Chapter 307: Snowfall and Schemes at Daocheng

Hoo, hoo, hoo—

A relentless wind swept across, carrying drifting snowflakes that danced like willow catkins in a spring breeze. Welcome to Daocheng.

At the Imperial Watch, beneath the flying eaves of the Treasure Tower.

A thick blanket of pristine snow covered the black tiles, piling up as if an avalanche from a mountain peak had crashed down, producing dull, muffled thuds atop the high building.

Inside the charcoal stove, the intense heat blazed red, warping the very air.

Within the tower, the temperature soared while the pace of placing pieces on the board quickened, gradually taking on a battle-like intensity. Clack.

A crystalline white piece landed on the board. “Checkmate.”

“Five in a row, heart to heart.”

A chubby face twitched as Sect Leader Yue Huanglong’s eyes nearly disappeared in his laughter. Stroking his small goatee, his gaze fell on Monitor Hong Shifo. Rising, Hong Shifo’s body trembled slightly, his hands clutching the edge of the chessboard as if he wished to smash it into Yue Huanglong’s face.

“You despicable scoundrel…”

“Ever the sly one,” he retorted with a crooked, smiling expression, brimming with cunning.

Hong Shifo resettled a piece on the board with evident displeasure, his pieces now in disarray. He had spent days studying the Five Pieces Formation, only to be outmaneuvered so easily by Yue Huanglong. Mainly, he had been caught off-guard by that cunning rotund fellow!

Seizing the moment to distract him, Yue Huanglong launched a move—Five Pieces Heart-to-Heart! No, rather, Five Pieces Soul-Piercer!

“You sent Yan Jing to escort Su Lei Ba out of Lingnan Path just to keep an eye on him, didn’t you? Your real target must be the rest of the Su Clan… Are you after that banned Buddhist soil technique of theirs?”

Monitor Hong Shifo grabbed his tea bowl and, as if to down a strong drink, gulped a deep mouthful.

A few tea leaves slipped into his mouth; he chewed for a moment, swallowed, and let the bitter flavor pass.

With his chubby eyes narrowing, Yue Huanglong teased, “Monitor, you may scramble the chess pieces all you like, but you can’t just speak recklessly…”

“I only sent Yan Jing because of the Third Prince’s favor. Yan Jing’s prowess is formidable—his transformation into True Martial is almost complete. Once he masters that state, he’ll be able to carve mountain paths from the boundless qi sea and ascend to the summit.”

Yue Huanglong chuckled.

“A grand marshal this strong escorting Su Lei Ba out of Lingnan? As if I’d be setting my sights on the Su Clan! And that supposed Buddhist soil technique? Nonsense—I never meddle in such messy secret arts.”

“It’s all the Underworld’s doing; none of it concerns me,” Yue Huanglong shook his head lightly with a soft laugh.

Monitor Hong Shifo, still chewing his tea leaves, smiled faintly. “Heh, heh…”

“Sect Leader, be careful. Really, why are you provoking the Underworld?” Hong Shifo shot Yue Huanglong a sidelong glance.

He and Yue Huanglong had been reassigned from the Divine Capital to Daocheng by the Imperial Court, their task to confront Lü Taibai…

They were, after all, colleagues.

Under Commander Wang Ling, the Temple Guardian Division had devoted itself entirely to dealing with the temple protection incantation corpses and other sinister beings in the Bizarre Temple.

They had no interest in a confrontation with the Divine Sect.

Moreover, in his youth Wang Ling had once roamed the martial world alongside Lü Taibai, even daring to venture into the mysterious realms of Three Purities at the Bizarre Temple.

Thus, the Great Jing Court did not deploy a Heavenly Gate Martial Saint to take charge of the Temple Guardian Division.

Mainly, it was because the Division simply didn’t have enough manpower.

Feng Zhiqi… Although blessed with extraordinary martial talent and just one step away from reaching the summit of the mountain path…

That one step, however, was extremely hard to take.

And without reaching the summit… one would never even qualify to face Lü Taibai.

Hong Shifo, in truth, did not wish for Yue Huanglong to get into trouble. If Yue were to fall… he’d be left alone and utterly unable to hold back Lü Taibai.

Then, under Lü Taibai’s watchful eye, all hell could break loose, and what else was Hong Shifo capable of besides feigning a game of chess?

He could only choose to forgive him.

With a soft sigh, Hong Shifo began to reminisce about his days at the Imperial Watch in the Divine Capital, when… he had hardly a worry in the world, all thanks to the Grand Inspector.

Even the mightiest summit cultivators had to show utmost respect before the Grand Inspector.

What did he need to do?

Just spend every day playing chess with the Grand Inspector—pure bliss.

But now, in Daocheng, Hong Shifo hadn’t encountered a chess rival as formidable as the Grand Inspector in ages.

“I don’t know what you’re up to… but don’t push your luck too far. Don’t really anger that Killing Star. I’m about to change shifts—so keep it steady,” Hong Shifo sighed.

Sect Leader Yue Huanglong seemingly ignored him, smiling broadly, then rising and clasping his fists in farewell.

Snowflakes drifted gently down.

Hong Shifo walked to the railing, watching a plodding, rotund figure wade slowly through the falling snow.

He squinted his eyes.

“Provoking the Underworld…”

“Hope it doesn’t lead to self-immolation.”

Snow fell in swirling flurries from the sky.

Decked in magnificent robes, Yue Huanglong’s broad, stout frame and his comically endearing smile showed he was in a good mood.

He knew that Shendiao Ridge was in the midst of a major event, yet he cared little, even though Yue Weizheng had joined the Bizarre Temple in a bid to claim the Freewill Gold-Iron Divine Staff.

Truth be told, Yue Huanglong had little faith in his son.

Yue Weizheng had decent talent, but it was merely average—reaching the Second Martial Saint realm was his limit.

To transform into True Martial by uncovering the mountain path in the vast qi sea was virtually impossible.

A look of regret washed over Yue Huanglong’s chubby face. His bloodline was impressive, but alas… his son’s mother had lacking talent.

Otherwise, how could his offspring fail to even glimpse the Martial Path?

Thus, Yue Huanglong had to plan for the futures of both Yue Weizheng and Yue Linghu.

His eyes had turned to the Su Clan’s technique that extracted a woman’s innate talent—the Joyful Zen Spirit Devouring Technique.

This secret Buddhist art from the Western Regions…

Perhaps it could offer Yue Weizheng and Yue Linghu a chance to change their fate.

Yue Huanglong himself wouldn’t need it, but his descendants might—and if perfected…

It would become a legacy for the family for generations.

Just as Yue Huanglong was mulling it over,

his face of chubby flesh began to tremble noticeably.

Gazing into the distance, a powerful, scorching qi surged—a figure clad in golden armor with a billowing red cape, Yan Jing, had descended gracefully wielding a massive halberd.

Yan Jing’s expression was grim and his brow furrowed. “You’ve returned?” Yue Huanglong asked.

“Didn’t you see to Su Lao, the head of the Su Clan, out of Lingnan?”

Yan Jing’s face stiffened and then turned solemn: “Sect Leader, the Underworld’s methods are bizarre. I was blocked and couldn’t break through.”

“Underworld Jiujianxian, Golden Demon Python, and Purple Bone Demon Dragon – these three True Martial experts kept me entangled. The moment we met, they exploded with divine seeds… no matter how many times I fought them, they wouldn’t die. Killing them only to see them resurrect…”

“Without reinforcements for the Su Clan head, he… was killed.”

Yan Jing did not hide anything, outlining the situation briefly.

Gripping his halberd at an angle, his hairs bristled beneath his golden armor as a deep look of wary disdain churned in his eyes: “Sect Leader, I suspect that Underworld Jiujianxian is none other than Huang Jianjiu… the Golden Demon Python is You Liqing, and the Purple Bone Demon Dragon… could that be the Princess?”

Yue Huanglong’s round face trembled as he slowly looked up, “So you’re saying… they’re all dead?”

“Yet… they’re alive?!”

Even Yue Huanglong couldn’t help but shudder.

What exactly is the Underworld?

It can resurrect the dead…

“And make them even stronger!”

Yan Jing’s voice seemed to quaver.

It was as if his voice trembled with each word.

The Underworld…

Such an Underworld!

What on earth is it?!

Right?

Yue Huanglong exhaled deeply. Even though the Underworld’s fierce forces had been deployed to eliminate Su Lei Ba, the fate of the other two Su Clan teams was clearly not something the Underworld would meddle in. Ding—ring, ring—

Suddenly,

Yue Huanglong sensed a ferocious wind and snowstorm battering Long Street.

His brows shot up sharply.

Grand Marshal Yan Jing also looked up.

Silence.

At the far end of Long Street, amidst the raging blizzard, a blurry figure slowly emerged on foot. Each step echoed like a chime swaying in the air, resonating as if in perpetual reverberation!

Clad in a flowing blue robe and wearing a smiling Cat Face mask.

One hand jingled a copper bell while the other supported a pitch-black ledger.

The Cat Face slowly lifted its mask, its eyes deep and swirling like two black whirlpools. “Ding, ling, ling—”

“Heh, heh, heh—”

Li Qingshan, wearing the Cat Face mask, glowered with cold intensity in his eyes.

When Ogre approached him and briefly explained the Su Clan matter, Li Qingshan felt goosebumps rise. That affable, smiling Sect Leader Yue Huanglong turned out to be shockingly ruthless.

And most importantly…

This man had the gall to smear the Underworld!

As an Underworld member, Cat Face felt that his intervention this time was non-negotiable! “Underworld… Cat Face?!”

Yue Huanglong turned, and the previously endearing expression on his face instantly hardened with coldness.

The moment his brows furrowed, a terrifying martial will surged down like an avalanche, freezing the very air in its wake!

The howling wind and heavy snow ceased abruptly! In the midst of it all,

it was as if a majestic, ancient, mysterious portal materialized behind Yue Huanglong! Thump, thump, thump—

Beneath Li Qingshan’s Cat Face mask, his eyes narrowed as he felt an electrifying thrill!

The summit! The Fourfold Martial Saint stage! So powerful!

How dare he show off in front of such might! But…

Cat Face wasn’t afraid!

“If you’ve got the guts, try killing Cat Face!”

“Kill one Cat Face, and there are countless more!”

Li Qingshan shivered under the terrifying pressure of the summit, unable to move.

The Life and Death Book he held in his hands began to exude a warm, flowing qi. Cat Face felt his strength return! Yama!

It was as if Yama himself was backing him up!

Cat Face suddenly felt brimming with courage, his spine stiffening. “Heh, heh, heh…”

“Sect Leader, if you’ve got the guts… kill me!” Cat Face said in a low, defiant tone.

“Your underhanded, despicable deeds… the Underworld couldn’t care less.”

Buzz, buzz, buzz—

Twisted shadows emerged, hurling severed heads aside.

Those heads belonged to various powerful figures from Daocheng who had been dispatched to intercept the Su Clan teams. Yue Huanglong recognized them all.

Now, these heads lay scattered on the snowy Long Street, their blood staining the pristine snow. “But you should never, ever…”

“Make the Underworld take the fall!” Cat Face’s voice mixed tears with laughter. “Sect Leader…”

“Your name is already inscribed in the Life and Death Book!”

“Yama has decreed that you should die by the third watch—who dares keep you till the fifth?” “Underworld Cat Face…”

“Here to see you to the grave!” Boom—!!!

Yue Huanglong snapped his fingers with a casual flick of his brow.

In an instant, chaotic turbulence rippled through Long Street; the ground cracked into countless fissures as buildings on either side crumbled. Yet,

the snow continued to fall. On Long Street, the deranged Underworld Cat Face had vanished without a trace. Ba88a—Boom—!!!

Dense, eerie mists seemed drawn by an inexplicable force, gathering and coiling around the Divine Monkey’s body, transforming into a gigantic white python.

The white python appeared vivid, each scale strikingly real, as if a massive sky serpent had just awakened from hibernation and stretched languidly. Meanwhile,

in the distance, the enormous guardian demon ape of the temple protection incantation corpses slowly opened its eyes—its vast eyes resembled ancient bells, glaring in fury, as if about to sound a deafening toll.

“It’s awakened!” “The stimulus worked!”

“The guardian demon ape… has been triggered, and at last the Freewill Gold-Iron Divine Staff is reacting!” Far off,

a number of powerful figures who had been eyeing Li Che grew excited.

Everyone had pinned their hopes on the Divine Condor Half-Saint Li Che, yet none had expected him to fail to stir the Freewill Gold-Iron Divine Staff—even the demon ape hadn’t been roused.

This left many feeling regret, especially Gongshu Jingjun, Tang Xiejia, and Elder Ding Zi, who had all placed great hopes in Li Che.

They were determined that if Li Che managed to awaken the Freewill Gold-Iron Divine Staff and be chosen by it, they would do everything to help him secure it. Surely, wasn’t that the very reason why Master Lü Taibai had set the rule?

Gongshu Jingjun, Tang Xiejia, and Elder Ding Zi weren’t fools—they believed Lü Taibai’s aim was merely to pave the way for Li Che.

After all, Li Che’s promotion to Divine Condor Half-Saint was largely due to the carved statue of the Six-Eared Yulian Divine Monkey Two-Hearted Sage Temple Spirit. Only by comprehending the third layer of the Temple Spirit’s profound meaning could he advance.

Thus, both Shendiao Ridge and Qianyuan Divine Sect had unshakeable confidence in Li Che. At the very least, he had a greater chance than anyone else to master this divine weapon.

After all, it originated from the Two-Hearted Great Sage’s Bizarre Temple, and being under Qianyuan Divine Sect’s jurisdiction, they naturally wouldn’t want the divine weapon to fall into the wrong hands—even if possessing it might stir up some trouble.

But with the Master of the Sect present, what was there to fear? “What a pity…”

Tang Xiejia, with his burly frame, sighed in regret.

Gongshu Jingjun’s eyes sparkled with a mix of admiration and sorrow. Both he and Tang Xiejia had pinned their hopes on Li Che.

What a pity…

It seemed Li Che had inadvertently made a bridal gown for the Underworld Divine Monkey.

Yet if the Underworld Divine Monkey managed to seize this opportunity, it might not be a situation Qianyuan Divine Sect could entirely dismiss.

After all, the Underworld maintained a close tie with XiXi, and as the young Sect Leader of Qianyuan Divine Sect, her good relations with the Underworld eased tensions—certainly more so than other factions with impure intentions.

Even though the Sect Master’s Wife hailed from Xuanfu Divine Sect, a major sect in its own right, she too harbored her own schemes. Boom—!!!

The stir caused by the Demon Monkey instantly sent shockwaves throughout the Bizarre Temple!?!

The Demon Monkey gripped the divine staff—towering like the pillar of heaven—and hoisted it onto his shoulder. A terrifying torrent of qi roared and intertwined, creating a shockwave that exploded across the sanctuary. Ferocious winds and swirling mists filled the air.

The colossal Demon Monkey rose from a cross-legged position as if a mountain had surged upward, growing tremendously in stature. The darkness loomed, blotting out the sky!

An overwhelming aura of crisis erupted from all directions. With one determined step, the Demon Monkey sent the very ground beneath the Bizarre Temple trembling.

In an instant, he appeared right before the minuscule Divine Monkey.

The Demon Monkey’s enormous eyes fixed unblinkingly on the Divine Monkey, as if gazing at that very mask—the Divine Monkey mask! That mask… that mask!

The Demon Monkey’s entire body, draped in spear-like dark fur, began to tremble. Li Che, wearing the Qi Tian Face, transformed into Divine Monkey.

After completing his headcount in the Bizarre Temple, Li Che soon departed, having sensed the situation outside. Without delay, he struck.

Clenching his fist, he merged his identity with Divine Monkey.

And with one focused thought, from the Cosmic Chessboard he retrieved the fragmented Qi Tian Face. This incomplete Qi Tian Face was but part of the Mythic Weapon—it still required two more pieces to be whole.

Only when all three pieces of the Qi Tian Face were assembled could it be complete… yet Li Che had no leads for the remaining two.

This Qi Tian Face was acquired from the waning Qi Tianshi lineage near Xinyuan Temple in the Bizarre Temple. The other two might have to be sought among the severed lineages of Qitian Temple.

Ruyi Sect and Tiangang Tower… Li Che pondered for a moment.

With the Qi Tian Face in place, Li Che transformed into Divine Monkey—and sure enough, the guardian demon ape was stirred. The fearsome aura of a near-summit cultivator crashed down like a mountain.

Li Che felt a chill in his heart.

The guardian demon ape of the temple protection incantation corpses…

In terms of battle prowess, though not quite at the summit, it was nearly there—having reached the pinnacle of the mountain path!

It was on par with Feng Zhiqi, the Director of the Temple Guardian Division.

Indeed, in this Bizarre Temple, the guardian demon ape’s strength was no less than that of a typical summit cultivator.

In truth, the summit itself is a fuzzy concept: reaching the Martial Saint’s mountain path and ascending to the peak to witness the Heavenly Gate marks the pinnacle of martial cultivation. Those who scale the Martial Path are among the finest.

And what more fitting than calling it the summit when you can see the Heavenly Gate?

Divine Nucleus Cultivators and those who have transformed through the Fourth Divine Change are said to have reached the divine summit. In short, both Martial Saints and Divine Nucleus Cultivators have transcended mortal limits.

And in that transcendent Fourth Stage, all are said to have reached the summit.

Of course, there are differences even among summits—differences that may surpass all expectations.

Compared to Lü Taibai, who guards the Heavenly Gate and stands among the immortal pantheon, an ordinary summit pales in comparison. The atmosphere in the Bizarre Temple seemed to solidify completely.

Tang Xiejia, Gongshu Jingjun, and Elder Ding Zi tensed up as they stared at the scene—though Lü Taibai had stated that the guardian demon ape wouldn’t act, this time it was merely to select the bearer of the Freewill Gold-Iron Divine Staff.

It was all part of the Two-Hearted Great Sage’s plan through the Temple Spirit’s will.

The guardian demon ape, as a protector of the temple incantation corpses, would only act to choose the divine staff’s owner. As long as no one meddled forcefully, it would stand down.

Otherwise, Lü Taibai would not dare let so many Martial Saints and Divine Nucleus Cultivators die in the Bizarre Temple. “Amitabha… it’s about to begin.”

From Xiao Lingyin Temple on Xiling Path, Venerable Wugang joined his palms together. His massive, muscular body gave a slight tremor—almost as if chanting a meditative hymn. Dragon Clan member Long Zi Ao Lie, wearing a mask, his purple eyes shining like mirrors, also glinted.

Ji Li Shou had yet to arrive since his cultivation had long surpassed the First Martial Saint realm, making him ineligible under Lü Taibai’s rules. Well aware of his own might as a double summit cultivator, he wouldn’t risk testing Lü Taibai’s sword.

Divine Nucleus Cultivator Xuan Yin of Xuanfu Divine Sect, Martial Saint Gu Chuan of Tian Dan Divine Sect, and Martial Saint Ning He of Seven Treasure Divine Sect, all with eyes afire, focused on the Freewill Gold-Iron Divine Staff! As Grand Inspector himself had declared, whoever masters the divine staff might find the Three Pure Divine Weapon, the Qi Tian Hunyuan Ruyi Golden Cudgel, hidden in Qitian City! That was—

A Three Pure Divine Weapon!

A weapon so extraordinary that even summit cultivators would be moved by it!

Ranked seventh in the Great Jing Imperial Divine Weapon Catalogue—the true peerless divine weapon!

No one could help but be excited. The Martial Saint from Seven Treasure Divine Sect, upon merely thinking of it, blushed and stared fervently at the Freewill Gold-Iron Divine Staff clutched by the Demon Monkey!

According to the sect leader of Seven Treasure Divine Sect, though this Freewill Gold-Iron Divine Staff was only a weapon of the Five Elders, it might actually be part of the Qi Tian Hunyuan Ruyi Golden Cudgel!

If one could obtain the Ruyi Golden Cudgel…

Then Ning Caishen, the leader of Seven Treasure Divine Sect, might have a chance to break through the divine tribulation! All the powerful figures were burning with desire for divine weapons.

Li Che, donning the Divine Monkey mask, slowly raised his head. Then,

the roaring Demon Monkey suddenly transformed into a majestic form as brilliant Buddhist light surged from its back! All present were taken aback, and Li Che’s eyes narrowed.

Crowning the Demon Monkey’s head, a small golden Divine Monkey clad in a flowing Buddha robe sat serenely atop its head. His dazzling golden eyes seemed to hold wisdom that pierced through worldly illusions.

“Six-Eared Yulian Divine Monkey! Two-Hearted Great Sage! Temple Spirit!”

In an instant, everyone’s heart skipped a beat as that title echoed—and indeed, it wasn’t the true Temple Spirit.

It was rather the manifestation and condensation of a Temple Spirit’s divine nature. “Amitabha…”

Venerable Wugang’s eyes shone fervently as he joined his palms to pay respectful homage to the Two-Hearted Great Sage. “Two-Hearted Great Sage… fate has aligned us with our Buddha.”

Even the burly monk couldn’t help but blurt out a comment. Li Che, wearing the Divine Monkey mask, shot the monk a glance.

Are all the monks from Xiao Lingyin Temple always like this?

That rotund monk, Huang Tuo—but always talking about Li Che’s destiny with the Buddha, even going so far as to say that XiXi had some karmic ties with the Buddhist sect. Clearly, out of fear of Lü Taibai, they dared not speak too frankly about XiXi’s connections.

Lest they be pierced by a sword.

Buzz, buzz, buzz—

The dense mists around began to churn.

Gradually, everyone found themselves transported to a picturesque mountain range full of clear streams and singing birds. Countless spirited monkeys scurried among the trees.

Li Che, in his black attire and Divine Monkey mask, stood with unabashed arrogance, his eyes flashing with brilliance. Huaguoshan?!

This wasn’t the first time Li Che had seen that mountain, and his heart showed little fluctuation.

But the others were utterly astonished—truly their first time laying eyes on Huaguoshan. “Amitabha…”

“Two-Hearted Great Sage, it’s clear that you’re connected to Qitian Temple’s Temple Spirit [Qi Tian Da Sheng]. Rumor has it that Qi Tian Da Sheng was once born on Huaguoshan… later embracing Buddhism.” Venerable Wugang softly intoned.

Wugang then briefed everyone before circling back to his point that Qitian Temple was indeed fated with the Buddhist sect.

Everyone exchanged puzzled glances, and then their eyes fell upon Huaguoshan—a mountain with a waterfall at its peak bearing a golden treasure stick. Its radiance dazzled in the sunlight, leaving all who saw it in a dreamy daze.

As if that treasure stick had multiplied before their eyes. “Ladies and gentlemen…”

“Only those fated may claim the Freewill Gold-Iron Divine Staff.”

“Climb to the peak of Huaguoshan, and you will have the chance to pull out the divine staff. Along the way, you will face three opponents who will serve as obstacles on your ascent.”

“Split your heart between right and wrong, truth and falsehood. Identify the real opponent—defeat the genuine one—and continue climbing… Choose correctly three times in a row, and you shall ascend Huaguoshan’s peak…

“And seize the true treasure stick.”

A benevolent Divine Monkey in monk’s robes sat serenely on a blue stone beneath the cascading waterfall, his voice gentle and unhurried, instilling a calm in the fragrant forest.

“Should you choose a false opponent, your insight is lacking, and the treasure stick will be lost.”

From the mouth of the Two-Hearted Great Sage came the soft laughter.

Water cascaded down the waterfall, crashing into the deep pool with a thunderous roar that shook the stones. The Grand Plaza lay in silence.

Everyone listened to the rules set by the Two-Hearted Great Sage.

Their eyes sparkled as they exchanged glances, curiosity and uncertainty blossoming within. To choose three opponents on the mountain path…

Opponents who existed in both true and false forms—if you could discern and defeat the genuine one, you could ascend to the peak and claim the treasure stick! This was the chance to grasp the genuine treasure stick!

Those who made mistakes had no luck—the challenge was steep!

“I’ll go first…”

Venerable Wugang of Xiao Lingyin Temple smiled softly.

Stepping forward, his eyes glowed fiercely as he swept his gaze around.

And his gaze rested on Li Che, whose energy barely rivaled that of a Grand Master. With a faint smile, he said, “Donor Li, for the sake of the treasure stick… forgive me.”

“The three opponents I choose are…”

“Divine Condor Half-Saint, Divine Monkey, and Elder Ding Zi.”

Li Che’s Painted Immortal Clone froze momentarily. Under the Divine Monkey mask, Li Che’s lips twitched as he glanced at Venerable Wugang. Admittedly, the monk’s choices appeared optimal…

After all, Li Che’s Painted Immortal Clone was visibly the weakest, making it easier to discern its true nature. Similarly, Divine Monkey’s display of strength had never ventured into Martial Saint or Divine Nucleus cultivator territory, making it an ideal selection.

Lastly, from a group of martial experts, he chose Elder Ding Zi from Qianyuan Divine Sect, who had recently advanced to Divine Nucleus Cultivation.

It was clear that Venerable Wugang of Xiao Lingyin Temple, although he appeared burly and simple-minded, was truly clever. But…

Under Li Che’s Divine Monkey mask, a faint smile curled at the corner of his lips. This was the trap set by the Two-Hearted Great Sage.

Where in the world is free lunch?

Though Li Che appeared to be the weakest among them,

that was only his Painted Immortal Clone! In essence…

It was fake!

Thus, if someone chose Li Che as an opponent, it meant their sight was clouded.

Unless one could discern that Li Che’s Painted Immortal Clone was itself a sham.

Otherwise, choosing him would disqualify them from ascending Huaguoshan and claiming the treasure stick. Venerable Wugang…

Had already sealed his fate before the climb even began.

After all, his choices were the most difficult challenges of all.

Even if he could identify that both appearances of Li Che were false, he still chose Divine Monkey…

For now, Li Che’s true self was inextricably stained with the blood of the Second Martial Saint stage—not yet cooled.

Thus,

Venerable Wugang’s seemingly perfect choice…

Was, in reality, the worst possible move. Li Che pondered deeply.

A test of perfection versus disaster, truth versus falsehood, appearance versus reality… Was this all preordained by the Two-Hearted Great Sage?

Dragon Clan member Long Zi Ao Lie, wearing the Star Killer mask, his eyes glittering, also made his choice. “Li Che, Divine Monkey, Elder Ding Zi.”

Long Zi Ao Lie’s selection mirrored that of Venerable Wugang, though the process might still leave room for error. Wugang glanced at him but said nothing further.

The Two-Hearted Great Sage’s rules explicitly forbade identical choices. And to ascend Huaguoshan and obtain the treasure stick was no disgrace—it was a clever utilization of one’s strengths.

Young Sect Leader Yue Weizheng’s eyes sparkled as he smiled broadly, making his selection: “Divine Condor Half-Saint, Divine Monkey, and Venerable Wugang.” Meanwhile, Tang Xiejia and Elder Ding Zi also chose similarly.

In the end, all eyes focused on the masked Underworld Divine Monkey. Li Che adjusted his mask and nonchalantly spread his hands.

“Wugang, Yue Weizheng, Star Killer…”

Boom—!!!

Once Divine Monkey made his selection, the entire Huaguoshan trembled violently.

Those who had marveled at Divine Monkey’s decision now saw an ancient stone staircase emerge before them.

The mountain path, endless and winding, led deep into the peak of Huaguoshan, straight to that treasure stick! Water from the waterfall splashed onto the steps, moistening the stone path.

“When truth and falsehood are indistinguishable, and vice versa… Ladies and gentlemen…

the mountain path is open—ascend and claim your prize.”

Bathed in the light of Buddha, the kindly Divine Monkey in monk’s robes smiled gently. The Grand Plaza fell into calm silence.

Only the sounds of birds and cascading waterfalls remained. Moments later,

“Amitabha.”

“I beg your pardon, but I cannot help it.”

A gray-robed, mountain-like figure—the martial monk Venerable Wugang—joined his palms together. His worn yet immaculate shoes carried him confidently to the stone path carved on Huaguoshan.

Like a lotus blooming unstained from the mud, he stepped onto the path. And the moment his foot touched the stone,

Li Che, Divine Monkey, and Elder Ding Zi all vanished in an instant.

Before anyone could be alarmed,

they saw the stone pathway split into three segments. In each segment, two figures sat cross-legged. On the winding path lay a total of six seated silhouettes. Venerable Wugang, with scars on his head, raised himself.

With palms together, he ascended the steps calmly, reaching about three hundred steps.

At the 300th step, moss-covered blue stones lay under ancient twisted pines, and on two blue slabs sat a humble yet resolute…

Divine Condor Half-Saint Li Che.