Chapter 400: Snowfall and Shifting Fates

Ha, ha, ha—the crystalline snowflakes, pure and stunning, looked as if divinities had delicately carved them from thin ice.

They tumbled from the leaden clouds, swept along by howling winds and churning waves.

Dark tiles gradually turned white as the soft, muffled patter of snow relaxed the ears in a soothing, almost hypnotic cadence.

Every snowfall meant that XiXi was growing a year older.

Born on a day of relentless blizzard, XiXi’s arrival marked a difficult time—a memory indelibly etched in Li Che’s heart.

Within Li Che surged an immense, vigorous aura; his Breath Convergence was long integrated into his body, and as his Dragon Elephant Vajra Dao Fruit matured, the secrets of the Sleeping Dragon Elephant technique grew ever more profound.

Breaking through to the Martial Saint’s Third Opening, he began his ascent—each step akin to the metamorphosis of a Divine Transformation, every breakthrough a monumental rebirth.

The transformation of divine nature affects the Divine Transformation, while the Martial Saint’s evolution reshapes the flesh!

Only when the unseen energy field of the Martial Saint faded did the snow of heaven and earth descend, dusting his hair and shoulders.

“Ha,” Li Che exhaled slowly.

“XiXi… you’re seven now.”

That exhalation, like a gust of spirit-sword, sliced swiftly through the bitter winter chill—reminiscent of a bright, ethereal blade.

Seven years—gone in the blink of an eye.

From the tiny child she once was to the spirited seven-year-old girl before him, Li Che’s heart swelled with pride.

Seven is a remarkably special age.

In a past life, children at that age would have already started primary school, formally entering the world of education.

It was when true growth began, the time when they first encountered knowledge.

At this stage, children are like fledglings leaving the nest, learning to flutter their wings, prepare for flight, and explore the wide world.

Of course, in this world, nature differs from that past life.

Yet Li Che sensed something uniquely different.

Since returning from the Divine Capital and breaking through to the Martial Saint’s Third Opening, Li Che had largely withdrawn into solitude—except for tending his duties as one of the Five Elders of Shendiao Ridge, guiding the Divine Eagle Master and disciples in carving their divine eagle, studying technique and mechanical arts.

Most of his time was spent at the Mountain Gate of the Divine Sect, together with his wife and child.

Now, XiXi no longer had to remain on Taibai Peak constantly; her strength was enough for self-protection, ensuring her safety.

The Grand Master’s dual cultivation of martial might and divine vision made XiXi’s combat prowess formidable.

Even within the Divine Sect she ranked among the upper echelons—aside from a few ancient true techniques, hardly any disciple could match her.

Thus, by day she trained on Taibai Peak, and by night she would return to the Elders’ Court in the Disciples’ City, join her parents, and enjoy the delicious dishes Zhang Ya specially prepared for her.

Li Che greatly savored those days with his family by his side, even falling into a comfortable, almost indulgent state.

Indeed, comfort can be the nemesis of ambition.

“They’ve arrived!”

Just as Li Che’s lips curved into a smile, relishing the calm that numbed his fighting spirit,

his senses suddenly stirred.

Li Che’s gaze deepened abruptly.

A controlled surge of energy burst forth—snow melting in an instant as his aura accelerated, his eyes igniting with an intense, burning brilliance.

This was not the first time Li Che had awakened a new Dao Fruit.

His inner calm was far greater than before,

yet his heart still trembled with excitement, eager to see what new attributes the Dao Fruit might bring to enhance his cultivation and strength.

BOOM!!!

An ancient, far-reaching roar exploded!

It was like the deep tolling of an aged bell at the zenith of a snow-capped mountain, its resonant ripples emanating from Li Che’s body.

Within his chest, each Dao Fruit began frantically pulsating.

Li Che felt his heart roar and vibrate with excitement.

Then, as if a mysterious vortex formed between his brows, a terrifying gravitational pull wrenched at his very soul, dragging him into a seemingly boundless, surreal space.

Deep, boundless; ancient, endless—

like primordial wilderness!

Rumble, rumble!!!

The ancient cosmos surged, tumultuous winds sweeping like a cataclysm able to extinguish souls.

When Li Che’s heart finally quieted, his ink-black robe fluttered as his hair whipped like bolts of lightning, and he hovered in midair, gazing upward.

There, in the distance, stood the familiar Dao Tree—towering, piercing the clouds as though shattering the heavens.

But this time, as Li Che beheld the Dao Tree, a sense of unease took hold.

Its branches trembled violently, with countless leaves spreading outward as if in frenzy.

CRACK!!!

A furious lash of branches shattered the very fabric of space, splintering the air like broken glass that reflected in Li Che’s eyes.

Beyond the shattering space, layers upon layers of mirror-like images interwove before him.

How many layers does the void really have?!

The branches continued their assault, fracturing multiple layers of space, burrowing deep within.

So fierce, it was as if the void itself yielded like soft tofu before them.

Li Che was astonished, yet puzzled by the Dao Tree’s bizarre transformation.

When the tremors ceased, the Dao Tree had changed dramatically from the moment he first saw it.

It had grown taller, even more intimidating!

Buzz…

Countless leaves rustled noisily.

At first, Li Che paid it no heed, but soon a profound stirring gripped his heart.

The sound of clashing leaves almost whispered secrets.

Then a roar echoed in Li Che’s ears.

Before him, delicate streams of light wove rapidly, intertwining like a panel’s prompt.

It was as if the Dao Tree itself was murmuring its secrets.

【Bond: Child Phase Completed, School Age Begins】

【Name: Li Che】

【Bond: Li Nuǎnxi (Daughter)】

【Progress: School Age (Seven Years Old)】

【Hint: With each year of safe growth, the Dao Tree forms a new Dao Fruit】

Li Che’s eyes sparkled and his breath quickened.

Above the Dao Tree, multicolored Dao Fruits began to sway wildly, tinkling with a crisp, clear tone.

Suddenly, from the vibrant leaves, a small, thumb-sized multicolored jewel tumbled down.

Surveying the Dao Tree, he noted that even the colorful leaves were sparse.

The jewel drifted before him, slowly unfurling its radiance.

Li Che reached out to take it, only to discover it was not a jewel at all, but a pea-sized seed.

In that moment, a roaring bell resounded within his mind,

and he instantly understood that this multicolored seed was the reward for XiXi’s safe transition from childhood to school age!

There was a reward?

For a brief moment, Li Che wondered—did this mean that with every significant growth milestone, XiXi would receive a reward?

Puberty, adulthood?

But that was merely his conjecture; what if XiXi grew to one hundred, two hundred—

or even a thousand, two thousand years old…

What new stages would then unfold?

Li Che’s swirling emotions slowly calmed as his gaze settled on the multicolored seed; soon, it transformed into a stream of dao-energy and merged into his body.

【Celestial Seed: Kirin’s Void-Sealing Mark】

Golden light flashed before his eyes.

Then a torrent of information, like a babbling brook, flowed into his mind.

“Celestial Seed?!”

Li Che’s eyes gleamed even brighter.

Eager excitement filled him, though in that special Dao Tree space he chose not to delve further.

He looked upward; as XiXi stepped into a new age and the Dao Tree bestowed the Celestial Seed reward, the eighth Dao Fruit finally began to form!

XiXi at seven—her eighth Dao Fruit!

The Dao Fruit drifted gently downward.

In the next moment, countless visions flashed before Li Che’s eyes, dreamy and surreal.

They depicted XiXi’s eventful year—her fierce competition with young dragons at the Peach Festival, and then her determined training after returning to the Divine Sect, striving harder than any prodigy.

That unyielding resolve to become stronger to protect her parents brought a joyful smile to Li Che’s face.

Bzzz, bzzz, bzzz—

—

The iridescent eighth Dao Fruit, like colored glass, softly landed in Li Che’s grasp.

It shone with an ethereal glow, dreamlike and enchanting.

Li Che’s lips curved into a satisfied smile.

A year of guardianship; at last, the Dao Fruit was his.

My daughter XiXi is seven!

The eighth Dao Fruit!

【Your Daughter at Seven: Brimming with Strength, Young Dragon Leader, Curious, Safe, Acquired Dao Fruit ‘Wan Yao Di’】

Iridescent mists swirled and gathered, coalescing into interwoven, dreamlike text.

Li Che’s eyes widened as his heart trembled.

The eighth Dao Fruit—unexpected!

Wan Yao Di?!

Li Che was momentarily dumbfounded—he hadn’t the slightest idea.

Was this meant to help him subdue the demonic clan?

Demons—

Li Che knew well that within the Bizarre Temple and its adjoining Bizarre Temple, many demons resided.

According to the ancient texts Fang Han Shu once showed him, demons were merely animals of the world touched by divine essence, awakening intelligence and inheriting the Temple Spirit’s techniques to cultivate power.

For instance, in the Imperial Watch Tower of the Divine Capital, he had witnessed the mount of the Grand Inspector—Xuan Turtle—

a member of the demon clan.

Even the Dragon God lineage could be classified as demonic.

Within the Bizarre Temple of the cosmos, among the divine legions, one faction was known as 【Ghostly Demon Den】; thus, whether in the mortal realm or beyond, the demon clan was vast and formidable.

Just as Li Che pondered the nature of the “Wan Yao Di” Dao Fruit,

a powerful repulsive force erupted, and he felt the world spinning as he was hurled back into the Elders’ Court.

Thump, thump, thump—in his chest, the eighth Dao Fruit ‘Wan Yao Di’ pulsed softly.

Yet, compared to the mature Lv6 Dao Fruits like Dragon Elephant Vajra, Xiangong, Unsullied Heart, Chess Sage, Painted Immortal, Thunder Magnetic Conduit, and Dream Celestial, this newborn, delicate fruit seemed feeble.

【Wan Yao Di (Dao Fruit): All Beasts of Heaven and Earth, Life Transformed to Demon, Demons Acknowledge the Emperor, Demon Qi Envelops the Universe】

Buzz—a truth word slowly materialized as the Dao Fruit pulsed.

A rich tapestry of demonic qi—vivid and intertwined—finally coalesced into a faint, unassuming green.

In the next instant,

Li Che sensed a disoriented flash—a piercing sound erupting across the vast lands, as if mighty, majestic beings unfurled wings that blotted out the sky; demonic qi soared, saturating the cosmos!

Terrifying!

Utterly terrifying!

Ha, ha, ha—He spat out a breath.

【Dao Fruit (Wan Yao Di): lv1 0%】

“Sure is something…” Li Che mused, wondering if this peculiar Dao Fruit might ease his struggles against the demon clan.

His eyes flickered with determination.

He recalled his impending journey to Qitian City.

Rumor had it that Qitian City was overrun by monstrous demon kings—even the Great Jing Court found entry nearly impossible.

Yet Li Che harbored little hope, for the fledgling Wan Yao Di Dao Fruit seemed too nascent to make a difference against such dread foes.

Picturing the demon kings ruling Qitian City, he wondered if this fruit could truly prove useful.

Feeling the fruit’s beat in his chest, Li Che began to sense its latent functions.

Its basic ability was ‘Demon Transformation’—

just a wisp of demonic qi was enough to trigger the Dao Fruit’s ‘Demon Transformation’ power,

allowing it to mimic demonic forms.

But it was only a superficial change.

Naturally, as the Dao Fruit matured further, this ‘Demon Transformation’ ability would grow far more potent!

Li Che felt a small thrill of anticipation.

After his analysis of the Dao Fruit,

his mind shifted once more—the information from the Celestial Seed 【Kirin’s Void-Sealing Mark】 flooded back to him.

“So this is a martial art? One could call it a martial art—

Li Che’s eyes gleamed brightly.

Celestial Seed Martial Art!

A martial art granted by the Dao Tree’s Celestial Seed!

So profound that a mere glance made his head spin; the surging qi within him churned relentlessly!

With a sudden resolve, Li Che rose and vanished from the courtyard.

Moments later, he reappeared in Mo City.

Rain of ink-colored droplets cascaded down.

Li Che’s spirit trembled as his qi roared, his arms spreading wide to manifest his extraordinary sight!

A vast sea of qi and a golden pond spanned above his head—a roaring ocean,

as towering as the highest peaks!

In the heart of this qi sea soared a pillar that burst into ripples in the void!

This was Li Che’s ultimate Pure Martial manifestation!

Suspended in midair, Li Che began to practice his martial art based on the Celestial Seed’s insights.

The vibrating Dragon Elephant Vajra Dao Fruit amplified Li Che’s martial comprehension at an astonishing pace!

With his current martial aptitude, any discipline would come naturally—even Divine Seed Martial Art was no exception.

Yet, despite training intensively in Mo City, the Celestial Seed Martial Art continued to elude him; he couldn’t even break through its basics!

Li Che felt a pang of headache.

He didn’t blame the Dao Tree or complain about the difficulty of the Celestial Seed—it was well known that higher difficulty meant greater power.

It was simply his own limits—how could it be the Dao Tree’s fault?!

【Name: Li Che】

【Bond: Li Nuǎnxi (Daughter)】

【Progress: School Age (Seven Years Old)】

【Dao Fruits: Xiangong (Iv6 20%), Dragon Elephant Vajra (Iv6 75%), Unsullied Heart (LV6 85%), Chess Sage (LV6 20%), Painted Immortal (lv5 90%), Thunder Magnetic Conduit (lv5 50%), Dream Celestial (lv3 90%), Wan Yao Di (lv1 0%)】

After returning from the Divine Capital, Li Che spent a whole year immersed in training.

His focus was on advancing the maturity of his Dao Fruits.

For example, his research on the Mechanical Beast had reached a point where his divine eagle carving had attained the level of a Holy Hand Divine Eagle.

As soon as the carving of a Holy Hand Divine Eagle was complete, it could unleash a Heavenly Thunder, shattering its boundary.

Yet Li Che had yet to find the inspiration to carve one; after all, inspiration is vital.

Throughout that year, his Dao Fruits matured at various degrees.

Under the stimulation of traces of Divine Xiao Thunder in the pure martial limit, the Thunder Magnetic Conduit rose to 50%, enhancing both the Prison Thunder Network and the Divine Xiao Jail Thunder Sword.

Both the Painted Immortal and Dream Celestial Dao Fruits reached 90% maturity, nearing transformation—a testament to Li Che’s relentless effort over the year.

By orchestrating battles between top-level absolute peak entities in Mo City, he caused constant destruction and repair—a labor that ultimately accelerated his Dao Fruits’ growth.

After releasing a breath in Mo City,

Li Che ceased his cultivation of the Celestial Seed Martial Art altogether.

He left Mo City straight for the Elders’ Court.

Brushing the snow off his body, Li Che dispelled the Cosmic Chessboard—the sudden clamor ushered in the sight of Zhang Ya returning to the courtyard with a basket of groceries.

Zhang Ya had gone to train with Elder Ding Zi; today she finished early to bring back some fresh produce.

“Husband, I’m home!”

Zhang Ya beamed.

“Today is XiXi’s birthday. Go fetch her from Taibai Peak, and invite the Sect Master, his wife, and the great elders over for dinner.”

Zhang Ya said with a bright laugh.

Li Che nodded in response.

Gazing at Zhang Ya, his eyes sparkled: “Wife, your cultivation has broken through.”

Zhang Ya wasn’t surprised that Li Che could see right through her; his depth was well-known, and she had long grown accustomed to it.

With a hint of pride, she lifted her smooth chin: “At last, I’ve reached the Grand Master realm in martial arts!”

Thanks to the Dragon Blood Paotao provided by Li Che, Zhang Ya had ascended to Grand Master level in martial arts.

Although her natural talent was ordinary, the power of paotao was undeniable.

It was all from the thousand-year Dragon Blood Paotao Li Che had stealthily collected during the Peach Festival in the West Wangmu Peach Grove,

even though that grove lay in the far-off Divine Capital; with his Chess Sage Flying Star, Li Che had leapt over in mere moments, resting briefly before crossing over.

Upon nearing, he used the Feilei Chess Piece to infiltrate the Peach Grove.

Alas, too many paotaos dulled their power; however, after a few thousand-year Dragon Blood Paotaos, Zhang Ya’s martial level was immediately boosted to Grand Master.

“This is the Nine-Thousand-Year Paotao—”

Li Che retrieved the Nine-Thousand-Year Black Phoenix Spirit Paotao he had gathered during the Heroes’ Contest in the Nine-Thousand-Year Paotao Grove.

“XiXi’s Nine-Thousand-Year Ginseng Peach can extend her lifespan. No need to rush; eat it when her life span nears its end. As for this Nine-Thousand-Year Black Phoenix Spirit Paotao—now that you’ve broken through to Grand Master and your flesh is resilient, you may take it. It will accelerate your divine cultivation to the Divine Practitioner realm.”

Li Che explained.

Zhang Ya was astonished—a single paotao could forge a Divine Practitioner?!

“Of course, that’s only because the divine essence within the paotao gradually aids your breakthrough. But you still must cultivate yourself—”

Zhang Ya nodded repeatedly.

“Husband, if XiXi takes the Nine-Thousand-Year Paotao—”

“XiXi won’t need it. Moreover, it wouldn’t enhance her true divine nature; it might even make her aura fleeting,”

Li Che gently tousled Zhang Ya’s hair.

Protected by Dao Fruits, he feared not the transient force of paotao.

Zhang Ya immediately understood and didn’t object; neither Li Che nor XiXi needed the Nine-Thousand-Year Paotao.

Since her own talent was lacking, she was the obvious candidate to take it.

As Zhang Ya consumed the paotao under Li Che’s watchful eyes, a surge of divine nature rushed forth within her.

Li Che pressed his palm to her back, slowly guiding the flow of divine qi until it calmed.

Next, Zhang Ya would refine the paotao’s energy—a process that would take a long while. Satisfied, she cheerfully set off to prepare XiXi’s birthday banquet.

Li Che left the courtyard and headed for Taibai Peak.

Over frosted clouds and frozen nights, Su Xue and Xiao Ninghua adorned the dark sky.

The pitch-black night made the distant mountains seem veiled in hazy mist as snow whirled about, freezing the night’s canvas.

Amidst roaring winds and swirling snow that startled even the drowsy crows,

outside the borders of the Qian Yuan Dao City, on the Grand Canal,

the raging river refused to melt under the snow, as if roaring with anger, its waves surging relentlessly.

A dense, inescapable fog enveloped the canal; the warm water and frigid air created a mist that obscured the river’s surface.

Suddenly, the fog parted.

One massive Black Xuan Dragon Ship after another tore through the mist on the Grand Canal.

The river battered the ship’s hull, exploding like firecrackers.

Ha, ha, ha—along the dense woodland on both banks of the canal,

a scout, his qi surging, sat cross-legged on an ancient tree trunk.

At the sound of the blast, as if hearing the angry roar of the canal, the scout’s eyes snapped open.

His body jolted, he leaped from the tree, and began sprinting through the snow—leaving no trace—until, hidden by shrubs atop a snowy mound, he peered toward the canal.

There, he saw the thick fog slashed apart by a long blade.

One colossal vessel after another emerged from the breaking waves.

Among the turbulent canal waters, even huge dragonfly-like shadows flitted past the ships—the scout squinted to get a better look.

Then, a chill ran down his spine.

On one of those giant ships stood a legless old man, grinning with yellowed teeth as he glared in his direction.

Disaster!

The scout’s heart pounded.

Top-level Absolute Peak!

Without hesitation, the scout pulled out a bamboo tube from his cloak and ignited its fuse.

Then—

A brilliant light, accompanied by howling winds, tore through the night and blasted upward into the sky!

With a deafening explosion, it burst apart,

transforming into dazzling, resplendent fireworks.

Simultaneously, the scout’s body went splintering.

“The Boss and the Dog are off to Qitian City—this year, XiXi’s birthday will be missed for sure,”

Li Che sighed.

However,

when the Boss and Li Che met on a bamboo raft, they had already arranged a birthday banquet for XiXi.

A six-layer lunch box was provided that, on XiXi’s seventh birthday, would magically reveal exquisite dishes.

When Li Che returned with XiXi from Taibai Peak, Lü Taibai, the Sect Master’s Wife, Xuan Qisha, and other members of the Divine Sect soon gathered,

and XiXi, overjoyed at turning seven, bounced happily in the courtyard.

Not only because it was her birthday,

but also because her parents had agreed to let her embark on adventures!

XiXi’s radiant smile never faded.

Having heard tales of the martial world from Granny Mu, she was filled with wonder, excitement, and anticipation.

At long last, she was about to set off on her journey.

Li Che spread a tablecloth, took out the lunch box provided by the Boss, and placed it on the table. When opened, it truly contained one steaming dish after another—as if freshly cooked.

Li Che’s eyes widened in curious surprise before a smile tugged at his lips.

The Boss had really thought of everything.

XiXi, drawn by the enticing aroma, scurried over.

“Daddy, is this the birthday feast the Boss prepared for me?” XiXi asked, her eyes shining brightly.

She couldn’t help but compare the Boss’s dishes with those from the Dog.

Li Che served dish after dish.

When the final dish was brought out, Li Che’s eyes suddenly narrowed.

He paused,

and in his deep gaze, a hint of fierce anger began to stir.

He thought, “Early or late—of all times, they choose XiXi’s birthday banquet.”

The timing was indeed dangerously sensitive.

Li Che had almost guessed whose handiwork it was—

most likely, it was the handiwork of National Teacher Xie Yunshen from the Great Jing Court, attempting to provoke him by sabotaging XiXi’s birthday feast.

For a moment, Li Che’s expression froze, then returned to normal.

He had to admit:

This National Teacher had succeeded in angering him.

Ah, as always, bloodshed is not permitted on a child’s birthday.

That would have to wait until after XiXi’s birthday.

Under the eaves, Lü Taibai and Fang Han Shu, who were sipping tea, exchanged glances and slowly stood.

Then, as they looked up at the inky sky where countless snowflakes floated, a firework shot up and exploded in midair.

It was Li Che’s mechanical signal flare.

The flare burst like glorious fireworks,

illuminating the entire Qian Yuan Dao City,

and signaling that—

the Great Jing Court’s expeditionary forces were already advancing on the Qian Yuan Dao City area.

They were coming to break the sect!