Chapter 162: A Surge of Martial Will

Suxue exploded, scattering into a flurry of snow mist that veiled the heavens and earth alike.

The entire stone-paved mountain path roiled like a colossal dragon, shaking fiercely and sending heaps of snow tumbling down in an avalanche.

With a single step onto the stone, the One-Armed Elder’s presence transformed completely.

In an instant, he seemed to awaken—like a fierce tiger suddenly opening its eyes and shaking the world.

With a cry honoring the mountain, his roar burst forth like thunder.

It stirred up a raging torrent of air that, like an unstoppable tide, halted the crashing avalanche of snow.

It whipped up countless clouds of white dust, resembling a surging river of snow.

Then, the One-Armed Elder took one step forward—and with that single stride, his body launched skyward like a speeding cannonball.

His speed was unimaginable.

It had reached the very limits of velocity!

Faster than an arrow released from a bow!

Whoosh—!

The winter wind was subdued as a twisted, indescribable force radiated from the One-Armed Elder, forming a unique field around him.

The scorching surge of blood and qi swept upward, searing the mountain’s blanket of snow into a steamy, distorted haze.

It was as if a mighty sun had risen from the foothills, blazing and radiant with overwhelming light and heat!

The Grand Master!

At that moment, the entire Jin Guang Branch trembled violently.

Inside the Mountain Gate, disciples from every peak and vein felt their hearts quake in astonishment.

Almost simultaneously,

in various peaks of the branch, formidable auras erupted in wild strains.

At Zheng Lei Peak, Li Qingshan roared in fury, his fingers clenching until the Goat-Horn Hammer slid into his grasp.

At the gate, his steps were swift and his aura of Divine Vision burst forth, as if a double-winged thunder god had materialized to span the skies!

At Two Sleeves Peak, Elder Zhang Qingzheng, a scholarly man engrossed in his book, slammed it shut in uncontrollable anger.

He stepped forward with sweeping momentum, hurtling out with astounding speed.

At Hongyun Peak, Zhu Hongdou was polishing his scarlet divine spear when he sensed the Grand Master’s aura erupting from below.

Without hesitation, he drew his spear and launched it forth.

At Nanshan Peak.

The eldest elder, Weng Wuyou, let out a gentle sigh and tapped his peach-wood staff before stepping forward.

Atop Golden Light Peak,

Nan Lihuo remained as calm as ever, his white robe billowing in the wind.

Beside him, Taoist Wang Kuyu’s expression grew increasingly grim.

“Junior Brother, just as you predicted… this Little Prince simply can’t sit still—he’s arrived.”

“Paying respects on the mountain isn’t meant as a signal for a fight.”

Wang Kuyu shook his head softly.

Nan Lihuo chuckled, “No, it isn’t about intimidation—it’s a test.”

“A test?”

Wang Kuyu asked, puzzled.

“He’s testing you, Junior Brother…”

“The Little Prince openly came to see XiXi and to inspect the genuine divine prodigy of Jin Guang Mansion, but in truth, his intention in summoning the Grand Master is to gauge the strength of our Divine Sect’s authentic representatives.”

“The purpose is to test your strength as the true envoy of the Divine Sect.”

“Since our Jin Guang Branch is part of the Divine Sect, the core of the Sect would never remain idle—they too represent the Divine Sect.”

“The Grand Master’s visit is meant to see if the Divine Sect has dispatched a Divine Immortal this time.”

Nan Lihuo’s white robe fluttered as his white hair danced in the wind.

At his words, Wang Kuyu was momentarily stunned.

“Sigh…”

“It truly is so.”

Nan Lihuo cast a thoughtful glance at Wang Kuyu.

Sometimes, whether to engage or refrain from conflict isn’t a matter of personal choice.

Without another word, a sweeping cloak unfurled behind him and, in a single step, he floated down to the Golden Light Peak Plaza.

Soon thereafter, Liu Yangyuan and Sang Guanyin arrived one after the other.

XiXi, the Chubby Kid Zhou Peng, the stunning Yun’e, and many of the top prodigies training atop Golden Light Peak hurried to gather.

“Sect Master! Someone’s about to start a fight!”

XiXi’s big eyes widened excitedly as she cried out.

“Shh… XiXi, you mustn’t blabber.”

The Chubby Kid Zhou Peng’s cheeks quivered as he quickly shouted.

XiXi tilted her head, “The other party is provoking us—doesn’t mountain greeting imply a fight?”

The Chubby Kid spun his head like a rattle, “Of course not! This visitor is none other than the Grand Master… who could possibly defeat him?”

“Unless a few of our core Grand Masters step in or a Divine Immortal intervenes, we’re bound to get our asses kicked.”

“The Grand Master, with an unblemished body and forged Body Pill from his congealed essence, stands unrivaled among warriors!”

The Chubby Kid drew a deep breath, explaining just how formidable a Grand Master truly is!

XiXi’s eyes sparkled as she said, “How many fireworks would it take to cause a real mess?”

The Chubby Kid was left speechless.

Well, it seems this girl only has fighting on her mind.

She shows not the slightest fear toward the Grand Master…

Truly—impressively formidable!

No wonder he’s such a tough bull!

Meanwhile, Yun’e covered her mouth with a smile, gently pulling XiXi aside to speak quietly.

At her quiet words, XiXi suddenly grew serious.

Nan Lihuo arrived with his hands clasped behind his back, casting a glance over the rowdy children without dismissing them.

He wasn’t worried about the Little Prince and the Grand Master unleashing havoc within the Mountain Gate of Jin Guang Branch.

After all, the Temple Spirit Resonance event still required Jin Guang Branch to initiate proceedings.

It appears the mountain greeting is designed to suppress the peers and daunt the Divine Sect’s prodigies during the upcoming Temple Spirit Resonance.

Boom, boom, boom…

The entire peak trembled.

Four Divine Vision elders arrived one after another, alighting atop Golden Light Peak.

Li Qingshan’s face was dark as he gripped the Goat-Horn Hammer, feeling the suffocating pressure that forced him to steady his breath.

Oh, Grand Master…

This Grand Master—his unblemished body forged into an indestructible form, with every internal organ refined to perfection and qi coursing through every orifice—has synthesized his divine will, qi, and flesh to form a Body Pill!

A perfected Body Pill and an indomitable spirit—the hallmark of divine prowess!

The most terrifying aspect of a Grand Master is his overwhelming martial will!

Li Qingshan was but a perfected Master, having refined the Eight Dragons Overturning the River technique into the Five-Head Qi-Blood Dragon form.

Yet, reaching the true realm of a Grand Master remains an insurmountable chasm, with hopes fading into the distance.

Grasping true martial intent, refining one’s internal organs, and cultivating an unprecedented martial field—this is mastery, seemingly just a step from Grand Masterhood in theory.

In truth, bridging that gap is far more arduous than anyone can imagine.

Just as Yuan Xiang strove to shatter barriers and step into the Divine Essence realm to become a Divine Immortal.

The difficulty is even greater!

A Grand Master on a blood-soaked battlefield can single-handedly withstand a thousand troops.

And these aren’t ordinary soldiers but the elite, battle-hardened, iron-armored warriors of the Great Jing Dynasty!

Even a Grand Master at the initial stage of Divine Gang cultivation is considered among the top-tier fighters in Daocheng!

Nan Lihuo maintained his calm as his Divine Vision expanded to bear the overwhelming aura, shielding the prodigies from harm.

When the Little Prince entered Jin Guang Mansion, he had long foreseen this turn of events, so it came as no surprise.

As the son of King Ping Luan, Ji Mo Li’s domineering behavior was entirely understandable.

Boom—

A cleaving sound tore through the air as a One-Armed Elder thundered onto the mountaintop.

With a single step, he struck the ground so forcefully that the entire forest trembled, and countless plants, soil, and debris erupted in a deafening clamor.

Currents of air coalesced as if solid, tearing through the mountain peak with unending, roaring force!

The elder landed before the plaza.

His jet-black hair flew wildly, and the empty sleeves of his garment lashed through the air—even in his simple straw sandals, none dared underestimate his might.

“Divine Gang Grand Master… Xue Dufu.”

Nan Lihuo murmured softly.

He recalled every detail of the formidable warrior beside Ji Mo Li with precise familiarity.

Xue Dufu slowly opened his eyes, and in an instant, the wind and snow atop the mountain came to an abrupt halt.

It was as if the night had been enveloped by an even deeper, oppressive darkness, shrouding the skies and earth.

This was the sheer martial will of a Grand Master!

Xue Dufu did not strike; he merely displayed his martial will, unleashing an overwhelmingly terrifying pressure.

Nan Lihuo’s face turned solemn as a brilliant golden light flashed behind him, illuminating his Divine Vision.

Every muscle and bone in his body resonated in unison—as a perfected Master warrior, he instinctively emitted a brilliant hum in self-defense against that awe-inspiring martial will.

It was his response to the overwhelming display of martial intent.

“Sigh…”

A soft sigh suddenly echoed from within the Divine Temple.

Xue Dufu’s eyes flickered as he looked up, noticing the jet-black hatchet at his waist begin to tremble.

Then, a Taoist slowly emerged from within the Divine Temple.

“Xue Dufu, you may pay your respects, but why be so domineering? Martial will is like fierce flames—how can these children possibly bear it?”

“That’s excessive.”

The Taoist sighed once more.

In the next moment, he flicked aside his dust whip.

Chanting incantations, his entire being radiated divine energy, and instantly, a swirling golden pill suspended behind him.

Within the pill, a dazzling display of divine vision burst forth, its light streaming brilliantly.

Countless divine energies, will, and primordial essences were all contained within.

A Divine Essence Golden Pill!

The appearance of this Divine Essence Golden Pill

sent an overwhelmingly terrifying pressure surging from the Taoist, like a tidal wave crashing against Xue Dufu’s martial true intent!

Boom—!!!

It was as if the very drums of heaven were beating in a stifled, explosive burst!

Xue Dufu was forced to retreat a step, his expression slightly paling.

His hand had already gripped the jet-black hatchet at his waist firmly.

“Divine Immortal?”

“Taoist Wang Kuyu of Qianyuan Divine Sect… have you breached into the Divine Essence realm?”

Xue Dufu drew a deep breath, feeling the boiling pressure of divine rank that threatened to overwhelm his martial true intent.

His face grew markedly somber.

Just as the Little Prince had guessed, Qianyuan Divine Sect had indeed dispatched a Divine Immortal!

At the same time,

the entire Golden Light Peak fell into an eerie silence.

Li Qingshan, Zhu Hongdou, and the other Divine Vision elders were utterly astounded.

They sensed an oppressive divine rank that nearly stifled the flow of their own energies and divine vision.

Terror gripped their hearts.

A Divine Immortal!

The senior brother of the Sect Master had, against all odds, condensed a near-death Divine Essence Golden Pill to become a Divine Immortal!

Nan Lihuo looked back, his eyes deep and filled with a trace of relief.

……

……

The entire Jin Guang Mansion trembled.

When the Little Prince brought a Grand Master to pay respects at Jin Guang Branch, every formidable cultivator in the Capital was shaken.

Elders of the Qin Family, Hai Family, Gong Family, and Gongyang Family soared upward, their Divine Vision extending far and wide as they sensed the commotion.

For this was a Grand Master…

A martial arts Grand Master capable of going toe-to-toe with a Divine Immortal!

If such a Grand Master were to break into the Divine Essence realm, the terror would be unimaginable!

However, Xue Dufu had not advanced into the Divine Essence realm in his martial cultivation; he had merely reached a later stage of Divine Vision.

He had devoted most of his time to martial cultivation, leaving his divine cultivation lagging behind.

“Oh, Grand Master…”

Several Divine Vision elders’ expressions shifted repeatedly, filled with inexplicable awe.

Yet they all knew that a real fight was out of the question—the Little Prince only wished to pay respects and meet the prodigies.

But soon, the elders’ expressions darkened once again.

For an aura even more potent than the Grand Master’s martial will erupted, its power so immense that from afar one could glimpse the terrifying Divine Essence Golden Pill!

“A Divine Immortal?!”

At that moment, the Divine Vision elders of several families finally understood the Little Prince’s true intent.

He wanted to probe the depth of the Divine Sect’s legacy within Jin Guang Mansion!

It turned out that the Divine Sect had another Divine Immortal hidden within Jin Guang Mansion!

No one had ever expected such a revelation.

In that instant, a chill ran through the elders’ spines.

……

……

At the Clifftop Pagoda.

At the Imperial Watch,

inside the Assessment Room.

Li Che’s gaze settled on the child beside the white-robed figure.

A familiar feeling immediately washed over him.

The Sleeve Crossbow and Thousand Spider Silk…

Li Che shook his sleeve; the Sleeve Crossbow and Thousand Spider Silk hidden within suddenly felt uncomfortably warm.

Yet, Li Che’s expression shifted in an instant.

The Feilei Chess Piece clinging to XiXi instantly sensed the tumult atop Golden Light Peak.

In fact, one didn’t even need the Chess Piece’s perception—the overpowering aura erupting from Golden Light Peak was unmistakable.

Monitor and the deputy from Daocheng’s Imperial Watch exchanged glances and almost simultaneously vanished from the room.

They reappeared atop the Imperial Watch Tower, gazing towards the Mountain Gate of Jin Guang Branch.

“As expected, this is Ji Mo Li’s son—utterly domineering. He truly has been tested…”

“I never imagined that Wang Kuyu could, between life and death, condense a Divine Essence Golden Pill and breakthrough to become a Divine Immortal.”

Monitor sighed deeply; the scene almost made him want to play the erhu.

The deputy from Daocheng, Lu Yao, stood with his hands behind his back, his eyes twinkling as he nodded slightly.

“Truly, it was unexpected…”

He and Wang Kuyu both hailed from Daocheng, yet Wang Kuyu’s breakthrough into the Divine Essence realm concealed a marvelous secret.

Indeed, it seemed Wang Kuyu had deliberately hidden his breakthrough in preparation for this Temple Spirit Resonance in Jin Guang Mansion.

“Yuan Xiang’s breakthrough into the Divine Essence realm was monumental—even attracting spectators at times.”

“It can only be said that perhaps Wang Kuyu intentionally concealed it for this very moment.”

Lu Yao, the deputy from Daocheng’s Imperial Watch, smiled as his eyes gleamed.

Monitor gave him a glance but said nothing further.

“Since no one intends to fight—it is merely a mountain greeting. The Little Prince wishes to test the mettle of these prodigies to see if any pose a threat.”

“If there’s no fight, then all is well. Let’s continue with the assessment.”

Lu Yao remarked.

In the next moment, they returned to the Assessment Room.

Li Che stood quietly, while the prodigy beside Lu Yao glared at him as if detecting a familiar aura.

Lu Yao gave Li Che a knowing, half-smiling look, “Master Li, have you inherited the Tang Clan’s legacy?”

“After the fall of the Tang Clan, most of its members joined the Imperial Watch seeking a way out. This prodigy is from the newly rising Tang family in Qianyuan Daocheng… Tang Ren.”

At this revelation, Li Che’s heart lightened.

So he truly was an authentic descendant of the Tang Clan.

“I once ventured into Shendiao Ridge, where the Ridge Master recognized my talent and imparted some secrets of Mechanical Art.”

Li Che said with a gentle smile.

Little Tang Ren’s eyes lit up, “But what about Grandpa Tang Sanjia?”

Li Che nodded, and the little boy immediately became elated, eager to tug at his sleeve and bring him to seek Ridge Master Tang Sanjia.

“Tang Ren, do not be mischievous. Master Li is about to commence the Second-Class Guest Assessment.”

Lu Yao intoned in a deep voice.

Little Tang Ren immediately released Li Che’s sleeve and stood aside awkwardly, though his eyes still shone with earnest hometown affection.

Li Che smiled and looked toward the examiner, Lu Yao.

Lu Yao nodded, and the Assessment Room suddenly fell silent.

“Li Che, from Feilei City, has been working with wood carvings for over four years. Last year, upon entering the Imperial Watch of Jin Guang Mansion, he passed the Third-Class Guest Assessment and became a Third-Class Guest.”

“The following year, he initiated the Second-Class Guest Assessment. If he fails this assessment, he cannot attempt it again for three years.”

Lu Yao said in a deep tone.

His solemn voice echoed throughout the Assessment Room.

“The Second-Class Guest Assessment is presided over by Lu Yao of the Daocheng Imperial Watch, with all records kept on file. Any objections can be appealed to the Divine Capital’s Imperial Watch.”

As the assessment began, the atmosphere grew increasingly solemn.

In the distance, Shangguan Qinghong and Gong Yunli had set up small stools in a corner, one munching on seeds and the other nibbling snacks, eagerly watching Li Che’s performance.

The Second-Class Guest Assessment was far more arduous than the Third-Class.

Li Che had only one year of experience before initiating this assessment, and Gong Yunli was rather skeptical.

Yet the progress made over one year was not insignificant.

Lu Yao nodded and slowly wrote in the dossier, “Clean background; over the past year, diligently carried out assignments within the Capital’s Imperial Watch.”

“Now, it is time to commence the Second-Class Guest Assessment.”

“The Second-Class Assessment is divided into three parts.”

“Namely, cultivation level, mastery of the Thousand-Hand Divine Eagle Technique, and practical wood carving skills.”

Lu Yao looked at Li Che and said gravely,

“First, for the cultivation assessment: to become a Second-Class Guest, your qi-blood cultivation must have reached the Circulation Stage, and your divine cultivation must have forged a divine foundation.”

“Master Li, please demonstrate your cultivation.”

With that,

all eyes in the Assessment Room shifted with curiosity as they awaited Li Che’s display of cultivation.

Meeting the standard was non-negotiable—insufficient cultivation meant immediate elimination.

Such were the strict criteria of the Second-Class Guest Assessment.

Yet many were unclear about Li Che’s true cultivation level.

But figures like Gong Yunli knew that Li Che hadn’t been cultivating long and remained remarkably low-profile, working a nine-to-five routine in the Capital.

Even after his daughter joined the Divine Sect as a prodigy, he maintained his humble demeanor.

No one truly knew what Li Che’s cultivation level was.

The Assessment Room fell utterly silent.

Everyone waited for Li Che to unveil his cultivation.

Li Che smiled confidently, showing not the slightest hint of fear.

For him, meeting the cultivation standard was effortless.

The only question was how much of his cultivation he would reveal.

With a slight tremor in his dark robe, he stepped forward, his fingers clenching as torrents of energy erupted from the crown of his head to his feet with a resounding crack.

“Indeed, his qi-blood martial cultivation has reached the Circulation Stage.”

Gong Yunli, nibbling on preserved fruit, nodded in delight.

But in the next moment, her entrancing eyes widened in shock.

For Li Che’s clenched fist seemed to have drawn in all the air of the room, unleashing a storm of turbulent energy.

It was the mysterious qi circulating through his meridians!

Gong Yunli exclaimed, “Ah!”

Li Che’s body trembled once again as the White Tiger Turbulent Wind Fist realm melded with his being, igniting his qi-blood like a tiger storming down a mountain.

Everyone in the room felt as though they heard the roar of a tiger, making the entire space shake.

“Divine Meridian!”

Gongyang Liancheng’s eyes flashed with astonishment.

After the mighty surge of qi-blood subsided gradually, Li Che broke into a gentle smile.

“Lu, next is the cultivation of inner nature.”

Lu Yao nodded slowly, his eyes fixed intently.

Li Che then stood silently and raised his hand, pressing a Mud Pellet against his brow.

Instantly, the divine energy in the room began to boil, and from behind Li Che, a divine foundation surged upward!

Shangguan Qinghong blinked in surprise.

Since when had Li Che broken through to the Divine Foundation?

It was astonishingly fast…

At his previous Third-Class Assessment, Li Che had only reached a modest level of inner nature.

In one year, he vaulted from the Three-Stage Blood Exchange to the Divine Meridian, and from humble inner nature to forging a divine foundation…

Truly astonishing!

What kind of monster is he?

His talent… is simply off the charts!

But when one considered that his daughter is XiXi, the rare prodigy of Jin Guang Mansion, it all made sense.

Lu Yao scanned the dossier, raising an eyebrow, “Nine Luminaries Suspended Thought Sword Divine Foundation… impressive, it meets the requirements.”

“But how did you, within just one year from a humble inner nature, so quickly forge a divine foundation?”

Lu Yao’s gaze turned cool as he softly inquired.

Li Che retracted his divine foundation back into a Mud Pellet and smiled, “Perhaps… the abundant resources and fine food in the Capital helped.”

“In this past year, I toiled diligently and earned fifty-six Divine Crystals, all of which I refined to breakthrough my cultivation.”

“Deputy Lu, you should know that Li Che… is none other than the biological father of XiXi, the prodigy of Jin Guang Mansion.”

Monitor stroked his beard and laughed, “Back when Li Qingshan went to Feilei City to test prodigies, Li Che’s innate talent was revealed. Though only twenty, his divine nature was flawless—a top-tier prodigy indeed…”

“It was simply a matter of age.”

Lu Yao smiled and glanced at Li Che. A twenty-two-year-old prodigy?

He didn’t suspect much.

Under his profound perception, Li Che’s cultivation perfectly matched what he exhibited.

Lu Yao was confident in his own primordial detection; he believed Li Che could hide nothing.

After recording Li Che’s cultivation level in the dossier, it was clear that he had passed the first cultivation assessment.

“Next, the second part: assessing your mastery of the Thousand-Hand Divine Eagle Technique. This technique fuses a divine secret art with divine martial arts.”

“Along with the Seven-Element Divine Eagle Technique and the ultimate Thousand-Hand Divine Eagle Technique…”

“Now, display it.”

Lu Yao declared.

For a guest of the Imperial Watch, mastery of the Thousand-Hand Divine Eagle Technique was paramount, its level determining his evaluation.

Immediately, Li Che acted—qi and blood surged as he swung his arm.

Countless phantom arms layered behind him, each with distinct postures and varied finger movements, as if grasping, slicing, or pressing…

Bang—!

The phantom arms converged, striking the air with a force that sent turbulent surges crashing like beats on a hide shield, erupting in a deafening roar!

Whoosh—

Li Che swung his arm once more, and his qi-blood roiled like a tumbling furnace, with phantom arms spreading behind him like a peacock’s tail in full display!

“Thousand-Hand Divine Eagle Technique… Master’s level!”

Wow!

After Li Che’s demonstration, the Assessment Room erupted in astonishment.

Shangguan Qinghong, Gong Yunli, and Gongyang Liancheng were all utterly amazed.

In one year, he had mastered the Thousand-Hand Divine Eagle Technique to a master level?

Is this pure talent?

Li Che’s innate mastery in wood carving greatly enhanced his technique—but this boost is extraordinarily overwhelming!

Even Monitor and Lu Yao wore expressions of sheer disbelief.

They had expected Li Che to reach a pinnacle in the technique, but to burst into the master level was unforeseen.

No wonder he was so confident in launching the Second-Class Guest Assessment.

Li Che retracted his energy, and the phantom arms faded as his expression returned to calm.

With his rising cultivation, Li Che could afford to reveal more of his true self to reap extra benefits.

Lu Yao squinted, studying the gentle young man before him with surprise.

This young man… has the bearing of a top-notch guest!

According to the dossier, his growth rate was phenomenal!

A truly promising seed!

Lu Yao even began considering recruiting him to Daocheng’s Imperial Watch, where more resources could spur his development.

“Alright, alright—master-level mastery of the Thousand-Hand Divine Eagle Technique meets the Second-Class Guest requirements. Next, the final assessment.”

“Wood Carving Skill Test!”

“Create an independent carving.”

Lu Yao stood up.

With a sweeping gesture of his hand,

instantly,

three seemingly simple wooden carvings materialized on the table.

Yet, the expressions on these carvings were so lifelike, as if they might spring to life at any moment.

“These three pieces are the Temple Spirit Wooden Carvings from the Seven Yuan Bizarre Temple. You have the duration of one incense stick to complete your own independent carving.”

“Once finished, your carving will be displayed alongside these three Temple Spirit Wooden Carvings.”

“If your carving can withstand the divine clash with the Temple Spirit Wooden Carvings for ten breaths, you pass the test!”

Lu Yao stated matter-of-factly.

Li Che’s gaze immediately fixed on the three Temple Spirit Wooden Carvings.

His eyes flickered as he suddenly understood why Monitor had directed him to visit the Bizarre Temple before this assessment.

It was all in preparation for this moment.

Li Che chuckled softly.

Inside, he felt neither fear nor nervousness.

He scanned the three Temple Spirit Wooden Carvings with a keen eye.

Then he walked toward the pile of wood, selecting a piece of Eight Poles Spirit Wood and giving it a gentle pat to evaporate its moisture using his qi-blood.

He then returned to the workshop area.

Taking out his carving knife, he began to sculpt.

Deciding not to hide his skills, he resolved to show a little flair.

Li Che let loose.

His eyes suddenly sharpened, and as the level 4 【Xiangong】 Dao Fruit pulsated within his chest, the carving knife danced in his hand—in the next instant, it struck the wood.

Amid the sound of tearing, wood chips flew in every direction.

The knife rose and fell, its gleaming arc reminiscent of a dragon in flight!

Soon, a wooden carving slowly emerged under Li Che’s masterful blade!

It depicted a figure clad in golden chainmail with a purple-gold phoenix crown.

His eyes burned like golden fire.

He wielded a Hunyuan Staff and stood as if treading upon swirling clouds.

In an instant!

The three Temple Spirit Wooden Carvings that Lu Yao had laid out suddenly erupted with uncontrollable divine energy!

Inside the Assessment Room, divine energy roiled and surged!

On the Jiulong River, the water swelled into mighty tides!

Seven thousand characters—this morning was hectic and finished late. Please support with votes, recommendations, and follow-up reads. Many thanks, Old Li!