Silent Dao Sovereign

Chapter 13: Tribulation

[Xu Mo's POV]

I clutched my stomach, my face twisting in agony as a sharp pain shot through my gut. Damn it! Why did the sect's morning porridge feel like it was brewed with vengeful spirits? I staggered forward, my robe sticking to my sweat-drenched back, and reached the male disciples' communal toilet—only to find the door shut tight.

Knocking frantically, I called out, "Whoever's inside, hurry up!"

Silence. Then, from within, a lazy voice drawled, "Occupied."

I knocked harder, my other hand pressing against my churning stomach. "How long do you need? Are you cultivating in there?!"

The person inside chuckled. A bastard! I gritted my teeth, my legs trembling as I stood in front of the stone-built outhouse. Unlike the lavish halls where the elders resided, the outer sect disciples' toilets were nothing more than large pits covered by aged wooden seats with cracks running through them. The place reeked of accumulated filth, the air thick enough to choke a mortal.

The sect had placed an array around the pit to neutralize the worst of the stench, but it wasn't enough—especially when disciples barely cared to keep the place clean. Stained wooden walls, dim lanterns flickering weakly, and the faint sound of scurrying rats made it clear that this was a battlefield not of swords, but of endurance.

I swallowed, refusing to breathe too deeply.

As a rule, I only cleaned my own belongings. This place? Never. Some disciples tried purifying it with a weak burst of Chi, but most just covered their noses and accepted their fate. Since I had yet to condense Chi, I had no such luxury.

The pain twisted again. No time for dignity. I slammed my fist against the door. "Get out now, or I'll kick this door down!"

A sigh came from inside, followed by the sound of robes rustling. "Tch, fine. You don't have to be so impatient…"

The door creaked open, and I nearly fell inside as the previous occupant walked out, looking far too smug for my liking.

I didn't care. Clutching my stomach, I rushed in and slammed the door shut behind me.

A battle won, but the war was just beginning.

The moment I stepped inside, I regretted it.

The so-called "toilet" was a wooden seat with a gaping hole leading to an abyss I dared not think about. The dim lantern flickered, casting eerie shadows on the cracked walls. The air was thick—not just with the stench of previous battles fought here, but with the lingering presence of defeated warriors who had walked in, never to walk out the same.

I took a step forward, but my foot stuck to the wooden floor with a sickening squelch. What in the Grand Dao…? I didn't want to look down. I didn't want to know.

My stomach twisted violently, a warning that there was no time for hesitation. Holding my breath, I pulled up my robe, braced myself, and sat down.

Silence.

Then—agony.

It was as if a hundred spears were stabbing my gut from within, twisting and turning like enraged serpents. Sweat poured down my face as I gritted my teeth, my hands gripping the edges of the wooden seat like I was holding on for dear life. Why does it feel like I'm undergoing tribulation?!

Outside, footsteps approached. A knock followed.

"Hurry up, brother! I can't hold it any longer!"

I clenched my jaw. And you think I can?!

Another knock. Then another. Soon, a full line of desperate disciples had gathered, each pounding on the door like debt collectors.

I wanted to shout back, to tell them to cultivate patience, but I had more pressing concerns—mainly, surviving this ordeal.

A deep breath. A silent prayer.

The battle raged on.

The knocking outside grew louder, turning into furious pounding.

"Brother, if you don't come out, I'll break the door down!" someone threatened.

"Use your sword if you must! But I am not leaving!" I groaned, my voice barely above a whisper.

The sweat on my forehead dripped down my nose as I gritted my teeth. My stomach twisted again, an unbearable wave of agony surging through me. Did I offend the Dao of Digestion in my past life?

Then, a terrifying realization struck me—I needed water to clean myself.

I froze, my breath catching in my throat. A wave of despair nearly made my soul leave my body. What kind of monstrous place is this?!

Frantically, I turned my gaze to the corner, spotting a wooden bucket filled with water. Relief surged through me. The bucket itself was clean, the water clear, but… I hesitated.

I had seen where this water came from.

The sect's water channels were old, neglected for years. Sediment clogged the stone pipes, slowing the flow to a pathetic trickle. Sometimes, the water carried faint traces of moss and debris from deep within the mountain. It wasn't filth, but the unsettling thought of stagnant, ancient water made my stomach churn all over again.

But I had no choice.

The pounding on the door became relentless.

"Xu Mo, if you don't come out, we'll drag you out!"

Trembling, I closed my eyes and made my decision.

A few moments later, I emerged from the toilet, looking like a man who had survived tribulation. My legs were weak, my steps unsteady. A crowd of furious disciples stood outside, glaring at me.

One of them stepped forward, arms crossed. "What took you so long?"

I met his gaze, my face pale but my heart calm.

"I was… comprehending the Dao."

Then, without another word, I walked away, leaving behind an experience I would never speak of again.

As I staggered back to my room, my body felt like it had been through a tribulation. My stomach, though finally at peace, still echoed the horrors of its earlier rebellion. I clutched my abdomen, my expression solemn as if making a grand oath before the Dao itself.

"Never again…" I muttered under my breath. "Never again will I eat until I'm full."

The memory of my suffering was too fresh, too painful. What was the point of cultivating if a mere meal could bring me to my knees? From now on, I would leave at least one full plate's worth of space in my stomach, no matter how tempting the food.

I exhaled deeply, nodding to myself. Yes, this was the path to true enlightenment—the Dao of Moderation!

Then, just as I was about to collapse onto my bed, a warm, fragrant scent wafted in from the kitchens.

My stomach let out a quiet rumble.

…Perhaps just a small bowl wouldn't hurt.