Chapter 220: A Fury of Disdain and Rising Power

Su Family!

Li Che mentally marked his disdain for the Su Family; the premier clan of Daocheng now stirred no favor in his heart.

He had never liked the Su Family much, especially after Su Huai Li’s collusion with the Corpse God Sect.

Now, the conduct and teachings of the Su elders only deepened his revulsion.

“Are you really planning to use the Su Family’s secret technique to seize a girl’s palace sand for cultivation?”

“Such a secret art from the Su Family is clearly rotten at its core.”

The carriage bounced along the wide, spring-rain-slicked mountain path within the Divine Sect.

XiXi had shattered her Divine Foundation and just stepped into the Qi Meridian stage. With innate strength to spare, even a martial expert with profound meridians would fall under her two or three punches.

Cuddled in Zhang Ya’s arms, XiXi beamed as she showcased the once-imposing aura of the Great XiXi Emperor.

She had subdued that six-armed, two-headed monster!

Li Che watched as XiXi’s chubby, animated face lit up with excitement.

He hesitated, unsure whether to reveal to her…

“That monster was actually you?”

“One day when you unleash your divine martial arts, you’ll look just like that.”

Just as Li Che’s practice of the Fatai Xiangdi Lingzhen True Ape Technique—the divine martial art known as Fatai Xiangdi—transforms its user into something beyond human.

But…

It hardly matters.

In his eyes, XiXi would forever be the most adorable child.

Elder Jiao sat in the carriage with a gentle smile, fondly admiring XiXi.

Lively, talented, and radiant… what a wonderful child.

If all the disciples mirrored her, the sect’s future would be secure.

“Having entered the Chuyong Ledger and ranking third—even though XiXi is new to the Divine Sect and is only an outer disciple—the resources she enjoys rival those of inner disciples,”

“and she even gets a monthly chance to grasp insights from the Qiankun Dao Yun, with the possibility of inheriting the Patriarch’s legacy.”

Elder Jiao smiled as he looked at Li Che and explained.

“The Patriarch’s legacy?”

That remark made Li Che take a deep breath. According to Elder Jiao, the Patriarch of Qianyuan Divine Sect was a rare powerhouse—a master of the Divine Tribulation stage!

A man scarcely found anywhere in the world.

“The Patriarch left his legacy inscribed in the sect’s plaque—a lingering testament from a divine tribulation master, immortal and indestructible…”

Elder Jiao closed his eyes briefly before recounting legends of the Qianyuan Patriarch.

“He was among the first top martial experts to discover the Bizarre Temple. As recorded in our annals, he practiced pure martial arts and, with his astonishing talent, dominated all, shattering the limits set by the Three-Flower Grandmasters and ascending to the realm of Martial Saints, roaming free as he pleased.”

“Later, upon discovering the Bizarre Temple and joining with other saintly warriors to suppress it, he received the Temple Spirit’s legacy. Back then, the Temple Spirit’s Divine Essence Technique was forbidden, its divine nature seen as a toxin capable of eroding one’s resolve, spirit, and soul.”

“Still, some Martial Saints, driven by age and dwindling Qi, resorted to the Divine Essence Technique to extend life, embarking upon a new existence. Thus, the Patriarch eventually turned to Divine Essence cultivation, received the Temple Spirit legacy, and advanced remarkably fast…”

“In those days, as the Bizarre Temple was born, the divine energy that enveloped the world was overwhelming. The Patriarch, trading his martial form for divine essence, nurtured a divine fetus and ascended to the Divine Tribulation stage—each tribulation imbuing him with even more Dao, extending his lifespan…”

Elder Jiao’s eyes shone with longing for that unsurpassable realm.

The heavens and earth underwent tribulations—transforming soul and flesh into powers that transcended mortal bounds, truly godlike.

It was a vision that stirred endless yearning.

Li Che cradled XiXi as Zhang Ya listened intently.

“How could such an extraordinary Patriarch fall?”

With wide, curious eyes, XiXi asked, “But why did he die?”

Elder Jiao glanced at her and sighed, “Longevity, defying fate, a destiny the heavens cannot allow… The tribulations of a Divine Tribulation cultivator are fearsome. According to the scriptures, tribulations come in three calamities and nine trials—only by overcoming them can one transcend…”

“But it’s no easy feat. The Patriarch faltered amidst these trials and plunged into the Sanqing Bizarre Temple—his sacred fire extinguished, never to return.”

Elder Jiao wore a look of profound regret.

His sparse hair danced in the wind as he gazed out at the softly falling spring rain.

“The Patriarch once said that the coming of the Bizarre Temple and the birth of divine power…”

“It gave beleaguered martial artists the hope of immortality.”

“Yet it also made clear the despair of knowing that immortality was out of reach.”

Li Che’s gaze darkened slightly.

Knowing immortality yet being denied it…

Could he, Li Che, ever achieve eternal life?

Inside his chest, one Dao Fruit after another trembled and pulsed.

Perhaps it was possible.

He affectionately patted XiXi’s head.

But living forever alone would be no fun.

He only longed to see his daughter grow up, side by side with his wife.

……

……

Halfway up the winding mountains, an impressive city had been built.

Not a small one—by Li Che’s rough estimate, it even surpassed Feilei City.

This area had been established by both inner and outer disciples of the Divine Sect at the Mountain Gate, a place for interaction, trade, and a brief respite.

Only disciples of the Divine Sect could reside here.

Some elderly disciples, whose Qi had waned and whose divine essence barely advanced, chose to remain and gathered in this bustling city.

Within it were taverns, teahouses, clinics, and more, where transactions were made using sect contributions or Divine Crystals.

Elder Jiao led Li Che and his family into the city.

“Because the Divine Sect’s Mountain Gate teems with Bizarre Temples, at night the eerie mists spread and the protective incantations—and even demons—wander. Thus, the sect built these cities so that disciples could train in safety, even at midnight, free from the encroaching mists and dangers.”

“There are several such cities…”

“Unlike the Temple Guardian Division’s tight measures, the Divine Sect adopts a freer method. Though riskier, it better fosters disciple development.”

“In the daytime, the mists and phantoms in the Bizarre Temples remain subdued, allowing teams of disciples to venture in, battle demons, and hone their combat skills.”

Elder Jiao explained all this to Li Che.

Li Che’s eyes narrowed. “Teams venturing into the phantoms of the Bizarre Temples?”

Elder Jiao nodded. “Disciples explore these phantoms to collect Divine Crystals, rare treasures, and more. Don’t worry—each team is supervised by an elder, who rushes in at the slightest danger.”

“Typically, outer disciples only venture into Ten Capital or Nine Luminary level Bizarre Temples, while only inner disciples are qualified to enter the Eight Extreme and Seven Yuan phantoms.”

“As for the Six-Department phantoms, that’s where true prodigies hone their skills.”

Elder Jiao patiently explained to Li Che and Zhang Ya.

After all, XiXi was about to begin her training in the Divine Sect. Though the dangers would toughen her, no parent wished to see their child suffer needlessly.

“In fact, not only Qianyuan Divine Sect—most Divine Sect schools now merge the management of Bizarre Temples with their disciple training systems, both honing their disciples and suppressing the demons nurtured by overflowing divine essence.”

Elder Jiao led Li Che’s family into a large courtyard in the city.

“I reside here, so for a while, XiXi will cultivate in my courtyard,” he said.

Elder Jiao announced.

“Wow! Sister Yinyin!”

The moment XiXi entered the courtyard, her eyes brightened. Like a slippery fish, she wriggled free from Li Che’s arms and dashed in.

She leaped toward a radiant maiden in a soft yellow dress.

It was none other than Sang Guanyin, who had also come to Daocheng.

Sang Guanyin embraced XiXi, her graceful brows curving into a sweet smile.

“So this is our little junior sister?”

While Sang Guanyin held XiXi, a muffled sound resonated from inside a nearby room.

In the next moment, a massive, sturdy figure slowly emerged.

Towering and almost superhuman, his muscular frame was as solid as carved stone. With a cropped haircut and eyes as bright as copper bells, his presence was imposing.

XiXi blinked and tilted her head slightly to watch him.

Seeing the robust, tower-like figure reminiscent of Master Niu Niu, XiXi felt no fear—instead, she found it somehow familiar.

“This is the Second Senior Brother from the Orthodox Divine Sect—the one Master Niu Niu always mentioned,” Sang Guanyin said softly.

“Oh! Second Brother, Bian Bian!”

XiXi puckered her lips in a small, cute ‘Oh!’

She had often heard Nan Lihuo mention this Second Brother and was curious to finally meet him—a toned-down version of Master Niu Niu!

“Junior sister, I’m not Bian Bian—I’m Bian Yuanlong,” the imposing figure corrected, a touch of embarrassment in his tone.

Bian Yuanlong, robust and solid, quickly added, “Alright then, Second Brother Bian!”

XiXi nodded earnestly and solemnly.

Sang Guanyin couldn’t help but cover her mouth and laugh softly.

“I’ve been eager to see you, you little rascal. The teacher said your talent is extraordinary, perhaps even surpassing that of Senior Brother… Let’s see.”

Bian Yuanlong scratched his head, unaffected by XiXi’s candid words.

He took XiXi from Sang Guanyin, and she climbed comfortably onto his broad shoulder—just as she used to on Master Niu Niu’s.

Bian Yuanlong paused in surprise, then with a gentle smile said, “You sure know how to pick a good spot.”

“Hmm?!”

In an instant, a strange glimmer flashed in Bian Yuanlong’s eyes.

“Little stinker XiXi, have you… formed your Divine Foundation?”

XiXi, barely four years old, seemed stunned.

Bian Yuanlong’s heart skipped a beat.

Four years old… and already a Divine Foundation?

Hissing to himself, he thought, my teacher never deceives me!

“I should take you to meet Grand Preceptor—my master’s master, now an inner elder. Back then, my teacher’s affairs nearly set off Master Niu Niu, but after coming to Daocheng, Grand Preceptor helped me plenty.”

Bian Yuanlong ruffled XiXi’s hair with his large hand, “Grand Preceptor will be overjoyed to see you.”

“And little stinker XiXi, with your talent, you might even vie for a spot in the sect leader’s core authentic transmission list.”

Sang Guanyin on the side was visibly taken aback.

XiXi…has already broken through her Divine Foundation?

No wonder she shone so brightly at the Temple Spirit Resonance Conference!

Sitting on Bian Yuanlong’s shoulder and swinging her little feet, she tilted her head and asked, “Second Brother Bian, do you know about the Chuyong Ledger?”

Bian Yuanlong laughed kindly, “Of course, it’s impressive…”

“I heard someone shout ‘Third Li Nuǎnxi of the Chuyong Ledger’—I think they were calling me,” XiXi said seriously.

At her words, Bian Yuanlong’s warm smile faltered, replaced by a look of alarm.

What luck had Nan Lihuo to gain such a prodigy as his disciple?

Bian Yuanlong, currently ranked third on the Divine Sect’s Outer Talent List, was striving to break into the Outer Talent Ledger…

He had spent nearly eight years in the Divine Sect and never made it onto any ledger, while XiXi was recorded the moment she joined—such differences between people were stark!

This little junior sister, Bian Yuanlong silently resolved, must be cherished.

Li Che did not interfere, merely watching kindly; Bian Yuanlong radiated no malice, so Li Che trusted XiXi’s safety.

“Nan Lihuo tends to recruit disciples—a Zhou Daoyuan, a Bian Yuanlong, and now an XiXi…”

“Bian Yuanlong may lack raw talent, but his heart is pure, enough to rise on the Outer Talent Ledger… and XiXi, being only four and already third in the Chuyong Ledger, might even secure titles on all three ledgers before turning ten,” Elder Jiao said with hopeful expectation.

“The Authentic Transmission Ledger, the Outstanding Talent Ledger, and the Chuyong Ledger all at once—that’s nearly a once-in-a-century feat.”

Li Che’s eyes flickered with doubt, “Can one be on both the Outstanding Talent Ledger and the Authentic Transmission Ledger at the same time?”

“Isn’t the Outstanding Talent Ledger for outstanding outer disciples only?”

“And the Authentic Transmission Ledger, by its very name, is for those with true transmission!”

Elder Jiao led the group into a courtyard, laughing as he explained, “In theory, it’s difficult—but not impossible.”

“The Outstanding Talent Ledger is broader than the Talent List, which is limited to outer disciples; the ledger includes both inner and outer disciples.”

“Moreover, the ledger restricts entries to disciples under thirty, while the Authentic Transmission Ledger has virtually no age limits.”

Elder Jiao commented, “Take Huang Jianjiu—at sixty, he ranks second on the Authentic Transmission Ledger, and there’s even a cultivator over a hundred years old on it…”

“Authentic transmission simply means being taken in by the sect leader or an inner elder, though each inner elder only has twelve slots.”

Elder Jiao then ushered Li Che inside, where they sat and chatted at a table.

On a disciple’s first day, relatives were allowed to stay overnight in the Divine Sect; Elder Jiao even arranged a lavish reception, sending Nie Yang to fetch food and wine from the city.

Li Che, Li Qingshan, Old Chen, and others sat down with him to talk.

Outside, in the courtyard, the spring rain fell softly, creating a serene atmosphere.

The air was thick with potent divine energy—a force made all the more intense by the myriad Bizarre Temples dotting the Mountain Gate.

Throughout his journey, Li Che had seen several Ten Capital Bizarre Temples casually peppered along the roadside,

some of which had barely any warning signs.

But for the Jiuyue Bizarre Temple, the sect took extra precautions, stationing disciples for surveillance—earning both contributions and Divine Crystals.

Within the Divine Sect, assignments to guard the Bizarre Temples were highly coveted.

So many Bizarre Temples clustered under one Mountain Gate created an incredibly rich atmosphere for divine cultivation.

Jingguang Prefecture’s rich divine essence stemmed from the Fourth-Yu Third Prince Bizarre Temple.

And within the Divine Sect there was not only the Four-Yu Bizarre Temple but also a Five-Lao Bizarre Temple and four Six-Department Bizarre Temples!

Coupled with the fierce competition from various ledgers, the atmosphere for cultivation was at its zenith!

“Elder Jiao, how many inner elders are there?” Li Che asked curiously.

Elder Jiao sipped his tea and smiled, “Seven.”

“That means there are eighty-four authentic transmissions among the elders.”

“The deputy sect leader also holds twelve authentic transmissions, and finally, the sect leader—whose direct disciples, known as personal transmissions, aren’t numerically limited. Yet historically, no sect leader has had more than seven personal transmissions.”

“In these turbulent times, the sect leader accepted his fifth personal transmission.”

“And there’s an age limit—under ten, falling within the range of the Chuyong Ledger.”

Li Che took a deep breath.

That means among nearly ten thousand disciples of Qianyuan Divine Sect, only about a hundred have authentic transmissions.

“The Authentic Transmission Ledger has only ten slots, and aside from those, the Authentic Transmission List has just thirty entries,” Elder Jiao explained, recognizing Li Che’s puzzlement.

“So you see, it’s incredibly difficult for XiXi to hold titles in all three ledgers. I was merely modestly hopeful.”

The group chatted as they listened to the steady spring rain.

Moments later, Nie Yang returned, accompanied by a dazed street thug carrying a battered sword case, his eyes vacant.

Elder Jiao frowned at Huang Jianjiu’s disheveled state, “Why do you look like that? Did you try sweet-talking the tavern owner into waiving your tab again?”

Huang Jianjiu, as if triggered by the word “drink money,” shuddered and quickly shook his head, “No, no…”

“I just can’t recall who beat me up…”

“And there’s that intoxicating aroma of wine that I can’t pinpoint its source…”

Huang Jianjiu clutched his head, wincing as if ants were crawling over him.

His wine craving had been ignited, yet no satisfying drink could be found—his agony was palpable.

Li Che scratched his head…

A gentle, honest smile played on his face.

Knowing the truth, he said nothing more.

Nie Yang, cold and ruthless, placed a package of food and wine from the best tavern in Daocheng on the table.

They clinked glasses and feasted together.

After a few rounds, Li Che, watching XiXi vie with Huang Jianjiu for a chicken leg, raised his cup toward Elder Jiao in a toast.

“Elder Jiao, how much do you really know about the Su Family?” Li Che inquired.

Just then, Huang Jianjiu, who had been snatching a chicken leg, suddenly looked up, releasing it so that XiXi stumbled back in surprise before he resumed munching with satisfaction.

Elder Jiao exchanged a glance with Li Che and clinked his cup, “Why the sudden interest in the Su Family?”

“They’re the top clan of Daocheng—I’ve long admired their reputation,” Li Che replied warmly.

Huang Jianjiu scoffed as he snapped off the head of a roast chicken, crunching it with a disdainful bite.

“Just a hypocritical clan! Nothing more than a stud family!” he sneered, his tone icy.

“The Su Family strictly enforces bloodline purity, forbidding their daughters from marrying outsiders. Meanwhile, the men target talented women, seducing them into unwavering loyalty and forcing them to join the Su Family!”

“Every woman married into the Su Family… ends in tragedy. Despite their natural brilliance, once they join, they fade into mediocrity, their talents lost in the routine of bearing children.”

“It’s as if they’re robbed of their very spirit—like having their innate gifts stripped away!”

Huang Jianjiu spoke coldly.

“The Su Family must practice a vile Divine Essence secret technique!”

“Just like the Corpse God Sect—disgusting vermin!”

Huang Jianjiu’s bitterness ran deep.

He closed his eyes in anguish as the image of a once-radiant childhood genius flashed before him—a girl now faded and sorrowfully lost.

The angrier he thought, the more voraciously he devoured the chicken.

XiXi, watching from the side, suspected that all this anger was just an excuse for Huang Jianjiu to snatch her chicken leg!

Elder Jiao sighed and shook his head, “But when love is mutual, who can stand in the way?”

“The Su Family cultivates the aspect of desire among the seven emotions, wielding seductive power—whether it’s true love or not, who can say?” Huang Jianjiu remarked gravely.

“Without evidence, spare us your baseless claims. The Su Family… even has a divine fetus at its center,” Elder Jiao added.

“And you’re not getting any younger. If that tavern owner weren’t so taken with you, why else would she extend you credit? After all, she only comes to the sect to see you…”

“After so many years, you still can’t let go!”

Elder Jiao’s voice carried a note of warning.

Huang Jianjiu stayed silent and then turned to scramble for pig trotters with XiXi. Suddenly, he realized that what he grabbed was indeed delicious!

Elder Jiao, exasperated, chided him like a rebellious child.

That tavern owner, who had served him from her childhood, now even extended him credit…

And all he could think about was that sorry excuse of a man.

What a fine woman she was!

How did he end up with such a wretched fellow!

Li Che and Zhang Ya exchanged gossiping glances, while Li Qingshan and Granny Mu listened intently.

Elder Jiao cleared his throat and began recounting the latest gossip about Huang Jianjiu.

……

……

That night, Li Che’s family stayed over in Elder Jiao’s courtyard.

The next day, a gentle spring rain fell.

With tearful eyes, XiXi clung tightly to Zhang Ya’s neck, unwilling to let go.

“Mother—!!!”

“XiXi will miss you! She’ll miss red-braised pork, baked trotters, and…”

“Sob… XiXi doesn’t want to leave you… or daddy,”

Li Che’s face darkened—his inclusion felt a tad forced.

After all, she was only four—shouldn’t a little one be cozy and cared for?

“Don’t worry. In time, your mother and I will join you here in the Divine Sect,” Li Che reassured her as he gently rubbed her head.

“Pinkie promise!”

After linking pinkies, XiXi pouted, still a bit upset—like a child on her first day of kindergarten.

Sang Guanyin took XiXi into her embrace to comfort her, while the towering Bian Yuanlong awkwardly tried to console her.

“Don’t cry, XiXi. In a couple of days, Second Brother Bian will take you to the Bizarre Temple to hunt demons!”

Bian Yuanlong’s voice rumbled like distant thunder.

“Second Brother, XiXi is only four!” Sang Guanyin chided him.

XiXi’s eyes lit up as she leaped from Sang Guanyin’s arms, settling on Bian Yuanlong’s shoulder.

“Second Brother Bian, you promised—I’ll go demon-hunting! Don’t you dare break your promise, or I’ll have Master Niu beat you up! Master Niu is even tougher than you!”

XiXi declared proudly.

Bian Yuanlong grinned in a goofy, affectionate manner.

After all, he practiced Giant Spirit Essence… who could be tougher than him?

……

……

Old Chen drove Li Che and Zhang Ya away from the Divine Sect Mountain Gate.

Granny Mu followed in the carriage, for she couldn’t stay in the Divine Sect long—its vibrant divine energy was not good for her.

They returned to the large courtyard in Liu Xiang Alley in the Inner City.

A melancholy mood settled over everyone. Zhang Ya appeared distant, more anxious than when XiXi went to cultivate on Golden Light Peak.

Back then, Zhang Ya could often see XiXi; but after the assassination incident, the family moved to Zheng Lei Peak, and XiXi lived with them almost constantly.

Now, this was a true farewell.

Since outsiders were not allowed beyond the Divine Sect Mountain Gate, XiXi would now only see them two or three times a year.

Zhang Ya was truly reluctant.

Thinking that little XiXi, at just four, must now brave the fierce competition of the Mountain Gate, her heart ached.

A mother’s worries—whether she eats well, sleeps well…

Li Che knew exactly what Zhang Ya feared; he gently wrapped an arm around her and stroked her dark hair.

“Don’t worry, my dear. Once I become an elder of Shendiao Ridge, I’ll have free access within the Divine Sect and see XiXi every day.”

Li Che’s warm voice resonated as his Unsullied Heart divine energy surged forth, soothing his wife.

Zhang Ya pressed her cheek against his chest, feeling safe and calm.

“Mm.”

“Trust me.”

……

……

Outer City.

Tinglei Alley.

As night fell, with a gentle spring breeze and the end of days of rain, heavy clouds were swept aside to reveal a star-studded sky!

Like scattered celestial beans, light and dark intermingled to decorate the night.

Inside the courtyard,

Li Che stood silently, his eyes reflecting countless stars.

“Su Family…”

“XiXi’s Divine Foundation, formed in a nearby carriage—aside from Su Chuyang and an old man, there’s someone formidable, exceedingly so!”

“Could that be the Grande Realist of Breath Retention Transformation?”

“On par with the pinnacle of the Three-Flower Grandmasters!”

“It appears that the Su Family elder, who is also one of the seven inner elders, has set his sights on XiXi…”

“He’s targeting her talent…”

Li Che recalled Huang Jianjiu’s spiteful words.

Huang Jianjiu’s childhood sweetheart…

Once a celebrated genius girl, now a sorrowful figure clinging to faded beauty…

Li Che closed his eyes slowly.

Just the thought sparked a raging torrent of fury, ready to burst forth!

How could any father stand by and watch his daughter suffer so?

This isn’t like the lust of a Demon Child—it’s far more despicable…

The Su Family cares not for feelings, only for draining her talent until it withers away!

That, above all, is unforgivable!

Su Family…

“I’m not strong enough yet… I must grow stronger. Only by becoming powerful can I be the steadfast support my daughter needs!”

In an instant, Li Che’s eyes snapped open!

Immediately,

The repaying divine energy within his 【Dragon Elephant Vajra】 Dao Fruit erupted in a dazzling burst.

His eyes shone like countless stars!

A tremendous roar echoed from within him, as if a legendary furnace burned to its ultimate limit and exploded!

Terrifying qi surged from every pore like a dense, billowing mist!

The searing, churning blood qi boiled as if in a steamer!

With one decisive step, he executed the Lingxu Baqi Steps!

The void itself seemed to twist, and six distinct images of Li Che manifested in the courtyard!

They even appeared to step mid-air!

Whoom—!!!

A Horse-Slaying Blade used by the Black Armor Blood Guards fell into his hand. The narrow blade twisted in a frenzy, unleashing a torrent of blade energy and a thunderous roar!

Every concentrated current of energy exploded in one strike, shattering and surging in every direction!

The raging, searing qi and blood roiled powerfully!

Li Che landed firmly.

The Horse-Slaying Blade lodged in the ground, its hilt trembling.

A spark of solid electricity flashed in Li Che’s eyes.

He slowly raised both palms.

In his grasp, two fresh strands of Divine Guts emerged…

They unfurled like newly hatched serpents breaking free.

Then, he roared to the heavens!

“Seven-thousand Words. On Monday.”

He passionately pleaded for fresh recommendation votes! Hail to Old Li for his continuous updates—everyone, keep reading! With over eight thousand subscriptions now, may Old Li rise back to ten thousand! Many thanks to all!