Chapter 185: Temple Resonance Unleashed

Outside the city, the Jiulong River and the one carved within its walls flowed like entirely different rivers.

One was perpetually agitated, with waves crashing and roaring relentlessly, surging with tumult that even the mightiest masters would dread diving into.

In contrast, the other flowed serenely, as if it were a docile foal, calmly following its course.

Yet, in truth, both were parts of the Jiulong River.

Numerous carriages neared the riverbank at a designated spot—a colossal, rugged cliff stone battered by water into a shape as sharp as a steel blade.

This immense rock was part of the Bizarre Temple of the 【Eight-Armed Yulian Furious Third Prince】, closest to the river’s center.

Standing there, one could distinctly feel the raging, tempestuous divine aura.

The people of Jin Guang Mansion had named it the “Stone of Listening to Fury”.

From atop this massive, plaza-like cliff, one could hear the Third Prince’s roar of unbridled anger.

It was a sound that could shatter one’s very soul.

Hence, it was called the “Stone of Listening to Fury”.

Carriages barreled through the storm; rain lashed the stone as torrents cascaded like a waterfall into the mighty river.

Nan Lihuo stepped forward first, parting the curtain of rain that divided heaven and earth.

Right behind him strode Elder Jiao Shaoqiu, the one who had sealed the Yulian Fenghuo Jingguang Wheel.

After calming his dragon steed, the carriage driver hefted a massive spear and silently trailed the elder, his muscles quivering and his aura pulsating with raw force.

That very driver was, in fact, a Grandmaster!

He silently guarded Elder Jiao Shaoqiu.

Following Nan Lihuo were Wang Kuyu and several other elders from the Divine Sect.

Wang Kuyu, though a Divine Practitioner, never sought the limelight; modest by nature, he stood alongside elders Li Qingshan, Zhu Hongdou, Zhang Qingzheng, and Weng Wuyou.

In short, the top brass of the Jin Guang Branch had gathered here.

Next, from the Temple Guardian Division, Grandmaster Zhu Chaoyang led Xie Jing, while Tie Shancai stood with arms crossed and a sneer amid the assembly.

From the Imperial Watch came Monitor Hu Yingyue, with Lu Yao, Lin Xiu, and others standing quietly on the sidelines; although Lu Yao was a Divine Practitioner, he did not upstage the others and trailed quietly with Tang Ren.

From the direction of the City Lord’s Residence…

Su Huai Li, accompanied by Little Prince Ji Haihui, dismounted and took position at the front.

Whoosh, whoosh!

Rain pounded and swept all around.

Thud—

A booming, resonant blast erupted!

Wearing scholarly robes, Zhang Qingzheng stepped forth from the Divine Sect’s ranks.

His ashen, bitter face was utterly expressionless, exuding a cold, ruthless severity.

He recited something aloud, his voice rising and falling with majestic cadence, the divine aura echoing across the heavens and earth to every ear.

When the carriages finally halted, the adults disembarked, each accompanied by their divine progenies.

Li Che stepped down holding XiXi, while Zhang Ya and Shangguan Qinghong remained by the carriage, leaning on oil-paper umbrellas as they gazed out.

Click, click!

Lightning flashed, thunder roared, and the wind and rain howled!

Flickering bolts danced like blue dragons amidst dark clouds.

The Divine Guard Army, blades in hand, arranged themselves around, a formidable force upholding order while showcasing the authority of the City Lord’s Residence.

As the elder in charge of rituals for the Divine Sect, Zhang Qingzheng was a master of ceremony.

A sandalwood table was set up amid the storm beside the Stone of Listening to Fury, facing the Jiulong River and, across the way, the Bizarre Temple—barely visible in the tempest yet exuding a terrifying divine might that seemed to rend the heavens and earth.

Incense was lit and rituals performed as Zhang Qingzheng’s expression grew solemn.

Nan Lihuo, as the sect leader, joined in, inserting a stick of incense into the censer.

Despite the storm’s fury and heavy raindrops, nothing could quench the three incense sticks burning in the censer!

Crafted from special materials, these incense sticks burned not mere fragrance but divine essence!

The rising smoke ascended slowly, isolating the Stone of Listening to Fury from the surrounding tempest.

Even the raging Jiulong River seemed to subside into calm.

The surging waves gradually settled.

It was as if the terrifying force, once shackled in the riverbed by chains, was finally at ease—listening to the chants and finding calm.

Once all the preparations were complete.

Complete silence reigned before the Stone of Listening to Fury.

Murmurs arose as many stared in wonder at the mysterious force that held the furious rain at bay.

Li Che looked up, his heart filled with awe and disbelief.

Could they truly be communicating with the Bizarre Temple?

Communing with the Temple Spirit of the Four-Yu Bizarre Temple?

Wasn’t it said that one must conquer a Bizarre Temple before normal communion—just like the temple atop Golden Light Peak?

Yet this Third Prince’s Bizarre Temple, still unconquered, was allowing such contact?

The atmosphere was hushed; no one spoke.

Even prominent families from Jin Guang City, such as the Qin and Hai families, remained calm and spoke softly.

At long last, a flicker of anticipation passed through everyone’s eyes.

For the elder who held a golden wheel sealed in his palm had stirred—his hair turned white as he donned a simple long robe and stepped into the howling wind.

Inside the City Lord’s Residence, Su Huai Li, holding Little Prince Ji Haihui’s hand, offered a respectful bow to Jiao Shaoqiu with a gentle smile.

Little Prince Ji Haihui, his purple eyes gleaming like mirrors, returned the bow.

Elsewhere,

Within the Temple Guardian Division, Zhu Chaoyang, Xie Jing, and others clutched their swords and bowed in unison.

The Imperial Watch did likewise.

At the same time, as if by contagion, everyone disembarking instinctively clasped their fists and bowed in respectful ritual.

Li Che, still cradling XiXi, mimicked the gesture.

Curious, XiXi looked up and then whispered softly to Li Che, “Daddy, Little Wheel is teasing me again!”

“Can I play with it?”

Her voice, soft and babyish, barely above a whisper.

Yet among the gathered experts, her words struck like a thunderclap.

Many eyes turned toward her.

Li Che shook his head and murmured, “No, Little Wheel has important business to attend to!”

XiXi sighed in disappointment, “Oh…”

The amusing exchange between father and daughter drew chuckles from the crowd.

Many couldn’t help but twitch their lips in amusement.

The patriarchs of noble clans, the elders from the Temple Guardian Division, the experts of illusion and divine vision from the Imperial Watch, and even City Lord Su Huai Li and his peers…

All fell silent.

They realized that the “Little Wheel” mentioned by the pair was none other than the Yulian Fenghuo Jingguang Wheel sealed under Jiao Shaoqiu’s palm.

They dismissed it as mere boasting.

Though XiXi was a prodigy of the Jiazi generation, awakening the Yulian Fenghuo Jingguang Wheel was no simple feat.

Rumors from Golden Light Peak had hinted at it, but no one took them seriously.

It was presumed to be Divine Sect hype aimed at intimidating the competitors of the Temple Spirit Resonance.

However, Jiao Shaoqiu smiled, his lips twitching subtly as a strange glint flashed in his eyes.

Indeed…

“I’m sweating buckets!”

“This Golden Wheel is truly straining!”

It fought to break free from its seal, and Jiao Shaoqiu had to summon every ounce of forgotten, infantile strength to restrain it.

Otherwise, the Golden Wheel would have erupted in sparks, shooting toward XiXi by now!

At that moment, Jiao Shaoqiu couldn’t help but eagerly anticipate what would unfold once the Temple Spirit Resonance began.

I wonder if this little girl can truly assemble the Third Prince’s divine weapon set?

Yet even Jiao Shaoqiu wasn’t entirely sure what comprised the weapon set of the 【Eight-Armed Yulian Furious Third Prince】.

Only three were renowned: the 【Purple-Flame Serpent Spear Fire-Tipped Spear】, the 【Yulian Fenghuo Jingguang Wheel】, and the 【Undying Yulian Hun Tian Ling】…

This was news gathered from other Bizarre Temples.

Any additional divine weapon sets remained to be explored.

Of course, if this Temple Spirit Resonance could yield even one Four-Yu Divine Weapon, it would be a fine outcome.

Feeling the struggling Golden Wheel, Jiao Shaoqiu exhaled and, without further words, strolled to the edge of the Stone of Listening to Fury, gazing at the temple nestled amid the roiling river!

In the next moment, he released the seal and, invoking a divine incantation perfected by the Divine Sect, his formidable primordial spirit burst forth in divine light as he executed the sealing gesture.

Sizzle, sizzle, sizzle—

Under the watchful eyes of countless onlookers!

The rim of the Yulian Fenghuo Jingguang Wheel whirled at high speed, with sparks continuously erupting.

Gradually, more and more sparks flew, and with a tremendous roar, flames burst upward, soaring into the sky!

It resembled a phoenix unfurling its wings!

Utterly dazzling and breathtakingly brilliant!

The overwhelming might of the Four-Yu Divine Weapons cascaded like crumbling mountains and raging seas, as fierce winds howled and the river roared with surging waves!

Whoosh—

The Golden Wheel shot skyward with a metallic clatter, its ringing echoes unceasing.

Then, it transformed into a fiery meteoroid, endlessly circling above the great river.

Whoosh…

It hurtled toward the Stone of Listening to Fury.

Roaring over everyone’s heads, it unleashed scorching, seething waves!

A chorus of gasps filled the air.

Su Huai Li’s eyes narrowed as he stepped forward, shielding Little Prince Ji Haihui.

On the other side, Zhu Chaoyang’s blood and qi surged as powerful divine auras erupted, testifying to the relentless vigor of a Grandmaster.

Yet the Golden Wheel paid them no heed.

High above, it left a trail that seemed to sear the very air as it appeared over XiXi and Li Che.

XiXi looked up, her chubby, baby-fleshed face lighting up with a bright, joyful smile.

“Daddy, Little Wheel is here to find XiXi!”

Li Che, cradling XiXi, sighed in exasperation.

This little girl…

She certainly knew how to steal the limelight.

How could someone as low-key as Li Che have such a flamboyant daughter?

The Golden Wheel hovered above XiXi, its surface spitting out endless sparks.

Many onlookers’ expressions changed dramatically!

The Yulian Fenghuo Jingguang Wheel…

Could it really create such a spectacle?

It truly seemed to favor this little girl!

Could it be that she… is the reincarnation of the Third Prince’s Temple Spirit?!

If that were the case, then this Temple Spirit Resonance would lose all its meaning.

“She can never be the reincarnation of the Temple Spirit.”

“The Temple Spirit’s reincarnation would never look like this… nor behave in such a manner.”

Divine Guardian Yin Wei alighted beside Little Prince Ji Haihui, whose purple eyes shimmered uncertainly, and said in a deep tone.

“Every reincarnation of the Temple Spirit, in its first act, must… commit parricide, severing all bonds in the mortal realm.”

Thus spoke the Divine Guardian.

Ji Haihui heaved a sigh of relief at those words.

“As long as she isn’t a reincarnation, I still have a chance.”

“My father has prepared a masterstroke for me— I won’t let him down!”

Ji Haihui had been preparing for this Temple Spirit Resonance for a long time.

The scene left many with glistening eyes and startled expressions.

Elsewhere,

Finally, Jiao Shaoqiu completed his sealing gesture, unleashing a dazzling burst of divine energy as a brilliant Golden Pill floated from within a Mud Pellet!

In an instant…

An awe-inspiring pressure swept over the area, nearly suffocating everyone!

Even Divine Guardian Yin Wei felt the crushing force.

Primordial Divine Form!

Golden Body Transcendence!

Though it had reverted to its primordial state, the pressure still bore the formidable might of a Golden Body Transcendence!

Ding ding ding—

Sparks erupted as if echoing the cries of a phoenix!

The Golden Wheel, now under control, shot out toward the great river!

Whoosh, whoosh!

The river roared as it churned.

Like a blazing sun, the Golden Wheel relentlessly surged toward the Bizarre Temple, gaining speed.

Sweat beaded on Jiao Shaoqiu’s forehead as his face grew exceedingly grave.

At that moment…

It was exceedingly perilous.

If anyone attacked then, Jiao Shaoqiu would be utterly helpless—doomed to be slain!

The Grandmaster carriage driver bowed slightly, his fierce aura surging like crashing waves, his piercing gaze brimming with ferocity.

It was as if anyone daring to approach would be struck down by his full might.

Boom—

Jiao Shaoqiu trembled violently as he stumbled backward in two faltering steps.

Then he sank onto the ground.

Eyes closed.

Why did this Temple Spirit Resonance require the Divine Sect’s initiation?

It was because only the Divine Sect possessed the secret to controlling the Golden Wheel.

This was also why, on a previous mountain visit with Xue Dufu, Ji Haihui dared not overstep.

The Golden Wheel blasted toward the Bizarre Temple, as if twisted by an unseen force.

Though it covered only a short distance, it felt as though it had flown for an eternity.

Slowly…

A thick mist arose over the river, spreading from both sides like stage curtains, engulfing the entire surface.

Rumble, rumble!

Within the eerie sanctuary, one terrifying silhouette after another flickered by, their dreadful aura sending shivers down spines.

This was the eerie sanctuary of the Four-Yu Bizarre Temple!

At that moment, everyone tensed up!

In a Bizarre Temple, the most fearsome part is its eerie sanctuary—if its spread went unchecked, untold dangers would be unleashed.

“Children, pay attention.”

As everyone’s focus was drawn to the eerie sanctuary,

and as fear of its terror gripped them,

Jiao Shaoqiu, sitting cross-legged, slowly opened his eyes.

His gaze was murky.

He raised his hand and made a gesture.

The path once traced by the Yulian Fenghuo Jingguang Wheel began to reappear slowly.

Like a blade, it sliced through the eerie sanctuary, forming a narrow passage.

At the end of that passage floated the rapidly spinning Golden Wheel, sparks flaring.

This Four-Yu Divine Weapon trembled incessantly!

It droned on with an unceasing hum!

It was as if it were forcing a path open!

“Form up! All who wish to partake in the Temple Spirit Resonance, follow me…”

Jiao Shaoqiu spoke in a deep tone.

Everything proceeded just as in past Temple Spirit Resonances.

But Jiao Shaoqiu was cautious and grave.

Though treasures like Divine Essence Techniques and great opportunities could be gained from a Bizarre Temple,

they came with peril!

And the Temple Spirit Resonance was deemed the safest method discovered,

though that didn’t mean it was without danger.

His words hung in the air.

Then, on the Stone of Listening to Fury, a commotion suddenly erupted.

Many divine progenies began to feel fear and retreat, overwhelmed by the oppressive terror of the eerie sanctuary.

Yet the clan elders refused to let the children falter.

“The Temple Spirit Resonance is a chance to alter your fate— even a small opportunity from the Temple Spirit can elevate your cultivation limit!”

Parents dreamed of their children rising to greatness.

They could not permit their kids to back down!

Top divine progenies from Jin Guang City—like Qin Fenghuo, Hai Chaosheng, Gong Yuanliang, and Gongyang Xiu—were the first to step forward.

Prodigious children such as Chubby Kid Zhou Peng, Yun’e, and Zhong Liushou from the orthodox Qianyuan Divine Sect also appeared.

They were all self-assured, confident in their innate talent.

Meanwhile, other prodigies from the capital and provincial cities arrived as well…

In impressive numbers.

Before long, the Grand Plaza was teeming with children.

Lu Chi, bowing respectfully to Granny Mu on the carriage, wore a solemn, earnest expression.

“Granny Mu, I’m off—Lu Chi is heading out.”

Lu Chi said.

Granny Mu glanced at him, her eyes soft.

“Go ahead, just don’t overburden yourself.”

Lu Chi hesitated. Had Granny Mu… realized something?

He pursed his lips, nodded gravely, and strode toward the plaza.

From the Temple Guardian Division, Tie Shancai— a divine prodigy from Divine Capital with an air of disdain—headed for the plaza.

Tang Ren was also ushered out by Lu Yao.

Gradually, the children gathered in the plaza, instantly capturing everyone’s attention.

Suddenly, the plaza buzzed with activity.

Li Che, holding XiXi, asked, “XiXi, are you going?”

“If you don’t want to, we won’t go,”

Li Che inquired.

Upon hearing this, XiXi wrapped her arms around Li Che’s neck and declared, “Daddy, don’t worry—I’m pretty capable too!”

She then planted a quick kiss on his cheek!

“Daddy, watch as Emperor XiXi puts on a show!”

XiXi wriggled free from Li Che’s embrace and leaped down.

Dressed in a red bellyband with her hair tied in two buns, she merrily dashed toward the center of the plaza!

“XiXi! Come on!”

Gong Yuanliang and Gongyang Xiu, upon seeing her, enthusiastically waved.

XiXi joined them, hands on her hips, her little belly proudly protruding like that of an elder sister.

Li Che watched the excited girl with exasperated affection.

Well…

This little girl clearly had no idea what fear was.

Temple Spirit Resonance…

Li Che’s eyes glinted as he looked toward the looming eerie sanctuary; every Dao Fruit in his chest trembled, signaling a dire threat!

No doubt, the Temple Protection Incantation spirits within the sanctuary were both terrifying and potent!

Fortunately, the Four-Yu Bizarre Temple was still under control.

The eerie sanctuary remained confined within a set range.

If it were to become agitated…

Jin Guang City would surely plunge into unspeakable peril.

“What exactly is this eerie sanctuary?”

“And why has this Four-Yu Bizarre Temple appeared here?”

Questions surged like an unstoppable tide.

With a slight shake of his head, Li Che ceased contemplating the sanctuary and fixed his gaze on his daughter amidst the crowd.

All he could see was his cherished daughter.

At that moment,

like all the other parents around him,

he simply waited with hope in his heart for the children to be tested.

…

…

…

Jiao Shaoqiu rose and glanced at the bustling children behind him, as if they were queuing for a leisurely outing.

His face turned solemn.

His ancient robe fluttered as he stepped forward.

He began marching ahead.

“Children, follow me.”

In the next moment, Jiao Shaoqiu stepped from the vast expanse before the Stone of Listening to Fury and entered the passage carved by the Golden Wheel through the eerie sanctuary.

A group of children clad in red bellybands quickly followed.

For an instant, an eerie sensation of weightlessness overwhelmed them, and several divine progenies screamed.

Looking down, they realized they were walking in mid-air above the roaring, churning river!

How terrifying!

Some of the young progenies shut their eyes in fright, their legs trembling.

But before one child had traveled far, a repulsive force struck, ejecting him from the passage onto the cliff stone, leaving him stunned.

He then sat on the ground, kicking his feet and weeping in distress.

Undoubtedly, that child’s journey in the Temple Spirit Resonance was over.

As more children proceeded along the eerie path,

more were repeatedly expelled by the repulsive force.

Mostly, it was the lower or mid-tier divine progenies with average innate talent, who had mixed in hoping to seize a chance.

They were as if rejected by the Temple Spirit and kicked out.

In a mere ten zhang, the future heights of the children were decided.

It was cruel and starkly real.

Sometimes, your limit is but someone else’s starting line.

The world is that ruthless.

Many parents sighed and, resigned, took back their tearful children.

After clearing out the lower and mid-tier progenies,

only the top-tier, elite, and prodigious children remained on the path.

Leading the way, Jiao Shaoqiu maintained a steady sealing gesture with his hand, essential to keeping the passage open.

Behind him, Ji Haihui, his purple eyes glimmering, followed, trailed by divine prodigies such as Tie Shancai, Chubby Kid Zhou Peng, Yun’e, and others.

XiXi trailed behind Yun’e.

Big-headed Lu Chi silently edged closer to XiXi.

Top divine progenies from the Divine Sect—Hai Chaosheng, Gong Yuanliang, Gongyang Xiu, Huang Sixiang, and others—proudly followed behind “Emperor XiXi”.

Their spirited demeanor was most impressive.

Jiao Shaoqiu looked on with satisfaction.

The eerie passage was long, with the river roiling far below.

Soon, the children fell silent and quietly trailed after the elder.

In the distance, the Golden Wheel shone like a beacon, lighting the path the children tread through the eerie sanctuary.

Roar—

Within the eerie passage and thick mist, roars echoed continuously as if a terrifying, shadowy figure had suddenly emerged, revealing a hazy face!

Many of the divine progenies screamed in fear.

“Don’t look at them, don’t be afraid, ignore them…”

“Focus on the path ahead, on the Golden Wheel…”

Jiao Shaoqiu’s voice drifted over.

It soothed the frightened children disturbed by the vague apparitions in the mist.

In the distance, the Bizarre Temple stood vividly; one could even make out its moss-covered walls and aged black tiles.

The pitch-black entrance of the temple came into view.

Three hundred zhang lay before the Bizarre Temple!

Raging winds and swirling mists!

Jiao Shaoqiu paused, his breathing heavy and labored.

The Golden Wheel continued its relentless spin.

In the distance, it seemed as if one terrifying presence after another peered out from the eerie sanctuary!

Had it not been for the Golden Wheel sustaining the path,

the monstrous beings hidden within would surely have attacked.

“In the Temple Spirit Resonance, the Temple Spirit will test you—if you succeed, you shall receive its blessing.”

Jiao Shaoqiu’s voice was weary and somber.

“Children, go and face the Temple Spirit’s trial.”

“Go claim the destiny that is yours.”

His voice grew faint and ethereal.

Then, as the children on the eerie path about three hundred zhang from the Bizarre Temple noticed, the elder’s voice became even more distant.

Soon after, they found themselves completely enveloped in mist.

They could see no one else.

All they could see was the Yulian Fenghuo Jingguang Wheel, still spinning like a blazing sun above.

And…

that Bizarre Temple shrouded in mist.

The Temple Spirit Resonance…

had officially begun.

…

…

The eerie mist prevailed.

XiXi, blinking her large eyes and standing with her hands on her hips and her little belly proudly out, couldn’t help but shrink back slightly.

Whoosh—

It seemed as if the wind howled, yet it couldn’t disperse the dense mist.

XiXi’s fine hairs stood on end, and she felt a twinge of fear.

It was as though dark shadows raced by all around her.

Strange, eerie sounds filled the air—wails, ghostly cries, and the sibilant scrape of a dull blade against flesh.

For the first time, fear flashed in XiXi’s wide eyes.

“Lu Chi! Liang Liang! Xiu Xiu!”

“Sister Yun’e! Chubby Kid!”

XiXi called out.

Yet the little friends who had been by her side moments ago had all vanished.

It was as if ghosts had snatched them away.

Could she be the next to be taken?

Cautiously, XiXi took a few steps forward, unsure of the path, surrounded by disorienting darkness…

She glanced at the little gun on her arm, gave it a little shake, and purple flames burst forth, coiling around her arm.

A smile immediately spread across her face.

“The little gun is still here!”

Relieved, XiXi felt at ease.

Gazing at the Golden Wheel suspended in the mist, she began walking toward the Bizarre Temple.

Though the dense mist gradually parted, the sound of a dull blade slicing through flesh grew ever nearer…

XiXi glanced at her arm, her eyes widening in surprise.

Tiny hairs on her arm stood on end.

Boom—!!!

Purple flames suddenly erupted!

In the next moment, flames coiled out from her arm, snaking across to encircle her waist.

Intense heat burst forth.

A purple-flame serpent lunged forward.

XiXi was suddenly dragged by tremendous force, dashing forward in rapid, staggering steps.

“Oh dear…”

XiXi shrieked.

But how could she possibly hold onto the Purple-Flame Serpent?

The eerie mist split apart in both directions, as if drawing ever closer to the Bizarre Temple.

An oppressive, terrifying force descended in full measure.

The Purple-Flame Serpent Spear Fire-Tipped Spear in XiXi’s hand trembled and pulsed.

Her entire body shuddered uncontrollably.

Gradually, the Purple-Flame Serpent ceased its wild flight, coming to rest obediently around her arm.

Curiously, XiXi lifted her head and discovered that she had arrived before the Bizarre Temple.

On the steps in front of the temple,

there sat a small figure.

XiXi’s eyes widened in shock.

She stared intently.

“Yikes—!”

XiXi screamed.

Because…

Wasn’t that figure on the steps none other than XiXi herself?

“XiXi” – it seemed as though that figure had recognized her.

It slowly lifted its head, its hollow eyes staring blankly.

Then, in XiXi’s wide eyes, that ‘XiXi’ grasped a sword.

The sound of a dull blade slicing flesh…

resounded loudly.

Blood spattered everywhere.

And the eerie voice of ‘XiXi’ echoed in her ears.

“Reclaiming the bones for the father—”

“Reclaiming the flesh for the mother—”

“Come.”

I’m stuck—this chapter of 7,000 words with a long-planned scene and now my mind has gone blank… Please support with monthly votes and recommendations! Many thanks from Old Li!