Chapter 277: The Fateful Trial in the Bizarre Temple

After the rain, the clouds dispersed to reveal a sky of pure azure, while a fine mist and tender mountain dews enriched the hills.

Under a dazzling sun, light cascaded from the pristine blue dome above, blessing the realm below.

After days of rain, the lingering damp and the scent of decaying leaves gradually vanished.

At the Nine-Toothed Demon-Subduing Bizarre Temple.

Within a three-mile radius of the temple, the scene buzzed with life as the Divine Guard Army blocked the approach of martial travelers from Daocheng.

Minor families and lower-tier forces without influential backing could only gaze inward from beyond those three miles.

Luckily, for many warriors and divine cultivators, three miles wasn’t far – they could glimpse the temple’s traces, noticing its wooden platform and the formidable experts from various major forces.

Every prodigy, personally tested by the sect leader of Qianyuan Divine Sect through the final three trials, was present.

Among them, Li Nuǎnxi of the third place in the Dragon Child Register of the Qianyuan Divine Sect.

Yun’e, the legitimate scion of Yun Family.

And the young Tai, possessing the bloodline of the Great Witch God from the Da Li Wangting on Witch God Mountain.

All eyes were fixed on these three children.

While Great Tai Bai and Yun’e already had the stature of youth – their figures beginning to reveal mature promise – little XiXi, a mere five-year-old girl, still looked like a tiny bean with a pudgy belly and lingering baby fat.

Nearby, numerous prodigies who had passed the first and second trials had gathered.

For instance, Gongshu Wéntian, known for his steadfast Dao heart, his eyes still filled with lingering grievance over the heart trial in which XiXi had transformed so fearsomely and overwhelmingly.

He couldn’t let go of the image of XiXi’s overwhelming power from that trial.

Fortunately…

Though his spirit had been shattered during the second trial, Gongshu Wéntian felt it almost healed within three days.

Much faster than the month he had expected for a full restoration.

Then there were prodigies like Xuan Yue of Xuanfu Divine Sect, Gu He of Tian Dan Divine Sect and others who gathered on the open ground before the temple, eager to learn who would ultimately become Great Tai Bai’s personal disciple.

The outcome of this personal trial was too crucial, naturally drawing many onlookers.

Tai Bai’s unique status as a young prodigy from Witch God Mountain, if chosen to be the sect leader’s personal disciple and the junior patriarch of Qianyuan Divine Sect…

It would rock the entire Dajing Dynasty.

XiXi, clutching a little canine in her arms, obediently stood beneath the wooden platform.

Yun’e, with her exquisitely painted, ethereal makeup, looked as if she belonged to a realm isolated from the heavens and earth, an image of lonely elegance.

Tai, dressed in the young Witch God robe adorned with intricate designs, exuded a wild, rugged aura; his unruly purple hair whipped in the wind as his confident eyes shone in the sunlight.

Zhang Ya, as XiXi’s mother, had naturally earned the privilege of entering the inner court, seating herself in the Divine Sect area.

Elder Jiao Shaoqiu personally accompanied Zhang Ya, and Granny Mu was also present – this was XiXi’s most important moment. Having raised XiXi, Granny Mu wouldn’t miss this chance to watch her growth.

However, Granny Mu scanned the surroundings and found no sign of Li Qingshan.

“That old Li Qingshan…where has he gone off to this time?”

The deep, resonant chime of an ancient bell began to ring from somewhere, overwhelming in its grandeur.

In an instant, the formerly noisy Grand Plaza before the temple fell silent as everyone held their breath, all eyes fixed on Elder Fang Han Shu, clad in Confucian robes.

Fang Han Shu, exuding a scholarly aura, slowly closed the book in his hands.

A faint sweep of light silenced every whisper.

“The sect leader has entered the temple, suppressed it, and arranged the trial at the third Temple Guardian Gate. Since he has yet to return, I, Fang Han Shu, will preside over this final personal trial.”

Fang Han Shu declared in a deep, measured tone.

Many deeply respected the inner elder of Qianyuan Divine Sect.

His cultivation was unfathomable; when Huang Jianjiu unleashed his despair and slaughtered the Su Family, Fang Han Shu intervened, effortlessly subduing Old Master Su Lei Ba during the massacre.

Remember, Su Lei Ba was a second-stage Martial Saint with immense martial prowess.

Yet still, he fell easily beneath Fang Han Shu’s power – a testament to his lethal might.

That very act made Fang Han Shu a legend overnight.

Although he had been famous before, few ever witnessed the scholarly elder actually taking action.

That day, his intervention on behalf of Huang Jianjiu astonished the entire Daocheng.

“Elder, may I ask, will the specific rules of this final trial be disclosed?”

Yun Family ancestor Yun Sanxiao asked softly.

In that moment, all eyes returned to Fang Han Shu, though his expression remained unchanged.

“Actually, the rules are quite simple.”

Fang Han Shu spared no details – with the third trial about to begin, there was no point in withholding any information now.

“Within this temple, the sect leader has set three paths. Each of you personal candidates must choose one of these paths.”

He stood with his hands clasped behind his back, his flowing robes billowing gracefully.

Behind him, swirling mists and eerie fog roiled around the temple’s formidable architecture, reducing visibility to almost nothing.

It was as if this sinister fog isolated a mysterious world, a realm beyond the ordinary – step through, and you’d enter a new existence.

With a mere flick of his finger, powered by his divine aura, he vividly inscribed all the detailed rules upon the sky.

“Because this Four-Yu Bizarre Temple exudes an intimidating aura of rank, your task is to overcome its oppressive pressure using your own methods and proceed along your chosen path.”

“Along the way, you will confront Temple Protection Incantation corpses, demons, and other sinister beings – you must slay these guardians and demonic entities.”

“The guardians on each path have been subdued by the sect leader; what remains is a trial simulation of the temple’s defense. Hidden within these beings is the Inherited Dao Essence from the Ancestral Patriarch. As you slay them, you accumulate this vital energy.”

“Furthermore, the first candidate to reach the mysterious threshold receives five feet worth of Dao Essence, the second three feet, and the last earns none at all.”

“The trial will conclude once the incense burns for three Zhuang, and the final amount of Dao Essence you gather will determine who becomes the personal disciple.”

Everyone’s eyes lit up as they absorbed the rules, taking deep, resolute breaths.

“Rest assured, the Temple Protection Incantation corpses and demonic beings have been carefully selected by the sect leader – even the strongest among them are no more than at a single level of Silver Guts.”

“The pressure might be immense, but if you dared to choose this temple trial, you must have a hidden trump card.”

“Now… show us your resolve and inner strength on this path!”

Fang Han Shu’s calm voice echoed throughout.

“Any objections?”

He cast his gaze upon XiXi, Yun’e, and Tai.

XiXi mimicked a respectful fist-closing gesture, saying, “None.”

Both Tai and Yun’e echoed simultaneously, “No objections.”

“Then, choose the path into the mysterious threshold. Regardless of whether you are a martial fighter or a divine cultivator, you all must traverse this temple trial – think of it as advanced training.”

Fang Han Shu stated in a detached tone.

XiXi nodded vigorously, remarking, “That makes perfect sense – isn’t the temple trial just about fighting?”

In her mind, Emperor XiXi’s temple trial would undoubtedly mean unstoppable domination!

“No matter what hidden card you play on this temple trial, we will judge solely based on the final measure of your Dao Essence.”

“Currently, Yun’e starts with twelve feet of Dao Essence, Li Nuǎnxi with eleven feet, and Tai with five feet – after the incense burns out, whoever has the highest will win.”

Fang Han Shu said gravely.

After his words ceased, he snapped his fingers.

In an instant, three streams of radiant light shot into the air, swirling rapidly.

“Make your choice,” Fang Han Shu commanded.

Almost simultaneously, XiXi, Yun’e, and Tai reached out to grasp a globule of light.

XiXi crushed hers, revealing a small slip of paper marked with the number “2.”

Yun’e’s slip bore the number “3,”

and Tai’s showed a “2” – numbers that denoted the specific path each would take into the temple.

Once Tai confirmed his path, there was no hesitation; as his light swept over Yun’e and landed on XiXi, a grin spread across his face as he revealed a flash of white teeth.

“Little one… remember our wager!”

Tai’s eyes sparkled with a wild gleam as he laughed almost maniacally.

He was determined not to lose!

As long as the sect leader, Lü Taibai, stayed out of it, armed with the secret support arranged by the Great Witch God, defeat was impossible!

XiXi stood with her hands on her hips, her little belly proudly protruding as the small dog hidden within her clothes poked its head out, its dark eyes fixed on Tai while its nose twitched, seemingly smiling.

Tai’s gaze fell upon the little dark dog and his brows knitted.

“A spirit beast? Is that your trump card?” he chuckled, for he felt no trace of dread or divine power in the little mutt.

Shaking his head, his oversized young Witch God robe billowed dramatically.

Bursting with sheer energy, he launched forward like an arrow, charging toward the dense mist marking the first pathway.

“XiXi, let’s go!”

Yun’e said in a cool but resolute tone, “Remember, today we are adversaries – show no mercy and give it your all.”

XiXi nodded eagerly. Then, she turned her attention to the second temple trial path marked by the threshold; her chubby little body trembling with excitement.

“Let’s roll, pup!”

In an instant, the Pink Xiangong Bloodfire Bodhi Gatling materialized in her hand. With a series of energetic leaps, she was propelled into the swirling mist.

The mysterious fog curled up like a smoke ring, swallowing the three children’s figures.

Meanwhile, the Grand Plaza outside the temple finally burst into life.

Seated on the Taishi Chair, symbolizing the elder of Shendiao Ridge, Li Che’s lowered eyes responded with a warm smile whenever another elder approached.

For the one in that chair was none other than [Painted Immortal] Li Che.

This [Painted Immortal] Li Che carried immense divine aura, ensuring his stability.

Unless a cultivator of the level possessing a Divine Essence Golden Pill and undergoing a Breath Retention Transformation exploded in power, his clone would never be shattered into dust.

Watching XiXi step into the threshold to begin the final trial, Li Che slowly withdrew his gaze.

On the Main Road, a spring breeze stirred vigorously amidst the rustling sounds.

Under brilliant sunlight, the hills bloomed with spring.

Li Che gradually opened his eyes; like a spear standing tall, he stood atop a poplar tree lush with fresh green leaves, with catkins floating about and cuckoo cries softly breaking the air.

The spring wind caressed his cheek, tossing his wild black hair that lashed against the air.

In his eyes, his clone observed XiXi disappearing into the fog, the image dissolving in his pupils.

Although he had come to intercept the Princess of Turmoil, Li Che still kept a careful watch over his daughter’s situation.

He couldn’t miss the chance to attend her family activity.

Without his [Painted Immortal] clone, Li Che wouldn’t have been able to both attend his daughter’s event and intercept the Princess of Turmoil on the Main Road.

As for XiXi stepping into the threshold to tread the temple trial…

Li Che had given every trump card he possessed, and with the Big Black Dog transformed into a little guardian helping out, he wasn’t worried about XiXi at all.

In his eyes, once the Big Black Dog took charge, there was no chance of mishap.

That bet was impossible to lose.

His gaze as deep and still as a glassy pond, a silent storm of murderous intent slowly emanated from him.

Regarding the Dragon Queen, Li Che harbored an intense killing intent.

After the Dragon Queen had stepped into Daocheng and began targeting XiXi – even brazenly demanding that XiXi arrange a ghost marriage for her deceased son, Ji Haihui –

it had struck a nerve with Li Che.

“Your son was enough as the Yellow-Haired; after his death, you still expect to cling to that title?!”

But…

Li Che’s eyes grew cold. After the Princess of Turmoil learned that You Liqing had been killed, she had cunningly taken refuge within the Dao Master Residence.

There, under the watchful eye of Dao Master Yue Huanglong – a man so powerful that when Li Che once concealed his aura with the Sleeping Dragon Elephant technique outside the City Lord’s Residence during the Princess of Turmoil’s injury – he ultimately refrained from assassinating her.

Li Che felt that Yue Huanglong’s strength was not inferior to that of Feng Zhiqi from the Temple Guardian Division.

Such formidable forces were best not provoked.

Yet now, the Princess of Turmoil had chosen to leave the Dao Master Residence, planning a discreet exit.

“Now is the perfect moment to slip away – with everyone’s attention on the final personal trial, leaving undetected minimizes the danger. But there could be hidden traps, pitfalls waiting for me to stumble into.”

“The Princess of Turmoil might be using herself as bait to lure the Underworld’s hitmen.”

Li Che’s garments fluttered as he declared, “But even if it’s a trap or a fishing expedition, I will kill you.”

“The only regrettable bit is that Mo City hasn’t been fully restored. Until then, I cannot act—

“Otherwise, dragging you into Mo City alongside Huang Jianjiu, You Liqing, and the Vajra Primate mechanical beasts would mean death for all your schemes.”

Li Che raised his head, his wild black hair swirling fiercely, and his eyes blazing with murderous intent.

Since the Princess of Turmoil had vowed to have XiXi pay for her deceased son Ji Haihui with a ghost marriage, she had already been marked in the Underworld’s Book of Life and Death – awaiting Li Che’s merciless severance of her name!

The howling winds roared.

Li Che thrust out two fingers, slicing through the air as it tore open, and a cute Cute Cow Mask dropped into his hand.

He spread his fingers and pressed the mask onto his face.

As his fingertips brushed its surface, golden electric currents began to spark from his eyes.

Crack—

Bones shattered and tendons snapped; muscles, like gas-filled balloons, swelled explosively with raw power!

His tensile garment suddenly stretched to its limit!

Finger to his brow,

the Cosmic Chessboard unfurled instantly, expanding in all directions to envelop everything.

“Hmm?”

“It seems there’s an ambush—”

“From the Lie Shen Pavilion and… the Corpse God Sect?”

“And… the Su Family.”

Within the expanding Cosmic Chessboard, dense, dark qi surged upward, exposing every hidden figure in the dense forests lining the Main Road.

That was the unmistakable sign of murderous intent – and once revealed, Li Che could pinpoint their locations.

“A star-level assassin from the Lie Shen Pavilion… and a half-divine corpse?!”

This indicated the hidden presence of two Martial Saint-level powers.

They employed secretive techniques to conceal their aura, but their kill intent betrayed their positions.

“They really do take me seriously…”

“Perhaps they suspected that Huang Jianjiu had joined the Underworld? That’s why they deployed not one, but two first-stage Martial Saints against him.”

Beneath his Ogre Mask, Li Che allowed himself a slight smile.

A first-stage Martial Saint is top-tier in any realm – many cultivators from cities and capitals might never witness such power in their lifetimes.

Besides these two Martial Saints, Li Che sensed several formidable experts of the highest caliber among the elite.

Notably, the General of the Divine Guard Army – on par with the former You Liqing.

And, of course, powerful figures from the Su Family!

There was no doubt – the ambush was orchestrated by numerous top-tier forces!

With that established, Li Che was convinced that the Princess of Turmoil was indeed bait for the Underworld.

“How daring…”

“Then your life is already… in the Underworld.”

Li Che snapped his fingers.

In an instant, one after another, black chess pieces exploded around his towering form, dark mists swirling and contorting.

One stroke, two strokes, three strokes—

Figures like Huang Jianjiu, the Underworld Sword Immortal clad in golden armor, You Liqing who had ascended to Martial Saint rank after subduing Spiritual Confinement, and others such as Blue Bird, Long Tai, Black and White Wuchang, Xue Dufu, Divine Guardian, and Niu Thirteen appeared.

Each, with their own unique style, swarmed around Li Che.

“My lord!”

After seven Spiritual Confinement experts manifested, they respectfully bowed with fists pressed together toward Li Che.

Li Che nodded, transmitting orders with his mind.

In the next moment, several dark silhouettes twisted and dispersed.

Behind the hulking figure of the Ogre, a gaunt Ma Mian clone—disguised as a Painted Immortal clone—hoisted an enormous, avalanche-like Bloodfire Bodhi Barrett, its footprints disturbing fallen leaves silently.

Then, as if swallowed by silence, it whisked away without a sound.

In late spring, as the grass grew across Jiangnan and wildflowers sprouted among the trees, flocks of orioles flitted about.

Outside Daocheng on the Main Road, wheels trod on dusty tracks, clouds of smoke billowing as verdant canopies loomed on either side.

Life was vigorous – after the cleansing rain, nature revived.

Luxurious carriages raced along the Main Road, their speed staggering; the scales on the Precious Blood Serpent Horse were intermittently visible as divine energy surged, accelerating it further, like lightning slicing through the sky.

The rhythmic clatter of hooves echoed powerfully along the road.

Inside the carriage, all was hushed, secluding them from the outside clamor.

Princess Ao Yuxin reclined in the plush interior, her eyes half-closed, while a carbon stove simmered hot water as Xiaoqing calmly dropped a few tea leaves, coaxing the tender early-spring tea to swirl in the steaming water.

The fragrance of tea gradually filled the carriage.

“Aunt… are we really leaving like this?”

“Yes,” the Dragon Queen replied softly without opening her eyes.

After a moment, the Princess opened her eyes and looked at Ao Qingqing with a blend of pity, remorse, and affection.

Ao Qingqing paused in her tea-pouring, instantly understanding.

“Aunt…”

Ao Qingqing bit her lip.

Having just passed the heart trial, she had awakened to a degree – her insight had deepened, though sadly, it was too slow for Ao Yuxin.

Since Ao Qingqing hadn’t become the personal disciple of the Master Patriarch, Ao Yuxin’s remaining in Daocheng was meaningless.

“If a battle erupts later, if you can escape, do so. Survival is paramount.”

The Princess gently stroked Ao Qingqing’s cheek.

“Aunt must take you out of the city. Only then will the Underworld’s cautious creatures act without drawing too much notice.”

“Aunt… it’s all right…” Ao Qingqing shook her head.

Outside the carriage, the wind roared and shattered the silence.

Suddenly, as the blue eyes of the Dragon Queen reflected dazzling light, she looked toward a freshly poured cup of tea.

The tea –

Began to roil in violent ripples.

“As expected…”

“It’s coming!”

The Dragon Queen’s eyes widened, as if countless bloodlines spread from her eyes, instantly veiling her in a torrent of menace.

At the same moment, a terrifying, overwhelming murderous aura swept in from all directions, engulfing the carriage in a shroud.

All sound ceased; silence reigned, broken only by the explosive, violent surge of intent like a fountain of molten gold.

Ao Qingqing sat in stunned silence as her whole body trembled uncontrollably, feeling as if every fiber of her flesh was being frozen by the stifling terror.

The Underworld –

The Underworld indeed exuded a fearsome, potent killing intent, as if driven by a deep, unyielding vendetta!

Could it be that the Underworld plans to kill her aunt?

Ao Qingqing’s heart turned icy, but when she looked at her aunt—whose eyes were equally wild and bloodshot—she gasped.

Undoubtedly, leaving Daocheng was an open invitation for the Underworld to strike.

Last time, a feigned grievous injury had failed to attract the Underworld; this time, sneaking out amid the distraction of the trial, she was covertly drawing in their assassins!

Using herself as bait…

But it was far too dangerous!

Bang!

Just as Ao Qingqing was paralyzed by the overwhelming aura, the carriage’s side wall exploded, sending splinters and debris flying wildly.

The rushing wind from the broken gap surged into the carriage!

In an instant, a razor-thin, crimson lightning bolt—

a slender, water-drop shaped Mechanism Bullet—

appeared before the Dragon Queen!

It was as if a masterpiece of mechanical artistry had come to life.

Mechanism Sniper!

The Underworld’s Ma Mian!

So fast!

So terrifying!

There was no avoiding this shot—it was inescapable!

Ao Qingqing didn’t even have a moment to react; if this Bloodfire Bodhi bullet had been aimed at her, her head would have been pierced, snuffing out her life!

Time itself seemed to freeze at that moment!

Boom!

!

The Dragon Queen’s flawless beauty contorted into a fierce glare.

Her fingers curled as if ready to envelop, and her body became cloaked in countless delicate blue dragon scales that shimmered like crystal.

With her dragon claws extended, she reached to snatch that monstrous bullet, brimming with penetrating power!

Clang, clang—

The bullet spun uncontrollably between her dragon claws!

The screech of friction and the crackling of shattering scales sent chills down Ao Qingqing’s spine, leaving her frozen in place.

Then!

A terrifying surge of violent energy exploded with a piercing shriek!

Fierce winds erupted and set ablaze the very air!

Ao Qingqing only felt her body slammed hard against the shattered carriage wall; the wall itself shattered further, and she was swept out by the unstoppable force, rolling across the ground in utter disarray!

Explosive flames soared skyward!

Thunderous booms and upheaving torrents sent debris flying in all directions!

Ao Qingqing coughed up blood, but the pain was forgotten as she struggled to rise, only to see the once-stately carriage vanish completely.

A powerful, almost supernatural mental aura rippled outward like waves, stirring the very air as if the surface of a disturbed lake.

“Roar—!”

A resounding, furious dragon roar echoed!

Countless minute dragon scales shimmered as a ten-zhang long dragon soared upward, like a mythical beast made manifest!

“Ogre—!”

“Come and meet your end today!”

The Dragon Queen surged upward on a spiraling dragon form, her hair cascading inverted, her deep blue eyes brimming with lethal intent, as she let out a roar like thunder after a storm!

At the very moment her roar pierced the air,

Boom!

The ground trembled violently!

A gory burst of blood exploded from one side of the Main Road!

Like a raging furnace, torrents of blood and sheer force erupted skyward in a fearsome, blazing display!

A towering figure, as immense as a mountain and as robust as an ox, wearing a delightful Cute Cow Mask, dashed forward like lightning!

Soaring through the air, he took a defiant step!

Executing the Lingxu Baqi Steps!

He took three consecutive, dominating leaps that traced a parabolic arc across the sky, shattering the calm of spring!

With a determined step forward, the Ogre raised his stature, his eyes igniting with golden thunder and the scent of agarwood. His hair, grown to his waist in Ascending Stance, flowed like a waterfall, billowing like a cape.

It was as if a deity of both heaven and hell had been unleashed – his fists heralding the arrival of a Dragon Elephant Vajra blow!

Myriad Transformations of Dragon Elephant!

Divine Seed Martial Arts!

Beneath his Ogre Mask, Li Che remained unfathomably calm. In the split second that his blood surged forth, one hundred and eight true qi strikes raged, and the Dragon Elephant Vajra erupted in an explosion of true qi, compressing the gale into his five fingers!

The Dragon Queen’s mirror-like blue eyes locked onto the charging Ogre, waiting for him to take the remaining five steps!

However, as the Ogre thrust forth his fourth step, his five fingers—

vanished in an instant.

Then, reappearing, he burst from the remnants of the exploded carriage, switching positions with the Mechanism Bullet that had earlier been fired from Ma Mian’s concealed arsenal!

With a swift knee bend and leap, as if propelled by lightning-like blood power, he reappeared before the Dragon Queen ensnared within her swirling dragon form!

In that moment, one hundred and eight true qi strikes transformed into two hundred and sixteen!

And within them lay an explosively activated divine force: Dragon Elephant Vajra!

Without a word, it all culminated in a punch laden with murderous intent!

Like a sudden, earth-shattering spring thunderclap after the clouds, it smashed down ruthlessly!

It struck the Dragon Queen’s head like a heavy hammer!

The Ogre’s punch, though seemingly orthodox, turned out to be a stealthy ambush!

She roared in fury, as countless dragon scales spread out in unison, and from beneath them, hot air blasted furiously. The divine blood of the Dragon God within her surged to its peak!

Yet the Ogre’s speed was overwhelming!

Before the sound of the exploding fist could fully resonate, the blow had already landed!

It was like a heavy hammer crashing onto a drum!

Invisible shockwaves radiated outward, rapidly spreading in all directions!

Thud!

The Dragon Queen, along with her ten-zhang long spiraling dragon form, was hurled violently onto the muddy Main Road, soaked by days of spring rain!

Mud and sand tossed wildly as the ground rippled like a trembling carpet, with concentric waves expanding far and wide!

The Precious Blood Serpent Horse let out no scream; it was obliterated instantly by the shockwave.

Amidst the flurry of wind and splattered mud, a hoarse, low voice carrying an aura of unyielding murderous intent emerged:

“Ogre—”

“Today, I shall slay the Dragon!”