Chapter 1478: Little Jin Dragon and the Guardian Phoenix 31

Jin Chen, big boss!! You finally came back!

Monster Mountain became lively again because of Jin Chen's return; the usually mischievous little monsters were the happiest, after all, when Jin Chen wasn't around, Grandpa Baozi would specifically catch them!

A little golden-thread monkey demon swooped down from the tree, landing precisely on Jin Chen's shoulder upside‑down, scratching its ears and cheeks, overjoyed, waving its hands.

Great! Grandpa Baozi no longer has time to stop me from stealing bananas!

Jin Chen, big boss! You came back just in time! That stinky lion hit me again—hurry and beat him with me! The little tiger spirit sprang out from the grass, its left eye swollen high, and it stubbornly lifted its head to look at Jin Chen, "Hurry up! Otherwise my dad and the others will come!"

Jin Chen hadn't even had a chance to respond when a rabbit demon clung to his back, having just been thrown down from the air.

No no! Jin Chen, big boss, you must first help me steal Aunt Heishe's treasure mirror—it's gorgeous! The rabbit demon blinked its pink eyes, trying to persuade Jin Chen, "Jin Chen, big boss, you just returned and don't know—Aunt Heishe just got a new treasure mirror that can even show past and present lives!"

Jin Chen raised an eyebrow, not very interested.

How many past lives must he have? Seeing it would scare you to death!

In just a few minutes, three monsters were already hanging on Jin Chen—all the little demon lackeys who usually follow him around Monster Mountain causing trouble.

Get off me quick, or you'll all get beaten!

My wife is still here—this is so improper!

Chang Li watched the scene with a smile, feeling somewhat emotional: "No wonder your temperament is hard to change—turns out you're just used to being the boss."

Jin Chen put on a serious face: "It's not that I don't have—Phoenix, you have to believe me."

Phoenix! Phoenix! Phoenix! Phoenix!

The three little monsters collectively gasped, for they had all heard from their elders that Monster Mountain's sole phoenix had taken human form over a thousand years ago, truly a venerable senior big boss!

The little monsters hurriedly jumped down from Jin Chen, stood properly, then bowed.

Greetings, Senior Chang Li!

Their demeanor was just like seeing Grandpa Baozi—respectful, not daring to overstep in the slightest, as obedient as a quail.

Although in Chang Li's eyes, these were all juniors; even Elder Leopard was merely a junior to him—...

Compared to Jin Chen, it actually looks a bit strange.

This sense of gap isn't evident in human society; only upon returning to Monster Mountain does one truly feel the thousand‑year age difference between him and Jin Chen.

Jin Chen didn't know what his wife was thinking nonsense, promised the little monsters to play with them another day, then put his arm around Chang Li and headed to his cave, saying, "My love, let me tell you, my cave is full of treasures."

Oh right, I expect Grandpa Baozi and the others will come later to pay their respects.

Paying respects…

Chang Li's brow twitched, he sighed helplessly, inexplicably feeling the weight of old age.

I'll sign him up for a language training class when we get back.

So he decisively focused on the previous sentence: "The treasures in your cave surely aren't all looted, are they?"

Jin Chen's steps paused slightly, his fingertips guiltily tugging at his pant leg, but he declared righteously: "Not at all! Dragons loving treasure is innate—what I do is treasure‑seizing!"

Among monsters, how could that be called looting? It's the capable who get more!

Returning to Monster Mountain, Jin Chen changed into a sleek black long coat transformed from scales, with tight fiery‑red sleeves, full of vigor.

Dressed in cloud‑water white robes, Chang Li looked even more ethereal, drawing many little monsters to peek and observe.

——

Upon arriving outside the Dragon Cave, they saw Granny Huangxian, Grandpa Baozi, and the other elders all waiting respectfully outside.

Jin Chen let out an surprised "eh".

Don't block my door!

Jin Chen rushed over and pulled Grandpa Baozi's long beard, "Old man, why are you here so early?"

Ouch…

Grandpa Baozi winced from the pain, jerked back, frowning as he rubbed his beard; despite his age, Jin Chen's training had honed his reflexes to peak.

Young master, we're here to pay respects to Senior Chang Li; Granny Huangxian still has unfinished prophecy.

Jin Chen drew out a long "oh", his tone winding, then glanced at Uncle Laohu, "Your son went to fight."

Uncle Laohu's mouth twitched, thinking, "Aren't they all learning from you? He's practically becoming the next little tyrant of Monster Mountain after this young master."

All right, Jin Chen, come back. Chang Li timely stopped the dragon from further mischief.

Oh.

Jin Chen returned to his phoenix's side; after a somewhat lengthy greeting, Granny Huangxian told Chang Li the remaining part of the prophecy.

It merely concerned the Heavenly Tribulation—not just lightning punishment, but also several trials that must be endured beforehand; only after passing all of them is the tribulation considered successful, allowing rebirth.

As for the trials before the Heavenly Tribulation, Granny Huangxian and Aunt Heishe, after scanning all the books in the Treasure Pavilion, barely managed to find a categorization from a few scattered records.

They are: Monster Tribulation, Love Tribulation, Heart Demon Tribulation, and Ailment Tribulation—four types.

The Ailment Tribulation must have been passed with the aid of the Heart‑Protecting Dragon Scale.

After receiving Chang Li's affirmative nod, Granny Huangxian said, "As for the Monster Tribulation, it means that before the lightning punishment you will face slaughter from a Heaven's Chosen Monster, which is protected by the heavenly dao, and whose true allegiance is still unknown, so you must be extra vigilant."

Don't worry, we already know who it is. Jin Chen said.

Who, could it be in Monster Mountain? Grandpa Baozi asked in surprise.

Jin Chen mysteriously extended his index finger and shook it, "I won't tell you."

Grandpa Baozi: ……

However, it is one of those who fled from Monster Mountain; you must keep tighter watch.

Upon hearing Jin Chen's words, Grandpa Baozi rubbed his beard again, already having a guess in mind.

Granny Huangxian: "The Love Tribulation has the fewest records, but… it should be related to Young Master Jin Chen."

Jin Chen immediately took Chang Li's hands to express his feelings: "Phoenix, rest assured, I will absolutely not love anyone but you."

What Love Tribulation? It simply cannot happen!

A smile flickered in Chang Li's eyes as he gripped Jin Chen's hand, "I know."

The Yellow Immortal Granny's words ended here, and she didn't say anything more about the heart demon tribulation. Chang Li was somewhat surprised, and also felt that the Yellow Immortal might have discovered something.

He is indeed the elder in Monster Mountain who is closest to a monster immortal's existence.

The Yellow Immortal Granny smiled and nodded at Chang Li, her bun of white hair and kind face actually showing a hint of divinity.

"Then we won't disturb you, senior, please rest well." Leopard Grandfather led the elders in taking their leave.

Jin Chen waved his hand, "Go."

The elders: "……"

Who was speaking to you!

Jin Chen took Chang Li's hand and eagerly entered the Dragon Cave.

Chang Li lifted his gaze, the Mystic Pearl illuminating the entire Dragon Cave, thick lustrous white jade serving as the door, floor tiles laid with gemstones, walls resplendent with gold and brilliance, even beyond the corridor there was a little garden with carved beams and painted rafters, within it were various naturally grown spirit‑stone divine flowers and sparkling pearls as decorations, truly a divine garden fairyland within the cave.

"Isn't it beautiful? This is my and the phoenix's home!" Jin Chen boasted.

Chang Li was silent for a moment, "Very beautiful."

It's just a bit dazzling to the eyes.