Chapter 288: The Roar of the Bizarre Temple

Boom! Boom!

Boom, boom, boom!

A terrifying tremor reverberated as an avalanche of swirling eerie mist, hundreds of meters high, surged out.

The dense, uncanny mist billowed as if extra potent—a gigantic tear splitting the connection between the Bizarre Temple’s mysteries and reality!

A sizzling, thick fog burst from the crack like magma erupting from a fissure before a volcano, its searing heat warping the air upward.

A massive, majestic Demon Monkey, as imposing as a mountain, gradually emerged from the swirling haze with a barely visible outline.

Boom—!!!

It was as if the Demon Monkey’s massive foot had struck again. The ground trembled; the earth of Shendiao Ridge rippled like water, sending cascading waves through the land.

The ground shook violently, mountains quaked, and trees swung wildly!

Inside Shendiao Ridge.

Countless people were stunned, gripped by an overwhelming chill that froze their very hearts.

Even as the crowd reveled in the joy of a new half-saint of Shendiao emerging in Qianyuan Divine Sect, confusion reigned.

Yet the assembled Shendiao Masters were far from weak—their cultivation levels placed them among the upper echelons of the Qianyuan Divine Sect. After all, attaining a Shendiao Master status required surpassing the Yuan Image or even the Divine Essence realm.

They quickly steadied themselves and stared in horror toward the outside of Shendiao Ridge.

Lü Taibai had already soared skyward.

Next came Monitor Hongshiffo, bearing a chessboard, along with Fang Han Shu, Gongshu Jingjun, and Elder Ding Zi—each a formidable Divine Nucleus practitioner.

Soon, after these soul-sensing prodigies reacted, Second Elder Zhao Fangzhou, Shendiao Ridge’s Grand Elder Tang Xiejia, and other martial saint-level experts also sensed the disturbance. Their energy roared as they leapt into action.

They had seen the strange phenomena surging from the Bizarre Temple, which had long been contained.

Crackle, crackle—!

Electric currents surged, with thunder and lightning clashing. Dark, stormy clouds roiled as furious bolts brewed, heralding an ominous shock.

This was the ominous buildup of a half-saint tribulation.

It marked a master’s first crossing into the half-saint realm—a trial that drew the heavens’ wrath upon the creation of a half-saint divine object.

In truth, the trigger conditions were exceedingly strict.

But if one could survive it once, it was like earning a seal; any subsequent creation of a half-saint Shendiao would no longer be targeted.

Yet for a powerhouse like Lü Taibai, a half-saint tribulation was hardly an issue. Only the Holy Hand tribulation truly demanded respect.

Even as tribulation thunder brewed, the dense mist roiled relentlessly.

It seemed as though heaven and earth themselves had been consumed by fury, with thunderbolts roaring as if the very skies were condemning the roiling mist of the Bizarre Temple.

Li Che, however, was unfazed by the tribulation. To him, tribulation was nothing more than a trivial challenge.

In his current physical form, bearing such a fate was no hardship—in fact, now that he had broken through to the Divine Essence realm and condensed fifteen Golden Pills, Li Che felt a newfound balance.

Li Che now felt terrifyingly powerful!

Whirrr—!

His eyes flickered as he glanced beyond Shendiao Ridge, his gaze full of astonishment.

Even from a distance, he could clearly see the colossal figure emerging from the mist.

The eerie mist from the Bizarre Temple surged upward, like an avalanche cascading down from a snow-capped peak.

Was the Two-Hearted Great Sage, the temple guardian within the Bizarre Temple…?

It couldn’t be…

Temple Protection Incantation?!

Frowning, Li Che sensed something amiss. He glanced over at the half-saint Shendiao he had sculpted with his own hands.

The mighty, potent divine energy within the Shendiao was overwhelming. Though carved from mere wood, it radiated a force on the verge of explosion—no less impressive than one sculpted from spirit wood.

He couldn’t help but recall the Painted Immortal Clone’s glimpse of the temple guardian’s true form within the Bizarre Temple via the secret technique.

Could this be connected?

Perhaps the sudden phenomena at Shendiao Ridge had dampened everyone’s excitement over Li Che’s breakthrough into half-saint Shendiao.

One by one, they left the Workshop area and stared at the colossal, ascending eerie mist.

“Bizarre Temple… is it about to revolt?”

“The Two-Hearted Great Sage of the Bizarre Temple hasn’t stirred in years. Now… is this an unprecedented uprising? Could it be linked to Elder Li’s sculpted half-saint Shendiao?”

“Although half-saint Shendiao can capture nearly 90% of the temple guardian’s aura, it shouldn’t trigger a full-blown temple revolt… If that were the case, why bother carving any half-saint Shendiao?”

“If Elder Li were a true Shendiao saint, I’d still believe the revolt was triggered by Shendiao. But Elder Li has only just carved a half-saint Shendiao.”

Nearby, a number of Shendiao Masters engaged in noisy speculation.

Some suspected that the wooden Two-Hearted Great Sage Li Che had sculpted, which seemed to embody three distinct facets, had attracted a powerful entity from within the Bizarre Temple.

Yet others dismissed the notion, and soon an impassioned debate ensued.

Boom—!!!

Amid the heated arguments,

the ground continued to quake as if the earth itself were ready to crack apart.

A colossal foot descended, its shockwave rolling out like tidal waves.

The towering, nearly hundred-meter figure grew even darker. Under the eerie mist, its oppressive aura overwhelmed all, like a colossal surge crushing everything in its path!

Yet, none of the onlookers were overly worried.

After all, with the Temple Protection Incantation and the strange creatures within the Bizarre Temple barred by the unseen seal, eliminating them was nearly impossible.

For that reason, the veteran wood carving masters who had come to witness the spectacle felt little concern.

In fact, excitement took over as they scrutinized the shadow behind the mist, discussing the type of wood, the carving proportions, and more…

They were truly unconcerned, given the sheer number of powerful figures present.

The timing of the Temple Protection Incantation’s emergence was undeniably off.

Not to mention, with the renowned Divine Nucleus master of the sect—and with the likes of the Imperial Watch’s Monitor and high-ranking elders of the Divine Sect present—

almost half of the top-tier combat forces of Qianyuan Daocheng were gathered here, leaving no room for genuine danger.

Thus, they rather saw it as an interesting chance to study the art of carving Shendiao.

Buzz, buzz, buzz—

High in the sky, even the thunder seemed restrained, not falling immediately.

Sect Master’s Wife Xuan Qisha, however, did not join the onlookers but instead floated over to Li Che’s side with XiXi.

“Daddy!” XiXi leaped into Li Che’s arms.

Li Che ruffled XiXi’s head with a smile: “Pretty awesome, isn’t your daddy?”

“Awesome!” XiXi gleefully agreed.

Although she wasn’t very familiar with the art of Shendiao, nor knew the true worth of becoming a half-saint, seeing everyone doubt her father earlier still irked her.

Now that her daddy had become a half-saint, in her eyes he was the best!

“We should stay here; nothing drastic should happen… This Bizarre Temple’s disturbance probably isn’t caused by your carved Shendiao unless it was by a true Holy Hand Shendiao. Even then, many statues would be needed and arranged meticulously to trigger a revolt.”

Sect Master’s Wife Xuan Qisha floated with her arms crossed, her expression stern and dignified.

“Oh, and by the way, I lost the bet. I must admit, it’s impressive—you actually carved a half-saint Shendiao. No wonder XiXi’s daddy is exceptional.”

Despite losing the wager, she couldn’t hide her delight as she praised him.

Li Che’s achievement greatly bolstered the power of the Qianyuan Divine Sect—after all, the Divine Sect belonged to her husband, and by extension, to her as well.

“The Little Shenxiao Five Thunder Killing Talisman you requested is a mid-level divine talisman among the Five Elders. Crafting it is no simple task, so I’ll need some time,”

she continued, “and remember, its power is formidable. Use it wisely and sparingly.”

Looking at Li Che, Sect Master’s Wife Xuan Qisha said earnestly.

Li Che, holding XiXi, bowed slightly.

“Thank you, Sect Master’s Wife.”

Xuan Qisha nodded in satisfaction.

Suddenly, a collective shift of attention swept over the crowd as everyone turned toward the structures beyond Shendiao Ridge.

They all beheld the overwhelming, rising mist.

From within the mist came an ear-splitting roar, as if the heavens themselves were angered—countless thunderbolts fell like rain upon the earth!

A savage howl surged from the mist, accompanied by a powerful, invisible shockwave that whipped the fog into a frenzy, as if it were a balloon being blown into shape.

It seemed as though an unseen barrier was holding back the mist—until an internal sonic blast pummelled it, distorting the barrier as if it were a plastic film whipped into roundness!

“Roaaar—!!!”

The terrifying roar shattered the silence!

Then, a golden Freewill Gold-Iron Divine Staff transformed suddenly into a curved blade, thrust violently into the barrier!

Thud—!

A dull sound resounded!

The barrier tore apart in an instant!

With a hissing sound, the dense mist burst forth from the gap in the barrier!

Then, like a giant fan made of monkey fur, a massive hand emerged fiercely from the crack.

Two enormous hands—one on each side—yanked violently outward!

It was as if a mountain had split in two with a deafening explosion!

A terrifying aura, like a tidal wave of oppressive power, washed over Shendiao Ridge as tremors shook the entire area.

Crack, crack, crack—

The ground split, with fine cracks spreading out like a spider’s web from the direction of the Bizarre Temple!

After the mist cleared,

a nearly hundred-meter-tall, ferocious Demon Monkey with wild hair and bloodshot eyes burst forth.

Its body was etched with cursed marks that writhed like countless, crowded tadpoles!

The gigantic creature transformed back into the form of a Freewill Gold-Iron Divine Staff as it was gripped tightly by the Demon Monkey, slowly dragged out of the eerie fissure.

Boom—!

A colossal, dark-furred monkey paw shot out from the rent mist and pounded the earth!

The ground collapsed in an instant!

Ferocious winds and surging gales erupted in every direction!

The massive head of the Demon Monkey seemed ready to tear apart even the black clouds above the Heavenly Dome!

A deathly aura mixed with the stench of decay and corpse energy spread relentlessly from the torn fissure of the mist!

Rumble, rumble—!!!

It was as if a black tidal wave was rolling in wildly!

The spirit trees and sacred wood surrounding the Bizarre Temple withered and died in an instant!

The Demon Monkey’s bloodshot eyes and writhing cursed marks flitted as it looked downward, dragging the massive Freewill Gold-Iron Divine Staff…

Tilting its head, it fixed its gaze upon Shendiao Ridge.

In that moment, as if sensing something, its scarlet eyes betrayed a hint of sorrow.

Then…

It opened its primate mouth, lined with four sharp fangs, and roared!

The sound rippled outward, shattering raindrops from the darkened clouds!

The oppressive aura was nearly suffocating…

It left everyone with a grim, pained expression!

Lü Taibai, adorned in snowy white, his silver hair swirling wildly in the wind, felt minuscule before the towering hundred-meter Demon Monkey.

He stood with his hands behind his back, hovering in the air before the cursed Demon Monkey.

“Temple Protection Incantation King…”

“Ascended by the Five Elders!”

Lü Taibai’s body shimmered with rising sword qi, his silver hair streaming as the fierce energy and resounding hum of his sword enveloped him.

“How could it…”

“Have it broken through the barrier?!”

…

…

In Qianyuan Daocheng.

Dark clouds loomed and torrential rain poured down.

Raindrops splattered against the blue stone pavement, sending ripples and splashes—a vast white expanse expanding.

At the Six-Desire Exorcism Lv Xuan Sword Immortal Bizarre Temple,

the eerie mist suddenly tore apart.

Feng Zhiqi’s robust figure burst forth violently from it.

He felt the tremor of the Bizarre Temple and a ripple stirred in his heart.

Whoosh—

From afar, a silhouette soared down with a piercing sound as it cleared the sky.

It was none other than Yu Wen Wenlong, the governor of the Temple Guardian Division of Qianyuan Daocheng.

“Lord Feng, what’s happening?”

Yu Wen Wenlong asked in a deep voice.

His spiritual perception was overwhelmingly intense—a sensory shock that sent chills down his spine.

Feng Zhiqi shot him a piercing look and furrowed his brows.

Bending his knees, he sprang upward; his mighty physique shattered countless drenching rains as he soared several hundred meters high.

Gazing upward, he saw through the smoky drizzle toward Shendiao Ridge.

There, a colossal figure stood before the world.

It was a hundred-meter-tall black Demon Monkey!

“Temple Protection Incantation King!”

“A single Temple Protection Incantation King?!”

Feng Zhiqi’s body trembled as his eyes filled with sheer terror.

Meanwhile, Yu Wen Wenlong also ascended, his face turning ashen.

“Is that… the Temple Protection Incantation King from Shendiao Ridge’s Five Elder uprising?! How did it… tear through the barrier to appear?!”

“Has the Bizarre Temple lost control?!”

Feng Zhiqi took a deep breath. “You guard the Sword Immortal Bizarre Temple. I’ll go and investigate!”

With that,

Feng Zhiqi ignored the stunned Yu Wen Wenlong. His blood roiled with inner strength like a crimson dragon as he shot forward like an arrow.

Yu Wen Wenlong stood stunned in place.

Why?!

Was he really guarding at home again?!

He too wanted to witness the spectacle!

…

…

Inside the Dao Master Residence.

Within the Pavilion, three people in conversation simultaneously showed traces of worry.

Young Dao Lord Yue Weizheng, along with two others who had covertly infiltrated Qianyuan Daocheng, turned their heads.

Jili Shou’s cold eyes betrayed a hint of interest on his handsome face: “The Two-Hearted Great Sage in the Bizarre Temple? Has it revolted?”

Longzi Ao Lie of the Dragon Sect paid no heed to these matters.

He closed his eyes while seated in the cool Pavilion.

After some time, a golden-armored commander of the Divine Guard Army slowly stepped into the garden, his armor shrouded in a hazy mist from the torrential rain.

As soon as the commander appeared, Jili Shou and Ao Lie donned their bamboo hats and cloaks to conceal their identities.

“Young Dao Lord, this is the fragment of Xiao Longnu found on the battlefield…”

After the commander clasped his fists in greeting, he produced a broken Dragon Horn from the Qian Kun Jade—only a tiny, pointed remnant remained.

Before the commander could react, the Dragon Horn vanished from his hand and reappeared in that of a cloaked figure.

The commander’s face paled, but Yue Weizheng waved him off, instructing him to leave the garden.

“Qingqing…”

“Daddy, you’re late…”

Ao Lie’s body trembled slightly; underneath his bamboo hat, his handsome face twisted in pain.

All that remained of Ao Qingqing was a fragment of Dragon Horn.

For Ao Lie, the blow was too severe—a cherished daughter reduced to a mere splinter of Dragon Horn…

Grief-stricken, his breathing turned labored in torment!

Carefully wrapping her in a cloth, he cradled the broken piece. The once-mighty Dragon King of the Dragon Sect now wore a placid expression.

He stored away the shattered, incomplete Dragon Horn.

Cold determination glinted in Ao Lie’s eyes as he growled, “Yue Weizheng, fetch me all the information on the Underworld. I need to know who or what resides there.”

“I want to see for myself—who is this mysterious figure in the Underworld?”

Yue Weizheng smiled slightly upon hearing this.

“The Underworld is enigmatic and uses rather peculiar methods. So far, only a Underworld Cat Face has surfaced in public, and even if we know who he is… none dare lay a finger on him. Every demon in the Underworld possesses uncanny teleportation techniques.”

“But if Longzi desires it, Old Yue will certainly secure it for you.”

Seated calmly, Jili Shou’s deep eyes turned skyward toward Shendiao Ridge as he reminded, “Do not forget our primary objective. Do not reveal our identities too hastily…”

“Once you secure the Freewill Gold-Iron Divine Staff, you can do as you please in Qianyuan Daocheng.”

Jili Shou said coolly.

“Understood.”

“I only intend to assess our enemy first.”

“Remember, the Underworld is responsible for slaying Ji Haihui, my sister, and two of the prince’s direct disciples. I dare say the prince wants to eliminate the Underworld as well.”

Ao Lie gripped his fists tightly, teeth clenched in fury as he spoke.

Jili Shou sipped his hot tea, remaining noncommittal.

“Father only sent me to retrieve that Freewill Gold-Iron Divine Staff.”

“But… eliminating a few vermin for father wouldn’t be a bad thing.”

“After all, Hai Hui and I share the same blood.”

With his words finished, Jili Shou slowly rose from his seat.

He clenched his fist and produced a mask shimmering with countless star-like lights from the Qian Kun Jade.

He slowly laid it over his face.

Beside him, Yue Weizheng’s expression suddenly froze.

Lie Shen Pavilion…

Star Killer!

…

…

Roar—!!!

A terrifying roar from the Demon Monkey shattered the air!

The shockwave it generated reverberated in every direction, making even Qianyuan Daocheng tremble.

All powerful figures in the vicinity were alarmed!

The barrier tore open, and a Temple Protection Incantation corpse emerged from the Bizarre Temple.

This was beyond anything anyone had expected!

Several experts who had dashed out from the Shendiao Ridge Workshop now wore grim expressions.

Especially Gongshu Jingjun.

If this Five-Elder Temple Protection Incantation King were to be confronted by him, he wasn’t sure he could suppress it.

A top-tier Five-Elder Temple Protection Incantation King…

Even with Tang Xiejia—the martial saint—and a Divine Nucleus expert, it might still be impossible to quell him.

If that happened, all of Shendiao Ridge would likely suffer, eventually being overshadowed by the ever-expanding barrier and decayed to a lifeless wasteland!

Fortunately, Li Che’s carving of Shendiao today had attracted the attention of powerhouses like Lü Taibai and Monitor Hongshiffo.

With them in charge, Gongshu Jingjun felt significantly less pressure.

Monitor Hongshiffo, carrying his chessboard, squinted with his hair flying wildly, looking every bit like a down-to-earth old Taoist.

“How strange…”

“The Bizarre Temple hasn’t revolted, so why did this Temple Protection Incantation corpse tear apart the barrier to descend upon us?”

Monitor Hongshiffo muttered.

“Don’t overthink it. If it isn’t its time to appear, it will just return.”

Lü Taibai glanced at the hovering Monitor Hongshiffo.

Boom—!!!

Then the Demon Monkey stirred, as if feeling the terrifying threat from the two floating ants.

It roared furiously and lashed out, its clenched fist swinging down at Lü Taibai!

Yet,

Lü Taibai advanced instead of retreating. With one decisive step, dazzling sword light erupted before the massive Demon Monkey’s fist.

Compared to that enormous blow, Lü Taibai appeared as insignificant as an ant!

The Demon Monkey’s fist crashed down with thunder and lightning. Every dark monkey hair on it boiled like seething magma, burning and fierce!

But Lü Taibai intercepted it, positioning himself right before the incoming blow.

His figure was slender and ethereal, his back straight as he channeled the divine sword’s fury!

In the face of the Demon Monkey’s fist—no bigger than a cottage—an incongruous clash ensued.

Lü Taibai brought his two fingers together and then struck decisively.

In that instant—

A dazzling display of fireworks erupted across heaven and earth!

A torrent of overwhelming sword qi surged forth in countless brilliant, fiery streams, each ray dazzling beyond compare!

The air rippled and twisted as waves of energy spread over hundreds of meters!

“This mortal realm is not for your trespass.”

“Begone.”

Lü Taibai transformed his sword hand into a palm and struck hard.

In that moment, it was as if a boundless tidal wave was swept away by his single blow.

The hundred-meter-tall Demon Monkey staggered, slammed back by the immense force, its massive body sent flying backwards.

The earth roiled, mountains quaked, and rocks exploded!

The Demon Monkey was literally slammed back into the barrier. It clutched the ruptured wall with both hands.

Lü Taibai, with another precise strike of his fingers,

caused a gigantic, spinning treasure sword to materialize above the Demon Monkey’s head!

The Demon Monkey glanced up, its body trembling at the terrifying aura within the sword.

It let go of its grip and plummeted back into the barrier.

Lü Taibai then clutched the massive Freewill Gold-Iron Divine Staff with all his might as countless sword implements twined around it, preventing it from being dragged back along with the Demon Monkey.

In that instant,

every eye was fixed on the unfolding spectacle.

In the vast expanse, sword qi interwove to form a massive, awe-inspiring silhouette, while countless thunder serpents soared overhead, encircling the giant sword in the sky.

Even the void seemed to ripple under the slicing force of the sword qi.

Monitor Hongshiffo, Fang Han Shu, Zhao Fangzhou, Gongshu Jingjun, Tang Xiejia, Elder Ding Zi, and other martial saint and Divine Nucleus experts brightened their eyes, lost in the battle.

“This is the peak existence recorded in the Great Divine Genealogy!”

It was truly terrifying!

That mighty Temple Protection Incantation corpse, having emerged from the barrier, was blasted back with a single strike.

And… the Freewill Gold-Iron Divine Staff!

Was it about to be claimed by the Sect Master?!

It was all unfolding so effortlessly…

It hardly required any effort at all?!

But soon, the crowd’s eyes narrowed.

They saw the enormous Freewill Gold-Iron Divine Staff, once ensnared by sword qi and on the verge of being captured, suddenly explode into countless pieces. They spun in the air like blooming metallic flowers!

In a howling gust, they scattered like stray monkey hairs, tearing through the mist and hurrying back into the barrier!

A massive phantom of the Demon Monkey reappeared behind the mist.

It hoisted the towering, pillar-like Freewill Gold-Iron Divine Staff and let out a low, rumbling growl.

Then, its scarlet eyes swept fiercely across the area.

After traversing mountains and rivers, its gaze fell upon Shendiao Ridge,

landing on the half-saint Shendiao crafted with three layers of temple guardian meaning—and then, in a twist of fate, it also fixed on Li Che.

Within the inner realm of Li Che’s brow Mud Pellet,

the essence of Fa Tian Xiang Di nurtured within his Golden Pill began to stir, as if being gently coaxed to open its eyes.

At that moment, Li Che’s resolve held back that surge.

The Demon Monkey behind the mist stomped heavily.

Its massive form smashed through the mist, plunging deep into the barrier.

Lü Taibai watched the retreating Demon Monkey and, with a swift hand gesture, summoned countless shimmering sword lights that gathered in his palm. With a flourish of his wide sleeve, he sent them behind him.

“The Temple Protection Incantation King has awakened… and the Freewill Gold-Iron Divine Staff, that divine weapon, is about to be reborn.”

“But clearly, this divine weapon is sentient. Its fate to be acquired depends solely on chance.”

“I have no destiny with this divine weapon.”

Lü Taibai’s silver hair whipped about as he frowned and sighed in regret.

For if he were to capture this divine weapon, only for it to shatter into pieces and recoil into the barrier, it would mean the divine weapon rejected him.

In truth, the higher one’s realm, the harder it is for a divine weapon to accept its master.

Even a legendary figure from the Divine Nucleus, capable of the Four Divine Transformations, would refine a personal divine weapon to counter the calamities of crossing into the apocalypse.

Lü Taibai had long ago refined his own divine weapon as his fate, which is why it was no shock that the Freewill Gold-Iron Divine Staff did not favor him.

It was like marrying someone and then balking at the idea of a second wife—disagreeing is only natural.

Qianyuan Divine Sect’s master Lü Taibai’s failure to obtain this divine weapon sent shockwaves through many.

Even the elders of the Divine Sect felt their hearts tremble.

With Lü Taibai out of the running for the divine weapon, the martial saints and Divine Nucleus experts now had far greater chances at claiming the Freewill Gold-Iron Divine Staff.

Lü Taibai transformed into a bolt of sword light, racing back into the Workshop of Shendiao Ridge.

Thunder rumbled and roared relentlessly.

Amid his silver hair streaming, his piercing gaze swept over the crowd as if he could read every expectation in their hearts.

“Within the barrier, the cursed Demon Monkey king has awakened. Once the mist settles, you may venture in to search for the divine weapon.”

“The acquisition of a divine weapon is purely a matter of chance and ability…”

“Do not force your hand, and note that when the barrier opens, no more than a few powerful cultivators may enter at once—to prevent spurring the temple guardian into a rampage that could raze Shendiao Ridge. As the Sect Master of Qianyuan Divine Sect, I am laying down these rules.”

“Any cultivator entering the [Six-Eared Yulian Divine Monkey Two-Hearted Sage Bizarre Temple] must have a minimum level of Grandmaster or Divine Practitioner, and a maximum of Martial Saint or first-stage Divine Nucleus. Those above this level are forbidden.”

“If you dare defy this rule, let’s see if my Taibai Sword is sharp enough to cut you down.”

Lü Taibai declared in a calm tone.

His words halted as his qi solidified into weaponry, his sword intent ringing out!

His voice boomed like rolling thunder, echoing in every direction as it was unleashed.

All the powerful cultivators rushing in from afar, not yet near Shendiao Ridge, wore expressions of subtle concern.

Yet, regarding Lü Taibai’s decree,

no one objected.

Lü Taibai’s power was evident for all to see.

And if anyone dared oppose his decree… they’d need the might of someone attuned to the Great Divine Genealogy.

“Sect Master Taibai’s words are final; we shall abide by the decrees of the Great Divine.”

“The acquisition of divine weapons is a matter of fate and skill…”

“All according to Sect Master Taibai’s command.”

Around Shendiao Ridge.

A series of thunderous voices rose in response—the voices of powerful cultivators hidden nearby, all echoing their agreement with Lü Taibai’s decree.

No one voiced any questions or objections.

Unless a true master of the Great Divine Genealogy stepped forward.

Otherwise, silence reigned, for Lü Taibai’s sword might have already fallen.

The fifth master of the Great Divine Genealogy, Lü Taibai, had made his name by slaying foes!

That was a reputation earned in blood!

Li Che clasped XiXi, listening as the resounding, resolute voices echoed the majestic decree of Sect Master Taibai. His eyes sparkled with anticipation.

“Wow… Daddy, your master is so awesome and commanding! I want you to be just as imposing someday!” XiXi’s eyes shone brightly.

Li Che felt a pang of jealousy.

After all, you never get to see your daddy slay dragons with such authority!

Yet, Li Che’s gaze quickly shifted to Lü Taibai, whose eyes now flashed with a sharp, brilliant sword light that momentarily blinded him.

That glance spoke of deep meaning and unwavering trust as Lü Taibai gave a subtle nod in Li Che’s direction.

Nearby, Sect Master’s Wife Xuan Qisha’s delicate features furrowed as she glanced between her husband and Li Che.

Watching the flirtatious glances between the two, she wondered to herself:

“Am I out of place here?! Should I hide away in the shadows?”

But Li Che understood perfectly from Lü Taibai’s eyes…

This was the decree meant for him!

————

Author’s Note: Today, XiXi suffered a severe burn. Thankfully, the water wasn’t too scalding. She had no experience, and by the time the burn was noticed, her clothes were torn and skin abraded. With ointment applied and wounds tended, poor XiXi cried pitifully. My heart aches. I now have to stay with her, while Old Li writes a chapter later. It might be late, but Old Li will keep working hard to earn money for baby powder!