Chapter 138: The Unyielding Fury of the Golden Divine Hall

Under the surge of energy, the metal tube began to glow red, like a raging beast ready to unleash extreme light and heat!

The six metal tubes of the Namo Celestial Craft Gatling grew hot, and the inner Muduya roared forth!

Radiant golden light burst forth from the barrel.

Rat-a-tat-tat—

Streams of golden light, like divine swords slicing through darkness, tore through the sky to bombard the airborne Golden Third Prince riding his golden fiery wheel!

Boom, boom, boom!

Explosive sounds erupted in the Divine Temple while violent gusts of wind rampaged relentlessly.

Brilliant fireworks bloomed like ornaments in the Golden Divine Hall, erupting continuously in midair!

Shockwaves spread out, agitating the very air around them!

Li Che had set three power levels for XiXi’s Namo Celestial Craft Gatling. Clearly, facing the Golden Third Prince was an utterly unreasonable test devised by the Golden Divine Hall, so she opted for maximum firepower!

Even if it were a mythical being stepping into reality!

So what?

As long as the firepower was overwhelming, XiXi felt no fear—only a wild passion for the fireworks!

The golden-forged boy, with eyes aglow like molten gold, emitted drifting wisps of golden smoke that twisted into serpent-like curves in the air.

His golden-forged feet kept the fiery wheel spinning, sparks flew and winds howled as it propelled him in a rapid, evasive dance midair.

Such astounding speed…

It was unbelievably fast!

Though he hovered in the air, he moved as if walking on flat ground—effortlessly and with great agility!

Yet XiXi pressed on with unyielding firepower, maneuvering the blazing barrel with relentless speed every second!

It was like golden light swords spewing out flying blades!

Vanishing into the void, slashing at high speeds!

Bang, bang, bang!

Though she couldn’t hit the Golden Third Prince directly, her barrage forced him to remain far away, unable to approach her.

Boom—!

Suddenly, a tremendous explosion shattered the air!

A radiant smile crossed XiXi’s face as an enormous firework burst, releasing torrents of light, heat, and billowing black smoke!

It hit its mark!

The golden-forged Golden Third Prince was struck by her Muduya projectiles!

The impact ignited an explosion of dazzling fireworks!

The shockwave spread in concentric circles, whipping up a frenzy of winds that clung tightly to the clothes Zhang Ya had meticulously sewn for XiXi.

XiXi bent her knees and stood firm, her small frame like a steadfast rock holding down the Celestial Craft Gatling amid the gale.

Her face shone with pure excitement.

The barrel glowed red and blisteringly hot as it targeted the exploding fireworks, unleashing a furious burst of Muduya once more!

At maximum firepower, the explosions grew even more potent, with enhanced penetrating power!

But…

Li Che had only supplied XiXi with 800 enhanced Muduya rounds.

Boom, boom, boom, boom, boom!

One shell hit its target, and then the relentless barrage began.

XiXi had a natural knack for fireworks; her control over range, accuracy, and trajectory was nothing short of masterful—a skill worthy of a grandmaster if it were a martial art.

Of course, compared to Li Che with his 【Xiangong】 Dao Fruit, the difference was still evident.

Amid the exploding fireworks…

XiXi suddenly ceased her barrage and shifted into an evasive maneuver.

Bang—!

A golden Fire-Tipped Spear crashed into the ground—a spear that wasn’t the true Purple-Flame Serpent Spear, but one that was still part of XiXi’s armament.

Yet its power was undeniably impressive.

The temple floor caved in instantly, pierced by radiant fissures that spread like wildfire.

Just as XiXi steadied her step, the flesh on her face trembled.

She glanced upward to see the exploding fireworks stir the sky, as if swallowed by a raging vortex converging above the golden fiery wheel.

The Golden Third Prince’s gaze sharpened, his molten eyes flaring with fierce battle intent!

With a deafening boom…

The flames from the exploding Muduya transformed into two horizontal fire dragons beneath the Third Prince’s feet!

Compressed to their extreme, the immense thrust made the Third Prince’s speed blindingly fast!

Without a moment’s pause, XiXi raised the Celestial Craft Gatling; its blazing barrel whirled furiously!

The final rounds of Muduya turned into golden light swords that roared as they burst forth.

Yet the Golden Third Prince found himself ensnared within the unyielding barrage of light swords…

As if he were a swimming dragon!

Two fire dragons, intertwined like twisted knots, thundered down right before XiXi!

XiXi’s body shuddered as she felt the tremendous impact of the Third Prince’s landing reverberate through the temple floor!

Boom—!

Gripping a golden Fire-Tipped Spear embedded in the ground with clenched fingers, the Third Prince sent it hurtling toward XiXi with explosive force.

With a fierce swing, the fiery spear whirled like a coiled serpent and crashed down onto XiXi!

XiXi’s expression turned serious as a thought crept in: her firepower was dwindling… next time, she must ask Master Niu Niu for more Muduya.

Only overwhelming firepower could give XiXi the reassurance she craved!

The Qianyuan Vajra Ring trembled at her neck before blasting forward, colliding with the golden Fire-Tipped Spear hurled by the Golden Third Prince.

This seven-gen Dao artifact boasted impressive strength, yet at that moment, XiXi could barely muster enough power to activate it.

Then—

With a crisp crack, the Qianyuan Vajra Ring was flung aside, landing far away.

Taking advantage of the moment, XiXi quickly distanced herself.

Displaying a masterful White Tiger Turbulent Wind Fist, her five fingers struck out, leaving behind a fleeting white tiger phantom—a move that, though blurred, packed considerable power!

But the Golden Third Prince clenched his fist and charged forward with a crushing punch.

The little girl, though diminutive, dashed backward in rapid succession; even her body, already tempered by Three-Stage Blood Exchange, trembled uncontrollably.

She glanced at her reddening fist, already on the verge of breaking the skin.

It hurt.

With that single punch, XiXi understood…

Today’s beating was inevitable.

She simply wasn’t strong enough to win.

Even though the Golden Third Prince was at the Blood Exchange stage accompanied by Yangxing Ruhe, his raw strength far exceeded hers.

But…

XiXi felt not even a shred of hope.

Surely, she wasn’t really going to be beaten to tears, was she?

However…

XiXi had never been one to fear a fight—injury was indispensable for growth!

Gritting her teeth, she recalled the incident with Shangguan Qinglei, still haunted by its memory; she knew her parents worried for her deeply.

She had even secretly seen her mother weeping alone, fearful of her getting hurt or facing danger.

In that moment, XiXi silently vowed to grow stronger.

Strong enough to beat anyone!

Taking a deep breath, XiXi put away the Celestial Craft Gatling Master Niu Niu had given her; her delicate, pale face and bright, spirited eyes belied a formidable inner strength.

Though small in stature, her body pulsed with surging qi, as if her very muscles shimmered with crystalline brilliance!

In a flash, XiXi propelled herself toward the Golden Third Prince.

The Golden Third Prince, with haughty, disdainful molten eyes, nonchalantly tossed aside the Fire-Tipped Spear and charged at XiXi empty-handed.

In the vast Golden Divine Hall, before the imposing Heavenly King Statue, these two youngsters clashed fiercely.

On the hand of the Heavenly King Statue—lifting the Golden Tower—a small golden incense burned slowly, as if keeping time.

Bang—

XiXi was blasted away once more, her tiny form crashing forcefully onto the ground.

Yet she quickly scrambled up and charged back at the Golden Third Prince!

XiXi refused to give up!

Her fighting spirit blazed with renewed intensity!

Fueled by indomitable tenacity, she unleashed every martial art and battle tactic Nan Lihuo had taught her.

But the Golden Third Prince, nearly as formidable as a Temple Spirit in his realm, stood invincible!

His golden-forged body possessed unparalleled resilience and raw strength that far surpassed XiXi’s.

XiXi was completely overpowered.

Yet, this little girl—young, stubborn, and proud—relentlessly charged forward, only to be knocked back time and again.

Her persistence was like smashing headlong into a wall with no turning back!

Thud—

Countless times, she was blown away.

XiXi pressed her lips together, her large eyes brimming with tears, but she refused to cry!

Fighting the Golden Third Prince would only make her stronger—there was no room for tears!

XiXi had to become formidable to ease her parents’ worries!

XiXi would not cry!

The little girl gritted her teeth, her cheeks puffing up a deep, resolute red.

She wobbled to her feet, her tiny legs trembling so much they barely supported her.

She watched as the Golden Third Prince spun around, seemingly dazed…

Finally, overwhelmed by fatigue, her heavy eyelids succumbed, gradually swallowed by darkness.

A pained sigh echoed within the Divine Temple.

Li Che appeared by XiXi’s side and enveloped the battered girl in his arms.

A streak of golden light cascaded from the Heavenly King Statue, enveloping XiXi and instantly mending her wounds.

Yet her relentless fighting spirit had left her exhausted, and she soon drifted into a deep sleep.

Li Che, having already witnessed the battle through the reflections of a Feilei Chess Piece, knew of XiXi’s arduous struggle with the Golden Third Prince.

He understood this was a test and so refrained from intervening.

He had expected that once XiXi’s Celestial Craft Gatling ran out of rounds, she would give up.

But to his amazement, the little girl displayed a level of perseverance that both stunned and pained him.

“You want to get strong so you won’t worry your parents, huh?”

Li Che gently wiped away beads of sweat from XiXi’s forehead, his eyes filled with tender concern.

“Oh, how well-behaved you are, XiXi.”

“It’s because I, your father, wasn’t strong enough that you had to bear such a burden at such a young age.”

Li Che sighed deeply.

It was all his fault as a father.

Shifting his gaze, Li Che looked at the little Butterfly perched on XiXi’s shoulder.

“Take good care of XiXi.”

The little Butterfly unfurled its wings, soaring swiftly and landing on XiXi’s back—as if twin butterfly wings had sprouted there, carrying her aloft.

Once it settled at a distance, the Butterfly radiated a potent divine aura that intertwined into a semicircular shield around XiXi.

Li Che’s gaze returned to the Golden Third Prince.

The latter tilted his head, puzzled by the unexpected change in his opponent.

“That was one heck of a hit, huh?” Li Che chuckled.

“Mind if I have a go?”

In the next moment, his body erupted with scorching qi as he stepped forward, and the entire Divine Temple trembled!

A hurricane roared into life—this was the terrifying oppressive force of a true Furnace Sect Master!

Boom—

The temple floor fractured into radiant, explosive cracks under his every step.

Though the cracks slowly mended, the visual impact was utterly terrifying.

Li Che transformed into a straight crimson streak, appearing right before the Golden Third Prince.

The Golden Third Prince opened his mouth as if to unleash a silent, furious roar, his aura surging upward; clearly, as his opponent changed, so did his strength!

His true qi roared like a coiled dragon, morphing into eight ferocious White Tigers that condensed into razor-sharp spear shadows!

A Furnace Sect Master—nine martial arts refined to their transformative peak—all converged in his hands, interweaving into ever-changing forms!

The transformations were unpredictable, defying all attempts at comprehension!

In an instant, the Golden Third Prince was left stunned!

A hazy blood mist erupted around him, and brilliant golden fog burst forth like a cannonball, slamming him backwards.

Li Che stood his ground, his true qi coalescing into a longbow which he drew fiercely.

Countless wails of the damned erupted in a cacophonous roar.

The bow snapped like lightning; when the arrow flew, it was as if thunder itself had been unleashed!

At the moment the Third Prince hit the ground, a host of ghostly forms, accompanied by a mighty qi arrow, pierced through the air and struck the back of his head!

The blow sent him hurtling sideways.

Thud—

Li Che dispersed his qi-longbow, staggered for a moment, then leaped to the spot where the Third Prince had landed, instantly seizing the Jiao Bone Wind and Thunder Halberd and the Three-Eyed Furious True Lord Three-Blade Saber!

The halberd’s blade shimmered as it locked onto the Golden Third Prince from every angle.

Li Che’s qi surged violently through his body, as if rivers were collapsing and vortexes swirling, his spine trembling like a roaring dragon.

His qi burst forth, merging into the Three-Blade Saber as the omnipresent air vibrated with razor-sharp wind blades!

In an instant, he delivered a savage blow to the Golden Third Prince!

Countless bursts of golden mist erupted in an unending cascade!

‘If anyone dares to hurt my daughter—even in a test—I won’t stand for it!’

‘I’m not happy about this at all!’

Bang, bang, bang, bang—

The Golden Third Prince appeared momentarily stunned, his golden-forged body blasted repeatedly and sent tumbling.

Furious beyond measure, he roared; unable to match Li Che’s martial prowess, he desperately sought to elevate his own cultivation.

But Li Che showed no mercy—he unleashed the full might of the Dragon Elephant Vajra!

As the Dao Fruit trembled in his grasp,

Li Che surged upward, his spine roaring with each quivering sinew as if possessed by both demon and god!

‘You think only you, the Golden Third Prince, can unlock this state? Think again!’

‘I can too!’

Boom!

Boom!

Boom!!!

The entire temple floor was sliced to shreds by countless wind blades, the cracks interweaving—even as the temple began to mend rapidly!

As the Golden Third Prince was once again slammed away by Li Che…

Boom—

A terrifying surge of qi suddenly erupted from the Golden Third Prince’s body as his golden fiery wheel spun at incredible speed, and his golden Fire-Tipped Spear reappeared in his grasp.

His eyes blazed with fury as his qi erupted like a geyser, instantly reaching the level of a Furnace Sect Master!

Li Che laughed.

The Muduya within trembled.

Behind him, the six-round Divine Foundation unfurled like a peacock’s tail.

The Golden Third Prince’s gaze grew increasingly confused.

Boom—!

The beating continued.

…

…

Golden Light Peak, Divine Temple.

Nan Lihuo’s sleeved robe flapped wildly, stirring up a fierce wind that howled mightily.

He closed his eyes, waiting in silence for XiXi’s trial results inside the Golden Heavenly King Tower.

‘For someone of XiXi’s power to face a Third Prince of the same realm and last even a third of an incense stick is commendable.’

‘Enduring half an incense stick would be extraordinary.’

‘If she can last a full incense stick…’

Mmm?

Nan Lihuo suddenly opened his eyes and gazed at the slowly rotating Golden Heavenly King Tower hanging in the sky.

Then the Divine Sanctuary opened, revealing the scenes within the Golden Divine Hall.

XiXi, fast asleep, was transported out; in one swift motion, Nan Lihuo caught her.

Under the healing divine aura of the Golden Divine Hall, XiXi emerged unscathed, as delicate as a porcelain doll.

Nan Lihuo lifted his head, his hair and beard flowing, and stared at the Golden Divine Hall he hadn’t visited in ages—only to be momentarily stunned.

For atop the hand of the Heavenly King Statue that cradled the Golden Tower,

the golden-forged Golden Third Prince stood astride a fiery wheel, gripping a Fire-Tipped Spear with his hands on his hips.

If not for his battered, bruised appearance, he would have looked truly imposing.

…

…

Lingnan Path, Daocheng.

At the Eight-Treasure Double-Eaved Nine-Dragon Empress Tower.

An old man with flowing hair sat cross-legged on a cushion, his fingers forming treasured seals, while his large ears dangled as if harboring precious jewels.

Suddenly, the old man opened his eyes, his gaze deep and mysterious.

Hazy images flickered in his eyes.

He saw XiXi wielding the Celestial Craft Gatling, unleashing a relentless barrage on the Golden Third Prince.

Finally, the scene froze on the imposing, battered visage of the Golden Third Prince.

He then turned his eyes toward Yunzhou, his white brows fluttering with astonishment.

“Yunzhou… the prodigy from Jin Guang Mansion…”

“In the first trial at the Golden Heavenly King Tower, clashing endlessly with the Golden Third Prince…”

“Which prodigy managed to beat the Golden Third Prince into such a battered state?”

“Something’s not right… this trial is off…”

The old man murmured as he raised his hand to rub his large earlobes.

“It’s a bit chaotic, a bit muddled.”

He methodically calculated with his fingers.

“Li Nuǎnxi, from Feilei City, three and a half years old, Three-Stage Blood Exchange… Yangxing Ruhe… beating the Third Prince to tears… Hm?!”

The old man opened his eyes wider: “So chaotic…”

“It seems someone has shielded the divine secrets… I can’t calculate…”

“Absolutely impossible to figure out!”

The old man closed his eyes, letting his agitated emotions subside.

Moments later, he opened his eyes once more.

“At Jin Guang Mansion, where the Eight-Armed Furious Third Prince Bizarre Temple resides?”

“This Bizarre Temple… incredible… now a prodigy of the Jiazi generation has emerged… could it be mere coincidence?”

“Chaotic, chaotic, chaotic…”

The old man exhaled deeply.

“The Golden Third Prince is invincible at his level; though this prodigy is impressive, she isn’t yet on his scale.”

“But at just three years old… that is the age of invincibility. She must earn a spot on the Lingnan Path City Prodigies List.”

“If not among the first tier—since she hasn’t entered the Divine Foundation—then she ranks on the prodigies list as…”

“Twenty-one.”

…

…

A white Divine Chess Piece clutched tightly between five fingers.

Li Che silently returned to the Private Workshop Courtyard in Luohua Alley.

His surging qi subsided, and his eyes grew calm as his bloodstream, like a coiled serpent, stirred the tranquil air of the courtyard.

“The Golden Third Prince… what a perfect punching bag.”

Li Che stretched lazily, his muscles resonating as his powerful back resembled a tapestry of ghostly faces.

Fresh from his breakthrough, he had found a perfect sparring partner—Li Che was truly satisfied, not only venting his anger on XiXi but also honing his rapidly increasing strength. A win-win!

Raising his hand, an ominous dark-gold Heavenly King Divine Chess Piece materialized in his palm.

The terrifying oppressive power of its rank swept over the area like a storm, whipping up sand and dust as wood chips flew about.

“The second Heavenly King Divine Chess Piece… hey.”

Li Che was delighted—this was his third win.

He had thought it would be hard to obtain another Heavenly King Chess Piece, yet unexpectedly, XiXi could secure one every half-year, meaning Li Che could pluck one from the Golden Heavenly King Statue every six months.

“Hmm… I left a Feilei Chess Piece in the Golden Divine Hall. I wonder…”

Before departing, Li Che condensed a Feilei Chess Piece and tossed it inside.

He wanted to see if he could turn the Golden Divine Hall into his own backyard.

If he could roam its halls freely, he’d be able to gaze upon his beloved Heavenly King Statue every day.

Imagine gathering a Heavenly King Divine Chess Piece every day…

Li Che couldn’t even fathom how incredible that would be.

But…

When Li Che attempted to teleport using a Feilei Chess Piece, he suddenly found himself inside the Golden Divine Hall.

A terrifying roar, like a bolt of lightning shattering the heavens, crashed down!

An overwhelming aura of rank, like a tidal wave, struck fiercely.

“Thief—”

“Get lost!”

Li Che promptly grabbed another Feilei Chess Piece and teleported away.

The entire Golden Divine Hall trembled violently, as if the very earth was quaking.

The imposing Heavenly King Statue bellowed, spewing fire!

In the courtyard:

Li Che donned a black battle suit and touched his chin, remarking, “Seems I shouldn’t be too frequent—Heavenly King does have a temper… Once every half-year is just right, enough for his anger to subside.”

Glancing at the sky, Li Che decided not to continue his cultivation. Having just broken through to a major realm, he felt refreshed.

He walked along Luohua Alley to a small restaurant tucked away in a secluded spot—a place where the chef’s skills were surprisingly excellent.

A modest eatery serving exquisite dishes stood there, its reputation proving that even hidden gems can be remarkably assured.

Li Che arrived at the restaurant, where a large black dog lay lazily at the door, basking in the gentle breeze.

He ordered a feast and a pot of homemade wine, brewed by the restaurant owner.

Li Che stored everything in his Qiankun Space and returned to Zheng Lei Peak.

He was eager to celebrate with his wife.

Just as he reached Zheng Lei Peak,

in the courtyard,

his wife Zhang Ya’s long, slender legs snapped sharply in the air, producing a resounding crack.

Bones creaked and trembled!

Zhang Ya beamed as she clenched her fists and danced in place for a while.

Seeing Li Che, tall and dignified in his black robe, made her eyes sparkle with delight!

“Husband! I’ve mastered Bone Tempering!”

Zhang Ya raised her smooth chin, her excitement and joy evident.

It truly wasn’t easy—both your husband and daughter were top prodigies, and the pressure on her was immense!

Yet she had never given up; under tremendous pressure, she was steadily growing stronger.

That gradual feeling of catching up was strangely delightful!

Li Che smiled warmly, knowing that his constant refining of Pure Heart to strengthen himself had also enhanced Zhang Ya’s innate talent.

“Perfect timing—I’ve bought a feast of fine wine and dishes. Let’s invite Granny Mu and Master Feng to celebrate with us.”

Li Che beamed with satisfaction.

Zhang Ya nodded eagerly.

Then, leaning in, Zhang Ya’s blushing, flawless face sparkled as she playfully eyed Li Che.

Her earlobes tinged with a delicate flush, she whispered, “Husband… tonight, do you have any Bone Tempering moves to teach me?”

…

…

Discussing Bone Tempering moves had a way of enchanting the mind.

Time flowed like sand slipping through one’s fingers.

Two months passed in the blink of an eye.

After Li Che broke through to Furnace Sect Master, he kept quiet, focusing on consolidating his strength.

Meanwhile, he continued to investigate the hidden wrongdoers of the Corpse God Sect within the Divine Sect; Elder Xu Jiuying of the Enforcement Hall labored daily, yet no breakthrough came.

But Li Che was in no hurry—if the Corpse God Sect scoundrels had the confidence and means to hide, they wouldn’t expose themselves.

With Elder Xu unable to trace them using the Undead Curse Seal, patience was his only option. His relentless daily investigations would eventually force the enemy to falter and reveal a trace.

Li Qingshan had reached a critical juncture, and on Zheng Lei Peak the oppressive divine aura grew ever denser.

Thus, for a while, Li Che had received no plans from Li Qingshan regarding a hunt.

But Li Che wasn’t in a rush—his days were spent practicing martial arts, carving wood, and nurturing his divine essence while gradually refining the Seven-Gen Corpse Curse Seal trapped within the Cosmic Chessboard.

Once he refined the Seven-Gen Corpse Curse Seal…

That would mark the beginning of his cleansing operation—even if Li Qingshan wasn’t involved, it wouldn’t matter.

Once the Seven-Gen Corpse Curse Seal was fully refined, nearly all hidden Corpse God Sect experts within Jin Guang City would be exposed to him.

After all, the rank of the Seven-Gen Corpse Curse Seal was extremely high.

During this period, the major powers within Jin Guang City fell silent; the city was at peace, and even the Eight-Armed Furious Third Prince Bizarre Temple at the heart of Jiulong River scarcely stirred.

Day by day, life passed in calm tranquility.

Snow began to drift softly from the sky.

The chilly wind scattered frosty flakes.

Luohua Alley.

Inside the Workshop Courtyard,

Li Che sat cross-legged as the Muduya trembled; the Seventh-Round Foundation of the Sorrowful Divine Essence was finally forged!

Meanwhile, within the Cosmic Chessboard,

the Seven-Gen Corpse Curse Seal—and all the rampant corpse qi and deathly aura—succumbed under the crushing pressure of Pure Heart’s divine suppression and ultimately… yielded completely!

He opened his eyes, and his mighty divine perception burst forth, sending invisible waves of qi surging from his body like twisted air before quickly settling again.

Exhaling hot breath, Li Che’s eyes brightened as his face slowly lifted.

A flurry of icy snow landed on his face and melted into water under his scorching qi.

Before he knew it…

another harsh winter with heavy snow had arrived.

My little XiXi is four years old now.

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