Chapter 367: Peach Festival Stakes

Spring rain pattered softly.

As warm spring began to show its tail, the rain grew even heavier—soaked to the point of appearing lacquered.

The steady drips on the black tiles echoed like the ticking of a clock.

Divine Capital Fourth City.

Today marked the grand opening of Divine Capital’s most extravagant Peach Festival, and Long Street was buzzing. Cultivators from far and wide, including those who rarely set foot in the city, flocked here to catch a glimpse of the elite.

But no one expected such an extraordinary performance.

A cold, overbearing voice boomed like a shockwave through Long Street, its full tone overwhelming all within earshot.

In an instant, the noise of the street was completely stilled.

Coupled with a surge of Martial Saint Qi and a violent Celestial Resonance—like a mountain being split in two—it pressed down on their chests, leaving a suffocating, dull pain.

Long Street fell silent.

Curious, puzzled eyes all turned to look.

Witch God Mountain?

Wasn’t that the notorious power of the Da Li Wangting outside the Great Realm?

No martial cultivator in Divine Capital was foolish; everyone knew well the reputation of Witch God Mountain.

Removing the hood of his black robe revealed a burly figure with wildly flying golden hair, resembling a fierce wolf of the grasslands, exuding raw brutality.

His face, marked by totemic designs, exuded a sinister vibe.

Goldmane!

Nie Yang gripped his sword tightly, eyes narrowed as he panted hard. His sword might handle a Three-Flower Grandmaster, but against a Martial Saint it was clearly outmatched.

Moreover, this Goldmane was clearly no ordinary Martial Saint.

Suddenly, a gentle surge of divine energy emerged from inside a carriage, as if a pair of eyes were slowly opening—entirely blocking Goldmane’s Celestial Resonance.

Inside the carriage.

Jin Taisui looked pale as he sat behind XiXi, his eyes vacant.

“It’s—it’s me, Brother… Goldmane—”

Jin Taisui’s deep voice trailed off.

Li Che leaned casually against the carriage side, a composed smile on his face, utterly unfazed.

Beside him, Zhang Ya looked downright irritated.

“How can you barge in like that? Such a haughty tone—and blocking our carriage in broad daylight! You really are overbearing!”

In Divine Capital, Zhang Ya rarely encountered such arrogance.

Apart from that first encounter with Consort Ji—who once came with Lu Chi, stubbornly seeking a marriage—no one was ever so domineering, not even Consort Ji.

Yet here was Goldmane, a man from Da Li Witch God Mountain, daring to be so cocky in Divine Capital!

XiXi’s eyes widened as her plump cheeks trembled; she yanked open the carriage curtain and stepped out immediately.

Jin Taisui was now her subordinate—her little brother. As the big sister, how could she let him suffer?

XiXi was furious!

The carriage curtain flew open amid a gust as XiXi glared fiercely; her two high braids, tied with red ribbons, bobbed with vitality.

Standing on the carriage step with hands on her hips, she glared at the arrogant Goldmane who blocked her path.

“Jin Taisui is my little brother! Who are you to bark like that, you gold-haired dog?”

Though only six, XiXi’s temper flared—fearless except with her father, mother, or the Master of the Demon Lair. She wouldn’t yield an inch!

Especially now that this gold-haired dog was trying to snatch her little brother. Big sister XiXi could not abide it!

Any concession would completely shatter her image as the elder.

How was she then to mingle among the other children?

From a distance, every carriage came to a halt as numerous eyes peered out.

Lü Taibai pulled back the curtain. Meeting Zhao Fangzhou from his carriage, he said, “Sect Master, this Goldmane from Witch God Mountain was dispatched to exchange with the Great Realm. His strength is formidable—I’ve heard he’s traversed the Qi Sea and reached mountain peaks.”

With his silver hair cascading, Lü Taibai smiled lightly, “He’s even unlocked Opening the Heavenly Gate; with the blood of the Great Witch God, his talent is exceptional.”

“Then shall we—”

“No need. Whoever dares provoke XiXi usually suffers—someone who crossed her before has already faced multiple reckonings.”

Behind XiXi stood Li Che, and behind Li Che loomed the Underworld.

Even Consort Ji, despite her esteemed status in one of the ancient clans’ mansions, wasn’t spared as the Underworld brazenly intruded to reap souls.

This only demonstrated the Underworld’s might.

Hearing Lü Taibai’s words, Zhao Fangzhou relaxed a little.

Meanwhile, the onlookers grew steadily more numerous.

Goldmane’s expression darkened as he cast a cold glance at the little girl emerging from the carriage.

That yellow-haired little girl, barely grown, dares talk to him like that?

She even called him a gold-haired dog?

He was Goldmane, after all!

The wolf totem painted on his face made it clear—it was a wolf, not a dog!

“Little girl, you may be small, but your mouth is enormous—”

Goldmane didn’t waste his breath quarrelling with a six-year-old; defeating her wouldn’t be honorable, and if she cried, he’d be condemned by all.

So he shifted his attention back inside the carriage.

He sensed a Divine Transformation cultivator sitting inside, whose presence blocked his Celestial Resonance. The interference was slight, merely an early clash; the divine cultivation within wasn’t particularly formidable.

It appeared to be only at the initial Divine Transformation stage.

It must be that much-heralded Divine Condor Half-Saint Li Che.

Goldmane had just come from Xiling Road—barely arrived in Divine Capital—yet word had already reached him of Li Che, the newly received guest by the Imperial Watch, known as the Divine Condor Half-Saint.

Li Che’s status was indeed prestigious, but what did that have to do with Goldmane?

Goldmane had no need to seek the Divine Condor of Li Che.

“A bet is a bet. Little Jin must face me! If he loses, he yields—and thus becomes my subordinate!”

XiXi, hands firmly on her hips and her small belly puffed out, glared defiantly.

Jin Taisui slowly emerged from the carriage. He had long washed away his painted totem, yet his eyes betrayed a hint of fear as they met Goldmane’s gaze.

“Brother,” he mumbled softly.

Goldmane’s cold, disdainful tone cut through the air, “You’re a disgrace—get down, tie yourself up, and after the Peach Festival I’ll take you back to Witch God Mountain to face the Great Witch God.”

Without a trace of brotherly warmth, his words carried only contempt.

In his eyes, Jin Taisui’s behavior had utterly shamed Witch God Mountain—he deserved nothing less than death.

Yet Jin Taisui simply shook his head.

“Brother, a bet is a bet. I’ll serve my term, and when the time comes, I’ll return to Witch God Mountain to pay my respects to the Great Witch God…”

Jin Taisui clasped his fists in a traditional gesture, a courtesy he had learned alongside Li Che at Qianyuan Divine Sect.

Goldmane looked at Jin Taisui’s scholarly demeanor with increasing disgust.

“Jin Taisui, remember—you’re from Da Li Witch God Mountain, with its proud blood. Don’t act like you belong to the Great Realm. Over in Jiangnan, scholars aren’t worth a thing—they’re all venomous backstabbers!”

Goldmane’s eyes narrowed as his totem-adorned face turned icy and ruthless.

“Now, I’m giving you one last chance: come down, bind your hands and feet, and follow me!”

“Otherwise, you’ll never set foot in Witch God Mountain again.”

Goldmane declared in a low, menacing voice.

With a powerful swing of her braids, XiXi dashed forward, sparks flying as two whirling disks of the Yulian Fenghuo Jingguang Wheel spun into action, her fighting spirit blazing as she glared.

“Little Jin, don’t worry—Big Sister XiXi has got your back!”

But—

The carriage curtain was swiftly pulled aside.

Just as XiXi was about to leap, Li Che caught her hand and pulled her back onto the carriage step.

“Kids know a bet means you must honor it. How can someone your age not understand?” Li Che said with a gentle smile.

The Ink Robe fluttered as his dark hair swayed in the breeze.

Li Che chuckled softly.

In that moment, Goldmane suddenly felt a tremendous surge of Heaven and Earth Soul, as if a giant hand were crushing his heart.

His eyes narrowed like a predatory wolf eyeing its prey.

“Matters among men must be settled like men,” Li Che smirked.

Goldmane’s eyes gleamed as he retorted, “So, how does Li Bansheng plan to settle this?”

“After all, Jin Taisui bears the blood of the Great Witch God. To be a servant is a humiliation for Witch God Mountain. Today, Li Bansheng will give Witch God Mountain some face by letting me take Jin Taisui back; Goldmane owes Li Bansheng a favor. How about it?”

Li Che shook his head, “Face is earned, not given. How about this: Jin Taisui lost a bet with my daughter—swore to be a servant—so that’s settled…”

“If you want to have him taken, then let’s bet—since Jin Taisui lost to my daughter, he’s yours to claim!”

Goldmane folded his arms and raised an eyebrow, “And what’s the wager?”

“You’re here as one of the heroes at the Peach Festival, aren’t you?”

Goldmane laughed, “I attended the last one but just missed the top spot. This time, I’m here for the championship—to pluck the Nine-Thousand-Year Peach and present it to the Great Witch God for a treat.”

Li Che ruffled XiXi’s hair, “Then our wager is this: whoever plucks the Nine-Thousand-Year Peach loses—Jin Taisui goes with you.”

“But if I pluck it first, then you, like Jin Taisui, will be my servant for my daughter.”

With those words, Long Street fell utterly silent.

The spring rain pattered on the black tiles with a crisp rhythm.

Soft exhalations filled the silence, one after another.

In that moment, Long Street in Fourth City was filled not only with martial cultivators but also with heroes from various Divine Sects, all seated in their elegant carriages.

News of the conflict between Witch God Mountain’s Goldmane and Li Che had spread, and every ear strained to listen.

Who would have thought Li Che would propose such a grand wager!

Lü Taibai, his silver hair fluttering, leaned against a window and couldn’t help but chuckle, “What a confident kid.”

Zhao Fangzhou’s expression turned peculiar, “Elder Li’s tone sure has grown bold… though only the champion at the Peach Festival can hope to snag the Nine-Thousand-Year Peach.”

“The main banquet and the pre-banquet at the Peach Festival are very different affairs.”

Lü Taibai burst into laughter, “Don’t worry, Elder Li wouldn’t be the kind to suffer losses, would he?”

And amidst the spring breeze and rain…

Goldmane’s golden hair swayed wildly in the wind as his brows furrowed in discontent.

This wager was outrageously audacious!

The newly arrived Divine Condor Half-Saint Li Che from the Imperial Watch was shockingly bold!

Above all—

Goldmane couldn’t help but twitch his mouth,

“You really do not consider other heroes as equals, do you? Constantly talking about who plucks the peach—do you think the rest are mere pushovers?”

Not to mention those like Consort Ji’s offspring, or the top heroes from the True Martial Divine Sect and the Taoist Sect of Purple Mansion Divine Sect of the Great Realm…

All are not to be taken lightly; even Goldmane didn’t believe he could easily overcome them.

Especially the Purple Mansion Divine Sect—only three appear each Peach Festival, yet each is a true champion with unmatched strength.

“Li Bansheng—how can you be so cocky?” Goldmane asked.

“What if neither of us manages to pluck the Nine-Thousand-Year Peach?”

Li Che laughed, “Then consider it your win—Jin Taisui, you go with him, understood?”

Goldmane narrowed his eyes.

“Brilliant! You certainly are cocky!”

How could one with merely an initial Divine Transformation state be so confident?!

Goldmane fixed his gaze squarely on Li Che, whose confidence shone brightly despite having only just broken through his Divine Transformation in Divine Capital.

Even if he practiced in the cultivation chamber set up by the Grand Inspector of the Imperial Watch—envied by many—

what gave him such unwavering confidence?

After all, Li Che was even younger than Goldmane.

Goldmane, at forty-nine, was fighting against the final age limit to participate in this Peach Festival.

This would be his last Peach Festival. If he failed to pluck a peach for the Great Witch God, he might never get another chance.

Unless, one day, he overcomes the Great Divine Capital and seizes the Western Queen Mother’s Bizarre Temple of the Three Pure realms…

“Fine!”

A fierce brilliance blazed from Goldmane’s eyes.

His body, covered in golden hair, burned like a wildfire.

“I bet with you!”

Goldmane lifted his chin, exuding unbridled confidence and defiance.

He glared at Jin Taisui, who stood quietly behind XiXi, his eyes filled with scorn for the pitiful wretch.

It was clear: he would drag Jin Taisui back to Witch God Mountain to await the Great Witch God’s judgment!

Goldmane pulled his hood back over his head; his black robe’s sleeves trembled as they shattered the distinct raindrops into a burst of white mist, and he strode off on foot toward Divine Capital Second City.

“Father, you must win!”

XiXi punched her small fist, “You have to teach that gold-haired dog a lesson for me!”

Li Che smiled gently and led XiXi back into the carriage.

Nie Yang continued driving, crushing puddles under the wheels as the carriage headed toward Divine Capital Second City.

And as the spectacle drew to a close,

word of the wager between Imperial Watch’s special guest Li Che and Witch God Mountain’s Goldmane spread throughout Divine Capital.

The Peach Festival had just gained even more buzz.

Divine Capital’s roads were smooth and the carriages provided by the Imperial Watch were luxuriously appointed.

Inside, the carriages were enveloped in deep silence.

Li Che closed his eyes to meditate, his mind drifting to Mo City as he considered the progress of Lv Xuan Sword Immortal Golden Pill cultivation—wondering if the breakthrough into Divine Transformation was near.

Meanwhile, Li Che kept a close watch on Huang Jianjiu’s progress in refining the Temple Spirit Dao Pearl.

Huang Jianjiu’s pace far exceeded Li Che’s estimates; in a short span, half his flesh had begun dissolving as the pearl devoured most of it.

The speed was astonishing—as if the pearl, savoring a hint of blood like a famished wolf after its first feast, had suddenly ramped up its consumption.

Blurred…

In a vague, fleeting moment, Li Che sensed a transformation in Huang Jianjiu—a subtle infusion of Divine Essence. The black aura around him was slowly turning golden, as if influenced by the Golden King Tower.

Huang Jianjiu now radiated a stronger ‘Divine Essence’, reminiscent of a Golden King upholding his tower.

“Is he shifting into the Temple Spirit?”

Li Che’s brows furrowed.

He then withdrew his focus from Mo City.

Soon the carriage reached Divine Capital Second City along the main road.

Although the Imperial Court had opened all but the First City, the Second City remained off-limits to ordinary folk.

Divine Capital Xuanwei’s guardians—the Azure Dragon, Baihu, Black Tortoise, and Vermilion Bird—had all been deployed in force to secure the Second City.

Only those participating in the Peach Festival were allowed entry; others were confined to Third City.

As for the martial cultivators eager to catch a glimpse of the Eight-Cornered Imperial Watch Tower headquarters, Temple Spirit, and Lotus Pavilion, all their hopes were dashed, leaving them filled with regret.

Barred at the city gates, they could only gaze from afar.

On the vast, open Jade Plaza of Divine Capital Second City, orderly arrangements emerged seemingly overnight.

A carriage from Qianyuan Divine Sect arrived and, after inspection by Divine Capital’s Azure Dragon Xuanwei Guards, the members were allowed to proceed—though their carriage couldn’t enter, forcing them to disembark and walk.

Hand in hand with XiXi and with Zhang Ya’s arm around him, Li Che led his family onto the center of Jade Plaza, chatting and laughing amid envious glances from onlookers.

A massive tent had been erected in Jade Plaza to shield them from the spring rain, its interior lit by a sea of candles that bathed the space in gentle light.

Lü Taibai, clad in white with his silver hair flowing, waited patiently for Li Che’s family.

Then, together, they strolled and chatted.

Outside Third City, martial cultivators watched eagerly with bright, expectant eyes.

“This is the Sect Master of Qianyuan Divine Sect, Master Lü Taibai! Ranking seventh at the Heavenly Gate and fifth in the Divine Register! A presence that’s utterly formidable!”

“See that fellow? That brilliant Divine Weapon belongs to Ning Caishen, the Sect Master of Dragon Abyss Path of the Seven Treasure Divine Sect!”

“And that one, exuding the enticing scent of Divine Elixir—Gu Changqing, the Sect Master of Tian Dan Divine Sect!”

“And that high monk over there—is that Huang Mei Great Master of Xiao Lingyin Temple? And the Divine Condor Hand—regrettably, Xiao Lingyin Temple was razed by the Underworld; now, only Huang Mei Great Master attends the Peach Festival alone.”

The onlookers gushed like devoted fans of Li Che’s former life.

For these figures known only from the Heavenly Gate and Divine Register, every cultivator was thrilled at the prospect of witnessing them in person.

Though the major Divine Sects had strained ties with the Great Jing Court, since they honored the Peach Festival by attending, the Court naturally arranged proper seating.

A respectful attendant from Xiao Diao Si led the Qianyuan Divine Sect guests to their seats.

“Li Che, you truly know how to pull off an empty-handed victory—you lose, then you have to return Jin Taisui to Goldmane. And if Goldmane loses, he becomes your servant!”

“I must say, this Goldmane is a bit reckless—tying himself in knots over Jin Taisui. No wonder they’re comrades.”

“He might soon become partners in hardship.”

“But to be your servant, Li Che, might not be such a misfortune; perhaps it’s his destiny.”

Lü Taibai and Li Che sat on sandalwood chairs, deep in conversation.

At Lü Taibai’s words, a slight embarrassed smile appeared on Li Che’s face.

Lü Taibai even seemed more confident than Li Che himself.

Then, Lü Taibai tapped his finger on the table, signaling Li Che to look in one direction.

“That, right over there, is the Sect Master of Taoist Sect of Purple Mansion Divine Sect, Zhang Wuji, along with the three heroes participating in this Peach Festival from Purple Mansion Divine Sect—each exuding an aura strong enough to suggest they’ve reached the Four Divine Transformation state.”

Li Che’s eyes narrowed as he followed the indicated direction.

Purple Mansion Divine Sect—known as the Great Realm’s top Divine Sect—piqued his curiosity. In the distance, he spotted several figures in daoist robes; the leader, clad in striking purple and holding a dust whip, sat poised like a meditating monk.

The other three, looking like young Taoist novices, met his gaze; their eyes locked in a spark of electric tension.

A powerful surge of divine energy emanated as if towering Temple Spirits were silently watching.

Li Che’s eyes shimmered briefly before he looked away.

“This Purple Mansion Divine Sect… is rather intriguing.”

Lü Taibai sipped the tea in front of him and remarked coolly, “That Purple Mansion Divine Sect truly lives up to its reputation as the Great Realm’s number one Divine Sect.”

“They refine their inner vision into a ‘Purple Mansion’, inviting the Temple Spirit to reside within. Each cultivator advances rapidly using that power, nearly matching the invincibility of the Temple Spirit itself.”

“Fighting them is like battling a Temple Spirit.”

Lü Taibai continued, “Their Purple Mansion Divine Art is akin to having a personal shrine for the Temple Spirit—a hallmark of Taoist Sect cultivation.”

Li Che listened, clearly intrigued.

But his gaze was short-lived as he scanned the entire hall.

Ji Mo Li had also arrived—dressed in dark armor with his four sons trailing behind, whether by blood or adopted, all huddled around him.

In addition, Li Che noticed Lu Chi seated beside an elderly man with strands of black and white hair. The old man, clad in simple attire, sat prominently at the front—a sign of his extraordinary status.

“This man is the National Teacher, Xie Yunshen—back when the Grand Canal was active, he even dispatched Gu Changqing’s Divine Elixir duplicate to stir up trouble—”

“He may not be highly cultivated, but his cunning is extraordinary. When we first joined the Divine Sect and the seven major sects united against us, he surely was the one guiding the schemes.”

Lu Chi’s tone grew suddenly serious.

“But whether he truly lacks cultivation—no one can be sure. This sly old fox may appear feeble, but don’t be fooled into thinking he’s without power.”

Li Che turned his gaze, noting Lu Chi’s unease.

Lu Chi avoided meeting his eyes, while National Teacher Xie Yunshen gave Li Che a gentle, knowing nod from his seat among the commoners.

Li Che’s face betrayed no emotion.

He recalled that he had dispatched Gu Changqing to try to take XiXi—

That matter—since it was done—would be remembered well.

To try to seize his daughter XiXi was to cut into his very pride; Li Che would not be merciful.

After being twice hoodwinked—even though he had defused both schemes—this loss would not be taken lightly.

He cast a cold glance at National Teacher Xie Yunshen.

Li Che turned his gaze away, silently etching the incident into the Underworld’s Life and Death Book.

National Teacher Xie Yunshen, seated in a prime position on a master’s chair, slowly withdrew his smile as his gaze receded.

“What a formidable Li Bansheng—”

Xie Yunshen’s eyes darkened with gravity.

This was his first face-to-face meeting with Li Che.

After studying Li Che’s records for long in Lotus Pavilion, it was his first time witnessing a man who rose from a mud town to sit in the Peach Festival of Divine Capital Second City.

He wondered what extraordinary quality enabled a mud-born man to soar like a great roc.

Xie Yunshen was eager to find out.

And today, he had his answer.

“This Li Bansheng… such fierce killing intent.”

Xie Yunshen murmured softly.

“Did he really dare to threaten my daughter?”

That matter—since it was done—would not be forgotten by Li Che.

Taking his daughter XiXi was tantamount to provoking his red line; Li Che’s expression grew cold.

After two deceptions—even though Li Che had managed to defuse them—this loss would not be taken lightly.

He shot a cold glance at National Teacher Xie Yunshen.

Li Che’s gaze turned impassive as he looked away.

Deep within, he inscribed the incident in the Underworld’s Life and Death Book.

National Teacher Xie Yunshen, occupying his prime seat, turned his head as his smile faded.

“What a formidable Li Bansheng—”

Xie Yunshen’s eyes grew even graver.

This was the first time he truly met Li Che face-to-face.

Xie Yunshen marveled that a mud-born man had, in just a few years, soared to such heights and sat in the Peach Festival of Divine Capital Second City.

He wondered what peculiar trait could support a rise akin to a great roc’s flight.

Xie Yunshen resolved he would remember this day well.

“This Li Bansheng—even turning on me—carries a fierce killing intent.”

Lu Chi smiled to himself.

He knew Li Che was not as ordinary as he seemed.

But who would have thought that National Teacher Xie Yunshen would, with a mere glance, decisively judge him?

Xie Yunshen shot a glance at Lu Chi, “Your daughter is extraordinarily gifted—yet you seem so unworthy!”

Lu Chi lowered his head in shame.

Xie Yunshen remarked coolly, “This Li Bansheng—even turning on me, he’s not to be trifled with.”

“Lü Taibai, your Tai Bai Killing Star pales in comparison to Li Bansheng’s,”

“A seat among Qianyuan, two great Killing Stars—”

“Qianyuan Divine Sect is truly on the rise… it’s almost headache-inducing.”

Xie Yunshen’s eyes narrowed slightly.

Under the gentle drizzle and spring breeze on Jade Plaza in Divine Capital Second City,

the deep toll of an ancient bell shattered the quiet spring rain into fragments.

Its reverberations rolled like mighty tides…

The entire hall fell silent as countless martial cultivators in Third City watched in awed silence.

The imposing, heavily built main gate of Divine Capital First City slowly creaked open; amid the groans, a luxurious golden carriage emerged.

A terrifying, inexorable force—seemingly imbued with the will of heaven and earth—accompanied the carriage’s gradual emergence.

It was as though the celestial river had broken its dam, unleashing a fearsome torrent.

Seated at the Qianyuan Divine Sect’s position, Li Che felt his Heaven and Earth Soul crushed by an overwhelming force, as if his heart were being seized.

High above in the vaulting sky and leaden clouds, countless thunderclaps erupted relentlessly.

Under the tent in Jade Plaza, officials, warriors, and nobles alike rose and saluted with clasped fists.

An elderly priest from Purple-Clad Diao Si, with arms folded and head held high, exuded the power of a raging river!

With a roar that tore through the heavens, he bellowed, “His Majesty is here!!!”

“The Empress is here!!!”