Chapter 398: A Storm of Rebellion and Ascension

High above, heavy, leaden clouds roiled, whipping up mighty gales that swept across Lingnan.

Faint electric dragons churned amid the darkened skies, brewing an imminent downpour.

A torrential spring rain was poised to descend at any moment.

When Lü Taibai returned to Daocheng with the disciples of Qianyuan Divine Sect, a wave of confusion swept over the city, soon escalating into an earthshaking uproar!

Wait—how did Master Taibai bring back the young disciples from Divine Capital?

Weren’t they headed to Divine Capital to attend the grand Peach Festival hosted by the Imperial Court?

So why the sudden return?

It simply shouldn’t be possible.

After all, details about the Divine Capital Peach Festival hadn’t been disclosed, and if the Qianyuan Divine Sect had returned from Divine Capital, they should have given notice.

They were caught completely off guard.

The sound of shattering air echoed as divine auras surged forth, and figures advanced swiftly against the raging wind and waves.

Inside the Qianyuan Divine Sect’s mountain gate, Elder Fang Hanshu—clad in scholarly robes and clutching his book—arrived soaring alongside Third Elder Ding Zi, Fifth Elder Lin Wenjun, Sixth Elder Huo Xiang, and Seventh Elder Liu Zijiue.

In addition, heads of major families from the Yun and Zhou clans, along with millennial lineage elders, had gathered upon hearing the news.

Lü Taibai made no effort to hide his aura—his silver hair aloft, sleeves tucked behind him—as his sword aura flared, carrying the disciples across the skies above Daocheng to Taibai Peak of Qianyuan Divine Sect.

He didn’t even greet the curious clan heads who had come by.

Elder Fang Hanshu, his scholarly robe billowing and voice soft yet grave, spoke as his eyes darkened with concern.

He fixed his gaze on Third Elder Ding Zi and said, “Third Elder, go to Shendiao Ridge and summon Gongshu Lingzhu and Elder Tang for urgent deliberations.”

Ding Zi immediately nodded; his entire being flashed like liquid light as he sped away.

After settling XiXi and the others, Lü Taibai presented ancestral incense to Ancestor Shen Diao in Taibai Hall.

Meanwhile, Elder Fang Hanshu waited calmly, unhurried.

Lü Taibai shot him a fleeting glance and chuckled, “Aren’t you curious why we returned so abruptly?”

Elder Fang replied with a gentle smile, “There must have been an emergency. By pace alone, even with the Grand Canal, this speed is impossible unless a top expert rushed at full throttle—”

Lü Taibai sighed, “I completely burned my bridges with the Imperial Court in Divine Capital.”

Outside on Grand Plaza, little XiXi, with her short, sprightly legs, raced in excited abandon, shouting as she ran.

“Elder Fang—no, Elder Tang! We’re rebelling!”

XiXi’s wide eyes sparkled with sheer excitement as she exclaimed.

Lü Taibai:

……

Elder Fang Hanshu glanced at the silent Lü Taibai and then at the defiant, glowing XiXi.

Raising an eyebrow, he said, “Explain it all.”

It appeared that this Peach Festival incident was far graver than anyone had imagined.

Lü Taibai cast a helpless look at XiXi.

“We’re not rebelling, girl. We are only preserving ourselves—after all, we’re just a sect. Rebellion won’t produce an emperor.”

Lü Taibai massaged his aching brow, where repeated fractures had yet to heal.

His repeated use of the Tao Calamity Sword had taken its toll, leaving it somewhat worn.

Then he began recounting the events in Divine Capital—from his arrival, Consort Ji’s marriage proposal, XiXi’s triumph in the preliminary feast alongside Li Che, to the Emperor’s outrageous marriage decree, and so on.

“The Jing Emperor likely intended for Temple Spirit Resonance. I was merely a pawn in his scheme. I never expected the Underworld’s intervention, which not only derailed his plans but also gave me a lifeline,” Lü Taibai explained.

Otherwise, given the formidable fighters in Divine Capital, Lü Taibai might very well have met his end this time.

After all, the Jing Emperor had even mobilized the Grand Inspector.

From Underworld Yama’s calm demeanor and his clash with the Grand Inspector, it seemed no major disaster had occurred.

But that was the Grand Inspector—we Lü Taibai couldn’t be sure of escaping unscathed.

After all, he didn’t possess Underworld Yama’s extraordinary spatial shifting ability, which Lü Taibai surmised must tap into forces at the cosmic level.

The true power of Tao Essence.

Elder Fang Hanshu listened quietly, his eyes shimmering with a hint of brilliance.

“This move from the Emperor is indeed perplexing and unexpected. What is his true aim?”

“To mask his Emperor’s dignity with the prestige of Temple Spirit Resonance, even at the cost of losing three top-tier experts. What is the Emperor plotting?”

Elder Fang mused, “Unless the reward from Temple Spirit Resonance outweighs these losses, the shrewd Jing Emperor wouldn’t accept such a sacrifice.”

“But if things unfold as you suggest, then we’ll be utterly at odds with the Great Jing Emperor. Soon enough, he won’t allow Daocheng of Lingnan Path to develop in peace,” he continued.

Elder Fang stated.

Lü Taibai squinted, “Exactly—that’s why I came to consult with you.”

Elder Fang tapped his finger lightly on the counter, “But then again, the Emperor might not deploy trustworthy enough troops to handle us.”

At this, Lü Taibai paused, his expression momentarily stunned.

“Since the Emperor’s Four-Elephant Guardian has lost three top generals, essentially crippling one arm of the Emperor, who could he possibly send to attack us?”

“Probably only National Teacher Xie Yunshen,” he surmised.

“If he personally leads the troops…”

Elder Fang placed the Sage’s Book on the counter and lightly tapped his finger.

Lü Taibai’s lips twitched in amusement, “Elder, we haven’t even rebelled yet; there’s no talk of an assault—”

“Moreover, as long as we remain within the Qianyuan Divine Sect’s mountain gate, the Emperor won’t have any excuse to target us,” Elder Fang added.

“Unless he uses Li Che’s Underworld Ma Mian status as a pretext.”

“Otherwise, how could the Great Jing Court possibly attack the upright Qianyuan Divine Sect?”

Lü Taibai’s mood finally calmed.

He had been the anxious one, but witnessing XiXi and Elder Fang discussing rebellion so eagerly, he had to temper the atmosphere.

“Upright?”

Elder Fang chuckled softly, “Sect Master, haven’t you noticed that Daozhǔ Yue Huanglong still hasn’t returned? And what of the Divine Guard Army’s commander Yan Jing? They’ve likely both perished.”

“Both were Imperial officials. Their deaths would certainly give the court an excuse to blame Qianyuan Divine Sect—even without Elder Li’s incident, the court is desperate for a pretext.”

“And besides…”

With a flick of his finger, Elder Fang sent XiXi out of Taibai Hall.

Then, turning to Lü Taibai, he produced a wooden box.

An intense, coppery stench of blood immediately suffused Taibai Hall.

Lü Taibai instantly saw Elder Fang open the box, revealing a severed head—none other than the son of Daozhǔ Yue Huanglong, Yue Weizheng.

“Daozhǔ Yue Huanglong and Yan Jing… must have followed us, planning to ambush the Qianyuan Divine Sect fleet mid-journey.”

“So if he wants to live, I won’t allow it—”

“Not now.”

“Daocheng now belongs to our Qianyuan Divine Sect.”

Elder Fang smiled.

Mo City, Shandu!

Scorching, seething blood surged like a blazing sun rising in Shandu, evaporating the relentless ink rain completely.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!

Within his chest, the Dragon Elephant Vajra Dao Fruit pulsed frantically.

His stomach churned as an immense force slowly began refining the Millennial Dragon Blood Paotao inside.

The energy contained within the paotao was overwhelming.

Li Che realized that refining it quickly was no easy feat.

But, now safely back in Daocheng, Li Che resolved to take his time and fully refine the paotao’s energy.

Striving to open up a boundless Qi Sea Golden Pool!

Martial Saint Second Awakening—Qi Sea of Ten Thousand Feet!

Having reached the pinnacle of Martial Saint Second Awakening, Li Che began searching for a mountain path to ascend to Martial Saint Third Awakening.

For Li Che, unlocking the seven Qimen Divine Seeds was enough to contend with top-tier experts; with Dao Induction and Shengtian Dao Domain, he might even slay one.

However, against an opponent at Half-Step Shenjie, there was no chance—Half-Step Shenjie had already surpassed the threat of Shengtian Dao Domain.

Thus, Li Che had to continue growing stronger.

As Grand Inspector and Boss had warned, he wasn’t strong enough yet—not even close. To protect XiXi, he had to stand at the pinnacle of the Three Realms.

At present, he couldn’t even dispatch a Half-Step Shenjie; not even at the mortal peak—how could he ever afford to stop growing?

Li Che had long been aware of XiXi’s unique nature.

From the inseparable Dao Tree that bound them at her birth to the hidden second consciousness reminiscent of the Prison Lotus Girl’s soul.

Both factors rendered XiXi extraordinarily unique—and with uniqueness come complications.

Thus, Li Che was driven by the unyielding belief that he must grow stronger.

That conviction took root the moment his daughter was born.

If he truly wished to watch her grow in safety, he needed to become impervious to every threat.

Breathing deeply—

Li Che’s body was completely enveloped by the golden essence of the Dragon Elephant Furnace, as if searing, intense heat were consuming everything.

His mortal flesh was undergoing a subtle metamorphosis.

It was the transformation of a Pure Martial body.

[Dragon Elephant Furnace: Pure Martial Purity (93%)]

As the paotao’s energy was digested, his Pure Martial Purity steadily increased, gradually creating a barrier between his divine essence and his flesh.

Li Che didn’t know what changes would come when his Pure Martial Purity transformation reached its peak,

but he knew it would only refine his martial path and make him stronger—and that was enough.

Rumbling!

With a burst of spirit, it felt as if he were in a blazing furnace—clenching his fist and thrusting it forward to forge his martial path.

The golden blood within him swirled as if driven by an unseen force, like a millstone creaking as it turned.

His back roared like a true dragon twisting, and on it, each Qimen Divine Seed whirled in a mad frenzy!

The seven Qimen Divine Seeds seemed to transform into seven swirling vortices of energy!

Boom!!!

As the vortices spun, a terrifying surge of energy and blood erupted from Li Che, shooting upward into the sky.

Humming, countless sword auras burst forth from around him.

Li Che unleashed his final divine seed martial art.

Six Desires Evil-Exterminating Pure Yang Sword Technique!

This martial art refines both divine essence and martial prowess.

It can manifest as either divine or pure martial energy!

The Six Desires Evil-Exterminating Pure Yang Sword Technique perfectly resonated with Li Che’s pure martial energy.

With a long, resounding howl, Li Che roared.

Boom, boom, boom—

A terrifying explosion burst from his flesh, with invisible ripples of energy expanding outward in concentric circles!

His body surged upward, growing to two and a half meters tall, robust and muscular like forged steel!

Sword auras clashed and spiraled, rising to the heavens in a howling vortex like a tornado!

The resounding clash of sword auras battered throughout Mo City!

Without hesitation, Li Che channeled the enlightenment from the Dragon Elephant Vajra Dao Fruit he had earned by slaying three top-tier Azure Dragons.

He unleashed that enlightenment without reservation at this crucial moment.

Li Che’s martial will soared, as if a deity had manifested—a pinnacle of concentrated resolve that resembled the birth of a martial god!

At that moment, all of Mo City seemed shrouded under an overwhelming aura of power!

Li Che’s indomitable will surged as if enacting the ultimate martial display!

Sword auras cut across the sky like the tail feathers of a golden peacock, launched from his fingertips!

Lü Xuan Sword Immortal – Six Desires Evil-Exterminating Pure Yang Sword Technique!

The mists parted, and even the air itself seemed sliced as a silent, shattering sound rang out.

Then, a single golden sword aura split into six, revealing six distinct colored sword auras!

Dreamlike yet menacing, they carried with them a horrifying force.

Divine Seed Martial Arts – Six Desires Evil-Exterminating Pure Yang Sword Technique:

Transcendence!

Metamorphosis, Transcendent True Martial Way!

The eighth divine seed martial art reached its transcendent stage!

Boom!

In an instant, six sword auras slashed out like beams of divine light, sweeping everything into silence!

The fiercely boiling, scorching sword aura blazed with fervor!

Within Li Che’s stomach, a tremendous energy surged forth, violently flooding into his flesh and Qi Sea.

Five thousand zhang!

Li Che’s aura continued to ascend!

Mo City’s ground was being furrowed as if by divine blades, creating massive trenches!

Boom, boom, boom—the fierce convulsions of his body and the potent essence erupted like a bursting dam, evaporating all of Mo City’s rain!

Li Che floated, enveloped by the Dragon Elephant Furnace.

Mo City was transformed, as if it were bathed in daylight.

Ha—breathe.

Each deep breath fanned raging, swirling heat, like a dragon of pure energy surging within, with scorching blood that never ceased to move!

Thus, his flesh became a furnace, and the Dragon Elephant Furnace merged into one—a double trial!

The Millennial Paotao erupted like sodium thrown into water, triggering a rapid, explosive reaction!

Expanding the Qi Sea Golden Pool!

Li Che’s spirit seemed completely immersed within it.

In Mo City, every thought was dedicated to cultivation.

He wasn’t in a hurry to return to Daocheng.

With Lü Taibai and Elder Fang guarding Daocheng, it was absolutely secure.

And XiXi’s safety was unquestionable.

Though the Qianyuan Divine Sect had antagonized the Great Jing Court,

it might eventually invite an attack, but subjugating a sect isn’t an easy task.

Thus, Li Che could continue to pursue higher realms in peace within Mo City!

Time passed, drop by drop.

The furnace burned with seemingly endless energy.

Combined with the enlightenment from the Dragon Elephant Vajra Dao Fruit, Li Che tapped into this power, searching for a mountain path in his ever-expanding golden pool.

As everyone knows,

in Martial Saint Second Awakening the Qi Sea expands.

But the larger the Qi Sea, the harder it is to find the mountain path to Martial Saint Third Awakening. In an endless expanse, the search becomes near impossible.

And so, Li Che’s Qi Sea Golden Pool…

Finding that mountain path would be even more challenging!

In Mo City, day and night blurred together.

Before he knew it, ten days had passed in a flash.

Li Che only felt that the Millennial Paotao in his stomach had been completely refined, its energy utterly depleted.

Meanwhile, the Qi Sea Golden Pool above him had expanded to an overwhelmingly terrifying size.

A Ten-Thousand-Zhang Qi Sea Golden Pool!

It was fully realized!

Yet Li Che had not reawakened; he sat cross-legged in the Dragon Elephant Furnace like a blazing sun suspended in heat, lost in a maze of seeking his mountain path.

This is the confusion every Martial Saint endures.

Some search their whole lives and remain stagnant in Martial Saint Second Awakening.

Others find the mountain path but cannot bridge the Qi Sea to ascend their martial peak.

Whether Li Che can find his own martial mountain remains a mystery.

Not even Li Che himself knows.

The Qi Sea Golden Pool is vast and boundless.

Finding the mountain path is as elusive as seeking immortality.

Suddenly, a fierce storm arrived.

Bean-sized raindrops pounded the ground, shattering into pieces.

Daocheng.

The atmosphere in Daocheng grew chillingly eerie ever since Lü Taibai returned with disciples from Divine Capital.

News from Divine Capital quickly followed.

Young Sect Master Li Nuǎnxi dominated the Divine Capital Peach Festival, outshining every other youthful dragon to become its champion!

And at the Heroes’ Contest, Divine Condor Half-Saint Li Che outclassed top experts from the Divine Sect, distinguished high monks of the Western Lands of Buddhism, and even the descendants of the Great Witch God from Witch God Mountain!

Thus, Daocheng secured dual champion titles at the Peach Festival!

The news spread like a tempest, throwing Daocheng into chaos.

Everyone was in shock, and even more startling was that the Emperor had betrothed the Qianyuan Divine Sect’s Young Sect Master to become the de facto Crown Princess—but Lü Taibai had refused!

Even as fierce battles erupted in Divine Capital, prompting an early return.

A torrential downpour battered the tents of the Divine Guard Army’s encampment.

Rainwater pooled thickly on the ground, crushed repeatedly by armored soldiers.

Inside the main tent,

the four generals of Daocheng’s Divine Guard Army had assembled:

General Han Qizhong of the Western Camp, General Yuan Wuming of the Eastern Camp, General Yu Longdao of the Southern Camp, and General Dai Qingxiao of the Northern Camp!

The four generals gathered, and in the main tent only the sound of the charcoal stove boiling water could be heard.

After a while, the silence was broken.

“Is Qianyuan Divine Sect… planning a rebellion?!”

A hoarse voice emerged from Yu Longdao.

“Daozhǔ Yue, along with the Grand Marshal, and—there’s also the Young Sect Master who has been missing for so long.”

“And now Elder Fang has summoned the four of us to appear at the Qianyuan Divine Sect mountain gate—its ambition is unmistakable!”

“Isn’t it obvious? News from Divine Capital indicates that Lü Taibai has fallen out with the Emperor. It won’t be long before an invasion force descends upon Daocheng.”

Clad in armor, General Yuan Wuming sported a scar on his forehead that gave him a fierce look.

“But that is a matter for later. Elder Fang has called us to the sect—if you refuse, then tomorrow we may only meet in the realm of the dead.”

“Within Daocheng, the Yun, Zhou, and Zhong clans have all pledged allegiance to Qianyuan Divine Sect.”

“Elder Fang is clearly trying to seize control of Daocheng!”

“I suspect the Young Sect Master… has already been slain.”

“Damn—if only Daozhǔ and the Grand Marshal were still with us, we could simply charge in.”

General Dai Qingxiao clenched his fist.

The four generals shared a long sigh as they exchanged glances.

General Han Qizhong stood, his armor clanking, “I’ll head over to the Temple Guardian Division to consult with Governors Yu Wen and Feng about their stance—”

“There’s no need to ask the Imperial Watch; they are always on Qianyuan Divine Sect’s side. We must pin our hopes on the Temple Guardian Division.”

General Han Qizhong held on to his last hope.

After speaking with the other three generals, he plunged into the downpour.

Temple Guardian Division Main Building.

Feng Zhiqi returned from the Bizarre Temple, his face somber, accompanied by a dazed Yu Wen Wenlong.

Qianyuan Divine Sect and the Great Jing Court were at odds.

And the Temple Guardian Division, being a court faction, had a dilemma.

“Governor, General Han Qizhong of the Divine Guard Army’s Western Camp has come to pay his respects,”

a divine messenger announced with folded fists.

Feng Zhiqi, dressed in a blue robe that accentuated his robust figure, said, “Let him in.”

Moments later, the drenched General Han Qizhong entered the main building of the Temple Guardian Division.

With a bitter expression, he briefed Feng Zhiqi and Yu Wen Wenlong on Daocheng’s current crisis.

Yu Wen Wenlong looked puzzled—how had Daocheng’s situation become so militarily charged so suddenly?

Was Qianyuan Divine Sect planning to counter the Great Jing Court with the might of a sect?

Feng Zhiqi’s face darkened as a formidable aura surged around him.

General Han Qizhong, armored and saluting, awaited a response.

Yet moments later, only a soft, lonely sigh broke the silence.

“Elder Fang of Qianyuan Divine Sect—though he appears as a scholar, truly, scholars can be the most heartless,”

“The conflict between Qianyuan Divine Sect and Great Jing is meant to consolidate total control over Daocheng—”

“When Daozhǔ Yue Huanglong and Yan Jing slipped away with Lü Taibai from Divine Capital, I later learned that a fierce battle erupted on the Grand Canal. The forces of Corpse God Sect, Dragon God Clan, Tian Dan Divine Sect, and others attempted to encircle them—but all failed. Likely, Daozhǔ Yue and Yan Jing perished in that clash.”

“Without those two, how can Daocheng’s government forces possibly stand against the sect?”

Feng Zhiqi shook his head.

“Relying on a single man isn’t sufficient—”

“Moreover, I don’t wish to die.”

Feng Zhiqi said in a low voice.

As his words fell silent,

General Han Qizhong and Yu Wen Wenlong looked over.

They saw Feng Zhiqi slowly rising, his dreadful aura roaring and shaking as if mountains were erupting within his Qi Sea.

His powerful presence resembled wildly dancing ribbons.

Feng Zhiqi’s eyes shone brilliantly as he declared,

“But I… am still an official of Great Jing Court. I serve the Emperor.”

Feng Zhiqi lifted his head slowly and exhaled,

“I will go to the sect’s mountain gate in search of my martial path. If I break through and fail, so be it—but if I succeed and dismantle my limits, it means I was not destined to die. Then, we… will defect.”

“If defecting means joining Tian Dan Divine Sect, Seven Treasure Divine Sect, Haoran Academy, or any of those inert sects, then I simply won’t have it.”

Feng Zhiqi’s eyes shone with brilliant gold as he surveyed General Han Qizhong and Yu Wen Wenlong and continued, “Having guarded Daocheng for so many years, you know Qianyuan Divine Sect’s ways—it has never bullied anyone.”

“So, why not defect to Qianyuan?”

General Han Qizhong and Yu Wen Wenlong winced as if struck by thunder.

In a daze,

Feng Zhiqi had already stepped out of the Temple Guardian Division.

His single step caused the ground to tremble.

A terrifying aura, as if made of entwined smoky tendrils, surrounded him—his flesh gleaming like glazed glass, his bones as precious as gold.

His presence was extraordinary.

With one step, the ground of the Temple Guardian Division shook violently.

Feng Zhiqi’s eyes burst with fervent fighting spirit as he charged toward the Qianyuan Divine Sect mountain gate.

Sitting in command of the Temple Guardian Division, Governor Feng Zhiqi was renowned throughout Daocheng as a formidable martial fighter of Martial Saint Third Awakening.

At that moment, his aura surged as he strode directly toward Qianyuan Divine Sect.

Many had already speculated about what was coming.

Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh—

The sound of tearing through the void echoed incessantly.

Clan heads and martial leaders from the major families soared upward in curiosity, hurrying toward the sect’s mountain gate.

At the foot of Qianyuan Divine Sect,

the Qian Kun plaque shimmered faintly.

Rain pounded the stone steps and paths, water murmuring over them.

Inside Taibai Peak,

Lü Taibai, his silver hair flying, and Elder Fang emerged together; they could both sense Feng Zhiqi’s aura unmistakably.

Elder Fang remarked softly, “Feng Zhiqi is about to make his final decision.”

“He’s been stuck at Martial Saint Third Awakening for so many years,” he added.

“He intends to use this battle to decide his future—whether to surrender or to perish. Then all will be resolved.”

“He certainly has guts,” Elder Fang laughed.

Lü Taibai grinned mischievously, “Feng Zhiqi, that guy really is something—”

His wide sleeves billowed as his sword aura flared brilliantly.

“If Feng Zhiqi wants to break through, he needs to fight someone of great stature—Old Li isn’t nearly enough!”

“Are you planning to intervene?”

Lü Taibai turned to Elder Fang.

But Elder Fang shook his head oddly, “Neither I nor you are needed, for someone else will step forward.”

Lü Taibai raised an eyebrow, then his eyes lit up.

For at the foot of the mountain,

behind the pristine Qian Kun plaque of Qianyuan Divine Sect on a rain-washed stone path,

a figure in an ink-black shirt stood with his hands behind his back.

“Li Che? Has he emerged from seclusion?”

Lü Taibai beamed with delight.

Ever since returning to Daocheng, Li Che had departed with a group from the Underworld, and his whereabouts were unknown.

XiXi and Zhang Ya had long been worried about his safety.

Now, Li Che’s return eased Lü Taibai’s heart.

But then Lü Taibai squinted suddenly.

He and Elder Fang soared into the clouds, their senses expanding as they looked toward the mountain gate.

“Is Li Che planning to face Feng Zhiqi with his martial prowess?”

Lü Taibai observed intently.

He well knew that Li Che’s martial cultivation was no small matter.

Yet against Feng Zhiqi, even with his Martial Saint Second Awakening, it might be a struggle.

If Li Che were to deploy his divine cultivation and his Half-Step peerless mechanism, victory would be easily won.

But by the look of it, Li Che clearly did not wish to tap into divine power or his mechanism.

Standing at the mountain gate, his golden blood began to surge slowly.

Was he preparing to confront Feng Zhiqi with pure martial prowess?

Elder Fang, swaying in the wind, looked up at the sky and said, “Li Bansheng, are you about to enter Martial Saint?”

Elder Fang spoke.

Lü Taibai also lifted his gaze and narrowed his eyes.

They saw the dark clouds above, heavy as lead and rolling with thunder!

Martial Saint Celestial Thunder!

Genuine Martial Saint Celestial Thunder!

But—wasn’t Li Che already a Martial Saint?!

Lü Taibai felt a moment of doubt.

A Martial Saint level entails only one calamity—unlike Martial Gods or those facing divine tribulations, where one must cross three disasters and endure nine calamities per breakthrough.

Elder Fang’s eyes burned with intensity as he said, “Ancient texts record that Pure Martial has its limits. If a Pure Martial fighter touches that limit, it triggers a transition to Martial Immortal—a defiance that brings down Heaven’s wrath in the form of celestial thunder!”

As the atmosphere grew oppressively heavy, the entire heavens seemed charged with anticipation.

A paifang and a plaque stood between the inside and outside of the mountain gate.

Outside the Qianyuan Divine Sect mountain gate, Feng Zhiqi stood with piercing eyes as he looked toward the ink-shirted figure behind the plaque.

“Li Bansheng?”

Feng Zhiqi’s eyes flashed, blood coursing as he looked upward to see billowing, inky calamity clouds.

“Li Bansheng—are you about to break into Martial Saint? Congratulations,” Feng Zhiqi said flatly.

Li Che closed his eyes. After over a month in seclusion, he had finally validated his martial journey.

His Qi Sea Golden Pool had reached the pure martial limit.

He could sense the ominous aura of calamity.

So, Li Che had returned.

Just as Feng Zhiqi was preparing to pay homage.

“Li Bansheng—now that you’ve broken into Martial Saint, your overwhelming strength might give you an illusory sense of boundless expansion.

So, if Feng Zhiqi tries to restrain me, do not let it break your martial heart,”

Feng Zhiqi warned kindly.

Feng Zhiqi’s target was Lü Taibai.

Qianyuan Divine Sect could only truly feel pressure from top-tier experts like Lü Taibai, who forced one to confront life and death!

Crack, crack—!!!

Celestial thunder roared incessantly!

Feng Zhiqi’s words went unanswered as Li Che remained with closed eyes—like a statue of the Divine Condor, unmoving.

This caused Feng Zhiqi to raise an eyebrow in mild irritation.

Suddenly—

Feng Zhiqi’s blue robe sliced through raindrops and air like razor-sharp blades as he took a step forward.

He landed on the stone steps of the mountain path.

But—

In the very instant he stepped,

Feng Zhiqi’s eyes suddenly narrowed sharply!

He looked up in disbelief at the ink-shirted figure halfway up the path.

Then Li Che slowly opened his eyes.

Two streams of golden smoke rose from his pupils like beacon fires!

Then, with the faintest movement, his gaze locked onto Feng Zhiqi.

And in that moment—

Feng Zhiqi felt—

His climbing legs…

Frozen!

Take a half-day off, please.

Take a half-day off, please.

Everyone, just a heads-up—Old Li is taking a half-day off to draft an outline. The plot has become far more challenging than before; if I don’t finish by three or four, nothing will get written. So tonight is off—thanks, everyone!