Chapter 276: Trials, Tribulations, and Turbulence

Let Big Black Dog go with XiXi?

Li Che’s eyebrows twitched as a gleam of cunning flashed in his eyes.

He wasn’t completely sure of Big Black Dog’s strength—he had no clear measure—but there was no doubt it was formidable. After all, even Huang Jianjiu had once barely set foot in the Sword Sage realm…

Before anyone could notice, Big Black Dog knocked him out and dragged him away.

In Li Che’s eyes, Dog’s power was at least on par with that of a Martial Saint, wasn’t it?

Although Li Che was unclear about the specifics of the third test in the Sect Master’s personal examination—what exactly the Temple Guardian challenge entailed or how it would be conducted…

it was always best to have extra trump cards.

The first test measured innate talent, the second one assessed character, and the third—well, it tested one’s hidden strengths, battle prowess, and experience in dealing with bizarre temples.

“Isn’t that a bit too much of a hassle?”

Li Che flicked away a shower of cigarette ash and said.

The Boss shot Li Che a glance, “Of course it is—” but then added, “So what?”

“Are you really going to let XiXi suffer through this?”

“The test is all about inner reserves. Dog is XiXi’s reserve—what’s the harm if someone gets pushed around?”

“As long as XiXi isn’t the one getting bullied, it’s fine,” the Boss replied coolly.

That protective tone, that indulgent sentiment made Li Che’s gaze turn introspective as he looked at the Boss.

“She’s my daughter—”

Li Che said earnestly.

“I know,” the Boss replied nonchalantly as he brushed off more ash.

“No, she’s not your daughter,” Li Che emphasized solemnly.

Crack, crack, crack—

Spring rain pattered gently on the black-tiled eaves, gathering into a curtain of dripping pearls.

The Boss’s lips curled slightly into a smile.

“I know,” he repeated.

Li Che said no more. He picked up a rolled cigarette between his thumb and forefinger, squinted and drew in a deep puff. The paper ignited, the tobacco curling under the heat as it released swirling smoke.

Two smoky serpents emerged from his nostrils as he exhaled slowly.

The Boss’s indulgence toward XiXi went far beyond Li Che’s expectations. And that dog—calm with everyone yet transformed into a little lapdog when it came to XiXi. Li Che risked his life to pat the dog’s head, while XiXi could do so at any time, even riding on its back to play.

There had to be some reason behind it, right?

Thinking of the trial XiXi faced in the test of character and the powerful, formidable will awakened deep within her soul, Li Che wondered:

Was the Boss and the dog in on it?

Could it also be connected to XiXi’s previous life?!

That thought bubbled up like boiling water—unstoppable and uncooled.

Li Che felt this possibility was very real.

Yet he chose not to ask, knowing that once a tacit understanding was broken, unforeseen rifts could arise.

Since the other party had not explained, Li Che remained silent for now.

Besides, both the Boss and Dog were sincere in their care for XiXi. Li Che, blessed with the Star Plucking Gaze, could clearly sense the genuine emotions of man and dog alike.

Meanwhile, Big Black Dog, busy playing with XiXi, perked up its bright eyes and wagged its tail at the Boss’s words.

“Don’t be too showy. Just help XiXi pass this test safely. Remember: never let her feel wronged, and never lose bet on the challenge.”

The Boss brushed off more cigarette ash as he spoke.

Big Black Dog wagged its tail and nodded.

Then it lifted its head as if to say,

“When the Big Boss strikes, everything is possible!”

After leaving the restaurant, Li Che returned to the Qianyuan Divine Sect with XiXi under his arm, leaning on his oil-paper umbrella, strolling along the misty foothills.

Peeking out from XiXi’s arms was a fuzzy little black puppy with shiny black hair and bright, winking eyes.

It was none other than a miniature Big Black Dog—a charming, plump pup nestled in XiXi’s embrace, incessantly rubbing against her.

Li Che, under his umbrella, cast a playful, warning glance at the adorably mischievous pup. Sensing Li Che’s teasing look, the little dog bared its teeth and waved its precious paw in a huffy manner, as if to warn him.

For now, the Dog’s cute demeanor posed no threat compared to its usual imposing presence.

XiXi was overjoyed, practically bursting with delight as she constantly rubbed the pup’s head, her own little head bobbing along and humming a cheerful tune.

Back in the courtyard, the little Butterfly on XiXi’s shoulder slowly woke up from its long slumber, its drowsy eyes finally opening. Seeing it awaken only added to XiXi’s happiness.

With Dog and Butterfly by her side, XiXi felt blissfully happy.

“Elder Li, the Sect Master’s Wife wants XiXi to come over. She plans to give XiXi some special training—and prepare some extra trump cards for the upcoming Temple Guardian test.”

Shortly after, Nie Yang appeared, sword in hand, announcing from outside.

Without delay, Li Che, accompanied by a gleeful XiXi playing with the little Butterfly and pup, boarded a carriage and headed toward the Divine Talisman Pavilion.

Startled by the commotion caused by the little pup, the Butterfly clung to XiXi’s shoulder and dared not move, gradually fading away like a tattoo.

XiXi tucked the little pup into the fold of her garment so that Dog could poke its tiny head out.

“Daddy, I’m off to see the Sect Master’s Wife and her teacher!”

“Make sure to come back for XiXi and Dog, okay?”

XiXi waved goodbye to Li Che.

Li Che watched as XiXi entered the Divine Talisman Pavilion, then looked up to see the diminutive Sect Master’s Wife standing by the high railing, her arms folded.

It was clear that everyone took this final Temple Guardian test very seriously.

Rumor had it that the Yun Family was also training Yun’e, with their Divine Nucleus Grand Patriarch awakening from seclusion to prepare trump cards for Yun’e.

In fact, the Yun Family Patriarch had even invited the Divine Nucleus Patriarchs from the Zhou and Zhong families to pool their inner reserves in preparation for Yun’e’s upcoming challenge.

Meanwhile, over at the Da Li Wangting, Jin Taisui, from Wushenshan, stayed at a guesthouse in Daocheng alongside two other powerful figures. They sealed the doors and the courtyard, cutting off any investigation into what trump cards Jin Taisui had prepared.

All of Daocheng was buzzing, and even the Qiankun Gambling Den had set up fresh stakes for the final showdown between the three contenders.

“For the Temple Guardian test, Lord Tai Bai granted a three-day grace period. It’s just time for everyone to prepare their trump cards. The challenge—true to its name—will likely be a brawl in the bizarre temple.”

“The test site, set at the Nine-Foot Evil-Repelling Demon-Slaying Celestial Pavilion of the Four-Yu Bizarre Temple, wasn’t chosen for its dilapidated state,”

he continued, “Even a Divine Nucleus Great God would struggle to conquer the Four-Yu Bizarre Temple.”

Atop the Imperial Watch Tower, Inspector Hong Shifo sat before a chessboard, deep in strategic discussion with the Temple Guardian Division’s governor, Si Fengzhi.

Although Si Fengzhi was a burly man, his chess skills were surprisingly sharp.

“Normally, there’d be no need for a three-day delay. It seems Lord Tai Bai is targeting the visitors from Wushenshan,”

Si Fengzhi muttered as he placed a chess piece down and said gravely.

Hong Shifo glared at the board, veins of determination in his eyes. His hands hovered over the edge, torn between flipping the board or not.

After years of dominating the Qianyuan Chess Arena, he couldn’t believe that even a rough fellow like Si Fengzhi was giving him trouble.

“It isn’t about Jin Taisui per se, but about the powerful forces backing him,” he finally said.

Eventually, Inspector Hong Shifo closed his eyes in resignation. The situation couldn’t be salvaged.

Si Fengzhi’s chess skills were, indeed, fearsomely impressive.

“Wushenshan, the foremost sacred mountain of Da Li Wangting, is the true power behind Da Li. Its existence far predates even the oldest Divine Sect within the Great Realm…”

“Back during Qitian Temple’s heyday, Wushenshan was already a force to reckon with, standing proudly above the snowy desert mountains.”

Hong Shifo narrowed his eyes.

“Wushenshan’s inner reserves are unfathomable—especially that Grand Witch God. His power… is comparable to that of the Grand Inspector of Divine Capital.”

“And the fact that the Grand Witch God dispatched Jin Taisui to this Qianyuan Divine Sect test means he’s armed him with incredibly rich reserves—”

a plus sign appeared on the board.

“Lord Tai Bai… this is just time for those two little lasses to prepare their trump cards,”

Hong Shifo remarked.

Si Fengzhi’s brow furrowed, and a palpable haze of qi seemed to coalesce around his robust frame.

“If Jin Taisui were to become Li Tai Bai’s direct disciple, or even the Second Sect Master of the Qianyuan Divine Sect, it would spell trouble for the already fragile internal dynamics of the Great Realm,”

Si Fengzhi took a deep breath. “So these three days are nothing but a high-stakes gamble…”

“A showdown between Lord Tai Bai and the Grand Witch God?”

Hong Shifo’s fingers moved imperceptibly on the chessboard, displacing a piece.

Leaning back in his chair, he smiled lightly.

“Something like that. If Jin Taisui dares to invoke the Grand Witch God’s power—”

“Li Tai Bai surely won’t just stand by and watch,”

Daocheng.

Tinglei Alley.

Inside the Private Workshop courtyard, as night draped heavily over the sky and thick clouds blotted out moonlight and starlight, the rain had ceased.

Within the courtyard:

“Sigh… the sound of rolling thunder in the gloom makes the dark skies even more dramatic.”

It was the deep, thunderous roar of blood in Li Che’s body, rumbling like molten metal surging through him.

Li Che sat cross-legged in the center of the courtyard, his pores opening as explosive mists burst forth with every breath.

The Thunder Magnetic Conduit was activated—even though it was only at Iv2 level—and arcs of lightning surged chaotically over his flesh, warping the space around him.

One of his fingers released a talisman that drifted out of the room—a Xuan Lei Divine Talisman. As it ignited, lightning danced like celestial serpents.

Under Li Che’s control of his divine perception, it struck his body!

The ground trembled, the scent of burnt flesh wafted through the air.

Yet when the sparks dispersed from Li Che’s body, he emerged unscathed. The lightning arcs seemed caught by his flesh, darting endlessly.

Using the power of the Thunder Talisman, he tempered his body, boosting the maturity of his Thunder Magnetic Conduit Dao Fruit.

Its development was progressing much faster now.

Perhaps when his Thunder Magnetic Conduit reached Iv3, he could finally forge the “Xiangong Namo Super Electromagnetic Cannon.”

A thought stirred within him.

[Dao Fruit: Chess Sage (lv4 90%)]

During the personal test of Lord Tai Bai’s disciples, while XiXi was engaged in her own challenge, Li Che used the Feilei Chess Piece to continuously link with her.

And when XiXi entered the Minor Cavern of the Heavens, Li Che maintained that connection by further maturing his Chess Sage Dao Fruit.

However, reaching lv5 would still take some time.

Li Che eagerly anticipated his Chess Sage Dao Fruit hitting lv5—after all, it had always been a tremendous asset.

Be it the Cosmic Chessboard’s ability to block qi, the Feilei Chess Piece’s teleportation, or its surveillance capabilities—all allowed Li Che to handle danger with ease.

He rose, his qi surging like a majestic dragon. His flesh swelled, veins like green dragons arched over his muscles as if carved from stone.

A Martial Pill cascaded out, flying from his hand and swallowed whole.

His stomach churned, pulverizing his pill garment as a torrent of medicinal energy burst forth, cleansing his body.

One by one, divine seeds emerged. Li Che started training martial arts in the courtyard.

Achieving Master-level Divine Seed Martial Arts, “Myriad Transformations of Dragon Elephant Vajra,” allowed him to refine 108 Inherent Divine Guts—pushing him to the limits of Grandmaster status.

A mystical energy node opened in his meridians as he planted a divine seed.

Not satisfied with just that, he noted that even You Liqing had activated two such nodes. Li Che planned to plant even more divine seeds to fully harness his qi and blood essence.

From his left arm, a faint glimmer of sword light roared into existence.

Standing still, his aura booming, his fingers drawn tight like blades, he unleashed a ferocious flurry. Razor-sharp sword light sliced through the air, severing currents and shattering waves!

It was as if multiple phantom mountain ranges had emerged, with one solitary figure wandering among them.

Buzz…!

Dazzling sword light left lingering afterimages in the air, warping the wind and carving a permanent, colossal cut in midair.

Inside his chest, the Dragon Elephant Vajra Dao Fruit was refined flawlessly, stimulating the Mythic Weapon—Thunder Demon Three-Pronged Twin-Edged Blade—to exude divine energy.

Harnessing that divine energy, Li Che further advanced the “Thousand Mountain Lone Wanderer Divine Blade,” a martial art born from the fusion of twin-edged swords!

“I’ve reached Master Level!”

Li Che stood in the center of the courtyard, his body glowing like heated metal, every inch of his scarlet flesh shimmering like glazed porcelain with clear, pulsating blood beads.

With fingers spread, sword light whirled around him.

In high spirits, Li Che channeled the Divine Seed Martial Art of the Thousand Mountain Lone Wanderer slowly into the second meridian node along his spine.

The process was effortless—his Pure Heart Dao Fruit had undergone three transformations to cleanse his soul, making his primordial spirit even mightier.

Completing this fusion carried no risk.

The Eight Mysterious Gates of the body—vital meridian junctions for circulating qi and blood—became his conduits.

His formidable primordial spirit towered over his physical form, clearly outlining the body’s meridians.

The second divine seed was gradually transported into his spinal column, which now resembled a twisting dragon’s backbone.

The second qi gate spun relentlessly like a vortex.

Boom!

When the integration of the second divine seed with the mysterious gate was complete, a tremendous surge of power burst forth from his body—it was as if his mortal limits were being shattered!

Li Che’s indomitable, honed flesh seemed to be bolstered by an even greater force.

Another pill was consumed, swallowed down as medicinal energy fermented into a fresh surge of Inherent Divine Guts.

One after another, divine seeds manifested. Li Che began cultivating his martial destiny in the courtyard.

Reaching Master-level status in Divine Seed Martial Arts with “Myriad Transformations of Dragon Elephant Vajra,” he refined his 108 Inherent Divine Guts to the brink of Grandmaster prowess.

His body’s meridian nodes had opened a mysterious passage, allowing him to plant yet another divine seed.

Li Che was not content with his current state.

Just as You Liqing had activated two mysterious nodes, Li Che resolved to plant more divine seeds to fully maximize his inner strength.

From his left arm, a faint sword glimmer roared, as if proclaiming its might.

Standing steadfast, his aura thundered, his clenched fingers resembling blades unleashing a tempest of sword light that severed the very air and shattered sonic waves!

It was as if multiple phantom mountains had materialized, with a lone wanderer trekking amongst them.

Buzz…!

Dazzling afterimages of sword light stained the air, distorting the flow and leaving a monumental scar suspended in midair.

Inside his chest, the Dragon Elephant Vajra Dao Fruit was refined impeccably, bolstering the Mythic Weapon that unleashed the Thunder Demon Three-Pronged Twin-Edged Blade, which continuously exuded divine energy.

Drawing upon that divine might, Li Che advanced the martial art of the “Thousand Mountain Lone Wanderer Divine Blade,” a technique born of twin-edged sword fusion!

“I have reached Master Level!”

Li Che stood center stage in the courtyard, his presence as fierce as a blazing forge, every inch of his scarlet flesh aglow like molten glass with glistening blood beads.

He spread his fingers, unleashing a maelstrom of swirling sword light.

With a determined smile, Li Che channeled his focus, guiding the Thousand Mountain Lone Wanderer martial art into the second node of his spine.

His Pure Heart Dao Fruit had transformed thrice, purifying his soul and augmenting his primordial spirit to unimaginable strength.

The process was seamless—no risk at all.

The Eight Mysterious Gates, vital for qi and blood circulation, now pulsed with life.

Li Che’s overwhelming primordial spirit towered above his physical form, revealing every meridian in crisp detail.

Slowly, the second divine seed was transported into his spine, now resembling a twisting dragon’s backbone as the second qi gate spun like a vortex.

Boom!

When the union was complete, an indescribably powerful surge erupted, shattering all mortal constraints!

Li Che’s honed body was now bolstered by an even greater, transcendent force.

Another pill was swallowed, its medicinal effect triggering a wild outpouring of Inherent Divine Guts.

As divine seeds continued to manifest, Li Che immersed himself in the practice of martial arts in the courtyard.

Reaching the pinnacle of Divine Seed Martial Arts with “Myriad Transformations of Dragon Elephant Vajra,” he refined his 108 Inherent Divine Guts to near-legendary levels.

His meridians opened a mysterious passage, allowing him to plant yet another divine seed.

Li Che was determined to leave no part of his inner strength untapped.

Emulating You Liqing’s progress, he resolved to activate even more mysterious nodes until his essence was fully unleashed.

From his left arm, a delicate sword light surged forth, announcing its presence boldly.

Standing resolute, his aura thundered around him as his clenched hands—sharp as blades—unleashed a wild, devastating flurry that sliced through the air and shattered all around!

It was as if phantom mountains had materialized, and a solitary wanderer strode boldly among them.

Buzz!

The vivid afterimages of his sword light etched a permanent scar in the sky, distorting the very wind with its colossal mark.

Within his chest, the Dragon Elephant Vajra Dao Fruit was refined perfectly, its energy fueling the Mythic Weapon—the Thunder Demon Three-Pronged Twin-Edged Blade—to continuously emit divine power.

Harnessing that power, Li Che elevated his martial art, the “Thousand Mountain Lone Wanderer Divine Blade,” a technique born from the fusion of twin-edged swords!

“I have reached Master Level!”

Li Che stood in the center of the courtyard, his entire body radiating heat like a searing forge, every inch of his red flesh shimmering under the strain of pulsating blood.

With fingers outstretched, sword light whirled fiercely about him.

Deep in his heart, Li Che felt that with his enhanced physical prowess and the refining of his Dragon Elephant Vajra Dao Fruit, his invincible strength was now nearing perfection—so much so that he could one-handed defeat a Martial Saint!

Exhaling a cloud of turbid breath, his eyes sparkled with determination.

Taking advantage of the surge of Inherent Divine Guts, Li Che didn’t waste a moment. In the midst of the Cosmic Chessboard, the Yin Divine Sword of the Yulian Demon Sword suddenly vibrated with energy.

In an instant, it appeared in his hand, powerful qi erupting from the pitch-black blade.

“If the lower-ranking divine weapon of the Four-Yu is combined with the Yulian Yang Divine Sword to achieve Yin-Yang unity, it could easily become a mid-ranking divine weapon among the Four-Yu…”

Li Che’s eyes shimmered.

For now, he couldn’t awaken that sword. Of course, if he activated the power within those two Yulian Divine Essence Lotus Seeds obtained from Qin Fenghuo…

he would be able to trigger the Yin Divine Sword.

Buzz!

Suddenly, a fierce martial will erupted from within the Yulian Yin Divine Sword!

“Ji Mo Li!”

Li Che’s gaze hardened.

He recalled how he had once intercepted Ji Haihui’s Yulian Yin Divine Sword using the Cosmic Chessboard, thus foiling King Ping Luan Ji Mo Li’s scheming.

“So there’s still a remnant of the Martial Saint’s will—”

He had assumed that after being battered within the Cosmic Chessboard for so long, it would have vanished completely.

But Li Che was not intimidated by that lingering will.

With a deafening roar, the Myriad Transformations of Dragon Elephant Vajra surged as the Dragon Elephant Convergence manifested.

Then, brilliant and solitary sword light streaked across as countless dragon silhouettes emerged, culminating in a massive, indistinct figure erupting from the Yulian Yin Divine Sword.

With clenched fingers, Li Che thrust a punch forth.

It was none other than Ji Mo Li’s renowned Martial Saint technique, Wanlong Fushen!

Li Che sensed that Ji Mo Li had undoubtedly elevated this martial art to a level of Divine Seed Martial Arts—just like his own Myriad Transformations of Dragon Elephant Vajra had evolved.

Boom!

In the courtyard, colliding martial wills unleashed ferocious gales—the tumultuous currents eventually subsiding into calm.

“Who are you?”

“I am the King—I will find you,”

the fleeting martial will of Ji Mo Li flickered uncertainly, leaving that parting remark before vanishing in a burst of energy.

Clutching the Yulian Yin Divine Sword, Li Che had already made it clear with its sharp edge—

with a mere flick of his fingers, the sword emitted a brilliant hum.

The dark-hued sword perfectly matched Li Che’s ink-black attire.

Holding the sword, his surrounding qi shifted immediately as within the depths of a Mud Pellet, sword qi rang out mightily:

“Six Desires Evil-Exterminating Pure Yang Sword Technique!”

Li Che began cultivating this top-tier Divine Seed Martial Art!

If he was to plant the Divine Seed Martial Arts in all Eight Mysterious Gates, there was no room for slack.

Buzzing, the pace of his sword training slowed as his sword qi raged, slicing through the air of the courtyard.

Then, before him, a dark silhouette began to emerge slowly from the ground.

“Greetings, my lord,”

It was none other than the Divine Guardian, the shadowy figure who had absorbed the remnants of Martial Saint Su Wenxi—now manifest as the stern, vigilant Appearance Guardian, tasked with shadowing the Dragon Queen Ao Yuxin, whom Li Che intended to eliminate no matter her ambiguous connection with You Liqing.

Even if You Liqing pleaded for mercy, Li Che would only reward Dragon Queen Ao Yuxin a chance to be pestered by a Guardian—if she could handle it.

“What’s the matter?” Li Che asked, diagonally grasping the Yulian Yin Divine Sword.

The Appearance Guardian bowed respectfully, “My Lord—Princess of King Ping Luan is set to leave Daocheng with little Dragon Girl Ao Qingqing on the day of the Sect Master’s personal test for the Temple Guardian challenge.”

Li Che brushed ash from his Yulian Yin Divine Sword.

The long sword howled.

Its sword qi exuded a chilling aura!

“Trying to leave during the Temple Guardian test—”

“but… if you get on the Life and Death register…”

“Has the Underworld released you yet?”

After days of steady rain in the clear spring, the weather finally cleared—the wind and tobacco-scented trees rejoiced.

Since the beginning of the clear season, three days of rain had passed, leaving a pristine blue sky and drifting white clouds.

Brilliant sunlight beamed down from above, illuminating the freshly washed willow tips.

Daocheng City, South District.

The previously sealed area was now open for business.

One of the Four-Yu Bizarre Temples in Daocheng—The Nine-Foot Evil-Repelling Demon-Slaying Celestial Pavilion—was located here.

The Dao Master Residence, the Temple Guardian Division, the Imperial Watch, and the families of Su, Yun, Zhou, and Zhong had all stationed formidable figures here.

In the past, a ten-mile radius around the bizarre temple was strictly off-limits. Today, with the third test of the Temple Guardian challenge taking place here, the area was opened, drawing throngs of martial artists to the south of the city.

Daocheng’s main roads were choked with carriages, completely impassable.

Some people might never see a Four-Yu Bizarre Temple in their lives.

That’s why so many came—not just for the Temple Guardian test, but simply to catch a glimpse of it.

About three miles from the Celestial Pavilion, divine messengers from the Temple Guardian Division enforced a strict boundary.

Within those three miles lay the closest point any martial artist or renowned family in the city could approach.

Two grand generals from the four battalions of the Divine Guard Army arrived: Eastern Battalion General Yuan Wuming and Southern Battalion General Yu Longdao.

They, along with roughly a thousand Divine Guard soldiers, were in charge of order and security.

Yun Family Residence.

At the entrance, Yun Family Patriarch Yun Sanxiao, an elderly matron, held Yun’e’s hand as they slowly stepped forward and climbed aboard Yun He’s luxurious carriage waiting outside the residence.

Yun He, as usual, didn’t ride with them; instead, he took his place in the lead with his majestic flooddragon carriage.

Heading toward the Celestial Pavilion in the South District, inside the carriage, Yun Family Patriarch Yun Sanxiao chuckled as he ruffled Yun’e’s hair, “Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. The fact that you’ve reached the third test as Lord Tai Bai’s disciple already shows how outstanding you are—

even if you fail, the senior elders of the Qianyuan Divine Sect will scramble to take you on as a disciple.”

“You’ve already grasped your destiny—”

Yun’e lifted her head in determined acknowledgment.

“But your grandmother still wants you to push harder. This is about the fate of the Yun Family—now that you’ve come this far, give it your all. Everything I taught you in these three days is at your disposal,”

Yun’e nodded and pursed her lips.

Hearing that she had finally taken charge of her destiny filled her with mixed emotions.

Mother—

Yun’e silently vowed, “I won’t let you down.”

Wangchun Pavilion.

Meanwhile, a cloaked cultivator from Wushenshan, draped entirely in a dark robe, slowly rose from his seat in front of the guesthouse.

The door slowly opened.

Dragon Queen Ao Yuxin’s stunning face, etched with coldness and resentment, looked back toward the south of the city.

That lowly girl—

she had made it to the final test of Lord Lü Tai Bai’s personal examination.

Princess Ao Yuxin’s face was awash with sorrow.

Beside her, Ao Qingqing remained silent, unable to utter a word. Although she had done her best, it still fell short.

In the test of character, Ao Qingqing resonated deeply with Ao Yuxin’s pain, though she managed to remain more composed.

Slowly, the curtain was drawn aside.

Princess Ao Yuxin leaned against a soft carriage cushion.

She closed her eyes, her long lashes trembling as a hint of pain flashed across her face.

Daocheng—a city that had brought nothing but sorrow and humiliation to her.

This city had cost her too much.

With a sudden intensity, Ao Yuxin’s sapphire Dragon God Eyes flashed coldly, “Li Nuǎnxi… Xuan Qisha… and the Underworld…”

“I, Ao Yuxin, will not let this go easily!”

Her fingers clenched into fists, knuckles distinct as she gritted her teeth.

Ji Haihui, Su Huai Li, You Liqing—

one was the son of Ji Mo Li and the other two were his disciples.

Ao Yuxin refused to believe that, even if all her disciples and sons perished, Ji Mo Li would remain indifferent!

Boom!

Carriages sped out of Daocheng, racing along the main road, whipping up clouds of dust.

Beside the main road, willows swayed gently in the breeze.

High in a blossoming willow tree, a slender, ink-clad figure stood with arms crossed,

his eyes deep and inky, his jet-black hair whipping dramatically.

He stood quietly, rigid and statuesque like a spear.