《As a Father, I Just Want to Watch You Achieve Immortality》


 Chapter 1: The Birth of the Beloved Daughter and the Joy of Obtaining a Dao Fruit

    Great Vista, Yun Province, Fei Lei City.


    A night of heavy snowfall had dressed the dilapidated city in a coat of silver, the cold biting to the bone.


    The gray overcast sky, the cold wind sharp as a knife, slicing to the bone.


    Li Che tightened his thin cotton coat around him, holding in his hand a carp frozen stiff, which had cost him a great deal of money to procure during the winter.


    It was to nourish his pregnant wife.


    Touching his bristly beard, he breathed out a white mist into his palm, Li Che braved the cold wind, trampling on the snow-covered streets of Fei Lei City, and hurried towards his home.


    After nineteen years in this world, from a newborn baby to a poor man struggling to make a living, Li Che had given up on the fantasy of having a Golden Finger.


    Skyscrapers and neon lights had become a dreamlike illusion, leaving behind only memories that he could no longer return to.


    This world was akin to ancient times but even more dangerous, with natural disasters, man-made calamities, and evil spirits rampant, making life difficult for the common people.


    Having accepted his fate, Li Che just wanted to protect his warm household and family, to live a safe and stable life and make the best of his second shot at life.


    As arranged by his family, he married at the age of eighteen, a wedding night that hit the mark, and now, ten moons later, his wife was about to give birth.


    Fei Lei City was large, divided into the Inner City and the Outer City. The Inner City was said to be where the noble families and Official Masters lived, with spacious streets, extravagant lifestyles, and tight security.


    Only those with status could reside in the Inner City.


    As for the Outer City, that''s where the vast majority of toiling commoners lived.


    Walking several miles along the main street and turning into a narrow alley, what came into view were rows of low, dark-tiled earthen houses.


    Hurried footsteps crunched upon the soft snow.


    "Che! Ouch, Che, you''ve finally come back from work!"


    "Your wife is about to give birth, hurry back and check on her!"


    "You''re going to be a dad!"


    From afar, neighbors who knew Li Che started shouting when they saw him.


    Li Che was startled.


    Tense and anxious, he quickened his pace and ran towards his earthen house, with the snow scattering behind him!


    The sky had already dimmed, and as Li Che arrived at the front door of his house, the old wooden door was open, and from inside came the sounds of a woman enduring pain and the encouraging voice of the midwife.


    "You''re back?"


    In the small yard outside the earthen house, an Old Scholar was sitting on a shabby bench, wearing a cotton jacket inside and an old scholar''s robe outside, puffing on a dry pipe with a "clack."


    This scholar was Li Che''s uncle, Li Liang.


    When Li Che was eight, his parents had died of illness, and he was taken in by his uncle. With his family''s help, he had grown up smoothly, married, and was about to have a child. ?


    "Don''t worry, Grandma Lei is the best midwife within a ten-mile radius, Xiao Ya will be fine, mother and child will surely be safe," said the Old Scholar with the dry pipe.


    Having lived through two lifetimes, but becoming a father for the first time, Li Che was naturally nervous.


    Holding the frozen carp, he paced back and forth in front of his earthen house.


    This made the Old Scholar somewhat impatient, "What are you prancing around for, you rascal? A man about to be a dad should show some steadiness!"


    "Can you put down that frozen fish first?"


    Li Che looked at him, said nothing in reply, and of course, did not put down the fish. Instead, he stopped pacing.


    Since suddenly, a loud cry came from the house!


    Li Che''s eyes sharpened, his heart felt as if it was being tightly grasped by a hand.


    The Old Scholar, Li Liang who was puffing on his pipe, immediately got up, extinguished the pipe, and eagerly looked towards the house.


    Suddenly, the dusky sky let out a thunderous roar!


    The Old Scholar shuddered, muttering under his breath.


    Li Che instinctively looked up, seeing the sky as if a dragon had made a brief and flickering appearance.


    Was this a sign accompanying birth?


    Did he think he was in a fantasy novel?


    Li Che did not entertain that notion. Following the midwife''s calling, he hurried into the house.


    The charcoal stove burned inside the house, dispelling the cold and bringing a hint of warmth.


    In the midwife''s arms was a rosy-faced newborn. She looked at Li Che: "Congratulations, Master Li, and felicitations, you have a lovely daughter."


    Li Che''s face broke into a smile, and his hand holding the frozen carp seemed suddenly unsure where to place it, only managing to say, "Thank you, thank you..."


    After hastily expressing his gratitude to the midwife, he then belatedly threw away the fish.


    Carefully, with trembling hands, he took his child and looked her over.


    The sight gave him a sense of a blood bond forming, and although the skin of a newborn was wrinkled and it was hard to tell if she was pretty or not,


    Li Che thought that this child was the most beautiful in the whole world.


    Because she was Li Che''s daughter!


    Just as Li Che was filled with joy, staring incessantly at the little baby.


    His vision suddenly blurred as if a mirage had appeared, as if on a vast, empty land where the earth and rocks burst apart, rubble shot through the air, and a sprout as green as emerald vigorously grew, soaring straight up.


    In an instant, it turned into a towering tree with branches spreading wide.


    "This..."


    Li Che was utterly bewildered.


    As countless leaves trembled, it was as though they reflected light and unexpectedly formed the image. He saw himself outside the earthhouse, listening to the sound of his daughter''s birth and her loud cries.


    The image flashed by, and then, visible to the naked eye, it shrank like a vortex, finally converging in a corner of the branches, solidifying into a translucent, rainbow-colored fruit.


    ...


    [Joy of a precious daughter, bonds are bound]


    [With the birth of your beloved daughter, the Dao Tree bears fruit]


    [Your daughter was born safely, you have obtained a Dao Fruit]


    ...


    Li Che suddenly came back to his senses, with his daughter''s "wa wa" crying still ongoing.


    "Husband, let me see our daughter..."


    The weak voice came from the pale-faced, pretty young woman on the bed, and Li Che hurriedly held the baby carefully and moved closer.


    "Wife, look, our baby!"


    Li Che couldn''t help but break into a smile, so bright and full of joy.


    The Dao Fruit and such... he had no inclination to think about those for the moment, as his heart was filled only with his wife and daughter.


    His wife, Zhang Ya, Li Che''s other half, was also the woman who, in these chaotic times, was willing to entrust her life to him.


    "Husband, our baby''s nose really looks like yours, so perky," said Zhang Ya, her face wan, yet she was filled with joy, extending her slender fingers to gently touch the baby''s tiny nose.


    Li Che looked tenderly at his wife: "Wife, does it hurt?"


    Zhang Ya pursed her pale lips, gave a light laugh, and shook her head: "It doesn''t hurt, I''m happy."


    "Husband, what should we name our child?"


    Zhang Ya asked expectantly, but seeming to remember something, her gaze passed over Li Che and intuitively looked towards Old Scholar standing steadily at the doorway.


    Li Che glanced at Old Scholar, seeing him furrowing his two brows, unusually silent, and not showing off his literary talent or asserting his right to name the daughter.


    Li Che then realized what he must be thinking.


    But he didn''t mind, he held his wife''s cold hand and softly said: "These days, I have already thought of it."


    "This winter is extremely cold, and I only hope that our little child can stay warm; let''s name her Li Nuanxi..."


    "Warm as the fire of the morning sun, dispelling diseases and pain, to grow up safe and happy."


    Li Che spoke in a gentle voice.


    Zhang Ya smiled happily, "Nuanxi, such a lovely name..."


    In Zhang Ya''s arms, Xi Xi seemed to have heard her name as well, no longer crying, and revealed a smiling face.


    However, a moment later, she again opened her mouth and began to cry loudly.


    The midwife quickly stepped forward: "The baby must be hungry; she needs to be fed..."


    Hearing this, Li Che and Old Scholar quickly left the earth house.


    ...


    ...


    In the courtyard, thick snowflakes floated down from the sky.


    The chill rose, and the deep winter was harsh.


    The smile never left Li Che''s face, realizing what it was like to be a father, and a sense of responsibility to protect his wife and child welled up in his heart.


    However, Old Scholar seemed a little downhearted, picking up his dry pipe again to smoke.


    Li Che frowned at the smell: "Uncle, snuff it out quickly, the child is here."


    Old Scholar sighed, put out the dry pipe, but pursed his lips: "It''s just a girl, why couldn''t it be a boy, our Li Family..."


    Upon hearing this, Li Che laughed: "Being a boy or a girl... does it matter?"


    "Does the Li Family have a throne to inherit?!"


    Old Scholar heard this, his preference for males over females wasn''t so easily dispelled, but he fell silent and continued mumbling to himself softly.


    Li Che shook his head but didn''t say much more.


    He picked up a carp frozen stiff and headed towards the kitchen, planning to make a warm bowl of carp and tofu soup for his wife.


    While cooking the fish soup.


    Li Che finally settled down to properly study the Dao Fruit that had been born alongside his daughter.

 Chapter 2: Dao Fruit Immortal Craftsman, Six-Eyed Bodhisattva

    He calmed his mind and closed his eyes.


    Li Che then saw once again the scene he had glimpsed briefly before.


    A vast land with a large tree rising from the ground, its branches lush and leaves fluttering, carrying a fruit that glowed with flowing, colorful lights.


    As if he had stared for too long, the colorful fruit dropped with a "plunk" and gently landed in Li Che''s hand.


    "Dao Fruit..."


    Li Che murmured, looking at the fruit in his palm.


    ...


    [Your daughter is born safe, and you have acquired a Dao Fruit "Immortal Artisan"]


    [Immortal Artisan (Dao Fruit): Immortal Artisan of myriad forms, divine touch, unparalleled skills]


    ...


    The words flickered and surfaced.


    Li Che''s gaze fixed, and his heart suddenly stirred.


    In the nineteen years since coming to this world, he had never acquired a Golden Finger, but now, with the birth of his daughter, the Golden Finger had appeared in such a form.


    Was it fortune by the daughter?!


    Li Che began to feel overjoyed, the name Dao Fruit sounded so prestigious, it surely could be his capital to secure a livelihood in this world.


    Just as he was delighted, the prompt in front of him changed again.


    ...


    [Name: Li Che]


    [Bonds: Li Nuanxi (Daughter)]


    [Dao Fruit: Immortal Artisan (Un-evolved, lv1, 0%)]


    [Hint: For each safe year of growth of the bond object, the Dao Tree can produce a Dao Fruit]


    ...


    His breath became slightly hurried, Li Che stared at the prompt in shock, his emotions violently fluctuating.


    Each year his daughter grew up safely, the Dao Tree could produce a Dao Fruit...


    In Li Che''s simple understanding, the function of the Dao Fruit was equivalent to imparting him a skill, a capability.


    Currently, Li Che worked in a wood carving shop in the Outer City of Flying Thunder City, moving finished wood carvings, a job of labor but paid by the piece, quite fair to everyone involved.


    However, after a hard day''s work, exhausted, he could earn about thirty or forty Dajing Cast Copper Coins, enough to make ends meet, but dreaming of wealth and luxury in this world was a fool''s errand. r?a?


    But from now on, if he could ensure his daughter grew up safely, one Dao Fruit a year, everything might be different!


    "Xi Xi is my daughter, I should protect her and ensure her safe growth, that is my duty as a father..."


    Li Che smiled happily, the change in fortune brought by his daughter''s birth, the hope for the future, how could he not be joyful.


    As the Dao Fruit in his palm slowly dissolved, Li Che did not notice any changes in himself.


    He analyzed the [Immortal Artisan] Dao Fruit but had no clue.


    "Gurgle gurgle..."


    The carp soup boiled and bubbled in the pot, interrupting Li Che''s thoughts.


    He hastened to scoop up a bowl of fragrant, steaming, creamy carp and tofu soup, took a deep breath, the corner of his lips curled into a smile, and he carefully walked towards the earth house with the hot soup.


    His wife, Zhang Ya, had finished feeding Xi Xi and was contentedly sipping the carp soup Li Che had cooked.


    Xi Xi was being held by Li Che, who gently patted her tender back under Grandma Lei''s guidance, a thing called burping.


    After bustling around in the earth house for a while, Grandma Lei gave Li Che some child-rearing tips and was about to say goodbye and leave.


    Li Che handed Xi Xi to Zhang Ya and followed her out.


    "Grandma Lei, thank you so much, you''ve been a great help," Li Che gave ten coins to Grandma Lei.


    Grandma Lei waved her hand, sighed, "Che, I''ve watched you grow up from a child. You MOVE those heavy woods and sculptures for Xu''s Wood Carving Shop, earning hard-earned money isn''t easy, keep this money, take good care of your family."


    "Things have been tough in the Outer City recently... not many children being born, and yet many are dying young, take good care of Xi Xi, and pay attention to safety."


    The words of Grandma Lei made Li Che''s face turn solemn.


    "Grandma..."


    Grandma Lei wrapped her head with a cloth, carrying a bamboo basket, bracing against the snowstorm, and advised, "Remember, don''t take the child to roam the streets carelessly, and stay far away from those who worship the child god... those who live off the offerings..."


    "The world is harsh, children die young, you parents... must be extremely cautious."


    Li Che exhaled a breath of white air in the cold winter snowstorm, nodding seriously.


    His heart sank slightly, indeed, there had been many reports of child deaths recently.


    Li Che hadn''t taken it seriously before, but now that he was a father, he naturally had to be more careful.


    "Understood, Grandma Lei."


    Li Che responded gravely.


    Grandma Lei didn''t say more, sighed, tightened her coat, and disappeared into the snowy night, gradually vanishing in the snow-laden alleys in front of the earth houses.


    Li Che watched Grandma Lei''s figure vanish, then turned back into the earth house, quickly stuffed the door crack tight to prevent the heat from escaping.


    Li Che rubbed his hands together, added some charcoal to the stove, and then went to the kitchen to bring back the leftover fish soup.


    After the couple had their fill, Li Che climbed onto the bed.


    Gently patting his daughter, who was sound asleep after her milk, Li Che squinted his eyes, his lips betraying a smile he couldn''t suppress.


    Speaking softly with his wife, Zhang Ya, who might have been exhausted from giving birth, soon fell into a deep sleep.


    Yet Li Che, with wide-awake eyes, murmured energetically.


    "The charcoal is all gone again, I''ll go buy some more from the charcoal seller tomorrow. Xi Xi was just born, we can''t let her get cold."


    "My wife needs to properly go through her confinement¡ªor she might suffer from postpartum complications... "


    "Mm, I''ll also bring more statues from the wood carving shop tomorrow. Recently, the demand for statues in the Inner City has suddenly increased. There is plenty of work and a good amount of money to be made."


    "I will definitely work hard to save money to buy a big mansion where we can stay warm even in the dead of winter."


    "My wife, don''t worry, our days will definitely get better..."


    On the bed, Li Che gently held his wife and daughter, and slowly closed his eyes.


    The silent rhythm of breath was the only sound.


    ...


    ...


    The next day dawned.


    Li Che got up early, watched his wife, Zhang Ya, who was in confinement eat the breakfast he had prepared, and after patting Xi Xi to burp following her milk, he put on his bamboo hat and left the earthen house.


    The ground was white and the wind was chilly, with snowflakes as big as hands.


    The cold was biting, as sharp as a knife.


    The snow showed no signs of stopping, piling up thickly on the ground of the Outer City of Fei Lei City.


    After walking several miles, with the dim morning light and amidst the snowstorm, he arrived at his place of work, Xu''s Wood Carving Shop.


    Though called a shop, it was actually a huge mansion, extremely spacious inside, with many piles of wood for carving.


    Li Che and several other hired hands were mainly responsible for carrying wood to the carvers at the wood carving shop or transporting finished wood carvings.


    The wood carvings varied in weight but the price was uniform; transporting a wood carving earned five Dajing cast copper coins, while carrying wood earned less, just one copper coin each time.


    Mainly because transporting wood carvings involved risks. Any scratch or bump, and you could have your pay docked completely.


    Shaking off the snow from his body, Li Che took off his bamboo hat and placed it at his workstation, entering the wood carving shop.


    The shop was heated by a charcoal furnace, the temperature moderate, with the rich scent of wood lingering in the air.


    "Little Li, go fetch me a piece of ''Curved Willow''¡ªa bigger one¡ªand also, help me move the ''Six-Eyed Bodhisattva statue'' carved three days ago into the inner room. Someone from the Inner City is coming to pick it up in a few days; it wouldn''t be good if it soaks in melted snow."


    As soon as he entered the shop, an old man in a cotton-padded jacket, with white hair and a ruddy complexion, called out to Li Che while holding a shiny wine gourd filled with aged yellow wine.


    "Sure, Master Chen." Li Che flashed a brilliant smile and hurriedly responded.


    As a familiar helper in the shop and given his carefulness and agility, he had never had an accident while transporting wood carvings, earning him a good reputation.


    Thus, several wood carving masters, once they got to know him better, would specify him for the jobs.


    Master Chen was one of Li Che''s regulars.


    After responding to Master Chen, Li Che turned and entered the spacious courtyard.


    The snow was pouring down, covering the many logs scattered across the yard. It took some effort to locate the area where the "Curved Willow" was stored.


    Finding a bigger piece, Li Che dragged it out.


    Tying it with hemp rope and securing it well, he tested the weight, then patted the wood and turned toward the corner of the courtyard where the finished wood carvings were kept.


    Because Master Chen had mentioned the "Six-Eyed Bodhisattva," Li Che knew exactly where it was located.


    Finding the wood carving covered with snow, similar in size to a grown man, and also carved from "Flowering Curved Willow,"


    Li Che reached out his hand to brush the snow off the carving.


    Suddenly, a strange feeling arose in his heart¡ªthe "Six-Eyed Bodhisattva" statue seemed to come alive as its six eyes stared at him, blinking occasionally.


    Suddenly, vague images flooded his mind.


    It was Master Chen, carving with each stroke, the image of the "Six-Eyed Bodhisattva." Li Che felt as if he was on the scene, merging with Master Chen.


    Gradually, the carving techniques and skills of the Six-Eyed Bodhisattva seemed to merge into Li Che''s own... instincts!


    "Huh?"


    The images before his eyes dispersed, and the Six-Eyed Bodhisattva no longer blinked. Li Che''s breathing became rapid.


    His heart stirred. Just by touching the wood carving, it seemed he had learned Master Chen''s carving techniques...


    This must surely be related to the Dao Fruit "Immortal Artisan" he had received the day before because of his daughter Xi Xi''s birth!


    "Unparalleled Immortal Artisan, the hand of genius, unsurpassed skills..."


    "The effect of Dao Fruit Immortal Artisan... might just give me a chance to become a true master wood carver!"


    Li Che''s eyes mildly brightened, and ambitions began to stir in his heart.


    If he could become a wood carver at Xu''s Wood Carving Shop, that would be much more promising than being a helper transporting wood and carvings!


    To let his family live a good life in these chaotic times would no longer be an extravagant wish!

 Chapter 3: Nine Sons Embracing the Lotus, the Method of Inner Strength

    Xu Ji''s Wood Carving Shop was among the top-ranked wood carving shops in the Outer City, often receiving orders from the Inner City, which had a tremendous demand for various types of wood carvings.


    Whether carving landscapes or statues of Bodhisattvas and Buddhas, or even images of gods that Li Che had never heard of before.


    For a laborer, transporting both the wood and the finished statues meant receiving a fixed piece rate pay, which wasn''t much to begin with, and it was backbreaking work.


    However, if one could become an official wood carving master, carving a finished product could earn at least ten silver coins!


    Even more, Li Che had heard that Master Chen once carved a "Thousand-Armed Guanyin Woodcarving Statue" that took almost a month to complete and earned him a Gold Leaf, which was equivalent to one hundred taels!


    Such craftsmanship could make ordinary people extremely wealthy!


    Li Che was tempted. In the past, he wouldn''t have dared to dream so far.


    Wood carving skills needed to be nurtured from a young age, and they tested talent as well as artistry. Many apprentices in the wood carving shop were sent there by their families at the age of five or six in exchange for silver.


    When Li Che started working in the wood carving shop, he was already thirteen and had missed the appropriate age.


    He once had the idea of self-learning and becoming successful, but after trying for a few days, he gave up.


    How could he, with just a few days of self-study, beat others who had toiled for almost their entire childhood?


    Moreover, carving wood was one thing to watch, but quite another to actually put into practice.


    "I''ll find an opportunity to try... The Dao Fruit of the Immortal Artisan might really have given me a talent for wood carving?"


    A sense of anticipation couldn''t help but arise in Li Che''s heart.


    The cold wind brushed by, helping Li Che regain some clarity of mind. He buried the thought of becoming a wood carving master in his heart for the time being and focused on his work.


    Transporting finished wood carvings was different from transporting raw timber, requiring much more care to prevent damaging the carvings.


    He wrapped them in cloth and tied them with hemp rope to avoid abrasion damage from the rope during carrying.


    Carrying the Six-Eyed Bodhisattva Statue on his back, Li Che walked cautiously toward the inner room.


    Upon reaching Master Chen''s workshop, Li Che set down the statue, removed the cloth, and after ensuring there were no signs of rubbing, breathed a sigh of relief.


    "Master Chen, I brought in the Bodhisattva Statue. Shall I fetch you a larger piece of the Flowering Curved Willow now?" Li Che, relaxing his shoulders, said with a smile.


    Master Chen was already sitting on his work stool, sharpening his carving knife on a whetstone.


    "Yes, hurry up. This time I need to carve a ''Nine Sons Embracing Lotus,'' and it''s a tedious process. Besides, the Inner City is in a rush for it."


    After inspecting the sharpness of his carving knife, Master Chen said.


    Li Che returned to the courtyard where snow was drifting down and was about to move the Flowering Curved Willow timber he had picked.


    But the moment he touched the wood, he felt the Dao Fruit of the Immortal Artisan pulse slightly, giving him an inexplicable sensation.


    "This piece of Flowering Curved Willow doesn''t seem quite right for the ''Nine Sons Embracing Lotus Statue,''" Li Che murmured softly.


    Most of the time, wood carving masters would pick the timber themselves, but of course there were exceptions. Some were confident enough in their skills that they couldn''t be bothered to pick timber personally in the cold winter snow.


    However, if a laborer chose unsuitable timber...


    If the wood carving master was easy-going, it wouldn''t be a big deal, but if they had a bad temper, they might deduct money for the transport.


    If that occurred, not only would one need to move the timber multiple times, but they would also be docked pay... a big loss.


    Li Che abandoned the "Flowering Curved Willow" and began to pick another piece from the timber pile, touching them with his palm until he chose one that, influenced by the Dao Fruit of the Immortal Artisan, felt just right.


    Carrying the slightly heavier piece of "Flowering Curved Willow," he returned to Master Chen''s workshop.


    "Hmm? Not bad at all, Li. You have a good eye. This timber you picked is perfectly suitable!" Master Chen was pleasantly surprised because the piece of wood matched the image of the "Nine Sons Embracing Lotus" he had in mind almost exactly!


    With just a few strokes, he could sketch out the rough outline, saving a lot of the time usually needed for pondering and conceptualizing.


    Li Che smiled but said nothing to take credit.


    After praising him, Master Chen continued working on the carving preparations.


    "Little Li, help me move this timber onto the frame. I heard your daughter was born... I''ll pay extra for this job," said Master Chen, standing up with a smile.


    Li Che''s eyes lit up at his words and he promptly agreed. After slipping on the rope, he started to lift the heavy "Flowering Curved Willow" onto the metal frame.


    "The Inner City is in a hurry, and recently they''ve been demanding a lot of child wood carvings, definitely related to the recent buzz about the ''Spirit Infant Master.'' The fancies of the Inner City nobles... really, they change every so often."


    Master Chen shook his head and muttered.


    "They want it in five days, and my old bones... seems I''ll be busy enough falling apart."


    "But they''re paying well, hehe, Li, guess how much the client is offering for this job?" Master Chen rubbed his hands together, striking up a conversation with Li Che while approaching the Flowering Curved Willow dampened by the heavy snow.


    Li Che wiped the sweat from his forehead and breathed out, "For a five-day delivery... it must be at least fifty taels, right?"


    Thinking the Nine Sons Embracing Lotus Statue was less complicated than the Thousand-Armed Guanyin, Li Che made a conservative estimate.


    "Fifty taels? Hehe... It''s less than that, a Gold Leaf less!"


    Master Chen laughed, and then slapped the timber with his hand. The skin on his arm seemed to glow with a red hue, and heat steamed out from his palm into the wood, driving the moisture out of the timber!


    The heat was intense, like standing next to a boiling furnace as he stood by Master Chen''s side!


    Li Che took a deep breath, both astonished that the wood carving was worth a hundred and fifty taels and envious of Master Chen''s mysterious skills!


    These wood carving masters were not just skilled crafters but also, as the legends say... martial artists!


    Those who became wood carving masters were all beings with Inner Strength, capable of using it to dry the wood, saving a good amount of time.


    Moreover, the Inner Strength infused into the wood carvings gave them a certain profundity,


    It was this profundity that truly made the nobles of the Inner City willingly fork out their money for the wood carving masters'' creations.


    Master Chen, catching Li Che''s shocked and envious gaze, asked with a teasing smile, "Want to learn?"


    "If you want to learn, it''s going to cost you. Although you won''t learn any Superior Internal Strength Techniques, the ordinary Internal Strength Techniques left by Xu Ji in the Outer City are all learnable."


    "Another few decades of hard cultivation, and you''ll probably be able to manifest Inner Strength."


    Li Che''s mind stirred slightly, "Master Chen, may I ask how much does an Internal Strength Technique cost?"


    "You can''t buy a Superior Internal Strength Technique with money; you have to go to Xu Ji in the Inner City to learn, and ordinary people can''t learn it."


    "For an ordinary Internal Strength Technique from the Outer City, you can learn if you pay; the cheapest... also costs thirty taels. What, are you really considering it?" Master Chen said as he used his Inner Strength to dry the wood, looking at Li Che half jokingly.


    "You just had a baby, better save your money... even if you buy the technique, learning it is another matter, and mastering it is yet another."


    Master Chen shook his head and kindly advised.


    Seeing that Li Che seemed seriously interested.


    Master Chen''s eyebrows rose, "You''re quite meticulous, young man. It''s a pity you didn''t try to learn wood carving when you were younger. If you want to buy an Internal Strength Technique, come find me. I have one for twenty taels that you can learn."


    Li Che heard this but didn''t agree right away, only saying with a smile that he would think about it.


    He then left Master Chen''s workshop.


    In the following time, Li Che busied himself again, helping other wood carvers to transport lumber and finished wood carvings.


    He also helped the apprentices in the shop move small pieces of lumber to earn his wages.


    The shop provided lunch, simple though it was, it was hot, and you could eat your fill to have the energy to work.


    In the evening, after receiving today''s thirty-five Dajing Cast Copper Coins, Li Che clocked out, exhausted.


    With a conical hat on his head, he braved the wind and snow, buying some charcoal on his way home.


    By the time he arrived at the crisscrossing alleys, night had completely fallen. However, the dim yellow light of the oil lamp from his earthen house made Li Che hasten his snow-treading steps a little.


    "Wife, I''m back."


    He quickly opened the door and just as rapidly closed it behind him, keeping the chilly wind carrying the white snow from rushing in and sweeping away the warmth.


    After adding some charcoal to the brazier, Li Che tiptoed to the bedside where Xi Xi laid in bed, round-eyed and awake.


    Seeing Li Che, Xi Xi even giggled with delight.


    Li Che''s heart nearly melted as he picked her up and gently rocked her.


    Zhang Ya, with a tender gaze, watched this scene unfold and fetched for Li Che his dinner from the pot.


    The steaming noodles wafted a fragrance that filled the air.


    For the poor households, what luxury is there of maternity leave?


    Not having to work the land, simply preparing dinner, for Zhang Ya, that was maternity leave.


    After the couple had their dinner, Li Che told Zhang Ya to go rest, and he washed the dishes himself.


    Then he took a small piece of wood and a carving knife and returned to the house.


    With Xi Xi in her arms, Zhang Ya gently patted and comforted her while curiously watching Li Che.


    "Husband, what are you doing?"


    In the dim light of the oil lamp, Li Che flexed his ten fingers, creating a cracking sound, and replied with a smile, "I''ve learned a thing or two at the wood carving shop recently."


    "Wife, behold!"


    Hearing this, Zhang Ya couldn''t help but laugh out loud, "Husband, over the years you''ve learned quite a few things, but after a few days you always soberly say that putting them aside is also quite good..."


    Li Che''s lips curved upward slightly, "Wife, don''t make fun of your husband. Have you heard of the legend ''thirty years in the east, thirty years in the west''?"


    "Your husband is different now; I''m a father!"


    Zhang Ya pursed her lips as laughter danced in her eyes.


    Does being a father necessarily connect to you learning wood carving?


    Li Che just smiled, not saying another word.


    He briefly closed his eyes, and the carving techniques and skills of the Six-Eyed Bodhisattva Statue flooded his mind as if squeezing wet cotton, overflowing like water...


    Upon reopening his eyes, a glint seemed to flash within his gaze.


    Calm and composed, his fingers gripped the carving knife with muscular power as he made the first cut into the wood...

 Chapter 4: Immortal Artisan Upgrade, Bad News Arrives

    The wood was offcuts he had brought back from the wood carving shop, just a small piece that no one paid much attention to when he took it home.


    The carving knife was what he had prepared when he had yearned to take up wood carving on his own years ago, custom-made by the smith at the ironmonger''s in the west of the city. It wasn''t cheap for a set, and now, at last, it was proving useful.


    The [Immortal Artisan]Dao Fruit pulsed and jumped, stirring a god-like sense of assistance that welled up within him.


    Since it was a test of his skill, Li Che did not opt to use ink lines for outlining but went straight to carving. With the help of the Dao Fruit, he felt an intimate understanding of the "Six-Eyed Bodhisattva Statue" engraving, as if it were imprinted in his heart.


    Just like with Master Chen, it was as if he had carved hundreds, if not thousands, of Six-Eyed Bodhisattva wood carvings, and practice makes perfect.


    He had his own control over every aspect of carving the wood, from the outer to the inner spatial forms, to the force exerted with each cut.


    However, since it was his first hands-on experience, there was still some rawness, but this rawness between his fingers, the carving knife, and the wood, was gradually smoothed out as the carving progressed and his skill improved.


    The knife work gradually became more graceful, even developing a unique charm¡ªan indication of mature skill.


    Mature carving skills require a continuous accumulation of experience.


    But it seemed as if through the [Immortal Artisan]Dao Fruit, Li Che was able to "touch" the Six-Eyed Bodhisattva and, like a sponge, slowly absorb Master Chen''s years of carving experience.


    The sound of the sharp knife friction against the wood was rustling and bustling.


    The oil lamp cracked and popped as shavings and scraps fell like rain, and in Li Che''s palm, a palm-sized, sharp-angled "Six-Eyed Bodhisattva Statue" began to take shape.


    Although unpolished, with very rough edges and lines, the form had already emerged with the skill of divine craftsmanship!


    Nearby, Zhang Ya, after having coaxed Xi Xi to sleep, gazed at Li Che, who had carved a rough outline of the statue in just a short period, and her heart immediately filled with surprise.


    Watching Li Che earnestly absorbed in his carving, Zhang Ya didn''t dare interrupt, silently suppressing her curiosity.


    Deciding not to sleep, she sat by the bed, quietly watching under the oil lamp as Li Che focused on his carving.


    The more she watched, her eyes grew slightly misty, her lips pursed, and a smile blossomed joyfully.


    She thought her husband might have long given up on wood carving, but unexpectedly...


    Her husband had never given up and had been diligently learning, and now... he had prepared a surprise for her in secret!


    "Just don''t know if my husband could become a wood carver at the wood carving shop, or even an apprentice... Then he wouldn''t need to carry heavy wood and carvings every day with such hard work," she mused. ?


    Zhang Ya''s wish was modest and simple; she only hoped her husband could earn the money to support the family more easily.


    Engrossed in his carving, Li Che soon came back to his senses, as the Six-Eyed Bodhisattva Statue was completed and required no more cuts, although it was not polished and hence not a finished product.


    But within his heart, Li Che was filled with great joy.


    Suddenly, as if sensing something, his spirit stirred.


    [Dao Fruit: Immortal Artisan (lv1, 10%)]


    Eh?!


    Li Che''s eyes brightened as he noticed the suffix of the Dao Fruit[Immortal Artisan], which seemed like an experience point indicator, had increased slightly.


    "By carving a piece of wood carving, can I improve experience? Like a proficiency level?"


    "Or is it that I touched the ''Six-Eyed Bodhisattva'' wood carving, learned the technique of the Six-Eyed Bodhisattva statue, and succeeded in carving, thus gaining a 10% increase?"


    This Dao Fruit... can actually be understood as just having formed and being immature.


    Only by nurturing it slowly can he unlock the true power of the Dao Fruit.


    Li Che pondered to himself.


    Regrettably, he did not bring back more wood, so he couldn''t try it out immediately.


    He had to quell the curiosity within and stood up, stretching himself, only to see his wife Zhang Ya leaning against the headboard, dozing off.


    Li Che knew his wife was waiting for him to join her in sleep and felt a warmth in his heart.


    In this cold weather, he quickly blew out the oil lamp and, pulling his startled wife with him, dove into the warm blankets.


    Outside, the snow was falling heavily.


    Landing on the thick accumulation on the roof, it made a gentle sound.


    Conducive to a very sound sleep.


    ...


    ...


    The next day, Li Che went to work at Xu Ji''s Wood Carving Shop as he always did.


    "Master Chen, can I take this scrap home to practice with?"


    During a break, Li Che approached Master Chen and, seeing the offcuts from the carved "Flowering Curved Willow", he couldn''t help but ask.


    Master Chen, with sawdust in his beard, glanced at Li Che: "You plan to learn wood carving? You do have a keen eye for it, and it''s good material, pity you''re a bit old for it. But, it''s nice that you have the interest, you can take as much scrap from my carvings as you want."


    Li Che had been helping Master Chen for some years, so naturally the master was much more lenient towards him.


    Li Che, filled with joy, hastily expressed his gratitude and then began to select waste material he could use for practice.


    Master Chen glanced at him, smiled silently, shook his head, and continued to immerse himself in carving the "Nine Sons Embracing the Lotus".


    Li Che gathered the selected waste materials, wrapped them in cloth, and placed them at his workstation before running off to the yard, under the pretense of adjusting and moving the wood carvings, to touch them.


    The "Immortal Artisan" Dao Fruit vibrated slightly. This time, the piece he touched was a wood carving named "Spring Fills the Universe," which required extremely intricate craftsmanship and patience to carve lifelike leaves, depicting the essence of spring.


    After touching it, a familiar sensation surged in his heart.


    It was as if he saw a female Wood Carver holding a carving knife, engraving the vast universe with her fingers and the palm of her hand as the spirit of spring bloomed from the wood.


    A stream of information on the techniques and skills related to the "Spring Fills the Universe" wood carving flooded his mind.


    Li Che was delighted. Just like with touching the "Six-Eyed Bodhisattva" statue, he had learned another style of wood carving.


    However, when he touched other wood carvings, the Dao Fruit no longer reacted, indicating there was a daily limit to what he could learn.


    In the following days, Li Che focused on studying the "Immortal Artisan" Dao Fruit.


    The Immortal Artisan with a divine touch, unparalleled in craftsmanship!


    By touching a statue, he could learn the wood carving techniques, and for every statue carved, he would gain 10% experience. However, each statue only provided experience once. This meant that Li Che would need to learn and carve ten different wood carvings to level up the Immortal Craft Dao Fruit to lv2...


    Understanding the use of the Dao Fruit, Li Che felt greatly optimistic about his future!


    ...


    ...


    Days passed by, day after day.


    A month quickly went by.


    Xi Xi had her full moon celebration, her lively eyes blinking as she waved her chubby little hands in her swaddle, curiously observing the world.


    Li Che played with Xi Xi using a rattle-drum he made himself, causing the little girl to laugh heartily with glee.


    Xi Xi loved to smile, her dimples showing when she did, just like her mother.


    Zhang Ya sat nearby, mending old clothes, watching the father and daughter interact with tenderness and satisfaction in her eyes.


    "Husband, have you spoken to the Third Shopkeeper at the wood carving shop about wanting to become a Wood Carver?"


    Zhang Ya inquired curiously.


    Over the past month, every night Li Che had been carving wood carvings of various kinds, which amazed Zhang Ya and made her aware of how exquisite her husband''s craftsmanship was.


    Under her blind adoration, she even felt that her husband was much better than the apprentices at the wood carving shop, and even more so, no less skilled than the masters themselves.


    "The Third Shopkeeper said... that we need to follow the rules. He wants me to undergo a wood carving assessment with the other students who have paid to learn, and only after passing can I join the shop and become a Wood Carver,"


    Li Che said while playfully engaging Xi Xi, making her reach out her little hand to grab the rattle-drum, and he responded to Zhang Ya''s question.


    Zhang Ya nodded and said firmly with pursed lips, "I''m certain you can do it, husband!"


    Li Che smiled, confident and spirited, with a glint of self-assurance in his eyes.


    With a thought,


    [Dao Fruit: Immortal Artisan (lv2, 8%)]


    After a month of incessantly touching various wood carvings and working overtime at night to carve, he had finally leveled the Dao Fruit up to lv2.


    At level 2, the Immortal Craft Dao Fruit enhanced Li Che''s ability from the aspect of conveying meaning; the wood carvings he sculpted could embody his own strong essences.


    Moreover, Li Che''s dexterity had become incredibly impressive¡ªhis fingers were extremely nimble. It wasn''t just woodworking; he was confident he could easily set up even the trickiest mechanized contraptions.


    After playing with Xi Xi for a while, Li Che went out to prepare for work.


    The snow had lessened a lot, signaling the end of a harsh winter.


    Yet the air was still cold and biting.


    As he stepped out of the cottage, a familiar figure appeared in the distance, holding a smoking pipe, frowning, dressed in a worn Confucian robe layered with a coat, hurrying over.


    "Uncle,"


    Li Che called out.


    His uncle, influenced by a preference for sons over daughters, had not visited Xi Xi in a month since learning she was a girl, although the Great Aunt had come once, bringing some eggs for Zhang Ya to nourish her body.


    "Che''er, are you about to go to work? That''s just as well," the Old Scholar uncle said, his brows still furrowed.


    Li Che nodded and then saw the Old Scholar hesitate for a moment before speaking, "Che''er, have you heard?"


    "That Grandma Lei who helped deliver Xiao Ya..."


    "Killed several children..."


    "It''s said... all the ones she killed were children she''d delivered!"

 Chapter 5: Spirit Infant Master, One-cut Master

    Grandma Lei... kill infants?


    Specifically targeting the infants she helped to deliver?


    When Li Che heard his uncle''s words, chills ran down his spine and his pupils suddenly constricted.


    "Uncle, where did you hear this?" Li Che took a deep breath, his heart sinking, and quickly asked.


    The Old Scholar, with a smoking pipe in his mouth, puffing out hazy smoke, frowned deeply into a "Chuan" character: "I didn''t believe it at first, but Xi Xi was delivered by Grandma Lei, wasn''t she? So, I went out of my way to ask around..."


    "It''s true, the families of those deceased children... they all made a fuss at the government office of the Outer City. The government has issued a warrant, and they''re actively searching for Grandma Lei!"


    "If you don''t believe me, you can go and see the notice board at the government office yourself, the warrant is hanging right there."


    The voice of the Old Scholar was also much more serious.


    Although he was regretful that Xi Xi wasn''t a boy, she was still a seedling of the Li Family. Hearing such news, his first thought was to worry about Xi Xi''s safety.


    "It''s said that this Grandma Lei... worshiped the ''Spirit Infant Master,'' believed in the teachings of the Spirit Infant Sect, and just like that, killing... sigh, it''s really a sin, they''re just children."


    The Old Scholar''s voice trembled slightly, and he let out a long sigh, continuously drawing on his smoking pipe.


    Li Che''s expression became extremely grave, and his heart was suspended in worry.


    For Li Che now, Xi Xi was the apple of his eye, his most treasured daughter; if anything happened to her, Li Che would be heartbroken and blame himself.


    Protecting his daughter was the duty of a father, the responsibility he must bear!


    "Thank you, Uncle. I''ll find out more and make preparations early," Li Che said earnestly. The Old Scholar nodded quickly, then rubbed his hands together: "Since I''m here, I might as well visit Xi Xi..."


    Li Che was speechless, looking at the bashful Old Scholar, he didn''t say much and led him into the house.


    When the Old Scholar saw Xi Xi, his old face was all smiles, as if blossoming into a flower.


    He verbally disapproved of Xi Xi not being a boy, but his fondness for Xi Xi was genuine.


    "Your sister-in-law is due soon, and your mother says her belly is pointy, which should mean a boy... heh, I hope the kid will be as lovely as Xi Xi," the Uncle said, beaming with joy.


    His eldest son had married, and his child was also due to be born this year.


    "Wife, while I''m not at home during this time, you have to lock the doors and windows properly, don''t open them for anyone no matter who calls,"


    After sending away the Old Scholar, Li Che, before heading off to work, specifically reminded Zhang Ya.


    Zhang Ya was stunned, but she didn''t ask any questions, just obediently indicated that she would do as told.


    ...


    ...


    Worried, Li Che arrived at the notice board of the government office and indeed saw the wanted posted for Grandma Lei.


    "Lei Chunlan, killed seven children, all of whom she had delivered a year ago..."


    "Hm? Delivered a year ago... So do all these murdered children need to meet the one-year-old requirement?"


    Wearing a conical hat, Li Che looked at the notice and fell into deep thought.


    But he did not dare to place his trust in his own deductions.


    What if Lei Chunlan chose to strike at children who had just turned a month old?


    Li Che couldn''t take that risk...


    And he couldn''t afford to.


    "It seems that I must become a wood carving master at the wood carving shop... If I have the protection of Xu''s Wood Carving Shop, at least I''ll be safe." ??


    Li Che took a deep breath, pressed his hat down, and headed for Xu''s Wood Carving Shop.


    As soon as he arrived at the wood carving shop, he saw Master Chen, with white hair and beard but a ruddy complexion, sitting in a chair, humming a tune and drinking from a gourd.


    "Little Li, you''ve come? I heard you''re going to take part in the wood carving assessment, haha, you''ve got guts, daring to take the test after just a month of self-study," Master Chen said with a chuckle as he saw Li Che.


    Master Chen''s full name was Chen Dabao, now sixty-eight years old, and he was a senior master at Xu Ji''s Wood Carving Shop.


    Chen Dabao had long qualified to join Xu Ji''s in the Inner City, but he never wanted to go, preferring to stay in the wood carving shop in the Outer City.


    It wasn''t just Chen Dabao, but the other wood carving masters in the shop felt the same way.


    This left Li Che puzzled, why wouldn''t they go to the Inner City?


    He heard that living conditions and everything else in the Inner City were far better than in the Outer City.


    "You young man... Despite its appeal, the Inner City is also fraught with danger. Now, the world is in chaos, evil spirits are rampant, the Mysterious Temple stands tall, various sects are rising, and the Imperial Court is unstable. The court''s control over many cities has long declined, thus each city has fallen under the control of local noble families..."


    "Among these nobles, there is endless strife and friction over the control of the cities and the vast interests they hold. For us old bones, entering the Inner City is like stepping into a maelstrom, which we can''t withstand."


    "Here in the Outer City... although conditions are somewhat worse, relying on my own Inner Strength, I can still live comfortably."


    Master Chen took a blissful sip from the gourd of old yellow wine, smacking his lips as he spoke.


    Li Che nodded, somewhat understanding Master Chen''s thoughts.


    In the mountain where no tigers roam, the monkey is crowned king... Staying unassuming is key.


    Suddenly, Li Che thought of something and asked softly, "Master Chen, have you heard of the ''Spirit Infant Master''?"


    Master Chen paused in his drinking, furrowed his brows, and glanced at Li Che, "You little one, are you worshiping that thing?"


    Li Che hurriedly shook his head and recounted the news his uncle had told him that morning.


    "My daughter was delivered by Lei Chunlan... and I''m worried," Li Che said anxiously.


    Upon hearing this, Master Chen''s expression became serious, "It seems... another disciple has fallen into heresy. Since the Spirit Infant Sect, born from the Mysterious Temple, entered Fei Lei City, the number of child deaths has greatly increased..."


    "That midwife must have worshiped the Spirit Infant Master, having her mind bewitched, using these children she personally delivered as sacrifices to the Spirit Baby."


    "The birthing... it''s like a ritual... Once targeted, it''s hard to shake off."


    "That midwife... will not easily let go of your child."


    With Master Chen''s affirmation, Li Che''s expression turned grim and unsightly, his fingers clenched into fists, his breathing grew heavier.


    "However, based on your description, those children who died had all been born a year before, seemingly requiring to be nearly one year old to qualify for the ritual. Thus, for this year, your child should be safe. But you''ll still need to keep a close watch to prevent the midwife from secretly taking your child, waiting for the right time to carry out her evil sacrifice!"


    Having seen many such cases, Master Chen spoke with a somewhat detached tone.


    All he could do was offer a warning.


    As for helping Li Che, setting aside whether he could actually be of assistance, even just considering the nature of their relationship, it wasn''t that deep.


    To put it plainly, Li Che was nothing more than a laborer who moved lumber in the wood carving shop, nothing more.


    Li Che was well aware of this and did not ask for help.


    If he really did ask for help, and Master Chen refused, the already thin relationship between them would be completely severed.


    "Master Chen... if I became a wood carver at the wood carving shop, would the shop take care of it?"


    Li Che took a deep breath and asked.


    Master Chen took a sip of his wine and glanced at Li Che.


    "If you became a Wood Carver, all your problems would be solved."


    "The shop provides living quarters for Wood Carvers; you could move your wife and child over, under the protection of the wood carving shop. Within the shop''s compound... if that midwife dares to show up, she would definitely be killed on the spot."


    "Us Wood Carvers possess Inner Strength; even if that midwife has the support of the Spirit Infant Master''s evil techniques... we have nothing to fear."


    "If you truly became a Wood Carver, even just a lowest-rank One-cut Master, I would count as your neighbor. Should that wicked midwife dare to make a move... I''ll slap her to death for you!"


    Master Chen wiped the wine stains from his beard, grinning to reveal a mouthful of fierce, yellow teeth, showing a bit of ferocity.


    But soon, the ferocity faded, his fingers lightly tapping the well-used gourd of wine, humorously looking at Li Che.


    "The premise is... you, young man, have what it takes to become a Wood Carver."


    "It''s difficult..."


    "How do you think you, with a mere ten days or a few months of self-study done on a whim, can surpass those apprentices in the shop who''ve spent a great deal of silver and have been learning wood carving since they were young?"

 Chapter 6: Interest Challenges Career, Tang Family Mechanism

    Although Chen Dabao got on well with Li Che, as a carrier who moved timber and completed statues every day, he saw no hope in the master''s assessment.


    At least, from Chen Dabao''s perspective, he couldn''t see any hope for Li Che to become a formal wood carving master.


    Even if Li Che picked up scraps of wood from the shop to practice carving after finishing work and returning home.


    But learning wood carving, how could that be easy?


    According to Li Che''s situation, one could only say he had an interest in wood carving and hadn''t learned it formally.


    And using one''s interest to challenge another''s profession and livelihood...that was somewhat arrogant.


    Li Che didn''t offer any explanation for himself, nor did he argue about anything.


    What did he have to argue with?


    In his eyes, light flickered, and the Immortal Craft Dao Fruit in his heart throbbed slightly, seeming to radiate heat, casting light on his straightforward future.


    He did have something to rely on...


    "Little Li, if I were you, I''d try to learn some basic martial arts techniques this year. Even if you lack the physical strength, you could at least step up to protect the child and throw a punch when necessary,"


    Chen Dabao stood up, patted Li Che''s shoulder, and then went back into the workshop to continue carving wood.


    Li Che pondered for a moment and actually found Chen Dabao''s advice quite sensible...


    "Basic martial arts techniques... to learn them I would need a way, but with the Immortal Craft Dao Fruit, maybe... I could design some mechanical traps to serve as a precaution."


    "Although that Grandma Lei usually targets children one year after birth, what if something happens unexpectedly?"


    Li Che took a deep breath, his mind filled with plans.


    Without overthinking, he continued with his work, moving timber and statues.


    Perhaps because others had learned that Li Che would also take part in the wood carving assessment, many apprentices cast strange and wary looks his way, with quite a few even refusing to let Li Che move their carved woodworks.


    For a time, Li Che actually found himself with less to do in the wood carving shop.


    Except for a few old masters and regular customers still looking for him, most people basically ignored him. Li Che was happy to be unoccupied and began to ponder over mechanical traps.


    But after brooding for a while, he was clueless.


    He felt that he needed to seek out Old Chen, who likely had a way.


    "Mechanical traps? You want to rig up some traps to protect your kid? That''s an idea... not unfeasible,"


    "But setting up mechanical traps is a matter of learning, and I myself don''t understand the more complex ones. However, there is an ancient record about mechanisms in my home''s library,"


    Old Chen stopped his carving and said with a smile when Li Che asked his question.


    Li Che rubbed his hands together, eyes lighting up.


    The matter of Master Chen having a library at home was known to many in the shop. It was said to contain many precious ancient books.


    Old Chen glanced at Li Che and raised a finger, "You can borrow the ancient record, but I, Old Chen, never engage in a loss-making trade. This ancient book is extremely rare and quite precious... one tael of silver for one day''s loan." ?


    One tael of silver a day?


    Li Che took in a deep breath; it certainly wasn''t cheap.


    But Li Che quickly nodded decisively and agreed.


    "Oh, so decisive. You are a good father indeed, willing to go all out for the safety of your daughter. If you tried to haggle with me, it wouldn''t be one tael a day,"


    "For the sake of your fatherly love, you don''t need to pay a tael; just give this old man fifty Great Vista cast copper coins for a day."


    Chen Dabao stroked his beard and smiled.


    When Li Che heard that, he couldn''t help but be overjoyed, and quickly thanked Chen Dabao¡ªwho could complain about having too much money? It was best to save where one could.


    "Bring it tomorrow and remember to bring enough money,"


    Chen Dabao said and then went back to his carving.


    As time passed, the sky gradually darkened.


    Li Che collected his wages for the day, just fifteen copper coins, about a third less than usual.


    Yet, it didn''t bother him. After taking the money, he carefully packed up the wood scraps he had picked out and carried them away from the shop.


    Now, taking home some wood waste to carve for Immortal Craft experience had become a habit for Li Che every day.


    He had touched a new wood carving today, which should help him gain some more experience.


    Because of Grandma Lei''s threat to kill newborn babies, a cloud hung over his head like an unshakable shadow, giving Li Che a sense of urgency to improve himself quickly.


    He hastened home, and seeing his wife Zhang Ya playing with their daughter Xi Xi on the bed with various small wooden toys he had carved, his anxious heart finally relaxed.


    "Xi Xi, did you miss Daddy?" Li Che''s heart settled, and he approached the bed with open arms and a radiant smile.


    The month-old Xi Xi was carved from jade, her tender whiteness enchanting, her entire being scented with the fragrance of milk. Lying on the bed, she continuously babbled "yah yah" and waved her hands and feet about.


    Li Che laughed as he picked up the little girl, strolling through the confines of the room, drawing constant giggles of delight from her.


    After entertaining Xi Xi for a while, Zhang Ya also had dinner ready.


    After dinner, Li Che, by the light of an oil lamp, took out some scrap wood and began to engage in the wood carving for the day.


    In fact, the wood carving shop had just so many types, and as Li Che touched each one, now it might take several days to find a new skill from the wood carving master.


    Because his Immortal Artisan Dao Fruit had reached lv2, he carved each wood carving much faster now.


    [Dao Fruit: Immortal Artisan (lv2, 9%)]


    The experience had risen a little bit more.


    The corners of Li Che''s lips lifted, and immediately his eyes became focused, planning to try his hand at creating a mechanism.


    However, having no concept of mechanisms, he thought of the highly deadly crossbow arrow and began to scribble on paper, making a design drawing.


    ...


    ...


    Dawn''s light emerged faintly, the east exhibiting a pale glow.


    In the dark mountainside beyond, the clouds churned, and a vast expanse of snow drifted down unsteadily, dressing the whole Fei Lei City in a layer of white.


    Li Che got up early and, after washing up, started to prepare breakfast. When Zhang Ya got up to help, Li Che gently pushed her back to bed.


    "The child was fussing all night, you had to comfort her to sleep. You should get some more rest, mistress. You can eat when you wake up."


    Li Che tenderly patted Zhang Ya''s disheveled black hair, her face still hazy with sleep, and Zhang Ya pressed her lips together in a nod before lying back down.


    After Li Che finished everything, he put the breakfast in the still-warm pot to heat.


    Then he left the mud-brick house, stepping on the thick snow as he headed toward the wood carving shop.


    Walking on the cobbled streets, the wind and snow howled but could not drown out the chimes and clangs, the horns and suonas playing loudly...


    "The Holy Spirit teaches us, to cleanse the mortal dust; the reincarnation without worries technique, for only the wise, is naturally mastered..."


    The chanting came drifting down the long street, accompanied by the continuous footsteps crunching on the snowy cobblestones.


    Li Che squinted his eyes, standing by the side of the road, he pulled down his hat brim and glanced at the long procession of followers carrying a vermillion shrine.


    In the shrine sat a strange, lifelike statue of a three-headed, six-armed child, whose eyes were bright. It was clearly the work of a master.


    Observing the procession and the group of white-clad believers following behind¡ªmen and women, old and young¡ªall their faces withered and carrying a mad fervor.


    "Spirit Infant Sect..." Li Che took a deep breath, a flicker of ferocity in his eyes.


    No matter who this Spirit Infant Master was, his daughter Xi Xi was his treasure, his everything. The warm bed with his wife and child was what he wanted to protect.


    If they dared to harm Xi Xi, it meant they wanted his family destroyed, his home gone. Even if it meant his death, Li Che would rip a chunk of flesh from them.


    Clenching his fist, Li Che braved the wind and the snow, heading straight for Xu''s Wood Carving Shop.


    In this moment, the desire to become a formal wood carver at the wood carving shop surged intensely within Li Che.


    Not merely because becoming a wood carver would mean getting a house and the shop''s protection, but also because it would qualify him to learn the internal strength techniques and martial arts taught by the shop...


    The Immortal Craft Dao Fruit, although it had given Li Che a considerable boost, was ultimately just an enhancement of his talent in crafts.


    It wasn''t much help in terms of personal martial strength.


    Upon arriving at the shop, the atmosphere was tense. Many apprentices hadn''t started working yet, each preserving his energy for something.


    Li Che instantly understood that the wood carving assessment was likely to take place today.


    Chen Dabao was drinking from a gourd filled with old yellow wine, sitting on a bench in the distance with his legs crossed, humming to himself joyfully.


    "Little Li, come here."


    When Old Chen saw Li Che, he waved him over.


    Li Che''s eyes lit up, sweeping away the gloom brought on by sighting the Spirit Baby procession, and he quickly walked over. Old Chen pulled out a yellowed, well-worn book from his bosom.


    "This ''Tang''s Mechanism Essentials'' is one of my collectible ancient books. I haven''t studied it much, but there are many secret techniques for mechanisms inside. They require quite a bit of skill with your hands, and some even need internal strength and martial arts to assist. Of course, you could try the simple mechanisms, which are mostly manageable even for those without martial strength."


    "Thank you, Old Chen," Li Che said, his face flushed with excitement. After handing over fifty copper coins to Chen Dabao, he took the book.


    And the moment his fingertips touched the ancient tome...


    Within his chest, the Dao Fruit[Immortal Artisan]...


    Began to beat with vitality!


    Ps: Asking for Monthly Tickets and recommendations; thank you for your support!

 Chapter 7: Four-Armed Bodhisattva Holding Child Statue

    It seems there''s something of value!


    This ancient book... might be of great help to the "Immortal Artisan" Dao Fruit!


    Suppressing the turmoil in his heart caused by the Dao Fruit, Li Che took a deep breath. His mind was agitated, yet he did not probe further.


    As the sound of the gong being struck echoed, everyone in the wood carving shop put down what they were holding, and the atmosphere became heavy.


    The door to the courtyard was opened, and the wind and snow rushed in, followed by several figures bustling through.


    The two leading figures were clad in fox fur cloaks and wearing headbands, their eyes sharp and imposing, exuding a strong aura that seemed as if it could captivate one''s soul just by looking at them.


    Their vitality was robust, and the snow and wind did not cling to them. Even as they walked through the snow, not a single flake seemed to touch them.


    These two were none other than the Second Shopkeeper and the Third Shopkeeper of Xu''s Wood Carving Shop.


    Usually, the Third Shopkeeper, Xu You, was in charge of Xu''s Wood Carving Shop in the Outer City, while the Main Shopkeeper, Xu Heli, and the Second Shopkeeper, Xu Beihu, resided in the Inner City. Today, for the examination, the Second Shopkeeper Xu Beihu had personally come.


    Xu''s Wood Carving Shop in the Inner City was by no means weak; in fact, it could be described as formidable. This was mainly because these three shopkeepers were all top-notch, each possessing considerable strength.


    Once inside the shop, they removed their fox fur cloaks and sat down in the Taishi Chairs, casually scanning the apprentices who gathered together in the shop.


    "The annual examination for wood carving masters in our shop happens once a year, and we recruit three apprentices each time. After becoming a One-cut Wood Carving Master, a monthly salary of five taels can be claimed, and for the carved products sold, the shop takes forty percent while the rest goes to the individual."


    "Of course, after becoming a Wood Carver, there will be an annual evaluation. For each additional cut made, the shop''s share decreases by ten percent, and the monthly salary increases."


    The Third Shopkeeper, Xu You, sat with a serene posture, his eyes sweeping across the room. He was fair-skinned and of a gentle demeanor.


    By contrast, the Second Shopkeeper, Xu Beihu, lived up to his name ¨C North Tiger, with an overwhelming presence. He sat upright with broad shoulders and a strong back like a bamboo pole, his body exuding a fiery vitality.


    After the Third Shopkeeper finished speaking, the Second Shopkeeper also opened his mouth, and his voice boomed like a bell, stirring up waves of air in the room as if wind and waves were lashing out.


    "To become an official Wood Carver of the shop means having the qualification to practice martial arts and to cultivate Inner Strength. If you want to go farther and higher in the field of wood carving, Inner Strength is essential.


    Our Xu''s Wood Carving Shop has been in Fei Lei City for two hundred years, and without some ability in martial arts, it wouldn''t be possible to safeguard this family business."


    "Furthermore, by choosing to participate in the examination, you agree to join Xu''s Wood Carving Shop and become one of Xu Ji''s people. If there is any betrayal, do not blame us for being ruthless."


    "I, Xu Beihu, detest traitors the most!"


    His rough words thundered through the room, intimidating the hearts and minds of every apprentice present.


    Li Che also felt a chill in his heart.


    "Now, those who wish to continue with the examination, come forward to register and receive your examination materials."


    After the stern warning of the Second Shopkeeper Xu Beihu, the gentle voice of the Third Shopkeeper, Xu You, sounded as if one was basking in the spring breeze.


    The many apprentices hurried forward in an orderly manner, registering their names and receiving materials.


    "Little Li, go ahead," Old Chen said with a smile and a sip of his drink, squinting his eyes.


    After giving a bow with his hands clenched in front of him, Li Che too went to register.


    "Li Che?" The Third Shopkeeper Xu You, who was in charge of registration, was slightly surprised to see Li Che actually come forward to register.


    A few days ago, when Li Che came to him, he hadn''t taken it seriously. After all, every year, there were laborers who envied the high earnings of Wood Carvers and sought the opportunity to participate in the examination, but most gave up after trying to carve a few times. r?


    It was pretty rare for someone like Li Che to actually come and register for the examination.


    Was it a lack of self-awareness or... did he truly possess genuine skills?


    "There have been precedents of laborers turning into Wood Carvers. I hope you can give me a surprise. Do your best," Xu You, being a gentle person, encouraged him.


    Li Che nodded, selected a piece of wood, and found a workstation to stand by.


    When all the candidates had chosen their wood, the Third Shopkeeper Xu You stood with his hands behind his back, surveying everyone, and said indifferently, "The task for this wood carving examination... is to create a Four-Armed Bodhisattva holding a child statue."


    No sooner had he spoken than the Third Shopkeeper unveiled the red cloth covering the wood carving on the table, revealing its true form.


    A statue of a Four-Armed Bodhisattva holding a child stood on the table with its four arms outstretched in different postures, one hand performing a Sealing Technique, one holding a Pure Jade Vase, one pinching a wish-fulfilling gesture, and the last arm embracing a laughing boy with an upturned braid.


    "Hiss¡ª"


    A collective gasp of surprise came from the mouths of the many apprentices.


    This year''s examination topic... was it really this difficult?!


    Even the old masters who were watching the excitement showed expressions of astonishment.


    In previous years, the exam had always involved ordinary Bodhisattva statues, but this year added a child being held... and the requirement of four arms.


    For wood carving, each additional arm significantly increased the difficulty in controlling the overall work, the error rate, and the test of carving skills.


    Hard, hard, hard!


    Master Chen smacked his lips and said, "Li Che''s luck really has hit rock bottom... This exam question can''t be bluffed through."


    Li Che stared at the Four-Armed Bodhisattva statue and felt a slight relief in his heart...


    Lucky!


    It was a type he had touched before!


    Stable!


    Old Chen''s previously completed "Nine Sons Embracing the Lotus," which had earned him one hundred and fifty taels, had already been felt by Li Che. This allowed Li Che to learn child sculpting, and the Six-Eyed Bodhisattva Statue had provided him with the Bodhisattva carving skills...


    The only shortcoming was... the four arms.


    But as a Lv2 Dao Fruit Immortal Craftsman, Li Che was confident he could carve it out!


    "The main focus should be on putting more effort into the artistic conception."


    Li Che began to make plans for his own assessment.


    He didn''t need to hide his skills, but when it came to something as profound as artistic conception, that could only be attributed to talent.


    A laborer, if he were to display carving skills not inferior to those of a wood carving shop''s master... It would ultimately be hard to explain.


    "The assessment time is four hours. When the time is up, everyone must stop carving immediately. Violators will be disqualified. Do you understand?"


    Second Shopkeeper Xu Beihu stood up, his presence commanding as he issued the warning.


    All the apprentices, including Li Che, responded in turn.


    "The Xu Ji wood carving apprentice examination in the Outer City starts now!"


    Xu Beihu waved his hand grandly, and his strong qi surged throughout the shop.


    Carving the "Four-Armed Bodhisattva holding child statue" in four hours was a tight schedule and not very generous.


    Therefore, the apprentices dared not waste time, holding their pieces of wood, they began to outline and trace their figures with ink.


    These pieces of wood had all been dried, saving some steps.


    Li Che placed the wood on the workbench and reached out to touch it, visualizing the outer and inner contours in his mind. After a moment, he dipped his wolf''s hair brush in ink and began to draw lines on the wood.


    The workbench was prepared with axes, mallets, saws, files, and other tools for carving the rough shape.


    Carving the rough shape involves summarizing the conceived forms into simple geometric bodies. Concepts such as layers, dynamics, proportions, and center of gravity must all be included in the rough shape.


    Carving the rough shape is very important and is also the most demanding test of talent.


    Moments later, after the apprentices had finished their outlines, they started the ding-dong sound of knocking and carving...


    [Immortal Artisan] Dao Fruit vibrated, and Li Che closed his eyes and then reopened them. His entire demeanor seemed to have undergone a drastic change.


    Old Chen, holding a gourd of liquor by his side, paused for a moment, as the transformation in Li Che''s temperament occurred the instant he picked up the carving knife, looking at Li Che as if... looking at his younger self.


    "This kid... has put on quite a convincing display of temperament," Chen Dabao muttered to himself.


    However, as Li Che began carving, outlining the rough shape, Chen Dabao squinted his eyes.


    Scrap wood chips fell in showers, the sharp blade tore into the wood, ripping apart the links between the wood''s tissues, leaving marks.


    The rough lines had already sketched out the overall rough shape of the image.


    Time slipped away like sand through the fingers, dropping grain by grain with the rustling sound of sand.


    Third Shopkeeper Xu You walked with his hands behind his back, his pace neither hurried nor slow, slowly passing each apprentice''s workbench, inspecting the progress and standard of their work.


    Suddenly.


    Xu You''s steps halted as he glanced at Chen Dabao, who stood stock-still as if he were a statue, and was slightly taken aback.


    Following Chen Dabao''s gaze, he saw the courageous laborer Li Che.


    "Why are you so engrossed?"


    Xu You became curious. What could captivate Chen Dabao, the senior Four-cuts Master, to pause in his tracks...


    Could it be that this laborer really had something special?


    Xu You walked over, hands still clasped behind his back, gradually approaching. His eyes drooped downward, falling upon Li Che who was focused on carving, then shifted.


    They fell onto the wood carving on the workbench...

 Chapter 8: Wood Carving Prodigy, Inner Strength Divinity

    Third Shopkeeper Xu You narrowed his eyes, a hint of amazement flashing through his gentle gaze.


    He looked at the rough prototype of the "Four-Armed Bodhisattva holding child statue" that was being outlined. Although it was only a prototype and the lines were rough, the whole statue already emanated a unique form of beauty.


    That was... the flavor of meaning!


    The expression, the posture, the demeanor... they were all strikingly palpable!


    It was as if there truly was a compassionate Four-Armed Bodhisattva, cradling a child with one arm, eyelids drooping, one hand forming the rebirth mantra, another holding the Pure Jade Vase, and yet another grasping a Jade Ruyi...


    Was this really carved by a laborer?


    Xu You nodded slightly. As the third shopkeeper of the wood carving shop, he had handled countless wood carvings and had a high level of appreciation for the styles and techniques of many veteran carvers.


    In Li Che''s Four-Armed Bodhisattva, there were many carving techniques imbuing Chen Dabao''s style and flavor!


    The talent... was astonishing!


    Li Che had not spent silver to learn wood carving at the shop, and it was clear that Chen Dabao would not have kindly taught him.


    This meant... everything was self-taught by Li Che!


    By day he needed to move timber and finished statues in the wood carving shop, and only at night did he have time to go back and carve, meaning he only learned during the evenings, yet he managed to reach such a level!


    "The lines of the carving and processing are still slightly flawed, but what''s truly valuable is... the inherent meaning! The Four-Armed Bodhisattva carved by Little Li is extremely rich in meaning, as though it came to life... This is a natural talent!"


    Chen Dabao clicked his tongue, returning to his senses only after sensing the arrival of Third Shopkeeper Xu You, astonished.


    "Indeed, the most important aspect of wood carving is the charm. Without it, no matter how good the technique or how superb the skills, it''s still just a piece of junk wood," Xu You nodded in approval.


    "He''s a good seedling, and Li Che''s technique is not bad either; it merely lacks a bit of the veteran carvers'' finesse, but it is much better than the apprentices..."


    "It seems our Xu''s Wood Carving Shop is about to produce a genius."


    Xu You''s lips curled up, his smile brightening splendidly.


    "Our Xu''s Wood Carving Shop, being able to rank at the forefront in Fei Lei City, owes not only to the Xu Family; the biggest reason is that the carvings produced by Xu''s are full of charm, allowing those young masters in the city to refine and extract divinity..."


    "Such individuals who possess immense talent in capturing the charm of wood carving, we at Xu''s will definitely grasp and nurture them well!"


    Xu You stood with his hands behind his back, quietly watching Li Che''s carving for a while.


    From the technique of the carving knife to the deepening overall charm of the wood carving as the engraving progressed, confirming that it was indeed created by Li Che, Xu You had his answer.


    Li Che was also aware of Xu You''s presence and his assessment.


    His heart couldn''t help but be startled; he had already restrained his carving technique quite a bit, yet it seemed he was still far better than the apprentices in the shop, standing out like a crane amongst chickens...


    It was his first time gauging his control... still inexperienced.


    However, from the third shopkeeper''s reaction, it seemed his advancement to becoming a wood carver was assured!


    Four hours silently passed amidst the rasping sound of the carving knife tearing through wood.


    Ding¡ª


    Accompanied by a gong-like explosion!


    Sitting in a Taishi Chair and sipping tea, Second Shopkeeper Xu Beihu, with his burly figure, suddenly stood up, his fierce blood essence surging turbulently.


    "The hour has come! Everyone, halt!"


    "The assessment is over!"


    "If I see anyone else make a move with a knife, their qualification will be nullified! Their results void!"


    The domineering voice, rough yet intimidating.


    All the wood carving apprentices hurriedly stopped their work, some trembling and looking with dread at Xu Beihu whose eyes swept over the crowd like a tiger, falling silent as cicadas in winter.


    Li Che too put down his grinding stick, stopping his work on the "Four-Armed Bodhisattva holding child statue," and let out a long sigh, feeling a slight pity.


    If only he had a moment longer, he could have finished polishing it, and the statue would have been a completed product.


    The third and second shopkeepers, accompanied by several veteran carvers from the shop, began evaluating the wood carvings of many apprentices.


    The evaluation, though not too strict, was quite fair.


    Only when coming across an extremely poor piece, one that in four hours managed only a rough prototype without its proper form, would they scold a few words.


    Chen Dabao followed in the group, squinting his eyes, and when he came to Li Che''s station and saw the Four-Armed Bodhisattva, rising majestically from a pile of wood chips on the workspace, almost completed in form through polishing.


    Many of the veteran carvers began to marvel.


    "Quite a rarity, a laborer actually possessing such knife skills and standards!"


    "The apprentices I''ve taught really learned nothing of value!"


    "A talent indeed, it''s truly a pity that he hasn''t been formally trained in wood carving over these years; he started late, but the meaning imbued in his carvings... I''d believe it if you told me they were carved by a Three-Knife Master!"


    ...


    Praise was never in short supply.


    Xu You looked at Li Che with a gentle expression, a flicker of admiration in his eyes as he nodded slightly, "Not bad."


    Li Che bowed with his fists clasped, his expression calm, not losing himself in the praise.


    The group continued to appreciate the work, and moments later, all the assessments were completed.


    "Li Che, Zhao Xuan, Wang Zhengpin, the three of you have distinguished yourselves in this assessment and can be granted the title of One-Cut Wood Carver. Your monthly salary will be five taels, divided into sixty percent."


    Upon Xu You reading out the three names, the shop suddenly erupted into a buzz.


    When the final results settled, many apprentices were visibly distressed, some disoriented, others shedding tears...


    Years of hard study had ultimately failed to pass the assessment, and being surpassed, even overwhelmed by a laborer threw them off balance.


    The small shop displayed a hundred human emotions.


    "The three of you, follow me."


    Xu You and Xu Beihu donned their fox fur cloaks and glanced over the three who had passed the assessment.


    Li Che and the other two apprentices quickly followed, stepping into the swirling snow, walking deeper into the courtyard.


    They passed through a corridor, arriving in a spacious yard that appeared to be a flattened practice field, filled with snow-covered stone stumps and other martial arts equipment.


    "This place serves as the martial arts area for Xu Ji''s wood carving shop in the Outer City. Becoming a wood carver of the shop means you''re one of us. From now on, you can enter this area with the ''jade talisman knife'' that signifies your status as One-Cut Wood Carvers, to practice martial arts and Inner Strength, preparing to reach the higher levels of wood carvers."


    Everyone, standing in the courtyard amidst flying snow.


    After distributing three jade knives to them, Xu You stood with his hands clasped behind, and Xu Beihu, the Second Shopkeeper, began to speak.


    "I will conduct the martial arts training. Each month, I will take two days off to come to the Outer City. If you have any questions about martial arts during that time, you can ask me."


    His voice was like a large bell, his vitality robust. Standing in the heavy snow, not a flake touched him.


    Li Che and the others quickly responded.


    "Now, let''s start discussing the Martial Path..."


    "Martial arts training is divided into three types: Body Refinement Technique, Internal Strength Technique, and... the Divine Method."


    "The Divine Method is beyond your reach and not something you are qualified to contact. Body Refinement is available to everyone, while Internal Strength somewhat depends on talent and requires time to accumulate."


    "I will teach you the Body Refinement Technique now. As for the Internal Strength Technique, you''ll wait until your body refinement reaches the skin-grinding level. Then, I will teach it to you, so you can try."


    Xu Beihu said indifferently.


    He immediately began to explain the Body Refinement Technique, which in fact... involved some austere practices using external tools to refine the body. The various equipment in the practice field all served this purpose.


    "The Body Refinement Technique involves skin-grinding, sinew transforming, bone tempering, and blood exchange. Once you can circulate your body''s blood and energy, transforming it as fluid as quicksilver, you are considered a master in this area! As for the stage above Blood Exchange ¨C Channel Opening ¨C it is rarely achieved by anyone in this city."


    "Starting with skin-grinding, every half month you can get a bowl of ''boiling skin powder.'' If that''s not enough, you can buy it yourself, one bowl for one silver tael to accelerate your body refinement pace."


    ...


    Xu Beihu taught earnestly, and Li Che listened just as earnestly.


    This was his first encounter with the Martial Arts of this world, and naturally, he did not dare to neglect it. The threat from the Spirit Infant Master, like a knife hanging over his head, kept him from relaxing his vigilance.


    Practicing martial arts would enhance his ability to stand against the Spirit Infant Master, and he dared not be negligent.


    When the sky turned completely dark,


    Xu Beihu finally ended today''s teaching.


    He would stay another day in the Outer City tomorrow to teach everyone martial arts.


    "Disperse now, digest well the knowledge of the Martial Path I have imparted, and tomorrow we officially start the skin-grinding practice."


    Xu Beihu said solemnly, waving his hand grandly before turning to leave.


    However, Li Che did not leave but found the Third Shopkeeper to inquire about moving.


    Ps: Seeking recommendation votes, Monthly Tickets, and followers'' support!

 Chapter 9: Three-headed, Six-armed Spirit Infant Statue, Mechanical Sleeve Crossbow

    "You want to move into the wood carving shop?"


    "Now that you are a wood carver, naturally you can... However, some procedures still need to be followed. I''ve instructed someone to expedite these for you. Check out the courtyard in a couple of days."


    Third Shopkeeper Xu You greatly admired Li Che''s talent.


    The wood carvings he produced were deeply meaningful, such a talent... For any wood carving shop, it was extremely precious and desirous.


    Because of this, wood carvers had the chance to grow into woodcarving masters!


    Therefore, as for Li Che''s request, he naturally would not refuse, even somewhat eager to comply.


    Genius, indeed, deserved the treatment for genius.


    "Thank you, Third Shopkeeper." Li Che sincerely clasped his hands.


    Xu You nodded and, along with Xu Beihu, faded into the snowstorm and disappeared.


    Li Che let out a long breath of warm air, and couldn''t help but show a hint of a smile on his face. The threat from Spirit Infant Sect would be much less after moving into the wood carving shop.


    He returned to the shop, collected his hat, and received his monthly salary as a wood carver, totaling five taels of silver.


    The Third Shopkeeper had said, from now on, this day of the month would be the time to distribute the monthly salary.


    Amid the envious and awe-struck gazes of the other apprentices, Li Che packed up his belongings, ready to go home and tell his wife and daughter the good news.


    However, before leaving, he shamelessly edged closer to Master Chen.


    "Master Chen, may I take some scraps back to practice with?"


    Chen Dabao was drinking from his gourd, and his face sullened, "A Che, from now on, you too are a carver of the shop. Our friendship aside, don''t call me Master Chen anymore, call me Old Chen."


    "These materials, you can take as you please, even if you like, you can pick them from the courtyard. As long as it''s not too large a piece, you can take it back to practice with."


    Chen Dabao had clearly seen Li Che''s talent, and knew how important it was to establish good relations.


    Being of such an age, he was naturally sharp and would not easily offend people.


    "By the way, when you choose a courtyard, call me along. I''ll have a look and we can be neighbors," Old Chen said with a laugh.


    ...


    ...


    Good spirits accompany good fortune.


    Li Che was in an excellent mood. After becoming a wood carver, his wages had increased, and he saw a hopeful future. Riches and a comfortable life for his wife and daughter were no longer just a dream.


    Walking along the long street of Feilei Outer City, stepping on the piled white snow, he arrived at the shop, bought two taels of liquor, then went on to cut some pig''s head meat and marinated beef, heading home.


    The sky darkened, and the street lights were sparse.


    From a distance, Li Che could see the weak oil lamp light of his family''s earthen house.


    Thinking of his adorable daughter, Xi Xi, trying to talk at the moment, he couldn''t help but lift the corners of his lips.


    When he got to the front of the earthen house, he reached out his hand to call his wife, Zhang Ya, to open the door.


    But then, Li Che caught something out of the corner of his eye. His breathing halted, and the air around him seemed to freeze.


    His neck felt as stiff as if it were twisted slowly.


    His gaze landed on the lower left corner of the wooden door; there, on the thick snow, was a quietly placed small wood carving!


    A three-headed, six-armed child sat on a lotus seat, his expression seemed to be both smiling and not smiling, his lips slightly raised, one eye open and the other closed.


    Looking at it a long time...


    Li Che even heard the illusion of a child''s crying and laughing near his ear!


    "Spirit Infant Master?!"


    Li Che''s face grew stern, and he fiercely surveyed his surroundings, his glaring eyes filled with ferocity.


    So, they were... targeting us already?!


    Xi Xi was just a month old!


    Lei Chunlan!


    Where are you?! Come out!


    But all around was silent, only the sound of the falling snow and the babbling from inside the house, Xi Xi''s voice learning to talk.


    Reaching out, he picked up the wood carving; it was just an ordinary wood carving...


    But it had signaled something different to Li Che, the joy in his heart instantly withered and froze.


    Just as a thief would scout and mark a place ahead of stealing.


    Perhaps, the other party had similar intentions.


    Li Che''s face clouded with thought, and after a moment, he threw the Spirit Infant wood carving into the firewood room, planning to bring it to the wood carving shop tomorrow to ask about it.


    After finishing everything, only then did his joyful expression return.


    Coming home... one should always bring good news rather than bad.


    "Husband, you''re back?"


    Zhang Ya opened the door, letting the snow and wind squeeze in, and upon seeing Li Che carrying wine and meat in his hands, her eyes immediately revealed a look of surprise.


    She knew her husband must have some happy news to share with her.


    When she learned that Li Che had become the woodcarving master at Xu''s Wood Carving Shop, she couldn''t help but cheer like a young girl, hugging Li Che''s waist and jumping up and down, grinding against Li Che... His heart galloped with excitement.


    "Husband, we must celebrate properly tonight!"


    Zhang Ya lifted her smooth chin, her face full of smiles.


    Li Che wrapped his arms around her, a mischievous smile curling up at the corner of his lips, "Wife, how do you plan to celebrate?"


    Seeing Li Che''s smile, Zhang Ya immediately understood his naughty thoughts, her pretty face blushingly red.


    Li Che then took out the five taels of monthly salary he collected today and told Zhang Ya about his plans to move into the woodcarving shop.


    Zhang Ya was stunned by the news of the move, though she found it odd, she did not ask further.


    Wherever her husband went, her and her daughter naturally followed.


    Moreover, Zhang Ya also understood that the woodcarving shop was definitely much safer than here...


    After dinner, Zhang Ya coax Xi Xi to sleep early, and the couple then carefully engaged in a session of passionate activities.


    In bed, Zhang Ya''s black hair was scattered, and she fell into a deep sleep.


    Li Che, however, was clear-headed and refreshed, sitting in front of the lit oil lamp, he took out "Tang''s Mechanism Essentials," which he had borrowed from Old Chen.


    The "Dao Fruit" [Immortal Artisan] trembled once again.


    With a gleam in his eyes, Li Che began to flip through, carefully observing.


    The book recorded various sophisticated mechanisms, and many were of great lethal power...


    As Li Che read, driven by the understanding provided by the Dao Fruit, he instantly became immersed, utterly captivated by the ingenious designs and creative innovations.


    However, the book only listed twelve mechanisms, of which nine required Inner Strength and Divinity to be crafted.


    At present, Li Che did not consider them.


    He chose the remaining three that could be crafted without the need for Inner Strength and Divinity, named "Sleeve Crossbow," "Guanyin Blood Lotus," and "Thousand Thread Spider."


    Taking out the scrap wood he brought back from the shop, Li Che planned to make the Sleeve Crossbow.


    Mainly because it was somewhat similar to his original crossbow design, so... he could go straight into making it.


    The carving knife sliced through the wood, the rasping sound of tearing wood fibers continued all night...


    When the first streak of dawn broke through the gloom and covered the snow-laden earth,


    Li Che had finally completed the delicate and exquisite Sleeve Crossbow!


    [Dao Fruit: Immortal Artisan (lv2, 19%)]


    The moment the creation was complete, Li Che''s mind suddenly flooded with a mass of details on using the Sleeve Crossbow, and at the same time... a prompt popped up before his eyes.


    Li Che''s eyes suddenly brightened, and his spirits doubled, not expecting that making the Sleeve Crossbow would grant 10% maturation to the Dao Fruit!


    Li Che referred to the percentage in the suffix as the Dao Fruit maturity, for once it was full, the Dao Fruit would elevate, bearing a clever analogy with its ripening.


    "Is it based on the difficulty of the mechanism?" Li Che couldn''t help but wonder.


    His increasing Dao Fruit had been slow, making Li Che somewhat anxious.


    But now it seemed he had found another way to enhance the Dao Fruit.


    However, the number of mechanisms was slightly disappointing, causing Li Che to quickly calm down, feeling a bit regretful.


    "But, the mechanism handbook thoroughly records twelve mechanisms, if I can produce them all, it should be enough to elevate the Immortal Artisan to lv3!" Li Che''s eyes sparkled, his heart pounding with excitement.


    There was still a chance!


    Because he had made the Sleeve Crossbow, Li Che simultaneously mastered the technique of using it, so he was quite eager to try it; if he could master Inner Strength and vitality, activating the Sleeve Crossbow would be even more powerful!


    However, after a glance at his sleeping wife and daughter, he resisted the urge.


    He stood up and stretched, his bones crackling.


    Perhaps because of the Dao Fruit, staying up all night left him feeling refreshed and clear-headed.


    With the Sleeve Crossbow hidden in his sleeve, using wood to construct the body of the crossbow and the crossbow arrows made of wood, although the durability wasn''t great, the sharpened wooden spike arrows were also not weak in power, and being lightweight, he had the advantage of being able to make them anytime.


    After heading to the kitchen, Li Che prepared breakfast.


    Yet his gaze involuntarily landed on the Spirit Infant Wood Carving he had placed in the firewood shed.


    Frowning, he pondered for a moment and then shook his head vigorously.


    "No, I can''t leave Xi Xi and her mother in the mud house... It''s not safe anymore."

 Chapter 10: Repeating Crossbow with 9 Arrows, Mechanism to Kill

    Li Che clutched the Spirit Infant Statue, his eyes flickering uncertainly.


    Since the other party had targeted them and had taken out the sinister Spirit Infant Wood Carving as a mark, Li Che naturally did not dare to take a risk. If he went out to work and the other party forced their way into the house, he would regret it terribly.


    "The safest place... naturally, is the wood carving shop!"


    "I am now a wood carving master, with my own workshop, where Xi Xi and Xiao Ya can stay..."


    "Hmm, stable and safe!"


    Having made a decision to secure a safe option, Li Che woke his wife, Zhang Ya.


    "Husband, you were too exhausting last night; you must have been holding back for a long time..." Zhang Ya''s face blushed slightly, her gaze towards Li Che seemingly able to squeeze out water.


    Li Che smiled, gently stroking his wife''s disheveled hair.


    "Wife, tidy up a bit, take Xi Xi with us, and go to the wood carving shop... Join me at work these next two days."


    Li Che said.


    Zhang Ya was momentarily startled. Going to the wood carving shop to work together?


    "Husband, today is your first day at work as a wood carver... Should Xi Xi and I really accompany you? Won''t that displease the shopkeeper?"


    Li Che shook his head: "No, the workshop is a private space of the wood carving master, and it''s fine for family members to stay there. Besides, I will explain to the shopkeeper."


    Upon hearing this, Zhang Ya stopped objecting and began to pack, picking up Xi Xi, who was wide awake on the bed, waving her arms and legs, playing by herself.


    After bundling up Xi Xi securely, the family braved the wind and snow and set off for Xu''s Wood Carving Shop.


    Li Che protected his wife and daughter, tightening his wife''s cotton clothes against the howling wind and covering Xi Xi to shield her from the cold.


    At the same time, Li Che was also scanning his surroundings, extremely vigilant.


    Zhang Ya, seeing her husband like this, suddenly felt a chill and knew that something must have happened. Although Li Che had not spoken of it, she decided not to ask and instead worried silently.


    The couple, with their child, walked through the wind and snow, stepping onto the snow-covered bluestone street.


    "The Holy Spirit teaches, cleanses from the worldly dust, method of reincarnation without worries..."


    "Only the highly wise are naturally accomplished..."


    The sound of tinkling and drumming echoed as the Followers of the Spiritual Infant Sect approached in a mesmerizing formation from a distance.


    The Three-Headed Six-Armed Lingying Statue carried on the palanquin, amidst a swirl of incense and smoke, grew more sinister.


    Li Che even faintly felt the Spirit Infant Master Wood Carving''s gaze intentionally looking towards his family, blurring his vision, constantly watching them, making him feel like a thorn was in his back!


    "Husband..." Zhang Ya looked at the procession of the Spirit Infant Master, her expression clearly panicking.


    "Don''t be afraid, I''m here."


    "Don''t look, keep walking straight."


    Li Che patted his wife, wrapping his arm around her slender shoulders, and headed straight for the wood carving shop.


    However, Li Che inexplicably felt the chill wind rustle behind him, as if a figure was constantly following behind his family.


    The crisis was like dense ink soaking into a pond, beginning to spread gradually until the entire pond turned black.


    Fortunately, they soon arrived at Xu''s Wood Carving Shop.


    The moment he stepped into the wood carving shop, Li Che finally felt a relief wash over him. He looked back in the distance, his eyes narrowing, and sure enough, saw a shadow flash past a corner.


    "Lei Chunlan?"


    Li Che''s chest heaved violently, and he could not help but be overwhelmed with the urge to kill.


    "A Che?"


    Suddenly, a familiar voice rang out. Chen Dabao, holding a gourd and drinking, saw Li Che, along with Zhang Ya and Xi Xi by his side.


    This scene... made him pause for a moment, but Old Chen, wise beyond his years, recalled what Li Che had previously mentioned about the Spirit Infant Master targeting his daughter, and quickly understood the situation.


    "Come inside first."


    Old Chen''s expression was solemn as he ushered Li Che and his wife and daughter into the shop.


    Li Che settled Zhang Ya in his workshop before going to find Old Chen.


    Old Chen, drinking from his gourd, glanced at Li Che, "Being targeted?"


    Li Che nodded and pulled out the Spirit Infant Wood Carving that had appeared at his doorstep the previous night.


    At the sight of the Spirit Infant Wood Carving, Old Chen''s expression became stern, and he stopped drinking, "You did the right thing by bringing your wife and daughter here to the wood carving shop. Your house... is no longer safe."


    "Spirit Infant Master, Spirit Infant Master... presenting this wood carving represents the Spirit Infant Sect''s assessment of your daughter... as a Spirit Infant!"


    Old Chen took the wood carving, his expression extremely grave.


    Li Che''s face also changed upon hearing this.


    "They must have been watching your family all along. Did this ''Three-Headed Six-Armed Spirit Infant Statue'' only appear last night?"


    "It seems they must have known that you became a wood carver of Xu Ji and would surely move to Xu''s Courtyard, so..."


    Li Che''s expression turned grim, "They wanted to strike first?"


    "Right, you were prudent enough to bring your wife and daughter over..." Old Chen clenched his fist, and the Spirit Infant Wood Carving instantly cracked and shattered into pieces on the ground.


    "You said someone has been following you? Was it that midwife who has harmed many children?"


    "It might be, I didn''t get a clear look... can''t be sure."


    "Considering that you and I are about to become friendly neighbors... I''ll take you on a trip, see if it''s that brainwashed midwife..."


    Old Chen took a swig of strong liquor, squinted his eyes slightly, and said.


    Upon hearing this, Li Che couldn''t help but feel joyful.


    He knew that Old Chen''s change of attitude was all because of the talent he demonstrated in wood carving, able to imbue carvings with profound meanings; such a talent... seemed more important than he had imagined!


    Li Che settled his wife and daughter inside the workshop, instructing Zhang Ya not to wander off, while Old Chen asked a master to keep an eye on things before he and Li Che left the shop together.


    Both of them wore hats to block the wind and snow.


    After leaving the shop, Old Chen threw a cloak to Li Che, wrapped himself in one as well, and fastened his gourd of liquor to his waist.


    They reached the corner of the alley.


    But all they saw at the corner of the alley, placed on the snow, was a "Three-Headed Six-Armed Spirit Infant Statue."


    "Wow, quite bold, daring to mark in front of Xu Ji''s shop... really think Xu Ji is made of mud?"


    Old Chen narrowed his eyes and stomped down, his surging inner strength instantly blasted the Spirit Infant Wood Carving into pieces.


    Clatter!


    At the same time.


    A dark shadow in the distance seemed startled and swiftly fled, stepping on the snow.


    "Found it," Old Chen narrowed his eyes and glanced at Li Che.


    "You follow at your own pace, watch your safety."


    After speaking, Old Chen''s exposed skin turned fiery red as if burnt, his body relaxed and his sinews tightened, making a sound like a taut bowstring.


    The snow under his feet instantly melted into water, a scorching heat wave rushing towards him, and with one step, he launched forward like a red-hot branding iron thrown at high speed, shattering the falling snow and chasing after the fleeing black shadow.


    Watching Old Chen shoot away in an instant, Li Che was slightly shocked in his heart.


    Skin Refinement, Sinew Transforming, Bone Tempering, Blood Exchange... Old Chen had reached an unknown realm, and his Inner Strength was also extremely formidable.


    Exhaling a breath of hot air from the snow, Li Che pressed down on the Sleeve Crossbow hidden in his sleeve, his expression cold as water.


    It''s not the theft itself one fears, but the thief''s constant attention...


    Thinking about his beloved Xi Xi being targeted by these villains, a strong surge of violence welled up in Li Che''s heart.


    You want to mess with my daughter, I...


    Will kill you!


    ...


    ...


    Li Che stepped on the stone path and quickly caught up.


    From afar, he saw Old Chen leaning against the wall at the corner of the alley, enjoying fine wine from a gourd.


    Behind him in the alley, a black shadow curled up on the ground, blood staining the snow red.


    "It''s not the midwife, just a Martial Practitioner with Great Success in Skin Refinement who joined the Spirit Infant Sect and became a follower," Old Chen said indifferently as he saw Li Che approaching.


    Li Che''s heart sank slightly, somewhat disappointed.


    It''s not Lei Chunlan... it''s truly a pity.


    The man''s skin was dark, and he exuded a sense of resilience from being exposed to the elements, but he was utterly listless now, bleeding from his mouth and nose, lying on the ground, panting heavily, coughing up blood.


    He clearly couldn''t last even a few moves against Old Chen and had suffered a severe beating.


    Old Chen, after beating the man, drank his wine, enjoying the leisure of the aftermath like smoking a cigarette.


    Li Che stared at the man who had buried his head in the snow, his fists clenched, his eyes icy cold.


    "Where is Lei Chunlan?" Li Che asked, his voice slightly hoarse.


    "I... I don''t... I don''t know..."


    The man buried his head and grunted a reply.


    Right after he spoke, Li Che fiercely kicked his head, slamming the man''s head hard against the cobblestone ground covered in snow, making a dull sound.


    Li Che continuously kicked him several times, the man gritting his teeth, merely grunting without screaming or making any noise.


    Old Chen watched indifferently, his expression a mix of a smirk and a smile.


    A while later, the two walked in silence on the long street, Old Chen with his hands behind his back, completely at ease.


    Meanwhile, Li Che looked toward Chen Dabao, "Old Chen, you head back to the shop. I''m going to buy some pig''s head meat and two pounds of yellow wine to thank you..."


    Old Chen grinned upon hearing this, "You''re too polite, go ahead. I want it from that marinade shop in the western part of the city."


    Li Che smiled, agreed, and then darted into the snow.


    Old Chen watched Li Che''s disappearing figure, smacked his lips, picked up the gourd, removed the stopper, and took a hearty swig.


    "This kid... really is a good father."


    "However, having never practiced martial arts, killing a Skin Refinement Martial Artist... won''t be easy."


    ...


    ...


    In the alley.


    The snow fluttered sporadically, piercingly cold.


    A strong scent of blood permeated the air as the dark-skinned man who had suffered a severe beating from Old Chen staggered up from the ground, leaning on the wall.


    Old Chen''s strength was too formidable; freshly initiated in Skin Refinement, the man had absolutely no power to resist.


    As for the kicks from Li Che, to a Skin Refinement Martial Artist, they were barely painful, merely a touch humiliating.


    "The Spirit Infant eyed by the Dharma Master... none can escape... even Xu Ji can''t keep it safe..."


    The man panted heavily.


    Suddenly.


    His waist abruptly stiffened; the light at the end of the alley blocked by a figure.


    He struggled to raise his head, only to see a tall figure wearing a conical hat blocking the alleyway.


    And that figure in the conical hat raised an arm.


    Whoosh!


    With a sound tearing through the air, cutting through the swirling snow.


    Thud!


    It was like something exploded...


    The dark-skinned man felt a sharp pain originating from his eye as a wooden crossbow arrow, carrying tremendous force, pierced through his eyeball, blurring his vision with blood in an instant.


    He screamed in agony, pain searing through his nerves!


    Like a provoked tiger, he roared angrily, attempting to pounce toward the person in the alley who had shot the hidden arrow to tear them apart!


    Li Che, wearing the conical hat, watched the charging dark-skinned man, utterly indifferent, another crossbow arrow whistling through the air.


    One arrow after another, each finding its mark!


    Skin Refinement indeed means thick skin and flesh... but can you also refine your eyeballs?


    Having emptied the first set of nine arrows from his Sleeve Crossbow.


    It wasn''t until the dark-skinned man knelt on the ground, his head turned into a pin cushion, that he utterly stopped moving, dead.


    Only then did Li Che shake his sleeve, face expressionless, carefully hid the Sleeve Crossbow, adjusted his conical hat...


    And walked toward the marinade shop in the western part of the city.

 Chapter 11: Mysterious Temple

    He sliced one jin of braised beef and poured some old yellow wine.


    Li Che''s mood was somewhat somber.


    This was his first time killing someone, but his emotional response... wasn''t particularly strong.


    Born in a dwindling Imperial Court and an era rife with bizarreness, life was as cheap as dirt.


    Although the burly man wasn''t Lei Chunlan, the midwife, since he harbored ill intentions towards Xi Xi, Li Che naturally showed no mercy.


    He didn''t want to kill someone in front of Grandpa Chen, so he intentionally found an excuse to circle back.


    After all, killing someone in front of Grandpa Chen... would have given away too much.


    Haven''t Grandpa Chen also refrained from killing?


    Most importantly, the words of the burly man just before his death stuck in Li Che''s throat...


    Xu''s Wood Carving Shop, could it really not suppress the Spirit Infant Sect?!


    Li Che exhaled deeply and walked on foot along the long street, pausing his steps as he passed by the government office''s notice board and looked over.


    He discovered that the wanted poster for Lei Chunlan which hung on the notice board had been torn off at some unknown time and replaced with a poster for a flower thief.


    "Lei Chunlan''s wanted poster... has it been canceled already?"


    "Is Lei Chunlan already dead, or... has someone from the Spirit Infant Sect intervened to suppress the wanted notice?"


    Li Che''s brows furrowed, his expression growing even darker.


    Killing a man from the Spirit Infant Sect had not lessened his worries by much.


    "We can''t relax until we move into the shop''s courtyard..."


    Braving the wind and snow, he returned to the wood carving shop, removed his hat and cloak as warmth engulfed him, along with the continuous sound of Xi Xi''s cooing.


    Suddenly feeling tender, Li Che entered the workshop only to see Grandpa Chen holding Xi Xi, his face beaming with a radiant smile as he playfully swayed from side to side.


    "Chu chu chu, give Grandpa Chen a smile, Xi Xi," Grandpa Chen chuckled warmly.


    Xi Xi cooed and grabbed onto Grandpa Chen''s beard with her chubby little hands, yanking with force which made Grandpa Chen''s laughter grow louder.


    Some of the senior craftsmen also stopped their work to gather around, watching with smiles all over their faces.


    The shop rarely had a little child around, which made the craftsmen blissfully happy.


    "Ah Che, you''re back? Go to the backyard, the Second Shopkeeper is waiting for you."


    "Xi Xi is here, I''ll play with her, Grandpa Chen," he assured. "No worries, the little girl and I are close. If anyone dares to lay a finger on her, I''ll slap them to death."


    Upon seeing Li Che, Grandpa Chen quickly called out.


    Li Che nodded, put down the beef and old yellow wine, and spoke a few comforting words to his waiting wife, Zhang Ya, before heading to the backyard.


    ...


    ...


    The snowfall grew heavier, large flakes swirling midair.


    On the training ground, several figures were already present.


    The Wood Carvers, Zhao Xuan and Wang Zhengpin, who were recruited along with Li Che, were already practicing the Skin Refinement Technique under the orders of Second Shopkeeper Xu Beihu.


    Li Che hurried his steps, seeing the two shopkeepers, he greeted them with a clasped fist bow.


    "Second Shopkeeper, Third Shopkeeper, Li Che has arrived late."


    Third Shopkeeper Xu You sat under the eaves of a hut by the training ground, using tongs to place winter plums into boiling water and sprinkling in some roasted tea leaves.


    Upon seeing Li Che, Xu You nodded.


    "Grandpa Chen told us, there''s a reason for everything, we understand."


    "Your daughter... was targeted by the Spirit Infant Sect?"


    Xu You said gently, showing no blame for Li Che''s late arrival.


    "The Spirit Infant Sect... always involved in inhuman deeds. What good things can come from that Mysterious Temple? And yet so many people worship the Spirit Infant Master, offering up divinity, even many powerful families in the city secretly support... These fools, they will eventually bring about a disaster!"


    Xu Beihu, a towering figure, snorted coldly at this, his vigorous vitality blasting the falling snow into powder.


    "Come and learn Skin Refinement. Being powerful is the real asset, otherwise, in these times... you won''t even have the power to protect your wife and daughter."


    Xu Beihu looked towards Li Che, his voice booming.


    "Go ahead, I have already arranged for your move. Tomorrow, you and old Chen go check the house," Xu You continued boiling tea as he spoke.


    "Even if it''s in the Outer City, the Spirit Infant Sect wouldn''t dare make trouble in Xu''s shop, it''s safe."


    "When your daughter grows up, she can come to Xu''s Courtyard in the Inner City and train with the Xu descendants to build a solid foundation..."


    Upon hearing this, Li Che paused. Training in the Inner City with Xu''s descendants, was that a good or bad thing?


    Without dwelling on it, Li Che thanked them with a bow and then proceeded to the courtyard.


    Xu Beihu stretched out his hand and patted Li Che''s body, his eyebrows relaxing, "His foundation is decent, though he''s a bit older, it''s not impossible to train him. With more hard work, there''s still hope to step into Bone Tempering."


    "Skin Refinement is actually the initial method of stimulating the blood and energy."


    "Energy is generated from within the body, from the inside out, and from the outside in, complementing and stimulating each other, using blood to grind the skin, using energy to refine the muscles!"


    Following that, Xu Beihu began to teach Li Che the cultivation method for Skin Refinement.


    Li Che listened extremely attentively, daring not to slacken in the slightest.


    Today, he had killed a man, but that was through the use of mechanisms and clever tricks. If only he could be as formidable in personal martial force as Old Chen...


    Well, if mechanisms can kill...


    It''s still more comfortable to kill with mechanisms.


    ...


    ...


    Heavy snow fluttered about, the chill biting.


    Yet, Li Che was drenched in a heavy sweat, steaming in the cold air, large beads of sweat constantly rolling off his forehead.


    After a day of rigorous training, Li Che felt his skin burning hot. Although he had not yet mastered Skin Refinement, he had grasped the method of cultivation.


    "I have already taught you the Skin Refinement Technique. From now on, diligently cultivate and avoid negligence. The Martial Path demands perseverance in practice regardless of seasons to achieve growth and gains,"


    "Once you have completed Skin Refinement, I will teach you the Tendon Activation Technique."


    "However, to complete Skin Refinement will take at least two years... Strive hard. From now on, practice Skin Refinement in the morning at the training ground and carve in the workshop in the afternoon. Every six months, I will evaluate your progress in Skin Refinement," Xu Beihu said gravely.


    His tiger-like eyes bearing an immense pressure, he surveyed the three men.


    Instantly, Li Che and the other two clasped their fists in response.


    ...


    ...


    Upon returning from the training ground, the sky had already darkened.


    Li Che''s skin was painfully hot, but his mood was incredibly exhilarated. At last, he had officially begun his martial training.


    Old Chen, cradling Xi Xi, boasted as he strolled through the workshops of various masters, seemingly familiarizing Xi Xi with everyone.


    Li Che could feel Old Chen''s genuine affection for Xi Xi.


    He heard Old Chen was a loner with neither wife nor children... his entire life devoted to Xu''s Wood Carving Shop.


    Unlike other master wood carvers who had families full of wives and children.


    A single wood carver could support a whole family indeed. Although they were not grandmasters, their wood carvings were highly marketable, making money wasn''t hard.


    Like Old Chen, who recently carved a "Nine Sons Embracing the Lotus" and directly earned one hundred and fifty taels!


    "Finished training? Started on Skin Refinement, right?" Old Chen, holding Xi Xi with a beaming smile, approached Li Che.


    Seeing Li Che, Xi Xi stretched out her arms wanting to be hugged.


    "Oh you ungrateful little one, your Grandpa Chen held you all day without you wanting to leave!" Old Chen, seeing how easily Xi Xi abandoned him, playfully pouted his lips.


    Li Che smiled and took Xi Xi from him. The full moon-faced Xi Xi was increasingly chubby and fair, beautiful with large, bright eyes, and long eyelashes which fluttered like a sprite''s.


    "Old Chen, there''s something... I''d like to ask of you."


    Old Chen, while playing with Xi Xi, waved his hand.


    "I know what you''re about to say, you want me to watch over Xi Xi tonight, don''t you? Until you move to the shop''s courtyard, you really can''t be at ease," Old Chen laughed.


    Li Che wasn''t embarrassed; in these chaotic times, fearing death wasn''t something to be embarrassed about.


    Moreover, he indeed had such concerns.


    "Rest assured, Xi Xi and I get along very well. Indeed, I need to keep watch, and it''s just right that tomorrow I will take her to see the courtyard with me," Old Chen took Xi Xi back from Li Che''s arms: "Alright, you''ve held her long enough, come here, let Grandpa Chen hold you~"


    Li Che was left laughing wryly; how long did he even hold her? He had just passed her from his hands a moment ago?


    Back inside the workshop, seeing his wife Zhang Ya had cleaned everything spotlessly, his face instantly beamed with a smile.


    Wife and children warm by the hearth...


    This was what he sought, only hoping that his wife and daughter were safe and sound.


    Only wishing to watch his daughter grow up slowly...


    Thus, Spirit Infant Sect, do not force him!


    If pushed to the brink...


    Today he killed one man; one day...


    He might dare to slaughter the entire Spirit Infant Sect!

 Chapter 12: Daughter Turns 1, Dragon Elephant Vajra

    After finishing work, Old Chen carried Xi Xi and, braving the wind and snow, set off on the journey home with Li Che and Zhang Ya.


    To prevent Xi Xi from being afflicted by the harsh weather, Old Chen even directly used his Inner Strength to dispel the cold, ensuring that not a single snowflake landed on the little girl.


    Back in their humble earthen house, Zhang Ya and Li Che became busy with preparations, naturally wanting to show good hospitality since Old Chen was there to protect them.


    They cooked fine wine and dishes and enjoyed a hearty dinner together.


    "Xiao Ya''s cooking is not bad, not bad at all. In the future, if Old Chen comes over for meals, I''m certainly in for a treat," Old Chen said.


    Old Chen ate his food and drank his wine, his eyes squinting happily.


    Meanwhile, Xi Xi sat in the wooden baby chair Li Che had made for her, waving her arms, seeming to want a taste of Old Chen''s gourd wine as well.


    Li Che joined Old Chen for a few drinks but did not drink much more after that.


    After all, he had to stay alert tonight due to worries about the followers of the Spirit Infant Sect getting desperate.


    After dinner, Old Chen played with Xi Xi while Li Che sat under the oil lamp in the chair, pulling out the wood he had brought from the wood carving shop to practice carving and try making mechanisms.


    Maybe because they had grown closer, during a break in the drinking, Old Chen told Li Che that he wouldn''t charge him for borrowing "Tang''s Mechanism Essentials."


    Li Che, now a formal Wood Carver, although not short of fifty coins, appreciated Old Chen''s gesture and thanked him with a toast.


    Even after finishing the Sleeve Crossbow, Li Che didn''t stop. He planned to make two more sets, one to hide in his other sleeve and another for his wife, Zhang Ya, just in case.


    Sure enough, after one production of Sleeve Crossbow, the maturity of his Dao Fruit could no longer increase. If he wanted to further mature the Dao Fruit, he would have to make other mechanisms.


    The wind and snow were intense, howling wildly outside the house.


    The oil lamp''s wick flickered inside, casting wavering shadows.


    In the middle of the night.


    While watching over Xi Xi, who was sleeping, Old Chen suddenly narrowed his eyes and silently left the house, leaping onto the roof in one move.


    His strong vital energy roared like an angry dragon amidst the wind and snow.


    Several approaching silhouettes, sensing Old Chen''s presence, did not hesitate and turned to flee.


    Old Chen''s face darkened. The followers of the Spirit Infant Sect were indeed crazy, daring to commit acts of violence in the dead of night.


    "One Sinew Transforming, four Skin Refinements... this lineup... If Old Chen weren''t here tonight, young A Che might not be able to protect Xi Xi..."


    Old Chen pulled out the stopper of his gourd and took a swig of wine.


    His eyes blazed with intense fierceness.


    Spirit Infant Sect...


    They had indeed turned Fei Lei City into a mess.


    Returning inside, Old Chen nodded at Li Che and then went back to the sleeping Xi Xi''s side.


    Li Che''s hand clutched the carving knife, his veins bulging like dragons, and after a long time, he slowly exhaled and settled down to continue carving.


    This kindness from Old Chen today was something Li Che would remember.


    ...


    ...


    The next day, the weather cleared up, no longer windy or snowy.


    Zhang Ya got up early to start packing, preparing for moving.


    Although her husband hadn''t said much, she, being as observant as she was, realized the danger threatening their small home when they had to invite Master Chen to stay over.


    Therefore, she felt no sadness about moving, only the desire to quickly move into the courtyard of Xu''s Wood Carving Shop.


    There weren''t many things in the earthen house. Some daily necessities were piled up, loaded onto a donkey cart, and pulled towards Xu''s Wood Carving Shop.


    The neighbors looked on at this scene, poking their heads out one by one, watching with surprise and envy.


    "Moving out, huh... This family is about to rise high and leave our little corner," one of them said.


    "I heard that Che has become a formal wood carving master from working as a mover at Xu Ji''s Wood Carving Shop... He''s going to make a lot of money now!" another added.


    "You can tell Che was bound to succeed! Now he''s become a Wood Carver, and I heard that a single carving from a Wood Carver can sell for ten pieces of silver!"


    "It''s different now, they''re not from our world anymore."


    ...


    The neighbors murmured enviously, showing varying reactions as they watched the donkey cart crush the pristine snow underfoot, disappearing around the corner of the alley.


    Upon arriving at the wood carving shop, they went straight inside.


    Li Che did not see the Third Shopkeeper, but he did meet an old man dressed in fine clothes, looking like a steward, holding a set of keys.


    "Master Li, the shopkeeper asked me to wait for you and accompany you to choose a housing unit," the steward said with a smile, then he turned to look at Chen Dabao holding Xi Xi.


    "Oh, Master Chen is here too?"


    Old Chen smiled, "Old Sun, just take A Che directly to the two-room housing unit across from my place. We''ll be neighbors!"


    The steward, known as Old Sun, smiled broadly, "That sounds great, follow me this way."


    The group entered the large courtyard of the shop and walked through the narrow lanes between high walls, quickly arriving at the residential area, seeing several houses aligned along both sides of the alley.


    Xu''s Wood Carving Shop was vast, occupying a wide area!


    After all, the Xu family was wealthy and powerful. They also practiced martial arts and mastered Inner Strength. Having developed in Fei Lei City for over two hundred years, they possessed deep foundations.


    They were bigger landowners than even the large landowners, naturally having amassed quite a bit of land.


    The steward, Old Sun, used a key to unlock the door and pushed it open, shaking off the snow piled on the roof, revealing a spacious courtyard covered in thick snow.


    "Master Li, please take a look. If you are not satisfied, we can look at other courtyards."


    The steward, Old Sun, looked at Li Che with a demeanor that was both gentle and respectful.


    Being able to become a formal wood carving master from a laborer required an exceptionally high wood carving talent. Becoming the steward of Xu''s Wood Carving Shop meant he had the necessary discernment; he would not commit the folly of offending others lightly.


    Li Che led Zhang Ya into the courtyard and inspected it carefully. His long-tense emotions finally relaxed.


    A smile formed on his lips, "Good, very good."


    Zhang Ya, too, looked at the bright and luxurious courtyard in a daze and disbelief. Compared to the small clay house they had lived in before, this was so much better!


    "Let''s have Uncle and his family over for a housewarming feast in a couple of days. We can consider ourselves settled in then."


    After viewing the house, Zhang Ya nestled in Li Che''s arms, her eyes shimmering slightly.


    Her husband had promised her a good life, and now... it had finally come true.


    Life was slowly getting better!


    "You two clean up the courtyard a bit, and then move in properly. Old Man XiXi has taken the little ones home to play. Once you''re done, come over for dinner. I''ll arrange a table at the Spring Breeze Building just across your courtyard,"


    Chen Dabao, holding Xi Xi, shouted a few times and then returned to his own courtyard.


    Being so close, they could even hear the giggling laughter of Xi Xi and Chen Dabao playing.


    Li Che smiled knowingly, "I didn''t expect Old Chen and Xi Xi to get along so well..."


    "Master Chen is really nice. With him taking care of Xi Xi, we can also rest easy while we clean up..." Zhang Ya said with a pursed lip smile.


    The couple exchanged a glance, then began to busily tidy up the courtyard.


    ...


    ...


    Time does not stand still, the seasons flow like a river.


    Moments scatter like wood shavings under the carving knife, unnoticed as they fill the ground.


    Xi Xi turned one year old.


    Inside the courtyard.


    The chill of autumn had just passed, and the stark winter snow had already begun to drift down, piling up in the courtyard like soft white cotton.


    Li Che and Old Chen sat by the stove, atop which warm aged yellow wine was being heated. The table was laid with sliced braised beef and pig''s ears mixed with coriander and minced garlic, exuding a delicious aroma.


    In the courtyard, one-year-old Xi Xi was running around joyfully, chasing after the falling snow, using the wooden walker that Li Che had made for her.


    Old Chen looked at Xi Xi with adoration, not moving his eyes away, "Oh, my little Stinky Xi, it''s snowing outside. It''s cold, come back inside to play."


    "Uncle Chen, it''s fine. Let her run around a bit. She''ll get tired and it will be easier to put her to sleep at night. Otherwise, she''s too energetic and stays awake with her eyes wide as copper bells," Zhang Ya said with a laugh, bringing out a plate of steaming fried edamame from the kitchen.


    "Heh, Xi Xi is one year old now. Were you really not thinking of hosting a feast? Old man, I must let Xi Xi receive presents in style... I''ve called several other old fellows around, you''ve got to host a few tables!"


    Old Chen grabbed some edamame, eating and chuckling.


    Li Che originally did not want to host a first birthday party. Even though they had moved to the large courtyard of the shop nearly a year ago and the Spirit Infant Sect had been quiet, he remained vigilant deep inside.


    And the closer it got to Xi Xi''s first birthday, the more vigilant Li Che became.


    After all... Lei Chunlan had specifically targeted one-year-old infants in the past!


    However, after discussing it with his wife, they decided to have the first birthday party after all, mainly because the courtyard was spacious enough and hosting it at home would naturally be safe.


    After heating the old yellow wine, he poured a cup for Old Chen.


    Li Che also poured himself a cup and took a sip; the fragrance of the wine spread warmth, dispelling the winter chill.


    Suddenly, Li Che felt a slight vibration in his heart.


    Images immediately appeared before his eyes.


    On the vast land, a towering treasure tree, lush with branches and leaves, slowly bore a colorful fruit that shimmered and sparkled, reflecting the many scenes of Xi Xi''s growth over the past year.


    Li Che''s eyes lit up instantly.


    A long-missed anticipation finally blossomed at this moment.


    Xi Xi is one, the second Dao Fruit...


    Has arrived.


    ...


    [Your daughter is one year old, safe and sound. You receive a Dao Fruit, "Dragon Elephant Vajra"]


    Ps: Please follow, recommend, and support with Monthly Tickets!

 Chapter 13: Little Stinky Xi, Unparalleled in Cross-Training

    Li Che quietly pinched the wine cup, savoring the warm, aged yellow wine.


    The fragrant and astringent taste permeated his mouth, but his mind had already drifted to the towering Dao Tree on the vast land above.


    His daughter turned one, and the Dao Tree bore fruit.


    Raw Dao Fruit [Dragon Elephant Vajra]!


    This was Li Che''s second Dao Fruit; the first was [Immortal Artisan], which enhanced his wood carving talent and allowed him to have the means to make a living in this world.


    And he became a wood carver at Xu''s Wood Carving Shop, settling in Xu''s Courtyard, ensuring his daughter Li Nuanxi''s safe growth until she was one year old.


    Li Che had already understood the importance of the Dao Fruit.


    Therefore, he was very much looking forward to the second Dao Fruit, and now it had finally ripened!


    [Dragon Elephant Vajra (Dao Fruit): Flesh Dragon Elephant, Vajra Indestructible, Horizontal Refinement Unparalleled]


    Before him, the prompts regarding the Dao Fruit [Dragon Elephant Vajra] suddenly surged forth like a tide.


    In an instant, Li Che felt his blood boiling and surging within him, and his flesh seemed to have undergone an earth-shattering transformation.


    If he was willing, actively stimulating the Dao Fruit could even cause a mutation in his flesh!


    However, with Old Chen by his side, Li Che did not dwell on this and refrained from exploring the special abilities of the Dragon Elephant Vajra.


    Flesh Dragon Elephant, Vajra Indestructible, Horizontal Refinement Unparalleled!


    Li Che''s heart surged with excitement, and he was in high spirits as he drained the cup of yellow wine.


    This was a Dao Fruit that could enhance his martial path!


    It was also the Dao Fruit that Li Che urgently needed now!


    This Dao Fruit not only confirmed the truth of the event that his daughter produced a Dao Fruit at one year old, but it also made Li Che understand that he had to try even harder to protect his daughter''s safe growth...


    And even, watching his daughter...immortal!


    Li Che''s heart skipped a beat; if his daughter was immortal, producing one Dao Fruit a year...


    Wouldn''t he be able to amass a multitude of Dao Fruits and grow to unimaginable heights in the future?


    "Yo, when did you start drinking so heartily?" Old Chen looked oddly at Li Che, who had just heartily drained his cup with turbulent emotions.


    Li Che smiled and turned his warm gaze to Xi Xi, who was riding in her walker: "Before I knew it, the little one is already a year old..."


    Hearing this, Old Chen''s lips spread into a smile, and his doting eyes fell back onto Xi Xi.


    "Yeah, she was so tiny at the start, and now she''s grown a bit."


    "This old fella has no heirs, no descendants... This Little Stinky Xi, she''s quite taken with this old fella."


    Old Chen too drained his cup of aged yellow wine, feeling invigorated and dispelling any gloom.


    From now on, Xi Xi would be his own granddaughter!


    Seeming to understand the implication in Old Chen''s words, Li Che poured him another cup of wine and the two clinked cups and drank up.


    ...


    ...


    The training field.


    Snow fluttered down.


    Several figures were energetically cultivating on the training field, their blood and energy boiling and scattering the falling snow.


    Li Che changed into a training outfit and came to the training field.


    In the distance, two figures spotted Li Che and immediately stopped their actions, exhaling steam.


    Zhao Xuan, with a tall figure and her black hair tied up neatly, said with a smile, "Master Chen, you''re here?"


    "Isn''t it Xi Xi''s first birthday celebration today?"


    Another practitioner, Wang Zhengpin, also laughed, "Zhao Xuan and I were just planning to attend the banquet after finishing our training."


    "Hahaha, everyone should go, it''s Xi Xi''s first birthday. As uncles and aunts, you can''t skimp on the presents," Li Che laughed.


    "The banquet is arranged at Spring Breeze Building in the Outer City. Spring Breeze Building has specially sent chefs and servers. Everything is taken care of. I don''t have anything to do; Xi Xi has been taken away by Old Chen, so, with nothing else to do, I came to train."


    Upon hearing this, Wang Zhengping pursed his lips, "A banquet at Spring Breeze Building. Looks like we''re in for a treat tonight."


    After a casual chat, the three continued their martial arts training.


    Second Shopkeeper Xu Beihu once said that if the three of them wanted to achieve Skin Refinement Completion, they would need to diligently train hard for two years to attain it; if they were lazy, it might take even longer.


    Therefore, none of them dared slack off one bit.


    Li Che was significantly older than Zhao Xuan and Wang Zhengpin; he was already twenty years old, which made him three or four years older than the other two.


    If he didn''t work hard, as he aged and his vital energy declined, it might become even harder to make progress in the martial path.


    So Xu Beihu had said that the most important part of Body Refinement Technique was diligence, racing against time.


    For nearly a year now, Li Che practiced his martial arts in the morning, carved wood in the afternoon, and attempted to make mechanisms at night...


    He was busy and fulfilled.


    He didn''t neglect his Skin Refinement Body Refinement either, and had now reached Minor Accomplishment in Skin Refinement.


    In terms of progress, he was even slightly ahead of Zhao Xuan and Wang Zhengpin.


    Even though Xu Beihu said that Body Refinement didn''t care much about talent, there still was a slight difference in the end.


    Li Che came to the training ground now, of course, to test the [Dragon Elephant Vajra] Dao Fruit.


    Grasping the stone lock, the vital energy in his body surged, boiling blood-water pounded against his flesh and struck the skin, causing it to turn crimson in an instant, the temperature rose, and heat waves tumbled!


    At the same time.


    The [Dragon Elephant Vajra] Dao Fruit, as he stimulated his blood energy, seemed to be fully activated and began to throb!


    In front of his eyes, a prompt suddenly appeared.


    [Dao Fruit: Dragon Elephant Vajra (lv1, 1%)]


    Joy emerged in his pupils, an invisible force spread through his body, striking his skin and feeling as though it had encountered thousands of hits in an instant, greatly accelerating the progress of Skin Refinement!


    Li Che, who had achieved Minor Accomplishment in Skin Refinement, felt a sudden increase in his strength, his skin became extremely tough, and even a faint glow shone brightly, as if borrowing the activating power of the Dao Fruit to leap from Minor Accomplishment in Skin Refinement... directly into Perfection!


    Unlike the [Immortal Artisan] Dao Fruit, the maturity of the Dragon Elephant Golden Core Dao Fruit only required him to diligently train to increase!


    In short, it could be achieved through hard work!


    Li Che was overjoyed, and with a thought, the subtle glow on his body immediately retracted, and his strong aura completely gathered.


    It was as if he had completely vanished from existence.


    "Controlled freely, a perfect Dao Fruit for deception!"


    The vital energy was retracted without revealing a trace.


    "With this, I needn''t worry about being suspected because of too rapid an increase in cultivation. My physique... Xu Beihu has tested it, if it improves too quickly, it will surely raise doubts, and might even bring a fatal disaster upon myself."


    "In such chaotic times, it''s impossible for Xu''s Courtyard to have remained secure in Fei Lei City for two hundred years without ruthless methods..."


    "Therefore, one must not be without defense against others."


    Li Che pondered for a moment, then gently exhaled.


    He practiced the Skin Refinement Cultivation Method step by step in the training ground, training for half a day.


    [Dao Fruit: Dragon Elephant Vajra (lv1, 2%)]


    The maturity of the Dao Fruit had actually increased by 1%!


    This brought a thicker smile to Li Che''s face. Taking advantage of the fact that no one around noticed him, he once again opened the floodgates, releasing the vital blood power contained within the Dao Fruit.


    In an instant, his vital energy rose again, reaching Skin Refinement Perfection, his skin glowed with a faint golden light, his temples bulged, with powerful strength coursing between his fists and palms.


    After savoring the power boost from the 1% maturity increase... Li Che was immediately thrilled. This meant that he... now qualified to challenge the Muscle Channeling Stage!


    To start practicing the Internal Strength Technique!


    Besides, the [Dragon Elephant Vajra] Dao Fruit has a special ability to summon the Power of the Dragon Elephant. Unfortunately, the training ground was crowded at the moment, so it was not convenient for Li Che to activate it.


    But one can imagine that the manipulation of the Power of the Dragon Elephant would surely bring a greater boost!


    He gathered the vital energy back inside the Dao Fruit.


    Li Che looked up, with snowflakes gently falling on his cheeks.


    The corners of his lips couldn''t help but lift.


    In terms of personal martial strength...


    He finally had a hopeful future!


    He looked forward to... having a chance to kill the Spirit Infant Master!

 Chapter 14: The First Birthday Banquet, The Spirit Baby’s Angry Glare

    "Master Li, congratulations! Happy first birthday to Xi Xi!"


    Snowflakes, as white as cotton, swirled in the air, standing out against the black roof tiles.


    The courtyard gate stood wide open, and the sound of footsteps crunching on the snow rose and fell, with congratulatory voices following in an endless stream.


    Figure after figure walked in from outside the courtyard, each presenting gifts for the one-year-old celebration.


    All were familiar faces from the wood carving shop; Li Che and Zhang Ya, dressed in splendid attire, stood at the entrance to welcome these guests.


    In the courtyard, attendants from Spring Breeze Building had already set up tents, arranged tables and chairs, and the chef on one side had set up his stove and lit the fire. The appetizing starters had already been delivered to each table early on.


    In total, there were nine tables set, which wasn''t a small number. After all, quite a few of the master craftsmen had brought their families, aiming for a joyous and lively celebration.


    Chen Dabao, holding Xi Xi, who was dressed in a red jacket and skirt and looked incredibly adorable and delicate, was showing her off to several old fellows, his face piled high with smiles. The affection he felt was so thick that it seemed to overflow.


    The Great Uncle''s family had also arrived. The Old Scholar was clutching a tobacco pipe that wasn''t lit and was followed by a young couple carrying a child still in swaddling clothes. He was a boy with plump cheeks, curiously gazing around with big eyes.


    "Great Uncle, Great Aunt, Cousin and his wife, please come inside!"


    Upon seeing this family, Li Che''s lips curved up in a warm smile.


    To the Great Uncle''s family, Li Che was filled with gratitude; had it not been for the Great Uncle''s family taking him in and raising him, he could not have survived so easily in these troubled times.


    And the marriage with Zhang Ya was also arranged with the help of the Great Aunt.


    The Old Scholar, with a face full of smile lines, looked at Li Che, now thoroughly made a name for himself, and felt deeply moved.


    "You''ve done well, A Che."


    "If your parents knew about it from beneath the springs, they would smile."


    The Old Scholar patted Li Che''s shoulder, his eyes brimming with mirth.


    The Great Aunt took out a piece of silver jewelry wrapped in a red cloth and handed it to Li Che: "A Che, this is Xi Xi''s gift for her first birthday. You must accept it."


    Li Che did not decline but took it graciously and then looked towards his cousin, Li Zhengran, and his wife, Liu Chunming, who held the boy in her arms.


    "Zhou is just half a year younger than Xi Xi, isn''t he? His first birthday will be soon too, right? Is he starting to turn over smoothly now?" Li Che asked with a smile.


    "Very smoothly indeed. One kick of his little legs and he turns over like a windmill, lively and strong!" Cousin Liu Chunming said to Li Che, beaming with pride.


    Being able to become a wood carving master at Xu''s Wood Carving Shop, cousin Liu Chunming was very aware of how prestigious that was, so her attitude was much warmer than before.


    Having exchanged pleasantries for a short while, Li Che then led the Great Uncle''s family to their seats.


    As the appointed hour arrived, the feast commenced, and attendants from Spring Breeze Building called out the dishes, bringing out one delicious course after another to the tables.


    Nowadays, Li Che possessed the Immortal Craft Dao Fruit, and the wood carvings he produced were in such demand for their rich implications that they sold out fast. Though not yet as established as the craftsmen like Old Chen, his most expensive carving had sold for fifty taels!


    His net worth had already changed for the better. Although a feast at Spring Breeze Building was costly, he could afford to host it.


    Moreover, with the master craftsmen from the large courtyard bringing gifts to the banquet, the event ended up not only costing nothing but even earning a good deal.


    "Brother Che, Third Shopkeeper is here!"


    Li Che, who was busy toasting with a few masters, heard that Third Shopkeeper had arrived and quickly went to greet him, carrying Xi Xi and accompanied by Zhang Ya.


    "Hahaha, Xi Xi is one year old today. I came especially to see her, and this is a birthday gift for her."


    Third Shopkeeper, Xu You, was amiable and held in high esteem at the shop, and naturally, he did not exclude the intention of winning over Li Che.


    After all, Li Che was capable of crafting wood carvings with a true essence, which had begun to gain popularity in the Inner City.


    "Thank you, shopkeeper. Xi Xi, come and thank Uncle Xu," Li Che, holding the lovely Xi Xi, called out with a smile.


    Xi Xi''s eyes were bright and her eyelashes long; her skin was white and smooth like jade. Xu You, catching one glance of her, liked her very much, took her from Li Che''s hands, played with her for a while, and even seemed reluctant to give her back to Li Che.


    "I won''t partake in the birthday feast. I''ve got matters to attend to. Recently, the Mysterious Temple in the Outer City has become restless and many malevolent creatures have emerged. The major noble families of the Inner City have organized teams to clear them out... I have to go as well," Xu You explained.


    He then took his leave.


    "Manager Xu is really a good person..." Zhang Ya said softly at the side.


    Li Che nodded. Xu You was indeed a good person, humble and without arrogance, rarely displaying the pride and extravagance of the noble families and clans.


    However, Li Che had heard that in the Inner City, Xu You was not favored and had been assigned to manage Xu Ji in the Outer City, which was equivalent to being removed from the power center of the Xu Family.


    Compared to the businesses in the Inner City, Xu Ji''s wood carving shop in the Outer City was after all not a big business.


    "In these times, the gentler you are, the more you suffer. Unfortunately, the bad things always seem to happen to the honest folks," Old Chen said, pinching his wine cup and walking over with a complex expression, shaking his head slightly.


    "Just like the dangerous task of clearing out those evil spirits that fled from the Mysterious Temple beyond the city walls, which major noble families and clans would send their true core members?"


    "That Xu Beihu''s cultivation is extremely powerful, so he wasn''t sent, but Xu You, with his weak cultivation, was sent instead, isn''t it because Xu You isn''t favored within his clan?"


    Old Chen heaved a sigh.


    Li Che, holding Xi Xi, looked at the lonely figure of Xu You disappearing into the snowy wind, and was also silent.


    ...


    ...


    After a round of toasting and drinking.


    Old Chen was in high spirits today, who drank himself into a stupor and retired early to bed.


    Zhang Ya then took Xi Xi to the inner room to put her to sleep.


    Li Che rubbed his face with a handful of cold snow to sober up, then sat in the workshop of the side courtyard, lit the oil lamp, and continued working on the mechanism.


    With a thought, information appeared before his eyes.


    ...


    [Name: Li Che]


    [Bonds: Daughter (Li Nuanxi)]


    [Dao Fruit: Immortal Artisan (lv2, 89%), Dragon Elephant Vajra (lv1, 2%)]


    ...


    His eyes fell on the [Immortal Artisan] Dao Fruit. Within a year, the maturity of the Immortal Craft Dao Fruit had risen to 89%, close to breaking through to level 3.


    Just one more mechanism to complete.


    He stood up, walked to a corner of the workshop, and gently turned a wood carving. Immediately, a hidden compartment appeared.


    From it, he took out a statue of Guanyin seated on a blood-colored lotus mountain.


    Guanyin had a compassionate and beneficent face, but upon closer inspection, one could discover that this light and shadow sculpture was actually made up of tens of thousands of tiny wooden spikes!


    This was one of the three mechanisms from the "Tang''s Mechanism Essentials" that did not have inner strength requirements ¡ª the Guanyin Blood Lotus.


    Apart from the Guanyin Blood Lotus, there were two square matchboxes nearby. He took out one, placed it in the palm of his hand, and in a flash, tiny mechanical sounds emanated from the matchbox, and eight slender spider legs grew out, embedding into the skin of Li Che''s palm.


    With a gentle flick of his hand, incredibly fine silver threads shot out soundlessly, slicing a piece of wood meters away with extreme precision, the cut smooth and lustrous.


    With his fingers dancing, silver threads whipped throughout the room, with a mournful whistling sound ¡ª the noise of the air being sliced apart.


    After a while, the numerous silver threads, quick as lightning, retracted back into the matchbox.


    "What an excellent Thousand Thread Spider, with my minor accomplishment in Skin Refinement, even an ordinary martial artist in the Sinew Transforming Stage would find it hard to withstand the threads'' slicing," he thought.


    "But after reaching the Muscle Channeling Stage, martial artists cultivate inner strength. If I were to enhance the inner strength, like Old Chen said, the power would grow by another thirty to forty percent, and with inner strength and martial techniques, the lethality would be even greater..."


    "I can''t take this lightly."


    "Still, I must prioritize strengthening my own martial prowess. Once I can cultivate inner strength and drive the Thousand Thread Spider with it, its power will undoubtedly be even greater!"


    Li Che placed both the Thousand Thread Spider and the Guanyin Blood Lotus mechanisms back into the hidden compartment.


    He sat down in front of the oil lamp again and began to attempt other mechanisms from "Tang''s Mechanism Essentials."


    Due to the lack of inner strength and sufficient robust qi and blood, the production of other mechanisms during this period ended in failure.


    But that wasn''t a major issue, as failure was also a part of accumulating experience. Once he began to cultivate inner strength, he would be able to complete them in one go.


    Suddenly.


    Just as Li Che picked up the carving knife, his brows furrowed slightly.


    He left the workshop and quickly reached the entrance of the courtyard, his gaze piercing the distance. He saw a shadow, fast as lightning, shattering the dark and disappearing into the night.


    Li Che''s eyes instantly sharpened, and he slowly looked down.


    There he saw a familiar...


    Three-Headed Six-Armed Spirit Infant Statue.


    Only this time, the Three-Headed Six-Armed Spirit Infant Statue was not with one eye closed and the other open but was glaring with both eyes wide open.


    As if staring intently at him!

 Chapter 15: Better to Kill than to Constantly Watch and Guard

    "Spirit Infant Statue?"


    Li Che''s eyes were icy cold, as expected...


    Even after moving into Xu''s Wood Carving Shop and receiving protection from Xu Ji, they still couldn''t completely avoid the Spirit Infant Sect''s covetousness towards Xi Xi!


    Right after the completion of the first birthday celebration, the Spirit Infant Sect had made its move!


    "Relentless..."


    Li Che clenched his fist, his eyes brimming with a murderous intent.


    However, recollecting the figure that had just vanished, his brow furrowed.


    "Since our family moved into Xu''s Courtyard, this Spirit Infant Statue has never shown itself, yet today it has appeared... The only contact with outsiders was when those helpers and cooks from the Spring Breeze Building were invited."


    "But these helpers and cooks were already sent out of Xu''s Courtyard by Steward Sun, not allowed to linger, so they can be ruled out. There are many old masters around, they are strong and have keen perception... yet someone managed to place the Spirit Infant Statue in front of my house without them noticing..."


    Li Che took a deep breath, feeling the wind and snow in the world turn a few degrees colder.


    A fierce look reflected in his deep, dark pupils.


    "That means... this follower of the Spirit Infant Sect... is very likely someone familiar from within Xu''s Wood Carving Shop!"


    There was someone from the Spirit Infant Sect inside Xu''s Wood Carving Shop!


    The coldness seemed to drill into his body through his pores at that very moment.


    "This possibility... is very high!"


    "I seem to have taken it too lightly... How can any place be absolutely safe?"


    Li Che shook his head, his gaze fixating on the glaring Spirit Infant Wood Carving on the ground, his face full of coldness, "Someone in the wood carving shop is from the Spirit Infant Sect... who could it be?"


    The faces flashed through Li Che''s mind, but in the end, he still couldn''t be certain.


    Shaking his head, Li Che grabbed the glaring wood carving from the ground, the blood and qi surged from beneath his skin, his five fingers suddenly emitted a golden light, and with a "snap," the wood carving was instantly crushed.


    "I''ll find you..."


    "Never underestimate the resolve of a father protecting his child."


    ...


    ...


    "A Spirit Infant Statue... appeared outside your courtyard?"


    The next day, after a night of sound sleep, Chen Dabao''s eyes suddenly narrowed when he heard Li Che''s words.


    "You suspect there might be followers of the Spirit Infant Sect inside the wood carving shop?"


    Chen Dabao squinted his eyes and said in a deep voice.


    Li Che nodded, but he couldn''t guess who it was.


    "Indeed, there''s a great possibility. Being able to appear outside Xu''s Courtyard, even in the Outer City, is no easy feat..."


    "Followers of the Spirit Infant Sect have already spread throughout Fei Lei City. If someone in the shop has become a follower, it really can''t be certain."


    "No, it should be certain. If the Spirit Infant Sect wants to shake the rule of the great and powerful families of Fei Lei City, they must plant their people, and faith erosion is indeed the most effective method."


    Old Chen said in a heavy tone, "Don''t worry, I will look into it. It''s actually not hard to find out... Becoming a follower of the Spirit Infant Sect isn''t easy to hide. If they are discovered, I will tell you right away. You also keep an eye out and be cautious on a daily basis."


    "Third Shopkeeper has been sent out of the city to exterminate evil beings from the Mysterious Temple, and during this time... there is actually no one in charge in the shop, which is the best time for the other party to make a move."


    "But even if we really find out their identity, before they make a move against Little Stinky Xi, it isn''t appropriate for me to act directly..."


    Old Chen said with a furrowed brow.


    Upon hearing this, Li Che showed understanding.


    The Spirit Infant Sect had spread throughout Fei Lei City; becoming a follower of the Spirit Infant Sect might disgust various forces, but they wouldn''t specifically go out of their way to eliminate them.


    After all, before any trouble arises, it''s just a matter of religious freedom.


    "But at least knowing who it is will give me some peace of mind and I can be on guard."


    Li Che said earnestly.


    Old Chen, hearing this, also felt it made sense.


    ...


    ...


    Old Chen''s investigation took three days.


    During these three days, Li Che spent more time training, as the feedback from the Dragon Elephant Vajra Dao Fruit made his practice extremely vigorous.


    Three days of hard training had increased the maturity of the Dragon Elephant Vajra to 5%. With full force channeling of the Dao Fruit''s power, he was stronger than at Skin Refinement Completion, with a strength reaching a thousand jins.


    Nonetheless, it was still just Skin Refinement Completion.


    In the training field, Li Che was drenched with sweat, his skin glowing red, and the air was filled with hot waves and mist.


    He put down the stone weights, his eyelids drooping.


    "Now if I want to break through to Sinew Transforming, I need the practice method for Sinew Transforming... but I can''t seek Xu Beihu, after all, the cultivation I have shown to Xu Beihu is only Great Success in Skin Refinement..."


    Two days ago, Xu Beihu came to inspect the cultivation, and Li Che showed him his Great Success in Skin Refinement.


    He had not fully exposed his Skin Refinement Completion strength.


    Despite this, Xu Beihu was already amazed. In just one year... reaching Great Success in Skin Refinement, his talent had somewhat surprised Xu Beihu.


    Unfortunately, Xu Beihu said that to cultivate the Internal Strength Method and open the meridians... one needed to achieve Perfection in Skin Refinement.


    Li Che wasn''t willing to reveal his own achievement of Perfection in Skin Refinement. Achieving Great Success in one year could be explained as exceptional talent, which was the level Xu Beihu had been at originally.


    But achieving Perfection in one year would be too exaggerated...


    "So, this Internal Strength Method and the technique for opening meridians... I''ll have to find on my own," Li Che concluded.


    Dressed in clean clothes, with a glint in his eye, Li Che pondered for a moment.


    "I have quite a few savings now. I can go to the marketplace in the Outer City and look around. There might be cultivation methods for sale there, but I''ll have to conceal my identity first," he thought.


    After finishing his training, Li Che returned to his position in the wood carving workshop.


    A few days ago, he had taken on a wood carving commission to carve an "Eight Treasures Maitreya Statue." The client asked for a carving full of meaning and offered the price of a Gold Leaf, equivalent to one hundred taels!


    This was the highest-priced wood carving commission Li Che had ever received!


    Grasping the carving knife, he gently entered the wood, tearing the material apart, the wood chips fluttering down like blossoms.


    The Dao Fruit of the "Immortal Artisan" pulsated slightly, and Li Che''s gaze was focused. Everything around him seemed to disappear at that moment, and in his mind, all the carving techniques for the Maitreya statue flooded in.


    Old Chen, with a gourd of wine tied to his waist, knocked on the intricately carved wooden door of Li Che''s workshop with a serious look on his face.


    "Old Chen?"


    Li Che, holding a file in his hand and carving on the wood, asked softly.


    "I found out," Old Chen said as he found a chair to sit down on with a sigh, opened his gourd, took a drink of wine, and spoke in a somber voice.


    "Who is it?" Li Che''s eyes turned cold, and the motion of the file grinding against the wood stopped abruptly.


    "At Xu''s Wood Carving Shop in the Outer City, there are indeed quite a few wood carvers and their families who have taken to worshipping the Spirit Infant Sect this past year. I was indeed startled once I probed into it."


    "But on the day of Little Stinky Xi''s first birthday, the person who came to the banquet and secretly worshipped the Spirit Infant Sect... was only one person."


    Old Chen shook his head, showing a hint of horror in his eyes.


    The expansion of the Spirit Infant Sect was faster and more terrifying than he had imagined.


    Li Che didn''t care about these details. He was more concerned about who had set their sights on Xi Xi.


    "Who is it?"


    Li Che asked again.


    With a sigh, Old Chen replied, "It''s the second son of Steward Sun, Sun Changbiao; he''s been married for four years and has been anxious for not having a son. His wife was enticed by the Spirit Infant Sect, which promised a son if they worshipped it. So, Sun Changbiao also joined the sect."


    Sun Changbiao?


    Li Che was startled, recalling the smiling Steward Sun who had shown them around the property back then.


    Sun Changbiao was his second son and a Wood Carver at Xu Ji''s Wood Carving Shop, a Three-Strike Wood Carver. Usually gentle and amiable, Li Che hadn''t expected... he would join the Spirit Infant Sect.


    And moreover, he had targeted Xi Xi.


    Li Che took a deep breath.


    "What''s Sun Changbiao''s strength?" Li Che asked expressionlessly.


    Old Chen raised his eyebrows and replied, "Average talent, he took three years to achieve Skin Refinement, and just in the past two years, he''s completed the Sinew Transforming and picked up an Internal Strength Method..."


    "Thanks, Old Chen, I''ve got it," Li Che said, suddenly showing a smile, thanking Chen Dabao cheerfully.


    "Don''t be rash, you''ve just reached Major Accomplishment in Skin Refinement, you won''t be able to beat Sun Changbiao... Besides, without evidence, taking action would only bring verbal disputes, and it wouldn''t look good with regards to Old Sun..." Chen Dabao warned Li Che, then took another drink of wine. "Now that we know who it is... we just need to watch him and keep an eye on him," he advised.


    "Xi Xi has me looking after her; that Sun Changbiao won''t have a chance," Li Che nodded silently in agreement.


    Chen Dabao didn''t say much more, got up leisurely humming a tune, and didn''t head to his own workshop to work. Familiar with the area, he casually made his way to Li Che''s small courtyard to play with Xi Xi.


    "Little Stinky Xi, your Grandpa Chen is here!"


    Meanwhile,


    Li Che methodically continued to carve the Eight Treasures Maitreya Statue.


    After completing the day''s work,


    Li Che stood up, put on a broad-brimmed hat, took a black cloak, and looked at the snowflakes endlessly drifting down from the sky in the courtyard.


    "I said... never underestimate a father''s obsession with protecting his family."


    "Having so many daughters, just for lacking a son, you plan on exchanging my daughter for your desired son?"


    "It''s truly... unreasonable."


    He reached out his hand and caught a snowflake.


    Li Che''s expression gradually turned cold. Old Chen said... just watch and guard against him.


    But to Li Che...


    Watching, guarding, are all less effective than...


    Killing.

 Chapter 16: Angry Vajra, You Are Not Innocent

    Watching and guarding against the enemy, in Li Che''s eyes...it would be better to kill him.


    Since the opponent had joined the Spirit Infant Sect, targeting his daughter Xi Xi, he was akin to a ticking time bomb, never knowing when he might make his move.


    If that was a foregone conclusion, then why wait for the other party to strike first... instead of taking the initiative to attack?


    Recalling the Angry Spirit Infant Statue placed outside the courtyard last night...


    The adversary''s actions were undoubtedly a provocation against him as a father, as if glaring furiously at him, loudly proclaiming, "If you dare to interfere, you''ll be killed!"


    Was Sun Changbiao innocent?


    In Li Che''s heart, not in the slightest. The moment he targeted his daughter Xi Xi, joined the Spirit Infant Sect, and sought to take another person''s child''s life to fulfill his own desire for offspring...


    He was already stained with blood on his hands.


    Adjusting his straw hat, Li Che exhaled a breath of hot air from his throat.


    Afterward, his figure plunged into the wind and snow.


    Xu''s Wood Carving Shop''s courtyard was enormous, extremely vast, encompassing a large area, almost like a small city. Inside was a network of paths crisscrossing, with courtyards standing in rows, and high walls towering between them, creating separations through the alleys.


    Li Che slipped into an alleyway, stripping off the clothes he wore and donning a black cloak.


    Then, he took out a wooden mask he had crafted himself, originally intended to bring back to amuse Xi Xi as a toy.


    But now... he would use it temporarily.


    Because Xi Xi was born in the year of the ox, Li Che carved a bull-faced mask that had a somewhat cartoonish and cute style.


    Wearing the Cute Bull Mask, Li Che felt as if the whole world had become separated from him, his every breath becoming light and free.


    "Sun Changbiao..."


    Li Che whispered the name softly.


    The next moment, he stimulated his Dao Fruit [Dragon Elephant Vajra].


    Crack, crack, crack...


    Sounds like colliding bones echoed around, crackling like popping beans. Underneath Li Che''s black cloak, his muscles began to writhe, a tingling sensation spreading all over his body, and soon his stature grew taller and more robust, his back muscles suddenly becoming as hard as iron, coiling and writhing like dragons!


    Flesh Dragon Elephant, Vajra Indestructible, Horizontal Refinement Unparalleled!


    These were the characteristics of the Dao Fruit [Dragon Elephant Vajra]!


    After Li Che chose to activate it, his body transformed completely. The cultivation and blood force, which had been suppressed and contained within the Dao Fruit, surged out, converging to his physical body! ?


    And his body too underwent an active transformation, with his strength magnifying!


    Li Che, originally about one meter seventy-five in height, soared to around one meter ninety after activating the Dragon Elephant Vajra, his flesh bulking up significantly, becoming firm and sturdy with an overwhelming sense of oppression.


    "Strength..." Li Che''s eyes sparkled behind the Cute Bull Mask as he glanced at his hands that were like palm-leaf fans filled with terrifying power, and clenched them fiercely, vaguely causing a rumbling like howling winds!


    "As if imbued with the Power of the Dragon Elephant..."


    "Such a transformation should be called ''Vajra Transformation,'' I suppose."


    Li Che murmured softly.


    At that moment, he felt like a giant elephant of the jungle, possessing the terrifying might to trample fierce tigers and wild lions.


    This was the pure physical strength change brought about by the Dao Fruit...


    Horizontal Refinement Unparalleled!


    Underneath the mask, Li Che''s facial expression seemed to spread into a slight smile due to his flesh swelling.


    Afterward, his burly figure stepped forward, shattering the wind and snow.


    ...


    ...


    Sun Changbiao''s courtyard was located on the west side of Xu''s Courtyard.


    As the second son of Steward Sun, after splitting from the family, Sun Changbiao''s residence naturally was exemplary, featuring a triple-courtyard with a spacious and bright main yard.


    Sun Changbiao held an umbrella, returning to his courtyard after finishing work.


    He let out a breath, his face turning somewhat ugly.


    "Chen Dabao is watching me... so quick, he''s found his way to me already."


    Standing in the courtyard, Sun Changbiao''s expression flickered with uncertainty. Old Chen was investigating him, and he had certainly noticed it. No matter how much he tried to conceal it, joining the Spirit Infant Sect was ultimately something he couldn''t hide forever.


    After all, he had once personally gone to the altar of the Spirit Infant Sect to offer incense.


    "So be it, if he''s watching, then he is. If I don''t take action, Chen Dabao wouldn''t dare to kill me... without evidence, he won''t make a move."


    "What I need to do is just pass on the information, looking for an opportunity... a Spirit Baby, once delivered to the altar, my son''s wish will surely come true!"


    Sun Changbiao desperately wanted a son.


    No, it should be said that both he and his wife desperately wanted a son.


    Suddenly, Sun Changbiao, standing in the courtyard, had his thoughts interrupted.


    "Dad... Dad, dinner''s ready."


    A timid voice called out.


    Sun Changbiao looked over and saw his eldest daughter leading the three younger ones, nervously carrying dishes; they had clearly just finished cooking and were coming out of the kitchen.


    "Got it."


    Sun Changbiao said dismissively.


    Then, he closed his umbrella, shook off the snowflakes, dusted his long coat, and stepped into the warmth of the inner room.


    The four daughters served steaming dishes on the dining table, and the eldest one, behaving obediently, took her three sisters by the hand, pursed her lips, and left the cozy inner room, consciously and skillfully heading to the kitchen for their meal.


    At the table, Sun Changbiao and his wife, Madame Liu, began to eat heartily.


    "Husband, how is that matter coming along?"


    "The Deputy Incense Master is pressing hard... the child from Master Li''s house is one in a hundred Spirit Babies; if we can send her to the sect, the Dharma Master will surely grant us a son!"


    Madame Liu caressed her slightly bulging belly, her eyes filled with anticipation.


    Sun Changbiao frowned, "Don''t rush me; I have it under control..."


    What do women understand?


    Chen Dabao is not someone easily offended¡ªhis strength is formidable, he''s someone many of the senior members of the Inner City Xu Family want to win over!


    Old Chen''s appreciation and affection for Li Che''s daughter were clear to him; if he angered Old Chen, he dreaded the brutal beating that could result, or even worse, it might cost him his life if handled poorly.


    "Eat your meal."


    Sun Changbiao picked up a piece of stir-fried pork with his chopsticks, and immediately his eyebrows knitted together, "Stupid girl, why so much salt? Trying to choke her father to death?!"


    Outside.


    The tall young girl leading her sisters away from the house pursed her lips, as though she heard the scolding coming from inside, her complexion paled, and she hurriedly pulled her sisters toward the kitchen.


    It was too cold outside; the kitchen, warmed by the remnants of the hearth fire, was more comfortable.


    After the girls had left,


    A towering, mountainous figure wearing a conical hat and a mask silently appeared on the walkway, completely untouched by the swirling snowflakes.


    Watching the silhouette of the girls entering the kitchen,


    The eyes beneath the Cute Bull Mask were chillingly calm.


    ...


    ...


    "Knock, knock, knock¡ª"


    After downing a cup of warm, sweet wine and picking up a piece of fried meat, Sun Changbiao ate with so much oil dripping from his mouth that he looked utterly content.


    Suddenly, he heard a knocking at the door, and his complacent gaze instantly turned into a frown.


    "Stupid girl, didn''t I say not to make noise during dinner? Can''t you understand?"


    Seeing her husband frown, his wife quickly slapped down her chopsticks and scolded.


    Sun Changbiao raised his hand, stopping his wife from getting more upset, "You''re pregnant; don''t get angry, take care of our son."


    After saying that, Sun Changbiao stood up, casually took a rattan stick hanging on the inner room wall, and while picking the meat stuck between his teeth, he flicked the stick.


    However, just as he reached the door...


    "Bang¡ª"


    A thunderous explosion sounded, accompanied by flying wood chips, as the door was suddenly kicked open!


    Snow and cold wind rushed in fiercely.


    A massive leg, resembling a divine whip, lashed out suddenly!


    The kick landed on Sun Changbiao''s abdomen, the terrifying force exploding out like a cannonball. His eyes almost bulged out as his body curved like a shrimp, he was catapulted onto the dining table, smashing the spread of good dishes into a sloppy mess.


    "Blargh..."


    Sun Changbiao spat out a mist of blood, with an acrid sensation in his abdomen as if it had been kicked to pieces. He was numb all over, struggling to lift his head.


    "Who... who... who are you?"


    His first thought was that Chen Dabao had acted.


    But upon seeing the stranger with the oppressive presence of a mountain, Sun Changbiao was dumbfounded.


    It wasn''t Chen Dabao!


    How could the frail old man Chen Dabao be so powerful and robust?!


    Then... who could it be?!


    Who had he offended?!


    Ps: Asking for Monthly Tickets, recommendation votes, and followers!

 Chapter 17: Bone Tempering Thousand Spiders, No Longer Kind

    The person opposite was wearing a cute bull mask, but the eyes beneath it had not a hint of adorableness.


    Just by locking eyes for an instant, Sun Changbiao felt the taste of death.


    An overwhelming killing intent, like a surging river breaching its banks, threatened to collapse his psychological defenses!


    "This is Xu''s Wood Carving Shop! You... you dare to commit murder here?!"


    Bearing the intense pain in his abdomen, Sun Changbiao roared in the face of his fear of death.


    Blood and energy surged wildly within him, his muscles tensed and hummed, and inner strength slithered through his palms like thin snakes. His Muscle Channeling Stage cultivation was on full display, readying a counterattack.


    Sun Changbiao was well aware that this was Xu''s Courtyard, where many old wood carvers resided. If he could just stall for time, perhaps help would arrive!


    At the very least, his older brother and father lived in the nearby courtyard. If they heard the commotion, they could immediately come to his aid!


    Li Che watched Sun Changbiao indifferently, whose desperate cries were a far cry from his usual gentle and graceful demeanor.


    Actually, Li Che could not have imagined that someone who was so amiable outwardly could treat his own biological daughter with such brutality and malevolence...


    It was one thing to command his daughter to cook and do chores, but to lash at her with a rattan whip for any dissatisfaction was another.


    You can know the face, but not the heart.


    Of course, none of these were important...


    What mattered was that Li Che heard Sun Changbiao''s words.


    Confirming Sun Changbiao''s malicious intentions toward Xi Xi, this man must be the one who placed the Furious Spirit Infant Wood Carving last night, intending to offer Xi Xi to the Dharma Master in exchange for a son. A villain!


    That was cause enough for his death.


    At that thought, a surge of malevolence and killing intent erupted in Li Che''s heart.


    Bang!


    Stimulated by the fear of death, Sun Changbiao let out a fierce bellow, and his arms smashed into the ground with such force that he sprung up. His back muscles tensed and snapped straight like a bowstring, as he hurled two fearsome punches towards Li Che!


    Muscle Channeling force, along with inner strength, burst forth!


    However...


    The towering and sturdy figure wearing the bull mask merely lifted a hand, his fan-like fist suddenly clenched, and he pushed out a punch.


    Instantly, a dragon''s chant and an elephant''s trumpeting were heard, a terrifying sound accompanied by strong sound waves that vibrated the air and spiraled violently within the room.


    When fist met fist, a sound of shattering bone exploded!


    Sun Changbiao let out a wail of misery, terror flooding his eyes!


    "Bone Tempering?! A Quenched-Bone Warrior!"


    Such strength could only be that of a Quenched-Bone Warrior!


    How could there be a Quenched-Bone Warrior within the courtyard, coming out of nowhere to kill him?!


    With a punch that broke Sun Changbiao''s arm bones, Li Che''s eyes beneath the Cute Bull Mask remained detached and unfazed.


    Underneath the sleeve, his fingers lightly flicked, and the Dao Fruit Immortal Craftsman subtly leaped.


    An invisible silver thread, as if tearing through the air, sinuous as spider silk and as sharp as an unsheathing sword artifact, danced wildly, stirring up a sudden gust.


    The mechanism, Thousand Spider Threads!


    Accompanied by several sounds of twanging and slicing.


    With a grasp of his hand, the threads swiftly retracted, sliding back into his puffy sleeves.


    The burly figure adjusted his hat brim and shook his sleeves, then bounded into the courtyard in a few leaps.


    He opened the courtyard door from the inside and went straight out, disappearing into the snowstorm.


    Sun Changbiao stared dumbfounded at that towering departing figure.


    A red line slowly emerged on his neck, dribbling out beads of blood...


    The overturned Eight Immortals dining table he was leaning against was silently split, the cut remarkably smooth.


    Also neatly severed...


    Was Sun Changbiao''s head.


    With a thud, his head tilted to one side and fell from his neck, accompanied by spurting scorching blood.


    The entire room reeked of blood.


    Madame Liu, who had collapsed beside him, was already scared witless, trembling uncontrollably like chaff in the wind.


    Only when the howling wind and drifting snow from the shattered door outside swept in did she muster a scream from the depths of her throat, utmost terror in her shriek!


    "Murder... There''s been a murder!"


    ...


    ...


    In the dark alleyway.


    Li Che withdrew the power of the "Dragon Elephant Vajra" Dao Fruit, and his body immediately returned to normal. He redressed, took out the Cute Bull Mask, and with a clench of his fingers, the mask instantly crumbled into a pile of wood shavings.


    He pressed down on his bamboo hat and listened to the sobbing cries that drifted along with the sound of the wind and snow.


    There was not much change in his expression.


    If Sun Changbiao did not die, he would pose a grave threat to Xi Xi, and Li Che feared that if he ever failed to watch over Xi Xi one day, it would be he himself who would be weeping.


    To live in this world, one''s heart must not be too kind, nor one''s hands too soft.


    Li Che no longer claimed to be a good man. This was not the first time he had killed; first, it had been the dark-skinned brute, and now Sun Changbiao.


    Li Che''s hands were stained with fresh blood.


    But all he wanted was to protect his daughter well.


    All of this was his duty as a father.


    "I am still too weak. If I could... do away with the Spirit Infant Sect, Xi Xi''s safety would no longer be threatened."


    Li Che looked at his palm and murmured softly.


    Then, with his head held high and chest puffed out, he stepped out of the alley.


    ...


    ...


    Li Che returned to the courtyard, where Old Chen was playing with Xi Xi.


    He extravagantly used his Inner Strength to melt away the snow in the entire yard, revealing the dry ground, allowing the little girl to toddle around with her baby walker, wobbling here and there.


    "Daddy!" The little girl''s eyes immediately brightened when she saw Li Che.


    Wobbling, she ran toward Li Che, who blossomed into a smile: "Does Little Stinky Xi miss Daddy?"


    Picking up the little girl, Li Che teased her small nose.


    Old Chen immediately felt jealous, no longer using his Inner Strength to melt the snow, and the snowflakes began to flutter down from the sky.


    "It''s still Daddy''s princess. Grandpa Chen has been with you all day, and as soon as Daddy comes back, you don''t want Grandpa Chen anymore." Old Chen pouted, and the air seemed to fill with the scent of vinegar.


    Li Che immediately burst into laughter, pointing at Old Chen.


    Zhang Ya came out from the kitchen with hot dishes, smiling softly: "Uncle Chen, my husband, it''s time to eat."


    She placed the dishes on the table, which were very rich, with meat and fish, and quite nourishing.


    Taking a small bowl, she picked out some fish meat and mixed it with plain porridge, then began to feed Xi Xi, who was sitting in the baby chair, tapping on the wooden bowl.


    Li Che and Old Chen began to eat, the two of them drinking and dining, while also chatting casually.


    Zhang Ya''s culinary skills were excellent, and Old Chen often came to freeload meals without feeling any burden, especially since the cost of the food was not a burden at all to Li Che these days.


    Furthermore, Old Chen, in order to spend time with Xi Xi, started to reduce his own work and often referred his wood carving customers to Li Che, allowing Li Che to take on many well-paying jobs.


    After dinner, Old Chen left with his hands behind his back, humming a tune, and walked away in a cheerful mood.


    However, no sooner had he left than hurried footsteps approached, and at the corner, he encountered a figure with a panicked expression.


    "Little Liu, where are you rushing to?"


    Old Chen recognized the person; it was the youngest son of Old Liu, the wood carver from the wood carving shop.


    "Oh, it''s Master Chen. Alas... Something''s happened, something''s happened at my sister''s place..."


    Little Liu looked distressed, but upon seeing Chen Dabao, he still stopped to greet him.


    Old Chen''s expression suddenly turned solemn.


    Little Liu''s sister... wasn''t that Sun Changbiao''s wife?


    "In Xu''s Courtyard, a villain suddenly appeared, broke into my brother-in-law''s yard, and brutally killed him... Alas... My father sent me to notify the manager, alas..."


    Little Liu sighed endlessly, exchanged a few words with Old Chen, and then hurriedly ran out of the courtyard.


    The cold wind rattled, bone-chillingly cold, and there was a great stillness between heaven and earth.


    Sun Changbiao... dead?


    Just a while ago, he had informed Li Che that it was Sun Changbiao who had set his sights on Xi Xi.


    And now, Sun Changbiao was dead in his own house, beaten to death by someone.


    Coincidence?


    Chen Dabao clenched his wine gourd, his expression suddenly becoming complex.

 Chapter 18: The Singable and Tearful Father’s Love, Guanyin Angry Cry Ghost-suppressing Statue

    Chen Dabao stood with his hands clasped behind his back, watching Little Liu leave. Snowflakes danced down from the sky, landing on his graying hair.


    His eyes held a hint of distraction and complexity.


    Sun Changbiao was dead, but what Chen Dabao found noteworthy wasn''t the death itself. In this era, the death of a man was all too common.


    What concerned him was Li Che''s decisiveness.


    They had just discovered that the person coveting Xi Xi had joined the Spirit Infant Sect and turned out to be Sun Changbiao. As soon as the workday ended... Li Che had hurried off to kill Sun Changbiao.


    Decisive, ruthless, quick to act!


    Was it really Li Che who did it?


    Where did he get the strength to kill Sun Changbiao?


    Even Chen Dabao began to feel bewildered and doubtful.


    His leisurely stroll turning serious, he changed his course and headed towards Sun Changbiao''s house.


    As he approached the house, he heard earth-shattering cries.


    Outside the courtyard, a crowd bustled about, and there was Steward Sun, his old face turning ashen, his whole body trembling. Clenching his fists, he was a mix of anger and sorrow.


    "Who was it? Who killed my son?"


    "My son was kind and honest, always treating others well. Who would be so vicious?"


    Steward Sun cried inconsolably, the agony of losing a child piercing his heart.


    Madame Liu sat in a chair, propped up by others, her tears falling ceaselessly, sobbing loudly.


    Old Chen moved in closer, made some inquiries, and suddenly felt a peculiar twist in his thoughts.


    "A towering figure as imposing as a mountain, hands like fan-shaped leaves, he kicked open the door with one foot, breaking Sun Changbiao..."


    "A Quenched-Bone Warrior made the move, indeed... It couldn''t have been Li Che. Of course, Li Che had only just achieved Major Accomplishment in Skin Refinement, he would only have been beaten to death confronting Sun Changbiao." ?


    "How very strange, such a coincidence?"


    Chen Dabao found it quite astonishing as well.


    Looking at Sun Changbiao''s body, head severed, bones and organs crushed by the kick, he shook his head; death had come to him in a particularly tragic way.


    Turning his head, he saw Sun Changbiao''s four daughters standing in the corner, timid and apprehensive. The eldest daughter, looking at her father''s corpse, had no sorrow in her eyes, but instead...


    She almost seemed pleased.


    ...


    ...


    The news of Sun Changbiao''s horrendous murder spread like a storm throughout Xu''s Courtyard in no time.


    It caused quite an uproar.


    The Third Shopkeeper was outside the city and not in the shop when it happened, resulting in considerable impact.


    The next day, the Inner City branch of Xu Ji sent people to investigate, accompanied by arrest officers from the Outer City Yamen.


    Xu Beihu, draped in a fox fur cloak, with strands of solid blood energy like electrical arcs moving on his imposing figure, glanced down at Sun Changbiao''s corpse in the coffin, a trace of surprise flickering in his eyes.


    "The strength of a thousand catties, one kick shattering the organs, and the exchange of punches broke Sun Changbiao''s arm bones with a crushing force. Beyond doubt, the perpetrator... must be a dominant Quenched-Bone Warrior. As for the final cut severing the head, being so neat indicates an extremely sharp weapon... it seems to be the work of a Sword Artifact."


    Next to Xu Beihu, Head Constable Zhao Chuanxiong from the Outskirts Government Office, also a robust figure with a broad-bladed saber at his waist, narrowed his eyes as he analyzed.


    "Head Constable Zhao, I''ll need to trouble you with this matter. I never thought that after so many years of peace, my Xu Family shop would suffer such brazen violence," Xu Beihu bowed.


    Zhao Chuanxiong laughed and waved dismissively, "Perhaps it''s another family seeking to kill two birds with one stone, targeting Sun Changbiao to send a message and disturb Xu Ji. But what''s odd... Why target Sun Changbiao? Why him?"


    Xu Beihu was also puzzled, unable to come to a conclusion after some thought.


    Zhao Chuanxiong chuckled, raising his hand with a light flick.


    "Search the place, see if you can find any clues."


    As he finished speaking, the arrest officers brought by Zhao Chuanxiong proceeded to search Sun Changbiao''s large house.


    Madame Liu, who was sitting and weeping in the chair, showed a flash of panic in her eyes when she saw the officers searching, followed by despair.


    Soon after, an officer called out, "Found something!"


    He returned with a "Three-Headed Six-Armed Spirit Infant Statue" in his arms.


    "Spirit Infant Sect?!"


    Xu Beihu''s eyes widened in anger, his hair standing on end as he turned to Madame Liu and bellowed, "You worship the Spirit Infant Sect?!"


    Zhao Chuanxiong narrowed his eyes, patting his hand lightly, "So it''s the Spirit Infant Sect, that clarifies things..."


    He glanced at the four girls standing in the corner, the youngest looking only two or three years old, tilting her head, her hair messy, and her face confused.


    Xu Beihu''s face darkened, knowing the Spirit Infant Sect had infiltrated his shop was an anticipated circumstance, but having it exposed so abruptly was embarrassing for Xu Ji.


    "Now the matter seems clear. Sun Changbiao had joined the Spirit Infant Sect, and his daughter must have caught their eye for sacrifice. Unwilling to comply, Sun Changbiao chose to protect his daughter''s life, thus intervening and succumbing to a vile hand."


    "Tsk tsk, truly a tearjerker of fatherly love..."


    "Madame Liu, you say it is or it isn''t?"


    Sitting in her chair and still crying, Madame Liu suddenly froze.


    Mingled among the crowd, Li Che couldn''t help but twitch the corner of his mouth when he heard the constable''s analysis.


    Sun Changbiao had indeed died of fatherly love, but it was his, Li Che''s, fatherly love...


    Without further ado, Li Che headed to the practice field to train.


    ...


    ...


    The atmosphere at the training field was fiery and enthusiastic.


    The new wood carvers recruited by the shop this year had just received the Skin Refinement Cultivation Method and were brimming with fighting spirit, carrying stone locks and continuously refining their bodies.


    Zhao Xuan, with her straight and slender legs, was giving pointers to the newcomers. When she saw Li Che appear, she greeted him with a smile brimming with warmth, "Master Li has arrived?"


    Li Che smiled warmly and nodded in response.


    Wang Zhengpin, drenched in sweat, also stopped his training, "Master Li, have you heard? Master Sun''s death was terribly gruesome; a villain crushed his entire skeleton and tortured him to a brutal death. In the end, they even cut off his head. It was too dreadful to behold."


    The corner of Li Che''s mouth twitched again¡ªthe story had become more exaggerated... Was he really so ferocious?


    Nevertheless, Li Che joined the conversation with a sigh on his face.


    While a few elders chatted, the new recruits did not dare to join in. After a while, Li Che began his training.


    His publicly displayed cultivation level was now at Great Success in Skin Refinement, which already made many people envious.


    Li Che would not skip his daily training, for the Dao Fruit of the Dragon Elephant Vajra could mature through diligent practice, making daily training indispensable.


    However, while he was training, he began to ponder the Tendon Activation Technique and the Internal Strength Method.


    Just as he was deep in thought, Xu Beihu arrived at the practice field.


    "Second Shopkeeper."


    Everyone immediately ceased their movements and greeted him with a fist-and-palm salute.


    Xu Beihu''s face softened slightly, "I came to investigate Sun Changbiao''s cause of death in the Outer City today. It''s also a good opportunity to give you some guidance on your cultivation levels."


    His gaze fell on Li Che, showing a look of satisfaction, "To reach Major Accomplishment in Skin Refinement within a year demonstrates excellent body refinement talent. Keep up the hard work and do not slack off. If you have any needs, feel free to mention them."


    Upon hearing this, Li Che clasped his fist and said, "Second Shopkeeper... Now that I''ve achieved Major Accomplishment in Skin Refinement, may I request a share of the Tendon Activation Technique and the Internal Strength Method?"


    "Today, I passed by Master Sun''s courtyard and saw his dreadful death, which left me terrified. I''ve heard that Master Sun was like a mountain of fatherly love, dying tragically to protect his daughter, and I''m... scared."


    Li Che''s words were filled with sincerity and worry.


    Xu Beihu fell silent upon hearing this, as he was indeed aware of Li Che''s situation.


    Li Che had joined Xu Ji for protection against the Spirit Infant Sect, and now this incident had occurred... Indeed, the Xu''s reputation had been somewhat tarnished, a sign of diminishing prestige.


    However, the rules of the Xu Family could not be broken. Xu Beihu shook his head, a look of regret on his face, "According to the rules of Xu Ji... you must reach Perfection in Skin Refinement before we can pass on the Tendon Activation Technique and Internal Strength Method to you..."


    "You need a solid foundation to proceed, otherwise, the high-rise is prone to collapse. If we pass it on to you too soon, I''m afraid you might be tempted to practice it prematurely, injuring your body. This is for your own good."


    Li Che showed a look of regret upon hearing this.


    Seeing his reaction, Xu Beihu hesitated for a moment before a porcelain bottle appeared in his hand. He handed it to Li Che, "Here''s what we''ll do... This bottle contains ''Skin Refinement Pills'', six in total... Consider it a reward for achieving Major Accomplishment in Skin Refinement."


    "Take one pill every five days. With your talent, in just over a month, you should be able to achieve Perfection in Skin Refinement."


    "At that time, you can come to me for the Tendon Activation Technique and Internal Strength Method."


    Li Che felt a bit disappointed, but he accepted the "Skin Refinement Pills" with a look of joy, already deciding in his heart to visit the marketplace to see if he could purchase an Internal Strength Technique.


    Old Chen had mentioned that they were not people from the Xu Family, so the Meridian Opening Method and Internal Strength Technique they were qualified to practice were not particularly profound and not much different from the high-quality Internal Strength Techniques available for purchase in the marketplace.


    Seeing Li Che accept the elixir, a smile appeared on Xu Beihu''s rugged face.


    "Li Che, I have a job specially for you."


    "I know your wood carvings are full of meaning. The young master of the Si Family from the Inner City has sought me out and wants to commission you to carve a wood carving, with a compensation of five Gold Leaves."


    Li Che''s heart jolted at those words.


    Five Gold Leaves?!


    Five hundred taels!


    A wealthy client indeed!


    But this undoubtedly also implied that the client''s request was anything but simple; the wood carving job was bound to be extremely difficult.


    Li Che, with a solemn expression, clasped his fists and focused his gaze, "May I know what the Si Family young master... wishes to have carved?"


    Xu Beihu looked at the cautious Li Che and smiled.


    "The Nine-Headed Guanyin Angry Cry Town Ghost Statue."

 Chapter 19: Angry Cry Ghost-suppressing, The Law of Divinity

    "Nine-Headed Guanyin Angry Cry Town Ghost Statue!"


    Xu Beihu spoke solemnly, and as the words fell, the sound of the howling wind and snow seemed to vanish without a trace.


    Angry Cry Town Ghost?!


    Li Che''s expression changed slightly.


    Nowadays, he was no longer the naive porter who focused solely on moving timber, as he possessed some understanding of the wood carving craft.


    In this vast Fei Lei City, divided into Inner City and Outer City, the Inner City is bustling like a dream, inhabited by noble families and clans that have flourished here over many lengthy years. It is extremely rich and bustling.


    These noble families and clans each possess their own cultivation Dharma and are rumored to be cultivating the Divine Method.


    In fact, each of those families controls a wood carving shop, attracting and nurturing wood carvers because if a wood carving possesses sufficiently profound charm, it can be of great benefit to noble family cultivators who practice the Divine Methods.


    One can extract divine cultivation from the wood carvings.


    This is also why the wood carvings crafted by wood carvers can be sold at high prices.


    Within the wood carving shops of the Inner City sit woodcarving masters, whose works, full of spirit, are extremely precious. Each piece is worth a hundred, if not a thousand, gold!


    Over the past year, Li Che had heard many such stories from Old Chen.


    Becoming a woodcarving master is not easy, for the spirit infused into the wood carvings must reach the level of overflow and take shape.


    Li Che''s "Immortal Artisan" Dao Fruit had reached lv2, which allowed him to imbue his sculptures with soulful essences, but to reach master level, he still fell short. Perhaps when he reached lv3, he would achieve master standards.


    "The Si Family will provide the statue blueprint, you just need to carve it...," Xu Beihu said, his large frame imposing and his voice deep as he looked intently at Li Che.


    "This is a precious opportunity, a result of the reputation you''ve built from your past carvings. You''ve been granted this because of the substantial essence in the wood carvings you''ve created."


    "You don''t need to feel too pressured. Even if the carving fails and the essence of the finished wood carving is not rich enough, there''s no harm. After all, you''ve only been a wood carver for a year and there''s still room for growth. Treat it as practice," Xu Beihu reassured.


    The task for five Gold Leaves was one Li Che did not intend to let slip by.


    "I''ll give it a try," Li Che said, cupping his fists in thanks.


    Seeing Li Che accept the task, Xu Beihu''s mood improved greatly. He patted Li Che''s shoulder and said, "The Si Family''s young master wants your wood carving, probably for cultivating the Divine Method.


    The Si Family''s Divine Method is known as ''Angry Cry Town Ghost.'' If you succeed, you will have no worries about food and clothing in the future and might even have the opportunity to break into the master realm."


    "Divinity... Angry Cry Town Ghost." Li Che recalled the discussions he had heard from Old Chen.


    Cultivation methods include Body Refinement, Inner Strength, and Divinity, with the Divine Method being the most mysterious, Inner Strength being precious, and Body Refinement being relatively more common. R?


    The Divine Method is usually controlled by the noble families and clans of the Inner City, completely inaccessible to outsiders.


    Xu Beihu looked at Li Che and spoke softly, "Divine Methods are commonly divided into seven branches: joy, anger, sorrow, thought, grief, fear, and shock... Angry Cry Town Ghost belongs to the Divinity of Sorrow, a Divine Method profound and infinite in mystery, but it requires daily accumulation of divinity and isn''t easy."


    Xu Beihu did not say much more, giving Li Che a deep look: "Your talent in wood carving is exceptional. If you become a woodcarving master in the future, it is possible to obtain the Divine Method from our Xu Family. Therefore... do not slack off."


    Hearing this, Li Che quickly showed a grateful expression and bowed with his fists.


    Xu Beihu nodded with satisfaction and took out a folded piece of paper from his sleeve, "Here is the blueprint for the ''Nine-Headed Guanyin Angry Cry Town Ghost Statue.'' The deadline is one month. I will come for you after a month."


    "At that time, I will take you to the Inner City to trade with that young master of the Si Family."


    Li Che nodded and took the blueprint.


    ...


    ...


    After finishing his training, Li Che cleaned up the workshop and left Xu''s Wood Carving Shop.


    He used the excuse that he was going to buy some yellow wine and sliced cured meat, but in reality, he planned to visit the marketplace in the Outer City to see the situation. If he could not obtain the Tendon Activation Technique and Internal Strength Technique from Xu Beihu, he would have to find them himself.


    Fortunately, the Tendon Activation Technique was just a Body Refinement Technique. Although rare, it was not as hard to find as the Divine Methods.


    After leaving the wood carving shop, he reached a narrow alley. Upon confirming there was no one around, he activated his "Dragon Elephant Vajra," growing taller and more imposing. He then took out a wood carving mask, placed it on his face, wrapped himself in a poncho, and disappeared into the long street.


    The marketplace of Fei Lei City, located in the western part of the Outer City, was in a rather dilapidated area with rows of shabby huts and old buildings.


    It appeared quite wretched.


    Yet, this was the trading hub for the cultivators of Fei Lei City, most of whom were adventurers from outside the city. They battled demons and braved mysterious temples to acquire cultivation resources.


    Cultivators would spread out worn cloth on the ground, turning it into a makeshift storefront, and start conducting business with an assortment of strange trinkets on display.


    As Li Che made his way through the market, his eyes shifted curiously, making his first visit here mainly because he hadn''t cultivated before and didn''t dare come, fearing he might lose his life for nothing.


    After browsing various stalls for a while, he finally stopped in front of a vendor who was also wrapped up tightly.


    A sense of familiarity in their aura gave Li Che a certain degree of comfort.


    "Recently acquired items from the Mysterious Temple, would you be interested?"


    The stall owner gave a cursory glance at Li Che, who was wrapped so tightly that not a breeze could pass through, and spoke in a hoarse voice.


    "Mysterious Temple..." Li Che remained silent, that was an extremely dangerous place outside the city, rumored to be where the heritage of the Spirit Infant Sect originated from.


    The vast Great Vista was so unstable largely due to the Mysterious Temple that had sprung up like bamboo after rain, and the rampant evil creatures that had escaped from the out-of-control temple.


    For martial artists in pursuit of cultivation, the suppressed Mysterious Temple was a place to explore for resources.


    However, Li Che had little interest in the Mysterious Temple right now, as he had come to the marketplace seeking a Body Refinement Technique.


    "Does the merchant have any Body Refinement Techniques for sale?" Li Che altered his voice slightly as he spoke hoarsely.


    "Body Refinement Technique?" The merchant, sitting cross-legged on the ground, looked up oddly upon hearing this.


    "What level do you seek?"


    "Tendon Activation Technique," Li Che said.


    Tendon Activation Technique?


    The merchant''s gaze flickered.


    "I happen to have a Middle Vehicle Body Refinement Technique that I scrounged up from the Mysterious Temple to the south of the city, which can cultivate until Bone Tempering. Would you be interested?"


    Li Che''s towering stature was extremely imposing, but the merchant was not intimidated, thinking, what strength could someone who needs to buy a Tendon Activation Technique possess?


    "I only need the Tendon Activation Technique," Li Che responded indifferently.


    Upon hearing this, the merchant stopped wasting words. He was quite efficient, directly pulling out an old book with a blue cover from his bosom and handing it to Li Che.


    After flipping through and confirming that it was indeed the Middle Vehicle Tendon Activation Technique, Li Che was satisfied and closed the book.


    "If you have any Internal Strength Techniques, you can also bring them out for me to have a look," he said.


    In reality, Li Che did not hold out much hope for an Internal Strength Technique. However, if all else failed, he could go back to Old Chen to buy one; Old Chen had said before that he could sell an Internal Strength Technique to him.


    "Sir jests, Internal Strength Techniques are monopolized by the noble families and clans. We small stall merchants could not bear the crime of selling them. If discovered, I would have no way to survive in Fei Lei City."


    The merchant shook his head.


    Li Che felt regret in his heart but did not care much: "Then this Tendon Activation Technique will do."


    The merchant raised five fingers: "Five hundred taels!"


    Li Che chuckled, slowly standing up tall and sturdy like a mountain. His blood surged, intertwining within him, causing the surrounding air to become static and an extreme sense of oppression, as if the sky was falling and the earth was collapsing, crashing down towards the other person.


    Did this man think he was a martial artist stuck at Skin Refinement Completion, desperately needing the Tendon Activation Technique, and thus taking advantage of his urgent need?


    Indeed... he had guessed correctly.


    "One hundred taels, that should be enough," Li Che said indifferently. "I''m buying it to give to a junior, it doesn''t have to be too expensive."


    The merchant, sensing this imposing manner and having frequented outside the city daringly entering the Mysterious Temple for loot, naturally had good judgment.


    This burly man''s blood was so vigorous; the oppressive feeling was not inferior to that of a Quenched-Bone Warrior, and he had even tainted his hands with human lives!


    He was decidedly a ferocious man who regarded human lives as grass!


    An unremarkable handwritten script of the Middle Vehicle Tendon Activation Technique, selling it for one hundred taels was still a profit.


    After all, he had copied several volumes at home.


    "Deal!"


    The merchant immediately said earnestly.


    Li Che, upon hearing this, threw down one hundred taels and, taking the Tendon Activation Technique, turned and left, disappearing into the marketplace.


    The merchant was quick to pull up his fabrics and left the stall too.


    ...


    ...


    Having acquired the Tendon Activation Technique, Li Che was in a good mood and could begin opening his sinews tomorrow.


    After leaving the marketplace, he found a secluded place, shed his cloak, found a place to hide it well, then leisurely went for marinated meat and wine, and also stopped by a pastry shop to buy a box of osmanthus cakes that Zhang Ya liked to eat, before returning to the wood carving shop.


    Snowflakes fluttered and danced in the sky.


    He treaded over the thick snow covering the bluestone pavement.


    Li Che walked towards his way home.


    However, his steps gradually came to a halt. Holding the marinated meat, a jar of wine, and the osmanthus cakes, Li Che''s brows slowly knit together, staring at the figure standing at the gate of his yard...


    Wearing a half-smile, standing tall with a side knife, was the Yamen arrest officer Zhao Chuanxiong.

 Chapter 20: If the child doesn’t like you, don’t force it

    In the midst of snow and wind, a figure stood resolute.


    With a rainbow-like vitality enveloping him from the outside, he was remarkably noticeable amid the vast grayness, carrying a policeman''s saber, his gaze extremely sharp yet with a hint of amusement.


    From afar, he saw Li Che carrying braised pork, a jar of wine, and osmanthus cakes.


    Li Che paused in his steps, his first thought was... his misdeeds had been exposed.


    But after careful contemplation, there was no reason for it, he, with the Dao Fruit of Dragon Elephant Vajra, had changed his physical form without leaving any clues.


    If the crime had not been exposed...


    Then why had the Yamen''s arrest officer, after investigating the death of Sun Changbiao, not left but instead appeared in front of his courtyard? What could he possibly want?


    For a moment, Li Che couldn''t figure out the reason and lost his train of thought.


    "Are you Li Che, Master Li?"


    A hand, rough with calluses from knife training, rested on the cloth-wrapped hilt as Zhao Chuanxiong looked at Li Che approaching and asked with a smile.


    Li Che''s hands were full, so he could only symbolically clasp his fist in response, "Indeed, it is I. What does the Policeman wish to instruct?"


    Zhao Chuanxiong watched Li Che and silently appraised him, then imperceptibly shook his head.


    From the spiritual state and aura that Li Che exuded, his cultivation was just at the Great Success in Skin Refinement, nothing more. It was unlikely he was the Bone Tempering criminal who had killed Sun Changbiao with ruthless and decisive means.


    According to Madame Liu''s description, that criminal was nearly two meters tall, heavily muscled, and extremely terrifying.


    A stark contrast to Li Che''s physique.


    However, Zhao Chuanxiong didn''t come looking for Li Che for that reason.


    "Madame Liu had confessed." Zhao Chuanxiong watched Li Che, still maintaining an almost-smiling expression.


    Li Che''s heart tightened instantly, realizing what Zhao Chuanxiong was referring to.


    "Did you receive a Furious Spirit Infant Wood Carving two days ago? That was placed at your doorstep by the deceased Sun Changbiao..."


    "As a follower of the Spirit Infant Sect, he had targeted your family''s Spirit Infant."


    Zhao Chuanxiong''s lips curled into a slight arc, focusing on Li Che.


    Upon hearing this, Li Che clenched his teeth in anger: "I am indeed aware because my daughter Xi Xi was targeted by the Spirit Infant Sect right after she was born, which is why I strove to excel and became a Wood Carver at the wood carving shop and moved into Xu''s Courtyard..."


    "I thought we could be carefree, and my daughter could grow up safely, but little did I expect, after Xi Xi''s one-year-old birthday feast, the Spirit Infant Sect turned up in our shop again..."


    As Li Che spoke with deep emotion, his face flushed with anger.


    "Master Chen speculated that it was someone from the shop who placed the wood carving and asked Master Chen to help look for it. Eventually, it was confirmed to be the doing of Sun Changbiao."


    At this point, Li Che''s face exhibited a look of fright: "Head Constable Zhao, I did not kill Sun Changbiao, I..."


    Zhao Chuanxiong had been staring at Li Che, and upon seeing his slightly incoherent speech, raised his hand to gesture.


    "Alright, I know it wasn''t you. You wouldn''t have the capability to kill Sun Changbiao..."


    "Since it involves you, I was just asking as a routine part of the investigation."


    Zhao Chuanxiong turned around at the right moment, looking towards the courtyard.


    "Master Li, won''t you invite me in for a sit?"


    Zhao Chuanxiong continued with a smile, "I''ve heard about your superb woodcarving skills. Perhaps I might request your craftsmanship in the future."


    Upon hearing this, Li Che hesitated momentarily, his heart reluctant to invite the other inside, but given the officer''s direct request, he could only invite him into the courtyard. R??


    He opened the courtyard door.


    Zhang Ya, looking beautiful, stood under the eaves piled with thick snow, while Xi Xi, stomping in her wooden walker, toddled around the freshly swept courtyard.


    Upon seeing a government officer entering the courtyard, Zhang Ya''s complexion immediately turned pale.


    "Husband..."


    She hurriedly called out, thinking that Li Che had committed some crime.


    After putting down the things in his hands, Li Che waved his hand towards Zhang Ya, "This is Head Constable Zhao from Yamen, here to inquire about some matters, nothing serious."


    Zhang Ya nodded upon hearing this, her tense heart somewhat relaxed.


    Zhao Chuanxiong had appeared by Xi Xi''s side at some point, smiling amiably, "So this is Master Li''s daughter. She truly is lively and lovely, as exquisite as carved jade."


    Upon hearing this, Li Che''s heart tightened instantly, and alarm bells went off.


    "Yes, all children are like this."


    "I really like children. May I hold her?" Zhao Chuanxiong asked gently.


    "The little girl is shy. I''m sorry, Head Constable Zhao," Li Che declined without a second thought.


    However, Head Constable Zhao, as if he hadn''t heard, squatted down and looked at Xi Xi, "Xi Xi, can uncle hold you, alright?"


    Xi Xi''s crystal-clear large eyes stared at Head Constable Zhao, and the next moment, she started scooting away in her walker, clattering along.


    Yet, Zhao Chuanxiong laughed, his hand already reaching out.


    Li Che''s eyes narrowed, his "Dragon Elephant Vajra" Dao Fruit began to throb slightly in his heart.


    But he quickly suppressed it.


    Because the hand Zhao Chuanxiong extended had been grabbed by another hand, preventing him from holding Xi Xi.


    "Head Constable Zhao, if the girl doesn''t want to be held by you, what are you doing?"


    Old Chen, not a tall figure, with a leather wine flask at his waist, had reached out his hand and firmly held Zhao Chuanxiong''s extended hand.


    The whirling snowstorm seemed to freeze in that moment, hanging in mid-air, then silently shredded by a terrifying gale, exploding into a mist of snow.


    Two conflicting auras clashed fiercely, like giant waves colliding skywards.


    Zhao Chuanxiong slightly turned his head, his gaze shifting to Chen Dabao who had stopped his motion, the smile on his face gradually fading.


    "So, it''s Master Chen..."


    "If the kid doesn''t like you, don''t force it. Don''t leave any traumas on the child,"


    Old Chen spoke indifferently.


    "Grandpa Chen...hug," Xi Xi, seeing Master Chen, pedaled over to him on her walker, bumping into his legs, and called out in a babyish voice.


    "Oh my, my precious baby, Grandpa will hold you, come here." Old Chen looked at Xi Xi, his aged face blooming with a smile like chrysanthemums, and picked Xi Xi up from her walker.


    Zhao Chuanxiong no longer squatted down but stood up, his hand returning to rest on the handle of his knife.


    "Such a lovely child,"


    Zhao Chuanxiong watched as Old Chen walked away with Xi Xi, saying with a smile.


    Li Che''s heart relaxed slightly as well.


    "Master Li, Master Chen, I shall leave first,"


    Zhao Chuanxiong did not stay longer in the courtyard, waved his hand, and left the courtyard, merging into the blurry snowstorm, disappearing from sight.


    Old Chen held Xi Xi, gently bouncing her as he played with her, making Xi Xi giggle continuously.


    While watching Zhao Chuanxiong''s retreating figure, he slowly relaxed.


    "A Che, don''t let people easily enter the courtyard in the future, especially strange guests..."


    Old Chen said gravely.


    "Xi Xi''s resistance to Zhao Chuanxiong isn''t because she''s shy. Xi Xi is perceptive, she has the spirit to discern good from evil intent towards her, and this Zhao Chuanxiong... harbors no good intentions," Old Chen said.


    Upon hearing this, Li Che''s expression shifted slightly.


    "He told you that Madame Liu confessed, and it was Sun Changbiao who placed the Spirit Infant Wood Carving in front of your courtyard?"


    Old Chen looked at Li Che.


    Li Che nodded.


    Old Chen smiled slightly, his voice a bit cold, "From start to finish, Madame Liu only admitted that they, as a couple, had joined the Spirit Infant Sect, but she never confessed to placing the Spirit Infant Wood Carving at your doorstep..."


    "Moreover, the Spirit Infant Statue found in Sun Changbiao''s home was a common Three-Headed Six-Armed Spiritual Infant Statue, with one eye open and one closed..."


    "How then did Zhao Chuanxiong know that the one placed in front of your door was the ''Furious Spirit Infant''?"

 Chapter 21: Xu Clan’s Sinew Transforming, Bull Demon Sets Out

    Li Che''s eyes suddenly narrowed as he heard the words, a chill swept through his entire body, starting from his scalp and spreading down his spine to his limbs and bones!


    "This arrest officer from the government office, Zhao Chuanxiong... has issues?!"


    Li Che took a deep breath.


    Old Chen, holding Xi Xi with a grave expression, shook his head, "Of course, we can''t exclude the possibility that he got the information from somewhere else, but I feel like there''s something off about this Zhao Chuanxiong."


    "With his status as an arrest officer, such an obvious flaw isn''t likely to be shown so openly, it''s more like..." Old Chen said, squinting involuntarily.


    "Just like those members of the Spirit Infant Sect who placed the Spirit Infant statue at your doorstep, it''s part of a ritual..."


    Old Chen''s words weighed heavily on Li Che''s heart, and a surge of intense killing intent bubbled forth in an instant.


    According to what Old Chen said, does that mean Zhao Chuanxiong might be involved with the Spirit Infant Sect?


    "An arrest officer from the government office... could also be involved with the Spirit Infant Sect?"


    Li Che asked in a grave voice.


    Upon hearing this, Old Chen burst into laughter, "What you''re saying... There are rumors that the Prime Minister of Great Vista now worships the Divine Buddha. Why couldn''t an ordinary arrest officer be involved with the Spirit Infant Sect?"


    After speaking, Old Chen''s expression became solemn, "The Spirit Infant Sect originates from the Mysterious Temple... They possess the Divine Method, which is a major temptation for many martial artists and cultivators."


    "The waters of the Spirit Infant Sect are much deeper than you can imagine."


    Divine Method?


    Li Che shuddered upon hearing this.


    "However, you''ll be safer staying at Xu''s Wood Carving Shop, these people wouldn''t dare to mess around. I''m living next door, too, and I''ll keep an eye out for you at all times."


    "Spirit Baby, ah..." Old Chen shook his head, looking at Xi Xi cradled in his arms with a pitying gaze.


    "Having too much spirit is not a good thing... it''s the source of sins and disasters."


    The wind howled furiously, swirling between heaven and earth.


    Li Che stood erect, looking towards Zhao Chuanxiong who had disappeared into the blizzard.


    The Dao Fruit [Dragon Elephant Vajra] within his chest was throbbing vigorously, as if there were dragons chanting and elephants trumpeting!


    "Old Chen, this Zhao Chuanxiong... what is his cultivation?"


    Li Che narrowed his eyes and asked.


    Old Chen, holding Xi Xi, was momentarily stunned. This scene seemed... familiar.


    In the past, Li Che seemed to have asked about Sun Changbiao''s cultivation.


    However, he didn''t question further, for he had witnessed Li Che''s cultivation with his own eyes.


    "Zhao Chuanxiong, as an arrest officer of the Outskirts Government Office, is not weak in cultivation. He should be in the Bone Tempering Realm, and as for Inner Strength, during the brief encounter earlier, it was roughly at the level of the Three Heavens. In the Outer City, he is absolutely considered a top fighter."


    "As for whether he has cultivated the Divinity, that I do not know," Old Chen said with a serious and grave complexion. Zhao Chuanxiong''s cultivation was indeed not weak; if he were to be enhanced by Divinity, even Old Chen himself feared he would not be able to defeat him.


    Li Che nodded slightly and let out a small breath.


    It seemed that killing Zhao Chuanxiong immediately was going to be... a bit difficult.


    Of course, what Old Chen had said before was merely conjecture. So, next, the first thing to do was to find out whether Zhao Chuanxiong was indeed related to the Spirit Infant Sect.


    If related...


    Then he must be killed.


    Having such a strong figure always coveting his precious daughter Xi Xi was like sitting on pins and needles.


    "Old Chen, didn''t you say you have Internal Strength Techniques for sale? Sell me one..."


    ...


    ...


    In the wood carving shop, within the workshop.


    Xu Beihu had someone move the timber prepared by the Si Family''s son into his workshop.


    It was a piece of high-quality Phoebe nanmu, not young in age.


    Knowing that Li Che was not highly cultivated and had not developed Inner Strength, Xu Beihu had long arranged for the timber to be dried with Inner Strength so that Li Che could immediately start carving.


    Li Che sat in the chair and took out the pattern Xu Beihu had given him¡ªit was the "Nine-Headed Guanyin Frowning and Crying Ghost Suppressing Painting." The intricate pattern was even more complex than he had imagined.


    A month''s time seemed rushed for the task at hand.


    He closely observed the pattern. Guanyin had nine heads, and each head depicted a state of sorrowful crying. Although each was different, they all revolved around a theme of grief.


    The longer he looked, the more Li Che felt his emotions being affected¡ªhis nose tingled, and he felt an urge to cry.


    Astonished, Li Che''s eyes contracted sharply.


    "Divinity... Divinity... It''s indeed eerie and terrifying."


    As Old Chen described it, the most profound and terrifying Divine Cultivation, Li Che finally got a taste of it.


    He patted the large piece of Phoebe nanmu on the table, touching every part, forming a spatial pattern in his mind, planning out proportions, measurements, angles, and so on.


    Then, he took the ink brush and began to outline the design on the wood.


    After the shape was set, it was time to take out the carving knife, focus sharply, calm the heart, and start with the first cut.


    ...


    ...


    Three days later.


    In a courtyard in the outer city.


    Snowflakes fluttered down from the high sky, but before they could get close to Li Che''s body, they were torn into powder by a forceful vigor and blood energy.


    Li Che maintained a strange posture, his waist twisted nearly ninety degrees, arms crossed, blood qi circulating in a unique pattern.


    Invisible air currents seemed to roar around his body, rumbling like the tide of a great river!


    Li Che did not stimulate the "Dragon Elephant Vajra," entering the state of Vajra Transformation, he simply didn''t suppress his cultivation, venting the blood qi and strength accumulated in the Dao Fruit.


    "Xu Family''s Nine Tendon Technique."


    The Tendon Activation Technique that Li Che found in the marketplace.


    It belonged to the middle vehicle of Tendon Techniques, slightly better than the lower vehicle common goods that sold for twenty or thirty taels.


    For example, Xu Ji''s Tendon Techniques that they could impart to him were generally of this quality.


    And naturally, Xu Ji possessed superior Tendon Techniques of higher quality, which were reserved for their own family members to cultivate and were not to be divulged or leaked.


    In the marketplace outside, such techniques were practically priceless unless a noble family collapsed and their Body Refinement Techniques leaked out; otherwise, they were not for sale at all.


    And a superior Tendon Technique alone would be worth more than a thousand taels.


    This was just for Tendon Techniques; if it were for subsequent methods like Bone Tempering or Blood Exchange, their value would be even higher!


    Whirr¡ª!


    The main tendons were taut as if they were bowstrings, emitting a buzzing, crackling sound.


    Below the reddened skin membrane, a large tendon rose up like a coiling dragon, undulating and pulsating, containing surging, powerful strength.


    Gradually, the body relaxed.


    He took a deep breath, hot as fire, melting the falling snowflakes.


    "Opened one main meridian, it''s just an entry to Tendon Activation... my strength has grown much more than when I was at the Skin Refinement phase."


    A smile formed on Li Che''s lips.


    His eyes lit up.


    [Dao Fruit: Dragon Elephant Vajra (lv1, 10%)]


    The prompt appeared.


    When the Tendon Activation was successful, the maturity of the Dragon Elephant Vajra Dao Fruit increased by 5% instantly, reaching 10%!


    That is to say, opening one main meridian resulted in a 5% increase in the maturity of the Dao Fruit; the Xu Family Tendon Technique required opening nine meridians in total.


    When the maturity of the Dao Fruit reached 50%, he would achieve complete Tendon Activation!


    Li Che''s eyes sparkled, his mood improved significantly.


    And as long as he diligently cultivated every day, tempering his body, the maturity of the Dao Fruit would increase by 1%...


    "In other words, if I rigorously cultivate for forty days..."


    "I can achieve complete Tendon Activation!"


    In order to hide his cultivation, Li Che deliberately rented a spacious courtyard outside the wood carving shop, for his cultivation.


    After all, with many prying eyes at Xu Ji''s training field, it was not convenient for Li Che to perform his best.


    Stimulating the Dao Fruit, blood qi flowed out in an instant, and his skin turned red as his body rose and writhed, his spine roaring like a dragon.


    Li Che felt the Vajra Transformation after breaking through Tendon Activation...


    "The strength is even greater, almost double than before. If previously one punch had the power of a thousand jin, my punch now... has approximately two thousand jin of power."


    "Reaction and speed have both enhanced, overall it''s roughly a twofold improvement."


    A smile spread across Li Che''s lips, after testing he could finally confirm that the Vajra Transformation was related to his own cultivation.


    The stronger his own cultivation, the greater the enhancement provided by the Dao Fruit!


    "Two thousand jin of power is at the Minor Accomplishment level in the Bone Tempering Realm. It is said that those with Great Achievement in Bone Tempering have five thousand jin of immense strength, and Bone Tempering Completion allows one to reach ten thousand jin! The burst is incredibly terrifying..."


    "Additionally, the ''Si Snake Inner Strength Method'' I bought from Old Chen has also successfully cultivated a strand of Inner Strength... With my Dao Fruit ''Dragon Elephant Vajra,'' horizontal refinement is unparalleled, and the speed of martial arts cultivation is extremely fast!"


    Li Che''s face brightened with a smile, raising his hand, in his palm a whirling, invisible current like a small snake in a pond holding explosive power.


    With a clench of his fingers, the surge of energy vanished without a trace.


    Li Che''s eyes flickered, his burly and robust body cloaked in a loose garment and capped with a wide-brimmed hat.


    He slapped on the Cute Cow wood carving mask, and in an instant, his entire demeanor transformed, becoming the ferocious criminal, Bull Demon, as offered by the bounty at the government office!


    Violence surged, an extraordinary ferocity emanated.


    In the snowy night, the Bull Demon did tread.

 Chapter 22: Immortal Artisan’s Martial Technique, Guanyin Blood Lotus

    Since Sun Changbiao''s death, his four daughters had been taken away by Steward Sun, while Madame Liu, who had led Sun Changbiao to join the Spirit Infant Sect, lost her unborn child due to the shock and was expelled from Xu''s Courtyard by Second Shopkeeper Xu Beihu for joining the sect.


    Steward Sun then found a place outside for Madame Liu to spend her confinement period.


    Since Sun Changbiao''s four daughters had not joined the Spirit Infant Sect, Li Che had not killed them, but Sun Changbiao''s wife was different...


    She had willingly joined the sect and even led Sun Changbiao in a plot to harm Li Che''s daughter, making her the ringleader of the crime.


    Initially, a witness was needed; thus, her life was spared to provide testimony.


    Li Che feared that this woman would continue to lead Spirit Infant Sect followers to endanger Xi Xi in the future.


    So...


    Indeed, it was time to clean up this mess.


    Dressed for travel, Li Che plunged into the blizzard and, moments later, arrived south of Fei Lei City.


    Within a dilapidated courtyard piled high with thick, fluffy snow.


    In the courtyard, a stove burned fiercely, boiling water bubbling out steam that warmed the house.


    Li Che, his face covered by a mask and wearing a wide-rimmed hat, clad in black, silently landed inside the courtyard wall, moving as quietly as falling snow, quickly approaching the house.


    Inside the house, incense sticks were lit, and grey smoke incessantly filled the air.


    Li Che poked a hole in the window paper and looked inside to see a thin figure kneeling before a "Three Heads and Six Arms Angry Spirit Infant Statue," ceaselessly kowtowing and wringing her hands.


    "The Holy Spirit teaches, cleanse the worldly dust, reincarnation without worry, achieved by innate wisdom without being taught..."


    "Divine above, this humble woman will ensure the Spirit Baby of the Li family is restored to its position, please bless this humble woman''s child to reincarnate..."


    Madame Liu chanted non-stop, devoutly worshipping.


    Watching the angry Spirit Infant Statue, the skin under Li Che''s Cute Bull Mask twitched, and a hint of a murderous intent slowly emerged in his pupils.


    Raising his arm, the sleeve crossbow shot out a swiftly arched crossbow arrow!


    Bang!


    It directly penetrated the head of the angry Spirit Infant Statue, nailing it to the wall.


    This noise instantly caught the attention of Madame Liu inside the house; she became frightened, and Li Che, not wanting to waste any more time, fired another arrow from his sleeve crossbow, piercing Madame Liu''s throat. R


    Madame Liu''s eyes widened, but she turned and stared fixedly in the direction from which the crossbow arrow had shot.


    Her face showed no fear of death, blood bubbling from her throat, as a mad grin spread across her face.


    "Deputy Incense Master... please..."


    Li Che remained calm.


    He expected deception; it was all within his expectations.


    With a heavy step, the ground shook, and the plentiful snow explosively soared up, Li Che, huge and mountainous like a cannonball, catapulted towards the outside of the courtyard.


    "Bold thief, where do you think you''re going!"


    A scream, both mournful and maniacal, abruptly came from outside the courtyard.


    Li Che glanced under his mask in that direction, seeing a figure leaping forward, dressed in a gray robe, carrying a side knife, wearing a mask of a crying boy, his eyes burning intensely.


    Besides him was another bulky figure, wearing a girl''s mask, carrying a Bagua Staff, crouching on the courtyard wall, his eyes holding a mocking smile.


    Intense vitality burst forth, melting the snow, intertwining murderous intents, and the howling wind sounded like the wails of ghosts!


    "Indeed, you intentionally attacked my Spirit Infant Sect follower... Who exactly are you?"


    A cold voice came from the person with the side knife.


    Li Che stared at the knife-bearer, feeling a vague sense of familiarity. He lowered his voice, hoarse and probing, echoing in the courtyard: "Zhao Chuanxiong?"


    The courtyard fell silent instantaneously; after a long while, low, deep laughter resounded.


    Boom!


    Suddenly, a flash of knife light erupted, and the sharp air swept through the courtyard.


    Li Che stomped fiercely, like a divine dragon''s roar or a giant elephant''s bellow!


    The deep snow underfoot exploded wildly, the flying snow spraying like hidden weapons!


    The slash of the knife met a thick mound of snow.


    Hmm?


    The knife cut through the snow, its force already halved, and the next moment, he only felt the air emit a low hum, as if something sharp was rapidly slicing through!


    His eyes under the mask narrowed suddenly!


    A thread!


    A silver thread!


    Extremely thin, extremely sharp!


    As he held his long knife horizontally, he felt a slight force graze the blade, sparking a flurry of sparks.


    Then, successive sounds of whooshing accompanied by "shoo, shoo, shoo" noises... three arrows, almost simultaneously, whistled toward him!


    Damn!


    So tall and large but employing such treacherous and ruthless methods!


    The deputy incense master with the boy''s mask wielded his long sword, the light of the blade swirling around as he stepped back on the snowy ground. After three consecutive collisions, he finally managed to block all three crossbow arrows.


    But he hardly had time to catch his breath.


    Underneath Li Che''s cute cow mask, his pupils seemed to ignite with flames as he raised an arm. His muscles tensed as if a strong bow fully drawn!


    His body shot out like a military crossbow. His nearly two-meter tall frame brought an extremely intense sense of oppression.


    His fist flew out like a missile head, blasting the snow in the sky into a foggy mist!


    It wasn''t a martial technique, just a simple yet pure punch.


    Suddenly, in the blink of an opportunity, he had closed in right in front of the deputy incense master.


    The blade fiercely swept out, skimming past Li Che''s punch, blade energy raging, forcefully withstanding Li Che''s punch. However, the force of two thousand kilograms exploded out, the tearing airflow brutally smashing down!


    With a booming sound, accompanied by the whining of the collapsed airflow!


    It mercilessly struck the deputy incense master''s boy''s mask, causing the mask to explode into pieces and hair to become disheveled. A face that Li Che was all too familiar with suddenly came into view.


    "Zhao Chuanxiong..."


    Li Che coldly observed the face, confirming the identity of this deputy incense master, indeed it was the yamen arrest officer.


    Killing Madame Liu and confirming Zhao Chuanxiong''s identity...


    Today''s objectives were all achieved.


    "Act now! Stop watching! Let''s kill together this sinister and cunning villain Bull Demon!"


    Zhao Chuanxiong''s face was extremely gloomy, staring fixedly at the cute cow mask, feeling like it was a demon incarnate.


    Truly a genuine thousand-kilogram strength Bull Demon!


    The figures on the walls of the courtyard also stood up, slowly drawing the Bagua staff from behind, with a strong surge of blood and energy intertwining.


    "This Bull Demon must be a martial artist with bone tempering minor accomplishment, comparable to our levels, not to be underestimated!"


    Zhao Chuanxiong said in a cold voice.


    "Heh heh, he doesn''t even know martial techniques... what''s there to underestimate."


    The figure on the high wall with a girl''s mask sneered and suddenly leaped down, brandishing the staff with one hand and charging towards Li Che.


    Li Che frowned, feeling some pressure.


    It seemed, it was time for a big move.


    His tiptoes tapped the ground, and Li Che''s figure propelled back. His clothes under the robe, however, suddenly swelled up.


    "Bull Demon, take my Bagua staff technique!"


    One staff struck heavenward, countless staff shadows intertwining, blurring the vision!


    With an overwhelming force, the wind spread out, and the flying snow spiraled to the sides!


    Martial technique!


    Li Che immediately felt the pressure ¡ª he had yet to learn any martial techniques in all his martial arts practice until now.


    But, Li Che did not panic. With a grab and a pull of his fingers, numerous Silver Spider Threads densely spread out, wildly swirling within the entire courtyard!


    With the skill of an Immortal Artisan, he countered the martial technique!


    Li Che raised his hand and then the sleeve crossbow followed, firing rapidly.


    Three arrows in succession pinned down the martial artist wielding the Bagua staff, his feet stomping heavily, a springing leap landing him on top of the courtyard wall.


    "Thinking of escaping? Where will you go?!"


    "Frenzied Blood Knife!"


    At this point, Zhao Chuanxiong had regained his breath, drew his side knife and burst forth, the blade light swirling, hummed brilliantly, the blood energy violently surging and boiling, also a martial technique, then slashed towards Li Che.


    Li Che casually glanced at him.


    With a shake of his hand, a "Guanyin Blood Lotus" suddenly emerged in his wide, fan-like palm ¡ª the last of his three secret mechanisms, and the most powerful one!


    Crushing the kindly-faced Guanyin wood carving, leaving only the lotus base, it was then lightly tossed out by Li Che.


    "This sinister Bull Demon... has hidden weapons, too?!"


    Zhao Chuanxiong was startled, but the long knife in motion was difficult to stop mid-swing; he had to grit his teeth and continue the slash.


    However, that blood-colored lotus base eerily hovered in mid-air.


    "Explode."


    Then, accompanying the bursting light, it started to spin at high speed.


    With a hissing sound,


    Countless, fine as ox hair wooden needles shot out like rain in the human world, as if Guanyin were shedding tears.


    Thousands of them burst forth.


    Ps: Monday, critical moment in the PK, seeking monthly tickets, recommendations, and support for following!

 Chapter 23: The Bull Demon Has an Epiphany, The Spirit Baby’s Divinity

    Pfft, pfft, pfft!


    Tiny as ox hair yet extremely sharp wooden needles rained down like a storm, covering the sky!


    With his long knife stained in blood, Zhao Chuanxiong swung it fiercely at the sight, his hair standing on end and pupils shrinking, forced to whirl his blade to summon a wild gust, blocking the dense barrage of hidden weapons!


    But there were too many. The Blood Lotus explosion sent the dense wooden needles piercing through like a torrential downpour, finally penetrating his body!


    Blood mist billowed, and Zhao Chuanxiong, who had leapt up, now heavily crashed back into the snow-covered courtyard; his pores oozed tiny beads of blood, which quickly dyed a large patch of the white snow red.


    "Ahh!"


    Zhao Chuanxiong let out a low roar, his hair and beard bristling. He hurriedly circulated his Inner Strength to resist the blood flow in his meridians, his face reddening in rage!


    "So sinister, so vicious! What a malicious Bull Demon!"


    Zhao Chuanxiong''s angry shouts persisted.


    The Bagua Staff martial artist wearing a young girl''s mask leapt onto the surrounding wall, but such a delay cost him¡ªa glimpse revealed no trace of the Bull Demon.


    Already vanished into the blurring wind and snow.


    Glancing back at the finely-pricked holes left by the dense wooden needles in the snow, the Bagua Staff martial artist couldn''t help shivering.


    "Protect me for a moment. This Bull Demon is truly vicious. These needles are extremely fine; even the membrane of my Body Tempering Realm couldn''t withstand them. They''ve penetrated my body, and are now following my blood and meridians, aiming to pierce my heart. I need to use my Inner Strength to protect myself and force these needles out!"


    Gasping heavily, Zhao Chuanxiong immediately sat cross-legged on the snowy ground and said to the Bagua Staff martial artist before starting to seriously circulate his Inner Strength.


    Searing heat emanated from every inch of his skin.


    Almost the time it took for a cup of tea to brew, Zhao Chuanxiong''s body shook violently, and he opened his mouth wide to spit out a large mouthful of coagulated blood.


    The clotted blood was filled with the dyed wooden needles.


    "How is it?"


    The martial artist holding the Bagua Staff looked at Zhao Chuanxiong and asked in a deep voice.


    "It''s nothing serious, just some damage to the meridians. I need to recuperate for a while. This Bull Demon... truly malicious."


    Zhao Chuanxiong''s face was unpleased; he had set a trap to capture and kill this Bull Demon.


    But he had not expected to suffer such a loss.


    "At least he didn''t temper those needles with poison..." remarked the martial artist with the Bagua Staff, glancing over and smiling.


    Zhao Chuanxiong''s mouth twitched, too lazy to respond, but inwardly he felt somewhat relieved.


    This Bull Demon, vicious yet not deadly enough...


    "Wearing a Bull Demon mask, the body tall and burly, and possessing Bone Tempering Cultivation... such a conspicuous physique should be impossible to hide in the Outer City." R


    Zhao Chuanxiong exhaled, "Could it be someone from the Inner City?"


    "Most likely, the Noble Families and Clans from the Inner City have superior legacies, the Martial Arts they practice are extremely profound, and their diet is rich in nutrients, making them robust with vigorous blood and qi. Look at the Yang Family, every one of them is as robust as a bull. Nearly every grand Noble Family and Clan has such horizontally refined martial artists."


    "Moreover, the strength of that Bull Demon is even stronger than a warrior with Bone Tempering Minor Accomplishment. It seems the Martial Arts he practices are exceedingly noteworthy, definitely originating from a Noble Family."


    "And those wooden needles... probably have something to do with the Wood Carvers under Noble Families and Clans. With such skill, they might well be the work of some Woodcarving Master."


    The martial artist holding the Bagua Staff nodded and commented.


    "The Dharma Master has gone to the Inner City to deal with those Noble Families and Clans, taking over quite a bit of their interests... These Noble Families are not vegetarians; it''s normal that they would fight back."


    "The Yang Family? The Xu Family, the An Family... or the Si Family?" Zhao Chuanxiong slowly stood up, meticulously extracting wooden needles as fine as ox hair from the snow.


    His rough fingers ground the needles, his eyes brimming with intense killing intent.


    "Regardless, this Bull Demon... must be killed sooner or later!"


    ...


    ...


    Li Che, wearing a broad hat and a loose overcoat, returned to the small courtyard he rented.


    His body deflated like a punctured balloon, returning to its normal size.


    "Escaping from the hands of two Quenched-Bone Warriors... not bad, but I''ve used up all my trump cards."


    "The Sleeve Crossbow, Thousand Spider Threads, and Guanyin Blood Lotus¡ªall three mechanisms were fully deployed... Tsk, it''s a pity that my Inner Strength isn''t fully cultivated yet, otherwise, driven by a powerful Inner Strength, the eruption of the Guanyin Blood Lotus could be doubled, and Zhao Chuanxiong would have been heavily injured if not dead."


    "Now, at best, I can only inflict minor and insignificant wounds on him."


    "Hmm... if I were to temper the wooden needles with poison, the resulting Guanyin Blood Lotus, once it pricks into the meridians and the poison bursts forth, its lethality would double..."


    Li Che exhaled a breath, his eyes lit up with a sense of enlightenment as his fists and palms met.


    A tactical error indeed; otherwise, Zhao Chuanxiong would have died this time.


    "Without considering that Bagua Staff martial artist, in a one-on-one fight, even if I activate ''Dragon Elephant Vajra'', I am no match for Zhao Chuanxiong. His Inner Strength has reached the Three Heavens, which is higher than mine, and he possesses Martial Techniques..."


    Li Che reviewed the brief exchange he had with Zhao Chuanxiong.


    Without relying on Fairy Mechanisms, a prolonged battle would surely end in my defeat and disadvantage.


    "Marital Technique... I need to acquire one. I possess the ''Dragon Elephant Vajra'' Dao Fruit, which makes my martial arts training exceptionally fast. Cross-training in martial techniques will undoubtedly allow for quicker mastery, perhaps with additional enhancements." Li Che had a plan forming in his mind.


    "Would Second Shopkeeper teach me Martial Techniques? Hmm, even if he does, it would likely be in the distinct style of Xu Ji... Looks like I''ll have to find one on my own or maybe scour through Old Chen''s collection."


    Li Che stretched lazily, his bones making popping sounds. f


    This battle gave him an assessment of Zhao Chuanxiong''s strength and some confidence in killing him.


    He shed his clothes and tidied his attire.


    Li Che leisurely stepped out, headed to the Western City cured meat shop for a pound of cured beef and half a pound of pig''s ears, topped off with a jug of aged yellow wine, and a box of osmanthus cakes before ambling back to Xu''s Wood Carving Shop.


    "Daddy!"


    Just as he pushed open the courtyard door, Xi Xi, with her nose turned red from the cold, falteringly walked towards Li Che across the snow-covered ground.


    Li Che felt a warm sensation hearing that, put down the cured meat and wine, and immediately picked up the chubby Xi Xi.


    The little girl, looking adorable with her red lips, instinctively wrapped her small hands around his neck as Li Che lifted her.


    "Daddy... hug."


    The little girl was smart. Although just over a year old, she had already shown herself to be extraordinary.


    She could now walk steadily without the aid of a baby walker.


    Old Chen sat under the eaves, happily sipping wine from a gourd, and upon seeing Li Che and Xi Xi''s affectionate interaction, he couldn''t help but sourly curve the corners of his mouth, "That Little Stinky Xi is something else, sensing your return from afar..."


    "Truly a Spirit Baby."


    Zhang Ya walked out of the house and, seeing Li Che''s dropped items, hurried over to pick them up and take them inside.


    "My husband, you brought osmanthus cakes again today. Isn''t this a little lavish?" Zhang Ya smiled sweetly, their lives having steadily improved since moving to Xu Ji, giving them much to look forward to.


    Li Che smiled, "My wife, if you want to eat osmanthus cakes, you can have them every day."


    Their family could indeed afford it now.


    With Li Che''s craftsmanship, the wood carvings he sculpted were highly profitable. Typically, each wood carving session could earn at least fifty taels or more, assuring them a carefree life.


    Zhang Ya carried the items into the house.


    Li Che, holding Xi Xi, took a seat beside Old Chen, holding the aged yellow wine.


    "Old Chen, this Spirit Baby... what''s it all about?"


    Li Che asked.


    The Spirit Infant Sect adjudged Xi Xi to be a Spirit Baby... but what exactly does a Spirit Baby entail, Li Che was still unclear.


    Old Chen put away his gourd, gestured for Li Che to pour the wine, and only after Li Che filled the cup to the brim did Old Chen show a beaming smile.


    He sipped the aged yellow wine.


    Old Chen became serious as he looked at Xi Xi, a trace of pity flashing in his eyes.


    "A Che, are you familiar with the Divine Method?"


    "A so-called Spirit Baby... is someone born with Divinity, an excellent candidate for cultivating the Superior Divine Method!"


    PS: Please support with a Monthly Ticket, seeking followers!

 Chapter 24: Another Metamorphosis of the Dao Fruit, Prototype of Divine Powers

    "A top candidate for cultivating Divine Methods?"


    Li Che''s eyes narrowed slightly, but he wasn''t too surprised.


    He had thought about it before, what was so special about the Spirit Baby that made the Spirit Infant Sect care so much about it.


    It must also be related to divinity.


    "The methods of the Spirit Infant Sect should be quite vicious and despicable. If Xi Xi falls into their hands, she will be raised until she grows up, and once her divinity is abundant, it will be forcibly extracted..."


    "Becoming a raised Spirit Baby is definitely not a good thing..."


    Old Chen took a sip of his drink and said with a shake of his head and a grave voice.


    That was certainly not a good thing, and Li Che was aware of that, which was why he had been treading on thin ice since Xi Xi was born.


    Frowning, Li Che thought about strategies to respond, considering how many years it would take for him to develop the strength to single-handedly destroy the Spirit Infant Sect.


    He had the Dao Fruit bound with his daughter, and as she grew slowly, she would become stronger.


    Gently stroking the back of Xi Xi''s head, the little girl''s naive eyes blinked, sparkling with crystalline innocence.


    Old Chen let out a breath: "Actually, there is a way to deal with the crisis brought by the Spirit Infant Sect."


    Li Che glanced at Old Chen, a flash of confusion in his eyes, indicating for him to continue.


    "Spirit Babies are rare, but not nonexistent. The Spirit Babies born to commoners are pitiful, like lambs, usually unable to grow up and targeted from a young age, not just by the Spirit Infant Sect, but also by other sects that have inherited mysterious temple traditions, all aiming to capture Spirit Babies."


    Old Chen''s expression grew solemn.


    "But if they can make it to four years old, then there''s a chance they can survive."


    Li Che was taken aback.


    "Four years old... Is there a reason for that?"


    Old Chen smiled and said, "Nothing special, the Imperial Court steps in."


    The Imperial Court?


    Li Che''s face changed slightly, he had almost forgotten about the Imperial Court.


    In Fei Lei City, power was basically divided among the noble families of the Inner City, holding the authority. The Yamen, representing the Imperial Court, was virtually nominal, managing only some civilian disputes; the noble families hardly took it seriously.


    Old Chen took a sip of his yellow wine, and shook his head: "Little Li, don''t underestimate the Imperial Court. A lean camel is still bigger than a horse, and moreover... the Da Jing Dynasty isn''t dead yet. Although the Imperial Court is declining, it''s still one of the most powerful forces in the world; even the great Divine Sects wouldn''t dare to ignore it."


    "The main reason is that Fei Lei City is remote. Coupled with the isolation caused by the Mysterious Temple, it''s somewhat out of the Imperial Court''s jurisdiction, but that doesn''t mean it''s lawless."


    "You see the Yamen''s imperial hall appearing nominal today, but would the noble families and clans really dare to ignore it blatantly?"


    "The Imperial Court conducts a selection test every four years. If it''s a Spirit Baby containing divinity, they will be recruited and trained by the Imperial Court. Nowadays, the right to conduct this selection test has been delegated by the Yamen to the noble families of Fei Lei City."


    Old Chen glanced at Li Che as he said this.


    Li Che nodded slightly: "So you mean to say, as long as Xi Xi safely reaches four years old, is selected for her divine talents, enters the Xu Clan for cultivation, and practices the Divine Methods, she will be protected by the Xu Clan and be safe, right?"


    "Exactly,"


    Old Chen smiled.


    "If the Imperial Court regains control over Fei Lei City, the noble families and clans will still have to return the divinely talented children they''ve selected back to the Imperial Court..."


    Li Che frowned, "Would the noble families be willing to return them?"


    Old Chen took a sip of his drink, "Would the Imperial Court not understand... So, what do you think is the purpose behind this order?"


    "The Da Jing Dynasty doesn''t ignore things; it''s just too lazy to intervene. With Mysterious Temples sprouting like bamboo after a spring rain, almost every city has one or several... "


    "If the Imperial Court were to manage every Mysterious Temple, how could they manage? Therefore... power is decentralized to the noble families and clans in the major cities, leaving them to deal with the Mysterious Temples."


    "These selected divine seedlings naturally supplement the talent for noble families."


    Upon hearing this, Li Che couldn''t help but realize.


    Old Chen narrowed his eyes: "Moreover, every four years, the Divine Sect also comes once to screen if there are divine children to take back to their sect for training, which is kind of competing with the Imperial Court for people. But the Divine Sect''s requirements are even higher, and generally, those who meet the standards are children carefully cultivated by the noble families and clans."


    Li Che, naturally very clueless about the cultivation forces of this world, now felt a bit clearer after hearing Old Chen''s explanations.


    "If you can enter the Divine Sect for cultivation, that would be the best, but the Divine Sect''s requirements for selecting disciples are too high..."


    Old Chen sighed and shook his head, his eyes flashing with a complex look.


    Li Che sensed there might be a story in his words, poured an extra glass of wine, holding Xi Xi and blinking, his curiosity ablaze.


    But Old Chen just rolled his eyes and kept on drinking, not saying another word.


    Feeling slightly disappointed, Li Che then asked, "Old Chen, do you have any martial techniques for sale? If yes... could you sell me a few?"


    Old Chen had just taken a sip of his drink and almost choked.


    "Do you think martial techniques are as common as cabbages? Even several... Strictly speaking, martial techniques are much more precious than the Skin Grinding Technique or the Meridian Opening Method. Although I have a collection of them in my study, it''s not extensive."


    Upon hearing this, Li Che''s eyes suddenly lit up, becoming increasingly interested in Old Chen''s study.


    "Martial techniques are distinctive in style. The techniques of the major noble families and clans naturally cannot be taught openly. If one learns them and uses them, they''re in for some serious trouble. Forget it, forget it... What type of martial technique are you looking for?"


    Old Chen thumped his chest, took a breath, and said irritably.


    "Any kind will do, as long as I can practice it... Are you looking to sell?"


    Li Che, holding Xi Xi, father and daughter both smiled synchronously.


    ...


    ...


    Time waits for no one, and seasons flow like a river.


    One month later.


    Fei Lei City, Spring Breeze Alley.


    In the closed courtyard, the snow had completely melted away; torrid air currents intertwined like dragons, causing the loquat tree planted in the yard to shake incessantly.


    Li Che, with his upper body bare, revealed a bronze skin that seemed to boil with surging blood and qi, thundering like the relentless beating of a drum resembling thunder behind clouds.


    Large tendons like coiling dragons emerged on his body, writhing and taut, like tightly drawn large bows.


    Boom!


    His inner strength burst forth, momentarily shrouding the lingering snow in a blur.


    Gradually reining in his inner strength and blood qi, Li Che opened his eyes, his gaze cutting through the haze like two sharp blades slicing through dense fog.


    His body''s large tendons gradually relaxed, and his black hair wildly fluttered about.


    Throwing on a thin shirt, Li Che swung his arms and a smile appeared at the corner of his lips.


    His eyes condensed, and a prompt appeared.


    [Dao Fruit: Dragon Elephant Vajra (lv1, 50%)]


    Twisting his neck, his spine made a straining noise, and a formidable aura flowed.


    "One month to open nine major sinews, Xu Clan''s Sinew Transforming Method at perfection... Not bad, faster than I expected. Indeed, all attributes to my diligence and effort."


    Raising his hand, inner strength surged wildly, nine snake-like tendrils of strength coiled outside his palm.


    "Si Snake Inner Strength, also reached the Second Heaven, barely able to be released externally."


    "Indeed, the Dragon Elephant Vajra Dao Fruit greatly enhances my cultivation in martial arts..."


    "The Immortal Artisan augments my wood carving skills, while the Dragon Elephant enhances my martial arts talent, quite good. I wonder what type of the third Dao Fruit will be, the one associated with Xi Xi turning two years old?"


    Li Che couldn''t help but look forward to the third Dao Fruit associated with his daughter''s second birthday.


    "Furthermore, the Middle Vehicle Martial Technique ''White Tiger Chaotic Wind Fist'' that I acquired from Old Chen has been successfully mastered to the level of a minor accomplishment. This Horizontal Cultivation Martial Art is indeed effortless for me to practice."


    "However, one martial technique is indeed too few. After completing the wood carving trade with the young Master Si tomorrow and earning some Gold Leaf, I will make another trip to the Marketplace to see if I can acquire another martial technique to increase my offensive capabilities."


    Wearing a thin shirt, Li Che began practicing his punches directly in the courtyard, his punches roaring like a ferocious tiger stirring up the wind and the countless snowflakes lifted by his blood qi melted into water upon hitting the ground and then turned back into ice.


    After completing a set of fist techniques, Li Che was fully satisfied and reined in his strength.


    The minor accomplishment level of the White Tiger Chaotic Wind Fist, combined with the Vajra Transformation, was extremely explosive.


    But... it was not enough.


    Returning to the inner room, he washed himself with hot water and then bought a box of osmanthus cake, which his wife loved, before returning to the wood carving shop.


    Donning a leather apron, Li Che sat on a chair, facing the "Nine-Headed Guanyin Angry Cry Ghost-suppressing Statue" meticulously crafted over a month.


    Picking up his tools, the Immortal Worker Dao Fruit trembled slightly. He settled his mind, entered into a carving state, and devoted himself wholeheartedly to the finishing touches.


    Within the workshop, only the soft rustling noises remained.


    Upon completing the final step.


    A streak of golden light suddenly flashed before Li Che''s eyes.


    The next moment, a prompt appeared.


    [Dao Fruit: Immortal Worker (lv3, 0%)]


    [Dao Fruit lv3, further transformation, prototype of Divine Powers "Immortal Worker: Thousand Analyzing Hands"]


    Ps: Asking for follows on Tuesday, Tuesday''s follows are extremely important, playing a part in recommendations for next week. Please support, Old Li thanks you!

 Chapter 25: Competing with Heaven and Earth, Seeing the Midwife Again (Please Follow!)

    The Dao Fruit had transformed again!


    He had acquired the prototype of divine powers... Immortal Worker: Thousand Analyzing Hands!


    This was something Li Che had not anticipated; pushing the maturity of the Dao Fruit to level 3 had unexpectedly led to this transformation!


    "Prototype of divine powers..."


    Li Che murmured.


    With a thought, he suddenly looked at his own hands where faint jade-colored smoke seemed to be diffusing from his arms, emerging from his pores, making his fingers and arms appear as pale and smooth as jade.


    [Prototype of Divine Powers (Immortal Worker: Thousand Analyzing Hands): Siphon Divinity, Essence Cultivation of Divine Powers, Immortal Artisan Transforms, Craftsmanship Ascends]


    The introduction emerged before his eyes.


    Li Che merely glanced at it and felt his mind quake, utterly astonished.


    "Siphon Divinity?!"


    "Does it mean to absorb divinity? If this prototype of divine powers is applied, can it siphon divinity for one''s own use?"


    Divinity... that was a realm he had yet been unable to touch upon.


    Although his wood carvings were all sent to the Inner City for the disciples of noble families and clans to use in their cultivation of divinity, Li Che had never truly come into contact with divinity.


    Gradually calming down, Li Che exhaled, his eyes glittering: "It''s a pity I don''t yet know the use of divinity... However, absorbing divinity is just one of the effects of Thousand Analyzing Hands; there will be new transformations to come."


    Li Che steadied his heart and looked at his arms, now misting with golden fog, a smile curling at the corners of his lips.


    Looking at the "Nine-Headed Guanyin Angry Cry Town Ghost Statue" in front of him, Li Che raised his hand, his palm engulfed in thin jade mist, and placed it over the wood carving.


    In an instant, it seemed as if jade mist turned into streaming light, revealing all the carving techniques and craftsmanship involved in this wood carving before his eyes, which Li Che effortlessly analyzed and mastered.


    Li Che released his hand, the smile growing even denser between his lips: "Thousand Analyzing Hands... can decipher any craftsmanship."


    "Merely by touching it, one can decipher the essence, as if understanding the principles behind objects, perceiving the true nature, and acquiring the skills."


    To confirm his guess, he left the workshop and ran to the area outside where the finished statues were placed.


    Snow was falling thick and fast.


    A few scattered figures were carefully positioning the finished sculptures.


    These were all movers from the shop, among whom Li Che had once been included.


    "Master Li!"


    The movers, upon seeing Li Che, all revealed obsequious smiles.


    "Do you need any wood? Just command, and we will carry it inside for you; there''s no need for you to come out in this cold." A mover, wiping sweat, hurriedly said with a smile.


    Li Che, however, waved his hand: "No, I''m just looking."


    Having said that, he walked to a finished sculpture, stretching out his hand to cover it, with misty jade fog diffusing from between his palms.


    In an instant, everything about this wood carving''s techniques and processes were laid out in his mind, unlike the previous touch of the statue to master the technique once a day limit, now he had no restrictions.


    Moreover, he grasped the details more delicately and could even innovate, fixing flaws on top of the original skills.


    "Indeed..."


    Li Che lifted his hand, a smile forming in his heart, his confidence surging, giving him even greater assurance in creating the remaining nine highly complex mechanisms in "Tang''s Mechanism Essentials."


    "It''s time to find a moment, update the mechanisms... and give Zhao Chuanxiong an even greater surprise."


    A month''s time.


    Li Che had undergone no small transformation.


    His cultivation had improved, his Immortal Artisan level had also risen, and he had acquired the prototype of divine powers [Thousand Analyzing Hands].


    It was time to eliminate Zhao Chuanxiong, the potential threat.


    Otherwise, Li Che always felt like a sword was hanging over his head, making it hard to rest or eat, always fearing Xi Xi might encounter a great disaster at any moment.


    ...


    ...


    In the afternoon.


    Xu Beihu arrived as expected, draped in a great cape, his physique more burly than ever.


    "Master Li, is the wood carving ready?"


    Xu Beihu''s voice was rough, his eyes bright with vitality; he entered the wood carving shop straight away to find Li Che.


    Upon entering the workshop, he saw the wood carving statue quietly placed on the workbench, his eyes lighting up.


    "Good good good, excellent, Master Li''s craftsmanship has improved again! This Guanyin Angry Cry Town Ghost Statue... truly is superb, full of deep meaning!"


    Xu Beihu stared at the Angry Cry Town Ghost Statue, unable to take his eyes off it.


    "It''s a pity that my cultivation is not the ''Angry Cry Town Ghost,'' otherwise I definitely wouldn''t sell this wood carving to the Si Family... At least, not without asking for more money, haha."


    Xu Beihu said with a laugh.


    "If the Second Shopkeeper needs them, you can place an order with me, a business deal worth five gold leaves each time, I''d gladly have more of such deals, then never worry about food and clothing again."


    "Hahaha, I''ll come seeking you when the chance arises, but... the wood carvings I need must all be made by a Woodcarving Master."


    "If you want to sell me wood carvings, you need to become a Woodcarving Master. The Divine Wood Carvings perceived by the direct lineage of the Xu Family during their cultivation are all made by masters. That Si Mubai... He''s just at a critical breakthrough realm, thus casting a wide net, he''s not picky and needs a large quantity of wood carvings, that''s why he approached you."


    Xu Beihu explained with a smile.


    Reluctantly letting go of the sculpture, Xu Beihu looked at Li Che with a trace of amazement, "Master Li, your talent for wood carving... is truly extraordinary, you have the potential of a master. If you diligently study Divinity, you might have a chance to become a Woodcarving Master in the future."


    Upon hearing this, Li Che asked curiously, "Second Shopkeeper, what makes a Woodcarving Master different from a regular wood carver?"


    Xu Beihu, who had high hopes for Li Che, did not withhold information.


    The two had the movers load the wood carving onto a prepared carriage and Xu Beihu pulled Li Che into a luxurious and opulent carriage.


    Inside the carriage, a furnace was burning, boiling tea.


    Xu Beihu poured a cup for Li Che and explained, "A Woodcarving Master is termed ''master''... because the wood carvings they create are fundamentally different from those made by ordinary wood carvers."


    "The difference lies in Divinity."


    "The wood carvings made by Woodcarving Masters birth actual Divinity, which can be absorbed."


    "Just this alone is the difference between heaven and earth," Xu Beihu said softly.


    Hearing this, Li Che''s body trembled slightly. The wood carvings... contain real Divinity?


    "It''s not hard to understand. You know about Spirit Infant, right?... The infants born from the union of man and woman, blessed by heaven and earth, naturally possess Divinity. Similarly, the Woodcarving Masters... creating Spirit Infant Wood Carvings is like conceiving a child, giving the wood carvings a chance to possess Divinity.


    Although the birthed Divinity can''t compare to a real Spirit Infant, it''s akin to flaunting skills with heaven and earth, capturing the fleeting Divinity of the universe," Xu Beihu said with a laugh.


    "Do Woodcarving Masters... also cultivate Divinity Methods?" Li Che asked.


    Xu Beihu nodded as if it were obvious, "Without cultivating the Divine Method, one would ultimately remain insignificant, without cultivating Divinity, how could one feel, understand, or even impart Divinity?"


    "Perhaps thinking of something, Xu Beihu smiled at Li Che, "Master Li, don''t be in a hurry. The Divine Method is immensely precious, one of the core secrets of the major noble families and clans."


    "Master Li, although your talent is good now, it still needs to be evaluated. Besides... you are too young, still needing more experience and qualifications. Only then trying to cultivate the Divine Method might you have a chance to become a Woodcarving Master."


    "But that''s just a chance."


    The carriage traveled past the bumpy Outer City and soon arrived at the majestic walls of the Inner City.


    Since it was a Xu Family carriage, it entered the bustling Inner City without even being inspected.


    This was Li Che''s first visit to the Inner City, where the buildings were clean and opulent, closely arrayed, with all sorts of prosperous scenes visible just through the window.


    Compared to the Outer City''s turbulent, hardship-filled decrepit environment, it was like night and day.


    The carriage stopped in front of a tavern, which was decorated luxuriously with gilded beams and painted eaves, extremely lavish.


    Soon, several movers hurried out of the tavern, carefully carrying the wood carving and following behind Xu Beihu and Li Che.


    "This Golden Splendor Pavilion is one of the best taverns in the Inner City, starting at a hundred taels per meal. Si Mubai apparently values you highly and looks forward to your ''Angry Cry Town Ghost'', specifically setting a banquet here," Xu Beihu said with a smile.


    The two walked through a beautifully carved corridor. Each piece of wood in the corridor was meticulously carved by wood carvers, extremely beautiful and pleasing to look at.


    In the distance, there was a pavilion-like structure with curtains hanging on all four sides, swaying with the wind.


    From afar, Li Che saw the figure in white sitting inside the pavilion, drinking wine.


    Next to the figure in white stood an old woman, bowing her head and presumably reporting something.


    Li Che suddenly stopped.


    He looked at the old woman, and the gentle expression on his face slowly withdrew,


    Until it completely froze!


    Looking at the old woman''s face, which Li Che could dream of...


    A subtle killing intent spread out from the depths of Li Che''s eyes,


    Just because...


    This old woman was Lei Chunlan, the midwife who had helped deliver Xi Xi and had killed a dozen children during childbirth!


    Ps: Tuesday''s follow-up is crucial, don''t drop the book, please be sure to read to the very end! Requesting support!

 Chapter 26: The Eerie Angry Cry, Here Comes the Bull Demon King!

    The cold wind rustled fiercely, swirling with the madness of winter as the snow drifted aimlessly.


    Snowflakes landing on the dark tiles atop the long corridor emitted a gentle scraping noise.


    The lifted winter breeze, ceaselessly fluttered the white curtains that hung as if suspended in mid-air above the pavilions.


    Li Che stopped in his tracks, his facial expression as if frozen by the bitter winter in a flash, eyes locked straight ahead like two unsheathed swords, piercing through the harsh cold and settling on the old woman who was bowing beside the man in white.


    "Lei Chunlan!"


    A deep voice emanated from Li Che''s throat.


    Xu Beihu was clearly aware of Li Che''s movements and the shift in his emotions, briefly taken aback.


    "What''s wrong?" Xu Beihu frowned and asked.


    Li Che''s thoughts surged and fluctuated; he would not forget that face.


    Lei Chunlan, the midwife who had delivered Xi Xi, was also a wicked woman who had caused the death of many children she had personally helped to birth.


    Now, she appeared here, a place Li Che had never imagined she would be.


    In that moment, Li Che''s heart turned exceedingly grim.


    In his mind, a myriad of thoughts circulated.


    Lei Chunlan... What was her relationship with Young Master Si?


    It was said that Lei Chunlan was entangled with the Spirit Infant Sect; could it be that there was also a connection to the Si Family?


    The background of Lei Chunlan appeared to be stronger than he had imagined, which explained why the Outer City''s bounty notice for her was taken down after a few days, whereas his "Bull Demon" warrant was still prominently displayed on the notice board.


    "Encountered an acquaintance," Li Che suppressed his emotions, speaking calmly.


    Though Xu Beihu was burly, his sensitivity to emotions was sharp, and he noticed that Li Che''s gaze toward the old woman was unusual.


    "Understand the grudges first and then make plans," Xu Beihu said.


    Li Che nodded, and the two of them stepped into the pavilion box.


    The servant of the Golden Splendor Pavilion delicately placed the wood carving, covered with black cloth, onto the table that had been prepared in advance within the pavilion.


    "Brother Mubai, the genius wood carving master from my Xu Family has arrived. Let''s see his craftsmanship," Xu Beihu declared with a hearty laugh as he stepped into the pavilion.


    The man in white clothes, sitting on a rosewood Taishi Chair, suddenly cast his gaze over, and Li Che got a clear view of the man''s face.


    There was a sort of eerie beauty to the handsome features, his eyes carried a melancholic hue, and a tear mole at the corner of an eye; his charm held an immensely infectious sorrow, teetering on the edge of breaking into tears, with a single strand of hair falling across his cheek, gently swaying in the breeze.


    "North Tiger, you''ve truly done me a great favor," Si Mubai rose to his feet, his voice almost sounding tearful.


    He fist-bumped Xu Beihu, then his gaze fell on Li Che.


    "This must be Master Li? Though you have not entered the Inner City, your wood carvings have indeed caused a sensation there; such profound meaning in your works, it''s precious to find below a Woodcarving Master..." r?


    Si Mubai smiled, but his attempt at smiling was more pained than crying.


    Li Che nodded slightly, however, his eyes still lingered on Lei Chunlan.


    At this moment, Lei Chunlan recognized Li Che as well, and her wrinkled, ravine-deep face blossomed into a kind smile, gently looking at Li Che, neither hiding nor evading.


    Si Mubai noticed Li Che''s gaze and continued with his unsightly smile, "She''s just a servant in the mansion helping with some chores. If she has offended Master Li in any way, please be forgiving."


    Xu Beihu narrowed his eyes, and Li Che understood the subtext in Si Mubai''s words.


    Lei Chunlan was his person; if there was any conflict, bear with it...


    The implication between the lines suggested that Si Mubai clearly knew what Lei Chunlan was involved in, but his attitude was very insistent on protecting her.


    Or perhaps... it was that Li Che''s status was simply not significant enough for Si Mubai to take seriously.


    Lei Chunlan''s smile became increasingly radiant, as if a withered old chrysanthemum was forcefully blooming.


    The atmosphere in the pavilion seemed to grow a few degrees colder in an instant, as the howling wind swept in.


    After a short pause, a smirk surfaced on Li Che''s chilly face, "Perhaps I mistook her for someone else, I thought she was the midwife who delivered my beloved daughter, involved with the Spirit Infant Sect."


    "That midwife has harmed the lives of many newborns, a truly malevolent person, wanted by the government office; how could she possibly appear in Young Master Si''s Mansion. It seems I was mistaken," Li Che said.


    Li Che''s words, despite their sarcastic undertone, were taken by Si Mubai as a sign of Li Che''s softening stance. Si Mubai''s lips curled into an even more unpleasant smile, and with a wave of his hand, Lei Chunlan bowed her head and left.


    "Master Li has given me face, which is truly wonderful. Now let''s take a look at Master Li''s skill," Si Mubai spoke lightly, effortlessly moving past the topic.


    Xu Beihu remained silent, his expression slightly gloomy, but he felt somewhat disappointed with Li Che.


    Even though Li Che, despite taking action, would not have been able to touch Lei Chunlan, with him there, he could still have supported Li Che to regain some face. But Li Che opted for a more submissive approach.


    Although prudent, lacking a bit of reckless abandon, Xu Beihu wasn''t entirely pleased.


    But he could understand, after all... he was dealing with the Si Family.


    However, Li Che''s personality was similar to that of his younger brother Xu You¡ªtoo gloomy, too capable of enduring in silence, which made him uneasy.


    Since Li Che had taken the initiative to yield, Xu Beihu couldn''t be bothered to say more.


    Si Mubai, on the other hand, walked up to the wood carving, pulled away the black veil, and suddenly the "Nine-headed Guanyin Angry Cry Town Ghost Statue" came into Si Mubai''s view.


    Si Mubai''s breathing suddenly stalled.


    A look of joy appeared in his eyes as he stared in a daze, and gradually, two lines of tears slid down his cheeks.


    "Wuu wuu wuu... so good, so good... though lacking divinity, the meaning is profound. The nine heads of Guanyin, each with a different expression, all embody compassion for the suffering. A single furrowing of the brow is a gesture of pity for all beings, rich in meaning amidst the angry cry..."


    "Good, really good."


    Si Mubai was crying and laughing at the same time, clapping his hands in approval.


    The next moment, Si Mubai''s palms forcefully pressed against the wood carving, he opened his mouth and began to sob uncontrollably. Vague streams of white vapor began to rise from atop the wood carving.


    Li Che''s eyes narrowed, such eerie circumstances tensed up his mind fiercely.


    The whole pavilion was enveloped in a unique and strange atmosphere in an instant¡ªas if ghosts were crying, as if women were wailing, as if old men were crying their hearts out...


    Li Che even felt a lump in his throat and could not help but feel like crying.


    Xu Beihu stepped in front of Li Che and gently patted his shoulder, instantly dispersing the crying emotions within Li Che.


    Taking a step back, Li Che''s gaze flickered with astonishment.


    "Si Mubai is cultivating divinity. You were affected by the spilled divinity. I''ve suppressed it for you, so it''s fine now," Xu Beihu said with a smile.


    Though he wasn''t completely satisfied with Li Che''s disposition, Xu Beihu recognized that Li Che''s talent was evident to all and still worth drawing in and befriending.


    Li Che thanked him with a fist salute.


    "Your cultivation has only just reached Skin Refinement Completion. If you were affected by the ''Angry Cry'' divinity for too long, I''m afraid it would damage your spirit..."


    "Take the Gold Leaf and leave. The carriage is outside, you can go back by yourself. If you want to stroll around the Inner City, that''s fine too. Just make sure you leave the city before it gets dark," Xu Beihu said, chuckling lightly.


    Li Che received five Gold Leaves, tucked them away carefully, and took his leave with a fist salute.


    He cast a deep glance at Si Mubai, who was still holding the wood carving and voraciously absorbing from it¡ªas the wood carving seemed to wither like a frostbitten eggplant, no longer resembling the image of Guanyin...


    Li Che licked his lips.


    His hand... seemed a bit itchy.


    He resisted the urge to use his prototypical divine power, "Thousand Analyzing Hands," to siphon the divinity from Si Mubai.


    Li Che exited the Golden Splendor Pavilion.


    Back on the carriage, Li Che sat upright in the luxurious carriage, his fingers gently, rhythmically tapping on the tea table inside, his gaze slightly focused.


    "Old man, stop the carriage for a moment. It''s rare for me to come to the Inner City, and I plan to buy some osmanthus cakes for my wife. I''ll bring back some good food too, just wait for me," Li Che said with a smile.


    Although the charioteer was from the Xu Family in the Inner City, he was quite courteous to Li Che, responding with a smile.


    "Master Li, go ahead, and I''ll wait for you here. As long as you leave the Inner City before dark, there will be no issue," the charioteer said.


    Li Che thanked him warmly with a fist salute.


    The Inner City was bustling, with no fewer people or less activity than the Outer City.


    Once he was out of the charioteer''s line of sight, Li Che''s face instantly turned ice-cold.


    He first went to a silk shop and bought some black cloth, turned it into a loose black robe, bought a bamboo hat, then took out a carving knife and thin wood from his bosom, and with his current skills, he made a Cute Bull Mask in just a few breaths time.


    He found an empty alley.


    Putting on the bamboo hat, he first hid his clothing, then donned the black robe, the bamboo hat, and covered his face with the Cute Bull Mask.


    In an instant!


    The shadows cast on the alley walls by the light began to twist violently, wriggle, and elongate!


    It was as if divine dragons were murmuring and demonic elephants were bellowing!


    Endurance? Stability? Yielding?


    I''m just going to switch posture... to kill you!


    "Lei Chunlan..."


    "Your Bull Demon master has arrived!"

 Chapter 27: Cautious and Timid, Hell’s Minotaur

    Li Che had never intended to spare Lei Chunlan. It was a rare encounter, and not killing her would leave him restless.


    He twisted his neck, his back muscles tensing and creaking.


    With the Xu Clan''s nine sinews, Li Che had opened all nine major sinews, and now his single cultivation had already reached Complete Meridian Opening, just one step away from Bone Tempering.


    In one month, Li Che had transformed significantly. Now, having activated the "Dragon Elephant Dao Fruit" Vajra Transformation, he was absolutely confident he could kill Zhao Chuanxiong and his Bagua Staff-wielding accomplice!


    He had planned, after this matter concluded, to go after Zhao Chuanxiong and eliminate this threat.


    However, he had not expected... during his trip to the Inner City... he would encounter Lei Chunlan.


    Hiding within the Inner City, no wonder Li Che, while masquerading and searching for Lei Chunlan during this period, had been fruitless.


    He flicked his sleeve, the hidden sleeve crossbow and Thousand Spider Threads were already prepared, his eyes under the mask flashing with a cold murderous intent.


    With a stamp of his foot, his body suddenly shot out of the alley.


    ...


    ...


    The curtains lightly fluttered.


    Rising and falling as if moving with a person''s every breath.


    Xu Beihu sat on the chair, the water in the kettle boiling vigorously, gurgling incessantly, as he busied himself making tea, the rich fragrance unrestrained.


    Si Mubai stood in front of the "Nine-headed Guanyin Angry Cry Town Ghost Statue" carved by Li Che. At this moment, this wood carving had long lost its original appearance, looking as if it had suffered the erosion of time and wind, completely altered.


    If you looked carefully, you could see countless tiny holes underneath the statue, as if corroded and devoured by wood-eating insects, leaving behind remains.


    After a while, Si Mubai shuddered slightly, stepped back, shed two lines of hot tears, seeming to both cry and laugh, and slapped the rotten wood statue. In a flash, the entire statue "crashed" into debris.


    "Not bad, the taste is really good."


    Si Mubai extended his tongue and licked his lips.


    "Although it doesn''t contain Divinity like a Master Woodcarver, or capture the free-floating Divinity between heaven and earth... it''s already very good. This meaning, if accumulated three or four more times, could even amount to a strand of Divinity, greatly aiding my ''Angry Cry Town Ghost.''


    Si Mubai sat back in the Yellow Rosewood Grand Master Chair, taking the well-brewed premium Pu''er tea Xu Beihu passed to him.


    "Your Xu Ji has found a treasure, truly a potential Master," Si Mubai said somewhat enviously.


    The rugged face of Xu Beihu broke into a smile: "It''s still early days yet; becoming a Woodcarving Master isn''t that easy, and one must also be loyal... Over the past two hundred years, Xu Ji has trained so many Wood Carvers, and only a few have possibly become Woodcarving Masters."


    "If you don''t want him, let him come to the Si Family," Si Mubai suggested with a teasing smile.


    "Was that old crone your Si Family''s doing? Seems like she''s from Spirit Infant Sect, no? You involve yourself with Spirit Infant Sect and your Si Family doesn''t care?" Xu Beihu''s face tautened as he spoke coolly. R?


    Si Mubai put down his tea cup: "Don''t be so resistant to Spirit Infant Sect. Not everything from the Mysterious Temple is evil. The Imperial Court subdues temples with force, Divine Sect destroys mountains and temples, aren''t they all because there are treasures in the Mysterious Temples?


    "Divinity, Divine Methods, Martial Techniques, Martial Arts... various legacies... all come from the Mysterious Temples, so why resist?"


    Si Mubai chuckled while sipping his tea.


    "The Imperial Court wants us to recruit Divine Spirit Children, nurture them, so that we can explore those Mysterious Temples they can''t spare hands to explore. I''ve heard from a friend in the Capital that those Great Deity Court Officials of the Court are all focusing on exploring the newly emerged ''Three Pure Ones'' Mysterious Temple outside the Capital."


    "If the Court is exploring, embracing, and integrating, why should we resist?"


    Si Mubai shook his head.


    Xu Beihu frowned: "Mysterious Temples are Mysterious Temples, Spirit Infant Sect is Spirit Infant Sect, don''t conflate the two."


    "Let''s not discuss this; I know my measures. Fei Lei City is governed by us Noble Families and Clans, how can I not take it seriously?" Si Mubai waved his hand nonchalantly.


    "Speaking of Li Che, he''s quite aware of the times, very stable. Hearing that Lei Chunlan was targeting his daughter, he could still restrain himself from acting... truly a small-minded man," Si Mubai remarked.


    "That''s being stable. Although he is backed by our Xu Family, he can''t be sure that Xu Family would definitely support him.


    He surely hates Lei Chunlan, but he is rational, knowing that your Si Family covers Lei Chunlan, his own strength isn''t strong enough, if a conflict breaks out and can''t be resolved, it would look bad for both families, so he can only step back and seek peace," Xu Beihu stated calmly.


    "To sum up, this person is... stable, cautious, nothing to fear."


    ...


    ...


    Golden Splendor Pavilion.


    Li Che transformed into a shadow and quietly approached. Now that he had activated the "Dragon Elephant Vajra," his strength was likely enough to exhibit the full extent of Bone Tempering Completion, unlocking nine major sinews, and the explosive power he could generate was enough to amount to ten thousand catties.


    In fact, his power was only at the Completion of Sinew Transforming.


    The Dragon Elephant Vajra allowed him to burst forth with the power that spanned a whole major realm.


    The major sinews on his back tensed, the kinetic energy dispelling silently onto the ground and lifting the snow without a sound, as Li Che''s body glided swiftly.


    Sticking to the walls, he entered the Golden Splendor Pavilion. Having been here once before made him familiar with the place.


    The interior of the Golden Splendor Pavilion was vast and broad, resembling the courtyard of a noble family, with intricate alleyways and paths crisscrossing in all directions.


    There were also guards on patrol, all of whom possessed considerable strength with Sinew Transforming cultivation.


    Li Che concealed himself in the darkness, watching indifferently.


    Few dared to cause trouble in the Golden Splendor Pavilion due to it being backed by several noble families and clans, and a jointly owned enterprise, so although there was a presence of guards, they seemed somewhat lax.


    Li Che easily bypassed the defense force, recalling the route that Lei Chunlan had taken after descending the previous time.


    His body rose and fell, the power exhibited by the Complete Bone Tempering making his speed reach its zenith, so fast that ordinary people couldn''t even see his traces.


    Li Che did not know the relationship between Si Mubai and Lei Chunlan, nor was he aware of any dealings between the Si Family and the Spirit Infant Sect...


    What did he care about that?


    If Lei Chunlan wanted to harm his daughter Xi Xi, Li Che had only one goal in mind.


    Kill her!


    ...


    ...


    Within a luxurious courtyard.


    With rock gardens standing tall and tree shadows blurry.


    Lei Chunlan had changed into a clean brocade dress, leaning on the railing, looking at one of the Si Family''s guards stationed in her courtyard, then glanced around the courtyard, her wrinkled old face revealing a trace of a smile.


    "It''s truly a pleasure to be in the Golden Splendor Pavilion, the most luxurious and extravagant place in the Inner City. I, an old woman, have suffered all my life, but now I can finally live such a life."


    "This is indeed how a life should be lived."


    Lei Chunlan''s smile was as resplendent as blooming old chrysanthemums.


    The Spirit Infant Sect had given her pleasures she had never enjoyed.


    "As long as the Si Family agrees to the trade with the Dharma Master, I could become a distinguished guest of the Si Family... basking in endless glory and riches."


    Lei Chunlan''s body quivered slightly with excitement.


    She led those infants into this world, letting these babies exchange for her wealth and status... That seems fair, right?


    "What a pity, Li Che really is steady, knowing my connection with the Spirit Infant Sect, and moved into Xu''s Wood Carving Shop... Such luck he had, this mere mover actually becoming a wood carver at Xu Ji."


    "Such a pity for that Spirit Baby, full of divinity... If I could have offered it to the Dharma Master, I might even have received the Divine Method inheritance from him! Becoming a superior being over others!"


    Lei Chunlan clenched her fists, her old eyes bulging round, somewhat reluctant.


    "It doesn''t matter; now that I''m connected with the Si Family, I''ll get my hands on that Spirit Baby sooner or later..."


    "A mere wood carver at Xu Ji''s Wood Carving Shop is nothing but an ant in front of a massive entity like the Si Family."


    Whoosh¡ª


    The previously calm sky, as if sensing the coldness of the world, dropped a heavy snowfall.


    The snowflakes, blurring the view.


    Lei Chunlan rubbed her hands together, exhaling a breath of warm air, "This damn weather."


    She turned around and began to stoke the furnace, adding more coal.


    Suddenly, her movements stiffened, and her neck awkwardly lifted up.


    Then, she saw upon a cluster of rock gardens in the courtyard.


    A towering figure, clad in a douli and wearing a Cute Cow mask, like a small mountain or a Sky-Piercing Halberd, stood amidst the swirling winds and snow.


    Eyes blazing, like a Yin God from hell, a cow-headed soul snatcher.


    Exuding a cold and overwhelmingly murderous aura, he stared at her.

 Chapter 28: Dharma Master Spirit Baby, Siphon Divinity

    A strong intent to kill, almost tangible, wrapped in the wind and snow, whooshed toward him!


    Who... who is this?


    Lei Chunlan''s face suddenly changed, and she had just prepared to add some charcoal when her movements abruptly stopped.


    The entire courtyard was instantly enveloped in a murderous aura, and countless snowflakes exploded in mid-air.


    Li Che stood atop an artificial hill, his eyes indifferent and ruthless beneath his mask.


    "Who?!"


    In the courtyard.


    The guard sent by the Si Family to protect Lei Chunlan was originally sitting in the pavilion in the snow, dozing with his eyes closed.


    The moment he sensed the killing intent released by Li Che, he immediately opened his eyes, shocked, as it seemed unthinkable that someone would dare to commit a murder inside the Golden Splendor Pavilion!


    With a clench of his fist, he violently drew the long sword from his waist, his body shot forward, facing the wind and snow, and he saw the tall, bear-like figure standing on the artificial hill.


    That Cute Bull mask, coupled with overwhelming killing intent, appeared completely eerie!


    "Audacious thief! To dare commit murder inside the Golden Splendor Pavilion, this person is a guest of my Si family, please withdraw! Our family will not pursue this matter further!"


    The guard''s body was straight, holding the long sword, his blood and energy intertwined, his large tendons quivering and roaring with a booming sound!


    He was a guard at the peak of the Complete Meridian Opening.


    Li Che casually glanced at the guard... Complete Meridian Opening?


    With a light tap of his toe, he floated down, landing on the snow in the courtyard, and with every step, his heavy figure left no footprints in the snow.


    Li Che took a heavy step, his face beneath his hat suddenly raised, his cold eyes fixed on the sword-drawing guard.


    The guard was startled, his mouth opened to say something, but the fierce gust of air had already fiercely slapped his face!


    Not half a word could escape, and a tremendous pressure came crashing down!


    Li Che was too fast; the moment his feet touched the ground, the force erupted, causing the snow around him to bounce up!


    The pressure from his blood and energy, like a fierce dragon, pressed down fiercely!


    The guard had just swung out his drawn sword when he saw a fist, like lightning, shooting straight at him!


    The shoulders wide, the figure gigantic like a mountain, that Bull Demon, in one punch, the inner strength burst forth, like a snow-white tiger, yet also like a hissing venomous snake!


    Ding¡ª


    A crisp sound, the long sword was instantly knocked away!


    The fierce force, like a whip, lashed and rebounded on the guard''s chest, and the guard felt his chest collapse in an instant, his organs ruptured, and he spat out a mouthful of fresh blood. RA?


    "Quenched... Bone Tempering..."


    The guard''s eyes widened, his face suddenly changing.


    As a guard of the Si Family, his skills were not weak, and even facing a true Bone Tempering, he could hold on for a moment...


    But, he was instantly killed by the Bull Demon in front of him...


    Bone Tempering Completion!


    With a burst of force, his arm vibrated, and the terrified force instantly caused the guard''s tendons and bones to explode, his body flying back.


    However, Li Che took a step forward, his speed even faster, catching up to the guard, his fingers hooked and tugged...


    The guard''s eyes just tightened, then he saw the many hazy mists of snow in front of him instantly split in two by a sharp aura.


    A silent tear, the air was ripped apart!


    Blood sprayed onto the snow, and the guard found his body cut open, lying on the ground, dumbly watching his severed half.


    His eyes gradually dimmed, losing their luster.


    Maybe you were just fulfilling your duty to guard, but since you obstructed him, protected her... then you die.


    Li Che''s figure instantly traced a blur, stepping on the snow silently, leaping under the eaves.


    Everything happened too quickly, from Li Che making his move to the guard being crushed, being cut in two...


    It was just a matter of a few breaths.


    Li Che walked as if strolling leisurely, moving from a distance to beneath the eaves.


    Lei Chunlan had just turned around, intending to flee into the house.


    Thud thud thud!


    Two wooden crossbow arrows whistled through the air, instantly piercing through Lei Chunlan''s knees, preventing her escape, causing her to fall to the ground as blood pooled around her.


    "You... ah... you, you..."


    Lei Chunlan''s face was pale, her fear extreme.


    Although she had joined the Spirit Infant Sect, she was only a common old woman, without any cultivation...


    The oppressive feeling of a mountain-sized figure, wrapped in a violent gust of air, fiercely pounced on her.


    The pain made Lei Chunlan''s head sweat profusely, she couldn''t even catch her breath.


    "Spare me... my lord, spare me..."


    "I... I''m just an old woman, nothing but old bones..."


    Lei Chunlan lay on the ground, desperate and miserable.


    Just moments ago, she had been dreaming of a better life among the elite, only to find herself suddenly facing a bleak fate beyond her control.


    Life''s great ups and downs are all too common.


    Li Che looked at her indifferently, not a trace of sympathy, had she ever shown mercy when she killed those children?


    When she targeted Xi Xi... had she ever shown mercy?


    Suddenly.


    Lei Chunlan''s eyes revealed a fierce expression as she pulled out a blood-stained Spirit Infant Wood Carving, the size of a palm, and furiously threw it at Li Che.


    "Dharma Master protect me!"


    The wood carving was hurled towards Li Che, not very fast.


    Li Che could easily dodge it with a slight turn of his body.


    However, as it floated in midair, the wood carving suddenly seemed to come to life, its eyes snapping open, glaring furiously at Li Che!


    An extreme rage surged out from Li Che''s heart as if an uncontrollable flame was about to completely engulf his mind and burn away his consciousness!


    "Divinity?!"


    Li Che was shocked.


    This wood carving contained divinity and possessed offensive power!


    Goodness, this Lei Chunlan... To be valued so highly within the Spirit Infant Sect?


    A mere woman actually harbored such means!


    Hum¡ª


    Within his chest, the Dao Fruit "Dragon Elephant Vajra" trembled violently.


    As if a divine dragon was roaring and a demonic elephant was whining!


    The nameless rage that had arisen in his mind was suddenly scattered into nothingness, everything returning to calm.


    Li Che''s eyes regained their clarity and brightness, and facing the wood carvig, he raised his hand. His exposed arm turned into a jade-white color, and a jade-colored mist sprayed out from his pores.


    The prototype of Divine Skills...


    Immortal Worker: Thousand Analyzing Hands!


    Li Che violently grasped the wood carving.


    Absorbing Divinity!


    Li Che felt a surge of heat in his palm as he siphoned all the divinity contained within the Spirit Infant Wood Carving!


    Bang!


    The wood carving exploded, shattering into countless tiny wooden splinters!


    Lei Chunlan was frozen in place...


    This was a life-saving artifact given to her by the Dharma Master, obtained after she had collected so much Infant''s Life Blood for the Dharma Master.


    The Dharma Master said that even a Quenched-Bone Warrior could be dealt with by this wood carving.


    Yet now, the wood carving bestowed by the Dharma Master was literally crushed to pieces!


    Lei Chunlan was in despair.


    She wanted to beg for mercy, but Li Che, regaining his senses and fearing she had more tricks up her sleeve, shot three rounds from his Sleeve Crossbow at her head.


    He shot her through and through.


    With no time to savor the taste of divinity, Li Che knew he had to escape quickly.


    Inner City was not like Outer City, filled with many strong individuals; among the warriors of the Noble Families and Clans, there were even terrifyingly strong ones who had overcome the Blood Exchange Barrier or even stepped into the Channel Opening realm.


    Of course, the most fearsome were still those cultivators from Noble Families and Clans who had cultivated divinity...


    He took out a crumpled, long-withdrawn wanted poster from the government office, relating to Lei Chunlan.


    Glancing at Lei Chunlan''s dead body.


    Li Che felt a surge of pent-up frustration explosively released from his chest.


    The constant anxiety he had felt was finally alleviated somewhat.


    Although he knew that this incident was not over, killing Lei Chunlan did not mean that Xi Xi was completely safe.


    The Spirit Infant Sect, the Spirit Infant Master...


    Still loomed like a sharp blade over his head, tormenting him and disrupting his peace.


    But killing Lei Chunlan at least allowed Li Che to breathe a sigh of relief.


    Throwing out the wanted poster, Li Che shot a wooden arrow from his Sleeve Crossbow, pinning the wanted poster next to Lei Chunlan''s body. The blood staining the paper seemed to be tinged with Lei Chunlan''s sins.


    ...


    ...


    White curtains fluttered in the breeze.


    Just having cultivated divinity, Si Mubai was in an excellent mood, sipping tea and discussing the topic of divinity with Xu Beihu, enjoying himself immensely.


    After chatting with Si Mubai for a while, Xu Beihu stood up, ready to say goodbye and leave.


    Suddenly.


    A figure swiftly burst in, appearing next to Si Mubai.


    It was one of Si Mubai''s guardians, a strong warrior from the Blood Exchange Realm.


    At the moment, this warrior had a strange expression, with a furrowed brow, showing hints of peculiarity and anxiety.


    Si Mubai glanced at him. "What''s the matter... Why such urgency, what''s the decency in that?"


    This powerful Blood Exchange Warrior, looking at Si Mubai, spoke in a deep voice.


    "My lord... Lei Chunlan is dead."


    Si Mubai, about to sip the tea by his lips, suddenly... froze.


    PS: Seeking followers, recommendations, and Monthly Ticket support!

 Chapter 29: Terrifying Trace of Light, Who is the Bull Demon?

    Lei Chunlan... dead?


    Si Mubai froze in his movements, the jade-green tea in his cup even splashing out a bit.


    His gaze turned intently to his capable assistant. "Lei Chunlan... wasn''t she staying inside Golden Splendor Pavilion? How could she die?"


    "Moreover, didn''t the family send a guard with Complete Meridian Opening to protect her? Even if she faced danger, couldn''t he even hold the enemy off for a moment?"


    Si Mubai''s expression darkened.


    Lei Chunlan was the representative of the Spirit Infant Sect who came to discuss matters with him. But now, Lei Chunlan... was actually dead!


    She died right after they had finished their discussion...


    In the pavilion, the atmosphere turned cold and silent in an instant, somewhat murderous. The wild currents of air and the drifting snowflakes turned incredibly sharp.


    Xu Beihu had been thinking of taking his leave, but now he didn''t want to leave. His eyes flickered uncertainly, and his mind was also somewhat shocked and suspicious.


    Even a bizarre thought began to take root in his head.


    Li Che had just met with Lei Chunlan...


    And Lei Chunlan was killed right after turning her head?


    A coincidence?! How could there be such a coincidence?!


    Si Mubai stood up and set his cup down, "Old Guo, lead the way, let''s go take a look."


    The Blood Exchange Warrior, Guo Zhan, responded by clasping his fists, turning around, and leading the way.


    ...


    ...


    Before the incident, Li Che left the Golden Splendor Pavilion and wandered around the thoroughfares of the Inner City for a few rounds to make sure no one was following before returning to the alley where he had left his clothes.


    He stripped off the black clothing, withdrew his vital energy, and returned to his original form before changing into his own clothes.


    Crushing the wood carving mask into powder, Li Che took a long breath out.


    The death of Lei Chunlan gave him a sense of relief as if a heavy stone had been lifted from his heart, but of course, that feeling of relief was soon submerged. Li Che raised his hand, and with a thought, streams of air that resembled little snakes began to swirl rapidly in his jade-white hand. ?


    "Divinity..."


    "The Divinity of the Spirit Infant Master?"


    "The siphoned Divinity, hidden within the Thousand Analyzing Hands... just what use could it have?"


    In the urgent situation, Li Che did not spend time researching.


    After leaving the alley, he found a store to buy a box of osmanthus cakes and then went to a restaurant to pack up the pre-ordered fine wine and dishes before locating the old charioteer who had stopped his horse carriage at the roadside and was smoking a dry pipe.


    "Old man, I''ve got the stuff, please take me back to the wood carving shop..." Li Che said with a smile, casually handing over a small jar of yellow wine he had packed from the restaurant.


    Seeing this, the charioteer hurriedly tried to refuse in alarm, but failing to do so, he had no choice but to accept it with a big smile and then swiftly drove the carriage.


    Accompanied by the sound of horse hoofs on the cobblestone streets, shattering the bitter chill of the drifting snow.


    Moving slowly towards the Outer City.


    ...


    ...


    In the small courtyard.


    The white snow was dyed red with blood, the guard''s body slashed in two, presenting an extremely desolate sight under the falling snow.


    The rich scent of blood enveloped the air, extremely pungent.


    The sound of crunching snow arose as Si Mubai and Xu Beihu stepped onto the thick snow and entered the courtyard.


    Si Mubai, draped in a crane robe, looked at the gruesome sight of the guard''s death, his handsome face full of gloom: "Crushed and killed, without the strength to fight back..."


    "The killer is extremely strong. The guard with Complete Meridian Opening was no match at all and couldn''t even send a distress signal. The culprit is surely not just newly into Bone Tempering, but possibly at Bone Tempering Completion."


    Si Mubai''s eyes were incredibly sharp, and he immediately judged how powerful the enemy facing the guard had been.


    "The wound looks like it was caused by a sharp instrument, but it doesn''t seem like it was cut by a sword or any such weapon..."


    The Blood Exchange Warrior, Guo Zhan, who had extensive experience, knelt down to examine the corpse and said in a deep voice.


    Xu Beihu, wrapped in a fox fur cloak, looked at the guard''s body and how incredibly smooth and clean the wounds were, his mind stirring slightly...


    These wounds... seemed somewhat familiar.


    He couldn''t help thinking of the way the Wood Carver, Sun Changbiao, in his family''s Outer City''s wood carving shop had died...


    Could it be... that the murderer was the same person?


    Si Mubai stepped past the guard''s body and entered the house, where the heat from the burning coal mingled in the room, making the bloody smell even more intense and nauseating.


    And Lei Chunlan''s body, nailed to the wooden floor, was in an exceedingly tragic state.


    A wanted notice, a tragically disfigured corpse.


    Like a Yin God from Hell, walking the human world, detaining and judging souls!


    Xu Beihu squinted his eyes, but a subtle look of realization flashed across his rough face, affirming...


    The murderer who killed Lei Chunlan...


    Was also the culprit who killed Sun Changbiao!


    The method of killing was the same, the means of execution equally identical, the signature wooden arrow, along with wounds as if cut by fine silk threads... basically confirmed the identity of the killer.


    "The criminal, Bull Demon..."


    Xu Beihu exhaled.


    Just who was it?!


    In the Outer City, he could commit a crime inside the heavily guarded wood carving shop...


    Yet, within the Inner City, he could also kill within the Golden Splendor Pavilion, jointly operated by even more strictly guarded families!


    Outrageous... yet mysterious!


    Who indeed was it?


    Someone from which family!


    "Who is the Bull Demon?"


    It seemed as though Si Mubai heard Xu Beihu''s murmurs and looked over with cold eyes.


    Xu Beihu then recounted the situation briefly.


    "Quite the Bull Demon, daring to commit a crime within the Golden Splendor Pavilion... truly reckless, not putting any of us from Flying Thunder in his eyes!"


    Si Mubai''s fists clenched tightly within his sleeves, coldly and with a full intent to kill, he uttered a sentence.


    The divine fluctuations in his eyes seemed to ripple outward, moans of ghostly wails lingered endlessly, stirring without cease.


    Xu Beihu glanced at Si Mubai''s appearance, and a chill ran slightly through him.


    This Si Mubai was probably close to "Divine Foundation," even his Divinity seemed difficult to control.


    Along with footsteps, potent vitality wove through the air, with several figures walking in from outside the courtyard, the leader clad in a black and red robe, with a side knife at his waist, eyes sharp and strong.


    "Young Master Xu, Young Master Si are both here."


    The newcomer greeted them with a fist salute, his voice robust and powerful.


    "Turns out it is Hunter Zhang, what an inconvenience to have the esteemed hunter make a trip." Si Mubai''s face regained its composure, the anger retracted, and his almost tearful angry cry expression reemerged.


    Xu Beihu and Si Mubai were both rather polite to the newcomer.


    After all, this person was Zhang Xiangyang, one of the three great Divine Catchers of Fei Lei City''s Yamen, dispatched by the Imperial Court office, not to mention his strong martial artist strength, his Divine Cultivation was also formidable.


    Divine Catchers were called so because they cultivated Divinity, possessing strength far surpassing that of a regular martial artist.


    Zhang Xiangyang''s hand rested on the handle of his side knife as he slowly approached, and upon entering the room, he saw Lei Chunlan''s body, as well as the wanted notice.


    "Ah, so the deceased was a wanted criminal... Tsk, murders committed, and then notices by Zhang Bu, the murderer regards themselves as chivalrous, yet they violate the law with martial force," Zhang Xiangyang said indifferently.


    "Let''s confirm the murderer first..."


    Zhang Xiangyang spoke, and the next moment, he took a step forward.


    Boom!!!


    His beard and hair were all tense, his eyes seemed to swirl with gray, which was the Divinity he cultivated...


    Suddenly, the air was filled with a touch of fear, those were the fears spilled by Lei Chunlan before his death, Zhang Xiangyang captured them all at this moment, reflecting those images in his pupils.


    "A tall and burly figure, over nine feet tall, wearing a conical hat, clad in black, with strong qi and blood, wearing... a Bull Demon Mask..."


    Zhang Xiangyang''s eyes lost their gray sheen, focus returning, he stated flatly, "The notorious criminal wanted in the Outer City, that''s what he looks like, described as the Bull Demon."


    "To commit a crime in the Outer City is one thing, but to dare to commit offenses in the Inner City, this Bull Demon... must have no small backing."


    Zhang Xiangyang sneered. Without connections, who would dare to so brazenly commit crimes in the Inner City?


    Those noble families and clans, as well as the Black Yamen of the government, were all not to be trifled with.


    "Hunter Zhang''s ''Terrifying Trace of Light'' Divinity... is becoming increasingly powerful. To take the first place among the three great Divine Catchers of Flying Thunder, it''s just a matter of time!"


    With a mix of laughing and crying, Si Mubai applauded.


    Zhang Xiangyang glanced at Si Mubai, who was struggling to suppress his Divinity, and smiled, "Young Master Si is the one whose Divinity is about to break through, and whose Divine Foundation will soon be established. Congratulations are in order."


    After the conversation, Zhang Xiangyang turned to the several officers behind him.


    "Let''s go back to the Yamen, redraft the wanted notice for the Bull Demon, and raise the bounty on this murderer to three hundred..."


    Zhang Xiangyang recalled the oppressive image of the Bull Demon he had seen through Lei Chunlan''s fear...


    "Never mind, let''s make it five hundred taels instead!"


    Ps: Seek to keep up with the readings, click to the last chapter to see the reading rankings! PK in progress, Old Li thanks you!

 Chapter 30: Dao Fruit Swallows Divinity, Xu Ji’s Bone-Shattering Spear

    Li Che returned to the wood carving shop, as the sky had already darkened gradually.


    During heavy snow, the sky always grows dark a bit earlier.


    Back at his own small courtyard, the lights were bright, and Xi Xi was playing with Old Chen in the yard.


    Old Chen was certainly fond of Xi Xi. Whenever they played outside, he would use his Inner Strength to create a dry and warm area, dispelling the cold of the heavy snow, so the little girl could play joyfully without catching a cold.


    "Back already? How was the scenery in the Inner City? Did it open your eyes?" Old Chen asked with a smile.


    "The Inner City is indeed more prosperous than one can imagine, and is worlds apart from the Outer City, incomparable indeed," Li Che nodded, unable to deny the prosperity of the Inner City.


    Old Chen snorted with laughter, "Those residing in the Inner City are the noble families and clans, and at the very least, smaller families. They''re bound to have a better living environment arranged for them."


    "As for the Outer City, with its mix of people including refugees from other places, disaster victims, or the locals, all mixed up together, those big shots from the Inner City, who cares about your life or death? They can''t manage it either."


    The topic turned heavier, and Li Che, knowing Old Chen had also fled to Fei Lei City in times of disaster, did not continue the conversation.


    He handed over a jug of fine wine he had brought from the Inner City to Old Chen.


    "This is the exquisite wine from the Golden Splendor Pavilion in the Inner City. I specially brought a jug for you, and it wasn''t cheap¡ªthis jug alone cost Five Taels of silver!"


    Old Chen''s face opened up with a smile, "I knew you were a good lad, you have a conscience!"


    Eagerly cracking open the wax seal on the jug, he took a big gulp as the strong aroma of wine filled the courtyard.


    With a glug, Old Chen drank a big mouthful, his face flush with color.


    "Ah, refreshing! The wine from the Golden Splendor Pavilion sure has a good taste!"


    "Grandpa... Xi Xi wants to drink too," Just as Old Chen had finished his drink, he felt a tug at the hem of his clothes and saw little Xi Xi with her big, innocent eyes looking up at him.


    Children have strong curiosities and want to taste everything.


    Li Che laughed out loud, scooped up Xi Xi, and darted back into the house with her.


    Night fell.


    Zhang Ya reheated the delicacies Li Che had brought back from the restaurant, and then invited Old Chen to dine with them. The delicious food from the Inner City was indeed appetizing, enticing even Old Chen to eat two additional bowls of white rice.


    "My dear, we earned five Gold Leafs from this trip. Here, take these four, and I''ll keep one for miscellaneous expenses," Li Che said with a smile, taking out the day''s earnings from selling the wood carvings and sharing them with his wife.


    Zhang Ya pursed her lips, her eyes fixed on her husband under the light, her heart trembling slightly¡ªit was full of contentment and happiness.


    Life was finally getting better.


    Earning five Gold Leafs in one go was something they''d only dared dream about before.


    After dinner, they put Xi Xi to bed, the little girl having played all day.


    At night, when it was quiet all around.


    The overworked Zhang Ya fell into a deep sleep.


    Li Che, draped in a thin garment, tucked his wife and daughter''s blankets tightly and then slowly walked out of the room, heading to the study.


    He didn''t start studying or making the other mechanisms from "Tang''s Mechanism Essentials."


    Instead, he lifted his hand under the oil lamp, and his arm, which looked like jade, suddenly emitted a mist of jade color.


    In the mist, it seemed as if tiny fire-red snakes were slithering.


    Had it not been suppressed by the Thousand Analyzing Hands, this Divinity might have instantly penetrated his mind, eroding his consciousness, driving him into a crazed and angry state, losing all sense of self. ?


    "Very domineering, very frightening... very peculiar," Li Che''s expression became grave.


    A weight settled on his heart, aware that this was just a wisp of the Divinity the Spirit Infant Master left in the wood carving. It gave him a glimpse of the whole picture, and it was impossible to imagine how powerful the Spirit Infant Master himself must be!


    This was a terrifying blade hanging over his head, one even more daunting than Lei Chunlan!


    Only by becoming stronger and continuously so... could he protect Xi Xi from the threat of the Spirit Infant Master.


    "And the Si Family... Lei Chunlan appeared at the Si Family; does it suggest that the deaths of those mere one-year-olds are related to the Si Family?"


    "Could it be for cultivating Divinity?"


    Li Che furrowed his brows, his face extremely serious.


    This world was much darker and filthier than he had imagined.


    Taking a deep breath, Li Che calmed down and continued his research.


    "This wrathful Divinity, now gathered in my arm¡ªif I were to use the Martial Technique ''White Tiger Chaotic Wind Fist'', I might be able to harness the power of the Divinity for my own use!"


    Li Che''s eyes shone with brilliance, as he quickly deduced the uses of this Divinity extracted by the [Thousand Analyzing Hands].


    Closing his eyes, he used his mind to feel the Divinity within the jade-like Thousand Analyzing Hands...


    Suddenly, Li Che''s eyes snapped open, feeling an intense throbbing within his chest from the Dao Fruit [Dragon Elephant Vajra]!


    In his ears still echoed the chants of dragons and the hissing of elephants!


    The Divinity siphoned by the Thousand Analyzing Hands, like a stream of heat, was entirely drawn out in the beat of the Dao Fruit!


    Li Che was astounded.


    Before his eyes, a prompt appeared.


    [Dao Fruit: Dragon Elephant Vajra (lv1, 60%)]


    Li Che''s breath caught, his eyes intense, twinkling with fierce excitement!


    The Dragon Elephant Vajra Dao Fruit could actually devour Divinity to hasten its ripening?!


    Divinity...


    Turns out to be such a great tonic!


    ...


    ...


    The next day.


    Li Che went to the Xu''s Courtyard training ground early in the morning.


    He was currently displaying a level of Cultivation that had officially entered the completion stage of Skin Refinement and was working hard towards Sinew Transforming.


    The training ground was as bustling as ever.


    After practicing for a while, Xu Beihu arrived, stepping through the snow and wind.


    "Master Li, come with me."


    Xu Beihu''s gaze landed on Li Che, he said in a heavy tone, then entered the back room.


    Li Che understood what Xu Beihu was there for, but his expression remained calm.


    Inside the back room, a charcoal stove burned; boiling water whistled longingly, and tea leaves tumbled in the water.


    Once the water was ready, the tea was rinsed three times, bringing out a strong fragrance.


    Xu Beihu brought his two fingers together and pushed a tea cup in front of Li Che.


    "Master Li... Lei Chunlan is dead."


    Xu Beihu sipped his tea while saying this in a low voice.


    Li Che had just taken a sip of tea when he suddenly looked as if he''d burnt his mouth, getting into a small flurry before his eyes showed a hint of elation, "What? Lei Chunlan... is dead?"


    "She was still fine yesterday... How did she die?"


    Xu Beihu kept an eye on Li Che and seeing his sincere reaction, furrowed his eyebrows.


    The death of Sun Changbiao... was related to Li Che, and it was said that it was because of his targeting of Sun''s daughter.


    Lei Chunlan, in fact, died in a manner related to Li Che as well; however, the murderer who killed them both was the mountainous and fierce Bull Demon.


    That Bull Demon could easily kill guards with Complete Meridian Opening, indicating strength at the Bone Tempering Level, clearly not the simple, steady, and honest Li Che in front of him.


    Li Che lowered his voice, glanced around, and whispered, "Second Shopkeeper... Could it be Young Master Si who killed Lei Chunlan?"


    "I heard Lei Chunlan committed many evil deeds, killing numerous children just over a year old... This Young Master Si Cultivates ''Angry Cry Divinity''..."


    Xu Beihu: "..."


    "Don''t talk nonsense!"


    "Don''t ever talk about this outside, Si Mubai has no reason to kill Lei Chunlan."


    Xu Beihu was truly at a loss for words. He had intended to probe Li Che, but he did not expect Li Che to directly guess that the Si Family was involved.


    The Si Family definitely wouldn''t do such things, but...


    Xu Beihu fell silent, being diverted by this line of conversation, he felt a chill run down his spine. The Si Family wouldn''t... The Xu Family wouldn''t... But it couldn''t be guaranteed that other Noble Families and Clans wouldn''t take action.


    Xu Beihu shook his head, his expression becoming more serious. This matter would have to be discussed with the Elders back in the Inner City.


    The main reason Xu Beihu had come today was to pass on the Sinew Transforming Technique to Li Che, as his Cultivation had broken through to the completion of Skin Refinement.


    "Thank you, Second Shopkeeper!" Li Che''s face showed excitement as he accepted the Tendon Activation Technique and Internal Strength Technique from Xu Beihu.


    Both were of Medium Grade Rank, not much different from what Li Che had purchased in the Marketplace; Old Chen had said that unless one was willing to join the Xu''s in the Inner City, it would be difficult to obtain higher quality Martial Arts.


    The unexpected joy came from the fact that, in addition to the Sinew Transforming Technique and Internal Strength Technique, Xu Beihu also passed on a Martial Technique.


    "Xu Family''s Eight Consecutive Bone-Shattering Spears!"


    It was a spear technique that required the use of a weapon; of course, if the body was trained to be tough enough, it could also be used with the arms.


    Li Che cherished it and read it over and over again.


    Seeing Li Che''s happy expression, Xu Beihu''s face broke into a smile. He patted Li Che on the shoulder, encouraging him to work hard on improving his wood carving skills in preparation for becoming a Woodcarving Master.


    After the Second Shopkeeper Xu Beihu left.


    Li Che practiced the Xu Family''s Eight Consecutive Bone-Shattering Spears at the training ground; owing to the advancement from ''Dragon Elephant Vajra,'' his martial understanding had increased somewhat. With just a morning of hard practice, he managed to learn the basics of this Medium Grade spear technique.


    Returning to his workshop, he first took on a wood carving job and then went to the yard to select the timber.


    Li Che was accustomed to choosing himself the wood that was suitable for his carvings, leaving the actual carrying to the porters¡ªit was how they earned their living, and there was no need for him to take that away from them.


    The snow fell gently from the sky.


    Fluttering down.


    As Li Che directed the porters to carry the timber, preparing to return to the workshop,


    He saw his uncle Li Liang, dressed in a scholar''s robe with a padded jacket over it, hastily coming in under the guidance of a doorkeeper, bowing and scurrying along.


    "Uncle?"


    When Li Che saw who it was, he couldn''t help but call out.


    The Old Scholar looked up sharply, with dark circles under his eyes and bloodshot eyes, looking as though he hovered on the brink of a breakdown.


    The moment he saw Li Che, the old man''s tears fell uncontrollably.


    "A Che, help your uncle, please..."

 Chapter 31: Low-key and Sudden Kill

    The whining wind swirled wildly amid the blizzard.


    Li Che''s heart softened as he saw the old man in front of him, mentally exhausted, with red eyes brimming with tears, and quickly led the Great Uncle into the warm workshop.


    He poured a cup of hot tea for Great Uncle Li Liang, and Li Che''s expression turned serious.


    "What happened, Great Uncle? Take your time and tell me," he said.


    Li Che asked in a deep voice.


    The Great Uncle''s family had raised him and never deceived him; this kindness alone was not something that could be easily repaid.


    Whenever there was something he could help with, Li Che would certainly not stand idly by.


    Old Scholar trembled all over, with snowflakes stuck on him gradually melting in the warm currents of the workshop, and his frost-red hands holding the cup carrying hot tea seemed to relax a bit.


    Old Scholar heaved a sigh and looked at Li Che with bloodshot eyes. After pondering for a moment, he shakily produced a palm-sized wood carving from his chest.


    The moment he saw the wood carving, Li Che''s eyes sharply narrowed.


    "Spirit Infant Statue?"


    Li Che was naturally familiar with this type of wood carving!


    Before moving into the wood carving shop, a Spirit Infant Wood Carving had appeared in his family''s courtyard, which had made Li Che anxious and forced him to move his family into Xu''s Wood Carving Shop.


    Li Che took the wood carving from Old Scholar''s hand; it was somewhat different from the one that had been placed at his doorstep.


    It wasn''t a Spirit Baby with three heads and six arms, but a normal one with one head, two arms, and one eye open and the other closed. Undeniably, it was still a Spirit Infant Statue.


    As a wood carver, he was extremely sensitive to the expressions of wood carvings.


    "A matter of priority?" Li Che murmured softly.


    "Great Uncle, Chengzhou has also turned one year old, hasn''t he?" Li Che asked with a frown.


    Great Uncle nodded incessantly, "Yes... in three days, it will be the planned first birthday celebration. We intended to keep it simple, but now... alas, we dare not, we just dare not anymore."


    "These past few days, your cousin hasn''t dared to go to work, just staying at home gripping a firewood knife, terrified..."


    Great Uncle sighed heavily.


    Great Uncle well understood that if the Spirit Infant Sect truly targeted his grandson Li Chengzhou, how could ordinary people like them resist?


    These days, fear and anxiety completely enveloped them.


    Thinking of those children who had died tragically, Old Scholar had been having nightmares night after night.


    "Your cousin and his wife have been too afraid to sleep for three straight days... fearful that the disciples of the Spirit Infant Sect might attack Chengzhou while they slept."


    Li Che gripped the Spirit Infant Wood Carving, his eyes slightly hardening.


    "So, Great Uncle, you thought maybe your daughter-in-law could bring Chengzhou here to take refuge... Xu Ji still has some deterrent power,"


    Old Scholar looked at Li Che as if clinging to his last straw of hope.


    "Don''t worry, Great Uncle, letting Chengzhou stay at my house won''t be a problem, my place will be much safer,"


    Li Che naturally had no reason to refuse.


    The presence of the Spirit Infant Wood Carving brought such intense pressure and anxiety that Li Che, having experienced it himself, could understand the fear and despair in Great Uncle''s heart at this moment. R?


    It was a feeling of helplessness... as death drew closer and closer to his grandson.


    Ordinary people facing the Spirit Infant Sect indeed felt powerless, just like lambs waiting for the slaughter.


    "Very well, very well, A Che... thank you so much, I am grateful..."


    Old Scholar was overwhelmingly excited, his expression much relieved.


    "I''ll go back and make arrangements now, letting Zhengran and Chun Ming take Chengzhou to your house..." Holding the tea cup, Old Scholar was about to walk out of the shop.


    Li Che quickly called out to him, "Great Uncle, please don''t, just have your cousin and his wife stay at home and guard him, don''t go out to avoid any accidents on the road. I''ll personally go get them, I''ve been practicing martial arts recently, it''ll be safer."


    "Very well, very well..." Great Uncle Li Liang hurriedly nodded.


    "I''ll go tell the shopkeeper I''m taking leave and then come over, you go back and stay with your cousin and his wife to look after Chengzhou,"


    Li Che said.


    Great Uncle''s face finally showed a hint of joy; belatedly putting down the cup, he said his goodbyes and rushed into the blizzard, hastily departing.


    Li Che sat on the chair, fiddling with the palm-sized Spirit Infant Wood Carving in his hand, his eyes reflecting a trace of contemplation.


    "Spirit Infant Sect..."


    "What a calamity,"


    Li Che exhaled.


    However, to him, the Spirit Infant Sect was a colossal entity, especially since it was connected with the noble families of Fei Lei City...


    "Moreover, the government office also has ties with the Spirit Infant Sect, that arrest officer Zhao Chuanxiong, is a person from the sect..."


    ...


    ...


    Li Che did not go to take leave, being a wood carving master, he had the privilege of freely entering and exiting the wood carving shop, as long as he could deliver goods on time.


    After changing into his martial attire and picking up a thin piece of wood, Li Che put on a bamboo hat and left the wood carving shop, plunging into the blizzard.


    Having grown up at Great Uncle''s house as a child, Li Che naturally knew the way to Great Uncle''s home.


    However, Li Che did not immediately head there but chose to play it safe.


    "Could this be a trap set by the Spirit Infant Sect? Intentionally luring me there?"


    "If something happens to me, and without my identity as a wood carver, living in Xu''s Courtyard will become untenable, and Xiao Ya and Xi Xi would have to move out..."


    "Once they leave Xu''s Courtyard, it would be easy for the Spirit Infant Sect to move against Xi Xi."


    "So a widow and orphan could only be left to the slaughter!"


    Li Che pressed down his conical hat, pondering that this might indeed be a possibility.


    But it was not certain, after all, he had often left Xu''s Courtyard these days. If they wanted to take action, they would have done so long ago...


    There was no need to go the extra mile to trap him.


    "However, I must stay on guard..."


    As Li Che thought, he passed through the long street. When he paused at the notice board where new wanted posters were hung, he saw his identity as the Bull Demon prominently displayed with a bounty of five hundred taels...


    "Five hundred taels... that''s five Gold Leaves!"


    "The same price as carving a Nine-headed Guanyin Statue."


    Li Che muttered to himself.


    However, these five hundred taels... were enough to make many people take risks.


    "It seems I need to keep a lower profile for a while."


    Li Che smiled, pressed his conical hat down, and headed to the yard he had rented outside, bracing against the howling wind and snow.


    He took out a black garment that had been soaked in a vat in the courtyard. With his Inner Strength surging, he shook it vigorously, and the heat steamed up, drying the clothes.


    This was a highly elastic garment, specially made by him using his skills. The elevation brought by the "Immortal Artisan" Dao Fruit was not limited to wood carving alone; he mastered any craft.


    With this garment, there was no need to worry about bursting his clothes when he activated the Vajra Transformation.


    Familiar with the routine, Li Che put on the Cute Bull Mask, donned his conical hat, and darted out of the courtyard.


    ...


    ...


    Fei Lei City, Anping Alley.


    A courtyard enclosed by earthen walls, the door tightly shut.


    Inside the house.


    The Old Scholar Li Liang was puffing away on his dry tobacco pipe.


    Li Zhengran gripped a firewood knife, his eyes bloodshot, pacing back and forth cautiously, listening to the sounds outside the house.


    Liu Chunming was holding her son Li Chengzhou, her hair somewhat disheveled and unkempt, clearly also neglecting her own appearance.


    "Dad, hasn''t A Che come yet?"


    "Could he be... just fooling you to come back first?"


    Liu Chunming held the child, with the Great Aunt leaning in close to her, both of their eyes red, her voice somewhat hoarse, she said.


    A woman of the household, already on the verge of collapse under the constant possibility of losing her son.


    "No, A Che wouldn''t purposely fool me. If he said it''s possible, then it must be..."


    "Now he is a wood carving master, with a prestigious identity. Just helping us hide out in his yard during this disaster, he wouldn''t deceive us."


    The Old Scholar puffed on his tobacco pipe, shaking his head.


    He believed in Li Che and could clearly see his grand nephew''s true nature!


    "Do not talk nonsense, A Che will come!"


    Li Zhengran also spoke in a deep voice.


    The room then fell into a deathly silence, only the heavy breathing could be heard.


    Suddenly, a rustling sound came from outside the house.


    The three people inside instantly tensed up.


    Li Zhengran, gripping the firewood knife with sweat on his forehead, walked to the door and peered through the crack, only to see the figure outside.


    Outside the house.


    The wind and snow were furious, and the sky was dark.


    A slender figure, carrying a Bagua Staff, wearing a child''s mask, squatting on the ground with a Spirit Infant Wood Carving, pressing it down on the ground, swaying it left and right, positioning it directly in front of the tightly closed door.


    The wailing wind blew, sounding like the cries of ghosts.


    Seemingly aware that Li Zhengran was watching through the crack, the figure abruptly raised its face, the child''s mask appeared to cry and laugh, its eyes full of mockery.


    Again, that face like a nightmare!


    Li Zhengran''s entire body could not help but shake, his hand gripping the knife trembled uncontrollably...


    Suddenly.


    Li Zhengran, who was looking through the crack, suddenly had his pupils constrict, and he froze on the spot.


    Because...


    Behind the figure wearing the child''s mask, squatting in the snow.


    There was a figure tall and sturdy like a mountain that appeared almost instantly like a ghost in the wind and snow, dressed in black that clung to the body, perfectly outlining the muscle lines as if carved by a knife.


    Wearing a conical hat, covered by a Cute Bull Mask, his eyes sparkling sharply.


    He raised a palm.


    With a bang...


    The figure carrying the Bagua Staff, wearing the child''s mask, just reacting, leapt up, only to be smashed sideways by a strike like a giant fan...


    Creating a spray of blood mist.

 Chapter 32: Slumbering Dragon Elephant, Bull Demon Kills the Eight Trigrams

    As a father, Li Che understood that his own safety was linked to the future of his wife and daughter.


    Therefore, to play it safe, he disguised himself as the Bull Demon for the journey.


    Because of the homemade elastic shirt, he did not initiate the Vajra Transformation immediately; his height of one meter ninety was not too conspicuous.


    When he followed his memory along the familiar road to his uncle''s house,


    From a distance, he saw a familiar Bagua staff.


    The figure squatting on the ground, carrying the Bagua staff on his back, was the Quenched-Bone Warrior who had attacked him alongside Zhao Chuanxiong when Li Che had killed Madame Liu.


    "Quenched-Bone Warrior..ing to do such a thing?"


    "Indeed, he came for me."


    Uncle''s family had no one who practiced martial arts; Cousin Li Zhengran was just a scholar and powerless as a chicken, let alone deploying a Quenched-Bone Warrior.


    Even mobilizing a Muscle and Tendon Warrior would be an overkill for such a task.


    Thus, the adversary''s intentions were not simple.


    Plus, with Uncle coming over to inform him about the wish to seek refuge in Xu''s Courtyard, Li Che was seventy percent sure that the adversary was targeting him.


    "A seventy percent likelihood... that''s already too high. From the beginning to the end, the Spirit Infant Sect has never given up on Xi Xi; their methods have become more extreme."


    "They want to force my wife and daughter to leave Xu''s Courtyard by orchestrating my death?"


    "How ruthless."


    Li Che closed his eyes and then opened them again, beneath the Cute Bull Mask was nothing but a vast murderous intent.


    However, the more his killing intent revealed itself, the calmer he became instead.


    In his chest, the Dragon Elephant Vajra Dao Fruit throbbed violently, seeming to condense and swallow all his auras.


    This was a minor metamorphosis of the Dragon Elephant Vajra Dao Fruit after it had devoured 60% of the divinity.


    Besides releasing the stimulating "Vajra Transformation," it also completely devoured his blood and breath, hiding his cultivation and aura¡ª


    Li Che called this "Slumbering Dragon Elephant," as if the dragon elephant was in a deep slumber, creating no ripples with its movements.


    With "Slumbering Dragon Elephant" concealing his aura, Li Che walked as though blending into the wind and snow, moving silently toward the figure wearing the girl''s mask in the courtyard.


    The wind and snow howled mournfully.


    The figure squatting on the ground was staring at the door gap with a smile that was not quite a smile, utterly unaware of Li Che''s silent approach.


    By the time he realized something was amiss, Li Che had already appeared behind him, suddenly initiating the Vajra Transformation; his body instantly swelled like an inflated balloon, bones clashing with a thunderous roar, and tendons twisting with a twang!


    Amongst the resounding crashes, he had transformed into a giant cast from fine iron!


    Thick lifeblood surged like Jiaoshe, sprawling in every direction; Si Snake Inner Strength, intertwining with his blood, wrapped around one of Li Che''s arms.


    Without uttering a single word of nonsense, Li Che''s clenched fist mercilessly smashed down!


    The terrifying force exploded upon contact with the body of the warrior wearing the girl''s mask, ripping flesh asunder, splashing blood everywhere!


    The bones seemed to cry out under the unbearable load, nearly shattering.


    The Bagua Staff Warrior was dragged for several meters across the snow, with the violent airflow and scattered snow mist slamming him harshly into a dirt wall, causing snow piled on the black tiles to quiver and fall.


    "Found you..."


    A hoarse voice emanated from the Bull Demon.


    Lingering inside and outside the courtyard.


    Li Zhengran inside the house was terrified, silent as a cicada in winter, a chill enveloping his entire body.


    The gods were fighting outside, fearing... that it might affect them inside the house.


    "Cough, cough..."


    From within the snow pile.


    The figure staggered to his feet, half his body torn open and soaked in blood, with blood pearls continuously dripping from his hand gripping the Bagua staff.


    The girl''s mask was full of cracks, looking somewhat ferocious.


    "Bull Demon..."


    The Bagua Staff Warrior coughed up blood, his eyes filled with shock and rage.


    Li Che looked at him indifferently, not wasting any more words.


    That one sentence... had been enough.


    To kill, no need for more words.


    To kill was all that was needed.


    This Bagua Staff Warrior was already on Li Che''s must-kill list, along with Zhao Chuanxiong and the entire Spirit Infant Sect.


    Now that he had encountered him... wasn''t it just perfect timing?


    He would send him on his way!


    Twisting his thick neck, the muscles on his back wriggling profoundly, his spine snapped like an angry dragon shooting to the sky, his nine large tendons like nine furious pythons were aroused.


    With one step, the accumulated snow in the courtyard exploded instantaneously.


    Amid the hazy snow mist, the hulking figure, bursting with vigorous aura, tore through the snow mist and shot in front of the warrior gripping the Bagua staff.


    Raising his hand, the airflow shattered, his fingers squeezed, and even the air seemed to burst!


    The clenched fist, crashing downward.


    Like a White Tiger in the snow, amidst the chaotic gale, fiercely slamming down a tiger paw!


    The threat of death instantly enveloped the Bagua Staff Warrior.


    He could hardly imagine that in just a month, the murderous Bull Demon had grown to such an extent, his aura so terrifyingly strong!


    Bone Tempering... Perfection!


    Just a month ago, he was only beginning Bone Tempering, but now... he had achieved perfection!


    What kind of monster?!


    But at this moment, he couldn''t afford to think too much, with a roar of anger!


    He mobilized all his strength, ignited his Inner Strength, and had no choice but to horizontally block with the Bagua Staff against the tiger''s punch that was as fast as thunder!


    Boom!!!


    The punch from the Bull Demon, crushing downward, fiercely smashed onto the Bagua Staff!


    The staff instantly bent, letting out a wail!


    The terrifying force of 10,000 catties roared out, as if the air itself was shattered in an instant!


    The snow and fog between the two men dispersed, like ripples spreading across the surface of water!


    The raised snow, like a curtain rising on a stage!


    Dark and vigorous hair wildly danced, eyes beneath the mask bright as stars!


    The Bagua Staff warrior could only feel a cold chill, as the terrifying power released onto his arms holding the staff, dispersing his Three Heavens Inner Strength, cracking his hands, bursting his blood vessels, and causing blood to pour down.


    However, Li Che still seemed at ease, his fingers tightened, and he fiercely smashed down.


    In a vibration, the Bagua Staff bounced out from the warrior''s hands, and another punch followed, this punch from Li Che incorporated the Xu Family''s Eight Consecutive Bone-Shattering Spears technique he had mastered that morning!


    The punch was like a spear!


    Ripping through turbulent airflow, unleashing a force of 10,000 catties, heavily smashing into the chest of the Bagua Staff warrior.


    As if a muffled explosion burst, the chest cavity of the Bagua Staff warrior, the air he had inhaled, and each chest bone shattered under the force of that punch, along with the equally fragmented internal organs and boiling blood, splashing onto the snow curtain that rose high.


    The body strong as steel muscles and iron bones still radiated scorching heat.


    Li Che withdrew his fist, his eyes under the mask indifferently swept over the Bagua Staff warrior who had lost his life''s breath, a Quenched-Bone Warrior, just like that, brutally beaten to death by him.


    With this, another name on the kill list was crossed off.


    A strong smell of blood spread within the small courtyard as the snow mournfully whistled.


    The uncle''s family inside the house had already been too frightened to breathe heavily.


    Especially Li Zhengran, who saw through the door crack how the murderer killed, felt his legs go weak, unable to stand steadily, almost falling to the ground.


    Fortunately, the terrifying Bull Demon was not bloodthirsty.


    His appearance seemed solely for the purpose of killing the Spirit Infant Sect warrior carrying the Bagua Staff and wearing a child''s mask.


    Li Zhengran, sweating profusely, mustered the courage to look through the door crack again.


    Outside the house, the snowstorm had calmed, the Bull Demon was nowhere to be seen; only a blood-stained corpse remained on the ground, the blood painting the Spirit Infant Wood Carving eerily red.


    Li Zhengran dared not look any longer, shivering as he returned inside the house; the uncle also dared not smoke anymore, the whole family huddled together, not daring to breathe heavily, very quiet.


    Suddenly.


    A rustling sound came from outside.


    It was the sound of footsteps pressing upon the soft snow.


    "Uncle, it''s me!"


    Hearing the voice in the courtyard, Uncle Li Liang immediately showed joy, "A Che is here!"


    Li Zhengran and Liu Chunming also breathed a sigh of relief.


    The Li Che of today, being a Wood Carver at Xu''s Wood Carving Shop, a person with status, immediately gave them a sense of backbone upon his appearance.


    After opening the door, Li Che, dressed in black and wearing a broad-brimmed hat, stood solemnly outside.


    "A Che..." Cousin Li Zhengran swallowed his saliva and hurriedly started speaking, incoherently describing what had just happened.


    Li Che''s expression drastically changed, "The Bull Demon? The Bull Demon with a reward of five hundred taels from the government office?!"


    "Quick! Pack up, we need to leave immediately!"


    "This is not something we can be involved in, let''s hurry to Xu''s Courtyard for safety."


    "The one who died... was a Quenched-Bone Warrior, a terrifying warrior who could kill with one punch, how dreadful must the Bull Demon who killed him be? Let''s run!"


    Fear shone in Li Che''s eyes as he spoke gravely.


    Hearing this, Uncle''s family immediately panicked, A Quenched-Bone Warrior?


    Isn''t that the kind of hero who could leap over walls?


    Such a character had actually died in their small courtyard... they had to escape, this place was no longer safe.


    Fortunately, they had already packed their belongings.


    So, after quickly gathering their things, they followed Li Che and left the blood-stained courtyard.


    The courtyard emptied, quietening down.


    The wailing wind and snow furiously swirled between heaven and earth.


    Rustling snowflakes floated down,


    Landing on the twisted girl''s mask in the snow, cracked all over.


    Speaking melancholy all alone.


    Ps: A new month is here, seeking Monthly Ticket support! Continuing to seek followers!

 Chapter 33: Spirit Baby Takes to the Streets, Toasting to Acts of Chivalry

    The winds wept a mournful tune, laden with a harrowing chill.


    Clothed in black attire, Li Che wore a douli, his expression extraordinarily grave.


    He was accompanied by his great uncle''s family.


    Bracing against increasingly ferocious snow and winds, they had no time to panic about the conflict that had just erupted in the courtyard; the family only thought to flee to Xu''s Wood Carving Shop.


    Treading on the bluestone street, due to the snowy weather, there were few pedestrians, most of whom hurried along with their heads down.


    Along the way, everyone remained silent, no one spoke.


    Suddenly.


    Li Che halted in his steps; the snow was pushed into a small mound by the abrupt stop of his foot.


    In the hazy blizzard, trails of smoke lingered.


    Sounds of clinking, drums, and reed pipes, along with reverent chanting, wove into a bone-chilling, eerie symphony from the other end of the street.


    "The Holy Spirit teaches, cleansing the mundane, rebirth without worries, wisdom untaught and spontaneously attained..."


    The ethereal sound carried through the snow.


    Topless strongmen wearing child masks carried a shrine.


    Atop the shrine was a Three-Headed Six-Armed Spirit Baby Statue, its three heads displaying anger, sorrow, and laughter... Its eyes lively, as if real eyeballs were embedded.


    Lined up neatly, there were dozens of participants¡ªmembers of the sect on a procession, the Spirit Baby parading down the street!


    Women with the bodies of graceful young girls wore female child masks, carrying baskets of flowers, scattering petals with the music, competing with the snowstorm.


    Li Che furrowed his brows, instructing his great uncle''s family behind him not to look too much, and to keep moving forward.


    However, unlike previous encounters where Li Che and the Spirit Baby street parade passed by each other without incident, this time was different.


    Amid the flying snow, these Spirit Babies noticed his great uncle''s family and saw Li Chengzhou in the arms of his aunt Liu Chunming, which seemed to excite them.


    They danced bizarre steps, wearing child masks, tilting their heads and twisting their bodies, like claw-wielding demons from hell, closing in step by step. R?


    A profound sense of oppression filled the space between heaven and earth, enveloping the snowstorm and rushing toward them!


    Great Uncle Li Liang was sweating profusely, shaking in fear.


    Cousin Li Zhengran''s eyes were wide with fury, clutching a firewood knife.


    The great aunt and aunt Liu Chunming were terrified, having never seen such a spectacle before, almost crying out loud, tightly holding the frightened Li Chengzhou in their arms.


    Li Che took a step forward, his blood surging, skin flushing, displaying the Perfection of Skin Refinement in his cultivation.


    "In broad daylight, what are you trying to do? Kidnap a child?!"


    "Do you still recognize the Imperial Court''s authority, the law of the land!"


    Li Che bellowed angrily, his voice filled with a powerful qi that somewhat intimidated the members of the sect.


    But as the sounds of gongs and reed pipes resumed, those masked members of the sect once again closed in, continuously approaching, the eyes beneath the child masks flickering with greedy and sinister light.


    Li Che clenched his fists.


    He thought... they were wearing masks!


    As the members of the sect drew nearer, a unique aura permeated the air, disturbing the mind and affecting emotions!


    Li Che''s heart chilled... Divinity?


    Not strong, just a trace, but deadly enough for ordinary people!


    Suddenly.


    The blizzard exploded, and a figure dashed from afar, crashing down fiercely in front of Li Che and his great uncle''s family like a cannonball.


    Powerful vital energy surged wildly, Inner Strength gushing, creating strong winds and waves, scattering the approaching Spirit Baby street parade members.


    "I am... Third Shopkeeper Xu You from Xu''s Wood Carving Shop."


    "Gentlemen, pressing like this in broad daylight is a bit excessive, Fei Lei City... isn''t at the beck and call of the Spirit Infant Sect yet."


    The figure, draped in a fox fur cloak, dressed in white as the driven snow with flowing black hair, spoke indifferently.


    Li Che was startled, not expecting the arrival to be the long-lost Third Shopkeeper Xu You, who had disappeared after they left the city to hunt demons, and now appeared in such a circumstance.


    Xu You, with vital energy fiery as blood, Inner Strength raging, stood his ground, the force of his burst fearsome.


    The Spirit Baby street parade members dispersed, the fleeting divinity also vanishing with the snow into oblivion.


    No words were exchanged, no speech was made.


    The street parade members, carrying the spirit shrine, marching to the beat, scattering petals, with the sound of drums and reed pipes receding, gradually disappeared into the snowstorm.


    The evil influence seemed to go away with them.


    The great uncle''s family finally heaved a long sigh of relief, the great aunt feeling a sense of survival from a grave danger, couldn''t help but sob quietly.


    Li Che bowed his fists, sincerely saying, "Thank you, Third Shopkeeper."


    Xu You turned around, his appearance more weathered than before, his scholarly handsome face now marked by a scar.


    He glanced at Li Che, smiling, "I just returned from dealing with the evil from the Mysterious Temple outside the city, and then I encountered this situation..."


    "Seeing it was you, I stepped out. Xu''s wood carving shop still holds some respect for the Spirit Infant Sect."


    Li Che expressed his thanks once more, and after explaining about his great uncle''s family, Xu You sighed, "The Spirit Infant Sect... has become more and more lawless."


    "However, if you wish to destroy them, you must first let them go mad. Eventually, someone will eradicate them."


    "Well then, let your great uncle''s family move into Xu''s Courtyard, find a secluded residence for them, but... they will have to pay rent separately."


    A Wood Carver living in the courtyard need not pay rent, but although the great uncle''s family had Li Che''s support, they were not qualified to reside in Xu''s Courtyard. Xu You had relaxed the conditions, but the rent could not be waived.


    "Don''t worry. In consideration of you being a talented Wood Carver, the rent will be cheap."


    Xu You smiled.


    "I won''t return to the courtyard with you. I am going to have a look at the crime scene you mentioned... a Quenched-Bone Warrior killed while wearing a Bull Demon mask... that Bull Demon, interesting indeed."


    With that brief statement, Xu You took his leave, stepping out and disappearing into the distance with hands behind his back.


    Watching Xu You''s retreating figure, Li Che exhaled, allowing the great uncle''s family to stay in Xu''s Courtyard should indicate Xu You''s intention to foster goodwill toward him...


    After all, he had the potential to become a Woodcarving Master.


    Courting favor... quite typical.


    ...


    ...


    Anping Alley.


    In the midst of snow and wind.


    Several figures hurried forward, their robust vitality intermingling in the air.


    Xu You, wearing a fox fur cloak, walked with his hands behind his back; more than one figure was already in the courtyard.


    Zhao Chuanxiong, with a side knife strapped to his waist, looked with an ugly expression at the dead Bagua Staff martial artist, his knuckles white with tension and veins bulging out, his eyes displaying a mixture of ferocity and... fear.


    Apart from Zhao Chuanxiong, there were three other figures; all of them were strong and evidently skilled Martial Artists.


    Xu You recognized them; they managed the properties in the Outer City for the Noble Families and Clans of the Inner City.


    Just like Xu You, they were not favored within their clans, but in the Outer City, their status was prestigious.


    The Noble Families of the Inner City comprised four major families: the Yang Family, the Xu Family, the An Family, and the Si Family.


    Aside from Zhao Chuanxiong, the three present hailed from the Yang Family, the An Family, and the Si Family, respectively.


    "Killed outright by immense strength, a full Bone Tempering Completion''s enormous force, combined with the release of a martial technique, crushed his ribcage and all internal organs..pletely overpowered, no chance to resist..."


    "Judging by the manner of death, it''s impossible to deduce which martial technique the assassin used..."


    "This household spared someone alive. If we find and question them, we will know the assassin''s appearance."


    "But historically, in the Outer City, those capable of killing a Bone-Tempered individual are most likely that wanted criminal, Bull Demon, beyond doubt."


    "This Bull Demon, just after committing a crime in the Inner City, killing a disciple valued by the Dharma Master of the Spirit Infant Sect, is now here in the Outer City, having killed a Deputy Incense Master in the Bone Tempering Realm of the Spirit Infant Sect... truly audacious."


    The person in charge from Si Family in the Outer City looked at Xu You and smiled, "Third Master Xu, interested in joining forces to capture this Bull Demon?"


    "Si Liuxian... Your Si Family mingles with the Spirit Infant Sect, unlike my Xu Family. This Bull Demon... evidently targets the Spirit Infant Sect, and the people he kills are those villains from the Sect who harm innocent children. In my eyes, his acts are righteous."


    "He has done what we dare not do... I would rather applaud him, if anything, I wish to drink with him, calling him a hero. Why would we capture him?"


    Xu You glanced coldly at Si Liuxian from the Si Family and scoffed.


    Si Liuxian''s face instantly darkened.


    Xu You glanced over the corpse of the Bagua Staff martial artist, riddled with cracks and smashed by brute force, his eyes narrowing with a flicker of suspicion, then he turned and left.


    Zhao Chuanxiong, with his head lowered, dared not speak further.


    These scions of the Noble Families, although not valued by the Inner City and distant from the center of power, were nonetheless descendants of major families.


    He, Zhao Chuanxiong, had no right to boast in their presence.


    Moreover, it was because Zhao Chuanxiong was currently extremely anxious...


    He had once hunted the Bull Demon alongside the Bagua Staff martial artist...


    And now, the Bagua Staff had been retaliated against and killed.


    The next one...


    Would it be him?


    This Bull Demon criminal... in just one month, advanced from the initial stage of Bone Tempering to Bone Tempering Completion, powerful enough to kill the Bagua Staff with sheer force.


    Horrible, terribly horrible...


    The more he thought about it, the more terror he felt.


    Zhao Chuanxiong''s forehead was covered in fine sweat, his back drenched in nervous perspiration.


    What should he do?

 Chapter 34: Daughter Aged 2, Dao Fruit [Pure Heart]

    Li Che returned to Xu''s Courtyard with his uncle''s family, making do in their own courtyard for one night before seeking out Steward Sun the next day.


    Thanks to Xu You''s promise, Steward Sun did not make things difficult, although his attitude towards Li Che had cooled considerably since the loss of his son. Upon reflection, it was Sun Changbiao who had initially intended to sacrifice Xi Xi in order to have a son.


    The fault lay with his son, not with Li Che''s family who were meant to be the victims.


    After successfully resolving his uncle''s housing issue, Li Che breathed a sigh of relief.


    Recalling the oppressive feeling brought about by the Followers of the Spiritual Infant Sect parading on the street, Li Che could not help but frown slightly.


    The entire Spirit Infant Sect... none of them seemed to be good people at first glance.


    A disaster waiting to happen.


    Inside the workshop, Li Che put down the carving knife in his hand, his black hair dusted with wood shavings, and gazed at the snowflakes drifting in the courtyard, mentally adding the entire Spirit Infant Sect to his little notebook marked for death.


    Of course, at the very top was the Spirit Infant Master, marked with a circle for special attention!


    Days went by, one after another.


    Ever since the reward for the Bull Demon was increased to five hundred taels, Li Che had remained low-key and had not taken action again, except for once when he assisted his uncle''s family.


    Of course, during this time, he had also looked for the arrest officer Zhao Chuanxiong, sadly to no avail. Zhao Chuanxiong seemed to sense that Li Che was out to kill him and became cautious and sleazy.


    He never appeared alone, always accompanied by several arrest officers even when he went out, and he didn''t return home at night, hiding who knows where.


    Li Che, unable to find the right opportunity, chose to give up.


    Perhaps due to the death of the Bone Tempering Realm martial artist wielding the Bagua Staff, Feilei Outer City seemed to be at peace for a while, but slowly, news of children being harmed began to spread again.


    Where there are people, evil will never cease.


    Time slipped through the fingers like sand, marking the turning of spring to summer.


    Before he knew it, half a year had passed in the blink of an eye.


    Xu''s Wood Carving Shop.


    Li Che took a deep breath, blew the dust off the wood carving, and amidst the flurry, a "Nine Sons Embracing Lotus Statue" vividly appeared before him.


    Grandpa Chen had also carved a Nine Sons Embracing Lotus wood carving before, but now, the one Li Che carved seemed even more vivid and imbued with a unique essence, as if the nine children carved into it had come to life, frolicking and romping as if right next to one''s ear.


    This was due to the enhanced essence brought about by the upgrade of the "Immortal Artisan" Dao Fruit to lv3.


    "A Che, your craftsmanship has greatly improved! In next month''s assessment, you are likely to be ranked as a Four-Knife Wood Carver," Xu You, dressed in a silk white robe, leaned against the door frame with a jar of wine, and said with a gentle smile.


    "A Four-Knife Wood Carver can move freely between the Inner City and the Outer City, A Che... have you ever thought about moving your family into the Inner City?" Xu You asked.


    Upon hearing this, Li Che thought of the numerous masters in the Inner City and heard that the true foundation of the powerful within the Spirit Infant Sect was within the Inner City. Moving there involved too much risk.


    Just as Old Chen had said, although the living conditions in the Outer City were somewhat poor, being far from the center of turbulence and devoid of so much strife made it a happier and more comfortable place to live.


    Seeing that Li Che had not responded for a long time, Xu You waved his hand, "Never mind, let''s not talk about this. If you were to move into the Inner City, it would be more troublesome to find you for a drink."


    Being part of the family but not favored, and having lost the chance to compete for the position of Family Head, staying in the Outer City was equivalent to being exiled; he was too lazy to return to the Inner City.


    Since Xu You''s return from eradicating evil in the Mysterious Temple in the Outer City, he seemed to have taken a liking to Li Che, often seeking him out for drinks. At first, it might have been with thoughts of currying favor, but as time went on, he truly began to consider Li Che a friend.


    His visits to Li Che''s courtyard for meals became increasingly familiar.


    After finishing work, Li Che returned to the courtyard with Xu You.


    The loquat tree in the courtyard was thriving, full of lush greenery.


    Little Xi Xi was underneath the loquat tree, clutching a wooden stick, laughing merrily.


    In just one and a half years, Xi Xi was lively and clever, incredibly intelligent, seeming as energetic as a three-year-old child, brimming with energy, bouncing around, the distinctiveness of the Spirit Baby becoming ever more apparent.


    "Daddy!"


    Upon seeing Li Che''s return, Xi Xi''s chubby little face quivered, and she scurried over barefoot, full of delight.


    She hastily stopped in front of Li Che and Xu You, her hair tied up in a topknot nearly hitting Li Che''s thigh.


    "Daddy... did you bring me candied hawthorns to eat? Where are they?"


    Xi Xi batted her large eyes, already searching.


    However, after not finding them, she suddenly seemed deflated, like a balloon losing air, her puffed-up chest sagging.


    Li Che laughed and picked up the disappointed Xi Xi, saying innocently, "That was something Daddy promised you the day before yesterday. Didn''t I bring you candied haw yesterday? You must be mistaken."


    Xi Xi looked puzzled for a moment, tilting her head, "Is that so? I''ve already forgotten what yesterday''s candied haws tasted like..."


    After saying this, she even stuck out her tongue to lick her lips.


    Xu You couldn''t help but chuckle, "Uncle will hold you. Your daddy didn''t buy any, but your Uncle Xu You did."


    As if by magic, Xu You really produced a candied haw, and Xi Xi cheered instantly.


    Old Chen pulled up a bamboo chair and sat under the loquat tree to enjoy the cool air, seeing this, he couldn''t help shaking his head and laughing, "Third Shopkeeper, don''t spoil Little Stinky Xi too much. Candied hawthorns every day will ruin her teeth."


    Hearing this, Xi Xi immediately became displeased, pouting her lips, "Stinky Grandpa Chen, I''m not Little Stinky Xi, I am Nuanxi, Li Nuanxi!"


    Her muttering carried a faint hint of childishness.


    This made everyone present struggle to hold back their laughter.


    Zhang Ya had just finished her work in the kitchen and began to prepare the meal.


    The freeloading Xu You and Old Chen, along with Li Che''s family, spread a table out in the courtyard on a summer evening and started to dine.


    Xu You enjoyed this atmosphere immensely. Living alone in the Outer City, he would eat by himself, but now, he cherished the lively and comfortable environment.


    Taking a bite of a pig head''s meat, Xu You looked at Li Che and said, "A Che, lately... the Spirit Infant Sect has been making more and more moves."


    "Within the Inner City, the Spirit Infant Sect collaborated with the Si Family... and reached into the Spirit Infant Children of the other three families, thus falling out with the other three major families. Several in the Bone Tempering Realm have died."


    "The Si Family is struggling to bear this wrath. The instigator, Si Mubai, was driven out of the Inner City, and the power of the Spirit Infant Sect in the Inner City has been wiped clean, with most retreating to the Outer City..."


    Xu You said in a heavy voice.


    Li Che sipped his wine, "If the three big families in the Inner City have fallen out with the Spirit Infant Sect, why didn''t they completely eradicate the sect''s power? Why not kill them off entirely?"


    Old Chen sneered coldly, "This Spirit Infant Sect originated from the Mysterious Temple outside the city. How could it be so easy to clean up? Those high-ranking followers of the Spirit Infant Sect usually wear masks and hide their identities... Their power comes from complex sources, so how can it be completely eradicated?"


    "It''s possible that the upper echelons of the three big families, or even the high ranks of the Yamen... might have powerful members of the Spirit Infant Sect."


    Old Chen seemed accustomed to such matters, his words carrying a mix of coldness and sorrow.


    "If this matter of the Spirit Infant Sect isn''t handled well, Fei Lei City... will eventually be doomed."


    After those words, the dinner table fell silent.


    Xu You''s eyebrows furrowed and then relaxed...


    He looked at Old Chen, wanting to say more but stopping himself.


    Old Chen gulped down a bowl of wine and slammed the bowl on the table, "The Third Shopkeeper knows about my origins. I originally came from the refugees of Zhouyun City in the north. How Zhouyun City ended up... I will never forget in this lifetime."


    Xu You sighed, not saying much more, just looking at Li Che, "During this time, look after Xi Xi; don''t let her run around. After the matter of the Spirit Infant Sect is over, or maybe after next year''s Spirit Child selection, I''ll arrange for her to enter the ''Divine Cultivation Institute'' established by the major clans of Fei Lei City. That way, her safety will be somewhat guaranteed."


    "However, I''ve also received news... the Divine Sect will dispatch experts to take on disciples next year. Sadly, Xi Xi is a bit young. I don''t know whether she''ll catch the eyes of the Divine Sect''s disciples. I will see how things go at that time. If she can join the Divine Sect, Xi Xi won''t have to worry about the threat from the Spirit Infant Sect anymore."


    "In front of such a colossus as the Divine Sect, the Spirit Infant Sect... is pitifully weak."


    "Therefore, it''s likely that the Spirit Infant Sect will go on a rampage before the arrival of the Divine Sect''s disciples."


    Li Che nodded, filled his own cup, and then offered a bowl to Xu You.


    "The matter concerning Xi Xi... I''ll have to trouble you, Old Xu."


    Xu You rolled his eyes but raised his bowl in response.


    "Don''t mention it. Xi Xi and I are close."


    ...


    ...


    Li Che was very receptive to Xu You''s advice and did not wander around with Xi Xi.


    He also specifically noticed that the Outer City had indeed become much more chaotic. The activities of the Spirit Infant Sect''s followers became more frequent, and even outside Xu''s Wood Carving Shop late at night, martial artists would often lurk and covet incessantly.


    However, the guard squad organized by Xu You with numerous martial wood carvers enhanced patrolling. And after Xu You personally killed an intruder who had achieved Completion in Transformed Sinews, the Spirit Infant Sect started to restrain themselves a bit.


    Yet, the activities of the Spirit Infant Sect were still intense elsewhere.


    Over half a year, Feilei Outer City fell into a chorus of mournful cries. Many parents who had lost their children lodged complaints with the Yamen.


    The arrest officers from the Yamen organized patrols, but to little effect. The evil followers of the Spirit Infant Sect seemed to always get wind of the officers'' movements ahead of time.


    In such chaos, half a year passed by. But far from improving, the turmoil only became worse.


    Cold winds blew, and early winter quietly arrived.


    Another half year slipped away unnoticed.


    Xi Xi turned two years old.


    Outer City, Ting Yu Alley.


    Inside a rented courtyard of Li Che''s.


    Li Che sat cross-legged, and the snowflakes falling from the sky, when nearing him, were met by a surge of inner strength reminiscent of a Jiaoshe serpent, violently exploding into a mist of snow upon ejection.


    Slowly opening his eyes, the strength receded inward, all converging into the Dao Fruit of the Dragon Elephant Vajra.


    "Si Snake Inner Strength... has reached the Three Heavens. This inner strength technique has reached its limit."


    "To make a breakthrough to the Fourth Layer of Inner Strength, I need to get my hands on a Superior Internal Strength Technique."


    Li Che exhaled, the breath rushing out of his mouth like a sharp arrow.


    Suddenly, the Dao Fruits of Immortal Artisan and Dragon Elephant Vajra in his chest began to flutter slightly!


    Familiar scenes appeared before him.


    On the vast earth, a towering treasure tree rose into the clouds, its numerous leaves shimmering as they fluttered. On the tree, a multicolored fruit slowly formed, gleaming brightly, reflecting the various stages of Xi Xi''s growth over the past year.


    With his black hair cascading over his shoulders, Li Che''s eyes gleamed brightly.


    Another year of anticipation finally blossomed at this moment.


    Two years old, Xi Xi''s third Dao Fruit...


    Had arrived!


    ...


    [Your daughter is two years old, safe and sound, without illness or disaster. You have obtained a Dao Fruit, "Pure Heart."]

 Chapter 35: Divinity speaks, like the Bodhi, nurturing nature untainted.

    In the courtyard, the briskly cold snowflakes silently fell.


    Quietly laying a pristine white coat upon the earth.


    Li Che''s lips slightly curled up with a trace of a smile, his mind sinking inward.


    There, he saw another Dao Fruit, colored like a rainbow glazed over, hanging from the Dao Tree that rises out of the vast land.


    The third Dao Fruit!


    After "Immortal Artisan" and "Dragon Elephant Vajra," this was the third one!


    "Immortal Artisan" improved Li Che''s skills, and "Dragon Elephant Vajra" enhanced his horizontal refinement strength, making his physique unparalleled and his martial talent soar!


    Despite this, Li Che was still unable to deduce what the third Dao Fruit might be.


    He felt the anticipation and excitement of opening a mystery box.


    ["Pure Heart (Dao Fruit): The mind is pristine, like a bodhi, untainted by dust, cultivating the nature without blemish."]


    With the fluctuations of his mind, the hints and introduction regarding "Pure Heart" emerged before his eyes.


    "The mind is pristine... as if a bodhi."


    "Untainted by dust, cultivating the nature without blemish..."


    Li Che muttered the introduction, his breath gradually quickening.


    "Cultivating nature... cultivating divinity?"


    Cultivation in this realm is divided into three types: body refinement, Inner Strength, and Divinity!


    Divinity is the most difficult, but also the most mysterious and powerful.


    To cultivate Divinity, apart from needing a Divine Cultivation Method, one also needs to train both the body and Inner Strength to a powerful degree, in short, body refinement and Inner Strength... are but preparations for cultivating Divinity.


    Li Che once curiously inquired with Xu You about the content of Divine Cultivation, and Xu You did not conceal it.


    "Body refinement must reach the Blood Exchange level, only at the Blood Exchange Realm can one stimulate the organs with blood to absorb and store Divinity, and Inner Strength needs to reach the Three Heavens level to cultivate Divinity." r???


    "What is Divinity? All things under the heavens possess spirit, but humans alone have divine charm, which is Divinity. Absorbing and training Divinity, transcending the mundane world, is the very source of humanity''s primacy!"


    Xu You introduced to Li Che.


    "Human Divinity can be divided into the Seven Emotions and Six Desires: joy, anger, sorrow, thought, grief, fear, shock¡ªeach of the Seven Emotions is a major category of Divinity, the Six Desires can be distinguished as well, but the Seven Emotions Divinity is more communal."


    "Each major category of Divinity can be further divided into branches, each of which is a possible foundation for crafting the Divine Base; for example, the Si Family''s ''Angry Cry Town Ghost'' Divine Base belongs to the ''Divinity of Sorrow.'' Similarly, the ''Terrifying Trace of Light'' Divine Base of Divine Catcher Zhang Xiangyang in the Inner City Yamen belongs to the ''Divinity of Fear'' branch."


    A breeze stirred, ushering the chill of winter cold.


    Li Che felt the recently obtained Dao Fruit "Pure Heart," and with the stimulation, his six senses seemed to grow sharper, able to catch the Divinity that freely roamed between heaven and earth.


    In his eyes, many Divinities glowed faintly, like fireflies in the night sky, fluttering ceaselessly, gradually accumulating around him, and diffusing into his body.


    Finally, it accumulated within the Pure Heart.


    "Can the Dao Fruit ''Pure Heart'' let me cultivate Divinity?"


    Li Che was pleasantly surprised.


    Xu You had said that Divine Cultivators with their combat strength far surpass those who had cultivated body and Inner Strength. If they managed to forge a Divine Base, it would be extremely terrifying; unless facing Grandmasters of Channel Opening, other warriors would easily be crushed.


    Divine Methods are incredibly precious, the foundation of an entire lineage. Even Xu Ji would rarely impart a Divine Method to outsiders, and even if one became a Woodcarving Master, what one would get was merely the Lower Divine Method.


    "Xu You had educated me on the realms of Divine Cultivation; the first realm is Nurturing Nature, a Minor Accomplishment in Nurturing Nature is not weaker than Blood Exchange, and with Nurturing Nature to Perfection, one can even fight a Meridian Martial Artist.


    The second realm is Divine Base, forging the root of Divinity, shedding worldly nature, and even a Meridian Martial Artist can be suppressed!"


    Li Che took a deep breath, recalling the information about Divinity that Xu You had mentioned.


    ...


    ["Name: Li Che"]


    ["Bonds: Li Nuanxi (daughter)"]


    ["Dao Fruits: Immortal Artisan (lv3, 5%), Dragon Elephant Vajra (lv1, 70%), Pure Heart (lv1, 0%)"]


    ["Prototype of Divine Skills: Immortal Worker: Thousand Analyzing Hands"]


    ...


    Before his eyes, the panel popped up.


    This past year, since Dao Fruit "Immortal Worker" reached lv3, its progress had become increasingly slow. Of course, it was also because Li Che had devoted more time to the martial path.


    However, the main reason was the extreme difficulty of the mechanisms Li Che intended to create.


    "Tang''s Mechanism Essentials" detailed twelve mechanisms, three of which were relatively basic, and Li Che had already completed them.


    The remaining nine all involved qi and blood as well as Inner Strength, and even... touched upon Divinity.


    Therefore, the difficulty skyrocketed. Fortunate to have the assistance of the lv3 "Immortal Worker" Dao Fruit and coupled with the collection of materials, after a year, Li Che finally succeeded in creating the seventh-ranked mechanism in "Tang''s Mechanism Essentials".


    "Wood Raven," ranked seventh in "Tang''s Mechanism Essentials," was a mechanical beast painstakingly crafted by Li Che.


    As for his physical cultivation, the martial talent elevated by the "Dragon Elephant Vajra" Dao Fruit enabled Li Che''s own cultivation to advance from Complete Meridian Opening successfully into Bone Tempering.


    The Bone Tempering Realm required a painstaking effort, which aside from daily practice and endurance, also needed plenty of dietary supplements.


    Li Che''s Bone Tempering Method was scavenged from the marketplace, called the "Eighteen Tiger Bone Refining Method," which cost him eight hundred taels, also sold by the merchant who sold him the "Xu Family''s Nine Tendon Technique".


    Regrettably, the merchant didn''t have the ability to obtain a superior Internal Strength Technique.


    He rose amidst the snowstorm, all his bones crackling loudly, reminiscent of firecrackers exploding, throwing a punch that thrust forward like a spear, appearing to split the very air!


    The martial technique "White Tiger Chaotic Wind Fist" had already been mastered by Li Che to a master level, just half a step away from reaching the Transformation Realm.


    Any martial technique can be divided, according to the level of mastery, into beginner, Minor Accomplishment, Major Accomplishment, Master, and Transformation Realm!


    Once the Transformation Realm is achieved, it can even draw on the Divinity between heaven and earth, greatly enhancing the power of the martial technique!


    "Bone Tempering Great Achievement, Master level boxing technique, and Master level Bone-Shattering Spear..."


    "Now, even without invoking "Dragon Elephant Vajra Transformation," my cultivation in Feilei Outer City belongs to the top tier..."


    A smile appeared at the corner of Li Che''s lips.


    But that was only in Feilei Outer City. In the Outer City, a Quenched-Bone Warrior could strut proudly; however, in the Inner City... not to mention the juniors of the major noble families who were nurtured with dietary supplements from a young age and cultivated with superior methods.


    Whether in body refinement or Inner Strength, they were far superior to Outer City martial artists, after all... it was only in the Blood Exchange Realm that Divinity could be nurtured, and one could become a Divine Cultivator of the Nature Nurturing Realm.


    "If I were to invoke Vajra Transformation... I wonder if I could crush a Blood Exchange Warrior?"


    Li Che pondered, as he had never clashed with one and wasn''t quite sure how strong a Blood Exchange Warrior was.


    The immense burst of physical strength brought about by the Vajra Transformation should be able to reach the level of "One Force Breaks Ten Thousand Laws."


    "It''s a pity that the enhancement from Dragon Elephant Vajra is too slow. To reach lv2, perhaps my own martial cultivation needs to break through to the Blood Exchange level..."


    After toying around with the "Xu Family''s Eight Consecutive Bone-Shattering Spears" in the courtyard for a while longer, Li Che sat down cross-legged, calming his mind, ready to start exploring the effects of the Dao Fruit "Pure Heart."


    He sat on the ground, letting the falling snow accumulate on him without moving.


    His spirit sank, immersing into the pulsating Dao Fruit "Pure Heart."


    It was as if another heart had emerged within his body, its faint thumping connecting to the Divinity between heaven and earth.


    A quarter, two quarters, three quarters of an hour...


    Li Che''s mind became crystal clear, akin to an old monk deep in meditation.


    Snow had piled up thickly around his body.


    An hour later.


    Li Che finally opened his eyes, a faint white light flickering from the depths of his eyes.


    [Dao Fruit: Pure Heart (lv1, 1%)]


    Although he had no Divine Method and had not practiced a Divine Cultivation Method, Pure Heart could help him absorb the Divinity of heaven and earth, somewhat serving as a Divine Cultivation Method.


    "The Divinity I''ve cultivated is pure and spotless, flawless and unblemished, not belonging to any lineage of Divine Methods..."


    Li Che''s brow furrowed involuntarily...


    "So this... how should it be categorized?"


    "In the future... what kind of Divine Foundation should I forge?"


    Suddenly, Li Che seemed to think of something, his eyes flickering slightly...


    With every beat of his heart, ambition surged wildly!


    Ps: Asking for Monthly Tickets, asking for support in following the story! A new PK has started, and it seems a bit fierce. Please don''t just collect and nurture the book! Old Li gives his thanks!

 Chapter 36: Observation Skill, the Immortal Divine Foundation

    Virgin snow fluttered down as cranes descended, while the piercing wind howled into his sleeves.


    At Ting Yu Alley, no sound of rain was heard, only the whispers of falling snow, frail and delicate.


    Li Che''s gaze was intense, his heart pounding like a drum.


    He raised his hand, and the Divinity accumulated by the "Pure Heart" began to emanate a hazy white glow in his palm, vague and diffuse, twisting the wind and snow.


    "Joy, anger, worry, thought, sorrow, fear, shock¡ªthese are the Seven Emotions Divinity. The Divine Method originates from these emotions, branching out from the broad categories into specific streams, and thus forging the Divine Foundation."


    "So the immaculate and flawless Divinity gathered by the ''Pure Heart''... how do I forge a Divine Foundation with it?"


    "Unblemished and spotless, like a blank slate, is it possible to paint upon it, to potentially evolve any Divine Foundation? Or could it even... forge not just a singular Divinity Divine Foundation, but rather a multiple Divinities Divine Foundation?"


    As the thought emerged, his ambition flared like wildfire, sweeping through him in an instant!


    But all of this...


    Was merely speculation on Li Che''s part.


    As to how it all worked, Li Che, with only a vague understanding of Divinity, couldn''t figure it out.


    Once stumped, Li Che simply stopped thinking about it.


    After all, he had not yet formally dealt with Divine Method. When the opportunity arose later, he would slowly analyze it, or perhaps attempt to devise a method to forge a Pure Divine Foundation.


    Of course, it was challenging, but no matter how difficult... it was better than having no way to forge a Divine Foundation at all.


    Upon this realization, Li Che''s mood immediately lightened.


    "To Nurturing Nature with a Pure Heart... this is what I need to focus on right now."


    Li Che stood up, his blood circulating powerfully, like the roar of an angry dragon, melting the snowflakes into steaming vapor.


    His eyes sparkled with brilliance, and his mind raced.


    "That''s right... the ''Dragon Elephant Vajra'' can siphon Divinity to accelerate progress. Can the Divinity gathered by the ''Pure Heart'' be used to replenish the Dragon Elephant Vajra?"


    A mutual aid between Dao Fruits?


    While the idea seemed promising, using the Divinity nurtured by the ''Pure Heart'' to enhance ''Dragon Elephant Vajra'' would likely slow the nurturing process. It might be a loss rather than a gain...


    "So, giving it a boost during a Breakthrough Realm would make sense, but ordinarily, I should simply rely on the innate talent granted by the Dragon Elephant Vajra and patiently refine it over time."


    "If I can forge a Divine Foundation, I''ll be among the top powerhouses in all of Fei Lei City, both the Inner and Outer City!"


    Forging the Divine Foundation is crucial...


    Because Xu You once told him something that Li Che would never forget.


    The Divine Foundation, is the beginning of immortality.


    As he stretched lazily, his bones clashing, Li Che felt extremely content.


    Once he left his courtyard, he wandered down the long street, planning to get some aged yellow wine and sliced marinated meat to enjoy with his drink in the evening.


    With Old Chen and Xu You coming over every day for food and drink, Li Che naturally had to prepare some appetizers.


    ...


    ...


    High in the sky, the clouds and snow drifted aimlessly.


    Feilei Outer City.


    A modest carriage rattled through the wind and snow, making its way into the city.


    "Old man, we''ve arrived at Fei Lei City."


    The charioteer stopped the carriage along the road, rubbed his hands, and called into the carriage.


    The curtains parted, and two figures stepped out.


    An old man, his face deeply creased like the bark of a centuries-old tree, wore a thick padded jacket and two long eyebrows that drooped down.


    Beside the elderly man was a child of about five or six, clever and mischievous, with two Nezha braids tied up.


    The old man fished out several Great Scenic Copper Coins from his sleeve pocket and handed them to the charioteer. The charioteer weighed them, glanced at the child next to the old man, and cautioned, "Old man, you better take good care of this child. In Fei Lei City... it''s easy to lose a kid."


    Upon hearing this, the old man smiled and returned the bow with his fists clasped.


    The charioteer said no more and drove the carriage away.


    "Master, by coming to Fei Lei City a year early, are we not breaking the rules?"


    The child looked up and asked the elder with confusion.


    The elder stroked his beard and shook his head gently, "Rules? Great Vista is declining, what rules are there to speak of now? Besides... on our journey here, I observed the Divinity of the Mysterious Temple outside Fei Lei City growing increasingly intense, and monsters are rampant. I fear that by next year... we might not even be able to enter the city."


    The child was startled, "Ah? Is it really that exaggerated?"


    "Although Fei Lei City is small, it houses many Noble Families and Clans, and there are quite a few Divine Base Cultivators... to fall within a year, that''s a bit exaggerated, right?"


    The elder glanced at the child, "Lu Chi, do you think your master would deceive you?"


    "This Mysterious Temple outside the city, seen with our sect''s ''Observation Skill'', should be a ''Ten Capitals Mysterious Temple'', and in another year, it can advance to ''Nine Luminaries'' level..."


    "With the strength of the Divine Cultivators in Fei Lei City, they can still handle a Ten Capitals level Mysterious Temple for now, but once it advances to the Nine Luminaries level, only the Divine Base Cultivators and the Innate Meridian Martial Artists might escape, but those below the Divine Base, none will be able to flee."


    The child, Lu Chi, gasped for air, "This Fei Lei City... with its scarce Divinity and meager population, how could the Mysterious Temple advance to the Nine Luminaries?"


    The elder stroked his beard, "A temple, it''s only about offering and sacrifice."


    "Some offer life, nature, and soul in sacrifice... naturally, the Mysterious Temple will advance."


    "We''ve come early to find a Spirit Child and take them back to the sect, let''s not cause any more trouble."


    The old man advised the child.


    "Teacher... Are we just going to stand by and do nothing?" Lu Chi tilted his head and asked, "At the very least, shouldn''t we warn the strong ones in the city?"


    The old man affectionately ruffled Lu Chi''s head, "It''s not as simple as you think..."


    "Besides, although I descend the mountain on orders, to bypass the watchful eyes of the Dajing Temple Bureau, I''ve left most of my Divinity on the mountain, slipping away in secret... I can still cope with a Ten Capitals Mysterious Temple outbreak, but once the Temple God of the Nine Luminaries emerges, this old bag of bones won''t be enough to fight."


    "By then, if contaminated by the Temple God Divinity... it would ruin one''s path to Divinity."


    "Great Vista is not even taking care of itself, what is there for us to do?"


    "Most likely, we''ll announce our identity before the disaster strikes and lead the innocent civilians out of the city to escape."


    The elder patted the child Lu Chi on the head.


    "All right, be quiet, let your master use the ''Observation Skill'' to see... how many Divine Spirit Children are left in this Fei Lei City."


    The old man held Lu Chi''s hand.


    Raised his hand and pinched a snowflake, gently drawing it in front of his eyes.


    After blinking again, his pupils seemed to harbor a Golden Wheel, with circles nestled within circles.


    He looked towards the sky and saw four huge Divine Millstones suspended in the air, shrouded between heaven and earth.


    "Angry Cry Town Ghost, Terrifying Trace of Light, Xuansi Liu Sword, Wrathful Maitreya... The small Fei Lei City has quite a few cultivators who have cast their Divine Foundation, with a variety of Divine Foundation styles."


    The elder smiled lightly and scrutinized carefully.


    All these were ordinary Divine Foundations, but those who could cast a Divine Foundation were already quite distinguished.


    After all, many Divine Cultivators, despite nurturing their Divinity like a pond, could never take the crucial step, or were ravaged by Divinity mentally, spiraling into complete madness, and fell to Divinity backlash.


    "Divine Base Cultivators are already not weak. Don''t think that they''re only a hair''s breadth away from Divinity; sometimes, that hair''s breadth is an insurmountable gap!"


    The circles of the Golden Wheel in the elder''s eyes, one after another.


    He looked towards the Inner City and nodded slightly, "The Noble Families and Clans have still managed to save quite a few Spirit Children; it''s a pity that their Divinity seems scarce."


    Then, with the Golden Wheel spinning, his gaze fell on the Outer City, towards Xu''s Wood Carving Shop, and a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes.


    Under his "Observation Skill", it seemed as though there were flames reaching for the sky, fiercely burning and dyeing half the sky red.


    "Such fierce Wrath Divinity..."


    "To possess such Divinity, and for the Noble Families and Clans to have not taken in this Spirit Child? Strange indeed..."


    The elder was astounded; he stroked his beard and calculated, "Ah, only two years old... well, that explains it."


    "It seems... this descent from the mountain reveals a great discovery."


    The elder stroked his beard and smiled.


    Just as he was about to dissipate the Golden Wheel in his pupils and release the Observation Skill.


    He paused.


    Looking at the street before him, he saw the carefree young man humming a song with a jar of wine and a piece of braised meat in hand.


    And...


    The young man''s body radiated a bright white and splendid, pure and immaculate Divinity glow!

 Chapter 37: The Godly Essence Sculpture, Spirit Child as the Guide

    Li Che hummed a tune, feeling extremely cheerful, and deliberately went to a pork shop in the west of the city to specifically get two pounds of pig''s head meat, planning to have a good drink with Old Xu and Old Chen in the evening.


    Having just obtained the third Dao Fruit, his capital for settling down and establishing himself in this world had increased somewhat, naturally putting him in a very good mood.


    The long street was fluttering with snow.


    Since Xi Xi''s birthday was in the cold winter, every time Xi Xi''s birthday approached, there would be heavy snow accompanying it.


    The piercing cold cut to the bone, but now Li Che, having achieved Bone Tempering Great Achievement, with vigorous qi and blood, was of course unafraid of the cold.


    Suddenly, Li Che''s scalp tingled slightly, and the Dao Fruit of "Pure Heart" inside his chest thumped.


    Li Che paused mid-step, frowning.


    It was a feeling... of being watched.


    The face beneath the hat suddenly lifted, and looking up, he saw an old man leading a child with Nezha braids, staring blankly at him from the distant snowy street.


    Li Che immediately felt somewhat puzzled; with so many people coming and going on this street, why was the old man solely fixated on him? Surely he wasn''t coveting the pig''s head meat he was holding?


    Li Che also looked back, only to see that the old man leading the child with Nezha braids had shifted his gaze away.


    Feeling that something was odd, Li Che instantly became vigilant.


    However, Li Che was just on guard, as they passed by each other, and not until they were far apart did the old man make any move.


    Only then did Li Che relax, feeling that he was being overly cautious and nearly noted the old man down in his "little book."


    ...


    ...


    "Master? What''s up?" Lu Chi noticed something was off with his master and couldn''t help but ask.


    The old man closed his eyes, dispelling the "Observation Skill" and shook his head, feeling extremely regretful and heartbroken.


    "What a pity... really such a pity..."


    "Immaculate and pure, clear as water, like a blank sheet of paper..."


    "To think there exists such pure new-born divinity between heaven and earth..."


    "Such divinity is highly malleable, but it''s such a pity... It resides in a young man, and he''s merely a Muscle and Tendon Warrior whose age is far too advanced."


    "A spiritual child in his twenties? Strange."


    "Spirit Infant Children cultivate their divinity differently from ordinary martial artists; they are born with divinity, so they start nurturing nature right from the beginning, fostering their own divinity, and by adulthood, they usually reach the stage of ''Nurture Nature like a Lamp,'' possibly striking the Divine Foundation before thirty, and hopeful of condensing the Divine Minister within sixty years..."


    The old man shook his head, having seen pure white divinity in Li Che through the Observation Skill; he truly... was tempted for a moment.


    Unfortunately, the divinity resided not in a tender child but in a rough man.


    "The age is a bit too much, and he''s currently only at Sinew Transforming in his martial cultivation, far from Blood Exchange. Before thirty... to forge a Divine Foundation, it''s a bit difficult."


    "Such divinity, wasted."


    ...


    ...


    After returning to Xu''s Wood Carving Shop, Li Che still had the old man on his mind.


    It was very strange, and subtly, it brought him a strong sense of crisis; the warning of the Dao Fruit must have its reasons.


    Fortunately... throughout his life, Li Che had always valued peace in dealing with others and hadn''t run into any mess.


    "Fei Lei City is becoming more and more chaotic, various powers, all sorts of strong individuals... are emerging one after another."


    Li Che shook his head.


    Back in the courtyard, Xi Xi was nurturing her divinity under the guidance of Xu You.


    "Xi Xi is a Spirit Child, full of divinity, learning to cultivate early to lay a solid foundation, which is beneficial for her future. For Divine Cultivators, age milestones are crucial."


    Xu You, dressed in white with a sword at his waist, smiled when he saw Li Che return.


    "By the way, A Che, the shop has formed a security team, all composed of wood carvers, and you need to take part in the patrols. I''ve scheduled shifts for every Wood Carver, separating yours from Old Chen''s, so that Xi Xi''s safety can be ensured."


    If Old Chen and Li Che were both away at the same time, then Xi Xi''s safety would be unsecured. Xu You had made the arrangements with this in mind.


    As night fell.


    Xu You walked shoulder to shoulder with Li Che along the snow-covered alley, patrolling Xu''s Courtyard, protecting and securing the safety of the families of the many wood carvers living within.


    Li Che carried a long spear on his back. The martial technique he openly cultivated was the "Xu Family''s Eight Consecutive Bone-Shattering Spears." Now he modestly displayed his cultivation ¡ª Complete Meridian Opening and the spear technique at major accomplishment ¡ª earning him the title of "genius" within Xu Ji.


    Cultivating martial arts for two years, from Skin Refinement to Complete Meridian Opening, was naturally quite impressive.


    "A couple of days ago, the Inner City Yang Family''s courtyard set in the Outer City wood carving shop was breached by the fiends of the Spirit Infant Sect..."


    Xu You''s hand rested on his sword''s hilt, staring into the dark sky, speaking in a somber tone.


    Li Che''s heart tensed, as this was news to him.


    "Fiends of the Spirit Infant Sect... so rampant?" Li Che said solemnly.


    "The Spirit Infant Sect has many strong members. Since being expelled from the Inner City, they''ve settled in the Outer City. Now they''re targeting the Spirit Infant Children of various families in the Outer City... Several wood carvers died in the Yang Family Courtyard, and one of the Spirit Infant Children was abducted."


    Xu You clenched his fist tightly, his veins popping.


    "Because... there''s news of a Divine Sect cultivator descending down the mountain towards Fei Lei City."


    "The Spirit Infant Sect must act before the Divine Sect cultivator steps into Fei Lei City, otherwise... the truly promising seedlings will undoubtedly be taken away by the Divine Sect cultivators."


    "Hence, these days... the Spirit Infant Sect has gone completely mad."


    "Doesn''t the Xu Family of the Inner City send strong people to sit in the Outer City?" Li Che frowned and couldn''t help but ask.


    Hearing this, Xu You fell silent.


    "Xu Family of the Inner City..."


    "It''s not a big problem, we can hold them off ourselves," Xu You said with a forced smile.


    But in his face, Li Che saw a trace of sorrow and helplessness.


    ...


    ...


    Inner City of Thunder, Golden Splendor Pavilion.


    A breeze swept through the hall, causing the curtains to billow.


    A figure, bowed in posture, moved respectfully down the corridor and, after a short moment, arrived at a hanging pavilion within the Golden Splendor Pavilion.


    In the center of the pavilion, a stove boiled water.


    Si Mubai sat in a chair with a beautiful woman by his side, lightly made up and extremely beautiful, elegantly brewing tea, showcasing her tea art.


    "Young Master, Zhao Chuanxiong has arrived,"


    A deep voice came from outside the door.


    Following this, Zhao Chuanxiong entered the pavilion in casual dress, with a side knife at his waist.


    "Young Master Si, may I know why you have summoned me?" Zhao Chuanxiong said with a subservient smile, his expression somewhat humble.


    Although he was a government officer of the Imperial Court, he was merely an arrest officer from the Outer City and naturally did not possess much confidence when facing a direct lineage son of the powerful Si Family.


    "I hear... you''ve fought the Bull Demon and lived to tell the tale?"


    Si Mubai sipped the tea prepared by the beautiful tea artist without even glancing at Zhao Chuanxiong below, and said indifferently.


    At those words, Zhao Chuanxiong was momentarily stunned; he had not expected Si Mubai to summon him to discuss such a topic.


    His complexion changed slightly.


    For, his encounter with the Bull Demon occurred when he approached the demon as a Deputy Incense Master of the Spirit Infant Sect, alongside a Bagua Staff martial artist...


    Si Mubai... knew of his identity?


    Zhao Chuanxiong was startled, and his skin twitched.


    "Relax, your identity has not been a secret for a long time, and not just you... I am well aware of the identities of quite a few members within the Spirit Infant Sect."


    Si Mubai finished his tea, toying with the jade teacup, his face a blend of a smirk and a sneer.


    "I have a cooperation with your Dharma Master, to whom I have shown sincerity, and naturally, your Dharma Master will also offer sincerity in return. The Dharma Master agreed to create a second-tier ''Godly Essence Sculpture'' for me, but, it requires a Spirit Child as a catalyst..."


    Zhao Chuanxiong''s face showed difficulty: "Does Young Master Si wish for me to find another Spirit Child in the Outer City to bring to you?"


    "But Young Master Si, in the past two years the Outer City has nearly run out of Spirit Infant Children, and those remaining kids possess poor divinity, utterly ordinary... useless."


    "Just a while ago, even that Spirit Child from the Yang Family Courtyard was taken away..."


    "So, finding another Spirit Child will take some time, or even wait until a new batch of babies are born to be sure."


    Zhao Chuanxiong let out a sigh.


    Si Mubai: "Isn''t there a Superior Grade Spirit Child inside Xu''s Wood Carving Shop?"


    Upon hearing this, Zhao Chuanxiong immediately thought of Li Che and recalled that a disciple had died in the wood carving shop because of that Superior Grade Spirit Child who made the Dharma Master descend the Three Heads and Six Arms Angry Spirit Infant Statue.


    "Are you referring to... the daughter of the wood carver Li Che from Xu Ji?"


    Zhao Chuanxiong ventured.


    Si Mubai fiddled with the teacup, his demeanor indifferent and cold: "Are there any other Superior Grade Spirit Children?"


    Zhao Chuanxiong''s skin twitched: "To not hide it from Young Master Si... I suspect that the criminal Bull Demon might be related to Xu Ji."


    "I..."


    Si Mubai waved his hand dismissively: "No need to say, I know what you are afraid of..."


    "For this year, you''ve stayed out of sight, never traveling alone, all to avoid the Bull Demon, right?"


    "Back then, you used the widow of Sun Changbiao as bait, luring the Bull Demon in for the kill, which you consider as having fought with him. After the death of the Bagua Staff holder, you got scared..."


    Zhao Chuanxiong wasn''t embarrassed; what''s there to be ashamed of if it''s for survival?


    Consider that Bagua Staff holder; does he have any pride left now?


    Once dead, all is lost.


    "This Bull Demon, based on his several interventions, seems to harbor grudges against the Spirit Infant Sect, and furthermore, there appeared to be some connections with Xu Ji."


    "It seems likely that the Bull Demon originates from Xu Ji."


    Si Mubai leaned back in the Taishi chair made of pear wood, his long fingers tapping lightly on the table.


    "I am also very curious... just who from Xu Ji is this Bull Demon?"


    "Able to move freely in and out of Inner and Outer Cities, and possessing a Bone Tempering Completion cultivation... Who could it be? It can''t be Xu Heli, nor Xu Beihu, and it''s even less likely to be the third Xu brother..."


    "No matter who it is, just eliminate him. That will do."


    Si Mubai''s eyes gleamed with a mix of sobbing and smiling, as he turned his gaze toward Zhao Chuanxiong.


    "You handle this job for me, and I''ll take care of the Bull Demon for you."


    "Since the Bull Demon is so keen on killing you... let him come for you."


    Zhao Chuanxiong''s face darkened instantly, his heart... quite tempted!


    If the Bull Demon could indeed be dealt with, he really could live without always looking over his shoulder.


    The Bull Demon must die; without that, he could not rest easy. The death of the Bagua Staff holder was vivid in his mind, like a nightmare!


    Zhao Chuanxiong''s eyes flickered...


    But still, there was trepidation in his heart...


    After all, what Si Mubai called taking care of the Bull Demon...


    Was damn fishing ¨C using him as bait!


    No, fishing for a bull!


    He had avoided trouble for so long; in the end, he feared...


    If the bull isn''t caught, he, the bait... might get eaten first!


    PS: Seeking Monthly Tickets, recommendation tickets, and followers!

 Chapter 38: Not Seeking Justice, Bull Demon Reappears

    Vast snowfalls, drifting through the sky, freezing three feet deep.


    The heavy, pristine snow blanketed the entire street of the Outer City, yet the desperate citizens still braved the snowstorm to work and set up stalls, all to earn more cast copper coins to buy firewood and survive this deadly winter.


    Li Che, intending to head to the small courtyard he rented in Ting Yu Alley for cultivation, dressed in cotton clothes and donning a hat, walked along the long street, where he saw many households hanging white silk and heard the sounds of crying drifting out amidst the snowstorm.


    These were families who had lost their children, and in recent months, the activities of the Spirit Infant Sect had become increasingly frequent.


    After being driven to the Outer City, they were like starving wolves entering a flock of sheep, not at all restrained but, on the contrary, becoming even more rampant.


    Even the large courtyards set up in the Outer City by prominent Inner City families like the Yang Family were raided for Spirit Children.


    It could be said that the entire city''s atmosphere had become increasingly bizarre and oppressive.


    Although Fei Lei City had the government office, the arrest officer of the Outskirts Government Office, Zhao Chuanxiong, was a follower of the Spirit Infant Sect; how could ordinary citizens resist?


    And who could stand up for their justice?


    No one.


    The major families of the Inner City had only expelled the Spirit Infant Sect and seemed not to dare to completely offend them to death.


    Mainly because the Spirit Infant Sect was deeply entrenched and even involved with the Mysterious Temple, perhaps even with some weighty figures within Fei Lei City.


    "According to Old Xu, the Spirit Infant Sect has even reached out to the Spirit Children of the noble families and clans of the Inner City¡ªthat''s the very foundation of these families and clans..."


    "Yet those noble families and clans only expelled the Spirit Infant Sect and did not fully go to war... clearly fearing something."


    As his feet sank into the snow, Li Che saw a woman, frozen stiff, numbingly burning paper money at her doorway.


    On the long street, members of the Spirit Infant Sect passed by shouting slogans in groups, their faces filled with fanaticism and excitement, forming a stark contrast with the numb and despairing woman.


    "This damned era, this damned Spirit Infant Sect... my son, oh, my son..."


    The woman numbly stared at the departing adherents, suddenly began to wail, her tears flowing freely, her voice mournful.


    Li Che stood still, coldly watching the fervent adherents trample the long street as they passed.


    He slowly closed his eyes.


    He could not help but think if he had not obtained the Dao Fruit, whether he would now be as numb and powerless as this woman.


    Upon reflection, it felt a bit... empathetic.


    This era did not have anyone to stand up for their justice.


    None.


    Li Che opened his eyes, he too could not...


    Because he had a family, a lively and adorable daughter, and he had to consider more things.


    Unknown to him, Li Che walked back to the small courtyard in Ting Yu Alley.


    This was the place he rented in the Outer City.


    In the courtyard amidst the swirling snow, he moved a bamboo chair to sit down, took out a thin wooden board from his bosom, and drew a carving knife he carried with him.


    Calmly, very diligently and focused, he began to carve.


    As the carving knife scraped the wooden surface, the rustling sound of falling wood chips mingled with the sound of the wind and snow flying.


    A Cute Bull Mask took shape.


    Since Xi Xi was born in the year of the Cow, Li Che had gotten used to wearing a Cute Bull Mask.


    He placed the Cute Bull Mask over his face, Li Che raised his head, and beneath the mask, his eyes flashed with coldness and recklessness.


    The things Li Che dared not do.


    The Bull Demon could.


    The things Li Che could not do.


    The Bull Demon could.


    The recklessness Li Che dared not pursue.


    The Bull Demon, too, could!


    "The followers of the Spirit Infant Sect... they were already on my list; then let''s... begin settling accounts."


    The Bull Demon muttered.


    The entire city was made too oppressive by the Spirit Infant Sect.


    Your Grandpa Bull Demon is coming... to relieve some pressure!


    Not seeking justice, only seeking unrestraint!


    ...


    ...


    Inner City of Thunder.


    Golden Splendor Pavilion.


    Curtains fluttered.


    Inside the suspended pavilion, with the charcoal stove glowing red, the temperature inside was kept comfortably warm.


    Si Mubai sipped tea, facing several figures wearing children''s masks across him, and though the charcoal stove tried hard to warm the surroundings, the ice-cold and solemn atmosphere still made it chilling.


    "That Bull Demon, we did not seek trouble with him, yet he has begun to act again... In this past half-month, he has frequently taken action, killing several of our Spirit Infant Sect members in the city who were searching for children!"


    "Twisting their heads, cutting off their hands, nailing the bodies to the wall with his signature crossbow arrows... his methods are extremely vicious!"


    "Is this his way of dispensing justice? Pretending to be a heroic Bull Demon? Ridiculous to the extreme... In this era, those who dare to play the hero... all meet a bad end!"


    A girl''s mask with a smiling face emitted a cold voice, as harsh as a scraping knife across a white wall.


    Si Mubai looked at the masks hiding the various demons and deities and couldn''t help but sigh softly.


    "Don''t worry, this Bull Demon... is bound to die."


    "I asked the four of you to come because... this matter still requires your assistance."


    As he finished speaking, Si Mubai gestured toward one side.


    His assistant, the Blood Exchange Warrior Guo Zhan, immediately lowered his body and approached.


    "Go, let Zhao Chuanxiong make his move..."


    "My ''Godly Essence Sculpture'' lacks only that one Upper Class Spiritual Child, we can''t delay any longer..."


    ...


    ...


    Ting Yu Alley, within a small courtyard.


    The Bull Demon, having just killed a disciple of the Spirit Infant Sect, returned using the "Slumbering Dragon Elephant" to conceal his breath.


    After cleaning up, Li Che sat cross-legged and began his daily divine cultivation.


    The "Pure Heart" Dao Fruit pulsated slightly and, in a heartbeat, contracted and expanded like a heart, attracting the immaculate divinity of the universe like sprites, converging it into a delicate stream that flowed into his body, gathered in the ''Pure Heart''.


    [Dao Fruit: Pure Heart (LV1, 3%)]


    Li Che opened his eyes, furrowing his brows, and slowly exhaled.


    "Although the ''Pure Heart'' Dao Fruit can draw in the divinity from nature, ultimately, due to the lack of a Divine Method, my efficiency in drawing divinity is extremely low..."


    "Till now, I have only just pushed the maturity of the Dao Fruit to 3%... and the speed is getting slower."


    "I really need to get a Divine Method to study."


    Li Che pondered.


    This thought had lingered in his mind for a long time and was now growing stronger.


    Unfortunately, Divine Methods are not available in the marketplace, there''s no channel for them.


    Even in the Noble Families and Clans of the Inner City, such Divine Methods are treasured secrets.


    Even becoming a Woodcarving Master recognized by the Noble Families and Clans only grants the lowest Divine Methods after passing various trust assessments.


    "So, if I want to acquire a Divine Method, I still need to figure out a way with the Noble Families and Clans..."


    Setting aside the Divine Method.


    Li Che''s eyes grew sharp.


    [Dao Fruit: Dragon Elephant Vajra (LV1, 90%)]


    Li Che watched in astonishment as the ''Dragon Elephant Vajra'' Dao Fruit in front of him climbed from an original maturity of 70% to 90% in just half a month.


    "Combat... killing... can also enhance the maturity?"


    Li Che murmured.


    In the half-month since the Bull Demon re-emerged, Li Che, wielding the capabilities of the "Slumbering Dragon Elephant" and "Vajra Transformation," had killed many vicious members of the Spirit Infant Sect.


    Most battles were overwhelmingly one-sided, with Bone Tempering Realm villains falling in just a few rounds against him.


    Unexpectedly, these victories had accelerated the maturity of his Dao Fruit.


    Li Che couldn''t help but feel some anticipation.


    And with the increase in the Dao Fruit''s maturity,


    Li Che''s Bone Tempering Cultivation had also officially reached completion.


    "Bone Tempering complete... External practices now lack a Blood Exchange Method. Moreover, having reached the Three Heavens in Internal Strength for quite a while now, without a Superior Internal Strength Technique, breaking through to the Fourfold Heaven is difficult..."


    "Divine Methods, Blood Exchange Methods, Superior Internal Strength Techniques... alas, where should I even begin looking for these?"


    Li Che rubbed his temples, feeling a bit of a headache.


    As the main Wood Carver at Xu Ji''s Wood Carving Shop, his personal wealth was extremely substantial.


    But having money doesn''t mean getting everything you want.


    He cleaned up a bit.


    Li Che, braving the snow, headed towards Xu Ji''s Wood Carving Shop.


    His mind was preoccupied with how to acquire Divine Methods and Blood Exchange Methods.


    Walking along.


    Just as he reached the entrance of Xu Ji''s Wood Carving Shop.


    Li Che felt something was amiss.


    At the door stood two groups of officers in red and black uniforms, with side knives hanging at their waists.


    And from within the wood carving shop.


    The arrest officer Zhao Chuanxiong, who was listed in Li Che''s notebook, was escorting someone out of the shop.


    Watching the figure being escorted by Zhao Chuanxiong.


    Li Che''s face immediately darkened.


    "Old Chen?"


    Ps: Tuesday is a crucial day for the pk, concerning the recommendation for the second round. I ask for your support! Just a light tap, and accessing the last chapter will show the reading rank. Old Li thanks you!

 Chapter 39: Sinister Open Conspiracy, Revealing Cultivation

    "Old Chen?"


    Li Che''s expression instantly darkened.


    During this period of living together, not only did Xi Xi particularly like Old Chen, but even Li Che and his wife Zhang Ya had come to regard this lonely old man as part of their family.


    Li Che''s gaze shifted to Zhao Chuanxiong.


    Sensing Li Che''s intense stare, Zhao Chuanxiong, who was escorting Chen Dabao, paused his movement, squinted his eyes, and looked back.


    "Li Che?"


    "It turns out to be Master Li..."


    "Long time no see."


    Zhao Chuanxiong saw Li Che but gave a superficial smile.


    Originally, when Sun Changbiao died, Zhao Chuanxiong was in charge of the investigation but ended up implicating Li Che under the guise of an investigation; it was more of a threat and an attempt to ascertain Xi Xi''s Spirit Child abilities.


    Zhao Chuanxiong felt it was a pity that since the confirmation of Li Nuanxi''s Spirit Child abilities, he had not yet found an opportunity to act.


    Additionally, after being injured by the Bull Demon and needing time to heal, and then the incident where the Bull Demon killed the Bagua staff wielder...


    Frightened, Zhao Chuanxiong dared not stir up trouble easily anymore and had been merely surviving, hence, he found even less opportunity to act.


    This time... if not for Si Mubai''s urgent pushing, Zhao Chuanxiong would have preferred to continue laying low, especially since... the Bull Demon was not yet dead.


    "Head Constable Zhao, may I know what crime Master Chen has committed?"


    Li Che asked in a grave voice.


    "The case of Sun Changbiao, Sun Changbiao''s father Sun Lianfu has reported again, claiming that Chen Dabao killed his son Sun Changbiao and also his wife, Madame Liu."


    "This matter has reached the government office, and I have been reassigned to take over the case... to arrest Chen Dabao."


    Zhao Chuanxiong stared at Li Che with a smirk on his face.


    "Your daughter has been doing quite well this year, hasn''t she?" Zhao Chuanxiong said with a meaningful tone.


    Upon hearing this, Li Che''s eyes slightly narrowed as he suppressed the urge to kill.


    He disregarded the provocative tone in Zhao Chuanxiong''s words and said solemnly, "Wasn''t it said that the Bull Demon was responsible for the initial case?"


    Zhao Chuanxiong shook his head, "Sun Lianfu has reported the case again, and now with the ruthless Bull Demon terrorizing the city and brutally murdering people, the Lord of the City needs a major case to appease the public. He has personally intervened and even issued an order for me to arrest and examine Chen Dabao.


    If he is indeed wronged, the Lord of the City will surely see to it that the truth is clarified."


    "Master Li, rest assured, Master Chen, being a highly respected wood carver of Xu''s Courtyard, won''t be harmed by the government office."


    "Once the investigation is clear, he will naturally be released."


    "However, Chen Master still needs to go through Fei Lei Prison."


    "Master Chen is very strong, Zhao is aware, and if he resists... he will be put on the government office''s wanted list. At that point... it will be the Divine Catcher of the Inner City who acts, not this old Zhao."


    Zhao Chuanxiong said indifferently.


    Chen Dabao''s expression slightly darkened as he shook his head at Li Che, who still wanted to say something.


    The Divine Catcher of the Inner City... that was a real Divine Cultivator, and dealing with such a person could be very troublesome.


    "A Che, take good care of Xi Xi."


    Old Chen whispered to Li Che.


    Zhao Chuanxiong took away Old Chen.


    In front of the wood carving shop, silence fell.


    Li Che took a deep breath, already understanding that the Spirit Infant Sect... had finally started to make a move against Xu''s Courtyard of the Outer City.


    Or rather, they had set their sights on Xi Xi, the Spirit Child.


    Xu You had once said that Xi Xi''s divinity was extremely rich, among the top-grade of Spirit Children, a huge temptation for the Spirit Infant Sect; perhaps they would take a big risk.


    "Is Zhao Chuanxiong taking away Old Chen first because he''s been living in my house, protecting Xi Xi, and Zhao Chuanxiong feels it''s better to take him away before acting?"


    Indeed, that was a clear conclusion to any discerning eye.


    Old Chen''s Body Refinement ability was in the Blood Exchange Realm; after all, he had trained for decades, and as a senior wood carver of Xu Ji, Xu''s Courtyard naturally provided the Blood Exchange Method.


    As for Inner Strength, Old Chen had even touched the threshold of the Fourfold Heaven.


    Among Xu Ji''s wood carving masters, Old Chen was the strongest, and even placed in the Inner City, he was considered formidable.


    With such a strong protector, it wasn''t easy to take Xi Xi away, and Zhao Chuanxiong naturally had to reassign him.


    However, because Old Chen was strong, Li Che was not worried about his safety.


    "What about the Third Shopkeeper?" Li Che fixed his gaze on Steward Sun.


    Zhao Chuanxiong mentioned that Steward Sun Lianfu was the one who reported the case.


    Since Steward Sun had not spoken up to deny it, it evidently was true, even if not... the silent Steward Sun must be involved with Zhao Chuanxiong.


    Steward Sun did not respond to Li Che''s question, kept his head down, and didn''t even make eye contact.


    "The Third Shopkeeper... was called away by the Second Shopkeeper early this morning and returned to the Inner City."


    The tall and martially spirited Zhao Xuan explained to Li Che.


    "The Second Shopkeeper... Xu Beihu?"


    Li Che frowned.


    Could it be such a coincidence?


    No sooner had the Third Shopkeeper Xu You left than Zhao Chuanxiong showed up at the door to take away Old Chen...


    Could it be that Xu Beihu was also mingling with the likes of Zhao Chuanxiong?


    "Steward Sun... how could you accuse Master Chen? The case of Sun Changbiao was already closed, wasn''t it? It was said to have been done by the Bull Demon!"


    Zhao Xuan was quite upset and sternly questioned Steward Sun.


    "Before my son died, Chen Dabao inspected him..." Steward Sun raised his head, his old face slightly trembling, "After he inspected him... my son died... how could there be such a coincidence in the world?"


    "My son''s death must be related to Chen Dabao!"


    "What Bull Demon, what nonsense hero... might even just be a disguise used by Chen Dabao!"


    Steward Sun coldly spoke, and even the words between his teeth were chilling.


    "Steward Sun, the Bull Demon hero... hates evil fiercely. The Spirit Infant Sect has turned Fei Lei City upside down, causing countless families to hang white cloths and burn white paper in mourning. Yet, it was only the Bull Demon who stood up, targeting only the evildoers of the Spirit Infant Sect to kill. Such a heroic figure, and you have the nerve to insult him?"


    "Your son Sun Changbiao joined the Spirit Infant Sect, wanting to exchange someone else''s daughter for his own son... Such a malicious person deserves more than death!"


    Zhao Xuan crossed her arms and spoke coldly.


    "Besides, your framing is too obvious. What kind of physique does the Bull Demon have, and what kind of body does Old Chen have... How could you even connect these two?"


    "Why don''t you say that Master Li is the Bull Demon?"


    Zhao Xuan was clearly annoyed with the double-dealing Steward Sun.


    Li Che was startled, thinking he had been exposed...


    "Miss Zhao... those words shouldn''t be said lightly."


    Seeing Li Che startled, Zhao Xuan quickly explained, "It''s just an example, just an example, Master Li, don''t be nervous... You''ve only practiced martial arts for a short time, there''s a world of difference between you and the Bull Demon, I understand."


    Li Che: "..."


    You understand nothing!


    Suddenly.


    Outside Xu Ji''s Wood Carving Shop, the noisy crowd fell silent, and in the blur of the snowstorm, Zhao Chuanxiong, dressed in a black and red uniform, returned.


    His rugged hand rested on the handle of his long knife, standing upright amidst the snowstorm.


    Everyone''s heart skipped a beat.


    Zhao Chuanxiong''s gaze was fixed on Li Che.


    "Master Li, steward Sun said... you asked Chen Dabao to investigate Sun Changbiao, so... does Sun Changbiao''s death also have something to do with you?"


    The returning Zhao Chuanxiong stared at Li Che, speaking ominously.


    "Perhaps Master Li... would care to come along with me?"


    As soon as the words were spoken, they were like a bombshell!


    In front of Xu''s Wood Carving Shop, the atmosphere suddenly exploded, boiling over!


    Many were both shocked and angry, and the clear-sighted could see that Zhao Chuanxiong was clearly causing trouble on purpose!


    Steward Sun''s expression flickered and turned dark, yet he said not a word.


    Zhao Chuanxiong''s look was even fiercely fixed on Li Che, his knife partially unsheathed at his waist, his body''s qi and blood in turmoil, like a venomous snake or python.


    "Li Che! Let me ask you, at the time of Sun Changbiao''s death..."


    "Where were you?"


    "What were you doing?"


    "You were..."


    Bang!!!


    Before his interrogation laced with Inner Strength was even complete, his voice boomed like thunder!


    But the knife light had already enveloped the sky, tearing through the heavy snow, like a net from heaven and earth, roaring towards Li Che!


    Intending to overpower Li Che, leaving him unable to respond and forced to surrender!


    The aura of Bone Tempering Great Achievement was brutal and frenzied, his qi and blood surging, accompanied by dazzling knife light, made the atmosphere in front of Xu Ji''s Wood Carving Shop oppressive!


    Zhao Chuanxiong... not only wanted to take Chen Dabao, but also to take him, Li Che!


    Leaving only Zhang Ya and Xi Xi, the powerless mother and daughter, in Xu''s Courtyard!


    When the time came, the evildoers of the Spirit Infant Sect would easily be able to kidnap Xi Xi!


    A blatant scheme!


    A malicious scheme conducted under the rules of the Yamen!


    Such filthy tactics!


    Watching as the cascade of knife light burst forth before him, the knife light entering within three feet of his body, Li Che''s eyes flickered with ferocity!


    His face flushed red, as if venting the anger suppressed under Zhao Chuanxiong''s pressure of qi and blood!


    Then, Li Che gripped his hand, his fingers like hooks shredding through the air, pulling trails of qi, as his clenched arm stiffened like a spear!


    He stepped forward.


    Bent his body.


    Threw a punch!


    Using his fist as a spear!


    The Major Accomplishment... Xu Family''s Eight Consecutive Bone-Shattering Spears!


    His muscles and bones resonated together, bones cracking audibly!


    It was almost like a flash of lightning and thunder in an instant.


    Zhao Chuanxiong''s knife and Li Che''s punch collided several times, exchanging bursts of qi strength and qi and blood, revealing the trembling of his knifeblade!


    The qi stirred, and the snowflakes floating in the air couldn''t fall, as if repelled by a powerful force, exploding into a hazy mist of snow around them.


    Zhao Chuanxiong, holding his continuously trembling knife, floated backward.


    Li Che''s face turned red, and he stepped back several steps, causing the ground to burst with flying snow.


    In front of the wood carving shop.


    The hot qi and blood still seething.


    But the crowd had already been silenced by the thunderous collision between Li Che and Zhao Chuanxiong, left speechless.


    Zhao Chuanxiong grasped the long knife, his black hair billowing, his eyes filled with shock as he gazed at Li Che, a mix of absurdity and disbelief in his look.


    "You actually..."


    "Bone Tempering?"


    Ps: Please follow! It''s crucial Tuesday, let''s give Old Li another boost!

 Chapter 40: Clan Juniors, Can Also Be Killed (Please Follow!)

    The clanging of metal, a constant hum!


    It was a reflection of the shock in Zhao Chuanxiong''s heart at this moment!


    Because of the Spirit Child, Zhao Chuanxiong had carefully reviewed Li Che''s information, a child who lost his parents at a young age, raised by his uncle.


    Before the birth of his daughter Li Nuanxi, he was nothing but a hardworking laborer at Xu''s Wood Carving Shop, a basic hired hand lacking in strength. Not to mention martial cultivation, he didn''t even know the simplest farming techniques.


    Yet, in just over two years, this laborer had undergone Bone Tempering!


    Only two years of martial practice... and already stepping into Bone Tempering!


    What kind of martial talent is this?!


    To think that the Skin Refinement and Sinew Transforming phases were extremely time-consuming; it took Zhao Chuanxiong a whole eight years to progress from Skin Refinement to Bone Tempering...


    "I really didn''t expect it... Bone Tempering initiation, just two years, and you, a mere laborer, have truly made a name for yourself!"


    Zhao Chuanxiong squinted his eyes, gripping his long blade with a slightly murderous intent.


    After all, he had set his sights on Li Che''s daughter, but with Li Che''s high martial talent, there was no guarantee he wouldn''t come back for revenge, becoming a huge problem!


    And the people around the wood carving shop were dumbfounded.


    Zhao Xuan and Wang Zhengpin, who also learned the Skin Refinement Technique from Xu North Tiger, along with Li Che, appeared quite stupefied.


    Li Che... had undergone Bone Tempering?


    How could it be so fast!


    Everyone started martial practice at the same time, and those two were still struggling in the Skin Refinement phase, having just barely reached Skin Refinement Completion, without even starting on Sinew Transforming.


    Yet Li Che had already undergone Bone Tempering...


    Once he became a Quenched-Bone Warrior, he would be a respectable figure even in the Outer City!


    Li Che''s expression was cold. When he had achieved Complete Meridian Opening, Xu You had passed on the Bone Tempering Method of Xu Ji. Now, displaying his Bone Tempering Cultivation was not without reason.


    "Head Constable Zhao, thank you for your leniency."


    "You are merely suspicious, and you have no right to imprison me, do you? You said that the Lord of the City issued a writ of arrest for Master Chen. Does that writ also mention arresting me?"


    "Sun Changbiao coveted my daughter, and my family is the victim. Surely the victim is not to be blamed, right?"


    Li Che flexed his arms, with blood surging throughout his body, and spoke in a deep voice.


    Zhao Chuanxiong narrowed his eyes, filled with murderous intent, with his broad blade humming incessantly.


    He tapped his fingers against the edge of the blade, the silvery reflection of the blade mirrored his stern visage.


    "How dare you, a lowly commoner, question the government''s actions?"


    "If I insist on taking you to Fei Lei Prison, what can you do about it?"


    There was a coldness spread across the rugged face of Zhao Chuanxiong; he was afraid of death, and therefore... he must kill Li Che.


    Even if Li Che was the popular wood carver of Xu''s Wood Carving Shop, a seedling of a Woodcarving Master... so what?


    In Zhao Chuanxiong''s eyes, Li Che, with his fame and reputation, needed to die even more.


    If he didn''t stop Li Che now, the day would come when he, Zhao Chuanxiong, would have to die!


    "With Xu You not here, who in Xu Ji can support you? Even if they inquire about it later... Xu Ji wouldn''t dare to touch me. My uncle is Zhao Xuanhai, the Divine Catcher of the Inner City..." ??


    The killing intent on Zhao Chuanxiong gradually built up like a wild whirlwind, and his blade technique, which had reached a major accomplishment, already showed signs of developed blade momentum.


    Once he reached the Transformation Realm, the formed blade intent would allow him to resist a Divine Cultivator, to some extent.


    The grim killing intent swirled with the wind and snow.


    In front of the wood carving shop, many masters hesitated whether to intervene and help Li Che.


    But involving themselves with Zhao Chuanxiong, who was like a rabid dog, was obviously not a good idea.


    Faced with trouble, most people chose to protect themselves wisely.


    Li Che''s eyes narrowed as murderous intent surged with a hint of surprise. Zhao Chuanxiong... had a Divine Catcher as an uncle?


    This was something he had not known before.


    Divine Catcher... the Divine Cultivator from the Black Yamen of the Inner City.


    He was a true Divine Cultivator!


    Li Che''s heart grew slightly somber.


    As the saying goes, to destroy the grass, one must eliminate the roots, but if he killed Zhao Chuanxiong, this root... would be too thick to remove.


    Faced with Zhao Chuanxiong''s aggressively murderous intent, Li Che contemplated how to respond.


    In the distance, there was a sound of breaking through the air as a figure sped over rapidly.


    The wind and snow ripped apart like a torn curtain!


    Zhao Chuanxiong frowned, looking toward the swiftly approaching figure of Xu You, his eyes flashing with surprise.


    This Xu You... Wasn''t he supposed to be held up in the Inner City?


    Clearly, Zhao Chuanxiong had underestimated the importance of Li Che in Xu You''s heart. As soon as his plan began, Xu You received the message and directly rushed back from the Inner City...


    As a direct member of the Xu Family, his presence meant that Zhao Chuanxiong understood he couldn''t kill Li Che today.


    Sheathing his sword, Zhao Chuanxiong took one last deep look at Li Che and made a swift retreat, not waiting for Xu You to arrive and confront him.


    Li Che kept his gaze fixed on the retreating figure of Zhao Chuanxiong.


    Xu You landed, stirring up a storm of snow, the cold wind howling, his expression extremely grim.


    "Was Old Chen taken away?"


    "Zhao Chuanxiong... still wants to take you away?"


    Xu You''s hand turned into a fist, veins popping out, "Si Mubai has gone too far... so blatant."


    Li Che was taken aback, "Si Mubai?"


    "The Spirit Infant Sect attacked the ''Divine Cultivation Institute'' of Xu Ji, intent on plundering the Spirit Children and Spirit Babies... I was urgently called back to guard the Inner City, I can no longer stay in the Outer City during this time..."


    Xu You looked at Li Che with a serious expression.


    "The Spirit Infant Sect wouldn''t dare to touch the ''Divine Cultivation Institute.'' It''s the root of the noble families and clans of divine cultivators in Fei Lei City, but... we must not be unguarded, so this is an overt scheme. I must return..."


    "Zhao Chuanxiong taking Old Chen away at this time, I suspect the goal of the Spirit Infant Sect... is Xi Xi."


    "Xi Xi''s Spirit Child grade is too high. Si Mubai wants to forge a Divine Foundation; he needs a catalyst, the catalyst of an upper-class Spirit Child."


    Xu You''s voice was very cold, yet also full of helplessness.


    "The actions of Si Family like this... joining with the Spirit Infant Sect, aren''t the other major families in the Inner City taking care of it?" Li Che''s eyelids drooped as he lightly stroked the veins that had sprung up on his fists.


    "After all, Si Mubai is a direct descendant of the Si Family, and he is seen as a likely candidate for forging a Divine Foundation. The Si Family will definitely protect him firmly, without evidence, the other families can''t say much..."


    "After all, that old grandee of the Si Family in the Divine Base Realm is still alive."


    Xu You exhaled deeply.


    "Although Si Mubai is considered a Divine Base seed, it''s extremely difficult for him to forge a Divine Foundation... hopes are slim. That''s why he joined forces with the Spirit Infant Sect, hoping to break through with the help of the Spirit Infant Master''s ''Godly Essence Sculpture''..."


    "Godly Essence Sculpture... it requires the essence of a Spirit Child as a catalyst, so..."


    As Xu You said this, Li Che basically understood.


    So it turned out...


    That was the collaboration Lei Chunlan discussed with Si Mubai back then.


    Which means, at that time... Si Mubai had already set his sights on Xi Xi.


    "Si Mubai..."


    Li Che narrowed his eyes... a scion of the noble families, eh?


    Not easy to kill...


    A divine cultivator at the Cultivation Peak... facing him now, even if Li Che activated the ''Dragon Elephant Vajra,'' would he be able to kill him?


    Seems difficult.


    But... not impossible to kill!


    Scions of noble families, can also be killed!


    "You don''t need to worry about Old Chen; he''ll be fine. Zhao Chuanxiong wouldn''t dare to harm him; the goal was merely to divert him away."


    "Tonight, you should stay in the courtyard and make sure Xi Xi is safe. Don''t go anywhere... if something isn''t right, take Xi Xi and run away. Focus on evading and dragging out time!"


    "I can return tomorrow, just make it until dawn, and I''ll rush back immediately..."


    "I''ve mentioned your situation to my family, it''s a pity... my words carry little weight, otherwise Xu Ji should have arranged for a Blood Exchange Warrior to come and ensure your and Xi Xi''s safety."


    Xu You gave a self-deprecating smile.


    Being out of favor is just that sorrowful.


    Xu You had already made Li Che''s excellence clear, but it was still undervalued...


    Li Che, on the contrary, ended up comforting Xu You.


    Without further words, Xu You patted Li Che on the shoulder, then said a few words of request to the few masters in the wood carving shop before turning and quickly leaving for the Inner City.


    Li Che also didn''t say much, bidding farewell to those in the wood carving shop who were still astonished at his martial cultivation, he turned and returned to Xu Ji''s Courtyard, to the yard.


    The gate of the courtyard was tightly closed, Zhang Ya was holding Xi Xi in the house, her complexion slightly pale.


    As soon as Li Che returned, Zhang Ya instantly felt reassured.


    "Husband, Uncle Chen was taken away, is he... okay?"


    Now that her main support had returned, Zhang Ya became less strong, starting to panic.


    Li Che took Xi Xi from her arms, the little girl was deep in sleep, drooling, seemingly dreaming about the taste of candied haws.


    "It''s okay, Old Chen will be fine, it''s just a small problem..."


    "Wife, come here, I''m going to teach you something."


    Li Che held Xi Xi in one arm and took Zhang Ya''s hand with the other.


    They went to the study, where Li Che opened a box and took out a palm-sized black nanmu wooden bird.


    "This is the mechanism I''ve made, ''Wood Raven.'' It''s a bit powerful, and in case of danger, it can protect you and Xi Xi... I''ll show you how to operate it..."


    Li Che instructed Zhang Ya on how to operate the ''Wood Raven.'' Zhang Ya listened intently and quickly memorized it.


    "Be careful, it must not be exposed to open flame..." Li Che cautioned.


    Zhang Ya nodded continuously, carefully storing away the ''Wood Raven,'' soon after, she looked at Li Che with curiosity.


    "Husband... You said this little wooden bird''s power is a bit strong, so how strong is it?"


    The Wood Raven, ranked eighth among hidden weapons in the ''Tang''s Mechanism Essentials,'' had been further modified by Li Che using the talent of the ''Immortal Artisan''s Dao Fruit.''


    Li Che pondered for a moment, then considering his own strength, he carefully provided an answer.


    The power...


    "If operated properly, its power is roughly... like a martial artist such as Old Chen, if not careful..."


    "It can knock someone half to death."

 Chapter 41: To Kill Them All Is the Best Protection

    The snowflakes fluttered in the wind, the night deep and thick, almost too dense to dissipate.


    In the alley, it was even three degrees darker.


    An old man led a boy with a Nezha-style topknot through the snow, standing silently and watching the brightly lit Xu Ji''s Wood Carving Shop.


    "Master, the Spirit Infant Sect seems to have set their sights on the Spiritual Child you''re fond of..."


    "Should we make a move? The Spirit Infant Sect has colluded with the government of Fei Lei City, and all the masters in the shop have been dispatched elsewhere. The shop has fallen into vulnerability, and likely they''ll act tonight."


    Lu Chi furrowed his brows, small in stature but mature beyond his years.


    The old man shook his head, "Let''s wait and see for now; if I can avoid acting, I will. I also want to see... who exactly is in Fei Lei City... preparing to worship the Mysterious Temple, and who... has become a lapdog of the Temple God..."


    "What if something happens to that Spiritual Child? Master... didn''t you say that child is a rare Supreme Spiritual Child?"


    Lu Chi asked, tilting his head in confusion.


    The old man smiled and glanced at Lu Chi''s large head, "When push comes to shove, you''ll step in. How about giving you a chance to play the hero saving the beauty? How does that sound?"


    Lu Chi rolled his eyes grandly, "A two-year-old girl is also considered a beauty? At two, what''s there to see!"


    The old man stroked his beard and smiled, his eyes profound, "What I didn''t expect was that the twenty-something-year-old Spiritual Child... was the father of the Supreme Spiritual Child. With such pure and flawless Divinity, it''s normal for him to have a Supreme Spiritual Child."


    "Someone''s coming."


    The smile slipped off the old man''s face, and gripping Lu Chi''s hand, they seemed to completely blend into the darkness.


    ...


    ...


    A gust of wind fiercely tore through the cold air, shredding the falling snowflakes to pieces.


    Several ghostly figures stood on top of a roof, braving the whistling cold wind, accompanied by uncanny laughter resembling the wails of ghosts.


    These figures were cloaked in black robes, wearing masks of children with various expressions - crying faces, smiling faces, ugly faces, angry faces, and so on...


    A total of five figures, some holding broadswords, others gripping spears, wielding hammers, and so forth.


    The swirling aura of blood seemed almost enough to melt away the falling snow.


    "Xu You was called back to the Inner City, and Chen Dabao, the only Blood Exchange Warrior in Xu''s Wood Carving Shop, was imprisoned. Tonight is our only chance; by tomorrow Xu You will return, and Chen Dabao can no longer be kept in confinement..."


    "To take away that Spiritual Child, success is the only option tonight."


    "Also, using me as bait, you all better be careful, I must be rescued quickly!"


    As the words fell.


    The figures cried, laughed, and roared uncannily, exhibiting their martial arts, their bodies lightly leaping and somersaulting over the high walls of Xu Ji''s Courtyard.


    ...


    ...


    The yard was utterly silent.


    A lamp burned inside the house, its flickering flame casting the silhouettes of two figures on the paper window.


    Inside the house.


    Zhang Ya''s face was slightly pale, and she cradled the sleeping Xi Xi. A woman''s intuition, along with her husband Li Che''s unusual behavior, made her realize that tonight... might be dangerous.


    She looked into the distance, where a lifelike wood carving sat upright on a chair. The wood carving resembled her husband Li Che by about seventy or eighty percent, but it was unfinished and rough around the edges.


    Yet, through the flicker of candlelight, it cast a shadow nearly identical to Li Che on the paper window.


    It gave the cozy illusion that both husband and wife were inside the house.


    At first... Zhang Ya didn''t understand why Li Che had to do this. Why couldn''t he just stay inside and protect them? That would have been perfectly fine, wouldn''t it?


    But when Li Che took out a thin wooden board, sat in the chair, and slowly carved a Cute Bull Mask with his knife, covering his face with it.


    Zhang Ya was completely stunned.


    She covered her mouth, staring at her utterly unrecognizable husband, her eyes brimming with unparalleled astonishment.


    "Bull... Bull Demon?"


    Zhang Ya asked softly.


    The Bull Demon was a name known to everyone in Fei Lei City; who hadn''t heard of him?


    Known for specifically hunting the followers of the Spirit Infant Sect that targeted children, even though his warrant hung on the announcement boards year-round.


    Yet he had become a hero in the hearts of the people of Fei Lei City!


    And now, that hero... was her husband, Zhang Ya''s husband?


    "No... that''s not right, husband. The Bull Demon''s build is far too different from yours."


    Zhang Ya shook her head, softly speaking.


    This was the first time Li Che revealed his identity, letting his wife know who he was, and she... would be the first to learn of his identity as the Bull Demon.


    Without further words, Li Che silently activated the Dragon Elephant Vajra Dao Fruit.


    In an instant, countless muscles coiled like fearsome dragons, twisting and growing rapidly, stretching him taller until he loomed like a small mountain, his intimidating and domineering presence filling the room.


    In Zhang Ya''s stunned gaze, Li Che immediately reverted to his normal size.


    "Wife, I won''t let anyone harm you or our daughter, so... you must also trust your husband," Li Che said, caressing Zhang Ya''s face and tucking her stray hair behind her ear, speaking softly.


    Zhang Ya came out of her stupor, overcome with emotions, her mind buzzing. Her husband... could grow so large!


    Was this what a Quenched-Bone Warrior could do?


    But she had never heard of a Quenched-Bone Warrior who could change their size.


    The obedient Zhang Ya didn''t ask further, understanding that this must be her husband''s secret. She didn''t need to know too much, just to trust and believe.


    After all, there should be some secrets kept within a marriage.


    As for Li Che''s identity as the Bull Demon, as for those who died at the hands of the Bull Demon...


    Zhang Ya didn''t care; all she cared about was her own husband.


    However, Zhang Ya felt somewhat perplexed; it seemed like she had no more secrets left to hide from her husband.


    "Remember the way I taught you to activate the Wood Raven..."


    Li Che ruffled Zhang Ya''s hair and kissed her forehead, reminding her.


    Zhang Ya nodded solemnly.


    Li Che then glanced at the sleeping Xi Xi.


    With his wife and child close, all he wished for was to live a peaceful life with his family in this world...


    But if anyone dared to touch his daughter, he would...


    Kill them!


    ...


    ...


    Li Che activated the "Slumbering Dragon Elephant" ability of the Dragon Elephant Dao Fruit, completely concealing his vitality, essence, qi, and spirit, as if they were erased from the world.


    The effect of Breath Concealment was excellent.


    He vanished into the dark alleys surrounding Xu''s Courtyard, donned a wide-brimmed hat, covered his face with a Cute Bull Mask, and on the night of swirling snow, turned into the Bull Demon.


    "Zhao Chuanxiong, openly executing his ploys during the day, posturing ostentatiously, exceedingly arrogant... this doesn''t quite fit with the pathetic style he''s hidden in for a year."


    Li Che contemplated, but his heart was already somewhat clear.


    Zhao Chuanxiong knew that the Bull Demon was looking for him, yet he still brazenly made such a move, as if he was... fishing.


    "Zhao Chuanxiong as bait, to fish for me?"


    "The handiwork of the Spirit Infant Sect?"


    "Tonight''s overt plot, is a scheme that kills two birds with one stone... aiming to capture Xi Xi and planning to eliminate the Bull Demon..."


    The alley was quiet.


    After a long while, there was a soft exhale, brimming with a chilling murderous intent.


    "Heh."


    "How greedy."


    Li Che looked up at the darkened sky, his eyes bright and piercing.


    "No matter what conspiracies and tricks you have..."


    "I want to protect my wife and child..."


    "Killing you all, that is the best protection."


    ...


    ...


    The night was dark as pitch, fire was born of ghosts, the cold brought the frosty calls of geese!


    The temperatures tonight rose slightly, the snow from the heavens turned into rain, trickling down endlessly in the dark...


    Every raindrop was piercingly cold to the bone.


    Zhao Chuanxiong, with a long knife at his waist, his wanton and jet-black hair hanging loose, wore a mask of a smiling child.


    His toes touched upon the thick snow on the ground, shattering the rain and snow falling from the firmament, floating over like a specter.


    He landed outside the courtyard wall of Fang Che''s small yard.


    Having visited Li Che before, he... easily found the yard once again.


    Underneath the child mask, Zhao Chuanxiong''s eyes bore little emotion, gazing indifferently at the brightly lit house inside, watching the reflection of two figures cast upon the paper window.


    "What a cozy family..."


    "Pity, they birthed a Spirit Child."


    "Talent is a blessing, and also a... disaster."


    Zhao Chuanxiong drew his gleaming long knife, the blade quivering with a tremble, emitting a long wail.


    The world was eerily silent.


    Inside Xu''s Wood Carving Shop... there was no movement at all.


    Although the old masters had been advised and asked for help by Xu You, ultimately, for the sake of their self-preservation, they still did not take action.


    Even though they knew that someone would attack Li Che''s courtyard tonight and try to take away Xi Xi.


    Zhao Chuanxiong grasped his knife with one hand, scanning the surrounding area. With the snow and rain intermingling, there was simply no one stopping him.


    Underneath the mask, his face formed a cold smile: "Human nature..."


    "In this world, those who dare to be heroes... are, after all, few in number."


    "Except for you!"


    Boom!!!


    Atop Zhao Chuanxiong''s knife-edge, a crimson vitality resembling flowing fire suddenly erupted, fiercely slashing behind him.


    The bloody saber light shattered the swirling wind and snow, the split air currents cascading down from both sides!


    "Bull Demon!!!!!!"


    A fearful yet explosive roar came from the depths of Zhao Chuanxiong''s throat!


    Behind him, a hulking figure appeared like a ghost!


    Cloaked in black, underneath the wide-brimmed hat, the Cute Cow Mask was like a Soul-Hooking Messenger from hell, its pair of cold, murderous eyes fixed on him.


    Without a word of nonsense or idle talk.


    The Bull Demon''s palm, large as a fan, rose up, his fingers like hooks, violently clenching.


    Below the skin, every pore burst forth with boiling vitality, intertwining like blood pythons around the hefty arm!


    White Tiger Turbulent Wind!


    A punch!


    From above downward!


    A lofty strike!


    With a thunderous impact, it crashed down!


    The light from Zhao Chuanxiong''s backward slash was instantly shattered by the brute and domineering force!


    The punch''s power was far from exhausted, its residual force continuing to discharge!


    Zhao Chuanxiong countered with his long knife, yet the fine iron blade instantly bent under the blow!


    Fist force, unfamiliar as if carrying a tiger''s roar, pierced through the blade, remorselessly striking his chest with crushing force.


    To shatter his chest...


    Zhao Chuanxiong''s mask of the male child burst apart at once, revealing his face contorted with terror, his eyeballs nearly popping out!


    His legs knelt heavily on the ground, the green bricks beneath shattered, the snow above them exploding upwards in a tall curtain.


    Crisp and clear, whether the sound of bones cracking or snow falling, the echo was unceasing.


    "Blood Exchange?!"


    "Indeed..."


    "Being used as bait... is to be eaten, after all..."


    Ps: Asking for Monthly Tickets, recommendation votes, and your continued support, woohoo!

 Chapter 42: Four Blood Exchanges, Lone Hero!

    Zhao Chuanxiong had no desire to be any kind of bait...


    The risk was too great, and when it came to fishing... how could you fish without the bait being eaten?


    Even a single bite of the bait would cause severe damage!


    "Blood Exchange... you are actually a Blood Exchange..."


    Under the fierce punch of the Bull Demon, the mask on the boy shattered into pieces, flying in all directions.


    Zhao Chuanxiong''s face turned bright red, like a wooden post being hammered into the ground by the Bull Demon''s punch, his knees kneeling on the ground already shattered kneecaps and crisscrossed ligaments exploding!


    And his chest oozed fresh blood, shards of the broken fine iron long knife embedded in his sunken chest cavity, flesh rotted and organs and rib bones nearly visible!


    In one move...


    Just one move only!


    The Bull Demon had grown stronger!


    The first time they met, the Bull Demon had barely entered Bone Tempering and had to flee to save his life when faced with his combined attack with the Bagua Staff.


    The second time, although not seen, the Bagua Staff had already been beaten to death, confirming that the Bull Demon''s strength had reached Bone Tempering Completion...


    And now, the Bull Demon had undergone Blood Exchange!


    Every increase in strength was a leap!


    The eight-year gate of Bone Tempering!


    Many martial artists needed at least eight years to undergo Bone Tempering to qualify for Blood Exchange, and just moving from Bone Tempering Completion to Blood Exchange was dubbed "Thousand Days Blood Exchange," requiring a full three years!


    Even the most talented couldn''t possibly achieve such a terrifying leap within a year!


    "Who are you really..."


    "Who are you?!"


    Zhao Chuanxiong spat blood continuously, staring deathly at that cute Cute Cow mask.


    The cuter the mask, the colder his heart became!


    Unrecognizable...


    Completely unrecognizable!


    If he were truly a martial artist from Fei Lei City, such rapid progress could not have been concealed, it would have stirred the entire city already!


    Even the noble families and clans would go mad for it!


    But there wasn''t, in the entire Fei Lei City, there was no information about this person.


    Li Che looked indifferently at Zhao Chuanxiong, without a response, his cold eyes were like frosty blades in winter.


    That arm which had crushed Zhao Chuanxiong''s chest suddenly pulled out, causing the blood to spray wildly, ready to pound down again.


    With the terrifying strength of a Blood Exchange Warrior, another punch, and Zhao Chuanxiong believed he would certainly die!


    "The fish has been hooked! Save me!!!"


    Zhao Chuanxiong roared, his breath like thunder, as if trying to expel all the breath he could muster in his life!


    The sound exploded like thunder all around!


    Underneath the mask, Li Che''s eyes remained unmoved.


    Sure enough, Zhao Chuanxiong was just bait, a bait to lure him into the trap, and what Si Mubai combined with the Spirit Infant Sect... really wanted to eliminate was him.


    The Bull Demon in Fei Lei City, under the control of the Spirit Infant Sect, seeking a breath of boundless freedom.


    After Zhao Chuanxiong shouted, he used all his strength to fall into the snow, rolled over, and tried to escape.


    He was afraid.


    The unmoved eyes of the Bull Demon terrified Zhao Chuanxiong.


    He knew...


    The Bull Demon had long known... this was a fishing encirclement aimed at him!


    But he still wanted to devour him, the bait!


    Damn it!


    Zhao Chuanxiong had misjudged the Bull Demon''s determination to kill him...


    How could it be so intense?


    What kind of grudge, what kind of hatred?


    Just because he had once jointly bullied him with the Bagua Staff at Madame Liu''s small courtyard?


    You, Bull Demon, did not even suffer any injuries then, how could you hold such a grudge?


    Such a massive huge body, yet such a petty heart!


    Li Che looked indifferently as Zhao Chuanxiong tumbled into the snow, his blood-stained hand shooting up suddenly, his fingers hooking as if a chalk screeching harshly on a blackboard exploded like thunder!


    In the night, nearly untraceable silver threads suddenly snapped taut.


    With a flicker, the airflow burst, and the howls were like ghosts wailing!


    Sputter!


    On the ground...


    Hot blood instantly sprayed three feet high!


    Zhao Chuanxiong''s head and neck... were torn apart, the eyes on his head still flickered with shock and confusion.


    Why?


    Why!


    Even in death, Zhao Chuanxiong felt endless resentment and fury!


    In that moment, Zhao Chuanxiong hated only Si Mubai!


    He had lived cautiously for so long, why had he been forced to deliver himself to death?!


    "You, Si Mubai! Acting like a fishing man, but using Zhao Chuanxiong''s life as bait!"


    Hate!


    Silent threads flowed, stained with round blood beads.


    In a flicker, the blood beads exploded into a mist of blood.


    Thousand Spider Threads!


    Around the burly Bull Demon, countless silver threads interwove like electricity, whipping the air, tearing the drifting snowflakes.


    His spine was erect, roaring like a dragon, his qi and blood spewing out from his pores like Jiao Long, coiling around his body.


    Underneath the mask, his eyes were as still as water.


    There, three figures wearing various expressions of children''s masks stood on the rooftop, with the rain and snow slanting down, making the air swirl with intense solemnity.


    And farther away.


    A cold figure not wearing a mask held a Fine Iron Great Bow, elaborately engraved and extremely exquisite, his eyes cold and sharp, tilting his head, watching the burly figure of the Bull Demon.


    The next moment, the great bow was pulled full circle, the bowstring quivered, and his qi and blood rose into the night sky like a Jiao Long!


    His might soared sky-high!


    This person... Li Che recognized him!


    He was Si Mubai''s assistant whom Li Che had seen before when he first met Si Mubai at the Golden Splendor Pavilion.


    Si Mubai''s capable assistant, the Blood Exchange Warrior Guo Zhan!


    Four of them!


    Indeed, four Blood Exchange Warriors!


    Such a formation, how important it must be!


    Guo Zhan, standing afar drawing his bow, was even a Blood Exchange Perfected Warrior!


    Mere drawing of the bowstring made the air feel as if it had stagnated, bringing Li Che a chilling sense of alarm, as if a ferocious beast in the wild had targeted him!


    Zhao Chuanxong was simply insignificant compared to these four.


    "Si Mubai... really thinks highly of me."


    Li Che narrowed his eyes, facing the four Blood Exchangers without fear, but rather with a kind of different excitement.


    Inside his chest, the "Dragon Elephant Vajra" Dao Fruit was pulsating wildly, like stirred emotions, it... seemed to also crave such a battle.


    The next moment, he stomped heavily, the mud mixed with white snow blasted up and then fell like a curtain!


    The "Dragon Elephant Vajra" throbbed, activated to its utmost by him!


    Now, his own Cultivation having achieved Bone Tempering Completion and under Vajra Transformation, he was capable of unleashing the power of Blood Exchange Perfection through Horizontal Refinement...


    His spine bulged, with nine large tendons roaring like nine angry Jiao Longs, protecting the dragon-like spine, his entire skeleton under the Tiger Bone Tempering Method, like a ferocious tiger''s ribs, bursting with boundless strength!


    "The battlefield... can''t be here."


    Behind him was his own courtyard.


    Zhang Ya was still holding Xi Xi inside. If they were affected by the battle, those remotely pointed arrows from the Blood Exchange Perfected Warrior...


    Like a sweeping machine gun, too dangerous!


    Li Che confirmed in his mind, his figure immediately shot out, darting towards another direction of Xu''s Courtyard.


    "Want to leave?"


    "Killed Zhao Chuanxiong, ate the bait... and still want to leave?"


    Three Spirit Infant Sect Blood Exchange Warriors issued a sound that was part crying and part laughing, part angry and part sad, echoing between the courtyard walls.


    In Xu''s Courtyard, from house to house where lanterns were extinguished, many wood carvers secretly watched but dared not intervene...


    Entering a battle of Blood Exchange Warriors meant certain death.


    With the power bursting out from Unparalleled Horizontal Refinement, Li Che''s speed erupted to the extreme, his feet heavily powered, crushing the rain and snow, bursting the air!


    A few leaps, and he was already far away.


    But the few Blood Exchange Warriors were also extraordinary, quickly catching up with the Bull Demon!


    With Zhao Chuanxiong dead, they must slaughter the Bull Demon and bring his head in exchange; otherwise... they would face the wrath of a Divine Catcher.


    The pitch-dark night, with rain and snow swirling!


    Deep and hard to see any light.


    Yet there were five masses of qi and blood, like five blood-colored lanterns, blazing and racing through the dark night sky!


    In the narrow lanes of Xu''s Courtyard, a chase ensued!


    The situation completely spiraled out of control.


    ...


    ...


    Outside Xu''s Wood Carving Shop.


    In the dark alley soaked with rain, coldly drizzling down to the human world.


    The old man''s ears twitched, listening to the chaotic sounds drifting with the wind from inside Xu''s Wood Carving Shop, a flicker of unusual color flashing across his eyes.


    "Bull Demon..."


    "The lone hero of this city? Interesting..."


    The old man chuckled, revealing his yellow teeth.


    At the other end of the long street, the sound of wind and snow was suddenly overtaken by footsteps tapping on the bluestone ground, the friction of shoe soles against the brick, stepping lightly but sounding like bells and drums.


    The old man''s brow furrowed in displeasure.


    He gently patted Lu Chi, who had his Nezha braids tied up and was staring wide-eyed like brass bells in the dark alley.


    Ps:Seeking followers, asking for Monthly Ticket support wow!

 Chapter 43: Four Imperials’ Fury, Bull Demon Has Backing!

    Thud!


    Thud!


    The muffled footsteps, like bells and drums, approached from afar.


    The thick snow on the ground, mixed with rainwater, stirred up ripples of snowflakes that tumbled like shaking a quilt, spreading outward from the distance and landing on the bluestone steps in front of Xu Ji''s wood carving shop, exploding like a wave of snow.


    Wave after wave, as if each step taken would stir up such ripples.


    The sobbing cries echoed continuously, traveling from one end of the long street to the other.


    It was as if the gates of hell had been opened, and the sobbing ghosts...


    Wailed out, roaming the human world at night!


    In the alleyway.


    The old man, listening to the footsteps approaching, felt the intense divinity mixed within the steps and gently patted the child, Lu Chi, beside him.


    "Go, foolish child."


    "A fight among martial artists shouldn''t involve a divine cultivator... That would be too much,"


    The old man said softly.


    Upon hearing this, Lu Chi''s eyes showed no hint of fear, but rather seemed to ignite like a blazing fire.


    "Master, leave it to me!"


    "Consider it a surprise for that not-yet-accepted little junior sister of ours!"


    Lu Chi twisted his mouth and tilted his head, revealing a brilliant smile.


    The next moment, he surprisingly pulled out a thumb-sized wood carving from his bosom. The carving, though small, depicted a vivid sculpture of a child holding a red-tasseled spear, with a bun tied up and dressed in a red bellyband, surrounded by red silk.


    Clearly, it was the work of a master.


    His eyes wide, fierce, and imperious...


    Lu Chi placed the thumb-sized wood carving against his forehead, and instantly, specks of light particles floated out from the wood carving, containing the divinity embedded within.


    All of it was absorbed into Lu Chi''s forehead, as the wood carving turned into dust and sand slipping through Lu Chi''s plump palms.


    A red dot appeared on Lu Chi''s forehead, his eyes blazing, and his anger flared like fire!


    "My not-yet-accepted little junior sister is going to suffer a tragic death!"


    "Ah! I''m so angry!"


    "Prince, aid me!"


    Lu Chi roared, his anger billowing, his eyes ablaze, and his aura climbing higher and higher.


    The old man smiled, flicked his finger, and instantly red silk fluttered out, wrapping around Lu Chi.


    Lu Chi''s face was completely obscured by the overspilling fiery divinity!


    His body enveloped in swirling snow and wind, red silk encircling him, he seemed as though he was standing atop a tornado, his presence terrifying!


    The old man stroked his beard and nodded slightly.


    Wrath Divinity.


    [Wrathful Third Prince]!


    ...


    ...


    The winter rain, mixed with snowflakes, pattered down.


    Falling from the high skies onto the oil-paper umbrella, coated with tung oil, they bounced like marbles non-stop.


    Under the umbrella, a man in white, surpassing the whiteness of snow, with a handsome yet eerily beautiful face, his eyes full of melancholy and a tear mole by the corner of his eye, seemed to be ready to express endless sorrow.


    His hair slightly fluttering, revealing Si Mubai''s tearful face.


    With one hand holding the umbrella, he walked leisurely towards Xu Ji''s wood carving shop.


    Regardless of how tragic and urgent the situation inside the wood carving shop might be.


    Whether it was Zhao Chuanxiong being beheaded by the Bull Demon or the four Blood Exchange Warriors struggling with the Bull Demon, desperately chasing after him...


    None of it made his rhythmic footsteps show any sign of panic.


    "Zhao Chuanxiong is dead."


    With his lips pursed, the vivid tear mole seemed to spill over with a richer sorrow, and his tearful voice carried a tone of grief.


    "What a pity... he''s dead, I''m so scared, so scared that Zhao Xuanhai will come after me..."


    "Divine Catcher, oh, the one who killed me, I''m so scared, so sad... ooh... "


    Si Mubai was engulfed in sorrow, which was part of cultivating divinity, Seven Emotions Divinity... using emotions as a basis to stir divinity. Preparing and aligning emotions before a fight could make the divinity more active and strengthen his combat power.


    Emotional preparation is a mandatory course for every divine cultivator.


    Below his tearful state of grief, his eyes were clear and sharp.


    Si Mubai looked towards Xu Ji''s wood carving shop on that snowy night, his sadness tinged with a grim outlook, as the Bull Demon... appeared.


    The fact that Zhao Chuanxiong blatantly took Chen Dabao away in broad daylight and then caused a commotion outside Xu Ji''s wood carving shop had indeed incited the Bull Demon''s assault.


    But even Si Mubai underestimated how quickly the Bull Demon''s capabilities had increased.


    The information transmitted back from the [Angry Cry Town Ghost] divinity he had left on Zhao Chuanxiong let him know that the Bull Demon had already undergone Blood Exchange!


    "So fast... this Bull Demon... who exactly is he?"


    Si Mubai was indeed curious.


    But scour his guts out as he might, there was no one in his mind who matched the Bull Demon.


    Neither as a martial artist nor as a divine cultivator.


    "This city... doesn''t need a hero."


    "Tonight,"


    "let me offer a passage for this solitary hero."


    Si Mubai held the oil paper umbrella, from which raindrops slid off the rim like the tears he shed in sorrow.


    Yet, the thought of having to kill the Bull Demon hero excited Si Mubai''s heart uncontrollably, and he could hardly control his sorrow, unable to resist a curling smile or a desire to laugh.


    Like crying and laughing at once, his whimper was like a ghost''s.


    Suddenly,


    Si Mubai''s raised foot stomped down fiercely.


    In a thud of dull sound!


    The accumulated snow rose like a quilt lifted by a wave, crashing toward the distance.


    A stiff neck, toughly lifted, bore a woeful expression as rigid as a wood carving, completely frozen.


    The snow turned into a tidal wave pushing forward, melting in the process into riverhead waters, as if an intense fire source in front was melting the ice and snow of the entire street!


    Yet above the wave,


    A child, eyes aflame, face blurred, surrounded by red silk swirling like dragons, with black hair waving wildly like water weeds.


    Chubby from over-nutrition, his fingers clenched into a fist, he stared in anger.


    The intense divinity, blooming wildly like a red lotus.


    Si Mubai''s sorrowful face, thick with unmelting sorrow, stared at the child like a red lotus, hair standing on end.


    "Such divinity... Wrath Divinity, Four Imperial Levels... [Prince of Rage]?"


    The entire street...


    Under high temperatures, rain and snow melted, and the rain falling from the sky turned into a torrential downpour, pattering against the umbrella, soaking the originally graceful Si Mubai, with rain dripping down from the hair on his forehead.


    Si Mubai''s complexion turned an abnormal flush of red.


    He coughed violently, the sorrow in his eyes scattering into a streak of fear.


    "Four Imperial Levels?"


    "Impossible! How could Fei Lei City have a Divine Foundation of the Four Imperial Levels?!"


    "How could it be?!"


    "This Bull Demon... has a backer!"


    ...


    ...


    The blood energy roared like a furious python, rain falling on his robust body, instantly evaporated.


    Li Che, wearing the Cute Bull Mask, felt the raindrops on his bamboo hat, slightly puzzled as to how the snow had all turned into rain.


    However, he could not afford to ponder the changes in the weather as four fiery auras incessantly closed in, forcing him into an encircled trap.


    His foot stomped heavily, cracking the blue bricks on the ground, the cracks expanding like a spider-web.


    Li Che paused, his colossal, demon-like figure under the mask remained indifferent.


    Here, now secluded near Xu Ji''s Wood Carving Shop, was far from his home territory, a fictive situation crafted by the four Blood Exchange Warriors, leaving him with no hope of escape, cornered into a dead end.


    Li Che did not retreat further.


    Three Blood Exchange Experts from the Spirit Infant Sect lined up in front, blocking his three directions.


    They wore child masks, some crying, some laughing, some angry...


    And further away, like a sharp spear thrusting from the rooftop, Blood Exchange Guo Zhan under Si Mubai''s command, nocked an arrow, coldly watching him, rainwater melding into a thread along his chin.


    No matter how heavy the rain poured, it could not cause a slight waver in his aimed arrow.


    "Run... Bull Demon, keep running..."


    "Swallowed the bait, no, the bull bait... still want to run? Where would you find such a good deal?"


    The three Blood Exchange Experts from the Spirit Infant Sect glared at Li Che with sinister gaze from behind their masks.


    "No way out, surrender... let us take a good look..."


    "At what kind of hero''s face lies beneath that Bull Demon Mask?"


    Said a Blood Exchange Warrior wearing a mask of a crying girl with a cold sneer.


    Li Che, wearing his bamboo hat, his elastic shirt thoroughly soaked by the rain, impeccably outlined his muscular, robust physique.


    He lowered his head.


    A dead end? No way out?!


    Indeed, the situation at this moment... indeed had him cornered into a dead end.


    [Dao Fruit: Dragon Elephant Vajra (lv1, 90%)]


    The prompt of Dao Fruit appeared before his eyes.


    Just a little bit more...


    But, it was close.


    Li Che abruptly lifted his head, his eyes ablaze with fighting spirit, a fearsome intent to kill, no longer hidden!


    This moment,


    After traversing this world, the uncertainty, the anxiety harbored within his heart, upon witnessing the rampant brutality of the Spirit Infant Sect, the fury, the killing intent, all needed no concealment!


    It was all to be completely vented...


    In this battle,


    I will...


    Annihilate! You! All!


    Ps: The intelligence push has been set, now the intelligence also sees followership, continuing the PK, everyone must follow and support, let Old Li continue the life! Old Li thanks!

 Chapter 44: Breath Concealment, Hidden Weapons, Poison Tempering, What Kind of Hero Are You?

    The rain plummeting from the high sky became torrential, turning into a roaring deluge like the thunderstorms of midsummer in the midst of winter!


    The night grew ever deeper.


    Raindrops struck the bamboo hats, splashing up hazy mists of water, making the powerful blood and qi of the confronting martial artists seem slightly chilled.


    Li Che''s eyes were fierce and ruthless, as if the savagery accumulated over two lifetimes was fully ignited at this moment.


    He tilted his head back, looking up at the dark sky, as transparent raindrops fell and misted upon the Cute Bull Mask, blurring his vision.


    The environment was harsh, but... for Li Che, it was the perfect opportunity provided by heaven and earth.


    The cold rainwater was most likely to erode vigor.


    The pitch-dark night was most suitable for concealing one''s form.


    Combined, it was the ideal time to conceal one''s breath and strike from the shadows.


    "Attack!"


    In the rainy night, three masked Blood Exchange Experts from the Spirit Infant Sect roared and moved in an instant!


    The exploding blood and qi sent shock waves roaring!


    Three blood-colored figures burst through the rain, kicking up ghostly white water mists and taking heavy steps to encircle their target, fast as three bolts of lightning, rushing at the imposing Bull Demon!


    Nine muscles on the Bull Demon''s back tremored, unleashing an overwhelming force as he took a forceful step back, the sheer vigour blasting a ten-foot-high wall of transparent water from the ground!


    His bulging back slammed fiercely into the brick wall of the alley behind him!


    The wall collapsed instantly, with violent dust rolling up, mixing with the rain into an obscure chaos.


    Upon their swift arrival, the attackers instantly lost sight of their target.


    The eyes of the three experts from the Spirit Infant Sect narrowed behind their masks, exchanging glances... In their perception, they could no longer sense the blood and qi of the Bull Demon!


    "Gone?"


    "Impossible... a Blood Exchange Warrior''s blood and qi are so strong, like a blazing fire in the night, how could it just vanish?"


    "Find him!"


    As Blood Exchange Warriors with rich combat experience, they immediately decided to act simultaneously.


    The three formerly unified figures shot apart, leaping over the high walls to seek the Bull Demon with a broader view.


    Such a massive frame couldn''t possibly be hidden, even on a rainy night!


    However, upon reaching the top of the walls, their focused search still failed to locate the Bull Demon...


    The colossal figure of the Bull Demon, as if it had dissolved into the rain, had evaporated from the human world!


    "Dammit, he''s so tricky!"


    "No trace?!"


    Formidable blood and qi swept all around, pushing back the rain and pressing down the dust, but still without a single trace, leaving only shattered bricks and stones on the ground.


    "Where the hell... did he go?"


    ...


    ...


    Guo Zhan''s eyesight was excellent; even the torrential rain of the night couldn''t impair his vision, and he managed to catch the sight of countless bricks shattering and dust rising when the high wall was broken.


    A figure like a specter, silent and stealthy, darted out.


    In the blink of an eye, the boisterous Blood Exchange level blood and qi were all drawn back into the body!


    From explosive to restrained, the transformation happened in the span of a single breath!


    What kind of bizarre technique was this?


    A martial artist cannot possibly have such a method, even with the most superior breath-concealing martial arts, it is impossible to achieve such a degree of control!


    Guo Zhan''s scalp tingled slightly, his suspicions and uncertainties surged, his heart thudded, pounding in his ears, even drowning out the sound of the heavy rain lashing the human world.


    "He''s come for me!"


    "His target... is me!"


    Guo Zhan narrowed his eyes but did not feel afraid.


    It was understandable...


    A divine marksman lurking in the shadows posed a grave threat to any martial artist, making it impossible to fight with peace of mind.


    So, in combat, the first to be killed is the marksman, a common sense in battles!


    "But... how dare you?"


    Guo Zhan sneered inwardly, as blood surged into his eyes, activating a pupil skill martial technique. His eyes were like an eagle''s, and even in the torrential downpour, everything was as clear as day, captured in full view!


    He saw the Bull Demon rapidly advancing along the wall in the rainy night, controlling his power, barely causing a splash in the water.


    "There!"


    Guo Zhan let out a fierce shriek!


    The tranquility of the rainy night was instantly shattered, and in the distance, three Blood Exchange experts from the Spirit Infant Sect immediately reacted and turned their heads to look over.


    Guo Zhan''s eyes were brimming with killing intent, since Si Mubai had tasked him with killing the Bull Demon, he naturally exerted all his efforts!


    His fingers hooked like talons, guiding the Fine Iron Feather Arrow that he was holding to pivot in an instant. The Fine Iron Great Bow creaked as he pulled, drawing it to a full crescent. The bowstring vibrated, and in a flash, the arrow burst out like a comet!


    Boom!


    The twang of the bowstring releasing was like thunder from a clear sky!


    Yet the arrow shot forth without a sound!


    The air itself rippled subtly, silently slicing through the cold droplets of water falling from on high!


    Even the trajectory of the arrow was not the slightest bit deviated by the resistance of the rain!


    The archery displayed by this arrow was incredibly sophisticated, both timing and angle were nigh on perfect!


    Li Che, impassive, looked up, his eyes under the broad hat cold and emotionless.


    This arrow could be called perfect...


    But, it was not perfect.


    As Li Che ran, his sleeves billowed, flinging his arms out, and suddenly, spikes from his Sleeve Crossbow accompanied by a "buzz" of splitting air, were successively shot out! f


    Sleeve Crossbow!


    Fling shot!


    The wooden arrows from his Sleeve Crossbow, fired while running, deflected the exquisitely shot arrow from the Blood Exchange Perfected Warrior, causing its path to divert!


    The wooden arrows exploded, shattering into a shower of splinters.


    But Li Che buried his head and charged forward, not caring for the incoming arrows that hit the high wall, blasting huge holes like a bombardment!


    Having reached level 3 in the Immortal Artisan''s Dao Fruit, Li Che''s grasp and control of the Sleeve Crossbow had reached an extremely profound level.


    If one were to categorize it by proficiency in martial techniques, it would belong to the Master level, just one step away from the realm of Transformation!


    "Crossbow Arrow?"


    In the distance, standing atop a rooftop, Guo Zhan who had the Bull Demon''s position tightly locked, had a momentary flicker in his gaze.


    "Crossbow Arrows... That stuff has none of the soul of archery!"


    As a divine marksman, Guo Zhan had dedicated nearly three decades to the meticulous practice of archery, deeply fascinated by the bow. Compared to the soulless crossbow arrows, he held a certain disdain.


    His fingers hooked like claws as he reached into the quiver at his waist and drew out three feathered arrows, lifting his chin as rainwater trickled down from it.


    He drew the bow to a full crescent¡ªthree arrows released in quick succession!


    This time, they weren''t silent; the three arrows cut through the air, shattering the raindrops and pulling along a drawn-out whistling sound.


    However, under the shadow of the dark high wall, the Bull Demon simply kept swinging his sleeve crossbow without expression, launching one wooden crossbow arrow after another with a whistling sound.


    Bang, bang, bang!


    The three arrows hit nothing but air!


    How was this possible?


    His archery, which he prided himself on, was being suppressed by crossbow arrows!


    Guo Zhan''s eyes suddenly narrowed. Unnoticed by him, during the exchange of shots, the Bull Demon had already closed in on him, to a mere ten zhang away.


    Ten zhang... neither far nor near, but for a Blood Exchange Warrior, a full burst of power could close the distance quickly. For an archer with a frail body, having the enemy within ten zhang was extremely dangerous!


    Bang!


    He stomped down hard, and the ripples of his Blood Exchange Perfection spread out as he began to leap from rooftop to rooftop, continuing to shoot arrows while leaping!


    But soon...


    He was alarmed to find that when he reached for his quiver, it was empty!


    His bow... had no more arrows!


    The Bull Demon evidently realized this too, as his speed abruptly increased. His robust vital energy, unmasked, erupted with a roar!


    As he exploded with power to the extreme, he flicked his sleeve and sent a series of crossbow arrows flying in rapid succession!


    Igniting a puffing dance of raindrops!


    Guo Zhan clenched his teeth, a cold light flickering in his eyes. No longer retreating, he remembered he was not just an archer but also a Blood Exchange Perfected Warrior!


    Although his close combat skills were not as good as other Blood Exchange Perfected Warriors.


    He drew a shining long knife from his waist, the vital energy climbing upon it as he charged, not retreating but advancing towards the Bull Demon!


    But as long as they restrained the Bull Demon, three Blood Exchange Warriors from the Spirit Infant Sect would converge to strike!


    Together, the four of them would fight!


    The Bull Demon... would certainly die!


    Li Che watched Guo Zhan, who was rushing back against the tide...


    It seemed hardly unexpected.


    He didn''t activate the Dao Fruit of the Dragon Elephant Vajra; instead, inside his chest, the Dao Fruit of the Immortal Artisan throbbed and hummed as if invisible fingers had suddenly clenched it hard!


    He stomped hard, shattering the floor tiles, causing countless puddles to splash forward, forming an umbrella-like curtain of rain!


    There were mechanisms emerging in both of Li Che''s hands!


    In his left hand, the Guanyin Blood Lotus!


    In his right... the Wood Raven!


    Li Che abruptly twisted the mechanism where the Wood Raven''s eyes were, causing the flint within to strike sparks furiously, which then ignited the fuse inside!


    The Wood Raven seemed to light up its eyes instantly, with golden light and fire sparking within the carved pupils!


    In a moment, a powerful propulsion force burst forth.


    The sound rupture tore through heaven and earth, resembling the roar of a rocket launch...


    "Beep"


    The Wood Raven, like a blundering bird charging with its spines, struck Guo Zhan with the ultimate speed as he charged back.


    Guo Zhan was extremely alert, yet he had never seen such a wooden bird before.


    The speed was so fast, there was no avoiding it!


    The reflexes of a Blood Exchange Warrior allowed him to draw his knife in a swift counterattack!


    At the moment of slashing the Wood Raven...


    He was suddenly overwhelmed by a sense of imminent danger!


    Just as the wooden bird shattered in an instant, a terrifying explosive force combined with the impact seemed to have been accumulating for a long time, erupting suddenly like a hidden piece of art!


    It enveloped him in an instant!


    "Boom!!!"


    Fireworks blazed, gunpowder smoke billowed, and the shockwave that ripped through the rain spread ripple-like, ravaging all around...


    In the distance, three charging Blood Exchange Experts from the Spirit Infant Sect stopped dead in their tracks.


    Li Che stood his ground, with the Mechanical Guanyin Blood Lotus in his left hand, calmly watching the scene unfold exactly as expected...


    Beneath the Cute Bull Mask covering his face, his eyes shone brightly.


    "Playing with arrows..."


    "Where''s the fun in that compared to blowing things up?"


    But...


    It wasn''t enough.


    His body swayed.


    Instantly cutting through the wind and rain, he charged towards Guo Zhan, who had been blasted to a pulp, only half alive and roaring in anger.


    With a fierce motion, he flung the Guanyin Blood Lotus from his left hand.


    The Guanyin Blood Lotus exploded in midair, spinning at high speed, and countless poison-tempered wooden needles, fine as cow hair, melded into the torrential rain, pouring down on Guo Zhan whose skin was torn open and defenses greatly reduced!


    Guo Zhan, drenched in blood and slightly dazed from the explosion, surging with vital energy, swung his long knife, shattering countless wooden needles!


    However, inevitably, a few slipped through and stuck into the ragged flesh of his skin.


    Instantly...


    A numbing sensation rushed through his bloodstream, spreading throughout his body!


    "Breath-concealing hidden weapons... and they''re even poisoned!"


    "You''re a vicious Bull Demon!"


    "And yet... you dare call yourself a hero?!"


    Guo Zhan''s entire body went cold.


    Between heaven and earth, a silver thread was pulled taut, wrapping around Guo Zhan''s neck, as the hulking figure of the Bull Demon was already standing behind the poisoned Guo Zhan.


    "I am a demon who seeks only to revel, never a hero."


    Li Che spoke calmly.


    The next moment, he yanked hard with both hands!


    The Thousand Spider Threads suddenly tightened!


    Behind him...


    A massive head soared into the sky, bringing with it a geyser of blood shooting up to ten feet high!

 Chapter 45: Angry Vajra, Resenting the Heavens and Earth for Lack of a Handle

    The massive head shot up toward the sky, black hair wet from the rain twirling rapidly, splashing water around.


    Those furious eyes remained open, unable to close!


    As a Blood Exchange Perfected Warrior, Guo Zhan, despite his advanced age and weakening vitality, which left him with little hope to step into the Meridian Connection Realm, had never imagined he would die this way!


    Earlier, when engaged in the crossbow arrow exchange with the Bull Demon, he had thought it would be a contest between machinery and the Divine Archer, fighting until the last arrow was spent.


    But he never expected the Bull Demon to show absolutely no sense of martial honor.


    The sudden eruption of that terrifying hidden weapon was too much for even him, a Blood Exchange Perfected Warrior, to withstand at close range. The boiling explosion had almost cost him half his life, the searing flames at high temperature scorching his entire body, instantly burning his skin as it evaporated the water on him.


    The shockwave from the explosion, as it penetrated his body, damaged his untempered internal organs, dealing him a heavy blow,


    The end hadn''t yet come before the poisoned needles...


    The sequence of hidden weapon and poison attacks was too seamless; all Guo Zhan could do, filled with reluctance, was fall into the Bull Demon''s linked attacks, ultimately having his head severed by a thin, sharp blade!


    The cold corpse lay on the ground, his severed neck spurting blood until there was none left to spurt.


    Guo Zhan was as dead as one could be.


    Even with strong Qi and blood, a Blood Exchange Warrior was after all mortal; decapitation meant certain death.


    Li Che, his sturdy body surrounded by wild silver strands, looked at the fallen Blood Exchange Warrior with a complex gaze.


    His heart surged with many emotions, and he became even more wary.


    In such chaotic times, even the strongest of warriors could meet their end...


    When fighting others, one must consider much more, guarding against all manner of dark and despicable maneuvers.


    In the brutal fights between warriors, Li Che came to a deep realization...


    "Only I can be underhanded and low; you cannot be underhanded and low to me..." was the true path to victory.


    The rain in the sky seemed to turn cold again, starting to solidify into frost and snow.


    Perhaps the source of the intense heat in the city had stopped its vehement release of light and warmth.


    The rain gathered and solidified into snowflakes, drifting down endlessly.


    It''s as if they perfectly preserved the intense bloody smell of a Blood Exchange Perfected Warrior, almost enough to make one retch.


    In a corner of Xu''s Courtyard, there was a deathly silence, with only the rustling sound of snow hitting the ground remaining.


    The three Blood Exchange Experts from the Spirit Infant Sect halted their steps, their pupils dilating beneath their masks as they stared at the dead Guo Zhan. R


    In just a short while, in the blink of an eye... Guo Zhan was dead?


    It was too fast!


    It was too cruel!


    A chill rose in their hearts as they never imagined that this so-called hero, the Bull Demon, notorious throughout Fei Lei City, would actually be such a malicious villain!


    Hidden weapons, poison tempering, sneak attacks... His methods were endless!


    How could he be considered a hero?!


    "Guo Zhan is dead too; this will be difficult to explain to Si Mubai!"


    The three experts from the Spirit Infant Sect felt their temples bulge, their minds nearly exploding.


    Zhao Chuanxiong was used as bait and completely devoured, and in front of them, the Divine Archer Guo Zhan had his head cut off by the Bull Demon...


    Behind both men stood Divine Cultivators.


    "Attack!"


    "We must kill the Bull Demon!"


    With furious shouts, the three experts from the Spirit Infant Sect commanded, "Defend against his hidden weapons, get close to fight him, be careful of his poison, and his strange firebird!"


    Guo Zhan''s death was not due to a lack of strength, but entirely because he was craftily murdered by the Bull Demon.


    If it were a direct confrontation, how could the Bull Demon, with just one Blood Exchange, stand against their three Blood Exchanges?


    Bang!!!


    The water on the ground, which had frozen due to the drop in temperature, suddenly exploded.


    The three furious Blood Exchange Warriors from the Spirit Infant Sect charged, one with a spear, one with a sword, and one with a chained sword, swinging and slashing, their edges singing through the air.


    Their speed increased as they locked off all of the Bull Demon''s escape routes, not giving him a chance to hide his tracks!


    But at this very moment, having killed Guo Zhan, Li Che could only feel the Dao Fruit, the Dragon Elephant Vajra, in his chest pounding relentlessly, like a heart beating violently after intense exertion!


    With each beat, it was as though the sound of drums and bells exploded in his ears!


    Before him, the vast earth''s ancient trees rose up, their leaves trembling violently, as if making waves of sound.


    [Dao Fruit: Dragon Elephant Vajra (lv1, 98%)]


    Li Che was startled.


    "Indeed, it''s still not enough... Those breakthroughs on the brink of death are all lies from novels."


    He sighed inwardly.


    Killing Zhao Xuan and another Blood Exchange Perfected Warrior had still not been enough to push the maturation of the [Dragon Elephant Vajra] to lv2...


    It''s truly disappointing, but not a big problem.


    Li Che had been prepared for failure all along.


    With a thought, another Dao Fruit, [Pure Heart], started to tremble.


    It was as if an invisible hand had fiercely grasped and then suddenly contracted and spurted out a rich divinity, devoured by the "Dragon Elephant Vajra" Dao Fruit.


    Thereafter, the final push was completed...


    Boom!


    Li Che, wearing a conical hat and quietly standing beside Guo Zhan''s corpse, only felt a roaring sound by his ear.


    It was as if inside his flesh and blood body, something terrifying had broken its bindings and thrown off its shackles!


    A scorching heat abruptly surged from the surface of his skin.


    [Dao Fruit: Dragon Elephant Vajra (lv2, 0%)]


    Crack crack crack...


    Upon activation, in an instant, it was as if the shackles on his physical body had violently snapped, and scalding, boiling strength erupted instantly from the nine bulging sinews on his back, from his bones cast like those of a tiger, from his spine resembling a roaring dragon reaching towards the sky...


    His body, which had reached a height of one meter ninety, was... growing even taller!


    His muscles twisted like dough, and the elastic shirt, stretched to its limit, burst into pieces, revealing a perfect musculature densely textured like coiled dragons underneath. With the slightest movement, countless muscle fibers could be pulled, resembling an exquisitely precise machine!


    Two meters, two meters ten...


    Two meters twenty!


    The second stage of the Vajra Transformation made Li Che''s body grow taller once again, infinite strength spreading from his muscles and bones, as if pushing all his previous processes of skin refinement, sinew transforming, and bone tempering to perfection.


    The perfect body sculpted!


    Within each inch of muscle, terrifying Dragon Elephant Power was nurtured!


    And Li Che only felt an overwhelming fury bursting from his mind, which although filled with anger, did not affect his thinking, immersing him in an extreme calm.


    Underneath the Cute Bull Mask, his eyes were filled with fury!


    This feeling... is it divinity?


    "This state... shall be called ''Angry Vajra,'' then,"


    Li Che murmured.


    From Vajra Transformation to Angry Vajra...


    A leap of evolution on the horizontal refinement level!


    Li Che only felt that, at this moment, he...


    Had neither the sky to hold him nor the earth to support him!


    Wind and snow were fierce, bitterly cold and sharp as knives!


    Three Blood Exchange Warrior experts from the Spirit Infant Sect were encircling, intent on trapping the Bull Demon and killing him together!


    Upon seeing the Bull Demon standing motionless beside Guo Zhan''s body, they could not help but rejoice, thinking the Bull Demon had exhausted himself killing Guo Zhan.


    They thought to seize this rare opportunity to kill this malicious villain!


    But as they watched the Bull Demon''s flesh swell, his lower abdomen, chest, and shoulders bulging, muscles coiling like dough and dragons climbing, sinews throbbing wildly like enraged pythons...


    Fear flashed in all three warriors'' eyes!


    The oppressive feeling of their qi and blood, like great river waves crashing over them, scalding hot, coupled with a terrifying force similar to furious divinity that shook their consciousness...


    "What is this..."


    The three Blood Exchange Warriors were utterly horrified!


    And at that moment, the Bull Demon finally lifted his head, and underneath the cute bull mask, a pair of angry eyes shone like lamps in the dark night, dazzling as the sun!


    Like a demon, like a god!


    ...


    ...


    Bitting her teeth against the wind and snow, Zhao Xuan approached stealthily.


    The Bull Demon... her hero, she found out tonight... it was a trap set by the Spirit Infant Sect specifically for the hero Bull Demon!


    As the Bull Demon clashed with the experts of the Spirit Infant Sect, the qi and blood that scattered made it impossible for her to even get close.


    But now, the qi and blood had finally converged.


    Admiration for the hero... made Zhao Xuan unable to hold back any longer, as she gathered her courage to approach the battlefield.


    Her heart was inexplicably sad.


    The encirclement of four Blood Exchange Warriors...


    The hero Bull Demon was probably... about to die tragically, wasn''t he?


    All she could do was collect the body of the Bull Demon...


    Suddenly.


    The raging wind and snow were pushed aside, and in a secluded corner of Xu''s Courtyard, countless bricks shattered, with spiderweb-like cracks spreading everywhere.


    Zhao Xuan, with her long legs, staggered into the snowy scene, rooted to the spot in shock at the sight of the devastated battlefield.


    There was no corpse of the Bull Demon to be found.


    There was only the decapitated body of Guo Zhan and...


    Three bursts of explosion on the snowy ground, the blood-drenched blossoms splattered with scattered flesh!

 Chapter 46: Six Transfers Blood Exchange, Angry Cry Hundred Ghosts Wind-Thunder Arrows

    Snowflakes fluttered down heavily, rendering the air once again cold and silent.


    Li Che, having used the Slumbering Dragon Elephant technique to hide his presence within the darkness, looked indifferently at Zhao Xuan, who had burst out onto the scene, shocked and speechless.


    This woman, who had started learning martial arts at the same time as him, had only achieved Skin Refinement Completion. Now, Li Che... could take down a hundred Zhao Xuans with just one hand, without any difficulty¡ªshe posed no threat at all.


    Yet she had the audacity to bravely come to the battlefield of Blood Exchange Warriors, even if it was after the battle... the risk remained high.


    After confirming that Zhao Xuan had come to collect the corpses of the heroes rather than being a rear guard of the Spirit Infant Sect,


    Li Che shook his sleeves, releasing the Sleeve Crossbow that could explode Zhao Xuan''s head at any moment, and silently withdrew.


    Dispersing the active power brought about by the Dragon Elephant Vajra Dao Fruit, a powerful sense of fatigue and weakness surged through him immediately.


    It was as if all his Essence, Qi, and Spirit had been squeezed dry.


    The second stage of "Angry Vajra" brought too significant an improvement, a leap in Horizontal Refinement unparalleled, more like a metamorphosis of life!


    The effect was excellent and the burst of power was strong... but, conversely, the consumption was just as great.


    At this moment, Li Che felt his vital energy somewhat depleted, his legs a bit weak after blasting to death the three Blood Exchange Experts from the Spirit Infant Sect with a burst of thunderous force.


    However, now that his own Body Refinement had also reached Bone Tempering Completion, his recovery was very strong. By the time he darted back to his own courtyard, his legs were no longer weak.


    Using the "Slumbering Dragon Elephant" to conceal his aura, he circled his own courtyard three times, ensuring there were no hidden disciples of the Spirit Infant Sect, before darting back inside like a ghost.


    Stripping off his blood-soaked clothes, removing his mask, Li Che exhaled a cloudy breath, and directly darted into his own woodshed.


    He dumped out the "filthy items" wrapped in the clothing of a smashed Blood Exchange Warrior from the Spirit Infant Sect.


    These were his loot from searching the corpses after the battle!


    Li Che''s heart rarely became excited; he rubbed his hands subconsciously.


    Friends who often kill should know how good a habit searching corpses is for those who roam the martial world.


    This was his first time searching corpses; he had actually forgotten such an important matter in his previous killings.


    "Still lacking experience in the martial world, too young... too young..."


    Li Che shook his head.


    The spoils from searching the corpses were not much: a few bottles and jars, two small booklets, and he also found a wood carving of a "Three-Headed Six-Armed Angry Spirit Baby" the size of a thumb on a Blood Exchange Warrior from the Spirit Infant Sect.


    Li Che, with emotions stirring, began to inventory his gains.


    "Eighteen Gold Leaves, plus three silver notes, each with a face value of five hundred taels... This haul is like striking it rich; fitting for Blood Exchange Warriors, truly wealthy!"


    Li Che''s eyes shone brightly. Even though he was now a genius Wood Carver at Xu Ji''s Wood Carving Shop, obtaining so much wealth at once still thrilled him to the core.


    "Silver notes are harder to deal with, but... there are plenty in the marketplace willing to take them, albeit at a discount."


    Beyond that, there were various bottles and jars, which Li Che glanced at¡ªmany were medicinal treatments for injuries and for nourishing the vital energy and blood.


    One particular porcelain bottle contained a pungent, round elixir exuding a strong, acrid scent of blood.


    Li Che puzzled over it for a long while, clueless. He sniffed once and felt his blood and qi roil within.


    "This was found on Guo Zhan''s body... It must not be an ordinary elixir."


    "Hmm, I''ll have to ask around the marketplace when I get a chance."


    Li Che put away the elixir and finally turned his gaze to the two booklets, his heart already beating with anticipation.


    Picking up the first booklet, it was one found on a Blood Exchange Warrior from the Spirit Infant Sect.


    Opening the first page, six bold characters jumped out at him.


    "Six Shifts Blood Exchange Method!"


    This was a Blood Exchange Method!


    And it was not the common Low-tier Three Moves Blood Exchange Method.


    The Six Shifts Blood Exchange belonged to the Mid-tier Blood Exchange Method.


    To Exchange Blood, one''s blood and qi must shift nine times, turning blood into mercury and marrow into stone, to achieve Perfection!


    "It resolves my pressing problem, if only it were a Divine Method. But Divine Methods are precious and not easy to acquire... With this Blood Exchange Method, I can start aiming for Blood Exchange..."


    Li Che was not too disappointed. After all, his publicly recognized level of cultivation was just entering Bone Tempering. If he wanted to ask Xu Ji for a Blood Exchange Method, it wouldn''t be possible until he had reached Bone Tempering Completion.


    By normal standards, that would take about two or three years...


    Two to three years from the start of Bone Tempering to reaching Completion... Combining the persona of a genius martial artist, it was still reasonable.


    His gaze shifted to the booklet found on Guo Zhan''s body.


    After flipping the page, Li Che''s eyes suddenly narrowed!


    It''s not Divine Method, nor Blood Exchange Method...


    But a martial art!


    And not an ordinary martial art...


    Indeed, a Divine Martial Art!


    Angry Cry Hundreds of Ghosts Wind-Thunder Arrows!


    ...


    ...


    Outside Xu''s Wood Carving Shop, on the bluestone street.


    Exceedingly dry, even somewhat scorching, it emitted a faint heat, evaporating the snowflakes falling from the sky before they could touch the ground, just like a branding iron on bricks and stones.


    Several figures floated down, all wearing wooden child masks and standing with hands behind their backs, landing on the rooftops beside the long street.


    "Hahaha, ''Prince of Rage,'' a Divine Foundation technique of the Four Imperials Level, unexpectedly appeared in Fei Lei City..."


    "Is this...an opportunity for our sect?"


    "Hahaha, the Dharma Master also cultivates ''Wrath Divinity,'' and since this child has not yet built his Divine Foundation, if he could be devoured by the Dharma Master... the Dharma Master might just have a chance to advance further, to manifest the Divine Minister''s aspect of ''Three-Headed Six-Armed Angry Spirit Child''!"


    A figure wearing a smiling child mask, his tone full of laughter, could barely contain himself.


    "However, tonight''s ''Bull Catching'' plan is a complete failure, Si Mubai... has also been severely wounded, the Nine Luminaries Level ''Angry Cry Town Ghost'' faced ''Prince of Rage,'' and got thrashed soundly, hahaha... too miserable."


    "If not for the Si Family''s old man with the Divine Foundation stepping in... Si Mubai would have been skinned and deboned, hahaha..."


    "As allies, I should feel sympathy and sorrow for Si Mubai, but why do I feel like laughing... I can''t hold it back, hahaha..."


    The others beneath the masks watched sternly, not bothering with the figure who could not stop laughing.


    "Bull Demon... someone''s backing him! No wonder he emerged in Fei Lei City out of the blue and disrupted the great plans of our sect..."


    "It seems that behind every so-called hero, there are dark forces manipulating..."


    Their voices were grave, as the Bull Demon was untouchable, and the mysterious backer who could display the ''Prince of Rage'' was even more intimidating and unsettling.


    But the figure with the smiling child mask burst out laughing.


    "Hahahaha why do you care so much, isn''t the Bull Demon trying to be a hero?"


    "Someone propping up a hero is just to steady the public''s heart, offer a psychological support, not wishing for the citizens of Fei Lei City to collapse so easily..."


    "And ruining a hero... that''s the easiest!"


    "Although the ''Prince of Rage'' is not weak, he has yet to build his Divine Foundation, what''s there to fear?"


    "Once the Bull Demon is disgraced, and the public loses their so-called hero to lean on, hahaha the people behind him will have to use more means to remedy the situation, and the one who intervenes more is bound to surface eventually."


    ...


    ...


    After summarizing his gains and hiding the dirty items, Li Che returned to the courtyard from the firewood room. He rubbed his body with the icy snowballs to get rid of the smell of blood before stepping into the house.


    Inside the house, the lights were bright!


    His wife, Zhang Ya, clutched the "Wood Raven" nervously, remembering the mechanism''s operation method that Li Che taught her.


    When she saw that the person who had returned was her own husband, her tense emotions finally relaxed.


    She quickly took three steps in two, reached Li Che''s side, circled around him carefully to see that Li Che was without any injury, then breathed a sigh of relief, and then threw herself into Li Che''s arms, tightly wrapping around his waist.


    As if to vent all the unease and nervousness she felt throughout the night.


    "It''s alright now."


    Li Che gently patted his wife''s tender shoulders, feeling her slightly trembling body, speaking calmly to comfort her.


    Zhang Ya nodded softly.


    The couple embraced silently like this, with Xi Xi lying arrogantly on the bed, kicking off the blankets and sleeping soundly, looking very much like a gift...


    The heat from the charcoal stove in the room dissipated the severe cold, making the atmosphere extremely warm.


    After a long time,


    Li Che felt the darling in his embrace move, and saw Zhang Ya lifting her pretty face, her eyes filled with resolve.


    "Husband..."


    "I want to practice martial arts."

 Chapter 47: Wishing Peace to the Family, Si Mubai Severely Injured

    Inside the house, the lamp burned quietly, occasionally making slight crackling sounds.


    Li Che held his wife Zhang Ya in his arms and, listening to her firm words, he was slightly stunned.


    After a moment of contemplation, Li Che smiled warmly and rubbed his wife''s head.


    "If you want to practice, then practice,"


    "I''ll teach you."


    Zhang Ya tilted her fair chin, pursed her lips, and said in a low voice, "Xi Xi and you both practice martial arts. It is said that martial artists have long life force and live much longer than ordinary people..."


    Li Che was taken aback, his gaze growing even gentler.


    He understood the worries of his wife, it was precisely because she cared that she had these concerns.


    Li Che was confident that he would certainly reach great heights in the future, and Xi Xi''s talent was extraordinary, her future boundless...


    For his wife Zhang Ya to keep up with them, that would be somewhat difficult.


    "However, I now have the Dao Fruit... gradually, I should be able to find a way."


    Li Che chuckled and gently stroked his wife''s black hair.


    He lowered his head to look at his wife and said softly, "Xiao Ya, don''t worry, our family will be fine, safe and sound for a long time."


    A warm bed with a wife and children.


    He only wished for a peaceful family in this lifetime.


    The night deepened.


    After the tumult of the night ceased, all that was left was an eerie silence, like the calm of death.


    Zhang Ya, yearning to practice martial arts, soon fell into a deep sleep, exhausted from the bone examination by Li Che.


    Li Che, however, was as energetic as a tiger, truly full of vigor.


    Even after a fierce battle tonight, it hadn''t affected him much at all.


    He took out the thumb-sized "Three Heads and Six Arms Angry Ling Infant Statue" and, under the light of the oil lamp, squinted at it for a moment.


    In the next instant, his palm burst into a thick jade-white mist, with his whole hand turning as if it were made of glazed crystal.


    Prototype of Divine Powers, "Immortal Artisan: Thousand Analyzing Hands"!


    In a flash, Li Che felt the Wrath Divinity raging within the Spirit Infant Statue being crazily drawn out by his palm. In just a breath or two, the Spirit Infant Statue turned to ashes. ?


    The reddish threads flowed within his arms, and as Li Che sensed the power of the Divinity, his expression became slightly serious.


    "I wonder what sort of Divinity this is among those of Wrath Divinity... it must have been left by a Divine Cultivator of the Spirit Infant Sect, intended as a killing move for those Blood Exchange Warriors, pity... it was never used before I smashed it."


    "This Divinity, it has fallen into my lap."


    Li Che''s Thousand Analyzing Hands soon faded, sealing the Divinity within.


    "The Divine Martial Art I acquired is ''Angry Cry Hundred Ghosts Wind-Thunder Arrows'', which should be a Divine Martial Technique of the Si Family. I wonder if I can use this Divinity to activate and execute it?"


    Most likely not, as the Divinity drawn from the Spirit Infant Wood Carving is that of Wrath Divinity, quite unrelated to the Divinity of Sorrow.


    Li Che slightly furrowed his brows. When it came to Divinity, he knew too little.


    Since he didn''t understand it, he no longer wasted his thoughts pondering blindly.


    He just planned to practice ''Angry Cry Hundred Ghosts Wind-Thunder Arrows'' when he had time.


    This was both an art of archery and a Divine Martial Technique...


    Guo Zhan obviously had not attained Divinity, unable to execute it, otherwise... tonight''s battle would have been even tougher.


    With a thought.


    "Dao Fruit: Dragon Elephant Vajra (lv2, 5%)


    "Dao Fruit: Pure Heart (lv1, 1%)"


    "Having killed four Blood Exchange members of Spirit Infant Sect, for the lv2 Dragon Elephant Vajra it has only increased maturity by 5%... truly a bit too little."


    "Additionally, the Divinity accumulated in ''Pure Heart'' has been consumed by 2%... Now only 1% maturity remains, back to square one overnight. This is the drawback of not having a Divine Method..."


    "A Divine Method, ah..."


    Amid the flickering light of the lamp.


    Li Che''s desire for a Divine Method grew even more intense.


    ...


    ...


    The next day, after a night of heavy snowfall, it abruptly stopped.


    A peaceful night transformed Xu''s Wood Carving Shop into a bustling scene.


    Many people crowded outside Li Che''s yard, looking at the unharmed family and the frozen stiff body of Zhao Chuanxiong in the snow outside the courtyard. Each face showed an expression of astonishment.


    "The commotion last night... Life force was surging, burning like fierce fire; many Blood Exchange Warriors took action, yet Master Li''s family... miraculously remained unharmed?"


    "What''s it to you? Are you hoping something bad happened to Master Li''s family?"


    "This is what they call ''A lucky man will always be safe.'' The Spirit Infant Sect... has truly become more rampant, even daring to blatantly catch a child from our Xu Ji."


    "This Zhao Chuanxiong... Head Constable Zhao is actually a member of the Spirit Infant Sect?"


    ...


    Quite a few wood carving masters stepped out of their houses and gathered in Li Che''s yard, chattering incessantly.


    Li Che''s expression was gentle. Though these wood carvers had not lifted a finger last night, it was understandable¡ªafter all... not everyone dares to play the hero.


    Even if these old masters were to take action against Blood Exchange Warriors from the Spirit Infant Sect, they would only meet their death.


    Fear was understandable.


    In the distance, a figure in white clothes swiftly approached, his life force intertwining and stirring up the snow on the ground, soon arriving in front of the courtyard.


    It was Xu You, returning from the Inner City.


    "Is everything okay?"


    Xu You came up to Li Che and his family.


    Li Che shook his head, "Last night, there was a great battle outside... I didn''t dare show my face and stayed indoors with my wife and daughter. This morning, we came out to find Zhao Chuanxiong''s corpse."


    Upon seeing Xi Xi in her jacket, the solemn killing intent on Xu You''s face instantly melted away, and he picked up Xi Xi, "As long as you''re all fine... Come here, Xi Xi, let Uncle Xu hold you."


    "Last night''s event, your family was merely the bait; the real target... was to lure out the Bull Demon that has stirred up Fei Lei City."


    "Zhao Chuanxiong was the bait, and now it seems the bait''s been completely devoured..."


    "In another corner of the yard, there''s another corpse and scattered flesh everywhere. That Bull Demon... truly fierce, taking on four by himself, killing all opponents, and escaping unscathed. Someone who didn''t know better would think that the Bull Demon has reached the Channel Opening Realm!"


    "That Blood Exchange of the Spirit Infant Sect... was too tragic, blown to pieces leaving only chunks of flesh all over the ground."


    "The remaining corpse belongs to an underling of Si Mubai."


    "The Si Family will surely have to give us an explanation for this incident."


    "Trying to steal a chicken only to lose the rice, that describes Si Mubai perfectly..."


    Xu You began to sneer, "Last night, Si Mubai set out and seems to have encountered the mysterious powerhouse behind the Bull Demon, nearly had his Divinity shattered... Now he''s seriously injured, and it will probably take a year or two to heal his Divinity."


    "For Old Chen, I''ve sent someone to take care of it; he should be released this afternoon..."


    Afer speaking with Li Che for a while, Xu You excused himself and left as he had many things to handle.


    For the ordinary citizens, last night''s event didn''t make much difference, but for the noble families of the Inner City, it was extraordinary.


    Whether it''s the Bull Demon who can kill those in the Blood Exchange Realm, or the Divine Cultivator known as the Prince of Rage who beat Si Mubai nearly to death...


    They both greatly affected all the powers involved.


    Li Che held Xi Xi and watched Xu You disappear into the snowstorm, squinting slightly.


    His palm gently stroked Xi Xi''s back, tickling the little girl, causing her to wriggle around.


    But in reality, Li Che was using the Divinity he had accumulated with his Pure Heart to comb through Xi Xi''s body, ensuring she was free from sickness and disaster.


    The Divinity of Pure Heart, spotless and pure white without the profound emotional influence of the other Seven Emotions Divinity, was extremely suitable for essence cultivation.


    Li Che also picked up from Xu You''s words that last night''s events were far from simple.


    "Did Si Mubai plan to make a move himself last night?"


    "Yet he was obstructed by a Divine Cultivator and beaten to near death..."


    "Misjudged that there was someone behind the Bull Demon?"


    Li Che''s gaze flickered, a tinge of relief mixed with fear settling in his heart...


    If Si Mubai had personally taken action...


    Facing a Divine Cultivator, Li Che''s heart lacked confidence.


    Fortunately, someone intervened, but... whether there was someone behind the Bull Demon, he knew best.


    The Bull Demon was nothing but a loner.


    "Who is helping me?"


    Li Che felt a slight puzzlement but did not dwell on it too much.


    Because that was not the focus of his concern.


    The priority was, he had received a very important piece of information from Xu You.


    Looking at the falling snow that filled the sky, Li Che''s eyes became contemplative.


    "Si Mubai... seriously injured, huh..."


    Ps: Continue to follow the story, the algorithm''s push is no longer strong, stuck mid-way and on the verge of collapse, everyone must keep following, don''t drop the story, Old Li feels there''s still a chance, asking for Monthly Tickets, and recommendation tickets for support!

 Chapter 48: Bodhi Blood Tears, Wrathful Maitreya

    "Si Mubai... is gravely injured."


    Li Che murmured, his heart stirring with a rare opportunity. If he could find and eliminate Si Mubai, who was so fixated on using Xi Xi as a Spirit Child catalyst... it would bring him peace.


    One could say that the relationship between Li Che and Si Mubai was one of life-and-death enmity.


    If Li Che found an opportunity to take down Si Mubai, he certainly wouldn''t show any mercy.


    "Divine Cultivator... I''ve heard that only Channel Opening Martial Artists can contend with them. Now that I''ve activated the second state of ''Dragon Elephant Vajra,'' I wonder if I could fight him?"


    "Otherwise... could a barrage of a hundred Wood Ravens possibly bombard him to death?"


    "However, the main thing about Divine Cultivators is their cunning methods. The reason Channel Opening Martial Artists can contend with them is their thorough qi and blood circulation and unwavering will, sealing away the six senses to avoid the influence of Divinity."


    Li Che shook his head slightly.


    Killing Si Mubai... would be very difficult.


    This was a direct descendant of the Si Family, one of Fei Lei City''s noble families; he had impressive cultivation, and even with severe injuries, the security around him was top-notch.


    Moreover, to kill Si Mubai, one would have to infiltrate the Si Family''s inner workings...


    "It''s too dangerous."


    "Inside the Inner City, there''s an Old Master Si who has established a Divine Foundation... I''m afraid it would be a one-way trip."


    He suppressed the eager emotions swirling within him.


    A Divine Base Cultivator... He couldn''t afford to provoke such a being now¡ªthey were existence on a whole different level!


    Li Che was not in a hurry. Xu You said that Si Mubai had nearly had his Divinity shattered and would need at least a year or two to recuperate.


    During that time, while improving his own strength, there would be chances to seize the right moment.


    Now that Li Che had acquired the Blood Exchange Method, if he could truly step into the realm of Blood Exchange...


    The odds would be even greater.


    ...


    ...


    After a night of turmoil.


    Xu''s Wood Carving Shop resumed its usual, orderly routine.


    The Wood Carvers started to take on commissions again, bustling about as they transported timber and finished wood carvings to earn their hard-earned money.


    As usual, Li Che was carving wood, practicing martial arts, and secretly studying how to create complex mechanisms.


    Of course, Li Che also fulfilled his promise, finishing work early every day to teach Zhang Ya martial arts in the courtyard.


    Old Chen had returned, and for someone seasoned in the martial world like him, a trip to the dungeon wasn''t anything rare; it left no psychological shadows.


    Light snowflakes gently drifted down.


    Li Che had gone to the Outer City to get some braised beef and brought back a jug of old rice wine.


    In the courtyard, Old Chen sat on a wicker chair, watching Xi Xi awkwardly holding a horse stance, and couldn''t help but grin, showing his yellow teeth.


    "Little Stinky Xi, keep your back straight, arms straight, get your horse stance right."


    Old Chen lifted the gourd''s lid and took a swig of wine.


    Wrapped in a red jacket, Xi Xi''s little face was red from the cold. She turned to Li Che, who had just returned, seeking justice: "Daddy, Grandpa Chen is calling me Little Stinky Xi!"


    "I''m not Little Stinky Xi, I''m Xi Xi, Li Nuanxi!"


    The little girl even pouted after saying so.


    Her spirited manner was in full display.


    Li Che rubbed her head: "Then you just have to become strong, and next time Grandpa Chen calls you Little Stinky Xi, you can fight back."


    Upon hearing this, Xi Xi''s big eyes twinkled as she nodded vigorously: "Daddy is right!"


    Then, with puffed cheeks, Xi Xi took an even more serious stance in her horse stance.


    Li Che sat next to Old Chen, and the two of them drank while watching Xi Xi practice the horse stance.


    "She truly is an Upper Class Spiritual Child, full of vitality... Born with Divinity, her talent in martial arts is also above average. If it weren''t for her being too young to undergo Skin Refinement, she might be able to succeed by the age of three."


    "Unfortunately, I, Old Chen, don''t possess a method to cultivate Divinity, so I can''t help Little Stinky Xi cultivate Divinity ahead of time..."


    Old Chen expressed his regret, his eyes softening as he watched Xi Xi''s reddened little face.


    "This vitality... can be a blessing or a curse. If it weren''t for you, lad, moving into the wood carving shop early, Xi Xi might have already been victimized by the Spirit Infant Sect."


    "Now not only the Spirit Infant Sect but also Si Mubai have set their sights on Xi Xi..."


    "In such times... it''s hard to survive."


    With a gulp of wine, Old Chen uttered a sigh of emotion.


    Li Che remained silent.


    "The world is hard to live in..."


    "As parents... we can only do our utmost to protect our daughter. If anyone tries to harm her, even at the cost of our lives... we must take a piece out of them."


    Li Che added a piece of beef to his mouth and chewed slowly as he spoke.


    ...


    ...


    Two fleeting months passed in a hurry.


    Ting Yu Alley.


    The small courtyard.


    Heavy rain poured down, casting a hazy veil between heaven and earth.


    Raindrops hit the black tiles, creating a rhythmic pitter-patter sound.


    Inside the house, Li Che was slowly maneuvering his blood and Qi, with the thunderous sound of rushing water reverberating powerfully as if tides were crashing over his tempered sinews and bones!


    "Blood and Qi Two Moves, initial stage of the Blood Change..."


    Li Che stood up from inside the house, his well-built upper body bare and emitting waves of steam. He clenched his fists and swung fiercely, causing the air to burst with a whooshing boom.


    The explosive power was indeed much stronger than that of bone tempering!


    "Two months have passed since stepping into the Blood Exchange Realm. I have gone from one to two moves of blood maneuvering..pleting one blood move per month, to reach Six Moves perfection only takes half a year."


    Li Che''s eyes sparkled, but he felt slightly regretful; the Blood Exchange Method he had acquired was limited to just six moves.


    The Middle Vehicle Blood Exchange Method, perfected after six moves, was what Guo Zhan, the man he had killed, had accomplished¡ªa martial artist who had mastered the Six Moves Blood Exchange Method to perfection.


    If it were the Nine Moves Superior Blood Exchange Method, nine blood moves would be required, with the blood as heavy as mercury and containing even more immense energy, thus enhancing one''s strength, speed, and physical toughness to an even higher level.


    "Fortunately, I learned from Old Chen that once the Blood Exchange Technique is perfected... It''s possible to switch, building on the original six moves to continue and complete the nine blood moves of the Superior Blood Exchange Method..."


    "So, if I have the chance... I must get a Superior Blood Exchange Dharma."


    Li Che stretched lazily, his entire body creaking with the nine robust muscles on his back vibrating, filled with formidable power.


    After wiping off his training sweat with a clean towel, Li Che donned his outer garments and sat down in a chair, taking out "Tang''s Mechanism Essentials."


    As he looked at those increasingly absurd and strange mechanisms, Li Che was somewhat at a loss for words.


    "Among the twelve recorded mechanisms, Wood Raven comes in at eighth. Going further up, they become even more ludicrous and peculiar, with only theoretical possibilities of creation... However, the mechanism ranked seventh, ''Bodhi Blood Tears,'' seems worth a try."


    Bodhi Blood Tears, as per the introduction, requires an extremely ingenious technique, time-consuming and laborious, yet its lethality... is truly formidable!


    Both ruthless and powerful!


    Li Che was very interested.


    "Tang Family Mechanism... who knows where Old Chen got this book from."


    If not for possessing the Immortal Artisan Dao Fruit, Li Che wouldn''t even understand it at all.


    After closing the book.


    Li Che rested with his eyes closed.


    In front of his eyes, details slowly emerged.


    ...


    [Name: Li Che]


    [Bonds: Li Nuanxi (daughter)]


    [Dao Fruit: Immortal Artisan (lv3, 9%), Dragon Elephant Vajra (lv2, 15%), Pure Heart (LV1, 5%)]


    [Prototype of Divine Powers: Immortal Worker: Thousand Analyzing Hands]


    ...


    Over the course of two months, aside from the Dragon Elephant Dao Fruit, which improved due to the Blood Change breakthrough, the other increases were not significant.


    The growth of Pure Heart was still slow. Although Li Che captured and absorbed the free divinity between heaven and earth every day, since he was also using divinity to comb through Xi Xi''s body daily, only barely managing to push it to 5% maturity in two months.


    Persistence is key in cultivation, a heavy responsibility with a long path.


    Li Che was far from discouraged.


    However, the lack of a way to acquire Divine Methods did give him some headaches.


    After tidying up, Li Che ended his daily cultivation, changed into clean clothes, and, with an oil-paper umbrella in hand, went to pack some food and wine from a restaurant. He then headed towards Xu''s Wood Carving Shop.


    Yet, upon arriving at the entrance of the wood carving shop, he sensed that something was off about the atmosphere of the place.


    The temperature inside the shop seemed to have risen considerably.


    Li Che passed through the entryway and entered the shop.


    There, in front of his workshop, stood a Nanmu chair.


    Sitting astride it in a wide stance was a burly figure clad in black and red official robes.


    Noticing Li Che''s return, the officer''s eyes shifted slightly, glancing over.


    Li Che felt as if his eyes were scorched, an endless fury boiling within them as he saw an image of the Wrathful Maitreya glaring down upon the human world from behind the figure!


    "I am Zhao Xuanhai..."


    "Master Li, it''s a pleasure to meet you."

 Chapter 49: City Lord’s Conscription, Divine Catcher Smells Good!

    Zhao Xuanhai...


    Li Che felt the hairs on his body stand on end, sensing that the wind and rain around him had vanished, replaced by scorching, searing heat, as if a colossal Furious Buddha Statue loomed from above!


    If he looked into its eyes for too long, his mind would sway and sweat would drench his back.


    Closing his eyes, he deliberately cut off his line of sight, and when Li Che opened them once again, he had become much calmer.


    Zhao Xuanhai, sitting in front of the workshop, also stood up. His towering figure, resembling a bear, was nearly two meters in height, with tightly coiled whiskers and dense muscles.


    Li Che put down what he was holding in his hands and greeted with a fist and palm salute, "The humble Li Che, a Four-Knife Wood Carver from Xu''s Wood Carving Shop, meets the Policeman."


    Zhao Xuanhai, Zhao Chuanxiong''s cousin, one of the three Divine Catchers of the Inner City...


    He was a Divine Cultivator!


    Why had Zhao Xuanhai come here? Was it to seek vengeance for Zhao Chuanxiong?


    But that should have been directed at the Bull Demon, not him, Li Che?!


    Li Che was somewhat puzzled.


    "Master Li, there''s no need to be nervous. I am here primarily for two matters..." Zhao Xuanhai, with his imposing build, said indifferently with his hands behind his back.


    In Fei Lei City, each of the three Divine Catchers was a first-class expert, extremely powerful, so naturally, Li Che was not willing to fall out with him face to face.


    In the distance, footsteps hurried along.


    Three figures walked in from outside the door.


    Li Che looked over, startled because the three shopkeepers from Xu Ji''s Outer City Wood Carving Shop had all rarely arrived together.


    The head shopkeeper, Xu Heli; the second shopkeeper, Xu Beihu; and the third shopkeeper, Xu You.


    The three sons of the Xu Family had all arrived at the same time.


    Even the seldom-seen and elusive head shopkeeper, Xu Heli, appeared.


    In the many years that Li Che had been at Xu''s Wood Carving Shop, he had seen Xu Heli only a handful of times.


    This was the first time since he became a Wood Carver.


    Xu Heli had a handsome appearance and a straight frame, with eyes that seemed to glitter and a precious sword with a tassel hanging from his waist. He looked reserved, but at any moment, he could burst forth like a drawn Divine Blade, revealing his sharpness.


    A Divine Cultivator!


    Xu Heli was also one.


    In fact, Xu Beihu and Xu You were both Divine Cultivators too, just that their Divine Cultivation was not high and their Divinity had not been fully revealed, unlike Xu Heli and Zhao Xuanhai, who merely by standing there, could continuously express their Divine Power, stirring the soul.


    The first realm of Divine Cultivation was Nurturing Nature, and even within it, there were levels of proficiency.


    Seeing the three shopkeepers present together, Li Che let out a slight sigh of relief, knowing he should be safe now.


    "What kind of storm has brought God Catcher Zhao to our modest shop?" Xu Heli asked with a bow and a slight smile toward Zhao Xuanhai.


    "Hahaha... I am here solely to seek Master Li for two matters. The first matter... I heard that Master Li is a talented Wood Carver from Xu Ji, so I have a good task I wish to seek Master Li''s assistance with," Zhao Xuanhai laughed.


    "It seems Young Master Xu isn''t far from forming his Divine Foundation. Among the Three Young Masters of Fei Lei, perhaps Young Master Heli will be the first to achieve it," Zhao Xuanhai looked at Xu Heli, squinting his eyes.


    "The Divine Foundation is hard to forge; what seems like an inch may actually be a thousand feet¡ªit''s not that easy... God Catcher Zhao, you flatter me too much."


    Without any change in expression, Xu Heli replied, "Master Li is not yet a Woodcarving Master. With God Catcher Zhao''s status, you should be looking for a Woodcarving Master..."


    Zhao Xuanhai waved his hand, "This task does not require a Woodcarving Master. Strictly speaking, this is more like a conscription..."


    Conscription?


    As soon as these words came out, everyone was taken aback.


    Li Che''s eyebrows furrowed involuntarily, conscription... that involved higher-level figures.


    "Indeed, it''s a verbal conscription from the Lord of the City, calling upon skilled masters from the major wood carving shops of the noble families to complete a task together, with generous wages. In total, ten days of work, amounting to ten Gold Leaf..."


    Ten Gold Leaf?!


    One thousand taels?!


    Everyone was shocked at heart.


    "May I ask... what is the task?" Xu You actively inquired on behalf of Li Che.


    Zhao Xuanhai glanced at the Xu Family''s third son and said indifferently, "I can''t disclose the details, but it''s essentially carving some Wood Carvings for the City Lord... It''s not a difficult task, nor does it require the spiritual essence of a Woodcarving Master''s work.


    It''s just that the City Lord needs a large quantity without compromising quality, which is why we need the skilled hands of the wood carving shops."


    Upon hearing this, Xu Heli frowned. Had Zhao Xuanhai come solely for this matter?


    He had thought it was because of the death of Zhao Chuanxiong. If not for the fact that Li Che was a talented Wood Carver in the shop with the potential to become a Woodcarving Master, Xu Heli wouldn''t even have bothered to respond to Xu You''s plea to come here.


    Hearing this, Xu Heli turned to Li Che and asked, "Master Li, are you willing to take on this task?"


    Li Che saluted sincerely, "To the head shopkeeper, my response is no."


    To work for the City Lord?


    This definitely isn''t any ordinary job!


    Though one thousand taels were tempting, for the newly rich Li Che, it was still something he could resist.


    Unwilling?


    Xu Heli was taken aback, seemingly not expecting Li Che to turn down this thousand-tael job so decisively, especially since it was for the City Lord''s Official Family.


    Zhao Xuanhai was also speechless. When he visited other shops, those wood carvers were very enthusiastic about carving for the City Lord, as it gave them a connection to the City Lord''s Mansion, and a favor to be remembered...


    But he had never thought Li Che''s attitude would be completely different from the others.


    "Master Li, it''s an order from the City Lord... and the wages are extremely generous!" Zhao Xuanhai furrowed his brows.


    "Divine Catcher Zhao, as you said, it''s just a verbal order from the Lord of the City and can be refused. Since Master Li is unwilling to take the job, let another Master from the shop go. It''ll be considered that Xu Ji''s Wood Carving Shop has produced someone for the task," Xu Heli said.


    Zhao Xuanhai gave Li Che a deep look. Rumors had it that the genius Wood Carver of Xu Ji''s was extremely cautious, timid and fearful. But now it seemed...


    Si Mubai''s assessment was very fair.


    "Forget it then. Since Master Li is unwilling, let''s leave it at that."


    As Zhao Xuanhai finished his words, his arm suddenly lifted, and, like lightning, he disappeared from his spot, abrupt like the roaring winds and thunder.


    He reappeared beside Li Che, his fingers hooked, and he fiercely pinched Li Che''s right shoulder.


    In Zhao Xuanhai''s eyes, a fire-like Divinity seemed to ignite, as if he was a Buddha with hair flying and his head thrown back in a roar!


    A surge of Divine Power flowed from Zhao Xuanhai''s palm into Li Che''s body and swiftly circulated within.


    The incident occurred too fast!


    Xu Heli''s eyes narrowed, and the sword hanging at his waist, with its tassel trailing, unsheathed with a clang, its sword light densely interwoven throughout the entire workshop.


    "Hahaha! The Xuansi Liu Sword of the Xu family truly lives up to its name, incredibly sharp indeed!"


    The moment Xu Heli drew his sword, Zhao Xuanhai had already let go of Li Che''s shoulder with the swiftness of a startled swan and retreated back to his original spot.


    Xu Heli, holding his sword, his eyes sharp as lightning, asked, "Divine Catcher Zhao... what''s the meaning of this?"


    Zhao Xuanhai smiled and said, "I''ve heard that Master Li is a martial arts prodigy. In just two years of training, he has entered the Bone Tempering stage. Out of curiosity, I decided to verify it."


    Right after, Zhao Xuanhai waved his hand, "Since Master Li is unwilling to take the job, I shall take my leave. It''s a pity... such great skill Master Li has, yet he refuses to accept such rich rewards for free."


    "I will take my leave now."


    After speaking, Zhao Xuanhai turned and headed towards the exit of the wood carving shop.


    He put on his hat, didn''t bother with an umbrella, and directly stepped into the wind and rain.


    As soon as Zhao Xuanhai left Xu Ji''s Wood Carving Shop, his eyebrows squeezed together tightly.


    "It''s not him?"


    "Some left-path martial arts can constrict the blood flow and conceal one''s skills, exploding with power when necessary. The Bull Demon has made several moves, all related to this Li Che..."


    "Sun Changbiao, Lei Chunlan, and my good-for-nothing cousin Zhao Chuanxiong... they all have their eyes on Li Che''s Spirit Child daughter."


    "I initially thought Li Che was playing the pig to eat the tiger, but now it seems..."


    "Is Li Che really a pig?"


    Standing amidst the wind and rain, Zhao Xuanhai''s burly frame rose imposing like a bear, permitting the rain to pummel his body and sketching out a hazy mist around him. He turned his head for one last glance at Xu Ji''s Wood Carving Shop.


    "Bull Demon... does it really have anything to do with Xu Ji?"


    "Heh... not important."


    Zhao Xuanhai smiled faintly, and continued to walk into the rain.


    However, after a few steps, his eyebrows knitted together.


    "Strange... just by circulating inside Li Che''s body, why is my Divinity consumed so much?"


    "As if something took a big bite out of it?"


    ...


    ...


    Inside Xu Ji''s Wood Carving Shop.


    Li Che, who had just refused Zhao Xuanhai''s offer, returned to his own workshop.


    Feeling the burning heat in his arm, like an angry snake writhing with fury and Divine Power...


    He rubbed his fingers together and could not help but slightly curl the corners of his mouth into a small smile.


    Divine Catcher, how delicious.


    Ps: The competition continues, your continued reading is of utmost importance, asking for your support with continued reading and Monthly Tickets!

 Chapter 50: Divinity Devouring Each Other, Xi Xi’s Top Hater

    Xu''s Wood Carving Shop.


    The charcoal stove radiated intense heat, boiling the water within and causing it to roll turbulently. A few verdant tea leaves were sprinkled on top, and a rich fragrance of tea immediately diffused.


    Xu Heli sat in the seat of honor, carefully applying sword oil to maintain his treasured blade.


    His sword required meticulous care after each unsheathing.


    Xu Beihu and Xu You sat in lower seats, waiting for Xu Heli to finish maintaining his sword.


    The room was extremely quiet. Xu Heli was the eldest son of Xu Ji''s current generation, and together with Si Mubai of the Si Family and An Ruosu of the An Family, he was renowned as one of the Three Young Masters of Fei Lei. His Divine Cultivation was far superior to that of Xu You and Xu Beihu.


    A moment later, accompanied by the gentle sound of the sword returning to its scabbard, Xu Heli completed the maintenance.


    He turned to Xu You, "Little brother, next time don''t disturb me with such matters until they''re clear..."


    "Just this once, not to be repeated."


    Upon hearing this, Xu You stood up and bowed respectfully, "I understand, brother."


    "This Li Che... entered Bone Tempering two years ago, and his martial talent is indeed good. After he undergoes Blood Exchange, he might have a chance to cultivate the Divine Methods, but it''s uncertain what his Divine Talent will be..."


    "His daughter is an Upper Class Spiritual Child, so Li Che''s Divine Talent should not be too poor. Although he has been delayed, with further cultivation, he should have a chance to nurture his nature to the ''lamp'' stage."


    "As for the stages of ''creek'' and ''river'' after Nurture Nature like a Lamp, there''s hardly any hope."


    Xu Heli spoke indifferently.


    "It''s a pity that Li Che... is of timid character, lacking courage and ambition. Even if he were to master the Divine Methods, it would be difficult for him to become a valuable assistant to our Xu Ji."


    "Let it be. After his Blood Exchange, grant him a Lower Vehicle Divine Method."


    Having said that, Xu Heli turned to Xu You, "Little brother, do you have any objections?"


    Xu You, with his head lowered, showed no joy or sorrow on his face, and spoke softly, "I trust elder brother''s judgment."


    Xu Beihu finally spoke, his eyebrows furrowed, "Elder brother, why is Zhao Xuanhai issuing these oral conscriptions from the City Lord... conscripting skilled wood carvers and willing to pay such generous wages? What is his purpose?"


    "Could it... endanger the lives of these wood carving masters?"


    Stroking the hilt of his sword, Xu Heli gazed out at the heavy rain through the window, as if he thought of something, and smiled faintly, "Most likely not... These wood carving masters come from various families, and although the City Lord is an official appointed by the Imperial Court, now that the Great Vista has lost its control over the regions, Fei Lei City...


    Is still under the dominion of our noble families and clans."


    "If he were to harm these wood carving masters, would the noble families of Fei Lei City just let it go?"


    "Therefore, Li Che is being too cautious. This conscription does indeed offer him wealth. Ten Gold Leafs, even if it''s for him, with a good job, would take half a year, wouldn''t it?"


    Xu Beihu nodded and his lips curled at the corners. His own assessment of Li Che was not much different.


    Xu Heli tapped the table lightly and spoke indifferently, "As for the City Lord''s Mansion''s purpose... I have a rough guess, which can be considered an unforeseen windfall from this trip. I plan to return and report to the old master."


    Suddenly.


    Xu Heli looked towards Xu You.


    "Oh, little brother."


    "Li Che''s daughter has excellent Divine Talent, and the Outer City is being troubled by the Spirit Infant Sect, which is very unsafe. To prevent this Spiritual Child from coming to harm, tell Li Che to send his daughter to our Xu Ji''s ''Divine Cultivation Institute''." ????


    Xu You''s cheeks lifted slightly as he looked at Xu Heli, "Elder brother... What if Master Li is unwilling?"


    Xu Heli lightly tapped his finger on the hilt of the sword, and suddenly a bright sword''s hum illuminated the entire warm room.


    "If he is unwilling, it means he has not considered integrating with our Xu Ji. That Divine Method can be... withheld from him."


    "When the Spirit Infant Sect''s power truly runs rampant in the Outer City, the safety of his daughter... he can only pray for his own fortune."


    Hearing this, Xu You remained silent.


    And slowly lowered his head.


    ...


    ...


    Within the workshop, Li Che sat upright on a chair, his emotions surged as he felt the freshly harvested strand of Wrath Divinity.


    But soon, he was taken aback.


    His eyebrows tightened slightly.


    Because the Wrath Divinity extracted from the wood carving, which he obtained two months ago after killing a Blood Exchange Expert from the Spirit Infant Sect, was being bit by bit consumed by Zhao Xuanhai''s Divinity!


    It was somewhat akin to... merging together!


    "Merging... Consuming?"


    "Is this a characteristic of Divinity, or perhaps... are the two Divinities of the same origin?"


    Upon this thought, Li Che''s breath halted.


    "If they share the same origin..."


    "Doesn''t that mean that one of the three great Divine Catchers of Fei Lei City, the powerful divine cultivator... is also a formidable figure of the Spirit Infant Sect?!"


    Upon this thought, Li Che was terrified to the core!


    Thinking back on how the government office withdrew the warrant for Lei Chunlan in just a few days before...


    And now that Zhao Chuanxiong was revealed to be a member of the Spirit Infant Sect...


    Li Che had thought Zhao Chuanxiong was an isolated case, but now it seemed that the vast government office of Fei Lei City might be deeply entangled with the Spirit Infant Sect!


    If even the top expert and Divine Catcher inside the Yamen was involved with the Spirit Infant Sect...


    What about the City Lord who was said to have forged a Divine Foundation?


    "If that''s really the case..."


    A strong sense of urgency suddenly enveloped him.


    If the government office was truly in league with the Spirit Infant Sect, considering their desire for Spirit Children... wouldn''t Xi Xi be in great danger?


    When the Spirit Infant Sect reached the point of desperation, Xu''s Wood Carving Shop... might not be able to protect Xi Xi!


    Moreover, it wasn''t even certain if Xu''s Wood Carving Shop was willing to protect her.


    The sense of urgency made the hair on Li Che''s body stand on end as he murmured while looking at his palm.


    "I am still not strong enough..."


    ...


    ...


    The next day.


    A rare sunny day.


    The warm sun of winter was most comforting.


    Li Che and Old Chen were in the courtyard, accompanying Xi Xi as she practiced her horse stance. Old Chen kept teasing her, calling her Little Stinky Xi, making the little girl''s face turn red in annoyance.


    It was unclear where the girl got such a fiery temper.


    As Li Che and Old Chen were drinking tea and admiring the winter plum blossoms, waiting for the sun to climb a little higher, he planned to make a trip to Ting Yu Alley. Over the past two months, he had also visited the marketplace several times, asking that familiar stall owner to look out for Divine Methods and Superior Internal Strength Techniques.


    Regrettably, he came back with no news each time.


    After finishing a bowl of tea and chewing on the tea leaves, Li Che was about to leave when he encountered Xu You, who looked upset.


    Xu You went over what Xu Heli had said the day before.


    "So you mean... if I don''t send Xi Xi to the ''Divine Cultivation Institute'' in the Inner City, after my Blood Exchange, Xu Ji won''t easily pass on the Divine Method to me?" Li Che frowned.


    Old Chen sat in the wicker chair and chuckled, "This is the typical conduct of noble families and clans. Little Xu, your elder brother is much more ruthless than you... You''re too kind, too gentle."


    "In this world, people like you tend to suffer."


    "Your second brother, Xu Beihu, may seem honest, but in reality... he''s also cunning and ruthless."


    Xu You was silent, just looking at Li Che, "I''ve obtained a companion cultivation qualification for you; you can escort Xi Xi in and out of the Inner City every day, and then I''ll personally make sure she''s safe in the Divine Cultivation Institute."


    "Frankly speaking, the Divine Cultivation Institute is indeed much safer than the Outer City..."


    Li Che fell into thought.


    Xu You did not interrupt Li Che''s contemplation.


    However, Li Che did not ponder for long and soon made a decision.


    Go, send Xi Xi there!


    Xu You had already secured excellent conditions for both him and Xi Xi.


    He couldn''t possibly keep Xi Xi confined to the courtyard all her life; she eventually needed to go out and face the world.


    Moreover, once Xi Xi joined the Divine Cultivation Institute, she would be able to start nurturing her Divinity quickly and lay a solid foundation for her Divine Cultivation.


    Of course...


    Beyond that, there was another very important reason.


    Being able to freely enter and exit the Inner City every day...


    Gave Li Che the chance to get close to Si Mubai, who was hiding in the Inner City...


    And to twist off the head of this top hater of Xi Xi!


    PS: Monday, updating one chapter in advance to boost the new book rankings. The readership over these past few days will be crucial for the promotion recommendations next week. Everyone, please support with your Monthly Tickets and recommendation tickets! Help Old Li make another surge, Old Li thanks you!

 Chapter 51: Blood Exchange Perfection, White Tiger Turbulent Wind Transformation Realm

    Li Che wasn''t as resistant to sending Xi Xi to the Divine Cultivation Institute in the Inner City of Xu Ji as he had imagined.


    The child was growing up and couldn''t be kept confined forever.


    That would be detrimental to her development.


    The Divine Cultivation Institute... It could be considered akin to the kindergarten classes of the past world.


    "A Che, does this mean you agree?"


    Xu You couldn''t hide his surprise when he saw Li Che agree.


    Old Chen, sitting in the rattan chair, also rarely nodded, "Nowadays, the environment in the Outer City has indeed worsened significantly. The Spirit Infant Sect is becoming restless, and there are hardly any Spirit Children left in the Outer City. They have even started targeting ordinary children..."


    "The Inner City is indeed much safer than the Outer City, and although Xi Xi is quite young, her spiritual intelligence is exceptionally high. Starting the Divine Method early would be beneficial."


    Old Chen had always stayed out of the Inner City to enjoy some peace in the Outer City, but now he expressed his opinion openly.


    Li Che called Zhang Ya over and shared his thoughts.


    "Husband, it''s fine for you to decide... But Xi Xi is so young, I''m still quite worried about her."


    Zhang Ya was a bit anxious.


    After all, Xi Xi was only two and a half years old.


    "Don''t worry, A Che may not enter the Divine Institute, but I can. I''ll keep an eye on her and ensure her safety,"


    Xu You spoke up proactively.


    Since he suggested it, Xi Xi''s safety naturally concerned him.


    Xi Xi was going to the Divine Cultivation Institute.


    The whole family started to get busy, even Li Che felt somewhat melancholic and anxious.


    He made Xi Xi a wooden bookcase, small and extremely lightweight. It felt weightless when carried.


    Zhang Ya, on the other hand, was busy sewing new clothes for Xi Xi, intending to dress her up beautifully for the Divine Institute so that she wouldn''t lose face there.


    Three days later.


    It was drizzling, with a chilly breeze stirring around, and early spring just beginning, still carrying a bit of cold.


    Xu You personally called for Xu Ji''s carriage and together with Li Che, they helped Xi Xi into the carriage.


    "Goodbye, Mommy! Wait for me to kick some butt at the Divine Institute and come back chubby!"


    Xi Xi, carrying the small bookcase Li Che made for her, leaned on the carriage window and waved goodbye to Zhang Ya, who pursed her lips and looked unwilling to part.


    This was Xi Xi''s first time leaving her mother to travel far.


    Zhang Ya was indeed very reluctant to let her go.


    As the carriage wheels crushed the puddles on the ground and gradually moved away,


    Xi Xi, watching her mother shrink in her big eyes, pursed her lips and began to cry loudly.


    Li Che held her to soothe her, took out a candied hawthorn stick, and the girl''s missing of her mother dissipated in less than three seconds.


    "Grandpa Chen said, when Xi Xi goes to the Divine Institute, she needs to use her little fists to protect herself so that no one will bully her,"


    Xi Xi said seriously, clutching her small fist while licking the candied hawthorn stick, her eyes still held undried tears.


    Li Che smiled and rubbed her head.


    "If anyone bullies you, remember to tell Daddy..."


    "Daddy is best at convincing people with reason."


    ...


    ...


    After dropping Xi Xi off at the entrance of the Divine Institute, Li Che was prohibited from entering. He asked Xu You to take care of Xi Xi and then went to the Independent Workshop in the Inner City that Xu You had arranged for him.


    The facility was well equipped, and Li Che could work there during the day, picking up Xi Xi from the Divine Institute after school.


    The Independent Workshop wasn''t big, after all, space in the Inner City was worth its weight in gold. The workshop Xu You arranged was a single-entry yard with a small courtyard and was equipped with stone weights and wooden piles for practicing martial arts in his spare time.


    In the following days, Li Che''s days became somewhat routine, sending Xi Xi to the Divine Institute in the morning, working and practicing martial arts in the Inner City Workshop during the day, and picking up Xi Xi from the Divine Institute in the evening to take her home.


    Of course, intermittently, Li Che would still put on the cute bull mask, wear a wide-brimmed hat, and go out in the cold, rainy weather to hunt for treasures from the Spirit Infant Sect.


    Besides that, Li Che also secretly began to pay attention to and inquire about Si Mubai''s situation.


    "Shut himself in for over two months, staying in the deep quarters of the Si Family Mansion... Seems like he''s seriously hurt."


    Inside the workshop, Li Che held a carving knife, working on the wood he found, with shavings falling all around, scattering across the floor like drifting snow.


    Picking up the finished component, he closed his eyes and aimed for a while before he was satisfied and packed up.


    Si Mubai staying indoors didn''t hurry Li Che, as hunting... was all about patience.


    Entering the Si Family Mansion to kill Si Mubai... Li Che was not foolish enough to engage in such a suicidal act.


    He would only wait for Si Mubai to leave the house, to find even a slight chance.


    Moreover, a prolonged battle could not be afforded, especially not in the Inner City, where there were many mighty figures and help could arrive very speedily.


    After organizing the parts he had made, the maturity of his "Immortal Artisan" Dao Fruit continued to increase, and now Li Che''s craftsmanship was also improving, slowly realizing the thoughts and designs in his mind.


    He was currently enhancing the "Wood Raven," planning to upgrade its power.


    Li Che was also studying a new mechanism, "Bodhi Blood Tears," but, the difficulty was immense and it would take more time, as the main material required was a precious pine called "Blood Flesh Red," said to be a type of Spiritual Wood, and not easy to find.


    Li Che placed an order in the marketplace, asking an old acquaintance to search for it. The acquaintance agreed to take the order at the price of one gold leaf per tael, but finding it still depended on fate.


    Inner City, Nanming Alley.


    In a solitary workshop.


    Li Che sat cross-legged on the floor, and with each inhalation and exhalation, the wood shavings around him flowed like a tide, swept across the floor, and piled up against the wall.


    In his chest, it was as if an ancient bell were colliding, booming with a distant sound relentlessly.


    "Huff¡ª"


    "Huff¡ª"


    His qi and blood surged like a python under the skin, creating invisible shockwaves that scattered with the strikes of his qi and blood.


    This python twisted and coiled around his entire body, transporting his qi and blood through one cycle, two cycles, three cycles...six cycles!


    The force continued to stack up, layer upon layer...


    Boom!!!


    When he opened his eyes, they were like the sharpest of swords, slicing through the air.


    Li Che stood up, clenched a fist, and thrust it downward explosively.


    Within the courtyard, a wild wind wreaked havoc!


    A White Tiger seemed to roar forth from within it, tangible in form, spirit, and intent, gathering some divinity from the surroundings, and formed a White Tiger apparition that surged forward more than half a meter, then dispersed!


    Transformation Realm... White Tiger Chaotic Wind Fist!


    He had finally mastered a martial technique with transformation skills!


    Li Che lowered his fist, his eyes sparkling. He exhaled turbid air, his qi and blood retracting, with sweat steaming off him.


    "Qi and blood six shifts, Blood Exchange Perfection... But, this is only the perfection of the Middle Vehicle Six Shifts Blood Exchange Dharma."


    Li Che was not fully satisfied with this, he needed a Nine Shifts Blood Exchange Technique.


    [Dao Fruit: Immortal Artisan (Lv3, 10%), Dragon Elephant Vajra (Lv2, 20%), Pure Heart (Lv1, 7%)]


    He glanced at the Dao Fruit.


    There was growth in all of them, and it was not insignificant for just over a month.


    The maturity of Immortal Artisan had risen to 10%, which was an unexpected delight for Li Che, credited to the enhanced "Wood Raven" he had crafted.


    With the Blood Exchange reaching Perfection, the maturity of the Dragon Elephant Vajra entered 20%, making Li Che''s horizontal refinement even more formidable.


    With a thought, he activated "Vajra Transformation." Li Che''s entire skeletal structure snapped and twisted, undergoing transformations, as did his skin.


    The entire person transformed from a lively young man to a robust middle-aged man.


    Having reached Lv2, the "Dragon Elephant Vajra" Dao Fruit''s active ability achieved more intricate variations, allowing for even sculptural changes to the flesh and bones.


    Previously, initiating the Vajra Transformation would simply cause him to increase in size, instantaneously expanding his physical form into a towering muscled Bull Demon.


    Now, he could minutely control the size of each body part, making it more intuitive.


    Rumbling!


    Over the skies of Fei Lei City, massive dark clouds rolled in like an encampment.


    It was oppressive and cramped.


    Li Che did not change back to his original facial features, maintaining the appearance of a robust middle-aged man.


    He picked up a wide-brimmed hat, put it on his head, and tucked the newly carved Cute Bull Mask into his chest. Walking into the workshop, he wrapped the enhanced "Wood Raven" in a black cloth and put it in a backpack.


    After putting on an enhanced version of the black elastic shirt, he looked up at the dark clouds in the sky.


    "It''s going to rain."


    "The earlier I leave, the earlier I return..."


    "I still need to pick up Xi Xi from school."


    PS: Seek followers to shout! These two days are crucial for following, charge!

 Chapter 52: Taking the Bait, Bull Demon is Professional

    Boom!


    Dark clouds gathered thickly, followed by a loud thunderclap, while flashes of lightning suddenly appeared.


    Sudden rain plummeted from the sky, hitting the black tiles which, guided by the curvature, interwoven and gathered at the eaves into dangling curtains of water.


    Li Che, having transformed his appearance and concealed his aura using the "Dragon Elephant Vajra", walked on the rain-drenched bluestone pavement of the Inner City, splashing the water under his feet.


    This was weather suitable for killing.


    Li Che walked slowly, his eyes lowered, wearing a wide-brimmed hat, and carrying a big guy behind him, step by step.


    A fire gradually ignited within him.


    Although more than two months had passed... the fire had not only not gone out but had become even more intense.


    That night, although he had killed Zhao Chuanxiong, killed Guo Zhan, and killed three Blood Exchange Experts from the Spirit Infant Sect...


    Li Che remembered that Si Mubai was supposed to personally capture Xi Xi...


    If it weren''t for the intervention of the powerful, and the severe injury he sustained...


    Li Che could hardly imagine the danger of that night.


    So how could he forget?


    How could the fire in his heart be extinguished?!


    At this moment, he was headed towards the Golden Splendor Pavilion, where Si Mubai, after being seriously injured, had holed up in the Si Mansion for a long time, as if he had completely disappeared.


    But Li Che had been waiting for him to be unable to bear the solitude and to come out.


    Most young masters, after enjoying the hedonistic lifestyle, find it difficult to settle down to endure lengthy periods of tough cultivation in solitude.


    As expected, Li Che finally heard that Si Mubai had booked a luxurious private room at the Golden Splendor Pavilion half a day earlier and had arranged for the best Oiran of the pavilion to accompany him for drinks...


    Was Si Mubai really unable to bear the solitude?


    If he dared to leave the Si Mansion, that meant his injuries must have improved.


    But thinking worst-case scenario... with such fanfare and even reserving a private room in advance, was it too high-profile, or could it be a trap set by Si Mubai?


    Li Che didn''t dwell on it.


    Si Mubai wanted to kill Xi Xi, wanted to use Xi Xi as the Spirit Child to lure others... Now injured, he might be even less likely to let things go.


    Last time, the Si Family plotted against the Xu Family, causing all of the Divine Cultivators from the Xu Family to be recalled back to the Divine Cultivation Institute, making the Xu Family more cautious. It would be difficult for the Si Family to repeat their old tricks.


    Which meant that continuing to stay in the Xu''s Courtyard in the Outer City with its very low security was far more dangerous than entering the Divine Cultivation Institute.


    The Divine Cultivation Institute provided at least short-term security without concerns.


    If the Spirit Infant Sect were to break out completely, then it would be dangerous. By then... Li Che would certainly find an opportunity to whisk Xi Xi away.


    This was another consideration for sending Xi Xi to the Divine Cultivation Institute apart from proactively nurturing her divinity.


    And thus, Li Che could free up his hands...


    Even if it was a baited trap set by Si Mubai with himself as the bait... he would still give it a try.


    If there were a trap set by Si Mubai... Li Che felt that it was probably not prepared for the Bull Demon... The Bull Demon... probably didn''t have the qualifications to force a Divine Cultivator to use himself as bait to set a trap.


    It was probably meant for the Divine Cultivator who had injured Si Mubai.


    If that was the case... even better, stirring the waters to catch fish, was what Li Che liked best.


    No matter what, having missed the opportunity to kill Si Mubai previously, now that Si Mubai had left the house, it was Li Che''s only chance.


    Whether it was an opportunity intentionally given or not, Li Che wanted to give it a try.


    ...


    ...


    The security at the Golden Splendor Pavilion was much more formal than the last time he killed Lei Chunlan, with a patrol guard composed of Quenched-Bone Warriors, side knives at their waists, their Qi and blood intertwining like a huge net.


    However, Li Che, now possessing a stronger "Slumbering Dragon Elephant" breath-concealing ability, nearly completely erased his presence, concealing his Qi and Blood to the point where he seemed almost like a dead man.


    Entering the Golden Splendor Pavilion as an ordinary person, Li Che took a seat in the great hall and ordered some wine and dishes.


    The Golden Splendor Pavilion was renowned for three specialties: its wine, dishes, and Oiran.


    Li Che, now having ample funds, didn''t mind spending, and the wine and dishes were soon served.


    Si Mubai probably hadn''t arrived yet. Entering early allowed him better preparation and setup.


    Eating and drinking, Li Che was calm and collected.


    Suddenly, a gentle breeze arrived, and a gray-robed old man took the seat across from Li Che.


    "Young man, drinking alone seems so lonely, would you join this old man for a few?"


    The old man said with a smile.


    Li Che''s eyelids slightly lifted, and he was momentarily taken aback.


    Ever since he had trained in martial arts, Li Che''s memory had become extremely strong, and this old man''s face... seemed vaguely familiar; he had seen it before.


    He recalled that when he first obtained the Dao fruit of the "Pure Heart", and had felt watched on the street, he had seen this old man with a big-headed little boy who sported Nezha braids by his side.


    Hmm? Although the big-headed little boy wasn''t there, Li Che could still vaguely remember the old man''s face.


    That feeling of being watched combined with today''s encounter...


    Coincidence?


    Li Che''s fingers tightened around his wine cup forcefully.


    He then calmly continued drinking with the old man.


    "Old sir, have some dishes," Li Che said warmly, gesturing with his hand.


    "Young man, I should have come to see you earlier. Last time I helped you by intercepting that ''Angry Cry Town Ghost'' and accidentally got targeted. In order to kill the one who targeted me, I went to a Mysterious Temple outside the city... Unfortunately, I didn''t kill him, only crippled him, and also got involved with a reawakening Temple God for a while."


    The old man put down his cup, grinned, picked up a piece of vinegared pork slice, and spoke.


    Mysterious Temple? Temple God?


    Professional terms... Li Che didn''t understand.


    But that didn''t stop Li Che''s heart from tightening.


    This old man... was he the divine cultivator who had made his move that day?!


    "Young man, I admit I misjudged you at first glance... Your secret technique for concealing your qi and blood cultivation is somewhat impressive."


    "However, don''t blame this old man for the oversight, for Observation Skill reveals divinity, not qi and blood..." the elder murmured to himself.


    Suddenly, his gaze, deep and penetrating, landed on Li Che.


    "Breath Concealment Bone Tempering, the surprise attack can indeed be effective for annihilating some mindless martial artists, yet to become a great hero, to eliminate the evil in this city... it is far from enough."


    "Leave now, young man."


    "The bait today is too significant, even with your secret technique''s Blood Exchange Expert power, you are unable to grasp it."


    "After this matter concludes, I will come to find you and provide you with an opportunity... As for this city, on the brink of collapse, all that needs cleaning will be cleaned, all who must leave will have gone."


    Having spoken, the old man fell silent again, quietly drinking his alcohol.


    Li Che''s heart pounded as if beating a drum!


    "Senior, this Si Mubai wants to kill my daughter, I... I merely wish to protect her."


    Li Che''s voice was hoarse as he said solemnly.


    His words implied, he wanted to fish in troubled waters, intending to kill Si Mubai.


    Upon hearing this, the old man''s eyes lifted and he began to smile.


    "Do you know who was crippled by this old man...?"


    Li Che shook his head slightly.


    The old man laughed heartily, took a sip of his drink, and whispered mysteriously:


    "That old thing from the Si Family who had forged a Divine Foundation..."


    "Senior is valiant, I take my leave."


    "Another day, junior will await Senior''s honor in devastation."


    Li Che decisively stood up, cupped his fists, and left.


    The old man watched Li Che''s retreating figure, carrying a huge black cloth, leaving without any hesitation, and chuckled while stroking his beard.


    "A teachable lad."


    ...


    ...


    The torrential rain cascaded down from the heavens.


    In the streets and alleys of the Inner City.


    Li Che stood rigid and still, rain falling like columns, as if thousands of arrows were shooting into the human world, watching a luxurious carriage marked with the Si Family emblem slowing to a stop in front of the Golden Splendor Pavilion.


    Watching the pale-faced Si Mubai being helped into the pavilion by two Meridian Martial Artists, whose qi and blood nearly materialized outside their bodies.


    Li Che''s expression was cold.


    The mysterious elder had told Li Che that he had crippled the Si Family''s Divine Foundation, to the Si Family...


    The sky had fallen!


    Now with Si Mubai acting as bait... who was being lured?


    Probably those forces wishing to swallow the Si Family!


    In short, the mysterious elder had already warned him that this fishing and feasting session... was not something he could interfere with.


    "Crippling isn''t killing... Which means, with Si Mubai as bait, might the Si Family''s Divine Foundation possibly be behind this, planning a final battle before his demise to settle the Si Family''s troubles?"


    "So, is it highly likely that there will be a battle of Divine Foundations?!"


    "A battle of Divine Foundations, indeed troublesome."


    "However... I''m not going to battle a Divine Foundation."


    "Ignore the storm and wind, the conspiracies and plots..."


    "I''m only interested in Si Mubai."


    Li Che whispered softly.


    "Who is that mysterious elder? Could he possibly be a powerhouse from the Spirit Infant Sect? Most likely not... then it must be either from the Imperial Court or... someone from Divine Sect!"


    "However, no matter which side''s powerhouse..."


    "He said my cultivation has only reached Bone Tempering Major Accomplishment... This indicates he might not see through the ''Dragon Elephant Vajra'' Breath Concealment, thus... this bait, I can still take a bite out of."


    Like that Zhao Chuanxiong, how happily he eats.


    "Expert in eating bait, Bull Demon is."


    Li Che murmured, even if he couldn''t eat it...


    He still needed to witness Si Mubai''s death.


    Boom!!!


    As he finished murmuring, he suddenly looked up...


    Only to see inside the Golden Splendor Pavilion, a tremendous divine force burst forth, countless particles stirred ripples, causing all the rain that had fallen into the Golden Splendor Pavilion to hang inverted back to the heavens!


    Cracking and popping in mid-air as if frying beans.


    All manner of divine anomalies energetically burst forth, ensnaring the entire Golden Splendor Pavilion!


    It had begun...


    Li Che watched solemnly.


    His whole presence became more concealed, he pressed into a corner of the alleyway, merging with the darkness, added to the rushing rain...


    As if he had disappeared from this world.


    Ps: Tuesday, seek for continued reading! A crucial day, seeking Monthly Ticket support!

 Chapter 53: The Self-Saving Bait, The Praying Mantis Hunting the Cicada

    The storm howled, and slanted rain pelted down from the sky.


    Scouring the human world!


    The entirety of the Golden Splendor Pavilion seemed to be enveloped in the curtain of rain, blossoming with countless hazes under the pummeling of the rainwater.


    Overhead pavilions and canopies danced wildly in the air, amid the roaring currents generated by the downpour, like twisting dragons fluttering and dancing.


    Si Mubai''s complexion was pale, his face filled with a look as if he were on the brink of tears, much like an aggrieved young mistress who might burst into desperate weeping at the slightest touch.


    He settled into the suspended pavilion that had been reserved for him early on.


    As one of the Three Young Masters of Fei Lei, he didn''t need to book in advance in the past, but ever since he was severely injured by a mysterious cultivator who stripped him of his Divinity, along with the news that his family''s Patriarch Shen Ji was seriously injured and his Divine Foundation nearly shattered...


    He now has to make reservations ahead of time when visiting the Golden Splendor Pavilion.


    The charcoal stove boiled the water, bubbling vigorously; he dropped the premium spring tea into the pot, and the roasted dry leaves instantly unfurled like flowers blooming with a verdant splendor.


    The strong fragrance of tea, mingling with the drafts of wind and steam, interwove and spread throughout the pavilion.


    Si Mubai''s eyes were downcast, even somewhat fierce¡ªGuo Zhan was dead... He had suffered a heavy blow, his Divinity had fallen, tumbling down from the "Cultivation as Riverlike" realm.


    This filled him with both rage and sorrow...


    But this wasn''t what distressed him the most. As if misfortune came coupled with incessant rain, his family''s Patriarch Shen Ji sustained serious injuries while pursuing the killer for him... chasing them to the Mysterious Temple in the Outer City, resulting in near destruction of his Divine Foundation, leaving him almost crippled.


    If the Patriarch refrained from using his Divine Foundation''s power for the rest of his life, he might survive a few more years and maintain his awe-inspiring presence over the different households of Fei Lei. But once he uses it, death was certain.


    The worst part was that news of the Patriarch''s damaged Divine Foundation had somehow spread throughout Fei Lei City.


    The Yang Family, Xu Family, An Family, the government office... Every one of them was eyeing the Si Family, which was soon to lose the protection of the Patriarch Shen Ji, as if they were looking at a piece of deliciously roasted and fragrant fatty meat.


    "The Divine Cultivator who struck at me, the ''Prince of Rage'' of the Four Imperial Levels, couldn''t possibly be from Fei Lei City. They must be from the Divine Sect..."


    "Judging by the dates, the Divine Sect will send someone to recruit Spirit Children in a year. However, the changes in the Spirit Infant Sect and the Mysterious Temple... The Divine Sect must have noticed something. It''s not unreasonable for them to send someone ahead of time."


    "After all, Fei Lei City is just a small city. The ''Angry Cry Town Ghost'' Divine Method I cultivated is already the best in Fei Lei City, yet it''s only at the Nine Luminaries Level, far too inferior compared to the Four Imperials... much, much inferior..."


    Si Mubai clenched his fists in fury, but tears uncontrollably streamed down his cheeks.


    There was a time when he forced Zhao Chuanxiong to act as bait, to lure the Bull Demon.


    But now, as if karma has come full circle, he too was being forced to be the bait...


    At this moment, Si Mubai began to understand how Zhao Chuanxiong felt.


    Being the bait... you could be eaten at any time.


    That feeling of hanging one''s own life on a hook, hovering on the edge of life and death...


    Truly put one''s state of mind and bravery to the test.


    Si Mubai forced himself to calm down, but as he picked up the bowl of tea that the stunning Oiran had personally poured for him, his fingers trembled uncontrollably, betraying his state of mind.


    The curtains lifted and then fell...


    Rising and falling again.


    But when they lifted once more, around the Golden Splendor Pavilion suddenly appeared figure after figure wearing masks, as if they had materialized from thin air. Powerful bursts of Divinity erupted from their bodies.


    There were sword lights that filled one with contemplation, furious roars as though emanating from a Buddha, and chilling presences like golden-armored Vajras.


    They wore all sorts of masks¡ªtigers, leopards, goats...


    Perhaps it was the trend started by the infamous Bull Demon with his Cute Bull Mask.


    Now, those in Fei Lei City who committed crimes incognito had grown accustomed to donning a mask.


    Si Mubai looked at these people, and his hands stopped trembling, his expression a mix of laughter and tears.


    "Xu Heli, An Ruosu, Yang Kaihe... don''t think that just because you wear masks, I don''t know who you are."


    "Your Divinity, even if you turn to ashes, I would recognize you. Wearing those masks is nothing but self-deception."


    "Since you dare to covet the property of the Si Family, why not do it openly and honorably?"


    Si Mubai spoke coldly.


    However, no matter how he shouted and questioned, only the echo of his voice resounded.


    No one answered him.


    Si Mubai''s gaze swept around fiercely, and the next instant, nine palm-sized Spirit Infant Wood Carvings slipped out from his sleeves and, with a flick of his wrist, suspended in mid-air.


    "Since you''ve come... all of you can go to hell!"


    And in the instant he threw out the nine Spirit Infant Wood Carvings.


    Si Mubai''s white robe fluttered as he suddenly dropped downward, quickly plummeting into the curtain of rain, his Divinity exploding forcefully as he utilized a Divine Secret Technique, merging with the rain like a tear sliding down a cheek.


    He sped away, making his escape from the Golden Splendor Pavilion!


    At that moment, Si Mubai had only one thought in mind!


    Flee!


    Even bait must try to save itself!


    He would let the two Meridian Martial Artists and nine Spirit Infant Ghosts keep them entangled.


    All he needed to do was to fight desperately to escape!


    The Si Family was finished...


    But as long as he could take with him the Divine Foundation Fragment of the old Patriarch, flee the Inner City, reach the Outer City, and rendezvous with those from the Spirit Infant Sect as agreed...


    The Si family would have a chance to rise again from the east!


    He.


    Could live!


    ...


    ...


    Golden Splendor Pavilion was in chaos.


    Powerful divine fluctuations spilled out from within, and four massive, millstone-like phantoms dominated the sky...


    The rain seemed to freeze, unable to fall a single drop.


    It was as if four gods were clashing high above, their millstone forms like blazing suns that dispelled the night, impossibly bright in the minds of mortals!


    The common folk within Golden Splendor Pavilion suffered greatly, their emotions stirred into extreme flux, now crying, now laughing, now raging... tormented in a hundred ways, out of control, like devout believers manipulated by their seven emotions.


    After the torment of intense emotions came, blood spilled from their mouths and noses, and they fainted.


    The less fortunate perished on the spot.


    When Divine Base Cultivators fought, ordinary people... inevitably suffered the consequences.


    Raindrops the size of soybeans fell onto the flagstones, creating a continuous "patter" of noise.


    The chaos in Golden Splendor Pavilion persisted, of unknown duration, just like the sudden thunderstorm that came crashing down without pause, growing more and more intense instead of showing any sign of stopping.


    Li Che stood in a dark alley, wearing a hat, letting the rain wash over him.


    He stared intently at Golden Splendor Pavilion, observing the battle of Divine Foundations from afar, feeling slightly heavy-hearted...


    Divine Base Cultivators, truly formidable; their divine manipulation left wills utterly unable to resist, absolute oppressing those below.


    No wonder once having achieved Divine Foundation, one''s status in a city became paramount, allowing the creation of a noble family.


    The control of Divine Base Cultivators over the omnipresent divine particles between heaven and earth far exceeded imagination, every gesture filled with unfathomable power.


    Even for Blood Exchange Warriors, to put it vividly, they were like ants.


    In such a battle... Li Che chose not to enter Golden Splendor Pavilion, instead lurking outside, calmly watching the situation unfold.


    His chosen hiding spot was on the road from the Inner City to the Outer City; if Si Mubai managed to escape alive, this road would be his only path.


    If he was not dead, Si Mubai would definitely have to leave the city through here...


    Li Che would then be able to observe the situation and decide whether to intervene.


    Suddenly,


    Li Che''s "Pure Heart" within his chest throbbed violently, sensing an intense wave of divinity sweeping through, carrying with it the mournful wails of the world.


    "Angry Cry Town Ghost" Divinity!


    Li Che narrowed his eyes, his blood and Qi became even more reined in, his gaze sharp as lightning as he observed with a hint of surprise and doubt...


    Quickly, he saw a subtle bulge in the water on the street, amassing a highly intense Angry Cry divinity, rushing towards him with incredible speed along the main road!


    Were it not for the "Pure Heart" Dao Fruit''s sensitivity and capture of divinity and relying solely on his martial cultivation...


    Li Che would not have noticed at all!


    Someone had escaped!


    Melding with water to flee... such a tricky method was sure to belong to a Divine Cultivator.


    Who could it be?


    Needing to escape at such a critical moment, and carrying such a strong "Angry Cry Town Ghost" divinity...


    It was probably Si Mubai!


    Was it him?


    No matter if it was him or not... Li Che would not let anyone escape at such a critical moment!


    Better to kill wrongly than to let go!


    Li Che felt as if the whole world had gone silent, "Dragon Elephant Vajra" within his chest beat like the exploding sound of bells and drums!


    With the "Six Moves Blood Exchange Method" cultivated to perfection, his blood boiled and surged!


    In the blink of an eye!


    Li Che''s previously concealed and untamed breath suddenly tore through, his long black hair whipping wildly, his lean body suddenly swelled and stretched tall!


    Nine strong muscles twitched like angry Jiao Longs, his body''s bones roared like tigers, their sounds clear and unending!


    The elastic shirt bulged in an instant, and every inch of exposed skin seemed to glow, revealing the dark green veins beneath the skin!


    His eyes even more fiercely blazed like two great suns!


    Like an enraged deity looking down.


    The second shackle opened! Angry Vajra!


    Hissing hiss hiss...


    The pelting rain, instantly vaporized by his scalding blood!


    Li Che donned the Cute Bull Mask over his face...


    His presence instantly became like a resting divine figure, who in a moment stood tall, his spirit soaring to the heavens!


    Then, he took a thunderous step!


    The puddled alley fell silent, but as Li Che leaped out, the thick water on the flagstones was ripped from the ground, rising nine feet high!


    Thunder exploded through the dark clouds overhead!


    By the time the thunder faded,


    Li Che had already appeared directly above the fiercely glowing divine bubble hidden within the street''s deep waters, swimming like a fish!


    His towering figure, crashing through the wind and rain, looked down coldly and mercilessly from beneath the Cute Bull Mask, his raised foot pulsing with savage blood Qi and Inner Strength...


    And he stomped down fiercely!

 Chapter 54: Bull Demon Bull Demon! Kill Divinity in the Rain!

    Boom!


    Lightning serpents writhed across the sky, roaring furiously!


    Dark clouds suddenly revealed thunderbolts as blue as spiderwebs, densely packed like the bulging veins on the skin of a supreme martial artist!


    The downpour blurred the entire Fei Lei City.


    The sudden outbreak at Golden Splendor Pavilion took everyone by surprise, causing almost the entire Inner City to freeze in an instant.


    Powerful factions unaware of the situation held their breath, daring not to make any move.


    Inner City, Xu Family Mansion.


    Divine Cultivation Institute.


    Xu You, who was sitting under the eaves reading "Great Scenic Record", was abruptly awoken by the thunder above, drenched in cold sweat. He turned his eyes toward the direction of Golden Splendor Pavilion, his pupils slightly contracting.


    Even from a great distance, the four huge wheels of divine light, like the most radiant suns, still blazed with ultimate brilliance!


    All divine cultivators could sense it, Xu You''s divine cultivation was not high; at the age of twenty-four, he had just barely reached "Cultivation as Riverlike".


    Although he stepped into the second realm of Nurturing Nature, he had already lost the possibility of forging a Divine Foundation.


    Unlike his elder brother, Xu Heli, whose talent was extraordinary, ranked as one of the Three Young Masters of Fei Lei, he had already cultivated his family''s "Xuansi Liu Sword" Divine Foundation Divinity to "Cultivation as Riverlike", not far from forging his own Divine Foundation.


    "A battle over Divine Foundation?"


    Xu You felt like he had been struck by lightning, instantly realizing that a major event was unfolding in Fei Lei City.


    He didn''t waste time pondering the specifics.


    His gaze quickly swept across the Divine Cultivation Institute, over each Spirit Child quietly nurturing their nature, relaxing only when his eyes fell on the properly behaved Xi Xi.


    In fact, it wasn''t just Xu You who had noticed.


    Inside the Divine Cultivation Institute, an old woman from the Xu Family slowly approached. She was responsible for instructing the Spirit Children, a Cultivation Practitioner with a "Cultivation as Riverlike", a formidable strength.


    "Ah You, lock the main gate of the Divine Cultivation Institute. No one is allowed to enter. After you return, stay here with me to protect the children''s safety," the old woman ordered seriously, gripping her phoenix-headed cane, her face as craggy as old tree bark.


    Xu You hurriedly nodded in agreement.


    "I wonder how A Che is doing in the workshop... I hope he stays put and doesn''t get curious and go looking for excitement."


    "A mere ripple from a Divine Base Cultivator''s fight is enough to kill a Bone Tempering martial artist, with no hope of survival..."


    Xu You shook his head, suppressing the worry in his heart.


    "Xi Xi, come to your Uncle Xu You," he called out, waving at Xi Xi.


    Xi Xi obediently trotted to Xu You''s side.


    But right behind Xi Xi, a boy with a large head followed suit.


    "Chi Zi, come quickly, stay behind Uncle Xu You, and we''ll be safe!" Xi Xi stretched her neck and waved.


    Xu You glanced at the boy with the large head following Xi Xi, his hair tied in Nezha braids.


    The sight compelled him to take a second look.


    "Nurse Momo, whose Spirit Child is this?" Xu You couldn''t help but ask.


    With her phoenix-headed cane in hand, Nurse Momo glanced at the boy with the Nezha braids and let out a cold laugh.


    "An acquaintance entrusted him to us..."


    ...


    ...


    Bang


    His vital energy exploded forth like a jiaoshe snake spitting out its forked tongue, spreading all around.


    Li Che wore a conical hat and hid behind a Cute Bull Mask, his eyes glistening with rage. The elastic shirt he wore clung tightly to his body, tracing the contours of every bulging muscle and pulsing vein!


    With a heavy stomp!


    His vital energy roared like thunder!


    It was as if a bomb had suddenly detonated!


    The puddles under his feet were instantly displaced as if a boulder had been thrown into a lake, causing water walls several feet high to splash up, and the cobblestones below cracked under the pressure, deeply indented!


    An unprecedented terrifying force erupted at that moment.


    The violent air currents surged, blowing the displaced waves away!


    A figure screamed as it shot out from within, a burst of translucent water twisting into a vague human silhouette, the divine energy violently fluctuating as it materialized!


    Si Mubai was drenched, looking like a drowned rat, having lost the calm and composed demeanor he initially had facing Li Che.


    As he focused solely on escaping, seeking to flee towards the outskirts of the city...


    He had not expected that halfway through his escape an incredibly terrifying surge of vital energy would erupt out of nowhere!


    Meridian Connection Realm!


    Was a Meridian martial artist lying in wait for him before his time?


    Which family did they belong to?


    No, wait... How could a Meridian martial artist have detected his trace under the Divine Secret Technique?!


    This secret technique, passed down by Patriarch Shen Ji, was undetectable to anyone other than Divine Base Cultivators while employing the art of escape!


    Splash...


    Si Mubai slid back several meters on the flooded street, dropping to one knee on the ground, panting heavily as rain twisted across his cheeks.


    He stared fixedly at the towering figure.


    Black sinews as tense as bucking springs, vital energy red as magma!


    He was faced with a robust and purely powerful torrent of horizontally refined energy!


    "Bull¡ªDemon¡ª!!!"


    Si Mubai glared at this figure, whose imposing presence seemed to burn away the rain and create a misty vapor around him, his unmasked murderous intent rampant in his eyes.


    Yet in his eyes, there was deep sadness, and countless tears fell from them.


    Si Mubai could never have imagined...


    That the one to obstruct his path... would turn out to be Bull Demon!


    A criminal who postured as a hero, whom he should''ve been able to easily erase!


    How dare he challenge him, a Cultivation Practitioner with "Cultivation as Riverlike"?


    Although he sensed that Bull Demon''s current energy had reached the peak level of a Meridian martial artist.


    But as a Cultivation Practitioner, just stepping into the early stages like a small cup could rival the Meridian martial artist, and reaching streamlike or riverlike stages could easily suppress them!


    The Bull Demon''s aura was merely at the Meridian Level of the Channel Opening Realm, at the beginning stage of entering the realm...


    He, Si Mubai, even with his divinity now diminished, still possessed Cultivation as Riverlike at the level of perfection!


    "Wuu wuu wuu... Bull Demon... how dare you?"


    Tears rolled down one by one from Si Mubai, mixing with the rain and dripping into the water.


    "Rainy days are better suited for sorrow..."


    "You can''t tell if it''s the rain from heaven or my tears!"


    Si Mubai dared not delay, the Bull Demon''s ignorant actions were just right...


    He had wanted to kill the Bull Demon for a long time!


    As Si Mubai released his divinity, countless raindrops falling from the sky seemed to freeze in mid-air.


    Si Mubai sobbed, spreading his five fingers, but aimed straight at Li Che''s head.


    Despite the tens of meters between them, countless divine powers were manipulated, the "Angry Cry Town Ghost" divinity, with maddening sorrow and tear-inducing emotions, fiercely assaulted Li Che!


    It was as if countless sharp, invisible needles spanned the distance, violently piercing into his mind.


    Li Che felt a sting at his nose and an excruciating headache; his face almost looked mournful and tear-stained, facing the full-on attack of a Divine Cultivator for the first time, as the opponent''s divinity directly struck his spirit.


    Even the height of physical endurance achieved through Horizontal Refinement couldn''t temper the spirit, therefore... Martial Artists were naturally a notch weaker when facing Divine Cultivators!


    However...


    Li Che did not panic or completely lose initiative.


    His arm... suddenly grew hot!


    Jade-colored mist slowly twisted around, wafting and floating!


    In an instant, like a heavy rain meeting sweet dew...


    The piercing spiritual pain in his mind disappeared in an instant, swallowed like a whale, all channeled into his arm...


    Prototype of Divine Powers, Immortal Worker: Thousand Analyzing Hands!


    Hs entire hand... at that moment, almost felt like it was no longer his own, the terrifying divinity was almost uncontrollable.


    The Wrath Divinity that originally resided within was instantly suppressed...


    But because the amount of divinity absorbed was too much!


    To refine and transform it all at once seemed rather difficult, his arm''s muscles, bones, and flesh all endured a tearing pain... his entire hand even seemed to have its own will, quite weird.


    But... it eased Li Che''s spiritual suffering!


    That was enough!


    Li Che''s eyes focused sharply as he pressed down forcefully with his body, slightly leaning forward as if he were a variegated White Tiger baring its fangs.


    He stomped his foot, and the flagstone quivered, boiling water erupting around his footpad. The water, like a slithering snake, wound up along his thick foot!


    Relying on the rebounding force of the Angry Vajra State, Li Che shattered countless splashing raindrops and shot out.


    When his body landed again, he had already closed the distance of several tens of meters, appearing before Si Mubai who was still spreading his fingers to release divinity!


    And upon Li Che''s burly body, countless "little ghosts" formed from the gathered rainwater as if they had crawled out from hell and merged with the rain, wailing loudly as they clung to Li Che''s arms, thighs, limbs, head...


    Crying and gnawing as they did.


    Under Li Che''s Cute Bull Mask, there was no expression.


    His palm as wide as a cattail leaf, fingers hooked like talons...


    Transformation Realm Martial Arts!


    White Tiger Chaotic Wind Fist!


    His entire body resonated with binding force, his blood and qi spraying from his pores, the numerous little ghosts clinging to Li Che''s body instantly vaporized into mist!


    And the mist... with Li Che''s punch, the chaotic wind howled, interweaving and blurred into the form of a spectacular white tiger!


    Si Mubai was terrified to the extreme!


    He had not expected that a mere Bull Demon, a Martial Artist, would not only be unaffected by his divine provocation but also be able to execute a Transformation Realm Martial Technique!


    What kind of monster was this?


    Growth... too fast, right?


    He had just completed Bone Tempering, then Blood Exchange when seen again, and now... he had actually reached the Meridian Connection Realm!


    And had mastered a Transformation Realm Martial Technique!


    No famous master to guide, the small Fei Lei City, could produce a Meridian Martial Artist who mastered Transformation Realm Martial Arts?!


    Without an extremely exceptional martial talent and decades of persistent, arduous cultivation, it was impossible to grasp and cultivate Transformation Realm Martial Arts!


    This Bull Demon... who on earth was he?!


    But at the critical moment, Si Mubai had no time to think more, his divine power fully charged into his arm. Every drop of rain that fell turned into little ghosts wailing and crying, piling upon his arm.


    As if forming armor!


    However...


    With a thunderous impact, the White Tiger''s punch smashed down onto Si Mubai''s arm.


    The countless little ghosts exploded, along with Si Mubai''s arm, which burst and shattered into a dense blood mist!


    With one arm obliterated, the terrifying residual force hit him, sending him flying backward like a batted ball, yet he hadn''t fallen to the ground.


    The blood mist tore apart, and a cute Cute Bull Mask appeared right after, his sleeves giving a shake.


    Wooden arrows from the Sleeve Crossbow filled with freshly absorbed divinity, the poisoned Guanyin Blood Lotus, and the rapidly pulled thin silver threads...


    In the reflection of Si Mubai''s horrified pupils...


    Came crashing down like a deluge!


    Si Mubai had never experienced such vicious tactics, and his mind hadn''t caught up...


    Pu pu pu!


    While still flying through the air... he was already pierced by arrows, his body turning green and purple from the poison.


    Before hitting the ground, he was sliced into pieces by the razor-thin Thousand Spider Threads...


    Crackling like bait thrown into a pond, devoured frantically by starving fish until nothing was left...


    He fell to the ground in pieces, staining the rainwater red.


    Bang¡ª!


    Li Che landed in a flash, weighing something wrapped in black cloth on his back, the upgraded version of the Wood Raven, which he hadn''t even needed to use to kill Si Mubai.


    His eyes gleamed as he scanned the scattered flesh, maintaining the good habit of collecting spoils.


    But in the blood-stained water, he only found a slightly glowing jade pendant, extremely rich in divinity. Without hesitating too much, he scooped it out of the muddy water and tucked it into his pocket.


    Tucking his hat more firmly on his head, he darted into the curtain of rain amid the roaring Thunder Serpent.


    Ps: Please follow, need Monthly Tickets, seeking recommendation tokens for support!

 Chapter 55: Immortal Craftsman·Namo Gatling·Mutuya

    Killed, searched the body, and immediately fled.


    Li Che''s series of actions were smooth and extremely practiced.


    The speed had reached its ultimate, from launching an attack to killing Si Mubai, it took about ten breaths.


    But the brief exchange was very perilous, had Li Che not been able to withstand Si Mubai''s Divine Method''s attack on his spirit, he might have been the one lying dead.


    The only thing Li Che regretted was that Si Mubai''s body didn''t have much of value.


    He had imagined finding Divine Cultivation Methods, Superior Internal Strength Techniques, and so on, but there were none, not even a Gold Leaf!


    Illogical!


    This wasn''t how a proud descendant of a Noble Family should appear when out and about!


    Boom!!!


    Li Che retracted his Essence, Qi, and Spirit, his foot stomped fiercely on the ground, and the accumulated water exploded like a wall of rain, while his body had already shot out like a bullet.


    The "Slumbering Dragon Elephant" was also pushed to the limit, as if he had entirely erased his existence from the human world.


    "Stop!!!"


    The explosive roar erupted from the Golden Splendor Pavilion!


    Three figures, shocked and furious, split the curtain of rain and chased after him at high speed, shredding the curtain of rain instantly!


    Powerful Divine Intent swept over, engulfing the heavens and the earth, stirring the wind and rain!


    They were each wearing masks of a tiger, a leopard, and a goat...


    Under the rain, they appeared extremely ferocious!


    Mighty Divine Intent intertwined around them, as if forming a riverlike awe-inspiring presence around their bodies!


    Li Che pulled down his hat, not responding with even half a word.


    Like a shadow, he moved quickly along the corner of the wall in the violent storm.


    Tap tap tap tap...


    His steps were incredibly light, so much so that each step that landed didn''t even ripple the water.


    Yet despite this, Li Che still felt the three figures were drawing closer!


    And not just that, from the direction of the Outer City... a searing and terrifying Divine aura was also pressing down.


    He was like a conspicuous beacon that couldn''t be hidden.


    Even if he pushed the Slumbering Dragon Elephant to the ultimate limit...


    "I''ve always been exposed... even the Slumbering Dragon Elephant''s Breath Concealment can''t get me out..."


    Li Che immediately thought of the Jade Pendant he had acquired from the body.


    It must be that Jade Pendant...


    That had exposed his whereabouts!


    And these people had actually abandoned Si Mubai''s body and came straight for him...


    This undoubtedly sent a signal.


    The Jade Pendant...


    Must be valuable!


    ...


    ...


    The entire rainy sky at that moment seemed completely distorted!


    Thud!


    With a step, his body forcefully circled a large arc in the curtain of rain.


    The accumulated water in front of him splashed out a wall of water, everything seemed to freeze.


    "Ha ha ha ha... it''s the Bull Demon, huh... ha ha ha... not bad..."


    A figure wearing a laughing girl mask, carrying a long spear on her back, parted the curtain of rain above her head as if it were an umbrella.


    The intense Divine Intent permeating the surroundings strangely brought a joyful emotion; every raindrop seemed filled with happiness and joy, compelling one... to burst into hearty laughter.


    Li Che frowned, his eyes ice-cold, but under the influence of Divinity, he couldn''t help but want to burst into laughter.


    The rain seemed to have frozen in place.


    The torrential rain suddenly hung motionless in the air, manipulated by the powerful Divinity.


    Apart from the girl with the mask, there were two other figures, one on each side, left and right, blocking his escape route.


    The other two, each carrying a side knife, one''s body as burly as a bear, with fierce glaring eyes, their Divinity seemed to ignite the rain itself!


    Li Che had already recognized this man...


    One of the three Divine Catchers... Wrathful Maitreya, Zhao Xuanhai!


    The other two...


    Under the Cute Bull Mask, Li Che''s eyes shifted, glancing at the two of them.


    These two must be the other two of the three Divine Catchers.


    Terrifying Trace of Light, Zhang Xiangyang; Chaotic Joyful Bewilderment Divine, Zhou Ruoguan!


    Xu You had briefed Li Che about the Divine Foundation that the three Divine Catchers harnessed, because their characteristics were too distinct, they were easily recognizable.


    Wrathful Maitreya, Terrifying Trace of Light, Chaotic Joyful Bewilderment Divine!


    The sequence of three Divine Foundations was taught by the Imperial Court''s Divine Methods!


    Now they were erupting with Divinity, clearly no longer caring to conceal it.


    "The three Divine Catchers... all with identities from the Spirit Infant Sect, this Spirit Infant Sect..." Li Che''s expression under the mask was extremely dark.


    This city... is rotten to the core!


    Heaven and earth without wind or rain, divided by Divinity.


    As if there were three raging rivers lying in front of him, blocking his path.


    "Bull Demon, Bull Demon..."


    "Really didn''t expect Si Mubai would die by your hand..."


    "Three Young Masters of Fei Lei, hahaha, died so miserably... chopped into pieces, divided into countless chunks of flesh... hahaha, well done!"


    The figure wearing a laughing girl''s mask stared at Li Che.


    "Bull Demon... specialized in killing members of the Spirit Infant Sect? We are the three Incense Masters of the Spirit Infant Sect, you..."


    "And come kill us."


    The burly figure wearing an angry boy''s mask, Zhao Xuanhai, coldly sneered and provocatively scoffed.


    Another figure, wearing a fearful boy''s mask, remained silent, tilting his head upward and looking into the distance.


    Tigers, leopards, and goats... all arrived.


    Six Divine Cultivators, all of the cultivation as riverlike stature, suddenly seemed like six long rivers had blocked off the surroundings.


    They faced each other, and at this moment, the Bull Demon... seemed out of their concern.


    For the six Divine Cultivators, a mere martial artist like the Bull Demon... could be wiped out with a flip of the hand.


    The reason Si Mubai died was probably because he was already injured, and in addition to trying to escape in a hurry, he suffered a midway ambush and was injured by hidden weapons...


    And was directly killed by the Bull Demon.


    But they would not be, such was their absolute confidence in themselves.


    "Xuansi Liu Sword, Heart Shocking and Sturdy, Hundred Turns of Worried Dreams... Xu Family, Yang Family, and An Family..."


    "Xu Heli, An Ruosu, you and Si Mubai are all Three Young Masters of Fei Lei; so eager to strike against your good brother, don''t you feel ashamed?"


    ...


    ...


    Although Li Che had unleashed "Dragon Elephant Vajra," his aura nearing that of a Meridian Martial Artist, under the overpowering divine presences of the six, it appeared insubstantial.


    At this moment, he was being ignored...


    Although he was the notoriously fearsome Bull Demon.


    But evidently, these people did not regard him highly.


    That was...


    Great.


    Li Che enjoyed their disregard of him, as they seemingly were in a standoff, and whoever made a move against him first to snatch the jade pendant of Si Mubai in his hand would surely break the current balance of the standoff.


    However, he did not like this feeling of being restrained.


    He clenched his fingers, grasping the jade pendant.


    In his mind, he hesitated whether to abandon this jade pendant because as long as he carried this jade pendant, he would definitely be discovered and unable to escape.


    Just as Li Che was contemplating hard.


    Inside his chest...


    The "Pure Heart" Dao Fruit suddenly started throbbing abruptly, as if it wanted to burst forth from his chest.


    Li Che was startled, then felt the Essence, Qi, and Spirit that had been nurtured for so long in the "Pure Heart" burst forth powerfully, and forced its way into the jade pendant.


    The divine aura within the jade pendant instantly vanished.


    And the entire jade pendant also directly disappeared from Li Che''s hand...


    Huh?


    At this moment.


    Not just Li Che.


    Even the six people standing off were greatly shocked.


    Their gazes, at the same time, locked onto the Bull Demon, yet they were completely unable to sense the aura of Si Mubai''s jade pendant.


    "Qiankun Jade is gone, the aura of the Divine Foundation Fragment from Old Master Si... also vanished into thin air!"


    The expressions under the masks of several people changed dramatically!


    "Bull Demon... what have you done?"


    At this moment, they finally shifted their attention back to Li Che.


    A Divine Base Cultivator''s Divine Foundation Fragment, that was a key for them to comprehend the Divine Foundation, to touch the Divine Foundation!


    This was a tremendous opportunity, and also the goal for various families targeting the Si Family this time.


    Old Master Si, with a damaged Divine Foundation, would surely distribute fragments of the Divine Foundation before dying, to continue the Si Family''s legacy.


    And the one to obtain a Divine Foundation Fragment... would be Si Mubai from the Si Family, the most promising young descendant to forge a Divine Foundation.


    Under Li Che''s Cute Cow Mask, the corners of his lips couldn''t help but slightly curl up.


    The aura of the Divine Foundation Fragment disappeared?


    Meaning... the location disappeared?


    He suddenly slammed down the big thing he was carrying heavily on the ground, causing the murky accumulated water to splash up.


    The burly body, vitality raging like a Jiao Dragon, great tendons vibrating and thundering...


    Li Che glanced around at the Divine Cultivators who clearly did not take him seriously...


    "Gentlemen, allow me to give you a big surprise!"


    "Feel the art... of explosion."


    Li Che lowered his voice, deep and filled with madness.


    Black cloth unfolded, Li Che single-handedly carrying that enhanced version of "Mutuya"...


    But saw its round barrel made of superior black wood, towering with five dark metal tubes, its belly stuffed full with thumb-sized "Mutuya," neatly arranged.


    The Bull Demon''s arms'' great tendons vibrated, his entire body overflowing with vitality and Inner Strength, crazily infused into that raised, bizarre contraption aimed at them...


    You have Divinity...


    I, have firepower!


    "Immortal Craftsman¡¤Namo Gatling¡¤Mutuya!"


    "Gentlemen..."


    "Please enjoy a display of fireworks!"

 Chapter 56: Firepower is Confidence, The Abilities of Pure Heart

    What is that?


    The divine cultivators who were originally standing on the rooftop looked somewhat astounded because... divinity was fluctuating violently as if it was warning them of danger...


    Great danger!


    Yet, how could this Bull Demon, who was merely at the initial stage of Meridian Awakening, pose a danger to them?


    That strange mechanism, a few metal tubes bundled together...


    What did the Bull Demon want to do?


    Use a mechanism with hidden weapons... to deal with them, the powerful cultivators whose ''Cultivation as Riverlike''?


    Not all martial artists were divine cultivators, but all divine cultivators were definitely martial artists!


    And they were seasoned martial artists whose physical bodies were as strong as Horizontal Refinement, not inferior to Blood Exchange, with internal strength reaching the Fourfold Heaven...


    Thus, their physical bodies were not frail and vulnerable; facing mechanical hidden weapons, they were not completely defenseless.


    Moreover, with the perception of divinity, such mechanisms seemed laughably trivial in front of them!


    Wearing a mask, the Bull Demon''s eyes glowed brightly, the fire power... always drove people insane!


    Black hair whirled wildly as his deep voice overpowered the roaring storm and thundered between heaven and earth.


    "Enjoy a splendid fireworks display!"


    Enjoy to the fullest!


    In an instant!


    Boom, boom, boom!


    The terrifying sound of explosions burst forth, sonic waves sweeping across, shattering the wind and rain!


    The mechanism the Bull Demon was carrying suddenly unleashed a powerful howl, the blast of released air waves constantly surging in all directions, causing the water accumulated on the ground to ripple in heavy, thick layers!


    Numerous shrieks, numerous sparks, numerous shockwaves...


    From within the five metal tubes of that strange mechanism, rolling at high speed, they burst forth wildly!


    One after another golden bolts of lightning, like light swords, shot out, tearing apart the pouring rain in an instant and cleaving the curtain of rain in two!


    Da da da da da da!


    The speed was too fast, every Wooden Raven, compressed by the surging tide of Li Che''s vital energy, burst with acceleration after being squeezed, and coupled with the Wooden Raven''s own powerful thrust, shot out!


    A thousand ravens screeching in unison!


    The world blossomed with golden flowers!


    The six masked divine cultivators all changed color in alarm as they frantically stimulated their riverlike divinity!


    However, the Wooden Ravens being ejected were too fast, almost in the blink of an eye they reached them, and they could only use their own divinity to manipulate the chaotic divinity everywhere in the world, freezing the air and forming a divinity Air Wall! ?


    The Wooden Ravens hit the air wall and seemed to stagnate for an instant!


    In that moment, the eyes beneath their masks calmed down significantly.


    They could see clearly now!


    They were wooden birds carved from ebony, their grain looking lifelike; in that moment of stasis, flames erupted from within the bodies of the wooden birds, which then fiercely swelled in the storm!


    The moment it exploded, it released countless surging shockwaves!


    The explosive tearing power and impact were enough to rip open the flesh of Meridian Martial Artists!


    "Is that all?"


    They let out a breath, feeling somewhat baffled.


    But...


    The next moment, what made their hair stand on end was...


    From within the mechanism that the Bull Demon was watching, flames kept spurting, and one wooden bird after another, cutting through the veil of rain, with brilliant golden light, slammed continuously against their divinity-condensed Air Wall.


    The numbers...


    Were too many!


    Bang bang bang...


    Countless golden lights exploded, dense gunpowder smoke spread, and air waves surged back and forth in the sky, churning tumultuously!


    Each attack, potent enough to rip open the flesh of Meridian Martial Artists, in the span of a breath or two, struck dozens of times, even for them, the divine cultivators with riverlike cultivation, it felt...


    Suffocating!


    Like the Soul-Hooking Messengers climbing out of hell, the Bull Demon wearing a bull mask throttled the throat of life, as if to snap the neck and harvest the soul!


    "Fuck!"


    The divine cultivator wearing a child''s smiling face mask could no longer smile, cursing out after.


    The Air Wall in front of him crumbled with a bang.


    Numerous golden light Wooden Ravens screeched as they pounced on his body, engulfing him.


    Under the densely rolling black clouds, clusters of golden fireworks adorned the artistic beauty of explosions.


    Even the rain was forced back by the impact.


    The other divine cultivators soon followed suit.


    ...


    ...


    Waves of heat rolled back and forth, dense steam shrouded between heaven and earth.


    When the flames disappeared, and the full raindrops fell from the sky, pitter-pattering ceaselessly.


    The entire area was a mess.


    When a trace of divinity finally revived, several figures staggered to their feet at the same time; their masks were badly damaged, their clothes in tatters, some wearing only a few strips of fabric on their bodies.


    Their skin was torn and flesh was split open, dense scorch marks permeated around them.


    Even the cleansing rain could not cover up that smell... of cooked flesh...


    "It''s over..."


    "Where''s the Bull Demon?"


    "Fuck, he ran off long ago! What the hell was that thing? Shooting out so many wooden birds, actually exploding with such terrifying force, what kind of mechanism can blast cultivators at the peak of their cultivation like us into such a state?"


    "Now I finally understand why the followers of the Spirit Infant Sect don''t call the Bull Demon a hero. Does this guy''s methods even qualify as heroic?"


    ...


    The divine cultivators no longer harbored any thoughts of hostility or confrontation.


    After all...


    Si Mubai''s Qiankun Jade was gone, and the Bull Demon had already slipped away.


    What was the point in confronting each other?


    Out of loneliness?


    The identities of both parties were clear to all, so with the interest waning, no one continued to dwell on the matter.


    "The Way of Mechanisms... can it really be this powerful? No wonder the Tang Family could shine for a time, but mechanisms are ultimately minor arts, otherwise the Tangs would not have completely declined following the fall of the Divine Womb Power..."


    "Who is this Bull Demon, exactly? Using the blood and qi of a Martial Artist, combined with the Way of Mechanisms... actually causing the six of us at the peak of Cultivation to be in such disarray..."


    The group took deep breaths, exchanging words, all somewhat shocked.


    But gradually, they came to their senses.


    "Si Mubai''s Qiankun Jade has disappeared... That Bull Demon must have used divine means to erase the Divine Foundation Qi Mechanism that seeped from the jade."


    "Damn it..."


    "We must find the Bull Demon! We must! That damn thing is... an opportunity for the Divine Foundation..."


    In disarray, with bandages hanging and skin torn, the group peered through the hazy steam and curtain of rain at each other symbolically for a few moments.


    Then, tacitly turning their heads, they each swept away.


    ...


    ...


    Bang!


    Li Che, using the "Slumbering Dragon Elephant''s" Breath Concealment ability this time, easily escaped.


    There was no longer any incident of being discovered and followed by divine cultivators.


    Not to mention that those fellows had their divine defenses blasted open by the "Namo Gatling Wooden Crow," leaving them skinned and bruised, without the energy to search for him.


    Simply erasing the divine aura from Si Mubai''s jade pendant was enough to completely cut off any pursuit.


    But he still cautiously moved through several alleys, switching locations multiple times.


    After confirming there were no trackers, he carried the Namo Gatling back to the workshop courtyard Xu You had found for him.


    Once he landed and confirmed he was alone, Li Che began to breathe heavily, setting down the Namo Gatling.


    Li Che''s figure returned to its normal size, and his mind instantly plunged into his arm.


    The Thousand Analyzing Hands had absorbed a great deal of Si Mubai''s Divinity, which needed to be dealt with quickly, or else it would become uncontainable.


    After all, Li Che was not a divine cultivator, not even at the stage of "Nurture Nature like a Lamp," and if he couldn''t contain it, the outburst of Divinity from "Angry Cry Town Ghost" would not only affect his mind, but he could also risk exposing himself, bringing unnecessary trouble!


    The identity of the Bull Demon... was too sensitive at the moment.


    Therefore, Li Che did not hesitate to push the absorbed Divinity into the "Dragon Elephant Vajra" Dao Fruit.


    The Dao Fruit consumes Divinity!


    That would alleviate his pressure!


    However, the Dragon Elephant Dao Fruit only absorbed roughly half of the Divinity before it stopped devouring more.


    Fortunately, once the pressure on the Thousand Analyzing Hands returned to normal, Li Che finally let out a sigh of relief.


    [Dao Fruit: Dragon Elephant Vajra (LV2, 30%)]


    Li Che glanced at it and couldn''t help feeling pleased.


    This bout of consumption had directly increased the maturity of the Dragon Elephant Vajra Dao Fruit by 10%!


    Li Che even felt that his Martial Cultivation had reached the limit of the Blood Exchange Sixth Shift, and with the Method of Meridian-Awakening, he could break into it with just a thought.


    The LV2, 30% maturity of the Dragon Elephant Vajra brought too much of an increase in cross-training talent.


    Suppressing the boiling qi and blood in his heart, Li Che used the Dao Fruit to conceal his aura.


    Opening his eyes again, they were clear and bright, as the rain incessantly poured down.


    Li Che took off the Cute Bull Mask and crushed it into a fine powder with a slap, his gaze then fell on the "Namo Gatling," the LV3 Immortal Craft Dao Fruit which had significantly enhanced his hands-on capabilities.


    He had dared to boldly take action and kill Si Mubai this time because of this trump card.


    All his caution and prudence were actually due to insufficient firepower.


    Once the firepower was sufficient... he could even overturn the heavens!


    "It doesn''t matter; there''s still room for further improvement. The durability of the material is not enough, and the explosive power of the Wood Raven is not strong enough... A hundred Wood Ravens is the limit, any more than that... and it can''t hold up."


    "Spread across those six divine cultivators, it''s only a dozen or so shots each, not enough to kill them."


    "If one person were to endure a hundred Wood Ravens, even a cultivator at the stage of Cultivation as Riverlike would have to kneel before me!"


    Li Che''s eyes flickered as he caressed the Namo Gatling, somewhat reluctant to destroy the laboriously crafted device.


    But it was too conspicuous and could easily expose his identity...


    So, it had to be destroyed nonetheless...


    "First, let''s study the jade pendant that was devoured by the ''Pure Heart''..."


    Li Che took a deep breath.


    He had heard... about Divine Foundation Fragments. That stuff... now that was truly a good thing!


    With a thought, the Dao Fruit in his chest throbbed.


    Li Che then received the feedback from the Dao Fruit "Pure Heart," which had successfully devoured the "jade pendant" and acquired its capabilities.


    Li Che was stunned...


    The capabilities of the jade pendant?


    "Mount Sumeru in a mustard seed, the cosmos in a single jade concealed!"


    This was the power of the jade pendant that Si Mubai carried with him.


    With a thought, pure and untainted Divinity burst forth.


    The next moment, like a knife, Divinity tore through the air in front of Li Che, pulling open a rift as if unzipping a zipper.


    Behind the rift...


    Appeared a space neither too large nor too small!


    Ps: Seeking regular readers, Monthly Tickets, and recommendation votes to support! Thank you!

 Chapter 57: Portable Military Arsenal, Finally Obtaining the Divine Method!

    The purity of the Pure Heart burst forth, tearing a rift in the void right in front of Li Che.


    Behind the rift... there was actually a space contained within!


    Mount Sumeru in a mustard seed!


    Li Che''s emotions couldn''t help but surge, according to the feedback from "Pure Heart," the jade pendant he had obtained from Si Mubai was a "Divine Object," possessing divine attributes with incredible characteristics.


    For example, the jade pendant had a characteristic similar to a storage space.


    And "Pure Heart" had swallowed this divine object of the jade pendant, obtaining this characteristic, or rather, it had merged the jade pendant into itself.


    His mind connected with the rift, and the contents inside were all emerging in Li Che''s mind.


    It was as if a pair of eyes were meticulously inspecting everything within the space.


    "I say, Si Mubai, a noble scion, how could he flee without taking anything? At the very least, silver notes, Gold Leaves and so forth should be carried on his person. Turns out... they were all hidden inside this Qiankun Jade!"


    "The jade contains the universe, able to store all things..."


    Isn''t this the legendary storage equipment?


    The rain continued to wash down, and dark clouds roared over the whole city.


    Li Che meanwhile was under the eaves, happily inventorying the gains from this instance.


    Si Mubai truly lived up to the expectations placed on him by the Si Family. The good things he took... were indeed too many, gold and silver treasures were all there, and apart from those, there were various well-carved wood carvings, many of which even had faint divine fluctuations, clearly the work of a master.


    Li Che glanced at them and then shifted his gaze away. He had no interest in wood carvings, after all, he could carve similar things himself, which naturally couldn''t be considered treasures for him.


    But Li Che had already started planning how much money these wood carvings could sell for; they wouldn''t be cheap, after all, coming from the hands of a Woodcarving Master.


    Therefore, these wood carvings were all money!


    Apart from the wood carvings, what attracted Li Che the most was a fist-sized fragment, emitting a dull gray glow with an intense degree of divinity, which spilled out from the fragment.


    "Divine Foundation Fragment!"


    Li Che''s breathing stiffened.


    Even without recognition, just by looking at it, Li Che understood that this was indeed a Divine Foundation Fragment.


    The overflowing divinity almost made Li Che feel like bursting into tears, inexplicable angry thoughts lingered in his mind, and his eyes slightly reddened. R??


    "Such pure Angry Cry Divinity, much stronger than Si Mubai''s divinity..."


    "With such divine assault, I can''t hold out... my spirit can''t hold out."


    Li Che''s expression became serious and alarmed. This was only a fragment, yet if a Divine Base Cultivator personally took action, he feared he would instantly have his consciousness penetrated and be invaded by divinity, completely losing his thoughts.


    "To deal with a Divine Base Cultivator... perhaps only from afar, using ''Namo Gatling Wooden Crow,'' could I barely threaten a Divine Base Cultivator."


    "But it''s just barely a threat."


    "Ultimately, my strength is not sufficient, my firepower... far from enough."


    Li Che took a deep breath, just a glimpse of the fragment made him aware of the horror of Divine Base Cultivators!


    However, now that such a Divine Foundation Fragment had fallen into his hands.


    All surnamed Li!


    Without extracting the Divine Foundation Fragment, Li Che was now reluctant to touch it, after all, in case the out-of-control divinity exposed his own position, it would be a loss not worth the gain.


    Moreover, within the space of the Pure Heart, Li Che discovered that Pure Heart seemed to be slowly refining the Divine Foundation Fragment.


    Li Che couldn''t help but look forward to what would happen after the refinement was finished.


    His gaze shifted, focusing on other gains.


    Apart from that, the greatest gain... was the scriptures!


    "Si Family''s Superior Blood Exchange Technique, ''Si Taichong Nine Shifts Blood Exchange Technique''!"


    Li Che''s eyes suddenly brightened, his mind moved, and he took out a booklet from the Qiankun space, which appeared out of thin air.


    It was indeed the Nine Shifts Blood Exchange Technique, a Blood Exchange Method practiced by the direct lineage of the Si Family!


    It was also what Li Che needed most at the moment for Blood Exchange.


    With this volume of Nine Shifts Blood Exchange, Li Che would be able to complete the Nine Shifts Blood Exchange and achieve Blood Exchange Perfection.


    "There''s also Si Family''s Superior Internal Strength Technique, ''Prison Lotus Subduing Ghost Internal Strength Scripture,'' which can be cultivated up to the Sixth Realm of Internal Strength, reaching the Summit of Meridian Connection!"


    No wonder Fei Lei City''s noble family and clan that had stood for hundreds of years had such a rich collection.


    What thrilled Li Che the most, however, was the Divine Method!


    The Divine Method he had long been dreaming of...


    Finally within his reach!


    "''Nine Luminaries Angry Cry Suppressing Ghosts Nourishing Nature Record''! Si Family... Divine Method!"


    Li Che''s lips could not stop curving upwards, stifling the urge to burst into loud laughter.


    Indeed, killing people and burning houses as a means to wealth... Getting rich was just that simple and direct.


    The Divine Method, which he could never find despite being willing to spend a great deal of money, now fell into his hands just like that.


    However, Li Che did not choose to start cultivating immediately. There was time ahead, and he was no longer in a hurry.


    After checking his belongings, Li Che realized that he had inadvertently become enormously wealthy.


    Standing up, he patted the "Namo Gatling" and with a thought, the massive thing was tucked away into the space of the Pure Heart.


    With another thought, the Namo Gatling fell back into his hands out of thin air.


    Playing with this large device, making it appear and disappear, delighted Li Che so much it brightened his eyes.


    He collected all the hidden weapons like the "Thousand Spider Threads" and "Guanyin Blood Lotus".


    Li Che felt that he truly had no vulnerabilities left.


    "Isn''t this a natural ''Military Arsenal''?"


    "If I were to procure more Wooden Crows and make a hundred mechanisms like the ''Namo Gatling,'' I could rely on a continuous supply of firepower when encountering Divine Base Cultivators... to suppress the opponents!"


    "Si Mubai... truly a good man."


    Li Che felt overwhelmed with emotion. The gains from this time completely exceeded his expectations and imagination.


    The greatest gain was the transformation of the Pure Heart after devouring the Qiankun Jade!


    The strategic significance was too great.


    Li Che walked under the eaves, watching the relentless heavy rain pouring down.


    Feeling the gradually dissipating divinity from the clash of Divine Base Cultivators in the air...


    He slowly exhaled.


    He knew that the matter with the Si Family was probably settled.


    "It''s over."


    "It''s time to pick up my daughter from school."


    Li Che changed into a set of clean clothes, opened an oil paper umbrella, and stepped into the gradually easing rain.


    ...


    ...


    Li Che hurried toward the direction of the Divine Cultivation Institute of the Xu Family.


    Although the Si Family was finished, and Si Mubai was dead,


    Li Che''s sense of crisis had not completely subsided. After all, Xi Xi''s true safety had not been secured yet.


    The entire Fei Lei City still remained under the oppressive and stifling influence brought by the Spirit Infant Sect.


    Xi Xi, being a Spirit Child, was already on the hit list of the Spirit Infant Sect. As the sect grew more powerful, they would certainly show their fangs and make a move on Xi Xi eventually...


    Therefore, Li Che naturally still felt anxious.


    The noise within the city had ended, the powerful suppression from the Divine Base Cultivators receded, and the entire city seemed to come alive and lively again.


    Upon arriving at the Divine Cultivation Institute, Li Che saw that the gates were tightly closed, knowing it was because of the battle of Divine Bases.


    The uniform sound of marching feet started to echo.


    From afar, Xu Beihu, with a side knife strapped to his waist and a figure broad and sturdy as a bear, moved against the wind and rain, followed by a group of the Xu Family. Seeing Li Che, Xu Beihu paused slightly.


    "Master Li, it''s been a long time."


    Xu Beihu''s expression was somewhat complex as he looked at Li Che.


    "Second Shopkeeper." Li Che greeted.


    Xu Beihu was the person who had taught him martial arts and guided him at the entrance to the martial path, so Li Che naturally retained a sense of respect and gratitude.


    "Outsiders cannot enter the Divine Cultivation Institute. I will go in and call someone for you," Xu Beihu said.


    In the past, Xu Beihu wanted to recruit Li Che under his command, or at least to have him side with himself. Unfortunately, seeing no hope of persuasion due to Li Che''s good relationship with Xu You, he gave up.


    Later, as Li Che displayed his talent, Xu Beihu couldn''t help but feel some regret.


    Especially after the examination by Nurse Momo from the Divine Cultivation Institute revealed that Li Che''s daughter was a Superior Grade Spirit Child with extremely rich Divinity...


    Superior Grade Spirit Child, oh, as long as she grew up without being cut down midway, there was a high probability of up to eighty percent that she could forge her Divine Base in the future!


    Xu Beihu''s eyes flickered, thinking of the divine talent in Li Che''s daughter...


    An idea began to form in his mind.


    He missed out on Li Che, but he must not miss out on Li Che''s daughter...


    "Master Li, I have a son who is eight this year, with an excellent divine physique, and even praised by the old lord himself. Xi Xi''s divine talent is also very good and she is cute and lively, which I greatly adore; she would match well with my son. I wonder, Master Li, if you''re interested in becoming in-laws?"


    Upon hearing this, the smile on Li Che''s face gradually faded.

 Chapter 58: Daughter 2.5 years old, surprisingly found with yellow hair?

    Rain poured from the sky in torrents, utterly ice-cold.


    Just like Li Che''s state of mind at the moment, so cold it yearned for murder.


    The smile on Li Che''s face slowly vanished as he stared deeply at Xu Beihu, despite Xu Beihu being his guide on the martial path, he actually coveted Xi Xi!


    Xi Xi was only two and a half years old... and this man was already thinking of making her a child bride?!


    It wasn''t just about finding Xi Xi adorable, undoubtedly it was because he had set his sights on Xi Xi''s divine talent, wanting to tie her future to them.


    As a father, how could he possibly throw Xi Xi into such a pit of fire?


    The warmth on Li Che''s face cooled, even the slightest gentleness towards Xu Beihu disappeared without a trace.


    "Second Shopkeeper is joking. Xi Xi is still young, it is far too early to speak of such matters."


    "Moreover, when it comes to Xi Xi''s marriage, it primarily depends on her own will. I won''t interfere."


    Li Che said indifferently.


    Sensing the indifference in Li Che''s words, Xu Beihu''s eyes narrowed, "Master Li, the marriage of children is inevitably linked with us as parents, and the words of the parents are of utmost importance."


    Li Che couldn''t be bothered to talk to Xu Beihu anymore.


    However, Xu Beihu felt somewhat embarrassed and annoyed, as if he saw a trace of disdain on Li Che''s face.


    As if to say, what right did his Xu Beihu''s son have to be worthy of Xi Xi, who possessed such high divine talent?


    "Master Li, nowadays Fei Lei City isn''t safe, the threat from the Spirit Infant Sect is growing more severe, and after all, Master Li is not a member of the Xu Family. The protection provided to Xi Xi by the Xu Family might not be comprehensive. If Xi Xi were to form a good match with my son... then she would be part of the Xu Family, and naturally, the protection we provide would be different."


    Xu Beihu said blandly.


    Li Che''s gaze remained steady as he looked at Xu Beihu, "Second Shopkeeper... are you threatening me?"


    His calm words seemed to bring silence to the world.


    The pitter-patter of raindrops hitting the tiles and bluestones grew deafeningly loud.


    Xu Beihu suddenly felt a chill run down his spine, his cultivated divinity boiling uncontrollably as if a terrible crisis was approaching.


    "Big brother, Xi Xi is like my goddaughter. As long as I, Xu You, live another day, I will give her the greatest protection."


    Out of the blue.


    From behind, within the Divine Cultivation Institute, a resounding and angry voice could be heard.


    Then, Xu You came slowly walking over, leading Xi Xi who carried a small school box on her back.


    "Daddy!"


    Upon seeing Li Che, Xi Xi called out in surprise and joy, her voice soft and shy. Outside, Xi Xi was always very timid and quiet.


    Li Che immediately looked at Xi Xi, a gentle expression flooding his face, "Daddy''s here to take you home, your mother made your favorite braised prawns today, let''s go back early." R


    Greedy Xi Xi''s salivation seemed almost uncontrollable at the mention.


    However, as if to maintain her image, she quietly covered her mouth with her hand.


    On the other side, Xu You stood in opposition to Xu Beihu.


    Looking at the rarely angry Xu You, Xu Beihu''s mouth twitched, but didn''t completely fall out with him, "Enough, it was merely a suggestion, my attitude has been very sincere, Master Li... think it over."


    Xu Beihu couldn''t be bothered to say more. He only glanced at Li Che before turning around and leading his team away.


    "Second brother''s children... basically have too low divine talents, and his sons are already eight years old, too old." Xu You turned to Li Che, somewhat indignantly muttering.


    Even angrier than Li Che, the father.


    Li Che simply wanted to kill silently, it wasn''t too obvious on his face, but Xu You''s anger was written all over his.


    "Xi Xi''s future... must belong to the Divine Sect, she must not waste her potential at the Xu Family."


    In the end, Xu You looked at Li Che, speaking seriously.


    "We as parents, must take responsibility for our children''s future!"


    Li Che smiled sincerely from the heart, "Don''t worry, my daughter is my little padded jacket, whoever dares covet her will have to bear my wrath."


    Xu You sighed in relief.


    Meanwhile, Xi Xi came bounding over, throwing herself into Li Che''s open arms.


    Li Che kissed her tender cheek with a smack.


    "Xi Xi, have you been good at Divine Cultivation Institute? Did you listen to Nurse Momo today? Did you make any trouble... hmm? Old Xu, who is he?"


    Li Che narrowed his eyes at the boy with the Nezha braids following behind Xi Xi.


    This Nezha braided boy seemed familiar; wasn''t he the child that accompanied the mysterious elder? When Li Che previously encountered the elder in Golden Splendor Pavilion, he had wondered where the boy had gone...


    Never did he expect the boy would actually approach Xi Xi!


    A strong sense of danger emanated from Li Che.


    Two words seemed to slowly emerge from the depths of Li Che''s mind.


    Young suitor?! At two and a half years old, this brat dares to show up before her father?


    Lu Chi, who had been all smiles and feigned ignorance, suddenly sensed a strong intention to kill, making the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end.


    Lu Chi, who followed the mysterious elder, was well aware of Li Che''s true identity.


    This fellow... was the lone hero of Fei Lei City, Bull Demon!


    A Bull Demon with the blood of many lives on his hands!


    "He, oh, is a familiar face to Nurse Momo, placed in Xu''s Divine Cultivation Institute to cultivate his divinity. He''s sort of a little friend to Xi Xi..."


    "My Xi Xi is so adorable. How could she possibly be little buddies with this big-headed kid?"


    As a father, he couldn''t stand the sight of a boy constantly clinging to his daughter like a shadow.


    Besides, this boy had an unusual background, traveling with that old man capable of killing a Divine Base Cultivator.


    Xu You''s lips twitched as he fully understood Master Li''s wariness as a father.


    "It''s not like that, Old Li, it''s really not..."


    Xu You almost burst into laughter.


    "The kid is quite well-behaved, and his Divine Talent is excellent... Nurse Momo couldn''t be bothered to take care of him, so she dumped him on me. I plan to take him over to your house for a meal," Xu You said with a smile.


    But as he smiled, his laughter suddenly faded away.


    Li Che glanced at him, and then cast a glance at Lu Chi, with his Nezha-like braids.


    "Uncle, I..."


    Lu Chi braced himself to speak.


    He didn''t know why his Divinity was boiling uncontrollably, as if some great demon had set its eyes on him.


    This Bull Demon... was just a mere Blood Exchange Warrior, after all!


    Once he transformed into the "Wrathful Third Prince," he could slap to death a whole bunch of them with a single palm!


    Why should he be afraid?


    "Don''t talk, come here."


    Li Che said indifferently.


    "Alright."


    Lu Chi obediently took a couple of steps forward, and Li Che, holding Xi Xi with one hand, gently patted Lu Chi''s head with the other, "Not bad, your head is quite big, it should be quite comfortable to twist."


    Lu Chi: "..."


    Finally, Xu You couldn''t hold back and burst into laughter.


    Oh boy, the usually approachable Li Che suddenly becoming cold and fiercely protective was quite amusing.


    And about twisting heads so comfortably...


    You, Li Che, have never killed a person, but you do know how to scare someone quite well.


    ...


    ...


    Eventually, Lu Chi was still brought along for the meal, although he actually didn''t want to go.


    But for some reason, Li Che let him go anyway.


    After the meal, since it was raining heavily in the courtyard, Xi Xi and Lu Chi played there. This was the first time Xi Xi had brought a friend home, and the little girl had a lot of fun.


    But to Lu Chi, the sight of Li Che sitting under the eaves, holding a carving knife, carving the wood bit by bit, felt like the knife was always gesturing toward his body.


    After dinner, Xu You spoke with Li Che about the Divine Base battle and then took his leave to go back to the Xu Family to take care of matters.


    Although the Xu Family hadn''t notified him of such a major event... after all, he was still from the Xu Family''s direct lineage and should go back to help.


    Li Che didn''t try to keep him. For Xu You of the Xu Family''s direct lineage, he just felt sorry for him.


    Xu You, Xu Beihu, and Xu Heli, three brothers from the same father but different mothers. Xu You''s mother died early, and the family head father didn''t pay much attention to him because Xu You''s Divine Talent was too low, and whether he could reach the "Cultivation as Riverlike" stage was uncertain.


    Furthermore, Xu You''s personality was too good and too honest. The more honest a child is, the more the parents think you are sensible and the less attention they invest.


    Xu You''s status within the Xu Family was really not high, and Li Che sometimes felt heartache for him.


    Xu You left, and the now-staying Lu Chi felt as if his only support in the small courtyard had collapsed.


    Fortunately,


    Li Che didn''t put on that Cute Bull Mask, which killed without blinking an eye.


    Night fell.


    The rainy night was deep, and the dense clouds were so heavy they seemed impenetrable.


    Li Che gently put Xi Xi to sleep, then handed over the provisions to his wife Zhang Ya, and arranged for mother and daughter to sleep.


    Then he got up from the master bedroom, made sure all the mechanisms set in the master bedroom were intact.


    Li Che arrived at the study, changed into a black elastic outfit in the darkness, and carved out the Cute Bull Mask, covering his face.


    Putting on the cloak hat, he vanished with a flicker.


    In the side bedroom,


    Lu Chi, with his Nezha braids, sat cross-legged on the bed, slightly closed his eyes, and nurtured his Divinity. The quilt Zhang Ya had prepared for him was neatly folded like tofu blocks; he had never covered himself with it.


    Suddenly,


    Lu Chi''s eyes shot open.


    Boom boom boom!


    Behind the dense clouds, ferocious thunder tore through the night sky.


    Lu Chi looked towards the abruptly opened window.


    There, a figure in a cloak hat and dark clothes stood still.


    The howling wind whipped around, the air currents turbulent.


    The occasionally bright and flickering lightning...


    Cast light upon the grim and unsettled Cute Cow Mask beneath the cloak hat.

 Chapter 59: Divine Sect’s Qianyuan, Xi Xi is 3 Years Old

    Lu Chi watched the towering Bull Demon slowly enter the house.


    Overwhelming vitality interwove, creating swirling waves of air that dispersed wildly.


    An inexplicable pressure made Lu Chi''s hair stand on end.


    Could it be...


    During the day they said it felt good to twist a big head, were they not joking?


    In the dead of night, were they really going to practice it?


    Sitting cross-legged on the bed, Lu Chi''s face subtly trembled, yet his well-cultivated Divinity was already ready to burst forth, with sparks leaping from his pupils.


    If the Bull Demon indeed intended to kill him, he, Lu Chi, would have to summon the "Third Crown Prince"!


    Li Che glanced at the tightly tensed Lu Chi.


    Of course, he did not come to kill Lu Chi, for he, the Bull Demon...though not a good person, was not one to kill without reason.


    "What relation do you have with that senior?"


    Li Che said gravely.


    Upon hearing this, Lu Chi immediately understood whom Li Che was referring to. His tense heart slightly relaxed, realizing his master must have forewarned Li Che.


    "He is my master," said Lu Chi.


    "Are you people from the Divine Sect?"


    Li Che glanced at Lu Chi again.


    In the house, the currents of air whirled wildly, and the storm outside intensified. The pushed-open window clattered incessantly.


    Lu Chi stiffened all over, but slowly relaxed, yet he did not answer Li Che because someone would provide the answer.


    Under Li Che''s mask, his eyes narrowed, his five fingers clenched, and a "Wood Raven" slid from his sleeve into his fingers, while his other five fingers flicked, and the extremely fine and sharp Thousand Spider Threads were already tense and ready.


    This was because an unexpected figure had suddenly appeared in the room.


    The half-white-haired old man, whose face was full of deep lines, bore a gentle smile, had appeared at some unknown time.


    Li Che didn''t even realize how the old man entered the room!


    "Young friend, do not worry, if the elderly wanted to deal with you, your resistance would be futile,"


    "But I am quite surprised, how did you manage to kill Si Mubai?"


    The old man said cheerfully.


    Under Li Che''s black elastic shirt, nine major muscles tensed up, and every muscle in his body roared angrily, vitality intertwined.


    "Although Si Mubai lost his Divinity due to Lu Chi''s beating, he still possessed the peak capability of ''Nature-nourishing Like a Stream''..."


    "Logically speaking, with your cultivation uncompleted, you shouldn''t have any possibility of killing Si Mubai."


    The old man looked at Li Che in amazement.


    Li Che''s fingers pressed into the Thousand Spider Threads, remained highly vigilant, and narrowed his eyes under the mask, "It was just a sneak attack, nothing to be proud of." r


    "A sneak attack on a Divine Cultivator? Divine Cultivators have extremely keen sensing, the moment you make a move, even ten yards away they can sense your movements, how could you sneak up?"


    The old man shook his head, but he was somewhat concerned.


    Being able to kill Si Mubai meant that Li Che''s martial skills were commendable throughout Fei Lei City,


    And if he was looking for the headquarters of the Spirit Infant Sect, there might be an opportunity to cooperate.


    "Young friend Li, indeed, Lu Chi and I come from the Divine Sect, we are cultivators sent down the mountain by our sect to select Spirit Children, we just came down the mountain and entered the city earlier, without alerting the noble families and the City Lord."


    They were indeed people from the Divine Sect!


    Li Che''s heart tightened slightly, but he did not relax.


    The old man smiled, brushed off the rain on his body, glanced at the still vigilant Li Che, and said with a smile, "You do not need to be so tense, we Divine Cultivators, are not interested in your martial secret techniques, your Breath-concealing Bone-hiding Technique, though decent, is not very tempting in the eyes of Divine Cultivators."


    "Divine Secret Techniques, Nature-nourishing Divine Objects, Divine Weapons, etc., these are what Divine Cultivators pursue."


    "Everything related to Divinity far surpasses martial path, vitality, and Inner Strength."


    "Let me introduce myself."


    "I am Li Qingshan, a cultivator from the Yunzhou Sub-sect of the Qianyuan Sect, this disciple is my direct disciple Lu Chi, in the Nature-nourishing Like River Realm, belonging to the Inner Sect of our sub-sect."


    The old man looked at Li Che earnestly, giving a formal introduction.


    The Qianyuan Sect!


    A truly colossal entity, this Li Qingshan, although only from a branch of the Qianyuan Sect, was still considered a gigantic figure for the entire Fei Lei City!


    "The Dajing Dynasty encompasses eleven circuits, thirty-six provinces, and one hundred twenty-six prefectures, one Divine Sect per circuit, one sub-sect per province, and along with the Temple Control Bureau of Dajing Town, they jointly supervise the Mysterious Temple."


    "Fei Lei City is part of the Golden Light Prefecture, which is located in Yun Province, under the jurisdiction of the Lingnan Circuit, thus governed by the Qianyuan Sect Sub-sect."


    The old man Li Qingshan gave Li Che a brief overview of the regional divisions.


    Li Che felt a vast expansiveness coming at him.


    "Xi Xi''s talent is excellent, highly suitable for cultivating our sect''s Fury Divinity lineage. Therefore, I came to you to inquire whether Xi Xi might join our Qian Yuan Divine Sect branch..."


    "With Xi Xi''s talent, if she can build a Divine Foundation before eighteen, there is still hope for her to enter the main Qian Yuan Divine Sect."


    Li Qingshan stroked his beard and said with a smile.


    "Build a Divine Foundation by eighteen?" Li Che was startled.


    "Building a Divine Foundation by eighteen is the most basic requirement to enter the main sect from the prefecture branches... Xi Xi has a chance. I have assessed her Divinity; she is a Supreme Spiritual Child!"


    "Supreme Spiritual Child? Didn''t the Xu Family say she was only Superior Grade?"


    "Those naturally imbued with Divinity from birth, along with the initial Divinity, are not results of later cultivation; hence they can be called Spirit Children..."


    Li Qingshan burst into laughter, "My Qian Yuan Sect''s ''Observation Skill'' can glimpse the essence that is not comparable to the experiential foresight of local Divine Cultivators."


    "Young friend, would you be willing to send Xi Xi to our Divine Sect?"


    Li Qingshan asked again. Lu Chi, sitting on the bed, also blinked his big eyes, curiously looking on.


    After a moment of thought, Li Che asked, "Letting Xi Xi join the Divine Sect... is not out of the question, but I have one question to ask."


    "Ask."


    "Does the Divine Sect perhaps allow accompanying mentors? I wish to accompany Xi Xi to cultivate together in the Divine Sect, is that possible?"


    Li Che naturally did not want to let Xi Xi go to the Divine Sect to cultivate alone. If he could not accompany her... he would rather not let Xi Xi go.


    Xi Xi being too far from him gave him no sense of security.


    Li Qingshan heard this and was stunned for a moment, then chuckled and shook his head, "Of course, it''s possible, not only possible... Although I came to Fei Lei City a bit late this time, which allowed the Spirit Infant Sect to wreak havoc for a while, it still kept several good Spirit Children safe."


    "Xi Xi is one of them; several noble families and clans also picked a few, and there''s one more..."


    As Li Qingshan finished speaking, the smile in his eyes grew more intense and blazing, his gaze falling on Li Che, who was wearing a Cute Bull Mask and embodying the Dragon Elephant Vajra, looking as imposing as a mountain.


    "It''s you."


    "A twenty-one-year-old Spiritual Child."


    ...


    ...


    Time slipped through the fingers, fleeting swiftly.


    In the blink of an eye, it passed.


    Since the last time Li Qingshan confronted Li Che, Li Che''s head had been buzzing.


    He had not expected... not only had Li Qingshan taken a fancy to his daughter, but he was also not letting him go.


    A twenty-one-year-old Spiritual Child?


    There was something odd about that phrase, akin to a twenty-one-year-old virgin, not very damaging but extremely insulting.


    Li Qingshan told him that he possessed pure Divinity, which Li Che understood was due to the "Pure Heart" Dao Fruit, naturally attracting Divinity, catching Li Qingshan''s "Observation Skill" interest.


    In a strict sense, the Divinity amassed after the birth of the "Pure Heart" was indeed fresh enough to be called a "Spirit Child."


    That meant Li Qingshan wanted both him and his daughter to join the sect for cultivation.


    Li Che thought about practicing alongside a group of tiny tots not even as tall as his knees in a courtyard...


    The mental image inexplicably felt comically ironic.


    Half a year passed, unnoticed.


    Since the last battle for the Divine Foundation, the Si Family fell from power, becoming a target for division among the large noble families and clans. Of course, the Si Family had not yet perished, still gasping for survival, but they had completely lost their status as a noble clan.


    All the valuable items in the family were plundered, the loss of Divine Method causing the Si Family to completely lose their foundation.


    Following the fall of the Si Family, Fei Lei City entered a phase of undisturbed peace.


    However, the calmer it was, the more it indicated that a greater storm was brewing.


    Lu Chi permanently resided at Li Che''s home, also arranged by Li Qingshan as a protector for Xi Xi, while Li Qingshan investigated the Mysterious Temple and Spirit Infant Sect matters in the Outer City.


    He told Li Che that the Spirit Infant Sect was allowing the city''s outer Mysterious Temple to expand and transform.


    Therefore, he was trying to covertly locate the Spirit Infant Sect''s headquarters and see if it was possible to suppress the Temple God in the temple that was about to awaken.


    As for Li Che and Xi Xi heading to the Divine Sect for cultivation, Li Qingshan said they had to wait until the official recruitment day of the Divine Sect to join, as they couldn''t bypass the rules and join in advance.


    Li Che didn''t mind this.


    The days passed steadily.


    Time does not stop, seasons flow like a river.


    Cold winds blew, bringing a piercing chill.


    Unknowingly, it was another harsh winter with heavy snowfalls.


    Xi Xi turned three years old.

 Chapter 60: Daughter 3 Years Old, Dao Fruit [Chess Saint]

    Fei Lei City, Inner City.


    An independent workshop courtyard.


    Li Che sat cross-legged.


    The cold air condensed the moisture in the sky, and the falling snowflakes, landing on his shoulders, silently melted and evaporated.


    He slowly opened his eyes, and the air currents in the entire courtyard surged wildly.


    His bones collided with a roaring sound, his blood circled vigorously, like a mountain torrent bursting, a muffled sound transmitted from beneath his skin!


    "Blood Exchange Nine Shifts, the real Blood Exchange Great Perfection..."


    Li Che''s eyes blazed, and the breath he exhaled was sharp as a knife.


    "And my Inner Strength..."


    Li Che lifted his hand, and a hot stream tumbled in his palm, while on his arm, four black lotus flowers bloomed.


    "Prison Lotus Subduing Ghost Internal Force... Fourfold Heaven!"


    The powerful Inner Strength rolled like tides, merging into his blood, greatly bolstering his force.


    Blood Exchange Nine Shifts, combined with Inner Strength of Fourfold Heaven...


    Today''s Li Che, even without activating [Dragon Elephant Vajra], could unleash power close to the Channel Opening stage with just his horizontally refined physique. If he activated the Dragon Elephant Vajra, with its unparalleled horizontal refinement, his burst of power could reach the peak of Initial Stage of Meridian Opening at the Qi Vessel Level!


    The Meridian Connection Realm is divided into several smaller realms: Qi Channels, Mysterious Vein, and Divine Vein.


    Meridian Cultivators can spar with those cultivating like a lamp-nurturing nature.


    If one reaches the Mysterious Vein level, horizontal refinement becomes more terrifying, and even Divine Cultivators nurturing nature like a stream can be challenged.


    As for Divine Pulse Martial Artists, they stand at the very pinnacle of the Meridian Connection Realm, their bodies and blood as strong as refined steel, a breath in and out like a roaring dragon, using their blood to nurture essence, capable of competing with a Divine Cultivator who is like a river-nurturing nature.


    And above the Divine Pulse Martial Artists are those known as Grandmasters, exceedingly rare!


    Even though most Divine Cultivators assist physical cultivation with their Divinity to speed up advancement, most of those with riverlike nurturing nature only achieve the initial Meridian Opening Qi Channels level in their horizontal refinement.


    A few may reach the Mysterious Vein, but there are even fewer at the Divine Vein level.


    Even among Divine Cultivators, to cultivate a Divine Vein requires decades of daily arduous cultivation and practice. Having enjoyed the rapid ascent from Divinity, how could they have the patience to polish and refine? r?


    "Besides blood and Inner Strength..."


    Li Che''s eyes sparkled, his greatest gain in the past half year.


    With a clench of his five fingers, Divinity howled out from his palm, the sobbing cry swirling around with his every move.


    Angry Cry Suppressing Ghost!


    The [Nine Luminaries Angry Cry Suppressing Ghost Nourishing Nature Record] of the Si Family had been completely cultivated by Li Che, and he had successfully reached the "Nurture Nature like a Lamp" stage!


    Most importantly, Li Che had discovered a minor use for [Pure Heart].


    That is, Pure Heart could conceal and hide the aura of Divinity he cultivated, just like Dragon Elephant Vajra.


    It disguised him as an ordinary person who had never cultivated Divinity.


    "The Divine Foundation Fragment from Elder Master Si... If I could completely refine it, I might be able to advance to the ''Cultivation as Riverlike'' stage."


    "However, even with the help of Pure Heart, it will take some time."


    Li Che pondered, summarizing his current overall strength.


    The improvement was undeniably tremendous!


    The him of today, if he met Si Mubai again, would not need to resort to a sneak attack, he could simply smash him to pieces outright!


    A long breath he exhaled, and the wind howled.


    After organizing his thoughts about his cultivation.


    Li Che looked up, the snowflakes gently falling from the sky, landing on his cheek, melting, feeling extremely cold.


    "Today... Xi Xi turns three."


    A mutter.


    Thump, thump, thump!


    Suddenly, the world fell into a sudden silence.


    In Li Che''s chest, wave after wave of intense pulsations came, as Dao Fruits [Immortal Artisan], [Pure Heart], and [Dragon Elephant Vajra] began to beat energetically.


    Before his eyes... familiar images slowly emerged!


    The vast and profound earth, a sacred tree towering into the clouds, sprouted from the ground, its leaves quivering with shimmering light!


    A multicolored fruit, overflowing with luster, projected the images of Xi Xi''s growth over the past year.


    Her black hair fluttering in the wind.


    Li Che''s eyes shone brightly.


    Unknowingly...


    Another year had passed.


    A year of protection and anticipation, finally bearing fruit today.


    Xi Xi at three, the fourth Dao Fruit...


    Has arrived!


    ...


    [Your daughter turned three, lively and clever, growing up safe and sound, and obtained the Dao Fruit "Chess Saint"]


    ...


    Before my eyes, prompts slowly emerged, interwoven with flashing lights.


    The Fourth Dao Fruit!


    Following the Immortal Artisan, Dragon Elephant Vajra, and Pure Heart, the expectation for the fourth Dao Fruit swelled within Li Che''s heart.


    Even though he already possessed three, when it came to Dao Fruits... he never deemed them too many.


    Each Dao Fruit brought him great aid, be it in life, on the martial path, or in the realm of divinity.


    Yet he had no clue what role the fourth Dao Fruit would play.


    Thus, it brought Li Che the thrill of opening a mystery box.


    However, as soon as the name of the fourth Dao Fruit appeared, Li Che was somewhat taken aback.


    "Chess... Chess Saint?"


    Li Che''s brow furrowed slightly, and the joy on his face seemed to momentarily freeze.


    He, Li Che...


    Was not really good at playing chess.


    He could play connect-five, but as for other forms of chess, besides knowing the rules, he was mostly ignorant.


    [Chess Saint (Dao Fruit): Heaven and earth as chessboard, divinity condensed into pieces, from Tianyuan to start, moves according to the heart.]


    As his spirit slightly fluctuated, the introduction of the [Chess Saint] Dao Fruit quietly surfaced before him.


    "Heaven and earth as chessboard, divinity condensed into... chess pieces?"


    "From Tianyuan to start, moves according to the heart?"


    Li Che silently felt a wave of confusion, as if, despite the description, he still didn''t quite understand the specific principle at work.


    As expected, anything related to chess was always mystifying.


    But Li Che wasn''t completely clueless: "Divinity condensed into chess pieces..."


    With a thought, the Dao Fruit of the Pure Heart pulsated, and in an instant, pure white divinity burst forth, swirling in Li Che''s palm.


    The divinity crafted from the Pure Heart had no other special attributes, only the pure, flawless divinity.


    Hum hum hum¡ª


    The divinity lingered, and slowly... it coalesced into a white chess piece right in front of Li Che.


    It radiated a pure white glow, floating above Li Che''s palm.


    A flicker of curiosity appeared in Li Che''s eyes, and the next moment, he raised his hand to grasp the chess piece.


    In an instant!


    It was as if a drop of water had fallen onto the serene surface of a lake, causing ripples to spread in concentric circles.


    Li Che only felt his spiritual perception suddenly heighten, and in a flash, half of Fei Lei City was perfectly replicated in his mind like a high-definition map.


    The crisscrossing lines intertwined, sketching out a chessboard that enveloped half of Fei Lei City!


    Li Che''s eyes narrowed slightly...


    This scene was as if he had activated a satellite view, overseeing half of the city!


    Although the people in the city, their conversations, and actions all appeared very blurry to him, if he was willing to invest more divinity, he could receive increasingly clear feedback.


    "You call this... Chess Saint?"


    "Master Go-chess Saint?"


    Li Che was genuinely surprised by the function of this fourth Dao Fruit...


    He looked at the fingers holding the chess piece.


    Suddenly, with a flick of his finger, the chess piece, condensed from the pure divinity of the Pure Heart, shot out dozens of meters from the yard and landed at the garden gate.


    The [Chess Saint] Dao Fruit vibrated slightly.


    The next moment...


    Li Che felt a blur before his eyes, and when his vision cleared, he discovered... that he had moved from the center of the courtyard to the spot where the chess piece floated by the gate.


    "Moves according to the heart..."


    Li Che stood silently at the entrance of the garden, as snowflakes fluttered down from the sky, only to be shredded into dust by an invisible divinity.


    He toyed with the divine chess piece held between his fingers.


    A smirk couldn''t help but curl up at the corner of his mouth.


    "Chess Saint, what is a Chess Saint... To control everything within the chess game, that is the saint within the chess, everything within the board, all under my observation."


    "Heaven and earth as chessboard, divinity condensed into chess pieces..."


    If he were to let Xi Xi carry this chess piece with her...


    "My heart wanders, moves according to the heart."


    Doesn''t that mean that if Xi Xi were within his chessboard''s sensing range and any safety threat arose,


    He could appear by Xi Xi''s side in an instant with the quickest teleportation speed if he wished?


    From now on...


    In the face of danger, eliminate the danger, if there''s a threat... annihilate the threat!


    He no longer had to worry about Xi Xi''s safety!

 Chapter 61: Woodcarving Master, Three Immortals Riding Oxen Pondering over the Sword

    Snowflakes drifted down, icy to the bone.


    Yet Li Che''s heart was full of warmth and excitement.


    The effect of the fourth Dao Fruit could be simply thought of as a type of surveillance, a guarantee of his daughter''s safety.


    As long as the divine chess piece he had condensed was by Xi Xi''s side, should she encounter any danger, he could appear beside her in the quickest possible time.


    For an old father, such a Dao Fruit... was the most reassuring of all.


    In Fei Lei City, the Spirit Infant Sect''s threat had yet to subside.


    It even showed signs of escalating, and Li Che was very clear that the Spirit Infant Sect must have inextricably complex entanglements with the City Lord''s Mansion.


    "Spirit Infant Sect..."


    Li Che''s eyes narrowed as he pinched the white chess piece condensed from divinity in his hand.


    This menace, he didn''t know when it could be dealt with...


    "Senior Li is investigating the main altar of the Spirit Infant Sect... I wonder if there have been any gains?"


    "If the Spirit Infant Sect could be eliminated, it would naturally be a great thing for Fei Lei City, and parents with children could sleep more peacefully at night."


    Li Che exhaled deeply.


    He continued to attempt research on the "Chess Saint" Dao Fruit within the workshop.


    After condensing three white divine chess pieces, he was unable to condense any more, which meant that three chess pieces were his current limit.


    "Only three chess pieces, huh... one for Xi Xi, and one to place on my wife is probably enough."


    "If the maturity of the Chess Saint''s Dao Fruit increases, the number of chess pieces condensed will also correspondingly increase."


    Li Che pondered thoughtfully.


    With a thought, a flow of light appeared before his eyes.


    ...


    [Name: Li Che]


    [Bonds: Li Nuanxi (Daughter)]


    [Dao Fruit: Immortal Artisan (lv3, 10%), Dragon Elephant Vajra (lv2, 49%), Pure Heart (LV1, 20%), Chess Saint (lv1, 1%)]


    [Prototype of Divine Powers: Immortal Worker: Thousand Analyzing Hands]


    ...


    Seeing the overall improvement on the panel, Li Che''s lips couldn''t help but turn up in an arc.


    "Once I break through to Channel Opening in my martial cultivation, I should be able to bring the maturity of the Dragon Elephant Vajra Dao Fruit to 50%. It''s a pity that compared to "Immortal Artisan", achieving lv3 for "Dragon Elephant Vajra" is indeed much more difficult."


    Stretching lazily, Li Che became increasingly hopeful about the future.


    "What I mainly lack now is the divine secret technique, which is the primary means by which divine cultivators fight their enemies. The divine martial arts I obtained from Guo Zhan before can barely be used."


    Li Che had killed Guo Zhan, a Blood Exchange Expert sent by Si Mubai, and obtained the divine martial arts called "Angry Cry Hundred Ghosts Thunderstorm Arrows", which did not belong to divine secret techniques, but rather to divine martial arts.


    Compared to Si Mubai''s secret techniques blended with rainwater, unpredictable like ghosts and spirits, it was incomparable.


    Regrettably, in the gifts from Si Mubai, Li Che did not find this secret technique.


    However, after Li Che cultivated the "Angry Cry Supressing Ghost" divinity, he was able to practice the divine martial arts.


    He has now mastered it to the level of minor accomplishment.


    Divine martial arts are a bit more difficult than martial arts of blood and qi, requiring a test of one''s mastery over divinity, so, Li Che''s mastery speed was quite slow.


    Converging his essence, qi, and spirit, Li Che completely concealed his divinity while releasing his blood and qi to the level of Bone Tempering Completion.


    "Three years from beginner to Bone Tempering Completion... it''s not considered too exaggerated."


    Li Che chuckled.


    At least it wasn''t exaggerated compared to the cultivation he was concealing.


    He picked a piece of wood from the yard, dried it with his inner strength, and began the wood carving.


    After reaching lv3 with "Immortal Artisan", Li Che''s woodcarving skills were getting higher and higher, and he had already reached the level of woodcarving master, capable of bestowing divinity into the wood carvings!


    Li Che focused intently as his carving knife flowed smoothly, wood chips flew, and silky patterns were outlined, forming a "Six-Armed Bodhisattva Fury Crying Lotus Sitting Statue".


    The divinity of heaven and earth seemed to be slowly attracted and adhered to by the wood carving.


    After the carving was completed, Li Che used his inner strength to wash it, finishing the final step of the wood carving, and stored it within the Vast Space of "Pure Heart".


    This piece... Li Che kept it for himself, to be used when cultivating the "Angry Cry Suppressing Ghost" divinity, just as Si Mubai had done in his training.


    According to the cultivation methods recorded in the "Nine Luminaries Angry Cry Suppressing Ghosts Nurturing Nature Record", divinity could be cultivated from the heaven and earth by oneself, or it could be extracted and cultivated through items imbued with divine essence such as wood carvings, stone carvings, paintings, etc.


    However, most used wood carvings primarily because many types of wood were inherently divine objects like Spiritual Wood.


    Li Qingshan once casually mentioned to Li Che that even within the main sect of the Qian Yuan Divine Sect, there was a specially established "Wood Carving Ridge" that recruited woodcarving masters.


    The divine wood carvings needed by sect disciples for cultivation were mostly created by the sect''s woodcarving masters.


    After completing his daily carving, Li Che fiddled with the seventh-ranked mechanism "Bodhi Blood Tears" from "Tang''s Mechanism Essentials" for a while; although difficult, Li Che was almost finished with it.


    Glancing at the sky, Li Che returned to the cottage in the workshop''s courtyard and took out the birthday gift he had prepared for Xi Xi.


    Li Che''s handmade "Twist Car" was hardly a challenge for him at the moment, but it was very nice because it could satisfy Xi Xi''s happiness.


    He sneaked a play with the Twist Car in the yard.


    Xi Xi was three years old now, and he, Li Che, had also become a 22-year-old Spirit Child...


    A 22-year-old Spirit Child playing with a Twist Car shouldn''t be a problem, right?


    After having his fill of play, Li Che carried the Twist Car and left the independent workshop.


    First, he went to Golden Splendor Pavilion, ordered a table full of fine wine and dishes, and asked the Pavilion''s workers to pack it up and deliver it to his home in the Inner City.


    The Li family had completely moved into the Inner City, and the financially robust Li Che had bought a duplex courtyard there.


    Old Chen had also moved in to live with them.


    Originally, Old Chen had lived in the Outer City for some peace and quiet, but now that Xi Xi moved to the Inner City, he couldn''t bear to be apart and wanted to follow.


    After arranging Xi Xi''s birthday banquet, Li Che then went to Xu''s Divine Cultivation Institute to pick Xi Xi up from school.


    ...


    ...


    "Daddy, what''s this?"


    Xixi was held by Li Che, one hand around his neck, her big eyes curiously looking at the "Twist Car" Li Che was carrying in one hand.


    "This is a birthday present Daddy made for Xi Xi, come and play with it."


    Li Che directly taught Xi Xi how to use it.


    Behind them, Big Head Lu Chi''s eyes widened as he stretched his neck, watching Xi Xi happily twisting on the Twist Car, and couldn''t help feeling envious, wanting to give it a try.


    "Lu Chi brother, do you want to try it?" Xi Xi said with a beaming smile, revealing her dimples.


    At that moment, Lu Chi felt that Xi Xi was simply a fairy from the heavens.


    However, sensing Li Che''s gaze as deep and terrifying as a Bull Demon from hell, Lu Chi''s scalp tingled: "I''m a big kid now, I wouldn''t play with childish toys!"


    After speaking, Lu Chi turned his head away, fighting back tears of envy.


    Xu You, dressed in a refined white shirt, followed gently behind, but there was a hint of worry between his brows.


    "A Che, after celebrating Xi Xi''s birthday with her, I fear I''m going to be busy. The Mysterious Temple outside the city has erupted in turmoil again, evil creatures are rampaging, and many villages have suffered chaos. The Xu, An, and Yang families in the Inner City have formed a clean-up team, and I''ve been assigned to leave the city for the clean-up task."


    Xu You said with a wry smile.


    On hearing this, Li Che''s brows furrowed: "You are from the direct lineage, and such a dangerous task... Why would they send you? Didn''t the Yang and An families send out members from collateral branches to lead the teams?"


    Xu You shook his head helplessly: "I''m used to it..."


    "It can also be considered a form of tempering."


    Xu You''s nature was just like that, too weak, never fighting or competing for anything.


    "You should fight for it. As a direct lineage member, you should still hold on to the rights you ought to have," Li Che advised.


    Xu You continued to nod with a gentle smile on his face.


    Li Che said no more, raised his hand, patted Xu You''s shoulder, and the "Chess Piece" condensed of [Pure Heart] Divinity silently infiltrated Xu You''s body.


    Xu You didn''t even notice anything unusual and continued to chat and laugh with Xi Xi as usual.


    Night fell.


    In the courtyard.


    The moonlight was cool and thin.


    Li Che had gotten Old Chen drunk, who was insisting he wasn''t, and after seeing off his great-uncle cousin who had come to celebrate Xi Xi''s third birthday together, he sat down with Xu You under the eaves.


    A stove boiled water, and in the boiling water, the green tea leaves tumbled.


    A bowl of tea after wine is a joy fit for immortals.


    Holding the crudely brewed green tea by Li Che, Xu You continued to discuss Xi Xi''s safety at the Divine Cultivation Institute with him.


    "I''ve asked Nurse Momo to take care of it; she will personally come to the gate to pick Xi Xi up. Nurse Momo is an old-timer at the Divine Cultivation Institute and can be trusted. When you come to pick up Xi Xi, she will also escort Xi Xi and Lu Chi out of the Divine Cultivation Institute..."


    With the threat of the Spirit Infant Sect yet to subside, Xu You dared not be careless and was deeply concerned for Xi Xi''s safety.


    Li Che, drinking his hot tea, smiled and nodded, then stood up pretending to go to the inner room, and when he came back out, he had in his hands a half-meter-tall statue.


    "Old Xu."


    "Take this ''Three Immortals Riding Ox Pondering Sword Statue'' with you."


    Xu You was taken aback.


    Instinctively, he put down his tea bowl and took the woodcarving.


    The moment he touched the wood carving, he instantly felt the [Xuansi Liu Sword] Divinity inside him slightly boil.


    This woodcarving... had such strong Divinity!


    Surprised and incredulous, Xu You looked back at Li Che.


    "Old Li, have you become a Woodcarving Master?"

 Chapter 63: Thousand Buddha Carving Banquet, Chess Saint Watching the Game

    Xi Xi''s birthday had just passed, and the weather became increasingly frigid.


    Winter-sweet flowers stood proud in the cold winter, touched by pure white snowflakes, and the bluestone slabs on the long street of the Inner City were piled high with thick snow, dazzlingly white.


    Li Che bid farewell to Xu You, who led the team out of the city to clear away evil spirits, and returned to his own courtyard in Qingfeng Lane.


    Old Chen sat in a rattan chair, drinking old wine under the eaves, staring blankly at the dry old tree in the courtyard.


    "Old Chen, what are you thinking about?" Li Che asked curiously after returning and shaking the snow off his oil-paper umbrella.


    Old Chen''s eyes refocused, and he shook his head, "When you get old, you tend to space out easily..."


    "In a while, the Divine Sect will send people to Fei Lei City to select Spirit Children... If Xi Xi stays safe during this period, she will likely be chosen to enter the Divine Sect..."


    "Old Chen... I might find it very difficult to see Xi Xi in the future."


    Old Chen sighed and took several gulps from his wine gourd.


    Having spent so much time with the child, a sudden and long separation would truly make Old Chen feel a tightness in his heart, invaded by endless loneliness and worry.


    Worrying that he wouldn''t see the child once he passed away...


    "Then why don''t you join us and go to the Divine Sect to accompany Xi Xi in her cultivation?" Li Che said softly.


    Old Chen rolled his eyes at Li Che as if looking at a fool, "A Che... you''re still too young."


    "The Divine Sect recruits disciples and only family members can accompany them. If Xi Xi joins the sect for cultivation, how could I possibly qualify to follow?" Old Chen shook his head. After all, he was someone in his forties and knew a few things about the inner workings of the Divine Sect.


    Upon hearing this, Li Che couldn''t help but chuckle, "Don''t worry... Xi Xi won''t abandon you."


    "It''s just going to the Divine Sect, no problem..."


    Old Chen shook his head. How could the rules of such a colossal entity as the Divine Sect change so easily for you?


    Li Che chatted idly with Old Chen for a few more moments before planning to head to the independent workshop to practice his craft.


    However, before he could leave, there were rustling footsteps from outside the courtyard.


    Li Che looked up, and the snowstorm was torn apart.


    Two figures wrapped in crane robes stepped on the soft snow and approached, gently knocking on the wide-open courtyard door.


    "Is Master Li there?"


    The visitors were none other than Xu Heli and Xu Beihu.


    "Congratulations to Master Li on advancing to the ''Ten Cities'' Woodcarving Master, it''s truly joyous and praiseworthy, and indeed a fortunate event for our Xu Family," Xu Heli said with a gentle smile on his lips, a Divine sword hanging at his waist.


    His eyes held a mix of surprise and fervor as he looked at Li Che.


    Xu Heli had truly not expected a mud-legged commoner from the Outer City to have risen to become a Woodcarving Master.


    "It''s just luck," Li Che responded with a fist salute.


    It was clear that the Xu Family didn''t take him as seriously as one might imagine, otherwise it wouldn''t have been Xu Heli who came but the Family Head, Xu Nanming.


    A Woodcarving Master doesn''t warrant a personal appeal from the Family Head?


    Chen Dabao, who was nonchalantly sitting in the rattan chair, jumped up in shock upon hearing that Li Che had become a Woodcarving Master, his jaw dropping.


    What the hell, he didn''t know he was the one who taught Li Che woodcarving? Was there no trust anymore?


    Old Chen stared at Li Che with uncertainty and disbelief.


    But after all, he was an old hand in the martial world and quickly calmed down, keeping many thoughts to himself, without asking aloud.


    Xu Beihu, standing beside Xu Heli, also had a complex expression, his shock at this moment still not fully digested.


    "A Woodcarving Master relies on true skill and craft, not something that can be achieved with just luck."


    "Master Li, don''t be modest. I heard Master Li carved a ''Three Immortals Riding Ox Pondering Sword Statue'' for my younger brother yesterday? I wonder... could Heli request a Divine Wood Carving from Master Li?" Xu Heli asked with a fist salute.


    "Five Hundred Gold Leaves, I''ll provide the form and the Spiritual Wood, and although Master Li is a woodcarver for our Xu Family, according to the rules of Woodcarving Masters, Xu Family won''t take any commission..."


    Five hundred gold for a wood carving.


    That truly was an exorbitant price.


    But for Divine Cultivators, a Divine Wood Carving that could alleviate months of arduous cultivation was naturally worth it.


    After all, building a Divine Foundation and cultivating... every second counted.


    Li Che looked at Xu Heli with surprise, coming directly to request a Divine Wood Carving?


    The Xu Family''s attitude and reaction after learning he became a Woodcarving Master was truly... somewhat unexpected to Li Che.


    Chen Dabao by his side also furrowed his eyebrows.


    Li Che thought carefully, the ''Chess Saint'' Dao Fruit greatly enhanced his reasoning and thinking abilities.


    He quickly understood the reason.


    "Shopkeeper, I''ve just become a Woodcarving Master, and carving that statue for Xu You took a lot out of me... I won''t be taking orders for now..." Li Che shook his head, refusing the deal.


    It wasn''t that he didn''t want to earn the Five Hundred Gold Leaves.


    Instead, he planned to make an attempt at the Meridian Connection Realm in the next few days, allowing himself to have more confidence in the Qi and Blood Martial Path.


    Li Qingshan said he would take him to the Mysterious Temple, which Li Che took very seriously, but he was also cautious; the stronger he was, the safer he would be.


    Xu Heli''s smile gradually faded, and he did not expect Li Che to refuse, even though the reason was plausible.


    But he still felt somewhat uncomfortable.


    "Then I''ve troubled Master Li for nothing. Heli will come another day to request a carving..." Xu Heli reined in his emotions and bowed with a fist salute.


    After returning the gesture, Xu Heli and Xu Beihu, the two brothers, turned and left.


    Old Chen looked at their retreating figures, his brows knitted, "A Che, you really should have taken that order."


    "Major changes are likely to happen in Fei Lei City, which is why the Xu Family''s attitude towards Woodcarving Masters has changed a bit. They''re worried that if they invest resources, you''ll just pack up and leave... But if you took the order, the Xu Family''s attitude might have softened a bit."


    Li Che held open his oil-paper umbrella and smiled, "It''s fine."


    "Old Chen... now I have the confidence to refuse orders."


    Once he finished speaking, he stepped into the snow with his umbrella in hand.


    Chen Dabao stared at Li Che, somewhat dazed for a moment.


    It was impossible for him to overlap the calm and confident young man before him with the nervous and timid figure who had once sought his help at Xu''s Wood Carving Shop in the Outer City.


    Could time really bring about such great changes to a person?


    ...


    ...


    Inside the luxurious carriage, water boiled in the stove.


    Steam billowed within the compartment.


    Xu Heli sat expressionless on the soft seat, watching the flying snow outside the carriage window.


    "I seem to have misjudged... I never imagined that the country bumpkin of those days could one day become a Woodcarving Master..."


    "A fish leaping through the dragon''s gate, a complete and utter transformation," said Xu Beihu as he poured Xu Heli a cup of tea.


    "That is what talent is... producing an Upper Class Spiritual Child like Li Nuanxi, his own talent must certainly be extraordinary."


    "What a pity..." Xu Heli shook his head.


    He thought of the words spoken by the old grandfather, and a hint of malevolence flashed through his lowered eyelids.


    You carve wood carvings for the third brother for free, yet you won''t take an order from me even for Five Hundred Gold Leaves...


    You surely think highly of yourself!


    You have been given face, yet you do not take it...


    Xu Heli slowly closed his eyes and said to Xu Beihu, "Go to the City Lord''s Mansion and find Zhao Xuanhai. Tell him about Li Che becoming a Woodcarving Master¡ªhe has always wanted Li Che to do wood carving, hasn''t he?"


    "Let his wish be granted."


    Upon hearing this, Xu Beihu''s hand pouring tea suddenly froze.


    Scalding tea spilled out.


    ...


    ...


    As the sky gradually darkened, snowflakes floated everywhere.


    The snowflakes, like goose feathers, scattered across the human world, bringing with them biting cold.


    On the main street, there were fewer and fewer pedestrians.


    Although the Inner City was more prosperous than the Outer City, it had many fewer inhabitants. Therefore, as soon as it got dark, hardly any pedestrians could be seen.


    Zhao Xuanhai wore a bamboo hat, his hand tucked inside the chest of his clothing, his burly figure walking through the human world like a massive bear¡ªyet as he passed, the snow-covered ground did not bear his footprints.


    "This Li Che... has actually become a Woodcarving Master, how interesting."


    "He truly is a genius. The City Lord will definitely like him. The City Lord''s ''Thousand Buddha Carving Banquet'' will surely be a success if it can feature a Woodcarving Master."


    Most Woodcarving Masters were bound to Noble Families and Clans for many years and were reluctant to make a move.


    A newly promoted wild Woodcarving Master was too tempting an opportunity to pass up.


    "The Xu Family is decisive, knowing that they cannot stop the City Lord''s ''Thousand Buddha Carving Banquet,'' they have chosen to directly sell out this newly promoted Woodcarving Master."


    "Indeed befitting their merchant origins, cold-blooded and solely profit-driven."


    He looked toward the independent workshop in the alley¡ªthe Xu Family had directly revealed its location to him.


    "Li Che, oh Li Che..."


    "You once refused the silver I offered you to drink a toast; now... you shall drink a penalty."


    With a step, Zhao Xuanhai pulled out an angry childish mask from his bosom and placed it over his face.


    The wind and snow seemed to pause mid-air, as if consumed and melted away by flames.


    ...


    ...


    Inside the independent workshop,


    Li Che sat quietly as the fluttering snow.


    Just as it was about to land on the tips of his hair, it was twisted and torn apart by an invisible force.


    In front of him, on a nanmu wood board, Li Che had made a chessboard, its vertical and horizontal lines laid out, but without a single chess piece on it¡ªempty and bare.


    His palm gently swept over the chessboard.


    In an instant,


    Inside his chest,


    The Dao Fruit "Chess Saint," shook violently.


    His spirit soared in an instant, and divine patterns of energy, boiling and interweaving within heaven and earth, traced invisible lines like the crisscrossing of lanes and alleys to form an invisible chessboard.


    Li Che slowly opened his eyes.


    He saw...


    At the mouth of the alley, Zhao Xuanhai slowly took out an angry child''s mask and placed it over his face...


    He saw him step by step towards the workshop in the alley.


    Like a black chess piece on the chessboard.


    Impatiently...


    Moving towards death.

 Chapter 65: Swallowing the Wrathful Maitreya, Is He the Bull Demon?

    The thick scent of blood, permeating the space between heaven and earth.


    Terrifying forces exploded midair, air currents erupting and spiraling with such intensity that snowflakes were blasted into countless powders while spinning at high speed!


    A hulking figure, like a bear, crashed down, slamming onto the cleared snow of the blue stone ground.


    The gushing blood spread steadily, like puddles continually expanding.


    Zhao Xuanhai knelt on one knee on the ground, a long iron spear piercing through his chest, shredding the flesh before him to smithereens, sending fragments of flesh flying and leaving a grizzly display of broken bones.


    Xu Family''s Eight Consecutive Bone-Shattering Spears...


    One spear had shattered Zhao Xuanhai''s flesh and bones!


    The pride of his python muscles and tiger bones was brutally torn apart, the ferocity of this Bull Demon''s power, even more terrifying than his own as a Qi Meridian Martialist.


    Unstoppable...


    Zhao Xuanhai understood he had fallen.


    From the moment he stepped into the alley, the instant the arrows locked onto him, he knew... he had fallen.


    One wrong step and there would be no redemption.


    Blood kept dripping out, Zhao Xuanhai, with his mask already shattered, lips and nose bleeding, exhaled ragged and heavy breaths.


    But the Bull Demon''s overpowering and tyrannical life force penetrated his body, destroying his meridians and organs...


    He couldn''t even summon the "Wrathful Maitreya" Divinity.


    The Divine Foundation Fragment... Elder Master Si''s Divine Foundation Fragment!


    That higher-rank Divinity completely suppressed him.


    Leading him step by step into the abyss of death.


    Zhao Xuanhai clenched his teeth, staring intently at the Bull Demon, attempting to see through the face beneath the Cute Bull Mask.


    "Who... exactly... are you?"


    Zhao Xuanhai asked, his voice hoarse and heavy, using his last strength.


    However, the Bull Demon was utterly indifferent.


    "Hell will tell you the answer."


    Pff!


    The long iron spear was suddenly pulled out, bringing up a mist of blood, with countless droplets spraying wildly.


    With a ripping sound, holding the spear in his hand, the Bull Demon violently swept through, and Zhao Xuanhai''s massive head, which refused to close its eyes in death, was ruthlessly decapitated.


    Like a ball stuck with black strands of hair, it rolled several times on the ground.


    Li Che watched Zhao Xuanhai''s death impassively, feeling no inner turmoil.


    Even though Zhao Xuanhai was an Imperial Officer, one of the three great Divine Catchers of the Yamen... so what?


    He was also a master of the Spirit Infant Sect.


    Therefore, Li Che killing him carried no burden, even a sense of unprecedented pleasure!


    Connecting Qi Channels!


    Cultivation as Riverlike!


    Zhao Xuanhai, one of the three great Divine Catchers ever since that day of failed conscription, had been a towering mountain over Li Che''s head, now...


    Having felled the mountain, Li Che felt incredibly light all over, his body resonating with satisfaction.


    This was still without using the six thousand Namo Gatling as his trump card, without the poisoned Guanyin Blood Lotus or the treacherous Sleeve Crossbow, relying solely on his own Martial Artist Cultivation and Divine Cultivation to kill forcefully and straightforwardly.


    Happy.


    Crouching down, Li Che''s hand expertly searched Zhao Xuanhai''s corpse.


    Unexpectedly, he found a Qiankun Jade on Zhao Xuanhai''s body, which was the same object he had taken from Si Mubai.


    Li Che''s eyes lit up, surprised and overjoyed, as he thought about it, the Qiankun Jade was directly stored into the "Pure Heart" Qiankun space.


    It is said that one Qiankun Jade cannot contain another, but Li Che''s improved space through the Pure Heart had no such limitation.


    Looking at Zhao Xuanhai''s corpse, as if recalling the first time he siphoned a Divine Catcher''s Divinity, Li Che raised his hand, his arm instantly flowing with jade-colored currents.


    He pressed it against the center of Zhao Xuanhai''s forehead.


    His Inner Scene of the Energy Center vibrated thunderously, and in a flash, a tumultuous Divinity surged out.


    Like a river breaking through a dam, it released wildly!


    Hmm?


    Suddenly, Li Che''s heart stirred slightly.


    In his chest, the "Chess Saint" Dao Fruit slightly moved, as if forming a special connection with the prototype of Divine Powers, Thousand Analyzing Hands.


    Originally, Li Che''s use of Thousand Analyzing Hands to extract Divinity was limited; exceeding too much would overload its capacity.


    But with the intervention of the "Chess Saint" Dao Fruit,


    Zhao Xuanhai''s riverlike "Wrathful Maitreya" Divinity was being continuously drawn out by Li Che.


    When Thousand Analyzing Hands reached its limit, it would transform into a black Divine Chess Piece by the "Chess Saint" Dao Fruit and lay on the chessboard.


    Each Chess Piece contained the "Wrathful Maitreya" Divinity.


    Li Che never expected... that the "Chess Saint" would have such an effect!


    It didn''t seem like a proper Dao Fruit.


    Li Che grasped with his fingers in the air.


    Suddenly, a black Chess Piece appeared between his fingers.


    Countless streams surged, stirring his black hair into the air.


    With a fierce grasp, the black Chess Piece was directly crushed in the palm of his hand...


    Boom!


    A stream of warmth surged through his body instantly...


    Li Che''s eyes seemed to flash with a crimson glint!


    Wrathful Maitreya''s divinity... erupted violently!


    With just a thought... he could disperse the chess pieces and transform the divinity of the Wrathful Maitreya into his own!


    What a Chess Saint!


    This meant that any divine cultivator could potentially become his power bank!


    Li Che was in high spirits, continuing to siphon off the divinity with his Thousand Analyzing Hands, the riverlike divinity... was the fruit of Zhao Xuanhai''s essence cultivation over dozens of years, profoundly majestic. Li Che quickened the absorption rate, and it took around a quarter of an hour to drain all of his divinity.


    In total, it transformed into eighteen black chess pieces.


    "Cultivation as riverlike... and only produced eighteen chess pieces?"


    Li Che muttered to himself.


    Or perhaps, other "Cultivation as Riverlike" cultivators could gather more divine chess pieces?


    "Depending on the different Divine Methods cultivated, even for ''Cultivation as Riverlike'', the size of the river can vary..."


    After reforming the burst divinity back into chess pieces and putting them away, Li Che pressed down on his bamboo hat, and in the next moment, he grabbed Zhao Xuanhai''s corpse and head.


    Looking toward the snow-flurried alley entrance, the corner of Li Che''s lips lifted.


    With a heavy step, the nine large tendons on his back roared like pythons, his immense strength exploding forth. As the current stirred wildly, he hurled Zhao Xuanhai''s burly, bear-like corpse...


    Threw it away with immense force.


    ...


    ...


    The Xu Family''s carriage was quietly parked in a corner of the long street, about thirty paces from the alley where Li Che''s independent workshop was located.


    A distance that a divine cultivator with "Cultivation as Riverlike" wouldn''t be able to detect, avoiding arousing Zhao Xuanhai''s suspicions.


    The falling snow made a rustling sound upon the roof of the carriage.


    Xu Heli and Xu Beihu sat inside the compartment, brewing and sipping tea.


    The water in the charcoal stove gradually came to a boil, with the green tea leaves poured into it. The steam rose, and the roasted tea leaves unfolded within, turning the water an emerald green.


    Boiling water was poured into the teacup, swirling around the edge of the cup.


    Inside the carriage, warmth surged.


    Xu Beihu was somewhat restless, occasionally lifting the curtain to look outside the window.


    Xu Heli, on the other hand, was quite calm, leaning against the goose down-filled soft backrest, reading a book.


    Reading books, drinking tea, waiting for the outcome of a battle - everything was so pleasant.


    Suddenly, Xu Beihu''s breath halted, his movement to lift the curtain froze, disbelievingly watching the body that had been hurled from the alley, arcing through the air, crashing into the cobblestone ground, and kicking up a cloud of snowy dust.


    "Who?"


    Xu Heli asked.


    Xu Beihu turned his head stiffly, let the curtain fall, and sweat droplets rolled down his forehead.


    "Zhao Xuanhai..."


    "Dead, his body thrown out... fallen on the long street, already causing passersby to stop, creating an uproar."


    Xu Beihu''s voice was hoarse and extremely bitter.


    Zhao Xuanhai had received his news, and then went to the alley with the intention to capture Li Che, the newly-emerging woodcarving master.


    In the end, the woodcarving master was not captured.


    He lost his own life.


    A Divine Catcher was dead!


    This matter...


    Was huge!


    Xu Heli''s face slightly changed, he abruptly put down his book, drew his sword from his waist, and in an instant, he dashed out of the carriage.


    Divinity spread around his body, stepping through the snow without a trace, taking a few steps that spanned thirty paces as if flying, surpassing Zhao Xuanhai''s body, whose head was decapitated and whose chest was pierced.


    He landed at the entrance of the alley, with the wind and snow swirling around him.


    Xu Heli''s fingers clutched the hilt of his sword, staring intently into the depths of the alley.


    Deep within the alley.


    A tall figure, dressed in black, donning a bamboo hat, covered with a Cute Bull Mask!


    Calmly watching him as if...


    He knew he was being watched from afar.


    Therefore, he quietly...


    Waited for him.


    "Bull Demon... Bull Demon... who exactly are you?"


    Xu Heli''s composure and tranquility were gone, his pupils constricted sharply as he took a step forward.


    However, as the Bull Demon took a step forward, countless snowflakes erupted in an instant, forming a snowfall that obscured visibility.


    By the time the snowfall ceased.


    The Bull Demon... had vanished into thin air!


    Even Xu Heli''s divinity could not sense the Bull Demon''s disappearance!


    Gone again?!


    Xu Heli''s hand clenched the sword hilt, his eyes focused, his body leaned forward, and the air tore around him.


    He madly rushed toward the independent workshop courtyard where Li Che was located!


    Was it him?


    Could it be him?!

 Chapter 66: Can the Xu Family’s Ancestor Cultivate Two Divinities?

    The raging air current shattered the leisurely falling snowflakes in the sky.


    Xu Heli''s feet lightly tapped the ground at breakneck speed, kicking up trails of snow dust; his entire figure shot towards the deep courtyard in the alley with the swiftness of an arrow released from a bowstring.


    When he arrived at the entrance of the courtyard, his knees forcefully pushed off the ground, and a surge of powerful blood qi burst forth from his body; with a spring, he leapt atop the high wall and stood there like a sharp spear.


    The wind howled, wailing like the cries of ghosts!


    Xu Heli''s blood qi circulated within his body, reaching every limb and bone, his eyes clear as he looked into the courtyard.


    Chill plums emitted a faint fragrance, covered in accumulated snow.


    But in the center of the courtyard, Li Che, wearing a leather bib, was sitting on a chair, gripping a carving knife, sculpting a wood carving; shavings fluttered down from the sharp silver-white blade, piling up on the ground.


    Rustle, rustle rustle...


    The sound was scratchy, but had a rhythmic pattern, as the divinity of heaven and earth was indistinctly captured and merged into the wood carving.


    The carving marks on the wood, though rough, began to come to life.


    Xu Heli''s eyebrows furrowed as his grip on the sword hilt slowly relaxed.


    It''s not him...


    Li Che was still carving the divine wood carving, with divinity from heaven and earth gathering and being pulled; that required a period of maturation, needed to settle one''s state of mind.


    It wasn''t possible to kill someone one moment and seamlessly enter into the state of carving a divine wood carving the next.


    That would lead to deviating into madness.


    However, observing Li Che at this moment, it was obvious he had been adjusting his state for quite some time, immersed in the carving and pulling the free divinity between heaven and earth.


    Even woodcarving masters at the Nine Luminaries level would find it hard to switch states in such a short period of time!


    Li Che slowly stopped his movements, turned his head with a frown, and looked somewhat displeased at Xu Heli, who was standing on the wall, as if he was bothered by the disturbance.


    "Shopkeeper... barging into my private workshop like this isn''t very appropriate, is it?"


    Li Che said indifferently.


    Upon hearing this, Xu Heli floated down, his eyes still carrying a scrutinizing intent.


    But... it''s too coincidental!


    Zhao Xuanhai was just about to abduct Li Che when he was targeted by the Bull Demon in the very alley Li Che was in, brutally killed on the spot...


    Was the Bull Demon really unrelated to Li Che?


    Or could it be...


    The Bull Demon was lurking within Li Che''s workshop?!


    "I apologize for the intrusion, Master Li, but there has been a murder in the alley... The criminal Bull Demon appeared and committed the act, killing the Divine Catcher Zhao Xuanhai. Master Li, after all, is a martial artist with Bone Tempering Completion, did you really not sense the blood qi and divine battle that broke out in the alley?" r?


    Xu Heli''s expression darkened a bit.


    Li Che looked at Xu Heli as if staring at a fool and laughed: "So what if I sensed it? Should I have opened the door to enjoy the spectacle, only to be killed and silenced by that ferocious Bull Demon?"


    Xu Heli was momentarily taken aback.


    Indeed, with the ferocity of the Bull Demon, if Li Che had actually dared to open the door and peek at its killing, that Bull Demon who loved twisting heads would likely have twisted off Li Che''s head without hesitation.


    Li Che, merely Bone Tempered, how could he resist the Bull Demon capable of killing someone at the Cultivation as Riverlike level?!


    "If the shopkeeper has something to say, just speak frankly..."


    Li Che picked up the wood carving and examined it carefully, speaking indifferently.


    Xu Heli locked eyes with Li Che''s nonchalant demeanor and said with a sharp gaze, "I''ve offended you."


    The words had barely fallen.


    Xu Heli''s figure erupted with blood qi and divinity, flashing and disappearing on the spot.


    Moments later, after searching the whole house, he returned to the courtyard. Read the latest on M-VL-emp,yr


    "Is the shopkeeper suspecting that the Bull Demon is hiding in my yard?"


    "The Bull Demon is vicious, and it''d be terrible if it were hiding and Master Li was unaware, only to later endanger Master Li''s life," Xu Heli said with a smile.


    Li Che narrowed his eyes, looking indifferently at Xu Heli.


    Without his consent, his private residence was searched...


    Xu Heli had clearly disregarded him, adopting a condescending attitude that only confirmed to Li Che that the Xu Family had truly sold him, the woodcarving master, to the City Lord''s Mansion.


    Zhao Xuanhai''s appearance here was no coincidence either.


    Feeling the strong presence of the Xuansi Liu Sword''s divinity emanating from Xu Heli, Li Che licked his lips slightly, feeling the urge to do away with Xu Heli and then... drain him dry.


    He shook his sleeve, the poisoned sleeve crossbow ready to be released.


    After all, if you are unkind, do not blame me for being unrighteous.


    The Xu Family indeed provided him with shelter when he was weak, but now that you''ve sold me, our emotional bond has surely run dry.


    Li Che, too, did not understand why the Xu Family would push a woodcarving master out... By reason, it shouldn''t be so.


    Even if they knew he would leave Fei Lei City and did not wish to invest resources due to that, they shouldn''t offend him to death, should they?


    It doesn''t fall in line with the usual practices of the noble families and clans.


    Just as Li Che hesitated over whether to make a move, his eyes suddenly contracted slightly.


    He felt the Dao Fruit of a Pure Heart within his chest pounding violently, a strong warning that made him abandon the thought of taking action.


    He then saw that, on top of the courtyard wall, a palm-sized lifelike wood carving had appeared at some unknown time. The wood carving stood on the black tiles, as if it had become a living person, coldly observing the scene within the courtyard.


    Xu Heli caught a glimpse of the wood carving and was slightly taken aback before bowing with a fist held in the other hand.


    "Elder Ancestor," he said.


    The Xu Family''s forebear...


    A Divine Base Cultivator!


    Li Che was extremely surprised.


    "Heli, come back. The Bull Demon isn''t hidden within Master Li''s courtyard. Apologize to Master Li; after all, a master is a master, and our Xu Family should show the full respect that is due," said a faint voice from the wood carving.


    "Yes," Xu Heli responded respectfully.


    The wood carving glanced at Li Che, and although its eyes were carved, they were lifelike, as if a real person was casting a gaze.


    This skill... exceedingly masterful!


    Such a wood carving was undoubtedly the work of a master!


    But what was even more terrifying was the vivacity endowed to the wood carving by divinity.


    And it was precisely the perception of the wood carving''s appearance that made Li Che dispel the idea of striking Xu Heli.


    Watching Xu Heli leave without uttering another word, along with the Divine Base Wood Carving, Li Che''s eyes flickered.


    "Using a Divine Wood Carving as the vessel, the strong divinity of a Divine Base Cultivator infused within, as if manipulating a doppelganger?" he mused.


    "This must be some type of Divine Secret Technique..."


    "A Divine Base Cultivator indeed... Just a wood carving bearing divinity puts such great pressure on me..."


    Li Che exhaled deeply, his heart stirred, viewing Divine Base Cultivators with increasing regard.


    According to the Nine Luminaries Furious Weeping Ghost Nourishing Nature Record he obtained from Si Mubai, Divine Cultivators could perhaps fight beyond their small realms, but the gap between ranks was vast as a chasm.


    Even if one cultivates a Four Imperials Level Divinity Method, as long as they remain in the phase of Nurturing Nature and face a Divine Base Cultivator who cultivates a Ten Capitals Divinity Method, they would be suppressed.


    This is what''s known as rank suppression.


    And a Divinity Method capable of breaking this rank suppression... would be top-notch in the world.


    Li Che took a deep breath and ran his fingers over the carvings on the wood, pursing his lips slightly.


    "That Divine Base Wood Carving... must contain extremely tremendous divinity, which is quite... tempting," he said.


    ...


    ...


    In the independent workshop courtyard,


    Snow fluttered down.


    Li Che once again immersed himself in his carving...


    After half an incense stick''s time had passed, ensuring that Xu Heli and the Divine Base Wood Carving would not return,


    Li Che then got up, stretched lazily, his bones cracking in response, and stimulated the Dao Fruit of Chess Saint with his divinity. With the chessboard covering the surroundings of the courtyard and ascertaining that there was no spying,


    He proceeded to take out Zhao Xuanhai''s Qiankun Jade from his Qiankun Space, ready to tally his gains from killing Zhao Xuanhai.


    Apart from the Qiankun Jade, Zhao Xuanhai''s heavy iron sword weighing eight hundred catties had also been collected by Li Che.


    With divinity infused, the Qiankun Jade Pendant was promptly breached.


    The treasures inside were exposed to Li Che''s perception.


    After thoroughly tallying the silver notes, silver ingots, Gold Leaves, gold ingots, and other riches that would make one wealthy,


    Li Che raised his hand, and after several seconds of attraction,


    Two golden hide booklets fell into Li Che''s hands.


    One was a Divinity Method, the other... a Divine Secret Technique!


    He looked at the first booklet.


    "Great Scenery Town Temple Rage Mituo Nurturing Nature Method," he read the title.


    Li Che clutched the booklet, his eyes blazing.


    According to common knowledge of Divine Cultivation, the Seven Emotions Divinity Method involves refining divinity with emotions, choosing one emotion to nurture divinity. More than that can lead to emotional instability, resulting in a fragmented spirit...


    Feeling the Dao Fruit of Pure Heart pounding in his chest, Li Che''s breath became hot.


    "Can I... cultivate two Divinity Methods at the same time?" he wondered.

 Chapter 67: Dao Fruit Work Together, Namo Barrett

    Upon the long street.


    Zhao Xuanhai''s corpse was blocked off, inaccessible to the bystanders.


    The government office had already sent people, the constables in black overcoats covered the body with a white cloth and dispersed the onlookers.


    In the distance, in a quiet corner, a steed neighed and snorted hot breath.


    Inside the carriage compartment.


    Xu Heli and Xu Beihu sat respectfully, facing them was the Divine Base Wood Carving of their ancestor.


    The palm-sized Divine Base Wood Carving filled the two Xu brothers with immense piety and respect.


    "Elder Grandfather, that Li Che... is he really no problem?"


    Xu Heli frowned slightly with some uncertainty as he asked.


    He still felt that there was something odd about Li Che, a feeling that belonged to his intuition.


    "The old one has checked, there''s no problem..."


    "Bull Demon is not him. This young man''s vitality matches that of Bone Tempering Completion, and the strength of his physical body also corresponds with Bone Tempering Completion. Under my Divine Perception, he should not be able to conceal his cultivation."


    "As for his Divinity, it is extremely weak, negligible... consistent with the strength involved when one has just advanced to Woodcarving Master."


    "Therefore, it is impossible for him to be the Bull Demon."


    Even if a Divine Base Cultivator did not come in person, it would be impossible for them to make a mistake in their observation.


    A Divine Base Cultivator, with a condensed spirit, possesses perceptive abilities far superior to that of a Cultivation Practitioner.


    Upon hearing this, Xu Heli finally dispelled the doubts in his heart.


    "Zhao Xuanhai is dead... and he died as an Incense Master of the Spirit Infant Sect; the situation is somewhat problematic..."


    "It was you who informed Zhao Xuanhai about Li Che becoming a Woodcarving Master, and as a result, Zhao Xuanhai died on the way, leaving the Xu Family... in a predicament that can''t be easily cleansed."


    "Li Che might also harbor some suspicions, but it''s not a big problem."


    "The real problem comes from City Lord Cao Guang. If he truly starts suspecting, it would be greatly detrimental to the Xu Family."


    "I will make a trip to the City Lord''s Mansion. You two should stay put in the Xu Family Compound and do not wander around, especially you, Heli..."


    "If the Bull Demon could kill Zhao Xuanhai, he would also be capable of killing you..."


    Upon hearing this, Xu Heli felt goosebumps rise and his hairs stand on end.


    Xu Beihu beside him also shivered slightly.


    The Divine Base Wood Carving glanced at Xu Beihu, "You don''t need to tremble, the Bull Demon... likely disdains to kill you. If he wants you dead, shaking won''t help; just die cleanly that''s all."


    Xu Beihu''s mouth twitched, but he had no words in return.


    "Furthermore, the City Lord is set to host the ''Thousand Buddha Carving Banquet'', which is now inevitable. I, along with other Divine Base Cultivators from several families, have chosen to cooperate with the City Lord... Once the banquet is successful, all of us with Divine Base will greatly benefit!"


    "This is a significant event... you both should take it seriously, particularly you, Heli. Prepare well and strive to gain benefits when the banquet succeeds... see if you can seize the opportunity to forge a Divine Base in one go!"


    The Wood Carving spoke in a heavy tone.


    Xu Heli''s breath hitched slightly, and a glint of joy flashed in his eyes.


    Divine Base, ah... If he could truly seize this chance, it would be a great thing for him.


    How many Cultivation Practitioners, with Cultivation as Riverlike, are stuck at the step of forging the Divine Base?


    Although forging a Divine Base with the assistance of the "Thousand Buddha Carving Banquet" may be seen as taking an unusual path, with a possibly unstable Divine Base, being able to become a Divine Base Cultivator... is sufficient!


    Once a Divine Base is established, adding two hundred years to one''s life, what more could he ask for?


    ...


    ...


    "Can I cultivate two types of Divinity?"


    Li Che''s eyes blazed, his heart pounding with excitement.


    Not by deriving the Divinity of others through the Thousand Analyzing Hands, but genuinely cultivating two types of Divine Methods, with the intention of eventually condensing two Divine Bases.


    "Others may not be able to, as they could become mentally confused due to the clash between two types of Divinity, but I am different..."


    "I have Dao Fruit ''Pure Heart'', pure Divinity, without blemish... I indeed have the opportunity to try."


    Two types of Divine Methods... would enable the forging of two Divine Bases in the future.


    The enhancement to combat power would undoubtedly be immense.


    After contemplating the feasibility for a moment, Li Che did not give it any more thought and began to peruse the Golden Hide Booklet "Great Scenery Town Temple Rage Mituo Temperament Method"!


    "Great Scenery Town Temple..."


    Li Che took a deep breath; this was officially sanctioned.


    Without a doubt, this Method of Nurturing Nature originated from the Da Jing Dynasty.


    And in terms of its rank, it was even higher than the Nine Luminaries Angry Cry Suppressing Ghosts he had previously acquired from Si Mubai.


    That is to say, the "Wrathful Maitreya" is an Method of Nurturing Nature of Eight Extremes Level!


    He opened it and read carefully, scrutinizing every detail.


    Li Che, having had the experience of cultivating "Angry Cry Suppressing Ghosts," comprehended much more than before.


    "Wrathful Maitreya... it requires blood and qi cultivation," Li Che pondered carefully, "Mobilizing one''s own qi and blood to surge through the Spirit and invigorate a furious uprising..."


    Once he had memorized the content completely, he stood up and clenched his fingers. The Qiankun space within the Pure Heart expelled an iron saber weighing eight hundred jin.


    Grasping the long saber, the feeling of heaviness surged through his hand. Li Che breathed steadily, slowly moving the qi and blood within his body.


    He knew no saber techniques, but that did not hinder him from using the offensive style of the White Tiger Chaotic Wind Fist to wield the saber, as his internal qi and blood roared in tandem.


    Sounds of slicing the air moaned and howled, like rolls of thunder!


    Read today on


    As if a furious dragon swam through his meridians, his body''s sinews snapped and vibrated, the bones of the tiger roared with anger!


    Li Che''s body quickly reddened, heat steaming up as the falling snow from the heavens was vaporized and dissolved by his aura, nurturing the Essence Cultivation of "Wrathful Maitreya"!


    Free divinity in the world gradually gathered.


    Like a red spark, pervading and approaching.


    All of a sudden, a thought jarred Li Che''s heart, as the Dao Fruit of "Chess Saint" burst forth, condensing a black chess piece within his palm.


    This chess piece... was formed by the condensed divinity of "Wrathful Maitreya!"


    Li Che seemed pensive and with a sudden clench of his fingers, it was as if a Wrathful Maitreya angrily roared!


    Strands of white misty sweat rapidly drifted out from beneath Li Che''s skin!


    The furious divinity contained in this chess piece, unexpectedly merged into Li Che''s body.


    Li Che''s brow energy center suddenly radiated light, his eyes blood-red.


    For divine cultivation, one must open the Inner Scene of the energy center, storing divinity within...


    But every person only has one Inner Scene, which means that Li Che needed to store two types of divinity in one Inner Scene.


    This was a source of chaos!


    Li Che''s expression was stern as he meticulously sensed the state of his Inner Scene, ready to abandon the cultivation of the second divinity if anything was amiss.


    Thump thump thump...


    Suddenly, the world turned utterly silent, and Li Che seemed to hear the sound of his own heartbeat.


    Unmistakable, like thunder right beside his ear.


    Then, the divinity of "Pure Heart" Dao Fruit surged out, seeping into his Inner Scene of the energy center.


    The divinities of "Angry Cry" and "Wrath" that were almost boiling and colliding fiercely within...


    Under the influx of Pure Heart''s divinity, began to calm down.


    It acted as a kind of neutralizer and lubricant...


    Under the soothing power of the "Pure Heart," the two types of divinity stabilized without issues.


    In the courtyard.


    The cold sensation of snowflakes striking his face made Li Che open his eyes.


    A look of joy momentarily flickered through them.


    "''Wrathful Maitreya'', accomplished!"


    An unexpected delight!


    Li Che himself had not anticipated that he could directly refine the divinity of Wrathful Maitreya with a "chess piece"!


    If he refined eighteen chess pieces, couldn''t the divinity of "Wrathful Maitreya" reach the state of Cultivation as Riverlike?


    "If I slaughtered a Divine Base Cultivator who had cultivated the divinity of Wrathful Maitreya... wouldn''t that ensure a smooth journey to forging a Divine Base?"


    The thought made Li Che''s heart beat excitedly.


    The combination and matchup between Dao Fruits seemed... to be more effective than he had imagined.


    In the Inner Scenery, slowly refining the divinity of "Wrathful Maitreya" would take some time.


    Li Che stopped his divine cultivation and browsed the second Golden Hide Booklet.


    This booklet was a divine secret technique, "Maitreya Gold Armor," a defensive divine secret technique. Once mastered, one''s defense would greatly increase, forming a "Maitreya Gold Armor" around oneself!


    Impervious to blades and spears, unaffected by water and fire!


    Li Che''s gaze sharpened as he took a deep breath...


    The defensive divine secret technique made him think of his "Namo Gatling Wooden Crow." Once Maitreya Gold Armor was completed, with its automatic defense, his firepower... seemed to become less threatening.


    "A glimpse of the leopard in the tube reveals there will be other defensive divine secret techniques..."


    "No wonder I couldn''t kill Zhao Xuanhai and others that night..."


    "Even if I inject divinity into the Wood Raven, increasing its explosive power, facing a defensive divine secret technique, simply adding more Namo Gatling Wood Ravens seems inadequate..."


    "If facing a Divine Base Cultivator''s Maitreya Gold Armor, I might not even be able to break through the defense."


    Li Che''s brow furrowed, a vague sense of anxiety rising in his heart.


    "Perhaps, I need to attempt to forge something by applying the blessing of the ''Immortal Artisan'' Dao Fruit..."


    "Namo Barrett Wood Raven?"

 Chapter 68: Bull Demon’s Infamy Spreads Far and Wide, Minor Circulation Meridian Method

    "Daddy, Xi Xi doesn''t want to go to school, Xi Xi wants to play with the twist car!"


    "Mommy, save me, Daddy is going to take Xi Xi away!"


    ...


    Early in the morning.


    After sending Xi Xi, who cried because she was reluctant to leave her twist car, and the silent Lu Chi to the Divine Cultivation Institute, Li Che went to his private workshop courtyard.


    The furnace boiled water, sending steam and warmth throughout the room.


    Li Che was holding a piece of white paper and applying his drawings and writings to it.


    Although he had the "Immortal Artisan" Dao Fruit and had advanced it to level 3, creating "Namo Barrett" was not an easy task.


    Wood Raven was mainly skilled in explosions, which naturally wasn''t difficult.


    However, penetration power was the key to Namo Barrett.


    Of course, the theory was naturally different from Barrett in his previous life. Many things had to be changed, and Li Che believed that divinity was the key, so he had to explore and plan this as his next organ research project.


    Fortunately, the "Immortal Artisan" Dao Fruit greatly helped his craftsmanship, offering him the possibility to realize this idea.


    Water stays still on cold clouds, while pieces of snow are blown onto brocade robes.


    In the days that followed, the snowstorm intensified.


    Perhaps because of Zhao Xuanhai''s death, the notorious name of Bull Demon once again resonated through Fei Lei City, causing the streets to become much quieter.


    The Bull Demon had gone mad, to actually strike at the Divine Catcher...


    Rumors swept through the city in an instant. The name of Bull Demon, known for his extreme brutality, spread into the ears of many.


    Those who once saw the Bull Demon as a heroic figure became speechless when chatting about him in taverns and teahouses.


    The Bull Demon had killed a government officer, and that too a Divine Catcher...


    Could he still bear the name of a hero?


    But because of the Bull Demon''s ferocity, many in the Inner City went about their affairs more cautiously.


    Rumor had it that the Divine Catcher, Zhao Xuanhai, was killed by the feral Bull Demon just for spitting on the roadside one too many times.


    This made many children of rich and noble families more restrained when going out, even afraid to spit carelessly.


    Li Che was unaware that with the help of some intentonal forces, the Bull Demon''s reputation had quickly turned rotten. Initially heralded as a hero, the Bull Demon''s name was now only slightly better than that of a flower-picking thief. r??


    However, even if he knew, he wouldn''t care, as he never thought of the Bull Demon as... a good person or a hero.


    Being a good person, a hero, is too exhausting...


    Bull Demon was just a hidden identity used by Li Che to protect Xi Xi by eliminating some threats.


    Born in such chaotic times, Li Che only wanted his family to live well.


    So, anyone seeking to harm his wife or daughter would face the wrath of Bull Demon!


    It wasn''t about right or wrong; it was about... life and death!


    ...


    ...


    Click-clack!


    Rolling thunder rumbled through the dark clouds, as rain mixed with snow fell from the sky.


    Li Che sat in the courtyard, caught by the sudden storm during his cultivation, he didn''t react in time and chose to ignore it.


    With a thought, a screen of light slowly unfolded before his eyes.


    ...


    [Name: Li Che]


    [Bonds: Li Nuanxi (Daughter)]


    [Dao Fruits: Immortal Artisan (lv3, 20%), Dragon Elephant Vajra (lv2, 55%), Pure Heart (LV1, 50%), Chess Saint (lv1, 10%)]


    [Prototype of Divine Powers: Immortal Worker: Thousand Analyzing Hands]


    ...


    His eyes reflected the brilliance, and a faint smile curved at the corners of his mouth as he saw the overall maturity of the Dao Fruits increase.


    These days, immersed in the research of "Namo Barrett" and with the completion of the organ "Bodhi Blood Tears", Immortal Artisan had improved significantly.


    "This ''Blood Flesh Red'' spiritual wood is not easy to find... Fortunately, I was able to successfully create ''Bodhi Blood Tears'' in one go."


    He felt a certain expectation in his heart, wondering just how powerful this "Bodhi Blood Tears," ranked even higher than the Wood Raven as an organ hidden weapon, could be!


    Since only one had been made, Li Che... hadn''t tested it yet.


    Besides the improvement in Immortal Artisan, due to the practice of the second Divine Method, the maturity of "Pure Heart" had suddenly accelerated to 50%, which was a surprise to Li Che.


    Of course, what surprised Li Che even more was that "Dragon Elephant Vajra" had broken through the bottleneck of 50%, making his martial cultivation increasingly solid.


    Even the Middle Vehicle Method initially cultivated during the early stages of Skin Refinement and Sinew Transforming had been made up for its deficiencies, reaching the heights of Superior, making his physical body approach perfection.


    The Blood Exchange Nine Shifts was fully accomplished, with the qi born from the blood flowing through the bones and muscles of the whole body.


    Channel Opening was about turning the qi produced by the qi and blood into a cycle that runs through the internal organs, creating a Minor Circulation qi channel that permeates the universe, and achieving an unending cycle of qi within one''s body.


    Swoosh...


    A faint sound echoed, and Li Che abruptly opened his eyes.


    He saw a hunched old man drifting into the courtyard as fluidly as a swan treading through snow-mud, somewhat artistically.


    The visitor was none other than Li Qingshan, a cultivator of the Qian Yuan Divine Sect.


    Li Che could not fathom the depth of Li Qingshan''s cultivation...


    But it was certainly no weaker than Divine Base level - after all, the Divine Base elder from the Si Family was incapacitated by this very person.


    "Not bad, Blood Exchange Nine Shifts, rich and vigorous blood qi, flowing like mercury, a very solid foundation. It seems you''ve fully nourished your blood qi. I thought you''d need another month or so... To reach such a level after only three years of martial cultivation, truly a martial prodigy."


    Li Qingshan drifted under the eaves, took a sip of hot tea, contentedly exhaled a breath of warmth, and stroked his beard.


    "You''re quite shrewd, knowing to establish a solid foundation before attempting the Channel Opening."


    "Although divine items are the pursuit of any Divine Cultivator, any strong Divine Cultivator is sure to pay attention to both Divinity and blood qi."


    "Only with horizontally refined and resilient flesh can one endure the vast Divine Power, allowing one to trek further on the path of Divinity."


    "If the Divine Cultivation is equal, and your martial power is stronger, naturally you''ll be more advantageous in combat and confrontation."


    "Some Divine Cultivators even favor the martial path more, like that Vassal King of the Grand Prospect Dynasty, ''Ji Moli,'' a peerless Martial Saint. By using the martial path to mold a Divine Fetus and form a Flesh and Blood Divine Fetus, his combat power is terrifying, invincible among his peers..."


    "Of course, the Divinity Realm is still the most important."


    Li Che was taken aback, not expecting this sort of reasoning.


    Li Qingshan continued to sip his tea, nibbling on a tea leaf, chewing thoughtfully.


    "Divine Base Cultivators... their Qi and Blood Martial Path almost always includes the Mysterious Vein. Attempting to breakthrough to Divine Base without the Mysterious Vein, nine out of ten will fail, injuring their Divinity, condemned to a life of Cultivation Practicing."


    "There''s practically no one in the whole of Fei Lei City who cultivates their nature and can steadily cast Divine Base. Xu Heli, An Ruosu, and other Sons of Fei Lei City - their Qi and Blood Martial Path is merely at the beginning stages of the Qi Channels, making Divine Base extremely improbable."


    "Because their talents in Qi and Blood Martial Path are insufficient, cultivating their nature and martial skills to the current level is already the best effort they can make."


    Li Che''s expression became serious upon hearing these words.


    He remembered guiding Xi Xi in her martial arts training, the girl''s intermittent efforts like the old saying "three days fishing, two days drying nets"...


    He automatically felt the parental anxiety for his child''s future.


    "What about Xi Xi..."


    Li Qingshan chuckled lightly, "Don''t worry, Xi Xi entered the Divine Sect, which is not the same as these juniors from small city clans. The Sect has special Blood Qi Elixirs, which, when taken, can rapidly improve one''s blood qi..."


    "Those elixirs are the Sect''s closely guarded secrets, acquired after the ransacking of the Mysterious Temple, and are the foundation of the Sect. Every major sect has their foundational elixirs..."


    "Actually, the Grand Prospect Dynasty has them too. If she had entered the Dajing Temple Bureau, she would naturally have access to them. Small families in Fei Lei City simply can''t obtain them."


    Li Qingshan revealed many secrets.


    Li Che opened his mouth as if to speak but then hesitated.


    Li Qingshan simply waved his hand, "You are not yet part of the Divine Sect, I can''t give you such elixirs..."


    "However, I can impart to you the Channel Opening Method. Although you have your own opportunities and obtained a martial secret technique, which can burst forth your blood qi and greatly enhance your Qi and Blood Cultivation, such an increase in strength is like rootless duckweed and shouldn''t be used for casting Divine Base..."


    "And if used excessively, it might harm your foundation. In the future, if you can avoid using it, then do so..."


    Li Che remained silent, obviously not going to mention that activating "Dragon Elephant Vajra" caused him no harm.


    He pursed his lips, changing the subject.


    "Senior, even though I''m not part of the Divine Sect, can you really impart the method so readily?"


    "That''s no big deal... Channel Opening Method is quite common, all outer disciples can learn it, so imparting it to you isn''t a major issue. The subsequent Mysterious Vein Method and Divine Meridian Method... those are more precious, only obtainable after entering the Inner Sect."


    The old man chuckled, and the next moment, with a flick of his finger, a sheet of paper flew like a knife, slicing through the snow towards Li Che.


    Li Che caught the sheet with finesse, feeling his blood qi surge uncontrollably, instantly amazed by the old man''s strength.


    Only on


    Despite his frail appearance, terrifying power akin to that of dragons and tigers must be contained within.


    Li Che''s gaze fell upon the paper.


    "Qian Yuan Divine Sect''s Minor Circulation Meridian Opening Technique"


    "Minor Circulation?"


    Li Che murmured to himself.


    However, Li Qingshan did not satisfy his curiosity but instead furrowed his brows, "Someone is coming, likely from the City Lord''s Mansion. Huh, it seems to be a Divine Base Cultivator... I must leave first."


    "Young Li Che, whether it''s the Martial Path or Divinity, the strength of one''s own cultivation is fundamental."


    "I planned to take you to view the Temple God in the Mysterious Temple today. Since I have passed on the Minor Circulation Method to you, if you have opened your Qi Channels in three days, then come to the outskirts of the city..."


    "If the Channel Opening is not successful, there''s no need for you to come."


    After his words were spoken,


    Li Qingshan vanished in an instant, leaving only the quietly placed teacup with ripples forming on its surface.


    At the same time.


    In a lane shaking under the drifting rain and snow...


    Footsteps could be heard.


    And they were getting increasingly rapid.

 Chapter 69: Energy Forms the Channel Opening, Mask Alliance

    Hurried footsteps came to an abrupt halt outside the courtyard.


    As rain mixed with light snow fell from the sky, Li Che tucked the page of the Meridian Opening Method into his Qiankun Space and then turned his head toward the courtyard door.


    A gentle knock echoed, and Li Che stood up to open the door.


    He saw a towering figure wearing a conical bamboo hat standing outside, his robust vitality like a blazing fire, radiating intense heat even from a distance.


    His jet-black hair fluttered, his muscles were coiled like those of a python, and his bones seemed to roar with rage.


    Just standing there, he was like a silent Buddha in fury, roaring with might.


    The towering figure knocked politely, which improved Li Che''s attitude somewhat.


    "Who might you be?"


    "Master Li, I come from the City Lord''s Mansion, my name is Cao Qingyuan," the burly man said with gleaming eyes, quickly glancing inside the courtyard. Not seeing anyone else, his bushy eyebrows raised slightly.


    "Cao Qingyuan..." Li Che was taken aback.


    He immediately clasped his hands in a salute: "I am Li Che, a humble woodcarver, and I greet the Young City Lord."


    "Master Li is too kind. Now that you have become a Woodcarving Master, you are a distinguished guest of the City Lord''s Mansion... My father specifically sent me to request Master Li''s expertise in a certain task," Cao Qingyuan replied with a smile, his demeanor quite humble.


    However, the pressure this Divine Base Cultivator, Cao Qingyuan, exerted on Li Che was immense, as if facing a Wrathful Maitreya Buddha, with every hair on his body standing on end.


    This was because the overflowing divinity of Cao Qingyuan''s "Wrathful Maitreya" Divine Foundation continually agitated Li Che.


    Young City Lord of Flying Thunder, Cao Qingyuan!


    Divine Base Cultivator!


    It was no secret that Cao Guang, the Lord of Fei Lei City, had a son who had stepped into the realms of the Divine Foundation. In earlier years, there was even talk of the Four Young Masters of Flying Thunder, one of whom was Cao Guang''s son, Cao Qingyuan.


    But once Cao Qingyuan forged his Divine Foundation, the title of one of the Four Young Masters no longer suited him.


    "Young City Lord, I apologize, but I am at a critical moment in my Bone Tempering and am about to challenge the Blood Exchange Barrier. Therefore... I may be unable to undertake the task set by the Lord of the City," Li Che said, declining Cao Qingyuan''s request tactfully.


    Yet Cao Qingyuan did not mind and said with a smile, "No matter, Master Li may focus on the Blood Exchange for now. As long as you complete the Wood Carving within a month, that will suffice."


    "The blueprint for the carving is here, as well as a down payment. Here are one hundred Gold Leaf pieces for now, and the remaining four hundred will be delivered upon the completion of your work," Cao Qingyuan explained, presenting items to Li Che.


    When a Divine Base Cultivator makes a house call with what can be considered a mild approach and without enforcing a stringent timeline,


    Li Che understood that this was a gentle method to block any of his possible refusals.


    To refuse again would seem quite ungrateful.


    After pondering for a moment, Li Che no longer declined and accepted the blueprint along with the one hundred Gold Leaf pieces.


    Seeing this, Cao Qingyuan''s face blossomed with a smile. He pressed down on his bamboo hat and took a deep look at the independent workshop before turning to leave.


    Li Che narrowed his eyes as he looked at the Wood Carving blueprint in his hands.


    "Eighteen maidens holding lotuses to worship the Wrathful Maha..."


    ...


    ...


    Cao Qingyuan returned to the City Lord''s Mansion.


    Removing his bamboo hat, Cao Qingyuan slowly stepped inside the house.


    Despite it being daytime, the whole house was very dim. Candles, white as bone, were lit and lined up in rows like a staircase. Next to each candle rested a small Wood Carving made of rosewood, thumb-sized.


    Reflected in the candlelight, each Wood Carving seemed as if it was bleeding.


    The flickering flames jumped between yellow and green hues.


    Cao Qingyuan''s heart tightened, and even as a Divine Base Cultivator, he felt the sensation of not daring to breathe too deeply.


    "That Li Che... did he accept the order?"


    A spectral and hoarse voice came from the depths of the mansion. Cao Qingyuan respectfully affirmed, "Father, he accepted."


    "Good, if he accepted..."


    "The Xu Family already sold him to our City Lord''s Mansion. Since he accepted the order, it saves you the trouble of having to abduct him."


    "As long as he completes the carving, that will be sufficient..."


    "Father, what if he accepted the order but doesn''t carve?"


    There was a moment of silence in the room.


    After a short pause, the voice returned: "He wouldn''t dare..."


    "Furthermore... for the Thousand Buddha Carving Banquet, we still need three Spirit Children. The An Family has one, the Yang Family has lost theirs, but... there are still two in the Xu Family''s Divine Cultivation Institute..."


    "The Xu Family has two?"


    "One is indeed the daughter of that Li Che, and the other one is a big-headed Spirit Child... Hahaha, buy one get one free..."


    "Has the Xu Family agreed?"


    "The Spirit Children in the city have already been chosen by the Divine Sect... The Xu and An families can''t keep them, better to use them as bargaining chips."


    "The Xu, An and Yang families all want to reap the benefits and then withdraw from Fei Lei City... Thus, they have no choice but to agree..."


    "A bunch of fools, existing alongside the Temple God... what an honor that is?"


    The hoarse voice echoed eerily, laced with a scornful chuckle.


    Cao Qingyuan immediately fell silent.


    "Zhao Xuanhai is dead, who did the killing?"


    "Zhang Xiangyang or Zhou Ruoguan?"


    After a long while, Cao Qingyuan furrowed his brow and asked.


    The stillness within the room was broken.


    The hoarse voice resonated.


    "The Yang Family."


    ...


    ...


    Li Qingshan had given Li Che three days to attempt the Channel Opening.


    In reality, that was actually too much.


    Within his independent workshop,


    Li Che first laid out a mental chessboard with the Dao Fruit of the Chess Saint, sensing his surroundings to make sure everything was safe, before he began the Channel Opening.


    The "Qian Yuan Divine Sect Minor Circulation Meridian Method" given to him by Li Qingshan was not complex; no wonder he was generous with it¡ªit was all theoretical content.


    The specifics of the operation were up to the martial artist himself. With the Dao Fruit of the Dragon Elephant Vajra, Li Che''s foundation was incredibly solid. Though Channel Opening was difficult, for Li Che... it felt like everything was falling into place smoothly.


    The falling snowflakes twisted and scattered as if repelled by an invisible force above Li Che''s head.


    Li Che sat cross-legged in the courtyard, invisible currents spiraling around him, continuously rotating in a helix pattern.


    The Qi generated from his blood and Inner Strength fused, cycling through his organs, his extraordinary and regular meridians, forming the fixed Minor Circulation of Qi Channels of the Qian Yuan Divine Sect, unblocking the universe within.


    The force from the Fourth Layer of Internal Strength, combined with the Qi produced by Channel Opening, became "Inner Qi."


    Inner Qi enveloped his heart, and with its throbbing contractions and expansions, streams of Inner Qi flowed along the small Minor Circulation meridians beneath the skin, enmeshing every organ.


    Li Che opened his eyes, which seemed to flash with a bright brilliance.


    Standing up, his tendons and bones harmoniously resonated, his circulation of blood and Qi became swifter and more powerful, and the resultant strength was even more formidable.


    Whoosh¡ª


    Inhale!


    Between each exhale and inhale, the wind and snow of the world seemed to swirl in response, as if his Qi was merging with heaven and earth.


    "Qi Channels, accomplished!"


    ...


    ...


    The three days passed in the blink of an eye.


    Having broken through his Qi Channels, Li Che used the remaining time to also master the Divine Secret Technique of "Maitreya Gold Armor," reaching the level of Minor Accomplishment.


    The Divine Chess Piece left by Zhao Xuanhai had been largely refined by Li Che; now, within the Inner Scene of the Energy Center, the Divinity of the "Wrathful Maitreya" flowed gently like a stream, nurturing his nature. Read the full story at


    He glanced at the sky; today was a rare sunny day without snow.


    The air was still bitterly cold, but there was a hint of warm and comfortable sunshine.


    Li Che put on an elastic shirt, donned a bamboo hat, and, sitting beneath the eaves, he began carving a Cute Bull Mask at a leisurely pace with a carving knife.


    After putting on the mask, he checked the Poison-Tempered Sleeve Crossbow, Guanyin Poison Lotus, Bodhi Blood Tears, and other hidden weapons mechanisms, and surveyed the six thousand Wood Ravens stored in the Qiankun Arsenal. Only then did Li Che leave the independent workshop, feeling at ease.


    If it were in the past, Li Che would never have left the city, not willing to be so far away from Xi Xi.


    But with the title of "Flying Thunder Chess Saint," as long as the Divine Chess Piece was placed on Xi Xi, he could travel with a tranquil mind. At least if something happened to Xi Xi, he would sense it and rush to her side extremely quickly.


    Only when his daughter''s safety was ensured could the father afford to wander off and stir up trouble with peace of mind.


    The "Slumbering Dragon Elephant''s" Breath Concealment ability was becoming increasingly powerful.


    It almost completely erased the sense of his existence.


    He easily left the Inner City and then the Outer City with its weaker defenses.


    Just as he left the Outer City...


    A hunched and short figure appeared silently and without a trace.


    Li Che glanced at the newcomer, only to see that the person was also dressed in black, wearing a cat-faced mask.


    "Master Qingshan?" Li Che''s voice came muffled from under the Cute Bull Mask.


    "It''s me." The reply came from beneath the cat-faced mask.


    Li Che: "..."


    You''re wearing a mask too now?


    Everyone''s wearing masks...


    Is this some kind of Mask Alliance?

 Chapter 70: Three-eyed True Lord Mysterious Temple, They All Died

    The wind outside the city seemed much colder, brushing against the body, taking away warmth, piercing into the spine.


    Li Che, wearing the Cute Cow mask, silently watched Li Qingshan, who wore a cat-faced mask.


    Masked person looked at masked person, and the atmosphere seemed somewhat harmonious.


    "What are you looking at? I learned from you, kid. I once was a man of integrity myself..."


    Li Qingshan spoke lightly with his hands behind his back.


    Wearing the mask, he seemed to become much more indifferent, with his emotions somewhat wayward.


    The mask separated the face, giving one the feeling of releasing the emotions hidden within.


    Just like Li Che, every time he put on the Cute Cow mask, his body and mind would feel incredibly relaxed, and whatever he did, whoever he killed...all became unrestrained, with no limits.


    "So you''ve opened your Qi Channels? Three days... not too bad."


    "Since that''s the case, to enter the Mysterious Temple for a look, you now seem to have some assurance."


    "Go quickly and return quickly. Before it gets dark, you must exit the temple."


    Li Qingshan said with a deep voice, the next moment, his toes touched the ground, and a surge of force burst forth, turning the old man''s body into a straight black line that shot out on the snow-covered official road.


    Li Che''s body wobbled slightly, and the Inner Qi that had surged through his body after breaking through the Channel Opening surged into his legs, quickly catching up.


    Whoosh whoosh whoosh¡ª


    The roaring wind howled as it sped past, with the currents running noisily alongside both sides of the mask!


    The scenery outside the city passed by in a flash before his eyes.


    The old man''s speed was extremely fast, and Li Che had some difficulty keeping up; after all, he hadn''t used the Unmatched Horizontal Refinement of the Dragon Elephant Vajra and was silently following.


    In reality, Li Qingshan, who was bounding ahead, was already incredibly surprised in his heart.


    "A very stable foundation, Qi infused into the Qi Channels, Inner Qi vast and long... indeed not bad."


    Li Qingshan inwardly praised.


    Such a good seedling, with his Martial Path talent alone, even if Li Che wasn''t a twenty-two-year-old Spirit Child, Li Qingshan would still be willing to lead him into the Divine Sect.


    The two leaped and bounded for about a quarter of an hour.


    Then, Li Qingshan slowed his pace.


    His body paused, and he gracefully landed on a snow-covered old pine branch; beneath the cat-faced mask, two eyes gleamed with light.


    Li Che followed closely behind, also controlling his Inner Qi, and in the same manner as Li Qingshan, landed on the old pine.


    Li Qingshan glanced at Li Che, "Since you have entered the Qian Yuan Divine Sect, it''s highly likely you''ll join my group, so... since we''ve come to the Mysterious Temple, I''ll take you on an early trial."


    Li Che didn''t say much and nodded. He looked up and saw the corner of a temple''s eaves, its crimson paint, concealed by the dense trees, looking like smears of fresh blood.


    "This Mysterious Temple is of the Tenth Capital Level. It is best to enter the Mysterious Temple during the daytime; at night, the Temple God will become restless, and once you wake the Temple God, they''re not easy to deal with."


    "I was entangled by the awakened Temple God for two months... quite annoying."


    "When the Temple God awakens, they will release their Divinity, which will invade nearby living creatures, causing them to mutate into evil spirits controlled by the Divinity. The evil spirits of a Tenth Capital Level Mysterious Temple won''t be at the Divine Base Level, so it''s not a big problem, and you should be able to clear them."


    "It''s a good opportunity for you to consolidate your Qi Channels and blood."


    Upon hearing this, Li Che said no more; his body swayed, and he rushed towards the forest ahead.


    He controlled his Inner Qi, leaving no trace on the snow.


    It was as if he had cleared the forest that blocked the view, and suddenly, a solitary temple came into his sight.


    The temple had carved beams and painted rafters, with its eaves and corners raised high; pieces of black tiles were stained with white snow, somewhat in disrepair, and that crimson paint spread over the walls and corners seemed to emit a pungent odor of blood.


    Li Che''s gaze fell on the temple''s gate, and moving slightly upward, he saw a plaque.


    It read: Three-Eyes Wrathful True Monarch Spirit Child''s Branch Temple.


    Just by looking at it once, Li Che felt the Fury Divinity within the Inner Scene of the Energy Center in his Mud Pill start to stir, as if uncontrollably drifting towards the Mysterious Temple, about to leave his own body!


    However, after Li Che activated the Divine Method and reclaimed control over his Divinity, combined with the Pure Heart in his chest throbbing, was he finally able to break free from this entanglement.


    And in the instant he broke free, Li Che''s pupils contracted.


    Unknowingly, he had already appeared at the entrance of the Mysterious Temple; he had even lifted a foot as if to step inside!


    Countless strands of black Qi emanated from the temple, winding around his foot, cold and piercing to the bone!


    From afar.


    The small old man standing on the pine branch, wearing a cat-faced mask and ready to take action, exclaimed in astonishment.


    "Experiencing the Mysterious Temple for the first time, and already relying on yourself to break free from the Temple God''s attraction to Divinity... such remarkable composure!"


    Before the temple.


    After Li Che broke free from the attraction of the Temple God''s Divinity, the black Qi entwined around his legs was flushed away by his blood energy.


    Immediately, the evil spirits began to emerge from the Mysterious Temple.


    They were a group of corpse people shrouded in black Qi and a skin membrane interwoven with black webs, their eyeballs rolled back white!


    They were exceedingly fast and highly defensive, but now Li Che, who had opened his Qi Channels and established his Inner Qi, had an even stronger combat power and, possessing the Transformation Realm''s White Tiger Chaotic Wind Fist, easily resolved these evil spirits.


    After beating these evil spirits into a mess of rotten flesh, the old man Li Qingshan appeared beside him.


    "Not bad, these evil spirits are the elite temple guardians, and the Temple Guardian Cursed Corpses of the Tenth Capital Level Mysterious Temple all have the strength of the Blood Exchange Realm, their bodies stronger than in the Blood Exchange, and they do not feel pain; they are the bodies of many Temple Exploring Warriors who died and were transformed by the Temple God."


    After a brief introduction by Li Qingshan,


    He looked up at the sky and told Li Che to keep up.


    The two stepped into the temple.


    Inside the temple... it was extremely dark, with not a speck of light visible, but there were rows of red candles on both sides, which, once lit, burned quietly, illuminating the temple.


    And within this temple, what made Li Che''s scalp tingle was... that it was filled with wood carvings.


    All of them were of children carved in various forms, some holding lotuses, others holding plums, some with hands cupped around an angry Buddha, others surrounding a Guanyin with a gentle smile pinching her fingers...


    The expressions on these children''s wood carvings were lifelike, with open-mouthed laughter, fear and sadness, furious screaming, painful choking, and entangled poses of male and female children...


    All the seven emotions and six desires were represented, with hundreds of wood carvings standing in rows.


    "This..."


    Li Che took a deep breath, and his mind immediately thought of the City Lord''s Mansion''s requisitioning of the wood carving masters to carve these figures.


    "To sacrifice to the Temple God," Li Qingshan said, expressionless.


    "The old man said that there''s not much time left for Fei Lei City, and this is the reason..."


    "Someone is sacrificing to the Temple God, offering... the Divinity of the entire city, while others... could take advantage of the situation to gain benefits."


    "The Dajing Temple Bureau, those in Divine Sect who break the temples, in reality... sometimes what they suppress or destroy is human nature."


    Li Che''s eyes narrowed, although not quite understanding, but he knew this sacrifice was nothing good.


    Benefiting only a small part of the population, but sacrificing the majority.


    Li Che clenched his fists, muscles twitching, inner qi circling in his palm.


    "You want to destroy these wood carvings? I advise you not to... These carvings are all connected to the Temple God. If you destroy one, you will awaken the sleeping Temple God. It took the old man great effort to lull it to sleep, and if you wake it up again... "


    "I can leave, but you... you might be killed by the Temple God, and then turned into a loyal Temple Guardian Cursed Corpse."


    The inner qi that Li Che was about to release instantly receded.


    The little old man beneath the cat-faced mask glanced at Li Che: "Don''t act rashly in the Mysterious Temple... Anything connected to the Temple God can''t be easily destroyed. Provoking the Temple God is very dangerous."


    "Especially this Temple God is not ordinary... A branch temple of the Three-Eyed Fierce True Lord Spirit Child, a branch temple..."


    "Branch temple?"


    "That is to say, this Temple God is very likely to be a Divinity branch formed from a high-ranking Temple God..."


    Li Qingshan, having come from the Divine Sect and researched Mysterious Temples, explained to Li Che.


    "Especially the title ''Three-eyed True Lord''... It is indeed frightening, reminding one of the Four Imperial Levels Mysterious Temple that the Sect Master of Qian Yuan Divine Sect suppresses, the one in the temple... with the thin divine dog, grasping a three-point double-edged knife Divine Weapon, the Three-eyed Temple God!"


    Li Qingshan said softly, "When it comes to Temple Gods, one must be more cautious..."


    Upon hearing this, Li Che''s pupils contracted slightly, his mind roaring, this description... why did it feel so familiar?


    "Enough, let''s not talk much about it. You''ve become a Woodcarving Master of the Ten Cities, haven''t you? You have about two hours left, take a good look at the Temple God... Woodcarving Masters seeking promotion need to observe the charm of the Temple God statues, which is an occupation filled with great risks."


    Li Qingshan said.


    "Senior... The Temple God will awaken, is It still alive?"


    Li Che asked.


    Li Qingshan paused for a moment.


    Underneath the cat-faced mask, his eyes were deep and distant.


    "They, are all dead."


    "Only dead gods can awaken... from the Mysterious Temples."


    With those words, the tip of his foot touched the ground, and the little old man''s figure floated out of the Divine Temple.


    "In two hours, I will come to get you..."


    "Remember, do not damage the surrounding sacrificial wood carvings, bear this in mind, bear this in mind!"


    Silence instantly fell within the Mysterious Temple.


    After Li Qingshan left, Li Che stood tall like a straight spear, a sense of inexplicable horror assaulting him from all directions.


    The [Pure Heart] pounded suddenly, the immaculate Divinity flowing within it, dispelling the horror.


    Li Che calmed down, fires burning in his eyes behind the Cute Cow Mask.


    He looked towards the Temple God Statue laid out on the altar.


    The Three-Eyed Wrathful True Monarch Spirit Child!


    The Child Temple God with a vertical eye on its forehead, glaring furiously, robes billowing, hair flying, barefoot on a lotus, fists clenched...


    Li Che studied the Temple God carefully.


    The [Pure Heart] inside his chest beat faster and faster...


    Yet Li Che did not observe the Temple God Statue to capture its essence.


    In his mind...


    A daring idea flickered.


    "The [Chess Saint] can use the [Immortal Artisan]''s Prototype of Divine Powers, Thousand Analyzing Hands, to extract Divinity from the dead, and then condense it into Divine Chess Pieces..."


    Only on


    "The Temple God... A dead god is also the dead."


    "Can I extract Its Divinity?"


    No sooner had the thought emerged.


    Than Li Che had already taken action, silently leaping onto the altar with two large red candles.


    On tiptoes, he crouched before the statue of the Child Temple God, his eyes gleaming bright under the Cute Bull Mask.


    Towards the head of the Child Temple God...


    He slowly extended his hand.

 Chapter 71: The Patina-covered Temple God’s Head, the Xu Family’s Spirit Child

    The snowflakes were instantly shredded, exploding into powder.


    Li Qingshan, wearing a cat-face mask, hunched over as he exited the Mysterious Temple.


    He leaped onto a lush and verdant pine tree, straight as a spear.


    Under the black cat-face mask, two eyes flickered with a ghostly glow.


    "Li Che, lad, his mind drawn in and settled within, has observed the divine for two hours. Hopefully, the youngster can withstand it and not be harmed in spirit by the Temple God''s divinity..."


    Li Qingshan muttered to himself.


    Then he turned his head towards the distance, only to see a figure in a white robe, with a white mask on, slowly walking through the snowy forest, with loose hair fluttering in the snow.


    On the smooth and polished white mask, no facial features were delineated.


    The newcomer had several statues hanging around his waist, each the size of a palm, carved with children''s images, some worshipping Buddha, some crying, each with a unique and vivid expression.


    However, few possessed divinity; clearly, none were from the hand of a master.


    "You''ve appeared again..."


    "Time and again, do you wish to battle me once more today?"


    The man in the white mask said, his voice somewhat hoarse.


    Li Qingshan narrowed his eyes, focusing on the wood carvings hanging on the man''s waist: "Sacrificing to the Temple God... you''ve really got some nerve, huh?"


    The man sighed softly and shook his head: "It''s just a desperate attempt at a cure in dire straits... If it were you, wouldn''t you do the same?"


    "After all, we are just minor cultivators from the countryside, not the heaven''s chosen of the Divine Sects with resources abound, nor the Divine Weapons Reserve supported by the Imperial Court''s Divine Arsenal. Everything we have... we must fight for ourselves."


    "Sacrificing... is also a gamble."


    Li Qingshan shook his head and did not say much more.


    Everyone who does evil finds a justification of their own, and others cannot sway their thinking.


    "Come on, old man. Though most of my divinity has not descended the mountain, it''s more than enough to entertain you."


    Boom¡ª!


    Countless snowflakes burst from the ground as Li Qingshan''s body became entwined with divinity, and behind the man in the white mask rose a millstone-like Divine Base.


    The two engaged in battle.


    Li Qingshan intentionally or unintentionally veered off the battlefield, clashing towards the deeper parts of the mountain woods.


    ...


    ...


    Inside the Mysterious Temple.


    The candlelight flickered incessantly.


    Li Che''s heart throbbed, this was the boldest thing he had undertaken thus far.


    Bolder even than the first time he had decided to kill.


    However, his impulsiveness was not a whim; after all... he had "Flying Thunder Chess Saint." Should something feel amiss, he could trigger the Dao Fruit, instantly teleport to the chess piece anchor point within the city, and leave. ?


    Li Qingshan had said that Temple Gods of Tenth Capital Level Mysterious Temples corresponded to Divine Base Realm and, although they were far stronger than typical Divine Base Cultivators.


    But now, Li Che believed that beings at the Divine Base level... probably couldn''t block his Dao Fruit''s ability.


    With this thought, Li Che''s gaze became fierce.


    His fingers opened and closed, gradually pressing down.


    And landed on the "Three-Eyed Wrathful True Lord Child Statue," full of wrath.


    In an instant, an extremely hot sensation spread from within his palm, as if what he had grabbed was not a statue but a red-hot branding iron, forged and tempered a thousand times!


    Li Che''s eyebrows knitted together tightly, his mind exceedingly cautious.


    His arm glowed with a jade color, shrouded in a hazy mist.


    The Prototype of Divine Powers, Thousand Analyzing Hands!


    In faint and indistinct glimpses, it seemed that strands of divinity were being siphoned from the Temple God statue, beginning to condense into the shape of a chess piece.


    But...


    Compared to condensing the Divine Chess Piece from the deceased Zhao Xuanhai, it was much more difficult.


    It was as if...


    He was pulling up a deeply buried wooden branch, with the branch''s roots tangled underground, making the extraction incredibly difficult.


    However, difficult as it was, Li Che had patience, slowly... enticing bit by bit.


    It seemed like he was engaged in a tug-of-war with the sleeping Temple God.


    As if a thick and resilient divinity was being pulled from the statue, winding around the fingertips of Thousand Analyzing Hands.


    Two hours passed in Li Che''s consciousness as if in the blink of an eye.


    When the sky gradually darkened.


    Li Che immediately released his hand.


    His figure retreated, jumping down from the altar.


    Within the Mysterious Temple, the candlelight was dim, and the red-painted wooden statues seemed to eerily watch him.


    But Li Che was oblivious, his emotions surging as he raised his hand.


    Jade mist swirled, and a half-formed chess piece... emerged in the palm of his hand.


    The chess piece was condensed from an exceedingly dark divinity, only half-formed.


    Yet, the strength of this divinity made Li Che slightly astonished, for it was even more tough and terrifying than that of the Divine Foundation Fragment of the Si Family''s ancestor that he had obtained.


    He narrowed his eyes, raised his hand, and his "Pure Heart" Dao Fruit beat vigorously...


    The next moment, the outpouring of Pure Divinity formed a white chess piece.


    As his Divine Cultivation improved, so did the number of Pure Divinity Chess Pieces he could condense.


    Li Che hid the Divine Chess Piece beneath the altar, serving as a coordinate anchor point.


    Now that he was certain he could extract divinity from the Temple God...


    Of course, he would find opportunities to pay several more visits.


    First, setting up an anchor point made the journey much easier.


    The day was turning dark, and Li Qingshan had not yet arrived.


    Li Che also didn''t continue to wait.


    He turned his head to glance at the Three-eyed Child Temple God seated high on the altar, then suddenly exerted force under his feet, his figure shot out like an arrow, erupting towards the outside of the Mysterious Temple.


    ...


    ...


    Having returned to the Inner City, Li Che removed his disguise, collecting the mask, clothing, and the like into his Qiankun Space.


    Afterwards, he ordered some wine and dishes from the Golden Splendor Pavilion and returned to his own courtyard.


    His wife, Zhang Ya, was earnestly practicing her stance training in the courtyard. Ever since Li Che had taught her martial arts, she had been tirelessly practicing every day, knowing she started late and thus wanted to catch up to her husband through hard work.


    "Husband."


    Zhang Ya, dressed in a practice outfit with a thin belt cinched around her waist, outlined her shapely figure.


    A smile immediately appeared on Li Che''s lips, and he walked over to stand behind Zhang Ya, wrapping his hands around hers from behind, "My lady, would you like your husband to teach you how to practice boxing?"


    Zhang Ya''s pretty face instantly turned a shade redder.


    After much affection, Old Chen, who had been sitting under the eaves drinking from his calabash bottle for quite some time, finally couldn''t endure the painful display, "Cough cough cough... Li Che, lad, I''m still here!"


    "Can you lovebirds not show off your affection in front of this old man?"


    Old Chen said, holding up his calabash, decidedly annoyed.


    "Oh, are you still here? Didn''t go for a stroll?" Li Che turned his head, feigning surprise.


    If you change your position, won''t you not see us?


    Old Chen immediately became even more infuriated, unable to stay in this house. This Li Che... he wasn''t as honest as he used to be!


    With a huff, Old Chen, clutching his wine calabash, decided to run away from home.


    "Old Chen, on your way, could you stop by the Xu Family''s Divine Cultivation Institute and pick up Xi Xi and Big Head Lu?"


    The light, smiling voice of Li Che drifted out.


    Old Chen grew even more irritated, ah, life had become unbearable!


    Still, Old Chen swiftly went to the Divine Cultivation Institute, picked up Xi Xi and Lu Chi, and with Xi Xi in his arms, a smile and doting affection spread across Old Chen''s face, and his thoughts of running away from home faded.


    Li Che might fail as a son, but Old Chen had his Dawn Treasure.


    The following day.


    After sending Xi Xi and Lu Chi to the Divine Cultivation Institute, Li Che went to his private workshop.


    Having reached the Qi Channels stage in martial cultivation, the usual practice was to train by mobilizing the body''s blood and Qi, gathering Qi in the five viscera, circulating the Minor Circulation, and accumulating and strengthening the Inner Qi, which were the primary direction for this stage of practice.


    It was similarly a grind.


    Even the cultivation of Divinity was not neglected, practicing the "Wrathful Maitreya" Divinity and refining Zhao Xuanhai''s Divine Chess Piece. It must be said that Li Che''s Divine Cultivation progressed at an incredibly fast pace.


    The stream of Divinity within the Inner Scene of the Energy Center was constantly growing.


    Once he had completed a series of daily essentials.


    Li Che put on a wide-brimmed hat and a Cute Bull Mask, transforming into the Bull Demon. His mind touched the "Chess Saint" Dao Fruit, and through the anchor point placed under the altar of the Mysterious Temple, he observed the situation inside the temple. Only then did he activate the Flying Thunder Chess Saint''s teleportation.


    With a clench of his hand, Li Che held a white chess piece.


    But his figure had already arrived inside the dim "Three-Eyed Fierce True Lord Spirit Child Mysterious Temple."


    The temple was extremely quiet, filled with the pungent smell of candle fire.


    Li Che rubbed his hands together and floated up to the altar, beginning to siphon the Temple God''s Divinity. Discover untold stories at


    It took roughly two hours to siphon half of a Divine Chess Piece.


    It would take two days to gather a complete piece.


    This efficiency was heaven and earth compared to when he siphoned Zhao Xuanhai''s Divinity.


    Days passed by, one by one.


    Ten days drifted by like grains of sand between the fingers.


    Having made a promise to the Young City Lord Cao Qingyuan regarding the wood carving, Li Che didn''t have the slightest inclination to start carving.


    Having learned the purpose of the City Lord''s Mansion''s conscription of Woodcarving Masters to carve statues, Li Che no longer had the heart to carve.


    Inside the Mysterious Temple.


    Li Che deftly jumped onto the altar and stared at the "Three-Eyed Wrathful True Lord Child Statue" that seemed both angry and aggrieved for a while.


    "Old buddy, I''m here again..."


    Striving to condense the fifth Temple God Divinity Chess Piece today.


    "I''m about to finish refining Zhao Xuanhai''s Divine Chess Piece... and my current ''Wrathful Maitreya'' Divinity has barely reached the ''Cultivation as Riverlike'' level. Afterward, I won''t have Zhao Xuanhai''s Divine Chess Pieces to refine."


    "Fortunately, this Temple God''s Divine Chess Piece also belongs to the lineage of ''Wrath Divinity''..."


    "I just don''t know how much more I can fleece from this Temple God''s Divinity. Is it enough... for me to forge a Divine Foundation?"


    Li Che flashed a radiant grin.


    Familiarly reaching out towards the almost varnished head of the Child Temple God, he began to condense his hand motion.


    ...


    ...


    Dark clouds piled up layer upon layer.


    The atmosphere was claustrophobic and oppressive, with electric dragons tumbling amidst them.


    Cold raindrops poured down from the sky, pelting the ground, exploding into mist, and shrouding the human world.


    In the Inner City, the Xu Family.


    Outside the Divine Cultivation Institute.


    Electric light revealed one tall, dark shadow after another. They were dressed in black, wore wide-brimmed hats, and donned children''s masks, moving silently through the rain.


    "The Xu Family''s Divine Cultivation Institute... still has two Spirit Children."


    "Old Xu of the Xu Family has already struck a deal with the City Lord''s Mansion... agreed to turn a blind eye..."


    A tall figure adjusted his wide-brimmed hat.


    "Heh? Two Spirit Children? Since we''ve come... naturally, we should take away all the Spirit Children of Xu Family''s Divine Cultivation Institute."


    "Act quickly, capture them and leave, and deliver them to the City Lord''s Mansion."


    "Once this matter is settled, our Yang Family can organize our clan to immediately withdraw from Fei Lei City."

 Chapter 72: The Disgusting Noble Families, The Bull Demon is About to Start Killing

    The rain curtain torrentially fell, sprinkling between heaven and earth.


    The grey, overcast sky, as if night had come early, made one feel extraordinarily cramped and oppressed.


    Thunder ripped through the night, the sudden flashes dispelling some darkness, but a thick mist enshrouded the entirety of Fei Lei City, making visibility extremely low.


    Outside Xu''s Divine Cultivation Institute.


    Tall walls stood, and the guards responsible for security sought shelter from the rain.


    They hugged their weapons, leaning under the gatehouse roof, listening to the rain furiously beating against the black tiles, then to the scattered sounds of water splashing, slightly distracted.


    Ever since the incident at the Yang Family''s Divine Cultivation Institute, where the Spirit Child was taken after it was breached.


    The Xu Family and An Family had strengthened security at their Divine Cultivation Institutes and increased the number of patrolling martial artists.


    The rain was really too heavy.


    It was rare to have such a thunderstorm before the winter had passed.


    The already cold temperature, together with the icy rain, instantly became piercingly chilly.


    "This damn weather, it''s like the gods are furious."


    A burly martial artist guard leaning against the door cursed under his breath as he glanced at the hazy skies.


    As a Blood Exchange Warrior with strong vital energy, he was not afraid of the cold, but being unafraid was one thing, being uncomfortable was quite another.


    "Don''t let your guard down, this kind of weather is the best opportunity for those with ill intentions to make their move..."


    A seasoned guard, with a dry pipe in his mouth, whispered.


    This old martial artist was also in the Blood Exchange Realm, and moreover, at the Six Transfers Blood Change level; the rest of the guards were in the Bone Tempering Realm.


    This kind of guard formation was sufficient to show how seriously the An Family took the security of the Divine Cultivation Institute.


    "Boss, you''re too cautious. The An Family is a noble family of Fei Lei City, who would dare to attack the Divine Cultivation Institute?"


    "The Yang Family back then didn''t have the kind of protection that we have..."


    A few guards in the Bone Tempering Realm chuckled as they spoke in succession.


    However, before their words were done, the thick veil of rain was torn apart...


    Accompanied by howling winds and the explosive sound of tearing air!


    Giant hammers whirling furiously in the air thunderously smashed down!


    With overwhelming Divinity spreading out, the guards were utterly astonished, but in the moment of shock, their minds were seized, and the hammers crashed down on their heads, bursting forth with white and red spray of blood! R


    The guard sucking on the dry pipe, eyes wide with rage, grabbed his long sword and jumped to his feet!


    "Divinity! Heart Shocking and Sturdy! The Yang Family?!"


    "Yang Family people! How dare you?!"


    The old guard roared furiously.


    But the next instant, a towering figure tore through the rain curtain, bringing a whining, screaming sound as it swung a giant hammer ruthlessly onto his head.


    The unstoppable force directly crushed the old Blood Exchange martial artist''s skull.


    "Act now."


    Amid the thick scent of blood.


    A towering figure wearing a mask of an astonished girl spoke indifferently.


    Several figures picked up blood-dripping hammers from the corpses and rushed into the rain curtain, charging towards the Divine Cultivation Institute.


    ...


    ...


    The heavy rain roared, causing beaded curtains of water to hang from the eaves.


    Nurse Momo, leaning on her python-head cane, sat on a wicker chair, where curls of steam wafted upwards and the dense fragrance of tea lingered in her nose. She picked up her teacup and poured the prepared milk into it.


    Tea with milk, a method taught by an acquaintance of hers¡ªunexpectedly unique in flavor, she enjoyed it quite a bit.


    Thinking of this acquaintance, Nurse Momo''s gaze unconsciously fell on the quietly seated, large-headed boy inside the room filled with the scent of sandalwood, meditating and cultivating his Divinity.


    "My grandson has grown up so much..."


    Nurse Momo sighed. With the past carried away by the wind, she too had become aged.


    "Li Nuanxi, focus on meditation and cultivating your Divinity!"


    All of a sudden, Nurse Momo put on a stern face and heavily stamped the ground with her python-head cane.


    This startled Xi Xi, who had been half-opening her eyes and sneaking peeks at the milk tea in her cup; she jumped and quickly closed her eyes, pretending to be very focused.


    Nurse Momo was somewhat helpless; this Li Nuanxi had an extremely vast Divinity, naturally a Superior Grade Spirit Child, making her an exceptional cultivation talent.


    It was just that the child was too lively, only three years old, yet more vibrant than many four- or five-year-olds.


    "Master Li is such an erudite and elegant man; how could he have a daughter so... restless."


    Indeed, Nurse Momo couldn''t help but use ''restless'' to describe her.


    Aside from Lu Chi, which child in the Divine Cultivation Institute hadn''t been beaten by Xi Xi?


    Even four- or five-year-old boys stood no chance against the three-year-old Xi Xi.


    This girl was incredibly good at fighting and extremely clever, the kind who used her brain in a fight.


    An Innate Fighting Body indeed...


    The tyrant of the Divine Cultivation Institute!


    Beside Xi Xi, Lu Chi was also meditating with closed eyes. Suddenly, he abruptly opened his eyes, flinging his Nezha-like braids and turned his head to look towards the room outside, far away from the extreme warmth of the charcoal hearth.


    There was a smell of blood...


    And... fluctuations of Divinity!


    Lu Chi frowned.


    "Nurse Momo! Lu Chi opened his eyes! You should scold him!"


    A child from the Xu Family called out excitedly.


    Lu Chi rolled his eyes. These little brats were truly childish. He, Lu Chi, was a disciple who had entered the Inner Sect of the Qian Yuan Divine Sect.


    If it weren''t for the need to protect my junior sister, who has yet to be taken in as a disciple.


    I, Lu Chi, would hardly bother staying here.


    "Lu Chi, close your eyes quickly, or Nurse Momo will beat you up!"


    "Childish," Lu Chi scoffed.


    However, no sooner had he spoken than Lu Chi regretted his words.


    "Lu Chi! You dare call me childish! I''m going to tell my daddy!"


    And sure enough, Lu Chi saw Xi Xi beside him, hands on her hips and eyes glaring, with a smug smile on her face.


    Watching the meditation class that was about to descend into chaos.


    Nurse Momo grabbed her python-head wooden cane and stomped it repeatedly.


    She was about to open her mouth to scold them, to maintain order.


    Suddenly, her wrinkled face showed a slight change of expression.


    "Children! Get up and hide inside the room!"


    "Lu Chi, lead them."


    Nurse Momo''s expression turned serious, and her divinity spread, suppressing the restless classroom.


    The sudden change in the old woman''s attitude frightened the children, who, daring not to speak further, all ran towards the depths of the room under Lu Chi''s lead.


    "Nurse Momo, is there a monster coming to catch us?"


    Before leaving, Xi Xi turned her head to look at Nurse Momo.


    "Don''t worry, as long as I''m here..."


    Nurse Momo smiled gently.


    Xi Xi also smiled brightly, "Then you must be careful, Nurse Momo!"


    After that, Xi Xi followed Lu Chi into the depths of the house.


    Nurse Momo stood there dazed for a moment, and then the next, her old face broke into a smile, feeling a warmth in her heart.


    The old woman stood up, turned her rattan chair in a new direction, toward the menacingly abrupt curtain of rain, where the rain smashed onto the ground, carrying the wild wind that swept in from outside the house.


    Blowing through the old woman''s dry hair.


    She watched the figures appear within the rain, each one wielding a heavy hammer, their vast bodies outlined through the misty vapor.


    The roiling intertwining divinity filled the air with exclamations and screams, unsettling the heart and disturbing the mind.


    The old woman sighed softly.


    "Heart Shocking and Sturdy, the Yang Family, huh..."


    When Yang Family''s divine cultivators could behave so recklessly in Xu''s Divine Cultivation Institute, releasing their divinity without any fear of rebuke from Xu Heli, Xu Beihu, Old Master Xu, or any other divine cultivators from the Xu Family,


    Nurse Momo already understood the situation.


    "Noble Families are indeed Noble Families, years have passed and yet they cannot change their nature... to chase after benefits at the expense of everything else... truly... disgusting."


    "These... are just children, how can they be so heartless?"


    Nurse Momo murmured softly.


    Thinking of Xi Xi''s bright and adorable smile.


    Her eyes softened a bit more.


    The old woman twisted her python-head wooden cane fiercely and in the next moment, she drew a sharp long sword from within it, accompanied by a clanging sound.


    In an instant.


    Within the rain curtain, endless sword qi raged and intertwined!


    Weaving into a giant sword qi python, it faced the Yang Family''s divine cultivators coming with their large hammers.


    "Children, I''m here for you..."


    ...


    ...


    In the Mysterious Temple.


    Lu Chi, who was circling the statue of the Three-Eyed Wrathful True Lord Spirit Child Temple God, suddenly opened his eyes.


    His body flickered, and he fell from the altar.


    Underneath the Cute Bull Mask, his eyes were ice cold.


    Within his chest...


    The Dao Fruit of Chess Saint throbbed violently.


    It was as if a laid-back chess piece was about to be captured.


    The immaculate divine chess piece he had hidden within Xi Xi sensed the crisis at the first moment, immediately bursting forth with feedback.


    "Something''s happened to Xi Xi... who dares to harm my daughter?!"


    A fierce aura instantly spread from within Li Che''s limbs and bones, causing all the red candles within the Mysterious Temple to shake and tremble.


    He closed his eyes and sensed the violent trembling of the immaculate divine chess piece anchor.


    Without a moment''s hesitation.


    Li Che grasped the air with an empty hand.


    In the next moment, he had already seized the white chess piece that had been placed within Xi Xi.


    In this world, Li Che had a simple goal, a warm bed with his wife and child.


    His wife and child were the soft spots in his heart.


    No matter who it is...


    If you touch his daughter...


    |em|p,yr


    He would kill them!


    The Bull Demon... was ready to begin a killing spree.

 Chapter 73: Bull Demon and Xi Xi’s First Encounter, Niu Niu is a Great Hero

    Thunder cleaved the night sky, and the flickering stream of light was like a deep blue Divine Dragon rolling behind dark clouds.


    The torrential rain pounded down on the human world, washing away the bloodshed as well.


    Golden Splendor Pavilion.


    Inside a private room, amidst the lingering scent of sandalwood, an Oiran with a graceful figure was twisting to the music, her every frown and smile radiated beauty.


    The rich aroma of wine spread ceaselessly.


    Xu Beihu gulped down his wine one cup after another, the liquid tracing down the corners of his mouth.


    His chest heaved violently, and a slight redness tinged his eyes.


    At his side, Xu Heli elegantly sipped his wine and ate his meat. The treasured sword he carried close to his body lay quietly beside him.


    His eyes were fixed on the Oiran''s graceful waist, roaming over her exposed jade-like skin.


    "Big brother... are we really going to... just give away the Divine Cultivation Institute like this?"


    With a "bang," Xu Beihu violently smashed his wine cup onto the table, his eyes filled with resentment.


    Xu Heli''s mood was interrupted, and he glanced over, "We''re just sending away Li Che''s daughter and that big-headed Spirit Child, none of them belong to our Xu Family... there''s no harm done in sending them away..."


    "But it''s the Yang Family handling this, they surely won''t just take two Spirit Children... And... just let them barge in like this, Nurse Momo... won''t give up on these children, she''s bound... to die, right?"


    Xu Beihu''s voice was somewhat hoarse and low.


    "Nurse Momo..."


    Xu Heli fell silent.


    "Back then... when we were Spirit Children, it was Nurse Momo who looked after us... taught us Nurturing Nature..." Xu Beihu poured himself another drink.


    "It was the old grand master''s decision, we just follow orders... Moreover, we can always have more Spirit Children, but... for us, there is only one chance."


    "You should know how difficult it is for me to establish the Divine Foundation, and how low the success rate is... I have no other choice."


    Xu Heli''s expression gradually darkened.


    Xu Beihu was aware of this too and let out a long sigh.


    Xu Heli laughed coldly, "Don''t try to play the good guy here. The old grand master made the decision, you were there too. If you disagreed, why didn''t you speak up then?"


    "If you dare, go and talk to the old grand master about it?"


    "It''s indeed a pity for Nurse Momo..."


    "But she''s already old, and she would be happy to create an opportunity for our younger generation to establish a Divine Foundation..."


    ...


    ...


    Lu Chi, pulling Xi Xi along with many bewildered children from the Divine Cultivation Institute, hurried toward the deeper parts of the Divine Cultivation Institute Mansion.


    But the increasingly terrifying divinity outside evoked a trace of worry in his eyes.


    Nurse Momo... Could she withstand these Divine Cultivators from the Yang Family?


    Among them, there were many Divine Cultivators whose Nurturing Nature was as vast as a river, including those not weaker than Si Mubai who had cultivated his Qi Channels to the peak of Nurturing Nature.


    Nurse Momo was old, her vitality waning. Though her Divinity was deep, it ultimately couldn''t reach its peak performance due to the decline in physical vitality, making her overall weaker than Cultivators like Si Mubai at the peak of their power.


    Therefore, Lu Chi could guess that Nurse Momo, by staying behind alone to delay these Divine Cultivators, had in fact chosen death.


    Lu Chi wasn''t naive; coming from the Divine Sect, he saw things more clearly than anyone else.


    "The Xu Family, truly the same as most Noble Families; this is also a current flaw of the Grand Prospect Dynasty, which has bestowed increasing power to the Noble Families. However, these families grow arrogant, becoming indifferent to human lives..."


    "For the sake of benefits, for the pursuit of power, they would abandon everything..."


    Lu Chi let out a breath.


    But he didn''t turn back to help Nurse Momo, even though she was an old acquaintance of his master.


    His current priority was to protect his not yet betrothed junior sister.


    The safety of his junior sister... is paramount!


    Suddenly.


    Lu Chi sensed a subtle wave of Divinity.


    His expression drastically changed. Find joy at


    Looking intently, he saw a white Divine Chess Piece shooting out from the body of Xi Xi, whom he was holding.


    Subsequently, Lu Chi felt darkness envelop everything around him!


    Mighty, majestic, dominant, powerful...


    That terrifying figure, like a mountain to the children, abruptly appeared.


    Standing nearly two meters tall, his muscles bulged as every tendon trembled like dragons, his mere presence suffocating.


    Beneath a Cute Bull Mask were a pair of eyes releasing a fierce and overwhelming killing intent!


    "This is..."


    "Che... Bull Demon!"


    "Bull Demon!"


    Lu Chi naturally wouldn''t forget that mask, nor such a formidable figure.


    He abruptly halted, his eyes showing a trace of delight.


    He certainly knew the true identity of the Bull Demon!


    That was Xi Xi''s father!


    And his strength was immense, even Lu Chi... without using the "Wrathful Third Prince" secret technique, might have his head twisted off.


    Why would the Bull Demon appear here?


    Divine Secret Technique?


    It didn''t matter anymore!


    None of that mattered now. The Bull Demon was a fierce being, merciless in killing!


    With the Bull Demon present, Xi Xi''s safety was assured!


    Li Che''s sudden appearance startled all the children present, especially those from the Xu Family, who gaped dumbly at Li Che wearing the Bull Demon Mask.


    They couldn''t help but recall how their family described the Bull Demon.


    This was a massive villain who dared to kill even government officers and Divine Catchers, known to kill without batting an eyelid and liked to twist off children''s heads to use as balls!


    At night, when they wouldn''t sleep, their parents used the Bull Demon to scare them.


    If they didn''t sleep, the Bull Demon would come and twist off their heads and kick them away!


    For a moment, fear spread, and the children of the Xu Family collapsed to the ground, crying bitterly, with a few even crying and urinating at the same time.


    Li Che: "..."


    Wearing such a Cute Cow Mask as the Bull Demon, what is there to be afraid of?


    And I don''t eat children!


    Xi Xi, however, was blinking her big sparkling eyes, staring at the Bull Demon with radiance in her eyes, showing no fear or fright, but rather full of excitement!


    Seeing that Xi Xi was safe, Li Che also relaxed.


    His gaze shifted, looking towards Lu Chi, nodding slightly.


    With Lu Chi''s protection, he could be somewhat at ease.


    "Niu Niu, you are the great hero Niu Niu that mother told me about!" Xi Xi clenched her little fists, completely delighted.


    "I''ve finally met you!"


    Li Che was startled.


    His eyes inevitably softened, a smile forming under his mask.


    He knew that while Fei Lei City was abuzz with the defamation of the Bull Demon, his wife Zhang Ya continually told Xi Xi that the Bull Demon was a great hero.


    After all, Zhang Ya knew the true identity of the Bull Demon.


    Zhang Ya didn''t want Xi Xi to think her father was a terrible villain.


    Moreover, Zhang Ya also knew that the Bull Demon was a hero!


    Protecting their little family safe and sound...


    A great hero of tremendous magnitude!


    "Niu Niu, there are monsters and villains outside bullying grandma! Can you take me to kill the monsters and villains?"


    Xi Xi stood sprightly in front of Li Che, who had activated the "Angry Vajra" Dao Fruit and ''s towering like a mountain at two meters tall, his qi mingling like armor.


    Looking up as if gazing at a towering mountain.


    Yet she displayed neither fear nor fright.


    The surrounding children of the Xu Family thought Xi Xi had completely lost her mind.


    "Xi Xi, run! He is the Bull Demon monster, the one who twists off children''s heads to kick as balls!"


    A boy from the Xu Family''s Divine Cultivation Institute, who fancied Xi Xi, peed his pants while mustering the courage to shout at Xi Xi, who seemed like she could be gobbled up any moment by the Bull Demon in front of her.


    His voice trembled, but his bravery was commendable.


    At that moment, the boy''s face turned red, feeling... perhaps this was the power of a crush!


    Li Che immediately narrowed his eyes.


    His gaze under the mask coldly swept over the little boy.


    He seemed to smell the sour stench of a secret crush...


    Just a glance...


    The courageous little boy immediately crumbled into pieces, his crying abruptly stopped, and he fainted from fright.


    Li Che didn''t bother with him.


    He looked down at Xi Xi.


    "Aren''t you afraid of me?"


    Xi Xi pursed her lips: "Mother said Niu Niu is a great hero! Mother wouldn''t lie to Xi Xi!"


    The Bull Demon laughed, "Good..."


    "I''ll take you to save grandma," the Bull Demon said gently.


    The next moment, his huge hand like a fan came down, gently pinched up Xi Xi, and placed her on his broad shoulder.


    Xi Xi wasn''t afraid, her little mouth curving into a smile, giggling joyfully.


    However, Lu Chi was not so relaxed, his expression extremely solemn.


    He took out the Wood Carving of the Third Crown Prince, clutching it tightly in his hand.


    With many experts from the Yang Family, what could one Bull Demon do to change the outcome of the battle?


    Several masters at the Cultivation Peak were present...


    Lu Chi felt immense pressure.


    Quite irritating.


    If it weren''t for needing to rescue his master''s old lover, Lu Chi would have turned tail and left by now.


    His childhood had only just begun, and he certainly didn''t want to die.


    "Let''s go! Niu Niu will take me to save grandma!"


    Xi Xi, perched on the Bull Demon''s shoulder, cheered loudly.


    With a flick of his fingers like hooks, the next moment, a small oil-paper umbrella landed in his hand, handed to Xi Xi.


    "It''s raining outside, open the umbrella, don''t catch a cold."


    Xi Xi obediently took the umbrella.


    Niu Niu... so considerate!


    The next moment, the Bull Demon''s fingers clawed at the void.


    The intricately crafted mechanism "Namo Gatling Wooden Crow" then fell into his hand, his divinity spreading, manipulating one Wooden Crow after another, whirling around the Bull Demon.


    Carrying the Namo Gatling, with Xi Xi on his shoulder.


    Their large and small figures, amid a thousand crows.


    Moved towards the outside of the Divine Cultivation Institute.

 Chapter 74: A Clean Human World, Taking Xi Xi to Set Off Fireworks

    Fei Lei City.


    Outside the city.


    The downpour was like pillars, as if the heavens had seen the evil of the human world and were pouring rain to cleanse it.


    In a leisure pavilion.


    A person sat upright, draped in black, their face covered by a cat-face mask, their body hunched, carving a wood carving in the pavilion with a carving knife.


    The shockwaves of raindrops shattering on the ground merged together, the resultant gust of wind surged into the leisure pavilion, lifting the wood shavings slipping from the carving knife.


    After a moment, the wood carving took shape.


    It was neither a Buddha nor a deity.


    Instead, it was the elegant and pure figure of a woman, wearing a gauzy dress, holding a fine sword with a python-shaped hilt, looking over her shoulder with a hint of heroism between her eyebrows.


    The eyes beneath the cat-face mask rubbed against the coarse carving marks with complexity.


    Forty years have flown by, and beauty has withered...


    No one can be young again.


    The reason he had come down the mountain without most of his Divinity was not simply for the Spirit Child ¨C more so, he wanted to see the beauty of his past.


    Alas, time is a sharp long knife that even cultivators find hard to resist.


    Without forging the Divine Foundation, one could not maintain their vitality and would gradually weaken and wither, and beauty would fade away.


    Outside the pavilion, the furious wind was howling non-stop, carrying the torrential rain.


    And in the four directions of the leisure pavilion, immense Divinity twisted the sky, preventing the downpour from reaching it.


    Four masked figures stood in the curtain of rain, far from the pavilion, positioned to encircle, or rather, to trap the old man with the cat-face mask inside.


    "Four Divine Base Cultivators taking action at the same time, this kind of display... It seems the event about to take place inside the city is no small matter."


    The old man said softly.


    He looked towards the four individuals, their Four Wheels of Godly Foundation shining brightly like the sun.


    "Furious True Monarch, Heart Shocking and Sturdy, Wrathful Maitreya, and... Xuansi Liu Sword..."


    "The Xu Family is indeed a Noble Family. Others are trying to shake your foundation, and you don''t stop them or stand guard; that''s already quite something. But what''s the point of coming here to be affectionate with an old man like me?" ?


    Li Qingshan smiled.


    In his eyes was an unmistakable disgust and intention to kill.


    ...


    ...


    Xu Family''s Divine Cultivation Institute.


    The wide courtyard was a mess, countless sword marks sliced across the bluestone ground.


    Among the dark clouds, lightning snakes traversed!


    "Huff... Huff..."


    The soaking wet Nurse Momo, her face extremely pale, clutched the python-head long sword that trembled incessantly.


    Around her.


    Yang Family cultivators, each wearing a child''s mask, stared at her with icy-cold gazes.


    "I''ve finally... grown old..."


    Nurse Momo''s heart sank slightly.


    Her vitality could no longer sustain such high-intensity combat.


    "Xu Mu, give it up, we just want to take the Spirit Child away... You don''t need to lose your life over this. After all, you''re a cultivator at the peak of Cultivation. Value your life a little more."


    The burly man with a heavy hammer spoke in a deep voice.


    The voice was gruff, laden with vital energy, merged with divinity, seeking to influence Nurse Momo''s emotions to elicit a deep sense of terror within her. Once terror arose, his "Heart Shocking and Sturdy" divinity would rapidly erode Nurse Momo''s spirit.


    This battle was now completely devoid of suspense.


    In fact, there was never much suspense to begin with.


    "Yang Kaihe... don''t think I can''t recognize you just because you wear a mask, old woman that I am..."


    "The entire Yang Family wears Spirit Infant masks, have you all joined the Spirit Infant Sect? Ridiculously laughable, a noble family like Fei Lei stooping to such sneakiness! I spit on that!"


    Nurse Momo picked up the python-headed rapier, its blade still bright and white after decades, glinting with bone-chilling cold light.


    "If you want to take away my Xu Mu''s children, you''ll have to step over my dead body!"


    Divinity... suddenly flares up like fire!


    Quietly burning in the pouring rain.


    Nurse Momo chose to fight to the death and did not back down; at her age, there was nothing for her to cherish in life!


    "Refuse a toast only to be forced to drink a forfeit."


    A faint voice came from the burly man wearing the mask of a shocked young girl.


    The next moment, the heavy hammer he held in one hand was swung fiercely.


    Vital energy burst forth, his burly body''s muscles coiling like pythons, trembling and shattering the raindrops into fine mist.


    However, just as Yang Kaihe was about to swing his hammer and put an end to the old woman whose vital energy was waning...


    His ears suddenly twitched!


    Yang Kaihe''s eyes, under the mask, suddenly narrowed.


    A familiar sound of explosion tore through the curtain of rain.


    Like a bird shrieking in agony as the feathers on its tail are plucked!


    "An explosion?!"


    A dark wooden raven, carrying sparks of fire, folding its wings in as if it were a screaming dark arrow, shot forth!


    The heavy hammer was swiftly raised to smash at the fast-approaching black raven!


    Boom¡ª!


    An explosion ensued!


    The rolling flames erupted instantly, and the powerful blast wave dispersed the raindrops falling from the masses of dark clouds!


    Nurse Momo, who was ready to risk her life, was taken aback.


    Watching Yang Kaihe being engulfed by the firelight and stumbling backward, her eyes revealed a touch of astonishment.


    She suddenly turned around, her violent motion even causing a burst of water like exploding lotuses.


    Before her eyes emerged a figure more imposing and burly than Yang Kaihe!


    As dark and massive as a mountain, and on the shoulder of that burly figure, sat a little girl with bright, gleaming eyes fixed on the explosion.


    "Li Nuanxi?"


    Nurse Momo frowned slightly.


    Then she looked at the burly figure''s face, only to see a cute, calf-like... damn it! Bull Demon!


    Nurse Momo''s expression changed drastically, and she exclaimed loudly.


    The hand holding the sword felt as if it had been drained of all its strength in that instant.


    Bull Demon...


    Fiercely malevolent, known for twisting off the heads of little children, the Bull Demon!


    "Xi Xi, run!"


    Nurse Momo felt somewhat desperate.


    Wolves in front, tigers behind...


    Why do these children have such hard lives!


    As a Spirit Child, are they destined to become mere stepping stones on others'' paths to cultivation?!


    "Grandma! Niu Niu brought me to save you!"


    However, Nurse Momo soon heard Xi Xi''s excited voice as she waved her little hand, her little face turning red, clutching a wax paper umbrella, eyes shining brightly, without any sign of being captured and threatened by the Bull Demon.


    It seemed... different from what she had imagined.


    Nurse Momo was stunned.


    The Bull Demon just cast her a faint glance.


    "Step back."


    His indifferent voice carried a resounding, heavy force.


    Nurse Momo reflexively picked up the python head thin sword and stepped back several paces.


    She then saw the strange mechanism the Bull Demon was swinging in his hand, with several metal tubes aimed at Yang Kaihe, who was blown away by the explosion.


    The metal tubes began to spin rapidly, as if they were revolving hundreds of times in the span of a breath.


    "Da da da da da da da..."


    Brilliant tongues of fire erupted from the mouth of the metal tubes, like a lotus blooming amidst a torrential rain!


    Wooden black crows shot out from the metal tubes, screaming as they streaked along with tails of fire, rapidly shooting toward Yang Kaihe.


    And engulfed Yang Kaihe... in an instant!


    The explosive fireworks that bloomed one after another couldn''t even be extinguished by the heavy rain.


    The Bull Demon raised his chin, his pupils reflecting flames as a cold killing intent was crazily unleashed.


    Everyone who wanted to harm his precious daughter...


    Had to die!


    Li Che''s wishes were simple, just to give his daughter a clean human world.


    Thus, he would sweep away all the filth!


    Namo Gatling Wooden Crow...


    Roar!


    The rapidly spinning metal tubes gradually stopped, blue smoke spreading from the tubes and drifting away.


    Nurse Momo, sweating profusely, turned her head toward the direction of Yang Kaihe...


    But she saw Yang Kaihe, who had cultivated to the peak of the Martial Path with river-like Qi Channels, now in a pathetic state, his clothes torn to shreds, his skin blasted open, the mask on his face shattered long ago, revealing a face filled with terror.


    "Bull Demon... Bull Demon!"


    Yang Kaihe''s mouth dripped with fresh blood.


    He remembered the scene where he was bombed relentlessly by the Bull Demon in the alley.


    Back then, there were others to share the bombardment with him.


    But today...


    He was the only one taking the fire!


    If it weren''t for his breakthrough in the Martial Path, he feared that he would have been killed by the first round of mechanical bombardment!


    Flee!


    Yang Kaihe stomped hard on the ground with the tip of his foot, trying to swing out his heavy hammer and create a chance for escape.


    However...


    The Bull Demon, holding the strange mechanism in one hand, triggered the device once again.


    Countless explosive black crows, with tails of fire trailing behind, furiously stormed toward him!


    "No! No¡ª!"


    Boom boom boom boom!


    Yang Kaihe had just managed a few steps when he was once again swallowed by the blaze.


    As another round of explosions ended and the firelight died down,


    Yang Kaihe had turned into a charred corpse, emitting intense heat and completely devoid of life.


    "Sixty rounds weren''t enough, so let''s go for another sixty..."


    "I prepared six thousand rounds, can I still not kill you?"


    Li Che spoke indifferently.


    But underneath the mask, there was a slight frown; the Namo Gatling Wooden Crow''s power really needed further refinement.


    If it took this long just to bombard a Yang Kaihe, then facing a Divine Base Cultivator, after six thousand rounds of rapid-fire... it still might not be enough to kill.


    The torrential rain continued, but the entire Divine Cultivation Institute was in silence.


    The remaining cultivators of the Yang Family were dumbfounded.


    They had never imagined that their Yang Family''s brightest disciple, on the cusp of reaching Divine Foundation, would be bombed to death just like that.


    The Bull Demon didn''t even have to lift a finger.


    The next moment, these Yang Family experts broke out in a cold sweat.


    Frantically, they fled toward the outside of the Xu Family''s Divine Cultivation Institute...


    Li Che glanced at them and, without any courtesy, began another round of firing. Wooden Ravens screeched as they streaked out, dragging their fiery tails.


    Accompanied by a courtyard full of explosive fireworks!


    All these Yang Family experts followed in Yang Kaihe''s footsteps, dying within the artistry of explosions.


    Xi Xi sat on the Bull Demon''s shoulder...


    Delightedly ecstatic.


    This fireworks display was so dazzling!


    In her young heart, a deep impression was etched!


    "Fireworks... I also want to play with fireworks!"


    Fireworks suited Xi Xi... even more!


    All of the Yang Family''s experts were annihilated.


    The Bull Demon, with practised ease, searched the bodies of these corpses, finding only a Qiankun Jade from Yang Kaihe and a dozen or so leaves from the others.


    After looting the bodies, he finally walked out of the dazed Divine Cultivation Institute.


    Carrying Xi Xi with him.


    Nurse Momo finally snapped back to reality, leaning on her python-headed wooden crutch, supporting her soaked, frail body, she caught up... Discover worlds on


    "Bull... hero, where are you taking Xi Xi?"


    In the rain.


    The mountainous figure of the Bull Demon paused, attending to the askew wax paper umbrella in Xi Xi''s hand, carefully adjusting it for her.


    Then he continued walking.


    Finally, a muffled voice laden with rampant killing intent, overpowering the storm, wafted to Nurse Momo''s ears.


    "To the Yang Family."


    "To set off fireworks."

 Chapter 75: Chaotic Joyful Bewilderment Divine, Explosively Kill Divine Catcher

    Crackling and popping!


    The heavy rain washed over the ground, accompanied by a fierce wind, lifting white waves atop the pooling water that surged along the cobblestone streets.


    Within the blurring veil of rain in the human world.


    Two figures wearing children''s masks stood underneath their umbrellas on the extremely slippery and rain-washed black tiles of a rooftop.


    Raindrops battered against the umbrella, exploding into mist with a thudding sound.


    "Hahaha... it seems... hahaha... it''s over, isn''t it?"


    A figure wearing a mask of a laughing girl kept laughing uncontrollably, her eyes fixed on the Divine Cultivation Institute below the endless curtain of rain, yet her eyes betrayed little mirth, even a hint of gravity emerging instead.


    By her side stood a tall figure, his brow furrowed, a sharp long saber hanging at his waist.


    "Did you hear that?"


    "The sound of the explosion..."


    "Just like that night."


    The figure in a mask of a terrified boy exhaled a turbid breath, his voice overpowering the torrential rain, eclipsing the laughter of his companion.


    "And... I smell the scent of fear..."


    The one in the fear mask murmured softly, inhaling deeply.


    Fear... mingled with the scent of death.


    It was truly too intense.


    "Are you talking about... the Bull Demon?"


    No sooner had the words been spoken.


    Did both figures'' gazes harden.


    They looked towards the rain-drenched street.


    Dark clouds massed, lightning snakes tumbled.


    Illuminating an exceedingly towering figure.


    Bulging muscles under tight black garments revealed a sense of power, tendons straining like dragons, as he threw back his head and let out a long roar.


    A Cute Bull Mask, yet exuded the most terrifying fear in the world.


    "It is indeed him!"


    Both figures were startled.


    Their eyes turned to a little girl seated on the Bull Demon''s shoulder, holding a tiny oil-paper umbrella, creating a clear patch of sky overhead, untouched by rain. The droplets streaming off the umbrella evaporated instantly from the Bull Demon''s vital energy, not reaching the child at all.


    Of course, right behind this large and small pair.


    Followed a boy soaked by the rain, his hair in Nezha-style braids.


    This odd combination inexplicably gave off a bone-chilling sensation to the two onlookers.


    "Spirit Infant Sect..."


    Li Che looked up, his eyes beneath the mask were cold as ice.


    "They all deserve to die."


    No sooner had he finished.


    Thousands of crows cried out in unison!


    The Namo Gatling Wooden Crow opened fire instantly!


    The metal tube rapidly lit and rotated, flames shot forth, blossoming into flaming lotuses!


    Wooden Crows burst forth, screeching, like arrows from a fully drawn bow, trailing flames, headed towards the two standing on the rooftop!


    However, given the considerable distance, unlike Yang Kaihe, the two exploded with vital energy, shattering the rain curtain and steaming off layers of vapor, evading the barrage of Wooden Crows.


    "After all, it''s not fast enough..."


    "At a distance, they have time to react, but as long as the speed is fast enough, they won''t be able to."


    Li Che frowned, silently summarizing the shortcomings.


    Those were the areas that needed improvement.


    A top-tier and perfect mechanism always requires refinement bit by bit.


    The rising steam dissipated, the downpour continued to lash down, and the two figures had already fled.


    Feeling the lingering Divinity in the air...


    "Terrifying Trace of Light and Chaotic Joyful Bewilderment Divine... Zhang Xiangyang and Zhou Ruoguan from the three great Divine Catchers?"


    Li Che''s eyes flickered.


    The Pure Heart Dao Fruit within him thumped, instantly analyzing the origins of the two types of Divinity.


    "The Divinity of Fear... and ''Divinity of Joy,'' another two of the Seven Emotions..."


    Li Che... was suddenly eager.


    "Divine Catcher... the government office... Spirit Infant Sect..."


    "Utterly ridiculous..."


    The Bull Demon looked up, his mask soaked by the rain, put away the "Namo Gatling Wooden Crow," the Bull Demon''s fan-sized palm steadied Xi Xi holding the umbrella.


    "Girl, sit tight."


    Xi Xi''s face was flushed, experiencing such an event for the first time, devoid of fear, but filled with boundless excitement.


    So high, so happy... She was almost crazily excited...


    Such a thrilling event must never be known to daddy, he would definitely forbid such fun.


    Before Li Che''s eyes, light flowed and twinkled.


    [Dao Fruit: Dragon Elephant Vajra (LV2, 75%)]


    His martial cultivation had surged since breaking through his Qi channels.


    The maturity of the Dragon Elephant Vajra Dao Fruit had achieved a huge increase...


    Li Che estimated that to break the Dragon Elephant Vajra through to LV3, opening the Divine Vein would probably suffice, and at that time, the prototype of divine powers could be derived.


    Boom!!


    Li Che activated the "Angry Vajra," and in an instant, his Qi and blood roared furiously, the Horizontal Refinement strengthening his body multiple times on the foundation of his Qi Meridian cultivation!


    It spread and intertwined around him like beacon smoke!


    At this moment, Li Che felt that his horizontal refinement had probably reached the Mysterious Vein rank.


    Countless raindrops burst apart.


    With a heavy step, his towering figure shot through the air like an arrow released from a bowstring.


    In an instant, he leaped onto the rooftop, and with a heavy stomp, amidst countless bursting raindrops, he chased after Zhou Ruoguan, the Divine Catcher wearing the laughing mask!


    Zhou Ruoguan, like a hawk, sped across the rooftops in a desperate escape!


    Suddenly, hot-blooded Qi as scorching as the raging sun came pouring over him.


    Darkness fell before his eyes!


    And then, the terrible, mountain-like towering figure was already blocking his way.


    The blazing Qi and blood was like a mighty river, slamming against him!


    "Hahaha... it''s you!"


    Zhou Ruoguan was immensely terrified.


    How could it be so fast?! Not...


    He and Zhang Xiangyang had split up to flee... Why would the Bull Demon chase after him?


    Did he think Zhou Ruoguan was easy to bully?!


    At that moment, Zhou Ruoguan felt insulted!


    "Hahaha... Bull Demon! You think I''m the weaker one, hahaha?!" Your story source


    A roar intertwined with laughter.


    Zhou Ruoguan burst out laughing furiously, his Qi and blood erupting, and an even more intense Divinity emanated from him!


    He, Zhou Ruoguan, one of the three great Divine Catchers, a Qi Meridian Martialist, his Cultivation as Riverlike!


    Did the Bull Demon think he was trash like Zhao Xuanhai?!


    Without the fearsome apparatus and those explosive black crows, he, Zhou Ruoguan, would never fear the Bull Demon who was only in the Blood Exchange Realm a while ago?!


    Moreover, under the current circumstances, Zhou Ruoguan could only counterattack!


    With all his might!


    The surging, overwhelming Divinity of the Chaotic Joyful Bewilderment Divine, as Zhou Ruoguan brought his palms together fiercely, stirred the wind and rain, converging countless raindrops into a massive, smiling face!


    A multitude of chaotic laughter, assaulting the eardrums and the mind, overpowered the sound of the torrential rain, coming from all directions as if trying to bore into the brain!


    "Divine Secret Technique: Joyful Flying Head Barbarian!"


    However...


    Just as Zhou Ruoguan conjured the Divine Secret Technique, Joyful Flying Head Barbarian, it was caught by the Bull Demon''s claw-like fingers and burst like a balloon!


    Zhou Ruoguan felt a chill all over.


    On the Bull Demon, there was a Divinity far surpassing his own rank!


    Meanwhile, the rain plummeting from the sky didn''t even touch the Bull Demon before being evaporated by his scorching Qi and blood; the terrifying blood Qi was like a high-temperature blaze, distorting the air, nearly suffocating Zhou Ruoguan!


    This Bull Demon... how had he become so strong?!


    "Such Qi and blood... such horizontal refinement..."


    "Mysterious Vein?!"


    Zhou Ruoguan suddenly understood the death of Zhao Xuanhai.


    This Bull Demon was a monster!


    "Hahaha it''s over, hahaha... I''m done for!"


    The next moment.


    The laughter stopped abruptly.


    The Bull Demon''s huge fist, enveloped in scorching blood Qi...


    Was already smashing down!


    It shattered the laughing girl''s mask, crushed Zhou Ruoguan''s nasal bones, shattered Zhou Ruoguan''s skull...


    And then.


    The entire head burst open like a watermelon under a hammer!

 Chapter 76: Xi Xi Sets Off Fireworks to Protect Daddy, You Filial Girl Makes Me Feel So Blessed

    He was dead.


    Amid the torrential rain, he felt a wave of fear sweeping through the air relentlessly.


    Zhang Xiangyang, wearing a child''s mask, couldn''t help but tremble slightly.


    The Bull Demon...


    Had killed Zhou Ruoguan!


    Out of the three Divine Catchers of Fei Lei City, the Bull Demon had already killed two!


    Now... it was just him, Zhang Xiangyang, left!


    Wasn''t this lining them up just to finish the set?!


    What to do?


    What should he do?


    Exposed in the pouring rain, Zhang Xiangyang''s skin was covered in goosebumps, the cold seeping in from all directions.


    He didn''t dare stop his fleeing steps, nor dare look back.


    The time the Bull Demon took to kill Zhou Ruoguan hadn''t been long...


    If it really intended to catch up, it was indeed possible, and it could beat him to death!


    "Xuanmai Warrior..."


    "Exaggerated, truly exaggerated!"


    Beneath Zhang Xiangyang''s mask, his face was twisting. What kind of monster was this Bull Demon?


    Initially, when the Bull Demon had killed Lei Chunlan, using the Divine Secret Technique of Terrifying Trace of Light, he had traced back the scene and seen the Bull Demon...


    At that time, the Bull Demon had barely undergone the Blood Exchange, right?


    How long had it been since then?


    Two years?


    In just two years, from barely past the Blood Exchange to achieving the status of a Xuanmai Warrior?!


    You must know, so many Martial Artists in Fei Lei City were stuck at the Qi Channels realm, hoping to step into the Mysterious Vein with basically no hope.


    Even the Three Young Masters of Fei Lei hadn''t managed to do so.


    Yet, in just a short two years, the Bull Demon had actually become a Xuanmai Warrior!


    "A monster indeed..."


    Without turning his head, Zhang Xiangyang fled toward the City Lord''s Mansion.


    Only the City Lord''s Mansion, with a Divine Base Cultivator stationed, could give Zhang Xiangyang a semblance of peace of mind.


    ...


    ...


    Li Che, from Zhou Ruoguan''s headless corpse, retrieved the Qiankun Jade and stored it in the Qiankun Space.


    He casually absorbed the "Chaotic Joyful Bewilderment Divine" from Zhou Ruoguan''s body and condensed it into divine chess pieces.


    The color of the pieces was also black.


    It seemed that aside from his own "Pure Heart" condensed divine piece being white, the rest, whether it was "Angry Cry Town Ghost," "Wrathful Maitreya," today''s "Chaotic Joyful Bewilderment Divine," or the "Heart Shocking and Sturdy" previously gathered from killing Yang Kaihe, were all black chess pieces.


    Even the divinity of the Temple God condensed into black chess pieces.


    This made Li Che slightly puzzled, wondering... Could it be that only the "Pure Heart" divinity could condense into white chess pieces?


    Unable to find an answer for the time being, Li Che stopped thinking about it.


    Perhaps because of the training through absorbing the Temple God Divinity, the current Li Che was much faster in absorbing the "Cultivation as Riverlike" divinity from these Divine Cultivators.


    He could condense a chess piece almost in a single breath, like Zhou Ruoguan, whose divinity was drained in about a dozen breaths.


    The divinity of Yang Kaihe during the process of body-searching had also been drawn out by him.


    These divinities... He could only use them to speed up while practicing the Divine Method.


    Turning to Xi Xi sitting on his shoulder, the Bull Demon asked in a deep voice, "Girl, are you scared?"


    Li Che didn''t cover Xi Xi''s eyes, letting her witness the bloodshed.


    In such a cruel world, Li Che knew very well that exposing Xi Xi early to blood and cruelty would prevent her from being too naive and being deceived by others.


    Whether it''s nai?ve people or those with intentions...


    Xi Xi would at least understand the cruelty of the world and start to be cautious.


    A daughter raised in wealth remains wealthy... Being raised in wealth allows one''s daughter not to be deceived by trifles.


    And seeing blood could impart some valor and fierceness in his daughter, ensuring she wouldn''t be bullied without fighting back.


    Xi Xi, holding a little paper umbrella, didn''t seem afraid of the Bull Demon''s killings.


    Nurse Momo at the Divine Cultivation Institute had taught her that bad people should be killed!


    If you don''t kill them, they will kill you!


    So, Xi Xi wasn''t afraid!


    "Niu Niu, Xi Xi is not scared!" Xi Xi shook her head continuously.


    Her eyes sparkling, rain washed over the umbrella, creating a misty spray of water.


    "Niu Niu is so powerful, Niu Niu, can Xi Xi become your apprentice?"


    "Xi Xi wants to become powerful to protect her parents!"


    Underneath the Cute Bull Mask, Li Che was taken aback and then couldn''t help but laugh.


    Become his apprentice?


    He was her biological father!


    But...


    Feeling the deep filial piety from the girl, Li Che still responded with a laugh,


    "Okay."


    "Yay! Nurse Momo said that Xi Xi''s father is too nice, honest and simple, gentle and easygoing. Such a temperament makes it too easy for him to be killed, which Xi Xi doesn''t want, so... Xi Xi wants to become strong!"


    At those words, Xi Xi''s eyes shone even brighter. She sat on Li Che''s shoulder, happily wiggling her little rounded belly.


    "Master Niu Niu! Can I play with fireworks?"


    Xi Xi asked with innocent eyes.


    Li Che was rendered speechless again; this girl, really... It wasn''t about filial piety at all, it was just her roundabout way of wanting to play with explosive art.


    "Master Niu Niu, speak up?"


    Seeing the silent Bull Demon, Xi Xi grew anxious.


    "If I learn to set off fireworks, I can protect daddy. Otherwise, daddy will be killed!"


    Xi Xi was truly anxious.


    Li Che took a deep breath.


    You really are filially pious to death, girl.


    "You can''t carry it."


    "Xi Xi is very strong, Master Niu Niu!"


    Xi Xi clenched her little fists.


    Li Che didn''t doubt this point, as Xi Xi, being a Supreme Spiritual Child, was naturally born with immense strength. Li Qingshan straightforwardly said this girl was a good seedling for cultivation.


    Since his daughter wanted to play with fireworks, Li Che naturally wouldn''t refuse.


    He handed the "Namo Gatling Wooden Crow" directly to Xi Xi.


    Xi Xi actually managed to lift it, though it was larger than her own frame and she struggled, her little face turning red.


    But holding the Namo Gatling Wooden Crow, the little girl''s mouth spread wider and wider, unable to stop herself from laughing loudly, "Hahaha," as if she had gone mad.


    "Hahaha, Daddy won''t be beaten to death, I will use fireworks to protect Daddy!"


    "Master Niu Niu, we go!"


    "Set off the fireworks!"


    ...


    ...


    Fei Lei City once had four great families: the Si Family, the Xu Family, the An Family, and the Yang Family.


    The Si Family had become desolate and degraded, reduced to the smoke of the past.


    During the fall of the Si Family, the Yang Family prospered immensely.


    Most of the Si Family''s assets had fallen under the command of the Yang Family.


    Yang Family Mansion.


    The Family Head''s study.


    The Patriarch of the Yang Family, Yang Kaihai, sat upright in a chair, writing something. His burly figure nearly resembled a small mountain, holding a brush like Zhang Fei embroidering.


    The Martial Arts practiced by the Yang Family was a Horizontal Refining Method that continuously increased physical strength, which is why every member of the Yang Family was robust like a small mountain.


    "Has the common folk of the clan been arranged to leave the city?"


    Putting down the brush, Yang Kaihai said in a deep voice.


    "They have all left Fei Lei City. Now, those remaining in the city are Cultivators above the Sinew Transforming Martial Cultivation from our clan..."


    "Once the City Lord''s ''Thousand Buddha Carving Banquet'' is complete, our Yang family will enjoy this final wave and then withdraw from Fei Lei City completely. We can give up this hundred-year foundation of Fei Lei City..."


    "If the old man can use this opportunity to break through to the Primary God-Base Realm, stepping into the Middle Realm... Our Yang Family can also easily establish a hundred-year foundation in other cities and climb to a higher level!"


    "The Thousand Buddha Carving Banquet, a sacrifice to the Temple God, should the Temple God revive due to the devout sacrifice, blessings will descend, releasing Divinity, presenting a great opportunity. Those of us who stay in the city, drawing from the Temple God Divinity, will gain no small improvement..."


    "Especially Kaihe, who even has the chance to forge a Divine Foundation. Our Yang Family''s Channel Opening Martial Arts, compared to the other families, are still inheritably deeper... It''s easier to forge a Divine Foundation."


    Yang Kaihai stretched lazily, his muscles and bones making a symphony, his qi and blood swirling, causing a fierce wind to surge through the study.


    "By the way, any results from Kaihe''s side? Did he manage to capture the Xu Family''s Spirit Child to the City Lord''s Mansion?"


    "There shouldn''t be any issues... The Xu Family has already agreed to this."


    Yang Kaihai sneered.


    However, he stopped laughing after a short while, after all...


    His Yang Family had done the same thing.


    Selling a Spirit Child for benefits...


    It was merely the pot calling the kettle black.


    Beneath, a Yang Family expert suddenly laughed, "When the young master makes a move, how can there be any mishaps? With the young master''s Cultivation as Riverlike at its peak, combined with his Qi Channel Martial Cultivation, Python Muscles and Tiger Bones, unless a Divine Base Cultivator makes a move... Xu Family''s Divine Cultivation Institute is just left with that old Nurse Momo.


    This matter is very stable."


    The moment the words were uttered, there was a low laughter echoing in the room.


    Right, it was almost a sure thing.


    All of a sudden.


    The laughter stopped abruptly.


    They all sensed something and turned their heads to look outside.


    Their pupils contracted sharply.


    In the midst of a torrential downpour.


    A massive head shattered through the raindrops, stirring up a continuous mist, tracing a parabolic arc, and smashing into the center of the Yang Family Courtyard.


    The head rolled a few times, revealing a ferocious yet frightened face.


    It was their Yang Family''s eldest legitimate son.


    The future Divine Foundation seed...


    Yang Kaihe!


    "No¡ª!"


    "My son!!!"


    Inside the study, Yang Kaihai''s eyes were about to split, he let out a piercing scream, his majestic qi and blood exploded, Divinity surging!


    He burst through the study door and rushed into the rain.


    However...


    Before he even reached Yang Kaihe''s head.


    Boom¡ª!!!


    An intense explosion, and flames shot to the sky!


    The gates of the Yang Family were blasted open, countless fragments scattering!


    The acrid smell of gunpowder wafted through the air.


    Discover worlds on


    Heavy footsteps, like the thousand-year bell chimes of an ancient temple monastery...


    Echoed in the Yang Family courtyard.


    Two figures, one large and one small.


    "Master Niu Niu... how should we set off the fireworks?"


    A childish voice rang out.


    Followed by a heavy, muffled warm voice in response...


    "Set off every single one of them."

 Chapter 77: True Identity Exposed? The Bull Demon is Doomed!

    Golden Splendor Pavilion.


    The strong fragrance of wine permeated ceaselessly.


    The sounds of strings and bamboo instruments filled the ears; the alluring atmosphere eroded one''s mind. The Oiran''s graceful waist twisted like a water snake, captivating everyone so completely that they couldn''t look away.


    Xu Heli sipped his fine wine while fixing his gaze on the gorgeous Oiran''s delicate body, feeling a fire beginning to blaze within his belly.


    Xu Beihu touched his nose, also sensing that something was amiss with the atmosphere.


    He stood up, said gruffly, "Big brother, I''m going out to get some fresh air."


    Upon hearing this, Xu Heli smiled appreciatively and nodded slightly, very satisfied with the perceptive Xu Beihu.


    And as soon as Xu Beihu had left the box, the Oiran''s long and fair legs went limp, and she collapsed into Xu Heli''s arms, her eyes starting to glaze over.


    Xu Beihu, a robust figure, walked out of the box with his hands behind his back, exhaling deeply.


    Outside, torrential rain fell in pillars, and the wind howled mournfully, the damp air rushing forward and striking his face.


    Yet, Xu Beihu''s body suddenly stiffened.


    He stared into the distance...


    There, even in the stormy weather, thick smoke billowed up like an angry, roaring black dragon plunging into the heavens!


    "That''s... in the direction of the Yang Family!"


    Xu Beihu''s eyes narrowed.


    Was there trouble at the Yang Family?


    Weren''t they supposed to be at their Xu Family''s Divine Cultivation Institute capturing the Spirit Child? Why was there smoke rising from the direction of the Yang Family Mansion?


    Realizing something, Xu Beihu''s eyes narrowed even further...


    There had been a great mishap!


    He dashed towards the door of the box, not even thinking before he burst through it.


    "Big brother, there''s been an incident!"


    Inside the box.


    Screams from both men and women erupted immediately.


    ...


    ...


    Bang¡ª!


    The rain suddenly exploded outward.


    A large figure in a rain hat, with a side knife at his waist, his strong and impressive blood energy evaporated the rain, making the water on the streets divide powerfully. r


    The rain did not cling to his dark hair, dancing wildly like a slithering snake, muscles taut as an angry python.


    Following behind was Divine Catcher Zhang Xiangyang, his face full of trepidation.


    Both of them moved silently, landing in front of the Yang Family Mansion, where they instantly saw the blasted open gates.


    A strong burnt odor wafted out from the mansion.


    The two men exchanged glances, Zhang Xiangyang''s hair standing on end, "It was caused by the Bull Demon''s black Wooden Birds that can explode and burn!"


    Youthful City Lord Cao Qingyuan, his face grim, nodded, his divinity beginning to stir around him, making Zhang Xiangyang feel the weight of the world pressing down, struggling even to breathe.


    Even though he was a cultivator at the peak of Cultivation as Riverlike, he still could not muster any resistance in front of a Divine Base Cultivator.


    "The Bull Demon?"


    Cao Qingyuan murmured gravely.


    Zhang Xiangyang explained the situation, and waves of unrest began to stir in Cao Qingyuan''s heart.


    "So, the mission to capture the Spirit Child at the Xu Family''s Divine Cultivation Institute failed?"


    Cao Qingyuan squinted his eyes.


    "You said... Li Che''s daughter was sitting on the shoulder of that Bull Demon? This Bull Demon isn''t someone easy to deal with; he kills without batting an eye, yet Li Che''s daughter isn''t afraid of him?"


    Cao Qingyuan''s eyes flickered with a dim light.


    Skilled in mechanical tricks, possessing strange wooden explosive crows, obviously, this Bull Demon... his Wood Carving skills are not lacking.


    This Bull Demon...


    "Li Che... is it you?!"


    "Is Li Che the Bull Demon?"


    Cao Qingyuan''s gaze grew deep, recalling the elegantly dressed youth he had seen at a secluded workshop.


    The perfectly proper young man.


    That temperament, calm and composed, now he realized he must be the fearless Woodcarving Master.


    Could he be the ferocious, ruthless Bull Demon?


    "Whether it is or not..."


    "A guess... is enough."


    Rain off the edge of Cao Qingyuan''s rain hat fell like a curtain, revealing a pair of barely visible cold eyes, pondering for a long while before stepping into the Yang Family Mansion.


    Zhang Xiangyang dared not breathe aloud, silently following along.


    When the two saw the actual situation inside the Yang Family Mansion, they couldn''t help but turn pale.


    This Bull Demon... how cruel!


    "The Yang Family..."


    "Has been annihilated!"


    ...


    ...


    Lu Chi returned with Xi Xi to the Xu Ji''s Divine Cultivation Institute.


    He felt somewhat bewildered.


    He had expected a fierce battle today, only to find... following behind Xi Xi and the Bull Demon, he watched a grand fireworks show.


    Looking at Xi Xi in front of him happily clinging to a small paper umbrella, the cute little girl setting off fireworks was utterly wild and crazy!


    He was genuinely worried that this girl, exhilarated, would start setting off fireworks on him as well.


    "Brother Lu Chi, my Master Niu Niu is amazing, isn''t he! Fireworks are really fun!" Xi Xi was bursting with excitement.


    So this is the joy of setting off fireworks.


    Lu Chi couldn''t help but feel envious, just like when he envied Xi Xi''s Twist Car. He wanted to set off fireworks too.


    Returning to the Divine Cultivation Institute, Nurse Momo, leaning on her python-headed cane, hurried over.


    "Xi Xi, are you all right? Are you injured?"


    Nurse Momo hugged Xi Xi, examining her with concern.


    "That Bull Demon... did it hurt you?"


    "Nurse Momo, Master Niu Niu is good, he wouldn''t hurt Xi Xi!" Xi Xi earnestly said.


    Nurse Momo''s expression suddenly changed, "Master Niu Niu? You accepted that Bull Demon as your master?"


    Silly girl!


    That Bull Demon... dealing with poisons, mechanisms, hidden weapons, extremely vindictive, and even liking to twist heads off, he''s definitely not a good person!


    A proper demon!


    Oh dear, how could this girl accept such a demon as her master!


    It''s absolutely sinful!


    Just as Nurse Momo was about to say something else.


    In the distance, Li Che, having removed his Bull Demon mask and donned a clean black outfit, holding an oil-paper umbrella, walked rapidly from the midst of the rain.


    He had resumed the role of an old father...


    Ready to pick up his daughter from school in time.


    ...


    ...


    The rain soaked the cold, charred bodies.


    One after another, bodies were carried out from the Yang Family Mansion, while the bailiffs from the Black Yamen of the City Lord''s Mansion were solemnly busy transporting the bodies.


    It was dreadful and horrendous!


    Excluding those family members without cultivation who were sent out of the city, and the missing old master of the Yang Family at Divine Base Realm.


    One of the three great Noble Families, the cultivators of the Yang Family, were annihilated!


    The Si Family might still have surviving cultivators, barely clinging to life, continuing their lineage. Find new stories at


    But the Yang Family...


    Only Elder Master Yang was left alone to command.


    However, for Yang Family, having a Divine Base Cultivator remaining was still good news, as long as a Divine Base Cultivator was there, it meant the roots of Yang Family were still intact.


    It''s just... Although Elder Master Yang was a Divine Base Cultivator, he seemed almost two hundred years old, unsure if his vigor remained.


    Could he still father children?


    Otherwise, the Yang Family would ultimately have no successors and would gradually collapse.


    The rain fell from the thunderclouds streaking like electric snakes.


    Seemingly roaring at the human world, silent yet deafening.


    In the distance, inside a luxurious carriage.


    Brothers Xu Heli and Xu Beihu looked blankly at the one charred body after another being carried out, and the near-annihilation of the Yang Family sent a chill surging up their bodies.


    "What a coincidence... too much of a coincidence..."


    In the quietness, only the bubbling boil of hot water in the stove, Xu Heli abruptly spoke.


    Xu Beihu looked over, puzzled.


    "It''s Li Nuanxi again..."


    Xu Heli looked out the window at the endless storm, took a deep breath.


    "Whenever it involves Li Che or Li Nuanxi... the Bull Demon is sure to appear!"


    "Without exception, from Sun Changbiao in the shop at first, to Lei Chunlan, to the later deceased Zhao Chuanxiong and others..."


    "They all harbored ill intentions towards the Spirit Child Li Nuanxi."


    "I had speculated before, but then denied it, yet now... it''s unclear, I''m so confused, my mind is so confused..."


    Xu Heli lowered his eyelids, covering his face.


    But soon, his body suddenly relaxed.


    "Too late..."


    "Even if I had guessed, what could I do? It''s too late..."


    "Now, the Bull Demon is increasingly unbridled, he seems... no longer worried about exposing his identity."


    "Killing Zhao Xuanhai, killing Zhou Ruoguan, killing Yang Kaihe... annihilating the Yang Family..."


    Xu Heli raised his head, his eyes revealing horror.


    "He''s already shown his confidence..."


    Even if he guessed the identity of the Bull Demon... what can he do?


    He, Xu Heli, now...


    Couldn''t defeat the Bull Demon anymore!


    So, should he go and be killed?


    Listening to the storm outside the carriage.


    After several deep breaths, Xu Heli''s eyes flickered slightly.


    "If I can guess it, others who are keen might also realize the true identity of the Bull Demon... he won''t be able to hide for long."


    "Mechanisms, deadly poisons, hidden weapons, ambushes, disguises... such a refined and cultured person, who would have thought him to be this vile and cruel?"


    "Unfortunately, by annihilating the Yang Family... the Yang Family... still has an elder at Divine Base Realm!"


    Xu Heli''s expression changed, as he clenched his fists.


    "Your confidence, can it shake a Divine Base Cultivator?"


    "Even if you, Bull Demon, can kill Zhao Xuanhai, Zhou Ruoguan, and other Divine Catchers, when facing Divine Base..."


    "Bull Demon..."


    "You''re doomed!"

 Chapter 78: Inventory of Python Blood Pills, Mastering 7 Emotions to Become a God?

    The rain drizzled, gradually beginning to lessen.


    The dark clouds seemed to be dispersing.


    Li Che, holding an oiled paper umbrella and dressed in a black martial artist''s attire, was spirited as he came to take his daughter home.


    He was fully aware of what had happened at the Divine Cultivation Institute.


    Although he now had the confidence of having his identity as the "Bull Demon" revealed, he still habitually concealed it whenever possible.


    Seeing Nurse Momo''s pale complexion and the chaos throughout the courtyard, Li Che instinctively showcased his actor''s self-cultivation.


    "Nurse Momo, what has happened?" he asked.


    Nurse Momo, seeing Li Che elegantly approaching through the rain, breathed a sigh of relief.


    As if she had finally found someone to confide in, she hurriedly recounted the Yang Family''s attack on the Divine Cultivation Institute and how the Bull Demon had brutally killed everyone.


    "It was too terrifying, truly too terrifying..."


    Li Che''s face was filled with horror as he continuously shook his head.


    The enhancement of his physical strength also perfected his control over subtle facial expressions, making his acting even more exquisite.


    Big Head Lu Chi, tilting his head, was left speechless.


    Quietly watching him perform.


    After listening to Nurse Momo''s narrative, Li Che, still shaken, picked up Xi Xi and took leave from Nurse Momo.


    "Nurse Momo, for the time being, Xi Xi will not be attending the Divine Cultivation Institute. I am concerned for her safety," he said.


    Li Che''s face was filled with worry.


    Naturally, Nurse Momo would not object. The Xu Family''s Divine Cultivation Institute was no longer safe, and given today''s events, with no intervention from the Xu Family''s experts, it was clear they had opted for dishonorable actions.


    Such incidents, having occurred once, could happen again. Trust was already lost.


    Thus, it was indeed too dangerous for Xi Xi to stay any longer, and Nurse Momo could understand Li Che''s sentiment.


    She, too, was unwilling to keep Xi Xi behind.


    In the light, persistent rain.


    Nurse Momo watched as Li Che walked away with Xi Xi in his arms, her expression tinged with a touch of wistful loss.


    Soon replaced by a trace of consolation.


    Li Nuanxi had such an elegant and amiable, simple and honest father. Although she had taken as her master the terribly cruel Bull Demon, her future path under her father''s influence... should not go astray.


    She should grow up well...


    And become an outstanding, cheerful female cultivator.


    ...


    ...


    Li Che returned to their house in the Inner City with Xi Xi.


    After putting away the umbrella and shaking off the rain,


    He held Xi Xi and walked towards the warm room heated by a charcoal furnace.


    Casually, he transmitted inner qi to the young girl to dry the dampness within her body.


    "Daddy, I don''t have to worry about you getting killed anymore. Master Niu Niu will make me very, very strong, and Xi Xi will be able to protect you!"


    Xi Xi, held by Li Che and refreshed by the infusion of inner qi, snuggled comfortably against him, one hand naturally wrapping around his neck, she said happily.


    The girl''s wildness had not yet subsided.


    Back home, as soon as she hopped down from Li Che, Xi Xi changed her tune.


    "Mom, wooo wooo... Xi Xi is so scared, there were so many bad guys..."


    Xi Xi threw herself into Zhang Ya''s arms, sobbing, which confused Zhang Ya, who thought Xi Xi had been bullied by children from the An Family at the institute, and hurriedly held her daughter to comfort her.


    "Mom, Xi Xi was so frightened, I want to eat meat, braised pork..."


    Finally, Xi Xi peeked her head out from Zhang Ya''s embrace, tears hanging on her cheeks as she cunningly spoke.


    Zhang Ya, heartbroken, naturally could not refuse.


    "Mom, Xi Xi loves you..." Xi Xi happily hugged Zhang Ya and said.


    Afterward, Xi Xi began to boast about her master, pulling Zhang Ya along.


    Zhang Ya patiently listened, her pretty face involuntarily blushing as she glanced sideways at her husband, holding back a laugh.


    This was both a father and a master...


    This old father truly had it tough.


    ...


    ...


    The night grew deep, the storm gradually ceased, and a chill wind blew in the air after the winter rain.


    In the study, a lamp was lit.


    After his wife and daughter had gone to sleep, Li Che came to the study to tally the gains from his great slaughter of the day.


    Of course, what Li Che anticipated most was the Divine Method.


    Yang Family''s "Heart Shocking and Sturdy" and Zhou Ruoguan''s "Chaotic Joyful Bewilderment Divine"...


    Unfortunately, there are only two.


    Zhang Xiangyang''s "Terrifying Trace of Light" from the Divine Catcher has not yet been obtained.


    Li Che raised his hand, his fingertips gently slid through the air, suddenly tearing it open to reveal the space inside.


    He spat out two Qiankun Jade, broke the divinity seal on them using Thousand Analyzing Hands, and all the contents stored within became perceptible to Li Che.


    The Yang Family provided the greatest bounty. After annihilating them, aside from the collections on every expert''s person, he specifically visited the Yang Family''s treasure house.


    The harvest was quite substantial.


    Let''s not even mention silver notes, gold bars, silver ingots, and other wealth-amassing items; there were too many. Li Che counted a bit, then couldn''t be bothered to count anymore.


    These noble families and clans, what they never lack is money.


    Apart from money, what surprised Li Che the most was the extremely well-guarded pill bottle in the Yang Family''s treasure house.


    "Elixir!"


    Li Che''s eyes gleamed brightly.


    He took a porcelain bottle, poured out a blood-red elixir, the strong fragrance of which immediately permeated the whole courtyard.


    Even the channel-opening qi and blood inside his body faintly began to boil, stimulated by the potency of the medicine.


    "Python Blood Martial Pill?!"


    Li Che did not recognize this elixir, but the Yang Family''s treasure house included a description next to the medicine, so he recognized it.


    Python Blood Martial Pill, containing vast medicinal properties, can only be consumed and refined by Channel Opening Martial Artists, a single pill valued at three thousand Gold Leafs, extremely expensive!


    In the Yang Family''s treasure house, a total of eleven martial arts pills were stored, obviously a foundation of the family.


    Li Che delightedly collected all these elixirs.


    Besides these externals, there were martial path cultivation techniques, martial arts, and so on.


    But what truly captured Li Che''s attention were only the Divine Martial Arts and Divine Secret Techniques.


    "Python Dragon Cannon, Cloud Harrier Treading on Clouds..."


    "Nine Luminary level Divine Martial Arts, and..."


    "Nine Luminary level Divine Secret Technique... Joyful Flying Head Barbarian!"


    The only two volumes of precious Divine Martial Arts, as well as the Divine Secret Technique obtained from Zhou Ruoguan, he kept.


    The divinity secret techniques were not preserved in either Yang Family''s treasure house nor Yang Kaihe''s Qiankun Jade, which was quite regrettable for Li Che.


    Aside from these three, he put away the rest of the volumes. Some middle and lower vehicle qi and blood martial arts, he even planned to sell in the black market later for money.


    The money obtained could be used to purchase elixir resources, as he would need money to raise children in the future.


    After finishing the inventory, Li Che had two yellow leather-bound volumes left in his hands.


    "Nine Luminaries Heart-Shocking Steel-Nurturing Scripture" and "Great Scenery Town Temple Eight Extremes Chaotic Joy-Bewildering God Nurturing Method"!


    Two methods of nurturing nature!


    Li Che''s gaze fell on the one obtained from Divine Catcher Zhou Ruoguan, previously he had acquired the Wrathful Maitreya''s nurturing method from Zhao Xuanhai, also of Eight Extremes level.


    "The method passed down by Dajing Temple Bureau... a complete set of Seven Emotions Series Nurturing Method?"


    Li Che raised an eyebrow, pondering thus, it appeared Dajing officials were quite generous after all.


    A government job is indeed sought-after.


    "However... now it all belongs to me."


    Li Che''s eyes sparkled, as he opened the book.


    In the "Chess Saint" Dao Fruit, the "Chaotic Joyful Bewilderment Divine" Divine Chess Piece, extracted from Zhou Ruoguan''s corpse, trembled slightly, appeared one by one, and fell into his palm to assist Li Che in swiftly comprehending this nurturing method.


    When the sky was clear and the candle burned out,


    Li Che opened his eyes in the pitch-dark study, his eyes sparkling, divinity flickering, seemingly with myriad laughing voices, now far now near.


    He exhaled a breath of turbid air.


    Visit us at


    "''Chaotic Joyful Bewilderment Divine'' has also been cultivated, within the Inner Scene of the Energy Center, the third strand of divinity was condensed, and nurturing nature like a lamp!"


    In a single night, Li Che not only cultivated "Chaotic Joyful Bewilderment Divine," but also through refining the chess pieces, stepped into realm of Nurture Nature like a Lamp.


    "Angry Cry Town Ghost", "Wrathful Maitreya", "Chaotic Joyful Bewilderment Divine"...


    The current Li Che had already cultivated three nurturing methods.


    Seven Emotions Divinity...


    He now possessed three!


    Li Che''s eyes shone brightly, his emotions surged.


    Could he possibly master all the Seven Emotions Divinity?


    If he mastered the Seven Emotions Divinity...


    And cultivated all to a high rank...


    What would he become?


    Would he... become a god?

 Chapter 79: The Ominous Spirit Child, Divine Foundation Old Deng

    Holding all Seven Emotions... could one ascend to divinity?


    In the Mysterious Temple, the gods had fallen.


    Could he... ascend to godhood by this method?


    Li Che did not know, nor did he have any concept of it... Such matters were too far removed from him at this point.


    And he had only just begun to grasp Divinity¡ªhaving not yet forged even a single Divine Foundation¡ªit was indeed meaningless to consider such things.


    Li Che''s advancement in Divinity was rapid, mainly leveraging external objects.


    With the Divine Foundation Fragment from the Ancestor of the Si Family contained in "Angry Cry Town Ghost," he easily reached the Cultivation as Riverlike realm.


    "Wrathful Maitreya" was refined using the eighteen Divine Chess Pieces Zhao Xuanhai possessed, having achieved Cultivation as Riverlike.


    As for the recently mastered "Chaotic Joyful Bewilderment Divine," it was slower; after all, the Divinity had just started to condense... it would probably take more time to reach Cultivation as Riverlike.


    However, given his current pace of refining Chess Pieces, it shouldn''t take much longer.


    "There is also Yang Family''s ''Heart Shocking and Sturdy,'' the fourth type of Divinity... I should probably try it once more," he thought.


    "''Angry Cry Town Ghost'' and ''Wrathful Maitreya'' are both at the Cultivation as Riverlike Realm. Adding one to another... I wonder if it can match Divine Foundation?"


    Li Che''s eyes slightly widened, and different kinds of Divinity intertwined wildly in the room, casting intertwining lights.


    There were lingering sobs, the roaring sounds of fury, and ethereal laughter echoing from afar...


    A myriad of Divine phenomena appeared splendidly.


    Li Che sat cross-legged, a breeze fluttering his clothes, his black hair flying about.


    His eyes clear, the "Pure Heart" trembled, yet it shielded him from the influence of Divinity, preventing distorted expressions, emotional outbursts, and chaotic thoughts.


    Like Si Mubai cultivating "Angry Cry Town Ghost," he would often burst into tears uncontrollably.


    Zhou Ruoguan cultivating "Chaotic Joyful Bewilderment Divine" would end up laughing incessantly.


    These were side effects of cultivating Divinity.


    Li Che paced slowly, walking to the window.


    The heavy east was beginning to lighten, but was quickly obscured by thick clouds.


    "I feel... I''ve reached the limit..."


    "My physical body has reached its limit."


    Li Che frowned as he tried to retract the "Pure Heart," which maintained balance in his form, letting the three kinds of Divinity spread simultaneously. ?


    The Qi Vein Realm''s blood and Qi burst uncontrollably, slightly trembling, his muscles and bones issuing a symphony, giving off a sense of uncontrollable Divine influence.


    Had it not been for the suppression of "Pure Heart," he might already display various embarrassing actions.


    Such as tears on the verge of falling, speech mixed with unstoppable laughter, or sudden anger with bloodshot eyes...


    Even if he did not activate the Vajra Transformation, with the talent enhancement from the Dragon Elephant Vajra''s Dao Fruit, his foundation was extremely stable, his physical body unparalleled; yet bearing three kinds of Divinity was becoming unbearable...


    Of course, it was also possible that the pressure from bearing three kinds of Divinity was far greater than bearing one...


    It was far from being as simple as one plus one plus one equals three.


    However, if Li Che activated either Vajra Transformation or Angry Vajra, he likely could withstand the impact of three kinds of Divinity with ease.


    In short, his physical body''s Horizontal Refinement was still not strong enough.


    "No wonder Senior Qingshan said that to forge a Divine Foundation, the physical body cannot be too weak... When the physical body cannot support Divinity, it will be manipulated by Divinity, losing oneself; how then can one discuss Divine Foundation?"


    Li Che now deeply understood this.


    Martial Path cultivation is very important, still not to be neglected.


    Now he had only entered the early Qi Vein, still needing to achieve Mysterious Vein, Divine Vein, and even strive for the Grandmaster Realm!


    Although he could actively stimulate the Unmatched Horizontal Refinement of the physical body with the Dao Fruit, the basic foundation also could not be ignored.


    The more types of Divinity he condensed, the stronger his physical body needed to be. If the physical body could not keep up with the pace of Divinity''s growth...


    If he lost control of his emotions...


    Would it lead to his death?


    ...


    ...


    For the whole day, Li Che did not leave his house.


    He did not go to the independent workshop, nor anywhere else. Enjoy reading at


    It wasn''t that he didn''t want to; he was waiting.


    Li Che was not foolish, nor did he think everyone else was a fool.


    The more frequent the appearances and actions of the Bull Demon became...


    The greater the likelihood of exposure.


    And he had attacked the Yang Family with Xi Xi, witnessed by Zhang Xiangyang.


    Even if they could not confirm that the Bull Demon was him, Li Che, based solely on the connection to Xi Xi, things should not have remained calm that day.


    There would always be some turbulence coming his way.


    Therefore, Li Che chose to stay at home, quietly waiting for a significant upheaval.


    Of course, while waiting, he did not neglect his cultivation; he spent his spare time studying the two volumes of Divine Martial Arts, "Python Dragon Cannon" and "Cloud Sparrowhawk Treading on Clouds," he had acquired.


    Divine Martial Arts were also martial arts... requiring mastery just like cultivating the Martial Path.


    As for the Nine Luminaries level Divine Secret Technique "Joyful Flying Head Barbarian," Li Che did not start cultivating it.


    Divine Secret Techniques and Divine Martial Arts were slightly different.


    Divine Martial Arts could be approached as martial arts, augmented by the boost from Dragon Elephant Vajra''s Dao Fruit.


    But Divine Secret Techniques required manipulating Divinity in a unique route...


    Belonging to the category of "magic," necessitating an understanding of magical techniques.


    "Maitreya Gold Armor" was also a Nine Luminaries level Divine Secret Technique, which Li Che had only just barely begun to explore.


    ...


    ...


    Fei Lei City, City Lord''s Mansion.


    A figure swift as lightning streaked back from outside and landed on the ground with a fluctuating breath.


    Trailing behind was another figure, gasping for air at the brink of death.


    Cao Qingyuan sensed it and hurried over immediately, shocked upon seeing their condition.


    "Father..."


    Cao Qingyuan was astonished, wasn''t it said that he went outside the city to intercept that mysterious expert thought to be from the Divine Sect?


    How did it turn out like this?


    With two old ancestors from the Yang Family and Xu Family added, that made four Divine Base Cultivators, including his father, who was a Mid Divine Foundation Cultivator. And yet, someone was injured?


    "Second Grandfather..."


    Cao Qingyuan looked towards the injured cultivator who had stepped into the Divine Base Realm practicing the "Wrathful Maitreya," his mask shattered to reveal an extremely old face.


    At that moment, the old man''s face was pale, blood trickled from his mouth, indicating serious injuries.


    ''It''s fine... I''ll just consume some Divinity and heal after some rest."


    The old man said indifferently while waving his hand.


    "Divine Sect cultivators really are not comparable to us country cultivators... Even though the opponent''s main Divine Base was not present and most of his Divinity was concealed, he could still suppress us four to one..."


    ''This man is definitely not an ordinary cultivator from the Divine Sect, which branch of the Qian Yuan Divine Sect does he belong to?"


    "His Qi and Blood Martial Path... must have already reached the Grandmaster Realm; he suppressed us using just Qi and Blood Martial Path..."


    "With Divinity not manifesting, Divine secret techniques, Divine Martial Arts were never used; it was purely Qi and Blood Martial Path..."


    City Lord Cao Guang removed his mask, his expression dark and unsettled.


    "I have heard about the Yang Family''s matter... capturing the Spirit Child failed, only the An Family''s Spirit Child was brought, and those two Divine abilities from the Xu Family, especially the Superior Grade Spirit Child, failed to capture again."


    "Was it that Bull Demon interfering again?"


    City Lord Cao Guang sat in the Taishi Chair, his Divinity fluctuating, his expression indifferent.


    Upon hearing this, Cao Qingyuan''s eyes flickered.


    "The Bull Demon... once again intervened, saving Li Che''s daughter, Li Nuanxi. It''s definitely not a coincidence, and... the Bull Demon has a very good relationship with Li Nuanxi. I surmise..."


    Cao Qingyuan shared his guess.


    Cao Guang took a sip of hot tea.


    "You''re guessing... Li Che is the Bull Demon?"


    "Isn''t Li Che merely at Bone Tempering Cultivation? And wasn''t he just a mud-splattered peasant who hadn''t even begun cultivating three years ago? Could he be the Bull Demon?"


    "Do you think he could hide his cultivation in front of many of our Divine Base?"


    Cao Qingyuan''s neck stiffened, but he nodded anyway.


    "Interesting... If he truly is the Bull Demon, that would be somewhat unbelievable."


    Cao Guang chuckled.


    "The old man from the Yang Family has also returned, seeing that the Yang Family has been wiped out... he''s likely to be furious."


    "The old man, usually so meticulous for his family... now faces the tragic end with his family''s experts all perished. Even though there are still numerous family members outside the city, how could those members uphold a noble family?"


    "This old man is probably going to be driven mad."


    "This is just right... Qingyuan, make a trip there, and reveal your suspicions to the old man from the Yang Family."


    "Whether Li Che is the Bull Demon or not..."


    "To many people, no evidence is needed, a mere conjecture is enough."


    "In fact, even if Li Che is not the Bull Demon, he must have an extremely crucial relationship with the Bull Demon... That Superior Grade Spirit Child Li Nuanxi has also truly troubled me, costing the lives of many under my command."


    "An ominous Spirit Child, better destroyed..."


    Sitting solemnly on the tan wooden Taishi Chair, Cao Guang expressionlessly drank a sip of greenish tea water.


    As if in few words, he had decided the fate of that innocent young girl.


    ...


    ...


    The sky gradually darkened.


    In an instant, it shifted from early morning to late evening.


    In the study, Li Che finished refining the Divine Chess Piece, and looked up at the sky.


    In the courtyard.


    Xi Xi happily played with her Twist Car, laughing incessantly with joy.


    Zhang Ya earnestly practiced her Martial Arts, sweating profusely.


    Everything was serene and peaceful.


    It was as though...


    The calm before the storm!


    The tranquility lasted for an unknown duration, but when the sky turned completely pitch black.


    Li Che abruptly opened his eyes, the Dao Fruit "Chess Saint" inside his chest quivered slightly.


    The Heaven and Earth chessboard shrouding the house vibrated as its lines interwove...


    On the chessboard, a tremendously powerful Divinity manifested like a giant millstone-sized blazing sun, extremely conspicuous and stunningly dazzling on the chessboard map.


    It was as if there were screams everywhere, resembling cries, laughs, and madness, dense and overwhelming, sometimes far, sometimes near...


    That was...


    The tyrannical Divinity of a Divine Base Cultivator!


    Brazen and unmasked!


    Like a river tide raised tens of meters high by a tidal wave, it surged forth with overwhelming momentum!


    Li Che swiftly looked up.


    "Has he come..."


    "Old Deng of the Yang Family!"

 Chapter 80: Divinity on the Way, Bull Demon Battles Divine Foundation

    The sound of sobbing laughter was filled with intense anger.


    But what was even more terrifying and uncontrollable was the inexplicable thrill of a piercing scream.


    Mad screams, frantic screams, soul-shattering screams!


    Sometimes distant, sometimes close.


    Striking the ears like thunder!


    Then exploding in the distance as if screaming at the sight of a ghost!


    It was a strange feeling; between heaven and earth, the air seemed heavy and scorching, as if someone had raised their palm, captured all the air, compressed it into a mountain-like weight, and pressed down hard.


    "Old Deng of the Yang Family..."


    Li Che''s eyelids lifted slightly, his eyes clear and bright.


    "As expected, they''ve come. For those accustomed to standing at the pinnacle of Fei Lei City, a single guess is enough..."


    The identity of the Bull Demon might be speculated by some, but they couldn''t be sure it was him, Li Che.


    Because it was too exaggerated...


    What strength did the Bull Demon possess?


    He could effortlessly kill Divine Cultivators with a cultivation like a river.


    And what about Li Che?


    Although he was a Woodcarving Master, he had shown only the completion of Bone Tempering, the initial stages of nurturing divinity through cultivation¡ªand his cultivation time was no more than a mere three years!


    The gap was enormous, like heaven and earth; one could not even compare him to the ferociously evil Bull Demon.


    And many times, a single guess... is reason enough to take action.


    The [Chess Saint] Dao Fruit network contracted, enveloping the entire yard, isolating the piercing screams, ensuring the ethereal [Heart Shocking and Sturdy] divinity between heaven and earth did not affect the people inside the house.


    Zhang Ya, Xi Xi, and... Old Chen.


    They were all too weak right now.


    Facing the divinity of a Divine Base Cultivator... it was very easy to be completely disturbed and suffer calamity.


    Li Che stood up, took down the conical hat hanging on the study room wall, and with a tug at his black attire, revealed the elastic black shirt underneath. Then his fingers came together, tore through space, and a Cute Bull Mask fell out, covering his face.


    Old Deng of the Yang Family was a Divine Base Cultivator, so naturally, Li Che still felt the pressure.


    Could he now battle a Divine Base?


    Hidden weapons enhanced by the Immortal Craft Dao Fruit, entering the Angry Vajra state, the physique to rival a Xuanmai Warrior, mastery of three types of divinity, two of which were at the Cultivation as Riverlike level...


    Was it enough?


    Xu You had once said that the gap between Divine Base and Cultivation as Riverlike was a rank disparity that was insurmountable.


    Unless the method of nurturing nature practiced and the divinity condensed... were of an extremely high rank!


    Otherwise, there was no qualification to challenge the Divine Base.


    He composed his emotions.


    Exhaled like thunder.


    The figure of Li Che, transformed into the Bull Demon, blurred and vanished.


    And then, he reappeared outside the courtyard.


    Li Che''s body "bang" swelled larger, his blood surged, and he looked towards the distance, where Li Qingshan, dressed in green, stood at the entrance of the alleyway, nodding slightly to him.


    Finally, the wait for Old Deng of Qingshan to return was over...


    With an Old Deng to guard the rear, Li Che''s heart suddenly relaxed a lot.


    He didn''t have to worry so much about Zhang Ya, Xi Xi, and Old Chen''s safety anymore.


    He himself could let loose.


    As the Bull Demon, Li Che''s stature reached two meters, and under the Vajra Transformation, his blood and Qi boiling without cease.


    He saluted Li Qingshan with a fist, then bent his knees; and when he stood straight.


    His body had already shot forth like an arrow released from a bow, disappearing in an instant.


    ...


    ...


    After the departure of the Bull Demon.


    Lu Chi poked his head from the courtyard and ran beside Li Qingshan.


    Touching his Nezha-braided big head, he looked at the old man with confusion: "Master, aren''t you going to make a move?"


    "Are you really letting the Bull Demon deal with Old Deng of the Yang Family on his own?"


    "That''s a Divine Base Cultivator..."


    Li Qingshan patted Lu Chi''s big head, the familiar touch giving him some peace of mind: "It''s okay, let him try if he wants."


    "After all, your master is backing him up..."


    "That Divine Base of the Yang Family, after all, is not one of those genius Divine Bases on the Yunzhou Divine Foundation Spectrum from Lingnan Circuit. Although he has cultivated the Jiuyao Yangxing Method, the Divine Base he has barely forged is just at the Ten Cities Level, and the rank suppression power isn''t that strong..."


    "Moreover, this old ancestor of the Yang Family took part in besieging me, and I''ve given him a beating, so he''s carrying injuries. If the Bull Demon can''t overpower... with his Breath Concealment ability, he should be able to flee if he wishes."


    Li Qingshan stretched lazily and said.


    "Ah? They dared to besiege you, master? How could they dare... Why didn''t you just kill them all?"


    Lu Chi was immediately surprised and looked up at Li Qingshan, wondering why Li Qingshan''s actions had seemingly become so gentle.


    "That Cao Guang... there''s an issue, a big one..."


    Li Qingshan''s eyes flickered, seemingly feeling a bit embarrassed, and he said distantly.


    "But it doesn''t matter, I have already communicated with my main body''s divinity, which is on its way at full speed."


    "When the divinity returns to the body, I must... at the first opportunity..."


    "Smash him to death." Read now on


    ...


    ...


    Fei Lei City, Inner City.


    The dark clouds had amassed for quite some time when winter thunder suddenly exploded with a roar.


    From the heavens descended a sharp winter rain, as delicate as cow hair, mixed with swirling snowflakes amidst the wind.


    Drifting aimlessly, it engulfed the entire world in a hazy veil; but this mistiness was suddenly torn and shredded amidst piercing screams of extreme agony.


    It was as if an invisible sword danced wildly through the heavens, slashing frenetically.


    A figure with a head of white hair, burly and robust, strode through the streets like a mountain of flesh.


    With each step he took, the cobblestone street trembled and shook, every inch of his flesh quivering as if screaming in twisted, shrill horror.


    The newcomer, his face unmasked, white hair flowing free, his body burly as a mountain.


    His blood and energy interwoven, transforming into a roaring python.


    His scarlet eyes seemed to weep blood, filled with pain, sorrow, and, most of all, an aura of murderous intent...


    The Yang Family... had almost been wiped out.


    His beloved grandson, the one most likely to forge a Divine Foundation, Yang Kaihe... had been killed.


    All of the Yang Family''s experts had been cleanly slaughtered!


    His family''s century-old foundation had crumbled...


    Oh, how painful it was!


    He had only sent off Yang Kaihe to the Xu Family to capture a Spirit Child, so how could he have died?


    With so many experts in the Yang Family, how could they all have been wiped out?


    A solid century-old foundation, how could it have... vanished like smoke?


    Now there was only him, an old man, and his family was gone.


    "Bull Demon... Bull Demon!!!"


    The low roar erupted from the throat of the old ancestor of the Yang Family, his body inflating like a balloon about to burst, growing bigger and bigger!


    A Divine Foundation like a millstone suspended behind him, continuously overflowing with the "Heart Shocking and Sturdy" divinity!


    The divinity became nearly tangible, like the tentacles of an octopus, slowly draping over the elderly man''s body that resembled a mountain of flesh, sinking into his sinew, driving his consciousness into frenzy.


    BOOM...


    His foot stomped down, and the cobblestones cratered, creating collapsed footprints and a web of spreading cracks.


    That''s how he walked, step by step.


    Leaving behind dense footprints and fissures.


    Suddenly.


    That stomping foot halted with a crash; the water splashed by the impact shimmered outwards as though frozen in the air.


    Elder Master Yang of the Yang Family, a cultivator of the Primary God-Base Realm, suddenly looked up.


    His white hair fluttered wildly; his scarlet eyes fixatedly stared down the street.


    There...


    A tall figure in black clothes, wearing a brimmed hat, stood quietly amidst the stormy street.


    As the hat lifted, a rain-spattered Cute Bull Mask was revealed.


    "Bull Demon..."


    "Bull Demon¡ª!!!"


    The old ancestor of the Yang Family, Yang Jing, with his full head of white hair and a body as robust as a mountain of flesh, screamed in ultimate despair!


    Countless raindrops, countless water droplets that had splashed from the ground, all burst into a foggy mist amidst his high-decibel, terrifying scream...


    "Hmm... it''s me."


    The tall Bull Demon in the hat, mask, and black clothes, his blood and energy intertwined as he faced the exhausted, agonized screams of the elder Master Yang.


    He calmly replied.


    As though it were nothing more than a casual greeting between neighbors.


    The agonized screaming stopped abruptly.


    Yang Jing''s scarlet eyes, manipulated by "Heart Shocking and Sturdy," had, at that moment, frozen in slight bewilderment.


    But soon, ubiquitous screams and a dazzling air blast exploded, shattering the dense rain like a dragon.


    "So you''re the Bull Demon!"


    "The Bull Demon who killed my whole family!"


    It was as if the air warped and blurred.


    Yang Jing, his divine millstone rising behind him, hair disheveled and savage, looked like a mountain covering the skies.


    Blocking all the light, he suddenly appeared above the Bull Demon.


    THUD¡ª!


    His fatty fist slammed into the Bull Demon''s crossed arms in defense!


    Rip rip rip...


    The sleeves of the elastic shirt exploded, revealing steel muscles coiled like dragons!


    But...


    Yang Jing''s crazed will was momentarily baffled, his vision, stimulated by divinity, widening with shock...


    Because this Bull Demon, who had clearly not yet forged a Divine Foundation,


    Had withstood his punch.


    And was...


    Completely unmoved!

 Chapter 81: Immortal Artisan, Mechanism Master, Bull Demon, Welcome to My Home Field

    There was silence for almost three seconds!


    Behind Bull Demon, the ground''s accumulated water and the suspended raindrops in the air exploded into white waves, as if two streams of extremely fierce blood and qi were colliding at high speed, bursting with scalding heat!


    Hisssss...


    Time seemed to stretch infinitely at this moment!


    Old Deng of the Yang Family, a Divine Base Realm cultivator, a monstrous being as vast as a meat mountain, at this moment... even his previously frenzied will showed signs of regaining clarity.


    Why...


    He wasn''t Divine Base, yet he could withstand his punch?


    However, very quickly, the [Heart Shocking and Sturdy] Divinity, in the midst of rampage, grew tendrils from the Divine Disc hovering behind him, and fiercely stabbed into Meat Mountain Yang Jing''s body.


    "Eh... Aaaaah... Bull Demon!"


    "What a shocking surprise ahhh¡ª!"


    "Die¡ª!"


    The shrill screams of shock and dismay instantly created a terribly extreme sonic shockwave!


    Li Che only felt like his eardrums were about to rupture!


    But beneath his mask, his expression was neither joyful nor sad, without any emotional fluctuations!


    Mysterious Vein...


    This Yang Family''s Old Deng, his martial cultivation...


    Is merely at the Mysterious Vein rank!


    Thump¡ª


    A dull thud!


    Atop Yang Jing''s meat mountain, countless semi-transparent divinities, like the soft tentacles of an octopus, entwined around that fleshly body.


    His punch became even heavier!


    Li Che "boom" resounded like a suddenly inflated balloon, his originally imposing figure suddenly grew even larger!


    Dragon Elephant Vajra''s second transformation!


    The blood and qi power spreading through his muscles and bones made his inner qi suddenly grow more robust, horizontally refining his body towards perfection!


    His abdomen, chest, and shoulder blades rose high, his skin turning blood-red; muscles and bones vibrated, rolling and wriggling like earth dragons!


    His arms thickened, muscles twisted like dough, and the muscles on his back stacked up as if growing a pair of wings!


    It was like a winged python!


    Mysterious Vein...


    You are.


    So am I!


    Bull Demon roared with fury, his terrifying inner qi gushed out wildly, forming a powerful force that could shake mountains, shaking the air and creating ripple-like shockwaves, exploding countless raindrops and light snow!


    Boom¡ª


    The meat mountain was blown away, nimbly rolling and landing on the ground.


    Li Che, whose body had grown even larger, only felt an unprecedented exhilaration, his hands, large as a fan, suddenly clenched into fists!


    [Dragon Elephant Vajra] Dao Fruit could increase its maturity through battle...


    The more spirited and strenuous the fight, the more it increased.


    Stay connected with


    At this moment, Li Che felt in a state like never before!


    He could even sense the peculiar feeling of soaring maturity.


    The blown away Yang Jing did not show shock; at this point, he had lost all consciousness, leaving only one thought: to torment Bull Demon to death and from Bull Demon''s mouth...


    Hear the terrifying screams of facing death!


    Li Che stared intensely at the formidable meat mountain.


    Feeling the rank oppression brought by that Divine Base Divinity, the three types of divinity in the mud pill energy center seemed frozen like a river in the harshest winter, unable to flow even slightly.


    "Is this rank suppression?"


    Li Che murmured softly.


    Divine Base... an absolute suppression in terms of Cultivation rank!


    Feeling the majestic Divinity of that Divine Base hovering behind the opponent... at least ten times more than Cultivation as Riverlike Divinity!


    Quantity is ten times larger, and the quality is even higher!


    It''s truly another level!


    However, Li Che sensed just a bit and discovered that the Divinity of [Pure Heart] felt nothing.


    Besides, the Divinity of [Chess Saint] within Dao Fruit of [Three-Eyed Wrathful True Lord Spirit Child Temple God] was also unaffected...


    Looks like... there''s a catch.


    Meat Mountain Yang Jing seemed to have also noticed that this Bull Demon, on the martial path, was actually at the same level as him, a Divine Base Cultivator.


    But that was all.


    His scarlet eyes suddenly dilated, his five fingers clenched, and the invisible Divinity roared to life, condensing the rain and snow falling from the sky into a crescent-shaped blade!


    Spinning rapidly, he wielded it ferociously and slashed towards Bull Demon!


    The imposing figure of Bull Demon sprang into action, his feet tapping continuously, twisting and turning ambiguously, dodging left and right!


    The ancient stones of the long street instantly exploded, and the shattered stones burst and scattered like bullets.


    Li Che''s eyes were stern, his heart slightly chilling.


    Long-range attacks integrated with Divine Base Divinity...


    Very powerful indeed, even surpassing the strength of his "Namo Gatling Wooden Crow" single shot!


    Li Che''s feet suddenly accelerated, pushing hard, and the rainwater splashed forward like an upturned mushroom canopy.


    And he himself, rapidly retracting backwards!


    Want to escape?!


    "Bull Demon!"


    Yang Jing, with his silver hair flying, roared furiously. His bulging, mountainous body unexpectedly pursued with remarkable agility. His thick legs, as sturdy as elephant pillars, rapidly tapped the ground, causing ripples like skipping stones. His chubby arms suddenly spread wide...


    Cloud Harrier Treading on Clouds!


    The Divine Martial Arts of the Yang Family!


    Li Che glanced back and spread his arms, imitating the Cloud Harrier Treading on Clouds with form and essence!


    Endowed with the Dragon Elephant Vajra Dao Fruit, Li Che''s martial comprehension was extremely high.


    Divine Martial Arts is still martial arts...


    He had already managed to execute it. Although he couldn''t harness the Divinity, he had entered the threshold of pure martial arts!


    "Aaah! Bull Demon!"


    Seeing Bull Demon execute his family''s Divine Martial Arts, Yang Jing felt a pain in his heart as if his most precious possession had been desecrated. The thought of the slain Yang Family experts made him even more frenzied and furious!


    And this was exactly what Li Che wanted!


    Would he face a Divine Base Cultivator unprepared and reckless?


    Li Che, who had been dashing forward relentlessly, suddenly flashed a glint in his eyes beneath his mask. He stomped the ground hard for a sudden halt, bent his body, and slapped one arm onto the ground. In an instant, he drifted sideways like a tail slide, shooting into the pitch-black alley beside the main street.


    Yang Jing, trapped in his crazed will, paid no heed to this.


    He followed suit and crashed into the alley as well.


    The moment he entered the alley, Yang Jing''s frenzy didn''t subside, and he unleashed the terrifying Divine Base Divinity''s majesty!


    The Bull Demon stood at the end of the alley, feeling the Divine Base Cultivator''s rank oppression like a storm, his eyes emotionless beneath the Cute Bull Mask.


    He raised his arms abruptly, fingers spread, as if playing a silent tune. They danced in succession, and the next instant, his fingers turned into hooks and he gave a fierce tug!


    In that instant...


    The entire alley erupted with countless fine silver threads, which vibrated at high speed and burst into a mist like exploded droplets of water!


    Like a spider web set for hunting!


    Sharp as knives!


    Thousand Spider Threads!


    The tensioned and slicing web of Thousand Spider Threads invaded the flesh of Meat Mountain Yang Jing!


    Creak, creak...


    A grating sound of metal cutting was emitted!


    At the same time.


    Li Che''s sword fingers came together, sweeping through the void.


    One after another, the poisoned mechanisms "Guanyin Blood Lotus" were released and exploded in mid-air by his flicking fingers, showering dense, toxic hair-thin needles down on Meat Mountain!


    Having set the traps, flung the poisoned darts, and thrown the hidden weapons...


    The Bull Demon grabbed from the Qiankun Space the "Namo Gatling Wooden Crow," which then materialized six thousand Wooden Ravens at once, all hovering in the air.


    Aiming at Yang Family''s Divine Foundation Old Deng.


    When it comes to mechanisms, the Bull Demon was a professional!


    Immortal Artisan ¡¤ Mechanism Master!


    "Welcome, to my home turf."


    ...


    ...


    Rainwater mixed with cold snowflakes.


    Fluttered down.


    The commotion of the street fell into silence. White waves crashed against pairs of black boots, splintering apart.


    "What a Bull Demon, so strong and unmatched in Horizontal Refinement, having reached the Mysterious Vein level of Channel Opening. It is commonly said that Divinity is easy to nurture, but blood energy is difficult to refine. Yet this person managed to penetrate the Mysterious Vein in such a short time. Truly deserving of being called a martial prodigy!"


    Cao Qingyuan, with a side knife at his waist, watched Bull Demon engaged in fierce combat with Yang Family''s Old Deng, Yang Jing. Even though Yang Jing had fallen into a state of frenzy controlled by his Divine Base, his Divine Base Cultivation was undeniably real.


    As was the suppression of his rank.


    The Bull Demon hadn''t been instantly defeated and was still fighting back...


    "But he won''t be able to resist for long. Divine Base kills nurturing nature, even if martial cultivation is at the same Mysterious Vein level, it is only a matter of a few more moves."


    Behind Cao Qingyuan followed the last remaining Divine Catcher Zhang Xiangyang.


    At this moment, Zhang Xiangyang wore a hat, his head lowered, his complexion shifting, his heart racing.


    This Bull Demon... too terrifying.


    Fortunately, he never turned back and joined forces with Zhou Ruoguan to counter-kill; otherwise... he would now be a chilled corpse.


    "Young City Lord, what should we do now..."


    Cao Qingyuan smiled but did not look at the Bull Demon and Yang Jing who had gone off to fight to the death.


    "We... go to Li Che''s residence."


    "Li Che being the Bull Demon... is, after all, just my conjecture."


    "Three years, oh, in three years, from a mud-legged peasant to a fearsome and wicked devil like the Bull Demon. I can hardly believe it..."


    Cao Qingyuan shook his head.


    If it were true, how would he balance his feelings? He''d probably go mad with jealousy!


    "Right now the Bull Demon is engaged in combat with a Divine Base Cultivator... bound to be unable to escape, and might even be killed."


    "Therefore, going to the Li residence, we can use the pretext of having once asked Li Che to carve a wood carving, to check whether Li Che is... present."


    "If he''s not there..."


    "When the mystery is no longer a mystery."


    Cao Qingyuan paused, and in the next moment, he couldn''t help but laugh frantically.


    "I am about to..."


    "See the truth."

 Chapter 82: Listing Comments

    Yesterday afternoon, I got the notification from the editor that the book could be launched, and we''ve decided to launch it tomorrow at noon!


    The launch will take place promptly at noon tomorrow.


    I want to thank my editor Yexiao Da, who has stuck with me for eight years. I''m grateful for his persistence with so many of my attempts that haven''t panned out, and for his invaluable suggestions for each book...


    Old Li was supposed to launch the book at midnight tonight, but since there were no drafts saved, the launch had to be postponed until tomorrow. He''ll be up tonight writing into the wee hours, fortunately... Since having a child, Old Li has always been up all night writing.


    I have to say, after several unsuccessful attempts, it''s finally time to launch another book, which, with everyone''s hard work, even made it up the rankings. Though we lost one PK, it was already an extraordinary achievement. Old Li bows deeply to you all!


    I have mentioned before that, after so many failures, Old Li planned this fantasy novel to be his last, a sort of retirement from this ''martial world.''


    Truth be told, initially, the performance was very poor. On the first day it was recommended, it gained fewer than two hundred collections, and the conversion rate was only 19 per thousand, while the average for recommended books is 35 per thousand...


    But it was still better than the previous books, which barely got a few dozen collections per day when recommended, so I persisted and slowly it began to improve.


    With Old Li''s promotion, it was eventually featured in the rankings... Although the effect was mediocre, it was nevertheless an honor.


    Regarding the strong push at the end of the new book period, the editor said to keep up with the reading. There were great hopes, so they decided to go ahead with the launch.


    ...


    Having written books for so many years, launching them isn''t new to me, but I am still very nervous this time.


    After all, it''s a time to see the actual results of the new book period, to see how many initial subscriptions there will be.


    The new book had reached 210,000 words before the launch, which is quite lengthy for Old Li. With back-end fake readers at 3,800 and real readers, according to the editor, at 2,400, whether the initial subscriptions can reach 2,000 is anyone''s guess. These days, the market is so challenging and enigmatic... hard to understand, completely baffling...


    Therefore, I can only hope that everyone will give Old Li a wave of initial subscriptions during the launch to support... to give us a chance to eye the post-launch recommendations. Nowadays, recommendations post-launch are also competitive, judged on subscription data, no longer just the author''s reputation...


    Writing at this platform has indeed been difficult lately. Over the last six months, it felt like being unemployed. Old Li can only rely on this book to earn some formula money for his three-year-old toddler.


    Of course, I no longer have grand ambitions for this book; I only want to finish it well.


    After all, it is meant to be Old Li''s last fantasy novel.


    The target is three million words. Finishing the book is a victory in itself!


    As for the updates after the launch, it''s simple... ten thousand words a day.


    If you all want more, then it depends on the Monthly Tickets. For every additional five hundred Monthly Tickets, we''ll add an update, plain and simple...


    In the past, Old Li was like an octopus, with a record month of over half a million words, so, everyone can rest assured and follow along eagerly.


    This book, Old Li''s goal is just to finish it, completely and thoroughly.


    "A decade of rain at night in the martial world, from the gourmet of ''16 to now in ''24, it''s been eight years... not far from a decade."


    I don''t know how much longer I can write, but as long as I''m writing, I will continue to strive.


    I won''t say too much.


    The launch is at noon tomorrow, just hoping for everyone''s support with the initial subscriptions, to support Old Li, to allow Old Li a glimpse of the post-launch recommendations. r?


    Old Li can only offer more updates as a way to thank everyone!


    No more idle chat, I must get back to writing. Tonight, I''ll pull an all-nighter, and tomorrow, we push!


    Finally, I beg for your subscriptions!


    Old Li bows to everyone!


    Thump thump thump thump thump thump!


    Begging for subscriptions, for Monthly Tickets, for recommendation tickets! Begging for your fervent following!


    See you tomorrow!


    Be sure to come!

 Chapter 83: The Bull Demon of Two Divinities, Bodhi Blood Tears

    Winter thunder boomed, mixed with icy snowflakes in the rain.


    Xu Family Compound.


    Under the high wall with black tiles, within the courtyard, an old man in black robes sat upright on a high Taishi Chair, his face slightly pale.


    Below him, Xu Heli, Xu Beihu, and the Family Head Xu Nanming sat quietly¡ªthe core members of the Xu Family were nearly all present.


    "Yang Jing was injured by that suspected Divine Sect''s expert and then experienced the shock of his family''s extermination. His ''Heart Shocking and Sturdy'' Divine Foundation was unstable, leading his emotions, diving him into madness..."


    "When the Young City Lord was chatting with Yang Jing, I was also there... The Young City Lord speculated that the Bull Demon, who is causing chaos in Fei Lei City, could very likely be Li Che!"


    The Old Master Xu spoke with a touch of laziness, interspersed with a light cough.


    Xu Heli and Xu Beihu had already guessed it, so their expressions didn''t change much, but Xu Nanming was utterly astonished.


    "Li Che?"


    "He... He''s really the Bull Demon?"


    Xu Nanming was somewhat disbelieving, especially since he still had Li Che''s information on his desk.


    A squeaky clean native of Fei Lei City, an orphan from a young age, raised by his uncle, who seized the opportunity in his teens to enter the Xu''s wood carving shop in the Outer Sect as a laborer...


    Three years ago, he passed the Wood Carver assessment and became a Wood Carver for Xu''s, starting to practice martial arts...


    "In just three years, from a country bumpkin to a fierce and wicked Bull Demon who killed off the entire skilled clan of the Yang Family?"


    Xu Nanming''s mind buzzed with confusion.


    "There''s a very high probability... Everything is too coincidental. Since the Spirit Infant Sect''s experts started targeting ''Li Nuanxi,'' their experts have been dying one after another, all at the hands of the Bull Demon..."


    "Even if Li Che is not the Bull Demon, then Li Nuanxi has an extremely strong connection with the Bull Demon. To capture or even eliminate the Bull Demon, Li Nuanxi is key."


    The Old Master Xu started to cough violently.


    His face flushed red.


    "Grandmasters... are truly strong. Even without Divinity, relying solely on their physical bodies, they can match or even suppress Divine Base..."


    The old man shook his head.


    "Young City Lord Cao Qingyuan has taken people to Li Che''s home."


    "As long as we confirm that Li Che is the Bull Demon... sell everyone in Li Che''s courtyard, washing our hands off the affair."


    "Don''t obstruct Cao Qingyuan, whoever he wants to capture; it has nothing to do with us."


    The Old Master Xu''s eyes flickered.


    "Yang Jing is incapacitated, the old ghost of the Si Family is dead, and with two Divine Base experts less to share the benefits after the ''Thousand Buddha Carving Banquet''... it would just be me and the old man from the An Family, the two of us... enough to take in such advantages."


    "At this critical juncture, we cannot afford to give the City Lord''s Mansion any excuse; otherwise, everything will be wasted."


    Xu Heli''s eyes twinkled, and he said respectfully, "As for the Bull Demon...?"


    The Old Master Xu smiled faintly.


    "Don''t worry, that Bull Demon... is as good as dead."


    "Yang Jing is now a mad dog, biting anyone he catches, and of course, many Divine Base will not approach him easily..."


    "But during the fight with the Bull Demon, the surroundings were sealed off, making it impossible for the Bull Demon to escape."


    "After ruining so many of the City Lord''s Mansion''s plans..."


    "Someone already doesn''t want this Bull Demon to continue living."


    The Old Master Xu, watching the flickering rain mixed with snow.


    "Today, the Bull Demon must die."


    ...


    ...


    Li Che, of course, knew the strength and difficulty of dealing with a Divine Base.


    He never underestimated the Divine Base; despite harboring thoughts of challenging them, he wouldn''t choose to simply surrender his life.


    He had long set up an ambush in a small alley, laying out all the hidden weapons and mechanisms he had at his disposal, creating his own home ground!


    The ''Immortal Artisan'' Dao Fruit had reached Level 3, and its maturity was not low.


    Together with Thousand Analyzing Hands, Li Che''s operation of mechanisms and hidden weapons had also reached a top-notch level.


    Originally, Li Che''s trap layout was prepared for the Divine Base Cultivators of the Spirit Infant Sect, but when old Deng from the Yang Family personally scouted the area, Li Che would not hold back. ?


    He pulled out the "Namo Gatling" and sent him to see Buddha!


    Da-da-da-da-da-da...


    Flames shot out!


    Six metal barrels spun rapidly, spitting fire, resembling glorious flame lotuses blossoming in the Bull Demon''s palms!


    One after another, the Wood Ravens ignited, screaming miserably as they soared out, vaporizing and twisting the rain and snow as they slammed into the burly flesh mountain wrapped in Thousand Spider Threads!


    Behind Yang Jing floated his Divine Foundation Millstone, his pupils blood red, with the ''Heart Shocking and Sturdy'' Divinity constantly sweeping across and spreading.


    Like the pounding of waves, the first Wood Ravens to shoot out were struck by his formidable Divinity midair, exploding instantly, sending out waves of fire and shockwaves.


    But there were too many...


    There were far too many Wood Ravens.


    To give the Divine Base Cultivators sufficient respect, Li Che fired all six thousand shots without reservation, bombarding them!


    The smoke from the burning gunpowder was pungent, permeating the air in the alley.


    The Old Deng from the Yang Family was instantly engulfed in sparks; the fireworks that exploded set ablaze flames that could not be extinguished even by the rain and snow!


    Like a mushroom cloud rising from the ground, the blast and shockwave shattered countless raindrops; thick black smoke billowed up!


    "Wuuuuu..." Find more adventures on


    After the last Wood Raven was fired.


    The metal barrels of the "Namo Gatling" in the Bull Demon''s hands glowed red-hot, like branding irons, slowly rolling to a stop, hissing with steam.


    Li Che put away the Namo Gatling, his eyes beneath the Bull Demon mask calmly watching the mountainous figure at the far end of the alley.


    "As expected... six thousand shots, not enough."


    Or perhaps, at the heart of it,


    It was the explosive power of the Wood Ravens that wasn''t strong enough.


    Although the number was high, the quality was lacking, and the damage was ultimately limited.


    But it wasn''t without effect.

 Chapter 84: The Bull Demon of Two Divinities, Bodhi Blood Tears (2)

    The winter thunder rumbled and rolled, lightning snakes slithering through the air.


    It seemed as if violent storms were howling past, whisking away the dust and debris to reveal the figure of Meat Mountain Yang Jing, his skin split and flesh open, body charred.


    Drip drop...drip drop...


    Blood dripped onto the ground, making shattering sounds.


    Yang Jing''s white hair flew wildly, as he gasped for breath heavily.


    "It''s really...astonishing!"


    "I''m so surprised¡ªah!!!"


    Yang Jing suddenly threw his head back, his face torn and bleeding from the bombardment of Wood Ravens, a maniacal look in his eyes; behind him, the millstone of his Divine Foundation shone brilliantly, its trailing Divinity enveloping him like a thin veil.


    It was this veil of Divinity that had shielded him from the relentless bombardment of six thousand Wood Ravens.


    But his injuries were by no means light; his flesh was a mess, and even his organs and spine were visible to the naked eye!


    Such injuries only fueled Yang Jing''s anger and madness. To think that a Divine Base Cultivator could be pushed to such a state by someone who was merely Nurturing Nature!


    The dense Divinity of "Heart Shocking and Sturdy" surged out from his Divine Foundation like a tidal wave, turning into several rivers that filled the entire alley!


    Yang Jing intended to use the sheer pressure of his "rank" to completely crush the Bull Demon before his eyes...


    Divine Foundation versus Nurturing Nature...the most effective, and also the most domineering, method!


    Rank suppression!


    Bull Demon had chosen this alley and set up traps... but for Yang Jing, this was his...home ground!


    Within such an alley, the oppression of the Divine Hierarchy was inescapable; the Bull Demon would have to face it head-on!


    Nurturing Nature facing the Divine Foundation...


    The low ranking, confronting the high ranking!


    Get down on your knees...for this old man!


    Yang Jing let out a long howl, blood dripping, the Meat Mountain, blurred by the flesh torn by six thousand Wood Ravens, beginning to move, taking one step and then running!


    The Thousand Spider Threads were all snapped!


    Like a terrifying avalanche of flesh, it came crashing and rolling down!


    The ground shook as the mountain trembled, coupled with the horrific Divinity continuously screeching and wailing, it almost burst one''s eardrums!


    In Yang Jing''s eyes, the Bull Demon was fixed in place, unable to move under the oppression of the Divine Foundation Rank...


    All he needed to do was walk over and twist off the head of the Bull Demon to avenge his full Yang Family!


    Winter thunder and snow fell from high above, yet before it could touch Meat Mountain, it evaporated and twisted into steam.


    The blood-red eyes of Meat Mountain carried a mad sneer!


    However, the next moment...


    His sneer froze.


    Because, under his effusive Divine Foundation Divinity suppression, the Bull Demon...


    Seemed to be completely unaffected by the rank pressure, rebelliously raising its hand.


    In its hand appeared a Fine Iron Great Bow, drawing the bow, pulling the string...


    In an instant!


    The wailing of ghostly cries echoed through the alley!


    Divine Martial Technique¡ªAngry Cry Town Ghost!


    But that wasn''t what primarily shook Yang Jing.


    The main reason came from the Bull Demon, which burst into a dazzling golden color as if it had donned a golden garment, looking like a wrathful Buddha bellowing in anger!


    Divinity¡ªWrathful Maitreya!


    Maitreya Gold Armor!


    Wait!


    Two divinities!


    And both at the "Cultivation as Riverlike" level?!


    What the hell is this?!


    Hair standing on end and terror-stricken, Meat Mountain Yang Jing''s chaotic and frenzied will seem to awaken amidst this baffling scene!


    "Impossible!"


    "Advancing two Divinities to the ''Cultivation as Riverlike'' extent?"


    "Impossible!"


    Meat Mountain Yang Jing let out a muffled cry of shock!


    He didn''t know if it was the influence of "Heart Shocking and Sturdy" Divinity or the emotional shock itself.


    As the Bull Demon fully drew the bow, arrows coalesced with Divinity and wind and thunder intertwined...


    It was the Divine Martial Techniques of the Si Family, the Angry Cry Hundreds of Ghosts Wind-Thunder Arrows!


    With the Maitreya Gold Armor enhancing him, his Horizontal Refinement strength received a boost; under the support of "Wrathful Maitreya" Divinity, the power erupted from the sinewy strength of his back muscles!


    The longbow creaked and groaned...


    Almost as if it would snap!


    On the tip of the Angry Cry Hundreds of Ghosts Wind-Thunder Arrow, entwined with Divinity, was a wood carving shaped like a teardrop, made from "Blood Flesh Red" Spiritual Wood, ranked seventh in "Tang''s Mechanism Essentials" as "Bodhi Blood Tears."


    Two Divinities entwined, plus the seventh-ranked mechanism!


    This was Li Che''s...all-out firepower!


    He wanted to seriously test the foundations of the Divine Foundation!


    With a flick of his five fingers, he suddenly let go!


    In an instant, the bowstring vibrated, accompanied by countless wails and the sound of wind and thunder!


    An arrow pierced through the rain and snow, smoothly cleaving, rippling shallow waves in the air, the wind and thunder as if tearing the barrier apart!


    "It''s useless; a ''Cultivation as Riverlike'' Divinity...can''t break through my Divine Foundation Divinity!"


    "Impossib...huh? Agh?!"


    Pfft!


    The Angry Cry Hundreds of Ghosts Wind-Thunder Arrow brutally slammed into the Divine Martial Arts garment draped outside of Meat Mountain Yang Jing, but...


    The next moment, indeed the Wind-Thunder Arrow couldn''t penetrate the Divine Martial Arts garment, yet the teardrop-shaped blood pearl tied to the arrowhead...


    Smoothly pierced through the Divine Base Cultivator''s Divine garment.


    With a pfft...


    It penetrated the thick layers of fat and flesh of Meat Mountain, infiltrating his body!


    That terrifying penetrating power!


    Even Li Che himself was somewhat surprised.


    "Such penetration..."


    The eyes beneath Li Che''s Bull Demon mask grew brighter and brighter!


    And penetration was merely an incidental effect of "Bodhi Blood Tears," the seventh-listed artifact in Tang''s Mechanism Essentials... Its true terror lay in the explosion!


    Boom¡ª!


    A muffled explosion!


    Suddenly burst forth from inside the body of Meat Mountain Yang Jing. Bodhi Blood Tears bloomed out thousands upon thousands of exceedingly fine needles, each needle as if alive, curling up like shrimps in an instant, bringing up clumps of blood and flesh!


    The next moment, Li Che saw Meat Mountain Yang Jing''s body, a Divine Base Cultivator, riddled with hundreds of bloody holes, each hole dripping with large blood pearls, uncontrollably rolling out!


    Drip drop drip drop...


    Like blood-colored, broken tears!


    In an instant, it seemed as if all the blood from Yang Jing''s body had been completely drained.


    A person, even an Xuanmai Warrior if drained of blood...


    Would probably be unable to withstand it.


    Dizziness, loss of strength, blurring consciousness...


    Thump...


    Yang Jing knelt on the ground.


    Li Che then raised his Longbow again, bending the bow, firing in rapid succession!


    Angry Cry Hundreds of Ghosts Wind-Thunder Arrow!


    Arrow after arrow, all blasting towards the enormous head of Yang Jing.


    Finally...


    With a thud...


    The massive head, under the bombardment of wind and thunder.


    Explosively shattered!


    The Divine Foundation Millstone floating behind Meat Mountain...


    Creak creak...


    Became covered in cracks.


    Bursting into pieces!


    Most of it dissipated back into the world, leaving only a fragment of the Divine Foundation, falling into the pool of thick blood.


    After delivering a steady and cautious barrage of arrows at the corpse,


    Find adventures at


    The stalwart figure of the Ox Demon moved in with heavy steps.


    Unceremoniously collecting the Divine Foundation Fragment,


    And continued to turn over the body...


    Seizing the fruits of his efforts.


    ...


    ...


    City Lord''s Mansion.


    City Lord Cao Guang, holding a Spirit Infant Statue resembling the Mysterious Temple''s Spirit Infant Temple God extremely closely, was delicately absorbing the Divinity within.


    On his forehead... A black stream seemed to be gathering, the brow occasionally swelling, then smoothing out.


    As if something was straining to break out.


    Suddenly.


    City Lord Cao Guang''s eyes snapped open. After carefully placing down the replica Temple God''s Three-Eyed Spirit Infant Statue, he flickered and appeared on the rooftop of the City Lord''s Mansion with its curved ridges, dark tiles twisting beneath him.


    The snow and rain swirled around his head.


    His eyes flickered incessantly, sensing the Divinity that sealed the alleys, as surprise emerged like dense ink from his pupils.


    "How did the aura of the Yang Family''s Divine Foundation disappear so quickly...?"


    "Gone?!"


    ...


    ...


    Li Family''s courtyard.


    Wind and snow whirling.


    Cao Qingyuan, carrying a side knife, followed by the sole remaining Divine Catcher Zhang Xiangyang, along with several Black Yamen Constables, formed a line and crossed the alleys, coming to Li Che''s courtyard in the Inner City.


    The courtyard door was closed tight; laughter from children playing excitedly could be heard inside.


    Cao Qingyuan paused, seemingly not expecting Li Che''s household to be so peaceful and harmonious.


    This... was not quite what he had imagined.


    With a slightly frowning brow,


    Cao Qingyuan raised his hand and knocked on the door.


    A moment later.


    With a creak.


    Li Che, clad in a neat and tidy black martial outfit, cordial and composed, opened the door.

 Chapter 85: Dao Fruit Transforms Again, Dragon Elephant Vajra - Ascend

    The incessant winter rain, mixed with icy snow, fell without respite.


    An Family courtyard.


    As silent as usual.


    As the most low-key among the four major noble families in Fei Lei City, the An Family had a low profile, whether it was the Divine Base ancestor or the family direct descendant known as one of the Three Young Masters of Fei Lei, An Ruosu.


    However, low profile as they might be, very few powers dared to underestimate the An Family.


    It was rumored that the true direct eldest son of the An Family was highly favored by the Divine Sect in his youth, taken to cultivate within the Qian Yuan Divine Sect, and possessing extremely high talent, he received great attention from a high-ranking cultivator of the Divine Sect.


    Therefore, this underpinned the An Family''s heritage.


    Having someone within the Divine Sect was an extraordinary foundation, a heritage incomparable even to the Yang Family, Xu Family, and the former Si Family.


    Today, in the An Family courtyard, the Old Master An, the only Divine Base Cultivator in the family, with white hair and wearing a white robe, sat cross-legged on a divan, where a hurriedly placed furnace emitted warmth, dispelling the damp chill brought by the winter rain. Enjoy reading at


    "Yang Jing and the Bull Demon...fought fiercely on the long street."


    "Nurturing Nature battles Divine Base, brave indeed."


    Old Master An stroked his beard and said calmly.


    "This Bull Demon, acts recklessly and brutally, completely unreasonable, fortunately... our An Family never agreed to the City Lord''s request to raid the Xu Family''s Divine Cultivation Institute to kidnap the Spirit Child."


    Beneath Old Master An, one of the Three Young Masters of Fei Lei, An Ruosu, frowned and said, "This Bull Demon has bizarre methods, skilled in the Way of Mechanisms, perhaps that''s why he dared to battle a Divine Base?"


    "Didn''t the Tang Family Mechanism Family, famous across the entire Great Vista back in the day, rely on their Mechanical Techniques to battle beyond their Rank?"


    "Could this Bull Demon... be a remnant of the Tang Family...?"


    Old Master An looked at An Ruosu gravely and said, "Mind your words."


    "Such topics should not be discussed lightly, be careful and prudent, evaluate the situation, and think of dangers in times of safety, that is the key to our family''s enduring prosperity."


    "No matter who this Bull Demon is... do not provoke him, our An Family cannot afford such a calamity."


    Old Master An said solemnly.


    "As for the Spirit Child the City Lord''s Mansion wanted, we have handed him over, and we will not interfere in the City Lord''s Thousand Buddha Carving Banquet. Our family affairs have also been settled, we will move out of Fei Lei City in two days and head to Golden Light Prefecture City to join your elder brother."


    An Ruosu exhaled, somewhat reluctant, but still nodded.


    "Understood."


    Suddenly.


    The elegantly seated Old Master An''s eyebrows fluttered up, and his gaze sharpened.


    In an instant, white smoke billowed from his body, gradually gathering into a blurred figure that drifted up to the roof, as if emerging from a dream.


    This was the An Family''s Divinity, Hundred Turns of Worried Dreams!


    Whoosh¡ª!


    A sound like a sharp intake of breath as the smoke that drifted up to the roof instantly returned to Old Master An''s body through his Heavenly Spirit Cover.


    With a shudder, Old Master An wore a worried face, "Bull... oh Bull..."


    "Old Yang... is gone."


    Upon hearing this, An Ruosu was profoundly shaken.


    What?!


    Yet, Old Master An raised his head, his expression growing even more troubled, "This Bull Demon... what kind of monster is he!"


    "Si Family, Yang Family... could the next one be our An Family?!"


    "Too frightening..."


    "Can''t wait for three days."


    "Quickly notify our clan, the day after tomorrow, no... tomorrow!"


    "Tomorrow we will all leave the city!"


    ...


    ...


    The cold rainwater accumulated at the edge of the bamboo hat, then overflowed, forming a curtain of water, constantly dripping.


    Cao Qingyuan''s eyes narrowed, his hand knocking on the door paused in mid-air, frozen.


    The air seemed to have become stagnant.


    Seeing Li Che open the door, seeing that scholarly and gentle face...


    For a moment, Cao Qingyuan felt dizzy and confused.


    Li Che... how could he be here?


    Wasn''t he the Bull Demon?


    Wasn''t he supposed to be fighting Yang Jing on the street, then brutally killed by Yang Jing, the rampaging Divine Base?!


    But why... is Li Che here?


    Appearing leisurely and scholarly, showing no signs of having just fought a life-and-death battle.


    Could it be...


    Was he mistaken?!


    Cao Qingyuan''s mind buzzed, his previous assertions at this moment seemed almost like a joke.


    Zhang Xiangyang, who was following him, also wore a confused face.


    Isn''t... Li Che supposed to open the door?


    According to the Young City Lord''s guess, the likelihood of Li Che being the Bull Demon was ninety percent!


    But since Li Che is here...


    Then who is the Bull Demon fighting Yang Jing?


    Chaos, all guesses are now in chaos...


    "Master Li... hehe, are you at home?"


    Cao Qingyuan quickly recovered, his eyes flickering intensely, looking at Li Che with a somewhat forced smile.


    Li Che, surprised and confused, said, "What the Young City Lord is saying... now even the Xu Family''s Divine Cultivation Institute has been raided, I''m worried about my daughter''s safety, where else should I be if not at home?"


    "I dare not wander around, I must stay by her side at all times..."


    Cao Qingyuan smiled, "That''s true, but all those who attacked the Xu Family''s Divine Cultivation Institute have been severely punished, Master Li can be at ease now."


    "That won''t do... That Bull Demon is still out there, right? How frightening, that Bull Demon... killed many people, truly terrifying."


    Li Che shook his head, his face full of fright.


    Cao Qingyuan paused.


    Something felt off...


    Very strange!


    His gaze lifted, looking into the courtyard, and instantly saw Xi Xi riding a twist car under the eaves.


    "What brings the Young City Lord here today?" Li Che asked straightforwardly.


    Cao Qingyuan''s gaze fell back on Li Che: "The task I entrusted to Master Li some days ago... I wonder if Master Li has begun carving?"


    "My father greatly admires Master Li, so..."


    However, Li Che shook his head apologetically, took out the Gold Leaf, and handed it back to Cao Qingyuan.

 Chapter 86: Dao Fruit Transforms Again, Dragon Elephant Vajra - Ascend (2)

    "I apologize, Young City Lord, but I must decline the wood carving task. I haven''t even started carving¡ªmy daughter has encountered great evil and nearly got kidnapped. My heart... I can''t calm down to do the carving, and the carving wouldn''t be perfect. Imperfect work¡ªI can''t accept it, so..."


    "Would you please convey a message to Lord of the City for me? That I genuinely feel unworthy of the City Lord''s trust."


    Cao Qingyuan''s expression immediately turned frosty.


    "Master Li, aren''t you taking this a bit too far?"


    "After all this time, you took the order, and with your grandmaster craftsmanship, you should have completed the wood carving by now. My father said, he doesn''t require a Divine Wood Carving, just one crafted by a grandmaster''s hand should suffice. Surely a non-Divine Wood Carving is not too difficult for you..."


    "It would be but a trivial task for you, Master Li. Could it be that you are looking down on the City Lord''s Mansion, unwilling to grant us even the slightest bit of face?"


    "Or is it that, over this period, Master Li has been preoccupied with other matters... with no time to carve the wood carving?"


    The air instantly filled with tension, and the rain and snow floating down from the sky seemed to take on the sharpness of the Divine Foundation Divinity radiating from Cao Qingyuan.


    "Or perhaps..."


    "Master Li, are you that..."


    "Bull Demon!"


    Cao Qingyuan''s voice exploded like thunder beside the ear.


    Yet Li Che was far from intimidated, his face filled with feigned horror, "Young City Lord, slander... that''s slander!"


    "Hunter Zhang!"


    But Cao Qingyuan remained impassive.


    The rainfall seemed to suddenly freeze.


    Behind him, the lone figure of Divine Catcher Zhang Xiangyang stiffened, steeling himself to take a step forward.


    "Terrifying Trace of Light seeks out the fear; I do want to see if Master Li has been truly afraid of the Bull Demon these days, worried about his daughter''s safety!"


    Zhang Xiangyang, wearing his bamboo hat, suddenly looked up. His rough face and whiskers were flying, and his eyes seemed to shine with a faint blue glow.


    He stared at Li Che, and a river-like Divinity surged out from Zhang Xiangyang!


    Terrifying Trace of Light!


    He was going to backtrack through certain fragments of Li Che''s past!


    Li Che frowned deeply.


    This was too much...


    Cao Qingyuan''s aggressive stance made him want to...


    Put on a mask!


    However, just as he was about to take action, a raindrop suddenly shot out from the courtyard with a whistling sound.


    With a ''snap'', it shattered Zhang Xiangyang''s dissipating Divinity.


    Zhang Xiangyang''s body shook violently, his bamboo hat cleaved in half down the middle by the shooting raindrop, the force of which caused Zhang Xiangyang to fall backward onto the puddle-filled cobblestone ground in the alley. R


    A powerful surge of vital energy slowly dissipated within the raindrop.


    Zhang Xiangyang turned pale, feeling as if he had just taken a stroll at the doorstep of the King of Hell.


    If that raindrop had wished to kill him, it certainly could have instantly pierced through his head and Divinity, ending him utterly.


    "Who?!"


    Cao Qingyuan''s eyes narrowed.


    He suddenly looked towards the courtyard behind Li Che.


    Then he finally noticed the old man sitting under the eaves, a wooden chessboard before him, pinching a black chess piece, deep in thought.


    "The people from the City Lord''s Mansion are indeed domineering, using Divinity to pry into others'' privacy at will. Do you not know that the use of Terrifying Trace of Light can have a negative impact on a person''s mind?"


    The old man glanced at Cao Qingyuan, making all the hairs on Cao Qingyuan''s body stand on end involuntarily.


    It was just a look, but it made him feel the presence of imminent death.


    As if facing some great, terrifying entity.


    "And you are...?"


    Cao Qingyuan released his grip on the handle of his knife and bowed with folded hands, his attitude becoming somewhat gentler.


    The sound of ripping air suddenly filled the surroundings.


    A tall figure landed beside Cao Qingyuan, the man dressed in black and red official robes, his face gentle and scholarly with a well-groomed beard, smiling as he looked at the old man sitting across the chessboard in the courtyard.


    "Father..." Cao Qingyuan respectfully bowed.


    "So it''s a senior from the Divine Sect... my son has been disrespectful, I hope the senior won''t take offense."


    City Lord Cao Guang, however, did not pay attention to Cao Qingyuan but instead continued to gaze deeply at the old man under the eaves.


    Li Qingshan held onto the chess piece, his eyes fixed on the game laid out on the chessboard.


    Your journey starts at


    Being ignored, Cao Guang didn''t seem to mind much, as if it was something quite normal.


    He continued to smile, turning his gaze towards Li Che.


    "Master Li... truly unwelcoming to fulfill my request for a wood carving?"


    "Even a non-Divine Wood Carving is unacceptable?"


    Li Che looked at City Lord Cao Guang and for the first time felt an extremely intense sense of danger, especially...


    Inside the Chess Saint Dao Fruit, those black chess pieces that had absorbed Divinity from the Temple Gods seemed to tremble on the board as if agitated with restlessness.


    "In recent days, I''ve been preoccupied with my daughter''s safety and have been troubled, truly lacking the energy to carve. Please forgive me, Lord of the City."


    Li Che bowed, neither servile nor haughty.


    "Very well, Master Li indeed is a good father..."


    "Since Master Li is unwilling, then let it be... as for my son''s speculations, Master Li should not take them to heart. A gentle and accommodating man like Master Li, how could he possibly be the vicious and bloodthirsty Bull Demon..."


    City Lord Cao Guang said, shaking his head and smiling.


    Then, he turned his attention again to the old man under the eaves.


    "The senior came from the Divine Sect, perhaps to assess the Spirit Child? May I know which esteemed person of the Divine Sect you are? Might I be privy to the senior''s name?"


    Cao Guang inquired.


    The elder with the black piece gently placed the chess piece on the board.


    "City Lord Cao has quite the appetite, deserving to know this old man''s name..."


    "I am from Qianyuan''s subdivision...


    "Li Qingshan."


    At the sound of that, Cao Guang was momentarily stunned. Then, his pupils suddenly constricted.


    Li Qingshan?!


    It was indeed him!


    Unbeknownst to him, the martial artist who had reached the Grandmaster Realm, the one wearing the cat-faced mask he had clashed with several times, was actually Li Qingshan!

 Chapter 87: Dao Fruit Transforms Again, Dragon Elephant Vajra - Ascend (3)

    In Cao Guang''s tightly drawn eyes, a sudden burst of tension and urgency erupted...


    "So it''s Senior Li, Qingshan''s renown is indeed as loud as thunder... Who in the martial world does not know?"


    "I''ll take my leave now."


    After speaking, Cao Guang quickly grabbed Cao Qingyuan and disappeared swiftly.


    Leaving behind Zhang Xiangyang lying in the wet ground, drenched and utterly despondent.


    Zhang Xiangyang struggled to get up, then looked up into the deep gaze of Li Che.


    It seemed...


    There was a hint of greed and desire in that gaze.


    Zhang Xiangyang hurriedly scrambled away and ran wildly through the rain.


    As he turned his back on Li Che...


    Every hair on Zhang Xiangyang''s body stood on end, a familiar feeling, like when Zhou Ruoguan was killed, the feeling of frantically fleeing!


    The feeling that his head could explode from a strike at any moment!


    Li Che... must be the Bull Demon!


    He must be!


    Li Che regretfully withdrew his gaze.


    Yet, he looked with a touch of astonishment towards Qingshan, who was arranging a chess game under the eave.


    The reaction of City Lord Cao Guang, Li Che felt it very clearly.


    "Qingshan..."


    "Is he that famous?"


    Li Che couldn''t help but murmur in his heart.


    While Li Che was marveling at Qingshan, Qingshan himself was somewhat astonished as well.


    He was astonished that... Li Che had actually killed the Yang Family''s Divine Base!


    Nurturing Nature killed Divine Base...


    Ignoring the rank difference?!


    Could Li Che actually accomplish this? The rank of the Divinity he cultivated wasn''t that high, was it? Nor was it one of the Four Imperials Level, like the "Fury Prince" that Lu Chi cultivated! ?


    The most important thing was...


    After killing Yang Jing, when did Li Che return to the study?


    When Li Che came out from the study looking elegant and learned, Qingshan was taken aback, thinking that the Bull Demon was someone else.


    But after thinking carefully, it could only be attributed to Li Che''s technique of concealing his vital energy, able to evade the perception of the Divine Base, a truly divine method indeed.


    "How did you manage that, boy?"


    Qingshan asked, of course, he was referring to how he killed the Divine Base.


    Li Che smiled gently and spread his hands.


    Honest, but not entirely.


    "It''s the mechanism."


    ...


    ...


    After Qingshan left, Li Che comforted his wife, Zhang Ya, who looked worried, and then went to the study.


    The Chess Saint''s Dao Fruit vibrated slightly, expanding the chessboard network, covering the surroundings, ensuring no powerful being was spying, all was safe and sound.


    Find exclusive tales at


    Only then did Li Che sit in the wooden chair, relaxed his body completely, and let out a long sigh.


    In the room, the charcoal stove burned quietly, releasing heat and dispelling the biting cold.


    Every muscle in Li Che''s body relaxed with cracking sounds.


    The battle with the Divine Base was very refreshing!


    "Divine Base Cultivator is indeed strong, combined two types of Divinity, still not enough compared to Divine Base, but... The ''Bodhi Blood Tears'' far surpassed my expectations, its penetration power, explosiveness, and killing potential all were much higher than the Wood Raven!"


    "It seems that ''Namo Barrett'' has some good points..."


    Li Che grinned.


    But what made him even more emotionally stirred was...


    With a move of his mind.


    A hint of flowing light appeared.


    [Dao Fruit: Dragon Elephant Vajra (LV2,97%)]


    "High-pressure stimulation has a great effect on the maturation of [Dragon Elephant Vajra]... only 3% to go."


    Li Che''s eyes shone brightly.


    Without any hesitation, using the complementary properties of the Dao Fruit, he channeled the Divinity of [Pure Heart] Dao Fruit into [Dragon Elephant Vajra], completing the Dao Fruit!


    The next moment, Li Che felt as if the blood under his skin was boiling.


    Suddenly, a golden light flashed before his eyes!


    [Dao Fruit: Dragon Elephant Vajra (LV3,0%)]


    [Dao Fruit LV3, upon further transformation, obtains the Prototype of Divine Powers "Dragon Elephant Vajra - Ascend"]

 Chapter 88: Ascending the Tower to Meet the Gods, Divine Weapon the Liu Blood Shock Spear

    The cold wind whistled, and the falling rain turned to ice.


    At the entrance of the alley, a thick scent of blood pervaded and intertwined, striking the nostrils with its intensity.


    Cao Qingyuan galloped into action, his vigorous qi and blood whipping the air, emitting a mournful, whistling sound as he landed at the mouth of the alley, catching the scent of blood before even stepping inside.


    The ground was in disarray, with many of Fei Lei City''s bluestone streets covered in cracks, traces of the aftermath of battle still present, indicating the ferocity of the fight.


    He stepped into the alley.


    Beneath his feet, it was not rainwater he trod upon, but a thick, sanguine liquid.


    How much blood had been spilled to dye the accumulated water red!


    When Cao Qingyuan saw the corpse of the Divine Base Cultivator from the Yang Family, Yang Jing, his complexion turned ghastly pale.


    Even he, who was accustomed to dead bodies, couldn''t help feeling a surge of emotion at this moment.


    Yang Jing''s manner of death... was too tragic!


    His body was riddled with dense and numerous blood holes, his blood drained, and his head shattered by a blow.


    These methods were chilling to the bone, causing incessant shivers.


    "This Bull Demon... is too malevolent, too sinister..."


    "Truly earning his nickname, the Bull Demon is nothing but a devil incarnate!"


    "Claiming to be a hero, he doesn''t even come close to having the skin of one!"


    Taking a deep breath, Cao Qingyuan placed his hand on the side knife at his waist, his breathing erratic.


    Suppressing his revulsion, Cao Qingyuan picked up the decaying, mountainous corpse of Yang Jing. He had no desire to make this trip, but his father, the City Lord, had ordered him to retrieve Yang Jing''s body... so he had no choice but to come.


    "How lamentable, a Divine Base Cultivator who stood tall in Fei Lei City for a hundred years... to die such a miserable death..."


    "The Yang Family is truly unfortunate, their entire household of experts annihilated, their ancestral Divine Base founder cruelly killed, the Yang Family..pletely ruined."


    Cao Qingyuan shook his head.


    Upon closer reflection, what did the Yang Family do wrong?


    It seemed they hadn''t done anything wrong...


    It was only from the moment they agreed to help the City Lord''s Mansion capture the Spirit Child from the Xu Family that they started on the path to their doom.


    "The Bull Demon alone slaughtered the entire Yang Family!"


    "The reason... capturing the Spirit Child from the Xu Family..."


    Cao Qingyuan narrowed his eyes, thinking of Li Che''s daughter, that Upper Class Spiritual Child...


    "What a pity."


    Boom¡ª!


    With a surge of qi and blood, Cao Qingyuan shouldered the blood-stained corpse of Yang Jing and vanished from the alley.


    ...


    ...


    Golden light flowed, seeming like gilded gold in the pupils of the eyes.


    The physical body''s qi and blood swelled and boiled ferociously, like the raging waves crashing against the riverbank.


    The Dao Fruit [Dragon Elephant Vajra] had finally reached LV3, undergoing a transformation and giving birth to the prototype of Divine Skills.


    Prototype of Divine Skills...


    Dragon Elephant Vajra - Ascend!


    This was the transformation that Li Che had long anticipated; compared to Dao Fruit [Immortal Artisan], the transformation of the Dragon Elephant Vajra was much more difficult, a true test of patience and diligence.


    Mainly it required combat, of the highly stimulating and intense variety.


    Stimulating the Dao Fruit in battle would bring it closer to maturity!


    In fact, the reason why Li Che''s [Immortal Artisan] Dao Fruit progressed so quickly had much to do with Tang''s Mechanism Essentials.


    The mechanisms recorded within, integrated with Li Che''s own concepts and attempts at reproduction and crafting, provided a wealth of experience for [Immortal Artisan].


    Therefore, the Immortal Artisan progressed much faster.


    "Prototype of Divine Skills... Ascend?"


    Li Che''s eyes shone brightly.


    Different Dao Fruits could give rise to different prototypes of Divine Skills, and the Divine Skills'' prototypes... could they transform into true Divine Skills?


    Li Che couldn''t help looking forward to the moment when these Divine Skill prototypes transformed into true Divine Skills.


    "Perhaps, reaching LV4 or LV5 of the Dao Fruit could trigger the transformation of Divine Skills?"


    Li Che pondered.


    With a thought, the Dao Fruit [Dragon Elephant Vajra] in his chest throbbed, each beat burning brightly like a fierce flame!


    [Prototype of Divine Skills (Dragon Elephant Vajra - Ascend)]: Boiling Divinity, rising flesh and bones, perfect Horizontal Refinement, a sight to all gods]


    Lines of flowing gold appeared before his eyes.


    With furrowed brows and puzzled, Li Che found the line of description somewhat enigmatic.


    After a brief sensation, Li Che didn''t activate [Ascend] in his study, but feeling the eager and nearly transformative surge of qi and blood, he speculated that [Ascend] must be a state enhancement more powerful than the Dao Fruit''s own "Vajra Transformation!"


    The Angry Vajra Transformation was already immensely powerful...


    If it could elevate Li Che''s Qi and Blood Cultivation from the Qi Vein Realm to the Mysterious Vein, would activating [Ascend] propel him directly to the Divine Vein level?


    Li Che wasn''t sure, but his mood soared.


    "A LV3 Dragon Elephant Vajra... provides a significant boost to qi and blood cultivation, even without relying on the Divine Skills'' prototype, it would be of even greater help to me..."


    Li Che''s eyes shone brightly.


    However, he slowly suppressed his excitement, from killing Old Deng of the Yang Family to using the anchor point of the Thunder Chess Piece left in the study to return.


    Li Che''s actions were swift, and it was precisely because of this that he managed to return to the courtyard before Cao Qingyuan and the others.


    He wasn''t deliberately racing against time, but killing Yang Jing really hadn''t taken much time, and secondly... escaping with the Thunder Chess Piece was part of the plan he had already prepared.


    Whether the Bull Demon''s identity was exposed or not, Li Che truly didn''t care anymore.


    Experience the journey on


    With the Divine Sect strongman Li Qingshan backing him, the safety of this twenty-two-year-old Spirit Child and his Supreme Spiritual Child daughter was assured.


    His fingers came together, slicing through the air, tearing open the fabric of space.


    From it, he retrieved a Qiankun Jade with intricate patterns.


    This was the Qiankun Jade of the Yang Family''s Divine Base figurehead, Old Dengone could feel its superior quality immediately upon touching it, far exceeding the Qiankun Jades Li Che had obtained from Si Mubai, Yang Kaihe, and others.


    "A higher-quality Qiankun Jade?"


    Li Che''s mind stirred slightly, and in the next moment, the Dao Fruit [Pure Heart] trembled, releasing pristine Immaculate Heart Divinity that erupted forth, engulfing the high-quality Qiankun Jade.

 Chapter 90: Ascending the Tower: Deities Visit Me, Divine Weapon Liu Blood Shock Spear (3)

    Cao Qingyuan stood by the side, his eyelids drooping low.


    In front of him lay the mountainous corpse of Yang Jing.


    Cao Guang strolled around with his hands behind his back, admiring this blood hole-ridden flesh mountain. The blood had been drained clean, and there was hardly any smell of blood in the air.


    "What a Bull Demon, with only Nurturing Nature, yet he can kill those with Divine Foundation... Yang Jing is also pitiful, having become a stepping stone for this Bull Demon," Cao Guang said with admiration.


    "Nurturing Nature killing Divine Foundation, I''m afraid tales of the Bull Demon will begin to spread in the martial world," he added.


    Cao Qingyuan suddenly lifted his head, his gaze flickering uncertainly, "Father, is that Bull Demon... Li Che?"


    "Whether it is or isn''t no longer matters..."


    "Li Che, and his daughter, we can''t touch them for the time being..." sighed Cao Guang, shaking his head slightly.


    Is Li Che the Bull Demon?


    For Cao Guang, this question lost its meaning.


    "Is it because of the arrival from the Qian Yuan Divine Sect?" Cao Qingyuan asked after a moment of silence.


    "Although only experts from the branch sect came, it''s still the Qian Yuan Divine Sect, the top sect of the Lingnan Circuit, with its status clear for all to see," Cao Guang explained.


    "Moreover, the arrival is none other than Li Qingshan..."


    Cao Guang reached out his hand gently, touching the blood hole-ridden corpse of Yang Jing, his movements tender.


    "Li Qingshan... is he very famous?" Cao Qingyuan asked upon hearing this.


    Cao Guang took a deep breath and glanced at him, "I should have sent you to Yun Province earlier, to gain some exposure... Then you wouldn''t ask such a question," he shook his head slightly.


    Cao Qingyuan was taken aback.


    Just tell me I lack experience, instead of indirectly showing disdain, which kind of hurts.


    "Have you ever heard of the Yunzhou Divine Foundation Spectrum?" Cao Guang inquired while his fingers probed a certain spot on Yang Jing''s corpse, pinching into it as he spoke evenly.


    The Divine Foundation Spectrum!


    Cao Qingyuan took a deep breath, "Is this Li Qingshan a master listed on the Divine Foundation Spectrum?"


    "The Divine Foundation Spectrum is published by the Grand Prospect Dynasty''s Qintian Observatory, evaluating the martial artists across the Great Vista region. Besides, it contains the Divine Phase Diagram. Those who are included in the spectrum, have cast their Divine Foundation and cultivated their Divine Phase, at least reaching Four Imperials," explained Cao Guang.


    "Li Qingshan ranks among the top ten masters on Yun Province''s Divine Foundation Spectrum, having reached Divine Base Perfection, and preparing to Observe Divine Likeness!" Stay tuned for updates on m-v l|-novelhall


    Cao Guang, with his eyes closed, said, "I had not expected that the greeter sent down to Yun Province by the Qian Yuan branch sect this year would be Li Qingshan..."


    "To strike at Divine Phase, one needs to gather Divinity to observe the Temple God''s true form... During the observation period, Divinity cannot be disturbed. Li Qingshan hasn''t descended the mountain with his Divine Phase, and with Divinity not empowering him, now he can only rely on the Grandmaster''s physical body, no wonder..."


    "This is our luck... Otherwise, we would have been smashed to death a long time ago," he stated.


    "This Li Qingshan, known as the Yun Province Hammer Tyrant, wields the Divine Weapon Purple Gold Hammer, smashing through countless masters'' skulls... his notoriety is indeed widespread."


    "Lucky, aren''t we," Cao Guang exhaled.


    "So, for now, we can''t touch Li Che and his Superior Grade Spiritual Child daughter," he continued.


    "Regardless of whether Li Che is the Bull Demon or not, since Li Qingshan has revealed his identity to protect him, we dare not touch him any further," Cao Guang affirmed.


    "The Thousand Buddha Carving Banquet has to be accelerated... "


    "I worry that Li Qingshan is considering smashing my head in with his hammer," he mused aloud.


    Suddenly,


    Cao Guang abruptly opened his eyes, his brows furrowing into a "´¨" character.


    "Hm?!"


    "Something''s not right!"


    "Where is Yang Jing''s Divinity? The Divinity within his body... why is there not a drop left?!" Cao Guang, with his own Divinity surging, pressed forcefully, and with a squeeze of his five fingers¡ª


    There was a "bang"...


    The huge mountainous corpse of Yang Jing in front of him twisted and writhed before exploding into pieces, with chunks of flesh and broken bones flying across the entire hall.


    Cao Qingyuan, standing nearby, was splattered all over, remaining utterly stunned in place.


    As for Cao Guang, he showed a hint of ferocity.


    "Who is it?"


    "Who devoured all the Divinity in Yang Jing''s body?! Are there still people from our sect in Fei Lei City?! No... that shouldn''t be the case..."


    "Is it the Bull Demon?!"


    "Could this Bull Demon actually be... one of our own?!"

 Chapter 91: The Drained Temple God, Three-eyed Wrathful True Lord Foundation Technique

    Even if a Divine Base Cultivator perished, the Divinity within their body wouldn''t dissipate in a short time, but would still remain.


    At that time, if one were to use some secret techniques, it would be possible to devour the Divinity in the corpse and use it for oneself.


    Although there might be situations where the Divinity doesn''t match.


    But even if it didn''t match, one could still refine and extract it, and remove the mismatched will of Divinity.


    Such secret techniques originally spread from a high-rank Mysterious Temple, and later became a Sect-Protection Method of a major heretical sect in the Great Scenery Jianghu, leading to one massacre after another.


    Cao Guang''s gaze flickered as his heart trembled slightly.


    He had obtained such a technique from the sect...


    But now when he used it, he couldn''t feel any Divinity from Yang Jing''s corpse, which was very unreasonable.


    "This Bull Demon..."


    Cao Guang narrowed his eyes, and in a flash, as if he realized something, he appeared somewhat enlightened.


    "No wonder the Bull Demon''s strength increased so rapidly with each appearance. While extraordinary martial talent is certainly one reason, the enhancement of its Divine power is equally fast..."


    "It turns out to be the same as me, which explains it."


    "However, who passed the technique to the Bull Demon? Why did the Bull Demon appear in Fei Lei City? Is it to target me? Or... to pluck the fruits of my ''Thousand Buddha Carving Banquet''?"


    Cao Guang felt as though a dark shadow was watching him from the darkness, like the deadliest viper in the world.


    Ultimately, he chuckled coldly.


    "No matter what, this Bull Demon... is not my equal."


    "Even if it is a member of the same sect, I am the senior, and juniors should respectfully stay juniors... and be content with just sipping soup."


    "If you want the fruits... be prepared to leave your life behind!"


    Cao Guang''s eyes took on a few degrees of coldness.


    Afterwards, he glanced at Cao Qingyuan, splattered with rotten meat and broken bones, with full disgust.


    "Clean up this disgusting mess."


    "Then... go to other cities, send people to bring back a few Spirit Children to fill the empty spots."


    "The Thousand Buddha Carving Banquet... must be accelerated."


    As the words fell.


    Cao Guang stepped away and vanished around the corner of the hall.


    Cao Qingyuan respectfully performed a ritual, not daring to object.


    However, in reality, within his bowed head, his eyes were also ablaze.


    The Thousand Buddha Carving Banquet...


    The blessing of the Temple God.


    He had also been looking forward to it for a long time.


    ...


    ...


    "Kerplunk!"


    A Python Blood Martial Pill plunged into the stomach, making a dull sound like a stone falling into a grand lake.


    This was an elixir that could only be consumed in the Meridian Connection Realm.


    The blood energy broke through into the Qi Channels, forming a Minor Circulation of Inner Qi within the body, running along sinews and muscles, covering the five viscera and six bowels.


    Each cycle was a blend of Inner Strength and blood energy, creating a powerful surge of Inner Qi.


    Li Che could feel the Python Blood Martial Pill rolling in his stomach, slowly releasing its medicinal properties as it dissolved in the gastric juices.


    Boom¡ª!


    The moment the outer coating of the pill shattered, it was as if a python was stirring up a storm in his stomach!


    The blood energy was lit up like fire, and his insides were heating up like a furnace!


    The [Dragon Elephant Vajra] Dao Fruit vibrated with a hum, as if there were dragon chants and elephant cries, the Python Blood Martial Pill was crushed in an instant!


    The overwhelming medicinal power rose like a gust of wind, propelling the blood energy and roaring through the meridians, scouring the five viscera and six bowels like a wild surge!


    Li Che''s entire body made sounds of metal friction, and his skin turned reddish.


    "How overbearing!"


    Li Che''s eyes opened, as if with flames burning within. For ordinary people refining a Python Blood Martial Pill, it required a slow and enduring process.


    The [Dragon Elephant Vajra] Dao Fruit directly crushed the pill, forcibly initiating the release of its medicinal power...


    Li Che''s body "buzzed" and swelled out, his flesh expanding as thick python-like sinews vibrated on his back. His body had a unique rhythm, driving his blood energy and integrating with his Inner Strength.


    The Qian Yuan Minor Celestial Circuit Qi Meridian Technique was almost squeezed to its limit by his flesh.


    Inner Qi kept generating, filling his limbs and bones!


    The Qi Meridian Realm in the Meridian Connection stage, different from the external refinement stages like Millstone, Sinew Transforming, Bone Tempering, etc., was a process of internal refinement of muscles and bones, the five viscera and six bowels. It could be called Internal Refinement of sinews and organs.


    But while refining internally, it was also necessary to accumulate Inner Qi. The growth of Inner Qi was the foundation for enhancing the Qi Meridian Cultivation.


    A Python Blood Martial Pill was almost completely consumed and absorbed by Li Che in just half an hour.


    Li Che''s skin was steaming with heat, hissing noises emitted, and the Inner Qi running in the Minor Circulation grew from slender snakes to grand dragons in size.


    Li Che rose to his feet, his gaze sweeping over.


    [Dao Fruit: Dragon Elephant Vajra (LV3, 5%)]


    One martial arts pill directly increased the maturity of the Dragon Elephant Vajra by 5%, an astonishingly swift pace. Discover more content at m,v l''e-novelhall


    However, Li Che could understand that it was his first time consuming an elixir, and it was normal for it to have a better effect.


    If he continued taking more, the rate of increase certainly wouldn''t be as rapid.


    "Then I just need to consume a few more..."


    Li Che, dripping with warm sweat, checked his body''s condition and, finding no issues, reached out for another elixir and swallowed it down.


    After all, these were martial arts pills scavenged from the Yang Family Treasure House, so he didn''t feel the pinch using them up; the only downside was their limited quantity. Once consumed, he might have to find other ways to acquire more martial pills.


    Feeling the medicinal power of the pill unfolding in his belly once more.


    Li Che''s gaze deepened slightly.


    "With the [Dragon Elephant Vajra] Dao Fruit''s ability to squeeze out the medicinal properties of the pills, my Qi Meridians shouldn''t take long to break through to the Mysterious Vein. However... to obtain the Qian Yuan Mystic Vein Technique, the senior from Qingshan said I''d need to join the Divine Sect."


    "But it seems... it won''t be too long."


    "Senior from Qingshan exposing his identity, most likely... is a signal that he''s about to return to the Divine Sect."


    "I will... just hold off for a while longer."


    "I possess the Yang Family''s Divine Foundation Technique, and the senior from Qingshan once said, a high-rank Divine Foundation Technique can override a lower-rank one..."

 Chapter 92: The Drained Temple God, Three-Eyed Wrathful True Lord Foundation Technique (2)

    "So, martial arts can be held back..."


    "But for the Divine Nature, can I try..."


    "To forge a Divine Foundation?"


    ...


    ...


    The sky was tinged with the first light of dawn, and the winter rain had just stopped.


    The chill of the early morning grew even thicker.


    Distant mountains were enveloped and circled by ribbon-like mists, seen from afar as if they were ink washes sparingly applied in a landscape painting.


    The Xu Family, Divine Cultivation Institute.


    Nurse Momo had returned to tranquility, without the noise and tumult of the children, the place seemed somewhat stark and cold.


    She held a python-headed cane in one hand and scissors in the other, trimming the flowers in the yard that were speckled with droplets from the winter rain.


    Suddenly,


    A figure in azure attire appeared, descending into the courtyard and gazing at Nurse Momo across the flowers.


    Nurse Momo paused for a moment but then ignored the visitor, snipping even more vigorously, the trimmed leaves and flowers falling in a rush.


    "Still so temperamental..."


    Li Qingshan watched Nurse Momo and couldn''t help but grin.


    He reached out, intending to ruffle the girl''s hair without a second thought.


    However, the sharp scissors clanged open threateningly, blocking the path of Li Qingshan''s outstretched hand.


    "I''m not the little girl I was back then, don''t touch me, or I''ll cut it off!" Nurse Momo glared, brandishing the scissors as a threat.


    "Hahaha, I am tough and robust now; try cutting me, why don''t you?"


    Li Qingshan laughed heartily, his lips curling up.


    This girl still had the same stubbornness as always; after all these years, she hadn''t changed.


    Nurse Momo huffed and set down the scissors. Li Qingshan was now a renowned powerhouse in the Divine Base Scroll.


    She knew full well how formidable his physique was.


    Too lazy to clip, she might as well save a pair of scissors from being ruined.


    "An esteemed expert of the Qian Yuan Divine Sect, what brings you to seek this old woman? Your grandson... Master Li has taken him away. Go to Master Li if you''re looking for him." Nurse Momo pursed her lips and glared with a hint of sarcasm.


    Li Qingshan''s hand finally landed on Nurse Momo''s head as he intended, gently rubbing it: "That big-headed boy isn''t my grandson, just my disciple. When I first threw the kid to you, it was partly to tease you but also to find an excuse to protect Xi Xi. That girl Xi Xi has a good Divine Talent. I plan to take her to Mansion City.


    With her Talent, she should easily pass the sect-entry examination of Mansion City."


    On hearing this, Nurse Momo''s eyes briefly brightened, but they quickly dimmed again, and she grew cold.


    "Okay, I get it, old lady. You can leave now."


    Having said that, she leaned on her cane and walked further into the courtyard.


    Li Qingshan watched the old woman''s staggering figure and sighed softly: "Come with me, Momo. Although I have been observing the Divine Likeness, I specifically fought for this opportunity to descend the mountain in my physical form just to see you..."


    "This time, I''ll see who dares to stop me... I will pulverize them."


    Nurse Momo''s steps faltered.


    "Li Qingshan, I am old now..."


    "Old, huh."


    Li Qingshan gently walked up to Nurse Momo''s side.


    It was just like the old days, green hills and clear waters.


    He tenderly patted the maiden''s head.


    Li Qingshan could smash countless heads, but only showed tenderness towards the girl.


    Looking at the distant mountains,


    Li Qingshan''s voice was soft and tender,


    "No worries, we can still watch the twilight together."


    ...


    ...


    The greeters from the Qian Yuan Divine Sect to select the Spirit Children had arrived.


    City Lord Cao Guang personally welcomed them and, as per tradition, would host a banquet at the Golden Splendor Pavilion in three days. At the same time, he would summon the noble families and clans from Fei Lei City''s Inner City to send children from the Divine Cultivation Institute to test for Divine Talent.


    All the noble families from the Inner City of Fei Lei City would attend, even those divine foundation ancestors who usually remained in seclusion would make an appearance.


    This was considered a major event in the city every few years.


    It was a formality that both the Divine Sect and the Imperial Court needed to uphold.


    "The An Family is leaving the city en masse? Heading to Golden Light Prefecture City?"


    In the courtyard, while guiding Xi Xi in martial arts, Li Che listened to Old Chen, who was back from a stroll and bringing news, and was momentarily stunned.


    The An Family...


    So decisive?


    Yesterday, Old Deng from the Yang Family was just killed, and today they''re promptly leaving the city, taking off without looking back. Your journey continues with m v|l--novelhall


    The resilience of the old patriarch of the An Family was truly as his reputation suggested, and he was taking the whole family with him in a hasty retreat.


    Old Chen too was smacking his lips, incessantly marveling.


    A trace of regret and pity flashed in the depths of Li Che''s eyes.


    His Worry Divine Nature... had fled.


    Now, getting the "Worry Divine Nature" method of nurturing nature might need a different approach. The nurturing method was precious but not easy to find; after all, it might not even be available on the black market.


    After guiding Xi Xi and his wife Zhang Ya in their martial arts practice, Li Che went to his private workshop.


    Sitting in the workshop''s wooden chair, Li Che grasped a bright white carving knife, etching a Divine Wood Carving.


    The shavings trembled and fell, scattering with the winter breeze.


    In a moment, a vividly lifelike wood carving formed.


    Capturing the Divinity in the heavens and earth and infusing it into the wood carving.


    Before him, a prompt with flowing light emerged.


    [Dao Fruit: Immortal Artisan (LV3, 29%)]


    Progress in Immortal Artisan was slow.


    "It seems I need to create some new mechanisms," Tang''s Mechanism Essentials "has some mechanisms I can create. Besides... my conceptualization of ''Namo Fairy Craft Barrett'' is also worth a try with the penetrating power of Bodhi Blood Tears being quite fitting."


    "Additionally, I need to enhance the power of Wood Raven..."


    "Craftsmanship indeed becomes hard to improve as it reaches the later stages."


    Li Che''s fingers moved agilely, as the carving knife danced over the wood, began crafting a smaller ''Namo Fairy Craft Gatling'' intended for Xi Xi, for this girl... had been nagging him lately.


    Of course, he would deliver it to her in his Bull Demon guise, and also give her a piece of Qiankun Jade to store the Gatling.

 Chapter 93: The Drained Temple God, Three-eyed Wrathful True Lord Foundation Technique (3)

    It also served as a method for Xi Xi to defend herself.


    Li Che felt himself quite busy, with martial paths to cultivate, Immortal Artisan tasks to do, and Divinity to refine...


    He stood up, his bones crackling loudly.


    His potent qi and blood vibrated.


    With his bare hands, Li Che drew out the cute Cute Cow mask and covered his face with it.


    In front of him, light flickered. Explore stories at m,v l''e-novelhall


    [Dao Fruit: Chess Saint (LV1,89%)]


    The rate of enhancement of the Chess Saint''s Dao Fruit... It was somewhat beyond Li Che''s imagination.


    But, it was also within expectations.


    After all, it integrated the Divinity of a Divine Foundation from the Yang Family''s Old Deng, turning it into a chess piece, which substantially increased its maturity.


    With a squeeze of his fingers, the Divinity Thunder Chess Piece from the "Three-eyed Wrathful True Lord Lingying Bizarre Temple" outside the city was immediately grasped in his hand.


    Upon opening his eyes again, he already appeared inside the flickering candle-lit Mysterious Temple.


    During this period, Zhao Xuanhai''s [Wrathful Maitreya] Divinity had already been exhausted, and Li Che had replaced it with the Temple God''s Fury Divinity, which worked surprisingly well with hardly any rejection.


    Now, the [Wrathful Maitreya] Divinity had reached the peak of Cultivation as Riverlike.


    He was also not far from forging a Divine Foundation.


    "However, I have yet to master the [Wrathful Maitreya] Divine Foundation Technique,"


    "This Dharma... the City Lord''s Mansion should have it."


    Having finished absorbing the Divinity, Li Che leaped down from the altar.


    He glanced at the increasingly numerous various Ling Tong Wood Carvings arranged around him.


    Li Che''s brows furrowed slightly.


    "City Lord... or should I say, the leader of the Spirit Infant Sect''s Thousand Buddha Carving Banquet?"


    "The purpose of the Thousand Buddha Carving Banquet should be a sacrifice, through which... to awaken the Temple God? Specifically, how is it operated?"


    Li Che glanced around, feeling the Spirit Infant Wood Carvings seemingly flowing with various emotions, which inevitably caused irritation and anger.


    [Pure Heart] Dao Fruit, pure white Divinity surged out, calming and peaceful.


    Suppressing the urge to destroy these Spirit Infant Wood Carvings because Li Qingshan had said that these carvings worshipped the Temple God and had developed a special connection with it.


    If destroyed, even if just one Spirit Infant Wood Carving, the Temple God would sense it and subsequently awaken.


    With an unknown Temple God, Li Che was still somewhat wary, unwilling to confront it lightly.


    He only wanted to quietly absorb the Temple God''s Divinity, and as for fighting the Temple God, he had no such intention.


    He let out a breath.


    Li Che glanced at the Three-Eyes Wrathful True Monarch Spirit Child placed on the altar.


    Smiling, with the Bull Demon mask on, Li Che leaped onto the altar, standing firm and unshaken.


    Looking at the patina-covered head of the Temple God Wood Carving, Li Che reached out his hand.


    His palm suddenly turned jade-colored, as if thin jade-colored mist was entwining around his arm.


    It looked like it was carved out of jade, delicate and splendid.


    Boom!!!


    A powerful siphoning force erupted from the Thousand Analyzing Hands, beginning to absorb the Divinity contained within the Temple God Wood Carving.


    One by one, dark Divinity Chess Pieces slowly floated around Li Che.


    Emanating dark streams of air.


    The Temple God Wood Carving, seated high on the altar, seemed to express an increasingly intense fury, much like a child whose treasures had been snatched away.


    The vertical eye on its forehead almost seemed angrily twisting.


    Unfortunately, it was always slightly insufficient.


    Li Che concentrated, and as the [Dragon Elephant Vajra] Dao Fruit entered LV3, the siphoning power of the Thousand Analyzing Hands seemed to strengthen as well.


    The speed of absorbing Divinity grew faster and faster!


    Originally, in one session of two hours, he could only absorb half a Temple God Divinity Chess Piece.


    Now... Li Che condensed one in half an hour.


    One after another, black-aired chess pieces floated, two each hour, and four pieces floated around him.


    Together with the previously condensed pieces, there were a total of nine Temple God Divinity Chess Pieces.


    Perhaps feeling somewhat unfinished, when Li Che was about to absorb the ninth Temple God Chess Piece.


    The robust siphoning power of the Thousand Analyzing Hands erupted...


    But...


    Li Che''s eyes narrowed in astonishment, as he didn''t absorb any Divinity.


    The Temple God seemed... to have been drained by him!


    Not that... this could even be drained?


    However, soon, Li Che felt the Temple God Wood Carving burst forth with an extremely scorching sensation.


    He saw, the covered head of the Temple God Wood Carving, the third vertical eye on it...


    Its eyeball peculiarly began to roll around.


    "Snap!"


    Suddenly,


    One hand of the Three-Eyed Wrathful True Lord Lingying Temple God Wood Carving suddenly snapped up, fiercely grabbing Li Che''s patina-covered palm on his head.


    Rumble¡ª


    Outside the Mysterious Temple, it seemed as if thunder rumbled in winter and lightning snakes slivered.


    Inside the Mysterious Temple, all the candles flickered violently, casting twisted shadows of the Spirit Infant Wood Carvings, as if thousands of fierce ghosts were dancing wildly.


    The atmosphere seemed to chill in an instant.


    Between heaven and earth, there was a moment of silence.


    It seemed one could only hear the beat of the heart within the chest, like thunder and resonating like a great bell.


    But none of these mattered... What mattered was, Li Che felt a scorching current flowing from the Temple God Wood Carving into the Thousand Analyzing Hands.


    The Thousand Analyzing Hands'' jade color flowed.


    Information passed through the Thousand Analyzing Hands into Li Che''s mind, slowly unfolding.


    ...


    [Divine Foundation Technique (Eight Extremes Superior Grade): Three-eyed Wrathful True Lord Divine Foundation]

 Chapter 94: The Advancing Divine Foundation Technique, Xi Xi Misses Master Niu Niu

    The candlelight flickered dimly, casting shadows of countless wood-carved spirit infants that resembled gnashing demons and ghosts.


    The Cute Bull Mask reflected the firelight as the Temple God Wood Carving clenched his arm, with the vertical eye rolling in its socket, as if a heated atmosphere was exploding forth.


    In the air, it seemed as if soundless roars were cresting like waves, beating down one after another.


    The Temple God looked furious, all three of its eyes radiating anger.


    As if it were bellowing at the insatiably greedy Bull Demon before it.


    That''s enough!


    Take it and scram!


    Don''t be too greedy!


    However, Li Che remained completely unaware.


    His eyes, visible through the mask''s eye holes, burned quietly, a keen observer amidst the fire''s glow.


    ...


    [Divine Foundation Technique (Eight Extremes Superior Grade): Three-eyed Fury True Lord Divine Foundation]


    [Origin: Branch of Wrath Divinity, the will of thousands in Fierce anger, siphoning through the Trinity Divine Eye, arranging a thousand infant wood carvings to contain God''s Intent, blessed by the True Lord of the Divine Child, hence obtaining the technique]


    [Advancement: If granted the Divine Foundation Techniques of the Three-Eyed Merciful True Monarch and the Three-Eyed Intimidating True Monarch, one could forge together the Seven Elements Superior Grade Three-Eyed Three Spirits True Lord Divine Foundation]


    [Condition: Wrath Divinity, Nurturing Nature at Riverlike Peak]


    ...


    The prompts of flowing light text slowly dissipated before his eyes.


    Overwhelming information surged into Li Che''s mind; his eyes narrowed slightly, revealing a hint of pleasant surprise.


    Breaking free from the Temple God Wood Carving''s grasp, Li Che instantly shot down from the altar and landed on the ground. He stilled his emotions and silently received the information flowing into his mind.


    "This is... the Divine Foundation Technique?!"


    "Moreover, it''s of the Eight Extremes Superior Grade. The Heart Shocking Extreme Firmness Divine Foundation Technique I got from Old Deng of the Yang Family was only of the Nine Luminaries Inferior Grade..."


    "Eight Extremes Superior Grade Divine Foundation Technique..."


    Li Che was pleasantly surprised, decidedly unexpected.


    Discover more stories at m,v l''e-novelhall.net


    "Senior Qingshan mentioned that one could receive gifts from the Temple God within the Mysterious Temples. Many Divine Methods and Divine Foundation Techniques are obtained from Mysterious Temples. Therefore, many wild and unexplored Mysterious Temples have numerous cultivators coming and going..."


    "So this is the so-called gift from the Temple God?"


    Even though it more closely resembled an impatient dismissal from the Temple God, Li Che was quite happy.


    "This Temple God Divine Foundation Technique... it seems like it can advance further!"


    "If I obtain the Divine Foundation Techniques of the Three-Eyed Merciful True Monarch and the Three-Eyed Intimidating True Monarch, I can cast together the Divine Foundation of the Three-Eyed Three Spirits True Lord, which would be a Seven Elements Superior Grade Divine Foundation!"


    Li Che pondered, his emotions slightly fluctuating, his eyes growing increasingly bright.


    "Surely, I am not the only one in the world who has thought of forging a Seven Emotions Divine Base. Although it involves casting together, the approach actually shares some similarities. "


    "Casting three types of Divine Origin Bases into one Divine Foundation, whereas I intended to forge seven Divine Bases."


    Great similarity with slight differences.


    The approach in the cultivation paths was actually the same.


    Li Che felt an inexplicable happiness, with a clearer vision of his future path and something to look forward to.


    "Additionally, Senior Qingshan said that this Mysterious Temple is a branch of the Four Royal Mysterious Temples. Could it be that in the future... my Divine Foundation can be further enhanced and modified through those Four Royal Mysterious Temples?"


    "If this Ten Cities Mysterious Temple can yield an Eight Extremes Superior Grade Divine Foundation Technique... would the Four Royal Mysterious Temples yield a Divine Foundation Technique of the Three Clears Level?"


    In his mind, the Divine Foundation Technique was completely assimilated.


    He had lingered a little longer in the Mysterious Temple today.


    Li Che''s ears twitched ever so slightly; his enhanced martial senses after his cultivation had sharpened all his perceptions.


    He heard hurried yet extremely faint sounds coming from outside the Mysterious Temple.


    Someone was coming!


    After leaving a Thunder Chess Piece as an anchor point, Li Che clenched his fingers and vanished.


    The doors of the Mysterious Temple opened.


    A figure in white, wearing a faceless mask, streaked swiftly into the temple, the mask reflecting tens of thousands of distorted lights.


    "Temple God Divinity moving strangely... Was someone in the temple just now?"


    "Who is it?!"


    Without even opening the temple doors... they appeared inside the Mysterious Temple?


    What kind of specter is this!


    The white figure''s hair flew about as the eyes beneath the mask showed immense solemnity.


    Winter thunder rumbled, and lightning slithered like a snake.


    Suddenly, the figure in white stiffened their neck, tilting it back slowly.


    The gestures had changed!


    The Temple God Wood Carving... it was different than before!


    Looking at the altar, where the Temple God Wood Carving now seemed to be grasping for something...


    The figure in white felt their Divinity obstructed, acutely feeling the Temple God''s overwhelming rage crashing like a torrential wave.


    They couldn''t help but grunt, as strange black patterns seemed to emerge on their body, writhing slowly.


    The figure in white trembled, and then...


    Their knees bent...


    And they slowly knelt down.


    ...


    ...


    Li Che returned to his private workshop.


    His tall figure stood silently. Removing his mask, he shed his garments.


    "An unexpected fortune indeed, to have acquired a Divine Foundation Technique in the Mysterious Temple..."


    "Eight Extremes Superior Grade."


    Li Che looked up at the darkening sky, as nightfall approached.


    The evening sun set the black roof tiles ablaze with a fiery glow.


    "I have now cultivated ''Wrathful Maitreya'' to the peak of Cultivation as Riverlike, just one step away from the Divine Foundation... This is the perfect time to attempt it."


    Li Che mulled over the thought, yet he knew that forging a Divine Foundation was no easy feat.


    "Creating a Divine Foundation will certainly provoke intense fluctuations of Divinity that cannot be hidden. It will expose me..."


    "The most crucial thing is, should the process be disrupted, one might even suffer backlash, which is entirely different from the martial breakthrough of Channel Opening."


    Li Che sat in his chair, toying with a finely carved wood sculpture, but his mind was preoccupied with considering the preparations needed for forging the Divine Foundation.


    "First of all, it can''t be done within the city. I need to find a tranquil place outside... Next, I must set up traps and hidden weapons. And... my Qi and Blood Martial Path must be strong enough. I should take these days to consume and refine the remaining Python Blood Martial Pills, transforming them into Qi and Blood Cultivation."

 Chapter 95: The Upgradable Divine Foundation Technique, Xi Xi Misses Master Niu Niu (2)

    "I possess the ''Dragon Elephant Vajra'' Dao Fruit, my physical body is robust; even without the Mysterious Vein cultivation, my physical strength is by no means weaker than that of the Mysterious Vein, perhaps even stronger. This should pose no problems in forging my Divine Foundation."


    After Li Che had arranged everything,


    He calmed his mind in the workshop, took out the ''Blood Flesh Red'' Spiritual Wood he had harvested from Old Deng of the Yang Family, and started crafting the ''Bodhi Blood Tears'' mechanism.


    The power of this device was immense, posing a significant threat even to Divine Base Cultivators.


    Unfortunately, due to its high difficulty of production, Li Che only had one and had to prepare others after its use.


    Luckily, the piece of Blood Flesh Red Spiritual Wood collected by Old Deng of the Yang Family was large enough; Li Che estimated he could make three Bodhi Blood Tears.


    After working for a while, Li Che stopped his hands.


    Seeing the skies had darkened completely, he did not stay any longer in the workshop.


    He left the workshop and headed to the Golden Splendor Pavilion, because with Li Qingshan''s situation, the City Lord''s Mansion had completely retracted its claws, no longer harboring any intentions toward Li Che and Xi Xi.


    With the fall of the Yang Family, the weakening of the Si Family, and the relocation of the entire An Family, the noble families and clans within Fei Lei City were reduced to just the Xu Family, leading to an oddly improved order within the city.


    Having ordered a good table of wine and dishes, Li Che returned to his own courtyard.


    Back in the courtyard,


    Xi Xi was sitting under the eaves with Grandpa Chen, eating fruits on large and small bamboo chairs.


    Grandpa Chen doted on Xi Xi, often buying her lots of delicious things; even in the winter when fruits were expensive, he was willing to spend the money for her.


    "Daddy!"


    Seeing Li Che return, Xi Xi excitedly bounced off the chair.


    She ran towards Li Che and crashed into his embrace.


    "Daddy, are we moving? Can we take Grandpa Chen with us?"


    Xi Xi''s eyelashes fluttered lightly, her eyes watery and full of reluctance.


    Grandpa Chen on the chair was instantly stunned, his eyes much softer; he grabbed his gourd, pulled out the stopper, and took a swig of wine: "This girl... "


    "You are going to Mansion City to cultivate, what would Grandpa Chen do there?"


    Upon hearing this, Li Che smiled and said, "Grandpa Chen, stop being shy, let''s go together. Xi Xi has been training under your guidance since she was little. When we get to Mansion City, there will be assessments, don''t you want to see Xi Xi suppress all the Spirit Children from various cities and powerfully enter the Divine Sect?"


    Upon hearing this, Grandpa Chen was momentarily speechless: "This girl, though sweet and lovely, has the strength to pull mountains and the spirit to overshadow the world..."


    Stay tuned to m-v l|-novelhall.net


    "At the age of three, no one can rival Little Stinky Xi!"


    Grandpa Chen laughed heartily, as if envisioning the dominating scene of Xi Xi beating up Spirit Children from other cities in Mansion City.


    Xi Xi, with one hand around Li Che''s neck, scrunched up her little nose and said discontentedly, "Grandpa Chen, I am Xi Xi, Li Nuanxi, not Little Stinky Xi!"


    "Haha, okay, okay, Grandpa Chen knows, Little Stinky Xi."


    Grandpa Chen responded with a laugh.


    Xi Xi was annoyed and puffed up her cheeks, staying silent.


    "Grandpa Chen, prepare yourself; in a couple of days, come with me to bid farewell to your position as a Wood Carver at the Xu Family," Li Che said.


    Grandpa Chen still hesitated a bit: "A Spirit Child can only bring their own family, right? Isn''t it inappropriate for me to go?"


    "Don''t worry, your spot won''t be missed," Li Che pursed his lips and said.


    Upon hearing this, Grandpa Chen no longer resisted.


    In a couple of days, after the selection of Spirit Children at the Golden Splendor Pavilion ends, Li Che planned to discuss with his uncles about them also relocating to Mansion City.


    Mainly because, Fei Lei City... was no longer safe.


    As night fell,


    Li Qingshan returned with a radiant face, his steps brisk.


    Lu Chi, who was wrestling with Xi Xi for the Twist Car, looked up puzzledly at his master, who seemed rejuvenated. Despite his young age, he had already discerned many adult secrets.


    Rolling his eyes, Lu Chi resumed competing with Xi Xi for the Twist Car.


    "I don''t want to play anymore, Brother Lu Chi, you can have it,"


    Xi Xi generously gave the Twist Car to Lu Chi then sat down under the eaves, her chubby hands propping her chin, seemingly a bit melancholic.


    From a distance, Li Che, teaching Zhang Ya a Martial Technique, immediately turned his gaze.


    Lu Chi shivered, jumping off the Twist Car as if it was scalding his bottom, feeling Li Che''s gaze like a thousand cuts.


    With a tearful heart, it''s not like he had provoked Xi Xi.


    Li Che approached Xi Xi: "Are you not happy, Xi Xi?"


    Xi Xi pouted her little mouth: "Xi Xi misses Master Niu Niu; he hasn''t visited in several days, and I miss him."


    Li Che paused.


    That Bull Demon, clearly no good, yet this girl misses him so?


    However, as her father, Li Che naturally wanted to fulfill her wishes.


    "Don''t worry, perhaps your Master Niu Niu knows you''re moving, and he''s preparing a gift for you?" Li Che pinched Xi Xi''s chubby cheek.


    Xi Xi''s eyes immediately brightened.


    Meanwhile, Lu Chi, unseen by Li Che, rolled his eyes in the direction his cheek wasn''t visible.


    He, Lu Chi, had cunningly seen through the adults'' secrets.


    An old man deceiving a lady, forever young.


    A father coaxing his daughter, pretending to be a master.


    The world of adults is all fake.


    ...


    ...


    The next day,


    Dark clouds piled up, winter lightning darting through them, flashing with electric light.


    After assisting his wife Zhang Ya with deep exploratory Bone Technique the night before, Li Che felt spirited and invigorated.


    In the courtyard,


    Li Qingshan sat in a wooden chair, dressed in green robes, flipping through a book. Beside him, a stove boiled water for tea, the steam billowing.


    Lu Chi sat cross-legged below, cultivating his Divinity.


    The book Li Qingshan was reading was the ''Tang''s Mechanism Essentials,'' obtained from Grandpa Chen.


    The elderly man furrowed his brows, looked at the book, and said to Li Che, "Mechanism... Is it with the mechanisms in here that you killed the Yang Family''s Divine Foundation?"

 Chapter 96: The Upgradable Divine Foundation Technique, Xi Xi Misses Master Niu Niu (3)

    "Tang Family mechanisms are indeed formidable, but they are also complex. This booklet is just an incomplete copy, and the recorded mechanisms are mostly ambiguous. You actually managed to make one? Your craftsmanship is truly not bad..."


    Li Qingshan looked at Li Che, smiled, and a hint of intrigue flashed in his eyes.


    The way of mechanisms requires talent.


    It''s not something that can be dealt with merely a bit of skill.


    Back then, the Tang Family of Great Vista was so glorious, but ever since the demise of the family''s Divine Fetus who presided over the clan, rarely have any mechanism geniuses been born. Gradually, the Tang Family also fell into decline.


    Because many of the Tang Family mechanisms, even if there are diagrams, can''t be made without talent.


    "However, your talent for the way of mechanisms should not be wasted. Once you join the Divine Sect, I will introduce you to someone. He should be able to teach you a lot about the way of mechanisms."


    Continue your saga on .com


    Upon hearing this, Li Che did not refuse. He was indeed interested in the way of mechanisms, and if he could learn more about mechanisms, it would also be a great help in maturing towards the ''Immortal Artisan'' Dao Fruit.


    After chatting with Li Qingshan for a while, Li Che went to call Old Chen, intending to go to the Xu Family to resign from the wood carving shop''s position as Wood Carver.


    "Going to Xu''s? I''m heading the same way, let''s go together."


    Li Qingshan languidly got up from his seat.


    Li Che was startled. The same way? The same way to where?


    However, he did not say much as Li Qingshan''s public identity in Fei Lei City was basically allowed to do as he pleased, and even the Xu Family would treat him as a distinguished guest.


    Soon, the three of them arrived at Xu''s Wood Carving Shop in the Inner City, and Li Qingshan wandered off on his own.


    Li Che then explained his intentions to Old Chen, and shortly after, Xu Heli, dressed in a suit of white, and Xu Beihu hurriedly arrived.


    "Master Li, are you planning to resign from your position as Wood Carver at Xu''s wood carving shop?"


    "Is it because your daughter''s status as a Spirit Child has been acknowledged by Elder Qingshan, and she will soon be heading to Mansion City?"


    Xu Heli looked at Li Che with a smile. His expression was complex and he found it hard to imagine how a commoner could have risen so quickly in just three short years.


    As for whether Li Che was the Bull Demon, Xu Heli could not confirm it.


    Because at the time Cao Qingyuan and Zhang Xiangyang went to Li Che''s courtyard, they were also watching from afar.


    The Bull Demon had fought against the Yang Family''s Divine Foundation while Li Che appeared in the courtyard.


    Thus, they ruled out the speculation that Li Che was the Bull Demon.


    Moreover, whether Li Che was the Bull Demon or not... no longer mattered.


    With Divine Sect powerhouses backing Li Che and his daughter, no one in Fei Lei City would dare to touch the father and daughter.


    Even if it were confirmed that Li Che was the Bull Demon, what then?


    The incident of the Bull Demon killing the Yang Family''s Divine Foundation had already shocked the entirety of Fei Lei City.


    When Xu Heli heard the news, he was completely stunned. He never imagined that the Bull Demon could actually counter-kill after the Yang Family Divine Foundation took action.


    Xu Heli immediately felt that there was no way the Bull Demon could be Li Che.


    How could Li Che, who had only cultivated for three years, possibly reach the level of killing a Divine Foundation?


    "Head Shopkeeper, as for the honorary position, let it be... It doesn''t seem quite right that we aren''t in Fei Lei City, yet we are taking the Xu Family''s honorary wages."


    Li Che shook his head, refusing Xu Heli.


    Naturally, Chen Dabao also followed suit in the refusal.


    Xu Heli wasn''t surprised; he had evidently anticipated Li Che''s attitude.


    The Xu Family''s attitude towards Li Che after he became a Woodcarving Master was not enthusiastic, and Li Che had only worked at Xu Ji for three years, of which one was as a laborer, so it was normal not to have much attachment.


    After a symbolic attempt to retain him, Xu Heli agreed to Li Che and Chen Dabao''s resignation.


    "Head Shopkeeper, has the Third Shopkeeper not returned yet?"


    Before leaving, Li Che turned to Xu Heli and asked,


    Xu Heli narrowed his eyes, "Third Brother has gone to lead a team to exterminate evils outside the city. It''s possible he went quite far, and a trip like that takes at least half a year, which is quite normal."


    Hearing this, Li Che nodded, not saying anything else.


    The two left the wood carving shop.


    The winter rain pattered against the oil-paper umbrella.


    Old Chen''s entire body stretched out, feeling an unprecedented sense of refreshment. Being semi-retired, he had little attachment to Xu''s Wood Carving Shop.


    "A Che, let''s go, I''ll treat you to a drink."


    ...


    ...


    Xu''s Courtyard.


    Xu Heli informed the family head, Xu Nanming, about Li Che and Chen Dabao''s resignation from their positions as wood carvers at Xu''s Wood Carving Shop.


    "It''s normal. Li Che plans to accompany his spirit child daughter to Mansion City, and as for Chen Dabao... His heart hasn''t been in wood carving for years, so it''s fine that he resigned.


    But his thoughts of following to Mansion City, assuming he can latch onto Li Nuanxi, this superior grade spirit child, and get into the Divine Sect once he''s there, are somewhat presumptuous," Xu Nanming said while dealing with numerous documents in his hand¡ªthe Si Family, the Yang Family, and the An Family, some collapsed, some exterminated, some relocated...


    The Xu Family suddenly became the largest of the noble families and clans in Fei Lei City.


    So many businesses were taken over in one go, keeping Xu Nanming incredibly busy.


    Having failed to break through the Divine Foundation, he had long since given up on attempting to advance, thus focusing all his efforts on expanding the family''s enterprises.


    Now, as things were going his way, Xu Nanming was in a great mood. After all, under his leadership, Xu Ji had grown to its largest in two hundred years¡ªhow could he not be pleased?


    Even if it was a victory handed to him, it was still his, Xu Nanming''s, achievement.


    "And Xu You? Is he still hunting evils outside the city? Send a message for him to come back... The City Lord''s Mansion sent word, as soon as the Guiding Envoy from Qian Yuan Divine Sect leaves, the Thousand Buddha Carving Banquet will be held immediately. So, call Xu You back..."


    At these words, Xu Heli paused, taken aback.


    "Why call the third one back?"


    Xu Heli frowned.


    With the Si, Yang, and An families gone, and he being the only one left of the Three Young Masters of Fei Lei, he would surely benefit the most from the Thousand Buddha Carving Banquet.


    There was even a chance to strike at the Divine Foundation. At such a time, to call Xu You back to share the benefits, Xu Heli was understandably reluctant.


    However, Xu Nanming simply looked at him quietly.


    "Do you think your success rate in forging the Divine Foundation is high?"


    "The Old Master has high hopes for you... If our Xu Family could produce another Divine Foundation, then after the Thousand Buddha Carving Banquet, even if we move to other cities, we could continue our two hundred years'' legacy."


    "Therefore, your attempt at the Divine Foundation must succeed, and not fail."


    Xu Heli replied, "I understand, so I will strive..."


    "Strive? Ridiculous... Your qi and blood cultivation has barely stepped into the realm of Qi Channels. Your failure rate in forging the Divine Foundation is extremely high..."


    "Take advantage of the Thousand Buddha Carving Banquet, draw on the Temple God Divinity, and let Xu You and North Tiger become your support... Only then can you succeed, understand?"


    "These are the Old Master''s wishes."


    Xu Heli was startled, suddenly feeling a chill run down his spine.


    Xu Heli swallowed, feeling his mouth become dry.


    "How... How can they provide support?"


    Hearing this, Xu Nanming paused in his handling of the documents and lifted his head from the many files.


    He revealed a chilling smile, full of white teeth.

 Chapter 98: The Blond is Actually My Daughter? 22-Year-Old Spirit Child’s Identity Exposed (2)

    Perhaps some noble families and clans may still hide their talented Spirit Children, but the majority of small noble families and ordinary families pin their hopes on their children entering the Divine Sect and changing their fates.


    The status of the Divine Sect in the hearts of the people of Great Vista is exceedingly unusual.


    However, just how many Spirit Children there will be in Fei Lei City this year is unknown.


    Inside the inner room, his wife Zhang Ya was busy braiding Xi Xi''s hair.


    After waiting for a moment, Li Che left with his wife Zhang Ya, now prettily dressed, taking Xi Xi with them.


    Li Qingshan and Lu Chi had already gone to the Golden Splendor Pavilion early. As representatives of the Divine Sect, they naturally could not accompany Li Che and his family.


    Old Chen wasn''t idling either, carrying his big wine gourd and following behind, planning to join in the excitement. Discover more stories at .com


    Just out of the alley, the family of his elder uncle, who had also moved to the Inner City, was already waiting in the cold wind.


    His uncle was still wearing that scholarly robe, with a cotton garment underneath, smoking a dry pipe.


    Li Che''s cousin, Li Zhengran, and his family were waiting nearby. Li Che''s nephew, Li Chengzhou, was now three years old. Quieter than Xi Xi and tenderly fair, he was already showing hints of handsomeness.


    Upon seeing Li Che''s family, his cousin Li Zhengran immediately showed a smiling expression, as their family had been living very well in the Inner City thanks to Li Che''s help.


    Once Xi Xi left the alley, she wriggled her hand free from Li Che''s and ran to Li Chengzhou.


    "Chengzhou, little brother!"


    Xi Xi confidently took Li Chengzhou''s hand.


    Li Chengzhou''s tender face flushed red instantly, and he became somewhat flustered for a moment.


    "Little brother is so good-looking." Xi Xi stared at Li Chengzhou.


    Li Chengzhou instinctively struggled and hid beside his aunt Liu Chunming.


    "Don''t be afraid, Chengzhou, sister is playing with you." Liu Chunming quickly comforted him.


    Unperturbed, Xi Xi approached with a cheery bounce.


    Li Che paused for a moment, somewhat speechless.


    This girl... is so obsessed with looks at such a young age?


    You didn''t treat Big Head Lu like this.


    Li Che pursed his lips and suddenly felt alarmed.


    Wait, out of all the things to be wary of... could Yellow Hair actually be my daughter?!


    Along the way, the Inner City folks, who had rarely gone out since the Yang Family was wiped out, were now appearing one after another, all holding their children and heading towards the Golden Splendor Pavilion.


    When they arrived at the Golden Splendor Pavilion, it was packed with people outside.


    Li Qingshan had already arranged for Lu Chi to wait outside, and upon sighting Li Che''s group, he led them into the pavilion, seated at a round table covered with a red cloth.


    "Why are there so many people?" Li Che was slightly surprised.


    "The number of children in Fei Lei City...seems to be more than I thought."


    Li Che had thought that after the incident with the Spirit Infant Sect, the number of children in Fei Lei City would decrease significantly.


    Lu Chi looked at Xi Xi, who was holding Li Chengzhou''s palm, with a somewhat displeased expression, as he seemed to have never received such treatment.


    Hearing what Li Che said, Lu Chi shook his Nezha braid and said, "Despite the large number of children who have come, there really aren''t many Spirit Children..."


    "The Spirit Infant Sect is only interested in Spirit Children, not just any child; if they''re not Spirit Children, the sect won''t even consider them."


    Lu Chi''s words were simple and direct.


    Everyone sat down for the banquet, which was arranged by City Lord Cao Guang and funded by the government. Enjoying things for free, Li Che ate with great delight.


    Although he had amassed a huge fortune from the Yang Family, he felt a different kind of joy in growing rich all of a sudden and another kind of pleasure from getting something for nothing.


    Midway through the banquet,


    After a brief speech by City Lord Cao Guang, Li Qingshan stood up gracefully, his gaze sweeping over the Golden Splendor Pavilion and the bustling crowd outside.


    He saw many curious children blinking their eyes.


    Some people even brought out babies from their cradles, hoping to try their luck.


    To such a scene, Li Qingshan remained composed and said lightly, "Next year, on the Spring Equinox of the second lunar month, Qian Yuan Divine Sect will open its mountain gate and recruit Spirit Children.


    All children of citizens under the jurisdiction of Golden Light Prefecture City, aged three and above, will be tested, and those who are identified as Spirit Children, will be allowed to join our Divine Sect."


    "The recruitment assessment will take place in Golden Light Prefecture City during the Spring Equinox of the second lunar month, separating the Outer Sect from the Inner Sect."


    Li Qingshan''s voice was not loud, but it echoed throughout the entire Golden Splendor Pavilion, reaching almost everyone''s ears.


    At once, the crowd became restless.


    "Of course, apart from Spirit Children, those with decent Martial Path roots can also obtain the opportunity to go to the Prefecture City and participate in the sect recruitment assessment."


    Li Qingshan added another sentence.


    The atmosphere below grew even more eager, but Li Qingshan merely shook his head slightly.


    He glanced at City Lord Cao Guang, who still wore an unwavering smile filled with joy.


    "Children aged three and above may enter the Golden Splendor Pavilion, and I will use my Observation Skill to assess whether they are Spirit Children and if they possess the requisite roots. Those who don''t meet the conditions, should not bother entering the pavilion."


    Li Qingshan announced.


    Upon hearing these words, City Lord Cao Guang gestured, and immediately Divine Catcher Zhang Xiangyang went to arrange for the eligible children to be brought into the Golden Splendor Pavilion.


    The surroundings quietened down.


    "I will assess them using the Divine Sect''s ''Observation Skill.'' Those with the Divinity of a Spirit Child will emit a purple glow. One purple light for Low Grade, three lights for Mid-grade, six lights for Superior Grade, and nine lights mark a Supreme Spiritual Child..."


    "Parents should pay close attention, as the Divine Sect selects Spirit Children with fairness and justice."


    Li Qingshan spoke evenly.


    As soon as the words were uttered, City Lord Cao Guang''s expression slightly shifted, and the smile on his face stiffened, turning somewhat gloomy.


    Li Qingshan was clearly doing this intentionally. Traditionally, greeters from the Divine Sect would secretly select the Spirit Children using the Observation Skill, but Li Qingshan insisted on making such a big fuss, obviously intending to make City Lord Cao Guang the butt of a joke.

 Chapter 99: The Blond is Actually My Daughter? 22-Year-Old Spirit Child’s Identity Exposed (3)

    After all, most of the Spirit Children in Fei Lei City had been taken away by the Spirit Infant Sect.


    Those who remained were not Spirit Children.


    A scan with the Observation Skill revealed only a handful of Spirit Children, and it seemed that the Flying Thunder City Lord might be facing some embarrassment and awkwardness.


    However, Li Qingshan paid no attention to Cao Guang''s expression.


    If you dare to do it, what do you need a face for?


    "Ladies and gentlemen, watch closely,"


    As his words fell, Li Qingshan''s hands formed the Seal Formula, and his eyes instantly shone with a purple halo.


    A surging aura swept out, filling and intertwining throughout the entire Golden Splendor Pavilion.


    Everyone looked around in astonishment.


    However...


    Inside the Golden Splendor Pavilion, only a few bursts of purple light could be seen.


    How could it be so few?


    There were at least several hundred to nearly a thousand children present, and yet... only four bursts of purple light?


    Although Cao Guang knew the result, he still subconsciously looked in the direction of the four bursts of purple light.


    Coincidentally, all four beams of purple light were converging on one table.


    Upon seeing this, his complexion changed drastically.


    He first saw Xi Xi, with nine beams of purple light, full of purple aura.


    A Supreme Spiritual Child?


    Could it actually be a Supreme Spiritual Child?!


    Cao Guang had always thought Xi Xi was merely Superior Grade; he had misjudged!


    If he had known that Li Che''s daughter, Li Nuanxi, was a Supreme Spiritual Child, he would have personally taken action before Li Qingshan''s arrival!


    A Supreme Spiritual Child... was the best offering!


    Next to Li Nuanxi, there was also an extremely dazzling light, even comparable to the nine beams of purple light, bursting forth.


    Another Supreme Spiritual Child?!


    Cao Guang''s face turned sour, two Supreme Spiritual Children had slipped by right under his nose?


    However, as his gaze shifted over,


    Cao Guang''s eyes suddenly stiffened...


    Underneath the flickering of the nine beams of purple light was Li Che, who was heartily enjoying his meal.


    This twenty-two-year-old old man...


    Could he also be considered a Spirit Child?!


    ...


    ...


    The atmosphere in the room seemed a bit odd.


    Many people also noticed the purple light flickering on Li Che.


    "Is there an error in the Observation Skill? How come Master Li is also exhibiting the purple light unique to Spirit Children? And there are nine beams of it..."


    "Right, isn''t it said that Divinity of a Spirit Child must be Essence Cultivated from birth?"


    "After a person reaches adulthood, the newly Essence Cultivated Divinity would have long been integrated with the Divinity absorbed from the world, no longer qualifying as a Spirit Child."


    "Could it be that Master Li has just become a Woodcarving Master and that new Divinity has emerged within him?"


    ...


    The surrounding whispers and murmurs resounded incessantly.


    Li Che''s face showed a hint of helplessness, his identity as an old Spirit Child was exposed.


    Ultimately, his identity as a twenty-two-year-old old Spirit Child was laid bare.


    Li Qingshan had not mentioned this part of the process.


    In response to the doubts raised by many in the audience, Li Qingshan simply said with utmost confidence that the Divine Sect''s Observation Skill could not possibly make a mistake.


    That meant that Li Che truly possessed the Divinity of a Spirit Child.


    The Xu Family ancestors and Xu Heli, along with the other members of the Xu Family, looked at Li Che with strange expressions; a twenty-two-year-old old Spirit Child... This was as challenging as being a twenty-two-year-old virgin!


    However, it was just a surprise, and even then, there remained skepticism in their hearts.


    Their attention was primarily on Li Nuanxi.


    A Supreme Spiritual Child...


    The Xu Family had misjudged!


    If they had known earlier that Xi Xi was a Supreme Spiritual Child...


    The patriarch of the Xu Family breathed slightly heavier, his eyes burning with greater fervor.


    The difference between Supreme and Superior Grade was almost like heaven and earth.


    Apart from Li Che and Xi Xi, the other two beams of Observation purple light came from Lu Chi and Li Chengzhou.


    Lu Chi was a Superior Grade Spiritual Child, and as for Li Chengzhou... with just a single beam of purple light, although he was Low Grade, he still qualified as a Spirit Child.


    They were the ones who slipped through the net right under the City Lord''s watchful eyes.


    Even the City Lord Cao Guang couldn''t help but take another look in surprise, for he found that Li Chengzhou was also related to Li Che.


    For a moment, City Lord Cao Guang felt nothing but bad luck in his heart.


    "You there, who possess the divinity of the Spirit Child, will surely enter the gates of the Divine Sect Mountain. In the second month of spring next year, Golden Light Prefecture City will hold an entry examination. As Spirit Children, your entry into the Divine Sect is guaranteed; thus, the examination is more about the allocation of your disciple status,"


    "As for the others who have merely passed the martial roots test, they must stand out in the entry examination to avoid elimination,"


    Li Qingshan gathered the selected Spirit Children together and said succinctly.


    Following that, the Qiankun Jade vibrated, and a succession of Jade Pendants floated out, descending to the chosen Spirit Children.


    Li Che also caught one with a beaming smile on his face.


    Li Qingshan glanced at him, but said no more; a Spirit Child plucked by his own Observation Skill had to be acknowledged, even through tears.


    "This is a Low-Grade Qiankun Jade, which contains a small universe that allows storing and retrieving objects from thin air, but it requires certain guidance time. It is the identity proof for you Divine Sect Spirit Children. Once you enter Golden Light Prefecture, you can use this credential to participate in the entry examination,"


    Li Qingshan explained.


    "In addition, there''s a bottle of ''Nurturing Spirit Pills,'' ten in total. Take one every five days to accelerate nurturing your nature. There''s also one Turtle Martial Pill, which strengthens the foundation, nourishes the vitality, and warms the blood."


    Upon hearing this, Li Che''s eyes suddenly brightened. Spirit Children... could there be such benefits?


    He delightedly scanned the items inside the Qiankun Jade.


    Li Che''s smile grew even more intense.


    The surrounding people looked at him oddly, but Li Che was quite at ease.


    What he earned with his ability, why should he feel guilty?


    As for those who passed the martial roots test, Li Qingshan was not so generous, merely giving them their identity credentials before sending them off.


    After all, among these children, Li Qingshan had not come across any with extraordinary gifts or roots that caught his eye.


    The banquet concluded.


    Many familiar wood carvers from Xu''s Wood Carving Shop gathered around.


    "Congratulations to Master Li, for both father and daughter have proven to be Spirit Children!"


    "Master Li, congratulations, congratulations! Entering the Divine Sect is the first step to soaring high!"


    "It''s truly remarkable, a family with two geniuses, both Supreme Spiritual Children. A delightful tale indeed!"


    Li Che greeted his former colleagues, the wood carvers who came to celebrate, with a smile.


    Then, with a grand gesture, he announced that he would host a hundred tables at the Golden Splendor Pavilion tonight for his daughter!


    No gifts required, all are welcome guests.


    Experience tales at .com


    They would celebrate his daughter Li Nuanxi''s entry into the Divine Sect!


    ...


    ...


    Night fell.


    Below the octagonal pavilion of the City Lord''s Mansion,


    Cao Guang stood with his hands behind his back, staring at the brightly lit Golden Splendor Pavilion, where the feast was in full swing. The darkness swallowed the light, casting his expression into an undetermined shade of gloom.


    A moment later,


    Soft footsteps sounded from behind him.


    It was Cao Qingyuan and Cao He.


    "Li Che''s daughter... is actually a Supreme Spiritual Child! I was mistaken... I trusted the Xu Family''s assessment too much."


    "It''s normal, Supreme Spiritual Children are difficult to distinguish from Superior Grade ones without the Divine Sect''s Observation Skill. If one only relies on experience, it''s easy to be confused,"


    Cao Guang exhaled.


    Cao He, the second elder of the Cao Family, narrowed his eyes, a flash of ruthlessness crossing his aged face, "Do you need me to take action? Shall I personally kidnap that Li Nuanxi?"


    "I''m aware of Li Qingshan, but I''ll only kidnap the Spirit Child. If it doesn''t work out, I''ll leave."


    Cao Guang was somewhat tempted, the allure of a Supreme Spiritual Child was indeed too great.


    As for Li Che, who was a twenty-two-year-old old Supreme Spiritual Child, Cao Guang still had doubts in his heart.


    What man has such a long shelf-life?


    Thus, he was more enticed by Li Nuanxi.


    However, he restrained himself.


    "Forget it, with Li Qingshan there, even if his Divinity is absent, he is still a Martial Arts Grandmaster... it''s not worth provoking him."


    "Li Qingshan won''t linger long in Flying Thunder City; he has other cities to visit to recruit Spirit Children."


    "Li Che''s family will surely follow him."


    "For now, don''t create unnecessary complications. The most important thing is the successful conduct of the Thousand Buddha Carving Banquet. Wait until they leave... If we have missed a Supreme Spiritual Child, then let it be, no matter."


    "Qingyuan, how goes the task I gave you?"


    Cao Qingyuan bowed respectfully: "Father, I have successfully brought back two Middle-grade Spirit Children from the neighboring city; the Spirit Child blood and bones are now complete..."


    "Good, now that we have all the Spirit Child blood and bones, once Li Qingshan, this big trouble, leaves Flying Thunder City, we can start the ritual at the Thousand Buddha Carving Banquet..."


    In the darkness, Cao Guang''s eyes shone faintly.


    As the words ended,


    Between the octagonal pavilions,


    Deep breaths mixed with greed, ambition, and anticipation rose and fell in succession.

 Chapter 103: Forging the First Divine Foundation, Desire-Comparing Carnal Kannon

    The shriek rent the quiet, and the raindrops fluttering down in the courtyard burst apart, forming a misty haze.


    Inside the house.


    Fierce heat circulated, with Qi and Blood like a baking furnace, steaming with cold air.


    In the incense burner, the twisted column of smoke shot up into the sky, only to be torn asunder by the high winds.


    Three wood carvings, stained with blood, seemed to have been soaked in a blood pool, their strong scent of blood intertwining and spreading, making the wood carvings seem alive, screaming and roaring tragically.


    Three animals and five livestock, eight large bowls, their blood as if all sucked dry.


    The scene at this moment truly became somewhat bizarre.


    Li Che sat cross-legged, his brow Niwan opening and closing, the "Wrathful Maitreya" Divinity, pouring out like a river, filling the surroundings.


    Woven with invisible forces, constantly embedding, continuously accumulating.


    It was like there were streams gurgling next to Li Che, slowly as if they were about to drown his breath, completely suffocating him.


    Every inch of his skin seemed soaked by the river of divinity, and Li Che''s senses soared to the limit, distinctly sensing the divinity seeping into his body through the pores of his skin, every tendon, every inch of flesh.


    Then, the Divinity seemed to open its bloody maws, swallowing the flesh!


    Huh


    Inhale


    Following a breath.


    Li Che only felt his body becoming immensely hot, the Divinity turning into countless streams of molten iron, stimulating his flesh, as if it wanted to completely incinerate him!


    Most importantly...


    This wasn''t an illusion!


    Divinity... was truly devouring his flesh, burning his body!


    Burning with fury!


    Burning tendons and bones!


    Countless streams of Divinity, like a bone-deep infection, bored into the Python Muscles and Tiger Bones, and Li Che furrowed his brows, following the obtained Dharma, circulating the "Eight Extremes Three-eyed Wrathful True Lord Divine Foundation Technique," pulling many divinities back into the Inner Scenery.


    But the Divinity that had just returned to the Mud Pill Inner Scene would again crazily burst out along the river of Divinity; thus, Li Che had to continue pulling it back.


    This process indeed tested the strength of the physical body; if it couldn''t withstand the burning invasion of Divinity, the whole body would be controlled by Divinity, eventually becoming a puppet of Divinity!


    Li Che somewhat understood why Li Qingshan said that to forge a Divine Foundation, one needed at least the Mysterious Vein level of Qi and Blood Cultivation, a body refined to the level of Mysterious Veins, to have a high probability of resisting the continuous assaults of Divinity.


    Forging a Divine Foundation was indeed dangerous...


    Should it fail, even if one regained control of the body, the Yuan Qi would be greatly damaged, Divinity severely crippled.


    "Actually, I feel... it''s a bit like swallowing a dozen martial arts pills, eliciting the effect of the pills all at once, that kind of refining feeling."


    The first time he swallowed the Python Blood Martial Pill, that burst of intensity, from inside out, the feeling of igniting his Qi and Blood, was quite similar to this moment.


    Of course, there were differences.


    After all, one was Divinity, the other was the nature of medicine.


    Time drifted by unnoticed, the Divinity eroding the flesh, while the Inner Qi in the body surged, countering the Divinity, like two fierce beasts fighting for control within Li Che''s body.


    This process of Divinity and Inner Qi colliding and neutralizing each other was also a process of tempering the physical body.


    Om!


    The intertwining forces, carried by boiling blood, followed the circulation route of the Minor Circulation, washing over the fragile meridians again and again.


    Sizzling...


    Gradually, Li Che felt a painful sensation like skinning and deboning, sweat seeping out from his forehead.


    Deep inside, it seemed as if a surge of anger was inexplicably rising!


    Anger erupted from every inch of his flesh, like a volcano pent up to the extreme, fiercely bursting forth, charging towards his mind!


    Bursting to enter his brain nerves!


    Divinity... entering the brain!


    Enjoy exclusive content from .com


    Entering his mind!


    This was serious!


    Li Che''s heart skipped a beat; the brain... that was the most intricate part of the human body, also the most mysterious!


    If damaged, the regret would be immense!


    According to the Divine Foundation Technique, this should be the final hurdle!


    If he could hold on, the Divinity would become tame, congealing into the Foundation Wheel.


    Li Che hurriedly mobilized the Inner Qi within his Dantian, gathering it in front of the heaven gate of his mind, resisting the onslaught of Divinity!


    Boom!


    A collision, as if thunder roared between heaven and earth, brought a startling clash right at his ear!


    Dizzy and seeing stars!


    Li Che had just adjusted when the Wrathful Maitreya Divinity gathered for a second assault, like barking mad dogs, charging once again.


    This collision was even more deafening, like thunder of spring exploding next to his ears.


    Li Che''s whole body trembled slightly.


    Divinity like a river, gathering again, launching a third strike!


    Just like a waterfall falling from a thousand feet, the river overturned!


    Boom!


    Countless Inner Qi and Divinity collided, feeling as if the heavens and the earth were collapsing!


    His mind "buzzed" nonstop.


    It seemed like a moment passed, yet it felt excruciatingly long.


    Li Che slowly opened his eyes, his body reddened, gradually calming down, with his back muscles twitching incessantly like pythons.


    Within the Inner Scene of the Energy Center, the Divinity returned to calm, the originally river-like Wrathful Maitreya Divinity disappeared, replaced by a platform.


    Even and flattened like a squashed cylinder, made purely of condensed Divinity.


    The divinity emanating from it was much more potent than the original Wrathful Maitreya Divinity.


    A strand of Divinity, worth a hundred of the previous strands!


    In the Inner Scenery space, the "Angry Cry of a Hundred Spirits" and "Heart Shocking and Sturdy" divinities, were both suppressed dead.


    The "Three-Eyed Fury True Lord Divine Foundation"


    Eight Extremes Superior Grade!

 Chapter 104: Forging the First Divine Foundation, Desire-Comparing Carnal Kannon (2)

    A rank-breaking transformation!


    ...


    ...


    Li Che exhaled, his breath turbulent as a blade''s edge, slicing through the air.


    With a thought, the millstone-like Foundation Wheel appeared behind his head, trailing his movements yet always positioned at the back of his mind.


    The Divinity of Wrath from heaven and earth swarmed toward him like mosquitoes lured by light, converging into the Foundation Wheel, strengthening it.


    "The casting of the Foundation Wheel is complete; I''ve stepped into the Primary God-Base Realm, yet I must not be careless. According to the Divine Foundation Technique, a freshly cast Foundation is prone to collapse. The higher the rank of Foundation, the more likely it is to rebound against its master. Therefore, more time is needed to solidify the Foundation Wheel..."


    "A typical Foundation Wheel of the Ten Cities would take about ten days to stabilize, the Nine Luminaries'' would need thirty days, and the Eight Extremes Foundation Wheel requires a hundred days to Solidify Wheel!"


    The corners of Li Che''s lips lifted slightly.


    Opening his eyes, a faint glow emanated from them, like mirrors cleansed of all dust, reflecting the flow of light from heaven and earth. Experience more tales on .com


    To his astonishment, he found his five senses had become sharper, as if he could manipulate them at will, extending their perception to its limit, reaching a distance of thirty feet!


    "Is this the ''Divine Sense'' spoken of by Divine Base Cultivators? Is it due to the Divinity impacting the brain and breaking through the heavenly gate?"


    Li Che, unable to contain his joy, played with his Divine Sense, like a child who had received a new toy.


    This was different from the perception offered by the Heaven and Earth chessboard when he used the "Chess Saint" Dao Fruit.


    The Heaven and Earth chessboard provided a bird''s-eye view to observe everything.


    It only needed the consumption of Divinity to peer through. f


    However, Divine Sense did not require the consumption of Divinity and was more akin to a refinement and transformation of the five senses and consciousness, as if it were an extension of bodily organs.


    Compared to Nurturing Nature, the Divine Base Realm indeed represented a tremendous transformation.


    Suddenly, Li Che caught an extremely faint cracking sound close to his ear.


    The three Spirit Infant Wood Carvings, gorged with the blood of sacrificial animals, started to show cracks beneath the dried layers of blood, then began splitting apart.


    Three strands of Divinity surged from within, seeping into Li Che''s Foundation Wheel.


    After sensing them, Li Che couldn''t help but be astonished.


    These were three Techniques.


    One Divine Secret Technique, one Divine Martial Arts...


    And one for advancing the Foundation...


    The Co-casting Method!


    ...


    ...


    Fei Lei City, Inner City.


    After his breakthrough to the Divine Base, Li Che returned to his study, clutching the Divine Chess Piece.


    Sitting in his chair, he couldn''t help but lift the corners of his lips.


    In three years'' time, from initially Nurturing Nature to forging a Divine Foundation... at such a pace, there might not be many in Fei Lei City, perhaps even in the entire Golden Light Prefecture City, who could match him, right? ?


    Also, as he closed his eyes, his mind connected to his Foundation Wheel, upon which text seemed to appear.


    It was exactly the feedback from the Dharma after the three Spiritual Wood Carvings shattered.


    Like receiving matching Dharma after breaking through the Foundation with a ritualistic method.


    The Divine Secret Technique "Furious True Lord''s Life-taking Pupil", the Divine Martial Arts "Furious True Lord''s Triple-Blade"!


    Three statues conferred three Dharma!


    There was also the Co-casting Method for the Foundation, which he had already become familiar with through the analysis of the Qian Xi Hands.


    The quality of both the Divine Secret Technique and Divine Martial Arts was of the Eight Extremes, Low Grade, which absolutely thrilled Li Che.


    Of course, the higher the rank, the more difficult the cultivation would be.


    But for Divine Secret Techniques, Li Che certainly had a headache.


    As for Divine Martial Arts, with the "Dragon Elephant Vajra" Dao Fruit, Li Che would feel at ease.


    With a smile brimming on his face, he retracted his Divine Sense from the Foundation Wheel.


    With a thought.


    [Dao Fruit: Pure Heart (LV2,0%)]


    Looking at the information displayed in flowing light.


    Li Che was in high spirits; casting the Three-Eyed Fierce True Lord''s Foundation had greatly increased the maturity of the Pure Heart Dao Fruit, even breaking through barriers and reaching level LV2.


    "It seems... aside from slowly accumulating the Divinity of Pure Heart, casting the Foundation is also a way to quickly increase the maturity of Dao Fruits. If I cast a few more Foundations, I should be able to bring the maturity of the Pure Heart Dao Fruit to LV3 and possibly obtain a Prototype of Divine Powers, right?"


    "I am quite curious about what the Prototype of Divine Powers of ''Pure Heart'' will be like."


    Li Che felt a tingle of anticipation.


    With the Pure Heart Dao Fruit now at LV2, with a single thought, Li Che could completely conceal even the aura of his Foundation.


    The "Dragon Elephant Vajra" Dao Fruit could conceal vitality, "Pure Heart" could conceal Divinity, "Chess Saint" Dao Fruit could survey the terrain and situation, while "Immortal Artisan" Dao Fruit could craft Hidden Weapons.


    Lucky fellow!


    That summary made Li Che feel like he was walking further along the path of slyness.


    ...


    ...


    As night fell and the temperature dropped sharply, snow drifted through the heavens and earth.


    The soundly sleeping Xi Xi caught the savory scent of a chicken leg and unconsciously opened her eyes.


    She found herself unexpectedly in the firewood shed.


    A towering figure resembling a mountain, wearing a cute Cute Bull Mask, dangled a chicken leg teasingly in front of her.


    Xi Xi was overjoyed and fixed her gaze on the chicken leg: "Master Niu Niu! Xi Xi has missed you so much!"


    Bull Demon: "..."


    After handing her the chicken leg, he spread out his vital energy to drive away the cold for Xi Xi.


    He then took out a specially customized mini "Namo Gatling Wooden Crow" for Xi Xi, loaded with three thousand Wooden Crows.


    "Use this to protect yourself," the Bull Demon''s deep voice echoed.


    Upon seeing the big toy, Xi Xi''s eyes lit up instantly, and even the chicken leg lost its allure.


    Quickly finishing the chicken leg, she clung to the Namo Gatling, her happiness soaring¡ªXi Xi could enjoy fireworks again!


    The Bull Demon crouched his hefty frame, yet tenderly stroked Xi Xi''s head.


    "Safety is the most important thing. If you encounter any great danger, just call for Master Niu Niu, and Master Niu Niu will immediately appear by your side."

 Chapter 105: Forging the First Divine Foundation, Desire-Comparing Carnal Kannon (3)

    Bull Demon Path.


    Xi Xi hugged the big thing, nodding happily.


    "Master Niu Niu, if Daddy spanks me when I''m not being good, will you appear and save me if I call for you?"


    Xi Xi blinked her eyes, asking.


    Bull Demon: "..."


    You really are going to spoil your old father to death!


    Make a note of it in the little notebook!


    "Call for Master Niu Niu when you''re in danger, remember, or I''ll confiscate your fireworks," he said, not amused, as he flicked Xi Xi''s forehead lightly.


    The next moment, the Bull Demon had disappeared.


    But Xi Xi was very happy, having seen Master Niu Niu again and even getting her own exclusive big thing to set off fireworks, though it wasn''t as impressive as Master Niu Niu''s big thing.


    Still, Xi Xi was very satisfied.


    After storing the Namo Gatling that Li Qingshan had given her into the Qiankun Jade, Xi Xi tiptoed back to her room, quietly lay down, and fell asleep, contented.


    Tonight, she dreamed a wonderful dream.


    In the dream, she sat on Master Niu Niu''s shoulders, with fireworks dazzling around her, sweeping through everything invincibly!


    Below, Daddy and Big Head Lu shouted in amazement for her.


    They called her Emperor Xi Xi!


    ...


    ...


    In the middle of the night, the sky was piled with dark clouds, and not a sliver of moonlight scattered down.


    Flurries of snow danced about in the human world.


    Li Che, in his Bull Demon identity, had just finished a heart''s concern by giving the miniaturized Namo Gatling to Xi Xi.


    At least, with the Namo Gatling in her possession, Xi Xi had the capability to protect herself and would not be easily bullied when she went to Mansion City.


    He looked at his wife and daughter, who were deeply asleep.


    Xi Xi kicked off her covers, boldly assuming a "big" character shape to sleep soundly, taking up most of the bed.


    "How dare you, Daddy, you should call me Emperor Xi Xi!"


    In her dreams, Xi Xi muttered something in her sleep.


    Li Che was immediately speechless.


    This girl... what grand dreams she''s having.


    Emperor Xi Xi indeed, your father will always be your father!


    This girl hasn''t inherited any of the genteel and amiable traits from him, Li Che.


    In a flash, he silently appeared in the courtyard.


    Li Qingshan hadn''t returned to the small courtyard tonight; who knows where he had gone. Li Che guessed... he must have gone to meet an old flame.


    Sunset red... also a kind of red.


    Standing in the courtyard, Li Che''s expression gradually turned icy cold.


    He closed his eyes.


    The [Chess Saint] Dao Fruit vibrated faintly; in an instant, the Heaven and Earth chessboard expanded with a roar, and many scenes around the small courtyard were reflected in his mind.


    Under the perception of the [Master Go-chess Saint], nothing could hide.


    Though Divine Sense was good, Li Che still preferred the overlooking sensation brought by the Master Go-chess Saint.


    During his perception.


    Standing a distance of ten miles from the courtyard, a figure stood atop a black-tiled roof, his face hidden behind a horse-faced mask, his eyes deep as they stared towards Li Che''s family home.


    ...


    ...


    Cao He put on the horse-faced mask and draped himself in a black night travel garment.


    On his back were four skyward-reaching spears, with strands of silver hair fluttering in the night breeze.


    Tomorrow was the day Li Qingshan, the Guiding Envoy of the Divine Sect, was to leave Fei Lei City.


    And with him, the Supreme Spiritual Child of the Li family would also depart.


    Cao He tapped his toes on the roof tile, his entire being as straight as a divine spear.


    Yet his eyes were filled with complex shifts.


    In his mind, the conversation with Cao Guang involuntarily surfaced.


    Originally, Cao Guang''s attitude was to not want any complications arising, with the main aim being to ensure the successful hosting of the "Thousand Buddha Carving Banquet."


    Nonetheless, Cao Guang still sought out Cao He and handed him a blood-stained wood carving.


    Cao He took it, his eyes narrowing.


    It was a female wood carving with a naked, heavily contorted body, looking as if she had died a terrible death.


    Filled with malevolence, just one look made Cao He feel as though his mind had been taken. Enjoy exclusive content from .com


    "This... This is..."


    "Second Uncle, is this the ''Corpse God'' wood carving, the very ''Desire-Comparing Corpses Flesh Avalokitesvara'' from the three major Corpse Gods?"


    Cao Guang sat in the room, the candle flame flickering ceaselessly, the light changing unpredictably.


    Cao He looked up and saw that in the light of the fire, Cao Guang''s shadow was contorting incessantly.


    Corpse God Cult!


    As expected... Cao Guang truly had ties with the Corpse God Cult.


    Cao He''s heart suddenly felt like it was being grasped by a hand.


    In fact, when preparing for the Thousand Buddha Carving Banquet, Cao He should have had some suspicions.


    But when Cao Guang really revealed his true identity, Cao He was still somewhat shocked...


    The Corpse God Cult and the Imperial Court, as well as the Divine Sect, were like fire and water, irreconcilable enemies. For a court official to be involved with the Corpse God Cult was a crime that demanded the extermination of their entire family!


    Once discovered by the Temple Control Bureau, the entire family would be executed without exception!


    However, Cao Guang paid no attention to the changes in Cao He''s expression...


    "A Supreme Spiritual Child, what a pity... failing to seize the opportunity, otherwise the Thousand Buddha Carving Banquet would have been even more sumptuous... Nevertheless, the value of a Supreme Spiritual Child is still significant, Second Uncle, conceal your identity well, and place the Wood Carving outside Li Che''s courtyard..."


    "Endowed with the ''Six Desires Divinity'' rivalling the Carnal Kannon, a mark will automatically form, naturally leading it to Li Nuanxi, even if she went to Mansion City... A Supreme Spiritual Child can still bring us immense benefits."


    "It can be considered a favor..."


    Cao Guang chuckled softly.


    "Think you''re safe in Mansion City? In this world, is there really such a thing as absolute safety?"


    "Temple Office says my Rank advancement path is dead... What can I do? I do not believe it... Who says fate is fixed?"


    "Corpse God is supreme, after the Thousand Buddha Carving Banquet... I will have the opportunity to condense a Divine Minister of the Corpse God!"


    "A dead end? That does not exist..."


    "My Divine Sect has already spread like wildfire, sweeping across the land... unstoppable, unstoppable!"


    Craziness gleamed in Cao Guang''s eyes.


    The next moment, he slowly calmed down.


    Cao He, however, felt his entire back soaked with cold sweat.


    Not daring to speak, he respectfully took the "Desire-Comparing Corpses Flesh Avalokitesvara," the nude female Wood Carving, and quickly left, disappearing into the darkness.


    ...


    His thoughts returning, a breeze ruffled his silver hair.


    Cao He let out a long sigh.


    Once involved with the Corpse God, it''s as deep as the sea.


    Remembering the young and spirited Cao Guang, lauded as the most talented member of the Cao family, destined to challenge for the Divine Minister, a celestial presence.


    Yet...


    After a trip to Mansion City, facing a disciple of the Authentic Qian Yuan Divine Sect, his spirit was shattered in just a few moves, and he never recovered from thereon.


    Though he succeeded as the Family City Lord.


    His ambition was long gone, and unexpectedly, he joined the Corpse God Cult...


    "Child... how foolish..."


    Cao He sighed.


    Looking at the "Desire-Comparing Corpses Flesh Avalokitesvara" in his hand, the vivacious beauty of it, just the expression on the Wood Carving, evoked in him, an old tree halfway buried in the soil, a strange surge of rejuvenation.


    He hurriedly exhaled and averted his gaze.


    However, in the next instant, Cao He''s neck, concealed by a horse-faced mask, suddenly stiffened.


    He saw...


    In the distance, atop a rooftop.


    The flurry of snow was torn and twisted!


    Without warning and completely silent, stood a towering figure with an inverted-triangle shape like a mountain.


    Shielded by a conical hat, he slightly tilted his head.


    Revealing a Cute Bull Mask.


    "Bull Demon?"


    Cao He narrowed his eyes, a cold light flickering within, "As expected, as soon as anyone has designs on Li Che''s family, you, this Bull Demon, would surely appear to guard... So, who are you really?"


    "Should I call you... Master Li?"


    The Bull Demon looked indifferently at Cao He wearing a horse-faced mask.


    His identity was exposed, but he had not recognized the other''s identity.


    But did that matter?


    "It no longer matters."


    Cao He was startled, his expression beneath the horse mask... suddenly turned into a wry smile, "Indeed, it no longer matters. Your family... is about to leave Fei Lei City, you don''t care about revealing your identity."


    However...


    The pupils of Cao He beneath the horse mask suddenly shrank to the size of sesame seeds.


    Because, the next instant.


    The Bull Demon, with his overwhelming vitality, directly broke through the air surge, appearing beside him at an extreme speed, his fingers clenched, a thick scent of blood wafting, as a blood-red spear with flowing blood-like patterns burst from the torn air, gripped in his hand.


    A Divine Weapon... Liu Blood Shock Spear!


    Soon after, behind the Bull Demon''s head, the brilliant [Three-eyed Fury True Lord Divine Foundation] revealed itself with a bang!


    The terrifying pressure of his Rank crashed down on Cao He, leaving him without even the strength to move a finger!


    A voice, detached and full of killing intent, came from beneath the Bull Demon Mask.


    "As I said... who you are, no longer matters."

 Chapter 106: Divine Weapon Mask Angry Horse Face, Plus a Hero

    Crack!


    Above the densely clouded sky, lightning snakes broke through the air, and winter thunder exploded with a loud bang.


    The spilling storm of wind, snow, and heavy rain pattered down into the human world.


    On the brim of a torn straw hat, raindrops fell relentlessly, only to be evaporated cleanly by his vigorous Qi and blood!


    Cao He only felt that the divinity within him couldn''t even circulate, it was a suppression of divinity on a rank level!


    This Divine Foundation exceeded his rank by far too much!


    Nine Luminaries level, or perhaps Eight Extremes level?!


    Boom!!!


    Cao He only felt a buzzing explosion in his brain.


    Although Cao He was initially surprised when Bull Demon appeared before him, he wasn''t worried at all, even feeling that the Bull Demon was ignorantly courting death.


    After all, he, Cao He, was very different from Yang Jing, who had his will swallowed by the divinity in the Divine Foundation and lacked any combat consciousness, which led him to fall victim to the Bull Demon''s hidden weapons.


    Cao He''s consciousness was clear, his divinity vibrant, and though he was slightly injured by Li Qingshan, causing a slight drop in his Qi and blood cultivation, his divinity was still overpowering!


    A mere Bull Demon, as long as he could dodge the Bull Demon''s hidden weapons, what other means could this Bull Demon possibly have?


    However...


    Sensing the Bull Demon''s aura from so close by.


    That burning heat, like a raging fire, made the [Wrathful Maitreya] divinity within him unable to surge!


    "Divine... Divine Foundation?!"


    With an expression close to splitting his eyes, Cao He''s face under the mask of Horse Face was extremely stirred.


    Not possible...


    How could the Bull Demon be a Divine Foundation?


    How could it possibly be a Divine Base Cultivator?!


    Hasn''t he always been a Qi and Blood Martial Artist?!


    Looking at the Bull Demon''s head, and the divinity behind it emitting a powerful suppressing aura, Cao He seemed to hear countless roars of fury.


    His divine sense seemed to perceive a grand being, seated high, with a third eye open on his forehead, extremely furious!


    "Your divinity...[Three-Eyed Fierce True Lord]?!"


    "No... no! This can''t be possible!"


    Cao He nearly screamed in madness!


    Three-Eyed Fierce True Lord...


    In the entirety of Fei Lei City, wasn''t only Cao Guang known to have successfully cultivated it?


    Cao Guang, who had performed numerous sacrifices outside the Spirit Infant Strange Temple, had just obtained the Divine Foundation Technique to forge the Nine Luminaries Superior Three-Eyed Fierce True Lord Divine Foundation!


    How could this Bull Demon before him possess such a Divine Foundation?


    At this moment, Cao He''s mind raced frantically, even thinking that perhaps the Bull Demon before him might be Cao Guang in disguise.


    But this ridiculous thought was quickly dismissed by him.


    A cold killing intent spilled from the Bull Demon.


    Cao He snapped back to reality; his hairs stood on end, and he suddenly bit down on the tip of his tongue. The sharp pain blossoming from his tongue-tip brought him instantly back to his senses.


    With a fierce screech, the [Wrathful Maitreya] divinity on his body converged and intertwined into [Maitreya Gold Armor].


    The Bull Demon, clutching the Shocking Spear, had already fiercely struck!


    With a loud crack!


    Terrifying force swept through, and air currents whirled about!


    The defense formed by the divine secret technique of Maitreya Gold Armor was instantly pierced with ease, and the Divine Weapon, Liu Blood Shock Spear, fiercely penetrated Cao He''s body, shredding his shoulder directly!


    "Not good!"


    Cao He''s heart raced wildly!


    Excruciating pain almost made him lose his mind, and surges of Inner Qi along with Divinity flowed out from the blood-colored long spear.


    His Divine Sense manipulated Divinity, and in an instant, the long spears behind him roared into action, like reverse spikes, thrusting toward the Bull Demon!


    Although the Bull Demon''s Divine Foundation exerted a suppression on his Divine Foundation, it wasn''t the kind of pure rank suppression that Divine Foundation has over Nurturing Nature.


    Therefore, Cao He could still resist a bit!


    But also...


    Only a bit.


    Li Che''s eyes flickered, and the next moment, he activated the second stage of the "Dragon Elephant Vajra" for the first time after reaching lv3 level, the Angry Vajra State!


    In an instant, Li Che''s body shook, and the sound of metal clashing boomed within his muscles and bones, like thunder exploding!


    His already burly body swelled even further, bulging impressively in a full circle!


    His eyes shone even more brilliantly, like the brightest stars in the sky!


    The skin exposed outside looked like molten iron, with muscles thick as pythons trembling, and his fingers like hooks, gripping the enlarged Shocking Spear that matched his size!


    Horizontal Refinement Unparalleled, ultimate physique!


    Angry Vajra!


    It better matched the Divine Foundation of the "Three-Eyed Fierce True Lord"!


    Angry Vajra matched with Fury!


    Like a volcano roaring furiously under extreme suppression!


    Bang¡ª!


    The air waves rolled out, and the Shocking Spear piercing through Cao He''s body vibrated thunderously, erupting with immense force!


    The surging airflow roiled, mixed with a strong scent of shattered flesh and blood!


    Cao He groaned, as the spear''s force exploded continuously within him.


    Eight Consecutive Bone-Breaking Spears!


    Superior Martial Arts Technique!


    Culminating in the Transformation Realm!


    The eight successive explosions of Inner Qi within his body turned even the Qi and Blood Cultivation of Cao He, with his Mysterious Vein, feel as if his insides were stirred into muddy waters!


    His organs, muscles, and iron bones were all smashed to pieces!


    Unstoppable...


    Simply unstoppable! n¦Òvel.c?m


    Is this the Bull Demon?!


    Immense fear, the urge to kill, and unwillingness all exploded within Cao He''s chest!


    Divinity was driven to its limit, coiling like a venomous snake on the long spear lunging toward the Bull Demon.


    But it was casually flicked away by the Bull Demon with a flex of his finger.


    Draw the spear.


    Explore stories on .com


    Slash it down!


    In a flash, like a peacock spreading its tail and opening its feathers, countless spear shadows swallowed Cao He.


    Cao He bellowed in rage, but with no power to resist, was instantly slammed down harshly onto the rooftop, hurtling toward the bluestone ground at high speed.


    In midair, his muscles and bones had already turned into mush.


    With a loud thud...


    A sky-high mist of blood erupted!


    When Cao He hit the ground, he was already dead, the Divinity within his Divine Foundation lost control, frenziedly devouring his flesh, causing his smashed remains on the ground to still weirdly twitch.

 Chapter 107: Divine Weapon Mask Angry Horse Face, Plus a Hero (2)

    Boom!


    A spear''s light struck, and the Divine Foundation shattered, exploding into countless fragments.


    In the end, only a piece of Divine Foundation Fragment remained, and the writhing rotten flesh grew still.


    "Crack," a crisp sound resounded.


    The bloodstained, bare Guanyin Wood Carving that resembled flesh, fell to the ground, sliding far away.


    Cold snowflakes, mingled with bone-chilling rain, fell to the ground, soaking the wood carving with a "plop plop" sound.


    Li Che floated down, his eyes beneath the mask swept over the carving.


    With a flex of his five fingers, the carving instantly soared into his hand.


    His palm suddenly turned jade in color, with wispy jade qi.


    Thousand Analyzing Hands was activated!


    ...


    [Wood Carving (Nine Luminaries Inferior Grade): Flesh Desire-Comparing Guanyin]


    [Craftsmanship: Carved from Tenth Order Spiritual Wood "Spirit Flower Willow," fused with the Six Desires Divinity, containing the power of the Corpse Curse, capable of forming a Corpse Curse Mark, can lock onto targets, when accompanied in sleep, it can enhance carnal desires]


    ...


    Li Che''s eyes suddenly turned cold.


    Six Desires Divinity?


    Corpse Curse Mark?


    This Horse Face Divine Foundation cultivated the Wrathful Maitreya Divinity, and it must have come from the City Lord''s Mansion, spying from outside the house at this juncture.


    It obviously planned to leave the flesh Guanyin carving and then depart, clearly intending to utilize the power of the Corpse Curse within the carving.


    "The Corpse Curse Mark, a kind of mark? It seems that he planned to brand Xi Xi with this Corpse Curse Mark!"


    A murderous intent surged in Li Che''s eyes.


    Without a doubt, it must be a tactic of City Lord Cao Guang.


    Li Che closed his eyes; the Chess Saint''s Dao Fruit trembled slightly, making his thoughts extremely clear, and he gradually analyzed the cause and effect.


    "Cao Guang is not willing to let a Supreme Spiritual Child slip away right under his nose, but due to Li Qingshan''s presence in the city, he dares not act openly."


    "Thus, he made this statue to brand Xi Xi with a mark..."


    "It''s more like a favor being sold, so is it a favor sold to the Mansion City side? The power of the Corpse Curse is a method of the Corpse God Cult, which means that there are strong figures from the Corpse God Cult in the Mansion City too!"


    Li Che took a deep breath, his fingers clenched forcefully, and in an instant, the wood carving exploded into numerous wood shavings.


    A wisp of black energy, like a venomous snake, spewed from within the carving, entwining Li Che''s Thousand Analyzing Hand that was tinged with jade color.


    He watched the wisp of Corpse Curse power coldly.


    Li Che''s expression was devoid of emotion, and the moment he had killed Cao He, the wisp of Corpse Curse power had already entered his body.


    It was unlike Divinity, emitting strands of eerie energy.


    The Chess Saint''s Dao Fruit trembled slightly.


    In an instant...


    The wisp of Corpse Curse power was absorbed by the Chess Saint''s Dao Fruit into the chessboard.


    Placed among the black Three-Eyed Wrathful True Lord Spirit Infant Temple God Divinity Chess Pieces.


    The power of the Corpse Curse... quivering, not daring to move.


    Clearly, the Temple God Rank... was above it.


    After suppressing the wisp of Corpse Curse power,


    Explore more at .com


    Li Che then undid the Angry Vajra Transformation and approached Cao He''s corpse, beginning to expertly absorb the Divine Chess Pieces and subsequently searched the body.


    The Wrathful Maitreya Divinity had condensed a total of nine Divine Chess Pieces, all of which were of beginner rank of Divine Foundation.


    Li Che''s Three-Eyed Wrathful True Lord Divine Foundation didn''t hesitate, it trembled and began absorbing the Divine Chess Pieces, accelerating the Solidify Wheel process.


    Apart from that, there was also a mid-grade Qiankun Jade, the same rank as the one from Old Deng of the Yang Family, its interior space was immense, and Li Che unceremoniously took it for himself.


    The four spears that Cao He had used to counterattack were also unceremoniously taken by Li Che, as sensed by the Thousand Analyzing Hands, these spears, though not Divine Weapons, had special materials that could conduct Divinity and were quite precious.


    Lastly, his gaze fell on the Horse Face mask.


    "Huh? It''s not shattered?"


    Li Che was surprised; just now, with the Angry Vajra Transformation and the Divine Weapon Shocking Spear, the Eight Consecutive Bone Crushing Spear Technique he employed was so powerful that even the flesh of Cao He, the Xuanmai Warrior, had become minced meat.


    This mask... was actually intact?


    Li Che picked up the mask.


    The Thousand Analyzing Hands activated, and information flooded his mind.


    ...


    [Divine Weapon (Top-Grade Ten Cities): Angry Horse Face]


    [Craftsmanship: Forged from Tenth Order Spirit Wood "Horse Face Pine," sculpted by a master''s craftsmanship, it can slightly enhance Wrath Divinity, alter one''s vibe, of extreme hardness, can preserve one''s appearance]


    [In Charge: Forgers of Wrathful Divine Method, Cultivation as Riverlike or above]


    ...


    Another Divine Weapon?


    Even though it was only a Divine Weapon of the Ten Cities, it was still a Divine Weapon nonetheless, an extremely precious thing that could be called a Divine Weapon.


    Li Che held a certain fondness for it, a mask that was a Divine Weapon... rare indeed.


    He removed the Cute Cow Mask and replaced it with the Angry Horse Face, and Li Che indeed felt the flow of Divinity become smoother.


    Quite magical, but the Thousand Analyzing Hands quickly analyzed the mask''s craftsmanship.


    With Li Che''s skill, he could easily recreate it.


    "It could be an upgrade for my Cute Cow Mask."


    Li Che smiled slightly, then he turned his head to glance in the direction of the City Lord''s Mansion.


    He traced his finger through the curtain of rain before him.


    A porcelain vial fell into his hand, he sprinkled the powder onto the corpse of the Cao He he had killed, slowly the body dissolved into a pool of blood, flushed away by the rain.


    This was Corpse Dissolving Powder, personally formulated by Li Che with his Immortal Artisan skills; now it seemed to work quite well.


    Indeed, a level 3 Immortal Artisan, truly skilled.


    With a light tap of his foot, his figure shattered the wind and rain, disappearing without a trace.


    ...


    ...


    City Lord''s Mansion.


    The storm raged with thunderbolts flashing.


    Light flickered on and off, casting shifting shadows within the dark tower.


    Seated on a cushion.


    In front of him lay a bowl of blood and a Statue of the Three-Eyed Wrathful True Lord Spirit Infant.


    His palms came together, his body spreading entwining smoky trails.

 Chapter 108: Divine Weapon Mask Angry Horse Face, Plus a Hero (3)

    Gradually, the blood in the bowl dwindled, as if being drained by that wood carving.


    Finally, when the blood in the bowl was completely consumed.


    A vertical eye seemed to appear upon Cao Guang''s forehead, suddenly opening, a subtle black light burst forth, plunging into the wood carving.


    With a bang, the wood carving shattered into pieces, and a dense divinity burst forth from the exploded wood carving, together with screams and fury, it was devoured by Cao Guang''s Foundation Wheel!


    Cao Guang''s face flushed slightly, he licked his tongue, and then calm was restored.


    "The blood of a Spirit Child... truly nourishing."


    "The divinity siphoned is so vast, quite delicious."


    "If it were from a Supreme Spiritual Child, that would undoubtedly be even more delectable!"


    Cao Guang opened his eyes, a hint of regret flashing in the depths.


    Alas, this Supreme Spiritual Child can only be given to those fellows in the Mansion City.


    Suddenly.


    Cao Guang''s expression changed slightly, and his figure instantly shot out, tearing through the storm, standing atop the rooftop.


    His gaze was fixed in the direction of Li Che''s house.


    His breathing was heavy and labored.


    An emotion tinged with sorrow and anger surged from his heart.


    "Uncle..."


    "The Thousand Buddha Carving Banquet is about to begin... you... didn''t make it..."


    Cao Guang sighed deeply, suppressing the fluctuating divinity.


    To silently kill his uncle, Cao He, a Cultivator at the Primary God-Base Realm, in the vast Fei Lei City, no one else could do it except for Li Qingshan and himself, Cao Guang!


    Cao Guang had received intelligence that Li Qingshan was going to meet an old lover on the eve of his departure from Fei Lei City.


    That''s why he dared let Cao He handle things.


    It was just a matter of handling things, with no intention of harming Li Nuanxi.


    But unexpectedly...


    Such a minor disturbance still resulted in Cao He being hammered to death by Li Qingshan.


    The people of the Divine Sect remain as overbearing as ever!


    His hand clenched into a fist, allowing the cold winter rain to pour over him.


    "Li Qingshan!"


    ...


    ...


    "Achoo!"


    Inside Xu''s Divine Cultivation Institute.


    Li Qingshan, holding Nurse Momo who was sleeping, suddenly let out a big sneeze.


    He narrowed his eyes: "Two surges of furious Divine Foundation energies... appeared and vanished in an instant, what''s going on?"


    "It''s baffling."


    "To hold the Thousand Buddha Carving Banquet, they should wait until I leave Fei Lei City, shouldn''t they?"


    "Go ahead, hold it... I can already feel it, the Divinity that''s rushing over from the mountains..ing closer."


    Li Qingshan squinted his eyes.


    ...


    ...


    The next day, dawn broke.


    The rain and snow continued.


    Li Che''s family''s courtyard became much busier.


    The eldest uncle''s family had packed their luggage, large and small, and piled it onto the cart, arriving early at Li Che''s door.


    Li Che had long ago arranged for the merchant convoy, which was already waiting outside the alley.


    "Husband, are we sure we don''t need to take these?"


    Zhang Ya was very reluctant to leave behind many things in the courtyard, wanting to pack them all to take along, even the pots and pans.


    "We can buy these again in the Mansion City, it''s inconvenient to carry them with us."


    Li Che rubbed Zhang Ya''s head.


    "Moving from the Outer City to the Inner City, and now from the Inner City to the Mansion City... I''ve always thought our life would gradually get better, but I never imagined it could be this good... It feels like a dream. I''m afraid that once I wake up, everything will be false." R?


    Zhang Ya leaned on Li Che''s arm, the couple standing in the empty courtyard.


    Li Che also felt a touch of sentimentality in his heart.


    Indeed, even he had never thought...


    That the birth of his daughter would change everything.


    "Daddy, can we take the Twist Car with us?"


    Xi Xi was also packing her things, the little girl too was feeling reluctant to leave.


    "Of course we can."


    Xi Xi instantly became happy.


    Because they had already packed a few days ago, today all they had to do was load the goods onto the horse carriage.


    The escort leader of the Mansion City caravan walked over briskly, and with considerable respect, he clasped his fists towards Li Che: "Master Li, everything is packed, shall we set off soon?"


    This caravan wasn''t a local one from Fei Lei City, but headquartered in Golden Light Prefecture City. The journey to the Mansion City was long, passing through many cities and wild mountainous regions; traveling with the caravan would be safer.


    If Li Che were traveling alone, he would simply set off at once, but after all, he was bringing his family along.


    "Escort Leader Qian, thank you for your trouble."


    Li Che returned the salute with clasped fists, and with a smile, handed him a red envelope.


    The caravan''s Escort Leader Qian was a Qi Meridian Martialist within the Channel Opening stage, quite powerful and from Mansion City. He was merely protecting the caravan on its journey to Fei Lei City.


    "Master Li is too polite. Taking money to do a task is only natural," said Escort Leader Qian He, who was rather respectful towards Li Che.


    A Woodcarving Master, even in the Mansion City, held quite an esteemed status.


    Li Che, holding an oil paper umbrella, sent Xi Xi, Zhang Ya, and Big Head Lu Chi onto a horse carriage. Inside the carriage was a charcoal stove to ward off the severe cold and comfortable soft materials were spread out, making it quite cozy.


    Li Che himself had another horse carriage filled with plenty of wood, claiming that he could carve wood carvings inside it on the way to sell them in Mansion City to earn some money.


    Of course, that was just Li Che''s excuse. He wanted this horse carriage simply for convenience in his actions.


    However, Li Che, who had now inherited the wealth of the Yang Family, wasn''t lacking money, so renting an extra carriage was not a big deal.


    Old Chen and the uncle''s family were in the carriage behind.


    The carriage wheels rolled, crushing the rippling moss-covered stone ground.


    Lifting the curtain, Zhang Ya pursed her red lips, looking back at the courtyard somewhat reluctantly.


    "Let''s set off!"


    After everyone got on, Escort Leader Qian He rode on a fine horse, with a side knife at his waist and a hat on his head, and with a broad wave of his hand.


    The caravan started moving slowly, making its way along the cobblestone street.


    Perhaps because they knew Li Che was leaving Fei Lei City.


    Thus, many wood carvers from the Xu Family Wood Carving Shop came to see him off.


    In the crowd, Li Che also saw Zhao Xuan, Wang Zhengpin, and others he had trained with before.


    Now, they had all stepped into Sinew Transforming and entered the Inner City.


    "Daddy, why hasn''t Uncle Xu You come?"


    Xi Xi, leaning on the carriage window without seeing the person she wanted to see, turned back disappointedly and asked Li Che.


    "Your Uncle Xu You might be busy with something. He will come to see you in Mansion City when he has time. You need to practice well and surprise him quietly later," said Li Che, patting Xi Xi''s head with a smile.


    Xi Xi, thinking of that scene... got excited and nodded her head vigorously.


    Li Che, however, looked down the rainy street with narrowed eyes.


    Xu You... why didn''t he come? Experience exclusive tales on .com


    Unable to bear parting, or was there another hidden reason?


    ...


    ...


    At the city gate.


    A carriage also began to move slowly, with a charioteer wearing a hat, vigorously snapping the reins.


    The horses stepped out briskly, racing forward.


    In the swaying carriage, Li Qingshan was sitting comfortably against a cushion.


    By his side was Nurse Momo from the Xu Family. n¦Òvel.c?m


    Nurse Momo, seeming to know something, looked at her old lover beside her and frowned: "Li Qingshan, do you really plan to just leave like this?"


    "City Lord Cao Guang''s so-called Thousand Buddha Carving Banquet is obviously fishy... I fear it''s related to those missing Spirit Children, won''t you stop it?"


    "Weren''t you, Li Qingshan, always someone who loathed evil?"


    Li Qingshan took Nurse Momo''s hand: "Don''t worry."


    Nurse Momo struggled a bit, but failing to break free, let him touch as he pleased.


    Looking out the window at the misty green mountains and rivers, Li Qingshan smiled.


    "If I don''t leave, how would Cao Guang dare to start the ritual?"


    "If he starts the ritual, then I''ll have an excuse... to hammer him to death."


    Nurse Momo, hearing this, breathed a sigh of relief.


    Her eyes shone brightly.


    That''s right, this was her avenger brother Qingshan.


    "Just by yourself?"


    Nurse Momo seemed to think of something and asked somewhat worriedly.


    Li Qingshan smiled.


    "Should be..."


    "And also... a hero."

 Chapter 109: Qingshan’s Ram Horn Sky Shatterer, In terms of escaping, your master is no match for me

    Hero?


    Nurse Momo was slightly startled, "In this world... heroes don''t live long."


    In a carriage padded with soft cushions, even if it jolted, it could not offer any comfort. Li Qingshan held Nurse Momo''s hand, even though her skin was far from the smooth and tender feel of her youth.


    Yet Li Qingshan couldn''t let go.


    Gently playing with her slender fingers.


    "Heroes indeed don''t live long."


    "But that guy is different... If we don''t consider the methods of killing, then he might be called a hero,"


    Li Qingshan smiled.


    Nurse Momo instantly understood whom Li Qingshan was referring to.


    She couldn''t help but think back to when Xu''s Divine Cultivation Institute was attacked, and in her utter despair, when she was about to die together with those people from the Yang Family...


    A towering figure stepped forward, thwarted the Yang Family''s plan to snatch the Spirit Children, and saved those innocent children.


    The Bull Demon, a figure with ruthless methods and a menacing appearance that hardly resembled a good person... a hero.


    At least, in Nurse Momo''s view, the Bull Demon who saved the children counted as a hero!


    "The Bull Demon? He... dares to get involved in this ''Thousand Buddha Carving Banquet''?"


    Nurse Momo frowned slightly and couldn''t help asking.


    Cao Guang had prepared for the Thousand Buddha Carving Banquet for many years, whether it was developing the Spirit Infant Sect, capturing Spirit Children, or spending a fortune inviting wood carvers from various tribes to make Spirit Infant Wood Carvings...


    Years of planning, just for one Thousand Buddha Carving Banquet.


    Nurse Momo wasn''t foolish; she was well aware that Cao Guang was surely aiming to advance his own power.


    Cao Guang possibly wanted to borrow the power needed to contest for the position of Divine Minister from the Temple God through this banquet.


    Sacrifices are normal in this world.


    During her youth, Nurse Momo had traveled all over the country and seen too many sacrifices.


    Fishing villages by rivers would use young girls or children, along with livestock, to sacrifice to the River God.


    Mountain villages by mountains would also sacrifice to the Lords and Gods of the mountains.


    Sand castles in deserts and small countries in oases would also sacrifice to the gods of the desert.


    And there were even more sacrifices to the Mysterious Temple, although the divinity of the Mysterious Temple would influence all sides, giving birth to evil spirits, and Temple Guardian Cursed Corpses would wreak havoc everywhere.


    But still, what was enshrined inside the Mysterious Temple was indeed a god, dead or not, it was still a god.


    Many powerful cultivators, through worship and sacrifices, obtained power beyond their own, achieved transformation, and advanced their cultivation levels. They didn''t care whether the god was mysterious or evil. ?


    Nurse Momo knew that Cao Guang was also performing such sacrifices.


    But what could she do?


    She simply couldn''t stop it; she was just an old woman who was weakening in divinity, whose vitality was depleted, with one foot already in the grave, and had never built a Divine Foundation.


    Li Qingshan seemed to know what Nurse Momo was struggling with and smiled, "Why wouldn''t he dare?"


    "Do you think he will die? That kid''s skills in staying alive... are quite strong."


    Li Qingshan thought of Li Che''s Breath Concealment techniques, and those ever-emerging Tang Family Hidden Weapons that could kill Divine Base Cultivators...


    Even though the Thousand Buddha Carving Banquet was a matter that Cao Guang had prepared for many years, even if Cao Guang was well-prepared.


    But...


    The Bull Demon might not die.


    The Bull Demon''s methods, clearly not a good person, a scourge that haunts for a thousand years, how could he easily die?


    "Besides... isn''t there this old man?"


    Nurse Momo looked at Li Qingshan, who was arrogant and shameless as he was in the old days, and she couldn''t help but laugh out loud.


    "You know the Bull Demon? Know his true identity?"


    Nurse Momo asked curiously.


    Who is the Bull Demon?


    She was a bit curious; Li Qingshan seemed to know the true identity of the Bull Demon.


    Suddenly, the horses whinnied, the sound of their hooves on the muddy ground growing more urgent, mixed with the wind and rain hitting the carriage, continuously indeterminate!


    Li Qingshan, who was lazily holding Nurse Momo''s hand, did not respond to her question.


    Suddenly, he stiffened, his eyes shining.


    "Here it comes."


    Li Qingshan lifted the curtain, looked into the dark skies, and smiled gently.


    Nurse Momo was startled.


    The next moment.


    She saw Li Qingshan step out from the carriage, lightly tapped his toe, and landed gracefully on top of the galloping horse, much to the charioteer''s horrified gaze.


    Even as the horse galloped, its head bobbing up and down, its drenched mane flying wildly. Experience new stories on .com


    Still, it could not affect the elderly man in green clothes in the slightest.


    The violent wind mixed with the rain, ripping open in front of the old man standing on the horse''s head, like the curtain of a grand drama.


    The sky and earth seemed to emit a heavy sigh!


    It was as if a terrifying beast was growling and roaring!


    Countless raindrops exploded, forming a white fog.


    Atop the wave was a covered Ram Horn Hammer!


    The Ram Horn Hammer, with a sharp spike protruding from its center like a short spear, seemed poised to pierce the sky!


    From the distant rainy landscape, after wielded by a figure, he bowed deeply, then melted into the rain like water.


    The old man raised his hand.


    The Ram Horn Hammer shot forward and was forcefully grasped in his hand.


    The overwhelming divinity surged out from the Ram Horn Hammer, transforming into a peerless beast that seemed to charge the heavens and the earth!


    Instantly, the rain between heaven and earth seemed to pause.


    "Ram''s Horn Sky Shatterer... it only brings one part of my divinity, but that is enough."


    "To deal with some worthless things... it''s more than enough."


    Li Qingshan grasped the Ram Horn Hammer, his green clothes fluttering, his hunched shoulders slowly straightened.


    As if filled with pride, he stretched towards heaven and earth.


    Sitting in the carriage, Nurse Momo looked on with a stunned expression.


    In that instant, that stooped figure, in her eyes, seemed to bring her back to the days when he was a heroic, young man with innate divine strength, riding a white horse through the martial world.


    That year.


    The young man had spirit, and the beauty was still like jade.

 Chapter 112: The Strong Just Need to Overwhelm, Come Kill, Grandpa Bull Demon

    The Xu Family, for Li Che, was a benefactor of sorts.


    Even though the one who had provided assistance was Xu You, it still related to the Xu Family''s system.


    When he was weak, he had also relied on the Xu Family''s influence to contend against the Spirit Infant Sect, preventing Xi Xi from being taken away by them.


    Therefore, Li Che actually felt gratitude towards the Xu Family.


    Otherwise, from the moment Xu Beihu set his sights on Xi Xi, Li Che might have donned the Bull Demon mask in the middle of the night and sneaked into Xu Beihu''s room already.


    Upon returning to Fei Lei City, the first thing Li Che cared about was the Thousand Buddha Carving Banquet.


    The Thousand Buddha Carving Banquet was clearly a sacrificial event.


    Feeling the changes in Divinity between heaven and earth, he could detect it quite clearly.


    The Li Che of today, having formed the Divine Foundation of the Three-Eyed Fierce True Lord, with condensed Divine Sense, his perceptual powers had grown increasingly sharp.


    Even without using the power of the "Chess Saint''s" Dao Fruit, he could still clearly capture the fluctuations of Divinity.


    However, the Thousand Buddha Carving Banquet was an event that City Lord Cao Guang had been preparing for many years, starting from the emergence of the Spirit Infant Sect, it was when Cao Guang began to make arrangements.


    Therefore, Li Che couldn''t stop it unless he recklessly went to the City Lord''s Mansion to kill Cao Guang.


    Honestly, after forming his Divine Foundation, with a surge in confidence, Li Che had indeed had such an idea, but very quickly, he suppressed that thought.


    Because, he wasn''t certain.


    Rushing in without absolute certainty could easily put himself in a passive situation.


    Mainly, Cao Guang had another identity, that is a follower of the "Corpse God Cult."


    The Corpse God Cult was not like the Spirit Infant Sect that Cao Guang had made up, it was a truly terrifying sect sweeping across the entire Great Vista, causing even the Temple Control Bureau and Divine Sect to feel troubled.


    Although Li Qingshan said that the Corpse God Cult''s power arrangement in Yun Province was not much, and the master experts of the Corpse God Cult, as well as their main attention, were not in Yun Province.


    But looking at the "Desire-Comparing Carnal Kannon" wood carving from the Horse-faced Person killed last night, the Corpse God Cult... might have already begun infiltrating Yun Province.


    Cao Guang might possess the means of the Corpse God Cult, which is why Li Che had not recklessly gone ahead.


    After all, if he couldn''t kill with one strike, he might alert the enemy.


    If Li Che took action, he didn''t want to fail.


    "Before that, let''s settle the matters with the Xu Family first."


    Li Che''s body seemed to blend into the rain, devoid of any sense of presence, as if he turned transparent.


    The "Slumbering Dragon Elephant"''s Breath Concealment ability made Li Che''s body temperature, respiratory rate, and pulse almost disappear, completely blending with the natural world. R?


    Experience tales at .com


    Indeed not inferior to ultimate skill level Turtle Breath Technique.


    "Our family departs for Mansion City today, and Xu You promised to bid farewell to Xi Xi... but he has not appeared today, given Xu You''s nature of honoring his promises, most likely something has happened."


    "But since the Divine Chess Piece placed on Xu You has not shown any warnings, it suggests that it has not involved Xu You''s life..."


    "Whatever has caused Xu You to not bid farewell must be no small matter."


    Li Che flew silently across the streets.


    He arrived outside the high wall of the Xu''s Courtyard, a place he had passed through a few times, naturally it was a path he knew well. With a leap, like an eagle spreading its wings, he instantly glided into the courtyard.


    His body rising and falling, without any exposure of his Qi and blood, he already darted into the Xu Family''s garden.


    With rockeries standing tall and pavilions winding, Li Che''s Qi and Blood Cultivation had long reached the peak of Qi Channels, combined with the level 3 "Slumbering Dragon Elephant," his ability to conceal his breath was exceedingly powerful.


    Even if he walked past ordinary people, they might miss him.


    Although there was a Divine Base Cultivator, the Old Master Xu, within the Xu Family Compound.


    But the Divine Sense perception of the Primary God-Base Realm only spanned ten meters; if it spread further out, it would become very blurry and vague, completely incapable of penetrating the Slumbering Dragon Elephant''s Breath Concealment.


    So, Li Che moved about as freely as if he were in his own home.


    Wandering through the rain, as if merged with the wind and rain, the guards he crossed paths with, although vaguely sensing something amiss and looking back all around, saw no one there.


    ...


    ...


    In the main hall of the Xu Family Compound.


    Exquisite cuisine filled the tables, with fine wine on display, the robust aroma of liquor filled the air.


    Outside, lightning flashed and thunder roared, but inside the Xu Family Compound, a family banquet was being held.


    Xu You''s face was extremely grim as he sat on the chair, fists clenched, lips pressed together.


    He had risen early today, with the intention of seeing Li Che''s family off as they left Mansion City, after all, once they went to Mansion City, it might be difficult to see each other again.


    Li Che''s family was unlikely to return to Fei Lei City, thus Xu You treated this as the last chance to see them off.


    Despite his reluctance, he understood that Mansion City was the most suitable place for Xi Xi''s development.


    Xi Xi was about to enter the Divine Sect for cultivation, with the potential to become a Great God Cultivator in the future; he should be happy.


    He had even prepared parting gifts.


    But before he could leave the compound, he was summoned away by his father''s personal appearance.


    Xu You thought his father merely wanted to speak with him over a few things because he had just returned from dealing with evil spirits outside the city.


    Without paying it much heed, Xu You went, only to find, to his surprise, that Xu Nanming had prepared an exceptionally lavish banquet.


    At the table, he saw the Old Master Xu, the pillar of the Xu Family, the only Divine Base Cultivator, whom he hadn''t seen for several years.


    Next, there was his elder brother, Xu Heli.


    However, what puzzled him was the absence of his second brother, Xu Beihu.


    "Where''s Second Brother?" Xu You asked, puzzled.


    A shadow flashed in Xu Heli''s eyes, but his face showed a smile. After pouring himself a drink and taking a sip, he said softly, "Your second brother has gone to Mansion City... He said there was business to attend to there."

 Chapter 113: The Strong Just Need to Overwhelm, Grandpa Bull Demon Comes to Kill (2)

    Mansion City... what business could there be?


    Mansion City is far from Fei Lei City. Xu Ji primarily focuses on the wood carving shop, and the wood carving business simply doesn''t extend to Mansion City.


    However, Xu Heli remained silent, his eyes chillingly serene.


    Xu Beihu...


    That tiger-headed and simple-minded younger brother, whose sense of smell was so keen, had taken his family and fled early.


    It was truly a decisive move.


    But, it was just as well...


    Xu Heli glanced at Xu You and slowly sipped his wine.


    When all the dishes and drinks were served,


    Old Master Xu personally raised his glass. He coughed lightly, his expression somewhat unsightly, "Xu Ji has been rooted in Fei Lei City for over two hundred years. Now, in Fei Lei City, the Si Family has declined, the Yang Family has perished, and the An Family has relocated. Of the once Four Great Aristocratic Families, only our Xu Family remains."


    "Xu Ji has also completely dominated the major share, controlling all the wood carving business in Fei Lei City, making a fortune daily, a thriving business which is indeed gratifying."


    Old Master Xu said softly.


    Xu You and the others quickly poured wine, toasting in congratulation.


    Yet, Xu You was extremely anxious inside, already thinking about how to extricate himself, planning to find an opportunity to leave the banquet to catch up with Li Che''s family and bid them farewell.


    A sip of wine went down.


    But Xu You didn''t think too much about it.


    "Ah You, your mother passed away early, and I haven''t paid much attention to you. Have you ever resented your father?"


    Xu Nanming poured a cup of wine for Xu You, the strong liquid appearing as a translucent red, resembling diluted blood.


    Xu You hesitantly picked up his wine cup, "How could a child resent his father? As the head of the Xu Family, father has too many things to handle."


    Actually, Xu You harbored resentment towards Xu Nanming in his heart. Xu Nanming''s focus and attention on Xu Heli and Xu Beihu far exceeded that on him.


    Xu You knew it was because his mother was merely a refugee who had fled here.


    With no notable maternal family, and because his mother passed away early, Xu Nanming really didn''t have much affection.


    So Xu You had long since resigned himself to fate.


    However, the Xu Family raised him and nurtured him, and this grace of upbringing alone was enough to make Xu You strive to work for the Xu Family, to repay them.


    Xu Nanming smiled at Xu You, his eyes somewhat wistful.


    Xu You''s temperament... really nothing like his.


    More like his mother, that woman who had fled here, yet had caught his eye at first sight, gentle and quiet, but... died early.


    If Xu You''s mother hadn''t died, perhaps Xu Nanming wouldn''t have neglected Xu You so.


    "Drink." Xu Nanming said gently.


    Together with Xu You, they drank the wine in their cups.


    Afterwards, he reached out and patted Xu You''s shoulder, a rare gesture that stirred something deep within Xu You.


    "Little You, you''ve grown up so quickly..."


    "Come, drink a cup with Grandpa."


    The frail Old Master Xu, leaning on a cane beside the chair, also lifted his cloudy eyes to Xu You.


    Xu You quickly rose in alarm, holding up his wine cup with both hands.


    Both had downed their drinks.


    Xu Heli also poured a glass of wine, walked over to Li Che''s side, patted him on the shoulder, clinked his cup against Li Che''s, and downed his drink as well.


    Li Che did not refuse; after three glasses, the intense effect of the alcohol immediately began to churn within him.


    Even though the attitudes of the old master and his father were somewhat abnormal today, Li Che did not care, guessing they probably had some dangerous task they wanted him to undertake.


    He had long been accustomed to such situations.


    Suddenly.


    Li Che''s brow furrowed as an uncontrollable burp surged up from his chest to his throat.


    The next moment, as the burp escaped, an extremely intense smell of blood enveloped his throat, overpowering the smell of the alcohol, causing Li Che''s body to tremble slightly.


    "This wine..."


    Li Che''s eyes narrowed. He looked around and saw Xu Nanming, Xu Heli, and Old Master Xu had all put down their wine cups.


    Their gazes fixed on him.


    An inexplicable chill suddenly sprang up from the Heavenly Spirit Cover, spreading instantaneously throughout his limbs and bones, as if to freeze his entire body.


    Hum¡ª


    A buzzing sound resonated from his eardrums, shrill and piercing, assaulting his mind.


    "You..."


    Li Che tasted the extremely intense bloody flavor in his mouth.


    He seemed to have understood something, that so-called familial love, so-called brotherly affection, were all just an illusion!


    He stared at the wine, which was almost like blood, as his face twitched uncontrollably.


    "Have you all gone mad?!"


    Li Che staggered to his feet, instantly knocking over the chair beneath him.


    Thud¡ª!


    A dull bell sound suddenly shattered the storm, emanating from the direction of the City Lord''s Mansion. The bell''s penetration power was very strong, and its waves rippled outwards in all directions.


    Li Che only felt a splitting headache and a chill over his body.


    "This is..."


    Old Master Xu gazed outside, listening to the sound of the bell waves, and exhaled a breath.


    "The Thousand Infants Carving Banquet has begun..."


    The Thousand Infants Carving Banquet?


    Li Che''s mind was foggy and confused. Wasn''t it the Thousand Buddha Carving Banquet?


    Xu Nanming stood up and walked into the shadows, suddenly pulling off the black cloth, revealing candles flickering behind him.


    In an instant, it illuminated the previously hidden part of the room.


    There were one after another of Spirit Infant Wood Carvings, each different in appearance, featuring Buddhas and spirit infants, boys and girls, expressing joy, anger, sorrow, grief and all seven emotions!


    Enjoy more content from .com


    Li Che only felt the world spinning, accompanied by a deafening buzz in his ears.


    Under the glow of the burning candles, those Spirit Infants and Buddha statues seemed as if they had come to life, with a variety of laughter, crying, and shouting sounds echoing ceaselessly.


    Threads of Divinity twisted out from these wood carvings like venomous snakes flicking their tongues, crawling down the carvings, contorting their bodies, dragging across the floor.

 Chapter 114: The Strong Just Need to Overwhelm, Your Grandpa Bull Demon Comes to Kill (3)

    Hiss, hiss, hiss...


    Unceasingly drawing closer to Xu You.


    Xu You felt his heart being clenched by an invisible hand.


    He even faintly perceived, as if he saw an ancient and dilapidated temple that had burst through green bricks, sprouting forth, within which resided a Spirit Baby raging in extreme fury, its wide eyes bulging, and suddenly a vertical eye on its forehead snapped open, with the Spirit Baby''s mouth following suit, emitting a silent screech!


    Thereafter.


    Countless Divinities, like snakes, burrowed into Xu You''s body.


    ...


    ...


    Thud


    Thud


    The ancient bell sounds, like the ancient temple''s evening bell struck after three thousand years of tides rising and falling.


    The torrents of time, the dust of years, all frothed in the sound of the bell.


    A figure with a hunched back, wearing a cat face mask and carrying an unremarkable Ram Horn Hammer at his waist, gracefully leaped over the tall walls of Fei Lei City.


    He stepped onto the green brick pavement of the Outer City.


    The entire city plunged into a stillness akin to death, while the heavens roiled with dark clouds, thunder roaring, lightning snakes intertwining.


    Under the cat face mask, a pair of eyes squinted slightly.


    "Quite decisive. If you were any slower, I wouldn''t have entertained you..."


    A faint voice emanated from beneath the mask.


    Cao Guang also precisely seized the opportunity, immediately commencing the ritual, acquiring power.


    "Three-eyed Wrathful True Lord Lingying Bizarre Temple..."


    "The Ten Capitals Mysterious Temple."


    "You, Cao Guang, conduct the ''Thousand Buddha Carving Banquet,'' using the lives and blood of a thousand Spirit Babies as a sacrifice, to elevate this Strange Temple to the Nine Luminaries Level..."


    "A Temple God at the Nine Luminaries Level..."


    "I truly am quite intrigued."


    "Temple Gods are deemed invincible within their realm; any god within the same realm can crush a Cultivator of Divinity of the same level. To slay a Temple God of the same realm, at least five Cultivators of the same level are needed to carry out the divine execution." ??


    "I... am keen to test, whether a single Ram Horn Sky-breaking Hammer could hammer a Temple God to death!"


    Boom, boom, boom!


    Thunder roared deafeningly, illuminating the oppressively dark sky instantly.


    The storm hastened, snow and ice plummeted down as if the heavens raged, countless raindrops and hailstones ferociously pelted down upon the human world!


    Li Qingshan, wearing the cat face mask, swayed lightly, like a straight arrow blasting forth, splashing a white wave amidst the curtain of rain, drilling straight toward the Inner City!


    A few quick bounces, and he had already charged through the Outer City, darting into the Inner City.


    That lightning-fast speed left the city guards stupefied, unable to react!


    Hiding?


    Concealing?


    The expression beneath Li Qingshan''s mask was filled with scoffing.


    He, at this moment, needed not...


    The weak need to hide, to conceal.


    The strong... once they have a reason, what they need to do...


    Is to plow through everything!


    The Thousand Buddha Carving Banquet, in reality... should be called the Thousand Infants Carving Banquet!


    Using the lives of a thousand Spirit Babies as a sacrifice, to awaken the Temple God, to feed the Temple God!


    Monsters!


    Deserving of death!


    Boom!


    Li Qingshan stomped down heavily, his entire body vibrated with tension, his spine suddenly straightening; a hot blood qi that seemed to evaporate everything wrapped around him like a Jiao Long, roaring in fury.


    This is the vitality of a Grandmaster, released without reservation; from the five viscera to the spinal dragon, as if tempered by a thousand hammers.


    The domineering and scorching True Qi sprayed out around his body!


    From afar, over a dozen guards who had received Cao Guang''s early orders, possessing Blood Exchange cultivation, charged towards him howling, their long blades quivering, shattering raindrops.


    However, Li Qingsong did not even spare them a glance, casually flicked his finger, and the Ram Horn Hammer at his waist whistled out, spinning ferociously.


    Bang, bang, bang!


    Dozens of blood flowers burst open within the veil of rain; over a dozen Blood Exchange Warriors didn''t even get the chance to resist before their skulls were crushed by the hammer, transforming into cold corpses.


    With a clasp of his five fingers, there was a snap¡ªthe Ram Horn Hammer was gripped by the cat-faced elder.


    Above the hammerhead, fresh blood mixed with rainwater dripped down.


    His footsteps advanced slowly as if parting the curtain of rain in two.


    Unstoppable!


    ...


    ...


    Outside Xu''s Courtyard.


    Li Che stood atop the rockery, his presence blending seamlessly with the world around him, completely undetectable.


    His eyes shone like lightning, clearly seeing the scene within the hall.


    The wine consumed by Xu You was unmistakably drugged, a potion that sent Xu You into a stupor.


    Since it didn''t pose a threat to life, Divine Chess Piece did not issue a warning.


    Therefore, Li Che did not take action immediately, wanting to understand just what the Xu Family People were up to.


    Why would they strike against Xu You?


    Next, he saw Xu Nanming reveal the display filled with hundreds of various Spirit Infant Wood Carvings by pulling off a cloth.


    "Xu Ji, too, plans to have a share in the Thousand Buddha Carving Banquet..."


    "Indeed, they had all silently consented for City Lord''s Mansion to take away the Spirit Baby."


    The expression beneath Li Che''s Cute Bull Mask was icy cold, devoid of emotion.


    Perhaps at first, Xu Ji still held the objective of resisting the Spirit Infant Sect, but in the end... they chose to collaborate, offering up the Spirit Baby.


    Those Spirit Babies... how innocent?


    Barely born and simply because they possessed great talent, they became the objects over which these powers calculated against each other.


    Their life and death hung by a thread of their thoughts.


    Li Che cast his gaze downward, and couldn''t help but think of Xi Xi; if he had not obtained the Dao Fruit...


    What would have become of Xi Xi?


    Probably just like those captured and sacrificed Spirit Babies, no doubt.


    The rain falling from the heavens was exceedingly cold and piercing to the bone.


    When Li Che stood atop the rockery and saw a large iron cauldron set up in the hall, with boiling water bubbling and various herbs being tossed into it...


    He saw Xu Heli, trembling as he walked towards the unconscious Xu You with a gleaming Bone-picking Knife in hand...


    The eyes beneath Li Che''s Bull Demon Mask suddenly displayed a hint of astonishment.


    "Truly... they''ve gone mad."


    "Noble Families, the man-eating Noble Families, this cannibalistic world."


    Li Che shook his head, inhaling the chilling air, and murmured softly.


    In the next moment, the burly figure atop the rockery blurred and twisted, then vanished without a trace.


    Inside the hall.


    Stay connected with .com


    He was squinting his eyes, leaning on a cane, staring at Xu Heli who was shivering with each step he took towards Xu You.


    All of a sudden, his face changed drastically.


    "Who?!"


    His squinting eyes suddenly bulged wide!


    However, he found that inside the hall, within the darkness of a corner just ten steps away... at some unknown time, a figure wearing a Cute Cow Mask had emerged, breaking through the darkness.


    With a "buzz-thump," it was as if blood-colored silk ribbons were entwining around the body.


    The stature of Grandpa Bull Demon suddenly swelled, growing layer upon layer!


    His back presented an inverted triangle, and the powerful, dragon-like sinews vibrated ceaselessly, as if enraged pythons were roaring!


    "Your Grandpa Bull Demon has come to kill¡ª!"


    A roaring bellow of seething fury, accompanied by a fast and fierce whistling!


    The Gilded Blood Thorn Spear, like a bolt of blood-red lightning, appeared out of nowhere.


    Leaping forward ten steps in an instant.


    Launching a sneak attack!


    Thump¡ª!


    In an instant, the Shocking Spear pierced through the Heavenly Spirit Cover of Old Master Xu.


    It impaled his entire body, pinning him to the ground!

 Chapter 118: Where Did the Temple God Divinity Go, Is He a Thief?

    "Two Temple Gods?"


    "How could there be the presence of two Temple Gods?!"


    In front of the City Lord''s Mansion, the four confronting individuals all fell into a brief shock.


    None of them spoke, their eyes flashing beneath their masks.


    The Temple God''s presence rising in the distance was mixed with surging and terrifying blood energy, while the presence of the Temple God inside the City Lord''s Mansion seemed purer, with rampant interweaving waves of Divinity, carrying a strong pressure of rank.


    It should be said that both presences of the Temple Gods had a strong pressure of rank.


    However, the erupting Temple God''s presence in the distance seemed to have merged with the extremely volatile blood energy that only a Martial Artist possessed.


    It was like an invincible Tyrannosaurus, stretching its body, its bones and muscles resounding in unison, roaring towards heaven and earth.


    "What''s going on?" Read new chapters at .com


    Spirit Infant Master narrowed his eyes, "Didn''t Cao Guang say... that only one Temple God was to be worshipped? How come there''s another presence of a Temple God appearing?"


    "A city worshipping two temples? Taking the Temple Gods for a fool?"


    If Fei Lei City had two Temple Gods...


    It would be too dangerous!


    This was not in line with the planned expectations!


    Li Qingshan was also extremely astonished, gripping the Ram Horn Hammer, his brows furrowed into a "´¨" under the cat-faced mask.


    The situation had changed.


    He was starting to hesitate whether to run away or not.


    Two Temple Gods... he was afraid he might be beaten to death, right?


    Especially considering Cao Guang''s plan for the Thousand Buddha Carving Banquet even hoped to elevate Fei Lei City''s Ten Capitals Mysterious Temple to the Nine Luminaries Level.


    That would be a Divinity of the Nine Luminaries Level...


    If not in full strength, he might not be able to defeat it.


    Add to that another Temple God that unexpectedly appeared, completely outside of the plan...


    Li Qingshan''s forepaws had already begun to exert force, ready to make a getaway.


    The experts of the Corpse God Sect with the large-nosed and large-eyed masks also planned to retreat.


    The Spirit Infant Master had even turned around, holding up the hem of his big red robe, a small figure, toddling off as if planning to slip away.


    ...


    ...


    Inside the City Lord''s Mansion.


    The thick scent of blood intertwined, within a huge and boundless secret chamber.


    Cao Guang knelt in the center, wearing a white robe, with disheveled hair. The ground was engraved with wood patterns, flowing with crimson blood, surrounded by numerous Spirit Infant Wood Carvings in various poses.


    These wood carvings all came from the craftsmanship of Fei Lei City''s wood carving masters.


    It was only after Cao Guang spent a great deal of money that these Wood Carvers took on the work.


    But Cao Guang''s money... was not so easy to take, was it?


    Cao Guang abruptly clapped his hands together, chanting words from the "Three-eyed Wrathful True Lord Foundation Technique," which seemed more like some esoteric incantation.


    It was more like a kind of sacrificial speech.


    His face was devout and respectful, as if offering up his soul, presenting his faith, all for the exchange of power, to obtain transformation.


    At the same time.


    The entire Fei Lei City, all the Wood Carvers who had carved for the Thousand Buddha Carving Banquet, suddenly felt their minds buzz, losing all willpower as if they had seen a deity, their beliefs stripped away.


    They walked out of their homes like zombies, unwittingly kneeling on the rain-washed bluestone ground, arms spread wide, in utmost devotion.


    Streams of Divinity, like slender snakes, wriggled out from the bodies of these Wood Carvers, twisting and turning, like rivers flowing into the sea, quickly slithering towards the direction of the City Lord''s Mansion.


    Inside the City Lord''s Mansion.


    Cao Qingyuan''s hair stood on end; he retreated several steps, standing outside the room, not daring to set foot inside for even a moment.


    But his heart was somewhat fanatical¡ª the power of the Temple God...


    This was an opportunity for his Divine Base Cultivation to break through to the Middle Realm.


    If he relied on his own cultivation, he didn''t know how long he would need to accumulate, or if there was even any hope in this lifetime.


    To rely on the power of the Temple God was the simplest and most direct method.


    Just like his father, who had also given up the possibility of charging towards a higher realm with his own Talent, planning to borrow the power of the Temple God.


    The Mysterious Temple''s appearance in the human world was a dawn for many Cultivators who had reached a dead end.


    It was an opportunity to touch heights previously unreachable.


    As for the price that needed to be paid...


    The sacrifices that needed to be made...


    What did that have to do with these cultivators?


    The ones who would die were nothing more than commoners, like pigs or dogs.


    Cao Qingyuan backed up to the doorway, also somewhat devout. He yearned for the power of the Temple God.


    Worship the deity!


    Bow to the deity!


    With the blood and Divinity of a thousand Spirit Babies, plus a thousand wood carvings¡ªsince they were all creations that Woodcarving Masters had poured their hearts into, although they were not Divine Wood Carvings, they could extract Divinity from the Woodcarving Masters through the Spirit Infant Wood Carvings.


    All these... were offerings!


    The deity should awaken!


    Boom¡ª


    High above the sky, as if a thunderclap had exploded.


    The secret chamber of the City Lord''s Mansion began to collapse, shattering, countless specks of dust floating up, turning into gravel-like fragments under the howling gales, continuously swirling.


    Cao Guang opened his eyes; a vertical line had appeared on his brows, his white robe stained with dots of blood.


    He continuously backed away, his face showing a look of satisfaction.


    "The Thousand Infant Sculpture Sacrifice is complete!"


    "The Temple God has accepted our offering!"


    As his words fell,


    The entire secret chamber''s scenery began to change dramatically; countless swirling sand grains began to amass, forming a scene that was exactly the same as the layout and structure of the [Three-eyed Wrathful True Lord Lingying] Mysterious Temple outside the city!


    There was even an altar, and flickering red candle flames, as well as the Statue of the Deity of the Three-eyed Wrathful True Lord Lingying Temple God sitting atop the altar!


    But the Statue of the Deity trembled slightly, as if it was about to stand up.


    Yet it seemed a bit weak and unable to stand.


    A pair of eyes brimmed with unparalleled fury; the third eye on his forehead emitted a faint glow.

 Chapter 119: Where Did the Temple God Divinity Go? He is a Thief (2)

    Everything around was changing.


    Cao Qingyuan felt only an invisible fluctuation spreading; the secret chamber was like a double-sided puzzle, flipping its face, transforming both image and form!


    In other words, the Mysterious Temple was slowly taking over... the City Lord''s Mansion!


    And Cao Guang was kneeling before that Statue of the Deity.


    The vertical line on his forehead glimmering brightly, the blood color on his body growing more and more intense.


    "Temple God, please descend to the human world."


    "With my body, as the body of a God!"


    "Awaken¡ª"


    Cao Guang spread his arms wide, his expression devoted, his white clothes thoroughly turning into a striking red.


    Cao Qingyuan was utterly horrified, and then he saw the Temple God Wood Carving exude black qi bit by bit, a terrifying Divine Hierarchy pressure almost completely freezing his Divinity, interweaving and spreading out around him.


    Thump!


    With sweat beading on his forehead, Cao Qingyuan was, for the first time, aware of such a method of inviting a deity through worship.


    His father, Cao Guang, was actually planning to replace the Temple God Wood Carving with his own flesh, to host the Temple God within his body...


    This... was madness!


    Was this Cao Guang''s attempt to not only break through to the Post-Divine Foundation Realm but also to reach for the Divine Phase Realm using this method?!


    But once possessed by the Temple God, would Cao Guang... still be Cao Guang?


    If flesh and blood were eroded by Temple God Power, in the end... would he become something like a Temple Guardian Cursed Corpse?


    Too dangerous, it was like negotiating with a tiger for its skin, walking on a tightrope!


    Yet Cao Qingyuan could not dissuade his father; the Thousand Buddha Carving Banquet and this sacrificial ceremony had been long prepared by Cao Guang, who saw them as the sole glimmer of hope on a path of desperation, impossible to turn back from mere words.


    Cao Qingyuan dared not even breathe loudly, fixated on the sight of the black qi from the Temple God Wood Carving pouring into Cao Guang''s body.


    His body trembled slightly.


    He didn''t know how much time had passed...


    The black qi from the Temple God Wood Carving had completely flooded into Cao Guang''s flesh; those dense black tadpole-like patterns crawled and spread to the vertical line on his forehead.


    Then, the vertical line split open...


    As if suddenly opening an eye.


    The third eye, open!


    Within that eye was nothing but crimson, endless crimson, like a red-hot branding iron.


    An expression of agony surfaced on Cao Guang''s face.


    "No, this isn''t right..."


    "Ah... why... where is the Divinity? Where is the Temple God Divinity, the power I was promised, where is it?!"


    Cao Guang covered his face, the multitude of tadpole patterns writhing.


    The Divinity... so feeble he almost believed the Temple God that descended into his body was but an imposter with Nurturing Nature as vast as rivers!


    What use was this meager Temple God Divinity?!


    What use, indeed!


    Cao Guang growled continuously, filled with Fury, unwillingness, despair, and bewilderment!


    It shouldn''t have been like this!


    Suddenly, Cao Guang''s expression turned extremely angry and sensitive, like a child whose pride was pricked, his voice rising shrill and piercing.


    "Shut up!"


    "Ah¡ª!"


    "You must not speak!"


    Boom¡ª!


    Cao Guang began to scream, his hair flying wildly, the tadpole-script on his body moving rapidly, the crimson in his third eye growing ever more intense!


    At the same time.


    From the direction of the Xu Family Compound, another current of Temple God Divinity shot into the sky, as if a second Temple God were descending.


    Cao Guang''s eyes became extremely furious and manic, as the will belonging to Cao Guang was completely suppressed.


    As if he were a cultivator whose will was entirely eroded by the Fury Divinity.


    "Thief... thief..."


    "Ahhhh¡ª the thief who touched the head of a statue!"


    Boom!


    Cao Guang, transformed into a Temple God, let out a thunderous roar and instantly became a streak of blood-colored light, rushing out of the Mysterious Temple that had taken over the City Lord''s Mansion at a terrifying speed!


    Spit!


    Cao Qingyuan, who was lying at the door, suddenly felt the repercussion, Divine Power almost bursting from his body, his Divine Foundation nearly shattering apart.


    He collapsed on the ground, gasping for air, his Nine Luminaries Inferior Grade "Wrathful Maitreya" Divinity powerless before the Temple God Rank.


    Was this... the invincible power of a Temple God of the same rank?


    But Cao Qingyuan staggered to his feet, looking disheveled and wobbly.


    "This is bad... it seems something unexpected has occurred..."


    Cao Qingyuan wiped the fresh blood leaking from his mouth and nose, his expression constantly changing.


    He then ran towards the treasure vault of the City Lord''s Mansion.


    ...


    ...


    Li Che felt the terrifying power surging and swelling within his body at this moment.


    He was in an excellent state!


    Discover hidden stories at .com


    Better than he had ever seemed before!


    It was as if his flesh had broken through a human limit once, the shackles binding his flesh torn apart!


    After crushing the Temple God Divinity Chess Piece, with the Ascending Stance active, his body seemed to be getting more and more excited, with every inhale and exhale, the Temple God Divinity Power merged entirely into him.


    Just like a car needs fuel, the Temple God''s Divinity was like oil...


    He could even mobilize the Temple God Divinity, to launch an attack.


    "Under Ascending Stance, the fusion of body and Divinity is so perfect... even more harmonious than I imagined."


    Li Che was astonished at the transformative mingling, even more amazed at how under the Ascending Stance, the body and Divinity were blending.


    Because the Qi and Blood Martial Path and Divine Cultivation are like oil and water.


    The Qi and Blood Martial Path is mainly for strengthening the body to prevent erosion by Divinity, yet Divine Power and Qi and Blood are independent forces in their own right.


    Yet at this moment, under the Ascending Stance, the Temple God Divinity and the body fused near perfectly.


    If he were to execute a Martial Technique now, it could also carry the eruption of Divinity!


    Meaning, with every punch he threw out, it was a Divine Martial Arts technique, with Temple God Divinity as its source!


    Although not lasting, and despite the fact that as the Temple God Divinity was consumed, he would no longer be able to maintain the Ascending Stance.


    The so-called Ascending the Tower is like stepping on a god''s power, ascending step by step towards higher realms!

 Chapter 120: Where Did the Temple God Divinity Go? He is a Thief (3)

    "So... the stronger the divinity of the Temple God, the greater the power obtained from Ascending the Tower?"


    Li Che pondered thoughtfully.


    "It seems... it might be necessary to visit a Mysterious Temple of higher rank later."


    Temple God Divinity, huh...


    Just drink it in.


    The dark clouds piled up hazily, and the rain that fell pattered loudly on the ground rich with blood.


    Old Master Xu had died.


    Just as he lamented before his death, why use a butcher''s cleaver to kill a chicken?


    Facing the terrifying transformation of Li Che in his Ascending Stance, Old Master Xu was very clear about his self-awareness and positioning.


    Li Che merely pointed out with a spear, relying purely on physical strength, not even using the power of the Temple God, akin to driving a car in neutral without even stepping on the accelerator... A terrifying power completely shattered Old Master Xu''s organs and exploded his Divine Foundation, obliterating his life force.


    Apart from the suppression at the rank level, Li Che also felt the strength of his body''s Horizontal Refinement.


    The level of Qi and blood might have just reached the Divine Vein level, but his physical strength was much too powerful.


    His Inner Qi had also turned blood red, extremely ferocious and dominant.


    "I wonder how it compares to the True Qi of a Qi-Blood Grandmaster?"


    Li Che shook his head, not dwelling on these thoughts any further.


    He looked up, with faint golden smoke spreading and dispersing in his pupils, calmly looking into the distance.


    That was the direction of the City Lord''s Mansion.


    Just as the Three-eyed Spirit Infant Temple God had sensed him, he too had sensed the presence of the Temple God.


    The long black hair that reached his waist like a cape, Li Che felt the surging Ascending Stance, his body wrapped in a hazy crimson Inner Qi aura, each large tendon quivering like dragons, he twisted his neck and the spinal dragons seemed to roar.


    It''s about time...


    Old Master Xu was too fragile, shattering upon contact.


    He was somewhat lacking in vigor.


    Indeed, he wanted to personally feel it... just how strong is the power of the Temple God?


    Boom¡ª!


    A red beam of light, blasted swiftly from a distance, shattering numerous raindrops in its path, splitting into a fog of water mist!


    With a thud, the surface of the long street suddenly caved in, radiating cracks continuously expanding, making the accumulated water on the ground bubble and roll.


    The distorted red Divinity, like radioactive light, kept bursting forth.


    Cao Guang''s exposed skin was covered with wriggling tadpole-like patterns, the third eye in the center of his forehead blatantly red.


    Find your next read at .com


    "Thief..."


    A sharp voice erupted from Cao Guang''s throat, like a child undergoing voice change, the voice filled with fury and shrillness!


    Li Che, wearing a Cute Bull Mask, his large and upright figure, his inverted triangular back like a devilish face, looked at that not Cao Guang, Cao Guang...


    Li Che started to laugh, "Oh, it''s you."


    "Thief!"


    Cao Guang shrieked, his body sharply pressing down, within ten meters centered on him entered a terrifying state, raindrops seeming to boil and bounce like marbles on a scorching hot pan.


    "Come, touch it."


    Li Che smiled.


    As his words fell, he spread his fingers and swiped fiercely in front of him.


    In an instant, the remaining seven Temple God Divinity Chess Pieces floated up, hovering in front of him like seven little black holes.


    Just crushed one, used one to refine Temple God Divinity to assault the Three-Eyed Fury True Lord Divine Foundation.


    The remaining seven were all that Li Che had left.


    The scream of the Temple God abruptly ceased.


    As if someone had choked on their throat.


    ...


    ...


    The City Lord''s Mansion had completely turned into ruins, and within these ruins...


    A Mysterious Temple emanating a strong Temple God aura grew forth, breaking through the earth, appearing within the city.


    Spider-web-like cracks, centering on the Mysterious Temple, spread like the branches of a colossal sky-reaching tree towards every corner of the city.


    "Fei Lei City is finished..."


    "This Cao Guang... is really fierce, completely disregarding the lives of Fei Lei City''s citizens. Perhaps... in his eyes, citizens are no different from pigs and dogs."


    Li Qingshan, wearing a cat-face mask, narrowed his eyes.


    The relocation of the Mysterious Temple into the city meant that the entire city would be infected by Temple God Divinity, and if not left for a long time, all would become evil spirits of the Temple God, turning into Temple Guardian Cursed Corpses.


    This was the main reason why the major Noble Families in the city, upon learning that City Lord Cao Guang was hosting the Thousand Buddha Carving Banquet, decided to make a profit and then relocate away from Fei Lei City.


    And Cao Guang, having gained the power of the Temple God, could even mobilize these Cursed Corpses.


    Initially, what Cao Guang planned to sacrifice was not only a thousand Spirit Children but the entire Fei Lei City!


    "Worse than pigs and dogs!"


    Even Li Qingshan could not help but turn pale with anger and cursed out loud.


    But in fact, this was the overall state of the remote and frontier cities of the Great Vista, where Cultivators, in order to gain power from the Mysterious Temples, resorted to all sorts of extreme measures.


    Moreover, various sects were secretly stirring up troubles.


    In these times, the common folk had it tough.


    The two masters of the Corpse God Cult and the Spirit Infant Master of the Spirit Infant Sect all watched intently.


    Underneath the mask of the Spirit Infant Master, his face was tremendously excited: "It''s done, it''s done..."


    "But what''s with two Temple Gods fighting each other?"


    "Around Fei Lei City... there''s only one Mysterious Temple. How come there are two Temple Gods?"


    Spirit Infant Master was utterly bewildired.


    Not just him, Li Qingshan and the high-level experts from the Corpse God Cult were also puzzled.


    Bang!


    When Cao Guang, carrying the will of the Temple God, burst forth from the ruins of the City Lord''s Mansion as a Blood Python streaking across the sky, targeting the distance.


    The eyes of a few flickered with the impulse to watch the drama unfold, itching to move.


    "A Temple Gods'' conflict?"


    "A rare occasion indeed... but where did this intruding Temple God come from?"


    Li Qingshan grinned, a spectator''s thrill surging within him.


    But after a thought, he suppressed this emotion and scanned around, weighing the Ram Horn Sky-breaking Hammer in his hand.


    Then, his gaze landed on the two experts from the Corpse God Cult and Spirit Infant Master.


    Under the cat face mask, his eyes suddenly turned icy cold, and a torrential killing intent surged forth.


    Let the Temple Gods struggle against each other...


    He would have his own battle.


    These trash... they all need to die!


    Kill them and then run!


    As long as he wasn''t held back by both Temple Gods at the same time, running was still very easy for him.


    If he wanted to do it, he would do it!


    Li Qingshan took a step forward, and the mighty divinity inside the Ram Horn Sky-breaking Hammer erupted, twisting and halting all the wind and rain in its path.


    His body swayed, his toes tapping on the surface of the puddle, splashing water as he rushed toward the diminutive Spirit Infant Master!


    "Li Qingshan, have you lost your mind? The Temple God has appeared, why aren''t you running?"


    "Aren''t you afraid of being trapped in the city?"


    Spirit Infant Master shrieked and hurriedly counterattacked.


    The two Corpse God Cult experts also acted, their Six Desires Divinity raging around, round after round of Divine Foundations looming behind their heads, bursting with divine light!


    Li Qingshan flicked his sleeve, the seemingly light Ram Horn Hammer descended thunderously, suddenly exploding with a terrifying power!


    "Ha... I just want to kill all of you!"


    ...


    ...


    The rain kept falling.


    Gathering on Cao Guang''s chin, it trickled down like threads, like beads on a broken string, continuously falling.


    Cao Guang felt his consciousness returning to his own body.


    He felt numb and annoyed!


    The divinity... the Temple God Divinity was pitifully weak!


    It seemed as if it had been drained long ago.


    Such a Temple God, and he had spent years preparing, intending to sacrifice the entire city for it...


    Was it worth it?!


    "What a terrible god!"


    Cao Guang gritted his teeth, his heart sinking; now he only hoped that the thin Temple God Divinity could help his cultivation breakthrough to the Post-Divine Foundation Realm, that''s all.


    Hmm?


    Suddenly, Cao Guang regained control of his physical strength.


    He saw the scene before him clearly.


    A mask, a Cute Cow.


    Then came the terrifying tempest of Qi and blood and Divine Majesty!


    "Bull Demon?!"


    Cao Guang''s eyes narrowed.


    An incredulous emotion surged in his heart...


    What the hell? This cow again?


    However, what truly terrified and made him shudder was...


    The seven pitch-black chess pieces hovering in front of the Bull Demon, exuding an intensely rich Temple God Divinity scent.


    So, the Temple God Divinity he greatly desired...


    Was right in front of him, within reach, potentially graspable...


    Wait a minute!


    Cao Guang suddenly understood why his consciousness had regained control of his body.


    Showing off is your role? Getting beaten is mine, right?


    "Damn it, what a terrible god!"


    Cao Guang only managed to scream.


    He was then kicked into a full-body mist of blood, exploding outwards.


    Ps: It''s a new month, ask for your Monthly Tickets! Let''s see if we can enter the top 500! Old Li begs for your support!

 Chapter 124: Eight-Armed Prison Lotus Furious Third Prince

    The fierce wind surged, and rain blasted through the air.


    Above the heavens, dark clouds accumulated, bringing endless darkness; accompanied by the flashing of tumbling lightning snakes, they momentarily lit up the human world.


    Gazing at the figure standing at the doorway, wearing a Bull Demon mask, Xu You''s eyes narrowed.


    He wanted to draw his sword, but at that moment, he lacked the strength to do so.


    The Bull Demon...


    The one who caused chaos in Fei Lei City, relentlessly brutal, mercilessly killing!


    However, Xu You was not the least bit afraid or frightened.


    Even though he was facing such a terrifying existence that was reputed to stop children from crying.


    Not a trace of panic surged in his heart.


    Xu You had learned of the deeds and kills made by the Bull Demon...


    Setting aside his methods, which of them could not be deemed heroic?


    Even though he killed the Divine Catcher, Zhao Xuanhai, from the Imperial Court, it was because Zhao Xuanhai was a follower of the Spirit Infant Sect.


    What the Spirit Infant Sect was, Xu You knew clearly.


    Exhaling, Xu You, with a pale face, bowed with his fists clasped, "Thank you for saving my life, sir."


    However, the Bull Demon just glanced at him indifferently, "City Lord Cao Guang has sacrificed the entire city to the Mysterious Temple, wishing to elevate the Mysterious Temple to Nine Luminaries status; Fei Lei City is finished, you better leave quickly."


    "Take care."


    The news, striking like a thunderbolt, left Xu You completely stunned in place.


    So much so that he did not even hear the Bull Demon''s "Take care."


    City Lord Cao Guang has sacrificed the entire city?


    What in the world has come to this?


    Xu You drew his sword, yet he was bewildered.


    "Bull... hero... senior..."


    Xu You thought of something and wanted to shout once more.


    However, the Bull Demon merely tapped his toe lightly and plunged into the storm. By the time Xu You ran out, the burly figure had already disappeared into the world.


    The rain was cold, mingled with snowflakes, drifting down onto his shoulders.


    Xu You breathed heavily, his heart immensely shaken.


    At this moment, he seemed to have understood something.


    The Xu family and the City Lord''s Mansion were in collusion; the affair about City Lord Cao Guang wanting to sacrifice the entire city, people like Old Master Xu, his father Xu Nanming surely knew.


    With his body trembling, the bone-chilling rain caused his heart to sink into frost.


    "How could this be..."


    Outrageous and evil to the extreme!


    After a while, Xu You let out a long sigh.


    He returned inside the house, looking at the corpse of his father, Xu Nanming, and the corpse of Xu Heli...


    There was no trace of sadness on his face.


    If it hadn''t been for the Bull Demon''s help, the one dead might have been him.


    "You even wanted to... literally eat my flesh?"


    Xu You suddenly felt like laughing madly.


    Feeling the divinity surging inside his body, constantly propelling his divinity to boil, it even vaguely made him feel like his divinity was about to solidify into a Divine Foundation.


    "Is this a blessing in disguise?"


    Xu You raised his hand, looking at the intertwining blood-red divinity in the palm of his hand. This divinity was slowly integrating into his body.


    This was the power of the Temple God, though not much...


    Explore more stories at .com


    But after all, it was the energy from the Temple God in the Mysterious Temple.


    Xu Heli, perhaps, planned to use this method to devour him and obtain the power of the Temple God?


    "Why didn''t Xu Heli use himself to carry it directly? There must be some side effects... Could using the method of cannibalism avoid these effects?"


    Xu You shook his head.


    Looking at the blurred wind and rain, the figure of the Bull Demon had completely vanished.


    Contrary to the rumors, the opponent was not relentlessly brutal and evil.


    Thinking of the words spoken by the Bull Demon, Xu You, with his sword slung, plunged into the storm.


    Old Master Xu likely also perished, the main pillars of the Xu family, completely gone.


    The Bull Demon said, City Lord Cao Guang had moved the Mysterious Temple into the city. If the city''s people do not leave, within a few days, they fear they would be corroded by the divinity of the Temple God, turning into wicked and bizarre spirits.


    As a direct descendant of the Xu family, he must officially take over the Xu family, support the Xu family, and lead them away from Fei Lei City.


    As for the people in the city...


    He would save as many as he could. Leaving Fei Lei City, they would become refugees, migrants, roaming to other cities, looking for a stable place to stay, possibly being exploited by other cities'' forces heavily.


    But even so, it was better than losing their lives.


    ...


    ...


    Wearing a cat-face mask, Li Qingshan swung his Ram Horn Hammer up and then smashed it down again, the small surface of the hammer sticky with strands of blood and flesh, washed away by the rain.


    On the ground, two bodies smashed to a pulp, completely devoid of life.


    The ground in front of the City Lord''s Mansion had turned into a wasteland, densely dotted with deep pits flourishing like plum blossoms.


    That was the aftermath of Li Qingshan''s confrontation with two masters of the Corpse God Cult.


    "The iron corpses of the Corpse God Cult are indeed tough and smelly..."


    With a shake of his True Qi, Li Qingshan instantly cleaned the filth from his Ram Horn Hammer, his sleeve shrank as he stored the hammer away.


    His wildly surging blood and qi converged, and his essence, qi, and spirit instantly returned to calm.


    His entire demeanor slouched again, returning to the appearance of an old man, lightly tapping his toe, he flurried into the Mysterious Temple.


    Moments later, he shot out, with a look of astonishment under the cat-face mask.


    "The statue of the Temple God was smashed... Who did this? So fierce? Lucky I didn''t attempt to break the temple, otherwise if the curse of the Temple God struck me, that would have been miserable."


    Li Qingshan furrowed his brows.


    His body flurried towards the location where the qi of the two Temple Gods had collided before.


    Upon seeing the extremely finely shattered corpses on the ground...


    Even Li Qingshan''s face grew solemn, "How tragic... This is Cao Guang''s body, right? He invited the Temple God into his shell, planning to transform with the power of the Temple God."


    "But to be beaten to death and dismembered..."


    "The other Temple God, so fierce, such a fierce Temple God... is rare indeed."


    Li Qingshan muttered.


    "However, it''s also a good thing, Cao Guang''s plan shattered, the Temple God fell into deep slumber, giving the people of Fei Lei City a chance to breathe..."

 Chapter 125: Eight-Armed Prison Lotus Furious Third Prince (2)

    "The city lord has died, and the Temple Control Bureau will know about this news soon. They''ll have to send someone over."


    Li Qingshan stretched lazily, feeling relaxed all over.


    The only surprise that remained was that temple god who tore Cao Guang apart...


    Which high and mighty immortal is this, exactly?


    So brutal!


    Terrifying.


    "Right, did that Ox Kid show up? Why haven''t I seen him? Ah, forget about him..."


    With a shimmer of his body, Li Qingshan shook off the raindrops with his true qi, bolting towards the treasure vault of the City Lord''s Mansion like an arrow released from its bow.


    A moment later.


    "Damn it, that kid must have been here already, like a bird leaving no feathers behind, clean as a whistle!" Find your next read at .com


    "Doesn''t leave anything for this old man!"


    ...


    ...


    Li Che observed Xu You''s condition from the shadows for a while.


    Upon confirming there were no issues, he vanished into the alleyways.


    With a grasp of his hand, the chess piece that serves as an anchor, marking the horses that were galloping down the snowy and rainy official road outside the city, appeared in his hand.


    And Li Che himself returned from Fei Lei City to the inside of the carriage.


    His blood circulated throughout his body, drying his clothes and hair. Only after removing his mask, did he finally lean back in the soft carriage seat.


    His tense nerves gradually relaxed, and smelling the scent of the wood piled up inside the carriage, he began to feel a bit lazy.


    This trip back to Fei Lei City had been quite successful: he had saved Old Xu, preventing the disaster of him being eaten by his relatives, resolved the matter of the Thousand Buddha Carving Banquet, and crushed the ambitions of the City Lord of Fei Lei who wanted to sacrifice the whole city.


    If there were any regrets, there were indeed a few.


    For example, the Divine Catcher Zhang Xiangyang. When Li Che used the Heaven and Earth Chessboard as Master Gao to investigate, he also checked on him.


    Unfortunately, he did not find him, so Li Che missed the chance to learn Zhang Xiangyang''s "Terrifying Trace of Light" divinity.


    It wasn''t a big deal, though; he''d have plenty of opportunities once he reached Mansion City, and the Divine Sect probably had corresponding Dharma methods.


    Beyond this, the remaining points were all about gains.


    He had tested out the "Ascending Stance," and also received generous gifts from many people.


    Old Master Xu, Cao Guang, and Cao Qingyuan, the three Divine Base Cultivators, their Qiankun Jades must contain a lot of good stuff. Cao Qingyuan, in particular, had rolled up everything valuable in the entire city lord''s treasury.


    Now it all belonged to Li Che.


    Even with Li Che''s composure, he couldn''t help but get excited.


    "Please give my worldly experience a good shake..."


    Li Che pursed his lips and took out Cao Qingyuan''s Qiankun Jade ¨C something so treasured that even in death, he clutched it in his palm.


    A mid-grade Qiankun Jade of excellent quality, finer even than the one from Cao He, the "Pure Heart" Dao Fruit didn''t hesitate to devour and replace the original space.


    Lifting his hand, he tore open the space like unzipping a zipper.


    Li Che''s divine sense moved, falling into it.


    There were about a dozen gold bars, a pile of Gold Leaves, a stack of silver ingots, and beyond that, silver notes, house deeds, land deeds, and more.


    Darn, was this the financial revenue of the entire Fei Lei City?


    It even seemed a bit richer than the Yang Family who had been cultivating their wealth for many years, even after Cao Guang had spent a huge sum of money hiring many wood carvers.


    These were just money and material property, things extraneous to oneself. Along with what he had originally acquired, it was enough to allow his family to live luxuriously in Mansion City.


    Li Che continued to inventory, and suddenly, his gaze was captured.


    "Eh?"


    Li Che''s spirit stirred, and the next moment, a yellow stump half the size of a person thudded down in the carriage.


    Creak, creak...


    The sensation of heaviness was such that even the carriage seemed to emit groans of being overburdened, as if on the verge of collapsing.


    The carriage slowed down abruptly.


    Li Che quickly returned the wood stump to the Qiankun Space.


    "Well, well... Spiritual Wood, eh!"


    "Seventh Grade Spiritual Wood..."


    Li Che breathed rapidly, his eyes shining; the main thing was... such a huge piece of Seventh Grade Spiritual Wood!


    Its value was immeasurable!


    Just by touching it with his hand, he had already determined the information about this spiritual wood through "Thousand Analyzing Hands."


    ...


    [Spiritual Wood (Seventh Rank Lower Grade): Dragon Tooth Boxwood]


    [Origin: Yellow tough spiritual wood, hard as fine steel, with a texture like dragon teeth, tough and dense material, even grain, difficult to process, handle with caution]


    ...


    Wow!


    Dragon Tooth Boxwood! A wood so hard it even surpasses fine iron!


    Li Che was amazed internally. The City Lord''s Mansion actually had such a treasure. The price of this single chunk of spiritual wood might, in fact, exceed the entire financial income of the City Lord''s Mansion.


    Where did Cao Guang get such a good thing from?


    "Seventh Grade Spiritual Wood... Not every Woodcarving Master can handle it. Ordinary carving knives probably can''t even make a mark, let alone carve. Probably needs a Divine Weapon-grade carving knife, right?"


    Li Che took a deep breath; this wood stump was likely what Cao Qingyuan coveted so much.


    Taken to Mansion City, its value would be too great. The divinity contained within the spiritual wood could be carved into a Divine Wood Carving, likely enough for Cao Qingyuan to cultivate until death.


    Besides, there were quite a few Ninth and Tenth Order spiritual woods, all fairly common, among them many that were necessary for crafting Bodhi Blood Tears made of "Blood Flesh Red."


    As a Woodcarving Master, Li Che was truly satisfied with this haul.


    It was worth it for him to have closed Cao Qingyuan''s eyes, allowing him to die with dignity.


    Li Che continued the inventory, though there weren''t many more surprises.


    Two bottles of elixirs, each containing two Ninth Grade Lower Rank "Great Scenic Heaven Fury Dark Flood Dragon Blood Martial Pills," likely issued by the Qintian Observatory.


    For Li Che, this was also a fine gain; at least he didn''t have to worry about elixirs for cultivation.


    Indeed, tallying up one''s gains can wash away all fatigue from the body.


    Li Che happily counted everything, various martial arts methods - although they weren''t of high quality, the sheer quantity was exciting, much like counting money. Even five-dollar bills make one ecstatic when counting, after all, it''s still money.

 Chapter 126: Eight-Armed Prison Lotus Furious Third Prince (3)

    "This is..."


    Suddenly, a golden hide booklet appeared in Li Che''s hands.


    "Great Scenery Temple Top-tier Prison Lotus Meridian Divine Pulse Technique"!


    The smile at the corners of Li Che''s lips couldn''t be contained any longer.


    "Mysterious Vein Method, Divine Vein Method... Now I''ve gathered them all!"


    Putting away the booklet, Li Che''s mind stirred, and once more a treasure was expelled from the Qiankun Space.


    ...


    [Eight Extremes Lower Grade Divine Weapon: Mystic Thunder Jiao Wrath Bow]


    [Craftsmanship: Hundred-year-old mysterious iron, forged a thousand times with the blood of the Mystic Thunder Jiao, mixed with Wrath Divinity, and further forged in fierce flames a thousand times, can channel "Wrath Divinity", a strong bow, the arrows strike like a thunder dragon!]


    [In Charge: Wrathful Divine Method, Primary God-Base Realm and above]


    ...


    "An Eight Extremes Divine Weapon? As expected of a city lord, the foundation is indeed profound, backed by the Imperial Court, it really is different," Li Che exclaimed admiringly.


    His Liu Blood Shock Spear was only at the Nine Luminaries Superior Grade, yet Cao Guang actually treasured a divine weapon of the Eight Extremes Level!


    "Then why didn''t he use the divine weapon before?"


    "Oh... He didn''t have the chance to use it, he was killed too soon," he replied.


    Li Che clenched the pitch-black Mystic Thunder Jiao Wrath Bow, and faint electric arcs seemed to flit across it, as if drawing on the divinity within the Inner Scene of the Energy Center.


    "Archery... I''ve learned the ''Hundred Ghosts Wrathful Thunder Arrow'', but it doesn''t quite align with divinity, perhaps I need to find another archery technique," he mused.


    Thinking to himself, Li Che put away the great bow.


    He continued taking inventory, counting the Qiankun Jades of both Old Master Xu and Cao Qingyuan, though not finding much of note.


    Cao Qingyuan, though a God-Base, didn''t have much "pocket money", making him one of the poorest God-Bases Li Che had ever seen.


    However, Li Che did find a pile of letters in his Qiankun Jade.


    Glancing briefly at them, his expression grew more serious the more he read.


    "Golden Light Prefecture... Qin Family? Gold Split Gate?"


    "Cao Qingyuan actually had a mother living in Mansion City? And she''s a lady from a Mansion City noble family?"


    "Gold Split Gate? Apart from the Divine Sect Branch, are there other sect influences in Mansion City?"


    Li Che''s heart trembled slightly as he carefully examined the letters.


    The letters were mostly from Cao Qingyuan''s mother, with some written by Cao Qingyuan that he never sent.


    Having read them once, he noticed that his words were filled with concern.


    "Will I have trouble if Cao Qingyuan''s mother comes looking for me since I killed him?"


    "However, Cao Qingyuan was killed by the Bull Demon, it has nothing to do with me, Li Che..."


    Li Che sighed, put away the letters, and continued the inventory.


    Old Master Xu was wealthier in comparison, roughly on par with Old Deng of the Yang Family, though without any divine weapons.


    He did have a few bottles of Python Blood Martial Pills, a total of over thirty pills, which was a considerable amount.


    "Nine Luminaries Xuansi Flow Sword Divine Foundation Method," "Xuansi Sword Control Technique," "Thoughtful Willow Wood Body"...


    Li Che''s eyes shone brightly as he looked at the three tomes of techniques.


    The much-anticipated "Thought Divinity" Divine Foundation Method had finally come into his possession.


    After the Wrathful Divine Foundation and the Shocking Divine Foundation, he could now forge another type of divine base.


    "Hm? Four Great Families of Flying Thunder, An Family and their clan fled, the [Hundred Turns of Worried Dreams] Divine Foundation Method ran off, but I don''t have the Si Family''s divine foundation method," he suddenly remembered.


    It seems that to complete the Seven Emotions Divine Base, there''s still a long way to go.


    "No worries, cheer up; there are many large and small noble families in Mansion City," Li Che encouraged the Bull Demon.


    After counting his gains, Li Che picked up a piece of wood and began to carve with a carving knife, allowing his mind, excited by his considerable haul, to settle.


    ...


    ...


    The days that followed became much more stable.


    Since he joined a caravan for the journey, Qian He, as the Escort Leader, was very responsible, and also had some reputation on the roads he dealt with, ensuring a safer journey than most wild routes.


    The journey was monotonous and dull.


    Li Che didn''t mind, as he had too much to keep himself occupied.


    After all, he had absorbed too many Divine Chess Pieces from this sweep, the divinities of both Cao Guang and Cao Qingyuan, both Wrath Divinity, with his [Three-eyed Fury True Lord Divine Foundation] at a high rank, he devoured them to solidify and grow.


    Besides, Li Che was also studying the Mysterious Vein Method from the official sources of Great Scenery.


    Once his blood and qi were nurtured to their peak, he would start to break through.


    Every day, he practiced divinity in the carriage and trained in martial arts off the carriage, training with both Xi Xi and Zhang Ya to strengthen their physiques.


    During this period, Zhang Ya''s martial arts training had already achieved great success in Skin Refinement. Her talents in martial arts were not lacking, and Li Che estimated that she might reach Skin Refinement Completion and begin Sinew Transforming even before reaching Mansion City.


    Xi Xi, the girl, seemed never to tire of it, always curious about new things every day.


    Qian He, the Escort Leader, and many others in the caravan got along very well with Xi Xi, fond of this lively and adorable child.


    "Golden Light Prefecture is located in Yun Province, which governs four prefectures; the Authentic Qian Yuan Divine Sect is stationed in Lingnan Circuit, and Golden Light Prefecture is governed by a Divine Sect branch," he explained.


    "There are many powers in Golden Light Prefecture, but the most renowned are the five great Divine Minister families and the five major Prefecture City sects!"


    The campfire flickered, sending flames soaring.


    During a break from the march, everyone gathered around the fire to chat.


    Qian He, a local of Mansion City, sipped his wine while recounting the situation in the city.


    "May I ask, Escort Leader Qian, which are the five great families?" Old Chen toasted Qian He and asked.


    Li Che, holding Xi Xi, listened intently.


    "Qin, Shangguan, Hai, Gongyang, and Gongyang are the five great Divine Minister families of Golden Light Prefecture City, each with a Diviner Ancestor at the helm, whose ancestors held high and powerful positions in the Authentic Qian Yuan Divine Sect! They are not to be underestimated!"


    "As for the five sects, they are also closely related to these five noblemen."

 Chapter 127: Eight-Armed Prison Lotus Furious Third Prince (4)

    Qian He greatly enjoyed drinking wine and eating large chunks of meat while talking.


    Li Che rubbed Xi Xi''s head, his eyes narrowing, "Escort Leader Qian, isn''t Golden Light Prefecture governed by a branch of the Qian Yuan Divine Sect? How come there are other sect powers involved?"


    "Hahaha, Master Li, many people have asked this question. It''s true that the Divine Sect Branch is powerful, but the Authentic Divine Sect is located in Lingnan Circuit, which is the main area controlled by the Divine Sect. The branches that are set up in the various prefectures are more for show..."


    "A prefecture is not a small place. How could a Divine Sect Branch possibly take it all? Therefore, they parcel out some areas to allow other powers to have a stake, ensuring a win-win situation that fosters harmony."


    "Moreover, these sects are backed by the Imperial Court, which aids in balancing the power of the Divine Sect."


    Qian He, having traveled extensively, knew quite a few secrets.


    During the journey, as Li Che chatted, he began to have a large impression of Golden Light Prefecture; it was not solely dominated by the branch sect.


    The Qin Family, Gold Split Gate, and the Corpse God Cult...


    Especially the Corpse God Cult.


    Li Che exhaled. For his family, Golden Light Prefecture was not very safe.


    The carriage bumped continuously, but as they got closer to Mansion City, the roads became smoother.


    On the official road, the number of carriages also increased.


    Occasionally, they could even see several merchant convoys meeting each other.


    Inside the carriage.


    Li Che sat quietly with his eyes closed, his blood energy billowing out from his body, forming a layer of flowing clothing, while his body felt like a furnace, finalizing the last bit of efficacy from the Angry Xuan Jiao Blood Martial Pill from Grand Prospect Heavenly Observatory.


    Boom!


    When the medicinal power was completely refined.


    The Mysterious Vein Method operated, and blood surged through the body''s vessels, forming a network of channels more complex than the Minor Circulatory Cycle of Qi Vessels.


    Li Che suddenly opened his eyes, his elastic shirt suddenly bulging like a sphere filled with air.


    Countless blood energies billowed out, and what was originally attached to his body like clothing now blossomed like lotus petals.


    Prison Lotus Mystic Veins...


    He exhaled a breath of turbid air.


    Li Che''s blood energy returned to tranquility within him, the Superior Prison Lotus Mystic Veins Technique...


    The refined Mystic Veins Inner Qi was indeed much stronger!


    Just as Li Che was preparing to experience the Mystic Veins Inner Qi more.


    The previously calm merchant convoy suddenly became restless, with the sounds of neighing horses echoing incessantly, and even the smoothly traveling carriages began to shake. r


    Li Che lifted the curtain and walked to the carriage pole.


    The charioteers and escort masters were trying hard to calm the horses.


    "Master Li, under normal circumstances, what''s ahead is the most terrifying Flying Thunder Strange Temple outside Golden Light Prefecture City... Horses always get frightened every time they pass by, but calming them for a while after this stretch will be fine," Qian He said with a smile as he saw Li Che stepping out of the carriage.


    Upon hearing this, Li Che''s heart stirred.


    Looking up.


    He saw in the distance, several majestic mountains standing tall, with rushing rivers flowing through the mountains, stretching towards the direction of the faraway prefecture city.


    And in that great river, numerous streams diverged.


    A towering temple stood upon it, as if making the sun and the moon lose their light, and the heavens and the earth lose their color!


    Li Che merely glanced from afar and felt a violent tremor in his chest where the Chess Saint Dao Fruit was located.


    The eight Divine Chess Pieces from the Temple God of the Flying Thunder Strange Temple were trembling violently.


    Li Che flicked his toes on the ground, spread his arms high, his blood billowing out like a hawk leaping in an instant, sprinting for several miles along the riverbank.


    He finally stood on a rock.


    Across the roaring furious river, he stared at that temple situated in the middle of the river!


    His hands suddenly turned jade-colored.


    Gently reaching into the turbulent river.


    Divine water slapped his palms, breaking into splashing droplets.


    Yet information from the Thousand Analyzing Hands fed back before his eyes.


    [Strange Temple (Four Imperials)]


    [Eight-Armed Prison Lotus Wrathful Third Prince''s Sinister Temple]

 Chapter 128: The Myth of Two Overlapping Lives, Bull Demon’s identity reported?

    Eight-Armed Prison Lotus Furious Third Prince''s Mysterious Temple!


    Li Che looked at the information returned by Thousand Analyzing Hands, and in his pupils, there seemed to be a faint shimmering light twinkling.


    He couldn''t help but take in a deep breath!


    Four Imperial Mysterious Temples!


    Four Imperials Level!


    What level is the Mysterious Temple in Fei Lei City again...


    It seems it''s only at the Ten Cities Level, and compared to the Four Imperials... it''s like heaven and earth apart!


    Li Che''s brows involuntarily furrowed, feeling the raging and roaring river that seemed extremely scalding due to its Divinity, causing a slight surge in his Qi and blood.


    Such Divinity of a Temple God... If absorbed as a Chess Piece, and then stimulated with an Ascending Stance.


    Wouldn''t he be blown up?


    Li Che quickly calmed down, he was never someone who acted on impulse, and with a moment''s thought, made up his mind.


    Even though, the Divinity of the Four Imperials Level Mysterious Temple God... did indeed attract him, but... he had to proceed cautiously and not rush.


    A Four Imperial Level Mysterious Temple is absolutely incomparable to the one in Fei Lei City''s Ten Cities Mysterious Temple where he rubbed the bald head of the pitiful god.


    The Divinity of the Ten Cities Mysterious Temple is equivalent to Divine Base Level...


    Then the Four Imperials... equivalent to what level?


    Divine Minister? Divine Primordial, or maybe even the higher Divine Fetus?


    Li Che took a deep breath, his thoughts still unsettled for a long time... mainly because, once an idea arises in a person''s heart, it embeds itself like tendrils, spreading and entangling the entire heart.


    "The Divinity of the Four Imperials Temple God is risky... but if there is a chance to enter this Mysterious Temple, still have to look for an opportunity to try. What if it succeeds?"


    Ambitions rose within Li Che''s heart.


    Of course, he was more cautious in his scheming, for if the planning was done right, even gaining just one Divine Chess Piece would be enough to become his trump card.


    Besides...


    Li Che''s brows creased, and a flicker of flaring light seemed to flash in his eyes.


    The Eight-Armed Prison Lotus Furious Third Prince''s name for the Temple God... It felt oddly familiar.


    Previously, Li Qingshan mentioned to him about that Temple God with a divine dog on a leash, holding a three-point double-edged knife, and a vertical third eye on his forehead...


    Now there''s the Eight-Armed Prison Lotus Furious Third Prince...


    "Myths of two lives... seem to overlap. Coincidence or..."


    Li Che felt as if his head was about to explode, not daring to delve too deeply into the thought.


    "Forget it, I am too insignificant now... when the sky falls, there will be tall ones holding it up. Right now... I just need to protect my wife and daughter, and watch over my daughter as she grows up."


    Li Che did not stay by the riverside too long. With a light tap of his toes, he swiftly soared up and returned to the caravan.


    "Daddy, why didn''t you take Xi Xi with you when you went to play in the water?"


    Xi Xi poked her head out from Zhang Ya''s embrace, her small mouth pouted, visibly unhappy.


    Li Che ruffled her head.


    On the side, Old Chen looked suspiciously at Li Che, wondering why the young man had such a strong reaction to the Mysterious Temple.


    "A Che, you must maintain a reverent attitude towards the Mysterious Temple and not let curiosity tempt you to probe into matters you cannot bear," Old Chen earnestly advised, "Now you''re a father; you have to think about your child and wife."


    Li Che, hearing this, nodded; he knew Old Chen meant well.


    Big Head Lu Chi on the side was keeping his head down, acting more docile than usual.


    Seeing Li Che''s curiosity and excitement about the [Furious Third Prince] Mysterious Temple, he felt a jolt in his heart and quickly kept a low profile.


    This guy is notoriously violent, daring to take his three-year-old daughter on a murderous spree.


    The Escort Leader Qian He looked at Li Che with a mix of amazement and uncertainty, realizing that the martial prowess Li Che briefly displayed just now was not inferior to his, a Martial Artist with Six Shifts Blood-change Great Achievement.


    This Master Li, he''s indeed a dark horse.


    But it''s also normal, after all, being a Woodcarving Master, having some background is expected.


    "Escort Leader Qian, about that Mysterious Temple..."


    "Ah, that one. The most frightening Mysterious Temple around Golden Light Prefecture, a Four Imperial Level, and it''s an undefeated Mysterious Temple which is said to be over five hundred years old..."


    "Divine Sect Branch and the Imperial Court''s Temple Control Bureau, even the Qintian Observatory have dispatched strong individuals to be stationed at Golden Light Prefecture, for the sake of monitoring this Mysterious Temple at all times, preventing the Temple God from mutating and causing disaster across miles."


    Qian He was very familiar with the situation of this Mysterious Temple.


    Mainly because every time outsiders come to Golden Light Prefecture, they would ask about it, and answering them often had become a muscle memory.


    "It''s normal for Master Li to be curious¡ªFour Imperial Mysterious Temples are something outsiders rarely have a chance to see in their lifetime..."


    Qian He smiled.


    However, he then became serious: "Master Li, curiosity is fine, but don''t get too close. The Temple God''s Divinity possesses a strong infectious and seductive power. Once your spirit is drawn in and you enter the Strange Que, you could lose more than half your life."


    "Luckily, the Third Prince''s Mysterious Temple is located at the treacherous center of Nine Dragons River, and ordinary people cannot get close."


    "That Mysterious Temple''s ''Strange Que'' has already formed, and once you approach and the Strange Que swallows you, even a Grandmaster with Divine Physiognomy would have no return."


    Having said this, Qian He suddenly broke into a smile: "The Third Prince''s Mysterious Temple here actually became a pride of our Golden Light Prefecture... after all, among the four prefectures under Yun Province, only our Golden Light Prefecture has a Four Imperial Level Mysterious Temple."


    Li Che''s mouth twitched, what was there to be proud of?


    Such a dangerous thing...


    However, seeing Qian He''s interest, Li Che was also happy to learn more about the Mysterious Temple, and the two chatted all the way.


    ...


    ...


    From departing Fei Lei City to reaching Golden Light Prefecture City, a total half a month''s time was spent, mainly because they were following a merchant convoy and didn''t travel at full speed.


    The fierce sun hung high, dispelling the chill of winter days.


    Near noon.


    The caravan arrived at the gates of Golden Light Prefecture City.


    The towering majestic city walls stood on the earth, like a colossal giant rising from the ground.

 Chapter 129: The Myth of Two Overlapping Lives, Bull Demon’s Identity Reported? (2)

    The Nine Dragons River surged ceaselessly, splitting into a tributary that flowed through Golden Light Prefecture City, acting like a long knife dividing the city into two.


    In the sunlight, the river''s tributary did not appear turbulent, gleaming with ripples that looked like a scattering of crushed gold. Gazing into the distance, one could see large ships dotting the waters, raising their sails to race across.


    It was rumored that this calm and gentle offshoot of the great river was excavated by a legendary Prefecture Master of the Golden Light Prefecture in the past, redirecting the river into the city and carving out a convenient waterway for the prefecture''s transport.


    This act didn''t just change the water transport and people''s livelihood in Golden Light Prefecture.


    It also brought a significant improvement to the Divine Cultivators by diluting the divinity from the Nine Dragons River and transporting it into the Golden Light Prefecture City.


    With the evaporation of the moisture, the dilute divinity merged into the air, enhancing the concentration of divinity and creating an ideal cultivation paradise for Divine Cultivators.


    The city walls of Golden Light Prefecture City were extremely broad. Standing at the city gate and looking around, the ends of the walls were indistinct and stretched further than the eye could see.


    Encircled by the city''s walls, a green peak rose from within the city, much like the enclosing wall outside the Fucheng, encircling this mountainous green peak within.


    "Wow! Daddy, it''s so big!"


    Xi Xi stuck her head out of the carriage, blinking her large eyes in amazement and shouting in surprise.


    It was not just Xi Xi who was impressed. Even Li Che felt a slight shock in his heart, given the impact of the ancient city''s towering walls was strong indeed.


    Far different from what Fei Lei City could compare with.


    After paying the entrance fee, the convoy entered the Outer City of the prefecture. Although it was called the Outer City, in reality, it was much more spacious than Fei Lei City''s Inner City, with wide cobblestone boulevards that could accommodate ten carriages abreast, and shops lined up on both sides displaying an array of products in dazzling variety.


    Li Che felt as if he had suddenly arrived in a prosperous era from a time of disorder at the end of the year.


    But he knew this was just an illusion. n¦Òvel.c?m


    Cities like Fei Lei City were far too common... Just a bit of strange shock from the release of Mysterious Temple could easily cause the upheaval of a city.


    Even a slight nefarious idea from some of those in power in the city could lead to the misery of the people.


    Within Yun Province, there were only four Mansion Cities.


    Moreover, beneath the fac?ade of any bustling city, there would always be unknown filth and festering issues¡ªthis was just an initial contact.


    Qian He was very enthusiastic, perhaps because Li Che was a Woodcarving Master, and his attitude was extraordinarily eager.


    Upon entering the prefecture, he even found an inn for Li Che and his group.


    The standard of the inn was not high, but as a temporary resting place, it was fine. Li Che wasn''t picky, although he was now very wealthy, his assets comparable to those of a great noble family.


    "Escort Leader Qian, could you do me a small favor? We are unfamiliar with the prefecture, and since it''s our first time here, we plan to settle down. So, I''d like to ask Escort Leader Qian to help us find a place to live," Li Che said, handing a ten-tael silver ingot to Qian Biaotou.


    "Master Li, you''re too polite. Leave it to me, Old Qian," Qian He laughed heartily, unembarrassed as he took the money and left after giving a bow.


    After settling into the inn, Old Chen couldn''t sit still.


    "I''m going out for a stroll to inquire about the Divine Sect Branch''s sect assessment for Little Stinky Xi..."


    "The sect assessment is still two to three months away. What''s the rush?" Li Che, holding Xi Xi, said with a smile.


    "I''m going to find out if there are any competitors for Xi Xi... This is important. Although Master Qingshan assured that Xi Xi''s Supreme Spiritual Child talent can get into the Branch Sect, once you''re in, there are levels like the Outer Sect, Inner Sect, and I heard there''s even the core true succession..." §²?


    "My Little Stinky Xi must enter as a true successor!"


    Discover hidden tales at


    Old Chen hung a liquor gourd on his waist, grinning as he gave a thumbs up.


    Li Che couldn''t argue with him and let him go.


    ...


    ...


    Time, much like sand slipping through one''s fingers, flowed through the gaps.


    A month went by in a blink.


    Golden Light Prefecture City.


    Outer City, Listening Flowers Lane.


    A small courtyard with three entrances.


    As the cold winter passed, the early spring chill still cut to the bone, freezing people even through their thick clothes.


    Seated quietly under the peach tree in the center of the courtyard, Li Che, dressed in a blackish tight garment, allowed the piercing wind of early spring to hit his body.


    Slowly opening his eyes, his body faintly emitted a steaming heat, as if the temperature in the entire small courtyard had risen.


    His eyes flickered with passing light.


    ...


    [Name: Li Che]


    [Bonds: Li Nuanxi (Daughter)]


    [Dao Fruit: Immortal Artisan (lv3, 48%), Dragon Elephant Vajra (lv3, 13%), Pure Heart (LV2, 18%), Chess Saint (LV2, 3%)]


    [Prototype of Divine Powers: Immortal Worker: Thousand Analyzing Hands, Dragon Elephant Vajra - Ascend]


    ...


    The overall transformation of his Dao Fruit was not insignificant.


    In the month since arriving in the prefecture, Li Che had kept a low profile, considering it was his first time here.


    Therefore, he spent most of his time practicing cultivation, carving wooden sculptures, creating mechanisms, and improving firepower all within the yard he had purchased.


    With his refinement of the single "Wood Raven", employing costly Spiritual Wood and introducing Divinity, the power had increased by a significant margin, now capable of killing a Cultivation as Riverlike cultivator with a single shot.


    A Primary God-Base Realm cultivator could be destroyed with at most five shots.


    Of course, due to the high cost of materials for the improved "Spirit Wood Raven", the number of pieces he could produce was limited; Li Che had made a total of six hundred shots.


    Besides, progress on Namo Immortal Artisan Barrett continued; he had utilized that piece of Seventh Grade Spiritual Wood, Dragon Tooth Boxwood, to create the body of the mechanism, combining Bodhi Blood Tears and the Spirit Wood Raven to bring out piercing power. Li Che tentatively named it "Generation-1 of Southward Immortal Craft Bodhi Barrett".

 Chapter 130: The Myth of Two Overlapping Lives, Bull Demon’s Identity Reported? (3)

    The completion of Generation-1 Bodhi Barrett allowed the Immortal Craft Dao Fruit to directly reach 48% maturity, stepping closer to LV4.


    However, Li Che already felt the difficulties in improving and grew increasingly eager for the complete records of the "Tang Family Mechanism."


    After leveling up the [Dragon Elephant Vajra] to LV3, the progress also slowed down. Even breaking through the Mysterious Vein barely improved the progress by 10%.


    To breakthrough to LV4, merely stepping into the Divine Vein might not be enough. Perhaps he has to try achieving the status of a Qi-Blood Grandmaster to have a chance.


    The [Pure Heart] and [Chess Saint] Dao Fruits, due to not killing much recently and not absorbing Divinity, didn''t improve much.


    The [Chess Saint] Dao Fruit, after the "Thousand Buddha Carving Banquet," because it absorbed too many Divine Chess Pieces, broke into LV2. Li Che studied it and found that he could refine Divine Chess Pieces even faster now.


    In just one short month, his [Three-Eyed Fierce True Lord] Divine Foundation had completely solidified the Divinity of Cao Guang and Cao Qingyuan, finishing the solidifying wheel process, stabilizing the Divinity, and no longer worrying about it dispersing.


    A gentle breeze stirred, rustling the leaves.


    In the courtyard.


    Xi Xi was playing with Old Chen on a Twist Car, both young and old enjoying themselves greatly.


    Old Chen had always thought the Twist Car was rather dull; he was too old to play with such a childish toy, but since he had come to Mansion City, he found himself stepping into a new world the moment he sat on the Twist Car during his idle times...


    He even personally made a replica of the Twist Car and often competed in driving skills with Xi Xi.


    In a corner of the small courtyard, various martial arts training equipment like stone stools and wooden posts were set up. Zhang Ya, dressed in a white martial outfit and with a serious expression, was training and refining her skin!


    Boom¡ª!


    Zhang Ya, who was training, suddenly felt her inner Qi and blood accelerating through her body, surging into her skin membrane, causing her skin to blush and become more tenacious, as if her whole physique was undergoing a transformation.


    Under her tender body, it seemed as if large sinews were twitching and trembling.!


    "Husband! I have started the Sinew Transforming process!"


    Zhang Ya, panting heavily, her dark eyes suddenly brightening, cheered jubilantly.


    Li Che opened his eyes and came over to Zhang Ya, raised his hand to touch, and a smile appeared in his eyes as he approvingly nodded his head.


    "Indeed, you have started the Sinew Transforming process, my wife has done well."


    Receiving Li Che''s praise, Zhang Ya bit her lip, unable to restrain herself any longer.


    She seemed to think of something and tiptoed to Li Che''s ear, "Having succeeded in Sinew Transforming, my physical endurance has greatly increased, my husband can loosen up a bit... tonight, please be forceful..."


    Li Che couldn''t help but be speechless. What in the world was his delicate wife thinking?


    The first thing she thought of after Sinew Transforming was this?


    Really...


    "My wife, I have just happened to study a few postures that can help solidify the Sinew Transforming..."


    ...


    ...


    In the utterly dark dungeon, filled with an extremely dense stench of blood and a mix of moldy and foul odors.


    A white wax torch was lit, its flickering light casting shadows across the dungeon.


    Creak creak...


    That was the sound of a rope hanging a heavy weight, forcefully rotating downward.


    In the center of the dungeon, a figure was suspended by both hands, his white shirt covered in bloody whip marks.


    With disheveled hair and blood continuously dripping from between his teeth, his face swollen and no longer human-like.


    In front of the figure was a meticulously carved Taishi Chair, upon which a beautifully dressed woman sat, using a white embroidered handkerchief to cover her mouth and nose, her delicate willow-leaf eyebrows furrowed, displaying a mixture of disgust and coldness.


    "Did he escape from the Fei Lei City?"


    "My son died in Fei Lei City, and you, a worthless thing, still deserve to live?"


    The woman''s voice was somewhat crazed, unable to suppress her grief.


    Thinking of the news from Fei Lei City, the woman felt as if the sky had collapsed. It didn''t matter that Cao Guang, that waste, had died but her son Cao Qingyuan, to die in Fei Lei City too...


    He was a piece of her own flesh, born after ten months within her womb!


    Tears uncontrollably streamed down from the woman''s eyes, filling the entire dungeon with a sorrowful, whimpering cry, as if numerous specters had climbed out from Hell''s Gate howling.


    The woman raised her hand, her long, fair fingers with beautiful nails suddenly clenched.


    In an instant, Xue Beihu, who was tied up, trembled all over. Divine energy enveloped him, and one after another, infant-shaped specters, releasing dense black air, slowly crawled out from his legs, armpits, behind his neck, and from his hair.


    Xue Beihu''s breathing became heavy, and a panicked roar burst from his throat.


    Countless flesh felt as though it was being devoured, causing his entire body to tense up and spasm involuntarily.


    "I said it... I''ve told everything I know..."


    Xu Beihu was in excruciating pain.


    He had a keen sense of smell, and as soon as Xu Heli planned to sacrifice him and Xu You to break through to the Divine Foundation, he fled.


    With his family in tow, he arrived at Mansion City.


    Find more chapters on


    Soon after, a great disaster befell Fei Lei City, and news of the death of City Lord Cao Guang and the Young City Lord had spread.


    He felt trouble was imminent, but it was too late to escape. Indeed, the next day, he was captured and thrown into the dungeon.


    This venomous woman, who was in Mansion City, was none other than the mother of Cao Qingyuan, the Third Miss Qin of the Qin Family, Qin Yuqing.


    "I know you have spoken... but I just want to torture you. My son is dead, why should you get to escape and live comfortably? I am not happy at all!"


    The woman said in a frenzied manner, her fingers tightening, the little demons grew more excited, tearing Xu Beihu''s flesh even more vigorously.


    After torturing him for a while, the beautiful woman twisted her voluptuous waist and left.


    Just out of the dungeon, the sunlight was brilliant, making the beautiful woman look noble and majestic.


    A figure wearing a mask silently appeared before her.


    "Have you found Zhang Xiangyang? And that Bull Demon... any trace?"


    The beautiful woman threw away her embroidered handkerchief, her beautiful face filled with coldness.


    "Reporting back to the miss, there is currently no trace of the Bull Demon, as if he has evaporated from the human world, but there is a clue about Fei Lei Divine Catcher Zhang Xiangyang. He is, after all, a government officer from the Temple Control Bureau. We originally assumed he would head to the Temple Office when he entered Mansion City..."


    "I want results, not for you to tell me these irrelevant processes!" the beautiful woman said sharply.


    "Go and capture him! Zhang Xiangyang is the only divine cultivator who managed to escape from the City Lord''s Mansion. I want to capture and torture him. My son died so miserably, why should he live?"


    The masked figure fell silent.


    The frenzied beautiful woman quickly calmed down, her gaze shifting. "Has the Spirit Child selected by Li Qingshan in Fei Lei City arrived in Mansion City yet?"


    "That useless man Cao Guang... What was he doing with a Thousand Infants Carving Banquet, and he even let a Supreme Spiritual Child escape? Li Qingshan sheltered her? Before Li Qingshan went, why did Cao Guang miss that Spirit Baby?"


    Killing intent flashed sharply in the eyes of the beautiful woman, Qin Yuqing.


    "Bull Demon? Xu Beihu guessed that the Bull Demon might be the woodcarving master from Fei Lei City, Li Che..."


    "According to the data, this woodcarving master just had a Blood Exchange, his martial cultivation is nascent, how could he possibly be that Bull Demon who could easily slaughter those with Divine Foundation? And Li Che left Mansion City before the Thousand Buddha Carving Banquet..."


    "Right, is the Spirit Infant Master still alive? To survive under Li Qingshan''s Ram Horn Hammer... He must have some skill, did he kill my son?"


    The beautiful woman closed her eyes, having become somewhat delusional.


    Whenever she opened or closed her eyes, she saw her son''s blood-covered face.


    Her own flesh and blood.


    After a while, her willow leaf eyebrows trembled slightly, and as she opened her eyes, they were filled with iciness.


    "Supreme Spiritual Child, ah..."


    "A small place like Fei Lei City actually had a Supreme Spiritual Child, and Cao Guang even messed up, allowing her to live until Li Qingshan came?"


    "Is it a coincidence? How can there be so many coincidences in this world!"


    "And that twenty-two-year-old Spirit Child... haha, what a ridiculous thing, obviously not something serious."


    The beautiful woman''s crimson lips seemed to drip with blood.


    ...


    ...


    Li Che had an agreement with his wife, Zhang Ya, to assist her in solidifying her sinews tonight.


    Li Che then simply tidied up, left the Listening Flowers Lane courtyard, and planned to first go to another property he had purchased in Mansion City, which was used as a woodcarving workshop, to refine the newly completed "Generation-1 of Southward Immortal Craft Bodhi Barrett."


    Afterwards, he would reserve a table with fine wines and dishes at a restaurant to properly celebrate his wife''s breakthrough in opening her sinews, aiming to fully satisfy her.


    He had just left the alley and stepped onto the main street.


    His stride paused slightly, his eyes narrowing as he looked ahead.


    Suddenly, Big Head Lu Chi, accompanied by two men wearing official uniforms and bearing Temple Control Bureau badges at their waists, approached him.


    Hmm?!


    Had his identity as the Bull Demon been reported?

 Chapter 131: Can You Take a Shot from Barrett, Horse Face Comes on Stage to Kill Divine Foundation

    The sunshine was splendid, dispersing the chill of early spring. Willow branches swayed in the street, and willow catkins floated in the air.


    Dressed in a black martial outfit, Li Che looked very spirited. His strong physique from practicing martial arts made his clothes appear neat and vigorous, making him quite conspicuous among the crowd.


    He stopped walking and looked towards three people approaching from a distance.


    With his distinctive Nezha braid, Big Head Lu Chi was all too familiar to Li Che, but the two figures beside Lu Chi made him slightly puzzled.


    Dressed in official robes, with a badge representing the Temple Control Bureau hanging at their waists, the badge carved with the pattern of a small temple was easy to recognize.


    Li Che''s first thought was that he might have been reported by Lu Chi, the young rascal.


    However, he quickly dismissed this idea.


    Because there was no need for Lu Chi to do so, Li Che had always been very gentle and amiable towards him.


    Waiting quietly, the three soon approached.


    "Uncle Li," Lu Chi called out, his head shaking as he hurriedly spoke when he saw Li Che.


    Li Che smiled gently.


    He then turned to the other two and asked, "These two..."


    "Uncle Li, they are from the Heavenly Oversight!" Lu Chi immediately provided the answer without playing coy.


    Li Che was stunned¡ªHeavenly Oversight?


    In the Grand Prospect Dynasty, the Temple Control Bureau, the Heavenly Oversight, and the Divine Sect were the three massive entities. The first two belonged to the Imperial Court Forces, while the third was a Sect force.


    The Temple Control Bureau dealt with mysterious temples and was a combat force, engaging in tasks like forest chopping, temple destruction, suppression of anomalies, and eradication of evil spirits¡ªall the dirty and tedious work.


    Within the Imperial Court, the Heavenly Oversight was akin to a logistical force, producing elixirs, Divine Wood Carvings, Divine Weapons, etc., earning immense wealth.


    The "Great Scenic Heaven Fury Dark Flood Dragon Blood Martial Pill" that Li Che had taken when he broke through the Mysterious Vein had come from the Heavenly Oversight.


    "It was the teacher who asked me to recommend you to the Heavenly Oversight after returning to the Mansion City. This recommendation spot is extremely precious," Lu Chi said, shaking his big head hurriedly.


    The two men in official robes smiled at Li Che: "Senior Qingshan recommended you for joining the Heavenly Oversight, and we are responsible for contacting you."


    Li Che bowed, and the two returned the gesture.


    "I happen to be going to the ''Fragrant Pavilion''; shall we go there and talk while we eat?"


    Assured that they had no ill intentions, Li Che became even more amiable and kind, smiling as he invited them.


    Lu Chi, uninterested in food, unhesitatingly chose Xi Xi over the delicacies and the Twist Car.


    Li Che and the three from the Heavenly Oversight arrived at the "Fragrant Pavilion."


    The most popular restaurant in the Outer City of the Mansion City, loved by the elite for the chef''s excellent culinary skills, the dishes were aromatic and visually appealing.


    Li Che, not short of money, ordered a table full of fine wines and dishes without being too frugal.


    Even though the prices in Mansion City were extremely high, they meant nothing compared to the piles of gold bars and silver ingots in his Qiankun Space.


    "Master Li, you are too kind," the three men said as they sat in the private room.


    A cool female musician played the zither, the sounds drifting melodiously.


    "I am Liu He from the Heavenly Oversight in Golden Light Prefecture City, this is my colleague, Hai Chuanying. We are both Third-class Guest Officials of the Heavenly Oversight," one man introduced themselves.


    "Guest Official?"


    Sensing Li Che''s confusion, the talkative Liu He smiled and explained, "A Guest Official needs to pass an assessment to join the Heavenly Oversight, enjoys the benefits of an officer of the Heavenly Oversight, but is not a real officer and does not hold an official rank."


    Li Che understood¡ªit was just like the difference between contract and temporary workers in civil service.


    "As Senior Qingshan ranks eighth in the Yunzhou Divine Foundation Spectrum, naturally, we take his recommendations seriously, hence we personally came to contact Master Li," Liu He explained.


    "We have gathered complete information about Master Li. In just three years, in the Xu''s Wood Carving Shop in Fei Lei City, you went from a Wood Carving Apprentice to a Woodcarving Master, capable of creating Divine Wood Carvings. Your talent is truly remarkable," Liu He affirmed.


    "Senior Qingshan''s recommendation is indeed reasonable."


    Liu He clinked glasses with Li Che, enjoying the wine, but after a sip, his brows slightly furrowed.


    Experience new stories on


    "The wine from the Outer City is ultimately inferior. Although Fragrant Pavilion is the best restaurant here, this wine... is really quite mediocre."


    "Master Li, when you get the chance to come to the Inner City, I''ll treat you to the Divine Wine at Yunfang Boat."


    "Exquisite women serving warm Divine Wine that rejuvenates one''s Divinity upon drinking... such a taste... ah..." Liu He couldn''t help but praise.


    The man named Hai Chuanying, however, spoke indifferently: "Master Li hasn''t even joined the Heavenly Oversight or become a Guest Official yet, and you''re already thinking about taking him to enjoy courtesans and music?"


    "Haha, with Senior Qingshan''s recommendation, he is certain to pass the Guest Official assessment; it''s only a matter of time."


    "After all, such a coveted recommendation spot wouldn''t be wasted by Senior Qingshan," Liu He laughed. n?vel.co?


    Li Che invited the three to enjoy the meal and drink as he slowly inquired and understood the situation.


    "Senior Qingshan''s recommendation merely gives you the qualification to be assessed. Whether you can truly become a Guest Official of the Heavenly Oversight still depends on your abilities," Liu He said.


    "Although we Guest Officials are not true officials of the Heavenly Oversight, we still enjoy its substantial benefits. Most importantly, being under the protection of the Heavenly Oversight is crucial for someone like Master Li, who comes from the Outer City."


    "The news about Fei Lei City has already spread here. City Lord Cao Guang used the entire city as a sacrifice, aiming to elevate Mysterious Temple because of Senior Qingshan''s presence, but his scheme failed. Cao Guang died, and his son Cao Qingyuan too...


    Liu He took a sip of wine and squinted his eyes.


    "Cao Guang''s death is immaterial, but Cao Qingyuan''s death might not be good news for Master Li."

 Chapter 133: Can You Take a Shot from Barrett, Horse Face Comes on Stage to Kill Divine Foundation

    The moonlight climbed up into the sky.


    Li Che had just finished his cultivation practice in the small courtyard.


    His surging vitality, like a blooming prison lotus, slowly spiraled and converged within his body.


    Li Che opened his eyes, as if a flash of lightning sparked and flickered in the dark courtyard.


    After reaching the Mysterious Vein stage, the speed of improvement in his Qi and Blood Martial Path had not decreased much, mainly because after Li Che''s Dragon Elephant Vajra reached LV3, his cross-training talent had seen great enhancement.


    "Additionally, the Yang Family''s Heart Shocking and Sturdy and the Xu Family''s Xuansi Liu Sword Divinity, because the Chess Saint Dao Fruit reached level 2, the speed of refinement has increased. Now both have completed the refinement of Divine Chess Pieces, reaching the Cultivation as Riverlike stage.


    Zhou Ruoguan''s Chaotic Joyful Bewilderment Divine has just barely reached the Cultivation as Riverlike, considering Zhou Ruoguan''s own strength isn''t strong."


    "Now, I have four Divine natures reaching Cultivation as Riverlike, and one divine nature has condensed into a Divine Foundation."


    "The path of Divinity still has much room for improvement. Once the essence cultivation of Divinity is sufficient, I will start condensing another two rounds of Divine Foundation..."


    Li Che''s eyes opened and closed, his divine light intertwining.


    Inside his Inner Scene of the Energy Center, with the Divinity of Pure Heart, he divided into five areas, cultivating five types of Divinity.


    Joy, fury, thought, sorrow, shock¡ªfive types of Divinity stored within the energy center.


    The Seven Emotions Divinity, still lacking the Worry Divine Nature and the Divinity of Fear.


    He was originally supposed to gather them in Fei Lei City, but unfortunately, the An Family had fled, and Zhang Xiangyang also took the chance to escape.


    However, it wasn''t a big problem. The possibility of obtaining these two types of Divine Methods in the Mansion City was much higher.


    Just pay more attention, and he would definitely find them.


    "My talent in cultivating Divine Secret Techniques is indeed ordinary compared to my cross-training."


    "From what I obtained in the Mysterious Temple, the Furious True Lord''s Life-taking Pupil is just at a beginner''s level, while the Divine Martial Arts, Furious True Lord''s Triple-Blade, has already achieved Minor Accomplishment. That''s still due to less practice."


    "As for the Python Dragon Cannon, Cloud Sparrowhawk Treading on Clouds, they have now reached Major Accomplishment..."


    "Divine Martial Arts are more suitable for me indeed."


    After finishing his self-review, Li Che stretched lazily, his bones and muscles popping like firecrackers.


    After tidying up briefly, Li Che, just before leaving the house, flicked his finger and a white Divine Chess Piece of Pure Heart floated and melded into the courtyard.


    This was a coordinate anchor point of the Flying Thunder Chess Saint, habitually left behind as a precaution for a speedy escape.


    Having done all this, Li Che then reined in his vitality and strolled back home.


    He planned to give some pointers on the Sinew Transforming stances his wife had developed.


    ...


    ...


    The next day, at dawn.


    The sky was overcast, with dense clouds piling up above.


    Spring thunder rolled behind them, occasionally flashing with lightning.


    Spring rain brings warmth, and several more showers would be the revitalizing season of the earth.


    But the early spring rain was still quite biting.


    Zhang Ya, who had been guided by Li Che through an updated version of Sinew Transforming stances all night, was lazily in bed, soft like a white snake, utterly lacking the strength to get up.


    Her surname being Zhang, she was indeed arrogant...


    She even dared to let him, Li Che, use a bit of strength¡ªthe physical cultivation of his body refinement was frightening.


    Feeling refreshed, Li Che, after instructing Xi Xi in her daily martial arts cultivation,


    Planned to leave and head to the Qintian Observatory to understand the specific details needed for tomorrow''s assessment.


    Yesterday, Liu He and Hai Chuanying merely notified him of his assessment eligibility, naturally not spending too much effort describing the specifics.


    The sky was dim, fine rain fell lightly like cow hair.


    Dressed in neat and clean black clothes, Li Che held up an oiled-paper umbrella. Spring rain splattered on the umbrella surface, leaving droplets tinged with it.


    As the willows brushed against the wind, the aura of spring was thick.


    Li Che left Listening Flowers Lane and stepped onto the broad flagstone streets of Mansion City.


    Suddenly, he paused in his steps, and inside his chest, the Chess Saint Dao Fruit slightly pulsed, sensing someone spying on him.


    Li Che''s expression unchanged, he strolled in the rain holding his umbrella.


    But his mind shifted slightly.


    The Heaven and Earth chessboard massively unfolded...


    Half of Golden Light Prefecture City in his perception abruptly shrank, appearing in his mind as the Divinity Points spent increased.


    The chessboard, crisscrossing and intertwined, outlined roads and alleys completely.


    The aura spying on him also became exceedingly clear on the chessboard, nowhere to hide.


    After reaching level 2 of the Chess Saint Dao Fruit, his perceptiveness became more acute, and he could even form various colors based on the hostility of the other''s aura.


    Black color represented extreme hostility.


    Gray-black indicated some hostility, but not much.


    Pure white meant no hostility at all.


    And in his perception...


    The aura spying on him... appeared gray-black, indicating some hostility, but not much.


    But any hostility, even if slight, was already significant.


    Since he had entered Mansion City, Li Che had always behaved amiably and kept a low profile.


    For no reason, why would anyone hold hostility towards him?


    Li Che''s eyes reflected a faint light, his view zoomed in, and he immediately saw the person emitting the hostility.


    Hidden in an alley, concealing his aura, showing no signs of exposure, beneath a gray mask his eyes were solemn, staring in his direction.


    "Who is it? Someone from Qin Yuqing?"


    "Can''t determine yet... but it''s no big deal."


    Li Che mused to himself.


    At that instant, the Slumbering Dragon Elephant within the Dragon Elephant Vajra was completely activated!


    The spring rain drizzled down.


    In the alley.


    The figure wearing the gray mask suddenly paused, shook his head, and realized the target he had been watching had disappeared...


    Yes, vanished right under his nose?


    "Where is he?"


    "How did he suddenly disappear? The Divinity I locked onto him also vanished?"


    What in the world was going on?


    The frown under the masked figure''s mask tightened.


    "How should I explain this to the miss..."


    The figure swayed and appeared on the main street in an instant, but no matter how he released his Divine Sense, he couldn''t sense where Li Che had gone.


    "Damn... did I see a ghost?"


    "This person, there really is something off about him!"


    Explore more adventures at


    He was sure it wasn''t him who had the problem, so it must be Li Che, that seemly scholarly and kind woodcarving master from Fei Lei City... something was off!


    "I''ll go back and report to the miss..."


    The figure blurred, racing off into the distance.


    After he had left.


    What he didn''t know was...


    Behind him, Li Che, dressed in black, took out a horse face mask and put it over his face, his eyes deep and dark as if emerging from the underworld, piercing through the human world.


    Bull Demon?


    No, Bull Demon was off duty.


    Now, he was Horse Face!


    With Master Go-chess Saint around, in surveillance and counter-surveillance, no one could match him.


    With an ultimate concealment of his aura, Li Che silently followed the gray-masked figure.


    Upon seeing the gray figure appear in front of a mansion, Li Che did not get any closer.


    His gaze shifted, landing on that mansion.


    "Qin Mansion."


    "Hehehe..."


    "Even though I, Li Che, entered the Mansion City, being low-profile and amiable, I still got targeted... truly a venomous woman."


    "Unfortunately, I haven''t seen this venomous woman''s face..."


    "If I kill this person, will the venomous woman appear?"


    "After meeting her once, she will be added to my list for Horse Face''s reaping..."


    As Li Che formed this thought, his hands had already acted.


    His fingers came together, tearing open the air.


    A longbow intertwined with electrical currents fell into his hands, and a spiral wooden arrow made from Spirit Flower Willow was nocked onto the Eight Extremes Low Grade Divine Weapon, the Xuan Lei Nu Jiao Bow.


    His five fingers gripped the string, and behind his head, a Divine Foundation suddenly rose up!


    The Three-eyed Fierce True Lord Divine Foundation!


    A vertical slit opened in the Horse Face mask''s brow, as if a crimson eye were rolling around within.


    The Three-eyed Fierce True Lord''s Life-taking Pupil!


    A divine streak of light burst from the vertical pupil, as if igniting and energizing the entire arrow!


    The large sinew on his back snapped, and his spine roared like an angry dragon.


    Bull Demon unmatched in close combat, Horse Face unparalleled in ranged reaping.


    The bow was drawn to full crescent!


    Under the mask, his angular jaw tilted slightly upward.


    Watch, let me show you watch!


    His fingers released.


    Boom¡ª!


    Ear-splitting as a rock breaking the sky, thunder and wind came to life, myriad of currents surged explosively, tearing apart the screen of spring rain!


    As if a furious dragon had its major tendon drawn out, it roared in anger!


    The gray-masked figure just preparing to enter Qin Mansion had his hairs stand on end, a Divine Foundation abruptly forming behind him.


    "Who?!"


    This person turned out to be at the Primary God-Base Realm!


    But as the arrow shot towards him, the terrifying rank suppression, and a momentary glimpse of a tri-eyed deity emanating a lethal light from its vertical eye, filled him with such immense pressure that his own divinity was momentarily paralyzed...


    Just as he turned his head, he was horrifically and suddenly pierced through the brow Niwan with the arrow.


    The powerful arrow, passing right through his skull.


    Dragged along his body.


    Pinioned before the gates of Qin Mansion.


    Qin Mansion.


    After a brief pause.


    A terrifying aura suddenly burst forth!


    PS: Ten-thousand word update, please vote with your Monthly Ticket, recommend, and support the read! Old Li continues the explosion of updates!

 Chapter 134: Dragon Tooth Bodhi, Hundred Miles Soul Lock

    The spring rain seemed to become agitated, evaporating due to the scorching heat and rising into a hazy mist.


    Lingering in the air, it left a trail as though an angry Jiaoshe had thrashed about, leaving its traces behind.


    In front of the Qin Mansion Gate.


    A terrifying divinity erupted like thunder, intertwining serpents of lightning writhed around, and an ice-cold death Qi filled the air!


    The Divine Foundation cultivator wearing a grey mask was pierced through the forehead; the horrifying momentum carried by the arrow nailed him viciously to the vermilion door of Qin Mansion studded with copper nails.


    Blood blossomed from the back of his head like an exploding lotus.


    Only then did a subtle "crack" sound emerge.


    It was the sound of the grey mask breaking, splitting in two and sliding off onto the ground, revealing the pale face of a middle-aged man who had not seen the sun in many years.


    Fear from the moments before death still lingered in his eyes.


    Just one arrow...


    A cultivator in the Primary God-Base Realm, shot dead on the spot!


    Boom!


    The silence lasted but a moment.


    A dreadful aura suddenly rose from within the Qin Mansion.


    "Presumptuous!"


    The deafening voice, like a thunderclap falling upon the human world, a boulder smashing into a lake, created shockwaves that blasted from within the Qin Mansion, evaporating the swaying curtain of spring rain in an instant.


    Li Che, wearing a Horse Face mask, had just unleashed an arrow and immediately concealed his breath, pushing the "Slumbering Dragon Elephant" of the Dragon Elephant Vajra Dao Fruit to its limits.


    He transformed into a straight black line, merging with the rain curtain, hugging the wall as he made his escape.


    After switching through several alleys, he finally came to a stop, standing close against the wall, holding his breath, slowing even the rhythm of his heartbeat to the extreme.


    His eyes, heavy with solemnity, looked towards the sky above Qin Mansion, where an illusion vast as a mirage emerged, made from the condensation of divinity. Its mere presence made one feel suffocated.


    The illusory figure was clad in sorrow, wearing Golden Armor resembling gold dragon scales, with garments fluttering, and four muscular arms with veins like Jiaoshe. Its body was also entwined with slender Jiaoshe.


    The Jiaoshe had nine heads, twisting and winding around its body, with purple skin, and the intense Worry Divine Nature swept forth like a storm, nearly scattering the spring rain falling from the sky!


    Divine Minister!


    Li Che''s pupils slightly contracted, and his heartbeat steadied even more.


    That was the realm above Divine Foundation, Divine Minister!


    Viewing the Temple God and taking on a divine form, as if a god had descended, wielding the power of deities, was the state of the Divine Minister!


    This was an extremely powerful realm.


    The Qin Family had been a Noble Family in Mansion City for hundreds of years, a Divine Minister lineage. Not only did they possess the inheritance of a Divine Minister, but they also had a living Diviner Ancestor in residence!


    This was the foundation of a family!


    Li Che''s mind was already connected to the Chess Saint Dao Fruit, preparing to use the power of the Flying Thunder Chess Saint to teleport away.


    Of course, that was predicated on him being exposed...


    Boom!


    The raindrops exploded, and a forceful, almost tangible Divine Sense swept across the street, much like radar scanning.


    Li Che could even clearly feel the rainwater being invisibly twisted, forming a circular pattern of rising waves.


    This was the Divine Minister''s Divine Sense, sweeping over a ten-mile long street...


    However, as Li Che sensed the Divine Sense sweeping over his body, he seemed to detect something and then it withdrew, scanning once more.


    Li Che didn''t move, remaining motionless as if fused with the wall.


    The Divine Sense swept away, returned, and then went away again.


    After about five or six breaths, the Divine Sense swept back.


    After going back and forth four or five times, it finally left.


    Li Che couldn''t help but feel speechless, "This Gou Laodeng..."


    However, Li Che''s spirits were also somewhat uplifted; after upgrading the Dragon Elephant Vajra to level 3, the Slumbering Dragon Elephant''s ability to conceal his breath barely managed to avoid a Divine Symbol Cultivator''s Divine Sense.


    This acknowledgement alone was a very satisfying gain from acting under the guise of Horse Face.


    As for the other gains...


    Li Che remained standing still, partly to guard against the possibility of the Qin Family''s Diviner Ancestor launching a Divine Sense surprise attack and partly because he was using the Heaven and Earth chessboard ability of the Chess Saint Dao Fruit.


    In his eyes, black lines seemed to dance, then interconnecting, forming a chessboard grid that spread downward.


    Using Li Che''s position as a chessboard Stellar Position, it immediately unfurled, encompassing the area in front of the Qin Mansion Gate, as Li Che had pulled a near perspective.


    He hadn''t ventured inside Qin Mansion because the Divine Minister''s Divine Majesty permeated the heavens and the earth.


    Li Che didn''t dare to intrude and observe directly.


    Find more to read at .com


    But this was enough.


    With the perspective of the Heaven and Earth chessboard, Li Che could clearly see the situation in front of Qin Mansion at the moment.


    Three figures burst out from within the Qin Mansion at an extremely fast speed, their strong vital energy weaving and impacting in all directions.


    Two men and one woman, among them two middle-aged men dressed in lavish silks, and the woman, a figure of elegance and beauty with an alluring frame.


    Li Che''s gaze instantly fixated on the woman.


    When the woman saw the man with the gray mask shot by an arrow, her face was already darkened like still water, her slender and fair fingers clenched into a fist, terrifying murderous intent weaving through the air.


    Li Che, wearing the Horse Face mask, clung to the wall.


    His expression was unchanging.


    Below the Horse Face mask, his eyes were deep and seemed to reflect the exquisite features of the woman.


    He committed her image to memory.


    Qin Yuqing, the Jade-Faced Poisonous Rakshasa.


    I, Horse Face, remember you now.


    The next moment.


    Li Che tapped his toe lightly, wearing the Horse Face, blending into the spring rain, and vanished without a trace.

 Chapter 135: 99th Chapter : Dragon Tooth Bodhi, Hundred Miles Soul Lock (2)

    ...


    ...


    Qin Mansion, the thick scent of blood intertwined and permeated the air.


    The air still carried the charred scent of electric arcs that had burst forth, along with the searing heat of the spring rain drying up.


    Three luxurious figures stood at the door, looking at the figure who had been nailed in place.


    Two middle-aged men set their eyes on a woman, "Yuqing, is this your person?"


    Qin Yuqing''s coiled hair gently brushed over her pale and delicate cheek, her well-maintained visage flickering coldly.


    "Yes," she affirmed.


    "I had sent him to complete a mission. He must have discovered something and intended to return to report, but he was shot dead at the gate of the mansion."


    "The audacity... to treat my Qin Mansion as if it were nothing!"


    Qin Yuqing''s eyes beneath her willowy eyebrows emitted a sharp murderous intent. The fully cultivated divinity of the Divine Base Perfection Realm intertwined incessantly around her, inciting the chilly winds and ghostly howls.


    Right now... she deeply desired to kill!


    The grey-faced spy she had sent to monitor the carpenter had died¡ªthis was a provocation, but by whom?


    The filthy carpenter from Fei Lei City?


    Or was it someone from another noble family, or perhaps the Temple Control Bureau or a branch of the Divine Sect?


    There were indeed too many forces within Mansion City that could act against the Qin Family.


    Too chaotic... hard to guess right off.


    Qin Yuqing bit her plump lip, her eyes flickering with light as she pondered continuously. People often called her a mad and poisonous widow who liked to torture others and relish in their pain.


    However, in reality, her actions were always methodical, leaving no leverage for others, carefully planned to aim for a kill in one strike without giving the target a chance to struggle.


    "By sensing the lingering divinity, I can determine the divinity of the perpetrator... it was the wrath divinity."


    "Killed with an arrow, a one-strike kill on a Primary Divine Base Realm Cultivator surely requires a divine archer, skilled in archery, confident in a one-shot kill without leaving opportunities." ?


    After closing his eyes, one middle-aged man opened them, his pupils circulating a faint red, the air seeming to swirl around him like a vortex.


    "A divine archer? And one trained in wrath divinity. Among the cultivators in Mansion City, even those in disguise, such a combination is rare... could it be from the Heart Monkey Temple or a divine archer from the Gongyang Family?" he speculated with a frown.


    "An arrow, shot from miles away, piercing through the Divine Base Cultivator and shattering his inner energy center¡ªthat accuracy, that strength, that ferocity... isn''t something an ordinary divine archer could achieve. Which of the major noble families in Mansion City secretly harbors such a terrifying archer?"


    "Why target a Qin Family cultivator? Is this a show of power, or... younger sister, have you been sloppy in your activities recently?"


    Facing the inquiry from her two brothers, Qin Yuqing felt irritated, "Impossible, if I take action, it''s always clean..."


    "This divine archer might not necessarily be targeting me; perhaps they are after our Qin Family!"


    Qin Yuqing was dissatisfied with her brothers'' distrust of her capabilities.


    With a fierce grip, Qin Yuqing forcefully pulled out the wooden arrow that had deeply embedded itself into the door. The arrow, made of spiritual wood, had a helical shape, resembling a serpent winding around it.


    The residual divinity on it...


    Wait a minute!


    "This is..."


    Qin Yuqing''s eyes suddenly widened as if struck by lightning.


    "Three-Eyed Fierce True Lord''s divinity?!"


    "The divinity that can be spawned by the Three-eyed Wrathful True Lord Lingying Bizarre Temple from Fei Lei City?"


    Qin Yuqing found it somewhat unbelievable.


    Her two brothers, Qin Haonan and Qin Leixiao, were also taken aback, their expressions becoming gradually odd.


    "Three-Eyed Fierce True Lord''s divinity? That''s really..."


    "Younger sister, it couldn''t be your ex-husband from Fei Lei City..."


    Qin Haonan couldn''t help but say.


    Qin Yuqing''s face contorted fiercely, "Impossible, shut up!"


    "That trash is dead, long dead! His body wasn''t even found!"


    "It couldn''t be him!"


    Her fingers clenched, and the wooden arrow instantly exploded into fragments, her eyes crazed to the extent that her beautiful face seemed twisted and mean.


    "Who exactly is it?"


    "Three-Eyed Fierce True Lord... who else could cultivate such divinity?"


    "That damn carpenter from Fei Lei City, he definitely can''t clear his involvement... My people had just been dispatched to investigate him, and he ended up dead, shot at the front of the mansion?"


    "Li Che... definitely involved!"


    ...


    ...


    Li Che put away the Horse Face, held up the oil-paper umbrella, and reentered the bustling street.


    His shoes soaked on the wet blue stone floor, Li Che walked while pondering, recalling the face of the beautiful woman he had locked onto through the Heaven and Earth Chessboard.


    It must be Qin Yuqing.


    Just uncertain about her cultivation level.


    Previously, through a fleeting glimpse on the Heaven and Earth Chessboard, he faintly sensed that her Qi and blood strength was definitely substantial, the grandeur of her divinity indicating she had likely reached the Post-Divine Foundation Realm.


    "The core true successor of the Gold Split Gate, the cultivation is definitely high, as one of the five great sects of the Golden Light Prefecture, they might not compare to the Divine Sect branch, but the sect''s core successors lack neither elixir resources nor martial arts techniques; her Qi and blood cultivation... very likely reaches the True Qi Grandmaster level."


    "First generation of Namo Immortal Craftsman Bodhi Barrett... crafted from the Dragon Tooth Boxwood, surpassing the hardness of refined steel, imbued with the potent force of spirituality and divinity, further enhanced by the intricately crafted Dragon Tooth Boxwood Buddha''s blood tears and sprinkled with the Spirit Wood Raven craftsmanship for the Dragon Tooth Bodhi Bullets..."


    "Can it kill a Grandmaster?" Experience tales at .com


    Li Che''s pupils flickered with intertwining lights.


    Of course, he knew that between Grandmasters, there were immense differences.


    There is undoubtedly a huge chasm between Qin Yuqing and Li Qingshan, and while characters like Liu He talked of Li Qingshan with immense respect referring to him as "Senior Qingshan," when they spoke of Qin Yuqing, they simply called her "that poisonous woman."

 Chapter 136: 99th Chapter : Dragon Tooth Bodhi, Hundred Miles Soul Lock (3)

    The indication that Qin Yuqing, even as a grandmaster, was certainly not a strong grandmaster...


    Thus...


    "Give it a try."


    "Best if she can be killed, if not... she should at least be subdued for a while."


    "A wise person, knowing there is a grave threat lurking in the shadows, will undoubtedly act more cautiously and prudently, not daring to stir up trouble easily."


    Having just arrived in Mansion City, Li Che did not want to cause too much trouble.


    But in this life, as if on thin ice, Li Che had to be cautious, not fearing the thieves who steal, but fearing those who keep him in their thoughts...


    Qin Yuqing...


    Such toxic fixation caused Li Che''s hair to stand on end, breaking him in fear whenever he thought of his daughter facing a major calamity.


    Thus, for the sake of peace and tranquility, Li Che had no choice but to take the risk.


    Li Che closed his eyes, and when he opened them the next moment, he had regained his composure.


    In the southern mists and rains of spring, the willows sway as if intoxicated by the gentle breeze.


    In his black, vigorous attire, Li Che, unlike the splendidly dressed scholars who seemed to step out of ink paintings, was also refined and gentle, blending with the pervasive spring rain.


    The Heavenly Oversight Office in Mansion City had specialized buildings. Read exclusive content at


    Yesterday, Liu He and Hai Chuanying had informed him about the specific location of the Heavenly Oversight Office in Mansion City.


    In the misty rain, on the banks of a tributary of the Nine Dragons River, facing the spring breeze, stood a nine-story treasure pagoda with double eaves decorated with eight treasures, the top of the tower adorned with two dragons clutching a pearl, its black tiles neatly and intricately laid out, and the spring rain gathered flowing down the edges like strands of jade beads.


    Li Che walked towards the Heavenly Oversight Office, to learn about the assessment requirements needed to become a Guest Official.


    Upon reaching the pavilion, he folded his umbrella, shaking off the water droplets.


    Li Che stored the oil paper umbrella into his Qiankun space, then stepped into the pavilion.


    Contrary to what he expected from an imperial office, there weren''t hurried figures or idle government officials; instead, it was filled with a dazzling array of flowing lights.


    Within frames crafted of transparent crystal and lined with silk satin, were displayed a wide array of items.


    Li Che''s gaze swept across elixirs, weapons, Divine Wood Carvings, and more...


    Categorized by wooden plaques, each neatly arranged.


    Li Che was astonished, "This is the Heavenly Oversight Office... not a supermarket?"


    "Sir, is there anything specific you wish to purchase?"


    A gentle voice came from the side, accompanied by a waft of fragrant breeze, prompting Li Che to turn his head and see a graceful young lady with skin white as jade and eyes that twinkled quietly, standing beside him. R


    Li Che was taken aback, as he had entered the Heavenly Oversight Office without ever noticing when this woman had appeared.


    The woman looked at Li Che and smiled, "The first floor of the Heavenly Oversight Office houses products of the Tenth Capital Level, of course, there are also commonplace items of inferior quality. Please state your needs, and I can assist you in evaluating them."


    Li Che shook his head, folding his hands in a traditional greeting, "I am here to inquire about the assessment for becoming a Heavenly Oversight Guest Official."


    A trace of surprise crossed the woman''s face.


    Before she could reply, a hearty laugh echoed through the area.


    "Hahaha, Master Li has arrived? We''ve been waiting for you for quite some time."


    Dressed in official attire and wearing the badge of the Temple Control Bureau at his waist, Liu He approached with a smile.


    Having conversed with Li Che the day before, Liu He held Li Che in high regard; despite coming from the small Flying Thunder City, his worldly manners impressed Liu He, bolstered further by Li Qingshan''s recommendation, making his first impression excellent.


    The refined lady nodded to Liu He and asked, "Guest Liu, won''t you introduce us?"


    "Miss Shangguan, this is Li Che, a Woodcarving Master from Fei Lei City, recommended by Elder Qingshan and here to participate in the Heavenly Oversight Guest Official assessment," Liu He elucidated Li Che''s identity straightforwardly.


    "I am Shangguan Qinghong, it''s my pleasure to meet you, Master Li. Recommended by Elder Qingshan?" the woman said with a smile.


    "Alright, Guest Liu, you can go on with your tasks. I heard you received a large order to carve a statue of the ''Eight-Armed Hell Lotus Furious Third Prince Temple God,'' quite a challenging task. I shall take over hosting Master Li," she continued with a smile.


    Liu He''s expression stiffened slightly, and he shook his head helplessly, aware that Shangguan Qinghong was favored because of Li Qingshan.


    He didn''t mind, however. Turning to Li Che, he said, "Master Li, I wish you success in your assessment. Let''s go for drinks and a listen to music at Yunfang Boat some other time."


    Annoyed, Shangguan Qinghong kicked Liu He lightly, and he left with a big laugh.


    "Master Li, don''t associate with him, that Yunfang Boat isn''t a reputable place," Shangguan Qinghong said soberly, looking at Li Che, her voice sweet once more.


    Li Che chuckled, his eyes twinkling.


    Shangguan... from one of the Golden Light Prefecture''s Five Great Clans, a member of the Shangguan Family?


    Shangguan Qinghong led Li Che to a private room in the pavilion; a stove was boiling water, filling the room with the strong scent of tea.


    "Master Li, please enjoy the tea. This ''Dragon Ridge Tea'' is grown with water from the Nine Dragons River, sweet to the taste yet fiery in the belly, as if a dragon is surging through the river, containing a touch of divinity, and an excellent flavor," she explained.


    Shangguan Qinghong had been reading and drinking tea in the room earlier and had gone to greet Li Che upon sensing his arrival.


    Today was her shift, and she found reading and drinking tea during her duty quite comfortable.


    Shangguan Qinghong was a formal staff member of the Heavenly Oversight Office, certified by the Imperial Court unlike Liu He and Hai Chuanying, who had become Guest Officials through passing the assessment.


    "Master Li comes from Fei Lei City?"


    Shangguan Qinghong poured a cup of tea for Li Che, her slender fingers converging as she pushed the tea cup towards him.


    "Fei Lei City is hardly peaceful. I heard the city lord is heartless, gathering the blood of thousands of infants and seizing the Divinity of thousands of Wood Carvers, sacrificing all the city''s citizens in an attempt to elevate the Mysterious Temple to the level of the Nine Luminaries... Luckily, Elder Qingshan thwarted his schemes with a Ram Horn Hammer."

 Chapter 137: 99th Chapter : Dragon Tooth Bodhi, Hundred Miles Soul Lock (4)

    ""Master Li, it must have been quite an undertaking to come from Fei Lei City to Mansion City," Shangguan Qinghong glanced at Li Che.


    "My daughter''s Spirit Child Divinity is pretty good; revered Qingshan took notice of her and thus she left Fei Lei City ahead of schedule, which did spare her from a disaster," Li Che said with a smile.


    Shangguan Qinghong''s face stiffened upon hearing this.


    "Ah? Master Li has a child already?"


    Li Che paused with his hand holding the tea cup; he was already twenty-two... Having a child... Wasn''t that normal?


    Shangguan Qinghong''s previously maintained posture relaxed abruptly, and she slumped into the Taishi Chair like a roguish maiden.


    With a married man, there was no need to pretend anymore.


    "That''s truly a pity," Shangguan Qinghong said as she pulled out various candied fruits, sunflower seeds, and jerkies from the drawer in the tea table and began eating without any reservation.


    What''s the point of maintaining an image in front of a married man?


    It''s not like he''s going to marry her.


    Li Che: "..."


    However, Shangguan Qinghong seemed more relaxed at the moment.


    The conversation between the two became more harmonious.


    "Li, this is your examination token as well as your identity travel token. You can come to the Qintian Observatory tomorrow. The Guest Elder examination requires preparations in advance and needs the Chief Supervisor''s approval and stamp to proceed. I will need to go and report this in a while," Shangguan Qinghong handed a wooden token to Li Che, which was surprisingly crafted from Spiritual Wood.


    Jade light flowed from his fingertips, and information immediately appeared before his eyes.


    ...


    [Divine Weapon (Top-Grade Ten Cities): Qintian Observatory Third-class Token]


    [Craftsmanship: Crafted with Ninth Rank Spiritual Wood "Nanli Pine," can store Divinity and Inner Qi, extremely sturdy, can be used as a brick, a symbol of identity]


    [In Charge: Qintian Observatory Third-class Guest Official and Imperial Astronomical Executive]


    ...


    Li Che examined the token, his eyes lighting up: "Nanli Pine?"


    Shangguan Qinghong looked at him in surprise: "Li, you have good eyesight to recognize the type of Spiritual Wood of the token at a glance, which is extremely difficult." ??


    "Once you pass the examination, you can input your own Divinity or Inner Qi as a symbol of identity," she said.


    Li Che nodded and put away the token.


    After discussing the details of the examination with Li Che for a while, he said his goodbyes and left.


    Through the carved window, Shangguan Qinghong was cracking sunflower seeds, watching the black silhouette of Li Che, umbrella in hand, blending into the curtain of rain, her gaze flickered.


    "Snap, snap, in front of the Qin Mansion Gate, someone was assassinated... It couldn''t be him, could it? I didn''t sense any Divine Foundation Divinity, his Qi and Blood Cultivation is just a Blood Exchange," she thought.


    "Killing someone in the Primary God-Base Realm with a single arrow, snap, snap, it seems the vicious lady of the Qin Family has kicked an iron plate."


    ...


    ...


    After leaving the Qintian Observatory, Li Che went to Fragrant Pavilion, packed up wine and dishes, stored them in his Qiankun Jade, and headed for home.


    All along the way, the spring rain trickled down, striking the oiled umbrella with a dull sound.


    Just as he arrived at the entrance to Listening Flowers Lane.


    Li Che took a step and the water on the ground instantly rippled, the Chess Saint''s Dao Fruit in his chest throbbed and the Heaven and Earth chessboard unfolded.


    Within the crisscrossing grid of the chessboard.


    Several auras rose up from the ground, shining like stars in his perception.


    "One, two, three... Suddenly there are three more watchers with grey faces. What a poisonous woman," Li Che said to himself without changing his expression, walking straight and poised into Listening Flowers Lane with his umbrella.


    Three figures wearing grey masks, their eyes gloomy and breaths concealed, continued to follow their orders to track him.


    The next day, there was rain with the spring breeze.


    Li Che taught his wife Zhang Ya a more advanced Sinew Transforming exercise, and with the help of Pure Heart Divinity, he helped her sort out her body afterward.


    He also routinely taught Xi Xi martial arts, and after sorting out the Divinity within her body to strengthen her physique, Li Che left the small yard.


    After leaving Listening Flowers Lane, the three monitoring presences reappeared.


    Li Che, unfazed, continued on his way to the Qintian Observatory with his umbrella.


    Under the watchful eyes of the three Qin Mansion grey-faced monitors, he entered the Qintian Observatory.


    The next moment.


    Li Che gripped the Thunder Chess Piece in his hand, and as he stepped into the Qintian Observatory with his breath concealed, he vanished without a trace.


    ...


    ...


    In the workshop courtyard.


    The spring rain drizzled.


    It dampened many pieces of wood.


    Li Che sat on a chair, took out the "Dragon Tooth Bodhi" crafted from Dragon Tooth Boxwood, and carefully polished the patterns on it.


    Once he finished the thorough polishing.


    Li Che tore through the air with his fingers, pulling out a horse-faced mask which he put on his face.


    Putting on the hat, he lowered the brim.


    Click!


    Along with the sound of metal friction and collision coming together, a slender gun barrel made from Seventh-Grade Spirit Wood Dragon Tooth Boxwood was fitted into the body of the gun.


    "Namo Immortal Craftsman Bodhi Barrett" held slantwise in Li Che''s hand;, the only Dragon Tooth Bodhi pellet was pushed inside.


    Stay updated via


    In an instant, a searing heat, a tumult as if a Jiao Dragon was roaring, surged with pent-up power!


    Hundreds of miles away, ready to lock a soul!


    With a light tap of his toes.


    The horse-faced figure, like a silent ghost, merged into the pleasant drizzle of spring rain."

 Chapter 138: Commanded from a Thousand Miles, Leave Upon Resolution

    The deep winter had passed, and early spring had arrived.


    Spring rain gently persisted without end.


    The world was still accompanied by harsh cold.


    The accumulation of rainwater extracted the warmth between heaven and earth, bringing an icy chill accompanied by the spring breeze sweeping across the land, seemingly more bone-chilling than the thick snow of deep winter.


    Li Che, wearing a Horse Face mask, had his Qi and blood utterly subdued to silence, completely noiseless, his eyes deeply somber, rapidly flitting across the Mansion City streets.


    His speed was extremely fast, each tap of his toes similar to a dragonfly skimming water, causing the puddles to ripple outward, smoothly launching forward, covering meters in an instant.


    He was running towards a direction away from the Qin Mansion.


    The "Namo Immortal Craftsman Bodhi Barrett" was created by Li Che based on the concept of a sniper rifle from his previous life, roughly similar in concept, perhaps different in craftsmanship, but with Li Che''s level 3 Dao Fruit [Divine Craft] and the analytical power of the Thousand Analyzing Hands, he synchronized the production based on the power effect.


    The final showcased killing power should be quite similar.


    Namo Immortal Artisan Gatling is about covering with firepower, a thousand turns per second.


    The latter, on the other hand, focuses on penetrative and explosive characteristics for killing.


    It could achieve long-distance sniping, and the range... much higher than the Immortal Artisan Gatling modified from the Wood Raven.


    Or to say, the two are not of the same conceptual machinery.


    Merged with the black attire and spring water, Li Che in the Horse Face became exceedingly calm, as if everything in the world was captured and listened to between his inhalations and exhalations.


    Everyone''s character actually has many facets, usually showing the normal temperament, or the front-facing character to others.


    But many times, the character displayed alone and unseen is entirely different.


    Li Che felt he was just so.


    With the Cute Bull Mask on, turning into the Bull Demon, he would become impulsive, unrestrained, and fearless.


    During killings, he would mostly use his martial cultivation, his body swelling, tendons snapping, mainly pushing forward with brute force.


    But with the Horse Face on, Li Che would become very calm, disliking head-on confrontations, preferring long-range killings instead.


    Archery, sniping and the like... suited him well.


    Hundred Miles Soul Lock, Thousand Miles Command!


    This is the Horse Face.


    But in the end, both the Ox Demon and Horse Face are Li Che...


    Within his chest, the [Chess Saint] Dao Fruit continuously trembled, the Heaven and Earth chessboard expanded its network, endlessly spreading.


    Gradually covering half of the Golden Light Prefecture City.


    Golden Light Prefecture City was too large, much larger compared to Fei Lei City, Immortal Work Barrett''s range was very long, coupled with the [Chess Saint] Dao Fruit''s Heaven and Earth chessboard targeting, basically eliminating the need for a scope. ?


    Therefore, Li Che could achieve long-distance strikes.


    Just one shot, whether successful or not, Li Che would end today''s assassination.


    The threat brought by Qin Yuqing was too great; if left unattended, allowing the enemy to erode and draw closer bit by bit, slowly affecting his family, this was not what Li Che wished for.


    He specifically chose today because he had an arrangement with Shangguan Qinghong to attend the evaluation for the Guest Elder at Qintian Observatory today.


    Experience new tales on .com


    Which could create an alibi for his assassination.


    It is always necessary to be cautious.


    Being prudent is also a beautiful trait.


    Tap¡ª


    With a step, Li Che''s elongated figure suddenly came to a stop, no longer advancing; the surrounding spring rain swayed, the spring breeze biting.


    Icy raindrops pattered dully on his hat.


    The eyes beneath the Horse Face mask, however, burst forth with brilliant light.


    Glancing around, at this moment, he was located somewhere in the Outer City of Golden Light Prefecture City, approximately tens of miles from the Qin Mansion.


    "This is about right."


    Having chosen a position, Li Che''s gaze sharp as lightning suddenly lifted, beneath the Horse Face, angles of his jaw dripping with water splashes.


    Heaven and Earth chessboard, the net opens!


    Spreading, spreading...


    Soon, it had covered the Qin Mansion within his own perception.


    There was a Divine Minister expert in the Qin Mansion; Li Che did not dare to underestimate, the chessboard network of the Heaven and Earth chessboard continued to expand, quickly infiltrating the Qin Mansion, the perspective within the Qin Mansion then surged into Li Che''s eyes.


    Because he had locked onto Qin Yuqing''s aura, thus the moment the chessboard covered the Qin Mansion, Qin Yuqing''s aura appeared on the chessboard, bursting with intense dark Qi.


    That was the intense killing intent directed at him!


    Li Che''s eyebrows beneath the mask slightly raised.


    "What a venomous woman, to harbor such intense intent to kill me..."


    Li Che admitted to himself that this venomous woman most likely had no evidence that he had killed her son Cao Qingyuan.


    On the surface, Li Che was a Woodcarving Master who came from Fei Lei City, gentle and amiable, getting along well with others, but this venomous woman, without any evidence, still harbored such intense intent to kill an honest person.


    Most likely because he came from Fei Lei City.


    Just for that reason, she wanted to kill him...


    If that isn''t a venomous woman, what is?


    Li Che''s heart sank, and his killing intent also spilled forth, no longer hesitating.


    Lifting the Immortal Work Barrett in his hands, its engraved interwoven lines capable of harboring divinity and Qi, was a feature of the Dragon Tooth Boxwood, a seventh-grade spiritual wood, surely extraordinary.


    All around was eerily quiet, Li Che stood on the black tiled rooftop, spreading his stance wide, then lifting the mechanism.


    Slightly raising the arc, under the targeting of the Heaven and Earth chessboard, slowly aiming.


    Looking at the dense dark Qi from Qin Yuqing''s aura within the Heaven and Earth chessboard.


    Beneath the Horse Face mask, Li Che remained expressionless.


    Horse Face, Hundred Miles Soul Lock!


    Thousand Miles Command!


    Boom¡ª!


    Li Che''s body suddenly swelled up, though not fully initiating the Vajra Dragon Elephant, only swelling his body slightly, his robust Qi was all injected into the Immortal Work Barrett.

 Chapter 139: Commanding from a Thousand Miles Away, Dusting Off After the Job is Done (2)

    The crimson glow came alive in an instant, beginning to intertwine and spread, swirling as if it were charging up, all converging into the barrel of the gun. Explore stories on .com


    Behind Li Che, the Divine Foundation of the Three-Eyed Fierce True Lord suddenly emerged.


    And to ensure the accuracy of the assassination,


    Li Che''s mind stirred.


    Within the chessboard, a dark Temple God Divinity Chess Piece suddenly appeared in front of Li Che and exploded with a "bang," merging into the Dragon Tooth Bodhi within the barrel.


    The momentum climbed steadily.


    The rain in the sky twisted entirely!


    Suddenly, the world fell silent.


    Li Che could only hear the sound of his own breathing through the mask.


    "Namo Immortal Artisan."


    "Burst."


    Li Che forcefully pulled the trigger.


    Instantly...


    Like a divine thread twisted taut, suddenly snapping, the dam holding back river floods was unleashed!


    Boom!!!


    An earth-shaking explosion burst forth from the intensely crimson mechanism gripped by Li Che!


    A tremendously powerful shockwave instantly swept up countless droplets of the spring rain, radiating outwards in concentric circles, the invisible energy ripples like a lotus of rainwater blooming behind Li Che.


    The black tiles on the house below him shattered, propelled by the terrifying vibrational force, breaking even further into countless fragments.


    An extreme whirlwind suddenly swept up, pressing Li Che''s clothes tightly against his muscular body, perfecting the outline of his formidable muscles!


    Bang!


    Under the counterforce, Li Che took a step back and stomped down hard.


    As if a roar akin to a dragon''s chant burst forth from the barrel.


    The scorching light, like a sinuous jiaoshe, was like a startling thunder from behind the clouds!


    The explosion couldn''t even commence; a stream of scorching light engulfed rolling waves of air, twisting and shattering the spring rain, creating a void in the air!


    It swept across the skies of Golden Light Prefecture City!


    Li Che, despite being dozens of miles away when he shot the Bodhi Dragon Tooth, didn''t bother to check if the shot could hit or kill Qin Yuqing.


    He then removed the horse-faced mask, completely hid his presence, and put away the "Namo Immortal Craftsman Bodhi Barrett."


    A white chess piece like jade floated in his palm.


    With a clench of his fingers.


    ...


    ...


    Qin Mansion.


    Qin Yuqing sat regally, her full figure tightly outlined by her clothing, traces of her smooth skin marked under the fabric.


    She was pondering who had killed her grey-faced spy.


    Her first suspicion fell on Li Che, the Wood Carver from Fei Lei City, whose guilt seemed substantial.


    After all, her spy was tasked to surveil Li Che but had inexplicably run back to report to her and was shot dead at the entrance of Qin Mansion.


    However, she did not rule out the Gongyang Family, since the Gongyang Family''s Wrathful Giant Spirit God also belonged to the lineage of Wrath Divinity, and there had been discord between the Qin Family and Gongyang Family; moreover, Qin Yuqing herself had secretly dispatched several collateral members of the Gongyang Family, tormenting them to death. ?


    So, the Gongyang Family indeed had motives.


    Additionally, the monks of the Heart Monkey Temple also had reasons...


    With a rub of her temples, Qin Yuqing genuinely felt a headache.


    "Divine Archer... Three-eyed Fierce True Lord Divinity..."


    "Could it be... Cao Guang, that waste, is actually not dead?"


    Qin Yuqing''s slender eyes slightly opened, a flicker of sharpness twinkling within.


    "Could it be someone from the Divine Sect Branch acted?"


    "Three-Eyed Fierce True Lord, the main gate of Yun Province''s Qian Yuan Divine Sect Authentically suppresses such a Mysterious Temple, and the Temple God within, it seems, is indeed tri-eyed..."


    "Yet, the possibility is exceedingly low..."


    Lazily stretching, Qin Yuqing looked at the human-height bronze mirror, seeing her voluptuous and beautiful self still radiant in the mirror, her red lips involuntarily curling into a slight smile.


    She was still so beautiful, even though she had given birth to children, she remained a splendid flower.


    Initially, how did she blind herself to fall for Cao Guang, that useless man from Fei Lei City? Besides a handsome face, what did he have?


    Back then, she was completely infatuated with him and bore him a son.


    As a result, now in Golden Light Prefecture City, she no longer held any value for marrying into other families; had it not been for her considerable talent and excellent skills, becoming a True Successor of the Gold Split Gate,


    How could she have her current status?


    Although she was called the Jade-Faced Poisonous Rakshasa, wasn''t this, in a way, a form of respect?


    "What a pity for my son..."


    Thinking of her son, Qin Yuqing''s heart ached a little, as mothers always see their sons as treasures in their palms.


    "Don''t worry, my child, Mother won''t let you die in vain, your body has been sent to the Corpse God Cult, and you will be revived in another way..."


    "Mother will avenge you, unable to find the murderer? Anyone from Fei Lei City has a motive, they are all murderers..."


    "Mother will... kill them all for you!"


    Qin Yuqing closed her eyes.


    Her heart mourned silently, yet her killing intent was overwhelming.


    Suddenly.


    Betw(...)

 Chapter 140: Thousands of Miles to Capture, Dusting Off After Success (3)

    As a True Qi Grandmaster who had just made a breakthrough, Qin Yuqing had exceptional eyesight, and she saw a streak of radiance shoot toward her, causing the air to ripple with shallow waves. As it approached her with a swooping force, clusters of white gas exploded in the surroundings.


    The explosion had not yet sounded, but the radiance had already arrived!


    Too fast!


    In the time it took for Qin Yuqing''s pale eyelids to close and open, the streak of radiance had already entered the small courtyard of the Qin Mansion.


    It led to a huge commotion!


    Boom!


    Inside the Qin Mansion, the Divine Minister Ancestor, who had just settled back into silence, immediately sensed this terrifying streak of radiance!


    Countless Divinity surged like the waves of a great river exploding.


    But, this streak of radiance was too fast!


    It took only a blink of an eye.


    As the radiance invaded the courtyard, it tore through the sound barrier with a speed akin to breaking through space.


    It shot toward Qin Yuqing, who stood elegantly in front of the mirror, admiring her beauty!


    "What is this?"


    "What is it?"


    Qin Yuqing''s hair stood on end as her sixth sense, honed from her recent advancement to Grandmaster, alerted her to an unprecedented danger. She almost instinctively stirred her own blood energy.


    Behind her, a Divine Base with an exceptionally large radius suddenly floated up near her head, resembling a jade disc and emitting a ghostly wailing.


    Divinity and blood energy were both activated by her at this moment.


    But it seemed she only had time to do just that.


    The crimson streak of radiance was already before her eyes.


    Qin Yuqing''s gaze froze as she stared at the true nature of the thing that shed its radiance, revealing itself. It was...


    A tear, a crimson tear that resembled tiger amber.


    Made of Spiritual Wood, it was engraved with all sorts of fine patterns that tested the skill and craftsmanship of the carver, almost godlike in fashion. These patterns were filled with Divinity.


    When it came within ten steps of her, the Divinity erupted from it.


    A terrible rank oppression descended upon her like a mountain, making her unable to mobilize her Divinity and causing her blood energy to stiffen!


    "This is... Temple God Divinity!"


    "Someone wants to kill me!"


    "Utterly unreasonable..."


    "To kill me!"


    A scream finally burst forth from Qin Yuqing''s mouth.


    Blood energy and Divinity were desperately concentrated in front of her, an almost instinctive life-saving response.


    However...


    Pff!


    An intense, unparalleled tremor erupted as the blood-colored tear, with its matchless penetrating power, pierced through Qin Yuqing''s Divinity and blood energy.


    Even Grandmaster True Qi was unable to obstruct it in the least, forcibly torn apart.


    That penetrating force was too strong!


    Qin Yuqing''s eyes filled with blood as she clearly watched everything shatter, saw the teardrop-shaped object pierce through her once-proud chest, tearing open her fair skin, and seeping into her breastbone.


    Then, she felt that tear...


    Explode within her!


    Bang!


    In an instant, Qin Yuqing felt the agony of being slashed and cut thousands of times. Her entire being was blown to pieces, her consciousness extinguished on the spot.


    Rustle rustle...


    Countless pieces of flesh were rolled into beads of flesh.


    These were the chunks of flesh carved out by the tightening Bodhi Silk of the Spiritual Wood in the instant the Bodhi Blood Tear exploded inside a human body.


    These chunks of flesh turned into bloody beads, scattering all over the ground.


    Thump!


    The terrifying penetrating power, having blown up Qin Yuqing, then violently struck the ground of the Qin Residence. In a blink of an eye, the entire house disintegrated, countless objects of luxury shattered into pieces, reduced to ruins.


    The ground itself was blasted into a deep pit five meters in diameter, from which billowing smoke rose, with faint flames churning within.


    All was silent once again, as shockwaves of air surged wildly, like a spring rain that had been abruptly halted, began to fall gently once more.


    Read exclusive content at


    The Qin Mansion had experienced nearly five or six breaths of deadly silence.


    The next moment, a massive aura burst forth, and one figure after another rushed from various directions of the Qin Mansion.


    However, the Divine Minister floating above the mansion suddenly let out an angry shout, causing these direct and collateral cultivators from the Qin Family to disperse, abandoning any idea to gather for excitement.


    Yet the direct line of the Qin Family had almost all gathered outside Qin Yuqing''s courtyard.


    When they pushed open the door and saw the courtyard reduced to ruins and the tragic state of Qin Yuqing,


    Their eyes flickered with endless bewilderment.


    After bewilderment came surging fear!


    How... how did she die like this?


    A streak of light came from beyond the heavens, hitting Qin Yuqing. She died on the spot, torn to pieces, her flesh carved into beads.


    The beauty''s face, in an instant, transformed into a bloodless red skeletal figure.


    Such a manner of death was indeed too strange.


    Doesn''t this mean someone can kill whomever they want?


    And it''s unstoppable!


    Divine Archer?


    But this is beyond the explanation of a divine archer. From where did this streak of light originate?


    How could it, from such a distance, possess the terrifying power to kill a master of Divine Base Perfection?


    It was as if a dark cloud loomed heavily over the heads of the two Qin brothers.


    Making their livers quiver and their limbs ice cold.


    Boom¡ª


    Suddenly.


    An extremely aged figure appeared floating in the courtyard where Qin Yuqing was brutally killed.


    Qin Haonan and the others hurriedly greeted him.


    "We pay respects to the old ancestor."


    The Qin Residence''s Divine Minister Cultivator, also the foundation that makes the Qin Family a household of Divine Ministers!


    The entire being of the Qin Family''s old ancestor exuded Divinity, as if a deity had come to life from a painting, stepping out like a moving sculpture.


    The elderly man was extremely aged, his entire body exuding a rich death Qi, as if he could be buried at any moment.


    His eyes were murky as he appeared in the courtyard.


    His face, like the deeply furrowed bark of a thousand-year-old tree, trembled.


    With a squeeze of his five fingers.


    The next moment, a flesh bead carved from Qin Yuqing floated towards the deeply furrowed palm.


    He pressed hard with his index finger and thumb, grinding the flesh, and a coiled Spiritual Wood Thread was extracted by him.


    "Seventh Grade Spiritual Wood... Dragon Tooth Boxwood..."


    "And the infused Divinity, Three-Eyed Fierce True Lord, as well as... the Divinity of the Three-Eyed Wrathful True Lord Spirit Child Temple God..."


    "This is not an arrow..."


    "It is the Way of Mechanisms."


    "Tang Family... mechanisms..."


    The old man''s murky gaze suddenly became incredibly profound.


    ...


    ...


    The white "Pure Heart" Divine Chess Piece was held tightly in the palm of Li Che''s hand.


    By the time Li Che opened his eyes, the terrifying howling hurricane, triggered by the eruption of the Dragon Tooth Bodhi, had already dissipated without a trace.


    Everything had returned to calm.


    He did not know whether the Bodhi Dragon Tooth had successfully assassinated Qin Yuqing.


    A true sniper never looks back at the outcome.


    The stirring Spring Rain was blocked out.


    The warmth of the charcoal burner filled the eaves of the loft building.


    Brushing off the raindrops clinging to his black attire, with matters concluded, Li Che wore an elegant and gentle expression.


    Head held high, chest out, full of vigor, he stepped into the Qintian Observatory.

 Chapter 141: Let the World See What is Called Immortal Artisan

    Qin Mansion.


    Spring Rain was speaking mournfully.


    The entire estate felt as if it were submerged in a sea of divinity, the dense high-rank divinity churning so intensely it was nearly suffocating.


    And the source of all this divinity was none other than that hunched old figure standing amidst the devastation and large craters.


    A cultivator of the Qin Residence, an elder ancestor who practiced the [Nine Serpents Mourning Heavenly King] divine likeness, Qin Dikun.


    The [Nine Serpents Mourning Heavenly King] divine likeness was a mid-grade divine image from the Seven Elements, the cornerstone technique of the Qin family''s ancestral Divine Minister Method, and the very reason the Qin family could establish itself in Golden Light Prefecture City.


    Although Qin Haonan and Qin Leixiao had achieved perfection in the Divine Base and had attained grandmaster status, under the oppressive nature of their elder ancestor''s Divine Phase Rank divinity, they too could only breathe with difficulty.


    "Tang Clan''s Mechanism..."


    "Did the remnants of the Tang Clan make their move?"


    Qin family elder ancestor Qin Dikun slightly furrowed his brow, his face crinkling like old tree bark: "Seventh Grade Spiritual Wood used as material, complemented by the sculpting skills of a divine craftsman... Such intricate mechanisms can''t be made without the foundation of the Tang Clan''s Mechanism Technique."


    "This device triggered explosively fast, shooting from who knows how far away, through the energy of heaven and earth, and divinity. Despite the consumption of such energies and divinity, it still had enough force to assassinate Yuqing..."


    The old man narrowed his eyes, the anger in their depths receding slowly as he pocketed a strand of Bodhi Silk mixed with Bodhi Blood Tears.


    This mechanism was vicious, once inside a body, it would violently explode, turning the person''s flesh and blood into a bead of gore.


    The main cause of death for Qin Yuqing was being blasted into pieces; otherwise, given the malicious nature of this mechanism, Qin Yuqing''s flesh might have ended up like beads of blood splattered all over the ground, a tragic and ghastly sight.


    Now, thankfully, being blasted into pieces... spared the sight of a grotesque death.


    "Tang Clan''s Mechanism... was it that old ghost who acted? But there is no reason..."


    "The Tang Clan has long been destroyed, and he is also under surveillance by the Da Jing Dynasty, so how could he have acted?"


    Qin Dikun''s brow furrowed.


    This event, even for him, a Divine Symbol Cultivator, felt puzzling and chaotic.


    He was in seclusion in a secret chamber when he sensed the streak of light; by then it was already too late. He tried to block it using his Divine Sense and found it pierced straight through without resistance.


    Thus, he gave up on any attempt to rescue; after all, Qin Yuqing could only stimulate her blood essence and Divinity for the blink of an eye before succumbing, too brief to mount any defense. How could he possibly have arrived in time from his secret chamber?


    He couldn''t teleport, after all.


    "Elder Ancestor..."


    Upon seeing the elder ancestor stop pondering, Qin Haonan and Qin Leixiao spoke to express their concerns.


    "Has Yuqing offended anyone recently?"


    "First, her underling scouts were shot dead, and now she''s been killed within her quarters by such a fearsome mechanical method..."


    "Did she provoke some extremely vicious and violent person?"


    Qin Dikun asked calmly.


    Qin Haonan and Qin Leixiao looked at each other with blank expressions, opened their mouths but could not voice a reason.


    "Yuqing and City Lord Cao Guang''s son, Cao Qingyuan, from Fei Lei City, died there. Elder Ancestor, Cao Guang practiced the [Three-Eyed Fierce True Lord] divine base..."


    "Could it be that Cao Guang is not dead and secretly came to Mansion City, filled with rage over Yuqing''s involvement with Jin Xuan from Gold Split Gate, leading to murderous intent born from jealousy?"


    Qin Haonan couldn''t help but speak out.


    For Qin Yuqing to become a core true successor of the Gold Split Gate, she must have had her means. With such ordinary talent, having consumed so many elixirs to enter the Grandmaster Realm¡ªher status was utterly inflated. How else could she hold that position of true successor?


    She must have had backing from above.


    "Jin Xuan... Eldership of Gold Split Gate? That old man..."


    Qin Dikun''s brow wrinkled. As the Diviner Ancestor, his role now was to oversee the family, letting go of many affairs and entrusting the Family Head with them. Therefore, he was unaware of Qin Yuqing''s issues until now.


    "That man is over two hundred years old, right? This girl..."


    Disgust flickered across Qin Dikun''s eyes.


    "This matter, let''s wait for Qin Cang''s return to arrange a solution. The two of you go investigate too. Yuqing is after all one of our Qin Family Members, being assassinated within our mansion... It''s utterly disgraceful if word gets out."


    Continue reading at


    "Although it''s likely nothing will be found, as the mechanism was fired from at least twenty miles away..."


    "However, one after another, disregarding our Qin family completely."


    "The Qin family''s honor must be restored, and this might serve as a good pretext to give the powers within the Golden Light Prefecture a thorough shake-up, to clear out some planted spies from other Noble Families and sects."


    Qin Dikun stated this plainly.


    The next moment, he looked into the distance.


    As a streak of light pierced through the sky, although not very conspicuous, the power unleashed in the moment Qin Yuqing was assassinated had already caught the attention of many.


    Several Divine Symbol Cultivators had sensed it, and they were now coming over out of curiosity to inquire.


    Qin Dikun casually took a few of the flesh beads gouged out by the Bodhi Silk from Qin Yuqing''s body.


    "It''s not every day you see a mechanical technique capable of killing from a thousand miles away... Let''s show the other old-timers too. It can''t just be my Qin family... living in fear."


    The elder''s figure flickered, and he soared up, stepping into the air towards the outside of the mansion, taking steps that spanned several yards each, gliding like the wind, as if an immortal from ancient times.


    "We respectfully see off the elder ancestor."


    Qin Haonan and Qin Leixiao bowed and clasped their hands together.


    Only when the overwhelming Divine Appearance Nature receded like the tide,


    Were they able to stand up, looking at the devastated courtyard and upon their sister Qin Yuqing, whose body lay in pieces.


    Both sighed deeply.


    "Could it still be Cao Guang? The Divinity of the Three-Eyed Fierce True Lord... only Fei Lei City possesses it, and it''s said Cao Guang invoked a Temple God into his body, surely having his Divinity surge..."


    "Even though reports say he was killed and his body dismembered into thousands of pieces... but..."


    Qin Haonan could not help but say.


    "Without seeing the corpse."


    Qin Leixiao shook his head: "He might not be dead..."


    "But... what does this mean?"


    The two of them exchanged glances, their faces filled with worry.


    "An attack originating dozens of miles away killed Yuqing..."

 Chapter 142: Mortals, Behold What Immortal Artisan Means (2)

    "Who would dare to investigate this?"


    They are all afraid...


    Of becoming the next Qin Yuqing.


    He had been feeling proud at home, only to be shot dead.


    ...


    ...


    Spring rain drifted softly down.


    Inside the pavilion, the warmth from the furnace dispelled the chilly Spring air.


    Shangguan Qinghong had removed her shoes and socks and was squatting on the Taishi Chair with her translucent feet exposed, snacking on sunflower seeds while reading a book.


    Her beautiful eyebrows furrowed together, a look of thirst for knowledge evident on her pretty face. Her eyes unmoved, her fingers adeptly found the seeds. With a cracking sound and a nimble tongue, she skillfully separated the husk from the seed.


    Li Che had entered the Qintian Observatory Treasure Building. The warm atmosphere made everyone feel lazily at ease.


    His eyes narrowed slightly, with no trace of the tension and unease that had accompanied the assassination he had just carried out.


    He sighed when he realized no one had come to receive him.


    Hesitating slightly, he went directly to the private box and saw Shangguan Qinghong, who looked as if she were skimming through the water.


    Her serious demeanor might have fooled Li Che into thinking she was studying some complex technical issue, had he not seen the romance novel on the book cover.


    "Miss Shangguan."


    Li Che cleared his throat, disrupting her engagement.


    Shangguan Qinghong¡¯s eyebrows relaxed. Seeing Li Che, she showed no embarrassment at being caught slacking off.


    As a government official who benefitted from a stable job provided by the state, this was basic behavior for her.


    "You¡¯re here?"


    Shangguan Qinghong casually clapped her hands together and, in front of Li Che, began slipping her socks and shoes back on her radiant feet.


    Li Che quietly waited for her. Once she was ready, the tightly suited Shangguan Qinghong led the way deeper into the Qintian Observatory.


    "You¡¯re quite early. The exam preparations are all set; I¡¯ll take you upstairs. The examination room is on the third floor."


    "The examination for a third-class Guest Official at the Golden Light Prefecture Qintian Observatory is not personally conducted by the Chief Supervisor, but by two Minor Supervisors."


    "You need to gain the approval of both Minor Supervisors to secure the third-class Guest Official position,"


    Shangguan Qinghong said with a smile.


    They reached the second floor, which was also spacious and was filled with things like elixirs and Divine Wood Carvings displayed in transparent crystal cases.


    "The items displayed on the second floor are either good spirit items from the Ten Cities or those of the Nine Luminaries level..."


    "Since you were recommended by Elder Qingshan, the two Minor Supervisors specifically arranged a private assessment for you today. Normally, the examination for a third-class Guest Official... only occurs when there are enough candidates,"


    Shangguan Qinghong chatted quite a bit, chirping non-stop.


    Li Che nodded. In the Qintian Observatory, the positions were clearly differentiated, with the Chief Supervisor of a prefecture¡¯s Qintian Observatory being the highest, followed by the Deputy Inspector, then the Minor Supervisors, the Imperial Celestial Deputies, and the officers.


    The rank equivalent to a third-class Guest Official was that of an officer at the Qintian Observatory.


    However, becoming a third-class Guest Official at the Qintian Observatory was something many Woodcarving Masters broke their heads over trying to achieve.


    When they reached the private box inside on the second floor.


    The private box was surprisingly large, filled with the rich scent of wood. Two figures in white robes were sitting upright, conversing with each other.


    When Shangguan Qinghong and Li Che stepped inside, the two paused their conversation, their gazes sweeping over.


    Li Che felt a formidable Divine Sense thunder down upon him.


    His heart startled!


    Divine Minister?!


    The power of this Divine Sense was almost on par with the Divine Sense released by the elder of the Qin Family when the grey-faced spy shot Qin Yuqing yesterday.


    However, Li Che soon thought otherwise, as neither Minor Supervisor exuded the kind of oppressive rank specific to a Divine Symbol Cultivator.


    So, is it just a powerful Divine Sense that hasn¡¯t yet reached Divinity?


    Many thoughts flashed through Li Che¡¯s mind, and he finally bowed with clasped hands: "Li Che greets the two Minor Supervisors."


    The two Minor Supervisors, a man and a woman both middle-aged, the woman still flaunting her charm and the man with a goatee and narrow eyes.


    Discover exclusive content at


    "You were recommended by Li Qingshan of the Zheng Lei Peak branch of the Qian Yuan Divine Sect, and we have specifically arranged this third-class Guest Official examination for you...


    "However, we will not grant you any leniency because of Li Qingshan¡¯s recommendation, but will in fact be even more stringent."


    Li Che bowed: "It should be so."


    The two nodded. The charming middle-aged woman sized up Li Che and said, "Li Che, from Fei Lei City, took up Wood Carving three years ago, showed remarkable talent, and became a Woodcarving Master at the Xu Ji¡¯s Wood Carving Shop in Fei Lei City...


    The woman divulged Li Che¡¯s background.


    Li Che remained silent, waiting for the woman¡¯s next words.


    Shangguan Qinghong moved a stool to the corner, took out another handful of sunflower seeds from her pocket, and watched Li Che¡¯s assessment while snacking.


    "The background is very clean, now show us your vitality and Divine Cultivation."


    Another middle-aged man in a white robe spoke.


    Li Che stood up, clenched his fist, and his vigor surged as he revealed his apparent Three Transfers of Blood Change Martial Cultivation.


    Regarding Divinity, he displayed the Xu Family¡¯s "Xuansi Liu Sword" Divine Art, at the Nature-nourishing Like a Stream level.


    The middle-aged man held a fine brush, his brow slightly furrowed as he lightly wrote on white paper: "Three Transfers of Blood Change, Nature-nourishing Like a Stream... Cultivation is somewhat weak, barely qualifies for a third-class Guest Official examination."


    "Most third-class Guest Officials are of Divine Base Cultivation."


    "However, the guest official examination focuses more on skill, and there are indeed Guest Officials who are not of Divine Base but still qualify. Master Li, please prepare, the examination will begin."


    "You applied for the third-class Wood Carving Master Guest Official examination, which consists of only one part."


    The middle-aged man stroked his goatee, the Qiankun Jade at his waist guided with a swift motion, emitting a flickering light.

 Chapter 143: Mortals, Behold What Immortal Artisan Means (3)

    A wood carving half the size of a person was suddenly placed upon the desk.


    Carved from spiritual wood with rough lines, the chisel¡¯s pattern was rather crude, merely outlining the overall shape.


    One could vaguely discern that the wood carving depicted a child, though rough and simplistic, the form was faintly recognizable.


    Barefooted, stepping on fierce dragons and snakes, eyes filled with fury, a child with four arms rising from its back, wearing a red bib, red silk fluttering, one hand clutching a jade cleansing bottle, another a jade ruyi, one a necklace, and another holding a short spear!


    Because the lines were only a preliminary sketch, they appeared very raw, but there was already a brimming essence of divinity lingering within.


    Li Che¡¯s gaze was instantly captivated.


    "This is a divine wood carving with only thirty percent completion. Master Li shall continue the carving for three hours, and when the time is up, cease carving. The completion of Master Li¡¯s work will be used for evaluation."


    The middle-aged beautiful woman, a minor supervisor, spoke.


    "This is the ¡¯Four-armed Angry Third Prince¡¯ divine wood carving, originally the statue of the ¡¯Eight-Armed Prison Lotus Furious Third Prince¡¯ from the Four Royal Mysterious Temples outside the city wall."


    "The divinity contained in the waters of the Nine Dragons River that flows through Mansion City is diluted from the Temple God Divinity of this Third Prince Temple, and it serves as the divine vein for the cultivation of divine cultivators of Golden Light Prefecture City."


    "Once the statue of the Four-armed Angry Third Prince is completed, it can provoke the waves of the Nine Dragons River. Although Master Li is to continue the work, if he can stir the waves, consider the assessment a success," the bearded supervisor said indifferently.


    As his words fell, whether it was the beautiful woman or Shangguan Qinghong who was cracking melon seeds in the corner, their actions momentarily froze.


    "Gongyang Minor Supervisor... Since when does the continuation carving test for a third-class guest official require stirring the waters of the Nine Dragons River?"


    The beautiful woman¡¯s brow furrowed slightly, showing a touch of displeasure.


    The bearded middle-aged minor supervisor, however, smiled: "Gong Yunli Minor Supervisor, after all, this man comes recommended by Li Qingshan. If he can¡¯t even stir up the waters of the Nine Dragons River... wouldn¡¯t that mean Li Qingshan is here to make a mockery of us?"


    "Moreover, my evaluation standard is within the range, isn¡¯t it? This divine wood carving is already thirty percent complete; if he can continue carving to seventy percent, it should suffice to stir the waters. If he can¡¯t even accomplish a forty percent continuation..."


    "Our threshold for a guest official at the Qintian Observatory isn¡¯t that low."


    His casual words lingered in the room.


    The beautiful woman¡¯s eyebrows knitted even more, but she said nothing more.


    Shangguan Qinghong, sitting in the corner, looked at Li Che with a hint of sympathy, muttering to himself: "Senior Qingshan¡¯s recommendation indeed provided a shortcut, but it means the supervisors¡¯ demands will be even more stringent... It requires true skill and knowledge."


    "Does Master Li possess the real talent and knowledge after becoming a Wood Carving Master in just three years?"


    The room gradually quieted down, and Gong Yunli no longer spoke.


    "The Minor Supervisor is right, I¡¯m willing to give it a try," Li Che said, a blend of grace and affability on his face as he bowed with clasped hands.


    The beautiful woman¡¯s demeanor softened considerably, and her eyes shone with appreciation as she looked at Li Che.


    Such elegance, such amiability ¨C truly the makings of a Wood Carving Master.


    Composed and unperturbed, indeed the temperament for a master.


    Gongyang Liancheng stroked his beard, his eyes sparkling, and he laughed: "Then let us begin."


    Enjoy more content from


    Li Che bowed with clasped hands.


    He then walked over to the wood carving, embraced it with both hands, transferring the flow of his vital energy, and moved the half-person-high carving onto the carving table.


    The table was fully equipped with chisels of extremely high quality, far surpassing those owned by Li Che himself.


    Taking a deep breath to calm his mind, Li Che began to carefully examine the "Four-armed Angry Third Prince." Although it was a simplified version of the temple deity¡¯s statue, it possessed a unique significance.


    The carving was already thirty percent complete. According to Gongyang Minor Supervisor, he needed to continue until seventy percent to invoke the Temple God Divinity within the waters of the Nine Dragons River and cause the waves to stir.


    The Qintian Observatory Treasure Building was located beside a tributary of the Nine Dragons River that ran through the Golden Light Prefecture, built facing the river. Looking out through the carved wooden windows of the Treasure Tower, one could see the serene river surface.


    To continue carving is to finish the work upon the original carving.


    Actually, conditions were set because the techniques and skills used by the original carver would impact the final product; one must connect seamlessly to the original artist¡¯s craft, otherwise, the disconnection would be too severe, making it impossible to consider it a divine wood carving.


    For Li Che, this was not an issue at all.


    Li Che needed to consider...


    The issue of completion to what degree.


    Hide his skill?


    No, Li Che shook his head, he didn¡¯t need to hide his skill in this assessment for the position of Guest Elder.


    Having just arrived in Mansion City, Li Che¡¯s family required the backing of a powerful entity, at least until Xi Xi was admitted to the Divine Sect. They needed to find another strong foundation to count on, especially since they had offended the Qin Mansion and had previously laid hands on Qin Yuqing.


    If Qin Yuqing were to die, the Qin Mansion would certainly be furious. Although Li Che was confident he had left no trace behind and it would be difficult for anyone to connect the dots from dozens of miles away.


    However, to play it safe, he must pull some strings and establish connections to secure a footing in Mansion City.


    Li Qingshan could be a solid backing, but he was not currently in Mansion City and hence the face of the Divine Sect was not enough.


    Therefore, it¡¯s likely that Li Qingshan had recommended him for the position at the Qintian Observatory also with this consideration in mind.


    An idea suddenly struck Li Che¡¯s mind, and he chose not to conceal his own skills any longer.


    Proto-Divine Power: Thousand Analyzing Hands.


    With jade-like fluidity, Li Che¡¯s hand gently brushed across the wood carving, and information about the carving flooded into his mind.


    The carver¡¯s skills, the angle of the carving knife, the force applied, the style of cutting, and so on, all streamed into his consciousness.


    When he opened his eyes, an invisible surge of air howled forth from within the building.


    Li Che¡¯s demeanor completely transformed, his eyes turned cold and detached. In his gaze, the wood carving seemed to come alive with countless lines undulating and leaping. Grasping the carving knife, the flashing blade instantly came down, touching on a line, and with a tearing sound, the sharp blade smoothly cut through the Spirit Wood Organization, leaving behind wood shavings.


    Knife rising, knife falling, the blade¡¯s light danced like a roaming dragon.


    Gongyang Liancheng and Gong Yunli only needed one glance to understand that this Li Che had true talent and skill¡ªhe was not someone who simply got in through the back door.


    The room was incredibly silent.


    Even Shangguan Qinghong in the corner, who was spitting out melon seeds, stopped her activity, afraid to disturb Li Che¡¯s... dazzling display.


    Her lips slightly parted and moist, her eyes showed a hint of astonishment.


    Divinity began to slowly gather between heaven and earth.


    As the shape of the Divine Wood Carving gradually took form, as the motion and posture were perfectly delineated...


    The "Four-armed Angry Third Prince" seemed as if it had come to life.


    Beneath the bare feet, the dragons and serpents roared, four arms swung, red silks tumbled, eyes glaring with fury¡ªall vividly coming to life as if they could overturn rivers and seas, capture dragons and subdue demons.


    The stray Divinity in the world began to be voraciously consumed by the Divine Wood Carving, to the point...


    Through the flower-carved wooden window, near the bank of the Nine Dragons River by the Qintian Observatory Treasure Building, the water also started to stir slightly, the waves slapping, Divinity dispersing...


    And the waves were just beginning to brew, as if the Divinity in the water was being drawn by an invisible force!


    A wave crashed against the foundation of the Qintian Observatory Treasure Building, bursting into sparkling, translucent sprays of water beneath the sunlight!


    Bang¡ª!


    The sound of waves against the Treasure Building shattered the silence!


    Inside the Treasure Building.


    Li Che¡¯s eyes burned fiercely, his blood and qi surged unstoppably.


    The carving knife twirled between his fingers, sending wood chips flying everywhere.


    In his chest, the [Immortal Artisan] Dao Fruit throbbed as if it sensed Li Che¡¯s tumultuous surge, wanting to use his own craft to secure a stable base for his family in Mansion City.


    He wanted the world to open its eyes and see.


    What is...


    An Immortal Artisan!

 Chapter 147: Praise and Kill Evaluation, Crow Hand Grenade

    "Has this boy entered the Third Prince Temple outside the Mansion City?"


    The Deputy Inspector''s white clothes fluttered without wind as he squinted at the Divine Statue quietly placed on the tea table. Discover stories with


    Although... it was only of Ten Cities Level, the Divinity on it was very weak.


    But for a Woodcarving Master, through a Wood Carving, one can perceive what the carver wants to express, a meaning pieced together through skill, lines, and patterns.


    The reason why a Master is a Master is that they have mastered a skill to the extreme, and to seek a breakthrough, they can only present and express differently in their conception.


    Some ink wash painting masters, with only a few strokes that seem to be carelessly splashed ink at a casual glance, but upon closer examination, one would discover a unique kind of beauty, a beauty of meaning.


    The same is true for carving...


    Gongyang Liancheng and the beautiful Gong Yunli were both confused by the Deputy Inspector''s words.


    "Is the Deputy Inspector referring to that ''Eight-Armed Prison Lotus Furious Third Prince'' Mysterious Temple outside the city?" Gong Yunli couldn''t help asking.


    The Deputy Inspector, dressed in white, with a handsome and delicate appearance, looked like a youthful and handsome boy of seventeen or eighteen, and now he cast an annoyed glance at Gong Yunli, "Little Gong, don''t be a bimbo..."


    "Are there other Prince Temples outside the city?"


    Upon hearing this, Gong Yunli immediately became embarrassed. She lowered her head to glance at her towering chest; indeed, the Deputy Inspector loved to speak half-truths.


    "He certainly hasn''t entered, hasn''t seen the Temple God..."


    "Li Che''s Cultivation of Qi and Blood is only at the Blood Exchange level, and his Divinity is just Nurturing Nature Like a Stream... He can''t even enter the Strange Que, let alone the Mysterious Temple..."


    "Even for us... even if we were to bear the Temple God''s pressure and enter the Mysterious Temple, we might not be able to reach the front of the temple platform, let alone see the Eight-Armed Wrathful Third Prince Temple God."


    Gongyang Liancheng spoke with a heavy voice from the side.


    "Indeed, that''s the reason..."


    "Even if the youngster hid his Cultivation, he couldn''t have hidden so much."


    The Deputy Inspector nodded, approached the Wood Carving, raised his finger, and gently caressed the carving strokes on the Wood Carving.


    With his eyes closed, every inch his fingers slid across the Wood Carving seemed to bring him a peculiar sensation that made his hairs stand on end.


    "This carving task was set by me; it took me a few breaths to carve a rough prototype, but this youngster... not only perfectly continued my carving thoughts and methods but even in the latter half, he integrated his own understanding and feelings."


    "He must have never seen a real deity, yet he was able to use his imagination to outline a figure that nearly matched the deity."


    "This boy... is similar to me."


    The Deputy Inspector slowly opened his eyes, a gentle smile hanging on his lips.


    He then said, "This boy... has the qualifications of a Special Class Guest Minister."


    Upon hearing this, Gongyang Liancheng and Gong Yunli were immediately shocked.


    This evaluation... was too high!


    Guest officials were typically divided into three levels, from third to second to first class, and a First-Class Guest Official, when placed in the Mansion City Qintian Observatory, even surpassed their status as Minor Supervisors. r?


    Because with the identity of a First-Class Guest Official, even in other Mansion Cities, or even in State Cities Qintian Observatory Treasure Building, one could maintain their status.


    However, they were only Minor Supervisors of the Golden Light Prefecture Qintian Observatory Treasure Building, and once they left Golden Light Prefecture and went to other Mansion Cities, they were naturally one rank lower, and if they went to the State City or even the Great Scenic Divine Capital, they would be two or three ranks lower!


    Let alone... Special Class Guest Minister!


    Gong Yunli shook her head in disbelief, her bosom heaving turbulently.


    "Deputy Inspector, you are... overpraising a newcomer! You can''t be sarcastic and overpraise him just because he was recommended by Li Qingshan!"


    Gongyang Liancheng came back to his senses, his face darkened.


    Ah, Little Yunli, how do you talk to a superior? Can these words be said?


    You can''t just grow in size; you also need to... grow some brains.


    As expected, the Deputy Inspector''s brow furrowed: "Overpraising? Me, overpraising a newcomer because of Li Qingshan?"


    "Little Gong, do you remember how many articles there are in the official regulations of the Qintian Observatory drafted jointly by the Chief Divine Inspector and Deputy Divine Inspectors from the Capital Divine Inspection Divine Treasure Building?"


    Gong Yunli: "There are a total of one hundred and eight Qintian Observatory regulations."


    "Remembered well, go back and copy them twenty times, bring it to me for review tomorrow, for every error or omission, a penalty of one Ten Cities Divine Crystal."


    Gong Yunli was immediately shocked, grinding her teeth; it was personal vengeance, too much for a pretentiously young old man!


    The Deputy Inspector''s gaze sharpened, staring at Gong Yunli.


    "Thirty times!"


    Gong Yunli instantly lowered her unyielding head, forgetting that the old man possessed Divine Arts similar to mind-reading.


    "Deputy Inspector, I still must say, flaunting the title of Special Class Guest Minister should not be mentioned lightly... it''s excessive overpraising for a newcomer!"


    Gong Yunli was quite fond of Li Che, a good Woodcarving Master, amiable, and with a gentle temperament; she quite liked him.


    But to say that Li Che had the qualifications of a Special Class Guest Minister... could crush the young man.


    After speaking, Gong Yunli quickly tiptoed away, lifting the hem of her white robe.


    The Deputy Inspector remained silent.


    He looked towards Gongyang Liancheng.


    "The Deputy Inspector has discerning eyes and speaks sense; subordinates also feel that this boy''s future is boundless and indeed has the qualifications of a Special Class Guest Minister!"


    Gongyang Liancheng loudly echoed in agreement, not about to be as brainless as Gong Yunli, stuffing his head with iron.


    Why argue with a superior?


    Gongyang Liancheng''s principle was...


    A slap on the back, and gold flows in!


    "Remind Little Gong that this evaluation must not be spread; one can''t just call it overpraising... lest she slips up first."


    The Deputy Inspector felt drained, his two subordinates, one stubborn as hell, the other a sycophant to the core...


    It really was a mix of fragrant and stench.


    Gongyang Liancheng of course understood, and he nodded solemnly: "The Deputy Inspector is prudent, truly cautious; no wonder you are the Deputy Inspector, I am sincerely impressed..."

 Chapter 148: Praise and Kill Evaluation, Crow Hand Grenade (2)

    Experience more tales on


    "Shut up, you may leave if there''s nothing else."


    Gongyang Liancheng made a deep bow, his hands hanging by his side, and slowly retreated out of the room.


    Inside the tea room, the fragrance of tea lingered.


    It remained as serene as usual.


    The Deputy Inspector rubbed the statue with his fingers, and in a trance, he seemed to see a figure raising the red silk, stirring the vast sea...


    "Recommended by Li Qingshan..."


    "Such talent, and yet he was not sent to the Divine Sect but to the Qintian Observatory to become a Guest Elder... For what reason? In another five years... it will be time for the strange calamities to form due to the commotion at the Fury of the Four Imperials in the Temple of the Third Prince..."


    "The Corpse God Cult..."


    "Troublesome times indeed."


    The Deputy Inspector withdrew his hand from the statue and closed his eyes, massaging his temples.


    Suddenly, his fingers paused and his narrow eyes snapped open.


    "Or perhaps... this Li Qingshan harbors doubts about the Divine Sect Branch?"


    ...


    ...


    After the rain, the sky cleared, and sunlight peeked out from behind the heavy leaden clouds, casting its light upon the human world, reflecting upon the shimmering water.


    Li Che left the Qintian Observatory Treasure Building in high spirits.


    Becoming a Third-class Guest Official at the Observatory, he not only enjoyed its resources but also gained quite a few nice things.


    Most importantly, he had acquired substantial clout, enough to make many forces within Mansion City wary, ensuring the safety of his small family for some years to come.


    For Li Che, that was enough.


    He didn''t desire much¡ªjust peaceful and stable years.


    To quietly watch his daughter grow up, to see her succeed in her cultivation.


    This was the simple and honest wish of an old father.


    Li Che was in a good mood as he walked out of the Qintian Observatory, strolling along the broad streets of Mansion City, wide enough to fit ten horse carriages side by side.


    Breathing in the refreshingly clean air, basking in the spring breeze that uplifted one''s spirits.


    Li Che planned to head to Fragrant Pavilion, order a table full of good wine and dishes, and go home to celebrate, especially with several roasted ducks from Fragrant Pavilion, which Xi Xi and his wife both loved to eat. ?


    However, Li Che did not let his guard down, as Qin Yuqing... was ultimately killed by him.


    Although he was confident he left no clue linking back to him, and the Qin Family could not act against him without evidence given his status as a Heavenly Oversight Guest Official, one could never be too sure.


    What if another person like Qin Yuqing emerged from the Qin Family, the kind who is determined to take you down at all costs, even attacking passers-by?


    Therefore, Li Che remained vigilant and could not afford to be lax.


    Even within Mansion City, this world was not safe, and perhaps for a long time, he would have to tread carefully.


    That''s right, Li Che''s thoughts stirred, and the Chess Saint''s Dao Fruit trembled as the Heaven and Earth chessboard spread its influence.


    Indeed, the three shadowy Qin Mansion investigators who had been following and investigating him had vanished without a trace.


    With Qin Yuqing''s death, those three probably returned to report back to the Qin Mansion.


    Just as well, their presence had given him proof that it was impossible for him to have acted against Qin Yuqing.


    After all, his shooting of Qin Yuqing happened in another direction from the Qintian Observatory Treasure Building.


    Having ordered the wines and dishes, Li Che did not immediately return to his small courtyard but first went to another courtyard he had purchased¡ªthe workshop.


    Sitting in a chair, he boiled hot water and brewed a pot of tea.


    Amidst the fluttering spring breeze, he took a sip of the fine tea, his mood growing even brighter.


    Then, he began to sort through his gains from becoming a Third-class Guest Official at the Observatory.


    With a thought...


    ...


    [Name: Li Che]


    [Bonds: Li Nuanxi (Daughter)]


    [Dao Fruit: Immortal Artisan (Lv3, 68%), Dragon Elephant Vajra (Lv3, 13%), Pure Heart (Lv2, 18%), Chess Saint (Lv2, 7%)]


    [Prototype of Divine Powers: Immortal Worker: Thousand Analyzing Hands, Dragon Elephant Vajra - Ascend]


    ...


    Eh? n?vel.co?


    Li Che glanced over the Dao Fruit feedback and noticed the Dao Fruit [Immortal Artisan] had suddenly increased its maturity by 20%.


    He was momentarily taken aback. Could it be that the statue he carved in the Qintian Observatory had such a large impact?


    No, it should be because he had completed "Namo Immortal Artisan Bodhi Barrett" in addition to carving that statue in the Observatory.


    Li Che had carved statues of the Namo Immortal Artisan before but never had such a significant increase in its maturity, which was somewhat strange¡ªthere had to be a reason.


    Could it be related to the image of the deity he envisioned, stepping on the Golden Wheel, dancing with red silk across the seas, and integrating it into the wood carving?


    Li Che''s eyes glittered, a hint of excitement arising in him¡ªif that was indeed the case, he might have found a way to rapidly increase the maturity of his Immortal Craft Dao Fruit.


    He didn''t rush to test it either, as it was already late and carving another Divine Wood Carving of the Four-armed Angry Prince would take too long.


    With a squeeze of his hand, he retrieved other rewards for becoming a Third-class Guest Official from his Qiankun Space.


    A softly glowing crystal stone landed in his hand.


    A warm sensation emanated from the crystal stone.


    "Divine Crystal... an object of divinity that can only be obtained within Strange Que, as Miss Shangguan said, for higher-grade divine items, elixirs, Divine Weapons, and so on, in the Qintian Observatory, one would not use gold or silver, the mundane things of the world, but... Divine Crystal!"


    Li Che held the crystal stone, but what truly stirred his emotions was the divinity contained within the Divine Crystal...


    A milky white purity similar to that of [Pure Heart]!


    "The same source, huh? Both are pure and flawless divinities?"


    Li Che''s gaze sharpened, and the next moment, he extended his Divine Sense, drawing out the divinity from within the Divine Crystal. However, as soon as his Divine Sense touched the divinity within the Divine Crystal, the [Pure Heart] in his chest suddenly began to pulse vehemently!


    Like a ravenous being, it unexpectedly opened its mouth wide.


    The divinity from the Ten Cities Divine Crystal...


    Was smoothly drawn out and merged entirely into the [Pure Heart].


    [Dao Fruit: Pure Heart (Lv2, 20%)]

 Chapter 149: Praise and Kill Evaluation, Crow Hand Grenade (3)

    Li Che: "!!!"


    No need for Thousand Analyzing Hands, he directly siphoned the Divinity from within the Divine Crystal, indulging in a vigorous, silky draw!


    The maturity of the Pure Heart Taoist Fruit increased by 2% straight away!


    How could this be!


    If one Ten Cities Divine Crystal could increase maturity by 2%, then wouldn''t forty more allow the Pure Heart Taoist Fruit to be ripened to level 3?!


    A shortcut indeed!


    Within the small courtyard, Li Che''s eyes sparkled with light, or rather... this was the correct way to "open" the Pure Heart Taoist Fruit!


    In Fei Lei City, he could not come into contact with Divine Crystals at all and had to diligently and painstakingly cultivate, drawing the Divinity between heaven and earth to nurture the Pure Heart.


    Yet in Mansion City... things changed with a bounty of resources.


    Regrettably, the monthly salary for a third-class Guest Official was only three Ten Cities Divine Crystals.


    To gather forty Divine Crystals, it would take a year''s time...


    Li Che exhaled a breath: "No matter... take it slow, no rush."


    With his mind at peace, Li Che was composed.


    "Moreover, now that I have become a third-class Guest Official, besides the salary, I should also be able to earn Divine Crystals by crafting Divine Wood Carvings..."


    Li Che smiled, feeling increasingly optimistic about the future.


    "Now, the Divinity of my Pure Heart has reached a Nurturing Nature as Riverlike level. To condense the Pure Heart Divine Foundation, I''m afraid I''ll have to reach level 3..."


    If it were before, Li Che would not know how long it would take to save up, but now with Divine Crystals, the pace was definitely going to be much faster.


    He took out a second Divine Crystal and activated the Pure Heart to absorb it.


    In just three or four breaths, the Divinity within the Ten Cities Divine Crystal was completely devoured, leaving only a dull and lusterless crystal stone.


    "This is just the Ten Cities Divine Crystal, there are even higher quality Divine Crystals..."


    Li Che couldn''t help but look forward to it more and more.


    Mainly, the silky-smooth process of siphoning the Divinity from the Divine Crystal was immensely soothing to every pore in Li Che''s body.


    The absorbed Divinity not only entered the Pure Heart Taoist Fruit but also washed and cleansed his physical body!


    The three Divine Crystals were quickly devoured by Li Che.


    The maturity of the Pure Heart Taoist Fruit also piled up to 24%, such rapid ripening gladdened Li Che''s heart even more.


    Looking at the three empty crystal stones, Li Che felt somewhat melancholy for a moment.


    "Without its Divinity, the Divine Crystal loses its function as currency, turning into an ordinary crystal stone."


    "However..."


    Li Che suddenly had an idea and grabbed a Divine Crystal, deep in thought.


    He released the Divinity from within his [Three-Eyed Fierce True Monarch] Divine Foundation.


    He discovered that when this attuned Divinity struck the crystal stone of the Divine Crystal, it was almost as if it was being shielded, making the release and agitation much more difficult.


    "A Divine Crystal husk... is a rather good material for conducting Pure Divinity. If integrated into the ''Spirit Wood Raven'', it could trigger a Divinity explosion, enhancing the burst strength..."


    "Furthermore, if the powder from the Divine Crystal stones were to explode, it could even form a field that weakens the opponent''s Divinity..."


    Ideas began to surge in Li Che''s mind.


    His eyes gleamed slightly. The strength of Divine Cultivators lay in the oppression of their Divine Hierarchy.


    If Divinity were to be restricted, and they had to rely solely on Qi and Blood Cultivation for combat...


    Li Che had the [Dragon Elephant Vajra] Taoist Fruit, unparalleled Horizontal Refinement, and his power form Ascending the Tower...


    He could easily pound ordinary Divine Veins into submission, though facing a Grandmaster might be more challenging.


    The main issue was that his Martial Cultivation was at the Mysterious Vein level, still somewhat weak. He needed to hasten his cultivation to the Divine Vein and even strive to become a True Qi Grandmaster.


    If Horizontal Refinement could not suppress the opponent, in a Divine Crystal field, the opponent''s attuned Divinity would be weakened, but he, Li Che... could still utilize the [Pure Heart] Divinity.


    "This could serve as a little trump card."


    Li Che smiled.


    His five fingers exerted strength, crushing the incomparably tough Divine Crystal Gemstone into fine fragments, before he took out a Nine Luminaries Level Gilded Blood Shock Spear. After some tampering and grinding, it turned into a fine powder resembling lime.


    "It can complement the craftsmanship of the Spirit Wood Raven; conceal this Divine Crystal Powder within, and when thrown in battle, it explodes, forming a crystal powder field..."


    "Ha... let''s call it ''Raven Hand Grenade''."


    ...


    ...


    The sky had just started to dim.


    Li Che returned home, finding Xi Xi sitting listlessly under the eaves, no longer playing with her Twist Car, her enthusiasm faded.


    She really wanted to set off fireworks, but Daddy definitely wouldn''t allow it.


    Xi Xi looked up, a sullenness on her small face that was not typical for her age.


    "I really miss school."


    Xi Xi yearned for the days she spent at Xu''s Divine Cultivation Institute.


    When Li Che arrived, he saw Xi Xi contemplating life under the eaves and couldn''t help but take out the sugar-coated hawthorns he had bought.


    The moment Xi Xi saw them, her eyes lit up and she dashed toward her old father.


    Li Che picked her up, handed her the sugar-coated hawthorns, and thought if Xi Xi had them to eat every day, she probably wouldn''t miss school as much.


    At nightfall, a waiter from the Fragrant Pavilion delivered a sumptuous meal.


    Old Chen, puzzled, pinched his wine gourd, "You lad have been ordering dishes from outside again... such luxury? It''s not easy living in Mansion City; save some money."


    His wife, Zhang Ya, was also surprised, but seeing the full table of sumptuous dishes, she thought her husband must have some happy occasion to celebrate.


    Li Che also called over his great uncle''s family. They lived in a small courtyard not far from their yard, which Li Che had also purchased to provide his great uncle and cousin a place to live.


    Given Li Che''s current financial capabilities, it really wasn''t much, and since his great uncle''s family had raised him, this amount of money was even less of a concern.


    His great uncle, great aunt, and cousin, Li Zhengran''s family, all came to attend the feast.


    Midway through the banquet, Li Che raised a toast to announce that he had become a Third-class Guest Official at the Qintian Observatory.


    After the announcement, everyone was stunned.


    Old Chen almost choked on his wine, "Qintian Observatory? Third-class Guest Official?!"


    "Li Che, kid, you''re eating the government rice now?!"


    Great Uncle Li Liang was even more thrilled, overwhelmed with excitement; as a Scholar, he felt the most exuberant about Li Che''s entry into the Qintian Observatory.


    It was a completely different concept from when Li Che had become a Wood Carver at Xu''s Wood Carving Shop!


    After all, that was the Imperial Court''s power; although a Guest Official wasn''t considered an official, he was still half in officialdom...


    For becoming an official, someone like his great uncle who was a Scholar held deep aspirations!


    "Good, good, good!" His great uncle repeatedly toasted to celebrate, quickly becoming tipsy, his eyes shimmering with moisture...


    Second brother, your son has made something of himself!


    After Li Che announced the news, he casually tore off a duck leg for Xi Xi, then quietly went back to eating and drinking.


    Under the candlelight, the atmosphere was harmonious and joyful.


    Li Che wore a gentle smile, but his brow soon furrowed.


    Because, in his perception of the Heaven and Earth chessboard.


    Two strong energies were rapidly approaching.


    Sounds of knocking on the door soon came from the yard, bringing an abrupt silence.


    "I''ll go, I''ll go..."


    "I''ll open the door."


    His great uncle wiped the grease from the corner of his mouth, and with a wobble, got up, intending to open the door.


    But Li Che, for some reason, appeared beside him and pressed him back into the chair. Enjoy more content from


    "Great uncle, enjoy your drink, I''ll go."

 Chapter 153: True Intent Ultimate Study, Xi Xi’s Terrifying Talent

    Majestic in sound, dazzling in spirit.


    He was appointed as the Colonel of Jiuzhou Island, overseeing each island, wielding the power of summer decrees and guarding the divine spirit that fosters all.


    The Evil-Dispelling and Demon-Slaying Great General, the Zhongnan Iron-faced Divine Lord, the supreme being who sweeps away the demonic miasma in heaven.


    This is the Zhong Kui Treasure Edict.


    Speaking of ghost-suppressing, Li Che felt that this Deity was indeed apt for the task.


    After all, he was free to exercise his creativity, keen to try his hand at sculpting the many divine beings that sprung to mind...


    Could he, like on that day, sculpt the Third Crown Prince who wielded the Red Silk across the Four Seas, and thereby improve the maturity of the Immortal Artisan Dao Fruit?


    "That''s right, Li, don''t forget to train with the ''Great Scenic Heavenly Seven Elements Thousand Hand Divine Carving Technique,''" Shangguan Qinghong urgently reminded him as Li Che took the mission and was about to leave in haste. "Although it''s only the first volume, if you want to be promoted to a Second-Class Guest Official, you must reach at least a Minor Accomplishment in this technique!"


    Li Che froze; he had not yet studied this Divine Carving Technique.


    After all, with the mastery of the Immortal Artisan Dao Fruit, Li Che thought techniques like the Divine Carving Technique were not that useful. Weren''t they just about carving?


    With the Immortal Artisan Dao Fruit providing unparalleled skills, the Divine Carving Technique should be of little help to him.


    After a moment''s thought, Shangguan Qinghong said, "The Divine Carving Technique isn''t mere wood carving; it was created by the Great Supervising Minister of the Capital Divine Heaven Bureau''s Eight Treasures Tower. Moreover, it''s not just the Divine Carving Technique¡ªother professions'' Divine Elixir Techniques, Divine Weapon Techniques, etc., were all created by the Great Supervising Minister..."


    "Thus, they hold significant weight in the evaluations. Even if you can carve a Nine Luminaries Divine Wooden Carving, if you don''t pass muster in this Divine Carving Technique, you cannot pass the Second-Class Guest Official evaluation."


    Hearing this, Li Che began to take it seriously, planning to study it thoroughly.


    After taking the mission, Li Che immediately left the Qintian Observatory.


    Leaving early wasn''t really a big issue; as a Guest Elder, he wasn''t bound by strict duty protocols.


    Li Che taking on the task and going to the workshop to carve wood carvings was within the realm of reason.


    First, he went to the lumber store to collect a piece of red Spiritual Wood needed for carving the Zhong Kui wooden statue and then returned to his workshop in Mansion City.


    Shutting the door behind him, Li Che placed the Spiritual Wood aside, and with a thought, the Chess Saint Dao Fruit trembled, and in an instant, the Heaven and Earth chessboard expanded, enveloping the surrounding area.


    If there were any abnormalities nearby, he would sense them immediately.


    Li Che didn''t start carving right away.


    Instead, he began his daily martial arts training.


    After becoming a Third-class Guest Official, among the resources Li Che received was an elixir, the "Great Scenic Heaven Fury Dark Flood Dragon Blood Martial Pill," made with genuine Fury Dark Flood Dragon Blood, not mixed blood.


    Thus, the pill''s potency was extremely high; Shangguan Qinghong even worried that his body couldn''t withstand it and suggested he grind the pill and take it in three parts.


    But how could Li Che, with his unparalleled cross-training physique, not withstand it?


    After swallowing a Furious Dark Flood Dragon Blood Martial Pill, Li Che''s stomach churned, crushing the outer shell of the pill and unleashing its vast medicinal properties.


    Huff¡ª


    Inhale¡ª


    In the courtyard, Li Che stood in the spring breeze with his eyes closed, savoring the sensation, recalling the Divine Martial Art "Furious True Lord''s Triple-Blade" in his mind. In the next instant, he opened his eyes, and his fingers clenched... ?


    The Nine Luminaries Divine Weapon, Gilded Blood Shock Spear, emerged from the Qianyuan Space into his palm. He snapped it fiercely, and the spear''s shaft roared like an incensed flood dragon!


    Then, with both hands on the spear, using it as a Tri-Blade Knife, he performed a series of movements.


    With the talent boost from the Dragon Elephant Vajra Dao Fruit, Li Che grasped martial arts quickly, even divine martial arts. He mastered them at an extraordinary pace.


    He had been focusing on the Furious True Lord''s Triple-Blade as his main martial arts training during this period.


    As Li Che became engrossed in the technique, the spear in his hands moved faster and faster, releasing turbulent currents of air that shot across the courtyard, propelled by the spear''s movements.


    "Huff¡ª!"


    With a powerful thrust, he tore a sharp sliver of bladelight over a meter long through the air. Li Che''s body emitted waves of heat. In the chill of early spring, a white mist formed around him.


    "This Furious True Lord''s Triple-Blade... has reached Major Accomplishment!"


    Li Che exhaled, the corners of his mouth curving up slightly. The nine prominent tendons along his back gradually settled down.


    In his dantian, the martial arts pill, refined by his powerful gastric fluids, released surging power, transforming into a current of swift and mysterious Inner Qi that shot from his Heavenly Spirit Cover to the soles of his feet. Discover exclusive tales at


    Crackle and pop!


    Li Che''s entire body resounded with the snapping of his muscles and bones, like metallic friction.


    His bones and muscles were too strong; the Dragon Elephant Vajra was slowly transforming his flesh, meridians, and bones, evolving towards the "Dragon Tendons and Elephant Bones Vajra Body."


    The Divine Vein... was near.


    Sensing his Inner Qi, Li Che found himself wholly translucent, his meridians seemingly integrated as one, able to circulate a Minor Circulation at just a thought!


    "The Divine Meridian Method requires the cultivation of a martial arts technique to the Transformation Realm, integrating the essence into everyday training, rather than just displaying it during combat. To achieve a state where every action embodies divinity, that is the Divine Vein!"


    Li Che''s eyes twinkled open and closed. At the Divine Vein Realm, one''s blood and Qi would undergo several transformations, induced by the integrated essence.


    The number of changes in the blood and Qi determines the strength of the Divine Vein, and consequentially the power one wields upon breaking through to become a Grandmaster.


    Thus, the Divine Vein Realm is highly valued in martial arts.


    A Grandmaster needs to cultivate an ultimate study of True Intent, governing all the Transformation Realm martial arts they''ve developed.


    After understanding True Intent and integrating it into one''s blood and Qi, becoming free and unrestrained, one becomes a True Qi Grandmaster!


    Li Che raised his hand, releasing Inner Qi from his fingertips, manifesting formidable offensive capabilities.


    This was a characteristic of the Mysterious Vein, allowing the external release of Inner Qi, which, although limited to a one-yard radius, was devastatingly powerful.

 Chapter 154: True Intent Ultimate Study, Xi Xi’s Terrifying Talent (2)

    "I now have the assistance of a high-quality Flood Dragon Blood Martial Pill, and in half a month, I will have reached the Mysterious Vein Perfection, qualifying me to challenge the Divine Vein..."


    Li Che put away the Shocking Spear, stretched lazily like endless firecrackers exploding.


    With a thought, he retracted all his Qi and blood, and his sturdy body was also concealed under the elastic shirt, the faintly outlined contours indicating the extraordinariness of Li Che''s physique.


    After practicing martial arts, Li Che began to cultivate the Divine Method.


    Upon reaching the Divine Base Realm of the Three-Eyed Fierce True Lord Technique, after completely solidifying his foundation, it began to automatically extract divinity from the heavens and earth, enhancing his own body.


    The next three Divine Methods¡ªAngry Cry Town Ghost, Heart Shocking and Sturdy, Xuansi Liu Sword¡ªhad reached a degree of nurturing nature where one could start preparing to cast a divine foundation.


    As for Chaotic Joyful Bewilderment Divine, because Li Che did not invest much effort in it, it was slower.


    However, there was no rush; he would wait until the other three divine foundations had been cast.


    After consolidating his divine cultivation for a while.


    Li Che then sat back down in his chair, brewed a cup of hot tea, and took out the "Great Scenic Heavenly Seven Elements Thousand-Handed Divine Carving Technique (Upper Volume)."


    Flipping to the page, it was the Chief Supervisor''s message.


    Then turning to the main text, he began to read attentively.


    As he read, Li Che became so engrossed that his expression subtly changed from time to time, sometimes in awe and sometimes in reflection.


    Closing the book, Li Che closed his eyes.


    "Divine Sculpting Technique... It''s not just a wood carving art; it turns out to be an amalgamation of divine secret techniques and divine martial arts!"


    "The divine secret technique, being of the Seven Element Rank, is known as the Divine Sculpting Technique..."


    "And the divine martial arts is of ultimate study quality, named ''Thousand-Armed Divine Sculpture''!"


    "Divine secret technique and divine martial arts both must reach the same standard, and only then is mastery considered accomplished..."


    "Much effort was not in vain after all the trouble of search... it came effortlessly at last..."


    Li Che had always wanted to find a True Intent Ultimate Study, and now... it was directly fed to him.


    With True Intent Ultimate Study, he had a chance to challenge the Martial Arts Grandmaster Realm!


    Inside his chest, the Dragon Elephant Vajra, as if sensing his feelings, thumped loudly.


    Details of the "Thousand-Armed Divine Sculpture" divine martial arts flowed through his mind.


    A moment later, Li Che opened his eyes.


    "Worthy of being a True Intent Ultimate Study, I went through it three times in my mind and still couldn''t grasp the basics... looks like it needs several more passes!"


    Li Che was somewhat amazed, as he would normally be able to grasp Superior Martial Arts by simulating them three times in his mind.


    After all, the talent from the Dragon Elephant Vajra Dao Fruit was truly remarkable.


    Li Che stopped carving, his entire mind immersed in the cultivation of this ultimate study.


    ...


    ...


    Spring breeze stirred, the willows softly swayed.


    Time, tickled by the wind, rolled past swiftly like gravel.


    For half a month, Li Che''s days became very regimented.


    During the day, he went to the Qintian Observatory to work for an hour, then left for the workshop courtyard to carve the "Furious Zhong Kui Ghost-subduing Statue" while cultivating the ultimate study and comprehending the divine secret technique.


    Unfortunately, Li Che''s talent in divine secret techniques was truly average; it took half a month just to barely get started.


    Whereas he had entered the realm of the "Thousand-Armed Divine Sculpture" ultimate study on the second day of practice.


    Spring rain drizzled, the early spring being a rainy season, incessantly falling, unable to wash away the lingering melancholy.


    In the workshop courtyard.


    Li Che''s Qi and blood burst out, in an instant throwing out an arm, numerous overlapping and densely packed shadows making it unclear which was the real hand and which was false.


    Boom¡ª!


    With fingers together, he ferociously struck down, creating a booming noise as if a large drum skin had been hit, causing the air beneath his palm to visibly indent several inches!


    The force contained in this strike would shatter the internal organs of an ordinary Xuanmai Warrior if landed on a human body.


    Even a Divine Pulse Martial Artist would likely not withstand it, likely ending up severely crippled.


    However, hitting the opponent with this strike was the challenge; the opponent, after all, isn''t a dumb wooden statue standing still waiting to be hit.


    "Whoosh¡ª"


    The roaring blood within him like burning in a furnace, numerous arm shadows layer by layer returned to his body, resembling the Thousand-Armed Guanyin retracting her hands, mystical and bewildering.


    Li Che''s eyes shone brightly, exhaling a breath of turbid air.


    "Ultimate study Thousand-Armed Divine Sculpture... Minor Accomplishment achieved!"


    "But, it will only get more difficult from here, Great Achievement level, that''s crucial, its destructive power could even match Superior Martial Arts refined to the Transformation Realm." Your next journey awaits at


    In the courtyard, the turbulent air flow slowly returned to calm.


    Li Che then sat down in his chair, and began carving on the workbench.


    In half a month, the Zhong Kui statue was finally about to be completed. It wasn''t that he didn''t want to speed up, but...


    When carving the nearly identical image of Zhong Kui in his mind, it became extremely difficult to make each cut.


    When he carved the Third Crown Prince, the carving could be so smooth, and Li Che felt it was related to the compatibility with the divinity of the Temple God from the tributary of Nine Dragons River...


    Yet this almost Nine Luminaries level "Furious Zhong Kui Ghost-subduing Statue" was already nearly complete, just some final details to polish.


    As the last knife trimmed away slivers of wood shavings.


    The divinity between heaven and earth suddenly began to converge relentlessly.


    The Tenth Order Spirit Wood, the sculpture of Zhong Kui made from Red Blood Spirit Sandalwood, began to emit a faint glow...


    The surrounding howling wind never ceased; it seemed as though a "wahyaah" roar was resonating, with the vague and fleeting shadow of a robust figure with a leopard-headed, ring-eyed, and iron-whiskered visage flickering and dissipating.


    Li Che took two steps back, satisfied.


    His eyes bright, looking at the divine wood carving gradually overlapping with the image in his mind, somewhat dazed.


    "Evil-Dispelling and Demon-Slaying Great General, Furious Ghost-suppressing, impervious to all ghosts!"

 Chapter 155: True Intent Ultimate Study, Xi Xi’s Terrifying Talent (3)

    Li Che brushed off the wood shavings from his body, his gaze returning to the present, his eyes brimming with laughter, quite satisfied.


    His mind stirred.


    [Dao Fruit: Immortal Artisan (LV3, 78%)]


    Impressive!


    A whole 10% increase in maturity at once, this indeed confirmed his initial thoughts.


    Carving a divine image that overlapped with his own memory did indeed enhance the maturity of the Dao Fruit.


    Good news indeed...


    Looking at the [Immortal Artisan] Dao Fruit, getting ever closer to level 4.


    Li Che couldn''t help but feel excited.


    Level 4 Immortal Artisan... what transformation would that bring?


    In fact, Li Che was also aware that he had formed bonds with Xi Xi, and as his daughter grew up safely each year, he would receive a Dao Fruit.


    The number of Dao Fruits would only increase over time, and with the quantity growing, he certainly wouldn''t be able to evenly distribute them.


    He would have to choose several Dao Fruits to specialize in and focus on for improvement.


    After storing the Zhong Kui statue in the Qiankun Space, Li Che changed into clean black clothes and left the workshop courtyard. Continue your adventure with


    As soon as he left the workshop courtyard, Li Che felt a sensation of being watched.


    "Qin Family, Qin Haonan..."


    "And the Temple Control Bureau... Divine Envoys Hong Yong, Shi Lei."


    Li Che remained expressionless, but his heart was very calm.


    These three people... they''d been monitoring him for half a month already.


    After he came out from meeting head envoy Zhang Lianhao at the Temple Office, the very next day two Divine Envoys began tailing him.


    What they didn''t know was that, under Li Che''s control of the Heaven and Earth Chessboard, while they watched him, he had been keeping an eye on them from a higher level.


    Once he confirmed they were merely tailing him, he didn''t act against them.


    It just so happened that in the past half a month, his routine was very regular, which would help dismiss any concerns the Qin Family and Temple Office might have.


    In Mansion City, Li Che mainly portrayed someone who was kind to others, who lived by the principle that if no one offended him, he would not offend anyone else.


    He just wanted to live peacefully until Xi Xi could attend the Divine Sect''s entrance examination, nothing more.


    Upon returning to the small courtyard, the sky had darkened.


    Li Che paused in his step. Besides Qin Haonan''s and the Temple Office envoys'' surveillance outside the courtyard, many other gazes swept over him from around the alley.


    They belonged to the local gangs of the street where Listening Flowers Lane was located.


    Mansion City was much larger than Fei Lei City, and even within Fei Lei City, there were gangs collecting protection money from merchants and exploiting the people.


    Not to mention Mansion City, where gangs abounded; among them, several held substantial power and were not to be underestimated.


    Mansion City had three major gangs: Fishing Gang, Black Jiao Gang, and Beggars'' Sect.


    For example, the Fishing Gang, because Golden Light Prefecture City was built next to Nine Dragons River, and the river''s tributaries ran across the city, had abundant water resources.


    Therefore, there were many people engaged in the fishing industry, making the Fishing Gang naturally powerful.


    The gang tailing his own small courtyard, however, wasn''t a major one like the Fishing Gang. Named the "Black Snake Gang," the gang had a Divine Foundation member stationed within it.


    This gang had planted many spies around Listening Flowers Lane, disguised as various merchants and customers, and many small stalls had changed faces.


    Li Che didn''t know whose knife the Black Snake Gang was because, for Mansion City''s major forces, gangs were like commodities, constantly changing hands.


    In fact, Li Che was somewhat puzzled. Since Qin Haonan of the Qin Family was already personally surveilling him, there was no need to assign a gang to watch him as well.


    After pondering for a while, Li Che speculated,


    "Could it be the Gold Split Gate?"


    Gold Split Gate, one of the five major sects of Mansion City, had a slightly lower status than the Divine Sect Branch, because the latter had the backing of the Ganyuan Orthodox Sect, a truly colossal entity.


    In Mansion City, the only ones who could contest the Divine Sect Branch were... the Temple Office and the Heavenly Oversight Guest Official.


    The Gold Split Gate was merely on par with the Five Great Clans.


    Li Che felt that since coming to Mansion City, the only forces he had provoked were the Qin Family...


    Gold Split Gate could be considered half-provoked since, according to rumors, Qin Yuqing had an unclear relationship with the Great Elder of Gold Split Gate...


    Therefore, investigating him made some sense.


    Gangs were but the knives in the hands of Mansion City''s nobles and big shots, the scythes harvesting the people''s hard-earned wealth.


    Li Che''s perception constantly probed, sensing that these gangs were perhaps wary of his identity as a Heavenly Oversight Guest Official and the status of a prospective disciple of the Xixi Divine Sect.


    They only dared to investigate in secret and carry out surveillance, without any intention of taking action.


    He returned to the yard without attracting any attention.


    Xi Xi was practicing her boxing, with her qi and blood surging and Divinity fluctuating. Her small body seemed to possess great strength.


    Li Che was taken aback, "Yo, this little girl... has she undergone Bone Tempering?!"


    How old is she now?


    To have stepped into Bone Tempering at three years old without having taken any elixirs?


    Moreover, her Divinity has reached the level of Nurturing Nature Like a Stream...


    This Martial Path talent and Divine Talent...


    If I didn''t have Dao Fruits, she would really have surpassed me!


    Truly worthy of being Li Che''s daughter!


    A smile hung on the corner of Li Che''s lips.


    Old Chen, who was puffing on his dry pipe while giving pointers to Xi Xi, had long since fallen silent, thinking that in his entire life he had met a weirdo.


    Lu Chi also came running over, looking at Xi Xi, who had undergone Bone Tempering, and continuously touched his own big head with a pout.


    Is this what a Supreme Spiritual Child looks like?


    No... even a Supreme Spiritual Child doesn''t have this kind of speed.


    Lu Chi, now nine years old, what was he doing at three?


    Oh, still nursing.


    Back then, let alone Nurturing Nature Like a Stream, he hadn''t even gathered his nurturing energy into a cup...


    You can only say, comparison can kill a person.


    Fortunately, the one surpassing him by a head is Xi Xi.


    Seeing Lu Chi''s laugh, Li Che knew that this little fellow came to their house every day specially to stand up for them because he heard about him being taken away for investigation by the Temple Control Bureau.


    Li Che thought about the gangs tailing them and took the opportunity to ask about the Gold Split Gate.


    "Gold Split Gate? They wouldn''t dare to make a move on you all, you''re recommended by the teacher and brought back, even if Golden Light Prefecture''s Great Elder Jin Xuan had ten times the courage, he wouldn''t dare to touch..." Lu Chi said with a smile, touching his big head.


    Li Che was taken aback. So, the Black Snake Gang wasn''t arranged by Gold Split Gate?


    Then which power was the one spying on them outside?


    Li Che frowned slightly, things were truly a bit chaotic. The Qin Family had Qin Haonan personally surveilling them, so it was likely not them. In fact, Li Che saw through his Heaven and Earth chessboard perception that Qin Haonan had investigated these gangs...


    So, who brought this gang here?


    Li Che''s eyes darkened a bit, and his heart began to take it more seriously.


    Zhang Ya had already prepared the meals and just served them, setting them out in the courtyard where the family dined together for dinner.


    Perhaps because she had stepped into Bone Tempering, Xi Xi''s appetite had become huge, and the tiny girl held a big bowl, shoveling food non-stop.


    Li Che and Old Chen clinked glasses and drank, utterly contented.


    A much warmer spring breeze blew over, comfortable and gentle.


    Suddenly, Li Che''s expression shifted slightly, and his brows furrowed.


    Because, outside the door, his sister-in-law was stepping forward, approaching with quick steps.


    Anxiety was written all over her face.


    "Sister-in-law, what''s wrong?"


    Zhang Ya opened the door and saw that her sister-in-law Liu Chunming did not look good.


    Liu Chunming glanced at Li Che and pursed her lips, "A Che, your cousin... he hasn''t come home for two days and two nights..."


    Li Che put down his wine cup, his brow furrowing.


    Cousin Li Zhengran?


    The Divine Chess Piece he had left on Li Zhengran hadn''t indicated any danger to his life.


    No danger to his life...


    Then why hasn''t cousin been home for two days and two nights?

 Chapter 156: Black Cloak and Bamboo Hat, Bull Demon Emerges

    The night was dusky, silver moonlight spilling down from its high perch in the heavens.


    Within the courtyard.


    Li Che furrowed his brow and set down the wine cup in his hand.


    Older brother''s wife, Liu Chunming''s face was somewhat darkened.


    "Zhengran has not come home for two days now, and this has never happened before, so I''m worried that something may have happened to him..."


    Zhang Ya hurried over, pulling Liu Chunming to sit down on a chair, comforting her while pouring tea.


    Liu Chunming, upon seeing everyone, could no longer restrain the injustices and panic in her heart, and wiped the tears from the corner of her eyes.


    "Big sister-in-law, don''t worry too much, maybe cousin has been delayed by something. Do you know what cousin was going to do before he didn''t come home?" Li Che asked.


    "Zhengran said he was going to the marketplace to look for a job, as the silver taels we brought from Fei Lei City are almost spent, so he also wanted to find a living; we can''t always rely on your support, A Che."


    Perhaps because Li Che''s status was different from the past, Liu Chunming felt somewhat more at ease.


    "Going to the marketplace to look for a job?"


    Li Che nodded.


    "Don''t worry, big sister-in-law; finding a job in the marketplace is not easy, maybe big brother found a job and couldn''t notify you in time. You go back first, take good care of Chengzhou, and I will go to find big brother to see what has kept him delayed," Li Che said gently.


    Liu Chunming, hearing this, couldn''t help but nod.


    "Big sister-in-law, why don''t you eat before you go back?" Zhang Ya quickly said.


    Liu Chunming waved her hands repeatedly, having no appetite at all.


    After Liu Chunming left, Zhang Ya looked at Li Che.


    "Husband, big brother won''t really be in trouble, will he?"


    Big uncle and his family had been a great help to them, so Zhang Ya didn''t want anything bad to happen, hoping for everyone to be alright.


    "It should be nothing serious, and besides... big sister-in-law and big uncle may also have their suspicions," Li Che said softly. "If big brother really was involved in something dangerous, big uncle would have come earlier."


    "Letting big sister-in-law come now... it''s very likely... big uncle feels it''s not good to show his face, or that he thinks it''s humiliating."


    Li Che understood big uncle''s character quite well; the old scholar... cared a lot about face.


    Big brother Li Zhengran not returning home for two days might be due to having done something that their elder would find humiliating; thus, he was unwilling to come and see Li Che and instead, the sister-in-law, unable to sit still any longer, came to seek Li Che''s help in resolving the issue.


    "Ah?" Zhang Ya was stunned, not expecting there to be so many intricacies.


    Li Che, seeing his wife''s adorable expression, couldn''t help but pinch her small face.


    Old Chen, Xi Xi, and Big Head Lu by the side were already accustomed to Li Che and Zhang Ya''s occasional public displays of affection.


    After dinner, Li Che returned to his study.


    Sitting in a chair, his face showed little emotional change.


    The [Chess Saint] Dao Fruit beat suddenly, and the next moment, a small Heaven and Earth chessboard floated in front of Li Che.


    Lifting his hand, he flicked his finger, and a chess piece trembled.


    It was the Divine Chess Piece Li Che had left on his cousin Li Zhengran.


    He flicked his fingers again, the image started to widen, and the full coverage brought by Master Go-chess Saint locked onto the Divine Chess Piece placed on cousin Li Zhengran.


    "A gambling den?"


    Li Che opened his eyes, his brow furrowing even tighter.


    He understood cousin Li Zhengran''s temperament; why would he go to a place like a gambling den, a breeding ground for squandering a family''s fortune?


    With another flick of his fingers, the image expanded again, and there he saw inside the gambling den, cousin Li Zhengran, his face flushed, wedged among a group of gamblers before a gambling table, his eyes reddened, yelling, "Big, big, big!"


    Li Che was taken aback.


    Seeing with his own eyes, it can''t be false.


    "Someone has deliberately led cousin Li Zhengran astray..."


    The thought flashed through Li Che''s mind instantly.


    Firstly, big uncle Li Liang''s family discipline was strict and never allowed gambling or indecent involvement; cousin Li Zhengran had also been raised upright since childhood. Although he had never achieved much, he had never strayed from the right path.


    Half a month into arriving at Golden Light Prefecture City, Li Zhengran had gotten involved in gambling.


    In theory, if Li Zhengran was truly a gambling man, then he should have frequented the gambling dens back in Fei Lei City.


    Li Che exhaled deeply; no wonder big uncle didn''t come to seek his help himself; perhaps big uncle... had already been aware of this situation.


    And he had always kept it from his big sister-in-law.


    "The environment can change a person, but it''s not possible to change so much so fast... So did someone deliberately guide him?"


    Li Che narrowed his eyes, a cold glint flickering within.


    While Li Che cared most about his wife and daughter, big uncle and cousin''s family had been kind to him, there was a debt of upbringing, and naturally, they were also very important to him.


    It was fine to target him, but using such despicable methods to influence the people around him was a bit too much.


    "After I became a Third-class Guest Official of the Qintian Observatory, the Qin Family and the Temple Control Bureau became much warier of me, and according to Lu Chi, the Gold Split Gate also had no motive to deal with me..."


    "In fact, they merely speculate and doubt my identity, with no concrete evidence. Due to my status as a Third-class Guest Official of the Qintian Observatory, combined with the predestined identity of the Spirit Child in the Xixi Divine Sect Branch, they naturally dare not act rashly."


    Li Che pondered, slowly sorting through the current situation.


    Zhang Xiangyang indeed provided the Temple Office with information affecting him, but it wasn''t significant.


    Because even Zhang Lianhao, the Temple Office''s Chief Divine Envoy, couldn''t confirm whether Li Che was really the Bull Demon or the mysterious cultivator who shot Qin Yuqing.


    Despite continued suspicion, they couldn''t be sure.


    Otherwise, they wouldn''t have sent two Divine Envoys to secretly shadow him.


    "In fact, they don''t care who the Bull Demon is... What they care about... is the Horse Face who shot Qin Yuqing."

 Chapter 157: Black Cloak and Bamboo Hat, Bull Demon Emerges (2)

    Li Che''s eyes flickered, regardless of whether it was Qin Haonan, the Temple Control Bureau, or the Gold Split Gate.


    In fact, what they cared about was not Qin Yuqing''s death, or seeking revenge for her.


    More so, they were wary of that mysterious cultivator who could kill a strong man from dozens of miles away.


    As long as Horse Face remained unidentified, many people would have sleepless nights, worrying that one day they might become the hunted.


    Who would willingly taste such constant fear?


    "So, you want to start by targeting people around me, force me to act, and then frame my identity?"


    "Now, they restrain themselves because of my status as Heavenly Oversight Guest Official, but once it''s confirmed that I am the Bull Demon, or even reveal my identity as Horse Face, I will surely face thunderous retaliation and be attacked by all."


    Li Che narrowed his eyes.


    The candlelight flickered gently, illuminating Li Che''s suddenly smiling face.


    "Today they moved against my cousin Li Zhengran, tomorrow... will they target my uncle, my wife, and then my daughter?"


    "Step by step, taking things further and further..."


    Li Che closed his eyes, and when he opened them again, they were utterly colorless.


    "So all of you really want to meet the Bull Demon?"


    "The Bull Demon doesn''t show up... and you''re not satisfied?"


    "Since that''s the case..."


    "As you wish."


    Li Che was a low-profile, reserved person who only wished to live a peaceful life.


    But the Bull Demon was not.


    ...


    ...


    Down the long street, inside the Fragrant Pavilion.


    In a private room, Qin Haonan sat quietly, sipping the finest wine of the Fragrant Pavilion, cup after cup.


    In the room opposite him sat two Divine Envoys, wearing the Temple Control Bureau''s red cloud-patterned robes.


    It was the same two who had initially taken Li Che to the Temple Control Bureau, Hong Yong and Shi Lei.


    The two parties had an unspoken agreement not to meet, even though their job seemed to be the same: keeping an eye on Li Che.


    But there were no conversations between them.


    Qin Haonan''s eyes twinkled; he had been watching Li Che for half a month now but hadn''t caught even a slight slip-up.


    "Really cunning... leading such a regular life, working at the Qintian Observatory during the day, and carving wood at the purchased small courtyard workshop after work..." r??§Ñ


    "For half a month, almost the same routine every day, extremely dull and boring!"


    "Not going to Yunfang Boat, just a warm bed with his wife and kids every day..."


    "Could such a person be the ruthlessly brutal Bull Demon known for mercilessly killing people as described in the intelligence?"


    Qin Haonan held his wine cup, looking somewhat lost.


    This was his first encounter with such an incorruptibly pure cultivator, self-disciplined and stable, never causing trouble, living a life with a fixed routine.


    "That old thing from the Gold Split Gate... He took so much advantage from Qin Yuqing, and now that Yuqing is dead, he doesn''t even think about revenge!"


    "Yuqing''s taste in men, as always, poor."


    Shaking his head, Qin Haonan downed the wine in his cup and slowly exhaled.


    "This Li Che... it now seems there''s an eighty percent chance he isn''t the Bull Demon."


    "The Bull Demon is probably the master of Li Nuanxi, which is why he has a close relationship with Li Che''s family."


    "But Li Nuanxi can''t be touched... a Supreme Spiritual Child designated by the Divine Sect, untouchable."


    Qin Haonan shook his head.


    "A Void Aspect Cultivator, yet his spirit was crushed by a blow from Li Qingshan''s Ram Horn Hammer, useless."# Qin Haonan''s eyes flashed with disdain.


    "It seems the Black Snake Gang... might be planning to make a move on Li Che''s family."


    Qin Haonan narrowed his eyes, noting the changes among the vendors and customers in Listening Flowers Lane over the past half month.


    Apart from the Qin Family and Gold Split Gate, are there other powers planning to make a move?


    "Black Snake Gang... not one of the gang powers under the control of the Five Great Clans, but from the Fishing Gang..."


    Qin Haonan poured himself another drink while thinking.


    "The Fishing Gang, the Black Jiao Gang, and the Beggars'' Sect, the three big gangs of Golden Light Prefecture City... overall power inferior to the Five Great Clans and the Five Great Sects, ranked as the third tier of power."


    "But we can''t manage their internal affairs... Why would the Fishing Gang have a local gang targeting Li Che''s family?"


    "What''s the reason?"


    As a strong contender to be the next Patriarch of the Qin Family, Qin Haonan was well-versed in various powers.


    The details of the Black Snake Gang had long been investigated by him; its backing power wasn''t the similarly named Black Jiao Gang, but the Fishing Gang.


    The Fishing Gang, located next to Nine Dragons River, is intimately connected with most of the region''s water products and is the most influential of the three gangs.


    However, he hadn''t figured out the specific reason the Fishing Gang had the Black Snake Gang keeping an eye on Li Che''s family.


    Suddenly.


    A glint flashed in Qin Haonan''s eyes.


    He seemed to have thought of something...


    The wine in his cup trembled slightly.


    ...


    ...


    As the night deepened, the bright moon hung high.


    In the night air, a spring breeze stirred the willow branches.


    Temple Control Bureau, within the tea room.


    Amidst the swirling tea aroma, Divine Envoy Shi Lei was reporting back to Chief Zhang Lianhao.


    "Li Che today, as usual, worked during the day, carved in the evening, and returned home at dusk... as regular as always."


    Shi Lei stated solemnly.


    They say the guest officials of the Qintian Observatory like to indulge in pleasure quarters, but Li Che clearly isn''t that kind of person, purely devoted to his wife and daughter.


    Zhang Lianhao raised his eyebrows in surprise, "Oh? It''s been like this for half a month? He is indeed a disciplined person. If he isn''t a genuinely straightforward person, then he must be extremely formidable."


    "Sir, should we continue to surveil him?"


    Shi Lei asked.


    It had been half a month... Watching the same daily routine, not only was Li Che unbothered, but he was also growing weary of it.


    "Keep an eye on him for another half month. The words spoken by Zhang Xiangyang might just be one man''s word and not entirely credible, but the feedback from people sent to investigate in Fei Lei City largely aligns with what Zhang Xiangyang said..."

 Chapter 158: Black Cloak and Bamboo Hat, Bull Demon Emerges (3)

    "Most likely, the results will be available in these days."


    "Additionally, the group stalking Li Che, known as the Black Snake Gang, being part of the Fishing Gang, why have they suddenly targeted Li Che''s family?"


    Zhang Lianhao sipped his tea, squinting his eyes and pondering.


    The Fishing Gang and Li Che''s family...


    Completely unrelated.


    The Fishing Gang isn''t part of the Qin Family''s influence, nor is it controlled by the Gold Split Gate. There seemed to be no reason for them to act unless another force was involved.


    Shi Lei was also confused. Over the past half month, he had come to see Li Che as a pure and good man, making him, who occasionally visited brothels and aspired to a petty-bourgeois lifestyle, feel ashamed of himself.


    Hardworking, loving his family, steering clear of brothels!


    Wasn''t this the self Shi Lei dreamed of being?


    Unfortunately... he was ultimately corrupted by society.


    "Alright, you may leave. Continue monitoring and report any changes to me."


    Zhang Lianhao said indifferently.


    The Divine Envoy Shi Lei immediately clasped his fists and quickly retreated.


    Zhang Lianhao narrowed his eyes, raising his hand, and two blood-stained Bodhi wood strands appeared in his palm.


    "This one appeared in Fei Lei City, the deceased were Cao Qingyuan''s second uncle, Cao He, and another... was used to shoot Qin Yuqing."


    "Was the Bull Demon the one who killed Qin Yuqing?"


    "If not... and it''s the work of two people, could it be... some unknown force?"


    "Mechanical techniques... could it be that the remnants of the Tang Family still aspire to revive from their ashes?"


    Zhang Lianhao suddenly laughed.


    "No matter how, this Bull Demon and the one who shot Qin Yuqing are definitely related."


    "Finding the Bull Demon will naturally lead us to the murderer of Qin Yuqing."


    "That terrifying device capable of capturing from thousands of miles away, if it could be used by the Temple Control Bureau..."


    ...


    ...


    The next day, a drizzle blurred the air, a typical rainy season of spring.


    The sky full of clouds seemed like a water-soaked sponge, occasionally squeezed lightly by the heavens, continually dripping.


    After breakfast, Li Che supervised Xi Xi and Zhang Ya practicing martial arts before he left home with an umbrella.


    The moment he stepped out, numerous forces secretly monitoring him instantly perked up.


    Qin Haonan, Hong Yong, and Shi Lei, as well as members of the Black Snake Gang, finally found some interest ¨C Li Che today... seemed to have new actions.


    Following Li Che, they saw him in a black robe under an umbrella, asking around and then walking through the spring rain, heading to the "Million Gambling House."


    After announcing his arrival and waiting for a moment, his cousin, Li Zhengran, appeared from the gambling house, his face sullen and escorted out by several brawny men.


    "A Che..." Li Zhengran saw Li Che and immediately felt ashamed, his scruffy beard making him hardly resemble his former self.


    Li Che looked at Li Zhengran, his face slightly moved, and he sighed softly.


    "Cousin, this... sigh."


    "Come back with me."


    Li Zhengran numbly nodded, already unable to meet Li Che''s eyes.


    He clenched his fists, feeling a complex mix of emotions toward Li Che, never imagining that his cousin, once a laborer in the wood carving shop, had grown to such an extent.


    Now at home, whether it was his father Li Liang or his wife Liu Chunming, nine out of ten sentences praised Li Che, extolling how outstanding he had become, how he had become a Guest Elder at the Qintian Observatory, and brought glory to the family.


    And yet, having been in Mansion City for so long, Li Zhengran hadn''t even found a job.


    Listening to these words, his heart was bitter.


    He too wanted to be fabulously rich and earn his family''s respect.


    Coming to the Marketplace looking for a job, he met an old acquaintance from Fei Lei City, who took him to the "Million Gambling House." Initially, Li Zhengran refused, deeply remembering the teachings of his father Li Liang.


    But the acquaintance told him, to become rich, he had to take a gamble; normal work... how could it make one rich?


    Thus, Li Zhengran stepped into the gambling house, thinking... just one try and he would leave.


    But once he tried, he couldn''t pull himself away.


    "Leave? This young man owes our gambling house five hundred taels, how could he just walk away?"


    A brawny man with the cultivation of Blood Exchange, sneered at Li Che.


    Li Zhengran shrank his head back, mixed with grief and indignation, "But I only borrowed fifty taels!"


    "Within two days, it ballooned to five hundred taels... there''s no justice!"


    "The contract is clear, did we force you to press your fingerprint?"


    The brawny man''s face full of fists trembled.


    Li Zhengran was immediately speechless, intimidated by his sternness, his eyes increasingly sorrowful.


    Li Che sighed: "I''ll pay it, I''ll pay the debt."


    He then took out five one hundred taels silver notes and handed them over to the enforcer of the gambling house.


    Taking the money, redeeming the person; it was that simple.


    No other twists occurred, everything seemed as if Li Zhengran indeed entered the gambling house and was tricked out of some money.


    Yet in reality, inside Li Che''s chest, the [Chess Saint] Dao Fruit trembled non-stop, that strand of Corpse Curse Mark he suppressed on the Heaven and Earth chessboard was vibrating violently, seeming very excited.


    And in Li Zhengran, Li Che also sensed the Corpse Curse Mark.


    Therefore, Li Che also understood, Li Zhengran was indeed affected.


    The other party... was targeting him!


    "Cousin, it''s okay now, let''s go home... Auntie and Uncle are waiting for you at home."


    Li Che comforted Li Zhengran.


    Li Zhengran drooped his head dejectedly.


    "These days... I''ve lost one hundred and seventy taels of silver, almost all our family''s savings."


    Li Zhengran grasped his head, his eyes bloodshot, his mood seemingly agitated.


    "I just need to win two hands, no... one hand to break even, to win back the savings!"


    "Cousin, gambling harms people, don''t do it again, give it up."


    Li Che patted Li Zhengran''s shoulder, Divinity surged, soothing his emotions.

 Chapter 159: Black Cloak and Bamboo Hat, Bull Demon Emerges (4)

    "In a couple of days, I''ll take you to Qintian Observatory... see if there''s a suitable job I can recommend to you,"


    Li Che said with a smile, his voice very gentle.


    Upon hearing this, Li Zhengyang''s restless emotions slowly settled down.


    Spring rain was hazy, slanting like a curtain.


    Li Che took Li Zhengran and headed towards his uncle''s house.


    Hidden corner.


    Divine Envoys Hong Yong and Shi Lei revealed themselves, listening intently to the comforting words Li Che spoke to Li Zhengran.


    "Master Li... truly a good person, so gentle in temperament. Gamblers are the most detestable, and those who squander their family''s wealth are nothing but maggots,"


    "Only Master Li is so patient..."


    Divine Envoy Shi Lei shook his head.


    How could such a good-tempered, gentle man be the same person as the ruthless Bull Demon in the reports, who kills without blinking and mutilates bodies?


    Shi Lei felt that his speculation about Li Che was an insult to the Master''s noble character!


    "Let''s go, keep following him."


    Divine Envoy Hong Yong glanced at Shi Lei, who seemed entranced by Li Che, and snorted.


    ...


    ...


    Li Che took Li Zhengran back home.


    Learning that he owed the gambling house five hundred taels, his uncle was so angry that he picked up a tobacco pipe and started to beat him, and Li Zhengran didn''t dare to dodge.


    Liu Chun Ming stood by weeping, disappointed in her husband but unsure of what to say.


    Li Che soothed them for a while and mentioned that he would later take Li Zhengran to Qintian Observatory to inquire about a job, which somewhat eased the atmosphere.


    "A Che, thank goodness for you..." Uncle Li Liang, holding Li Che''s hand, sighed deeply.


    It was his, Li Liang''s, failure as a father.


    After declining an invitation to stay for dinner, Li Che excused himself, saying he still had to go to Qintian Observatory for work.


    Once out of his uncle''s house, Li Che''s expression turned cold.


    "Corpse God Cult..."


    Li Che''s brows relaxed; he felt the suppression of the Corpse Curse Mark by the Heaven and Earth chessboard, as well as the Corpse Curse Mark within Li Zhengran''s body, his eyes seemingly filled with murderous intent.


    The figure of "Desire-Comparing Corpses Flesh Avalokitesvara" that Cao He once held contained the Corpse Curse Mark aimed at his daughter, which he intercepted.


    And now, it was happening again...


    Li Che even sensed that the target of the Corpse God Cult might be his daughter.


    In Golden Light Prefecture City, the major noble families and sects might fear the Divine Sect and not act against Xi Xi.


    But the Corpse God Cult wouldn''t shy away...


    Because the Corpse God Cult was in itself a behemoth.


    He had heard that in remote areas of the Dajing Dynasty, the Corpse God Cult nearly swept through and occupied an entire state!


    Li Che exhaled slowly and headed towards the direction of Qintian Observatory.


    Around him, Qin Family''s Qin Haonan, Divine Envoys Hong Yong and Shi Lei, along with spies from the Million Gambling House, secretly followed, tracking his trace.


    Li Che didn''t go anywhere else along the way but headed straight for Qintian Observatory Treasure Building.


    Arriving by the riverbank, the fine rain hit the calm river surface, causing ripples to form.


    The rain enveloped the ornate building standing on the cliff by the riverbank.


    Amid the picturesque scenery, Li Che, dressed in black, stepped into the Qintian Observatory Treasure Building under the resentful gaze of Qin Haonan, Hong Yong, and Shi Lei.


    Qin Haonan: "..."


    Divine Envoy Hong Yong snorted, "Boring."


    Shi Lei admired, "Master Li... right on time for work, he really is so disciplined."


    ...


    ...


    The moment he stepped into Qintian Observatory, Li Che fully activated the [Dragon Elephant Vajra]''s Breath Concealment capability, unnoticed by anyone, and grasped the Divinity Chess Piece.


    Flying Thunder Chess Saint.


    Shifting Shadows!


    In an alley outside Million Gambling House, the sound of spring rain tapping echoed.


    The chess piece Li Che had left behind instantly transformed into his figure.


    His two fingers came together, tearing through the air.


    Conical hat, black clothes.


    A muted "thud" sound.


    His physical body suddenly expanded, his back muscles taut like a serpent, snapping like thunder, and his muscles tangled as if they were made of thousand-refined steel.


    "Since you all so desperately want to see me..."


    "Let your Grandpa Bull Demon..."


    "Come then!"


    His fan-like fingers slowly slipped down, and his cheeks were already covered with the dust-covered but incredibly cute Cute Bull Mask.


    The next moment, a wild, unhinged, and aggressive emotion burst forth from his body.


    With the mask on, Li Che seemed... to have liberated himself!


    As if, a wild beast unleashed from its cage!

 Chapter 160: Flowers Bloom in Hell, Bull·Outlaw·Demon!

    The spring breeze howled and suddenly became urgent, like a stream of air shooting forth, causing the willows planted all over the street to sway violently.


    Li Che put on the long-missed Bull Demon Mask, and his bones cracked loudly, his nine great tendons writhing and roaring as if a demonic serpent was trying to break through the tough membrane below the skin.


    Stepping out of the alley, Li Che looked up, his eyes shimmering brightly beneath the mask.


    "Million Gambling House... one of the three major gangs under the control of the Fishing Gang in Golden Light Prefecture City, and it''s linked to the Black Snake Gang that has been stalking my family at the entrance to Listening Flowers Lane," he said.


    Li Che activated the "Dragon Elephant Vajra," his physique becoming tall and mighty, but it was merely the first state of activation, yet already overwhelmingly imposing.


    His formidable qi and blood almost turned into mist, gathering around his body like cloud dragons and ribbons of fog.


    However, the strong qi and energy he emanated were concealed by the "Slumbering Dragon Elephant" technique, as if evaporated from the human world.


    Even the Divine Sense of a Divine Symbol Cultivator would find it hard to detect his presence.


    It was as if his very existence were completely hidden.


    "However, the Divine Sense of Divine Symbol Cultivators can feel something odd, so they keep sweeping over and over, but they can''t pinpoint the problem..." he reasoned.


    "If they were within ten paces of me, my Breath Concealment would be broken immediately," he noted.


    "It means that my ''Slumbering Dragon Elephant'' is still not perfect..."


    Wearing the Bull Demon Mask, Li Che gazed at the distant Million Gambling House, his eyes indistinguishable from an ancient well, devoid of joy or sorrow.


    On the long street, pedestrians hustled by, many gamblers leaving the gambling house, and new gamblers gathering stakes from unknown sources to step into the nearly threshold-less entrance of the gambling house, filled with hope.


    "Corpse God Cult..."


    Li Che''s eyes flashed with a harsh light.


    He had no fondness for this sect, as the Spirit Infant Sect was a branch derived from the Corpse God Cult.


    The Thousand Infants Sacrifice was their instigation and deceit!


    Cao Guang wanted to sacrifice the entire Fei Lei City because the Corpse God Cult was fomenting trouble behind the scenes.


    "Are there people from the Corpse God Cult in the Million Gambling House? Or should I say... is the Fishing Gang the force of the Corpse God Cult in the Golden Light Prefecture City?" he speculated.


    "Does the Temple Control Bureau know?"


    "Does the Golden Light Prefecture Divine Guard Army of the Mansion City know?"


    Li Che murmured.


    They probably knew, but there certainly was some reason why they hadn''t acted against them, perhaps hoping to catch bigger fish, or maybe they feared alerting them...


    After all, according to rumors Li Che had heard, the Corpse God Cult had already conquered several prefecture cities and occupied a state as its base.


    While dispatching experts to attack the Great Scenic Divine Capital area, they also spread their tentacles to many states under the Great Scenery Eleven Paths.


    Under the clandestine incitement of the Corpse God Cult, numerous locales had already seen armed forces rise in revolt...


    The Corpse God Cult was truly a colossal entity, an extremely terrifying threat.


    Thus, with the presence of Corpse God Cult forces in the Golden Light Prefecture City, the local powers could not possibly be unaware.


    It could only mean they were perhaps fishing for bigger fish.


    "But... what does it have to do with me, the Bull Demon?" he questioned.


    If you all know that the Corpse God Cult is amassing power within Golden Light Prefecture City, why not take action?


    Allowing my daughter to be targeted... could she potentially be harmed?


    Disturbing the snake by hitting the grass?


    But the Corpse God Cult was already making moves against his family, against his daughter.


    Li Che could not imagine, did not dare to think, and did not want to think about what might befall the lively and adorable Xi Xi if she fell into the hands of the Corpse God Cult.


    As a father, he must shield his daughter from all danger.


    The killing would be left to the old father.


    The big picture...


    He, Li Che, was just an ordinary father.


    In front of his daughter, no grand scheme was more important than his daughter''s life!


    Li Che closed his eyes, and in the next moment, when he opened them, malice surged like relentless waves, the mask concealing his face as if unleashing a second personality from within!


    He exhaled a breath, thunderous like a muffled roar.


    Li Che strode down the long street, his black robe rustling in the spring breeze.


    Passersby hurried by on both sides, yet it seemed as if no one noticed his mountain-like imposing figure, no one sensed his presence.


    Below the Slumbering Dragon Elephant, isolated from heaven and earth.


    The towering figure of the Bull Demon stepped across the threshold of the Million Gambling House.


    However, once inside, Li Che slightly raised his hat, his eyes beneath the mask sweeping with a fierce glare, his robust heart pounding powerfully.


    The "Chess Saint" Dao Fruit suddenly appeared, and the Heaven and Earth chessboard slowly unfolded before his eyes.


    Then, the figure of the Bull Demon vanished into the darkness, silently moving towards the depths of the gambling house.


    ...


    ...


    Boom!


    Thunder roared amidst the friction with dark clouds, and lightning snakes tumbled, winds furiously swirling!


    Million Gambling House.


    Backyard.


    In the spacious backyard, there gathered dozens of powerful Martial Artists, all having reached the Channel Opening stage with connected Qi Channels.


    Their formidable qi and blood interweaved, creating a furnace-like burning that seemed to raise the temperature of the courtyard by several degrees.


    In the front of the courtyard stood a burly middle-aged man with unrestrained whiskers, dressed in a black robe, hands behind his back, his muscular physique stretching the large robe tautly, outlining the lines of his muscles.


    His narrow eyes emitted a viper-like sharpness.


    This person was Lin Da, the Second-in-Command of the Million Gambling House.


    His cutting gaze was accompanied by a hint of agility; though his physique was large and burly, he resembled a venom-spitting serpent.


    Lin Da, a Divine Pulse Martial Artist with Divinity at the Primary God-Base Realm, was limited in his natural talent at the spiritual level... the Primary God-Base Realm was his limit.


    In other smaller cities, Lin Da''s strength would be enough to dominate, sufficient to become an elder patriarch of noble families.

 Chapter 161: Flowers Bloom in Hell, Bull·Outlaw Madman·Demon! (2)

    However, in Golden Light Prefecture City, where powerhouses abound, he could only be the Second-in-Command of an inferior force like the Million Gambling House''s Fishing Gang.


    "Divine Envoy, the matter you arranged has been successfully completed. That Li Zhengran... has been marked with the Corpse Curse Seal. If you so wish, at the crucial moment, it can be activated to transform him into an obedient ''Cursed Walking Corpse''."


    Next to Lin Da stood a figure shrouded in a white hooded robe, his face hidden behind a mask.


    It was a mask made of exquisitely smooth Spiritual Wood, with only two dark eye holes.


    Blood-colored ink inscribed a massive "Ten" character on the mask.


    It seemed as though it wanted to slice the mask into four parts along the character''s lines.


    Lin Da regarded this Corpse God Envoy with great respect, even... awe!


    "Well done," came a faint voice from beneath the white mask of the Corpse God Envoy.


    Lin Da was overjoyed, rubbing his hands together, "It is an honor for us to serve the Divine Sect..."


    "The plan our sect had laid out in the Flying Thunder branch... has failed."


    "Sacrificing the entire Flying Thunder City to conduct a ritual would have invoked the Temple God''s power and refined a ''Cursed Copper Corpse''. Unfortunately... it was thwarted by someone known as ''Bull Demon''."


    "This Bull Demon''s identity has yet to be revealed. We don''t know who it might be."


    "But we have some speculations now..."


    "In Flying Thunder City, an ''Eight Extremes Corpse Curse Seal'' has gone missing... Official Yuan speculates that this precious seal, originally meant for Flying Thunder City Lord Cao Guang to mark the Supreme Spiritual Child, Li Nuanxi, has been intercepted."


    "The one who intercepted the Eight Extremes Corpse Curse Seal should be the Bull Demon."


    "The other party, unable to erase the Eight Extremes Corpse Curse, could only suppress it to hide the mark''s presence."


    "This Bull Demon is recklessly bold, daring to take the Eight Extremes Corpse Curse Seal. Sooner or later, he will be doomed!"


    "Zhang Xiangyang said that this Bull Demon is very likely to be Li Nuanxi''s master. In that case... we''ll start from Li Nuanxi."


    "Such a Supreme Spiritual Child..."


    Beneath the mask, a faint light flickered.


    "That Li Zhengran is Li Che''s cousin. Given the chance to contact Li Nuanxi, as soon as they meet, the Corpse Curse Seal will transfer onto the Supreme Spiritual Child..."


    "If Li Nuanxi is in trouble, the Bull Demon... will likely not be able to hide any longer."


    The voice carried a confidence, an air of having everything under control, with a cold sneer.


    But Lin Da felt his hair stand on end, a chill spreading through him. That Corpse Curse Seal... could actually transfer upon touch?


    The Corpse God Cult''s methods indeed were terrifying!


    And moreover, their infiltration into Golden Light Prefecture City... was happening faster than imagined.


    That Corpse Curse Seal...


    Lin Da''s heart sank, feeling the small seal imprinted within his own Inner Scene of the Energy Center taking root like an old tree, endlessly growing sinister roots, drawing out his Divinity, consuming his vitality...


    Lin Da felt a sense of icy coldness.


    "Do not worry, if you perform well, you may receive the Statue of the Deity carved by our sect''s Woodcarving Master. The Ten Cities Corpse God Statue can help you extract the Corpse Qi from the Corpse Curse Seal, so you won''t have to worry about turning into a corpse."


    It seemed the Corpse God Envoy knew of Lin Da''s concerns and sought to reassure him.


    "Moreover, you can even enhance your cultivation talent because of the Corpse God Seal. Your Divine Cultivation, which has been stuck in the Primary God-Base Realm, will improve."


    "And your physical body will be nourished by the Corpse Curse Seal, becoming even more robust. In the future, breaking through to the Divine Vein and achieving the status of a True Qi Grandmaster... is also not impossible."


    The voice of the Corpse God Envoy carried a beguiling power.


    "Just look at them, originally mere Blood Exchange practitioners, now that they have received the ''Ten Cities Corpse Curse Seal'', they have all stepped into the Channel Opening Realm. In the future... they can even grow to reach the Divine Vein!


    "Don''t you yearn for this power that can help you break through your limits?"


    Lin Da''s earlier concerns vanished, replaced by a growing fanaticism.


    Below, in the courtyard, the Martial Artists of the Meridian Connection Realm all showed signs of excitement in their eyes.


    Lin Da''s body was slightly trembling.


    Because everything before him was the best proof.


    That the Corpse God Cult could rise like a wildfire across the great Dajing Dynasty, causing it endless anxiety, was certainly no ordinary feat.


    It was said that even the powerful Vassal King Ji Moli, who personally went to suppress and settle the Corpse God Cult, failed to do so.


    If Lin Da could make his way to higher echelons within the Corpse God Cult...


    "By the way, Divine Envoy, are we not afraid of retribution from the Divine Sect Branch for such actions?"


    The Corpse God Envoy said indifferently: "The waters are deep here, don''t ask any further."


    Upon hearing this, Lin Da''s eyes narrowed, and he no longer dared to inquire.


    Suddenly.


    The Corpse God Envoy wearing the white mask suddenly turned to a particular direction.


    "What is that thing?"


    Hmm?!


    Crack¡ª


    Suddenly, from behind the corner of the wall, a palm-sized black object arced through the air and fell to the ground.


    The Divine Envoy''s gaze instantly locked on, slightly taken aback by the sight of a crudely carved raven made from Spiritual Wood.


    A raven?


    This is bad!


    The eyes of the Corpse God Envoy behind the mask suddenly burst forth with a dazzling, eye-catching red light!


    Boom¡ª!!!


    With a loud explosion, accompanied by a whooshing torrent, the wooden raven shattered into pieces, releasing a dense cloud of dust into the air.


    The dust whirled throughout the courtyard in the rushing air currents, enveloping everything!


    Visibility dropped instantly.


    The Corpse God Envoy pointed a toe to the ground, his white robe billowing, a faint light emanating from beneath the mask, ready to summon his Divine Foundation!


    However...


    Where was the Divine Foundation?!


    Not only was the Corpse God Envoy rendered helpless, but Lin Da, the second-in-command of the Million Gambling House, felt the same terror.


    His face trembled violently, his expression turning to one of extreme fear.

 Chapter 162: Flowers Bloom in Hell, Bull·Outlaw Madman·Demon! (3)

    Fuck...


    Where is my Divine Foundation?!


    "This is..."


    "Divine Crystal Powder?"


    The Corpse God Envoy from the Corpse God Cult had reacted, his blood bursting forth, attempting to disperse the powder of Divine Crystal!


    This Divine Crystal Powder, resembling lime, affected Divinity... causing the functioning of Divinity to coagulate, difficult to activate!


    Such a diabolical tactic!


    However, in the next moment, he felt an oppressive force akin to mountains collapsing, suffocating him immensely, as if his throat was being viciously choked!


    At some point, a towering figure appeared at the gate, a Cute Bull Mask seeming extremely eerie amidst the hazy Divine Crystal Powder.


    Bang bang bang¡ª


    It was as if thunder boomed, accompanied by a "buzzing" sound.


    The body of the Bull Demon swelled continuously!


    [Dragon Elephant Vajra]...


    Angry Vajra!


    The shackles broke!


    Robust blood, appearing on his skin like Jiaoshe serpents spewing and entwining.


    Beneath the mask, his eyes reflected neither joy nor sorrow, absolutely devoid of emotional fluctuation!


    "Bull Demon¡ª!"


    The Corpse God Envoy''s eyes sharpened, his voice exploding fiercely from his mouth!


    "Stop him!"


    He wanted to disperse the Divine Crystal Powder so his own Divinity could recover and activate, thereby unleashing his power!


    The powder of Divine Crystal could actually perform such a function?


    This Bull Demon... was truly as cunning and wicked as rumored, utterly lacking the stance of a hero!


    Bang¡ª!!!


    But no sooner had his voice ended than the ground of the courtyard shook abruptly. The Bull Demon merely took a step, and the blue bricks underfoot burst, the ground collapsing!


    It was as if a blood-red furious dragon was swiftly swooping down, as if to grind and explode all hindering air!


    Tyranny, madness, and wanton murderous intent permeated the courtyard!


    Completely unabashed!


    Bang bang bang bang!


    Too fast, the body of the Bull Demon was unparalleled. Beneath that towering physique, nearly two meters tall, muscles like steel entwining like Jiao Long, harbored terrifyingly destructive forces!


    Multiple groups of blood mist exploded, several bodies ejected like cannonballs.


    They were the Qi Meridian Martialists in the courtyard attempting to intercept the Bull Demon, each using Martial Arts, roaring continuously trying to block him.


    But they simply couldn''t keep up with the speed of the Bull Demon. Even a terrifying and oppressive Divine Power made it impossible for them to circulate their blood, leaving them struggling to move their limbs.


    Their blood frozen, Divine Rank suppression, these courtyard martial artists had no chance to move... before being killed!


    And after killing several people, the Bull Demon crossed the courtyard, appearing in front of Lin Da and the Corpse God Envoy from the Corpse God Cult!


    Beneath the Divine Crystal Powder, the Bull Demon was still able to utilize the Divinity because its [Pure Heart] Dao Fruit violently surged, releasing a white Divinity that merged into the [Three-Eyed Wrathful True Lord''s] Divinity, effectively shielding it from the suppression of the Divine Crystal.


    "Are you charging at me?"


    The eyes of the Corpse God Envoy from the Corpse God Cult narrowed!


    He was about to activate the Qiankun Jade to summon his weapon.


    However, the Bull Demon did not waste a single word, decisively slaughtering his way forward with a torrential killing intent charging directly at him!


    "Bull Demon¡ª!!!"


    The Corpse God Envoy roared. How had the Bull Demon appeared so quickly?!


    A thunderous explosion sounded. A massive elbow fiercely smashed under the white mask of the Corpse God Envoy, shattering the mask made of Spiritual Wood into pieces in an instant. Beneath the mask, the face was deeply indented and distorted, entwined with broken blood and shattered bones!


    But...


    Li Che quickly noticed there was no blood!


    With a clench of his fingers, the Qiankun Space spat out the Liu Blood Shock Spear, its crimson color blossoming like a bloody flower from hell.


    He fiercely thrust the spear.


    Ding¡ª!


    It struck the Corpse God Envoy''s body, his white robe exploding to reveal a dense, muscle-packed body of dark-gray color...


    It was as if his own flesh had been forged into dark-gray fine iron; the spear struck it, emitting a clang of metal collision.


    The powerful force harshly impacted the body of the Corpse God Envoy, propelling him again like a cannonball, smashing into the courtyard ground.


    "My body has been tempered into Cursed Iron Corpse! You are not a Grandmaster... how can you kill me?!"


    A dense Corpse Qi suddenly burst out from his body, the shattered mask revealing a demented, deeply recessed, broken face.


    However...


    The Bull Demon looked at him indifferently. The next moment, his pupils burst forth with gold-colored smoke that gradually diffused from the depths, his black hair wildly billowing, falling straight to his waist.


    An intensely terrifying rank pressure, like a mountain collapsing, ruthlessly slammed onto the body of the Corpse God Envoy.


    Then, the crimson long spear was fiercely raised. Though a spear, it erupted with an endless, dazzling blade light!


    It was like a crimson, Triple-Bladed Knife vibrating ominously!


    Three-Eyed Wrathful True Lord''s Triple-Bladed Knife!


    Major Accomplishment Divine Martial Arts!


    A sweep of the blade released instantly on the Corpse God Envoy''s body, the terrifying power of the spear used as a blade, exploding like a tsunami on his body!


    From his head, spine, skull, and back, the explosion spread, blasting simultaneously inside and out of his body!


    His body, tempered into Cursed Iron Corpse, supposedly unkillable by anyone who is not a Grandmaster...


    Instantly sprayed out countless streams of blood, flying out like a straw dummy for tens of meters!


    "Such power..."


    "This... this is... the power of a Temple God... the power of divinity..."


    The Corpse God Envoy from the Corpse God Cult, his bones shattered, his iron corpse body now like mud, was barely clinging to life.


    Thud!


    A crimson long spear, shooting out like a venomous snake.


    It pierced through his skull. The horrific power, as the long spear vibrated, caused the head of the Corpse God Envoy to explode like a fragile watermelon, spraying blood and qi throughout the courtyard.

 Chapter 163: Flowers Bloom in Hell, Bull·Outlaw·Demon! (4)

    Everything happened too quickly, from the moment Bull Demon made his move to the death of the Divine Envoy, it took only a few breaths, and their confrontation did not exceed ten moves.


    This Ten Cities Corpse God Envoy of the Corpse God Cult was directly...


    Crushed to pieces!


    Lin Da, standing nearby, was still in a stiff state, which was the result of the terrifying rank pressure released from Bull Demon after Divinity was sealed.


    It left him without the strength to even move his fingers!


    In the drifting, murky fog of Divine Crystal Powder.


    With two streaks of golden smoke whipping through, the next moment, Lin Da felt an explosive pain and then lost all sensation, feeling the world slip away from him.


    The head of this second-in-command of Million Gambling House...


    Was directly crushed!


    Li Che, in his Ascending Stance, possessed the rank of Ten Cities Temple God, skyrocketing his combat power to an exceedingly high level.


    Lin Da, merely in the Primary God-Base Realm and unable to use his Divinity, could activate his Divine Vein blood qi, but how could he compare to Li Che''s Ascending the Tower Horizontal Refinement?


    A faint golden smoke dispersed from his eyes, as Li Che''s gaze swept over the courtyard full of Qi Meridian Martialists.


    In his cold gaze, there was a chilling intent to kill, devoid of emotion, as if humanity had been extinguished, leaving only slaughter.


    The fingers twitched slightly, and instantly, countless sounds of silver threads pulling and bones snapping erupted.


    Thousand Spider Threads upgraded version...


    Thousand Spiders Domain!


    Pupupu!


    These martialists, boosted to the Qi Vein Realm by the Corpse Curse Mark, let out miserable screams as they were sliced apart by the terrifying domain of Divinity-controlled Thousand Spider Threads manipulated by Li Che in his Ascending Stance.


    Countless streams of blood steamed, filling the courtyard like blossoming red flowers swaying in the spring breeze!


    Wearing the Bull Demon Mask, his broad shoulders displayed a reverse triangle, black hair cascading down like a cape...


    He stood as if in a human world version of Hell adorned with blossoming mandrakes.


    Every martialist in the courtyard was slaughtered!


    His fingers hooked slightly, slowly clenching into a fist.


    Ascending the Tower¡¤Thousand Analyzing Hands...


    Threads of Divinity, gathered from the corpses, condensed into black chess pieces floating around him, all of which he siphoned.


    After siphoning the Divinity, Li Che began to search the bodies familiarly, collecting Qiankun Jade one by one, storing them in his Qiankun Space.


    After finishing all this, the bulky frame of the Bull Demon suddenly stomped down heavily, the courtyard littered with broken flesh, the ground suddenly caving in like a radiating spider-web of cracks spreading outwards.


    The body of Bull Demon sprung up, landing on the rooftop!


    ...


    ...


    Temple Control Bureau.


    Leisurely drinking tea and looking at the documents, the head officer Zhang Lianhao suddenly narrowed his eyes.


    The documents and teacup drifted downwards lightly.


    Yet his entire person had disappeared, appearing atop the roof of the Temple Control Bureau.


    Looking towards the fleeting surge of blood energy in the distance!


    His eyes narrowed, his toes lightly tapped, and the surrounding scenery whizzed by his side and disappeared!


    Like a high-speed train, he swiftly moved towards the direction of the bursting energy.


    Zhang Lianhao, dressed in his official uniform, clenched his fingers, holding a slanted Silver Tiger-Head Spear, with his blood qi swirling around him like a thick fog.


    His official robe rustled, his gaze intently fixed on the figure standing atop the rooftop of Million Gambling House.


    A broad figure like a mountain, with wild, sweeping black hair like a cloak.


    Within that adorable Cute Bull Mask were eyes that contained a faint flow of golden smoke, cold and merciless like those of a deity!


    It''s the Bull Demon!


    The Bull Demon... has appeared!


    Is he deliberately waiting for me?


    Zhang Lianhao narrowed his eyes, a chill stirring within him, his Void Aspect energy surged skyward, his powerful and domineering Divine Sense rippling outward like concentric circles.


    But the Bull Demon ignored him completely.


    With a shake, in the instant his body tipped backwards, he shot away with terrifying speed.


    And then...


    He disappeared without a trace!


    Even as Zhang Lianhao''s Void Aspect Divine Sense swept through rapidly, he couldn''t detect any trace or breath, as if the Bull Demon had simply evaporated from the human world!


    Zhang Lianhao''s expression turned icy cold, he landed on the rooftop of Million Gambling House.


    Looking down, he narrowed his eyes at the courtyard full of severed limbs and torsos, resembling a scene from Hell.


    The chilling spring breeze fluttered through Zhang Lianhao''s hair and uniform.


    "Damn it..."


    "This Bull Demon..."


    "An outlaw indeed."


    Ps: A big chapter of six thousand words, looking for fresh Monthly Tickets and recommendation tickets for support on Monday!

 Chapter 164: Super Wealth, Eight Extremes Divine Crystal!

    Crack!


    Dark clouds tumbled, and lightning snakes wriggled!


    Zhang Lianhao had shot out from the Temple Control Bureau building the moment he sensed the eruption of the Bull Demon''s aura, displaying his Void Aspect''s strength and speeding across the distance.


    By the time he arrived, he saw that towering figure, built like a mountain, with golden smoke swirling in its eyes, giving him an indifferent glance.


    It seemed completely unfazed by his appearance, with no signs of nervousness or fear.


    Zhang Lianhao narrowed his eyes.


    He was the authority, and the Bull Demon... was the outlaw!


    Yet it was not afraid of him, even deliberately releasing its aura as if it were waiting for him to show up!


    As soon as he appeared, it plunged into the darkness and darted away. This was a blatant dismissal of the Temple Control Bureau, almost a provocation.


    Although there was no emotion in the golden smoky eyes of the Bull Demon...


    The actions were undeniably provocative.


    "He knows the Temple Control Bureau is investigating him... So he is showing this attitude to indicate he fears nothing? Committing murder and then provocation, truly a lawless madman..."


    Zhang Lianhao''s expression was neither happy nor sad as he lightly tapped his foot, his figure surging forward like a goshawk, flying over the hellish scene of the courtyard below.


    He landed on the main street, in hot pursuit.


    Bull Demon... Since it had the guts to show up and even dared to provoke the Temple Control Bureau.


    Zhang Lianhao naturally would not miss this chance to capture the Bull Demon.


    He had the power of the Void Aspect, and his martial path had reached the level of a latter-realm Grandmaster. His martial prowess and divinity were strong, and in Golden Light Prefecture City, although not comparable to those of the Five Great Clans or sect elders, he still stood at the peak.


    Boom!


    The spring breeze suddenly turned scorching hot, his vigorous blood qi burning like a furnace within his body, his True Qi raging and causing multiple afterimages upon landing on the main street.


    However, he quickly halted his steps because he had lost the trail.


    "Such masterful Art of Breath Concealment!"


    "I can only track him using my eyesight, even releasing my Divine Sense is ineffective in sensing his whereabouts. In the end, one turn and a missed step, and the moment my line of sight is lost, so is he." r?


    Zhang Lianhao stood still on the street, the spring breeze gently rustling the willow branches.


    Yet, clutching the Silver Tiger-Head Spear, Zhang Lianhao felt resentment and anger erupting in his heart.


    "Bull Demon..."


    He slightly lowered his head, committing the image of that Cute Bull Mask to memory.


    He did not continue the chase, for he could not catch it.


    Having returned to the Million Gambling House, the Divine Envoys of the Temple Control Bureau had already arrived and sealed off the gambling house.


    Zhang Lianhao stood atop the black-tiled roof looking toward the distant street, where the sounds of horse hooves echoed on the wide flagstone road.


    An army wearing brilliant golden armor was hurrying over, with two people leading on horseback, followed by roughly forty to fifty armored soldiers.


    "The Golden Light Prefecture Divine Guard Army..."


    "That was fast, never seen them move so quickly on a normal day."


    Zhang Lianhao gave them a glance, snorted coldly, gestured to the Divine Envoys below, and then leaped into the blood-stenched courtyard.


    His gaze instantly fell upon the nailed Cursed Iron Corpse.


    "The Ten Cities Corpse God Envoy of the Corpse God Cult, who created the Cursed Iron Corpse, hard to kill beneath the Grandmaster level... and yet, it''s been blown to pieces."


    Zhang Lianhao put away the Silver Tiger-Head Spear.


    Narrowing his eyes, he scanned the area, the thick Death Qi mixing with the scent of blood.


    He moved beside the headless corpse of Lin Da, recognizing the identity of the second-in-command of the Million Gambling House.


    "Marked with the Corpse Curse Mark of the Ten Cities, every martial artist in this courtyard has been bestowed with the Corpse Curse Mark... they couldn''t resist the temptation."


    "The Corpse God Cult''s infiltration is truly pervasive; the Corpse Curse Mark can help one break through inherent bottlenecks, a temptation too great to resist..."


    Zhang Lianhao sighed.


    Even many long-established Great Grandmasters can''t resist the temptation and choose to join the Corpse God Cult, so how could these martial artists, who have long lost hope of a breakthrough, not be seduced?


    "The Bull Demon... truly ruthless and venomous, with sufficiently strong methods. Such an assembly, and he slaughtered them all by himself, including a Cursed Iron Corpse..."


    "A Cursed Iron Corpse, even a Grandmaster Warrior would find it extremely troublesome, considering its body is as tough as refined iron."


    "But..."


    Zhang Lianhao observed the Corpse God Envoy''s body, his eyes slightly focusing, because... this Corpse God Envoy had been utterly smashed by a fearsome and unparalleled force!


    That power...


    Already seemed to be at the level of an Initial Stage Grandmaster!


    "The Bull Demon... has become a Grandmaster?!"


    Zhang Lianhao took a deep breath. According to the information given by Zhang Xiangyang, this Bull Demon... when it first appeared in Fei Lei City three years ago, its cultivation was merely at the level of Sinew Transforming and Bone Tempering.


    Three years... to Grandmaster?!


    "No, not necessarily a Grandmaster, but it possesses a burst of strength on a Grandmaster''s level, combined with Divinity..."


    After some investigation, Zhang Lianhao almost confirmed the method of the Bull Demon''s murder.


    "Used Divine Crystal Powder to limit the Divinity''s eruption of the Corpse God Envoy, forcing it to rely on physical strength alone, thus achieving an overwhelming killing blow..."


    "This implies that in terms of Divinity, the Bull Demon is quite weak... it''s clever to think of using Divine Crystal Powder as a means to face an opponent, indeed as cunning and malevolent as Zhang Xiangyang described."


    "But to cover the entire small courtyard with Divine Crystal Powder... this method is quite extraordinary."


    Zhang Lianhao couldn''t help thinking of that mechanism which could shoot over dozens of miles to kill Qin Yuqing, and this Bull Demon... similarly mastered such methods.


    Both of them are so, recklessly committing murder...


    Both displaying the attitude of lawless madmen.


    "Heh, interesting." Zhang Lianhao laughed, it''s not his headache after all. Although the Temple Control Bureau does manage these trivial matters, most of their efforts are still focused on the three Mysterious Temples outside the Mansion City.

 Chapter 165: Super Rich, Eight Extremes Divine Crystal! (2)

    ```


    But for those lawless outlaws who recklessly commit murder, the headache still lies with the Divine Guard Army responsible for maintaining order in Mansion City.


    "Bull Demon... is a talent, such talent should join our Temple Control Bureau."


    "Moreover, we can confirm the identity of the Bull Demon is not Li Che... The messages sent back by Shi Lei and Hong Yonggang state they personally saw Li Che going to the Heavenly Oversight to start his routine work."


    "The Heavenly Oversight is more than a dozen miles away from the Million Gambling House, and Li Che indeed has a solid alibi... After all, a person can''t just teleport out of thin air, can they?"


    Zhang Lianhao completely dismissed his suspicions of Li Che.


    Zhang Xiangyang''s speculation that Li Che was the Bull Demon was just that, speculation, which he naturally did not fully believe, preferring to rely on his own judgment.


    Now the judgment is made...


    It is absolutely impossible for Li Che to be the Bull Demon!


    It''s impossible for one person to be in two places miles apart at the same time.


    ...


    ...


    Heavenly Oversight.


    Clifftop Treasure Tower.


    Li Che removed his hat and cloak and changed into the neat robe of a Heavenly Oversight Guest Official, smoothing out the wrinkles on his clothes, clutching the Thunder Chess Piece, and teleporting to the anchor point left in the Heavenly Oversight.


    Even upon returning to the Heavenly Oversight, Li Che still maximized the Breath Concealment effect of the Dragon Elephant Vajra Dao Fruit.


    After all, there are experts inside the Heavenly Oversight, and if he did not conceal his aura, it would likely be sensed and scrutinized by those with intentions.


    Such as Gong Yunli and Gongyang Liancheng, who oversaw the Guest Official assessment, two Illusory Phase Cultivators not weaker than Temple Office Chief Inspector Zhang Lianhao.


    The Illusory Phase Realm is an ambiguous realm situated between the Divine Foundation and Divine Phase.


    In strict terms, it can be considered part of the Divine Phase Realm because a Divine Facade is condensed, albeit a bit vague, and thus its power is not as formidable as a true Divine Facade, lacking some pressure.


    Beyond that, the Heavenly Oversight has one Chief Supervisor and two Deputy Inspectors, and they are certainly existences at the Diviner Ancestor level!


    Although those Divine Facade Experts wouldn''t normally sweep with their Divine Sense, Li Che felt that playing it safe is never wrong.


    Maintaining the Slumbering Dragon Elephant''s Breath Concealment state, even if scanned by Divine Sense, it would be hard to detect him, allowing him to enter the Heavenly Oversight without drawing attention and maintaining his alibi.


    "The Thoughtful Willow Wood Body I obtained from Old Master Xu could be worth learning, with the ability to create a willow wood clone and better craft an alibi."


    Li Che smiled, his eyes twinkling as he thought of a Divine Secret Technique.


    He cultivated the Divine Secret Technique rather slowly, which is why he had not studied this secret method before.


    Dismissing the Slumbering Dragon Elephant, Li Che quietly stepped into the warm and comfortable tower heated by the furnace.


    Shangguan Qinghong, still with her translucent feet bare, squatted on a chair nibbling on a spicy chicken foot while reading a romance storybook.


    "Li, you''re here?"


    Suddenly looking up at Li Che, Shangguan Qinghong''s nose twitched.


    "There''s a smell of blood? Where have you been, Li?"


    Shangguan Qinghong asked.


    Li Che, however, was taken aback. Could she really smell that?


    Is Shangguan Qinghong part dog or something?


    "Ah, I just made a trip to the Temple Office. You must have heard about the incident in Fei Lei City..."


    Li Che sighed and said.


    Upon hearing this, Shangguan Qinghong''s brows relaxed, a trip to the Temple Office, eh...


    Then it was normal to come back reeking of blood.


    "Qinghong, about the task I took on last time, I''ve finished carving the wood. You can contact the customer and let them know they can come to claim the Divine Wood Carving." ?


    Li Che said.


    Shangguan Qinghong nodded and gave Li Che a curious look: "Li, it took you quite a while to carve this piece, half a month to finish. It seems to have taken too much time."


    "The first job should establish a good reputation, I will speed up after this."


    Li Che smiled, offering a simple explanation.


    After bidding farewell to Shangguan Qinghong, he headed towards his own workspace.


    The Heavenly Oversight provides workspaces for each Guest Official.


    Even at higher floors, there are higher-quality specialized rooms for alchemy, wood carving, weapon forging, talisman making, and so on, all of which require the spending of Divine Crystals to rent.


    Li Che is currently too poor to afford that expense.


    Upon reaching the workspace area, Li Che saw other Guest Officials. One who had rented a weapon forging room was a weapon forging master in a short coat, showing off a muscular figure.


    When their gazes met, the weapon forging master nodded slightly.


    Another was a Divine Talisman room, where a bearded Guest Official was brewing tea. Seeing Li Che''s gaze, he smiled and nodded back.


    The relationships between Guest Officials are generally good, as they could all potentially be customers of each other.


    Li Che entered his own workspace, closed the door, and locked it, overlaying the Heaven and Earth chessboard to block any probing.


    Even though no one in the Heavenly Oversight''s workspaces would scan with Divine Sense, being careful is the most fundamental character for survival in this world¡ªbetter safe than sorry.


    Sitting in his chair, Li Che exhaled deeply, his gaze gradually turning cold.


    "Corpse God Cult..."


    How vicious!


    It was indeed targeted at his daughter Xi Xi.


    "Also, the Corpse Curse Mark suppressed by the Chess Saint''s Dao Fruit is of the Eight Extremes level... No wonder I couldn''t wipe it away."


    Li Che breathed out slowly, a weight settling in his heart, being targeted by an enormous entity like the Corpse God Cult was definitely not a good thing.


    The Corpse God Cult did not fear the deterrent from the Divine Sect Branches unlike the noble families and sects in Golden Light Prefecture City.


    "If the Million Gambling House has people from the Corpse God Cult, what about the Black Snake Gang that''s been watching my family at the alley entrance?"


    "Or their higher-ups, one of the three major gangs in Mansion City, the Fishing Gang?"


    ```

 Chapter 166: Super Rich, Eight Extremes Divine Crystal! (3)

    "The head of the Million Gambling House... is not here today. I must find an opportunity to eliminate him, for cutting the weeds requires removing the root."


    Li Che''s eyes were incredibly cold as he slowly closed them, his whole body radiating a dense murderous aura.


    A moment later, he gradually opened his eyes, the killing intent slowly retracting.


    These powers had set their sights on his daughter, then he, Li Che... had set his sights on them.


    As long as he could eliminate them before they made a move on Xi Xi...


    Then Xi Xi''s safety would be somewhat secured.


    "Daddy can''t do much... I can only help you by disposing of some maggot-like creatures."


    With a thought,


    Two Qiankun Jades appeared in front of him.


    One came from the Corpse God Cult''s Ten Cities Corpse God Envoy, the other from the second-in-command of the Million Gambling House.


    "It''s been a long time since I''ve received such generous gifts from others."


    Li Che was overwhelmed with emotions.


    After arriving at Mansion City, he had indeed calmed down a lot. Previously, when he killed the Qin Mansion''s shadowy scouts and Qin Yuqing, he hadn''t had the chance to receive their gifts.


    His heart was truly breaking.


    To kill without looting the corpses always made him feel as if ants were crawling on his skin.


    Calming his emotions, Li Che began to tally his gains. He broke the seals of the Qiankun Jade, and the contents were completely revealed under his divine sense.


    Li Che first checked the possessions of the second-in-command of the gambling house.


    Three thousand silver notes, a hundred Gold Leaves, and some scattered silver so massive in quantity that Li Che couldn''t be bothered to count them.


    Furthermore, there were the Ten Cities Divine Foundation Technique, a Middle Vehicle Divine Meridian Method...


    Several weapons, all were merely ordinary fine iron weapons, which for Li Che, who had used Divine Weapons, really weren''t very appealing.


    Martial arts pills and medicines... not one bottle, which was somewhat regrettable.


    But what truly stirred Li Che''s emotions was...


    Amongst the second-in-command''s collection, there were actually two Ten Cities Divine Crystals!


    "Acceptable, not as poor as I had imagined."


    Li Che finally revealed a satisfied smile; two Ten Cities Divine Crystals weren''t many, but... at least it was a gain.


    When it came to possessions, this second-in-command couldn''t even compare to Golden Light Prefecture City''s noble families'' Patriarch Shen Ji, but the two Divine Crystals made up for the gap.


    Continuing to check his gains, this time he opened the blind box of the Corpse God Cult''s Corpse God Envoy.


    Unlike the wealthy second-in-command of the gambling house, the Corpse God Envoy''s Qiankun Jade contained not much money, but Li Che immediately searched for Divine Crystals...


    "I''ve struck it rich..."


    His eyes slightly brightened, with a thought, Li Che poured out ten Divine Crystals emitting a faint white luster!


    Among them, there was a Divine Crystal as large as a palm, containing a force that made Li Che, who possessed the rank of Temple God Divinity, feel almost suffocated by its hierarchical pressure!


    "Eight Extremes Divine Crystal!"


    Li Che''s eyes narrowed, somewhat shocked!


    This Ten Cities Corpse God Envoy of the Corpse God Cult... actually possessed an Eight Extremes Divine Crystal?!


    It wasn''t...


    The Ten Cities Divine Envoy, actually had such wealth?!


    "Perhaps... this Eight Extremes Divine Crystal had great use for the Corpse God Envoy?"


    Li Che pondered.


    But no matter what great use it had, now...


    This Eight Extremes Divine Crystal, belonged to Li!


    Thanks for the generous gift from the Divine Envoy, Big Brother!


    Plus the two from the second-in-command, a total of eleven Ten Cities Divine Crystals, one Eight Extremes Divine Crystal!


    Not counting the Eight Extremes Divine Crystal, it was almost more than Li Che''s four months'' salary!


    Indeed, one can''t earn big money by working a job!


    Li Che was in an extremely good mood, the Divine Crystals for him meant saving a lot of time in ripening the maturity of the "Immaculate Heart Taoist Fruit"!


    Just let the "Immaculate Heart" Taoist Fruit''s maturity ripen to level 3, and he could awaken the Prototype of Divine Powers belonging to "Immaculate Heart"!


    This would be the third type of Prototype of Divine Powers that Li Che had mastered!


    "The wealth of these cultivators from the grand sects truly cannot be compared with the leaders of forces under subordinate fishing gangs..."


    "Moreover, this Corpse God Envoy of the Corpse God Cult must have just infiltrated the Million Gambling House. These Divine Crystals, very likely, were his operational supplies, especially that Eight Extremes Divine Crystal... might even involve the Corpse God Cult''s plans."


    "One Eight Extremes Divine Crystal, eleven Ten Cities Divine Crystals, could they help me elevate "Immaculate Heart" to level 3?"


    "If it''s not enough, within Golden Light Prefecture City, there should still be quite a few Divine Crystals that belong to the Corpse God Cult''s Corpse God Envoy..."


    Li Che''s eyes lowered, fiddling with the thickly divine, rank suppressing Eight Extremes Divine Crystal, he exhaled a breath.


    The Corpse God Cult was no good thing...


    Just consider it a way of removing harm for the people.


    Apart from the Divine Crystal, the collection owned by the Corpse God Envoy was much simpler.


    A Divine Weapon, specifically a long sword, emanated an extremely cold aura.


    ...


    [Divine Weapon (Top-Grade Ten Cities): Ice Soul Bone Erosion Sword]


    [Craftsmanship: Forged from century-old cold iron, mixed with the blood of the demonic insect "Bone Erosion", imbued with the Six Desires Body Touching Divinity, and quenched in Cold Ice Condensing Spring Water, this sword engages with "Body Touching Divinity". When drawn, it can erode a person''s tendons and bones with ice!]


    [Requirement: Six Desires Body Touching Divinity Technique, Cultivation as Riverlike or higher]


    ...


    A divine weapon of top-grade quality from the Ten Cities, sadly, it required the cultivation of [Body Touching Divinity] among the Six Desires Divinity in order to wield it.


    For Li Che, it was nothing more than a chicken rib¡ªuseless and not worth bothering about.


    "Later, I''ll sell it at the black market for Divine Crystals," Li Che stated unapologetically. After all, it was a divine weapon, not a cheap object, as he directly stored it in his Qiankun Space.


    Apart from the divine weapon, it was the elixirs. He poured out an exceptionally dark elixir, with dense death qi spreading out from it.


    Li Che immediately used Thousand Analyzing Hands to activate identification.


    "Ninth Rank Superior martial arts pill... Corpse God Thousand Ghosts Death Qi Condensing Martial Pill! After consumption, it will erode the flesh with death qi, enduring agony to break through restrictions, and can be ingested."


    "This is meant for those cultivators from the Corpse God Sect who have practiced the Cursed Corpse!"


    Li Che frowned slightly, the identification by Thousand Analyzing Hands confirmed there was nothing wrong with the pill, just that its nature might differ from ordinary martial arts pills.


    After storing away the elixir, Li Che turned his attention to the cultivation methods.


    "Six Desires Body Touching compared to Corpse Cultivating Method," "Six Desires Body Touching compared to Corpse Divine Foundation Technique", these were two volumes related to Divinity.


    Li Che glanced at them and then stored them away, not wanting to cultivate Six Desires Divinity for the moment.


    Mainly because he had not yet perfected Seven Emotions Divinity. Delving into Six Desires felt like biting off more than he could chew.


    Moreover, the Six Desires Divinity Method''s malevolence... was even more severe than that of Seven Emotions, so Li Che preferred to proceed conservatively.


    Apart from these, there was Divine Martial Arts!


    "Corpse God Death Smoke Finger" Nine Luminaries Divine Martial Arts!


    Once mastered, the fingers would wrap around with death qi, comparable to a deadly poison!


    It was an exceptionally malevolent martial arts!


    Li Che narrowed his eyes slightly, but remained calm and began reading through it.


    After a while, with the martial talent bestowed by the Dragon Elephant Vajra Dao Fruit, he had already started to grasp the basics of the Death Smoke Finger.


    Apart from the difficulty in condensing the death qi, which was not a big problem, Li Che had the Death Qi Martial Pill, so he was still capable of practicing this martial art.


    Not continuing with the martial arts cultivation, Li Che''s mind shifted.


    Streams of light shone forth from his pupils.


    [Dao Fruit: Dragon Elephant Vajra (lv3,15%), Pure Heart (LV2,24%), Chess Saint (LV2,12%)]


    The maturity of the Dao Fruits had all made notable progress.


    Dragon Elephant Vajra had increased by 2% due to a fierce battle, not much, but at least it was a progress.


    Pure Heart had not changed much, however, the Chess Saint Dao Fruit had grown quite a bit...


    Clearly, it was due to a one-time siphoning and consolidating of the deceased''s divinity chess pieces.


    But the improvement could only be said to be very ordinary, to advance to level 3 seemed a distant prospect.


    "If I could absorb the divinity from the Temple God at the Mysterious Temple, and consolidate Temple God Divinity Chess Pieces...that should speed up the process considerably."


    "This battle, in my haste for a quick decision, I used a Temple God Chess Piece, and now, I only have six left..."


    Li Che sighed.


    Temple God Chess Pieces... once used, they are gone, but they are needed to fuel the Ascending Stance with their divinity.


    "I need to find an opportunity to visit the Mysterious Temple..."


    "However, the Temple Control Bureau''s experts are stationed to guard every temple in Mansion City, and with Strange Que blocking the way, it''s not easy to enter..."


    Li Che suddenly felt nostalgic for that bald Temple God statue outside Fei Lei City.


    "Forget it, out with the old, in with the new, there will always be new Temple Gods waiting for me..."


    Li Che muttered.


    Then clearing his mind of distractions, he took out the Eight Extremes Divine Crystal.


    In his chest, the Pure Heart Taoist Fruit suddenly began throbbing violently, and a majestic absorbing force burst forth.


    The subtle white divinity contained within the Eight Extremes Divine Crystal was furiously devoured by the Pure Heart Taoist Fruit.


    Li Che suddenly opened his eyes, a slight flicker of shock in his gaze.


    Yet he saw the maturity of the Pure Heart Dao Fruit ascended rapidly.


    2%, 2%, 2%...


    In almost a breath''s time, it increased by 2%. This speed was much faster than Li Che had anticipated.


    Li Che realized...


    He had somewhat underestimated the divinity contained within the Eight Extremes Divine Crystal!

 Chapter 167: Dao Fruit Transforms Again, Pure Heart - Soul Capturing

    The divinity within the Eight Extremes Divine Crystal was extracted rapidly, like a deluge breaking through a dam, pouring wildly into the inner scene of the Niwan Palace within Li Che.


    Li Che felt his entire body tremble slightly, as a swelling sensation emerged from the inner scene of his Niwan Palace, as if it could not withstand the high velocity of the surging divinity.


    The inner scene of the Niwan Palace, situated at the brow point, is a mysterious place within the human body.


    Even when cultivating divinity, one dares not be too reckless, for the inner scene is embedded in the mind, and any damage would greatly affect the brain.


    But at this moment, Li Che...


    Had little fear.


    He reveled in the thrill of rapidly drawing and enhancing power; if the Pure Heart could absorb, he let it absorb.


    If it couldn''t absorb anymore, the Pure Heart Dao Fruit would automatically cease, that''s how considerate it was.


    Watching his maturity level continuously rise, Li Che''s mind was clear, his eyes sparkled brightly.


    He sat cross-legged, the Chess Saint Dao Fruit deploying the Heaven and Earth chessboard, hiding his divinity to prevent exposure.


    He gathered his essence, qi, and spirit, focusing wholeheartedly on refining the Eight Extremes Divine Crystal!


    The Immaculate Heart Dao Fruit throbbed wildly, drawing in crazily, and in no time, Li Che found the maturity level of the Immaculate Heart Dao Fruit had reached 50%!


    More than half matured!


    Too fast!


    Too insane!


    The rich, white divinity was being extracted crazily, merging into the Niwan inner scene, into that nurtured and growing river of Immaculate Heart Divinity.


    The river was growing stronger, constantly wavering, and its level of robustness surged rapidly.


    It even overtook the three divinity rivers of Angry Cry Town Ghost, Heart Shocking and Sturdy, and Xuansi Liu Sword which had already reached the Cultivation as Riverlike level!


    Even the Three-eyed Fierce True Lord Divine Foundation seemed to tremble slightly under the assault of the burgeoning river of Pure Heart at this moment!


    It was fortunate that the divinity of the Pure Heart always isolated the connection between various divine aspects, so even now as it was shaking and impacting, it did not cause a balance breakdown or a violent outbreak of divinity.


    Li Che felt the various divine energies within his inner scene...


    A thought flickered in his mind; it seemed he needed to hasten the creation of other Divine Origin Bases.


    Feeling the increasingly majestic and profound Immaculate Heart Divinity, the white divinity extracted from the Eight Extremes Divine Crystal was purer than the divine energy extracted from the Ten Cities Divine Crystal.


    The cleansing by the Pure Heart barely required much time, it could be purified quickly, retaining about eighty percent of the divinity!


    The Immaculate Heart Divinity grew more majestic, and the river it formed almost turned into a surging great river, completely overwhelming the other divine rivers as if dominating the space within the inner scene.


    Even the Three-Eyed Fierce True Lord Divine Foundation seemed to gradually lose its capital to contend against the river of Immaculate Heart Divinity.


    The power of the rank seemed to fail at that moment!


    Boom!


    Suddenly, Li Che felt as if his mind was about to explode; the Niwan Inner Scenery Space burst forth with a dazzling and vast radiance in an instant!


    Li Che''s complexion changed slightly, could something have gone wrong?


    Was the divinity from the Eight Extremes Divine Crystal too vast, causing an explosion in the inner scene?


    If it were so, Li Che feared he would be in tears without the ability to cry.


    Fortunately, his mind was still agile, and even... clearer than before.


    Countless white divinity seemed to boil, blanketing all of Li Che''s perception.


    Yet, he could feel a powerful compressive force erupting within the space of the inner scene.


    A sudden cold sensation made Li Che shiver.


    This was somewhat incredible; with his current horizontally refined physique, let alone feeling cold, even if he were thrown into an ice hole, his vigorous and bubbling blood could boil the water if he wished!


    But his current condition...


    Was not right!


    It was a coldness coming from the inner scene space, a coldness... at the level of the soul!


    It was as if a fusion reaction was occurring inside, drawing in the surrounding heat and causing a dramatic drop in temperature.


    When the white haze before his eyes vanished.


    Li Che found the scene within the Niwan Palace revealed itself to him once again.


    Three divine rivers winding, with the Three-Eyed Fierce True Lord Divine Foundation suspended among them, releasing divinity at will.


    And beside this divine foundation appeared another, exuding a gentle white luster, fully-formed Divine Foundation.


    The Divine Foundation was thick and looked like a milk tablet magnified many times, resembling a cylindrical millstone.


    "This is..."


    "A Divine Foundation?!"


    Li Che was astonished, and then, his face took on a quizzical expression.


    Creating a Divine Foundation... Is it that simple?


    Natural and smooth as if sliding on ice!


    The creation of the Pure Heart Divine Foundation happened even without him realizing it, completed unknowingly by drawing the divinity from the Eight Extremes Divine Crystal.


    Li Che''s second Divine Foundation just hovered there in the inner scene space.


    There was none of the terrifying and oppressive Divine Foundation pressure of the Three-Eyed Fierce True Monarch Divine Foundation, none of the air that could affect one''s emotions and make one uncontrollably angry.


    The Pure Heart Divine Foundation... pure and white, it seemed to bring absolute tranquility to the soul.


    "This..."


    Li Che narrowed his eyes, what use was this Pure Heart Divine Foundation?


    Apart from an increase in the content of Pure Heart Divinity, were there other functions?


    Suddenly, Li Che thought of something and manipulated the Pure Heart Divine Foundation to approach the Three-Eyed Fierce True Lord Divine Foundation.


    The moment it got close, a suction force erupted.


    It was like two round magnets, colliding with a snap!


    In an instant¡ª


    Li Che felt the Divine Foundation pressure of the Three-Eyed Fierce True Lord increase exponentially compared to before.

 Chapter 168: Dao Fruit Transforms Again, Pure Heart - Soul Capturing (2)

    It was a transformation that seemed to have shattered a bottleneck barrier!


    It was as if...


    He had been promoted by a rank!


    The Divine Foundation of the Three-Eyed Fierce True Lord that Li Che had cultivated belonged to the Eight Extremes Upper Grade Stage.


    Now... it seemed as though he had directly ascended to the Seven Elements Lower Grade Stage!


    Seven Elements Divine Foundation!


    Even if it were false...


    Li Che couldn''t help but lift the corners of his lips, no longer able to suppress his smile.


    "Pure Heart Divine Foundation... so this is its function!"


    "Then, if I obtained the Four Imperial Divine Foundation Technique later, could the Divine Foundation modified by it, combined with the Pure Heart Divine Foundation''s enhancement... directly raise me to the ''Three Pure Ones'' level?!"


    Li Che''s eyes sparkled, the thought alone was exhilarating.


    However, Divine Foundations weren''t necessarily better the higher their rank. According to what Li Qingshan had said, the higher the Divine Foundation Rank, the stronger the physical body needed to be to bear it...


    If the physical body wasn''t strong enough, it could lead to a collapse of the inner scenery and physical destruction, ultimately... being controlled by the Divine Foundation, becoming a mindless monster, slowly exhausting the vitality of the body and dying.


    Li Che felt that he had to progress slowly.


    "However, after becoming a Divine Minister, one can''t alter their Divine Foundation. So, I must solidly lay out my Divine Foundation before then."


    Li Che opened his eyes, his mind exiting the inner scenery of the energy center.


    Intense vitality filled the entire workshop.


    Li Che frowned; unbeknownst to him, at the moment when the explosive combination unleashed the power of the Seven Elements Divine Foundation, his body had uncontrollably triggered the Vajra Transformation to withstand the power of the Seven Elements Divine Foundation.


    Feeling the vitality and divinity pervading the room...


    Exhale¡ª


    Inhale¡ª


    Li Che inhaled and exhaled once.


    A tremendous suction force erupted from the energy center, swallowing all the dispersed divinity back.


    Thus, inside the workshop, not a trace of divine aura leaked out anymore, and the vitality was also devoured back into the body.


    Meanwhile, a flowing light prompt appeared in front of him.


    [Dao Fruit: Pure Heart (LV3,0%)


    Li Che''s eyes sparkled.


    He glanced at the Eight Extremes Divine Crystal in his hand, about a third of its divinity remained, but it had apparently already pushed the Pure Heart to a Level 3! ?


    Suddenly, golden light flashed in front of him!


    [Dao Fruit LV3, another transformation, receives the prototype of Divine Powers "Pure Heart - Soul Capturing"]


    Li Che''s breathing sharply quickened.


    Success!


    The third Dao Fruit had produced the third type of Divine Powers prototype!


    Following [Immortal Worker: Thousand Analyzing Hands], [Dragon Elephant Vajra - Ascend], the Divine Powers prototype "Pure Heart - Soul Capturing" was officially produced!


    Li Che''s heart grew fervent, his emotions surged!


    Within his chest, the [Pure Heart] Dao Fruit thunderously pulsated. With each throb, it seemed as if countless tendrils of divinity burst forth, twisting into tentacle-like divine filaments!


    Madly flailing in the space between heaven and earth!


    [Prototype of Divine Powers (Pure Heart - Soul Capturing): True brightness, untainted, can scrutinize all things, capture spirits and dispatch generals, revered by all gods]


    The flowing golden introduction gradually appeared before his eyes!


    Li Che gradually calmed his mind, staring at the description, deeply pondering.


    Similar to Ascending the Tower, initially... he was still somewhat unable to fathom this line of introduction.


    After slowly resonating with it, his heart trembled slightly.


    Feeling the divine tendrils sprouting from the [Pure Heart] Divine Foundation...


    It was like the tentacles of an Evil God controlling his followers...


    The threads of a Puppeteer manipulating puppets...


    It always felt... not like anything good!


    "You call this ''Pure Heart''? Pure and flawless, so white that it turns black?"


    "Why does it feel deceitfully wicked?"


    Li Che couldn''t help but murmur.


    He closed his eyes to comprehend, and gradually, the function of the Divine Powers prototype "Pure Heart - Soul Capturing" became clear to him.


    He opened his eyes, exhaling a breath.


    He lifted his hand, and within his palm, a grey-black Divine Chess Piece emerged.


    It was formed from the divinity drawn from the body of the Ten Cities Corpse God Envoy he had killed.


    The Thousand Analyzing Hands drew it, the Heaven and Earth Chessboard stored it, and now...


    Was it the turn for Pure Heart to use it?


    Divine Powers prototype, Pure Heart - Soul Capturing!


    After being intensely activated!


    An immense divinity surged from within the Pure Heart Divinity!


    Suddenly, Li Che felt his eyes abruptly turning white, as if pale smoke was lightly swirling around them.


    Unlike the gold smoke during Ascending the Tower, the white smoke was more ethereal, making Li Che''s demeanor seem lofty and... indifferent!


    As if indifferent to all life between heaven and earth, everything was merely a cold chess piece on the board.


    The divine tendrils of the Pure Heart Divine Foundation touched the Corpse God Envoy''s Divine Chess Piece.


    At once...


    The Chessboard, uniquely belonging to the Corpse God Envoy''s Divine Chess Piece, burst forth, continuously piling up before Li Che.


    Gradually...


    It morphed into the twisted, ugly figure of the Corpse God Envoy, only its overall skin was dull and dark grey.


    Devoid of life''s breath, devoid of the fluctuations of a beating heart...


    It was a mere lifeless object, completely condensed from divinity.


    And with a single thought, he could completely control this Corpse God Envoy, who would obey his orders entirely...


    As if it had become a soldier under his command!


    Soul Capturing... capturing the divinity to form a Divine General under his command?!


    Li Che took a deep breath; this was to completely exploit every Cultivator who died at his hands.


    "It seems that only Cultivators of the Divine Base Realm are qualified to be ''captured by my soul''..."


    With a thought from Li Che, the Pure Heart''s divine tendrils condensed another Divine General.


    It was Lin Da, the Second-in-Command of the Million Gambling House, at the Primary God-Base Realm.


    The previous Corpse God Envoy had a Post-Divine Foundation Realm cultivation, but his main strength lay in the body of the Cursed Iron Corpse, not defeated by a Grandmaster Warrior combined with Divine Base Cultivation; indeed, very hard to kill.

 Chapter 169: Dao Fruit Transforms Again, Pure Heart - Soul Capturing (3)

    Unfortunately, he encountered Li Che, who had activated the Ascending Stance...


    He directly crushed the Temple God Chess Piece as if the Temple God himself had arrived, becoming invincible against others of the same rank.


    No matter the Cursed Iron Corpse, in front of Unmatched Horizontal Refinement, it had to be smashed to pieces!


    "Capturing two Divine Generals was already somewhat strenuous for me, but now... I could barely manage to capture three Divine Generals of the Divine Base Realm!"


    Li Che sensed the burden on his Divine Sense.


    The main reason was that his Divine Base Cultivation wasn''t strong enough, being only at the Primary God-Base Realm, his Divine Sense had limited strength.


    "It''s enough... during a battle, suddenly releasing three helpers, it''s simply... enough to scare someone to death."


    Li Che began to laugh.


    The malice and cunning of the Bull Demon had to be elevated by another level.


    "Additionally..."


    There was a slight flicker in Li Che''s eyes.


    He raised his five fingers, and an extremely dark Divine Chess Piece floated in his hand.


    "Temple God Chess Piece..."


    "Can I... possibly capture a Temple God to serve as a general?"


    ...


    ...


    "Knock knock knock."


    "Li, your customer is here."


    Outside, Shangguan Qinghong gently knocked on the door and called out.


    Li Che suppressed the impulse to use Soul Capturing to capture the Temple God, and with a thought, the two Divine Generals that had been captured appeared in his Inner Scenery space.


    Under the touch of the Pure Heart Divine Foundation, they hung like puppets, moving along with the movement of the tentacles.


    The scene... was indeed somewhat mysterious.


    Li Che withdrew his focus, his eyes sparkling, and he took out the Zhong Kui Statue, placing it on the desk.


    Then he opened the door.


    Shangguan Qinghong stood playfully outside the door, and beside her was a young novice monk dressed in bluish-green monk''s robes.


    With six scars from the monk''s vows on his head and a gentle countenance.


    "This is Master Faxing of the Heart Monkey Temple, the client who wishes to commission the [Furious Ghost-suppressing] Statue of the Deity," Shangguan Qinghong introduced to Li Che.


    The monk greeted Li Che with a prayerful hand gesture, maintaining his usual mild demeanor.


    Li Che glanced at the monk, feeling an overwhelming divinity burning like flames, seemingly unstoppable, as if it could even twist the air around.


    "I am Master Faxing, it''s a pleasure to meet Master Li," said the monk in the bluish-green robes, smiling.


    Li Che returned the gesture and invited the two into his workshop.


    Upon entering, Master Faxing''s gaze slightly changed; he fixed his eyes on the blood-colored wood carving as if seeing a majestic and surging Divine aura entwining around it.


    All sinister, ghostly auras were unable to approach, making the entire workshop''s atmosphere radiant and bright.


    "This wood carving..."


    Clearly, Master Faxing had an eye for quality and was immensely shaken inside.


    Such a resplendent aura in the wood carving made exorcising spirits seem effortless.


    He quickly walked up to the Zhong Kui Statue, looking at its leopard eyes and dragon-whisker mustache, as if seeing a divine spirit, eyes wide with anger, gazing down upon the human world, driving away the demons and spirits, suppressing all the evil in the world!


    "Good... good..."


    Master Faxing was astonished.


    This statue, which he had not seen before, possessed an extremely intense power to suppress ghosts!


    Its power to banish evil was very strong.


    Although it did not match the Buddha statues of the Heart Monkey Temple, its resplendent power to suppress ghosts was by no means inferior.


    Even though he was a monk of a Buddhist temple, when it came to divine statues, there were never too many stipulations; they didn''t necessarily have to be Buddha.


    Many temples worshipped mysterious temple gods that were not among the Buddhist deities, but this did not prevent the Buddhist temples from gaining strength through the worship of these statues.


    It''s not the source of the power obtained from worship, but what one does with that power, that is most important.


    This was also why Master Faxing did not limit the type of carvings; otherwise, he would have specified the need for a Buddha statue in his request.


    "Excellent, Master Li, such fine craftsmanship!"


    Master Faxing exclaimed with approval.


    "Master Faxing, are you satisfied? Is this Zhong Kui statue good enough?" Li Che asked with a smile.


    Master Faxing nodded, "Not to mention the superb carving skills, just the statue''s magnificent and vast divinity alone instills fear in hundreds of ghosts and makes thousands of ghosts prostrate!"


    "Furious Ghost-suppressing eyes truly embody a perfect fit."


    "This is a ''Chief God'', Li... Have you ever seen the Chief God? It seems that over in Qingzhou, there is a similar Chief God Mysterious Temple, where the Temple God is depicted with leopard eyes, a tangle of whiskers, and a fierce demeanor in the human world." Shangguan Qinghong said, surprised, his eyes revealing a hint of fascination.


    Li Che was slightly shocked, Chief God?


    Does this world really have a Chief God?


    But thinking of the Three-Eyed Fierce True Lord, the Eight-Armed Prison Lotus Furious Third Prince, the existence of a Chief God seemed normal.


    "As observed in ancient texts, I was inspired. Hearing that the Chief God excels in suppressing ghosts, I carved it in this form. It''s unfortunate that I haven''t seen it with my own eyes, so I could only rely on imagination."


    Li Che chuckled.


    Master Faxing, however, couldn''t put it down and immediately took out two pieces of Ten Cities Divine Crystal and handed them to Li Che.


    "Thank you for Master Li''s craftsmanship, this statue of the deity, I will take it. The quality of this statue has reached the pinnacle of Ten Cities. Due to Master Li''s Cultivation, it cannot advance to the level of Nine Luminaries... which is a bit of a pity."


    "If it were of Nine Luminaries level, the price wouldn''t be the same," Shangguan Qinghong added hastily.


    "The monk understands," after pondering for a moment, Master Faxing took out a string of beaded bracelets from his Qiankun Jade and passed it to Li Che.


    "Master Li, exchanging two Divine Crystals for this divine aura-filled Chief God wood carving, I truly feel ashamed. Take this Buddha bracelet as a gift, and consider it making a new friend."


    "Master Li, if you have time another day, feel free to visit Heart Monkey Temple," Master Faxing, with palms pressed together in salute, said.


    Li Che didn''t refuse and took the Buddha bracelet, glancing at it. There were nine Buddha beads, strung together with a fine cord, each bead simply carved with a monkey''s face.


    Thousand Analyzing Hands activated, analyzing.


    ...


    [Non-Divine Weapon: Heart-Monkey Beaded Bracelet]


    [Origin: Ordinary Bodhi wood beads, containing a trace of Heart-Monkey fire element combined with Fury Divinity, capable of driving away inner demons]


    [In Charge: None]


    ...


    Hm?


    Li Che was taken aback for a moment.


    The Heart-Monkey Beaded Bracelet wasn''t considered a Divine Weapon, which Li Che didn''t care much about, but he focused on its description.


    Heart-Monkey and Fury Divinity combined?


    Fire element... Fury...


    Li Che''s eyes narrowed, fire element... part of the Five Elements, combined with the Seven Emotions'' Fury?


    A combination of the Five Elements and the Seven Emotions Divinity?


    This was the first time Li Che encountered such a combination, and it sent a small tremor through his heart.


    However, it wasn''t the time to study it now. He pressed down on the thought and put away the beaded bracelet.


    Master Faxing didn''t put the Zhong Kui statue into his Qiankun Jade but instead carried it directly, majestically holding the statue and leaving the Qintian Observatory.


    Ancient Qinghong and Li Che saw him off.


    Watching the monk''s figure disappear into the Spring Breeze Neighbourhood while holding the Chief God wood carving, both of their expressions were somewhat odd.


    "Heart Monkey Temple has a deep heritage. They have their own Wood Carving Hall, yet Master Faxing often comes to our Qintian Observatory to assign tasks, allowing our masters to earn the Divine Crystals that he works hard for... He''s somewhat an oddity of Heart Monkey Temple," Shangguan Qinghong said, taking out a handful of sunflower seeds and starting to crack them.


    "Heart Monkey Temple has a deep heritage?" Li Che was curious.


    "As one of the Five Great Sects of the Golden Light Prefecture City, although not comparable to the Authentic Divine Sect Branch, Heart Monkey Temple has a not-so-simple origin," Shangguan Qinghong explained.


    "It''s said that their lineage is not inferior. Heart Monkey Temple is a remnant of the ancient Divine Sect, with a history of three thousand years. The authentic Divine Sect once dominated the world with great power, ruling over the six paths and twelve states, overshadowing the ruling dynasties of the time, intimidating the world, but now their lineage has fallen into obscurity."


    "Five hundred years ago, a Strange Que erupted from the Mysterious Temple they suppressed. The extremely terrifying ''Three Clears Level'' Temple God Chess Piece resurrected, unstoppable by anyone. With other forces also meddling, this ancient Divine Sect''s lineage was thoroughly dismantled and fragmented."


    "Later, monks from remnants of the Divine Sect''s lineage took refuge in Golden Light Prefecture and established Heart Monkey Temple with part of their legacy," Shangguan Qinghong recounted.


    Li Che felt a slight tremor in his heart on hearing this.


    An ancient Divine Sect''s lineage was certainly extraordinary, as reaching the level of the authentic Divine Sect was truly remarkable.


    "What was the name of the authentic Divine Sect of Heart Monkey Temple?" Li Che asked.


    Shangguan Qinghong cracked a sunflower seed, chewed thoughtfully for a moment, and said, "The name of the collapsed Sect was extremely arrogant... I think it was called..."


    "Equaling Heaven Temple."

 Chapter 170: Qitian Mixed Yuan Ruyi Stick, You Forced Me to Do This

    Equal Heaven Temple?!


    Li Che''s eyes suddenly narrowed when he heard the name.


    Thinking of the Heart Monkey Temple, he couldn''t help but conjure the image of that peerless Divine Monkey who had turned the heavens upside down, stirring the skies and causing all the gods to bow their heads!


    The Great Sage?!


    Li Che took a deep breath, his body trembling as if every inch of his flesh was vibrating. It was just a name, yet it felt as if his soul was also trembling.


    The Third Crown Prince, the Three-eyed True Lord, and now... Equal Heaven...


    Myths overlapping from two lives seemed to meld like dark clouds, bringing rolling lightning and roaring thunder that struck his mind.


    After a while, Li Che finally exhaled.


    "Equal Heaven Temple... has the sect''s lineage been shattered, destroyed?"


    Li Che turned to Shangguan Qinghong, this girl knew a lot, like a treasure trove of knowledge.


    If in doubt, ask her.


    Shangguan Qinghong shook her head while nibbling on sunflower seeds, "The ancient Divine Sect, although dilapidated and the lineage fragmented, cannot be considered annihilated..."


    "The ''Three Pure Ones'' Mysterious Temple that was once suppressed by the Equal Heaven Temple is still in existence. The temple god''s rebellion five hundred years ago was too sudden, catching the already weakened Equal Heaven Temple off guard..."


    "The area occupied by that Mysterious Temple has now become a land of great peril, Strange Que expanding for thousands of miles, uninhabited. The Qi Tian City from back then has also become a playground for demons and evil spirits."


    "However, the three major lineages derived from the Equal Heaven Temple all aspire to return to conquer Qi Tian City... the Ruyi Sect, the Tian Gang Tower, and our own Golden Light Prefecture City''s Heart Monkey Temple, all want to reclaim Qi Tian City."


    "I think reviving the Equal Heaven Temple might be exaggerated, after all, it''s in the past... it''s probably for the temple god''s heritage left by the Equal Heaven Temple and that Three Clears Level Divine Weapon."


    Shangguan Qinghong moved her head, it had been five hundred years since the collapse of the Equal Heaven Temple, such a long... long time?


    Calling it an age would be fitting.


    Five hundred years passed, and all sentimental dedication to the lineage has turned to fleeting clouds, leaving only interests that descendants hold dear.


    "A Three Clears Level Divine Weapon?" Li Che''s body shuddered.


    "The Ruyi Golden Hoop Stick?"


    He blurted out without thinking.


    "Eh? You know of it? You''ve heard about it?" Shangguan Qinghong appeared quite surprised, not expecting Li Che to spit out that name, given that information about Equal Heaven Temple was long ago, mostly documented only in ancient texts, unknown to most cultivators.


    "That Three Clears Divine Weapon is called ''Qi Tian Hun Yuan Ruyi Golden Hoop Stick''! It''s ranked seventh in the ''Da Jing Qin Tian Divine Weapon Catalogue'' personally organized by the Great Supervising Minister!"


    "Only seventh?"


    Li Che felt unsettled, how could my great sage''s weapon rank so low!


    Shangguan Qinghong covered her mouth and laughed, "It''s not low at all, the Great Supervising Minister himself said directly in the preface of the Divine Weapon Catalogue, the top ten Divine Weapons aren''t ranked by strength or hierarchy but rather depend on the capability of those who wielded them."


    Upon hearing this, Li Che nodded.


    Suddenly, a thought struck him, "So... the Qi Tian Stick currently has no master?"


    Shangguan Qinghong gave Li Che a strange look, "Yes, Qi Tian Mysterious Temple is located in Shi Zhou, and due to the Three Clears Level Strange Que''s recent turmoil, the area has basically fallen into the hands of demons and evil spirits, with the Qi Tian Ancient City even occupied by a Demon King comparable to the Divine Embryo Realm..."


    "That Qi Tian Stick, along with the Divine Tribulation Cultivator from the Equal Heaven Temple, vanished back into the Qi Tian Strange Que, unknown when it might reappear... thus, it has not been claimed."


    "Li, you''re not coveting this stick, are you?"


    Upon hearing this, Li Che''s eyes flickered with ambition, naturally...


    "You are too weak now, let alone entering Qi Tian Ancient City, just approaching it might get you torn apart by demons and evil spirits..."


    "Moreover, for a Three Clears Level Divine Weapon, without sufficient cultivation, you don''t control the Divine Weapon but the Divine Weapon controls you..."


    Shangguan Qinghong intended to persuade Li Che to dismiss such thoughts.


    Li Che naturally had the confidence of his ambitions, but he just needed more time to grow.


    He smiled and didn''t delve too deeply into the topic.


    Shangguan Qinghong became reflective, "Whenever I look at ancient texts, learning about the prosperity of the Equal Heaven Temple, it was unparalleled in the world, rivalling the Imperial Court, so powerful and domineering, it was the pinnacle of Divine Sects, yet it could not escape the ravages of time, also destined to face great changes..."


    "It disintegrated overnight, now, it can only be remembered in historical books."


    "So, this world... is too dangerous, no one can ensure their safety here, during the flourishing times of the Equal Heaven Temple, the temple housed powers beyond the Divine Embryo Realm, ''Divine Tribulation'' powerhouses!"


    "Yet it still disintegrated, turned to dust."


    Shangguan Qinghong sighed, feeling melancholy as she cracked more sunflower seeds.


    Li Che also couldn''t help but feel deeply moved, indeed... this world was indeed very dangerous.


    Moreover, the most important thing was that those dead temple gods in the Mysterious Temples seemed to overlap with the myths in his mind.


    This made him feel an inexplicable anxiety in his heart.


    "I''m too weak now, thinking about these things is meaningless, just live each day well."


    "I just want to accompany my wife and daughter, to live well in this world."


    Li Che spoke softly. f


    Shangguan Qinghong''s gaze fluctuated, seemingly touched by Li Che''s words, her long eyelashes trembling as she glanced at Li and pursed her red lips.


    "Li..."


    Shangguan Qinghong called out.


    Li Che looked over, puzzled.


    "If only you were my father." Shangguan Qinghong pursed her lips, her voice unusually a bit subdued.

 Chapter 171: The Qitian Mixed Yuan Ruyi Stick, You Forced Me (2)

    Li Che was taken aback, afterward somewhat speechless.


    This girl, on our first meeting, was absolutely set on a blind date, coveting his body.


    Now, she actually wanted to be his daughter?


    Women... really are fickle!


    After Shangguan Qinghong finished speaking, she seemed to return to her senses, slightly embarrassed, her pretty face instantly flushing red like a heated iron block, stuffing a handful of melon seeds into Li Che''s hand and then slipping away.


    ...


    ...


    The Bull Demon has appeared!


    When Qin Haonan, who was still shadowing Li Che while drinking wine in Yanxiangge, heard this news, he was completely dumbfounded.


    "The Bull Demon? He has appeared?"


    He stared at the grey-faced spy who delivered the news, disbelief filling his eyes.


    Actually, Qin Haonan also believed Li Che was the Bull Demon, mainly based on hints from Zhang Xiangyang, so subconsciously, he felt that Li Che fit the identity of the Bull Demon too well.


    Although there was a gap in strength, the power Li Che had displayed did not match that of the Bull Demon at all; however, as a member of the Qin Family, Qin Haonan was clearly aware that judging by superficial strength alone was inaccurate.


    Certain obscure Breath Concealing Techniques could hide one''s Cultivation.


    Therefore, Qin Haonan had never dismissed his suspicions about Li Che.


    But with today''s news from the grey-faced spy, and Qin Haonan witnessing Li Che entering the Qintian Observatory with his own eyes,


    He had to admit a fact.


    "It seems, Li Che truly is not the Bull Demon..."


    Qin Haonan slumped down onto a chair, poured himself a glass of wine, and drank it in one gulp.


    Then who in the devil is the Bull Demon?


    And who... who killed Yuqing?


    The one who shot and killed Grandmaster Divine Foundation, Qin Yuqing, from dozens of miles away, was truly a nightmare, causing incessant unease.


    "The old ancestor also went to that remnant of the Tang Family, but the Tang outcast insisted it wasn''t his doing, with no grudge or grievance, and indeed with his stature, he would unlikely brazenly shoot a woman."


    "Could it really be Cao Guang... Cao Guang isn''t dead?"


    Qin Haonan felt an immense headache, how could they not find a person with the extensive influence of the Mansion City Qin Family?


    "Million Gambling House... in cahoots with the Corpse God Cult?"


    As the grey-faced spy continued to report, Qin Haonan narrowed his eyes, though his expression barely changed.


    After all, the current state of Golden Light Prefecture City seemed calm.


    But in fact, there were already undercurrents surging in the background.


    To the noble families and powerful clans of the Mansion City, the penetration of the Corpse God Cult''s forces was easier to accept than imagined, because the benefits they gained were tangible.


    And the temptation to break through the bottlenecks in their Cultivation was indeed too great.


    The power held by the Corpse God Cult was extraordinary; even though the Imperial Court had always been suppressing the Corpse God Cult, the failure of the rebellion by Vassal King Ji Moli resulted in an even more rampant spread of the Corpse God Cult''s influence.


    Not just in Golden Light Prefecture, but it seemed that the Corpse God Cult''s forces were infiltrating every prefecture in Yun Province.


    The Corpse God Cult''s power had spread beyond its original base, slowly eroding the territory of the Dajing Dynasty.


    They even aspired to emulate the once-flourishing Equal Heaven Temple of three thousand years ago, to occupy the six paths and twelve states of the world, carving up the realm with the Imperial Court!


    The noble families and the court were never truly aligned; maybe during times when Dajing was at its peak, the noble families of the various states and prefectures might not dare to act brashly and would be sincerely submissive.


    But when the mighty tiger began to falter, various sides would start to entertain other intentions.


    "You mean to tell me... the Ten Cities Corpse God Envoy has been slain? A Ten Cities Corpse God Envoy, with his Cursed Iron Corpse body, under the Grandmaster, is impossible to kill, and it''s even harder for a Divine Foundation to kill a Cursed Iron Corpse!"


    "This Bull Demon... he could actually do it?!"


    Qin Haonan was profoundly shaken.


    The Cursed Iron Corpse was notoriously tough and rank, capable of taking damage and escaping from a Grandmaster Warrior.


    But a Ten Cities Corpse God Envoy was abruptly beaten to death.


    "How brutal, the whole Million Gambling House, dozens of Qi Meridian Martialists all dead bodies shattered?"


    As Qin Haonan listened to the description of the Million Gambling House massacre, he slowly exhaled.


    This time, he was even more certain that the Bull Demon had nothing to do with Li Che.


    Let''s not even talk about the alibi; just observing Li Che over these days, this Woodcarving Master who lives a simple life, a ''three-point and one-line'' routine, caring and loving towards his family.


    How could he be the Bull Demon, an extremely cruel and horrible wretch who killed people and mutilated bodies?


    Qin Haonan stood up and walked to the window, looking across at the Qintian Observatory Treasure Tower perched on the cliff.


    "Let''s go!"


    In the end, Qin Haonan chose to give up his surveillance of Li Che.


    Such an honest and decent person.


    It wasn''t worth wasting time watching him anymore.


    ...


    ...


    The news of the Bull Demon''s massacre at the Million Gambling House quickly quieted down over the following few days.


    While occasionally it was the subject of storytellers in the teahouses, most of the common folk returned to their normal lives, this kind of brutal incident was beyond their reach.


    The Divine Guard Army of the Mansion City published a first-class warrant for the arrest of the ferocious perpetrator, the Bull Demon; anyone who reported the whereabouts of the Bull Demon could receive five hundred silver taels, and the one who beheads the Bull Demon could be rewarded with two thousand taels of silver!


    Spring was in full bloom, bringing with it the fresh breeze among the willows.


    Li Che passed by the announcement board, looking at the warrant for the Bull Demon, with little change in his expression.


    "This Million Gambling House was in league with the Corpse God Cult, the Bull Demon was ridding the people of a menace... yet still got a warrant, you can''t handle the Corpse God Cult... and now you won''t let the Bull Demon handle it either?"


    Li Che''s gaze was deep.


    Without lingering, he stepped past the announcement board, bathed in the drifting spring breezes, and arrived at the workshop and small courtyard he had purchased in the Mansion City.


    Shut the door, slide the bolt.


    The [Chess Saint] Dao Fruit vibrated, and the Heaven and Earth chessboard immediately appeared before him, spreading across the entire courtyard.


    Lights flickered, and in the very center of the Heaven and Earth chessboard, a "Corpse Curse Mark" emitted an extremely intense Corpse Qi.

 Chapter 172: Qitian Mixed Yuan Ruyi Stick, You Forced Me (3)

    "Eight Extremes Corpse Curse Seal..."


    Li Che''s eyes were ice-cold. If not for that Corpse God Envoy''s mention, he wouldn''t have known that the quality of this Corpse Curse Seal was so high.


    Clearly, the strong figure from the Corpse God Cult that Cao Guang had connected within Mansion City also held a significant status.


    Being able to use the Eight Extremes Corpse Curse Seal as a connecting link, Cao Guang intended to court favor, and the strong figure from the Corpse God Cult certainly possessed the Eight Extremes Corpse Curse Seal.


    Initially, Li Che had been puzzled as to why one of the three major gangs, the Fishing Gang, had targeted him.


    Now, it seems that it had a great deal to do with this Corpse Curse Seal; clearly, it wasn''t because they sensed the Corpse Curse Seal, for Li Che had always used the Heaven and Earth Chessboard to block it, making it undetectable to others.


    The adversaries had probably guessed that Cao Guang intended to impose the Eight Extremes Corpse Curse Seal on Xi Xi.


    So, they were focusing on Xi Xi.


    They wanted to find out who had taken the Eight Extremes Corpse Curse Seal...


    "Corpse God Cult, Corpse Curse Seal..."


    Li Che''s eyes were indifferent, filled with unreserved murderous intent.


    "You are searching for me... but I am also searching for you..."


    He raised his hand and touched the Corpse Curse Seal.


    In an instant, it was as if black ink-like Corpse Qi was unleashed, releasing waves of Corpse Qi that spread in concentric circles across the entire chessboard.


    After several expansions, two black chess pieces emitting Corpse Qi appeared on the chessboard.


    Li Che looked up, gazing beyond the courtyard.


    "Black Snake Gang..."


    The two Martial Artists marked with the Corpse Curse Seal came from outside the small workshop courtyard; they were from the Black Snake Gang here to shadow him.


    "As long as they are within ten feet of me, the Eight Extremes Corpse Curse Seal can reveal those bearing the Corpse Curse Seal..."


    "People of the Corpse God Cult, you cannot hide from my sight."


    Li Che''s eyes were ice-cold.


    Towards the Corpse God Cult, he harbored no goodwill, only murderous intent.


    After all, they coveted his daughter and initiated the horrifyingly inhumane Thousand Infants Sacrifice, utterly sinful...


    They deserved to die!


    They must die!


    He would show no mercy.


    The Temple Control Bureau and the Divine Guard Army might play the long game, but Li Che had no patience for that.


    The one devoid of martial ethics was the Corpse God Cult, attempting to use the Corpse Curse Seal implanted in Li Zhengran''s body, planning to infect Xi Xi with such despicable means. r§¡


    Then he, Li Che...


    Needed to uphold what sort of martial ethics?


    "It''s you who forced me first..."


    Madness and ferocity surged in Li Che''s eyes.


    With a casual sweep of his hand, the Heaven and Earth Chessboard expanded, enveloping the surroundings, shielding the small courtyard.


    Li Che stood up, his blood suddenly boiling, black hair wildly fluttering, his bones cracking loudly!


    "Huff¡ª!"


    "Inhale¡ª!"


    Li Che opened his mouth and, with every inhalation and exhalation, he stirred the airflow within the courtyard, accompanied by a whining roar, resembling a long dragon sweeping through!


    Rustle rustle...


    By his ears, the sound of blood surging flowed endlessly!


    Li Che now possessed tremendous vitality, his mysterious veins had reached their peak, and his breath connected heaven and soles, making him seem completely linked with the universe!


    Li Che seemed to enter a state of self-forgetfulness, as his inner Qi coursed and circulated within his body, forming the Circulation of the Heavens Count and seemingly opening up one acupoint after another on his body.


    His mind seemed to float out, sensing every inch of change upon his body, the contraction and blooming of pores on his skin, and the process of his internal organs wriggling and trembling.


    Each scene was reflected in his mind!


    As if aided by a deity!


    Boom¡ª!


    Suddenly, Li Che took a step forward, his fingers hooking like claws, gathered five streams of energy into a fist, and fiercely struck out, with a colorful ferocious tiger roaring out behind him.


    It was the White Tiger Chaotic Wind Fist, which he had refined into a Superior Martial Art!


    The White Tiger seemed lifelike, formed by the external eruption of inner Qi!


    Roar!


    The White Tiger roared to the heavens, instantly vivid, as if it had been endowed with essence, Qi, and spirit, becoming like a real creature!


    This was the conceptual state of the Divine Pulse Martial Artist to refine a martial art into the Transformation Realm, integrating it with their own essence, Qi, and spirit.


    And this step, for Li Che, who had talents like Dragon Elephant Vajra for cross-training, was not an issue at all!


    Within his flesh, it seemed as if a tiger roared; his sinews and bones simultaneously burst forth noise, the speed at which his inner Qi operated increased rapidly, and the power emitted was greatly enhanced.


    All his senses and perceptions were wholly elevated, and it felt as if he was about to burst his physical body, forming a perception power similar to Divine Sense.


    In the middle of the courtyard, Li Che ended his practice and stood, his entire being like a fearsome, crouching tiger. As his eyes opened, his vitality exploded around him, almost turning substantial, blooming like a lotus.


    Prison Lotus!


    Great Scenery Temple Prison Lotus Divine Vein Technique!


    This was the Divine Vein cultivation technique Li Che obtained from Cao Guang!


    Now, he firmly stepped forward, his martial path entering the Divine Veins, and he could look forward to the realm of Grandmaster!


    But Li Che did not stop.


    His sword fingers tore through the air, Shocking Spear spewing out as he grasped it, and in its dance, the spear shadows seemed like streaks of light!


    A mountain-collapsing, sea-inverting surge suddenly rose within the courtyard!


    The Three-Eyed Wrathful True Lord''s Triple-Bladed Knife, this Divine Martial Art, was mastered by Li Che more and more adeptly, fully stabilizing his Major Accomplishment!


    Withdrawing the knife, countless streaks of blade light slowly dissipated around him, cutting the wood shavings on the ground into pieces.


    "Divine Pulse, achieved!"


    ...


    ...


    As one of the three major gangs in Golden Light Prefecture City, the Fishing Gang had an immense sphere of influence, covering almost the entire area along the Nine Dragons River.


    The Mansion City was vast, with many people, including many who came from towns and lower-tier cities outside the Prefecture to seek work at the Fishing Gang by the Nine Dragons River Bank.


    Because it was close to the river where the river fish are abundant, handling and transporting the fish and aquatic products was abundant. Therefore, there were many labor-intense jobs available, attracting a large number of workers to the area.

 Chapter 173: Qitian Mixed Yuan Ruyi Stick, You Forced Me (4)

    The Fishing Gang was indeed the largest force in this region, and even the Black Jiao Gang and the Beggars'' Sect could not compare to it.


    The powers within Mansion City were always hierarchical, with the Fishing Gang under the Five Great Clans and the Five Major Sects, and above them were the Temple Control Bureau, Qintian Observatory, City Lord''s Mansion, and Divine Sect Branch, with the Authentic Divine Sect even higher!


    Below the Fishing Gang, there were similarly numerous smaller forces.


    For example, the Black Snake Gang and Million Gambling House were also under the Fishing Gang''s influence.


    White Wave Hall was the Fishing Gang''s governing power on the docks, no weaker than the Million Gambling House, and even somewhat stronger.


    At this moment, within the large courtyard where the leader of White Wave Hall and numerous executors were located.


    A pitiful scream echoed, and a thick scent of blood permeated and spread.


    A moment later, a hunched middle-aged man emerged from the inner room. His fingers were grabbing a woman''s hair, dragging her out from the inner hall. The woman''s body was completely devoured, with no trace of blood or flesh left, already devoid of life.


    After dragging her out, the middle-aged man threw her onto the ground, pulling out a handkerchief to wipe the fresh blood from his hands.


    "Old Mo, throw this woman''s body into Nine Dragons River to feed the fish,"


    The hunched middle-aged man said with a laugh, revealing a mouthful of blood-red teeth.


    An executor bowed his head and silently dragged the corpse away.


    "The Corpse Cultivation Technique of the Corpse God Cult is indeed miraculous. I''ve moved a step closer to the Grandmaster Realm. Once I break through to the Grandmaster, I will be able to join the high ranks of the Fishing Gang and have a say,"


    The hunched man said as he sat on the Taishi Chair, lifting a cup of freshly brewed hot tea and gently sipped.


    The two Vice Hall Masters below began to offer their congratulations.


    "By the way, Leader, recently... several people under the Fishing Gang''s jurisdiction have died. The other day, the leader of Quicksand Hall was nailed dead inside his house, and more than a dozen Qi Channel experts of Quicksand Hall were dismembered,"


    "Yesterday, the Master of the Tower at Long Sea Tower had his head burst..."


    "Should we... should we restrain ourselves a bit?"


    The Vice Hall Master asked, trembling slightly.


    The leader of White Wave Hall drank some tea, chewing on the tea leaves to refresh his breath, and sneered, "The Bull Demon, it''s all the work of that self-proclaimed hero, the Bull Demon!"


    "Like a dog, relying on his elusive agility to commit ruthless acts..."


    "According to the intelligence, when this Bull Demon first appeared in Fei Lei City, he proclaimed himself a hero..."


    "He could act like a hero in a small city, but what good outcomes can there be for wanting to be a hero in Mansion City?"


    "In this era, if I don''t kill these commoners, these commoners will encounter others. Can this Bull Demon kill everyone? There are countless evils in this era; does he think he can eradicate them all?"


    "What''s wrong with me eating a person?"


    "If I don''t eat, there are plenty who will!"


    The leader of White Wave Hall sneered.


    "He still thinks he''s a hero, acting so recklessly? Neither the Divine Guard Army nor the Temple Control Bureau recognize it; his bounty on the notice board is now even higher than that of the River and Ocean High Robber Gao Yang!"


    The Vice Hall Master trembled even more: "Leader, it''s true what you say..."


    "But..."


    The leader of White Wave Hall narrowed his eyes: "What''s there to be afraid of, as if the Fishing Gang is made of vegetarians? Having killed so many masters under the command of the Fishing Gang, the Grandmasters of the Fishing Gang have already set their sights on him..."


    "The strong ones from the Divine Guard Army and the Temple Control Bureau have been chasing him all along."


    "If the Bull Demon dares to come kill me, I only need to hold him off desperately, and he, the Bull Demon, will have no escape!"


    The leader of White Wave Hall had just consumed a woman, and his Corpse Cultivation Technique had a breakthrough, making him feel almost invincible.


    He was in that breakthrough inflation period where he felt he could go toe-to-toe with anyone.


    His words were filled with confidence and arrogance.


    As he spoke, however, he didn''t get a response from the Vice Hall Master beside him, and he paused for a moment.


    He turned his head...


    Only to find that he seemed to have grown taller suddenly, able to look down upon the Vice Hall Master''s Heavenly Spirit Cover.


    His eyes rolled, and he saw a hunched body with a twisted-off head, from which blood continuously spurted from the neck.


    Wasn''t that his own body?


    Ah¡ª!


    The leader of White Wave Hall tried to scream, but found he couldn''t make any sound. The world seemed to collapse thunderously, turning pitch black in an instant.


    Before he completely lost consciousness,


    He only saw a Cute Bull Mask.


    Bull Demon?


    Bull Demon!!!

 Chapter 174: Cunning and Treacherous Also Called a Hero, Li Qingshan Returns

    ```


    The dense stench of blood gushed incessantly, like a fountain constantly spraying and splashing.


    The entire hall was completely shrouded in the smell of blood, almost making one want to vomit.


    Within the great hall of White Wave Hall, the piercing wind howled through, chilling everyone to the bone.


    Bull Demon...


    Bull Demon, oh!


    His name alone struck terror into hearts!


    Utterly vicious and evil!


    The vice hall leader standing next to the leader of White Wave Hall was now trembling like chaff, his face deathly pale, his pupils the size of green beans.


    He stared blankly at the towering figure next to him, who had casually twisted the head off the leader of White Wave Hall.


    The wildly dancing jet-black hair, like lightning, set against the Cute Bull Mask... He was like an Asura!


    "You... you..."


    The vice hall leader was utterly terrified. Bull Demon''s ferocious reputation was well known, resounding like thunder in his ears.


    So many forces under the Fishing Gang had been slaughtered by the Bull Demon, yet they could do nothing against him!


    Now, the Bull Demon had appeared in White Wave Hall, and it was finally their turn...


    The vice hall leader was in utter despair. The appearance of the Bull Demon had been without warning, as if he had suddenly materialized beside the leader of White Wave Hall.


    The leader of White Wave Hall, who had cultivated the Corpse Cultivation Technique and used the Death Qi to nourish his body to the peak of the Cursed Walking Corpse, half a step into the realm of the Cursed Iron Corpse, had his head twisted off by the Bull Demon...


    Easier than twisting off a chicken''s head...


    This Bull Demon was ten times, a hundred times more terrifying than the rumors!


    Li Che''s eyes beneath his mask were ice-cold, void of any emotional fluctuation.


    These people...


    All deserved to die.


    His gaze connected with the Heaven and Earth chessboard, and the Eight Extremes Corpse Curse Seal suppressed within the chessboard suddenly vibrated violently. A ring of invisible Corpse Qi spread out from his body as the center.


    This made the Corpse Curse Marks on these people incredibly clear in his eyes!


    This was a gift given to them by the Corpse God Cult, as well as a means of dragging them into the mire. The Corpse Curse Mark needed to be nourished by Death Qi. If they wanted to break through their cultivation, they would have to accumulate Death Qi.


    Where did Death Qi come from?


    Just like the leader of White Wave Hall, through killing... even eating people!


    Bang!


    His blood Qi burst forth. The vice hall leader had no intention of fighting back; he only wanted to escape!


    The leader of White Wave Hall said that when the Bull Demon appeared, someone would come to deal with him. Where were they?


    Where were they!!!


    "Where are the people?!"


    The roar came bellowing out of the vice hall leader''s mouth.


    Then, his body became immobilized, as if an invisible hand had gripped his throat. The terrifying high-level Divine Majesty, like ripples spreading, brushed over his body, and he became stiff on the spot, completely unable to move...


    Such fearsome Divinity...


    The vice hall leader felt his own Divinity trembling, unable to circulate even a trace. Suppressed utterly before the Rank.


    Then, he saw a millstone-like Divine Foundation rising behind the Bull Demon, shining like a scorching sun.


    Foundation Wheel rotation sent out blades of light that swept through in an instant, like countless bamboo leaves stirred by a fierce wind, a hurricane sweeping through, violently swirling within the hall.


    Putt putt putt putt


    All the experts of White Wave Hall within the hall were killed!


    Li Che briefly activated Ascending Stance, the kind that didn''t provide sustenance for Temple God Divinity, capable of being maintained for just a few breaths, convenient for a one-time absorption of Divinity...


    With a clench of his hand, countless Divinity gathered from the corpses, condensing into Divine Chess Pieces, and were absorbed into the Heaven and Earth chessboard.


    Li Che''s powerful Divine Sense swept through, searching the bodies of the two vice hall leaders he had blown up and the leader whose head he had twisted off, scavenging the Qiankun Jade.


    To kill without looting corpses, what difference was there from a salted fish?


    "Bull Demon!!!"


    "Don''t you run!"


    As Li Che was completing these actions, a terrifying aura suddenly erupted from outside White Wave Hall!


    That was... the Divinity aura of an Illusory Phase Realm Cultivator!


    Vast and majestic, as if a deity from afar had opened his eyes to look over, Divine Majesty swept over, threatening to obliterate everything.


    And there was also the fearsome sound of cutting wind, as a Divine Archer from afar shot out a life-snatching arrow, heading straight for him!


    On the arrow, blood Qi roared like python serpents, and wrapped in the meticulously condensed Perfection Foundation Divinity!


    A very powerful arrow!


    It sealed all angles and directions for the Bull Demon to escape!


    But this was not the first time Li Che had encountered such a situation. This strong Divine Archer from the Divine Guard Army, whose archery was beyond compare, was much more powerful than the [Angry Cry Hundred Ghosts Thunderstorm Arrows] Li Che possessed.


    And this Divine Archer was also very strong, with a Grandmaster Middle Boundary cultivation, his Divinity had reached Divine Base Perfection, on the verge of Observing Divine Likeness, nearing the Void Aspect.


    The arrows he shot were more terrifying than cannon shells!


    If it were about explosive power, it even surpassed his [Namo Fairy Craft Barrett]!


    Immortal Work Barrett mainly had a long range, fast speed, strong penetration, plus the malicious nature of the Dragon Tooth Bodhi Bullets infused with Bodhi Blood Tears...


    Which led to an extremely fearsome lethality!


    But when it came to the power of explosions, it really wasn''t a match for a single arrow from the Divine Archer filled with Grandmaster True Qi and Perfection Divine Foundation Divinity!


    Two massive attacks came raging in, one from a Fisher Gang Illusory Phase expert, and one from a Divine Guard Army Divine Archer!


    Almost simultaneously, thunderous assaults descended.


    The terrible sense of oppression was nearly suffocating!


    Boom!!!!


    The terrifying explosion, like a mushroom cloud rising up, shook the ground, numerous cracks spider-webbing out, as if an earthquake had struck.


    The meeting hall of White Wave Hall instantly collapsed into a deep pit, with bricks scattered and walls crumbled, leaving massive web-like radial cracks.


    Amidst the billowing smoke, a figure stepped into the air and passed by with a sweep of his sleeve.


    ```

 Chapter 175: Cunning and Treacherous Also Called a Hero, Li Qingshan Returns (2)

    A strong wind suddenly arose, scattering all the floating dust.


    It revealed the scene within the deep pit.


    There stood an elderly man, dressed in finery, with his hands behind his back, hovering in mid-air, for an Illusory Phase Cultivator already possessed the ability to levitate.


    This person was one of the two deputy leaders of the Fishing Gang who had reached the Illusory Phase realm, Liu Jinsong.


    The other man, emanating a wildly fierce life-force, shot forward and landed at the edge of the pit, his golden armor brilliantly reflecting in the sunlight.


    "He''s escaped again..."


    This individual was a Divine Archer of the Divine Guard Army, Jiang Du.


    The two of them, considered first-rate experts even in Golden Light Prefecture City, had jointly struck, yet the Bull Demon had managed to escape once more.


    Liu Jinsong floated down, his elegant robes billowing in the wind as he stood with his hands behind his back, his eyes and eyebrows expressing extreme coldness, "That Bull Demon, truly as slippery as an eel..."


    "Always strikes in secret and flees immediately after the kill! Malicious and cunning!"


    "There are even those in the streets who call him a hero, for killing the innocent under our Fishing Gang... He''s utterly brutal and violent, yet acts with cowardice and fear of death, a true rat amongst men!"


    Liu Jinsong cursed out loud.


    To be repeatedly eluded by someone merely in the Primary God-Base Realm was humiliating for a master of the Illusory Phase realm, as if being toyed with amidst applause!


    His annoyance was only natural.


    Jiang Du put away the red longbow in his hand and glanced at the frustrated Liu Jinsong with a sneer in his heart.


    The people the Bull Demon had killed... what kind of scum were they?, Liu Jinsong, the deputy leader of the Fishing Gang, knew all too well, didn''t he?


    Extorting the common people, committing all sorts of evil, killing people to feed the fish... brutal and cruel!


    These people deserved death.


    Why then did the Bull Demon''s reputation soar among the common folk, earning him a good name despite the countless murders?


    Was it not all thanks to the contrast provided by his peers?!


    "This Bull Demon must have mastered a type of Art of Teleportation with a secret technique involving Divinity, and his Breath Concealment is also extremely profound, otherwise, he couldn''t have easily escaped in the face of our combined attack and Divinity blockade."


    Jiang Du, in his clanging golden armor, said in a deep voice.


    Liu Jinsong snorted coldly, his face extremely unsightly.


    The Fishing Gang... had yet another power wiped out!


    White Wave Hall was the Fishing Gang''s iron fist, and the Master of White Wave Hall was known for acting swiftly, accurately, and ruthlessly. Now, he had been directly crushed by the Bull Demon.


    In less than ten days, the subordinate powers of the Fishing Gang had suffered many casualties.


    Liu Jinsong''s eyes flickered, and a dark light continuously surged within them.


    Most importantly...


    Those slaughtered by the Bull Demon were all followers who had sworn allegiance to the Corpse God Cult and were branded with the Corpse Curse Mark!


    The Bull Demon was actually... specifically targeting people from the Corpse God Cult!


    Coincidence?


    A time or two could be coincidence, but in every power under the Fishing Gang decimated by the Bull Demon, there were followers who had been marked with the Corpse Curse!


    It simply couldn''t be a coincidence anymore.


    "He''s targeting the Corpse God Cult! He''s resisting the Corpse God Cult with the power of one man!"


    "This madman, this Bull Demon..."


    "Is truly a raging bull!"


    ...


    ...


    "Utterly lawless, rampantly arrogant!"


    "I really... "


    "Like it so much!"


    Enjoy exclusive adventures from empire


    Temple Control Bureau.


    Zhang Lianhao, looking at the intelligence about Bull Demon submitted by Hong Yong and Shi Lei, had sparkling eyes and couldn''t help but slam the desk.


    The Fishing Gang had another force wiped out by the Bull Demon, and according to the intelligence feedback from the Temple Control Bureau, this Master of White Wave Hall... was also a follower of the Corpse God Cult.


    "Can this Bull Demon... actually discern who has joined the Corpse God Cult?"


    "He''s specifically targeting the cultists of the Corpse God Cult to kill, is this... his attempt to resist the Corpse God Cult''s encroachment in Golden Light Prefecture City with his own strength?!"


    Zhang Lianhao stood up, pacing back and forth with his hands behind his back.


    His face slightly flushed, full of agitation.


    Didn''t the Temple Control Bureau know about the encroachment of the Corpse God Cult?


    Of course, they did, but they dared not act rashly, because they could not judge who had been encroached upon; they could not see the existence of the Corpse Curse Mark.


    According to intelligence the Temple Control Bureau sacrified many spies to obtain, during the time when [Eight-Armed Prison Lotus Furious Third Prince] caused an uproar in the Mysterious Temple Strange Que, and the experts from the Temple Control Bureau, Qintian Observatory, and the Divine Sect branches went to suppress it, persons dispatched by the Corpse God Cult infiltrated and corrupted many high-ranking officials of the Golden Light Prefecture...


    Now, both the Supervisor and Governor of the Temple Control Bureau are suppressing the Third Crown Prince''s Strange Que.


    Golden Light Prefecture City''s Temple Control Bureau is short of strong figures...


    This is also why Zhang Lianhao does not dare to turn hostile and act rashly.


    Mainly because, without being certain which high-ranking officials of Golden Light Prefecture had been corrupted by the Corpse God Cult...


    He did not dare to act on his own!


    The most important thing is... high-ranking officials of the Divine Guard Army have also been encroached upon, which is the most serious!


    After all, the Temple Control Bureau may have many powerful individuals, but in terms of the army, it cannot compare to Golden Light Prefecture City''s Divine Guard Army.


    "What a Bull Demon..."


    "Truly a heroic character."


    Zhang Lianhao was full of admiration.


    Although... such an unrestrained, willful murderer, who disregards rules, is very much disliked by the officials.


    But Zhang Lianhao, from his own perspective and from the perspective of the people of the city, saw the Bull Demon... as truly a boon for the people in eliminating harm!


    The boldness of the Bull Demon alone made the Fishing Gang restrain their temper.


    "I really envy their unrestrained nature..."


    Zhang Lianhao was truly envious; once he donned this official robe, many things were beyond his control.


    "This Bull Demon has extraordinary movement skills, and may indeed possess the Art of Teleportation, but now that he is exposed... all parties are prepared, with means to restrict the Art of Teleportation. The Bull Demon... is not far from being caught."


    Zhang Lianhao stopped pacing, and just then, stood in front of the window.


    He looked out at the clouds dense with the brewing of a spring rain.


    ...


    ...


    The drizzle blanketed the Mansion City built beside the river, casting a misty veil over it.


    It appeared like the expansive blank spaces in a landscape painting, punctuated by the lively outlines of buildings with upturned eaves and soaring ridges, filled with artistic charm.


    Qintian Observatory, Cliff Stone Treasure Building.


    In the workspace.


    Li Che''s fingers gripped a white Thunder Chess Piece, having returned to this place.


    His body reeked heavily of blood, but with a sudden shake, the blood scent condensed, forming a Blood Pearl, which he tossed directly into a Jade Vase and threw it into the Qiankun Space.

 Chapter 176: Cunning and Treacherous Also Called a Hero, Li Qingshan Returns (3)

    I lit the sandalwood, filling the workshop with a faint fragrance.


    I put away the Bull Demon Mask and shed the black robe, returning my robust body to normal and regaining my usual gentle and honest appearance.


    I let out a gentle breath, and my thoughts were calm, without ripples.


    The Fishing Gang... had become my target, but instead of starting with the Black Snake Gang that had been tailing me, I took action against other forces within the Fishing Gang, as long as I discovered the Corpse Curse Mark within the gang.


    Without hesitation, I would strike to kill with a thunderous burst.


    To my surprise, the Fishing Gang... was almost riddled with holes from the penetration of the Corpse God Cult, or rather, it was as if they had opened their arms to let the Corpse God Cult erode them willingly.


    It certainly must have been with the consent of the higher-ups of the Fishing Gang.


    "The Fishing Gang... Are they planning to rebel against the Golden Light Prefecture?"


    The light in my eyes flickered slightly.


    However, I was too lazy to think too much.


    Whether the Fishing Gang rebels or not, I don''t care; my only desire is to act unrestrainedly. If the Fishing Gang lacks martial virtue, then as Li Che, I will unleash the Bull Demon.


    Sitting cross-legged in my chair, I tallied up my gains, which were actually quite ordinary; my main focus was on the Divine Crystal.


    "So poor..."


    I frowned and murmured; this leader of the White Wave Hall had a total fortune of only five Ten Cities Divine Crystals¡ªdead broke.


    Over the past ten days, I had completely become the Bull Demon, hunting down the forces under the Fishing Gang. Any cultivators who had received the Corpse Curse Mark of the Corpse God Cult were killed by me.


    I gathered a total of thirty-two Ten Cities Divine Crystals, which wasn''t really a lot.


    I was helpless too¡ªafter all, Divine Crystals are cultivation resources. These cultivators all needed to cultivate, so being able to gather thirty-two was already quite good.


    "It''s the Corpse God Envoy of the Corpse God Cult that''s richer... A single Eight Extremes Divine Crystal almost overwhelmed me."


    I mumbled, somewhat nostalgic.


    Unfortunately, during this time, while I took the guise of the Bull Demon to kill the forces subordinate to the Fishing Gang, I never encountered a Corpse God Envoy from the Corpse God Cult.


    A thought moved within me, and lights flowed into view before me.


    [Dao Fruit: Immortal Artisan (lv3, 79%), Dragon Elephant Vajra (lv3, 25%), Pure Heart (LV3, 5%), Chess Saint (LV2, 58%)]


    The maturity of the Dao Fruit had achieved substantial growth overall!


    The progress of Immortal Artisan was insignificant, as I hadn''t carved a new Statue of the Deity. Dragon Elephant Vajra, having frequently engaged in combat without experiencing much pressure, still had a decent rate of improvement.


    After reaching LV3, the maturity of Pure Heart slowed down completely. Even after I drained the remaining Eight Extremes Divine Crystals, I only just increased proficiency by 5%.


    For Ten Cities Divine Crystals, it takes ten to increase proficiency by 1%. The speed drastically slowed down, and the cost-performance became extremely low!


    I wondered if it was because Pure Heart had consumed the finer essence of Eight Extremes Divine Crystals that Ten Cities Divine Crystals, this kind of rough grain, could no longer satisfy it.


    It was as if it was forcing me to find higher quality Divine Crystals.


    Only Eight Extremes, Seven-Yuan level Divine Crystals are acceptable?


    Fortunately, Pure Heart extracted the Divinity from Divine Crystals at an extremely fast speed. I transformed the Ten Cities Divinity I extracted into the Three-Eyed Fierce True Lord Divine Foundation; although it still required the Divine Foundation to refine it, the overall speed increased a lot.


    In the span of ten days, after refining ten Ten Cities Divine Crystals, I managed to elevate the Three-eyed Fury True Lord Divine Foundation to the Middle Realm of Divine Foundation!


    But what delighted me the most was the [Chess Saint] Dao Fruit...


    Due to the increase in killings, the accumulation of Divine Chess Pieces, and the frequency of employing Flying Thunder Chess Saint and the Heaven and Earth chessboard, the maturity of the [Chess Saint] Dao Fruit achieved gratifying growth!


    It had now reached 58%!


    Indeed, the fastest improvements come through battle and combat.


    I felt deeply moved.


    After organizing everything, I stood up, my muscles and bones crying out in unison with crackling sounds echoing continuously.


    With a clench of my five fingers, the air intertwined as I began practicing Martial Techniques within the courtyard.


    The cultivation of Divine Pulse, as described in the "Great Scenery Temple Top-tier Prison Lotus Meridian Divine Pulse Technique", focuses primarily on transformations through Divinity.


    The number of transformations affects the strength of one''s blood and Inner Qi.


    To break through to Grandmaster, the Divine Pulse must integrate the nuances of three Transformation Realm Martial Arts, achieving the Divine Pulse Triple Transformation.


    This is the minimum requirement. A True Qi Grandmaster who achieves breakthrough at the bare minimum is of the lowest rank.


    After that, there are the stages of Divine Pulse Six Transformations and Divine Pulse Nine Transformations.


    You need to fuse the nuances of six and nine Martial Arts respectively.


    The difficulty... is simply incomparable!


    After all, for any Martial Artist, mastering a Martial Technique to the Transformation Realm requires so much time and effort.


    Martial Arts are divided into Lower, Middle, and Superior tiers, and the Transformation Realm of each varies.


    Many Divine Pulse Martial Artists spend their whole lives without mastering three Transformation Realm Martial Arts, and naturally, they have no hope of becoming Grandmasters.


    However, there are rumors that within the Divine Sect, there exists a mysterious Spirit Martial Pill that enhances one''s Martial Arts perception, thereby accelerating the rate at which one practices Martial Arts to reach the Transformation Realm.


    This is also why great sects often produce Grandmasters more easily.


    But for ordinary Divine Pulse Cultivators, Grandmaster is extremely difficult to achieve.


    If you can''t become a Grandmaster, a Divine Minister is hopeless... It''s like a vicious cycle, with the path utterly broken. Stay tuned to empire


    Inside the workshop, the fierce wind gradually ceased. Only a hidden but vigorous blood Qi surged, and as I opened my eyes, they shone brightly as if two resplendent stars had burst forth in the darkness.


    "The White Tiger Chaotic Wind Fist and the Eight Consecutive Bone-Breaking Spears have both reached the Transformation Realm and have been integrated into the Divine Pulse..."


    "Next, the Python Dragon Cannon, Cloud Harrier Treading on Clouds, and the Angry Cry Hundred Ghosts Wind-Thunder Arrows have all reached Master level, and the Furious True Lord''s Triple-Blade Knife is about to reach Master level as well..."


    "Oh right, the Maitreya Gold Armor has also reached Master level, just one step away from the Transformation Realm."

 Chapter 177: Cunning and Treacherous Also Called a Hero, Li Qingshan Returns (4)

    "But the martial arts I''ve cultivated are only seven in total, the Divine Vein Nine Transformations... I''m still missing two."


    Li Che pondered deeply.


    Having obtained the Dao Fruit of the Dragon Elephant Vajra, Li Che naturally aimed to break through to the Divine Vein Nine Transformations to step into the grandmaster level in the most perfect form.


    Yet, even for him, the attempt to reach the Divine Vein Nine Transformations was extremely difficult.


    "Right, there''s also the ''Seven Element Divine Sculpture Technique'' acquired from the Qintian Observatory, within which there''s a profound Martial Technique called ''Thousand-Armed Divine Sculpture.'' It falls under the category of martial techniques, but, I''m still some distance away from major achievement..."


    "By that count, I''m still short of one Martial Technique Transformation Realm."


    Li Che ended his cultivation session and stood up, his Qi and blood enveloping him ceaselessly like a bloom of hellish lotus.


    "To cultivate the martial techniques of the Corpse God Sect, or not?"


    Li Che thought of the ''Corpse God Death Smoke Finger'' he had acquired from the Corpse God Sect''s Envoy. Divine Martial Arts, too, were considered martial techniques.


    But this particular martial technique required Death Qi...


    Hmm, Bull Demons were in no short supply of Death Qi.


    Li Che exhaled a breath.


    If that''s the case, then cultivate!


    All the foundations for the Divine Vein Nine Transformations were now assembled!


    As it now stood, the Bull Demon, facing the Fishing Gang... could only opt for stealthy assassinations, killing someone and then fleeing.


    What''s more, he could only kill the smaller factions under the Fishing Gang. Facing the high-ranking leaders of the Fishing Gang would be quite difficult.


    After all, the chief of the Fishing Gang was a true Divine Phase expert, and the two deputy chiefs were also grandmasters of the Illusory Phase...


    Even if employing the Ascending Stance, battling someone of the Illusory Phase Realm remained exceedingly tough.


    The Temple God possessed an unmatched posture at the same level, but the Illusory Phase is no longer of the Divine Foundation, which meant the suppressing power of the Ascending Stance would be lessened, naturally making victory difficult.


    However, Li Che felt that fighting a battle should still be possible.


    It''s just that...


    The number of strong opponents in Golden Light Prefecture City was too high; should he become encircled, then things would truly be dangerous.


    Li Che, being cautious in nature, even if transformed into a Bull Demon seeking unrestrained power, must also ensure his own safety.


    After expelling a breath of turbid air, Li Che walked to the window.


    Gazing at the waters of the Nine Dragons River slapping against the cliffs, Li Che''s gaze shifted.


    Looking out into the distance, he seemed to peer through the thick city walls, envisioning a towering and majestic mysterious temple standing furiously in the heart of the river, outside the city. r


    He sighed deeply.


    "The power of the Temple God... it''s running low."


    "I want to absorb."


    ...


    ...


    Late at night, at the Fishing Gang''s headquarters.


    A robust, bare-chested old man with majestic whiskers sat upright on a Taishi Chair, his eyes wide open, brimming with torrents of murderous aura.


    The entire room was dead silent and oppressive.


    The deputy chief, Liu Jinsong, and another deputy, Zhao Xunqi, fell immediately silent.


    "Million Gambling House, White Wave Hall... seven, oh, seven forces under my Fishing Gang have all been slaughtered, uprooted!"


    "Now, the people of my Fishing Gang, are in panic, and some are even considering deserting the gang!"


    "A Bull Demon, a thing not even of the Illusory Phase, has actually caused such widespread panic within my Fishing Gang!"


    "Damn it!"


    With a slap of the Fishing Gang chief''s hand, the terrifying Divine Phase might instantly vacated the room of all airflow, emitting a fierce whistling sound.


    "Where are the people of the Corpse God Sect?"


    "Those who died, all were marked by the Seal before being targeted by the Bull Demon..."


    "Why can the Bull Demon precisely find those given the Seal?!"


    The Fishing Gang chief''s eyes burned furiously as he glared at Liu Jinsong.


    "Could it be that the Bull Demon is among the people of the Corpse God Sect? Damn it, are they just using this as an excuse to target my Fishing Gang?!"


    Liu Jinsong was responsible for liaising with the Corpse God Sect and now, his complexion changed subtly.


    The Bull Demon, a high-ranking expert of the Corpse God Sect?


    Impossible, absolutely impossible...


    This is chaos, the chief cannot guess wildly!


    Wearing extravagant robes, Liu Jinsong clenched his fists, exhaling a breath with a distressed expression.


    "There''s absolutely no way the Bull Demon is connected to the Corpse God Sect, chief, please calm down..."


    "As for why so many Envoys of the Corpse God are in hiding..."


    Liu Jinsong''s skin twitched.


    "The Vernal Equinox is approaching."


    "Li Qingshan is coming back."

 Chapter 178: Heaven and Earth Nets Kill the Bull Demon, Thunderous Slay Evil Sheep Has Arrived

    Li Qingshan... is returning?!


    The Fishing Gang headquarters fell into silence all at once.


    The gang leader, with his bristling beard and leopard-like eyes, suddenly looked grim-faced and extremely serious.


    "The vernal equinox is nearing, and the time for the Divine Sect Branch to open its mountain gate and recruit disciples has arrived; indeed, it''s time for Li Qingshan to return,"


    Exhaling a breath, the gang leader finally leaned back in his Taishi Chair.


    "No wonder the Divine Sect Branch has been so quiet lately; they were waiting for Li Qingshan''s return. Makes sense; with a temperament like his, he''s not going to be any easier to deal with than the Bull Demon was. Our Fishing Gang has been getting close with the Corpse God Cult lately... we''re bound to be targeted by that bastard!"


    Jing Wudao''s complexion grew somber as he began to worry.


    Initially enraged by the Bull Demon''s provocations, he gradually calmed down; after all... the Bull Demon only posed a threat to the subordinate forces of the Fishing Gang and couldn''t threaten its upper ranks.


    But Li Qingshan was different.


    This guy was a renowned expert on the Yunzhou Divine Foundation Spectrum, and though he was only at Divine Base Perfection, the Divine Foundation he forged, the "Six Ministries" level [Suspension Thought Thunder Strike Evil Annihilator] Divine Foundation!


    The mere fact that he could cultivate the Six Ministries Divine Foundation Technique was a reflection of his profound background and talent.


    Together with his Grandmaster Completion level physical Cultivation, even Illusory Phase experts could be hammered into serious injury by him!


    Though Illusory Phase is considered part of the Divine Phase Realm, it is quite inferior to the true Divine Phase Rank, and its suppression over the Divine Base Realm is not undeniable.


    There were more than a few Illusory Phase Realm cultivators defeated by Li Qingshan''s hands.


    And true Divine Symbol Cultivators dare not act rashly, for although the experts of the Divine Sect Branch have entered the Four Imperial Princes Temple, one mustn''t assume the Divine Sect Branch is without people.


    Li Qingshan is the enforcer put forth by the Divine Sect Branch, specifically targeting Golden Light Prefecture City noble families and sects.


    Mainly because, when Li Qingshan strikes them, they hardly dare strike back.


    That is truly infuriating.


    "Bad luck!"


    Jing Wudao cursed in anger, helpless.


    He indeed was not afraid of Li Qingshan; as a true Initial Realm of Divine Minister Cultivator, Li Qingshan couldn''t possibly be his match.


    However, for the Fishing Gang, if Li Qingshan were to truly start hammering recklessly, it would be very difficult to fend off.


    "Luckily... luckily, the Bull Demon wouldn''t be in cahoots with Li Qingshan."


    "Otherwise, if the Bull Demon went after the Fishing Gang cultivators branded with the Corpse Curse Mark, and Li Qingshan directly started hammering... our Fishing Gang would likely be smashed to bits."


    Jing Wudao shook his head.


    The vice gang leader, Liu Jinsong, sat to one side, also furrowing his brows¡ªfor the interests of the Fishing Gang were their interests.


    Everyone stood to win or lose together.


    "Boss, have you been in touch with any experts from the Corpse God Cult? Why could the Bull Demon find the ones who have received the Corpse Curse Mark? If we don''t clear this up, the threat of the Bull Demon won''t go away, and afterwards, who would dare to trust the promises of the Corpse God Cult easily?"


    Liu Jinsong said gravely.


    "The Strange Que of the Eight-Armed Prison Lotus Furious Third Prince''s Sinister Temple has erupted in a riot. Most of the Divine Ministers from the Divine Sect Branch, Temple Control Bureau, Qintian Observatory, and Golden Light Prefecture City have gone to investigate. This period should have been the Corpse God Cult''s best opportunity to erode Golden Light Prefecture City...


    But then this Bull Demon appeared..."


    Jing Wudao shook his head: "Why do you think the [Eight-Armed Prison Lotus Furious Third Prince''s] Sinister Temple has erupted? It''s not even the fixed time for an eruption; so many ''sudden'' events usually have someone pushing from behind."


    "The Corpse God Cult''s experts who infiltrated Golden Light Prefecture have also gone to the Third Prince Temple."


    "That''s one of the Four Royal Mysterious Temples..."


    "Too many people have designs on it... Just think, the Qian Yuan Divine Sect is listed among the Great Scenery Eleven Paths, the Lingnan Path Divine Sect, precisely because of the Four Royal Mysterious Temple it suppresses beneath it..."


    "Saying it''s a suppression is actually coexistence with the Mysterious Temple, establishing their doctrine with the temple''s support!"


    Leopard-like eyes in Jing Wudao''s face gleamed continuously.


    Sighing, as if feeling the topic had gone astray, he steered the conversation back.


    "This Bull Demon, a clown-like thing, won''t be jumping around for long. The Corpse God Cult has specifically called over a Eight Extremes Corpse God Envoy from Yunzhou Provincial City, who is a true Divine Phase Realm Cultivator, and he brings a Divine Weapon specifically tailored to counteract transfer secret techniques, along with Divine Talismans designed to seal off the void..."


    "If that Bull Demon dares to jump again, he will definitely not escape with his life!"


    Jing Wudao slapped the desk with his palm.


    "Does he really think no one can deal with that Bull Demon?"


    Upon hearing this, vice gang leader Liu Jinsong and Thunder Old Seven relaxed their brows.


    Stability at last.


    An Eight Extremes Corpse God Envoy personally taking action and bringing a Divine Weapon that counters transfer techniques.


    Finally...


    It was time to share the spoils of the beef feast!


    ...


    ...


    Li Che finished his cultivation and was in the workshop crafting "Dragon Tooth Bodhi" bullets.


    These were really not easy to make; previously, a lot of time was spent creating one bullet, and it had taken him over half a month from Fei Lei City to Mansion City, and he still hadn''t finished carving it.


    Now although Li Che''s Immortal Artisan Dao Fruit had improved quite a bit, and with the experience of making the first bullet his crafting speed had increased, it still couldn''t be considered quick.


    After careful polishing for a while, Li Che finally sighed in relief.


    "The second ''Dragon Tooth Bodhi'' bullet is completed, Immortal Artisan Barrett can finally be used, and I have bullets in my gun again!"


    Li Che was in a good mood and tucked the artifact-like "Dragon Tooth Bodhi" away carefully.


    Stretching, he left the workshop.


    Shangguan Qinghong''s eyes brightened as she saw Li Che come out, "Li, can I come over for dinner at your place today? I want to taste your wife''s cooking again!"


    Ever since Shangguan Qinghong had spoken her mind the last time, wanting Li Che to be like a father to her, she had taken a ''broken jar falls'' approach, treating Li Che as if he truly were her father.

 Chapter 179: Heaven and Earth Nets Kill the Bull Demon, Thunderous Slay Evil Sheep Has Arrived 2

    Li Che brought her home for a meal, and after tasting Zhang Ya¡¯s cooking, this girl¡¯s cheekiness skyrocketed. Every day, she¡¯d dash to Li Che¡¯s house after work as if she were even more eager to get home than he was.


    "Have you ever not come over for a free meal?" Li Che grumbled.


    "I¡¯ll pay for my meals."


    Shangguan Qinghong, however, kept laughing. She knew Li Che was joking; after all, to them, gold and silver and such mundane objects truly meant nothing.


    After a quick tidy up, Li Che, followed closely by Shangguan Qinghong like a persistent shadow, left the Qintian Observatory together.


    No sooner had they stepped off the stone steps than they encountered the alcohol-soaked Liu He and Hai Chuanying.


    "Hey, Brother Li, coming home from work again? Why don¡¯t you join us at Yunfang Boat today? I¡¯ve invited you so many times, but you never come..." Upon seeing Li Che, Liu He warmly invited him.


    Visiting brothels and listening to music wasn¡¯t that a standard pastime for Third-Class Guest Officials of the Qintian Observatory?


    Except for Li Che, who was the exception.


    Every day after work, he¡¯d rush home as if the women at Yunfang Boat were man-eaters.


    "Ha ha ha, another day, another day." Li Che responded to Liu He with a fist and palm salute and nodded to Hai Chuanying.


    Both shook their heads. With Li Che¡¯s "another day," who knew when that day would actually come.


    "Then, Old Liu, I¡¯ll be waiting earnestly. Brother Li... don¡¯t go back on your word."


    Liu He and Hai Chuanying left with laughter.


    Li Che shook his head; those two were indeed carefree.


    "Normally, a Third-class Guest Official at the Qintian Observatory, after being there for a while, lives this free-spirited life; visiting brothels, enjoying small drinks, totally laid-back since they have no ambitions or hopes to strive for the rank of Second-Class Guest Official,"


    "To aim for Second-Class Guest Official, one would need to cultivate the ¡¯Great Vista Qintian Seven Spirits Carving Technique¡¯ to major accomplishment... which is genuinely not easy. The Divine Secret Techniques and Martial Arts need to reach a great success level, which is extremely difficult,"


    "Knowing they have no hope, they begin to enjoy life, better to spend more energy on enjoyment and divine cultivation,"


    Shangguan Qinghong saw through the state of people like Liu He and made a face.


    "Big Brother Li, try to visit Yunfang Boat less. That place is unclean, and teeming with all sorts..."


    Li Che just smiled.


    Was he that kind of person?


    The two walked past the long street and returned to Listening Flowers Lane.


    The watchful eyes that the Black Snake Gang had planted were still present, and the numbers were seemingly increasing.


    Li Che had yet to eradicate the Black Snake Gang, mainly starting by clearing other powers from the Fishing Gang; he did it to confuse the issue, to dismiss everyone¡¯s notion that he, Li Che, was the Bull Demon.


    Now, that conception had pretty much been fully dispelled.


    If Li Che wished, he could wipe out the Black Snake Gang at any moment.


    After all, the Black Snake Gang wasn¡¯t much stronger than White Wave Hall.


    Pausing for a moment, Li Che¡¯s brows furrowed as he sensed that the number of people planted by the Black Snake Gang to tail him had increased tenfold today, and besides, there was also the hidden presence of strong individuals. R


    Li Che¡¯s eyes flickered with a cold light as he unobtrusively made his way back into the small courtyard in the alley.


    "Wow! Sister Qinghong!"


    As soon as they entered the courtyard, Xi Xi, who was practicing martial arts, immediately ran over with delight, taking the opportunity to stop practicing!


    Old Chen, utterly helpless, could only declare a break and began sipping his wine.


    Shangguan Qinghong, on the other hand, shrieked back at Xi Xi, and they started frolicking in the courtyard, the tall and the small stamping their feet in excitement.


    "Sister Qinghong¡¯s come over? I¡¯ll just fry up another dish, and dinner will be ready." Zhang Ya walked out from the house, seeing the meal-freeloading Shangguan Qinghong, and smilingly spoke in a tender tone.


    She has always been a very gentle woman.


    Moreover, she could see that her husband truly didn¡¯t have much interest in the young Shangguan Qinghong, even..pletely treating her like a daughter.


    Judging from Shangguan Qinghong¡¯s backstory shared at the dinner table, Zhang Ya¡¯s maternal instincts overflowed and could not be contained.


    Shangguan Qinghong was from one of the Noble Families in Mansion City, having an excellent family background. Her father was the head of the Shangguan Family, yes, a nearly hundred-year-old man, who forced a maidservant and had Shangguan Qinghong.


    After giving birth to Shangguan Qinghong, the mother and daughter were not given much attention; instead, they went through various difficulties.


    Shangguan Zhengheng harbored no affection for them, even some disgust, and when Shangguan Qinghong was six, her mother died of illness. Shangguan Qinghong was left all alone, nearly kicked out of the Shangguan Family, to roam the streets.


    Fortunately, she was taken in by Deputy Inspector Lin Xiu of the Qintian Observatory, which gave her a status within the Shangguan Family and allowed her to grow up gradually.


    Zhang Ya felt great sympathy for Shangguan Qinghong and did not mind her freeloading at all.


    Shangguan Qinghong was so brazen with her meal-freeloading endeavors because she relied on Zhang Ya¡¯s affection and Xi Xi¡¯s enjoyment of her company.


    After the meal, Shangguan Qinghong continued to play with Xi Xi in the courtyard.


    Li Che went into his study.


    Lighting the oil lamp, the flickering light danced incessantly.


    After securing the study, Li Che¡¯s pupils emitted a faint white smoke.


    Prototype of Divine Powers, Soul Capturing!


    Countless divine substances stacked up into Lin Da¡¯s silhouette, merging into a [Thoughtful Willow Wood Body] carved by Li Che in his own likeness, casting a shadow under the lamp, as it carved the wood.


    With the borrowed divine essence infused into the thoughtful willow body, it almost perfectly resembled Li Che.


    It was a wooden doppelga?nger that could almost deceive the eye.


    Having done all this, Li Che put his fingertips together and tore open the air.


    Donning a conical hat, wearing a Cute Bull Mask, cloaked in a black robe, and clutching a white Divine Chess Piece, he vanished from within the study.


    ...


    ...


    The night sky was heavy, the clouds billowing and churning.


    The piled clouds collided with each other, with the occasional flash of lightning hiding within.

 Chapter 180: Heaven and Earth Nets Kill the Bull Demon, Thunderous Slay Evil Sheep Has Arrived 3

    Golden Light Prefecture City, outside the city on the official road.


    Several plain carriages galloped along the official road.


    The charioteer quickly whipped the reins, and the horses, steaming with heat, sped energetically on the spacious road.


    Li Qingshan lay on Nurse Momo¡¯s lap, letting her gently stroke his head.


    Meanwhile, Nurse Momo read aloud a secret letter sent from the city.


    "The Bull Demon has caused trouble again, slaughtering the Fishing Gang¡¯s subordinate power, White Wave Hall, with both White Wave Hall Leader and Vice Hall Leader killed, their bodies brutally dismembered, displaying extreme ferocity."


    "According to intelligence feedback, both the Hall Leader and Vice Hall Master had received the Eight Extremes Corpse Curse Seal, and the Hall Leader had even worshipped the Corpse God, practicing Corpse Art, slaughtering innocent women and feasting on their flesh, totaling thirty-six victims..."


    "Beasts!"


    Nurse Momo couldn¡¯t help but curse out loud.


    "Thankfully, there¡¯s the heroic Bull Demon!"


    "This city... How is it still so chaotic!"


    Lying on her lap, Li Qingshan slightly opened his eyelids and sneered, "Chaos is the norm... A Four Royal Mysterious Temple located just outside Golden Light Prefecture City doomed this place to never be peaceful."


    "Out of the Four Mansions of Yun State, the first choice for the Corpse God Cult¡¯s corruption was Golden Light Prefecture, and why? Not just because the Noble Families and Sects of the Prefecture are the most ambitious, but also because of this Four Royal Mysterious Temple."


    "To build a Divine Sect leaning on this temple... What immense ambition!"


    Li Qingshan sighed.


    "The appearance of the Four Royal Mysterious Temple in Golden Light Prefecture is both a blessing and a curse."


    Nurse Momo¡¯s face changed over and over, eventually, she shook her head somewhat helplessly.


    "It turns out... it¡¯s the same everywhere, none too peaceful."


    "Where in the world is there peace."


    Li Qingshan sat up, embraced Nurse Momo, "But don¡¯t worry, with me here, you will be at peace."


    "Even if it¡¯s not peaceful, I¡¯ll hammer out a peace for you."


    Nurse Momo foolishly gazed at Li Qingshan, then her eyes dimmed slightly, "I¡¯m old, with no hope for a Divine Foundation, unlike you... your future could lead to a Divine Minister position, or even higher pursuits."


    "As for me, I am probably going to die."


    "So, I just want to spend peaceful days with you..."


    Li Qingshan looked out the window, utterly stunned.


    After a long while, he kissed Nurse Momo¡¯s forehead.


    "Rest assured, this evening sun, I will accompany you to the end."


    Suddenly.


    Nurse Momo struggled out of his embrace and stared at Li Qingshan, "No, no need."


    "You are Li Qingshan, you don¡¯t need to change specifically for me, I know one person¡¯s power is limited, you can¡¯t change the filth between heaven and earth, but I hope you still hold onto the original heart you had when you first entered the martial world with your horse."


    "I hope you remain guilt-free! With your hammer... smash all those disgusting fellows to death for me!"


    "Just like what the Bull Demon is doing now."


    Li Qingshan was stunned.


    Then he burst into laughter, unreservedly giving Nurse Momo a big kiss,


    "Worthy of the woman I, Li Qingshan, have long pined for!"


    "Unworthy from the moment I liked you when I first entered the martial world!"


    The next moment.


    Li Qingshan leaped out of the carriage, appearing on top of it, as the carriage sped along, the fierce wind stirring, he stood like a spear, his clothes clinging to his body, billowing behind him!


    He looked towards the charioteer, and the charioteer stopped the reins.


    "Peak Master," the charioteer said respectfully.


    "Ensure these Spirit Children are safely delivered into the city, arrange their accommodations, and wait for the sect¡¯s examination at the spring equinox," he said.


    "Once you¡¯re in the city, Lu Chi will bring people to meet with you."


    The charioteer saluted, "Yes."


    Li Qingshan smiled, his eyes gazing at Golden Light Prefecture City under the dusky night.


    His gaze shifted, looking towards the distant Mysterious Temple of the Four Imperials on the surging Nine Dragons River, as if it warped time and space, situated in the middle of the river.


    Withdrawing his gaze, Li Qingshan flicked his toes, and like a hawk, he soared out. In mid-flight, he quickly covered his face with a cat-face mask.


    With a flick of his wide sleeves, a Ram Horn Hammer slid into his palm, and as he grasped it, arcs of lightning flared up.


    Indeed.


    Li Qingshan had returned.


    Though unable to cleanse the filth of the entire city, he must still exert all his strength.


    That youngster, Bull Demon, was striving to be a hero.


    Li Qingshan too had once been a young man with a sword, leading a horse into the martial world, dreaming of being a hero.


    Surely he couldn¡¯t lose his courage now that he was old, could he?


    ...


    ...


    The night was dark and the wind was high.


    Whoosh whoosh!


    The flowing air surged wildly; Li Che, with the Dao Fruit of the Dragon Elephant Vajra, perfectly concealed his blood and qi as if merging with the air of the heavens and earth.


    Moving through the long night, wearing a Cute Bull Mask, his burly figure rose and fell, and the scenery on both sides rapidly receded.


    Black Snake Gang¡¯s territory.


    The grieving wind howled incessantly in the dark night, and the willows rapidly swayed their branches.


    As the only remaining major power under the Fishing Gang, the Black Snake Gang¡¯s defenses were extremely cautious, with teams of skilled Martial Artists patrolling in groups.


    Should Bull Demon appear, they would give a warning, allowing the top fighters of the Black Snake Gang to escape swiftly.


    Standing on the rooftop, stepping on black tiles.


    Li Che, enveloped in a black robe, gazed indifferently at the brightly lit Black Snake Gang¡¯s headquarters.


    Raising his hand, he pressed it to his forehead.


    In an instant...


    With his position as the Stellar Position, the Heaven and Earth Chessboard spread out, encompassing the map. Intersecting black lines sketched out the chessboard image.


    Above it, at various intersecting points, black pieces emanated dark qi, aiming to kill Bull Demon.


    At the same time, the contained "Eight Extremes Corpse Curse Seal" within the chessboard vibrated continuously.


    A ring of Death Qi formed concentric ripples, expanding ceaselessly!


    Then, upon the chessboard, one Corpse Curse Seal after another emerged.


    "Hmm?"


    "Is this... the Eight Extremes Corpse Curse Seal?"


    Under the Cute Bull Mask, Li Che¡¯s eyes sharpened, as the stronghold and the surrounding powerhouses of the Black Snake Gang were not only numerous but also of high quality!

 Chapter 181: Heaven and Earth Nets Kill the Bull Demon, Thunderous Slay Evil Sheep Has Arrived 4

    Among them was an Eight Extremes Corpse Curse Seal, which trembled slightly and emerged under the impact of the death qi.


    "An Eight Extremes Corpse God Envoy of the Corpse God Cult!"


    With a sigh from beneath the mask, Li Che took a deep breath.


    An ambush, indeed.


    Black Snake Gang had become the bait, the bait that lured him to bite.


    After all, only a few forces of the Fishing Gang were left now, and since the Black Snake Gang had been monitoring Xi Xi because of her significant connection with Bull Demon, they had constantly been stalking and lying in ambush.


    But it was also because of the relationship between Xi Xi and Bull Demon.


    Thus, the Fishing Gang believed that Bull Demon would definitely make a move against the Black Snake Gang!


    Liu Jinsong and Thunder Old Seven, two vice-leaders of the Fishing Gang, were currently hidden within the Black Snake Gang¡¯s stronghold, concealing their energy and aura, using a secret technique to shield their Divinity.


    There was also a Corpse God Envoy from the Corpse God Cult nearby, exuding a tremendously terrifying presence. Though quite distant, the intimidation it brought was exceedingly fearsome.


    All were quietly waiting for Bull Demon to take the bait.


    A Divine Minister, two from Illusory Phase Realm, this setup...


    Was truly no small matter, quite a show of respect!


    "You guys are really something."


    Li Che chuckled.


    With [Flying Thunder Chess Saint] present, he had the freedom to come and go as he pleased, even if he was just bait, he could easily consume it.


    Consuming bait was Bull Demon¡¯s specialty!


    From the start of his career, he had always been on the path of bait consumption.


    Fishing?


    Li Che loved fishing the most.


    The Fishing Gang just couldn¡¯t believe it; they must have guessed that Bull Demon possessed the Art of Teleportation, so they had set the ambush in advance.


    Or rather, they were confident they had mastered a means to counter the Art of Teleportation.


    But Bull Demon¡¯s teleportation...


    Was not just any ordinary Art of Teleportation.


    Though he possessed the Teleportation Technique from Flying Thunder Chess Saint, Li Che still felt it unnecessary to take such a huge risk and recklessly charge into an ambush.


    Being a bit more cautious in life never hurts.


    Li Che, donning the Bull Demon Mask, was mad, wild, and completely unrestrained...


    But not foolhardy.


    A sinister, low chuckle came from beneath the Cute Bull Mask.


    "Grandpa Bull, I won¡¯t play with you guys anymore."


    Moreover, killing didn¡¯t necessarily require close quarters.


    A fierce wind howled furiously.


    With the tips of his feet touching down, his burly body shattered the biting cold wind, blending silently into the shadows.


    "Huh?!"


    Suddenly, Li Che let out a soft exclamation.


    Within the Heaven and Earth Chessboard, a familiar aura brazenly intruded, resembling a thunderous serpent across the land, swiftly moving, dominant and imperious as it approached. R


    Recklessly... utterly reckless!


    ...


    ...


    Inside the room, the lights were bright.


    The leader of the Black Snake Gang sat upright on a chair, his expression solemn. By his side, a heavy iron broadsword stood by, gripped in his hands.


    Sitting upright with his sword across his Taishi Chair, the eyes of the Black Snake Gang leader were radiant, appearing calm and collected.


    But his grip on the broadsword was uncontrollably sweating, with veins popping and twitching non-stop, revealing the tension in his heart at this moment.


    Although using the Corpse Curse Seal, he had forged himself into a Cursed Iron Corpse, his physical body rivaling the strength of a Grandmaster.


    His Divine Base had also been forcibly elevated by the masterful cultivation of the leader of the Fishing Gang, promising him a chance at survival by reaching Divine Base Perfection.


    But he was still somewhat horrified.


    After all...


    The name of Bull Demon was indeed formidable within Golden Light Prefecture City!


    The slaughters of seven subordinate gangs of the Fishing Gang...


    All were due to Bull Demon!


    Mutilated corpses, exploded heads, rivers of blood...


    Facing such a ruthless and violent criminal.


    How could the leader of the Black Snake Gang not be afraid?


    Who the heck isn¡¯t afraid of dying?


    "Now that my body is forged into a Cursed Iron Corpse, I rival a Grandmaster... Bull Demon cannot possibly defeat me instantly!"


    "As long as I survive, the forces lying in ambush will strike, and Bull Demon will be unable to escape!"


    The leader of the Black Snake Gang inwardly encouraged himself.


    "Will Bull Demon come?"


    He certainly will.


    The leader of the Black Snake Gang knew well, according to the information from Zhang Xiangyang, that Bull Demon was Xi Xi¡¯s protector.


    Having monitored Xi Xi for so long, how could Bull Demon possibly let the Black Snake Gang off the hook?!


    "I just need to hold on..."


    "I just need not to be defeated instantly!"


    "Bull Demon will surely die if he comes!"


    Thinking of the forces lying in ambush around him, the leader of the Black Snake Gang breathed heavily, stirring up a sharp wind!


    Suddenly.


    He heard the sound of thunder by his ear.


    He abruptly looked up, his pupils constricting.


    Bull Demon came?!


    However...


    When the leader of the Black Snake Gang heard the thunderous roar.


    The thunder...


    Had already reached him!


    In the pitch-black night sky behind, as if Thor himself had fiercely hammered down a thunderbolt from the vast heights!


    With the thunder tearing through the darkness!


    The head of the Black Snake Gang leader, transformed into a Cursed Iron Corpse, burst explosively!


    With a dull thud...


    The ground behind the leader of the Black Snake Gang immediately sank into a deep pit, with radial cracks weaving and spreading.


    A brilliant blue Ram Horn Hammer, smashing into the center of the deep pit, with dust flying around, sizzling currents of electricity arced!


    Bull Demon had not crouched down.


    But...


    The ram had arrived.

 Chapter 188: 3-Year-Old Xi Xi Achieves Bone Tempering Great Achievement, Temple God Resonance

    Li Che finished sorting out his gains and didn¡¯t continue to linger in the study.


    Shangguan Qinghong had already taken his leave to return home; it was clear he sensed the aura of Divine Facade Experts competing against each other within Mansion City and knew something big had happened.


    Old Chen, not knowing when, had gotten hold of a long staff and placed a wooden bench in the yard, sitting with the staff lying across his thighs, his face muscular and trembling, emanating an intimidating presence.


    Clearly, after sensing the abnormality in Mansion City, he wanted to protect the courtyard with his own strength.


    Although Old Chen guessed that Li Che¡¯s blood qi had probably long surpassed his own, he still chose to stand guard.


    "Finished with the carving?"


    Old Chen¡¯s eyebrows relaxed and he let out a breath upon seeing Li Che emerge from the study.


    Li Che nodded, glanced at the night sky where lightning flashed incessantly, and his eyes slightly narrowed.


    It was Divine Symbol Cultivators battling each other, their prowess astounding.


    Reaching up to three hundred feet high in the sky, it was like immortals fighting in midair, beyond imagination.


    An Illusory Phase Cultivator could fly and hover hundreds of meters in the air with ease, and stepping into the real Divine Symbol, achieving Divine Observation, they could wield the power of gods, and ascending a thousand feet was not an issue.


    Divine Symbol Cultivators had lives spanning several hundred years, naturally accompanied by inhuman and formidable powers.


    After Old Chen briefly shared his findings with Li Che, he opened a gourd and started chugging alcohol down his throat.


    "Mansion City... isn¡¯t safe either, huh? This world really doesn¡¯t have any safe places."


    Old Chen shook his head.


    Li Che fell into silence, unable to deny the truth in Old Chen¡¯s words.


    Not just in this era, but for over a thousand years, the bizarre happenings of the Mysterious Temple had always led to natural disasters and calamities, with evil beings running rampant.


    Naturally, there was no such thing as peace.


    "Old Chen, go to sleep early, I¡¯ll keep watch tonight," Li Che said softly.


    "The more people, the more strength, no worries... I can endure," Old Chen said with a smile.


    Li Che moved, his muscles and bones resonating in harmony; his surging blood qi erupted, and his tendons snapped like roaring jiaoshe snakes.


    Triple Blood Exchange!


    Old Chen: "..."


    Sorry to disturb.


    Old Chen silently picked up his liquor jug and headed towards his room.


    Goddamn it, that youngster Li Che had actually achieved Triple Blood Exchange. How long had he been practicing martial arts? Old Chen had witnessed Li Che rise from obscurity with his very eyes. ?


    The shop mover who was once so careful with the wood carvings had unknowingly become a Blood Exchange Expert.


    He, Chen Dabao, was no longer the strongest fighter in the house.


    Li Che looked at Old Chen, who was leaving while cursing under his breath, and couldn¡¯t help but let out a soft chuckle.


    He sat down on the bench, his gaze piercing, looking up at the night sky.


    Tonight, the entirety of Golden Light Prefecture.


    Was bound to have many sleepless individuals.


    ...


    ...


    The Divine Ministers fought their battles, seemingly having an unspoken agreement not to involve the civilians.


    It seemed to be much ado about nothing.


    The night passed peacefully.


    The morning star rose as expected.


    The next day, Li Che took leave from the Qintian Observatory, choosing not to go to work and instead stayed at home with his wife and daughter.


    Xi Xi sat on the stone steps, holding the miniature Namo Gatling given by the Bull Demon, caressing it slowly, holding it dearly.


    "I really want to set off fireworks. When will Master Niu Niu take Xi Xi to set off fireworks..."


    The little girl was obsessed. She felt it had been a long time since she last enjoyed fireworks.


    Her ¡¯Ya Ya¡¯ was about to rust.


    Listening to Xi Xi¡¯s muttering, Li Che was at a loss for words.


    The little girl hadn¡¯t kept the fact that she obtained the Namo Gatling mechanism a secret, believing that her daddy, mommy, and Grandpa Chen were all people she could trust.


    Now she had to add Master Niu Niu and... half of Lu Chi; yes, just half.


    The spring breeze brushed by, and tender buds sprout new leaves.


    All things burgeoned with evident vitality.


    The willow branches swayed, carrying the fresh and cleansing scent of renewal in the air.


    Outside Listening Flowers Lane, a carriage rolled up.


    In the courtyard, Li Che, who was training Little Stinky Xi in martial arts, immediately sensed the arrival through the Heaven and Earth chessboard and raised an eyebrow.


    As Lu Chi helped Nurse Momo alight from the carriage, Li Che was surprised.


    It was an acquaintance, and he had not expected Li Qingshan to actually manage to sneak Nurse Momo away.


    Little Stinky Xi would surely be thrilled and joyous to know that Nurse Momo had arrived, right?


    Aside from Nurse Momo, Li Qingshan, looking lazy, also jumped off the carriage and walked across the cobblestones of Listening Flowers Lane towards the courtyard.


    Approaching the closed courtyard gate and hearing Xi Xi¡¯s wailing from inside due to her reluctance to train, Nurse Momo couldn¡¯t help but purse her lips into a smile.


    She gently knocked on the door.


    "Xi Xi, go open the door," Li Che said with a smile.


    Reluctantly, Xi Xi trudged toward the door, dragging her short wooden stick along. After tiptoeing to unlatch the door,


    She saw the kindly-faced Nurse Momo standing outside.


    Xi Xi¡¯s eyes instantly widened, "Wow! Momo¡ª!"


    She rubbed her meaty hands against her large eyes, doubting what she saw.


    Wondering if her eyes were playing tricks on her, thinking she was still dreaming.


    But only when she confirmed that Nurse Momo hadn¡¯t turned into a delicious roasted duck did she realize she wasn¡¯t dreaming!


    "Wow, Momo¡¯s here, Daddy, Momo¡¯s come to see me!"


    Xi Xi immediately dropped her stick and threw herself into Nurse Momo¡¯s arms.


    At the Divine Cultivation Institute of the Xu Family, Nurse Momo had accompanied Xi Xi in her training for quite some time, and they had grown quite close.


    Nurse Momo, who was childless throughout her life, treated these children as her own, showing them great affection.


    "Oh dear, little Xi Xi, let Momo see, you¡¯ve gotten thin, huh? Doesn¡¯t your daddy feed you?"


    Nurse Momo crouched down, touched Xi Xi¡¯s cheek, her face lively with wrinkles arranging into a smile, showing a look of concern as she spoke.

 Chapter 189: 3-Year-Old Xi Xi Achieves Bone Tempering Great Achievement, Temple God Resonance (2)

    Zhang Ya, who was practicing martial arts, also hurriedly stopped her movements and walked over, greeting him warmly.


    Zhang Ya was extremely happy, for she had encountered an acquaintance from Fei Lei City in the Mansion City, feeling as if she had met an old friend in a foreign land.


    Li Qingshan, with Big Head Lu Chi, who wore Nezha braids, entered the courtyard.


    "Eh? This girl..."


    Li Qingshan glanced at Xi Xi, his trip was originally to find Li Che, for he knew Li Che¡¯s identity as Bull Demon, so he had important matters to discuss with Li Che.


    However, he hadn¡¯t expected that this casual glance at Xi Xi would bring an unexpected discovery.


    "Bone Tempering? Wait a minute... it seems like she¡¯s almost at Bone Tempering Great Achievement?! A three-year-old reaching Bone Tempering Great Achievement?"


    Even Li Qingshan was taken aback.


    How could it be so fast?


    He knew that Xi Xi, the Supreme Spiritual Child, was talented, but was it to such an extent?


    He had estimated that Xi Xi could undergo Bone Tempering by the age of seven, which was already considered exceptionally talented.


    Bone Tempering at seven, coupled with the Divine Sect elixirs, hopeful of undergoing Blood Exchange at nine, stepping into Channel Opening at twelve, and solidifying her Divine Foundation!


    If such an achievement were realized, there would be hope of entering the Authentic Divine Sect!


    But now, Xi Xi was almost at Bone Tempering Great Achievement at the age of three...


    This somewhat overturned Li Qingshan¡¯s strategic planning for her growth.


    According to Li Che¡¯s words, it seemed as if a kindergarten student had finished high school curricula...


    Was this girl bound for the heavens?


    Li Qingshan took a deep breath, his eyes revealing a seriousness, his brows even unconsciously furrowing.


    He pondered whether Xi Xi might posses the potential to be possessed by a Temple God or even be reborn as one?


    This possibility actually existed, although it was extremely difficult for a Temple God to reincarnate: A bit of the true spirit had to be immortal, and a woman within a hundred miles of the true spirit¡¯s location had to be giving birth to create the conditions for a Temple God¡¯s reincarnation. ?


    Could Xi Xi be such a case?


    "It shouldn¡¯t be possible... The Mysterious Temple outside Fei Lei City is just in the Ten Cities, and its Temple God doesn¡¯t possess such ability."


    Upon thinking of this, Li Qingshan¡¯s brows relaxed, but his gaze toward Xi Xi became even more astonished.


    That is to say, this girl Xi Xi...


    Has no cheat codes, simply relying on innate talent?


    Li Che certainly noticed Li Qingshan¡¯s shock; in fact, Li Che was also quite astonished.


    Based on Li Qingshan¡¯s assessment of Xi Xi¡¯s talent, Bone Tempering was only possible at the age of seven, but now Xi Xi¡¯s growth... clearly exceeded the standard.


    Why?


    Li Che felt that... it was very likely because of the daily grooming of the Immaculate Heart Divinity he provided for Xi Xi and her mother Zhang Ya.


    Since obtaining the Dao Fruit of Pure Heart, Li Che hadn¡¯t missed a single day grooming their bodies.


    Immaculate Heart Divinity, pure and flawless, was harmless to the body.


    Li Che had thought that through the grooming with the Immaculate Heart Divinity, he could help them extend their lifespans.


    But unexpectedly, it seemed to have altered their talents.


    Like Zhang Ya, she hadn¡¯t been practicing the Sinew Transforming posture for long, and although he intentionally gave guidance, her progress was swift; she was close to major accomplishment in Sinew Transforming, and Bone Tempering was not far off.


    The talent of Xi Xi was inherently high, and so was Zhang Ya¡¯s; it could be related to the grooming with the essence of Immaculate Heart Divinity.


    Now, Zhang Ya, who was not born as a Spirit Child, even started to sense Divinity...


    "This girl has good talent!"


    Li Qingshan pinched his beard, looking toward Li Che.


    "The spring equinox is upon us, and the Divine Sect Branch¡¯s admissions test is about to begin. This time, the test involves thirteen cities under the jurisdiction of Golden Light Prefecture, including three Supreme Spiritual Children, more than twenty Upper Class Spiritual Children, and hundreds of Mid-grade and lower Spiritual Children."


    "All these Spiritual Children who have stood out from tens of thousands of children have already rushed to Golden Light Prefecture City, preparing for the Divine Sect¡¯s recruitment test on the spring equinox."


    Li Qingshan smiled, "The three Supreme Spiritual Children were all selected by me. Of course, even among the Supreme Spiritual Children, there are levels of higher and lower, which I have determined based on the thickness of the Purple Qi Divine Pillar..."


    "Ah, except for you, old Spirit Child!"


    Li Qingshan, as if thinking of something, gave Li Che an odd look, dropping a hint.


    Li Che¡¯s face darkened, as if he gave a hoot?


    Did he, Li Che, care to compare himself with three children?!


    Li Qingshan, you needn¡¯t be so accurate in reading people!


    Li Che pursed his lips.


    Li Qingshan continued, "I had originally placed Xi Xi as the second ranked, with the first being a youth from Xianghuancheng of the Noble Families, named Huang Si Xiang, who has Innate Divine Strength unrivaled and a very high Divine Talent."


    Li Che¡¯s eyes narrowed: "What level is he, having a higher talent than my Xi Xi?"


    Li Qingshan just felt Li Che was really brash.


    "That Huang Si Xiang is not even the one with the best talent, remember, these are just the Supreme Spiritual Children of the thirteen cities under the jurisdiction of Golden Light Prefecture..."


    Li Che raised an eyebrow: "And Mansion City is not included?"


    "Of course not, Mansion City has the Five Great Clans, and it¡¯s much easier for Clan Juniors to be born as Spirit Children, nurtured with treasures from a young age¡ªSupreme Spiritual Children are not uncommon, having won at birth."


    Li Che fell silent, indeed, that made sense...


    The Five Great Clans had numerous strong individuals, with the bloodline inheritance of the Divine Minister Ancestor, and the nourishment with heavenly and earthly treasures even before birth, indeed having a head start.


    ...


    ...


    Li Qingshan and Li Che went to the study room together, where they brewed hot tea, drinking and chatting.


    "The Five Great Clans... willing to send their talented juniors to the Divine Sect?"


    Li Che, suddenly thinking of something, curiously asked.


    "The Five Great Clans are different from the youth of other cities. Take a small clan like those in Fei Lei City, having a Divine Foundation is already the ceiling, and once the Divine Foundation passes away, it signifies the beginning of the clan¡¯s decline."


    "Therefore, these city-based clans keep their talented youth to cultivate them as Divine Foundations to protect the family and maintain their status in the city."


    "If they send them to the Divine Sect, there won¡¯t be any news for twenty or thirty years, and the sense of belonging to the family is not strong, so even if they become Divine Foundations, they might not be willing to return to their clans..."

 Chapter 190: Xi Xi, Three-Year Bone Tempering Achievement, Temple God Resonance (3)

    Li Qingshan sipped his hot tea, leisurely stating.


    "That¡¯s why these smaller noble families hide their descendants, unwilling to send them to the Divine Sect or to the Imperial Court."


    "However, it¡¯s different for the great clans of Mansion City. There¡¯s a Divine Sect and a Divine Sect Branch for each province, and especially with the Qian Yuan Divine Sect Branch being located in Golden Light Prefecture, the families there have people, even many high-ranking ones, coming from the Mansion City clans."


    "The Mansion City clans have a Divine Minister presiding, whose lifespan is three to four times that of a Divine Foundation, allowing one elder to support the clan for many years, naturally making the disciples willing to be sent out."


    "Should there be a disciple capable of entering the main sect, the family¡¯s very foundation could even rise with the tide."


    Having finished speaking, Li Qingshan helped himself to another cup of tea, muttering, "You lad, now with ample means, how come you don¡¯t procure some decent tea leaves, it¡¯s embarrassing."


    "Aren¡¯t you now a Third-class Guest Official at the Qintian Observatory? Someday you should find that bosomy but brainless Junior Supervisor Gong Yunli, and just get a good batch of tea from Deputy Inspector Lin Zheng¡¯s tea room, right?"


    Li Che fell silent; he was only a Third-class Guest Official, not a Chief Supervisor after all!


    "Senior, how many Supreme Spirit Children are there in Mansion City?" Li Che asked with furrowed brows.


    Li Qingshan shook his head: "I don¡¯t know; the Five Great Clans keep things very close to their chest. Many even send their heirs to the Five Great Sects ahead of time for cultivation."


    "The competition for the Divine Sect¡¯s admission assessment, which occurs once every four years, is intense indeed..."


    "This year in particular."


    Li Qingshan drank some tea, his voice suddenly growing grave.


    Li Che was taken aback, sipping his tea with a frown, "Why so?"


    As parents, they naturally pay close attention to their child¡¯s education.


    Xi Xi¡¯s admission to the Divine Sect is as tense as competing for a top city primary school.


    There are only so many spots, and the more prodigies, the less attention their own daughter will receive, and the fewer benefits she will gain.


    Li Che naturally wanted to gather clear information.


    "You brat have been enjoying quite the carefree life in the city with your Bull Demon identity. Haven¡¯t you found it odd? You¡¯ve killed so many of the Corpse God Cult, aren¡¯t you puzzled as to why they dare to be so brazen?"


    Li Qingshan gestured, sealing the study, to ensure their conversation wouldn¡¯t be overheard.


    "Because of... the Mysterious Temple of the ¡¯Eight-Armed Prison Lotus Furious Third Prince¡¯?"


    Li Che took a deep breath.


    "Right, due to the disturbance of the Third Prince Temple, most Divine Phase Realm experts have entered the Mysterious Temple to suppress the unrest. The Divine Sect sent even more as, after all, Golden Light Prefecture is the base of the Sect Branch. Of course, the disturbance of the Mysterious Temple is driven by human actions as well as its own reasons..."


    "The Divine Sect has always relied on the temple; a Mysterious Temple presents risks as well as opportunities."


    "For this admission examination, one part... the Divine Sect will send three Divine Symbol Cultivators, and they will use the Divine Weapon ¡¯Prison Lotus Wind Fire Golden Light Wheel¡¯ to tear through the Strange Que, sending the Spirit Children to a hundred zhang in front of the Third Prince Temple..."


    Li Qingshan¡¯s words thundered down like lightning, striking upon Li Che¡¯s ears, his pupils involuntarily shrinking.


    Even the normally composed Li Che couldn¡¯t help but be alarmed.


    "What? Sending these delicate Spirit Children to a hundred zhang in front of the Third Crown Prince Temple?"


    Li Che looked at Li Qingshan, his voice involuntarily rising.


    This damn thing...


    It¡¯s no different from presenting a pile of savory meat right before a dog, is it?


    Li Qingshan couldn¡¯t help but laugh hearing Li Che¡¯s strong reaction, but it was an understandable human sentiment, after all, that was the incredibly dangerous Four Royal Mysterious Temples they were talking about.


    Li Che¡¯s expression changed; such an assessment was too dangerous!


    That was virtually placing Xi Xi in an extremely perilous situation.


    If any slight unforeseeable mishap occurred, for these frail Spirit Children, it would be a disaster!


    Li Che wasn¡¯t laughing, he looked solemn as he gazed at Li Qingshan.


    Li Qingshan contained his smile, took a sip of tea, and slowly said, "I know you¡¯re worried about Xi Xi¡¯s safety, but although this matter does carry certain risks, even greater is the opportunity."


    "Sending many Spirit Children ahead of the Mysterious Temple¡¯s front, the purpose is to undergo the Temple God¡¯s trial, to test the compatibility with the Temple God¡¯s Divinity. You know the Third Prince is known to the world by a child¡¯s image. If one can induce Temple God Resonance, not only can they cultivate the Temple God¡¯s Divine Method, they can also receive gifts from the Temple God."


    "Such as Divine Secret Techniques, Divine Martial Arts, Divine Weapons, Divine Crystals and so on..." Li Qingshan spoke solemnly.


    "Moreover, the strength of the Temple God Resonance is the key in deciding the children¡¯s status in the Divine Sect, whether they enter the Inner Sect, become core successors, or are placed in the Outer Sect."


    However, Li Che¡¯s brow remained furrowed; he still found it far too dangerous.


    After all, that was the Four Royal Mysterious Temples.


    It was like telling a group of children, whoever starts the nuclear bomb head can keep it.


    "The main danger actually comes from the Temple Guardian Cursed Corpses. The reason the Divine Sect activates the ¡¯Prison Lotus Wind Fire Golden Light Wheel¡¯ is precisely to prevent this; it¡¯s one of the Four Royal Divine Weapons. Although it¡¯s only one, it can create a vast protective effect."


    "The Golden Light Wheel carries an extremely strong Temple God aura, which can keep the Guardian Cursed Corpses at bay."


    Li Qingshan glanced at the still deeply concerned Li Che, suddenly realizing how seriously this lad was taking his daughter¡¯s well-being.


    "This is both a risk and an opportunity. If one can gain the Four Supremes Temple Gods¡¯ favor, you should know how far Xi Xi will be able to go in the future! At the very least, reaching Divine Minister is utterly simple, even Divine Origin Realm wouldn¡¯t be a big problem."


    Li Qingshan sat up straight, his demeanor formal.


    "Has there ever been such an action before?"


    Li Che paused momentarily before asking.


    "Yes, or rather not only the Ganyuan Divine Sect but every sect that relies on a Mysterious Temple will have such a process. Ganyuan Divine Sect won¡¯t be an exception. Have you not seen Lu Chi? He was one of the top three Spirit Children with the highest Temple God compatibility during the last action.


    Moreover, this time as the Strange Que of the Four Royal Temples opens, the Ganyuan Orthodox Sect of Lingnan Circuit will also send a cultivator to preside over it."

 Chapter 191: 3-Year-Old Xi Xi, Bone Tempering Great Achievement, Temple God Resonance (4)

    "After all, this matter involves the Four Royal Mysterious Temples, and the Ganyuan Orthodox Sect won¡¯t ignore it, so this is also an opportunity that the Ganyuan Orthodox Sect values,"


    Li Qingshan squinted his eyes, his fingers gently tapping on the table, "You love your daughter dearly, and being concerned about her is not wrong, but the child must eventually venture out. This is an opportunity for her, and you can¡¯t let your worries about safety stop her from seizing it. She needs this experience."


    Upon hearing this, Li Che finally relaxed his furrowed brow.


    This was not an isolated incident; many Divine Sects, including branches of the Qian Yuan Divine Sect, had taken action before. Since there were precedents, that was somewhat reassuring.


    Indeed, Li Che couldn¡¯t keep Xi Xi confined to their home all the time; in this world, powerful Divine Cultivation exists.


    Everyone is competing, vying for transcendence.


    Li Che needed to be responsible for his daughter¡¯s growth.


    "Will cultivators from the Divine Sect Ganyuan Orthodox also come to preside? If Xi Xi performs well, is there a chance she could be spotted and admitted into the Ganyuan Orthodox?"


    Li Che asked.


    Li Qingshan shook his head, "There is a possibility, but entering the Ganyuan Orthodox has its own procedures. If Xi Xi can establish her Divine Foundation before the age of twelve, she will have a chance to enter the Ganyuan Orthodox."


    "But this competition is too fierce. Across the entire Lingnan Circuit, how many Spirit Children toil for years, all striving for entry into the orthodox sect!"


    "Because only by entering the Ganyuan Orthodox can one have the chance to cultivate the ¡¯Three Pure Laws¡¯!"


    The Three Pure Laws!


    Li Che¡¯s body shuddered, and he immediately understood the difficulty of competing with the Ganyuan Orthodox.


    That level of competition was comparable to high school students from a small county in his previous life striving to enter one of the top two universities in the country!


    Li Che felt a dryness in his mouth.


    He was beginning to feel the educational anxiety of a parent.


    "As long as it¡¯s safe..." Li Che sighed.


    But his mind was already becoming active.


    If Xi Xi enters the Four Royal Mysterious Temples, should he follow her?


    Perhaps this would be a good opportunity...


    To leave offspring in the Mysterious Temple... to set an anchorage for the Flying Thunder Chess Saint.


    However, Li Qingshan was unaware of the subtle thoughts in Li Che¡¯s mind, he laughed, "There will definitely be safeguards; Spirit Children are the future of the Divine Sect branches, how could they be neglected? Safety is always given top priority, but... there are no absolutes in anything."


    Li Qingshan¡¯s expression grew solemn.


    "You also know, as the Spirit Children are the future of the branch sects, the branches cherish them immensely. But so does the Corpse God Cult, and the Divine Sect isn¡¯t guarding against just the Temple Gods, but also groups with ill intentions like the Corpse God Cult!"


    The Corpse God Cult?!


    Li Che¡¯s eyes suddenly turned icy.


    "The threat posed by the Corpse God Cult, an emerging power from Jizhou, now nearly destabilizes an entire province of the Dajing Dynasty and occupies three states! The threat is enormous, and even the Divine Sect dares not underestimate it,"


    "Their methods are malicious. Spirit Children who perform excellently in the Temple God Resonance can even become targets for their abduction, and if they cannot abduct them... they choose to destroy them."


    Li Qingshan exhaled, as the Corpse God Cult also needed geniuses to build up their reserve forces.


    One of the ways they acquire geniuses is by abduction!


    Although trickery is a method well-employed by the Corpse God Cult, Spirit Children raised from an early age naturally have more loyalty.


    Li Che squinted his eyes, a hint of murderous intent flickering within.


    Suddenly, he looked at Li Qingshan, "Senior, suddenly shifting the topic to the Corpse God Cult, bringing up hatred, there must be a purpose, right?"


    Li Qingshan chuckled, straightening up and rubbing his fingers together, his eyes squinting with a gleam, as the following words were the main reason he had sought out Li Che today.


    "To ensure Xi Xi can safely participate in the Temple God Resonance."


    "Bull Demon, there¡¯s a significantly lucrative collaboration... I wonder if you¡¯re interested?"

 Chapter 196: Daughter’s First Stage Performance, 3-Year-Old Spirit Child Guards the Arena

    February 21.


    Spring equinox, light rain.


    The road from Golden Light Prefecture to Qian Yuan Divine Sect¡¯s Fenzong Mountain Gate was completely congested. The carriages in the narrow sections were overtaking each other, with none yielding to another.


    Inside the carriage.


    Li Che, Zhang Ya, Nurse Momo, and Xi Xi were sitting in one carriage. Xi Xi was lively and restless, feeling very excited.


    She did not feel that attending the Divine Sect¡¯s examination was something to be nervous about, it felt like going out for a spring outing, filled with curiosity and a desire to explore new things.


    She looked through the carriage window at the dense queue of carriages outside and the many people walking hurriedly with their children, continuously exclaiming in amazement.


    "Daddy, there are so many people!"


    This was the first time Xi Xi had seen so many people and she was very surprised, realizing there could be so many people in the world!


    "Indeed, the number of people attending the examination this year has increased a lot compared to previous ones," Nurse Momo said affectionately as she looked at Xi Xi, her eyes filled with some reluctance.


    After today, Xi Xi would be entering the Divine Sect and would have to go up to the high Qing Peak of the Divine Sect, meaning the days she could come home would be few.


    However, Nurse Momo could take comfort in knowing that Li Qingshan would take her to visit Xi Xi, which somewhat scattered her melancholy.


    "Li Qingshan said that this year¡¯s examination seems to be related to the Four Royal Mysterious Temple in the river heart of Nine Dragons River outside the prefecture, dealing with the Mysterious Temple involves risks, yet it also holds great opportunities," Nurse Momo explained.


    Zhang Ya¡¯s eyes revealed a worried look, "Related to that Four Royal Mysterious Temple? Isn¡¯t that too dangerous?"


    "But Xi Xi has no choice but to go to the Divine Sect..."


    Zhang Ya glanced at Li Che with an entreating look as if seeking rescue.


    "Don¡¯t worry, since the Divine Sect dares to set a trial at the Four Royal Mysterious Temple to test these children, they naturally have some measures in place," Li Che said reassuringly.


    Li Qingshan mentioned that the Divine Sect Branch actually used the "Prison Lotus Wind Fire Golden Light Wheel," certainly a Four Royal Divine Weapon!


    It was clear they took it very seriously, and since they dared to open it, they obviously had confidence, and this was not their first time doing such a thing.


    Since Li Che said it was okay, Zhang Ya believed him.


    She just blindly trusted Li Che.


    "This carriage is completely stuck, we can¡¯t move forward much at all... we might as well walk," Li Che suggested, glancing at the sky.


    If they were stuck on the road and missed the designated hour, that would really be bad.


    Li Che was not the only one with this thought; others in the carriages also got out, either leading or carrying, heading towards the Divine Sect Mountain Gate. ?


    Zhang Ya and Nurse Momo raised no objections; they were both cultivators, and a little walking was nothing to them.


    Li Che picked up Xi Xi, who opened a small oil-paper umbrella, got directly out of the carriage, and started walking, basking in the spring wind and rain as if he were on a spring outing.


    After getting out of the carriage and walking, they moved even faster.


    Soon, they passed through the bustling area of Golden Light Prefecture City and arrived before the gate of Divine Sect Mountain.


    The grass stretched on both sides, lush green, swaying with the spring breeze, tinged with translucent raindrops.


    A conspicuous green peak rose from the ground, reaching into the sky; from afar, behind the majestic city gates, this mountain peak could be seen, with the entire Golden Light Prefecture City built around it.


    But upon drawing closer, one could see that there was an extremely vast area around the mountain.


    Looking up at the green peak, towering and majestic, filled with lush vegetation, one could see mist enveloping the mid-mountain, amidst the rain.


    ...


    By the bank of Nine Dragons River, a mountain peak rose abruptly from the ground, known as Golden Light Peak, the main peak where Lingnan Road Qian Yuan Divine Sect¡¯s branch in Yun Province resides.


    Around Golden Light Peak, there are many smaller peaks, which, although not as conspicuous, were completely overshadowed by Golden Light Peak.


    Those peaks are where the Illusory Phase Cultivators of the Divine Sect Branch could establish their cave dwellings.


    People like Li Qingshan, because of possessing Illusory Phase combat power, earned the privilege to establish a cave residence, his cave dwelling¡¯s mountain was named "Zheng Lei Peak."


    Passing through a stretch of lush green grassland, they saw at the foot of Golden Light Peak, a massive white jade archway.


    In front of the archway, a vast expanse of green grass was used to construct a large and exquisite wooden platform.


    Around the wooden platform were spaces occupied by the top powers from Golden Light Prefecture City.


    The Five Great Clans, Qin, Gong, Hai, Shangguan, and Gongyang Family, all took it very seriously, not only did the family heads come, but even the Diviner Ancestors from the families appeared in person.


    For example, Qin Dikun, the Diviner Ancestor of the Qin Family, appeared right in the midst of the Qin family¡¯s area, seated in a distinguished position.


    To the side, were Qin Cang, the Patriarch of the Qin Family, and relatives of the late Qin Yuqing like Qin Haonan, Qin Leixiao, and other second-generation members.


    The Five Great Sects also sent representatives.


    Gold Split Gate, Bamboo Forest Academy, Watching Tide Pavilion, and Sand Scorpion Forest¡¯s experts were all present; though not deploying their Sect¡¯s Diviner Ancestors like the Five Great Clans, they still had Illusory Phase experts in attendance.


    Black Jiao Gang, Beggars¡¯ Sect, which had now become two gangs, also sent experts, and the leaders of Black Jiao Gang and Beggars¡¯ Sect appeared as well.


    Although the aura of the Diviner Ancestors was somewhat restrained, the subtle emanations and impacts still formed a terrifying atmosphere, suffocating those around.


    Li Che, carrying Xi Xi, arrived amidst the crowd below the wooden platform, which was already densely packed with people.


    Suddenly, Lu Chi popped his head out from the crowd; he was wearing the clothes of an Inner Sect Disciple of the Divine Sect today, the green outfit quite conspicuous, making many unconsciously make way for him.


    "Uncle Li, Aunt Zhang, and Xi Xi, over here, come this way,"


    Lu Chi waved excitedly.

 Chapter 197: Daughter’s First Stage Performance, 3-Year-Old Spirit Child Guards the Arena (2)

    Li Che knew he was being given special treatment, but didn¡¯t care about the gazes of those around him. Wearing a gentle smile, he subtly used his unmanifest energy to clear a path through the crowd. Accompanied by his wife and daughter, Nurse Momo, his uncle¡¯s family, and Old Chen, they followed Lu Chi.


    Just as they started to follow Lu Chi, Shangguan Qinghong began to bounce around in the distance, irritated, "Li, I¡¯m over here, there¡¯s a good spot here too!"


    Liu He and Hai Chuanying couldn¡¯t help but laugh. "Didn¡¯t expect Brother Li to know people inside the Divine Sect too," they said.


    "That¡¯s Lu Chi, the disciple of Li Qingshan, one of the three who resonated with the Temple God last year, reaching an astonishing resonance of sixty-five percent.


    He¡¯s the only one among them still persisting in practicing the ¡¯Wrathful Third Prince¡¯ Divine Method, nurturing the divinity of the Third Prince, aiming to forge the Divine Foundation of the Six Bureaus¡¯ ¡¯Furious Third Prince,¡¯ just like his teacher," they continued.


    Hai Chuanying, from the Hai Family of the Five Great Clans, had extensive knowledge and explained.


    "Brother Li¡¯s daughter, she¡¯s one of the three Supreme Spirit Children of the Thirteen Cities under Mansion City¡¯s jurisdiction, right?" Liu He recalled.


    "Correct, Li Nuanxi, a Supreme Spirit Child... but her chances for the True Succession are slim. She¡¯ll probably have to enter the Inner Sect first and then gradually strive for the True Succession. She really is too young."


    "All the Spirit Children hidden within the Five Great Clans and many medium and small-sized families in Mansion City have been brought out. I¡¯ve heard there are over fifteen Supreme Spirit Children this year, yet the Divine Sect¡¯s True Inheritance will only take in five," said Hai Chuanying nonchalantly.


    Liu He sighed and shook his head, "It¡¯s not easy. After such troubles in Fei Lei City, Brother Li can still bring his daughter, a Supreme Spirit Child, to Mansion City. He¡¯s had to endure so much suffering..."


    "It would be decent to even make it into the Divine Sect¡¯s Inner Sect," Liu He added.


    Hearing this, Shangguan Qinghong immediately became displeased and clenched her fists, "My sister Xi Xi will definitely become a True Successor. You all have no idea how strong Xi Xi is!"


    Hai Chuanying scoffed, "A three-year-old child, who barely knows how to urinate clearly, how impressive could she be?"


    "My family¡¯s Supreme Spirit Child, Hai Chao Sheng, was reluctantly offered by our distinguished ancestor. If it weren¡¯t for the resonance with the Temple God at the Third Prince¡¯s Mysterious Temple, our ancestor would have continued to keep him hidden and personally tutored him," Hai Chuanying declared.


    Shangguan Qinghong glanced at Hai Chuanying, oblivious to the significance of achieving the Major Accomplishment of Bone Tempering at just three years old.


    She didn¡¯t make a fuss about it in advance, considering them petty and ignorant...


    Just wait until Emperor Xi Xi gives them a fright!


    ...


    ...


    At the Divine Sect Mountain Gate stone archway, on the bluestone steps below.


    Chairs were placed, occupied by figures dressed in fluttering robes, radiating elegance and merging with the spring breeze. Drizzling rain poured down, yet before it could touch their bodies, it was twisted away by an invisible force.


    "This year is really bustling... so many have come. It seems as if all the Spirit Children with talent from Golden Light Prefecture have been brought here, right?" said an old man sitting in the seat of honor, with white hair and beard, gently stroking it while watching the packed crowd warmly.


    This person was none other than Nan Lihuo, the Sect Master of Qian Yuan Divine Sect¡¯s Yunzhou Sub-sect, whose Cultivation was profound and immeasurable.


    "Of course, it has to be lively. After all... this time the Third Prince Temple is initiating the Temple God Resonance. It¡¯s feared that it will be another twenty years before it opens again. Missing this chance means that for the next twenty years, it will be difficult to attain the legacy of the Third Prince Temple God," said Li Qingshan, sprawled lazily in his chair.


    "Li Qingshan, you¡¯re indeed ruthless. Barely back in Mansion City and you¡¯re already wielding your hammer, forcing out an Eight Extremes Corpse God Envoy from the Corpse God Cult, almost causing a major disaster!" said a slender old man dressed as a scholar from not far away, immediately scolding him after Li Qingshan finished speaking. ??


    Li Qingshan was immediately discontent, "What do you mean ¡¯causing a major disaster¡¯? Are you not clear on what sort of rabble the Corpse God Envoys are? You allow them to linger in Mansion City, luring, deceiving, and corrupting all sides..."


    "That is the real disaster!"


    "Are you not aware of the situation in Jizhou? It¡¯s already become infested by the Corpse God Cult! The common people have become tools for the Corpse God Cult to refine Death Qi, dying in droves. Do you want Golden Light Prefecture to fall into the same state?"


    The scholarly old man¡¯s face turned red with anger, "Of course the Corpse God Cult must be stopped, but we need to have a strategy. Your way of openly hunting down the Corpse God Envoy in the city, while the Chief Supervisor, Sect Master, and the rest of us Divine Ministers can¡¯t return from Strange Que..."


    "If they chose desperation over escape and started a mass killing spree without restriction... how many would die?"


    Li Qingshan barely lifted his eyelids, "That is due to the incompetence of the Divine Ministers left to guard the city."


    A woman in a red robe opened her eyes in the distance. Her eyes flickered with flames as she spoke in a faint voice,


    "Li Qingshan, are you implying that I, Zhu Hong Dou, am incompetent?"


    Li Qingshan immediately shut his mouth.


    This woman, who had observed the ¡¯Eight-Armed Prison Lotus Furious Third Prince¡¯ for an entire 60-year cycle, was a tenacious and vengeful person. It would be wiser for him to say less.


    Sect Master Nan Lihuo raised his hand to calm the dispute, "Well now, evil fiends like those from the Corpse God Cult, once found, must be eliminated. What Qingshan did was the right thing to do."


    "It¡¯s just that his methods were quite harsh; he should act more cautiously in the future. Elder Zhang, as a former imperial scholar, you are suitable as the proctor for this sect examination. You should be more composed to set an example for the younger generation. Also, try not to always look so stern, you might frighten the children."


    The scholar-like old man, one of the four Elder God Phenomenons of the Divine Sect, Zhang Qing Zheng, assented with a bow. Sitting back down, he rubbed his distressed face, trying to smile.


    Alas, it only appeared more frightening.


    Li Qingshan caught a glimpse and almost laughed out loud.


    "Si Time has come, prepare to open the mountain gate and begin the entrance examination for the sect," said Sect Master Nan Lihuo solemnly, glancing at Li Qingshan which caused him to swallow his laughter.


    "Dang¡ª!"


    The red-robed elder Zhu Hong Dou stood up and approached the massive black gong set up behind the archway. Clutching the mallet, she gently struck down.

 Chapter 198: Daughter’s First Stage Performance, 3-Year-Old Spirit Child Guards the Arena (3)

    In an instant, a flick sent the black gong vibrating, exploding with the sound of thunder!


    The wave of sound rippled out like ripples on a pond, stirring up a wild wind and spreading across the venue in the blink of an eye, silencing the crowd instantly.


    "Lingnan Road Qian Yuan Divine Sect¡¯s Yunzhou Sub-sect, the sect¡¯s disciple assessment and selection."


    "Begin!"


    ...


    ...


    Fine rain drizzled, caressed by the spring breeze.


    In front of the Divine Sect Mountain Gate, accompanied by the striking of the great black gong and the explosion of sound waves much like the raging waters of Nine Dragons River, the surrounding circle of parents and children fell silent.


    Three successive gong strikes resonated, and the voice of a stunningly beautiful woman in red reached every corner, so clear despite hundreds of feet of distance.


    Li Che, holding Xi Xi, took their places on the wooden platform set up to the left of the Divine Sect Mountain Gate.


    Several wooden chairs were placed there, and Li Che¡¯s group, led by Lu Chi, just managed to occupy the seats.


    Besides Li Che and his family, there were a few figures in splendid attire, quietly seated with their children in their arms.


    When Li Che¡¯s family arrived, their gazes swept over impatiently, several wealthy and elegantly dressed women couldn¡¯t help but frown at the sight of the simply dressed Zhang Ya.


    By their attire, Li Che¡¯s family clearly didn¡¯t belong to any notable status.


    What business did they have, sitting with them?


    Li Che was low-key, and few in Mansion City knew of him, mostly just knowing he was a Wood Carver who survived from the sacrificed Flying Thunder City.


    Even the fact that Li Che had joined the Qintian Observatory as a Third-class Guest Official was known by very few.


    However, since Li Che¡¯s group was brought by Lu Chi, the richly dressed people, although dissatisfied, held back their ire and refrained from provocation.


    Li Che certainly noticed the surrounding gazes, but he didn¡¯t mind them.


    "Uncle Li, this spot was specifically reserved for you by the teacher. These people in splendid attire are from the Noble Families of the thirteen cities subordinate to Mansion City. Among them are the two Supreme Spiritual Children," Lu Chi leaned in and whispered to Li Che.


    Li Che held Xi Xi and found their seats, his eyebrows arching at the mention. Was it that child... the one who was rated higher than Xi Xi by Li Qingshan?


    "Huang Si Xiang?" Li Che asked softly.


    Lu Chi immediately pointed out a little boy sitting about three or four seats away.


    The boy, nestled next to a beautifully figured woman, was well-behaved with an unusually short haircut and a bronze complexion. Although he was only five or six years old, he exuded a composed sharpness.


    Feeling Li Che¡¯s gaze, Huang Si Xiang turned to look over, his eyes quickly falling on Xi Xi. Seeing her youthful three-year-old appearance, he immediately sneered and lifted his chin, breaking eye contact.


    "A mere three-year-old child is not worth considering," Huang Si Xiang judged internally.


    Xi Xi felt slighted and became irritated, "Daddy, he¡¯s staring at me!"


    Li Che rubbed his little girl¡¯s head, "Later you can hit back. Have you learned everything Daddy taught you?"


    "I¡¯ve learned already! Now I can already throw out little kitties," Xi Xi, clenching her little fists and batting her sparkling eyes, proudly declared.


    Lu Chi, standing nearby, was completely baffled. Little kitties?


    What had Xi Xi been learning behind his back?


    "That one is another Supreme Spiritual Child from the Thirteen Cities, besides Xi Xi and Huang Si Xiang. He¡¯s a genius from the Liu Family of Eastern Ring City, Liu Chang Qing. The teacher¡¯s evaluation is, he¡¯s not as good as Xi Xi," Lu Chi pointed out.


    Li Che nodded upon hearing this.


    "How old are they?" Li Che inquired.


    "Huang Si Xiang is six, and Liu Chang Qing is seven," Lu Chi rattled off.


    The two talked for a while before falling silent because on the high platform, a woman in a fiery-red dress slowly walked to the edge of the wooden platform, holding a roster with the names of the Spirit Children selected from various cities.


    "This person is Elder Hongdou, one of the four Great Elders of the sect, a Divine Minister!" Lu Chi tilted his head, introducing her to Xi Xi and Li Che.


    However, no sooner had Lu Chi finished speaking than Zhu Hongdou¡¯s piercing gaze swept over to him.


    "Don¡¯t talk nonsense. This elder is incomparably beautiful, a unique beauty of the human world, blooming like a flower at eighteen. Refrain from speaking recklessly," Li Che tapped Lu Chi¡¯s head, seriously correcting him.


    For his daughter¡¯s sake, he didn¡¯t mind stretching the truth.


    Lu Chi, also sensing the murderous intent, belatedly realized he might have spoken out of turn.


    "Now, as I call the names of the Spirit Children, come up on stage," Elder Hongdou said, as if she heard Li Che¡¯s insincere praise, her lip curling disdainfully, yet undeniably pleased by the flattery.


    "From Xianghuancheng, Supreme Spiritual Child, Huang Si Xiang!"


    As her words fell.


    Little Huang Si Xiang, who had been sitting obediently next to the striking woman, suddenly stood up, raising his head high, his bronze skin gleaming as if oiled in the spring rain.


    With his head held high, being the first to be called, he walked forward proudly.


    He, Huang Si Xiang, would always be the first.


    "From Flying Thunder City, Supreme Spiritual Child, Li Nuanxi," Zhu Hongdou announced, consulting the roster once more.


    "Daddy, it sounds like they called me," Xi Xi excitedly said.


    Li Che set her down, smoothing away the creases on her tiny practice outfit, his tone gentle and encouraging, "Go ahead, Daddy¡¯s cheering for you!"


    He patted Xi Xi and then slipped in two "Chess Saint" chess pieces for extra protection.


    Xi Xi nodded and immediately scampered towards the platform.


    Three-year-old Xi Xi, so small and short, stood beside Huang Si Xiang on the platform, dwarfed by comparison.


    Below, a stir arose, accompanied by many chuckles and murmurs of amusement.

 Chapter 199: Daughter’s First Stage Performance, 3-Year-Old Spirit Child Guards the Arena (4)

    ```


    "A Supreme Spiritual Child who¡¯s three years old, the Talent is indeed impressive, yet... too young. "


    "Being too young to take part in the assessment doesn¡¯t offer much of an advantage, it would be safer to foster her for another year and attend at four years old. "


    "Coming from Fei Lei City, oh, then it¡¯s alright, I¡¯ve heard that Fei Lei City was bewitched by the Demon People of the Corpse God Cult, leading to the Thousand Infants Sacrifice where many Spirit Children perished undeservedly, this child being able to survive and make it to Mansion City...it¡¯s not easy..."


    ...


    The conversation below continued incessantly.


    However, it¡¯s very unlikely for a Supreme Spiritual Child who¡¯s three years old to become a contender for a True Successor, they¡¯ll probably become an Inner Sect Disciple. First, cultivate for one year, then see if they can catch an Elder¡¯s eye and be promoted to True Successor.


    Zhu Hong Dou glanced over at Xi Xi with interest, then continued to call out names.


    "From Eastern Ring City, a Supreme Spiritual Child, Liu Chang Qing. "


    "From the Qin Family, Qin Feng Huo..."


    Quickly, a total of fifteen names were called out, and fifteen children stood in a line on the wooden stage.


    There were both boys and girls but at a glance, they were all six or seven years old uniformly.


    Xi Xi, standing among them, was a head shorter, and her small size completely overwhelmed her presence.


    Xi Xi didn¡¯t mind, blinking her large eyes, she began to examine the boys and girls standing shoulder to shoulder with her. If she found them attractive, she would look longer, but if they were ugly, she would quickly move her gaze away, unable to bear a second.


    Below, however, there was already a stir.


    The first round is beginning with the assessment of the Supreme Spiritual Child?


    That means the True Successor assessment has directly commenced with these fifteen Supreme Spiritual Children competing for five True Successor positions!


    Four Elders and... the Sect Master!


    A total of five True Successor spots!


    Li Che sat below, his palms involuntarily clenched, admittedly... he was somewhat nervous.


    Even though he was well-aware of what to expect and very confident in Xi Xi¡¯s Talent and strength, he couldn¡¯t help but feel anxious.


    This was the emotional outpouring of a father, uncontrollable, as he watched his own daughter, dainty and lively, standing on the stage.


    Seeing those tall and robust Spirit Children around her, as his own daughter seemed so small and insignificant, looking around with apparent trepidation in her eyes... ?


    Li Che¡¯s heart couldn¡¯t help but tremble, with a sudden impulse to take his daughter down.


    Zhang Ya, unaware of when she had grasped Li Che¡¯s hand, was also full of sweaty palms, visibly tense.


    "Husband, can Xi Xi... become a True Successor?"


    "I hear that being accepted as a True Successor and entering the Inner Sect are worlds apart; it becomes extremely difficult to be promoted from Inner Sect to True Successor later on. "


    Zhang Ya was very nervous, and her words came out in quick succession.


    Li Che spent a while consoling her.


    "Don¡¯t worry, Xi Xi¡¯s performance won¡¯t be poor. "


    "After all, she¡¯s our daughter. "


    Next to them, Old Chen was so nervous that his whole body trembled more than when he had fled from bandits in the past, rubbing his hands incessantly and drinking from his gourd.


    Nurse Momo seemed unfazed, just rubbing Lu Chi¡¯s big head, much to his annoyance.


    Against the affection from his shifu¡¯s wife, Lu Chi could only purse his lips and bear it.


    On the wooden stage.


    The Elder Zhang Qing Zheng, in charge of overseeing this assessment, stood before all the children with a solemn expression resembling a bitter lotus, approached them.


    Immediately, all fifteen Spirit Children dared not even breathe.


    Xi Xi almost covered her eyes, what a stinky face.


    Zhang Qing Zheng stood with hands clasped behind his back, and his face seemed nearly frozen from smiling, wondering why these little ones still couldn¡¯t sense the approachability radiating from him?


    "The first round of the Sect assessment is the selection for True Successor. "


    "The selection for True Successor consists of three stages; the first stage is the challenge arena. "


    "There are five arenas set up on the wooden stage, and I have fifteen folded papers here. You will draw one each, which will determine the five who will stand in defense of the arenas while the rest will attack. The victor continues to hold the arena. "


    "Those standing in the arenas at the end will be the winners of the first stage of the True Successor assessment. "


    "The second stage involves assessing Divine Talent, with the Divine Sect¡¯s Observation Skill projecting to evaluate based on the height of the Divine Purple Qi. "


    "The scores will be divided into three categories: Superior, Excellent, and Good. "


    "As for the third stage, we¡¯ll discuss that after the first two stages are over. "


    Zhang Qing Zheng¡¯s eyebrows drooped, appearing as bitter as the whiskers of dried coptis.


    He looked towards the fifteen Supreme Spiritual Children on the stage and said with a smile.


    The fifteen Spirit Children were intimidated by Zhang Qing Zheng¡¯s sour face, and they quickly stood up straight, loudly acknowledging their understanding.


    Then, Zhang Qing Zheng suddenly tossed up the fifteen folded pieces of paper.


    Invisible qi surged around them, making the papers fly chaotically as if enclosed in an invisible, transparent sphere.


    "Each of you take one, upon opening it you can tell whether you are a defender or an attacker for the arena. "


    Zhang Qing Zheng stated.


    Xi Xi curiously looked at the whirlwind of folded papers floating in front of her and reached out her plump little hand to grab one.


    The fierce wind buffeted her arm, causing it to tremble and tingle pleasantly.


    After retrieving the folded paper, Xi Xi opened it with curiosity.


    Afterward, her eyes were blank because there was a character on it she could not recognize.


    He swept a glance over it, his eyes slightly raised, subtly shaking his head.


    A three-year-old Spirit Child as a defender will surely be seen as an easy target and become the object of many Spirit Children¡¯s eager challenges for the arena.


    It¡¯s a pity, but that¡¯s how the rules of the True Successor assessment go...


    If you dare to compete for True Successor at three years old, you must show some abilities.


    With the bitter lotus-like face set firm, his robe flowing, Zhang Qing Zheng spoke with authority.


    "The first stage defenders are Huang Si Xiang, Qin Feng Huo, Hai Chao Sheng, Gongyang Xiu..."


    "Li Nuanxi. "


    ```

 Chapter 200: A 3-year-old makes a 7-year-old cry, and Xi Xi is like a Bull Demon

    Spring breeze caresses the willows, misty rain blurs the air.


    Drops patter onto the wooden stage, producing rustling sounds.


    As the names of the guardians were read out by Zhang Qing Zheng one by one, the parents watching the True Successor examination below invariably gasped.


    The first phase of the True Successor assessment had no Observation Skill scrutiny for meticulous examination, for fairness was key.


    Although everyone was a Supreme Spiritual Child, there still were differences in their capabilities.


    The length of the purple aura discerned by the Observation Skill was the standard for assessing talent; revealing it early would inevitably affect the children¡¯s mentality and fighting spirit.


    Therefore, the Divine Sect had placed this talent assessment, which could hardly be changed, in the second phase.


    "Li Nuanxi, that three-year-old Spirit Child... has actually become a guardian in the first phase?"


    "This luck really has no match; she¡¯s going to be beaten to tears in no time, knocked off the stage, and sent back home to drink milk!"


    "Yes, a three-year-old guarding the platform is far too inferior compared to the Qin Family¡¯s Qin Feng Huo, the Hai Family¡¯s Hai Chao Sheng, the Gongyang Family¡¯s Gong Yang Xiu, not to mention Huang Si Xiang from Xianghuancheng, who is known for his Innate Divine Strength."


    "Apart from Huang Si Xiang, the other three seem to hail from Mansion City¡¯s Five Great Clans, families of great lineage and profound heritage. Most importantly, their ages aren¡¯t just three years old; I think Gong Yang Xiu is the youngest... five years old?"


    ...


    From the areas occupied by the Noble Families, numerous voices emerged.


    Was there even a suspense?


    They were definitely going to pick on the easy target.


    Who cares about losing face when bullying a three-year-old child when it comes to contending for the position of a True Successor?


    To become a True Successor is to be nurtured by the Divine Sect Branch with substantial resources.


    What does a mere lack of face amount to?


    Cultivation is all about competition. Standing here at three years old, isn¡¯t Li Nuanxi striving for the position of a True Successor?


    Since she dares to stand here, she naturally has to be prepared for defeat.


    The numerous Spirit Children were also astute, their eyes gleaming. Five had become guardians, and the remaining ten... were challengers.


    Xi Xi¡¯s piece of folded paper bore a "guard" character, meaning she needed to defend.


    For Xi Xi, whether it was attacking or defending, didn¡¯t it all mean she had to fight a battle?


    Xi Xi was so excited; she clenched her chubby fists.


    A fight was coming; Emperor Xi Xi, after two and a half years of strenuous cultivation, was finally about to make her debut!


    Below.


    Upon seeing that Xi Xi was the first guardian, Zhang Ya¡¯s vision darkened as she tightly clutched Li Che¡¯s arm.


    "My lord, why is Xi Xi the first one to guard... She¡¯s only three years old... Isn¡¯t this just inviting a collective attack?"


    Zhang Ya was on the verge of tears, my poor Xi Xi.


    Old Chen felt somewhat drained, slumping in his chair, my poor Xi Xi.


    Nurse Momo sighed.


    Li Che quickly tried to calm his wife¡¯s emotions, "You have to believe in Xi Xi... she¡¯s really amazing."


    Li Che was somewhat torn between laughter and tears. Even Old Chen... he was aware of Xi Xi¡¯s Bone Tempering level, yet he seemed so hopeless about Xi Xi¡¯s prospects.


    Entrenched prejudices, indeed. Who says a three-year-old is only fit for taking a beating?


    He had taught Xi Xi a lot. With her exceptional talent and his training...


    He had immense confidence in Xi Xi.


    Li Che looked towards the stage, through the drizzling Spring Rain.


    However, even Li Che felt a bit uneasy. After all... this was Xi Xi¡¯s first battle since her birth.


    Even though he had done everything to prepare Xi Xi...


    But for a three-year-old toddler to guard a stage, it was impossible for the parents to not feel immense pressure.


    ...


    ...


    Zhang Qing Zheng¡¯s face, as austere as a dried lotus, took on a serious look as he finished reciting the names of the Guardian Spirit Children. He then rose with a sweep of his sleeves, and a burst of clean wind surged.


    It swept up the five Guardian Spirit Children, causing them to rise and float as if riding the clouds, accompanied by the astonished cries of the children, before they each landed on one of the five platforms.


    Xi Xi, little and alone, stood on the fifth platform, blinking her spirited eyes, curiously looking around without a hint of stage fright or fear.


    All around, quiet settled in, and everyone took a deep breath, watching the figures on the platforms.


    Many eyes held pity, looking at the small, pitiful three-year-old girl standing on the platform.


    Everyone could guess what this little girl would encounter next.


    "The guardian who loses will be replaced by the challenger who wins, and the challenger will then become the new guardian. The one ultimately standing on the platform will receive the top-grade score,"


    "So, if you wish to become a True Successor of the Divine Sect, use all of your skills to remain standing to the end!"


    Zhang Qing Zheng, with lowered eyelids and robes fluttering, spoke softly.


    He had tried his best to give these children a smile, striving to make his stern visage a little less intimidating.


    "Now, does anyone have questions?"


    Upon his words, silence reigned on the platforms.


    He was satisfied, ready to officially announce the start of the platform battles.


    However, on the fifth platform, Xi Xi suddenly raised her arm high, and worried that Zhang Qing Zheng might not see her, she hopped a few times on the spot.


    "Me me me, old grandpa, I have a question!"


    Xi Xi¡¯s voice was milky and loud.


    Many eyes were instantly drawn to her.


    At her words, Zhang Qing Zheng tugged at the corners of his withered mouth, and with a smile, he asked, "Li Nuanxi, what is your question?"


    "Is it alright to win by any means? Or are there restrictions, like not using Hidden Weapons or traps?"


    Xi Xi asked, blinking her expectant eyes.


    Zhang Qing Zheng was momentarily taken aback.


    This three-year-old girl had considered all these details.


    "There are no restrictions. You may even use Divine Weapons if you can manage to wield them..."

 Chapter 201: 3-Year-Old Makes a 7-Year-Old Opponent Cry, This Xi Xi is Like a Bull Demon (2)

    Zhang Qing Zheng¡¯s face, bitter as the taste of coptis, broke into a smile as he said, "With this old man here, you all can give your best performance. Just aim for victory."


    What level are these children really at?


    He, a Divine Symbol Cultivator, could surely control a battle involving a few kids whose combined ages didn¡¯t even add up to his.


    "Okay! Xi Xi understands! Thank you, Grandpa!"


    Xi Xi politely replied.


    This girl really isn¡¯t shy, incredibly bold, with a gleam in her eyes, as if on fire.


    Zhang Qing Zheng felt overjoyed by the girl¡¯s attitude.


    Look at that sweet talk. Who could now say that Zhang Qing Zheng always wears a scowl so grim that it scares people off?


    ...


    ...


    On the wooden stage, Li Qingshan, who had been curled up in a chair appearing almost asleep, suddenly perked up.


    He straightened his back, leaned forward, and focused on the battle happening on the stage.


    Sect Master Nan Lihuo laughed and said, "This girl is lively and very bold. Additionally, her Martial Cultivation is quite remarkable. She has achieved Bone Tempering Great Achievement..."


    "Three-Year Bone Tempering Great Achievement, although her physical functions are far behind those of a seven-year-old Spirit Child, with her strength at least thirty percent weaker, she nonetheless has competitive power."


    "A promising candidate."


    Sect Master Nan Lihuo stroked his beard and laughed, pleased.


    It¡¯s a pity. If she could grow another year and participate in the sect¡¯s assessment at four, that would have been most prudent, and her chances highly likely. Now at three years old...


    She¡¯s probably going to be in for a hard time.


    "This girl, is she the one you saved from Fei Lei City? It¡¯s peculiar indeed. Such a talent, and yet the Corpse God Cult overlooked her?"


    Nan Lihuo commented with admiration.


    Li Qingshan grimaced. He had felt something amiss the moment Xi Xi asked Zhang Qing Zheng a question.


    Just too darn similar!


    Just like Li Che. Courteous and accommodating when speaking, but a man who pulled out big mechanisms when taking action.


    Li Che, known as the Bull Demon , had many powerful devices; his control of mechanical weapons was remarkable. Initially, it was precisely these mechanical weapons that allowed Li Che to dominate in Fei Lei City and even counter-kill the city¡¯s Noble Families¡¯ Divine Cultivators.


    This young girl¡¯s inquiry was undoubtedly a prelude to her preparing fireworks.


    Could Xi Xi possibly be without weapons?


    Given how extremely Li Che adored his daughter, would he not provide mechanisms?


    Probably stuffed with who knows how many mechanical hidden weapons!


    They might as well be laced with poison.


    This was something the Bull Demon could certainly do!


    "Anyone who underestimates this young girl is likely in for a big loss. Let Elder Zhang stay more focused. We don¡¯t want him scrambling in chaos and turning this into a farce."


    Li Qingshan chuckled, gearing up to thoroughly enjoy the show.


    "Oh? Does this young girl possess a Divine Weapon? But even if she has one, at this age, she can¡¯t bring out its true power," Sect Master Nan Lihuo commented with a smile.


    Divine Weapon?


    These little brats don¡¯t know the first thing about Divine Weapons...


    At this age, hidden weapons are far more fun than Divine Weapons.


    Li Qingshan, however, mysteriously shook his head.


    This piqued the curiosity of a few elders positioned high up on the platform.


    Elder Zhu Hong Dou glanced at Li Qingshan, then her gaze fell upon the petite figure of Li Nuanxi, and she couldn¡¯t help but reveal a look of curiosity.


    Her disciples were mostly girls.


    Therefore, she tended to be more concerned about her female disciples.


    ...


    ...


    Xi Xi stood on her platform, raising her head.


    Finally, it was time for battle. Back at the Xu Family¡¯s Divine Cultivation Institute, she had suppressed all rivals.


    Back then, she looked down upon all sides. Unfortunately, once brought back home, she wasn¡¯t afforded the same esteem and was forced to train daily, never getting the chance to rule supreme.


    No matter, they were just a few hardships.


    Now, she, Xi Xi, was geared up once more, ready to fight!


    Come, you traitors!


    Come challenge your Emperor Xi Xi!


    Xi Xi placed her hands on her hips, her tiny chest puffed out, her smile fluttering in the spring breeze.


    Fifteen Supreme Spiritual Children, five as defenders and ten as challengers. On average, each platform could be challenged twice, though ideally. However, it was possible that everyone might focus on a single platform... it¡¯s unpredictable.


    Because of their fear of the defenders on other platforms and lack of confidence in winning, they might just pick an easy target.


    Fortunately, each challenge round was followed by half an hour of rest, allowing time to recuperate.


    When Zhang Qing Zheng announced the start of the challenge, the ten attacking Supreme Spiritual Children hesitated. Each eyed the others, as if weighing their choices.


    Of the five platforms, Li Nuanxi was undoubtedly the easiest target.


    Coming from humble beginnings, young, and a girl...


    With all three disadvantages, how could they not be tempted to act?


    But who should be the first to challenge Li Nuanxi?


    This was indeed worth considering.


    After all, they were all seven-year-old children now, and challenging a three-year-old girl seemed somewhat embarrassing.


    "I¡¯ll go first!"


    Liu Chang Qing saw that none of the Mansion City¡¯s Supreme Spiritual Children made a move. His eyes sharpened, and he stepped forward first.


    "I challenge Li Nuanxi!"


    Liu Chang Qing, looking pale and tender, tall and thin, clearly well-versed in martial arts, spoke in a hushed tone, emulating an adult¡¯s manner.


    Zhang Qing Zheng glanced at him and nodded, "Good."


    The other Supreme Spiritual Children from Mansion City did not compete with Liu Chang Qing for the challenge. For example, Shangguan Qinglei from the Shangguan Family and Gong Yuanliang from the Gong Family, two Supreme Spiritual Children from the Five Great Noble Families and Clans, refrained from moving, which made others hesitant to act either.

 Chapter 202: A 3-Year-Old Makes a 7-Year-Old Cry, Such a Bull Demon Like Xi Xi (3)

    Instead, Liu Changqing, a supreme spiritual child from Eastern Ring City, seized the initiative.


    Liu Changqing, with his hair pinned up and dressed in blue robes, held his head high and puffed out his chest. With a running start, he leaped onto the wooden stage.


    On the other four stages, Qin Fenghuo, Hai Chao Sheng, Gongyang Xiu, and Huang Si Xiang were all watching with curiosity. Since no one was challenging them, they were keenly observing the battle unfolding on Li Nuanxi¡¯s stage.


    "That little girl is definitely going to lose; she¡¯s certainly going to cry. She¡¯s only three... she¡¯s still wearing diapers, still breastfed, and she¡¯s trying to compete with us?"


    Qin Fenghuo crossed his arms and started to grin.


    Hai Chao Sheng gave him a quiet glance. As a genius that even the Hai Family¡¯s patriarch was reluctant to expose, Hai Chao Sheng possessed a maturity that belied his age.


    Huang Si Xiang¡¯s bronze skin subtly pulsed with blood, his arms crossed and eyes closed in meditation.


    He didn¡¯t care in the slightest about Li Nuanxi, who was also a supreme spiritual child from outside Mansion City.


    Under the gaze of nearly ten thousand onlookers, Liu Changqing ascended the stage.


    Liu Changqing, at seven years old, stood tall on the stage. Looking down at Li Nuanxi, who only reached his waist, a slight sneer curved his lips.


    It wasn¡¯t hubris, it¡¯s just that... facing such a small figure, he couldn¡¯t muster any respect.


    If he were to reach out and press her head with his hand, even if she flailed her limbs, she might not even reach him, right?


    No challenge at all.


    This stage, he would occupy first!


    "Little girl, just concede and go home for milk!" Liu Changqing said, chin raised and arms crossed.


    Xi Xi narrowed her eyes and stomped her foot heavily: "Impudent!"


    Liu Changqing blinked in surprise.


    But he found that the little figure before him leaned forward, and the wooden stage beneath his feet vibrated violently, accompanied by a loud bang alongside its high-frequency tremors.


    Xi Xi¡¯s figure shot out, her speed so fast that she seemed to turn into a black streak!


    So fast!


    Liu Changqing¡¯s hair stood on end as he spread his legs into a horse stance and let out a loud cry. His dark hair billowed as blood and energy burst out from his body, his tendons and bones making cracking sounds!


    Nine thick tendons writhed along his spine, and tiger roars emanated from within his bones!


    He, Liu Changqing, at seven years old... had achieved bone tempering!


    His fingers clenched, a trace of ruthlessness gleaming in his eyes!


    Liu Changqing had to make it to the end, become the true successor of Divine Sect. His family had placed too many hopes on him; his mother, his father, both wanted to be proud of him!


    "Little brat, get off the stage!"


    "This stage belongs to me!"


    Liu Changqing thought about all the responsibilities he had to shoulder at such a young age, his eyes reddening slightly.


    He raised his fist, divinity surging forth, and twisted his waist, bringing the punch down fiercely toward that sneakily approaching little girl at his waist.


    This punch could easily land on the little girl¡¯s forehead!


    Once hit, with his bone tempering realm strength combined with the explosive force of nature-nourishing Like a Stream, it would be enough to knock her unconscious!


    Liu Changqing didn¡¯t hold back, and there was even a thrill in his eyes!


    The thrill of hitting someone!


    Suddenly, a chubby little fist clenched and thrust out. Xi Xi penetrated into Liu Changqing¡¯s waist area, took a firm horse stance, sank her body, and pushed a punch horizontally.


    Daddy said, this was the position where the enemy struggled most to exert force, while one¡¯s own power could reach its optimal state.


    Using one¡¯s own perfection to strike the opponent¡¯s flaw was, according to Daddy, the way of battle!


    Bang¡ª!


    Their fists collided!


    Huh?!


    Liu Changqing¡¯s face changed in shock, that chubby little fist actually contained such terrifying force?


    A burst of Inner Strength, more fearsome than his bone tempering realm strength, mixed with Divinity, roared through.


    He had been twisting his waist to gather strength, not fully exerting his power, and was hit by an even greater force from the opponent.


    Instantly, he was overwhelmed!


    His punch was swept aside, and that little fist heavily smashed into his abdomen...


    Liu Changqing felt as though his kidneys were about to burst!


    The intense pain instantly spread like a web over all the nerves in his head.


    "Hey-hah!"


    Following the punch, Xi Xi immediately delivered a flying kick, which landed solidly on Liu Changqing¡¯s chest.


    Liu Changqing, with a ghastly white face and bearing unbearable pain.


    Was kicked so hard that he flew sideways, crashing onto the stage and sliding several meters away


    "Wuh wuh wuh... Waah pfft... my waist..."


    "Mom... wuh wuh... mom..."


    Liu Changqing lay on the ground curled up, sobbing loudly with snot and tears running down, suddenly turning into a small ¡¯crying cat¡¯.


    All around the stage, the crowd had already erupted into an uproar!


    That force... was just too strong!


    That punch, that kick, could you believe this was a three-year-old girl?!


    What can a three-year-old do? She¡¯s at an age where she can¡¯t even control her own bladder!


    This girl... had she truly achieved bone tempering major accomplishment?!


    There weren¡¯t a few among the spectators who perceived the strength of Xi Xi¡¯s explosive energy in that punch and kick, which sent Liu Changqing crying.


    They all sensed the intensity of Xi Xi¡¯s energy outburst.


    "Three years old... bone tempering major accomplishment..."


    On the neighboring four stages,


    Faces were changing.


    Huang Si Xiang, arms crossed, suddenly opened his eyes. His eyes were piercingly sharp, and his bronze skin seemed to flicker with flowing light.


    That little brat... so strong?!


    Qin Fenghuo, who had been watching for a joke, also suddenly shut up, his face showing some astonishment. At seven years old... he had only just achieved major accomplishment in bone tempering.


    No, this girl... what kind of demon or monster is she?!


    ...


    ...


    On the high platform,


    Li Qingshan stroked his beard and laughed heartily, almost choking with laughter.


    What a marvelous Little Stinky Xi!


    Ambushing, concealing breath, suddenly exploding with power, relentlessly attacking...

 Chapter 203: 3-Year-Old Makes 7-Year-Old Opponent Cry, Xi Xi Like Bull Demon (4)

    If she were to pull out another Cute Bull Mask from her bosom, she would be the spitting image of the Bull Demon!


    Little Bull Demon!


    Truly like father, like daughter.


    This girl... a class of Bull Demon!


    The eyebrows of Sect Master Nan Lihuo from the Divine Sect raised slightly, a look of surprise appearing in his eyes, he was indeed very astonished.


    "Interesting, at such a young age, yet her mind is so exquisite, her combat methods... filled with spirit."


    Nan Lihuo exclaimed in admiration.


    Not bad, very good indeed.


    Zhu Hong Dou¡¯s eyes had already lit up, and she felt an urge to take Xi Xi under her wing.


    Li Qingshan rolled his eyes, combat methods full of spirit...


    Such techniques, if performed by the Bull Demon, would certainly be branded as extremely brutal, cunning, and utterly shameless!


    ...


    "How is that possible? That three-year-old little brat actually..."


    "So fierce, so fierce! This eruption of vital energy, this strength... Major Accomplishment in Bone Tempering?"


    "Three-Year Major Accomplishment in Bone Tempering? I couldn¡¯t even pee far when I was three!"


    "Can the gap between people really be this big?!"


    The many parents and onlookers around the wooden stage all gasped.


    Watching it just felt painful, Xi Xi¡¯s extremely tricky punch landed on Liu Chang Qing¡¯s waist, though not fatal, it was... extremely humiliating!


    The kidneys were right there, if something went wrong...


    The future of the little boy could really be messed up.


    "Did Liu Chang Qing go easy?" People from Eastern Ring City, many of whom were Spirit Children, were stunned like statues.


    All of them were merely Superior Grade and Mid-grade Spirit Children, barely able to breathe under Liu Chang Qing¡¯s oppression.


    But who could have imagined, Liu Chang Qing, unbeaten under seven in Eastern Ring City, got defeated by a three-year-old toddler right from the start!


    Everyone was dumbfounded.


    Zhang Qing Zheng also paused for a moment, then a strain of a wry smile spread across his bitter gourd-like face, it was actually quite genuine.


    Three-Year Major Accomplishment in Bone Tempering, a good, very good seedling.


    Looks young, yet her combat experience seems somewhat seasoned.


    First, the attack was aimed at an extremely tricky and cunning spot, second... the sudden explosion of Bone Tempering Great Accomplishment caught the opponent off guard, showing some interconnected planning, and extremely high combat awareness. ?


    The combat style, though raw, already had traces of nimbleness and shrewdness!


    Very good!


    As for the blow to the kidneys, what bad intentions could a child have?


    Innocent and naive, the strike wasn¡¯t on purpose.


    Zhang Qing Zheng¡¯s face had barely formed a full smile when he quickly teleported onto the stage.


    If he hadn¡¯t appeared then, the uncertain Xi Xi, thinking the duel wasn¡¯t over, might have continued hammering the whining Liu Chang Qing on the ground...


    "Daddy said, the referee must call it before you stop hitting, keep going until the referee calls it, otherwise, you risk getting backstabbed!"


    Xi Xi said earnestly.


    You can look down on your opponent in tactics, but you must never hold back in your strikes!


    Daddy said, this world is too dangerous, you have to be cautious and vigilant, prevent a sudden counterattack while ambushing your opponent!


    Fighting is a very serious matter, after all, if you¡¯re not serious, you¡¯re going to get beaten.


    Xi Xi did not want to get beaten!


    In this world, the only one who could beat her... was her stinky daddy!


    "Okay, okay."


    "He admits defeat."


    "This challenge, Liu Chang Qing fails the attack, Li Nuan Xi successfully defends the title!"


    Zhang Qing Zheng held back Xi Xi¡¯s advancing head with one hand and with a flick of a finger, a ray of divine brilliance landed on Liu Chang Qing¡¯s body, calming the tearful, incessantly rolling Liu Chang Qing down gradually.


    Only then did Xi Xi seem still unsatisfied as she retracted her fist, and wiped her slightly messy bangs in annoyance.


    Afterward, she placed her hands on her hips, shaking her head.


    "That¡¯s it?"


    "At seven... not so impressive after all!"


    "Way worse than Big Head Lu."

 Chapter 204: The 3-Year-Old Master Sets Off Fireworks, Father is the Daughter’s Great Hero

    Spring Rain drizzled incessantly, due to the northern cold current, the temperature had significantly dropped, bringing a biting chill of a reverse spring.


    Below the wooden platform.


    After a moment of silence, suddenly there was tumult and boiling noise.


    "Ah! My son!"


    A woman dressed in magnificent clothes suddenly stood up with a wail, beating her chest and stamping her feet in agony, tears streaming as she stared at the platform where Liu Chang Qing had been reduced to tears by Xi Xi.


    The punch Xi Xi landed directly on the waist and abdomen made the woman¡¯s body shudder.


    "This malicious little wretch!"


    The woman screamed, wanting to rush onto the platform, but before she could take two steps, she was stopped by a soldier of the Divine Guard Army responsible for maintaining order.


    On the platform.


    Zhang Qing Zheng, clad in a scholar¡¯s attire, gave the woman a slight glance. Just a glance was enough to make the wailing woman instantly quiet, making her feel as if the most terrifying thing in the world had, in an instant, clung to her heart.


    A gaze from the Divine Minister, even though restrained, was more than the woman, merely at the Cultivation as Riverlike level, could bear.


    Had it not been restrained, if he had wished, a single look from Zhang Qing Zheng could collapse the Divinity river inside the Energy Center of the woman.


    "Mind your own tongue."


    Zhang Qing Zheng kept a stern face.


    "In cultivation and combat, injuries are inevitable. If you cherish your son so much, then take him home and do not let him join my Divine Sect."


    The cold words, combined with Zhang Qing Zheng¡¯s stern face that looked as if even the sage owed him money...


    The woman was immediately so frightened that she dared not speak.


    Zhang Qing Zheng patted Xi Xi¡¯s little head.


    "Keep defending the platform, well done. Cultivation and combat are meant for victory, without victory... talking of martial ethics is utterly meaningless."


    Although Zhang Qing Zheng was of scholarly origin and an imperial scholar of the Grand Prospect Dynasty, he was by no means old-fashioned or rigid.


    While he had his principles, he did not mind the means used during a fight; what he cared about was the meaning of an action.


    Xi Xi¡¯s eyes immediately brightened, and she nodded incessantly, "Grandpa, you are absolutely right, Xi Xi understands."


    Zhang Qing Zheng smiled, but in Xi Xi¡¯s eyes, Grandfather¡¯s stern face seemed even more severe.


    "Liu Chang Qing has failed in his challenge, based on his combat performance, his rating is grade C-plus."


    Zhang Qing Zheng said indifferently, then lightly flicked his sleeve. A breeze suddenly surged from beneath the despondent Liu Chang Qing, sending him off the platform and beside the speechless woman. ?


    "Mother..."


    Liu Chang Qing¡¯s tears "dripped" incessantly.


    He had been careless, deceived by Xi Xi¡¯s three-year-old appearance!


    "Son, it¡¯s alright. We can still vie for a place in the Inner Sect, don¡¯t cry, you did quite well."


    The woman helped Liu Chang Qing back to their spectator spot.


    Zhang Qing Zheng¡¯s Divinity had already healed Liu Chang Qing¡¯s injuries; he hardly felt any pain at present.


    Only a lingering fear remained in his spirit, indelible.


    Leading to a kidney pain that seemed intermittently noticeable.


    "That little girl is truly malicious, so cruel at just three years old... What will happen when she grows up!"


    Although intimidated by Zhang Qing Zheng, the woman¡¯s resentment could not be quelled.


    Her eyes cold, she looked toward her husband, who, however, shook his head, "The little girl¡¯s father is Li Che, though he comes from Flying Thunder City, he has joined the Qintian Observatory in Mansion City and has become a Third-class Guest Official..."


    "That¡¯s no low status; I know your family in Mansion City holds some sway, but do not act recklessly."


    The husband, being the Patriarch of the Liu Family, appeared extremely grave, his forbearance and timidity incited further dissatisfaction and suffocation in the woman¡¯s heart.


    She had thought her son could become a Supreme Spiritual Child, a True Successor of the Divine Sect.


    But now, all was lost.


    In the first match of the first round, he lost, earning a C-plus rating.


    "I¡¯m not satisfied! Clearly, Chang Qing¡¯s performance was not just that, he was merely sabotaged by that wretched girl!" the woman spoke discontentedly.


    Patriarch Liu spoke gravely, "What does it matter if you¡¯re not satisfied? Do you think the Divine Sect¡¯s assessment is a child¡¯s play? Do you think they would redo it because you¡¯re not satisfied? I might indulge you at home, but out here, the world doesn¡¯t revolve as you wish!"


    "Don¡¯t cause trouble. Mansion City is not Eastern Ring City; every word and action could lead to disaster. Be cautious with your speech!"


    It was the first time the woman saw her husband so angry, and she immediately pursed her lips.


    But she still muttered somewhat defiantly, "Everyone¡¯s focused on the assessment... who would have time to eavesdrop on our conversation?"


    Patriarch Liu¡¯s expression softened slightly, "Why the rush? Chang Qing hasn¡¯t lost all chances. It¡¯s only the first segment now; there are two more segments to go. Chang Qing still has opportunities to turn the tables!"


    Upon hearing this, the woman¡¯s expression slightly eased.


    ...


    ...


    Li Che narrowed his eyes, holding his wife Zhang Ya¡¯s delicate palm, gently playing with her slender fingers.


    Yet a sharp and cold glint flashed through his eyes.


    "One nasty accusation after another, such a shrew, thinking my Xi Xi... has no parents?"


    "It was just a normal injury from a match, and yet she holds such a grudge."


    "Vile woman!"


    A cold chill surged in Li Che¡¯s eyes, the last vile woman... was now grass over her grave.


    However, the Patriarch of Liu Family did seem somewhat sober and steady in the human world.


    But...


    It was okay to call him, Li Che, names, but to insult his daughter... that he could not tolerate!


    His daughter, Li Che¡¯s daughter, should not suffer the slightest grievance!


    If Xi Xi heard someone calling her that, how heartbroken she would be?


    A parent, if they can¡¯t stand up when their child is being bullied, what kind of parent are they?


    Li Che never considered himself a good person.


    He was just a man who wanted to keep his daughter safe and took revenge at any slight against her!


    A father is always a daughter¡¯s greatest hero.


    Letting go of Zhang Ya¡¯s hand, he patted the back of her hand, and then with her puzzled gaze on him, Li Che stood up, his black tunic billowing in the wind.

 Chapter 205: The 3-Year-Old Master Sets Off Fireworks, Father is the Daughter’s Great Hero (2)

    Li Che stretched languidly and then, with a gentle expression, walked towards the place where the Liu family members were sitting.


    The woman was still comforting Liu Chang Qing, who was sobbing uncontrollably in her arms.


    The family head of the Liu family sat with a stern face, having not spoken a word.


    Suddenly, the family head of the Liu family stared in shock, turned his head, and saw a young man in black clothes and a tight jacket approaching with a gentle smile.


    "It¡¯s Li Che!"


    The pupils of the family head of the Liu family flickered, but there was also a hint of confusion.


    What was this man doing here?


    His daughter had just brutally beaten up his son; was he here to apologize?


    Yes, he must be here to apologize...


    Rumors had it that Li Che was of a gentle nature and timid, perhaps coming to apologize for his daughter¡¯s rash actions.


    The family head of the Liu family exhaled and stood up, intending to accept Li Che¡¯s apology.


    After all, the status of Li Che as a third-class guest official at the Mansion City Qintian Observatory was truly extraordinary.


    However, the moment he got up, his vision blurred, and he saw Li Che¡¯s blood energy burst forth, shooting out with the speed of great accomplishment in Blood Exchange, appearing beside the woman.


    The terrifying and majestic blood energy, like mountains pressing down, and like a tiger lying down, suddenly rose and roared!


    The woman looked up in confusion only to feel a suffocating oppression before seeing a palm viciously strike her face, the terrifying force distorting her flesh and skin and transmitting to her cheek bones, flinging off several bloodstained teeth.


    The terrifying force of the Major Accomplishment of Blood Exchange directly flung the woman several meters away, causing Liu Chang Qing to fall to the ground, completely dumbfounded, his sobs seemingly frozen in place.


    "Li Che!!!"


    The family head of the Liu family from Eastern Ring City was furious beyond measure.


    "Worthless trash, vile and poisonous girl... Does it roll off your tongue so easily, as if my daughter has no parents?"


    Li Che flicked his hand, his expression growing colder by the moment.


    The family head of the Liu family suddenly erupted with Divinity, fiercely oppressing Li Che; this family head turned out to have cultivation in the Primary God-Base Realm, albeit a God-Base of the Ten Cities... The oppressive force was so weak to Li Che, it was almost negligible.


    However...


    Li Che merely glanced at him coldly, while Big Head Lu Chi appeared behind the family head of the Liu family without any notice.


    The family head of the Liu family instantly retracted his Divine pressure, his face grim and frustrated.


    He knew the identity of the child behind him with his Nezha-style buns¡ª he was a disciple of Ram¡¯s Horn Sky Shatterer Li Qingshan!


    Too hard to provoke!


    At least in Mansion City, he dared not provoke him.


    "Master Li, quite an imposing display."


    The family head of the Liu family clenched his fists, his voice icy.


    Far away, the woman who had her teeth shattered by Li Che screamed in terror, her screams accompanied by a whistling sound from the gaps left by missing teeth.


    "Husband, he hit me, that despicable man hit me, ahhh¡ª ooh, husband, help me!"


    The woman screamed, but the family head of the Liu family cowered.


    He saw his wife being beaten and did not dare to retaliate, like an ostrich burying its head.


    "Just standing up for my daughter, just wanted to tell your wife to not insulty anyone else¡¯s daughter in front of their parents..."


    Li Che said. Discover stories at empire


    The family head of the Liu family clenched his fists but said nothing more, because the fault... indeed lay with his wife.


    Insult someone else¡¯s daughter, and they beat you up... don¡¯t you deserve it?!


    So frustrating!


    They say Li Che is gentle and timid; where is the gentleness?


    He¡¯s obviously very arrogant!


    But, thinking about it, one can understand.


    After all, it involved Li Che¡¯s daughter; any father who sees someone bullying his daughter might well go completely mad!


    The family head of the Liu family exhaled, left to swallow his frustration.


    Li Che, with Lu Chi, returned to his original spot.


    Zhang Ya¡¯s eyes sparkled brightly as she stared incessantly at Li Che.


    My husband, who defends his own so fiercely, how can he be so handsome?!


    Zhang Ya found herself growing more and more admiring of Li Che.


    Yes! Tonight, I¡¯ll prepare several Sinew Transforming positions to ask for my husband¡¯s guidance!


    Li Che stretched out a large hand and ruffled Zhang Ya¡¯s head, then casually sat down, leaning against the Taishi Chair, unfazed.


    Old Chen was not surprised; although Li Che was generally gentle, when it came to his family, he could become extremely fierce. Back in Fei Lei City, when the Spirit Infant Sect targeted Xi Xi, Li Che, despite his fear of killing, still took decisive action.


    The first time Li Che killed someone, it was Old Chen who led the way!


    So, don¡¯t bully the honest people.


    Push an honest person to the limit, and they can become even more terrifying than a madman.


    ...


    ...


    This interlude, though it attracted quite a few gazes, did not garner much attention.


    Most were still focused on the high platform where the Supreme Spiritual Children were.


    After Xi Xi won a match, she could choose to rest, for up to half an hour at most, but as her victory over Liu Chang Qing had not drained much of her vitality, she only rested briefly.


    Zhang Qing Zheng released a touch of Divinity, restoring Xi Xi¡¯s condition to perfection!


    "Continue."


    Zhang Qing Zheng looked over the remaining fourteen Supreme Spiritual Children and declared.


    Xi Xi defeated Liu Chang Qing with a thunderous posture. Although only three years old, she ensured that the other children would no longer underestimate her.


    Because Xi Xi demonstrated the strength of Major Accomplishment in Bone Tempering, she was already not weaker than Hai Chao Sheng, Qin Feng Huo, Huang Si Xiang, and the others.


    This three-year-old child was no longer a soft persimmon but a tough nut, extremely difficult to crack!


    However, the Gongyang Family¡¯s Gong Yang Xiu, owing to her also being quite young, inadvertently replaced Xi Xi as the soft persimmon.


    Gong Yang Xiu was only five and seemed to have only achieved Major Accomplishment in Sinew Transforming; she hadn¡¯t yet done Bone Tempering.


    Without a doubt, she was challenged by someone.


    On the platform, blood energies clashed. Gong Yang Xiu¡¯s eyes turned red as she unleashed her best efforts, exhibiting her sophisticated Martial Techniques.

 Chapter 206: The 3-Year-Old Master Sets Off Fireworks, Father is the Daughter’s Great Hero (3)

    This is the exclusive technique of the Gongyang Family, the Qiankun Twelve Seals.


    Although Gong Yang Xiu was only five years old, he had already successfully mastered one seal and made his initial entry into this secret art!


    You should know that entering the world of secret arts is far from an easy matter!


    Discover exclusive content at empire


    Regrettably, Gong Yang Xiu was still defeated and fell off the arena.


    He stood up, dusted himself off, his expression solemn, unlike Liu Chang Qing, who would cry out in pain upon defeat.


    After stepping down from the arena, he returned to the Gongyang Family¡¯s area.


    "Grandpa, I¡¯ve lost." Gong Yang Xiu came to Gongyang Liancheng¡¯s side, bowed his head, finally revealing a child¡¯s slight sense of grievance.


    "You¡¯ve already performed very well. The Jin Ao who challenged you, after all, has a Bone Tempering Minor Accomplishment... and is two and a half years your senior. It¡¯s quite commendable that you were able to fight a good hundred moves before losing to him."


    "He is a Spirit Child secretly trained by the Gold Split Gate, and also knows some of the Gold Split Gate¡¯s unique Martial Techniques... It¡¯s normal that you couldn¡¯t defeat him."


    "Didn¡¯t the Divine Sect give you an ¡¯A¡¯ rating for your performance?"


    Gongyang Liancheng patted Gong Yang Xiu¡¯s little head.


    Gong Yang Xiu did indeed feel comforted, standing obediently at Gongyang Liancheng¡¯s side, looking toward the arena¡ªhe gazed in Xi Xi¡¯s direction, his eyes shining brightly.


    He was five years old and had been beaten.


    Xi Xi was three years old and had defeated her opponent.


    Although their opponents were different from each other, Xi Xi was so amazing!


    ...


    Defending and attacking the arena, after a round of challenges, there was only one change in the five Guardian Spirit Children¡¯s seats on the arena.


    Gong Yang Xiu was replaced by Jin Ao, also a Supreme Spiritual Child with Bone Tempering Minor Accomplishment.


    Now, the Cultivation of many of the arena-defending Spirit Children had been basically revealed after one round of challenges.


    Hai Chao Sheng, seven years old, Bone Tempering Completion!


    Qin Feng Huo, seven years old, Bone Tempering Great Achievement!


    Huang Si Xiang, six years old, Bone Tempering Minor Accomplishment!


    Li Nuan Xi, three years old... Bone Tempering Great Achievement!


    There were no easy targets, even if it were only Huang Si Xiang with Bone Tempering Minor Accomplishment, he also had Innate Divine Strength, and the power he erupted even surpassed those with Bone Tempering Great Achievement!


    There were still five Supreme Spiritual Children left, among which Gong Yuanliang from the Gong Family and Shangguan Qinglei from the Shangguan Family hadn¡¯t made their move yet.


    Basically, after this round of challenges, it could be determined that the five Supreme Spiritual Children who successfully held their position would get an ¡¯A¡¯ rating.


    And these five Supreme Spiritual Children had a very great chance of becoming the True Successors of the Divine Sect!


    The fine Spring Rain suddenly became rapid and fierce in the wind.


    Shangguan Qinglei from the Shangguan Family took a step forward, his tiptoes touched the ground, energy surged, and he leaped up onto the arena where Xi Xi was.


    On the other side, Gong Yuanliang from the Gong Family took a deep look at Shangguan Qinglei and then chose the arena of Huang Si Xiang.


    In fact, Gong Yuanliang felt that this three-year-old girl was much more difficult to deal with than Huang Si Xiang.


    Watching her defeat Liu Chang Qing, the hairs on Gong Yuanliang¡¯s scalp stood on end.


    Covert, malicious, practicing Breath Concealment, and bursting forth when an opportunity arose¡ªto mercilessly beat the enemy!


    Such an opponent was the most terrifying.


    His aunt Gong Yunli was employed in the Qintian Observatory and had taken him to see many cultivators wandering the martial world... Those cultivators... it was they who caused this spine-tingling sensation in him.


    Therefore, he waited for Shangguan Qinglei to choose before making his choice.


    "Dang"


    The black gong was struck again, causing waves of sound to ripple through the air.


    Amid the misty rain, a light breeze brushed through, bringing with it a touch of the comfort of spring.


    Around the elevated stage, the audience watching the battle also knew that this assessment of the Supreme Spiritual Children was likely coming to an end.


    "I wish to challenge her." Shangguan Qinglei¡¯s hair billowed, his eyes full of aggression. Although he was only seven years old, his build was more like that of a teenager, his arms long and narrow, his legs strong and powerful.


    Zhang Qing Zheng nodded: "Go ahead."


    As his words fell, Zhang Qing Zheng¡¯s figure floated away from the arena, and Xi Xi looked up at Shangguan Qinglei.


    This Shangguan Qinglei... was much more robust than Liu Chang Qing.


    Nearly reaching 1.7 meters tall, compared to the three-year-old Xi Xi... the visual impact was indeed quite significant.


    "I am Shangguan Qinglei, little sister, don¡¯t cry if you lose."


    Shangguan Qinglei smiled with narrowed eyes, his robust body continuously flowed with vigorous blood and energy, as if a Jiaoshe serpent was slowly slithering around him.


    The crackling sounds like popping beans emanated from his tendons and bones!


    Bone Tempering Great Achievement!


    Xi Xi clenched her chubby fists excitedly, her face gradually showing excitement.


    "Evil Minister! Kneel down!"


    Xi Xi assumed the starting position for a martial duel.


    Suddenly, Xi Xi seemed to remember something and looked at Shangguan Qinglei: "By the way, do you also share the surname Shangguan? What¡¯s your relationship with Ms. Qinghong?"


    Shangguan Qinglei¡¯s fingers curled like hooks, with arcs of electricity crackling; upon hearing the question, he paused, then curled his lip in disgust: "Shangguan Qinghong? She¡¯s just a mongrel."


    Shangguan Qinglei naturally knew who Shangguan Qinghong was¡ªhe only had a different mother from his father¡¯s side.


    But his mother had told him that Shangguan Qinghong was just an accident, an illegitimate...


    Her mother was born a lowly maid, who seduced his father and thus gave birth to Qinghong, so Shangguan Qinglei had a strong aversion to this name.


    Xi Xi¡¯s little brow furrowed: "Don¡¯t you dare speak of Ms. Qinghong like that!"


    Shangguan Qinglei, however, smirked: "Little brat, you¡¯re getting cocky... Turns out you¡¯re friends with that mongrel sister of mine? That makes sense... two mongrels together."


    His words ignited a flash of rage in Xi Xi¡¯s eyes.


    Below the arena.


    In the Qintian Observatory¡¯s viewing stand, Shangguan Qinghong was leisurely cracking sunflower seeds. Hearing Shangguan Qinglei¡¯s words, she paused in her cracking, then continued indifferently as if unbothered.


    She had long grown accustomed to the Shangguan Family¡¯s attitude toward her.

 Chapter 207: 3-Year-Old Master Sets Off Fireworks, Father is Daughter’s Great Hero (4)

    Shangguan Zhengheng¡¯s concubines loathed her even more than they loathed her own mother.


    Even though she was picked by the Deputy Inspector of Qintian Observatory and had now become a civil servant with an iron rice bowl, it was the same.


    Shangguan Qinghong didn¡¯t care about their opinions either.


    Wasn¡¯t this also a form of disappointment and numbness?


    ...


    Above the arena, the battle began!


    Xi Xi became serious; she wanted to beat Shangguan Qinglei until he cried.


    Even though he was Ms. Qinghong¡¯s brother, Xi Xi would not hold back!


    People with foul mouths should be beaten mercilessly!


    Bang¡ª!


    Xi Xi¡¯s body moved, instantly springing forward, a diminutive figure leveraging the rebounding force from a stomp on the arena floor, propelling forward with incredible speed.


    Tap tap tap¡ª


    Xi Xi¡¯s feet tapped the ground rapidly, her body spinning at high speed, scattering the mist and dust, as she appeared behind Shangguan Qinglei¡¯s waist.


    Just like when she defeated Liu Chang Qing, she repeated the same technique!


    "Trivial tricks, you think I¡¯m trash from the countryside?"


    Shangguan Qinglei laughed wildly, twisted his waist, his body sank down, and he lashed out with a ferocious leg whip, drawing a wide arc, viciously aiming it at Xi Xi.


    Countless arcs of lightning surged on that leg, emanating a heart-palpitating pressure!


    "The superior martial technique of the Shangguan Family... the Pale Thunder Body!"


    "Although I¡¯ve only just begun, it¡¯s already quite extraordinary. Enhancement of the physical body, enhancement of vitality and blood, both have seen great improvement!"


    Shangguan Qinglei¡¯s eyes widened in fury, with divine energy roaring out as if a torrent of divinity was surging, manifesting behind him!


    However, Xi Xi, faced with Shangguan Qinglei¡¯s almost suffocating counterattack,


    Had an unwavering determination in her eyes, with not a hint of panic.


    She shook her little hand, and a miniaturized Wood Raven was clutched, flung out, aimed at Shangguan Qinglei¡¯s chest!


    Boom boom¡ª


    Instantly, an explosion erupted, with flames surging atop the arena!


    But countless electric arcs moved about, accompanied by the angered roar of Shangguan Qinglei, as his leg whip struck again, bringing with it a terrifying power that could break bones! ?


    But the raven ultimately gave Xi Xi a brief opportunity.


    Xi Xi also shouted loudly.


    Come out, little kitty!


    With her five fingers clenched, she pushed forward a punch, the little kitty taught by her father...


    As if a young tiger¡¯s roar!


    Xi Xi¡¯s fist hammered out, aiming for Shangguan Qinglei¡¯s striking leg!


    Fist and leg collided!


    As if a young tiger¡¯s phantom emerged from behind Xi Xi, a tiger paw striking towards the surging electric arcs of the Pale Thunder Body!


    Thud¡ª


    Xi Xi¡¯s body sprung out, and after landing, stepped back steadily, accompanied by a clangorous sound, Xi Xi took out a big item from the Qiankun Jade around her neck.


    On the other side, Shangguan Qinglei¡¯s leg that had been lashed out retracted, his trousers were already torn, with rags hanging off, his entire leg trembling non-stop, sending out stinging pains from the tendons and bones, perhaps... they were fractured.


    His eyes revealed an expression of disbelief.


    "Superior Martial Arts... Master level?"


    What Xi Xi had just used was the White Tiger Chaotic Wind Fist, perfected by Li Che!


    Normally, it is impossible for a three-year-old child to master a profound Superior Martial Technique to the level of a master. That would require so much dedicated training, so much tempering, and an extremely high level of martial arts insight and talent!


    But...


    The three-year-old Xi Xi had just displayed White Tiger Chaotic Wind Fist and had actually produced the beginnings of artistic conception!


    Isn¡¯t this the level of a master?


    Not only was Shangguan Qinglei shocked, but up on the high platform, the Sect Master of Divine Sect, Nan Lihuo, Elder Zhu Hong Dou, and others, as well as Li Qingshan, were all stirred, their eyes becoming serious.


    "Is that really a master¡¯s Martial Technique?"


    "A three-year-old master?"


    Li Qingshan was stunned.


    Wait a minute, how long has it been, and this girl has grown to such an extent?


    How had the girl been practicing during this time?


    The little girl, who had been complaining every day about being ¡¯tired to death¡¯ as Lu Chi had said, practicing inconsistently like ¡¯fishing for three days and sun-drying the nets for two¡¯, managed to master a Martial Technique to the level of a master?


    A three-year-old grasping a master-level Superior Martial Arts...


    Was this kid the reincarnation of a Martial Saint?


    Below.


    Li Che was wearing a warm smile, the corners of his lips involuntarily turning upward.


    In order to ensure that Xi Xi had enough of an ace up her sleeve in this assessment for the True Successor and to make sure she wouldn¡¯t get hurt, when Li Che used the Immaculate Heart Taoist Fruit to refine Xi Xi¡¯s body, he invoked the Dragon Elephant Vajra Taoist Fruit, blending his understanding of the White Tiger Chaotic Wind Fist with the divinity of the Immaculate Heart Taoist Fruit.


    He had subtly passed on his knowledge to Xi Xi.


    Normally, indeed, it¡¯s very difficult for a three-year-old child to master a superior Martial Technique; even beginning it would be very good.


    But Xi Xi was different...


    She had a cheat.


    Her dad always gave her cheats!


    The situation on the fighting platform suddenly reversed, and Shangguan Qinglei, who once had a powerful momentum, now seemed to deflate somewhat.


    However, it also brought out some fierceness in him.


    Shangguan Qinglei was very aware of where his advantages lay; he was seven years old, older, stronger, more durable, and certainly not something a three-year-old child could compete with.


    Drag it out, and he would win!


    However, a gust of wind suddenly tore through the hazy misty rain.


    Shangguan Qinglei then saw Xi Xi grab a contraption nearly as big as her body.


    The six dark muzzle openings of the metal tubes were pointed at him, like six venom-loaded snakes, hissing at him. Stay updated with empire


    "Ms. Qinghong is your own sister, and you dare call her a wench?"


    "You such a foul-mouthed person..."


    "Master Niu Niu said!"


    "We can use fireworks..."


    "To stuff your damned mouth!"


    Xi Xi stomped her foot as if to summon the wind upwards, with her already messy hair dancing wildly in the spring breeze and rain, her clothes clinging to her figure.


    Excitement appeared on her face, her eyes sparkled, suddenly ablaze with brilliant light!


    "Let¡¯s set off fireworks!"

 Chapter 208: Xi Xi’s First Fireworks Show, Divine Sect Elder Snatches Her Up Ahead of Time

    The spring rain was piercingly cold and icy, lashing against the face, fully blooming and diffusing the chill of ten thousand coldness.


    Shangguan Qinglei¡¯s entire body was interwoven with darting arcs of lightning, yet his eyes suddenly widened, staring at the big weapon Xi Xi was shouldering, those six metallic tubes, which resembled venomous snakes, made his body hair stand on end.


    An overwhelmingly intense threat of death enveloped his heart...


    I¡¯m going to die!


    The perceptual abilities of a Supreme Spiritual Child were extremely strong, possessing a keenness far surpassing ordinary people.


    Shangguan Qinglei¡¯s perception was naturally exceptional as well.


    His body stiffened, his frame of Major Accomplishment in Bone Tempering, at that moment, felt as if filled with mercury and weighed down with lead.


    "Fireworks?"


    "What fireworks?!"


    It was unknown whether it was sweat or raindrops that silently slid down Shangguan Qinglei¡¯s forehead.


    He stared intently at the wooden and metal contraption in Xi Xi¡¯s hands!


    Watching the little girl take out the mechanism, she seemed to go mad, constantly shouting about fireworks.


    Shangguan Qinglei felt an inexplicable fear rising within him!


    In the air...


    At some point, a smell of gunpowder had filled the air!


    "Let the fireworks begin¡ª!"


    "Ahahaha!"


    Xi Xi¡¯s eyes seemed to be embedded with the brightest stars, sparkling and bursting with brilliance.


    The next moment, she pulled the trigger!


    Boom boom boom¡ª!


    A terrifying explosion erupted instantly above the arena, accompanied by an incredibly dazzling burst of light!


    The shockwaves swept through, tearing apart the endless spring rain!


    An extremely strong gale and sound roar burst forth from the "Custom Namo Immortal Artisan Gatling" in Xi Xi¡¯s hands.


    The recoil made Xi Xi¡¯s little body vibrate at a high frequency, with her new clothes clinging tightly to her body due to the blasting air currents, outlining her little belly! R?


    The screeching sound, the dazzling fireworks, and the surging shockwave¡ª


    The six fast-spinning metallic tubes glowed red-hot, emitting a scorching temperature, energized by injected life force, squeezing and ejecting the contained "Wood Raven" at an extremely high burst speed!


    Ratatatatata!


    Countless splendid golden lightning bolts, resembling golden Sword Qi, swiftly slashed out, tearing apart the leisurely spring rain of the equinox.


    Bang bang bang!


    Shangguan Qinglei¡¯s body hair stood on end...


    Fast!


    Too fast!


    What in the world is this thing?!


    He cursed inwardly, but his body didn¡¯t hesitate to move, stomping heavily on the arena floor, propelling himself upwards, breaking into a rapid sprint!


    His body¡¯s life force was recklessly expelling as if on the brink of death, the spot where he had been standing was instantly engulfed by the blast, the explosive shockwave fiercely lashing his body.


    The violent wind stirred, the air currents shot out, and the wooden arena exploded into splinters, shooting out like steel needles, scraping past Shangguan Qinglei¡¯s cheek...


    His eyes seemed to lose focus...


    Because just after propelling himself barely two or three body lengths away, he couldn¡¯t continue to dodge!


    The terrifying Wood Ravens that swept across followed closely, exploding into a continuous fountain of smoke and dust on the arena!


    The wooden black ravens ejected from the weapon Xi Xi held seemed to flap their wings, the scream of a thousand ravens piercing the air...


    Shangguan Qinglei was inevitably engulfed!


    Countless golden light exploded in his pupils, and the intense smoke engulfed him.


    Accompanied by that, came the pain that almost made him faint, flooding over him like a tidal wave.


    There was no escape...


    There was absolutely no escape!


    At that moment, Shangguan Qinglei finally let out a scream, unable to suppress it, a painful howl from deep within his throat!


    "Ah!"


    Ta-da-da


    Countless Wood Ravens smashed onto Shangguan Qinglei¡¯s body, a strong burnt smell spreading out as he hung suspended in the air, hit by myriad Wood Ravens.


    Hit until... he couldn¡¯t fall down, like a beautiful painting hanging in the Spring Rain!


    Blood mist, another burst of blood mist, exploded all around!


    The red and gold colors intertwined creating a breathtakingly beautiful firework!


    The intense black dust, along with the fleeting explosive golden sparks, were filled with an artistic beauty.


    The world was utterly silent.


    The only sounds left were Xi Xi¡¯s excited shrieks as the Wood Ravens surged out of the gun barrel.


    And...


    Ta-da!


    Ta-da-da-da-da!


    ...


    ...


    On and off the arena, there was a deathlike silence.


    Everyone stared, tongue-tied, at Xi Xi who had drawn a huge firearm and fiercely shot at Shangguan Qinglei.


    With her insane and excited demeanor, combined with the "fireworks" she created, everyone felt a slight chill.


    You call this... fireworks?!


    This can be called fireworks?!


    Fireworks of death, maybe!


    Nearby, on another stage, Gong Yuanliang and Huang Si Xiang almost stopped fighting simultaneously.


    Watching the heavily abused Shangguan Qinglei, Gong Yuanliang let out a long breath, indeed... as expected!


    This girl, really dangerous!


    Shangguan Qinglei... was this the rhythm of being beaten to death?


    Gong Yuanliang and Huang Si Xiang shivered almost at the same time, then, the two resumed their battle.


    Luckily... the first part was about to end, they didn¡¯t need to face this crazy girl.


    Huang Si Xiang trembled slightly, this girl... was she that fierce?


    He remembered looking down from the stage at Xi Xi once, his eyes full of disdain.


    He admitted he was wrong now, his perspective had been flawed.


    ...


    Below the arena.


    In the Shangguan family area.


    Sitting leisurely in a Taishi Chair, eating fruits, ready to watch his son severely humiliate that three-year-old girl, Shangguan Family Head Shangguan Zhengheng, suddenly sat up.


    His beard and hair flying, his eyes fixed on the arena.


    Originally, seeing Xi Xi block Shangguan Qinglei¡¯s Pale Thunder Body with her Master Realm Martial Arts, he was quite surprised, thinking this little girl had indeed great talent, and if she grew up, she might actually match Qing Lei.

 Chapter 209: Xi Xi’s First Fireworks Show, Divine Sect Elder Tries to Recruit Early (2)

    But when Xi Xi pulled out the "Custom Namo Immortal Artisan Gatling," and the Wood Raven sprayed out engulfed Shangguan Qinglei, he couldn¡¯t stay relaxed any longer.


    With a swift move, he almost instantly appeared at the edge of the platform.


    "Stop!"


    A roar burst forth from the depths of Shangguan Zhengheng¡¯s throat.


    With a clutch of his fingers, the heavens and earth seemed to be sealed off, a terrifying oppression, like mountains, pressed down toward Xi Xi.


    The Illusory Phase pressure, like the rush of a mountain torrent, roared forward!


    However, just as he made his move, two figures appeared before him almost back-to-back.


    The one in front was Zhang Qing Zheng, wearing a scholar¡¯s robe, his face more bitterly pained, dead-fish eyes staring at the shiny-haired, well-groomed Shangguan Zhengheng, and coldly said, "Shangguan Zhengheng, do you want to die?"


    Beside Zhang Qing Zheng was Li Qingshan, dressed in blue, clutching the Ram Horn Hammer that had slipped from his sleeve, coldly fixing his gaze on Shangguan Zhengheng, itching to strike.


    "My son... is about to be beaten to death!"


    Shangguan Zhengheng¡¯s face turned cold, his beard and hair wildly fluttering, his extremely luxurious Gold Silk Robe dancing wildly in the Spring Rain.


    "Dead or alive, as the host of the assessment, am I not more aware than you?"


    "Besides, even if only a breath remains, I can still save him."


    Zhang Qing Zheng¡¯s beard gently floated, his dead-fish eyes indifferently gazing at Shangguan Zhengheng.


    Compared to the life and death of Shangguan Qinglei, Zhang Qing Zheng felt maintaining the order of the Divine Sect¡¯s assessment was more important, even if Shangguan Zhengheng was an Illusory Phase Cultivator, he shouldn¡¯t interfere with the order of the Divine Sect!


    "You...!"


    Shangguan Zhengheng was irate, this pedantic and idiotic old scholar!


    It¡¯s not your son who¡¯s being beaten to death, of course you don¡¯t care!


    Nonetheless, Shangguan Zhengheng also detected the tense atmosphere and refrained from intervening further.


    He turned his head to look at the platform.


    Li Qingshan lamented, watching the impressive fireworks show Xi Xi had just put on... he too couldn¡¯t help but itch to join in.


    If Shangguan Zhengheng had decided to forcefully intervene, he would have had to reluctantly crush his head.


    Regrettably, Shangguan Zhengheng chickened out. Experience tales at empire


    Zhang Qing Zheng seemed to teleport onto the platform where Xi Xi had stopped the barrage, the six hot and slowly decelerating metal barrels pointed skyward, emitting drifting blue smoke.


    Xi Xi breathed heavily and her little face was flushed red, filled with excitement from setting off fireworks.


    She finally set off the fireworks!


    Happy!


    Xi Xi¡¯s face beamed brightly.


    Zhang Qing Zheng¡¯s face, long bitter, watched her. Xi Xi hurriedly stowed the "Namo Gatling," her small hands twisted together and held just above her rear end in a pose of guilty distress.


    Zhang Qing Zheng¡¯s heart melted, but his bitter face showed no emotion, revealing no joy or sorrow.


    "No harm, you had asked me beforehand, and I had said, Divine Weapons and mechanisms are not restricted, because with me here, your lives are not at risk."


    Zhang Qing Zheng stated calmly, comforting Xi Xi not to worry.


    Zhang Qing Zheng turned his head to look at the intensely smoking Shangguan Qinglei, finally landing on the platform.


    With a sweep of his sleeve, Divinity like rain, converged into a flowing cloud, hovering above Shangguan Qinglei¡¯s head, pouring down.


    The smoke and dust dispersed, revealing Shangguan Qinglei¡¯s condition.


    Hiss¡ª


    A sharp intake of breath, from the spectators around the platform.


    Too awful!


    Shangguan Qinglei¡¯s body was charred black, his skin split and flesh burst, the person almost unrecognizable, his thickly piled up charred skin on his body emitting the smell of roasted meat.


    He lay on the ground, his eyes vacant, having lost focus.


    Only his still rising and falling chest indicated he was not yet dead, still breathing.


    Accompanied by the Divinity rainwater sprinkled by Zhang Qing Zheng, like long-awaited rain after a drought, Shangguan Qinglei was pulled back from the brink, flesh twitching, and the broken wooden splinters embedded in his flesh were expelled by the twitching flesh.


    The injuries gradually healed, and life was pulled back.


    He didn¡¯t die, but the psychological scars left might be even more severe than Liu Chang Qing¡¯s.


    "He¡¯s not dead." Xi Xi stretched her neck to look and sighed in relief.


    Xi Xi didn¡¯t want to kill anyone, although Shangguan Qinglei was a bit mouthy and annoying.


    But after all, he was the biological brother of her good friend Ms. Qinghong, Xi Xi didn¡¯t want to leave a bad impression on Ms. Qinghong.


    Xi Xi sighed in relief, just thinking about fireworks made her somewhat uncontrollable.


    Luckily, he didn¡¯t die.


    The Divinity rainwater showered, and Shangguan Qinglei¡¯s injuries healed almost completely, old flesh gone, tender new flesh emerged.


    "Shangguan Qinglei fails the challenge, Li Nuanxi succeeds in defense,"


    "For the first segment, Shangguan Qinglei receives a score of ¡¯Lower A¡¯."


    "Li Nuanxi receives a score of ¡¯Upper A¡¯!"


    Zhang Qing Zheng¡¯s scholar¡¯s robe fluttered as he spoke softly.


    Shangguan Zhengheng, his face cold, said nothing, lifting his hand in a gesture, and Shangguan Qinglei was immediately enveloped by an invisible force, brought to his side.


    Holding his son, although the injuries had healed, the scars from the flesh burst still hadn¡¯t faded.


    "Good, very good..."


    Shangguan Zhengheng was extremely distressed, this was his favorite son.


    Talented, much like him in his youth, he had high hopes, never expecting that just in the first segment, he would be eliminated.


    A score of Lower A is in the third tier among Supreme Spiritual Children.


    An Upper A score is only awarded to Supreme Spiritual Children who still stand on the platform at the end of the first segment.


    In fact, the five Supreme Spiritual Children standing on the platform are essentially the True Successors of the Divine Sect, and in the second segment with the Observation Skill survey, there won¡¯t be much difference among them.

 Chapter 210: Xi Xi’s First Fireworks Show, Divine Sect Elder Tries to Recruit Early (3)

    "Dad... It hurts so much..."


    Shangguan Qinglei was held in Shangguan Zhengheng¡¯s arms, and his 5¡¯7" frame seemed slightly comical when embraced.


    But Shangguan Zhengheng¡¯s heart was aching deeply.


    "It¡¯s okay, my precious son... Dad won¡¯t let you suffer in vain!"


    A cold, desolate light flitted across Shangguan Zhengheng¡¯s eyes, along with an icy killing intent; he, Shangguan Zhengheng... had never suffered such a great loss before.


    In the distance, at the location of the Qintian Observatory.


    Shangguan Qinghong looked at this affectionate display between father and son with a sneer, her eyes filled with disappointment and disgust.


    In her memory, Shangguan Zhengheng had never treated her so tenderly, and even as she had grown up, the number of times she had seen Shangguan Zhengheng were few and far between.


    Her gaze turned to Xi Xi.


    A tender warmth couldn¡¯t help but surge in her eyes.


    She knew Xi Xi had been angered because of Shangguan Qinglei¡¯s repeated instances of calling her a "bastard."


    However, Shangguan Qinghong had not expected Xi Xi to be so fierce...


    "Interesting, that mechanism... seems like the one rumored to be mastered by the Bull Demon, the Tang Family Mechanism ¡¯Wood Raven¡¯ that can shoot explosive projectiles, an enhanced version of the Tang Family¡¯s mechanisms."


    Liu He stood by, squinting at the spectacle with a hint of admiration in his eyes.


    "Such an impressive mechanical hidden weapon..."


    "The rumors say that Li¡¯s daughter Xi Xi is a descendant of the Bull Demon, and now it seems... it¡¯s indeed the case. The Bull Demon was known for his expertise with hidden weapons."


    Hai Chuanying beside him took a deep breath.


    He couldn¡¯t help but compare and simulate in his mind...


    If the Spirit Child genius of the Hai Family, Hai Chao Sheng, faced Xi Xi armed with such mechanical hidden weapons, could he win?


    The conclusion was discouraging to him.


    He couldn¡¯t win, not at all...


    Although Hai Chao Sheng had achieved Bone Tempering Completion at the age of seven, given Shangguan Qinglei¡¯s performance, at most it would just prolong the fight by a few breaths.


    The final outcome would not be much better than Shangguan Qinglei¡¯s.


    The explosive power of that "Wood Raven," just a single shot had enough power to disrupt the Bone Tempering circulation of qi and blood. And that Xi Xi... had over a hundred shots...


    It was equivalent to a hundred Bone-Tempered individuals launching a simultaneous attack.


    Bone Tempering Completion... couldn¡¯t block it!


    Even an ordinary Three Transfers of Blood Change might not survive, unless one had forged a Divine Foundation, using the powerful Divine Power to resist. Explore more stories with empire


    "I admit... I was wrong."


    Hai Chuanying took another deep breath.


    "Three years old is also an age not to be underestimated."


    ...


    ...


    In the family seats.


    Li Che¡¯s smile was harder to suppress than aim the Immortal Work Barrett, a satisfied gleam appeared in his eyes.


    As expected of Li Che¡¯s daughter, those fireworks she set off...


    They were quite up to his standard!


    Although her accuracy was still lacking, many of the techniques for setting off fireworks were quite rough, and she had difficulty with the steady pressure control of the "Immortal Artisan Gatling." This was still the weakened version of the Immortal Artisan Gatling. If it were the Bull Demon¡¯s version, a few shots might have fallen apart Xi Xi¡¯s delicate frame. R?A??


    Li Che never stopped improving and upgrading the "Namo Immortal Artisan Gatling" and "Namo Immortal Artisan Barrett."


    The main upgrade was the "Wood Raven," and the carrying mechanisms naturally had to be upgraded as well.


    By his side, Zhang Ya clung to Li Che¡¯s arm, utterly bewildered and questioning life as she watched their three-year-old daughter on the stage, brandishing the mechanism, unstoppable in her ferocity.


    Is this Zhang Ya¡¯s daughter?


    She turned to glance at her husband and, realizing his identity as the Bull Demon, suddenly felt a sense of clarity.


    However, she also had some worries troubling her heart.


    "Husband... do you think... Xi Xi is too violent?"


    Zhang Ya looked at Li Che, her voice lowered to a whisper as she asked.


    "Violent? Not at all... Didn¡¯t she stop before killing Shangguan Qinglei?"


    "How can that be considered violent?"


    "Besides, a girl should have some ability to protect herself, so she won¡¯t be bullied in the future."


    Li Che was unconcerned.


    Where was the violence when Xi Xi was clearly so gentle?


    If it were up to him, Shangguan Qinglei would already be a pile of corpses, the kind with his Qiankun Jade plundered.


    Compared to him, Xi Xi was far too gentle.


    Zhang Ya immediately fell silent; after all, discussing violence with her husband seemed a bit like preaching to the choir.


    Li Che patted his wife¡¯s hand, his gaze falling on Shangguan Zhengheng below the stage, who was attempting to suppress Xi Xi with his imposing aura. His eyes narrowed slightly.


    Bullying the young, a distinguished Void Aspect expert... actually planning to use his Void Aspect aura to oppress a three-year-old child.


    Are you even human?!


    Fiend!


    Li Che¡¯s notebook, long kept hidden, was silently taken out, and he jotted down Shangguan Zhengheng¡¯s name in it.


    This grudge was noted!


    The intervention of Li Qingshan and Zhang Qing Zheng, protecting Xi Xi together, prevented him from taking further action.


    After Zhang Qing Zheng announced the end of the first segment with Xi Xi¡¯s top-grade score, Li Qingnian carried Xi Xi back to Li Che and the others.


    "Mommy¡ª!"


    The moment she returned, Xi Xi immediately burrowed into Zhang Ya¡¯s embrace, her head snuggling restlessly.


    "Xi Xi was so scared, terrified Xi Xi..."


    Xi Xi lamented pitifully.


    Zhang Ya quickly fumbled to comfort her: "Xi Xi, my treasure, are you feeling uncomfortable anywhere? Tell Mommy, let me check!"


    Zhang Ya inspected Xi Xi, her face showing deep compassion.


    So young and yet having to compete on the stage with older children by an entire generation, how hard it must be.


    "That Shangguan Qinglei is so ugly and scary, Xi Xi was so afraid. Xi Xi wants to eat braised pork, the big pieces, Mommy should cook it!"


    Xi Xi continued to snuggle against Zhang Ya, and opportunistically put forward her own conditions.


    "Alright, alright, after we get home, Mommy will cook it for you."


    Zhang Ya caressed Xi Xi¡¯s head, saying tenderly.


    "Mommy is the best, I love Mommy."


    Xi Xi¡¯s little face kept rubbing against Zhang Ya¡¯s long legs.

 Chapter 211: Xi Xi’s First Fireworks Show, Divine Sect Elder Tries to Recruit Early (4)

    Li Che, standing by, felt an intense pang of envy.


    After paying a dutiful visit to Nurse Momo, Li Qingshan approached Li Che and pulled over a Taishi Chair to sit down, the two sitting side by side.


    "Senior, I have a little doubt," Li Che said to Li Qingshan seriously.


    "Speak," Li Qingshan said with a smile.


    "When you tested my divine talent, you said I was also a Supreme Spiritual Child... why don¡¯t I need to go up on the stage?" Li Che asked, pursing his lips.


    Li Qingshan looked at Li Che with disdain: "You should have some shame. With your martial and divine cultivation, do you really think it¡¯s appropriate to go up there?"


    "Do you want to destroy these kids?!


    Li Che: "..."


    "You¡¯re twenty-two years old. Do you really have the nerve to compete with these youngsters?" Li Qingshan shook his head: "After Xi Xi joins the Divine Sect, I will take you to ¡¯Wood Carving Ridge,¡¯ which makes you a member of the Divine Sect too."


    "Wood Carving Ridge is well-suited for you, with plenty of Spiritual Wood for you to work with," Li Qingshan continued.


    Li Che responded with a smile, "No, I didn¡¯t mean that..."


    "Isn¡¯t there an opportunity for the Spirit Children to enter the Third Prince¡¯s Mysterious Temple within a hundred feet range and undergo the Temple God Resonance trial?"


    "I think I could also try resonating..."


    Li Qingshan suddenly realized Li Che¡¯s intention was to observe the Four Royal Mysterious Temples at a close distance.


    Observing the Temple Gods in the Mysterious Temple is a thought every Woodcarving Master harbors. It¡¯s a common sentiment, understandable.


    But Li Qingshan was somewhat uncertain: "I¡¯ll have to ask the Sect Master about this later..."


    "Strictly speaking, you can¡¯t participate in the Temple God Resonance."


    "Why not?"


    "Although your divinity is as youthful as that of a Spirit Child, you are simply... too mature."


    Li Qingshan chose his words carefully.


    Li Che was speechless. Why not just say he was too old?


    Li Qingshan glanced at him, hesitated, and then said: "Can you imagine yourself, with Nezha braids and wearing a red bellyband, standing in front of the Mysterious Temple, striking poses?"


    Li Che opened his mouth.


    Was Temple God Resonance... like this?


    "After all, it¡¯s the Eight-Armed Prison Lotus Wrathful Third Prince¡¯s Sinister Temple. Naturally, some semblance is needed to more easily induce the resonance with the Temple God..."


    "Like Lu Chi, he still wears Nezha braids to this day, just to maintain resonance with the Temple God and to more readily absorb the Temple God Divinity..." r?


    "If you can accept it... it wouldn¡¯t hurt to give it a try."


    Li Qingshan¡¯s eyes lit up, and he couldn¡¯t help but grin.


    Damn, although the thought burns the eyes, he was very curious as to what it was all about?


    Li Che couldn¡¯t even bear to imagine it and waved his hand dismissively: "Never mind, let¡¯s talk about it later..."


    Li Qingshan nodded and then took on a more solemn expression.


    A voice resonated in Li Che¡¯s ear; it was the proficient use of the Divine Sonic Transmission.


    "Bull Demon, let¡¯s talk about a collaboration," Li Qingshan transmitted.


    Li Che¡¯s eyebrows raised. His Pure Heart Dao Fruit trembled slightly, quickly decrypting Li Qingshan¡¯s method, which was a special divine vibration technique.


    "Please speak, senior," Li Che replied via the Divine Sonic Transmission.


    Li Qingshan was taken aback, surprised that Li Che had mastered the Divine Sonic Transmission so quickly.


    "Today, many powerful figures have gathered in Golden Light Prefecture City: the Five Great Clans, the Five Major Sects, the Divine Guard Army, the Temple Control Bureau, the Qintian Observatory, and even the Divine Sect Branches... almost all the powerhouses are present."


    "This opportunity is very rare..."


    "Aren¡¯t you able to detect the Corpse Curse Mark? This is an excellent chance to do some detecting... to see... just how many demons and ghosts are hiding!" Li Qingshan conveyed seriously.


    Li Che¡¯s eyes sharpened. So, Li Qingshan had been waiting for such an opportunity, where hidden powerhouses from the Five Great Clans and the Five Major Sects would show up during the Divine Sect¡¯s induction trial.


    Such an investigation would be the most comprehensive!


    Li Che thought for a moment and did not refuse.


    But he made one thing clear ahead of time.


    "If the other party is marked with a corpse curse beyond the Eight Extremes Corpse Curse Seal... I wouldn¡¯t be able to detect it," he said.


    "The Eight Extremes Corpse Curse Seal... no matter. Later, when the second round of purple qi detection starts, it will be a grand occasion; you can take the opportunity to detect the Corpse Curse Marks. Record the names you find, and I¡¯ll have Shangguan Qinghong come over. If you encounter someone you don¡¯t recognize, just ask her directly."


    After carefully transmitting the message, Li Qingshan cut off the divine connection, stood up, and patted his green clothes.


    After exchanging a meaningful look with Nurse Momo once more, he casually strolled back and resumed his hunched over figure on the Divine Sect¡¯s high platform.


    Li Che sat in the chair, lightly tapping the armrest of the Taishi Chair with his fingers.


    ...


    ...


    On the high platform.


    Upon Li Qingshan¡¯s return, Zhu Hong Dou approached him, her red robe billowing. She stared at him, causing his expression to change subtly.


    "Elder Zhu, why are you staring at me like that?" Li Qingshan asked somewhat guiltily.


    He hadn¡¯t told Zhu Hong Dou about what he was planning to do.


    "Old Li, are you familiar with Xi Xi¡¯s father?" Zhu Hong Dou asked indifferently.


    Feeling relieved, Li Qingshan replied: "Li Che, huh... That kid is quite nice, gentle and modest, and his talent¡¯s pretty good too."


    Enjoy new tales from empire


    "Then talk to him, and let him know that joining my Red Cloud Peak is the best fit for Xi Xi," Zhu Hong Dou said earnestly. "All my Red Cloud Peak disciples are female. Tell Li Che to rest assured, no boy would dare bother Xi Xi!"


    In short, Red Cloud Peak had no rabble-rousers!


    Immediately, Li Qingshan understood what Zhu Hong Dou was up to.


    She was making a move!


    And to think, the first part of the induction trial for the True Successor had just ended...


    Elder Zhu Hong Dou of the Divine Sect Branch...


    Was she planning to poach ahead of time?!

 Chapter 220: To Become the Unbeatable Emperor Xi Xi, the Temple God was actually taken home?

    To express gratitude for the nurturing of a Divine Child!


    The nurturing of a Divine Child!


    The grace¡ª!


    The noise surged like tides, undulating and echoing as if it had traveled from distant mountains, resonating beside everyone¡¯s eardrums!


    Like thunder after clouds!


    A stir of shock, envy, jealousy...


    Almost all sorts of emotions burst forth in an instant, so much so that many cultivators could not even control the Seven Emotions Divinity of their own cultivation.


    Resulting in various kinds of divinity, stirring and intertwining to form a storm that permeated in front of the Divine Sect Mountain Gate!


    Parents honored through their daughter indeed!


    This truly can be said to be parents gaining unparalleled wealth and honor through their daughter!


    Because they had raised Xi Xi, a True Successor of the Sect Master, they had received the reward of the Nine Luminaries Divine Weapon, an Eighth Grade Martial Pill, and the permits for entering and exiting the Divine Sect!


    What did this signify?


    It meant that Li Che and Zhang Ya, this couple, even had a Death Exemption Token.


    Even if they committed offenses in Mansion City, by using the Divine Sect¡¯s entrance permit, and taking refuge within the Divine Sect, they could receive protection!


    As for the ten thousand taels of gold and the three shops in Mansion City, these were not trivial either, enough to elevate Li Che¡¯s family to a wealthy and honorable family in Mansion City.


    Sect Master Nan Li Huo wore a gentle smile, his sleeves billowing as a breeze fluttered through them.


    Li Che was slightly startled, then a smile appeared on his lips, and he pulled over Zhang Ya, who was somewhat dazed by the sudden shower of wealth and honor.


    Zhang Ya was unlike Li Che. Li Che had even developed the Qiankun Jade of an Illusory Phase Cultivator, so he could still maintain his composure in the face of such wealth and honor.


    But Zhang Ya was not like that; it was her first time being smashed on the head with such wealth and honor.


    Unfamiliar concepts like the Nine Luminaries Divine Weapon, the Eight Extremes Martial Pill...


    Just the ten thousand taels of gold and the three shops in Mansion City alone completely overwhelmed her.


    "Many thanks to the Sect Master for these gifts."


    Li Che bowed with clasped hands, bending forward as he thanked.


    Zhang Ya hastily mimicked the gesture, also bowing in response.


    Nan Li Huo looked at the honest and upright couple, his eyes brimming with an even richer gentleness and appreciation.


    "The rest of the gifts are commonplace; however, this permit for entering and exiting the sect gates should be particularly useful to you. If you miss Xi Xi, you may use this permit to enter Divine Sect¡¯s Golden Light Peak."


    Nan Li Huo said gently.


    Li Che once again thanked the Sect Master; indeed, this entrance permit was immensely important.


    Though for him it was quite ordinary, since Li Che had placed a Thunder Chess Piece on Xi Xi, if he wanted to see Xi Xi, a single teleportation would suffice.


    But for Zhang Ya, the mother, without this entrance permit, she might have to be separated from her daughter for a very long time...


    For a cultivator who cultivates without regard to days or months, how much must Zhang Ya, as a mother, miss Xi Xi.


    Thus, Li Che was truly grateful to Sect Master Nan Li Huo.


    Nan Li Huo returned Xi Xi to Li Che and Zhang Ya: "In three days, someone will come to take Xi Xi to the mountain; you may also follow and send her up the mountain."


    "Afterward, each month, with the Divine Sect entrance permit, you may ascend Golden Light Peak twice to accompany Xi Xi."


    Zhang Ya hugged Xi Xi, and the family of three together thanked Sect Master Nan Li Huo.


    Nan Li Huo glanced absently at the sweet family of three, then snapped back to reality, his eyes unconsciously flickering with envy and sorrow.


    "Xi Xi, in three days, we will prepare for your initiation ceremony; remember to call me Master then."


    "Okay, Sect Master Master!"


    Xi Xi called out with a smile.


    Nan Li Huo was rendered speechless, soon breaking into a light chuckle, really a clever and astute little sprite.


    Nan Li Huo gently tapped Xi Xi¡¯s head three times, then with a swirl of his sleeves, he drew them behind him, his robes hanging upside down, turning into a streak of light that vanished in a flash.


    "Lingnan Qianyuan Divine Sect, Golden Light Sub-sect, entry examination..."


    "Continue!"


    ...


    ...


    Li Che¡¯s family completely became the focus, attracting the gaze and envy of countless people.


    However, the attention did not last long, as the focus of everyone still returned to the Divine Sect entry exams.


    Though the selection of the fifteen Supreme Spiritual Children as true successors had ended, the assessments for the hundreds of Upper Class Spiritual Children, along with even more Mid-grade and Low Grade Spiritual children, had just begun.


    For many parents who had brought their Spirit Child children from distant places to participate in the Divine Sect exams, this was the most important matter.


    If they could be admitted into the Divine Sect, that would mean their future cultivation was guaranteed, as the resources within Divine Sect were innumerable, and the growth would definitely be much better than outside in towns and cities.


    Uncle Li Liang put away his dry tobacco pipe and came over to Li Che¡¯s side, first heartily congratulating him, then somewhat sheepishly asking for help.


    Li Che, holding Xi Xi, immediately smiled upon seeing Uncle Li Liang: "Uncle, don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ve already arranged everything for Chengzhou¡¯s entry into the Divine Sect."


    Xi Xi¡¯s entry into the Divine Sect was as sure as a nail in board, but Li Chengzhou was different; Li Chengzhou¡¯s Divine Talent... was just that of a Lower Spirit Child.


    Even entering the Outer Sect would be somewhat challenging.


    However, for Li Che now, getting Li Chengzhou into the Outer Sect wasn¡¯t a difficult task at all.


    Getting him into the Inner Sect might be challenging, indeed, since the talent of a Lower Spirit Child really wasn¡¯t enough.


    But getting him into the Outer Sect wasn¡¯t much of an issue; he just needed to mention it to Li Qingshan, and Li Qingshan would arrange it directly.


    As the Peak Master of Zheng Lei Peak who could wield Void Aspect combat power, Li Qingshan had Outer Sect disciple quotas under his command and directly accepted Li Chengzhou.


    After hearing Li Che¡¯s words, Uncle was incredibly excited, grabbing Li Che¡¯s hand and continuously expressing his feelings.


    "Uncle, don¡¯t worry, I will also enter Senior Qingshan¡¯s Zheng Lei Peak, and I¡¯ll take good care of Chengzhou. He won¡¯t be bullied on the mountain."


    Li Che said, reassuringly smiling.

 Chapter 221: To Become the Unbeatable Emperor Xi Xi, the Temple God was actually taken home? (2)

    His great uncle¡¯s family had raised him, and his cousin had treated him as a dear younger brother. Such a small favor was something he had long kept in mind.


    "Thank you, A Che..." the great uncle pursed his lips.


    When the great uncle brought word back, Liu Chunming immediately took swift action, bringing Li Chengzhou and a somewhat sheepish Li Zhengran, his older cousin, to thank Li Che.


    Ever since Li Zhengran had been brought back from the Million Gambling House by Li Che, he had felt awkward. Despite turning over a new leaf, there was a sense of shame, and he found it hard to look Li Che in the eye.


    However, his cousin-in-law, Liu Chunming, was somewhat angry, "Although A Che sees you as family, he has done our family such a big favor. Going to thank him is only proper!"


    "Chengzhou¡¯s future is closely linked to A Che; what are you nervous about, as his father?! Huh!"


    Li Zhengran fell silent, pulled along by Liu Chunming.


    "A Che, to take care of Chengzhou in the mountains... We must rely on you. He is still young, just three years old..." said his cousin-in-law, Liu Chunming, her voice choking up as she spoke.


    Li Che looked at the restrained Li Chengzhou and, smiling, picked him up, saying to Liu Chunming, "Don¡¯t worry. Chengzhou... he¡¯s even a few months younger than Xi Xi. Such a child, if not for his future, which parents would willingly part with their child?"


    "I¡¯ve just received the Divine Sect¡¯s pass from the Sect Master himself. I¡¯ll be under the Green Mountain Peak Master¡¯s command. When you want to visit Xi Xi in the Divine Sect, just find Yaya, take the pass and go up the mountain together."


    Upon hearing this, Liu Chunming covered her mouth, her face flushed with excitement as she cried tears of joy.


    Li Zhengran watched his wife¡¯s expression, his heart filled with mixed emotions. He turned to Li Che and said earnestly, "A Che... thank you so much!"


    Li Che smiled and replied, "Cousin, you¡¯re too polite. Don¡¯t worry."


    Li Zhengran nodded firmly.


    The great aunt could not help but wipe away tears, too.


    "Come on, after Chengzhou¡¯s Outer Sect disciple assessment is over, we¡¯ll all go to my residence to celebrate with a feast tonight!"


    Li Che said with a smile.


    "Nurse Momo, invite the Green Mountain senior to join us, too."


    Nurse Momo held Xi Xi in her arms, her face full of tender smiles as she replied.


    "Li, what about me?"


    Shangguan Qinghong spoke up, her mouth stuffed with preserved fruit.


    "You... just scoop up a bowl." Li Che joked.


    Shangguan Qinghong didn¡¯t mind the teasing, and immediately grinned, running off to play with Xi Xi.


    ...


    ...


    The Li family of Listening Flowers Lane had become completely famous in the area.


    The news that Xi Xi had become the Divine Sect¡¯s Sect Master¡¯s true successor had spread throughout Golden Light Prefecture City in just half a day.


    A Divine Child with a hundred-foot Divinity, a rarity once in fifty years for the entire prefecture!


    What a shock it was!


    The Li family could be considered an example of one person attaining the Way and lifting the entire family to the heavens!


    In three days¡¯time, the news spread even more rapidly, and the doorstep of Li Che¡¯s Listening Flowers Lane residence was nearly worn thin from visitors.


    Almost every day brought people coming to offer congratulations.


    Among the Five Great Clans, the Hai Family, Gongyang Family, and Gong Family each sent people to congratulate them, bringing lavish gifts.


    Even the Qin Family, to Li Che¡¯s surprise, sent gifts. It was Qin Haonan, an important figure from the third generation of the Qin Family, who was related to Qin Yuqing whom Li Che had shot, who sent the substantial gifts.


    "Master Li, my sister... may have shifted her anger toward your family, causing you fear and trouble... my Qin Family is here to apologize," said Qin Haonan with a sincere attitude.


    One does not hit a smiling face, and naturally, Li Che let bygones be bygones with a smile. Initially, Qin Yuqing did indeed bring him considerable pressure upon arriving at the Mansion City.


    But now, with Qin Yuqing shot by him and the Qin Family offering an apology, he naturally wouldn¡¯t create enemies without reason.


    The Shangguan Family had not sent anyone, which was not surprising since Shangguan Qing Lei nearly died from an attack by Xi Xi.


    And Shangguan Zhengheng even intended to use the Void Aspect to pressure Xi Xi.


    This grudge was carefully noted by Li Che.


    When it comes to being petty, especially regarding his daughter... Li Che has zero tolerance!


    The Temple Control Bureau and the Qintian Observatory also had people visiting, all having attended the banquet.


    Almost every major influence in the Mansion City had come by.


    This made Listening Flowers Lane suddenly the center of attention in the city, and the neighbors around Flower Lane were stunned, each reflecting and wondering if they had somehow offended the Li family.


    ...


    Warm spring winds heralded the end of the late cold snap, warming the air.


    All things began to revive, and plants started sprouting tender buds.


    In Listening Flowers Lane, the spring breeze brought the fresh scent of willow catkins and moist earth.


    The alley was extremely lively.


    People had gathered early on, and Zhang Ya dressed Xi Xi in new clothes and tied her hair with a cute red rope.


    She even lightly dotted Xi Xi¡¯s forehead with vermillion sand.


    "Xi Xi, when you get to Divine Sect Mountain, listen to your master, okay? Don¡¯t be naughty. Without your mom by your side, be good," she advised her.


    "Xi Xi will miss mom, and mom will miss you. Without mom to put you to sleep, you have to learn to sleep on your own at night..."


    "Xi Xi, get along with your fellow disciples, but of course, if they bully you, you must tell daddy and mommy, tell your Sect Master... You are young, your Sect Master will surely stand by you!"


    ...


    Zhang Ya held Xi Xi tightly, her lips gently pressed, incessantly talking.


    Her eyes were already swirling with tears.


    She really didn¡¯t want to let go of Xi Xi.


    However, the Sect Master Nan Lihuo said that to ensure Xi Xi¡¯s safety, it would be best for her to stay on the main peak of Golden Light Peak. Otherwise, Li Che could be responsible for escorting Xi Xi to and from the peak.


    Outside, a carriage was ready, with an eighteen-year-old lady in a pink long dress, a radiant smile, and a Godly Pattern on her forehead, sitting quietly on the carriage shaft, waiting.


    This lady was Sang Guanyin, the fourth disciple of Nan Lihuo and a person of Divine Base Perfection.


    She was the only female disciple among Nan Lihuo¡¯s four followers, and now with Xi Xi joining, she was not the only one anymore.

 Chapter 222: To Become the Unbeatable Emperor Xi Xi, the Temple God was actually taken home? (3)

    Li Che also felt reluctant, hugging Xi Xi tightly as he and his wife, with their already sobbing child, stepped out of the courtyard.


    "I don¡¯t wanna go, Xi Xi wants Daddy and Mommy, Xi Xi wants Mommy, wants stinky Daddy!"


    Xi Xi cried heartbrokenly, with tears and snot flowing down her face.


    Li Che patted Xi Xi¡¯s back and used Immaculate Heart Divinity to soothe her emotions.


    "Xi Xi, be good. Mom and Dad will come to see you often. You need to practice well... become very, very powerful so that you can protect Mom and Dad in the future."


    "Xi Xi is a divine child, for sure you¡¯ll become super strong, invincible under the heavens, and become the best in the world!"


    Li Che comforted her in a gentle voice.


    Xi Xi, with snot bubbles popping, corrected Li Che: "I¡¯ll become Emperor Xi Xi!"


    Li Che was struck dumb with laughter, the sadness seemed to dissipate suddenly, even Sang Guanyin, sitting in the carriage, couldn¡¯t help but cover her mouth and chuckle.


    Xi Xi immediately looked dissatisfied: "Xi Xi is really going to become the super powerful Emperor Xi Xi!"


    "Every evil minister will have to kneel before Xi Xi!"


    "Xi Xi can set off fireworks whenever I want, and no one can stop me!"


    Li Che smiled and continued to comfort her along the lines of her words.


    "Xi Xi, come here, to your senior sister."


    Sang Guanyin¡¯s voice was very gentle, with a sweetness in her mature tone.


    Xi Xi, who liked to look at faces, glanced twice but soon hugged Zhang Ya¡¯s long neck, wailing again.


    "Mommy, Xi Xi will miss you, miss stinky Daddy, miss the twist car, miss the chicken legs, miss the braised pork..."


    Xi Xi kept rubbing her snotty nose and tears on Zhang Ya¡¯s clothes.


    Zhang Ya felt both exasperated and amused as she gently patted her bottom: "Alright, go now, Mom knows, I¡¯ll bring you braised pork and chicken legs every time I see you!"


    "It has to be the one Mommy makes." Xi Xi put up one finger, tilted her head, and said very seriously.


    I know.


    Afterward, Zhang Ya handed Xi Xi over to Sang Guanyin and sat with Li Che in the rear carriage.


    After bidding a reluctant farewell to Old Chen and their uncle¡¯s family, the two carriages crushed the spring¡¯s dusty earth, and surrounded by the fragrance of spring flowers and soil, left Listening Flowers Lane.


    Old Chen watched the departing carriages and suddenly felt as if all the strength had been drained from his body.


    Leaning against the door panel, he gazed trance-like at the departing carriages.


    A moment later, he picked up his liquor gourd, took a swig, and when he put it away, he casually wiped the murky tears from the corner of his eye with the back of his hand.


    "Little Stinky Xi, take good care of yourself."


    "From today on, Grandpa Chen can¡¯t teach you martial arts anymore."


    "Remember, you¡¯ll be missed... by Grandpa Chen."


    ...


    ...


    Golden Light Peak is the main peak of the Yunzhou Sub-sect of the Qian Yuan Divine Sect in the Lingnan Circuit.


    Towering into the clouds, the mid-mountain is shrouded in fog and clouds, so lofty and ethereal, affording a view of the sea of clouds.


    Normally, the Fenzong Mountain Gate should be located in Yunzhou Provincial City, but the Golden Light Peak of the Qian Yuan Divine Sect Branch went against this norm, being situated in Golden Light Prefecture, not the State City.


    The main reason was this very Golden Light Peak.


    Due to its proximity to the Third Prince¡¯s Mysterious Temple in the heart of the Nine Dragons River, the whole mountain drew Divinity like a lightning rod, continuously extracting it.


    The summit was rich with Divinity, a veritable Cave Paradise.


    And there was a "Gold Light Evil" condensed on Golden Light Peak, an essential Heaven and Earth Divine Object for practicing the Golden Light Sub-sect¡¯s Martial Path Top-notch Skills "Mystic Thunder Golden Light Killing Sword Technique."


    This Gold Light Evil, condensing one flower every three years, was extremely precious.


    Thus, the entrance of the Golden Light Sub-sect was situated here, for the convenience of gathering Gold Light Evil and harvesting it in a timely manner.


    Every three years, when the Yin and Yang converge and the skies darken, the Gold Light Evil takes shape; only at this moment can it be harvested, or else it dissipates into the ether.


    However, once the "Mystic Thunder Golden Light Killing Sword Technique" Top-notch Skill was mastered, the ferocity of its offense was terrifying. If one could become a True Qi Grandmaster through this skill, their True Qi would be dominant and sharp, carrying the intimidating force of Gold Light Evil.


    The two carriages followed the winding mountain road upwards, with the steady horses¡¯ hooves lightly tapping and the carriage jolting uncomfortably.


    After nearly half a day of travel, and another half day spent ascending the mountain, they finally reached the spacious plateau halfway up Golden Light Peak.


    Above the plateau, the vapors rising from the Nine Dragons River converged into hazy mists.


    Dressed in a white robe with his hair cascading, Nan Lihuo sat on a green stone on the plateau.


    By his side, there was a tall, stunningly beautiful youth who looked almost seductive.


    This youth was Nan Lihuo¡¯s third disciple from among his four major disciples, Liu Yangyuan.


    "Master, our little sister has arrived."


    Liu Yangyuan, dressed in a scholar¡¯s attire with loose sleeves, bowed slightly with his exotic beauty.


    Nan Lihuo opened his eyes, and instantaneously, it was as if the whole mountainside brightened up, with mist swirling and fog dissipating.


    As Nan Lihuo waved his sleeve, the mist at the mountainside cleared, revealing vast clarity.


    On the plateau, the two carriages slowly came to a stop, and the dust from the wheels settled.


    The curtain was lifted; Sang Guanyin alighted with Xi Xi, whose curious eyes darted around, taking in her surroundings.


    From the carriage behind, Li Che and Zhang Ya also stepped down.


    Upon disembarking, Li Che felt his pores relax, and the exceptional concentration of the earth¡¯s Divinity here astounded him!


    The density here was... somewhat unexpected.


    No wonder the Golden Light Sub-sect chose to establish its gate here.


    It wasn¡¯t just for the view of the Mysterious Temples of the Four Royals but also because this was an excellent place for cultivation.


    Li Che even felt an urge to sit down and start cultivating right away...


    Having condensed the Four Wheels of Godly Foundation¡ªrage, sorrow, thought, surprise¡ªhe felt them quake almost instantly, as if they were greedily and excitedly sucking in the rich Divinity from the mountaintop.

 Chapter 223: To be the Invincible Emperor Xi Xi, the Temple God was actually brought home? (4)

    Nan Lihuo¡¯s fiery gaze flickered open and shut, as if sensing the divine flow at mid-mountain, casting a puzzled look.


    However, the divinity soon returned to calm, for it turned out that Li Che had suppressed his greed.


    As the highest in cultivation within the Divine Sect, Nan Lihuo was on the verge of forming his Primordial Spirit and had exceptionally keen perception.


    Without giving it much thought, Nan Lihuo approached with Liu Yangyuan, both wearing warm smiles.


    "Xi Xi¡¯s parents, this is my third disciple, Liu Yangyuan, and this is Sang Guanyin; you must recognize her," Nan Lihuo said with a gentle smile.


    Li Che and Zhang Ya nodded, paying their respects to Liu Yangyuan.


    "I also have a second disciple who has gone to cultivate in the Authentic Divine Sect and rarely returns," Nan Lihuo added.


    "Didn¡¯t your senior apprentice sister Yin Yin say that Master Sect Master has four disciples?" Xi Xi asked curiously, tilting her head while holding Sang Guanyin¡¯s hand.


    Nan Lihuo¡¯s gentle expression remained unchanged, but Liu Yangyuan and Sang Guanyin¡¯s faces darkened.


    "Your Dao Fruit eldest senior brother... has already perished."


    Xi Xi immediately pursed her lips, not daring to speak.


    Li Che, who was beside her, hurried to apologize on behalf of Xi Xi, but his heart grew colder as he committed the matter to memory.


    How could it be so easy for the sect master¡¯s eldest disciple to perish?


    Li Che¡¯s brow furrowed almost imperceptibly. This matter... had to be clarified.


    Otherwise, Li Che would also worry about Xi Xi¡¯s safety.


    This Golden Light Peak didn¡¯t seem as safe as he had imagined!


    "It¡¯s alright; the departed have passed on." Nan Lihuo appeared calm, personally taking Xi Xi¡¯s hand and leading her around the peak where the sect master¡¯s personal cultivation occurred.


    Liu Yangyuan and Sang Guanyin accompanied them gracefully, while Li Che and Zhang Ya followed leisurely.


    In fact, Nan Lihuo was also showing Li Che and Zhang Ya around.


    He showed them Xi Xi¡¯s future residence; since Xi Xi was very young, she would be cared for by Sang Guanyin and live together with her.


    Li Che looked toward the divinely serene and beautiful Sang Guanyin and, folding his hands in salute, said, "Then I must trouble you, Senior Sister Sang, to take good care of Xi Xi. Xi Xi can be a handful, so please be patient with her."


    Sang Guanyin nodded in response, "Xi Xi and I hit it off right from the start. I¡¯ll take good care of her. Here at the Golden Light Sub-sect, no one dares to bully her."


    The group then went to the temple, where Nan Lihuo led Xi Xi in paying respects to the ancestors of the Authentic Divine Sect, thus formally completing Xi Xi¡¯s apprentice ceremony.


    It was quite simple, without much pomp or ceremony.


    As the long river reached sunset, the evening was aflame.


    Li Che received the reward promised by Nan Lihuo on the day of the sect entry exam and prepared to take his leave with Zhang Ya.


    Xi Xi, full of reluctance, clung to Zhang Ya¡¯s leg, refusing to let go.


    Zhang Ya, with tears streaming, took some time to comfort her before the couple finally boarded the carriage and rattled down the mountain.


    Both Li Che and Zhang Ya leaned out of the window to look back and could see Xi Xi, held in Sang Guanyin¡¯s embrace, crying her heart out.


    Zhang Ya couldn¡¯t help but cry, leaning against Li Che.


    "Husband... alone on the mountain, will Xi Xi eat well, sleep well?"


    "What should I do if I miss Xi Xi?"


    Zhang Ya felt a bit heartbroken.


    "Don¡¯t worry, we¡¯ll make a trip to Elder Qingshan at Zheng Lei Peak. Elder Qingshan has agreed to let me join Zheng Lei Peak; you can also join the peak. Then we can visit Xi Xi more often." r?


    ```


    "Golden Light Peak is indeed a treasure land for cultivation, and Xi Xi will become much stronger there very quickly,"


    Li Che comforted Zhang Ya while also revealing his purpose.


    As for safety, he left a Thunder Chess Piece on Xi Xi, which would immediately respond and teleport him away once Xi Xi was in danger.


    The entrance permit to Divine Sect Mountain Gate allowed unrestricted access to enter and exit the mountain gate, but there were time restrictions to ascend Golden Light Peak.


    However, if they were to enter Zheng Lei Peak, seeing Xi Xi would become much easier.


    Upon arriving at Zheng Lei Peak, Big Head Lu Chi, with his Nezha braids, was already waiting at the foot of the mountain.


    "Uncle Li, Aunt Zhang!"


    Lu Chi waved excitedly.


    Zheng Lei Peak, in comparison to Golden Light Peak, was much shorter, and it also fell short in comparison to the four Great Elder Peaks.


    The most obvious difference lay in the concentration of divinity; of course, it was still much higher than the urban district of Golden Light Mansion City.


    Arriving halfway up Zheng Lei Peak, there was a continuous stretch of buildings.


    "My master asked me to arrange accommodations for you. There are not as many rules here at Zheng Lei Peak as there are at the main peak. This mid-mountain area is where the Inner Sect disciples gather. There are many houses here; you can come to live on a daily basis and also cultivate here,"


    Lu Chi said with a smile.


    Suddenly looking at Li Che, he gave a salute: "Uncle Li, the master is waiting for you at Guan Shen Temple, you should go and find him."


    "I¡¯ll take Aunt Zhang around for a tour, and then we¡¯ll go to find Nurse Momo."


    Guan Shen Temple?


    Li Che nodded; Li Qingshan was still waiting for the Corpse Curse Registry.


    He patted Zhang Ya¡¯s fair hand, which was intertwined with his, and suggested she take a good stroll around the mid-mountain town of Zheng Lei Peak with Lu Chi.


    Afterward, he headed in the direction Lu Chi had pointed out.


    Suddenly, there were fewer houses on both sides, and he stepped onto a winding green stone path.


    And then he saw a temple with overhanging eaves and soaring corners!


    In front of the temple,


    There was a meditation cushion and a figure in blue robes, with an overwhelming and majestic divine minister¡¯s phantom looming above, about three meters tall, interwoven with thunderous arcs that stirred up stormy winds!


    Li Che stopped in his tracks, his eyes narrowing slightly.


    His gaze moved from the enormous phantom concentrated around Li Qingshan to the temple shrouded in lingering incense smoke.


    Inside stood a colorful wood carving of the deity, two meters tall, holding a hammer in one hand and an anvil in the other, with a golden thunder stick at its waist, wings on its back, a green face with fangs, hair like cinnabar, wrapped in thunderous arcs and electric snakes, towering on a lotus pedestal!


    Looking down upon the human world, its presence majestic and eyes filled with wrath!


    Thunder Exorcism!


    Divinity gathered, the Thousand Analyzing Hands quivered, and in an instant, a prompt interwove before Li Che¡¯s eyes.


    [Hanging Thought-Exorcising Thunderbolt Vajra Statue (Seven Elements)]


    Li Che stared at the statue, his pores dilating.


    Inside his chest, the Dao Fruits [Pure Heart] and [Chess Saint] both began to beat thunderously, like pounding drums, as if about to leap out of his body!


    This is...


    Temple God?!


    Did Old Li actually bring a Temple God back home?!


    ```

 Chapter 228: I Have a Friend Named Horse Face, Xi Xi’s Divinity is Pure and Flawless

    The night wind howled.


    Atop Golden Light Peak, the cold was biting, and the clouds and mist wrapped around endlessly like strips.


    Inside the shrine¡¯s grand hall.


    After Nan Li Huo placed a godly pattern on Xi Xi¡¯s forehead, he stood up and floated away, rolling up his sleeves to form a seal formula. A profound, echoing sound resonated continuously throughout the entire hall.


    Xi Xi, small and delicate, sat on the meditation cushion, suddenly feeling the godly pattern on her brow grow hot, as if flames were burning.


    She was curious and resisted the urge to touch it with her hand.


    "You possess divinity; as your master, I will draw the treasure pagoda¡¯s light to shine upon you, Xi Xi. Relax, and after the pagoda¡¯s light shines on you, the teachings will be imparted to you."


    "Every disciple through the ages has received gifts from the Temple God, and what they receive depends on their opportunities, talents, and compatibility."


    "Close your eyes."


    Nan Li Huo said.


    Immediately, Xi Xi obediently closed her eyes, wondering curiously what good things the pagoda would bring her.


    Hopefully, something both fun and delicious.


    Suddenly, a warm radiance enveloped Xi Xi, shining upon her.


    At the altar above, the Pagoda Temple God began to quiver slightly, and countless divinity emerged from within the pagoda, then floated in midair, forming a pure and brilliant tower as if crafted from gold.


    The pagoda spun, casting down its brilliance.


    It was like dense clouds being torn apart, and glorious post-rain sunlight breaking through the darkness, falling onto the human world, gathering into a beam shining upon Xi Xi.


    With her eyes closed, Xi Xi only felt warmth.


    So comfortable it made Xi Xi feel...


    As if she had returned to her father¡¯s embrace.


    Time trickled by.


    Before she knew it, two incense sticks of time had passed...


    Bathed in golden light, Xi Xi gradually overcame the novelty and even began to yawn.


    The warmth and the quiet surroundings.


    Xi Xi couldn¡¯t help but feel sleepy.


    Inside the grand hall.


    Nan Li Huo furrowed his brows.


    Sang Guanyin and Liu Yangyuan also showed slight changes in expression.


    "Why is it taking so long?"


    The two found it odd as they had both experienced the transmission of teachings through the pagoda, knowing well the steps involved.


    Back then, both of them had bathed in the golden light of the treasure pagoda for no more than half an incense stick of time and had completed the transmission, obtaining the Method of the Godly Statue and divine weapons.


    Nan Li Huo¡¯s gaze sharpened, and amid the graveness, there was a trace of excitement and anticipation.


    Suddenly...


    The Golden Treasure Pagoda quivered slightly, as if an ancient bell had been struck.


    In an instant.


    The divinity within the entire divine temple seemed to awaken.


    It was as though an ancient existence slowly opened its eyes, casting down its gaze.


    "Innate divinity, pure and flawless."


    "Eligible to enter the Seven Treasures Relic Ruyi Golden Tower."


    It was as if an ancient deity blinked, lips parting slightly, chanting divine sounds.


    Boom!


    The next moment, the golden light shining on Xi Xi suddenly changed, bursting forth with an immense suction force.


    The dozing Xi Xi abruptly woke up to find her body floating upward.


    She immediately panicked, swinging her arms and legs about.


    "Yin Yin elder sister, Sect Master... save me!"


    Sang Guanyin, full of anxiety, erupted with divinity, ready to rush forward.


    However.


    Nan Li Huo¡¯s eyes sparkled, and with a slight flick of his finger, he immobilized Sang Guanyin.


    "Do not act rashly, Xi Xi is not in danger."


    "This is the activation of the Godly Que within the Golden Treasure Pagoda..."


    "Those without pure divinity are not allowed entry."


    "This is a great opportunity for Xi Xi."


    ...


    ...


    The chilly night wind.


    Li Che had no knowledge of what transpired atop Golden Light Peak.


    He had left many Divine Chess Pieces on Xi Xi, ensuring that if Xi Xi faced any danger, he would be aware of it immediately.


    Currently, having received no feedback meant that Xi Xi was safe, and so Li Che leisurely attended to his own matters.


    Li Che concealed his presence, donned a coolie hat and the Cute Bull Mask, and silently left the workshop courtyard.


    Merging into the night, he moved along the walls, crossing the long street.


    According to the address given by Li Qingshan, Li Che floated on, stepping onto the Cloud Yao Ladder Cloud Vertical of the Transformation Realm, making his movement as smooth as stepping on flowing clouds and breeze.


    His speed was incredibly fast yet utterly silent, like a soaring hawk sweeping across the sky.


    A prearranged small courtyard.


    Li Che alighted like a startled swan, leaping over the high wall and landing in the courtyard.


    Just as he landed, his entire body hair stood on end, and with a "hum" sound, his body under the black robe seemed to swell up for a moment, as countless dragon-like tendons and bones roared furiously.


    An extremely powerful surge of blood energy lingered in the air.


    With a grasp of his hand, the Liu Blood Shock Spear was already in his grasp, exuding a bizarrely eerie scent of blood.


    In the [Chess Saint] Dao Fruit, only five Temple God Chess Pieces remained, and one being targeted allowed immediate activation of the Ascending Stance, exploding the Temple God Chess Pieces and securing time to escape with the Thunder Chess Piece.


    Li Che was so tense...


    Because within the courtyard, there resided a Divine Symbol Cultivator!


    It was a youth wearing a green half peacock mask, sitting at a stone table, pinching a tea cup, sipping tea, with a small stone furnace burning boiling water on the table.


    "Impressive boldness, but... now that you¡¯ve come, if I don¡¯t let you leave, how can you possibly leave?"


    A soft chuckle came from the masked youth.


    Although Li Che was on alert, he relaxed a bit, recognizing them as allies... they must be one of us.


    Unexpectedly, Li Qingshan¡¯s associate... turned out to be a Divine Symbol Cultivator!


    A true God Phase, not a Void Aspect!


    A thought crossed Li Che¡¯s mind, and the [Chess Saint] Dao Fruit throbbed slightly, immediately analyzing the aura of the person.


    "Qin Tian Jian Vice Supervisor... Lin Xiu!"

 Chapter 229: I Have a Friend Named Horse Face, Xi Xi’s Divinity is Pure and Flawless (2)

    That time, during the Divine Sect¡¯s membership assessment, almost all top figures from various major powers of Golden Light Prefecture City attended. Almost all breaths had been recorded by Li Che using the Heaven and Earth Chessboard.


    Moreover, having asked Shangguan Qinghong about everyone¡¯s identities, he could now confirm someone¡¯s identity based solely on his Divine perception.


    Even though Lin Xiu had slightly disguised her Divinity aura, the other party didn¡¯t seem to care much about the disguise.


    "Eh? Why aren¡¯t you afraid anymore?"


    Wearing a half-peacock mask, Lin Xiu squinted and asked with a smile.


    Li Che, wearing a Cute Bull mask, did not respond.


    Li Qingshan arrived, stooping slightly, hiding a Ram Horn Sky-breaking Hammer in his sleeves, and wearing a cat-face mask, drifting over.


    "Yo, you two have come early."


    Li Qingshan chuckled.


    "Introduce us, Cat Face."


    Lin Xiu said.


    "Alright, Peacock, this is Bull Demon, the one who caused chaos in the Qin Family."


    Li Qingshan introduced.


    Li Che: "..."


    Cat Face, Peacock... They probably know each other¡¯s identities. What are they pretending for?


    These two definitely have some issues.


    His, Li Che¡¯s, disguise was a real disguise, but these two... it felt like the disguise was just for fun.


    Especially Li Qingshan, once that Ram Horn Hammer came out, even his underpants might be recognized.


    As for Lin Xiu, a Divine Symbol Cultivator... she clearly had no real intention of hiding her identity.


    "Bull Demon, huh..."


    "Interesting, very cautious, with a keen perception."


    Lin Xiu smiled and said, "My Art of Breath Concealment, in Golden Light Prefecture City, I dare say I¡¯m second to none."


    Li Qingshan glanced at the Bull Demon. Lin Xiu... always liked to boast.


    In Li Qingshan¡¯s mind, the Bull Demon¡¯s Breath Concealment Secret Technique was truly exceptional.


    "You¡¯re right," the Bull Demon agreed with Lin Xiu.


    He, the Bull Demon, never argued; if he did argue, it was to kill.


    "The target, the Shangguan family, the family head Shangguan Zhengheng, the third generation Shangguan Leilong, Shangguan Yunlong, all bearing the Corpse Curse Mark from the Corpse God Cult."


    "The Diviner Ancestor can¡¯t be touched, wanting to kill a Divine Minister isn¡¯t that easy."


    "Thus, the mission and plan for tonight, is to eliminate the three, excluding the Shangguan family¡¯s ancestor."


    "The Five Great Clans, all have recipients of the Corpse Curse Mark, but we can¡¯t act swiftly against them all; striking at one requires careful planning and systematic execution."


    "Shangguan Zhengheng is easy to kill, the man is lascivious, often spending nights in Yunfang Boat, so we can directly enter and kill him there."


    "But Leilong and Yunlong are not easy targets, these two generally stay inside the Shangguan family mansion..."


    "However, today they returned from ¡¯Sand Scorpion Forest¡¯, making it the best opportunity to act."


    Li Qingshan spoke softly, with his finger wet with tea water, gently sketching on the stone table.


    In the end, he flicked off the water stains.


    "As long as we force Leilong and Yunlong to release the Corpse Curse Technique, that will solidify their collusion with the Corpse God Cult, and the Shangguan family¡¯s Diviner Ancestor will have no choice but to grit his teeth and swallow it..."


    "Of course, the premise is that your detection and judgment, Bull Demon, is correct, and Shangguan Leilong and Yunlong indeed bear the Corpse Curse Mark!"


    Lin Xiu, wearing a peacock mask, looked towards the Bull Demon indifferently.


    This mission involved a Divine Minister, a Divine Base Perfection capable of crushing Illusory Phases, and one... a Bull Demon capable of slaughtering a weakened Illusory Phase.


    The Divine Minister was in command, Li Qingshan to kill, and the Bull Demon to make judgments.


    The three had their roles clearly defined.


    Yet, Lin Xiu had doubts about the Bull Demon¡¯s analytical abilities, pondering...what means did the Bull Demon use to detect the other¡¯s Corpse Curse Mark?


    Did the Bull Demon also bear a Corpse Curse Mark?


    Although the Bull Demon was someone Li Qingshan brought, Lin Xiu still harbored doubts.


    However, the Bull Demon¡¯s track record was verifiable; those disciples of the Corpse God Cult in the Fishing Gang who bore the Corpse Curse Mark had been caught and killed by the Bull Demon.


    It caused the people of the Fishing Gang to panic, eventually leading to a major power in Mansion City declining and being divided among the other major powers.


    This sufficiently demonstrated that the Bull Demon¡¯s capabilities were indeed notable.


    Li Qingshan glanced at Li Che and then chuckled, "Peacock, trust me this time."


    Upon hearing this, Lin Xiu closed his eyes again and ceased speaking.


    He and Li Qingshan were from the same era, though he had not taken the same path as Li Qingshan, stepping directly into Divine Ministership, but had completed the transitions and consolidations of Illusory and Divine Phases much earlier.


    However, he had once rampaged through the martial world with Li Qingshan, living through friendship and feuds.


    The necessary trust was still there.


    He did not trust the Bull Demon but would not mistrust Li Qingshan.


    The atmosphere seemed to stagnate somewhat.


    "May I boldly ask how the spoils of war are to be divided after the killing?"


    The Bull Demon¡¯s somber voice broke the silence.


    This... was very important.


    It was better to settle the financial matters first to ensure a smooth and steady transition and cooperation.


    Lin Xiu was startled, spoils of war?


    Then he sneered softly and said indifferently, "Spoils of war aren¡¯t important to me, but I can¡¯t put in effort for nothing, so let¡¯s share them equally."


    Li Qingshan spread his hands, "Since I called you here to stir up trouble, it wouldn¡¯t be right for me to take a larger share. Let¡¯s split it evenly."


    Shangguan Zhengheng, as the family head of the Shangguan Family, surely possessed valuable items, and as for Shangguan Leilong and Yunlong, being Illusory Phase Cultivators, their wealth wouldn¡¯t be meager either.


    For Lin Xiu, such gains meant little, but for Li Qingshan, they were considered substantial.


    Equal distribution then?


    Li Che¡¯s mind stirred, "There¡¯s a friend of mine over here... with first-rate archery skills. If a special situation arises, he can assist with a shot. If he does assist, he shall take a share of the spoils, otherwise, he won¡¯t... How about it?"


    Li Che looked towards Li Qingshan.


    Li Qingshan¡¯s eyebrows under the cat-face mask slightly lifted.


    "Your friend?"


    Li Che nodded firmly, "Yes."


    "First-rate archery, potentially threatening to an Illusory Phase Cultivator... can harm the opponent."

 Chapter 230: I Have a Friend Named Horse Face, Xi Xi’s Divinity is Pure and Flawless (3)

    Upon hearing the words, the peacock mask could barely conceal the brightness in Lin Xiu¡¯s eyes, "So, he is the mysterious Divine Archer who shot and killed Qin Yuqing of the Qin Family?"


    The Bull Demon nodded.


    Li Qingshan tapped the stone table with his fingers, "If that¡¯s the case, your friend will be our last resort... to prevent any accidents."


    "By the way, Bull Demon, your friend... what¡¯s his name?"


    The Bull Demon pressed down on his bamboo hat, "He is called..."


    "Horse Face."


    ...


    ...


    "Shangguan Zhengheng, a man of insatiable lust, abducting wives and daughters, acts tyrannically and brutally."


    "Having abducted hundreds of wives, hidden in a private residence, where every day from the residence dead women are carried out..."


    "Suspected of cultivating the Six Desires Divinity of the Corpse God Cult..."


    In Lin Xiu¡¯s hand was a sheet of paper, detailing all of Shangguan Zhengheng¡¯s crimes.


    "The evils committed by Shangguan Zhengheng over the years are indeed numerous... The man is practically a walking pile driver."


    Lin Xiu¡¯s eyes were cold and merciless, void of emotion.


    Shangguan Qinghong was his disciple, Shangguan Zhengheng was Shangguan Qinghong¡¯s biological father, but he had no intention of holding back.


    Because Shangguan Qinghong had also been plotting to assassinate her own father all along.


    Unfortunately, Shangguan Qinghong¡¯s cultivation was not very high.


    He passed the list of crimes to the Bull Demon.


    The Bull Demon glanced at it briefly, the multitude of Shangguan Zhengheng¡¯s crimes reflected beneath the Cute Bull Mask. Closing his eyes, he then passed the paper to Li Qingshan.


    Upon opening his eyes again, the Bull Demon¡¯s gaze was filled with chilling indifference, devoid of any emotion.


    "He deserves to die."


    An aggressive emotion emanated from the Bull Demon, prompting Lin Xiu to give him an extra glance.


    Thinking of the Bull Demon¡¯s personality that abhors evil, Lin Xiu chuckled. If it wasn¡¯t for his detestation of evil, the Bull Demon wouldn¡¯t have single-handedly caught and ferociously killed the Corpse God Cultists within the Fishing Gang.


    Li Qingshan didn¡¯t even look at the paper, flicking the list of crimes back into Lin Xiu¡¯s hand.


    "What¡¯s the use of asking the Temple Control Bureau for a list of crimes?"


    "Just kill him!"


    "Under the threat of life and death, if he¡¯s cultivated the Corpse Curse Technique, he definitely won¡¯t be able to resist using it to increase his chances of survival, won¡¯t that be the proof we need then?"


    "Moreover, I trust the Bull Demon, this lad... being able to hunt down those cultists marked with the Corpse Curse Mark in the Fishing Gang, and never once making a mistake, he naturally... won¡¯t be wrong!"


    "I trust him."


    "Take action!"


    As soon as the words were spoken, the three figures in the courtyard instantly shot away and disappeared, each using their Breath Concealment techniques, silently blending into the darkness.


    Li Che activated the Slumbering Dragon Elephant within the Dragon Elephant Vajra, hiding his breath to the extreme, walking completely in the dark, undetectable by the senses or consciousness.


    Lin Xiu: "Huh?!"


    Can¡¯t sense it anymore?!


    Gone!


    The Bull Demon... disappeared!


    Although Lin Xiu was a Divine Symbol Cultivator, at this moment, his heart couldn¡¯t help but be filled with shock.


    He hadn¡¯t expected the Bull Demon¡¯s Breath Concealment to be so powerful, at least, his Breath Concealing Charm seemed somewhat inferior.


    "Luckily, we have Li Qingshan¡¯s lantern-like Breath Concealment technique as a backup."


    Lin Xiu chuckled softly.


    "You also know my Breath Concealment is just backup... hurry up, give me a Breath Concealing Charm!"


    Li Qingshan lamented in a whisper.


    ...


    ...


    Yunfang Boat.


    As the most extravagant den in Mansion City, for Shangguan Zhengheng, being the Family Head of the Shangguan Family, one of the Five Great Clans, the silver coins that could be spent in one night at Yunfang Boat meant nothing to him.


    In the luxurious floating private room not far from the flowing waters of Nine Dragons River, the moonlight shattered, spreading far and wide, glittering on the waves.


    He coaxed the woman busying below him and lazily leaned back in the soft, furry chair.


    The light in his eyes flashed subtly, and a ruthless glint surfaced.


    "Li Che..."


    "That country bumpkin who hit the jackpot! To have such a Divine Child born, truly enviable!"


    "Qing Lei practically had the Divine Sect True Inheritance in the bag, only for it to be messed up by a three-year-old brat."


    Closing his eyes, Shangguan Zhengheng exhaled deeply.


    "It¡¯s illogical, how could Li Che, that country bumpkin, sire such a Divine Child? A mere Blood Exchange Warrior, a trash who cultivates Nurturing Nature, how did he sire a Divine Child?"


    "It must be the mother¡¯s quality, yes..."


    Shangguan Zhengheng¡¯s gaze turned deep as he thought of Li Che¡¯s wife.


    With Li Che¡¯s ordinary talent, the birth of a Divine Child must largely be credited to the mother.


    "It seems... I must find an opportunity..."


    Stretching leisurely, he draped himself in a luxuriant thin garment. Though he was over a hundred years old, he still looked quite young.


    Walking over to the window, the night breeze from the river brought a refreshing coolness.


    Shangguan Zhengheng stood with his hands behind his back, his hair and beard fluttering, his eyes sparkling with luminosity.


    Soon, he would be one of those at the topmost layer of Golden Light Prefecture.


    Currently, he was only at the Illusory Phase Realm, with Divine Ministers above him.


    If he could achieve true Divine Minister status, he would truly be able to do as he wished.


    Oftentimes, rules are made for the weak, and Shangguan Zhengheng felt too constrained by them, even as the head of the Shangguan Family, his power was stymied by his insufficiency.


    With these thoughts in mind.


    Suddenly, a sense of alarm surfaced in Shangguan Zhengheng¡¯s heart.


    He saw that among the many flower boats on the tributary of the Nine Dragons River, a small boat gently rocked.


    About a hundred yards away.


    He saw a slender, graceful figure on that solitary boat suddenly stand up and raise a Divine Crossbow.


    ...


    ...


    On the rooftop.


    Li Che, wearing the Bull Demon Mask, merged with the darkness, his eyes growing colder and devoid of any emotional fluctuation.


    The Heaven and Earth chessboard expanded.


    He had already locked on to Shangguan Zhengheng¡¯s position.


    He came tonight with the determination to kill Shangguan Zhengheng, who had intimidated Xi Xi under the stage during the competition; he had committed that grudge to memory.


    And now, he had another reason to ensure Shangguan Zhengheng¡¯s death.

 Chapter 231: I Have a Friend Named Horse Face, Xi Xi’s Divinity is Pure and Flawless (4)

    This person actually dares to covet Yaya!


    Whoever dares to touch my Li Che¡¯s family must die!


    He was waiting for Lin Xiu and Li Qingshan to make their move, as for him... he would follow up with a fatal blow, ensuring that Shangguan Zhengheng would be thoroughly killed.


    When it comes to killing, the Bull Demon is serious.


    Hmm?


    However, Li Che didn¡¯t wait for Lin Xiu and Li Qingshan to act.


    Lin Xiu and Li Qingshan, hidden in the shadows, also hesitated.


    Beneath their masks, their eyes were deep and tranquil. Looking up, they saw the solitary boat swaying on the riverside and the Divine Crossbow set up on it, aimed at Shangguan Zhengheng.


    An immense killing intent and hatred erupted from the boat.


    As it turned out.


    They were not the only ones who wanted to kill Shangguan Zhengheng.


    Others were planning an assassination as well!


    Li Che sensed the familiar aura emanating within the spreading Heaven and Earth chessboard, his expression becoming slightly strange.


    "This aura..."


    Lin Xiu¡¯s eyes beneath the peacock mask suddenly sharpened, as she sighed softly, "This girl..."


    ...


    ...


    The Divine Crossbow, crafted from Spiritual Wood and wrapped with Divine Talismans, was an extremely lethal Divine Talisman Crossbow.


    Placed among the Divine Guard Army, the Divine Crossbow was categorized as a massive killer weapon, specifically used to shoot Grandmaster Warriors.


    But now, with Divine Talismans further wrapped around the Divine Crossbow and special Crossbow Arrows being used, the power of the Divine Crossbow had been elevated by several levels, transforming it into a Divine Talisman Crossbow.


    The graceful figure, wearing a squirrel mask with dark eyes beneath, full of hatred, glared at Shangguan Zhengheng standing at the window of the Yunfang Boat¡¯s private room!


    "You dog! Die!"


    A low growl filled with hatred came from beneath the mask!


    Fingers spread, Divinity erupted, violently slapped onto the Divine Crossbow, as if awakening a ferocious dragon in the river!


    In an instant, the Divine Crossbow on the boat let out a sky-shattering, earth-shattering crack.


    Screech!


    The sound wave burst!


    The Crossbow Arrow roared, cutting through the airflow, violently bursting out in a whirlwind.


    The calm river surface suddenly raised waves, as if split in the center by the Divine Crossbow Arrow, flinging white froth and water splashes to both sides!


    Divine Talismans burned, Divinity surged, and the speed of the Crossbow Arrow increased ever faster!


    In the sky, it left behind a hundred zhang long trail of qi, as if it split the river in half!


    Almost in an instant, it approached three feet in front of Shangguan Zhengheng.


    The surging Divinity of the Divine Talismans continuously bolstered the eruption and penetration power of the Divine Crossbow.


    This was a premeditated assassination!


    Yet, Shangguan Zhengheng¡¯s eyes sharpened, and his body standing at the pavilion window suddenly flickered with a copper hue!


    "Assassination? Do you think why I dared to venture out alone at night?"


    Vast qi and blood erupted from his body, his fingers like hooks tearing through the chilly wind, ferociously slapping forward.


    Clang!


    The terrifying sound wave exploded, as if an ancient bell had been struck with force!


    The Divine Crossbow, augmented by Divine Talismans, would really have a chance to pierce through the body of an ordinary Illusory Phase Cultivator, inflicting heavy damage!


    But then, a flash of Corpse Qi¡¯s dark mark passed across Shangguan Zhengheng¡¯s brow, with one step, he used his arms, built like steel-coiled dragon muscles, to fiercely grasp the dragon-like Crossbow Arrow!


    The force of the erupting Divine Talismans was completely suppressed by the Void Aspect¡¯s might on his body!


    The entire pavilion burst apart in several places, and under the impact of the raging qi, wood splinters flew and stones shot out.


    Shangguan Zhengheng¡¯s hair whipped about, his eyes full of malicious sneers and rage.


    "A woman?"


    Looking at the boat, the graceful figure beneath the squirrel mask, Shangguan Zhengheng gave a greedy howl.


    Boom!


    Pushing off from his stance, grasping the Divine Talisman-burnt, energy-spent Crossbow Arrow like a spear, his body gleamed with a copper color as he ferociously charged forward, creating pillars of water on the river, violently leaping hundreds of zhang across the great river, heading towards the boat.


    To him, the river¡¯s surface was as if it were flat ground.


    On the boat.


    The female assassin in the squirrel mask was clearly taken aback.


    "Cursed Copper Corpse?!"


    Without any hesitation, the female assassin slapped the edge of the boat, triggering the Divine Talismans to make the boat shoot out like a speedboat with an explosive burst of water.


    The Divine Talisman Crossbow couldn¡¯t kill Shangguan Zhengheng.


    She had to find another opportunity!


    "Trying to escape?"


    Shangguan Zhengheng¡¯s eyes glittered with red light, his coppery body circulated, his muscles roared, and with a clench of his fingers and a twist of his waist, he hurled the spear-like Crossbow Arrow.


    It shot towards the boat at high speed.


    However...


    Just after throwing the Crossbow Arrow, Shangguan Zhengheng¡¯s pupils suddenly contracted; he found his wildly dancing hair suddenly falling, unable to rise by the slightest degree.


    As if the terrifying oppression of a collapsing mountain...


    Struck him mightily.


    High-handed and fierce, striding across the waves, Shangguan Zhengheng suddenly froze in his motion, as if he had become a statue, stiffened upon the river surface!


    "Perfect, he came out on his own."


    Shangguan Zhengheng felt his inner Void Aspect congealing as if stuck, unable to move, unable to unleash!


    That was Divine Hierarchy¡¯s might!


    Coming from a Divine Minister!


    Sweat dripped from Shangguan Zhengheng¡¯s forehead.


    "Divine Minister... Divine Minister!"


    "Which Divine Minister wants to kill me?!"

 Chapter 240: Father-Daughter Cheating Together with the Purple Flame Serpent Spear Fire Tip Spear

    The Chess Saint¡¯s Dao Fruit, shaking violently, responded with unprecedented intensity, as if it had come across something extremely delicious and desirable.


    It was like that time when Li Che first encountered the bald-pated Spirit Infant Temple God in the mysterious temple outside Fei Lei City.


    Back then, the Chess Saint¡¯s Dao Fruit was excited, but not nearly as fervent as it was now.


    This caused Li Che¡¯s emotions to stir uncontrollably.


    Xi Xi was about to encounter a great opportunity.


    The Chess Piece gathered by the Chess Saint¡¯s Dao Fruit, with Xi Xi as the link, sensed the flavor of opportunity, hence passing feedback to Li Che.


    It was Xi Xi¡¯s chance, and as a father, Li Che naturally could not take it for himself.


    After all, Li Che was not lacking in opportunities; Xi Xi¡¯s birth was the greatest opportunity of all.


    For every year, one Dao Fruit; Xi Xi growing safely for a year would allow him to gather one Dao Fruit.


    Under such a grand opportunity, how could he abandon his dignity and snatch the chance that belonged to his daughter?


    However, if his daughter couldn¡¯t handle this opportunity...


    To prevent the opportunity from being wasted and ending up benefiting someone else...


    Then Li Che would naturally have to reluctantly consume the opportunity himself.


    The fat shall not fill the fields of outsiders.


    Nevertheless, Li Che also noticed something else...


    "Temple God?"


    Under the Bull Demon mask, Li Che¡¯s eyes narrowed.


    Xi Xi was on Golden Light Peak, the main peak of the Divine Sect Branch, how could there be a Temple God?


    Temple Gods were only present in mysterious temples. Could it be that there¡¯s a Mysterious Temple on Golden Light Peak?


    Doesn¡¯t that mean Xi Xi is currently in the Mysterious Temple and in great danger?


    Li Che took a deep breath, but the Thunder Chess Piece did not indicate any danger to Xi Xi.


    Li Che still had great faith in the Chess Saint¡¯s Dao Fruit¡¯s accuracy in assessing danger.


    With the loot divided, the three had nothing more to discuss and prepared to go their separate ways.


    "Bull Demon, call up Horse Face next time," Lin Xiu said with a smile, looking at the towering Bull Demon.


    Upon hearing this, Li Che pondered for a moment, his voice hoarse from beneath the mask, "Okay."


    Lin Xiu pushed up the peacock mask on his nose and stretched lazily.


    Suddenly, as if sensing something, he leaped onto the roof tiled in black, scanning the distance.


    Towards the direction of the Divine Sect Mountain Gate, Golden Light Peak.


    A beam of straight golden light pierced into the clouds, strikingly visible against the night.


    Li Qingshan and the Bull Demon also leaped onto the rooftop, looking out.


    "This is... This is the Divine Flame of the Temple God from the Heavenly King Tower being activated," Li Qingshan couldn¡¯t help exclaiming, a hint of amazement flickering in his eyes. He glanced at Li Che. ?aNO???????


    "There is a mysterious temple on the main peak of Golden Light Peak, which is a relic left by an ancestor of the Qian Yuan Divine Sect on Golden Light Peak, after being plundered, leaving only the dormant Temple God in situe."


    "That Temple God is peculiar, not of human form, but is a Divine Weapon with its own spirit."


    "The Divine Weapon is called the Seven Treasures Relic Ruyi Golden Pagoda, usually referred to as the Heavenly King Tower," Li Qingshan explained.


    In fact, he was informing Li Che, so that Li Che wouldn¡¯t worry too much about Xi Xi¡¯s safety.


    "Inside the Heavenly King Tower are many treasures, including Divine Weapons, Divine Foundation Techniques, Methods of the Godly Statue, and even Divine Foundation secret techniques, Divine Aspect secret techniques, and so on..."


    "Every Sect Master True Successor has the chance to receive the teachings of the Temple God, which is an opportunity to face the test of the Heavenly King Tower."


    "The Heavenly King Tower will provide various levels of support based on one¡¯s Divinity Talent."


    "There¡¯s a wealth of rewards¡ªlike the Sect Master¡¯s youngest disciple, oh, not the youngest anymore¡ªthat¡¯s Sang Guanyin..."


    "The Method of the Godly Statue she practices was granted by the Heavenly King Tower: the ¡¯Compassionate Six-Armed Guanyin Divine Aspect,¡¯ a low-grade Method of the Godly Statue within the Six Bureaus! Extremely precious... According to the Sect Master, she almost managed to awaken the Godly Que!" Lin Xiu commented, looking up at the rippling waves of air from the Golden Light Peak."


    At that moment, the entire Golden Light Prefecture City was shaken.


    The Temple Control Bureau, Qintian Observatory, City Lord¡¯s Mansion, and the Noble Families and Five Major Sects all had Divine Facade Experts releasing their powerful Divine Sense to observe the golden light descending from the sky.


    "Tsk tsk, it is said that the ¡¯Heavenly King Tower¡¯ is a fragmented Temple God, split into three, with one-third remaining on Golden Light Peak, although it also reaches the Six Bureaus level," Lin Xiu commented with a click of his tongue.


    "The other two Heavenly King Towers, one is within the Ganyuan Orthodox Sect in Dao City of Lingnan Circuit, and another, it seems, is in the Divine Capital..."


    Lin Xiu knew more naturally, as he often stayed in the Qintian Observatory, with access to its vast collection of texts and his knowledge of astronomy and geography; he also studied the mysterious temples extensively.


    "It is rumored that when the Imperial Court was first established, a Divine Fetus Realm Great General personally came to Golden Light Prefecture intending to reclaim this Heavenly King Tower, but failed to do so..."


    "The Sect Master of the Authentic Divine Sect also tried to reclaim it, but also failed."


    "Because this Heavenly King Tower resides here, it seems... to be related to the Third Prince Temple at the heart of Nine Dragons River in the Divine Capital."


    "Capital Supervision Minister once said, if the three Heavenly King Towers were to be united, the complete state of the Golden Heavenly King Tower might even step into the ranks of Three Clears Level Divine Weapons."


    Li Che was inwardly shaken upon hearing this.


    No wonder the Chess Saint¡¯s Dao Fruit was so stirred; even with just one-third of the Heavenly King Tower, it was indeed an extraordinary opportunity for the current Li Che.


    "That¡¯s settled; I bid you farewell," Li Che said with a fist salute.

 Chapter 241: Father-Daughter Unite in Cheating, Purple Flame Serpentine Spear_Part 2

    The next moment, his figure merged directly into the darkness.


    A white Thunder Chess Piece emerged in the palm of his hand, which he clenched fiercely, and in an instant, he vanished without a trace!


    Lin Xiu turned his head abruptly, his gaze following the direction where the Bull Demon had disappeared.


    "What a masterful teleportation technique, my Divine Sense locked on at all times, and yet I failed to perceive any spatial fluctuations. The Bull Demon has disappeared nonetheless. I can¡¯t even determine whether he left by concealing his breath or by teleportation,"


    Lin Xiu took a deep breath. The Bull Demon... and that assassin from a thousand miles, Horse Face, had piqued his curiosity.


    Li Qingshan, on the other hand, felt resigned. Everyone has their big secrets.


    Although Li Che came from Fei Lei City and was born a country bumpkin, he obviously had secrets hidden.


    Li Qingshan even narrowed his eyes slightly. Was Li Che... really born a country bumpkin?


    Could a country bumpkin father a child of such a Divine Child¡¯s caliber?


    Could he have cultivated to such a realm in such a short time?


    He shook his head and didn¡¯t dwell on these thoughts too much.


    Li Qingshan trusted his judgement of people. Whether Li Che or the Bull Demon, as long as he wasn¡¯t someone extremely vicious and evil, that was enough.


    In a lifetime, who doesn¡¯t have a few secrets?


    Lin Xiu and Li Qingshan then shot forth as well, disappearing into the night.


    ...


    ...


    Golden Light Peak.


    Shrine Grand Hall.


    The Treasure Pagoda suspended in mid-air, with Golden Light flickering; it seemed as though ten thousand rays burst forth from within, making the Buddha statues engraved upon it look lifelike, as if they had come to life.


    An extremely oppressive aura enveloped the entire grand hall, making it difficult for one to breathe.


    Nan Lihuo stood solemnly, his white robe clinging tightly to his body, buffeted by the gale¡¯s violent currents, standing with his hands behind his back, and his gaze piercing.


    Beneath him stood Liu Yangyuan and Sang Guanyin, both quietly standing with hands down, their eyes also showing amazement.


    "Little junior sister... She¡¯s really okay?"


    Sang Guanyin couldn¡¯t help but ask, concerned about Xi Xi.


    A look of astonishment appeared on the handsome and charming face of Liu Yangyuan, who also pricked up his ears to listen.


    "This is the opening of the Godly Que. Only those with sufficient purity of Divinity, unblemished and flawless, will be acknowledged and allowed into the Godly Que... to choose the divine opportunity meant for her,"


    "The opportunity of the Heavenly King Tower must not be underestimated, for the Godly Que of the Heavenly King Tower is rumored to be connected to the Godly Que of the Heavenly King Tower of the Ganyuan Orthodox Sect!"


    "To be able to enter the Godly Que and receive the rewards and inheritance, at the very least... it will be of the Six Bureaus level,"


    Nan Lihuo¡¯s mild voice echoed within the grand hall.


    He was quite appreciative, his eyes shining with brightness.


    "When I was young... I also entered the Heavenly King Tower,"


    "Your eldest senior brother has also been inside the Heavenly King Tower,"


    As he finished speaking,


    Both Liu Yangyuan and Sang Guanyin¡¯s bodies trembled violently.


    "Ah?!"


    "Eldest senior brother entered as well?"


    Sang Guanyin was somewhat surprised.


    "What about Second Senior Brother?"


    The Second Senior Brother, Bian Yuanlong, who had gone to the Ganyuan Orthodox Sect for cultivation, had he ever entered the Godly Que of the Heavenly King Tower?


    Liu Yangyuan and Sang Guanyin both felt their hearts stir.


    "Your Second Senior Brother has not been able to enter the Heavenly King Tower, but after going to the Ganyuan Orthodox Sect, he should have the opportunity to enter. The Heavenly King Tower of the Ganyuan Orthodox Sect possesses a special Divine Secret Technique for entry,"


    Nan Lihuo said softly.


    Hearing this, Liu Yangyuan and Sang Guanyin both breathed a sigh of relief.


    Thank goodness, it wasn¡¯t because they were too trashy; even Second Senior Brother hadn¡¯t entered. Second Senior Brother, who went to the Authentic Divine Sect to cultivate, also hadn¡¯t entered...


    Thus, they didn¡¯t feel embarrassed for themselves.


    As for their little junior sister, she truly deserved to be the Divine Child that appeared once in a sixty-year cycle; her talent was indeed terrifying!


    "The more terrifying your little junior sister¡¯s talent is, the greater the danger she will face in the future. The Corpse God Cult will definitely not let go of such a talented Divine Child..."


    "As her senior brothers and sisters, you must protect your little junior sister well... even if..."


    "It costs you your lives."


    Nan Lihuo looked towards Liu Yangyuan and Sang Guanyin, his voice as gentle as ever.


    ...


    ...


    Xi Xi felt somewhat dizzy.


    "Mommy... save Xi Xi, please..."


    "Stinky daddy, where are you?"


    "Xi Xi is going to be taken away, daddy, hurry and save Xi Xi!"


    ...


    At first, Xi Xi was very scared in her heart, nearly calling out to everyone she could think of.


    Even Lu Chi received the treatment of being called out.


    However, as the dizziness faded, Xi Xi slowly opened her tightly shut eyes, her long eyelashes trembling, still wet with tears.


    She looked around curiously; thick smoke swirled, with purple mist, white cranes spreading their wings, and the sound of flowing water babbling.


    The air was incredibly fresh; just one deep breath felt as though her entire being had been purified and sublimated.


    "Is this the Underworld that daddy mentioned? The place people go to after they die?"


    Xi Xi blinked her eyes, slowly getting up from the ground.


    She took small, toddling steps and began to waddle around.


    The ground was very clean, without a speck of dust, which made Xi Xi feel that even if she took off her shoes, and jumped around barefoot, her feet wouldn¡¯t get dirty.


    If she walked around barefoot at home and got her feet dirty, she¡¯d get a spanking from stinky daddy and wouldn¡¯t be allowed to jump on the bed.


    "Wow... such pretty flowers."


    Xi Xi was no longer scared as before; perhaps it was the serenity of the place that made her feel beautiful inside.


    Looking at the many beautiful flowers growing along the path, her eyes sparkled, and she even saw colorful little butterflies flitting their wings, dancing among the flowers.


    It seemed the butterflies sensed Xi Xi¡¯s presence, flying over and dancing around her, and even as they fluttered, "bling bling", it was as if fairy dust sprinkled down.


    This fairy dust, falling on Xi Xi¡¯s body, actually made the blood in her veins surge, and her Martial Cultivation level, which had reached Major Accomplishment in Bone Tempering, was slowly improving.

 Chapter 242: Father-Daughter United in Cheating, Purple Flame Serpent Spear Fire Tip Spear_Part 3

    "Wow¡ªbutterfly, are you helping me cultivate?" Xi Xi lifted her chubby hand, and the butterfly landed on it, lightly fluttering its wings.


    Xi Xi "giggled" and laughed, and as the butterfly took flight and fluttered its wings, she chased after it, arms outstretched, pursuing the butterfly.


    Shimmering powder kept falling, and Xi Xi¡¯s martial cultivation improved imperceptibly.


    Meanwhile, within the Niwan Inner Scenery Space of Xi Xi, the Divinity of the ¡¯Xuansi Liu Sword¡¯ technique taught to her by Li Che was expanding incessantly.


    Suddenly, it reached the stage of Cultivation as Riverlike!


    Because Xi Xi had initially entered the Divine Cultivation Institute of Xu Ji to practice Divinity, she was cultivating the Xu Ji¡¯s ¡¯Xuansi Liu Sword¡¯ technique.


    Of course, after this time, Xi Xi¡¯s method of nurturing nature was naturally going to be modified.


    Even if Xi Xi didn¡¯t manage to obtain the Divine Method legacy from the Heavenly King Tower this time, Nan Lihuo would pass on to her a higher rank of the Divine Method.


    After all, the ¡¯Xuansi Liu Sword¡¯ was just the Divine Method of Xu Family in Fei Lei City, too low-level.


    "Eh? Xi Xi seems to have gotten stronger!"


    Xi Xi sensed the Divinity within the Inner Scenery of the Energy Center and exclaimed in surprise.


    Her dad had told her about the cultivation of Divinity, so she had some perception of it.


    "When Xi Xi gets even stronger, I¡¯ll be able to beat stinky daddy. Stinky daddy still wants to spank Xi Xi¡¯s butt, but Xi Xi will spank back!"


    Xi was not yet strong, but strength would change everything!


    Xi Xi¡¯s aspirations were grand!


    Following the little butterfly, the fog in front of her gradually parted like curtains being drawn aside.


    A majestic and vast Divine Palace, entirely forged from gold, suddenly appeared before Xi Xi¡¯s eyes, so bright that Xi Xi almost couldn¡¯t keep her eyes open.


    "So much gold, I could buy so many candied hawthorns with it!"


    Xi Xi marveled.


    The butterfly continued to lead Xi Xi into the depths of the Golden Palace, flapping its wings up and down.


    When approaching a hundred yards from the Palace, an invisible barrier appeared out of nowhere, rippling like water.


    The butterfly flew through it without any hindrance.


    Xi Xi, on the other hand, bumped into the invisible barrier, feeling a significant obstruction that made it very difficult for her to move forward.


    "Little butterfly, wait for me!"


    Xi Xi, being stopped, immediately became anxious and kept waving her hands.


    The little butterfly fluttered its wings in the distance, as if waiting for Xi Xi, and as if encouraging Xi Xi, urging her to keep pushing.


    Xi Xi¡¯s little face turned bright red with exertion, and in the Inner Scene of the Energy Center space.


    Suddenly, countless white specks of Divinity, like fireflies, began to float upward, merging into the river of Xi Xi¡¯s Divinity.


    Boom!


    "Waaaah¡ª"


    Xi Xi flailed her arms wildly and cried out loudly.


    Because the invisible obstruction that had barred her way suddenly vanished, nearly causing her to fall flat on her face.


    Xi Xi got up, and the little butterfly joyfully fluttered and danced, as if it was happy that Xi Xi had overcome the barrier.


    Xi Xi stood up, hands on her hips, chest and little belly puffed out: "Little butterfly, don¡¯t you underestimate Xi Xi!"


    Together, the girl and the butterfly continued forward and entered the Golden Palace.


    The Golden Palace was vast, incredibly vast.


    Xi Xi stepped inside and immediately felt as small as a grain of sand in her own family¡¯s large courtyard.


    Xi Xi let out a "wow," and her voice echoed and reverberated through the Golden Palace.


    Wow wow wow, the more Xi Xi exclaimed, the more invigorated she felt, finding it all very fun.


    A small butterfly landed on Xi Xi¡¯s shoulder. After playing for a while, she stopped shouting and looked around her.


    Golden mist sprayed out, billowing around her.


    Then, she saw a towering, impossibly large golden statue almost reaching the top of the Golden Palace!


    The statue was towering and unparalleled, clad in golden armor, with a Cloud Fan Helmet on its head, sporting a kind and gentle smile on its face. In its left hand it held a halberd, and its right hand supported a tower that was golden in color with seven levels, each carved with a figure of the Buddha, with treasure-light flowing. ?a?¦­?B§¦S?


    Xi Xi gazed at the statue for a long time, for a moment uncertain of what to do.


    She wondered, what would Daddy do if he saw this statue?


    Daddy sure loved gold, perhaps he would run up and touch it?


    Yes!


    Daddy would definitely touch it!


    Xi Xi also wanted to touch!


    Following Daddy¡¯s example was sure to be right!


    Xi Xi¡¯s eyes shone brightly, and then her chubby little hands came together with formality as she bowed.


    Afterward, she wiggled her little bottom and scampered toward the majestic statue.


    The little butterfly on her shoulder initially didn¡¯t understand what Xi Xi was trying to do.


    But when Xi Xi reached the base of the statue and stretched out her chubby little hands to gently caress the surface of the statue¡¯s shoes, it became clear.


    This action scared the little butterfly on Xi Xi¡¯s shoulder, nearly causing it to lose its composure!


    It frantically flapped its wings, trying to get away, but then...


    The statue suddenly erupted with an immense divine majesty, pinning the little butterfly firmly onto Xi Xi¡¯s shoulder.


    Golden divinity, like flowing water, crashed down, incessantly washing over Xi Xi¡¯s body.


    All of Xi Xi¡¯s baby fat trembled chaotically.


    Her big eyes sparkled as if she was seeing extraordinary visions.


    In those visions...


    There was a child with Nezha-style braids, standing on Wind Fire Golden Wheels, wielding a Golden Long Spear ablaze with raging flames, galloping over the Sea!


    Then, with a thrust of his spear into the Sea, he stirred it fiercely!


    Xi Xi¡¯s eyes grew brighter and brighter.


    She felt as though her soul had taken flight, merging with that boy who stirred the Sea with his spear!


    It was a feeling of freedom, unfettered ease, and wild abandon!


    ...


    ...


    "My child..."


    In the midst of the Golden Palace, a voice full of longing echoed endlessly, deafeningly, in peal after peal of thunder!


    Countless streams of golden divinity sprinkled down.

 Chapter 243: Father-Daughter United in Cheating, Purple Flame Serpent Spear Fire Tip Spear_Part 4

    At Xi Xi¡¯s side, where she was closing her eyes and caressing the Statue of the Deity, clusters of golden light began to hover and congeal, forming one after another.


    However, as the white Divinity within Xi Xi¡¯s Inner Scene of the Energy Center gradually depleted, she started to struggle to attract the cascading Golden Divinity.


    Unable to coalesce the golden light clusters any longer.


    It seemed as though the opportunity was about to end.


    However...


    Hum


    It was as if a silent and invisible fluctuation occurred in space.


    Afterward, a figure with a tall and mountainous frame, with an inverse triangle of muscular back and bulging veins like an angry Jiao Long, appeared beside Xi Xi, clutching a white Chess Piece.


    The wide-brimmed hat was lifted to reveal a figure wearing a Cute Bull Mask.


    Li Che had no time to change his clothes and had immediately crushed the Thunder Chess Piece, teleporting over.


    As soon as he laid eyes on it, he felt the terrifying, storm-like oppressive Temple God Divinity that seemed to sweep over and engulf everything!


    Li Che¡¯s gaze fell upon the massive golden statue.


    "Heavenly King..."


    Looking at the benevolently smiling statue, Li Che couldn¡¯t help but mutter to himself.


    However, the next moment, the originally smiling face of the statue suddenly changed to one of Fury and Fear, as if the very heavens and earth were exploding with roaring sounds, deafening and threatening to shatter one¡¯s Divine Sense!


    Li Che was left speechless.


    Wasn¡¯t this change of face a bit too quick?


    It was all smiles when looking at Xi Xi.


    But shifted to a face full of Fury and Fear upon seeing him, as if about to subdue a demon...


    Was he, the Bull Demon, really such a demon?


    Li Che removed his wide-brimmed hat, took off the mask, and dissipated the Blood Qi from his body, but the statue did not change its face back.


    Li Che was at a loss for words and glanced at Xi Xi, frowning deeply as he immediately noticed Xi Xi¡¯s current state.


    The Immaculate Heart Divinity he had arranged for Xi Xi had been exhausted at this moment!


    With the depletion of the Pure Heart Divinity, the golden radiance ceased to fall.


    "So Xi Xi wasn¡¯t unable to eat; there just wasn¡¯t enough to eat..."


    Li Che muttered to himself.


    If it had been in his future, then Xi Xi¡¯s chances might well have ended there.


    "Fortunately, your father is here."


    "This family really can¡¯t function without your father."


    Li Che took a step forward and appeared behind Xi Xi, placing his palm on her tiny back.


    He glanced at the fearful and furious face of the statue.


    "Stare at me, will you!"


    His mind stirred.


    Within his chest, the Dao Fruit of the Pure Heart throbbed vigorously, and the Immaculate Heart Divinity began to flow out, unhurried and calm, softly surging into Xi Xi¡¯s body. R?a??O?¦ÂE?S??


    Li Che dared not output the Pure Heart Divinity violently all at once, fearing that too violent a Divinity could harm Xi Xi.


    With the supplement of the Pure Heart Divinity, the golden radiance that was almost about to disperse...


    Were actually gathering again.


    Golden light clusters began to manifest one after another around Xi Xi, washing over and purifying Xi Xi¡¯s flesh, bones, and so on!


    Li Che felt the Pure Heart Divinity draining from his body at a rapid pace¡ªfortunately, he had forged the Pure Heart Divine Foundation, which had a total amount of Divinity much more than before.


    Rumbling...


    The golden light continuously cascaded down.


    Golden orbs of light began to congeal around Xi Xi, more and more of them, and Li Che carefully counted: there were easily over a hundred.


    He was left speechless. Was this much fortune all for Xi Xi?


    However, the next moment, these golden light clusters started to merge into one another.


    In the end...


    They turned into a massive golden light cluster!


    Meanwhile, Xi Xi¡¯s body began to tremble violently.


    On her little face, tears had started streaming down, and finally, she opened her mouth and let out a loud wail.


    It was unclear if she had seen something sad.


    Li Che¡¯s brows furrowed slightly.


    He too felt the Pure Heart Dao Fruit within him depleting a little too quickly.


    Even with the forged Pure Heart Divine Foundation, it felt almost exhausted at this moment.


    Li Che sighed. This was all the Pure Heart Divinity he had managed to accumulate.


    That¡¯s all he, as a father, could do.


    When the last wisp of Divinity from the Pure Heart Divine Foundation entered Xi Xi¡¯s body and brought the golden light to shine down,


    The parental cheating could only go so far.


    But Li Che was satisfied, having forcibly raised the opportunities available to Xi Xi by a large margin.


    The harvest would certainly be extremely bountiful!


    Boom!!!


    When the myriad strands of golden light pouring down from the Statue of the Deity had all dissipated,


    The fortune, merged from the hundred golden orbs and hovering around Xi Xi,


    Started to slowly lose its luster.


    A sudden scorching heat burst forth!


    Then an incredibly intense heat surged!


    Crazy streams of air shot out, roaring heatwaves as if a flaming serpentine monster was exhaling, the heat boiling over, creating furious winds!


    Making Li Che¡¯s clothes cling tightly to his body.


    His eyes narrowed.


    He stared at the Golden Long Spear floating beside Xi Xi, its blade like blazing fire, its tassel flowing with purple flames.


    The intense Divinity that hit him in the face caused Li Che¡¯s hair to stand on end.


    His arm turned jade-colored in an instant.


    Immortal Worker: Thousand Analyzing Hands activated!


    Capturing the scorching and searing Divinity in the air, information was instantly relayed to his mind, weaving before his eyes.


    [Divine Weapon (Supreme Grade of the Four Imperial Classes): Purple Flame Serpent Spear Fire Tip Spear]

 Chapter 244: Divine Child No Longer Defines My Daughter, Prototype of Divine Powers

    Fire Tip Spear?!


    Fuck?!


    Fuck!


    Li Che¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly, and he couldn¡¯t help but breathe more rapidly.


    The myth of two overlapping lifetimes seemed, at this moment, like the dark tides of the deep sea, fiercely crashing over!


    This Fire Tip Spear, it¡¯s the Divine Weapon of the Third Crown Prince!


    How could it be spat out from the Heavenly King Tower?


    Li Che was a little stunned, and while alarmed in his heart, he also felt an incredibly thick fog rolling in, obscuring the truth and suffocating people!


    His agitated emotions quickly recovered, and after the Thousand Analyzing Hands absorbed the fiery Divinity floating in the air, it provided an analysis.


    ...


    [Divine Weapon (Supreme Grade of the Four Imperial Classes): Purple Flame Serpentine Spear]


    [Craftsmanship: ???]


    [Introduction: Mythical Weapon, has only the body, not the treasure soul, a body that¡¯s damaged, the flames like a fierce serpent burning heaven and earth, swallowing fog so that the sun has no light]


    [Perfect Mastery: Comprehend the fire of the five elements, the water¡¯s way, Qi-Blood Martial Saint or above, Divine Fetus or above]


    [Subordinate Mastery: Qi-Blood Grandmaster or above, Divine Base Perfection or above]


    ...


    Li Che looked at the information analyzed by the Thousand Analyzing Hands.


    His heart was overcome with shock and awe!


    Divine Weapon of the Supreme Grade of the Four Imperial Classes...


    What kind of opportunity is this for my daughter?


    This is an enormous opportunity...


    Li Che took a deep breath, his expression changing uncertainly, joy and shock fading, replaced by a hint of seriousness.


    With no crime in being a common man holding a jade, to wield such a Divine Weapon of the Four Imperials for a three-year-old child¡ªhow is it different than a three-year-old flaunting a million gold pieces in public?


    Interest sways the human heart, let alone a Divine Weapon of the Four Imperials, which is extremely precious in this world!


    Can Sect Master Nan Lihuo protect Xi Xi?


    Or rather, Nan Lihuo... will he himself be tempted?


    It¡¯s not that he suspects Nan Lihuo with the malice of a petty person, but that human hearts truly shouldn¡¯t be lightly probed!


    Besides, if the Corpse God Cult learns that Xi Xi holds a Divine Weapon of the Four Imperials, especially the Third Crown Prince¡¯s Divine Weapon, it must involve that Four Royal Third Prince Mysterious Temple; they are likely to go mad...sending wave after wave of powerful beings to come kill and seize Xi Xi, and snatch away the Purple Flame Serpentine Spear! ?????NO?¦ÂE??


    Li Che couldn¡¯t help but show a look of worry between his brows.


    However, to give up such an opportunity...


    It¡¯s a bit unbearable.


    Four Royal Divine Weapons, even rarer than the Four Royal Mysterious Temples, ordinary cultivators might spend a lifetime without catching a glimpse!


    To give up?


    Li Che was full of conflicting feelings.


    Xi Xi was still in a chaotic state, not yet awake.


    As a father, Li Che naturally had the right to make decisions for his three-year-old daughter.


    Li Che bit his teeth.


    He looked towards the enormous Golden Heavenly King Statue.


    The other party was still looking at him with fury and concern.


    Li Che stared back!


    His eyes flickered with light, and after a long while, he let out a breath.


    "Give it up!"


    Li Che made the decision to give up the opportunity, to not take this Four Royal Divine Weapon.


    To give or to gain is a matter of a single thought!


    This Purple Flame Serpentine Spear is not something Xi Xi, or rather the current Li Che family, can handle.


    Li Che has the bonds brought by his daughter, needing only for her to grow up safely, one Dao Fruit a year...


    In the future, the Four Royal Divine Weapons... will be available!


    To live is to have everything!


    By giving, we receive!


    "Give it up!!!"


    Li Che exclaimed in a low voice.


    He reached out to embrace Xi Xi, intending to take her away from the statue.


    However...


    As soon as his palm touched Xi Xi, the Fire Tip Spear trembled and shook, a strand of purple flame suddenly burst forth from it.


    It turned into a purple fire snake, spitting its tongue towards Li Che.


    Li Che had to release his hand.


    And the purple fire snake moved to Xi Xi¡¯s front, burrowing into the palm of her hand.


    Suddenly, a purple serpentine flame pattern imprinted itself onto the chubby palm of Xi Xi.


    Boom¡ª!


    Following that, the Purple Flame Serpentine Spear trembled even more violently.


    Countless splendid golden glows, flickering and reflecting like thousands of light rays, spreading and splashing in all directions.


    So dazzling and bright that Li Che nearly couldn¡¯t keep his eyes open!


    When the golden glow dissipated,


    That Four Royal Divine Weapon... had already disappeared without a trace!


    Li Che was startled, then his face changed slightly.


    Could it have run into Xi Xi¡¯s body?


    That purple snake Divine Pattern?


    Li Che pulled up Xi Xi¡¯s hand, her skin burning hot, slowly cooling down.


    But he saw the purple snake pattern still emitting light, changing between red and blue.


    After feeling Xi Xi¡¯s forehead and making sure she was alright, he finally exhaled.


    "Absorbed into Xi Xi¡¯s body?"


    "According to the analysis of the conditions for mastery by the Thousand Analyzing Hands, Xi Xi right now... certainly can¡¯t wield this Divine Weapon, not even achieving [Subordinate Mastery]."


    "However, Xi Xi seems to have gained the approval of the Heavenly King Temple God, now... receiving the baptism of the golden light, she must have also gained the approval of the Fire Tip Spear, thus being able to house the Fire Tip Spear within her body."


    Li Che held Xi Xi¡¯s hand and closed his eyes.


    He couldn¡¯t sense anything with his Divine Sense.


    But...


    When the Chess Saint¡¯s Dao Fruit palpitated, the next moment, a network of interlocking chessboards enveloped Xi Xi¡¯s figure.


    Suddenly, Li Che struggled to "see"!


    On Xi Xi¡¯s arm, an extremely terrifying aura was lying quietly there!


    Extremely hidden, not emitting the slightest breath of life, as if cultivating.


    It was also like a sword hidden for a hundred years, once unsheathed, the Sword Qi and Sword Intent it burst out could split mountains and rivers!


    Li Che was carefully sensing with the capability of the Chess Saint¡¯s Dao Fruit.


    His main concern was whether the high-grade Divinity seeping from the Fire Tip Spear would harm Xi Xi¡¯s flesh.


    However, upon sensing it, not only did the Fire Tip Spear not harm Xi Xi, it was instead... subtly improving and strengthening Xi Xi¡¯s flesh!

 Chapter 245: My Daughter Can No Longer Be Defined as a Divine Child, Prototype of Divine Powers (2)

    Li Che immediately felt relieved and dissolved the Heaven and Earth chessboard.


    Looking at Xi Xi fast asleep, the corners of his lips couldn¡¯t help but curl into a smile.


    "With the Four Royal Divine Weapons hidden in her body, Xi Xi¡¯s training is like hitting the accelerator. Her talent now must be even more terrifying than before!"


    "Divine Child? Ordinary Divine Children can no longer define my daughter, Li Che."


    Li Che couldn¡¯t help but burst into joyful laughter.


    He was already looking forward to seeing the difference between Xi Xi and the other Spirit Children during the Temple God Resonance assessment...


    While other Spirit Children are role-playing, striving to resonate with the Third Crown Prince...


    Xi Xi is directly wielding the Divine Weapons the Third Crown Prince has played with!


    It¡¯s simply a dimension-reducing strike!


    Li Che chuckled, unable to suppress his smile.


    He touched Xi Xi¡¯s sweaty head, her messy bangs soaked with sweat and sticking to her scalp.


    Li Che¡¯s gaze fell on a butterfly perched on Xi Xi¡¯s shoulder, with its wings tucked in, daring not to move.


    That butterfly seemed to be sneaking a look at him.


    Li Che "huh" in surprise, wanted to capture it to take a look, but then thought better of it, as this world had Divine Weapons, Spiritual Wood, and naturally also Divine Beasts and Spiritual Beasts, not to mention the monsters tainted by the divinity from the Mysterious Temple.


    A sentient butterfly was thus not something to be shockingly surprised about.


    Xi Xi was lying on the ground, fast asleep.


    Li Che stood up and his gaze traveled to the unattainable, immensely large Heavenly King Golden Statue.


    The statue held a Treasure Pagoda in its hand, which was faintly emitting light.


    "One of the three Heavenly King Towers..."


    "If the three Heavenly King Towers are unified, they may enter the sequence of the Three Pure Ones Divine Weapon."


    Li Che¡¯s gaze grew somewhat covetous.


    "If Xi Xi can pass the test and obtain the Fire Tip Spear, then can I... possibly obtain the Heavenly King Tower?"


    Li Che¡¯s gaze flickered, his heart inevitably filled with anticipation and speculation.


    "Xi Xi bathed in the golden light cast by the Treasure Pagoda, because she is a Spirit Child. Through the ¡¯Pure Heart Divinity¡¯ I transferred into her, she obtained a great opportunity with Divine Weapons..."


    "Could I give it a try as well?"


    "Spirit Child... who isn¡¯t one?"


    "Twenty-two... can also be a Spirit Child."


    Li Che sat down cross-legged, tore through the air, and took out a Divine Crystal.


    After gripping it, the Pure Heart Divine Foundation inside the Inner Scene of the Energy Center immediately began spinning wildly, emitting a tremendous suction force. R?a????O?bE?s?


    It absorbed all the Divinity from within the Divine Crystal!


    Li Che¡¯s Immaculate Heart Divinity began to slowly recover.


    "Daddy..."


    Xi Xi, slowly waking up nearby, saw Li Che and immediately widened her eyes in surprise!


    Sitting on the ground, her eyes couldn¡¯t help but mist up.


    "Daddy... Xi Xi isn¡¯t dreaming, right?"


    "Why would I see Daddy here?"


    Xi Xi vigorously rubbed her eyes, trying to determine whether it was a hallucination.


    Once she was sure it wasn¡¯t a hallucination, Xi Xi burst into tears and ran wildly towards Li Che, crashing into his arms with such speed... it even startled Li Che a bit!


    And the force unleashed upon crashing into his arms...


    Almost caused her old father¡¯s back to give out!


    To know, Li Che had received the Dragon Elephant Vajra Dao Fruit, and his physical body was extremely strong, even when unstimulated, even if caught off guard, it was still very hard for him to experience sudden back pain.


    One can only say...


    Xi Xi¡¯s strength had increased!


    It had increased a great deal!


    Xixi originally had great strength, but now... it seemed she truly possessed innate divine strength.


    Xi Xi, small and delicate, burrowed into Li Che¡¯s arms, constantly pushing her head against him, wiping her tears and snot on Li Che¡¯s black robe over and over again.


    "Daddy, wuuu... Daddy... Xi Xi missed you!"


    Xi Xi sobbed.


    These days staying on Golden Light Peak, it had been several days since she saw her parents, Xi Xi was heartbroken.


    Li Che¡¯s heart instantly softened, becoming much gentler, gently stroking Xi Xi¡¯s small head, patting her little back.


    "Daddy¡¯s here, Daddy has always been here..."


    "Daddy has always been protecting Xi Xi."


    Xi Xi¡¯s small head emerged from Li Che¡¯s embrace, her messy hair, her eyes wide with trust and expectation, said, "Really?"


    "Is what daddy said true?"


    Li Che used his sleeve to wipe Xi Xi¡¯s tears clean, and then re-tied her hair into two lumps.


    "What daddy said is, of course, true."


    "Daddy, let¡¯s pinky promise!"


    Xi Xi extended her chubby little pinky.


    Li Che laughed and hooked his pinky with hers.


    "Pinky promise, hang on a hook, a hundred years, no change, he who changes is a puppy!"


    Xi Xi, in a milky voice, recited seriously.


    "Stamp it!"


    Li Che touched his thumb to Xi Xi¡¯s thumb.


    Xi Xi immediately cheered and started bouncing on the spot, causing the butterfly on her shoulder to quickly flap its wings.


    Xi Xi and the butterfly then started chasing each other again.


    While Li Che stood up, feeling the perfection of Pure Heart Divinity within his Divine Foundation, and then looked toward the immensely tall Heavenly King Statue.


    Imitating Xi Xi, he stretched out his hand to touch the foot of the Heavenly King Statue.


    Li Che clearly felt a warm flow coursing through his body, taking a tour before it disappeared.


    Li Che was all ready to transmit the Immaculate Heart Divinity.


    But result...


    "Bone age exceeded, divinity pure, eligible for reward..."


    It seemed as though a voice resonant as a great bell echoed by his ear.


    And then.


    A golden orb, suspended right in front of him.


    Compared to the giant orb previously conjured by Xi Xi that contained the Fire Tip Spear, it simply didn¡¯t compare...


    It was like comparing the size of a ping-pong ball to a basketball.


    Li Che: "..."


    Felt somewhat insulted.


    Still hoping for the Heavenly King Tower, he was indeed delusional.


    But... at least test his Pure Heart Divinity, won¡¯t you?!

 Chapter 246: My Daughter Can No Longer Be Defined as a Divine Child, Prototype of Divine Powers (3)

    Li Che was at a loss for words, but he happily accepted the reward nonetheless.


    A reward for nothing, not taking it would be a waste.


    Normally, he wouldn¡¯t have been able to enter here; it was all thanks to Xi Xi, basking in her light.


    So one could say that Li Che¡¯s reward was also for nothing.


    As the golden light faded, Li Che received a book with a gold cover.


    "Fearless Golden Heavenly King Divine Aspect Method of the Six Bureaus!"


    Li Che¡¯s eyes suddenly brightened!


    Six Ministries Divine Phase Method!


    Such fortune!


    O Heavenly King, although you¡¯ve humiliated me, you¡¯ve given plenty...


    Li Che, with a smile brimming on his face, pocketed the Divine Aspect Method.


    Although Li Che wanted to break through the Divine Aspects, he needed to collect seven Divine Aspect Methods, that is, seven parts of the Divine Aspect Method.


    One part wasn¡¯t enough, as all beginnings are hard, but he would accumulate them one by one.


    Having obtained one now was also a good start.


    Boom¡ªperhaps sensing that both Xi Xi and Li Che had received their rewards,


    The entire Golden Temple seemed to quake.


    The booming sounds were incessant.


    Li Che¡¯s expression subtly changed.


    His hand, placed on the foot of the Heavenly King Statue, did not loosen but instead... began to familiarly caress it.


    The sensation was just like when he had touched the head of the Three-Eyed Spirit Infant Temple God in the Flying Thunder Strange Temple.


    Thousand Analyzing Hands... Siphon!


    Chess Saint Dao Fruit!


    Full firepower!


    In a flash...


    A tremendous suction force burst forth from the palm of Li Che¡¯s hand!


    Threads and strands of golden light began to swiftly converge...


    Sweat beads formed on Li Che¡¯s forehead, and his whole body tensed up.


    Just as the Divine Chess Piece was almost formed,


    A powerful pulling force suddenly burst from the body of the Temple God!


    It nearly scattered the forming Chess Piece!


    "How dare you¡ª!"


    Boom¡ª!


    A terrifying sound exploded, as if thunder rolled and the Thunder God roared in anger!


    Li Che immediately released his hand, having siphoned a Heavenly King Temple God Chess Piece, it instantly fell into the Heaven and Earth Chessboard.


    With a loud bang!


    The entire Chessboard trembled; the stellar position of the dropping, along with the intersecting lines of the Chessboard, seemed to collapse instantly as if unable to bear its weight. R?a?o???s?


    Li Che caught a fleeting glimpse¡ªit was a Chess Piece of a "black gold" color!


    Still black...


    Apart from Immaculate Heart Divinity, was it impossible to form a white Chess Piece?


    A flicker of confusion crossed Li Che¡¯s mind.


    When he felt a tremendous repulsion,


    He and Xi Xi, who was chasing butterflies, were suddenly ejected from the Divine Que.


    In the moment he was ejected, Li Che clutched a Thunder Chess Piece and disappeared into thin air.


    ...


    ...


    At the Golden Light Peak, Divine Palace.


    The Seven Treasures Golden Pagoda hovered in the air and suddenly shook violently.


    A fierce wind arose suddenly, and countless golden beams were emitted from the Pagoda, spinning rapidly.


    In an instant, Xi Xi¡¯s tiny body was spit out.


    Nan Lihuo, who had been paying attention, narrowed his eyes and immediately swept his sleeve, a gust of fresh wind arose, protecting Xi Xi¡¯s form.


    "Back¡ª!"


    At the same time, Nan Lihuo only felt an explosive sound near his ear, his powerful Divine Sense almost trembled.


    Nan Lihuo¡¯s calm and gentle face changed drastically for the first time.


    "The Temple God is angry?!"


    "Xi Xi... what did you do in the Divine Que? "


    Nan Lihuo looked at Xi Xi, his eyes filled with doubt and gravity.


    Did Xi Xi anger the Temple God?


    It shouldn¡¯t be!


    This three-year-old Divine Child, with extraordinary Divinity and immaculate heart, was beloved by all; the Heavenly King Temple God... should have liked her.


    Why did it seem as though she encountered a detestable Spirit Child?


    Xi Xi, with a butterfly perched on her shoulder, sat blankly on the gust of wind created by Nan Lihuo.


    Looking around, she slightly opened her mouth.


    "Where¡¯s daddy?"


    "Where¡¯s such a big daddy?"


    Xi Xi soon became visibly disheartened.


    "Turns out... I missed daddy too much, dreamed of daddy..."


    Xi Xi then began to feel a bit sad.


    Seeing her distress, Sang Guanyin hurried over to comfort Xi Xi. Seeing her beautiful sister, Xi Xi¡¯s mood improved considerably, and she stopped thinking about her father.


    Seizing the butterfly that had come out with her, she exclaimed in surprise: "Wow, the butterfly came out with Xi Xi!"


    The Pagoda returned to calm and settled back on the altar.


    Nan Lihuo furrowed his brows, puzzled.


    Seeing this butterfly, he relaxed quite a bit. Perhaps... it was not Xi Xi that the enraged Temple God scolded, but the butterfly that ran out with her?


    "A Divine Beast with spirit, although I do not know what kind of Divine Beast it is. I¡¯ll take it to the Qintian Observatory to consult the Chief Supervisor someday. The Qintian Observatory collects all kinds of rare books and studies astronomy and geography, and they should know."


    Nan Lihuo didn¡¯t pursue it further.


    Because the rank and pressure of this butterfly Divine Beast were not strong.


    Clearly, it was just a Divine Beast Cub.


    Divine Beasts have a long life, and who knows how long it will take to mature.


    Xi Xi... definitely won¡¯t outlive this Divine Beast. Once a Divine Beast recognizes its master, after the master dies, the Divine Beast will fly away.


    Thus, Nan Lihuo did not pay too much attention.


    Instead, he was curious about what Xi Xi gained in the Divine Que.


    A Divine Child with Immaculate Divinity should have been able to receive a favorable view from the Temple God, and get an excellent reward, right?


    Although he had entered the Divine Que back in his day, his limited talent only earned him one of the Six Bureaus Superior Grade Divine Aspect Method.


    With Xi Xi¡¯s talent, perhaps she could obtain a complete Divine Aspect Method of the Five Elders Level, or even... that of the Four Imperials Level!


    The Golden Light Sub-sect does have a Four Imperials Level "Eight-Armed Prison Lotus Furious Third Prince" Divine Method, but it is only a method of nurturing nature.


    And the Divine Foundation Technique... falls to the Six Bureaus Level.

 Chapter 247: My Daughter Can No Longer Be Defined as a Divine Child, Prototype of Divine Powers (4)

    Not to mention the high-rank Method of the Godly Statue, for many small sects, just one Method of the Godly Statue is enough to support the foundation of the sect!


    "Harvest?"


    Xi Xi blinked her large eyes, pondered for a while, and remembered her father¡¯s instructions in her dream not to casually mention the little spear she had hidden.


    So, she could only mention a different harvest.


    In her mind, there was another Dharma that could be cultivated to reach Godly Statue.


    "The Five Elders Level ¡¯Extreme Grief Wind Fire Subdue Dragon Third Prince¡¯ is the cultivation method that Xi Xi received in her mind,"


    Xi Xi said.


    The moment she talked about this, Xi Xi¡¯s emotions fell, and she thought of the pitiful little boy in her dream.


    At this thought, Xi Xi¡¯s heart trembled. She rubbed her chest, pouting her lips, unable to contain her sorrow, and tears inevitably overflowed.


    Nan Lihuo was slightly shocked; this was the influence of Divinity.


    He quickly spread his Divine Sense to soothe Xi Xi¡¯s emotions.


    "Indeed, it¡¯s a Five Elders Level Method of the Godly Statue, encompassing Nurturing Nature, Divine Foundation, Void Aspect, all the way to Godly Statue!"


    Nan Lihuo felt satisfied.


    However, what puzzled him was how this ¡¯Extreme Grief Wind Fire Subdue Dragon Third Prince¡¯ seemed somewhat different from the ¡¯Eight-Armed Prison Lotus Furious Third Prince¡¯ in the Four Royal Mysterious Temples.


    Third Crown Prince... could there be other Seven Emotions Divine Methods?


    This was indeed a new discovery, a good direction for research.


    "With a Five Elders Level Method of the Godly Statue, at the very least, you will have no worries on the path before Godly Statue. Once you cultivate to the Five Elders Godly Statue, looking over the vast Golden Light Prefecture City, you will be able to easily suppress many Godly Statues."


    Nan Lihuo patted Xi Xi¡¯s head, feeling very happy and satisfied.


    This little disciple truly brought him a great surprise.


    "Xi Xi, there is about one year left before you go to the ¡¯Eight-Armed Prison Lotus Furious Third Prince¡¯ Mysterious Temple for the Temple God Resonance trial. In this year, you need to complete the transformation into Divinity, and completely transform into the Divinity of ¡¯Extreme Grief Wind Fire Subdue Dragon Third Prince,¡¯"


    Nan Lihuo said gently.


    "Do you believe you can accomplish this, Xi Xi?"


    Hearing of the challenge, Xi Xi immediately puffed up her chest and stomach excitedly, saying, "Xi Xi will definitely be able to complete it!"


    "Sect Master, can Xi Xi take the little butterfly with her? Let it play with Xi Xi!"


    Xi Xi pointed to the little butterfly on her shoulder and said.


    "Certainly, of course, you can,"


    Nan Lihuo said with a gentle smile, rubbing Xi Xi¡¯s head.


    "Have you also obtained any Divine Secret Techniques or Divine Martial Arts?"


    Xi Xi shook her head.


    Nan Lihuo¡¯s smile grew even thicker.


    He raised his hand, and a booklet interwoven with black and red appeared in his hand.


    "As for the Method of the Godly Statue, you have quite the fate to receive it yourself, surely it¡¯s extremely compatible with you. This ¡¯Prison Fire Glazed Body¡¯ is a Divine Secret Technique that your teacher shall impart to you."


    "Also, as for Divine Martial Arts, which type do you want to learn?"


    Upon hearing this, Xi Xi tilted her head, thinking of the little spear hidden in her arm, her eyes lit up: "Xi Xi wants to learn spear techniques!"


    Spear techniques?


    Nan Lihuo nodded. It was indeed more suitable to learn spear martial arts while cultivating the Third Crown Prince Godly Statue.


    "No problem, your teacher will impart this to you."


    ...


    ...


    Li Che clenched the Thunder Chess Piece, instantly moving.


    He returned to the workshop courtyard.


    Night, silent and dark.


    All around was quiet, the bright moon hung high in the night sky, and the cool moonlight spread all around heaven and earth.


    Li Che stood in the tranquil courtyard, slowly exhaling a breath, sounding like rolling thunder.


    All over his body, muscles and bones sang in unison, as if dark red currents of electricity moved at an extreme speed, his blood as swift as lightning!


    He¡¯s back...


    Li Che opened his eyes, his entire person loosened up, appearing somewhat languid.


    From setting off to meet up with Li Qingshan and Lin Xiu for the hunt of Shangguan Zhengheng to learning about Xi Xi¡¯s great opportunity and hurrying to assist her,


    Li Che had been so busy he hadn¡¯t had a moment¡¯s rest.


    But the harvest was rich and rewarding.


    He couldn¡¯t help but smile slightly.


    The biggest gain... was the Six Ministries Divine Phase Method he obtained in the Heavenly King¡¯s Golden Pagoda, and... the Heavenly King Temple God Chess Piece he extracted through contact with the Temple God!


    That was a Heavenly King Temple God Chess Piece!


    Even if it¡¯s not the complete Heavenly King¡¯s Golden Tower...


    Just one of the three pagodas, the power of its Temple God was absolutely formidable!


    That Temple God Divinity Chess Piece...


    If he used the Heavenly King Temple God Chess Piece to execute ¡¯Ascending the Tower,¡¯ how powerful would it be?!


    Just the thought of it made Li Che¡¯s feelings tremble slightly.


    Could it be...


    As if...


    The Heavenly King has descended?!


    I¡¯m invincible!


    Li Che simply couldn¡¯t suppress the smile at the corners of his mouth.


    However, he quickly controlled his emotions.


    He sat cross-legged in the courtyard, the night deep and the breeze cool.


    Breathe in¡ª


    Breathe out¡ª


    With each breath, Li Che adjusted his condition, whether it was his vitality or his Divinity, he brought it back to perfection!


    With a thought,


    He was about to use the Chess Saint¡¯s Dao Fruit to expand and capture the Heaven and Earth chessboard.


    But...


    At the thought,


    Li Che abruptly opened his eyes!


    A hint of surprise flashed at the bottom of his eyes!


    Reflected in his pupils was the information.


    [Dao Fruit: Immortal Artisan (lv3,80%), Dragon Elephant Vajra (lv3,25%), Pure Heart (LV3,25%), Chess Saint (LV3,0%)]


    Hm?!


    [Dao Fruit: Chess Saint (LV3,0%)]


    In front of him, the golden light suddenly flickered!


    [Dao Fruit LV3, further transformation, obtained the prototype of Divine Powers "Chess Saint - Great Avalanche"]

 Chapter 248: Replica of Third Crown Prince Xi Xi, Concept of a Mushroom Cloud Firework

    Golden light swirled, forming hints, spreading slowly before his eyes.


    The fourth Dao Fruit bore the prototype of a fourth Divine Skill!


    The [Chess Saint] Dao Fruit finally advanced to LV3!


    After siphoning Shangguan Zhengheng¡¯s Divinity, absorbing the Divinity of an Illusory Phase Cultivator brought a significant increase in maturity.


    But Li Che felt that the most significant improvement came from within the Golden Temple.


    He directed his hand towards the claw extended by the statue of the Golden Heavenly King Temple God.


    The black gold Temple God Divinity Chess Piece he absorbed directly caused the [Chess Saint] Chess Piece, which had been stuck at LV2, to transform and reach the LV3 level!


    Following Thousand Analyzing Hands, Ascending the Tower, and Soul Capturing, another prototype of Divine Powers was born!


    Li Che had always looked forward to the prototype of Divine Powers from the [Chess Saint] Dao Fruit.


    In his view, prototypes of Divine Powers... were somewhat like enhanced versions of Divine Secret Techniques, more powerful and born from the Dao Fruit.


    Extremely extraordinary, hence Li Che had always been eager to see it.


    Within his chest, the [Chess Saint] pounded more rapidly than ever before.


    Li Che closed his eyes, his spirit seemingly on the Heaven and Earth chessboard expanded by the Dao Fruit.


    [Prototype of Divine Powers (Chess Saint - Great Avalanche): Chess as high mountains, momentum like the sky collapsing, the god of Great Avalanches, unseen by the gods]


    The introduction emerged as flowing golden text, moving slowly before his eyes.


    Li Che¡¯s emotions calmed down, his eyes shimmering as his Divine Sense spread out to perceive.


    He could tell that under the expansion of his Heaven and Earth chessboard, his range of perception was wider, and... no matter how high his perspective was pulled, he could still see the scene clearly.


    Meaning, the range and freedom he had using the Thunder Chess Piece to move about were greater and more unfettered.


    Not just that...


    Li Che could even... vaguely obtain the perspective of others through the Chess Pieces placed on them.


    With a slight movement of his mind, blue smoke rose, as if a mirror were being wiped clean, revealing ripples in the scene in front of him.


    In the scene, Xi Xi was being held by Sang Guanyin, the two of them walking slowly down the mountain path, bracing against the cold wind.


    Unaware of what the two were talking about, though the images were there, the sound was not yet in sync.


    Li Che felt once the [Chess Saint] Dao Fruit¡¯s level of maturity increased, he should be able to transmit sound as well.


    He raised his hand and wiped it, the image instantly changing.


    His wife, Zhang Ya, was under an oil lamp in the house, diligently practicing martial arts, large beads of sweat sliding down her forehead.


    Not wanting to hold back her husband and daughter, Zhang Ya was also working hard to improve herself.


    Li Che¡¯s lips curled into a smile as he flicked his finger, and all the images instantly dissipated.


    Closing his eyes, he sensed the efficacy of the Divine Power prototype "Great Avalanche."


    This effect, like Ascending the Tower and Soul Capturing at the start, was completely baffling to him, void of any clues.


    Even with a description, Li Che read it but might as well have not seen it at all.


    However, as feedback flooded in, Li Che gradually understood the meaning of "Great Avalanche."


    "So it¡¯s like that... It¡¯s a form of might, isn¡¯t it?"


    "Like the god of Great Avalanches, the maximum oppression, it¡¯s more like... an enhanced form of Rank oppression!"


    Li Che mused.


    Apart from that, there was the accumulation and explosive power of Divinity Chess Pieces...


    And even, the ability to imbue the Divinity Chess Pieces... with lethal force!


    Within the room, Li Che sat quietly in meditation.


    He raised his hand, and instantly there were two black Chess Pieces in his palm.


    The two Divinity Chess Pieces drawn from Liu Jinsong, the former deputy leader of the Fishing Gang who he had killed, intertwined and hovered in his palm.


    "Prototype of Divine Powers, Chess Saint - Great Avalanche!"


    Li Che¡¯s thoughts moved slightly.


    He looked up, his black hair flying wildly behind him.


    And his pupils seemed to transform in an instant.


    The white of his eyes became a net of black intersecting lines covering it, and the dark pupils turned into Chess Pieces on a stellar position of the chessboard.


    In a flash, the two black Chess Pieces in his palm merged abruptly, containing bubbling Divinity like boiling water, tumultuous and restless!


    With a flick of his finger.


    The Chess Piece immediately turned into a straight black line, shooting out and striking the ground in the courtyard.


    An explosion roared, and airstreams surged, dust billowed, and stones howled!


    The powerful shockwave spread out like ripples.


    Li Che¡¯s stacked Divinity formed a wall of Divine energy in front of him, blocking all the flying debris.


    "To think that it could detonate a Chess Piece..."


    "And the power is incredibly formidable! The Chess Piece, condensed from the Divinity of an Illusory Phase Cultivator, carries the pressure of the Illusory Phase, and when detonated, its power is not weaker than the attack of an Illusory Phase Cultivator."


    "And this is just with two Chess Pieces..."


    "What if there were more?"


    The thought occurred to Li Che, and without hesitation, he acted on it.


    He lifted his palm.


    In an instant, all the Divinity Chess Pieces drawn from Liu Jinsong began to converge in his palm, merging!


    The countless Chess Pieces fused into one the size of a fist.


    This was the gathered lifetime Divinity of an Illusory Phase Realm Cultivator.


    The large black Chess Piece, floating above Li Che¡¯s palm, had restless bulges on its surface from time to time, as though boiling water was rolling inside, containing an extremely terrifying destructive force.


    If thrown, it would probably level his small courtyard on the spot.


    No...


    Not just his small courtyard!


    Just how strong the destructive force was, even Li Che had no idea.


    After all, the lifelong accumulated power of an Illusory Phase Realm Cultivator, forged together, and unleashed in an explosive burst...


    How terrifying would that be?


    And this was only the Divinity gathered from one Illusory Phase Cultivator. If it were two, three... or even a hundred, a thousand Illusory Phase Cultivators¡¯ Divinity... detonated at the same time!

 Chapter 249: Replica of Third Crown Prince Xi Xi, Concept of a Mushroom Cloud Firework (2)

    ```


    "Is this... the Great Avalanche?"


    Li Che¡¯s eyes narrowed sharply.


    It was as though a towering and completely shocking mushroom cloud was slowly rising in his mind...


    He cast the thought from his brain, exhaled a breath, his expression was extremely grave, the chessboard reflected in his eyes, yet he felt controlling this supremely compressed chess piece becoming incredibly strenuous...


    "Hoo"


    Li Che clenched his fingers, and countless divine chess pieces automatically scattered.


    They transformed into floating chess pieces around him.


    Li Che¡¯s black robe billowed as if inflated by the wind that passed through the sleeves.


    In the night, the shimmering divine chess pieces suspended around him, no matter how they twinkled, could not outshine the excitement in his eyes.


    That dazzling, heaven-shocking, mushroom-like firework seemed to have been indelibly imprinted in his mind.


    "The Spirit Wood Raven seems... to be upgradable again!"


    ...


    ...


    Golden Light Peak.


    Inside the Divine Palace.


    Sect Master Nan Lihuo sat cross-legged on a meditation mat, facing the Pagoda Temple God, with the wisps of blue smoke from three incense pillars curling slowly in the incense burner.


    Nan Lihuo sat with eyes closed, his hair in disarray, silently meditating, his mighty divine sense nearly covering the inside and outside of the hall.


    "Since you two have come, come in and take a seat."


    Nan Lihuo spoke softly, his voice was gentle.


    Yet, a faint laughter echoed, "Sect Master Nan, this old man¡¯s old bones will refrain from entering, enjoying the scenery of Golden Light Peak from outside the hall is enough."


    That was the Chief Supervisor of the Mansion City¡¯s Qintian Observatory, holding a erhu and bringing his own stool.


    By his side stood a figure in a black and red robe, imposing and straight, with a sharp and overwhelming gaze, a sword slung at his waist.


    Merely appearing, countless divinities roared to life, as if protesting his presence.


    "The Chief Supervisor of the Qintian Observatory and the Governor of the Temple Control Bureau, late at night at the top of Golden Light Peak... Golden Light Peak is truly honored."


    Nan Lihuo stood up, brushed off his clothes, turned, and slowly walked out of the great hall.


    The Chief Supervisor of the Qintian Observatory, the Governor of the Temple Control Bureau, and the Sect Master of the Golden Light Branch of the Divine Sect.


    These three were first-class powerhouses of Mansion City.


    Each one of them was powerful enough to shake Mansion City with a mere stomp of their foot.


    "Your new disciple, did she unlock the Godly Que?"


    The Governor of the Temple Control Bureau, Xie Jing, his gaze fixed on Nan Lihuo, spoke in a deep voice.


    "Yes," Nan Lihuo replied, his large sleeves fluttering, nodding slightly.


    "What did she gain from inside the Godly Que?"


    Governor Xie Jing asked coldly.


    Nan Lihuo tilted his head, "Governor Xie, is that something you should ask?"


    "Does my disciple need to clarify what she obtained from the Godly Que to your Temple Office?"


    "Does the Temple Office have the authority to inquire about that?"


    The Qintian Observatory and the Temple Office were both Imperial Court forces.


    However, on the local level, the Divine Sect¡¯s power was no weaker than either of those, hence Nan Lihuo showed no signs of backing down.


    Xie Jing¡¯s hand rested on the ancient and unremarkable long knife at his waist, and in an instant, the summit was filled with his raging knife aura, as if countless swordsmen manifested and were about to draw their swords.


    Nan Lihuo suddenly swept his sleeves back behind him, his hair flying wildly, and his eyes also turned cold.


    "Gentlemen, no need for such confrontation, let this old man play a tune on the erhu to calm you down," said the Supervisor, shaking his head with a smile, before actually sitting down on his stool and truly beginning to play the erhu.


    Listening to the sound of the erhu, the fury in Xie Jing and Nan Lihuo dissipated, their emotions became as serene as a still well.


    "Outside the city in the heart of the Nine Dragons River, something stirred six times at the Wrathful Third Prince¡¯s Sinister Temple during the time your disciple was in the Godly Que, and during one of those times, the Third Prince Temple God appeared to show signs of awakening!" Xie Jing¡¯s voice was very cold.


    Nan Lihuo¡¯s eyes flickered, yet he spoke in a calming tone again,


    "What does that have to do with my disciple entering the Godly Que? They are nearly a hundred miles apart... How could my disciple¡¯s fortune in the Godly Que affect the Third Prince Temple?"


    Xie Jing¡¯s grip on the hilt of his sword tightened, the veins on his hand bulging, "My Temple Control Bureau¡¯s Divine Envoys are at the forefront of blocking the Strange Que at the Third Prince Temple, they are laying down their lives to stop the queerness..."


    "As their Governor, I naturally need to understand the situation."


    "After all, it concerns the lives of my brothers from the Temple Office in Golden Light Prefecture."


    Xie Jing¡¯s voice was very chill, "Nan Lihuo, I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re up to..."


    "But if you dare to jeopardize the lives of the eight hundred Divine Envoys from my Temple Office guarding outside the Que..."


    Xie Jing lifted his chin, his veins on his face rolling and bulging beneath the skin like dragons.


    "I, Xie Jing..."


    "Even if I have to give up this position, I will take you down, Nan Lihuo!"


    The gentleness on Nan Lihuo¡¯s face disappeared, "Your remarks are as if my Divine Sect disciples have never gone to suppress the Sinister Temple..."


    "If something goes wrong with the Sinister Temple, would my Divine Sect disciples be spared?"


    "Xie Jing... can¡¯t you talk nicely? Will you die if you do?"


    Xie Jing shook his head, as if saying he couldn¡¯t speak nicely.


    He then turned around, his divine power erupted, and he shot away like a rainbow.


    The Chief Supervisor stopped playing the erhu and said with a smile, "You two are enough, always need to spat every time you meet."


    Nan Lihuo said serenely, "He¡¯s just envious that I accepted such a precious disciple."


    "Indeed, a true treasure, a Jiazi Child Prodigy at the age of three, even capable of unlocking the Pagoda Godly Que... This time, what fortunes did she obtain in the Godly Que that stirred the Third Prince Temple hundreds of miles away?" the Chief Supervisor asked as he stroked his beard.


    Nan Lihuo shook his head, "Nothing but a Five Elders Level Method of the Godly Statue."


    "Just that?"


    The Chief Supervisor frowned.


    "Xi Xi said so, as to whether there are other fortuities, we no longer know. Oh, and Xi Xi brought a butterfly out of the Godly Que; could it be this butterfly that caused the trouble?"


    ```

 Chapter 250: Replica Third Crown Prince Xi Xi, Mushroom Cloud Fireworks Concept (3)

    Nan Li Huo thought of something and asked,


    He described the appearance of the butterfly, and the widely knowledgeable Chief Supervisor was puzzled.


    "This old man has never heard of this divine butterfly beast; I will have to return and consult the ancient texts for answers," he said.


    After speaking, the Chief Supervisor picked up his erhu and small stool, took his leave, and departed.


    Before leaving, the Chief Supervisor paused and glanced towards Nan Li Huo, who stood alone at the summit, with his clothes wildly fluttering in the mountain¡¯s draft.


    "Southern Sect Master, regardless of your grievances with the Prefecture Master... now, with the Corpse God Cult¡¯s overwhelming approach, threat is imminent. It would be best for the many forces of Mansion City to unite," he said.


    "Otherwise, the mountain of corpses and sea of blood that befell Jizhou... will be Golden Light Prefecture¡¯s fate next."


    "Southern Sect Master, please consider the bigger picture," he said.


    Nan Li Huo nodded gently in agreement.


    The old Chief Supervisor sighed deeply and floated away.


    The mountain wind was cold and desolate.


    Nan Li Huo¡¯s ample sleeves swept up behind him, clinging tightly to his body and outlining his incredibly emaciated figure.


    "The bigger picture..."


    Nan Li Huo smiled gently, muttered under his breath, and then turned and re-entered the palace.


    He sat cross-legged on a meditation cushion and prayed to the gods.


    ...


    ...


    The Heaven and Earth chessboard expanded, covering a few miles in diameter centered around the workshop courtyard.


    Inside the house.


    Li Che took out Shangguan Zhengheng¡¯s Qiankun Jade.


    With the Thousand Analyzing Hands, he easily tore through the jade¡¯s barrier, and his consciousness directly entered to count his gains.


    According to Li Qingshan and Lin Xiu, the spoils were to be shared with Horse Face.


    But since both Ox Demon and Horse Face were Li Che, he unapologetically claimed it all for himself.


    He first focused his attention on the Divine Crystals, believing that a Family Head¡¯s collection should not disappoint.


    One by one, the Divine Crystals were extracted from the Qiankun Jade by Li Che¡ªcompared to the Fishing Gang¡¯s deputy leader, Liu Jinsong, Shangguan Zhengheng was indeed far wealthier.


    Although both were Illusory Phase Realm Cultivators, their wealth was on totally different levels.


    After all, Shangguan Zhengheng had the backing of the Shangguan Family.


    The Ten Cities Divine Crystals numbered fifty-two, while the Nine Luminaries Divine Crystals reached a staggering fifteen! The only pity was that there were no Eight Extremes Divine Crystals.


    Li Che, though regretful, was not surprised.


    After all, Eight Extremes Divine Crystals were excellent for cultivation, and Shangguan Zhengheng would have certainly used them for cultivation upon obtaining them.


    Nonetheless, such a bounty was more than enough for Li Che to cultivate for a long time, even to the point of forging the other three cycles of Divine Foundation and cultivating them to the Middle Realm level.


    Divine Weapons were few, only two. According to the feedback from Thousand Analyzing Hands, one was of Eight Extremes grade, and the other... had actually reached the Seven-Yuan Level!


    Seven Elements Divine Weapon!


    And it was a heavy halberd, measuring eighteen feet long!


    Li Che¡¯s eyes shone with excitement.


    With a grab of five fingers, he pulled the halberd, the Seven Elements Divine Weapon, out from the Qiankun jade.


    Boom¡ª!


    In an instant, countless swooping lightning serpents roared, and a myriad of air currents whooshed furiously!


    ...


    [Divine Weapon (Seven Elements Superior Grade): Flood Dragon Bone Wind-Thunder Halberd]


    [Craftsmanship: Forged and hammered with Thousand-Year Profound Iron paired with Seven-Element Demon Jiao Bones, weighing three thousand pounds, can resonate with various Divinities, possesses the strangeness of wind and thunder, extreme manipulation, can summon Jiao Soul to assist in battle]


    [Required wielder: Qi-Blood Grandmaster or above, Divine Base Perfection or above]


    ...


    Li Che¡¯s hair flew wildly as he felt the heft in his hand, yet he was overjoyed.


    With a "humming boom," his body suddenly swelled, bulking up another size.


    Under the Vajra Transformation, he had more than enough strength to brandish the Flood Dragon Bone Wind-Thunder Halberd just right!


    After deftly swinging it a few times, bringing a whirlwind of haunting gusts and shooting air currents, Li Che was content and promptly stored it in the Qiankun Space of his Pure Heart Dao Fruit.


    As for the other Eight Extremes Divine Weapon, it was a Ruyi Armor, which could be resized at will and provided formidable defense; even a direct blow from a Grandmaster would do little harm.


    Shangguan Zhengheng normally wore it close to his body, but in his search for pleasure on the Yunfang Boat, he had taken it off, which resulted in his being beaten to death by one Divine Minister, one Illusory Phase, and one sniper.


    Honestly, it was quite a stifling way to go.


    The quantity of Elixirs was vast, making Li Che feel like he had struck it rich because he needed a lot of the Corpse God Thousand Ghosts Death Qi Condensing Martial Pills for the cultivation of his Cursed Copper Corpse.


    Analysed by Thousand Analyzing Hands, this Elixir was not actually made from human flesh and blood as imagined. Instead, it was crafted from a variety of precious herbs, combined with Demon Beast blood and collected Death Qi, hence a Martial Pill.


    Essentially, it was still a botanical-based Martial Pill, not an evil one.


    Using human flesh and blood to make an Elixir would bring significant side effects and have a lower cost-benefit ratio compared to Pills made with Demon Beast blood and precious spiritual herbs.


    That was also why Li Che felt confident about ingesting and assimilating them.


    "Nine bottles of Death Qi Martial Pills, one of which is an Eight Extremes Martial Pill! Eight bottles are Ninth Rank Superior Death Qi Condensing Martial Pills!"


    Shangguan Zhengheng had prepared so many Pills...


    He planned to use these Elixirs to solidify the foundation of his Cursed Copper Corpse in one fell swoop!


    Good fellow!


    Now all the benefits go to Li Che!


    Li Che¡¯s smiled crookedly, delighted by the turn of events, and with a flick of his finger, he tore through the air, stowing all nine bottles of Elixir into his Qianyuan Space.


    He wondered if these Pills would be enough to cultivate him to the level of a Qi-Blood Grandmaster!


    Composing himself, Li Che continued to tally his gains.


    In the aspect of Divine Methods, he finally found the Divine Method of Fear he had been yearning for.


    And it was comprehensive, complete with Methods from Nurturing Nature, Divine Foundation to Illusory Phase and Divine Minister.


    ""The Seven Elements Extremely Terrifying God Plunderer Life-Taking Divine Minister Technique," that is the foundational Dharma of the Shangguan Family... The Seven Elements Divine Aspect Technique, meaning the old ancestor of the Shangguan Family had formed the Seven Elements Divine Visage!"


    Li Che¡¯s eyes flickered, he skimmed through the Divine Aspect Technique for a while, then put it away.

 Chapter 251: Replica Third Crown Prince Xi Xi, Mushroom Cloud Fireworks Concept (4)

    Following that were the Divine Secret Technique and martial arts, Li Che selectively looked through them.


    Eventually, his gaze settled on a blue booklet.


    True Intent Ultimate Study!


    "Pale Thunder Body"!


    This was the True Intent Ultimate Study of the Shangguan Family!


    Li Che could no longer suppress his smile at the corner of his lips and threw his head back in loud laughter.


    True Intent Ultimate Study!


    For Li Che, it was very important.


    Li Qingshan had passed on to him the Divine Sect¡¯s Ultimate Skill "Eight Flood Dragons River Overturning Skill," which was a middle-grade ultimate study!


    Now, having acquired the Shangguan Family¡¯s "Pale Thunder Body," the second ultimate study in hand, it might influence and enhance his self-created "Dragon Elephant True Force," leading to a breakthrough by analogy.


    "Not... it should be said as devouring. My Dragon Elephant True Force can merge the true intent produced by these ultimate studies into the form of the Dragon Elephant True Force itself."


    "That means, the Dragon Elephant True Force I perform, might contain the true intent of the Pale Thunder Body, as well as that of the Eight Flood Dragons River Overturning!"


    "Once you reach the Grandmaster Realm, you have to cultivate True Intent Ultimate Studies... The stronger the true intent, the more likely you are to forge Divine Gang, which qualifies you to step into the realm of a Great Grandmaster..."


    Inside the room, Li Che held the "Pale Thunder Body," his eyes sparkling.


    Gradually charting his path ahead.


    He now had reached four transformations of the Divine Vein and was close to the Grandmaster Realm.


    ...


    ...


    Shangguan Zhengheng, the family head of one of the Five Great Clans in Golden Light Prefecture City, was assassinated on the Nine Dragons River!


    This news swept through like a storm.


    Even after a month¡¯s time, it had not settled down.


    This was a noble family head, a figure of high stature who was also an expert at the Illusory Phase Level. Such a powerhouse had been tragically killed.


    Although the Shangguan Family tried desperately to cover it up, the news that Shangguan Zhengheng had cultivated into a Cursed Copper Corpse and colluded with the Corpse God Cult still leaked.


    Therefore, while many sighed, few felt sympathy.


    The Corpse God Cult was linked to treason. Once involved with the Corpse God Cult, one might be branded as a rebel, and who would dare to take sides casually.


    Lin Xiu, Li Qingshan, and the mysterious Divine Archer, with such a combination, killed Shangguan Zhengheng, filling many major powers with trepidation.


    Many, as if in a trance, seemingly recalled the time when Li Qingshan had independently single-handedly attacked a Fishing Gang, killing many traitors from the Corpse God Cult.


    However, after Lin Xiu, Li Qingshan, and the mysterious Divine Archer Horse Face killed Shangguan Zhengheng that day, they had not taken action again.


    ...


    Listening Flowers Lane.


    Li Che, dressed in a black martial suit, sat quietly on a stone chair in the courtyard, facing Old Chen as they drank tea. After sipping his tea, he looked somewhat helplessly towards the inside of the house.


    "Honey, are you ready yet?"


    Li Che called out. He had already been waiting for almost half an hour!


    They had agreed to visit Xi Xi at Golden Light Peak today, and the couple had started preparing early.


    Zhang Ya was busy from the previous day, buying many ingredients at the market, and she got up early today to cook, preparing more than a dozen dishes, packed in lunch boxes.


    She had even specially instructed Li Che to heat the dishes with his qi-energy to keep them warm.


    "Old Chen, aren¡¯t you going?"


    Li Che looked towards Chen Dabao, who was puffing on a dry pipe.


    Old Chen shook his head, "I can¡¯t go up to Golden Light Peak... so I won¡¯t go."


    "Xi Xi can come down from the mountain every six months, right? We¡¯ll see her then. I should find some things to do in the Mansion City."


    Old Chen said with a smile.


    He and his older brother had indeed learned to smoke a dry pipe. With Xi Xi not in the Listening Flowers Lane yard, Old Chen had fewer concerns.


    When Xi Xi was home, Old Chen rarely smoked.


    Smoking and drinking made Old Chen quite happy, but it also made him feel somewhat bored.


    Upon hearing this, Li Che said, "Do you need my help?"


    Li Che was now a third-class Guest Official at the Qintian Observatory and had taken many tasks and met many people. His mild temperament had earned him good connections.


    If willing, finding a job for Old Chen was nothing at all.


    "No need, I¡¯m just casually looking, trying to get by. Living in Mansion City is not easy, I can¡¯t always freeload, right?"


    Old Chen joked with a laugh.


    "You can freeload all you want, if you can bankrupt me, I¡¯d consider you quite capable."


    Li Che couldn¡¯t help but laugh.


    Old Chen had provided shelter when their family was in dire straits. Of course, Li Che would not forget Old Chen¡¯s kindness.


    Old Chen nodded then took another puff of his dry pipe.


    After a couple of puffs, he stood up: "Alright, I¡¯ve made plans to meet a friend in Mansion City, I¡¯ll see what¡¯s out there."


    "Off I go."


    Old Chen grabbed the pipe stem, stepped forward, waved his hand, and hummed a tune as he left the alley.


    Inside the house, Zhang Ya finally finished her makeup and dressing.


    "Dear, let¡¯s hurry, we shouldn¡¯t keep Xi Xi waiting. I¡¯ve missed her so much."


    Zhang Ya hurriedly said, pulling Li Che along.


    Li Che speechlessly thought, It¡¯s you who delayed, and yet it¡¯s also you who urges relentlessly.


    "Today is the day that Inner Sect Disciples have their monthly challenge for the True Successor."


    "Qin Feng Huo from the Qin Family seems to have broken through to Bone Tempering Completion. He loudly declared he wants to challenge Xi Xi..."


    "Isn¡¯t Xi Xi¡¯s strongest asset her mechanisms?"


    "I wonder if Xi Xi¡¯s cultivation this month can withstand it..."


    As Zhang Ya grew nervous, she began to talk more.


    "And that Qin Feng Huo still made a request, saying no mechanisms allowed. What kind of person does that? He¡¯s just a little rascal! To bully our Xi Xi like this! It goes against martial morality!"


    Li Che opened his mouth, feeling a sense of shared enmity!


    Right, why shouldn¡¯t she use the Hidden Weapons she has mastered at her own merit?


    However, Li Che wasn¡¯t worried at all about this challenge.


    After all, with the upgraded Chess Saint¡¯s Dao Fruit keeping real-time tabs on Xi Xi¡¯s condition, how could he not know his daughter¡¯s capabilities?


    It¡¯s only been a month, but Xi Xi has improved tremendously!


    The current Xi Xi...


    Is practically a spitting image of the Third Crown Prince who overturns rivers and seas!


    It would be a wonder if she didn¡¯t kill someone!

 Chapter 252: Emperor Xi Xi’s Blood Exchange at Age 3, Butterflies Spread Wings You Want to Kill Me

    The horse neighed, galloping on the official road, kicking up dust.


    The bluestone road led all the way to the foot of Divine Sect Mountain, where a giant white jade arch stood tall.


    The entrance to the Divine Sect Mountain was guarded, and both Li Che and Zhang Ya were already familiar with the sect¡¯s guarding cultivators.


    "Master Li, are you visiting your daughter on the mountain again?"


    The guard, an old man who reached the Primary God-Base Realm in his cultivation, was not considered weak, but with limited talent, he had long lost any chance of promotion.


    Thus, he served as the mountain¡¯s gatekeeper.


    "Elder Qian, come, try this braised pork my wife made. It¡¯s no less superb than the chefs at Yunfang Boat!"


    Li Che smiled as he deftly pulled a plate of braised pork he had prepared from the lunchbox, sending it floating towards the figure in the small pavilion beside the white jade arch.


    The bent figure caught the plate of braised pork, took a deep breath, and began to laugh loudly.


    Li Che, carrying the red lacquer lunchbox, grabbed Zhang Ya¡¯s hand, dismounted the carriage, and started climbing up the mountain via the bluestone steps.


    Like lovers strolling on a mountain trail, they bathed in the mountain breeze and forest shade.


    Soon, the couple reached the large platform of the Divine Sect¡¯s Inner Gate.


    The platform was bustling, gathering disciples from various peaks of the Divine Sect. Every month, the sect held a grand assembly to rank the disciples based on their cultivation progress.


    Similar to a monthly exam, this event ranked disciples of the same period, and even true successors participated alongside Inner Sect disciples.


    For instance, out of five true successors, they each had to be ranked among the top six at every monthly exam; failing to do so more than three times would jeopardize their privileged slots, allowing them to be replaced by the number one Inner Sect disciple.


    Of course, failing the exam once or twice wouldn¡¯t impact their status, but failing to rank within the top six more than three times was perilous.


    During the annual assessment, defeat could potentially result in them losing their position as true successors.


    Besides, at the monthly assessment, Inner Sect disciples had a chance to challenge true successors.


    A successful challenge three months in a row could replace a true successor without waiting for the annual assessment.


    Naturally, the same principle applied to Inner Sect disciples, hence the monthly assessment also provided an opportunity for many Outer Sect disciples to enter the Inner Sect; each year many diligent Outer Sect disciples replaced those from the Inner Sect.


    However, cases of true successors being replaced were exceedingly rare.


    As Li Che and Zhang Ya arrived at the platform, Elder Zhang Qing Zheng, clad in a Confucian robe and sporting a permanently sour expression, stood on the stage.


    He called out a name from a roster and soon a Spirit Child disciple from the Divine Sect eagerly climbed onto the stage.


    Paying respects to Zhang Qing Zheng, the disciple began to demonstrate martial techniques while bursting forth with energy to display his Martial Cultivation.


    The sequence of moves was completed in mere breaths.


    "Inner Sect Disciple, Liu Yue, seven years old, Minor Achievement in Muscle Development, Nurture Nature like a Lamp, alright, off you go now."


    "Next, Inner Sect Disciple, Zhang Kai."


    Zhang Qing Zheng nodded then, with a grunt, called out.


    The disciple promptly descended the stage, maintaining excellent order, as no one dared to defy Elder Zhang Qing Zheng.


    On the spectator stand.


    Not only were Li Che and Zhang Ya there, but many other parents of Spirit Children were also sitting, watching their own children participate in the Divine Sect¡¯s monthly exam.


    "My husband, look quickly, Xi Xi is over there!"


    Zhang Ya scanned the crowd eagerly, and soon spotted Xi Xi, who was surrounded by a bunch of small kids. She joyfully pulled on Li Che¡¯s hand and called out.


    Li Che had already spotted Xi Xi¡¯s location. With his perception power transformed to Level 3 through the Chess Saint¡¯s Dao Fruit, his senses were far better than before.


    He frowned slightly and nodded subtly.


    Because around Xi Xi, there was a group of boys.


    Gong Yuanliang from the Gong Family, Gong Yang Xiu from the Gongyang Family, and many other boys from Noble Families and Clans of Golden Light Prefecture City, each staying close to Xi Xi, showing off.


    Li Che looked grim, sitting high on the platform, watching with a cold gaze, for he knew the intentions of these clan juniors without needing to say.


    They were surely acting under their families¡¯ orders to make contact with Xi Xi within the sect.


    Xixi was now the true successor of Golden Light Peak, a status far beyond ordinary successors, and crucially, she was a girl.


    In the eyes of these Noble Families and Clans, girls were ultimately destined to marry, even if they were a sect master¡¯s true successor.


    So, if they could marry her into their families, it was as if they were obtaining a huge resource as a dowry. Moreover, the power and background that came with a sect master¡¯s true successor were not to be underestimated.


    How could Li Che overlook the thoughts of these boys?


    Usually, when Xi Xi was cultivating on Golden Light Peak, her senior sister Sang Guanyin and senior brother Liu Yangyuan were around, which kept these boys at bay.


    But the sect¡¯s monthly assessment was their best opportunity each month to approach Xi Xi.


    "These boys have impure motives."


    Li Che exhaled sharply, squinting.


    Zhang Ya couldn¡¯t help but chuckle. "My dear, they are just children, after all."


    "What are you thinking?"


    Your next chapter is on empire


    "Xi Xi is only three years old."


    Li Che ruffled Zhang Ya¡¯s hair, saying, "Of course, I know they¡¯re just kids, but... kids eventually grow up! They are laying groundwork for the future, it¡¯s something we must guard against!"


    Zhang Ya chuckled silently, her husband always planning ahead, thinking far into the future.


    ...


    ...


    Xi Xi sat on a chair, in high spirits. She pulled out a handful of sunflower seeds from her pocket and began nibbling on them slowly; they were brought to her by Shangguan Qinghong a few days earlier when he came to see her.

 Chapter 256: Sect’s True Successor Xi Xi Faces Assassination Attempt, I Li Che Have My Own Rules

    ```


    "You actually want to kill me?!"


    Xi Xi¡¯s eyes widened, not with fear, but with excitement shining through them.


    Her petite body stood there, and a terrifying pressure burst forth from her.


    On her shoulder, the small butterfly, which had seemed like a tattoo, now came to life, flapping its wings open and shut, inhaling and exhaling like an enraged tiger.


    On the stage.


    Shangguan Qinglei¡¯s heart skipped a beat, feeling a suffocating pressure coming towards him.


    Was he discovered?


    Was this little girl¡¯s perception so sharp?


    And what about that butterfly?


    It was only now that Shangguan Qinglei noticed the butterfly on Xi Xi¡¯s shoulder, giving him a chilling sense of dread, the oppressive rank¡¯s pressure making it hard for him to even breathe.


    He immediately turned his head to Zhang Qing Zheng, "Elder! Report!"


    "Li Nuanxi is actually using a spiritual divine beast!"


    "That¡¯s against the rules!"


    Zhang Qing Zheng scowled, his dead fish eyes staring fixedly at Shangguan Qinglei, causing him to break out in sweat on his forehead. Thinking about Zhang Qing Zheng¡¯s affection for Xi Xi, he was sweating profusely.


    However, on the stage, Xi Xi¡¯s giggle "giggles" could be heard.


    "Little Hu Hu, go play by yourself, let me handle this alone!"


    Her voice was strong, filled with the excitement of the fight brewing within her.


    In the spectator stands, Li Che was speechless, so you want all the experience for yourself, huh?


    Narrowing his eyes, arms crossed over his chest, Li Che was also on guard, watching intently.


    Shangguan Qinglei¡¯s intent to kill was rolling, unaware of what tactics he might have.


    If he really had some true abilities and harmed Xi Xi, Li Che would be heartbroken.


    Nevertheless, as a Divine Symbol Cultivator, Zhang Qing Zheng should be able to ensure the safety of the fight between the two children.


    Therefore, Li Che wasn¡¯t too worried.


    On the stage.


    The divine beast butterfly, called "Little Hu Hu" by Xi Xi, reluctantly fluttered its wings and flew off, landing on a wooden post at the edge of the stage, quiet like a blooming flower.


    On the other side, on the stage, the flesh on Xi Xi¡¯s little face trembled slightly as she stared at Shangguan Qinglei. His murderous intent made her blood boil, and the Purple Snake Divine Pattern on her arm trembled slightly, releasing heat.


    Shangguan Qinglei stared at Xi Xi, without the help of divine beasts or traps, maybe... he could seize the opportunity!


    He knew that this challenge on the stage was under the watchful eyes of everyone, and a Divine Symbol Cultivator was monitoring.


    But...


    Bang¡ª!


    Shangguan Qinglei roared, the pain of losing his father combined with being treated coldly, the fury in his heart like roaring sea waves, surged up a giant wave!


    He stomped his foot on the ground, the Blood Exchange Completion¡¯s qi and blood bursting from his swollen muscles, the tips of his feet touching the stage, setting off a ring of ripples!


    However, just as he was about to burst forth, a small figure "whooshed" and appeared by his side.


    Fast!


    Discover hidden stories at empire


    Too fast!


    Not only was the speed fast!


    But also because...


    ```


    This wretched girl, in just one month¡¯s time, has actually advanced from Bone Tempering Great Achievement to Blood Exchange!


    The lingering afterimage of Xi Xi slowly dispersed in the distance, and Shangguan Qinglei immediately felt an extremely terrifying killing intent!


    That¡¯s right...


    It was killing intent!


    Li Nuanxi... also wanted to kill him!


    Shangguan Qinglei¡¯s eyes narrowed, his long legs violently lashed out to his side, and with a grasp of his five fingers, he seized a long sword radiating intense Divinity in his hand!


    That was... a Seven Elements Divine Weapon!


    Shangguan Qinglei had actually produced a Seven Elements Divine Weapon; such divine weapons, even placed among the Five Great Clans, belonged to the topmost treasures and should be impossible to appear in the hands of a seven-year-old child!


    Like the Family Head, Shangguan Zhengheng, he only possessed one Seven Elements Divine Weapon, the Flood Dragon Bone Wind-Thunder Halberd.


    How could Shangguan Qinglei possibly be in possession of a Seven Elements Divine Weapon?!


    The moment this sword was drawn, the sharp Sword Qi rampaged and roared, weaving turbulent currents of unparalleled sharpness.


    Below the arena, the watchers like Gong Yuanliang and Gongyang Xiu¡¯s faces changed drastically in alarm.


    "Xi Xi, be careful!"


    Gongyang Xiu hurriedly called out in anxiety.


    Hearing this, Gong Yuanliang immediately raised his voice in warning as well.


    Zhang Qing Zheng stood with his hands behind his back, his brow furrowed, but he did not make a move immediately.


    In the stands, Zhang Ya clutched Li Che¡¯s arm tightly in anxiety, "Ah¡ª! My lord, how can he use a Divine Weapon, not allowing Xi Xi to use Divine Beasts and mechanisms, but he himself actually uses a Seven Elements Divine Weapon! That¡¯s so shameless!"


    Zhang Ya was extremely nervous.


    Li Che¡¯s brow was also furrowed, but his heart was not overly worried.


    If Shangguan Qinglei¡¯s trump card was only a Seven Elements Divine Weapon...


    Then he was finished.


    In terms of Divine Weapons...


    Even Li Che, as her own father, could not compete with Xi Xi.


    That girl, she was hiding a great terror!


    Even without mentioning the Fire Tip Spear, just the Seven Elements Divine Soldier Sword ¡¯Qianyuan Diamond Circle,¡¯ awarded to her after becoming the Sect Master¡¯s True Successor, would definitely not allow Xi Xi to fall into a weak position because of a Divine Weapon.


    "Shangguan Qinglei has actually resorted to using a Seven Elements Divine Weapon, could he have foreseen this..."


    A trace of severity flashed in Li Che¡¯s eyes.


    ...


    Above the arena.


    As Shangguan Qinglei summoned the Seven Elements Divine Weapon, his imposing aura skyrocketed, and he became frenzied, his black hair flying wildly as he stared at Xi Xi¡¯s delicate figure, brimming with killing intent!


    "Die¡ª!"


    With a piercing shriek, the Seven Elements Divine Soldier Sword in his hand swiftly struck down towards Xi Xi!


    Xi Xi squinted her eyes, completely unfazed by the oppressive Divinity brought by the Seven Elements Divine Weapon.


    With a flick of her neck, a resplendent golden Vajra Hoop suddenly soared up, bursting forth with countless paths of Golden Light.


    It was her Qianyuan Diamond Circle, which she fiercely smashed forward, colliding with the precious sword!


    Clang¡ª


    A crisp sound rang out. Although neither child could unleash the full power of a Seven Elements Divine Weapon, just relying on the sheer quality of the Seven Elements Divine Weapon for slaughter was extremely dangerous. The Divinity sparked from their collision was enough to bring about a terribly shocking impact and oppression.

 Chapter 257: Sect’s True Successor Xi Xi Faces Assassination Attempt, I Li Che Have My Own Rules (2)

    Xi Xi¡¯s body shook slightly, but her eyes sparkled even more brilliantly and with excitement.


    Meanwhile, Shangguan Qinglei trembled all over, his sword-holding hand¡¯s palm split open, and blood sprayed out.


    His face was fierce, staring at Xi Xi, who grasped the Qianyuan Diamond Circle, with fury, resentment, and murderous intent all surging forth.


    All sorts of divinity seemed to be in chaos!


    He intended to use his ferocious appearance to scare He Xi Xi and thereby achieve a reversal of the situation and regain control.


    But Xi Xi was not scared at all; in fact, her ferocity exceeded Shangguan Qinglei¡¯s expectations.


    After all, Xi Xi was the adorable child who, at the age of three, followed her Master, Niu Niu, in slaughtering a whole family.


    You think you¡¯re fierce? Are you fiercer than my Master Niu Niu?!


    After blocking Shangguan Qinglei¡¯s Seven Elements Divine Soldier Sword with the Qianyuan Diamond Circle, Xi Xi closed the distance immediately.


    She clenched her fist, White Tiger Chaotic Wind Fist!


    The Master Level White Tiger Chaotic Wind Fist instantly manifested a white tiger¡¯s phantom. Though not yet at the Transformation Realm, it was already quite remarkable!


    In terms of strength, Shangguan Qinglei was completely crushed.


    Whether it was cultivation, mastery of martial techniques, or the divine weapon aspect, all were suppressed by Xi Xi!


    How could he win?


    But Shangguan Qinglei¡¯s eyes turned blood-red, and he suddenly opened his mouth wide, slapping on his own chest.


    The next moment...


    A bizarre wood carving the size of a thumb emerged from his throat!


    "Die¡ª!"


    Shangguan Qinglei, who spat out the wood carving, had eyes so bloodshot they seemed to lose all reason, completely controlled by divinity!


    He bit down fiercely.


    Exerting all his strength suddenly!


    The wood carving was instantly crushed in his bite!


    A surge of extremely dense death qi and corpse qi burst forth from the wood carving!


    "Presumptuous¡ª!"


    Beneath the arena.


    A thunderous roar shook the heavens, all ears ringing as if deafened.


    An overwhelming rank pressure, like a mountain collapsing, bore down mercilessly, almost suffocating everyone¡¯s spirit.


    Zhang Qing reacted instantly as the wood carving erupted with death qi and corpse qi, unleashing Divine Minister¡¯s rank pressure to freeze space!


    Not just that, Zhu Hong Dou, who was watching the battle from afar, also thundered into rage.


    The combined rank pressure of two Divine Symbol Cultivators exploded, almost suffocating those present. All Outer Sect, Inner Sect, and True Disciples felt petrified in place.


    But Shangguan Qinglei did not care and laughed maniacally. His father was dead, what else was there for him to care about?


    "Die, Li Nuanxi!"


    "Die together!"


    Shangguan Qinglei, his mouth bloody, had gone totally mad!


    A Divine Child?


    Why should you, a little girl of humble origins, become a Divine Child?!


    The shattered wood carving released death qi and corpse qi that intertwined, turning into an exceedingly pale hand, like a ghoul from hell, reaching out a claw from the Netherworld!


    This claw... Stay connected with empire


    Actually ignored the rank pressure of the Divine Symbol Cultivators!


    They had indeed come prepared!


    In the stands, Li Che¡¯s eyes instantly became incredibly icy.


    The Corpse God Cult!


    Again, the Corpse God Cult!


    The wood carving was all too familiar; back in Fei Lei City, it was Cao He who held the eerie wood carving that contained the potent Death Qi and Corpse Curse Mark!


    The wood carving Shangguan Qinglei carried now also contained the Corpse Curse Mark, and it was likewise a Seven Elemental Corpse Curse Seal!


    He first hid the wood carving inside his abdomen, using his blood energy and divinity to conceal it.


    Even Li Che had not noticed anything amiss at first.


    As soon as Shangguan Qinglei expelled the wood carving, Li Che immediately sensed something was wrong.


    "Seven Elemental Corpse Curse Seal!"


    "They want to destroy Xi Xi!"


    A towering fury rose in Li Che¡¯s heart.


    Once the Seven Elemental Corpse Curse Seal infected Xi Xi¡¯s body, even the Sect Master Nan Lihuo would have to expend a huge amount of energy to suppress it!


    Li Che¡¯s perception of the Corpse Curse Seal was quicker than both Zhang Qing Zheng¡¯s and Zhu Hong Dou¡¯s.


    The moment he sensed the aura,


    The "Chess Saint" Dao Fruit within Li Che¡¯s chest had already started throbbing wildly!


    ...


    ...


    Xi Xi also felt the thick Death Qi and Corpse Qi, and saw the white bone hand that formed when the wood carving expelled by Shangguan Qinglei burst and dispersed.


    It was as if a chilling frost were spreading, making her flesh and blood feel as if they had frozen solid.


    After all, she was just a three-year-old child; at this moment, fear welled up in her heart.


    However, the Purple Snake Divine Pattern on her arm suddenly burst forth with warmth, sweeping over her body, dispelling the chill that had frozen her.


    At the same time, within Xi Xi¡¯s Inner Scene of the Energy Center,


    A milky white chess piece shot out at an extremely fast speed.


    The moment the white chess piece burst out, it collided with that white bone hand!


    It was as if space itself had collapsed, a powerful twisting force seemed to twist the space in front of Xi Xi into a collapsed dent, thereafter completely consuming it...


    The deathly white bone hand, before it could grab Xi Xi, seemed to be devoured and disappeared by a mysterious and invisible force!


    Xi Xi¡¯s eyes instantly brightened!


    "Master Niu Niu!"


    Xi Xi felt a familiar breath and immediately became arrogant, and with the Purple Snake Divine Pattern helping her dissipate all the pressure,


    Xi Xi¡¯s courage at this moment was stronger than ever before!


    She charged forward, stomping heavily with one foot, then turning her body, she executed the White Tiger Chaotic Wind Fist!


    It was as if a White Tiger roared forth, colliding with Shangguan Qinglei, who was frozen in place by the Divine Symbol¡¯s oppressiveness and unable to move.


    Crack, snap...


    Shangguan Qinglei spat out blood continuously mid-air, his bones breaking and shattering!


    The sound was continuous like popping beans!


    Xi Xi had been frightened by the white bone hand and felt extremely wronged inside.


    Before Shangguan Qinglei could land, Xi Xi once again closed in on him, her chubby hand grabbing his body and started swinging him wildly, like a sack, smashing him repeatedly on the arena!

 Chapter 258: Sect’s True Successor Xi Xi Faces Assassination Attempt, I Li Che Have My Own Rules (3)

    "You scare me, you scare me!"


    Boom, boom, boom¡ª


    The terrifying power caused the arena to continuously tremble; Shangguan Qinglei¡¯s bones were completely shattered, and he had already passed out.


    If Xi Xi had used him as a club and smashed a few more times, he might have died on the spot.


    However, Xi Xi ultimately did not smash a few more times. Discover hidden content at empire


    Because Zhang Qing Zheng and Zhu Hong Dou appeared together, calming the almost rampaging Xi Xi.


    In the spectator¡¯s stand, Li Che gravely suppressed the "Seven Elemental Corpse Curse Seal" into the Dao Fruit of the Chess Saint, and the whole person also seemed to suddenly come back to his senses, pulling Zhang Ya, and with a mix of shock and anger, rushed onto the arena.


    Seeing Zhang Ya, Xi Xi immediately felt aggrieved and burrowed into Zhang Ya¡¯s embrace.


    "Mommy, Xi Xi was so scared, it¡¯s too terrifying..."


    Tears streamed down Xi Xi¡¯s face.


    However, those words were indeed true; the white skeletal claw transformed by the Seven Elemental Corpse Curse Seal truly frightened Xi Xi. The chilling fright of that instant¡¯s death Qi freezing her blood made Xi Xi need at least three bowls of braised pork to calm down.


    "Xi Xi isn¡¯t afraid, mommy is here, mommy is here." Zhang Ya¡¯s face was pale, and she held Xi Xi with a trembling body, her heart still pounding.


    Li Che¡¯s face was somber, his hands clenched together.


    Zhang Qing Zheng and Zhu Hong Dou¡¯s powerful divine senses continuously swept past, and it took a long time before they dispersed.


    At the same time, Sang Guanyin also hurried over, arriving at the arena.


    "Uncle Li, it was my negligence."


    Sang Guanyin¡¯s gorgeous face showed a mix of ugliness and anger.


    Only after seeing that Xi Xi was alright did she breathe a sigh of relief.


    Li Che did not respond to her, still frowning, as such negligence was very serious; it was no wonder Li Che was in a bad mood.


    Zhang Qing Zheng and Zhu Hong Dou, both Elders of the Divine Sense, also had unhappy expressions, and their eyes contained an extremely dense intent to kill.


    "Just now, that was... the Seven Elemental Corpse Curse Seal, truly too malicious!"


    "It¡¯s trying to destroy Xi Xi, trying to destroy the Divine Child of our Golden Light Sub-sect!"


    Zhu Hong Dou said with a cold face, her voice deep.


    Zhang Qing Zheng shook his head, "Not only that, once the Seven Elemental Corpse Curse Seal enters Xi Xi¡¯s body, the Sect Master would not let it go easily, and will definitely use all her strength to suppress it."


    "The Seven Elemental Corpse Curse Seal, even if the Sect Master wants to suppress it, it¡¯s not easy and will take a lot of effort."


    "The opponent¡¯s aim is obviously to destroy our sect¡¯s Divine Child, while at the same time, tying down the Sect Master."


    "Once the Sect Master, a top Elemental Phase cultivator from Golden Light Prefecture City, is involved, the Corpse God Cult might be planning to sweep through the whole city!"


    Zhang Qing Zheng narrowed his eyes, his cold, dead fish eyes bursting with an incredibly cold intent to kill.


    "What about that Corpse Curse Mark?"


    Zhang Qing Zheng suddenly focused.


    While puzzled, he also felt somewhat relieved.


    Because, that Seven Elemental Corpse Curse Seal from the Corpse God Cult, even he could not guarantee to stop it in time, unless he physically resisted and drew the Corpse Curse Seal into his own body!


    Even, Zhang Qing Zheng had already planned to do so.


    Planning to use his own body as a conduit, bearing the Corpse Curse Seal, to protect Xi Xi!


    However, that Corpse Curse Seal suddenly disappeared.


    It was as if a tremendously pure divinity had surged from within Xi Xi, taking the Corpse Curse Seal away with it.


    "Was that a measure left by the Sect Master?"


    Zhang Qing Zheng thought to himself, his face stiffening, and he let out a breath.


    "Elder Zhang, what exactly is going on here?"


    Li Che, as a parent, naturally had to take a stand at this moment and needed to clarify things.


    Zhang Qing Zheng looked at Li Che, rare remorse showing in his dead fish eyes, and he briefly explained, taking all the responsibility for Xi Xi¡¯s peril upon himself.


    Li Che¡¯s expression eased quite a bit, "It¡¯s not Elder Zhang¡¯s fault... no one could have predicted this."


    "Who could have imagined that the Corpse God Cult could use a seven-year-old child, harboring a suicidal mindset, to carry the Corpse Curse Seal with a Divine Wood Carving."


    Li Che took a breath.


    "But... Elder Zhang, this matter is too serious. With the case of Shangguan Qinglei, if there is one, there will be more. We as parents... find it hard to be at ease."


    Li Che spoke with a heavy tone.


    Zhang Qing Zheng¡¯s face was extremely grave, as this matter was indeed serious.


    Since Shangguan Zhengheng died, Shangguan Qinglei had never returned to the Shangguan Family, restricted in his movements by the Divine Sect, fearing contact with the Corpse God Cult.


    But since Shangguan Qinglei never returned to the Shangguan Family, how did he come into contact with the Corpse God Cult?


    Perhaps, within the Divine Sect... there are members of the Corpse God Cult hiding!


    And moreover, this member within the Corpse God Cult holds a not low position, as the Corpse Curse Seal carried reached the level of Seven Elements!


    "Rest assured, I will thoroughly investigate this matter, and give Xi Xi justice!"


    The killing intent bursting from between Zhang Qing Zheng¡¯s teeth almost solidified, as Zhang Qing Zheng, who always acted uprightly and honorably, could not tolerate that within the Divine Sect, there were felons from the Corpse God Cult hiding.


    "Under which steward¡¯s command does Shangguan Qinglei serve?"


    Li Che asked.


    Inner Sect Disciples, unable to apprenticeship under elders, could only serve under stewards, like Li Qingshan is a steward of the Divine Sect and not all stewards own their own peaks.


    Li Qingshan belongs to the top-ranked powerful stewards and hence has a peak of his own.


    "Shangguan Qinglei... he seems to serve under Sword Cloud Peak... Zhao Jianmian!"


    Zhu Hong Dou said.


    Zhang Qing Zheng and Zhu Hong Dou looked at each other, nodding their heads.


    Sang Guanyin then spoke, "I will report this to the Sect Master..."


    With Xi Xi staying with her parents and protected by Zhu Hong Dou and Zhang Qing Zheng, two Elders of the Divine Sense, she could leave relieved to report.


    The commotion below continued for quite a while.


    Zhang Qing Zheng came out to continue presiding, glanced at Shangguan Qinglei who had been battered half to death by Xi Xi, and a hint of disgust flashed in his eyes.

 Chapter 259: Sect’s True Successor Xi Xi Faces Assassination Attempt, I Li Che Have My Own Rules (4)

    Perhaps Shangguan Qinglei was bewitched, but without any thoughts, one wouldn¡¯t be bewitched.


    He waved his sleeve, releasing a trace of divinity, which fell on Shangguan Qinglei and helped save his life. After that, he no longer treated him and handed him over to the sect¡¯s specialized healing department.


    Li Che and Zhang Ya took Xi Xi and left first while Gong Yuanliang, Gong Yang Xiu, and others gathered around to inquire and comfort Xi Xi.


    Xi Xi revealed a brilliant smile, "I¡¯m fine, you guys better not end up like Shangguan Qinglei, or I won¡¯t show mercy!"


    Xi Xi pinched her chubby little hands, threatening like a little boss.


    Gong Yuanliang and Gong Yang Xiu couldn¡¯t help but nod incessantly.


    From a distance, Hai Chao Sheng, Huang Si Xiang, and others also looked over. Seeing that Xi Xi was alright, they too sighed with relief.


    After seeing that Xi Xi was okay, Zhang Ya¡¯s mood also relaxed.


    At this moment, seeing this situation, she couldn¡¯t help but blink her eyes.


    "Husband, Xi Xi seems to have quite the charm among the disciples of the Divine Sect of this generation."


    Li Che was holding Xi Xi, his expression indifferent, "Heh, a bunch of little brats, they know nothing about charm."


    The couple, along with Xi Xi, departed while Elder Hongdou followed, not returning to Golden Light Peak but instead to Zheng Lei Peak where Li Qingshan resided.


    Li Che and his wife Zhang Ya owned property on Zheng Lei Peak.


    As they arrived at the courtyard halfway up Zheng Lei Peak, Nurse Momo was watering the flowers in the courtyard.


    Hearing the noise, she looked over to see Li Che and his wife holding Xi Xi, with Elder Hongdou following behind. She immediately understood that something significant had happened.


    Lu Chi also popped his head out from the courtyard, and upon seeing Xi Xi lying in Li Che¡¯s arms with a pitiful expression, his eyes instantly reddened.


    "Uncle Li, who bullied Xi Xi?!"


    Lu Chi grabbed a Divine Wood Carving of the wrathful Third Prince and rushed over with heavy steps.


    Li Che glanced at him, and Lu Chi immediately calmed down.


    At this moment, Nurse Momo came over leaning on her python-headed cane to inquire about the situation.


    After Li Che briefly explained the situation, Nurse Momo¡¯s face turned shocked.


    "Inside the Divine Sect... such things actually happened?"


    "I¡¯ll go and call Qingshan."


    Nurse Momo slammed her python-headed cane down, about to stand up.


    "I¡¯m already here."


    However, before Nurse Momo could stand, Li Qingshan¡¯s voice drifted over. A figure in green robes flew into the courtyard from outside.


    Li Qingshan patted Nurse Momo on the shoulder, then turned to Elder Hongdou, "You and Elder Zhang, both Divine Ministers, still let such things happen... what a disgrace!"


    Elder Hongdou¡¯s face was cold, and she was in a bad mood, "I¡¯m going to the Shangguan Family for an explanation! They owe me a reason!"


    After leaving those words, Elder Hongdou transformed into a red cloud and sped off, rolling towards the direction of Golden Light Prefecture City.


    Li Qingshan glanced at Xi Xi and saw that her spirits were good and she didn¡¯t look like someone afflicted by the Corpse Curse Mark, so he let out a sigh of relief.


    Then he made a sign with his eyes to Li Che.


    The two left the house.


    "That Seven Elements Corpse Curse Seal... did you collect it?"


    Li Qingshan asked.


    Li Che looked at Li Qingshan, thought for a moment, decided not to hide it, and nodded.


    Li Qingshan "hissed" as he took a breath, his face twitching slightly.


    That was the Seven Elements Corpse Curse Seal...


    This kid, was he born with a pure and holy body? Immune to curses?


    He even dared to suppress the Seven Elements Corpse Curse Seal?


    "How do you feel now?" Li Qingshan asked cautiously.


    Li Che smiled gently, "Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m suppressing it... It won¡¯t cause trouble for now, but I¡¯ll need to find a place to erase the Corpse Curse Mark. It might take quite a long time."


    "That¡¯s expected... after all, it¡¯s the Seven Elements Corpse Curse Seal. Even a Divine Facade Elder would have great trouble if tainted with it, after all, that¡¯s Divine Minister Level power," Li Qingshan said with a nod.


    Then, narrowing his eyes, a fierce killing intent surged around him, "Finally, they¡¯ve shown their weakness..."


    "This incident must have been the work of the hidden Corpse God Cultists within our sect!"


    "Moreover, the person holds a significant position, possessing a Seven Elements Corpse Curse Seal. Didn¡¯t you tell me before, if the Corpse Curse exceeded the Eight Extremes, you wouldn¡¯t be able to sense and investigate it? The other party must have used a Seven Elements Corpse Curse Seal, which let them remain undetected by you."


    "Since Shangguan Zhengheng¡¯s death, Shangguan Qinglei has been confined to the Divine Sect, and the Shangguan Family has been jointly investigated by the Temple Control Bureau and the City Lord¡¯s Mansion..."


    "At this juncture, even if it really was a Corpse God Cultist hidden within the Shangguan Family, they wouldn¡¯t have been able to arrange this."


    "I will investigate the people Shangguan Qinglei has been in contact with this past month, and we should be able to deduce who coaxed Shangguan Qinglei into such behavior."


    "A seven-year-old child, with an immature mind and facing major changes in her family, is all too easily misled."


    Li Qingshan exhaled a breath.


    Suddenly, from beside him, came Li Che¡¯s indifferent voice, devoid of emotion.


    "How will the Divine Sect deal with Shangguan Qinglei?"


    In the icy voice was a chilling intent to kill.


    Li Qingshan paused, glanced at Li Che, "The Divine Sect has its own rules in dealing with matters... and given that Shangguan Qinglei is a descendant of the Shangguan Family, they will most likely put him under house arrest and detain him until the investigation is concluded and a result is given."


    "But at the very least, Shangguan Qinglei can forget about retaining his cultivation."


    After hearing this, Li Che¡¯s expression did not change much.


    "Not enough."


    Li Qingshan furrowed his brows, what wasn¡¯t enough?


    Then, Li Che shifted the topic, "Peak Master, prepare an undisturbed room for me."


    "Go to my Divine Observation Chamber."


    Li Qingshan directly and generously offered.


    He knew that Li Che was probably going to try refining the Seven Elemental Corpse Curse Seal, a matter not to be taken lightly; once it erupted, the fallout would be even greater.


    His chamber was the best choice.


    "No need, just find any room will do."


    Li Che stated.


    Going into Li Qingshan¡¯s chamber for a secluded cultivation would be a bit too conspicuous.


    A common room would suffice.


    With the Heaven and Earth chessboard spreading, all spying could be sealed off, in no way inferior to Li Qingshan¡¯s Divine Observation Chamber.


    Li Che first went back to the room to explain things to his wife and daughter, and then went to the ordinary room arranged by Li Qingshan.


    Zhang Ya and Xi Xi resided in Zheng Lei Peak, and with Li Qingshan there, they would not be in danger.


    Even if Divine Facade Experts launched a fierce attack, Li Qingshan could hold out until Sect Master Nan Lihuo came to support, so Zheng Lei Peak was very safe.


    Li Che entered a room with peace of mind.


    The Heaven and Earth chessboard expanded silently.


    In an instant, all became tranquil. Experience more on empire


    Li Che sat cross-legged on the cushion, his eyelids lowered slightly.


    This time, had he not sensed it quickly and used the Thunder Chess Piece to resist the Corpse Curse Mark, Xi Xi would undoubtedly have been afflicted. Even with him there, where no danger would arise, and the Corpse Curse Mark could be removed,


    The pain would have been inevitable.


    With Shangguan Qinglei harboring such intense murderous intent against Xi Xi, how could Li Che let him continue living?


    The Divine Sect has its ways of conducting affairs.


    But he, Li Che...


    Also has Li Che¡¯s rules!


    Those who seek to harm my daughter...


    Die!


    Li Che suddenly opened his eyes, gripping the Thunder Chess Piece he had left on Shangguan Qinglei¡¯s body within his palm.


    Thunder Teleport!


    Inside the profoundly silent Healing Institute.


    Shangguan Qinglei awoke, his eyes open as he lay in bed, his limbs broken and devoid of feeling, as he stared at the ceiling, his eyes lifeless.


    He knew his future was over.


    He had failed in his actions, and that person... would certainly not come to save him.


    Suddenly.


    His pupils began to stir.


    He turned his head to the side, and his pupils suddenly constricted.


    He saw a person materialize out of thin air.


    That familiar face made the seven-year-old Shangguan Qinglei¡¯s body tremble violently...


    He opened his mouth, as if he had seen something incredibly terrifying, wanting to scream out loud.


    But the next moment.


    Pfft...


    His head was twisted off.

 Chapter 275: Ranked on the Dao City Prodigy Leaderboard, My Daughter is 4 Years Old

    The metal tubes began to glow red-hot as they were filled with energy, like enraged beasts, bursting with extreme light and heat!


    The six metal tubes of the Namo Immortal Artisan Gatling heated up, and the Spirit Wood Ravens within began to roar forth!


    Bursts of golden light sprayed out from the barrel.


    Dada dada


    Streams of golden light, like a divine sword that tore through the heavens and split the darkness, drew long golden lines towards the Golden Third Crown Prince, who was soaring on the Golden Wind Fire Wheel!


    Boom boom boom!


    The sound of explosions vented throughout the Divine Palace, with wild air currents constantly raging and impacting!


    A series of brilliant fireworks burst forth, adorning the Golden Temple, continuously blooming in mid-air!


    The shockwave spread out, stirring the air!


    Li Che had set three power levels for Xi Xi¡¯s Namo Immortal Artisan Gatling, and clearly, when facing the Golden Third Crown Prince, in this unreasonable challenge set by the Golden Temple, she chose the highest firepower!


    Even if it were a being from myths, stepping into reality!


    So what?


    As long as the firepower was sufficient, there would be no trace of fear in Xi Xi¡¯s heart, only a fervor for setting off fireworks!


    The little boy, cast in gold, his eyes shimmering like gilded, emitted golden smoke that continuously drew serpentine golden curves in the air.


    The Wind Fire Wheel kept spinning under his gold-cast feet, sparks flying, air howling, carrying his body and dodging with ultimate speed left and right in the air.


    That speed...


    Was really too fast!


    Though floating in the air, it seemed as if he was walking on flat ground, moving so effortlessly, so agilely!


    However, Xi Xi was not holding back at all, firing at full power, constantly shifting the barrel, hot and rotating rapidly every second!


    Like golden light swords relentlessly shooting out like flying swords!


    Plunging into the void, slashing swiftly!


    Bang bang bang!


    Although unable to hit the gold-cast Third Crown Prince, she still forcefully suppressed him in the distant air, preventing him from approaching Xi Xi!


    Bang!


    Suddenly, a thunderous explosion blasted open!


    Xi Xi¡¯s face showed a brilliant smile because a tremendously huge firework had burst into light and heat, enveloped in black smoke, exploding in the air!


    Enjoy new adventures from empire


    Hit!


    The gold-cast Third Crown Prince was hit by her shot!


    Bursting out into supremely magnificent fireworks!


    The wild air currents, forming concentric ripples, continuously dispersed and stirred into a fierce wind, pressing the clothes, sewn by her mother Zhang Ya, tightly against her body.


    Xi Xi kneeled and stood, her small body carrying the Immortal Artisan Gatling, firm like a rock in the wild wind.


    Her face was full of an excited smile.


    The barrel glowed red, scorching hot, aiming at the exploding fireworks, furiously shooting out Spirit Wood Ravens!


    In the highest firepower state, the explosion was stronger, the penetration also stronger!


    But...


    Li Che had only prepared eight hundred enhanced Spirit Wood Ravens for Xi Xi.


    Boom boom boom boom boom!


    One shot hit, followed by rampant bombing.


    Xi Xi was almost a natural at setting off fireworks; the range, accuracy, and angle control, if categorized by Martial Technique, were at least at the Great Achievement Level.


    Of course, compared with Li Che, who possessed the Immortal Artisan Dao Fruit, there was naturally still a gap.


    In the midst of the exploding fireworks...


    Xi Xi suddenly stopped the output of firepower, and with a leap...


    Bang!


    A Golden Fire-tipped Spear forcefully struck the ground. This wasn¡¯t the real Purple Flame Serpentine Spear, the real one was in Xi Xi¡¯s arm.


    But the power was also extremely formidable.


    The floor of the temple directly caved in, pierced through, with radial cracks instantly expanding!


    As Xi Xi just stabilized her stance, the flesh on her face trembled.


    She saw above the sky, the exploding fireworks suddenly stirred as if swallowed and inhaled, all converging upon the Golden Wind Fire Wheel above.


    The Golden Third Crown Prince¡¯s eyes were sharp, his gilded eyes bursting with a brilliant fighting spirit!


    With a bang...


    The flames from the exploding Spirit Wood Raven transformed in the air into two side-by-side horizontal fire dragons beneath the feet of the Third Crown Prince!


    Like the ultimate compressed ejection force, the Third Crown Prince¡¯s speed was too fast!


    Xi Xi didn¡¯t hesitate at all, lifting the Immortal Artisan Gatling in her hands, the barrel began to heat and rotate furiously!


    The final few dozen Spirit Wood Ravens turned into golden light swords, roaring and bursting forth.


    However, the Golden Third Crown Prince, even within the airtight light swords...


    Moved like a dragon!


    Two fire dragons twisted like twining ropes then fiercely crashed in front of Xi Xi!


    Xi Xi¡¯s body trembled, only feeling the temple¡¯s ground, seeming to emit a long-lasting roar under the massive impact of the Golden Third Crown Prince¡¯s landing!


    Boom!


    The Golden Third Crown Prince raised his fingers, and in the distance, the Golden Fire-tipped Spear stuck in the ground vibrated and shot towards him, grabbed in his hand.


    Violently swung, with fire snakes entwining, he swung with a terrifying arc, heavily smashing down towards Xi Xi!


    Xi Xi¡¯s expression was solemn, but in her mind, she mused, "The firepower is low... Next time, I need to ask Master Niu Niu for more Ravens."


    With sufficient firepower, Xi Xi¡¯s heart would be at ease!


    The Qianyuan Diamond Circle trembled at her neck, suddenly snapping out, colliding with the Golden Fire-tipped Spear being smashed down by the Third Crown Prince.


    This Seven Elemental Treasure was powerful, but currently, Xi Xi could only barely activate it, exerting only a little of its power.


    Dang


    With a clear sound, the Qianyuan Diamond Circle was violently knocked aside, falling far away.

 Chapter 276: Ranked on the Dao City Prodigy Leaderboard, My Daughter is 4 Years Old (2)

    ```


    But Xi Xi took advantage of this opportunity to create some distance.


    With a clenched fist, she unleashed the master-level White Tiger Chaotic Wind Fist, its white tiger phantom emerging, albeit blurred, its power nevertheless formidable!


    However, the Golden Third Crown Prince¡¯s fist rapidly collided with Xi Xi¡¯s, his fingers tightly clenched.


    The tiny figure of Xi Xi hurriedly retreated, the body that had undergone Three Transfers of Blood Change convulsing non-stop.


    She looked down at her fist, which was turning slightly red and on the verge of breaking skin.


    It hurt a lot.


    And with just one punch, Xi Xi already knew...


    She was destined to be beaten today.


    There was no chance of winning; she simply couldn¡¯t do it.


    Even though the Golden Third Crown Prince was also at the Blood Exchange Realm, with Cultivation as Riverlike.


    But...


    Xi Xi felt she didn¡¯t stand a chance at all.


    She wouldn¡¯t really end up crying, would she?


    However...


    Xi Xi wasn¡¯t afraid; fighting...was all about getting hurt, and it was through being hurt that one could grow!


    Clenching her teeth, Xi Xi still had a lingering fear from her last encounter with Shangguan Qinglei; she knew her father and mother were extremely worried about her.


    She had even secretly seen her mother shedding tears alone, worrying about her getting hurt, worrying she might face danger.


    At that time, Xi Xi silently told herself that she had to become stronger.


    Strong enough to beat anyone!


    Xi Xi took a deep breath, put away the Immortal Artisan Gatling that Master Niu Niu had given her, her small face fair and her large eyes full of spirit.


    Tiny as she was, her physical body was incredibly powerful, her blood boiled as she moved it, her Inner Qi burst forth, her body crystalline!


    Xi Xi tapped the ground with her foot, catapulting herself towards the Golden Third Crown Prince.


    The Golden Third Crown Prince¡¯s gilded eyes bore arrogance and disdain as he even cast aside his Fire Tip Spear, embedding it in the ground, and with a bounce, he rushed towards Xi Xi barehanded.


    The two tiny figures fought fiercely before the immense Statue of the Golden Heavenly King, within the vastness of the Golden Temple.


    Above the Statue of the Heavenly King, which supported the Golden Pagoda in its palm, a golden incense was lit, burning slowly, as if keeping time.


    Bang¡ª


    Xi Xi was struck and sent flying again, her small form crashing harshly to the ground.


    But quickly, she got up and rushed toward the Golden Third Crown Prince yet again!


    Xi Xi wouldn¡¯t admit defeat so easily!


    Her fighting spirit blazed!


    The unyielding determination made Xi Xi, in that very moment, unleash all the martial arts and combat techniques that Nan Lihuo had taught her.


    Nevertheless, the Golden Third Crown Prince was almost invincible in his realm, akin to the Temple God!


    His body, forged in gold, was incredibly tough and stronger than Xi Xi¡¯s.


    Xi Xi was completely overpowered.


    Yet the little girl, at her tender age, was stubborn and proud, unwilling to give in, charging again and again, only to be sent flying each time.


    A persistence like smashing into the south wall without turning back!


    Thump¡ª


    After being thrown back countless times.


    Xi Xi pursed her lips, her large eyes brimming with tears, yet she didn¡¯t let them fall; she didn¡¯t cry!


    Fighting with the Golden Third Crown Prince was making Xi Xi stronger; she shouldn¡¯t cry!


    Xi Xi wanted to be strong and not let her mother and father worry!


    Xi Xi didn¡¯t cry!


    The little girl bit down on her teeth, her cheeks puffing up and turning a bright red.


    She struggled to her feet, her small legs trembling uncontrollably, barely able to support her body.


    She gazed at the Golden Third Crown Prince as if everything was spinning around...


    Finally, Xi Xi¡¯s heavy eyelids could not withstand the strain, and they slowly closed, succumbing to darkness.


    In the temple, a sudden sigh of pity could be heard.


    Li Che appeared beside Xi Xi, cradling the scarred body of Xi Xi.


    A beam of golden light cascaded down from the Statue of the Golden Heavenly King, enveloping Xi Xi¡¯s body and healing all her wounds.


    It was just that the relentless fighting spirit had left Xi Xi far too exhausted, and now she was sound asleep.


    Li Che held Xi Xi, having seen the entire battle between Xi Xi and the Golden Third Crown Prince through the reflection of the Thunder Chess Piece; he had seen it all.


    He knew this was a test, and therefore didn¡¯t interfere.


    He had thought that Xi Xi would give up on her own once she ran out of bullets from the Immortal Artisan Gatling.


    But he didn¡¯t expect the little girl to have a perseverance that surprised and pained him.


    "Don¡¯t want to worry mom and dad, so you wish to become stronger fast?"


    Li Che brushed away the sweat beads from Xi Xi¡¯s forehead, the sorrow in his eyes growing more intense.


    "Xi Xi, why are you so good."


    "It¡¯s because daddy isn¡¯t strong enough, that¡¯s why you have to carry such a burden at such a young age."


    Li Che sighed deeply.


    It was his fault as a father.


    Li Che¡¯s gaze shifted to the small butterfly on Xi Xi¡¯s shoulder.


    "Take good care of Xi Xi."


    The butterfly¡¯s wings fluttered, and it quickly took flight, landing on Xi Xi¡¯s back and creating the illusion of a pair of butterfly wings that fluttered, carrying Xi Xi¡¯s tiny body into flight.


    After landing at a distance, the butterfly radiated intense Divinity, weaving together a semi-circular divine shield around Xi Xi.


    Li Che retracted his gaze and looked at the Golden Third Crown Prince, who was tilting his head as if puzzled by the change in the person being tested.


    "Enjoying the fight, are you?"


    Li Che started to laugh.


    "How about I give it a try?"


    The next moment, his searingly hot blood burst forth, and with just one step, the entire Divine Palace seemed to tremble!


    A hurricane roared into existence, the terrifying pressure coming from Li Che himself.


    The true pressure of a Furnace Grandmaster!


    Bang¡ª


    The ground of the Divine Palace seemed to fracture under his step, radiating cracks spreading outward.


    Though the cracks were slowly healing, the visual impact was nonetheless terrifying.


    ```

 Chapter 277: Ranked on the Dao City Prodigy Leaderboard, My Daughter is 4 Years Old (3)

    ```


    Li Che had already transformed into a straight line of blood red, appearing right in front of the Golden Third Prince.


    The Golden Third Prince opened his mouth, as if emitting a silent roar of fury, his aura surged suddenly, stepping into the level of a Grandmaster in an instant, clearly with the transformation of the tester, the Third Prince¡¯s strength also enhanced!


    True Qi surged like flood dragons, with the real White Tiger roaring out, then turning into eight White Tigers that transformed into spear shadows of unparalleled sharpness that pierced through everything!


    As a Furnace Grandmaster, he integrated and adapted nine types of Martial Arts from the Transformation Realm, creating changes and interconnections!


    The changes were multifarious and unpredictable!


    The Golden Third Prince was instantly dazed!


    A terrifying surge of blood and energy erupted into a hazy mist of blood, and a brilliant golden mist exploded from the body of the Golden Third Prince, shooting out backward like a cannonball.


    Li Che stood his ground, his True Qi forming a longbow as he fiercely bent it.


    Countless wailing ghostly sounds roared densely.


    The bow was like thunder, the arrow carried the might of wind and thunder!


    The moment the Third Prince landed, countless ghostly shadows wrapped around a majestic True Qi arrow that burst through the air, alive in its might, circling around and striking the back of the Third Prince¡¯s head with ferocity!


    Sending him flying across the sky.


    Thud¡ª


    Li Che dispelled the True Qi longbow, shook his body, and launched out with a spring, landing at the spot where the Third Prince crashed. The Flood Dragon Bone Wind-Thunder Halberd was instantly in hand, the Three-Eyed Wrathful True Lord¡¯s Triple-Bladed Knife!


    The halberd¡¯s brilliance shot out knife light, locking onto the location of the powerful Golden Third Prince from every angle.


    Inside Li Che¡¯s body, his blood and Qi surged violently like a collapsing river, with his internal organs spinning like vortices and his spine exploding like a mighty river dragon.


    The True Qi gushed out, merging into the tri-blade knife, with omnipresent airflow trembling within the knife light. In its high-speed motion, it transformed into a sky-covering storm of wind blades!


    In an instant, it gave the Golden Third Prince a fierce lashing!


    Countless sprays of golden mist continuously flew!


    To hit my daughter, even if it¡¯s just a trial...


    I¡¯m not pleased!


    Clang clang clang clang¡ª


    The Golden Third Prince seemed a bit stunned by the lashing, his golden-cast body continuously flung around by the whipping.


    He was furious beyond measure, his ordinary Grandmaster cultivation unable to cope with Li Che, continuously raising his own cultivation.


    But Li Che was not polite either, invoking the Dragon Elephant Vajra!


    As the Dao Fruit trembled.


    Li Che¡¯s body rose, his spine roared furiously, each tendon vibrated sharply as if he were demonic and divine!


    Only the Golden Third Prince can unlock a state?


    Are you kidding me?


    I can too!


    Boom!


    Boom!


    Boom!!!


    The entire Divine Palace¡¯s floor was slashingly dissected by the myriad wind blades, with intersecting cracks being rapidly repaired, but the pace of the Palace¡¯s restoration was also accelerating!


    When the Golden Third Prince was once again sent flying by Li Che.


    Boom¡ª


    An extremely terrifying aura suddenly burst forth from within the Golden Third Prince, the Golden Wind Fire Wheel rotating at high speed, the Golden Fire-tipped Spear gripped in his hand.


    The fiery light in his eyes burst forth, his aura erupted like a geyser, instantly reaching the level of a Furnace Grandmaster!


    Li Che smiled.


    The Inner Scenery of the Energy Center quivered.


    The six rounds of Divine Foundation unfolded behind him like a peacock spreading its feathers!


    The gaze of the Golden Third Prince gradually filled with confusion.


    ```


    ```


    Boom!


    The beating continued.


    ...


    ...


    Golden Light Peak, Divine Palace.


    Nan Lihuo¡¯s sleeves billowed in the fierce wind, rustling loudly, continually fluttering.


    He closed his eyes, waiting quietly for Xi Xi to enter the Golden Celestial Tower for the first trial and assessment.


    "With Xi Xi¡¯s strength, it would be impressive if she can last a third of an incense stick against the Third Crown Prince of the same realm," he said.


    "To hold on for half an incense stick would be an extraordinary performance," he continued.


    "If she could last the duration of one full incense stick..."


    Hmm?


    Nan Lihuo suddenly opened his eyes and looked towards the Golden Celestial Tower, spinning leisurely in the sky.


    The next moment, the Godly Que opened.


    It seemed to reflect the scene inside the Divine Palace, within the Golden Temple.


    Xi Xi, sound asleep, was sent out, and with a flicker, Nan Lihuo caught her.


    Under the healing Divinity of the Golden Temple, Xi Xi had no injuries, and looked as delicate as a porcelain doll.


    Looking up, Nan Lihuo, with his beard and hair fluttering, looked towards the Golden Temple which he hadn¡¯t set foot in for a long time. This glance... However, it left him stunned.


    For, atop the hand supporting the Golden Pagoda of the Divine Statue of the Heavenly King,


    The Golden Third Prince, cast in gold, stood with the Wind Fire Wheel beneath his feet and the Fire Tip Spear in his hand, proudly poised.


    If it weren¡¯t for the fact he looked like he¡¯d been beaten to a pulp, with a swollen nose and bruised face, he would indeed appear majestic and imposing.


    ...


    ...


    Lingnan Circuit, Dao City.


    Qin Tian Treasure Tower, with its eight precious pagoda tiers and nine dragons clutching pearls.


    An old man with flying white hair and beard sat cross-legged on a cushion, forming treasures with his fingers, his large ears hanging low, as if they contained hidden gems.


    Suddenly, the old man opened his eyes, his pupils flickering with unfathomable depth.


    In his eyes, it seemed as though blurred images were passing by.


    The images showed Xi Xi hoisting the Immortal Artisan Gatling, aiming it at the Golden Third Prince and unleashing a wild barrage.


    In the end... the image froze on the majestic but battered Golden Third Prince.


    He turned his head towards the direction of Yun Province, his white eyebrows fluttering and he showed a hint of surprise.


    "Yun Province... Golden Light Prefecture has birthed a Divine Child..."


    "First trial in the Heavenly Que of the Golden Celestial Tower, a relentless battle against the Golden Third Prince..."


    "Which family¡¯s Prodigy has left the Golden Third Prince with a beaten and swollen face?"


    "Something¡¯s amiss... This trial is not right..."


    The old man murmured, raising a hand to his large earlobes and continuously kneading them.


    "It¡¯s chaotic, quite chaotic."


    He began to calculate with his fingers.


    "Li Nuanxi, from Fei Lei City, three and a half years old, Blood Exchange... Cultivation as Riverlike... made the Third Crown Prince cry... Huh?!"


    The old man opened his eyes: "Chaos, this poor Daoist is so confused..."


    "It¡¯s as if someone... has concealed the destiny... cannot calculate it..."


    "Completely unable to calculate it!"


    ```

 Chapter 278: Ranked on the Dao City Prodigy Leaderboard, My Daughter is 4 Years Old (4)

    The old man closed his eyes, allowing his restless emotions to return to calm.


    A moment later, he opened his eyes.


    "Golden Light Prefecture, the location of the Mysterious Temple of the Eight-Armed Wrathful Third Prince?"


    "This Mysterious Temple... it¡¯s something else... Now it has even produced a Jiazi Child Prodigy... Is this a coincidence?"


    "Chaos, chaos, chaos..."


    The old man exhaled a breath.


    "The Golden Third Prince is unbeatable at his rank, and although this child prodigy is impressive, he¡¯s nowhere near the level of being unbeatable in his rank."


    "But at just three years old... it¡¯s an unbeatable age; he must have his name on the ¡¯Lingnan Taoist City Prodigy Leaderboard.¡¯"


    "He won¡¯t reach the first echelon since he hasn¡¯t entered the Divine Foundation; therefore, he¡¯ll be placed on the Prodigy Leaderboard..."


    "Twenty-first."


    ...


    ...


    Five fingers gripped a white Divine Chess Piece.


    Li Che returned silently to the small independent workshop courtyard in Falling Flower Alley.


    The vigorous life force coursing through his body settled into serenity.


    As his eyes flicked open and closed, his heavy life force, like a Jiaoshe spitting venom, stirred the peaceful air in the courtyard, gradually whipping it into excitement.


    "The Golden Third Prince... really is a good punching bag."


    Li Che stretched lazily, his muscles and bones sounding in unison, the muscles on his back stacking up like intertwining grimaces.


    Having just achieved a breakthrough, to have such an excellent sparring partner, Li Che was truly satisfied. He not only avenged Xi Xi but also got accustomed to the explosive increase in his own strength; a win-win!


    He raised his five fingers, and within his palm, a dark golden Heavenly King Divine Chess Piece emerged.


    Terrifying rank oppression swept through like a storm, sending sand and stones flying throughout the courtyard, with countless wood shavings shooting across in all directions.


    "The second Heavenly King Divine Chess Piece... heh."


    Li Che was delighted; this was his third win.


    He thought it would be difficult to obtain another Heavenly King Chess Piece, yet unexpectedly, Xi Xi could enter once every half a year. That meant he, Li Che, could pluck a Divine Chess Piece from the Golden Heavenly King Statue every half a year.


    "Hmm... I tried leaving a Thunder Chess Piece in the Golden Temple, I wonder..."


    Before leaving, Li Che had solidified a Thunder Chess Piece and left it inside.


    He wanted to test whether he could treat the Golden Temple as his own backyard.


    If it was possible to come and go as he pleased, wouldn¡¯t that mean he could see the Golden Heavenly King Statue he longed for every day?


    If he could condense a Heavenly King Divine Chess Piece every day...


    Li Che didn¡¯t dare to imagine how great that would feel.


    However.


    When Li Che tried to shift into the temple with the Thunder Chess Piece.


    The moment he appeared inside the Golden Temple.


    A terrifying roar, like a thunderclap from the heavens, thunderously fell.


    The immense and towering Divine Majesty, like a tidal wave, struck fiercely.


    "Thief"


    "Get out!"


    Li Che decisively and swiftly clutched another Thunder Chess Piece and teleported away.


    The entire Golden Temple trembled violently, quaking as if there was a massive earthquake.


    The magnificent and towering Statue of the Deity, with eyes breathing fire!


    In the courtyard.


    Li Che donned a black outfit and stroked his chin: "It seems, I can¡¯t do it too often; the Heavenly King does have a temper... Once every half a year is just right; enough time for his temper to cool down."


    Li Che glanced at the sky, choosing not to continue cultivating since he had just made a great breakthrough and was feeling clear-headed and refreshed.


    He walked down Falling Flower Alley, to a small restaurant nested within. Although the restaurant was in a secluded location, the chef¡¯s skills were remarkably good.


    A fly restaurant produces delicacies¡ªan idiom meaning an unassuming place serves exceptional food. Some restaurants in remote places hold the belief that the scent of good wine needs no bush, and they naturally have confidence in their cuisine.


    Li Che arrived at the restaurant, where a big black dog lay at the door, languid and bathing in the gentle breeze.


    He ordered a table full of dishes and got a pot of wine brewed by the owner himself.


    Li Che stored everything in his Qiankun Space and returned to the top of Zheng Lei Peak.


    He prepared to celebrate properly with his wife.


    He had just returned to Zheng Lei Peak.


    In the small courtyard.


    Zhang Ya¡¯s slender and straight legs made an explosive noise as she kicked through the air.


    Her bones writhed and creaked!


    Zhang Ya clenched her fists in joy, stomping in place for a good while.


    Seeing Li Che, standing tall in his black robe, her eyes sparkled!


    "Husband! I¡¯ve tempered my bones!"


    Zhang Ya tilted up her smooth chin, exclaiming with excitement and joy.


    It truly hadn¡¯t been easy for her, with her husband and daughter both being top-notch geniuses; the pressure on her was immense!


    But she did not give up and slowly grew stronger under that pressure!


    The feeling of catching up bit by bit was also beautiful!


    Li Che, hearing this, couldn¡¯t help but smile; he had persistently purified his body with Immaculate Heart Divinity for half a year, which also enhanced Zhang Ya¡¯s innate talent.


    "Just in time, I bought a table full of good wine and dishes, we should call over Nurse Momo and the Peak Master to celebrate,"


    Li Che said with a radiant smile.


    Zhang Ya nodded incessantly.


    Suddenly, Zhang Ya leaned in close, her pretty face turning crystal-clear and rosy as she blinked at Li Che.


    Her earlobes flushed with an enticing red as she whispered shyly, "Husband... do you have any Bone Tempering positions to teach me tonight?"


    ...


    ...


    Discussing Bone Tempering positions could lead one to become somewhat indulgent.


    Time waits for no one; the seasons flow by swiftly.


    Two months passed like sand slipping through one¡¯s fingers, and they were gone before one knew it.


    After his breakthrough to the rank of Furnace Grandmaster, Li Che hadn¡¯t made any moves, focusing on solidifying his own state.


    The investigation into the hidden member of the Corpse God Cult from the Divine Sect continued; Xu Jiuqing, an elder of the Enforcement Hall, investigated every day, but thus far without success.


    He wasn¡¯t in a hurry, though; the Cult member, confident and resourceful enough to hide, was sure to avoid leaving any trails.


    Since Xu Jiuqing couldn¡¯t track the culprit using the Corpse Curse Mark, his only option was patience: grind the opponent down with daily exhaustive searches, forcing the hidden foe to panic and make mistakes.


    As Li Qingshan undergoes Divine Observation at a crucial time, the Divine Majesty atop Zheng Lei Peak becomes ever more intense.


    Therefore, Li Che hadn¡¯t yet set out on any hunting plans instructed by Li Qingshan during this period.


    Li Che wasn¡¯t worried either, spending his days practicing martial arts, carving wood, nurturing his Divinity, and slowly refining the Seven Elemental Corpse Curse Seal suppressed within the Heaven and Earth chessboard.


    Once he finished refining the Seven Elemental Corpse Curse Seal...


    It would be the time for him to initiate his purge operation, even without Li Qingshan¡ªit wouldn¡¯t matter.


    Once the Seven Elemental Corpse Curse Seal is successfully refined, he would be able to detect nearly all of the hidden Corpse God Cult experts within Golden Light Prefecture City.


    After all, the rank of the Seven Elemental Corpse Curse Seal is exceedingly high.


    During this time, the major powers within Golden Light Prefecture City calmed down, leaving the entire city tranquil, with even the Three Princes Temple of the Wrathful Octo-Armed at the center of Nine Dragons River rarely experiencing strange fluctuations.


    The days passed by in stability.


    The sky was filled with flurries of large snowflakes.


    The bone-chilling wind was sharp as a knife.


    Falling Flower Alley.


    Inside the workshop courtyard.


    Li Che sat cross-legged, the Inner Scene of the Energy Center in his Mud Pill trembling vehemently as the seventh round of the Worry Divine Nature¡¯s Divine Origin Base was fully forged!


    At the same time.


    Within the Heaven and Earth chessboard.


    All the rampant, struggling Corpse Qi and Death Qi of the Seven Elemental Corpse Curse Seal, under the suppression of the Immaculate Heart Divinity, finally..pletely submitted!


    He opened his eyes, and his powerful Divine Sense burst forth, causing invisible ripples to emanate from him like twisting the air, but they quickly returned to calm.


    Exhaling a breath of warm air, Li Che¡¯s eyes shone brightly as he slowly lifted his cheeks.


    A piece of the cold falling snow landed on his face, instantly melted by his fiery qi and blood into water.


    Without realizing.


    Yet another year of winter brought heavy snow.


    My daughter, Xi Xi, turned four.

 Chapter 281: Daughter’s 4th Birthday Dao Fruit, Xi Xi’s Birthday Can’t be Without You, Old Chen (3)

    He dared not think about it in detail, nor did he dare to delve deeper into his thoughts.


    He slowly opened his eyes.


    "Even if a great power reincarnates... what of it?"


    "The Dao Fruit is with me, and I, Li Che... am Xi Xi¡¯s real father!" Discover more stories at empire


    "Even if there are any conspiracies behind the scenes, all I want is for my daughter to be safe and sound."


    Li Che¡¯s gaze gradually calmed down, and the coldness inside his body dissipated as if there was a furnace burning in his chest, radiating intense heat.


    "I just need to become strong enough..."


    "...to fear no demons or monsters!"


    Become stronger!


    To protect his daughter, to protect his wife, to protect the home that belonged to him!


    [Fairy in the Painting (Dao Fruit): Vitality serves as ink, Divinity coalescing spirits, a fairy resides within the painting, which brings forth all things]


    His mind trembled slightly.


    The description of the new Dao Fruit [Fairy in the Painting] appeared before his eyes.


    "A fairy resides within the painting, which brings forth all things..."


    Li Che squinted his eyes, still somewhat perplexed by this description.


    But one thing was certain, the use of this Dao Fruit was related to both vitality and Divinity.


    "Let¡¯s try it and find out."


    [Dao Fruit (Fairy in the Painting): lv1, 0%)]


    Li Che glanced at it, the Dao Fruit in his chest vibrated.


    He closed his eyes and sensed it, as if currents flowed out, spreading from his mind, slowly enabling him to understand the meaning of the Fairy in the Painting Dao Fruit.


    A single word, "Painting"!


    In the courtyard, the snow fell in a flurry.


    Li Che kept his eyes closed for about ten breaths, then suddenly opened them.


    "So that¡¯s how it is..."


    An unexpected smile hung at the corner of his lips.


    He raised his hand and pointed to the Brow Niwan Palace.


    In an instant, the Inner Scenery within shook, and the eight Divine Foundations vibrated.


    The [Uneasy Fearless Golden Heavenly King Divine Foundation] thundered and shook, moving like a millstone, and instantly, Divinity was extracted.


    The meridians within his body roared, the powerful vitality of the Furnace Grandmaster spilled out from his palm, merged with Divinity, and turned into a rich black ink in the air.


    The Dao Fruit of the Fairy in the Painting throbbed again, and a flawless paper emerged before him.


    Accompanied by the breeze in the yard, the corner of the paper fluttered with a rustling sound.


    Li Che gazed at the paper, his eyes flickering. This paper was transformed from his own Immaculate Heart Divinity.


    The consumption was extremely minimal, almost negligible.


    The consumption of the Vitality Divine Ink fused with Divinity and vitality, however, did exist.


    But it was not considered substantial.


    "To paint, then..."


    Li Che looked at the paper and the Divine Ink in his hand and hesitated.


    Because, as for painting... he really didn¡¯t know how.


    This was an art, requiring thoughtful immersion and learning.


    Although he possessed the Dao Fruit of an Immortal Artisan, that artifact was more about amplifying talent in craftsmanship.


    If you asked him to carve, to do handicrafts, even knead an eagle from the desert sand, he could do it.


    But to ask him to paint... this might not be feasible.


    Suddenly, Li Che¡¯s furrowed brows relaxed: "The key to the Fairy in the Painting is not the act of painting."


    "The process is not important; what matters is... the result."


    Li Che thought of the Golden Third Prince who had battled Xi Xi in the Golden Temple.


    Immediately, he splashed the thick ink out of his hand.


    Whoosh...


    The ink, like a dragon¡¯s inhalation, was absorbed by the flawless paper, and slowly, the pristine paper bore the image of the Third Prince with the Vajra Hoop on his head, the Wind Fire Wheel under his feet, the golden mixed-sky silk ribbon wrapped around his arms, and the Fire Tip Spear in his hand.


    Li Che looked at the vivid image of the Third Prince in the painting and blinked.


    And the Third Prince in the painting blinked back at Li Che.


    Subsequently, he leaped out of the painting as if stepping into reality, only made entirely of black ink, hence an Ink Black Third Prince.


    The painting was spirited, a fairy within!


    From the painting into reality!


    Boom¡ª


    The Ink Black Third Prince with the ink-colored Wind Fire Wheel underfoot flew back and forth in the courtyard.


    Li Che stood with his hands behind his back, his eyes circulating in an unusual color.


    After sensing for a while, he smacked his lips.


    "Not weak at all."


    "The vitality may not be a furnace, but it¡¯s indeed at the Grandmaster level, and the Divinity is at the Middle Realm of Divine Foundation... I used my own Divinity and vitality to paint him, so his cultivation is not far off from mine?"


    Li Che snapped his fingers, and instantly the ink-colored Third Prince exploded in the air, turning into countless black ink droplets that then evaporated into mist and vanished without a trace.


    Li Che continued to experiment. This time he took out all the Divinity from the seven Divine Foundations, merged them with vitality, and turned them into Vitality Divine Ink.


    "Let¡¯s go for a self-portrait."


    Li Che¡¯s eyes flickered with anticipation.


    The paper suspended in the air as the seven-colored Divine Ink was splattered.


    The colored ink diffused, appearing like gleaming rainbows, the paper trembled, and then upon the canvas, a slightly detailed brushwork-styled Li Che appeared.


    The Li Che in the painting smiled, stepped forward, and instantly left the confines of the paper, coming to life.


    Li Che inexplicably felt a connection with the "Fairy in the Painting" Li Che before him.


    After expending more than half of his vitality as a Furnace Grandmaster and most of the Divinity from the seven Divine Foundations...


    The Li Che from the painting possessed about seventy percent of the real Li Che¡¯s strength.


    Li Che willed the painted Li Che to strike out at him.


    The two engaged in combat in the courtyard.


    Li Che severed his control over the painted Li Che, who was then able to fight autonomously and, moreover, according to Li Che¡¯s combat habits.


    Even Hidden Weapons such as Thousand Spider Threads and Bodhi Blood Tears were available and could be executed.


    Because Li Che happened to include them while he was painting.


    "Bang¡ª"


    Li Che snapped his fingers.


    The painted Li Che instantly turned into a rainbow-colored thick mist, exploding.


    Li Che¡¯s eyes pulsated subtly, flashing with an unusual light.


    Because memories surged into his mind, those were his own memories of battling himself.


    And...


    The vitality and Divinity expended for painting, all returned to him.

 Chapter 282: Daughter’s 4th Birthday Dao Fruit, Xi Xi’s Birthday Can’t be Without You, Old Chen (4)

    "This..."


    "If I use the Fairy in the Painting to cultivate... the divinity and blood essence cultivated would also revert to myself, right?"


    "So, it¡¯s like having another me cultivating?"


    Li Che¡¯s mood surged. Originally, he had been worried about his poor divine talent. With the Seven Wheels Divine Base, he had no idea how long it would take to fully gather the Divine Appearance.


    But now...


    If talent was insufficient, quantity would make up for it!


    Create seven of yourself, each according to one of the seven types of divinity, and slowly nurture them!


    "However, according to the feedback from the Dao Fruit of the Fairy in the Painting, without actively interrupting or engaging in combat that consumes divinity and blood essence, the Fairy in the Painting can exist for up to three days."


    "Combat consumes blood essence and divinity, so it cannot exist for a long time. But with cultivation replenishing and adding divinity and blood essence, its duration could be extended by a day..."


    "But that¡¯s only four days..."


    Li Che exhaled.


    "Understandable, given that it¡¯s a newly born Dao Fruit. As the maturity of the Fairy in the Painting Dao Fruit increases, the existence time of its duplicates will last longer, and they can cultivate for me a bit more."


    Li Che was in high spirits.


    "Apart from the Fairy in the Painting duplicate... creating all things from paintings..."


    "Let me try again."


    Li Che gathered his divinity and blood essence and painted a martial arts pill.


    He popped it into his mouth and crunched it down with a snap.


    Hmm...


    It was somewhat sweet.


    Useless.


    False.


    It had only an appearance, no medicinal properties, it couldn¡¯t sustain itself.


    With a slight stir in his mind, Li Che painted a "Dragon Tooth Bodhi" Bullet.


    Suddenly, a brand new Dragon Tooth Bodhi Bullet appeared in his hand, identical to the ones he personally crafted!


    The only flaw was...


    It was too perfect.


    Though it consumed blood essence and divinity... was that really a drawback?


    Was that small amount of consumed blood essence and divinity considered a flaw?


    Real Dragon Tooth Bodhi required Spiritual Wood and his painstaking efforts.


    Even with the skills blessed by the Immortal Artisan Dao Fruit, carving one bullet could take days, if not weeks, and a slight slip could ruin it.


    Artisans, though skilled, liked to cut corners. Why painstakingly carve when you could create from nothing?


    Fairy in the painting... a military arsenal!


    Li Che couldn¡¯t stop smiling.


    This Dao Fruit was fantastic.


    Suddenly, Li Che¡¯s mind stirred again...


    He thought of the Four Royal Divine Weapons, the Purple Flame Serpent Spear, hidden in Xi Xi¡¯s arm...


    His blood surged, and divinity sprouted!


    Grind the ink!


    Paper please!


    Li Che there and then painted a...


    Then, there was no then.


    The painted Purple Flame Serpent Spear had just an illusionary form, lacking any rank pressure.


    Just like the elixir.


    Having the appearance, but only the appearance in essence.


    Li Che, like a child with a new toy, was thoroughly enjoying himself.


    Painting this, painting that...


    He even painted his wife, Zhang Ya, who when she stepped out from the paper, sparked a new idea for Bone Tempering and Sinew Opening postures in Li Che¡¯s mind.


    He glanced at the sky, where dark clouds were rolling and snow was falling.


    Winter had arrived; day turned to night quickly.


    Li Che did not continue to study the Dao Fruit of Fairy in the Painting, primarily because his divinity was nearly drained.


    Painting consumed divinity, blood essence was manageable since he himself boasted a Furnace Grandmaster Physique with a very fast self-healing blood generation rate, but divinity was another matter.


    However, before leaving the workshop courtyard,


    Li Che painted seven duplicates of the Fairy in the Painting, each with ink mixed with one of the seven types of divinity, each showing different colors, each bearing a different emotion on their faces.


    Angry Cry, Extreme Fear, Pensive, Fury, Chaotic Joy, Shocking Boldness, Sorrowful Spirit...


    Seven kinds of Divinity, seven kinds of Divine Foundation.


    Sitting cross-legged in the room, they earnestly practiced Nurturing Nature. Li Che thoughtfully distributed a Nine Luminaries Divine Crystal to each of his clones.


    With this, the Nine Luminaries Divine Crystals he had acquired from Shangguan Zhengheng were completely depleted.


    There were still plenty of Ten Cities Divine Crystals left, but after experiencing the speed of the Nine Luminaries, the efficiency of the Ten Cities Divine Crystals seemed somewhat lacking.


    He clapped his hands.


    Looking at the room, the neatly seated clones were diligently cultivating.


    Li Che was very satisfied.


    His divine talent might be weak, but... he had numbers on his side!


    Moreover, during a battle, if he was running low on Divinity, with just a thought, he could detonate a clone to quickly replenish his Divinity...


    Although there were basically no battles that could exhaust Li Che¡¯s Divinity, it was at least a card up his sleeve.


    Satisfied, he locked the door.


    Leaving the workshop courtyard, Li Che walked down the depths of Falling Flowers Alley and arrived at the frequent haunt, the Fly Tavern.


    The big black dog at the entrance lazily glanced at Li Che, yawned, and continued sleeping around the stove.


    Li Che came here to pick up the birthday meal he had ordered for Xi Xi.


    The owner¡¯s culinary skills were superb, and Xi Xi absolutely loved eating here, especially the sweet and sour pork ribs, which Xi Xi adored tremendously.


    Li Che packed the carefully prepared birthday meal from the owner into his Qiankun Space and then respectfully took his leave.


    The big black dog snorted, watching Li Che depart.


    Cold flowers with snow covered the middle of the mountains, and ice beads hung on the green willow threads.


    Li Che walked out of the alley, his ink robe billowing in the wind and snow.


    The falling snow landed on his shoulders, distorting and evaporating by an invisible vigor.


    With the snow blanketing everything, the long street was desolate.


    Li Che did not head straight back to Divine Sect Zheng Leifeng. Instead, he approached a courtyard tucked away in an alley.


    In the courtyard,


    Under the faintly smoky evening snow, a solitary lamp quietly burned.


    Today was Xi Xi¡¯s fourth birthday, and naturally, Grandpa Chen couldn¡¯t be missing.


    This courtyard was where Grandpa Chen moved to after leaving Listening Flowers Lane.


    Initially, Xi Xi was supposed to visit Grandpa Chen once every six months, but it seemed that Grandpa Chen had realized something was wrong with himself.


    Therefore, when half a year passed, Grandpa Chen refused Li Che¡¯s offer to bring him to see Xi Xi.


    At that time, Li Che planned to help Grandpa Chen dissolve the Corpse Curse Mark¡¯s Corpse Qi within his body.


    However, after discovering that he was afflicted with Corpse Qi, Grandpa Chen seemed to have his own plans, and Li Che halted his actions.


    Now, Li Che also understood Grandpa Chen¡¯s intentions.


    In the light of the lamp,


    Grandpa Chen sat alone under the eaves, heating a pot of wine. Read latest stories on empire


    He stared blankly at the wine cup, facing in the direction of the Divine Sect Golden Light Peak.


    A smile occasionally surfaced on his face, as if reminiscing about the times he bickered with Little Stinky Xi.


    With a long sigh, Grandpa Chen shook his head.


    "Little Stinky Xi, you¡¯re four years old today."


    "This is the last time Grandpa Chen wishes you a happy birthday."


    Grandpa Chen raised his wine cup.


    "Your Grandpa Chen is drinking, you¡¯re free to do as you please."


    Grandpa Chen smiled wistfully and drank the warm wine in one gulp.


    "Drinking alone without inviting me?"


    Li Che appeared in the courtyard with a smile.


    Grandpa Chen was startled.


    Then his expression changed slightly, "A Che, don¡¯t come over!"


    "I¡¯m contaminated with the Corpse God Cult¡¯s Corpse Qi..."


    However, almost in the blink of an eye, Li Che appeared in front of him, palm descending gently onto Grandpa Chen¡¯s shoulder.


    The vigor of a Furnace Grandmaster burst forth, evaporating all the Corpse Qi inside Grandpa Chen¡¯s body.


    "See, there¡¯s no more Corpse Qi, right?"


    Li Che said warmly with a smile, "Let¡¯s go; how can we have Xi Xi¡¯s birthday without her Grandpa Chen?"


    Grandpa Chen, feeling the domineering force evaporating the Corpse Qi from his body, stood dumbfounded.


    Then, shock sent shivers through to his scalp.


    "You... You¡¯ve become a Grandmaster?!"

 Chapter 291: The Powerful Bull-Horse Duo, Bull Demon Path Friend Please Wait

    ```


    That¡¯s... Corpse Qi!


    On Xu Jiuqing¡¯s body, there was actually the distinctive Corpse Qi exclusive to the evil people of the Corpse God Cult!


    In this instant, Nan Lihuo understood.


    Xu Jiuqing, this elder of the Enforcement Hall of the Qian Yuan Divine Sect¡¯s Golden Light Sub-sect...


    Was the hidden betrayer within the Divine Sect, a high-ranking evil person of the Corpse God Cult!


    The very evil person who had acted against his precious True Successor disciple!


    "How preposterous!"


    "Absolutely unforgivable!"


    Nan Lihuo¡¯s eyes seemed to ignite with golden flames, his fury surged forth like a rising tide in an instant.


    He was truly... furious!


    It could be described as a great humiliation.


    If it had been anyone else, Nan Lihuo wouldn¡¯t have been so angry, but Xu Jiuqing... he was an elder of the Enforcement Hall!


    He represented the authoritative judgement of the Divine Sect!


    And now this authority...


    Had been corroded!


    Nan Lihuo¡¯s expression was icy cold, golden flames slowly leaped out from his skin.


    One wisp, two wisps, three wisps...


    At first small flames, then countless little flames gathered together, forming a cluster of fiercely burning divine heavenly fires!


    Nan Lihuo took a step forward and in a flash, turned into supreme radiance, shooting towards the direction of Flowing Sword Peak.


    At the same time.


    After Nan Lihuo sensed the Corpse Qi on Xu Jiuqing.


    On several other Elder Peaks, powerful Divine Senses of Divine Ministers also surged into the sky, sweeping over!


    On Twin Sleeves Peak, Zhang Qing Zheng, wearing a tattered Confucian robe, had his angry brows furrowed upside down, his scowling face rolling with indignation, looking both stinky and furious!


    "Damned Xu Jiuqing!"


    "What audacity!"


    On Red Cloud Peak, Zhu Hong Dou summoned the Fire God¡¯s visage, her eyes streaming with red fire, clenching her spear and rising into the air on the spot.


    On Nanshan Peak, an elderly man with a cane, shook his head.


    "Previously, you all suspected me one by one, causing me not to dare to make a sound... Now the thunder has exploded, hasn¡¯t it."


    Weng Wuyu smiled helplessly.


    He didn¡¯t really care; after all, he was already one foot in the grave and didn¡¯t fuss over much.


    His peach wood cane struck the ground fiercely, and in a moment, he stepped out, his powerful Divine Minister aura also erupted.


    Covering towards Flowing Sword Peak!


    This guy who had made him carry the suspicion for so long!


    Had to pay a price, right?


    ...


    Zheng Lei Peak.


    Li Qingshan had just returned in front of the Divine Temple, entering the Divine Observation state, but his Divine Sense was still spreading outside.


    The powerful energy erupted at Flowing Sword Peak was too intense, alerting Li Qingshan immediately.


    He instantly understood what had happened.


    "Shit!"


    "Li Che, that kid... hogging all the action!"


    "Capturing a traitorous evil person from the Corpse God Cult, why didn¡¯t you call me?"


    Li Qingshan beat his chest and stamped his feet, heart-wrenchingly.


    Discover more stories at empire


    He had missed out on such a big event!


    But he was helpless, who told him he couldn¡¯t hold back?


    ```


    Feeling the restless Divine Likeness, Li Che could only calm himself down, not to let his emotions fluctuate wildly, and maintain his composure.


    Observing the Divine Likeness was crucial!


    ...


    ...


    "Bull Demon?!"


    Staring at that Cute Bull Mask amidst the raging storm!


    Xu Jiuqing recognized it at a glance¡ªit was the Bull Demon¡¯s symbol, a cute Cute Bull Mask!


    But beneath this cute mask hid an extremely fierce face, which had almost single-handedly toppled the Fishing Gang!


    Xu Jiuqing gripped the Divine Sword nurtured in his hand, as his emotions churned like surging waves!


    He could already be certain that it was Li Qingshan who had uncovered his identity and learned that he was from the Corpse God Cult!


    Therefore, he had hired the Bull Demon and Horse Face, two infamous villains within the Golden Light Prefecture City, to strike simultaneously!


    Damn it!


    Xu Jiuqing could not contain his anger!


    Li Qingshan!


    The emergence of the Bull Demon did not concern Xu Jiuqing too much.


    Compared to Horse Face, who attacked from a distance with his horrifying skills, launching invisible and lethal Divine Arrows.


    A straightforward martial brute like the Bull Demon was much easier to deal with.


    After all, Xu Jiuqing himself possessed a body akin to the Vajra Indestructible Copper Corpse!


    Li Che watched Xu Jiuqing indifferently.


    Weng bang!


    In an instant, his chest fiercely stimulated the Dragon Elephant Vajra Dao Fruit!


    Activating the state!


    Angry Vajra!


    In a flash, his already monstrous body expanded further, swelling up as if a lump of modeling clay had been suddenly stretched out!


    Veins bulged beneath the skin, quivering as if enraged dragons were roaring!


    In his eyes, divine light shone brightly, with faint golden frankincense-like smoke curling out!


    Ascending Stance!


    His hair grew wildly, falling to his waist, his blood surging like a fierce wind, resembling a fluttering cape!


    His fingers clenched, and he crushed the essence of the Three-eyed Wrathful True Lord Lingying Temple God!


    The Temple God Divinity turned into smoke, instantly absorbed by Li Che in the Ascending Stance!


    The blood and qi furnace exploded!


    The True Intent Ultimate Study, Dragon Elephant True Force, was unleashed in an instant, targeting Xu Jiuqing who had just glanced back at him, aiming a fierce blow at his head!


    He wanted to shatter his skull in the blink of an eye!


    Clang!


    An ear-piercingly terrifying collision sounded!


    The scorching hot body clashed with the cold corpse!


    Xu Jiuqing turned and used his cursed copper body, now a bronzelike color, to toughly clash with the Bull Demon¡¯s formidable Dragon Elephant True Force!


    Immense and terrifying power emerged from the Dragon Elephant silhouettes behind the Bull Demon, the power of one dragon and one elephant!


    Instantly pouring into the Bull Demon¡¯s fist!


    Bull Demon Great Strength!


    Boom!


    The ground bounced, violently shaking as if an earth dragon was turning over, and the ground beneath Xu Jiuqing instantly exploded, resembling lit black powder, blasting up clouds of dust and stones!


    In an instant, countless shattered rocks and bricks were blasted in all directions from the force of the impact!


    Xu Jiuqing¡¯s eyes narrowed...

 Chapter 292: The Powerful Bull-Horse Duo, Bull Demon Path Friend Please Wait (2)

    The entire person was like a cannonball, struck by an unmatched force, the power that fiercely smashed onto his Cursed Copper Corpse Body, emitting a roaring sound wave like that of a wooden mallet striking an ancient bell!


    Bang!


    The four walls of the entire house burst open in succession.


    Then there was Xu Jiuqing, in the disbelieving gazes of countless Flowing Sword Peak disciples, his figure a bronze hue, wrapped in an extremely intense Corpse Qi, bursting out.


    On Daping, he pulled out a shocking ravine!


    "Furnace?!"


    "Furnace!"


    This Bull Demon was actually a Furnace Grandmaster!


    Such immense strength...


    Xu Jiuqing steadied his form, looked down at his chest that had taken a punch, and his Greatly Accomplished Cursed Bronze Corpse Body had actually been dented in!


    "Only with the Divine Vein Nine Transformations can one be a Furnace Grandmaster..."


    "Incredible!"


    Xu Jiuqing¡¯s tall figure stood erect, his eyes flickering with astonishment.


    But he had just finished praising.


    A suffocating breath then exploded from the collapsed house.


    The Bull Demon, in Ascending Stance, killed in an instant, rushing straight out, the Dragon Elephant True Force struck again, a fusion of the Eight Flood Dragons Overturning the Rivers and the Pale Thunder Body, two unparalleled secret techniques, tyrannical beyond compare!


    Such a punch, in the eyes of all Flowing Sword Peak disciples, was like mountains rising from the earth, meteors hanging in reverse!


    Wrapped in a terrifying Dragon¡¯s Chant and Elephant¡¯s Bellow, the rushing airflow shot out like dragons!


    It smashed down with ferocious violence!


    Many disciples turned pale, just one glance, and they felt as if their souls were being snatched away, so uncomfortable they nearly vomited blood!


    However, at this moment...


    Xu Jiuqing completely let go!


    Behind him, a vast and vivid Divine Minister appeared, the image of a sharp Sword Immortal wielding a sword.


    As the Divine Minister slowly drew the sword, at once countless turbulent Sword Qi rampaged across Daping of Flowing Sword Peak!


    Xu Jiuqing blocked the terrifying punch of the Bull Demon.


    The Bull Demon, transformed into a mad ox, was terrifying, with too much meaning contained in its boxing techniques!


    But what really caught Xu Jiuqing¡¯s attention was...


    The oppressive force of his Initial Realm of Divine Minister didn¡¯t seem to suppress the Bull Demon at all!


    Instead, it was he who felt a sense of repression emanating from the Bull Demon.


    "Temple God?!"


    Xu Jiuqing¡¯s pupils shrank, sensing something.


    Bang!


    As if the earth split and mountains collapsed, the whole Daping, countless flying snow all surged towards the sky like inverted curtains!


    "You have the presence of a Temple God in you?!"


    Impossible!


    To borrow the power of a Temple God...


    One must first perform rituals for the Temple God!


    This Bull Demon has not conducted any rituals, has he?!


    Xu Jiuqing¡¯s Cursed Copper Corpse Body flashed with dazzling bronze brilliance, with a clang, as if a great bell had been struck.


    Yet he blocked the Bull Demon¡¯s tyrannical attack!


    The terrifying force of the heavy blow, like an entire mountain collapsing and crushing down, even Xu Jiuqing, who had achieved a Greatly Accomplished Cursed Bronze Corpse, felt somewhat strained!


    Thud thud thud


    Xu Jiuqing¡¯s face was extremely unsightly, his beard and hair flying about.


    As a Cultivator of the Middle God Phase Realm and a Martial Artist at the Late Grandmaster Stage,


    He had been completely suppressed from the moment the Dragon Tooth Bullet shot by Horse Face came at him, continuously suppressed.


    The relentless onslaught of Ox Demon and Horse Face was like an endless tide, leaving him no room to breathe!


    Xu Jiuqing was furiously enraged.


    Yet, his heart was chilling.


    The Bull Demon couldn¡¯t kill him!


    The Bull Demon¡¯s strength was indeed impressive, overall almost as strong as someone at the Initial Realm of Divine Minister. If Xu Jiuqing hadn¡¯t refined his body to be nearly as indestructible as the Cursed Copper Corpse...


    Being attacked by both Ox Demon and Horse Face at the same time, he might already be a corpse by now!


    The initial goal of the Bull Demon was perhaps to kill him.


    But after finding that he couldn¡¯t be killed, the purpose shifted to making a grand display of power!


    Boom boom boom boom¡ª


    The terrifying force of the punches, like waves, kept pounding incessantly!


    The towering figure of the Bull Demon, with a back like the devil¡¯s face, rushed towards Xu Jiuqing as fast as lightning with each stomp of his feet.


    Battling in physical combat!


    Engaging in close quarters!


    Xu Jiuqing¡¯s heart was filled with horror; his Cursed Copper Corpse, Vajra Indestructible body, after dozens of lightning-fast exchanges with the Bull Demon...


    Appeared to be showing signs of not being able to withstand it!


    In the end...


    Who truly possesses the Vajra Indestructible Cursed Copper Corpse?!


    How can this Bull Demon¡¯s physical body be so terrifying?!


    By sheer Vital Energy, he refined an indestructible body, strong as the Vajra itself!


    Boom¡ª!


    The two clashed in close quarters once again! Explore stories on empire


    The clanging sound echoed like the deep tolling of ancient bells, reverberating and spreading out!


    It was like thunder exploding on the snowy plains of Daping, instantly causing the snow mixed with mud and sand to roll wildly!


    Xu Jiuqing was furious to the extreme!


    "Ah¡ªmy Qiankun Jade!"


    "Ah! Shameless descendants of the Bull Demon and Horse Face!"


    Another collision!


    Finally, Xu Jiuqing realized that in the clash of physical bodies, his Qiankun Jade was smoothly stolen by the Bull Demon!


    How could it be so despicable?!


    Xu Jiuqing couldn¡¯t contain his rage, erupting with the majestic Divinity of a Cultivator in the Middle God Phase Realm. The Sword Immortal finally drew his sword, slashing down with a fearsome streak of light!


    Beneath the Bull Demon Mask, the impassive eyes of the Bull Demon showed no hesitation as he retreated explosively!


    With Cloud Harrier Treading on Clouds, akin to a sparrowhawk, he widened the distance with a few touches of his toes.


    But Xu Jiuqing¡¯s sword strike wasn¡¯t really aimed at the Bull Demon!


    His heart was filled with urgent anxiety. Although he had his Qiankun Jade snatched away and suffered great humiliation, he had no desire to entangle further with the Bull Demon.


    He already sensed an extremely terrifying presence rapidly approaching, as if the sky itself was about to crash down!


    The dreadful pressure made his body stiffen!


    "Nan Lihuo!"


    A low roar burst forth from his mouth.


    With hair and beard flying, the Sword Immortal who had drawn the sword appeared fierce, suddenly opening his eyes wide, which were stained an extremely vicious red color.


    A dense aura of Death Qi and Corpse Qi entwined around him!


    Violent, ferocious, murderous, terrifying...

 Chapter 293: The Powerful Bull-Horse Duo, Bull Demon Path Friend Please Wait (3)

    All kinds of divinity emotions swept over Flowing Sword Peak like a stormy ripple, assaulting it in its entirety.


    Nearly all the disciples of Flowing Sword Peak were shrouded in this divine emotion.


    Each one looked frenzied, their eyes blood-red. Those with weaker cultivations couldn¡¯t withstand the impact, directly spitting blood from their mouths and fainting away.


    "How dare you!"


    The voice of Nan Lihuo had already exploded.


    As soon as his voice reached, Nan Lihuo¡¯s figure promptly appeared following it.


    "Nan Lihuo, stop right there!"


    "If you dare step into Flowing Sword Peak, I will kill all the disciples of Flowing Sword Peak!"


    The low growl came from Xu Jiuqing, who was straightening up, his body a bronze color and his red hair flying wildly, looking ferocious.


    The sword artifact in his hand, nurtured over many long years, was already half drawn from its sheath.


    Sharp and terrifying sword qi raged and tumbled over Daping.


    The disciples who were almost mad only felt the incessant flow of blood from their bodies, slice by brutal slice of sword qi!


    The sword qi of Xu Jiuqing...


    It was connected to each and every disciple of Flowing Sword Peak!


    What he fed was not sword qi!


    He was cultivating the lives of thousands of disciples on Flowing Sword Peak!


    Malignant!


    Ruthless!


    Boom!


    Blazing heat detonated in midair.


    Nan Lihuo¡¯s body was enveloped in blazing gold flames.


    Then he fiercely plummeted down!


    Without the slightest hesitation, he landed on Daping, and the terrifying Blazing Golden Divine Fire instantly evaporated all the accumulated snow on Daping!


    Xu Jiuqing¡¯s pupils shrank...


    He had not expected that Nan Lihuo didn¡¯t care about his threats at all!


    Those were the lives of thousands of disciples of Flowing Sword Peak!


    You, as the Sect Master...


    Could you be so heartless?!


    With golden flames burning in his eyes, Nan Lihuo coldly stared at Xu Jiuqing, his big sleeves swirling behind him as he landed on Daping and took three steps forward.


    His white hair flying, it took only three steps.


    And he appeared beside Xu Jiuqing.


    He spread his five fingers wide and slammed down fiercely!


    Xu Jiuqing¡¯s Vajra Indestructible Cursed Copper Corpse body was instantly set aflame from within by the blazing gold flames.


    "You..."


    Xu Jiuqing glared in terror and anger!


    Throwing caution to the wind!


    He fiercely drew his sword!


    In an instant...


    All over Flowing Sword Peak, every disciple who was on the mountain was mercilessly slashed by the sword qi, vomiting blood, and screaming out loud.


    Nan Lihuo¡¯s eyes turned even more severe!


    A palm had already struck Xu Jiuqing¡¯s chest, and the Vajra Indestructible Cursed Copper Corpse body melted away, penetrated through by the palm.


    His organs were burned to nothingness.


    Xu Jiuqing remained in the posture of drawing his sword...


    "Very well, very well... Nan Lihuo... you truly are a heartless creature!"


    Coughing up blood, Xu Jiuqing started to laugh hideously.


    "You who have betrayed to join the Corpse God Cult, have the nerve to call me heartless?"


    Nan Lihuo was detached and coldhearted.


    Xu Jiuqing couldn¡¯t stop coughing up blood, a coppery blood spilling from his mouth, "Why would I betray and join the Corpse God Cult... don¡¯t you understand?"


    "Don¡¯t you understand my reasons?!"


    Xu Jiuqing¡¯s gaze solidified, staring down Nan Lihuo with a twisted smile.


    "Because... I know the truth!"


    Xu Jiuqing¡¯s face even took on a ferocious look!


    "For a dignified Elder of the Enforcement Hall... to betray into the Corpse God Cult, it is the disgrace of my Golden Light Sub-sect! An utter disgrace!"


    Nan Lihuo was indifferent.


    "You should die!"


    Nan Lihuo pulled back his hand, which was unstained by even a trace of blood, as five tiny flames flickered at his fingertips.


    His hand formed a claw, snatching towards Xu Jiuqing¡¯s brow Niwan!


    Xu Jiuqing fixed his gaze on Nan Lihuo, silently smiling.


    With a bang!


    His head exploded.


    A rich Death Qi mixed with Corpse Qi surged skywards, and above the firmament, a dark, inky smoke billowed and twisted violently.


    From the explosion of Xu Jiuqing¡¯s head, the Death Qi and Corpse Qi intertwined into an outline enclosed within the black smoke.


    The figure had crimson eyes that occasionally flickered with the pattern of the Seven Elemental Corpse Curse Seal.


    The blood-red figure, standing high above, stared fixedly at Nan Lihuo, then shifted its gaze to the inconspicuous Bull Demon standing far away.


    "Bull Demon... you possess... a great secret..."


    "You can actually utilize the power of the Temple God so perfectly..."


    "Bull Demon!"


    "My Cult will grant you ultimate bliss!"


    "My Cult needs you!"


    The crimson figure¡¯s voice was somewhat hoarse.


    Then it stepped into the rolling black smoke.


    Nan Lihuo turned into a Golden Light and disappeared in an instant, as countless golden flames turned into a terrifying fiery giant hand, enveloping a suffocating Divine Rank pressure!


    Yuan Phase strike!


    He intended to crush the vast black smoke vortex!


    To cut off Xu Jiuqing¡¯s last escape route!


    But the black smoke figure screamed as within the thick, rolling black smoke vortex, a substantiated giant face emerged, inflating like a balloon and breaking through!


    The rich Death Qi mixed with Corpse Qi clashed with Nan Lihuo¡¯s golden flames.


    The enormous nose, like a hammer of heaven and earth, swept across, and with each inhalation and exhalation, fierce winds rose!


    Thud¡ª


    Explore new worlds at empire


    This was a true battle between Yuan Phase Cultivators!


    What a terrifying might, it exploded from the heavens, and the night was illuminated as if it were daytime!


    "Pilu Nose Incense Corpse Deity!"


    Nan Lihuo¡¯s eyes narrowed!


    However...


    He formed a Treasure Seal with his hand, and in an instant, the shadow of a Treasure Pagoda pressed down, striking at the terrifying Pilu Nose Incense Corpse Deity emerging from the black vortex!


    Xu Jiuqing¡¯s soul had merged with the Corpse Curse Mark, and if it left, he could later use it to resurrect by possessing another body!


    Thus, Nan Lihuo was not willing to let the Corpse Curse Mark leave peacefully!


    While Nan Lihuo battled with the Pilu Nose Incense Corpse Deity of the Corpse God Cult,


    Zhang Qing Zheng and Weng Wuyu, the two Elder God Phenomenon, had already arrived at the Daping of Flowing Sword Peak.


    Zhang Qingzheng¡¯s face was filled with intense killing intent.


    Weng Wuyu, on the other hand, sighed deeply with a tragic tone, "Such a sin..."

 Chapter 294: The Powerful Bull-Horse Duo, Bull Demon Path Friend Please Wait (4)

    The two exchanged glances, and divinity burst forth from their beings.


    It was like a gentle breeze sweeping over the hills, stabilizing the injuries of each disciple.


    "The Sect Master really trusts us. If we fail to save them, that would mean the lives of thousands of disciples..."


    Weng Wuyu held his peach wood staff, took a deep breath.


    Zhang Qing Zheng frowned, paying him no mind.


    If we can¡¯t save them, it¡¯s your incompetence. What does it have to do with me, Zhang Qing Zheng?


    Meanwhile, above the vault of heaven.


    The fleeting battle seemed to be drawing to a close.


    Majestic in combat power, Master of the Leaving Fire Sect unleashed the Treasure Pagoda seal, driving the Pilu Nose Incense Corpse Deity Deity Appearance to a constant retreat, his large nose nearly smashed to pieces!


    Master of the Leaving Fire Sect clenched his fingers, a huge hand of flame reaching for Xu Jiuqing¡¯s Corpse Curse Mark.


    He sought to crush the Corpse Curse Mark and obliterate the corpse soul within!


    However...


    Just as he extended his claw.


    An utterly terrifying howl came rolling over!


    No sooner had the howl arrived than a brilliantly resplendent crimson arrow light had already reached Master of the Leaving Fire Sect¡¯s palm!


    Intending to pierce through Master of the Leaving Fire Sect¡¯s palm!


    Master of the Leaving Fire Sect, whose hand had been heading towards Xu Jiuqing, had no choice but to divert it to strike the terrifying sky-splitting Divine Arrow!


    Boom!


    Boom¡ª!


    The night sky exploded with a spectacular blast!


    Master of the Leaving Fire Sect pinched and exploded that Divine Arrow, his eyes flaring with fiery passion.


    He turned his head toward the direction of the City Lord¡¯s Mansion.


    It was as if he could see inside the City Lord¡¯s Mansion, within a leisure pavilion, a young man in fine clothes sitting leisurely, holding a glazed white cup.


    At his side, a Divine Archer with his bow drawn was slowly lowering his resplendent Divine Weapon bow.


    "Su Huaili!"


    Master of the Leaving Fire Sect¡¯s lips clashed together as a sharp voice burst out.


    And with this back-and-forth delay.


    Xu Jiuqing¡¯s corpse soul, wrapped in the Seven Elemental Corpse Curse Seal, had already slipped into the black smoke vortex and disappeared without a trace.


    The black smoke vortex suddenly exploded, and the gigantic figure of the Pilu Nose Incense Corpse Deity Deity Appearance also disappeared in an instant.


    The night returned to a deadly silence.


    The world was ice-cold!


    A chilly wind blew, and snowflakes as large as hands fluttered down.


    The flames on Master of the Leaving Fire Sect¡¯s body returned within, his white hair flying wildly, his large sleeves rolled up behind him. Continue your saga on empire


    He stared in the direction of the City Lord¡¯s Mansion.


    His eyes were filled with coldness and undisguised killing intent.


    Su Huaili, the Prefecture Master of Golden Light Prefecture!


    Master of the Leaving Fire Sect had not expected Su Huaili to intervene at this time, allowing Xu Jiuqing¡¯s corpse soul, wrapped in the Corpse Curse Mark, to seize the chance to escape!


    The finely dressed young man sitting in the pavilion smiled and raised his wine cup.


    "Ah, Master of the Leaving Fire Sect, I¡¯m truly sorry..."


    "I had just completed my retreat when I saw a master from the Corpse God Cult, and anger filled my heart, so I wanted to have my Divine Archer shoot down this villain from the Corpse God Cult..."


    "But my Divine Archer¡¯s skills are lacking, the shot went astray."


    The young man¡¯s voice was gentle, filled with an apologetic sincerity.


    Master of the Leaving Fire Sect¡¯s eyes were cold and silent.


    He slowly closed his eyes, then opened them again.


    "Thank you for the assistance, Prefecture Master. However, your Divine Archer¡¯s aim was quite off. His archery skills need much more practice."


    Master of the Leaving Fire Sect spoke lightly.


    Upon the conclusion of his words.


    The Divine Archer beside the finely dressed young man had bright eyes, and the Divine Bow in his hands was once again raised.


    Mansion Lord Su Huaili stood up and pressed down the Divine Arrow that the archer had poised.


    "Impudent! How dare you point a Divine Arrow at Master of the Leaving Fire Sect! Stand down, a penalty of ten taels, go find the general and accept your punishment!"


    Mansion Lord Su Huaili rebuked.


    The Divine Archer saluted, his golden armor clanging, and turned to leave.


    Mansion Lord Su Huaili then smiled and cupped his hands toward the direction of the Divine Sect, but as he turned around, his face grew cold.


    "Cunning old fox, you really can endure."


    Nan Lihuo closed his eyes.


    A penalty of ten taels...


    Truly a humiliating reprimand.


    Nan Lihuo¡¯s long sleeves billowed, and he floated down to Daping, the Elemental Appearance pressure gradually dissipating from his body.


    His eyes flickered open and closed.


    Then, with a sudden sweep, his gaze fell on the Bull Demon who seemed to blend into the darkness.


    Afterward, his powerful Divine Sense, nearly metamorphosed into a Primordial Spirit, scanned the area.


    He sensed Horse Face, wearing a horse-face mask, standing on the trunk of an old tree at the foot of Flowing Sword Peak.


    Horse Face, holding the mechanism aimed at the dark vortex in the sky, put it down with a touch of regret.


    This Horse Face was naturally another being that Li Che painted and gave life to through "Fairy in the Painting."


    Its main purpose was to assist in long-range attacks with the firepower of Namo Immortal Artisan Barrett.


    Nan Lihuo¡¯s eyes hardened slightly.


    "Bull Demon... Horse Face..."


    His heart also tightened slightly.


    He had naturally heard of these two names before.


    The Bull Demon, a hero of Fei Lei City, had come to the Mansion City full of heroic spirit.


    Focused on annihilating the Fishing Gang, he had slaughtered all the hidden followers who pledged allegiance to the Corpse God Cult within it!


    Truly detesting evil as if it were his mortal enemy.


    And the other, Horse Face, had collaborated with Li Qingshan and Lin Xiu to assassinate Shangguan Zhengheng, who had joined the Corpse God Cult.


    That mastery of Divine Archery Art was a threat no less formidable than that of the Divine Archer Colonel from the Prefecture City Divine Guard Army brought in by Su Huaili!


    And the Bull Demon...


    With his unparalleled physical body, he had reached the level of a Furnace Grandmaster and had fought against Xu Jiuqing, who had a Greatly Accomplished Cursed Bronze Corpse Body!


    Without a doubt, he possessed the combat power of the Divine Phase.


    Because the Bull Demon could even ignore the rank pressure brought about by the Divine Phase through borrowing the power of the Temple God!


    What a miraculous combination of ox and horse.


    Originally, Nan Lihuo had also speculated whether the Bull Demon and Horse Face were the same person.


    There was a huge uproar in the Qin Family, and the Temple Control Bureau had also gotten involved in the investigation.


    And now...


    The truth was clear!


    The Bull Demon and Horse Face were two different people!


    These two... came from the same organization!


    What power?


    What organization?


    Nowadays, there are too many different forces in Golden Light Prefecture City, and soon even Dao City and State Cities from each state will send people over.


    It is truly a place where dragons and snakes mingle.


    Therefore, as for the origins of the Bull Demon and Horse Face, he hadn¡¯t been too concerned.


    Nan Lihuo¡¯s eyes flickered slightly, thinking of that Divine Archer at Su Huaili¡¯s side...


    The Bull Demon, hidden in the darkness, seemed to sense Nan Lihuo¡¯s sweeping gaze, his hair standing on end.


    He couldn¡¯t even kill Xu Jiuqing of the Middle God Phase Realm.


    To Li Che, Nan Lihuo of the Elemental Phase wasn¡¯t even worth considering.


    Without any hesitation, Li Che prepared to call the Thunder Chess Piece and teleport away.


    However...


    Nan Lihuo seemed to recall the Bull Demon¡¯s mysterious teleportation ability, and hastily raised his hand and spoke quickly.


    "Fellow Daoist Bull Demon... Please stay a moment!"

 Chapter 303: Sixteen Bull Demon lords simultaneously fire Gatling guns, who isn’t a badass?

    Old Chen wanted to see blood.


    That was something Li Che had agreed to before.


    Li Che had said that it was not suitable for Xi Xi¡¯s birthday to see blood, and they should wait for a better day.


    Today, Xi Xi¡¯s birthday was over.


    Old Chen¡¯s eyes were cloudy with traces of bloodshot, clearly, he hadn¡¯t slept well last night.


    Li Che stuffed a bun in his mouth and looked at Old Chen, "Alright."


    He didn¡¯t ask why.


    He didn¡¯t inquire about the reason.


    Because Li Che trusted in Old Chen¡¯s nature, he wouldn¡¯t harbor any ill intentions, and the blood he wanted to see would not be from any innocent person.


    Old Chen¡¯s tense body suddenly relaxed.


    He let out a long breath, the oppressive feel that Li Che now exuded was too strong.


    If he hadn¡¯t known Li Che¡¯s secret identity, it would have been fine, but knowing it, Old Chen felt as overwhelmed as facing a mountain, so suffocated he could hardly breathe.


    Bull Demon...


    That renowned figure in Fei Lei City, hailed as a lone hero, hating evil as if it¡¯s personal, not blinking an eye when killing...


    Now that he was in Golden Light Prefecture City, Old Chen kept hearing tales about him.


    In the tea house, the storyteller spoke of a hero who single-handedly toppled the nefarious Fishing Gang, freeing many exploited workers, restoring their lives to tranquility.


    That is a hero!


    And now, the hero is right beside me!


    When Old Chen first learned of Li Che¡¯s identity, he was numbed, unable to calm his thoughts for a long time.


    It turned out...


    He, Old Chen, had support before he knew it!


    This Bull Demon, wasn¡¯t that his support?


    But after careful thought, Old Chen inexplicably developed concerns and estrangements, becoming very cautious in his actions.


    After all... the Bull Demon could kill a Divine Foundation expert as easily as slaughtering a chicken!


    Seeing Old Chen¡¯s unease, Li Che smiled gently and patted Old Chen on the shoulder, "Old Chen, relax, there¡¯s no need to be so tense..."


    "I have always been A Che, and that won¡¯t change."


    Li Che¡¯s voice was very gentle, comforting like a spring breeze, along with the peace of a Pure Heart, Old Chen¡¯s tension and anxiety dissipated like smoke.


    Yes, this boy... who he had taken under his wing, the same boy who used to smile while moving wood carvings in front of him, the youngster who carried wood for him.


    Naive, honest, simple, extremely kind to those around him, at least, that¡¯s how Old Chen saw it.


    That was enough.


    Old Chen "tut" took a puff of soldering smoke, "Beggars¡¯ Sect... I work at the Beggars¡¯ Sect, responsible for guarding a yard behind the Yunfang Boat."


    "At first, they told me to guard it well, not to look at what I shouldn¡¯t see."


    "I also upheld this belief, operating within my role, not thinking about looking at what I shouldn¡¯t."


    "But as you know, gradually I felt more and more Death Qi and Corpse Qi within me, then I knew trouble was coming, this job... had major problems."


    Old Chen slowly started talking about his work.


    "Logically speaking, only twenty taels a month... it¡¯s not worth risking my life."


    "Feeling the Death Qi and Corpse Qi, I planned to resign and escape the job, but just before I left, a girl escaped from the yard I was guarding."


    "Information drilled into my brain with a deadly impetus..."


    "It turns out, those women from Yunfang Boat... they all came from this yard, their entire lives possibly confined within that yard."


    Old Chen closed his eyes, recalling the images he saw, his heart trembling slightly.


    "The girl asked me for help, I saved her, and let her go home... but I know I did something wrong."


    Old Chen let out a soft sigh.


    "I¡¯m too weak... even though I have Blood Exchange cultivation, faced with this world, I¡¯m too frail to stand up at all."


    Li Che could feel the guilt emanating from him. Find more chapters on empire


    Without needing to ask, Li Che knew the outcome of that girl, his expression turning solemn.


    "I, Old Chen... am too fond of life and afraid of death, back in Fei Lei City, I was afraid of trouble, thus I ran to the wood carving shop in Outer City, wanting to stay away from the conflicts of the Inner City."


    "But I, Old Chen, also have my own conscience, just as I had interfered with your family¡¯s issue with Spirit Infant Sect."


    "However, it¡¯s different this time..pletely different, I harmed a family."


    Old Chen seemed much older all of a sudden, his former martial world flair seemed to be extinguished.


    Li Che nodded at his words.


    Beggars¡¯ Sect...


    Implanting Corpse Qi and Death Qi upon Old Chen, targeting whom, was naturally clear, it was very obvious.


    The target of the Beggars¡¯ Sect was Xi Xi, within the Beggars¡¯ Sect, surely there were experts from the Corpse God Cult hidden.


    Then everything was easy to explain.


    Li Che, as of now, was already in a life-and-death situation with the Corpse God Cult.


    This Beggars¡¯ Sect, he eventually had to make a visit.


    If it were before, Li Che might have been slightly wary, hesitating because his combat power wasn¡¯t strong enough.


    But now, there was no need to hesitate anymore, he had enough strength and confidence to do some things.


    "Corpse God Cult..."


    Li Che picked up another bun, gently took a bite.


    He comforted Old Chen for a while, smiling as he said, "Actually, I¡¯m not really a hero..."


    "I¡¯ve always just wanted to properly protect my family."


    "I¡¯m opposing the Corpse God Cult because... they want to harm Xi Xi, my daughter."


    "As a father, how can I endure?"


    Li Che shook his head.


    "But since they bullied my family, naturally I won¡¯t just endure."


    "Leave it to me."


    Li Che looked at Old Chen, his eyes profound.


    Old Chen, hearing this, didn¡¯t show much joy, but instead stepped back and bowed to Li Che.


    "This matter, I owe you, Old Chen."


    "You¡¯re making it too formal, Old Chen."


    Li Che shook his head.


    "But you must also watch out for your safety, don¡¯t force things that shouldn¡¯t be forced, preserving your life is paramount," Old Chen said in a deep voice.

 Chapter 304: Sixteen Bull Demons Firing Gatlings Together, Who Isn’t a Big Shot? (2)

    He certainly didn¡¯t want any mishaps to occur to Li Che because of his matters.


    Li Che gestured for Old Chen to be at ease, then stood up and looked towards Xi Xi, Gong Yuanliang, and Gongyang Xiu, the three little ones.


    "Alright, we¡¯ve eaten, drunk, and played; it¡¯s time for each to find their peak and cultivate properly."


    "Youth is not an excuse for laziness."


    Li Che clapped his hands and called out to the three youngsters.


    "Hmm, Daddy, I want to eat one more," Xi Xi said, blinking her bright, sparkling eyes and holding up one finger to indicate she wanted one more bun.


    Gongyang Xiu and Gong Yuanliang indicated they would eat no longer and Lu Chi by their side was constantly shaking his head.


    They had been competing in eating buns, and they were all nearly sick from it.


    Only Xi Xi was truly enjoying the delicious taste of the buns.


    Xi Xi could really eat!


    Li Che smiled and said, "Aren¡¯t you saving one for your mother?"


    At his words, Xi Xi¡¯s small brows furrowed and she released the bun she was holding: "Oh right, mom hasn¡¯t eaten yet, let¡¯s save it for her, Xi Xi won¡¯t eat anymore!"


    "Very good," Li Che praised with a smile, rubbing Xi Xi¡¯s head.


    Picking up Xi Xi and taking Gong Yuanliang, Gongyang Xiu, and Lu Chi, the three little blondes, he left the courtyard together.


    Golden Light Peak Daping.


    Sang Guanyin took away Xi Xi, who was jumping around and occasionally describing the unforgettable deliciousness of the buns to Sang Guanyin.


    After Li Che sighed in relief, he turned and descended the mountain.


    ...


    ...


    Heavy snow fluttered, as large as duck feathers.


    Cliff Rock Treasure Pagoda.


    The flying eaves and upturned corners of the treasure pagoda¡¯s roof were stacked with a thick layer of snow, reducing its brilliance by a lot, adding a touch of poetry and painting.


    The river water from the Nine Dragons River that flowed through the city had not frozen over.


    After all, it was connected to the outside rushing river, as if there was a furnace heating underneath the riverbed.


    Li Che arrived at the Cliff Rock Treasure Pagoda of the Qintianjian, as usual, coming to work, he had accumulated several wood carvings to submit for his task.


    Now, these wood carvings were not made by him but by his "Fairy in the Painting" avatar, who would carve them. Once finished, the memories would return to his body as if he had completed them himself.


    Shangguan Qinghong, who had taken off her shoes, was cracking melon seeds barefoot in her chair and reading a romance novel.


    The deaths of Shangguan Zhengheng and Shangguan Qinglei felt like a heavy burden lifted from Shangguan Qinghong¡¯s shoulders; since then, she had no further ties with the Shangguan Family.


    She had become utterly carefree and indolent.


    Li Che approached her, took out all the wood carvings he planned to hand over, and displayed them in front of Shangguan Qinghong.


    "Che, your efficiency has increased, in the past, you would need half a month just to carve one," Shangguan Qinghong exclaimed in surprise.


    Li Che smiled and said, "You take care of the delivery for me and collect the payment while you¡¯re at it."


    "Sure, leave it to me," Shangguan Qinghong said with a smile.


    This was indeed her job while on duty, to handle task submissions for some Heavenly Oversight Guest Officials, saving them some time.


    After handing over the wood carvings, Li Che planned to leave, return to the courtyard in Falling Flower Alley, and then go to reorganize the Beggars¡¯ Sect.


    He had not yet left the Treasure Tower when he was called to a stop.


    The one who stopped him was Gong Yunli, that magistrate with a very broad chest.


    "Li Che has seen the minor supervisor," Li Che greeted with a cupped-fist salute, smiling.


    Gong Yunli assessed Li Che up and down, becoming more satisfied as she looked.


    Honest, dutiful, and keeping to himself¡ªshe, Gong Yunli, liked such persons, as long as they stayed out of trouble.


    Since becoming a Heavenly Oversight Guest Official, Li Che had been famously dutiful and kept to himself.


    He was extremely measured in his actions.


    Every task he undertook each month was completed to perfection, with every employer full of praise.


    If there was to be a fault pointed out about Li Che as a Guest Official...


    It would be that he was too perfect.


    "Gong Minor Supervisor, I was wondering about that matter I inquired about, how is it going?" Li Che couldn¡¯t help but ask.


    Gong Yunli shook her ample, undulating chest and started to laugh, "You have been a Third-Class Guest Official for a year now. According to the rules, you qualify to apply for the Second-Class Guest Official assessment."


    "I have already arranged it for you, in about half a month, they will notify you to undergo the Second-Class Guest Official assessment."


    "The Second-Class Guest Official assessment requires a report to the Provincial Qintianjian, which will specifically send personnel to conduct the assessment, hence, it takes another half a month before it can be held," Gong Yunli explained.


    At her words, Li Che showed little regret. Your next chapter is on empire


    After thanking her, he planned to leave.


    However, Gong Yunli moved quickly, spreading her arms and aggressively blocking him.


    "I haven¡¯t finished talking yet, what¡¯s the hurry?" Gong Yunli said anxiously.


    Li Che almost couldn¡¯t stop himself from bumping into her; it must be said, this Lord Minor Supervisor indeed had a chest, with a chest intended for brains.


    "Minor Supervisor, please speak," Li Che said with a gentle smile.


    "Come meet the Lord of the Supervision with me," Gong Yunli suggested, flapping her ornate, brocade robe and subconsciously taking a step back.


    "Meet the Lord of the Supervision?" Li Che¡¯s eyes narrowed.


    "Right, you have been a Third-Class Guest Official for a year now, and I specifically applied for you to have a chance to enter the Mysterious Temple to observe the Temple God. Weren¡¯t you applying for the Second-Class Guest Official assessment?"


    "You must be aiming to challenge for the title of Jiuyao Woodcarving Master? To elevate one¡¯s skills as a master, one needs to observe the divine, so I applied for you to have a chance to enter the Mysterious Temple to observe the Temple God," Gong Yunli explained while tilting her smooth, pale chin slightly.


    At her words, Li Che¡¯s eyes suddenly brightened.


    "To enter the Mysterious Temple?"


    "Is it the Three Princes Temple of the Wrathful Octo-Armed?" Li Che asked excitedly.


    Gong Yunli looked at Li Che as if he were a fool, "What are you thinking?"


    "Of course it can¡¯t be the Three Prince¡¯s Mysterious Temple, that is one of the Four Royal Mysterious Temples, forbidden to any cultivator to enter," Gong Yunli said.


    "It¡¯s the other two of the Eight Extremes Guaiyi Temples outside the Mansion City... since both were conquered, they are under the control of the Temple Control Bureau."

 Chapter 305: Bull Demons simultaneously fire Gatling guns, who isn’t an old-timer?

    "The threat posed by the latter two isn¡¯t in the same league as the Four Royal Third Prince Mysterious Temple,"


    "Since it¡¯s regulated by the Temple Control Bureau, one must apply to enter the Mysterious Temple. Without an application and a Temple Entry Order, trespassing into the Mysterious Temple is... a great crime, and violators will be executed on the spot by the Temple Control Bureau."


    Gong Yunli led the way, taking Li Che toward the towering floors of the Treasure Tower.


    After climbing an unknown number of staircases,


    They finally stopped in front of a room, the lingering sound of an erhu emanating from within.


    "Every Guest Elder who wishes to enter the Mysterious Temple must meet the Chief Supervisor, who will examine whether you are a hidden Chess Piece of the Corpse God Cult."


    "The Corpse God Cult is forbidden entry to the Mysterious Temple, because unlike other sects, they could become a serious threat to Great Vista, not only due to their multitude of powerful followers, but also because... "


    "The Corpse God Cult is too ambitious. They enter the Mysterious Temple with the sole purpose of hunting Temple Gods!"


    Upon hearing this, Li Che¡¯s eyes suddenly narrowed. Hunting Temple Gods?


    The Corpse God Cult harbored such audacious intentions?


    Creak.


    The door opened, and the sound of the erhu grew louder. Li Che even felt a slight tremor in the Seven Wheels Divine Base within his Mud Pill Palace, as if his Divinity was somewhat uncontrollable.


    He frowned, his Pure Heart resisting the agitation; that restless feeling was then slowly suppressed.


    Gong Yunli led Li Che inside with respect.


    The erhu fell silent as the plain-clothed old man sitting on the stool slowly stood up.


    His gaze fell upon Li Che, and in that instant, Li Che felt as if he had been seen through completely.


    An extremely powerful force settled upon him in an instant.


    Intangible and unknowable, akin to a true deity!


    Primordial Spirit!


    Li Che¡¯s heart turned cold.


    This was what Nan Lihuo referred to as the Primordial Spirit!


    It is the essential step for a Yuan Phase Cultivator who seeks to break through to the Divine Origin Realm, giving birth to a Primordial Spirit!


    Once the Primordial Spirit emerges, one can traverse yin and yang and wander through the great void.


    Of course, it¡¯s said there are two types of Primordial Spirits: Yin God and Yang God. The Chief Supervisor is probably in the realm of the Yin God.


    Unexpectedly, the Chief Supervisor of the Qintian Observatory seemed to be even stronger than Nan Lihuo.


    "Are you the Third-Class Guest Official Li Che?"


    The Chief Supervisor squinted his eyes at Li Che, a hint of surprise flickering through them.


    This young man...


    Has he perceived it?


    Did he sense the aura of his Primordial Spirit?


    Otherwise, why would this youngster¡¯s spirit suddenly grow tense?


    Moreover, the Chief Supervisor could clearly sense the aura of Divine Foundation on Li Che, as well as his extremely robust and formidable Vital Energy, yet this youngster... seemed to be nothing more than an ordinary Blood Exchange Warrior and a Cultivation Practitioner.


    Intuition told the Chief Supervisor that Li Che must be concealing his Cultivation.


    This was the intuition of an old fox.


    The Chief Supervisor chuckled, "You should have been arranged to enter the Mysterious Temple and observe the Temple Gods earlier, to improve your wood carving skills."


    "But I have been delayed by some matters."


    "Regarding your observation of the Temple Gods, I have approved it. Once I personally write a letter, you will be allowed to enter the Mysterious Temple."


    "By the way, which temple do you wish to visit? Which Temple God would you like to observe?"


    The Chief Supervisor said, smilingly.


    "You definitely can¡¯t go to the Four Royal Third Prince Mysterious Temple. You can only choose one of the two remaining Eight Extremes Mysterious Temples, one Temple God, known as the ¡¯Fire Eye Mysterious Surprise Spirit Monkey Temple God¡¯... located ten miles outside the Heart Monkey Temple."


    "There¡¯s also another Temple God, known as the ¡¯Iron Crutch Joyful Mendicant Temple God¡¯, whose Mysterious Temple is closer to the Gold Split Gate."


    The Chief Supervisor listed the two Mysterious Temples and their respective Temple Gods as if recounting treasures.


    "Which one will you observe?"


    Upon hearing this, Li Che thought of the introduction that Shangguan Qinghong had once given him.


    "I choose the ¡¯Fire Eye Mysterious Surprise Spirit Monkey Temple God¡¯ outside the Heart Monkey Temple,"


    Li Che replied, bowing with his hands clasped.


    The Chief Supervisor nodded, "Good, I am aware now. I will personally write a letter and send it to the Temple Control Bureau. The results will be out in about five days, and then you will receive the Temple Entry Order."


    "I will have Gong Shaojian and Gongyang Junior Supervisor accompany you to observe the Temple God," the Chief Supervisor declared with a smile.


    Upon hearing this, Gong Yunli immediately objected, "Teacher! Why send Gongyang Liancheng as well? I alone am enough."


    She, Gong Yunli, was at the stage of Void Phase Complete. Taking a Guest Elder to an Eight Extremes Mysterious Temple ¨C was there really a chance for an incident to occur?


    The Chief Supervisor was at a loss for words and stroked his beard.


    This girl...


    When you accompany Li Che into the Mysterious Temple, do you think your teacher is worried about Li Che¡¯s safety?


    It¡¯s you that your teacher is worried about... little Gong!


    ...


    Discover hidden tales at empire


    ...


    After leaving from the Qintian Observatory Treasure Building,


    Li Che put on his broad-brimmed hat and, clad in a dark robe, walked down the snow-covered streets, glancing back at the Treasure Tower.


    He saw the Chief Supervisor at the top of the tower, standing by the railing.


    He was still wearing his humble clothing, with an erhu and a small stool by his side, smiling at him.


    "Was I seen through?"


    Li Che tugged at his hat brim and turned to leave.


    Perhaps.


    But being seen through is of no concern...


    These days, who isn¡¯t a shrewd operator?


    The Chief Supervisor narrowed his eyes, the smile on his face gradually fading.


    Then he raised his hands from behind his back, the fingers of his sealing hand intertwined as if twisted into a braid...


    "This one has a strong fate... I almost sprained a muscle trying to calculate it. He¡¯s well hidden... could this young man be the Bull Demon?"


    The Chief Supervisor pondered for a moment, then chuckled to himself.


    "That would be logical. Only such a father could father Li Nuanxi, such a Divine Child." The Chief Supervisor smoothed out his cramping hand, ceasing his contemplation.


    In an instant, his figure disappeared.


    A short while later, in a corner of Mansion City,


    An old man wearing a felt hat and sitting on a small stool played the erhu, swaying to the music, with a small bowl with a chipped edge before him.


    Life isn¡¯t easy, the Chief Supervisor busked.


    ...


    ...


    Li Che returned to his independent workshop in Falling Flower Alley.


    The Heaven and Earth chessboard spread and enveloped it.

 Chapter 306: Sixteen Bull Demons Fire Gatlings Together, Who Isn’t an Old-Timer? (4)

    Thereafter, he sat in the courtyard, where his vital energy and Divinity merged into dense ink.


    The Dao Fruit of Pure Heart trembled, and in an instant, sheet after sheet of flawless white paper transformed from the Pure Heart floated in the courtyard.


    One after another, pure and spotless, these sheets seemed to vie with the snow swirling between heaven and earth.


    Li Che scanned the numerous immaculate sheets of Divine Paper.


    In the next moment, he flicked his finger.


    Strokes of dense ink, one after another, struck the pristine white paper with high speed.


    As if someone were painting with swift strokes, the rustling sound was relentless and dense.


    A short while later.


    Li Che stood up, stretched lazily, and then tore through the air with two fingers to retrieve his conical hat, the adorable Cute Bull Mask, and the black robe that he wrapped around himself.


    His body swelled, towering like a mountain.


    He pressed down on the conical hat as the Bull Demon reappeared in the courtyard.


    Li Che snapped his fingers.


    Out of the Pure Heart drawing paper walked one after another burly figure.


    The black robes fluttered in the snowstorm.


    The downcast conical hats, all at the same time, were lifted.


    Revealing one after another...


    Adorable Cute Bull Masks.


    ...


    ...


    Yunfang Boat.


    The most luxurious brothel in Golden Light Prefecture City.


    The women here came in all shapes and sizes, plump or slender, demure or bold, intelligent or pity inducing... all types were present, and each category had its Oiran.


    This captivated numerous second and third-tier clan juniors of Golden Light Prefecture City.


    That Yunfang Boat was backed by the Beggars¡¯ Sect was hardly a secret.


    Moreover, besides the Beggars¡¯ Sect, Yunfang Boat had the involvement of second-generation members from many noble families: the Sea Family, Qin Family, Shangguan Family, Gongyang Family, and Palace Family -- all top-tier families from the Mansion City¡¯s second generation wielded some influence here.


    This was also the biggest confidence of Yunfang Boat, the reason why many forces did not dare to cause trouble.


    Yunfang Boat, Jin Fang Yuan.


    The entire courtyard covered a vast area, and its interior decoration was incredibly luxurious, truly glittering and dazzling, inducing a life of drunken stupor.


    And the leader of the Beggars¡¯ Sect and the Nine-Bags Elders resided within this courtyard, enjoying a life of extravagance.


    What Beggars¡¯ Sect were they leading? They were living more comfortably than even an emperor.


    At this moment, inside Jin Fang Yuan.


    The drawing-room.


    The leader of the Beggars¡¯ Sect was conversing with a Corpse God Envoy, who emanated a thick aura of Death Qi and Corpse Qi.


    "The Eight Absolute Glamorous Corpse Technique, I have already perfected it. I sacrificed the lives of three hundred and sixty-five perfect young girls, and finally mastered this technique," said the Corpse God Envoy.


    The leader of the Beggars¡¯ Sect looked at the Corpse God Envoy with an intense gaze.


    "Esteemed Envoy, when will you pass on the Sixteen Absolute Glamorous Corpse Techniques to me?" he asked.


    The Eight Extremes Corpse God Envoy looked at the leader of the Beggars¡¯ Sect, speaking in a ghostly voice, "The Sixteen Absolute Glamorous Corpse Techniques are one of the ultimate teachings of our Corpse God sect, and we will need to sacrifice one thousand six hundred perfect young girls..."


    The leader of the Beggars¡¯ Sect narrowed his eyes: "In these times, with so many refugees, just give them some food, some silver taels, there are plenty of them willing to sell their daughters."


    "More than a thousand is indeed quite a lot..."


    "But it¡¯s not impossible!" said Hong Sixi, the leader¡¯s assistant, with a laugh.


    "The sect master can indeed be cruel... but our sect appreciates such a realistic person like you," said the Corpse God Envoy. "Has the leader completed the tasks arranged by our sect?" he inquired.


    Hong Sixi gently tapped on the table: "That Chen Dabao, the Corpse Qi and Death Qi on him have permeated into his body following your instructions, Esteemed Envoy."


    "Once he sees Li Nuanxi for once, those Corpse Qi and Death Qi will automatically transform into the Corpse Curse Mark, embedding into Li Nuanxi¡¯s body and manipulating that genius divine child."


    "However, it seems Chen Dabao has noticed something amiss... he has resigned from his job and hasn¡¯t shown up for work for several days."


    "He even secretly released a girl I was preparing for the Glamorous Corpse sacrifice..."


    "If this were the past, I would have broken Chen Dabao¡¯s legs and sunk his body in the Nine Dragons River by now."


    "Unfortunately, he is still of use, he has a part to play in the plans of your Esteemed Envoy, so he can count himself lucky," said Hong Sixi as he stretched.


    Who says beggars can¡¯t lead a life of luxury? In this day and age, as long as one has Cultivation and strength, one can live opulently as a beggar at the top, manipulating the life and death of others.


    "Good. Once the Corpse Curse Mark on Li Nuanxi becomes effective and we receive feedback, I will pass on the Sixteen Absolute Glamorous Corpse Techniques to you," replied the Corpse God Envoy as he stood up.


    He was about to leave.


    Black smoke began to emerge from behind him, point by point, as if black ink was diffusing through water.


    Suddenly. Read latest chapters at empire


    The masked Corpse God Envoy¡¯s heart gave a violent shudder.


    He saw that the chest of Hong Sixi, the leader of the Beggars¡¯ Sect, suddenly burst open into a mist of blood. Then, with a howl of agony, another bullet, like a Dragon Tooth, pierced through Hong Sixi¡¯s skull.


    It blew his head to pieces, scattered like fireworks.


    Although Hong Sixi, who had not even achieved a Minor Accomplishment in the Cursed Copper Corpse, was a Godly Phase Initial Realm Cultivator,


    His physical defenses were disastrously weak.


    "This is bad!"


    The Corpse God Envoy realized what was happening in an instant.


    Pfft!


    His chest caved in abruptly, and a coppery light burst forth. It was the Cursed Copper Corpse that had been cultivated to a Minor Accomplishment!


    Bullets like Dragon Teeth shot out at high speed!


    And only then did a terrifying sonic boom shatter the air, unleashing towering sound waves that rolled forward.


    The eyes beneath the Eight Extremes Corpse God Envoy¡¯s mask narrowed.


    Because four consecutive Dragon Tooth Bullets pierced the same spot, finally breaching his Cursed Copper Corpse and drilling into his body.


    The bullets exploded, and Bodhi Silk writhed and spread like thousands of tendrils, prying his Minor Accomplishment Cursed Copper Corpse¡¯s flesh apart with a continual clanging sound!


    Suddenly.


    A towering and robust figure, like a black tower, appeared before him with an oppressive presence!


    "Bull Demon!"


    The Eight Extremes Corpse God Envoy bellowed!


    But that was all he could manage before he was silenced.


    A great halberd swept across fiercely, decapitating his head. With the Minor Accomplishment Cursed Copper Corpse internally damaged and severely injured, its defense was horribly weak.


    Much easier to behead than Xu Jiuqing.


    The Bull Demon, in Ascending Stance, crushed and dominated, severing the head with a halberd strike!


    The terrifying True Qi of the Dragon Elephant True Force burst forth, grinding the Corpse God Envoy¡¯s head to dust!


    Shattering it to pieces!


    Two Godly Phase Initial Realm Cultivators...


    Like meteors flashing across the sky...


    Fell at a breakneck speed!


    In death, the two Divine Symbol Cultivators didn¡¯t even have time to summon their Divine Symbols to form a defense.


    "Thinking of plotting against Xi Xi, I, the Bull Demon, will slay all of you first."


    "Go ahead... make your plans."


    The deep voice rose slowly.


    In the audience hall, two Divine Symbol Cultivators perished violently!


    The sudden burst of Divinity and the terrifying vitality almost instantly swept through like a hurricane.


    Inside Jin Fang Yuan, the high-ranking members of the Beggars¡¯ Sect, who were enjoying the services of trained women, suddenly felt the dreadful pressure of Divine Hierarchy...


    An ambush!


    Instinctively, they scattered like birds startled by the twang of a bow, frantically fleeing outside Jin Fang Yuan.


    Many powerful cultivators wanted to take to the skies, to escape through the air.


    However...


    The moment they started to fly, they froze mid-flight, enveloped by an endless chill.


    Falling onto the ground in the courtyard.


    Because...


    Around the walls of Jin Fang Yuan.


    Surrounded by sixteen towering figures wearing Cute Bull Masks, each shouldering a huge contraption with six metallic tubes.


    Next to each Bull Demon floated a black Wood Raven, symbolic of death.


    Inside the house.


    Li Che gripped the Flood Dragon Bone Wind-Thunder Halberd, leisurely looting the corpses of Hong Sixi and the Eight Extremes Corpse God Envoy.


    Under the mask, his lips curved slightly upward.


    "Unlimited firepower."


    "Clear the area."


    In an instant.


    Jin Fang Yuan.


    Was engulfed by a hail of dense, countless Golden Light!

 Chapter 311: 4-Year-Old Xi Xi Masters the Basics of Jue Xue, Aim at Qingshan and I’ll Take You Down

    Golden Light Prefecture, Zheng Lei Peak.


    Above the cloud dome, dark clouds piled thick, with blue lightning rolling within.


    The falling snowflakes were directly evaporated by the lightning into mist, hazy in the high altitude.


    In Zheng Lei Peak, the small courtyard where Li Qingshan resided.


    It had long since become a sealed area.


    No one was allowed to approach it casually, for the Divine Majesty here was too strong.


    Even a cultivator who had achieved Divine Base Perfection would feel breathless, as if their entire body was being weighed down.


    Faintly, countless Divinity nearly twisted into substance, as if to completely coalesce into the likeness of a deity.


    A Divine Temple towered.


    Inside the temple, the Statue of the Deity that performed Thunder Exorcism was entwined with innumerable lightning serpents drawn down from the heavens.


    Li Qingshan, dressed in a green robe, sat cross-legged on the meditation cushion.


    The inner scene of his energy center in the Brow Niwan emitted a faint glow.


    His entire figure seemed to be outlined as if he were a sculpture of the Divine Likeness.


    He had not gathered the Void Aspect, planning to leap directly to the realm of Divine Likeness in one go!


    Li Qingshan had tempered his "Thunder Exorcism" Divine Base for a long time.


    His round of Six Ministries Divine Base was extremely terrifying, ranking seventh on the Yunzhou Divine Foundation Spectrum.


    Originally, Li Qingshan had planned to directly strike for the Six Ministries Godly Aspect on the basis of the Six Ministries Divine Base.


    But his flesh was utterly incapable of bearing it, and he had no choice but to settle for the next best, sculpting the Seven Elements Divine Visage.


    Later, he would slowly cultivate the Divine Visage, pushing the rank of the Divine Likeness to a higher level.


    Slowly opening his eyes, arcs of lightning seemed to move in Li Qingshan¡¯s pupils.


    "A single step behind, and every step lags... Cultivation requires fighting and competing. Too much caution... and I might miss my chance."


    Li Qingshan muttered to himself.


    He exhaled a breath and stood up.


    Countless bolts of lightning pulled at his body, as if to make his hair stand on end.


    Soon, Li Qingshan could feel that he was about to sculpt the Divine Likeness.


    He shook his head slightly, "I wonder if I can successfully sculpt it..."


    "Most likely many people do not wish for me to easily sculpt it, it¡¯s dangerous."


    "But even if I fail, it doesn¡¯t matter, I¡¯m already content. Before sculpting the Divine Likeness, I went to Fei Lei City, found Nurse Momo, and now my heart has no regrets..."


    Li Qingshan, with his hands behind his back, strolled around the top of the mountain near the Divine Temple.


    The breeze was silent and cold, the harsh winter biting.


    The flying snow could not approach, for the Divine Temple was surrounded by darting lightning, forming an invisible repulsive field.


    Suddenly.


    Li Qingshan saw a figure with a python-head cane, carrying a lunch box, making her way step by step up the bluestone mountain path from halfway up the mountain.


    It was the aged Nurse Momo. Her youthful and lovely beauty had faded, but Li Qingshan¡¯s eyes were filled with tenderness.


    Nurse Momo arrived at the Divine Palace, saw Li Qingshan resting, and smiled as she lifted the lunch box.


    The two elders sat down at the stone table and chairs next to the Divine Temple, and Nurse Momo served up steaming dishes from the lunch box.


    "My cooking skills aren¡¯t good. I learned a few things from Xiao Ya. You¡¯ll just have to make do. I still remember the days you teased me about my cooking," Nurse Momo said, glaring at Li Qingshan.


    Li Qingshan rubbed his hands together and chuckled.


    "Back then, your cooking really was terrible. You could turn a fish into charcoal when grilling; you put a live fish directly into the pot for boiled fish. When I lifted the lid, the fish was still energetically flipping its tail in the pot," recalled Li Qingshan, unable to help but laugh.


    Nurse Momo glared, fuming with anger.


    "What do I need cooking skills for, being a daughter of the martial world? I¡¯m not running a restaurant!"


    Li Qingshan laughed heartily, and the two began to eat and drink.


    The dishes tasted average, but Li Qingshan savored every bite.


    "Oh, by the way, the Beggars¡¯ Sect is gone today... taken down by the Bull Demon alone. All the high-ranking members of the Beggars¡¯ Sect were slaughtered without exception; it¡¯s said they even colluded with the Corpse God Cult."


    "Ah... it¡¯s said that the Temple Control Bureau rescued thousands of pitiful girls from the Jin Fang Yuan, it¡¯s just..."


    When Nurse Momo mentioned this, she was filled with righteous indignation. As a young woman who had traveled the martial world, she had a heart of chivalry and could not bear to see such sorrowful events.


    Li Qingshan, however, slammed down his chopsticks, beating his chest and stomping his feet with profound grief.


    He had missed out again!


    That Bull Demon, always hogging the spotlight!


    Acting alone and tackling major events!


    What about the "Green Elegant Oxen and Horses" combo they had agreed upon?!


    You can¡¯t drop the "Green" and only keep the "Elegant Oxen and Horses"!


    Of course, Nurse Momo had heard about Li Qingshan¡¯s collaboration with the Bull Demon. Seeing Old Li¡¯s antics, she couldn¡¯t help but laugh.


    "You should focus on successfully gathering the Divine Likeness..."


    "Otherwise, the Bull Demon won¡¯t want to play with you anymore." Experience new tales on empire


    Li Qingshan sighed. Right, now gathering the Divine Likeness was most important. There were many things he had been unable to do before.


    Breaking through to the Divine Likeness... would allow him to be more unrestrained.


    For example, this incident with the Beggars¡¯ Sect...


    He had heard about it long ago, but it was too widespread. The Beggars¡¯ Sect was only part of it, there were also the Five Great Clans, the Five Major Sects, and quite a few officials and nobles...


    Li Qingshan planned to wait until he had achieved the Divine Likeness before dealing with it.


    He hadn¡¯t expected the Bull Demon to act first.


    "No matter, it is all between our own people. As a member of the ¡¯Green Elegant Oxen and Horses¡¯ combo, what the Bull Demon has done is almost equivalent to my own actions."


    Li Qingshan consoled himself.


    "So, you must succeed. Only by breaking through to the Divine Likeness can you do many things you previously didn¡¯t dare to do."


    Nurse Momo propped up her chin, speaking softly.


    "I believe in you, you can definitely succeed."


    "Back then, so many of us walked the martial world together... now, only you and I remain."


    Li Qingshan fell silent.


    The waves of the martial world were harsh, some died, some disappeared...


    "So, survive," Nurse Momo said gently, touching Li Qingshan¡¯s face.

 Chapter 314: 4-Year-Old Xi Xi Masters the Basics of Jue Xue, Aim at Qingshan and I’ll Take You Down

    Raindrops streaked with arcs of lightning, resembling furious thunderous Jiaoshe.


    "Li Qingshan really does not wish to solidify the Seven Elements Divine Visage, but to condense the Six Ministries Godly Aspect..."


    "After observing the Divine so long, surpassing the Void Aspect and stepping into Divine Likeness... and now to condense the Six Ministries Godly Aspect."


    "What a spirit."


    Nan Lihuo smiled warmly.


    Meanwhile, beside the Divine Palace, a Taoist was leading a little fatty who wouldn¡¯t stop smacking his lips as they too observed the raindrops falling from heaven.


    "My fellow disciple, it seems that Golden Light Prefecture has produced a capable person; I had heard the name of Li Qingshan even in Dao City."


    "Ranked seventh in the Yunzhou Divine Foundation Spectrum, he¡¯s quite a notable figure in Dao City, too."


    The Taoist said with a laugh.


    "Smack, smack..."


    As soon as the Taoist had finished speaking, the little fatty beside him chewed on some dried mutton, making a faint sound.


    "Stop eating, mind your image!" the Taoist glared.


    The little fatty immediately paused, nodding seriously, and pursed his lips to go on moving his mouth internally.


    The chewing sound decreased substantially.


    Nan Lihuo immediately burst into laughter, "Brother, your disciple... is really quite interesting."


    The Taoist collected his demeanor and stroked his beard leisurely, "Not bad, he¡¯s a Divine Child, come to try if he can trigger the Temple God Resonance of the Third Prince Temple."


    Nan Lihuo nodded.


    "Brother, would you like to make a move tonight?" Nan Lihuo looked toward the sky and suddenly asked.


    The Taoist was speechless, "Junior brother, are you putting your senior brother in a difficult position?"


    The little fatty, not knowing when, had grabbed a large flatbread, took a bite, and mumbled a word.


    "Coward."


    The Taoist was irritated.


    Nan Lihuo laughed and waved his hand, "Alright, I won¡¯t trouble senior brother. But senior brother, it¡¯s been many years since our last meeting. Help me by going to the Third Prince¡¯s Mysterious Temple, assisting the Governor¡¯s Office Xie Jing in guarding the Mysterious Temple... Can that work?"


    Upon hearing this, the Taoist stroked his beard and nodded, "Guarding the Mysterious Temple... that¡¯s not an issue, but as for fighting and killing, you know well... "


    "Brother, I don¡¯t like these things."


    Nan Lihuo pursed his lips and nodded, saying no more.


    This Taoist was Wang Kuyu, from the Ganyuan Orthodox Sect of Lingnan Taoist City.


    Bringing the Divine Children and Spirit Children from Dao City to participate in the quest for Temple God Resonance.


    Nan Lihuo indeed would not cause the Taoist difficulty.


    "Tonight might not remain tranquil."


    If Li Qingshan chose to breakthrough the Seven Elements Divine Visage realm, there would be obstruction and sabotage, but it wouldn¡¯t be too violent.


    If it couldn¡¯t be done, perhaps those people would retreat.


    But if Li Qingshan were to solidify the Six Ministries Godly Aspect...


    Once the Six Ministries Godly Aspect was formed, Li Qingshan might be able to step into the Post-Divine Phase in one go.


    Then all the forces... Your next chapter awaits on empire


    Would truly go mad.


    ...


    ...


    City Lord¡¯s Mansion.


    Su Huaili squinted his eyes, feeling the evaporating moisture of the raindrops that had fallen on the ground, his eyebrows raised.


    "Quite the daring sheep-horn Li Qingshan, certainly bold-hearted."


    The Divine Archer Wen Longshan held a raindrop, sensing the thunder within.


    "The Six Ministries Godly Aspect... truly daring! Can his body withstand the impact of the Divine Power from the Six Ministries Godly Aspect?"


    "He might just be directly crushed by the Divine Power."


    Wen Longshan curled his lips.


    Six Ministries Godly Aspect...


    Even he had only managed to breakthrough with Seven Elements Divine Visage.


    "The art Li Qingshan cultivates, the Golden Light Sub-sect¡¯s Eight Flood Dragons Overturning the Rivers, can already successfully condense three Qi Blood Xuan Dragons, meeting the Major Accomplishment standard, barely enough to give it a try..."


    Su Huaili stated.


    "Whether it¡¯s possible or not, I don¡¯t want Li Qingshan to succeed."


    Upon hearing this, Wen Longshan bowed, clenched his fist, and a glittering Divine Bow immediately appeared in his hand.


    "By your command."


    The very next moment, Wen Longshan¡¯s figure blurred and vanished.


    ...


    ...


    This night, silence haunted eerily. The entire Golden Light Prefecture City seemed to plunge into a deathly quiet, a terrible oppressive feeling sweeping across the entire city.


    Even the penned-up dogs dared not bark recklessly.


    Shangguan Family estate.


    The Shangguan family¡¯s old ancestor, Shangguan Jie, dressed in black, stood in the courtyard. His hair had completely turned white.


    In just a few days, he was completely worn out.


    Shangguan Zhengheng had died, Shangguan Qinglei too had died, and two days ago, a second-generation descendant, the Heir-Apparent, had also been killed by the Bull Demon...


    Misery... why did it always pursue his Shangguan family?


    "Li Qingshan..."


    Shangguan Jie exhaled slowly, carefully placing a fierce ghost mask over his face.


    "Wanting to break into Divine Likeness... wishful thinking!"


    "Kill my son, and pay with your life!"


    Meanwhile.


    Other noble families, Five Major Sects, and the Black Jiao Gang, all had divine experts in night clothes, wearing masks going out.


    The trend of committing crimes while wearing masks, having risen with the Bull Demon¡¯s fame, had spread from Fei Lei City to Golden Light Prefecture City.


    ...


    ...


    Outside Golden Light Prefecture City.


    Nine Dragons River churned unrestfully, as if agitated, like there was some hidden monster about to break free from its cage!


    Downstream of Nine Dragons River, the raging waters roared incessantly.


    Suddenly, dense black mist started to form and slowly gathered into a black smoke whirlpool.


    A figure emerged from the black smoke whirlpool.


    A white robe fluttered, his face covered with a mask bearing a large, blood-written "Seven."


    It was a Septenary Corpse God Envoy.


    "Li Qingshan..."


    The eyes beneath the Corpse God Envoy¡¯s mask flickered.


    "This man must die if he consolidates the Six Ministries Godly Aspect and steps into the Divine Likeness realm, he will surely become a stumbling block to our sect¡¯s operations in Golden Light Prefecture City."


    The next moment, this Septenary Corpse God Envoy crouched on the river surface.


    He took out a blood-colored Jade Vase from Qiankun Jade.


    Inside the Jade Vase, an extremely hot energy surged fiercely, wild, arrogant, and tyrannical Divine fluctuations continuously spreading out.

 Chapter 316: Longshan and Horse Face’s Sniper Duel, Merely Like Divine Arrow Tails

    You¡¯re aiming to shoot Li Qingshan!


    Then I will target you!


    It¡¯s that simple!


    Li Che¡¯s thoughts were simple and pure.


    He wanted to see whether the arrows from Wen Longshan were faster, or his Immortal Work Barrett sniped... even faster!


    The Dragon Tooth Bodhi Bullet, whizzing out like a streak of light, tore through the night sky in an instant, its light slowly fading as if hiding into the darkness.


    The Dragon Tooth took the lead, followed closely by a roaring sound!


    The high-speed spinning Dragon Tooth Bodhi, across miles, smashed every raindrop falling from the sky, creating bursts of hazy mist.


    The speed was too fast!


    Thunder clapped loudly, yet had still not reached the ears of Wen Longshan, who had drawn his bow to full...


    That bullet, like a fierce dragon baring its fearsome fangs, had already reached within a hundred feet of him!


    So fast!


    Wen Longshan was startled!


    Having burst from a supremely distant place...


    It was faster than his arrow...


    Even faster!


    But!


    Wen Longshan¡¯s eyes flickered with streaming light, twisting the air in front of him, as if transforming into an eagle eye that overlooks everything from high above.


    This was a Divine Secret Technique, and he had mastered it to the level of a Master.


    It was an essential Divine Secret Technique for vision that every Divine Archer must cultivate.


    It greatly enhanced the accuracy and precision of a Divine Archer.


    Feeling the sense of danger on his scalp, every hair on the back of his neck stood on end.


    Without hesitation, Wen Longshan turned the fully drawn arrow in a silent direction and released the bowstring.


    The arrow, cloaked in a layer of crimson light, roared and shot out!


    Boom!


    Scream!


    A sharp sonic boom suddenly exploded!


    The crimson-light cloaked arrow, like a meteor tearing through the night sky and the rain, burst forth!


    The terrifying sonic waves, like rumbling sounds, swept out explosively!


    This arrow reached the extreme speed!


    It was the archery of a Divine Archer!


    However...


    The arrow was fast, but the sniping Dragon Tooth Bodhi... was faster!


    The arrow had barely traveled a hundred meters before it explosively shattered!


    Colliding directly with the Dragon Tooth Bodhi Bullet!


    The arrow and the Dragon Tooth Bodhi Bullet...


    Collided!


    It was like two Divine Archers, drawing stances, facing each other head-on!


    The immense Divine Power and vitality were instantly torn apart, the tough material of the arrow shattered, and the tip exploded.


    It seemed as if a brilliant golden firework had suddenly erupted in the night sky.


    Far away.


    Su Huai sat quietly under the eaves, with a fire burning beside him, boiling the water in the pot filled with melted snow, bubbling continuously.


    He watched the exploding fireworks, his eyes shimmering.


    Picking up a cup, he sipped some hot tea.


    Whoosh¡ª!


    The golden firework was suddenly twisted open!


    Another Dragon Tooth Bullet, the sound waves had not yet arrived, but the killing intent had!


    It tore through the just-exploded fireworks, hurtling towards Wen Longshan¡¯s forehead at high speed!


    It aimed to pierce through his forehead.


    One strike to the head, wiping out forcefully!


    ...


    ...


    Crack ¡ª!


    A thunderclap exploded, lightning flashed and thunder roared, resembling a savage web of lightning spread across the sky, appearing suddenly!


    It illuminated the night as if it were broad daylight!


    Zheng Lei Peak.


    Midway up the mountain, inside the yard where Li Che¡¯s family stayed, the courtyard gate shut tight, raindrops as big as beans continually fell from the sky.


    They smashed on the ground, splashing and splitting apart, exploding in every direction.


    Xi Xi was spending the night at Golden Light Peak tonight and hadn¡¯t been brought back because Nan Lihuo also knew that Zheng Lei Peak was particularly dangerous tonight.


    In unspoken agreement with Li Che, Xi Xi was arranged to stay on Golden Light Peak.


    Master Sang Guanyin stayed with her, protecting her.


    Inside the courtyard.


    Zhang Ya was staying in the room with the unconscious Nurse Momo, along with Lu Chi.


    Lu Chi stood by the window, hands behind his back, exhibiting a maturity beyond his age, his eyes solemn and profound.


    Zhang Ya curiously looked toward Lu Chi, as if she was meeting this big-headed boy who often came to their house for meals for the first time.


    "Little Chi, are you worried about your master?"


    Zhang Ya asked with a gentle smile.


    Lu Chi turned around, his furrowed brow smoothing out, revealing an expression that did not fit his age.


    "Aunt Ya, my master is attempting the Divine Minister today... it¡¯s extremely dangerous."


    "Even though it¡¯s within the gates of the sect, the master in his youth reckless, injuring many people, offending many as well..."


    "Many people are not pleased that he could step into the Divine Minister, all waiting for this chance to make him fail his breakthrough."


    Lu Chi said helplessly.


    Zhang Ya looked at Lu Chi, who seemed like a little adult, and shook her head: "Don¡¯t worry... My husband should have gone to help, you don¡¯t believe in your master, don¡¯t you believe in my husband?"


    Lu Chi fell silent.


    She¡¯s romantic at heart.


    But indeed, with the Bull Demon¡¯s intervention, it was much more reassuring.


    Zhang Ya also looked out the window, naturally revealing a worried expression in her eyes.


    Trusting is one thing, but worrying... is also genuine.


    A wife at home always unconsciously worries about her husband striving outside.


    ...


    ...


    In the sky above Zheng Lei Peak.


    Electric snakes wandered, the screen of rain formed by raindrops condensed by the scorching currents fell upon the human world.


    Countless dense thunderclouds rolled over, creating a vast spectacle.


    Many people also began to feel a difference.


    They realized that Li Qingshan was not intending to shape the Seven Elements Divine Visage.


    He was planning to forge the Six Ministries Godly Aspect!


    "Li Qingshan... so arrogant! He even wants to mold the Six Ministries Godly Aspect? Thinking quite beautifully!"


    "Will this allow him to succeed? If he does, then in the future in Golden Light Prefecture City, we all will have to be constantly on guard, fearful of when a Ram Horn Hammer might smash on our heads!"


    "We must stop him! We cannot allow Li Qingshan to successfully break through!"


    ...


    Sounds interwoven in the night air resounded incessantly.

 Chapter 334: Emperor Xi Xi’s Fatal Weakness, Second Transformation Divine Skills [Star Plucking] (3)

    And then it transformed into a vertical pupil that flickered and vanished in an instant.


    Continue reading on empire


    Divine Skills¡ª


    Star Plucking Pupil!


    Spirit Touch!


    A stream of light burst forth from the vertical pupil and merged into the Wood Spirit Crane, slowly integrating with the core of the Wood Spirit Crane where the Mechanism Seal with the character "Move" was engraved.


    In a flash, the previously foolishly flapping Wood Spirit Crane suddenly became nimble and lithe.


    It hopped playfully in the courtyard and even approached Xi Xi, rubbing against Xi Xi¡¯s cheeks.


    "Giggle giggle, wow! Daddy is amazing! This big birdy is so much fun!"


    The butterfly on Xi Xi¡¯s shoulder also flapped its wings, provocatively staring down the Wood Spirit Crane.


    With a proud tilt of its neck, Xi Xi landed on its back, and then it began to flap its wings.


    To Xi Xi¡¯s delight, it soared into the air with her, gliding and speeding through the small courtyard.


    Xi Xi was extremely happy, her little face flushed with excitement. This big crane was much more fun than the Twist Car!


    "Daddy, I¡¯m flying high!"


    The sound of Xi Xi¡¯s laughter, along with a series of bell-like giggles, kept echoing in the sky.


    The playful Emperor Xi Xi was overjoyed to death!


    Li Che watched Xi Xi¡¯s radiant laughter, patted the wood shavings off his dark garment, and stood up with his hands behind his back.


    His eyes were gentle, a smile lingering on his lips.


    Nine Seals of Mechanism, entry level!


    Mastering one seal was considered the beginning.


    This Mechanism Jue Xue was extremely difficult, it had taken Li Che three days to barely master the first seal, and the difficulty increased with each additional seal mastered.


    He felt that the rank of the Nine Seals of Mechanism might even surpass that of the Jue Xue.


    "A drone... good with airstrike bombings."


    Li Che smiled, quite satisfied with the Wood Spirit Crane.


    Moreover, the mechanical beast he created had more spirituality...


    Because it was infused with the Spirit Touch Light from his Divine Skill, Star Plucking Pupil, it was vivid and highly intelligent.


    Just like a real Spirit Crane.


    Envy flickered in the sparkling eyes of Gongyang Xiu and Gong Yuanliang standing beside him.


    Xi Xi¡¯s daddy was amazing.


    The wooden bird he made could actually fly.


    Unlike their daddies, who only knew how to frequent brothels and listen to songs.


    The shock in Lu Chi was the greatest, understanding what Li Che¡¯s ability meant¡ªit meant that Li Che had mastered the core of the Tang Clan¡¯s Mechanism Technique!


    He could not only create the appearance of a mechanical beast but also endow the mechanical beast with abilities!


    Suddenly, Lu Chi felt a chill down his spine.


    Because he realized that Li Che was looking at him with a half-smiling expression, that gaze gave him a hair-raising sense of horror.


    Lu Chi felt that his shocked reaction was a bit out of character for a child of his age.


    It seemed more appropriate to envy the likes of Gongyang Xiu and Gong Yuanliang, who thought their own fathers were worthless in comparison.


    Li Che withdrew his gaze from Lu Chi.


    Lu Chi...


    His identity seemed somewhat extraordinary.


    But Chi didn¡¯t pursue the matter too deeply, even Lu Chi¡¯s master, Li Qingshan, hadn¡¯t inquired into it, so why should he care?


    Considering Lu Chi¡¯s behavior up to now, as long as Lu Chi didn¡¯t think about hurting Xi Xi, Li Che wouldn¡¯t bother trying out the feeling of tossing a big head.


    He clapped his hands together.


    The Wood Spirit Crane immediately flew down, and Xi Xi hugged it tightly.


    "No, Daddy... just let Xi Xi play with the big crane a little longer!"


    Xi Xi raised a chubby index finger, lifting her two brows and bringing them close to her little nose as she pleaded with Li Che.


    However, Li Che put on a stern face.


    "No way!"


    "Have you finished the homework Elder Zhang gave you, the one about writing your name?"


    Li Che said.


    "You can play after finishing your homework. The big crane is right here, and you can play with it anytime. If you don¡¯t finish, you¡¯ll get a spanking from Elder Zhang tomorrow, and then don¡¯t come crying with a red nose."


    Li Che was uncompromising.


    After all, the girl had been spanked with a ruler countless times.


    "Look at Xiuxiu and Liangliang, they have finished their homework, and yet you only know how to play!"


    Xi Xi felt like she had been struck by lightning and listlessly slid off the back of the big crane.


    The big crane, intelligent as it was, nestled its head over and nuzzled Xi Xi¡¯s face as if to comfort her.


    Xi Xi looked at Li Che with despair.


    "Daddy..."


    "Acting spoiled won¡¯t work." Li Che crossed his arms.


    Xi Xi¡¯s little face immediately turned red with frustration.


    Feeling extremely wronged.


    "Liangliang and Xiuxiu¡¯s names are only a few strokes long, and how many strokes are in my name..."


    Elder Zhang Qingzheng¡¯s assignment for them was to copy their names.


    They needed to write their names a hundred times each.


    If they didn¡¯t finish, they would have to write another hundred times the next day.


    Xi Xi...


    Never finished a single day.


    Now, she had accumulated up to eight hundred times.


    Elder Zhang Qingzheng¡¯s face had turned sour with irritation.


    He might have admired Xi Xi¡¯s talent at one point, but... he still had to get angry when it was time to be angry.


    Hearing this, Li Che felt a little guilty and rubbed Xi Xi¡¯s head.


    "Daddy, who named Xi Xi? Doesn¡¯t he have to do homework?!"


    "Why couldn¡¯t you name me Li Yiyi?!"


    Xi Xi put her hands on her hips, visibly upset.


    Emperor Xi Xi wants to change her name!


    Emperor Xi Xi loves to fight and set off fireworks, and she hates writing her name the most.


    It would be nice if her name could be just a tiny bit simpler.


    But if she changed her name... Emperor Xi Xi wouldn¡¯t feel like Emperor Xi Xi anymore.


    Oh, what a dilemma.


    Xi Xi¡¯s brows were knitted tightly together.


    "Oh, your name, huh? Your great grandfather picked it out." Li Che joined the fray, seriously saying.


    Xi Xi immediately stamped her foot: "Great grandpa doesn¡¯t have to do homework, so annoying!"


    "Alright, go ahead. Finish copying your name, and Daddy will bring you something tasty to eat. Candied hawthorn? Sweet and sour pork ribs? Braised pork?"


    "Xi Xi wants them all!" Xi Xi¡¯s eyes lit up.


    Li Che rubbed her head: "Alright, then off you go."


    Even though there was the motivation of delicious food to bolster her.

 Chapter 335: Emperor Xi Xi’s Fatal Weakness, Second Transformation Divine Skills [Star Plucking] (4)

    But Xi Xi still walked heavily toward the study.


    Inside the study, Li Che had prepared desks, with brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones arranged on them.


    The Wood Spirit Crane and a little butterfly watched as Xi Xi did her homework.


    Xi Xi sat in the children¡¯s chair meticulously crafted by Li Che, with a trembling heart, trembling hands, and she picked up the quivering brush...


    Her little face was pale, her eyes brimmed with tears, she puckered her lips, and began to write her name...


    Li Nuanxi... one name completed.


    Seven hundred and ninety-nine more to go.


    It was over.


    In Emperor Xi Xi¡¯s world...


    There was no light left.


    ...


    ...


    In the end, Xi Xi still couldn¡¯t finish writing her own name.


    She now owed another hundred names.


    The tally reached nine hundred.


    Xi Xi, with nothing left in life to cherish, was taken by Li Che to the Golden Light Peak.


    Upon arriving at Golden Light Peak, Li Che was somewhat surprised to find that it was much more bustling than usual.


    On the large clearing, there was a crowd of unfamiliar children, not looking like new disciples from the Divine Sect Branch.


    Li Che carried Xi Xi, whose eyes still shimmered with tears, seemingly also drawn by the scene.


    From afar, Sang Guanyin came over in a light yellow long dress, walking gracefully.


    "Sister Xi Xi, what¡¯s... what happened?" Li Che asked in confusion.


    Xi Xi, with her arms around Li Che¡¯s neck, was also curiously blinking her big eyes.


    "It¡¯s the Divine Child and Spirit Child from the Dao City Ganyuan Orthodox Sect officially coming to pay homage to the mountain, warming up for the upcoming Temple God Resonance event," Sang Guanyin said gently.


    "Among them, some are Divine Children just like Xi Xi... Would Xi Xi¡¯s daddy like to stay and watch? You could see Xi Xi¡¯s progress in cultivation over these past days," Sang Guanyin invited.


    Li Che was tempted, but he still shook his head, "I have things to take care of at the Qintian Observatory today. The Chief Supervisor has arranged for Woodcarving Masters to visit the ¡¯Fire-Eye Mystical Awe Spirit Monkey¡¯ Mysterious Temple to observe the Temple God."


    Li Che had long been looking forward to the chance to see a new Mysterious Temple.


    Naturally, he didn¡¯t want to miss it.


    Moreover...


    If he wished to watch the competition, he never needed to be up close.


    He had left a Thunder Chess Piece on Xi Xi, allowing him to observe her condition at all times.


    Upon hearing this, Sang Guanyin didn¡¯t insist further.


    She knew well that for a Woodcarving Master, observing a Temple God in a Mysterious Temple was extremely important.


    Such opportunities were very rare.


    The challenge and comparison among the Divine Children of Dao City were merely leisure activities, not as significant as the Temple God Resonance.


    Sang Guanyin took Xi Xi into her arms and wiped away her tears with a silk handkerchief she carried.


    "What¡¯s wrong, Xi Xi? Why the tears?" Sang Guanyin asked softly.


    "Sister Yin Yin, please save Xi Xi..." Xi Xi immediately clung to Sang Guanyin, crying her eyes out.


    "Xi Xi¡¯s name is too hard to write!"


    Sang Guanyin: "..."


    Ah, poor Xi Xi.


    This... even your sister is powerless to help.


    ...


    ...


    Falling Flower Alley.


    Within the courtyard.


    "Hoo"


    Accompanied by a long breath, like a whale gulping and spouting, the slow breath stirred the air current, causing snow and wood shavings to flutter.


    Li Che¡¯s body steamed with sweat, the scorching temperature raising the air temperature in the yard considerably.


    He stood still, his fingers curved like hooks, and he suddenly grabbed outwards with a burst of air, as if a Jiao Long dragon roared and bellowed!


    Two streams of Qi and blood surged out like spirit whips crackling and snapping, causing the air to burst with explosive sounds!


    "Eight Flood Dragons Overturning the Rivers, the second Qi and blood Jiao Long... condensed!"


    "With three Qi and blood Jiao Long, it will be Major Accomplishment! It¡¯s close!"


    Li Che suddenly changed his moves again, countless arcs of lightning darting and leaping, turning him into a myriad of lightning flashes within the courtyard!


    "Inferior Absolute Learning, the Pale Thunder Body, is now completely accomplished!"


    "Green Thunder True Form!"


    With Major Accomplishment, one manifests the True Form, at the level of a Master one manifests the True Intent of Ultimate Skills, and reaching the Transformation Realm manifests the True Intent Domain!


    This is the progression of cultivation for a Grandmaster¡¯s Ultimate Study!


    Once the True Form is complete, the Pale Thunder Body forms an interwoven vest of thunder around Li Che¡¯s body, significantly enhancing his speed, strength, and explosive power!


    Li Che dissipated the Pale Thunder Body, his index finger and middle finger coming together, pointing sharply, and instantly, the courtyard was filled with raging Sword Qi clanging and swirling!


    Top-notch Skills "Lu Xuan Sword Scripture"!


    Minor Accomplishment!


    Li Che was organizing his own martial arts. The Dragon Elephant Vajra Dao Fruit throbbed, elevating his martial arts talent and blending his understanding with nature.


    After practicing for a while, Li Che¡¯s body suddenly shot up in height, as if every inch of his muscles was vibrating, and every cell was emitting a roaring sound.


    Myriad Transformations Dragon Elephant!


    Self-created ultimate technique, stepping into Minor Accomplishment!


    Behind Li Che, it seemed as though the phantom images of dragons and elephants appeared!


    The power of Five Dragons and Five Elephants!


    Arms like elephant trunks and tails of dragons swept down, smashing into the courtyard¡¯s air, creating a huge dent as a wild and fierce gust of wind whistled and surged violently!


    Li Che slowly finished his practice, his face revealing a hint of a smile.


    "Not bad."


    "I¡¯ve reached the mid-stage Grandmaster level."


    Li Che felt the greatly strengthened vital energy in his furnace, in an extremely good mood.


    In the realm of Grandmasters, what is cultivated are top-notch skills, and as the skills improve, one¡¯s own cultivation naturally progresses!


    And Li Che¡¯s Grandmaster level of cultivation was tied to his self-created absolute technique, Myriad Transformations Dragon Elephant.


    Having stepped into Minor Accomplishment, he had also officially entered the mid-stage of being a Grandmaster.


    After a simple wash and tidy up.


    Li Che changed into a clean dark robe.


    Since separating out seven liver-nourishing "Fairy in the Painting" clones and one to develop the Guanyin Lotus Main Battle Tank and the mechanisms,


    Li Che put on his fight hat and headed towards the direction of Qintian Observatory Treasure Building.


    Today... he was going to the Mysterious Temple that the Chief Supervisor has been expecting, the one he had been looking forward to for so long, the Fire-Eye Mystical Awe Spirit Monkey.


    He finally had the chance to touch a new Temple God.


    This observation of the Temple God had been postponed for several days.


    Enjoy more content from empire


    Li Che had been looking forward to it for a long time.


    Arriving at the Qintian Observatory Treasure Building,


    One after another, carriages from Qintian Observatory were waiting outside.


    Junior Supervisor Gong Yunli and Gongyang Liancheng were each sitting in a carriage.


    "A Che, come, share a carriage with me."


    Gong Yunli lifted the curtain, saw Li Che, and immediately greeted him cheerfully,


    Attracting the attention of many Woodcarving Masters.


    This time, to visit the Temple God, nearly all the Third-class Guest Woodcarving Masters from Qintian Observatory were going.


    After all, it¡¯s not easy to enter the heavily guarded Mysterious Temple of the Temple Control Bureau.


    Li Che faced the enthusiastic Gong Yunli without any concern, calmly entering the carriage.


    It was a relief to travel with this clear-minded yet somewhat foolish-looking Junior Supervisor; Li Che could spare himself many suspicious thoughts.


    The moment he entered the carriage, Gong Yunli poured a cup of tea for Li Che.


    "I heard there¡¯s something exciting to see on Golden Light Peak today. Three Divine Children from Dao City wish to challenge your Xi Xi, right?"


    Gong Yunli¡¯s beautiful, fair cheeks, lightly touched with makeup, were flushed with the curiosity of one eager for gossip.


    Li Che corrected with a smile, "They¡¯re challenging Xi Xi."


    "It¡¯s a pity, you¡¯re off to observe the Temple God at Mysterious Temple and won¡¯t be able to watch this battle."


    Li Che responded with a gentle smile and a light agreement, "Yes, what a pity."


    As his mind stirred,


    Within the Heaven and Earth chessboard,


    The Thunder Chess Piece that resided in Xi Xi¡¯s body vibrated.


    Suddenly, an image unfolded before his eyes.


    The Daping on Golden Light Peak.


    Emperor Xi Xi stood with hands on hips, chin lifted, accompanied by a mechanical beast, the Spirit Crane, and a mysterious little butterfly.


    Standing tall in the howling wind,


    Bravely facing the challenge from the Divine Children of Dao City!


    Emperor Xi Xi has never been afraid of fighting or battling!


    Except for writing her own name!


    Writing her name, that was Emperor Xi Xi¡¯s fatal weakness!


    Just as Li Che was about to enjoy the spectacle with relish,


    Suddenly,


    On the chessboard, a Divine Chess Piece shattered with a snap, bursting into divine mist.


    Li Che paused, his eyes undergoing a subtle change.


    This was not the signal of a family member in danger.


    But rather, it was the Divine Chess Piece he had given Nan Lihuo for communication; if it was time to take action, the piece would be crushed as proof.


    Nan Lihuo had spent a substantial price to hire Ox Demon and Horse Face to join in the assassination of the Divine Archer Su Huai¡¯s associate Wen Longshan.


    Now...


    Nan Lihuo had crushed that Chess Piece.


    It seemed the time for action had arrived!


    All this time, with no word from Nan Lihuo, Li Che had thought he had forgotten.


    The down payment of four Eight Extremes Divine Crystals given by Nan Lihuo had already been used up by him, Li Che.


    Inside the carriage, Li Che¡¯s consciousness exited the Heaven and Earth chessboard; his eyes flickered as he gently picked up the teacup, sipping the tea, the corner of his mouth lifted in a cold arc.


    Thinking of that Divine Archer who had taken several covert shots at him, a surge of murderous intent rolled within him.


    Divine Archer Wen Longshan...


    Your time to die has come!

 Chapter 336: You Call This 4 Years Old? Emperor Xi Xi Will Take Care of You

    Nan Lihuo crushed the white chess piece left to him by the Bull Demon.


    It signified that the action was about to begin.


    Li Che sat in the carriage, jolting forward, an Imperial Astronomical Observatory carriage, noticeably less comfortable than the last ride he took to Divine Carving Ridge in the Gong Family¡¯s carriage.


    Gazing at the constantly passing scenery outside the window.


    Li Che¡¯s eyebrows slightly raised.


    Killing Wang Kuyu was no easy task, seeing that Wang Kuyu¡¯s cultivation was extraordinarily strong.


    Add to that a Divine Archery Art nearing the Transformation Realm, his difficulty level was not weaker than any Cultivator at the Yuanxiang Realm.


    Thus, since Nan Lihuo planned to act, he certainly needed to have at least an eighty percent confidence in killing Wang Kuyu before he made his move.


    Li Che leaned on the soft cushion of the carriage.


    His fingers lightly tapping on the table.


    Then, the corners of his lips curled into a slight, lifted arc.


    If the Sect Master was confident...


    Then this Wang Kuyu naturally had to be killed!


    Across from Li Che, Gong Yunli was eating candied fruit, casually chatting with Li Che.


    "A Che, I am quite curious, how exactly did you impress Tang Ridge Master? Was it really by talent?"


    Gong Yunli propped up her smooth chin with one hand while letting her chest rest on the table for comfort, and asked curiously.


    She still hadn¡¯t guessed that Li Che was the Bull Demon.


    Her clear eyes betrayed her foolishness.


    Li Che¡¯s mouth twitched.


    After responding casually to Gong Yunli for a few sentences, Li Che found an excuse saying he needed to get out of the carriage for some air.


    Gong Yunli, hearing this, did not refuse.


    The [Fire-Eye Mystical Awe Spirit Monkey] Mysterious Temple was not far from Golden Light Prefecture City.


    Located in the area of Heart Monkey Temple, it was roughly only half an hour¡¯s ride; getting out of the carriage to breathe in the air and enjoy the snow scenery was also fine during this period.


    The snowscape by the Nine Dragons River Bank, though diminished since the river water could not freeze, has a particular winter charm due to the steaming mist. Read latest stories on empire


    It had a flavor all its own.


    Gong Yunli also put on her fox fur cloak, stepped out of the carriage for some air, looking at the surging river water, her mood couldn¡¯t help but improve.


    Li Che glanced at her, activated the Heaven and Earth chessboard, and shielded the Divine Sense perception.


    Then he turned and entered the dense woods, and when he came out again, he had already become an incarnation of the "Fairy in the Painting".


    However, this incarnation harbored a Thunder Chess Piece within.


    Once everything was done, Li Che would be able to teleport directly there.


    "Minor Supervisor, let¡¯s go."


    Li Che said smilingly.


    "Huh? You¡¯re done? That was quick!"


    Gong Yunli had just stretched and didn¡¯t expect Li Che to be done so quickly.


    She could only climb back into the carriage with a bit of gloom.


    After the carriage drove away, a bulky figure slowly emerged behind the dense woods.


    Wearing a wide-brimmed hat and donned in a black cape, as massive as a mountain tower, his face covered with a Cute Bull Mask.


    He pressed down on the wide-brimmed hat.


    Li Che watched the carriage breaking through the wind and snow in the distance, clenched his fist, and immediately crushed the white Thunder Chess Piece.


    In a shift of his form, he disappeared from sight.


    ...


    ...


    Zheng Lei Peak.


    A hubbub of activities.


    Nan Lihuo sat at the head seat, by his side was his senior brother from Dao City, Wang Kuyu.


    Wang Kuyu squinted his eyes, flicked his dust whisk, and watched as Nan Lihuo raised his hand for a red paper crane to flap its wings and land in his palm.


    "Junior brother... still hasn¡¯t given up?"


    Wang Kuyu sighed, his voice carrying a tone of helplessness.


    Nan Lihuo glanced at the Taoist, "Senior brother... with what you just said, do you think I could give up?"


    Wang Kuyu turned his head to look toward the grand platform in front of the divine palace, "I brought the prodigies of Dao City to compete with that genius from your Golden Light Sub-sect who is ranked on the Dao City Prodigy Leaderboard before the ¡¯Temple God Resonance¡¯..."


    "Are you planning to drop the responsibility again?"


    Nan Lihuo, with his white hair fluttering, chuckled, "It¡¯s rare for senior brother to come..."


    "It¡¯s been a long time since you last looked after things for me."


    "Shouldn¡¯t I trouble you properly, senior brother?"


    Wang Kuyu stretched out his hand and tapped Nan Lihuo, his face completely expressing his resignation.


    "You rascal, still as cunning as ever, enjoying setting up your senior brother..."


    "Didn¡¯t senior brother often cover for me back in the days?"


    Nan Lihuo stood up, his white silk robe fluttering in the breeze, and the wind within made his sleeves billow like inflated bellows.


    "Then, help your junior brother once more?"


    Wang Kuyu leaned back in his chair, his face full of bitterness.


    "This Golden Light Prefecture... I shouldn¡¯t have come, the moment I arrive I get treated like a beast of burden by you!"


    "Last time suppressing the Four Royal Mysterious Temples, this time... helping you keep house!"


    Nan Lihuo¡¯s lips curled into a smile, "Then, senior brother... will you kill someone for me?"


    The Taoist did not hesitate for a second, immediately shaking his head like a rattle drum.


    "I never kill people!"


    "Don¡¯t look to me for this matter."


    Wang Kuyu said hurriedly.


    The smile gradually faded from Nan Lihuo¡¯s face.


    "Senior brother... sometimes... you don¡¯t kill, but others will want to kill you..."


    "You are too kind."


    "In this world, kindness... is not always a good thing."


    Nan Lihuo said earnestly.


    Wang Kuyu waved his hand, "Alas, I am such a person, and I only dare to act fierce toward my little fatty disciple... Just be careful, junior brother."


    "I just came to see you, fearing that if wait too many years, I won¡¯t be able to see you anymore."


    Nan Lihuo smiled warmly.


    Without saying much.


    His gaze turned toward the grand Golden Light Peak square.


    Watching those Divine Sect Spirit Children, Divine Children.


    Watching that direct disciple Xi Xi, hands on hips, proudly protruding her little belly.


    His eyes flashed a touch of softness.


    "Senior brother... you¡¯re just in time to help me keep a good watch and evaluate Xi Xi¡¯s talent, being listed on the Dao City Prodigy Leaderboard, she must have received approval from the Inspector of the Imperial Heavenly Observatory of Dao City."

 Chapter 337: You Call This 4 Years Old? Emperor Xi Xi Will Cover for You (2)

    "But... just look, can Xi Xi catch the eye of the Great Grandmaster?"


    Lu Chi spoke.


    Taoist King Ku Yu, upon hearing this, immediately straightened up; as long as it wasn¡¯t about fighting and killing, he was all seriousness.


    However, he glanced at that small domineering girl.


    A frown of conflict was heavy on King Ku Yu¡¯s face.


    "Difficult, difficult, difficult... The Great Grandmaster hasn¡¯t taken any disciples for many years."


    "In the past two years, a prodigy ranked tenth on the Dao City Prodigy Leaderboard came to pay their respects, hoping to become a disciple of the Great Grandmaster, but they were not accepted either."


    "It¡¯s possible the Great Grandmaster may not take any more disciples."


    Nan Lihuo¡¯s brows slowly furrowed, "But there should still be one slot for a direct disciple under the Great Grandmaster, right?"


    "Yes, there is one slot left, but that doesn¡¯t mean it¡¯ll definitely be filled..."


    King Ku Yu shook his head.


    "Xi Xi really does have great talent!"


    Nan Lihuo said earnestly.


    "Junior brother, indeed the girl has talent, otherwise the Dao City Imperial Heavenly Observatory wouldn¡¯t have noticed her, ranking her twenty-first on the Prodigy Leaderboard."


    "But... it¡¯s only twenty-first," King Ku Yu added.


    "Xi Xi is only four years old!"


    Nan Lihuo spoke earnestly; she was only four years old, what more could you want?


    The Taoist paused: "If she weren¡¯t four years old... she might not even have made it onto the Prodigy Leaderboard."


    Nan Lihuo exhaled.


    And said no more.


    "Junior brother, don¡¯t be disheartened, whether she is accepted or not... it¡¯s still up to the Great Grandmaster."


    "Maybe... the Great Grandmaster just happens to fancy this little girl."


    King Ku Yu didn¡¯t write off the possibility completely.


    Nan Lihuo smiled, no longer fixated, and requested the Taoist to preside over the matter of the challenge.


    Then, he gracefully entered the Divine Palace.


    The grand doors suddenly closed, with a resounding roar.


    King Ku Yu flicked his whisk, exhaling deeply: "Junior brother oh junior brother... when will this cycle of vengeance end?"


    "Su Huai... the smallest disciple of the Chaos King Ji Molie, and a highly favored one, was sent to the Golden Light Prefecture... apart from valuing the Four Sovereigns Eight Arms Prison Lotus Wrathful Third Prince Mysterious Temple..."


    "They also have their eye on junior brother."


    "Ji Molie... has also taken notice of you, junior brother."


    Shaking his head, King Ku Yu didn¡¯t know how to dissuade him.


    Suddenly, he made a hand gesture and a crane made of white paper landed in his hands.


    "Who is junior brother planning to kill?"


    "Could it be Ji Molie¡¯s youngest son, the five-year-old junior prince... who is soon to visit the Third Prince¡¯s Mysterious Temple for the upcoming Temple God Resonance event..."


    "Junior brother, you aren¡¯t thinking of... killing the young prince, are you?"


    King Ku Yu took a deep breath.


    Impossible...


    How could Ji Molie¡¯s son be so easily killed?


    There must be a Grandmaster secretly protecting him.


    Junior brother... don¡¯t go to your death.


    Shaking his head.


    King Ku Yu no longer pondered these matters.


    Above the Daping.


    Elder Zhang Qing Zheng of Twin Sleeves Peak, with an indifferent face, scanned the group of children below.


    He was here again to preside over the challenge exchange match.


    In the distance.


    Zhu Hong Dou stood with arms crossed, dressed in a red robe, watching with interest.


    As well as Weng Wuyu with a gentle smile on his face.


    The elders of the Golden Light Sub-sect had all arrived.


    Li Qingshan was beside Nurse Momo, still looking to please; now officially a Divine Minister, he had taken over the position of Elder of the Enforcement Hall from Xu Jiuqing.


    Zheng Lei Peak had also become one of the four Great Elder Peaks.


    Your next chapter is on empire


    The status of Flowing Sword Peak had fallen due to Xu Jiuqing¡¯s actions; its original true successors had all lost their positions, becoming Inner Sect Disciples.


    An innocent casualty, one might say.


    But such is the question of fate.


    And Lu Chi of Zheng Lei Peak, originally an Inner Sect Disciple, had directly become a true successor by pure fluke.


    Furthermore, Huang Si Xiang, an Inner Sect Disciple who became Li Qingshan¡¯s student, also advanced to the position of a true successor, mainly because an extra slot had opened up in Flowing Sword Peak...


    Huang Si Xiang was also confused.


    Initially, of the four true successors, Hai Chao Sheng joined Flowing Sword Peak, Gong Yuanliang joined Twin Sleeves Peak, Gongyang Xiu joined Nanshan Peak, and Zhu Hong Dou didn¡¯t accept any true successors.


    Due to this, Hai Chao Sheng lost his position as a true successor.


    Filled with frustration.


    An Elder¡¯s wing may not house two true successors; that was the rule.


    Hai Chao Sheng could only wait for the Sect¡¯s annual evaluation at the end of the year to reclaim his position.


    Li Qingshan was sitting on a chair, comforting Nurse Momo.


    Then, out of the corner of his eye, he caught sight of something.


    Words of comfort were stuck in his throat as he squinted and looked into the distance.


    In the vague distance, he thought he saw a towering, familiar figure...


    "Bull Demon?"


    Li Qingshan frowned.


    Lately, activities of the Green Elegant Ox and Horse duo had decreased, and now he was seeing illusions, missing the Bull Demon?


    "No! That is the Bull Demon!"


    "Dammit! Are there plans afoot that no one told me about?"


    Li Qingshan quickly realized something.


    How could the Bull Demon possibly appear at Golden Light Peak without reason?


    For Li Qingshan, with his keen sense of mischief, the clues were quickly coming together.


    "The Bull Demon... taking on secret jobs without me?"


    ...


    ...


    Nan Lihuo crushed the white chess piece.


    His near-Primordial Spirit level Divine Sense had scanned the chess piece many times.


    Just a common Divinity chess piece with nothing strange about it.


    Yet, by crushing the chess piece, the Bull Demon was alerted?


    Completing information transmission?


    What secret technique was this?


    Nan Lihuo was very curious; though the information transmitted was limited, at crucial moments, it could change the course of a battle.


    Suddenly, a towering figure emerged from the darkness.


    A hat, black robe, and the Cute Bull Mask.


    If not the Bull Demon, then who?


    And he actually appeared!


    Nan Lihuo¡¯s heart skipped a beat, becoming even more curious about the Bull Demon¡¯s Breath Concealment technique.


    "The Underworld..."


    An unknown force.


    With such stealth capabilities, surely not mediocre.

 Chapter 338: You Call This 4 Years Old? Emperor Xi Xi Will Cover for You (3)

    "Southern Sect Master."


    From beneath the Bull Demon Mask, a subdued, hoarse voice echoed.


    "Has he arrived?"


    "What about Horse Face?"


    "The Divine Sniper won¡¯t easily expose his location... my presence is enough. When it¡¯s time to act, he will strike."


    The Bull Demon said in a deep voice.


    On hearing this, Nan Lihuo¡¯s sleeves swept wildly behind him.


    "Good."


    "The plan?"


    Li Che¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly beneath the Bull Demon mask as he asked.


    "Wen Longshan has been commanded to leave Golden Light Prefecture City to fetch someone."


    "The best opportunity to kill him is on his way to meet this person," said Nan Lihuo.


    "However, we must complete the assassination of Wen Longshan before he meets with this person... If Wen Longshan does manage to meet with them, we must immediately withdraw and retreat," Nan Lihuo stated gravely.


    "Why is that?"


    "The person that Wen Longshan is going to meet... is the five-year-old youngest son of King Ping Luan Ji Molie, coming to the Eight-Armed Prison Lotus Wrathful Third Prince¡¯s Sinister Temple to participate in the Temple God Resonance as a Divine Child."


    "The son of King Ping Luan?!" Li Che¡¯s eyes widened in shock.


    "Yes, the son of King Ping Luan. It¡¯s said that his natural aura has broken through three hundred chi, ranking tenth on the Divine Capital¡¯s Prodigy Leaderboard."


    "He has quite a remarkable talent," Li Che praised.


    "No, his talent is too poor... He¡¯s the weakest among the five offspring of King Ping Luan," said Nan Lihuo.


    Li Che was momentarily at a loss for words.


    "That¡¯s why he was sent to Golden Light Prefecture, in hopes of seizing the opportunity of the Four Royal Mysterious Temples... This legacy of the Third Prince in the Four Royal Mysterious Temple of Golden Light Prefecture is meant for his youngest son¡ªhe is resolute in obtaining it."


    "The fact that Su Huaili was appointed as the Master of Golden Light Prefecture probably also involves Ji Molie," Li Che nodded in understanding.


    Nan Lihuo¡¯s expression suddenly darkened as he swept his sleeves fiercely.


    "Come in."


    The window suddenly opened, and a powerful suction force burst forth, pulling Li Qingshan, who had been eavesdropping outside the window, inside.


    Having his identity revealed, Li Qingshan didn¡¯t mind; he just chuckled gleefully.


    "Sect Master... how can you go kill someone without including me, Li Qingshan?"


    "Killing Wen Longshan, huh? That cur tried to assassinate me during my breakthrough; I, Li Qingshan, always repay my debts. This time, count me in."


    "You can¡¯t leave me out of this!"


    The Ram Horn Hammer in Li Qingshan¡¯s sleeve had already slipped into his grasp, and the arcs of lightning were crackling.


    Nan Lihuo sighed, somewhat helpless.


    "Very well."


    After his breakthrough to Divine Minister, Li Qingshan was indeed not weak.


    "Just make sure you don¡¯t slow us down when we need to escape," said Nan Lihuo.


    Li Qingshan¡¯s face instantly flushed red!


    His weak point was his agility; there wasn¡¯t much he could do about it.


    That old coot Nan Lihuo, embarrassing me like this!


    Nan Lihuo chuckled, then shook two pieces of Mysterious Yellow Paper inscribed with cinnabar Godly Patterns from his sleeves and tossed them to Li Qingshan.


    "These are ¡¯Earth Travel Escape Charms¡¯. One charm can carry you forty li underground," he explained.


    "Use it to escape."


    Then, Nan Lihuo took one for the Bull Demon as well.


    Li Che accepted it without refusal.


    The instant he touched the charm, the Mud Pill at his brow grew slightly warm, and his Divine Skills ¡¯Star Plucking Pupil¡¯ emitted a fierce heat.


    Immediately after, Li Che perfectly grasped the technique to create such charms in his mind.


    Moreover, he realized that if he wished, he could use the ¡¯Fairy in the Painting¡¯ Dao Fruit, with Immaculate Heart Divinity as paper, to draw charms himself.


    "Could this also work?" Li Che smiled inwardly.


    He would have the opportunity to study it further.


    He remembered how Shangguan Qinghong enhanced the power of the military crossbow using Divine Talismans...


    If he mastered the Divine Talismans, it might greatly enhance his Wood Carving path and solve some problems and difficulties.


    "Let¡¯s depart," said Nan Lihuo, glancing at the Bull Demon.


    He then flared his broad sleeves, and a White Fox mask covered his face, making him appear like an ethereal white fox amid the snow.


    Hum...


    Activating the Earth Escape Talisman directly, Nan Lihuo turned into a yellow streak of light and merged into the ground, fleeing swiftly towards the outskirts of Golden Light Peak.


    Li Qingshan glanced at Li Che, chuckled, and put on a cat-face mask, also activating an Earth Escape Talisman.


    These Earth Escape Talismans were not cheap. Nan Lihuo was really splurging to assassinate Wen Longshan!


    Watching the two as they disappeared into the ground.


    Li Che also tested the might of the Earth Escape Talisman.


    A sense of dragging came over him, and it felt as though he was wrapped in a circle of Divine Power of earthy yellow color, racing through the soil at high speed.


    The speed was not bad, like driving a fast car on a highway.


    For Li Che, it could be considered convenient.


    ...


    ...


    Above Golden Light Peak.


    The three Divine Children from Dao City were two boys and one girl. One of them was the always-eating Little Fatty who followed around Nan Lihuo¡¯s senior brother, Taoist King Ku Yu.


    The other two, also from the Ganyuan Orthodox Sect, were both seven-year-olds¡ªa boy and a girl.


    All three Divine Children had a natural aura of over a hundred chi. This was the foundation of the Ganyuan Orthodox Sect!


    Hai Chao Sheng stood among the ranks of the true successor Spirit Children from the Golden Light Sub-sect.


    Even though he was stripped of his status as a true successor, Zhang Qing Zheng still let him attend this exchange event.


    It was a friendly gathering between the Spirit Children of the orthodox sect from Dao City and those from the sub-sects.


    Hai Chao Sheng¡¯s gaze was solemn. He had always been confident, and even arrogant, about his talent until he encountered Li Nuanxi...


    Crushed by her supremacy, his confidence was shaken.


    Now, with the arrival of three Divine Children from the orthodox sect in Dao City,


    Hai Chao Sheng felt an unprecedented pressure, yet his heart was also striving to prove himself.


    Explore hidden tales at empire


    Hai Chao Sheng actually didn¡¯t accept Xi Xi¡¯s superiority; what if she was a Divine Child?


    Just because of a good talent... did that mean she could do whatever she wanted?

 Chapter 339: You Call This 4 Years Old? Emperor Xi Xi Will Cover for You (4)

    Why should she be the darling of everyone¡¯s heart?


    Everyone treats Xi Xi so well!


    Whether it¡¯s the Sect Master, Elder Hongdou, Elder Qingshan, or even the stern-faced Elder Zhang Qingzheng...


    They all like Xi Xi!


    Hai Chao Sheng couldn¡¯t stand it!


    Today¡¯s exchange with the prodigies and Spirit Children of Ganyuan Orthodox Sect in Dao City was Hai Chao Sheng¡¯s time to prove himself.


    When Elder Zhang Qingzheng announced the start of the first match of the exchange.


    From Dao City¡¯s direction, that exquisite seven-year-old prodigy stepped forward slowly with a very mature air.


    "Dao City, Ganyuan Orthodox Sect, Zhong Liuxiu, ranked thirty-seventh on the Dao City Prodigy Leaderboard... has come to meet the geniuses of the Sub-sect."


    A calm voice emanated from the boy clad in splendid attire.


    Hai Chao Sheng immediately stood up, his eyes blazing with fighting spirit.


    "Golden Light Mansion City, Golden Light Sub-sect, Hai Chao Sheng!"


    "Please give me your guidance!"


    Hai Chao Sheng was also dressed in fine clothing, and the two young figures with fluttering hair seemed to convey a sense of rivalry.


    Zhong Liuxiu looked indifferently at Hai Chao Sheng, "Upper Class Spiritual Child? Not even a Divine Child... Summon that Divine Child from your Golden Light Sub-sect who has made it onto the Dao City Prodigy Leaderboard to battle me."


    "You¡¯re unworthy."


    Hai Chao Sheng¡¯s face turned red with rage!


    Underestimating him!


    He, Hai Chao Sheng, the treasured genius coddled by the Hai Family¡¯s ancestor, had never been treated like this!


    "If you want to meet the Divine Child of my Golden Light Sub-sect, you must get past me first."


    "If you can¡¯t even beat me... how are you worthy?"


    Hai Chao Sheng¡¯s five fingers closed, and a humming long sword immediately landed in his hand.


    "Bold." Zhong Liuxiu laughed.


    He squinted at Hai Chao Sheng, seeing the other¡¯s high fighting spirit, he was rather intrigued.


    He simply rolled up his sleeves, barehanded, facing Hai Chao Sheng, who was brandishing a sword.


    From afar.


    Xi Xi, who had originally planned to rush out and fight, was held back by Gong Yang Xiu and Gong Yuanliang.


    At this moment, Xi Xi was sitting atop a mechanical crane, listening to Hai Chao Sheng speak so eloquently, she couldn¡¯t help but nod continuously.


    "Not bad at all, if they can¡¯t even beat Hai Chao Sheng, they don¡¯t deserve to battle Xi Xi!"


    Gong Yuanliang and Gong Yang Xiu exchanged glances, and a look of solemnity arose in both their eyes.


    This Hai Chao Sheng is despicable!


    Using such methods to compete with them...


    For favor!


    Detestable! What a petty person!


    Gong Yuanliang was even more frustrated, stamping his feet in regret; he shouldn¡¯t have held back Xi Xi, he should have been the first to rush forward disregarding all dangers.


    Such domineering words should have been spoken by him, Gong Yuanliang, first!


    On the other hand, Gong Yang Xiu scratched his head.


    They were all so eloquent. Unlike him, he could only follow behind Xi Xi, praising her simply and straightforwardly.


    On the field, the emotions of the children were ever-changing and incomprehensible.


    But undoubtedly, the two clashing on the Daping were the most eye-catching.


    The prodigy from Dao City and Hai Chao Sheng, the talented Spiritual Child from Golden Light Prefecture.


    The talent of a Divine Child was unquestionably higher than that of a Spiritual Child.


    But could a Spiritual Child of the same age defeat a Divine Child?


    This made many people curious.


    Bang!


    The power suddenly erupted, and Hai Chao Sheng¡¯s fighting spirit blazed, with vigor gushing throughout his body.


    He had actually reached the stage of the Three Transfers of Blood Change!


    With a year of hard cultivation, he achieved the progress of two Blood Changes!


    But most importantly, his Divinity had become incredibly powerful!


    It had actually reached the level where his Cultivation was Riverlike!


    Hum


    Sword light cascaded down, and instantly, the sound of metal clashing emerged over the Daping.


    An ultimate study was exhibited by Hai Chao Sheng, precisely the True Intent Ultimate Study of Flowing Sword Peak!


    The Lu Xuan Sword Scripture!


    Minor Accomplishment in the Lu Xuan Sword Scripture!


    This was Hai Chao Sheng¡¯s confidence!


    He seemed born to wield the sword.


    Humming!


    The sound of the sword¡¯s hum exploded above the Daping, as its splendid light seemed to shatter all the snowflakes! Discover stories at empire


    Hai Chao Sheng kept swinging his sword forward, blocking all of Zhong Liuxiu¡¯s space to dodge!


    Forcing Zhong Liuxiu to take his strike!


    Zhong Liuxiu narrowed his eyes, smiled faintly, and took a sudden step forward. Blood surged up his arms, intertwining into two roaring blood-colored tigers!


    A Major Accomplishment in a boxing ultimate study!


    Major Accomplishment?


    Hai Chao Sheng¡¯s eyes tightened, yet he did not give up, sweeping his sword fiercely.


    Zhong Liuxiu laughed heartily, his fists continuously pushing out, blasting the brilliant sword light into fragments.


    Hai Chao Sheng felt his sword couldn¡¯t penetrate within five meters of Zhong Liuxiu¡¯s body.


    His expression turned ugly!


    But he clenched his teeth and did not give up!


    Clang!


    Zhong Liuxiu¡¯s spine vibrated as if a Jiao Long roared. In an instant, his speed accelerated and he fiercely pressed down with a punch!


    Hai Chao Sheng¡¯s face changed color, and he could only defend with his sword.


    Zhong Liuxiu¡¯s punch heavily hammered on the Divine Weapon Sword Artifact that Hai Chao Sheng was using to guard his chest.


    This Nine Luminaries Divine Weapon was directly bent by the punch, hitting Hai Chao Sheng¡¯s chest...


    All Hai Chao Sheng heard was the sound of his chest bones breaking, the intense pain, and the force of the punch entering his body, made him taste blood in his mouth and nose...


    He staggered backward repeatedly.


    He wanted to swing his sword, but...


    He could no longer swing his sword.


    The blood-colored tigers flowing from Zhong Liuxiu¡¯s fists kept smashing out, like two splendid tigers pouncing continuously!


    After one pounce, the second followed fiercely!


    Chest, head, shoulders...


    Hai Chao Sheng didn¡¯t even have a chance to swing his sword!


    The skill gap was too wide!


    Spitting blood repeatedly, Hai Chao Sheng was smashed back again and again, unable to catch his breath!


    Zhong Liuxiu became more and more excited as he hammered, even letting out a piercing scream of thrill.


    Thud


    His fists crossed, smashing down simultaneously.


    Hai Chao Sheng¡¯s figure was abruptly flung sideways.

 Chapter 340: You Call This 4 Years Old? Emperor Xi Xi Will Take Care of You (5)

    She smashed hard onto the ground, trailing a long, narrow streak of blood across the Daping surface!


    Zhong Liuxiu¡¯s fists surged with tiger-headed mists of blood, like blazing red flames, ceaselessly billowing.


    "An Upper Class Spiritual Child, is just an Upper Class Spiritual Child after all... nothing more."


    Zhong Liuxiu said indifferently.


    "How boring."


    His gaze lifted, settling on Xi Xi, who sat on the back of the Mechanical Crane, slowly raising his fist.


    "You..."


    However, just as Zhong Liuxiu was about to speak,


    His words abruptly came to a halt.


    His gaze fixed on Hai Chao Sheng, who was swaying, using his sword to stand up.


    Blood dripped from Hai Chao Sheng¡¯s mouth and nose, his eyes nearly unable to open.


    One rib after another in front of his chest was broken, but he neither admitted defeat nor wanted to concede.


    Hai Chao Sheng had always believed he was a talent and would be the pride of the Hai Family...


    How could he not last even the time it takes an incense stick to burn against his opponent?


    "I... I haven¡¯t lost yet..." Find your next read at empire


    Hai Chao Sheng opened his mouth, blood dripping down, gasping for air, every breath like bellows.


    He raised his head abruptly, the fighting spirit still burning in his eyes.


    As the fighting spirit blazed, large tears rolled down from Hai Chao Sheng¡¯s swollen eyes, plip-plop, splashing onto the ground, shattering into sparkling fragments!


    In everyone¡¯s eyes, there was only Xi Xi...


    But he, Hai Chao Sheng...


    Had once been brilliant too!


    He was not reconciled!


    Even if he couldn¡¯t win, he couldn¡¯t afford to lose so miserably!


    Xi Xi, sitting on the Mechanical Crane¡¯s back, stared with wide eyes, her lips pursed, as if deep in thought.


    Zhong Liuxiu, however, watched Hai Chao Sheng in astonishment before bursting into a scornful laugh.


    "Such a meaningless persistence, what are you crying for? If crying was useful... what would be the use of talent?"


    "Crying that moves only yourself is utterly pointless!"


    Zhong Liuxiu roared.


    Boom


    He stomped down, fists raised, the tiger-headed mists roared!


    He charged ferociously at Hai Chao Sheng!


    At that moment, Hai Chao Sheng could barely stand, let alone fight back?


    What did he have to fight back with?


    Kneel down!


    Hai Chao Sheng tried to lift his sword, stubborn and unyielding.


    But...


    He had no strength left.


    Merely holding his sword expended all his energy.


    He could only glare.


    Waiting for Zhong Liuxiu¡¯s fist to send him flying.


    Boom!!!


    A muffled sound!


    A small figure suddenly appeared in front of Hai Chao Sheng.


    The tiger-headed fists that Zhong Liuxiu had smashed down were actually grasped by that small figure!


    Xi Xi¡¯s hair flew about, her large eyes bright and twinkling.


    Zhong Liuxiu looked down at the little one a head shorter than him, who, with sheer physical strength, had caught and halted his fists.


    His pupils contracted slightly!


    "You..."


    Xi Xi shouted, a surge of vital blood suddenly erupting from her tiny four-year-old body!


    Zhong Liuxiu only felt a tremendous force rushing at him, his fists that were held were flung out sideways.


    His whole body spun a half-arc in the air, crashing hard onto the ground.


    Xi Xi clapped her hands, speaking in her babyish voice.


    "This Hai Chao Sheng speaks so nicely."


    "Emperor Xi Xi will protect him from now on!"


    After Xi Xi spoke, she stepped forward, the blood tide within her body surging, issuing a dull roar!


    Five consecutive waves of thunderous noise exploded!


    Blood Exchange Level Five!


    Zhong Liuxiu¡¯s eyelid twitched.


    Blood Exchange Level Five?!


    This is...


    At four years old?!


    Hai Chao Sheng¡¯s eyes were misty with tears, his hand trembling as he held his sword.


    Looking at the small figure standing in front of him...


    Listening to that full and resonant, babyish voice echoing across Daping.


    An unprecedented sense of security rose from the bottom of his heart.


    It seemed...


    His vision was blurring.

 Chapter 341: The Four-Year-Old Divine Child Can Be My Concubine, Horse Face, I’ve Found You!

    Snowflakes drifted slowly from the sky.


    The surging qi and blood, heated intensely, were torn apart and suddenly exploded.


    Xi Xi stood still, her small body bursting with overwhelming qi and blood!


    Blood Exchange... Level Five!


    At four years old, she was in the Blood Exchange Realm, and had reached the fifth level of Blood Exchange!


    At this moment, atop Golden Light Peak¡¯s grand platform, many faces changed color, filled with shock, gasps of cold air, and expressions of astonishment that did not cease!


    "Four years old... and she achieved Blood Exchange Level Five? How was she trained?"


    "Is her martial talent that high? That¡¯s too exaggerated!"


    "Even in Dao City... unless it¡¯s that individual with the Innate Great Grandmaster Martial Body, who could reach the Blood Exchange Realm at four?"


    Exaggerated...


    Only the word ¡¯monster¡¯ can describe her!


    Above on the high platform,


    Taoist King Ku Yu, paused in stroking his beard, his eyes inevitably revealing a trace of astonishment.


    "This talent... truly is freakishly startling!"


    "No wonder my fellow brother holds her in such high regard, reaching such martial cultivation at four is indeed rare!"


    Ku Yu¡¯s eyes narrowed.


    Perhaps, this girl truly might have the chance to be taken under the wing of the orthodox master of Ganyuan Orthodox Sect?


    To become the last closed-door disciple of the orthodox master?


    After all, the master of the Authentic Divine Sect of Ganyuan, is a truly formidable cultivator standing at the pinnacle of Great Vista, worthy of being called a great god!


    So many people were desperate to become disciples under him.


    Especially since the orthodox lord announced he would only take one last disciple in this lifetime, which shook the Lingnan Circuit and the surrounding circuits!


    The influence of a Divine Sect authentic master is indeed remarkable!


    "But still, it¡¯s hard..."


    Taoist King Ku Yu imperceptibly shook his head.


    Being in the Blood Exchange Realm at four is impressive, but there are far too many divine children who could compete with her.


    The favored juniors of thousand-year-old families from Dao City, sons of vassal kings, those with imperial clan bloodline, naturally talented children, reincarnated divine children...


    Moreover, the orthodox master is in seclusion.


    He claimed he would not emerge for four more years...


    In four years¡¯ time, Xi Xi would be eight.


    Some children might be precocious, growing faster than normal at the start.


    But gradually, their pace might slow down, or they might even fade into mediocrity.


    For Xi Xi...


    The chances are too uncertain before she turns eight.


    And the Golden Light Sub-sect simply can¡¯t match the resources of those divine children from Dao City or even Divine Capital!


    Taoist King Ku Yu sighed deeply.


    Nan Lihuo hoped to provide a better future and a better home for this favorite and promising junior disciple in his later years of life.


    "As her senior brother..."


    "I can only do my utmost to help you one last time."


    ... Stay updated with empire


    ...


    Zhong Liuxiu¡¯s fists, enveloped in scarlet blood mist, slowly rose.


    Getting flung by a four-year-old was indeed a blow to his pride.


    But it was not a big issue.


    He just needed to win back with an even more dominant posture!


    Blood Exchange Level Five?


    He was too!


    Moreover... he was a seven-year-old at Blood Exchange Level Five!


    Boom!


    His body burst forth with a silent roar, as if five fierce tigers were roaring simultaneously.


    With one step, he twisted around, and the slate-paved ground beneath his feet immediately burst open with cracks, spreading like a radiative spider web!


    The immense recoil force instantly tore through the air, creating a sonic boom, like a streak of red light that swiftly charged towards Xi Xi!


    Xi Xi¡¯s eyes flickered excitedly.


    Ah¡ª she hadn¡¯t had a good fight in a long time!


    Xi Xi would really enjoy this day!


    Her chubby hands vigorously slapped forward, a tremendous divinity howling forth from within her.


    [Extreme Grief Wind Fire Subdue Dragon Third Prince] Divinity!


    Accompanied by a Five Elders Level Method of Nurturing Nature!


    In fact, this method of nurturing nature is not high, within the Divine Sect Branch, there are even Four Imperials Level methods of nurturing nature.


    But, the purpose of nurturing nature methods is to nurture divinity, paving the way for creating a divine foundation.


    If one pursues a higher rank cultivation method at this stage, it might lead to a bottleneck at the Divine Foundation Stage!


    The Method of Nurturing Nature that Xi Xi followed was matched with the method of Divine Likeness!


    Obtained from the Golden Temple, nurturing nature, divine foundation, void aspect, divine likeness...


    A single-stream Five Elders Rank package!


    This cost-effectiveness is far superior than the sect¡¯s methods.


    Golden Prison Fire Glazed Body!


    Xi Xi let out a milk-voiced roar, executing this signature absolute learning of Nan Lihuo and reaching the Minor Accomplishment level!


    And she was close to achieving Major Accomplishment!


    Her entire body transformed into a blaze of intense flames, like a brilliant streak of gold light, charging toward Zhong Liuxiu!


    Clash¡ª


    The two simply collided directly!


    Striking each other!


    Slamming into each other!


    A large and a small figure, swiftly exchanging blows in the snowy plains of the grand platform!


    Zhong Liuxiu¡¯s mastery of martial arts was not low, having cultivated an inferior absolute martial art to Major Accomplishment!


    It was the entry technique to martial arts cultivation begun by his family.


    However, after reaching Major Accomplishment, trying to progress the absolute learning to a Master level was extremely difficult!


    Even at eighteen, Zhong Liuxiu might not be able to push this absolute martial art from Major Accomplishment to the Master Realm!


    He would need to elevate his own martial cultivation to the Grandmaster Realm first.


    However, having an absolute martial art at Major Accomplishment as a foundation, reciprocating the comprehension of other superior martial arts, and making the blood and qi of the Divine Vein mutable, it becomes much easier.


    This was also the common cultivation approach of the juniors from families with a rich legacy.


    And Xi Xi¡¯s martial talent, after constant cheating exposure by Li Che...


    Wrapped the Immaculate Heart Divinity, carrying the understanding of [Dragon Elephant Vajra] Dao Fruit for martial arts, into her body.


    Which made her already strong martial talent soar even further!


    In just one year, she had managed to cultivate the Golden Inferno Glazed Body to a Minor Accomplishment near Major Accomplishment level!


    Although it couldn¡¯t compare to Zhong Liuxiu¡¯s Major Accomplishment absolute martial art, it didn¡¯t matter because Xi Xi also had the Transformative Realm Level White Tiger Chaotic Wind Fist!

 Chapter 342: The Four-Year-Old Divine Child Can Be My Concubine, Horse Face I Found You! (2)

    Indeed, the "kitty cat fist technique" Xi Xi spoke of, under Li Che¡¯s cheating-style power transfer, had reached the Transformative Realm Level!


    Zhong Liuxiu felt an immense pressure, with a bellyful of old complaints that he found hard to voice!


    Transformation Realm!


    Four years old...the hell with Transcendental Fist Technique?!


    Are you the reincarnation of some old monster?


    Inside the little kid¡¯s body, could there be an ugly old dog that has been practicing martial arts for decades?!


    Can¡¯t hold it any longer!


    After clashing with Xi Xi, Zhong Liuxiu¡¯s forehead began to sweat, and he couldn¡¯t help but to feel sweat running down his back!


    "No good...If this continues, I¡¯ll be completely suppressed...until defeat!"


    "True to the reputation of a four-year-old freak, ranked twenty-first on the Dao City Prodigy Leaderboard!"


    "Impressive!"


    "I need to get away from her..."


    Zhong Liuxiu roared in rage, his arms suddenly ignited with tiger-headed red patterns!


    His punches came one after another, with two vibrant qi-blooded Red Tigers roaring and rushing out!


    Xi Xi leaped up, as if riding on the Red Tiger, swinging her little fists, her body ablaze with golden fiery light.


    Riding the tiger, swinging fists!


    Emperor Xi Xi, at four, roaringly battling the tiger!


    In the distance.


    Hai Chao Sheng was pulled away by Gong Yuanliang and Gongyang Xiu.


    With Emperor Xi Xi¡¯s entrance, the spectators were cleared out!


    Zhang Qing Zheng invoked Divinity, healing Hai Chao Sheng¡¯s wounds, and Hai Chao Sheng once again became as vigorous as a dragon.


    At this moment, Hai Chao Sheng fixated on the Xi Xi pressing down and fighting Zhong Liuxiu in the ring.


    At this moment, Hai Chao Sheng was thoroughly convinced!


    "Xi Xi...so strong..."


    Hai Chao Sheng said with emotion.


    Gong Yuanliang and Gongyang Xiu gave him a wary glance.


    Strong is strong, but what¡¯s with the glow in your eyes?


    "I¡¯ve been Xi Xi¡¯s good friend for a year now!"


    Gong Yuanliang declared.


    "I held hands with Xi Xi a year ago!" Gongyang Xiu said, puffing up his little face, pulling out his trump card!


    Gong Yuanliang¡¯s eyes widened, and he started to quarrel with Gongyang Xiu again.


    Eventually, Gong Yuanliang brought out another killer move related to his little aunt¡¯s ability to eat...


    Which infuriated Gongyang Xiu!


    Hai Chao Sheng sneered, glancing at the two childish boys.


    How could these two young prospects be worthy of standing by Xi Xi¡¯s side?


    Only he, Hai Chao Sheng!


    Only he shared common topics with Emperor Xi Xi!


    In Hai Chao Sheng¡¯s mind, the image of Xi Xi tearing through the darkness to rescue him from a desperate situation reappeared.


    That image...


    Was deeply etched in his mind, the most touching scene of his eight years of life.


    Emperor Xi Xi! Find your adventure at empire


    He, Hai Chao Sheng, in this life...will definitely follow!


    Hai Chao Sheng pushed Gong Yuanliang and Gongyang Xiu to the side!


    "Go Xi Xi!"


    Hai Chao Sheng clenched his fist, tossed his head, and sweat droplets from his hair scattered in the faint sunlight of winter, shouting out a voice that nearly broke.


    He even cracked a note...


    But that passion, that sincerity, that guttural cheer!


    Completely disconcerted Gong Yuanliang and Gongyang Xiu who were bickering.


    But they quickly recovered.


    And began to shout exuberantly!


    ...


    ...


    In the midwinter chill, the world was bone-piercing cold!


    A great snowstorm suddenly came.


    The world was dressed in silver, with remote cold mountains shrouded in white.


    Whoosh¡ªwhoosh¡ª


    The bone-chilling wind twirled and whipped up the snow-laden branches, swirling them around.


    On the official road flanked by dense forests, devoid of human presence, everything was covered by thick accumulated snow, stretching out a vast expanse of white.


    It was like a vast blank space in an ink-wash landscape painting.


    Suddenly, the snow exploded apart.


    A tall and stalwart shadow, like a mountain, leaped from the snow, stirring up mud and fluttering white snow.


    Li Che adjusted his conical hat, clad in a black robe, wearing the Cute Bull Mask carved out of Eighth-Order Spirit Wood.


    He landed on the snow, leaving no trace.


    Li Che had come through the earth using the Earth Escape Talisman given by Nan Lihuo, breaking out of the ground right here.


    Nan Lihuo and Li Qingshan were not nearby.


    Nan Lihuo¡¯s hiring of Ox Demon and Horse Face didn¡¯t require them to fight at close quarters, he needed Horse Face¡¯s long-range sniping ability.


    And in Nan Lihuo¡¯s mind, a Divine Archer needed the protection of Ox Demon, a martial arts expert, to shoot arrows with full concentration.


    To prevent being ambushed.


    So, from the start, Nan Lihuo hired Ox Demon and Horse Face as a pair, rather than just Horse Face alone, or a single Ox Demon.


    Li Che knew this and wasn¡¯t concerned.


    Standing in the middle of the snowy field.


    Underneath the Cute Bull Mask, Li Che suddenly let out a laugh.


    However, the laugh sounded a bit chilling.


    "Little Stinky Xi...a Divine Sect Charmer, huh? At just four, your charm is this big?"


    "One little brat after another is drawn to you."


    Li Che, through the Thunder Chess Piece on Xi Xi, overlooked the entire situation, capturing the scenes in their entirety.


    He clearly saw Hai Chao Sheng, Gongyang Xiu, and Gong Yuanliang ¨C three little brats competing for favor!


    These three little brats, Li Che would remember them.


    Keep a close eye on them!


    Twisting his neck, the devilish muscles on Li Che¡¯s back suddenly exploded, his qi blood forming concentric waves, surging in all directions.


    With a push from his feet, Li Che¡¯s figure shot out instantaneously, landing amid the dense woods, racing swiftly between the trees.


    Having found a position at last, Li Che settled down without a sound, causing no stir.


    Even the large tree, heavily laden with snow, did not drop a single flake.


    The Fairy in the Painting incarnation appeared, taking the form of Ox Demon, while his original form took on the guise of Horse Face.


    With two fingers pinched together, he tore through the air, pulling out the Immortal Work Barrett, grasping it in hand.


    The Fairy in the Painting incarnation as Ox Demon stood by Li Che¡¯s side.


    Li Che closed his eyes, the Chess Saint Dao Fruit pulsed vigorously, and then the light of the surrounding world dimmed.


    Only the radiant Heaven and Earth Chessboard, centering on his position, expanded rapidly in all directions.

 Chapter 343: The Four-Year-Old Divine Child Can Be My Concubine, Horse Face I Found You! (3)

    Whooosh¡ª


    Between heaven and earth, a sudden wind whirls, and a heavy snow dances wildly!


    Everything within Li Che¡¯s perception became exceedingly clear.


    The carriage rumbles, the horses whinny.


    Wen Longshan.


    Was here.


    ...


    ...


    The flying snow swirls, and the cold wind rustles.


    The official roads were covered with a thick layer of frozen snow.


    The bone-chilling wind blasted fiercely; even the established roads were scarcely traveled. Even experienced merchants and escort agencies would not travel on such days.


    However, amidst the icy world,


    There was a troop tearing through the sky full of snow, galloping on their journey, their vigorous blood and qi clearing the way, tearing apart the snow curtains blown askew by the wind!


    The leading figure, dressed in black, with a side knife at his waist, mounted on a horse, approached through the snow!


    Carrying a neatly aligned black iron strong bow, which had frosted white in the blizzard.


    They were cautious and solemn, and in the middle, they protected a plain and common carriage.


    The thick curtains of the carriage drooped down, keeping out the chill.


    Atop the carriage sat a one-armed old coachman dressed in burlap, wearing a wide-brimmed hat.


    The wheel hubs creaked and crunched the frozen snow, carving out a slow-moving path.


    The carriage curtain was lifted.


    A five-year-old child in luxurious clothes with a young face emerged.


    The boy was clad in splendor with an imposing aura between his brows, and if one looked closely, the pupils of his eyes were faintly purple.


    "Young Prince, it¡¯s cold as ice out here; don¡¯t catch a chill,"


    The one-armed coachman¡¯s empty sleeve swung in the wind as he glanced at the boy and spoke slowly.


    The youngster, however, did not mind and leisurely exited the carriage, sitting on the coachman¡¯s bench.


    The small figure looked out at the snowy sky and reached out to pluck a snowflake.


    "Old Driver, are we close to Golden Light Prefecture City?"


    The boy asked.


    His voice was tender, yet mature for his age.


    The one-armed old man smiled. "We¡¯re close."


    "Su Huaili should have been informed of the Young Prince¡¯s arrival and probably has sent someone from the Yunzhou Divine Guards Camp, led by the Divine Archer Colonel, to escort us."


    The one-armed old man spoke softly.


    "It seems a bit slow... They have not yet arrived."


    Stay updated with empire


    "A bit slack indeed, but they aren¡¯t the Prince¡¯s personal troops, so it¡¯s normal to be slack."


    The boy nodded, his purple pupils reflecting the white snow of the world around him, looking radiant.


    "Eight-Armed Prison Lotus Wrathful Third Prince¡¯s Sinister Temple... The Four Royal Mysterious Temples, my father once explored one when he was younger..."


    "He gave it a high appraisal, saying this Mysterious Temple might be one of the top Mysterious Temples within the Grand Prospect Dynasty¡¯s borders."


    "Father has been arranging for it since I was born..."


    "I hope this Mysterious Temple doesn¡¯t disappoint me."


    The five-year-old boy, his fancy clothes fluttering, his eyes shining like purple lightning, spoke indifferently.


    Yet the one-armed old man smiled. "Don¡¯t worry... The appraisal given by the Prince can¡¯t be wrong."


    "The Prince has paved the way for the Young Prince for so long."


    "With Temple God Resonance, the Young Prince will definitely come out on top, although we¡¯ve heard that this time, from Lingnan Taoist City, the Qian Yuan Divine Sect has sent a Divine Child and an Upper Class Spiritual Child, and here in Golden Light Prefecture, there¡¯s also a Divine Child born with a hundred feet of purple aura..."


    "But, for the Young Prince..."


    The one-armed charioteer had not finished speaking.


    A childish voice then echoed between heaven and earth.


    "They are all trash!"


    The charioteer was startled, then burst into a big laugh.


    "Truly the offspring of the Old Prince, possessing a bit of the Old Prince¡¯s vigor!"


    "Among the eleven Taoist cities of the Grand Prospect Dynasty, Lingnan Taoist City is ranked in the middle to lower tier, and the Divine Children they produce... to the Young Prince, indeed, they are no different from trash."


    A smile curved at the corners of the youth¡¯s lips.


    "I hear that Divine Child taken in by the Golden Light Sub-sect is only four years old? Apparently, her talent is exceptional, her martial prowess outstanding, and she has reached the Blood Exchange Realm at four, becoming Nan Lihuo¡¯s direct disciple?"


    The youth stood with his hands behind his back, standing in the snowstorm.


    "Nan Lihuo¡¯s disciple, huh?"


    "A Blood Exchange at four, not bad, I can barely grant her the future qualification to be one of my concubines!"


    As his words ended,


    The youth opened his arms.


    From within his chest, a grand air, as if to fill the heavens, began to surge.


    "I must obtain the legacy of the Eight-Armed Prison Lotus Wrathful Third Prince!"


    Boom¡ª


    The wheels turned, crushing the wind and snow!


    In the vast white world of ice and snow,


    It was like a thrown spear, hunting wild beasts, a black long spears!


    ...


    ...


    The Demon Blood Treasure Horse galloped speedily, shattering the wind and snow, hot blood rolled up from the person riding the steed and the horse itself.


    Wen Longshan, dressed in a colonel¡¯s uniform and carrying a red longbow, was imposing.


    With a squeeze of his legs, the Demon Blood Treasure Horse, flowing with the blood of a demonic creature, let out a fierce neigh, its forehooves lifted high, and countless flakes of snow exploded into the air!


    Wen Longshan¡¯s brows furrowed.


    Beside him were several members of the Guard Squad, dressed in armor and riding treasure horses.


    "Colonel Wen, what¡¯s the matter?"


    A Deputy General reined in his horse, stopping it as he asked in confusion.


    Wen Longshan raised his hand and took an arrow from the quiver on his back.


    Only to see, the arrow was trembling incessantly.


    "My arrow... is trembling."


    "There¡¯s an ambush."


    Wen Longshan said gravely.


    The Deputy General was startled, then laughed, "Colonel, aren¡¯t you being too cautious? Our departure from the city to welcome the Young Prince was a covert action, who would lay an ambush in advance?"


    "Moreover, if there were an ambush, it would be for the Young Prince... why would they ambush us?"


    The Deputy General laughed and laughed, but as Wen Longshan watched him with an indifferent gaze, he gradually stopped laughing.


    The Deputy General¡¯s eyes grew serious.


    "It¡¯s aimed at the Colonel?"


    Wen Longshan took down the longbow at his waist and sneered.


    "Most likely..."


    "Just as well, before meeting the Young Prince, we¡¯ll clean up some stray cats and dogs, so they won¡¯t disturb the Young Prince later on."

 Chapter 344: The Four-Year-Old Divine Child Can Be My Concubine, Horse Face I Found You! (4)

    Wen Longshan twisted his neck, and in an instant, bulging veins spread across his neck like a net of jiaolong.


    In the crimson light of his eyes, sharpness and madness burst forth.


    A vigorous surge of energy suddenly welled up within him.


    Like a bundle of red flames, it melted everything around in the icy, snowy wilderness!


    "Horse Face!!!!"


    Whoosh


    Silent black lines shot from the distant sky in an instant!


    Wen Longshan¡¯s hair exploded, his body suddenly shot up, and he crashed into the snowy ground with several forceful steps.


    Under the colonel¡¯s uniform, his muscles swelled fiercely!


    With his unruly hair thrown back and his waist twisted, the creaking sounded as harsh as tearing through ten miles of frozen ice!


    The Divine Bow was drawn to full crescent!


    Countless boiling hot steam rose up!


    Boom!!!


    The Dragon Tooth Bullet arrived first, followed by a terrifying sonic boom, resembling a dragon¡¯s chant roaring, shattering the sky!


    Wen Longshan sensed it beforehand and dodged, but the Demon Blood Treasure Horse beneath him was struck directly and exploded instantly!


    Wen Longshan¡¯s squad immediately became tense and chaotic.


    They pulled on the reins and roared in fury.


    Spurt!


    However.


    By the time they reacted, it was already too late!


    Dragon Tooth Bullets, like invisible dragon claws, stealthily struck from the void.


    Silent and forceful, they contained extremely terrifying lethal power!


    Except for that Deputy General of the Divine Phase Realm.


    The other guards didn¡¯t even realize what was happening before their heads exploded!


    "Go! Find Horse Face¡¯s position!"


    "Based on the speed and burst of that hidden weapon, he¡¯s within ten miles!"


    Wen Longshan¡¯s low voice was filled with explosive anger.


    The Deputy General, hearing this, hesitated not at all. He immediately leaped from his horse, transforming into a streak of light as he sprinted toward the depths of the dense forest.


    Wen Longshan drew the longbow to full crescent, his vital energy threading like silk into the bow, while the arrow seemingly screamed!


    Horse Face wants to kill him?!


    Horse Face dares to try and kill him?!


    No...


    Wen Longshan¡¯s eyes narrowed.


    By himself, Horse Face couldn¡¯t possibly or confidently attempt to kill him!


    Horse Face had accomplices!


    Or rather, someone had hired Horse Face to kill him!


    In an instant, in the span of a flash, Wen Longshan understood the reason.


    Who is it?!


    "Come out!!!!"


    Wen Longshan roared, the bowstring trembling as the arrow leapt out like a raging beast!


    Hisss!


    The air suddenly erupted with white waves, like thunder tearing through the human world!


    Sizzle sizzle sizzle!


    However, a terrifying hammer shadow smashed down explosively!


    The entire snowy field seemed to shake, and the dense, accumulated snow was suddenly thrown into the air by the impact!


    "Ram¡¯s Horn Sky Shatterer! Li Qingshan!"


    "You cur?!"


    Wen Longshan¡¯s eyes narrowed, countless red flames burning up, his arms seeming to ignite with terrifying flames.


    He drew the bow, bent it, and fired an arrow!


    Feathers ignited with crimson flames, resembling a red Jiao dragon spanning the heavens and earth!


    "Wen Longshan, you deceitful and shameless scum, trying to kill me when I¡¯m at a breakthrough! Why shouldn¡¯t I dare to kill you?"


    In the dense forest.


    A figure fiercely swung the Ram Horn Hammer, dense arcs of lightning interweaving between heaven and earth.


    The shock clashed with the crimson Flowing Arrow!


    Explosions continuously erupted!


    Puh¡ª


    A muffled grunt, the Deputy General in the Initial Realm of Divine Minister suddenly spurted blood backward, his spine dragging out a deep gully in the snow!


    Then a sharp Golden Light Sword Shadow, accompanied by a world-shattering collapse, bore through.


    It pierced the Deputy General¡¯s skull!


    Nailing him to the snowy ground. Continue your story on empire


    Crimson blood instantly diffused, staining the pristine white snow a bright red!


    The gilded long sword still trembled slightly.


    "Mystic Thunder Golden Light Killing Sword!"


    "Nan Lihuo!"


    Wen Longshan narrowed his eyes, his body aglow with red firelight, and said in a deep voice.


    One in front and one behind.


    Two figures slowly emerged, severing both his paths of advance and retreat.


    There was also a sinister Divine Archer, hiding in the shadows, aiming at him, ever-ready to unleash a terrifying Dragon¡¯s Chant thunder strike!


    It was truly...


    A net of heaven and earth!


    The tense expression on Wen Longshan¡¯s face suddenly vanished.


    He chuckled softly.


    "Nan Lihuo... you old fox, couldn¡¯t restrain yourself, deciding to take the initiative... wanting to kill me."


    Wen Longshan grasped the Divine Bow and laughed.


    Nan Lihuo, wearing a white fox mask, his white hair fluttering amid the snow.


    A gentle sigh.


    "Indeed..."


    Li Qingshan wearing a black cat mask, narrowed his eyes and suddenly looked up.


    But then, suddenly above the dome of the sky, a terrifying white wave tore through!


    That was...


    Prefect Su Huaili!


    Li Qingshan furrowed his brows.


    The mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind?


    Li Qingshan looked toward Nan Lihuo, Sect Master... it seems your intel was already known!


    Or rather, while you planned against others, they also strategized against you...


    Su Huaili...


    This direct disciple of King Ping Luan Ji Molie, although the youngest disciple, the mere name of Ji Molie¡¯s disciple was enough to instill a sense of retreat and terror!


    "Li Qingshan, if things go south, look for a chance to escape."


    "I¡¯ll go and meet with our Golden Light Prefecture Master."


    "Meet this... little disciple of the King of Quelling Chaos."


    Under the white fox mask, pitch-black pupils suddenly ignited with flames of gold!


    A step tapped down.


    The figure of the white fox, instantly accompanied by a rippling, rapidly expanding turbulent airwave, shot into the clouds!


    Above the heavens.


    Clothed in armor, carrying a broad blade long sword, Su Huaili in martial attire, nowhere near the usual scholarly elegance of the City Lord¡¯s Mansion.


    Slowly taking off the broad blade long sword carried on his back, Su Huaili sneered at Nan Lihuo.

 Chapter 345: The Four-Year-Old Divine Child Can Be My Concubine, Horse Face I Found You! (5)

    He slowly raised his hand.


    A bloody head, he gripped in his hand.


    "Southern Sect Master, next time do not plant undercover agents in the homes of Imperial Court officials... it creates a bad reaction, affecting the harmony between the Imperial Court and Divine Sect."


    "Moreover, since you have come, you might as well stay."


    "I am very curious, why did my teacher specially summon me to watch over you... What secret do you hold?


    "Or perhaps... Southern Sect Master... do you know some secret of my teacher¡¯s?"


    As his words ended.


    Su Huaili¡¯s presence suddenly became overbearing, and he flung the severed head away.


    Then the long knife trembled, and in an instant, the sky was swept with blades!


    The strong and terrifying Primordial Spirit power, like dark clouds that blot out the sun, suddenly enveloped and oppressed Nan Lihuo!


    Primordial Spirit!


    The golden flames in Nan Lihuo¡¯s pupils leaped fiercely!


    Su Huaili... had indeed cultivated the Primordial Spirit!


    But he, Nan Lihuo...


    Also possessed the Golden Prison Fire Glaze!


    Transformation Realm!


    True Intent of the Jue Xue... Domain!


    Nan Lihuo¡¯s arms suddenly flung open, and at once, it was as if a golden deity had appeared in the heavens above, transforming into a brilliant golden flame, colliding with Su Huaili¡¯s long knife!


    The golden sword clashed with the overbearing blade in the sky!


    Steel struck steel!


    Sparks flew!


    ...


    ...


    In the midst of the snowfield.


    Wen Longshan gripped his longbow, his gaze sharp and cold.


    He looked towards the distant Li Qingshan.


    He did not care about Li Qingshan. His killing intent was aimed more at that Horse Face hiding in the shadows!


    He wanted to kill Horse Face...


    He wanted it so badly!


    The Dragon Tooth Bodhi Bullet that had pierced his chest was an immeasurable insult to him!


    Only by severing the head of Horse Face could he regain his confidence and glory as the Divine Archer!


    The insignificant Li Qingshan...


    Was not even considered by Wen Longshan!


    He slightly tilted his head, his ears twitched, and in a flash, Wen Longshan¡¯s eyes glowed with intensity, his fingers grasping.


    The longbow was drawn fully!


    The crimson glowing arrow burst forth, colliding in mid-air with the silently speeding Dragon Tooth Bodhi Bullet!


    An intense burst of flames erupted!


    The shockwave howled and fiercely swirled!


    Wearing a cat-faced mask, Li Qingshan dragged the Ram Horn Sky-breaking Hammer, sweeping through like a net of thunder, charging forth to strike!


    However...


    Li Qingshan¡¯s expression quickly changed!


    Because from within the dense forest, the whistling of Divine Army Crossbow Bolts came hurtling towards him!


    The fearful piercing force disrupted the air, causing Li Qingshan¡¯s hammer, initially aimed at Wen Longshan, to abruptly change direction.


    He smashed it towards the massive Divine Army Crossbow Arrow!


    The incoming crossbow arrow¡¯s head was hammered into the snowy ground, creating a huge snow crater!


    Two figures suddenly appeared mid-air, their powerful Divine General forms taking shape!


    Both dressed in armor, they were the Divine Generals!


    "Two great Divine Generals of the Divine Guard Army!"


    Under his cat-faced mask, Li Qingshan drew a sharp breath.


    Were the opponents too well-prepared?


    This was...


    Discover hidden stories at My Virtual Library Empire


    A counter-calculated move!


    On the other side, Wen Longshan merely ignored Li Qingshan.


    Two Generals in the late God Phase Stage of the Divine Guard Army... were enough to deal with Li Qingshan who had just broken through.


    His target...


    Was only Horse Face!


    With a sway of his body, he stomped the ground heavily, and the surging snow waves rose up like curtains several meters high before scattering down incessantly!


    Taking advantage of this hazy interruption, Wen Longshan moved without a trace into the dense forest!


    The dense forest...


    Was the domain of the Divine Archer!


    When the position of a Divine Archer is revealed.


    It means...


    That the Divine Archer... is not far from death!


    Wen Longshan sped through the snowy forest like a red dragon.


    "Horse Face..."


    "I¡¯ve found you!"

 Chapter 359: Emperor Xi Xi’s New Love, A Young Girl Harbors a Temple God Inside

    Chapter 359: Chapter 157: Emperor Xi Xi¡¯s New Love, A Young Girl Harbors a Temple God Inside


    A Spirit Monkey Mask, adorned with golden monkey fur, was flying wildly.


    The smile on its face bore a touch of demonic charm, arrogance, and dominance. The surge of emotion that came forth made one¡¯s mind dizzy.


    Li Che stared blankly at the mask suspended in the Heaven and Earth chessboard.


    In his mind, visions akin to illusions emerged involuntarily.


    Huaguo Mountain... a Divine Monkey facing the black clouds above, alone against thousands of heavenly demons and monsters...


    All these images were like overlapping and interwoven myths from two realms¡¯ memories.


    What exactly is real?


    What exactly is fake?


    Li Che found it somewhat difficult to distinguish; the scenes he had just witnessed were considered mythical in this world.


    But that inexplicable familiarity and overlay tightened his heart as if gripped by an invisible hand.


    What exactly had the Temple Gods of this world encountered?


    Li Che took a deep breath and then exhaled it.


    He calmed himself down.


    These were not matters he could interfere with right now.


    His mind returned to the Heaven and Earth chessboard.


    With a thought, as if manipulating chess pieces on the chessboard, he wanted to control the Spirit Monkey Mask.


    Presently in the Heaven and Earth chessboard of Chess Saint Dao Fruit, two strange objects not classified as chess pieces had appeared.


    One was the Seven Elemental Corpse Curse Mother-and-Child Seal, and the other was this Spirit Monkey Mask.


    Masks...


    Li Che was all too familiar with them!


    "Eh? Not a Temple God Chess Piece... but it turned into a Temple God ¡®Mask¡¯?¡±


    Li Che slightly moved in thought.


    Divine Sense attraction.


    In an instant, he felt an extremely terrifying suction force, wanting to drain his Divine Sense completely dry.


    He, who possessed the Pure Heart Divine Foundation and eight other great Divine Foundations, thus generating a Divine Sense eight times stronger than ordinary Divine Base Cultivators,


    Felt for a moment that he might be drained dry.


    Now, Li Che, in terms of strength of Divine Sense, was not weaker than any Divine Minister.


    After all, his Divine Foundations were numerous...


    Resulting in a qualitative change through quantitative accumulation.


    "Interesting


    Li Che opened his eyes.


    He raised his hand and touched his face...


    Only to discover that a fuzzy mask was slowly spreading and covering his face!


    It was precisely that Spirit Monkey Mask, which originally should have existed in the Heaven and Earth chessboard, that now appeared on his face.


    A surge of madness, violence, refusal to concede, and anger...


    All such emotions, like waves, surged, impacting his mind, bursting out through the Heavenly Spirit Cover.


    "Equaling Heaven¡ª!¡±


    A roar suddenly exploded next to Li Che¡¯s ear!


    The sound was too loud, akin to a millennium-old ancient bell hanging next to Li Che¡¯s ear, heavily striking down and creating ripples like waves!


    Continuously echoing, continuously impacting!


    Li Che abruptly cut off his Divine Sense from the mask.


    Moreover, he forcibly suppressed the emerging Spirit Monkey Mask back onto his face.


    As if the sprouting fur was being pushed back into the pores.


    Unconsciously...


    Li Che found himself already drenched in sweat.


    ...


    [Mythical Weapon: Equal to Heaven¡¯s Face]


    [Craftsmanship: ???]


    [Description: Fragmented mythical weapon, will of Equal to Heaven, indomitable spirit]


    ...


    In front of him, light was flickering.


    Star Plucking Pupil provided a brief introduction to this mask.


    The introduction was simple, not even offering the rank or quality level of the mask, leaving Li Che completely perplexed.


    But just by seeing the name, Li Che knew this mask was nothing ordinary!


    Equal to Heaven¡¯s Face!


    Li Che¡¯s eyes sparkled brilliantly, his emotions swirling uncontrollably.


    However, having experienced many things, Li Che¡¯s heart had long become strong, allowing him to calm himself down afterward.


    He frowned slightly.


    Because, this Equal to Heaven¡¯s Face, now... he could not control it, nor could he unleash all its power.


    Just now, his Divine Sense was almost drained dry, barely stimulating the mask.


    But in that astonishing moment, the terrifying will transmitted from the mask nearly put Li Che¡¯s consciousness to sleep.


    Shaking his head, Li Che couldn¡¯t help but recall a line from the description.


    Fragmented mythical weapon...


    It suggested the mask was incomplete.


    "Could there be... other masks?¡±


    Li Che looked towards the statues of the Temple God in the Mysterious Temple.


    "Is it related to the split of Equal Heaven Temple¡¯s teachings into three parts?¡±


    Li Che pondered.


    To collect the complete [Equal to Heaven¡¯s Face], perhaps visits to the other two doctrine divisions of Equal Heaven Temple besides Heart Monkey Temple were needed.


    It was rumored that the [Fire-Eye Mystical Awe Spirit Monkey Divine Temple] appeared after Heart Monkey Temple relocated from Golden Light Prefecture.


    Originally, Golden Light Prefecture had only the Eight Extremes Guaiyi Temple.


    Thus, Li Che had reason to speculate that the fragmented Equal to Heaven¡¯s Face might be related to the other two temples that resulted from the split of Equal Heaven Temple.


    Ruyi Sect and Tian Gang Tower were the other two split doctrines of Equal Heaven Temple.


    Originally called Ruyi Temple and Sky Firmament Temple, no one knew why and when the names were changed to Sect and Tower.


    Li Che secretly noted this down, intending to visit them when the opportunity arose.


    However, these two forces had declined just like Heart Monkey Temple.


    Compared to the prosperous times of Equal Heaven Temple, they simply could not compare...


    Li Che was somewhat surprised to have found such an opportunity in this Mysterious Temple.


    Mythical weapon...


    Though it was only one part of the fragmented mask...


    But, it at least provided him the chance to piece it together!


    To revive the true Mythical Weapon!


    "Perhaps, this is the reason Heart Monkey Temple fell into decline; no one could master or find this mask... Although the teachings remain, they could not be sustained.¡±


    Li Che thoughtfully speculated.


    And he, Li Che, possessing the Divine Skill of Star Plucking Pupil, capable of Peering into Illusion and Returning to Truth, was exactly the reason he found this [Equal to Heaven¡¯s Face].


    Li Che raised his hand, touching the burning hot Star Plucking Pupil at his brow.

 Chapter 360: Emperor Xi Xi’s New Concubine, A Young Girl Harboring a Temple God Inside

    Chapter 360: Chapter 157: Emperor Xi Xi¡¯s New Concubine, A Young Girl Harboring a Temple God Inside


    Indeed...


    Those with power really can do as they please.


    Li Che chuckled.


    He lifted his head and continued to gaze at the statue of the Temple God.


    The real business hasn¡¯t even started yet!


    Although he had acquired the ¡°Equal to Heaven¡¯s Face,¡± his true goal in coming to the Mysterious Temple was to accumulate Temple God Chess Pieces for himself!


    Under the illumination of the Star Plucking Pupil.


    This time... no illusions appeared.


    As time trickled away, Li Che looked outside the door and saw that the incense burner was still there, but the mysterious fog had begun to ravage, enveloping the entrance with Strange Que.


    Li Che glanced at it and then looked no more, his eyes falling on the three incense sticks burning in the incense burner.


    In the time of three incense sticks, he had drawn out nine Temple God Chess Pieces.


    That¡¯s really not a small number!


    After all, the current Li Che was far stronger than when he first encountered the Temple God of the Spirit Infant Temple outside Fei Lei City.


    And with the Prototype of Divine Powers escalating to Divine Skills...


    The speed at which the Star Plucking Pupil extracted the Temple God Divinity Chess Pieces was much faster than that of the Thousand Analyzing Hands.


    The nine Temple God Chess Pieces, showing a dark color intertwined with some red lines, appeared on the Heaven and Earth chessboard and were initially somewhat restless.


    But as if sensing something, they didn¡¯t even require Li Che to mobilize the Immaculate Heart Chess Piece to suppress them, and they gathered directly beside the ¡°Equal to Heaven¡¯s Face.¡±


    How obedient...


    "Nine Eight Extremes Temple God Divinity Chess Pieces


    "The feeling of suddenly enriching the chess piece repository is really great.¡±


    Li Che was in a good mood.


    With a flick of his finger, he shot out a Thunder Chess Piece, merging it into the Mysterious Temple.


    He left behind coordinates for easy travel.


    Having done all this.


    Li Che then stood up and stretched languidly.


    Many Woodcarving Masters, whose attention had been drawn by the Temple God Statue, also came back to their senses when Li Che covered the Heaven and Earth chessboard and cut off their line of sight. r?¦¡?NOB§¦?S


    The Woodcarving Masters still looked utterly baffled.


    What had they just...


    Experienced?


    Weren¡¯t they admiring the Temple God?


    Studying the techniques, lines, and methods on the Temple God statue with great concentration, how did they suddenly seem to enter a world full of monkeys?


    The Woodcarving Masters felt as if their spirits had been manhandled by countless monkeys, some appeared utterly disheartened.


    "Ah?¡±


    Suddenly, some of the Woodcarving Masters snapped back to reality, saw the mysterious fog shrouding the exit outside the Mysterious Temple, and their expressions drastically changed as they let out a scream.


    No, the three incense sticks haven¡¯t yet burned down, why has the mysterious fog already cut off their retreat?


    How were they to return?


    The Strange Que of the Eight Extremes... that was not something these Third-class Guest Officials could easily traverse.


    If they really had to rush out, they feared a great number would perish.


    Li Che looked at the Guest Officials wearing expressions of despair.


    Most of these Third-class Guest Officials were at the Divine Base Realm, their Martial Cultivation hadn¡¯t even stepped into the Grandmaster level, they were just at the Mysterious Vein.


    Being in such an extremely dangerous place naturally led to despair.


    Li Che stood up and walked toward the incense burner at the door, under the watchful eyes of everyone.


    Since he was related to the tumult occurring in the Mysterious Temple, it was only natural for him to step forward and provide a lifeline for these Woodcarving Masters.


    So, Li Che picked up the incense burner as a ruse.


    The next moment, his mind communicated with one of the Temple God Chess Pieces on the Heaven and Earth chessboard.


    Even a simple connection was enough.


    It seemed as though a supremely sharp blade light was born between heaven and earth, cleaving outwards as if drawing a sword to break the water or a saber to block a river.


    The mysterious fog of Strange Que slowly parted to the left and right.


    Accompanied by roars, the Temple Guardian Cursed Corpses that flew out from the fog, their bodies eroded by Temple God Divinity and covered in patterns, hadn¡¯t come within ten zhang of Li Che before being swept aside by the force of Temple God Divinity.


    A spacious road once again emerged before everyone.


    "Gentlemen... it seems this incense burner still has its use, hurry up, the incense is about to burn out,¡± Li Che urged.


    The numerous Woodcarving Masters, ecstatic from their narrow escape, rushed out one after another.


    They surged out of the Strange Que area along the road.


    ...


    ...


    Outside the Strange Que.


    Gong Yunli¡¯s face was extremely unsightly.


    "Qi Yanghao, you need to give us an explanation! Weren¡¯t you the one who took the Incense for Invoking Gods inside, then why did you come out yourself, and the incense was not brought out?¡±


    "Knowing that the Strange Que would be tempestuous, why didn¡¯t you bring out those Guest Officials from the Qintian Observatory?¡±


    Gong Yunli was furious.


    The Que shrouded the area, leaving no way out.


    Those Guest Officials... apart from fighting their way out, they would only be torn apart by the curse corpses and demon beasts spawned by the Mysterious Temple and turned into Temple Guardian Cursed Corpses!


    And the strength of those Guest Officials, how could they fight their way out?


    Gong Yunli, furious, had turned somewhat pale. Li Che was still inside!


    How was she to explain this to the Chief Supervisor upon her return?


    This visit to the Observatory Temple God was mainly for the sake of Li Che, and now this incident had occurred.


    Gongyang Liancheng¡¯s expression was also unpleasant, but he did not speak out to question.


    He knew that asking questions at this time would be futile.


    Moreover, the upheaval at the Mysterious Temple was definitely sudden.


    Otherwise, there was no need for Qi Yanghao to stage such a thing when the relationship between the Temple Control Bureau and the Qintian Observatory was quite good.


    Qi Yanghao had already summoned a team of Divine Envoys from the Temple Control Bureau, himself checking his weapons and equipment, ready to enter the Strange Que and bring people back.


    But how many could be brought back was uncertain.


    He offered no explanation, because it was unnecessary.


    Having held the Incense for Invoking Gods to enter the Strange Que, the hour for the incense had not yet arrived, yet the Que shrouded and cut off the route of return, and he had failed to warn those Guest Officials to return.


    He certainly had blame to bear.


    And that blame was inescapable.


    Suddenly.


    Qi Yanghao¡¯s gaze sharpened, and the Divine Envoy team from the Temple Control Bureau, who had been ready to enter the Strange Que, also halted their movements.

 Chapter 361: Emperor Xi Xi’s New Concubine, A Young Girl Harboring a Temple God Inside (3)

    Chapter 361: Chapter 157: Emperor Xi Xi¡¯s New Concubine, A Young Girl Harboring a Temple God Inside_3


    But they discovered that the Strange Que had split in two, revealing a wide pathway.


    They saw figures walking out from that pathway one by one.


    They were the Guest Elders from the Qintian Observatory.


    Qi Yanghao was stunned, yet he couldn¡¯t help but breathe a sigh of relief inside.


    Then he saw Li Che holding the Incense Burner for Invoking Gods, at the very end of the line.


    As soon as Li Che emerged, the Strange Que closed once more, as if the wails and howls of Temple Guardian Cursed Corpses within kept echoing back and forth.


    Gong Yunli and Gongyang Liancheng both also couldn¡¯t help but heave a sigh of relief upon seeing this scene.


    Seeing Li Che walking out safely, holding the Incense Burner for Invoking Gods, their expressions eased up considerably.


    They also guessed the reason, presumably, Li Che had mustered the courage to pick up the Incense Burner for Invoking Gods and had reopened a path to walk out.


    Qi Yanghao¡¯s eyes flickered, watching Li Che holding the incense burner.


    Such incense, not everyone could move it.


    This Guest Elder from the Qintian Observatory was extraordinary.


    ...


    ...


    Due to the sudden accident, many Guest Elders were still in shock and dared not enter the Mysterious Temple again.


    The matter of observing the Temple God thus came to an end, and although most Guest Elders didn¡¯t gain much, there were those who had attained insights after observing the Temple God.


    But compared to what Li Che had gained, theirs were negligible.


    The group bid farewell to the Divine Envoys such as Qi Yanghao, who were stationed in the freeze of the Mysterious Temple, and returned to the Heart Monkey Temple. §²§Ñ?O?BE?S?


    Still unable to enter the temple, they were stopped outside.


    The crowd didn¡¯t mind; after a brief rest, they headed towards Mansion City.


    Li Che and Gong Yunli once again shared a carriage.


    Gong Yunli brewed some hot tea and passed it to Li Che to calm his shock.


    "A Che, did you gain something? Observing the Temple God helps improve your wood carving skills,¡±


    "After you return to Mansion City, in a few days, you¡¯ll start the examination for Second-Class Guest Official, which will be personally supervised by the personnel from the Qintian Observatory in the State City.¡±


    Gong Yunli said, ¡°You should practice Wood Carving Technique well during this time and master the Thousand-Armed Divine Sculpting Technique.¡±


    Li Che, propping his chin with one hand, looked out of the window at the swirling snow, listening to Gong Yunli¡¯s chatter, yet he felt remarkably content.


    This trip to the Mysterious Temple had been too rewarding.


    It was not only the discovery of the Corpse God Cult¡¯s stronghold but also the acquisition of a mythical weapon like ¡°Equal to Heaven¡¯s Face,¡± albeit incomplete.


    The complete mythical weapon was still waiting for him to gather.


    And it was connected to the mysterious inheritance of the Equal Heaven Temple, but that wasn¡¯t a problem.


    There will certainly be opportunities to collect it and achieve Perfection in the future.


    Li Che was even looking forward to seeing if the complete ¡°Equal to Heaven¡¯s Face could restore that one¡¯s former glory.


    The carriage jolted and rattled, tearing through the curtain of snow, galloping on the road covered with thick snow.


    "This year¡¯s snow is a bit heavy, trending towards a snow disaster. I wonder how many will freeze to death, how many will become refugees in this harsh winter.¡±


    Gong Yunli sighed softly, voicing his thoughts.


    "In the face of nature¡¯s forces, human strength is pitifully small.¡±


    Li Che was silent as well and sighed softly.


    "This year¡¯s harsh winter and heavy snow seem a bit unusual.¡±


    "Is it related to the Third Prince¡¯s Mysterious Temple?¡±


    Gong Yunli leaned his broad chest against the table to lighten some pressure, crossed his arms in front of his body as if starting to think.


    Li Che¡¯s heart stirred slightly.


    "Minor Supervisor, why do you say that?¡±


    Gong Yunli said, ¡°The calculations by the Capital Supervision Minister indicated that this year, the inheritance from the Third Prince¡¯s Mysterious Temple at Golden Light Prefecture would emerge, which is why there has been such significant activity. Many Divine Children have come from Dao City, even the Prince of Pacifying Chaos has sent his youngest son


    "All of it for the chance to gain the Third Crown Prince¡¯s inheritance during this Temple God Resonance event.¡±


    "This is an inheritance from the Four Royal Mysterious Temples, which is definitely extraordinary,¡± Gong Yunli stated earnestly.


    Li Che nodded upon hearing this; so it was related to the Great Supervising Minister.


    He thought to himself, Golden Light Prefecture had housed the Four Royal Mysterious Temple for so many years, and the Temple God Resonance had opened so many times, but why was this occasion so grand.


    "After all, the Third Prince¡¯s Mysterious Temple is of Four Imperials Level, and many powerhouses have been keeping an eye on it. Don¡¯t be deceived by the fact that not a single Divine Fetus Great God is stationed there¡ªit¡¯s because the Four Royal Third Prince¡¯s Mysterious Temple is still peaceable as of now,¡±


    "Any of the Four Royal Mysterious Temples are monitored by the Great Supervising Minister of the Divine Capital¡¯s Qintian Observatory, who ensures that at the first sign of any irregularity, powerhouses can be dispatched to guard the temple, and in critical moments, even Divine Embryo Realm¡¯s great gods can be sent.¡±


    Gong Yunli revealed a secret.


    Indeed, this was a secret.


    Li Che was startled. So the Capital Supervision Minister could monitor the Mysterious Temple from such a vast distance?


    To know that Golden Light Prefecture was more than ten thousand miles away from the Divine Capital.


    And yet could monitor from such a distance, Li Che was somewhat curious about how it was achieved.


    After some more jolting, the carriage finally caught sight of the gates of Golden Light Prefecture City.


    But the carriage was stopped.


    The Divine Guard Army, clad in golden armor, deployed neatly, blocking off all the caravans.


    Not just Li Che and company, but many other courier caravans were also stopped outside, temporarily unable to enter the city.


    In the distance, through the snow, came majestic Demon Blood Treasure Horses, on whose backs sat guards in black armor.


    The black-armored guards were escorting an unremarkable carriage, with a one-armed charioteer sitting quietly on the coachman¡¯s seat, managing the reins.


    "That¡¯s the convoy of Prince of Pacifying Chaos¡¯s youngest son.¡±


    Gong Yunli leaned against the window, observing the scene at the city gate.


    "Truly domineering, just like the Prince of Pacifying Chaos himself.¡±

 Chapter 362: Emperor Xi Xi’s New Concubine, A Young Girl Harboring a Temple God Inside (4)

    Chapter 362: Chapter 157: Emperor Xi Xi¡¯s New Concubine, A Young Girl Harboring a Temple God Inside_4


    Gong Yunli said indignantly,


    "Just to enter a city, and yet they block others from entering.¡±


    "The city gate is so wide that it can accommodate ten carriages entering and exiting side by side.¡±


    Yet this young prince insists on exercising special privileges and exceptions.¡±


    Li Che¡¯s eyes twinkled as he watched the young prince¡¯s convoy.


    He thought of the terrifying aura that rushed through the dense forest, like a mountain collapsing, a fierce beast pressing down with overwhelming might.


    Li Che¡¯s heart sank slightly.


    Great Grandmaster!


    Very powerful!


    Just looking at it made Li Che¡¯s hairs stand on end subconsciously.


    He quickly activated the Dragon Elephant Vajra to converge his aura.


    ...


    At the city gate,


    Mansion Lord Su Huaili personally came out of the city, dressed in his official robe, accompanied by officials from the Golden Light Prefecture City, to greet the young prince of the King of Quelling Chaos.


    For an offspring of a prince to travel, and yet causing officials of an entire mansion city to come out to greet, this status was indeed somewhat too imposing.


    But since Su Huaili was a junior disciple of the King Ping Luan Ji Molie, many people could understand this.


    Li Che watched Su Huaili, unable to detect any sign of grief for having killed Wen Longshan.


    He could only lament that these people were naturally cold-hearted.


    With all the commotion, increasingly more carriages gathered outside the city gate.


    There were even signs of congestion, for Golden Light Prefecture City was a hub, with merchants and escorts constantly coming and going every day.


    However, no one dared to express dissatisfaction, knowing that it was the Mansion Lord welcoming the renowned and dominant youngest son of the King of Quelling Chaos, so everyone kept silent.


    From the window, Li Che looked through the hazy snow curtain and saw the little boy, dressed in gold-threaded silk, stepping out of the chariot.


    The little boy, with his hands clasped behind him, had an immature face, yet carried an air of disdain and authority, exuding a lofty coldness that seemed to look down on everyone.


    Mansion Lord Su Huaili wore a smile, followed by the heads of the major noble families from the city, who came forward to greet the young prince.


    The young prince was quite haughty, indifferent to everything.


    His purple pupils slightly gleamed as he scanned the crowd, his brow furrowing.


    "Why haven¡¯t the Divine Children come to greet me?¡±


    Su Huaili was taken aback and then began to smile bitterly.


    This young prince is really just like his teacher, domineering and peerless, with a deep obsession for dominating his peers.¡±


    "The Authentic Divine Sect has sent three Divine Children who are currently at Golden Light Peak, competing with the Divine and Spirit Children of the Golden Light Sub-sect.¡±


    "Therefore, none came to greet you.¡±


    The young prince, upon hearing this, slowly relaxed his brow.


    "Forget it, there will be another opportunity to visit the mountain. I heard that Golden Light Prefecture produced a four-year-old Divine Child this year, with unparalleled martial talent. At four years old she underwent the Blood Exchange, which is quite remarkable


    "For a small Golden Light Prefecture to produce such a Divine Child is indeed not easy.¡±


    The young prince nodded.


    "I¡¯ll change some days then go to Golden Light Peak to subdue that girl.¡±


    "I¡¯m new to Golden Light Prefecture, and not having a few Divine Children under my command is quite uncomfortable.¡±


    Su Huaili:


    Accustomed to being a child king, huh


    Coming to Golden Light Prefecture wanting to be a Divine Child King?¡±


    But Su Huaili just smiled, not contradicting him, his eyes twinkling, even with a hint of amusement.


    The young prince obviously knew that the prince did not like Nan Li Huo, so... this was stoking fire.¡±


    The convoy entered the city.


    The noise at the city gate finally began to dissipate, order starting to return.


    Li Che sat in the carriage, a gentle smile on his face.


    "A mere toddler, and yet he dares to boast so outrageously.¡±


    "Subdue my daughter?¡±


    "Ha.¡±


    Although Li Che¡¯s expression was gentle, his heart had already labeled this child as ¡®taking a path to his doom,¡¯ and was promptly noted down in his little notebook.


    The last one noted in his little notebook, Wen Longshan...


    Was now gone.


    And now, congratulations to the young prince, for making it into the notebook.


    ...


    ...


    Li Che returned to the small courtyard in Falling Flower Alley.


    Whoosh¡ª


    The fierce wind swept through like a tiger¡¯s roar.


    Li Che began to train as soon as he returned, diligently practicing every day, as diligence was the cornerstone of becoming stronger.


    Immersed in his blood qi cultivation for a long while, Li Che opened his eyes, his fingers like hooks, he suddenly clenched them, then abruptly released them, striking forward, blasting the snowflakes in the courtyard wildly!


    On his back, blood qi accumulated and wriggled, major tendons snapping, as if mountains were splitting and the earth cracking, like a furious Jiao Long about to break free from its cage!


    His whole body¡¯s muscles and bones trembled, each snap blasting currents of air.


    "Inhale


    Li Che took a deep breath, his gaze sharp.


    "Eight Flood Dragons Overturning the Rivers, the third blood qi dragon is almost taking shape.¡±


    Li Che¡¯s pores opened, and his hot breath burst out like the flow of a high-pressure cooker, emitting a whistling sound.


    "But it¡¯s still too far behind compared to a Great Grandmaster.¡±


    Li Che¡¯s eyes flickered.


    At the Grandmaster Realm, tempering the internal organs, Li Che used one Jue Xue to temper each of the internal organs.


    Creating a body of True Intent stronger than ever before.


    Adding to that his already unparalleled body of a Furnace Grandmaster.


    Li Che still had a clear sense of direction on the path towards becoming a Great Grandmaster.


    "Myriad Transformations Dragon Elephant, merging many Jue Xue, but when dispersed, each Jue Xue can be used to temper the internal organs, and when converged, they unleash the Power of the Dragon Elephant.¡±


    Li Che sat in the courtyard for a good while longer.


    Afterward, he glanced at the sky.


    The sky had completely darkened, and Li Che felt good, having brushed off some of the adverse mood brought by that Young Prince coveting his daughter.


    He walked deeper into the alley, stopped by a small restaurant, packed up some meals, and then headed straight back to Zheng Lei Peak.


    Just as he returned to the courtyard.


    He saw that the courtyard was brightly lit, and there were many children¡¯s voices playing and frolicking.


    Li Che was slightly startled.


    Why is it so lively today?


    That girl Xi Xi, from where did she charm a whole bunch of kids to come back?


    He stepped into the courtyard.


    The gazes of many children immediately swept over.


    "Daddy¡ª!¡±


    Xi Xi¡¯s little face was flushed as she followed a stunningly beautiful little girl.


    Upon seeing Li Che, Xi Xi suddenly screamed, clattering her little short legs, continuously stomping on the ground of the courtyard.


    With a final leap, she catapulted, rushing towards Li Che like a cannonball.


    However, Li Che easily caught her by the back of her clothes.


    Then, he effortlessly lifted the little girl and held her in his arms.


    Xi Xi took the opportunity to wrap around Li Che¡¯s neck, ¡°Daddy, you didn¡¯t see Xi Xi wildly succeeding today, it was really too bad!¡±


    "Xi Xi was so formidable today!¡±


    "She set off a lot of beautiful fireworks!¡±


    "Daddy, you must come to see Xi Xi set off fireworks next time.¡±


    Xi Xi excitedly danced her limbs as she described to Li Che her imposing stature that she showed today at the Daping of Golden Light Peak.


    "Oh right, Daddy, let me introduce my new love interest!¡±


    Xi Xi called out.


    Li Che¡¯s face immediately darkened.


    He pinched Xi Xi¡¯s chubby face, ¡°What love interest, who taught you that?¡±


    Who?


    Who tainted my daughter¡¯s pure and flawless spiritual world?


    Xi Xi blinked her big eyes, her mouth pinched by Li Che, her lips struggled to move up and down, mumbling unclearly, ¡°It¡¯s, Smelly Old Chen.¡±


    Old Chen was sitting under the eaves, drinking from a calabash.


    Hearing Xi Xi¡¯s unabashed betrayal, his face immediately changed and he promptly slipped away dejectedly.


    Li Che, feeling helpless, rubbed Xi Xi¡¯s head, advising her not to learn such nonsensical words from Old Chen.


    Xi Xi didn¡¯t mind and pulled Li Che over to the stunningly beautiful little girl.


    "Daddy, this beautiful young lady is my new beau... friend!¡±


    Xi Xi lifted her chin proudly, ¡°Xi Xi likes her!¡±


    Li Che looked at the young girl, astonished by the little girl¡¯s startling beauty up close, almost as if crafted by a celestial being.


    The young girl smiled gently, her fair skin like jade rippling slightly, then she bowed slightly towards Li Che.


    "Yun E, meeting Uncle Li.¡±


    Li Che smiled, his mood lifted by the gorgeous little girl¡¯s greeting.


    He reached out, patted Yun E on the head, his hand pausing briefly, and Li Che gently smiled, ¡°Xi Xi might be a bit lively, a bit wild, please bear with her a bit.¡±


    Yun E sweetly smiled and nodded.


    "I also really like Xi Xi.¡±


    Li Che smiled and withdrew his hand.


    Turning to enter the kitchen.


    But the instant he turned around, the smile on his face vanished without a trace.


    Because...


    In the moment he lightly tapped Yun E¡¯s head.


    Inside Li Che¡¯s body, the Temple God Chess Piece he had just absorbed from the Fire-Eye Mystical Awe Spirit Monkey Temple God started vibrating incessantly.


    The Brow Niwan trembled and heated up.


    The Star-Picking Pupil God Patterns suddenly appeared.


    Peering into Illusion and Returning to Reality.


    He saw...


    Inside this young girl.


    There was a Temple God hidden!

 Chapter 388: Purple Flame Serpentine Spear Awakens, How Dare Little Loach Be So Presumptuous (5)

    Chapter 388: Chapter 163 Purple Flame Serpentine Spear Awakens, How Dare Little Loach Be So Presumptuous [Seeking Monthly Ticket]_5


    Xi Xi hadn¡¯t stopped launching fireworks.


    And the endless purple light illuminated her eyes as she saw a majestic and authoritative giant purple dragon!


    There were no dragon scales on this purple dragon, just dense and intricate Godly Patterns woven all over!


    As the purple dragon opened its eyes, those bewitching purple pupils also emitted invisible light waves that spread out!


    Within the purple dragon, Young Prince Ji Haihui appeared somewhat disheveled, his luxurious clothes in disarray, a shining armor glowing brilliantly, shielding him from the bombardment of the Wood Ravens.


    However, this dishevelment was something Ji Haihui couldn¡¯t tolerate.


    He clenched his silver spear, with the purple dragon shadow hovering around him, the purple light in his eyes extremely dazzling, almost monopolizing all the brilliance on the entire Daping!


    In front of the Divine Palace.


    Nan Lihuo and Wang Kuyu¡¯s faces turned pale with fright.


    "This is... Bloodline Talent?!¡±


    Wang Kuyu even frowned and prepared a Sealing Technique, ready to intervene and save someone at any moment.


    Nan Lihuo¡¯s expression was as dark as water, his fingers clenching and unclenching repeatedly...


    A hundred zhang away.


    Li Che¡¯s eyes became focused.


    "Bloodline Talent?¡±


    Lu Yao also murmured softly.


    But there was no time to explain to Li Che because the situation in the field changed again.


    The purple dragon shadows intertwined around, much like a Divine Symbol Cultivator¡¯s Divine Symbols, blocking all the light and impact from the Wood Raven explosions!


    Young Prince¡¯s eyes became even more bewitching as his entire body underwent a transformation, his stature vaguely growing taller, his muscles condensing like steel bars, emitting a bewitching glow of purple flecks.


    With one step, the blue bricks instantly shattered, leaving deep pits.


    And accompanying the Young Prince¡¯s rushing dive, the giant purple dragon¡¯s speed was almost equal to that of a real Grandmaster!


    Fast!


    So fast!


    Xi Xi¡¯s eyes sparkled brilliantly, but she showed not the slightest fear!


    "Come on!¡±


    A childish shout followed.


    Xi Xi kept launching Spirit Wood Ravens!


    The six metal barrels of the Immortal Artisan Gatling kept spinning, spewing out golden light and fire tongues at high speed.


    Fireworks exploded one after another atop the Daping!


    The purple dragon shadow, moving extremely fast, even if it resisted the bombardment head-on and stumbled, it charged again!


    The distance was closing in!


    Closing in!


    As it continued to approach Xi Xi.


    Li Che¡¯s heart tensed up as well, his fingers slightly opened, the next moment ready to clench and appear by Xi Xi¡¯s side.


    Suddenly.


    Li Che sensed something...


    A hint of unusual color flashed in his eyes.


    The fingers that were about to clench couldn¡¯t help but loosen.


    Watching the Young Prince Ji Haihui, turned into a monstrous purple dragon, speeding towards Xi Xi like a beast.


    His gaze gradually grew peculiar.


    Right...


    This is a dragon?


    Though somewhat ugly...


    It seems to really be a dragon.


    ...


    ...


    It¡¯s over!


    At this moment, Ji Haihui¡¯s heart was filled with extreme agitation, wishing nothing more than to tear the girl in front of him to shreds.


    Every time he used his Bloodline Talent, he felt a terrifying devouring force attempting to consume his will.


    Turning him completely into a crazed dragon!


    His father said that was because he hadn¡¯t yet managed to properly control the Bloodline Talent.


    He needed to try to control the Dragon God Purple Pupil instead of being controlled by it!


    But at this moment... Ji Haihui didn¡¯t care anymore!


    He didn¡¯t care about anything!


    He wanted to win!


    He just wanted to win!


    He wanted to devour the Purple Aura Divinity in Li Nuanxi¡¯s body!


    It was an extremely intense sensation of greed, a strong will impact conveyed by the Dragon God Purple Pupil!


    Boom!


    The spear was violently hurled out by him.


    Xi Xi, carrying the Immortal Artisan Gatling, flashed her Prison Fire Glazed Body and dodged the strike.


    The spear dug into the ground, creating a deep pit, vibrating uncontrollably stuck in it.


    But this hurl of the spear allowed Xi Xi to dodge the moment, also leaving no chance to avoid Ji Haihui¡¯s next wave of attacks!


    Ji Haihui, enwrapped in purple dragon shadows, landed in front of Xi Xi.


    Their bewitching purple pupils burst forth with dazzling brilliance!


    "It¡¯s over


    "I¡¯ve caught you!¡±


    However, what made the bewitching Ji Haihui with purple pupils slightly stunned was...


    Xi Xi, facing him with Bloodline Talent and Dragon God Possession, showed not the slightest hint of panic.


    In her pupils, excitement even bloomed!


    She stared at Ji Haihui.


    "I can¡¯t control it anymore!¡±


    The next moment, Xi Xi¡¯s Immortal Artisan Gatling crashed to the ground.


    And Xi Xi¡¯s arms became unbearably hot, a strand of purple flame instantly enwrapping her chubby, lotus-like arms!


    Just like a Purple Fire Flood Dragon Snake spitting out its tongue!


    It was as if a Mythical Weapon, awakening from millennia of slumber, unleashed a trace of its divinity, fusing with Xi Xi¡¯s arm bone into one.


    Xi Xi¡¯s eyes also ignited with purple flames.


    In her brow came to life a Godly Pattern of a Purple Flame Serpent Spear.


    Her small frame, at that moment, seemed to rise high, looking down at Ji Haihui entangled in the dragon god¡¯s phantom shadows.


    "You little loach


    "How dare you be so presumptuous!¡±

 Chapter 393: Tonight the Underworld Divine Monkey is online, does Xi Xi’s talent reach the sky?

    Chapter 393: Chapter 165 Tonight the Underworld Divine Monkey is online, does Xi Xi¡¯s talent reach the sky? [Seeking Monthly Ticket]


    Li Che¡¯s Brow Niwan felt a slight warmth.


    The Star Plucking Pupil flickered in and out of visibility, casting a gaze that could Return to Reality, and he saw the purple qi that was pleasantly spewing forth from the tip of the Purple Flame Serpentine Spear...


    That purple qi was not unfamiliar to Li Che!


    Back when Xi Xi was undergoing her initiation assessment at the sect, Zhang Qing Zheng had used the Divine Sect¡¯s Talent Observing Array to survey the talents of the Spirit Children, and he could see this kind of purple qi!


    According to what Li Qingshan said, this was an embodiment of the Spirit Children¡¯s Divine Talent, representing the potential and ultimate limit of each child¡¯s future cultivation path of Divinity!


    The taller the column of purple qi, the higher the potential for the future.


    And if the purple qi exceeded a hundred feet, it indicated that the child¡¯s Divine Talent surpassed that of a Supreme Spiritual Child and could reach the level of a Divine Child!


    In a Mansion City, which included the surrounding towns, there were roughly ten or so Supreme Spiritual Children.


    Looking at one State City, which usually contained about three or four Mansion Cities, that meant there could be several tens of Supreme Spiritual Children.


    But typically only one or two Divine Children would emerge.


    A Divine Child in a Mansion City could be deemed a once in a generation talent!


    But Li Qingshan told Li Che that at the level of a Divine Child, talent could still be differentiated, and there were indeed high and low distinctions!


    It was the same as the differentiation among Spirit Children!


    That is to say, Divine Children could also be divided into Supreme Divine Children and Superior Grade Divine Children...


    However, the Divine Sect Golden Light Branch¡¯s Talent Observing Array, which was equipped to survey talent, could only detect Divine Children. Exceeding a hundred feet marked a Divine Child, but the distinctions among Divine Children were difficult to ascertain.


    "So... this is Divine Talent?¡±


    "Is this the Divine Talent belonging to Young Prince Ji Haihui?¡±


    "The Purple Flame Serpentine Spear... this Mythical Weapon... actually drew out such a large strand of Ji Haihui¡¯s Divine Talent?!¡±


    After Li Che understood this point, his heart trembled instantly.


    The skin wasn¡¯t peeled, but these tendons... were truly drawn out!


    Even though it wasn¡¯t actual tendons, having Divine Talent peeled off like this was... also no small injury!


    As expected of a Mythical Weapon...


    Well done!


    Li Che couldn¡¯t suppress the smile curling at the corners of his lips.


    With the Star Plucking Pupil in the center of his brow flashing slightly, he watched as the dragon-like Divine purple qi slowly merged into Xi Xi¡¯s body, being torn apart and devoured by the Divine purple qi talent within her.


    Feeling the much strengthened Divine purple qi talent in Xi Xi, his eyes couldn¡¯t help but sparkle brightly.


    "I wonder what height Xi Xi¡¯s Divine Talent would reach if measured with a high-quality Talent Observing Array?¡±


    "A hundred feet is definitely exceeded, but nine hundred feet... that¡¯s also a hundred feet.¡±


    "Could it exceed a thousand feet, ten thousand feet?¡±


    Li Che was slightly stunned.


    If a Divine Child¡¯s talent was even higher...


    Would it reach the level of a purple qi connecting to the heavens?


    If it was really so, that would be truly terrifying...


    In this world, are there such Divine Children?!


    Li Che could hardly imagine what kind of a freak a Divine Child with purple qi reaching to the heavens would be...


    "Daddy... you¡¯re bad!¡±


    "Xi Xi hurts, why are you smiling so happily?¡±


    Xi Xi widened her eyes, incredulously looking at Li Che whose lips bore a smile.


    Was this still Xi Xi¡¯s dear daddy?


    Could it be true that Xi Xi was, as Daddy said, picked up from a garbage heap?!


    Daddy doesn¡¯t love Xi Xi anymore!


    Li Che¡¯s mouth twitched, and he hurriedly tried to flatten the smile that he was gradually unable to suppress...


    This further hurt Xi Xi¡¯s young heart!


    Li Che smiled and rubbed Xi Xi¡¯s head: ¡°Alright, it¡¯s just a superficial wound, Xi Xi is going to be a strong little girl who will become Emperor Xi Xi... what does this hurt count for?¡±


    Ji Haihui had it much worse, right?


    He was beaten and even had his Divine Talent peeled...


    However, Li Che¡¯s mind was slightly stirred, Ji Haihui¡¯s Dragon God Eyes could stimulate the Fire Tip Spear...


    Could it be because the Third Crown Prince had a longstanding grudge with the Dragon Clan?


    Thus, it inspired some kind of bond, stimulating this spear belonging to the Third Crown Prince, which automatically triggered, helping Xi Xi suppress Ji Haihui, this evil dragon?


    Li Che felt the possibility was very high.


    "So, to stimulate the Mythical Weapon... could I try to bring out some dragon blood and wave it in front of the Fire Tip Spear?¡±


    Li Che couldn¡¯t help having a bold idea.


    If he stimulated the Fire Tip Spear several times, Xi Xi¡¯s physical body in the Blood Moving Realm might match that of his, the Furnace Grandmaster¡¯s Dad!


    This kind of activity to establish a good foundation for his daughter...


    Naturally, Li Che would treat it seriously.


    "I wonder if Young Prince Ji Haihui¡¯s blood... would work?¡±


    Li Che, holding Xi Xi, couldn¡¯t help but start daydreaming.


    Meanwhile, up at Daping, a clamor had also exploded.


    It was almost as if it would lift Golden Light Peak clean off its foundations.


    The son of King Ping Luan, Young Prince Ji Haihui, came with a Great Grandmaster to forcefully pay respects to the mountain, but in a one-on-one match, he was suppressed by Xi Xi!


    He perished before he even succeeded in his mission!


    The subordinates of the Golden Light Sub-sect couldn¡¯t help but be uplifted!


    Because... such an event was truly exhilarating and boosted morale immensely!


    When a Great Grandmaster came to pay respects to the mountain, with a terrifying Martial Dao Will almost like a great sun scorching the heavens, making it suffocating to the point of despair.


    When all the disciples saw no one who could stand up...


    The hearts of the disciples of the Golden Light Sub-sect were naturally filled with indescribable frustration and anger!


    As if endless dark clouds were rolling in, crushing towns, nearly pressing down on the city¡¯s sky with that oppressive darkness!


    But the more ferocious this oppressive darkness pressed down!


    The more exhilarating and refreshing it felt when it was torn apart and sliced open, revealing a light that illuminated the human world!


    An invigorating refreshment that seemed to burst from their pores!


    Even though it wasn¡¯t them, the disciples of the Golden Light Sub-sect, who defeated Young Prince Ji Moli, they still felt immensely happy and exhilarated!


    "Xi Xi!¡±

 Chapter 427: When the Honest Father Begins to Get Angry, Stripping the Young Prince to Face Fear

    Chapter 427: Chapter 173: When the Honest Father Begins to Get Angry, Stripping the Young Prince to Face Fear


    Whoosh whoosh¡ª


    The cold wind howled, and winter rain poured down!


    The chilling rain, sharp as a finely honed steel blade, cascaded from the sky, slicing through the air, and upon contact, sent a bone-deep cold piercing through the body, as if it sought to tear apart flesh and blood!


    Zhang Ya¡¯s eyes narrowed, and her long, slender legs suddenly tensed, her feet touching the ground to halt her steps toward the vegetable market.


    Then she quickly retreated!


    After being continuously cleansed by Li Che¡¯s Immaculate Heart Divinity, Zhang Ya seemed to have also developed a keen sense of impending danger!


    The subtle sense of danger emanating from the vegetable market caused goosebumps to rise on her skin.


    There was danger!


    Zhang Ya retreated without hesitation!


    An old lady selling vegetables at a stall glanced inadvertently in Zhang Ya¡¯s direction as she approached with her basket.


    Seeing Zhang Ya suddenly back away, the old lady was slightly startled.


    But years of assassination experience told her that this woman had already detected her ambush.


    She had originally planned to wait for Zhang Ya to inquire about the price of vegetables, then swiftly draw her knife and slit her throat, smoothly completing her assassination.


    Unexpectedly, this woman had seen through her plan ahead of time.


    Indeed, not just anyone could be the mother of Golden Light Prefecture¡¯s Jiazi Child Prodigy. She was certainly out of the ordinary.


    The information had stated that Zhang Ya was just a Bone Tempering Martial Artist, likely nothing more than a pretty fac?ade.


    However, this level of danger perception was commendable.


    The old lady no longer concealed herself, swept her hand beneath the table covered with vegetables, and a sinister knife gleam found its way into her hand.


    Her foot stamped down hard, the ground trembled, and it collapsed with a thud!


    Boom¡ª!


    It was like thunder from a clear sky!


    The old lady¡¯s garments fluttered, her blood surged, and using the recoil from stomping the ground hard enough to cause it to collapse, her figure shot out like an arrow loosed from its bow.


    The knife was unsheathed!


    A burst of True Qi sprang forth from the keen black blade, its brilliance dazzling!


    Her figure, spectral like a ghost, skimmed across the ground, kicking up a rolling torrent of pebbles!


    She rushed towards Zhang Ya as swiftly as a gust of wind collects fallen leaves!


    Boom¡ª!


    The turbulent airstream was torn asunder in an instant!


    A powerful and terrifying gust of wind lashed directly at her face!


    Zhang Ya turned pale, yet her eyes reflected a sharpness and determination never seen before!


    An assassin... An assassin out to kill her!


    Although Zhang Ya didn¡¯t understand why an assassin would want to kill an ordinary woman like herself,


    She could guess the reason.


    It must be related to Xi Xi!


    Do they seek to influence the upcoming Temple God Resonance Conference Xi Xi is to attend?!


    Terrible¡ªcould her husband also be at risk of assassination?


    In that moment, Zhang Ya even thought of her husband¡¯s safety!


    Whoosh¡ª!


    The assassin old lady¡¯s body surged with blood energy, her Grandmaster Qi overbearingly pressed down!


    A Grandmaster assassinating a Bone Tempering.


    This was almost a foregone conclusion, exceedingly easy.


    Even if a Bone Tempering exerted all their strength, they wouldn¡¯t stand a chance against the assassination of a Grandmaster Warrior!


    It was like using a butcher¡¯s cleaver to kill a chicken.


    As the first assassination mission by the Hunting God Pavilion within Mansion City, established within the Golden Light Prefecture,


    The Hunting God Pavilion could be said to place great importance on it!


    The assassin sent to kill Li Che was two realms above his Mysterious Vein, a combination of a Master Middle Boundary and a Post-Divine Foundation Realm, basically a near certainty.


    For the assassination of Zhang Ya, who was in the Bone Tempering Realm, a Grandmaster was dispatched!


    They were determined to ensure the success of this assassination mission!


    One could say, they had gone all out for this couple.


    The old lady moved with such speed that, fluttering with the wind and howling through the air, her garments crackling, it took merely two or three breaths to go from lunging to closing in on Zhang Ya!


    The darkest black knife, which didn¡¯t reflect light, was drawn out fiercely, sweeping toward Zhang Ya¡¯s slender, fair neck.


    It aimed to sever the beautiful head from that neck!


    Suddenly.


    From within Zhang Ya¡¯s gown, a dark shadow shot out abruptly.


    The old lady¡¯s sweeping black knife struck this shadow, and a sound like steel clashing against hardened iron rang out!


    The huge recoil forced the old lady¡¯s black knife to nearly fly out of her hand.


    Qi surged wildly, and True Qi roared!


    With a turn of her long knife, the old lady slashed out again, her expression cold as she aimed for Zhang Ya!


    In that split second, she caught a glimpse of what that shadow¡ªthat had emerged from Zhang Ya¡ªwas.


    It was...


    A snake!


    A mechanical snake built from material superior to fine steel!


    In that instant, it was the Mechanical Snake¡¯s lightning-quick surge that had struck down the old lady¡¯s lethal blow.


    "A Mechanical Snake?¡±


    The old lady¡¯s mind buzzed.


    The black knife she swung out anew was blocked by the Mechanical Snake once again!


    Clang clang clang clang clang¡ª


    Several strikes in a row, and the Mechanical Snake, so agile it seemed nothing like a mechanism, parried all her attacks!


    This...


    The old lady assassin felt a sinking feeling in her heart.


    Tang Clan Mechanism Beast!


    Suddenly.


    The old lady¡¯s hair stood on end as she sensed an unprecedented and extreme threat to her life!


    It was as if, while climbing a mountain, the entire peak was blasted apart and began to collapse in front of her, plunging her vision into darkness and oppression.


    It was the towering figure of a man, as massive as a wall, overwhelming and unapproachable!


    The old lady¡¯s toes struck the ground, causing small pits to fissure and explode as she tried to launch herself away.


    A black pearl appeared in her hand.


    She crushed the black pearl fiercely, and in an instant, a puff of black smoke exploded, completely enveloping her figure. The black smoke could block the probing of Divine Sense and also possessed qualities similar to the Corpse God Cult¡¯s Space-Time Corpse Technique!


    This was an escape method possessed by the Hunting God Pavilion¡¯s assassins,


    Enabling their safety.


    But...


    Only once.


    Wrapped in the black smoke, the old lady sought to escape and flee.

 Chapter 428: When the Honest Father Begins to Get Angry, Stripping the Young Prince to Face Fear (2)

    Chapter 428: Chapter 173: When the Honest Father Begins to Get Angry, Stripping the Young Prince to Face Fear_2


    Yet, he discovered that a large hand had precisely torn through the black mist that concealed Divine Sense, grabbed hold of her body that had half entered behind the black mirror.


    Like a fan, the large hand seized her head.


    Then, an irresistible force violently pulled her out of the black mirror used for teleportation!


    Splat!


    The old woman was snatched from the black mist, and afterwards, she saw only a Cute Bull Mask that was extremely adorable...


    Before she completely lost consciousness.


    With a splatter, the Cute Bull Mask was splashed with blood from when the old woman¡¯s head was crushed.


    Boom boom boom!!!


    A flash of lightning burst forth in an instant, thunderclaps erupting from the ground.


    It landed on the ground in a flash.


    With hands clasped behind his back, Li Qingshan with his green robe fluttering, had already made his appearance.


    Li Qingshan was on the mountaintop, contemplating and strengthening his Thunderstrike Exorcising Godly Physique.


    The moment he sensed Zhang Ya in danger in the town halfway up the mountain, he immediately set out.


    However, someone was faster than him.


    The intensely strong aura of evil seemed unable to dissipate at all, oppressive and overwhelming, surging violently!


    A sudden wild wind arose, the terrible storm created by the aura emitted from the Bull Demon.


    Li Qingshan¡¯s eyes narrowed, and his heart inevitably trembled slightly!


    How strong!


    What kind of physique is this?


    What sort of mortal flesh is this?!


    Li Qingshan even felt the Ram¡¯s Horn Sky Shatterer hidden in his sleeve trembling slightly, a reaction stimulated by the expelling blood and qi!


    "Bull Demon!¡±


    Li Qingshan knew the Bull Demon was Li Che, but in that moment he did not call out the Bull Demon¡¯s true identity.


    Zhang Ya¡¯s face was deathly pale, with the Mechanical Snake coiled around her slender waist, which meant that in this assassination attempt, she only experienced slight fright.


    When the towering figure of the Bull Demon appeared instantaneously, Zhang Ya¡¯s heart settled.


    She knew she was safe!


    Li Che casually threw the assassin¡¯s body down, and effortlessly wiped off the Qiankun Jade.


    He approached Zhang Ya, and after surveying her and seeing his wife unharmed, he exhaled in relief.


    The Mechanical Snake he specifically made for his wife indeed played its role when necessary.


    Of course, even without the Mechanical Snake, Zhang Ya had other protections left by Li Che on her body.


    The safety of his family was what Li Che valued most.


    Although his wife, Zhang Ya, did not compete with others, he feared others would come to cause trouble, just like today¡¯s assassination attempt.


    Both husband and wife were targeted for assassination.


    With Li Che¡¯s unparalleled combat power, he could easily resolve it, but Zhang Ya was merely at the Bone Tempering Realm.


    The Hunting God Pavilion actually dared to send an assassin with the cultivation of a Grandmaster!


    How ruthless!


    Hunting God Pavilion!


    Li Che¡¯s killing intent almost materialized into heavy, dense ink that could not be cleared!


    "I¡¯m alright.¡± Zhang Ya gently shook her head, eyes tender as water.


    The unprecedented sense of safety of having her husband appear by her side the moment she was in danger, made her indulge in it, her face blooming with a sweet blush, more effective than thousands of affectionate words between young couples. r?a?o??bE?S?


    Li Qingshan approached, his eyes narrowing: ¡°Hunting God Pavilion?¡±


    "Quite a fellow


    Li Qingshan¡¯s expression also turned colder: ¡°The Hunting God Pavilion just entered the Mansion City... I did not expect that the first assassination attempt they launched would be against you.¡±


    "It¡¯s alright.¡± Under the Cute Bull Mask, Li Che spoke indifferently.


    "I can probably guess who employed them.¡±


    Li Che was very calm.


    Li Qingshan¡¯s eyes flickered, and he understood as well.


    Most likely, it was Prince Ji Haihui.


    At this critical juncture, if Li Che and Zhang Ya were to die, the impact on their four-year-old daughter Xi Xi, no matter how mature and strong she was, would be unprecedented.


    It would inevitably lead to her underperforming during the Temple God Resonance Conference.


    Therefore, this seemingly targeted assassination against Zhang Ya was actually aimed at Li Che!


    Li Che twisted his neck, creating a pop and crackle as the sound exploded along his spine.


    "Senior Qingshan, please take care of it.¡±


    Li Qingshan nodded slightly with his hands behind his back.


    The Bull Demon walked up to Zhang Ya, stretching out his hand to pat her head.


    "Be careful.¡±


    Under Zhang Ya¡¯s concerned gaze,


    The Bull Demon nodded slightly, then with a clench of his fist, disappeared into thin air.


    Li Qingshan stood with his hands behind him, eyes deep in thought.


    Witnessing such miraculous Art of Teleportation by the Bull Demon, he was utterly shocked to the core.


    However, he quickly settled his emotions.


    Glancing at the assassin¡¯s corpse on the ground, his eyes turned colder.


    The Hunting God Pavilion was actually able to infiltrate the Golden Light Sect sub-sect so easily.


    It seems...


    It¡¯s time to thoroughly investigate and reorganize the sect.


    Li Qingshan did not let Zhang Ya go home alone, instead taking her to Nurse Momo to ensure her safety.


    As for what the Bull Demon was going to do, and why he didn¡¯t bring him along,


    Li Qingshan did not mind this time.


    The Hunting God Pavilion was about to face dire consequences.


    Who asked them to pick the hardest nut to crack for their first assassination mission?


    ...


    ...


    Crack!


    The sky was overcast with clouds, thunder snakes rolled away, tearing the heavy clouds apart.


    The rain became increasingly torrential, deluging the entire Golden Light Prefecture City.


    Along the Nine Dragons River Bank stood an array of pavilions.


    A figure holding an oil-paper umbrella and wearing a felt hat scurried down the streets of the Mansion City, where the rain was flushing away forming puddles.


    Entering the array of pavilions, winding seven times around the alleys, they finally arrived at an inconspicuous small building within the pavilion complex.


    Watching Tide Pavilion, once one of the Five Great Sects of Golden Light Prefecture City, had a not insignificant reputation.


    Built along the river bank, located in the Mansion City¡¯s prime real estate area, covering a vast area, it was said to have interests in various industries, amassing great wealth.


    However, the umbrella-wielding figure was stopped ten steps away from the small building.

 Chapter 429: When the Honest Father Begins to Get Angry, Stripping the Young Prince to Face Fear (3)

    Chapter 429: Chapter 173: When the Honest Father Begins to Get Angry, Stripping the Young Prince to Face Fear_3


    The figure wearing a straw raincoat and a bamboo hat, somehow, had blocked the way at the door.


    "Stop.¡±


    "Mission failed, reporting.¡±


    The figure exhaled, speaking in a deep voice.


    This was Hunting God Pavilion¡¯s first mission, and it ended in complete failure, neither Li Che nor his spouse was killed, and both assassins lost contact.


    The color of the face under the bamboo hat and straw raincoat changed slightly.


    He moved aside, letting the person step inside the small building.


    The figure closed the umbrella upon entering, shook off the rain, placed the oiled paper umbrella to one side, dusted off the moisture from himself, and walked towards the warmly spring-like interior of the building.


    A moment later, he arrived in front of a closed door and knocked.


    Upon entering, it was a completely different world.


    Behind the small door was an extremely vast secret area that encapsulated heaven and earth within it.


    Various mechanisms were set up, and many masked personnel were organizing information sent back by scouts from the Hunting God Pavilion¡¯s divisions in Golden Light Prefecture City, classifying the information methodically.


    Hunting God Pavilion not only undertook assassination missions but was also a premier intelligence power in the world where one could purchase information.


    The visitor bowed and approached a desk.


    A figure wearing a golden mask was sifting through documents, compiling information.


    "Pavilion Master, the mission failed, and our two assassins from Hunting God Pavilion have completely lost contact, most likely they are dead,¡± said the visitor solemnly, clasping his hands together.


    He was responsible for contact with the assassins, and would know immediately if the two assassins died.


    "Li Che... Mysterious Vein cultivation, Nurturing Nature reached Primary Divine Base Realm... The cultivation intelligence was correct, then why did our assassins... die?¡±


    "Experienced assassins first used Divine Crystal Powder to limit Li Che¡¯s Divine Base Cultivation and then attempted assassination with overwhelming Grandmaster Middle Boundary cultivation


    "I cannot think of a reason for the assassination to fail, unless... Li Che hid his cultivation.¡±


    The figure in the golden mask tapped his finger lightly,


    "A bad start indeed.¡±


    The golden mask shook his head, ¡°False intelligence kills... The importance of intelligence is self-evident.¡±


    "Accelerate the spread of the Hunting God Pavilion¡¯s intelligence network in Golden Light Prefecture City.¡±


    "Yes.¡±


    "Also, contact the Young Prince Ji Haihui, tell him... the price for killing the Li Che couple has to triple.¡±


    "If they don¡¯t raise the price, Hunting God Pavilion will withdraw.¡±


    "Yes.¡±


    The figure bowed and retreated.


    Slowly disappearing among the bustling crowd.


    The finger of the golden mask tapped lightly again, and two black jade pendants shattered, signifying the death of two Hunting God Pavilion Nine Luminaries Assassins. R?a?¦­O?????E??


    The assassins of Hunting God Pavilion were carefully cultivated, investing resources heavily.


    The death of each assassin represented a loss for Hunting God Pavilion.


    "Couldn¡¯t even activate the minor Teleportation Technique?¡±


    "It seems a great secret was discovered.¡±


    ...


    ...


    Li Che walked amidst the torrential rain.


    He wore a bamboo hat, his entire presence concealed as if he had disappeared from the human world.


    Walking in the darkness, bathed in the rain.


    The rain curtain automatically parted around him.


    Li Che¡¯s heart was pulsing continuously, dense murderous intent spreading like thick ink in the rain.


    "Hunting God Pavilion


    Li Che¡¯s eyes were icy cold.


    Although the other party was merely completing a job for money... Li Che was still very displeased.


    Family was Li Che¡¯s inverse scale.


    Had they targeted just him, Li Che, he would not be so angered and outraged, but Hunting God Pavilion had aimed at Zhang Ya...


    That ignited the fiery wrath in Li Che¡¯s heart completely.


    With a step down, Li Che¡¯s figure leapt onto the roof of an ornately decorated octagonal pavilion.


    Standing on the roof, Li Che drove the Slumbering Dragon Elephant of the Dragon Elephant Vajra to its pinnacle.


    A level 4 Dao Fruit would enhance all abilities.


    The Slumbering Dragon Elephant¡¯s Breath Concealment ability also climbed many levels.


    At this moment, Li Che was almost invisible.


    "Hunting God Pavilion, Young Prince Ji Haihui


    Li Che closed his eyes.


    The familiar sense of crisis enveloped him like a storm, as intense as the massive crisis he had sensed in Fei Lei City, a deep-seated unease and panic echoing in his bones.


    He thought of his small family, facing a terrifying iceberg, then being shattered into pieces, smashed into fragments.


    Xi Xi dying horribly, Zhang Ya dying horribly... He too would die horribly...


    A beautiful and happy family, torn apart.


    Li Che raised his head, rainwater sliding off the edges of the Cute Bull Mask, merging into the rain, splashing on the black eaves, shattering into pieces.


    Raising his hand, he fiercely pointed at the spot between his eyebrows.


    In that instant, the Chess Saint Dao Fruit within his chest throbbed violently and abruptly.


    The Heaven and Earth chessboard, with Li Che¡¯s location at its center, crisscrossed and sketched out, descending.


    Master Go-chess Saint... re-entering the martial world.


    Powerful Divine Sense swept out like a storm.


    Every person or thing within the city became clear and distinct within his perception.


    In the teahouse below, the movements of the beautiful teahouse girl froze as she made tea.


    The storyteller, whose words flowed like a river, had his saliva suspended in mid-air.


    The vendor who had set up a stall on the street, collecting the leaking rainwater in a wooden basin to throw out, the water curtain mingled with distinctly separated droplets hanging in mid-air.


    Everything seemed to slow down within Li Che¡¯s Chess Saint perception.


    Suddenly.


    Li Che opened his eyes.


    Rain droplets exploded, the white mist still remaining in place, while the toweringly huge Bull Demon, like a hawk-eagle, had already swooped out.


    ...


    ...


    Hunting God Pavilion¡¯s assassins were different from the Corpse God Cult.


    Li Che possessed the refined Seven Elemental Corpse Curse Mother-Child Seal, able to detect the experts of the Corpse God Cult through Death Qi and Corpse Qi.


    However, the assassins of Hunting God Pavilion were adept at disguising, having no Death Qi or Corpse Qi for exposure.


    Thus, for Li Che to pick out the assassins from Hunting God Pavilion from the vast sea of people was extremely difficult, incredibly difficult.

 Chapter 430: When the Honest Father Begins to Get Angry, Stripping the Young Prince to Face Fear (4)

    Chapter 430: Chapter 173: When the Honest Father Begins to Get Angry, Stripping the Young Prince to Face Fear_4


    But...


    Since Li Che was certain that it was Young Prince Ji Haihui who hired Hunting God Pavilion to kill him and his wife,


    Then, with the mission failed, Hunting God Pavilion would definitely send someone to notify the Young Prince¡¯s forces.


    And this... presented Li Che with an opportunity!


    Li Che was also very clear that, even for him, killing the Young Prince was not an easy task.


    With Great Martial Arts Master Xue Dufu guarding him, and a mysterious Divine Element True Person lurking in the shadows,


    Plus six Black Armored Blood Guards, together capable of rivaling a Great Grandmaster...


    Such a lineup,


    On top of Young Prince¡¯s residence in the City Lord¡¯s Mansion, protected by the Divine Guard Army,


    Made it very difficult for Li Che to kill the Young Prince. Although he was angry, the angrier he was, the calmer he became.


    Even if he switched to Horse Face, using Immortal Work Barrett, it would be very difficult to assassinate the Young Prince.


    Because of the Divine Element True Person¡¯s Primordial Spirit¡¯s perception and interception.


    Divine Element True Person... just speaking of Divine Cultivation, possessing a transformative and powerful Primordial Spirit, is even trickier and harder to deal with than a Great Grandmaster.


    To plan to kill the Young Prince,


    An extremely meticulous plan must be developed.


    Hunting...


    Is itself a competition of patience.


    Today¡¯s hatred, Li Che had recorded.


    Debts, can be settled slowly.


    "Ji Haihui


    "To want to kill Xi Xi¡¯s parents, to affect Xi Xi¡¯s state of mind


    Li Che¡¯s eyes were icy cold.


    If that was the case, then he would treat his enemy with the enemy¡¯s own methods.


    Although Li Che could not kill Young Prince Ji Haihui¡¯s parents,


    There were other ways to shake the Young Prince¡¯s state of mind.


    Li Che, wearing the Cute Bull Mask, moved along the wall stealthily.


    He surveyed the area outside the City Lord¡¯s Mansion.


    Gradually, he saw a familiar figure. Great Grandmaster Xue Dufu, wearing a bamboo hat, left the City Lord¡¯s Mansion and boarded an ordinary carriage.


    The carriage raced, the wheels turned, crushing the streams on the ground.


    Li Che¡¯s toes touched down, shattering the wind and rain, swiftly following behind.


    Inside the carriage.


    Xue Dufu was in contact with the personnel from Hunting God Pavilion.


    The member of Hunting God Pavilion, wearing a Black Iron Mask and a black robe, reported the situation.


    Xue Dufu¡¯s brows immediately furrowed, ¡°To triple the amount?!¡±


    That¡¯s too high!


    The assassination price for Li Che was two Seven Yuan Divinity Crystals!


    To triple it... that would be six Seven Yuan Divinity Crystals!


    Such a price was too exorbitant!


    The Black Iron Mask and black-robed person shook his head, ¡°The Pavilion Master¡¯s price is set, our Hunting God Pavilion has already lost two Nine Luminaries Assassins... If we are to assassinate Li Che again, we must engage an Eight Extremes Assassin R¦¡??O?BE?S


    "An Eight Extremes Assassin¡¯s services are inherently expensive,¡±


    "If you do not accept, then the mission is invalid, and there will be no refund.¡±


    Xue Dufu took a deep breath.


    Six Seven Yuan Divinity Crystals to kill one Li Che...


    What a loss.


    Even if the Divinity Crystals were not from Xue Dufu himself, he still felt extremely uncomfortable.


    ...


    ...


    Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh¡ª


    The airflow rolled around!


    Li Che transformed into a towering Bull Demon, stepping forward. His figure undulated, and the scenery on either side retreated rapidly.


    Xue Dufu was ahead, but Li Che was in no hurry to make his move.


    He planned to slowly sever the ¡°left arm and right arm¡± of the Young Prince.


    Xue Dufu, the six Black Armored Blood Guards, and that mysterious Divine Element True Person...


    One by one, none shall escape.


    When the protective forces one is proud of are removed one by one, it¡¯s as though someone is forcibly stripping off one¡¯s clothes.


    One¡¯s sense of security would crumble, shatter into pieces, with fear lurking like a shadow, entwining like a nightmare.


    Naturally, this could affect the state of mind of Ji Haihui, the Young Prince.


    So that during the Temple God Resonance meeting, his performance couldn¡¯t be perfect.


    This is what¡¯s called using someone¡¯s own methods against them.


    This is the consequence of angering a father.


    The carriage was parked on the roadside, with the two individuals inside conversing.


    The Bull Demon quietly hung back, trailing behind.


    With the Slumbering Dragon Elephant activated, the entire person seemed hidden between heaven and earth, completely cut off from the world as if.


    Although Xue Dufu was a Great Martial Arts Master, with strong Martial Dao Will, when it came to perception power, he was ultimately much weaker than a Primordial Spirit real person.


    Moreover, with the Bull Demon maintaining a distance of about thirty feet, neither too far nor too close, the great grandmaster¡¯s physical senses could not perceive him.


    And Li Che, with his Heaven and Earth chessboard expanded, spied on every detail and conversation within the carriage.


    "Six Seven Yuan Divinity Crystals


    "Am I really that expensive?¡±


    Hearing the price, Li Che¡¯s expression under the Bull Demon mask turned inexplicably weird.


    The corners of his lips couldn¡¯t help but lift into a smile.


    This Hunting God Pavilion sure has an eye for value.


    The carriage stayed put for quite a while, and under the deluge of the heavy rain, a misty vapor spread around the entire carriage.


    Li Che quietly waited in the darkness.


    After a moment,


    Xue Dufu descended from the carriage, wearing a bamboo hat, letting the rain pour down on him.


    The conversation had ended.


    Xue Dufu chose to continue with his mission, accepting the price of six Seven Yuan Divinity Crystals!


    However, he needed to return and report to the Young Prince.


    Heelooo¡ª


    The steed neighed, pulling the carriage away into the distance.


    Li Che glanced over, expanded his Heaven and Earth chessboard, and locked onto the carriage¡¯s aura.


    While shadowing Xue Dufu,


    Another part of Li Che¡¯s consciousness extended through the Heaven and Earth chessboard, locking onto the carriage¡¯s movements within Golden Light Prefecture City.


    The carriage was very cautious, continuously changing positions within the spacious streets and numerous alleys of the Mansion City.


    Only after confirming no one was following did it slowly drive into Watching Tide Pavilion.


    "Watching Tide Pavilion.¡±


    A warm glow emitted from Li Che¡¯s Star Plucking Pupil at the center of his forehead.


    Using the Divine Skills of Star Plucking to deploy and survey with the Heaven and Earth chessboard was extremely effective, just as if he had opened a heavenly eye.


    It was as though a satellite was orbiting high above, becoming Li Che¡¯s own eye.


    "Is the headquarters of the Hunting God Pavilion established within Watching Tide Pavilion?¡±


    "Or perhaps... the Hunting God Pavilion had long been preparing to transfer business down to Mansion City, and Watching Tide Pavilion is the force that the Hunting God Pavilion has been planting within Golden Light Prefecture City. Now they have stationed themselves in the city and taken over directly.¡±

 Chapter 431: When the Honest Father Begins to Get Angry, Stripping the Young Prince to Face Fear (5)

    Chapter 431: Chapter 173: When the Honest Father Begins to Get Angry, Stripping the Young Prince to Face Fear_5


    Li Che seemed to be deep in thought.


    Otherwise, how could the Watching Tide Pavilion, as one of the Golden Light Prefecture¡¯s Five Major Sects, possibly let the Hunting God Pavilion move in so easily?


    If the Hunting God Pavilion had moved in forcefully, the various forces of the Golden Light Prefecture should have noticed long ago.


    Assassins¡¯ organizations have always been about staying hidden.


    Once they become too conspicuous and showy, they might become targets for all.


    In a strict sense, there¡¯s not much difference between the Hunting God Pavilion and the Corpse God Cult.


    In Li Che¡¯s eyes...


    They are nothing but rats in a sewer.


    "Watching Tide Pavilion... Now that I know the location, things will be easy.¡±


    "This is an inanimate object, it can¡¯t run away.¡±


    Li Che¡¯s gaze opened and closed, as if there were divine lights flickering faintly under his eyes.


    He raised his hand and snapped his fingers.


    In an instant.


    Falling Flower Alley.


    Within a secluded workshop courtyard.


    The very Li Che embodiment, grasping a carving knife and perfecting a Wood Carving of the ¡®Fairy in the Painting¡¯, had his eyes suddenly focus.


    Then, he raised his hand and flicked his sleeve.


    A piece of Immaculate Heart Drawing Paper fluttered out, and the Fairy in the Painting Li Che pressed his fingers onto the scroll, moments later a huge Mechanical Spirit Crane emerged from the scroll, spreading its wings.


    This Mechanical Crane stood two meters tall, with a huge belly capable of carrying a Great Avalanche Guanyin Lotus Bullet equivalent to one hundred and fifty Divine Chess Pieces.


    This was the maximum capacity that the Mechanical Crane could bear.


    The Fairy in the Painting incarnation of Li Che, palms forming seals, immediately imprinted three Mechanism Seals onto the Spirit Crane¡¯s body.


    The eyes of the Spirit Crane suddenly lit up.


    Embodying Li Che¡¯s will and purpose, it began to run around the courtyard.


    Then it spread its wings and with a whirring sound, soared into the clouds above!


    Carrying one hundred and fifty units of Guanyin Lotus Bullets towards Watching Tide Pavilion.


    It was as if large swaths of dark clouds were accumulating behind the Mechanical Crane.


    As if carrying the towering rage of an honest father.


    Brewing a wild and angry tempest that shocked the heavens!


    ...


    ...


    Li Che withdrew his gaze.


    The wind and rain howled violently.


    His gaze opened and closed, his billowing black robe fluttered slightly, breaking up the raindrops.


    His eyes turned, finally resting entirely upon the figure of Xue Dufu with both arms severed, his empty sleeves fluttering in the wind and rain.


    Xue Dufu, wearing a conical hat, was buffeted by the fierce winter downpour; rain struck the hat but did not reach his body.


    Great Grandmaster...


    During their last clash, Li Che had blown off one of Xue Dufu¡¯s arms.


    But now...


    Despite it being a short remainder of just six days!


    Li Che was different!


    Woosh!!!


    With a flick of the fingers, the Dao Fruit known as ¡®Chess Saint¡¯ pulsed suddenly in his chest.


    In the midst of the drenching rain, the Heaven and Earth chessboard suddenly expanded, enveloping the entire area...


    In an instant, it seemed as if the whole region was severed from between heaven and earth!


    Boom!


    As a Great Grandmaster, Xue Dufu¡¯s senses were extremely sharp.


    With a heavy step, the water on the stone-paved long street exploded violently, forming a ripple spreading out quickly.


    Heaven and Earth...


    Suddenly became quiet.


    "How quiet.¡±


    Xue Dufu¡¯s eyes narrowed, only able to hear the sound of the rain.


    This was not right!


    Porters, merchants, customers, servants, brothel women...


    The sounds of all the different aspects of human life seemed to have been severed and deprived in an instant!


    Xue Dufu looked up, the rain beating on his face.


    His eyes were bright, staring into the sky.


    But he saw the rainwater plummeting from the high heavens, as if twisted by some invisible force in midair.


    On the ground, the accumulated rainwater seemed to sizzle like water on a hot pan, bouncing and rolling incessantly, boiling with restlessness!


    The temperature between heaven and earth became searing hot in an instant!


    "Domain?¡±


    Xue Dufu murmured.


    The next moment.


    The intuition of a Great Grandmaster.


    Made his body¡¯s every hair stand on end, a chill running through him!


    "Someone wants to kill me?¡±


    "Who dares to kill me?!¡±

 Chapter 445: The Immortal Artisan Upgrades the Fire God Organ Cannon, Within Range I Am the King

    Chapter 445: Chapter 177: The Immortal Artisan Upgrades the Fire God Organ Cannon, Within Range I Am the King


    Cat face...


    Ouch, he¡¯s calling me cat face!


    Li Qingshan¡¯s hair and beard fluttered, the smile on his face couldn¡¯t be suppressed any longer.


    The phrase was very familiar; when he first sought out Li Che to cause trouble, he had called Li Che the Bull Demon.


    And now, the Bull Demon was telling him the same words, inviting him to cause trouble together!


    Li Qingshan was also aware that, unlike the Bull Demon, it might be very difficult for him to penetrate the core of the Underworld; he only knew one Bull Demon, whom he met by a twist of fate before the other had grown in strength.


    And he could only make contact with Horse Face through the Bull Demon.


    Let alone that Divine Monkey capable of fighting a Great Grandmaster.


    Although Li Qingshan possessed the Underworld Divine Mirror, it was more a tool for communicating with clients.


    It¡¯s very difficult to penetrate the core of a power.


    Li Qingshan¡¯s demands weren¡¯t high; he was content to take it slow.


    "What¡¯s this about great wealth and honor?¡±


    Li Qingshan narrowed his eyes, obviously in a good mood.


    Although he had just broken through to Divine Minister, his combat power was not weak; even if facing someone in the Yuanxiang Realm, he could still fight if he really had to.


    And his martial cultivation had reached the posterior realm of a Grandmaster, and his True Intent Ultimate Study ¡°Eight Flood Dragons Overturning the Rivers¡± had broken through from five to six Qi Blood Flood Dragons!


    The six Qi Blood Flood Dragons meant that he had cultivated this ultimate study to the Master Realm and birthed its True Intent.


    He could use the True Intent to wash his internal organs, temper his insides, achieving unparalleled inner and outer toughness, without flaws or leaks, condensing the Divine Gang!


    And strike at the Great Grandmaster realm!


    Therefore, if there are enough battles, perhaps this insight and breakthrough could be accelerated.


    Li Che¡¯s eyes were deep as he looked at Li Qingshan.


    Thinking back to the words Li Qingshan had invited him with, he couldn¡¯t help but feel a sense of inversion as if the heavens were turned upside down.


    He gently shook his head, and Li Che¡¯s gaze gradually became more focused.


    "To kill the Young Prince, do you dare?¡±


    Li Che said in a soft voice.


    However, these words, when they fell into Li Qingshan¡¯s ears, were like thunder, as if a furious dragon roared and rolled, its body wrapped in electric currents through the clouds!


    Li Qingshan¡¯s eyes involuntarily narrowed.


    To kill Young Prince Ji Haihui?


    To kill the son of Ji Moli?!


    This task...


    Was indeed too thrilling!


    But Li Qingshan, while surprised, was not too shocked. He narrowed his eyes and said, ¡°The same as Hunting God Pavilion? Did Hunting God Pavilion also take on the mission to hunt and kill the Young Prince, and our Underworld too has taken on this task?¡±


    Li Qingshan speculated.


    Li Che did not explain but smiled, ¡°Something like that.¡±


    This Young Prince... Although he was beaten by Xi Xi, his heart was too malicious, actually plotting to kill him and Zhang Ya, to leave Xi Xi an orphan.


    Such a cruel heart, nothing like a five-year-old child, Li Che did not need to be merciful or treat him like a child.


    "Not only do we have to kill Ji Haihui, but we also have to kill the six Black Armored Blood Guards around him, and that hidden in the darkness... Divine Element True Person.¡±


    Li Che murmured softly.


    Li Qingshan¡¯s hairs stood on end.


    Is this the Bull Demon? Taking vengeance for every grievance... Whoever says the Bull Demon is honest and upright, I, Li Qingshan, will have a problem with them!


    Will the game be played so big?


    Just killed Xue Dufu, the Great Grandmaster by Ji Hai¡¯s side, and now targeting that Divine Element True Person?


    Is it to continuously hunt and kill the guardians around Ji Haihui, to bring torture to the little prince emotionally?


    Or even...


    He even wanted to challenge the Divine Element True Person!


    In general consensus, a Divine Element True Person was stronger than a Master of Divine Gang Great Grandmaster, and they possessed a more abundant and unpredictable array of methods.


    Nobody knew what kind of terrifying secret techniques a Divine Element True Person might have mastered.


    Li Che left, taking Xi Xi and Zhang Ya with him.


    Li Qingshan sat in his chair, gazing out at the torrential rain pouring down outside the window, with a flicker in his eyes.


    A long-missed fighting spirit began to burn in the depths of his eyes.


    Bull Demon...


    It seemed to finally be taking him on an adventure!


    ...


    ...


    Nan Lihuo returned to the Divine Palace and walked quietly.


    The heavy downpour became more violent as if aggravated by the burst of a mushroom cloud firework.


    Raindrops hit the roof tiles, continuously dancing and bursting apart.


    The piercing wind blasted through the Divine Palace.


    As the howling gusts of wind surged around him, Nan Lihuo¡¯s white hair flew wildly.


    After a while, the corners of his lips couldn¡¯t help but slightly lift.


    He sat on the stairs of the Divine Palace.


    His gaze was deep and distant.


    With a flick of his hand, a jar of aged wine appeared, which he opened by slapping away the sealing mud, and began to drink wildly by himself.


    "Both the Underworld and the Hunting God Pavilion want to kill Ji Haihui


    "Now, with the Grandmaster beside Ji Haihui dead, only one Divine Element True Person remains to guard... The Guardian Power is greatly weakened.¡±


    "There¡¯s a chance


    "There really is a chance


    "And there¡¯s Su Huaili!¡±


    Splashing...


    The wine poured into his mouth, spilling down his neck.


    For some reason, Nan Lihuo¡¯s eyes turned slightly red.


    "Ji Moli


    Upon Nan Lihuo¡¯s face, an expression of endless agony emerged as if memories of excruciating heartache were surging up wildly.


    ...


    ...


    As time flowed, the incessant winter rain finally stopped.


    The cold air after the rain washed over Golden Light Prefecture was daunting.


    The waters of Nine Dragons River became agitated and turbulent, as if some great horror was about to awaken from within.


    The Divinity in the air grew denser, emanating from the Four Royal Mysterious Temples.


    Ominous and terrifying, it was as if scorching waves were surging from the bottom of the river, and then rising to the sky, melting the accumulated snow into rain that fell.


    Everyone knew.


    The scalding river water and the intensifying Divinity signified the approaching days of the Temple God Resonance.


    Zheng Lei Peak.


    The cold wind rustled.


    There was neither snow nor rain.


    Li Che was in the courtyard, giving genuine advice to Zhang Ya on her martial practice.


    With the elucidation of the Immaculate Heart Divinity and incorporating Li Che¡¯s understanding of the Martial Path, Zhang Ya¡¯s martial cultivation was improving rapidly and her progress was evident.

 Chapter 446: Immortal Artisan Upgrades the Fire God Organ Cannon, Within Range I Am the King (2)

    Zhang Ya also trained seriously, clearly stimulated by this assassination attempt.


    If she didn''t want to hold them back, she had to strive to become stronger, at least to be able to protect herself and not become a hindrance to her husband and daughter.


    After imparting his divine martial arts experience to Zhang Ya, Li Che left to head up the mountain for work.


    Walking along the main street, the location of the Watching Tide Pavilion had turned into a huge pit and ruins where many workers were cleaning up debris and repairing the ground.


    Li Che was indifferent.


    In these days, the Young Prince Ji Haihui had completely withdrawn inside the City Lord''s Mansion, motionless, as if truly frightened.


    Li Che guessed that this prince would probably remain so until the Temple God Resonance Convention began.


    Playing the turtle with its head pulled in, indeed he was quite adept.


    However, the shock of a great grandmaster being killed indeed scared the young prince.


    Speaking of the Temple God Resonance Convention...


    Li Che raised his hand, as if a gentle breeze was flowing through his fingers.


    Encased in the breeze was a sound like an angry child''s roar, deafening.


    "The divinity of the Eight-Armed Prison Lotus Wrathful Third Prince''s Mysterious Temple is becoming more intense... The divinity is agitated, which means the erosive power will become stronger and more terrifying..."


    "Strange Que is about to open..."


    Li Che exhaled.


    As the time grew closer, even Li Che felt an unexplainable pressure in his heart.


    This might be his daughter''s greatest opportunity!


    After all, it involved one of the Four Royal Mysterious Temples.


    While it holds a great opportunity, it also comes with tremendous danger!


    Although the Divine Sect controls the Four Royal Divine Weapons to pave the way, Li Che still couldn''t quite be at ease and worried about Xi Xi''s safety.


    However, sometimes, such worries are unavoidable.


    His daughter had to grow up eventually, and she held the Fire Tip Spear in her arm.


    With such a credential, during the time of the Temple God Resonance, she should have some advantage over other divine children and be a bit safer, he hoped.


    The ink robe flapping in the wind, Li Che arrived at the cliffside Qintian Observatory Treasure Building.


    Inside the building, it was warm as spring.


    There was a charcoal stove burning hot coals and radiating waves of heat.


    Shangguan Qinghong, squatting on a chair cracking melon seeds, greeted Li Che as she saw him.


    Li Che came here to work every day, come rain or shine.


    As for Shangguan Qinghong, she purely had nowhere else to go.


    The Shangguan Family had long been in decline, and her murder of her biological father, Shangguan Zhengheng, was known to everyone, thus she could not return to the Shangguan Family and could only stay in the Qintian Observatory. R?¦¡?o??E?s?


    "Che, do you think I have a chance to meet the Horse Face of the Underworld? I want to take him as my master and learn his sniping technique!"


    Shangguan Qinghong sighed.


    But among the Underworld beings, the Horse Face is the most mysterious.


    Even when he makes a move, you never see his shadow.


    Li Che heard this and paused, then smiled gently, saying nothing.


    Heading up to the second floor to his workshop, Li Che found that two people were already sitting inside, chatting over tea.


    It was Deputy Inspector Lu Yao of the Dao City Imperial Heavenly Observatory and Tang Sanjia, the Ridge Master of the Divine Carving Ridge.


    "A Che, come over."


    Tang Sanjia''s eyes brightened upon seeing Li Che.


    The vision of the mushroom cloud from the fireworks had already led Tang Sanjia to speculate about Li Che''s identity.


    Perhaps this gentle, honest Woodcarving Master was that ruthless, cunning Bull Demon.


    Even if not, the mechanism that flattened the Watching Tide Pavilion was certainly related to Li Che.


    "How is your study of the Nine Seals of Mechanism going?"


    Tang Sanjia offered Li Che a cup of tea.


    Lu Yao was a bit surprised, not expecting the typically bad-tempered Tang Sanjia to show such a good mood.


    The Nine Seals of Mechanism is a supreme mechanism technique, each seal achieved granting a mechanism beast a distinct power.


    This technique, similar to the Thousand-Armed Divine Sculpting Technique taught by the Qintian Observatory, belongs to the category of divine martial arts.


    When deployed, it not only consumes vitality but also mobilizes divinity.


    And when a mechanism seal is imprinted into a mechanism beast, it contains both vitality and divinity, thus making the mechanism beast seem even more lifelike.


    As if it had been granted a true spirit.


    Moreover, Li Che faintly felt that the Nine Seals of Mechanism had other uses, but he was not yet able to figure them out.


    After all, he was not a true descendant of the Tang Family.


    Now, Li Che had mastered this divine supreme technique to a significant degree, not yet stepping into mastery but able to outline roughly five mechanism seals, namely "Lin, Bing, Dou, Zhe, Jie" (Proximity, Soldiers, Fight, Tactics, All).


    Each mechanism seal possessed a unique effect.


    Mainly because the Nine Seals of Mechanism fit Li Che so well.


    It was not only martial arts but also related to Immortal Artisan. The combination with the Dragon Elephant Vajra made rapid progress.


    Li Che even felt that his progress was slow.


    The number of mechanism seals Li Che mastered far exceeded Tang Sanjia''s expectations.


    "Five mechanism seals?!"


    "How is that possible?"


    Tang Sanjia''s hand trembled so much that tea spilled from his cup, his eyes filled with astonishment.


    The difficulty of the Nine Seals of Mechanism was tougher than ordinary True Intent Martial Arts and also required divinity to cooperate.


    Although it was also a form of martial arts that could be used in battle...


    That Li Che could master five mechanism seals in such a short time was simply...


    A monster!


    Born for mechanisms?!


    Tang Sanjia was full of regret and angst: "Why aren''t you a disciple of my Tang Family..."


    Li Che smiled, choosing not to respond.


    Lounging nearby, Lu Yao gave Li Che a curious look. Tang Family''s Nine Seals of Mechanism...


    As Deputy Inspector of the Dao City Imperial Heavenly Observatory, he had heard of it.


    Tang Sanjia exhaled and shook his head before turning to Li Che, pulling out a set of blueprints from his chest.

 Chapter 447: Immortal Artisan Upgrades the Fire God Organ Cannon, Within Range I Am King (3)

    Chapter 447: Chapter 177: Immortal Artisan Upgrades the Fire God Organ Cannon, Within Range I Am King_3


    "This is some research I¡¯ve done regarding the mechanism you mentioned last time


    "Take a look, and if it helps you to create the mechanism, that would be the best outcome.¡±


    Tang Sanjia calmed his emotions and began to admire Li Che even more.


    Li Che¡¯s eyes lit up as he took the blueprints Tang Sanjia handed over. He unfolded the blueprints, which detailed the design of the Guanyin Lotus Main Battle Tank.


    Li Che examined them closely. Many parts conflicted with his own design, but Tang Sanjia¡¯s application of the Nine Seals of Mechanism made many aspects even more rational and convenient than Li Che¡¯s original design.


    An epiphany struck Li Che, his eyes sparkling.


    The Immortal Craft Dao Fruit palpitated, and he immediately grasped the essence of Tang Sanjia¡¯s blueprint.


    Indeed, even with the Immortal Craft Dao Fruit, experience was still very important.


    There¡¯s wisdom in the saying, ¡®Among any three people walking, I will find a teacher,¡¯ indeed.


    At that moment, Li Che felt a tremor in his heart, and he even started to have a vision for the Guanyin Lotus Main Battle Tank.


    Tang Sanjia¡¯s purpose for coming was not only to deliver the blueprints to Li Che but also to bring a type of Spiritual Wood.


    "A Che, this is the extremely tough Spiritual Wood capable of conducting divinity that you asked me to find... the Fire God Raging Flood Dragon Wood, the only one in the entire Divine Carving Ridge.¡±


    Li Che¡¯s gaze sharpened.


    Then he felt a burst of scorching heat!


    And with it surged a majestic divinity.


    A giant red wooden stump that required two people to hug appeared before Li Che.


    "Sixth-Order Spirit Wood!¡±


    Li Che took a deep breath.


    Lu Yao, who was standing by, also had his eyes sharpen!


    Sixth Order!


    Anything related to the Sixth Order would bring about earth-shaking changes!


    Li Che actually needed Sixth-Order Spirit Wood?


    "Thank you, senior!¡±


    Li Che was immediately overjoyed.


    He had not expected that, after asking Tang Sanjia to find a tougher type of Spiritual Wood capable of conducting divinity, he would actually manage to find it. ?ANo??BE?s?


    Li Che was seeking out these Spiritual Woods, of course, to give the Immortal Artisan Gatling and Barrett an upgrade!


    Facing cultivators at the Yuanxiang Realm, both the Immortal Artisan Gatling and Barrett were looking somewhat inadequate.


    Barrett was better, able to enhance its power by increasing its Penetration Power.


    But the Immortal Artisan Gatling was lacking.


    So, naturally, it needed improvement...


    If the machine gun wasn¡¯t enough...


    Then it was time to upgrade to an organ cannon!


    Fire God Raging Flood Dragon Wood...


    Perhaps it could be used to attempt the creation of an Immortal Crafted Fire God Cannon!


    "What¡¯s there to thank for? Most Woodcarving Masters have no use for this kind of wood... if you can make use of it, just take it,¡±


    "In the entire Golden Light Prefecture, no one can make use of Sixth-Order Spirit Wood. I¡¯m quite curious to see what you can come up with.¡±


    Tang Sanjia said with a smile.


    "Ridge Master, how much do you want for the Divine Crystals, I¡¯ll buy them,¡± Li Che said seriously.


    However, Tang Sanjia just casually waved his hand.


    "I¡¯m giving it to you. If you create an interesting mechanism that can delight my eyes, consider it payment for the wood.¡±


    The magnanimous gesture left Li Che in awe.


    Li Che did not play coy and directly took the Fire God Raging Flood Dragon Wood.


    A Sixth-Order Spirit Wood, even if no one could use it, was undeniably valuable.


    ...


    ...


    Perhaps the waters of the Nine Dragons River grew increasingly restless, the warm and boiling currents rising up.


    Preventing the winter¡¯s frost and snow from continuing to accumulate.


    Instead, raindrops kept falling, pitter-pattering down onto the human world.


    Within an elegant and extravagantly structured pavilion in the city,


    A figure wearing a Golden Mask with half of its face burned away burned a letter to ashes.


    He pressed a hand against the table, instantly leaving an imprint where the wood caved in.


    "Underworld!¡±


    From beneath the Golden Mask, a frosty voice exhaled.


    As the Pavilion Master of the Hunting God Pavilion in Golden Light Prefecture City, Huang Xilong never imagined he would be embroiled in such fierce competition with his peers!


    Employing terrifyingly powerful Mechanical Techniques.


    The aftermath of the dreadful explosion still haunted Huang Xilong.


    "Underworld... Ox Demon and Horse Face, Divine Monkey!¡±


    Huang Xilong¡¯s voice was low and filled with rolling anger.


    He had already received accountability demands from the Dao City Hunting God Pavilion.


    He certainly bore an undeniable responsibility for the matter, but he could not have foreseen such madness and audacity from the Underworld.


    "Now, here within the Golden Light Prefecture, I am all by myself... How can I alone support the Hunting God Pavilion?¡±


    Huang Xilong slowly raised his hand that had left the imprint on the table.


    "The Pavilion Master of the Dao City Hunting God Pavilion has instructed me to halt distributing tasks and to take action against the Underworld


    "But even after lying low in Mansion City for quite some time, I¡¯ve found not even a trace of the Underworld¡¯s presence.¡±


    "Who is the Ox Demon? Who is Horse Face? Who is the Divine Monkey?¡±


    "Nobody knows!¡±


    Huang Xilong muttered to himself in a low, helpless tone.


    A Divine Element True Person of his stature was hiding his identity, secretly tracking the Underworld¡¯s trail, only to be astounded to find...


    The core members of the Underworld hadn¡¯t left the slightest clue in Golden Light Prefecture City.


    Such a situation was incredibly frustrating.


    Huang Xilong yearned for revenge, to cleanse the humiliation he suffered as the Pavilion Master of his division...


    But he couldn¡¯t find his target!


    The other party had slapped you, yet you didn¡¯t even catch a glimpse of their shadow.


    It¡¯s utterly frustrating!


    Huang Xilong had never experienced such frustration.


    The Hunting God Pavilion¡¯s business had just started to open in Mansion City only to encounter such an incident; Huang Xilong felt his luck was truly bad.


    "Li Qingshan and Nan Lihuo hired the Underworld... They pretended to be members of the Underworld, but they are not.¡±


    "However... it might be possible to start with Li Qingshan; perhaps his trail could lead to the Underworld.¡±

 Chapter 448: Immortal Artisan Upgrades the Fire God Organ Cannon, Within Range I Am King (4)

    Chapter 448: Chapter 177: Immortal Artisan Upgrades the Fire God Organ Cannon, Within Range I Am King_4


    Huang Xilong tapped his fingers lightly on the desk.


    He had already been held accountable, so Huang Xilong was not in a hurry.


    The operations of Golden Light Prefecture City¡¯s Hunting God Pavilion were temporarily halted, and Dao City had ordered him to wash away his disgrace; indeed, he was in no rush.


    Take it slow, root out all those from the Underworld... and execute them one by one.


    The Underworld¡¯s core three, Ox Demon and Horse Face, along with the Divine Monkey.


    Only the Divine Monkey, with the power of the Temple God, could fight a Great Grandmaster.


    As for the Ox Demon and Horse Face, they were more cunning and sleazy.


    As long as he could uncover their identities and track them down.


    Huang Xilong felt that by hiding in the shadows, with intent against the unprepared, he would certainly complete the hunt.


    He, Huang Xilong, had risen to become the Pavilion Master of the Hunting God Pavilion from his position as an assassin.


    He would also undertake assassination tasks on normal days.


    "Besides Li Qingshan, there¡¯s also that Second-Class Guest Official from the Qintian Observatory... Li Che.¡±


    "This person was previously suspected to be the Ox Demon... but many times when the Ox Demon acted, people saw Li Che at the Qintian Observatory... an alibi.¡±


    "However... up to now, in the entire Golden Light Prefecture, only Li Che has been suspected of being the Ox Demon.¡±


    "The Underworld¡¯s Ox Demon is skilled in mechanisms and is treacherously vicious... Li Che, as a Second-Class Guest Official of the Qintian Observatory, has an extremely high level of Wood Carving Technique... coincidence?¡±


    Huang Xilong¡¯s eyes beneath the Golden Mask narrowed slightly.


    "Li Che


    Huang Xilong¡¯s five fingers tapped down lightly.


    After the assassins of the Hunting God Pavilion killed Zhang Ya and her husband, Li Che, the stronghold of the Watching Tide Pavilion was eradicated...


    It seemed like a case of foul competition among peers...


    But could it also be possible that it was an act of revenge?


    Because...


    The Hunting God Pavilion assassinated Li Che and Zhang Ya?


    This thought flashed through Huang Xilong¡¯s mind, and he found it somewhat laughable.


    How could that be possible?!


    If it were for that reason...


    Are the beings of the Underworld lunatics?!


    Is Li Che your dear daddy from the Underworld?!


    Yet once the idea emerged, it lingered persistently in Huang Xilong¡¯s mind, unable to be washed away.


    "Coincidence?¡±


    Huang Xilong stood up, donned the Golden Mask, and walked to the inn¡¯s railing.


    Leaning against the railing, he gazed out at the hazy rain shrouded earth and sky.


    "Is it really just a coincidence?¡±


    ...


    ...


    The rain drizzled on.


    Falling Flower Alley.


    Lone yard of an independent workshop.


    Li Che¡¯s body was steaming with heat waves, strong furnace-like qi and blood coursing through him, roaring like a Jiao Dragon scorching the heavens!


    Myriad Transformations Dragon Elephant!


    With one horizontal push of his fist, multitudes of martial arts were refined into one, with the Dragon Elephant bellowing as it burst forth in a single move! R?aN§°¦¢E??


    The terrifying force of the punch exploded, causing the air in the entire small courtyard to boil and tumble, and the qi emitted a continuous rumble.


    Li Che exhaled and slowly opened his eyes.


    "The Myriad Transformations Dragon Elephant has fused with the Primordial Equal to Heaven and the Lone Mountain Walk Blade, two Martial Saint Ultimate Studies, in addition to many Master¡¯s True Intent Ultimate Studies and Xue Dufu¡¯s Great Grandmaster Ultimate Study


    "The difficulty of enhancement is increasingly challenging; casting martial arts from a hundred classics is inherently difficult.¡±


    "For the self-created Martial Saint Ultimate Study, if I wish to advance to the level of a Master, perhaps... I need to craft a killing move for the Myriad Transformations Dragon Elephant!¡±


    Li Che¡¯s eyes flickered open and closed, his entire being engulfed in boiling blood and energy as he plunged into thought.


    The Primordial Equal to Heaven Staff has two major killing moves; perhaps... the killing move is the key to the transformation of an ultimate study.


    But what could the killing move of the Myriad Transformations Dragon Elephant be?


    How should I create it?!


    "Hoo


    "Inhale


    Within the courtyard, a fierce wind howled.


    Li Che calmed his breath, allowing his state to return to tranquility.


    Then.


    Li Che took out the blueprints drawn by Tang Sanjia.


    Of course, Tang Sanjia¡¯s suggested blueprints for the Guanyin Lotus Main Battle Tank contained many things Li Che found unsatisfactory.


    But some elements that encompassed the Tang Family Mechanism techniques enlightened Li Che, worthy to be learned.


    He walked into the house.


    Li Che took out the [Fire God Raging Flood Dragon Wood] generously sponsored by Old Tang.


    The intense and scorching divinity and qi instantly shrouded the whole house.


    Li Che snapped his fingers, and the Heaven and Earth chessboard immediately expanded its range.


    He took out the Divine Weapon, Lu Xuan¡¯s Sun-Moon Ice Sword; Sixth Order Spirit Wood was no longer something that a common carving knife could scratch.


    However, with Li Che¡¯s current Immortal Artisan level, even a long sword could still give the same sensation as a carving knife.


    "The organ gun lacks firepower, then upgrade it to an organ cannon


    "The Spirit Wood Raven also needs to be upgraded. The Dragon Tooth Bodhi Bullets will be upgraded along with it. In the Nine Seals of Mechanism, the ¡®soldier¡¯ seal can increase penetration, the ¡®act¡¯ seal can enhance speed


    "These Mechanism Seals can all be integrated into the organ cannon.¡±


    "The organ cannon consumes more materials... Fortunately, I have the Immortal Craft Dao Fruit from the [Fairy in the Painting], which can be copied for use to create the Crow Bullet Chain.¡±


    "Otherwise... with the organ cannon firing a thousand rounds a second... every round of ammunition fired would be composed of Divine Crystals!¡±


    Li Che muttered to himself.


    Having the experience of making the Immortal Artisan Gatling before, modifying the Fire God Organ Cannon wasn¡¯t as challenging as he had thought. What was tricky was the integration of the Mechanism Seals into it.


    The blade of the divine weapon sliced through the structure of the Fire God Raging Flood Dragon Wood as if sparks were dancing, scattering in mid-air.


    Utter brilliance!


    This Fire God Raging Flood Dragon Wood was extremely tough, far exceeding fine iron. Without a divine weapon, it simply could not be cut.


    Moreover, this Wood of the Fire God was an excellent Divine Conduction Spirit Wood. If the Divine Chess Piece from the Great Avalanche were hidden within it, its power would become even more fearsome!


    Therefore, the Fire God Raging Flood Dragon Wood was also an excellent material for making ammunition.


    The Star Plucking Pupil scanned the Wood of the Fire God, and the Immortal Craft Dao Fruit in his chest throbbed rhythmically.


    Li Che started crafting unhurriedly according to the blueprints outlined in his mind.


    Sparks continuously erupted!


    ...


    ...


    Outside the independent workshop.


    A figure appeared silently and without a trace.


    He stood atop the pavilion, his eyes beneath the Golden Mask surveying the scene with a profound gaze.

 Chapter 449: Immortal Artisan Upgrades the Fire God Organ Cannon, Within Range I Am King (5)

    Chapter 449: Chapter 177: Immortal Artisan Upgrades the Fire God Organ Cannon, Within Range I Am King_5


    "Li Che


    Huang Xilong coldly gazed at the standalone workshop.


    The powerful Primordial Spirit Divine Sense of the Divine Element True Person instantly spread silently.


    Within his Divine Sense, he saw only the wood carving that Li Che was meticulously crafting, earnest and honest.


    Huang Xilong¡¯s brows furrowed.


    He continued to probe with his Divine Sense.


    However, there were no abnormalities.


    He was very confident in his Divine Primordial True Person¡¯s Divine Sense.


    According to the intelligence, Li Che was just a very simple, sincere Wood Carver.


    Day after day, he diligently carved wood carvings.


    Supporting his family with his two hands.


    Could it really be so?


    Could such an honest and sincere person be the Bull Demon?


    "It¡¯s not the face that you know, but the heart


    Huang Xilong stood with hands behind his back, his suspicion as an assassin not allowing him to give up, continuing his surveillance.


    An assassin has patience.


    "Three days, just monitor for three days. If this Li Che really shows no signs like those of the Bull Demon... then he can be killed,¡±


    Huang Xilong¡¯s eyes were icy cold.


    To kill Li Che...


    Was precisely the mission undertaken by the Hunting God Pavilion.


    He didn¡¯t act immediately, he only wanted to determine whether Li Che was the Netherworld Ox Demon to eliminate a guess.


    If Li Che was indeed the Bull Demon, Huang Xilong could even capture him, and then try to follow the trail to find Horse Face and the Divine Monkey.


    To drag the Netherworld lurking in the shadows truly onto the stage!


    "Netherworld


    Killing intent overflowed from Huang Xilong¡¯s eyes beneath the mask!


    The enmity between the Netherworld and the Hunting God Pavilion was now thoroughly entangled.


    Inside the independent workshop.


    Li Che had naturally detected the presence of Huang Xilong with his expanded Heaven and Earth Chessboard.


    As well as Huang Xilong¡¯s deeply dark intent to kill.


    "A Divine Element True Person?!¡±


    "And one who super wants to kill me.¡±


    Li Che¡¯s expression slightly hardened, and his movements paused.


    However, he soon resumed his work with a normal expression.


    Inside his chest, the Dao Fruit of the Chess Saint was stirred to its ultimate level.


    The lines on the Heaven and Earth Chessboard interwove crisscross, shielding Li Che from Huang Xilong¡¯s perception and at the same time, cloaking Huang Xilong¡¯s Divine Sense, creating the illusion of diligent carving.


    In actuality, Li Che was in the process of splitting Sixth-Order Spirit Wood.


    If Huang Xilong detected that Li Che was using a Divine Soldier Sword to cut the Sixth-Order Spirit Wood, he would probably guess that he was the Bull Demon.


    Huang Xilong always felt that something was off but couldn¡¯t pinpoint what it was.


    His Divine Sense felt hazy and uncomfortable.


    "The Divine Primordial True Person from the Hunting God Pavilion, I didn¡¯t blast him to death back then, one hundred and fifty Divine Phase Chess Pieces in the Great Avalanche couldn¡¯t kill him


    "A lingering problem.¡±


    Li Che exhaled.


    A danger at the level of a Divine Primordial True Person.


    Just the thought was enough to keep one on edge.


    Huang Xilong wanted to kill him, but Li Che also wanted to eliminate him.


    However, killing a Divine Primordial True Person wasn¡¯t as simple as wanting it done...


    Even though Li Che had many methods at his disposal, without any experience confronting a Divine Primordial True Person, he had no confidence he could kill this one.


    The high-yield Great Avalanche Guanyin Lotus Bullet possessed indeed powerful lethality.


    But the Divine Primordial True Person¡¯s Divine Sense was formidable, able to sense and detect in advance and thus achieving the ability to evade and escape.


    Li Che slowly raised the cannon barrel of the Fire God Organ Cannon he was polishing, red and hollow like a branding iron.


    This barrel was thick, its caliber much larger than the Immortal Artisan Gatling.


    It could accommodate the high-yield Avalanche Crow Cannonball!


    Closing one eye.


    He propped the barrel in front of the other eyeball.


    Through the cannon barrel, he could vaguely see the figure with the Golden Mask standing on the pavilion above.


    Caliber is justice.


    Within shooting range...


    I am king!


    If the Fire God Cannon in his hands was successfully made.


    Everything would change.

 Chapter 450: The Completion of the Celestial Fire God Cannon, The Hunter Becomes the Hunted

    Chapter 450: Chapter 178: The Completion of the Celestial Fire God Cannon, The Hunter Becomes the Hunted [Seeking Monthly Tickets]


    The rain drizzled unceasingly.


    Within the courtyard.


    Li Che¡¯s five fingers gripped the Divine Armament Treasure Sword, his powerful qi and blood circulating and carving the Sixth-Order Spirit Wood. Sparks danced about, an unending odor of gunpowder filled the air.


    This Fire God Raging Flood Dragon Wood is of too high a quality, making it not easy to carve.


    If it weren¡¯t for Li Che¡¯s cultivation improving, his qi and blood becoming robust, his flesh becoming unparalleled, almost a half-step Great Grandmaster, he really might not be able to easily shave this piece of Spirit Wood.


    After all, wood carving is a task of physical labor.


    Li Che paid no attention to the Pavilion Master of the Hunting God Pavilion who stood on the rooftop of a high building, distorting wind and rain, constantly releasing Divine Sense to watch over the small courtyard.


    The other party wanted to find a flaw, but in reality, what the Pavilion Master of the Hunting God Pavilion saw... was only what Li Che wanted him to see.


    Merely illusions sketched out using the Heaven and Earth chessboard.


    Unless he took action himself, he could not tear through this illusion.


    Continually watching, he could only see the honest and diligent Li Che carving the wood.


    And if Huang Xilong decided to make a move, then naturally, there would be no need for Li Che to keep up the disguise.


    For three consecutive days.


    Li Che¡¯s days had become routine.


    After clocking in at the Qintian Observatory for work during the day, he would go to the solitary workshop courtyard to polish and make the Fire God¡¯s Furious Jiao Organ Cannon.


    He would stop at times to cultivate his martial path, absorbing the divinity from the Six Ministries Divine Crystal, to steadily increase the maturity of the Immaculate Heart Taoist Fruit.


    In the meantime.


    Through the monitoring of the Heaven and Earth chessboard, Li Che could sense that the Pavilion Master of the Hunting God Pavilion, Huang Xilong¡¯s intent to kill was getting increasingly intense.


    Clearly, after seeing the honest and diligent Li Che for three days, Huang Xilong was finally starting to get impatient.


    Once he confirmed that Li Che had no relation to the Bull Demon, he planned to assassinate Li Che.


    It was to fulfill the assassination mission given by the Young Prince and retrieve some reputations.


    Although the Hunting God Pavilion¡¯s residency in Golden Light Prefecture City had disappeared, transformed into flat ground.


    As the Pavilion Master of the Hunting God Pavilion, he was still alive.


    And the Hunting God Pavilion wasn¡¯t left with only him; over these days, members who had gone to other cities for investigation started to return.


    While surveilling Li Che, Huang Xilong was also arranging for these people to carve out a new residency.


    This time, he would be much more careful, ensuring that his assassins received and accepted their tasks more secretly.


    When Li Che sensed the murderous aura presented by Huang Xilong¡¯s chess piece, intense enough to nearly turn into black water.


    He no longer stayed within the courtyard.


    Instead, he changed locations, moving to the workshop within the Qintian Observatory.


    This pissed Huang Xilong off.


    The Qintian Observatory was not like the solitary workshop courtyard; there sat the real Divine Element True Person, Lu Yao.


    Not only that, the Chief Supervisor Hu Yingyue, who liked to play the erhu, was no simple character either.


    Huang Xilong¡¯s initial plans to make his move immediately fell through.


    But he did not give up, still watching Li Che from the outside.


    He was gradually losing patience.


    After confirming that there was nothing unusual about Li Che, just an honest and diligent man trying to carve wood and make money to support his family, Huang Xilong planned to end the life of this honest man.


    The master assassin from his Hunting God Pavilion had failed.


    But as a Divine Element True Person making the move personally, there was no possibility of failure.


    ...


    ...


    In the City Lord¡¯s Mansion.


    The wind and rain slanted heavily, continuously pounding on the black roof tiles, at the turned tips, clearly defined droplets of rain scattered down.


    Su Huaili sat in the courtyard, boiling tea and eating plums in the leisure pavilion.


    By his side was Ji Haihui, the Young Prince, who, after being secluded for many days, finally came out of his room, sitting in the leisure pavilion, enjoying the breezes as they eased his tense nerves and emotions.


    "Young Prince, relax. With the protection of the Shadow Guard, nothing will happen,¡± Su Huaili spoke gently.


    As a disciple of Ji Moli, Su Huaili naturally had exceptional talents. He was placed in the Golden Light Prefecture as Prefecture Master not only to monitor the remnant flame Nan Lihuo.


    But also to watch over this one of the Four Royal Mysterious Temples and pave the way for the Young Prince¡¯s Temple God Resonance meeting.


    These days, Su Huaili had been talking about the Temple God Resonance meeting.


    Having presided over several meetings, he knew some details.


    The Young Prince had changed his attire, wearing a red bib, tying his hair into goat horns, wearing a neck ring, and a red silk wrapped around his waist.


    This was to establish a basis for resonance with the Third Crown Prince through his image.


    Basically, each Divine Youth would seek resonance through their attire.


    Six Black Armored Blood Guards, with heavy Horse-Slaying Sabers on their backs and clad in black armor, stood somberly and coldly around the leisure pavilion.


    The Young Prince relaxed slightly.


    "That Underworld Divine Monkey made threats to remove everyone by my side one by one, seems it was all big talk, quite some time has passed with no trace of action,¡± the Young Prince exhaled, feeling relieved.


    The Temple God Resonance meeting was about to begin, and according to the investigative reports provided by Su Huaili.


    The caravan from Dao City will arrive in Golden Light Prefecture City in two or three days.


    The Temple Control Bureau and the Authentic Divine Sect together will escort the Four Royal Divine Weapons, the Prison Lotus Wind Fire Golden Light Wheel, to the city. Once they enter Golden Light Prefecture City, it signifies the commencement of the ¡°Temple God Resonance meeting.¡±


    "It¡¯s finally about to start,¡± the Young Prince¡¯s purple eyes shone like mirrors.


    After all, he was just a five-year-old child, the pressure from the various fiends of the Underworld was too great.


    Especially with the death of the Great Grandmaster Xue Dufu, which had shaken him.


    "To finish the Temple God Resonance early, gain the inheritance and return home, then... I will call my brothers to Golden Light Prefecture, seek out the fiends of the Underworld, and punish them one by one!¡± Ji Haihui¡¯s purple eyes sparkled, his breath filled with indignation.

 Chapter 451: The Completion of the Celestial Fire God Cannon, The Hunter Becomes the Hunted - Part 2

    Chapter 451: Chapter 178: The Completion of the Celestial Fire God Cannon, The Hunter Becomes the Hunted [Seeking Monthly Tickets] ¨C Part 2


    He paused,


    Then continued, ¡°And that little girl! I want to take her away to be my maid!¡±


    Su Huaili smiled gently.


    "Your fellow disciples would certainly be willing to help the Young Prince with this favor,¡± he said.


    Suddenly, Su Huaili sensed something, and the gentle smile disappeared from his face.


    Hum¡ª


    A dark shadow appeared behind the Young Prince.


    It was the hidden Shadow Guard True Person.


    Clang, clang, clang!


    The sound of six Black Armored Blood Guards drawing their Horse-Slaying Sabers was perfectly synchronized!


    Above the high surrounding walls of the City Lord¡¯s Mansion.


    A figure wearing a golden mask and wrapped in a black robe stood quietly atop it, the wind and rain tilting around him, yet he seemed to merge with heaven and earth.


    "Hunting God Pavilion?¡±


    The Shadow Guard True Person was entirely shrouded in black mist.


    A faint voice floated out.


    The other was also a Divine Element True Person, so his tone was indifferent but carried a hint of seriousness.


    "Xue Dufu agreed to the assassination mission before his death... shall we continue?¡±


    Huang Xilong spoke indifferently.


    He was prepared to kill Li Che.


    Before dying, he wanted to confirm the mission posted by the other party, which also added some performance to the now financially strapped Golden Light Prefecture¡¯s Hunting God Pavilion.


    Ji Haihui, the Young Prince, was stunned.


    He immediately thought of the mission he had asked Xue Dufu to post.


    The mission was for the assassins of the Hunting God Pavilion to kill Xi Xi¡¯s parents.


    Because of Xue Dufu¡¯s death and the threats from the Underworld¡¯s forces, he had almost forgotten about it.


    He didn¡¯t expect that the Hunting God Pavilion, which had its base flattened, would actually come knocking.


    The Shadow Guard True Person did not answer but looked towards Ji Haihui, the Young Prince,


    To confirm that the other was not there to assassinate the Young Prince.


    Once the Shadow Guard True Person had eased his mind,


    Ji Haihui paused for a moment, then, like a violent killing intent mirrored in his purple irises, he said, ¡°Kill! It must be done!¡±


    His face temporarily turned fierce, as if venting all the repression and suffocation faced from the threats of the Underworld in recent days.


    "Good.¡±


    "Assassinate Li Che, ten Seven Yuan Divinity Crystals.¡±


    "Assassinate Zhang Ya, one Seven Yuan Divinity Crystal.¡±


    "Pay now,¡±


    "I will take action myself,¡±


    Huang Xilong spoke calmly, his eyes deep and serene behind the golden mask.


    The Shadow Guard True Person looked at Huang Xilong in surprise and could not help but want to laugh.


    The Hunting God Pavilion was indeed desperate...


    After their base was leveled by the Underworld, and without any trace of the Underworld found... now even Divine Element True Person-level assassins had to take on missions personally. R??ob§¦S?


    This was indeed the most miserable branch of the Hunting God Pavilion that the Shadow Guard True Person had ever seen.


    However, Ji Haihui did not hesitate much and turned to look at Su Huaili.


    "Elder brother, make the payment!¡±


    Su Huaili¡¯s mouth twitched.


    "Young Prince, Li Che and his wife are not worth this price.¡±


    Hunting God Pavilion offered a ¡°slaughterhouse¡± rate.


    They purely wanted to dig performance from their bodies.


    "If you can kill, it¡¯s worth it!¡±


    Ji Haihui seriously said.


    Hearing this, Su Huaili didn¡¯t say anything else, it was not that he was heartbroken over the Seven Yuan Divinity Crystals; for the Young Prince¡¯s net worth, this was nothing.


    He just felt it was not worth it.


    If it were to kill the Divine Child Li Nuanxi, he would have given it without a second word.


    But to kill Li Nuanxi¡¯s parents...


    What use would it be?


    Su Huaili understood that Ji Haihui had taken an interest in Li Nuanxi, wanting to take Li Nuanxi away as a maid, intending to conquer this little girl.


    A single defeat had borne a child¡¯s desire for victory, wishing to suppress this girl for a lifetime.


    He shook his head; in this regard, he was somewhat like the domineering brutality of the Dragon God Clan.


    Like the Dragon Queen Consort.


    He flicked his finger, and eleven Seven Yuan Divinity Crystals instantly shot toward Huang Xilong.


    After Huang Xilong took them, he didn¡¯t even look at them as he stored them into the Qiankun Jade.


    "Good


    "Wait for the message from this seat.¡±


    His words concluded.


    Huang Xilong then transformed, as if merging into the air and disappearing without a trace.


    The Shadow Guard True Person narrowed his eyes.


    "The secretive aura of the Hunting God Pavilion¡¯s Divine Secret Technique... truly remarkable.¡±


    ...


    ...


    The great river flowed endlessly.


    The surging river water clashing against each other, splashing waves, roaring continuously!


    The Nine Dragons River stretched for thousands of miles, spreading along the Golden Light Prefecture, irrigating millions of acres.


    The river water surged continuously, warm and scalding as if the riverbed was filled with countless hot charcoals burning, causing the water to continuously churn!


    The majestic divinity along with the exploding river water permeated into the air, as if an apprentice wished to break free, roaring towards heaven and earth.


    The entire Nine Dragons River seemed in perpetual unrest!


    Torrential rain flew, continuous beads of rain lashing down!


    Heaven and earth blurred, veiled in mist and rain.


    Along the riverbank, an official road was carved out, its surface washed muddy by the rainwater.


    On the uneven, muddy official road, however, there was a carriage convoy speeding along.


    The hubs smashed down, accompanied by a booming sound, splashing gray-brown mud several feet high!


    The speed of the convoy was very fast, the horses pulling the carriages were not ordinary horses, but demon horses with the bloodline of beasts, capable of braving the wind and rain, covering a thousand miles a day, as fast as lightning.


    This was a convoy coming from Dao City.


    Suddenly.


    From inside the carriage, a burly figure tore through the wind and rain, landing on the top of the carriage.


    Dressed in the dispatch uniform of the Dao City Temple Administration Office, it outlined the explosive flesh beneath, with surging blood and energy, fluttering like flags in motion!


    The rain had not yet fallen, and it exploded around him.


    This man was Zhu Chaoyang, a Great Grandmaster Supervisor dispatched by the Dao City Temple Administration Office.


    This man had condensed eighteen Divine Gangs, each Divine Gang capable of tempering ten human body orifices, meaning he had penetrated one hundred eighty Zhou Heavenly Orifices.


    Within the Divine Force Realm, he had already walked half the journey.


    Zhu Chaoyang was in charge of accompanying an elder from the Qian Yuan Divine Sect who was transporting the Four Royal Divine Weapons to Golden Light Prefecture City, to open the Strange Que of the Four Royal Mysterious Temples within that city and participate in the Temple God Resonance Conference!

 Chapter 452: The Celestial Fire God Cannon is Completed, Turning the Hunters into the Hunted (3)

    Chapter 452: Chapter 178: The Celestial Fire God Cannon is Completed, Turning the Hunters into the Hunted [Seeking Monthly Ticket]_3


    Blood Qi roared and shattered the raindrops.


    Zhu Chaoyang¡¯s eyes, like tangible blades, cut through the misty rain and stared directly at the raging river.


    In the haze, it seemed as if he could see the shadow of a Jiao Long roaming and tumbling in the river!


    "A Jiao Long emerges from the deep river... The grand upheaval of the Eight-Armed Prison Lotus Wrathful Third Prince¡¯s Mysterious Temple seems about to begin.¡±


    With brilliant light shining in his eyes, Zhu Chaoyang stood with his hands behind his back, watching the Jiao Long that stirred up countless rivers with a flick of its tail as it quickly swam away.


    With one step, he moved from the roof of the carriage back inside.


    Inside the carriage, a child around five years old, with hair tied up in a topknot and wearing a red bellyband, sat cross-legged with a Flame God Spear resting on his legs, as if he were sitting within flames.


    His cheeks puffed out, with flames darting in and out of his nostrils as if devouring fire.


    "Little Iron Brat, you¡¯ve come all the way from the Divine Capital to Qianyuan Taoist City. The Governor¡¯s Office has agreed to let you attend this Temple God Resonance Convention, you better not come back empty-handed. Otherwise... it will be the face of our Dao City Temple Administration Governor that you¡¯ll be losing.¡±


    Zhu Chaoyang leaned against the carriage wall, arms crossed, and watched the fire-eating child with an involuntary laugh.


    The little kid opened his eyes, which held a rebellious light. He gave Zhu Chaoyang a glare.


    Opening his mouth, he spat out a flame towards Zhu Chaoyang.


    Zhu Chaoyang¡¯s face darkened as he clenched his hand and put out the flame with a slap.


    "Rascal!¡± he said, annoyed.


    "Blah blah blah!¡± The child stuck out his tongue in a defiant and unruly manner.


    "Don¡¯t call me rascal, don¡¯t call me Little Iron Brat!¡±


    "I have a name!¡±


    "My name is Tie Shancai!¡±


    ...


    ...


    Qintian Observatory, within a solitary workshop.


    Li Che gripped the Divine Weapon Blade with his fingers, patiently polishing the Fire God¡¯s Furious Jiao Wood as sparks flew in all directions.


    Six crimson cannon barrels were intertwined.


    On each barrel, Li Che used his Blood Qi and Divinity to carve the Mechanism Seal ¡°Dou¡± to enhance the firing mechanism for a greater release of the cannonball¡¯s explosive power. r?A??§àBE?S


    Besides the organ cannon, Li Che also placed three ¡°Avalanche Ravens,¡± each significantly larger than the Spirit Wood Raven and connected in a chain.


    Once the Fire God¡¯s Furious Jiao Organ Cannon was activated and began to spin at high speed, it would rapidly load and fire the cannonballs from the chain.


    In the span of one breath, it could make a hundred rotations, firing off hundreds of Avalanche Ravens!


    The Fire God¡¯s Furious Jiao Organ Cannon was essentially an enhanced version of the Immortal Artisan Gatling!


    Both were designed as revolving cannons!


    On the Avalanche Ravens, Li Che was carefully inscribing another Mechanism Seal, the ¡°Bing¡± character.


    Li Che couldn¡¯t inscribe two different Mechanism Seals on the Fire God Organ Cannon at the same time; he had tried it before, and they tended to repel each other, reducing the effect.


    Li Che had consulted Old Tang, who said that mastering the combination of Nine Organ Seals was an untransmitted secret technique of the Tang Clan¡¯s Mechanism.


    He was unable to solve this problem since being incorporated into the Imperial Court had broken the lineage.


    The proper use and combination of the nine seals was the core mystery of the Tang Clan¡¯s peerless mechanical beasts!


    This had been a long-standing issue for him as well.


    Hearing this, Li Che felt a sense of regret but didn¡¯t dwell on it too much, thinking perhaps he might get a chance to learn more about it in the future.


    Perhaps once he mastered the nine seals, he might have an epiphany?


    Bare-chested and drenched in sweat, Li Che¡¯s muscles stood out like roaring Jiao Longs, his formidable power surging out as he grasped the freshly polished, incredibly heavy Fire God¡¯s Furious Jiao Organ Cannon.


    It was heavy, his first impression.


    But he could feel an extremely terrifying destructive power within the cannon.


    Thanks to the improved propulsion and the Immortal Artisan Gatling¡¯s enhanced burst capability, plus the fifty Divine Chess Pieces encapsulated in each Avalanche Raven cannonball...


    Li Che felt...


    That even a Great Grandmaster could be suppressed by its firepower.


    As for the Divine Element True Person...


    Li Che¡¯s eyes sparked.


    "Testing it out will be the only way to know.¡±


    He gently caressed the Celestial Fire God¡¯s Furious Jiao Organ Cannon, feeling the power and heat waves within.


    The corners of Li Che¡¯s mouth lifted slightly.


    The next moment, with a thought, the ¡°Fairy in the Painting¡± Dao Fruit trembled.


    Then, the Immaculate Heart Drawing Paper floated out, beginning to continuously replicate the ¡°Avalanche Ravens.¡±


    After spending about seventy percent of his Divinity and Blood Qi, Li Che finally replicated a thousand ¡°Avalanche Ravens.¡±


    The consumption of Divinity and Blood Qi made Li Che let out a slight breath.


    He took out a martial arts pill, crushed the Pill Coating, and greedily devoured its power to replenish his Blood Qi.


    With his current Furnace Physique, ordinary Eight Extremes Martial Pills could only be used for restoring Blood Qi and no longer had any body-refining effect.


    A dot fell on his forehead.


    The Heaven and Earth Chessboard expanded.


    Li Che immediately located the Pavilion Master of the Hunting God Pavilion outside the Qintian Observatory, filled with a murderous intent so dense it almost turned into black water.


    The dark, viscous murderous thoughts made Li Che¡¯s eyes frosty and cold.


    "So eager to kill me... and even went to the City Lord¡¯s Mansion


    Huang Xilong was watching Li Che.


    But Li Che was also keeping an eye on him.


    With the level 3 Chess Saint¡¯s Dao Fruit activated, taking on the Northern Dipper Chess Saint form, he could look down from above and lock onto Huang Xilong¡¯s every move.


    He directly switched to Northern Dipper mode, effectively opening the heavenly eye.


    So when Huang Xilong visited the City Lord¡¯s Mansion, Li Che guessed his intentions.


    He was likely planning to take on the assassination mission issued by the Young Prince again.


    Since Huang Xilong wanted him dead...


    Naturally, Li Che...

 Chapter 453: The Celestial Fire God Cannon is Completed, Turning the Hunters into the Hunted (4)

    Chapter 453: Chapter 178: The Celestial Fire God Cannon is Completed, Turning the Hunters into the Hunted [Seeking Monthly Ticket]_4


    He wouldn¡¯t just wait to be killed.


    He must strike first to gain the upper hand!


    After a moment of contemplation.


    Stepping outside the door, he looked at the rainstorm raging outside the building.


    The torrential downpour made the world hazy, and the intense murderous intent hidden within became less noticeable.


    Li Che thought for a while.


    He took out the Divine Communication Mirror replicated from the Fruit of the Heavenly Dao from Within the Painting.


    He sent a message to Li Qingshan.


    "Are you there?¡±


    "A warm-up before great wealth, get ready.¡±


    "Hunting the Divine Primordial.¡±


    ...


    ...


    Zheng Lei Peak.


    Li Qingshan was in the courtyard, his body steaming with energy as he tempered his physique, the six Qi Blood Flood Dragons writhing and roaring.


    The Grandmaster True Intent Ultimate Study, Eight Flood Dragons Overturning the Rivers, he had cultivated it to the Six Jiao Level!


    Boom!


    The six Qi Blood Jiaoshe, rolling and spreading within the courtyard, created a violent storm, shredding the rain with the tremendous True Qi contained within the Qi Blood Flood Dragons!


    It was as if there was a real Jiao Long¡¯s breath, wanting to overturn the great river!


    Roar!!!!


    A roar spread fiercely, countless raindrops and roof tiles were impacted by the Qi, shooting into the clouds!


    Thump, thump, thump


    Then, with the roar of a Jiao Long, they burst open.


    Li Qingshan clenched his five fingers into a fist as if a Jiao Long were leaping out of the river, with the phantom vibrating!


    "Hahahaha!¡±


    "Success!¡±


    "This old man has succeeded!¡±


    Li Qingshan, wrapped in the True Intent of Jiao Long, laughed heartily.


    In the realm of Six Jiaos, he drew on True Intent to temper his internal organs, and an extremely sharp Gang Qi began to spread from within his organs!


    Dominant and heavy!


    This was his Gang Qi; the True Intent of Eight Flood Dragons Overturning the Rivers condensed Gang Qi, and its style was dominant and heavy.


    Although there was only a wisp of Gang Qi, it meant that Li Qingshan was only a layer away from reaching the Great Grandmaster realm!


    Having immersed himself in the Martial Path for so many years, he finally had the chance to touch the Great Grandmaster level!


    "However, my Gang Qi is too weak, and I haven¡¯t yet condensed my Martial Dao Will, nor have I merged the Gang Qi with the Martial Dao Will to form Divine Gang!¡±


    Li Qingshan exhaled deeply.


    Just as he was rejoicing, his facial expression subtly shifted.


    He took out the Divine Communication Mirror.


    But he saw a message pop up on the mirror.


    "Wow, so soon there¡¯s action?¡±


    "A warm-up before great wealth... a warm-up, huh?¡±


    "Huh?¡±


    "Hunting the Divine Primordial?¡±


    "You¡¯re calling hunting the Divine Primordial a warm-up?!¡±


    Li Qingshan was stunned.


    Wait, they¡¯re going to make a move on the Divine Element True Person so soon?


    Are they going to take direct action against the Young Prince?


    No, that¡¯s not right...


    Li Qingshan felt something was off; if they were really going to make a move on the Shadow Guard True Person, it shouldn¡¯t be just a warm-up.


    "Are there other Divine Element True Persons within the Golden Light Prefecture?¡±


    "Wang Kuyu? Lu Yao... Huh? The fleeing Pavilion Master of the Hunting God Pavilion?¡±


    Li Qingshan¡¯s eyes shifted.


    Then he gritted his teeth.


    If he was going to join the Underworld, he ought to have a sense of participation in every battle!


    Otherwise...


    How could he dare to call himself the Underworld Cat Face in front of others?


    From his sleeve, the Ram Horn Hammer slid down.


    He replied to Grandpa Bull Demon with the Divine Communication Mirror,


    "Wait for me!¡±


    Li Qingshan, with the Cat Face Mask on, rushed down the mountain in haste.


    ...


    ...


    Wait...


    Of course, there would be no waiting now.


    After all, opportunities come and go in an instant and wait for no one.


    However, Li Che didn¡¯t immediately act.


    He sat cross-legged.


    With eyes closed, the Heaven and Earth chessboard in his mind expanded like a net...


    A Divine Element True Person...


    Harder to deal with than a Great Grandmaster.


    Therefore, Li Che needed to be fully prepared.


    He must not act rashly; everything must be pursued with steadiness.


    The Pavilion Master of the Hunting God Pavilion was set on killing him; that much was certain.


    Imminent danger surged!


    Moreover, the Pavilion Master of the Hunting God Pavilion wanted to kill not just him, but also Zhang Ya. He had taken on a mission to kill Xi Xi¡¯s parents.


    So...


    It was a matter of life and death¡ªand vengeance!


    It was time for Li Che to take action.


    His eyes opened.


    The plan to hunt the Divine Primordial was already outlined in his mind.


    He stood up.


    Li Che swept his sleeve, and a painting of the Fairy in the Painting floated out, and a duplicate of Li Che slowly walked out of it.


    With a gentle smile and nodding towards his true self, Li Che acknowledged his own existence.


    Li Che clenched his fingers into a fist.


    The Thunder Chess Piece was immediately grasped in the palm of his hand.


    And his entire being returned to the small courtyard in Falling Flower Alley.


    "Soul Capturing.¡±


    Li Che¡¯s fingers curled like hooks, fiercely clenching.


    In front of him, gray streams of air tumbled and condensed into the likeness of Xue Dufu¡ªbefore his arm was severed.


    Li Che tossed the Crescent Blade Divine Weapon to Xue Dufu, who hung it at his waist like a chopping knife.


    Although Xue Dufu could only exert seventy percent of his strength, a Great Grandmaster with seventy percent ability...


    Is still a Great Grandmaster!


    "My Lord.¡±


    With the blade at his waist, Xue Dufu¡¯s eyes gleamed with a few extra hints of brightness.


    Li Che took a piece of Spiritual Wood, his pointed fingers coming together as if blades were moving across it, carving out a fierce-looking bull mask.


    Thinking of the Corpse God Sect¡¯s Corpse God Envoy.


    Li Che pressed his index finger onto the bull mask, lightly drawing a ¡°one.¡±


    Mask, Niu Yi.


    He tossed the mask to Xue Dufu.


    Xue Dufu immediately put it on.


    "Under the command of the Bull Demon...Demon General Niu Yi.¡±


    Li Che smiled lightly.


    He looked forward to the day when he could create an entire Bull Demon Army!


    With a grab of his fingers, a charming Cute Bull Mask was immediately placed over his face.


    In an instant.


    The mask melded with the face, and his demeanor changed drastically.


    Cold, ferocious, and unrestrained emotions surged and swirled forth.


    Divine Element True Person?


    Intending to kill me and Zhang Ya...


    Must also die!


    Whirl!


    The door was pushed open, and the black robe billowed, his sleeves flying wildly!


    The deep red, two-meter long red cannon barrel, held aloft, the weighty Immortal Work Barrett¡ªthe Celestial Fire God Cannon¡ªwas lifted by the Bull Demon¡¯s arm, veined like a dragon¡¯s.


    Rainwater hitting the red-hot barrels instantly evaporated with a hiss, rising up as steam!


    The Dragon Elephant Vajra Dao Fruit throbbed!


    The aura of the Bull Demon vanished in an instant, along with the silent Niu Yi, Xue Dufu, who followed behind him.


    After the Bull Demon and Niu Yi left the house.


    The Fairy in the Painting¡¯s doppelga?nger, Horse Face, leapt spiritedly from the courtyard, hurtling against the wind and rain, dashing toward the other end of Mansion City.


    Seeking the perfect sniping angle!


    Li Che had recently developed bullets engraved with the character ¡°soldier,¡± high-transparency sniping Fire God Bodhi bullets, which Horse Face took out and inserted into the upgraded version of Immortal Artisan Barrett.


    Blazing hot, the bullet immediately began to burn along Barret¡¯s narrow barrel.


    Atop a high building.


    Horse Face landed.


    Set up the sniper rifle.


    Aim!


    ...


    ...


    Li Che also used the Dao Fruit of the Fairy in the Painting to duplicate the Divine Monkey.


    In essence, the Divine Monkey was also a clone of Li Che, but one replicated by the Fairy in the Painting was weak, probably less than one-tenth the strength of Li Che¡¯s true self, and consumed a huge amount of life force and Divinity.


    For this assassination plan, the gain was not worth the cost.


    Therefore, Li Che did not replicate the Divine Monkey with its true power, only a facade.


    Just a deterrent was enough.


    Similar to the Horse Face doppelga?nger, it only needed to set up and shoot; if the recoil blasted it apart, then so be it.


    Whereas, the Divine Monkey clone didn¡¯t need to act, simply being a scarecrow was enough.


    After all, the Underworld Divine Monkey...


    Was capable of killing the Great Grandmaster Xue Dufu!


    The Divine Monkey simply had to stand there holding the Tiger Leopard Thunder Sound Splitting Golden Spear to deter the enemy.


    All was ready.


    Amidst the storm.


    The Bull Demon running wildly lifted his cheeks.


    The exceedingly adorable Cute Bull Mask, under the pattering rain, appeared even more endearing.


    Divine Primordial True Person...


    Your Grandpa Bull Demon is coming!


    ...


    ...


    Qintian Observatory, Cliffs Edge Treasure Tower.


    Wind and rain roared like columns, clouds churned ominously in the sky.


    "Che, you¡¯re back?¡±


    Shangguan Qinghong sat on a chair, and when she saw Li Che coming down the stairs, she greeted him with a smile.


    The Fairy in the Painting¡¯s doppelga?nger Li Che also casually greeted her, exchanged a few pleasantries,


    Then opened an oil-paper umbrella, his ink-colored clothes billowing in the wind and rain.


    He walked unheeded into the storm.


    With each step, rain splashed up, droplets bursting unrestrainedly.


    Li Che left the Qintian Observatory.


    In the misty rain.


    Atop a high building.


    A figure poised like a spear!


    Huang Xilong, wearing a Golden Mask, seemed to merge with the heaven and earth, exerting the Divine Sect¡¯s Breath Concealment Secret Technique to its utmost.


    His eyes, calm, observed the ink-robed youth stepping out of the Qintian Observatory, holding an oil-paper umbrella.


    In his view.


    This youth.


    Was already a dead man.

 Chapter 455: Bull Demon’s Cannon Kills Divine Primordial, True Underworld Comes from Hell (2)

    Chapter 455 -179: Bull Demon¡¯s Cannon Kills Divine Primordial, True Underworld Comes from Hell [Seeking Monthly Ticket]_2


    This sword...


    Appearing through the air and merging with the pervasive rain, even Lu Yao, a Divine Primordial True Person, could not have detected it initially!


    To Li Che, it seemed he was certainly doomed!


    However, an attack came abruptly, hitting precisely the Rain Sword he had condensed with the Eight Extremes Divinity Technique...


    This was an Assassination Technique personally employed by the master of the Hunting God Pavilion!


    Unless the opponent was always prepared...


    Hm?


    Under the Golden Mask, Huang Xilong¡¯s pupils shrank.


    A trap!


    This Li Che...


    Was just bait!


    Boom!!!


    A howling sound arose from afar, exploding countless raindrops.


    Yet, before the roaring and howling approached, a silent, stealthy golden light was already nearing.


    It was a crimson Bodhi bullet!


    It was fully engraved with intricate patterns, and a brilliantly shining ¡°soldier¡± seal, etched upon it, seemed like magma flowing within!


    Fire God Bodhi bullet!


    Horse Face Thousand Mile Soul Arrest!


    "Horse Face!¡±


    Under the golden mask, Huang Xilong¡¯s killing intent surged!


    His fingers closed together and suddenly flipped.


    Instantly, the air around him was sharply compressed, forming layers of air walls!


    Even the rainwater was frozen and sealed within!


    However...


    The sharply elongated Fire God Bodhi bullet was like a crimson Jiao Long crawling out of a volcano¡¯s mouth!


    Roaring angrily, carrying the scorching heat that incinerated everything!


    And the extremely terrifying penetration power!


    It instantly pierced through the layers of air walls, tearing apart the Divine Primordial True Person¡¯s Primordial Spirit power and his immense Divinity! R?¦Á??O?B§¦S?


    This penetration power!


    Huang Xilong¡¯s eyes narrowed, slightly shocked in his heart!


    The Divine Sniper Horse Face¡¯s power had grown stronger!


    Indistinctly, he even felt threatened!


    However, Huang Xilong was ultimately a Divine Primordial True Person, and while Horse Face¡¯s sniping power was indeed excellent, strong and unpredictable,


    Yet, a Divine Primordial True Person was ultimately not a weakling.


    Behind him, the Shen Yuan Golden Elixir revolved, faintly enveloping Huang Xilong in a layer of golden veil!


    Ding!!!


    Immortal Work Barrett¡¯s Fire God Bodhi Armor-Piercing Bullet harshly drilled into the golden veil surrounding Huang Xilong!


    Invisible ripples spread, waves of fluctuation undulating ceaselessly!


    Huang Xilong¡¯s Divinity expanded, his palm fiercely pushed forward, and suddenly, like a huge wave slapping down, he forcefully captured the high-speed spinning Fire God Bodhi!


    Boom!


    However.


    The next moment, a snap of fingers resounded between heaven and earth.


    The Fire God Bodhi bullet suddenly swelled, and the Divine Chess Pieces loaded inside began to collide violently, rumbling like an avalanche!


    Boom boom boom!


    The terrifying explosion swept through instantly, fire erupted, and the surging, fierce Divinity, filled with corrosive power, eroded Huang Xilong¡¯s Divine Power!


    "Malicious!¡±


    Inside Huang Xilong¡¯s Niwan Palace, Divinity roared, suddenly sweeping over, suppressing the explosion¡¯s flames, and his figure also rippled in the torrential rain.


    His figure dashed through the air, like autumn leaves in a heavy rain!


    He continuously shifted directions, making it impossible for Horse Face to snipe him accurately.


    Suddenly.


    Huang Xilong seemed to sense something and looked down.


    He discovered that at some point, a figure had appeared on the ground.


    Enveloped in a black robe, he looked up, revealing a fierce Bull Demon mask, and on the mask... there was also a ¡°one¡± mark!


    "When


    Huang Xilong was greatly alarmed.


    He had not noticed the arrival of this person at all!


    With a fierce press of his fingers, Divine Power converged the raindrops into terrifying sword lights, fiercely plunging towards Niu Yi on the ground.


    However, the very next moment, Huang Xilong felt intense heat!


    The masked figure, his muscles and bones stretching, seemed like a fully drawn strong bow suddenly released, with a booming sound of explosion.


    Blistering hot blood qi surged violently!


    Though blazing hot, it also carried a corpse-like icy coldness!


    The air rippled with barely perceptible ripples, such was the shock of the blood qi, that raindrops falling from the sky were pushed far away!


    Buzz¡ª


    The Divine Gang exploded, shooting up in an instant!


    Fiercely striking at Huang Xilong.


    The tens of thousands of Rain Swords that Huang Xilong had pressed downwards, all exploded!


    The towering black shadow had already stepped on the air currents, ascending to the heavens!


    "A Great Grandmaster?!¡±


    Such blood qi!


    Such Divine Gang!


    Undoubtedly, he was a flawlessly tempered Great Grandmaster, both inside and out!


    A Divine Primordial True Person is indeed stronger than a Great Grandmaster, and can even be said to surpass a Great Grandmaster, but...


    The premise is not to let the Great Grandmaster get close!


    The physique of a Divine Primordial True Person is far inferior to that of a Great Grandmaster, unless this Divine Primordial True Person is also a breakthrough at the Great Master Realm!


    Otherwise, once struck severely by a Great Master Realm, the impact would be tremendous!


    "To think a Great Grandmaster would ambush me?!¡±


    "Which other Great Grandmasters are there in Golden Light Prefecture City?¡±


    Huang Xilong¡¯s eyes were grave.


    However, facing the Great Grandmaster Niu Yi who was leaping towards him, he pointed a foot into the void, a majestic Divinity burst from the Mud Pill, and the Primordial Spirit flickered, like a true god emerging!


    He formed a seal with his hands.


    Divine Secret Technique!


    Huang Xilong instantly disappeared from his original position, vanished into thin air, and reappeared behind the Great Grandmaster Niu Yi.


    Huang Xilong clenched his fist, and the immensely huge Shen Yuan Golden Elixir¡¯s light flourished immensely behind him, the mighty Divine Power stirring around his body.


    He flung his arms open violently!


    The massive repelling force, like an unstoppable shockwave, violently struck Great Grandmaster Niu Yi.


    Niu Yi raised his arm, fiercely resisting the shockwave, his muscles and bones seemingly crying out in agony!


    He reached around his waist and grasped a machete, which instantly grew in the wind, turning into a Crescent Blade!


    Blood qi entwined around the Crescent Blade, grasped with one hand, Divine Gang activated, and he fiercely swept across!

 Chapter 456: 179th : Bull Demon Uses Cannon to Kill Divine Primordial, Truth Comes from Hell (3)

    Chapter 456: 179th Chapter: Bull Demon Uses Cannon to Kill Divine Primordial, Truth Comes from Hell [Seeking Monthly Ticket]_3


    He slashed at Huang Xilong behind him!


    However...


    This change in his move!


    Instantly alerted everyone!


    Divine Gang Crescent Blade...


    Firewood cutter turned butcher¡¯s knife?!


    Is this...


    Xue Dufu?!


    Great Grandmaster... Xue Dufu?!


    Impossible!


    Absolutely impossible!


    Huang Xilong¡¯s whole body trembled, his eyes flickered, a storm rising in his heart!


    Xue Dufu... wasn¡¯t he killed?


    Could this Martial Man of Spirit wearing a fierce Bull Demon mask really be Xue Dufu?


    Trickery!


    In an instant, Huang Xilong¡¯s spirit condensed, his eyes brightened, his hands forming a Seal Formula, Divine Secret Technique reinvigorated.


    Why is Divine Element True Person superior to Great Grandmaster...


    Because in Huang Xilong¡¯s view, Divine Cultivation stemming from Mysterious Temple is indeed superior to Martial Path!


    Hands forming the Seal Formula, Golden Core vibrated, golden intent to kill covered his whole body in an instant, turning into a golden bell!


    He did not dodge or avoid, he just resisted the wild chopping of a Divine Gang Great Grandmaster¡¯s blade!


    Ding!


    It was as if an ancient bell sealed for eons had been struck!


    Like thunder exploding, energy waves rolled, violent impacts spreading out like concentric circles in all directions!


    Countless raindrops were shattered and pushed aside.


    The pooled water on the ground was also instantly cleared from the area!


    ...


    ...


    In the distance.


    Inside Qintian Observatory Treasure Building.


    Lu Yao protected Li Che, his eyes electrifying, intently watching the sudden outbreak of battle and slaughter in the distance.


    His eyelids twitched incessantly.


    Pavilion Master of Hunting God Pavilion...


    And a Great Grandmaster?


    That Great Grandmaster is... Xue Dufu?!


    This signature Crescent Blade, who else in the Golden Light Prefecture could possess such skills of a Great Grandmaster if not Xue Dufu?


    Supervisor Hu Yingyue also appeared, casually playing an erhu, his eyes also showing a few shades of shock.


    He glanced at Li Che, who looked pale and was obviously severely injured.


    "You, youngster, are lucky that a Divine Element True Person tried to kill you, and you could still survive,¡± said Hu Yingyue solemnly.


    Lu Yao reacted quickly, but the sniper shot that burst out of nowhere was even faster.


    It was Horse Face who saved Li Che¡¯s life!


    The Underworld... surely has a notable relationship with Li Che.


    Lu Yao snorted coldly, yet he did not intervene.


    Protecting Li Che was enough for him.


    The dispute between the Underworld and the Hunting God Pavilion was not a muddy water he wished to wade into.


    The Underworld took action...


    Even deploying a Great Grandmaster.


    Are they planning to hunt down a Divine Element True Person?


    The techniques of a Divine Element True Person are more mysterious compared to a Great Grandmaster, and they can easily soar through the sky and burrow into the earth, their agility far surpassing that of any Great Grandmaster. r?¦¡??o?§£E?S


    Although his physical body wasn¡¯t exploding with power, as a Divine Element True Person who cultivated the Shen Yuan Golden Elixir, the elixir breathed in and out, scattering golden light, forming a Divine Origin Golden Body that was also formidable!


    The Huang Xilong before him was clearly on the verge of refining a Divine Origin Golden Body.


    And a Great Grandmaster had abruptly clashed with the Divine Element True Person.


    Such fluctuations instantly alarmed powerhouses from all quarters!


    Inside the City Lord¡¯s Mansion.


    The Shadow Guard True Person protecting the Young Prince opened his eyes, his powerful Primordial Spirit leaping out of his body and roaming the void to observe.


    On Zheng Lei Peak, the Taoist King Ku Yu, who had been meditating, also opened his eyes, his gaze profound.


    The Underworld...


    Still besieging the Hunting God Pavilion!


    Crazy!


    Truly crazy!


    ...


    ...


    Heavy force impacted on Huang Xilong¡¯s body, his golden robe rippling as if a golden bell shielded his torso.


    It blocked Niu Yi¡¯s full-force blow.


    With a flick of his finger, the air oscillated explosively, countless wind and rain turning into terrifying giant swords sweeping across!


    Great Grandmaster Niu Yi was swept away by one sword strike.


    Landing on the ground, his feet dragging long, narrow tracks through the puddles.


    But the moment he stabilized his body, Niu Yi charged forward again, the Crescent Blade dragging on the ground, tearing it open!


    Suddenly swinging it up, as if moonlight were scattering down!


    As if on the Great Desert, a lone column of smoke rises!


    Desert Lone Smoke Blade!


    Killing move...!


    Lone Smoke Slash!


    "Desert Lone Smoke Blade... You really are Xue Dufu!¡±


    Huang Xilong¡¯s mind was tremendously shaken at this moment, feeling the great killing move, emotions surging in his chest.


    The Golden Core trembled, bursting forth with immense Divinity, which he channeled with a light flick of his finger, numerous droplets shooting forward, countless beads of rain falling down as innumerable flying swords!


    The strength of a Divine Element True Person lies in long-range attacks, overwhelming, able to exhaust even a Great Grandmaster to death!


    And once the Divine Primordial of a Divine Element True Person is formed, its Divinity is boundless, capable of harnessing the Divinity of heaven and earth for its own use.


    What if Xue Dufu were to come alive again?


    Then he would die yet another time!


    The Golden Core behind him trembled!


    Countless Wrath Divinities surged out, Divinity roaring like a river!


    After Huang Xilong turned rain into swords with a tap of his finger, he then formed another Seal Formula!


    Seven Elements Divine Method!


    Countless Rain Swords, like a dragon sucking water, gathered together, erupting from the street, as if even the river¡¯s flow were unable to resist roaring and being drawn up!


    A giant Rain Sword Dragon emerged, roaring, sweeping along, its countless sharp edges crushing and grinding towards Niu Yi.


    Sealed by Divinity, the Divine Method targeting swiftly attacked.


    Though it seemed brief, the actual speed was extremely fast!


    Boom¡ª!!!


    Terrifying vital energy blazed fiercely, like a fierce sun across the sky!


    Niu Yi¡¯s entire body resonated, gripping the Crescent Blade with Divine Gang flowing, slashing the sword energy dragon formed by the gathering rain!


    Seven Elements Divine Method!


    The threat was already immense, even a Divine Element True Person would not be able to deploy it many times!


    The ground continuously exploded with pebbles bursting apart, the shattered stones being torn into dust within the tornado of sword energy!


    Niu Yi, with his abundant vitality, could only reduce the lethal power contained in this sword energy tornado by continuously swinging his blade.


    Otherwise, even a Great Grandmaster, caught within it, would suffer severe injuries!


    Huang Xilong hovered in the air, racing through the air.


    Watching the Great Grandmaster struggle to resist, the corners of his lips beneath the mask curled into a chilly arc.

 Chapter 457: Bull Demon’s Cannon Kills Divine Primordial, True Underworld Comes from Hell (4)

    Chapter 457 -179: Bull Demon¡¯s Cannon Kills Divine Primordial, True Underworld Comes from Hell [Seeking Monthly Tickets]_4


    Suddenly,


    Within the Brow Niwan,


    The Primordial Spirit¡¯s eyes snapped open, a sense of crisis so intense it shook his heart and soul!


    Intent to kill


    Came surging forth!


    An overwhelming intent to kill!


    It pierced straight to the heart!


    Huang Xilong¡¯s eyelids twitched as he couldn¡¯t help but look into the distance.


    A hundred yards away,


    A towering figure like a mountain stood silently, its arms covered in bulging veins, carrying an enormous mechanism!


    The six red-hot cannon barrels, bound together, emitted an intense heat!


    A severe sense of crisis spread instantly from the Primordial Spirit through his whole body!


    Huang Xilong¡¯s hair stood on end, every pore raised in alarm!


    "Bull Demon!!!¡±


    The true Bull Demon had finally revealed himself!


    Looking at that face in the storm, hidden behind a Cute Bull Mask, Huang Xilong didn¡¯t find it the least bit cute.


    All he felt... was a chill all over his body!


    But Huang Xilong¡¯s gaze was locked on the colossal barrel of the cannon the Bull Demon was carrying.


    The slim barrel resembled a ferocious beast choosing its prey, baring its fangs!


    It was like the road to the Hell Netherworld!


    "What is that...?¡±


    Huang Xilong¡¯s eyes narrowed.


    Because from the cannon the Bull Demon was carrying, a splendid blue light suddenly burst forth!


    A ghostly blue, like the phantom fires of hell!


    Without hesitation,


    He flicked his finger.


    A resplendent Seven Elemental Divine Weapon appeared in front of him, the sword light layered upon itself, forming a barrier of sword light armor in front of him! R?ANO?§£§¦?s?


    Thud thud thud thud


    Countless streaks of blue light sprayed forth, hot air waves rising fiercely!


    And then, within the blue light, golden rays connected in lines started to shoot out incessantly from the rotating six barrels!


    The scorching air waves pierced through the rain curtain and mist, roaring towards him!


    Patterns intertwined on the barrel as the Bull Demon¡¯s vital blood surged into it, driving the barrel to spin at high speed!


    A hundred rotations in a single breath!


    Wrapped around the Bull Demon were chains of Avalanche Cross Raven bullets, each containing the equivalent of fifty Divine Chess Pieces!


    Crack crack crack crack crack


    The deafening roar erupted from the Fire God¡¯s Furious Jiao Organ Cannon.


    The Bull Demon, nearly 2.5 meters tall and carrying a cannon platform weighing more than a thousand pounds, fired abruptly!


    Bang!


    Bang!


    Bang!


    Horrible penetration power, dreadful explosive force, terrifying impact!


    Huang Xilong, floating in mid-air, even before he could make any movements to escape,


    Was struck by the golden light!


    An explosion erupted instantaneously!


    The roiling, scalding Divine Power burst into a frenzied, exploding blaze!


    The Seven Elemental Divine Weapon he summoned dimmed in divine light, exhausted of Divinity, and then was struck, flying sideways into the air and chaotically falling to the ground.


    Huang Xilong was terrified.


    His figure streaked and shifted through the air in several quick maneuvers.


    He fiercely pushed his palms forward, creating an immense Air Wall of compressed divine energy, as his Golden Core shuddered, converging into his Golden Garment and Golden Body.


    How could he be unaware of the Bull Demon¡¯s traps?


    The mechanism that rotated and sprayed flames had been detailed in Huang Xilong¡¯s intelligence reports long ago.


    But this power...


    It was on a completely different level from what it had been at that moment!


    Bang¡ª!


    The Air Wall formed from compressed divine energy instantly exploded, a terrifying blast coming into existence, with fierce light and heat erupting in the explosion.


    Merely ten salvos of Avalanche Cross Raven had penetrated the Air Wall, and the explosive light and force of Divinity directly caused Huang Xilong to feel dizzy and disoriented.


    Then, he felt a horrifically violent force lashing against his body!


    The Golden Gauze draped from his Golden Core clung tightly to his body!


    Although he had not attained the Divine Origin Golden Body, the power involuntarily emanating from his Golden Core could still enhance his defense!


    Pain!


    Pain deep in his bones!


    As if a Great Grandmaster was holding him down and continuously pounding him into the ground!


    Only a breath had passed.


    And yet, hundreds of hits pummeled his body, the Golden Light quickly worn to a dim, the explosive Divine Power swirling violently!


    Caught midair, Huang Xilong was engulfed by the fireworks of the explosion!


    It was as if he had returned to that day...


    The vast Watching Tide Pavilion, swallowed and flattened by a terrifying mushroom cloud explosion!


    Pff¡ª!


    A mouthful of fresh blood sprayed out, and his golden garment finally could not withstand the continuous firing of the Bull Demon¡¯s Fire God Cannon.


    Eventually, it was torn apart!


    Huang Xilong roared in anger, blood spewing from his mouth, as he suddenly unleashed all his Divine Power forward in an eruption.


    Burning Blood, Divine Secret Technique!


    Displacement Transformation!


    His figure flickered several times in midair!


    And then, he miraculously vanished from the location locked onto by the Fire God Organ Cannon.


    Many strings of golden gunfire missed his form.


    Huang Xilong made several long-range flickering jumps, soaring straight up.


    Faced with the terrifying impact of the Bull Demon¡¯s mechanisms...


    One had to be ready with top-level defensive Seven Elemental Divine Weapons, or even Six Ministries Divine Weapons...to withstand it, to have a chance to counterkill!


    For a Divine Element True Person suspended in the air, the Bull Demon¡¯s device was too much of a threat!


    Unless one formed the Divine Origin Golden Body, being hit would lead to either death or grave injury!


    Suddenly.


    Just as he finished flickering and was about to rush up into the sky, entering the clouds to deprive the Bull Demon of the chance to bombard him, a sudden shock struck Huang Xilong¡¯s heart!


    Rain pattered against his Golden Mask.


    He saw a patch of blood cloud emerge above his head.


    Above the blood cloud, a figure wearing a Divine Monkey Mask and wielding a crimson Tiger Leopard Thunder Sound Spear looked down at him in jest.


    "Jie jie jie


    Divine Monkey!


    The Divine Monkey that could kill a Great Grandmaster!


    Huang Xilong¡¯s heart skipped a beat, and his upward-rushing form suddenly stiffened.

 Chapter 458: Bull Demon’s Cannon Kills Divine Primordial, True Underworld Comes from Hell (5)

    And it was all within less than half a breath¡¯s time.


    The blue glow of the Fire God Cannon spewed forth...


    Bursting out the Golden Light!


    It swept across the sky, fiercely and unmistakably striking Huang Xilong¡¯s body!


    Huang Xilong seemed to feel the pain of his limbs exploding.


    That long-lost fear of death, so instant-like a tide, flooded over him.


    "Ah!!!!"


    ...


    ...


    Silence!


    Coldness!


    Rain thundered down from high in the sky, yet it couldn¡¯t wash away the dazzling fireworks that had exploded mid-air.


    The anguished roar of Divine Element True Person pierced through the heart, echoing continuously, resounding throughout the entire Mansion City!


    At that moment, all the cultivators who had been alarmed and watched the battle were bone-chillingly cold, dazed and lost.


    That was...


    A Divine Element True Person!


    Who had cultivated his Divinity to Return to the Original True Self, with a soaring Primordial Spirit, condensed into a Divine Golden Pill, capable of connecting to the divinity of heaven and earth, of extremely high Rank, with overwhelming pressure!


    Even dozens of cultivators in the Divine Phase Realm, when faced with a Divine Element True Person alone, would be oppressed by his Rank to the point of immobility, unable to resist across ranks...


    Moreover, the abilities of a Divine Element True Person were heaven-reaching, just the Sword Qi tornado he had previously conjured alone severely suppressed a Great Grandmaster!


    His strength and dominance were evident!


    But such a Divine Element True Person...


    At this moment, actually let out such a painful howl!


    Lu Yao, Wang Kuyu, and Shadow Guard True Person, the three publicly known Divine Element True Persons of the Golden Light Prefecture, were also shaken to their Primordial Spirits, feeling a profound threat! ?a¦­?b?s??


    "Such a mechanism..."


    "This kind of mechanism!"


    Lu Yao¡¯s heart pounded violently as he watched Huang Xilong, who was hit by the cannon fire and falling through the air, unable to reach the human world.


    He felt a heavy sink in his heart.


    The Underworld...


    Who exactly are these divine beings?!


    Lu Yao stared intently at the red-colored cannon carried by the Bull Demon, which was spitting blue light!


    At the Qintian Observatory Treasure Building.


    Tang Sanjia leaned on the railing, his hair and beard flying, his robust body trembling uncontrollably.


    It had succeeded!


    Such mechanisms... such Mechanical Techniques... truly intoxicating!


    How beautiful, how beautiful the fireworks are!


    Inside the City Lord¡¯s Mansion.


    Shadow Guard True Person stood silently, his expression grave.


    Su Huaili had already leaped onto the rooftop, gazing into the distance, his body trembling slightly, fear climbing up his limbs.


    "This..."


    "This Bull Demon..."


    "And that Great Grandmaster... is Xue Dufu?!"


    Su Huaili felt his head was about to explode.


    Wasn¡¯t Xue Dufu dead?


    Why... is he alive again?!


    The Underworld...


    What exactly is their origin?!


    Could it really be possible to pull the dead back from Hell, to return them to the human world?!


    Is this still a human worldly power?


    Behind the Underworld...


    Who exactly stands there?!


    Ji Haihui, the Young Prince, had even greater fear reflected in his purple eyes.


    Being targeted by such a force...


    It¡¯s really terrifying!


    The Pavilion Master of the Hunting God Pavilion, who had accepted the task, also got killed.


    The next one...


    Is it him?!


    He wants to go home...


    He wants to return to the Royal Mansion!


    ...


    ...


    Li Qingshan gripped the Ram Horn Hammer, wearing the cat-faced mask.


    He watched from afar as the Divine Element True Person was bombarded by the cannon and engulfed by countless exploding fireworks.


    The terrifying explosive force, caused by the explosion, whipped up a frenzied, sweeping wind.


    Li Qingshan stood alone in the pouring rain.


    Continue your saga on


    The heavy rain washed over him.


    Sadness overflowed from his heart.


    It seemed like it had nothing to do with him again.


    "I¡¯m late again..."


    "Didn¡¯t we agree to bring me along?"


    Li Qingshan felt somewhat dejected; his Cultivation had just made a breakthrough, filling him with confidence and fighting spirit.


    But witnessing the terrifying Rank oppression spreading across heaven and earth from the Divine Element True Person.


    And the Bull Demon¡¯s blue-light-spewing mechanism that blew the Divine Element True Person apart in the sky.


    Li Qingshan softly exhaled a warm breath amid the cold rain and wind...


    Aged and profound.


    "The Underworld decides when you die at the third watch; who dares to keep you until the fifth watch."


    "Our Underworld has grown stronger again."

 Chapter 480: Emperor Xi Xi Picks Up a Gold Brick, Completely Out of Sync with the Temple God

    Nine Dragons River Bank.


    Listening Fury Cliff Stone.


    It was quiet, so quiet that one could almost say it was silence you could hear, broken only by the wailing and howling of storm winds isolated outside.


    Nan Li Huo stood with his hands behind his back, his white clothes fluttering, his white hair vividly scattering in the ceaseless winds.


    His eyes were deep as he looked toward the river shrouded in mysterious fog.


    The river¡¯s surface had become thoroughly obscured, as if a dense, thick fog had risen, even suppressing the churning waves, preventing even a single rolling wave from forming.


    Next to him, King Taoist bent his palm, resting his whisk on it, his eyes equally solemn.


    "Junior brother, what are you worried about?"


    King Taoist turned his head to look over.


    "Are you worried about whether Xi Xi can obtain the Temple God inheritance?"


    Upon hearing this, Nan Li Huo shook his head slightly, "What is there to worry about? If Xi Xi doesn¡¯t obtain the Temple God inheritance this time, her talent and future potential are definitely not just limited to Divine Primordial."


    "Her talent is indeed excellent, she has the potential to step into the realm of Divine Fetus Great God."


    King Taoist was left speechless, "Are you so confident in your little disciple?"


    He turned around, looking at the foggy river, his deep gaze piercing, "The Divine Fetus Realm... so many yearn to reach it, yet how many can succeed?"


    "Divine Element True Person undergoes three transformations: Primordial Spirit Metamorphosis, Golden Body Transformation, and Embryonic Breathing Metamorphosis. Each step is a matter of life and death, a single misstep can plunge one into an endless abyss."


    "In this world, there are many who have reached Divine Primordial, yet how many can truly become a Divine Fetus?"


    King Taoist felt somewhat melancholic.


    "Back in our day, we were also hailed as Divine Children, yet now... you are not even a Divine Primordial, and I... it¡¯s still unknown whether I can condense a Golden Body."


    King Taoist never imagined matters taking a favorable turn.


    He prepared in advance, always setting his expectations low so that... when disappointment came, it wouldn¡¯t overwhelm him.


    Nan Li Huo fell silent.


    "No... Xi Xi is different."


    Nan Li Huo still spoke these words.


    King Taoist tossed his whisk, laughing, "Junior brother, then let¡¯s make a bet. I also like this girl Xi Xi..."


    "If she can obtain even a single nurturing nature method, a Divine Foundation Technique, or any ordinary secret technique from the Temple God Resonance Meeting this time, I will agree."


    Upon hearing this, Nan Li Huo suddenly cast a strange look at King Taoist, "Bet on what?"


    King Taoist looked towards the mysterious fog enshrouding the Strange Que, unable to see the situation of the children who had entered it.


    He said softly, "Bet that... before the Sect Master Great God recruits the last direct disciple, I will present Xi Xi before the Sect Master Great God, giving him a chance to see her." R¦¡??O??BE?S


    Crash!


    Nan Li Huo suddenly turned around, his gaze fiery and intense.


    "Elder brother! You agreed?!"


    Nan Li Huo had been beseeching King Taoist for days.


    Because he knew King Taoist could do it, but King Taoist had never agreed, so why would he agree now by making a bet?


    In Nan Li Huo¡¯s view, King Taoist had agreed...


    After all, with Xi Xi¡¯s talent, obtaining the Temple God inheritance was not a problem at all, the only consideration was the quality of the inheritance obtained. Experience more on


    Thus, King Taoist¡¯s bet was essentially an indirect agreement.


    King Taoist chuckled bitterly, "I haven¡¯t agreed; aren¡¯t we just making a bet?"


    "Actually, junior brother, if you just go back to the Divine Sect and beg our master, Xi Xi¡¯s future would be even more secure."


    However, upon hearing this, Nan Li Huo¡¯s eyes dimmed slightly.


    "I won¡¯t go back."


    "I can¡¯t go back."


    Nan Li Huo sighed softly.


    "Yuanlong is cultivating within the Divine Sect... help me take good care of him, that child is not sharp... I fear he might be bullied."


    King Taoist began to smile, "I know, Yuanlong, that boy... simple and honest, though a bit dull-witted, he is earnest."


    "Don¡¯t worry, the boy¡¯s simple nature has touched an Inner Sect Elder, now he doesn¡¯t worry about resources... speaking of cultivation, he has already surpassed you, his master."


    "Yuanlong is now among the top ten of the Inner Sect, and the sect values him quite a bit. At the next Flat Peach Victory Meeting held at the Three Pure Bizarre Temple in the Great Scenic Divine Capital... this boy will be a capable cadre of our Qian Yuan Divine Sect."


    King Taoist said while laughing.


    Yuanlong is Nan Li Huo¡¯s second disciple.


    Who had been sent to Qian Yuan Divine Sect for further cultivation.


    "Indeed... the fool has his own fortune."


    "After this Temple God Resonance Meeting, I plan to send Guanyin and Xi Xi to the Authentic Divine Sect as well."


    Nan Li Huo¡¯s eyes flickered, looking towards King Taoist.


    "Sang Guanyin and Li Nuanxi?"


    "What about Liu Yangyuan? Your third disciple... you¡¯re just going to ignore him?"


    King Taoist said gravely.


    Nan Li Huo paused, then slowly exhaled, "Yangyuan... could be the Young Sect Master of the Golden Light Sub-sect."


    King Taoist shook his head and scoffed.


    "Doing this will hurt your third disciple..."


    "Great Elder Brother, Second Elder Brother, Fourth Junior Sister... now even the junior sister who just joined a year ago, all sent to the main sect, only he... left to manage the sub-sect alone."


    "Needing to deal with the mess you left..."


    "You..."


    King Taoist sighed, not saying anything further.


    Nan Li Huo stood with his hands behind his back, saying no more, his gaze fixed on the Strange Que.


    ...


    ...


    City Lord¡¯s Mansion area.


    Luxurious carriages were parked.


    Six Black Armored Blood Guards neatly stood leading the Flood Dragon Horses.


    Su Huaili sat inside the carriage, with the Shadow Guard True Person also sitting cross-legged, quietly drinking tea.


    The Shadow Guard True Person¡¯s form was completely indiscernible, shrouded in rolling black fog, he glanced at Su Huaili, "Old Prince ordered you to wait until the affair is over, then return to Jizhou together."

 Chapter 481: Emperor Xi Xi picked up the Gold Brick, with no resonance with the Temple God (2)

    Su Huaili paused for a moment while brewing tea.


    "Return to Jizhou?"


    Su Huaili continued to brew tea, the corners of his lips slightly smoothing.


    "Good."


    Explore more at


    "I will return after I finish dealing with the matters at hand."


    Su Huaili said gently.


    Shadow Guard True Person nodded his head.


    "Old Prince said, your senior brothers and sisters have already stepped into the Divine Primordial, and your cultivation lags far behind. After returning to Jizhou, they will give you ample resources to greatly improve your cultivation."


    "In three years, outside the Great Scenic Divine Capital, the ¡¯Flat Peach Victory Meeting¡¯ held by The Queen Mother of the West in the Three Pure Bizarre Temples will open, and the Prince wants you to prepare well."


    "If you can win a flat peach, the Prince says you have a chance at achieving Embryonic Breathing," said the Shadow Guard True Person, his voice floating through the carriage.


    Su Huaili paused his movements and chuckled lightly, "Master... do you have so little faith in me?"


    "Only with a flat peach, I have a chance at Embryonic Breathing?"


    "I... have no chance of forming a Divine Fetus?"


    The Shadow Guard True Person, shrouded in rolling black fog, glanced at Su Huaili.


    He didn¡¯t continue the conversation, as this topic was not one to be continued.


    However, Su Huaili didn¡¯t mind and continued brewing tea.


    ...


    ...


    Zhang Ya and Shangguan Qinghong sat back in the carriage, while Li Che was sitting sideways on the coachman¡¯s seat, his face as still as an ancient well, his emotions unreadable.


    The wind and rain fluttered, and his ink-black robe waved and lashed through the air.


    In the depths of his eyes, black and white chess pieces intertwined, and the lines of the chessboard undulated like waves.


    In Li Che¡¯s eyes, the Pure Heart Divine Chess Piece left in Xi Xi¡¯s hand had already reflected the situation of Xi Xi entering into Strange Que right before his eyes. ?¦¡?o???§¦?????


    It was like the luminance of a mirrored reflection.


    Li Che¡¯s Primordial Spirit sat upon the Heavenly and Earth chessboard, his Divine Sense forming strands of hair fluttering in the wind, his gaze opening and closing, shining with golden light, facing the scene directly.


    His face was incredibly grim.


    In the scene...


    Xi Xi entered Strange Que, and the Purple Flame Serpent Spear sounded its vibration, emitting purple flames that twined around it, pulling and guiding Xi Xi forward, all of which was revealed.


    Up until here, actually, it wasn¡¯t anything special.


    But when Xi Xi arrived before the Mysterious Temple,


    And saw another "Xi Xi" sitting on the stairs, Li Che¡¯s pupils contracted.


    "Bones scraped to repay my father"


    "Flesh cut to repay my mother"


    "Come"


    That "Xi Xi" was grasping a Divine Sword, fiercely slicing off her own flesh, with blood mist spraying.


    Li Che¡¯s fingers suddenly clenched tightly, a burst of malevolence erupting from him.


    What was this situation?


    Who was this Xi Xi?!


    A reflection and manifestation of the Temple God in the Mysterious Temple?


    Is this meant to corrupt my Xi Xi?!


    Li Che frowned.


    He was about to grasp the Thunder Chess Piece and appear within.


    But suddenly,


    Li Che¡¯s hand movement stopped, with intersecting lines forming on the chessboard in his eyes.


    He then saw that "Xi Xi," who was scraping bones and cutting flesh, suddenly raised her head, her sinister gaze seeming to pass through the Thunder Chess Piece and collide directly with Li Che, who was monitoring from the Heavenly and Earth chessboard.


    "Xi Xi" cracked a grin, slowly forming a wildly arrogant curve.


    "Dead monkey..."


    "Don¡¯t rush."


    Her lips met.


    Though no sound was made, Li Che understood.


    Li Che¡¯s grip on the Thunder Chess Piece paused for a moment.


    Within the Heaven and Earth chessboard.


    The [Equal to Heaven¡¯s Face] vibrated slightly and then returned to calm.


    As if it were saying...


    Silly child, you¡¯ve scolded the wrong monkey.


    "..."


    "This Temple God... is somewhat devilish."


    A divine child?


    A demon child?!


    Li Che tapped his finger and held the Thunder Chess Piece between his fingertips.


    The net of Heaven has spread wide, the move falls on me.


    Just a single thought.


    And I could take Xi Xi away from danger.


    ...


    ...


    Mysterious fog churned.


    Creak creak...


    That was the sound of a blunt knife cutting meat, too clear and piercing, making one¡¯s hair stand on end.


    Xi Xi felt all the little hairs on her arm stand up.


    She heard the "Xi Xi" sitting on the stone steps calling out, summoning her.


    The chubby-faced Xi Xi¡¯s countenance shook uncontrollably.


    "Fake!"


    "You are not Xi Xi!"


    "I am the real Xi Xi, Li Nuanxi!"


    Xi Xi was a bit angry!


    She glared with wide eyes, void of fear, lacking terror.


    Why go through this charade?!


    Daddy and Mommy gave Xi Xi her body, a small cut on Xi Xi¡¯s hands would make Daddy and Mommy distressed.


    How could Xi Xi cut flesh to repay Mommy, and carve bone to repay Daddy?


    If she did...


    Daddy and Mommy would be very, very sad!


    Xi Xi definitely didn¡¯t want to make Mommy and Daddy sad!


    "That¡¯s not allowed!"


    Xi Xi put her hands on her hips, glaring with her little eyes, and shouted in her baby voice.


    The figure of "Xi Xi" sitting on the steps suddenly stiffened for a moment.


    Pfft¡ª


    The sword in hand, the action still did not stop.


    "Why not?"


    "Daddy doesn¡¯t love Xi Xi, when there¡¯s trouble he always says it¡¯s Xi Xi¡¯s fault... tells Xi Xi to apologize, to kowtow and bow... "


    "How could Xi Xi be wrong? Even if Xi Xi was wrong... why would Daddy help others to bully Xi Xi?"


    The hoarse voice, with a crying tone, accompanied by the sound of cutting flesh.


    As if the gates of the Underworld were wide open, countless wailing ghostly winds howled in.


    Intending to freeze everything.


    To seal it all in ice!


    The "Xi Xi" standing up from the steps, her face was full of sorrowful crying, tears streaming down her face.


    Crying very sadly, very miserably.


    Just one look from Xi Xi, and she felt the same pain, unable to help but pout, wanting to cry.


    But Xi Xi fiercely sniffed, forcibly holding back the tears.


    "You¡¯re lying! Daddy is not like what you said!"


    "Daddy loves Xi Xi the most, likes Xi Xi the most, and would never help outsiders to bully Xi Xi!"


    Xi Xi put her hands on her hips, stubbornly retorted.


    That "Xi Xi" who stood up from the steps, with a puff, the sharp sword sliced off a piece of crimson flesh, which fell to the ground, and with a bang, ignited a blood-red flame!

 Chapter 482: Emperor Xi Xi Picks Up the Gold Brick, No Resonance with the Temple God (3)

    "Impossible! Daddy is helping others bully Xi Xi!"


    "He wants Xi Xi¡¯s bones, Xi Xi¡¯s flesh... Xi Xi will give them to him! Give them to him¡ª!!!"


    The screaming voice exploded, and the entire Strange Que seemed to stir with restless waves!


    "Daddy would never force Xi Xi!"


    "Daddy loves Xi Xi the most!"


    Xi Xi, refusing to admit defeat, shouted loudly in response.


    The milky voice lingered within Strange Que.


    Not the slightest bit seduced by the scenes reflected by the Temple God, her heart was unwavering!


    The storm raged fiercely, with Mysterious Fog rolling ceaselessly!


    But then, the "Xi Xi" standing on the stairs twisted into a dazzling black flame lotus.


    The lotus with its black pedestal slowly rotated.


    Budding and blooming.


    Afterward, a child was seated on the lotus pedestal.


    The child wore a black bellyband, with two sky-reaching tufts of hair, dark circles under the eyes, and was engulfed in thick black flames.


    He simply looked at Xi Xi calmly.


    "You don¡¯t believe it?"


    The child asked Xi Xi.


    Xi Xi tilted her chin up, shaking her head constantly.


    "You believe."


    "Return bones to father, flesh to mother, and you can obtain the true legacy of Divinity..."


    "You can get Divinity¡¯s Four Imperial Divine Arms Suit, receive the Divine Cultivation Method... step into the Divine Fetus, even pass through the Divine Tribulation, and transform into a carefree Deity..."


    The tempting voice echoed eerily among the Mysterious Fog.


    Xi Xi immediately gnashed her teeth.


    Liar!


    If Xi Xi lost Daddy and Mommy, what would she need divine weapons for? What would she need cultivation for?


    Xi Xi would have no home...


    Then, what¡¯s the point of cultivating!


    Xi Xi didn¡¯t want to be without a home!


    "I definitely won¡¯t!"


    "Xi Xi wants Daddy, wants Mommy, wants Smelly Old Chen, wants Nurse Momo... not to give away bones and flesh!"


    "Xi Xi, no!"


    Xi Xi was very resolute, her eyes shining brightly!


    The child seated on the black lotus was taken aback upon hearing this.


    Find exclusive stories on


    His eyes looked at Xi Xi in astonishment.


    The next moment, he raised his head.


    "Hahaha¡ª"


    "You say your daddy loves you..."


    "Then try it¡ª"


    "If you cause trouble, will your daddy... still love you?"


    "He¡¯ll make you apologize, bow your head, kneel, endure grievances..."


    "Everyone will insult you, curse you, talk about you, scold you, and then... no one will stand by your side, you¡¯ll stand there alone."


    "Abandoned by the whole world!"


    "Go on, try it..."


    The child on the black lotus laughed with his belly in his hands.


    Then, he leaped down from the black lotus.


    The black flames burned fiercely, steadily advancing towards Xi Xi.


    Xi Xi immediately became vigilant.


    Her first move was Li Che¡¯s taught White Tiger Chaotic Wind Fist.


    The Third Crown Prince, burning in black flames, walked up to Xi Xi.


    He extended a finger, touching it to the center of Xi Xi¡¯s forehead.


    Suddenly, the endless flames drew back.


    The child also disappeared.


    "My daddy would never!"


    "My daddy is the nicest in the whole world, nothing like your stinky daddy!"


    Xi Xi, not convinced, puffed up her little belly, "Let¡¯s try and see then!"


    The child vanished.


    The mysterious fog began to slowly roll and surge.


    That black lotus stage, ablaze with black flames, still sat over there.


    Xi Xi was stunned.


    The Little Spear in her hands suddenly began to tremble violently.


    Xi Xi took small, cautious steps, inching closer to the side of the black lotus stage.


    She peeked over curiously.


    And saw...


    Within the black lotus stage.


    There was actually a block of glittering gold brick.


    Xi Xi¡¯s eyes suddenly lit up with wonder.


    "Wow~"


    "Such a big gold brick!"


    "Could buy so many, many braised pig¡¯s trotters!"


    ...


    ...


    Atop the carriage.


    The breeze wafted gently.


    Li Che¡¯s eyes slowly opened, and couldn¡¯t help flashing a look of speechlessness.


    The unending argument between Xi Xi and the Third Crown Prince¡¯s incarnation resembled little children bickering.


    Only, it seemed the Third Crown Prince had not won the argument.


    Xi Xi, with a stiff neck, hands on hips, and belly puffed out, simply would not relent or be deceived by the Third Crown Prince.


    Li Che couldn¡¯t help but laugh.


    However, laughter aside.


    Li Che¡¯s expression turned serious.


    What did the Third Crown Prince mean by let¡¯s try...?


    Li Che pondered carefully, but had no clue; he knew too little about the Strange Que...


    Especially, this Strange Que at the Four Imperials Level.


    It was simply beyond the current Li Che¡¯s reach; he heard that once the Mysterious Fog erupted from a Four Royal Mysterious Temple, it would require the presence of the Divine Fetus Great God to have a chance at suppression. ???O??bE?????


    Although Li Che quite enjoyed absorbing the divinity of Temple Gods, this Third Prince Temple God might not be easy to absorb.


    The Third Prince Temple God that spoke with Xi Xi just now was probably just a projection.


    Yet even as a mere projection, it could seemingly see through the probing of the Heaven and Earth chessboard.


    Li Che naturally knew that the Temple Gods of the mysterious temples in this world are fallen deities, and their strength naturally less than when they were alive.


    But it also depends on the comparison.


    At least, relative to the powers of this world, even a fallen Temple God is an incredibly strong and terrifying existence.


    "A test from the Temple God for Xi Xi?"


    "I hope it¡¯s not some messy trial."


    Li Che let out a breath.


    Suddenly.


    Li Che sensed something, looked up.


    And saw, above the Nine Dragons River, the dense mysterious fog shrouded in Mysterious Que was being slowly torn apart.


    The Prison Lotus Wind Fire Golden Light Wheel was spinning at high speed.


    The wheel of flames turned, sparks flying!


    Gradually, a grand avenue appeared.


    Not only Li Che, but at this moment, everyone on the Listening Fury Cliff Stone couldn¡¯t help but cast their gazes over.


    Despite the great distance, for many strong individuals present, such distance hardly mattered.

 Chapter 483: Emperor Xi Xi Picked Up the Gold Brick, No Resonance with Temple God (4)

    "The Temple God Resonance is about to be released!"


    Zhang Qingzheng, wearing a pained expression, said in a deep voice.


    Standing with him were Li Qingshan, Zhu Hongdou, and Weng Wuyu, three Elder Divine Ministers, all of whom narrowed their eyes.


    They looked over eagerly.


    It wasn¡¯t just them.


    Many strong figures who had retreated into horse-drawn carriages came out again.


    The gazes of numerous powerful individuals were all cast in the same direction.


    They saw the scene in front of the Mysterious Temple of the Eight-Armed Prison Lotus Furious Third Prince, about three hundred yards away.


    A group of children was standing clearly divided.


    All the children had their eyes closed, enveloped in a mysterious fog.


    Be it Xi Xi, Ji Haihui, Tie Shancai, and other children, all had their eyes closed as if they were in a coma.


    In the next moment,


    As the smoke dispersed,


    The children began to step forward.


    From three hundred yards away, they walked towards the Mysterious Temple.


    By the distance at which they approached the Mysterious Temple, one could determine the extent of the children¡¯s resonance with the Temple God...


    Once they awoke, the children would receive gifts and rewards from the Temple God.


    The world¡¯s first Divine Cultivation Method was obtained through the gifts from the Temple God.


    It was the origin of Divine Cultivation, which gradually evolved into the vast and magnificent path of Divinity we know today.


    Li Che also became alert.


    The scene before his eyes and what he saw through the Heaven and Earth chessboard via Xi Xi¡¯s perspective...


    Were two different scenes.


    This indeed surprised Li Che, as the Four Royal Mysterious Temples were certainly mysterious enough.


    Li Che looked up.


    He saw Xi Xi with her eyes closed, small in form, unable to take a step, standing still, her body trembling uncontrollably and her face full of struggle.


    And other Spirit Children and Divine Children had already started walking.


    They stepped within three hundred yards, walking towards the Mysterious Temple.


    Suddenly, an uproar erupted from atop a cliff.


    The local cultivators from Golden Light Prefecture all turned extremely pale.


    The ones from Divine Capital, from Dao City, from the offspring of King Ping Luan...


    Were these prestigious Divine Children really that formidable?


    Their Divine Child from Golden Light Prefecture, Li Nuanxi, hadn¡¯t even taken a step.


    She was far behind.


    However, figures like Hai Chao Sheng, Gong Yuanliang, Gongyang Yu, and Huang Si Xiang had started moving.


    Although not slow, they could not compare to Ji Haihui and the others.


    Undoubtedly,


    This session of Temple God Resonance...


    Had utterly crushed the local Divine and Spirit Children of Golden Light Prefecture!


    Leading the forefront was not Ji Haihui but Tie Shancai from Divine Capital, with his eyes closed and three-colored flames burning around him.


    He was unstoppable!


    Following him was not Ji Haihui but someone who surprised everyone...


    Little Fatty Zhou Peng!


    Next came Yun E,


    Then Ji Haihui, surrounded by the Dragon God¡¯s phantom, the Young Prince.


    Afterward, from the Dao City Imperial Heavenly Observatory, came Tang Ren.


    Behind Tang Ren...


    Came the child from Golden Light Prefecture.


    But when the local cultivators of Golden Light Prefecture clearly saw this figure, they were all stunned.


    "Isn¡¯t that the Supreme Spirit Child of the Qin Family?!"


    Qin Fenghuo!


    Following Tang Ren, his degree of resonance with the Temple God was only slightly lesser than the child brought by the Dao City Imperial Heavenly Observatory. R?¦¡??O??b§¦?S


    The Spirit Child of the Qin Family?!


    It wasn¡¯t just these Golden Light cultivators.


    Even Sect Master Nan Lihuo felt incredibly surprised, his eyes flashing with confusion.


    Qin Fenghuo... an utterly non-special Spirit Child with very ordinary Divine Talent was making a name for himself in this Temple God Resonance?


    Many people turned to look in the direction of the Qin Family.


    But they saw the old ancestor of the Qin Family, Qin Dikun, sitting inside the carriage, with curtains drawn and not a stir.


    It seemed he was not delighted because the Qin Family¡¯s Spirit Child was about to achieve good results in the Temple God Resonance.


    Many people suddenly couldn¡¯t understand the Qin Family.


    Li Che¡¯s eyes flickered, focusing on the carriage where Qin Dikun sat.


    In his chest, the Dao Fruit throbbed slightly,


    As if sensing a threat.


    "A threat?"


    Li Che squinted his eyes, his thoughts stirring.


    The net of the Heaven and Earth chessboard spread out, and the Seven Elemental Corpse Curse Mother-Child Seal was sparked by a flick of his Primordial Spirit.


    Instantly, an invisible dark Qi rapidly spread, enveloping the carriage.


    The anticipated Corpse Qi and Death Qi did not appear, soaring into the sky.


    Li Che¡¯s eyes fluctuated momentarily.


    He furrowed his brow.


    Thinking of the Dao Fruit¡¯s warning prompt...


    Li Che raised his hand, tapping his brow chakra, and in an instant, flesh tore open and an eyeball rolled around.


    Divine Skills, Star Plucking Pupil!


    Instantly, as if a sharp and blazing gaze shot from the center of Li Che¡¯s brow, it landed on the carriage.


    "Hmm?"


    Li Che¡¯s eyes suddenly shifted slightly.


    Under the "Return to Reality" power of the Star Plucking Pupil,


    Inside the carriage of the Qin Family,


    Irrepressible Corpse Qi and Death Qi were brewing and rolling!


    The Star Plucking Pupil closed.


    Li Che let out a breath, his expression grave.


    "Corpse God Cult..."


    "Yuan Jingang?"


    ...


    ...


    Qin Feng Huo was unexpectedly ranked quite ahead among the many children resonating with the Temple Gods, which was quite surprising.


    Following Qin Feng Huo was Lu Chi, Li Qingshan¡¯s disciple. This was the second time Lu Chi participated in the Temple God Resonance, so this level was understandable.


    After Lu Chi, it was Zhong Liuxiu, the Divine Child of the Ganyuan Orthodox Sect.


    But Li Nuanxi, the favored Jiazi Child Prodigy from the native Golden Light Prefecture, had not taken even a single step.


    This was the rhythm of getting nothing from the Temple God Resonance.


    Inside the carriage.


    Zhang Ya and Shangguan Qinghong also heard the news. Their view was unclear, but there were people around explaining, so they heard it clearly.


    Zhang Ya¡¯s face turned deathly pale, "Xi Xi really didn¡¯t resonate with the Temple God at all?"


    They had been looking forward to it for so long, prepared for so long.


    But when the results came out, it was still somewhat disappointing.


    "If Xi Xi knew this result... she would be so heartbroken," sighed Zhang Ya.


    Xi Xi... such a strong-willed child.


    Of course, it wasn¡¯t just Xi Xi who hadn¡¯t taken a step; many Spirit Children were like Xi Xi, unable to even move.


    Many Spirit Children were sweating profusely, trying their hardest, but still couldn¡¯t move a step.


    They looked just like Xi Xi, who was trembling all over at this moment.


    At the cliffside.


    The winds howled through the void.


    Nan Lihuo¡¯s eyes sparkled.


    He was astonished to see Xi Xi stopping in her tracks.


    "How could this be?"


    Nan Lihuo frowned, somewhat shocked.


    How could Xi Xi possibly have...


    No resonance at all with the Temple Gods?!


    King Taoist was also somewhat surprised, his hand stroking his beard suddenly paused.


    Could it be...


    The bet he made with Nan Lihuo... he could still win?


    Impossible!


    Unreasonable!


    "It shouldn¡¯t be, with Xi Xi¡¯s talent... how could she not walk even ten feet in a distance of three hundred feet?"


    Nan Lihuo clenched his fists.


    Something went wrong!


    There must be something wrong with Xi Xi!


    The Golden Light Wheel roared.


    The Mysterious Fog stirred again, not giving the crowd much to see.


    The fog over the river slowly surged again, obscuring everyone¡¯s vision.


    ...


    ...


    The mysterious fog rolled.


    Find your next read on


    Ji Haihui¡¯s purple eyes flickered incessantly, piercing through the strange entities, locking on the position of the Mysterious Temple, and kept on advancing.


    Voices echoed incessantly by his ears.


    It sounded like a chant, yet also like the sound of a dull knife cutting through flesh.


    The voice was guiding him in the direction to proceed.


    Ji Haihui followed the voice, his purple eyes shining, the Dragon God Bloodline inside him boiling uncontrollably and stirring within.


    Subsequently, it formed a Dragon God phantom around his body.


    Like a purple Jiao Dragon, it tore and wriggled through the Mysterious Fog.


    His expression was a bit tense, a bit dazed; the Temple God Resonance... each test was different.


    What he could obtain, he did not know for sure in his heart.


    But his father, Ji Moli, ordered him to reach the Mysterious Temple, only then could he receive the inheritance of the Four Royal Temple Gods!


    Ji Haihui didn¡¯t want to let down his father¡¯s expectations.


    In his hand, he gripped a sword.


    Black as ink, as if it wanted to swallow all light!


    This was the trump card given to him by his father, Ji Moli, for use during the Temple God Resonance.


    Four Royal Divine Weapons... Prison Lotus Yin-Yang Divine Sword: The Yin Sword!


    Ji Haihui naturally can¡¯t control it.


    But just taking it out was enough.


    Indeed...


    When Ji Haihui took out the sword, the Mysterious Fog seemed to vibrate and tear apart, and by his ears, the sounds resounded like a guiding whisper.


    This made Ji Haihui deliriously joyful.


    This voice continuously guided him in the direction to proceed.


    He trusted this voice immensely, knowing he had obtained the attention of the Temple God, creating a high level of resonance!


    He would step into the Mysterious Temple, and receive the inheritance of the Four Supreme Temple Gods!


    Suddenly.


    Ji Haihui halted his strides.


    His hair fluttered, purple eyes deep.


    He looked into the distance.


    There...


    He saw a figure he would never forget in his life.


    The figure that made him feel an unprecedented shame.


    Ji Haihui¡¯s Dragon God purple pupils flickered hauntingly.


    "Li Nuanxi."


    And Ji Haihui...


    Finally heard the vague voice that had been guiding him all along clearly.


    "Kill her."


    "Kill her!"


    "Kill her¡ª!!!"

 Chapter 484: Xi Xi Baby, Don’t Wrong Yourself, Dad is Here

    Kill her!


    Kill her¡ª!!


    The voice, moving from afar to nearby, exploded at his ear. Young Prince Ji Haihui¡¯s whole body shook, and his Dragon God¡¯s Purple Pupils suddenly burst forth with a cold and crazed murderous intent!


    Kill her...


    I could then obtain the inheritance!


    I could live up to my father¡¯s expectations!


    Ji Haihui¡¯s mind buzzed incessantly, his body uncontrollably trembling, clutching that Four Royal Divine Weapon, this Divine Weapon... was his trump card, the one to stand out and suppress all Divine Children in this Temple God Resonance Convention!


    The Prison Lotus Yin Yang Divine Sword...


    Four Royal Divine Weapons!


    Split Yin Divine Sword and Yang Divine Sword!


    The Yin Divine Sword was obtained by his father from another of the Four Royal Mysterious Temples and also received a prompt revealing that the Yang Divine Sword was located in the Eight-Armed Prison Lotus Furious Third Crown Prince Mysterious Temple in Golden Light Prefecture!


    Ji Haihui¡¯s other purpose for coming here was to use the Yin Divine Sword by command, to attract the Yang Divine Sword and achieve the union of the Yin and Yang Divine Swords!


    Gather the Prison Lotus Yin Yang Divine Swords!


    Clutching this sword, yet there was no response; this Four Royal Divine Weapon seemed to completely disregard him, never showing any wonder.


    When Ji Haihui had obtained this sword, he had harbored ambitions.


    He had fantasized that perhaps he could win the approval of this Four Royal Divine Weapon and become its wielder.


    Then his, Ji Haihui¡¯s, future would be well secured.


    He might even have the credentials to inherit and succeed his father¡¯s position as King Ping Luan!


    Unfortunately, this Yin Divine Sword felt nothing towards him.


    It even... felt some disgust.


    But now...


    Everything had taken a turn!


    Ji Haihui gripped the Prison Lotus Yin Divine Sword tightly, his ears ringing with overwhelming sounds, deafening him, causing his mind to tremble with great agitation.


    It seemed like...


    He had won the favor of the Temple God!


    "Kill her..."


    "Kill Li Nuanxi!"


    "This is the Temple God¡¯s test for me!"


    Ji Haihui couldn¡¯t help but curl up the corners of his lips in excitement.


    The Temple God... perfectly matched his intentions.


    Because, Ji Haihui harbored an intent to kill towards Xi Xi, with no trace of mercy or soft-heartedness towards her.


    "Is this what Temple God Resonance is?"


    "The Temple God wants to kill Li Nuanxi, and I... also want to kill Li Nuanxi."


    "What a coincidence."


    "A resonance on a spiritual level!"


    Ji Haihui held the Prison Lotus Yin Divine Sword diagonally, the sword was too long, and he had to tilt it slightly to ensure the tip of the sword didn¡¯t tear into the ground!


    Slowly taking steps, the mysterious fog billowed!


    Step by step, the sound of his footsteps continuously echoed.


    In the distance.


    Xi Xi held onto a gold brick, unable to let go, her eyes slightly gleaming!


    Xi Xi didn¡¯t understand why such a large gold brick had appeared in front of the Mysterious Temple; how many braised pig¡¯s trotters could such a large gold brick buy?


    Anything that appeared in the Mysterious Temple was considered her serendipity.


    Xi Xi wasn¡¯t shy about it.


    The gold brick was heavy, and at first, Xi Xi tried her hardest but couldn¡¯t move it.


    However, after a series of pulses from the Little Spear in her arm, the purple flames gathered and wound around her arm.


    Xi Xi then found out that she could lift the gold brick!


    Though it was still heavy, she could at least pick it up.


    Xi Xi was overjoyed.


    Purple flames continuously entwined, seemingly burning the gold brick.


    Gradually...


    The gold brick began to dissolve.


    Xi Xi was still in high spirits when she suddenly discovered, to her surprise, that the gold brick was melting like ice and snow.


    The flowing gold paste unexpectedly wrapped around Xi Xi¡¯s forearm...


    Turning her other forearm into a shimmering golden hue!


    "Ah¡ªmy gold smash!"


    Xi Xi was heartbroken.


    "Xi Xi¡¯s braised pork feet!"


    Xi Xi was in a panic.


    So many braised pork feet seemed about to disappear!


    Xi Xi¡¯s mood really turned extremely ugly.


    Looking at her arm that had turned golden, Xi Xi pouted, she surely couldn¡¯t chop off her golden arm to buy braised pork feet, could she?


    Xi Xi spread her hands.


    Inside her left hand hid Little Spear, and inside her right hand hid Little Brick.


    Suddenly.


    Stay connected via


    Xie Xi¡¯s mind buzzed loudly.


    "Kill him..."


    "Kill him!"


    "Kill him ah!!!"


    Boom!


    Xi Xi shut her eyes, continuously shaking her head as if to shake off the noisy voice from her mind.


    Clear footsteps echoed throughout.


    Xi Xi turned around and saw in the distance Ji Haihui, clutching a black ink-like divine sword, walking towards her step by step.


    Xi Xi glared: "Little servant!"


    Ji Haihui¡¯s mouth twitched slightly, the murderous intent in his purple pupils growing thicker!


    He didn¡¯t respond, his gaze fixed on Xi Xi, filled only with a desire to kill.


    The voices in his head gradually quieted down.


    Ji Haihui felt panic rising within him as if the Temple God was moving away from him, that he was about to lose the Temple God¡¯s resonance.


    He could not allow that!


    Contained within Ji Haihui¡¯s chest, a profound energy erupted violently as if about to explode, roaring furiously!


    He wanted to obtain the Temple God¡¯s legacy!


    He wanted to find the Prison Lotus Yang Divine Sword!


    So...


    Li Nuanxi!


    Go to your death!


    You were meant to die anyway!


    He was meant to kill Li Nuanxi!


    Crackle!


    Ji Haihui¡¯s body started to ripple, his strong blood energy furiously entwining his body, his back muscles bulging with each twitching tendon, resembling a Jiao Long roaring!


    Within him, blood boiled, as if the unique bloodline of the Dragon God was awakening!


    Purple radiance intertwined, forming a Dragon God phantom around his body!


    Boom¡ª!


    Ji Haihui¡¯s eyes filled with intense and cold murderous intent.


    With the Dragon God phantom revolving around him and clutching the Yin Divine Sword, he fiercely struck his foot down, and the mysterious fog swiftly spread.


    He moved like a dragon swiftly darting out!


    The Prison Lotus Yin Divine Sword in his hand swung fiercely.

 Chapter 485: Xi Xi Baby, Don’t Wrong Yourself, Dad is Here (2)

    Although he could not activate the Prison Lotus Yin Divine Sword, he could rely on the inherent sharpness and rank suppression of the Four Imperials Divine Swords...


    It was absolutely enough to kill Li Nuanxi!


    Ji Haihui naturally knew of Li Nuanxi¡¯s capabilities; after all, he had been defeated by her once, and although he had been diligently cultivating these days, his strength had not improved much.


    But this time was different, previously on the Golden Light Peak, he did not dare to draw out the Prison Lotus Yin Divine Sword...


    Neither could he.


    Because when he left Jizhou, his father had cautioned him that the Prison Lotus Yin Divine Sword could only be drawn out during the Temple God Resonance.


    Ji Haihui listened intently, so on the Golden Light Peak, even when he completely fell into madness, he never took out the sword to suppress Li Nuanxi.


    But now...


    At the Temple God Resonance Convention, within the Strange Que, he no longer needed to hold back or suppress himself.


    Bang¡ª!!!


    Like a purple lightning serpent, it suddenly burst forth, sword light swirling!


    Ten Thousand Dragons Subduing Gods!


    With the Dragon God¡¯s bloodline fully activated, Ji Haihui gave his all, striking with the Martial Saint¡¯s ultimate technique from the very beginning!


    Ten Thousand Dragons Subduing Gods was indeed a Martial Saint Ultimate Study, capable of merging with the Ten Thousand Laws!


    From the outset, it was a Martial Saint Ultimate Study!


    A sure kill!


    As if there truly were ten thousand dragons diving down simultaneously, carrying countless swirling sword lights, covering the heavens and blanketing the ground, as if ten thousand dragon shadows were raining down!


    Bang bang bang bang¡ª


    Within the Mysterious Fog of Strange Que, suddenly erupted spinning vortexes!


    They were conditions stirred up by the sword qi!


    A fierce wind arose, as if the dark clouds in the sky were pressing down ruthlessly!


    At this moment, Xi Xi had just collected the gold bricks, turned her head, and her tiny figure seemed to flutter unceasingly in the gale!


    Xi Xi¡¯s chubby cheeks were trembling!


    "Ah¡ª!"


    She was both shocked and furious!


    She sensed a strong scent of death!


    This little servant, she was aiming to kill Xi Xi!


    If Xi Xi were to die, how heartbroken her parents would be!


    How wicked!


    Anger rose in Xi Xi¡¯s heart!


    But at the same time, she was extremely cautious, daring not to underestimate the threat at all!


    Danger, so dangerous!


    The sword in the little servant¡¯s hand felt overwhelmingly threatening!


    However...


    Facing the terrifying assault launched suddenly by Ji Haihui...


    Xi Xi¡¯s arms trembled violently.


    Refined immensely strong by the Fusion Soldier Body Refining by the Purple Flame Serpentine Spear, with a stamp of her feet, it was like thunder exploding! ?¦Á??O???§¦?S?


    Her chubby fists clenched, purple light swirling, and purple flames spewed out instantly!


    Boom¡ª!!!


    Majestic purple flames furiously rolled, instantly transforming into an enormous purple giant cat!


    In these days, Li Che had given Xi Xi specialized training, not only in wielding the Purple Flame Serpentine Spear but also in imparting an understanding of the Martial Path subtly and imperceptibly to Xi Xi!


    Now Xi Xi¡¯s White Tiger Chaotic Wind Fist had already reached the Transformation Realm!


    One punch struck out!


    Remarkably stunning!


    The purple fierce tiger, mouth roaring, its force stirring the firmament, as if it intended to roar down the stars!


    It was difficult to imagine that this punch came from a four-year-old girl!


    Sword light like a dragon, fist radiance like a tiger!


    The dragon and tiger roared as they collided!


    Ji Haihui¡¯s eyes, like purple mirrors, reflected flowing light, filled with a murderous aura!


    Seeing Xi Xi daring to resist his strike with the Four Imperial Divine Sword with just a punch, he found it outrageously arrogant!


    "Your hand... you can lose it!"


    Ji Haihui sneered.


    He was fully confident!


    Even though he couldn¡¯t mobilize the Four Imperial Divine Weapons, the sheer sharpness of them was enough to chop the girl into minced meat!


    What did it matter if her physique matched that of a Grandmaster?


    At this moment, Ji Haihui hadn¡¯t limited his martial cultivation!


    The Mysterious Vein vibrated, blood gushed forth, and strong forces swirled within the sword light, unstoppable like a bamboo splitter!


    The reason he had lost to Li Nuanxi before was that he had sealed his cultivation, only showing his Blood Exchange level; if he had shown his Mysterious Vein cultivation, how could Li Nuanxi possibly be his match?


    How could he possibly have failed at paying respects to the mountain and become a laughingstock?!


    All of his rage, at this moment, was fully vented!


    Clang!!!


    The fierce Tiger Fist and the dragon-shaped sword qi collided!


    Like thunder booming, the entire earth trembled!


    Countless Mysterious Fog surged up!


    The air seemed to turn into a rippled surface of water as ripples expanded in concentric circles from around both of them!


    Ji Haihui¡¯s expression kept changing!


    "Impossible!"


    He let out a voice stunned out of disbelief, even verging on a hysterical scream!


    This girl...


    Had actually blocked his strike with the Prison Lotus Yin Divine Sword, infused with the Ten Thousand Dragons Subduing Gods technique, by hand!


    Although...


    Explore stories at


    Ji Haihui had only just learned the Martial Saint Ultimate Study of Ten Thousand Dragons Subduing Gods and had not yet mastered it.


    But its power was not weak!


    Plus, the sharpness of the Four Imperial Divine Weapons¡¯ material...


    How could this possibly be blocked?!


    Clang!


    The sound of metal striking metal exploded, as if sparks were flying everywhere!


    Xi Xi clenched her fist, her eyes sparkling to the extreme.


    She stared at her right hand, brilliantly golden and seemingly indestructible, literally taking Ji Haihui¡¯s strike head-on!


    Although Ji Haihui¡¯s power from the realm of Mysterious Vein forced Xi Xi to step back several times.


    However, just this much had greatly satisfied Xi Xi!


    Clenching her golden fist, the look of excitement on Xi Xi¡¯s face was intense!


    "Hey ha!"


    Thud


    Xi Xi took a heavy step down.


    Inside her tiny body, there seemed to hide a terrifying monster with a spine like a dragon, her arms one purple and one gold!


    Incredibly dazzling!


    The Mysterious Fog rolled, and as the air currents surged, Xi Xi threw another punch!


    Ji Haihui¡¯s hair flew about, and the surrounding purple dragon illusion seemed to raise its head and let out a long howl.


    As the sword light moved, the Prison Lotus Yin Divine Sword vibrated again, the myriad sword lights brilliantly burst forth!

 Chapter 486: Chapter s Xi Xi darling, don’t wrong yourself, daddy is here (3)

    "Die¡ª!!!"


    Clang¡ª!!!


    The crisp sound exploded again!


    Xi Xi¡¯s arms crossed harshly to block and push out a hammering strike!


    "You want to kill Xi Xi!"


    "Xi Xi will¡ª"


    "Kill you!"


    Daddy had said, if anyone bullies Xi Xi, she must not be afraid, she must bravely strike back!


    Daddy said, in the martial world...


    If someone else can take a hit, let them take it!


    Xi Xi of the Blood Exchange Sixth Shift didn¡¯t back down, she angrily shouted and swung her golden fists again.


    Ji Haihui, with the full power of the Dragon God¡¯s phantom, burned his Dragon God Bloodline almost to its limits!


    An extremely angry roar, almost turning into a dragon¡¯s chant.


    The sword in his hand trembled slightly...


    Ji Haihui¡¯s heart surged with joy.


    It seemed...


    There was some movement, was this Four Royal Divine Weapon finally moved by him?


    However.


    The next moment, Ji Haihui¡¯s expression changed slightly.


    But then he saw, that Li Nuanxi, left and right hands one purple and one golden light bursting forth!


    A spear spewing purple flames horizontally emerged with a roar.


    On the other side, there was a gold brick so brilliant it could almost blind his eyes!


    Ji Haihui¡¯s gaze was instantly drawn to the spear.


    His body couldn¡¯t stop trembling...


    "This is..."


    "A Four Royal Divine Weapon?!"


    "The Third Crown Prince¡¯s Fire Tip Spear?!"


    "How could you possibly have the Fire Tip Spear?!"


    Ji Haihui screamed!


    Boom¡ª!!!


    The Prison Lotus Yin God Sword, which already disliked him, offered no resistance and was directly subdued by the Fire Tip Spear.


    Then the oppressive rank of the Four Royal Divine Weapons, like angry howling waves in the river, nearly suffocated Ji Haihui.


    At the same time.


    Xi Xi had somehow made her way next to him unnoticed.


    Ji Haihui realized, his eyes nearly splitting in rage.


    He roared, and the purple dragon phantom exploded!


    The Mystic Veins Inner Qi burst out in full force, his fingers spread, and the air seemed to split and shatter!


    Without his sword, he struck with both hands manifesting the Ten Thousand Dragons Subduing Gods!


    No wonder he had constantly failed to suppress Li Nuanxi when he wielded the Prison Lotus Yin God Sword.


    It turned out that Li Nuanxi also had a Four Royal Divine Weapon!


    But now...


    Neither of them had a Four Royal Divine Weapon!


    On raw power...


    The advantage was his, Ji Haihui!


    "Die¡ª!!!!"


    Ji Haihui howled.


    But the next moment, a brilliant golden light nearly blinded his eyes.


    Xi Xi, with her right hand, was excitedly swinging a gold brick!


    Ji Haihui only realized that the dragon phantom, powered by his Dragon God Bloodline, was futile!


    The gold brick kept enlarging before his eyes!


    He ignored his dragon god¡¯s protective aura, his mystic veins inner Qi, and even his majestic divinity...


    It was as if he was immune to everything.


    In the end, he was fiercely slapped right on the forehead.


    Bang¡ª


    Blood sprayed, and a bloody mist exploded!


    Ji Haihui only felt an excruciating headache as a terrifying force brutally struck his head.


    A horrific shockwave, appearing as concentric circles, wildly swept out in a frightening manner!


    It was like an ancient divine being delivering a strike that pierced through Tianhe, causing the rivers above the heavens to spill down!


    Sputter¡ª


    After being slapped by Xi Xi with a gold brick, Ji Haihui was ejected like a cannonball, leaving behind a burst of bloody mist at the spot where he had been. RA?NO??????E?S?


    Explore more stories with


    It did not dissipate for a long time.


    ...


    ...


    Amidst the mysterious fog.


    Invisible waves swept out and expanded.


    Jiao Shaoqiu sat cross-legged beneath the Prison Lotus Wind Fire Golden Light Wheel, like a bright lamp, illuminating the surrounding area and preventing the dense Strange Que fog from approaching.


    Wooo¡ª


    Horrible figures crossed through the mysterious fog, faintly revealing a powerful and terrifying presence!


    Even ghastly faces occasionally pushed against the fog from the other end.


    Jiao Shaoqiu sat with his legs crossed, eyes closed, chanting scriptures, his hands performing a sealing technique, continuously touching the joints of his fingers with his thumb.


    Suddenly.


    A wave of invisible force filled with dense qi and blood roared and drifted towards him, striking his face.


    Jiao Shaoqiu suddenly opened his eyes.


    "A bloody smell?"


    "Temple God Resonance... Why is there also a situation of them fighting each other?"


    Jiao Shaoqiu frowned.


    Inside the Strange Que, it is rare to encounter the smell of blood, because those Temple Guardian Cursed Corpses no longer have any blood, and those creatures, tough-skinned and robust, unless during an attack on the temple, can be injured, causing them to bleed.


    On normal days, these creatures do not bleed!


    That bloody smell, undoubtedly, came from the children participating in the Temple God Resonance!


    "What is happening?"


    "Could it be that the trial of the Temple God... is to have the children kill each other?"


    Jiao Shaoqiu¡¯s eyes inevitably revealed a look of seriousness and worry.


    The situation now seemed to be heading for trouble.


    It would be best if it remained within controllable limits.


    Otherwise, once the Four Royal Mysterious Temples completely revolted, allowing those horrible Temple Guardian Cursed Corpses and creatures within the Strange Que to break out...


    Then it would truly be a great disaster!


    The current Golden Light Prefecture City simply could not withstand the full chaos of one of the Four Royal Mysterious Temples!


    Feeling the continuously intensifying remnants of the clashes spreading out.


    Jiao Shaoqiu slowly exhaled a breath.


    All he hoped for now was for this session of the Temple God Resonance to end peacefully.


    Without adding to the troubles.


    ...


    ...


    In the midst of the mysterious fog, remnants swept through.


    Every Divine Child participating in the Temple God Resonance looked different.


    Tie Shancai¡¯s eyes, mouth, and nose spurted flames, warping the surrounding fog and dispelling a slice of reality.


    He felt the shockwave mixed with a rich bloody smell.


    His eyes ablaze with flames suddenly burst forth with brilliant light.


    He raised his fingers, feeling the shockwaves of the mysterious fog brushing past, like invisible waves stirred within the water.

 Chapter 487: Chapter s Xi Xi darling, don’t wrong yourself, daddy is here (4)

    "This is... the Purple Flame Serpent Spear, Fire Tip Spear!"


    "The Great Supervising Minister is truly a Divine Calculator!"


    "He calculated this accurately?!"


    Tie Shancai was pleasantly surprised.


    His Qiankun Jade flashed brightly, and in the next moment, a green banana leaf fan the size of a palm fell into his hands.


    He violently fanned towards the mysterious fog in front of him.


    Incredibly, he fanned out a straight path, and Tie Shancai, swaying his body, followed the route created by the fan!


    Continue your journey on


    With the iron fan leading the way, he fanned wherever it felt wrong!


    Tie Shancai was relying on his keen senses to swiftly close in on the area where Xi Xi and Ji Haihui were clashing.


    "The Great Supervising Minister said the Divine Weapon best suited for me is the Fire Tip Spear, and after careful calculation by my mother, it seems that only the Third Prince¡¯s Mysterious Temple in Golden Light Prefecture has the Fire Tip Spear!"


    Tie Shancai shook his head.


    Then he quickened his pace!


    He must get the Purple Flame Serpent Spear, Fire Tip Spear into his hands!


    ...


    ...


    At this moment.


    Inside the Strange Que.


    Apart from Xi Xi and Ji Haihui meeting.


    The other children hadn¡¯t encountered each other, each undergoing the normal Temple God Resonance.


    They felt the wretched voices coming from the Temple God, and their expressions were changing.


    Little Fatty Zhou Peng¡¯s heart trembled.


    "To repay one¡¯s father by scraping bone, and one¡¯s mother by cutting flesh?"


    "I can¡¯t do it!"


    Little Fatty Zhou Peng¡¯s face was filled with helplessness.


    With this test of resonance out, Little Fatty Zhou Peng knew that this time the Temple God Resonance reward was probably not for him.


    Because he couldn¡¯t repay his parents by scraping bone and cutting flesh, not to mention it was too cruel, Zhou Peng felt he would be at a loss... since he was fat and had more flesh, and the kind of bones... ?aNO??BE?S?


    Such an act would only make him more at a loss!


    So Zhou Peng chose to give up.


    Yun E was in a similar situation.


    To scrape bone and cut flesh... she couldn¡¯t do it.


    She was just trying to see if she could get some of the Temple God¡¯s inheritance, not much, just a little would be enough.


    However, Yun E gave up at the thought of cutting flesh and scraping bone.


    Because now, she had neither father nor mother.


    ...


    ...


    Qin Feng Huo tilted his head.


    He chuckled mischievously.


    "To repay one¡¯s father by scraping bone, and one¡¯s mother by cutting flesh?"


    "That¡¯s because they did wrong, your parents only see the common folk in their eyes, not you! You¡¯ve caused a disaster, and the common folk have to be buried with you for your troubles, they can only abandon you to choose the world over you!"


    "The wrong ones are them, the wrong one is this world, what does it have to do with you?"


    "You¡¯re just a child!"


    Qin Feng Huo¡¯s hand dangled in the pocket of his tunic as he chuckled.


    He scratched his face with his five fingers, and as his facial skin twisted, he tore it off to reveal a face with dark circles under the eyes.


    With two tufts of hair standing up like cannons, he walked with a bounce toward the "Qin Feng Huo" sitting in front of the Mysterious Temple.


    He slowly spread his hand with an indifferent attitude.


    "Your parents are at fault, it is the common folk who are wrong... why should you scrape bone and cut flesh?"


    "You don¡¯t need to do this!"


    Qin Feng Huo, with dark circles under his eyes, said cheerfully.


    "Come! A wisp of the Temple God¡¯s soul, come! Leave this place with me, I will let you indulge, I will take you to splurge!"


    "This world needs you. A wrong world should be thoroughly cleansed, not you carving flesh and picking bones for them."


    "You are just a child, you are just naturally sincere!"


    "Come, follow me!"


    "We will carve the flesh of this world together, pick the bones of this world."


    "Come on..."


    "My God!"


    ...


    ...


    Lu Chi¡¯s entire body was trembling.


    On the distant steps of the Mysterious Temple.


    "Lu Chi," with a sinister smile, sliced the flesh with his sword, blood spraying.


    "Bone-picking to repay one¡¯s father."


    "Flesh-carving to repay one¡¯s mother."


    "Come on¡ª!"


    "Lu Chi," chuckling eerily, blood streaming down, his eyes bloody, staring dead at Lu Chi.


    "Come on!"


    Lu Chi¡¯s body was shaking uncontrollably.


    Tears were streaming down endlessly.


    He slowly stepped forward, each step seeming immensely difficult and painful...


    "I know... I feel... I understand... your pain, reluctance, anger and suffering."


    Lu Chi¡¯s legs were trembling.


    With each step he took, it was as if a blunt knife was slicing a piece of flesh from his body.


    The creaking sound of flesh being cut echoed in his ears, as if it was slashing at his soul.


    His soul was trembling.


    His eyes were streaming with rich tears.


    "I understand!"


    "I empathize!"


    "Whatever I do from childhood has been wrong, in my father¡¯s eyes, everything I do is wrong!"


    "Father punishes me, mother scolds me..."


    "Why can¡¯t they understand me?"


    "I am their child after all."


    After ten steps, Lu Chi was drenched in sweat, his round face twisted with emotion, tears flowing freely.


    "I want power..."


    Lu Chi said.


    "Many noble families cultivate their offspring from birth, sealing a Temple God inside them to grow up together, so that upon maturation, they can inherit the legacy of the Temple God, becoming an unrivaled being of their rank..."


    "So does the Imperial Clan."


    "But in the Divine Capital, not a single Temple God chose me."


    "Because I have no Temple God within me, Father despises me, Mother loathes me, everything I do holds only faults, even when it¡¯s clearly right, they say it¡¯s wrong..."


    "I am not content..."


    Lu Chi finally reached the face of "Lu Chi," his complexion as white as a ghost, as if all his strength had been drained.


    His power was too minuscule in front of this "Lu Chi."


    So minuscule that it seemed like a mere grain of sand facing a star!


    But yet, he was standing here.


    "Lu Chi" laughed.


    "Come."


    "Lu Chi" offered the sword in his hand.


    Lu Chi, trembling, accepted the sword, tears streaming down incessantly.

 Chapter 488: Chapter s Xi Xi darling, don’t wrong yourself, daddy is here (5)

    Too many images flickered through his mind.


    Flashes of his master Li Qingshan, hunched in his blue robe, and thoughts of Nurse Momo, who kindly and tenderly sewed his clothes by lamplight at night...


    Thoughts of Xi Xi, with whom he played in the Twist Car, filled his eyes.


    Thoughts of the cold and commanding Uncle Li the Bull Demon.


    Thoughts of Aunt Zhang, whose cooking was so delicious and gentle like water.


    "I¡¯m sorry..."


    Lu Chi¡¯s tears streamed down his face.


    But, being in the Imperial Family, he had no choice.


    He had to seize this last opportunity.


    The Great Supervising Minister told him it was his only chance.


    Explore new worlds at


    Lu Chi reached out his hand.


    He grabbed the sword handed to him by "Lu Chi."


    Boom¡ª!!!


    In an instant.


    The Black Lotus appeared, and atop the Black Lotus, "Lu Chi" transformed into a child clad in a black bellyband, wickedly sitting upon it.


    His eyes were intense.


    "Come on."


    Lu Chi gripped the bloodied sword.


    Pu-chi¡ª!


    Sword light flowed, slicing off a piece of flesh.


    "Mmph!"


    Lu Chi¡¯s face turned crimson, he bit down hard on his teeth.


    "Come on."


    "Come!"


    Hiss hiss hiss hiss¡ª


    Blood Pearls scattered.


    Falling onto the rolling Mysterious Fog, they burst open, like a Blood Lotus blooming in Hell.


    ...


    ...


    Xi Xi gripped a golden brick.


    The brick flowed with golden light, dazzlingly splendid.


    With a grunt, she excitedly lifted her head.


    "Little servant! Do you yield?"


    In the distance.


    Ji Haihui¡¯s head was nearly exploding, his flesh muddled, and blood continuously flowed.


    He staggered to his feet.


    A Dragon God illusory shadow surged, lifelike dragon scales spread and a tail coiled and laid out.


    Whipping the Mysterious Fog kept churning.


    "Yield?"


    Ji Haihui sneered, his expression cold and venomous...


    "Why should I yield?"


    "I am the son of Chaos King, the son of a Dragon God Clan princess! Why should I yield to a wild girl?!"


    "I will kill you! I will flay your skin, pull out your tendons!"


    "I will have my father issue an order to wipe out the Golden Light Sub-sect, to kill your entire family!"


    "To kill your mother, to kill your father!"


    Ji Haihui was filled with resentment.


    His eyes gradually became filled with anger and a deep red, he didn¡¯t even know why he was saying such things.


    But in fact, these were his true feelings!


    His status and identity, how could they be compared by this wild girl?


    The Dragon God Bloodline began to drive him mad, invading Ji Haihui¡¯s will.


    But Ji Haihui didn¡¯t care anymore, he completely relaxed his mind.


    Allowing power to surge out from within his body.


    He wanted to kill this wild girl!


    He wanted to tear this wild girl apart!


    "You dare to kill me?"


    "If you kill me... my father¡¯s black armored iron cavalry will flatten the Golden Light Sub-sect, and everyone will be beheaded!"


    "Your father and mother, they will also be killed!"


    "Behead him!"


    "You dare to kill me?"


    Xi Xi was gripping the gold brick, her whole body trembling, the anger causing it.


    At her young age, she had never heard such malicious words.


    She had never encountered such a malicious person!


    It wasn¡¯t just about killing Xi Xi.


    He wanted to slaughter the entire Golden Light Sub-sect as well.


    He even wanted to kill her mother and father!


    It was too cruel!


    Xi Xi was very angry, very furious!


    With one hand clutching the gold brick and the other clenched into a fist, her face was flushed red with anger, and she trembled all over.


    Boom¡ª!!!


    In the distance.


    Purple Flame Serpent Spear.


    With a clang.


    It struck the Prison Lotus Yin Divine Sword.


    This sword immediately fell straight to the ground, playing "dead" very neatly.


    Then.


    The Purple Flame Serpent Spear shot forward.


    Xi Xi raised her hand, and with a squeeze of her fingers, she held the Fire Tip Spear in her hand!


    Purple flames spurted out from the spear, instantly wrapping around Xi Xi¡¯s body like a long purple ribbon.


    It lifted Xi Xi up, suspending her in air!


    She furrowed her brows sternly.


    But Xi Xi was still trembling, her eyes red-rimmed, tears almost falling.


    Because, the words of Ji Haihui had still affected her.


    Killing Ji Haihui...


    Ji Haihui¡¯s father would lead a great army to annihilate Golden Light Peak, would kill the Sect Master, would kill Yin Yin...


    Would kill her father and mother!


    What should Xi Xi do?!


    "Kill him..."


    "Then, repay your father with his bones, and your mother with his flesh... Take all the blame upon yourself..."


    "Anyway, your father will blame your obstinacy, will think you are reckless, because your obstinacy has caused too many deaths and injuries in the Golden Light Sect..."


    "Your mother will be disappointed in you, will no longer love you..."


    Suddenly, a voice echoed abruptly by Xi Xi¡¯s ear.


    Xi Xi¡¯s body shook violently.


    Tears circled in her eyes, her lips pursed...


    Xi Xi was heartbroken.


    Xi Xi really wanted to kill the little servant girl.


    But then...


    "But it¡¯s okay..."


    "Go on, kill him, devour all his Divine Talent..."


    "Behave recklessly, complete it all, and take all the blame yourself, anyway, your father won¡¯t understand you, your mother won¡¯t love you again."


    "Then you return flesh and bones to them!"


    "Be the real Xi Xi!"


    The seductive voice echoed incessantly.


    Xi Xi¡¯s body trembled ceaselessly.


    Suddenly, a gentle voice echoed, overpowering the seductive voice by Xi Xi¡¯s ear.


    "Naughty child, shut up."


    Xi Xi¡¯s body stopped shaking.


    She blinked her eyes, looking at a white chess piece that floated in front of her.


    The smooth white chess piece.


    Emitted a faint white glow.


    Then, a familiar and gentle voice echoed in Xi Xi¡¯s ear.


    "Xi Xi, my dear, don¡¯t be afraid."


    "Whoever hits you, hit them back, whoever wants to kill you, kill them, don¡¯t let yourself be wronged..."


    "Forget the greater good, forget the big picture, leave it to others."


    "Daddy¡¯s here."

 Chapter 489: Spoiling His Own Daughter, Emperor Xi Xi’s First Kill

    Crack crack!


    Above the sky, lightning snakes slithered, and fierce winds howled!


    Although separated by an invisible force,


    The torrential rain that plummeted down washed and hammered with a sound like barrage of machine-gun fire, exploding in everyone¡¯s ears in unison.


    Atop Listening Fury Cliff, numerous carriages stood in line.


    The horses of the Flood Dragon lineage were restless and agitated, yet they dared not make too many movements, only occasionally stamping their hooves in place.


    Many people present were engulfed in silence, lost in thought.


    After all, the brief glimpse of the Temple God Resonance they had just witnessed had indeed shocked many minds.


    Continue your journey with


    It was somewhat unexpected.


    Many cultivators who came to watch the excitement in Golden Light Prefecture felt a little down.


    Mainly because Li Nuanxi, the Jiazi Divine Child of Golden Light Prefecture, seemed to have performed poorly in this Temple God Resonance event.


    She hadn¡¯t even taken a single step and failed to resonate with the Temple God at all.


    On the contrary, Qin Feng Huo of the Qin Family, who was not highly regarded, had managed to reverse expectations and climb to the forefront during this Temple God Resonance event.


    For the cultivators of Golden Light Prefecture, the Temple God Resonance took place in their own prefecture; the Eight-Armed Prison Lotus Furious Third Prince was the Temple God of Golden Light Prefecture.


    The divine and spirit children of Golden Light Prefecture naturally wanted to show a higher degree of resonance.


    It was a competition for glory.


    Nan Lihuo and King Taoist frowned, both of them were also shocked by Xi Xi¡¯s Temple God Resonance result.


    They seemed to be somewhat puzzled.


    "But... Xi Xi has a disappointing result in the Temple God Resonance, how could this Qin Feng Huo have such a performance?"


    Nan Lihuo¡¯s white hair was flying, his eyebrows deeply furrowed in confusion.


    Something might have happened to Xi Xi.


    But then again, Xi Xi¡¯s talent is apparent for all to see, a Jiazi Divine Child, with extremely high divine talent.


    And Qin Feng Huo? He is just a Supreme Spiritual Child, not yet a Jiazi Divine Child; by what means does he chase up the Divine Child ranking?


    As for Lu Chi, it seemed that Nan Lihuo and others knew some inside information, and did not make too many comments.


    "There is something off about Qin Feng Huo," Nan Lihuo stated confidently.


    King Taoist flicked his dust whisk and rolled his eyes, "Could it not simply be that the kid has a high degree of Temple God Resonance?"


    "Temple God Resonance... Divine talent does not explain everything," Nan Lihuo shook his head, "It¡¯s impossible."


    "The Qin family does not have such a degree of Temple God Resonance either..."


    King Taoist laughed, "That¡¯s your prejudice."


    Nan Lihuo¡¯s gaze suddenly swept toward the area where the Qin family carriages were parked, where the carriages sat quietly, with the light curtains gently stirred by the breeze.


    The silhouette of the person sitting inside the carriage could be seen indistinctly.


    Despite feeling that something was off, Nan Lihuo did not show any reaction, his eyes turned, once again looking towards the river surface where the Mysterious Fog surged.


    Although the Mysterious Fog was dense and obscured the trails of many Divine Children,


    The Mysterious Temple situated in the heart of the river was unmistakably clear.


    As if nothing in the world could hide the presence of the Mysterious Temple.


    "Hoo"


    "Inhale"


    Li Che sat atop the shaft of the carriage.


    His eyes opened and closed slightly, as if faint glimmers of light interwove in the depths of his eyes.


    At this moment, he was immersed in the Heaven and Earth chessboard.


    Through the Thunder Chess Piece left on Xi Xi, he was observing Xi Xi¡¯s situation after the Mysterious Fog enveloped her again.


    He was not the least bit worried about Xi Xi¡¯s almost zero resonance displayed in the previous Temple God Resonance.


    Li Che knew why Xi Xi had no resonance.


    It was because Xi Xi had stubbornly resisted the lure of the Temple God Resonance and remained unmoved, even opposing the Temple God.


    Such actions were bound to result in zero resonance.


    But in fact, she was just short of an opportunity.


    Sometimes, to resonate with a Temple God requires an emotion, an action, an attitude.


    Therefore, Li Che was unconcerned.


    Moreover...


    Even if there was really no resonance with the Temple God, what of it?


    Xi Xi had one of the Four Royal Divine Weapons, the Purple Flame Serpent Spear, hidden in her arm.


    So, even without Temple God Resonance... it wouldn¡¯t affect Xi Xi much.


    Li Che¡¯s mind sank into the Heaven and Earth chessboard, over the intersecting chessboard, the images reflected and emerged.


    He saw Xi Xi moving bricks.


    A Gold Brick.


    "This Gold Brick..."


    Li Che¡¯s heart stirred slightly.


    Because of the distance, he was unable to use his Star Plucking Pupil to detect the composition of the Gold Brick.


    But, without a doubt, this thing... was definitely one of the Three Crown Prince¡¯s Divine Armor Set, and its power was extremely formidable!


    Li Che saw how obediently the Purple Flame Serpentine Spear released flames to help Xi Xi burn the Gold Brick and move it.


    A satisfied smile appeared on his face.


    The Purple Flame Serpentine Spear, as expected... had been trained well.


    It had become much more sensible.


    It knew how to seek benefits for its wielder.


    Indeed, it needed discipline; spare the rod and spoil the child.


    This Fire Tip Spear became obedient after being disciplined, it matured.


    If it were the Fire Tip Spear from when it had just entered Xi Xi¡¯s arm, although it recognized Xi Xi as its master, it took advantage of the fact that Xi Xi had no backup.


    Facing this treasure Gold Brick, it would probably not show the slightest attitude.


    Then, it would have been difficult for Xi Xi to subdue this Gold Brick.


    So, Li Che was very satisfied with the performance of the Fire Tip Spear.


    However, Li Che¡¯s eyes soon sharpened,


    Because he saw Ji Haihui¡¯s arrival...


    Clutching a jet-black sword that was so sharp it felt like it could cut through his Primordial Spirit just by looking at it, emerging from the mysterious fog.


    Li Che¡¯s expression turned cold in an instant.


    Just by looking at the stance, he knew what Ji Haihui intended to do.

 Chapter 490: Spoiling One’s Own Daughter, Emperor Xi Xi’s First Kill (2)

    And Li Che guessed what the Third Crown Prince wanted to test Xi Xi for.


    "This is not a test for Xi Xi..."


    "It¡¯s a test for me as a father."


    Li Che¡¯s expression was calm.


    Completely unperturbed.


    Because, in his heart, he had known the answer from the very beginning.


    His daughter.


    His spoiled child!


    As a father, is it neither viewing his daughter nor pushing her towards an abyss that he should do?


    What great causality, what great righteousness; to Li Che, none of that mattered. Explore more at


    He was just a regular father, who only wanted his daughter not to be bullied.


    Moreover, had his daughter done anything wrong?


    Xiji loved to fight and loved fireworks because, as a Divine Child, her wisdom opened early, and she was smarter than other children.


    She was also playful and greedy....


    But she also understood reason, knew right from wrong, and understood the importance of events.


    She could think and empathize...


    So even if Xi Xi really did something wrong, there would certainly be a reason why, and as a father, what Li Che needed was just to trust his daughter unconditionally and protect her.


    Xi Xi was different from the Third Crown Prince.


    He, Li Che, was also different from the Heavenly King.


    His gaze opened and closed.


    Watching Xi Xi defeat Ji Haihui, using a gold brick to smash Ji Haihui until blood splattered, yet he cursed wildly and arrogantly talked about killing Xi Xi¡¯s entire family. Ra?NO??E?S?


    Li Che suddenly smiled.


    The Third Prince Temple God¡¯s deception towards Xi Xi, Li Che naturally also heard it, heard it very clearly.


    This was an erosion of Divine Power.


    The Third Prince Temple God wanted to erode Xi Xi in this manner.


    Looking at Xi Xi at this moment, with tears streaming down, entangled in anger, yet also worried about the deaths of her mom and dad.


    Li Che¡¯s heart ached.


    "My daughter doesn¡¯t need flesh carved from bone."


    "Because, even if she was really wrong, all the righteousness supersedes, so the greater good is as overwhelming as the skies."


    "As a father, I will stand in the forefront."


    Li Che said softly.


    "Dad is here."


    "Daddy said he would protect you forever."


    "We even pinky swore on it."


    ...


    ...


    "Daddy!"


    Xiji, her eyes still wet with tears, clutching the Fire Tip Spear and a gold brick, suddenly became excited.


    Her eyes brightened, hearing the words her father had spoken.


    Her heart suddenly, like a balloon being inflated, was stuffed full with joy!


    Daddy is here!


    Daddy has always been here!


    Xi Xi suddenly felt empowered, lifted her chin, and her eyes sparkled anew with light.


    She felt no more conflict or pain.


    She no longer cried, because her father had said, if someone hurt her, she should hurt them back.


    If someone wanted to kill her, she would kill them!


    Xi Xi didn¡¯t need to suffer!


    Boom!


    At that moment, Xi Xi¡¯s Essence, Qi, and Spirit became incredibly agitated, as if boiling and burning.


    Her gaze locked onto Ji Haihui, whose visage had turned ferocious, completely controlled by the Dragon God Bloodline.


    "You little maid!"


    "I¡¯ll kill you!"


    Xi Xi¡¯s fury tumbled; all she wanted now was to kill Ji Haihui!


    Because this little maid threatened her, threatened her father and mother¡¯s life, if it had been before, she would have hesitated.


    But now her father had arrived!


    Her father told her she could strike freely, with her father there!


    Xi Xi believed in her father!


    So...


    Kill him!


    Bang¡ª!


    The red bellyband flapped in the wind, Xi Xi¡¯s feet stomped forward, and countless rolls of Mysterious Fog surged up!


    In that moment, Xi Xi¡¯s body started to emit an extremely brilliant radiance!


    As though she had transformed into the blazing sun!


    The Fire Tip Spear roared and howled, purple flames twined up around it like long silk ribbons encircling her body.


    From afar!


    Ji Haihui¡¯s eyes turned blood-red, and fine scales seemed to grow on his skin. His face became extremely ferocious with protruding fangs, and his spine continuously arched up like fish fins breaking through flesh!


    It was as if a low thunder rumbled forth from his body, his tendons grinding continuously, bones twisting and colliding!


    In this moment, Ji Haihui had fully entered the Dragon God state, his aura climbing steadily, surpassing the Mysterious Vein and the Divine Vein; he had reached the Master Level!


    Hum¡ª!!!


    Ji Haihui¡¯s eyes instantly turned clear purple, pupils radiating golden light, like scattered golden ink twisting and spreading out, appearing in the purple eye as three petal-like shapes.


    "Die¡ª!!!"


    Letting the Dragon God Bloodline take full control over his body, Ji Haihui bellowed.


    A powerful stream of air burst forth, the divine power and blood qi diffusing over his body surged like river tides, lashing fiercely!


    Whoosh¡ª!


    Moving like a crawling creature, using all four limbs, he began to run at high speed!


    With a flick of his dragon tail, Ji Haihui¡¯s figure disappeared in an instant!


    When he reappeared, with a powerful leap, the dragon claw, covered in purple scales, had already struck out.


    He struck the air itself, cracking it open as if a multitude of dragons were dancing!


    The burst of power in that instant made it seem as if the Mysterious Fog underfoot had been torn apart!


    Roar, roar, roar!


    The sound of the Dragon¡¯s Chant echoed around, the Mysterious Fog dispersed, and within the surging river below, there seemed to be shadows of dragons appearing!


    Oppressive, stifling, terrifying!


    It made it hard for one to breathe!


    This was the pure power of the Dragon God, a mighty force as substantial as the devastating strength in that claw, cascading and flowing!


    Ji Haihui¡¯s body even showed a strange distortion, a sign that his physical form couldn¡¯t bear the runaway state of the Dragon God Bloodline!


    However...


    Xi Xi was neither afraid nor desperate!


    With the Gold Brick in her hand, she fiercely swiped it towards the claw that Ji Haihui had thrown!

 Chapter 491: Spoiling One’s Own Daughter, Emperor Xi Xi’s First Kill (3)

    Boom!


    The collision was too fast!


    It was impossible to imagine this was a fight between a four-year-old and a five-year-old!


    It was much more intense than a clash between ordinary Grandmasters!


    In an instant, the violent wind, like a shaken carpet, continuously trembled, forming waves that surged and spread!


    Three Zhang, five Zhang, ten Zhang!


    Around the point of impact, the mysterious fog rose like an upside-down mushroom cloud, shooting dozens of meters high!


    "Li Nuanxi¡ª!!!"


    "Die!"


    The hoarse roar exploded from the twisted face of Ji Haihui!


    His killing intent was at its peak.


    It was even more like a kind of obsession that almost fused with instinct!


    Kill! Kill! Kill! Kill!


    The Dragon Claw collided with the Gold Brick, instantly bursting apart, but at this moment, Ji Haihui seemed to know no pain!


    With a whip of his dragon tail, it struck like an extremely sharp Divine Whip toward Xi Xi¡¯s head!


    Crack! Crack! Crack!


    Muffled sonic booms continuously exploded, generating burst after burst of air current!


    In Xi Xi¡¯s hands, the Purple Flame Serpentine Spear Fire Tip Spear suddenly thrust out with extreme speed!


    Li Che had specifically taught Xi Xi spear techniques, passing on his own understanding of spearmanship after organizing it!


    After all, from the moment the Purple Flame Serpentine Spear Fire Tip Spear was concealed in Xi Xi¡¯s arms, Li Che knew that Xi Xi and spearmanship could not be separated! ?A?N??E?s


    The Li Family¡¯s Eight Consecutive Bone-Breaking Spears!


    Already improved by Li Che into Superior Martial Arts, Xi Xi mastered them to at least a Master¡¯s standard!


    The tip of the spear spat out flames, fiercely stabbing toward the dragon tail!


    The dragon tail exploded in an instant!


    Struck and shattered to pieces!


    The Purple Flame Serpentine Spear Fire Tip Spear, as one of the Four Royal Divine Weapons, although Xi Xi couldn¡¯t fully control it yet, was undoubtedly powerful!


    Furthermore, it had been trained by Li Che.


    Xi Xi could even unleash some of its might!


    The Dragon God Bloodline brought about tough illusions, and even, Ji Haihui had the hard scales of the Dragon Clan.


    But to Xi Xi¡¯s Fire Tip Spear, they were extremely fragile!


    After two unsuccessful strikes, Ji Haihui¡¯s Three-flower Dragon God Pupil rotated, and he fiercely slammed his limbs on the ground, spinning his body at high speed, clenching his fists and throwing a punch with the inertia of his flesh!


    It was as if ten thousand dragon phantoms were winding on it!


    Under the full force of the Dragon God Bloodline, Ji Haihui executed the Martial Saint Ultimate Study, Ten Thousand Dragons Subduing Gods!


    It was indeed terrifyingly powerful!


    But Xi Xi had the Four Royal Divine Weapons!


    She blocked with her long spear, colliding with Ji Haihui¡¯s fist, both their bodies trembling!


    Bang!


    Bang! Bang! Bang!


    Ji Haihui, like a madman, continuously pounded with his fists as if there were dragons¡¯ shadows roaring and pouncing constantly!


    The punches were like strong crossbow bolts firing incessantly!


    Even Xi Xi was now so pressured she could only keep blocking with her spear horizontally!


    Clang! Clang! Clang¡ª


    The sound of the collision, like iron striking, the dragon tail reformed and whipped down again!


    Ji Haihui was fully overtaken by the power of the Dragon God, now rampant and surging!


    His qi and physical body were extremely robust, like a demon!


    In terms of Cultivation level, Ji Haihui was already stronger than Xi Xi, and now with the power of the Dragon God Bloodline assisting him, he was simply unstoppable!


    Xi Xi, although wielding the Four Royal Divine Weapons, was ultimately too weak to unleash their full power!


    Xi Xi was also somewhat angry.


    Read new chapters at


    The Purple Flame Serpentine Spear seemed to sense Xi Xi¡¯s rage!


    The transformed fire serpent suddenly writhed up and opened its mouth to let out a hiss!


    That silent hiss seemed as though it was about to thunderously explode!


    The next instant...


    Countless mists were torn apart!


    Accompanied by the clashing sound of chains rattling.


    Immediately thereafter, the Golden Wheel spun rapidly, scattering endless bursts of firelight!


    It was as if a phoenix, entwined in unyielding chains, responded to the call of the fire serpent, spreading its wings to rise.


    Countless mysterious fogs were torn apart!


    The cry of the phoenix exploded!


    Instantly shooting out from the endless mysterious fog!


    Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh¡ª


    Ji Haihui, who was in the midst of throwing punches, was instantly swept over, slamming sideways and flying out.


    The Golden Wheel!


    Flames burning, the continuously spinning golden fire wheel!


    The second wheel, Prison Lotus Wind Fire Golden Light Wheel!


    Boom, boom, boom!


    Xi Xi, wielding the Fire Tip Spear, stepped onto a Golden Light Wheel.


    In an instant, she vanished from the spot like lightning.


    The speed wasn¡¯t too fast, but she had completely widened the distance.


    Xi Xi, catching her breath, put away the Gold Brick, then with a clench of her fingers, she suddenly embraced the huge pink mechanism in her arms!


    It was the pink, Xi Xi¡¯s custom... Divine Craftsman Fire God Gatling Cannon!


    Xi Xi, having widened the distance!


    Xi Xi, wobbling on a Wind Fire Golden Light Wheel, though unaccustomed to flying.


    Yet at this moment, her eyes gradually dazzled with splendor.


    Ji Haihui... born with the bloodlines of the Dragon God and the Martial Saint.


    Xi Xi didn¡¯t have them, so there was no helping it; she could only rely on divine weapons and mechanism to make up for it!


    Boom, boom, boom!


    Six barrels of the Fire God¡¯s Angry Jiao Cannon suddenly heated up, radiating a dazzling pink glow.


    Then they spewed forth roaring blue light!


    With the high-speed rotation, terrifying shells instantly exploded!


    Once Ji Haihui fully unleashed his Dragon God Bloodline, his speed became too fast, however...


    With the help of the Fire Tip Spear, Xi Xi summoned the second round of the Golden Light Wheel, and even though it was a single wheel, once accustomed, her flying speed was not slow!


    Bang¡ª!!!


    An explosion suddenly occurred!


    Smoke billowed, and the horrifying shockwave ravaged everything around!


    A muffled grunt!


    The body of Ji Haihui, covered in dragon scales, was suddenly blasted with spurting blood, and he was flung away with tremendous force.


    Ratatatata¡ª


    Then there was Xi Xi, standing on a single wheel, unleashing a wild barrage on him!


    The blue light sprayed out!


    Tongues of flame furiously lashed out!


    One after another, Avalanche Cross Ravens kept surging out, engulfing Ji Haihui!

 Chapter 492: Spoiling One’s Own Daughter, Emperor Xi Xi’s First Kill (4)

    One after another, the most splendid fireworks exploded on the spot!


    Divinity raged wildly, accompanied by Ji Haihui¡¯s excruciating screams of agony!


    After releasing a full hundreds of rounds,


    Xi Xi ¡ª her complexion slightly pale ¡ª finally stopped the onslaught of the Fire God Cannon.


    She gasped for air, large beads of sweat covering her cheeks.


    So tired...


    But these fireworks were so much fun to set off!


    Xi Xi¡¯s heart grew even more excited.


    She was coming to like setting off fireworks more and more!


    The mysterious fog churned, and the will of the Third Prince Temple God seemed to have fallen into silence.


    Perhaps, It had not expected Xi Xi to defeat Ji Haihui, who had stimulated his Dragon God bloodline, in such a manner.


    It was still waiting for Xi Xi to no longer endure and then to start tempting her again, persuading Xi Xi to accept its power.


    Dust and smoke rolled, and a tumultuous wind suddenly burst through the fog,


    Tearing apart the smog.


    Revealing Ji Haihui with his skin split open and flesh torn, blood flowing everywhere on the ground.


    The Dragon God aspect... had been violently beaten away by Xi Xi.


    Ji Haihui lay on the ground, his chest heaving violently.


    His eyes had completely lost their light.


    He had lost again.


    Despite giving it his all and even letting the Dragon God Bloodline fully take over his body,


    He had still lost.


    Ji Haihui¡¯s face twisted.


    He slowly straightened up, staring intently at Xi Xi.


    "Li Nuanxi..."


    "You don¡¯t dare to kill me, right?"


    However ¡ª


    A blazing inferno surged.


    Xi Xi, with bare feet atop a unicycle, looked down upon Ji Haihui. Your adventure continues at


    In the moment Ji Haihui¡¯s eyes narrowed,


    Xi Xi¡¯s Fire Tip Spear thrust down fiercely!


    Puchi!


    The center of Ji Haihui¡¯s brow was instantly pierced by Xi Xi¡¯s spear!


    The air itself seemed to freeze at that moment,


    Ji Haihui was stunned, like a wooden chicken.


    The stabbing pain in his forehead, the rapid dissolution of his consciousness, and the departure of his life¡¯s breath...


    Made him...


    Finally awaken.


    He broke free from the erosion of the Temple God¡¯s power, his body trembling uncontrollably.


    But life did not give him any more time.


    Darkness swallowed all of his consciousness.


    He.


    Died.


    ...


    ...


    The wind howled.


    In the area of the City Lord¡¯s Mansion,


    A luxurious carriage was parked quietly.


    Inside the carriage, Su Huaili and Shadow Guard True Person sat silently.


    Suddenly,


    The Shadow Guard True Person, shrouded in darkness, started to tremble violently.


    Su Huaili seemed to sense something too, his complexion turning deathly pale in an instant.


    "No...no..."


    "Impossible..."


    "How can this be?!"


    A roar emerged from Su Huaili¡¯s mouth.


    He rushed out of the carriage.


    But the speed of Shadow Guard True Person was even faster!


    Boom!!!


    Upon exiting the carriage, Divine Element True Person¡¯s immense pressuring aura swept out in an instant, and a Shen Yuan Golden Elixir emerged, dazzling like a proud sun! RA?o???§¦S?


    "Young Prince!!!"


    An agonizing roar.


    Shadow Guard True Person kept growling.


    King Taoist Lu Yao and both Divine Element True Persons erupted with their aura instantly.


    From the Temple Control Bureau, Zhu Chaoyang¡¯s Divine Gang soared through the skies, tearing through the clouds, his sturdy body wrapped in Divine Gang as if chaotic streams were intertwining.


    "Shadow Guard! What do you think you¡¯re doing?!"


    Zhu Chaoyang shouted coldly.


    Lu Yao and Wang Kuyu, the two Divine Element True Persons, pressed forward.


    Forcing Shadow Guard True Person¡¯s aura to be completely suppressed.


    However, atop Listening Fury Cliff Stone, the situation had turned completely stormy and tense to the extreme!


    Everyone felt so repressed they could hardly breathe.


    Because, this was a clash at the level of Divine Element True Persons!


    Su Huaili also rushed out of the carriage, staring at the Mysterious Fog rolling over Nine Dragons River, his body trembling slightly. Suddenly understanding something, a chill emerged from the depths of his eyes.


    "Dead..."


    "The Young Prince is dead!"


    "Someone killed the Young Prince!"


    The enraged roars of Shadow Guard struck like thunder upon the Listening Fury Cliff Stone!


    Stunning the mighty figures from all factions, causing their hair to stand on end, and everyone¡¯s complexion to change.


    What?


    The son of King of Quelling Chaos Ji Molie...


    Dead?!


    ...


    ...


    Boom!!!


    The Fire Tip Spear that pierced through Ji Haihui¡¯s brow and shredded the Inner Scene of his Energy Center along with his brain substance suddenly erupted with purple flames, forming a crazed and greedy purple great snake that devoured all of Ji Haihui¡¯s Divine purple energy.


    Spurt!


    Xi Xi pulled out the Fire Tip Spear, its tip still dripping with crystal-clear Blood Pearls.


    Xi Xi gasped for breath, mouth gaping open.


    Her eyes slightly dazed, her little hand holding the spear trembling uncontrollably.


    Xi Xi...had killed.


    This was the first time Xi Xi had personally taken a life. She felt somewhat at a loss, fortunately Master Niu Niu had taught her.


    So, she managed to stay relatively calm, despite the turmoil within.


    Even forgetting to collect Ji Haihui¡¯s Qiankun Jade.


    But murder aside, Xi Xi was not wrong!


    Rumble!!!


    And at the very moment Ji Haihui died!


    The entire Mysterious Fog suddenly started to roll tumultuously.


    Atop Ji Haihui¡¯s lifeless body, there were two extremely terrifying auras rising!


    One aura manifested as a tall and powerful figure, standing there as if it were an immense mountain.


    The other aura transformed directly into a winding Divine Dragon, accompanied by countless torrents of water gushing out!


    "Roar!!!"


    "My son!!!"


    An extremely agonizing roar exploded from the mouth of that dragon shadow!


    An overwhelming pressure instantly crashed down, making Xi Xi feel as if she was wavering like a leaf in a storm even while standing on the Golden Light Wheel, unable to maintain her posture.


    The Golden Light Wheel turned into a streak of firelight and merged into Xi Xi¡¯s little feet.


    Xi Xi landed on the Mysterious Fog.


    And the surrounding Mysterious Fog erupted like formidable waves!


    Xi Xi, tiny in size, felt as insignificant as a speck of dust in the face of this moment¡¯s formidable presence.


    The towering Golden figure and the vast Divine Dragon shadow.


    Gave Xi Xi an overwhelming oppression.

 Chapter 493: Pampering His Own Daughter, Emperor Xi Xi’s First Kill (5)

    It nearly forced Xi Xi to kneel to the ground.


    "Hahaha... The show has started!"


    "Dare to curse a Temple God!"


    "See if you dare to come?!"


    "You definitely won¡¯t dare, because if you do, you¡¯ll die!"


    "Everyone must die, unless Xi Xi flays the flesh and strips the bone to sever all ties with you and appease the wrath!"


    "Otherwise, everyone must die!"


    From within the Strange Que, the sound of a child¡¯s snickering laughter echoed.


    And the burly shadow that darted from Ji Haihui¡¯s corpse, grasped its five fingers, and instantly... the feigned-dead Prison Lotus Yin God Sword trembled.


    Despite the resistance...


    It shot out, held in the hand of the towering figure.


    In an instant, the presence nearly solidified into something tangible.


    "Ji Moli!"


    "My son is dead!"


    "My son is dead, are you satisfied now?"


    "I want her dead! Otherwise, I will have the entire Golden Light Prefecture City accompany my son in burial!"


    The dragon shadow roared.


    The towering golden figure held the Yin Divine Sword, unmoved by the mad Dragon God apparition.


    The eyes opened and lifted.


    Forcefully landing on Xi Xi.


    Cold, ruthless, devoid of emotion.


    "Strip the flesh and bone."


    The indifferent voice echoed from the figure¡¯s mouth.


    He threw the Yin Divine Sword in hand.


    As long as Xi Xi used the Yin Divine Sword to flay her flesh and strip her bones...


    She would achieve the highest degree of Temple God Resonance and receive the Temple God¡¯s sacred inheritance.


    The power and inheritance that belonged to the Temple God would then be transferred onto the Yin Divine Sword, swallowed and captured by it, and then owned by him. rA??o??§£E?s?


    The task of Ji Haihui¡¯s journey to the Golden Light Prefecture¡¯s Four Royal Mysterious Temple...


    Was thus perfectly completed.


    As if losing a son meant nothing to him.


    Everything was but a chess piece for him to achieve his objective.


    He knew that a son with the Dragon God Bloodline who came to the Third Prince¡¯s Mysterious Temple would certainly not leave alive.


    But he sent Ji Haihui anyway.


    Humming¡ª


    The thrown Prison Lotus Yin God Sword slowly floated in front of Xi Xi.


    The towering, mighty figure looked on impassively.


    "Take the sword, commit suicide."


    "Flay the flesh, strip the bone."


    "Atone."


    The words carried a command.


    An unquestionable order.


    Xi Xi, so small, seemed to be rolling in a storm, viciously battered by the wind and rain.


    Read exclusive adventures at


    Xi Xi glared with wide eyes.


    She refused to submit!


    And furthermore...


    Xi Xi didn¡¯t want to flay her flesh and strip her bones!


    Xi Xi had done nothing wrong!


    What was Xi Xi¡¯s crime?!


    The little girl, tiny in stature, stood staunchly amidst the wild storm, leaning forward, her red bellyband clinging tightly to her little belly, her hands clenched into small fists, glaring fiercely.


    Suddenly.


    The oppressive sensation like that of an overturning sea vanished without a trace.


    Xi Xi, taken aback.


    Looked up.


    There she saw a familiar, broad back appearing before her at some unknown moment.


    Protecting her against all the oppression and the storm.


    The dark robe fluttered and whipped the air with explosive noises.


    Li Che held his hand clenched in the gesture of holding a chess piece,


    Calmly standing before Xi Xi.


    Blocking her path.


    Like an impregnable wall.


    Stopping the wind and rain, blocking the thunder.


    Fulfilling the promise of a father to his daughter.


    "Daddy!"


    Xi Xi gently called out.


    "I¡¯m here."


    Li Che reached out, smiling while ruffling the little girl¡¯s head.


    "Daddy is here."


    Amidst the little girl¡¯s radiant and admiring smile,


    Li Che slowly turned around.


    Reached out, and grasped...


    The Prison Lotus Yin God Sword, which the Martial Saint apparition had sent for Xi Xi to use to commit suicide and flay her flesh and bones.


    "Not a bad sword."


    Li Che remarked in admiration.


    The Brow Niwan moved slightly.


    Within his chest,


    The [Chess Saint] Dao Fruit that had reached level LV4...


    Throbbed vigorously.


    Li Che unhesitatingly absorbed this Four Royal Divine Weapon directly into the Heaven and Earth chessboard.


    The sword was good.


    It now belonged to someone with the surname Li.

 Chapter 494: A Duel Between Fathers, A Country Bumpkin Smashes the Martial Saint’s Will

    Boom!


    The roaring sound of the river rushing by exploded in everyone¡¯s ears.


    Above the vast sky, there was rain being poured down, crashing relentlessly, like countless furious bullets, relentlessly pelting down.


    The Listening Fury Cliff Stone truly heard the endless sounds of rage.


    It was the furious roar of the six Black Armored Blood Guards unsheathing their Horse-Slaying Sabers, bursting in everyone¡¯s ears, resonating non-stop, as loud as thunder.


    The faces of the many Cultivators from the Golden Light Prefecture turned ashen.


    The six Black Armored Blood Guards brought by Young Prince Ji Haihui, each one a master at the peak of a Master¡¯s level, had cultivated their blood and qi to the extreme, practicing the same Dharma.


    With the combined blood and qi of the six, they were no weaker than any Master of Divine Gang!


    Even in terms of their majestic aura, they were even more terrifying!


    After all, it was the unity of six!


    The incessant roar echoed like thunderous shock waves!


    All Martial Artists felt their blood and qi uncontrollably surging, and many Divine Cultivators sensed their Divinity shaking!


    The Shadow Guard True Person rose into the air, with three powerful figures blocking him on the opposite side.


    Lu Yao, King Taoist, and Zhu Chaoyang from the Temple Control Bureau.


    Two Divine Element True Persons, one Master of Divine Gang, such a line-up indeed gradually calmed the Shadow Guard True Person down.


    But the anger could be felt by all.


    Mixed with fear, desperation, and sorrow within the anger!


    "Your Excellency, calm down,"


    "The Temple God Resonance has not yet ended, and nobody knows the situation inside..."


    Wang Kuyu said gravely.


    Jiao Shaoqiu entered the Strange Que, so now, it was necessary for Wang Kuyu to step forward.


    After all, he, Wang Kuyu, was the only Divine Element True Person of the Divine Sect in public.


    As for the Great Grandmaster Charioteer who had always been protecting Jiao Shaoqiu,


    At this moment, there was not the slightest movement from him.


    About this Charioteer, unless something threatening Jiao Shaoqiu happened, he would not have any intention of taking action.


    But at least, the presence of this Great Grandmaster was their confidence.


    Find more to read at


    Even if the Shadow Guard True Person was strong... he surely couldn¡¯t handle two Divine Primordials and two Great Grandmasters alone, right?


    "The Young Prince is dead!"


    "Qian Yuan Divine Sect!"


    "You can¡¯t escape responsibility; you must give the Prince an explanation!"


    The body of the Shadow Guard True Person trembled violently.


    He had never thought that the Young Prince would die, after all, the Young Prince had so many life-saving methods, and the secret trump card left to the Young Prince by the Old Prince! R?¦¡?o?¦¢E?s?


    But the reality was that the Young Prince was dead.


    Before they set out, they all left their Divine Sense on the Young Prince, and the Black Armored Blood Guards left their essence blood...


    As soon as something happened to the Young Prince, they would immediately receive the news.


    And with the Young Prince¡¯s death, they could sense it even more clearly.


    Desperation...


    The Shadow Guard True Person, a prestigious Divine Element True Person, at this moment, felt a surge of fear.


    He couldn¡¯t imagine how he would explain to the Prince upon returning to Jizhou, or how he would explain to the Princess Consort...


    The sky is falling!


    The fall of a royal heir would incite great rage in the Prince!


    Not just the Shadow Guard True Person, but even the six Black Armored Blood Guards, who had never shown much emotional fluctuation, at this moment, also trembled with fear.


    They felt as if they were sensing the Prince¡¯s raging fury, as terrifying as stars falling from the sky!


    "Qian Yuan Divine Sect... must give us an explanation!"


    The Shadow Guard True Person said solemnly.


    Wang Kuyu¡¯s heart suddenly sank.


    Lu Yao and Zhu Chaoyang exchanged glances, their eyes flashing with an unusual light.


    Shit...


    It seems it¡¯s true!


    Not just a pretense!


    Young Prince Ji Haihui... really died in this Temple God Resonance?


    "The Temple God Resonance... is never a hundred percent safe affair, all children are informed of its dangers before they participate in the trial of the Temple God Resonance,"


    "If the Young Prince insisted on participating and something happened... how could it be blamed on the Divine Sect?"


    "Perhaps he died at the hands of the Temple Guardian Cursed Corpses? "


    "After all, the Young Prince had the bloodline of the Dragon God flowing in him, maybe one of the Temple Guardian Cursed Corpses didn¡¯t like the Dragon Clan bloodline?"


    Nan Lihuo said indifferently.


    His face was impassive, but inside, he was almost bursting with joy.


    Ji Haihui is dead?


    Ji Moli¡¯s youngest son is gone?!


    The heavens are just!


    Nan Lihuo felt as refreshed as if he had drunk a mouthful of ice-cold watermelon juice on a blistering summer day, his whole body exhilarated down to every pore!


    "Shut up!"


    "Nan Lihuo, you shut up!"


    Su Huaili barked ferociously!


    He glared fiercely at Nan Lihuo, with killing intent seeping from his pupils, as if finally no longer hiding it.


    Vicious killing intent, insane thoughts, washed over Nan Lihuo like a tidal wave!


    Yet, Nan Lihuo just smiled broadly.


    He got what he deserved!


    Nan Lihuo¡¯s provocation gave Wang Kuyu a headache.


    He was only out on a mission, and if he made an enemy of the Divine Sect like King Ping Luan...


    When he returned to the Divine Sect, he feared that he would face severe criticism, or even be sent to the back mountain for reflection.


    No...


    How could this happen?


    Normally, heirs of a Prince are called Princes as well, unless they have hereditary rights that cannot be replaced, they are referred to as Young Princes.


    This indicates that Ji Haihui¡¯s status in the Old Prince Ji Moli¡¯s regard was definitely not mediocre!


    The Shadow Guard True Person¡¯s intent to kill surged, and the six Black Armored Blood Guards also stood with their swords drawn.


    "I want to tear apart the Mysterious Fog! I want to see... how exactly did the Young Prince die?!"


    Boom!!!


    The Shen Yuan Golden Elixir floated, bursting with dazzling light and heat!


    Majestic Divinity, like a tidal wave, swept through everything!


    "Do you intend to kill the other Divine Children?!"


    However, with the Shadow Guard True Person taking such a strong stance, wishing to tear apart the Mysterious Fog,


    Lu Yao and Zhu Chaoyang were both enraged!

 Chapter 495: The Duel Between Fathers, A Rustic Man Smashes the Martial Saint’s Will (2)

    Wang Kuyu also made his move in an instant.


    For a moment, the wind and rain intensified suddenly, and the great river roared angrily, causing all the surrounding vegetation to bow down!


    Three Shen Yuan Golden Elixirs floated, shining like the sun and the moon, dazzlingly brilliant!


    Six Black Armored Blood Guards simultaneously clenched their Horse-Slaying Sabers in both hands, their killing intent rampant as if they had transformed into the phantom of a black-armored Divine General, rising across the sky!


    Zhu Chaoyang snorted angrily from his nostrils.


    In an instant, it was as if thunder exploded in the sky!


    The body of the Great Grandmaster emitted extreme light and heat, stepping out with a presence that overshadowed the world!


    One man¡¯s presence overshadowed six Black Armored Blood Guards!


    Above the Listening Fury Cliff Stone, tension was as tight as a drawn bow.


    At any moment, a great battle could erupt!


    ...


    ...


    Boom!!!


    Within the Heaven and Earth Chessboard.


    On the interwoven chessboard, a pitch-black ancient sword, resembling a black hole, suddenly appeared!


    Numerous sword lights burst forth, each one extremely dark, like ink made from soot, impenetrably deep!


    Humming buzzing


    The sword hummed and trembled as if resisting, shaking, trying to tear through space and leave this place!


    Sword Qi erupted, blooming like a lotus from Hell within the Heaven and Earth Chessboard!


    Prison Lotus!


    Boom!!!


    In that instant.


    Countless white Pure Heart Divine Chess Pieces, under Li Che¡¯s single thought, moved sideways, transforming into thousands of falling meteors, rapidly approaching the Prison Lotus Yin God Sword!


    It was as if they were trying to suppress it just like the Seven Elemental Corpse Curse Mother-Child Seal, subduing this Four Royal Divine Weapon!


    Crack crack crack


    Pieces of white Pure Heart Divine Chess Pieces exploded!


    They exploded into a thick Divine mist, shrouding the chessboard.


    Just a single slash of Sword Qi seemed to have the terrifying power to easily slit the void open!


    This was the Four Royal Divine Weapons autonomously resisting!


    Within the Heaven and Earth Chessboard.


    Li Che¡¯s Primordial Spirit sat cross-legged, hovering in midair.


    His eyes opened and closed, his gaze flickering!


    Li Che looked on indifferently.


    Why he took the initiative to seize this Four Royal Divine Weapon, the Prison Lotus Yin God Sword...


    It was because Li Che sensed that the source of power of that Martial Saint phantom came from this sword!


    Ji Moli seemed to have set it up long ago.


    Once Ji Haihui died, this sword would trigger the Martial Saint bloodline within Ji Haihui¡¯s body, causing the pre-stored Martial Saint phantom to emerge. R?A?O??????????


    If this sword were not sealed, the power of the Martial Saint phantom would continue to surge until it reached an extremely terrifying level!


    Under those circumstances, even Li Che might have headaches.


    Thus, as soon as Li Che made his move, his target was the Prison Lotus Yin God Sword.


    Had Ji Moli refined this Four Royal Divine Weapon yet?


    Li Che guessed, probably not.


    But even if he really had... so what?


    Once into the Heaven and Earth Chessboard, they took the surname Li!


    "Beast."


    Li Che¡¯s Primordial Spirit was cold.


    Watching the incessant struggling, bursting with towering Sword Qi that seemed to want to sever and shatter the Heaven and Earth chessboard, he shouted sharply.


    Raising his hand, he pointed at the center of his brow.


    A dense mass of Pure Heart Divine Chess Pieces thunderously descended!


    Instantly, they transformed into a dense net that spread out.


    Yet the greatest confidence Li Che dared to bring this Four Royal Divine Weapon into the Heaven and Earth chessboard was not the Pure Heart Divine Chess Pieces.


    It was...


    [Equal to Heaven¡¯s Face]!


    A Mythical Weapon just the same!


    Li Che¡¯s Primordial Spirit leapt forth, sensing and manipulating Equal to Heaven¡¯s Face, moving closer to the Prison Lotus Yin Divine Sword!


    As expected.


    Equal to Heaven¡¯s Face began to vibrate.


    It was as if an ancient being had awoken from its slumber, much like the most spiritually exquisite stone between Heaven and Earth, suddenly exploding!


    Equal to Heaven¡¯s Face suddenly shot forth, turning into a streak of light, fiercely covering over the face of Li Che¡¯s Primordial Spirit!


    He closed his eyes, then opened them wide!


    His eyes displayed dazzling flowing gold, as if supremely spectacular golden flames were fiercely burning from within his pupils!


    Experience tales at


    Li Che¡¯s Primordial Spirit, wearing Equal to Heaven¡¯s Face, felt his aura climb incrementally.


    He appeared above the Prison Lotus Yin Divine Sword.


    With a hand full of monkey fur, he fiercely pressed down and sat down heavily.


    The Prison Lotus Yin Divine Sword...


    It struggled for a while, then chose to give up and slump.


    Just like that time inside Strange Que, after being stabbed by the Fire Tip Spear twice, it slumped similarly.


    This was a sword that liked to slump frequently.


    With a wave of his hand, the Pure Heart Divine Chess Pieces floated around the Yin Divine Sword.


    The Yin Divine Sword gradually calmed down.


    It no longer moved, nor struggled.


    Equal to Heaven¡¯s Face, thus, finally left Li Che¡¯s Primordial Spirit and quietly hovered, no longer making any movements.


    Li Che¡¯s Primordial Spirit¡¯s eyes flickered.


    As if savoring the feeling of wearing Equal to Heaven¡¯s Face.


    This feeling even further advanced his understanding of the Martial Saint Ultimate Study Primordial Equal to Heaven Staff!


    ...


    ...


    Inside Strange Que, the mist surged and washed away.


    Li Che¡¯s eyes gleamed faintly.


    Maintaining his hold on the Prison Lotus Yin Divine Sword.


    In his mind, it was like a flash of lightning; his Primordial Spirit had worn Equal to Heaven¡¯s Face and suppressed the Prison Lotus Yin Divine Sword.


    Li Che¡¯s expression became slightly peculiar, this situation, in fact, was somewhat beyond his expectations.


    Li Che intended to store the Yin Divine Sword within the Heaven and Earth Chessboard, merely planning to use the power of the Mythical Weapon, Equal to Heaven¡¯s Face, coupled with the power of the Pure Heart Divine Chess Pieces, to suppress the Yin Divine Sword.


    But he had not thought it would go so smoothly.


    Could it be that Equal to Heaven¡¯s Face, having stayed in his Heaven and Earth Chessboard for so long, finally softened and adapted to his, Li Che¡¯s, form?


    Inside Strange Que, all was quiet.


    Xi Xi was blinking her big eyes, clutching the Purple Flame Serpentine Spear Fire Tip Spear, extremely excited.


    Watching Li Che grasp the Prison Lotus Yin Divine Sword and directly perform the sword storing action, Xi Xi¡¯s eyes were shining brightly!

 Chapter 496: The Duel Between Fathers, A Rustic Man Smashes the Martial Saint’s Will (3)

    True to form as my father, truly domineering!


    This sword, to snatch it just like that!


    Even the enemy¡¯s Divine Weapon wasn¡¯t spared!


    And Ji Moli¡¯s Martial Saint shadow... seemed to have fallen into silence.


    As the connection between the Yin Divine Sword and the Martial Saint shadow severed, the oppressive force of the shadow formed by the Martial Saint¡¯s Will began to plummet dramatically.


    Eventually, it fell to a certain level and did not decline any further.


    Li Che sensed for a moment, his eyes twinkling, and he smiled.


    "Now, we are at the same level."


    The authority of Ji Moli¡¯s Martial Saint¡¯s Will, having lost the reserve power of the Yin Divine Sword, now... fell to about the realm of a half-step Great Grandmaster.


    And it was still slipping.


    The Martial Saint¡¯s Will fluctuated slightly, casting a deep gaze at Li Che, its expression extremely complex.


    "Where¡¯s the sword?"


    The Martial Saint¡¯s Will spoke in a deep voice.


    The sound thundered, exploding within the Strange Que.


    "It belongs to the Li family now,"


    Li Che said.


    He dropped his arms, his hair flying, shielding Xi Xi behind him, facing alone, bearing the full brunt of the Martial Saint¡¯s imposing pressure.


    However, the current pressure from the Martial Saint... held no sense of oppression for Li Che.


    It was just like that...


    Li Che looked at the blurry Martial Saint shadow, knowing only that the figure was lofty and vigorous, but he couldn¡¯t make out any features.


    This was... the renowned powerhouse from Great Vista, the King of Quelling Chaos Ji Molie.


    The Martial Saint of this age, the Divine Fetus Great God!


    What was reflected before Li Che, although just a wisp of Martial Saint¡¯s Will, was also extremely exceptional!


    Li Che was curious...


    Could the King of Quelling Chaos Ji Molie, far away miles apart, perceive the current situation through this wisp of Martial Saint¡¯s Will?


    If one were to completely erase this wisp of Martial Saint¡¯s Will...


    Would King Ji Molie still be aware of the events that took place during the Temple God Resonance?


    Li Che always acted with prudence.


    He could be the most solid shield for his daughter, but he would not foolishly rush in headfirst.


    A Martial Saint, and moreover a Divine Fetus Great God, was not an existence Li Che could currently provoke...


    But now, it was not the real form that had descended.


    It was just a wisp of Martial Saint¡¯s Will!


    Ji Moli, wanting to know what happened here, perhaps... could only do so by reclaiming this strand of Martial Saint¡¯s Will.


    Li Che¡¯s eyes flickered.


    Within the Strange Que, the Mysterious Fog surged...


    Xi Xi did indeed kill Ji Haihui, but those who knew Xi Xi killed Ji Haihui...


    Were only him, Li Che, the Martial Saint¡¯s Will before him, that wisp of Divine Dragon shadow, and... the spectating Temple God Third Prince.


    Others might have sensed something, but they did not know what happened.


    The power of the Mysterious Fog to shield and probe senses was very strong, especially since it was the Mysterious Fog of the Strange Que of the Four Royal Mysterious Temples; even the Divine Element True Person¡¯s Primordial Spirit energy found it very difficult to extend its perception within it. R¦ÁNo??E?s?


    Li Che was special because he possessed the Dao Fruit [Chess Saint] and had reached the level of LV4, enhancing his perceptive abilities.


    Therefore, the fact that Xi Xi killed Ji Haihui...


    Was not known by many.


    Li Che¡¯s eyes flickered, and he instantly made up his mind.


    "Presumptuous!"


    The blurry Martial Saint¡¯s Will, as if sensing the wild will raging within Li Che¡¯s heart.


    In an instant, lips parted, and the tongue unleashed thunder!


    Rolling thunder, as if an angered dragon turned over, roaring explosively!


    Numerous Mysterious Fogs were immediately blasted into swirling black cyclones!


    Boom!!!


    Many wildly swirling currents, forming invisible oppression, fiercely pressed down on Li Che!


    The Martial Saint¡¯s Will¡¯s eyes blazed brilliantly, although it was only a strand of will, it was still incredibly domineering!


    "You want to suppress this king?"


    "A country Martial Artist, how bold."


    The soft voice, with an unparalleled domineering spirit, he raised his hand, blurry fingers clenched, and immediately...


    Countless streaks of light converged, astonishingly transforming into a... long-handled umbrella spear!


    The long-handled umbrella spear... very vague!


    But also incredibly terrifying!


    Upon its appearance, it seemed as if the Mysterious Fog could not withstand its weight and was about to be forcefully compressed!


    Read new adventures at


    The mere form of the Divine Weapon already possesses such domineering presence!


    Li Che¡¯s gaze sharpened...


    The might of a Martial Saint, so fearsome!


    Even if it was just a strand of will, not to be taken lightly even with the...Subjugating the Divine!


    This long-handled umbrella spear Divine Weapon, I¡¯m afraid, is definitely a top-notch Divine Weapon that Ji Moli has completely mastered!


    The Martial Saint¡¯s Will was incredibly sharp, Li Che¡¯s martial intent leaked slightly, and it was sensed!


    Although the Martial Saint¡¯s Will couldn¡¯t maintain itself due to the severed connection with the Yin God Sword, it still retained an erasable pride!


    A mere country bumpkin also wants to suppress the Martial Saint¡¯s Will?!


    Gripping the long-handled umbrella spear, it suddenly twisted, tearing open the layers of currents.


    The Martial Saint¡¯s Will gazed down indifferently, boldly taking a step!


    One step sounded, as though beating a drum!


    Bang!


    Waves scattered in all directions!


    As the umbrella spear spun, amidst the sound of ripping silk, the tip of the spear had already descended, causing the void to twist and burst, the howling tearing currents, astonishingly, turned into ten thousand dragon shadows!


    Ten Thousand Dragons Subduing Gods!


    Martial Saint Ultimate Study, performed by a Martial Saint himself, was completely different from Ji Haihui¡¯s rendition!


    One was of the heavens, the other at the dust!


    Roar!


    Thousands of Dragon¡¯s Chant sounded dominantly, deafening, as if the ancient and sealed bell on the Buddhist Mount Meru was struck fiercely!


    The descending umbrella spear, utterly domineering!


    The speed at which it struck did not seem fast, but within the five hundred zhang range separating Li Che from the Martial Saint¡¯s Will, currents were torn apart for it!


    This one spear thrust perfectly integrated the Martial Saint Ultimate Study, Ten Thousand Dragons Subduing Gods, within!


    Li Che couldn¡¯t even begin to describe the implications of this strike!

 Chapter 497: The Duel Between Fathers, A Rustic Man Smashes the Martial Saint’s Will (4)

    It seemed to summon ten thousand dragons from heaven and earth, and even if gods stood before him, he dared to suppress and slay them with his domineering might!


    It was a command, a hold of power, majestic, and also... domineering!


    Boom¡ª!!!


    The blast of air swept the sky, and the currents stormed wildly!


    They transformed into the roar of ten thousand dragons, rampaging and dancing wildly!


    Li Che, his dark robe fluttering wildly, felt his muscles and bones resonating together, his spine trembling as if resounding with a deep dragon¡¯s chant.


    He was wrong!


    The Martial Saint, even though his aura had weakened to only that of a Grandmaster level, was still far beyond any Grandmaster!


    His eyes shone brightly like fire!


    Not because of the fierce Martial Saint¡¯s Will did he lack even the courage to make a move!


    And Xi Xi, blocked by Li Che, also felt a slight leakage of power and couldn¡¯t help but tremble a little, her eyes widening.


    How terrifying...


    Just like the big bad wolf in the fairy tales!


    Worry inevitably showed in her eyes!


    Daddy...


    Can you win?!


    Feeling the doubt of his little cotton coat, Li Che turned his head to glance back and smiled!


    "Little Stinky Xi, don¡¯t underestimate your old dad!"


    As soon as he had spoken,


    Li Che laughed loudly, and with a heavy step forward, the fervor in his eyes blazed as if it were truly burning!


    The will of the Martial Saint...


    Li Che felt inside his chest, the violently pounding Dragon Elephant Vajra Dao Fruit, excited to the point of nearly bursting out!


    Anticipation, excitement!


    With a heavy stamp of his foot, it seemed as though he had flipped the entire Strange Que!


    On his back, each large tendon snapped, releasing terrifying power.


    Buzz Bang¡ª


    His body slightly enlarged, Dragon Elephant Vajra, Unparalleled Horizontal Refinement!


    He didn¡¯t even use the power of the Temple God Chess Pieces!


    Just solely relying on the Dao Fruit, he incited all the Horizontal Refining powers within his body!


    Because Xi Xi was behind him, Li Che did not let his body completely twist and deform, only slightly enlarging and inflating his clothes moderately.


    Not enough to frighten his daughter!


    Muscles and bones resonating together, Grandmaster vitality roared like towering waves!


    Terrible True Qi rampaged and roared!


    Dragon Elephant True Force!


    Myriad Transformations Dragon Elephant!


    Li Che¡¯s eyes were bright, as if a face Equaling Heaven had covered his own, that moment of enlightenment suddenly arising naturally in his heart!


    With a thought, Qi and Blood Rosy Clouds twirled out.


    Tiger Leopard Thunder Sound boomed and rolled!


    The Tiger Leopard Thunder Sound Splitting Golden Spear landed in his hand, his fingers hooked tightly, tearing apart torrents of air currents and gripping it in his hand!


    Qi and Blood Rosy Clouds swirled around the Tiger Leopard Thunder Sound Spear, immediately transforming it into a red gold treasure stick!


    With a flick of the long stick, snapping in between, the multiple shadows interwove, as if giving birth to myriad embryonic changes!


    Tiger Leopard Thunder Sound rolling and booming!


    He swept the stick out!


    As if thunder burst upon his shadow of the stick!


    Endless shadow of the stick!


    Myriad Transformations Dragon Elephant, along with the Primordial Equal to Heaven Staff!


    Killing move...


    Mix Yuan One Stick!


    ...


    ...


    Boom¡ª!!!


    The long-handled umbrella spear and the Mix Yuan One Stick collided fiercely!


    This seemed not merely a collision of two weapons, but more like a contest of their physical bodies, a strife of force, and a clash of blood and Qi!


    The earth shook and the mountains trembled!


    The Mysterious Fog swiftly siphoned towards both of them and then was forcefully and domineeringly scattered in all directions!


    The entire Strange Que seemed to tremble slightly.


    Within several miles of their confrontation, the mysterious fog beneath their feet seemed to collapse, crashing into the storming surface of the Nine Dragons River!


    It caused the river water to explode thunderously!


    Blasting up water columns several dozens of feet into the sky!


    In an instant!


    Atop the Listening Fury Cliff Stone.


    The Divine Primordial powerhouses, about to engage, suddenly changed color in shock!


    They all turned their heads towards the quiet Strange Que, the sudden agitation, creating a sky-high column of water!


    The boiling blood and vigor surged fiercely!


    "This is... a Great Grandmaster?!"


    "Inside the Strange Que, are Great Grandmasters clashing?!"


    The charioteer, standing firm on the edge of the cliff with his sword, suddenly had his eyes shine brilliantly, his Divine Gang rolling, Grandmaster vitality roared like a fierce tiger!


    Zhu Chaoyang also appeared, furrowing his brows tightly, clenching his fists, and staring intently.


    Whoosh whoosh whoosh¡ª


    The Mysterious Fog rolled and surged, as if hundreds of dragon shadows were chaotically coiling and dancing in the sky within it!


    Just one collision, and it was so astonishing!


    The fierce wind spread from the Mysterious Fog, howling and roaring, causing Listening Fury Cliff Stone to be caught in wild whirlwinds!


    Sand flew and rocks shot through the air, the roaring waves furiously slapped the shore!


    Such momentum caused the Flood Dragon horses and other horses to be terrified to desperation, neighing incessantly, and suddenly, the crowd became chaotic.


    The Golden Light Prefecture, and various Martial Brothers from different places, all changed color in alarm. Read latest chapters at


    Many Cultivators who brought Spirit Sending Children to participate in the Temple God Resonance turned even paler...


    Temple God Resonance, how could such a terrifying collision occur?


    What about those children?!


    Even the confronting Shadow Guard True Person was staring intently at the Strange Que.


    "It¡¯s Prince!"


    The pervasive aura of collision enveloped the surroundings.


    Shadow Guard True Person felt a familiar aura that struck deep into his soul.


    It was the Prince¡¯s aura!


    Was it a thread of Martial Dao Will that the Prince had left in the Young Prince¡¯s body?


    And it had awakened this thread of Martial Dao Will...


    The person who had tried to kill the Young Prince...


    Was undoubtedly doomed to die!


    ...


    ...


    Mysterious Que surged, and the terrifying sound of the Dragon¡¯s Chant rolled in.


    Above the head.


    The Prison Lotus Wind Fire Golden Light Wheel was spinning furiously, scattering countless sparking embers!


    Jiao Shaoqiu sat cross-legged, his silvery white hair fluttering, and an expression of shock couldn¡¯t help but emerge on his withered face.


    "This is...Ten Thousand Dragons Subduing God..."


    "At least a Master Level Ten Thousand Dragons Subduing Gods True Intent!"


    "Ji Moli¡¯s Martial Saint¡¯s Will?"


    Jiao Shaoqiu¡¯s face, like the bark of a thousand-year-old dried tree, involuntarily trembled.


    His parched lips sealed, a bitter taste spreading.


    Ji Haihui...


    Had really been killed.


    Even King Ping Luan¡¯s Martial Saint¡¯s Will was forced out, and the murderer was even able to clash with the Martial Saint¡¯s Will without being overshadowed!


    That was Ji Moli¡¯s Martial Saint¡¯s Will...


    Looking across Golden Light Prefecture, who could withstand it?!


    Who could?!


    Those children participating in the Temple God Resonance?


    Certainly not those kids.


    So, who really killed Ji Haihui?


    Could it really be...


    The Temple Guardian Cursed Corpses?


    At that moment,


    Jiao Shaoqiu felt a strong urge to disperse the Mysterious Fog and take a good look at the situation of this confrontation.


    Wanting to glimpse the truth.


    However...


    He couldn¡¯t.


    Ji Haihui was dead.


    And so were the other children participating in the Temple God Resonance.


    ...


    ...


    Bang bang bang bang bang¡ª!


    Exploding violent air currents, forming cyclones in mid-air!


    The collision was but a momentary clash!


    Two figures were flung out in opposite directions.


    Li Che took several steps back consecutively, each step landing shattering the Mysterious Fog.


    He stood before Xi Xi, his stature still towering and robust.


    But his surrounding air churned with heat, the air itself twisting and misting¡ªthat was the Unmatched Horizontal Refinement Physique activated by the mixing of Furnace Grandmaster power and Dragon Elephant Vajra Dao Fruit!


    The sound of blood coursing like tidal waves in his veins burst forth!


    Xi Xi¡¯s face, heated and puffy, suddenly turned red like a monkey¡¯s butt!


    She took several small steps back, tiny as one, appearing drunk and muddled.


    Dad...


    Dad is so strong?!


    In that case, for Xi Xi to grow strong and spank daddy¡¯s butt...she¡¯d need to practice till the cows come home!


    Li Che wiped away a drop of blood that had seeped from the corner of his mouth.


    His eyes sparkled.


    His Grandmaster strength, it seems... was even more formidable than he had imagined.


    In the distance.


    The blurry figure of the Martial Saint¡¯s Will also staggered and fell back two steps within the Mysterious Fog.


    And above it, the aura that had accompanied that earth-shattering strike of Ten Thousand Dragons Subduing Gods.


    Has plummeted to the depths.


    The blurred face, seemingly with a pair of bright eyes, shone.


    The Martial Saint¡¯s Will, capable of wielding only Master Level power, represents the invincibility of the Master realm!


    His Ten Thousand Dragons Subduing Gods...


    Yet, was blocked by a country bumpkin.


    "What an unparalleled physique!"


    "Which wild god have you reincarnated from?!"


    "This king...will...find you!"


    As the words fell.


    Only to hear a muffled sound!


    In an instant.


    The body of Ji Moli¡¯s Martial Saint¡¯s Will, with a "boom," exploded thunderously!


    It was as if real flesh had splattered, falling like rain, the exploding air current absorbed by the maelstrom in the Mysterious Fog, leaving only the lingering heat of determination.


    Li Che didn¡¯t even look at the exploded Martial Saint¡¯s Will.


    His five fingers clenched.


    Tiger Leopard Thunder Sound resounded in unison!


    Countless air currents intertwined, Dragon Elephants cried long and loud!


    In a flash.


    The spear vibrated and shot out, like a blood-red meteor piercing the void!


    It struck the still writhing shadow of the Dragon God in the distance!


    With unstoppable momentum!


    It nailed it into the Mysterious Fog like pinning a mudfish!

 Chapter 502: The Final Result of Temple God Resonance, It’s Her, It’s Her!

    Chapter 502 -190: The Final Result of Temple God Resonance, It¡¯s Her, It¡¯s Her! [Seeking Monthly Ticket]


    Ten Thousand Dragons Subduing Gods!


    Martial Saint¡¯s Ultimate Study!


    Li Che¡¯s eyes sparkled, holding this piece of gold foil paper, he could feel an imperishable will it contained!


    It was also a kind of Martial Saint¡¯s will, however, it was different from Ji Moli¡¯s Martial Saint¡¯s will that he had just confronted in the Mysterious Fog.


    The former was hidden within the bloodline of Ji Haihui, while the latter belonged to a legacy, a Martial Dao tradition left within the gold foil!


    Li Che squinted slightly, feeling the vigorous and powerful will arising.


    ...


    Li Che did not attempt to stimulate it.


    Because he knew that stimulating this Martial Saint¡¯s will was not easy.


    One would need to cultivate the Martial Saint Ultimate Study of Ten Thousand Dragons Subduing Gods to a Major Accomplishment level.


    And after reaching Major Accomplishment...


    This Martial Saint¡¯s will hidden in the gold foil would assist Ji Haihui, guiding and deducing the Martial Saint Ultimate Study to a Master¡¯s level.


    This was clearly a challenge left by Ji Moli for Ji Haihui.


    However, this challenge now...


    Belonged to him, Li Che.


    "This Martial Saint is truly generous


    Li Che chuckled.


    His eyes twinkled, because he mastered not just one Martial Saint Ultimate Study. Whether it was his own creation of Myriad Transformations Dragon Elephant or the ¡°Primordial Equal to Heaven Staff¡± he obtained by chance at the Fire Eye Mystical Awestruck Spirit Ape Strange Temple, both were matured and both had reached the Great Achievement level.


    Among them, the Primordial Equal to Heaven Staff even deduced the killer move ¡°Primordial Chaos.¡±


    Thus, if Li Che wished, he could even directly use the Great Achievement mood of the Primordial Equal to Heaven Staff to stimulate the Martial Saint¡¯s will left by Ji Moli.


    But... it was meaningless.


    Forcing activation would only waste this opportunity without any significance.


    "Martial Saint Ultimate Studies... five, all gathered!¡±


    "Primordial Equal to Heaven Staff, Myriad Transformations Dragon Elephant, Lone Mountain Walk Blade, Lingxu Baqi Step and... now this Ten Thousand Dragons Subduing Gods!¡±


    Li Che held the gold foil paper, his eyes sparkled, and the corners of his lips lifted up.


    With the Martial Saint¡¯s True Intent, volleying and tempering five viscera, then cultivating Divine Gang...


    Li Che would be able to complete the cultivation of the Grandmaster Realm, starting to condense the Martial Dao Will, stepping into the realm of the Master of Divine Gang! ?§¡NO?¦¢?s?


    His mind agitated, Li Che breathed in and out, calming himself down.


    Then, he began to quietly read the cultivation method of ¡°Ten Thousand Dragons Subduing Gods¡± recorded on the gold foil paper.


    This was a technique, mainly for fist techniques, but it could also be integrated into spear techniques, sword techniques, blade techniques, staff techniques...


    All laws could be integrated!


    Li Che¡¯s breathing fluctuated, his pores dilated and spewed, his heart thumped.


    His whole being became spirited.


    The more he read, the more immersed he became, as if the blood in his body was rolling and burning.


    His mind was inexplicably stirred.


    Because from this Martial Saint Ultimate Study, Li Che had a vague familiar feeling and saw the shadow of Myriad Transformations Dragon Elephant.


    But this was not a mere Martial Dao Ultimate Study, integrating divinity...


    It seemed... Six Desires Divinity were involved in it.


    It was based on Seven Emotions Divinity and Six Desires Divinity, followed by different combinations and arrangements to form various Martial Art techniques.


    It could be a fist technique, a blade technique, a sword technique...


    And the source, Seven Emotions Divinity and Six Desires Divinity!


    Yes, this Ten Thousand Dragons Subduing Gods not only contained Seven Emotions Divinity but also Six Desires Divinity...


    It was about integrating Seven Emotions Six Desires Divinity into this Martial Art.


    It could be said to be a Martial Art product that perfectly merges Divinity Methods with Martial Dao!


    Like the Primordial Equal to Heaven Staff, which belongs to the most pure Martial Saint Ultimate Study, not involving any divinity.


    It is a Martial Dao technique, concerning the circulation of Qi and blood, the use of True Qi, and a deeper level involves the subtle control of skin membranes, tendons, bones, muscles, and more!


    Under the feedback of Dragon Elephant Vajra Dao Fruit, Li Che¡¯s Martial Dao perception greatly enhanced him, although he had not yet opened the gate to enter the state of sudden enlightenment.


    But still, just based on the description of Martial Arts on the gold foil paper, Li Che had already gained insights!


    Myriad Transformations Dragon Elephant merged many Martial Arts without the idea of integrating Seven Emotions Six Desires Divinity.


    Yet, actually, Li Che was better suited to take this path than anyone else.


    Because Li Che had built the Seven Wheels Divine Base.


    "Did Ji Moli create the Seven Wheels Divine Base?¡±


    Li Che¡¯s eyes shone brilliantly, inversely deducing that Ji Moli¡¯s creation of the ¡°Ten Thousand Dragons Subduing Gods¡± Martial Saint Ultimate Study absolutely could not have built the Seven Wheels Divine Base, even as per the assumption, it still needed the integration of the Six Desires Divine Foundation.


    What a tremendous project?


    "Probably... just by the powerful Divinity Cultivation experience and perception of the Divine Fetus Great God, majoring in one Divinity, and the rest of Divinity Methods, cultivating to Nurturing Nature, being able to portray such divinity¡¯s meaning is enough.¡±


    Li Che leaned on the shaft, pondering in his mind.


    "But I... can be different.¡±


    "Because I have Immaculate Heart Divinity, which can smooth out the repulsive forces between Divine Foundations, thereby building the Seven Wheels Divine Base, accomplishing what others cannot.¡±


    "Qingshan elder once told me, the Seven Treasures Divine Sect of the Dragon Abyss Path could achieve the cultivation of multiple Divine Foundations, but... it also cannot reach the extent of creating the Seven Wheels Divine Base.¡±


    "Thus, people like me should be very rare, if not nonexistent


    "Clearly, this ¡®Ten Thousand Dragons Subduing Gods,¡¯ I am more suitable than Ji Moli!¡±


    Li Che¡¯s lips slightly curved upwards, simply by looking at it, he understood that he might be more suitable for this Martial Saint Ultimate Study than Ji Moli.


    Because he could achieve what Ji Moli couldn¡¯t!


    "Six Desires Divine Foundation


    "Six Desires Divinity Cultivation Method is not nonexistent, just that fewer people cultivate it, compared to Seven Emotions Divine Foundation, the effects of the Six Desires Divinity are more severe! A slight carelessness can lead to becoming a slave to the Divinity of Desires!¡±

 Chapter 503: The Final Result of Temple God Resonance, It’s Her, It’s Her! (2)

    Chapter 503 -190: The Final Result of Temple God Resonance, It¡¯s Her, It¡¯s Her! [Seeking Monthly Ticket]_2


    ¡°`


    "Those Corpse Gods from the Corpse God Cult actually cultivate the Six Desires Divinity


    Li Che¡¯s thoughts were proliferating, and having killed so many experts from the Corpse God Cult, he had actually collected quite a few Six Desires Divinity Methods...


    His gaze fell on the gold foil paper, within the Heaven and Earth chessboard.


    The Primordial Spirit of Li Che suddenly took a step forward, and in a flash, he began.


    Although his true body couldn¡¯t deduce.


    ...


    He could, however, manipulate his Primordial Spirit to cultivate this Ten Thousand Dragons Subduing Gods Ultimate Study!


    The entry into any Grandmaster¡¯s Ultimate Study was far from easy, not to mention the Martial Saint Ultimate Study, which was ten times more difficult than the Grandmaster¡¯s!


    Many Martial Artists of noble birth might spend their entire lives cultivating just one Martial Art, starting from childhood and taking years to even begin...


    But Li Che was different, possessing the Dragon Elephant Vajra Taoist Fruit. As the maturity of the Taoist Fruit increased, it continually transformed.


    Li Che¡¯s cross-training talent received a tremendous boost, and his Martial Path insight far exceeded that of ordinary people.


    The more a Martial Art conformed to cross-training, the faster he would cultivate it, even managing to grasp the basics in one day and reach minor accomplishment in three.


    This was the transformation of the Martial Path talent brought about by the Taoist Fruit.


    In fact, Li Che¡¯s Divine Talent wasn¡¯t bad either...


    Although the Immaculate Heart Taoist Fruit was not specifically for enhancing Divine Talent, it also provided a subtle and profound improvement.


    Li Che often complained that his Divine Talent was average, but that was in comparison to what; next to his Martial Path talent, it was indeed quite average.


    However, compared to others, Li Che¡¯s talent on the Divine level was already enough to earn him the label of a genius.


    A 23-year-old Divine Child was not a subject for jest.


    Being able to complete the construction of the Seven Wheels Seven Emotions Divine Base in a short period, although there was the hard work of the ¡°Fairy in the Painting¡± incarnation.


    But Li Che¡¯s own Divine Talent was also a factor.


    However, being in this world, danger was a constant companion, so naturally, Li Che couldn¡¯t get complacent. He had to keep a low profile, be modest, underrate his own strength, and see his opponents as more formidable.


    Only by doing so, could he treat his opponents with due seriousness.


    Only by doing so, could he fully commit to protecting the security of his own small household.


    Boom!


    It was as if billowing smoke was swirling around!


    The Primordial Spirit simulated and traced within the Heaven and Earth chessboard, starting with the ¡°Ten Thousand Dragons Subduing Gods¡± style of boxing!


    Thud thud thud


    One by one, the white Pure Heart Divine Chess Pieces exploded, turning into rolling clouds of dust.


    "Ten Thousand Dragons Subduing Gods, with ten thousand dragons for form, the Seven Emotions and Six Desires Divinity as the essence of the dragon, vitality as flesh, strength as bones, the roar of ten thousand dragons shaking the soul, grand and boundless


    While boxing, Li Che¡¯s Primordial Spirit was feeling out the core essence and basic theories about the Ten Thousand Dragons Subduing Gods Ultimate Study!


    With every punch, within the Heaven and Earth Chessboard, countless streams of Pure Heart Divinity cloud flowed and flipped.


    "Roar!!!¡±


    Li Che¡¯s Primordial Spirit stepped sideways, his fingers curling, airflow blasting out, and as his fist plummeted sideways, it fell in an orderly fashion.


    His fists were like divine brushes, painting pictures on the clouds!


    Behind the clouds, the sound of the Dragon¡¯s Chant thundered, a dragon emerged from the clouds, flinging its dragon might amidst the mist, like a clap of thunder!


    However, because it was the Primordial Spirit that was practicing and deducing, there was no integration of vitality and strength.


    But strands of Divinity were being mobilized, the Seven Emotions Divinity intertwining and merging into the dragon form, making the dragons behind the clouds come to life with vigorous vitality!


    Boom!!


    With a punch, the Dragon¡¯s Chant exploded with sound, dragon shadows snaking and covering, pressing down on the chessboard in front until it nearly twisted!


    "Divinity merged into the dragon form, one type of Divinity can turn into many dragon forms, happy insanity, happiness, crazy joy, sorrowful tunes... one emotion can vary greatly!¡±


    Li Che suddenly had a realization.


    He had the Seven Wheels Divine Base, and merging it with the dragon form, he could directly make this Ten Thousand Dragons Subduing Gods Ultimate Study enter the novice stage and then proceed to minor accomplishment.


    As for major accomplishment...that would still require some time to cultivate.


    His spirit withdrew from the Heaven and Earth Chessboard.


    Above the chariot, the wind and rain were turbulent, fluttering the ink-like garments.


    Li Che opened his eyes, and his pupils seemed to shine brightly, dazzling. In them, dragon forms seemed to churn.


    "This Ten Thousand Dragons Subduing Gods is very suitable for me... Ji Moli may be a Martial Saint and the creator of this martial art, but he doesn¡¯t understand a damn thing about Ten Thousand Dragons Subduing Gods.¡±


    Li Che laughed.


    Moreover...


    This Martial Saint Ultimate Study, when combined with the Myriad Transformations Dragon Elephant, was just... too perfect!


    "Now that the Myriad Transformations Dragon Elephant has already reached major accomplishment, if it¡¯s merged with this Ten Thousand Dragons Subduing Gods... perhaps it could step into the Master level!¡±


    "To help me give birth to the True Intent of Myriad Transforming Dragon Elephant!¡±


    Li Che¡¯s eyes sparkled brilliantly.


    "Five Martial Saint Ultimate Studies temper the five viscera, but they also need to be allocated


    "That does require careful study, no need to rush for now.¡±


    Li Che exhaled a breath.


    He was in high spirits, this Martial Saint Ultimate Study had given him great inspiration.


    And it also made him use the advantages of his Seven Wheels Divine Base for the first time.


    Moreover, as Li Che¡¯s Divine Cultivation progressed, the strength displayed by this Martial Saint Ultimate Study would become increasingly terrifying!


    "Six Desires Divine Base... maybe I can try to construct that too.¡±


    "I have the ¡®Fairy in the Painting¡¯ incarnation, let the incarnation slowly work on it.¡±


    ...


    ...


    Time trickled by.


    The rain in the sky grew more tumultuous, as if the scalding waves rising from the Nine Dragons River were melting all the snow above the sky.


    Upon the Listening Fury Cliff Stone, various powers fell into silence, quietly waiting for the Mysterious Fog to tear open, and for the outcome of the Temple God Resonance.


    Li Che was also happy with the quietness. He sat upright on the chariot, realized that everyone was fine, and continued to immerse himself in the study of the Ten Thousand Dragons Subduing Gods.


    ¡°`

 Chapter 504: The Final Result of Temple God Resonance, It’s Her, It’s Her! (3)

    Chapter 504 -190: The Final Result of Temple God Resonance, It¡¯s Her, It¡¯s Her! [Seeking Monthly Ticket]_3


    At the same time, he was attempting to fuse the martial art of Ten Thousand Dragons Subduing Gods into Myriad Transformations Dragon Elephant.


    Suddenly.


    A resounding boom exploded.


    Li Che, sitting upright in the driver¡¯s seat of the carriage, eyes closed, abruptly opened them.


    He fiercely looked towards the surface of the large river, shrouded in Mysterious Fog.


    Inside the carriage, Zhang Ya and Shangguan Qinghong also popped their heads out one after another.


    ...


    "My lord, is it the Temple God Resonance yielding results?¡±


    A look of worry appeared on Zhang Ya¡¯s face.


    The unsatisfactory outcome of Xi Xi¡¯s Temple God Resonance that had been revealed when the mysterious fog tore open, left Zhang Ya feeling like she had a fishbone stuck in her throat.


    Added to that was the surge of a Great Grandmaster Level aura that erupted from within the fog afterwards.


    Zhang Ya¡¯s heart was entirely in suspense.


    She didn¡¯t know what was happening inside the fog, but it seemed like someone was shouting that the Young Prince had died.


    Someone had died...


    Zhang Ya¡¯s heart grew even more anxious, and she couldn¡¯t help worrying about her daughter¡¯s safety.


    "Right... it should be about to show the results,¡±


    Li Che said soothingly.


    Shangguan Qinghong was also very nervous and looked at Li Che with confusion, ¡°Che, how come you¡¯re not worried about Xi Xi at all?¡±


    Li Che glanced at Shangguan Qinghong, where was he not worried?


    He was so worried that he had already taken action personally.


    Moreover, Li Che could observe Xi Xi¡¯s real-time situation within the fog and naturally knew whether Xi Xi was in any danger.


    Because he could monitor and observe his daughter¡¯s safety in real time, he was naturally calm and composed.


    "Of course I¡¯m worried, but... sometimes, worry is useless,¡±


    Li Che said with a gentle smile.


    Zhang Ya crawled out from the carriage, her hands anxiously clutching Li Che¡¯s shoulders.


    "My lord... it¡¯s starting, the thick fog is lifting!¡±


    Zhang Ya¡¯s words caused both Li Che and Shangguan Qinghong to shift their gaze.


    Not just Li Che¡¯s group, numerous cultivators from many forces were also mentally shaken.


    They all looked up eagerly.


    Atop a cliff.


    Nan Lihuo, with white hair flying and hands behind his back, suddenly opened his eyes and stared fixedly at the fog.


    Bang¡ª!


    A powerful aura roared.


    The Shadow Guard True Person took a step forward; his body enveloped in shadows, appeared at the cliff¡¯s edge, his eyes from the darkness fixated on the fog! ?A?NO??¦¢§¦s?


    Su Huai and the six Black Armored Blood Guards were also staring intently, their eyes filled with fervor and apprehension.


    The death of the Young Prince Ji Haihui made them feel guilty, but the appearance of the Martial Saint¡¯s Will also filled them with excitement amidst their unease.


    It side-illustrated the deterrent power of Ji Moli, the Martial Saint and Chaos King!


    Wang Kuyu, Lu Yao, Zhu Chaoyang, and other powerhouses also furrowed their brows, concentrating on the situation within the Strange Que.


    They wanted to know exactly what had happened inside the Strange Que.


    Rumble rumble!


    It was as if heavy lead clouds were rolling, and amidst their friction, there seemed to be thunder scratching causing the sound of rumbling, like the roar of an ancient bell!


    "It¡¯s coming!¡±


    The Shadow Guard True Person, as a Divine Primordial true person and having undergone Primordial Spirit Metamorphosis, was highly perceptive.


    The moment the fog began to change, he sensed it, his emotions surging.


    Boom¡ª!


    Flames surged, as if a fiery phoenix emerged from the depths of the fog, spreading its wings.


    What followed was the transformation into the Prison Lotus Wind Fire Golden Light Wheel!


    The firelight was brilliant!


    Spinning rapidly, it started from the cliff and streaked across the river like cleaving fog!


    It gradually pulled apart the curtain of fog that had submerged the path to the temple, like the slow drawing of a stage curtain to each side!


    Everyone¡¯s eyes trembled, and they rushed out from their carriages one after another.


    They looked towards the Strange Que that was slowly parting the fog.


    The river roared and churned, raising spray, smashing against each other¡¯s waves and exploding into a thousand piles of snow.


    The fog parted in the shape of a ¡°human¡± character, displaying a crystal-clear scene.


    Three hundred zhang away from the Mysterious Temple, the figures of the children who had stepped into the Temple God Resonance appeared in everyone¡¯s view!


    Compared to the first dispersal of the fog.


    This time, after the fog cleared, the scene was even more distinct!


    And this time, it essentially represented the final outcome of this Temple God Resonance.


    At the starting point, three hundred zhang away from the Mysterious Temple, many Spirit Children had not yet taken a step; the kids were sweating profusely, sitting on the ground with dispirited expressions, some were even crying with tears streaming and teeth clenched, sadly weeping.


    Weeping sadly for being unable to resonate with the Temple God.


    Starting from three hundred zhang, about a hundred zhang away, the path leading to the Mysterious Temple was scattered with Supreme Spiritual Children who had come from all over.


    Gong Yuanliang, Gongyang Yu, Huang Si Xiang, Hai Chao Sheng, and others were interspersed among them, including the Spirit Children brought by Wang Kuyu from the Authentic Qian Yuan Divine Sect.


    Huang Si Xiang went the furthest, followed by Gongyang Yu, with Gong Yuanliang and Hai Chao Sheng behind them.


    At this moment, they sat cross-legged, with Divinity flowing over them, receiving the gifts of the Temple God.


    This was the third echelon, which had a certain degree of Temple God Resonance, and what they received were gifts of Divinity Methods or secret techniques such as Seven Elements, Eight Extremes.


    The fog continued to part and a hundred zhang further ahead revealed the second echelon.


    To everyone¡¯s surprise, the Divine Children of the second echelon were from Dao City.


    In order were Tang Ren brought by Lu Yao, followed by Zhong Liuxiu, Zhou Peng, and Yun E from the authentic Divine Sect, with Yun E going the furthest, almost reaching the last hundred zhang.


    However, they ultimately failed to step into the last hundred zhang distance, failing to enter the first echelon.


    They too sat on the ground, accepting the gifts of the Temple God.


    When Lu Yao saw this, he let out a sigh of relief; this Tang Ren had at least squeezed into the second echelon.


    Wang Kuyu flicked his whisk, his face showing a relieved frown.


    "Only the second echelon, alas... what a pity.¡±


    He had placed great expectations on Little Fatty Zhou Peng and Yun E, but they were now only squeezed into the second echelon and had not made it to the first, which was a bit disappointing.

 Chapter 505: The Final Result of Temple God Resonance, It’s Her, It’s Her! (4)

    Chapter 505 -190: The Final Result of Temple God Resonance, It¡¯s Her, It¡¯s Her! [Seeking Monthly Ticket]_4


    The resonance with the Temple God was not particularly outstanding, but it could only be considered average.


    The Temple God¡¯s gifts might enable one to obtain Divinity Methods of the Six Offices level.


    Finally, the mysterious fog slowly tore open, and the pace gradually slowed, revealing the first tier.


    However...


    When everyone¡¯s gaze fell on the first child to appear in the first tier,


    Their eyes all sharply focused.


    ...


    A chill enveloped everyone, cold to the bone!


    The eyes of the Shadow Guard True Person hardened, and even his body enshrouded in shadows began to tremble uncontrollably, his Primordial Spirit stirred, and the oppressive power of his high Divine Hierarchy surged tumultuously!


    "Ah!!!¡±


    "Young Prince!¡±


    The low growl echoed from the Shadow Guard True Person.


    Even though they had been forewarned, when the mysterious fog tore open and the truth was exposed before their eyes, the impact on the spiritual level was still incredibly heavy, like an extremely sharp steel knife piercing through the heart, passing through the body and dripping blood!


    Six Black Armored Blood Guards also issued trembling roars, they all grasped their Horse-Slaying Sabers and knelt on the rocks, terrified!


    Nearby, a hundred yards from the Mysterious Temple,


    A bloodied corpse lay there, cold, silent, and already devoid of life.


    Covered in fine dragon scales, although no longer in human form, transformed into a half-dragon, that identity was undoubtedly Ji Haihui!


    The son of the King of Quelling Chaos, Ji Haihui!


    At that moment, everyone¡¯s gaze was drawn to this corpse.


    For a time, the whole Listening Fury Cliff fell into silence, only the growls of the Shadow Guard True Person and the six Black Armored Blood Guards echoed. RA?¦­O??§£??


    Su Huaili stood dumbfounded, his face pale without any trace of blood.


    Dead...


    Really killed...


    The son of his teacher, really fell in Golden Light Prefecture City.


    The Golden Light Prefecture City he governed.


    Su Huaili¡¯s eyes seemed to lose their light; this matter... was too significant.


    His body couldn¡¯t stop trembling, and all his hair stood on end.


    Lu Yao, Wang Kuyu, and Zhu Chaoyang all inhaled sharply.


    "Is he really dead?¡±


    After all...who killed him?


    A terrifying aura rampaged and interwoven, that was the outburst of fury from a Divine Primordial True Person.


    Zhang Ya covered her mouth.


    "Really...really dead?¡±


    Shangguan Qinghong¡¯s expression changed several times, ¡°Big trouble is coming


    She naturally knew the identity of Ji Haihui.


    The death of Xue Dufu, a Great Grandmaster in Golden Light Prefecture, could be a big or small issue, but the death of a prince¡¯s son in Golden Light Prefecture...


    That was too major!


    Especially as the successor of the current most powerful warrior of the Grand Prospect Dynasty, King of Quelling Chaos Ji Molie.


    Just thinking about it made Shangguan Qinghong¡¯s scalp tingle.


    However, during the silence, most people¡¯s gazes still shifted, looking ahead to the front of the first tier.


    In front of Ji Haihui was an unexpectedly familiar figure.


    That was a figure enveloped in flames of three different colors.


    The Divine Child brought by Zhu Chaoyang, from the Divine Capital¡¯s Thousand Chi? Purple Aura.


    Tie Shancai!


    This Divine Child¡¯s facial expressions were ever-changing, sitting cross-legged on the ground, with three-colored flames dancing on his body, twisting the air and even burning the mysterious fog with a hissing sound!


    In his hands, he held a Banana Leaf Fan, his face showing great pain!


    And around his body coiled a mighty Divinity of the Temple God, like a huge python!


    Undoubtedly, he was receiving the gifts or even...the legacy of the Temple God!


    Indeed, those in the first tier had a chance to receive gifts and legacy from the Temple God!


    The gifts were at least of the Five Elders level Divine Methods, and one could even gain Divine Methods and Divine Weapon inheritance from the lineage of Eight-Armed Prison Lotus Furious Third Prince!


    Being in the first tier meant having a Temple God Resonance surpassing seventy percent!


    However...


    Zhu Chaoyang¡¯s brows suddenly furrowed.


    It seemed he was not pleased with Tie Shancai¡¯s resonance with the Temple God!


    "Last in the first tier?¡±


    If not counting the deceased Ji Haihui, Tie Shancai¡¯s resonance was indeed at the very end of the first tier!


    You should know...


    Tie Shancai was the Divine Child from the Divine Capital, possessing the Thousand Chi? Purple Aura Divinity!


    Zhu Chaoyang took a deep breath, his gaze continuing forward.


    Nan Lihuo, Wang Kuyu, Li Qingshan, Zhu Hongdou, and other members of the Golden Light Sub-sect were already filled with curiosity.


    In front of Tie Shancai was yet another figure that surprised everyone.


    Everyone¡¯s expression shifted.


    "How could it be him?¡±


    "Qin Feng Huo?!¡±


    "The Qin Family¡¯s Qin Feng Huo? Just a Supreme Spiritual Child? A Spiritual Child who hasn¡¯t even obtained the position of a True Successor in the Golden Light Sub-sect?¡±


    Atop the Listening Fury Cliff Stone, many voiced their surprise and confusion.


    At this moment, Qin Feng Huo was sitting cross-legged above the river, his eyes rimmed with darkness, his lips curled upwards, a majestic divinity cascading down, forming a blurred figure.


    Boom¡ª!


    Within the coach of the Qin family, a powerful surge of energy suddenly boomed.


    The next moment, it returned to calm.


    However, a faint sense of disappointment slowly began to stir.


    "What a pity.¡±


    Qin Feng Huo, ranked third.


    Yet it was enough to cause a stir.


    It was indeed a classic example of an upset.


    However, figures like Nan Lihuo, Wang Kuyu, Li Qingshan, Zhang Qing Zheng, and other Divine Symbol Cultivators from the Golden Light Sub-sect, all furrowed their brows, their eyes flashing with confusion and puzzlement.


    How could it be Qin Feng Huo.


    Unthinkable.


    Because this name was simply not in their expectations.


    Further ahead, everyone continued to be in an uproar.


    This time it was a real tumult.


    They saw the silhouette of a young boy covered in blood.


    The boy had his eyes closed, his body was filthy with blood, and on his face, there were traces of tears.


    Just by looking, everyone fell into silence, a suffocating feeling taking hold, not knowing what he had experienced, what had happened...


    "Lu Chi


    Li Qingshan¡¯s stooped figure trembled slightly, his expression stunned.


    Above the cliff stone.


    Within the coach.


    Even Li Che was somewhat horrified as he watched the current state of Lu Chi.


    "Little Chi... What on earth has he gone through?!¡±


    Zhang Ya and Shangguan Qinghong both covered their mouths, their eyes filled with horror and sympathy.


    That body covered in blood, as if riddled with dense wounds...


    As if he had been sliced by a thousand knives...


    Li Che¡¯s mind was shaken, he let out a breath: ¡°How ruthless.¡±


    He guessed what Lu Chi had gone through.


    Bone carving for his father, flesh cutting for his mother!


    What Xi Xi didn¡¯t do, Lu Chi did!


    And the reason he could reach such a height in the Temple God Resonance was because... he was ruthless enough!


    "Why go to such lengths?¡±


    Li Che didn¡¯t understand.


    He didn¡¯t get it.


    His eyes narrowed, his eyebrows deeply furrowed.


    Because... such a choice meant severing everything, extinguishing all personal emotions in the act of carving bones and slicing flesh!


    This Lu Chi... It seems he quit being blonde?


    The sound of uproar rose and fell, obviously, in the Golden Light Sub-sect, many recognized Lu Chi¡¯s identity.


    Li Qingshan¡¯s apprentice, who had participated in the last Temple God Resonance.


    Logically speaking, participating in the Temple God Resonance for the second time would be even more challenging.


    But, he ended up ranked second!


    So, who was the first?


    The first... who could it be?!


    The expressions of everyone shook, their faces rapidly changing, all eagerly looking towards the direction where the Mysterious Fog dissipated.


    The Mysterious Fog slowly tore open, revealing the ancient Mysterious Temple all of a sudden.


    That temple, located at the heart of the river, the [Eight-Armed Prison Lotus Furious Third Prince] Mysterious Temple, suddenly appeared before everyone¡¯s eyes.


    And on the bottom steps of that Mysterious Temple,


    A tiny figure sat cross-legged, positioned on a black lotus platform.


    The lotus platform was slowly spinning, and an extremely rich Temple God Divinity surged out of it, entering the tiny body like threads!


    All was silent except for the sound of the waves crashing!


    A moment later.


    An uproar exploded, filling the sky!


    "Wow¡ª!!!¡±


    "It¡¯s her!¡±


    "It¡¯s her!¡±


    "The Jiazi Child Prodigy of our Golden Light Prefecture!¡±

 Chapter 516: I am the Dragon Elephant of the Martial Dao Will, Bull Demon is the Old Prince? (2)

    Chapter 516 -193: I am the Dragon Elephant of the Martial Dao Will, Bull Demon is the Old Prince?_2


    However, there were quite a few cultivation manuals.


    And there were also records related to the cultivation of the Martial Path.


    These records included the classifications within the Great Grandmaster realm.


    The Great Grandmaster Three Realms: Divine Gang, Unity of Heaven and Man, and Three Flowers Atop!


    Powerhouses like Xue Dufu, Zhu Chaoyang, and others were merely Grandmasters in the Divine Gang realm.


    And now, the strand of Divine Gang that Li Che had condensed also marked his official entry into the realm of a Grandmaster of Divine Gang!


    ...


    Buzz¡ª!


    A torrent of heat roiled turbulently, swirling like a vortex, being absorbed by the heart, with countless streams of blood pouring into it.


    It was like the power accumulated to the extreme, explosively erupting!


    In an instant, it was like a puddle burst by a stomping foot, sending countless streams of water shooting out like water arrows, battering every limb and bone!


    Hiss hiss hiss¡ª


    Li Che stood there, feeling the significant transformation brought about by his advancement in the Martial Path!


    In fact, Li Che¡¯s physical body had already become extremely strong after one wash by the Dao Fruit, but the transformation brought by the advancement in realm was also extraordinary.


    Source: , updated on .co


    The impurities in his muscles were cleansed, his tendons and bones were tempered a thousand times, becoming even more robust, and the nerves attached to them seemed to have grown much stronger, making his perceptions sharper.


    With this surge of extremely sharp perceptions...


    Li Che¡¯s eyes blazed as if they were on fire, his eyeballs intense, as if to tear through the darkness like the light of a flashlight.


    In his left eye, it seemed as if a Divine Dragon was winding, and in his right pupil, an ancient giant elephant lifted its trunk and trumpeted!


    Boom¡ª!


    Countless steaming waves of heat morphed into the phantoms of dragons and elephants, heavy and powerful, primitive and majestic, and overwhelmingly unparalleled...


    Li Che¡¯s eyes opened and closed, his ink robe fluttered, and his will of the Martial Path, heavy as mountains and grand as peaks, seemed to press the air down, causing it to ripple outward.


    Every move he made was immensely powerful and radiant, as if he embodied the Dragon and the Elephant!


    Martial Dao Will!


    The Martial Dao Will unique to a Great Grandmaster...


    A condensed to the extreme Essence, Qi, and Spirit.


    Li Che could feel that with the completion of the Martial Dao Will... his own Primordial Spirit seemed to have grown much stronger.


    Originally, Li Che¡¯s Primordial Spirit was premature.


    Only upon reaching the Yuanxiang Realm through Divine cultivation could one condense out a Primordial Spirit, which at that time, would also be as weak as Li Che¡¯s current Primordial Spirit. R¦Á?¦¯BE?S


    Then, after condensing the Divine Primordial Golden Elixir, one could gradually use the Golden Elixir to temper divinity and strengthen the Primordial Spirit, entering the first realm of Divine Primordial¡ªPrimordial Spirit Metamorphosis.


    And now, the Martial Dao Will was also aiding in the tempering of the Primordial Spirit!


    Li Che suddenly understood why they said that a singular Great Martial Arts Master, as well as a singular Master of Divine Element, when faced with a double-tracked powerhouse who had reached the same standard in both tracks, would find it extremely difficult.


    The Martial Dao Will nurturing and enhancing the Primordial Spirit did indeed bring about a quicker rise in strength.


    The heart was like a blazing furnace, its beating sounds relentless.


    But as the Dragon Elephant Vajra Dao Fruit vibrated, gradually, Li Che¡¯s overpowering and unparalleled aura started to converge.


    With his fingers together, he tore through the air.


    A Cute Bull Mask was then placed over Li Che¡¯s face.


    Donning a hat and draping himself in black clothing.


    Li Che quivered and vanished directly from the courtyard.


    ...


    ...


    Crack crack!


    Lightning flashed and thunder roared, winter thunder exploded.


    A lot of wind and rain howled and inclined, mingled with fluttering snowflakes.


    Splash splash!


    On the main street, the Divine Guard Army clad in armor, holding spears and swords, was running, clearing the broad avenue even more thoroughly.


    The Shadow Guard True Person and Su Huaili with white cloth bands tied around their arms walked slowly at the forefront, scattering white spirit money, filling the atmosphere with desolation.


    Behind them, six Black Armored Blood Guards somber-faced, carried the coffin, moving step by step, heavy and powerful, as if they were going to crush and shatter the ground beneath their feet.


    The passersby on both sides, although separated by the Divine Guard Army, each still harbored a mood of spectating.


    The funeral procession spanned across Golden Light Prefecture City.


    All the major powers had heard the commotion and had indeed come to pay their respects, giving face on this occasion.


    Though Ji Haihui was dead, he was still the son of King Ping Luan Ji Molie, and the due respects had to be given.


    After all...


    King Ping Luan Ji Molie was not yet dead.


    One does not look at the monk¡¯s face but at the Buddha¡¯s.


    Within Golden Light Prefecture, it wasn¡¯t just the Five Great Clans; there were various small and medium Noble Families too, each sending people to join the mourning.


    Rain slanted, pattering on the black-tiled rooftops and hooking into droplets that cascaded down.


    Qintian Observatory Treasure Building.


    Lu Yao stood at a rain-battered railing alongside Supervisor Hu Yingyue, who was plucking at an erhu.


    Listening to the mournful sounds of the erhu pulled by Supervisor Hu Yingyue, Lu Yao couldn¡¯t help but empathize.


    "Who exactly killed Ji Haihui?¡±


    Lu Yao couldn¡¯t help but ask.


    He thought not only he¡ªbut almost everyone¡ªcouldn¡¯t guess.


    Even Jiao Shaoqiu, who controlled the Prison Lotus Wind Fire Golden Light Wheel and handled the Temple God Resonance, didn¡¯t know who had killed Ji Haihui or burst the Martial Saint¡¯s Will.


    In the entire Golden Light Prefecture...


    There was hardly anyone capable of doing that?


    "If you can¡¯t guess, better not to guess. Even if you guessed right, there would be no benefit to you


    "King Ping Luan Ji Molie is infamous with many enemies. Perhaps it was some powerful adversary who came in disguise and killed Ji Haihui... It¡¯s possible.¡±


    Supervisor Hu Yingyue said cheerfully.


    Lu Yao, upon hearing that, did not object because that possibility indeed existed.


    Watching the spirit money flutter down, wet from the rain, and watching the desolate funeral procession leave Golden Light Prefecture City.


    He couldn¡¯t help but recall Young Prince Ji Haihui¡¯s arrival at Golden Light Prefecture City, with all his bluster and tyranny.


    Yet now, he had ended up in such a desolate state.

 Chapter 517: 193: I am the Dragon Elephant of the Martial Dao Will, Is Bull Demon the Old Prince?_3

    :i>Dsipgex /7<&8Chapter 193: I am the Dragon Elephant of the Martial Dao Will, Is Bull Demon the Old Prince?_3


    For a time, Supervisor Hu Yingyue seemed to have been struck by inspiration, her erhu playing became increasingly mournful, her emotions feeling utterly saturated.


    Lu Yao rolled his eyes, looking at the funeral procession vanishing into the misty rain in the distance, no longer wanting to listen to the bothersome erhu, and turned to leave.


    Supervisor Hu Yingyue glanced at him, her face breaking into a sardonic smile.


    The young do not appreciate the erhu, mistaking it for the less valuable pipa.


    ...


    ...


    ...


    Young Prince Ji Haihui left Golden Light Prefecture after the funeral procession.


    At this moment, many forces became aware of it.


    Atop Golden Light Peak.


    Nan Lihuo stood with his hands behind him, his white hair flying about, and his eyes spilling with firelight, in very good spirits.


    But it wasn¡¯t enough.


    Although Ji Haihui was dead, it wasn¡¯t by his hand.


    Moreover, the death of Ji Haihui would certainly provoke Ji Moli¡¯s wrath, leaving him not much time.


    Nan Lihuo exhaled deeply, his eyes deep and shadowy.


    He wanted to kill Su Huaili.


    He had previously contacted Ox Demon and Horse Face, having already arranged the intention to kill Su Huaili. Now in the Underworld, even Great Grandmasters and Divine Element True Persons could be killed.


    A mere Su Huaili, at half-step Divine Origin, surely posed no problem.


    Nan Lihuo thus planned to complete the assassination of Su Huaili in the following few days.


    ¡°The Underworld...¡±


    ¡°To kill a Su Huaili... should be no problem.¡±


    Nan Lihuo¡¯s eyelids drooped.


    His time was running out; upon closing his eyes, terrifying visions appeared.


    His face flushed red, exhaling a long breath.


    His body tilted, crashing into the storm, heading in the direction of Zheng Lei Peak.


    He intended to make contact with the Netherworld Ox Demon and Horse Face.


    But now, making contact with the Underworld...


    Via Li Qingshan was the most convenient method.


    ...


    ...


    The funeral procession left Golden Light Prefecture.


    Su Huaili escorted them for ten li before no longer continuing the send-off.


    ¡°Young Prince, travel well.¡±


    Su Huaili, clad in white, his face mournful, clasped his fists and bowed deeply.


    The Shadow Guard True Person and the six Black Armored Blood Guards did not even acknowledge him, simply continuing on their way.


    The endless scattering of paper money, the inexhaustible bleakness.


    Watching the funeral procession disappear into the storm, Su Huaili slowly straightened his body, the sorrow in his expression vanishing in an instant.


    In the depths of his eyes, a hint of unease flickered.


    He raised his hand to cover his chest, his complexion pale, breathing shallowly, ¡°Such a strong sense of unease...¡±


    ¡°Who exactly was it? Who killed Ji Haihui...¡±


    ¡°Corpse God Cult? Hunting God Pavilion? Who exactly was it?¡±


    Su Huaili was nearly driven mad, with threads of blood interlacing within the depths of his eyes.


    ¡°My teacher doesn¡¯t believe in me, doesn¡¯t think I can grow up, I have been banished here... I have lost everything!¡±


    ¡°Why do they think I am not as good as my fellow disciples?¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    The red glow in Su Huaili¡¯s eyes reached an extreme intensity, the Divinity within him stirring wildly, like a venomous snake flicking its tongue in and out within his body.


    Gradually.


    Su Huaili returned to calm, the hand clutching the front of his white robe slowly relaxing.


    He cast a deep look at the vanishing Shadow Guard True Person¡¯s funeral procession.


    Su Huaili knew that neither Ji Haihui nor the Shadow Guard True Person ever looked up to him.


    Though he was Ji Moli¡¯s little prote?ge?, being sent to Golden Light Prefecture was, in truth, no different from being abandoned.


    ¡°Everyone looks down on me...¡±


    Su Huaili lifted his head, letting the cold rainfall beat upon his face.


    As for the death of Ji Haihui, he actually...


    was pleased.


    Somewhat pleased.


    Yet, he couldn¡¯t show it, for Ji Haihui was after all the son of his teacher.


    He had to be mournful.


    ¡°Teacher, oh teacher, when will you finally value me?¡±


    ...


    ...


    The Shadow Guard True Person was enshrouded in black shadows, thick as ink that would not dissipate.


    The six Black Armored Blood Guards, carrying the coffin, genuinely appeared mournful and sincere.


    Their fanatic devotion and trust in the Old Prince meant that the death of his offspring naturally caused them sadness and grief.


    The funeral procession moved forward in silence.


    The Shadow Guard True Person no longer scattered paper money, only doing so roughly every ten li; there was no need to scatter continuously.


    They did not use the Jiao Ma Carriage to transport the coffin but carried it personally instead.


    All six Black Armored Blood Guards were top-tier Masters, nearly at the Great Grandmaster Level, and were the elite among the Blood Guards.


    Thus, even while bearing the coffin, their pace was hardly slowed.


    This demonstrated even more sincerity.


    Who knows how long they marched, as the clouds in the sky grew darker, and relentless thunder interweaved with flashes of lightning, roaring ceaselessly.


    Suddenly.


    The Shadow Guard True Person halted, looking into the distance where the fierce rains intermingled.


    In that slanted world.


    Someone stood firm.


    With mighty vitality at the ready, like a formidable dormant dragon, every organ was tempered to the point of seeming to shine through the skin.


    Great Grandmaster!


    Zhu Chaoyang!


    The Governor-General of the Dao City Temple Administration Office.


    By Zhu Chaoyang¡¯s side was another figure, none other than Tie Shancai.


    The Shadow Guard True Person¡¯s eyes flashed with a severe glint.


    ¡°Governor-General Zhu, what is this about?¡±


    ¡°To intercept Young Prince¡¯s funeral procession and disturb the prince¡¯s journey home... are you not afraid the Old Prince¡¯s will demand answers in wrath?¡±


    The Shadow Guard True Person spoke gravely, as the Shen Yuan Golden Elixir began to ascend from within his brow¡¯s Inner Scene of the Energy Center.


    Zhu Chaoyang, however, waved his hand, ¡°Your Excellency need not overthink, it¡¯s just that this little fellow insisted on coming to have a look...¡±


    The Shadow Guard True Person¡¯s gaze shifted to Tie Shancai, a wary look appearing in his eyes immediately.


    Tie Shancai... how could he not recognize him?


    He was the son of the Princess and the current emperor of Great Vista, and his father was an important figure from the Divine Capital Temple Office.

 Chapter 518: 193: I am the Dragon Elephant of the Martial Dao Will, Is Bull Demon the Old Prince?_4

    :i>Dsipgex /73&8Chapter 193: I am the Dragon Elephant of the Martial Dao Will, Is Bull Demon the Old Prince?_4


    His position was in no way inferior to the Young Prince.


    He was similarly a descendant of the privileged class.


    The Shadow Guard True Person furrowed his brows, his gaze falling on Tie Shancai as his eyes shifted subtly.


    ¡°The Young Prince is deceased, your excellency...¡±


    However, Tie Shancai merely waved his hand and moved like a wily spirit to stand beside the coffin.


    Six Black Armored Blood Guards burst forth with an aura simultaneously.


    ...


    Zhu Chaoyang raised his hand, and a mighty Martial Dao Will swept across, forcefully pressing down.


    The Shadow Guard True Person¡¯s face shifted restlessly, ultimately he just waved his hand.


    Tie Shancai grinned, patted the coffin with his hand, then tiptoed and his diminutive figure shattered the raindrops, actually hovering above the coffin.


    Directly facing him, Ji Haihui lay quietly in the coffin after being composed.


    Tie Shancai¡¯s gaze intently fixed on the bloody hole in Ji Haihui¡¯s forehead.


    The next moment, he opened his mouth, and from the three orifices of his mouth, nose, and eyes, three-colored flames burst forth.


    The flames appeared quickly, and disappeared quickly, violently swallowing the flames afterward.


    Tie Shancai then stepped down from the coffin.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go, let¡¯s go.¡±


    Tie Shancai turned and walked away.


    Zhu Chaoyang bowed to the Shadow Guard True Person and the six Black Armored Blood Guards with an apologetic smile, then turned to follow Tie Shancai.


    The funeral procession continued onward.


    Zhu Chaoyang held Tie Shancai as they stood in the stormy weather.


    Waiting until the procession had moved far away.


    Tie Shancai then lifted his head, his eyes burning brightly.


    ¡°My flames... they sensed something...¡±


    ¡°This Ji Haihui, was killed by the ¡®Purple Flame Serpent Spear Fire Tip Spear!''¡±


    Zhu Chaoyang started, then his expression subtly changed.


    ¡°Among that group of little brats... someone must have gotten hold of the Purple Flame Serpent Spear Fire Tip Spear!¡±


    Tie Shancai¡¯s eyes gleamed brilliantly, very confident.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t get it wrong!¡±


    ¡°Absolutely didn¡¯t get it wrong!¡±


    ¡°And... I guess, this Purple Flame Serpent Spear Fire Tip Spear, likely... ended up in the hands of Li Nuanxi.¡±


    ...


    ...


    The atmosphere was heavy, with lightning flashing and thunder rolling.


    The Shadow Guard True Person felt greatly stifled, but could only endure it; if Ji Haihui were still alive, they naturally wouldn¡¯t have to suffer this indignity.


    But Tie Shancai¡¯s unique status meant he had to suppress them, and they could only bear with it.


    After all, without the Young Prince, in terms of status, Tie Shancai indeed held the highest position.


    Even the Great Grandmaster, Zhu Chaoyang, had to docilely play the role of Tie Shancai¡¯s subordinate.


    Although he was dissatisfied, he still had to offer the respect that was due.


    The frenzied storm, sudden lightning!


    Strings of rain poured down!


    The Shadow Guard True Person¡¯s steps suddenly halted, his foot stomping down hard, and the turbid muddy water violently burst apart.


    The six coffin-carrying Black Armored Blood Guards looked over, puzzled.


    Stopped again?


    However, the Shadow Guard True Person lifted his head, his eyes under the dark shadows incredibly solemn, more intense than ever before!


    His eyes even held a trace of disbelief.


    ¡°There¡¯s a killing intent.¡±


    As soon as he spoke,


    the Shadow Guard True Person¡¯s figure suddenly turned into a black line and disappeared, as if merging into the shadows of the myriad falling raindrops.


    The six Black Armored Blood Guards, upon hearing the words, also felt the hairs on their neck stand on end, their armor clanging instantaneously.


    They set down the Young Prince¡¯s coffin.


    All six of them simultaneously raised their hands and grasped the Horse-Slaying Sabers they carried on their backs.


    The rain stopped.


    The six men¡¯s eyes contracted, raising their heads to look up to the sky...


    They were utterly horrified to discover that the firmament above, where countless raindrops fell, was blocked by an invisible barrier, thwarting them from entering.


    Lines interwove, crisscrossing everywhere...


    It seemed like...


    A gigantic chessboard in the sky!


    A chessboard?!


    Whoosh!


    The chessboard appeared for only a moment before it merged into the heavens and earth.


    The torrential rain then fell once more!


    Each raindrop connected into lines, turning into sharp arrows that rapidly descended!


    The gaze of the six Black Armored Blood Guards hardened, and in the next moment, their armor trembled entirely, clanging deafeningly, as the blood and qi within them surged.


    Being Half-step Grandmasters, even though they had not yet realized the True Intent or refined the Divine Gang, their mingling of True Qi and blood was just as powerful.


    Their blood boiled, causing the surrounding temperature to suddenly climb.


    The pools of water on the ground instantly twisted into searing white vapors.


    And in the distance,


    A burly figure slowly walked forward.


    Whoosh¡ª!


    The smoke was instantly torn apart,


    Revealing the true face.


    Gray and dark, filled with the aura of death, as if it had been dredged up from Hell.


    Filled with brutality, lingering between heaven and earth.


    Wearing an extremely fierce bull-headed mask, bearing scratch marks made by fingernails.


    The Shadow Guard True Person hidden in the darkness instantly recognized this figure!


    His form shook dramatically, his breath wavered for a moment.


    ¡°Xue Dufu?¡±


    Exactly.


    Niu Yi from the Underworld, who had once made a move on the Divine Element True Person Huang Xilong from the Hunting God Pavilion on the streets, hence, at this moment, the Shadow Guard True Person recognized him.


    Xue Dufu had come back to life, deserting to join the Underworld!


    His appearance here now...


    What did it imply?


    The various evils of the Underworld must have come as well!


    The Bull Demon, Horse Face, and... Divine Monkey!


    The pressure, like mountains bearing down, filled the Shadow Guard True Person hidden in the shadows with a ruthless intent to kill.


    The Underworld¡ª!!!


    The Young Prince was already dead, yet the Underworld... still wouldn¡¯t let it go.


    They were ambushing them halfway.


    Did they intend to leave all of them in Golden Light Prefecture City?!


    Xue Dufu appeared, wearing the mask of Niu Yi.


    His burly body shook fiercely!


    The numerous raindrops in front of him exploded, turning into a mist of water!


    With a flick at his waist, the clasp knife instantly transformed into a Crescent Blade...


    Holding the Crescent Blade in one hand, its blade scraped across the ground, the terrifying power instantly causing the ground to erupt with soil and sand, blasting open a trench!

 Chapter 529: Have a Brother or Sister for Xi Xi? Traces of the Mystic Thunder Vajra Qiankun Ring

    Chapter 529: Chapter 196: Have a Brother or Sister for Xi Xi? Traces of the Mystic Thunder Vajra Qiankun Ring


    Li Che had received the message by the time he had returned to his home at Zheng Lei Peak.


    Shaking off the droplets from his oil-paper umbrella, Li Che entered the house and saw Zhang Ya, seated in a chair, pinching a Ten Cities Divine Crystal, striving hard in her cultivation.


    Under the sweep of Li Che¡¯s Primordial Spirit, the progress of Zhang Ya¡¯s cultivation was clearly visible.


    "Cultivation as Riverlike?¡±


    Li Che smiled, ¡°The speed is neither fast nor slow, but after all, with the help of Divine Crystal and daily combing by Li Che.¡±


    This progress could only be considered average.


    ...


    Of course, that was compared to Li Che and Xi Xi. If it were someone else, Zhang Ya¡¯s Divine Cultivation progress would be considered very fast.


    "Husband!¡±


    Zhang Ya¡¯s long eyelashes trembled slightly, and immediately she opened her eyes, only to see her husband gazing at her with a smile that was not quite a smile.


    Though they were an old couple, having such a gaze from him still made Zhang Ya¡¯s cheeks flush slightly.


    Li Che picked up Zhang Ya, and taking advantage of the fact that Xi Xi had not yet finished school, they engaged in the pleasures between husband and wife.


    Ensconced by the Heaven and Earth chessboard, shielded from all probing, the couple began their plan to conceive another child.


    "Husband, what do you think about giving Xi Xi a little brother?¡±


    Afterwards, Zhang Ya¡¯s black hair lay spread on Li Che¡¯s chest, her fingers gently drawing circles, she said.


    Li Che was slightly taken aback, ¡°Maybe... should we ask Xi Xi¡¯s opinion?¡±


    Li Che was actually quite cautious about having another child.


    Because he could almost be certain that even if they had another child, they might not be able to bond with another Dao Fruit, and his bond would only be with Xi Xi.


    It was still worth a try.


    And having another child in such a dangerous world would mean one more vulnerability.


    The danger would increase.


    The Li Che of the past, feeling the threats and dangers from the outside world, naturally did not contemplate having another child.


    But now, having broken through to Great Grandmaster, Li Che somewhat felt emboldened.


    Having another child, at least the safety could be somewhat assured.


    Upon hearing this, Zhang Ya suddenly paused.


    "Do we... need to ask Xi Xi about this?¡±


    Zhang Ya truly had not considered asking Xi Xi, after all, whether to have children or not was their parents¡¯ affair.


    Li Che embraced Zhang Ya, the couple leaning on the bed.


    "Although Xi Xi is only four years old, her mind is quite mature, and she has her own opinions... If we don¡¯t tell her, and just have a little brother, what if she feels that the love of her parents would be divided because of the birth of a brother?¡±


    "Moreover, Xi Xi is also a member of our family. We should discuss matters together.¡±


    "This girl, Xi Xi, if she really throws a tantrum, it would not end well.¡±


    "So, even if we really want to have another, we have to make it clear to her.¡±


    Li Che said with a gentle smile.


    Zhang Ya thought about it and did not deny it, she nodded earnestly.


    She had indeed overlooked it.


    Thinking that such a small child did not need to be considered.


    Li Che rubbed Zhang Ya¡¯s head.


    With his current control over his body, wanting to succeed at once was indeed too easy, but whether Zhang Ya¡¯s body could withstand it was another question.


    "If you want a child, you¡¯ve got to put in more effort. Your husband is a bit fierce nowadays


    "You probably need to advance your Martial Cultivation to at least the Divine Vein Realm to withstand it.¡±


    Li Che said with a laugh.


    It was not entirely a joke.


    For Zhang Ya, perfectly receiving the essence of the Great Bodily Elixir from a body of a Furnace Grandmaster who had just broken through to Great Grandmaster was indeed a great challenge.


    Upon hearing this, Zhang Ya¡¯s expression became extremely serious.


    This...there was such a saying?


    Zhang Ya thought about it and immediately got dressed, her fighting spirit soaring. She wanted to practice martial arts, she wanted to open her channels!


    Li Che smiled.


    He added that his wife needed to accelerate her martial arts training, otherwise... in a little while, he might reach the Innate Great Grandmaster level of Unity of Earth and Heaven.


    Zhang Ya¡¯s tears almost fell.


    Having a monstrous daughter was one thing, but having a monstrous husband was another...


    For her, who was so ordinary, the pressure was indeed great.


    It felt like a Husky mixed into a pack of wolves.


    Li Che did not disturb Zhang Ya¡¯s martial training, changed into a clean, tidy dark robe, and feeling refreshed, left the yard for Golden Light Peak.


    Rainwater fell, splashing against the umbrella, blooming into droplets.


    Upon arriving at Golden Light Peak, Li Che saw Xi Xi practicing the Eight-Armed Tri-faced Prison Lotus Indestructible Divine Fetus Technique gained from this Temple God Resonance under the guidance of Jiao Shaoqiu.


    This Dharma was divided into the stages of nurturing nature, Divine Foundation, Divine Minister, Divine Primordial, and Divine Embryo.


    It was an extremely comprehensive method!


    Since only Xi Xi, who had acquired the immense Temple God Divinity, could cultivate it, others barely needed to think about it, so, it could also be seen as a matching Law of Divinity for Xi Xi.


    Jiao Shaoqiu was just giving guidance based on his own experience.


    Of course, with his cultivation in the Golden Body Shedding Realm, guiding Xi Xi through the renewal of nurturing nature was not too problematic.


    In just a few days, Xi Xi had basically completed the transformation of Divinity!


    From a distance, Li Che seemed to vaguely see a blossoming black flame Prison Lotus unfolding around Xi Xi.


    It emitted an extremely oppressive Divine Majesty, the sense of pressure was immensely strong.


    Jiao Shaoqiu sat under the eave, with the Coachman Grandmaster guarding beside him, and seeing Li Che, Jiao Shaoqiu immediately waved kindly.


    "Elder Jiao.¡±


    Li Che bowed in respect.


    Jiao Shaoqiu¡¯s face, withered like rotten wood, wore a kindly smile, ¡°Has A Che come?¡±


    "Today Xi Xi officially completed the transformation of nurturing nature into Divinity. She has now reached the stage of Cultivation as Riverlike. In another half a month, she can start casting her Divine Foundation.¡±

 Chapter 534: Emperor Xi Xi and the Big Black Dog, the Underworld that Revives the Dead

    Chapter 534 -197: Emperor Xi Xi and the Big Black Dog, the Underworld that Revives the Dead [Seeking Monthly Ticket]


    Xi Xi tilted her head, and her ear-twitching gesture froze.


    She couldn¡¯t believe her ears.


    She widened her sparkling eyes and turned to look at her daddy and mommy.


    In that moment,


    Xi Xi felt as if the sky had fallen.


    Daddy and mommy... they don¡¯t want Xi Xi anymore?


    ...


    Is Xi Xi no longer the only treasure of her parents?


    Xi Xi was a bit dazed, feeling the world spinning around her, tears swiftly overflowing from her eyes, too sad to breathe.


    Zhang Ya and Li Che were somewhat caught off guard, not expecting Xi Xi to burst into tears without warning.


    Li Che certainly understood that even a four-year-old child had her own thoughts and comprehension, which was why he had wanted to talk to Xi Xi about it beforehand with Zhang Ya.


    Because Li Che wouldn¡¯t easily ignore Xi Xi¡¯s feelings.


    Zhang Ya was somewhat flustered and even a bit panicked, not expecting Xi Xi¡¯s reaction to be this severe.


    At this time, she realized that her husband was right, children also have their own thoughts, and it was wrong to overlook a child¡¯s feelings.


    Zhang Ya hurriedly hugged Xi Xi and began to comfort her.


    Xi Xi, with her head tilted, tears plopped down and slid onto her cheeks, splattering on the bedspread.


    Once mommy and daddy had a brother or sister for her, they surely wouldn¡¯t want Xi Xi anymore. Xi Xi would have to go to Golden Light Peak Mountain every day to find the Elder Grandpa for training, she would have to buy braised pig¡¯s feet by herself, and maybe Xi Xi even had to pick up garbage to earn money to support the family...


    Thinking about it made Xi Xi feel immensely wronged.


    Zhang Ya comforted her for a while, but Xi Xi showed no sign of improvement. The little girl wasn¡¯t throwing a tantrum; she just quietly kept her tears falling.


    Zhang Ya felt as if her heart had been forcefully struck by a hammer.


    "Husband... think of something


    Zhang Ya looked towards Li Che as if seeking help.


    Upon hearing this, Li Che immediately gave a gentle smile.


    He took Xi Xi from Zhang Ya¡¯s arms.


    He rubbed Xi Xi¡¯s head, speaking with a smile, ¡°Alright, no more crying. Our Xi Xi is a big kid now, no crying.¡±


    However, it wasn¡¯t very effective; Xi Xi was still very sad, her nose bright red, large eyes adorned with strings of tears, the circles around them also bright red, very conspicuous against her fair skin.


    Li Che then said, ¡°If you stop crying, daddy will take you to see the big dogs and eat braised pig¡¯s feet.¡±


    Upon hearing this, Xi Xi¡¯s mind finally connected to the thought, and she quickly sniffed, turning her head to look at Li Che with teary eyes and drooling a little.


    "Daddy, are you serious?¡±


    Xi Xi asked.


    Li Che pinched Xi Xi¡¯s cheek.


    "When has daddy ever lied to Xi Xi?¡±


    Instantly, Xi Xi¡¯s eyes sparkled with joy, and she started smiling happily, clamoring to make a pinkie promise with Li Che.


    Zhang Ya, watching from the side, couldn¡¯t help but let out a sigh of relief.


    She couldn¡¯t bring herself to mention having a new baby anymore.


    Of course, Zhang Ya knew that bringing it up now was pointless. She would wait until her strength had improved, until she could withstand her husband¡¯s vigorous essence before discussing the matter again.


    Or perhaps, wait until Xi Xi was a bit older.


    Li Che looked amusingly at Zhang Ya pouting slightly, feeling a bit guilty.


    He rubbed his wife¡¯s head and then, holding Xi Xi, used a Thunder Chess Piece to teleport directly into the alley of Falling Flower Alley.


    Xi Xi was momentarily disoriented but then saw the dim lights under a small restaurant.


    "We¡¯ll have a serving of braised pig¡¯s feet and then go back to sleep,¡± Li Che said.


    Xi Xi obediently nodded her head continuously.


    Her little stomach had already started embarrassingly rumbling.


    Arriving at the restaurant¡¯s entrance, a large black dog lay on the ground, breathing rhythmically as if sensing Li Che¡¯s footsteps. Without opening its eyes, it exhaled a warm breath, then turned over to continue sleeping.


    "Daddy! A dog! Wow, a dog!¡±


    Xi Xi¡¯s voice rang out excitedly and shrilly.


    The big black dog suddenly shivered, its eyes widening as it sprang up from the ground, its front paws forcefully pressing against the ground, ready to launch.


    Li Che was momentarily speechless; why such a big reaction from this big black dog?


    His daughter wasn¡¯t some kind of monster!


    Li Che set Xi Xi down, and she immediately darted towards the big black dog, coming to a sudden stop in front of it, tilting her plump cheeks upward, staring at the big black dog.


    The big black dog relaxed, oh, it¡¯s not her.


    A hint of sadness flashed through its dog eyes, then rarely, a trace of tenderness appeared.


    Its big head leaned closer to Xi Xi, extending its tongue for a gentle lick.


    Xi Xi giggled, the previous unhappiness and annoyance having flown away.


    The big black dog standing up was quite large, even Li Che was seeing this stance for the first time, a novelty.


    He curiously took a few more glances.


    Dingling¡ª


    The curtain was lifted, and a young man dressed in white slowly stepped out. His gaze fell on Xi Xi, softness appearing in his eyes.


    "What would you like to eat?¡±


    "This little girl is having a midnight tantrum; a serving of braised pig¡¯s feet to satisfy her craving,¡±


    The owner responded, nodding his head lightly.


    Then, he turned and went back inside the restaurant.


    Moments later, Xi Xi sat on a chair, enjoying her meal thoroughly, while the big black dog lay lazily next to the table.


    Li Che sat on a chair, sipping tea with the young owner.


    The taste of the owner¡¯s tea was indeed unique, starting sweet in the mouth and then transforming as it went down the throat, a myriad of flavors.


    .bg-ssp-10448{margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;display:flex;justify-content:center;} .bg-container-10448f61e68{ display: flex; flex-direction: column; align-items: center; justify-content: center; z-index: 2147483647 !important; }


    "Great tea!¡±


    Li Che exclaimed.


    The owner nodded, ¡°What¡¯s good about it?¡±


    Li Che paused, not really knowing what made it good, only aware that it tasted quite different from any tea he had ever had.

 Chapter 535: Emperor Xi Xi and the Big Black Dog, the Underworld that Revives the Dead (2)

    Chapter 535 -197: Emperor Xi Xi and the Big Black Dog, the Underworld that Revives the Dead [Seeking Monthly Ticket]_2


    Xi Xi was happily eating on the side, and the two just watched Xi Xi eat.


    Xi Xi even handed a braised pork trotter to the big black dog.


    "Doggy, let¡¯s eat together!¡±


    Xi Xi laughed joyfully.


    After finishing the braised pork trotter, Li Che patiently wiped off the greasy from Xi Xi¡¯s palms and her mouth as well.


    Xi Xi then ran off to play with the big black dog.


    ...


    It was a quiet night with a misty drizzle.


    The restaurant was filled with warm steam. Xi Xi was riding on the big black dog¡¯s neck, and the dog was very indulgent with her.


    The scene appeared almost beautifully frozen in time.


    Li Che didn¡¯t let Xi Xi play for too long and soon picked her up.


    Li Che was ready to take out a Gold Leaf, but the boss waved his hand, ¡°This meal is on me for Xi Xi.¡±


    Upon hearing this, Li Che did not argue.


    "Goodbye, boss. Goodbye, doggy. Xi Xi will come again another day!¡±


    Xi Xi laughed happily and waved goodbye energetically.


    A smile appeared on the stern face of the boss, who nodded slightly.


    The big black dog snorted, wagging its tail.


    One man and one dog just watched as Xi Xi and her father disappeared into the curtain of rain.


    The boss, watching Xi Xi disappear, took out some tobacco from his incense bag, rolled it neatly in a cut piece of paper, flicked the rolled cigarette with his finger, and then lit the cigarette with a spark from his fingertips.


    Exhale¡ª


    Inhale¡ª


    Smoke was expelled between his lips.


    The drizzling rain was intoxicatingly blurry.


    ...


    ...


    Li Che, holding Xi Xi, walked through the alley.


    The rain fell, and Li Che used his surging energy to scatter the raindrops.


    It even illuminated the dark alley.


    "Daddy, Xi Xi has thought it through. When the little brothers and sisters are born, Xi Xi will protect them well. Xi Xi has grown up!¡±


    Xi Xi clenched her small fists seriously as she spoke.


    Li Che looked at Xi Xi and tapped her tiny nose.


    But he didn¡¯t continue the conversation on that topic.


    They returned to their small courtyard halfway up Zheng Lei Peak.


    As soon as Xi Xi returned, she cuddled into Zhang Ya¡¯s arms. Zhang Ya, with a gentle expression, took Xi Xi to sleep.


    During the deep, quiet night, Li Che transformed into a Bull Demon to help Xi Xi stimulate the Divine Weapon and undergo Body Refinement.


    Li Che was responsible for the big stick, and Xi Xi provided the comforting sweet dates. It turned out that the fusion of the Divine Weapon was even faster than he had imagined.


    The next day.


    The morning came, a rare sunny day, no longer raining.


    Li Che took Xi Xi up to Golden Light Peak where Sang Guanyin had been waiting early, as there had been assassination attempts before, so Sang Guanyin was now even more cautious.


    After taking Xi Xi¡¯s hand, Sang Guanyin smiled warmly at Li Che.


    "Daddy, will you take Xi Xi to see the doggy tonight?¡± Xi Xi blinked her expressive eyes, full of anticipation.


    Li Che ruffled her hair, ¡°That depends on your performance.¡±


    "If you practice well, Daddy will take you.¡±


    "Yay! Xi Xi will definitely practice seriously!¡±


    Xi Xi clenched her fists, full of determination.


    Li Che smiled, said goodbye to Xi Xi, and left Golden Light Peak.


    Sang Guanyin took Xi Xi to the large flat area of Golden Light Peak. On this rare clear day, a group of children gathered.


    Nan Lihuo, Wang Kuyu, and Jiao Shaoqiu stood talking to each other on the white jade steps in front of the Divine Palace.


    The gaze of Nan Lihuo, filled with benevolence, moved away from Xi Xi, ¡°Elder Jiao... Sect Master, with the enrollment of disciples this time... does Xi Xi have a chance?¡±


    Jiao Shaoqiu knew what Nan Lihuo was thinking, ¡°This will be the Sect Master¡¯s last direct disciple. As the top deity of the Lingnan Circuit, his selection of disciples is naturally no small matter


    "All parties are watching, and many thousand-year-old families from the state cities under the Lingnan Circuit, as well as the thousand-year-old families from nearby Dao Cities like Dragon Abyss Path and Jiangnan Dao, are all eagerly sharpening their heads to secure this spot. Inside the Authentic Divine Sect, aside from a few Inner Sect Elders¡¯ direct disciples, many Inner Sect Disciples are also eagerly waiting.¡±


    "After all, once accepted as the last direct disciple of the Sect Master, the significance is truly different.¡±


    "The Sect Master, as the leader of the Divine Sect and a top deity of the Divine Fetus Realm, is a top-tier powerhouse throughout the Great Vista


    "Naturally, he can¡¯t just silently accept Xi Xi as a disciple.¡±


    Nan Lihuo immediately became anxious, ¡°Xi Xi¡¯s talent is really good, and this time, the Temple God Resonance was particularly astonishing, achieving seventy percent of the Temple God Divinity!¡±


    Nan Lihuo knew that once he assassinated Su Huaili, it would be difficult for him to continue staying in Golden Light Prefecture.


    He needed to secure the best conditions for Xi Xi in this limited time.


    Jiao Shaoqiu understood his thoughts and shook his head, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, when the Sect Master takes a disciple, he looks not only at talent but also at heart, temperament, and other factors. There will be a fair comprehensive assessment


    Nan Lihuo heard this and was immediately somewhat disappointed.


    He thought that, with Xi Xi¡¯s current talent, she might be able to become a disciple of the Sect Master without needing to go through the tests.


    "Xi Xi¡¯s talent is indeed good... but then, the children who want to become the last direct disciple of the Sect Master, how could their talents be any less?¡±


    .bg-ssp-10448{margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;display:flex;justify-content:center;} .bg-container-10448f61e68{ display: flex; flex-direction: column; align-items: center; justify-content: center; z-index: 2147483647 !important; }


    "Most likely, they are the children who have achieved a high degree of resonance in various Mysterious Temples, gathering at least sixty percent of Temple God Divinity.¡±


    "Moreover, the degree of Temple God Resonance doesn¡¯t really prove anything, it can¡¯t be a key factor in deciding whether one can become a disciple of the Sect Master.¡±


    "Like Ji Haihui and Tie Shancai, though their temple god resonance levels are lower, they have outstanding bloodlines and extremely high martial path and divine talents. Several thousand-year-old nobles are likely to send out their cherished prodigies for this direct disciple spot.¡±


    "Ji Haihui¡¯s talent isn¡¯t actually that great, in my opinion; it doesn¡¯t compare to his brothers. I think mainly the Dragon God bloodline has contaminated the Martial Saint bloodline of Chaos King

 Chapter 536: Emperor Xi Xi and the Big Black Dog, the Underworld that Revives the Dead (3)

    "When humans and dragons interbreed, creating offspring that cross species, the result is either mediocrity or a monstrosity..."


    "Ji Haihui can hardly be called a monstrosity."


    A tremor passed through Nan Lihuo¡¯s heart.


    Indeed, the four sons of Ji Moli were the real monsters; Ji Haihui... seemed more like a compromise.


    A faint smile surfaced on Jiao Shaoqiu¡¯s withered, tree bark-like face: "However, I promise you, once we return to the Authentic Divine Sect, I¡¯ll introduce Xi Xi to the Sect Master¡¯s wife..." Continue reading at


    Upon hearing this, Nan Lihuo¡¯s eyes immediately brightened.


    The old ginger is indeed spicier.


    ...


    ...


    Whoosh whoosh¡ª


    A great wind rose, clearing the skies.


    Today, it was rare to have neither rain nor snow.


    Li Che returned to his small courtyard in Falling Flower Alley.


    He methodically completed his daily cultivation. In the yard, the six Fairy in the Painting clones were already able to decently execute the Combined Strike Technique.


    Of course, this Combined Strike Technique didn¡¯t seem to be very useful at the moment.


    Wait until Li Che¡¯s cultivation improved, and his Fairy in the Painting clones could draw a thousand Grandmaster clones, then it would be time for this technique to show its fangs.


    At that time.


    One man, in place of an army!


    Li Che sat cross-legged, his Primordial Spirit vibrating within his Brow Niwan, bursting forth with brilliance.


    Within the cosmic chessboard, aided by the Summoning God Divine Ability, the divinity of the Fire-Eye Mystical Awe Spirit Monkey Temple God was frenziedly merging into the Divine Base.


    The majority had already merged.


    The speed was actually faster than anticipated; originally, Li Che had thought that completing the summoning and merging would take around four to five days, but now it seemed that three days should suffice.


    Once the merging was complete, it would be like a sketch outlined on wood, making the carving process much easier.


    Naturally, Li Che would then be able to step into the Divine Phase Realm in due course.


    Taking out a Six Ministries Divine Crystal, Li Che held it in his palm and began to refine and devour the divinity.


    The boost from the Immaculate Heart Taoist Fruit did increase the speed at which Li Che absorbed the Six Ministries Divine Crystal quite a bit, and his other several Divine Bases were also continuously growing stronger.


    After completing the divine energy absorption, Li Che slowly opened his eyes, his brow slightly furrowed.


    "Where should I summon other Temple Gods from?"


    This was indeed a problem that troubled Li Che.


    Seven Wheels Divine Base, to carry seven Temple Gods, indeed wasn¡¯t an easy matter.


    "Just outside Golden Light Prefecture¡¯s Mansion City, there is an Eight Extremes Guaiyi Temple, which could be worth a try."


    "If it¡¯s the Qi Yuan Mysterious Temple, it might also be worth an attempt, but using the Summoning God Divine Ability beyond that... may pose significant danger."


    Li Che¡¯s gaze intensified.


    He thought of that Strange Que being ripped open, as if a terrifying cyan finger that could destroy everything seemed to reach out.


    Li Che felt inexplicably oppressed.


    What on earth was that cyan finger?


    He stopped pondering over these matters.


    Leaping into the courtyard, Li Che started practicing martial arts.


    Gang-winds arose, and chaotic currents surged!


    "Whoosh¡ª!"


    "Inhale¡ª!"


    Inside the small courtyard.


    Li Che¡¯s body surged with blood, pushing like quicksilver, and with that terrifying force, a tsunami-like sweep of air burst forth from his pores, stirring the courtyard¡¯s air into a relentless whirlwind!


    Fists clenched, he performed martial arts moves, propelling slowly at first then with increasing rapidity, until at the apex of speed only trailing shadows of fists were visible, followed by countless echoes of a dragon¡¯s chant!


    Myriad Transformations Dragon God!


    Li Che practiced the forms with abandon, his billowing sleeves almost seemed imbued with fluid, becoming sharp, slicing through the air!


    Punches unleashed like a dragon; from the knees, abdomen, arms, elbows... all converging to the peak of the fist, generating a terrifying ripple of force, each breath and movement a punch!


    Thud¡ª!


    Punches with immense might and hidden traces, as if they were conjured from a dream!


    The whirling dragon shadows intertwined, enveloping Li Che¡¯s body, as the air piled up like waves, surging tumultuously, exploding ten meters away and causing even the atmosphere of the entire small courtyard to ripple!


    "Gulp."


    After finishing a set of boxing techniques, Li Che did not skimp and popped a Sixth Order Elixir into his mouth, swallowing it down as if it fell into a deep well.


    Waves of heat spilled out from under the skin, causing the temperature in the courtyard to soar suddenly.


    "Ten Thousand Dragons Subduing Gods... indeed, there¡¯s nothing quite like being personally guided by a Martial Saint."


    "The Master Realm... achieved."


    Li Che¡¯s eyes gleamed.


    In a clash of Great Grandmasters, apart from the gap in their foundational physiques, there¡¯s also the difference in the martial arts they practice.


    A Great Grandmaster who has mastered the True Intent of Martial Saint Ultimate Study can easily suppress another Great Grandmaster who has only cultivated the Master¡¯s Ultimate Study to the same Gang Count.


    Li Che felt somewhat surprised; it all came too easily.


    This Ten Thousand Dragons Subduing Gods had been mastered by him to the Master Realm so effortlessly.


    He spread open his palm, and within it, invisible dragon shadows seemed to be revolving, which was the True Intent of the Myriad Transformations Dragon God¡¯s Martial Saint Ultimate Study!


    The second Martial Saint Ultimate Study True Intent, achieved!


    Li Che¡¯s eyes gleamed as if countless dragons were swirling continuously.


    "With the Myriad Transformations Dragon Elephant True Intent used to temper the heart..."


    "Which of the liver, spleen, lungs, or kidneys should be tempered with the True Intent of the Ten Thousand Dragons Suppressing the Gods?"


    Li Che stood still, his palm grasping the circulating True Intent, his gaze electric.


    If one were to interpret according to the Five Elements, wood belongs to the liver, fire to the heart, earth to the spleen, metal to the lungs, and water to the kidneys.


    .bg-ssp-10448{margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;display:flex;justify-content:center;} .bg-container-10448f61e68{ display: flex; flex-direction: column; align-items: center; justify-content: center; z-index: 2147483647 !important; }


    However, the True Intents of the Martial Saint Ultimate Studies Li Che practiced did not neatly fit into these Five Elements relationships, as they were not inherently Five Elements martial arts.


    If used to temper the five viscera, it would actually end up imparting the Five Elements properties to the martial arts over time.


    For example, with the Myriad Transformations Dragon Elephant, Li Che chose to temper his heart because it¡¯s the source of human life and the origin of the blood pump.


    The Myriad Transformations Dragon Elephant, merging many Dharma, represents the source of Li Che¡¯s growth.

 Chapter 537: Emperor Xi Xi and the Big Black Dog, the Underworld that Revives the Dead (4)

    Discover more stories at


    Thus, Dragon-Elephant Heart Tempering.


    "Ten Thousand Dragons Subduing Gods, to temper the lungs," he said.


    Li Che finally made his decision.


    With a thought, his fingers clenched violently, and the Martial Arts True Intent, reminiscent of a dragon¡¯s chant, surged into his body!


    Roaming and circulating in his lungs, it even produced a sound like metal clashing against metal!


    The booming echoes, like striking a golden bowl!


    Li Che¡¯s eyes gleamed brilliantly, and the next moment, his chest expanded with his breath. Suddenly, it seemed as if myriads of dragons roared and flew out with each breath he took!


    Within the small courtyard, a wild wind raged, and chaotic gusts shot out!


    It took nearly a hundred breaths before everything slowly returned to calm.


    A trace of pale golden Divine Gang appeared in Li Che¡¯s palm, jolting and leaping violently.


    At times it took the shape of a dragon, at other times it burst into golden spears.


    "The second kind of Divine Gang..."


    Li Che flicked his fingers, and Myriad Transformations Dragon Elephant Divine Gang also emerged, gleaming red as glaze.


    It was indeed different from the Divine Gang of Ten Thousand Dragons Subduing Gods.


    Li Che clenched his fingers, and both Divine Gangs burrowed back into his body.


    He breathed in and out, calming his mind.


    Suddenly.


    Li Che¡¯s eyes opened and closed, and it seemed as if dark golden currents scrambled forth.


    "Preparing to flee?" he asked.


    "It seems that our movements last night were indeed noticed?"


    "No, could it be sensed through the Seven Elemental Corpse Curse Mother-and-Child Seal?"


    Li Che shook his arm vigorously, lines intersecting in his eyes.


    It was as if the Heaven and Earth chessboard was reflected in his gaze.


    In the scene, a luxurious Jiao Ma Carriage of the Qin Mansion sped through the streets, heading out of Golden Light Prefecture City.


    And inside the carriage,


    Li Che sensed the presence of Qin Feng Huo and besides him, the Qin Family¡¯s ancestor, Qin Dikun...


    Were they planning to send Qin Feng Huo out of Golden Light Prefecture City?


    To scatter and flee?


    Last night, Li Che was about to make his move, but happened to overhear a little secret.


    Like the Divine Prison Lotus Seeds, and the news of the Mythical Weapon, the Qiankun Ring, belonging to the Third Crown Prince, and the plans to capture Xi Xi.


    In Li Che¡¯s eyes, dark golden sparks continuously shot out, tearing through the air with immense violence.


    Have the Lotus Seeds condensed?


    He clenched his fingers. The Bull Demon Mask covered his face, his Qi and blood suddenly twisted, and in an instant, his muscle and bones vibrated and crackled, as if breaking the shackles that imprisoned his physical body.


    His flesh swelled explosively, reaching two and a half meters tall, with an inverted-triangle back that, under the tension of taut muscles, stacked together, forming a visage like a demon¡¯s face!


    The Corpse God Cult in Golden Light Prefecture, a Seven Yuan Upper-tier Corpse God Envoy?


    Hidden for so long.


    Even he, Li Che, had been deceived.


    Today...


    It was time to hit the road.


    ...


    ...


    Clip-clop clip-clop clip-clop!


    The Jiao Ma whinnied, and under the furious lashings of the Charioteer, its bloodlines seemed to ignite with flames.


    Pulling the luxurious carriage, it blazed like a trail of fire, speeding rapidly towards the gates of Mansion City!


    Escape!


    They were planning to escape!


    Inside the carriage, Qin Fenghuo¡¯s dark circles under his eyes were visibly profound as the black Prison Lotus Divine Pattern between his brows emerged, and the rich Divinity of the Temple God gathered before him to form three black Divine Prison Lotus Seeds.


    Another person was in the carriage as well, none other than the Diviner Ancestor of the Qin Mansion, Qin Dikun.


    At that moment, Qin Dikun looked at Qin Fenghuo with a complex expression.


    Qin Fenghuo opened his eyes, the bottoms of which flickered with a thick divine light.


    Staring at the three black Divine Prison Lotus Seeds in front of him.


    A hint of a smile appeared on Qin Fenghuo¡¯s lips.


    Suddenly,


    The Jiao Ma carriage rushed to the gate of the city.


    It was stopped by the Divine Guard Army.


    The carriage¡¯s speed was too fast, too urgent, what was it trying to do?


    However, there was no sign of the carriage stopping.


    "Make way,"


    Qin Dikun emerged from the carriage compartment, casting an indifferent glance at the Divine Guard Army soldiers.


    The soldier immediately felt his hairs stand on end, hurriedly stepped aside, and let the Jiao Ma carriage race past him, raising a whirlwind!


    "Was that... Diviner Ancestor Qin Dikun of the Qin Family?!"


    Several stunned Divine Guard Army soldiers wondered.


    They dared not stop it any longer.


    They let the carriage speed away.


    However,


    Just after the carriage had left the gates of the Golden Light Prefecture City,


    A terrifyingly oppressive force suddenly crashed down. The Jiao Ma, with its Flood Dragon bloodline, had its forelimbs crushed and broken by an overwhelming force and slammed heavily to the ground.


    Qin Dikun grabbed Qin Fenghuo from inside the carriage and soared into the sky.


    Standing on the toppled carriage while its wheels were still spinning rapidly.


    Qin Dikun¡¯s robes billowed, and his face was extremely grim. The mountainous oppressive force swept in from all directions.


    Qin Fenghuo was set down by him, quietly standing on the carriage¡¯s compartment.


    Qin Fenghuo¡¯s eyes, dark-circled, were locked onto a certain direction.


    "Martial Dao Will... the Martial Dao Will of a Great Grandmaster..."


    Qin Dikun was trembling uncontrollably all over.


    He stared into the distance.


    There,


    The dust that had suddenly risen, accompanied by the roar of a stormy wind, gradually scattered.


    It revealed a figure shrouded in black smoke.


    The figure slowly lifted its head, revealing a fierce bull¡¯s head mask, which was scratched open with a fingernail.


    Niu Yi¡¯s burly figure was decked in armor, holding a cleaver in one hand.


    As he swung it up, the cleaver was immediately enveloped by black smoke and transformed into a Crescent Blade, which the hulking figure then hoisted onto his shoulder.


    "A Great Grandmaster... Xue Dufu!"


    "The Underworld!!!"


    Qin Dikun¡¯s scalp went numb!


    .bg-ssp-10448{margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;display:flex;justify-content:center;} .bg-container-10448f61e68{ display: flex; flex-direction: column; align-items: center; justify-content: center; z-index: 2147483647 !important; }


    As expected...


    When Qin Tiangang said they were being watched, the first thing that came to Qin Dikun¡¯s mind was the Underworld.


    Only the Underworld would relentlessly pursue like this against the Corpse God Cult!


    And now, as he followed Qin Tiangang¡¯s orders to take Qin Fenghuo out of the Golden Light Prefecture, they were indeed intercepted by a master from the Underworld.

 Chapter 538: Emperor Xi Xi and the Big Black Dog, the Underworld that Revives the Dead (5)

    A Great Grandmaster, ah...


    Qin Dikun sighed.


    Beside him, Qin Feng Huo let out a soft chuckle.


    "The Underworld, ah..."


    "Indeed, it¡¯s the Underworld."


    Qin Feng Huo tilted his head back, the corners of his lips curved upwards, gradually letting out a blackness that turned into black lips, his pupils becoming even blacker and more sinister.


    "Ox Demon and Horse Face, and the Divine Monkey? "


    "You let just one traitor come to stop me?"


    "You underestimate me, huh?"


    His fingers suddenly clenched, and in the next moment, he struck out swiftly, plunging his hand into Qin Dikun¡¯s chest.


    Instantly, Qin Dikun roared in excruciating pain.


    In the distance, Xue Dufu, bearing the Crescent Blade, had already made his move, a foot stomping down, blasting a deep pit in the ground. He, holding the Crescent Blade, had already started a furious run.


    However...


    Endless black Qi burst forth from within Qin Dikun¡¯s body, and the Divine Minister¡¯s image suddenly appeared and violently distorted, turning ghastly and horrifying!


    Countless Corpse Curse Marks latched onto Qin Dikun¡¯s body.


    This Qin Family ancestor, always so high and mighty, instantly had blood-red eyes, his body¡¯s essence seeming to be sucked dry in a moment and entirely fed to the Corpse Curse Marks on the surface of his body, making his body emanate a silver glow!


    Cursed Silver Corpse!


    Although it was a Cursed Silver Corpse achieved by draining life...


    It could not last long.


    But it could still delay Xue Dufu, the Great Grandmaster, for a brief moment.


    And for Qin Feng Huo, that was enough.


    Ox Demon and Horse Face, and the Divine Monkey, this notorious trio of Underworld fiends, had not come to deal with him, which meant...


    They must be going after Yuan Jingang.


    Which perfectly suited Yuan Jingang¡¯s intentions.


    Moreover, such underestimation of him meant that the Underworld would have to pay a price.


    Today was the day for the Corpse God Cult stationed in Golden Light Prefecture to settle the score with the Underworld!


    After today... Your journey continues with


    There would be no more Underworld!


    Qin Feng Huo smirked coldly, as three Divine Lotus Seeds floated about.


    He raised his hands, his fingers rapidly performing seals, each time releasing threads of Death Qi and Corpse Qi from his body.


    In the end, his entire arm was densely covered by the Corpse Curse Mark, swelling as he pressed a finger against one of the Divine Lotus Seeds.


    Then, an immense surge of Death Qi suddenly erupted from his body.


    It was as if it would form a disk of arrays, seeking to call forth something extremely terrifying from the abyss.


    However...


    The cold smirk on Qin Feng Huo¡¯s face quickly stiffened.


    His finger had just touched the lotus seed.


    When he realized that a dagger had, unbeknownst to him, quietly rested upon his neck.


    His eyes, dark-circled, focused slightly and he saw a figure enveloped in shadows, as if crawling out from his own shadow in a twisted manner.


    A... Divine Element True Person?!


    This wasn¡¯t taking him lightly?


    A Great Grandmaster, a Divine Element True Person...


    He was just a child, was all this really necessary?


    "Shadow... Shadow Guard?"


    Qin Feng Huo¡¯s pupils shrank.


    Unbelievable.


    Shadow Guard True Person... wasn¡¯t he dead?!


    This Underworld...


    Could it really...


    Bring the dead back to life?!


    No sooner had Qin Feng Huo¡¯s thoughts wandered than¡ª


    A slicing sound¡ª


    His head was decapitated.


    ...


    ...


    Qin Mansion.


    The expansive Qin Mansion, utterly silent.


    The thick stench of blood pervaded and swirled around.


    At the head seat...


    Qin Tiangang, shrouded in a black robe, sat quietly, his head drooping, his silver fingers gently tapping the table.


    And Patriarch of the Qin Family, Qin Cang, sat in his chair, his face pale and desperate.


    Below...


    Were the densely packed bodies of all the Qin Family Members...


    The moment Qin Dikun sent Qin Feng Huo away from the Qin Mansion.


    Qin Tiangang, the ancient ancestor, began his ruthless slaughter, summoning all the Qin Family Members together, and then...


    Killed them all.


    Bodies lay scattered on the floor, blood incessantly flowing...


    As if to draw a ferocious and horrifying pattern.


    And Qin Cang¡¯s neck, stiff, slowly raised his head, looking over the bodies of his clansmen.


    Looking outside.


    As expected, their collusion with the Corpse God Cult...


    Could not be concealed!


    The Underworld...


    Had caught the whiff and come!


    Just because, around the walls of the Qin Mansion...


    One after another, towering figures of Ox Demons with Fire God Rage Dragon Cannons stood, their six red cannons slowly rotating.


    Yuan Jingang, seated in the head seat, suddenly raised his head, a brilliant silver light burst forth, with Silver Gang raging out.


    "The Underworld... Ox Demon?"


    Bang¡ª!!!


    The chair beneath him instantly exploded, shattered to pieces, with splinters flying!


    .bg-ssp-10448{margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;display:flex;justify-content:center;} .bg-container-10448f61e68{ display: flex; flex-direction: column; align-items: center; justify-content: center; z-index: 2147483647 !important; }


    But just as Yuan Jingang moved...


    Thousands of golden raging dragons were already roaring in unison!


    In an instant, he was engulfed.


    The sky lit with fire!

 Chapter 560: Guanyin Lotus Main Battle Tank Completed, All Underworld’s Fierce Beasts Dispatched

    Golden light flowed, the ink surged.


    Li Che''s pupils reflected the brilliance, and slowly revealed a line of text with a hint.


    The ink around him spread increasingly dense, with his body as the center, as if transforming into a drop of thick ink falling upon a white sheet of Xuan paper, rapidly diffusing.


    The white snow on his shoulder, his hair tips, and the snow falling from the sky within ten feet of Li Che, all were dyed pitch black like ink.


    The Dao Fruit [Fruit of the Heavenly Dao from Within the Painting], under Li Che''s constant squeezing of the Painted Immortals'' doppelgangers, finally matured to LV3.


    It achieved its first transformation, giving birth to the Prototype of Divine Powers.


    Prototype of Divine Powers...


    Painted Immortal Mo Sha!


    Now Li Che, with other Dao Fruits having completed their second transformations, not only possessed the Prototype of Divine Powers but also the Divine Skills.


    Li Che was familiar with the Prototype of Divine Powers, each Prototype had its unique abilities.


    Yet, enhancing the maturity of the [Fruit of the Heavenly Dao from Within the Painting] this time proved somewhat difficult.


    It required using the Painted Immortal doppelgangers, painstakingly cultivating maturity, to enhance it.


    However, it cannot be denied that the Painted Immortal doppelgangers brought great help to Li Che, at least liberating Li Che himself.


    While cultivating, he could free his hands to do many other things.


    The replication effect from the Dao Fruit [Fruit of the Heavenly Dao from Within the Painting] has greatly boosted Li Che''s [Immortal Artisan] Mechanical Techniques.


    Although replicating something like the high-yield Guanyin Lotus Bullet from the Great Avalanche was challenging,


    Smaller-yield Immortal bullets such as the Dragon Tooth Bodhi, Avalanche Cross Raven, and the like could be replicated, saving Li Che a lot of materials and effort.


    In other words, it provided Li Che with a mobile Military Arsenal.


    Therefore, Li Che was quite looking forward to the Prototype of Divine Powers of the Dao Fruit [Fruit of the Heavenly Dao from Within the Painting].


    With a thought, within his chest, the [Fruit of the Heavenly Dao from Within the Painting] Dao Fruit throbbed, and with each beat, it seemed as though thick ink mist exploded from his body!


    [Prototype of Divine Powers (Painted Immortal Mo Sha): One dot, two dots, three dots, four dots, fall of ink turns to four, to annihilate with Mo Sha]


    A line of golden introduction slowly unfurled before his eyes.


    Li Che''s brows furrowed slightly, feeling somewhat puzzled.


    What''s this...


    One dot, two dots, three dots, four dots...


    Do you think this is a song?


    But that simple line of introduction, caused goosebumps to rise slightly on Li Che.


    It was as if an invisible deity, wielding a wolf''s hair brush soaked with cold and forbidding ink, slowly traced across his body.


    Like the tongue of a cold-blooded animal, licking the skin, freezing to the core!


    It made the blood in Li Che''s veins, majestic like mercury, hard to circulate.


    "This is..."


    Li Che''s gaze sharpened.


    He suddenly felt a connection, and information related to Mo Sha unfolded in his mind.


    Gradually, Li Che understood the meaning of Mo Sha.


    "Mo Sha... to annihilate..."


    "As long as four dots of ink fall upon an enemy, whether horizontal, vertical, or scattered... As long as there are four dots of ink, you can utilize the power of Mo Sha to annihilate the opponent."


    Hiss¡ª


    Is this a conceptual Prototype of Divine Powers?


    Of course, there should be a limit to its power.


    Stay updated via


    However, such a strange power of killing made Li Che''s interest pique somewhat.


    With a flick of his finger, the paper composed of the Pure Heart Divinity vibrated.


    The next moment, a figure walked out of the painting scroll.


    Li Che casually replicated "Yuan Jingang."


    Yuan Jingang''s whole body glowed with silver light, his Body Touching Divinity bursting forth.


    Since it was a copy from the Dao Fruit of the Painted Immortal, it was much inferior to the original Yuan Jingang.


    Li Che flicked his finger, and immediately four droplets of Divine Ink, mixed with blood energy and divinity, shot out, blossoming on Yuan Jingang''s Cursed Silver Corpse like four ink plum blossoms.


    The next moment, Li Che clenched his five fingers.


    Mo Sha!


    The four droplets of Divine Ink, then as if coming to life, crazily burrowed into Yuan Jingang''s Cursed Silver Corpse, making him howl miserably and transform into an ink-black Ink Man.


    He stretched out his hand towards the front, like a melting snowman, melting away bit by bit...


    Finally turned into a puddle of black ink.


    "Such a powerful corrosive force, four dots of ink seem to create a unique rule, once marked with four dots of ink, killing flare-ups automatically."


    Li Che''s whole body ink-colored diffusing, he seemed as if he had stepped out from an ink wash landscape painting.


    Within the Inner Scene of the Energy Center in Li Che''s body, his Primordial Spirit swept through his entire body.


    He found himself completely transformed into ink wash.


    Even if subjected to a terrifying offensive attack, he would only explode into ink and slowly reconstitute into human form.


    Removing the Prototype of Divine Powers [Mo Sha], Li Che reverted back to a body of flesh and blood.


    "This Prototype of Divine Powers consumes a lot of Divine Sense... and moreover, although it is somewhat similar to rule-based killing, it might not truly annihilate powerful cultivators."


    Li Che stood up, his whole body''s bones popping with a stretch, letting out a yawn.


    The crackling sound, like rolling thunder.


    A fine method...


    The Bull Demon, even more sinister.


    This thing is much more useful than the Sudden Green Powder or Carbuncle Top Red.


    Li Che liked it very much, quite satisfied with this Prototype of Divine Powers.


    Glancing over the courtyard, to the little residence in Falling Flower Alley, Li Che was quite fond of it.


    He didn''t plan to sell it, considering it his property in Golden Light Prefecture City. Li Che had an intuition that he would return here.


    So, there was no need to sell it.


    "The Eight-Armed Prison Lotus Furious Third Prince''s Sinister Temple is still here, not breached... This Mysterious Temple, Strange Que, holds great secrets..."


    "I should come back..."

 Chapter 561: Completion of the Guanyin Lotus Main Battle Tank, All Underworld Beasts Deployed (2)

    Li Che turned around, looking through the drifting snowfall at the Nine Dragons River outside the city.


    Xi Xi, having received the inheritance of the Third Crown Prince, was now bound by causality.


    Afterward, she will definitely return to this Mysterious Temple, and even more so, if Xi Xi hopes to reach higher realms, her journey seems inextricably linked to this very temple.


    Therefore, there was no need for Li Che to clear up everything.


    With a flick of his finger, the scroll unfolded.


    Seven scrolls, with a flicker, seven Painted Immortals walked out from Li Che¡¯s paintings, sat down cross-legged, and each cultivated their Divinity.


    Li Che sensed for a moment, and his eyes shone with brilliance.


    "The speed of cultivation of my avatars has gotten faster, and they have also become stronger..."


    Li Che was a little surprised.


    In the past, avatars of Painted Immortals created with the same amount of life force would only be at the initial Grandmaster realm, but now they have reached the Master Middle Boundary or even the Grandmaster Posterior Realm.


    In short, as the maturity of the Fruit of the Heavenly Dao from Within the Painting increased, reaching LV3, the quality of the Painted Immortal avatars also improved!


    Li Che was quite pleased.


    Before his eyes, the light slowly twinkled past.


    ...


    [Name: Li Che]


    [Bonds: Li Nuanxi (Daughter)]


    [Dao Fruit: Immortal Artisan (lv4, 50%), Dragon Elephant Vajra (lv4, 40%), Pure Heart (LV4, 15%), Chess Saint (LV4, 10%), Painted Immortal (lv3, 0%)]


    [Prototype of Divine Powers: Immortal Worker: Thousand Analyzing Hands, Dragon Elephant Vajra - Ascend, Pure Heart - Soul Capturing, Chess Saint - Great Avalanche, Painted Immortal Mo Sha]


    [Divine Skills: Star Plucking, Rosy Cloud Lift, God Drawing, Limitless]


    [Note: For each year your bound ones grow up safely, the Dao Tree may yield one Dao Fruit]


    ...


    The long-missed panel manifested before him.


    Li Che glanced over it, his attention lingering a few moments longer on the Immortal Craft Dao Fruit.


    "Indeed, after successfully crafting the Guanyin Lotus Main Battle Tank, the maturity of Immortal Craft leaped significantly, reaching LV4. Now, carving ordinary Divine Wood Carvings hardly increases the maturity any longer."


    "Innovation is still key..."


    Li Che smiled.


    Indeed, that long-developed Guanyin Lotus Main Battle Tank had finally been completed, integrating various types of Spiritual Wood, even incorporating the Fire God Raging Flood Dragon Wood used by Li Che.


    This behemoth was finally finished.


    It could carry the Great Avalanche Guanyin Lotus Bullet and the big mechanism that was still being researched to integrate the Divine Skill Black and White Collapse...


    Li Che was in a great mood.


    However, the maturity improvement was still less than he had imagined.


    Of course, this was also because the Immortal Craft Dao Fruit had reached LV4, and the next step would be LV5...


    Li Che was very curious about what kind of transformation a level 5 Immortal Craft Dao Fruit could bring.


    "Once Immortal Craft improves a bit more... perhaps, building a Gundam with my hands will no longer be just a dream."


    Li Che laughed to himself, with surging ambition in his heart.


    "I have Black and White Collapse, Great Avalanche, and other extremely bursting sources of energy. Perhaps I can really make mechas and Gundams..."


    Once the thought took hold, it was difficult to dismiss.


    However, crafting these was still quite challenging for Li Che at present.


    Li Che was not in a hurry anyway.


    Mainly because materials were hard to find, ordinary materials, even Spiritual Wood, might not be sufficient.


    After all, having made such a behemoth, he might face adversaries like the Martial Saint, and ordinary materials... might easily be destroyed by them.


    After a simple tidy-up, Li Che arranged for the Painted Immortal avatars to continue cultivating Divinity.


    Li Che then left the courtyard.


    Walking down the long street, he arrived at the Qintian Observatory Treasure Building.


    Outside the Treasure Tower, a luxurious carriage was parked, with Lu Yao and Tang Ren waiting for him inside.


    After Li Che got into the carriage, it began moving leisurely, speeding toward the outskirts of the city, heading for Divine Carving Ridge.


    Since he was going to leave Golden Light Prefecture, it was naturally time for Li Che to say goodbye to Mechanism Master Tang Sanjia, whom he deeply respected and had met too late in life.


    Because the horses pulling the carriage had Jiao Blood, they moved at a rapid pace.


    Li Che had a chat with Lu Yao and soon arrived at Divine Carving Ridge.


    Tang Sanjia was just as burly as ever, hardly looking like a Mechanism Master.


    In the meeting hall. Discover hidden content at


    Tang Sanjia looked at Li Che with deep feeling, "I didn¡¯t expect you would leave Golden Light Prefecture so soon, brother Li Che..."


    "I hear you want to join the elder contest at Qianyuan Divine Sculpture Ridge after reaching Dao City, right?"


    It must have been Lu Yao who told Tang Sanjia, but there was nothing to hide.


    Li Che nodded with a warm smile.


    "To give it a try. If I succeed, I can be at the Divine Sect Mountain Gate and see Xi Xi every day."


    Tang Sanjia exhaled, "That won¡¯t be easy, it¡¯s a significant challenge."


    Li Che looked at Tang Sanjia and narrowed his eyes, "I¡¯ve just made a breakthrough with the Wood Carving Technique, so I might as well give it a try..."


    Lu Yao didn¡¯t quite understand what Li Che meant.


    But Tang Sanjia¡¯s eyes suddenly grew bright.


    "Old Yao, would you step outside for a moment."


    Tang Sanjia issued the order to clear the room.


    Lu Yao was in the midst of drinking tea when he suddenly became confused.


    "Me, leave?"


    Lu Yao pointed to himself.


    Tang Sanjia¡¯s burly figure assumed a solemn air.


    Lu Yao felt as if the sky had fallen; his decades of friendship with Tang Sanjia couldn¡¯t compare with the mere year Tang Sanjia had known Li Che!


    He had made a special trip from Dao City to see Tang Sanjia.


    All his sincerity seemed to have gone to the dogs!


    Lu Yao left in a huff, grabbing Tang Ren, and decided to enjoy the scenery of Divine Carving Ridge.


    After Lu Yao left, Tang Sanjia¡¯s Primordial Spirit leapt out and set up restrictions.


    He rubbed his hands...


    His face showed excitement.


    "A Che... can I take a look?"


    Tang Sanjia had seen the blueprints for the Guanyin Lotus Main Battle Tank and had even provided many suggestions.


    Now, from Li Che¡¯s remarks, it seemed he might have actually created the Guanyin Lotus Main Battle Tank?

 Chapter 562: Completion of the Guanyin Lotus Main Battle Tank, All Underworld Beasts Deployed (3)

    How is this possible?


    It hasn¡¯t been long... such a huge project!


    The placement of tens of thousands of parts!


    Li Che did not refuse. The expansion of the Heaven and Earth chessboard isolated Lu Yao¡¯s quietly persistent Primordial Spirit.


    Only then did he take out the Guanyin Lotus Main Battle Tank.


    Just one glance.


    Tang Sanjia could no longer shift his gaze away.


    ...


    ...


    When Tang Sanjia bid farewell to Li Che and Lu Yao as they left from Divine Carving Ridge.


    Tang Sanjia¡¯s enthusiasm made Lu Yao quite jealous.


    "A Che... I believe in you! Your talent in mechanical techniques... is something I rarely see in my lifetime! I underestimated you."


    "You had promised to help me with a task, which I still haven¡¯t managed to complete... However, I hope when you reach Dao City, you won¡¯t give up on studying mechanical techniques... There¡¯s great potential in it!"


    Tang Sanjia was very enthusiastic, even reluctant to see Li Che leave.


    Not until Li Che and Lu Yao¡¯s Jiao Ma Carriage sped away out of sight.


    Only then did Tang Sanjia reluctantly withdraw his gaze.


    "Incredible talent..."


    "Perhaps... there really is a chance to help me accomplish that task."


    Tang Sanjia exhaled deeply.


    He squatted on the ground and gently slapped Divine Carving Ridge. Your next read awaits at


    His rugged face unexpectedly revealed a touch of gentleness akin to Zhang Fei embroidering.


    ...


    ...


    Li Che returned to Golden Light Prefecture City and went to bid farewell to Supervisor Hu Yingyue.


    Only then did he turn and head back to the mid-mountain courtyard on Zheng Lei Peak.


    The courtyard was very lively.


    Zhang Ya was busy with Nurse Momo and Old Chen, packing up things like bedding, mats, and also some pots, pans, and the like.


    Although Zhang Ya now understood that her family was no longer short of money, she was reluctant to replace these things.


    Even though Li Che mentioned that everything could be bought in Dao City.


    Watching everyone bustle about bustlingly, Li Che smiled and stepped into the study.


    He took out a book, "Tang Family¡¯s Puppet Beast Chronicles," given by Tang Sanjia.


    It was something Tang Sanjia hesitated for a long time before deciding to give to Li Che.


    Inside, it recorded the making of five great puppet beasts.


    The highest rank of puppet beast reached the peerless level, unfortunately, the craftsmanship details were not provided.


    It did record several types of puppet beasts below the peerless level.


    Below peerless, the puppet beasts were fifth order, the lowest being ninth rank.


    Ninth rank puppet beasts, for the current Li Che, posed no difficulty¡ªfor instance, the Wood Spirit Crane was a ninth rank, nearly reaching an eighth rank puppet beast.


    When touching the "Tang Family¡¯s Puppet Beast Chronicles," Li Che felt the Immortal Artisan Dao Fruit inside his chest thump incessantly!


    If he could thoroughly understand this Puppet Beast Chronicles and replicate all the puppet beasts inside,


    The Immortal Artisan Dao Fruit might immediately advance to LV5, and even aim for LV6.


    Tang Sanjia told Li Che, "Don¡¯t think about fifth-order puppet beasts, those things are too difficult."


    "To create a fifth-order puppet beast, you need at least the vitality of a Supreme Grandmaster at the Top Three Flowers Realm. If your cultivation isn¡¯t sufficient, don¡¯t think about it, forcibly researching it will harm yourself."


    Tang Sanjia told Li Che that after reaching Dao City, he could try to make a seventh rank puppet beast over the years.


    This was a suggestion based on Li Che¡¯s cultivation provided by Tang Sanjia.


    Li Che naturally... did not accept his advice.


    Back in the study, he immediately flipped open the blueprints for other sixth order puppet beasts.


    "In this chronicle, a total of three sixth order puppet beasts are recorded..."


    Li Che¡¯s gaze locked onto a blueprint title page, instantly captivated.


    "Sixth-tier Upper Position Puppet Beast..."


    "Blood-Yang Nine-God King Kong Ape!"


    ...


    ...


    Li Che, of course, was only researching puppet beasts now.


    Sixth order puppet beasts indeed stirred his heart, unfortunately, materials were too difficult to collect. To create a sixth order puppet beast, fifth-order Spiritual Wood and sixth-order Spiritual Wood were needed, along with many rare divine metals and minerals...


    The collection of materials was enough to give Li Che endless headaches.


    Tang Sanjia had suggested that after reaching Dao City, Li Che could try for the First-Class Guest Official role at the Qintian Observatory, discussing material collection, no force could outmatch the Qintian Observatory.


    The next day, the leaden clouds were heavy.


    The snowstorm continued.


    Yet, the cold snowstorm couldn¡¯t dispel the fervor in the courtyard.


    Zheng Lei Peak, mid-mountain level.


    The courtyard where Li Che¡¯s family resided was livelier than ever.


    Zhang Ya had put everything that had been packed up in the courtyard. Initially planning to arrange for a carriage to carry them, Li Che waved his hand and tidied everything up neatly.


    Li Che¡¯s Qiankun Space, along with the improvement of the Immaculate Heart Daoist Fruit, had swallowed several top-grade Qiankun Jades, directly expanded to an extremely exaggerated extent.


    His uncle¡¯s family had also packed up their things and had come over.


    Because Li Chengzhou had taken Jiao Shaoqiu¡¯s Coachman Grandmaster Nie Yang as his master, Li Che gave him a Qiankun Jade as a congratulatory gift.


    It also included a Divine Armament Treasure Sword¡ªof course, not of very high quality, but it was the thought that counted.


    Now, his uncle¡¯s family¡¯s travel luggage was all stored within Li Chengzhou¡¯s Qiankun Jade.


    Nie Yang, leading Li Chengzhou, seemed to feel Li Che¡¯s gaze and nodded slightly.


    Towards this Coachman Grandmaster, even the currently peerless Horizontal Refinement Li Che dared not underestimate.


    This Grandmaster was stronger than any other he had encountered.


    Jiao Shaoqiu had introduced to Li Che that this Nie Yang was a swordsman, currently stuck at a bottleneck, enduring and refining his state of mind, seeking a breakthrough.


    Li Che understood that once Nie Yang made a breakthrough, he would probably become an Innate Great Grandmaster united with heaven and man!


    "Let¡¯s go, time to head down the mountain."


    "The carriages are waiting at the foot of the mountain."


    Far away, Old Chen, wearing a bamboo hat, pushed through the wind and snow, shouting.


    Li Che held Xi Xi, and Zhang Ya nestled against his arm.

 Chapter 563: Completion of the Guanyin Lotus Main Battle Tank, All Underworld Beasts Deployed (4)

    A family of three looked at the small courtyard as snowflakes fluttered down.


    Before they knew it, they had also spent a whole year in this small courtyard.


    Zhang Ya actually felt quite reluctant to leave.


    In this courtyard, she had experienced many things.


    It was also in this courtyard that she underwent Sinew Transforming and Bone Tempering with her husband¡¯s help and guidance, night and day...


    Although it was only a year, it carried far too many memories of their family.


    "Husband, will we come back here?"


    Zhang Ya pursed her lips, breathed out warm air, and asked softly.


    "We will."


    "In the future, when Xi Xi has grown up and her wings have hardened, and she¡¯s off flying on her own, if you¡¯d like, I¡¯ll bring you back here to retire."


    Li Che¡¯s voice was gentle.


    Xi Xi wriggled in Li Che¡¯s arms, quite dissatisfied: "Daddy¡¯s talking nonsense, Xi Xi¡¯s wings won¡¯t harden, Xi Xi¡¯s wings are very soft!"


    "Xi Xi wants to come back to live too!"


    Li Che rubbed Xi Xi¡¯s head: "Got it, little shadow."


    "Humph!"


    Zhang Ya immediately laughed softly.


    The world was quiet, and the snowflakes fell gently.


    They landed on the memory-filled black tiles and surrounding walls, and on a loquat tree planted in the courtyard, which might well be towering like a pavilion if they returned many years later.


    A group of people descended the mountain.


    At the gate of Divine Sect Mountain, many carriages were parked.


    Nan Lihuo, Zhang Qing Zheng, Zhu Hong Dou, Weng Wuyu, and others had been waiting early.


    Xi Xi¡¯s senior sister, Sang Guanyin, was also packed up, ready to accompany Xi Xi to the Authentic Divine Sect to cultivate.


    Liu Yangyuan followed by Nan Lihuo¡¯s side, head hung low, looking dejected.


    He had thought he would be the one to go to Dao City this time.


    Because by order of precedence, it should have been his turn, but...


    His master had actually chosen Sang Guanyin instead of him.


    He would have to continue staying in Golden Light Prefecture...


    Liu Yangyuan was somewhat uncomfortable in his heart.


    But today, to see Xi Xi off on her journey, he had still come.


    "Xi Xi! Do you want to share a carriage with us?"


    From afar, in a massive carriage pulled by three Flood Dragon Horses, the window opened up to reveal the little heads of Gong Yuanliang and Gongyang Yu.


    They cheerfully greeted Xi Xi.


    That was a carriage jointly custom-made by the three noble families for the children to travel together.


    It was also meant to foster relationships among them, so they could look out for each other once they arrived at Divine Sect.


    "Go if you want, and when you¡¯re tired, come back to the carriage where your mother is," Li Che said as he rubbed Xi Xi¡¯s head and set her down.


    Xi Xi immediately slipped to the ground smoothly and excitedly ran over.


    "Emperor Xi Xi has arrived!"


    Then she leaped in, diving into the carriage, causing it to sway left and right, shaking dramatically.


    There were many carriages, and the three noble families had even hired a top-tier convoy of merchants to escort them to Dao City.


    Together with Jiao Shaoqiu, Lu Yao, Wang Kuyu, and other Divine Primordial True People overseeing the convoy.


    This convoy headed to Dao City was naturally not something to be concerned about in terms of safety.


    Li Che had arranged a luxurious carriage for his great-uncle¡¯s family as well. Riding such an opulent and comfortable vehicle for the first time, the great-uncle and great aunt felt somewhat uneasy.


    Their hair was partially grayed, and as they looked out the window at the flying snow, the old couple seemed somewhat dazed.


    They had never imagined that, after spending their whole lives in small Fei Lei City,


    They would get the chance to come to Mansion City, and now, to head to Dao City ¨C a place that would have been mentioned, at best, only a few times in their lifetimes.


    Old Chen followed along with his great-uncle¡¯s family¡¯s carriage.


    Li Qingshan and Nurse Momo were in another carriage.


    Shangguan Qinghong had managed to join the carriage with all the children, heading there together.


    Jiao Shaoqiu was alone in his carriage, with Nie Yang in charge of driving.


    Little Li Chengzhou braved the snow, wearing a small conical hat, his small face flushed with cold, insisting on driving with his master.


    "Let¡¯s go."


    Accompanied by the convoy leader¡¯s loud shout.


    The many Flood Dragon Horses neighed, hooves stamped, and snowflakes burst apart.


    The convoy moved slowly out of the Golden Light Sub-sect¡¯s gate, through the spacious cobblestone streets, under the watchful eyes of numerous citizens, slowly crushing the snow, and left the ancient city.


    Among the crowd that had come to see them off,


    A young man in white quietly watched the convoy leaving the city, accompanied by a dog.


    ...


    ...


    On Nine Dragons River, the furious water roared without rest. Find your next read on


    A large ship made of yellow dragon wood cut through the water with its oars, shattering the currents.


    The heavy snow that fell from the leaden clouds turned into rain before even approaching, dissolved by the scorching Divinity in the river, splashing into the waters.


    At the bow, a figure stood quietly.


    He wore a Crane Robe, tall, and well-built.


    Rustle, rustle...


    An eagle flew in rapidly, flapping its wings.


    It landed on the figure¡¯s shoulder.


    "Information from Hunting God Pavilion?"


    "Heh... indeed, the entire Golden Light Prefecture¡¯s arrangement of Hunting God Pavilion was destroyed, they must be quite agitated."


    "Directly mobilizing Pavilion Masters from three neighboring state cities..."


    "They¡¯re as temperamental as ever."


    After removing the letter from the eagle, the robust figure skimmed through it, narrowing his eyes.


    "Jiao Shaoqiu has escorted the convoy from the city... sending off promising children from the Temple God Resonance in Mansion City to Dao City."


    "It seems, the Qian Yuan Divine Sect has acquired a good Divine Child this time, not even waiting for spring to set off."


    The tall figure raised his head, his purple eyes flashing with electricity.


    "Corpse God Cult, Hunting God Pavilion, I really want to see... how you alone, Jiao Shaoqiu, can withstand them?"


    Inside the large ship¡¯s cabin,


    A few figures stepped out.


    "Young master."


    "The Princess Consort had us come to collect the Young Prince¡¯s remains... but the Hunting God Pavilion sent news, the Young Prince, the Shadow Guard, and all six Black Armored Blood Guards died, with no remains left..."

 Chapter 564: Completion of the Guanyin Lotus Main Battle Tank, All Underworld Beasts Deployed (5)

    Among them, a figure with an unsightly expression spoke.


    "How are we supposed to explain this to the Princess Consort..."


    The figure with purple eyes, standing with hands behind his back, gazed at the boundless rushing Nine Dragons River.


    The Eight-Armed Prison Lotus Wrathful Third Prince¡¯s Sinister Temple?


    A temple held in high regard by both King of Quelling Chaos Ji Molie and the Dragon God...


    It seems there are indeed some mystical aspects to it.


    Even the Princess Consort, despite losing her son, wouldn¡¯t dare to come here...


    The towering figure, with purple hair billowing, had his mirror-like purple pupils flicker.


    He shook his head gently.


    "No matter..."


    "Let us intercept those coming from Qian Yuan Divine Sect to Dao City, and let the Hunting God Pavilion and the Corpse God Cult give them a proper welcome."


    "Just a Jiao Shaoqiu, I really want to see how he can withstand the fury of the Hunting God Pavilion and Corpse God Cult."


    "In the Golden Light Prefecture region, we... if we can avoid taking action, we will."


    As he finished speaking.


    The young man with purple eyes laughed out loud.


    His crane robe exploded, his body suddenly twisted and bulged, and countless fine scales emerged.


    The whole person transformed into a dancing jiao dragon and burrowed into the Nine Dragons River.


    The remaining few figures also transformed into the true forms of jiao pythons, following him into the river.


    ...


    ...


    The waters of the Nine Dragons River roared furiously, with splashing water scattering endlessly.


    At the city gate.


    Jiao Shaoqiu had Nie Yang stop the carriage.


    Flinging open the curtain, the cold wind poured in, fluttering the antique robes.


    "The people from the Underworld... haven¡¯t come yet?"


    A flicker of doubt flashed across Jiao Shaoqiu¡¯s wizened face.


    Suddenly.


    He looked into the distance.


    He saw, on a thickly snow-covered tree a hundred yards off the main road¡ª


    A figure in a hat and billowing black robe, holding a slender three-foot long mechanism with red barrels.


    Perhaps sensing Jiao Shaoqiu¡¯s gaze, the figure raised its head to reveal a mask of a horse face.


    "The Underworld... Horse Face."


    Jiao Shaoqiu squinted his eyes.


    Then, he suddenly looked up.


    His powerful Divine Sense surged into the sky, only to find that higher up at a thousand feet, among the leaden clouds, a blood cloud was tumbling.


    Above the blood cloud, a figure lay lazily.


    Twirling a golden-red long staff, wearing a mask of a carefree Divine Monkey.


    "The Underworld, Divine Monkey!"


    And...


    Jiao Shaoqiu turned his head toward the side of the road, into the dense forest, where two almost imperceptible figures were slowly pacing.


    One black and one white.


    Li Qingshan had informed Jiao Shaoqiu that these were the Underworld¡¯s new members... Black and White Impermanence.


    "And the Bull Demon?"


    Jiao Shaoqiu murmured softly.


    However, his Primordial Spirit did not locate the Bull Demon¡¯s position.


    Despite not knowing the Bull Demon¡¯s whereabouts...


    Jiao Shaoqiu had an intuition that the Bull Demon...


    Was always there!


    Now that he knew the Underworld had already taken action, he felt some consolation.


    Jiao Shaoqiu let the curtain fall, his withered, wood-like face filled with gravity.


    Once out of Golden Light Prefecture.


    He fully activated his Primordial Spirit, the golden dazzling Primordial Spirit sweeping and alerting all around.


    For, once out of the Mansion City.


    The danger...


    Would truly begin.


    "Ji Haihui¡¯s Dragon Maiden mother, the Corpse God Cult, the Hunting God Pavilion..."


    "This journey won¡¯t be calm."


    Experience tales at


    ...


    ...


    The carriage moved slowly along, the convoy orderly making its way on the main road, like a long dragon winding forward.


    Li Qingshan watched the drifting snow outside the carriage window.


    He held a cat face mask in his hands, always ready.


    His body was slightly agitated.


    For he knew that the fierce creatures of the Underworld were escorting nearby.


    The Underworld had accepted Jiao Shaoqiu¡¯s escort task, allowing Jiao Shaoqiu, who had once achieved a Golden Body Transformation, to choose issuing such a task.


    It was enough to indicate that the journey to Dao City was far from safe.


    Therefore, Li Qingshan guessed there would be plenty of opportunities to join his colleagues from the Underworld in action.


    The moment combat erupted, Li Qingshan would immediately don the cat face mask and join the battle!


    He was always ready!


    How could the loving family of the Underworld be complete without his cat face?!


    This time...


    Li Qingshan would not miss out!


    ...


    ...


    Li Che had his own separate carriage.


    Used for practicing Wood Carving, as he needed to attempt the Divine Carving Ridge Elder¡¯s assessment upon arriving in Dao City.


    Hence everyone knew, and thus, nobody disturbed him.


    The charcoal stove burned, heating the spacious carriage interior to a spring-like warmth.


    The carriage wheels turned, yet the inside was very quiet, as the three major Noble Families were great at enjoying such moments.


    Leaning back in the seat,


    Li Che tapped his fingers lightly against the carriage wall.


    He sensed Jiao Shaoqiu¡¯s tense expansion enveloping the entire convoy with his Primordial Spirit.


    Seated cross-legged, Li Che quietly closed his eyes.


    Holding his breath and concentrating.


    No sooner had the convoy left about ten miles from Golden Light Prefecture City,


    Than Li Che felt a series of intense pulsations within his chest as the Dao Fruits violently throbbed.


    His eyes opening and closing, a grim expression emerged on Li Che¡¯s face.


    Raising his hand to his brow, he gently slid his finger down.


    Flesh parted, revealing the Star Plucking Pupil!


    Buzz¡ª!


    A Heaven and Earth Chessboard suddenly soared into the sky, hovering above the convoy, and with a rumble expanded as it spun...


    Growing against the wind!


    Ten yards, a hundred yards!


    Ten miles, a hundred miles!

 Chapter 565: Xi Xi, Future Sect Leader’s Wife? Li Che, the Avenger, Roars and Opens Fire

    Lead clouds roiled, and snow flew horizontally!


    Amidst the howling, the wind whipped into a frenzy!


    Inside the carriage, Li Che grasped the adorable red Cute Bull Mask, which was carved from the Fire God Raging Flood Dragon Wood, incredibly sturdy and not easily damaged.


    Within his chest, the Heaven and Earth Chessboard surged upwards explosively.


    Even Jiao Shaoqiu, who had perfected his Primordial Spirit Metamorphosis as the Divine Element True Person, had not sensed the Heaven and Earth Chessboard.


    Yet vaguely, it seemed he perceived the darkening skies, and the scattered snow falling among the lead clouds, all seeming to conceal a chilling deadliness.


    The charioteer Nie Yang, raised his hand and pinched a snowflake between two fingers.


    His powerful qi and blood roared, directly melting the snow.


    "It¡¯s murderous intent."


    The Coachman Grandmaster Nie Yang, sparing with his words, said solemnly.


    As the Flood Dragon Horse pulled the carriage, the carriage¡¯s curtains fluttered.


    "Yes... it¡¯s murderous intent..."


    "Whether it¡¯s the Hunting God Pavilion, the Corpse God Cult or that Dragon Queen Consort, however, the Dragon Queen Consort dares not approach the area of Golden Light Prefecture, so it should not be the murderous intent released by the Dragon Queen Consort."


    Inside the carriage, Jiao Shaoqiu spoke lightly.


    "Continue onward, this old man¡¯s bones... should also get ready to move."


    In Jiao Shaoqiu¡¯s words, there was also a hint of deadliness.


    He was now escorting the future seedling of the authentic Qian Yuan Divine Sect, and Xi Xi had even obtained seventy percent of the Divinity from the Four Royal Mysterious Temple¡¯s Temple God!


    Such a seedling...


    Even if he died, Jiao Shaoqiu must escort her back to Dao City!


    On Jiao Shaoqiu¡¯s face, which was as withered as old wood, murderous intent solidified tangibly.


    His powerful Primordial Spirit vibrated, dazzling with golden light, making the whole carriage seem as if it was constructed from pure gold!


    ...


    ...


    Ten li, a hundred li, five hundred li!


    This was the ultimate distance that the Heaven and Earth Chessboard could expand, a full five hundred li.


    Within this five hundred li range, Li Che could clearly scrutinize the situation.


    However, the consumption of his mental energy was naturally immense.


    The Heaven and Earth Chessboard, suspended beneath the clouds, the intersecting lines as if enveloping the "birdless hills" of the winter wilderness.


    An invisible murderous intent spilled from the Chessboard, like a breach opened in the celestial river causing a dam to collapse, the heavenly waters pouring down, making the snow-laden forests silent as insects and vermin.


    Humming¡ª


    The hand covering the mask slowly moved away, the crisscrossing lines in his pupils, akin to a chessboard, reflecting brilliance.


    Discover hidden tales at


    He saw on the chessboard, one after another thick black vapor rising, gathering into clusters, adorning various places.


    The intense murderous intent, spreading out from the black vapor.


    All those deadly intentions, beneath his Heaven and Earth Chessboard perception, could not hide.


    "One, two, three..."


    Li Che slowly counted.


    After a moment, he smiled slightly.


    With a flick of a finger, Immaculate Heart Drawing Paper appeared, and with a flicker, the Fairy in the Painting incarnation of Li Che quietly appeared inside the carriage.


    And the Bull Demon, wearing a hat and his fingers clasped tight, vanished without a trace, appearing again next to the Divine Monkey, standing on the Qi and Blood Rosy Clouds.


    The Rosy Clouds, dense and misty, like a cloud, lifting up the forms of the Divine Monkey and the Bull Demon.


    "I only wish to take my daughter, safely to Dao City..."


    "Why must you all force me?"


    Raising his head, the large snow swiftly fell on the mask.


    The next moment, terrifyingly hot and mighty qi and blood turned the snowflake into water, which then evaporated into steam!


    "Kill."


    Underneath the Bull Demon Mask, Li Che¡¯s deep and hoarse voice, like thunder from behind the clouds, echoed rolling.


    The next moment, he stomped his feet, a cluster of Qi and Blood Rosy Clouds separating, lifting the formidable, tower-like figure of the Bull Demon, transforming instantly into a streak of blood light shooting out!


    And under the encompassment of the Heaven and Earth Chessboard, they were insulated from all probing.


    Below.


    The Horse Face carrying the Divine Craftsman Fire God Cannon, his toes tapped, kicking up countless snow dust, his black robe billowing, as he plunged into the thick forest, beginning to leap and rush at high speed.


    The Underworld¡¯s ferocious spirits!


    Deploy!


    The hunting moment...


    Begins!


    ...


    ...


    Within the dense forest, thick black fog churned out.


    Hiss hiss hiss!


    The black fog was extremely cold, containing death qi and corpse qi, the side of a large tree immediately had its snow melted off, while the trunk and bark rapidly withered, rotting away.


    Before the vortex of death qi.


    Twenty-six figures stood, all dressed in white robes, wearing white masks, and on the masks, with blood-red lines, neatly inscribed was the number "Seven."


    They were all uniform Corpse God Envoys of the Corpse God Cult!


    Although the Septenary Corpse God Envoys also had upper, middle, and lower ranks, basically, each of the Septenary Corpse God Envoys represented at least stepping into the realm of the Cursed Copper Corpse and had reached the Divine Minister rank in Divine Cultivation.


    These Divine Ministers came rushing from the surrounding prefectural Mansion Cities, and even State Cities after Yuan Jingang sent a message before his death.


    As Golden Light Prefecture was near the Four Royal Third Prince¡¯s Mysterious Temple.


    Thus, the Corpse God Envoy of Golden Light Prefecture, Yuan Jingang, concealed the rank of a lower Sixth Bureau Corpse God Envoy.


    Otherwise, with Yuan Jingang¡¯s ability to condense a Cursed Silver Corpse, he would have been transferred to a State City long ago.


    The Corpse God Cult¡¯s infiltration plan meant that Mansion Cities only needed Septenary Corpse God Envoys, while only State Cities required lower Sixth Bureau Corpse God Envoys.


    The twenty-six Septenary Corpse God Envoys stood neatly, their eyes beneath the masks showing reverence.


    They greeted each other in a bizarre posture.


    The black vortex of death qi continued to expand, getting larger and larger.


    Gradually, it reached about ten meters in diameter.


    From within the vortex of death qi, three figures walked out slowly.


    Their brilliance was of extreme silver, wrapped in terrifying death qi and corpse qi, churning around, seemingly like black flood dragons.

 Chapter 566: Xi Xi, the Future Sect Leader’s Wife? Li Che, the Avenger, Roars and Opens Fire (2)

    The silver Gang hissed and crackled, transforming into streaks of silver lightning, darting incessantly.


    Cursed Silver Corpse!


    Three experts who had refined a Cursed Silver Corpse!


    These three originally presided over three of the Yun Province¡¯s subordinate states in Lingnan Circuit, except for Yun Province itself, as the lower-ranked Corpse God Envoys of the Six Bureaus!


    Among them, one had a body coursing with as many as thirty streaks of silver Gang!


    They had reached the latter realm of Cursed Silver Corpse!


    They wore silver robes and white masks, with the character "Six" inscribed in blood-colored text on the masks.


    A ring of blood edge was even drawn above the cuffs of their silver robes.


    This signified that they were the low-ranking Corpse God Envoys of the Six Bureaus, the chief Corpse God Envoys for the Corpse God Sect¡¯s invasion of the State Cities!


    "Have you all received the message from Yuan Jingang?"


    The Corpse God Envoy, who had thirty streaks of silver Gang, shone with a blood-red light in his eyes from beneath his mask, exuding tremendous pressure.


    "According to the information bought from Hunting God Pavilion, Su Huai escaped using Blood Escape to Dao City, Yuan Jingang is dead... beaten to death by a siege from the Underworld, he even sacrificed himself, attempting to summon the will of the Corpse God, causing great commotion inside Golden Light Prefecture, but alas... the will of the Corpse God failed to descend successfully."


    "Otherwise, we could have extracted ample Death Qi and Corpse Qi."


    One of the Six Ministries Corpse God Envoys expressed regretfully.


    "That¡¯s not the crux of the matter. The essence of the Divine Primordial True Person, condensed into Divine Prison Lotus Seeds by the will of our great Demon Child, got taken away ¨C two seeds have been lost!"


    "We must locate these two Divine Prison Lotus Seeds."


    The lead Corpse God Envoy, with thirty streams of silver Gang, said in a deep voice.


    "Additionally... there is another mission, which is to take away Li Nuanxi, the Divine Child who subdued the Divine Child of our sect and reaped the maximum benefit from the Temple God Resonance!"


    "This is an urgent message from the Divine Child, transmitted after three Thousand Li Divine Communication Mirrors got break from Dao City side!"


    "The Demon Child... has taken a fancy to this Divine Child and wishes to capture her, keep her by his side, and after succeeding the position of Sect Leader, cultivate her to become the Sect Leader¡¯s wife!"


    As the words ended. Your journey continues with


    Many Corpse God Envoys were somewhat dumbfounded.


    "Huh?"


    "The future... Sect Leader¡¯s wife?"


    "The Demon Child has started booking the Sect Leader¡¯s wife now?"


    The Seven Elements Corpse God Envoys below were somewhat at a loss for words.


    According to the intelligence, that Divine Child is only four years old, right?


    The Demon Child himself is just seven years old?


    This... He¡¯s already set his sights on the Sect Leader¡¯s wife?


    "That Divine Child, having acquired 70% of the Divinity of the [Eight-Armed Prison Lotus Furious Third Crown Prince] of the Four Royal Mysterious Temples, what does it indicate? With such a terrifying Temple God Resonance, she might have the chance to obtain the heritage of the Corpse God in the future!"


    "Such a Divine Child is a match for our Demon Child."


    There was silence among the Seven Elements Corpse God Envoys below.


    The Demon Child... despite his young age, has desires of the flesh, no wonder he can become a Demon Child of the Corpse God Cult.


    "Therefore, the primary objective of this mission is to capture the Divine Child without harming the prospective Sect Leader¡¯s wife."


    The Six Divisions Corpse God Envoys stated solemnly.


    "Yes!"


    The other Septenary Corpse God Envoys answered one after another.


    "Among this team is Jiao Shaoqiu, the former Golden Body Transformation expert. Even though he has fallen to the Primordial Spirit Metamorphosis, his strength is still formidable."


    "Moreover, his charioteer, Nie Yang, according to intelligence, is extremely terrifying, being a well-known swordsman from Lingnan Taoist City..."


    "Additionally, there¡¯s Divine Element True Person, along with Lu Yao and Wang Kuyu... from the Temple Control Bureau, there¡¯s Zhu Chaoyang."


    "Two Great Grandmasters, three Divine Primordials of Primordial Spirit Metamorphosis, as well as the hidden Underworld..."


    "The Underworld was capable of killing Yuan Jingang, which is also not to be underestimated. The Divine Prison Lotus Seeds are likely taken by experts of the Underworld. This time, our mission is to kill the Netherworld Ox Demon, Horse Face, and Divine Monkey!"


    "After Su Huaili fled Golden Light Prefecture using Blood Escape, and then consecutively using it several times more, upon arriving at Dao City, he brought news of the vileness of the Underworld."


    The leading Six Ministries Corpse God Envoy said gravely, "It concerns intelligence on the three fiends of the Underworld: Ox Demon, Horse Face, and Divine Monkey."


    "Ox Demon, whose strength has just entered the Great Grandmaster level, has extremely condensed Divine Gang, able to clash with Yuan Jingang without falling short. His methods are sinister and cunning, but his Divine Cultivation is extremely poor, which is his weakness."


    "Horse Face, at the level of Divine Minister, is suspected to be the Divine Archer from the Six Bureaus. He can launch assassinations from dozens of li away, and once sniped and penetrated the defenses of Yuan Jingang, who was at the level of Cursed Silver Corpse..."


    The Septenary Corpse God Envoys below all inhaled sharply.


    Able to injure the defense of a Cursed Silver Corpse from dozens of li away?


    How can one guard against that?!


    The Underworld... what kind of monsters are they?!


    "Divine Monkey, whose strength is unknown... suspected to be the successor of the inheritance from Equal Heaven Temple, who once suppressed the Corpse God Will with a single staff."


    ...


    As the words ended,


    The surroundings fell into deathly silence.


    "Divine Monkey is strong, but... what he suppressed was only the yet-to-arrive Corpse God Will."


    "The Corpse God Will summoned by Yuan Jingang is of the middle rank of the Six Ministries. Therefore, Divine Monkey... is likely a full Master of Divine Gang with thirty-six condensed paths of Divine Gang."


    "There is also a possibility that he has achieved the level of Unity of Heaven and Man Great Grandmaster by completing the permeation of three hundred and sixty acupoints..."


    Even the leading Six Ministries Corpse God Envoy couldn¡¯t help but suck in a breath.


    This Underworld...


    Is indeed troublesome!


    From where did such a force spring up, one that I have never heard of before?


    "Therefore... just relying on us is not enough; going would be a death sentence."


    "We need to summon the Corpse God Will to descend. Two of the lower ranks of the Six Ministries Corpse God Will can be summoned, plus we need to summon one of the middle rank of the Six Ministries Corpse God to ensure safety."


    "In the face of the mysterious and strange Underworld... we need to be prudent."


    "Additionally, over at the Hunting God Pavilion... they have also sent us a message, ready to take action."


    "The Hunting God Pavilion is different from us; they purely want to wash away the disgrace and take revenge for the cleansing of the Hunting God Pavilion branch by the Underworld."


    "Now..."


    "Set up the formation!"


    As the words ended,


    The three Silver Robe Six Ministries Corpse God Envoys tapped their feet, and Silver Gang whipped and exploded like angry Jiao serpents.

 Chapter 567: Xi Xi, the Future Sect Leader’s Wife? Li Che, the Avenger, Roars and Opens Fire (3)

    The ground shook violently, instantly shattering inch by inch, as countless hot vapors burst forth from the cracked soil.


    The three silver-robed Corpse God Envoys, while ejecting themselves out, were forming seals with their hands.


    They threw out three fist-sized Blood Pearls.


    "Corpse God Blood Essence Sphere!"


    The three Blood Pearls exploded, and in an instant, countless icy cold droplets of blood splattered on the snow-covered ground, forming a huge formation.


    The three Six Ministries Corpse God Envoys each took up positions within the formation, while the remaining twenty-six Septenary Corpse God Envoys, not remaining idle, moved expertly to their respective places.


    Copious amounts of Corpse Qi and Death Qi surged up from their bodies.


    They converged in their palms and harshly slapped down on the ground.


    In a flash...


    The blood-made formations began to rotate slowly, as if a bloody vortex was continuously swirling within.


    ...


    ...


    Lead-heavy clouds loomed, with fierce winds howling.


    Flakes of snow as big as hands.


    A towering, mountain-like figure revealed between heaven and earth, radiating pulses of hot blood, and within a range of five hundred zhang around him, all the snowflakes melted, forming a torrential downpour as they fell!


    Fingers clenched into a fist and smashed down fiercely.


    The sound was like thunder exploding, the force like a mountain collapsing!


    A thick Divine Gang, formed from ten streaks of Divine Qi, coiled out like a real Jiao Dragon from the iron-like twisted muscles of his fist!


    It violently struck down, causing the air to emit an overburdened, pained blasting sound!


    "Who¡ª?!"


    Bang¡ª!!!


    A roar of shocked rage had just been issued.


    A Godhunting Pavilion assassin wearing a silver mask, who instantly released his Breath Concealment stance, attempted to counterattack.


    However, the silently appeared Bull Demon behind him struck with the Martial Saint Ultimate Study, Ten Thousand Dragons Subduing Gods, a lethal move.


    This Grandmaster Posterior Realm assassin only uttered a question before his upper body, under the horrific tearing of the Gang Qi, exploded into endless chunks of flesh and a mist of blood!


    On the body of the Bull Demon, thick blue veins quivered uncontrollably like Jiao Dragons.


    A dominant and ferocious aura ravaged the surroundings.


    "Godhunting Pavilion..."


    "The third one."


    Under the Bull Demon Mask, Li Che reported in a deep voice.


    He then took the Qiankun Jade from the corpse.


    "No matter how small a mosquito is, it¡¯s still flesh."


    "A bountiful harvest."


    Suddenly, his eyebrows under the mask furrowed sharply.


    An intense killing intent, like electricity, rapidly streaked out from under the Bull Demon Mask.


    "Sect Leader¡¯s Wife?"


    Li Che¡¯s voice went up by eight octaves.


    His daughter was only four years old!


    And they were already targeting to groom her as the Sect Leader¡¯s Wife?


    The Sect Leader¡¯s Wife of the Corpse God Sect?


    Unbelievable!


    It was beyond imagination!


    Madness!


    How could they be so malevolent!


    Li Che felt as though every nerve in his brain were swollen with congestion!


    Even when the Corpse God Cult screamed about slaughtering everyone from the Underworld, Li Che had not been this angry, this furious!


    It was just like the local gang¡¯s Crown Prince yelling about making his four-year-old daughter the future Sect Leader¡¯s Wife.


    It was more infuriating than seeing a blonde riding a ghost bike stopped at the door, calling for Old Deng!


    "Lord Demon Child of the Corpse God Cult?"


    Li Che¡¯s expression was so dark it seemed almost dripping with water.


    The killing intent was so intense it was terrifying!


    Veins like Jiao dragons on his body quivered and exploded, nearly twisting the Demon Child¡¯s head off, then kicking him into outer space.


    "Too malicious!"


    "Such a young age, yet so wicked and vile..."


    "If you don¡¯t go to Hell, who will?"


    Li Che exhaled.


    Instantly, his toes touched the ground, the surrounding ten meters of ground collapsed thunderously, and countless snow exploded, with rocks flying everywhere.


    The experts of the Corpse God Cult were summoning the will of the Corpse God...


    Yuan Jingang had once summoned the will of the Corpse God, the Middle Position of the Corpse God Will of the Six Ministries... Before it could even descend, it had brought him considerable pressure.


    Your journey continues at


    Although Li Che now also had the power of Equal to Heaven¡¯s Face and could borrow its power through Ascending Stance,


    There was no need!


    The threats surrounding him were not just the Corpse God Cult, but also the Godhunting Pavilion!


    And there were also experts from the Ji Haihui, belonging to the Dragon God Clan, watching him secretly.


    Li Che had sensed the breath of the Dragon God Clan at the edge of five hundred miles.


    Because the Chessboard of Heaven and Earth considered his position as the bottom left stellar position, and the entire chessboard moved forward with him, expanding his scanning range naturally.


    Three Dragon Folk with the same aura as Ji Haihui were waiting.


    So, Li Che had to make quick work of this...


    If the Corpse God of the Middle Position of the Six Ministries descended, it would be troublesome!


    Boom!!!


    Countless snow erupted violently.


    The Bull Demon¡¯s towering body had muscles stacked in triangles on its back, resembling a devil glaring angrily!


    Standing still, Divine Gang circulated and burst forth, blood as hot as a furnace!


    He slowly exhaled a breath.


    Li Che felt an unprecedented quiet in heaven and earth, the sound of birds, beasts, and insects all around vanished without trace.


    He raised his hand, violently tearing open the Qiankun Space!


    A huge, three-meter-tall spatial rift was torn open.


    His fingers clenched fiercely!


    Boom, boom, boom!!!


    In an instant!


    A massive figure thunderously descended.


    Made of tens of thousands of components polished from Spiritual Wood!


    Fairy Work¡¤Avalokitesvara Battle Tank!


    Developed from mechanisms and upgraded from the Guanyin Blood Lotus, after countless days and nights of polishing and design, it had undergone countless simulation bombardments on the Chessboard of Heaven and Earth...


    Now, it was finally successfully developed!


    The ground shook, an eight-meter-wide lotus platform smashed heavily onto the ground, mud and snow burst flying!


    Below the lotus platform there were densely packed, thousands of small wheels, which could be controlled through Divine Sense to move forward or adjust direction!

 Chapter 568: Xi Xi, the Future Sect Leader’s Wife? Li Che, the Avenger, Roars and Opens Fire (4)

    Atop the lotus pedestal, a colossal Guanyin, carved from a single piece of Spiritual Wood, sat serenely with hollow insides. The Guanyin, with its kind face and joyous eyes, had its arms crossed in front of its chest, fingers forming the Mudra of Purity.


    Behind Guanyin, there was a dense mass of a full thousand arms!


    Each arm was crafted from Fire God Raging Flood Dragon Wood!


    With one step, Li Che landed on the lotus pedestal of the Guanyin Lotus Main Battle Tank, and as he spread his five fingers, he slapped them on the back of the Guanyin!


    In an instant,


    It was as if the sound of clanking gears roared and echoed.


    The thousand arms of the Guanyin simultaneously thrust forward.


    Bang, bang, bang¡ª


    The thousand arms layered up, encircling to form a ring!


    They became the Thousand-Handed Guanyin Fire God Cannon Barrel!


    Three meters long!


    Li Che, standing atop the lotus pedestal, raised his hand, and a Great Avalanche Guanyin Lotus Bullet appeared in his grip.


    This Great Avalanche Guanyin Lotus Bullet was as big as a soccer ball.


    Li Che had loaded it with the equivalent of three hundred Divine Aspect Divinity Chess Pieces, the maximum that the Guanyin Lotus Main Battle Tank could withstand.


    The main limitation was due to the scarcity of Spiritual Wood materials.


    Most parts of this Guanyin Lotus Main Battle Tank used Seven Elements Spirit Wood, only the Thousand-Handed Fire God Barrel was made of Sixth-Order Spirit Wood.


    But one Great Avalanche Guanyin Lotus Bullet with three hundred equivalent Divine Aspect Divinity Chess Pieces was not enough.


    The Divine Aspect Divinity Chess Pieces from the Divine Envoys Li Che had killed up to that point were still enough to prepare two more.


    If one shot wasn¡¯t enough, then he would fire another!


    Li Che¡¯s formidable Primordial Spirit power coursed into the Guanyin Lotus Main Battle Tank. Inside it, Li Che had also crafted a Chess Piece that could momentarily connect with the Heaven and Earth chessboard.


    As soon as his Primordial Spirit touched the Chess Piece, he could briefly obtain the perspective of the Heaven and Earth chessboard,


    Enabling long-distance precision-guided strikes.


    Therefore, the Guanyin Lotus Main Battle Tank was not something that only Li Che could operate.


    Such an artillery battery was less than perfect if it could only be manned by Li Che alone.


    The Primordial Spirit vibrated.


    The Star Plucking Pupil between his eyebrows shined brightly!


    In a flash,


    The entire panorama of the Heaven and Earth chessboard was displayed in his eyes.


    A precise "cross" target sign, within Li Che¡¯s Primordial Spirit sensation, slowly shifted.


    Finally...


    It overlapped with the Corpse God Cult¡¯s evildoers who were engaged in a summoning ritual.


    In that moment,


    Li Che¡¯s mind once again conjured the words uttered by the Six Ministries Corpse God Envoys.


    The talk of the Demon Child intending to take Xi Xi as the Sect Leader¡¯s wife...


    Unbelievable!


    Although Li Che was clueless about what the Demon Child looked like,


    Let¡¯s assume he resembled Qin Feng Huo.


    At that moment, Li Che wished nothing more than to shove the Thousand-Handed Guanyin Fire God Cannon right down his throat!


    In the brow of the Guanyin sculpture, one of the "Lin" characters from the Nine Seals of Mechanism shone blood red.


    To launch a high-yield Great Avalanche Guanyin Lotus Bullet...


    One needed to stimulate this Mechanism Seal with a mix of one¡¯s Primordial Spirit and blood energy!


    Only in this way could he...


    "Fire¡ª!!!!"


    Innumerable resplendent lights burst into life, moving within the Thousand-Handed Guanyin as if stacking at the front of the three-meter-long Fire God Cannon muzzle, and exploded into brilliance!


    Dazzling, utterly dazzling!


    A myriad of golden beams, like the blazing sun, shone with dazzling splendor.


    The benevolent and kind visage of the Guanyin sculpture became even more compassionate.


    The next moment¡ª


    Golden brilliance erupted!


    Bang¡ª!!!


    The entire Guanyin Lotus Main Battle Tank stood firm as Mount Tai, yet terrifying white airwaves burst forth from the gaps between the arms of the Thousand-Handed Guanyin.


    The scorching heat wave instantly melted all the snow within a hundred paces into water...


    Countless droplets of water, like beads dancing on a hot pan, bounced and trembled nonstop!


    Within the barrel formed by the thousand arms...


    A golden beam of light tore through the air with fearsome speed, cutting through the sky like a tidal wave and thunder.


    It pierced the leaden clouds overhead.


    Traversed nearly a hundred miles!


    Like a comet plummeting to earth!


    ...


    ...


    Creak, creak...


    The leaden clouds were oppressively heavy, and suddenly, the snowfall turned restless.


    The howling wind and the snowstorm raged!


    The snow on the ground piled higher and higher, making the wheels¡¯ rotation seem increasingly laborious.


    The carriage procession¡¯s progress slowed due to the accumulating snow causing continuous jolts and bumps.


    In the carriage where the children were, Wang Kuyu sat quietly.


    His Primordial Spirit extended like a draping curtain, enveloping the whole carriage to ensure the children¡¯s safety.


    Lu Yao sat inside the carriage, with the curtain fluttering.


    He pinched the teacup, quietly savoring his tea, slender fingers gently tapping on the tea table.


    But his Primordial Spirit was tense at all times, with powerful Divine Power accumulating within the Shen Yuan Golden Elixir in the Brow Niwan.


    Inside the carriage of the Temple Control Bureau.


    Zhu Chaoyang was sitting cross-legged, holding a pitch-black long knife in his hand and gently wiping it, but no matter how much he wiped, it remained as dark as ink.


    Tie Shancai did not stay in his own carriage.


    The boy claimed he wouldn¡¯t play with those immature children, yet his body betrayed him; the moment they descended the mountain, he ran to the carriage where Xi Xi and the others were.


    These days, whenever Tie Shancai had time, he would run to Xi Xi¡¯s side.


    He claimed it was to know thy enemy as thyself, but Zhu Zhaoyang had already seen through it all.


    Suddenly.


    Zhu Chaoyang¡¯s motion of wiping the Mo Blade paused.


    His gaze lowered, and in an instant, it seemed as if all the light in the carriage had vanished.


    Across from him, Xie Jing also grasped the long knife in his hands... the entire blade was trembling uncontrollably.


    "They¡¯re here."


    Zhu Chaoyang exhaled a breath.


    In an instant.


    Xie Jing only saw a blur before his eyes, and Zhu Chaoyang had already charged out of the carriage, the curtain flying up, yet to fall.


    Xie Jing¡¯s blood surged within him. Having witnessed the battle of the Bull Demon against Yuan Jingang, he was now just a hair¡¯s breadth away from impacting the level of Great Grandmaster, just that little bit!


    "Good, they¡¯ve come..."


    The murderous intent in Xie Jing¡¯s eyes churned.


    He too charged out of the carriage immediately after.


    Whinny¡ª!!!


    The carriages¡¯ Flood Dragon Horses suddenly roared, restless and uneasy, hooves ceaselessly striking the ground.


    Countless piles of snow mixed with damp soil flew wildly.


    Inside the carriage.


    Jiao Shaoqiu¡¯s closed eyes suddenly changed, and his eyes opened, turning a resplendent gold.


    "How dare they covet my Qian Yuan Divine Sect¡¯s caravan!"


    "Seeking death!"


    Hmph¡ª!


    A snort of anger.


    In an instant, it sounded like thunder exploding beyond the clouds!


    Boom boom boom¡ª


    Within a ten-meter radius of the caravan, five figures wearing golden masks were knocked out one after another from their stealthy states!


    "Such a strong Primordial Spirit! Truly a fallen powerhouse from Golden Body Transformation, Primordial Spirit metamorphosed to the extreme!"


    A deep voice echoed, emanating from one of the golden-masked figures.


    "Hunting God Pavilion."


    Jiao Shaoqiu, unbeknownst to anyone, had already appeared atop the roof of the carriage.


    All the wind and snow came to a halt, silent and still.


    No longer falling even a bit.


    The Coachman Grandmaster, Nie Yang, clenched his five fingers, and the bronze sword hidden in its scabbard was now at his waist.


    Clang¡ª!


    Nie Yang¡¯s toes touched the ground, and he instantly appeared before the blanket of snow.


    The bronze sword at his waist was drawn an inch.


    Terrifying extremes of murderous aura and the utmost sharpness of transparent Sword Qi, accompanied by raging winds, swept around him.


    Nie Yang took a step forward.


    The sword was drawn another inch from its sheath.


    Stay connected via


    In an instant...


    Sword Qi gleamed with flowing light, soaring into the air, crying out between the roars, sounding like the shrill cry of a crane!


    Countless, it seemed as though thousands of Sword Qi built up into a round of Sword Qi Sun behind Nie Yang!


    The five Golden-faced Killers from the Hunting God Pavilion instantly felt a heaviness on their shoulders.


    "Sword Qi Sun... This is..."


    Huh?!


    Suddenly...


    Boom¡ª!!!


    A terrifying explosion, like thunder colliding within leaden clouds high above, shook the heavens and the earth with a thunderous boom!


    Everyone just felt the ground suddenly tremble, the trees in the surrounding dense forest rustling and shaking off the snow!


    Even Jiao Shaoqiu.


    Even the five Golden-faced Killers of the Hunting God Pavilion.


    Even the Grandmaster Nie Yang at this moment, radiant with Sword Qi and thirty-five interwoven and crisscrossing Divine Gang...


    All looked up in some bewilderment, gazing towards the distance.


    There...


    The sky was torn open by a streak of golden light!


    Like a comet tearing through the storm clouds, dragging a long golden tail!


    And then...


    It crashed to the ground.


    Thud thud thud thud thud¡ª


    As if heaven and earth were collapsing.


    A splendorous mushroom cloud.


    Bloomed from level ground!

 Chapter 569: The Wrath of an Honest Father, Thousand-Armed Guanyin Shoots Point-Blank

    Within the dense forest, Death Qi entwined.


    Like silky agarwood, spilling and trickling lightly, meandering slowly around, covering the ground of the snow-laden forest.


    The snow melted away.


    Without knowing when it fell from the sky, it transformed into raindrops the size of beans, with the posture of a roar, pouring into the human world.


    Pitter-pattering, it struck the snowy ground all around.


    Creating pits the size of finger pokes in the snow, it made dull thuds.


    On the snowy white ground, vivid red blood boiled as if bubbling, drawing a vast formation.


    Within the formation, blood churned tumultuously, like the raging currents stirred in a vat.


    Whoosh whoosh¡ª


    The blood rolled on, as if it were connecting with another world.


    A powerful and terrifying will seemed to be slowly climbing out through the blood flow.


    Three Six Ministries Corpse God Envoys, behind their white masks, their eyes shimmered with excitement.


    They rapidly and synchronously performed sealing gestures, changed seals, and manipulated sealing techniques; behind them, their Shen Yuan Golden Elixirs floated out, their golden cores racing in pure gold, wrapped in thick blood patterns.


    The golden cores expanded and contracted, swelled and then concentrated.


    A rich Six Desires Divinity burst forth explosively.


    The leading Corpse God Envoy, wrapped in thirty strands of Curse Silver Corpse Silver Gang, chanted solemnly, ancient scriptures, and incantations leaping from his mouth.


    The remaining twenty-six Corpse God Cult¡¯s Septenary Corpse God Envoys, each with their Divine Phase manifesting.


    Some Divine Phases swung their huge noses, some had ears like giant fans, some had eyes that bulged from their eyelids, swelling like great bells...


    The various Six Desires God Phases, like an array of demons and ghosts, floated behind these Corpse God Envoys.


    Gurgling gurgling¡ª


    Divinity, like blood-colored Jiaoshe serpents, was pulled out from the Divinity, and with a whoosh, streamed into the vortex of the Blood Pool!


    Inside the vortex of the Blood Pool, slowly, one after another, blood-swollen bulges emerged, as if one twisted face after another was ferociously showing through.


    Struggling to break free from the world on the other side of the Blood Pool!


    A powerful Divine Hierarchy pressure descended like the roar of mountains and tsunamis, causing every Corpse God Envoy to feel their bodies and bones trembling.


    "Corpse God! Corpse God!"


    Each Corpse God Envoy, eyes full of fervor!


    And right in the center of the Blood Pool.


    There was an immense bulge, within which, a vague and twisted figure slowly rose.


    Boom¡ª!!!


    The formless Six Desires Divinity suddenly burst and scattered, countless snow on the ground exploded into dust, the melting rain that fell from the sky also bounced and exploded into water mist, creating a fog that obscured everything!


    "Six Divisions Middle Position Corpse God Will!"


    Even the three Six Ministries Corpse God Envoys, at this moment, could not help being profoundly moved.


    The Six Divisions Middle Position Corpse God Will, possessed the power of the Curse Gold Corpse, equivalent to an Innate Great Grandmaster of Unity of Heaven and Man.


    At the Divine level, it had even reached the degree of Golden Body Transformation!


    Moreover, due to the characteristic of the Corpse God, it possessed a Divine Hierarchy pressure comparable to that of a Temple God.


    A nature divine, invincible among peers!


    Only a god can contend with a god! Find adventures at


    Fervor, worship, madness...


    Various thoughts wandered and meandered within the dense forest.


    Suddenly.


    A heaven-shaking roar boomed!


    The earth shook, the mountains trembled, the heavens split, and the earth fissured!


    The three Six Ministries Corpse God Envoys¡¯ hairs stood on end, they suddenly raised their heads, and within their eyes beneath the masks, reflected the golden light that tore through the leaden clouds, splitting the sky in two!


    Like the tail flame trailing a comet!


    Descending from a thousand miles away!


    "What is... that?"


    One of the Corpse God Envoys muttered.


    The next moment, every Corpse God Envoy felt an overwhelming pressure, an incomparable terror arising from within!


    "Not good!"


    One of the Six Ministries Corpse God Envoys roared.


    The next moment, silver light exploded, even hair strands turned into dazzling silver, three Curse Silver Corpse Corpse God Envoys soared into the sky, with their blood-wrapped Shen Yuan Golden Elixirs emerging!


    Brilliant radiances rose from the ground as if three resplendent suns!


    But, their radiance compared to the colossal, twisted artillery power that was shot across the sky under a gigantic driving force, was incomparable.


    They were like three incandescent lamps, and that artillery...


    Like the true blazing sun!


    The Blood Pool continued to gurgle and churn, the Corpse God Will completing the summoning ritual.


    The ritual needed to summon the Corpse God Will was too complex, but once the Corpse God Will descended, it could crush everything!


    As the splendid sun drew near!


    The three Curse Silver Corpse God Envoys, the twenty-six God Phases, and the Seven Elements Corpse God Envoys, all on the verge of disintegration under the pressure of the hierarchy and the terrible threat, felt as if their hearts suddenly stopped!


    They saw...


    A Guanyin!


    With kind brows and compassionate eyes, radiating Golden Light, as if descending from Buddha Country, wishing to transform the human world into Buddha Country, the great Guanyin Buddha!


    Omm omm omm¡ª


    The speed was too fast; around that great Guanyin Buddha, twisted air appeared, and the raging winds howled incessantly!


    Blazing hot, terrifying, and heavy...


    As if to pierce and collapse the Void itself!


    Like a world-destroying Guanyin, with her palm lowered, smoothing over all sins of humanity, restoring Qingming!


    Underworld¡ª!!!


    That powerful Corpse God Envoy, wrapped in thirty strands of Silver Gang, had his hairs stand on end.


    Based on the intelligence from Su Huaili, he knew what this was...


    This was the Mechanism technique most adeptly used by the Netherworld Ox Demon!


    A kind... with terrifying destructive power of Mechanism technique!


    The branch of the Golden Light Prefecture¡¯s Hunting God Pavilion was simply wiped clean by this technique, the entire base, directly evaporated and disappeared, numerous Hunting God Pavilion¡¯s assassins, without even setting out on missions, died tragically on the spot!

 Chapter 573: Secret Protection from the Big Black Dog, A New Player Arrives in Dao City

    The scorching and dazzling mushroom cloud, emitting extreme light and heat, rushed into the sky, filling the leaden clouds.


    The countless drifting white snowflakes all melted into rainwater.


    Fierce winds howled, as heatwaves tumbled forth.


    The firelight reflected off the Bull Demon Mask, with the streaming flames resembling golden flowing clouds.


    All the Corpse God Envoys from this operation by the Corpse God Cult had been entirely eliminated by Li Che.


    Twenty-seven Septenary Corpse God Envoys, plus three from the Middle Position of the Six Ministries, this lineup was indeed not weak. Had it not been for the use of a devastating weapon, killing them would have indeed been quite troublesome.


    Most importantly, these Corpse God Envoys had set up an altar, wishing to summon the Corpse God Will.


    Li Che had faced the Corpse God Will once before ¨C the Corpse God Will from the Middle Position of the Six Ministries. Once it descends... it¡¯s not easy to deal with.


    That is a presence as powerful as a Unity of Heaven and Man Great Grandmaster or a Golden Body God Transformation True Person.


    Now, Li Che...


    Would still find it somewhat challenging to handle.


    Always an advocate of prudence, how could Li Che possibly take such a reckless risk?


    Naturally, he could not allow the Corpse God Will to descend.


    Hence, he directly employed a devastating weapon and sent them a giant mushroom cloud.


    Raising both hands, his black robe fluttered wildly.


    Li Che¡¯s Brow Niwan opened and closed, and the Star Plucking Pupil suddenly began to spin within.


    Pure Heart - Soul Capturing!


    In an instant!


    One after another, twisted souls emanated from these dead bodies, and even from the center of the mushroom cloud¡¯s booming explosion, Divinity formed into Divine Chess Pieces, coalescing and floating over.


    However, those twenty-seven Septenary Corpse God Envoys couldn¡¯t coalesce into the Confining God Souls anymore.


    In the end, Li Che gained Divine Chess Pieces of the Primordial Spirit Metamorphosis Level, totaling 125 pieces, one provided seventy-five while another provided fifty, thereby revealing the discrepancies in their powers.


    And the Divine Chess Pieces of the Divine Phase Realm reached a total of 1,550...


    After all, there were twenty-seven Divine Element True Persons, averaging out to each person providing roughly fifty Divine Chess Pieces.


    They died due to the avalanche of fireworks created by the Divine Chess Pieces, and in the end, transformed into Divine Chess Pieces for Li Che¡¯s use.


    Stowing away all the Divine Chess Pieces and pinching the two Confining God Souls from the Six Ministries Corpse God Envoy into two Chess Pieces, Li Che didn¡¯t continue to linger on this spot.


    With a tap of his toe, his figure shot out rapidly.


    His Qi-Blood Rosy Clouds formed into clouds that supported his figure, soaring up with a Fu Yao leap, shooting up from the ground!


    Only the gradually dissipating power of the mushroom cloud remained, dreamlike and illusory.


    ...


    ...


    The Hunting God Pavilion¡¯s assassins really wanted to curse their luck.


    Faced with Zhu Chaoyang, Lu Yao, and the crazed Xie Jing¡¯s fierce battles, the unwilling assassins could only fight and retreat simultaneously.


    A Mo Blade in Zhu Chaoyang¡¯s hand swept across, almost invisible, domineering and unparalleled, also practicing the Martial Saint Ultimate Study, causing the golden-faced assassins of the Hunting God Pavilion to continuously spill blood.


    On the other hand, Lu Yao was relatively slack, only chasing after his opponent, maintaining distance, and occasionally throwing out Divine Spells, making the enemy utterly furious.


    Xie Jing was outright reckless, brandishing his blade and killing like a madman, chasing down a newly entered Great Master golden-faced killer and slashing wildly.


    Zhu Chaoyang and Lu Yao even intentionally cleared the way, knowing Xie Jing was forcing himself to break through to the Great Master Realm.


    The killer was furious, but also knew the situation was no longer under their control.


    Seemingly the Corpse God Cult had been uprooted by the Underworld, and if they continued to be besieged, they would inevitably die.


    Therefore, this Great Master was not willing to be entangled in a drawn-out battle.


    Bang!!!


    Xie Jing was blown away, his legs drove into the ground, furiously plowing a ravine, piling up mixed mud and snow into small mounds.


    An incredibly powerful Sword Energy became sharper, constantly ascending around him.


    Finger on blade, fighting spirit surged. With the enemy ahead, Xie Jing had one thought at this moment: to kill!


    Keng!


    His long blade scraped the ground, cold light spewing forth. With a long howl and fierce roar, Xie Jing¡¯s clothes from the Temple Office of the Temple Control Bureau buffeted wildly.


    The blade¡¯s cry exploded. In his mind echoed the overwhelming and tyrannical Dragon Elephant Martial Arts Will from the battle between the Bull Demon and Yuan Jingang at the Golden Light Prefecture.


    As if there was a Divine Dragon¡¯s long chant and the bellowing of a giant elephant!


    How terrifying, how domineering it was!


    His blade...


    Could do the same!


    At the moment of the blade¡¯s cry, a gust of Sword Wind howled up, a strand of Divine Gang finally condensed atop the swung blade, melding with the cold light, and rolled menacingly! Explore stories at


    As if a Jiao Python spat out its forked tongue, cutting open all the surrounding airflow!


    The fierce Divine Gang Qi rampaged forth, parting the waves of air!


    Great Master...


    Broke through!


    Xie Jing roared, his blade striking at the Hunting God Pavilion¡¯s golden-faced killer!


    This time, he wasn¡¯t repelled but clashed with the opponent, exchanging intense blows!


    He had done it!


    When Xie Jing, in the midst of their domineering battle, condensed the Divine Gang and released the Gang Qi, it meant he¡¯d officially stepped into the realm of the Great Master.


    Zhu Chaoyang clutched the Mo Blade, laughing heartily.


    He was genuinely delighted to see his once junior achieve such a performance.


    The three golden-faced assassins from the Hunting God Pavilion had extremely unsightly looks beneath their masks.


    The three glanced at each other and without hesitation, all pulled out silver spheres.


    "This is..."


    Zhu Chaoyang¡¯s laughter stopped abruptly, his eyes narrowing, his long blade swept up, and Sword Energy rolled around.


    However, the three silver spheres exploded and billowing silver smoke spread.


    This smoke was mixed with the Divine Crystal Powder from the Six Ministries, rendering their Divine Sense incapable of continuing to track the three figures.


    Even Jiao Shaoqiu, who controlled the entire situation, couldn¡¯t help but furrow his brows.


    "Tang Family Mechanism, Silver Smoke Thunderbolt."

 Chapter 574: The Covert Protection from Big Black Dog, A New Player Arrives in Dao City (2)

    This contraption can block Divine Sense probes, making it an excellent tool for escaping.


    It belongs to the more niche escape mechanisms.


    Unexpectedly, every Golden-faced Killer from the Hunting God Pavilion is equipped with one.


    Zhu Chaoyang, Lu Yao, and the recently advanced Xie Jing want to pursue, but they are clouded by the silver smoke, and when they tear through the smog formed by the Divine Crystal Powder and rush out...


    They are instantly dumbfounded.


    Because those three Golden-faced Killers of the Hunting God Pavilion...


    Have all become pieces fallen on the ground.


    A towering figure like Tower Mountain, donning a conical bamboo hat, reveals a Cute Bull Mask.


    Read new adventures at


    There¡¯s still a dominant and roaring Dragon¡¯s Chant lingering in the air.


    "Bull Demon!"


    Zhu Chaoyang¡¯s hair stands on end, and his eyes can¡¯t help but reflect alertness and gravity.


    He also finds it strange.


    He, Zhu Chaoyang, is actually feeling terrified and horrified by the presence of a Bull Demon who has barely condensed two Divine Gangs and just entered the rank of Great Grandmaster!


    Could it be... this Bull Demon has already cultivated the True Intent of Martial Saint Ultimate Study?


    Even developed a killing move?!


    The oppressive feeling of the Bull Demon is too strong, the Qi-Blood wrapped around him is thick like fog, swirling as if donning a blood-colored Armor.


    His robust stature, with Qi-Blood hot and majestic, blazes like a Baking Furnace.


    Cold and stern torrents of air swirl violently.


    Zhu Chaoyang grips the Mo Blade tightly, his eyes filled with utmost solemnity.


    Xie Jing looks at the Bull Demon with fervor, even worship!


    Although Xie Jing has just advanced to Great Grandmaster, he knows he can¡¯t withstand a single move in front of the Bull Demon.


    Lu Yao is indifferent, a confrontation between crude Martial Artists has nothing to do with him, a Divine Primordial True Person.


    Glancing at the Golden-faced Killers of the Hunting God Pavilion whose heads were crudely burst by the Bull Demon on the ground and noticing that their Qiankun Jades were gone.


    Lu Yao rolls his eyes.


    This Bull¡¯s actions are truly swift...


    The next moment, Lu Yao¡¯s Divinity swells, and he drifts towards the carriage.


    Zhu Chaoyang puts away his Mo Blade and nods, also retreating rapidly.


    Only Xie Jing, with enthusiastic reverence, approaches: "Elder Bull Demon!"


    "I wonder... is the Underworld still recruiting?"


    "I am willing to follow and learn from your Martial Path!"


    Xie Jing sheathes his blade and stands straight, bowing deeply.


    "The Underworld is not recruiting anymore."


    Li Che glances at Xie Jing.


    "You have your own Martial Path."


    After the conversation concludes.


    Li Che looks up and meets the Primordial Spirit gaze of Jiao Shaoqiu.


    After a slight nod.


    Li Che grips the Thunder Chess Piece and disappears without a trace.


    Xie Jing looks up only to find the Bull Demon has vanished, his heart filled with loss...


    He returns to the convoy and sees Li Qingshan, still seated on the carriage, tossing the Ram Horn Sky-breaking Hammer, wearing a Cat Face mask.


    Mixed emotions assail him.


    This Li Qingshan... managed to join the Underworld.


    Yet he, Xie Jing, was rejected.


    Sigh... envious of Li Qingshan¡¯s first day of such fortune.


    Roar roar roar


    Jiao Shaoqiu, with a mighty Primordial Spirit, withdraws it and the flapping curtains fall back into place.


    Nie Yang presses down on his bamboo hat, sheathing his dripping broken sword, and takes his place on the carriage, continuing to drive.


    Li Chengzhou, on the other hand, has brightened eyes.


    So... his Charioteer master is so powerful!


    "Continue on the journey."


    Jiao Shaoqiu coughs a few times, then his old voice drifts out.


    The convoy¡¯s leading Escort Master hurriedly clasps his fists in agreement.


    This Escort Leader is merely in the Grandmaster Posterior Realm; how could he presume before a power like Jiao Shaoqiu.


    The carriage wheels grind, crushing the wind and snow as the convoy moves on.


    Li Qingshan, who is tossing the Ram Horn Hammer, suddenly grips the handle...


    "Ah?"


    "It¡¯s over?!"


    Li Qingshan¡¯s eyes shrink, taken aback.


    He hasn¡¯t even made a move yet!


    Wasn¡¯t it said that this journey to Dao City would be dangerous?


    Corpse God Cult, Hunting God Pavilion, and the experts dispatched by the mother of the Young Prince Ji Haihui¡¯s Dragon Maiden...


    Why... has only a Hunting God Pavilion assassin appeared?


    What about the Corpse God Cult?


    Where are the high-ranking members of the Dragon God Clan?!


    Li Qingshan grits his back molars.


    Cat Face of the Underworld, running again.


    After the convoy sets out again, the Flood Dragon Horses, soothed by the Primordial Spirit of Jiao Shaoqiu, became calmer and even more eager.


    The carriage speeds away, the children viewed the scenery outside through the carriage windows, yearning for it.


    In the carriage, Xi Xi gathers with many little friends.


    "Did you see the mushroom fireworks just now?"


    "Such beautiful fireworks must have been released by Cow Cow Master!"


    Xi Xi¡¯s eyes brim with light, like adoring little stars shining.


    Xi Xi blinks her big eyes, saying earnestly, "One day, I want to release such beautiful fireworks too!"


    Gong Yuanliang and Gongyang Xiu immediately applaud.


    "Emperor Xi Xi will definitely do it! And when you do, you must invite us to watch!"


    Xi Xi, unable to contain her smile, nods her head satisfactorily.


    No wonder ancient emperors always had treacherous officials around¡ªwho wouldn¡¯t like to hear pleasant things?


    Tie Shancai, propping his head on his hands, looks disdainfully at Gong Yuanliang and Gongyang Xiu.


    "Bootlickers."


    Tie Shancai snorts in disdain.


    Hai Chao Sheng glances at Tie Shancai, seeming to find resonance.


    Watching the lingering mushroom cloud across the sky, Xi Xi admires it for a while until the towering trees along the official road obscure her view.


    Only then does she sit down with a plop on the soft carriage seat.


    "It¡¯s been a long time since I¡¯ve played with fireworks..." mumbles Xi Xi.


    Gong Yuanliang and Gongyang Xiu scratch their heads, truly at a loss for comforting words.


    It seems that Xi Xi just set off fireworks on the last New Year¡¯s Eve, right?

 Chapter 575: Covert Protection from the Big Black Dog, A New Player in Dao City (3)

    Why the sudden urge to light fireworks again?


    Tie Shancai glanced sideways at Gong Yang Xiu, who was hovering in front of Xi Xi, blocking his view of her, and through the gaps between people, he watched the little girl¡¯s expression of disappointment and sadness.


    He sneered.


    Then he stood up from his seat and took a few steps to Xi Xi¡¯s side.


    Pushing Gong Yang Xiu and Gong Yuanliang aside.


    Gong Yuanliang immediately became furious, but when he saw Tie Shancai, the Divine Child from the Divine Capital, he clenched his fists, daring to be angry but not speaking.


    "Step aside."


    "None of you understand Sister Xi Xi."


    Tie Shancai crossed his arms and said indifferently.


    He looked towards Xi Xi.


    "Sister Xi Xi, when we stop for a rest later, I¡¯ll join you with the fireworks, just feel free to..."


    "Bombard me!"


    Xi Xi, who was muttering to herself, suddenly brightened up.


    Gong Yuanliang and Gong Yang Xiu gasped in shock.


    "This is a master!"


    Hai Chao Sheng quietly retracted his previous sympathy.


    This sycophant isn¡¯t worthy.


    Inside the carriage, the atmosphere was completely different from the chilling seriousness outside; it was merry and joyful.


    Little Fatty Zhou Peng, Yun E, and Zhong Liuxiu, these Divine Children from the thousand-year-old families of Dao City, also joined in the fun and frolic.


    Though everyone was a Divine Child.


    After all, they were children, all at the age of loving to play and horse around.


    Adults have their own troubles.


    Children have their own happiness.


    ...


    ...


    Li Che returned to the inside of the carriage through the Flying Thunder Chess Piece.


    The Heaven and Earth Chessboard blocked perception; he sat on the soft chair, his eyes opening and closing, exhaling a breath of turbid air.


    He removed his mask, put away his cloak and black robe.


    After changing into a clean Mo Shan, he then leaned against the carriage¡¯s soft backrest.


    The Heaven and Earth Chessboard was not withdrawn; it still hung high above his head, monitoring everything within a five-hundred-mile radius covered by the chessboard.


    His tense nerves did not relax, although the Godhunting Pavilion and Corpse God Cult have been dealt with by him, there were still Ji Haihui¡¯s Dragon Maiden mother and the masters of the Dragon God Clan...


    Even though it definitely wasn¡¯t enough time for the Dragon Queen Consort to receive the message and rush to the Golden Light Prefecture,


    But contacting nearby masters should still be no problem.


    Among the masters sent by the Dragon Maiden, there might even be those who have achieved Unity of Heaven and Man and Golden Body Transformation!


    If that were truly the case, it would be quite troublesome.


    The Heaven and Earth Chessboard was kept active at all times, monitoring all directions; as soon as the traces of masters with Unity of Heaven and Man and Golden Body Shedding Realm appeared, Li Che would be the first to detect them.


    Breathing in and out, smelling the wood scent piled up inside the carriage, his spirit was slightly more relaxed.


    "The Corpse God Cult... it seems to be an irreconcilable enmity now, especially that Demon Child, I must kill him, or else... the threat is too great. He¡¯s just a few years old and already coveting Xi Xi... Unforgivable." Explore stories on


    Li Che harbored the thought of killing the Demon Child.


    Mainly because the Demon Child had set his sights on Xi Xi with impure motives.


    Mostly for the Temple God Divinity within Xi Xi...


    Seeing his daughter merely as a vessel to contain the Temple God Divinity, how could Li Che tolerate this?


    For the safety of his daughter, for a stable future for her.


    Li Che must find an opportunity to deal with this Demon Child!


    Fear not a thief that steals, but one that covets!


    Li Che must solve the problem from the root!


    Thus, on this trip to Dao City, there was one more person Li Che wanted to kill.


    Su Huaili was one, and this Demon Child from the Corpse God Cult was another...


    "The Corpse God Cult and I... it seems there really is a vendetta like that of arch-enemies."


    Developing the Underworld to counter the Corpse God Cult.


    Li Che exhaled slowly, his fingers coming together to tear open the air.


    He took out the spoils of war he had just obtained.


    A total of five Qiankun Jades.


    Three were from the Godhunting Pavilion¡¯s Golden-faced Killers, and two were gifts from the Six Ministries Corpse God Envoys of the Corpse God Cult.


    After tallying one by one, a hint of a smile could not help but emerge in Li Che¡¯s eyes.


    There were eight Six Ministries Divine Crystals and a total of thirty-six Seven Yuan Divinity Crystals¡ªafter all, it was the collection of five people, which was understandable.


    Other Divinity Crystals, Li Che was too lazy to count and stowed all into his Qiankun Space.


    "Ten bottles of Sixth-rank Lower Grade Dragon Blood Martial Pills, only four bottles of Seventh-Order Top-Grade Martial Pills...but it¡¯s better than nothing."


    The collection of elixirs from these few added up couldn¡¯t even compare to Young Prince Ji Haihui alone.


    But after all, their statuses were different.


    Of course, what Li Che cared about more was Divine Method.


    Among the contributions from the Godhunting Pavilion assassins, they were all just Master¡¯s Ultimate Studies, which were still somewhat lacking compared to Huang Xilong, not even Martial Saint Ultimate Study.


    However, it was mainly because the geographical location of the Golden Light Prefecture was different, and Huang Xilong carried a different mission, so he had more desirable items.


    On the Corpse God Cult side, Li Che did have a considerable gain.


    The "Po Pi Dragon Nose Eating Death God Element Method"!


    The Nose Fragrance Divine Ability among the Six Desires Divinity Method!


    This indeed caused Li Che an unexpected delight; another method of the Six Desires Divinity Method was collected!


    Li Che didn¡¯t hesitate, after studying for a while; he directly handed it over to his Immortal Avatar to cultivate.


    The carriage was very spacious; Li Che summoned out all his Fairy in the Painting avatars and let them busy themselves with cultivation.


    Even on the road, cultivations must not stop!


    "It¡¯s a pity, there¡¯s only one Nose Fragrance Divine Ability, still missing the Eye and Tongue Divine Abilities..."


    "Those Seven Yuan Corpse God Envoys shattered by the Guanyin Lotus Bullets surely had these two Divine Abilities."


    Li Che shook his head.


    Those Qiankun Jades of the Seven Yuan Corpse God Envoys had probably been utterly destroyed under the high-yield Great Avalanche Guanyin Lotus Bullets deployed by the main War Tank.


    In addition to the Divine Method, these assassins and Corpse God Envoys also had reserves of Seven Elemental Divine Weapon, which now all belonged to Li Che.

 Chapter 576: Covert Protection from the Big Black Dog, A New Player Arrives in Dao City (4)

    Chapter 576: Chapter 206: Covert Protection from the Big Black Dog, A New Player Arrives in Dao City_4


    Unfortunately, none of these Divine Weapons were of a style suitable for Li Che to use.


    After taking stock of his gains,


    Li Che suddenly saw a streak of flowing light flash before his eyes.


    [Dao Fruit: Dragon Elephant Vajra (lv4, 50%)]


    Li Che looked at the slightly increased maturity of the Dragon Elephant Vajra Dao Fruit, feeling surprisingly calm.


    ...


    Mainly because as his strength had grown, now that killing martial artists and cultivators of the same level would naturally contribute less to the maturity.


    Li Che shook his head, his eyes twinkling.


    It was just unclear if the Corpse God Cult and Hunting God Pavilion would be stubborn enough to continue sending experts his way on this journey.


    He hoped that before reaching Dao City, the Corpse God Cult and Hunting God Pavilion wouldn¡¯t help him increase the Dragon Elephant Vajra Dao Fruit to level 5.


    Li Che smiled.


    Then, he grabbed a piece of the Ten Cities Tomb, and a Divine Weapon Dagger glided into the palm of his hand.


    Inside the carriage, Li Che was simultaneously perceiving the conditions of the road ahead with the Heaven and Earth chessboard, and focused on carving wood carvings calmly.


    ...


    ...


    The following days turned out to be unexpectedly monotonous and stable.


    The Corpse God Cult was utterly dumbfounded, having mobilized the Six Ministries Corpse God Envoys from the neighboring three provinces and summoned over twenty Septenary Corpse God Envoys from various prefectures.


    But in the end... they were wiped out in one fell swoop.


    This directly stunned the messengers of the Corpse God Cult, leaving them no time to mobilize other experts to encircle and suppress the convoy.


    As for the Hunting God Pavilion, aside from the five dead Golden-faced Killers, there were still quite a few Silver-faced Killers lurking along the path.


    However, with even the five Golden-faced Killers failing, how could they dare to seek death?


    Therefore, when the news of the deaths of the five Golden-faced Killers reached them, they retreated in complete disarray.


    Thus, the convoy proceeded without ripples, with no more dangers looming.


    The three Great Families of Golden Light Prefecture helped to connect with experienced merchants who traveled regularly between Dao City and Golden Light Prefecture.


    So, the journey was taken care of by the merchant convoy, becoming surprisingly stable, without the slightest disturbance.


    Everyone¡¯s days began to settle into a routine.


    Aside from travelling, Jiao Shaoqiu would also stop the convoy and arrange for the children to have about an hour¡¯s worth of cultivation time each day.


    This hour was dedicated to practicing Martial Arts and Martial Techniques, and so on.


    As for Divinity, it was cultivated inside the carriages while on the road.


    Jiao Shaoqiu also specifically provided the children with Divinity Crystals.


    One must not delay cultivation just because of travel.


    The first time they stopped to rest the horses, Xi Xi jumped off the carriage and surprisingly pulled Tie Shancai along for a little run.


    This made Li Che, who had always kept an eye on Tie Shancai, frown.


    When he saw that Tie Shancai was actually willing to be Xi Xi¡¯s target, letting her shoot at him with a pink Fire God Gatling until fireworks exploded,


    Li Che was speechless.


    Tie Shancai knew how to feed into it, almost running straight into the Avalanche Cross Ravens shot out by Xi Xi.


    Even though Xi Xi used the smallest possible Avalanche Cross Ravens,


    Being hit by them was still painful.


    Tie Shancai didn¡¯t take it seriously at first, but after a while of being bombarded, he seemed to get addicted.


    He let Xi Xi bomb him continuously.


    He didn¡¯t even waste the flames from the explosions, swallowing them all into his stomach.


    In the following days, Xi Xi would always set off fireworks with Tie Shancai.


    For a time, Gong Yuanliang, Gong Yang Xiu, and others felt wronged and a strong sense of crisis overwhelmed them.


    It was as if they had fallen out of favor.


    Late at night.


    The wind and snow whined.


    Jiao Shaoqiu, leaning on a crutch, was surrounded by people sitting around a campfire, which was the Samadhi Fire spat out by Tie Shancai, capable of real-time temperature adjustment.


    "There are far too many forces within Dao City compared to Golden Light Prefecture City... Lingnan Daoist City has been established for thousands of years, and there are many thousand-year-old families within the city.¡±


    "Like Yun E, who comes from the Yun Family of Dao City, the Yun Family has a history of three thousand years in Lingnan, and a Divine Fetus Great God has emerged from the family.¡±


    Jiao Shaoqiu, holding Xi Xi and rubbing her head as she played with the campfire beside him, introduced to everyone with a smile.


    Li Che, dressed in Mo Shan, with Zhang Ya holding his arm, her head resting on Li Che¡¯s shoulder, was also listening to Elder Jiao¡¯s stories about Dao City.


    "Elder Jiao, are there Divine Fetus Great Gods guarding all these thousand-year-old families in Dao City?¡±


    Li Che asked.


    Jiao Shaoqiu glanced at Li Che and shook his head, ¡°It¡¯s hard to say... These Great Families have profound foundations, and we really don¡¯t know whether there are Divine Fetus Great Gods guarding them or not.¡±


    "The Great Families also aren¡¯t clear about each other. Divine Fetus Great Gods rarely make a move, so the clashes between the Great Families mainly depend on the collisions between the Supreme Grandmasters with Three Flowers Atop and the Great True Men in the Fetal Breath Transformation.¡±


    The rustling sound amidst the campfire suddenly echoed, as if filled with uncertainty.


    "Dao City... the Divine Fetus Great Gods who are visibly present are only a few.¡±


    "In my Qian Yuan Divine Sect, there are three Divine Fetus Great Gods, among which the Sect Master is a top-level powerhouse renowned throughout the Great Vista.¡±


    "Other than that, Dao City Mansion, the Temple Control Bureau, and the Qintian Observatory each possess someone in the Divine Embryo Realm. Furthermore, the leading family in Dao City, the Su Family, also boasts a Divine Embryo Ancestor.¡±


    "As for other forces, perhaps there are Divine Embryos at the helm, but they have not shown themselves.¡±


    "Maybe there are, but it¡¯s unknown to us. The Sect Master knows, but he does not share with us.¡±


    Elder Jiao¡¯s expression became solemn.


    He breathed out.


    "The whole Dao City... is actually a Chessboard, and only various Divine Fetus Great Gods have the qualification to place pieces on the Chessboard, and only by achieving the Divine Embryo can one jump out of it.¡±


    Elder Jiao said somberly, not caring whether the people understood or not, as if he was venting his own inner emotions.


    Wang Kuyu, Lu Yao, and others sat quietly, also falling into silence.

 Chapter 577: The Covert Protection from Big Black Dog, A New Player Arrives in Dao City (5)

    Chapter 577: Chapter 206: The Covert Protection from Big Black Dog, A New Player Arrives in Dao City_5


    In the dark night, the campfire flickered.


    Li Che¡¯s eyes sparkled, his fingertips caressing an Immaculate Heart Chess Piece.


    "Chess player?¡±


    ...


    ...


    ...


    The Flood Dragon Horse¡¯s body flowed with the bloodline of the Jiao Dragon, belonging to the demon species.


    Therefore, in terms of pace, endurance, or speed, it far surpassed ordinary horses.


    Worrying about the possibility of the caravan encountering danger and attacks again,


    Jiao Shaoqiu urged the caravan to push the Flood Dragon Horse to its limits while traveling.


    Unknowingly, half a month had passed.


    With such hastened travel, the distance to Dao City region was drawing ever closer.


    And the closer they got to Dao City, the more solemn Jiao Shaoqiu became, because he knew, the nearer they were to Dao City, the more likely they were to encounter strong figures.


    Unity of Heaven and Man Grandmasters, Golden Body Transformation Divine Element True Persons, any of them might appear.


    The closer to their destination, the less they could afford to relax.


    Experienced hunters often strike when their prey lets down their guard.


    Inside the carriage.


    Li Che¡¯s five fingers grasped a Six Ministries Divinity Crystal, continuously absorbing the Divinity within it.


    Suddenly,


    Li Che furrowed his brow.


    A strong sense of threat flashed through his mind.


    That aura...


    A Unity of Heaven and Man Great Grandmaster!


    He lifted his hand, touching it to his brow.


    His spirit connected to the Heaven and Earth chessboard.


    As if within a radius of five hundred li, a pair of eyes suddenly snapped open!


    However...


    That intense feeling of threat vanished as quickly as it had appeared, leaving no trace.


    Li Che was left feeling like a befuddled monk, uncomprehending.


    "Gone?¡±


    "Showed their face and then ran off?¡±


    Li Che¡¯s brow furrowed, sensing the abrupt disappearance of the Innate Great Grandmaster¡¯s aura.


    For a moment, he felt puzzled; in his Heaven and Earth chessboard, any reveal of killing intent would be locked onto by him.


    Thus, if the other party were to appear again, Li Che would certainly notice.


    Holding his breath and concentrating, Li Che remained vigilant, investing his spirit into close surveillance.


    As he monitored, Li Che also divided his consciousness, immersing himself in cultivation.


    Inhale¡ª


    Exhale¡ª


    Li Che felt the Divinity between heaven and earth growing more majestic.


    Compared to when he first entered the Golden Light Prefecture region, the Divinity he sensed was even more abundant and agitated!


    This was because the number of Strange Temples within Dao City¡¯s range were far more than in Golden Light Prefecture.


    Golden Light Prefecture had a total of three Strange Temples, whereas in Dao City... not to mention those scattered Eight Extremes, Qi Yuan Strange Temples, just the Six Divisions Strange Temples alone there were ten, and three Five Elders Strange Temples...


    And there were also Four Royal Mysterious Temples!


    Some Strange Temples were indigenous, while others...


    Were relocated by the Divine Fetus Great God with great skill, in order to suppress them more conveniently.


    Within the Inner Scene of the Energy Center at his brow,


    Li Che¡¯s Divine Foundations pulsed excitedly, bursting forth with majestic Divinity; now that each Divine Foundation had reached Perfection, all that was missing was the Temple God taking its place.


    Because the Divine Foundation of Fear, summoning the Temple God, would behold the Divine Likeness...


    The other Divine Foundations seemed eager to try as well.


    However, Li Che¡¯s current main goal was still focused on the Pure Heart Divine Foundation.


    The Pure Heart Divine Foundation, integrated with the Divinity of the Heaven and Earth Spirit Bright True Ape, could summon the Temple God from Equal to Heaven¡¯s Face into the Divine Foundation.


    Once the imprinting was complete, Li Che could then allow the Pure Heart Divine Foundation to transform into a Divine Likeness.


    ...


    ...


    By the surging river.


    A figure stood still, holding a scroll, taking vanilla herbs from an incense bag at his waist, rolling them into a smoke, lighting it, then placing it between his lips.


    Inhale¡ª


    Exhale¡ª


    The young man in white clothes, holding the cigarette, exhaled a misty plume of smoke.


    Leaning against a large bluestone, basking in the breeze, he flicked a lock of black hair from his forehead.


    Glancing into the distance.


    "Almost got discovered by Old Li


    "Er Hei, you¡¯re slipping, your work¡¯s gotten sloppy, you¡¯re losing a meal.¡±


    In the distant sky.


    River water burst into tumultuous waves, raging wildly, as several blood-covered Dragon Forms fell into them, torn apart beyond recognition.


    A ferocious black dog as large as a hill stood in the great river, its growls exploding like muffled thunder. Upon hearing that, it was filled with grief and indignation, biting off the head of a purple Dragon of the Dragon God Clan that exuded the aura of a Unity of Heaven and Man Great Grandmaster.


    With a fierce shake, it tore apart the Dragon Sinew, Dragon Bone.


    Afterwards, it swallowed it down irritably.


    Incidentally letting out a sated burp.


    The spray of Dragon Blood surged into the sky, then exploded.


    Falling like a blood rain.

 Chapter 578: Arriving for the First Time, Bombarding Dao City, The Underworld Has Arrived!

    Chapter 578: Chapter 207: Arriving for the First Time, Bombarding Dao City, The Underworld Has Arrived!


    The cold winter gradually fades away, as spring quietly arrives.


    The warm spring breeze scatters the deep chill, no more snowstorms, and the sky also begins to clear up from time to time.


    On both sides of the official road, the branches of old trees, that have been covered with winter snow for a whole grotto heaven, start to sprout with new buds, tender green and exquisite, greedily absorbing the air between heaven and earth.


    On the branches, still hang the extremely fine raindrops washed by Spring Rain yet to drip.


    Whirr.


    The hub of the carriage wheels roll over, the water and mud accumulated on the ground burst open, splashing around.


    ...


    Following the first carriage, an unending line of horsedrawn vehicles rumble past, leaving neat rut marks on the still soft ground where the snow had not yet fully melted.


    Li Che sits cross-legged in the carriage, drawing ever closer to Dao City, the carriage no longer jolts about.


    "Approaching the area of Lingnan Taoist City


    Hu Lu?~


    The reins are pulled, the Flood Dragon Horses whinny.


    The Chief, the leader of the trade caravan, shouts back to notify everyone of the location they¡¯ve reached.


    After nearly a month and a half of full-speed travel, everyone had gone from initially feeling fresh to eventually becoming numb.


    The official road all the way had been a scene encased in a vast expanse of snow, already unbearably monotonous to look at.


    As the Chief finishes speaking.


    The children grouped together in the carriage, the curtain suddenly lifts.


    And out pop one little radish head after another.


    "Wow¡ª!!!¡±


    Gong Yuanliang and Gongyang Xiu exclaimed in surprise.


    "What¡¯s there to exclaim about, we¡¯ve only just reached the vicinity of Dao City, still a long distance to go... at least five hundred li away,¡± scoffed Tie Shancai.


    Xi Xi also sticks her head out to look into the distance.


    In sight on both sides are endless fields, where the winter snow has melted away, and with spring¡¯s arrival, the land is moistened by the warm breeze. So in the fields, many farmers are leading their oxen, plowing the land, breaking up the frozen earth.


    Xi Xi leaps out of the carriage in a single bound, landing on top of the carriage roof.


    Now, her Martial Cultivation has reached the Perfection of Blood Exchange Nine Shifts; her movements are extremely agile and flexible.


    Standing atop the carriage canopy.


    A spring breeze blows by, fluttering the pointed corners of her red bellyband, while the red cord tied to her hair flaps in the wind.


    Xi Xi stands with hands on hips, a radiant smile on her face, revealing a mouthful of white teeth, her mood extraordinarily beautiful.


    We¡¯re finally going to reach Dao City!


    She heard that Grandpa Zhang had asked her to prepare herself for the selection of the last Direct Disciple of the Sect Master.


    Xi Xi is thrilled about this, which means there might be a fight to engage in.


    She can set off fireworks again!


    Though these days, Tie Shancai has been accompanying her to set off fireworks.


    But after a few times, Xi Xi found it meaningless without full power.


    It bored her.


    There was no interest.


    Fightings with those who provoke Xi Xi is what¡¯s really interesting.


    Xi Xi can then let loose and bombard wildly!


    Whizz, whizz, whizz¡ª


    Tie Shancai, Yun E, and Little Fatty Zhou Peng also appear one after another on the carriage roof.


    A few little rascals stand there, bathing in the gentle breeze as the carriage slowly moves.


    "Finally returning to Dao City, in that Golden Light Prefecture... always felt very dangerous, very insecure... scary enough to kill a person, even affecting my appetite while eating,¡± Zhou Peng says, clenching a white steamed bun, half in one bite, gone in two.


    Golden Light Prefecture City brought an indescribable sense of danger to Zhou Peng and Yun E.


    Inside the carriage.


    Li Che sits in tranquility, his strong Qi-Blood intersecting, focused on the journey these past days.


    His heart is entirely immersed in cultivation.


    Now, he has reached the count of five Divine Gang.


    These five Divine Gang are extraordinary rather than common, refined through the Myriad Transformations Dragon Elephant to temper the heart, on top of the Divine Gang extracted through the Ten Thousand Dragons Subduing Gods to temper the golden lungs.


    These Divine Gang are twisted together by Li Che, liked a twined hemp rope.


    Massive in size, they mysteriously blend with one another, far surpassing the might of ordinary Divine Gang.


    Li Che secretly had White Impermanence Xue Dufu release his Divine Gang for a test of strength.


    Xue Dufu, fed and grown to thirty Divine Gang by Li Che, saw his Divine Gang shattered by Li Che¡¯s after merely three clashes.


    Li Che didn¡¯t retain too many Soul Capturing spells, feeding all of the Corpse God Envoy¡¯s from the Corpse God Cult to Xue Dufu.


    As for the three assassins from the Hunting God Pavilion, they were assigned to Black Impermanence to control.


    However, there¡¯s a limit to the number of Soul Capturing spells.


    At this point, Li Che could probably control around seven Great Grandmasters or Divine Primordial True Persons at the Primordial Spirit Transformation Level.


    Any more would mostly lead to loss of control, which isn¡¯t bad either, just feed them to White Impermanence to consume and grow stronger.


    During one and a half months, Li Che¡¯s Cultivation improvement wasn¡¯t considered too fast.


    Mainly due to the lack of intense battles, he couldn¡¯t use the maturity enhancement of the Dragon Elephant Vajra Dao Fruit to nourish back his Cultivation.


    Li Che also found it strange, he had prepared his cannon...


    He was ready to go all out dragon slaying.


    But...


    No dragons came.


    Not a single one. Ji Hai¡¯s Dragon Maiden mother seemed to be quite indifferent towards his death, apparently without any thoughts of revenge.


    Li Che shakes his head slightly, not too regretful after all.


    After all, during the journey, the calmer the better, peace and safety have always been what Li Che pursued.


    Nevertheless, Li Che remains vigilant, especially as they are nearing Dao City; relaxing at this critical point, the enemy could easily find an opportunity.


    Perhaps, the enemy is searching for this exact opportunity?


    During the month and a half in the carriage, Li Che has spent a very fulfilling time.


    The carriage is crammed full, aside from the Awe-Inspiring Divinity clone, all other clones have been drawn out by him, diligently Cultivating.


    As for Li Che himself, he is also working hard to invite the Temple God of the Equal to Heaven¡¯s Face into the Immaculate Heart Divinity.

 Chapter 579: Newly Arrived and Bombarding Dao City, Here They Come, the Underworld is Coming! (2)

    Chapter 579: Chapter 207: Newly Arrived and Bombarding Dao City, Here They Come, the Underworld is Coming!_2


    "The Heavens and Earth Spirit Bright True Ape Law¡± had already been cultivated to perfection in the Divine Base Realm by Li Che.


    Mainly, it relied on the transformation of the Pure Heart Divine Foundation.


    However, the will of the Temple God within the ¡°Equal to Heaven¡¯s Face extremely powerful, not at all comparable to the Fire-Eye Mystical Awe Spirit Monkey Temple God.


    After all, it was the will of the Four Supremes Temple Gods, and over this last month and a half...


    Li Che felt that the progress was probably just over halfway.


    In addition, within the carriage compartment, Li Che continued to practice carving, and also studied the ¡°Puppet Beast Chronicles¡± given by Tang Sanjia.


    ...


    He was drawing the Sixth Order Senior Mechanism Beast [Blood-Yang Nine-God Vajra Ape] and making improvements to it.


    "To create a Sixth Order Senior Mechanism Beast, materials are the hardest to find, a massive amount of Sixth Order Superior Blood-Yang Wood is needed... as well as various precious Divine Mines.¡±


    Li Che exhaled.


    Materials were hard to find.


    However, he was after all a Second-Class Guest Official of the Qintian Observatory, and with Shangguan Qinghong also being recommended to the Dao City Imperial Heavenly Observatory, working together with Lu Yao, once she stabilizes her position, he could indeed make some inquiries.


    As for the Martial Saint Ultimate Study.


    Primordial Equal to Heaven Staff, Li Che felt that in a little while, it could naturally reach a Mastery level, mastering the Absolute Kill.


    Lone Mountain Walk Blade and Lingxu Baqi Step, these two Martial Saint Ultimate Studies, were also successively mastered to Major Accomplishment by Li Che.


    Especially the Lingxu Baqi Step, now, Li Che could perform the Three Qi Steps, and was close to achieving the level of Master with Four Qi Steps.


    "My martial arts talent... is indeed formidable.¡±


    Li Che couldn¡¯t help but praise himself.


    He stretched, and his body crackled with the sound of popping joints.


    Li Che took a piece of Spiritual Wood and began carving.


    Suddenly.


    Li Che¡¯s hand holding the engraving knife, fiercely halted.


    The Heaven and Earth Chessboard trembled.


    He sensed an extremely powerful and terrifying Qi machine!


    It broke through the air at high speed from dozens of miles away, hurtling towards him rapidly.


    Fast as lightning, electric currents intertwining.


    As if the heavens and earth resonated with it, the Qi machine of that person was formidable, almost integrating with the surroundings.


    Li Che narrowed the scope of the Heaven and Earth Chessboard to a fifty-mile radius.


    Thus, when this person entered within the fifty miles, he immediately sensed something.


    "An expert!¡±


    "A great expert!¡±


    Li Che¡¯s eyes sparkled brilliantly, his Qi-Blood surging within him, five strands of dual-colored Divine Gang twisted together like Jiao Long snapping into action.


    "An Innate Great Grandmaster of the Unity of Heaven and Man Realm!¡±


    After sensing for a moment, Li Che concluded.


    He slowly exhaled.


    His eyes opened and closed, revealing a hint of solemnity.


    Very strong...


    This was the first time Li Che saw a real Grandmaster of Unity of Heaven and Man.


    Previously, the Middle Position of the Six Divisions¡¯ Corpse God Will summoned by Yuan Jingang was of this level, but it was repelled by Li Che before it could descend.


    Thus, this time it could be considered a true encounter.


    "Very strong... feeling the pressure


    "Unity of Heaven and Man, condensed thirty-six strands of Gang Qi, opened three hundred and sixty Zhou Heavenly Orifices


    "The human body¡¯s meridians and orifices are interconnected as one, linked with heaven and earth, drawing the Qi of heaven and earth to temper the Human Body Great Pill, accumulating Innate Qi... that is the Unity of Heaven and Man Realm, Innate Great Grandmaster!¡±


    Li Che¡¯s eyes flickered, every inch of his muscles trembled slightly, his strong desire to battle surged uncontrollably from his chest.


    After a moment, it calmed down.


    The caravan continued its journey, tearing through the slightly chilly Spring Rain, speeding along an increasingly wide official road.


    After running continuously for over a month, the Flood Dragon Horses were still vigorous. They needed to exhaust their energy through running, and such long-distance travel was nothing to them.


    The caravan did not travel much longer.


    Suddenly, the Flood Dragon Horses stopped uneasily, their hooves daring not to tread.


    It seemed as if the Spring Rain had frozen in place.


    A breeze stirred, and the curtain of the carriage was suddenly lifted.


    The curtain was lifted, Jiao Shaoqiu leaned forward, stepping out slowly from within the carriage, Divinity driving the airflow, whistling around, making Jiao Shaoqiu¡¯s simple robe fly.


    The Charioteer Nie Yang on the wagon seat also stretched out his hand and grabbed the handle of the bronze sword wrapped in rags, with sharp eyes and a fierce Sword Intent, full of fighting spirit.


    "Here it comes.¡±


    Li Chengzhou, sitting next to Nie Yang, was impacted by the airflow stirred by the two, turning red, and he hurriedly pressed down his hat.


    In the next instant.


    Li Chengzhou seemed to turn his head stiffly towards the distant sky.


    There, the Spring Rain, like the curtain on a stage, was slowly pulled open to both sides.


    A figure surrounded by Divine Gang Qi-Blood, countless Qi and blood exploded, transformed into a blood-colored electric Jiao Long, enveloping the figure, came from the sky.


    The Martial Dao Will so strong, it seemed as if it would turn the sky completely dark, utterly devoid of light.


    In just an instant, Li Chengzhou felt his vision go dark, nearly fainting from the impact of the Martial Dao Will.


    However, a hand landed on his shoulder, and he saw his taciturn charioteer master, with flying beard and hair, patted him and all the pressure vanished without a trace.


    "This is the Martial Dao Will of an Innate Great Grandmaster of the Unity of Heaven and Man Realm


    Nie Yang briefly explained.


    "Do not look directly, you¡¯re still too weak.¡±


    Li Chengzhou obediently lowered his head.


    In the next moment, the thunderous sound of breaking the sky resounded, and the figure wrapped in the Electric Jiao Long of Qi-Blood and Qi, roared.


    Inside the carriage.


    Wang Kuyu, Lu Yao, and Zhu Chaoyang, three powerhouses, also appeared one after another, standing on the roof of the carriage.


    Li Che also lifted the curtain, walked out of the carriage, and sat on the shaft of the wagon.

 Chapter 580: Newly Arrived and Bombarding Dao City, Here They Come, the Underworld is Coming! (3)

    Chapter 580: Chapter 207: Newly Arrived and Bombarding Dao City, Here They Come, the Underworld is Coming!_3


    Hoo-hoo-hoo!!


    The strong wind howled, creating a wild gust on the official road!


    Yet in the high sky above, a figure entwined with Qi-Blood like swirling silk, rapidly diving down, his speed so fast that there was vaguely a connection of the Qi mechanism of heaven and earth with him, forming a unique reciprocity.


    ...


    As the figure descended, the invisible air currents spread out and slowly dissipated without a trace.


    Jiao Shaoqiu stood with his hands behind his back, bearing a solemnity on his withered, old-wood-like face.


    "The Inner Sect True Successor Top Ten, ranked eighth, Wei He


    Jiao Shaoqiu¡¯s gaze fell on the burly figure standing at the forefront.


    But the person in sight had a burly stature, dressed in a deep blue robe, with robust muscles all exposed.


    "Elder Jiao.¡±


    Jiao Shaoqiu nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping onto Wei He: ¡°You seem to be a true disciple under Elder Ji, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    Wei He clenched his fists and with a smile said: ¡°Indeed, I am a true disciple under the Fourth Elder, ordered to come to welcome the junior sister into Dao City.¡±


    Curious heads popped out from the surrounding carriages to watch.


    However, as the words fell.


    An extreme sharpness erupted from Jiao Shaoqiu¡¯s eyes.


    Even alone against an Innate Great Grandmaster, he showed neither retreat nor diminished bravery.


    "Junior sister? Who allowed you to call her junior sister?!¡±


    Boom!


    A powerful Primordial Spirit suddenly rose behind Jiao Shaoqiu, a brilliant Golden Light blooming, dazzling and eye-catching.


    Faintly, there seemed to be signs of returning to the previous Golden Body Transformation, as the mighty Divine Majesty crashed down.


    Nie Yang also landed beside Jiao Shaoqiu, getting ready to unsheathe his sword.


    Countless brilliant sword lights burst forth behind him.


    The atmosphere turned deadly in a blink.


    From the moment the opposing side unscrupulously released the scorching-like-sun Martial Dao Will of an Innate Great Grandmaster.


    Nie Yang felt ill intentions from the visitor.


    Besides the carriage.


    Li Che¡¯s gaze also fell upon Wei He, tranquil and emotionless.


    Junior sister?


    Is this the trend to recruit Xi Xi into their fold in advance?


    But...


    Xi Xi didn¡¯t come to Dao City to become a disciple under an Elder.


    Instead, she came to prepare for the assessment to be the last direct disciple of the Sect Master.


    Now, suddenly someone pops out and directly designates Xi Xi as their junior sister, there really is a flavor of coercion and forcefulness in this.


    Li Che¡¯s gaze settled on Wei He.


    An Innate Great Grandmaster in the Realm of Unity of Heaven and Man!


    But compared to the Corpse God Will at the Sixth Rank Middle Stage, the oppressive sensation given to Li Che by the Corpse God Will is clearly much stronger, more thrilling, and terrifying.


    Through the perspective of the Heaven and Earth chessboard, Wei He did not seem to possess any murderous intent or malice.


    But one could glimpse that the intensity of his Qi-Blood far exceeded that of an ordinary Master of Divine Gang, not even in the same league.


    Despite the tense and deadly atmosphere, it did not cause Wei He to change his expression.


    "Elder Jiao... My teacher, Elder Ji of the Authentic Divine Sect, is the Fourth Elder. Hearing that Golden Light Prefecture has brought forth a Divine Child with a high Temple God Resonance, even obtaining seventy percent of the Temple God¡¯s Divinity, he couldn¡¯t help but be eager to recruit her as a disciple.¡±


    "Does Elder Jiao not wish to be happy for others?¡±


    Wei He spoke tranquilly.


    "What does Ji Heshan really want? Am I supposed to be unaware? Xi Xi¡¯s trip to Dao City is aimed at becoming the Sect Master¡¯s direct disciple, and won¡¯t become an apprentice before the Sect Master¡¯s disciple assessment is over,¡± retorted Jiao Shaoqiu coldly.


    Wei He clasped his fists: ¡°Elder Jiao... becoming a direct disciple of the Sect Master isn¡¯t so easy; the competition is too intense. People from the Divine Capital, descendants of ancient families from various Dao Cities, and the three major thousand-year-old families native to Lingnan Taoist City, along with those large and small noble families, are competing... even princes are vying


    "Do you think that this Divine Child from Golden Light Prefecture can prevail over those other Divine Children, each with at least a thousand threads of Divine Purple Smoke?¡±


    Jiao Shaoqiu waved his sleeve, his face cold: ¡°Who would know there are no miracles without trying?¡±


    "In the Temple God Resonance of Golden Light Prefecture, Xi Xi was extraordinary, suppressing many Divine Children, even surpassing Ji Haihui, the son of the King of Quelling Chaos Ji Molie, and Tie Shancai, the son of a Commandery Princess from the Divine Capital


    "What makes you think Xi Xi has no chance or hope?¡±


    Jiao Shaoqiu was not pleased; these people wanted to intercept Xi Xi, the Divine Child, ahead of time¡ªhow could he tolerate it?


    Xi Xi was the one he had brought back; he had to be responsible for Xi Xi¡¯s future.


    "What¡¯s more, the sort of person Ji Heshan is, don¡¯t you understand? He has hundreds if not thousands of disciples under his command. He¡¯s notorious for recruiting disciples and casting a wide net... Entrusting Xi Xi to him would be ruining the child!¡±


    Jiao Shaoqiu had a nasty temper, perhaps because of his seniority.


    Such outspoken criticism made Wei He look a bit embarrassed, since after all, he was a fish that leaped out of that wide net.


    "Elder Jiao, don¡¯t be anxious yet, this matter... should still ask the Divine Child¡¯s parents,¡± said Wei He.


    And the argument between the two had already attracted quite a few gazes from inside the carriage.


    Li Che stepped out of the carriage, his dark robe fluttering in the wind, a gentle smile on his face, walking over.


    "This is Xi Xi¡¯s father, Li Che.¡±


    "You ask,¡± said Jiao Shaoqiu, though not rejecting Wei He¡¯s suggestion.


    However, before Wei He could speak, Li Che shook his head: ¡°Elder Jiao says my Xi Xi is very talented, and I believe so too.¡±


    "If that¡¯s the case, then let¡¯s follow Elder Jiao¡¯s advice. I appreciate Elder Ji¡¯s kindness, but Xi Xi still wants to give it a try.¡±


    Li Che said amicably.


    Wei He¡¯s eyes lowered, looking at the unassuming young man before him, his brow furrowing: ¡°Have you considered... If you fail in the assessment to become the Sect Master¡¯s direct disciple, if you perform poorly, you might even lose the chance to become a disciple of an Inner Sect Elder.¡±

 Chapter 581: Newly Arrived and Bombarding Dao City, Here They Come, the Underworld is Coming! (4)

    Chapter 581: Chapter 207: Newly Arrived and Bombarding Dao City, Here They Come, the Underworld is Coming!_4


    "Let Xi Xi give it a try, what if... what if she succeeds?¡± Li Che said.


    Wei He silently shook his head.


    It was heard that this family with the Divine Child hailed from a small city under the jurisdiction of Golden Light Prefecture.


    Such a pure and simple... desire to climb to the heavens in a single step.


    "Fine, since it¡¯s like this, I won¡¯t insist. I¡¯m only conveying the teacher¡¯s wishes, and besides, becoming the teacher¡¯s disciple, the teacher has never shortchanged any disciples. The resources that should be given will be provided


    "Even more so, if the performance is exceptional, more resources will be given!¡±


    ...


    Wei He said indifferently.


    Then, seeing that Li Che showed no interest, he did not persist further.


    "Next, I will escort you into Dao City.¡±


    With an Innate Great Grandmaster escorting into the city, the rest of the journey was naturally much safer.


    Moreover, once in the vicinity of Dao City, danger would greatly diminish.


    Even within Dao City, Innate Great Grandmasters are quite rare, and Wei He, as an elder and True Successor of the Authentic Divine Sect, belongs to one of the top batches among True Disciples.


    It was because of the letter sent back in advance by Jiao Shaoqiu that he had come specially to escort and welcome them.


    Only with the appearance of the Great Grandmaster did Li Che¡¯s heart finally let go of a big rock, it seems...


    That Dragon Maiden mother of Ji Haihui had truly abandoned Ji Haihui.


    ...


    ...


    Winter had passed, and a spring breeze was slowly arriving.


    As if all things were revived overnight by the blowing wind.


    The river surfaces, frozen into ice, also began to break and thaw, greenery dotted across plains, fields, and cities.


    With the escort of Innate Great Grandmaster Wei He, the journey was unobstructed and free from danger.


    After about three days, they finally arrived at Dao City.


    "Qianyuan City has arrived.¡±


    On the surface of the thawing river, the cold and piercing wind of spring couldn¡¯t suppress the excitement of the children.


    In the carriage, Xi Xi and several other kids, big and small, poked their heads out.


    Looking far off into the distance, they could see a majestic city situated between heaven and earth, magnificent to the extreme, like a vast and enormous lion sprawling.


    Its aura was majestic and profound, simple and full of the breath of years.


    High city walls stretched left and right, extending untold lengths, countless to the end, with no limits to be seen.


    The official road became crowded, with many carriages converging from numerous State Cities and Mansion Cities around Dao City, galloping on the broad highway.


    On the surface of the thawing river, there were also many Yellow Dragon ships surging and breaking the waves.


    Xi Xi marveled, blinking with large eyes, her long eyelashes constantly fluttering, as if her heart was captivated by the grandeur of the city.


    "This city is so big, I¡¯m afraid it would take dozens of fireworks to destroy it, right?¡±


    Xi Xi mumbled.


    Beside her, Tie Shancai was left speechless.


    How come this little girl is so hotheaded?


    Even more hotheaded than him, Tie Shancai, ready to use fireworks to destroy a city at a moment¡¯s notice.


    Truly explosive and fiery...


    He liked it very much.


    Many people leaned out of the carriage to gaze at the majestic and imposing large city.


    Li Che¡¯s uncle¡¯s family was even more excited and just felt shocked; Golden Light Prefecture City in their eyes was already an extremely majestic and imposing city.


    But compared to this Dao City, Qianyuan City, it seemed somewhat petty.


    Mainly because outside of Qianyuan City, many towns decorated the landscape, surrounded by crisscrossing, smooth official roads that encompassed the towering giant city!


    The carriage moved slowly.


    However, Li Che was not like others, curiously looking around.


    He sat quietly in the carriage, holding Spiritual Wood in one hand and a dagger in the other, gently shaving away the wooden tissue from the Spiritual Wood.


    "Dao City... Finally arrived.¡±


    Li Che let out a breath.


    He slowly raised his head, and within the light of his eyes, there seemed to be a faint intertwining of solemn lightning.


    In his chest, the Chess Saint Dao Fruit started beating vigorously.


    Thump thump thump¡ª


    As if all the sounds from the world around him became silent in his ears.


    The wind, the rain, the wheels¡¯ rumbling...


    All fell into stillness.


    The Heaven and Earth chessboard expanded, rapidly attempting to cover that grand and mighty large city!


    ...


    ...


    Qianyuan Dao City.


    Atop an opulent restaurant, by the railing, a gentle breeze was blowing.


    Su Huaili had been recuperating for nearly two months, his complexion regaining blood and vitality, and he was no longer in a half-dead state.


    Accompanying him was a towering figure wearing black armor, just sitting there exerting an extremely intense pressure.


    This person was named Long Tai, his senior fellow disciple, sent to ensure his safety and wellbeing; a strong person, an Innate Great Grandmaster with Unparalleled Refinement and Innate Divine Strength.


    Long Tai devoured the food, in sharp contrast to Su Huaili¡¯s comfortable sipping of wine.


    Suddenly.


    Su Huaili¡¯s heart skipped a beat, and he pursed his lips.


    "They¡¯ve arrived.¡±


    "They... have arrived.¡±


    Long Tai paused mid-action, swiftly swallowing all his food with a slurp, and several chews later all of it fell into his stomach.


    "Who has arrived?¡± Long Tai¡¯s voice was rough, shaking the restaurant as if it were trembling.


    Su Huaili exhaled.


    "Earthly Hell¡¯s Evils.¡±


    Long Tai¡¯s eyes bulged.


    "What the heck is that?¡±


    "Underworld? Never even heard of


    Long Tai patted his belly under the armor and laughed: ¡°Don¡¯t worry, the Great General tasked me to protect you, your safety, I, Long Tai, will ensure it.¡±


    "As for the Underworld... a small power, Dao City is not like Golden Light Prefecture City, it¡¯s not a place where any tom, dick, or harry forces can run amok.¡±


    Su Huaili helplessly glanced at Long Tai.


    Looking at that sturdy and robust figure...


    It seems... still not as big as Bull Demon.


    ...


    ...


    Within Qianyuan Dao City, inside an extremely spacious Mansion residence.

 Chapter 582: Newly Arrived and Bombarding Dao City, Here They Come, the Underworld is Coming! (5)

    Chapter 582: Chapter 207: Newly Arrived and Bombarding Dao City, Here They Come, the Underworld is Coming!_5


    A disheveled child with a black collar around his neck had a black lotus pattern on his forehead.


    Dark circles under his eyes, he lay on a lounge chair, surrounded by dozens of young, fair-skinned, delicate-looking girls, all busying themselves.


    Massaging the child¡¯s legs, kneading his shoulders, rubbing his temples, picking his ears, feeding him crystal grapes, and so on...


    The child squinted his eyes while one small hand was caressing another dewy-skinned little girl as pale as snow.


    Despite his tender age, he was the epitome of indulgence.


    ...


    Suddenly.


    The untamed Demon Child felt a slight burning sensation at the black lotus pattern on his forehead.


    His eyes flickered open, emitting a powerful desire for Divinity, turning the girls around him flush with red.


    "Come over.¡±


    The Demon Child slowly rose from the lounge chair.


    He pointed at a tall yet child-faced young girl.


    The girl walked over, turned around, and lay down on the ground.


    The Demon Child leapt atop her back, and the girl gradually began to crawl forward, making her way to the door.


    Narrowing his eyes, the child¡¯s hand clutched the young girl¡¯s ponytail lying on the ground, pulling it with force and excitement.


    "It¡¯s here.¡±


    "My lady is here.¡±


    ...


    ...


    Inside the carriage.


    Li Che raised his hand to his forehead, then ripped downwards fiercely.


    Flesh and blood turned inside out.


    The Star Plucking Pupil shone with ultimate brilliance!


    Connecting with the will of the Heaven and Earth chessboard, in a moment, the chessboard expanded instantaneously, enveloping Dao City within it.


    Li Che was searching for someone.


    Su Huaili was hiding within Dao City, and so was the Demon Child.


    Both of them were people Li Che was determined to Kill.


    BOOM¡ª!


    As the Heaven and Earth chessboard covered Dao City, Li Che¡¯s expression instantly turned extremely solemn.


    Sweat beads even formed on his forehead, something rarely seen.


    The Primordial Spirit vibrated, pushed to the extreme.


    As the chessboard expanded, it seemed as if one terrifying existence after another within Dao City vaguely sensed something, slowly opening their eyes.


    They furrowed their brows, somewhat confused, their powerful Divine Sense sweeping out in expansion, as if they saw something, yet did not perceive anything.


    That was because Li Che had shielded them from his search.


    However, these mighty beings were truly too strong, their perception too keen. Even though Li Che had actively shielded their senses,


    They still noticed something was amiss.


    But that¡¯s all they felt¡ªsomething amiss¡ªand they did not interrupt their closed-door Cultivation because of this slight disturbance.


    After all, it could just be some bored Divine Fetus Great God monitoring the entire city?


    Inside the carriage.


    Li Che¡¯s eyes suddenly snapped open, the sharp and electric light weaving relentlessly.


    "Found them.¡±


    His pupils seemed to reflect the Heaven and Earth chessboard.


    He had found those two figures.


    Su Huaili...


    And... the Corpse God Cult¡¯s Demon Child whose aura perfectly matched Qin Feng Huo¡¯s!


    "I¡¯ve found you.¡±


    Li Che¡¯s lips slowly curved into a smile.


    Through the Heaven and Earth chessboard.


    Gazing at the magnificent and vast Qianyuan Taoist City.


    Li Che clenched his fist, disappearing from the spot.


    The next moment, he reappeared above the soaring Qi and Blood Rosy Clouds.


    His fingers slowly glided off the Cute Bull Mask. Without his hat, his black hair whipped wildly in the strong winds.


    With a thought.


    The Qi and Blood Rosy Clouds carried the Bull Demon figure, descending rapidly towards the human world.


    In the silent dense forest, suddenly, birds took flight in alarm, and insects fell silent.


    BOOM¡ª!!!


    Accompanied by a thunderous roar.


    The ground slightly sunk in, and a massive Lotus Platform emerged, with Thousand-Armed Guanyin sitting upon it.


    Guanyin¡¯s thousand arms reached forward, stacking into a Fiery God Cannon Barrel, the barrel¡¯s mouth opened with fingers spread, palms facing out.


    Li Che, wearing the Bull Demon Mask, with his broad and towering figure, stood behind the Thousand-Armed Guanyin.


    To bomb and Kill the Demon Child in one shot would be impossible.


    The Corpse God Cult¡¯s Demon Child... must surely have a strong protector, and any Evil People daring to mingle within Dao City would not have weak Cultivation.


    But...


    Whether the bombing would kill is one thing.


    Li Che just wanted to fire a shot!


    This was a warning!


    And to let the Demon Child understand...


    What an honest father¡¯s fury looks like!


    His mind intertwined with his heart.


    The Heaven and Earth chessboard narrowed its range.


    Locking onto the deathly aura within the chessboard where the Demon Child was located.


    Arriving for the first time, fireworks pave the way!


    Bomb Dao City!

 Chapter 583: Bull Demon Three Blasts Shock Dao City, Three Flowers Atop You Liqing

    Chapter 583: Chapter 208: Bull Demon Three Blasts Shock Dao City, Three Flowers Atop You Liqing


    Caw caw caw


    Black crows flapped their wings, frantically fleeing from the dense forest, along with many wild birds rejuvenated by the early spring.


    It was as if they had encountered an extremely terrifying impact!


    Each bird¡¯s eyes revealed sheer terror, as if a half-beat delay in the flapping of their wings could result in being crushed to pieces, dragged into an abyss thousands of feet deep!


    In the depths of the forest, where the trees were bathed in sunlight, fierce winds surged like waves!


    ...


    A gigantic Thousand-Armed Guanyin statue emerged out of nowhere, crashing down onto the ground, deeply indenting the soil, which had been softened by the melting snow.


    The Lotus Platform sprawled across, with dense, rapidly spinning rollers underneath, flinging mud and sand into the air.


    Li Che, wearing the Bull Demon Mask, had his black hair fluttering and his Mo Shan cloak billowing.


    The clothes on his body bulged, pushed from underneath by his muscular physique; pulsing tendons, like roaring flood dragons, vibrated intensely.


    Qi-Blood and Divinity crazily gushed from his Physical Body, pouring into the Guanyin Lotus Main Battle Tank.


    The Thousand-Armed Guanyin¡¯s arms were stacked in front of it, forming the gesture of an impacting shockwave.


    Li Che¡¯s eyes were cold and desolate, with a touch of emerging ferocity!


    The perspective of the Heaven and Earth Chessboard within the Guanyin Lotus Main Battle Tank overlapped with his own.


    The ¡°cross¡± symbolizing the act of Kill was stretched across his sights, locked on target.


    Terrifying air currents raged continuously, as the ground violently collapsed, numerous fissures ferociously spreading in all directions, swallowing the ground and all its grit!


    "Demon Child


    The Cute Bull Mask¡¯s third eye between the brows opened, revealing a vertical eye.


    Within that vertical eye, the intent to Kill was overwhelming!


    Li Che was a protective father.


    He had just arrived in Dao City and was not very familiar with the situation inside; how many strong figures there were, or if the network of the Heaven and Earth Chessboard would be detected.


    Li Che was unclear on all of this.


    According to his cautious nature, he should not act so rashly.


    But, as a protective father, such actions were not without reason!


    For his daughter, when his roaring point is touched, Li Che chose to take the initiative to strike.


    Although it was impossible to shove a barrel down the Demon Child¡¯s throat and blow him up, he still had to make the Demon Child feel the threat.


    Although Li Che knew that this shot might not be able to kill the Demon Child, whether to fire or not was one matter.


    To actually fire was Li Che¡¯s decision!


    Boom!


    Fire the cannon!


    His eyes suddenly erupted with dazzling golden lightning, his entire body¡¯s Qi-Blood as if sucked in an instant, entirely infused into the Guanyin Lotus Main Battle Tank.


    "Bang!!!¡±


    In an instant!


    A horrifying airwave suddenly exploded, bursting forth from the gaps between the Thousand-Armed Guanyin¡¯s hands, forming a scorching white wave that instantly vaporized the melting snow on the ground!


    Turning the soil dry and hardened!


    As if a dragon was bellowing and roaring in the wind!


    The slanted Spring Rain, in the blink of an eye, was shattered by the shock, exploding into a hazy mist!


    Then, another two watermelon-sized Great Avalanche Guanyin Lotus Bullets, each containing the equivalent power of one hundred Divine Minister Divinity Chess Pieces, were tossed by Li Che into the Guanyin Lotus Main Battle Tank.


    One shot was not enough?


    Fire three shots in a row!


    Fire the cannon!


    The benevolent and gentle Guanyin¡¯s eyes suddenly lit up with a resplendent Golden Light.


    The Mechanism Seal with the character seemed to ignite.


    In a split second¡ª


    It burst out with the ultimate radiance of Golden Light again!


    Bang!


    Bang!!!


    The golden light nearly turned azure due to its extreme speed!


    In the blink of an eye!


    Heaven and earth brightened up, the instantaneous brilliance of these three shots seemed to overshadow the sun¡¯s light rising in the sky!


    Three streaks of golden light shot one after another, tearing through the sky!


    Scorching hot, blazing, annihilating, boiling


    The air twisted, being pierced open.


    Wherever they passed, the spring breeze, Spring Rain, the piercing spring chill, all were abruptly stopped, as if the dome of the sky was sliced open by the three terrifying, incandescent shells!


    The sound of the explosion was so deafening that even the shockwave from the cannon¡¯s recoil burst the ground, causing it to explode and collapse, fracturing in all directions!


    The surrounding trees all gave out overwhelmed cries, being pushed over by the pressure!


    Golden light proceeded in an orderly formation.


    Like comet tails trailing behind.


    Shattering the sky!


    ...


    ...


    On the official road.


    A procession of Flood Dragon Horses, suddenly with weakened legs, panicked and began to trot uneasily.


    Some ordinary horses were so terrified that they collapsed on the ground, causing the order of the convoy on the official road to become immediately chaotic.


    The convoy from Golden Light Prefecture City, consisting entirely of Flood Dragon Horses, quickly steadied the situation.


    However, the disarray of the other teams still affected them.


    The official road was a mess!


    The horses continuously whinnied and cried, and the sound of carriages overturning and crashing to the ground could be heard.


    In the convoy from Golden Light Prefecture.


    Jiao Shaoqiu abruptly opened his eyes, appearing on top of the horse-drawn carriage.


    And Wei He, in charge of the escort, was already standing on top of another carriage, hands behind his back, his black hair fluttering endlessly in the strong wind.


    "What is... this?¡±


    Wei He was astonished and puzzled.


    On the other side.


    Jiao Shaoqiu, Lu Yao, Wang Kuyu, Zhu Chaoyang, and others felt a tingling on their scalps.


    This thing...


    They were all too familiar with it.


    After all, after leaving the Golden Light Prefecture, their convoy had been attacked by the specialized Golden-faced Killer from the Hunting God Pavilion.


    During that incident, there was a golden light accompanied by an explosion, resulting in a spectacular mushroom cloud over a hundred meters high!


    Releasing a terrifying, irritable, and utterly annihilating mushroom smoke!

 Chapter 584: Bull Demon Three Blasts Shock Dao City, Three Flowers Atop You Liqing (2)

    Chapter 584: Chapter 208: Bull Demon Three Blasts Shock Dao City, Three Flowers Atop You Liqing_2


    Everyone is not foolish; they guessed that it must be the Underworld¡¯s doing...


    Hunting God Pavilion must have reached an agreement with the Corpse God Cult to collectively target the convoy, otherwise, Hunting God Pavilion wouldn¡¯t recklessly send just five Golden-faced Killers to attempt an assassination.


    As a result, they were annihilated on the spot.


    It must have been the mushroom cloud released by the Underworld that wiped out the Corpse God Cult, which had an agreement with the Hunting God Pavilion.


    So...


    "Is the Underworld firing on Dao City?¡±


    ...


    Lu Yao muttered.


    His mind buzzing aloud.


    His scalp was numb, and his mouth dry.


    No...


    Is the Underworld turning everything upside down?


    What kind of madmen are they?


    Firing directly at Dao City? What has Dao City done to provoke this?


    Not just Lu Yao, but other cultivators from Golden Light Prefecture who had witnessed this terrifying mushroom cloud felt a chilling dread.


    Li Qingshan had already climbed out of the carriage, staring dumbfounded at the scene.


    This thrilling event seemed unrelated to him, Li Qingshan, right?


    Xi Xi in the carriage clapped her hands non-stop, full of anticipation!


    "Fireworks!¡±


    "Fireworks going off!¡±


    ...


    ...


    Qianyuan Daoist City, majestic and imposing.


    On top of the towering city walls, as massive as mountains.


    Soldiers of the Divine Guard Army, clad in armor and wielding weapons, their armor clinking, all looked up somewhat puzzled and bewildered.


    Watching three comets with tail flames streaking high across the heavenly dome...


    All a bit unsure of how to respond.


    Boom¡ª!!!


    An extremely powerful force burst forth, among the Divine Guard Army, a powerful presence intertwined with Qi-Blood as if connected to heaven and earth, stomped down, shaking the entire city wall.


    He soared into the clouds.


    But the speed of those three cannons was too fast...


    Like three extremely furious Jiao Pythons, carrying an indescribable might, like a wildfire that burns the heavens, fierce flames sweeping everything!


    "Divine Archer?!¡±


    This commander from the Divine Guard Army, an Innate Great Grandmaster who had achieved Unity of Heaven and Man, furrowed his brows.


    A strong sense of crisis surged in his heart.


    But, as the city¡¯s commander, he still made his move.


    Buzz¡ª!


    A divine weapon, a huge sword at his waist, was fiercely drawn out; hundreds of sword movements merged in an instant into a tremendous sword shadow, swiftly flipping and directing a sword thrust at a Guanyin Statue bursting with extreme golden light.


    The commander meant to block this cannon and then take the subsequent two in succession.


    But.


    The moment his sword tip touched the Guanyin statue¡ª


    An utterly terrifying chill and sense of crisis burst like a dam in the Heavenly River had been breached, the mighty river¡¯s water flooding over him!


    An extreme crisis swept in like a tide!


    The explosion, detonated mid-air!


    Like a massive golden fire lotus blooming in mid-air, a powerful shockwave rampaged ferociously!


    And the other two cannonballs, one shifting its course as if being manually controlled, dodged the form and continued racing towards the interior of Dao City!


    Among the vast ocean-like explosion and light,


    A figure, covered in soot and dust, wrapped in ever-interweaving Innate True Gang, tore through the light, looking pale as he fell back onto the city wall.


    And when he turned his head,


    He saw inside the ancient Dao City...


    Two brilliant mushroom fireworks suddenly burst forth.


    The commander stood there, utterly dumbfounded.


    Dao City...


    Had been bombed.


    ...


    ...


    In a vast courtyard with flowing streams and towering pavilions.


    Demon Child rode on a tall and slender girl, grabbing her ponytail, excitedly looking up at the sky.


    Here it comes...


    His lady is coming!


    The Prison Lotus Divine Pattern on his forehead was trembling continuously, indicating feedback, a hint, a kind of telepathic connection!


    He sensed his lady¡¯s arrival!


    But his excitement did not last long.


    His eyes, surrounded by dark circles, suddenly sharpened.


    Two golden comets tearing through the air with trailing tail flames, falling swiftly like golden lightning.


    "What is this?¡±


    Demon Child¡¯s eyes narrowed, a hint of confusion flashing in them.


    He had once leaned over Qin Feng Huo¡¯s body, living some days in Golden Light Prefecture.


    He had seen the terrifying mushroom fireworks with which the Underworld obliterated Hunting God Pavilion!


    But in Demon Child¡¯s memory, mushroom fireworks couldn¡¯t achieve such long-range strikes; they needed Mechanical Cranes to be sent to the target area, then dropped from high altitude.


    This was how the Underworld eradicated Hunting God Pavilion¡¯s Watching Tide Pavilion base in Golden Light Prefecture.


    But...


    This golden light...


    Demon Child¡¯s hair stood on end!


    Boom rumble¡ª!!!


    Terrifying booming echoes rolled forth!


    But the golden light had already appeared above the opulent garden estate!


    Demon Child felt a moment of vertigo.


    As if snowflakes were falling, Golden Lotuses surging from the ground, vaguely Guanyin with clasped fingers, kind eyes, and brows, chanting Rebirth Mantra!


    "Come out! Save me!¡±


    Demon Child, trembling with cold sweat, the slim and tall girl beneath him had already collapsed on the ground, completely limp.


    And Demon Child didn¡¯t even have the strength to move.


    It was the fear of being targeted!


    The fear seemed to make his muscles stiffen.


    Inside him, as if a great terror mingled with his heart, began to beat violently!


    Boom¡ª!!!


    Three figures engulfed in flowing golden color, bursting with intense Death Qi and Corpse Qi, interwoven blocking above the mansion!


    Those were three Cursed Golden Corpses from the Corpse God Cult, comparable to a Supreme Grandmaster!


    Demon Child was terrified to the extreme, in that moment... it was as if Death itself had set its sights on him.


    Muttering a sentence like ¡°The Underworld wants you dead at midnight, who dares keep you till dawn.¡±

 Chapter 585: Bull Demon Three Blasts Shock Dao City, Three Flowers Atop You Liqing (3)

    Chapter 585: Chapter 208: Bull Demon Three Blasts Shock Dao City, Three Flowers Atop You Liqing_3


    The Demon Child couldn¡¯t help but recall the moment in Golden Light Prefecture outside the city when he was about to escape, and the physical body of Qin Feng Huo he possessed was forcibly beheaded.


    He fell off the girl, his body trembling all over, slightly shaking.


    Boom!!!


    A magnificent explosion like a proud sun suddenly erupted in mid-air.


    Two mushroom clouds spectacularly released!


    Three Venerable Curse Gold Corpses fearlessly used their physical bodies to block the explosion of the artillery shell!


    ...


    The twisted face of Guanyin shattered, expanded, and exploded, spilling countless frenzied and aggressive Divinities.


    As the two mushroom clouds formed, the cascading air currents, even the Golden Gang of the three curse corpses, couldn¡¯t withstand it!


    Bang!!!


    Flowing Wine and Curved Water, the mansion¡¯s waisted corridors bore the brunt, instantly shattered into pieces by the blast, large chunks of earth and dust soaring into the sky, racing with the cold winds of Spring Rain!


    Almost instantly.


    In Dao City, countless extremely powerful Divine Senses swept through.


    Freezing the air, the flying dust suspended!


    Many Divine Senses fluctuated, seemingly surprised and frightened by the artillery shell that caused such a grand impact from tens of miles away.


    Under the scrutiny of these Divine Senses, the scene was spectacular!


    As if golden columns of light came from all directions, cascading down, colliding with the Golden Gang of the Curse Gold Corpses, and explosively detonating in mid-air!


    Terrifying air currents and arrogant shockwaves, along with scorching wave cascades rampaging through the sky!


    "What fierce Divinity...pushing Divinity to an extremely powerful eruption, causing a terrifying explosion due to friction, and radiating erosively strong Divine aftershocks!¡±


    "Great technique!¡±


    "Is this Mechanical Techniques?!¡±


    Many strong Divine Senses collided and interwove in the void, chatting with each other as if they were onlookers.


    "Eh?! Corpse God Cult!¡±


    "Good fellow!¡±


    "Courting death!¡±


    ...


    Also, many Divine Senses collided and seemed to discover something, suddenly buzzing and stirring.


    The Corpse God Cult...


    In Dao City, naturally, they are the loathsome rats everyone wants to beat, no one wants to be associated with the Corpse God Cult.


    However, the hiding techniques of the Corpse God Cult are indeed formidable, a Corpse God Pearl can seal all Death Qi, Corpse Qi, and the Corpse Curse Mark within it.


    Ordinarily, if the evil techniques of Corpse God Cult aren¡¯t exposed, they appear no different from normal cultivators.


    Thus, hunting down the evil people of the Corpse God Cult is not an easy task.


    Unless a Divine Embryo Realm¡¯s Great God is mobilized, but...


    Even in Dao City, Divine Embryo Great Gods stand at the pinnacle of existence, appearing and disappearing unpredictably, often entering Strange Que, cutting off contact with the outside world.


    Why would they act against mere evil people of the Corpse God Cult?


    Two mushroom clouds like fireworks blasted out three Venerable Curse Gold Corpses of the Corpse God Cult, even in Dao City, they are definitely considered big fish!


    Peng peng peng


    The powerful Gang Qi raged.


    Within Dao City, a powerhouse took action.


    ...


    ...


    As the great sound of thunder resounded through the sky,


    Compassing waves and shockwaves surged like a giant wave around, at this moment roaring unceasingly


    The resounding noise echoed endlessly.


    At the luxurious pavilion¡¯s railing.


    Silhouettes swarmed out, including the Clan Juniors of Dao City, rich merchants, and Outer Disciples of the Divine Sect, among others...


    All curiously leaned on the railing to watch the two mushroom clouds bloom in the distant sky.


    In the storm.


    Su Huaili¡¯s robes fluttered loudly, his entire body gripping the railing, his veins bulging and throbbing visibly.


    This firework...


    He recognized it too well!


    Just like the emblem of the Underworld!


    As if the whole of Dao City presented a gift signaling the arrival of the Underworld, proclaiming...


    The Underworld, it has arrived!


    Beside Su Huaili, dressed in armor, Long Tai narrowed his eyes, looking at the splendid fireworks and the ravaging power, clicking his tongue in wonder.


    "This volatile Divinity, comparable to a True Man of Primordial Spirit Transformation at full force, bombarding with divine arts.¡±


    "And moreover, extremely fast, carrying a powerful impact.¡±


    "Those three Curse Gold Corpses, I¡¯m afraid they will suffer a bit.¡±


    "And that releasing aftershock...tsk tsk, if the Divine Power were stronger, it¡¯d be a perfect mass-killing weapon.¡±


    "It would be even more terrifying on the battlefield, one blast and all is silent.¡±


    The eyes of Long Tai glinted brightly.


    Su Huaili¡¯s body shivered, his neck somewhat stiff as he turned to Long Tai.


    "Long Duwei, do you think... you could withstand this mushroom firework?¡±


    Long Tai was startled.


    Then the corner of his mouth twitched.


    Unbelieving, he stared at Su Huaili.


    "Is it still appropriate now to request medical leave from the Great General?¡±


    ...


    ...


    The fierce wind howled, and steaming heat surged.


    Li Che, his black hair flying, wearing the Cute Bull Mask, his eyes bright.


    He slowly exhaled a breath.


    "Phew


    "Refreshing.¡±


    Never mind whether it could kill or not.


    With these three blasts launched, Li Che felt a relief in his heart.


    It was enough to intimidate the Demon Child, even if it didn¡¯t kill the Demon Child, it was enough to expose his identity as an evil person of the Corpse God Cult.


    It would also cause substantial trouble.


    Hmm?


    Li Che¡¯s Star Plucking Pupil, under the mask, suddenly twitched slightly.


    The next moment, he sprang up, instantly stowing away the Guanyin Lotus Main Battle Tank.


    His body spun in the air, his five fingers clasped.


    A white Thunder Chess Piece was held tightly in his palm.


    Once he firmly grasped the Chess Piece.


    He was already back inside the carriage.


    After the Bull Demon disappeared.


    A tremendously terrifying pressure suddenly crashed down, countless trees were instantly bent to the ground, unable to even rebound.

 Chapter 586: Bull Demon Three Blasts Shock Dao City, Three Flowers Atop You Liqing (4)

    Chapter 586: Chapter 208: Bull Demon Three Blasts Shock Dao City, Three Flowers Atop You Liqing_4


    A figure shrouded in golden armor, like a shooting star, shot forth in an instant, with three golden flowers circling endlessly around the shoulders and atop the head.


    The Golden Armored God General slowly opened his eyes, and his terrifying qi-blood swept across like a golden longsword.


    Crack crack crack crack crack!


    Countless trees were severed at their waist, exploding into the air!


    Splash splash...


    Soil and shattered wood chips and tree remains scattered down.


    ...


    The powerful Divine Sense of the Golden Armored God General swept past, roaring as it did so.


    "Gone?¡±


    "Escaped so quickly?¡±


    "Additionally... such keen perception.¡±


    "It¡¯s a slippery creature.¡±


    A faint voice emitted from his mouth.


    Then, the Golden Armored God General hovered in mid-air, his gaze sweeping down, landing upon the huge lotus-shaped deep pit in the soft earth.


    "The Underworld mentioned by Little Su?¡±


    "The bold madman who killed the teacher¡¯s progeny.¡±


    The Golden Armored God General twisted his neck, and immediately countless golden lightning danced wildly, followed by the smell of char.


    His figure had vanished.


    ...


    ...


    A mushroom cloud fell slowly in mid-air, gradually dissipating.


    The Demon Child, with disheveled hair, had his pounding heart return to its normal rhythm, and his fierce and grimacing face settled to calm.


    He exhaled a breath, glancing over the wrecked courtyard.


    His face ashen.


    "The Underworld


    "This is a show of strength


    "The Corpse God Envoys sent to capture the lady, I¡¯m afraid they¡¯re all dead.¡±


    "How ruthless, how ruthless the Underworld is!¡±


    "Are you admonishing me? Why? Because of the lady?!¡±


    The Demon Child revealed his sharp corpse teeth, radiating wildness and ferocity.


    His appearance was somewhat manic.


    Watching the brilliant scene of countless fireworks blooming and falling in the sky.


    His body trembled slightly, from excitement and madness.


    "Such a lady... is even more to my taste!¡±


    He bit his fingertip, a drop of dark blood trickled down, instantly spreading into a blood pool on the ground.


    His hands constantly formed seals, chanting scriptures.


    Gradually, the blood pool began to rotate, bloodwater swirling and splashing violently, exploding into a mist of blood.


    From within the blood pool, a powerful will of the Corpse God surged out, and in a flash, a huge blood-colored hand burst forth, grabbing his feet, and then pulled his entire body into it.


    After the blood pool vanished from sight.


    Boom boom boom


    Three Cursed Golden Corpses crashed onto the ground; the courtyard floor instantly shattered, bricks and stones exploding.


    Ssssss


    Steam rolled up, and on the three Cursed Golden Corpses, the uncontrollable Corpse Curse leaked out, covering their bodies. They bore fiendish looks, their bodies blasted partly charred, with flesh unrolling outwards.


    Among them, a Corpse God Cult evil person who had just reached the state of a Cursed Golden Corpse, was even burnt so badly on one side of his body that flesh and blood were indistinct. The strong corrosive Divinity ate away at the wound.


    This Cursed Golden Corpse was almost severely injured!


    Nevertheless, the three Cursed Golden Corpses joined hands to at least withstand the terrifying explosion of the mushroom fireworks.


    However.


    They soon felt something ominous.


    The Demon Child used the Blood Pool Secret Technique to flee.


    But they, their identities exposed, enveloped in dense Death Qi and Corpse Qi, had no chance of escape.


    Above Dao City, numerous powerful auras wreaked havoc as they approached.


    The Temple Control Bureau, Qintian Observatory, Qianyuan Divine Sect Inspection Peak, Divine Guard Army...


    Experts from major forces almost swarmed in, drowning them without courtesy.


    ...


    ...


    Inside the carriage,


    Li Che removed his mask, leaning on the carriage, with the Heaven and Earth chessboard already shrunk and put away.


    "So strong


    "Dao City... truly is nothing like Golden Light Prefecture City.¡±


    "Fortunately, the teleportation ability of the Flying Thunder Chess Piece is unrestricted, with no pre-movement delay, otherwise... A moment too slow, and that powerhouse would have located me!¡±


    Li Che wiped the beads of sweat from his forehead.


    The thunderous firing of the Guanyin Sitting on a Lotus Main Battle Tank was indeed not minor; if someone intentional sensed it, they could still detect his position.


    However, Li Che¡¯s technique of escape was also top-notch.


    "That Martial Dao Will... seems like ¡®Ten Thousand Dragons Subduing Gods¡¯, only, it¡¯s much more powerful than Ji Haihui.¡±


    "Even stronger than the Martial Saint¡¯s Will of Ji Moli, of course, mainly because this person far surpasses the Martial Saint¡¯s Will in hard strength.¡±


    "Ji Moli¡¯s disciple stationed in Qian Yuan Dao City, You Liqing, perhaps?¡±


    "With Su Huaili heading to Dao City... It must be to join this person.¡±


    Very strong...


    Definitely a supreme grandmaster at the Top Three Flowers level, and with all Three Flowers blooming brilliantly!


    Presently, Li Che is certainly no match.


    But within Li Che¡¯s chest, the Dragon Elephant Vajra Dao Fruit was beating rapidly and intensely.


    It was anticipation, it was excitement, it was aspiration...


    Aspiring, looking forward to a battle with them!


    Li Che pressed down on his chest, telling himself not to get ahead of himself.


    He, Li Che, was a father, and could not afford the mentality of preferring death over dishonor.


    He had a family to look after.


    Settling his thoughts, Li Che leaned back in the carriage.


    "Not enough, still not enough


    "At least the power of over five hundred Divine Aspect Divinity Chess Pieces equivalent to the Great Avalanche Guanyin Lotus Bullet is needed to seriously injure a Unity of Heaven and Man Grandmaster and a Divine Primordial True Person in Golden Body Transformation.¡±


    "However, if called upon Primordial Spirit Transformation-level Divine Chess Pieces, the power of a hundred pieces should be sufficient


    "The Primordial Spirit Transformation-level Divine Chess Pieces I have accumulated now can kill Shadow Guard True Person, kill Huang Xilong, and kill Yuan Jingang... I have enough for a hundred pieces, but only one chance to bomb.¡±


    "Additionally, there¡¯s another problem... The fire power of one hundred Primordial Spirit Transformation Chess Pieces equivalent to a Great Avalanche might be too much for the Qintian Observatory¡¯s Thousand Hands Cannon to bear... The quality of Fire God Raging Flood Dragon Wood is decent, but it might not withstand the explosive power of a hundred Primordial Spirit Transformation Chess Pieces without bursting.¡±


    Li Che closed his eyes, beginning to contemplate and reflect on this firing experience.


    Bombarding Dao City indeed was thrilling.


    But the effects were not very significant.


    To reach the level of really being able to bomb Dao City to a degree to shake the entire Dao City.


    That is currently far from enough.


    "Spiritual Wood ah... materials ah... Primordial Spirit Transformation Divine Chess Pieces ah


    Li Che leaned on the soft backrest of the carriage, slowly exhaling a breath.


    "I must integrate the Black and White Collapse into the Immortal Mechanism Cannonball as soon as possible


    "Moreover, can I try to merge the Black and White Collapse with the explosion of the Great Avalanche... a fusion of two vastly different forces, the collision of which should be unimaginably powerful!¡±


    Li Che¡¯s eyes gradually widened, shining brightly.


    The Immortal Craft Dao Fruit throbbed, bringing new ideas to Li Che.


    Everyone returned inside the carriage, and Li Che¡¯s extremely sociable Immortal Avatar that loved to watch the action also returned inside.


    The convoy regained order and continued on.


    Li Che sat in the carriage triggering the Immortal Craft Dao Fruit, using the genius ideas spurred by the excitement of the Dao Fruit to conduct research and development.


    After roughly half a day¡¯s time,


    The caravan of Golden Light Prefecture finally arrived before the overbearing and towering city walls.


    However,


    Just when the convoy of Golden Light Prefecture was about to be allowed into the city without inspection, thanks to the face of Jiao Shaoqiu,


    "Hold.¡±


    A faint voice echoed.


    Thereafter, a terrifying might swept over, and above the city walls of Dao City, there was the cry of a grey hawk.


    On the back of an immensely large grey hawk with white head and purple eyes, a Golden Armored God General stood with arms crossed.


    Intense gaze flowed down from above, and in an instant, there was no other noise in the world.


    Boom¡ª!


    A streak of Golden Light fell.


    The ground shook violently.


    You Liqing, clad in golden armor, had already landed, blocking the path of Golden Light Prefecture¡¯s convoy.

 Chapter 608: Bull Demon Mask Shattered, True Ape Divine Minister Suppresses Corpse God Will

    Chapter 608: Chapter 214 Bull Demon Mask Shattered, True Ape Divine Minister Suppresses Corpse God Will [Seeking Monthly Ticket]


    Crack! Crack!


    The thunder rumbled, and lightning flickered!


    The entire opulent pavilion seemed to shake violently at this instant, the floorboards creaking and groaning, unable to bear the burden!


    "Who gave you the courage?¡±


    Dragon Elephant Vajra Li Che, with a chicken leg stuffed in his mouth, his eyes blazing fiercely, stared at Bull Demon. The moment he finished speaking,


    He bit down hard on the steel tooth, chewing up the chicken leg bone and swallowing it in one gulp.


    ...


    And on him, a mighty will of the Martial Dao descended!


    That was the Martial Dao will belonging to the Unity of Heaven and Man Realm of an Innate Great Grandmaster, substantial and overbearing, connecting heaven and earth, as if pulling down the entire heavenly dome and pressing on one¡¯s heart!


    Heavy, oppressive, stifling...


    It made both the body and spirit sink, even the speed of turning a thought became sluggish.


    And naturally, the Bull Demon bore the most concentrated oppression of Martial Dao will.


    Under the mask, the Dragon Elephant Vajra Dao Fruit in Li Che¡¯s chest throbbed violently, with immense pressure impacting his spirit. His Martial Dao will burst forth, the Dragon Elephant roaring, yet could only guard its own space within three inches.


    Unity of Heaven and Man, seemingly able to mobilize the power of heaven and earth!


    This is the most terrifying aspect of an Innate Great Grandmaster¡ªthe reason why Innate True Gang is so powerful is also because it merges the power of heaven and earth!


    Li Che was greatly agitated, all the blood in his body boiling, his Star Plucking Pupil between his eyebrows burning intensely; the faint sense of crisis lingering around his heart, at this moment, continuously stimulated his muscles and bones!


    The physical body continued to grow stronger, taller and burlier, like a real mountain rising high.


    Bang¡ª!


    Bull Demon took a fierce step forward, as if a sharp steel knife, ripping through the Martial Dao will of the Great Grandmaster.


    Stepping heavily onto the pavilion, the wooden floor immediately caved in, and with a crackling sound, splinters of broken wood flew about.


    "Well done! Having the guts to withstand this Governor¡¯s Martial Dao will, resisting the power of heaven and earth to take a step forward, among the Masters of Divine Gang, you can certainly be proud!¡±


    Dragon Elephant Vajra Long Tai stood nine feet tall, his muscles bulging, and a hint of dominance surfaced in his brow.


    He stood in front of Su Huai as if he was an ancient city that stands tall between heaven and earth and would not fall!


    This is...


    Unity of Heaven and Man!


    Innate Great Grandmaster!


    Joined with heaven and earth!


    Bang¡ª!!!


    Outside the pavilion, the pounding sound of the spring rain seemed to have become stagnant.


    Dragon Elephant Vajra Long Tai fiercely took a step forward, assuming an attacking stance. In an instant, his Qi-Blood roared like thunder, accompanied by a terrifying Qi-Blood Jiao Dragon that meandered between heaven and earth.


    Within the Qi-Blood, there was a dazzlingly bright white streamer.


    Bursting out with extreme light and heat!


    The invisible ripples of Qi-Blood, from the floors of this opulent pavilion, violently diffused outward, forming ripples that spread across thirty feet!


    The spring breeze and rain, in an instant, dissipated, vaporized into steam, rolling like clouds and mist!


    And the misty cloud of steam along with the reverse current of the air, furiously poured into the pavilion.


    The reverse current, in an instant, seemed to cause a change in the color of the heavens and earth.


    Dragon Elephant Vajra Long Tai made his move!


    The imposing sense of oppression was indeed strong, the speed extremely fast; in the blink of an eye, that fist seemed about to smash into Bull Demon!


    But Bull Demon tiptoed and executed Lingxu Baqi Step!


    Afterimages were shattered, yet one after another solid-looking afterimages emerged.


    Dragon Elephant Vajra Long Tai¡¯s terrifying fist force closely followed, the white Innate True Gang turning into a tangible Python-like creature, lifelike, appearing semi-transparent white, with a real shape, scales, and whiskers flying!


    Dominating!


    Unparalleled!


    Pressure...


    Unprecedentedly great!


    A Unity of Heaven and Man Grandmaster is really strong, far surpassing a Master of Divine Gang, and it seems the martial arts Long Tai cultivates are also extraordinary, extremely tyrannical!


    In Li Che¡¯s eyes surged countless ripples of agitation.


    The five fingers clenched into a fist, his back muscles twitching, the enormous Qi-Blood like mercury pushed along, Gang Qi burst out from every acupoint, every pore interweaving and enveloping!


    Roar¡ª!


    Dragon Elephant together cried out!


    Ten Thousand Dragons roared!


    Chaos Heaven-Matching!


    The will of three Martial Saint Ultimate Studies condensed Gang Qi, which at this moment all released and condensed into Three Elements Divine Gang!


    Three Elements Return to One!


    As if in an instant, transformed into the mythological Dragon Elephant descending!


    Roaring, colliding, fighting!


    Hmm?!


    Dragon Elephant Vajra Long Tai¡¯s eyes flickered slightly...


    This Gang Qi?!


    What kind of Gang Qi is this?!


    Thud¡ª!!!


    After tearing through five lingering shadows of Lingxu Baqi Step, the punch from Dragon Elephant Vajra Long Tai fiercely collided with the punch swung by Bull Demon, exploding on impact!


    Boom!!


    The terrible collision burst instantly, churning waves sprawling and tumbling in all directions.


    The luxurious pavilion, its entire roof blown away, shattered into endless wood chips and dust, dust flying, whipped clean by the fierce winds!


    In the moment of explosion dissipation, the swirling air currents raged around Dragon Elephant Vajra Long Tai and Bull Demon.


    Both stood amidst the massive hole blown open in the wooden floor of the pavilion, directly ignoring it, as if standing in the air.


    The two held their fisted postures, with Three Elements Divine Gang and Innate True Gang like two bolts of lightning, continually striking and whipping beside them!


    Bang bang bang¡ª!


    Continuously exploding with hot and terrifying Qi-Blood waves!


    In Dragon Elephant Vajra Long Tai¡¯s eyes, the shock was thick to the utmost.

 Chapter 635: What Face Lies Beneath the Bull Demon Mask, Dragon Tooth Wishes to Kill Demon Child (2)

    Chapter 635: Chapter 220: What Face Lies Beneath the Bull Demon Mask, Dragon Tooth Wishes to Kill Demon Child_2


    Li Che¡¯s expression slightly condensed, as if fireworks were ignited in his stomach, starting to violently explode, moving chaotically like rocket fire against the stomach walls!


    Even the robust physical body of Li Che felt intense pain, with his abdomen feeling as if it were being sliced by knives, and the medicinal strength surged tenfold in an instant when the Pill Coating broke!


    It turned out that the previously diffused medicinal properties were just a prelude!


    "This medicinal strength... is so fierce!¡±


    "Even a Grandmaster who has achieved Unity of Heaven and Man might not be able to bear it easily, right?¡±


    Li Che¡¯s mouth and nose opened and closed, panting continuously, as powerful currents surged and dispersed the blood mist!


    He leapt up from the ground, his five fingers clenched, and Divine Gang burst forth, exploding in mid-air, turning into a Dragon Elephant Illusion as he swung his punch!


    The giant dragon roared, and the divine elephant shrieked!


    Li Che started boxing, refining the furnace inside his body by practicing the Martial Saint Ultimate Study!


    Scorching hot, blazing intense!


    Incredibly fierce.


    Fifth-Order Elixirs indeed couldn¡¯t be compared with Sixth and Seventh-Order martial arts pills, Li Che had also taken Sixth-Order martial arts pills before, and the effects were vastly different from the Fifth-Order!


    His entire body seemed to catch fire, the temperature of his flesh rapidly climbing!


    Blood was continuously driven by the newly generated Qi-Blood, surging and throbbing, the mercury-like blood being forcibly pushed, resounding continuously like muffled thunder!


    His entire body turned as red as blood, as if carved out of a huge blood diamond!


    Whoosh whoosh whoosh¡ª!


    In the courtyard, the wind danced wildly, Li Che pushed his fists forward, like dragons and elephants, performing his own Martial Saint Rank¡¯s Jue Xue, Myriad Transformations Dragon Elephant, extremely vividly in this moment!


    As the Lone Mountain Walk Blade and Lingxu Baqi Step reached the realm of a Master, the Myriad Transformations Dragon Elephant that Li Che derived by merging various techniques seemed to become even stronger.


    Seemingly on the verge of reaching the Transformation Realm!


    Bang¡ª!


    With a punch thrown, Divine Gang condensed, roaring and hissing like a dragon!


    Five fingers opened, and suddenly the Xuanjin Eight Treasures Thunder Dragon Stick fell into his hand, with the sound of wind and thunder exploding, the staff shadows piled up heavily, his form continuously twisting.


    The Chaos Heaven-Matching Staff combined with Lingxu Baqi Step.


    The dense staff shadows filled the courtyard, among them mixed with Li Che¡¯s form, making it impossible to capture his trace!


    Lone Mountain Walk Blade, with True Intent condensed, Li Che refined his spleen!


    Lingxu Baqi Step, refining Divine Gang, Li Che tempered his liver!


    Thus, all five organs had corresponding Divine Gang refining!


    Under the powerful medicinal impact of the Fifth-Order Low-Grade martial arts pill.


    Li Che refined the medicinal effects, refining Divine Gang!


    Constantly condensing out the Divine Gang from Lone Mountain Walk Blade and Lingxu Baqi Step, chasing the most numerous Divine Gang of Myriad Transformations Dragon Elephant!


    The medicinal effects of this pill were too magnificent, Li Che was not in a hurry to use it to break through the Divine Gang of Myriad Transformations Dragon Elephant, to unblock the acupoints, but used it to refine the quantity of other Divine Gangs.


    Raising the count of Divine Gangs.


    Mainly, as Li Che was refining five types of Divine Gang, if he wanted each Divine Gang to twist together into Five Elements Divine Gang, Li Che couldn¡¯t be biased.


    Flicking his fingers!


    A black chess piece shot out, swelling against the wind into the form of Du Fu wearing a white mask, resembling White Impermanence.


    Du Fu, as he appeared now, was vastly different from before, with a physique that was tall and muscular, like an inflated balloon.


    The moment Du Fu appeared, Li Che had already pointed out with his stick!


    Utterly merciless, with a piercing killing intent!


    Anyway, Du Fu was already dead, even if killed by him, he could still be reformed.


    "Come forth! My lord!¡±


    "Oh! Strike me down!¡±


    ...


    ...


    Starry night sky brightly adorned, forming a river of stars.


    Spring breeze fluttered, quite refreshing.


    Inner City, within an immense mansion.


    Demon Child, wearing a black bellyband, with a purple Prison Lotus Divine Pattern on his forehead, continuously emitting a subtle glow.


    Barefoot, though small in stature, he seemed quite mature, hands behind his back, pacing back and forth in the courtyard.


    He raised his hand, covering his chest, revealing a fierce look in his dark eye circles.


    "Dangerous, still very dangerous


    "I¡¯m still being targeted!¡±


    "Netherworld Ox Demon!¡±


    Demon Child gritted his teeth, his face extremely ugly.


    He had not expected that, right after arriving in Dao City, the evil of the Underworld would directly strike at him.


    He lost three powerful curse gold corpses!


    Those Curse Gold Corpses were comparable to a Grandmaster Warrior!


    Even within the Corpse God Cult, they were extremely precious and rare followers!


    The cost to cultivate a Curse Gold Corpse was truly too great, and suddenly he had lost three.


    What¡¯s crucial was... even after losing the three Curse Gold Corpses, Demon Child still did not feel safe after escaping.


    There was no sense of security at all!


    Demon Child was now frantically aggravated, wishing to mobilize all his available power...


    He wanted to kill the people of the Underworld!


    Ox Demon, Horse Face, and that Divine Monkey, he wanted to kill them all!


    He also knew about the incident last night; Su Huai was brutally killed by Ox Demon, right in front of You Liqing, forcefully slain.


    This Underworld...


    Was indeed too arrogant!


    "This is Dao City... why is the Underworld so arrogant?!¡±


    Demon Child sat down on the threshold, grinding his teeth.


    These days, he had no mindset to indulge in beauty.


    He didn¡¯t even have the chance to organize a hunting plan for Li Nuanxi...


    Now, Li Nuanxi has entered inside the gate of Qian Yuan Divine Sect.


    "Troublesome


    "My lady has entered Qian Yuan Divine Sect, it¡¯s unknown when she will come out... Capturing her to bring her back to Jizhou seems quite challenging.¡±

 Chapter 636: What Face Lies Beneath the Bull Demon Mask, Dragon Tooth Wishes to Kill Demon Child (3)

    636  Chapter 220: What Face Lies Beneath the Bull Demon Mask, Dragon Tooth Wishes to Kill Demon Child_3


    The Demon Child exhaled and spread his arms wide, lying straight down on the ground.


    "Unless we resort to using the hidden agents of the Authentic Qianyuan Divine Sect."


    "But there''s only one hidden agent within the Qianyuan Divine Sect, and they are too important... Absolutely cannot be exposed, and must be used at a crucial moment to have a miraculous effect."


    A crafty glint suddenly flashed in the eyes of the Demon Child.


    "That hidden agent... No one knows, no one can guess or even imagine!"


    "Hehe..."


    "Therefore, it''s not worth it to expose this hidden agent just for a little girl," the Demon Child''s dark circles quivered for a moment.


    Suddenly.


    The Demon Child sat up from the ground.


    In the great hall, a black fog rolled and tumbled about.


    And then, from within the black fog, a figure emerged.


    It was a Corpse God Envoy, dressed in a white robe and wearing a white mask, with the character "Six" written in blood upon it.


    Six Ministries Corpse God Envoy!


    Moreover, the Demon Child noticed that there were three rings of golden patterns on the sleeves of this Corpse God Envoy.


    Six Divisions Upper Rank Corpse God Envoy!


    Such a Corpse God Envoy, even within the headquarters of the Corpse God Cult, counted as a formidable entity!


    "Demon Child, my lord."


    Upon the appearance of this Six Divisions Upper Rank Corpse God Envoy, the Demon Child immediately perked up, while the other party very respectfully greeted the Demon Child.


    "You''ve finally arrived! With you here, I can finally feel somewhat at ease."


    "The situation in Dao City is quite dangerous, the Space-Time Corpse Technique must seize the right moment to descend within Yuan Dao City," said the newcomer indifferently.


    "Lord Demon Child, I''m already aware of your troubles... indeed, the Underworld and our Corpse God Cult are in a fight to the death."


    "That Bull Demon started out from Fei Lei City by making a name for himself through killing our Corpse God Cult disciples, slaying our subordinate Spirit Infant Sect in Fei Lei City; in Golden Light Prefecture City, he even finished off the factions that Yuan Jingang had infiltrated with great difficulty..."


    "Now in Qianyuan Taoist City, this Bull Demon has already begun his slaughter against our cult..."


    There was a somewhat hoarse and solemn tone beneath the white mask of the Corpse God Envoy.


    "Exactly... Several factions that we eroded were just like that, directly exposed and brutally killed by the Bull Demon, without any rationale!"


    "This Bull Demon is truly malicious and nefarious!" the Demon Child cursed angrily.


    "Mechanical Techniques, poison, Qi-Blood Unrivaled Refinement, cruel and merciless... cautious and sly."


    "He is a very tough opponent to deal with," the Six Divisions Upper Rank Corpse God Envoy said flatly.


    "Moreover, he has the means to see through the disguises of our Corpse God Cult''s Corpse Curse Marks, and this is the most infuriating aspect of him."


    "Lord Demon Child, if I''m not mistaken, your current location should already be known to him."


    "Of course, I know. But this Bull Demon has already attacked Dao City once, it''s not possible for him to do it a second time... Do you really think the Dao Master of the City Lord''s Mansion in Dao City is weak?"


    "And there''s the Temple Administration Office and the Qintian Observatory..."


    "One surprise attack may work, but if he continues to do so... it might even alarm the Divine Fetus Great God."


    The Demon Child bared his teeth and grinned, "I''m just waiting for him to attack again, his fireworks can''t kill me. I have the Cursed Golden Corpses to withstand it, but if he comes a few more times... then he''s the one who will die!"


    "I don''t believe that even the Divine Fetus Great God won''t be able to catch him!"


    The Corpse God Envoy seemed to laugh softly at that.


    "Lord Demon Child, in fact, you could contact the Hunting God Pavilion and let the assassin blood faces of Dao City''s Hunting God Pavilion hunt down the evils of the Underworld..."


    As the Corpse God Envoy finished speaking.


    The Demon Child''s eyes immediately lit up!


    "That''s right! Although the Underworld has killed many of the Hunting God Pavilion''s arrangements in the Golden Light Prefecture, the Hunting God Pavilion doesn''t care much about those dead assassins; they are too indifferent, even colder than our Corpse God Cult."


    "Indeed, in the eyes of assassins, there are no comrades, only interests."


    "To get the Hunting God Pavilion to seriously hunt down the Underworld, it still requires motivation through interests."


    The Demon Child''s dark circles trembled, "You go and contact the Hunting God Pavilion for me, offer them a high price. If they eliminate the Underworld, all is worth it!"


    "Also, I have one more request. Kill the Bull Demon and bring his head to me."


    "I want to see... what kind of a face is beneath that Bull Demon Mask!"


    The Six Divisions Upper Rank Corpse God Envoy upon hearing this, chuckled softly.


    ...


    10:01


    ...


    As the white robe billowed, a surge of dark energy whirled around, and within just a breath or two, it engulfed his form.


    This Six Divisions Upper Rank Corpse God Envoy, when employing the Space-Time Corpse Technique, was indeed very nimble!


    ...


    ...


    Screech¡ª!


    A silver eagle circled high in the sky, slicing through the night and swiftly plummeting down!


    It flapped its broad wings fiercely and landed within the headquarters of the Dao City Temple Administration Office.


    The headquarters of the Temple Control Bureau in Dao City occupied a vast area because there were simply too many Mysterious Temples that needed to be meticulously documented and recorded.


    Hence, there was a large amount of paperwork to be handled.


    Two Four Imperials, three Five Elders, sixteen Divisions, ninety-eight Seven Elements...


    These Strange Temples'' information and intelligence were all recorded at the Temple Administration Office, even the maps of the Strange Que encountered therein, which were obtained at the cost of the lives of the Divine Envoys of the Temple Administration Office.


    The silver eagle gently landed, and a man dressed in simple black attire flicked his finger, popping a blood-colored elixir into the mouth of the silver eagle.


    He then removed the letter from the eagle''s leg and slowly unfurled it.


    The silver eagle cried out, spreading its wings to stir up a gust before vanishing into the high skies, blending into the night in an instant.


    The figure slowly unfolded the letter, scanning over it with his eyes.


    The next moment, he raised his hand and made a light gesture.


    "Send for Zhu Chaoyang and Xie Jing of the Golden Light Prefecture City Temple Administration Governor''s Office to come here."


    His words came to an end.


    In the dark distance, a figure flickered and disappeared.

 Chapter 642: Neither Gods Nor Buddhas Can Suppress Me, What Counts the Corpse God?

    Chapter 642: Chapter 222: Neither Gods Nor Buddhas Can Suppress Me, What Counts the Corpse God? [Seeking Monthly Ticket]


    Li Che had never known why the Demon Child of the Corpse God Cult held such a revered status.


    Not strong in power, not high in cultivation, yet capable of marshaling the Cursed Golden Corpses of the Corpse God Cult to die for him.


    Now, Li Che had come to understand a bit.


    Rank.


    Corpse God Rank!


    This Demon Child of the Corpse God Cult, with the blood of the Corpse God flowing in his veins, might be a descendant of the Corpse God or perhaps a vessel for the Corpse God¡¯s descent.


    In any case, the connection between the Demon Child and the Corpse God was of utmost importance.


    This connection was even worth the Corpse God Cult spending a great deal to protect.


    Each Cursed Golden Corpse was equivalent to the existence of an Innate Grandmaster Level, although perhaps in terms of martial arts, the Cursed Golden Corpses couldn¡¯t compare with a real Innate Grandmaster.


    However, the Golden Gang generated by the Cursed Golden Corpses reached the strength of Innate True Gang, capable of contending with True Gang.


    Li Che believed it was absolutely not easy for the Corpse God Cult to cultivate a Cursed Golden Corpse, necessitating a great cost.


    Yet they were willing to dispatch five Cursed Golden Corpses to protect the Demon Child!


    Now, seeing the Corpse Qi bursting forth from the Demon Child, Li Che understood the reason.


    Desiring the Corpse God!


    One of the Six Great Corpse Gods of the Corpse God Cult!


    This was not the will of the Corpse God, but the true soul spirit of the Corpse God housed within the body of the Demon Child, awakening at this moment.


    It was like truly facing a resurrected Corpse God!


    Li Che¡¯s mind whirled, instantly understanding the Demon Child¡¯s status within the Corpse God Cult.


    Therefore, Li Che did not underestimate at all, apart from the Spiritual Monkey Divine Appearance unaffected by the terrifying rank pressure emanating from the opponent.


    The other two Temple God Avatars also felt the pressure.


    Thus, Li Che immediately entered a steady mode, opted for cautious action, and brought out his strongest trump card.


    He summoned the Mythological Weapon [Face of the Firmament]!


    In the distance.


    The Demon Child¡¯s body straightened, his eyes coldly shifted towards him.


    That was a lofty gaze, as if a god overlooking mere mortals.


    Whoosh whoosh¡ª


    The evening wind seemed to turn into myriad icy cold currents!


    The small figure of the Demon Child hovered in the air, a massive Corpse God Seal behind him, continuously revolving.


    His voice, devoid of any emotion, nor even containing Divinity, reverberated like thunder throughout the entire residence, overshadowing all the noise of the roaring air currents.


    "Boldly daring to kill my reincarnated body, presumptuous!¡±


    "Die¡ª!!!¡±


    His words came to an end.


    Following it, a terrifying murderous intent surged forth!


    The explosion of the word ¡°die¡± kept echoing, as if blasting towards the heavens and earth!


    Almost in an instant, the small body of the Demon Child vanished from its original spot, only to reappear right before Li Che, now covered by the Face of the Firmament.


    Enormously rich Death Qi and Corpse Qi burst forth from the Demon Child¡¯s body!


    A scream, sharp to the extreme, suddenly erupted.


    "Die¡ª!!!¡±


    Terrifying red light blossomed in an instant, like a dam burst, the torrential river water unstoppable!


    Billowing Corpse Qi and Death Qi surged wildly like boundless seas.


    In an instant, they filled the entire residence!


    Boom boom boom!


    Though Death Qi and Corpse Qi should have been extremely cold, at this moment, originating from the Demon Child, they erupted with all the light and heat of a Big Sun¡¯s lifetime!


    Blazing intensively, hot as fire!


    An indescribable terrifying will, overwhelming and sweeping through!


    Ah¡ª!!!


    At this moment, throughout the entirety of Qianyuan Dao City, all those from the Corpse God Cult, who perceived this terrifying will, evil people branded with the Corpse Curse Mark, felt the most terrifying presence in existence right next to them!


    Very close!


    They all trembled as they knelt on the ground.


    Even the Divine Envoy of the Six Divisions knelt down.


    At this moment, even if they were to be cut down by swords immediately, they dared not dodge in the slightest.


    Li Che, now wearing the Face of the Firmament, having achieved the Three Pure Ranks [Heaven and Earth Spirit Bright True Ape], finally had a slight capacity to activate this Mythological Weapon!


    But at this moment, even the facial expression under Li Che¡¯s mask slightly changed!


    Is this the true will of the Corpse God?


    Even if unleashed through the body of the Demon Child, it was extremely terrifying!


    Far beyond comparison with the Master of Divine Gang, or even the will of an Innate Grandmaster achieving Unity of Heaven and Man.


    Even someone like You Liqing, a Supreme Grandmaster at the Top Three Flowers Level, couldn¡¯t compare!


    Perhaps...


    Only a Martial Saint who has gathered the Top Three Flowers and achieved the condensing of Five Qi towards the Yuan, can unleash such a terrifying will that seems to descend from beyond the illusion!


    Li Che, now close at hand, felt his heart pounding; even with the Face of the Firmament covering him, he felt the omnipotent intentions of the Corpse God!


    As if to be overwhelmed in mind and spirit, utterly succumbing to the Corpse Curse Mark in an instant, turning into a corpse slave under the Corpse God!


    Beneath the Face of the Firmament, Li Che¡¯s eyes furiously opened!

 Chapter 646: The Ape God’s Mighty Strike on the Corpse God Seal, Xi Xi Misses Daddy and Mommy

    Chapter 646: Chapter 223: The Ape God¡¯s Mighty Strike on the Corpse God Seal, Xi Xi Misses Daddy and Mommy [Seeking Monthly Ticket]


    Corpse God Seal, with an extremely high rank!


    Just the oppressive force exuded from its rank caused the two Temple God Avatars possessed by Li Che to tremble slightly.


    Li Che had almost no hesitation and directly used the Heaven and Earth Chessboard to suppress it!


    Moreover, vaguely, Li Che even felt that there was a powerful and terrifying existence, perceiving through the Corpse God Seal, wanting to establish contact and cast its gaze!


    From a certain perspective, the Corpse God... should be of a higher rank than the Martial Saint.


    When Ji Haihui was slain by Li Che, the will of the Martial Saint formed by the condensation of the bloodline of the Martial Saint within his body, was unable to give Li Che such a sensation.


    Not even the Martial Saint Ji Moli could establish contact from thousands of miles away through the bloodline of the Martial Saint.


    Thus, from this point alone, Li Che concluded that the Corpse God might be somewhat more terrifying than the Martial Saint.


    Of course, this was just Li Che¡¯s judgment.


    Whether the Corpse God or the Martial Saint is stronger or weaker is still unknown.


    But one thing is certain, an existence like the Corpse God, in terms of strength and combat power, definitely is not inferior to any Divine Fetus Great God or Martial Saint!


    Therefore, without any hesitation, Li Che immediately pulled it into the Heaven and Earth Chessboard, severing its connections that were yet to be established in the unforeseeable future!


    Rumbling!


    The entire yard was struck by a blast of air waves, Li Che stood firm, his eyes flashing like lightning.


    Inside his chest, it seemed as if a second heart had started throbbing.


    Thumping!


    Each beat resonated like a thunderclap.


    Initially, the Corpse God Seal was resistant, but the [Chess Saint] Dao Fruit was activated by Li Che to the extreme, forcibly suppressed.


    It fell onto the chessboard, the interwoven lines on the board continuously indented, as if about to collapse while carrying the load.


    It was also like forming into a sunken deep pit, completely binding and entangling the Corpse God Seal.


    Rumbling!!


    The Corpse God Seal fell into the Heaven and Earth Chessboard, beginning to tremble violently, in a single breath, it rebounded thousands and thousands of times.


    The space was almost vibrating causing invisible ripples to appear.


    As if it would completely shatter the chessboard!


    A suffocating and terrifying oppressive force erupted like a landslide and tsunami from the Corpse God Seal!


    Hum


    Li Che¡¯s Primordial Spirit connection, the next moment, he fiercely opened his eyes, with electricity crisscrossing.


    His gaze cast down, he saw the continuously expanding, mountainous-like Corpse God Seal that seemed about to crush the chessboard.


    The intensely thick Death Qi and Corpse Qi, along with a special intent within it, all boiled and resisted, wanting to establish a complete connection with the invisible will that was emerging in the outside world!


    Originally existing in the Heaven and Earth Chessboard, the refined Seven Elements Corpse Curse Mother-and-Child Seal, at this moment, was trembling non-stop in horror.


    As if it was about to burst open.


    The oppressive force emanating from the Corpse God Seal, too powerful, too terrifying!


    Making the Seven Elements Corpse Curse Mother-and-Child Seal utterly unable to resist.


    Li Che¡¯s Primordial Spirit floated down, landing on the intersecting lines of the Heaven and Earth Chessboard, his Primordial Spirit dark as ink, seemingly made up of countless black chess pieces.


    His black and robust Primordial Spirit¡¯s hair flew without wind, standing with hands behind his back, Li Che stepped closer to the Corpse God Seal.


    At this point, the Corpse God Seal started to intensely twist and expand, the rich and heavy Death Qi and Corpse Qi churned out, the corrosive power, devastating the world.


    The spreading corrosive force, contained powerful Divinity!


    However, to Li Che¡¯s surprise, this Divinity... was unexpectedly pure!


    "Corpse God... is it a Temple God, too?¡±


    Li Che furrowed his brows.


    A touch of confusion flashed through his eyes.


    Compared to other Temple Gods, this Corpse God... is also too damn active, right?


    Or, was it awakened by the group of Evil People from the Corpse God Cult?


    Looking at the continuously expanding object, resembling a mount with black oil rolling down its outer layer, instantly, like a muddy mountain, after the sliding down of the black oil, revealed its true appearance.


    That was a massive black Guanyin!


    Fat, swollen, twisted...


    A powerful desire crazily burst forth from the black-oil-entwined Guanyin statue!


    Li Che¡¯s Primordial Spirit slightly vibrated, almost feeling the presence of various twisting waists around him... Zhang Ya.


    Li Che¡¯s mouth twitched.


    This is the intention-seeking Corpse God?


    Slowly raising his hand, countless white lights burst forth from his body, instantly, one after another white chess pieces whizzed around!


    In his chest, the [Pure Heart] Dao Fruit vibrated madly!


    The Inner Scene of the Energy Center opened!


    Reflecting streaming light!


    God¡¯s Avatars [Fire-Eye Mystical Awe Spirit Monkey], [Hundred-Turned Worry Dream Gui Ling Rabbit]!


    All appeared beside Li Che.


    His eyes overflowed and jumped with golden flames, the Awe-Inspiring Divinity ravaging the surroundings.


    Numerous osmanthus flowers scattered, under the gentle rabbit¡¯s head, hung the drifting length of a woman¡¯s dress, the dress suddenly tore open, revealing layers of Steel Muscles and Iron Bones!


    Two Temple God Avatars appeared, one on the left and one on the right, like protectors by his side, aiding Li Che to confront that Corpse God Guanyin!


    Li Che flicked his fingers, the white Pure Heart Divinity shot out, the illusions that appeared all burst open.


    Accompanied by the mournful gazes of wife Zhang Ya, like shattered mirrors, the light shimmered.


    Li Che flicked his fingers again.


    Instantly, the Pure Heart Divine Chess Pieces attracted the black Divine Chess Pieces, spiraling and rushing towards the Corpse God Seal!


    "Explode.¡±


    Li Che clenched his five fingers.


    Black and White Collapse directly erupted!


    In the Heaven and Earth Chessboard, an extremely brilliant radiance burst forth, like a brilliant white energy bowl, devouring everything, overturned downward!

 Chapter 651: Confronting the Martial Saint Horse Face Exposure, My Daughter is 5 Years Old

    Chapter 651: Chapter 224: Confronting the Martial Saint Horse Face Exposure, My Daughter is 5 Years Old [Seeking Monthly Ticket]


    Spring rain pattered down relentlessly.


    Striking the black tiles, it produced a ticking sound akin to the hands of a clock being moved.


    Under the eaves, Old Chen who was brushing his teeth abruptly stood up.


    He looked over from afar, a hint of worry briefly surfacing on his aged face.


    The Temple Control Bureau?


    And it¡¯s the Dao City Temple Control Bureau at that!


    It¡¯s well known that the Temple Control Bureaus established by the Imperial Court in major Dao Cities not only suppress the Strange Temples but also serve to counteract the Divine Sect.


    Thus, the Dao City Temple Control Bureau is certainly not an ordinary force.


    Far from being comparable to the Temple Office of Golden Light Prefecture City.


    It belongs to the true leviathans, nearly on par with the Authentic Divine Sect, and although there are disparities in heritage, each and every Temple Guardian dispatched by the Imperial Court to Dao City is an exceptional master.


    Inside the house, Zhang Ya also stepped out, her fine eyebrows furrowing as she quickly trotted over.


    "Darling


    Li Che raised his hand and gently patted her shoulder.


    "It¡¯s nothing. Lord Xie has some business with me; I¡¯ll just go and return shortly.¡±


    Li Che said with a calm and gentle smile.


    His demeanor was very mild, without a trace of anxiety or worry.


    "As a Second-Class Guest Official of the Qintian Observatory, I accompanied the Observatory on a trip to a Strange Temple to observe the Temple God. Later, that Strange Temple vanished... perhaps it¡¯s mere coincidence.¡±


    Li Che¡¯s voice was very stable, comforting his wife.


    Xie Jing, watching Li Che¡¯s demeanor, couldn¡¯t help but feel admiration in his heart.


    After all, most cultivators invited by the Temple Control Bureau often feel uneasy within.


    To the cultivators in the world, the Temple Control Bureau is an extremely formidable entity, an organization specifically dealing with Strange Temples, filled with mighty figures. Although the number of Divine Envoys is not large, each is exceedingly powerful.


    Once one joins the Temple Control Bureau, if anything occurs, escape is nigh impossible.


    Li Che¡¯s composure dissolved Xie Jing¡¯s suspicion of him.


    Prior to his arrival, Xie Jing had indeed harbored doubts about Li Che.


    After all, some coincidences...


    Could such coincidental events all happen to Li Che?


    Both Strange Temples that Li Che visited to observe the Temple Gods mysteriously disappeared from the human world, how could one not speculate?


    "Lord Xie, let¡¯s be on our way.¡±


    "A clear conscience fears no accusation,¡± Li Che said with a calm smile, his black robes fluttering.


    Xie Jing¡¯s genuine admiration surfaced, ¡°Please.¡±


    After reassuring Zhang Ya not to worry about his safety, Li Che left with Xie Jing, boarded the Temple Control Bureau¡¯s carriage, breaking through the tilting curtains of spring rain, and headed towards the direction of the Temple Control Bureau.


    Inside the carriage, a charcoal stove boiled water, the seething water scalding, brewing the tender shoots of early spring. A few verdant tea buds were dropped into the teacup, instantly unraveling when swept up by the boiling water as if stretching lazily.


    The clear water gradually infused with a hue of verdant green.


    Xie Jing and Li Che discussed many matters, mostly concerning the events in Golden Light Prefecture City.


    Both coming from the same Prefecture, they naturally shared a closer bond.


    "The Temple Control Bureau of Golden Light Prefecture City will soon receive a new Governor from the Imperial Court. After the Temple God Resonance, the Eight-Armed Prison Lotus Wrathful Third Prince¡¯s Sinister Temple will likely fall into a long period of calm. The next time it erupts, it could be a significant event


    "Perhaps then, I might be reassigned back to Golden Light Prefecture City.¡±


    Xie Jing said with a smile, sipping his tea.


    "Oh? So the Temple Control Bureau believes the Third Prince¡¯s Strange Temple in Golden Light Prefecture will have a major outbreak?¡±


    Li Che asked, puzzled.


    "That¡¯s inevitable. Compared to the other Four Royal Strange Temples, the Third Prince¡¯s Strange Temple appeared in a relatively short span of time. Every Strange Temple goes through a major eruption


    "Such an eruption... has been referred to as ¡®Temple God Returning Light¡¯ by the Great Supervising Minister of Divine Machine from the Capital Divine Heaven Bureau.¡±


    "Prior to the ¡®Temple God Sublimation,¡¯ the Four Royal Strange Temples aren¡¯t particularly dangerous, even if Divinity infection spreads, it remains within controllable limits.¡±


    "That is why neither the Divine Sect nor the Imperial Court has dispatched strong figures to garrison the Third Prince¡¯s Strange Temple. However, once ¡®Temple God Returning Light¡¯ commences and the Temple God revives from death, Golden Light Prefecture may very well become the center of the vortex


    "By then, it won¡¯t just be one Divine Fetus Great God or Martial Saint descending.¡±


    Xie Jing said in a soft voice.


    He leaned back against the soft cushioning of the carriage, a serious look glinting in his eyes.


    "Moreover


    "I feel that the Third Prince¡¯s Strange Temple in Golden Light Prefecture might be different from the other Four Royal Strange Temples


    "I have previously experienced two of the Four Royal Strange Temples within the Strange Que of Qianyuan Dao City


    "Be it the Wonderous Way Manifest Saint Three-Eyed True Lord Strange Temple suppressed by the Qianyuan Divine Sect, or the Nine Chi Demon-Expelling Evil-Suppressing Celestial Cover Strange Temple jointly suppressed by the Su Family, Zhou Family, the Yun Family, and the Zhong Family from the Four Great Families


    "None gave me a terror as profound as the Strange Que of the Third Prince¡¯s Strange Temple.¡±


    Xie Jing, holding his sword, his gaze took on a distant look.


    "It was a night of the full moon, I had not even entered the Strange Que of the Third Prince¡¯s Strange Temple, merely being outside the Mysterious Fog, I vaguely sensed... numerous terrifying presences, as if parading in columns.¡±

 Chapter 652: Confronting the Martial Saint Horse Face Exposure, My Daughter is 5 Years Old (2)

    Chapter 652: Chapter 224: Confronting the Martial Saint Horse Face Exposure, My Daughter is 5 Years Old [Seeking Monthly Ticket]_2


    Xie Jing spoke in a heavy tone.


    "However, since then, I have never again witnessed a situation similar to ¡®All Gods Strolling in the Streets.''¡±


    "The Dao City Temple Administration Office has also dispatched Grandmasters who have achieved the Unity of Heaven and Man to investigate, but... they found nothing.¡±


    "They say I might have experienced an illusion while practicing swordplay, but I feel that I couldn¡¯t have seen it wrong.¡±


    Xie Jing¡¯s voice turned somewhat deep.


    He seemed to have forgotten Li Che¡¯s presence, merely seeking someone to confide in.


    Li Che fell into silence.


    He couldn¡¯t help but think of the scenes he had seen through the Star Plucking Pupil amidst the Mysterious Fog.


    Weren¡¯t they somewhat similar to what Xie Jing ¡°All Gods Strolling in the Streets¡±?


    Only...


    It wasn¡¯t All Gods that were strolling.


    It was...


    An endless horde of demons and monsters!


    Li Che did not respond to Xie Jing, his face even showing a hint of horror and astonishment.


    "Lord Xie... what you just said is truly frightening.¡±


    Li Che spoke.


    Xie Jing was taken aback and then forced a bitter smile.


    "Master Li, you can just take it as nonsense.¡±


    The carriage rumbled on, the Spring Rain crushed upon the puddles, splintering them like mirrors.


    The carriage arrived in front of the expansive Town Temple Office Yamen of Qianyuan Taoist City.


    Much like the Temple Control Bureau in Golden Light Prefecture, or rather, the layout of Temple Offices in other places were quite similar, with pavilions arrayed one after another in order.


    Within each pavilion, numerous Divine Envoys of the Temple Office were processing official papers, recording information gathered from all over.


    Xie Jing led Li Che through the green stone-paved avenue of the Town Temple Office Yamen.


    Shortly after, they arrived in front of a majestic and grand pavilion located deep within the Yamen.


    "Master Li, please.¡±


    Li Che nodded and stepped into the building.


    After Xie Jing gestured a respectful fist and palm salute towards the inside of the building, he closed the vermilion doors.


    As the doors closed, it seemed as if even the light was severed along with them.


    The great hall of the building was vast and spacious, lined with bookshelves made of Spiritual Wood, and the shelves were filled with copious amounts of books.


    With a glance, Li Che noticed they all pertained to the Mysterious Temple.


    "Have you arrived?¡±


    Suddenly, from behind a bookshelf, a middle-aged man dressed in a grey cloth robe slowly walked out.


    A very refined and cultured middle-aged man, his lustrous black hair, full of vitality, was tied up with a cord.


    He dusted off a book in his hands, blowing away the dust.


    He beckoned to Li Che amiably.


    "You must be Master Li Che, right?¡±


    "Please, take a seat.¡±


    The middle-aged man said with a gentle smile, exuding a unique sense of serenity.


    However, the Dragon Elephant Vajra Dao Fruit in Li Che¡¯s chest throbbed violently as if he wasn¡¯t facing a genteel and affable Confucian scholar but a monstrous, bloodthirsty creature¡ªa terrifying Blood and Flesh Vajra!


    Very strong, exceedingly powerful!


    The Great Bodily Elixir in Li Che¡¯s Dantian pulsed fiercely, yet he controlled the Dragon Elephant Vajra Dao Fruit to maintain the flow of his blood without much change.


    A Martial Saint?!


    Was he a Martial Saint?!


    Li Che¡¯s heart trembled incessantly.


    Was this cultured middle-aged Confucian scholar before him a Martial Saint?!


    Li Che didn¡¯t know, but to elicit such a strong reaction from him...


    Even Li Qing, who had opened the Three Flowers atop his head, did not have such an oppressive presence.


    The middle-aged Confucian continued to browse through the books, apparently noticing that Li Che was somewhat reserved, a hint of curiosity flashed in his eyes.


    He kindly said: ¡°Don¡¯t be so tense... I¡¯ve just come to have a chat with you after all, you¡¯re the Second-Class Guest Official of the Qintian Observatory, and although not officially employed by the Imperial Court¡¯s formal documents, strictly speaking, you¡¯re also considered a colleague of mine.¡±


    "I am Wenlong Yuwen, one of the two Governor Generals of the Si Mansion in Qianyuan Dao City.¡±


    Li Che sat down on a wooden Taishi Chair.


    "Do you know that the two Strange Temples you visited have mysteriously disappeared?¡±


    The middle-aged Confucian asked as he flipped through an ancient tome.


    Although his gaze never fell on Li Che, the invisible pressure felt full.


    Li Che shook his head.


    His response was watertight.


    He believed that Wenlong Yuwen wouldn¡¯t find any clues as long as he didn¡¯t admit it, no one would know it was his doing.


    That¡¯s right, the disappearance of the Mysterious Temples from the face of the earth was a great deed, wasn¡¯t it?


    Li Che was always one to do good deeds without leaving his name behind.


    "Isn¡¯t the disappearance of the Mysterious Temple... a good thing?¡±


    Li Che adopted an honest and sincere demeanor.


    Wenlong Yuwen, in fact, had his powerful Divine Sense locked onto Li Che the whole time, but he did not notice anything unusual.


    After a moment, Wenlong Yuwen closed the ancient book, with his gaze finally landing on Li Che.


    However, Wenlong Yuwen did not answer Li Che¡¯s question.


    "Alright, Master Li, you can go back first... the disappearance of the Mysterious Temples, it may indeed be a coincidence that you were present both times.¡±


    Wenlong Yuwen gave the order to leave.


    Li Che stood up, cupped his fists, and bowed.


    "I wish Governor Wenlong Yuwen to solve the case soon and find the culprit responsible for causing the Mysterious Temples to vanish from the world.¡±


    Wenlong Yuwen smiled and nodded slightly.


    Li Che left the building, and Xie Jing had already been waiting outside.


    Once the figure disappeared into the misty rain of spring.


    The man in the grey Confucian robe, Wenlong Yuwen, slowly shifted his gaze away.


    "Li Che


    "It¡¯s not him.¡±


    "His aura is too weak... The Physical Body is strong, hiding Cultivation, but it¡¯s just in the Grandmaster Posterior Realm


    "And moreover, he lacks the aura of Divinity that those two Temple Gods possessed

 Chapter 653: Confronting the Martial Saint Horse Face Exposure, My Daughter is 5 Years Old (3)

    Chapter 653: Chapter 224: Confronting the Martial Saint Horse Face Exposure, My Daughter is 5 Years Old [Seeking Monthly Ticket]_3


    "In just four short years... from a wood carving shop laborer in a small world family in a small city, to become a Second-Class Guest Official at the Astronomical Observatory?¡±


    "Skilled in mechanical manufacturing and having given birth to a divine daughter with a purple aura a thousand feet long, getting into the Authentic Divine Sect, in just a short four years, relying on his daughter for glory, he climbed from a small city to Dao City.¡±


    He took the wolf brush, dipping it in thick ink.


    His eyes became deep, with a hint of wisdom that seemed to see through everything.


    Thus, beside the name Li Che, he slowly wrote down two characters.


    [Horse Face]


    ...


    ...


    Lord Xie sent Li Che back to Liuxiang Lane.


    "Lord Xie, do you know what the Governor¡¯s Office official¡¯s cultivation is?¡±


    Before parting, Li Che curiously asked.


    Xie Jing laughed: ¡°Do you feel somewhat oppressed, as if everything about you was seen through?¡±


    Li Che did not directly respond but nodded.


    Yes, that Divine Sense was too strong, forcing Li Che to use the power of the Dragon Elephant Vajra Dao Fruit, revealing a trace of his Qi-Blood and exposing his cultivation from the Grandmaster Initial Realm to the Grandmaster Latter Realm.


    "The Governor¡¯s Office official is a newly ascended figure in the martial path... not weaker than the Divine Fetus Great God.¡±


    Xie Jing only said this much mysteriously.


    Then he bid farewell and left.


    "Martial path comparable to the War God¡¯s Fetus; that would naturally be the Martial Saint Li Che¡¯s eyes glittered.


    This was the first time he had met a Martial Saint.


    Truly terrifying, the energy contained within was too immense, as if tens of thousands of Divine Element True Person Divine Chess Pieces¡¯ worth of energy from a Great Avalanche were exploding at once.


    And what was most important was that Wenlong Yuwen could actually suppress such energy within his body without any leakage, and yet he could successfully control it.


    Truly terrifying and powerful!


    This was Li Che¡¯s first time confronting a Martial Saint face to face; even a Martial Saint in a state of resting latent potential, not engaged in combat, also evoked a chilling sensation.


    "I can¡¯t defeat him... I simply can¡¯t beat him


    Li Che let out a sigh of turbid breath.


    "If Wenlong Yuwen, a newly ascended Martial Saint, is this horrifying, then how terrifying must Ji Moli be? He¡¯s reached the pinnacle in the Martial Saint Realm and is also a Vassal King who is a Divine Fetus Great God


    A strong sense of crisis suddenly shrouded over Li Che.


    Having never seen a Martial Saint, one is like a frog in a well looking at the moon.


    Having seen a Martial Saint, one then understands... I¡¯ve underestimated the strength of a Martial Saint.


    Previously, in the mysterious events within the Strange Que of the Third Prince¡¯s Strange Temple, amidst the resonance of the Temple God, the Martial Saint¡¯s Will hidden within Ji Hai¡¯s bloodline was shattered, which made Li Che feel that Martial Saints were not so extraordinary after all.


    Li Che slapped his own face.


    "This world is dangerous; the former way of looking at the moon from the bottom of a well isn¡¯t sufficient, it needs to change.¡±


    "For any enemy, they must be treated with utmost solemnity and respect.¡±


    Looking at the hazy spring colors, Li Che turned and entered the yard.


    ...


    ...


    The spring rain falling on the black tiles, like water droplets continuously dripping from a leaky copper bell, broke apart with a continuous ticking sound.


    Time slowly drifted away amidst the distorting and shattering of the spring rain.


    Since the day the Temple Control Bureau took Li Che away for investigation without result, Li Che no longer continued to observe the Temple God as an Official of the Heavenly Oversight.


    However, Li Che had not given up on summoning the Strange Temple¡¯s Temple God.


    After all, according to Li Che¡¯s cultivation plan, in order to transform his Seven Emotions Divine Base into a Divine Minister, it was best to use the method of summoning gods through the Temple God.


    Therefore, Li Che did not give up, but instead took an extremely stable approach, one that no one could discover.


    Although Li Che no longer went to observe the Temple God, the Astronomical Observatory would still organize the Guest Officials to do so, as only through observing the Temple God can the level of Woodcarving Masters be improved.


    And Li Che could then hide a Thunder Chess Piece on the body of an Official from the Astronomical Observatory who was about to enter the Mysterious Temple.


    Once inside the Mysterious Temple, Li Che would remotely control and allow the Thunder Chess Piece to shake and fall, hiding it within the Mysterious Temple.


    It was like planting a seed.


    Furthermore, Li Che was continuously dropping chess pieces.


    Like an experienced and cautious chess player constantly placing stones and strategizing.


    He chose only the Qi Yuan Mysterious Temples, and he hid a Thunder Chess Piece in each of the five Qi Yuan Mysterious Temples.


    About half a month or so, Li Che would then quietly enter one of the Mysterious Temples in the dead of night and conduct a low-profile summoning ritual.


    Life went on in this orderly manner.


    Li Che went to the Divine Eagle Ridge once, inquiring about the time for the Elder examination.


    The first time he went, one of the reception Elders at the Divine Eagle Ridge almost drove him away due to his young age.


    Had Li Che not produced Jiao Shaoqiu¡¯s referral Jade Pendant, he might not even have been given the chance to speak.


    This made Li Che realize how much the Divine Eagle Ridge valued experience.


    No wonder Jiao Shaoqiu said, it would be difficult for him, Li Che, to become an Elder of the Divine Eagle Ridge...


    He would have to compete with Woodcarving Masters from all over, who have decades or even centuries of craftsmanship experience.


    Li Che had been learning wood carving for only so many years...


    Naturally, he was not looked upon favorably, but out of respect for Jiao Shaoqiu¡¯s token, the reception Elder still received Li Che and told him that he would be notified in advance if the Elder assessment began.


    Therefore, Li Che¡¯s chance to obtain a short-term entry into the ranks of the Divine Sects was temporarily out of reach.

 Chapter 654: Confronting the Martial Saint Horse Face Exposure, My Daughter is 5 Years Old (4)

    Chapter 654 -224: Confronting the Martial Saint Horse Face Exposure, My Daughter is 5 Years Old [Seeking Monthly Ticket]_4


    With abundant resources provided by Li Che, Zhang Ya¡¯s cultivation was never lacking in supply.


    Thus, as time ticked away bit by bit, Li Che began to immerse himself in cultivation, his life becoming more regular.


    He had obtained a piece of Five Elders Spirit Wood called Blood Thunder Luminous Dragon Bone Wood, and many other spiritual woods of the Six Bureaus level, from Qintian Observatory with generous contributions from a former enemy.


    Once the spiritual wood arrived, Li Che started to craft the Mechanical Beast ¡°Blood-Yang Nine-God Vajra Ape¡± from Tang¡¯s Mechanism Essentials that Elder Brother Tang Sanjia of Golden Light Prefecture at Divine Carving Ridge had sent him!


    A Sixth Order Senior Mechanical Beast!


    But this was definitely a colossal project.


    The entire Mechanical Beast had a total of 139,872 mechanism components, each needing to be manually crafted and polished by Li Che.


    And the precision requirements were extremely high!


    Moreover, this Mechanical Beast needed the arrangement of Nine Seals of Mechanism, requiring embedding into the components, with a total of 10,000 parts needing the Nine Seals of Mechanism, the sequence could not be wrong, nor could the Mechanism Seal imprints.


    Fortunately, Li Che had his Immortal Avatar.


    He directly activated the Immortal Avatar and began his research in a hectic rush!


    Aside from studying the Mechanical Beast, Li Che had also become obsessed with refining the Corpse God Mark during this time.


    This Corpse God Mark, after being severely beaten by the Ape God Avatar, was astonishingly tough, making the refinement process extremely difficult for Li Che!


    In the void, an invisible force seemed to hinder his refining.


    Li Che persisted, bombarding it daily with the power of Black and White Collapse.


    Gradually, he finally pried open the cold seal within the Corpse God Mark and began refining it.


    Daily, he practiced punches, nurtured Divinity, crafted Mechanical Beasts, stamped the Corpse God Mark...


    Days were enormously fulfilling!


    During these days, Li Che did not even bother to clear out the Evil People of the Corpse God Cult hiding inside Qianyuan Tao City.


    Because it was unnecessary, once he completed the refinement of the Corpse God Mark, to all Evil People of the Corpse God Cult...


    Seeing him would be like seeing the Corpse God, an overwhelming suppression of Rank.


    Li Che could easily suppress them directly.


    By then, killing them would be effortless, without even needing to cause much disturbance.


    The days in Dao City were tranquil, with the vast city functioning like a giant machine, continuously churning.


    Days flowed smoothly like silk.


    Spring passed, and summer followed; as summer cicadas finished their lifespan, autumn arrived.


    Maple leaves dyed the skyline red, and chilly winds struck from the north.


    Snowflakes as big as goose feathers drifted through the sky.


    The wind howled sharply, bone-chillingly cold.


    Within Qianyuan Tao City, under the jurisdiction of the Su Family, stood a Qi Yuan Mysterious Temple.


    Li Che clenched his five fingers, accompanied by drifting snowflakes.


    He appeared inside the Strange Temple, where white candle flames flickered, suddenly turning a ghostly green in an instant!


    It was a female Temple God holding a flower basket, seated dignifiedly on the altar, elegant yet somewhat sinister.


    "The Grieving Temple God Divinity


    Li Che wore a conical hat, his face covered with a Bull Demon Mask, and he raised his hand to gently brush off a snowflake from his black robe.


    The next instant, his body suddenly swelled, and one after another, a total of nine fearsome Jiaolong Sinews sprang forth from his back, appearing like a red-hot branding iron, and the exposed skin resembled finely tempered fine iron.


    With a flick of his finger, Ting!


    A crisp sound exploded, like a roaring Thunder Dragon.


    A stick interlaced and sparkling with deep blue Thunder Arcs spun in the air, finally landing in Li Che¡¯s hand.


    With a ¡°snap,¡± it was grasped by Li Che.


    With a muscular, towering body, Li Che, with one arm, wielded the Xuanjin Eight Treasures Thunder Dragon Stick, and strands of thick black hair began to grow wildly beneath his hat.


    "Ascending the Tower!¡±


    The Temple God Divinity squeezed out from the Avatar and merged into Li Che¡¯s body.


    The Temple God on the altar, seemingly coming to life, erupted with a terrifying intent to kill, engaging in combat with Li Che.


    Li Che¡¯s lips curled upward beneath his mask, unleashing thirty streaks of Five Elements Divine Gang in a frenzy.


    The shadow of the staff bloomed like a peacock spreading its feathers!


    Primordial Equal to Heaven Staff!


    Air currents were thoroughly shattered and Gang Winds rampaged far and wide!


    Explosive Qi-Blood surged like a boulder thrown into a lake, causing ripples of air currents to ravage and intertwine!


    Moments later, this Temple God was fiercely dispersed by Li Che.


    Using the Divine Skill ¡°Summoning Gods,¡± he dragged it into the Heaven and Earth chessboard.


    Thunderous booms echoed¡ª!!!


    The Mysterious Temple began to shake and rumble, walls shattered, debris exploded, and an immensely thick blue finger pierced through the Strange Que and Mysterious Fog, pressing down fiercely!


    The ultimate rage, as if thunderous roars from the heavens were washing over everything!


    However, Li Che had already vanished from sight.


    Outside the Strange Que.


    A figure moving at extreme speed tore through the air, appearing at the edge of the turbulent Strange Que.


    The Confucian-looking Wenlong Yuwen, with a solemn expression.


    "Another one


    "Another Mysterious Temple has vanished into thin air from the human world.¡±


    "Who in the world?!¡±


    "The sixth one now!¡±


    Wenlong Yuwen exhaled a breath.


    The powerhouses from the Su Family also arrived, each with an extremely ugly expression.


    "This is the fifth Qi Yuan Mysterious Temple under the jurisdiction of my Su Family... to disappear!¡±


    "Who could it be? Why are they targeting my Su Family like this?!¡±


    Wenlong Yuwen gave the Su Family powerhouses a fleeting glance.


    "Your Su Family should think carefully... is it possible you have offended someone?¡±


    With those words ended, Wenlong Yuwen tore through the Mysterious Fog and plunged into it, but the Divinity had become a thing of the past, the Temple was already gone.


    ...


    ...


    In Qianyuan Tao City, Liuxiang Lane.


    Within a small workshop courtyard.


    Li Che clenched his five fingers together, swirling currents dispersed, blowing away all the snow in the yard.


    "The seventh Temple God... summoning successful.¡±


    Li Che even sat down on the ground of the courtyard without bothering to remove his hat.


    "The seventh, the Avatar of Grieving God, is ready!¡±


    Li Che¡¯s thoughts stirred.


    The next moment, he raised his hand and pressed it upon his brow Niwan.


    A powerful storm-like Divinity rippled from the forehead, spreading outwards!


    The female Temple God holding a flower basket, who was suppressed on the Heaven and Earth chessboard, was wrapped by the chains of Divinity and slowly pulled into the final round of the Seven Emotions Divine Base.


    Initially, this female Temple God wanted to resist.


    But Li Che directly brought out the Avatars of the other six Temple Gods, fixing their gaze upon her.


    The female Temple God then gave up struggling, choosing to step into Li Che¡¯s Divine Base with elegance, rather than in vulgarity.


    The majestic Divinity surged around Li Che like a boiling martial world, provoking fierce winds to howl.


    Li Che slowly opened his eyes, his Mo Shan black robe fluttering in the wind.


    Sturdy hair danced wildly.


    Li Che raised his hand, and with a forceful push of his five fingers.


    In an instant, all the Divinity returned to the Mud Pill in his forehead, sinking like mud into the sea, without causing any ripples.


    The entire courtyard turned calm.


    Everything became extremely quiet.


    Only the pure white snowflakes made soft thuds as they landed on the roof.


    Li Che extended his hand and turned his palm upward towards the sky.


    A piece of cold snow fell into his palm.


    It was melted into clear water by his hot Qi-Blood.


    Li Che clenched his hand into a fist.


    A smile appeared at the corner of his mouth.


    He looked up...


    Gazing at the snowflakes falling from the sky.


    He still remembered that year, when the snow fluttered heavily.


    He carried a frozen fish, welcoming the news of his wife giving birth.


    "It¡¯s the time of the year again when the snowflakes are born between heaven and earth.¡±


    "My Xi Xi


    "Is five years old now.¡±

 Chapter 691: Underachiever Xi Xi’s Divine Talisman Assessment, the Divine Monkey in a Big Red Kasaya

    Six-Eared Prison Lotus Divine Monkey Two-Minded Great Saint Strange Temple!


    Li Che¡¯s brow energy center slightly trembled, his Star Plucking Pupil flickering in and out of sight, bursting forth Divine Light, capturing the divinity contained within a snowflake.


    His eyes narrowed slightly, revealing a hint of astonishment.


    The Strange Temple of the Five Elders Rank!


    There are a total of three Five Elders Rank Strange Temples in Qianyuan Taoist City.


    One of which is the Golden Heavenly King Strange Temple, located within the Qianyuan Divine Sect Mountain Gate.


    The same Five Elders Strange Temples, to the Divine Cultivators of this world, are considered to have an extremely high rank!


    This was the second Five Elders Rank Strange Temple that Li Che had encountered!


    And...


    Most importantly, the image of the Law of Heaven and Earth Form of Spirit True Ape inside the energy center of Li Che¡¯s brow was trembling continuously.


    The [Face Equal to Heaven] also seemed to tremble incessantly!


    As if both were being pulled and vibrated by this Strange Temple!


    "Six-Eared Prison Lotus Divine Monkey!¡±


    Li Che furrowed his brow.


    He had captured a key word, Prison Lotus...


    "Again, Prison Lotus!¡±


    A gleam of golden light flashed through the depths of his eyes.


    In the Four Royal Mysterious Temples within the Golden Light Mansion, it was the Eight-Armed Prison Lotus Wrathful Third Prince¡¯s Sinister Temple.


    It was also related to Prison Lotus, and now this Five Elders Strange Temple before him was similarly related...


    "Prison Lotus... what exactly is it?¡±


    Li Che took a deep breath, suppressing the turmoil within his heart.


    The Gongshu Mountain Master walking ahead slowly turned around, as if sensing something, his brows furrowed, he whispered: ¡°A Che, this must be your first encounter with a Five Elders Strange Temple... It¡¯s normal to be surprised.¡±


    "In Qianyuan Taoist City, there are two Four Imperial Rank Strange Temples and three of the Five Elders Rank... As for the Golden Heavenly King Tower Mysterious Temple, I don¡¯t think I need to introduce it to you, coming from the Golden Light Prefecture, there¡¯s one on the Golden Light Peak.¡±


    "The second Five Elders Rank Strange Temple is located here at Divine Carving Ridge, which is this [Six-Eared Prison Lotus Divine Monkey Two-Minded Great Saint] Strange Temple.¡±


    "The third Five Elders Rank Strange Temple is the one under the jurisdiction of the Temple Control Bureau; [Six Desires Extermination Lu Xuan Sword Immortal] Strange Temple


    Gongshu Jingjun spoke casually with his hands behind his back.


    Due to Tang Sanjia, he seemed to have taken a liking to Li Che and thus explained to him.


    Li Che nodded and bowed in thanks.


    "The elder examination of Divine Carving Ridge is conducted within the Strange Temple every year... Observing the statue of the deity and carving its likeness, this Six-Eared Prison Lotus Divine Monkey Two-Minded Great Saint changes a thousand ways, transforming as you wish


    "It will show the Statue of the Deity within your heart, and you carve out the inner divine image to proceed... Then, using the Divine Sculpture Divine Intent to clash, the winner advances, and the loser... naturally cannot hold the position of elder in Divine Carving Ridge.¡±


    Gongshu Jingjun said with a smile.


    The rules were actually not complicated. Most of the Woodcarving Masters present had participated many times, and they were all very familiar with the rules.


    Although it was Li Che¡¯s first time here, he understood the rules after hearing them once.


    "Elder Sun still ranks last in this elder examination, and he will also be your challenger.¡±


    "As long as the Divine Intent contained in your wood carving can shatter the Divine Sculpture Divine Intent carved by Elder Sun, you can replace Elder Sun.¡±


    Gongshu Jingjun¡¯s eyes swept across everyone.


    Although he did not release any sublime pressure from the Divine Hierarchy, simply a glance from him, a Divine Fetus Great God¡¯s terrifying pressure nearly reached its peak, making everyone feel as if they were weighed down by a heavy stone.


    "Elder Sun has already harbored thoughts of retiring... Gentlemen, do your best.¡±


    Gongshu Jingjun uttered indifferently.


    "Three more years have passed... do not let Elder Sun be disappointed.¡±


    Su Huaiming of the Su Family, a Woodcarving Master, stroked his beard with a smile: ¡°Mountain Master, rest assured, I have diligently practiced for three years, this time... I come fully confident.¡±


    "Master Su is indeed confident. However, do not forget that neither I nor Master Tian Shui will easily give up this opportunity,¡± said Yun Haiyang, a Woodcarving Master of the Yun Family.


    The atmosphere suddenly became stern, somewhat confrontational.


    For them, their opponents were not just the last-ranked elder of Divine Carving Ridge, but also the other First-Class Astronomical Observatory Woodcarving Masters.


    Su Huaiming glanced at the two of them, not taking it to heart.


    Obviously, he was confident. For this day, he had been meticulously preparing for three years.


    Last time he was slightly lacking, this time he would not lose again!


    For the three First-Class Guest Officials of the Astronomical Observatory, this Divine Carving Ridge elder examination was simply a competition amongst them.


    The other Woodcarving Masters from Noble Families did not even register in their eyes.


    As for Li Che...


    A young Second-Class Astronomical Observatory Guest Official might have some talent, but that was about it.


    After all, he was too young, completely outclassed by them in terms of experience, impossible to be their opponent.


    The rest of the Woodcarving Masters did not harbor too much competitive spirit either.


    Although they received a nomination to participate in this examination.


    The main purpose for most of the Woodcarving Masters was to enter the Five Elders Strange Temple, to observe the Temple God.


    Having the chance to observe a high-rank Temple God is extremely rare.


    Missing this opportunity, who knows when the Astronomical Observatory will hold another event to observe a high-rank Temple God.


    "Uncle Che, come on! You are Xi Xi¡¯s daddy, you can definitely do it!¡± urged Tang Ren, clenching his fist with excitement.


    Lu Yao also gave a token word of encouragement, not holding too much hope for Li Che.


    After all, they had to consider who Li Che¡¯s opponents were.


    Su Huaiming, Yun Haiyang, Zhou Tianshui... these three were renowned Woodcarving Masters in Qianyuan Taoist City!


    Each Divine Carving they sculpted was extraordinarily valuable.


    Take Su Huaiming, for instance, he once carved a Six Divisions Divine Statue which was sold in the Astronomical Observatory, fetching a high price of nearly sixty Divinity Crystals!

 Chapter 717: Father and Daughter Unite, The Bull Demon Never Postpones His Revenge

    Cry


    Cry!!!


    A grey hawk soars above the wintry, howling Nine Heavens!


    With each flap of its wings, it shatters the snow, defying the inverted currents rushing skyward, undulating unpredictably!


    The grey hawk with white head and purple pupils unfurls its wings, the purple light of its eyes reflecting the scenery below.


    Then, it reflects into the pupils of You Liqing, who is bound and suppressed by Talismans, capturing all the scenes clearly.


    You Liqing lies on the ground, a miniature Talisman stuck on his forehead, his gaze flickering constantly.


    It seems as if a faint Blood Qi is dispersing from his body.


    Boom!!!


    At the main building of the Spring Pavilion, the entire pavilion appears as if it¡¯s swaying in the strong wind, on the verge of collapsing, shattered to pieces!


    In Qianyuan Taoist City.


    Many powerhouses with strong senses have already been alarmed.


    The Noble Families, each with their strong individuals, cast their attention from their mansions, scanning with their Primordial Spirits.


    "It¡¯s the Peaceful Princess, Ao Yuxin of the Dragon God Clan!¡±


    "Is it really her?! When did the princess enter the city, and we knew nothing?!¡±


    "It must be You Liqing who secretly brought her into the city! I hear the princess lost her son; is she here for vengeance?!¡±


    The minds of powerhouses fluctuate with emotions as they engage in gossipy conversations.


    The Su Family, Zhou Family, Yun Family, and Zhong Family, among the four millennium-old families, all have powerhouses releasing their Divine Senses to converse.


    And then, within the clouds of Talismans, thousands of Talismans burst out, covering the skies, almost as if the chaotic flowers are about to blind one¡¯s eyes.


    This causes the emotions of many powerhouses to fluctuate.


    Boom boom boom¡ª!!!


    Many powerhouses, their minds turbulent, struggle to calm down.


    In some ancient and powerful families, slumbering powerhouses seem to slowly open their eyes.


    "It¡¯s her!¡±


    "The Divine Talisman Half-Saint!¡±


    "How could she have left the Divine Talisman Tower of Qian Yuan Divine Sect?¡±


    "Sect Master¡¯s Wife... It¡¯s been so many years since I last saw her.¡±


    "She has grown young again.¡±


    The powerful aura, the muffled voice, flows and floats like sinking incense.


    ...


    ...


    Temple Control Bureau.


    A figure whose Qi-Blood subtly bursts forth, without stirring a single snowflake, has already sprung forward, landing atop the Temple Control Bureau building.


    The robe of the Divine Envoy flutters as Wenlong Yuwen, one of the two Governor Supervisors of Temple Control Bureau, stands on the rooftop.


    He watches the confrontation atop the Spring Pavilion, not far away.


    He does not look at Princess Consort Ao Yuxin; his gaze falls on two little girls standing at the edge of the Talisman clouds.


    One of the little girls, holding a glowing miniature Talisman, catches Wenlong Yuwen¡¯s attention instantly.


    Whoosh whoosh whoosh¡ª


    Behind Wenlong Yuwen, several Three Flowers Grandmasters of the Temple Control Bureau also leap up, their eyes beaming intensely.


    "Governor¡¯s Office... Who is this?¡±


    A Grandmaster who has just broken into the Top Three Flowers Realm can¡¯t help but ask.


    This girl is merely holding a talisman, and yet, it seems like the Qi-Blood of the world has frozen.


    Even from such a distance, they feel their minds filled with trepidation, as if facing a true temple god who has awakened from slumber!


    What terrifying authority is this?!


    Wenlong Yuwen lets out a breath: ¡°Divine Talisman Half-Saint... One of the foundations of Qian Yuan Divine Sect.¡±


    "Qian Yuan Divine Sect Master¡¯s Wife... Former Sect Master of Qingyun Daoxuan Fu Shen Sect, her mother was the daughter of the former Emperor of Dajing, the real sister of today¡¯s Emperor Dajing.¡±


    "Background is supremely connected.¡±


    "Xuan Qisha.¡±


    Hush hush hush¡ª


    The world becomes deathly quiet.


    Each Divine Envoy feels like they have been hammered heavily in their hearts.


    This background is indeed a little exaggerated!


    But why does she look so tiny, like a three-year-old little girl?


    One of the Grandmasters can¡¯t help but voice this question.


    However, Wenlong Yuwen¡¯s face trembles: ¡°The more tender the appearance, the more ruthless the murderer


    "She practices the Locking God Talisman; locking one talisman, she will lock her own consumed life span and Essence Qi and Spirit. One Locking God Talisman, locks life for thirty years.¡±


    "The more childlike she appears, the more Locking God Talismans she has used


    Wenlong Yuwen, as a warrior at Martial Saint Level, possesses extraordinary insight.


    "This girl, very strong... Part of the foundation under the Greater God of Divine Sect.¡±


    Wenlong Yuwen solemnly says.


    "The princess has provoked her... She may have hit a steel plate.¡±


    ...


    ...


    Qianyuan Taoist City, Qintian Observatory.


    Octagonal heavy eaves Treasure Tower.


    Atop the pavilion.


    An old figure, hair and beard fluttering white, walks to the railing with an air of an immortal.


    Watching the dragon soaring into the sky in the distance, and those dazzling Talisman clouds.


    Shaking his head with a bittersweet smile.


    "Foolishness.¡±


    "Ji Moli, this man, cold and heartless, sending his son Ji Haihui to Golden Light Prefecture is completely like sending him to his death. Now, with Princess Consort Ao Yuxin coming to Qianyuan Taoist City


    "She¡¯s just a pawn.¡±


    "If she really gets killed, it¡¯s all as he wished.¡±


    "Xuan Qisha, Xuan Qisha, after so many years of not coming out of the tower, don¡¯t create a huge mess for your Sect Master Husband when you do.¡±


    The old man stretches lazily and sits in a rocking chair inside the pavilion.


    Creak creak...


    The charcoal stove burns warm; the old man feels drowsy.


    As if the turmoil within the city has nothing to do with him.


    ...


    ...


    "Divine Talisman... Half-Saint?!¡±


    Whoosh whoosh whoosh¡ª!


    The wind howls, and terrifying oppression continues to rampage.


    Princess Consort¡¯s palace attire and long hair are blown back entirely, her black hair and skirt dancing together.


    Till this day in the cultivation world, there are four highly prestigious professions that possess tremendous strength and status.


    Divine Talisman Master, Divine Armaments Master, Divine Carver, and Divine Pill Master!

 Chapter 777: Underworld Base Mo City Exposed, Ruthless Demon Python Kills Princess Consort (3)

    Boom!!!


    Li Che suddenly raised his head, beneath his towering, mountain-like physique, his eyes burst forth with a brilliantly dazzling golden light!


    In an instant, the Heaven and Earth chessboard connected with the Cat Face¡¯s Thunder Chess Piece.


    Spanning the void, establishing a mysterious connection!


    At the same time, his arm, as tough as steel and iron and covered with dragon-like bulging veins, violently raised, with a grab of his five fingers, he fiercely clenched his fist.


    In the palm of his hand, a drop of ink as black as the deepest night quietly floated like mixed among rain droplets.


    Within the ink drop, it seemed as though an entire city was contained!


    With a bang, the rainwater and air in front of him instantly exploded!


    ...


    ...


    Under the Cat Face mask, Li Qingshan¡¯s eyes slightly narrowed!


    The next moment, he felt a relaxation in the space, as if an invisible connection was established somewhere in the void.


    He suddenly raised his head.


    And felt a vast, translucent chessboard abruptly appear above the entire courtyard.


    The interwoven chessboard above, with black and white chess pieces scattered across it like a star-filled sky, adorned with dazzling stars.


    Not just Cat Face Li Qingshan.


    The Hunting God Pavilion¡¯s Three Flowers Rakshasa, the Corpse God Cult¡¯s Curse Jade Corpse, Su Family¡¯s Divine Talisman Master, and the Dragon Queen Consort all raised their heads.


    Su Family¡¯s Divine Talisman Master¡¯s eyes involuntarily flickered with a different hue!


    "What is... this?!¡±


    An ethereal chessboard emerged intermittently.


    "Damn it!¡±


    Su Family¡¯s Divine Talisman Master Su Huaiyin, controlling eight Wind Calming Talismans, finally felt something, and his face, wrinkled and grooved like thousand-year-old tree bark, showed a flash of anger and shock!


    "What the hell is this?!¡±


    "Eight Lower Five Elders¡¯ [Wind Calming Talismans] can¡¯t stabilize it?!¡±


    A look of gravity and horror, also emerged in the eyes of this Divine Talisman Master as he roared in fury!


    Eight Lower Five Elders¡¯ Wind Calming Talismans, sealing off space and time from all directions!


    This kind of method, unless it¡¯s a Divine Fetus Practitioner skilled in the Art of Teleportation, could forcefully break through!


    "There really is a Divine Fetus behind the Underworld


    This Divine Talisman Master Su Huaiyin from the Su Family, shouted angrily.


    The next moment, he violently formed a seal with both hands.


    From his talisman bag at his waist, one after another, Mystic Yellow Divine Talismans soared into the sky!


    "Six Divisions Upper Position Talisman, Water Cutting!¡±


    "Cut it down for me!¡±


    Humming sounds


    A total of eighteen Six Divisions Upper Position Talismans flew into the sky, turning into a terrifyingly huge cleaver, seemingly about to completely sever the connection between the Heaven and Earth chessboard and Cat Face!


    On the other side.


    Dragon Queen Consort¡¯s hair flew wildly, and the moment she saw the Heaven and Earth chessboard, her eyes fiercely narrowed.


    The next moment, her incredibly strong physical body already took a step with her long legs, landing in just one step.


    Bang


    The air suddenly exploded into concentric circles of white waves.


    That was the appearance of air currents being shattered before they could disperse!


    The Princess Consort¡¯s black hair dramatically swung back, her horns radiating terrifying Dragon Power, her deep blue, mirror-like eyes reflecting an overwhelming killing intent!


    The Dragon Queen Consort¡¯s overwhelming killing intent surged nonstop, continuously blasting several circles of white air waves, in less than half a breath¡¯s time, and she already landed beside Cat Face.


    Her fingers had already turned into Dragon Claws, shattering the air itself!


    She ferociously slapped towards Cat Face Li Qingshan¡¯s figure, intending to directly crush Li Qingshan¡¯s internal organs, all his acupoints, and his Great Bodily Elixir!


    At the same time, an overwhelmingly fierce Divinity burst forth from her deep blue eyes.


    From her eyes burst forth a deep blue light, entirely formed from condensed Divinity, sharpened with cutting force, harshly aiming for Li Qingshan¡¯s Brow Niwan Inner Scene.


    Seeking to completely negate the Cultivation of Underworld¡¯s Cat Face!


    To shatter both his Martial Path and Divinity!


    To render Cat Face a cripple, so he couldn¡¯t continue to use the Secret Technique of Movement to teleport away.


    The Dragon Queen Consort believed that such a powerful movement secret technique definitely requires Cultivation as support; without Cultivation, no matter how exquisite the technique, it¡¯s useless!


    Li Qingshan¡¯s eyes completely lost their light, facing the Dragon Queen Consort, with the half-step Martial Saint¡¯s powerful Dragon God Clan physique, swung out a claw.


    He only felt as if the entire world had lost its color!


    Feeling like all the light had been obliterated!


    He could no longer see light!


    That was a momentary blindness caused by the immense Rank oppression and shock!


    Compared to the Dragon Queen Consort, his Cultivation... was too weak.


    Just like how mortals cannot look directly at deities, when there¡¯s a huge disparity in Cultivation, the opponent¡¯s aura and might, fully unleashed in an instant, can directly crush the viewer¡¯s eyes!


    Can¡¯t block it...


    Can¡¯t block it at all.


    Am I going to die?


    Is this the end of my sinful life as the Underworld¡¯s Cat Face?


    Suddenly.


    The white Thunder Chess Piece that Li Qingshan was clutching in his hand suddenly turned into an extremely thick black color.


    The transition from black to white was just in a moment!


    In a flash!


    An extremely dense black burst forth, like a huge ancient black city gate, slowly open a crack, fully pulling Li Qingshan¡¯s figure into it.


    "What?!¡±


    "What is this now?!¡±


    The Dragon Queen Consort¡¯s eyes suddenly condensed, a terrifying punch suddenly accelerated, and mountain-topping strength smashed down on top of the dark vortex!


    Bang!!!


    The terrifying power violently unleashed, the overwhelmingly fierce Martial Dao Will belonging to the Dragon God Lineage, like a towering tidal wave, harshly smashed down!


    Bang Bang Bang!!


    In an instant, the fists¡¯ might exploded, bursting with extremely dazzling brilliance!

 Chapter 778: Underworld Base Mo City Exposed, Ruthless Demon Python Kills Princess Consort (4)

    Blazing like the Great Sun, vast like hanging clouds!


    The dense ink mist exploded directly, torn apart by the extreme Qi-Blood and strength, and the terrifying, unrestrained punch from the Dragon Queen Consort smashed fiercely onto the stronghold of the Tiger Whale Gang!


    Boom!!!


    As if a high-yield Guanyin Lotus Bullet was instantly detonated, the entire courtyard of the Tiger Whale Gang¡¯s stronghold seemed to be a dragon turning over, completely rolling up with web-like cracks constantly expanding; hissing steam burst forth from the cracked ground!


    Huge waves of mud, sand, and stones surged up, lifting a curtain several meters high!


    A tangible shockwave pounded the air, setting off spreading white waves like concentric circles, stirring the entire courtyard into a churning sea of air currents in an instant!


    The Dragon Queen Consort stood amidst the tumultuous, shattered ground.


    Her hair wildly flying, her azure eyes filled with fury and indignation!


    Gone?!


    Disappeared!


    The Underworld Cat Face... vanished into thin air?


    Teleportation Technique?


    It is not the Art of Teleportation!


    What exactly is this method?


    A chill rolled continuously through the heart of the Dragon Queen Consort; in that instant, she glimpsed an ancient and mysterious ink-colored ancient city within that inky mist...


    Where exactly does this city come from?!


    Underworld, so mysterious!


    This power, shrouded in an indelible fog!


    The entire stronghold of the Tiger Whale Gang was shattered, utterly reduced to ruins, with walls collapsing, houses broken and destroyed, even cracks spreading outward toward the main street.


    A punch delivered with all strength by a Half-step Martial Saint level powerhouse could collapse into a massive deep pit, shaking buildings within ten miles into ruins!


    Martial Saint, even if just a First Level Martial Saint, the destructive power is absolutely earth-shattering!


    If not for the Divine Talisman Master from the Su Family forcefully activating the Wind Stabilizing God Talisman from eight directions, limiting the release of sound waves and fluctuations.


    The scene right now would have already shaken the entire Qianyuan Daoist City.


    However, the current situation is also enough to attract the attention of the powerhouses in Daoist City.


    Qian Yuan Divine Sect, Temple Control Bureau, Qintian Observatory, and the experts from Daoist Master Mansion, might have all sensed it!


    "Gone? How could it disappear!¡±


    The Dragon Queen Consort was almost driven insane.


    She wanted to capture the Underworld Cat Face, use it to locate the stronghold of the Underworld forces, and then... kill everyone from the Underworld!


    To avenge You Liqing, to avenge her son Ji Haihui!


    Although the exact perpetrator of Ji Haihui¡¯s death has not yet been determined, the Dragon Queen Consort no longer guessed; it must be the Underworld, definitely!


    But the Cat Face just vanished right under her watch.


    "Not the Art of Teleportation, eight Wind Calming Talismans, plus my Water Cutting Divine Talisman... Even a Divine Cultivator in the Divine Embryo Realm using teleportation would be restricted to ten breaths¡¯ time!¡±


    "On the chessboard, there is an ink-colored city.¡±


    "That city... could it be the actual stronghold of the Underworld?¡±


    "Cat Face, was it transported into that city?¡±


    Su Huaiyin¡¯s voice was incredibly cold.


    He raised his head, the Dragon Queen Consort, the assassin from the Hunting God Pavilion, and the already retreating Curse Jade Corpse experts from the Corpse God Cult, all were startled, looking up.


    They then saw that vaguely translucent chessboard in the sky, where an ink-colored city loomed, like a mirage.


    "That city


    The Dragon Queen Consort¡¯s eyes sharpened.


    That¡¯s right!


    The Cat Face entered that city!


    Damn it!


    The Dragon Queen Consort roared in fury.


    Then, with the tip of her toes touching the ground, her body shot up like a cannonball, fast as a reverse lightning, fiercely dashing upwards.


    With her five fingers clenched, she gave a Dragon¡¯s Chant and a fierce punch towards the fading chessboard and the ink-colored ancient city.


    ...


    ...


    Inside Mo City.


    Everything was presented in ink color.


    The sky was raining a light ink-colored drizzle.


    Cat Face lay on his back, hair spread out, the Ram Horn Hammer slid aside, as the ink-colored rain washed over his mask.


    Li Che, wearing the Bull Demon Mask and a hat, didn¡¯t look at the beaten Cat Face who had previously visited Hell¡¯s Gate.


    Standing beside him, with a tall, robust body clad in Golden Armor, was You Liqing, his black hair wildly dancing, and the edges of his Golden Armor emitting a faint black glow, indicating he was a Soul Capturing entity, not a living person.


    He quietly stood next to the Bull Demon.


    His eyes dark and profound.


    Li Che indifferently watched the Dragon Queen Consort, frantically charging from outside Mo City.


    Watching the endless fury_MP of the Dragon Queen Consort.


    Li Che thought it was time to make her doubt her son¡¯s life, to torment her spirit a bit more.


    "Old You.¡±


    "Calm her down.¡±


    Li Che said indifferently.


    The sound shattered the sprawling ink rain in the sky.


    "Here.¡±


    As the words fell,


    With a clang, the golden helmet sharply fell, completely covering and concealing You Liqing¡¯s face.


    Like a cold and merciless knight in golden armor, with a clenched fist, the eight-foot snake spear radiating golden light was immediately grasped in his hand.


    He violently stepped forward, and the dark city gates swung open!


    A twist.


    A thrust.


    Without any emotion...


    A stab!


    Divine Seed¡¤Demon Python Spear!


    ...


    ...


    The Dragon Queen Consort¡¯s hair wildly twirled, and the two dragon horns on her forehead shone with a blood-red radiance.


    Her entire being seemed to transform into a massive true dragon over thirty feet long, its dragon scales sparkling, radiating a bright azure glow from its horns, whiskers, and eyes!


    A colossal azure dragon shadow sprawled across heaven and earth.


    At the chest of that dragon shadow, the Dragon Queen Consort clenched her fists, and with thunder snakes roaming the leaden skies, she let out an intense, prolonged scream!


    Her dragon claws fiercely smashed down, resounding the Dragon¡¯s Chant throughout Qianyuan Dao City!


    Heading towards the vague, mirage-like dark ancient city in the mid-air, she fiercely rammed with her dragon form!


    Venting all her deep-seated fury!


    All of the Dragon Queen Consort¡¯s accumulated rage, up to this moment, explosively unleashed.


    The pain of losing her child, the humiliation from the sealing talisman, the grief of her beloved¡¯s death!


    All burst forth in this moment!


    Dragon shadow collided with the dark ancient city!


    Rumble¡ª


    Suddenly.


    In the astonished gazes of many powerhouses, the mirage-like dark ancient city sprawling on top of the Heaven and Earth chessboard, abruptly opened its city gates.


    From within, a blazing gold eight-foot snake spear was thrust forth!


    Countless surges of blood qi erupted, forming a terrifyingly extreme black demon python, roaring as it smashed forward, as if to explosively sever a mountain reaching the skies!


    The demon python obscured the sun and was immensely massive, almost rivaling the Dragon Queen Consort¡¯s dragon shadow.


    Everyone only saw the demon python dominating the sky.


    Shocked to realize that there indeed existed a powerful being within Mo City!


    This city was not an illusion!


    However...


    Only the Dragon Queen Consort truly faced the opening gates of that ancient city.


    Seeing the person who thrust the spear!


    Seeing that figure, clad in golden armor, giving it his all, turning with each thrust!


    The Dragon Queen Consort¡¯s dragon claw might faltered upon seeing the figure, her delicate body shaking violently, utterly shocked!


    That was...


    That was!


    She recognized this spear!


    You Liqing¡¯s second Divine Seed, the Demon Python Spear!


    Her spirit, weakened again by a notch!


    You Liqing...


    He¡¯s still alive?


    Dragon shadow collided with the demon python mid-air, exploding!


    The air currents in mid-air churned violently like a violently tumbling carpet, continuously wavering!


    Puff¡ª!!!


    The Dragon Queen Consort¡¯s body shook, feeling the terrifyingly powerful force within this spear, even her half-step Martial Saint level physical body suffered severe injuries at this moment, suspended mid-air, she spewed out a thick mist of blood.


    This spear...


    The killing intent was intense, completely relentless!


    This is...


    You Liqing?


    This is the same You Liqing who would rather sustain severe injuries to block a Locking God Talisman strike for her?


    The Dragon Queen Consort was bewildered, her heart violently stirred.


    She struggled... wanting to see the golden-armored figure clearly.


    But upon looking again...


    It all seemed like flowers in a mirror, the moon¡¯s reflection on water, the chessboard¡¯s waves stirred, and the dark ancient city¡¯s drum tower, like a mirage, faded away into thin air, the figure wielding the eight-foot divine spear, clad in golden armor, stunningly handsome, also disappeared...


    The Dragon Queen Consort only felt as if her heart was viciously pierced.


    The pain made her whole body convulse.


    The killing intent was so strong...


    Without the slightest bit of mercy...


    No trace of tenderness in his eyes, meeting again as if they were enemies!


    This...


    This was not her You Liqing!

 Chapter 792: Drinking, Laughing, Killing - The Underworld Wants to Slaughter a Martial Saint

    The bright moon hanging high in the night sky seemed at this moment to completely dim, losing its radiance!


    Above the earth, a sword light swept across, magnificent and vast, like a Great Sun rising from the ends of the earth, brilliant and bright, as if made of flawless, white glazed glass!


    It contained extreme dominance, unparalleled, transcendent!


    Sword Qi rolled over, like wheels crushing everything!


    Qi rushing to the skies!


    "Hahahahahaha!¡±


    Yellow Sword Wine, with his jet-black hair wildly flying, laughed heartily looking up to the sky, and before the laughter reached, his whole being already seemed to merge with the sword.


    A Martial Saint can blend with heaven and earth, harnessing the power of heaven and earth for their own!


    At this moment, Yellow Sword Wine, whose physical body could bear this Sword Immortal Sword Intent, instantly seemed to merge with the Sword Intent, becoming one with the sword!


    If it had been his past self, with a weaker body, forcibly merging with this sword would only lead to his body shattering, bones breaking into pieces, and subsequently, death.


    But now, he has chosen to merge with the Corpse Curse Mark of the Five Elders Middle Rank, freeloaded the gift from Corpse God Cult, refining his body into a Demigod Cursed Corpse; his body becoming rugged enough to bear the power of a Sword Immortal Sword Intent of Martial Saint Level!


    The Curse Jade Corpse from Corpse God Cult, comparable to a Supreme Grandmaster of the Top Three Flowers.


    And a Cursed Corpse comparable to a Martial Saint is a Demigod Corpse!


    The body of a Demigod Corpse, extremely powerful, every move as if possessing the will of the Six Desires Corpse God, no weaker than a Martial Saint Expert manipulating the power of heaven and earth!


    Wrapped in Death Qi, the complex blossoming of black jade flowers upon his body, the chilly Qi-Blood all seemed to boil at this moment, magnificent and robust!


    Exploding Qi-Blood, surging breath, and soaring vigor at this instant, even blood in the veins yet to solidify, still alive, also erupted with terrifying power driven by it!


    One sword, beheading!


    Su Wuming, a Top Three Flowers Grandmaster, hadn¡¯t even reacted before his head was lifted high into the air.


    Detached from the body, it was slashed flying ten meters high!


    Su Wuming¡¯s face retained a blank expression, seemingly not anticipating that Yellow Sword Wine would directly overcome Su Family¡¯s Martial Saint and make a deadly move against him!


    That magnificent and vast Sword Intent made his soul tremble, simply unable to block it.


    Such a sword wasn¡¯t one he could withstand; it was a Rank oppressive force that left him unable to even twitch a finger!


    It was the power of Martial Saint Level!


    Though the Rank oppression in the Martial Path is not as strong and terrifying as the Divine Path, not so absolute and irresistible.


    Yet, the Rank oppression still exists, and even becomes stronger after reaching the Martial Saint Rank, because the mobilization of heaven and earth¡¯s power after the transition reaches a leap in life level!


    Yellow Sword Wine¡¯s black hair like the black flames of death burning, his ragged clothes at this moment seemed inexplicably luxurious.


    Patterns flourishing on the black jade skin, like a god, like a demon!


    Half a Cursed Corpse, Death Qi like tides!


    Bearing the Sword Immortal Sword Qi, carrying a form both demonic and celestial, of terrifying stance!


    Five fingers clenched, the Sword Qi flicked, a silent but dazzling sword light, so fast the sound couldn¡¯t keep up with the explosive noise of the Sword Qi!


    Boom¡ª!!!


    An instant explosion echoed, like brilliant fireworks, the vast white Sword Qi shattered Su Wuming¡¯s headless body completely!


    Whether it was the extremely strong skin, muscles, or blood and flesh of a Top Three Flowers Grandmaster, all were shattered into countless tiny fragments like gravel under that one sword!


    Blowing out a hazy blood mist!


    Su Wuming¡¯s head was thrown ten meters high, eyes wide open in rage, the Brow Niwan pulsing brightly, powerful Primordial Spirit Power leaping out!


    "Ah¡ª!!!¡±


    "Yellow Sword Wine!¡±


    Su Wuming roared!


    Instantly, massive Divinity gathered within heaven and earth, an extremely dazzling Golden Core rose high, like a Great Sun.


    Within the Great Sun, the figure of a twisted, shirtless Joyful Buddha manifesting, with every inhalation and exhalation, the Golden Core grew and shrank likewise.


    It was Embryonic Breathing!


    Not only was Su Wuming a Top Three Flowers Grandmaster, but he was also a Divine Cultivator of Fetal Breath Transformation!


    Able to be ranked third in the True Inheritor List of Qian Yuan Divine Sect, his Cultivation and Combat Power were naturally extraordinary, cultivated by Su Family¡¯s accrued essence over three thousand years¡¯ rise and fall.


    Securing a firm foothold in the True Inheritor List of Qian Yuan Divine Sect!


    However, Su Wuming has always been envious, envious of Yellow Sword Wine¡¯s Talent, envious of his natural affinity for the Sword Dao!


    It seemed they were both learning the sword, but Yellow Sword Wine grasping the sword could immediately comprehend the Sword Dao, advancing thousands of miles in a day, driving one to despair.


    With such Talent in the Sword Dao, who would not despair?


    Therefore, Su Wuming wanted to destroy Yellow Sword Wine; knowing Yellow Sword Wine¡¯s affection for Zhu Qing, he schemed to join the team of Yellow Sword Wine and Zhu Qing, forming a trio, and during a mission, employing his familial Talent of charming women successfully captivated Zhu Qing.


    In terms of Cultivation Talent, he was inferior to Yellow Sword Wine, but in charming women, the mundane and uninteresting Yellow Sword Wine couldn¡¯t compare even if multiplied by ten.


    He managed to win Zhu Qing¡¯s heart, married her, and had her bear his children, then using family secret techniques drained her Talent, converting it for his own use.


    His Talent advanced, but still, he was outclassed by Yellow Sword Wine, and he was furious, often venting on Zhu Qing upon returning home, always feeling her Talent was lacking, insufficient for him to surpass Yellow Sword Wine.


    Later, to torment Yellow Sword Wine, to interfere with his Cultivation mindset.


    He invited Yellow Sword Wine into Su Mansion, showing him the Zhu Qing he had long been concerned about.

 Chapter 793: Drinking, Laughing, and Killing, the Underworld Wants to Slaughter a Martial Saint (2)

    Just as he had thought, Yellow Sword Wine¡¯s mentality seemed to have plunged into turmoil, his entire being as if drained of Essence, Qi, and Spirit, resorting to heavy drinking, living a life of inebriated oblivion, as if fallen into an abyss, doomed for all eternity.


    Su Wuming saw a glimmer of hope in catching up to Yellow Sword Wine.


    Unfortunately, after so many years, Yellow Sword Wine still towered above him, his sheer talent suffocating him, driving him to despair and breathlessness.


    Even though he had over the years taken several talented women as his wives through formal marriage, breaking their Guard Palace Sand and draining their talents, he still could not catch up!


    He grew to utterly detest these naturally gifted individuals, cursing only that Yellow Sword Wine wasn¡¯t a woman, or else he would have certainly drained his talent dry!


    And now, Yellow Sword Wine had appeared before him.


    Crazily, he launched an attack on the Su Family, swinging his sword at the Su Family¡¯s Martial Saint, and striking out at him... with a sword slash!


    "Yellow Sword Wine¡ª!¡±


    Physically annihilated, Su Wuming¡¯s Primordial Spirit trembled, filled with boundless anger, even his voice quivering!


    The powerful Primordial Spirit of the Fetal Breath Transformation thrummed violently, and the Golden Core erupted in a dazzling brilliance!


    Waves of Primordial Spirit Power surged, as if they transformed into a long knife ablaze with flames of desire, each inch wrested from the waist of the Joyful Buddha lying by the Golden Core.


    Su Wuming was well aware that at this moment, Yellow Sword Wine, fallen into the Netherworld, turned into a Demigod Corpse, and even more so grasping a sword that channeled the Sword Immortal Temple God Sword Intent, was unparalleled and invincible in the Martial Path!


    He simply couldn¡¯t defend against it!


    All he could do was to use the Divine Cultivation from his Fetal Breath Transformation to withstand it momentarily!


    Waiting for the arrival of the Su Family¡¯s Martial Saint and the Divine Fetus Great Cultivator to come to his rescue!


    Only by doing so...


    Could he live!


    Buzz buzz buzz¡ª


    Invisible, the long knife burning with Primordial Spirit flame hummed!


    As the knife of desire between the Joyful Buddha was slowly drawn out, the ultimate sharpness burst forth from within Su Wuming¡¯s Golden Core, as if it could slice open the heavens!


    Su Wuming¡¯s Primordial Spirit burned with the raging fire of Primordial Spirit!


    As the flames danced, the blade¡¯s light surged tumultuously, bringing with it a torrent of unbridled desire, striking towards the maddened and demonically possessed Yellow Sword Wine!


    Boom boom boom¡ª!!!


    That was a slash aimed at the Primordial Spirit, which erupted with the roaring resonance of a thunderstorm!


    The blade shone brightly like a dazzling Great Sun, and in an instant silently split the void, desire ablaze like fire, blade light cascading like a waterfall!


    Within ten feet of Su Wuming¡¯s viciously falling head, nothing but swirling blade light raged, ferociously churning and tearing through the air currents, emitting mournful howls and long wails like a dragon¡¯s chant and a tiger¡¯s roar!


    This Primordial Divine Skill transformed by the knife of desire slashed out.


    Su Wuming felt a long-lost sense of clarity and exhilaration!


    This was the proudest slash displayed by the talent he had devoured.


    All his thoughts, spirit, will, and desires merged and unleashed within this single slash!


    This one slash, if Yellow Sword Wine had not grasped the Sword Immortal Sword Intent, had not transformed into a Demigod Cursed Corpse.


    He was confident he could defeat Yellow Sword Wine.


    And ascend to the second place on the True Inheritor List!


    However.


    Facing this supremely dazzling slash of desire, Yellow Sword Wine¡¯s pitch-black pupils rotated, his crimson irises reflecting a trace of disdain, indifference.


    His five fingers like hooks, flickering and vibrating within the void, with a flick of his digits.


    It was as if he plucked a strand of the Vast Sun¡¯s dazzling light and flicked it out!


    The humming sword chant was resplendent, stretching across space, warping the air, tearing through the waves!


    Su Wuming¡¯s knife of desire crumbled, instantly collapsing!


    Crushed by that seemingly effortless and ethereal, yet supremely domineering and unmatched Sword Immortal Sword Intent!


    Like a praying mantis trying to stop a chariot, like a mayfly shaking a tree.


    Su Wuming felt that his proudest slash, in the face of this sword light...


    Was as insignificant as a grain of sand in the vast ocean!


    Why...


    Could it be like this?


    Can genius act wantonly just because they are talented?


    The sword light flicked, flowing in an instant, like a Sword Immortal aloof from the world striking with a single sword, with myriad changes and life and death within!


    The Primordial Spirit¡¯s slash, accompanied by Su Wuming¡¯s Primordial Spirit...


    Was both annihilated by the Sword Qi.


    As if a deity breathed out a breath.


    Only to vanish into smoke and ashes.


    Su Wuming¡¯s Primordial Spirit screamed in horror and anguish, then fell silent, his will dissipating.


    His Primordial Spirit¡¯s Golden Core cracked, and the Joyful Buddha Divine Minister inside it, which had transformed through Embryonic Breathing, also let out a scream as it was bisected by a brilliant blade of sword light, cleaved in two!


    Crack¡ª!!!


    A Primordial Spirit¡¯s Golden Core exploded in midair, turning into ash, as countless Divine Powers burst open, unleashing an invisible and semi-transparent ripple of waves tumultuously rolling in the sky above!


    Su Wuming, thoroughly dead!


    Yellow Sword Wine, however, didn¡¯t even glance at the site where Su Wuming dissipate into a mist of blood.


    Even though he had wanted to kill Su Wuming for many years.


    But now that he had truly killed Su Wuming, he appeared very calm, very indifferent, his heart unaffected by the slightest ripple.


    In the center of his forehead, a pure white streak of Sword Qi burned slowly like a stick of incense.


    He didn¡¯t have time to dwell on Su Wuming¡¯s death.


    He was running out of time.


    Yellow Sword Wine¡¯s hair billowed like a waterfall as he stepped through midair, only wishing to kill more of the Su Family¡¯s dogs.


    The more he investigated over the years, the clearer it became just how filthy and corrupt the first Great Family of Qianyuan Dao City was, a behemoth riddled with concealed abscesses with pus.


    Perhaps it was the secret technique of siphoning talent that allowed the descendants of the Su Family to indulge in unearned gains, and they began to madly experiment with all kinds of methods.


    They continuously captured talented women, and in order not to draw attention within Dao City, they would even reach out from other cities, seizing women into the Su Family Mansion, no matter if it was a commoner with talent, or talented young girls from small Noble Families, trying various methods to attempt talent advancement and transfer.

 Chapter 794: Drinking, Laughing, and Killing, the Underworld Wants to Slaughter a Martial Saint (3)

    Even in their pursuit of diverse talents, they would not overlook anyone¡ªfrom girls as young as five to unmarried women of thirty with golden prospects.


    As long as one possessed talent, as long as one was a perfect candidate, they would become their target.


    The more Yellow Sword Wine investigated, the more horrifying the truths he uncovered.


    His chest heaved with pent-up frustration, as if a turbulent, rumbling, and roaring breath was trapped within, spinning and swirling inside him.


    It transmitted to the sword in his hands, causing it to screech and cry out!


    The death of Su Wuming was only the beginning.


    He wanted to kill a great many things, no better than pigs and dogs.


    He wanted to eradicate every festering sore on the Great Family that had risen and fallen over three thousand years!


    Yellow Sword Wine¡¯s eyes gleamed as he looked towards the chessboard, shrouded in haze where heaven and earth converged, towards the mysterious Mo City that enshrouded Su Family Patriarch, a First Level Martial Saint.


    He did not know how long Bull Demon could hold them off.


    Although he had employed a Star Constellation Assassin from the Hunting God Pavilion, draining his assets.


    Although he had persuaded Great Elder Fang Hanshu of Qian Yuan Divine Sect to hold back Su Leiba, the family¡¯s strongest backbone, a Second Level Martial Saint with unfurled Gang Qi like a limitless sea...


    But the time remaining for him was indeed very short.


    Yellow Sword Wine exhaled a stream of Sword Qi like thunder.


    In his hand, the splendid sword resembled a scorching sun, furiously sweeping across as Yellow Sword Wine stood amidst the sword light, with a tangle of Death Qi and Corpse Qi swirling around him like a God Demon wielding a celestial blade!


    Spurt¡ª!


    Along with a burst of blood-red blossom, a head tumbled to the ground.


    Even the Primordial Spirit was pierced through by the Sword Qi, completely obliterated!


    That was a Divinity Primordial True Person of the Su Family at the Primordial Spirit Shedding Realm, not lacking in strength, but at that moment, merely a casual swipe of Sword Qi was enough to slaughter him!


    An uproar of shock and anger erupted!


    The Su Family¡¯s powerful cultivators had their hairs stand on end, their eyes wide with disbelief and terror.


    In just one encounter, Su Wuming, who had the Three Flowers atop and the talent of Embryonic Breathing, was slain!


    Is this even a human?


    No, at this moment, Yellow Sword Wine was a Martial Saint!


    A Martial Saint with a strand of Sword Immortal Sword Intent!


    His rank was so high, it was unstoppable!


    Flee!


    The cultivators of the Su Family scattered like monkeys from a fallen tree, each fleeing for their lives in the face of disaster!


    Rushed crazily in every direction to escape!


    Yellow Sword Wine¡¯s hair fluttered in the wind, and in his blood-red eyes flashed a sneer of disdain.


    This is what Clan Juniors are!


    Nothing but pigs and dogs!


    Yellow Sword Wine¡¯s Sword Qi rolled out, pressingly descending like a mighty river, sweeping around like an overflowing waterfall!


    All Su Family cultivators were enveloped by his Sword Qi!


    Yellow Sword Wine landed on the ground, naturally raising his sword to the sky as he laughed.


    He popped open the cork of the wine gourd in his hand, marred with sword marks, and drank.


    He laughed.


    He killed.


    ...


    ...


    Boom¡ª!!!


    In the night sky, thunder seemed to roar, rolling and rumbling.


    At the Temple Control Bureau mansion.


    Watching the documents from various Mysterious Temples in Qianyuan Taoist City sent by stationed Temple Control Bureau supervisors, analyzing the situations of the Mysterious Temples.


    Suddenly, the sound of thunder boomed as if a sword intent threatened to rend the night sky.


    Although it was subtle, almost concealed by some powerful and mysterious force, Wenlong Yuwen, who had regular dealings with Sword Qi, sharply focused his eyes.


    With a flicker of his figure, he appeared on the rooftop of an office building of the Temple Control Bureau.


    Standing between the projecting eaves, his robe billowing, his burly figure cast strong lines.


    His dispersed Qi-Blood seemed to merge with heaven and earth, turning into a roaring beacon smoke.


    "This is... Sword Intent of the Sword Immortal Mysterious Temple¡¯s Temple God?¡±


    "Who is it?¡±


    Wenlong Yuwen¡¯s foot slammed down, and the void trembled as if invisible ripples rippled and shook.


    His strong body burst through layers of white Qi waves, moving as fast as a black thunderbolt under the moonlight, sweeping across the land.


    In the southeastern corner of Qianyuan Taoist City, there stood a Strange Temple.


    The Temple Control Bureau had set up many posts there, with one white tent after another, dotting around the black Mysterious Fog-covered Strange Temple like white flowers.


    Security lines were drawn, isolating the entire area involved with the Strange Que, Mysterious Fog, and Strange Temple.


    This was the third Mysterious Temple of the Five Elders Rank under the jurisdiction of the Temple Control Bureau in Qianyuan Taoist City.


    The Six Desires Extermination Lu Xuan Sword Immortal¡¯s Mysterious Temple!


    As soon as Wenlong Yuwen appeared, multiple supervisors and governors guarding the Mysterious Temple immediately rushed over.


    "Governor¡¯s Office!¡±


    The Divine Envoys lined up neatly, saluting with their fists.


    Wenlong Yuwen¡¯s eyes narrowed, revealing a hint of surprise: ¡°Where is Governor Feng?¡±


    "Governor Feng is still presiding over the Strange Que and has not returned. Shall we send someone into the Strange Que to summon Governor Feng back?¡±


    One of the supervisors asked with a salute.


    Wenlong Yuwen waved his hand: ¡°No need.¡±


    "I just sensed a sharp Sword Intent, quite similar to the Sword Intent of Lu Xuan Sword Immortal, so I specifically came to observe the Strange Temple.¡±


    "It seems now that it was not... ¡±


    Suddenly.


    As the words of Wenlong Yuwen fell, a booming sound echoed.


    The Mysterious Fog in front of the Mysterious Temple seemed to be split in half by someone¡¯s sword, dividing it into two.


    A burly and robust figure, wrapped in dragon-blood-colored sword light, slowly walked out.


    Every step he took seemed to cause the heavens and earth to rumble and shake, as if the sound of his footsteps could synchronously shatter one¡¯s heart.


    Even Wenlong Yuwen could not help but be dazzled, slightly squinting his eyes.


    "Feng Zhiqi!¡±


    Wenlong Yuwen felt a slight shake in his heart, and the Qi-Blood beacon smoke swirling around him seemed to disperse.

 Chapter 795: Drinking, Laughing, and Killing, the Underworld Wants to Slaughter a Martial Saint (4)

    The Four Realms of Martial Saint: Opening the Human Pill, Qi Sea, Mountain Path, and Heavenly Gate¡ªeach opening represents shattering human limitations and embarking on a transcendent transformation!


    Feng Zhiqi, who has been stationed at Sword Immortal Guique for many years, possesses mighty power and is the greatest foundation seated by the Divine Capital Temple Supervisor to preside over Qianyuan Daoist City.


    Feng Zhiqi is a peerless Martial Artist of the Three-Opening Realm of Martial Saint, at the Third Opening of the Mountain Path¡ªsome stand at the foot of the mountain, some at the mid-mountain, but Feng Zhiqi... is already approaching the mountain¡¯s peak!


    "Governor Yu Wen, what you feel is not wrong


    "That Sword Intent, indeed, is the Sword Immortal¡¯s Sword Intent, borrowed by that youngster from the Sword Immortal Temple God.¡±


    Feng Zhiqi¡¯s voice was rough and deep as if echoing like a great bell.


    "Now it seems, that kid has chosen to make use of it


    Feng Zhiqi¡¯s eyes were profound, looking towards the Su Family¡¯s direction, where, vaguely, it seemed he saw a spiraling Heaven and Earth chessboard, blocking investigations and sight.


    However, the Sword Immortal Sword Intent was so vehemently intense, like a blazing sun, penetrating through the Heaven and Earth chessboard.


    Of course, this was also because the manipulator of the Heaven and Earth chessboard had, at this moment, relaxed their mind.


    Wenlong Yuwen raised his eyebrows: ¡°Yellow Sword Wine?¡±


    "Correct, it¡¯s him.¡±


    Wenlong Yuwen took a deep breath.


    He too looked towards the direction of the Su Family.


    "He actually dares to make a move against the Su Family all by himself?¡±


    His perception spread out, and the next moment, his expression changed slightly.


    "Good fellow, he even called upon an Assassin of the Hunting God Pavilion, with even Fang Hanshu taking action for him... It seems, the time when Fang Hanshu grounded Yellow Sword Wine was merely a show for the Su Family?¡±


    "Blocked Su Daoling, held off Su Leiba, but within the Su Family Mansion, there is still Su Wenxi, a First Level Martial Saint. Although he¡¯s a newly ascended Martial Saint, he is... after all, a Martial Saint!¡±


    "Even if Yellow Sword Wine borrows the Sword Immortal Sword Intent, with the body of a Great Grandmaster who is not skilled in Horizontal Refinement, I¡¯m afraid he would be shattered by the Sword Immortal Sword Intent.¡±


    "Even if he carries a strand of Sword Immortal Sword Intent, he would only be equally matched with Su Wenxi, this First Level Martial Saint, right?¡±


    "Isn¡¯t it just making noise and nothing more?¡±


    Wenlong Yuwen frowned, feeling puzzled.


    Yellow Sword Wine¡¯s actions are simply impulsive and foolish.


    Suddenly.


    Wenlong Yuwen also sensed the gigantic chessboard hovering above the Heavenly Dome.


    His body trembled slightly.


    "The Underworld?!¡±


    "Yellow Sword Wine even invited the Underworld to block Martial Saint Su Wenxi?¡±


    Wenlong Yuwen took a deep breath, a flicker of light sparkling in his eyes.


    "The Underworld... can they stop Su Wenxi?¡±


    ...


    ...


    Boom!!!


    The densely dark City collapsed with a thunderous crash.


    Su Wenxi felt darkness engulf his vision, as if in an instant, he was stripped of his five senses and six consciousnesses!


    "What is... this?!¡±


    With an angry roar, his body unleashed an extremely powerful surge of Qi-Blood, shattering the dense ink-like fog surrounding him, and a powerful wave of sound centered on his body, raging like a tempest!


    His feet stomped hard on the firm ground, that solid sensation easing his heart.


    His five senses and six consciousnesses instantly returned, and the mind connected to heaven and earth belonging to a Martial Saint, also at this moment, came back into his awareness!


    Coldness swirling in Su Wenxi¡¯s eyes, he clenched his five fingers, muscles bulging all over his body, every brawny tendon trembling on his back muscles, his spine bursting with radiance, with three Divine Seeds shining brightly, pulsating like three hearts beating explosively.


    Whoosh whoosh!


    Ink-colored raindrops fell from the high sky, hitting his forehead, hitting his shoulders, all evaporated by his burning Qi-Blood.


    "Where is this?¡±


    Su Wenxi looked around, a world of inky darkness flooded his sight, everything was pitch black, like a landscape ink painting.


    Is he...inside the painting?!


    "The Underworld¡¯s trickery?¡±


    Su Wenxi¡¯s heart trembled slightly.


    As for the Underworld, he harbored intense hatred. Being the Su Family Patriarch, he had truly been troubled recently. The deaths of Su Helian and Su Huaiming had a not insignificant impact.


    One was the position of Outer Door Honored Elder of the Qian Yuan Divine Sect, afforded to Su Helian by the Su Family with many resources. With the death of Su Helian, this position was revoked, and so many resources went down the drain.


    And the death of Su Huaiming had an even greater impact on the Divine Sculpture industry of the Su Family!


    "Underworld


    Su Wenxi gritted his teeth, his eyes filled with boundless killing intent!


    Suddenly.


    The terrifying sound of breaking through the sky echoed, a massive shadow abruptly appeared above his head.


    Click click click click¡ª!!!


    Amidst the noise of colliding parts and Spiritual Wood roaring, a powerful gust of wind crashed down like landslides and tsunamis!


    "Mechanical Beast?!¡±


    "A Lower Mechanism Beast from the Five Elders? Comparable to a Martial Saint?¡±


    Su Wenxi looked up and immediately saw the colossal Blood-Yang Nine-God King Kong Ape, swooping down like an eclipse, towering five meters tall!


    Terrible energy flashed, revealing a fist pounding downward with the terrifying force of landslides and tsunamis!


    Countless currents of air were emptied out, the currents crushed!


    Su Wenxi, with a firm frown and intense expression, shook his whole body, clenched his five fingers, and spread his arms, transforming into a soaring eagle and sweeping upward.


    This is Divine Seed Martial Arts, and moreover, it¡¯s Divine Seed Martial Arts refined to the Transformation Realm!


    Exquisitely peerless, it is the Transformation Realm!


    As if merging with heaven and earth!


    The fierce and rebellious aura soared to the skies, the air around vibrated, like the massive waves of a great river spreading wide and rolling tumultuously!


    Boom¡ª!!!


    Su Wenxi, not retreating but advancing, accelerated his punch, as if there was a vigorously throbbing Human Body Great Pill with an alarming crack on it, pulsating intensely!


    Inside the crack, a vast and vigorous stream of human essence poured out!


    Merging with Gang Qi, it formed a higher level of energy, surpassing the strength of the Three Flowers Gang Qi, and became the power of Yuan Gang!

 Chapter 796: Drinking, Laughing, and Killing, the Underworld Wants to Slaughter a Martial Saint (5)

    Like a long rainbow piercing the sun, with a loud roar, Su Wenxi, the Martial Saint, displayed boundless spirit!


    A punch collided with the Blood-Yang Nine-God King Kong Ape, shaking heaven and earth!


    Boom¡ª!!!


    The next moment, Su Wenxi¡¯s fist clashed with the fist of the King Kong Ape!


    It was like the collision of the earth with the moon!


    At that moment, the entire Mo City shook violently, and thick ink mist around the city exploded tumultuously!


    It seemed as if thousands of blasts of air burst from within Mo City!


    Boom!!!


    The arms of the King Kong Ape, made of Spiritual Wood and bearing thousands of Mechanism Seals, exploded into countless fine wood shavings under the furious punch of the Martial Saint, like thousands of needles scattering!


    Su Wenxi¡¯s face was full of anger.


    He had been dragged to this inexplicable place by the Underworld. That Yellow Sword Wine, who had fallen into the Corpse God Cult and transformed into a Demigod Corpse, was now wielding Sword Immortal Sword Intent...


    At this moment within the Su Family... wasn¡¯t he invincible?


    However, Su Wenxi was not overly worried, because the foundation of the Su Family was not limited to him alone being a Martial Saint.


    There were also Su Daoling and Su Leiba!


    At this moment, Su Wenxi¡¯s punch exploded the King Kong Ape¡¯s arm, his eyes flickering like lightning!


    "Spiritual Wood material is mediocre, nothing more!¡±


    "It¡¯s like forcibly elevated to the Martial Saint Rank through deformed means.¡±


    Su Wenxi¡¯s discerning eyes immediately spotted the flaw of the King Kong Ape!


    The problem with material is the biggest limitation for Mechanism Beasts, even if compensated with Mechanism Seals, it is still far from enough!


    Su Wenxi¡¯s sharp gaze swept over the entirety of Mo City, but the dense ink mist churned violently, and he was shocked to find that his Primordial Spirit was greatly weakened inside Mo City.


    Moreover... within this strange city, he was unable to capture and absorb Divinity from the outside world!


    Within this land of Mo City...


    There is no Divinity!


    "A world isolated from Divinity?!¡±


    "Underworld... what exactly is its origin?¡±


    The more he sensed, the more alarming it became!


    Since the appearance of the Mysterious Temple in the human world, Divinity seemed to have melded into every corner of the universe.


    There could only be places where Divinity was scarce or weak, but it was impossible to have a land completely devoid of Divinity!


    Unless, this city was not in the human world!


    How... is that possible?!


    Li Che, wearing the Bull Demon Mask, merged into the darkness. Watching the King Kong Ape and Su Wenxi exchange a punch, he found it completely unable to affect Su Wenxi.


    This Martial Saint, having triggered a crack in the Great Bodily Elixir, released Essence that fused into unbridled Primordial Gang Power!


    The King Kong Ape... was ultimately ascended to the rank of Lower Five Elders Mechanism Beast through forcibly enhanced Qi and Blood Rosy Clouds!


    Adjusting the hat, Li Che¡¯s towering figure slightly trembled, his nine large muscles shaking incessantly!


    "Indeed... the material of the King Kong Ape is not good enough.¡±


    "Indeed it is the deformed product you mentioned.¡±


    Suddenly raising his head.


    Under the Bull Demon Mask, his eyes intertwined with electric sparks!


    "But, what does it matter?¡±


    With a thought.


    The exploded arm of the King Kong Ape, countless pieces of Spiritual Wood swirling wildly, the next moment, the frenzied expansion of Qi and Blood Rosy Clouds actually reformed the arm of the King Kong Ape blown up by Su Wenxi!


    Above the Qi and Blood Rosy Clouds, interwoven and swirling Wanxiang Divine Seals unfolded!


    The King Kong Ape, as if replacing a bird gun with a cannon, roared furiously!


    Swinging out another punch, smashing hard towards Su Wenxi.


    At the same time.


    Li Che wearing the Bull Demon Mask lifted his hand and snapped his fingers.


    Behind the King Kong Ape, a figure clad in Golden Armor, wielding a Gold-plated Eight-Foot Snake Spear, sprang forth, his toes touched down, whipping up fierce currents, his eyes emitting Golden Light, like a Heavenly King with glaring rage!


    The air flows of the entire universe seemed to be drawn into the body of the Golden Armored God General at this moment, the qi climbing higher and higher!


    A massive Demon Python coiled out from behind the Golden Armored God General.


    A fearsome spear thrust.


    Demon Python Spear!


    The entire sky seemed to crash down at this moment!


    Bang Bang!


    Two extremely terrifying blasts of air!


    Those were Li Qing unhesitatingly detonating two Qi Gates¡¯ Explosive Divine Seeds!


    Su Wenxi¡¯s expression slightly paused.


    Are these... Underworld Death Soldiers?


    If not Death Soldiers... who else would detonate an Explosive Divine Seed upon meeting someone?!


    Feeling the terrifying and crazed Qi from the Burst Seed!


    Su Wenxi clenched his fist in mid-air, his eyes bursting with numerous dazzling light sparks.


    Among them, a hint of disdainful rage rolled!


    "It seems... the Underworld wants to kill me?!¡±


    "Want to slaughter a Martial Saint?!¡±

 Chapter 834: The Underworld Reveals a Huge Flaw, My Daughter Xi Xi is Unbeatable

    Humming, humming, humming¡ª!


    The sword chant is brilliant, the sword qi is rampant!


    The world of Strange Que is gloomy, as if shrouded by dense black clouds, faintly emanating traces of blood color, filled with oppression and blockage, and strangeness.


    And this sword intent, bursting out from the Mysterious Temple, is brilliant and vast, dazzling and bright!


    It dispelled the endless darkness, turning the world into boundless white, with countless streams of sword qi, like Jiao Long dragons rolling, winding around the pillar of sword energy.


    As if wanting to pierce a hole in the dome of the heavens of Strange Que!


    The black cloud layers ripple with waves, resembling a carpet spread out, folding and wrinkling!


    The Mysterious Fog, amidst the "hissing" sound, slowly dissipated, making the world much clearer.


    Roar, roar, roar¡ª


    The sounds of roaring echoing continuously within the world of Strange Que, are the roars of the Temple Guardian Cursed Corpses, bizarre demons, and so on.


    "One hundred percent! How is that possible?"


    Feng Zhiqi''s black hair flies about, his eyes bursting with dazzling brilliance, his qi-blood surging powerfully, like thunder rumbling within his body, terrifying to the extreme!


    Yet at this moment, he is struck dumb.


    His heart is shaken, as if a tremendous wave has been stirred up!


    How is it possible...


    Temple God Resonance... to reach ninety percent is already extremely rare.


    Now, someone has actually achieved a resonance level of one hundred percent with the Temple God!


    Could it be the reincarnation of the Sword Immortal?!


    Is it the Six Desires Extermination Lv Xuan Sword Immortal''s reincarnated self personally arriving?!


    Without a doubt, to achieve a resonance degree of one hundred percent with the Temple God, one must have certainly obtained the Sword Immortal''s inheritance!


    Feng Zhiqi exhales a breath of turbid air.


    His eyes shine brightly.


    He wants to see through the Mysterious Temple, to clearly see the figure within, who exactly could enter the Mysterious Temple guarded by him quietly, and even max out the resonance with the Temple God.


    Unfortunately, the rampant sword qi falling veils the view, preventing him from seeing clearly!


    Feng Zhiqi''s black hair whips wildly, his robe flutters noisily, he lifts his head, looking towards the pillar of sword energy that seems about to break through Strange Que.


    Within it...


    Even he, as a Martial Saint, feels a brilliant and vast intent!


    "This Sword Intent... could it really tear open Strange Que?"


    Feng Zhiqi murmurs.


    As his murmuring ends.


    Boom¡ª!!!


    The dome of the heavens of Strange Que explodes into a void, countless lights sprinkle down, and the pillar of sword energy seems to burst beyond the sky!


    It astonishes the entire Qianyuan Dao City!


    ...


    ...


    The sword light pierces the sky, countless sword qi meander like Jiao Long dragons!


    The leaden clouds layer up, the sky surges with Spring Thunder, and in an instant, slightly quivers, countless currents intertwine.


    As if every raindrop contains traces of sword qi.


    Such an anomaly instantly attracts too many people''s gazes.


    As the largest city in Lingnan Circuit, Qianyuan Dao City has a population of millions, gathering too many Jianghu Guests and Divine Cultivators.


    Among these Jianghu Guests and Divine Cultivators, the majority are sword practitioners.


    At this moment, their swords, all resonate ceaselessly under the influence of the Sword Energy Light Pillar, clanging non-stop, unable to be contained.


    Compared to the breakthrough of Yellow Sword Wine becoming a Sword Saint, and the Slash of the Ninth Sword Style defeating the Martial Saint, it was even more terrifying!


    Outside Strange Que.


    The Divine Envoys of the Temple Control Bureau were shocked, Wenlong Yuwen gripped a long spear, knees bent, and with a fierce snap, he straightened up, the ground roaring, his body shot up like a cannonball, tearing through the Spring Rain, soaring straight up.


    Hovering in the air, he held the spear diagonally, staring at the Sword Energy Light Pillar that pierced through the spring clouds.


    "Magnificent and vast, Slay Evil and Exterminate Demons!"


    "Such grand and righteous Sword Intent! Such domineering Sword Intent!"


    Wenlong Yuwen was emotionally charged, his entire body trembling slightly.


    Within the Mysterious Temple...


    What exactly happened?


    Who dared to intrude the temple?


    And who...


    ...could produce such imposing presence inside the Mysterious Temple?


    ...


    ...


    Daoist Master Mansion.


    The Spring Rain was torrential, raindrops struck the black tiles and burst into a mist.


    Lu Chi stood under the eaves, expressionless, looking up at the Sword Energy Light Pillar that burst into the sky, tearing through the Spring clouds.


    Elder Mo walked up to him, his loose and simple robe fluttering in the spring breeze, his pale white hair swirling in the wind.


    "A Sword Energy Light Pillar spreading directly from the heart of the Mysterious Temple contains the strong will of the Temple God..."


    "Someone has achieved a high Temple God Resonance with the Temple God of this Five Elders Rank Mysterious Temple, producing such a startling anomaly."


    Elder Mo said in a deep voice.


    "This is an extremely rare anomaly between heaven and earth."


    "Who exactly is it?"


    Elder Mo took a deep breath.


    Having just arrived in Qianyuan Taoist City, he witnessed such a stunning scene.


    Elder Mo''s heart slightly tightened as he sensed that this ancient city, which has stood in Lingnan Circuit for thousands of years, was falling into a terrifying vortex.


    "Who is it?"


    Lu Chi''s head shook slightly, and the image of Xi Xi''s beaming smiling face seemed to emerge before his eyes.


    "No... It can''t be her, she has obtained the inheritance from the Third Prince''s Mysterious Temple''s Temple God, with a resonance of up to seventy percent... It cannot be her."


    The light in Lu Chi''s eyes sharpened.


    Could it be him?


    Lu Chi couldn''t help but think of Xi Xi''s father.


    That gentle and refined man who, in reality, wore a mask of ferocity, was extremely brutal, and had a fondness for twisting heads off... the Netherworld Ox Demon?


    But that wasn''t right either, the Ox Demon... didn''t seem to use a sword.


    Confusion!


    It''s too chaotic!


    Lu Chi felt his own head was struggling to understand.


    In Qianyuan Dao City, there are three Mysterious Temples of the Five Elders Rank, the Golden Heavenly King, Lv Xuan Sword Immortal, and Two-Minded Great Saint...


    And Lu Chi knew, from the Mysterious Temple of the Two-Minded Great Saint located in Divine Carving Ridge, there were rumors suggesting the appearance of the "Heart-following Golden Iron Divine Rod," a Mythical Weapon from the Five Elders Upper Rank.

 Chapter 835: The Underworld Reveals a Huge Flaw, My Daughter Xi Xi is Unbeatable (2)

    And the Great Supervising Minister once said, whoever obtains this [Heart-following Gold Iron Divine Rod], would ascend to Qi Tian City and acquire the [Hunyuan Ruyi Stick] that once overwhelmingly dominated half of the world, the temple guardian weapon of Equal Heaven Temple!


    Elder Mo exhaled a breath: "Activities in two of the Five Elders Strange Temples have emerged..."


    "The vortex over Qianyuan Daoist City... seems to be getting bigger."


    Daoist Master Mansion.


    Main hall of the mansion.


    Daoist Master Yue Huanglong, dressed in luxurious garments, stood with his hands behind his back, his figure rounded.


    Young Daoist Master Yue Weizheng, respectfully stood behind him.


    Both were watching the sword energy light pillar that pierced the sky.


    "Father..."


    "The Six Desires Extermination Lu Xuan Sword Immortal Mysterious Temple... The second of the Five Elders Strange Temples has shown movement, right?"


    "Trouble befalls this time of year."


    The smile gradually disappeared from Yue Huanglong''s face, and a peculiar gleam flashed in his eyes.


    "With full Temple God Resonance, Yellow Sword Wine would have died... otherwise, I really thought it was done by Yellow Sword Wine, now... I don''t know who it is."


    "Should we send someone to investigate thoroughly?"


    Yue Weizheng inquired.


    "There''s no point in investigating; that Strange Temple has Feng Zhiqi presiding. If even Feng Zhiqi can bypass it, how could you uncover anything?"


    "Let it be, the Sword of Sword Immortal... is not meant for mere commoners to wield. To hold the Sword Immortal''s sword, one must bear its burden! We should focus our attention on the Two Hearted Great Saint Mysterious Temple..."


    "We must obtain that Heart-following Gold Iron Divine Rod..."


    "Be it the Golden Heavenly King, Two-Minded Great Sage, or Lu Xuan Sword Immortal, compared to the legacy of Equal Heaven Temple, they are all insignificant."


    Yue Huanglong spoke with a heavy voice.


    Yue Weizheng''s eyes sparkled: "Son understands."


    ...


    ...


    Qintian Observatory.


    An elderly Qintian Observatory Inspector, dressed in a blue robe, sat cross-legged on the highest level of the octagonal, double-eaved Qintian Observatory Treasure Building.


    At the railing, a yellow wooden chessboard was placed, with black and white chess pieces upon it, and the fragrance of sandalwood lingered and burned.


    He was pinching a white chess piece.


    Turning his head towards the distant sword energy light pillar, he exhaled a breath and smiled softly.


    "Since you''ve come all this way, come and sit inside the building."


    "Taibai Sect Master."


    Hum


    A blade of sword light instantly expanded, the air tore apart, and a person stepped out from within, his white robe fluttering, and black hair wild.


    With a face devoid of beard, his complexion like jade, his skin as fine as glaze.


    "Taibai Sect Master, it has been many years since we last played a hand, how about a game today?"


    The Inspector was too old, his wrinkled skin seeming to cling to his bones.


    "Of course."


    "Inspector, you give me five stones."


    Lv Taibai sat opposite the Inspector, holding the white chess piece, and said with a slight smile.


    "How shameless." The Inspector laughed and scolded.


    Tap tap tap tap


    The sound of pieces striking the board echoed crisply.


    Drip drip drip drip, the spring rain fell on the black tiles, making a clear echo, accompanied by the sound of the pieces hitting the board, it was rather calming.


    "This sword energy light pillar contains the will of the Temple God... Taibai, what do you think?"


    The Inspector placed down a black chess piece, and an invisible divinity wave spread.


    Lv Taibai sat in a chair, his back straight as an unstoppable, sharp sword piercing the heavens.


    He picked up a white chess piece and placed it on the chessboard.


    Invisible ripples of Divinity spread out, colliding with the ripples generated by the Chief Supervisor''s move, creating a blast of air currents. The entire top floor of the building was instantaneously swept by the terrifying pressure of the Divine Hierarchy.


    The staircase, floorboards, doorways, windows, and house beams, all began to vibrate and resonate at an extremely high frequency.


    The two seemed to be silently clashing and fighting within the chessboard.


    "How could I possibly know? Talents emerge through the ages. I just have to watch."


    Lv Taibai said indifferently.


    The Chief Supervisor glanced at him: "Back then, you invoked the Temple God of the Lv Xuan Sword Immortal, reaching a Divine Resonance of ninety percent. And now, there''s someone reaching one hundred percent..."


    "This seems to have surpassed you."


    Lv Taibai lightly moved a piece and said indifferently: "That''s a good thing."


    "This world..."


    "Needs new people to stand up."


    "Besides, the sword... is not all I have."


    Clack.


    The Chief Supervisor stroked his beard and laughed.


    Lv Taibai...


    Still the wild and unrestrained Lv Taibai as ever.


    "I''m genuinely curious..."


    "Who will become your last direct disciple."


    "Among your previous direct disciples, one is a Reincarnated Temple God, one is from the Outer Ancient Clan, one from the barren Da Li Royal Court, one has defected from the Qian Yuan Divine Sect, and one is dead..."


    The Chief Supervisor looked at Lv Taibai, gently placing a chess piece on the board.


    "Actually, Yellow Sword Wine was most like you, pity... ensnared by love, he chose a wrong path."


    The Chief Supervisor shook his head.


    "Now that Yellow Sword Wine is dead..."


    "The last direct disciple you plan to take in, you''re probably grooming him to be the Young Sect Master, right?"


    Upon hearing this, Lv Taibai, clothed in white, maintained his composure.


    "Guess."


    Within the aged eyes of the Chief Supervisor, a large rolling of the eyes took place.


    After all, he was now old.


    If it were his younger days.


    Guess your sister, guess!


    He would''ve taken the chessboard and smashed it against Lv Taibai''s head.


    ...


    ...


    The Su Family.


    Su Daoling, who had become the Su Family Patriarch, was flipping through the account book with a headache.


    For him, a Divine Talisman Half-Saint, being the family head was just too exhausting. Previously, with Su Wenxi''s help, he could enjoy his leisure, but now he had to handle everything himself.


    Moreover, due to Yellow Sword Wine''s massacre, the Su Family had suffered heavy losses among the disciples, and the Three Great Families were not easy to deal with either.


    The Zhou Family, the Yun Family, and the Zhong Family took advantage of this opportunity to kick the Su Family while it was down, siphoning off quite a few of the Su Family''s assets.


    There were also some fiercely rising Noble Families such as the Sang Family, the Zhu Family, etc., all eyeing them hungrily.


    One whale falls and myriad creatures prosper; the decline of a Great Family leads to a feast of rich spoils for all the others.


    "The Underworld... Yellow Sword Wine..."


    Su Daoling''s eyes were cold and ruthless.


    The loss suffered by the Su Family would definitely be reclaimed!


    "Hunting God Pavilion has already accepted the commission... Other identities from the Underworld are hard to guess, but you, Cat Face, we can find out who you are as soon as we check, yet you dare to be so merry..."

 Chapter 836: The Underworld Reveals a Huge Flaw, My Daughter Xi Xi is Unbeatable (3)

    "I never really believed that Li Qingshan''s Cat Face was a member of the Underworld, but to think, this Cat Face actually is one."


    Su Daoling''s eyes were extremely cold.


    "The Underworld... has exposed a huge flaw!"


    "The Hunting God Pavilion''s power within the Mansion City, is far from what the Golden Light Prefecture can compare..."


    "A Star Constellation Assassin... you must die, Cat Face!"


    "Perhaps... from this Cat Face, we can trace back and find the other members of the Underworld."


    Su Daoling slammed the headache-inducing ledger onto the desk.


    His head was meant for drawing divine talismans, not for accounting.


    "Now, the best chance to stop the decline of the Su Family... is only in the final disciple assessment of Lv Taibai, the Divine Sect Master..."


    "Su Wuming has died, killed by Yellow Sword Wine, but it has to be said, the talent of Yellow Sword Wine is indeed good, and the child he had with Zhu Qing... has fully inherited his mother''s talent, possessing an extremely gifted Sword Dao talent."


    "Yellow Sword Wine was a disciple of Lv Taibai, and now that he is dead... it''s perfect for Zhu Qing''s son to take his place..."


    Su Daoling''s eyes flickered.


    "Yellow Sword Wine... in the end, you were not cruel enough."


    "These kids you couldn''t bring yourself to kill, but ultimately, they will grow up and become the tools that maintain the prosperity and strength of my Su Family!"


    Su Daoling''s expression was cold.


    As long as the Su Family still held that secret technique...


    Three thousand years of rise and fall...


    Are not the end!


    "As long as Su Li, the child of Wuming and Zhu Qing, can become the last direct disciple of Lv Taibai, all the recent declines of the Su Family will be wiped out at once. The resources that the three families have swallowed from the Su Family must be spat out!"


    Su Daoling''s eyes gleamed brightly.


    Now, Su Li and the other two divine children of the Su Family have all been sent to Su Leibao to undergo the final sprint before the Sect Master''s direct disciple assessment.


    ...


    ...


    Humming...


    All becomes quiet, the sword energy light pillar that shot into the clouds gradually diminishes, like turning off a tight faucet, the column of water becomes a thread, and eventually disappears without a trace.


    Inside the Mysterious Temple, all is silent.


    Li Che slowly opened his eyes, the majestic divinity on his body gradually calmed down.


    Exhaling a breath, Li Che stood up, his body making thunderous crackling sounds.


    The breakthrough in divine cultivation also slightly reflects on the physical body.


    The inner scene of the energy center shone brightly, as if a small sword was faintly visible at the brow''s energy center.


    That was the seed of the Sword Immortal Sword Intent...


    Unfortunately, this seed of Sword Immortal Sword Intent was wrapped and constrained by the grand vows of Sword Immortals, unable to be inherited immediately.


    "However... it''s not a big problem, killing Ji Moli... the main culprit of that disaster should be able to break the shackles of the seed of Sword Immortal Sword Intent."


    Li Che exhaled a breath, feeling a sense of relief.


    With hair flying, his gaze swept over the now peaceful Mysterious Temple, the statue of the Sword Immortal Temple God sat quietly on the altar.


    It was as if the images from before, stepping down from the altar, were all just illusions.


    But the trembling sword intent seed in the brow''s energy center told Li Che that none of it was an illusion.


    "Bright God Divine Power... works even better than I imagined."


    "Understanding the will of Mingwu Temple God has also greatly helped me in carving the Divine Sculpture..."


    Li Che smiled.


    It seems that he was not far from becoming a Divine Sculpture Half-Saint.


    With a clenched fist in salute, Li Che paid his respects to the statue of the Sword Immortal Temple God, then pressed down his Bull Demon Mask, flicking his finger.


    Leaving a trace of white in the Sword Immortal Mysterious Temple, Li Che clenched his fist and left the temple of the rank of Five Elders.


    This journey, for Li Che, was an absolute success.


    Even with some unexpected joy.


    The Six Desires Divine Foundation were all cast into six Divine Image Swords, filled with divinity by the Sword Immortal Temple God, elevating them to the Primordial Aspect Realm.


    That is to say, Li Che''s Divine Cultivation has now reached the Peak of the Primordial Phase!


    Moreover, he had already given birth to a Primordial Spirit.


    So, what he needed to do now was to start condensing the Divine Golden Pill and break through into the Divine Origin Realm.


    After Li Che left.


    The Mysterious Temple and Strange Que returned to normal.


    The Temple Guardian Cursed Corpses no longer howled, and the Mysterious Fog began to curl up again.


    Feng Zhiqi''s eyes flickered, staring at the Sword Immortal Mysterious Temple for a long time. When the Temple Guardian Demigod Cursed Corpses fell back into sleep and no longer raged, he started sealing with divine seals being struck out.


    In an instant, the Mysterious Fog was torn apart.


    He stepped through two Temple Guardian Demigod Cursed Corpses and set foot inside the Mysterious Temple.


    However, he found that inside the Mysterious Temple, everything was as usual, except for the extinguished white candles leaving the place in darkness.


    There was no one in the Mysterious Temple...


    Feng Zhiqi''s eyes narrowed.


    When did they leave?!


    Feng Zhiqi clenched his fist, terrifying currents of air raged and intertwined within the temple.


    Who was it?


    To come and go as one pleases, in and out without his permission as the guardian.


    Are they making a fool of me?!


    ...


    ...


    Qianyuan Dao City.


    Thunder Alley, a standalone workshop courtyard.


    Click-clack click-clack¡ª!


    Whether it was being penetrated by the Sword Intent arising from the Mysterious Temple or not, the rainstorm turned even more torrential, as if a punctured hole was venting out the copious water from the skies.


    The leaden clouds were heavily stacked, and the startling thunder tore through the dull night.


    The heavy downpour, like the opening of a floodgate!


    The lightning swiftness, a net across the sky!


    The pitter-patter of rain, purging every inch of Qianyuan Dao City, scrubbing every bit of filth from the land.


    Li Che, wearing the Bull Demon Mask, had his Mo Shan drenched by the rain, sticking to his body, highlighting his muscular lines very prominently!


    Lifting his head, the rain slid down the mask.


    His gaze was intense, with sparks of lightning shooting from his pupils!


    "Huh¡ª"

 Chapter 837: The Underworld Reveals a Huge Flaw, My Daughter Xi Xi is Unbeatable (4)

    "Inhale¡ª"


    Between each breath, the wind and rain filling the courtyard seemed to swirl with his respiration.


    Li Che spread his arms, silently floating into the air, the invisible domain around him undergoing transformation.


    The Lei-Ci Dao Body was stimulated, resonating with the vibrant pulse of life, yearning to revive all things covered by the heavy snow of winter, things that had been frozen all season long!


    Within his chest, the [Lei-Ci Dao Body] Dao Fruit vibrated with a low-frequency hum, yet it struck as if a Heavenly God hammered the earth.


    Hovering mid-air, the rain around Li Che fluttered like butterflies, twisting and floating around him.


    Boom¡ª!!!


    It was as if two substantial clouds had suddenly collided, akin to several Guanyin Lotus Bullets abruptly detonating!


    The violent explosion dissipated high in the sky.


    The rumbling of thunder pounded the human world, then rebounded off the earth, causing the entirety of the human realm to echo with peals of thunder.


    Spring thunder sudden emerged!


    Instantly illuminating the whole night.


    The silver streaks of spring thunder, as if drawn by an invisible force, transformed into a Thunder Dragon, tearing asunder heaven and earth in a flash!


    The rushing tide of thunder struck Li Che mercilessly.


    Boom¡ª!!!


    Li Che was heavily slammed onto the ground of the yard, his organs trembling incessantly, each pore seemingly spurting out streaks of lightning!


    Madly siphoning the exploding, scattered, leaping electric arcs, surrounded by whirlwinds and mingling rain.


    At this moment, Li Che was like a god controlling thunder from the heavenly dome.


    The Dragon Elephant Sky Gang appeared in an instant, his Qi-Blood boiling, a massive merged shadow of Dragon Elephant emerged, the power of thunder ceaselessly converging onto the "Dragon" aspect!


    With a single step, the accumulation of water on the ground exploded instantly, curtains of spray rose six feet high!


    Then they scattered and splattered back down!


    Countless currents of electricity chased one another behind him.


    The Lei-Ci Dao Body merged with the Dragon Elephant Sky Gang, undergoing what seemed like a metamorphosis of power attributes!


    Li Che only felt that his strength had become even more terrifying!


    [Dao Fruit: Lei-Ci Dao Body (LV2, 22%)]


    As thunder interwove around him, it continuously tempered his physique.


    Li Che could clearly see the percentage of maturity rapidly climbing before his eyes.


    It was only after he had completely digested this surge of spring thunder that it finally settled at 22%.


    Unfortunately, ascending the Lei-Ci Dao Body to LV3 does not seem to be an easy feat.


    "I hope to break through to LV3 of the Lei-Ci Dao Body before Xi Xi turns six, and awaken the Prototype of Divine Powers..."


    Li Che''s demands were not high.


    Stretching his limbs, the crackling sounds in tandem with the raindrops hitting the ground resonated together.


    With a gentle smile, he began to further refine his Martial Path in the heavy rain, riding on the sensation of metamorphosis from the Lei-Ci Dao Body.


    Nine Heavens Mysterious Eagle Splitting Sky Fist!


    This is the Divine Seed Martial Arts practiced by Su Wenxi, a First Level Martial Saint!


    At this moment, Li Che seemed to have a perception, that sudden emergence of thunder from the heavens, as if tearing open the void...


    It truly suited the enlightenment of the Nine Heavens Mysterious Eagle Splitting Sky Fist!


    Thunder tearing asunder the vault of heaven!


    Whoosh whoosh whoosh¡ª


    Li Che clenched his five fingers, each raindrop at his fingertips burst, his muscular body quivered with bulging veins, arms spread open as if he transformed into a mystic eagle soaring through the storm, screaming in the wind!


    ...


    ...


    Time dripped away bit by bit.


    In the Six Desires Extermination Lv Xuan Sword Immortal Mysterious Temple, a Sword Energy Light Pillar erupted, but the fact that someone resonated perfectly with the Temple God did not cause much stir.


    Neither did it become a conversation piece for the Jianghu Guests after meals; after all, those without sufficient understanding would not grasp such matters.


    Qingming drew closer, brimming with the spirit of spring.


    The willows in the city burgeoned with vibrant green leaves, swaying in the spring breeze.


    At the Qian Yuan Divine Sect, greenery covered the mountains, teeming with life. Amidst the continuous spring rain, a misty haze enveloped the Mysterious Temples dotted among the mountain ranges, exuding a poetic charm.


    Outer Sect, Disciple City, Elder Court.


    Li Che was sparring with Xi Xi while using the Immaculate Heart Dao Fruit Divinity of the Third Transformation to recalibrate her physique.


    Silently during this process, he completed the cleansing and enhancement of Xi Xi''s talent.


    Now, Li Che was not quite sure what level Xi Xi''s talent had reached.


    Previously, Xi Xi was at the level of a Thousand Feet Genius; now, she must have surpassed that.


    Divine Children are also categorized based on the height of their Innate Purple Qi.


    Hundred Feet, Thousand Feet Genius, and then comes the Ten Thousand Feet Genius, and after that... the extremely rare Purple Qi Reaching Heaven!


    Purple Qi Reaching Heaven represents the highest level of talent a Divine Child can possess.


    Has Xi Xi reached the level of talent of Purple Qi Reaching Heaven?


    Li Che doesn''t know.


    Because to test the talent of Purple Qi Reaching Heaven, special means and Divine Talismans are required... Li Che doesn''t have these resources at the moment.


    In these days, as the date for the Sect Master''s Direct Disciple assessment approaches, Li Che has been bathing Xi Xi''s physical body with Pure Heart Divinity every day, then stimulating the Mythical Weapon within her body, releasing divine substances, performing Fusion Soldier Body Refining, and enhancing Xi Xi''s physique.


    "Hey ya!"


    Xi Xi lets out a long cry, her chubby little fingers clench into a fist, and a powerful force bursts forth from her fist as she hammers down vehemently.


    However, she is lightly sent flying by a gentle palm from Li Che.


    The Dao Fruit of Dragon Elephant Vajra concerning martial talent is fused into a thread of Pure Heart Divinity and transferred to his daughter.


    Li Che''s eyes glow with intensity.


    Xi Xi hasn''t broken through to the Grandmaster Realm using the Divine Vein Nine Transformations, so she hasn''t formed a Qi Blood Furnace.


    However, even after a breakthrough to the Grandmaster Realm, there is still a chance to form a Qi Blood Furnace.


    Xi Xi has this capability!


    Li Che also plans to help Xi Xi create a Qi Blood Furnace, giving her more confidence in the Sect Master''s Direct Disciple assessment.


    At least, if there really are any combat-related tasks.


    With the strong physical body Xi Xi will develop after creating a Qi Blood Furnace...


    She definitely won''t be bullied.


    Additionally, Li Che has learned that the Sect Master of Qian Yuan Divine Sect, Lv Taibai, is not only a Divine Fetus Great God but also a Peerless Sword Saint.


    He is extremely skilled in swordsmanship, so during this time, Li Che has been teaching Xi Xi swordsmanship directly, while also infusing the essence of Sword Immortal Sword Intent Seed into Pure Heart Divinity, to add some Sword Dao talent to Xi Xi.


    "Daddy!"


    Xi Xi''s eyes seem to be spitting fire, with each strand of hair on her ponytail standing up as if electrified!


    "Take this!"


    Xi Xi shouts in her childish voice.


    Tap tap tap tap!


    Her little feet rapidly tap on the ground, kicking up dust, then she leaps high into the air, spinning quickly, and lashes out with a whipping kick.


    But, with a gentle smile, Li Che''s palm infused with Pure Heart Divinity sends her lightly drifting back.


    Xi Xi is left feeling frustrated, how come kicking Daddy''s like kicking cotton?


    Her move, Xi Xi Wind Fire Leg, was unbeatable among the Chulong List!


    As for those Divine Children on the Chulong List, none of them would fight Xi Xi.


    Suddenly.


    Xi Xi feels an unbearable heat in her feet!


    An unbearable kind of heat!


    "Daddy, save me wahh!"


    "Xi Xi''s feet are going to roast into red-braised pig''s trotters wah!"


    Xi Xi stands on one foot like a golden rooster, holding her foot as if it were about to cook, hopping around on the spot, and continuously blowing on her foot as if it were a roasted pig''s trotter.


    Buzz buzz buzz


    In an instant.


    The Prison Lotus Wind Fire Golden Light Wheel hidden in Xi Xi''s feet shoots out.


    Countless sparks, accompanied by the sound of gold and iron friction, burst forth.


    Soon Xi Xi isn''t just holding her feet anymore, but moving anxiously like ants on a hot pan.


    Her whole body starts to turn red, her Qi-Blood is boiling and mighty, roaming through her meridians, making a thunderous roar!


    From the top of Xi Xi''s head, over her shoulders, from her abdomen''s Dantian, and finally from her spine''s tailbone!


    She runs in a complete circuit!


    As if a fiery flame burns fiercely, it rapidly expands, enveloping Xi Xi''s whole body!


    Boom


    Mighty waves of Qi surge, and inside the small courtyard, the air currents whirl madly!


    Xi Xi, with tears in her eyes, thinks she has consumed too many red-braised pig''s trotters and must now suffer their vengeance.


    She suddenly starts screaming in terror, feeling her five-year-old life enveloped in darkness.


    After Li Che strikes with a palm, he feels the surging and rolling Qi-Blood changes in Xi Xi''s body, and his eyes suddenly light up.


    The diligence of a devoted father pays off!


    "Xi Xi''s Qi Blood Furnace Body..."


    "Has formed!"


    "My daughter Xi Xi is invincible!"

 Chapter 842: Emperor Xi Xi Sets Out Again to Talent Pass, Impressing the Grandmaster

    February 26th, Qingming.


    Suitable for: Cleaning, priesthood, seeking medical advice, treating illnesses. Avoid all other tasks.


    Flowers fall while grass grows anew, orioles fly as butterflies frolic in pairs.


    Light rain flutters incessantly.


    The ancient mountains resemble a slumbering dragon, coiled deep within Qianyuan Taoist City, monopolizing the territories behind it.


    It is akin to a dragon halberd spanning the human world.


    The Qingshan seem eager to converse with those of great stature, endless steeds gallop forth in streams.


    "Dong"


    From deep within the mountains, the resonant toll of an ancient bell echoed.


    The sound invisibly warped the air, like ripples of energy stirring a gentle breeze, tilting the Spring Rain and piercing through the heavens and earth.


    The peach trees lining both sides of the Qianyuan Taoist City''s main boulevard swayed gently in the spring wind, their blossoms falling petal by petal, adhering to the rain-soaked ground.


    The petals stuck to hastily passing carriages as they threaded their way toward the Divine Sect.


    The sky was dim, clouds densely layered, obscuring the radiant sun beyond.


    Amidst the world, spring''s chill carried a cutting sharpness.


    Horse hooves lightly descended, striking the green stone pavement before the Qianyuan Divine Sect Mountain Gate''s white jade archway, producing an ancient resonant sound akin to a bell being chimed.


    Li Che held Xi Xi in his arms. Inside the carriage, the furnace was glowing warmly, banishing spring''s chill from entering.


    Zhang Ya sat across from Li Che. Today, she was adorned in lavish attire and delicate makeup. Her nervousness was visibly apparent.


    She clenched her fists, whispering encouragement to herself repeatedly.


    "My daughter Xi Xi can definitely do it! She''ll surely pass the assessment and become a direct disciple of the Sect Master Great God! She can do it!"


    Li Che hugged Xi Xi close as the father and daughter pair stared at the overly tense Zhang Ya, which made her slightly exasperated from their gaze.


    "I''m not talking to the two of you anymore! Don''t you ever feel nervous?"


    Zhang Ya tightened her fists, shaking them slightly.


    Xi Xi crawled out from Li Che''s embrace and burrowed into Zhang Ya''s arms, playfully nudging her. With surprising maturity, she patted Zhang Ya''s shoulder to comfort her.


    "Mother, please don''t worry. Even if Xi Xi doesn''t pass the assessment, Xi Xi is still a disciple of the Sect Master''s wife. I can study Divine Talisman arts with her master, and Divine Talismans are really interesting!"


    "Xi Xi is amazing now; I can even write my full name without making mistakes!"


    As Xi Xi spoke, a proud grin blossomed across her face.


    Then she climbed toward the carriage window, stood on tiptoes, and lifted the silk curtain.


    The soft, cool spring breeze and rain poured in through the window, carrying hints of refreshing chill.


    "So many people!"


    Xi Xi exclaimed in surprise, twisting her tiny frame with excitement rather than any hint of anxiety, eager to dive into the scene.


    With so many people gathered, Emperor Xi Xi was certain she''d have plenty of fun in battle today!


    Nie Yang, expertly maneuvering the carriage, drove steadily along the wide, smooth avenue leading to the Divine Sect Mountain Gate.


    Soon, they arrived at the vast flatland before the white jade archway.


    The white jade archway stood tall and imposing, droplets of accumulated water from the Spring Rain clinging to its edges, occasionally dripping down like crystals.


    The lingering chill of Qingming''s spring cold spread throughout, and the mountain¡ªfull of flora¡ªfurther amplified the icy sensation.


    Yet today, before the white jade archway of Qianyuan Divine Sect''s Mountain Gate, the scene was brimming with activity.


    Endless streams of carriages and crowds bustled about.


    The forceful qi-blood emanating from the gathered martial artists surged like a furnace stoked with fresh embers, banishing the chill long ago.


    The luxurious carriages pulled up one by one, each halting atop the vast flatland before the jade archway.


    The symbols engraved upon these carriages indicated that their occupants were undoubtedly privileged or wealthy.


    The Su Family, Yun Family, Zhou Family, and Zhong Family¡ªfour top noble families of Qianyuan Taoist City¡ªhad their carriages parked at prime locations.


    Next came the carriages from the Daoist Master Mansion and others, equally ornate yet with identities unknown.


    Since only Divine Children were eligible to participate in the Sect Master''s direct disciple assessment, the actual number of participants was quite limited.


    Despite the thronging crowds, most were mere spectators eager for a glimpse of the spectacle.


    When their carriage stopped, the aged Old Chen maneuvered expertly, halting with a sharp "Hee-yah!"


    Rustle.


    An oiled paper umbrella opened, shaking off the raindrops and keeping the Spring Rain at bay.


    Zhang Ya stepped off the carriage, carrying Xi Xi. Li Che held up the umbrella for the mother and daughter, extending his arm to shield them. The family appeared harmonious amidst the hazy drizzle.


    "Emperor Xi Xi shall set forth! Go, invincible Emperor Xi Xi!"


    Once the carriage came to a halt.


    Gong Yuanliang and Gong Yang Xiu, two lively characters, immediately popped out from their carriage, clenching their fists and shouting with excitement.


    Xi Xi twisted and turned in Zhang Ya''s arms, placing her hands on her hips, puffing up her chest proudly!


    "Just you wait and see!"


    Xi Xi was brimming with confidence.


    In the distance.


    From within the luxurious carriages now parked in neat rows, the Divine Children from various noble families began stepping out. Under the guidance of their respective family patriarchs, they lined up orderly.


    "Hey, chubby kid!"


    "Sister Yun E!"


    Xi Xi''s eyes lit up as she spotted Zhou Peng emerging from the Zhou Family''s carriage and the ever-beautiful Ms. Yun E. Enthusiastically, she waved her chubby little arms.


    Beside Yun E stood an elderly man with flowing white hair wearing a cyan robe of distinction, who also glanced over.


    Yun E smiled sweetly, her dimples blooming like spring waters, replying with a wave toward Xi Xi.


    The Yun Family''s patriarch, Yun He, stood with his hands behind his back and turned his head when he heard Xi Xi''s tender cries.


    "E''er, is that Li Nuanxi..."


    "The Divine Child who came to Qianyuan Taoist City from Golden Light Prefecture?"


    The elder''s eyes flickered with a hint of intrigue.


    Li Nuanxi''s name had gradually gained fame in Qianyuan Taoist City these past days.


    The Sect Master''s wife had personally intervened for this disciple, suppressing Ji Moli''s Dragon Queen Consort in the bustling streets.


    Additionally, some days ago, Earthly Hell''s Evil bet collectively at Qiankun Gambling House that Li Nuanxi, ranked only tenth, would triumph. For a time, Divine Child Li Nuanxi''s name resonated entirely.

 Chapter 843: Emperor Xi Xi Sets Out Again to Talent Pass, Impressing the Grandmaster - Part 2

    "A promising child.¡±


    "However, this time, you and she are competitors, and you must not hold back.¡±


    "You understand, this time... it¡¯s your only chance to change your fate


    "Otherwise, as a clan junior, your life is not your own.¡±


    Yun He said softly.


    Yun E¡¯s parents passed away early, and combined with her stunning beauty and special constitution.


    If she can become the direct disciple of the Sect Master this time, her status will rise significantly, bringing great benefits to the Yun Family, and only then can she break free from the shackles of the Noble Families, to control her own destiny.


    But if she fails...


    Yun E¡¯s long eyelashes trembled slightly as she lowered her head: ¡°Family Head, Yun E understands.¡±


    Yun He nodded.


    On the other side, Zhou Peng happily greeted Xi Xi and then, under Xi Xi¡¯s envious gaze, casually grabbed a hot meat bun, stuffing it into his mouth to chew.


    "Xi Xi!¡±


    In the distance, a burly figure broke through the wind and rain, accompanied by a graceful figure in a pale yellow dress.


    It was Xi Xi¡¯s senior brother Bian Yuanlong and senior sister Sang Guanyin.


    Beside Sang Guanyin, dressed in a white robe of a Minor Supervisor of the Qintian Observatory, Sang Yu leisurely followed, gently waving a paper fan.


    "Elder Li.¡±


    Bian Yuanlong saw Li Che, saluting respectfully with clasped fists.


    The current Li Che is the Fifth Elder of Divine Carving Ridge, a very prestigious position within the Qian Yuan Divine Sect.


    Li Che wore a gentle smile, nodding slightly.


    Xi Xi, seeing Sang Guanyin and Bian Yuanlong, immediately became happy, burrowing into Sang Guanyin¡¯s embrace. She was always with Sang Guanyin in the Golden Light Prefecture, so they were very close.


    "Xi Xi, you have to work hard. If you become the Sect Master¡¯s direct disciple, your senior sister will have someone to rely on within the Divine Sect!¡±


    Sang Guanyin gently ruffled Xi Xi¡¯s head.


    Xi Xi suddenly became spirited, puffing out her small belly, patting her chest loudly.


    "Don¡¯t worry, Senior Sister Yin Yin! Xi Xi is very strong now!¡±


    "Against opponents like Hai Chao Sheng, Xi Xi can kick them away, one at a time!¡±


    Xi Xi was very proud, raising her chin with confidence.


    Sang Guanyin chuckled lightly.


    The robust Bian Yuanlong followed them, chuckling foolishly.


    "Xi Xi, your talent and strength are undeniable, but you must recognize your opponents clearly


    Sang Guanyin said very seriously.


    She pointed to the distance, where a luxurious carriage was parked. On the shaft of the carriage, a young man dressed in plain clothes sat quietly, holding an engraving knife in his hand, constantly turning it, letting the shavings fall as he carved a Divine Sculpture.


    "He is Gongshu Wentian, from the Divine Capital Gongsu Family, a family stronger than the Su Family, rumored to have blood relations with the Chief of the Qintian Observatory... your biggest rival.¡±


    Sang Guanyin introduced solemnly to Xi Xi.


    Upon hearing this, Xi Xi couldn¡¯t help but look over.


    The young man in plain clothes had a ponytail, and as if sensing Xi Xi¡¯s gaze, slightly lifted his eyelids, revealing a handsomely sculpted face.


    "Wow! So handsome!¡±


    Xi Xi covered her mouth.


    Li Che, who was beside her, turned dark-faced.


    Xi Huangmao, enough is enough!


    Sang Guanyin was also speechless, though she was used to Xi Xi¡¯s personality, this little girl... unlike Uncle Li¡¯s gentle and elegant manner, she might grow up to be a little ruffian.


    "You can¡¯t slack off just because he looks good, give it your all, understand?¡±


    Sang Guanyin advised.


    "Don¡¯t worry, Senior Sister Yin Yin, someone this handsome, if beaten up, would surely look good even when crying!¡±


    Xi Xi clenched her little fist.


    Bian Yuanlong behind her rubbed his close-cropped hair, his eyes widening.


    Is this what my junior sister really is?


    Gongshu Wentian¡¯s engraving knife trembled slightly, vaguely sensing Xi Xi¡¯s aggressive gaze.


    "That Heavenly Sculpture prodigy, the youngest ever Elder of Divine Carving Ridge, Li Che¡¯s daughter?¡±


    Gongshu Wentian¡¯s lips curled slightly.


    A five-year-old girl posed no threat to him.


    In fact, Gongshu Wentian never considered anyone present to be his rival.


    The ancient He of the Heavenly Pill Divine Sect was not up to par, nor was Xuan Yue of the Xuanfu Divine Sect, the Seven Treasures Divine Sect¡¯s Ning Caihe couldn¡¯t compare, and neither could Lv Qingxuan of the Qian Yuan Divine Sect...


    Gongshu Wentian was too proud.


    After all, he hailed from the Gongshu Family.


    One of the Great Vista¡¯s three ancient families, the Gongshu Family, a family that bore the Great Supervising Minister!


    There is a saying in the world.


    A court as ephemeral as flowing water, but an ancient family as firm as iron.


    And among the three ancient families, one is the Gongshu Family.


    Thus, Gongshu Wentian did not consider Xi Xi as a rival.


    Compared to Li Nuanxi, Gongshu Wentian... was more interested in her father, the Divine Sculpture Master Li Che!


    It was heard that Li Che might have a chance to break through to the realm of the Divine Sculpture Half-Saint in the future, and seemed to have acquired the Tang Family¡¯s mechanical techniques¡¯ legacy... Gongshu Wentian was extremely interested, and with the thought, his engraving knife worked faster, every hair on his body trembled in excitement.


    Spirit Wood Shavings fell and swirled around.


    Gongshu Wentian shifted his gaze to Li Che, his mouth slowly curving into a grin.


    Li Che was holding an umbrella for Zhang Ya when he suddenly sensed a heated gaze.


    His eyes swept over, and he saw Gongshu Wentian¡¯s wolf-like eyes.


    Facing Li Che¡¯s gaze, Gongshu Wentian raised the wood carving in his hand.


    The wood carving...


    It depicted the Temple God, the Two-Minded Great Sage, from the Mysterious Temple suppressed by the Divine Carving Ridge.


    Gongshu Family...


    What is their relation with Gongshu Jingjun?


    Li Che gave a gentle smile, not paying too much attention.


    Sang Guanyin held Xi Xi, introducing each opponent to her.


    Gu He, Xuan Yue, Lv Qingxuan, Ning Caihe...

 Chapter 844: Emperor Xi Xi Sets Out Again to Talent Pass, Impressing the Grandmaster - Part 3

    "This is the Young Prince Lu Chi Sang Guanyin saw Lu Chi, paused, and spoke softly.


    Xi Xi, however, snorted and said, ¡°Hmph! Ignore him!¡±


    Turning her head, she began to observe the other Divine Children.


    Lu Chi slightly tilted his head, saw Xi Xi ignoring him, pressed his lips together, and then calmed his gaze, looking straight ahead.


    While Xi Xi was being led by Sang Guanyin to size up the opponents, the opponents were also scrutinizing each other.


    Spring Rain became a bit more solemn, as if a powder keg was about to erupt between them.


    Suddenly, Xi Xi, in Sang Guanyin¡¯s arms, felt a gaze full of resentment.


    A luxurious carriage slowly broke through the wind and rain, its curtains lifted, revealing the Dragon Queen Consort with horns on her forehead and a face full of coldness.


    Inside the carriage, Little Dragon Girl Ao Qingqing and the son of Young Taoist Master Yue Weizheng, Yue Linghu, sat together.


    Yue Linghu, handsome in appearance, gazed at Little Dragon Girl Ao Qingqing, as if his eyes were glowing slightly.


    Ao Qingqing had been under intense pressure from the Dragon Queen Consort recently, and she knew why¡ªit was all because of the pressure Li Nuanxi brought upon the Princess Consort. Thus, Ao Qingqing harbored some resentment toward Li Nuanxi.


    Because of her, these recent times were so tough, and her aunt who always pampered her had suddenly transferred all the pressure onto her.


    "Qingqing, don¡¯t worry, I will definitely help you suppress Li Nuanxi in the assessment!¡±


    Yue Linghu said with a smile.


    Upon hearing this, Ao Qingqing¡¯s voice immediately softened, ¡°Thank you, Brother Linghu.¡±


    Hearing her tender voice, Yue Linghu¡¯s smile widened.


    He liked Ao Qingqing¡¯s soft voice, it made him feel as if even his bones were melting, and coupled with the task assigned by his father, Yue Linghu was convinced that Ao Qingqing would be his future wife.


    Many Divine Children got off the carriages and stood on the rain-soaked blue-stone Daping.


    Some Inner and Outer Sect disciples wearing the Divine Sect¡¯s robes set up a perimeter to keep the onlookers at bay, preventing them from getting too close.


    But even so, it couldn¡¯t dampen the Jianghu guests¡¯ enthusiasm for spectating.


    The mountain path was almost completely blocked by crowds, layer upon layer, inside and out, all filled with people.


    "Dong


    Another muffled ancient bell rang out, reverberating mightily.


    This time, it was different from the previous two occasions.


    It seemed to carry a sense of solemnity, rolling through the air.


    In an instant, the noisy Qiankun Archway area in front of the Divine Sect Mountain Gate fell silent.


    Everyone¡¯s gaze fell on the blue-stone mountain path shrouded in mist and clouds of Qian Yuan Divine Sect.


    For a moment, the atmosphere at the mountain gate¡¯s Daping seemed serene.


    Everyone fell into a solemn silence.


    The pitter-patter of spring rain on the ground sounded like the grains in an hourglass rolling gently.


    Suddenly.


    Everyone¡¯s eyes focused, feeling as though their vision was blurring.


    The seemingly dragon-like winding mountain range of the Divine Sect Mountain Gate appeared to come alive, shaking fiercely.


    Countless clouds were abruptly torn apart.


    An overwhelming pressure swept across, descending out of nowhere.


    Countless raindrops suddenly froze in mid-air, as if glued and suspended by an invisible force.


    "It¡¯s here!¡±


    Someone lifted the curtains of their luxurious carriage, their eyes narrowing.


    At the Divine Sect Inner Gate, on the mountain peak blossoming with plum flowers.


    Suddenly, a sword light shot up towards the sky.


    Then it seemed as though a figure in white rode the wind within the sword light, arriving by sword, suspending in the sky high above.


    An oppressive Rank pressure, making everyone feel stifled and unable to breathe, spread like ripples in all directions.


    It was the terrifying pressure belonging solely to a Divine Fetus Great God!


    Just by sensing it, it felt like facing a vast ocean.


    "Lu Taibai!¡±


    "Qian Yuan Divine Sect Master!¡±


    "A pinnacle figure on the fifth of the Great God List!¡±


    ...


    Sounds of gasping echoed everywhere.


    Many people opened the curtains, directly facing the sharp figure, simply appearing there made everyone feel an immense sense of oppression.


    The Princess Consort stared at Divine Sect Master Lu Taibai, her heart slightly shaken.


    Such grandeur...


    She had only seen this on her man Ji Moli.


    The current Family Head of the Su Family, Divine Talisman Semi-Saint Su Daoling¡¯s eyes deepened slightly.


    "Unfathomable... Lu Taibai has become even more terrifying after decades of seclusion


    ...


    Qian Yuan Divine Sect Master Lu Taibai finally showed up amidst everyone¡¯s eager anticipation, seemingly like a Sword Immortal standing high above, overlooking the mortal world.


    "Ancestor Worship.¡±


    Lu Taibai transformed into sword light, swiftly descending in front of the Qiankun Arch.


    Within the Divine Sect, Great Elder Fang Hanshu, Second Elder Zhao Fangzhou, Third Elder Ding Zi, Fourth Elder Ji Heshan...


    One by one, the Inner Sect Elders floated out from the mountain gate, gathering in front of the Qiankun Arch.


    Meanwhile, the Outer Elders who had been waiting in front of the arch, all dressed in simple long robes, stepped forward, lining up behind.


    Li Che was watching intently from below.


    Suddenly, a voice transmission echoed in his ear.


    "A Che, come up.¡±


    "You are the Divine Carving Ridge Elder, you should come up here.¡±


    Li Che was startled, looking at the Master of the Divine Carving Ridge, Gongshu Jingjun, waiting in the distance.


    Behind him stood Great Elder Tang Xiejia and three other aged Elders from the Divine Carving Ridge.


    Upon hearing this, Li Che saw Lu Qingti approaching swiftly, respectfully saluting before guiding Li Che to ascend the stage.


    Li Che didn¡¯t resist or hesitate, handing the oil-paper umbrella to Zhang Ya.


    Then he came to Sang Guanyin¡¯s side, pinching Xi Xi¡¯s cheek, ¡°Don¡¯t be careless, perform well.¡±

 Chapter 845: Emperor Xi Xi Sets Out Again to Talent Pass, Impressing the Grandmaster - Part 4

    Li Che smiled faintly, then straightened his spine, brushed off a raindrop from his Mo Shan robe, and followed Lu Qingti. They passed through the crowd, accompanied by many startled and curious gazes, heading towards the Qiankun Arch.


    Under countless surprised and respectful stares, Li Che arrived at the ranks of Gongshu Jingjun and the Divine Eagle Ridge Elders.


    Following that, the Divine Eagle Ridge Elders also stepped forward one by one, joining the many elders of the Qianyuan Divine Sect, aligning themselves neatly in front of the Qiankun Arch.


    The Sect Master Lv Taibai stood tall in pristine white robes, his silver hair flowing freely as his gaze landed on Li Che, whose entrance into the ranks was rather remarkable.


    "Elder Li.¡±


    Lv Taibai¡¯s eyes gleamed profoundly, a Godly Pattern visible at the center of his brow.


    The corners of his lips lifted with a trace of amusement: ¡°Not bad.¡±


    Li Che felt a jolt in his heart, as though every Dao Fruit within his chest quivered intensely at that moment, warning him of the unparalleled danger emanating from this person before him.


    Even within the Heaven and Earth chessboard¡¯s [Equal to Heaven¡¯s Face], the Prison Lotus Yin Divine Sword trembled uncontrollably.


    Likewise, the Three-point double-edged knife embedded in his left arm quivered faintly.


    Li Che took a deep breath¡ªhe couldn¡¯t fight and win...


    Facing such a being head-on right now, he certainly couldn¡¯t win!


    Even a sneak attack wouldn¡¯t work!


    Suppressing the unease in his heart, he clasped his fists and bowed: ¡°Newly appointed Elder of Divine Eagle Ridge, Li Che, pays respect to the Sect Master.¡±


    Sect Master Lv Taibai nodded slightly, refraining from further pleasantries.


    Following that, he led the many elders to begin their ceremonial tribute to the Grandmaster.


    The process of the ancestral tribute was presided over by Jiao Shaoqiu. Though meticulous, it was not overly complicated. After completing a series of rituals, each elder placed a stick of incense in their designated bronze incense burner, marking the conclusion of the act.


    Not much time was wasted.


    Upon completing the tribute, the elders dispersed to either side of the arch, where their designated Taishi Chairs awaited them.


    Li Che was guided to one such chair, seated at the furthest end designated for the Divine Eagle Ridge elders.


    Being the fifth elder, he was seated in the sixth chair accordingly.


    However, among the other four aged, white-haired elders of Divine Eagle Ridge, the youthful presence of Li Che stood out, appearing vibrant and conspicuous.


    Li Che turned to survey the crowd below, an oppressive sea of black faces, countless gazes fixated on him, stirring a peculiar sensation within him.


    Through the crowd, Li Che noticed Xi Xi, held in Sang Guanyin¡¯s arms. Xi Xi¡¯s bright eyes blinked rapidly, her red-flushed cheeks radiating excitement as she waved her arms incessantly.


    "Yin Yin Senior Sister, that¡¯s Daddy! That¡¯s my Daddy!¡±


    Xi Xi¡¯s voice was brimming with joy and exhilaration.


    Indeed, as Emperor Xi Xi¡¯s father, he truly lived up to the grandeur!


    "Silence


    Below the arch.


    Jiao Shaoqiu, with a weathered frame draped in traditional robes, spoke solemnly and gravely, his voice resonating deeply, silencing the murmurs and whispers surging through the crowd.


    "The tribute to the ancestors has concluded.¡±


    "Qianyuan Divine Sect Sect Master Lv Taibai¡¯s sixth direct disciple assessment will now commence.¡±


    Jiao Shaoqiu¡¯s resonant voice echoed through the gathering.


    As his words fell.


    The gathered Divine Children on the great plaza trembled slightly, their eyes reflecting profound solemnity and focus.


    Amidst the tense atmosphere, the chill of the spring breeze swept over them.


    Jiao Shaoqiu stepped aside.


    Lv Taibai rose leisurely from his Taishi Chair, appearing without the slightest edge or aggression.


    Draped in white robes billowing in the breeze, he strode to the foot of the Qiankun Arch.


    His deep gaze swept across the assembly, akin to an infinite vortex, drawing in each individual¡¯s spirit.


    "This will be Lv Taibai¡¯s final disciple. You all know that Taibai¡¯s principles of accepting disciples remain inclusive¡ªwithin Qianyuan Divine Sect, we welcome talent from all nations. No matter where you come from, if you meet the qualifications, you¡¯re eligible to join.¡±


    "Moreover, the final direct disciple selected today will hold the position of future Young Sect Master of Qianyuan Divine Sect.¡±


    Lv Taibai stated faintly.


    With those words.


    The atmosphere over the great plaza seemed to ignite like a barrel of dynamite, nearly exploding!


    No one had anticipated Lv Taibai would directly confirm this claim with his own words.


    Rumors were one matter, but their confirmation was something entirely different.


    "Even if


    "This disciple of mine is not from the Grand Prospect Dynasty.¡±


    Upon hearing this.


    The spring breeze seemed to turn murderous, while spring rain became sharp and torrential!


    Many tranquil carriages nearby quaked violently, their curtains flapping wildly under the impact of an unseen Qi Force.


    Clearly, Lv Taibai¡¯s statement stirred too many hearts, throwing countless minds into turmoil!


    Madness?!


    Lv Taibai... truly insane!


    This decision was nothing short of audacious!


    Should Lv Taibai truly appoint a non-dynasty candidate as the Young Sect Master, the Imperial Court of the Grand Prospect Dynasty would certainly not idly stand by.


    However, among those present for Lv Taibai¡¯s final direct disciple evaluation, non-dynasty Divine Children were a minority.


    Thus, the likelihood of a non-dynasty candidate being chosen was quite slim.


    Though the Dragon Maiden Ao Qingqing¡¯s heart soared instinctively.


    She felt her chances had suddenly become much brighter!


    Lv Taibai paid no heed to the varied emotional responses and shifting attitudes among the Divine Children.


    He scanned the crowd, his gaze akin to a serene pool of sword light, calm and unwavering.


    "Hence, this direct disciple evaluation will consist of three stages: testing talent, testing heart, and the temple trial


    "Each stage will serve as a filter to weed out candidates.¡±


    "The first stage, testing talent, will ultimately permit only ten candidates to proceed to the next stage.¡±


    "After the heart test stage, only three will remain for the temple trial


    Lv Taibai spoke indifferently.


    He finally revealed the long-speculated rules of the evaluation.


    Immediately, the atmosphere over the great plaza heated intensely.


    Eyes brimming with curiosity and intrigue, as although these rules differed slightly from Lv Taixuan¡¯s past evaluation process, the core structure remained quite similar.


    "Since my final disciple will become the Young Sect Master of Qianyuan Divine Sect, the first talent test and second heart test will be evaluated by the recently honored Grandmaster.¡±


    As his words concluded.


    Lv Taibai flicked his fingers, unleashing a burst of sword light that shot swiftly into the bronze incense burners filled with incense sticks.


    It reverberated akin to an ancient ceremonial bell struck heavily.


    The incense burner trembled violently as countless smoke columns were swept up by sword light, spiraling toward the Qiankun Dao Yun Plaque.


    Roaring¡ª


    Above the Heavenly Dome, dark clouds gathered and a clap of spring thunder rolled dramatically!


    Instantly, the Qiankun Dao Yun Plaque unleashed a torrent of concentrated Divinity, flooding outward relentlessly!


    That Divinity radiated in pure white form, infused with sharp sword Qi.


    Around the Mountain Gate, it spiraled ceaselessly, gradually morphing into a vortex.


    "The first test, the talent test, does not impose restrictions¡ªnot bound to the Observation Skill¡¯s Purple Aura Divinity Column


    "Martial Arts, Divinity, Divine Sculpture, Divine Pill, Divine Talisman, Divine Weapon¡ªthese six aspects of talent can all serve as determining factors.¡±


    "The Grandmaster will judge comprehensively.¡±


    "Show your utmost; let your talent shine to its fullest. Be it Blood Burning, summoning the temple god, sacrificial talisman usage, burst seeds, or even cheating¡ªit¡¯s all permissible


    "Don¡¯t fret over shocking the Grandmaster


    Lv Taibai¡¯s white robes flapped violently in the wind, his silver hair dancing chaotically as his gaze pierced like lightning, his voice resonating with gravity.


    The words thundered through everyone¡¯s ears vividly.


    Almost every Divine Child trembled utterly, their faces flushed with determination and vigor.


    Completely different!


    This direct disciple evaluation¡ªcompletely unprecedented!


    Testing talent now extended beyond merely Observation Skill or Martial Arts innate aptitude!


    Wasn¡¯t this their opportunity knocking?!


    Seated among the elders, Li Che¡¯s Mo Shan robe fluttered wildly in the fierce wind, his jet-black hair whipping around like lightning strikes.


    He gazed at the vortex formed from the Divinity spiraling out of the Qiankun Dao Yun Plaque.


    Within, it seemed to contain an entire Heaven and Earth realm.


    Listening to Sect Master Lv Taibai unveil the rules, his expression turned somewhat peculiar.


    No restrictions?


    No objections to cheating?


    Exhibit any method to enhance talent?


    Li Che glanced at Lv Taibai.


    Did the Sect Master¡¯s wife convince him with a pillow talk...?


    Or perhaps, the last time Xi Xi passed the Sect Master¡¯s wife¡¯s Divine Talisman test with Li Che¡¯s unseen intervention, the Sect Master had uncovered his little trick?


    These rules¡ªweren¡¯t they tailored for him and Xi Xi?


    What kind of man could endure such trials?!


    Lv Taibai stood smiling faintly.


    Observing the now chaotic and roaring great plaza.


    Witnessing the excitement and eagerness igniting in the eyes of each Divine Child.


    Lv Taibai gently stepped back to his rightful place as Sect Master.


    Gracefully seated, his white robes cascading elegantly.


    "Little ones, spare no effort to show your utmost potential.¡±


    "With your talent


    "Amaze the Grandmaster.¡±

 Chapter 846: First Temple God’s Enforcer Third Crown Prince, Snacks Prepared by the Boss for Xi Xi

    The endless mountain range stretches deep into the Qianyuan Dao City.


    The thick leaden clouds pile heavily, like a mirror in water reflecting the smoke-enshrouded Qianyuan Mountain Range, making it hard to distinguish between sky and earth.


    The spring rain continues to drizzle, adorning the blossoming plum blossoms on the peaks, as though splashes of color in an ink wash painting.


    In front of the Divine Sect Mountain Gate, the White Jade Arch stands, with the two characters ¡°Qiankun¡± shimmering brilliantly.


    A majestic divinity flows out, converging into a massive white vortex of divinity ahead, as if reflecting a scene resembling the Strange Que.


    Through the whirlpool of divinity, it seems like there¡¯s a Small Cave Heaven beyond.


    In the Daping before the Mountain Gate Arch, the rain drizzles down as though ox hair, unable to extinguish the enthusiasm bubbling in the Divine Children¡¯s hearts.


    "To open the Grandmaster¡¯s eyes?¡±


    "How to open eyes? Take medicine, does that work?¡±


    "Sure, didn¡¯t the Taibai Sect Master say? The talent test here concerns the six aspects of Martial Path, Divinity, Divine Sculpture, Divine Talisman, Divine Weapon, the main aspects the world cultivates in nowadays.¡±


    "There are no restrictions on methods, as long as you can show the limits of your talent, but if you use talent burst methods, it could be harmful to your body, right?¡±


    Many Divine Children gathered, chattering among themselves.


    They are all children at heart, unable to suppress their curiosity when faced with intriguing things.


    Apart from the children, many parents accompanying them also showed slight changes in their expressions.


    Lv Taibai, seated in the sect master position, his white robe fluttering from the airflow stirred by the Qiankun Arch, smiled faintly: ¡°Rest assured, the Qiankun Small Heaven that the Grandmaster opened up is suffused with Dao Yun. Any effects of talent burst you experience within it, any side effects will be negated by the mystical power of Dao Yun, bringing no harm to your body.¡±


    Dao Yun, a power only touchable by those in the Divine Tribulation Realm.


    Since Lv Taibai claims there¡¯s Dao Yun power as assurance, it won¡¯t be wild talk.


    The minds of many Divine Children were also moved.


    Protectors from the Divine Capital Gongsu Family, Heavenly Pill Divine Sect, and Xuanfu Divine Sect, their eyes flickered, as they summoned the Divine Children, secretly arranging talent burst treasures, elixirs, divine talismans, and so on.


    Almost all of the Divine Children¡¯s elders started preparing and arranging.


    Sang Guanyin stood holding Xi Xi in the wind and rain, feeling somewhat bewildered at the moment.


    Xi Xi also opened her eyes wide, blinking a few times, looking somewhat dumbfounded.


    "Sister Yin Yin, Xi Xi is going to be at a big disadvantage!¡± ?


    Xi Xi pursed her lips.


    "Xi Xi¡¯s family is really poor, and daddy just became an elder. How could there be any elixirs or divine talismans to enhance talent... It¡¯s over, Emperor Xi Xi is going to be suppressed.¡±


    Xi Xi said pitifully.


    Daddy is such an honest and simple man, how could he come up with good things to enhance talent?


    Xi Xi is so pitiful.


    Sang Guanyin was speechless, unsure how to respond.


    This change of rules caught Sang Guanyin off guard.


    Though her parents held a decent position in the Sang Family, even a short-term enhancement or burst of talent with divine pills and talismans was a rare treasure not easily given away.


    Sang Guanyin turned to look at Bian Yuanlong behind her.


    Bian Yuanlong rubbed his big head, feeling dumbstruck.


    He was nearly part of the Moonlight Clan regarding resources for cultivation in the Qian Yuan Divine Sect, where would he find good things to alter talent?


    For a moment, the atmosphere grew heavy.


    Zhang Ya, standing beside the two, also showed slight changes in her expression.


    Supreme Grandmaster Nie Yang frowned, not expecting such a step in the direct disciple examination.


    He, Nie Yang...


    Is quite poor as well.


    "What should we do?¡± Zhang Ya¡¯s face suddenly showed a bit of anxiety.


    Her daughter is not losing on talent but on the cultivation resources they can provide, causing Zhang Ya to feel deeply guilty and pained.


    "Mother... Mother will take you to find your father.¡±


    Zhang Ya took Xi Xi from Sang Guanyin¡¯s arms, hurriedly squeezing through the crowd towards Li Che, who was seated under the arch in the position of Divine Eagle Ridge Elder.


    "Husband!¡±


    Zhang Ya called out quietly.


    But as soon as she spoke, it instantly drew everyone¡¯s attention because Li Che¡¯s position... was too conspicuous.


    In an instant, it was as if thousands of gazes fell upon her, making the hairs stand on end on her fair neck, as if crushed by overwhelming pressure.


    However, just for a moment, a warm aura enveloped her, dispelling her tension and sense of oppression.


    Li Che already descended from the elder position, wrapped his arm around Zhang Ya¡¯s waist, and took Xi Xi from her arms.


    "Husband


    Zhang Ya couldn¡¯t care about being the center of attention, calling softly.


    "Don¡¯t worry, I know


    Li Che affectionately ruffled Zhang Ya¡¯s head, then turned to Xi Xi.


    "Dear, you should trust our Xi Xi¡¯s talent. Even without enhancing talent methods, our Xi Xi won¡¯t be weak... There¡¯s still a chance to stand out in the first round of talent assessment.¡±


    "Perhaps while everyone uses talent enhancement methods, but our Xi Xi uses nothing, relying solely on her unparalleled talent to surpass opponents, wouldn¡¯t that even more shock the Grandmaster, opening the Grandmaster¡¯s eyes?¡±

 Chapter 860: Tea Eggs from the Underworld? The Toughest Heart Test for Xi Xi

    Time seemed to freeze in this instant, countless bursts of divinity weaving between heaven and earth, wild winds rising and chaotic gusts roaring.


    It sounded as though the fluttering of robes echoed endlessly.


    Xi Xi¡¯s Purple Aura Divinity cascaded down like a waterfall, unbothered by the neutralizing effects of the White Jade Staircase. Having surpassed Gongshu Wentian, her pace grew ever more hurried, increasingly urgent.


    Urgently wanting to devour the small snack gifted by the shopkeeper.


    She only wanted to climb to the peak of the White Jade Staircase quickly, without anyone interrupting her meal.


    There would not be another disturbance, like when she was interrupted by that purple-haired youth.


    "Tea egg!"


    Xi Xi crushed the white Thunder Chess Piece, and the item the shopkeeper instructed Li Che to deliver to her then appeared in her chubby little palm.


    Holding a tea egg the size of her fist, Xi Xi¡¯s big eyes flickered with a hint of shimmer.


    Xi Xi was ecstatic!


    Merely inhaling the aroma wafting from the tea egg made Xi Xi feel her saliva uncontrollably begin to flow.


    It was a truly unique scent, infused with an intense tea fragrance and an incredibly rich and perfected egg aroma!


    The shell was riddled with cracks, allowing the tea-infused broth to completely permeate the food.


    Xi Xi¡¯s chubby fingers began peeling the shell.


    She paid no attention to the fact that the bits of shell falling to the ground were slowly dissolving, transforming into the sands slipping through fingers.


    Her gaze remained fixed intently on the tea egg, as if she were staring at the entire world.


    Indeed...


    The world of a foodie is just like that.


    Supremely pure.


    Admitting not a speck of dust into their vision.


    The de-shelled tea egg looked as refined as a delicate porcelain art piece, its surface adorned with cracks imbued from the broken egg shell. The cracks spread and blurred, resembling ink strokes dispersed by the wolf brush in the hands of a master calligrapher.


    Truly mesmerizing...


    Xi Xi happily opened her mouth wide and took a bite.


    And then, Xi Xi suddenly felt blazing eyes upon her.


    She tilted her head upward.


    A gentle breeze fluttering, wisps of ethereal mist curling upwards.


    It was as if someone had walked right out of myth itself, stepping steadily before her, white hair, white beard, white robes billowing¡ªwith a bent posture leaning in to meet Xi Xi¡¯s gaze as she squatted on the ground nibbling her tea egg.


    Their gazes¡ªone large, one small¡ªseemed to traverse time and space, culminating in an unexpected collision.


    Xi Xi¡¯s eyes glistened like dewdrops.


    The Qian Yuan Divine Sect¡¯s Grandmaster Divine Sculpture seemed to come alive, a gentle smile gracing his face.


    His expression was filled with admiration and indulgence as he gazed at Xi Xi.


    He marveled at Xi Xi¡¯s talent.


    Her Purple Aura Divinity hung like a reversed waterfall, manifesting a spectacle never seen before¡ªeven that brat Taibai...


    Couldn¡¯t compare to such innate talent!


    Martial Path, Divinity, Divine Weapon, Divine Talisman, Divine Sculpture, Divine Pill...


    Indeed.


    This tea egg was simmered with an extraordinary assortment of medicinal ingredients paired with tea leaves, flawlessly integrating their medicinal properties into this single egg¡ªit could be called a medicinal cuisine.


    Its therapeutic essence far exceeded that of an ordinary Divine Pill!


    Xi Xi¡¯s innate talent for Divine Pills had been nearly completed in an instant; within this tea egg also resided Dao Yun...


    Six aspects of Divinity achieved perfection!


    Undeniably a six-dimensional prodigy!


    Cheating...


    Is it even possible to cheat like this?


    The Grandmaster had his eyes opened to astounding wonders!


    This little girl...


    Ranked first in the Talent Test!


    Undoubtedly!


    Anyone who dared question her would receive a resounding slap from the Grandmaster himself!


    The Grandmaster¡¯s opened eyes glimmered with admiration, affection, and indulgence...


    Xi Xi¡¯s glistening big eyes...


    Held a hint of flustered nervousness.


    As though she¡¯d been caught sneaking a bite...


    The two locked gazes for roughly three breaths.


    And then.


    Xi Xi opened her mouth wide.


    Nom.


    She stuffed the rest of the tea egg into her mouth, swallowing it whole, cheeks puffed out and bulging.


    "Mmmph!"


    "I don¡¯t have any left!"


    Xi Xi said, hand clamping over her mouth.


    As if...


    Afraid the Grandmaster might snatch her food.


    "Hahahaha¡ª"


    The Grandmaster, seeing this, couldn¡¯t help but burst into hearty laughter.


    The light emanating from the shattered egg shell swirled around him like gusts of wind.


    He raised his hand and gently placed it atop Xi Xi¡¯s head, causing an intangible wave of white energy to flow forth from his palm, spreading across Xi Xi¡¯s form like misty currents.


    Xi Xi, chewing as she felt the cool and refreshing white energy washing over her body.


    She blinked her eyes, feeling curious.


    This white energy...


    Why does it taste a little like the snack gifted by the shopkeeper?


    "This is the Dao Yun Qi Column. As the first place in the Talent Test, you receive nine feet of Dao Yun Qi Column..."


    "Second place gets three feet, and third place one foot. Beyond that, no Dao Yun Qi Column shall be bestowed."


    "At the conclusion of all three tests, the height of the Dao Yun Qi Column determines the final outcome..."


    "The highest Dao Yun Qi Column earns a Dao Yun gift, while all others shall have their Dao Yun retracted into the Small Cave Heaven."


    The Grandmaster gently ruffled Xi Xi¡¯s hair as he spoke.


    His voice carried not only to Xi Xi.


    It seemed to blend into the wind, traveling down the White Jade Staircase like Dragon Ridge, cascading to the ears of every Divine Child ascending the stairs.


    Upon hearing this, Xi Xi¡¯s eyes gleamed bright.


    With a loud gulp, she swallowed the tea egg into her belly. Her eyes sparkled as she wiped her mouth and stared at the Grandmaster.


    "Grandmaster, what is Dao Yun? Can you eat it?"


    Xi Xi asked earnestly.


    Upon hearing this, the Grandmaster burst into laughter once more, so hearty that the entire Small Cave Heaven seemed to tremble slightly.


    He did not answer Xi Xi¡¯s query.


    The Grandmaster Divine Sculpture re-solidified, his flowing robes swaying lightly as he gazed into the distant horizon.

 Chapter 861: Tea Eggs from the Underworld? The Toughest Heart Test for Xi Xi (2)

    Xi Xi scratched her head, feeling a pang of regret.


    However, she turned and walked to the summit of the White Jade Staircase.


    Hands on her hips, she puffed out her little belly.


    At this moment, Xi Xi couldn¡¯t help but want to throw her head back and laugh.


    Looking down at the many Divine Children beneath her, Xi Xi only felt an immense surge of heroism, towering over all Divine Children!


    In this instant, Xi Xi finally felt like she truly had the makings of Emperor Xi Xi!


    Buzz¡ª


    His eyes dimmed as Gongshu Wentian, surpassed by the five-year-old Xi Xi and witnessing her cascading Purple Aura Divinity Column, found his heart... in turmoil.


    On the verge of breaking and yet unbroken, he hovered, struggling.


    His trembling figure stood on the White Jade Staircase, teetering unsteadily.


    After wavering for a moment, he was shrouded by the radiance of Dao Yun, and his three-foot Dao Yun Qi Column offered him a sense of solace and hope.


    "It¡¯s not over yet... There are still two trials left in the Direct Disciple assessment: the Heart Test and the Temple Guardian Test! The first test, the Talent Test, I only suffered a narrow defeat!"


    Gongshu Wentian¡¯s Dao Heart, teetering on the edge of shattering, suddenly pieced itself back together.


    He had not lost yet.


    A Dao Heart must not shatter prematurely!


    The third-place contestant was Xuan Yue. Bounding and skipping happily, she accepted her one-foot Dao Yun reward without complaint.


    She gazed up at Xi Xi, standing at the summit, shining like a blazing sun enveloped in the nine-foot Dao Yun Qi Column. Her eyes sparkled, as if brimming with stars and oceans of admiration for her idol.


    "Wow¡ª"


    No wonder Little Senior Sister, whom Grandmother had personally accepted as a disciple, was truly incredible!


    Above the White Jade Staircase.


    Jin Taixui, who had been blasted back thousands of steps, whipped his wild purple hair around in a frenzy. His eyes were full of rage.


    Grinding his teeth, his reddened eyes blazed.


    Besides the fury roiling within him, part of it was due to Xi Xi receiving the nine-foot Dao Yun reward.


    "That girl... that girl!"


    "That reward should¡¯ve been mine!"


    Jin Taixui stood on the White Jade Staircase, letting out a guttural roar as his anger surged.


    He had been catching up to Xuan Yue, about to surpass her and secure second place, guaranteeing himself a reward of Dao Yun Power!


    But now...


    It was gone!


    The little brat had dared to bring out such a terrifying mechanism, taking him completely off guard!


    Blasting him back down thousands of steps, leaving him utterly humiliated!


    "Why did I even provoke her?"


    Jin Taixui¡¯s heart was suddenly struck by this thought, tinged with a trace of regret!


    Clenching the Purple Gold Bell tightly in his five fingers, its jingling sound seemed to mirror his restless mood, ringing incessantly.


    "The Heart Test and the Temple Guardian Test..."


    "This little girl is only five years old; her heart surely hasn¡¯t undergone professional tempering!"


    "As for the Temple Guardian Test, even less so¡ªwhat combat experience can a five-year-old girl possibly have?"


    "I still have a chance..."


    "As long as I win first place in the next two trials... I still have a chance to surpass this little girl!"


    Jin Taixui took a deep breath, then slowly exhaled, forcing his turbulent emotions to calm.


    After all, the bloodline of the Great Witch God flowed through his veins...


    That little girl...


    With such an ordinary background, how could she possibly compare to him?


    ...


    ...


    Crack¡ªcrack¡ª


    A torrential downpour brewed within the vast slate-gray clouds high above, then suddenly erupted like a storm of a thousand arrows piercing through the heavens.


    Spring thunder rumbled endlessly, interlaced with flashes of lightning, forming a brilliant azure web that wove itself across the cosmic dome.


    Before the White Jade Arch.


    A profound silence reigned.


    After a long stillness, a sudden cheer erupted.


    It came from the area where Li Qingshan and the others were gathered.


    Gong Yuanliang, Gong Yang Xiu, Hai Chao Sheng, Huang Si Xiang, and other Spirit Children who had followed Emperor Xi Xi from the Golden Light Prefecture to Qianyuan Taoist City were ecstatic, their faces flushed red as they cheered loudly in unison!


    As Emperor Xi Xi¡¯s trusted aides, seeing her dominate and suppress all opposition, how could they not share in her triumph?


    When the sword qi vision cast by the Taibai Sect Master first emerged...


    Not seeing Xi Xi in that moment, Emperor Xi Xi¡¯s trusted aides were so nervous they felt as though the sky might collapse.


    But now, as Xi Xi ascended to the Absolute Peak, even waking the Grandmaster¡¯s Divine Sculpture, which descended a nine-foot Dao Yun Qi Column in reward...


    One by one, they finally let out a collective sigh of relief.


    And began cheering and rejoicing!


    Beyond the cheering children, amidst the torrential rain, even many Jianghu Guests who had come simply for the spectacle could not help but join in the applause.


    After all, the tension between Da Jing and Da Li was no recent matter.


    To see the Divine Children participating in the direct disciple assessment of the Da Jing Divine Sect Master being utterly overwhelmed by a Divine Child from Da Li¡ªit was nothing short of a massive slap to Da Jing¡¯s pride.


    The Jianghu Guests instinctively elevated this contest to one of national honor.


    With each Divine Child surpassed, the Jianghu Guests sank into a chilling silence. Their hearts were heavy with a bitter, oppressed frustration that even the torrential spring rains could not wash away.


    Members of the major noble families in Qianyuan Taoist City likewise furrowed their brows, their hearts weighed down.


    Sitting inside a carriage, the Young Taoist Master Yue Weizheng frowned deeply, his brows forming the shape of the character "´¨." As a court official of the Da Jing Dynasty...


    How could he endure watching a Divine Child from Da Li trample the Divine Children of Da Jing with such arrogance and disdain?


    Even the many elders of the Qian Yuan Divine Sect, upon witnessing the happenings within the Small Cave Heaven, couldn¡¯t help but feel a stab of anxiety.


    Thankfully...


    Emperor Xi Xi had emerged out of nowhere!


    "Emperor Xi Xi? Elder Li, your daughter... truly has the bearing of a Great Emperor."


    Second Elder Zhao Fangzhou, seated in a Taishi Chair, watched Xi Xi receive the Dao Yun Qi Column bestowed by the Grandmaster and couldn¡¯t help but let a relaxed expression spread across his face, cracking a lighthearted joke.

 Chapter 862: Tea Eggs from the Underworld? The Toughest Heart Test for Xi Xi (3)

    Li Che¡¯s black robe fluttered as he smiled warmly, "What Great Emperor... just a little girl playing around."


    At the Elder¡¯s seating, the many elders loosened their moods, and the atmosphere significantly relaxed.


    "For Xi Xi¡¯s talent to catch the Grandmaster¡¯s eye, it should be quite challenging... It seems the Sect Master¡¯s wife must have prepared a contingency for Xi Xi,"


    Said Fourth Elder Ji Heshan.


    Even he couldn¡¯t help but be surprised; he hadn¡¯t expected Xi Xi to reach such heights.


    Earlier, he even thought of taking Xi Xi as a disciple under his entry-level tutelage.


    However, frankly speaking, he didn¡¯t have a high regard for Xi Xi¡¯s talent; mainly, it stemmed from the extremely ordinary background of her parents Li Che and Zhang Ya.


    Li Che and Zhang Ya were mere civilians from the small city of Fei Lei City, and their cultivation talent wasn¡¯t remarkable.


    After all, Li Che¡¯s exhibited cultivation realm was indeed not particularly strong, and as for Zhang Ya... it¡¯s best not to even mention her.


    Even though Xi Xi received the Temple God¡¯s inheritance in the Golden Light Prefecture, in terms of talent... it would still be difficult to surpass Gongshu Wentian, Xuan Yue, Jin Taixui, and other Divine Children from the strongest forces in the world.


    Among them, Gongshu Wentian, Xuan Yue, and Jin Taixui each possessed Purple Divine Pillars at a level likely to reach the talent of Ten Thousand Purple Qi.


    They might even be infinitely close to the heights of Purple Qi Reaching Heaven!


    With such talent, if Xi Xi wanted to win... she would have to rely on external aids to compensate.


    Thus, everyone believed the Sect Master¡¯s wife must have obtained information from the Sect Master ahead of time and prepared something extraordinary.


    Only then could Xi Xi soar in the Qiankun Small Cave Heaven!


    Suppress Jin Taixui.


    Reverse the cosmos!


    "The Dao Yun rewards... Although these Dao Yun Qi Columns should merely be derived from the Earth Kun Dao Yun within the Grandmaster¡¯s remnants, and have not truly belonged to these children yet, even as temporary blessings from the Grandmaster, the impact and enhancement they bring to these children are significant."


    "The Dao Yun can imperceptibly cleanse and refine their Divine Foundation and Primordial Spirit..."


    "At the very least, during this direct-disciple assessment period, obtaining the Dao Yun¡¯s blessings to purify the Divine Foundation will render their roots more resilient and forge the groundwork for a Divine Fetus!"


    An elder from Divine Carving Ridge remarked.


    Dao Yun...


    Such a thing could only be touched upon by those in the Divine Tribulation Realm, the essence condensed by a strong cultivator after enduring calamity after calamity during the Three Calamities and Nine Tribulations.


    "Ordinarily, only the top three of the True Inheritor List, the top three of the List of Extraordinary Persons, and the top three of the Chu Long List have the opportunity to comprehend the Qiankun Dao Yun."


    "As for this kind of direct bestowal of Dao Yun buff blessings... or receiving the Dao Yun¡¯s purification, it is exceedingly rare,"


    "After all, each refinement depletes the Dao Yun; the Dao Yun¡¯s infusion equates to consuming the Sect¡¯s foundation, so it is naturally something one encounters only by chance."


    "The Sect Master truly values this direct-disciple assessment."


    "Such treatment is indeed fit for the Young Sect Master."


    ...


    The elders conversed with one another, and their words carried a certain sense of gravity, further helping Li Che grasp the significance of this direct-disciple assessment.


    No wonder, when Jin Taixui steadily surpassed and pressured Divine Children one after another in rapid fashion, nearly catching up to Xuan Yue and Gongshu Wentian, the elders¡¯ expressions became so grim.


    If Jin Taixui were truly to trample the many Divine Children of the Great Vista and ascend to first place...


    The repercussions would indeed be substantial.


    Li Che sat in his chair, black robe billowing, his gaze lifted and fell upon the image of Sword Qi intertwining.


    There he spotted Xi Xi seated cross-legged atop the absolute peak.


    Below sat Gongshu Wentian, Xuan Yue, Yun E, Gu He, Lv Qingxuan, and other Divine Children.


    The diminutive figure atop the White Jade Staircase¡¯s summit imparted an awe-inspiring aura, as though suppressing all before her.


    Through the Thunder Chess Piece, Li Che could distinctly sense the Dao Yun Qi Column flowing from the Grandmaster¡¯s Divine Sculpture, washing over Xi Xi¡¯s Inner Scene of the Energy Center, purifying her [Eight-Armed Three-Faced Hell Lotus Undamaged] Three Pure Ones Divine Foundation.


    Vaguely, the divine foundation marked with the Eight-Armed Three-Faced Hell Lotus Undamaged Godly Pattern grew increasingly distinct, seemingly radiating a faint glow.


    The refinement cleansed impurities within her Divinity, steadily enhancing the quality and rank of Xi Xi¡¯s inert divinity.


    This process even deepened Xi Xi¡¯s understanding of the Divine Dharma associated with this cultivation method.


    Within the Qiankun Small Cave Heaven, countless and boundless divinity began to intertwine and converge endlessly.


    Surrounding Xi Xi, they circled the Dao Yun Qi Column and seemed to morph into a whirling vortex.


    Of course.


    At this moment, it was not only Xi Xi; numerous Divine Children seated upon the White Jade Staircase were also siphoning the divine energy within the Qiankun Small Cave Heaven to cultivate rapidly.


    In fact, the entire Qiankun Small Cave Heaven was akin to a giant Divine Crystal, one of extraordinarily high quality, imbued with the Dao Yun¡¯s power due to its transformation from the Grandmaster¡¯s demise.


    Dao Yun... to these young ones, it was undeniably enigmatic.


    But they did not need to understand the intricate nature of Dao Yun; they only needed to know that Dao Yun could refine their Divine Foundations and enhance their talents¡ªthat was sufficient.


    Cultivating within the Small Cave Heaven expedited everyone¡¯s progress.


    Thus, at this moment, they all were wholly immersed in seizing every second to cultivate.


    Preparing for the third trial: Temple Guardian.


    Temple Guardian, as the name suggests... tests actual combat abilities.


    Hence, whoever could gain an additional layer of strength within the Qiankun Small Cave Heaven naturally had an extra edge.


    ...


    ...


    The rain gently continued dripping; its torrential might gradually faded, restoring a delicate scenery resembling slanted strands of cow hair.


    Beneath the White Jade Arch.


    Drops of crystal-clear water pooled below the arch, resembling hanging stalactites.


    Li Che exhaled deeply.


    Relieving some tension in his chest.


    In the first trial, Xi Xi, through his painstaking efforts of pulling strings, coupled with the boss¡¯s divine Tea Egg blessing... finally succeeded against the odds, ascending to first place, and obtained the Grandmaster¡¯s recognition with the reward of the Nine Feet Dao Yun Qi Column.

 Chapter 863: Tea Eggs from the Underworld? The Toughest Heart Test for Xi Xi (4)

    Li Che was utterly worn out from worrying about his daughter.


    In truth...


    If it weren¡¯t for the Thunder Chess Piece guiding the power of numerous Dao Fruits, with Xi Xi¡¯s innate talent alone, she would barely stand a chance of making it into the top three.


    Though Li Che kept refining Xi Xi¡¯s physical body and enhancing her talent using the Pure Heart Divinity,


    The process was ultimately slow, requiring the accumulation of time to gradually reveal its effects.


    Thus, speaking purely of talent, Xi Xi may have reached the level of thousand-foot Purple Qi, but compared to talents such as Gongshu Wentian, Jin Taixui, and Xuan Yue with ten thousand feet of Purple Qi¡ªapproaching the sublimity of Purple Qi Reaching Heaven¡ªshe still fell short...


    However, what the Grandmaster valued was the upper limit of talent...


    Li Che decided he wouldn¡¯t hold back then; he would go all out.


    To not make use of resources would be no different than being a salted fish.


    The powers of the Dao Fruits¡ª[Dragon Elephant Vajra], [Immortal Artisan], [Pure Heart], [Fairy in the Painting]¡ªwere all channeled by Li Che, using the Thunder Chess Piece as a bridge, into Xi Xi¡¯s body.


    Moreover, with the small treats from the boss, along with Xi Xi¡¯s innate possession of Mythical Weapons, her talent underwent comprehensive enhancement.


    She reached the level of a perfect hexagonal warrior!


    According to the rules outlined by the Grandmaster, the subsequent Heart Test and Temple Guardian Test would distribute Dao Yun Qi Column rewards based on performance.


    Only the top three could obtain the Dao Yun Qi Columns. From the fourth place onward... there would be no reward.


    The challenge was indeed daunting. Although Xi Xi attained first place in the initial test, the Heart Test and Temple Guardian Test still awaited her.


    "The Heart Test..."


    Li Che murmured softly, furrowing his brow with a faint trace of worry.


    The Heart Test...


    For Xi Xi, it was the greatest trial.


    As for the final Temple Guardian Test, Li Che had no worries at all; with Xi Xi fully equipped with Divine Equipment, it was practically her home field.


    But the Heart Test was truly the most challenging for Xi Xi.


    It remained unclear what the Heart Test would assess.


    Li Che couldn¡¯t help but look up toward Lv Taibai seated in the Sect Master¡¯s position.


    Lv Taibai¡¯s silver hair fluttered as his fingers gently tapped on the armrest of his chair.


    He seemed to have sensed Li Che¡¯s gaze and turned his eyes toward him. In his pupils, endless sharp sword light seemed to swirl and shift.


    Extremely dazzling.


    Lv Taibai smiled warmly and nodded slightly.


    Li Che paused for a moment, then returned the nod as well.


    Lv Taibai stood up, and in an instant, all eyes were drawn to him.


    Standing with hands folded behind him, his white robes and silver hair dancing in the wind, Lv Taibai exhaled as if releasing a sword.


    Sword light swirled, echoing throughout the Qiankun Small Cave Heaven.


    "One hour from now, the Heart Test will commence."


    The Divine Children seated along the White Jade Staircase abruptly opened their eyes.


    Their gazes showed unmistakable intrigue.


    At the same time...


    Radiance swirled. Within the Qiankun Small Cave Heaven, those Divine Children seated below the tenth step of the White Jade Staircase found themselves surrounded by flashing streams of light and swirling sword Qi, and before they knew it, they were removed from the Small Cave Heaven.


    They reappeared in the vast White Jade Square.


    In that instant, their hearts were overwhelmed with mixed emotions, utter dejection.


    They knew that in the first test, they had been eliminated. In the subsequent tests, they wouldn¡¯t even qualify to participate.


    One by one, they returned to the Da Ping Area, dispirited and forlorn.


    These individuals, who prided themselves as Divine Children, with unparalleled talent, the shining stars of noble families across state cities, found themselves utterly overshadowed in this competition.


    Here, they truly witnessed what it meant to say there¡¯s always someone stronger, beyond the heavens.


    ...


    ...


    Qianyuan Dao City.


    The octagonal tiered eaves and dripping corners of the Qintian Observatory Treasure Building.


    Spring rain drizzled and converged along the black-tiled eaves, forming rain strands resembling silk threads.


    Supervisor Hong Shifu looked at the gradually clearing skies, with the rain abating, and chuckled softly.


    Inside the building, Daoist Master Yue Huanglong, seated across the chessboard, squinted slightly, genuinely showing a trace of surprise at the results of the first talent test.


    The emergence of Jin Taixui, possessing the Great Witch God Bloodline of Da Li, surprised him.


    Yue Linghu nearly ranking last also surprised him.


    Li Nuanxi unexpectedly surging ahead to surpass Jin Taixui and taking first place, securing the nine-foot Dao Yun Qi Column¡ªthe biggest surprise of all.


    "It seems... Xuan Qisha has given quite a lot of treasures to her Divine Talisman disciple."


    Yue Huanglong squinted his eyes, and the smile on his face faded significantly.


    Hong Shifu glanced at Yue Huanglong and shook his head. "No. Quite the opposite. Xuan Qisha hasn¡¯t given this little girl any treasures. Lv Taibai wouldn¡¯t permit it... After all, Xuan Qisha specializes in offensive Killing God Talismans. As for talismans that enhance talent, what effective ones could he even offer?"


    A goofy smile spread across Yue Huanglong¡¯s round face. "Could it be... this little girl truly relied on nothing but her utterly unremarkable bloodline talent to surpass Gongshu Wentian, Xuan Yue, and Jin Taixui, the geniuses with ten thousand feet of Purple Qi Divinity?"


    Hong Shifu shook his head.


    "I don¡¯t believe it."


    "But... I have no proof."


    "Without proof, we have no choice but to believe..."


    "Tell me... What sort of miraculous resource would make your grandson Yue Linghu¡¯s talent surpass Xuan Yue, Gongshu Wentian, and Jin Taixui?"


    The smile on Yue Huanglong¡¯s fleshy face instantly vanished.


    Could you not ask such heart-wrenching questions?


    "Did you notice that tea egg?"


    Hong Shifu laid his hands atop the railing, speaking softly.


    "I suspect that hidden within Dao City is an unregistered Divine Fetus Great God yet to be listed by the Great Supervising Minister."


    "Lv Taibai is searching for him, I am searching for him, and the Pavilion Master of the Hunting God Pavilion is searching for him..."


    "But none of us have been able to locate him."


    "As elusive as the underworld, perhaps... this person is the founder of the underworld itself and its greatest hidden strength."


    The sheer absurdity on Yue Huanglong¡¯s jiggling face turned into a mix of incredulity and humor. "You¡¯re saying... that Divine Fetus Great God boiled a tea egg, and that was enough to make this little girl¡¯s talent surpass Gongshu Wentian, Xuan Yue, and Jin Taixui¡ªthe geniuses carrying the bloodlines of great gods?"


    Hong Shifu gazed at him impassively. "You practice the Martial Path, so it¡¯s no surprise you¡¯re impervious to this perception. Heavenly Person Sensing may be fine, but it¡¯s nothing compared to the Heaven and Earth Soul of a Divine Fetus..."


    Gradually, Yue Huanglong stopped laughing.


    The fat quivered on his face as his eyes narrowed, quietly murmuring.


    "A tea egg..."


    ...


    ...


    What would the Heart Test assess?


    What could a five-year-old child be tested on for inner character?


    "The Heart Test... creates illusion realms using Divinity to construct scenarios that examine the choices one would make in varying situations."


    The Great Elder of Divine Carving Ridge, Tang Xiejia, seemed to notice Li Che¡¯s growing anxiety and explained deliberately.


    "In truth, although it¡¯s called a test of inner character, it would be more appropriate to call it a test of essence."


    "The essence of one¡¯s being. What defines them most profoundly."


    "The essence may differ vastly for each individual¡ªit could be pursuit of the Dao, devotion to protection, or a propensity for killing..."


    "As for the particular method of assessment, that remains unknown. Every test differs, and no one can predict what trial the Sect Master has devised this time."


    Tang Xiejia shared.


    Li Che nodded, cupping his hands in gratitude for the explanation.


    Seated once again, Li Che no longer seemed as preoccupied with worry.


    After all, worrying would serve no purpose here¡ªthe Heart Test was something he couldn¡¯t possibly assist Xi Xi with.


    If...


    The first talent test had unrestricted rules and methods.


    Then for the Heart Test, every external aid would be categorically forbidden.


    This test would indeed be disadvantageous for Xi Xi.


    A five-year-old child, at a playful age, with an yet unformed inner character¡ªhow difficult would it be to hold firm to her essence?


    Even if Xi Xi didn¡¯t secure a prominent ranking in this test, Li Che wouldn¡¯t be bothered.


    He could make up for the lost Dao Yun rewards in the third Temple Guardian Test.


    Dong!!!


    The ancient Divine Bell sounded, and its immense, invisible reverberations echoed forth from deep within Dao City¡¯s winding mountains.


    The waves of sound rippled outward.


    Beneath the White Jade Arch.


    Jiao Shaoqiu¡¯s simple long robe swelled in the wind, his wide sleeves billowing.


    "The hour has come."


    "The Heart Test begins!"


    "Sect Master, please present the challenge."

 Chapter 864: The Soul Awakened in the Ninth Abyss, Xi Xi Don’t Be Afraid, Daddy Is Always Here

    DongDong


    The sound waves of two consecutive chimes reverberated gracefully, shattering the spring rain into fragments.


    The circular ripples spreading out from the sound waves seemed to wrinkle the very air itself.


    "Commence the second trial: Heart Test!"


    Jiao Shaoqiu, the host elder personally appointed by the Sect Master for this examination, stepped forward.


    His ancient, unadorned robe fluttered in the spring breeze as he spoke with an exceptionally solemn expression.


    Ka-cha, ka-cha!


    Above the heavenly dome, within the originally descending clouds, muffled spring thunder abruptly rumbled again.


    However, the rain was not heavy anymore¡ªit was no longer torrential.


    Underneath the White Jade Qiankun Arch.


    Lv Taibai sat calmly in his chair, his eyes shimmering as if flowing with light. His snowy robe billowed as he flicked a finger, and a streaking Sword Gang shot heavenward.


    The sword light exploded in midair, splitting into ten, each one darting like lively Sword Qi Jiao Dragons rapidly into the Qiankun Small Cave Heaven.


    In an instant


    The Qiankun Small Cave Heaven became a seething cauldron of boundless electric currents colliding and weaving in chaos!


    Sword light surged forth, transforming into lightning, ready to summon clouds and rain!


    In the swirling mist and clouds, an azure dragon extended its head, its whiskers flying with movement, revealing the majestic Dragon Head.


    And within the Qiankun Small Cave Heaven...


    The towering White Jade Heavenly Ladder, spanning a thousand steps upward into the clouds, seemed to awaken like a dragon¡¯s spine, twisting and quaking.


    It then astonishingly transformed into a bone dragon, uncoiling from the depths of the Netherworld to ascend skyward, recapturing the soaring majesty of its past life flying and traversing the heavens.


    In the skies above, it curled into an orbit, with its Dragon Head biting its Dragon Tail, forming a grand ring floating in midair.


    At the very center of the dragon bone ring hovered the Divine Sculpture of the Grandmaster, suspended elegantly, having leapt from its original pinnacle.


    The ten Divine Children, seated cross-legged on the White Jade Staircase.


    Sitting in a ring-like formation on the ground, they could even face each other directly.


    Xi Xi was also seated on the ground. Her long eyelashes fluttered as she slowly opened her eyes. This hour had been unbelievably comfortable for her.


    The nine-foot Dao Yun cascaded over her body, illuminating her Inner Scene of the Mud Pill and continually refining her undying Prison Lotus Divine Foundation. The Divine Foundation, resembling a prison lotus, grew ever brighter in radiance.


    The divinity within the Small Cave Heaven was madly siphoned by her, relentlessly enhancing and empowering her Divine Foundation¡¯s strength.


    Bathed in the nine-foot Dao Yun Qi Column, Xi Xi felt her comprehension soar dramatically. Even the intricate obstacles within the Eight-Armed Three-Faced Hell Lotus Undamaged Divine Base Method became clear to her understanding.


    It was an elevation at the level of innate talent!


    With the Dao Yun bestowed upon her, it was as if divine assistance laid bare the essence of heaven and earth, unraveling its mysteries and revealing clarity.


    She had reached the Post-Divine Foundation Realm!


    Xi Xi was delighted, sensing her cultivation progressing at an impressive pace.


    Typically, cultivating a Divine Base Skill such as the Three Purities Divinity Method¡¯s Eight-Armed Three-Faced Hell Lotus Undamaged would be a slow process.


    Yet within a year, Xi Xi had managed to cultivate this divine method to the Post-Divine Foundation Realm.


    This was largely thanks to the added momentum and aid from this cleansing Dao Yun energy!


    Xi Xi beamed with joy, utterly ecstatic!


    She ate a tea egg, and her cultivation broke through again!


    Emperor Xi Xi had grown stronger once more


    Seated cross-legged, Xi Xi grabbed her feet with both hands, rocking herself back and forth on the White Jade Staircase like a roly-poly toy.


    Oh, she wouldn¡¯t tip over! Oh no, she absolutely wouldn¡¯t fall!


    Xi Xi was overwhelmed with happiness.


    As for the so-called Heart Test, Xi Xi didn¡¯t take it seriously at all; rather...


    She hadn¡¯t even grasped the severity of the matter.


    Beside Xi Xi, not far away, sat Little Dragon Maiden Ao Qingqing in a cross-legged posture. Ao Qingqing glanced warily at Xi Xi.


    She couldn¡¯t believe Xi Xi had utterly dominated the first talent trial, claiming the top spot outright.


    This little girl... what an oddball!


    Her aunt had instructed her to do everything possible to defeat Li Nuanxi.


    Ao Qingqing wondered if her aunt had underestimated the extraordinary talent of this Little Dragon Maiden.


    But as for the Heart Test...


    Ao Qingqing gathered her courage for a moment but then deflated completely.


    Her own mental strength probably wouldn¡¯t surpass Li Nuanxi by much...


    Ao Qingqing had been pampered from birth as royalty within the Dragon God Clan, living a life of comfort and luxury in the Dragon Palace, never needing to worry about anything.


    Her father and mother handled all matters for her with care.


    Thus, Ao Qingqing acknowledged that her inner fortitude might not be any stronger than five-year-old Li Nuanxi¡¯s¡ªboth were young, and both struggled to control their moods and impulses.


    Not far from Ao Qingqing sat Jin Taixui, the descendant of the Great Witch God Bloodline from the Da Li Royal Court.


    His head full of violet hair danced wildly in the fierce wind as Jin Taixui¡¯s eyes glimmered darkly at Xi Xi. This little girl had surprised him.


    He had assumed she possessed only ordinary talent, struggling even to climb ten steps of the White Jade Staircase¡ªa typical Divine Child from Qianyuan Taoist City. Yet shockingly, she revealed an upper limit so fearsome, dragging it straight to Perfection, ascending to the Absolute Peak of the White Jade Staircase, even catching the eye of the Qian Yuan Divine Sect¡¯s Grandmaster!


    The Grandmaster opened his eyes in wonder, while Jin Taixui realized he had misjudged her entirely.


    And then there¡¯s this little girl¡¯s explosive temperament¡ªquick to anger and fiercely vengeful. Jin Taixui had merely intended to sweep Xi Xi off the White Jade Staircase with a deft strike from the flames of the Purple Gold Bell.


    As casually as one might clear away debris.


    But who could have predicted that this little girl... would retaliate with an onslaught of fierce attacks in response!

 Chapter 869: Xi Xi’s True Heart Protects Parents, This World Only Needs One Xi Xi

    Rumbling, rumbling...


    The skies opened, and icy rain poured down, washing away the thick scent of blood.


    A pale figure shimmered brightly, like stardust cascading from the night sky.


    Li Che emitted a gentle radiance, his eyes filled with tender care as he extended his hand, lightly placing it on Xi Xi¡¯s little head.


    Within the illusion realm shaped by Dao Yun, Xi Xi¡¯s form was only that of a one-year-old¡ªsmall, delicate, and exquisite.


    In Li Che¡¯s memory, the vision of Xi Xi being this small was already distant, a fragment buried in time.


    But this time, through the will conveyed by the Flying Thunder Chess Piece, Li Che found himself seeing Xi Xi as a child once again.


    Sitting cross-legged on the ground, Xi Xi lifted her head as though reaching toward the light.


    Her pupils, black as ink, were like an unfathomably deep pool, as if they could pull one¡¯s very soul into their depths.


    Li Che gazed calmly at her, meeting her intense stare.


    Xi Xi¡¯s eyes began to ripple.


    "Daddy..."


    Xi Xi murmured softly, her lips quivering, her face full of grievance.


    Li Che gently stroked her head.


    "Daddy is always here."


    Li Che¡¯s heart ached for her.


    To Xi Xi, the Heart Test was truly significant; for a five-year-old child, what kind of resilience could she possess?


    "If you¡¯re tired, if you don¡¯t want to endure this anymore, then give up... Daddy can always protect you. As long as I¡¯m here, you needn¡¯t worry about anything."


    Li Che lovingly and tenderly rubbed Xi Xi¡¯s little head.


    The dark murkiness in Xi Xi¡¯s pupils began to recede, as if the awakening power within her was being suppressed by her own will.


    Below her, the boiling black pool gradually ceased its turbulence, and the eerie black markings spreading across Xi Xi¡¯s body started to writhe, slowly retreating.


    Xi Xi¡¯s gaze regained clarity, her eyes brightened, and she climbed to her feet, spreading her arms wide as she hurled herself into Li Che¡¯s embrace.


    "Daddy... Xi Xi thought she¡¯d never see Daddy and Mommy again."


    "Even though Xi Xi knows it was all an illusion, Xi Xi was still so angry, still so hurt..."


    "Xi Xi wants to grow stronger, so she can protect Daddy and Mommy! If anyone tries to kill Daddy or Mommy, Xi Xi will kill them!"


    Xi Xi tilted her head upward, her tiny face full of resolute determination.


    Perhaps, at this moment, Xi Xi finally understood what she truly wanted to protect.


    Her heart held an untainted purpose: she didn¡¯t want to leave Daddy and Mommy; she didn¡¯t want them to get hurt. This was five-year-old Xi Xi¡¯s deepest obsession, her thoughts, her desires!


    "Xi Xi will pass the test! Xi Xi will become big and strong!"


    "When Xi Xi grows strong, strong enough to evolve, Xi Xi will protect Daddy from being killed!"


    Xi Xi declared earnestly.


    The glowing Li Che couldn¡¯t help but smile.


    He stroked Xi Xi¡¯s head again.


    "Then Daddy will keep watching you."


    "Let¡¯s see just how strong my little Xi Xi can become!"


    The long-disheartened expression on Xi Xi¡¯s face finally transformed into a radiant smile, like sunlight breaking through clouds, dispelling endless darkness, and bringing the warmth of spring back to the earth.


    Fei Lei City, City Lord¡¯s Mansion.


    The relentless rain pounded on the eaves, echoing loudly as crimson blossoms bloomed fiercely in the storm.


    Xi Xi stood up, clenched her five small fingers, and from her left arm, countless streams of black flames surged forth, rolling rapidly through the air. The scorching heat instantly vaporized the rain as it fell!


    Xi Xi took a step forward, and sparks began to leap from her body¡ªblack sparks.


    The patterns that had spread from Jiuyou and begun to fade still imbued Xi Xi with lingering waves of power.


    Xi Xi felt the surge of strength, as though sensing an immense, hidden presence buried deep within her.


    "Hmph! Xi Xi is Xi Xi, and this world only needs one Xi Xi!"


    "Xi Xi... is Daddy and Mommy¡¯s most beloved little one!"


    BANG¡ª!


    Xi Xi gripped the jet-black flames with one hand, and like the mutated Purple Flame Serpentine Spear combined with the Fire Tip Spear, a Prison Lotus Wind Fire Golden Light Wheel spun and spiraled fiercely.


    It carried Xi Xi¡¯s small body as she transformed into a streak of black lightning, shooting out from the City Lord¡¯s Mansion.


    Around the mansion, figure after figure emerged, shrouded in thick Death Qi and Corpse Qi, along with the cackling form of a child¡ªthe Spirit Infant Master!


    Crack, crack¡ª


    The entire Fei Lei City began its sacrificial ceremony, the ground splintering apart and the bricks of the City Lord¡¯s Mansion crumbling.


    A scene Li Che had experienced once before now unfolded again!


    The Three-eyed Spirit Baby¡¯s Mysterious Temple erupted from beneath the mansion, a swirling maelstrom of divinity flailing wildly like thrashing tentacles.


    Surrounding them, the Spirit Infant Sect¡¯s Spirit Infant Master, in the body of a child, donned adult robes and floated in the air, making rustling sounds.


    Xi Xi sped out from the City Lord¡¯s Mansion.


    And there she faced them head-on!


    "Kill!"


    Xi Xi gripped her long spear at an angle, standing on a single Prison Lotus Wind Fire Light Wheel, hovering in mid-air. She tilted her chin up, puffed out her tiny belly, and looked down arrogantly at the Spirit Infant Sect¡¯s wicked figures below.


    Her spear shook, and rainstorm erupted in chaos!


    Xi Xi immediately transformed into a streak of light, slicing toward the group.


    Li Che¡¯s luminous form silently followed behind.


    Xi Xi was killing.


    He was watching Xi Xi kill.


    If Xi Xi wanted to kill, Daddy would accompany her in killing.


    ...


    ...


    Within Qiankun Small Cave Heaven.


    The misty air began to churn and roll endlessly.


    Standing at the center of the circular White Jade Staircase, the Divine Sect Ancestor¡¯s Divine Sculpture trembled faintly.


    Its eyelids twitched slightly, and in the next moment, the eyes of the sculpture suddenly opened once more.


    The radiance emanating from the sculpture seemed dimmer, as though some colossal force had siphoned away half its brilliance.

 Chapter 870: Xi Xi’s True Heart Protects Parents, This World Only Needs One Xi Xi (2)

    Pain, a muddled sense of confusion, surged through the carved visage of the Grandmaster¡¯s Divine Sculpture.


    Among these children...


    There¡¯s even a Swallowing Gold Beast!


    Unbearable!


    The Dao Yun it just siphoned from its eggshell¡ªis it so quickly returned?


    Indeed, in this world, there¡¯s no such thing as a free lunch!


    He even suspected...


    The eggshell of that tea egg was just part of someone¡¯s calculated trap...


    However, the Grandmaster¡¯s Divine Sculpture¡¯s gaze shot out one stream of light after another, scanning the children sitting cross-legged on the White Jade Staircase, each with faces different in expression.


    Some were in pain, some in mania, some in anger, some dead in spirit, and some wailing...


    The Seven Emotions and Six Desires, growing wildly in their hearts.


    The Heart Test challenges one¡¯s inherent will, and for these children, it is of utmost importance.


    This steadying of their inner disposition will benefit them greatly when they forge their Divine Fetus and shape their Heaven and Earth Soul in the future.


    Even in the Divine Tribulation Realm, when they face the terrifying Heart Demon Tribulation, it will provide them with some resistance.


    This trial marked the three evaluations meant to select Lv Taibai¡¯s direct disciple, someone Lv Taibai intended to cultivate as the Young Sect Master, hence the tests were exceedingly stringent, especially the Heart Test...


    Lv Taibai needed to ascertain the disciple¡¯s disposition to lay the foundation for his training plan.


    Boom!!!


    The smoke surrounding the White Jade Staircase began to disperse gradually.


    Clearly, the Heart Test was slowly approaching its conclusion.


    Beneath the White Jade Arch.


    Spring rain fell incessantly.


    Silver hair danced wildly in the muffled roar of spring thunder. Lv Taibai slowly withdrew his gaze and looked toward the heavens. Within his pupils, radiant sword light seemed to flicker continuously.


    "Celestial anomaly..."


    "This doesn¡¯t seem to be an ordinary Heart Test trial."


    "Perhaps this time... I might take on an extraordinary disciple."


    Lv Taibai leaned back onto his chair, his lips curling up into a faint smile.


    That works...


    The Qian Yuan Divine Sect truly needs a disciple capable of carrying the sect¡¯s prestige.


    But just who will it be?


    Lv Taibai¡¯s gaze penetrated the Qiankun Small Cave Heaven, landing one by one on the children. Each held an expression unique to their own story.


    Though they were still young, they seemed to harbor deeply unusual tales.


    Suddenly.


    Lv Taibai¡¯s attention settled on Xi Xi.


    He was momentarily dazed.


    Because Xi Xi, whose face had previously been contorted in pain, now had her brows relaxed, her lips raised into a bright and joyous curve.


    It was as though...


    In the Heart Test, she had encountered something that brought her immense happiness.


    Amidst a group of children who were dazed by pain and struggle.


    Xi Xi¡¯s radiant smile was exceptionally conspicuous.


    After his daze, Lv Taibai too couldn¡¯t help but smile faintly.


    "Is it you?"


    "Little girl..."


    Lv Taibai couldn¡¯t help but feel a trace of anticipation for this potential new disciple.


    If it truly is Xi Xi...


    He could already imagine the exuberant delight on his wife¡¯s face.


    Thinking of his wife, Lv Taibai¡¯s gaze lowered slightly, silver hair cascading from the side of his face, veiling the subtle arc of his lips.


    ...


    ...


    Li Che leaned back against the Taishi Chair, the hem of his Mo Shan robes fluttered lightly in the spring breeze.


    His jet-black, thick hair fluttered, a few strands clinging to his cheek.


    His eyes glimmered with a profound light, deep within his gaze, it seemed as though the Heaven and Earth chessboard was reflected, intertwining. Half his consciousness had entered the Heaven and Earth chessboard, while the other half remained rooted in reality.


    The Mud Pill in his brow quaked subtly, as if time itself had reversed, replaying images within the chessboard of Heaven and Earth.


    Li Che, through the Thunder Chess Piece, traced back Xi Xi¡¯s experiences in the Illusion Realm, replaying everything clearly, his gaze gradually sharpening.


    It seemed like another lifetime¡ªhad Li Che not awakened his Dao Fruit because of Xi Xi¡¯s birth, perhaps everything encountered in the Illusion Realm would have been the eventual result and fate of Li Che¡¯s family.


    The power of Dao Yun speculated on a hypothetical life¡ªas though it had revisited the calamities Xi Xi might face in life. Within that disaster, Li Che and Zhang Ya had already perished.


    Because of grief, because of anger, it seemed as though another will buried deep in Xi Xi¡¯s soul had awakened¡ªa will that was reincarnated or from a previous life. Li Che interpreted it as her previous soul awakening.


    "Xi Xi¡¯s past life?"


    Li Che¡¯s fingers tapped lightly on the armrest of his chair, his brows furrowing slightly.


    This was... somewhat unexpected to him.


    Through sheer coincidence, this Heart Test awakened a fragment of Xi Xi¡¯s past life¡¯s soul?


    Because of the extreme anger that arose, it awakened that dormant will buried in her soul¡ªlike unleashing a monster from deep within.


    If Li Che were to remain idle, allowing that will to control Xi Xi¡¯s body recklessly, over time, Xi Xi¡¯s original will could gradually be suppressed, undergoing a transformation.


    His five fingers clenched suddenly, leaving imprints deep on the armrest, almost pulverizing it.


    "The will buried deep in Xi Xi¡¯s soul?"


    "In that case... Is Xi Xi still my Xi Xi? Is she still my most obedient, most cherished daughter?"


    Li Che¡¯s gaze slightly lowered.


    It seemed he must help Xi Xi suppress the revival of that will. That will, though incredibly powerful¡ªakin to an emerging force awakened from Jiuyou¡ªwas profoundly terrifying, exuding a pressure comparable to mountains crumbling. That level of suppression, within the realm of Temple Gods, might place it among their highest ranks.


    Thus, Li Che couldn¡¯t help but feel pressured...


    But pressure was all it was¡ªno matter how much it bore down, Li Che had to ensure that Xi Xi suppressed this will. Even if what lay hidden in Xi Xi¡¯s soul could be considered a second Xi Xi...

 Chapter 871: Xi Xi’s True Heart Protects Parents, This World Only Needs One Xi Xi (3)

    Li Che only wished for a pure-hearted, carefree, happy-go-lucky Xi Xi.


    That will required sorrowful stimulation, required bloodshed to awaken...


    How much pain must Xi Xi endure for such a will to manifest?


    Li Che did not want Xi Xi to suffer!


    Li Che pondered on how to suppress this will.


    At the very least, ensure this will does not affect Xi Xi...


    As a father, worrying for his daughter.


    It is only natural.


    ...


    ...


    Upon the White Jade Square, Spring Rain fell softly, its gentle rhythm unbroken.


    Anomalies unfolded beneath the Heavenly Dome, alarming many; even experts from Great Families seemed baffled as to why such phenomena occurred.


    Within the Su Family carriage, the current Family Head, Su Daoling, slowly withdrew his gaze.


    "As expected of Lv Taibai¡¯s apprenticeship test, even a Divine Child capable of stirring heaven and earth with anomalies has appeared, but who might they be?"


    "A temperament able to invoke celestial anomalies... must stem from an extreme type of purity."


    "A Heart of Innocence? A Heart of Slaughter? A Heart of Indifference?"


    Su Daoling¡¯s eyes glimmered.


    No matter which kind, it signified that this Divine Child¡¯s heart was extraordinarily pure. Such purity, if paired with an ideal cultivation method and plan, could result in rapid advancement beyond comprehension.


    "Su Li... could he have a chance?"


    Su Daoling exhaled deeply. Amidst all the Divine Children of the Su Family who participated, only Su Li had ascended the White Jade Staircase and remained within the Qiankun Small Cave Heaven, securing himself as one of the fifteen Divine Children.


    Yellow Sword Wine¡¯s childhood companion, Zhu Qing...


    Indeed, Zhu Qing¡¯s bloodline was exceptional, capable of capturing Yellow Sword Wine¡¯s very soul. From her humble origins in a small noble family, she rose alongside him into the Inner Sect and even appeared on the Outer Sect¡¯s List of Extraordinary Persons at the age of eighteen.


    Her talent was undeniably commendable. After marrying Su Wuming, ten years passed before she bore Su Li.


    However, Zhu Qing¡¯s innate gifts were drained dry by Su Wuming, leaving her utterly despondent. Yet Su Wuming did not hesitate to extract her remaining value to its very end.


    Su Wuming greatly cherished his son Su Li. Unfortunately, Su Wuming met his end at Yellow Sword Wine¡¯s hands.


    Perhaps, it is precisely this enmity that presents Su Li with the chance to stand out in this Heart Test?


    The Spring Rain quietly raindanced atop the carriage¡¯s roof, creating faint rustling sounds amidst an otherwise undisturbed stillness.


    Su Daoling, seated within the carriage and dealing with official matters, struggled with the weight of responsibility. Lacking seasoned experience as Family Head, his handling of affairs was sluggish. Moreover, after the Su Family¡¯s massacre, endless accumulated issues demanded his attention.


    Suddenly.


    Commotion disrupted the silence outside the carriage.


    "A Divine Child has awakened, and the first to awaken... signifies elimination!"


    Someone shouted.


    The sequence in which the Divine Children emerged from their trials revealed their rankings within the Heart Test.


    Following the Heart Test, the subsequent trial was the Temple Guardian Test¡ªonly three Divine Children could ascend to this stage.


    To proceed to the Temple Guardian Test meant drawing ever closer to earning the title of direct disciple under Lv Taibai, an unparalleled figure ranked fifth on the Great God List.


    And...


    Becoming Lv Taibai¡¯s final direct disciple, potentially stepping into the role of Qian Yuan Divine Sect¡¯s Young Sect Master¡ªa goal of unparalleled significance!


    Su Daoling found his work dull and tasteless at that moment. He set everything down, lifted the curtain, and stepped out of the carriage. His gaze fell upon the light curtain of interwoven sword light spread beneath the White Jade Arch.


    Within the radiant screen, seated in circular formation upon the dragon bone-like White Jade Staircase, the fifteen Divine Children began to awaken one by one...


    The first to emerge... was Yue Linghu.


    Yue Linghu opened his eyes, confused and disoriented, his mind still tangled in the vivid illusion built by Dao Yun Power.


    He struggled to distinguish between illusion and reality, the true and the false.


    Scanning his surroundings, his heart tightened abruptly.


    Even Ao Qingqing... still kept her eyes shut, tears streaming down her face, immersed in immense pain and struggle.


    She was still battling within the Heart Test...


    This alone proved that Ao Qingqing was more formidable in the Heart Test than Yue Linghu.


    "I am really the first to be eliminated?"


    Yue Linghu trembled all over, frantic and lost.


    At the center, the Grandmaster¡¯s Divine Sculpture seemed to come alive, its piercing gaze instantly sweeping over him.


    Yue Linghu felt as though the heavens spun and the earth shuddered.


    The next moment, his entire being was teleported out of the Qiankun Small Cave Heaven, landing squarely on the damp ground beneath the White Jade Arch.


    The cold rainwater soaked his clothes and pants, seeping into his skin.


    Countless gazes fell upon him, and Yue Linghu felt chilled to the bone.


    In a daze, he descended from the White Jade Staircase, returning to the carriage¡¯s vicinity.


    Yue Weizheng lifted the curtain but remained rather indifferent.


    "Not bad."


    "No matter, this was merely a trial for you. I never expected you to truly become Lv Taibai¡¯s disciple."


    Yue Weizheng¡¯s detached words stung Yue Linghu¡¯s heart, stirring faint waves of ache.


    Was it true, then, that everyone deemed him talentless¡ªeven his own father?


    Still, Yue Linghu couldn¡¯t dwell on his pain for long. Amid the chaos of voices, his eyes caught sight of the second eliminated candidate.


    "It¡¯s Ning Caihe from Seven Treasures Divine Sect!"


    "The third eliminated is here as well... It¡¯s the son of the Divine Capital Demon Princess, Tie Shancai..."


    ...


    Yue Linghu¡¯s awakening seemed to set off a chain reaction.


    One Divine Child after another stirred, gradually opening their eyes amidst trembling figures.


    After Tie Shancai, it was Yang Yi, then Zhou Peng.


    Once Zhou Peng was likewise expelled from the Qiankun Small Cave Heaven, he stood drenched in the Spring Rain. Taking out a small meat bun, he popped it into his mouth to calm his nerves.

 Chapter 872: Xi Xi’s True Heart Protects Parents, This World Only Needs One Xi Xi (4)

    He turned back to glance at the scene within the Small Cave Heaven.


    "Sister Yun E is still holding on... I hope you can persevere. If you make it to the Temple Guardian trial, then you¡¯ll have a chance."


    Zhou Peng understood better than anyone else the immense pressure Yun E carried, and he wished more than anyone for Yun E¡¯s liberation.


    His gaze shifted to Xi Xi.


    Compared to the faces filled with pain and struggle, Xi Xi, with a smile at the corner of her mouth...


    Made Zhou Peng struggle to judge.


    "Xi Xi has parents, so many people who love her and favor her... but Yun E doesn¡¯t."


    "Between Xi Xi and Yun E... I still hope Yun E can make it to the Temple Guardian trial."


    Zhou Peng sighed.


    As for himself.


    He patted his chubby belly. After all, he was the Zhou Family¡¯s treasure.


    After Zhou Peng was eliminated.


    The number of Divine Children remaining within the Qiankun Small Cave Heaven grew smaller and smaller.


    The next person to awaken, to everyone¡¯s surprise, was actually Gu He from the Heavenly Pill Divine Sect!


    Gu He blinked in confusion as he opened his eyes. He swept his gaze around, noticing many still enduring the trials of the Heart Test, and sighed lightly.


    He pulled out an elixir and popped it into his mouth. With a crisp crunch, he was sent out of the Qiankun Small Cave Heaven.


    What a pity... not a single trace of Dao Yun was felt.


    Within the Qiankun Small Cave Heaven, on the white jade staircase encircling the Dragon Ridge, the remaining Divine Children were an unexpected sight to many.


    From the Gongshu Family, Gongshu Wentian; from the top spot of the Chu Long List, Lv Qingxuan; from the Yun Family, Yun E; from Qingyun Daoxuan Fu Shen Sect, Xuan Yue; from the Dragon God lineage, Ao Qingqing; from Da Li, Jin Taixui; the Prince from the Divine Capital, Lu Chi; and the daughter of Elder Li from Divine Carving Ridge, Li Nuanxi.


    Eight Divine Children!


    These eight Divine Children included several who were surprises to many.


    Rain poured relentlessly over Daping.


    Crack, crack¡ªthe roar of thunder erupted among the leaden clouds, making the Qingming season rain feel even colder as it fell.


    Everyone¡¯s attention was fixed intently on the Qiankun Space, their emotions taut with tension and curiosity.


    Primarily because...


    Among the eight remaining Divine Children, two belonged to the Alien Race!


    Jin Taixui and Ao Qingqing!


    One from the Great Witch God lineage of Da Li, and one from the Dragon God lineage...


    Truly unexpected.


    Yue Linghu, for example, looked at Ao Qingqing with complex emotions. This Little Dragon Girl... had performed so impressively in the Heart Test?


    Inside the carriage.


    The Princess Consort clenched her five fingers, her long eyelashes trembling. Clearly, even she could not help but feel unsettled and emotionally stirred at this moment, unable to remain calm.


    Time passed drop by drop, flowing away unknowingly amid the Qingming season rainwater.


    Finally, another Divine Child opened their eyes.


    A burst of commotion erupted!


    "It¡¯s Xuan Yue! Oh dear... those two Alien Race members are still holding on? Xuan Yue from the Xuanfu Divine Sect couldn¡¯t endure either... what a pity."


    Xuan Yue opened her eyes and was sent out of the Qiankun Small Cave Heaven.


    She had performed excellently in the Talent Test, gaining a wisp of Dao Yun power, though it was subsequently stripped away.


    Xuan Yue stuck out her tongue playfully, showing little concern.


    "Such a shame."


    Her eyes sparkled mischievously and shot a glance at Xi Xi on the white jade staircase.


    "The youngest disciple of my ancestor! Senior Sister Xi Xi, stay strong! Carry Xuan Yue¡¯s hopes forward and keep going!"


    Xuan Yue clenched her small fists and cheered enthusiastically.


    Although she had endured no small amount of pain in the Heart Test, she quickly turned her thoughts elsewhere, almost forgetting entirely.


    After Xuan Yue, another Divine Child awakened, eliciting widespread groans from the crowd at Daping.


    This time, it was none other than Lv Qingxuan, first on the Chu Long List.


    Lv Qingxuan stood upright as ever, now silent, his five fingers tense and digging faintly into his palms.


    His performance in the Talent Test was mediocre, as was his performance in the Heart Test...


    As the first of Qian Yuan Divine Sect¡¯s Chu Long List, how could he end up so average in every aspect?


    Even the Chu Long List leader of Qian Yuan Divine Sect ended up eliminated?


    The atmosphere... grew ever tenser!


    Could it truly be that two Alien Race members would make it into the Temple Guardian trial?!


    The martial world guests from Qianyuan Dao City clenched their sweaty palms.


    Even beneath the White Jade Arch, where the many elders were seated in apparent calm, their various expressions began to shift subtly with Lv Qingxuan¡¯s elimination.


    Great Elder Fang Hanshu continued reading.


    But Second Elder Zhao Fangzhou and several other elders¡¯ faces had grown visibly solemn after Lv Qingxuan was disqualified.


    "Gongshu Wentian, Yun E, Lu Chi, Li Nuanxi... surely they¡¯ll suppress Jin Taixui and Ao Qingqing?"


    "How are these two Alien Race members persisting so long in the Heart Test?"


    "If Alien Race members truly enter the Temple Guardian trial, the danger... will be immense."


    "If our Qian Yuan Divine Sect¡¯s Young Master position were to be claimed by an Alien Race member, the impact would be far-reaching."


    The Qi-Blood roared. Martial Saint Elder Zhao Fangzhou¡¯s sinews and bones quivered, as though he could barely stay seated.


    "Another Divine Child has awakened!"


    "Who is it?"


    "It¡¯s Lu Chi, the Young Prince from the Divine Capital!"


    Zhao Fangzhou tugged at his beard, his eyes narrowing sharply.


    Inside the carriage in the Daping, Elder Mo sighed heavily, regret palpable...


    Lu Chi had persevered much longer than Elder Mo anticipated.


    But regrettably, he could not continue holding out.


    And just moments after Lu Chi, before even two or three breaths had passed...


    Ao Qingqing collapsed onto the white jade staircase, drenched in sweat, sobbing uncontrollably.


    During the Heart Test, she seemingly relived the life of the Dragon Queen Consort...


    Suddenly, she understood her aunt¡¯s pain, her madness, her harshness toward herself...


    Tears flowed endlessly, yet she ultimately still disappointed her aunt.

 Chapter 873: Xi Xi’s True Heart Protects Parents, This World Only Needs One Xi Xi (5)

    She couldn¡¯t hold on until the next trial.


    Large teardrops, one after another, fell onto the White Jade Staircase.


    Perhaps her destiny would be the same as her aunt¡¯s?


    Suffocation, despair, made it hard for her to breathe, robbing her eyes of their light.


    She looked at Xi Xi. Her aunt wanted her to defeat Xi Xi, but... she truly couldn¡¯t do it.


    Watching Xi Xi face the challenges of the Heart Test, her lips curved into a smile, her face aglow with unabashed joy.


    How could she be so happy?


    Why?


    Ao Qingqing was genuinely envious.


    Buzz¡ª


    Lu Chi and Ao Qingqing were also sent out of the Qiankun Small Cave Heaven.


    Lu Chi¡¯s eyes were cold as he stood at the entrance of the Qiankun Small Cave Heaven. In those indifferent eyes, a flicker of light flashed, and a trace of pain surged within.


    I still can¡¯t let go...


    He turned and left, entering the carriage.


    "Elder Mo... let¡¯s go."


    "Return to the Divine Capital."


    "In the end, I¡¯ve disappointed the State Preceptor."


    Lu Chi¡¯s voice echoed faintly: "It¡¯s time for me to face what I must face..."


    "Your Highness... you¡¯ve already done very well."


    Elder Mo consoled him.


    "I will report your performance truthfully to the State Preceptor..."


    "Thank you, Elder Mo."


    As his words fell silent.


    The charioteer tugged on the reins and, without lingering further, drove the carriage away from the Qianyuan Divine Sect Mountain Gate.


    Lv Taibai withdrew his gaze from the departing carriage.


    Meanwhile, within the spacious Daping.


    Li Qingshan sat on the front of his cart, watching from afar as Lu Chi¡¯s carriage shattered through the driving storm and sped into the distance.


    From start to finish...


    Lu Chi never once turned back to look at the man who had once been his master.


    ...


    ...


    On the White Jade Staircase.


    Only four Divine Children remained.


    Gongshu Wentian, Jin Taixui, Li Nuanxi, and Yun E...


    Just one more elimination, and the three Divine Children entering the third trial would be decided!


    Who would it be?


    Who?!


    The spring rain roared, growing more torrential.


    Even Li Che couldn¡¯t help but open his eyes, focusing half his attention on the sword-light-reflected scene at the Qiankun Small Cave Heaven¡¯s entrance.


    The world was utterly silent.


    The downpour became even more intense.


    Suddenly.


    It was as if the sound of something shattering resounded through the air.


    In an instant, Gongshu Wentian, who was meditating cross-legged on the White Jade Staircase, suddenly shuddered, his face revealing an expression of disbelief and terror-filled despair.


    In the next moment, his eyes snapped open.


    He gasped for air in huge gulps.


    He abruptly turned his head toward Xi Xi¡¯s direction.


    In his mind...


    A memory surfaced of the battle he had with Li Nuanxi in the Heart Test illusion realm.


    Gongshu Wentian had been about to defeat Li Nuanxi, suppress his Heart Demon, and pass the Heart Test!


    But then...


    Li Nuanxi suddenly transformed!


    Her entire body was covered with bewitching black patterns, as if she had emerged from the corpse-laden Jiuyou blood seas!


    In the illusion realm.


    Gongshu Wentian felt his legs refusing to obey him. The terrifying rank suppression, as if the very skies had been gouged out and crashed down, forced him to kneel, unable to summon even the courage to resist.


    It was simply...


    Not a foe on the same level!


    With cold arrogance, Xi Xi cast a fleeting glance at him, her eyes akin to one viewing the ephemeral mayflies of the world. That gaze crushed his feeble Dao Heart like a tofu block.


    Then, with but a touch of her finger...


    She erased him completely.


    As Gongshu Wentian woke, it felt as though he¡¯d experienced an apocalyptic nightmare.


    Yet, confusion gnawed at his brain.


    No...


    He had never even seen Li Nuanxi in that form in reality!


    Why was he forced to confront such a monster in the Heart Test?!


    Does reality always choose to bully the honest?


    Li Nuanxi...


    Just who... are you?!

 Chapter 909: Qingshan Remains, the Beauty Has Aged, A Heartfelt Welcome from the Underworld

    Li Che set down his wine cup, a faint glimmer of peculiarity flashing in his eyes.


    All around him, the clinking of glasses and the aroma of wine mingled with the scent of exquisite delicacies, their essence constantly wafting into the air.


    Yet at this moment, none of it held Li Che¡¯s attention.


    His mind moved slightly, sinking into the Heaven and Earth chessboard.


    The Soul Capturing piece created from the Yellow Sword Wine immediately landed quietly on the chessboard.


    When a Soul Capturing piece leaves, it can detach from Li Che himself and act independently.


    That¡¯s why Li Che had sent the Soul Capturing pieces of Yellow Sword Wine and You Liqing to search for the forces the Corpse God Cult was hiding around Dry Yuan Dao City.


    After all, the last time he had assisted the Princess Consort, the demigod corpse from the Corpse God Cult had caught Li Che¡¯s attention.


    Li Che harbored no goodwill toward the Corpse God Cult, whether for its atrocities or its demon child¡ªit all filled him with loathing.


    Within the Heaven and Earth chessboard.


    Li Che¡¯s Primordial Spirit condensed into form, his eyes slowly opening.


    With a flick of his fingers, a surge of Pure Heart Divinity flowed out, reinvigorating the Soul Capturing piece of Yellow Sword Wine.


    Gradually, the Soul Capturing piece twisted and shifted, transforming into the form of Yellow Sword Wine himself.


    A Soul Capturing piece can only regenerate back into itself after being broken ten consecutive times and running out of supply, at which point it will return to Li Che¡¯s Heaven and Earth chessboard to recharge.


    This was the conclusion Li Che had come to after crafting the Soul Capturing pieces.


    Until now, it was the first time a Soul Capturing piece had been struck down back into its chess form. Old Huang had truly opened Li Che¡¯s eyes to this.


    Yellow Sword Wine scratched at his messy hair, uncorked his wine gourd, and guzzled several hearty swigs before muttering curses under his breath.


    After a few moments, Yellow Sword Wine¡¯s Soul Capturing piece began to recover.


    "Speak, what¡¯s the situation?¡±


    Li Che asked calmly.


    Yellow Sword Wine nodded, and began to recount the events.


    "I was working separately from Old You, following the traces of the Corpse God Seal to locate the Corpse God Cult¡¯s base outside Dry Yuan Dao City


    "At first, there were no leads, and despite searching for a long time, we found nothing, so Old You and I decided to expand our scope


    "Upon expanding the range... near the area around Divine Carving Ridge, I encountered an ambush.¡±


    Yellow Sword Wine slapped his wine gourd, marked prominently with sword scars, his gaze darkening with a hint of sharpness.


    "Where?¡±


    Li Che furrowed his brows.


    "Divine Carving Ridge.¡±


    Yellow Sword Wine took another gulp of wine and replied.


    "Outside Divine Carving Ridge, I encountered a demigod corpse


    "Not the same demigod corpse that Old You had previously blocked¡ªthis one was even stronger, more enigmatic. I used Ninth Sword, released explosions ten times, and none of them could break through.¡±


    "Strong, incredibly strong... roughly comparable to the pinnacle level of Qi Sea Martial Saints. Right now, I¡¯m no match.¡±


    Yellow Sword Wine said, his voice heavy with frustration.


    Upon hearing this, Li Che did not react emotionally to the fact Yellow Sword Wine had experienced ten bursts.


    After all, he couldn¡¯t truly die.


    Out of those ten times, at least nine were self-destructions deliberately unleashed by Yellow Sword Wine using the Ninth Sword style.


    However, the information Yellow Sword Wine returned with caused Li Che¡¯s expression to grow grave.


    "Near Divine Carving Ridge... there are strong figures from the Corpse God Cult, including a Two Flower Demigod Corpse comparable to the second level of Qi Sea Martial Saints?¡±


    Li Che had been to Divine Carving Ridge before.


    But previously, he hadn¡¯t sensed this presence.


    Yellow Sword Wine nodded. As a Soul Capturing piece, his loyalty and obedience to Li Che were absolute, without concealment or betrayal.


    "Among Martial Saints, the gap between the first opening and the second opening is indeed vast. The difference between a Human Core Martial Saint and a Qi Sea Martial Saint is akin to the disparity between a Grandmaster and a Great Grandmaster.¡±


    "While targeting the Su Family, my greatest concern was their elder sage Su Leibao, a Qi Sea-opening Martial Saint¡ªthe cornerstone enabling the Su Family to maintain their position as the foremost noble family of Dry Yuan Dao City.¡±


    "Cloud Family, Zhou Family, and Zhong Family¡ªthese three thousand-year-old noble clans have deep foundations, yet their strongest combatants are merely their ancestral patriarchs, all first-level Martial Saints with Divine Transformation fetuses


    "Far inferior to the Su Family.¡±


    "Which is why, back then, I requested the Great Elder Fang Hanshu to intervene


    Yellow Sword Wine sat directly on the Heaven and Earth chessboard and continued.


    Li Che¡¯s Primordial Spirit fell silent...


    Divine Carving Ridge.


    As Divine Carving Ridge lay outside Dry Yuan Dao City, distant from any settlements, it did indeed harbor numerous uncertainties and dangers.


    "Because of... the Two-Hearted Great Saint Mysterious Temple? Are they here for that mystical weapon, the Heart-following Gold Iron Divine Rod?¡±


    It was a possibility Li Che couldn¡¯t help but consider.


    The pressing question now was whether the Corpse God Cult¡¯s Two Flower Demigod Corpse was hidden within Divine Carving Ridge itself or...


    Had the Corpse God Cult set up an ambush in the area surrounding Divine Carving Ridge, effectively encircling it?


    But it seemed unlikely¡ªit was more plausible they were merely concealed nearby. After all, the remote mountainous terrain around Divine Carving Ridge was sparsely inhabited.


    If the Corpse God Cult were truly making such large moves, Qian Yuan Divine Sect couldn¡¯t possibly remain oblivious.


    Li Che slowly closed his eyes and ordered Yellow Sword Wine to resume his Essence Cultivation.


    He himself withdrew from the Heaven and Earth chessboard.


    Upon opening his eyes, he glanced toward the banquet table, where seated were Gongshu Jingjun, Ridge Master of Divine Carving Ridge, along with Great Elder Tang Xiejia.


    Which meant, if the Corpse God Cult¡¯s demigod corpse was truly hiding its identity, it couldn¡¯t possibly be Gongshu Jingjun or Tang Xiejia.


    All other elders were also in attendance at this banquet celebrating Xi Xi¡¯s ascension as the Young Master.


    Ten consecutive bursts forced upon Yellow Sword Wine by the Two Flower Demigod Corpse...


    "It seems I¡¯ll need to find an opportunity to dispatch Yellow Sword Wine to warn Qian Yuan Divine Sect and Divine Carving Ridge.¡±


    Li Che set down his wine cup and massaged his temple.


    The Corpse God Cult...


    They were truly like restless ghosts, never fading away.


    The Corpse God Cult¡¯s primary battleground had always been the Jiangnan Dao of Jizhou, where they were locked in opposition against King Ping Luan Ji Moli.


    Yet now, the appearance of the Corpse God Cult¡¯s experts near Qian Yuan Divine Sect had grown increasingly frequent.

 Chapter 910: Qingshan Remains, The Beauty Has Aged, A Harsh Welcome from the Underworld (2)

    "The undercurrents are surging.¡± Li Che exhaled heavily.


    His eyes flickered, emotions stirring within him.


    The Great Supervising Minister of Qintian Observatory in the Divine Capital once said that whoever obtains the Six-Eared Two-Hearted Great Saint¡¯s Heart-following Golden Iron Divine Rod would ascend the tower of Qi Tian City and acquire the Mythical Weapon, the Ruyi Stick...


    Adding to that, during his previous participation in the Divine Sculpture Ridge Elder assessment, the sudden appearance of the Heart-following Golden Iron Divine Rod stirred quite the commotion.


    Perhaps it was precisely for this reason that the strong figures from the Corpse God Cult have been mobilizing frequently and heading his way?


    Li Che buried his thoughts deep in his heart; the appearances of the Corpse God Cult outside Divine Sculpture Ridge certainly weren¡¯t for him to mention ¡ª it was more fitting to let God-binding Yellow Sword Wine bring it up.


    Li Che continued drinking with the elders.


    The feast extended long into the night, marked by revelry and indulgence.


    Zhang Ya was thoroughly drunk, her cheeks flushed as she nestled into Li Che¡¯s embrace. She was overjoyed ¡ª her husband was capable, and their daughter had become the Divine Sect¡¯s Young Sect Master.


    Zhang Ya had never dared to imagine days like these before.


    At that time, they lived in a dilapidated hut in Fei Lei City, where the wind leaked through the cracks, worrying about their livelihood every single day.


    Who would have thought their family could rise to such heights now?


    And yet, Zhang Ya herself unexpectedly earned the honorary Elder status...


    Li Che wrapped his arms around Zhang Ya¡¯s waist, and she clung to him like a koala bear.


    "Sect Master, Sect Master¡¯s Wife... I¡¯ll take Xiao Ya back first. Xi Xi must follow the Sect Master and cultivate diligently ¡ª no slacking off. Next time we meet, father will test your cultivation. If you¡¯re lagging behind, I¡¯ll certainly be stern with you.¡±


    Li Che directed these words to Xi Xi, admonishing her.


    Immediately, Xi Xi planted her hands on her hips and stuck out her chubby little belly.


    "Don¡¯t worry, father! Xi Xi is working hard to get stronger. When I grow strong, I¡¯ll definitely suppress you!¡±


    Xi Xi declared boastfully.


    She triggered waves of laughter around the table.


    Li Che couldn¡¯t help but smile as well. Though his outward cultivation seemed unimpressive, Xi Xi knew he¡¯d hidden his true strength.


    Therefore, Xi Xi¡¯s obvious goal was surpassing the strength he revealed.


    "Alright then, father will wait for you to grow stronger and see it for himself.¡±


    Li Che then bid farewell to Xi Xi while holding Zhang Ya and boarded the carriage.


    At another banquet table, Nie Yang abstained entirely from drinking, adhering to a charioteer¡¯s principle: no drinking and driving.


    Seeing Li Che carrying Zhang Ya into the carriage, Nie Yang promptly ushered Li Chengzhou to follow them.


    Returning to Liuxiang Lane, Li Che carried Zhang Ya, still attached to him, as he looked at Nie Yang. ¡°Mr. Nie, the banquet isn¡¯t over yet; take Chengzhou back to enjoy more food and drink, make merry.¡±


    Upon hearing this, Nie Yang made no remarks.


    He clasped his hands in salute to Li Che, then took the sword-wielding and cold-faced Li Chengzhou and drove the carriage away.


    Li Che carried Zhang Ya back into the courtyard.


    The moonlight was cold and serene, resembling a gauzy glow descending on the human world, gently draping Li Che and Zhang Ya, shrouding them in a faint radiance.


    Zhang Ya¡¯s face was flushed red, her drunken eyes dreamy. The potency of the Spiritual Wine was no joke ¡ª her martial cultivation couldn¡¯t suppress its effects. Coupled with her joyful mood and indulgence, she quickly succumbed to intoxication.


    Placing his drunk wife onto the bed, Li Che activated the divinity within his [Pure Heart] Dao Fruit to tend to Zhang Ya¡¯s physical body.


    He also called upon the Dragon Elephant Vajra Dao Fruit¡¯s power, channeling its strength to refine Zhang Ya¡¯s physique.


    Helping her improve her sinews and bones, he even infused her with his understanding of the Martial Path in one go.


    For her to match the pace of Li Che and Xi Xi, it would undoubtedly be difficult for Zhang Ya.


    However, Li Che¡¯s aspiration was for his family to be well, to silently watch his daughter achieve longevity, but not at the expense of neglecting his wife.


    The warm Zhang Ya, her face flushed, lips pressed together, and a smile lingering at the corners of her mouth ¡ª she seemed to be dreaming of something pleasant.


    After cleaning Zhang Ya up and tucking her in, Li Che walked out of the room.


    "Did Xiao Ya drink too much?¡±


    A soft voice came from afar.


    Li Che, clad in a dark robe, turned to see Nurse Momo seated in a rocking chair, wrapped in a thin blanket, her weathered face lined with wrinkles.


    "Xiao Ya, that girl... she¡¯s so simple... You must treat her well.¡±


    "A Che, your status and position now differ greatly from the past. The temptations you¡¯ll face will only grow. I hope you¡¯ll hold fast to your true heart and care for your family.¡±


    Her words were earnest as she gazed at Li Che with moonlight faintly illuminating her figure, lending a peaceful aura.


    Li Che¡¯s heart suddenly calmed.


    He sat down beside Nurse Momo, settling on the wooden floor. Moonlight shone against the edge of the black tiles above them, cascading like flowing water.


    Li Che smiled and began chatting with Nurse Momo.


    Nurse Momo had watched Xi Xi grow up. Back in Xu Family¡¯s Spiritual Child Institute, when the Spirit Infant Sect stormed in to seize Xi Xi and other Spirit Children, Nurse Momo fought to her last breath, even risking her own life ¡ª something Li Che deeply admired and respected.


    Facing death often proves the true test of character.


    "Cough, cough


    Nurse Momo coughed lightly a few times, breaking the tranquility of the moonlit scene.


    Leaning back in her chair, her gaze turned profound. ¡°A Che


    "We both walked out from Fei Lei City. To see your family rise to such heights... it fills me with joy. Xi Xi has a father like you and now a master like the Taibai Sect Master; her future is on solid ground.¡±


    "Watching her grow step by step brings me immense happiness.¡±


    Li Che stood up and moved behind Nurse Momo, massaging her temples.


    Her dry, white hair and deeply lined face seemed so fragile...

 Chapter 911: Qingshan Remains, the Beauty Has Aged, A Harsh Welcome from the Underworld (3)

    According to Li Qingshan, Nurse Momo was once a top beauty of Fei Lei City in her youth. Alas, as time flows on, beauty fades, and heroes inevitably age into twilight.


    Pure Heart Divinity gently streamed out from the fingertips that tenderly massaged Nurse Momo¡¯s temple.


    It seeped into Nurse Momo¡¯s withered body.


    This was a withering caused by the exhaustion of life force. Birth, aging, sickness, and death are natural laws of the heavens and earth. If one cultivates Divinity and Martial Path successfully, one may break these laws and extend their lifespan.


    However, according to Li Che¡¯s understanding, true longevity does not exist in this world. Even Martial Saint experts have a lifespan of only two to three hundred years. Only by forging a Divine Fetus can one extend life force severalfold.


    Yet, even the Divine Fetus has its limits. To further extend one¡¯s lifespan, one must transcend the Divine Tribulation, endure the cleansing of the Three Calamities and Nine Tribulations, and dissipate disasters to prolong life...


    But when the end of life comes¡ªa time when one¡¯s allotted lifespan runs out, and the wick of the oil lamp is extinguished¡ªnot even Immortals can save you.


    At this moment, Nurse Momo seemed to be approaching such a situation.


    Li Che didn¡¯t know if a naturally deceased person could be resurrected through Soul Capturing...


    He hadn¡¯t tried it.


    Nurse Momo closed her eyes, enjoying Li Che¡¯s massage, feeling her entire body relax at this moment.


    "So comfortable


    Nurse Momo opened her eyes and glanced at Li Che. ¡°A Che... Grandma has something to ask of you


    "Please speak, Grandma. Xi Xi grew up under your care. Between us, there¡¯s no need for formalities


    Li Che responded with a gentle smile.


    "After I¡¯m gone, could you look after Li Qingshan for me


    "You are now a Divine Sect elder, your standing is different from before. As for Li Qingshan... that old rascal is still acting like a child, sneaking around, doing who knows what lately.¡±


    "I¡¯m old now. I don¡¯t know what he¡¯s up to


    "If he ever does anything bad, or provokes someone he shouldn¡¯t


    Nurse Momo looked at Li Che, her eyes holding a trace of pleading.


    "Could you, for Grandma¡¯s sake... spare Li Qingshan¡¯s life?¡±


    Li Che froze upon hearing this.


    "Grandma, don¡¯t worry. You still have long days ahead of you.¡±


    Li Che chuckled softly.


    "As for Senior Qingshan, rest assured, Grandma


    "With me here, he won¡¯t die.¡±


    Nurse Momo broke into a smile, her weathered face lined with numerous creases. For some reason, Li Che¡¯s simple promise suddenly filled her heart with an unshakable calm.


    Li Che is unlike Li Qingshan. No matter how many reassurances Li Qingshan made, she still found it hard to feel at ease.


    But a single assurance from Li Che...


    Nurse Momo felt tranquil, unwaveringly convinced.


    With a radiant smile, Nurse Momo gazed at the courtyard under the moonlight, luminous like flowing water.


    "Grandma is aware of her own condition... My Martial Arts innate talent isn¡¯t great, nor is my Divine Talent sufficient. I was unable to establish a Divine Foundation; I live as no more than a mortal


    "Moreover, in my younger years, roaming the martial world and fighting others left behind hidden injuries that drained my life force. Now... it seems about time to reach my limit.¡±


    "The only regret is


    "In this lifetime, I was unable to have a child with Qingshan.¡±


    Nurse Momo looked at the flawed Moon Plate, pursing her lips.


    "It¡¯s all his fault.¡±


    "He arrived too late.¡±


    "Too late.¡±


    ...


    ...


    The matter of Li Che¡¯s bet with the Sect Master¡¯s Wife quickly spread throughout Divine Carving Ridge.


    Within the Divine Sect proper, there wasn¡¯t much commotion, but among the community of Divine Carving Ridge, the wager between Li Che and the Sect Master¡¯s Wife caused a complete uproar.


    "Elder Li bet with the Sect Master¡¯s Wife... that he could carve out a Half-Saint Divine Sculpture in one month?¡±


    "This... this sounds excessively arrogant! Elder Li may have indeed received the Half-Saint legacy from Elder Sun before his death, but that¡¯s as far as it goes.¡±


    "A Half-Saint Divine Sculpture... is exceedingly rare. I don¡¯t think we¡¯ve had one in Divine Carving Ridge, have we?¡±


    "Even Elder Sun, before his passing, only managed to touch the faintest trace of Half-Saint essence and fuse it into that Two-Minded Great Sage¡¯s Divine Sculpture... What makes Elder Li think he can accept such a wager.¡±


    ...


    The matter caused quite a stir among many Divine Sculpture Masters.


    As Divine Sculpture Masters, they knew too well the difficulty of achieving a Half-Saint Divine Sculpture.


    It was even harder than a Great Grandmaster breaking through to Martial Saint status. Without Talent, fortune, or enlightenment...


    One might be stuck their whole life!


    Unlike Martial Path cultivation, where hard work can bring incremental improvement.


    The Half-Saint Divine Sculpture, without profound insight, could stagnate for decades.


    Spring rain drizzled softly.


    A carriage barreled through the spring rain, its wheels splashing through thick mud, as it entered the building complex of Divine Carving Ridge.


    Li Che lifted the curtain and slowly stepped down. In an instant, the eyes of everyone in Divine Carving Ridge converged onto him.


    Li Che paid no heed to the various sentiments and attitudes mingled within those gazes.


    He knew the matter of his bet with the Sect Master¡¯s Wife was fermenting.


    To him, this wager was inconsequential, as it came with no outrageous stakes. It was mainly because Li Che appeared overly confident.


    A Half-Saint Divine Sculpture within a month¡¯s time...


    Such an idea bordered on the fantastical.


    Li Che didn¡¯t bother to explain.


    As an elder of Divine Carving Ridge, he wasn¡¯t required to show up daily for work. But perhaps due to the wager, Li Che made it a habit to have Nie Yang drive him to Divine Carving Ridge every day.


    Before he knew it, half a month had passed.


    Throughout the past half month, Li Che frequented Divine Carving Ridge so often that he drew amused glances from many Divine Sculpture Masters, who thought Elder Li was making a last-minute gamble.


    "Old Nie, Xiao Zhou, you both go wander around or head to the training grounds to cultivate. Once I finish my work here, we¡¯ll return to the city together.¡±


    Li Che, dressed in a dark-colored fitted tunic, smiled as he spoke.


    Nie Yang cupped his fist in respect and headed off with Li Chengzhou for special training. Xi Xi¡¯s rise to the position of Young Sect Master had clearly sparked a strong reaction in Li Chengzhou.