Chapter 237: Snowbound Ascension

Hehehee——

A raging wind howled, swirling endless white snow across the sky!

The Divine Talisman Pavilion stood steadfast at the mountain peak.

Mighty snowflakes cascaded from the heavens, blanketing the land for miles in frozen silence.

Yet amidst the pavilions, it felt as warm as spring.

The Sect Master’s Wife Xuan Qisha—even though small in stature—clenched her fist and patted XiXi’s shoulder forcefully.

The master and disciple, almost like sisters, shared a close bond.

Elder Jiao Shaoqiu, seated on the wooden floor, froze in shock upon hearing her words.

The Sect Master’s Wife… intends to take XiXi out for vengeance?!

Elder Jiao Shaoqiu drew a deep breath.

He had clearly underestimated the depth of her affection for XiXi!

To think that someone could nestle within the Divine Talisman Pavilion—a sanctuary of a generation of Divine Talisman masters—and yet dare to step out for XiXi!

This astonished him even more than XiXi’s incredible innate talent for Divine Talismans!

“How dare that Dragon God clan—no, the Muddy Eel clan—act with such arrogance!”

“They lost their own son yet expect an innocent girl to marry in his stead! Utterly inhumane! That wretched beast isn’t even human—kill him!”

The Sect Master’s Wife rolled up her sleeves, revealing her slender arms as she patted the tearful XiXi’s shoulder.

Her eyes glinted with concentrated hostility.

“Teacher… please calm down,”

Elder Jiao Shaoqiu’s withered face trembled as he quickly pleaded.

The Sect Master’s Wife shot him a cold glance.

With a derisive smirk, she said, “I know what you’re trying to say—but it’s all so boring!”

“Ji Mo Li may be strong, but so what?”

“And he still hasn’t shown up!”

She declared her stance without hesitation.

“How can one bully his own pet when no one is around?”

Imitating XiXi’s posture, she lifted her head and puffed her chest, though her little belly could never compare…

She didn’t possess the same delicate form as XiXi.

“Madam… Qianyuan Divine Sect fears neither King Ping Luan nor his forces, but behind him stands the Great Jing Court.”

Elder Jiao Shaoqiu managed a bitter smile.

“You know well the state of the world—the Great Jing Court, once mighty, has long lost the grandeur of a century ago.”

“With the Corpse God Sect’s rebellion, Lie Shen Pavilion’s audacity, those reincarnated Temple Spirits, ancient foreign clans, and even the Great Li royal court of the desert under siege, the Great Jing Court’s stance toward Divine Sect has become more and more…”

Elder Jiao Shaoqiu’s tone turned grave.

Worried that the Sect Master’s Wife had spent too long in the Divine Talisman Pavilion and lost touch with worldly affairs, he had briefly explained.

Narrowing her eyes, Xuan Qisha retorted, “What’s the matter? Does the Great Jing Court really intend to oppress Divine Sect and pillage its assets?”

“In its heyday, the Great Jing Court would never dare act so boldly… yet the weakened Great Jing Court now dares?”

Elder Jiao Shaoqiu gave a bitter smile.

“This disciple doesn’t know…”

“But rumors say that King Ping Luan and Ji Mo Li are the spearhead of the Great Jing Court.”

Xuan Qisha chuckled, “Oh, you’re so scared…”

“Don’t worry. Though a dragon is versatile—its blood can refine pills or craft ink, its bones forge divine weapons, its tendons serve as bowstrings, its skin as armor, and its meat, when cooked, is delicious—I can restrain myself.”

Nearby, XiXi blinked her bright, large eyes.

A dragon…

Could it really be so useful?!

It was as if XiXi had just discovered a whole new world.

Hearing this, Elder Jiao Shaoqiu shook his head and remained silent.

On the delicate features of the Sect Master’s Wife, her eyes narrowed into slits.

“Disciple XiXi, come with your master!” she commanded.

Taking XiXi’s small hand, she led her to the balustrade of the pavilion.

Looking up, they saw a vista of swirling snow and raging winds!

Her skirt and wide sleeves billowed as a Divine Talisman fluttered out with a slight flick of her hand; on its mysterious yellow paper, cinnabar markings glowed as if alive.

It latched onto XiXi’s back.

Then, the Sect Master’s Wife laughed.

“Let’s go!”

No sooner had she finished speaking than she pulled XiXi along and soared into the blizzard.

They plunged directly into the storm.

The wind and snow seemed to tear the curtain of the heavens and earth in two.

Elder Jiao Shaoqiu, his ancient robe billowing, strode to the balustrade, his hair streaming in the wind.

With his hands clasped behind his back, he gazed at the endless snowy peaks.

He exhaled slowly.

“Ha ha…”

An old man stroked his beard, his face alight with mirth.

……

……

Snowflakes fell like fleeting blossoms, dancing once across the cold expanse.

In Qianyuan Daocheng’s Inner City.

At Wangchun Pavilion.

This was the most lavish restaurant in the Inner City—a vast complex that, while appearing as a single building, comprised four towers, with only the central pavilion reserved for the noblest guests.

Guests of high status, arriving from all over, stayed at Wangchun Pavilion.

It was said that Wangchun Pavilion was under the management of the City Lord’s Residence.

Thus, only those with the requisite prestige could reside in the main building.

On ordinary days, if there were no distinguished visitors, only the four towers—functioning as inns that sometimes even hosted talented performers—would open.

The main building of Wangchun Pavilion.

On the Ninth Floor.

Curtains fluttered as the icy winter wind swept through.

Inside the pavilion.

Three figures sat at a round table. One, clad in golden armor and having removed his helmet to reveal a resolute, austere face, was none other than General You Liqing of the Divine Guard Army’s Western Camp.

Opposite him sat Elder Ji Heshan, one of Qianyuan Divine Sect’s four elders.

Beside him was the elegantly attired and striking Dragon Queen Ao Yuxin, consort of the Dragon God.

Near the Dragon Queen stood a small, quiet, and well-behaved girl.

Perhaps eight or nine years old, with flowing black hair and downcast lashes, though her occasional bright blue glance shone like a gem.

At the edge of the floor.

Two figures stood: Pre-Heavenly Grandmaster Long Tai and the Pre-Heavenly Grandmaster-level Female Divine Archer Blue Bird.

Both wore solemn, cold expressions.

Inside the room.

A charcoal furnace blazed as a boiler roiled with boiling water, its tea aroma spreading warmth like spring.

Elder Ji Heshan, in his simple long robe, unrolled part of it, grasped a tea cup, and took a sip.

“Excellent tea. It truly lives up to the top-grade Dragon Valley tea from Dragon God Valley.”

Elder Ji Heshan stroked his beard and laughed.

The Dragon Queen’s blue eyes sparkled as she said, “If you like it, Elder, I’ll have the juniors from Dragon God Valley bring more next time.”

Elder Ji Heshan shook his head, “Enough. A mere taste suffices.”

His gaze fell on the little girl, “Is she the divine prodigy the Dragon Queen brought from Dragon God Valley?”

“Ao Qingqing is my older brother’s legitimate daughter, blessed with pure Dragon God blood… We had planned that after Hai Hui inherited the Temple Spirit legacy from the Eight-Armed Yulian Furious Third Prince Bizarre Temple, he would come to Qianyuan Daocheng to participate in the Sect Master’s evaluation…”

“But alas, Hai Hui was slain by villains…”

The Dragon Queen’s eyes flashed with sorrow, her breathing quickening.

It was her son—how could she not be heartbroken?

It was a pain that felt as if her heart were being shattered.

A white-haired man bidding farewell to a black-haired man—a tragedy of cosmic sorrow!

Thus, she seethed with hatred.

That is why Elder Ji Heshan accompanied her to visit the Divine Sect Mountain Gate, where outside the gate she encountered that maiden.

Her son was dead—so why did that girl live so well?!

“Why?!”

Was it not because Hai Hui cherished this little girl?

Then they’d abduct her, force an unholy marriage, and send her to meet Hai Hui so he would not walk alone on the underworld path!

“This girl shows great promise. Elder Jiao Shaoqiu holds her in high regard. And if the Dragon Queen truly harbors resentment, let’s wait until after the Sect Master’s evaluation,” Elder Ji Heshan remarked.

Elder Ji Heshan continued.

“If this little girl is indeed outrageously gifted, shattering all limits to become the Sect Master’s protégé…”

“Then the unholy marriage can be cancelled.”

After all, Elder Ji Heshan was still an elder of Qianyuan Divine Sect; though he was close to the Dragon Queen, when it came to the Sect Master’s authority, no concessions could be made.

“So it shall be,” replied Dragon Queen Ao Yuxin coolly.

Elder Ji Heshan exchanged a glance with her and then focused on his tea.

General You Liqing remained silent as usual—he rarely spoke except when facing Master Ji Mo Li, when his words would flow more freely.

For You Liqing deeply admired Ji Mo Li.

Suddenly,

Elder Ji Heshan and Dragon Queen Ao Yuxin’s expressions changed as they sipped their tea.

In the tea cup, ripples began to form and spread in circles!

“Hmm?!”

General You Liqing finally sensed it—a powerful aura surged upward!

“Who?!”

A resounding shout pierced the heavens!

In the very next moment, clad in golden armor, You Liqing burst out of the main building of Wangchun Pavilion!

The formidable aura of the Three-Flower Grandmaster surged violently, his life force swirling like raging smoke, dancing wildly between heaven and earth!

A thunderous rumble—!!!

It was as if countless bolts of lightning tumbled down from ominous clouds!

The clashing thunder intertwined into a dense storm!

Like a halo of mysterious yellow light drawing near, leaving behind an undying, simmering aura in the frigid sky!

General You Liqing’s eyes narrowed; he raised his hand and pointed at his brow.

In an instant, his eyes blazed with brilliant golden light—as if an enraged roar shattered the heavens!

“Divine Seed, Enraged Heavenly King Gaze!”

Looking upward, he fixed his gaze on that halo of yellow light.

You Liqing paused as his Enraged Heavenly King Gaze suddenly contracted!

He beheld talismans…

One after another, talismans clustered together, forming a massive talisman cloud!

Cinnabar-stained mysterious yellow paper with vermillion markings!

Packed densely, they tore through the swirling snow!

“Talismans?”

You Liqing was taken aback.

The next moment, a mocking voice emanated from within the talisman cloud.

“What are you staring at? Why that glare?!”

The words echoed.

You Liqing’s hairs bristled as the insignia of the Three-Flower suddenly blossomed on his head; his body grew almost translucent as a Divine Seed lodged within his spine.

Clenching his fists, he roared and threw a punch.

However—

A talisman burst into flames out of nowhere.

Then, a ring of golden light enveloped You Liqing’s body.

Soon after, from within the talisman cloud,

someone extended a tiny arm and flicked a small finger.

In an instant—

Blinding light howled like a lightning bolt!

“Binding Immortal Divine Talisman of the Five Elders?!”

You Liqing’s hairs stood on end!

A bone-chilling cold shot through him!

Who was that?

The moment they met, a Binding Immortal Divine Talisman of the Five Elders was hurled his way!

You Liqing bit his tongue—a drop of vital blood ignited like fire—as his whole body ached, the Divine Seed within him blazing, mixing his energy and blood in a fervent boil!

A golden Zhangba Snake Halberd roared into existence from behind him!

It transformed into a ferocious, several-zhang long, dragon-like serpent!

Boom—!!!

However!

A muffled, thunderous sound exploded over the main building of Wangchun Pavilion, its shock shattering the snowy roof tiles into white powder in an instant!

At the pavilion’s balustrade,

a terrifying gale howled, ripping apart countless curtains—some even torn by the force of the wind!

Blue Bird and Long Tai were visibly startled; both retreated in panic. Long Tai drew his crocodile-headed axe while Blue Bird notched an arrow on her Divine Bow with a creak as she took aim!

Then, they witnessed a small Divine Talisman, about the size of a child’s palm, suddenly engulfed in a brilliant golden light as it struck You Liqing’s forehead.

You Liqing’s body was launched like a cannonball, trailing a streak of golden light in midair.

It shattered the dark-tiled roof of Wangchun Pavilion, causing eaves to collapse onto the structure below.

Elder Ji Heshan and Dragon Queen Ao Yuxin paused mid-sip, their actions frozen in shock.

They stared at the tiny Divine Talisman on You Liqing’s forehead in disbelief.

Elder Ji Heshan spat out his tea in shock.

“Is it her?!”

……

……

The Six-Eared Yulian Divine Monkey Two-Hearted Sage of the Bizarre Temple.

At the temple entrance.

Gongshu Jingjun’s gaze shifted to the demonic ape god eagle clutched by Li Che.

The demonic ape god eagle, carved from Bloodfire Bodhi Wood, boasted a deep, reddish-brown hue reminiscent of fragrant amber.

Its tadpole-shaped Bloodfire divine patterns seemed to burn like raging flames.

Gongshu Jingjun’s Divine Perception was immense; a mere glance revealed the latent, simmering divinity within the statue!

It was magnificent—like a roaring demonic ape god eagle wielding a divine golden staff with unmatched ferocity!

Most striking of all…

That fierce demonic ape god eagle evoked an uncanny familiarity in Gongshu Jingjun.

That familiarity came from the Temple Protection Incantation Corpse King he had just seen in the eerie fog!

That Corpse King—dozing and breathing rhythmically—the demonic ape corpse king!

It was uncomfortably alike! So very alike!

Though the eerie fog obscured its true face, the divine intent of Li Che’s demonic ape god eagle was unmistakable!

“Li Che, have you seen the temple’s Protection Corpse King?” asked Gongshu Jingjun in a low voice.

Li Che was dumbfounded, “Which Protection Corpse King?”

He genuinely did not understand.

Gongshu Jingjun, noticing Li Che’s bewilderment, shook his head subtly.

“Never mind…”

“This demonic ape god eagle…”

Gongshu Jingjun was lost for words.

Its quality was remarkable; he immediately discerned its rank.

It was at the Five Elders level!

What did that imply?

It meant Li Che’s demonic ape god eagle had reached the level of a Five Elders Divine Eagle Master.

Of course, to reach that level, one must not only carve a divine eagle at the Five Elders level but also use Six-Commission Spirit Wood to transform its divine rank through masterful artistry.

That was the hallmark of a true Five Elders Divine Eagle Master.

At present, Li Che could only be considered half of such a master.

“Not bad,”

Gongshu Jingjun continued, “But this demonic ape god eagle isn’t the Temple Spirit. During a clash of divine intent, it might suffer grievously.”

“The Temple Spirit claims invincibility at its level, always seizing the initiative in divine clashes,” he noted.

Gongshu Jingjun remarked.

“Also… your Bloodfire divine patterns…”

Before he could continue, Li Che smiled and interjected, “They’re insignificant…”

“Just a minor matter,”

Then, right in front of Gongshu Jingjun, Li Che produced a Six-Star Martial Pill and swallowed it.

The pill’s effect burst forth—powerful vital energy surged through Li Che’s body like a raging river.

In an instant, the Bloodfire divine patterns clinging to half his body disintegrated into nothingness.

“It works like this?!”

Even seasoned divine cultivators were left in stunned silence.

Li Che’s move had everyone a bit dumbfounded.

However, Gongshu Jingjun remained unruffled; he gave Li Che a knowing look, for he wasn’t naive…

Who wouldn’t know the effects of a Martial Pill?

No wonder Tang Sanjia had high hopes for him—he kept many tricks hidden.

His skill was far more complex than it appeared at first glance.

Without further discussion, the two stepped out of the Bizarre Temple and swiftly traversed the eerie fog, leaving the Bizarre Temple behind.

The moment they left, the divine energy in the heavens dropped several levels.

In that instant, a profound emptiness filled the heart.

“The overwhelming divine energy within the Bizarre Temple immensely benefits divine cultivators, while warriors also gain quite an edge,”

“Conquering that energy and the pervasive influence of the bizarre temple has always allowed warriors to refine their physiques better…”

“Ever since the bizarre temple emerged, warriors have found breakthroughs far easier than before—in bygone days, forging a Martial Saint was nearly impossible, but now… it’s considerably more attainable.”

Gongshu Jingjun, aware of Li Che’s thoughts, explained.

“Although the bizarre temple breeds the perilous Bizarre Temple, many regard it as an anomalous blessed realm recorded in ancient texts.”

A blessed cave, perhaps?

Li Che raised an eyebrow, deep in thought.

After leaving the Bizarre Temple,

Li Che glanced back at its solitary, desolate silhouette amid the wind and snow.

Then, along with Gongshu Jingjun, he departed and returned to the reception hall at Shendiao Ridge.

The reception hall at Shendiao Ridge was already teeming with people.

They were all master woodcarvers who had qualified for the evaluation.

But most were simply there to experience the divine energy of the Bizarre Temple, while a few who had entered the Bizarre Temple sought to witness a Five Elders Temple Spirit.

Only Su Huai Ming, Zhou Tianshui, Yun Haiyang, and Li Che had truly carved a divine eagle.

Su Huai Ming stood upright, holding up his divine eagle, his hair streaming, a broad smile on his face.

Other woodcarvers extolled his magnificent performance in the Bizarre Temple.

“For those who haven’t entered the Bizarre Temple, you might not know that Master Su’s performance was peerless…”

“Once the Temple Spirit Divine Eagle was formed, a mystical fog rose—as if the temple spirit and all supernatural beings were drawn to it!”

“With that fog, the concentration of divine energy in the Bizarre Temple increased by at least thirty percent! We practically suffocated!”

One master after another exclaimed in admiration.

Of course, some padded their praise with flowery language, but such flattery delighted Master Su Huai Ming.

It was music to his ears.

“This time, during the evaluation at Shendiao Ridge, Master Su is certain to surpass all previous records!”

“Oh, don’t exaggerate… The clash of divine intent hasn’t concluded yet,”

Su Huai Ming chuckled as he held up his Two-Hearted Saint Divine Eagle, its divine energy surging mightily.

In the distance,

Lu Yao led Tang Ren. Tang Ren couldn’t stand Su Huai Ming’s airs, his anger simmering.

“My Uncle Li Che hasn’t appeared yet! Uncle Li Che is XiXi’s father—he will surely prevail!”

Lu Yao retorted, “This is the Six-Commission Divine Eagle Master of the Su Family, a top guest of the Imperial Watch! His status is immensely honored, and he has been refining Divine Eagle Art for over a generation. On what grounds do you assume Uncle Li Che will win?”

“Just because he is XiXi’s father!”

Tang Ren said.

Lu Yao rolled his eyes, refusing to engage with idolatry.

Suddenly, his gaze hardened.

Gongshu Jingjun arrived gracefully with Li Che.

The entire reception hall fell silent; everyone knew the results were imminent.

The final Divine Eagle Master had arrived—next was the clash of divine intent.

The battle was raw and straightforward.

Whose divine intent was stronger meant that his divine eagle held a higher rank—naturally, he would be the victor.

And the clash of divine eagles…

For every master, it was as thrilling as a cricket fight…

Everyone wanted to see which great contender would endure until the end!

Outside the reception hall.

An old man with entirely white hair approached, trembling.

His body, draped in layers of withered skin like scattered dry wood, moved unsteadily.

“Elder Sun,”

Gongshu Jingjun greeted warmly.

“Ridge Master, my divine eagle is here…”

Elder Sun smiled gently; he was far too old, nearing life’s end. Even if he had once been a towering divine cultivator and warrior, old age brought decay and despair.

Li Che looked at Elder Sun, his eyes distant.

This was the consequence of immortality unattained…

Ultimately… growing old and reeking of decay—a despair of impending death.

Li Che’s gaze darkened as his heart stirred.

Immortality…

That sudden longing for immortality surged within him—

He must secure it for himself, his daughter, and his wife…

Only then could he escape loneliness in this world.

Elder Sun handed over his divine eagle—a Two-Hearted Saint Divine Eagle.

It, too, was a product of witnessing the Temple Spirit in the Bizarre Temple.

Its aura was refined and its craftsmanship superb; every detail was distinct, as if the temple spirit itself had materialized.

After all, it was the work of a veteran in carving divine eagles.

Even Li Che couldn’t help but admire it.

Gongshu Jingjun accepted Elder Sun’s divine eagle, then looked at the other master woodcarvers in the hall.

They all sat in grand chairs, their eyes alight with anticipation.

“After experiencing the Bizarre Temple, witnessing the temple spirit, and carving divine eagles, now begins the clash of divine intent…”

“All masters who carved divine eagles, please bring out your divine eagles.”

Gongshu Jingjun stated calmly.

Masters Su Huai Ming, Zhou Tianshui, and Yun Haiyang each carried their divine eagles out.

“Ridge Master, let us give it a try,” said Su Huai Ming confidently.

Gongshu Jingjun nodded.

“Masters, place your divine eagles on the carpeted platforms set on the hall floor. Each platform is inscribed with divine symbols that will awaken your divine eagle’s power.”

They all did as instructed.

Experienced as they were, Masters Su, Zhou, and Yun quickly located the platforms and carefully placed their divine eagles.

Li Che also found a carpet.

This carpet itself was a divine weapon.

Li Che positioned his Fa Tian Xiang Di Lingming True Ape Divine Eagle upon it.

Gongshu Jingjun assisted Elder Sun in placing his divine eagle.

Once arranged, every divine eagle master retreated to their grand chairs.

Gongshu Jingjun, seated centrally, scanned the room before announcing,

“Masters…”

“The clash of divine eagle intent commences now.”

Upon his signal, Gongshu Jingjun flicked his fingers, and a stream of divine light erupted, piercing through the hall’s floor.

In an instant, it seemed as if a hidden mechanism had been activated; dense, mighty divine energy gushed forth from every crevice of the tiled floor.

Slowly, the entire reception hall was enveloped by a thick mist of divine energy.

From the five divine eagles, beams of light erupted, tearing through the dense divine fog!

Every master’s eyes shone with curiosity as they watched.

Then, as if awakened, each divine eagle opened its eyes and bristled its feathers.

Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh—!!!

Golden light shimmered brilliantly, robes billowed, and four Two-Hearted Saint Divine Eagles leapt into action, clenching golden divine staffs.

They faced each other in a tense standoff.

So lifelike, as if the Two-Hearted Saint had been revived!

Divine energy roared, matching the fervor in every master’s heart!

However…

Even Gongshu Jingjun, normally unflappable, paused in astonishment.

Then he saw, amidst the divine energy mist…

a deafening roar erupted, like the wrath of a deity as thunder crashed down from the heavens!

A violent bellow reverberated, its sound waves sending ripples through the divine mist!

“Roar—Roar—Roar—Roar——!!!”

All four Two-Hearted Saint Divine Eagles responded with a mighty roar, robes flaring and golden staffs raised high.

Four beams of golden light shot through the mist, like ferocious divine dragons charging from east to west!

Then the mist scattered!

A fierce and savage demonic ape, hair flying and tail lashing the air with a resounding crack, emerged wielding a hefty golden staff.

Facing the four attacking Two-Hearted Saint Divine Eagles, the demonic ape raised its head; its eyes blazed with intense golden light, piercing every illusion!

“Hey—!!!”

A sharp command boomed like rolling thunder!

Yet the demonic ape had already acted; with a swift flick, its golden staff snapped upward!

In the eyes of all present…

it was merely a gesture, as if uprooting a towering peak and shattering the darkness with its fierce will!

In an instant—

the surrounding divine energy, as if a boundless sea, was completely shattered!

The heavens cleared, the sky became pristine!

The demonic ape’s staff sent the four Two-Hearted Saint Divine Eagles recoiling at astonishing speed!

Its golden eyes shone clearly, like flames burning in the endless dark.

A deep, resonant voice slowly emerged, as if an ancient deity were murmuring—divine energy entwined with the golden staff.

The staff instantly blazed red, resembling a coiled dragon!

“Illusions—all is illusion—!”

“My staff…”

“To the heavens!”

“Shatter all illusions!”

Seventh-Thousand Words. The second update has arrived. I’m exhausted and can’t write anymore. But I’ve kept my promise for this update, so please rally those monthly votes. Also, don’t hoard the books—subscriptions have lingered above eight thousand for too long… Reading counts are tied to Old Li’s fate! Old Li implores—goodnight, everyone, I’m off to a deep sleep.