its eyes, looking utterly miserable.

“I addressed Bai Yanju as a sworn brother; our friendship was deep. Back then, he failed to break through to the Dao Integration realm, exhausted his lifespan, and died. Before his death, he entrusted me with taking care of his descendants in Falling Cloud Valley.”

“Not long after his death, I also faced a Formation Spirit Tribulation. Under the scouring of the tribulation’s energy, I fell into a deep slumber. But when I woke up…”

Speaking of the past, the Formation Spirit took a deep breath, trying hard to adjust its emotions before continuing.

“While I was focused on crossing my tribulation, some damned thief—who knows which one—sneaked into the core area of the formation and looted all the savings I had accumulated over the years.”

“At that time, I had just crossed the Formation Spirit Tribulation and was in a weakened state, urgently needing a large amount of rare treasures to restore my spirit body. But when I returned to my dwelling, I found it had been robbed—not even a single chicken feather was left.”

“What’s even more excessive is that over the past thousand years, every time I faced my Artifact Spirit Tribulation, that vile thief would come and plunder my dwelling again. They never missed a single time!”

At this point, it suddenly paused, looking at the two with grief and indignation.

“Because I never had enough rare treasures to restore my spirit body in time, my cultivation level dropped from the peak of Soul Formation all the way down to mid-stage Soul Formation.”

“Traditionally, only the Falling Cloud Valley Sect Leader holds the key to enter the formation’s core. This matter is definitely connected to someone from your Falling Cloud Valley.”

“If it weren’t for the restrictions of the grand formation’s rules, I would have long gone to settle accounts with that villain. And you two actually have the nerve to come question me?”

So it was because its home had been robbed repeatedly.

After hearing this, Qi Yuan finally understood.

No wonder the Formation Spirit got so worked up over a mere hundred spirit stones earlier. Besides being inherently poor, it probably recalled a series of unbearable past events…

A Formation Spirit is born from the essence qi of a high-level formation. As long as the formation remains intact, its lifespan is virtually endless.

Of course, the Heavenly Dao is impartial; it wouldn’t allow a Formation Spirit to grow indefinitely. Every hundred years, a Formation Spirit Tribulation descends.

If it can safely pass through, it gains another hundred years of life and can continue cultivating. Otherwise, it perishes, its Dao dissipating, turning to ashes.

After an old Formation Spirit dies, after some time, the formation will give birth to a brand-new Formation Spirit, starting the next cycle.

The Formation Spirit before them was utterly miserable. Every time it faced its tribulation, its dwelling would be completely looted, yet it could do nothing about it. No wonder it felt so aggrieved.

“With such a major incident happening, why didn’t you inform the sect?” Bai Xirou couldn’t help but ask.

The Formation Spirit sneered coldly. “This Formation Spirit isn’t senile. You juniors from Falling Cloud Valley are the prime suspects. What would be the point of informing you? To watch you put on another act of ‘the thief crying stop thief’?”

“Senior, you might be mistaken. This matter may not necessarily be related to our Falling Cloud Valley,” Bai Xirou said, her tone lacking some confidence.

“Hmph! No need to say more. Unless you provide evidence proving Falling Cloud Valley isn’t behind this, don’t expect this Formation Spirit to give you any more pleasant looks.” As it spoke, the Formation Spirit’s tone was resolute, leaving no room for negotiation.

Having one’s entire wealth reset to zero every hundred years—who could endure that?

Bai Xirou lightly pursed her thin lips; her gaze gradually grew determined. With a solemn expression, she inquired:

“Formation Spirit Senior, when will your next Formation Spirit Tribulation be?”

The Formation Spirit seemed to realize something, looking at her intently. “What do you intend to do?”

“This junior plans to investigate this matter and bring the truth of this unresolved case to light.”

“You?” The Formation Spirit scoffed derisively. “In half a year, my next tribulation will descend. You’re merely a junior at the Foundation Building late stage. What means do you have to investigate?”

“Formation Spirit Senior, rest assured. Although Xirou’s current strength is lowly, I am unwilling to let my fellow disciples in Falling Cloud Valley suffer unjust accusations. I will spare no effort to give you a satisfactory explanation.”

Bai Xirou understood clearly in her heart: To resolve this matter, she must uncover the truth. Any other explanation would be useless.

After saying this, she directly bowed deeply to the Formation Spirit. Without waiting for its reaction, she pulled along Qi Yuan—who wore a strange expression—and left the formation tower.

Only after the two had gone far away did an infuriated voice from the Formation Spirit reach them from behind.

“Wait! Brat! Didn’t you say earlier you’d return those spirit stones? Come back and return them!”

Qi Yuan didn’t stop walking and casually brushed it off.

“Next time for sure.”

“Argh! You little brat! You’re deceiving me again!”

Ignoring the infuriated voice of a certain Formation Spirit, Qi Yuan pondered silently.

Thinking about it slightly made it clear that investigating this matter wouldn’t be easy.

After all, over a thousand years, being able to accurately grasp every single time the Formation Spirit faced its tribulation—and being persistent enough to visit every hundred years without fail—such a thief really didn’t seem like a normal person.

He himself couldn’t even imagine what that thief’s mental state must be like.

The Formation Spirit was confined within the formation; it wasn’t wealthy to begin with. After being robbed multiple times, it became utterly destitute—even holding onto resentment over being owed a hundred spirit stones. Yet despite that, the thief still relentlessly targeted this poor victim… It was simply insane!

…

Not long after.

Outer Sect.

“Thanks largely to Junior Brother Qi’s help this time, I was able to learn about Formation Spirit Senior’s grievance.”

“This matter holds great significance for our sect. I will report it to Elder Mo so he can record a major merit for you in the Merit Hall. The sect will issue special rewards accordingly.”

After returning to the Outer Sect, Bai Xirou put away her worried look and turned gratefully toward Qi Yuan beside her.

“You’re too polite, Senior Sister Bai. Such small matters aren’t worth mentioning.”

Qi Yuan waved his hand dismissively. He wasn’t interested in getting involved with the Formation Spirit’s affairs. Right now, he just wanted to complete his tasks related to Falling Cloud Valley as soon as possible, and incidentally adjust himself into peak condition in preparation for forming his Nascent Soul.

“In that case, I’ll take my leave now. If you encounter any difficulties in the Outer Sect, you can find me at Jade Bamboo Peak in the Inner Sect.”

Seemingly eager to investigate, Bai Xirou only exchanged brief pleasantries before hurriedly bidding farewell. She transformed into a streak of clear light that shot into the sky, vanishing beyond the horizon in an instant.

After Bai Xirou left, Qi Yuan had only walked a short distance when a group of six or seven people appeared before him.

Most were dressed as Outer Sect Disciples, and their cultivation levels varied. They subtly surrounded a pudgy youth with an arrogant expression who wore Servant Disciple robes—none other than Wang Luchuan, who had made a big splash during the entrance test.

“Is that Lin Zhen?”

Qi Yuan immediately noticed Lin Zhen lying not far behind them. This Child of Destiny seemed to have just been beaten up; his face was bruised and swollen as he struggled to get up from the ground, looking utterly disheveled.

“Halt!”

Seeing this scene, Qi Yuan narrowed his eyes slightly and extended a hand to block Wang Luchuan’s group’s path.

Wang Luchuan, who had been stopped by Qi Yuan, raised an eyebrow and spoke disdainfully. “Big Qi, I advise you not to meddle in others’ business. Otherwise, we’ll beat you up too.”

Having revealed his identity as the nephew of an elder right after entering the sect, plus having a cousin who was an Inner Sect Disciple at the Foundation Building realm, he quickly started throwing his weight around the Outer Sect. Naturally, he no longer regarded Qi Yuan highly.

Qi Yuan looked at him expressionlessly, his tone indifferent.

“Didn’t I tell you before? Lin Zhen is under my protection. You dare touch him? Of course, you need to give me an explanation.”