Chapter 282: The Cosmic Gamble and the Hidden Menace

Li Che set down his wine cup, a strange glimmer flashing in his eyes.

Around him, the scattered chatter and the lingering aroma of fine wine and exquisite dishes filled the air.

Yet at that moment, Li Che paid them no mind.

His mind shifted as he sank into the Cosmic Chessboard.

The Spiritual Confinement pawn, forged by Huang Jianjiu’s technique, plummeted silently onto the board.

When set free, the pawn could detach from Li Che and move independently.

That was why Li Che sent Huang Jianjiu and You Liqing with these Spiritual Confinement pieces to seek the hidden power of the Hu Divine Cult around Daocheng.

After all, it was the half-god corpse from the Corpse God Sect that had previously caught his attention when aiding the Princess.

Li Che had no favor for the Corpse God Sect; from the atrocities they committed to their Demon Child and others, he felt nothing but disgust.

Within the Cosmic Chessboard,

Li Che’s primordial spirit coalesced and his eyes slowly opened.

With a flick of his finger, a surge of Pure Heart’s divine essence flowed into Huang Jianjiu’s Spiritual Confinement pawn.

Gradually, the pawn twisted and transformed, taking on Huang Jianjiu’s form.

Only after a pawn was struck down ten consecutive times and lost its supply would it revert to a Spiritual Confinement pawn on Li Che’s Cosmic Chessboard to be recharged.

This was Li Che’s conclusion after forming the pawn.

Yet until now, it was the first time he saw a Spiritual Confinement piece being knocked down this way – even Old Huang had, in a sense, opened his eyes.

Huang Jianjiu scratched his head, unstoppered his Liquor Gourd, and downed several gulps of wine while cursing under his breath.

Moments later, his Spiritual Confinement technique recovered.

“Tell me, what’s the situation?”

Li Che asked coolly.

Huang Jianjiu nodded before explaining, “Old You and I split up. Following the resonance of the Corpse God Seal, we traced the Corpse God Sect’s outpost beyond Daocheng.”

“At first there were no clues, and even after a long search we came up empty-handed, so Old You and I decided to widen our scope—”

“And after expanding our search, near Shendiao Ridge I encountered an ambush.”

Huang Jianjiu patted his wine gourd, scarred by sword strikes, his eyes hardening with intensity.

“Where?”

Li Che furrowed his brows.

“Shendiao Ridge.”

After a sip of wine, Huang Jianjiu continued.

“Outside Shendiao Ridge, I came across a half-god corpse—”

“Not the same one Old You blocked before. This one was far more powerful and mysterious—I unleashed Sword Nine repeatedly, but he deflected every strike.”

“He’s formidable, nearly on par with a top-tier Qi Sea Martial Saint. I’m simply no match for him now.”

Huang Jianjiu said sullenly.

Li Che, upon hearing this, felt little emotion about Huang Jianjiu being struck down ten times.

After all, one cannot kill it by mere blasts.

In at least nine of those encounters, Huang Jianjiu had used Sword Nine to self-destruct.

Yet the news he brought made Li Che’s expression grow grave.

“Near Shendiao Ridge—there are powerful figures from the Corpse God Sect, and even a Two-Flower Half-God Corpse rivaling a Qi Sea Martial Saint of the second stage?”

Li Che had been to Shendiao Ridge before.

He hadn’t sensed anything previously.

Huang Jianjiu nodded. As a Spiritual Confinement user, his loyalty and obedience to Li Che were absolute; he would hide nothing.

“The gap between a one-stage and a two-stage Martial Saint is considerable – the difference between a Renal Martial Saint and a Qi Sea Martial Saint is like that between a Grandmaster and a Master.”

“When I struck the Su Family, my greatest fear was the Su Family’s Old Master, Su Lei Ba, a Qi Sea Martial Saint – a key reason why the Su Family dominates Daocheng.”

“The Yun, Zhou, and Zhong families boast millennia of legacy, yet even their strongest warriors amount to a one-stage Martial Saint or a one-transformation divine seed.”

“They pale in comparison to the Su Family.”

“That’s why I once pleaded with Elder Fang Han Shu to step in—”

Huang Jianjiu slumped into the Cosmic Chessboard and continued.

Li Che’s primordial spirit fell silent…

Shendiao Ridge.

Located outside Daocheng, Shendiao Ridge, far from the city, naturally held many uncertainties and dangers.

“Because of—” Was it the Two-Hearted Great Sage’s Bizarre Temple? Or was it for that mythic weapon, the Freewill Gold-Iron Divine Staff?”

Li Che couldn’t help but consider that factor.

The pressing question now was whether the Corpse God Sect’s Two-Flower Half-God Corpse was hidden within Shendiao Ridge, or…

Had the Corpse God Sect ambushed Shendiao Ridge, encircling it?

That possibility seemed slim – it was likely hidden in the remote, seldom-trodden mountains surrounding the ridge.

If the Corpse God Sect were causing such a stir, the Qianyuan Divine Sect wouldn’t remain oblivious.

Slowly closing his eyes, Li Che allowed Huang Jianjiu to continue cultivating.

He himself exited the Cosmic Chessboard.

Opening his eyes, he looked across the banquet table where Shendiao Ridge’s lord Gongshu Jingjun and Elder Tang Xiejia sat.

In other words, if the half-god corpse of the Corpse God Sect were truly undercover, it couldn’t be Gongshu Jingjun or Tang Xiejia.

The other elders were also present at the celebration banquet for XiXi’s ascension as the new Sect Leader.

That very Two-Flower Half-God Corpse that struck Huang Jianjiu ten times…

“It seems we need to find an opportunity to send Huang Jianjiu to remind both the Qianyuan Divine Sect and those at Shendiao Ridge.”

Setting down his wine cup, Li Che massaged his temples.

The Corpse God Sect—

They really are relentless.

Their stronghold isn’t in Lingnan Path but in Jizhou on the Jiangnan Road, where they confront King Ping Luan and Ji Mo Li.

Yet now, experts from the Corpse God Sect are appearing ever more frequently around the Qianyuan Divine Sect.

“A dark current is rising,” Li Che exhaled.

His eyes flickered with emotion as turbulent thoughts coursed through him.

The Grand Inspector from the Imperial Watch in the Divine Capital had said that whoever obtained the Freewill Gold-Iron Divine Staff of the Two-Hearted Great Sage could ascend the city tower of Qitian City and acquire the Mythic Weapon Ruyi Stick…

Plus, his earlier participation in the elder examination at Shendiao Ridge had led to the sudden appearance of the Freewill Gold-Iron Divine Staff.

Perhaps it was precisely because of that which had drawn numerous Corpse God Sect experts to mobilize.

Keeping his thoughts to himself, it was perfect for Li Che to have Huang Jianjiu relay the message while he remained silent about it.

Li Che continued drinking with the elders.

The banquet lasted well into the night, a truly raucous celebration.

Zhang Ya was completely drunk, her flushed little face nestled in Li Che’s arms. She was so happy – her husband’s prowess meant their daughter’s future as Sect Leader of the Qianyuan Divine Sect.

These were days Zhang Ya had never dared to imagine.

Back when they lived in a dilapidated, drafty hovel in Feilei City, they worried daily about making ends meet.

Who would have thought that one day their whole family would rise so high?

Remarkably, Zhang Ya had even been granted the title of Honorary Elder.

Li Che scooped Zhang Ya up by the waist, and she clung to him like a koala.

“Master, Madam—I’ll take Xiao Ya home first. XiXi, stick with Master and train diligently. Don’t play around; next time, Father will test your cultivation, and if you fall behind, you’ll have to answer to him.”

Li Che looked over at XiXi and instructed.

XiXi immediately placed her hands on her hips and puffed out her little belly.

“Don’t worry, Father. I’m working hard to get stronger. When I’m big enough, I’ll be the one to keep you in check!”

XiXi boasted shamelessly, eliciting a round of hearty laughter from everyone at the table.

Li Che couldn’t help but smile. Though his displayed cultivation level wasn’t high, XiXi knew he concealed his true strength.

Thus, XiXi’s goal was clearly to surpass the man who quietly nurtured his hidden power.

“Fine then, I’ll be waiting to see you grow even stronger, kid.”

Soon after, Li Che, still holding Zhang Ya, bid farewell to XiXi and stepped into his carriage.

At another table, Nie Yang, ever the sober carriage master, sat with Li Chengzhou – true to his duty, he never drank while driving.

Seeing Li Che board the carriage with Zhang Ya, Nie Yang immediately signaled Li Chengzhou to follow.

They returned to Liu Xiang Alley where Li Che, still carrying Zhang Ya, addressed Nie Yang, “Old Nie, the banquet isn’t over yet. You and Chengzhou keep eating and drinking – cheer up.”

Nie Yang said nothing more.

After a respectful bow from Li Che, the cool, sword-bearing Li Chengzhou drove off.

Li Che then returned to the courtyard with Zhang Ya.

The cold light of the Moonlight bathed the world like a veil, casting a soft glow over both him and Zhang Ya.

Zhang Ya’s face was a rosy mess, her drunken eyes unfocused. The strength of the Spirit Wine was formidable – her martial talent couldn’t withstand it, and in her cheerfulness she was utterly wasted.

After laying his drunken wife on the bed and covering her with blankets, Li Che invoked the divine essence of his Pure Heart Dao Fruit to smooth out Zhang Ya’s flesh.

He also activated the Dragon Elephant Vajra Dao Fruit to channel power through her, helping to transform her muscles and, in the process, imparting his martial insights.

Zhang Ya wished she could keep up with the speed of Li Che and XiXi – but that was a tall order.

Li Che’s only wish was for his family to be well; he longed to watch his daughter live on, yet he could not neglect his wife.

Drunken, flushed Zhang Ya smiled contentedly, as if dreaming of something wonderful.

After cleaning her up and tucking her in, Li Che stepped out of the room.

“Is Xiao Ya drunk?”

A gentle voice echoed from afar.

Li Che, clad in his dark robe, turned to see Granny Mu sitting in a rocking chair draped in a thin blanket, deep lines marking her face.

“That little girl is so naive—promise me you’ll take care of her well.”

“Ah Che, you’re different now – your status and temptations are greater. I hope you keep your heart true and look after your family,” Granny Mu said earnestly.

Moonlight spilled softly over her, lending her an aura of serene calm.

In an instant, Li Che felt a deep peace settle over him.

He sat down beside Granny Mu on the wooden floor, where moonlight streamed over the black-tiled edge like flowing water.

Li Che smiled as he began chatting with her.

Granny Mu had watched XiXi grow up. Back in the Xu Family’s Prodigy Courtyard, when the Lingying Sect had come to kill many prodigies and capture XiXi,

Granny Mu had fought to the death – even risking her life – a stance that filled Li Che with both emotion and respect.

At the brink of death, one’s mettle is truly tested.

“Ahem, ahem,” Granny Mu coughed softly, shattering the calm of the moonlight.

Leaning back in her chair, her eyes grew deep as she said, “Ah Che—

“We both emerged from Feilei City. To see your family so far now fills me with joy. XiXi has you as her father and Master Lü Taibai as her teacher. Her future is secure.”

“Watching her grow step by step brings me great happiness.”

Li Che stood and moved behind Granny Mu, massaging her temples.

Her hair, pale and withered, and her wrinkled face told the story of time.

According to Li Qingshan, Granny Mu had once been the most beautiful lady in Feilei City; alas, time spared no one – beauty fades and even heroes age.

The divine essence of Pure Heart slowly flowed from his fingertips into the tender pressure on Granny Mu’s temples,

Soaking into her parched form.

It was like a life-draining drought – birth, aging, sickness, and death were the natural order. Only by cultivating divine essence or martial arts could one defy this fate and extend life.

But as Li Che knew, no one in this world was immortal – not even a Martial Saint could live more than two to three hundred years. Only by attaining the divine seed could life stretch out severalfold.

Yet even the divine seed had its limits. To further extend one’s lifespan, one had to overcome the divine calamity and pass through tribulations – only then could life be prolonged.

However, when life reaches its end, it is like the last ember of an extinguished lamp – even immortals cannot save it.

Granny Mu seemed to be showing signs of that fate.

Li Che wasn’t sure if one could resurrect a naturally deceased body using Spiritual Confinement –

He honestly had never tried.

Granny Mu closed her eyes, enjoying Li Che’s massage, as she felt her entire body relax in that moment.

“Feels so good…”

Granny Mu opened her eyes and looked at Li Che. “Ah Che—there’s something I’d like to ask you.”

“Madam, please speak. XiXi grew up under your care, and I owe you nothing,” Li Che replied warmly.

“After I’m gone, could you look after Li Qingshan?”

“You are now an elder of the Divine Sect, and Li Qingshan, that mischievous fellow, is still as unruly as before – sneaking about, who knows what he’s up to lately.”

“Granny, you’re old now and don’t know what he’s doing—”

“If he really does something wrong or angers someone he shouldn’t…”,

Granny Mu’s eyes, filled with pleading, met Li Che’s.

“Please, for my sake, keep Li Qingshan safe.”

At these words, Li Che instantly nodded.

“Rest assured, Granny. You still have many years ahead.”

Li Che smiled, “Don’t worry about Senior Qingshan – I’ve got him.”

Granny Mu’s lined face broke into a smile as Li Che’s promise gave her unexpected comfort.

Unlike Li Qingshan, who could never fully ease her worries, Li Che’s single promise was enough to steady her heart.

Granny Mu beamed happily as she gazed at the moonlit courtyard, “Madam, you know my own condition – my martial roots are weak, my divine gift minimal. I never forged a divine base, so I’m doomed to a mortal life—

“Moreover, all my youthful wanderings and battles left hidden scars that cost me dearly. Now, it seems I’ve reached my limit.”

“The only regret is—

“That in this life I could not have a child with Li Qingshan.”

Granny Mu wistfully looked at the waning moon and softly pursed her lips.

“It’s all his fault.”

“He came too late.”

“Too late indeed.”

News of Li Che’s bet with the Sect Leader’s wife spread quickly in Shendiao Ridge.

Within the Divine Sect things were fine, but in Shendiao Ridge, Li Che’s wager had caused quite a stir.

“Elder Li’s bet with the Sect Leader’s wife—to carve a half-saint divine eagle within a month?”

“That’s rather audacious. Elder Li did receive half-saint inheritance from Elder Sun before his death, but that’s all.”

“A half-saint divine eagle… what an extraordinary feat. It seems our Shendiao Ridge has yet to see one.”

“Before Elder Sun died, he barely grasped a hint of half-saint. How dare Elder Li take on such a bet!”

Numerous divine eagle masters were in awe.

An expert in Divine Eagle techniques knew well the difficulty of attaining a half-saint state.

It was even tougher than a Grandmaster breaking through a Martial Saint – lacking talent, opportunity, or insight, one might be stalled for life!

Unlike martial cultivation, which at least yields some gradual improvement with effort,

the half-saint divine eagle, without sudden enlightenment, might not budge for decades.

Spring rain pattered softly.

A carriage barreled through the rain, its wheels churning thick mud as it entered the cluster of halls at Shendiao Ridge.

Li Che lifted the curtain and slowly stepped down. In an instant, every gaze in Shendiao Ridge turned towards him.

Unperturbed by the myriad looks and attitudes, Li Che knew it was all about his wager with the Sect Leader’s wife.

In truth, the bet wasn’t overly significant – it was just that Li Che was too confident.

Carving a half-saint divine eagle in a month…

It sounded like a fairy tale.

Li Che offered no explanation.

As the elder of Shendiao Ridge, he wasn’t required to work there every day, but perhaps because of the bet, he had Nie Yang drive him here daily.

Before he knew it, half a month had passed.

In these two weeks, Li Che raced all over Shendiao Ridge, drawing light laughter from many divine eagle masters – they thought Elder Li was merely cramming at the last minute.

“Old Nie, Little Zhou, feel free to wander or even hit the Training Ground. Once I’m done here, we’ll return to the city.”

Li Che, dressed in a dark, vigorous robe, smiled as he said.

Nie Yang bowed and led Li Chengzhou off for some rigorous training; XiXi’s ascension as the new Sect Leader spurred Li Chengzhou into action.

Li Chengzhou diligently worked to improve himself, keen to catch up with XiXi’s pace.

Knowing his own talent was limited, he had no choice but to work hard like a slow bird taking flight.

Inside the exclusive workshop of the Shendiao Ridge elders,

Lu Qingti knocked on the door. When it opened, he saw Li Che calmly wielding his Carving Knife as he moved like a dancing dragon along a twisting path.

“Elder Li, I’ve found the Thunder Spirit Wood you needed. The Ridge Lord sent me to deliver it.”

Lu Qingti said respectfully.

Though Lu Qingti was himself a divine eagle master, his expertise paled in comparison to Li Che’s.

“Thanks, Qingti.” Li Che paused his work and smiled.

Lu Qingti’s Qian Kun Jade flashed brilliantly, and soon the sound of surging thunder echoed throughout the courtyard.

The air grew searing as shimmering blue light flickered incessantly.

“Thunder-type spirit wood is quite rare—

the higher grades are even scarcer.”

Before Li Che lay a piece of Thunder Spirit Wood pulsing with black thunder arcs, resembling a soaring mythic phoenix – its potent divine energy unmistakable.

In his hand he held a Fifth-Tier Lower Spirit Wood, Wind-Thunder Dragon Wood.

But Li Che needed more Thunder Spirit Wood to construct his Xiangong – the Super Electromagnetic Cannon.

Armed with his Thunder Magnetic Conduit, Li Che possessed the ability to channel thunder magnetism.

Thunder Magnetic conduction divided positive and negative, yin and yang—

Wind-Thunder Dragon Wood represented only one polarity, and he needed another spirit wood of the opposite type to realize his design.

Thus, Li Che spent this period testing various Thunder Spirit Woods, searching for a Fifth-Tier Lower spirit wood that complemented the Wind-Thunder Dragon Wood.

“Elder Li, here is the Fifth-Tier Lower ‘Xuanhuo Black Feng Thunder Wood’ provided by Elder Tang. It should be the last of the Thunder Spirit Woods from Shendiao Ridge.”

Li Che nodded, his gaze fixed on the wood, utterly transfixed.

“Xuanhuo Black Feng Thunder Wood? Excellent!”

The Thunder Magnetic Conduit within his chest pulsed incessantly – a clear sign that this piece perfectly met his requirements.

Satisfied, Lu Qingti exhaled in relief as he observed Elder Li’s pleased expression.

Recalling Li Che’s wager with the Sect Leader’s wife, Lu Qingti’s face grew worried as he watched Li Che still absorbed in his mechanisms.

“Elder Li—though your bet isn’t of great consequence, we should still be cautious. Victory is best when achieved cleanly; a humiliating loss would be a bitter joke.”

Lu Qingti said.

Li Che glanced at him and smiled, “I know exactly what I’m doing.”

Lu Qingti sighed and said no more.

Though losing the bet might not affect Li Che greatly, it would mean extra work in crafting more divine wooden sculptures.

However, the impact on his reputation could be significant.

After seeing Lu Qingti off, Li Che took the Xuanhuo Black Feng Thunder Wood onto his workbench. Grasping the Su Family’s divine eagle master Su Huai Ming’s Carving Knife set with five fingers, he began meticulously shaping the wood.

Li Che had drawn up blueprints for his Xiangong – the Super Electromagnetic Cannon. This wasn’t a mere weapon; it was a device that channeled his own Thunder Magnetic Conduit to borrow energy from nature.

The sound of slicing wood echoed as the spirit wood’s fibers split and scattered across the quiet courtyard.

Meanwhile, outside Shendiao Ridge,

Li Che’s Painted Immortal clone – Huang Jianjiu, cloaked in a flowing black robe with a faint black aura – dashed at high speed.

The Cosmic Chessboard trembled violently, scanning every inch of the surrounding land as if laying a carpet-over sweep.

“Not a single sign—”

Trees swayed violently as two figures in black cloaks landed on their trunks.

“That Two-Flower Half-God Corpse is adept at concealing his aura – he must possess the Corpse God Seal, a technique developed by the Corpse God Sect to suppress deathly energies,”

one of them murmured.

“Only the exalted Corpse God Envoy can use it,”

Huang Jianjiu added, recalling his collusion with the Corpse God Sect.

“Corpse God Seal—”

Li Che recalled that Su Huai Li had once used the Corpse God Seal to mask his aura.

Even with the Cosmic Chessboard’s extraordinary detection, he couldn’t pinpoint the hidden power of the Corpse God Sect outside Shendiao Ridge.

Not to mention anyone else.

Li Che was confident that with the Cosmic Chessboard, his ability to locate the devilish figures of the Corpse God Sect was on par with any Divine Nucleus Great God.

A faint golden glimmer flashed in his eyes.

[Dao Fruit: Chess Sage (LV4 95%)]

For half a month, Li Che had poured his full might into the Cosmic Chessboard, scouring the boundless, desolate mountains outside Shendiao Ridge for any trace of the Corpse God Sect’s Two-Flower Half-God Corpse.

All the while, he was further maturing his Chess Sage Dao Fruit.

Yet at the current rate, pushing the Chess Sage Dao Fruit to LV5 would take another month.

Too slow—

At LV5, the Chess Sage Dao Fruit could trigger a triple transcendence.

Techniques like Great Avalanche and Black and White Collapse allowed Li Che’s Guanyin Lotus Bullet to erupt with power, greatly enhancing its lethality.

But as his opponents grew stronger, Great Avalanche and Black and White Collapse began to fall short.

“I’m not pursuing it,” Li Che shook his head, addressing Huang Jianjiu’s Spiritual Confinement.

“Their possession of the Corpse God Seal completely shrouds their aura – they can blend in seamlessly among common folk in the towns at the foot of Shendiao Ridge. It’s like finding a needle in a haystack.”

“The Corpse God Sect – this time they’re well-prepared and highly focused.”

“Perhaps they’re hatching a grand plan. Until that plan unfolds, we’re unlikely to see any top experts from the Hu Divine Cult.”

Li Che shook his head.

Now, within Daocheng, the evil men of the Corpse God Sect had nearly vanished.

They must have all received orders from the Underworld to hunt for intel and retreated.

Suddenly, Li Che’s eyes flashed as an idea sparked.

A flick of his finger.

An exhilarating dragon’s roar split the air as a blue, armored divine dragon thrashed in the skies – finally transforming into the form of the Dragon Queen as it gracefully descended before Li Che.

Bowing slightly, the Dragon Queen surveyed the area, her gaze lingering with a hint of regret at not seeing You Liqing.

“Greetings, my lord,” the Dragon Queen said.

“When I killed you before—you had invited in experts from the Corpse God Sect. Do you have ties with them?”

Li Che’s eyes, dark beneath his black robe, fixed on the Dragon Queen as he asked.

“Yes. Subordinates came from Jizhou; Ji Mo Li is confronting the corpses there – though it’s mostly for show before the Imperial Court.”

“Ji Mo Li’s ties with the Corpse God Sect—”

The Dragon Queen continued, “are complicated. I’m not completely in the loop, after all – my status in Ji Mo Li’s eyes isn’t high.”

The Dragon Queen spread her arms, a blend of frustration and helplessness marring her flawless beauty.

Li Che silently sighed inwardly.

“You’re nearly turning King Ping Luan into a cuckold. What more do you need?”

“Can you still contact those hidden experts of the Corpse God Sect around Daocheng?” Li Che squinted.

The Dragon Queen paused thoughtfully before replying, “We might be able to give it a try.”

Her large, blue eyes looked beseechingly at Li Che.

“My lord…”

“The Qian Kun Jade,”

“And the identity token for contacting the Corpse God Sect is inside the Qian Kun Jade.”

Daocheng.

Tinglei Alley.

Private Workshop Courtyard.

Heavy clouds loomed high as oily spring rain poured down, drenching the sky.

As temperatures rose, the rain became soft and warm, no longer biting like early spring.

“Breathe deeply, and let the thunder roll; let your qi surge wild.”

In an instant, Li Che’s eyes shone as his jet-black hair danced in the night wind. His mighty qi and robust aura erupted from his pores, shattering the falling raindrops into a fine mist that seemed to hang in the sky!

Li Che’s spine quivered with a metallic screech as his arms undulated like waves, his long fist striking so powerfully that the air itself split – resembling an eagle soaring with outstretched wings!

Divine Seed Martial Arts – Nine Heavens Profound Eagle Split Sky Fist!

This was the Divine Seed Martial Arts mastered by Su Wenxi!

A Martial Pill was swallowed whole, and as it was crushed by his powerful stomach wall, a torrential surge of force burst forth.

Time passed—how long, no one knew.

Only then did Li Che gradually finish his practice.

Though his combat strength was now prodigious, he was still no match for a hard showdown with a one-stage Martial Saint.

Yet Li Che never ceased his relentless cultivation.

While XiXi had taken refuge under Master Lü Taibai of the Divine Sect, ensuring her safety, Li Che dared not relax.

The overwhelming pressure from Ji Mo Li kept him alert – after all, Lü Taibai ranked lower than Ji Mo Li in the great divine hierarchy of renowned figures and heavenly gatekeepers.

Li Che couldn’t place all his hopes on Lü Taibai alone to protect XiXi.

Sometimes, only one’s own strength is the greatest assurance.

Within the courtyard, a wild gust tore through.

Occasionally, a sound like a whip crack echoed.

Looking to his side, Li Che saw Li Qingshan – wearing a Cat Face Mask – leaping in with a mischievous dash.

“Ogre—the bounty list from the Lie Shen Pavilion, I finally got some info,”

Li Qingshan, stooped and limping, trudged forward slowly under the gentle spring rain.

“Ever since XiXi became the new Sect Leader of the Divine Sect, she’s never featured on the bounty list. Now, in just half a month, she’s already ranked third.”

Li Qingshan couldn’t help but exclaim.

Seated under the eaves, Li Che, cloaked in a billowing black robe with crimson qi swirling about him, slowly opened his eyes.

“Third,” he muttered.

“What a boast from the Lie Shen Pavilion…”

Li Che exhaled sharply, his qi slicing through the air like a sharpened blade.

“XiXi is still just a child…”

“Does the Lie Shen Pavilion truly want her dead?”

“This is despicable…”

A chilling cold and murderous intent gradually filled Li Che’s eyes.

“I want to see which killers from the Lie Shen Pavilion have taken on this bounty,”

Li Che rose, his muscles tensing as if coiling like a snarling beast. His formidable aura surged from him like an abyss, brimming with latent killing intent!

“The Underworld will deal a heavy blow—”

“Let them come.”