Chapter 280: A New Dawn in the Divine Sect

A sword’s brilliance suddenly erupted from the ground, like a Roc unfurling its wings and soaring skyward!

It tore through swirling clouds, as countless radiant golden beams cascaded behind it like lightning.

So dazzling and arresting was its luster, as if the very sword energy intended to blind onlookers.

Before the Bizarre Temple.

All was silent.

Only the resounding shout of Lü Taibai shattered the stillness across the entire city.

“Congratulations!”

“Congratulations, One!”

The roaring soundwaves echoed clearly in every ear, eliciting awe and trepidation.

Many raised their eyes to behold the sword’s radiance enshrouding two figures.

Lü Taibai, clad in white with silvery hair cascading like a waterfall and a heartfelt smile on his face, held the hand of the little girl.

Surrounded by a fierce flurry of sword energy, the relentless torrent seemed to rip the heavens as it carried Lü Taibai and XiXi aloft in the clouds.

Lü Taibai, the Sect Leader of Qianyuan Divine Sect and an unparalleled existence famed as number five in the Divine Hierarchy!

His final direct disciple had been revealed!

Every gaze converged on the little girl by his side.

Only five, at that tender and adorable age, with eyes as round and dark as two tiny dates; even a little black puppy was tucked into her garment, watching the world with wide, curious eyes.

A hush of wonder and disbelief fell over the crowd.

Many had speculated that Li Nuǎnxi might ultimately be Lü Taibai’s direct disciple.

But when the truth emerged and XiXi was officially designated as his disciple—

Many found it hard to accept.

After all, XiXi was just five years old—

Yet she managed to eclipse countless prodigies from far and wide to be chosen as the direct disciple of a Great Master!

Before the Bizarre Temple.

Jin Taisui’s lips were stained with blood as he watched Li Nuǎnxi, engulfed by sword energy and soaring tens of thousands of feet into the sky.

Biting his lip, a trace of defiance flickered on his face.

But soon that defiance began to fade.

Because—

According to the battle results shown on the honor roll, by the time the first incense had burned out, XiXi had already outperformed him by a wide margin.

She had reached the level of his second incense.

In truth, even without the interference of the Great Witch God and the ensuing opposition from the Temple Spirit of the Celestial Pavilion,

Her battle record alone had allowed her to defeat Jin Taisui.

Not to mention in the head-to-head final showdown, he was soundly beaten.

In fact, to clear the trial route of the temple, it was impossible for the three prodigies to pass on their own; it was a test of their hidden trump cards.

And XiXi’s trump card was, without a doubt, formidable.

What hidden ace was she concealing?

Jin Taisui was utterly perplexed, his fingernails digging deep into his flesh as a torrent of pain, frustration, and bewilderment surged within him.

A mix of emotions churned relentlessly in his heart.

“I have lost.”

“I have lost—The Great Witch God must now be terribly disappointed in me.”

Jin Taisui’s heart ached deeply.

Swish, swish—

——

Two dark figures streaked to either side of Jin Taisui; they were the Divine Nucleus Cultivators from Wushen Mountain.

Their faces were grim, disbelief mingling in their eyes.

They knew well the extent of the little prodigy’s potential—possessing a trump card that could summon the power of the Great Witch God. In principle, with such a trump card, Jin Taisui should have been able to clear the temple trial with ease.

“Young Cultivator, what happened here?”

“Is the Qianyuan Divine Sect resorting to tricks?”

The Divine Nucleus Cultivator, who moments earlier had nearly had his throat snapped by Zhao Fangzhou, gritted his teeth and demanded.

Jin Taisui, coming back to his senses, shook his head. “It’s the fault of the Bizarre Temple—Qianyuan Divine Sect did not intervene.”

“No one can be sure of what happens inside the temple, hence its name ‘Guardian Temple.’ I resorted to the power of the Great Witch God to repel the Temple Spirit inside, which stirred the wrath of the Four Celestial Ranks of the Temple Spirit—”

“Thus, I can only admit my unpreparedness…”

Jin Taisui accepted his defeat with surprising composure.

“And, Young Cultivator, about that wager—”

At that moment, one of the Divine Nucleus Cultivators’s eyes suddenly darkened in a most displeased manner.

“Jin Taisui may have lost, and that in itself is one thing, but—”

That wager was the real matter at hand!

The wager was based on their level of Dao Essence. Should Jin Taisui break his promise, the Dao Essence witnessing the bet would sever his cultivation path. Jin Taisui’s eyes narrowed, and a bitter smile tugged at his lips.

In truth, the third trial at the Temple Guardian Division was not yet over.

Thus, after a brief announcement, Lü Taibai simply levitated into the sky with XiXi in tow.

Inside the Bizarre Temple, there was another prodigy, Yun’e, a prodigy of the Yun Family whose body concealed a Temple Spirit.

Alas, that Temple Spirit could offer her little help. Even when Yun’e activated its power in the Celestial Pavilion, her own strength remained too feeble.

The Temple Spirit’s power, while continuously aiding her in defeating the protective incantation-animated corpses, was limited at best.

When Yun’e was ejected from the Bizarre Temple and the mysterious mists swirled, she did not appear overly disheartened.

She had long foreseen this outcome.

Yet, seeing XiXi, who was being held aloft by Lü Taibai, ascend into the clouds,

Yun’e exhaled softly, raised her hand to her brow, and gathered the Temple Spirit’s power in a rapid whirlwind until it coalesced into a crystalline gem that settled upon her fair brow.

“Congratulations, XiXi.”

A genuine smile curved Yun’e’s lips.

She had borne immense pressure, for many pinned their hopes on her to subdue Jin Taisui.

But Yun’e knew her limits—her talent was average at best, and her strength relied heavily on the Temple Spirit.

Her ability to endure was largely thanks to that very power.

Yet in terms of cultivation, she could not rival Jin Taisui.

And now…

XiXi had succeeded—she had subdued Jin Taisui and become the direct disciple of the Great Lü Taibai!

All the pressure on her was finally lifted, and the once-critical gazes would no longer be so severe.

“Thank you, XiXi.”

Yun’e’s dark hair fluttered as she looked up at the sky where XiXi greeted her excitedly, a smile blossoming on her face.

It was a vision of beauty beyond compare.

“Now—!!!”

A thunderous clang, as though an ancient bronze bell from the loftiest temple on a divine mountain had been struck with force, resounded.

Its reverberation echoed over the entire Daocheng.

For a moment, everyone fell into a hushed reverence before an uproar broke out.

The great families and every influential faction in the martial world surged in excitement and agitation.

Many martial vagabonds cheered heartily.

Their sole concern was that XiXi had subdued Jin Taisui, outclassing the young prodigy from the Da Li Wangting to triumph in this trial and emerge as the direct disciple of Sect Leader Taibai—

In truth, whether it was XiXi or Yun’e who subdued Jin Taisui mattered little.

Any prodigy who could subdue a formidable talent from Da Li was worthy of celebration!

After all, both XiXi and Yun’e were prodigies of the Great Realm.

Lü Taibai, holding XiXi’s hand, was enveloped by a myriad of intersecting sword auras.

For the first time, XiXi experienced the thrill of sword riding—a sensation uniquely exhilarating, with her eyes wide in joy.

Meanwhile, the dog tucked in her garment slumbered soundly, utterly uninterested in flight.

Lü Taibai circled around Daocheng with XiXi, setting the entire city abuzz.

Ordinary citizens and cultivated martial artists alike craned their necks to catch a glimpse of the spectacle.

Finally, they returned to the skies above the Bizarre Temple.

Lü Taibai, chuckling heartily as he held XiXi’s hand, bellowed, “My dear disciple XiXi, today you are officially appointed as the Young Sect Leader of Qianyuan Divine Sect! Is there any objection?”

As soon as his words fell silent, one after another, the elders who had been seated in their long chairs rose.

First to stand were the three top elders—Elder Fang Han Shu, Elder Zhao Fangzhou, and Elder Ding Zi, each with divine-level prowess, who then clasped their fists in respect.

“Congratulations to the Sect Leader for acquiring such an outstanding disciple!”

“Congratulations on the appointment of the new Young Sect Leader Li Nuǎnxi!”

“We have no objections.”

Soon, Elder Ji Heshan and three other elders similarly rose, clasping their fists.

“Congratulations, Young Sect Leader Li Nuǎnxi!”

Elsewhere, numerous elders from Shendiao Ridge and the Outer Gate rose in unison, respectfully clasping their fists.

“Congratulations, Young Sect Leader Li Nuǎnxi!”

Boom—

Dozens of elders spoke simultaneously; each was recognized as one of the top strong figures in Daocheng.

In that moment, potent divine perceptions roared overhead in the Bizarre Temple, as if heralding a change in the heavens.

A radiant smile spread across Li Che’s face, his grin more resplendent than even the fiercest of celestial weapons.

The ancestral patriarchs of the Yun, Zhou, and Zhong families—each venerable and millennial—also voiced their congratulations for the new Young Sect Leader.

The head of the Su Family, Su Daoling, though his expression was somber, nonetheless offered his felicitations, mindful of appearances.

Virtually every faction in Daocheng joined in the celebration.

Representatives from the Dao Master Residence, Temple Guardian Division, and the Imperial Watch—the three official powers of the Great Realm—sent forth their potent intent.

“On behalf of Yue Huanglong, Daocheng’s supreme guardian from Lingnan, congratulations to Sect Leader Taibai on acquiring a new disciple!”

“On behalf of Hong Shi Fo of the Imperial Watch in Lingnan, congratulations to Sect Leader Taibai on this momentous occasion!”

“On behalf of the Chief of the Temple Guardian Division in Lingnan, congratulations to Sect Leader Taibai!”

Then, three figures surged in from different directions, as if merging with heaven and earth to manifest a formidable will.

Lü Taibai nodded gently.

With a snap of his fingers, the shimmering sword aura gathered and quieted!

“Li Nuǎnxi is now my direct disciple and the new Young Sect Leader!”

“Bequeathing to you the Four Celestial Rank Lower-Grade Divine Weapon ‘Yulian Fenghuo Jingguang Wheel’ and the Lower-Grade Divine Weapon ‘Yulian Yang Divine Sword’!”

“Bequeathing one Upper Fifth-Grade Qian Cao Xiao Huandan, ten Middle Fifth-Grade Bai Cao Xiao Huandan, and one custom Middle Fifth-Grade Divine Wooden Sculpture!”

“And bequeathing one Upper Five-Elder Divine Crystal and ten Middle Five-Elder Divine Crystals!”

And so on…

Lü Taibai’s voice boomed, resonating throughout Daocheng.

His words struck like thunder, sending shockwaves among the people!

Every reward stirred hearts, overwhelming some with uncontrolled emotions.

Each gift was enough to drive a Grandmaster to frenzy!

For a moment, every gaze fixed on XiXi burned with intensity.

It was only natural for Lü Taibai’s direct disciple and the new Young Sect Leader of Qianyuan Divine Sect to receive such honors.

“Three days later, Qianyuan Divine Sect will host a Young Sect Banquet. Invitations are ready—many of you are welcome to enjoy a celebratory spirit drink as we honor the appointment!”

Lü Taibai’s gentle smile swept subtly across the assembled strong figures.

Many could only clench their jaws in silent discontent.

Yet none uttered a word—it was indeed a moment worthy of celebration. Qianyuan Divine Sect’s grand banquet left no room for objection.

After all, if one were to skip it, it would be seen as an insult. And who goes to a banquet empty-handed?

One must always bring a tribute—perhaps even shed some blood in celebration.

As his words faded, Lü Taibai, still holding XiXi’s hand, drifted gently down.

The elders applauded in respect.

Li Che, too, joined in with a respectful bow, his smile blooming like the most delicate spring flower.

At that moment, Li Che truly understood the joy of parenthood, a feeling even sweeter than vanquishing a major threat like the Dragon Queen.

It was as if his daughter had achieved the top score in a provincial examination—a sensation too wonderful to describe.

“My daughter has truly grown!”

The Great XiXi had taken a firm step forward!

Lü Taibai’s gaze fell upon Li Che, a glimmer of something unfathomable in his eyes.

Li Che paused, then clasped his fists before springing from his carriage to help the still dazed Zhang Ya down from the wagon.

Zhang Ya slowly recovered from the shock of Lü Taibai’s announcement, her mind returning to focus.

Only when her husband lifted her up did she realize—writhing like a caterpillar in Li Che’s arms—she could only cry out in excitement.

“Husband—ah, husband! Our XiXi has succeeded!”

“XiXi is now the direct disciple of the Sect Leader!”

Zhang Ya’s face flushed scarlet as excitement coursed through her.

She wrapped her arms around Li Che’s neck, writhing with joy—she looked like a larger version of XiXi.

No wonder she was considered XiXi’s true mother.

Li Che smiled tenderly and indulgently, “Yes, our XiXi is truly the best!”

“Let’s head to see her future master now,” he added gently.

Li Che’s warm words immediately quieted Zhang Ya, who suddenly became very aware of the thousands of eyes now upon her.

Among those gazes, there were smirks, envy, chuckles, and even jealousy—

So many varied looks that Zhang Ya’s already flushed face deepened further.

Thinking back to her earlier struggle like a giant caterpillar writhing in Li Che’s embrace,

she felt as though she had met her match in Daocheng.

Zhang Ya buried her face in Li Che’s arms.

Li Che then led Zhang Ya to the elder’s table.

“Madam Li, congratulations indeed.”

“You have raised your daughter well.”

Elderly members from the Outer Gate greeted her enthusiastically, all of whom knew each other from their own courtyards.

Li Che and Zhang Ya smiled and exchanged greetings warmly.

At last, Li Che, accompanied by Zhang Ya, approached Lü Taibai, while the well-behaved XiXi held Lü Taibai’s hand and beamed at them.

“Father and Mother!”

“Isn’t XiXi marvelous?!”

XiXi proudly lifted her little head and tummy.

“Absolutely marvelous,” praised Li Che.

“Go home, and your mother will cook you red-braised pork by hand!” Zhang Ya’s cheeks remained rosy as she beamed with joy.

Lü Taibai looked on fondly at this warm family scene.

For a moment, he recalled his own wife, and a tender smile graced his lips.

Yet the thought of his childlessness darkened his eyes briefly.

Ruffling XiXi’s hair,

Lü Taibai addressed Li Che and Zhang Ya with a solemn expression as his silvery hair fluttered.

“The Li and Zhang families have nurtured XiXi, training her to become a Young Sect Leader for Qianyuan Divine Sect. On behalf of the sect, I bestow upon you Lower-Grade Five-Elder Bai Cao Xiao Huandan, ten Lower-Grade Five-Elder Divine Crystals, one Hundred-Crystal Sixth Minister Divine Crystal, one Lower-Grade Divine Weapon for Elder Li, and confer on Zhang Ya the title of Honorary Outer Gate Elder with free access to the sect.”

“On behalf of all of Qianyuan Divine Sect, we thank you for the invaluable gift of nurturing our Young Sect Leader.”

After speaking, Lü Taibai clasped his fists in salute.

At the same moment, the surrounding elders also bowed respectfully toward Li Che and Zhang Ya.

“Qianyuan Divine Sect thanks you for raising our Young Sect Leader!”

The mighty elders such as Fang Han Shu, Zhao Fangzhou, and Ding Zi—all of whom possessed martial saint-level strength—also joined in the salute.

Their joint voices resounded like a clashing thunderclap!

Various great families and martial sects erupted in astonishment.

Zhang Ya was utterly dumbfounded by the rewards.

Li Che, however, remained calm, composed, and gentle—after all, he had even handled the miraculous Qian Kun Jade before; what worldly opulence couldn’t he endure?

He felt deep sincerity and warmth from the rewards of Qianyuan Divine Sect.

Grasping Zhang Ya’s hand, he respectfully thanked Lü Taibai on behalf of the sect.

“Little XiXi may be mischievous now—as a five-year-old, she’ll continue her cultivation under the Sect Leader’s tutelage. Should she misbehave, please forgive her,” Li Che explained.

Lü Taibai smiled gently and nodded.

Li Che’s family had become the focus of attention.

Especially Zhang Ya, who suddenly became the subject of admiration among countless noblewomen—after all, bearing a fine daughter was a sure way to ascend in status.

After all, Li Che himself was an elder from Shendiao Ridge—a title already steeped in honor. To him, the sect rewards were simply icing on the cake.

But for Zhang Ya, an ordinary woman elevated overnight to Honorary Outer Gate Elder, it was nothing short of a heavenly leap.

Apart from the congratulations pouring in from all directions, another incident unfolded before the Bizarre Temple.

Ding Zi, the Third Elder of Qianyuan Divine Sect’s inner circle, a female elder, gracefully approached Yun’e and accepted her as a true disciple.

The ancestral patriarch of the Yun Family, Yun Sanxiao, along with Yun’e, immediately expressed gratitude for Ding Zi’s recognition.

Ding Zi, one of the inner-circle elders of Qianyuan Divine Sect with martial saint-level prowess,

was the only female divine nucleus among them.

Being recognized by Ding Zi meant Yun’e’s fate was no longer to be sacrificed through a sacrificial marriage by the Yun Family.

Yun’e had officially broken free from her dark destiny.

With Lü Taibai’s direct disciple trial now concluded, who would have imagined that the direct disciple of the Great Sect Leader would ultimately be a five-year-old girl?

Initially, few had expected much from XiXi.

Gunsmiths like Gongshu Wéntian, Xuan Yue, and Gu He—the perennial favorites among the prodigies of the Divine Sect—now found their prospects cooling.

XiXi tugged on Li Che’s hand and located Jin Taisui, who was being guarded by the two Divine Nucleus Cultivators from Wushen Mountain.

Jin Taisui stood silently in his place, unmoving.

It was as if he were waiting for XiXi.

“Wretch, will you admit defeat?”

Hidden in her garment with a little dog, XiXi placed her hands on her hips, puffed out her little belly, and declared excitedly.

“Don’t you remember our wager?”

Li Che stood behind her, a faint smile on his lips as his gaze fell upon Jin Taisui.

The two Divine Nucleus Cultivators from Wushen Mountain seethed with anger but dared not act rashly.

After all, the watchful eyes of strong figures like Lü Taixuan and Zhao Fangzhou from afar were fixed upon them.

Should any mischief occur, they would be charged with attempting to assassinate the Young Sect Leader of Qianyuan Divine Sect—

Even if the Great Witch God himself intervened, there would be no excuse.

After all, attempting to murder the Young Sect Leader was akin to striking against the minor divine cultivator of Wushen Mountain.

Jin Taisui looked at XiXi and said,

“I admit defeat. I have been waiting for you.”

With his face painted dramatically, he slowly removed the robe of the minor divine cultivator.

The once cocky XiXi tilted her head, momentarily bewildered by Jin Taisui’s sincere and genuine demeanor.

Shouldn’t she have turned her back like the insolent disciple from Ji Haihui?

Jin Taisui passed his minor divine robe to a nearby Wushen Mountain Cultivator.

“Please inform the elder that I, Jin Taisui, concede defeat and will remain here as Li Nuǎnxi’s servant—

After the current cycle, I shall atone for my sins.”

Jin Taisui then removed the purple-gold bell from his neck and handed it over to the Wushen Mountain elder.

The moment his hand let go, the bell chimed, and his trembling hands and tear-filled eyes betrayed his inner sorrow.

He gritted his teeth, his vision blurred by tears.

He had conceded defeat.

Though it was humiliating, Jin Taisui would forever remember this shame.

“Minor divine cultivator—ah, alas—”

The elder from Wushen Mountain clutched Jin Taisui’s robe and sighed deeply.

After a final, meaningful glance exchanged between them, the elder understood that Jin Taisui had made his decision, and no further words were spoken.

The two Wushen Mountain Divine Nucleus Cultivators then silently vanished.

Their disappearance signified that Jin Taisui had entirely cut off his own escape—he had truly conceded defeat.

Jin Taisui wiped away his tears and drew a deep breath.

He then looked at the stout yet resolute Li Nuǎnxi.

With a bow and a kneel, he said,

“Jin Taisui…”

“I pay my respects to the Master.”

XiXi gazed at the kneeling Jin Taisui, a gentle softness in her large eyes.

She regarded him as her true master now.

In her eyes, he was far better than the wretch from Ji Haihui.

“Yes.”

XiXi extended her chubby hand, patted the unruly purple hair on Jin Taisui’s head, and said,

“Don’t worry—you are now under the protection of Great XiXi!”

“From now on, Great XiXi will always have your back!”

Li Che remained wary of Jin Taisui, but with his defeat and his new status as XiXi’s servant, he now followed her every step.

After a moment’s observation, Li Che discreetly sent a Feilei Chess Piece into Jin Taisui’s body.

This ensured that any abnormality in Jin Taisui would be instantly detected by Li Che.

Furthermore, through the chess piece, Jin Taisui would be reminded of what true fatherly love meant.

XiXi becoming the direct disciple of the Great Sect Leader of Qianyuan Divine Sect had spread Li Che’s family’s fame throughout Liu Xiang Alley.

The Yun, Zhou, Zhong, and Sang families all sent congratulatory gifts.

Dozens of families arrived—so many that the thresholds of the courtyards nearly flattened under their collective steps.

Late into the night, after Li Che had seen off the last of the guests from Liu Xiang Alley, he closed the courtyard door.

Lü Taibai then took XiXi back to the peak of the Sect Leader’s residence in Qianyuan Divine Sect.

Originally, Zhang Ya had wished to let XiXi spend the night in Liu Xiang Alley’s courtyard.

“Now that XiXi is the Young Sect Leader of Qianyuan Divine Sect, her safety must be taken more seriously,” Lü Taibai explained with a smile.

“Also, with her bounty on the Lie Shen Pavilion list, she might even rank among the top three…”

“Back in my day as a young disciple, I topped the Lie Shen Pavilion bounty board—

even surpassing my great master.”

Lü Taibai’s explanation left Zhang Ya pale, and Li Che’s eyes grew solemn.

The Lie Shen Pavilion—a notorious organization of professional assassins—certainly demanded caution.

A flash of sharp determination passed through Li Che’s eyes.

“That’s only natural. Being the Young Sect Leader of Qianyuan Divine Sect is not just about reputation—XiXi’s essence is now intertwined with Qianyuan’s Dao Essence.”

“This trial has truly formed a bond with the Dao Essence.”

“Should XiXi fall in battle, the recently merged Dao Essence would be severed, inflicting tremendous loss upon Qianyuan Divine Sect.”

“The power of Dao Essence is crucial for cultivators at the Divine Nucleus stage—a resource of immeasurable importance.”

“Furthermore, XiXi has inherited the legacy of the ‘Eight-Armed Yulian Furious Third Prince Temple Spirit’ from Jin Guang Mansion—

but her understanding of this Temple Spirit power remains superficial at present.”

“I will guide her to refine it faster, so that she may even catch up to the ‘Peach Banquet’ hosted by the Empress.”

After a brief explanation, Lü Taibai took XiXi away.

However, as both Li Che and Zhang Ya were elders of the Divine Sect—one an inner elder and the other an Honorary Outer Gate Elder—they were qualified to watch XiXi from the Sect Leader’s peak.

“Rest assured, Father and Mother. XiXi will train hard and grow strong enough to protect you. Soon, you won’t be able to best her!”

While holding Lü Taibai’s hand, XiXi tearfully waved goodbye.

Leaving home for the Sect Leader’s peak, XiXi felt as if she were once again setting out alone to cultivate and grow stronger.

XiXi wiped her tears and whispered to herself, chanting, ‘Great XiXi, you must be strong!’

As Zhang Ya continued to wave, reluctant to let go,

the courtyard fell silent.

Under the cool moonlight,

the couple sat together beneath the eaves.

Zhang Ya, resting on Li Che’s shoulder, gazed at the crescent moon in the sky and asked,

“Husband, what do you think XiXi will be like when she grows up?”

Li Che smiled, looking at the moon’s changing phases, and replied, “Our XiXi—she’s bound to be the most beautiful girl in all the world.”

Provided she doesn’t bring back any mischief like Yellow-Haired.

Li Che murmured this quietly to himself.

Daocheng.

Tinglei Alley.

Private Workshop Courtyard.

After discussing the intricacies of Blood Exchange techniques, Li Che and Zhang Ya settled Zhang Ya into a deep sleep in the courtyard.

Then Li Che proceeded to the Private Workshop Courtyard.

“Lie Shen Pavilion—”

Li Che’s eyes narrowed slightly, a lethal glint surging within them.

According to Lü Taibai, the threat posed by the bounty on XiXi at Lie Shen Pavilion was immense. After all, once a price is placed on her head, it would inevitably attract Star Killer assassins.

Inside the courtyard,

Li Qingshan playfully donned his Cat Face Mask and, animatedly gesturing to Ma Mian beside him, recounted his dazzling exploits following his triumphant slaying of the Dragon Queen.

“It was so exhilarating—it felt like I had a chess piece of relocation from the Underworld! If not, I’d have been beaten a hundred times!

I was just too over the top! I couldn’t even bear watching myself.”

Li Qingshan beamed and added humorously.

But—

What a rush!

The stunned expressions on the faces of top masters like Han Qi Zhong and Dai Qingxiao served as the perfect stimulant for him.

“I’ve had an epiphany—I, Cat Face, have truly awakened.”

“What’s the point of endless slaughter?”

“Ultimately, those who emerge last are the ones who make the most significance. My appearance—

elevates the Underworld to new heights!”

Li Qingshan’s eyes shone with depth.

Li Che gave him a quick warning glance, choosing not to add a word. With a Feilei Chess Piece and the backup of Mo City—

unless the Divine Nucleus Great God intervened, Li Qingshan wasn’t likely to throw his life away.

Most importantly, Li Che felt that Li Qingshan had seemingly lost his fear of death.

“Cat Face, go check the bounty list at Lie Shen Pavilion and see where XiXi stands,” Li Che instructed while wearing his Ogre Mask.

Li Qingshan nodded beneath his Cat Face Mask.

Then Li Che snapped his fingers, sending out a flash of light.

Following Ma Mian, Divine Monkey, Thunder Dragon, Black and White Wuchang, Niu Thirteen, and many other Underworld fiends converged once more in the courtyard.

In varied stances, they lined every corner of the courtyard.

Cat Face Li Qingshan’s entire body vibrated in excitement; even his hunch slowly straightened.

Now, at the second full meeting for the Underworld, he, Cat Face, could finally participate with dignity!

Above the courtyard, the Cosmic Chessboard swirled, masking their presence.

You Liqing, clad in golden armor, pushed aside the mask on his helmet to reveal his handsome face. At that moment, his expression was complex.

Next to him, Long Tai stood, while Blue Bird, carrying his Divine Bow, with graceful yet imposing legs, landed at the corner with a cold face, refusing even to glance their way.

They all knew what was about to unfold.

Li Che’s gaze swept over them before finally resting on You Liqing.

He was well aware of the complicated relationship between the Dragon Queen and You Liqing.

This also explained why, immediately after eliminating the Dragon Queen, Li Che had refrained from using Spiritual Confinement—

for once Spiritual Confinement was activated, the Dragon Queen would resist, forcing Li Che to wipe her out without mercy.

At that moment, You Liqing, in the midst of his mission, likely dreaded seeing her for the last time.

Li Che prided himself on being a fine superior, and thus waited until now.

With two fingers, he tore open the Qiankun Space.

The head of the Dragon Queen, covered in a ceaseless blue draconic bone, descended like a millstone.

With a resounding thud, dust billowed upward.

You Liqing’s Spiritual Confinement gaze fixed on the head, a mix of confusion and resolve in his eyes. He exhaled slowly.

He closed his eyes briefly.

But upon reopening them, his expression turned cold and lethal.

“Do you wish for her to live?”

Li Che inquired, fixing his gaze on You Liqing.

You Liqing nodded firmly.

“But if she dares defy the Master after regaining her life—then You Liqing will personally execute her!”

“Be merciless!”

You Liqing’s voice was icy as he declared.

Now, in his Spiritual Confinement state, the Master was all that mattered—no one could surpass him!

A slight smile tugged at Li Che’s lips.

In the next moment, with his five fingers splayed, he aimed at the defiant head.

“Come out.”

“Spiritual Confinement.”