Chapter 312: The Rising Storm of the Divine Cults

“You don’t want your daughter to be wed to the Buddhist path either, right?”

The soft voice echoed through the vast palace corridors. Li Che felt a moment of disorientation.

What was this oddly familiar rhetoric all about?

Li Che glanced at Lü Taibai in astonishment. The man, now wearing the entirely silver mask, seemed to have undergone a complete transformation. Even Li Che’s Cosmic Chessboard couldn’t detect a trace of the aura that once belonged to Lü Taibai!

This is… the Hunter King of Lie Shen Pavilion!

Every Hunter King of Lie Shen Pavilion is an absolute peak expert!

But being at the pinnacle doesn’t automatically qualify one to be a Hunter King Slayer of Lie Shen Pavilion!

“The Hunter King Slayers of Lie Shen Pavilion… are personally chosen by the enigmatic Supreme Pavilion Master. Only he knows their true identities. Even a Pavilion Master from the local division isn’t privy to the Hunter King’s identity.”

Lü Taibai observed Li Che’s curious gaze on his mask and laughed. “Hunter King Slayer…”

Li Che drew a deep breath. This mask was truly mystifying—so much so that it even blocked the aura detection of the Cosmic Chessboard. “Sect Leader, is Lie Shen Pavilion overflowing with Hunter Kings?”

Li Che asked curiously.

Lü Taibai removed his mask and tucked it away in the Qian Kun Jade. Shaking his head, he replied, “I’d say there are quite a few…”

“As far as I know, Lie Shen Pavilion has two Hunter King Slayers nurtured with utmost resources, not counting the Supreme Pavilion Master.”

“Besides that, there are many more who, under the Lie Shen Pavilion banner, take on assignments just to earn commissions—definitely more than ten. After all, Hunter Kings vary in strength, but those invited by the Supreme Pavilion Master are all double-peak-level experts,” Lü Taibai explained.

Double peak level means both martial prowess and divine essence have reached the pinnacle—opening the Heavenly Gate in martial arts and transforming the divine embryo into a godlike being!

Li Che nodded, still feeling cautious about Lie Shen Pavilion. Lü Taibai also grew solemn.

“Although Lie Shen Pavilion doesn’t exert much command over many Hunter King Slayers, it’s not entirely powerless… If the Pavilion Master truly bleeds royalties, many of these slayers will still show respect.”

“So, never underestimate Lie Shen Pavilion.”

“Sometimes, some experts, once they put on their masks, shed all emotion and see only profit.” Li Che, at the mention, instinctively rubbed his fingers.

Was he speaking of himself?

Under his Ogre Mask, Li Che felt himself become unusually cold—apart from his daughter and wife. “I understand.”

“Masks… are almost like tools for unleashing one’s inner nature. One plays differently in public and in private. I get it,” Li Che said with a smile.

In answering thus, he practically admitted his Divine Monkey identity in front of Lü Taibai.

In fact, Lü Taibai already knew of his identity, which didn’t really affect him much.

Li Che could feel that Lü Taibai cherished XiXi even as much as a father cherishes his child. For Lü Taibai, XiXi was even more important than his own offspring.

Not just as the heir of a legacy, but as the young sect leader publicly announced by Qianyuan Divine Sect—Lü Taibai would spare no effort to protect XiXi. Thus, Lü Taibai was truly one of his own.

Lü Taibai’s silver hair flowed as his eyes flashed with sharp sword energy, his tone cold: “You should know how many ill-intentioned people are hiding within Daocheng these days…”

“Ji Mo Li’s son, Ji Li Shou; Huang Tuo from Xiao Lingyin Temple… and Tian Dan Divine Sect, Seven Treasure Divine Sect, Xuanfu Divine Sect, Corpse God Sect, Lie Shen Pavilion… oh, and Daozhǔ Yue Huanglong.”

“Tsk… such a vast enterprise attracts famished wolves everywhere. Keeping up such an enterprise is no small feat…”

“If, as an Elder of Qianyuan Divine Sect, you obtain the Freewill Gold-Iron Divine Staff… the situation might worsen.”

“But it’s fine now. The Underworld has taken the Staff… catching those fellows off guard. Although they claim it’s about the Staff, in reality, Ji Mo Li and Huang Mei’s target is me.”

Lü Taibai laughed.

Li Che, as the Divine Monkey, had taken the Freewill Gold-Iron Divine Staff, truly saving Lü Taibai from many troubles.

“Without the Staff as a pretext, Ji Mo Li and Huang Mei wouldn’t dare act so brazenly.”

“Moreover, it’s quite possible that Ji Mo Li has joined forces with Huang Mei. Ji Mo Li’s ambitions are growing… the Great Jing Court can’t just sit back.” “I can only say that what was once a desperate crisis now hinges on you as the turning point.”

Li Che furrowed his brows at those words.

“Without the excuse of the Freewill Gold-Iron Divine Staff, they really won’t dare make a move?”

Lü Taibai chuckled lightly, “Everything must have a just cause. Ji Mo Li and Huang Mei haven’t yet reached the point where they can openly defy the Great Jing Court.”

Then his smile slowly faded.

“But now… just because they’re not acting doesn’t mean I, Lü Taibai, will bow down to their threats. Before leaving Daocheng for the Pan Tao Triumph, we’ll settle a few matters. Huang Tuo’s trump card has been forced out—one of Huang Mei’s Three-Life Bodies from Buddhism…”

“As for what Ji Li Shou is hiding for Ji Mo Li, that remains unknown.” Lü Taibai looked at Li Che.

“If they remain alive… the threat to XiXi will be enormous.”

“To both me and Qianyuan Divine Sect, XiXi is too important…”

Lü Taibai’s tone was sincere, “Without XiXi, Qianyuan Divine Sect might never find such a gifted young leader again.”

Li Che took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and then reopened them as if he had just emerged from an arduous mental battle.

In truth, the Dragon Elephant Vajra Dao Fruit in his chest had been screaming for transformation. For it to evolve, battle was essential, and only by slaying stronger opponents could it reach maturity. Thus, Li Che was rather excited.

“Sect Leader, you’re right. As a father, I only want my daughter to grow up safely—but there will always be those who stir up trouble.”

“For her safety, I, as a father, truly must fight.”

“There are always those who force a father’s hand. Sect Leader… what do you want me to do?” Lü Taibai beamed broadly.

“Simple… kill.”

Dongyunxiao swept across the ridges—Suxue and Xiao Ninghua.

Lead clouds weighed heavily on the sky, dark as ink that wouldn’t disperse. As the Bizarre Temple crumbled, the strange phenomena seemed to vanish. Winter thunder was absent, leaving only a howling, bitter wind. Snow flurried from the leaden clouds, scattering like a flock of disoriented crows.

Inside the opulent Wangchun Pavilion.

In a quiet courtyard.

Huang Tuo sat cross-legged in an exquisite, lavish Buddha Chariot. The bronze bells hanging at its corners seemed to be moved by an unseen force, emitting a deep, resonant tone that seeped into his body, soothing his wounds.

In the snowy field.

Wu Gang, clad in a gray monk’s robe, a burly figure brimming with vitality, stood not far off, quietly guarding the Buddha Chariot.

Inside the Buddha Chariot, Huang Tuo’s face was deathly pale. After what felt like an eternity, he opened his eyes as the Buddha light slowly faded away.

He coughed a few times, took out a porcelain bottle, poured out a pill, and swallowed it. His teeth grated as he chewed the shattered pill, its bitterness spreading through his body to heal his injuries.

“What a formidable Lü Taibai… what a true Taibai Slayer…”

“He really doesn’t hold back. Without Master’s past-life Sacred Hand of the Buddha Sculpture, this poor monk would have already been a cold corpse—a soul added to Lü Taibai’s count.”

Huang Tuo’s expression soured, a hint of alarm in his eyes. He was a seasoned martial saint and divine embryo expert—it was unthinkable that even Lü Taibai’s casual sword energy couldn’t be deflected.

But it could be understood. Lü Taibai was, after all, a double peak-level expert at the pinnacle, and only someone of Huang Mei Great Master’s caliber could contend with him.

Huang Tuo felt he still fell short.

Wu Gang approached, joining his palms together, “Master, now that the Freewill Gold-Iron Divine Staff has fallen into the hands of the Underworld Divine Monkey… the Underworld is so inscrutable that we probably won’t be able to reclaim the Staff for the Great Master.”

“Should we head back to Xiao Lingyin Temple?” Wu Gang said with a tone full of regret.

He harbored an almost fanatic admiration for Huang Mei Great Master, eager to retrieve the divine weapon for him.

“Back?”

Huang Tuo sat nonchalantly in the Buddha Chariot, looking at Wu Gang indifferently. “How can we go back?”

“The Underworld Divine Monkey… Daozhǔ Yue Huanglong has already sent over all the data on the Underworld. I’ve reviewed it once. And Li Nuǎnxi’s connections with the Underworld are utterly unpredictable. The Divine Condor Half-Saint Li Che also seems to have ties with the Underworld.”

Huang Tuo said coldly.

“Who says that if we’re fated to be without the Staff, we can’t get it?”

“Converting Li Nuǎnxi might be challenging—after all, she’s Lü Taibai’s direct disciple. Although her talent and Buddhist nature are something I deeply covet… Besides, Lü Taibai will protect her fiercely, so we won’t even get a chance.”

Huang Tuo said flatly,

“But as for Li Che, we still have a chance.”

“If we can convert Li Che, perhaps we can learn some secrets of the Underworld from him, and even… discover the whereabouts of the Divine Monkey and a method to restrict that mysterious Relocation Technique.”

A cold gleam appeared in Huang Tuo’s eyes as Wu Gang’s face filled with hesitation.

He sighed.

“But, Master, how do we convert Li Che?”

Huang Tuo’s gaze deepened like a pair of black holes. “Force him to compete with me in the Divine Eagle Technique. During the contest, use the Buddha Light inherent in the technique to convert him.”

“If he had challenged me before, I could have converted him with my Conversion Technique during the match, and the Freewill Gold-Iron Divine Staff might have fallen into your hands by now.”

“That Divine Eagle he carved for the Divine Monkey… if Li Che gives you the Divine Eagle, then perhaps the Staff will be yours!”

Wu Gang shook his head, clearly in disbelief. “Impossible…”

Recalling the first trial where he couldn’t even tell if Li Che was genuine before losing, a wave of discomfort washed over him. “Impossible, Master…I can’t do it.”

“Don’t doubt it. There are no ifs anymore.”

Huang Tuo said flatly, “Go find Daozhǔ Yue Huanglong and have him set up a Buddha Arena in Daocheng.”

“Then use the Buddha Arena to humiliate the Divine Eagle Masters of Qianyuan Divine Sect. Also, recruit some local ruffians to help spread the word. For every loss, they’ll be thoroughly insulted!”

“The honor of the Divine Eagle path is at stake, and this will force Li Che to challenge me in the Divine Eagle Technique.” Wu Gang said little in response.

“If Li Che keeps cowering like a turtle… then let those ruffians humiliate him until he dares not fight for the honor of Qianyuan Divine Sect’s Divine Eagle! He’d be no true Divine Condor Half-Saint then!”

Huang Tuo’s eyes shone with a quiet resolve. “Exactly.”

Wu Gang clasped his hands in a salute.

……

Later in Taibai Hall, Li Che and Lü Taibai held a long, secret conversation. No one knew what schemes they were hatching.

As dusk deepened and giant snowflakes drifted down with the somber night, the heavy doors of Taibai Hall slowly creaked open.

After bowing to Lü Taibai in farewell, his ink-black robe fluttering, Li Che strode out confidently.

“Father!”

Amidst the clanging of the Yulian Fenghuo Jingguang Wheel, with sparks flying in every direction, XiXi transformed into a streak of light, rushing into Li Che’s embrace. XiXi’s heart trembled with nervousness.

Now, Li Che’s mortal body was exceedingly strong; XiXi’s forceful charge couldn’t budge him in the slightest.

“Father… looks like you’re even stronger than XiXi!”

Holding XiXi tenderly, Li Che gently rubbed her head. “Stay with the Sect Leader and train well. We’ll soon attend the Pan Tao Triumph… and work hard to earn a Pan Tao for your mother, so she can savor its taste and even extend her life.”

Li Che’s words made XiXi’s eyes burst forth with brilliant light.

“Absolutely! Don’t worry, Father—XiXi will surely win a delicious Pan Tao for Mother!”

XiXi looked determined!

For the sake of both her father and mother, XiXi would give her all!

“Good girl, XiXi.”

Li Che smiled.

“Father, XiXi is about to breakthrough to Divine Vision! Hmph! Once she masters Divine Vision, she’ll surely stun everyone at the Pan Tao Triumph!” Li Che nodded slightly—though XiXi was young, her cultivation pace was impressive.

After a brief, affectionate moment with XiXi, Li Che took his leave.

XiXi bid farewell to Li Che with a reluctant wave.

Li Che’s figure disappeared into a carriage as the wheels creaked, and Nie Yang drove away from Taibai Peak.

Just after arriving back in the Disciples’ City, as the carriage entered, under the dim light Nie Yang immediately noticed a towering figure standing with arms folded on Long Street.

Nie Yang furrowed his brows; his sword aura was sharp, but once he recognized the visitor, his heart relaxed.

“Elder Tang.”

Nie Yang tugged the carriage and saluted, clasping his fists.

Standing there, awaiting Li Che’s arrival… was none other than Tang Xiejia.

Li Che lifted the curtain and, upon seeing Tang Xiejia waiting, was momentarily stunned.

After sending Nie Yang back with the carriage, Li Che and Tang Xiejia strolled along the snowy Long Street.

They exchanged only a few words—Tang Xiejia mostly ruminated and mentioned some matters concerning the Tang Clan.

“The Tang Clan was said to have been destroyed by National Teacher Xie Yunshen, but in truth, it was the Great Jing Court who coveted the Tang Clan’s mechanical beasts. Although National Teacher Xie Yunshen’s schemes left the Tang Clan in shambles, they preserved their bloodline so the entire clan wasn’t obliterated.”

Tang Xiejia remarked.

Li Che was a bit astonished. He had heard of National Teacher Xie Yunshen, reputed as the mastermind behind the Tang Clan’s downfall.

Yet Tang Xiejia didn’t seem as bitter towards him as one might expect.

“The Tang Clan once shone brightly in Divine Capital. But aspiring to join an eternal aristocracy is no easy task—if you fail to overcome the trials, it’s over.”

“Take the Su Family for example. They attempted to break into the five-thousand-year aristocracy but met their inevitable fate, wiped out clean…”

Tang Xiejia sighed.

The Su Family’s relocation from Daocheng to Divine Capital failed, being ambushed, and all Su clan members were slaughtered without mercy.

From the mighty Su Lei Ba, the battle-hardened martial saint, to the defenseless women and children—they were all wiped out.

News of it sent shockwaves throughout Daocheng.

“Tang Clan’s revival is nearly impossible, but… their mechanical art still stands a chance.”

Tang Xiejia looked at Li Che.

Raising his hand, the Qian Kun Jade rippled, and a sheet of Golden Foil Paper appeared in his hand as he handed it to Li Che.

“Elder Li… you are exceptionally skilled in mechanical arts. I no longer have the chance to revive the Tang Clan’s mechanical techniques, but I only hope you can let the Tang Clan’s machines shine once again!”

Tang Xiejia’s eyes sparkled with expectation. Li Che paused in silence for a moment.

“Why not entrust it to Senior Tang Sanjia?”

Tang Xiejia gave a bitter smile. “My brother and I thought about it, but Tang Sanjia couldn’t even repair a ruined, peerless mechanical beast. Exhausted and unsuccessful, what hope does he have?”

“He has a knack for mechanics, but it’s limited… Compared to you, Elder Li, the gap is too vast.” Li Che exhaled lightly.

Without another word, feeling the frantic beating of the 【Xiangong】 Dao Fruit in his chest, he accepted the Golden Foil Paper. “I’ll do my best.”

Tang Xiejia, with his towering frame and gentle, smiling eyes, said, “Doing your best is enough.”

“What can the Tang Clan hope for now?”

“What more can they ask for?” a38834

Snow whirled wildly as night fell, the darkness deep and desolate.

After bidding farewell to Tang Xiejia, Li Che returned to the Elders’ Court.

Zhang Ya sat cross-legged under the eaves, practicing her divine essence alongside the falling night snow and passing evening breeze, nourished by the Divine Crystals Li Che had provided. With his current resources, he could easily support Zhang Ya’s training.

Li Che didn’t disturb her. In the distance,

Li Qingshan emerged from the kitchen, draped in a blue robe, carrying a basin of freshly boiled hot water—clearly intending to warm Granny Mu’s feet. Seeing Li Che, Li Qingshan nodded with a smile.

After preparing the foot bath for Granny Mu, Li Qingshan stepped out and sat with Li Che under the eaves. He informed Li Che about Daozhǔ Yue Huanglong, saying, “On the Life and Death Book, Daozhǔ Yue Huanglong’s name, along with its records…”

“When will we collect his life?” Li Qingshan asked, his eyes flashing with murderous intent.

Although he despised the Su Family, he loathed even more the sight of Yue Huanglong, who had slaughtered the entire Su Family for his own gains. Li Che’s eyes gleamed, “Since his name is in the Life and Death Book… his life will be taken sooner or later.”

“It will be. The Underworld will claim his life.”

Li Qingshan exhaled deeply, then looked at Li Che with a complex expression. He knew that Li Che had now reached the level of a martial saint.

The scene of the Ogre on the Main Road massacring Su Lei Ba was something he’d seen—it had sent tremors through his heart.

“A-che… I want to grow stronger.

“Is there any way… to help me become stronger?” Li Qingshan looked to Li Che with hope.

Facing the terrifying martial will of Yue Huanglong made his heart feel as if it had stopped—an overwhelming despair that left Li Qingshan weakened. Not even qualified to be a record-keeper for the Underworld anymore.

Li Qingshan knew that if he continued like this, he might be left behind—eventually losing even the chance to remain in the core of the Underworld.

Li Che looked at Li Qingshan, his gaze deep. “Want to get stronger?”

“Then… can you bear the pain?” Li Che asked.

Li Qingshan gritted his teeth and clenched his fists. “Yes.”

Laughing, Li Che said, “Then go back and get some sleep. In your dreams… you’ll grow stronger.”

Li Qingshan just smiled and shook his head. “Alright, alright.”

Ignoring Li Che’s words, as night deepened,

the wind and snow howled, tapping on the black tiles with a soft, muffled sound.

Li Che sat in his study under the dim light of an oil lamp, gripping the Golden Foil Paper given by Tang Xiejia. Distracted yet focused, he studied its contents intently.

His mind was split—on one hand, he delved into the schematics on the paper; on the other, he arranged dream matches for Zhang Ya and Li Qingshan on the King of Fighters Arena.

As for Li Qingshan, Li Che turned up the feedback level for him. If he were killed in the dream, the pain would be immense—but that suffering would simultaneously transform into divine strength.

Since Li Qingshan wanted to grow stronger, he needed to pay the price.

But Li Che couldn’t bear letting his wife and daughter suffer so much pain in their dreams.

Once their battle skills were honed, even if defeated, no physical pain would be inflicted. After fixing the dream settings,

Li Che pinched the Golden Foil Paper. It detailed the design and assembly method of a peerless mechanical beast—an essential technique of the Tang Clan’s mechanical arts.

Inside the chest of the peerless mechanical beast—the Thousand-Eyed Four-Winged Yinglong King—the 【Xiangong】 Dao Fruit beat wildly.

Even with Li Che’s current Dao Fruit maturity, he had no guarantee of successfully constructing this ultimate mechanical beast.

“It seems… not even the Tang Clan’s master mechanic has ever built this peerless beast—the Thousand-Eyed Twin-Winged Yinglong King!” Li Che’s breath quickened as his heart plunged into the schematics, memorizing every detail as he excitedly studied. 【Dao Fruit: Xiangong (LV5 42%)】

Li Che watched as his Dao Fruit’s maturity increased visibly.

Just a study of the schematics and techniques yielded a 2% maturity boost! If he successfully crafted this ultimate mechanical beast…

Li Che believed his Xiangong Dao Fruit might even leap to LV6, or perhaps LV7! LV6 should not be the limit!

“So difficult…” Li Che murmured.

“But at least we could attempt to craft a ‘Twin-Winged Little Yinglong King’… a half-step towards a peerless mechanical beast!”

“Dong dong dong dong dong—!”

The sound of gongs burst through the wind and snow. A flurry of white snow was instantly shattered into powdery dust by the resonating gongs. At the center plaza of Daocheng.

A wooden pedestal over three meters tall had been erected. In almost one night, this intricate structure had risen in the central area of Daocheng. It had now stood for a full three days.

At its center, a slender middle-aged man, clad in a golden monk’s robe with a vibrant red kasaya draped over him, sat cross-legged. Surrounded by numerous wood carvings, Zhou Tianshui, the Divine Eagle Master of the Zhou Family, immersed himself in carving. A powerful primordial spirit filled the space.

Meanwhile, Huang Tuo’s face bore a smile as he carved with one hand—without even tapping into his soul force—bringing his Divine Eagle level on par with Zhou Tianshui’s. Yet, during the clash of divine intent between Zhou’s carving and Huang Tuo’s,

at the moment of collision, the carvings shattered into pieces. Zhou Tianshui’s face flushed red as he coughed up a mouthful of blood.

His aging body staggered back several steps on the pedestal. He panted heavily, his exhaled steam mingling with the icy air. “Huang Tuo Half-Saint’s Divine Eagle Technique is truly formidable…”

“But you don’t need to belittle and humiliate the Divine Eagle Masters of Daocheng, do you?” Zhou Tianshui wiped the blood from his lips indignantly.

Huang Tuo slowly opened his eyes and looked at Zhou Tianshui impassively.

“Trash is trash… In my eyes, all the Divine Eagle Masters of Daocheng are worthless. Their techniques are decades behind—the methods are outdated, devoid of innovation, stiff and archaic… Why shouldn’t I deride them?”

“Your Daocheng may boast a Divine Condor Half-Saint, but I’ve been holding this arena for three days. Have you ever seen him step up for your so-called Divine Eagle realm?”

“Because he fears my techniques. Even though he’s a Divine Condor Half-Saint, there’s always a gap between half-saints.”

Huang Tuo let out a scornful laugh, his words dripping with humiliation.

Around the pedestal, onlookers from the outer disciples of Qianyuan Divine Sect, local cultivators, and common townsfolk had their faces flushed with anger as they witnessed Huang Tuo’s insulting words.

That bald fool is utterly despicable!

Using the skills of a Divine Condor Half-Saint to humiliate Divine Eagle Masters… how dare he boast so shamelessly!

“If you dare… why don’t you summon Li Bansheng to match my skills? I can reduce your Divine Eagle level to that of a beginner in the Divine Condor Half-Saint realm. What do you say?”

“But surely, you wouldn’t be able to even summon one, would you? The Divine Eagle techniques of Qianyuan Divine Sect have been suppressed by our Xiao Lingyin Temple for hundreds of years—what use is a Divine Condor Half-Saint?”

“Even if you produce ten Divine Condor Half-Saints, it won’t change the fact that Qianyuan Divine Sect’s Divine Eagle skills are outdated…” Huang Tuo’s mocking laughter rang out, shattering the wind and snow.

Zhou Tianshui wiped the mouthful of blood away, his eyes gleaming as he understood Huang Tuo’s true intention—provoking Li Che to challenge him in the Divine Eagle Technique!

He knew that if Li Che were defeated, the Divine Eagle realm of Daocheng and Qianyuan Divine Sect would become a laughingstock, forever branded with a mark of disgrace. What a vicious, bald scoundrel!

Zhou Tianshui seethed in silence, then turned and left the arena. In the distance, Yun Haiyang exchanged a glance with him. “Don’t disturb Li Bansheng…”

Yun Haiyang transmitted, “Rest assured, old man, I have my limits. That bald fellow… clearly has ulterior motives.”

“Enough. The Divine Eagle path of Daocheng has long fallen behind. When you fall behind, you get beaten—one must get used to it,” Zhou Tianshui sighed and replied via transmission.

They wouldn’t dare summon Li Che, though their hearts were filled with anguish, unwillingness, and anger—they all knew their place. Atop the pedestal,

Huang Tuo laughed scornfully, clasping his hands. “Amitabha.”

“I will continue to hold this arena for a month. If anyone from Qianyuan Divine Sect or Daocheng dares challenge me, I’ll reduce their Divine Eagle technique to my level.”

“I only seek a defeat,” Huang Tuo sneered.

As the three days passed, aided by the propaganda of local ruffians, the focus turned squarely on Li Che.

Many were indignant, questioning why Li Che, the sole Divine Condor Half-Saint of Qianyuan Divine Sect, hadn’t even mustered the courage to step forward! The uproar grew like a tidal wave.

“How can these people be so heartless!”

Inside the Elders’ Court,

Zhang Ya’s face turned red as she clenched her fists and gritted her teeth!

Her eyes were bloodshot as she listened to news from Sang Guanyin and Shangguan Qinghong. Zhang Ya trembled with anger. She didn’t want to care, but these people were cursing her husband!

And the insults only grew worse!

Her husband was the only Divine Condor Half-Saint in Daocheng—who could dare to curse him? “I’m so angry! I want to beat that stinking monk to death!”

Zhang Ya’s clenched fist bulged with veins—her fury was uncontainable. “Calm down, this is just provocation.”

Elder Jiao Shaoqiu also arrived, leaning on his cane, his face stern as he spoke.

Under the eaves of a black roof,

Li Qingshan, whose bones felt as if they might shatter in his dream, lay slumped in a deck chair, alongside Granny Mu, as they watched an enraged Zhang Ya. Li Qingshan managed a wry smile.

“That bald fool…”

He tried to stand from the chair, but his bones creaked painfully. “Oh dear.”

“Underworld Cat Face… you’re weakening.”

“This dream… is too torturous.”

“No, no, Cat Face, you must remain strong!”

At Taibai Peak.

“Little Jin, don’t drag me. I’m going to beat that stinking monk!”

“How dare you say my father is a turtle?! I say he’s the biggest, ugliest, baldest turtle around!”

XiXi, caught by Jin Taisui as she trod on the Wind-Fire Wheel, her chubby face puffed up, huffed in anger. “Calm down, XiXi Emperor!”

Jin Taisui said in a low tone.

“Old Master is waiting at Taibai Peak for his judgment.”

XiXi, fuming, folded her arms and stomped in the snow, pouting. “Little Jin, if you ever encounter that bald guy, hit him!”

XiXi Emperor puffed out her little belly and ordered, while Jin Taisui couldn’t help but laugh.

“Alright, alright. Just cool down.” “Hmph!”

XiXi raised her brows, “Not even a bit!”

Suddenly,

she glanced toward the direction of Taibai Hall.

Tilting her head,

she said, “Little Jin…”

“Why haven’t Father and the Sect Master come out yet?”

Jin Taisui was taken aback.

Staring at the heavily closed door, he scratched his head.

“Adult matters are not for us kids to meddle in.”

XiXi snapped, “Watch your tone when speaking to XiXi Emperor!”

Jin Taisui’s handsome face revealed a surprising weariness beyond his years.

Creak.

Suddenly,

XiXi and Jin Taisui both quickly turned to see

the heavy doors slowly opening.

Li Che brushed off his ink-black robe and emerged from within with a beaming smile.

And in the faint light,

XiXi thought she caught a glimpse of the Sect Master, who slowly put on a dazzling, silver-like mask.

The wind and snow moaned in the veiled night.

Huang Tuo glanced at the dark sky, stood up from the pedestal, and slowly descended to board the Buddha Chariot prepared earlier by Wu Gang.

Lazily reclining,

he said, “Let’s go back. How can one tolerate three days of humiliation without reacting?”

“They say that the disciples of Qianyuan Divine Sect are full of pride. Compared to us at Xiao Lingyin Temple, they have a long way to go.”

Huang Tuo chuckled.

The onlookers around the pedestal—outsider disciples of Qianyuan Divine Sect, Daocheng cultivators, and townsfolk—were all burning with anger, yet utterly powerless to retort against Huang Tuo’s insults.

Ding ling ling,

the Buddha bells around the Buddha Chariot began to emit a soft, rhythmic sound.

Huang Tuo squinted, straightening his posture from a reclined position.

Then he saw,

in the distance,

a luxurious carriage barreled through the wind and snow, drawn by a majestic Jiao Blood Steed.

It stopped in front of the Buddha Chariot, about ten zhang away.

In the raging wind and snow, they were separated by a distance of ten zhang.