Chapter 249: A New Dawn at Shendiao Ridge

The silent snow drifted gracefully from boundless heights.

It landed on the black tiles and cypress eaves, piling thickly along the roofs.

Before night had fully fallen, news of the newly appointed Elder from Divine Sect’s Shendiao Ridge in Qianyuan spread like wildfire throughout Daocheng.

In fact, whispers about the results of the Shendiao Ridge Elder examination had already been circulating for days.

But with the Su Family mourning the loss of one of their revered Shendiao masters, this revelation drowned out all other news in Daocheng.

Li Che was never particularly well-known, nor did he have a powerful family backing him.

Thus, his appointment as the fifth Elder of Shendiao Ridge barely made a ripple.

Yet this time was different.

After passing the trial at the mysterious Bizarre Temple of the Three-Eyed True Immortal, Li Che was officially declared the fifth Elder of Divine Sect’s Shendiao Ridge in Qianyuan.

Now, Li Che no longer needed to rely on his daughter to cling to a giant like Divine Sect.

He himself had earned his place among its Elders.

In effect, Divine Sect had become his own backing.

With Divine Sect actively promoting his achievement, the entire Daocheng erupted with excitement!

A twenty-six-year-old Shendiao master – the youngest Elder ever in the history of Shendiao Ridge!

This news astonished not only the common folk and martial artists of Daocheng, but also the influential families, leaving everyone in rapt disbelief!

A twenty-six-year-old Elder of Shendiao Ridge!

What kind of phenomenon is this?!

Aren’t the Elders of Shendiao Ridge supposed to be venerable masters, each steeped in the art of Shendiao for a cycle or two?

Though Shendiao does reward talent, it also demands skill and experience.

At twenty-six, compared to those seasoned masters, he was astonishingly young!

“Li Che? I heard he’s from Feilei City of Jingguang Mansion?”

“Feilei City – of all places! Who would have thought such talent could emerge? A twenty-six-year-old Elder of Shendiao Ridge now has at least a full cycle more to refine his Shendiao techniques!”

“Exactly! So young – if he continues to grow, he might even top the ranks of the five Elders of Shendiao Ridge!”

“But isn’t he too inexperienced? What if he accidentally damages the Spirit Wood?”

“Ridiculous – who else could be trusted to carve Shendiao for you but someone of his caliber?”

Daocheng trembled with the weight of the news.

Every street and alley buzzed with the story, its details growing more extravagant with every retelling.

“An Elder of Shendiao Ridge?”

“Could it really be him?”

Su Family.

Just as Su Wenxi had finished Su Huai Ming’s funeral, the Su Family’s mansion was draped in white silk, a somber atmosphere pervading the air.

In a very short time, the Su Family had held two funerals – one for their Breath Retention Champion and another for the extremely important Shendiao master, Su Huai Ming.

It was said that the very asset that powered the Su Family’s fortune – nurtured from childhood with vast resources – had now been brutally taken away.

Su Wenxi’s face turned ice-cold as he regarded Su Huai Ming, the cherished Shendiao master whose skills had empowered the family disciples to cultivate independently.

Now, that foundational pillar of the Su Family had been shattered.

“Li Che –

“Even a small town can produce a true dragon?”

“I don’t believe it.”

“Was Su Huai Ming’s death connected to you?”

“Corpse God Sect? That damned Corpse God Sect – Su Huai Ming had no quarrel with them. They knew his worth for our Su Family; how could they dare deliver such a blow?”

“Who exactly killed Su Huai Ming?!”

Su Wenxi’s eyes blazed with murderous intent as a potent divine aura warped the air like a surging tide.

As for the Corpse God Sect, Su Wenxi understood all too well that their methods were insidious, creeping in silently and eroding slowly.

They would never risk offending one of Daocheng’s top powers.

The Su Family, a venerable lineage spanning three thousand years, had established itself alongside the founding ancestors of Divine Sect in Daocheng.

Corpse God Sect – only a madman would target the Su Family.

“It’s a frame-up so base…”

“And they managed to seal off any investigation into Su Huai Ming’s death. The incident wasn’t far from Shendiao Ridge. Once his aura erupted, how could Gongshu Jingjun possibly miss it?”

“In other words, his aura was deliberately isolated – just as You Liqing’s demise was engineered…”

In a flurry of rapidly shifting thoughts, Su Wenxi’s mind was bombarded with one piece of information after another.

Suddenly, he jerked his eyes open.

“The Underworld!”

“It’s as if the Underworld itself stands behind Li Che – his daughter is in close cahoots with the Ogre of the Underworld!”

“So – could this be the work of the Underworld?!”

Su Wenxi’s murderous aura was so palpable that even the void around him seemed to churn with lethal intent, impossible to dissipate!

The Underworld!

You’ve really crossed the line with the Su Family!

Daocheng.

By the nine-story treasure pavilion on the bridge.

Imperial Watch.

Li Che, a second-class guest minister of the Imperial Watch, managed to pass the Shendiao Ridge Elder examination.

For his fellow guest ministers, this was an earth-shattering shock.

Ordinary townsfolk and martial artists in Daocheng might only think, “Li Che is amazing.”

But only those entrenched in the world of Shendiao truly understood the unthinkable: Li Che, a second-class guest minister, had bested the painstakingly nurtured Shendiao masters of the Su, Zhou, and Yun families to become the fifth Elder of Shendiao Ridge –

It was simply unbelievable!

It was like witnessing a clearing of the skies!

Shangguan Qinghong’s face flushed as she excitedly bantered with her colleagues at the Imperial Watch, her little fists brimming with enthusiasm.

“My Uncle Li is incredible!”

“Yes, Uncle Li showed extraordinary Shendiao talent from a young age!”

“Soon, he’ll even become a top-tier guest minister at the Imperial Watch, sitting alongside the vice minister!”

Shangguan Qinghong had never felt so vindicated.

From the capital’s Imperial Watch to Daocheng, she had always been invisible. Now, she finally had her moment to shine—proving that Li Che’s achievements were far more than mere words.

When did this world become so fantastical?

A twenty-six-year-old Elder of Shendiao Ridge…

It was even more astonishing than a six-year-old courtesan from Tingchun Pavilion!

Yet even as Shangyu basked in excitement, her enthusiasm quickly spurred her on.

“My sister is the senior of Li Elder’s daughter – if that connection exists for her, doesn’t it mean I have it too?”

“My sister’s amazing. She even managed to secure a link with an Elder of Shendiao Ridge from Jingguang Mansion!”

“Maybe I can find a chance to ask Li Elder to help carve a temple Shendiao for Liu Si – that might be my opportunity to advance further!”

Shangyu’s eyes sparkled with opportunity.

Where once there was no chance, now there was hope –

He was desperate to improve!

Li Che was officially recognized as the Elder of Divine Sect’s Shendiao Ridge in Qianyuan, his authority confirmed with an official token.

In the presence of elders like Gongshu Jingjun, Zhao Fangzhou, and Ji Heshan, there was no room for deceit.

Declining Zhao Fangzhou’s invitation to a feast, Li Che excused himself by saying he needed to visit the Sect Master’s Wife’s Divine Talisman Pavilion with his daughter, and he then left, side by side with Gongshu Jingjun, from the inner sect.

In the midst of swirling wind and snow, Gongshu Jingjun’s robes fluttered as he said, “Ah Che, as the fifth Elder of Shendiao Ridge, you are obliged to carve a temple Shendiao for Liu Si every month –

“Of course, you will be compensated. Every month you receive three Five Elders Divine Crystals from Shendiao Ridge, one from Divine Sect, and a bottle of a fifth-level Martial Pill.”

Gongshu Jingjun briefly listed the perks to Li Che.

At these words, Li Che’s eyes sparkled brightly.

“However, every three days you must travel to Shendiao Ridge to guide the woodcarving masters – this is part of an Elder’s duty as well.”

“If you wish, you may also select promising talents to train as your direct disciples.”

Gongshu Jingjun fixed his gaze on Li Che and said so.

Li Che’s eyes lit up slightly – had he now reached the point to accept disciples?

“Thank you for your guidance, Elder,” he said, clasping his fists in respect.

Gongshu Jingjun chuckled and patted Li Che’s shoulder. “Young man, from today you are truly famous in Daocheng. Remember, with your daughter now a disciple of the Sect Master’s Wife, she will later participate in the final personal disciple exam of the Sect Master.”

“Her brilliance will far outshine yours, father.”

“Besides, being a twenty-six-year-old Elder of Shendiao Ridge is no easy feat. Three years from now, other Shendiao masters will challenge you.”

“At such a young age, these challengers might even surpass your current level, turning it into a grand spectacle.”

“What can I do? I am young!”

“As we say in our line of work, ‘Empty words lead to unstable results.’”

Gongshu Jingjun smiled wryly at Li Che.

“So in these three years, you must not slack off – your Shendiao skills must only progress, never regress!”

“Otherwise, to be outclassed would become a laughingstock, disappointing Elder Sun’s expectations.”

Gongshu Jingjun’s tone turned serious.

Li Che’s expression hardened as he replied, “Rest assured, no one can shake my position.”

“Not to mention, my carving knife – it’s second to none.”

“Hahaha! Tang Xiejia, prepare yourself for the challenge!”

Gongshu Jingjun laughed heartily.

The top Elder of Shendiao Ridge was Tang Xiejia – a master whose Shendiao skills were peerless and whose proficiency in Mechanical Art was formidable, though the downfall of the Tang Clan had dampened his passion for their mechanisms.

Moreover, the art of mechanisms was maddeningly complex – crafting a mechanical beast required an immense toll on a master mechanic’s energy.

Immersing oneself in such pursuits could stifle one’s cultivation, which was fundamentally different from the path of Shendiao.

While Shendiao techniques aided cultivation, mechanical arts were nothing but a distraction.

Gongshu Jingjun then said, “Tang Sanjia may impart the Tang Clan’s Mechanical Art. You can study it, but do not let it consume you – even if you create an extraordinary mechanical beast, without sufficient strength, you won’t be able to sustain it.”

“The Tang Clan is the best example of that.”

Gongshu Jingjun had high hopes for Li Che, but after receiving the legacy of Elder Sun’s semi-Saint Shendiao Master, he wished for Li Che to focus his efforts solely on mastering Shendiao.

Li Che only nodded gently, offering no further explanation.

Gongshu Jingjun patted Li Che’s shoulder once more before falling silent.

In a flash, the wind and snow were shattered; the divine aura of heaven and earth twisted wildly before vanishing in a dark speck.

Watching Gongshu Jingjun depart, Li Che smiled quietly.

Armed with his Painted Immortal Dao Fruit and its clone, he mused, “Playing with mechanisms is just playing oneself to ruin?”

He raised his slender, jade-like hand to capture a falling snowflake.

But with his Painted Immortal Dao Fruit in tow, he wasn’t merely dabbling in mechanics.

He returned to the Elder Courtyard in the Outer Sect’s disciples’ city.

Upon entering, the rich aroma from the kitchen filled the air – Zhang Ya was busy preparing the coveted Red-Braised Pork for XiXi.

XiXi longed for her mother’s cooking.

Though the Boss’s culinary skills were legendary, a mother’s flavor held an irreplaceable place in XiXi’s heart.

Old Chen sat beneath the eaves puffing on his dry pipe, while Nie Yang cradled his sword and Li Chengzhou, equally determined, sat by his side.

It was as if they were silently watching Old Chen exhale swirling smoke.

Meanwhile, XiXi squatted obediently beside Li Chengzhou, gazing up at him as he held his sword.

Seeing his daughter so tomboyish, Li Che’s lips twitched in mild amusement.

That adoring XiXi didn’t even come out to welcome her father?

“Master Nie,” Li Che said with a nod toward Nie Yang.

“Just call me Old Nie. As a Shendiao Ridge Elder, you must shuttle between Shendiao Ridge and Daocheng frequently – and I will ensure your safety.”

“Give me another half month – I’m on the verge of breaking through.”

Nie Yang replied in his characteristically cold tone.

Once he broke through, Nie Yang would unleash a blossoming sword aura, ascending to the ranks of an unparalleled Grandmaster.

A new Grandmaster was already among the elite in Daocheng, so protecting Li Che should pose no problem.

Unless assassins deployed the Divine Seed or Martial Saint, Nie Yang could hold out until reinforcements from Shendiao Ridge arrived.

“Unless – the Underworld strikes.”

Nie Yang’s gaze darkened with gravity.

Yet Li Che’s family seemed to share a remarkably close bond with the Underworld.

The Underworld – surely it wouldn’t target Li Che, right?

“Old Nie, relax. Don’t burden yourself. I have lived a life of sincerity and integrity; no one will dare take my life.”

Li Che said with a gentle smile.

Old Nie’s face softened into a faint grin.

After all, he knew Li Che well – a man as honest and upright as they come.

Working at the Imperial Watch, always on time, his days filled with carving or cultivation, his life was uneventfully ordinary.

Who could possibly think of killing such a man?

“Dinner’s ready!” called Zhang Ya from the kitchen, her voice cheerful as she adjusted her apron.

XiXi immediately turned away from Li Chengzhou; when it came to beauty, she preferred the allure of food.

“Daddy! You’re back!”

XiXi leaped up and, upon spotting Li Che, cried out in surprise.

Li Che almost felt like playfully tapping her smooth forehead.

“Go call Granny Mu, then wash up for dinner.”

“Old Chen, Old Nie, and Chengfeng, come join us as well.”

Li Che smiled as he beckoned everyone.

Little XiXi dashed off as fast as the wind.

Soon after, she reappeared helping Granny Mu from the warm inner rooms.

After dinner, Li Che took Zhang Ya in one arm and XiXi in the other, and with Nie Yang driving, they journeyed to the Divine Talisman Pavilion to visit the Sect Master’s Wife.

Zhang Ya had even brought her special Red-Braised Pork.

“Mother, the junior apprentice of the Sect Master’s Wife probably doesn’t like Red-Braised Pork – she might worry about gaining weight and losing her charm.”

“XiXi isn’t afraid – she can help her out!”

A serious expression briefly crossed XiXi’s chubby face before Zhang Ya playfully tapped her forehead.

“Li Elder, we’ve arrived at the Divine Talisman Pavilion.”

Nie Yang tugged at the reins as the majestic Jiao horse neighed, gradually slowing their pace.

Li Che, carrying XiXi and holding Zhang Ya’s hand, stepped out of the elegant carriage. After thanking Nie Yang, they together entered the Divine Talisman Pavilion.

“Come on in.”

Barely had they set foot inside when the cool, regal voice of the Sect Master’s Wife cascaded down from the top of the nine-story building.

Li Che clasped his fists in respect and, along with Zhang Ya and XiXi, ascended the stairs.

The ancient pavilion exuded a pervasive scent of ink. Along the winding wooden staircase, framed talismans in hues of cinnabar and black were displayed in quiet order.

Li Che walked slowly, his eyes scanning the talismans with a trace of unease.

Deep within his chest, the normally calm Painted Immortal Dao Fruit stirred with unusual agitation, as if dark ink were spreading.

“Is that – the Locking Talisman?” he murmured, his eyes narrowing.

It was recorded in the ‘Record of Divine Talisman in the Mystic Qingyun Dao of Divine Sect.’

The Locking Talisman consumes both expended and unexpended lifespan while sealing one’s vital energies. Its unleashed power is terrifying; yet if it releases all its force, it can drain a talisman master’s life essence in an instant, at great risk.

It was one of the signature talismans of the Sect Master’s Wife.

Li Che’s gaze shone with resolve as a thought stirred within him.

Had it been used to seal life force within the talisman?

However, the Locking Talisman was executed by merging one’s body with the talisman—a dangerous method, akin to weapon masters who forge divine weapons in blazing furnaces.

It was also a way for a talisman master to break through their own limits in sealing.

“I suppose my technique of Spiritual Confinement is like my own power – with a single thought, I can command life and death.”

At this thought, Li Che felt a daring surge within him.

If mastered, it would add another deadly trick to his arsenal.

With that in mind, Li Che closed his eyes briefly, picturing dark ink diffusing like a dancing dragon.

The swirling patterns bore a striking resemblance to those of the Locking Talisman –

The Locking Talisman is one of the Five Elders Divine Talismans, its strength solely dependent on the sealed lifespan.

Slowly, Li Che opened his eyes and began to mentally trace the design of the Locking Talisman.

Normally, one would expect a single talisman…

So why had the Sect Master’s Wife crafted seven Locking Talismans?

Had she modified them?

A spark of thought flickered in Li Che’s mind as he continued his mental tracing.

The Painted Immortal Dao Fruit thumped vigorously, as if invisible sound waves radiated outward, creating a unique aura.

Divine Talisman Pavilion – Ninth Floor.

Behind a folding screen, a young man in white sat cradling the petite Sect Master’s Wife.

The Sect Master’s Wife, now demure and gentle—no longer exuding the domineering air she had as the Dragon Queen—appeared as a delicate little flower in her man’s embrace.

The young man listened silently as she chattered away.

Living alone in the Divine Talisman Pavilion, her long periods of seclusion often left her feeling lonely, but the Locking Talisman forced her to keep a low profile.

Thus, she bore her loneliness alone.

Sometimes she felt sorrow, yet she remained obedient and composed.

“XiXi is my new apprentice! She has remarkable talent – reminiscent of my own youthful brilliance!”

“Darling, weren’t you planning to take on a final personal disciple? I think XiXi is excellent. Let her join your disciples!”

“XiXi will undoubtedly become the top divine talisman expert in the Great Realm – her future achievements will one day exceed mine!”

The Sect Master’s Wife, Xuan Qisha, shook her head lightly while tapping her delicate foot.

The young man occasionally offered a word in reply.

Suddenly, his gaze grew intense and he tilted his head as if a gentle breeze had brushed his face.

“Dao Yun?”

“Where did that come from?”

At that moment, he sensed the approaching chatter of a noisy trio ascending the stairs.

Li Che caught sight of the Sect Master’s Wife once more; though she appeared only as a three-year-old in form, her aura was remarkably mature and formidable.

Her strength was undeniable.

The powerful aura of the Dao Fruit hinted just how fearsome the Sect Master’s Wife could be –

Seven Locking Talismans yielding such astounding effects?

“I will take XiXi as my apprentice and impart to her only the art of Divine Talismans. For the Sect Master’s final personal disciple exam, she must rely solely on her own strength.”

While happily enjoying her Red-Braised Pork, the Sect Master’s Wife confided,

“Between us, I must tell you – the final exam is imminent. In the coming days, you cannot afford to relax!”

With her mouth full of oil and her eyes squinted, she whispered.

At this, Li Che’s eyes darkened.

If XiXi could secure a place as the Sect Master’s personal disciple, Daocheng would be secure.

“Although I know your family has just reunited, the exam is too important. Even though the Sect Master is my man, I cannot show favoritism. XiXi must pass the exam fairly.”

“So, for the next few days, XiXi will train at my place during the day. For the sake of the Red-Braised Pork, I’ll give her special training!”

The Sect Master’s Wife clenched her small fist and took a hearty bite of her Red-Braised Pork.

Zhang Ya beamed in agreement and quickly expressed her thanks.

Li Che smiled warmly and bowed in gratitude to the Sect Master’s Wife.

After a brief chat, XiXi stayed behind in the Divine Talisman Pavilion while Li Che and Zhang Ya took a carriage back to the Elder Courtyard.

Atop the pavilion’s spire, snow swirled in the wind.

A young man in white stood silent, like a fragment of snow.

“Dao Yun…has vanished.”

“Was its sudden appearance a miraculous union of heaven and earth, or…was it sealed away by someone?”

“A union of heaven and earth – could it have come from little XiXi?”

“XiXi’s talent – isn’t it almost too extraordinary?”

“If not…”

The young man’s eyes grew deep as he stared at the carriage slowly fading in the swirling snow, lost in thought.

Divine Sect.

Outer Sect of the Disciples’ City.

Elder Courtyard.

After a few parting words, Li Che and Zhang Ya entered the Study – a spacious room laden with piles of Spirit Wood.

Using carving as an excuse, Li Che bade Zhang Ya and the others not to disturb him in the Study.

When his five fingers brushed the cool, white Feilei Chess Piece in his palm,

In an instant he found himself in the isolated Workshop Courtyard on Tinglei Alley in the Outer City of Daocheng.

The courtyard was silent, with snow drifting down and covering the ground in a thick, white layer.

Li Che sat cross-legged.

With his eyes half-closed, he focused on the scar on his left arm where flesh had split open, the glimmer of his Star-Plucking Gaze casting radiant light.

And then he saw it – the mythical weapon seemingly fused with his arm.

Yet, his heart remained unmoved, as if the weapon was nothing more than a clumsy relic barely stirring the waters.

“Could it be that my cultivation is too weak to control it?”

“But could I, like XiXi, harness the power of divine weapons to refine my body?”

Li Che’s gaze hardened.

At just five years old, XiXi had already refined her physique to Grandmaster levels with the help of a divine weapon.

Li Che, known for his unmatched strength in horizontal training, dared to hope that with this mythical weapon’s aid, he could push his own physical limits.

Inside the inner scene of a Mud Pellet, his divine perception tugged gently at his consciousness.

However, the Thunder Demon Three-Pronged Twin-Edged Blade – aloof and implacable – completely ignored him, no matter how fiercely his primordial spirit surged.

Although it released a streak of divine energy, the boost was so minuscule as to be negligible.

That faint reinforcement was no more substantial than a mere mosquito’s meat.

Li Che’s physical prowess was such that he almost didn’t notice the weapon’s feeble strengthening effect.

“You call this reinforcement?”

“This divine weapon is far too lackadaisical.”

Frowning, Li Che’s mind stirred.

Within the Cosmic Chessboard of Heaven and Earth,

The Qi Tian Face suddenly burst into radiant light, like a swift primate leaping forth to challenge the Three-Pronged Twin-Edged Blade.

Yet the blade remained completely unmoved.

It was as if it were nothing more than unresponsive meat.

Not like the Purple-Flame Serpent Spear, which would ignite at the slightest touch.

Li Che’s mind surged again; sword qi roared, and the Yin Divine Sword along with the Yulian Yin Divine Sword swirled like an inky dragon.

They seemed to shout, “Come on, fight!”

But the Three-Pronged Twin-Edged Blade still did nothing.

Li Che raised an eyebrow, doubt creeping in.

He tapped his forehead with a finger.

‘Fa Tian Xiang Di Luminous True Primate!’

‘Monkey, get moving!’

‘Hurry up and strike!’

The Luminous True Primate roared repeatedly, yet the Three-Pronged Twin-Edged Blade moved not an inch – it lay limp, as if it were nothing more than a useless slab. Might as well call it the Three-Pronged Twin-Edged Limp Fish!

It was clear now – it was time to unleash the ultimate move.

“Inhale, exhale – feel the surge of vitality! Flesh expands, muscles swell like clustered tubers, blood flows like molten magma, and the nine great tendons in the back tremble like thunder on earth!”

“Dragon Elephant Vajra Dao Fruit!”

With a resounding boom reminiscent of a massive drum, the force slammed into the ground.

In an instant, all the accumulated snow in the courtyard vaporized into a raging torrent of air, only to be violently repelled by the Cosmic Chessboard like a cascading waterfall of rich fragrance.

Amidst the searing heat, Li Che’s left hand glowed like molten lava as blood streamed slowly.

His jet-black hair whipped wildly down to his waist like a frenzied cape, while countless blue veins emerged on his arms like roaring dragons.

Li Che’s eyes shone with cold ruthlessness, burning like flowing gold.

His five fingers clutched fiercely.

At that moment, the hidden Three-Pronged Twin-Edged Blade in his arm began trembling under the force of the Dao Fruit’s energy.

Finally, it shuddered to life!

A surge of dense, pure divine energy burst from the unruly weapon –

Though not overwhelming, it flooded into Li Che’s limbs, forging a formidable reinforcement to his body.

There were even sounds of stone being chiseled as his bones barely registered the friction.

Faintly, bursts of divine energy from the Three-Pronged Twin-Edged Blade began coalescing into a swirling, blood-red seed!

Divine Seed Martial Arts!

Sure enough –

When pressed to its limit, great things could indeed emerge!

If Li Che could fully harness the overwhelming force from his strengthened body – like countless slashing sword strikes –

He even planned to channel his remaining five Dao Fruits into that lackluster Three-Pronged Twin-Edged Blade in rotation.

Feeling the terrifying reinforcement from his divine weapon,

Li Che’s black hair whipped about as his eyes shone brilliantly. He raised his right hand; his five fingers clenched as a fierce gale of qi exploded outward in a perfect circle.

At that moment, fully unleashing the power of his Dragon Elephant Vajra Dao Fruit, his right hand throbbed with coiled blue veins, muscles as firm as steel, and blood surged like red-hot lava beneath a searing skin.

Li Che’s cold, resolute gaze fixed on his right hand.

“It still seems as if something is missing…”

After a moment’s thought, a low, amused chuckle echoed through the qi-charged courtyard.

“It’s missing a stick.”