Chapter 297: Whispers of Dreams and Destiny

One bowl of noodles. Two eggs.

Li Che contentedly watched his wife serve up her special birthday noodles.

A heavy silence suddenly fell upon him.

Was that bowl—the birthday noodles seen in Boss’s dream—really meant to be the “Mother’s Noodles”?

Once, Li Che could hardly believe that the weary-eyed girl he’d seen might one day grow up to be XiXi. Who knows how many years would pass before that XiXi emerged?

But now, Li Che was certain.

The stirring of his heart, the pulse in his blood, and this bowl of 【Mother’s Noodles】 …

It was as if an invisible thread had connected countless clues together, causing a sudden pang in Li Che’s eyes.

If that woman truly were his daughter XiXi, what hardships and challenges had she faced?

And then—

One more thing.

Who exactly was Boss?

And how was it that he could see XiXi in his dreams?

The most important question.

What was the relationship between Boss and XiXi?

Furthermore—

Was that woman the grown-up XiXi, or the hidden will deep within her soul?

Li Che was at a loss.

The information was simply too scant.

Exhaling deeply, Li Che cast aside his doubts and looked on as XiXi beamed happily, devouring every trace of her meal—the noodles, the eggs, and not a drop of soup left behind.

A small smile tugged at Li Che’s lips.

No matter what, as long as he was there, he would never allow XiXi to face those horrors of blood and bone.

That would be a failure on his part as her father!

As he gently tousled XiXi’s hair,

“Little foodie,” he murmured.

XiXi, far from shy, cast her gaze toward the dishes of the birthday banquet prepared by Boss, her eyes spinning with delight as she recalled, “Master’s wife always said that being able to eat is a blessing!”

Laughter soon filled the dining table.

Even Sect Master’s Wife Xuan Qisha, with her perfectly made-up face, couldn’t help but smile.

After the meal,

Everyone gathered in the courtyard to chat over tea. Though winter snow swirled around, the presence of so many strong individuals easily dispelled the chill.

Li Che, now a man of considerable standing, saw that XiXi—the young Sect Leader of Qianyuan Divine Sect—naturally drew the attention of many on her birthday.

After the birthday banquet, the courtyard buzzed with activity as numerous elders, true disciples, and inner sect members of Qianyuan Divine Sect arrived with gifts to celebrate the six-year milestone of the young leader.

“Who sent this?”

In the courtyard, while XiXi urged her little friends to open their presents, she suddenly discovered a ride-on toy car among the gifts.

Her adorable eyes widened in surprise.

Calmly squatting beside her, Yun’e looked puzzled as she scanned the attached gift list, her delicate brows lifting slightly.

“It was sent by Young Sect Leader Yue Weizheng’s son, Yue Linghu.”

“It was a gift conveyed at the behest of Prince Lu Chi.”

Yun’e explained casually.

At these words, XiXi finally understood, “Oh, it’s from him!”

Of Lu Chi, XiXi was no longer angry—after all, they were now like strangers. She simply couldn’t be bothered.

“I don’t want this gift—Yun’e, please return it. I’m too old for ride-on cars,” XiXi said nonchalantly.

Yun’e merely nodded, unconcerned.

Among the friends from Jin Guang Mansion—Gong Yuanliang, Gongyang Xiu, and others—a silent, complicated sentiment passed between them.

Lu Chi…

He was once one of their own.

Alas, he no longer belonged to this world.

Lu Chi’s true identity turned out to be that of the Great Realm Prince. Now, having returned to Divine Capital, he had become an unreachable figure.

While the children excitedly unwrapped their gifts,

Li Che sat with Elder Jiao Shaoqiu and several other elders under the eaves of the courtyard, admiring the snowy view as he brewed winter plum tea.

As night deepened and the surroundings quieted, everyone began to take their leave, leaving time for Li Che’s family.

One by one, XiXi bade farewell to her little friends.

She often spent time with Yun’e, who had become a direct disciple after entering Elder Ding Zi’s sect.

Thus, Yun’e and XiXi usually trained together.

But the other little friends, especially the prodigies of Jin Guang Mansion, had limited talent and only met once a year at most.

Gongyang Xiu and Gong Yuanliang couldn’t help but feel a pang of sorrow, their eyes growing red.

They sensed a growing distance between themselves and XiXi.

Behind XiXi, Jin Taisui lingered, his eyes flickering with a hint of envy.

Such friendship was beyond anything he had ever imagined. It wasn’t just about hierarchies, fear, or reverence among peers.

This past year by XiXi’s side, Jin Taisui had expected to become nothing more than a doormat—treated like a servant and humiliated repeatedly.

After all, as a member of Da Li Wangting, he had fully prepared himself to endure all sorts of indignities if he stayed in Great Realm.

But,

He faced no such disgrace at all. It was as if he had become a disciple of Qianyuan Divine Sect.

Though he now trailed behind XiXi like a little shadow, where was the humiliation in that?

After all, XiXi was the young sect leader of Qianyuan Divine Sect. While she trained, she sometimes received advice from Lü Taibai, who would occasionally offer a word or two to him as well.

In short—Jin Taisui might have lost a bet, but he gained an invaluable chance to be guided by a master ranked fifth in the Divine Canon.

After nearly a year as XiXi’s little follower, Jin Taisui had come to understand her nature quite well.

Her once rebellious spark had softened as she gradually blended into her small circle.

“Little Jin, today you’re off for three days. Go have fun; you’re free for a while,” XiXi declared after sending her friends off, standing with her hands on her hips and her little belly proudly protruding.

Jin Taisui blinked in surprise.

But soon his expression grew complex. Where could he go in Daocheng? Within the city, masters were aplenty. A single misstep might cost him his head at the hands of Lie Shen Pavilion’s assassins.

Staying by XiXi’s side was the safest choice. Jin Taisui pursed his lips, the patterns of paint on his face softening his usually unruly, wild look into something more refined.

Zhang Ya glanced at Jin Taisui, as if understanding his thoughts, and approached to pat XiXi’s head.

“Don’t worry. There are plenty of rooms in the courtyard. Auntie will set one up for you. You can stay here these three days,” Zhang Ya said gently.

Jin Taisui awkwardly waved his hand.

“No need, no need. I don’t require a room; I’ll just manage on the rooftop.”

“That won’t do at all. If there’s a room, use it. Listen to Auntie.”

Zhang Ya’s tone was decisive, and that settled it.

XiXi, unconcerned, waved her hand, “Then you can stay.”

Jin Taisui’s eyes softened as he looked at Zhang Ya and bowed respectfully, “Thank you, Supreme Matriarch.”

At this unexpected title, Zhang Ya froze for a moment, her expression shifting between laughter and tears, “Supreme Matriarch?”

“Just call me Zhang Yi,” she insisted.

Jin Taisui blushed in embarrassment.

“Zhang… Zhang Yi…”

“That’s it,” Zhang Ya nodded before bustling off.

Li Che slowly withdrew his lingering senses. As for Jin Taisui, he wasn’t too worried.

Not to mention the Feilei Chess Piece he had left on him. Any slight movement and Li Che would clearly sense it and act immediately.

Even without the chess piece, after a year, Jin Taisui’s straightforward nature had won him some favor.

After all, his willingness to accept defeat spoke of a candid temper.

As one of the young witches from Witch God Mountain, he had the guts to remain alone in Daocheng just because of a bet.

His courage was indeed exceptional.

Night deepened, and the Disciples’ City gradually fell silent.

Only the sound of falling snow could be heard.

In the Study, Li Che sat quietly, a Carving Knife in hand as he sculpted an ordinary piece of wood. The falling shavings punctuated the still night.

At the Divine Condor Half-Saint level, even common wood could be transformed into a work of art. The quality of the wood mattered less now.

Of course, better timber would still raise the success rate and quality of the Half-Saint Divine Condor.

In his mind, images of that towering, terrifying giant dog from his Big Black Dog dream flashed by—the largest beast he had ever seen, as if it could fill the entire world.

Li Che closed his eyes slightly, his fingers gripping the Carving Knife as he worked swiftly, sending wood shavings flying. One crack after another appeared across the sculpture’s surface.

That giant dog, glimpsed in his dream, slowly took shape beneath the ordinary wood.

The once sky-obscuring, colossal beast was now miniaturized many times over in Li Che’s hands, yet its unique spirit remained unmistakably captured.

Creak, crack!

After an explosion of divine energy and the sound of breaking, the giant dog wood carving was reduced to ash.

Li Che frowned at the dissipating demonic canine Divine Condor and sighed.

“Missed the mark by a bit…”

Li Che put away the Divine Weapon Engraving Knife and ceased sculpting, leaning back in his chair with his eyes half-closed as he relaxed completely.

With each breath, the air in the Study swirled and churned.

When he finally reopened his eyes, they were filled with a rich, seven-colored glow.

Within his chest, the Dao Fruit 【Dream Celestial】 pulsed and trembled.

Before him, streams of seven-colored light slowly materialized, intertwining to form a prompt:

【Dao Fruit: Dream Celestial (Iv1 30%)】

“H-huh?!”

Li Che’s eyes betrayed his surprise.

Hadn’t he just acquired this Dao Fruit?

How had its maturity suddenly jumped to 30%?!

Its growth rate was astonishing!

But Li Che quickly understood—the dreams of that Big Black Dog and Boss were at fault.

Was it that by entering dreams, the maturation of the Dream Celestial Dao Fruit accelerated?

Li Che’s eyes narrowed and his breathing grew quick.

If he kept entering the dreams of the Big Black Dog and Boss, wouldn’t he soon push the maturity of the 【Dream Celestial】 to lv2, Iv3, Iv4… even lv5?!

With that thought, Li Che’s mind stirred.

The next moment, his focus locked on the Big Black Dog pacing outside the master bedroom.

The Big Black Dog squinted its eyes shut.

The mysterious dream power of the Dream Celestial Dao Fruit spread out, aiming to enter the Big Black Dog’s dream.

Yet, to Li Che’s surprise, once inside, the dream power shattered and dissipated immediately.

The dreamscape barely held for a single breath.

Back in the Study,

Li Che furrowed his brows, his seven-colored gaze quietly shimmering.

After a long moment, he finally figured it out.

It was as if the other party had set restrictions—if he wanted to re-enter the dream, perhaps his 【Dream Celestial】 needed to rank even higher!

To glean more from the dreams of the Big Black Dog and Boss, to uncover details about his grown-up daughter XiXi, he had to boost the maturity of the 【Dream Celestial】 Dao Fruit.

Thoughtfully, Li Che’s dream power raced through the courtyard like a silent force.

Once reaching the master bedroom, he saw XiXi soundly sleeping in the main chamber with Zhang Ya—something she had long missed.

The dream power coalesced into a spirit resembling Li Che himself, emitting a gentle haze like that of a sprite.

In the very next moment,

whoosh!

The dream spirit Li Che had become darted into the Mud Pellet nestled between XiXi’s brows.

It plunged into her dream!

Rising plumes of seven-colored smoke and shimmering light danced about.

When Li Che opened his eyes to examine the scene, he found himself within XiXi’s dream.

A hazy, white brilliance enveloped everything—a realm of utter confusion.

It was nothing like the dreams of the Big Black Dog or Boss!

After a brief moment of thought, his eyes lit up.

While the dreams of the Big Black Dog and Boss were dominated by their own consciousness,

entering XiXi’s dream meant that, due to her fragility, Li Che’s own dream power would take charge.

In this dream, he could shape the vision with whatever power he possessed now…

In the distance, the sleeping figure of XiXi floated, and as Li Che entered her dream, she began to stir as if on the verge of waking.

At that moment, Li Che’s entire form transformed into the appearance of the Ogre.

As XiXi’s eyes flew open, the floating Ogre appeared before her.

“Wow!!!”

“Master Niu Niu!”

XiXi’s delighted cry rang out.

She had worried that on her birthday she’d miss seeing Master Niu Niu, but here he was!

Li Che, wearing the Ogre Mask and towering like a mountain, exuded neither oppression nor menace in XiXi’s eyes.

Curiously, XiXi surveyed her surroundings, “Where are we?”

“In a dream,” replied the Ogre.

“How did Master Niu Niu manage to enter my dream? That’s amazing,” XiXi marveled, unafraid and filled with curiosity.

Li Che’s masked lips curved in a slight smile as he regarded XiXi.

Suddenly, his seven-colored eyes darkened for a moment.

Inside his chest, Dao Fruits began beating furiously one after the other, as if rallying on their own.

The seven-colored smoke from the Dream Celestial began intertwining with each Dao Fruit, as though forming a bond with them all!

Li Che’s gaze brightened, a realization dawning about the effect of the 【Dream Celestial】 Dao Fruit.

His burly form shifted and soon he stood right before XiXi.

“XiXi, it’s time for you to choose,” the Ogre’s hoarse voice declared.

XiXi tilted her head.

Then, she saw Master Niu Niu snap his fingers six times in succession.

Six golden glowing orbs shone into her eyes.

The first orb showed a figure seated in meditation, carving wood with a knife.

The second revealed a scene of surging energy, like a ghostly outline of a mighty dragon-elephant.

The third orb held the image of a heart pounding fiercely.

XiXi’s eyes widened as she took it all in.

“Master Niu, are you asking me to choose one of these orbs?” she inquired curiously.

“Yes. Based on your choice, I’ll set a test and guide your cultivation. Pass the test and you’ll be rewarded.”

Six Dao Fruits glowed, seemingly eager to be chosen by XiXi.

But obviously, she could select only one.

Pondering for a moment, XiXi spoke, “Master Niu, I love fighting. I want to become strong so I can one day subdue Father! Which orb should I choose?”

Beneath the Ogre Mask, Li Che’s lips twitched slightly.

After XiXi’s question, Li Che nodded toward the glowing 【Dragon Elephant Vajra】 Dao Fruit.

In the very next moment,

the dreamscape shifted dramatically!

XiXi suddenly found herself clad in training clothes, standing in a vast, wooden arena.

The sky was overcast with a light rain pattering down.

In the distance, friends like Gong Yuanliang, Gongyang Xiu, Hai Chaosheng, Yun’e, and Zhou Peng cheered wildly to support her.

XiXi was utterly perplexed.

What was happening?

Opposite her in the arena, a colossal figure resembling an unstoppable force emerged—the Ogre, imposing as a mountain.

“This trial is called ‘The King of Fists Arena.’ Defeat your opponent and advance; you’ll also earn rewards prepared by Master Niu. There are ninety-nine stages in all.

Beat them all and you will face the final champion. Defeat him, and the ultimate prize is yours,” the Ogre declared gravely.

Behind his mask, Li Che’s lips twitched into a smile.

The scene born from the Dao Fruit was a collage of his fragmented memories.

The King of Fists Arena.

Care to insert a coin?

“Is this… fighting?!”

“Ninety-nine stages? So if I win them all, I’ll become the King of Fists?!”

“This is amazing! I’m ready to fight!”

With that, XiXi jumped up, jabbing her little fists and moving rapidly.

But in the distance, the cheering friends offered no direct feedback.

The Ogre looked at XiXi, “Are you ready?”

“No matter how you do it, if you defeat your opponent, you pass the stage.”

“You have three attempts per day; fail three times and you must wait for the next round of the King of Fists Arena.”

Taking a deep breath, XiXi straightened her chest and even puffed out her little belly.

“I’m ready!”

“Let the battle begin!”

“King of Fists XiXi will surely reign supreme!”

“Then… let’s start!”

As Li Che’s words faded, he vanished in an instant.

Within his chest, the 【Dragon Elephant Vajra】 Dao Fruit trembled slightly, and before long, Ji Haihui—already dead in Jin Guang City—appeared in midair, transforming into human form as he struck his opening move.

“Ah, it’s you, you little maid!”

XiXi grinned confidently. Even the once feeble XiXi had defeated him before; today would be even easier.

Sure enough, within three breaths, XiXi’s punch shattered Ji Haihui.

Clamor erupted as figures such as Hai Chaosheng, Gongyang Xiu, and Gong Yuanliang in the background cheered.

XiXi beamed with pride.

From amidst the clamor, a phantom of a majestic dragon-elephant appeared, its form coiled around a giant elephant.

Then, a red, glowing Blood Qi Fruit drifted and hung before XiXi.

XiXi blinked in delight—fighting and fruit to feast on…

Could this really be a dream come true?!

With a couple of quick bites, XiXi devoured the fruit, and immediately her Qi surged and expanded.

The smelter of a Grandmaster’s realm, her Blood Qi soared significantly!

Even, it seemed to contain hints for advancing in the 【Myriad Transformations of Dragon Elephant】 martial art!

XiXi instantly felt the change.

She was growing stronger!

Was it really the power of the 【Dragon Elephant Vajra】 Dao Fruit that was rewarding her like this?!

“Keep going!” XiXi shouted emphatically.

Li Che’s dream-spirit hovered high above. In his chest, the Dao Fruit warmed up.

Then, a cascade of light poured down.

On the arena, the one-armed Xue Dufu, carrying the Crescent Blade of the Azure Dragon, stepped forward one step at a time.

A presence akin to that of a Grandmaster of Divine Guts surged outwards!

XiXi, who had been eager to test herself, was suddenly struck dumb.

The first stage was against feeble Ji Haihui, but the second… was against a Grandmaster of Divine Guts?!

Li Che couldn’t help but laugh at the sight.

Back in the master bedroom, while XiXi slept soundly in Zhang Ya’s embrace, a sudden shout erupted:

“One-Armed Dog Thief—feel the King of Fists XiXi’s Flying Dragon Fist!”

“Haha!”

With a single punch, XiXi woke Zhang Ya.

After three successive losses, XiXi timidly opened her eyes and glanced apologetically at Zhang Ya, who was clutching her chin.

“Mother, do you believe that XiXi was fighting in her dream?”

Obediently, XiXi knelt on the bed.

Zhang Ya rubbed her chin, chastising, “You little thing, you can’t even sleep in peace.”

Then she gently tousled XiXi’s hair, “Go back to sleep; tomorrow I’ll make you something delicious.”

Immediately, XiXi threw herself into Zhang Ya’s arms.

“Mother is the best!”

“XiXi, sleep now!”

Back in the Study,

Candlelight flickered softly.

Li Che opened his eyes once more, though the seven-colored glow in them had long faded; the smile on his lips was hard to contain.

“The 【Dragon Elephant Vajra】 Dao Fruit—

Is this how my defeated foes serve as a test for XiXi? As long as she passes, she’ll receive a small Dao Fruit reward imbued with both Qi and my martial insights?”

Li Che shook his head with a smile.

So this is the proper way to unlock the 【Dream Celestial】 Dao Fruit!

Dream cultivation in a true dream!

It links with other Dao Fruits to nurture others…

“Or… is it meant only for XiXi?”

Li Che suddenly mused.

After all, the eagerness of a Dao Fruit seems only to manifest when entering XiXi’s dream.

While XiXi and Li Che share a special bond with the Dao Tree, his wife Zhang Ya does not.

With that thought, Li Che tried to enter Zhang Ya’s dream.

But he felt a wave of fatigue—his dream power had been exhausted.

“Only three times per night?” he wondered.

It seemed that Big Black Dog, Boss, and XiXi’s Iv1 Dream Celestial together could only push him to a level of three times a night.

His eyes twitched as he sensed:

【Dao Fruit: Dream Celestial (Iv1 35%)】

Sure enough, the maturity had increased by 5%. It wasn’t much, but it proved that entering dreams could indeed yield significant progress.

“Maybe once the Dao Fruit ranks up, it can also set a dream cultivation trial for Zhang Ya—”

Li Che mused, knowing that his wife’s advancement had been rather slow.

He could sense the pressure weighing on Zhang Ya—she was determined not to fall behind.

Rising from the Study, Li Che stretched and released a burst of Qi before gathering himself once more.

A shadow of cold determination hardened his eyes.

“The Su Family— they still keep an eye on my daughter. Even under the guise of an arranged marriage,

if you expect my daughter to join the Su Family, then

your impure intentions will never be tolerated.”

“A scheming Su Family—

a storied lineage spanning three thousand years, its roots entrenched in Divine Capital and Daocheng, even boasting a noble consort’s family in the palace?”

Li Che’s eyes turned cold, unmoved by such thoughts.

But what did it matter to him?

After all, he dared to offend even Ji Mo Li, and both Ji Haihui and the Dragon Queen had fallen by his hand. Would a Su Family protected by a noble consort make him flinch?

Li Che chuckled softly.

He extended his hand, and a Cowled Ogre Mask appeared in his grasp.

After a moment’s thought, he tucked the mask away.

From his Qiankun Space, he retrieved some Star Wood.

The Divine Weapon Engraving Knife flashed as it sliced through the Star Wood, carving out a mask.

Slowly, the mask was pressed onto his face.

This mask was etched with a grid pattern reminiscent of the Cosmic Chessboard.

Divided in two, one side was black and the other white.

Where black met white, the starry gleam twinkled like a shifting celestial expanse.

It bridged yin and yang, mastering the cycles of life and death!

Truly, it was the King of Hell from the Underworld!