ã€ŠAs a father, I just want to quietly watch you live a long lifeã€‹


 Chapter 1: 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 dpidated 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 neen 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 be 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 cmities, and evil spirits rampant, making life difficult for themon people.

    Having epted 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 moonster, his wife was about to give birth.

    Fei Lei City wasrge, 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 toilingmoners 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 finallye 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 Schr was sitting on a shabby bench, wearing a cotton jacket inside and an old schr''s robe outside, puffing on a dry pipe with a "ck."

    This schr 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 Schr with the dry pipe.

    Having lived through two lifetimes, but bing 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 Schr 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 Schr, 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 Schr 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 apanying 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: "Congrattions, 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 ce it, only managing to say, "Thank you, thank you¡­"

    After hastily expressing his gratitude to the midwife, he then btedly 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, emptynd 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 shed 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 lightugh, 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 Schr standing steadily at the doorway.

    Li Che nced at Old Schr, 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 momentter, 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 Schr quickly left the earth house.

    ...

    ...

    In the courtyard, thick snowkes 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 Schr 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 Schr 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 Cheughed: "Being a boy or a girl¡­ does it matter?"

    "Does the Li Family have a throne to inherit?!"

    Old Schr 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, nning 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: 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 vastnd with arge 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 gentlynded 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 neen years sinceing 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 ofbor 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.

    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 snowden 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 postpartumplications... "

    "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 snowkes 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 ce 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 dockedpletely.

    Shaking off the snow from his body, Li Che took off his bamboo hat and ced 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 ising 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 ruddyplexion, called out to Li Che while holding a shiny wine gourd filled with aged yellow wine.

    "Sure, Master Chen." Li Che shed a brilliant smile and hurriedly responded.

    As a familiar helper in the shop and given his carefulness and agility, he had never had an ident 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 regrs.

    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, simr 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 toe alive as its six eyes stared at him, blinking asionally.

    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 rted 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 be a true master wood carver!"

    Li Che''s eyes mildly brightened, and ambitions began to stir in his heart.

    If he could be 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: 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 carvingndscapes or statues of Bodhisattvas and Buddhas, or even images of gods that Li Che had never heard of before.

    For aborer, 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 be 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 toplete 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 bing sessful, 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 rity of mind. He buried the thought of bing 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 arger piece of the Flowering Curved Willow now?" Li Che, rxing 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 aborer 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 urred, 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 rted 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 lessplicated than the Thousand-Armed Guanyin, Li Che made a conservative estimate.

    "Fifty taels? Hehe... It''s less than that, a Gold Leaf less!"

    Master Chenughed, and then pped 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,e 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 hadpletely fallen. However, the dim yellow light of the oilmp 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 Xiid 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 thend, 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 andforted her while curiously watching Li Che.

    "Husband, what are you doing?"

    In the dim light of the oilmp, 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 butugh 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 asughter 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 sh within his gaze.

    Calm andposed, his fingers gripped the carving knife with muscr power as he made the first cut into the wood...

 Chapter 4: 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, atst, 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 umtion 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 oilmp 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 oilmp 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 be 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 waspleted 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 seeded 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 oilmp and, pulling his startled wife with him, dove into the warm nkets.

    Outside, the snow was falling heavily.

    Landing on the thick umtion 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, nced at Li Che: "You n 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 nced 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 ced 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 rted 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 yed with Xi Xi using a rattle-drum he made himself, causing the little girl tough 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 be 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 be a Wood Carver,"

    Li Che said while yfully 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 be 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 ying 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 robeyered 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 hade 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 Schr uncle said, his brows still furrowed.

    Li Che nodded and then saw the Old Schr 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: 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 Schr, 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 Schr 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 Schr''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 me 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 Schr 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 Schr, he didn''t say much and led him into the house.

    When the Old Schr 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-inw 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 Schr, 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 Chun, 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 ce his trust in his own deductions.

    What if Lei Chun 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 be 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 ruddyplexion, sitting in a chair, humming a tune and drinking from a gourd.

    "Little Li, you''vee? 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 livefortably."

    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 nced 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 Chun... 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 rtionship, it wasn''t that deep.

    To put it inly, Li Che was nothing more than aborer 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 rtionship between them would bepletely 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 nced 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''spound... 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 p 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 be 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: Chapter 6 Interest Challenges Career, Tang Family Mechanism

    Although Chen Dabao got on well with Li Che, as a carrier who moved timber andpleted 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 be 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?

    ording 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 exnation 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 youck 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 ns.

    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 regr customers still looking for him, most people basically ignored him. Li Che was happy to be unupied 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 moreplex 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 nced 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 couldin 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 be 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 ying with their daughter Xi Xi on the bed with various small wooden toys he had carved, his anxious heart finally rxed.

    "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 Cheughed 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 oilmp, 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, nning 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 ayer 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 tofort 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 ck 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 ngs, the horns and suonas ying 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, apanied 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 nced 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-d 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 be a formal wood carver at the wood carving shop surged intensely within Li Che.

    Not merely because bing 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 ce 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,e 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 rmendations; thank you for your support!

 Chapter 7: 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 d 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 ke 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 personallye.

    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 bing a One-cut Wood Carving Master, a monthly sry of five taels can be imed, and for the carved products sold, the shop takes forty percent while the rest goes to the individual."

    "Of course, after bing 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 sry 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 wereshing out.

    "To be 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 be one of Xu Ji''s people. If there is any betrayal, do not me 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,e 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 actuallye forward to register.

    A few days ago, when Li Che came to him, he hadn''t taken it seriously. After all, every year, there wereborers 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.

    It was pretty rare for someone like Li Che to actuallye and register for the examination.

    Was it ack of self-awareness or... did he truly possess genuine skills?

    "There have been precedents ofborers 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 thest arm embracing aughing 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 previouslypleted "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 shoring 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 ns 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.

    Aborer, if he were to disy carving skills not inferior to those of a wood carving shop''s master¡­ It would ultimately be hard to exin.

    "The assessment time is four hours. When the time is up, everyone must stop carving immediately. Vitors will be disqualified. Do you understand?"

    Second Shopkeeper Xu Beihu stood up, his presencemanding 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 ced 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 asyers, 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.

    Momentster, 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 urred 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 disy 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 de 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 nced 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 courageousborer 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 thisborer really had something special?

    Xu You walked over, hands still sped 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: Chapter 8: Wood Carving Prodigy, Inner Strength Divinity

    Third Shopkeeper Xu You narrowed his eyes, a hint of amazement shing 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 vor of meaning!

    The expression, the posture, the demeanor¡­ they were all strikingly palpable!

    It was as if there truly was apassionate 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 aborer?

    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 vor!

    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 wed, 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 merelycks 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 bing a wood carver was assured!

    Four hours silently passed amidst the rasping sound of the carving knife tearing through wood.

    Ding¡ª

    Apanied 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 hase! 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 apleted product.

    The third and second shopkeepers, apanied 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 whening 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, almostpleted in form through polishing.

    Many of the veteran carvers began to marvel.

    "Quite a rarity, aborer 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 startedte, 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 sped, his expression calm, not losing himself in the praise.

    The group continued to appreciate the work, and momentster, all the assessments werepleted.

    "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 sry 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 aborer threw them off bnce.

    The small shop disyed a hundred human emotions.

    "The three of you, follow me."

    Xu You and Xu Beihu donned their fox fur cloaks and nced 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 ttened practice field, filled with snow-covered stone stumps and other martial arts equipment.

    "This ce serves as the martial arts area for Xu Ji''s wood carving shop in the Outer City. Bing 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 sped 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 toe to the Outer City. If you have any questions about martial arts during that time, you can ask me."

    His voice was like arge bell, his vitality robust. Standing in the heavy snow, not a ke 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 avable to everyone, while Internal Strength somewhat depends on talent and requires time to umte."

    "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 exin 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 circte 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 elerate 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 rxing his vignce.

    Practicing martial arts would enhance his ability to stand against the Spirit Infant Master, and he dared not be negligent.

    When the sky turnedpletely 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 rmendation votes, Monthly Tickets, and followers'' support!

 Chapter 9: 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 toply.

    Genius, indeed, deserved the treatment for genius.

    "Thank you, Third Shopkeeper." Li Che sincerely sped 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 sry 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 sry.

    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 toorge 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 rtions.

    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 augh.

    ...

    ...

    Good spirits apany good fortune.

    Li Che was in an excellent mood. After bing a wood carver, his wages had increased, and he saw a hopeful future. Riches and afortable 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 oilmp 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 gazended on the lower left corner of the wooden door; there, on the thick snow, was a quietly ced 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 andughing near his ear!

    "Spirit Infant Master?!"

    Li Che''s face grew stern, and he fiercely surveyed his surroundings, his ring eyes filled with ferocity.

    So, they were... targeting us already?!

    Xi Xi was just a month old!

    Lei Chun!

    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 ce ahead of stealing.

    Perhaps, the other party had simr intentions.

    Li Che''s face clouded with thought, and after a moment, he threw the Spirit Infant wood carving into the firewood room, nning 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 be 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 n 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 sry he collected today and told Zhang Ya about his ns 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 ck hair was scattered, and she fell into a deep sleep.

    Li Che, however, was clear-headed and refreshed, sitting in front of the lit oilmp, 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 nned to make the Sleeve Crossbow.

    Mainly because it was somewhat simr 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 snowden earth,

    Li Che had finallypleted the delicate and exquisite Sleeve Crossbow!

    [Dao Fruit: Immortal Artisan (lv2, 19%)]

    The moment the creation wasplete, 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 nce 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 involuntarilynded on the Spirit Infant Wood Carving he had ced 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: 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 ce... 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 exhaustingst 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 apany 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 exin 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, ying 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 vignt.

    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 aplished..."

    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 pnquin, 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 ck.

    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 sh past a corner.

    "Lei Chun?"

    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, nced 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 appearst 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 be 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, ced 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 sted the Spirit Infant Wood Carving into pieces.

    tter!

    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 nced 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 rxed 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, heunched forward like a red-hot branding iron thrown at high speed, shattering the falling snow and chasing after the fleeing ck 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 viins, 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 ck shadow curled up on the ground, blood staining the snow red.

    "It''s not the midwife, just a Martial Practitioner with Great Sess 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 Chun... 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''tst 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 Chun?" 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, mming 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 whileter, the two walked in silence on the long street, Old Chen with his hands behind his back,pletely 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: 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 particrly 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 Chun, 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 Chun which hung on the notice board had been torn off at some unknown time and reced with a poster for a flower thief.

    "Lei Chun''s wanted poster¡­ has it been canceled already?"

    "Is Lei Chun 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 rx 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 yfully 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''sughter 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 y with her, Grandpa Chen," he assured. "No worries, the little girl and I are close. If anyone dares toy a finger on her, I''ll p 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 fewforting words to his waiting wife, Zhang Ya, before heading to the backyard.

    ¡­

    ¡­

    The snowfall grew heavier,rge kes 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 sped fist bow.

    "Second Shopkeeper, Third Shopkeeper, Li Che has arrivedte."

    Third Shopkeeper Xu You sat under the eaves of a hut by the training ground, using tongs to ce 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 me for Li Che''ste arrival.

    "The Spirit Infant Sect¡­ always involved in inhuman deeds. What good things cane 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 sting 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 cane 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 rxing, "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 stimting the blood and energy."

    "Energy is generated from within the body, from the inside out, and from the outside in,plementing and stimting 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 cken 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 morefortable 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,rge 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 havepleted Skin Refinement, I will teach you the Tendon Activation Technique."

    "However, toplete 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 sped 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 exhrated. Atst, 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, yfully pouted his lips.

    Li Che smiled and took Xi Xi from him. The full moon-faced Xi Xi was increasingly chubby and fair, beautiful withrge, bright eyes, and long eyshes which fluttered like a sprite''s.

    "Old Chen, there''s something... I''d like to ask of you."

    Old Chen, while ying 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 Chenughed.

    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,e here, let Grandpa Chen hold you~"

    Li Che was leftughing 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 ughter the entire Spirit Infant Sect!

 Chapter 12: 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 snowkended 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 Chenes 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 yed with Xi Xi while Li Che sat under the oilmp 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 nned 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 oilmp''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 tomit 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 zed 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 be 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 seed! Now he''s be 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 apany 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 ce. We''ll be neighbors!"

    The steward, known as Old Sun, smiled broadly, "That sounds great, follow me this way."

    The group entered therge courtyard of the shop and walked through the narrownes 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, upying 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 biggerndowners than even thergendowners, naturally having amassed quite a bit ofnd.

    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 be a formal wood carving master from aborer required an exceptionally high wood carving talent. Bing the steward of Xu''s Wood Carving Shop meant he had the necessary discernment; he would notmit the folly of offending others lightly.

    Li Che led Zhang Ya into the courtyard and inspected it carefully. His long-tense emotions finally rxed.

    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 y 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 finallye 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 y. Once you''re done,e 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 gigglingughter of Xi Xi and Chen Dabao ying.

    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 nce, 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 wasid 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,e back inside to y."

    "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 augh, bringing out a te 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 therge courtyard of the shop nearly a year ago and the Spirit Infant Sect had been quiet, he remained vignt deep inside.

    And the closer it got to Xi Xi''s first birthday, the more vignt Li Che became.

    After all... Lei Chun 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 vastnd, 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, rmend, and support with Monthly Tickets!

 Chapter 13: 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 vastnd 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 stimting 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 fe has no heirs, no descendants... This Little Stinky Xi, she''s quite taken with this old fe."

    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 ck 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, alsoughed, "Zhao Xuan and I were just nning 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 Cheughed.

    "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 werezy, it might take even longer.

    Therefore, none of them dared ck 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 be 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 Aplishment 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 stimted 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 elerating the progress of Skin Refinement!

    Li Che, who had achieved Minor Aplishment 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 Aplishment 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 aurapletely gathered.

    It was as if he hadpletely 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 maniption 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 snowkes 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: Chapter 14: The First Birthday Banquet, The Spirit Babys Angry Glare

    "Master Li, congrattions! Happy first birthday to Xi Xi!"

    Snowkes, as white as cotton, swirled in the air, standing out against the ck roof tiles.

    The courtyard gate stood wide open, and the sound of footsteps crunching on the snow rose and fell, with congrattory 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 wee 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 Schr was clutching a tobo 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, pleasee 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 Schr, 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 Schr 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 ept 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 be 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 feastmenced, 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 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 therge 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 apanied 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 poprity in the Inner City.

    "Thank you, shopkeeper. Xi Xi,e and thank Uncle Xu," Li Che, holding the lovely Xi Xi, called out with a smile.

    Xi Xi''s eyes were bright and her eyshes long; her skin was white and smooth like jade. Xu You, catching one nce of her, liked her very much, took her from Li Che''s hands, yed 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 be 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 exined.

    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 disying the pride and extravagance of the noble families and ns.

    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 aplex 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 ns 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 n?"

    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 oilmp, 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 toplete.

    He stood up, walked to a corner of the workshop, and gently turned a wood carving. Immediately, a hiddenpartment appeared.

    From it, he took out a statue of Guanyin seated on a blood-colored lotus mountain.

    Guanyin had apassionate 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, ced it in the palm of his hand, and in a sh, 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 aplishment 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 ced both the Thousand Thread Spider and the Guanyin Blood Lotus mechanisms back into the hiddenpartment.

    He sat down in front of the oilmp again and began to attempt other mechanisms from "Tang''s Mechanism Essentials."

    Due to theck 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 umting experience. Once he began to cultivate inner strength, he would be able toplete 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 ring with both eyes wide open.

    As if staring intently at him!

 Chapter 15: 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''tpletely avoid the Spirit Infant Sect''s covetousness towards Xi Xi!

    Right after thepletion 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 ce 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 ce be absolutely safe?"

    Li Che shook his head, his gaze fixating on the ring 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 shed through Li Che''s mind, but in the end, he still couldn''t be certain.

    Shaking his head, Li Che grabbed the ring 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 be 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 nt 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... Bing 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; bing 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.

    Nheless, 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 Sess in Skin Refinement..."

    Two days ago, Xu Beihu came to inspect the cultivation, and Li Che showed him his Great Sess 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 Sess 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 Sess in one year could be exined 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 marketce 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 carvingmission 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 carvingmission 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''spleted 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 Aplishment 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 y with Xi Xi.

    "Little Stinky Xi, your Grandpa Chen is here!"

    Meanwhile,

    Li Che methodically continued to carve the Eight Treasures Maitreya Statue.

    Afterpleting the day''s work,

    Li Che stood up, put on a broad-brimmed hat, took a ck cloak, and looked at the snowkes 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 forcking a son, you n on exchanging my daughter for your desired son?"

    "It''s truly... unreasonable."

    He reached out his hand and caught a snowke.

    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: 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 ced outside the courtyardst night...

    The adversary''s actions were undoubtedly a provocation against him as a father, as if ring furiously at him, loudly proiming, "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, epassing arge area, almost like a small city. Inside was awork 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 ck 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 be separated from him, his every breath bing light and free.

    "Sun Changbiao..."

    Li Che whispered the name softly.

    The next moment, he stimted his Dao Fruit [Dragon Elephant Vajra].

    Crack, crack, crack...

    Sounds like colliding bones echoed around, crackling like popping beans. Underneath Li Che''s ck 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 bing 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 transformedpletely. 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 ny after activating the Dragon Elephant Vajra, his flesh bulking up significantly, bing firm and sturdy with an overwhelming sense of oppression.

    "Strength..." Li Che''s eyes sparkled behind the Cute Bull Mask as he nced 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 exemry, featuring a triple-courtyard with a spacious and bright main yard.

    Sun Changbiao held an umbre, 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 surelye 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 wereing out of the kitchen.

    "Got it."

    Sun Changbiao said dismissively.

    Then, he closed his umbre, shook off the snowkes, 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 mattering 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 scoldinging from inside, herplexion 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 morefortable.

    After the girls had left,

    A towering, mountainous figure wearing a conical hat and a mask silently appeared on the walkway,pletely untouched by the swirling snowkes.

    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 hiscent 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 pped 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, apanied 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,shed out suddenly!

    The kicknded 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.

    "rgh..."

    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, rmendation votes, and followers!

 Chapter 17: 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 copse his psychological defenses!

    "This is Xu''s Wood Carving Shop! You... you dare tomit 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 disy, 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 themotion, they could immediatelye 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 tomand his daughter to cook and do chores, but tosh 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 ced the Furious Spirit Infant Wood Carvingst night, intending to offer Xi Xi to the Dharma Master in exchange for a son. A viin!

    That was cause enough for his death.

    At that thought, a surge of malevolence and killing intent erupted in Li Che''s heart.

    Bang!

    Stimted 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 apanied 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,ing 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!

    Apanied 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, apanied by spurting scorching blood.

    The entire room reeked of blood.

    Madame Liu, who had copsed beside him, was already scared witless, trembling uncontrobly 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 imed 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 ying 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 snowkes 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 Daddyes 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 intoughter, 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 ced 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 in 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. s¡­ Something''s happened, something''s happened at my sister''s ce¡­"

    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 viin suddenly appeared, broke into my brother-inw''s yard, and brutally killed him¡­ s¡­ My father sent me to notify the manager, s¡­"

    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 bingplex.

 Chapter 19: 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 ns that have flourished here over many lengthy years. It is extremely rich and bustling.

    These noble families and ns 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.

    Bing 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, hisrge 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 ept 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 seed, 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 rtively moremon.

    The Divine Method is usually controlled by the noble families and ns of the Inner City,pletely inessible to outsiders.

    Xu Beihu looked at Li Che and spoke softly, "Divine Methods aremonly 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 umtion 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 be a woodcarving master in the future, it is possible to obtain the Divine Method from our Xu Family. Therefore... do not ck 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 wille 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 nned to visit the marketce 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, ced it on his face, wrapped himself in a poncho, and disappeared into the long street.

    The marketce of Fei Lei City, located in the western part of the Outer City, was in a rather dpidated 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 disy.

    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 daree, 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 offort.

    "Recently acquired items from the Mysterious Temple, would you be interested?"

    The stall owner gave a cursory nce 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 ce outside the city, rumored to be where the heritage of the Spirit Infant Sect originated from.

    The vast Great Vista was so unstablergely 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 ce to explore for resources.

    However, Li Che had little interest in the Mysterious Temple right now, as he hade to the marketce 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 ns. 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 be static and an extreme sense of oppression, as if the sky was falling and the earth was copsing, 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 marketce.

    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 marketce, he found a secluded ce, shed his cloak, found a ce 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.

    Snowkes 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 19: 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 ns that have flourished here over many lengthy years. It is extremely rich and bustling.

    These noble families and ns 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.

    Bing 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, hisrge 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 ept 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 seed, 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 rtively moremon.

    The Divine Method is usually controlled by the noble families and ns of the Inner City,pletely inessible to outsiders.

    Xu Beihu looked at Li Che and spoke softly, "Divine Methods aremonly 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 umtion 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 be a woodcarving master in the future, it is possible to obtain the Divine Method from our Xu Family. Therefore... do not ck 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 wille 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 nned to visit the marketce 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, ced it on his face, wrapped himself in a poncho, and disappeared into the long street.

    The marketce of Fei Lei City, located in the western part of the Outer City, was in a rather dpidated 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 disy.

    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 daree, 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 offort.

    "Recently acquired items from the Mysterious Temple, would you be interested?"

    The stall owner gave a cursory nce 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 ce outside the city, rumored to be where the heritage of the Spirit Infant Sect originated from.

    The vast Great Vista was so unstablergely 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 ce to explore for resources.

    However, Li Che had little interest in the Mysterious Temple right now, as he hade to the marketce 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 ns. 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 be static and an extreme sense of oppression, as if the sky was falling and the earth was copsing, 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 marketce.

    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 marketce, he found a secluded ce, shed his cloak, found a ce 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.

    Snowkes 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: Chapter 20: If the child doesnt like you, dont 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 contemtion, 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 sp 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 Sess in Skin Refinement, nothing more. It was unlikely he was the Bone Tempering criminal who had killed Sun Changbiao with ruthless and decisive means.

    ording 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''te 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 ced 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 spected that it was someone from the shop who ced 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.

    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''splexion immediately turned pale.

    "Husband..."

    She hurriedly called out, thinking that Li Che hadmitted 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 rxed.

    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 rm 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-clearrge eyes stared at Head Constable Zhao, and the next moment, she started scooting away in her walker, ttering along.

    Yet, Zhao Chuanxiongughed, 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 sk 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 shed 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,e 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 rxed 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 yed with her, making Xi Xi giggle continuously.

    While watching Zhao Chuanxiong''s retreating figure, he slowly rxed.

    "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 ced 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 cing the Spirit Infant Wood Carving at your doorstep..."

    "Moreover, the Spirit Infant Statue found in Sun Changbiao''s home was amon Three-Headed Six-Armed Spiritual Infant Statue, with one eye open and one closed..."

    "How then did Zhao Chuanxiong know that the one ced in front of your door was the ''Furious Spirit Infant''?"

 Chapter 21: Chapter 21: Xu Clans 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 w 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 ced 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.

    ording 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 intoughter, "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 graveplexion. 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 rted to the Spirit Infant Sect.

    If rted...

    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 moreplex 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 therge piece of Phoebe nanmu on the table, touching every part, forming a spatial pattern in his mind, nning 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 dayster.

    In a courtyard in the outer city.

    Snowkes 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 ny degrees, arms crossed, blood qi circting 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 stimte the "Dragon Elephant Vajra," entering the state of Vajra Transformation, he simply didn''t suppress his cultivation, venting the blood qi and strength umted in the Dao Fruit.

    "Xu Family''s Nine Tendon Technique."

    The Tendon Activation Technique that Li Che found in the marketce.

    It belonged to the middle vehicle of Tendon Techniques, slightly better than the lower vehiclemon 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 marketce outside, such techniques were practically priceless unless a noble family copsed 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, arge tendon rose up like a coiling dragon, undting and pulsating, containing surging, powerful strength.

    Gradually, the body rxed.

    He took a deep breath, hot as fire, melting the falling snowkes.

    "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 sessful, 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 achieveplete 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 achieveplete 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.

    Stimting 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 rted 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 Aplishment 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 sessfully 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 pped on the Cute Cow wood carving mask, and in an instant, his entire demeanor transformed, bing 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: Chapter 22: Immortal Artisans 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 ce 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, momentster, arrived south of Fei Lei City.

    Within a dpidated 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, d in ck, silentlynded 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 prated 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.

    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 nced 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, deepughter resounded.

    Boom!

    Suddenly, a sh 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 sh 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 de, sparking a flurry of sparks.

    Then, sessive sounds of whooshing apanied by "shoo, shoo, shoo" noises... three arrows, almost simultaneously, whistled toward him!

    Damn!

    So tall andrge but employing such treacherous and ruthless methods!

    The deputy incense master with the boy''s mask wielded his long sword, the light of the de 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 mes 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, sting 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 de fiercely swept out, skimming past Li Che''s punch, de 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, apanied by the whining of the copsed airflow!

    It mercilessly struck the deputy incense master''s boy''s mask, causing the mask to explode into pieces and hair to be 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 viin 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 aplishment,parable 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 session pinned down the martial artist wielding the Bagua staff, his feet stomping heavily, a springing leapnding 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 de light swirling, hummed brilliantly, the blood energy violently surging and boiling, also a martial technique, then shed towards Li Che.

    Li Che casually nced at him.

    With a shake of his hand, a "Guanyin Blood Lotus" suddenly emerged in his wide, fan-like palm ¡ª thest 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 sh.

    However, that blood-colored lotus base eerily hovered in mid-air.

    "Explode."

    Then, apanying 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, rmendations, and support for following!

 Chapter 23: Chapter 23: The Bull Demon Has an Epiphany, The Spirit Babys 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 de 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 prating 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 arge patch of the white snow red.

    "Ahh!"

    Zhao Chuanxiong let out a low roar, his hair and beard bristling. He hurriedly circted 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 dy cost him¡ªa glimpse revealed no trace of the Bull Demon.

    Already vanished into the blurring wind and snow.

    ncing 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 prated 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 circte 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 arge mouthful of coagted 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, ncing over and smiling.

    Zhao Chuanxiong''s mouth twitched, toozy 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."

    Zhao Chuanxiong exhaled, "Could it be someone from the Inner City?"

    "Most likely, the Noble Families and ns 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 n has such horizontally refined martial artists."

    "Moreover, the strength of that Bull Demon is even stronger than a warrior with Bone Tempering Minor Aplishment. 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 ns. With such skill, they might well be the work of some Woodcarving Master."

    The martial artist holding the Bagua Staff nodded andmented.

    "The Dharma Master has gone to the Inner City to deal with those Noble Families and ns, 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 orter!"

    ...

    ...

    Li Che, wearing a broad hat and a loose overcoat, returned to the small courtyard he rented.

    His body deted 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 n 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 stretchedzily, his bones making popping sounds.

    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 littlevish?" 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 shing 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 26: 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.

    Snowkesnding 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 sh, 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 Chun!"

    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 Chun, 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 ce 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 circted.

    Lei Chun... What was her rtionship with Young Master Si?

    It was said that Lei Chun was entangled with the Spirit Infant Sect; could it be that there was also a connection to the Si Family?

    The background of Lei Chun appeared to be stronger than he had imagined, which exined why the Outer City''s bounty notice for her was taken down after a few days, whereas his "Bull Demon" warrant was still prominently disyed 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 ns," Xu Beihu said.

    Li Che nodded, and the two of them stepped into the pavilion box.

    The servant of the Golden Splendor Pavilion delicately ced the wood carving, covered with ck 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 dered with a heartyugh 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 mncholic 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..."

    Si Mubai smiled, but his attempt at smiling was more pained than crying.

    Li Che nodded slightly, however, his eyes still lingered on Lei Chun.

    At this moment, Lei Chun 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 Chun was his person; if there was any conflict, bear with it...

    The implication between the lines suggested that Si Mubai clearly knew what Lei Chun 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 Chun''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 Chun 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 Chun, 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,cking 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 simr 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 ck 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... thoughcking divinity, the meaning is profound. The nine heads of Guanyin, each with a different expression, all embodypassion 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 andughing at the same time, pping 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 uncontrobly. 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''tpletely 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 nce 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 eggnt, 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 toe to the Inner City, and I n 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 ck cloth, turned it into a loose ck 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 ck 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 Chun..."

    "Your Bull Demon master has arrived!"

 Chapter 25: 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 nced 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 ns to use in their cultivation of divinity, Li Che had never trulye 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 toe."

    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 ced 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 ced.

    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? Justmand, and we will carry it inside for you; there''s no need for you toe 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 wereid 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 ws 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 highlyplex 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 ced 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 augh.

    "If the Second Shopkeeper needs them, you can ce an order with me, a business deal worth five gold leaves each time, I''d dly have more of such deals, then never worry about food and clothing again."

    "Hahaha, I''lle 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 be 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, he''s not picky and needs arge quantity of wood carvings, that''s why he approached you."

    Xu Beihu exined 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 be a Woodcarving Master in the future."

    Upon hearing this, Li Che asked curiously, "Second Shopkeeper, what makes a Woodcarving Master different from a regr 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 exined, "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. Simrly, 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''tpare to a real Spirit Infant, it''s akin to unting skills with heaven and earth, capturing the fleeting Divinity of the universe," Xu Beihu said with augh.

    "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 ns."

    "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 be 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, extremelyvish.

    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 itpletely 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 Chun, 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: 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.

    Snowkesnding 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 sh, 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 Chun!"

    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 Chun, 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 ce 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 circted.

    Lei Chun... What was her rtionship with Young Master Si?

    It was said that Lei Chun was entangled with the Spirit Infant Sect; could it be that there was also a connection to the Si Family?

    The background of Lei Chun appeared to be stronger than he had imagined, which exined why the Outer City''s bounty notice for her was taken down after a few days, whereas his "Bull Demon" warrant was still prominently disyed 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 ns," Xu Beihu said.

    Li Che nodded, and the two of them stepped into the pavilion box.

    The servant of the Golden Splendor Pavilion delicately ced the wood carving, covered with ck 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 dered with a heartyugh 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 mncholic 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..."

    Si Mubai smiled, but his attempt at smiling was more pained than crying.

    Li Che nodded slightly, however, his eyes still lingered on Lei Chun.

    At this moment, Lei Chun 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 Chun was his person; if there was any conflict, bear with it...

    The implication between the lines suggested that Si Mubai clearly knew what Lei Chun 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 Chun''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 Chun 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 Chun, 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,cking 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 simr 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 ck 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... thoughcking divinity, the meaning is profound. The nine heads of Guanyin, each with a different expression, all embodypassion 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 andughing at the same time, pping 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 uncontrobly. 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''tpletely 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 nce 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 eggnt, 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 toe to the Inner City, and I n 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 ck cloth, turned it into a loose ck 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 ck 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 Chun..."

    "Your Bull Demon master has arrived!"

 Chapter 27: Chapter 27: Cautious and Timid, Hells Minotaur

    Li Che had never intended to spare Lei Chun. 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 n''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 aplice!

    He had nned, 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 Chun.

    Hiding within the Inner City, no wonder Li Che, while masquerading and searching for Lei Chun 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 shing 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,pletely 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 andugh, and pped the rotten wood statue. In a sh, 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 umted 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; bing 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 be Woodcarving Masters."

    "If you don''t want him, let hime 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.

    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¡­ alle 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 conte the two."

    "Let''s not discuss this; I know my measures. Fei Lei City is governed by us Noble Families and ns, how can I not take it seriously?" Si Mubai waved his hand nonchntly.

    "Speaking of Li Che, he''s quite aware of the times, very stable. Hearing that Lei Chun 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 Chun, but he is rational, knowing that your Si Family covers Lei Chun, 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 kic 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 ce.

    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 ns, and a jointly owned enterprise, so although there was a presence of guards, they seemed somewhatx.

    Li Che easily bypassed the defense force, recalling the route that Lei Chun 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 rtionship between Si Mubai and Lei Chun, nor was he aware of any dealings between the Si Family and the Spirit Infant Sect...

    What did he care about that?

    If Lei Chun 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 Chun 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 nced 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 ce 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 Chun''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 be a distinguished guest of the Si Family... basking in endless glory and riches."

    Lei Chun''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 bing 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! Bing a superior being over others!"

    Lei Chun 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 orter..."

    "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 snowkes, blurring the view.

    Lei Chun 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, d 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 zing, like a Yin God from hell, a cow-headed soul snatcher.

    Exuding a cold and overwhelmingly murderous aura, he stared at her.

 Chapter 28: 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 Chun''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 snowkes 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 Chun 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 tomit 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, appearedpletely eerie!

    "Audacious thief! To daremit 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, hisrge tendons quivering and roaring with a booming sound!

    He was a guard at the peak of the Complete Meridian Opening.

    Li Che casually nced at the guard... Complete Meridian Opening?

    With a light tap of his toe, he floated down,nding 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 pped 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,shed and rebounded on the guard''s chest, and the guard felt his chest copse in an instant, his organs ruptured, and he spat out a mouthful of fresh blood.

    "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 Chun 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 Chun''s knees, preventing her escape, causing her to fall to the ground as blood pooled around her.

    "You¡­ ah¡­ you, you¡­"

    Lei Chun''s face was pale, her fear extreme.

    Although she had joined the Spirit Infant Sect, she was only amon 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 Chun''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 Chuny 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 toomon.

    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 Chun''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 toe to life, its eyes snapping open, ring furiously at Li Che!

    An extreme rage surged out from Li Che''s heart as if an uncontroble me was about topletely 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 Chun¡­ 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 rity 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 Chun was frozen in ce¡­

    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 Chun 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 ns, there were even terrifyingly strong ones who had ovee 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 ns who had cultivated divinity¡­

    He took out a crumpled, long-withdrawn wanted poster from the government office, rting to Lei Chun.

    ncing at Lei Chun''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 Chun did not mean that Xi Xi waspletely safe.

    The Spirit Infant Sect, the Spirit Infant Master¡­

    Still loomed like a sharp de over his head, tormenting him and disrupting his peace.

    But killing Lei Chun 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 Chun''s body. The blood staining the paper seemed to be tinged with Lei Chun''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 nced 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 Chun is dead."

    Si Mubai, about to sip the tea by his lips, suddenly¡­ froze.

    PS: Seeking followers, rmendations, and Monthly Ticket support!

 Chapter 29: Chapter 29: Terrifying Trace of Light, Who is the Bull Demon?

    Lei Chun... dead?

    Si Mubai froze in his movements, the jade-green tea in his cup even sshing out a bit.

    His gaze turned intently to his capable assistant. "Lei Chun... 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 Chun was the representative of the Spirit Infant Sect who came to discuss matters with him. But now, Lei Chun... 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 snowkes 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 Chun...

    And Lei Chun 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 sping 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 ck 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 Chun 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 rm, but failing to do so, he had no choice but to ept it with a big smile and then swiftly drove the carriage.

    Apanied 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 shed in two, presenting an extremely deste 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 Chun''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 shed across his rough face, affirming...

    The murderer who killed Lei Chun...

    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 couldmit 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 tomit 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 nced 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 d in a ck and red robe, with a side knife at his waist, eyes sharp and strong.

    "Young Master Xu, Young Master Si are both here."

    The neer 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 itsposure, the anger retracted, and his almost tearful angry cry expression reemerged.

    Xu Beihu and Si Mubai were both rather polite to the neer.

    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 regr 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 Chun''s body, as well as the wanted notice.

    "Ah, so the deceased was a wanted criminal... Tsk, murdersmitted, and then notices by Zhang Bu, the murderer regards themselves as chivalrous, yet they vite thew 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 Chun 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, d in ck, with strong qi and blood, wearing... a Bull Demon Mask..."

    Zhang Xiangyang''s eyes lost their gray sheen, focus returning, he stated tly, "The notorious criminal wanted in the Outer City, that''s what he looks like, described as the Bull Demon."

    "Tomit a crime in the Outer City is one thing, but to dare tomit offenses in the Inner City, this Bull Demon... must have no small backing."

    Zhang Xiangyang sneered. Without connections, who would dare to so brazenlymit crimes in the Inner City?

    Those noble families and ns, as well as the ck Yamen of the government, were all not to be trifled with.

    "Hunter Zhang''s ''Terrifying Trace of Light'' Divinity... is bing increasingly powerful. To take the first ce among the three great Divine Catchers of Flying Thunder, it''s just a matter of time!"

    With a mix ofughing and crying, Si Mubai apuded.

    Zhang Xiangyang nced 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. Congrattions 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 Chun''s fear...

    "Never mind, let''s make it five hundred taels instead!"

    ps: Seek to keep up with the readings, click to thest chapter to see the reading rankings! PK in progress, Old Li thanks you!

 Chapter 30: Chapter 30: Dao Fruit Swallows Divinity, Xu Jis 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 ying with Old Chen in the yard.

    Old Chen was certainly fond of Xi Xi. Whenever they yed 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 y 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, iparable indeed," Li Che nodded, unable to deny the prosperity of the Inner City.

    Old Chen snorted withughter, "Those residing in the Inner City are the noble families and ns, 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 ces, 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 goodd, 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 Cheughed 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 misceneous 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 yed 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 nkets 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 oilmp, 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 prated 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 de hanging over his head, one even more daunting than Lei Chun!

    Only by bing stronger and continuously so... could he protect Xi Xi from the threat of the Spirit Infant Master.

    "And the Si Family... Lei Chun appeared at the Si Family; does it suggest that the deaths of those mere one-year-olds are rted 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 disying a level of Cultivation that had officially entered thepletion 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,e with me."

    Xu Beihu''s gazended 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 Chun 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 tion, "What? Lei Chun... 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 rted to Li Che, and it was said that it was because of his targeting of Sun''s daughter.

    Lei Chun, in fact, died in a manner rted 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, nced around, and whispered, "Second Shopkeeper... Could it be Young Master Si who killed Lei Chun?"

    "I heard Lei Chunmitted 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 Chun."

    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 ns wouldn''t take action.

    Xu Beihu shook his head, his expression bing more serious. This matter would have to be discussed with the Elders back in the Inner City.

    The main reason Xu Beihu hade today was to pass on the Sinew Transforming Technique to Li Che, as his Cultivation had broken through to thepletion of Skin Refinement.

    "Thank you, Second Shopkeeper!" Li Che''s face showed excitement as he epted 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 Marketce; 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 bing 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 ustomed 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 schr''s robe with a padded jacket over it, hastilying 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 Schr 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 uncontrobly.

    "A Che, help your uncle, please..."

 Chapter 31: 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 Schr trembled all over, with snowkes 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 rx a bit.

    Old Schr 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 Schr''s hand; it was somewhat different from the one that had been ced 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 nned first birthday celebration. We intended to keep it simple, but now... s, 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 anxietypletely enveloped them.

    Thinking of those children who had died tragically, Old Schr 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-inw could bring Chengzhou here to take refuge... Xu Ji still has some deterrent power,"

    Old Schr looked at Li Che as if clinging to hisst straw of hope.

    "Don''t worry, Great Uncle, letting Chengzhou stay at my house won''t be a problem, my ce 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.

    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 likembs waiting for the ughter.

    "Very well, very well, A Che... thank you so much, I am grateful..."

    Old Schr 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 Schr 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 idents 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 thene 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; btedly 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 contemtion.

    "Spirit Infant Sect..."

    "What a cmity,"

    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 y 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 be 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 ughter!"

    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 disyed 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 ck 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 stic 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 Schr Li Liang was puffing away on his dry tobo 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 Chee yet?"

    "Could he be... just fooling you toe 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 copse 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 Schr puffed on his tobo 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 wille!"

    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 andugh, 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 uncontrobly...

    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 ck 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: 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 y it safe, he disguised himself as the Bull Demon for the journey.

    Because of the homemade stic shirt, he did not initiate the Vajra Transformation immediately; his height of one meter ny 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 schr 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 Uncleing 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 be 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 stimting "Vajra Transformation," it alsopletely 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 inted balloon, bones shing 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, sshing 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 mming him harshly into a dirt wall, causing snow piled on the ck 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 ninerge tendons like nine furious pythons were aroused.

    With one step, the umted 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 mming 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, sshing 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 ck 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 ce 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 snowkes floated down,

    Speaking mncholy all alone.

    ps: A new month is here, seeking Monthly Ticket support! Continuing to seek followers!

 Chapter 33: Chapter 33: Spirit Baby Takes to the Streets, Toasting to Acts of Chivalry

    The winds wept a mournful tune,den with a harrowing chill.

    Clothed in ck attire, Li Che wore a douli, his expression extraordinarily grave.

    He was apanied 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 disying anger, sorrow, andughter... 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,peting 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 w-wielding demons from hell, closing in step by step.

    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, disying 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, thew of thend!"

    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 ck 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 schrly handsome face now marked by a scar.

    He nced 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 exining about his great uncle''s family, Xu You sighed, "The Spirit Infant Sect... has be more and morewless."

    "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 rxed 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 be 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 disying 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 ns of the Inner City.

    Just like Xu You, they were not favored within their ns, but in the Outer City, their status was prestigious.

    The Noble Families of the Inner Cityprised 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,bined 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 aftermitting 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 viins 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 apud him, if anything, I wish to drink with him, calling him a hero. Why would we capture him?"

    Xu You nced coldly at Si Liuxian from the Si Family and scoffed.

    Si Liuxian''s face instantly darkened.

    Xu You nced 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 nheless 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: 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 faulty with his son, not with Li Che''s family who were meant to be the victims.

    After sessfully 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 nce.

    A disaster waiting to happen.

    Inside the workshop, Li Che put down the carving knife in his hand, his ck hair dusted with wood shavings, and gazed at the snowkes 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 apanied 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 hade 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 morefortable ce 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 topete for the position of Family Head, staying in the Outer City was equivalent to being exiled; he was toozy 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,ughing 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 bing 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 herrge eyes, already searching.

    However, after not finding them, she suddenly seemed deted, like a balloon losing air, her puffed-up chest sagging.

    Li Cheughed 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 andughing, "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 theirughter.

    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 andfortable environment.

    Taking a bite of a pig head''s meat, Xu You looked at Li Che and said, "A Che,tely¡­ the Spirit Infant Sect has been making more and more moves."

    "Within the Inner City, the Spirit Infant Sect coborated 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 theypletely 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 poweres fromplex sources, so how can it bepletely 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 ustomed 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 rxed¡­

    He looked at Old Chen, wanting to say more but stopping himself.

    Old Chen gulped down a bowl of wine and mmed 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 ns 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 be much more chaotic. The activities of the Spirit Infant Sect''s followers became more frequent, and even outside Xu''s Wood Carving Shopte 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 lodgedints 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 snowkes 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 ck 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: Chapter 35: Divinity speaks, like the Bodhi, nurturing nature untainted.

    In the courtyard, the briskly cold snowkes silently fell.

    Quietlyying 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 zed over, hanging from the Dao Tree that rises out of the vastnd.

    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 stimte the organs with blood to absorb and store Divinity, and Inner Strength needs to reach the Three Heavens level to cultivate Divinity."

    "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 moremunal."

    "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.'' Simrly, 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 stimtion, 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 umting around him, and diffusing into his body.

    Finally, it umted 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 theirbat 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 Aplishment 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 be 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 rtively basic, and Li Che had alreadypleted 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 seeded 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 sessfully 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 marketce, 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, ording to the level of mastery, into beginner, Minor Aplishment, Major Aplishment, 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 be 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 shed 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 umte 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 hourter.

    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, wless 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: 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 umted 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 immacte and wless Divinity gathered by the ''Pure Heart''... how do I forge a Divine Foundation with it?"

    "Unblemished and spotless, like a nk te, is it possible to paint upon it, to potentially evolve any Divine Foundation? Or could it even... forge not just a singr Divinity Divine Foundation, but rather a multiple Divinities Divine Foundation?"

    As the thought emerged, his ambition red like wildfire, sweeping through him in an instant!

    But all of this...

    was merely spection 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 aroseter, 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 circting powerfully, like the roar of an angry dragon, melting the snowkes into steaming vapor.

    His eyes sparkled with brilliance, and his mind raced.

    "That''s right... the ''Dragon Elephant Vajra'' can siphon Divinity to elerate 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 stretchedzily, his bones shing, Li Che felt extremely content.

    Once he left his courtyard, he wandered down the long street, nning to get some aged yellow wine and sliced marinated meat to enjoy with his drink in the evening.

    With Old Chen and Xu Youing 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, nced 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 sped.

    The charioteer said no more and drove the carriage away.

    "Master, bying 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 ns, and there are quite a few Divine Base Cultivators... to fall within a year, that''s a bit exaggerated, right?"

    The elder nced 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 poption, 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''vee 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 snowke, 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 intoplete madness, and fell to Divinity bacsh.

    "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 ns 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 shed in his eyes.

    Under his "Observation Skill", it seemed as though there were mes 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 ns to have not taken in this Spirit Child? Strange indeed..."

    The elder was astounded; he stroked his beard and calcted, "Ah, only two years old... well, that exins 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 immacte Divinity glow!

 Chapter 37: 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, nning 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 apanying 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 nkly at him from the distant snowy street.

    Li Che immediately felt somewhat puzzled; with so many peopleing 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 vignt.

    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 rx, 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¡­"

    "Immacte and pure, clear as water, like a nk 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 bing 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 toy 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, allposed 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 disyed his cultivation ¡ª Complete Meridian Opening and the spear technique at major aplishment ¡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 gonepletely 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 ncing 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.

    Hisplexion changed slightly.

    For, his encounter with the Bull Demon urred 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.

    "Rx, 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 rted 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 hime 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, rmendation tickets, and followers!

    ```

 Chapter 38: Chapter 38: Not Seeking Justice, Bull Demon Reappears

    Vast snowfalls, drifting through the sky, freezing three feet deep.

    The heavy, pristine snow nketed 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 be 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, bing even more rampant.

    Even therge 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 be 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 topletely 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.

    "ording to Old Xu, the Spirit Infant Sect has even reached out to the Spirit Children of the noble families and ns of the Inner City¡ªthat''s the very foundation of these families and ns¡­"

    "Yet those noble families and ns 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 ce 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 ced the Cute Bull Mask over his face, Li Che raised his head, and beneath the mask, his eyes shed 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 ounts."

    The Bull Demon muttered.

    The entire city was made too oppressive by the Spirit Infant Sect.

    Your Grandpa Bull Demon ising¡­ 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 keptfortably 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 y 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 toe 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''cks only that one Upper ss Spiritual Child, we can''t dy 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 immacte 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 theck 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 avable in the marketce, there''s no channel for them.

    Even in the Noble Families and ns of the Inner City, such Divine Methods are treasured secrets.

    Even bing a Woodcarving Master recognized by the Noble Families and ns 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 ns..."

    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 viins falling in just a few rounds against him.

    Unexpectedly, these victories had elerated 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 reachedpletion.

    "Bone Temperingplete... External practices nowck 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... s, 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 preupied 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 ck 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 rmendation for the second round. I ask for your support! Just a light tap, and essing thest chapter will show the reading rank. Old Li thanks you!

 Chapter 39: 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 particrly like Old Chen, but even Li Che and his wife Zhang Ya hade 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 continueying low, especially since... the Bull Demon was not yet dead.

    "Head Constable Zhao, may I know what crime Master Chen hasmitted?"

    Li Che asked in a grave voice.

    "The case of Sun Changbiao, Sun Changbiao''s father Sun Lianfu has reported again, iming 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 rified."

    "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 ced 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 exined 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 use 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 rted 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 exined, "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 ck 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 toe 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 interrogationced with Inner Strength was evenplete, his voice boomed like thunder!

    But the knife light had already enveloped the sky, tearing through the heavy snow, like a 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, apanied 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 tant 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 Aplishment... Xu Family''s Eight Consecutive Bone-Shattering Spears!

    His muscles and bones resonated together, bones cracking audibly!

    It was almost like a sh 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 knifede!

    The qi stirred, and the snowkes 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 ck 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: Chapter 40: Clan Juniors, Can Also Be Killed (Please Follow!)

    The nging 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 hardworkingborer at Xu''s Wood Carving Shop, a basic hired handcking in strength. Not to mention martial cultivation, he didn''t even know the simplest farming techniques.

    Yet, in just over two years, thisborer 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 mereborer, have truly made a name for yourself!"

    Zhao Chuanxiong squinted his eyes, gripping his long de 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''te back for revenge, bing 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, disying 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 med, 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 de humming incessantly.

    He tapped his fingers against the edge of the de, the silvery reflection of the de mirrored his stern visage.

    "How dare you, a lowlymoner, 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 popr 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 woulde 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 itter¡­ 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 de technique, which had reached a major aplishment, already showed signs of developed de momentum.

    Once he reached the Transformation Realm, the formed de 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 ck 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 contemted 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 shing 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 n 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 onest 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 Younded, 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 tant."

    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 ns 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-ss 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 coboration Lei Chun 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 toe 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 upforting 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, herplexion 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,e 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 ck 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 me..." 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: Chapter 41: To Kill Them All Is the Best Protection

    The snowkes 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 be apdog 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 nced at Lu Chi''srge head, "When pushes to shove, you''ll step in. How about giving you a chance to y 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 wless Divinity, it''s normal for him to have a Supreme Spiritual Child."

    "Someone''sing."

    The smile slipped off the old man''s face, and gripping Lu Chi''s hand, they seemed topletely blend into the darkness.

    ...

    ...

    A gust of wind fiercely tore through the cold air, shredding the falling snowkes to pieces.

    Several ghostly figures stood on top of a roof, braving the whistling cold wind, apanied by uncannyughter resembling the wails of ghosts.

    These figures were cloaked in ck 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, sess 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,ughed, 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.

    Amp burned inside the house, its flickering me 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 waspletely 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 be 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, ovee with emotions, her mind buzzing. Her husband... could grow sorge!

    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 nced 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,pletely 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 contemted, 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 nning 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-ck 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.

    Hended 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 de 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 shing 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 ck, 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,rge 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 sh 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 de instantly bent under the blow!

    Fist force, unfamiliar as if carrying a tiger''s roar, pierced through the de, 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, rmendation votes, and your continued support, woohoo!

 Chapter 42: 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 hisbined 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 ns 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 des 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 Mubaibined 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 ckboard 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 snowkes.

    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 nting down, making the air swirl with intense solemnity.

    And farther away.

    A cold figure not wearing a mask held a Fine Iron Great Bow, borately 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 rm, as if a ferocious beast in the wild had targeted him!

    Zhao Chuanxong was simply insignificantpared 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 sted 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 ninerge 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 partughing, part angry and part sad, echoing between the courtyard walls.

    In Xu''s Courtyard, from house to house wherenterns 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 ughter 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-colorednterns, zing and racing through the dark night sky!

    In the narrownes of Xu''s Courtyard, a chase ensued!

    The situationpletely 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 shing 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: 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 snowkes that tumbled like shaking a quilt, spreading outward from the distance andnding 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 zing fire.

    "Master, leave it to me!"

    "Consider it a surprise for that not-yet-epted 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 ced 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 zing, and his anger red like fire!

    "My not-yet-epted 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 aze, 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 waspletely 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 snowkes, pattered down.

    Falling from the high skies onto the oil-paper umbre, coated with tung oil, they bounced like marbles non-stop.

    Under the umbre, a man in white, surpassing the whiteness of snow, with a handsome yet eerily beautiful face, his eyes full of mncholy 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 umbre, 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 wille 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 hisbat 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 tantly took Chen Dabao away in broad daylight and then caused amotion 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 umbre, 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 uncontrobly, and he could hardly control his sorrow, unable to resist a curling smile or a desire tough.

    Like crying andughing 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 umted 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,pletely 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 ame, face blurred, surrounded by red silk swirling like dragons, with ck 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 umbre, soaking the originally graceful Si Mubai, with rain dripping down from the hair on his forehead.

    Si Mubai''splexion 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, someughing, some angry...

    And further away, like a sharp spear thrusting from the rooftop, Blood Exchange Guo Zhan under Si Mubai''smand, 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 red 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 stic shirt thoroughly soaked by the rain, impably outlined his muscr, 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 aze 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 bepletely vented ...

    In this battle,

    I will ...

    Annihte! 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 47: Chapter 47: Wishing Peace to the Family, Si Mubai Severely Injured

    Inside the house, themp burned quietly, asionally 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 contemtion, 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 ck 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 oilmp, 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 zed crystal.

    Prototype of Divine Powers, "Immortal Artisan: Thousand Analyzing Hands"!

    In a sh, 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 myp."

    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 unrted 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 nned 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 umted 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 themp.

    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.

    "Themotionst 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 be more rampant, even daring to tantly 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 fingerst night, it was understandable¡ªafter all... not everyone dares to y 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 beenpletely 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 exnation 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,st 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 umted with his Pure Heart tob 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 thatst night''s events were far from simple.

    "Did Si Mubai n to make a move himselfst 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 heartcked 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 contemtive.

    "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 copse, everyone must keep following, don''t drop the story, Old Li feels there''s still a chance, asking for Monthly Tickets, and rmendation tickets for support!

 Chapter 45: Chapter 45: Angry Vajra, Resenting the Heavens and Earth for Lack of a Handle

    The massive head shot up toward the sky, ck hair wet from the rain twirling rapidly, sshing 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 thest 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 mes 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 prated his body, damaged his untempered internal organs, dealing him a heavy blow,

    The end hadn''t yete 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 de!

    The cold corpsey 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 aplex 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 snowkes, 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 dting beneath their masks as they stared at the dead Guo Zhan.

    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 viin!

    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 exin 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 andpletely 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 Sectmanded, "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 ack 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 shing, 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 waspleted...

    Boom¡ª¡ª!

    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 ny, was... growing even taller!

    His muscles twisted like dough, and the stic shirt, stretched to its limit, burst into pieces, revealing a perfect muscture 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 viin!

    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 shed 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 simr 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 likemps 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 shed 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 sttered with scattered flesh!

 Chapter 46: Chapter 46: Six Transfers Blood Exchange, Angry Cry Hundred Ghosts Wind-Thunder Arrows

    Snowkes 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 bravelye to the battlefield of Blood Exchange Warriors, even if it was after the battle... the risk remained high.

    After confirming that Zhao Xuan hade 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 sting 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.

    "Stillcking 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 marketce willing to take them, albeit at a discount."

    Beyond that, there were various bottles and jars, which Li Che nced at¡ªmany were medicinal treatments for injuries and for nourishing the vital energy and blood.

    One particr porcin 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 marketce 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 themon 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 snowkes 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,nding 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 ofughter, could barely contain himself.

    "However, tonight''s ''Bull Catching'' n is aplete 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 likeughing¡­ I can''t hold it back, hahaha¡­"

    The others beneath the masks watched sternly, not bothering with the figure who could not stopughing.

    "Bull Demon¡­ someone''s backing him! No wonder he emerged in Fei Lei City out of the blue and disrupted the great ns of our sect¡­"

    "It seems that behind every so-called hero, there are dark forces manipting¡­"

    Their voices were grave, as the Bull Demon was untouchable, and the mysterious backer who could disy the ''Prince of Rage'' was even more intimidating and unsettling.

    But the figure with the smiling child mask burst outughing.

    "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 copse 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 rxed.

    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 tofort her.

    Zhang Ya nodded softly.

    The couple embraced silently like this, with Xi Xi lying arrogantly on the bed, kicking off the nkets 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: Chapter 47: Wishing Peace to the Family, Si Mubai Severely Injured

    Inside the house, themp burned quietly, asionally 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 contemtion, 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 ck 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 oilmp, 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 zed crystal.

    Prototype of Divine Powers, "Immortal Artisan: Thousand Analyzing Hands"!

    In a sh, 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 myp."

    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 unrted 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 nned 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 umted 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 themp.

    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.

    "Themotionst 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 be more rampant, even daring to tantly 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 fingerst night, it was understandable¡ªafter all... not everyone dares to y 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 beenpletely 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 exnation 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,st 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 umted with his Pure Heart tob 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 thatst night''s events were far from simple.

    "Did Si Mubai n to make a move himselfst 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 heartcked 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 contemtive.

    "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 copse, everyone must keep following, don''t drop the story, Old Li feels there''s still a chance, asking for Monthly Tickets, and rmendation tickets for support!

 Chapter 48: 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 rtionship 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 cirction 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 onmissions 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 createplex 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 snowkes 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 disy.

    Li Che rubbed her head: "Then you just have to be 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 ss 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 seed 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,d, 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 ck 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 aplished¡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 andplete 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 stretchedzily, 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 Ravenes in at eighth. Going further up, they be 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 andborious, 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 tob 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, theck 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 umbre 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 ce.

    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 d in ck and red official robes.

    Noticing Li Che''s return, the officer''s eyes shifted slightly, ncing 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 ring down upon the human world from behind the figure!

    "I am Zhao Xuanhai..."

    "Master Li, it''s a pleasure to meet you."

 Chapter 49: Chapter 49: City Lords Conscription, Divine Catcher Smells Good! [Please Follow!]

    Zhao Xuanhai...

    Li Che felt the hairs on his body stand on end, sensing that the wind and rain around him had vanished, reced 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 be 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 Xuanhaie 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-ss 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 de, 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 Xuanhaiughed.

    "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 tter 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 toplete 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 nced 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 arge quantity withoutpromising quality, which is why we need the skilled hands of the wood carving shops."

    Upon hearing this, Xu Heli frowned. Had Zhao Xuanhaie 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 be a Woodcarving Master, Xu Heli wouldn''t even have bothered to respond to Xu You''s plea toe 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 bepletely 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 circted within.

    The incident urred too fast!

    Xu Heli''s eyes narrowed, and the sword hanging at his waist, with its tassel trailing, unsheathed with a ng, 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 ept 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 umbre, 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 rted to this Li Che..."

    "Sun Changbiao, Lei Chun, 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 ying 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 onest nce 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 circting 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: Thepetition continues, your continued reading is of utmost importance, asking for your support with continued reading and Monthly Tickets!

 Chapter 54: 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 zed 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, rxing 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,e 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 arge head followed suit.

    "Chi Zi,e quickly, stay behind Uncle Xu You, and we''ll be safe!" Xi Xi stretched her neck and waved.

    Xu You nced at the boy with therge head following Xi Xi, his hair tied in Nezha braids.

    The sightpelled 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 nced at the boy with the Nezha braids and let out a coldugh.

    "An acquaintance entrusted him to us..."

    ...

    ...

    Bang¡ª¡ª

    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 stic 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 disced as if a boulder had been thrown into ake, causing water walls several feet high to ssh 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 disced 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 andposed 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!

    Ssh...

    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.

    ck 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 red 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 dy, 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 manipted, 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 orpletely 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 uncontroble.

    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 gstone 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 sshing raindrops and shot out.

    When his bodynded 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 spectacr 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 justpleted 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 Chended in a sh, weighing something wrapped in ck 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.

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 Chapter 51: 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 sses 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 bing 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 mncholic 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 dayster.

    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 ande 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 finishedponent, 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," nning 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 ced an order in the marketce, 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 inhtion and exhtion, 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,yer uponyer¡­

    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 nced 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 ck cloth and put it in a backpack.

    After putting on an enhanced version of the ck stic 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: Chapter 52: Taking the Bait, Bull Demon is Professional [Tuesday, please follow!]

    Boom!

    Dark clouds gathered thickly, followed by a loud thunderp, while shes of lightning suddenly appeared.

    Sudden rain plummeted from the sky, hitting the ck 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, sshing 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 be 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 hadpletely disappeared.

    But Li Che had been waiting for him to be unable to bear the solitude and toe 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 apany 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 outpletely, 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 thest time he killed Lei Chun, with a patrol guardposed of Quenched-Bone Warriors, side knives at their waists, their Qi and blood intertwining like a huge.

    However, Li Che, now possessing a stronger "Slumbering Dragon Elephant" breath-concealing ability, nearlypletely 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 be 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 watchedbined 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 havee to see you earlier. Last time I helped you by intercepting that ''Angry Cry Town Ghost'' and identally 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 nce¡­ Your secret technique for concealing your qi and blood cultivation is somewhat impressive."

    "However, don''t me 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 prating,nded on Li Che.

    "Breath Concealment Bone Tempering, the surprise attack can indeed be effective for annihting some mindless martial artists, yet to be 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 wille to find you and provide you with an opportunity¡­ As for this city, on the brink of copse, 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 manughed 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 ck cloth, leaving without any hesitation, and chuckled while stroking his beard.

    "A teachabled."

    ¡­

    ¡­

    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, nning 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 Aplishment¡­ 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: Chapter 53 The Self-Saving Bait, The Praying Mantis Hunting the Cicada

    The storm howled, and nted 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''splexion 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 inferiorpared to the Four Imperials... much, much inferior..."

    Si Mubai clenched his fists in fury, but tears uncontrobly 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 hase 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 uncontrobly, 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 contemtion, 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 whomitted crimes incognito had grown ustomed to donning a mask.

    Si Mubai looked at these people, and his hands stopped trembling, his expression a mix ofughter 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''vee... 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 shing high above, their millstone forms like zing suns that dispelled the night, impossibly bright in the minds of mortals!

    Themon folk within Golden Splendor Pavilion suffered greatly, their emotions stirred into extreme flux, now crying, nowughing, now raging... tormented in a hundred ways, out of control, like devout believers manipted 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 gstones, 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 maniption 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 ck 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 stic 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 zed 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 gstones 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: 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 zed 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, rxing 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,e 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 arge head followed suit.

    "Chi Zi,e quickly, stay behind Uncle Xu You, and we''ll be safe!" Xi Xi stretched her neck and waved.

    Xu You nced at the boy with therge head following Xi Xi, his hair tied in Nezha braids.

    The sightpelled 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 nced at the boy with the Nezha braids and let out a coldugh.

    "An acquaintance entrusted him to us..."

    ...

    ...

    Bang¡ª¡ª

    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 stic 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 disced as if a boulder had been thrown into ake, causing water walls several feet high to ssh 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 disced 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 andposed 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!

    Ssh...

    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.

    ck 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 red 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 dy, 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 manipted, 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 orpletely 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 uncontroble.

    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 gstone 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 sshing raindrops and shot out.

    When his bodynded 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 spectacr 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 justpleted 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 Chended in a sh, weighing something wrapped in ck 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 rmendation tokens for support!

 Chapter 55: Chapter 55 Immortal Craftsmanè·¯Namo Gatlingè·¯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, fromunching 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 umted 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 thatnded 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 seemedpletely distorted!

    Thud!

    With a step, his body forcefully circled arge arc in the curtain of rain.

    The umted water in front of him sshed 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 aughing girl mask, carrying a long spear on her back, parted the curtain of rain above her head as if it were an umbre.

    The intense Divine Intent permeating the surroundings strangely brought a joyful emotion; every raindrop seemed filled with happiness and joy,pelling one¡­ to burst into heartyughter.

    Li Che frowned, his eyes ice-cold, but under the influence of Divinity, he couldn''t help but want to burst intoughter.

    The rain seemed to have frozen in ce.

    The torrential rain suddenly hung motionless in the air, manipted 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 ring 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, ncing 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 aughing 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..."

    "Ande 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 bnce 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 contemting 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 werepletely 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 toprehend 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 mmed down the big thing he was carrying heavily on the ground, causing the murky umted water to ssh up.

    The burly body, vitality raging like a Jiao Dragon, great tendons vibrating and thundering...

    Li Che nced 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.

    ck cloth unfolded, Li Che single-handedly carrying that enhanced version of "Mutuya"...

    But saw its round barrel made of superior ck 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 disy of fireworks!"

 Chapter 56: 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 notpletely defenseless.

    Moreover, with the perception of divinity, such mechanisms seemedughably trivial in front of them!

    Wearing a mask, the Bull Demon''s eyes glowed brightly, the fire power... always drove people insane!

    ck hair whirled wildly as his deep voice overpowered the roaring storm and thundered between heaven and earth.

    "Enjoy a splendid fireworks disy!"

    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 st of released air waves constantly surging in all directions, causing the water umted on the ground to ripple in heavy, thickyers!

    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,pressed by the surging tide of Li Che''s vital energy, burst with eleration 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 rm as they frantically stimted 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 manipte 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, mes 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, mes kept spurting, and one wooden bird after another, cutting through the veil of rain, with brilliant golden light, mmed 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 ck 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 mes 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 st 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 havepletely declined following the fall of the Divine Womb Power..."

    "Who is this Bull Demon, exactly? Using the blood and qi of a Martial Artist,bined 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 sted 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 topletely 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 hended 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 be 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 nced 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 p, 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 theboriously crafted device.

    But it was too conspicuous and could easily expose his identity...

    So, it had to be destroyed nheless...

    "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 sessfully 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 toorge nor too small!

    ps: Seeking regr readers, Monthly Tickets, and rmendation votes to support! Thank you!

 Chapter 57: 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, ording 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 simr 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 ced 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 nced at them and then shifted his gaze away. He had no interest in wood carvings, after all, he could carve simr things himself, which naturally couldn''t be considered treasures for him.

    But Li Che had already started nning how much money these wood carvings could sell for; they wouldn''t be cheap, after all,ing 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.

    "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 rmed. This was only a fragment, yet if a Divine Base Cultivator personally took action, he feared he would instantly have his consciousness prated and be invaded by divinity,pletely 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 toplete 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 n 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 loudughter.

    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 be 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.

    ying with thisrge 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 timepletely 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 sh 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 umbre, 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 notpletely 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 toe 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 somewhatplex 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 hismand, or at least to have him side with himself. Unfortunately, seeing no hope of persuasion due to Li Che''s good rtionship with Xu You, he gave up.

    Later, as Li Che disyed 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 bing inws?"

    Upon hearing this, the smile on Li Che''s face gradually faded.

 Chapter 58: 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 ites 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 beprehensive. 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 ndly.

    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 uncontrobly 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."

    Greedy Xi Xi''s salivation seemed almost uncontroble 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''tpletely 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 nced 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 apanied 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, ced 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 intoughter.

    "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 n to take him over to your house for a meal," Xu You said with a smile.

    But as he smiled, hisughter suddenly faded away.

    Li Che nced at him, and then cast a nce 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 uncontrobly, 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 p to death a whole bunch of them with a single palm!

    Why should he be afraid?

    "Don''t talk,e 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 quitefortable to twist."

    Lu Chi: "..."

    Finally, Xu You couldn''t hold back and burst intoughter.

    Oh boy, the usually approachable Li Che suddenly bing cold and fiercely protective was quite amusing.

    And about twisting heads sofortably...

    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 yed 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 copsed.

    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 imprable.

    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 ck stic 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 asionally bright and flickering lightning...

    Cast light upon the grim and unsettled Cute Cow Mask beneath the cloak hat.

 Chapter 59: Chapter 59 Divine Sects 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 nced at the tightly tensed Lu Chi.

    Of course, he did note to kill Lu Chi, for he, the Bull Demon...though not a good person, was not one to kill without reason.

    "What rtion 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 rxed, realizing his master must have forewarned Li Che.

    "He is my master," said Lu Chi.

    "Are you people from the Divine Sect?"

    Li Che nced at Lu Chi again.

    In the house, the currents of air whirled wildly, and the storm outside intensified. The pushed-open window ttered incessantly.

    Lu Chi stiffened all over, but slowly rxed, 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 ck stic 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 upleted, 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 vignt, and narrowed his eyes under the mask, "It was just a sneak attack, nothing to be proud of."

    "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 weremendable 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 Ie 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 rx.

    The old man smiled, brushed off the rain on his body, nced at the still vignt 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 rted 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 epasses 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 expansivenessing 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 ofter cultivation; hence they can be called Spirit Children..."

    Li Qingshan burst intoughter, "My Qian Yuan Sect''s ''Observation Skill'' can glimpse the essence that is notparable 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 apanying mentors? I wish to apany 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 apany 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 bitte 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 ns also picked a few, and there''s one more..."

    As Li Qingshan finished speaking, the smile in his eyes grew more intense and zing, 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 thest 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 feltically ironic.

    Half a year passed, unnoticed.

    Since thest battle for the Divine Foundation, the Si Family fell from power, bing a target for division among therge noble families and ns. Of course, the Si Family had not yet perished, still gasping for survival, but they hadpletely lost their status as a noble n.

    All the valuable items in the family were plundered, the loss of Divine Method causing the Si Family topletely 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: 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 snowkes,nding 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 zed, 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 ck 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,bined 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 amp-nurturing nature.

    If one reaches the Mysterious Vein level, horizontal refinement bes 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 ofpeting 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?

    "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 beenpletely cultivated by Li Che, and he had sessfully 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 couldpletely 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 snowkes gently falling from the sky,nding 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 ck 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 shing 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 y.

    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 ying chess.

    He could y 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 ording 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 ording 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 rted to chess was always mystifying.

    But Li Che wasn''tpletely 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, wless 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 ake, causing ripples to spread in concentric circles.

    Li Che only felt his spiritual perception suddenly heighten, and in a sh, 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 andnded 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 ording to the heart..."

    Li Che stood silently at the entrance of the garden, as snowkes 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 ording 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... annihte the threat!

    He no longer had to worry about Xi Xi''s safety!

 Chapter 61: Chapter 61 Woodcarving Master, Three Immortals Riding Oxen Pondering over the Sword

    ```

    Snowkes 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 surveince, 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 escting, and Li Che was very clear that the Spirit Infant Sect must have inextricablyplex 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 ce 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 thatpared to "Immortal Artisan", achieving lv3 for "Dragon Elephant Vajra" is indeed much more difficult."

    Stretchingzily, Li Che became increasingly hopeful about the future.

    "What I mainlyck 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 iparable.

    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 aplishment.

    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 Chepletely 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 exaggeratedpared 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 waspleted, 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.

    ording 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.

    Afterpleting 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.

    ncing 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 y with the Twist Car in the yard.

    Xi Xi was three years old now, and he, Li Che, had also be a 22-year-old Spirit Child...

    A 22-year-old Spirit Child ying with a Twist Car shouldn''t be a problem, right?

    After having his fill of y, 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 hadpletely 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,e and y 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 y 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 viges 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 coteral 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 orpeting 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 andugh 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 hade 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 personallye to the gate to pick Xi Xi up. Nurse Momo is an old-timer at the Divine Cultivation Institute and can be trusted. When youe 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 be a Woodcarving Master?"

 Chapter 68: Chapter 68: Bull Demons Infamy Spreads Far and Wide, Minor Circulation Meridian Method

    "Daddy, Xi Xi doesn''t want to go to school, Xi Xi wants to y 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, pration 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 n 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 be 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.

    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-ck!

    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 thepletion 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 sessfully 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 elerated 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 aplished, 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 Cirction 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 inbat 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, hisbat 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 dryings"...

    ```

    ```

    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 ns. 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 ess 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 quitemon, 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 uncontrobly, instantly amazed by the old man''s strength.

    ```

    Only on m v|le|mp|yr

    ```

    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 Cirction Meridian Opening Technique"

    ```

    ```

    "Minor Cirction?"

    ```

    ```

    Li Che murmured to himself.

    ```

    ```

    However, Li Qingshan did not satisfy his curiosity but instead furrowed his brows, "Someone ising, 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 nned to take you to view the Temple God in the Mysterious Temple today. Since I have passed on the Minor Cirction Method to you, if you have opened your Qi Channels in three days, thene to the outskirts of the city..."

    ```

    ```

    "If the Channel Opening is not sessful, there''s no need for you toe."

    ```

    ```

    After his words were spoken,

    ```

    ```

    Li Qingshan vanished in an instant, leaving only the quietly ced teacup with ripples forming on its surface.

    ```

    ```

    At the same time.

    ```

    ```

    In ane shaking under the drifting rain and snow...

    ```

    ```

    Footsteps could be heard.

    ```

    ```

    And they were getting increasingly rapid.

    ```

 Chapter 63: 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 snowkes, and the bluestone bs 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 nkly 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 umbre.

    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 apany 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 apany 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 nning 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.

    "Congrattions 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-leggedmoner from the Outer City to have risen to be 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 nonchntly sitting in the rattan chair, jumped up in shock upon hearing that Li Che had be 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 aplex 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, ording to the rules of Woodcarving Masters, Xu Family won''t take anymission..."

    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,ing 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 be 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 nned 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 usible.

    But he still felt somewhat ufortable.

    "Then I''ve troubled Master Li for nothing. Heli wille 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 umbre 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 umbre in hand.

    Chen Dabao stared at Li Che, somewhat dazed for a moment.

    It was impossible for him to ovep 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 thepartment.

    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 be a Woodcarving Master..."

    "A fish leaping through the dragon''s gate, aplete and utter transformation," said Xu Beihu as he poured Xu Heli a cup of tea.

    "That is what talent is... producing an Upper ss 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 shed 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 bing 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, snowkes floated everywhere.

    The snowkes, 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 be 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 sess if it can feature a Woodcarving Master."

    Most Woodcarving Masters were bound to Noble Families and ns 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 ced it over his face.

    The wind and snow seemed to pause mid-air, as if consumed and melted away by mes.

    ...

    ...

    Inside the independent workshop,

    Li Che sat quietly as the fluttering snow.

    Just as it was about tond 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 linesid 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 ofnes 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 ced it over his face...

    He saw him step by step towards the workshop in the alley.

    Like a ck chess piece on the chessboard.

    Impatiently...

    Moving towards death.

 Chapter 65: 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 snowkes were sted into countless powders while spinning at high speed!

    A hulking figure, like a bear, crashed down, mming 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 disy 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 prated 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 Divinitypletely 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 hisst 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 ck 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 sh, 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 ck Divine Chess Piece by the "Chess Saint" Dao Fruit andy 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 ck Chess Piece appeared between his fingers.

    Countless streams surged, stirring his ck hair into the air.

    With a fierce grasp, the ck 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 sh 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 be 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 ck 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 ninerge 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 thepartment, 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, asionally 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 oue 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.

    Hended 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 ck, 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''sposure and tranquility were gone, his pupils constricted sharply as he took a step forward.

    However, as the Bull Demon took a step forward, countless snowkes 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 65: 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 snowkes were sted into countless powders while spinning at high speed!

    A hulking figure, like a bear, crashed down, mming 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 disy 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 prated 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 Divinitypletely 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 hisst 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 ck 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 sh, 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 ck Divine Chess Piece by the "Chess Saint" Dao Fruit andy 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 ck Chess Piece appeared between his fingers.

    Countless streams surged, stirring his ck hair into the air.

    With a fierce grasp, the ck 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 sh 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 be 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 ck 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 ninerge 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 thepartment, 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, asionally 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 oue 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.

    Hended 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 ck, 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''sposure and tranquility were gone, his pupils constricted sharply as he took a step forward.

    However, as the Bull Demon took a step forward, countless snowkes 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: Chapter 66: Can the Xu Familys Ancestor Cultivate Two Divinities?

    The raging air current shattered the leisurely falling snowkes 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 circted 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 umted 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 de, 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 toe to life.

    Xu Heli''s eyebrows furrowed as his grip on the sword hilt slowly rxed.

    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 unrted 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 andmitted 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?"

    Xu Heli''s expression darkened a bit.

    Li Che looked at Xu Heli as if staring at a fool andughed: "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 nonchnt 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, shing and disappearing on the spot.

    Momentster, after searching the whole house, he returned to the courtyard.

    "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 toter 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 me 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 ns.

    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 ck tiles, as if it had be 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,e 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 nced 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 manipting 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.

    ording 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, stretchedzily, his bones cracking in response, and stimted 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 zing.

    ording tomon 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: Chapter 67 Dao Fruit Work Together, Namo Barrett

    Upon the long street.

    Zhao Xuanhai''s corpse was blocked off, inessible to the bystanders.

    The government office had already sent people, the constables in ck 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 carriagepartment.

    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 note 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 bing 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 problemes 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 nced 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 sessful, all of us with Divine Base will greatly benefit!"

    "This is a significant event... you both should take it seriously, particrly you, Heli. Prepare well and strive to gain benefits when the banquet seeds... 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 shed 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 be 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 zed, 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 be mentally confused due to the sh 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 tobat power would undoubtedly be immense.

    After contemting 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,"prehended 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 contentpletely, 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!

    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 ck 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 snowkes striking his face made Li Che open his eyes.

    A look of joy momentarily flickered through them.

    "''Wrathful Maitreya'', aplished!"

    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 ughtered 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.

    Thebination 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 des 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 waspleted, with its automatic defense, his firepower... seemed to be 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: Chapter 68: Bull Demons Infamy Spreads Far and Wide, Minor Circulation Meridian Method

    "Daddy, Xi Xi doesn''t want to go to school, Xi Xi wants to y 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, pration 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 n 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 be 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.

    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-ck!

    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 thepletion 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 sessfully 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 elerated 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 aplished, 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 Cirction 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 inbat 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, hisbat 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 dryings"...

    ```

    ```

    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 ns. 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 ess 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 quitemon, 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 uncontrobly, instantly amazed by the old man''s strength.

    ```

    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 Cirction Meridian Opening Technique"

    ```

    ```

    "Minor Cirction?"

    ```

    ```

    Li Che murmured to himself.

    ```

    ```

    However, Li Qingshan did not satisfy his curiosity but instead furrowed his brows, "Someone ising, 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 nned to take you to view the Temple God in the Mysterious Temple today. Since I have passed on the Minor Cirction Method to you, if you have opened your Qi Channels in three days, thene to the outskirts of the city..."

    ```

    ```

    "If the Channel Opening is not sessful, there''s no need for you toe."

    ```

    ```

    After his words were spoken,

    ```

    ```

    Li Qingshan vanished in an instant, leaving only the quietly ced teacup with ripples forming on its surface.

    ```

    ```

    At the same time.

    ```

    ```

    In ane shaking under the drifting rain and snow...

    ```

    ```

    Footsteps could be heard.

    ```

    ```

    And they were getting increasingly rapid.

    ```

 Chapter 69: 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 zing fire, radiating intense heat even from a distance.

    His jet-ck 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, Ie from the City Lord''s Mansion, my name is Cao Qingyuan," the burly man said with gleaming eyes, quickly ncing inside the courtyard. Not seeing anyone else, his bushy eyebrows raised slightly.

    "Cao Qingyuan..." Li Che was taken aback.

    He immediately sped 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 be 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 youplete 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 thepletion of your work," Cao Qingyuan exined, 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 epted 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 mes 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 ept the order?"

    A spectral and hoarse voice came from the depths of the mansion. Cao Qingyuan respectfully affirmed, "Father, he epted."

    "Good, if he epted..."

    "The Xu Family already sold him to our City Lord''s Mansion. Since he epted the order, it saves you the trouble of having to abduct him."

    "As long as hepletes the carving, that will be sufficient..."

    "Father, what if he epted 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,ced 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 firstid 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 Cirction Meridian Method" given to him by Li Qingshan was notplex; 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 ce smoothly.

    The falling snowkes 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 regr meridians, forming the fixed Minor Cirction of Qi Channels of the Qian Yuan Divine Sect, unblocking the universe within.

    The force from the Fourth Layer of Internal Strength,bined 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 Cirction meridians beneath the skin, enmeshing every organ.

    Li Che opened his eyes, which seemed to sh with a bright brilliance.

    Standing up, his tendons and bones harmoniously resonated, his cirction 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, aplished!"

    ...

    ...

    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 Aplishment.

    The Divine Chess Piece left by Zhao Xuanhai had beenrgely 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.

    He nced at the sky; today was a rare sunny day without snow.

    The air was still bitterly cold, but there was a hint of warm andfortable sunshine.

    Li Che put on an stic 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 ced 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 bing increasingly powerful.

    It almostpletely 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 nced at the neer, only to see that the person was also dressed in ck, 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: 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 be 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 rxed, 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 ck 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 sh 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 gracefullynded 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,nded on the old pine.

    Li Qingshan nced at Li Che, "Since you have entered the Qian Yuan Divine Sect, it''s highly likely you''ll join my group, so... since we''vee 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 be 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 ck 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 que.

    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 uncontrobly drifting towards the Mysterious Temple, about to leave his own body!

    However, after Li Che activated the Divine Method and reimed control over his Divinity,bined 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 ck 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, eximed 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 remarkableposure!"

    Before the temple.

    After Li Che broke free from the attraction of the Temple God''s Divinity, the ck 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 ck Qi and a skin membrane interwoven with ck 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 strongerbat 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-mouthedughter, 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 poption, 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 nced 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, havinge from the Divine Sect and researched Mysterious Temples, exined 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 ites 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 be 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 upation 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 wille 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 immacte 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 Statueid out on the altar.

    The Three-Eyed Wrathful True Monarch Spirit Child!

    The Child Temple God with a vertical eye on its forehead, ring 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..."

    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 tworge 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: Chapter 71: The Patina-covered Temple Gods Head, the Xu Familys Spirit Child

    The snowkes 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 ck cat-face mask, two eyes flickered with a ghostly glow.

    "Li Che,d, 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 neer 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 snowkes 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, shing 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.

    Andnded 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 nce 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 startedte 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, "Mydy, 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 cbash bottle for quite some time, finally couldn''t endure the painful disy, "Cough cough cough... Li Che,d, I''m still here!"

    "Can you lovebirds not show off your affection in front of this old man?"

    Old Chen said, holding up his cbash, 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 cbash, 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 be 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, circting the Minor Cirction, and umting and strengthening the Inner Qi, which were the primary direction for this stage of practice.

    It was simrly 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 hadpleted 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 ced 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.

    It took roughly two hours to siphon half of a Divine Chess Piece.

    It would take two days to gather aplete piece.

    This efficiency was heaven and earthpared 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 shed 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 upyer uponyer.

    The atmosphere was ustrophobic 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 ck, 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''vee... 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 n to immediately withdraw from Fei Lei City."

 Chapter 72: 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 hade early, made one feel extraordinarily cramped and oppressed.

    Thunder ripped through the night, the sudden shes 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 ck tiles, then to the scattered sounds of water sshing, 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 nced 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 ufortable 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 session.

    However, before their words were done, the thick veil of rain was torn apart...

    Apanied 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!

    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 vor, she enjoyed it quite a bit.

    Thinking of this acquaintance, Nurse Momo''s gaze unconsciously fell on the quietly seated,rge-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 be 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 ring, with a smug smile on her face.

    Watching the meditation ss 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 ssroom.

    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 monstering 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 exmations 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, apanied by a nging 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 cultivatorsing with theirrge 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 aid-back chess piece was about to be captured.

    The immacte 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 immacte 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 ced 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: Chapter 73: Bull Demon and Xi Xis 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 bodyy 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 nced 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 sess 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 Heliughed coldly, "Don''t try to y 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 dy these Divine Cultivators, had in fact chosen death.

    Lu Chi wasn''t naive;ing 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 w of the Grand Prospect Dynasty, which has bestowed increasing power to the Noble Families. However, these families grow arrogant, bing 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.

    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 viin 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 woulde and twist off their heads and kick them away!

    For a moment, fear spread, and the children of the Xu Family copsed 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 rxed.

    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,pletely 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 viin.

    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 viins outside bullying grandma! Can you take me to kill the monsters and viins?"

    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 disyed neither fear nor fright.

    The surrounding children of the Xu Family thought Xi Xi hadpletely 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 wasmendable.

    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 nce...

    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 Demonughed, "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 ced 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 rxed, 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 oue 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 umbrended in his hand, handed to Xi Xi.

    "It''s raining outside, open the umbre, don''t catch a cold."

    Xi Xi obediently took the umbre.

    Niu Niu... so considerate!

    The next moment, the Bull Demon''s fingers wed at the void.

    The intricately crafted mechanism "Namo Gatling Wooden Crow" then fell into his hand, his divinity spreading, manipting one Wooden Crow after another, whirling around the Bull Demon.

    Carrying the Namo Gatling, with Xi Xi on his shoulder.

    Theirrge and small figures, amid a thousand crows.

    Moved towards the outside of the Divine Cultivation Institute.

 Chapter 74: Chapter 74 A Clean Human World, Taking Xi Xi to Set Off Fireworks

    Fei Lei City.

    Outside the city.

    The downpour was like pirs, 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 ck, 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 withplexity.

    Forty years have flown by, and beauty has withered...

    No one can be young again.

    The reason he hade 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.

    s, 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 disy... It seems the event about to take ce 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 ofing 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-intensitybat.

    "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,den 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 nowpletely 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? Ridiculouslyughable, a noble family like Fei Lei stooping to such sneakiness! I spit on that!"

    Nurse Momo picked up the python-headed rapier, its de 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 res 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 ck raven!

    Boom¡ª!

    An explosion ensued!

    The rolling mes erupted instantly, and the powerful st 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 eximed 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 be 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 umbre, 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 nce.

    "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 ck 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 mes 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 sted 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 ck 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 ze.

    As another round of explosions ended and the firelight died down,

    Yang Kaihe had turned into a charred corpse, emitting intense heat andpletely 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 nced at them and, without any courtesy, began another round of firing. Wooden Ravens screeched as they streaked out, dragging their fiery tails.

    Apanied 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 disy was so dazzling!

    In her young heart, a deep impression was etched!

    "Fireworks... I also want to y with fireworks!"

    Fireworks suited Xi Xi... even more!

    All of the Yang Family''s experts were annihted.

    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...

    "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 umbre in Xi Xi''s hand, carefully adjusting it for her.

    Then he continued walking.

    Finally, a muffled voiceden with rampant killing intent, overpowering the storm, wafted to Nurse Momo''s ears.

    "To the Yang Family."

    "To set off fireworks."

 Chapter 75: Chapter 75 Chaotic Joyful Bewilderment Divine, Explosively Kill Divine Catcher

    ```

    Crackling and popping!

    The heavy rain washed over the ground, apanied 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 umbres on the extremely slippery and rain-washed ck tiles of a rooftop.

    Raindrops battered against the umbre, exploding into mist with a thudding sound.

    "Hahaha... it seems... hahaha... it''s over, isn''t it?"

    A figure wearing a mask of aughing girl keptughing uncontrobly, 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 theughter of hispanion.

    "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 ck 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 umbre, creating a clear patch of sky overhead, untouched by rain. The droplets streaming off the umbre evaporated instantly from the Bull Demon''s vital energy, not reaching the child at all.

    Of course, right behind thisrge and small pair.

    Followed a boy soaked by the rain, his hair in Nezha-style braids.

    This oddbination 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, mes shot forth, blossoming into ming lotuses!

    Wooden Crows burst forth, screeching, like arrows from a fully drawn bow, trailing mes, 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 offyers 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 shorings.

    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 tosh 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 umbre.

    "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¡ª¡ª!!

    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 theughing 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 zing Qi and blood was like a mighty river, mming 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?!"

    A roar intertwined withughter.

    Zhou Ruoguan burst outughing 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 ck 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 chaoticughter, assaulting the eardrums and the mind, overpowered the sound of the torrential rain,ing 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 w-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 ze, distorting the air, nearly suffocating Zhou Ruoguan!

    This Bull Demon... how had he be 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.

    Theughter stopped abruptly.

    The Bull Demon''s huge fist, enveloped in scorching blood Qi...

    Was already smashing down!

    It shattered theughing 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 Chun, 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 be 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 semnce 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 ck.

    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 ck chess pieces.

    Even the divinity of the Temple God condensed into ck 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 na?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 umbre, 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 umbre, creating a misty spray of water.

    "Niu Niu is so powerful, Niu Niu, can Xi Xi be your apprentice?"

    "Xi Xi wants to be powerful to protect her parents!"

    Underneath the Cute Bull Mask, Li Che was taken aback and then couldn''t help butugh.

    Be his apprentice?

    He was her biological father!

    But...

    Feeling the deep filial piety from the girl, Li Che still responded with augh,

    "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 be 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 y 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 y 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 y 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 wasrger 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 fromughing 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 be deste 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 themand 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 themon folk of the n 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 n..."

    "Once the City Lord''s ''Thousand Buddha Carving Banquet'' isplete, our Yang family will enjoy this final wave and then withdraw from Fei Lei Citypletely. 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,pared to the other families, are still inheritably deeper... It''s easier to forge a Divine Foundation."

    Yang Kaihai stretchedzily, 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 stoppedughing 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 ck.

    Beneath, a Yang Family expert suddenlyughed, "When the young master makes a move, how can there be any mishaps? With the young master''s Cultivation as Riverlike at its peak,bined 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 lowughter echoing in the room.

    Right, it was almost a sure thing.

    All of a sudden.

    Theughter 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 mes shot to the sky!

    The gates of the Yang Family were sted open, countless fragments scattering!

    The acrid smell of gunpowder wafted through the air.

    Heavy footsteps, like the thousand-year bell chimes of an ancient temple monastery...

    Echoed in the Yang Family courtyard.

    Two figures, onerge 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 sopletely 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 ze 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 copsed into Xu Heli''s arms, her eyes starting to ze over.

    Xu Beihu, a robust figure, walked out of the box with his hands behind his back, exhaling deeply.

    Outside, torrential rain fell in pirs, 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 ck 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.

    Arge 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.

    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,nding in front of the Yang Family Mansion, where they instantly saw the sted open gates.

    A strong burnt odor wafted out from the mansion.

    The two men exchanged nces, Zhang Xiangyang''s hair standing on end, "It was caused by the Bull Demon''s ck 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 exined 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 notcking.

    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 andposed, 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 annihted!"

    ...

    ...

    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 umbre, the cute little girl setting off fireworks was utterly wild and crazy!

    He was genuinely worried that this girl, exhrated, 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 epted 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 ept 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 ck outfit, holding an oil-paper umbre, 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 ck 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 annihted!

    The Si Family might still have surviving cultivators, barely clinging to life, continuing their lineage.

    But the Yang Family...

    Only Elder Master Yang was left alone tomand.

    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 sessors and would gradually copse.

    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 nkly at the one charred body after another being carried out, and the near-annihtion 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 Chun, to theter deceased Zhao Chuanxiong and others..."

    "They all harbored ill intentions towards the Spirit Child Li Nuanxi."

    "I had spected 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 rxed.

    "Toote¡­"

    "Even if I had guessed, what could I do? It''s toote¡­"

    "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... annihting 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 annihting 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 umbre and dressed in a ck 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 paleplexion 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 urred 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 reced by a trace of constion.

    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 be an outstanding, cheerful female cultivator.

    ...

    ...

    Li Che returned to their house in the Inner City with Xi Xi.

    After putting away the umbre 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, snuggledfortably 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 tofort 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 nced sideways at her husband, holding back augh.

    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, amp was lit.

    After his wife and daughter had gone to sleep, Li Che came to the study to tally the gains from his great ughter 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 annihting 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 ns, what they neverck 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 porcin 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, stimted 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 nned to sell in the ck marketter 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... aplete 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 swiftlyprehending 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 myriadughing voices, now far now near.

    He exhaled a breath of turbid air.

    "''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 amp!"

    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 be?

    Would he... be a god?

 Chapter 79: 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 etherealughter echoing from afar...

    A myriad of Divine phenomena appeared splendidly.

    Li Che sat cross-legged, a breeze fluttering his clothes, his ck 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 uncontrobly.

    Zhou Ruoguan cultivating "Chaotic Joyful Bewilderment Divine" would end upughing 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 bnce in his form, letting the three kinds of Divinity spread simultaneously.

    The Qi Vein Realm''s blood and Qi burst uncontrobly, slightly trembling, his muscles and bones issuing a symphony, giving off a sense of uncontroble Divine influence.

    Had it not been for the suppression of "Pure Heart," he might already disy various embarrassing actions.

    Such as tears on the verge of falling, speech mixed with unstoppableughter, 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 bing 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 manipted 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 stimte 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.

    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 turbulenceing 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 manipting 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 andnded 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 notparable 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 rtionship 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-sttered 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 rtionship with the Bull Demon... That Superior Grade Spirit Child Li Nuanxi has also truly troubled me, costing the lives of many under mymand."

    "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 tote evening.

    In the study, Li Che finished refining the Divine Chess Piece, and looked up at the sky.

    In the courtyard.

    Xi Xi happily yed with her Twist Car,ughing 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 tranquilitysted for an unknown duration, but when the sky turnedpletely pitch ck.

    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 zing sun, extremely conspicuous and stunningly dazzling on the chessboard map.

    It was as if there were screams everywhere, resembling cries,ughs, 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 hee..."

    "Old Deng of the Yang Family!"

 Chapter 80: Chapter 80 Divinity on the Way, Bull Demon Battles Divine Foundation [Please Follow!]

    The sound of sobbingughter was filled with intense anger.

    But what was even more terrifying and uncontroble 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,pressed 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''vee. For those ustomed to standing at the pinnacle of Fei Lei City, a single guess is enough..."

    The identity of the Bull Demon might be spected 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 thepletion 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 evenpare him to the ferociously evil Bull Demon.

    And many times, a single guess... is reason enough to take action.

    The [Chess Saint] Dao Fruitwork contracted, enveloping the entire yard, isting 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 bepletely disturbed and suffer cmity.

    Li Che stood up, took down the conical hat hanging on the study room wall, and with a tug at his ck attire, revealed the stic ck 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.

    Heposed 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" swelledrger, 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 rxed 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 stretchedzily 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 be 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 alreadymunicated 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."

    ...

    ```

    ...

    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 snowkes 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, shing frically.

    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 neer, 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 ughtered!

    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 inting 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 copsed 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 sshed 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 ck 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 sshed 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 ck 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, manipted by "Heart Shocking and Sturdy," had, at that moment, frozen in slight bewilderment.

    But soon, ubiquitous screams and a dazzling air st 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 mmed into the Bull Demon''s crossed arms in defense!

    Rip rip rip...

    The sleeves of the stic shirt exploded, revealing steel muscles coiled like dragons!

    But...

    Yang Jing''s crazed will was momentarily baffled, his vision, stimted by divinity, widening with shock...

    Because this Bull Demon, who had clearly not yet forged a Divine Foundation,

    had withstood his punch.

    And was...

    ```

 Chapter 81: 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 umted 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 rity.

    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 inted balloon, his originally imposing figure suddenly grew evenrger!

    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 des 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 andnding on the ground.

    Li Che, whose body had grown evenrger, only felt an unprecedented exhration, his hands,rge 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.

    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 timesrger, 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 dted, his five fingers clenched, and the invisible Divinity roared to life, condensing the rain and snow falling from the sky into a crescent-shaped de!

    Spinning rapidly, he wielded it ferociously and shed 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 elerated, pushing hard, and the rainwater sshed 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 pirs, 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 nced 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 martialprehension 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 in 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 shed a glint in his eyes beneath his mask. He stomped the ground hard for a sudden halt, bent his body, and pped one arm onto the ground. In an instant, he drifted sideways like a tail slide, shooting into the pitch-ck 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 ying a silent tune. They danced in session, 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 ites to mechanisms, the Bull Demon was a professional!

    Immortal Artisan ¡¤ Mechanism Master!

    "Wee, to my home turf."

    ...

    ...

    Rainwater mixed with cold snowkes.

    Fluttered down.

    Themotion of the street fell into silence. White waves crashed against pairs of ck boots, splintering apart.

    "What a Bull Demon, so strong and unmatched in Horizontal Refinement, having reached the Mysterious Vein level of Channel Opening. It ismonly said that Divinity is easy to nurture, but blood energy is difficult to refine. Yet this person managed to prate 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 fiercebat 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 thest remaining Divine Catcher Zhang Xiangyang.

    At this moment, Zhang Xiangyang wore a hat, his head lowered, hisplexion 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 bnce his feelings? He''d probably go mad with jealousy!

    "Right now the Bull Demon is engaged inbat 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 butugh 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 beunched, and we''ve decided tounch it tomorrow at noon!

    Theunch will take ce 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 tounch the book at midnight tonight, but since there were no drafts saved, theunch 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 unsessful attempts, it''s finally time tounch 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 nned this fantasy novel to be hisst, a sort of retirement from this ''martial world.''

    Truth be told, initially, the performance was very poor. On the first day it was rmended, it gained fewer than two hundred collections, and the conversion rate was only 19 per thousand, while the average for rmended books is 35 per thousand¡­

    But it was still better than the previous books, which barely got a few dozen collections per day when rmended, 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 theunch.

    ¡­

    Having written books for so many years,unching 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 theunch, which is quite lengthy for Old Li. With back-end fake readers at 3,800 and real readers, ording 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,pletely baffling¡­

    Therefore, I can only hope that everyone will give Old Li a wave of initial subscriptions during theunch to support¡­ to give us a chance to eye the postunch rmendations. Nowadays, rmendations postunch are alsopetitive, judged on subscription data, no longer just the author''s reputation...

    Writing at this tform has indeed been difficulttely. Over thest six months, it felt like being unemployed. Old Li can only rely on this book to earn some form 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''sst fantasy novel.

    The target is three million words. Finishing the book is a victory in itself!

    As for the updates after theunch, 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, in 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,pletely 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.

    Theunch 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 postunch rmendations.

    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 rmendation tickets! Begging for your fervent following!

    See you tomorrow!

    Be sure toe!

 Chapter 91: Chapter 85: 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, andter 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 sh, 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 exins 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 nced at Cao Qingyuan, sttered 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 elerated."

    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 aze.

    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 grandke.

    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 Cirction 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 mes 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 umte Inner Qi. The growth of Inner Qi was the foundation for enhancing the Qi Meridian Cultivation.

    A Python Blood Martial Pill was almostpletely 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 Cirction 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-NovelBin

    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: Chapter 85: 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 andscape painting.

    The Xu Family, Divine Cultivation Institute.

    Nurse Momo had returned to tranquility, without the noise and tumult of the children, the ce 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 nged 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 red, brandishing the scissors as a threat.

    "Hahaha, I am tough and robust now; try cutting me, why don''t you?"

    Li Qingshanughed 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.

    Toozy 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 red with a hint of sarcasm.

    Li Qingshan''s hand finallynded 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 n 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, olddy. 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 weed 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 ns 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.

    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 shed 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 avable on the ck 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 prating power of Bodhi Blood Tears being quite fitting."

    "Additionally, I need to enhance the power of Wood Raven..."

    "Craftsmanship indeed bes hard to improve as it reaches theter 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 himtely.

    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: Chapter 85: 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-NovelBin

    [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 reced 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 nced 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 nced 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 nced at the Three-Eyes Wrathful True Monarch Spirit Child ced 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, ck-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: Chapter 86: 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 remainedpletely 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 andnded 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-NovelBin

    "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 cultivatorsing 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 simrities. "

    "Casting three types of Divine Origin Bases into one Divine Foundation, whereas I intended to forge seven Divine Bases."

    Great simrity 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 waspletely assimted.

    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 soundsing from outside the Mysterious Temple.

    Someone wasing!

    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 ck 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 ck roof tiles aze 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 bacsh, 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 preupied 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 ce 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: Chapter 86 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 wasrge 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 darkenedpletely, 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 hadpletely retracted its ws, 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 ns 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 onrge 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 eyshes 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..."

    "At the age of three, no one can rival Little Stinky Xi!"

    Grandpa Chenughed 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 augh.

    Xi Xi was annoyed and puffed up her cheeks, staying silent.

    "Grandpa Chen, prepare yourself; in a couple of days,e 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 nned 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 resumedpeting with Xi Xi for the Twist Car.

    "I don''t want to y 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 mncholic.

    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 ady, 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, shing 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: Chapter 86: The Upgradable Divine Foundation Technique, Xi Xi Misses Master Niu Niu_3

    ```

    "Tang Family mechanisms are indeed formidable, but they are alsoplex. This booklet is just an iplete 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 shed 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 n, 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 m|v-l''e -NovelBin

    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 Qingshannguidly 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 exined 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 nning 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 wasplex and he found it hard to imagine how amoner 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 spection 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 waspletely 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 aborer, 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 umbre.

    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 ns to apany 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 cantch 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 copsed, some exterminated, some relocated...

    The Xu Family suddenly became thergest of the noble families and ns 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 itsrgest 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 toe 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 sess 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 seed, 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 be your support... Only then can you seed, 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 be 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 103: Chapter 89: 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 circted, 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, eightrge 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 umting.

    It was like there were streams gurgling next to Li Che, slowly as if they were about to drown his breath,pletely 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¡ª¡ª

    Inhale¡ª¡ª

    Following a breath.

    Li Che only felt his body bing immensely hot, the Divinity turning into countless streams of molten iron, stimting his flesh, as if it wanted topletely 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, circting 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 bing 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 simr 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¡ª¡ª!

    The intertwining forces, carried by boiling blood, followed the cirction route of the Minor Cirction, 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!

    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!

    ording to the Divine Foundation Technique, this should be the final hurdle!

    If he could hold on, the Divinity would be 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 onught of Divinity!

    Boom¡ª¡ª!

    A collision, as if thunder roared between heaven and earth, brought a startling sh 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,unching a third strike!

    Just like a waterfall falling from a thousand feet, the river overturned!

    Boom¡ª¡ª!

    Countless Inner Qi and Divinity collided, feeling as if the heavens and the earth were copsing!

    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, reced by a tform.

    Even and ttened 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: Chapter 89: Forging the First Divine Foundation, Desire-Comparing Carnal Kannon_2

    A rank-breaking transformation!

    ...

    ...

    Li Che exhaled, his breath turbulent as a de''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 isplete; I''ve stepped into the Primary God-Base Realm, yet I must not be careless. ording to the Divine Foundation Technique, a freshly cast Foundation is prone to copse. 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 m v|l e''-NovelBin

    To his astonishment, he found his five senses had be sharper, as if he could manipte 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, yed 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.

    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 driedyers 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-de"!

    Three statues conferred three Dharma!

    There was also the Co-casting Method for the Foundation, which he had already be 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 disyed 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 umting 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 couldpletely 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 91: Chapter 85: 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, andter 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 sh, 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 exins 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 nced at Cao Qingyuan, sttered 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 elerated."

    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 aze.

    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 grandke.

    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 Cirction 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 mes 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 umte Inner Qi. The growth of Inner Qi was the foundation for enhancing the Qi Meridian Cultivation.

    A Python Blood Martial Pill was almostpletely 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 Cirction 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-NovelBin

    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: Chapter 85: 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 andscape painting.

    The Xu Family, Divine Cultivation Institute.

    Nurse Momo had returned to tranquility, without the noise and tumult of the children, the ce 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 nged 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 red, brandishing the scissors as a threat.

    "Hahaha, I am tough and robust now; try cutting me, why don''t you?"

    Li Qingshanughed 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.

    Toozy 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 red with a hint of sarcasm.

    Li Qingshan''s hand finallynded 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 n 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, olddy. 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 weed 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 ns 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.

    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 shed 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 avable on the ck 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 prating power of Bodhi Blood Tears being quite fitting."

    "Additionally, I need to enhance the power of Wood Raven..."

    "Craftsmanship indeed bes hard to improve as it reaches theter 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 himtely.

    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: Chapter 85: 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-NovelBin

    [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 reced 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 nced 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 nced 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 nced at the Three-Eyes Wrathful True Monarch Spirit Child ced 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, ck-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: Chapter 86: 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 remainedpletely 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 andnded 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-NovelBin

    "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 cultivatorsing 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 simrities. "

    "Casting three types of Divine Origin Bases into one Divine Foundation, whereas I intended to forge seven Divine Bases."

    Great simrity 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 waspletely assimted.

    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 soundsing from outside the Mysterious Temple.

    Someone wasing!

    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 ck 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 ck roof tiles aze 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 bacsh, 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 preupied 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 ce 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: Chapter 86 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 wasrge 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 darkenedpletely, 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 hadpletely retracted its ws, 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 ns 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 onrge 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 eyshes 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..."

    "At the age of three, no one can rival Little Stinky Xi!"

    Grandpa Chenughed 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 augh.

    Xi Xi was annoyed and puffed up her cheeks, staying silent.

    "Grandpa Chen, prepare yourself; in a couple of days,e 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 nned 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 resumedpeting with Xi Xi for the Twist Car.

    "I don''t want to y 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 mncholic.

    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 ady, 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, shing 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: Chapter 86: The Upgradable Divine Foundation Technique, Xi Xi Misses Master Niu Niu_3

    ```

    "Tang Family mechanisms are indeed formidable, but they are alsoplex. This booklet is just an iplete 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 shed 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 n, 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 m|v-l''e -NovelBin

    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 Qingshannguidly 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 exined 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 nning 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 wasplex and he found it hard to imagine how amoner 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 spection 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 waspletely 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 aborer, 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 umbre.

    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 ns to apany 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 cantch 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 copsed, some exterminated, some relocated...

    The Xu Family suddenly became thergest of the noble families and ns 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 itsrgest 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 toe 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 sess 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 seed, 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 be your support... Only then can you seed, 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 be 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 128: Chapter 97: The Myth of Two Overlapping Lives, Bull Demons 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, andpared 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 stimted 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 iparable 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 seeds?"

    Ambitions rose within Li Che''s heart.

    Of course, he was more cautious in his scheming, for if the nning was done right, even gaining just one Divine Chess Piece would be enough to be his trump card.

    Besides...

    Li Che''s brows creased, and a flicker of ring light seemed to sh 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 ovep. 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 y 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 disyed 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 outsiderse to Golden Light Prefecture, they would ask about it, and answering them often had be 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: Chapter 97: The Myth of Two Overlapping Lives, Bull Demons 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 seerge 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 herrge 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 couldpare 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 amodate ten carriages abreast, and shops lined up on both sides disying 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.

    Cities like Fei Lei City were far toomon... 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 fa?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 ce, it was fine. Li Che wasn''t picky, although he was now very wealthy, his assetsparable 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 n to settle down. So, I''d like to ask Escort Leader Qian to help us find a ce 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 Heughed 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 anypetitors 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 session..."

    "My Little Stinky Xi must enter as a true sessor!"

    Discover hidden tales at mvl

    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 ckish 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,bining 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: Chapter 97: The Myth of Two Overlapping Lives, Bull Demons Identity Reported?_3

    Thepletion 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 theplete 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 hadpletely 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 ying 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 y with such a childish toy, but since he hade 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 oftenpeted 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 elerating through her body, surging into her skin membrane, causing her skin to blush and be more tenacious, as if her whole physique was undergoing a transformation.

    Under her tender body, it seemed as ifrge sinews were twitching and trembling.!

    "Husband! I have started the Sinew Transforming process!"

    Zhang Ya, panting heavily, her dark eyes suddenly brightening, cheered jubntly.

    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 seeded 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, disying 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 copsed. 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 uncontrobly 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 ck 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 nned 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 mvl

    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 toote 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 livefortably? 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 shed 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..."

    "ording 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 ughter 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 be 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 ce 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 nned to first go to another property he had purchased in Mansion City, which was used as a woodcarving workshop, to refine the newlypleted "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, apanied 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 134: Chapter 99 Dragon Tooth Bodhi, Hundred Miles Soul Lock [Seeking Monthly Ticket]

    The spring rain seemed to be 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¡ª¡ª!

    The silencested but a moment.

    A dreadful aura suddenly rose from within the Qin Mansion.

    "Presumptuous¡ª¡ª!"

    The deafening voice, like a thunderp falling upon the human world, a boulder smashing into ake, created shockwaves that sted 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 ck 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 d in sorrow, wearing Golden Armor resembling gold dragon scales, with garments fluttering, and four muscr 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¡ª¡ª!

    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 circr 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 Ancestorunching 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, ck lines seemed to dance, then interconnecting, forming a chessboard grid that spread downward.

    Using Li Che''s position as a chessboard Ster Position, it immediately unfurled, epassing 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 §Þ??

    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 invish 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.

    Hemitted 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 [Seeking Monthly Ticket]_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 ce.

    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 toplete 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 nned 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 circting 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 abination is rare... could it be from the Heart Monkey Temple or a divine archer from the Gongyang Family?" he spected with a frown.

    "An arrow, shot from miles away, piercing through the Divine Base Cultivator and shattering his inner energy center¡ªthat uracy, 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 bing 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 umbre, 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 sessor of the Gold Split Gate, the cultivation is definitely high, as one of the five great sects of the Golden Light Prefecture, they might notpare to the Divine Sect branch, but the sect''s core sessorsck 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 §Þ??

    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 [Seeking Monthly Ticket]_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 cmity.

    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 hisposure.

    In the southern mists and rains of spring, the willows sway as if intoxicated by the gentle breeze.

    In his ck, vigorous attire, Li Che, unlike the splendidly dressed schrs 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 §Þ??

    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 ck tiles neatly and intricatelyid 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 be a Guest Official.

    Upon reaching the pavilion, he folded his umbre, shaking off the water droplets.

    Li Che stored the oil paper umbre 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 disyed a wide array of items.

    Li Che''s gaze swept across elixirs, weapons, Divine Wood Carvings, and more...

    Categorized by wooden ques, 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, apanied by a waft of fragrant breeze, prompting Li Che to turn his head and see a graceful youngdy with skin white as jade and eyes that twinkled quietly, standing beside him.

    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 alsomonce 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 bing a Heavenly Oversight Guest Official."

    A trace of surprise crossed the woman''s face.

    Before she could reply, a heartyugh 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; despiteing from the small Flying Thunder City, his worldly manners impressed Liu He, bolstered further by Li Qingshan''s rmendation, making his first impression excellent.

    The refineddy 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, rmended 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. Rmended by Elder Qingshan?" the woman said with a smile.

    "Alright, Guest Liu, you can go on with your tasks. I heard you received arge 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 sess 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 bigugh.

    "Master Li, don''t associate with him, that Yunfang Boat isn''t a reputable ce," 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 ns, 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 vor," she exined.

    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 quitefortable.

    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 be Guest Officials through passing the assessment.

    "Master Lies 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 103: Chapter 89: 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 circted, 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, eightrge 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 umting.

    It was like there were streams gurgling next to Li Che, slowly as if they were about to drown his breath,pletely 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¡ª¡ª

    Inhale¡ª¡ª

    Following a breath.

    Li Che only felt his body bing immensely hot, the Divinity turning into countless streams of molten iron, stimting his flesh, as if it wanted topletely 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, circting 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 bing 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 simr 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¡ª¡ª!

    The intertwining forces, carried by boiling blood, followed the cirction route of the Minor Cirction, 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!

    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!

    ording to the Divine Foundation Technique, this should be the final hurdle!

    If he could hold on, the Divinity would be 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 onught of Divinity!

    Boom¡ª¡ª!

    A collision, as if thunder roared between heaven and earth, brought a startling sh 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,unching a third strike!

    Just like a waterfall falling from a thousand feet, the river overturned!

    Boom¡ª¡ª!

    Countless Inner Qi and Divinity collided, feeling as if the heavens and the earth were copsing!

    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, reced by a tform.

    Even and ttened 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: Chapter 89: Forging the First Divine Foundation, Desire-Comparing Carnal Kannon_2

    A rank-breaking transformation!

    ...

    ...

    Li Che exhaled, his breath turbulent as a de''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 isplete; I''ve stepped into the Primary God-Base Realm, yet I must not be careless. ording to the Divine Foundation Technique, a freshly cast Foundation is prone to copse. 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 m v|l e''-NovelBin

    To his astonishment, he found his five senses had be sharper, as if he could manipte 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, yed 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.

    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 driedyers 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-de"!

    Three statues conferred three Dharma!

    There was also the Co-casting Method for the Foundation, which he had already be 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 disyed 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 umting 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 couldpletely 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: Chapter 89: 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, quietlyy 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 sh, 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 me.

    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 ck-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 ck 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 withplex shifts.

    In his mind, the conversation with Cao Guang involuntarily surfaced.

    Originally, Cao Guang''s attitude was to not want anyplications arising, with the main aim being to ensure the sessful hosting of the "Thousand Buddha Carving Banquet."

    Nheless, 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.

    "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 me 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, irreconcble 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 ce 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 thend... 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,uded 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 seeded 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 andpletely 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: Chapter 90: Divine Weapon Mask Angry Horse Face, Plus a Hero [Seeking Monthly Ticket]

    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 circte, 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 andcked anybat 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 sessfully 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 prated 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 manipted 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 shing 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 erged 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 sessive 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!

    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.

    sh it down!

    In a sh, 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 mmed 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 147: Chapter 103: Praise and Kill Evaluation, Crow Hand Grenade [Seeking Monthly Ticket!]

    "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 ced on the tea table. Chapter Discover:

    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 sshed ink at a casual nce, 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 nce 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 nce 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 tform, 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 thetter 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 simr 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 ss 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 ss, and a First-ss Guest Official, when ced in the Mansion City Qintian Observatory, even surpassed their status as Minor Supervisors.

    Because with the identity of a First-ss 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 ss Guest Minister!

    Gong Yunli shook her head in disbelief, her bosom heaving turbulently.

    "Deputy Inspector, you are... overpraising a neer! You can''t be sarcastic and overpraise him just because he was rmended 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 neer because of Li Qingshan?"

    "Little Gong, do you remember how many articles there are in the official regtions 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 regtions."

    "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 simr to mind-reading.

    "Deputy Inspector, I still must say, unting the title of Special ss Guest Minister should not be mentioned lightly... it''s excessive overpraising for a neer!"

    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 ss 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 ss 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 p 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: Chapter 103: Praise and Kill Evaluation, Crow Hand Grenade [Seeking Monthly Ticket!]_2

    ```

    "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...

    "Rmended by Li Qingshan..."

    "Such talent, and yet he was not sent to the Divine Sect but to the Qintian Observatory to be a Guest Elder... For what reason? In another five years... it will be time for the strange cmities to form due to themotion 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.

    Bing a Third-ss 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 toe.

    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 seed 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 nned 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 vignt and could not afford to bex.

    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 bing a Third-ss 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?

    Li Che nced 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 arge impact?

    No, it should be because he hadpleted "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 rted 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 alreadyte 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 bing a Third-ss Guest Official from his Qiankun Space.

    A softly glowing crystal stonended 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 simr to that of [Pure Heart]!

    "The same source, huh? Both are pure and wless 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: Chapter 103: Praise and Kill Evaluation, Crow Hand Grenade [Seeking Monthly Ticket!]_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 note 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 sry for a third-ss 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 wasposed.

    "Moreover, now that I have be a third-ss Guest Official, besides the sry, 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 waspletely 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 ddened Li Che''s heart even more.

    Looking at the three empty crystal stones, Li Che felt somewhat mncholy 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 Cultivatorsy in the oppression of their Divine Hierarchy.

    If Divinity were to be restricted, and they had to rely solely on Qi and Blood Cultivation forbat...

    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 be 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 iparably 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 canplement 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 ying 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 contemting 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, "Youd 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 asion 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 ce 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 be a Third-ss Guest Official at the Qintian Observatory.

    After the announcement, everyone was stunned.

    Old Chen almost choked on his wine, "Qintian Observatory? Third-ss 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 Schr, he felt the most exuberant about Li Che''s entry into the Qintian Observatory.

    It was apletely different concept from when Li Che had be 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 bing an official, someone like his great uncle who was a Schr held deep aspirations!

    "Good, good, good!" His great uncle repeatedly toasted to celebrate, quickly bing 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.

    "Great uncle, enjoy your drink, I''ll go."

 Chapter 153: Chapter 105: True Intent Ultimate Study, Xi Xis Terrifying Talent

    ```

    Majestic in sound, dazzling in spirit.

    He was appointed as the Colonel of Jiuzhou Ind, overseeing each ind, wielding the power of summer decrees and guarding the divine spirit that fosters all.

    The Evil-Dispelling and Demon-ying 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-ss Guest Official, you must reach at least a Minor Aplishment 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-ss Guest Official evaluation."

    Hearing this, Li Che began to take it seriously, nning 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 ced 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 bing a Third-ss 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-de" 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-de 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-de 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 delight 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-de... has reached Major Aplishment!"

    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.

    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 circte a Minor Cirction 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 disying it duringbat. 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 be 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, bing free and unrestrained, one bes 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: Chapter 105: True Intent Ultimate Study, Xi Xis 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, stretchedzily like endless firecrackers exploding.

    With a thought, he retracted all his Qi and blood, and his sturdy body was also concealed under the stic 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, afterpletely 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 aplished..."

    "Much effort was not in vain after all the trouble of search... it came effortlessly atst..."

    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 momentter, 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 simting 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 andprehending 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 mncholy.

    In the workshop courtyard.

    Li Che''s Qi and blood burst out, in an instant throwing out an arm, numerous ovepping 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 arge 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 ifnded 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 shadowsyer byyer 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 Aplishment 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."

    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 bepleted. 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 rted to thepatibility 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 nearlyplete, just some final details to polish.

    As thest 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 ovepping with the image in his mind, somewhat dazed.

    "Evil-Dispelling and Demon-ying Great General, Furious Ghost-suppressing, impervious to all ghosts!"

 Chapter 155: Chapter 105: True Intent Ultimate Study, Xi Xis Terrifying Talent_3

    Li Che brushed off the wood shavings from his body, his gaze returning to the present, his eyes brimming withughter, 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 ovepped 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 ck clothes and left the workshop courtyard.

    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 regr, 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'' surveince 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 muchrger 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, ck 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 "ck Snake Gang," the gang had a Divine Foundation member stationed within it.

    This gang had nted 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 ck Snake Gang was because, for Mansion City''s major forces, gangs were likemodities, 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 spected,

    "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 thetter 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 ns.

    Li Che felt that sinceing to Mansion City, the only forces he had provoked were the Qin Family...

    Gold Split Gate could be considered half-provoked since, ording to rumors, Qin Yuqing had an unclear rtionship 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 surveince, 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,parison can kill a person.

    Fortunately, the one surpassing him by a head is Xi Xi.

    Seeing Lu Chi''sugh, 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 rmended 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 ck 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 be huge, and the tiny girl held a big bowl, shoveling food non-stop.

    Li Che and Old Chen clinked sses and drank, utterly contented.

    A much warmer spring breeze blew over,fortable and gentle.

    Suddenly, Li Che''s expression shifted slightly, and his brows furrowed.

    Because, outside the door, his sister-inw was stepping forward, approaching with quick steps.

    Anxiety was written all over her face.

    "Sister-inw, what''s wrong?"

    Zhang Ya opened the door and saw that her sister-inw Liu Chunming did not look good.

    Liu Chunming nced at Li Che and pursed her lips, "A Che, your cousin... he hasn''te 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: Chapter 106: Black Cloak and Bamboo Hat, Bull Demon Emerges [Seeking Monthly Ticket]

    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 note 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,forting 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-inw, don''t worry too much, maybe cousin has been dyed by something. Do you know what cousin was going to do before he didn''te home?" Li Che asked.

    "Zhengran said he was going to the marketce 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 marketce to look for a job?"

    Li Che nodded.

    "Don''t worry, big sister-inw; finding a job in the marketce 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 dyed," Li Che said gently.

    Liu Chunming, hearing this, couldn''t help but nod.

    "Big sister-inw, 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-inw and big uncle may also have their suspicions," Li Che said softly. "If big brother really was involved in something dangerous, big uncle would havee earlier."

    "Letting big sister-inwe 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 schr... 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 toe and see Li Che and instead, the sister-inw, 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 ustomed to Li Che and Zhang Ya''s asional public disys 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 ced 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 ce 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 shed 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''te 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-inw.

    "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-ss Guest Official of the Qintian Observatory, the Qin Family and the Temple Control Bureau became much warier of me, and ording to Lu Chi, the Gold Split Gate also had no motive to deal with me..."

    "In fact, they merely specte and doubt my identity, with no concrete evidence. Due to my status as a Third-ss Guest Official of the Qintian Observatory,bined 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: Chapter 106: Black Cloak and Bamboo Hat, Bull Demon Emerges [Seeking Monthly Ticket]_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 be 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 regr life, working at the Qintian Observatory during the day, and carving wood at the purchased small courtyard workshop after work..."

    "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 rtionship 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 shed with disdain.

    "It seems the ck Snake Gang... might be nning 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 nning to make a move?

    "ck Snake Gang... not one of the gang powers under the control of the Five Great ns, but from the Fishing Gang..."

    Qin Haonan poured himself another drink while thinking.

    "The Fishing Gang, the ck Jiao Gang, and the Beggars'' Sect, the three big gangs of Golden Light Prefecture City... overall power inferior to the Five Great ns 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 ck Snake Gang had long been investigated by him; its backing power wasn''t the simrly named ck 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 ck Snake Gang keeping an eye on Li Che''s family.

    Suddenly.

    A glint shed 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 regr 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 Cityrgely aligns with what Zhang Xiangyang said..."

 Chapter 158: Chapter 106: Black Cloak and Bamboo Hat, Bull Demon Emerges [Seeking Monthly Ticket]_3

    "Most likely, the results will be avable in these days."

    "Additionally, the group stalking Li Che, known as the ck 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 unrted.

    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 hade to see Li Che as a pure and good man, making him, who asionally 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 sped 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 suddenlyughed.

    "No matter how, this Bull Demon and the one who shot Qin Yuqing are definitely rted."

    "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, asionally 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 umbre.

    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 ck Snake Gang, finally found some interest ¨C Li Che today... seemed to have new actions.

    Following Li Che, they saw him in a ck robe under an umbre, 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 aplex mix of emotions toward Li Che, never imagining that his cousin, once aborer 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 be, how he had be 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 Marketce 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 be 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 urred, 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 Cheforted 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: Chapter 106: Black Cloak and Bamboo Hat, Bull Demon Emerges [Seeking Monthly Ticket] _4

    "In a couple of days, I''ll take you to Qintian Observatory... see if there''s a suitable job I can rmend 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, nting 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 theforting 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 muttes bodies?

    Shi Lei felt that his spection about Li Che was an insult to the Master''s noble character!

    "Let''s go, keep following him."

    Divine Envoy Hong Yong nced 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 tobo 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 wouldter 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 rxed; 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 upied 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 ck, 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, ck 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: Chapter 107: Flowers Bloom in Hell, Bullè·¯Outlawè·¯Demon!

    The spring breeze howled and suddenly became urgent, like a stream of air shooting forth, causing the willows nted 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 ck 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 bing 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 werepletely 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 shed 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 spected.

    "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, ording to rumors Li Che had heard, the Corpse God Cult had already conquered several prefecture cities and upied 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 ndestine 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 ck 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, isted 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 re, 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¡ª¡ª!

    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 ck robe, hands behind his back, his muscr physique stretching therge 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 apanied by a hint of agility; though his physique wasrge 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 be an elder patriarch of noble families.

 Chapter 161: Chapter 107: Flowers Bloom in Hell, Bullè·¯Outlaw Madmanè·¯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 sessfullypleted. 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 n our sect hadid 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 spections now..."

    "In Flying Thunder City, an ''Eight Extremes Corpse Curse Seal'' has gone missing... Official Yuan spectes 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 orter, 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, bing 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, reced 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 particr direction.

    "What is that thing?"

    Hmm?!

    Crack¡ª

    Suddenly, from behind the corner of the wall, a palm-sized ck 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, apanied 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-inmand of the Million Gambling House, felt the same terror.

    His face trembled violently, his expression turning to one of extreme fear.

 Chapter 162: Chapter 107: Flowers Bloom in Hell, Bullè·¯Outlaw Madmanè·¯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 coagte, difficult to activate!

    Such a diabolical tactic!

    However, in the next moment, he felt an oppressive force akin to mountains copsing, 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, apanied 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, utterlycking 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 copsing!

    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 circte 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 ughtering 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 ng 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 ck hair wildly billowing, falling straight to his waist.

    An intensely terrifying rank pressure, like a mountain copsing, ruthlessly mmed 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 de light!

    It was like a crimson, Triple-ded Knife vibrating ominously!

    Three-Eyed Wrathful True Lord''s Triple-ded Knife!

    Major Aplishment Divine Martial Arts!

    A sweep of the de released instantly on the Corpse God Envoy''s body, the terrifying power of the spear used as a de, exploding like a tsunami on his body!

    From his head, spine, skull, and back, the explosion spread, sting simultaneously inside and out of his body!

    His body, tempered into Cursed Iron Corpse, supposedly unkible 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: Chapter 107: Flowers Bloom in Hell, Bullè·¯Outlawè·¯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-inmand of Million Gambling House...

    was directly crushed!

    Li Che, in his Ascending Stance, possessed the rank of Ten Cities Temple God, skyrocketing hisbat 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 hepare 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 ughter.

    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 manipted 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 disyed a reverse triangle, ck 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 ughtered!

    His fingers hooked slightly, slowly clenching into a fist.

    Ascending the Tower¡¤Thousand Analyzing Hands¡­

    Threads of Divinity, gathered from the corpses, condensed into ck 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,nding 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 nted 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 ck 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 himpletely.

    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, hended 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 ouw indeed."

    ps: A big chapter of six thousand words, looking for fresh Monthly Tickets and rmendation tickets for support on Monday!

 Chapter 164: Chapter 108: 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, disying 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 nce.

    It seemedpletely 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 ouw!

    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 tant 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 awless 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.

    Hended 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 atter-realm Grandmaster. His martial prowess and divinity were strong, and in Golden Light Prefecture City, although notparable to those of the Five Great ns or sect elders, he still stood at the peak.

    Boom¡ª¡ª!

    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 uponnding 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."

    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,mitting 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 ck-tiled roof looking toward the distant street, where the sounds of horse hooves echoed on the wide gstone 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 nce, 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-inmand 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 ughtered 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 be a Grandmaster?!"

    Zhang Lianhao took a deep breath. ording 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,bined 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... simrly mastered such methods.

    Both of them are so, recklesslymitting murder...

    Both disying the attitude ofwless madmen.

    "Heh, interesting." Zhang Lianhaoughed, 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: Chapter 108: Super Rich, Eight Extremes Divine Crystal!_2

    ```

    But for thosewless ouws who recklesslymit 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 Lianhaopletely dismissed his suspicions of Li Che.

    Zhang Xiangyang''s spection that Li Che was the Bull Demon was just that, spection, 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 ces 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,cking 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 ying 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 andfortable 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 rxed, a trip to the Temple Office, eh...

    Then it was normal toe back reeking of blood.

    "Qinghong, about the task I took onst time, I''ve finished carving the wood. You can contact the customer and let them know they cane to im 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 exnation.

    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 muscr 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 rtionships 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, oveying 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 ck 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: Chapter 108: 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 momentter, 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-inmand 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 werepletely revealed under his divine sense.

    Li Che first checked the possessions of the second-inmand 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-inmand''s collection, there were actually two Ten Cities Divine Crystals!

    "eptable, 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-inmand couldn''t evenpare 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-inmand 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 asrge 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-inmand, 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'' sry!

    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 "Immacte Heart Taoist Fruit"!

    Just let the "Immacte Heart" Taoist Fruit''s maturity ripen to level 3, and he could awaken the Prototype of Divine Powers belonging to "Immacte 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 bepared 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 ns."

    "One Eight Extremes Divine Crystal, eleven Ten Cities Divine Crystals, could they help me elevate "Immacte 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 ck 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 Touchingpared to Corpse Cultivating Method," "Six Desires Body Touchingpared to Corpse Divine Foundation Technique", these were two volumes rted to Divinity.

    Li Che nced 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,parable 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 124: Chapter 96: Eight-Armed Prison Lotus Furious Third Prince [Seeking Monthly Ticket!]

    The fierce wind surged, and rain sted through the air.

    Above the heavens, dark clouds umted, bringing endless darkness; apanied by the shing 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, hecked 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 sped, "Thank you for saving my life, sir."

    However, the Bull Demon just nced 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 Youpletely stunned in ce.

    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 hase 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 snowkes, 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 likeughing 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 mvl

    But after all, it was the energy from the Temple God in the Mysterious Temple.

    Xu Heli, perhaps, nned 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 hadpletely 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 pirs of the Xu family,pletely 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 be refugees, migrants, roaming to other cities, looking for a stable ce 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,pletely devoid of life.

    The ground in front of the City Lord''s Mansion had turned into a wastnd, 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.

    Momentster, 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, nning 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 n shattered, the Temple God fell into deep slumber, giving the people of Fei Lei City a chance to breathe..."

 Chapter 125: Chapter 96: Eight-Armed Prison Lotus Furious Third Prince [Seeking Monthly Ticket!]_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 stretchedzily, feeling rxed 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 momentter.

    "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 mvl

    "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 circted 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 rxed, and smelling the scent of the wood piled up inside the carriage, he began to feel a bitzy.

    This trip back to Fei Lei City had been quite sessful: he had saved Old Xu, preventing the disaster of him being eaten by his rtives, 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 particr, had rolled up everything valuable in the entire city lord''s treasury.

    Now it all belonged to Li Che.

    Even with Li Che''sposure, 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 rece 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,nd 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 copsing.

    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 ie 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 fairlymon, 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-dor bills make one ecstatic when counting, after all, it''s still money.

 Chapter 126: Chapter 96: Eight-Armed Prison Lotus Furious Third Prince [Seeking Monthly Ticket!]_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 mes 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 eximed 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-ck 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.

    ncing 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 ady 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 motheres 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 inparison, 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 finallye 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 n 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 toplete the Seven Emotions Divine Base, there''s still a long way to go.

    "No worries, cheer up; there are manyrge 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 upied.

    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 sess in Skin Refinement. Her talents in martial arts were notcking, 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 exined.

    "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 mes 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 rted to these five noblemen."

 Chapter 127: Chapter 96 Eight-Armed Prison Lotus Furious Third Prince [Seeking Monthly Ticket!]_4

    Qian He greatly enjoyed drinking wine and eatingrge 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? Howe 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 ce. 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 bncing 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 arge 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.

    asionally, 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 ayer of flowing clothing, while his body felt like a furnace, finalizing thest bit of efficacy from the Angry Xuan Jiao Blood Martial Pill from Grand Prospect Heavenly Observatory.

    Boom¡ª¡ª!

    When the medicinal power waspletely refined.

    The Mysterious Vein Method operated, and blood surged through the body''s vessels, forming awork of channels moreplex than the Minor Circtory Cycle of Qi Vessels.

    Li Che suddenly opened his eyes, his stic 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.

    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 nced 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 pped his palms, breaking into sshing 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: Chapter 97: The Myth of Two Overlapping Lives, Bull Demons 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, andpared 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 stimted 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 iparable 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 seeds?"

    Ambitions rose within Li Che''s heart.

    Of course, he was more cautious in his scheming, for if the nning was done right, even gaining just one Divine Chess Piece would be enough to be his trump card.

    Besides...

    Li Che''s brows creased, and a flicker of ring light seemed to sh 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 ovep. 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 y 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 disyed 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 outsiderse to Golden Light Prefecture, they would ask about it, and answering them often had be 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: Chapter 97: The Myth of Two Overlapping Lives, Bull Demons 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 seerge 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 herrge 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 couldpare 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 amodate ten carriages abreast, and shops lined up on both sides disying 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.

    Cities like Fei Lei City were far toomon... 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 fa?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 ce, it was fine. Li Che wasn''t picky, although he was now very wealthy, his assetsparable 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 n to settle down. So, I''d like to ask Escort Leader Qian to help us find a ce 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 Heughed 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 anypetitors 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 session..."

    "My Little Stinky Xi must enter as a true sessor!"

    Discover hidden tales at mvl

    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 ckish 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,bining 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: Chapter 97: The Myth of Two Overlapping Lives, Bull Demons Identity Reported?_3

    Thepletion 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 theplete 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 hadpletely 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 ying 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 y with such a childish toy, but since he hade 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 oftenpeted 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 elerating through her body, surging into her skin membrane, causing her skin to blush and be more tenacious, as if her whole physique was undergoing a transformation.

    Under her tender body, it seemed as ifrge sinews were twitching and trembling.!

    "Husband! I have started the Sinew Transforming process!"

    Zhang Ya, panting heavily, her dark eyes suddenly brightening, cheered jubntly.

    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 seeded 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, disying 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 copsed. 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 uncontrobly 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 ck 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 nned 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 mvl

    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 toote 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 livefortably? 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 shed 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..."

    "ording 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 ughter 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 be 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 ce 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 nned to first go to another property he had purchased in Mansion City, which was used as a woodcarving workshop, to refine the newlypleted "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, apanied 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 134: Chapter 99 Dragon Tooth Bodhi, Hundred Miles Soul Lock [Seeking Monthly Ticket]

    The spring rain seemed to be 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¡ª¡ª!

    The silencested but a moment.

    A dreadful aura suddenly rose from within the Qin Mansion.

    "Presumptuous¡ª¡ª!"

    The deafening voice, like a thunderp falling upon the human world, a boulder smashing into ake, created shockwaves that sted 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 ck 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 d in sorrow, wearing Golden Armor resembling gold dragon scales, with garments fluttering, and four muscr 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¡ª¡ª!

    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 circr 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 Ancestorunching 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, ck lines seemed to dance, then interconnecting, forming a chessboard grid that spread downward.

    Using Li Che''s position as a chessboard Ster Position, it immediately unfurled, epassing 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 §Þ??

    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 invish 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.

    Hemitted 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 [Seeking Monthly Ticket]_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 ce.

    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 toplete 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 nned 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 circting 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 abination is rare... could it be from the Heart Monkey Temple or a divine archer from the Gongyang Family?" he spected with a frown.

    "An arrow, shot from miles away, piercing through the Divine Base Cultivator and shattering his inner energy center¡ªthat uracy, 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 bing 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 umbre, 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 sessor of the Gold Split Gate, the cultivation is definitely high, as one of the five great sects of the Golden Light Prefecture, they might notpare to the Divine Sect branch, but the sect''s core sessorsck 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 §Þ??

    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 [Seeking Monthly Ticket]_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 cmity.

    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 hisposure.

    In the southern mists and rains of spring, the willows sway as if intoxicated by the gentle breeze.

    In his ck, vigorous attire, Li Che, unlike the splendidly dressed schrs 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 §Þ??

    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 ck tiles neatly and intricatelyid 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 be a Guest Official.

    Upon reaching the pavilion, he folded his umbre, shaking off the water droplets.

    Li Che stored the oil paper umbre 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 disyed a wide array of items.

    Li Che''s gaze swept across elixirs, weapons, Divine Wood Carvings, and more...

    Categorized by wooden ques, 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, apanied by a waft of fragrant breeze, prompting Li Che to turn his head and see a graceful youngdy with skin white as jade and eyes that twinkled quietly, standing beside him.

    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 alsomonce 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 bing a Heavenly Oversight Guest Official."

    A trace of surprise crossed the woman''s face.

    Before she could reply, a heartyugh 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; despiteing from the small Flying Thunder City, his worldly manners impressed Liu He, bolstered further by Li Qingshan''s rmendation, making his first impression excellent.

    The refineddy 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, rmended 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. Rmended by Elder Qingshan?" the woman said with a smile.

    "Alright, Guest Liu, you can go on with your tasks. I heard you received arge 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 sess 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 bigugh.

    "Master Li, don''t associate with him, that Yunfang Boat isn''t a reputable ce," 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 ns, 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 vor," she exined.

    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 quitefortable.

    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 be Guest Officials through passing the assessment.

    "Master Lies 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 [Seeking Monthly Ticket]_4

    ""Master Li, it must have been quite an undertaking toe from Fei Lei City to Mansion City," Shangguan Qinghong nced 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 rxed 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 rxed 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 cane 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-ss 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-ss 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 nce, 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 ck silhouette of Li Che, umbre 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 viciousdy of the Qin Family has kicked an iron te."

    ...

    ...

    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 umbre 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 umbre.

    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 umbre.

    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 collisioning 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 ntwise in Li Che''s hand;, the only Dragon Tooth Bodhi pellet was pushed inside.

    Stay updated via §Þ??

    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 141: Chapter 101: Let the World See What is Called Immortal Artisan [Seeking Monthly Ticket]

    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 andrge 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 n''s Mechanism..."

    "Did the remnants of the Tang n 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,plemented by the sculpting skills of a divine craftsman... Such intricate mechanisms can''t be made without the foundation of the Tang n''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 sted into pieces; otherwise, given the malicious nature of this mechanism, Qin Yuqing''s flesh might have ended up like beads of blood sttered all over the ground, a tragic and ghastly sight.

    Now, thankfully, being sted into pieces... spared the sight of a grotesque death.

    "Tang n''s Mechanism... was it that old ghost who acted? But there is no reason..."

    "The Tang n has long been destroyed, and he is also under surveince 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 toote. 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 stimte her blood essence and Divinity for the blink of an eye before sumbing, 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 nk 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 be a core true sessor 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 inted. How else could she hold that position of true sessor?

    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."

    "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 familypletely."

    "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 nted spies from other Noble Families and sects."

    Qin Dikun stated this inly.

    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 nowing 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 sped 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 bodyy 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 nces, their faces filled with worry.

    "An attack originating dozens of miles away killed Yuqing..."

 Chapter 142: Chapter 101: Mortals, Behold What Immortal Artisan MeanséŠ†æ€±eeking Monthly TicketséŠ†æ…±2

    "Who would dare to investigate this?"

    They are all afraid...

    of bing 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 feelzily at ease.

    His eyes narrowed slightly, with no trace of the tension and unease that had apanied the assassination he had just carried out.

    He sighed when he realized no one hade 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 someplex 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 rxed. Seeing Li Che, she showed no embarrassment at being caught cking 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 pped 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-ss 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-ss 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 disyed in transparent crystal cases.

    "The items disyed on the second floor are either good spirit items from the Ten Cities or those of the Nine Luminaries level..."

    "Since you were rmended by Elder Qingshan, the two Minor Supervisors specifically arranged a private assessment for you today. Normally, the examination for a third-ss Guest Official... only urs 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-ss Guest Official was that of an officer at the Qintian Observatory.

    However, bing a third-ss 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 surprisinglyrge, 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 shed through Li Che''s mind, and he finally bowed with sped hands: "Li Che greets the two Minor Supervisors."

    The two Minor Supervisors, a man and a woman both middle-aged, the woman still unting her charm and the man with a goatee and narrow eyes.

    "You were rmended by Li Qingshan of the Zheng Lei Peak branch of the Qian Yuan Divine Sect, and we have specifically arranged this third-ss Guest Official examination for you...

    "However, we will not grant you any leniency because of Li Qingshan''s rmendation, 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 disyed 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-ss Guest Official examination."

    "Most third-ss 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-ss 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: Chapter 101: Mortals, Behold What Immortal Artisan Means [Seeking Monthly Tickets]_3

    A wood carving half the size of a person was suddenly ced 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 ne, 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 percentpletion. Master Li shall continue the carving for three hours, and when the time is up, cease carving. Thepletion 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 ispleted, 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 sess," 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-ss 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 manes rmended 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 percentplete; if he can continue carving to seventy percent, it should suffice to stir the waters. If he can''t even aplish 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 rmendation 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 bing 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 sped 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 heughed: "Then let us begin."

    Li Che bowed with sped 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 percentplete. ording 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 ofpletion 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 previouslyid 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 y 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 rmended 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 demeanorpletely transformed, his eyes turned cold and detached. In his gaze, the wood carving seemed toe alive with countless lines undting and leaping. Grasping the carving knife, the shing de instantly came down, touching on a line, and with a tearing sound, the sharp de smoothly cut through the Spirit Wood Organization, leaving behind wood shavings.

    Knife rising, knife falling, the de''s light danced like a roaming dragon.

    Gongyang Liancheng and Gong Yunli only needed one nce 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 disy.

    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 hade to life.

    Beneath the bare feet, the dragons and serpents roared, four arms swung, red silks tumbled, eyes ring with fury¡ªall vividlying 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 pping, 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: Chapter 103: Praise and Kill Evaluation, Crow Hand Grenade [Seeking Monthly Ticket!]

    "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 ced on the tea table. Chapter Discover:

    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 sshed ink at a casual nce, 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 nce 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 nce 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 tform, 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 thetter 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 simr 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 ss 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 ss, and a First-ss Guest Official, when ced in the Mansion City Qintian Observatory, even surpassed their status as Minor Supervisors.

    Because with the identity of a First-ss 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 ss Guest Minister!

    Gong Yunli shook her head in disbelief, her bosom heaving turbulently.

    "Deputy Inspector, you are... overpraising a neer! You can''t be sarcastic and overpraise him just because he was rmended 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 neer because of Li Qingshan?"

    "Little Gong, do you remember how many articles there are in the official regtions 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 regtions."

    "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 simr to mind-reading.

    "Deputy Inspector, I still must say, unting the title of Special ss Guest Minister should not be mentioned lightly... it''s excessive overpraising for a neer!"

    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 ss 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 ss 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 p 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: Chapter 103: Praise and Kill Evaluation, Crow Hand Grenade [Seeking Monthly Ticket!]_2

    ```

    "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...

    "Rmended by Li Qingshan..."

    "Such talent, and yet he was not sent to the Divine Sect but to the Qintian Observatory to be a Guest Elder... For what reason? In another five years... it will be time for the strange cmities to form due to themotion 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.

    Bing a Third-ss 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 toe.

    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 seed 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 nned 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 vignt and could not afford to bex.

    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 bing a Third-ss 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?

    Li Che nced 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 arge impact?

    No, it should be because he hadpleted "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 rted 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 alreadyte 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 bing a Third-ss Guest Official from his Qiankun Space.

    A softly glowing crystal stonended 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 simr to that of [Pure Heart]!

    "The same source, huh? Both are pure and wless 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: Chapter 103: Praise and Kill Evaluation, Crow Hand Grenade [Seeking Monthly Ticket!]_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 note 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 sry for a third-ss 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 wasposed.

    "Moreover, now that I have be a third-ss Guest Official, besides the sry, 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 waspletely 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 ddened Li Che''s heart even more.

    Looking at the three empty crystal stones, Li Che felt somewhat mncholy 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 Cultivatorsy in the oppression of their Divine Hierarchy.

    If Divinity were to be restricted, and they had to rely solely on Qi and Blood Cultivation forbat...

    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 be 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 iparably 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 canplement 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 ying 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 contemting 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, "Youd 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 asion 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 ce 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 be a Third-ss Guest Official at the Qintian Observatory.

    After the announcement, everyone was stunned.

    Old Chen almost choked on his wine, "Qintian Observatory? Third-ss 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 Schr, he felt the most exuberant about Li Che''s entry into the Qintian Observatory.

    It was apletely different concept from when Li Che had be 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 bing an official, someone like his great uncle who was a Schr held deep aspirations!

    "Good, good, good!" His great uncle repeatedly toasted to celebrate, quickly bing 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.

    "Great uncle, enjoy your drink, I''ll go."

 Chapter 153: Chapter 105: True Intent Ultimate Study, Xi Xis Terrifying Talent

    ```

    Majestic in sound, dazzling in spirit.

    He was appointed as the Colonel of Jiuzhou Ind, overseeing each ind, wielding the power of summer decrees and guarding the divine spirit that fosters all.

    The Evil-Dispelling and Demon-ying 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-ss Guest Official, you must reach at least a Minor Aplishment 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-ss Guest Official evaluation."

    Hearing this, Li Che began to take it seriously, nning 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 ced 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 bing a Third-ss 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-de" 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-de 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-de 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 delight 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-de... has reached Major Aplishment!"

    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.

    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 circte a Minor Cirction 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 disying it duringbat. 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 be 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, bing free and unrestrained, one bes 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: Chapter 105: True Intent Ultimate Study, Xi Xis 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, stretchedzily like endless firecrackers exploding.

    With a thought, he retracted all his Qi and blood, and his sturdy body was also concealed under the stic 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, afterpletely 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 aplished..."

    "Much effort was not in vain after all the trouble of search... it came effortlessly atst..."

    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 momentter, 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 simting 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 andprehending 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 mncholy.

    In the workshop courtyard.

    Li Che''s Qi and blood burst out, in an instant throwing out an arm, numerous ovepping 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 arge 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 ifnded 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 shadowsyer byyer 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 Aplishment 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."

    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 bepleted. 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 rted to thepatibility 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 nearlyplete, just some final details to polish.

    As thest 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 ovepping with the image in his mind, somewhat dazed.

    "Evil-Dispelling and Demon-ying Great General, Furious Ghost-suppressing, impervious to all ghosts!"

 Chapter 155: Chapter 105: True Intent Ultimate Study, Xi Xis Terrifying Talent_3

    Li Che brushed off the wood shavings from his body, his gaze returning to the present, his eyes brimming withughter, 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 ovepped 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 ck clothes and left the workshop courtyard.

    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 regr, 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'' surveince 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 muchrger 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, ck 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 "ck Snake Gang," the gang had a Divine Foundation member stationed within it.

    This gang had nted 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 ck Snake Gang was because, for Mansion City''s major forces, gangs were likemodities, 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 spected,

    "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 thetter 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 ns.

    Li Che felt that sinceing to Mansion City, the only forces he had provoked were the Qin Family...

    Gold Split Gate could be considered half-provoked since, ording to rumors, Qin Yuqing had an unclear rtionship 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 surveince, 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,parison can kill a person.

    Fortunately, the one surpassing him by a head is Xi Xi.

    Seeing Lu Chi''sugh, 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 rmended 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 ck 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 be huge, and the tiny girl held a big bowl, shoveling food non-stop.

    Li Che and Old Chen clinked sses and drank, utterly contented.

    A much warmer spring breeze blew over,fortable and gentle.

    Suddenly, Li Che''s expression shifted slightly, and his brows furrowed.

    Because, outside the door, his sister-inw was stepping forward, approaching with quick steps.

    Anxiety was written all over her face.

    "Sister-inw, what''s wrong?"

    Zhang Ya opened the door and saw that her sister-inw Liu Chunming did not look good.

    Liu Chunming nced at Li Che and pursed her lips, "A Che, your cousin... he hasn''te 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: Chapter 106: Black Cloak and Bamboo Hat, Bull Demon Emerges [Seeking Monthly Ticket]

    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 note 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,forting 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-inw, don''t worry too much, maybe cousin has been dyed by something. Do you know what cousin was going to do before he didn''te home?" Li Che asked.

    "Zhengran said he was going to the marketce 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 marketce to look for a job?"

    Li Che nodded.

    "Don''t worry, big sister-inw; finding a job in the marketce 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 dyed," Li Che said gently.

    Liu Chunming, hearing this, couldn''t help but nod.

    "Big sister-inw, 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-inw and big uncle may also have their suspicions," Li Che said softly. "If big brother really was involved in something dangerous, big uncle would havee earlier."

    "Letting big sister-inwe 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 schr... 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 toe and see Li Che and instead, the sister-inw, 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 ustomed to Li Che and Zhang Ya''s asional public disys 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 ced 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 ce 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 shed 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''te 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-inw.

    "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-ss Guest Official of the Qintian Observatory, the Qin Family and the Temple Control Bureau became much warier of me, and ording to Lu Chi, the Gold Split Gate also had no motive to deal with me..."

    "In fact, they merely specte and doubt my identity, with no concrete evidence. Due to my status as a Third-ss Guest Official of the Qintian Observatory,bined 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: Chapter 106: Black Cloak and Bamboo Hat, Bull Demon Emerges [Seeking Monthly Ticket]_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 be 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 regr life, working at the Qintian Observatory during the day, and carving wood at the purchased small courtyard workshop after work..."

    "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 rtionship 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 shed with disdain.

    "It seems the ck Snake Gang... might be nning 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 nning to make a move?

    "ck Snake Gang... not one of the gang powers under the control of the Five Great ns, but from the Fishing Gang..."

    Qin Haonan poured himself another drink while thinking.

    "The Fishing Gang, the ck Jiao Gang, and the Beggars'' Sect, the three big gangs of Golden Light Prefecture City... overall power inferior to the Five Great ns 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 ck Snake Gang had long been investigated by him; its backing power wasn''t the simrly named ck 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 ck Snake Gang keeping an eye on Li Che''s family.

    Suddenly.

    A glint shed 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 regr 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 Cityrgely aligns with what Zhang Xiangyang said..."

 Chapter 158: Chapter 106: Black Cloak and Bamboo Hat, Bull Demon Emerges [Seeking Monthly Ticket]_3

    "Most likely, the results will be avable in these days."

    "Additionally, the group stalking Li Che, known as the ck 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 unrted.

    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 hade to see Li Che as a pure and good man, making him, who asionally 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 sped 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 suddenlyughed.

    "No matter how, this Bull Demon and the one who shot Qin Yuqing are definitely rted."

    "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, asionally 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 umbre.

    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 ck Snake Gang, finally found some interest ¨C Li Che today... seemed to have new actions.

    Following Li Che, they saw him in a ck robe under an umbre, 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 aplex mix of emotions toward Li Che, never imagining that his cousin, once aborer 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 be, how he had be 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 Marketce 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 be 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 urred, 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 Cheforted 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: Chapter 106: Black Cloak and Bamboo Hat, Bull Demon Emerges [Seeking Monthly Ticket] _4

    "In a couple of days, I''ll take you to Qintian Observatory... see if there''s a suitable job I can rmend 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, nting 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 theforting 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 muttes bodies?

    Shi Lei felt that his spection about Li Che was an insult to the Master''s noble character!

    "Let''s go, keep following him."

    Divine Envoy Hong Yong nced 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 tobo 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 wouldter 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 rxed; 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 upied 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 ck, 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, ck 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: Chapter 107: Flowers Bloom in Hell, Bullè·¯Outlawè·¯Demon!

    The spring breeze howled and suddenly became urgent, like a stream of air shooting forth, causing the willows nted 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 ck 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 bing 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 werepletely 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 shed 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 spected.

    "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, ording to rumors Li Che had heard, the Corpse God Cult had already conquered several prefecture cities and upied 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 ndestine 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 ck 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, isted 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 re, 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¡ª¡ª!

    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 ck robe, hands behind his back, his muscr physique stretching therge 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 apanied by a hint of agility; though his physique wasrge 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 be an elder patriarch of noble families.

 Chapter 161: Chapter 107: Flowers Bloom in Hell, Bullè·¯Outlaw Madmanè·¯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 sessfullypleted. 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 n our sect hadid 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 spections now..."

    "In Flying Thunder City, an ''Eight Extremes Corpse Curse Seal'' has gone missing... Official Yuan spectes 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 orter, 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, bing 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, reced 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 particr direction.

    "What is that thing?"

    Hmm?!

    Crack¡ª

    Suddenly, from behind the corner of the wall, a palm-sized ck 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, apanied 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-inmand of the Million Gambling House, felt the same terror.

    His face trembled violently, his expression turning to one of extreme fear.

 Chapter 162: Chapter 107: Flowers Bloom in Hell, Bullè·¯Outlaw Madmanè·¯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 coagte, difficult to activate!

    Such a diabolical tactic!

    However, in the next moment, he felt an oppressive force akin to mountains copsing, 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, apanied 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, utterlycking 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 copsing!

    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 circte 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 ughtering 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 ng 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 ck hair wildly billowing, falling straight to his waist.

    An intensely terrifying rank pressure, like a mountain copsing, ruthlessly mmed 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 de light!

    It was like a crimson, Triple-ded Knife vibrating ominously!

    Three-Eyed Wrathful True Lord''s Triple-ded Knife!

    Major Aplishment Divine Martial Arts!

    A sweep of the de released instantly on the Corpse God Envoy''s body, the terrifying power of the spear used as a de, exploding like a tsunami on his body!

    From his head, spine, skull, and back, the explosion spread, sting simultaneously inside and out of his body!

    His body, tempered into Cursed Iron Corpse, supposedly unkible 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: Chapter 107: Flowers Bloom in Hell, Bullè·¯Outlawè·¯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-inmand of Million Gambling House...

    was directly crushed!

    Li Che, in his Ascending Stance, possessed the rank of Ten Cities Temple God, skyrocketing hisbat 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 hepare 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 ughter.

    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 manipted 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 disyed a reverse triangle, ck 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 ughtered!

    His fingers hooked slightly, slowly clenching into a fist.

    Ascending the Tower¡¤Thousand Analyzing Hands¡­

    Threads of Divinity, gathered from the corpses, condensed into ck 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,nding 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 nted 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 ck 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 himpletely.

    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, hended 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 ouw indeed."

    ps: A big chapter of six thousand words, looking for fresh Monthly Tickets and rmendation tickets for support on Monday!

 Chapter 164: Chapter 108: 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, disying 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 nce.

    It seemedpletely 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 ouw!

    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 tant 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 awless 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.

    Hended 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 atter-realm Grandmaster. His martial prowess and divinity were strong, and in Golden Light Prefecture City, although notparable to those of the Five Great ns or sect elders, he still stood at the peak.

    Boom¡ª¡ª!

    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 uponnding 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."

    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,mitting 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 ck-tiled roof looking toward the distant street, where the sounds of horse hooves echoed on the wide gstone 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 nce, 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-inmand 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 ughtered 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 be a Grandmaster?!"

    Zhang Lianhao took a deep breath. ording 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,bined 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... simrly mastered such methods.

    Both of them are so, recklesslymitting murder...

    Both disying the attitude ofwless madmen.

    "Heh, interesting." Zhang Lianhaoughed, 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: Chapter 108: Super Rich, Eight Extremes Divine Crystal!_2

    ```

    But for thosewless ouws who recklesslymit 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 Lianhaopletely dismissed his suspicions of Li Che.

    Zhang Xiangyang''s spection that Li Che was the Bull Demon was just that, spection, 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 ces 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,cking 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 ying 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 andfortable 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 rxed, a trip to the Temple Office, eh...

    Then it was normal toe back reeking of blood.

    "Qinghong, about the task I took onst time, I''ve finished carving the wood. You can contact the customer and let them know they cane to im 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 exnation.

    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 muscr 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 rtionships 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, oveying 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 ck 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: Chapter 108: 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 momentter, 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-inmand 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 werepletely revealed under his divine sense.

    Li Che first checked the possessions of the second-inmand 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-inmand''s collection, there were actually two Ten Cities Divine Crystals!

    "eptable, 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-inmand couldn''t evenpare 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-inmand 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 asrge 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-inmand, 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'' sry!

    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 "Immacte Heart Taoist Fruit"!

    Just let the "Immacte Heart" Taoist Fruit''s maturity ripen to level 3, and he could awaken the Prototype of Divine Powers belonging to "Immacte 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 bepared 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 ns."

    "One Eight Extremes Divine Crystal, eleven Ten Cities Divine Crystals, could they help me elevate "Immacte 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 ck 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 Touchingpared to Corpse Cultivating Method," "Six Desires Body Touchingpared to Corpse Divine Foundation Technique", these were two volumes rted to Divinity.

    Li Che nced 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,parable 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 170: Chapter 110: 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 ovepping 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 dpidated and the lineage fragmented, cannot be considered annihted..."

    "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 upied by that Mysterious Temple has now be and of great peril, Strange Que expanding for thousands of miles, uninhabited. The Qi Tian City from back then has also be a yground 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 reim 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 copse 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 andughed, "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 upied by a Demon Kingparable to the Divine Embryo Realm..."

    "That Qi Tian Stick, along with the Divine Tribtion Cultivator from the Equal Heaven Temple, vanished back into the Qi Tian Strange Que, unknown when it might reappear... thus, it has not been imed."

    "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 Tribtion'' powerhouses!"

    "Yet it still disintegrated, turned to dust."

    Shangguan Qinghong sighed, feeling mncholy 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 ovep 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 apany my wife and daughter, to live well in this world."

    Li Che spoke softly.

    Shangguan Qinghong''s gaze fluctuated, seemingly touched by Li Che''s words, her long eyshes trembling as she nced 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: Chapter 110 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 waspletely 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 disyed 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 inurate.

    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 ss 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 ns of the Mansion City, the pration of the Corpse God Cult''s forces was easier to ept 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 emte the once-flourishing Equal Heaven Temple of three thousand years ago, to upy 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 in? 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 mutted 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 surveince 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 asionally it was the subject of storytellers in the teahouses, most of themon 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-ss 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: Chapter 110: 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 ck ink-like Corpse Qi was unleashed, releasing waves of Corpse Qi that spread in concentric circles across the entire chessboard.

    After several expansions, two ck chess pieces emitting Corpse Qi appeared on the chessboard.

    Li Che looked up, gazing beyond the courtyard.

    "ck Snake Gang..."

    The two Martial Artists marked with the Corpse Curse Seal came from outside the small workshop courtyard; they were from the ck 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 y 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 imnted in Li Zhengran''s body, nning to infect Xi Xi with such despicable means.

    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, ck hair wildly fluttering, his bones cracking loudly!

    "Huff¡ª!"

    "Inhale¡ª!"

    Li Che opened his mouth and, with every inhtion and exhtion, he stirred the airflow within the courtyard, apanied 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 seempletely linked with the universe!

    Li Che seemed to enter a state of self-forgetfulness, as his inner Qi coursed and circted within his body, forming the Cirction 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 ws, 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, bing 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 simr 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-copsing, sea-inverting surge suddenly rose within the courtyard!

    The Three-Eyed Wrathful True Lord''s Triple-ded Knife, this Divine Martial Art, was mastered by Li Che more and more adeptly, fully stabilizing his Major Aplishment!

    Withdrawing the knife, countless streaks of de 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 manybor-intense jobs avable, attracting arge number of workers to the area.

 Chapter 173: Chapter 110: Qitian Mixed Yuan Ruyi Stick, You Forced Me_4

    The Fishing Gang was indeed thergest force in this region, and even the ck Jiao Gang and the Beggars'' Sect could notpare to it.

    The powers within Mansion City were always hierarchical, with the Fishing Gang under the Five Great ns 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 simrly numerous smaller forces.

    For example, the ck 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 therge 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 momentter, 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 waspletely 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 augh, 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 congrattions.

    "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-proimed hero, the Bull Demon!"

    "Like a dog, relying on his elusive agility tomit ruthless acts¡­"

    "ording to the intelligence, when this Bull Demon first appeared in Fei Lei City, he proimed himself a hero¡­"

    "He could act like a hero in a small city, but what good oues can there be for wanting to be a hero in Mansion City?"

    "In this era, if I don''t kill thesemoners, thesemoners 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 themand 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 toe 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 intion 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 copse thunderously, turning pitch ck in an instant.

    Before hepletely lost consciousness,

    he only saw a Cute Bull Mask.

    Bull Demon?

    Bull Demon!!!

 Chapter 128 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 nheless. 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 hade 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 wless, 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.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    "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 eyshes 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 ce 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 ce 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 Aplishment in Bone Tempering, was slowly improving.

 Chapter 128 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 butterflynded on it, lightly fluttering its wings.

    Xi Xi "giggled" andughed, 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.N?v(el)B\\jnn

    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 eximed 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 Pce, 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 Pce, pping its wings up and down.

    When approaching a hundred yards from the Pce, 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 iled her arms wildly and cried out loudly.

    Because the invisible obstruction that had barred her way suddenly vanished, nearly causing her to fall t on her face.

    Xi Xi got up, and the little butterfly joyfully fluttered and danced, as if it was happy that Xi Xi had ovee 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 Pce.

    The Golden Pce was vast, incredibly vast.

    Xi Xi stepped inside and immediately felt as small as a grain of sand in her own family''srge courtyard.

    Xi Xi let out a "wow," and her voice echoed and reverberated through the Golden Pce.

    Wow wow wow, the more Xi Xi eximed, the more invigorated she felt, finding it all very fun.

    A small butterflynded on Xi Xi''s shoulder. After ying for a while, she stopped shouting and looked around her.

    Golden mist sprayed out, billowing around her.

    Then, she saw a towering, impossiblyrge golden statue almost reaching the top of the Golden Pce!

    The statue was towering and unparalleled, d 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.

    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 itsposure!

    It frantically pped 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 aze with raging mes, 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 Pce, a voice full of longing echoed endlessly, deafeningly, in peal after peal of thunder!

    Countless streams of golden divinity sprinkled down.

 Chapter 128 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¡ª¡ª

    It was as if a silent and invisible fluctuation urred in space.

    Afterward, a figure with a tall and mountainous frame, with an inverse triangle of muscr 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 heid 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 nced at Xi Xi, frowning deeply as he immediately noticed Xi Xi''s current state.

    The Immacte Heart Divinity he had arranged for Xi Xi had been exhausted at this moment!N?v(el)B\\jnn

    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, cing his palm on her tiny back.

    He nced 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 Immacte Heart Divinity began to flow out, unhurried and calm, softly surging into Xi Xi''s body.

    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 umte.

    That''s all he, as a father, could do.

    When thest 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 avable to Xi Xi by arge margin.

    The harvest would certainly be extremely bountiful!

    Boom¡ª¡ª!!!

    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 ming 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 de like zing fire, its tassel flowing with purple mes.

    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 ryed to his mind, weaving before his eyes.

    [Divine Weapon (Supreme Grade of the Four Imperial sses): Purple me Serpent Spear Fire Tip Spear]

 Chapter 130 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 w extended by the statue of the Golden Heavenly King Temple God.

    The ck 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 Avnche): Chess as high mountains, momentum like the sky copsing, the god of Great Avnches, 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 ced 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 oilmp in the house, diligently practicing martial arts,rge 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 Avnche."N?v(el)B\\jnn

    This effect, like Ascending the Tower and Soul Capturing at the start, waspletely 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 Avnche."

    "So it''s like that... It''s a form of might, isn''t it?"

    "Like the god of Great Avnches, the maximum oppression, it''s more like... an enhanced form of Rank oppression!"

    Li Che mused.

    Apart from that, there was the umtion 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 ck 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 Avnche!"

    Li Che''s thoughts moved slightly.

    He looked up, his ck hair flying wildly behind him.

    And his pupils seemed to transform in an instant.

    The white of his eyes became a of ck intersecting lines covering it, and the dark pupils turned into Chess Pieces on a ster position of the chessboard.

    In a sh, the two ck 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 ck 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 urred 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.

    Therge ck 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 umted 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 130 Replica of Third Crown Prince Xi Xi, Concept of a Mushroom Cloud Firework_2

    ```

    "Is this... the Great Avnche?"

    Li Che''s eyes narrowed sharply.

    It was as though a towering andpletely 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 supremelypressed chess piece bing incredibly strenuous...

    "Hoo¡ª¡ª"

    Li Che clenched his fingers, and countless divine chess pieces automatically scattered.

    They transformed into floating chess pieces around him.

    Li Che''s ck robe billowed as if inted 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 Pce.

    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 pirs 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 havee,e in and take a seat."

    Nan Lihuo spoke softly, his voice was gentle.

    Yet, a faintughter 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 ck 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,te 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-ss 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, hisrge 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 rify 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 y 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 y 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 areying 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.N?v(el)B\\jnn

    He then turned around, his divine power erupted, and he shot away like a rainbow.

    The Chief Supervisor stopped ying 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 epted 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 130 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 nced 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 deste.

    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 pce.

    He sat cross-legged on a meditation cushion and prayed to the gods.

    ...

    ...n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    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.

    ording 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 imed 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 Chepared 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.

    Nheless, 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. ording 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 maniption, 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,bined 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 ratiopared to Pills made with Demon Beast blood and precious spiritual herbs.

    That was also why Li Che felt confident about ingesting and assimting 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 nned 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 wasprehensive,plete 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 130 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 loudughter.

    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 ns 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 abination, 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 ck 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 cane 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-ss 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 augh.

    "You can freeload all you want, if you can bankrupt me, I''d consider you quite capable."

    Li Che couldn''t help butugh.

    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 ns 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.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    Li Che speechlessly thought, It''s you who dyed, and yet it''s also you who urges relentlessly.

    "Today is the day that Inner Sect Disciples have their monthly challenge for the True Sessor."

    "Qin Feng Huo from the Qin Family seems to have broken through to Bone Tempering Completion. He loudly dered 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 131 Emperor Xi Xis 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,e, 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 te 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 te of braised pork, took a deep breath, and began tough loudly.

    Li Che, carrying the redcquer 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 therge tform of the Divine Sect''s Inner Gate.

    The tform 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.

    Simr to a monthly exam, this event ranked disciples of the same period, and even true sessors participated alongside Inner Sect disciples.

    For instance, out of five true sessors, 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 reced 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 sessors.

    Besides, at the monthly assessment, Inner Sect disciples had a chance to challenge true sessors.

    A sessful challenge three months in a row could rece a true sessor 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 reced those from the Inner Sect.

    However, cases of true sessors being reced were exceedingly rare.

    As Li Che and Zhang Ya arrived at the tform, Elder Zhang Qing Zheng, d 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 disy his Martial Cultivation.

    The sequence of moves waspleted 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 ns of Golden Light Prefecture City, each staying close to Xi Xi, showing off.

    Li Che looked grim, sitting high on the tform, watching with a cold gaze, for he knew the intentions of these n 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 sessor of Golden Light Peak, a status far beyond ordinary sessors, and crucially, she was a girl.

    In the eyes of these Noble Families and ns, girls were ultimately destined to marry, even if they were a sect master''s true sessor.

    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 sessor 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?"

    "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 areying groundwork for the future, it''s something we must guard against!"

    Zhang Ya chuckled silently, her husband always nning ahead, thinking far into the future.

    ...N?v(el)B\\jnn

    ...

    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 132 Sects 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, pping 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 pressureing 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 y 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,nding 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 fatherbined 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 violentlyshed 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 ced among the Five Great ns, 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 rm.

    "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 notpete 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 bing the Sect Master''s True Sessor, 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..."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    A trace of severity shed 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 ck 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,pletely 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!

    ng¡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 ughter was extremely dangerous. The Divinity sparked from their collision was enough to bring about a terribly shocking impact and oppression.

 Chapter 132 Sects 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 ughtering 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 waspletely 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, pping 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,pletely 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 copsing, 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.

    Thebined rank pressure of two Divine Symbol Cultivators exploded, almost suffocating those present. All Outer Sect, Inner Sect, and True Disciples felt petrified in ce.

    But Shangguan Qinglei did not care andughed 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, be 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 w from the Netherworld!

    This w... Stay connected with empire

    Actually ignored the rank pressure of the Divine Symbol Cultivators!

    They had indeede 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.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    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 copsed, a powerful twisting force seemed to twist the space in front of Xi Xi into a copsed dent, thereafterpletely 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 ce 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 couldnd, 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 132 Sects 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 werepletely 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 suddenlye 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 w 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."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    "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 nning 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 nned to do so.

    nning 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 rify things.

    Zhang Qing Zheng looked at Li Che, rare remorse showing in his dead fish eyes, and he briefly exined, 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 hee 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''smand 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.

    Themotion below continued for quite a while.

    Zhang Qing Zheng came out to continue presiding, nced at Shangguan Qinglei who had been battered half to death by Xi Xi, and a hint of disgust shed in his eyes.

 Chapter 132 Sects 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 andfort 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 rxed.

    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.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om

    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 nced 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 exined the situation, Nurse Momo''s face turned shocked.

    "Inside the Divine Sect... such things actually happened?"

    "I''ll go and call Qingshan."

    Nurse Momo mmed 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 exnation! 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 nced 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 ce 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, nced 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.

    Amon 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 exin 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 Expertsunched 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 hey 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 note 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.