Chapter 248: Wind, Snow, and the Mystic Temple

Wind and snow cry out; plum blossoms scatter their fragrant petals.

Sprinkled pink petals of falling plum blossoms litter the mist-enshrouded ground, adding an air of mystery.

Following the path deeper, one sees an ancient, enigmatic temple perched atop it, its black tiles laid out in perfect order, with gracefully upturned eaves and dazzling lacquered patterns.

The Mystic Temple of the Three-Eyed True Lord is manifesting its divine aura!

Four-Yu!

Li Che’s eyes narrowed as his breathing subtly shifted.

This is a terrifying and mysterious temple, equal in rank to the one at the heart of Jiulong River under Jin Guang Mansion, and so far the highest-status and most oppressive one Li Che has encountered.

In fact, he had never set foot in the Eight-Armed Yulian Furious Third Prince Bizarre Temple of Jin Guang Mansion.

But during his Temple Spirit Resonance with XiXi, Li Che had felt the awe-inspiring terror of that temple’s deity!

“Please, Elder Li,”

A soft glow from Ji Heshan fell upon Li Che, gradually condensing.

XiXi’s biological father, huh?

There was a hint of surprise in Ji Heshan’s eyes; he knew Li Che well, especially since Li Che had once sent Wei He with a message, hoping to recruit XiXi into his fold.

He had also once dispatched Wei He to speak with XiXi’s parents.

Yet Li Che had declined, unwilling to let XiXi join his sect.

Who would have thought that now, they would meet in such a manner?

No wonder Li Che was reluctant to have XiXi join his ranks; Li Che himself possessed such talent that he had even become an elder of Shendiao Ridge…

In terms of status, an elder of Shendiao Ridge was hardly any lower than an inner sect elder.

Ji Heshan’s eyes sparkled.

He began to wonder if he should befriend Li Che—a newly anointed elder of Shendiao Ridge was certainly worth knowing.

Shendiao holds immense significance for any cultivator.

For his disciples as well—the reason an elder of Shendiao Ridge could rival an inner sect elder was precisely because he controlled the flow of Shendiao.

“Rest assured, Elder Li. The divine light of the Mystic Temple of the Three-Eyed True Lord is gentle. As long as you remain unsullied by malevolent influences, there will be no disruptive fluctuations.”

“This detection is truly a fated opportunity for you. Provided there are no demonic influences—

nor any sinister forces from the Corpse God Sect—

“you may even achieve Temple Spirit Resonance and receive a divine cleansing.”

“This will greatly aid you in refining both your Divine Vision and Divine Essence Golden Pill.”

Opposite Ji Heshan, a graceful woman spoke softly.

She was Huo Xiang, the Sixth Elder of Qianyuan Divine Sect.

A powerful cultivator on the verge of the Divine Nucleus stage as well.

Amidst numerous gazes, Li Che dusted off his ink-black robe, a gentle smile playing on his face.

After a slight bow to the assembled elders, Li Che stepped confidently onto the torn Thousand Plum Path of the Bizarre Temple.

All the while, the scent of plum blossoms filled the air.

His heart was untroubled, his mind unruffled by any worry.

Even with the Seal of the Corpse God suppressed within his Cosmic Chessboard,

and although that seal had already been refined by him, Li Che felt no apprehension.

Setting foot into the Bizarre Temple felt less like a test and more like strolling along a mountain path on a breezy spring day, savoring plum scents.

Outside the Bizarre Temple,

Gongshu Jingjun, Zhao Fangzhou, and Tang Xiejia stood serenely.

A Divine Nucleus cultivator and two Martial Saints; their cultivation realms set them apart from Ji Heshan and Huo Xiang, creating clear hierarchical differences.

“That is Li Che—”

Tang Xiejia’s massive frame, bearing a striking resemblance to Tang Sanjia, rippled with bulging muscles that promised devastating explosive power with every movement.

“Your junior, whom your brother Tang Sanjia holds in high regard, has even been entrusted with the Tang Clan’s secrets of the Nine Seals Mechanism and Mechanism Beast Codex—”

Gongshu Jingjun said with a smile.

Zhao Fangzhou raised an eyebrow, “Is that thing even comprehensible to a mortal?”

Tang Xiejia scratched his head; his muscular back spread like a coiled viper. “I… just don’t get it.”

Gongshu Jingjun couldn’t help but chuckle.

Two rough-and-ready warriors indeed.

The art of Mechanism is a test of innate talent—far beyond what crude martial men can grasp!

“Li Che is remarkably gifted—”

“Not only does he show talent in the realm of Shendiao, but his aptitude for Mechanism is equally impressive.”

Gongshu Jingjun’s eyes shone with excitement.

“Tang Sanjia cannot possibly repair that damaged peerless Mechanism Beast, the Hundred-Bone Eight-Legged Overlord Dragon, on his own. Thus—he has pinned his hopes on Li Che.”

“It’s a daunting task, but at least there’s hope. I see promise in Li Che’s Shendiao talent.”

Gongshu Jingjun remarked.

Tang Xiejia’s emotions surged.

But soon they plummeted into despair.

“Even if it were repaired, what then? The Tang Clan has long fallen; all five peerless Mechanism Beasts, four of which were confiscated by the Great Jing Court—”

“only one remains, a battered Hundred-Bone Eight-Legged Overlord Dragon. Even if restored, its significance is minimal.”

Gongshu Jingjun shot a piercing look at Tang Xiejia, eyebrows knitting together.

“How can it be insignificant?”

“Don’t you Tang Clan desire a resurgence?”

A flicker of determination lit Tang Xiejia’s eyes.

“I do…”

“But it’s too difficult.”

“That opponent—he’s far too formidable.”

Tang Xiejia’s voice was low and ominous.

“If Master of the Sect hadn’t taken him in, the Tang Clan would have perished long ago.”

Gongshu Jingjun fell silent.

That very person who had driven the Tang Clan to ruin—

seated upon the pinnacle of the Great Jing Court, overshadowing everything like a god or demon whose slightest action could stir mountains and seas.

Even Ji Mo Li pales in comparison.

“So even if a peerless Mechanism Beast is restored, what use is it?”

“Back when five Mechanism Beasts united, none could match that one—what purpose would it serve now?”

“Tang Sanjia’s efforts… are hopeless.”

Tang Xiejia closed his eyes as if extinguishing a blazing flame.

But when he slowly reopened them, his fiery spirit reignited.

It was a fierce, indomitable will only possessed by a Martial Saint!

“The Tang Clan still has me!”

“Just because the Mechanism Beast fails doesn’t mean I, Tang Xiejia, am any less capable!”

Gongshu Jingjun and Zhao Fangzhou remained silent.

They said no more.

Their gazes shifted to the figure on the dim, misty Thousand Plum Path.

“It has begun.”

“The gaze of the Three-Eyed True Lord is cast down upon us.”

“Let’s watch and see if this new elder can become one of our own.”

Zhao Fangzhou stretched, as if golden flames danced around him, his eyes burning with anticipation.

He had always been rather slow in divine aptitude; rumors said Li Che had inherited a half-saintly Shendiao legacy from Elder Sun before his death—

perhaps it could help him break through the bottleneck of Breath Retention Transformation.

If his divine aptitude also improved, with his martial insight he might well ascend to the next realm!

In fact, for this entry test, Zhao Fangzhou, the Second Elder of the inner sect, had come in person.

That was his sole purpose.

Otherwise, Ji Heshan and Huo Xiang, both near Divine Nucleus stage, would have sufficed.

Gongshu Jingjun and Tang Xiejia also sent their inner light forth.

Both believed that the Li Che trusted by Tang Sanjia was surely not one of the corrupt from the Corpse God Sect, nor mingling with the Cult of the Corpse God.

But ultimately, all would depend on the outcome once the temple deity’s gaze descended.

Plum blossoms rained down as his ink robe whirled in a wild dance.

Li Che walked with his hands behind his back, the hem of his dark robe fluttering fiercely in the wind.

BOOM—suddenly,

with a firm step, Li Che pressed down as the mist within the Bizarre Temple on either side erupted in a roar.

A terrifying pressure surged forth like a horde of demons dancing wildly, as if monstrous creatures and myriad fiends were howling in unison.

It seemed as if seven dreadful demons sought to peer through the mist and see him completely!

Yet Li Che did not slow his pace; he continued forward with serene composure.

The monstrous demons, hidden within the mist, could neither break through nor touch him,

so Li Che maintained his calm and composure.

The divine energy in the air grew increasingly heavy and oppressive, as if agitated particles were driven by the wind toward him.

They slammed into him relentlessly.

His jet-black hair whipped wildly in the wind while his steady gaze and the gentle rustle of his robe created a soothing cadence.

His steps remained firm, showing no sign of halting or retreating.

Then, as if silence fell, a beam of light emerged from the ancient temple, dispelling the lingering mist along the path.

It was as if a single glance had cleaved the gloom and ushered in peace.

Li Che finally stopped and looked up, as if his gaze met that very light.

The light fell upon him, sending shivers like electric currents racing along his skin.

In a hazy vision, he saw a deity seated high upon an altar.

The face was shrouded in mysterious mist; a tear-like gap appeared between its brows, revealing a divine eye from which the radiant light emanated.

Wherever that gaze fell, darkness and corruption were banished!

Beside the divine eagle stood a jet-black slender dog, its elongated neck held high and eyes gleaming fiercely—

Li Che’s eyes softened with a trace of contentment.

Somehow, this scene felt achingly familiar.

Dim, yellow lighting—

A handsome man—

and an adorably clumsy black dog…

Li Che felt as if his mind were buffeted by the resonant chimes of ancient bronze bells from a venerable temple, leaving him dazed and disoriented.

Flashing suddenly,

everything plunged into darkness.

The surrounding plum trees vanished without a trace.

Only an altar, a divine eagle, and a black dog remained.

A divine light slowly swept over Li Che’s body.

Within the Mud Pellet Palace at his brow,

the Divine Vision of Fa Tian Xiang Di and the Luminous True Primate suddenly opened its eyes with a roar, shattering countless divine energies!

And apart from the Luminous True Primate,

other temple deities like the Flaming-Eyed Astounding Divine Monkey and the Bending Dreams Gui Ling Rabbit trembled continuously.

It was as if, under that single gaze, they felt the overwhelming pressure of torrents and collapsing mountains.

Li Che paid no mind to the fluctuations within the Mud Pellet Palace.

Within his Cosmic Chessboard,

the Seal of the Corpse God grew ever more submissive, unable to stir; fortunately, Li Che had completely refined it, leaving no trace of corpse or deathly aura.

Buzzing, the primordial spirit suspended within his Cosmic Chessboard slowly opened its eyes as divine light rippled across it.

Within the chessboard, the mythical weapon ‘Qi Tian Face’ trembled incessantly.

Even the Yulian Yin Divine Sword shook violently, its razor-sharp edge unleashing bursts of sword energy, as if disturbed by the temple deity’s gaze.

Outside the Bizarre Temple, a gentle breeze carried the scent of plum blossoms.

Gongshu Jingjun, Zhao Fangzhou, and other masters swept their gaze over the vague silhouette hidden in the mist.

As Li Che advanced steadily along Thousand Plum Path, the mist thickened with the mounting divine energy from the temple.

They watched as Li Che continued onward without pause.

Gongshu Jingjun let out a relieved sigh.

“It appears Li Che has passed the temple’s test,”

he said. “His origins have always been pure — he started as a woodcarver from a small shop in Feilei City under Jin Guang Mansion and has risen through sheer talent and effort.”

“A truly fine young man.”

Gongshu Jingjun’s eyes shone with admiration.

A native of Feilei City without a blemish on his record.

From humble beginnings, he ascended swiftly after his Shendiao talent was recognized.

From the small city he emerged to make his mark in the Capital.

“To rise from a small city to this height—you can only imagine the difficulty.”

Gongshu Jingjun remarked.

Zhao Fangzhou and Tang Xiejia nodded in agreement.

“?”

Suddenly, a voice of astonishment pierced the air,

emanating from Ji Heshan and Huo Xiang as they tore through the mist.

Gongshu Jingjun and the others furrowed their brows and glanced over.

They witnessed a burst of brilliant golden light erupting from Li Che’s body!

Not corpse aura, nor deathly qi, nor demonic energy—

instead, it was an intense, untainted golden light, forming a pillar that soared into the clouds and whisked drifting plum petals upward.

“This is—”

Ji Heshan and Huo Xiang were visibly moved.

Gongshu Jingjun and Zhao Fangzhou exchanged stunned looks.

“Under the gaze of the Three-Eyed True Lord, such pure golden light—untouched by any taint—is astounding,”

Gongshu Jingjun said, his lip twitching.

“Remember, every person has light and darkness within. Even Divine Nucleus cultivators reveal their inner shadows under a true divine gaze.

That’s normal as long as it isn’t demonic, evil, or deathly aura.

But Li Che… his golden light is as pure as if it were forged from crystalline glass.”

Zhao Fangzhou opened his mouth in astonishment.

A proud Martial Saint, yet at this moment words failed him.

Gazing at that immaculate golden light, he thought of one word:

“Absolutely pure?”

Zhao Fangzhou and Tang Xiejia looked over in unison.

No wonder Tang Sanjia believed in Li Che—such unblemished character is beyond reproach!

“He’s still moving forward—could he be intending to traverse Thousand Plum Path and enter the Bizarre Temple?”

Suddenly, Sixth Elder Huo Xiang couldn’t help but exclaim in surprise.

Nearly all eyes were fixed on him.

They watched as Li Che, as if treading on solid ground, tore through the mist and strolled along Thousand Plum Path.

His dark robe billowed, his back upright, and above him, under the divine gaze, a brilliant pillar of golden light shot skyward—

like an exiled immortal walking among mortals!

“If he can complete Thousand Plum Path, his Temple Spirit Resonance will be at least 90%!”

“Like father, like daughter!”

“It is said that Li Che’s daughter, Li Nuǎnxi, achieved a 90% Temple Spirit Resonance in the Eight-Armed Yulian Furious Third Prince Bizarre Temple under Jin Guang Mansion!”

“And now, Li Che has shown us his own magnificence!”

“Though there were no competitors, reaching such resonance is remarkable—”

“Perhaps Li Che might even inherit the Three-Eyed True Lord’s temple legacy!”

The legacy of the Four-Yu Bizarre Temple.

Even for them, it was an irresistible temptation.

Yet often, the temple legacy depends on the degree of Temple Spirit Resonance…

Li Che felt a scorching heat from deep within his brow.

Flesh tore open.

His Star Plucking Gaze burst into radiant golden light.

Even as he locked eyes with the temple deity, he could not clearly discern its features, obscured by a shroud of mystic mist.

The temple deity gazed at him calmly.

With a flick of its finger,

three luminous orbs floated down before Li Che.

Li Che’s ink robe flared as, in the endless darkness, the three orbs, wrapped in golden light, offered him their choice.

Three for one.

In that moment, Li Che understood everything.

His gaze fixed upon the three orbs.

Even with his Star Plucking Gaze activated, he could not penetrate the mist within to see their inner contents.

Li Che knew it was simply that his cultivation was not yet strong enough.

This divine technique would grow as he advanced; perhaps if he were already a Martial Saint or a Divine Nucleus Great God, he might see through the mist—but perhaps not yet.

He closed his eyes briefly.

Suddenly, long-forgotten information surged in his mind.

It was as if his spirit had been transported back to Feilei City,

back to that Three-Eyed Lingying Bizarre Temple outside the city.

A divine martial art suddenly appeared in his mind: Fen Nu True Lord Three-Blade Saber!

Buzzing, a dense golden light flashed, transforming into the elongated figure wielding the Three-Blade Saber.

On that figure, Li Che saw a reflection of himself.

Vast surges of primal qi and blood roiled as the Three-Blade Saber trembled and hurled forward,

slicing through with explosive anger, as if cleaving a mountain apart with a streak of golden light.

His brow’s Star Plucking Gaze tore through the veil,

and in the next instant, his five fingers clenched as if armed with a blade.

Deep within his chest, the Dragon Elephant Vajra Dao Fruit pulsed wildly.

Then, a torrent of majestic qi burst forth, using his hand as the blade to unleash the Fen Nu True Lord Three-Blade Saber—a display so brilliant it resonated like the roar of dragons and elephants!

Yet as the cascade of light and sword energy surged—a myriad of blade strikes like waterfalls—the technique seemed to refine itself further.

Every fiber of Li Che’s body sang in unison, his fingers coming together like a blade as he clashed with that increasingly fearsome force.

The exchange only deepened his appreciation for the exquisite finesse within the saber’s technique.

Was this still the Fen Nu True Lord Three-Blade Saber?

It was entirely transformed.

But the divine martial art he mastered in that bizarre temple in Feilei City had now truly taken root!

Roaring like a dragon and an elephant!

In one resounding clash, the formidable figure shattered into countless fragments.

Winds and currents swirled wildly as debris scattered.

Amid the raging storm, one orb drifted silently before him.

Li Che raised his hand and cradled the orb, which hovered in his palm.

The swirling mist around it began to dissipate as he opened his eyes.

Li Che’s gaze hardened.

Then he saw it:

All the divine light had vanished, leaving behind a palm-sized miniature triple-edged knife.

Li Che opened his eyes to find himself outside the Bizarre Temple.

At the end of Thousand Plum Path stood the ancient Bizarre Temple, quietly ensconced amidst drifting smoke—a realm of ethereal detachment.

Li Che felt a twinge of regret;

he suspected he had indeed entered the temple,

but had failed to leave behind his own chess piece.

Had he left a Feilei Chess Piece—

he could periodically conjure a Divine Chess Piece just as he once did when he entered the Golden Heavenly King Divine Hall.

But—

Li Che’s heart leaped with joy.

For this journey to the Bizarre Temple had been immensely rewarding.

That triple-edged knife—

that very triple-edged knife!

Li Che’s spirit stirred.

Glancing inward, his gaze swept over his flesh and blood,

and he discovered a triple-edged knife fused seamlessly within his right side.

【Divine Weapon (Four-Yu Superior): Zhenglei Demonic-Exterminating Triple-Tipped Double-Edged Knife】

【Craftsmanship: ???】

【Description: A sealed mythical weapon; its flawless body shelters a slumbering soul, nurtured by righteous energy and cleansed by mysterious thunder, capable of commanding divine arms】

【Perfect Command: ???】

【Secondary Command: Upon reaching Martial Saint and Divine Transformation or above】

Li Che’s breathing deepened.

Gazing at the triple-edged knife as if it were part of his very being, his heart trembled with emotion!

He recalled XiXi wielding the Purple-Flame Serpent Spear Fire-Tipped Spear in her left hand, a Gold Brick in her right, and the Yulian Fenghuo Jingguang Wheel on her feet—

adorned in divine armor, a sight envied by all.

And now, Li Che had no reason to envy his daughter any longer!

Before he could delve deeper, Gongshu Jingjun and the others had already drifted in, cutting off his thoughts.

“Congratulations, Elder Li, on successfully passing the temple test.”

Fourth Elder Ji Heshan and Sixth Elder Huo Xiang jointly offered their blessings.

Their eyes shimmered with astonishment and even a hint of envy—

for they saw Li Che truly stepping into the Bizarre Temple!

Traversing Thousand Plum Path to enter the temple!

Know this: Li Che’s entry was not forced like that of a Divine Nucleus Great God; it was only possible through the resonance of the temple deity.

Li Che had undoubtedly earned the legacy of the Four-Yu Bizarre Temple!

This meant that Li Che’s future potential could well reach that of a Divine Nucleus Great God or even a Heavenly Gate Martial Saint!

“Hahaha! Splendid! Ah Che, you performed excellently!”

After all, Li Che was an elder of Shendiao Ridge; his outstanding performance brings honor to it.

“Entering the inner sanctum of the Bizarre Temple is extremely arduous.”

“Without Temple Spirit Resonance, one must carve a bloody path through the Bizarre Temple to gain entry—”

“Throughout the ages, very few cultivators have managed to enter the Mystic Temple of the Three-Eyed True Lord—

you, my boy, have given us quite the surprise upon joining the Divine Sect.”

“Who was the last person to tread the Mystic Temple of the Three-Eyed True Lord?”

Gongshu Jingjun narrowed his eyes and said,

Li Che, now composed, replied with a glimmer in his eyes, “Could it be… the Master of the Sect?”

Gongshu Jingjun smiled gently and nodded.

Wind and snow howled and swirled across the sky.

Meanwhile, the Sect Master’s Wife hurriedly returned from outside the Divine Talisman Pavilion, barefoot as she navigated between pavilions.

Her delicate toes trembled as she paced on the warm floor, humming an ancient tune.

Suddenly, she froze.

Every muscle tensed as she cried out,

“Who?!”

With one decisive step, divine energy surged from the entire treasure tower like a tidal wave.

Ropes seemed to snap around the tower as enormous cloth screens adorned with colossal divine talismans fell with a resounding crash,

completely enveloping the tower. The light from within vanished, leaving only darkness behind!

Numerous candle flames flickered.

Thumping, the refined face of the Sect Master’s Wife, Xuan Qisha, filled with a stern determination as her eyes darkened.

Her back radiated endless brilliance, each vertebra emitting light, as if countless hidden divine talismans spun in unison.

“Who is it?!”

The fear of an undefeatable foe overwhelmed her—

if they were to fight, defeat was certain!

Sweat beaded on Xuan Qisha’s forehead, but then her eyes sparkled as if struck by a thought, her delicate face flushing bright red!

Angrily pouting,

the oppressive aura melted away, replaced by a comforting, spring-like sensation.

Gentle footsteps echoed as a tall, white-robed figure slowly emerged from behind a screen.

Xuan Qisha glared at the slender figure, pouting in irritation before plopping down onto the ground and tapping her sparkling feet.

“You ghost! You nearly scared me to death!”

Xuan Qisha rolled her eyes, yet a trace of coquettish charm appeared on her delicate face.

The man had sleek, shiny black hair, his eyes bright and piercing.

His entire presence exuded a soft jade radiance, clad in pure white that rivaled snow, with an ethereal aura swirling around him like a floating jade sash, his hands clasped behind him.

He smiled warmly as he regarded his woman.