Chapter 349: A Cascade of Fate in the Winter Storm

Snow drifted down, swirling softly from the heavy leaden sky.

An unyielding chill still clung to the air.

Inside the Qianyuan Courtyard.

A stillness reigned as after their initial bursts of laughter, the children turned to their training.

Lü Taibai’s overwhelming presence, combined with Elder Li and XiXi’s unmatched display, crushed the heroes of the Six Great Divine Sects and the Dragon Child Register prodigies.

Thus, the Six Great Divine Sects’ hopes of halting the children of the Qianyuan Divine Sect and Daocheng were dashed.

After the high-stakes bet, many children from the Qianyuan Divine Sect stepped forward to duel at the pre-banquet, entering the Xi Wangmu Divine Temple to fight for a place at the feast.

Sure enough, without the blockade from the Six Great Divine Sects, the opponents matched were no longer the top prodigies from the Dragon Child Register.

The children of the Qianyuan Divine Sect won their duels, savoring the taste of the Paotao.

Smiles blossomed on their faces, mixed with heightened excitement and anticipation.

Although most knew they were not the foremost, aware that there were prodigies with greater talent,

greater diligence, and mightier powers.

Their fierce competitive spirit drove them, caring little about the final outcome as long as they gave their all in battle.

However, if external manipulations robbed them of their chance, their spirits would falter, their balance shattered.

Lü Taibai’s furious table-flip and his one-man sword sweep killing his way to Xiao Lingyin Temple was meant to restore fairness and provide the children with a just chance.

As the sect leader of the Qianyuan Divine Sect, Lü Taibai was the children’s final safeguard and pillar of hope; if he couldn’t secure even basic fairness,

then what was the point of his leadership?

Inside the room.

Li Che, sporting his Divine Monkey Mask, slipped out.

Lü Taibai sat in a chair while candlelight danced across the room in undulating shadows.

His silvery hair cascaded softly over his shoulders, while his eyes kindled with a determined gleam.

“Huang Mei—”

Lü Taibai’s brows furrowed tightly.

Admittedly—

this was indeed the best chance to deal with Huang Mei!

Yet Lü Taibai couldn’t shake the feeling that matters in the Underworld had grown a bit insane.

Huang Mei wasn’t some ordinary martial saint; he was the head of a divine sect!

His cultivation was extraordinarily high—scaling the peaks of martial arts, opening the Heavenly Gate himself to achieve monumental breakthroughs!

Stationed at the Heavenly Gate and ranking fifth meant that Huang Mei Great Master stood as the fifth peak among the top ten of martial arts greatness.

Not to mention, in the Divine Register, Huang Mei even surpassed Lü Taibai.

Lü Taibai was ranked fifth while Huang Mei was fourth!

Though just one spot ahead, the difference was significant!

Both were top-tier, almost untouchable figures.

A starving camel is still larger than a horse; trying to kill Huang Mei in his injured state wasn’t something that could be casually done with a few words.

“It’s utterly mad—simply unbridled!”

Lü Taibai leaned back and shook his head, tilting his head as his silver hair cascaded behind him like finely honed blades.

“To slay a top-tier dual-register opponent—only the Underworld could dream up such madness.”

Lü Taibai closed his eyes and shook his head slightly.

Even he felt this plan was outrageously reckless.

He couldn’t fathom what method could possibly kill Huang Mei.

Yet Lü Taibai had to admit, this was a once-in-a-lifetime chance to strike down Huang Mei.

Huang Mei’s Three-Life Body had lost two incarnations; now his condition and aura were at their nadir.

In fact, if the Heavenly Gate and the Divine Register were re-evaluated, Huang Mei’s ranking would undoubtedly drop.

But that wasn’t all that mattered—

what mattered was that with two lives severed, only one remained, and Huang Mei seemed to be suffering from the corrosive Yulian Fire!

Not only did Li Che notice this, but Lü Taibai was also undoubtedly aware.

However, Lü Taibai couldn’t determine if the Yulian Fire’s effect on Huang Mei was truly that significant.

Closing his eyes, Lü Taibai’s silver locks, hanging like sword-tips, clattered softly as if echoing a crisp metallic chime.

In his mind, he recalled Li Che’s final words…

“Perhaps, maybe—”

“this is the one chance to kill Huang Mei!”

Lü Taibai suddenly opened his eyes wide.

At that moment—

the room filled with clashing silver sword qi, resounding like a torrent of a mighty river.

“Yes…”

“The chance of a lifetime!”

“Huang Mei has already threatened my disciples—what am I waiting for? Hesitation is not an option!”

“Who am I?”

“I am Lü Taibai!”

“Do you really need to sugarcoat things?”

“I am—”

“Taibai, the Star of Death!”

A brilliant smile tugged at Lü Taibai’s lips, echoing the carefree grin of his Divine Monkey Mask.

Suddenly,

all traces of murderous sword qi vanished from the room.

He raised his hand and massaged his brows.

Moments earlier, using sword qi he had sealed the Tao Calamity Sword’s inscription on his brows————

only to find it beginning to crack anew.

“That brat—couldn’t he have come earlier? I had it sealed, and now it’s coming undone.”

Lü Taibai muttered under his breath.

A burst of laughter then filled the space.

In the Second City, at the Ji Family Residence.

The lavish residence dominated every inch in the Second City, towering over numerous high-ranking officials like a colossal beast at the heart of Divine Capital.

The eastern sky was just beginning to lighten, a thin glow piercing the heavy clouds and slowly bathing the world below.

Ji Mo Li extended his long, simian arms, having a trusted woman help him don his armor.

Each piece of his black armor was heavy, yet Consort Ji of the Ji Family was no weakling; as a scion of an ancient family, her divine aptitude was notable.

Though her early hardships had delayed her training, her cultivation had reached the Divine Practitioner level with the nascent state of her embryo breath.

Lifting the armor was no small feat.

Then, with a sudden flourish, his black cloak billowed like a bolt of dark lightning, shredding the air and stirring a chaotic vortex.

“Remember my words—if you can persuade His Majesty to issue an edict promising the Qianyuan Divine Sect’s young leader Li Nuǎnxi in marriage to the Third Prince, then I will honor my promise.”

…?

“Supporting the Third Prince’s bid for the Crown Prince isn’t a difficult task.”

Ji Mo Li’s armored steps resonated with the explosive power of his body as he advanced.

He secured his armor and glanced back at the slender figure standing in the courtyard, his tone grave.

The woman slowly raised her head, ruffling the slightly disarrayed strands of her dark hair as determination returned to her eyes.

“Are you truly willing to support the Third Prince?”

“Why wouldn’t I?” Ji Mo Li replied with a faint smile.

Consort Ji no longer carried the rigid aura she once held before facing Lu Chi and the members of the Qianyuan Divine Sect; in her current fragile state, she evoked both pity and concern.

Her eyes shimmered as though with tears of glittering crystal.

“If you support the Third Prince—

“I will personally try to convince His Majesty!”

Ji Mo Li paused and, turning away from Consort Ji, cast a dispassionate glance over his shoulder.

“I don’t merely wish to try—I demand an edict from His Majesty that betroths Li Nuǎnxi to the Third Prince by any means necessary!”

“Even if it means resorting to unscrupulous methods!”

Consort Ji trembled slightly; her pearly lips were bitten, breaking the skin and hinting at the taste of blood.

“Fine!”

With her single word,

Ji Mo Li departed the Ji Family Residence without a backward glance.

Left alone, Consort Ji watched his fading figure in the pre-dawn light, her strength seemingly drained.

Collapsed onto the ground, she panted heavily.

Her once flawless back was now soaked in cold sweat.

Even though she now occupied a lofty position and had regained her freedom—

the specter of her past dreams still loomed like a razor-sharp dagger, ready to plunge into her heart at any moment!

“Li Nuǎnxi,”

“Why?”

Consort Ji faltered.

That woman, whom she believed even Lu Chi was unworthy of, had the audacity for Ji Mo Li to speak of the Third Prince marrying her—

even if it meant sacrificing the future Crown Princess’s position?

She couldn’t understand…

but still…

she had no choice but to obey.

Li Che, wearing his Divine Monkey Mask, left Lü Taibai’s room.

He knew Lü Taibai’s heart had already been moved.

Though the sect leader seemed to have gathered his wits and sword intent, the bloodlust of a Hunter King still simmered within him.

Li Che’s invitation for Lü Taibai to act was also a safety net, a means to utterly eliminate Huang Mei.

Even though Li Che’s explosive use of Qimen Divine Seed now granted him immense power, Huang Mei was a top-tier peak—not like the temporary breakthroughs seen with Yue Huanglong—but a truly formidable force atop the dual registers.

Apart from those legendary figures like the Martial Saint and the Divine Calamity beings,

he was one of the top ten martial figures in Great Jing.

Against such a foe, Li Che exercised caution; relying solely on himself might not be enough to kill Huang Mei.

Tiptoeing, he shattered the thin layer of drifting snow.

Like a shadow, he charged into the streets of Divine Capital’s Fourth City, where the accumulated snow had melted into a damp, treacherous surface.

Li Che adjusted his bamboo hat; his execution of the Sleeping Dragon Elephant was so perfected that he seemed to vanish into the void between heaven and earth.

Even the Divine Capital’s Xuanwei patrolling the expansive streets of the Fourth City—more grand than those of Daocheng—could not track his movements.

In Divine Capital’s Nine Districts, legions of soldiers were stationed.

In the Lower and Middle Three Districts, order was maintained by Xuanwei forces divided into the Azure Dragon, White Tiger,

Black Tortoise, and Vermilion Bird units.

The commanders of these four units were personally selected by the Great Jing Emperor, answering only to him.

Meanwhile, the Upper Three Districts were guarded by the Golden Scale Imperial Guards, also under the direct command of the Great Jing Emperor. Each guard was a master among masters, forming one of the mightiest forces in Divine Capital.

But Li Che’s cultivation was no longer that of a timid, cautious wood-carver from Feilei City.

As he strolled through the swirling snow, he seemed detached from the world.

Unless a Divine Nucleus Great God unleashed a sprawling heavenly soul to detect him, Li Che’s movements remained hidden.

While he ambled, his pace was actually swift.

He traversed the entire Long Street, releasing his Cosmic Chessboard as he searched for something.

When the sky finally brightened,

Li Che halted his steps and returned to the entrance of Qianyuan Courtyard, letting out a soft sigh.

“Not found…”

he murmured.

He was searching for the restaurant, for the Boss and Big Black Dog.

The Boss and Big Black Dog had escorted XiXi from Daocheng to Divine Capital, even butchering an aged Dragon God from the Dragon God Clan along the way!

Yet once in Divine Capital, there was no word of the restaurant Boss or Big Black Dog.

Man, a man, a dog, and a restaurant had seemingly evaporated into thin air.

Where had they gone?

Where could they be?

Li Che wasn’t sure; today’s search was driven by hope, though he had no intentions of seeking allies.

Even though Big Black Dog was tremendously powerful and the restaurant Boss was equally unpredictable,

Big Black Dog couldn’t always go full throttle—each move would attract the attention of formidable foes.

But if he could track down the restaurant, enjoy a dish cooked by the Boss, and ruffle Big Black Dog’s head, it would give him a deep sense of security.

“I have to rely on myself…”

Li Che exhaled, his breath rising like steam in the chilly spring air.

Suddenly,

Li Che’s eyes grew intent.

The Feilei Chess Piece began trembling incessantly.

Li Che’s spirit stirred, and he sank into the Cosmic Chessboard…

Where heaven and earth intertwined, forming a figure suspended above the board.

One by one, Unsullied Heart Chess Pieces levitated, weaving an image in the sky above the board.

Li Che’s eyebrows arched slightly.

Because the vision displayed was the feedback from his Feilei Chess Piece secretly left with Consort Ji.

Li Che regarded it with a slightly odd look, his brows lifted in intrigue.

It showed Consort Ji together with Ji Mo Li…

but that wasn’t important.

What mattered was what Ji Mo Li had ordered Consort Ji to do!

“Have the Great Jing Emperor issue an edict—a marriage alliance!”

Li Che’s eyes suddenly narrowed!

What exactly was Ji Mo Li up to?!

Few details were known about the Third Prince; Li Che only knew that the young man, at twenty, was extraordinarily talented and powerfully cultivated, far surpassing Lu Chi.

He had secured many consorts, contending fiercely with the First and Second Princes for the Crown Prince title.

Once designated as the heir, his position would be elevated dramatically!

The Great Jing Emperor sired many sons—nine in all—but only four were princes.

The First Prince, now well past two cycles of the heavenly calendar, possessed exceptional royal blood and fielded extraordinary talent, enduring the trials of time.

Meanwhile, the Second and Third Princes were much younger; Lu Chi was even younger in comparison.

Li Che’s eyes turned icy, a killing intent simmering like molten incense.

For the imperial clan, age was never an issue.

The age gap between the Great Jing Emperor and Consort Ji spanned centuries.

“If the Great Jing Emperor were to issue an edict—”

“its impact would be enormous!”

“Although Great Jing’s grip has weakened somewhat due to the Bizarre Temple, delegating major suppression duties to the Divine Sect, it remains a golden age!”

“If His Majesty acts, even a great sect wouldn’t dare defy him.”

Li Che stood still as thin flakes of snow fell, melting into icy droplets that soaked him.

“What a character Ji Mo Li is…”

Li Che exhaled slowly.

Once again, he braved the storm and returned to his own quarters.

All the snow and water evaporated from him as his blood coursed anew.

He removed the Divine Monkey Mask from his face.

Then he unveiled his newly carved, adorably fierce Ogre Mask, placing it over his features.

His fingers brushed his eyes, and in that instant his gaze turned ferocious with murderous intent!

“If you resort to any means to persuade the Emperor to issue an edict—

“but if you fail, no edict will ever come!”

Regardless of what Consort Ji tries to do to sway the Emperor,

if Li Che preempts Consort Ji and keeps her from even meeting the Emperor—

then any edict would be rendered meaningless!

Surely, Ji Mo Li couldn’t possibly go and convince the Emperor himself, right?

Moreover—

judging by the scheming between Ji Mo Li and Consort Ji, it was uncertain whether the Third Prince even had pure imperial blood.

Ji Mo Li was ambitiously scheming—was he planning a palace intrigue akin to swapping a royal son?

Yet the Third Prince was unlikely to lack imperial blood.

After all, the Great Jing Emperor was himself a man of formidable cultivation, both in martial and divine arts, bolstered by vast resources.

Even if his talent was slightly lacking, time and resources would have elevated him to a supreme level.

Reaching the Martial Saint realm meant being able to sense one’s own bloodline within the body—so,

the Third Prince remained the Third Prince; no foul play was afoot.

“Kill him, and the Emperor will no longer be swayed by the soft whispers of edicts.”

A faint, blood-red smoke drifted from his eyes.

With a snap of his fingers,

the Painted Immortal scroll unfurled, and Painted Immortal Li Che stepped out from its midst.

Originally, Li Che had intended to use his Dominator Clone, whose abilities were formidable and had greatly bolstered his exploits in Mo City, for the upcoming battle against Huang Mei.

But in the end, he chose Painted Immortal Li Che.

A creak sounded as Painted Immortal Li Che pushed open a door.

The sky was now bright, with thin, defiant flurries leaving the final marks of winter on earth.

Outside Qianyuan Courtyard.

A modest yet dignified carriage rolled to a stop at the gate.

The carriage bore a huge character “Qin,” signaling that it belonged to the Imperial Watch.

In Divine Capital, there were three imposing pavilions that even high officials dared not tread upon.

All were located in Divine Capital Second City: the Qin Tianbao Building, the Temple Guardian Division’s Divine Building, and the National Teacher’s Lotus Pavilion.

Any force associated with these three would draw every eye in Divine Capital.

When the Imperial Watch carriage halted before Qianyuan Courtyard, many immediately deduced what was happening.

The recently celebrated Divine Condor Half-Saint Li Che was on his way to the Imperial Watch, likely to face the top-tier official assessment!

Sure enough,

the gates of Qianyuan Courtyard swung open.

Li Che, donned in dark ink robes, strode out with refreshing swagger.

From the carriage stepped Monitor Hong Shifo of the Imperial Watch Qianyuan Daocheng, coming to greet Li Che.

Originally a venerable family, the Hong family’s glory had faded after their old ancestor, once at the Divine Calamity stage, lost his soul under the devastation of the Destructive Wind,

forcing the once-glorious Hong family to retreat from Divine Capital to the Tongyou Dao, thus preserving their ancient legacy.

“Elder Li, please,”

Monitor Hong Shifo said with a smile, carrying his chessboard on his back.

“The Imperial Watch Headquarters’ Treasure Tower, deep within Divine Capital Second City, is heavily guarded—without proper documents or identity, few can enter.”

“Thus, I have come personally to escort Elder Li to the site.”

Monitor Hong Shifo smiled.

He was quite taken aback; he’d assumed the epic bet would last a while longer, yet

Li Che had demolished the top heroes of the Six Great Divine Sects and Ji Mo Li’s direct disciples in one day, achieving seven consecutive wins…

abruptly ending the legendary bet ahead of schedule.

This caught Monitor Hong Shifo off guard; he scrambled to adjust his plans and brought Li Che into the Imperial Watch in Divine Capital today.

The top-tier official assessment was expedited because of Li Che’s stunning performance.

In the Fourth City, among many strong presences, Li Che boarded the carriage, the wheels crushing puddles as it headed toward Second City.

And just when everyone thought Li Che and Monitor Hong Shifo were heading to Second City,

back at Qianyuan Courtyard,

inside the room,

Li Che’s jet-black, vigorous hair lashed like dark lightning, causing the air to boom with each strike as he shouted, “Consort Ji…”

A lone white chess piece slowly revealed a shadow within the palm of an Ogre,

and finally—

it was snatched up forcefully by his five fingers.

In Divine Capital Second City,

at the Ji Family Residence.

The sprawling Ji Family Residence covered an area so vast it resembled a small city, its influence woven like an intricate net throughout Divine Capital.

In the small courtyard,

the eaves of the dark roof shone clear, for the icicles had long melted away.

The drifting, almost transparent snow piled atop the tiles, resembling a delicate layer of icy sand.

As the carved wooden windows opened, the chill of early spring seeped in, causing the silk on the bed to flutter.

A maid was in the process of fetching a glowing red coal, adding fresh pieces to the boiling water, which bubbled vigorously, lending the room a touch of moisture.

Before the dressing mirror,

Consort Ji refused to have her personal maid arrange her rouge; she dressed herself meticulously, determined to look her absolute best.

For soon she would return to the First City to curry favor with the 300-year-older Emperor and arrange a marriage for the Third Prince.

This was Ji Mo Li’s order, and all she had to do was obey.

Failure was not an option—

her hand trembled as if a strand of hair had caught in the jade comb.

“I can’t do it—”

Consort Ji’s long lashes fluttered, and she closed her eyes in distress.

Then she opened them once more, determination returning as she murmured,

“As long as His Majesty issues an edict uniting Li Nuǎnxi with the Third Prince—

the Prince will support Tong’er’s bid for the Crown Prince position!”

Consort Ji knew all too well the formidable backing Ji Mo Li provided.

Of course—

provided Ji Mo Li didn’t stir up trouble in Jizhou.

With the Third Prince and Lu Li together,

even his youth would not hinder his chances!

Consort Ji’s breaths quickened; if the Third Prince became Crown Prince and inherited the Jing Emperor’s throne,

then she herself would become the Empress Dowager!

Perhaps then, the shadows cast by Ji Mo Li would finally lift!

“For Tong’er’s bid for the Crown Prince—what does the sacrifice of a little girl matter?”

“In fact, marrying Tong’er would be a tremendous honor!”

“For a lowly girl of humble origins to one day become a paragon of grace—what an opportunity!”

Consort Ji’s red lips curled in a low voice.

Though she did not understand why Ji Mo Li insisted on such a demand,

to her, if the Third Prince married Li Nuǎnxi—even if she was the Qianyuan Divine Sect’s young leader—it would be an ignoble match!

Otherwise, the future Empress for the Third Prince would likely be from the Gongshu Family, the Yue Family, or the most talented and illustrious woman from the Ji Family!

“A lowly girl—”

Consort Ji’s delicate nose crinkled as she snorted in displeasure.

With graceful hands clutching her jade comb, she rearranged her like-streaming ebony hair meticulously.

Before her silver gem mirror, her beautiful face was reflected; carefully, she applied rouge, and with a touch of powder, her beauty became breathtaking.

She delicately picked up a red paper, curling her pinky finger slightly,

bringing it to her lips for a light kiss.

In an instant, her lips bloomed like vibrant red flowers, filling her visage with a passionate glow.

“Your Majesty, you look exquisite.”

A close maid, standing not far away, offered quiet praise.

They both knew that Consort Ji savored compliments at such moments.

In truth, Consort Ji was striking; there was a beauty imbued with both tragic resilience and irresistible allure, enhanced by her maturity after bearing children,

making her even more captivating.

It was her beauty that had earned her a place in the Jing Emperor’s harem.

Even though the Jing Emperor had taken a new lover, she still held her position in the inner court.

“Yes, truly beautiful.”

“Such splendid beauty.”

A deep and husky male voice echoed suddenly, startling the room like thunder.

The smile that had played on Consort Ji’s lips froze in an instant.

The maids in the room also stood dumbfounded,

unsure where this coarse voice had come from.

Had the Prince not already left?!

Or did he still—

Huh?!

Consort Ji’s eyes snapped shut as her long lashes trembled violently.

Through the silver gem mirror, she clearly saw a smiling Cute Cow Mask suddenly appear behind her!

The Cute Cow Mask wore a smile,

but that very smile sent chills down her spine.

“Who are you?!”

“Who are you?!” she demanded, panic surging.

Consort Ji felt as if her heart was clutched by a monstrous hand.

She whipped her head around

and saw a mass of contorted flesh and blood swelling grotesquely; a dark garment bulged instantly, like a terrifying tower looming over her, instilling the dread of a nightmare!

In that moment—

she was reminded of the childhood nightmares that once haunted her!

That man—

once so imposing as a mountain looming before her eyes.

But she quickly realized this figure was not that man—it was not Ji Mo Li!

Thump, thump, thump—she tried to summon the divine energy within her brow’s Mud Pellet,

but it simply wouldn’t ignite!

Divine Nucleus!

Martial Saint!

Both her blood and divine energy were utterly suppressed!

“Assassin—”

—!!!

Consort Ji let out a piercing, horrified scream!

Desperate to alert the Ji Family’s Martial Saint and Divine Nucleus experts,

she tried to scream out—but her voice was trapped, as if the entire room had been sealed off in another realm.

In terror, Consort Ji beheld above on the ceiling a chessboard crisscrossed with lines, slowly rotating.

Two of her maidservants, cultivators of formidable Three-Flower Master level, rushed to her aid the moment they spotted the Ogre, unleashing their qi in a bid to save her.

However, the grotesque figure with the Cute Cow Mask merely raised a hand.

With a sudden splay of five fingers,

the qi within the two maids exploded like a volley of arrows, reducing them to shredded flesh as the reek of blood filled the room.

In front of Li Che—now near his Pure Martial Arts body—these two masters, unable even to regulate their qi and blood, were utterly insignificant.

Consort Ji raised her hand toward her impeccably made-up brow,

attempting desperately to summon her divine power.

But in the next moment,

a huge hand, as broad as a fan, suddenly smothered her head.

Consort Ji was overwhelmed with terror.

She couldn’t fathom why she had attracted such a killer,

nor why in the Ji Family Residence such a horrific assassin had appeared!

“W-why—”

Her exquisite features blurred under the pressure; in her panicked state, her once intimidating beauty was laid bare.

Her red lips pressed together in a desperate plea,

hoping that her allure might invoke a shred of mercy and provide even a sliver of life.

But she was met with the furious, tidal wrath emanating from behind the Ogre Mask.

Gazing upon her tragic beauty was as if watching an abusive matron force poison upon an innocent child.

This man’s eyes held no place for womanly appeal!

No explanations were offered.

Death required no explanation!

With a swift motion of his outstretched fingers,

Consort Ji’s beautiful head was blasted apart.

With a snap of his fingers,

a surge of primal energy leapt forth like an electric arc.

Consort Ji’s flesh was instantly torn to shreds, dissolving into a blood mist.

Amid the swirling, acrid, and stinging blood haze,

the towering, muscle-bound figure of the Ogre, with veins like snarling dragons, roared mightily.

His eyes gleamed with ruthless intent.

Who said that in Divine Capital one wouldn’t dare kill?

The slaughter began.

“The first one————.”