Chapter 440: Maelstrom of Divine Essence

A wild, howling wind tore through the study, swirling chaotically and unleashing a torrent of unstable currents.

Invisible and overwhelming ripples of divine energy spread relentlessly, surging outward only to be repelled by the barriers of the Cosmic Chessboard. The collision of divine ripples generated a fearsome pressure that swept across everything.

Doors, windows, beams, and black tiles all trembled and quivered at an astonishing speed.

Boom—!

Inside the Divine Crystal, the latent divine energy seemed to be catalyzed, liquefying like solid butter melting into its fluid form and continuously oozing out.

Drawn by Li Che’s meridians, it was ravenously absorbed into his inner Mud Pellet space, where various divine fetuses refined it at a pace three times faster than before!

It was as if a vortex of divine energy roared into being above Li Che’s head, churning relentlessly before funneling itself into his body like a massive drain.

Every divine fetus within Li Che’s inner Mud Pellet space burst into full life, as if parched wild grass in a desert were suddenly quenched.

Li Che’s eyes flickered as he alternated between his left-hand Dao Essence Divine Crystal and his right-hand Divine Crystal, both voraciously drawing in energy under the impetus of his Seven Aperture Luminous Heart.

A mighty gust roared through, setting his ink-colored hunting robe aflutter.

A glint of surprise and delight shone in Li Che’s eyes.

“Such an operation…”

A gentle smile tugged at the corner of his lips.

Ordinarily, Li Che would not be able to absorb the Dao energy from his Dao Essence Divine Crystal. However, his Seven Aperture Luminous Heart granted him that edge.

And as its stimulation grew, the rate at which divine energy was siphoned from the Divine Crystal accelerated even further.

The divine fetuses—Fa Tian Xiang Di Luminous True Primate, Lv Xuan Sword Immortal’s, and the Seven Emotions and Six Desires—viciously divided the divine energy among themselves at this very moment.

They grew stronger and underwent transformation without pause.

Breathing deeply, Li Che completely centered himself. With every breath, the study was besieged by raging gusts, as if his very inhalation stirred the tempest.

The rich divine energy flooded the space without relent.

Yet, a radiant golden glow emanated from Li Che’s mortal body; his Martial Immortal Golden Body’s hardened muscles shielded him, keeping the divine energy at bay.

Not a trace of it seeped into his flesh.

The separation between Li Che’s martial path and the Way of Divine Energy was now more distinct than ever.

Perhaps having discovered an efficient method to absorb the Divine Crystal’s energy, Li Che’s mood soared as he immersed himself in training.

From Gu Yangxuan’s collection, Li Che acquired three Dao Essence Divine Crystals and ten Divine Crystals of the Three Pure Ones.

It was more than enough to fill his storehouse to the brim.

While his Seven Aperture Luminous Heart could extract the Dao energy from the Dao Essence Divine Crystal, its speed was clearly outmatched by that of the Divine Crystal.

Yet with every drop of Dao energy consumed, a massive surge of divine energy was also drawn from the Divine Crystal.

In just three days, the process flew by in a whirlwind of transformation.

When the third Divine Crystal of the Three Pure Ones was completely absorbed by Li Che, he finally opened his eyes slowly.

All that remained of the Divine Crystal was a transparent stone, its divine energy utterly exhausted.

And the Dao energy within the Dao Essence Divine Crystal had also been entirely consumed.

Boom, boom, boom—the entirety of Li Che’s head seemed enshrouded in an overwhelming mix of divine energy and Dao energy, so much so that overflowing forces warped everything around him.

A faint white radiance shimmered in his eyes.

【Dao Fruit: Unsullied Heart (LV6 95%)】

Li Che exhaled slowly, his milky eyes shimmering like drifting smoke.

It’s almost there!

The Unsullied Heart Dao Fruit—almost ready to evolve into LV7!

One Dao Essence Divine Crystal coupled with five lower-tier Divine Crystals of the Three Pure Ones significantly boosted its maturation.

Li Che couldn’t help but feel a surge of excitement.

He even felt an impulse to absorb another Dao Essence Divine Crystal along with additional Divine Crystals in one go.

The gratifying feedback from consistent progress made the arduous training unexpectedly enjoyable and absorbing for Li Che.

Training may be tedious, but witnessing tangible improvements makes it far more engaging.

The overflowing divine energy roiled and surged around Li Che’s body.

Within the study, after absorbing one Dao Essence Divine Crystal and five lower-tier Divine Crystals of the Three Pure Ones, his divine fetus cultivation made a significant breakthrough.

Firstly, both Lv Xuan Sword Immortal’s and the Seven Emotions and Six Desires divine fetuses underwent a third transformation.

The Fa Tian Xiang Di Luminous True Primate divine fetus even vaulted into the realm of the Fourth Divine Transformation—entering the Stage of Divine Emergence!

It could be said that Fa Tian Xiang Di Luminous True Primate now possessed a semblance of a human form, as if a true fetus were emerging.

Ordinarily, divine energy cultivation follows a gradual process, allowing the body to adjust to the surge and transformation.

There’s always the rule that the physical body must keep pace with the rising divine energy.

Thus came the Path of Divine Martialism, where martial cultivation and divine energy merge.

But Li Che’s Martial Immortal Golden Body was so formidable that it could easily handle the explosive surge of divine energy.

With his realm already high, further boosts in divine energy posed no concern, and such beneficent Dao energy accelerated his progress immediately.

Boom— Li Che spread his arms wide. Behind him, a complete divine fetus materialized, its overwhelming aura intertwining and ravaging the study.

“Fourth Divine Transformation, Stage of Divine Emergence—Success!”

A soft smile spread across Li Che’s face.

To break through to the pinnacle of the Fourth-Stage Martial Saint realm, one must let the divine fetus emerge from the body and absorb the essence of heaven and earth—reborn like a new life.

Once the divine fetus detaches from the body, one enters the realm of Great Immortals.

For Li Che, this process was not without its challenges, largely due to the overwhelming strength of his Martial Immortal Golden Body.

Seated in the study,

Li Che’s smile grew as the prospect of breakthrough lifted his spirits.

After three days, the day arrived when Lv Qiankun, Lü Taibai, and the others were scheduled to head to Qitian City together.

Li Che’s ink robe rustled as he strode forth.

A flicker of determination stirred within him.

He entered the Dao Calamity Space.

Now, he wielded two types of Dao Calamities: Primordial Dragon Elephant Flame and Primordial Sky-Cleaving Fury—

Without favoring one over the other, Li Che confronted both forces head-on in his grueling trial!

Boom—!

Pain, exhilaration, annihilation, and tearing apart—

Under the continuous onslaught of the two Dao Calamities, Li Che remained unyielding and as resolute as a rock.

Within the study, divine energy surged like relentless tides.

Li Che lay on the wooden floor, his eyes vacant as he stared at the ceiling.

A single tear trickled from the corner of his eye.

Before him, fleeting shards of light danced and shimmered.

【Dao Calamity: Primordial Dragon Elephant Flame (3%) / Primordial Sky-Cleaving Fury (1%)】

Primordial Sky-Cleaving Fury!

At last, Li Che mastered this Dao Calamity!

The second type of Dao Calamity was now his.

Wiping away his tears, Li Che rose as the fog of anguish slowly lifted and clarity returned to his body.

A satisfied smile tugged at his lips.

His five fingers spread wide; a surge of blue wind danced at his fingertips—a single strand of wind.

That streak of blue power cut through space, splitting it open. Endless darkness emerged from the wound, raw and terrifying, as if it could sever everything in its path!

Nothing was spared—not divine energy, not air, not space, not light, nor consciousness or the senses.

It could slice through all!

Watching the blue, sky-cleaving gust, Li Che’s eyes lit up with anticipation.

Could this Dao Calamity blend with the Thousand Mountain Lone Wanderer Divine Blade skill to transform his Self-Created Divine Martial Art into—

Perhaps—yes?!

Thousand Mountain Lone Wanderer’s Sword of Immortals!

At that thought, Li Che’s mind surged with energy, his brain firing with unprecedented activity.

“Merging the Dao Calamity with Divine Seed might just create a Celestial Martial Art!”

“Primordial Dragon Elephant Flame might merge with Myriad Transformations of Dragon Elephant, the Self-Created Divine Martial Art of mine, to evolve into a Celestial Seed Martial Art!” Li Che’s heart pounded wildly as his Dragon Elephant Vajra Dao Fruit trembled with intensity, fueling his martial insight!

Without hesitation, Li Che plunged into Mo City.

He began experimenting, infusing Dao Calamity with his martial art to elevate it further.

A light drizzle of ink-like rain gently fell over Mo City.

“Ahahaha—I’m dead again!”

A hearty laugh erupted as Gu Yinxuan, busy concocting poison, resembled a grotesque caricature with his pockmarked, leathery skin until—with a sharp crack—he burst into a cloud of toxic mist.

Only after a long while did he rebuild his Spiritual Confinement body and resume refining the extremely venomous Three-Legged Golden Pendant.

Glancing briefly, Li Che resumed his martial practice, long accustomed to such strangeness.

It was Gu Yinxuan’s eighth time being poisoned.

Poison-brewing was truly a perilous profession.

Some tasks are best left to professionals—even if it means risking one’s life.

After devouring Gu Yangxuan’s Spiritual Confinement, Gu Changqing managed to break through his own Dao Calamity by absorbing merely one-third of Gu Yangxuan’s power.

The remaining two-thirds of Gu Yangxuan’s Spiritual Confinement were left for Huang Mei Great Master, Tian Can Di Que, and another to consume.

Unfortunately, among the three, only Huang Mei Great Master reached the breakthrough standard.

Being already on the half-step of Dao Calamity, Huang Mei advanced with relative ease.

Conversely, Tian Can Di Que lagged behind, relying mainly on combination techniques to reach a half-step Martial God level.

Even Huang Jianjiu’s Temple Spirit Meatball throbbed incessantly, yearning for Dao Essence Divine Crystal.

Li Che was aware that what he needed were the Divine Essence Divine Crystals of the Three Pure Ones; the Four Sovereign ones wouldn’t satisfy Huang Jianjiu’s wish to evolve into Temple Spirit. Perhaps he’d have to scheme in Qitian City.

Gu Changqing suddenly opened his eyes wide, exclaiming, “Lord, I’m about to break through!”

With a resounding roar, Gu Changqing charged into the sky, only for his face to contort in horror shortly after.

For he realized he had yet to master the power to withstand calamities.

Unlike Huang Mei Great Master, who harnessed the Divine Xiao Thunder, his breakthrough was far more direct—one simply stepped into the Dao and shattered the Dao Calamity.

Breaking through with Spiritual Confinement wouldn’t even encroach upon the allotted Dao positions.

Upon hearing of Huang Mei Great Master’s breakthrough, Li Che couldn’t help but feel a surge of admiration.

Spiritual Confinement was such a sham—it simply wouldn’t die no matter how much you beat it, and it didn’t require one to cede Dao positions for advancement.

One must remember that in the Path of Three Calamities and Nine Catastrophes, there were strict limits on Dao positions—one disaster per three positions, one calamity per three positions.

In total, there were only thirty-six Dao positions available.

When figures like Gu Yangxuan and Gu Yinxuan’s Dao Calamity dissolved into Spiritual Confinement, their original Dao positions would become vacant.

Yet in becoming Spiritual Confinement, they still retained the power of the Dao Calamity, controlling the forces of the Three Calamities and Nine Catastrophes.

It could be said that Spiritual Confinement was a phenomenon that defied the rules.

However, those like Gu Changqing who did not truly break through via Dao Calamity could not secure a Dao position to master calamitous power.

Pausing his martial practice, Li Che mused and snapped his fingers.

A burst of purple Primordial Dragon Elephant Flame shot forth, hurtling toward Gu Changqing with explosive force.

“A gift,”

“Absorb it,” Li Che said coolly.

Although Gu Changqing couldn’t harness the full force of the Three Calamities, Li Che possessed that power.

Bestowing upon him the Dao Calamity that bolstered his breakthrough was a perfect match.

Boom—!

Inside Mo City, as Gu Changqing absorbed the purple Primordial Dragon Elephant Flame, his aura soared dramatically.

Laughter echoed through the air.

After a long while, Gu Changqing raced to Li Che’s side, bowing reverently and exclaiming, “Many thanks, my lord, for making this possible.”

“Practice your alchemy well,” Li Che encouraged warmly.

Both Gu Changqing and Huang Mei Great Master had now broken into the Dao Calamity realm. Under Li Che’s demonic Dao Calamity advancement, the number of Spiritual Confinements had surged.

Gu Yinxuan, Old Dragon God’s Nine Infants, all reached the one-disaster, two-calamity level.

Next came Zhao Beidou, Gu Changqing, and Huang Mei Great Master at the one-disaster, one-calamity level.

And then there was the mighty Divine Machine Demon Primate—whose power rivaled that of a Martial God.

Li Che’s eyes shimmered with anticipation as he looked forward to the journey to Qitian City.

I alone shall lead heroes; what say you all?

Crack, crack—!

A thunderclap shattered the silence as lightning flared amid rolling winter thunderclouds.

In a fleeting moment, electric light danced like countless webs woven within the clouds!

Snow melted into winter rain, drifting softly upon the earth.

By the Grand Canal,

A lone boat slowly drew near, its arrival marked by a heavy thud as it docked amidst the rain and snow.

“Wow—finally here!”

XiXi burst out of the cabin, leaping energetically with outstretched arms, puffing out her little belly, and exhaling deeply.

She had exchanged her fiery red attire and had even applied a disguise to her face.

Thanks to the Painted Immortal Dao Fruit’s connection, XiXi’s makeup skills were remarkably refined.

She had even disguised Yun’e, Zhou Peng, and Jin Taisui.

Now, the four children looked completely different.

“According to the map, we’ve reached Jiangnan Dao, a region renowned for its wealth and splendour. The landscape is beautiful and the soil fertile—”

Yun’e cradled a white rabbit and explained with a smile to XiXi.

XiXi squinted her eyes and said, “But this very land has begotten the Corpse God Sect!”

Traveling in disguise all along, they evaded capture only because XiXi’s identity had been exposed. The sinister figures from the Corpse God Sect, the assassins of the Lie Shen Pavilion, and the cultivators of the Tian Dan Divine Sect were all hot on their trail.

The chief threat, however, came from the Corpse God Sect and the Lie Shen Pavilion. Along the way, XiXi had clashed with numerous minions of the Corpse God Sect.

The closer they got to Jiangnan Dao, the more rampant the Corpse God Sect became.

One minion after another wandered the roads, and even when disguised, they were mysteriously attacked.

The nefarious agents of the Corpse God Sect cared little for the lives of ordinary folk.

“The world outside is far too chaotic,”

XiXi, holding Yun’e’s hand, leaped off the boat.

XiXi sighed deeply—only by venturing out could one truly appreciate how safe Daocheng was compared to the outside.

Zhou Peng handed some coins to the boatman.

After a long journey, they arrived at the nearest city.

“This is Luoyun City, a prosperous urban centre under Wenling Prefecture of Jiangnan Dao. Though not the Capital, it’s considered the second city of Wenling Prefecture.”

“But its defenses are pitiful; there are barely a few guards, and the inspections of newcomers are so lax—”

Yun’e frowned as she gently petted the little white rabbit, a note of puzzlement in her eyes.

After a long voyage along the Grand Canal, their mouths were parched.

They immediately entered Luoyun City and found a tavern.

Even Yun’e, usually so reserved, helped herself to an extra bowl of rice.

After devouring the meal in a flurry, XiXi patted her chubby belly and exhaled in relief.

“Speaking of food reminds me of Boss’s dishes. I haven’t had them in ages, and I miss Big Black Dog too…”

XiXi murmured, nostalgic for old friends.

“I heard that Qitian City has re-opened. It’s been a turbulent time lately!”

“Indeed. Qitian City was sealed off for five hundred years after the Demon Clan’s invasion; now, the formidable warriors of our Great Realm are finally set to exterminate those demons.”

“Alas, once Qitian Temple was glorious—but today, little demons strut about Qitian City!”

Inside the tavern, several patrons in typical martial jackets chatted over drinks.

XiXi’s ears perked up, her eyes gleaming.

“Qitian City—”

Yun’e reached for XiXi, her young fingers trembling as she said, “XiXi, forget about it—”

“Qitian City isn’t for us,”

XiXi, adjusting her twin braids with a playful giggle, replied, “We’re just here to experience the vibe—observe a bit, that’s all…”

“No way,”

Yun’e shook her head sternly.

“Qitian City harbours the legacy of Qitian Temple. Those daring enough to seek fortune there are premium cultivators—often Dao Calamity experts, not to mention the ruthless demons. The likes of Demon Emperors and Demon Gods are violent and terrifying.”

Yun’e’s tone turned uncharacteristically serious as she had promised Zhang Yi to keep an eye on XiXi while out.

XiXi pursed her lips, “Fine then, XiXi the Great Emperor will spare them for now.”

“We’ll revisit once you’ve grown stronger.”

After dinner, as dusk fell and winter rain dripped over the city, black tiles and white walls—quintessential of a Jiangnan water town—came alive.

They booked an inn for the night.

In the room shared by XiXi and Yun’e, darkness had enveloped the city, leaving not a trace of light.

“Yun’e Sis, my father once told me that Jiangnan is full of romance. He said there are many flower boats that shine brightly at night. So why is Luoyun City’s night so quiet?”

XiXi rested her chin on her hands, gazing at the pitch-black city, and asked.

Yun’e, who had been folding her clothes, suddenly paused.

A mysterious tremor passed over her.

She rose and walked to the window, and as her graceful features came into view, her eyes appeared swallowed by endless darkness—a stifling, oppressive gloom.

“Indeed—”

“Why is it so dark?”

In Daocheng,

at the Outer Gate, Disciples City, and the Elders’ Court,

crack—

Li Che opened the study door and stepped out slowly.

Although night had fallen, the courtyard was alight with lanterns that illuminated every corner.

Snowflakes danced in the air. In the courtyard, Zhang Yi’s Qi ran wild as she practiced her martial arts with resounding explosive strikes.

Noticing Li Che’s emergence, Zhang Yi paused and called out, “Husband—are you about to set off?”

Li Che nodded silently.

Zhang Yi hurried into the inner room and retrieved a freshly sewn garment. “New clothes, for you,” she said.

Taking her husband’s gift, Li Che’s smile was tender.

“When you head to Qitian City, be careful. I heard it’s dangerous. All I wish for is your safe return.”

Embracing Li Che warmly, Zhang Yi whispered softly.

After a moment of intimacy, Li Che knew he must finally bid farewell.

In the swirling snow, at the courtyard gate,

Zhang Yi leaned against the frame, pausing in the wintry gust. The breeze played with her silken hair and stirred the depths of her eyes,

as she watched her husband embark on his journey.

“It’s so dark—this city is really shrouded in darkness.”

Yun’e’s brow furrowed; she sensed something amiss.

XiXi, too, felt the weight of Yun’e’s unease. “Yun’e Sis, do you sense danger?”

“But even disguised, we haven’t seen any signs of minions from the Corpse God Sect or assassins from Lie Shen Pavilion…”

Yun’e shook her head, her gaze intensifying as she looked toward the vault of the heavens where rain fell lightly, carrying boundless sorrow.

“Perhaps I’m just overthinking, but when out on the road, it’s better to be cautious.”

Yun’e tenderly rubbed XiXi’s head.

“Wait here a moment,” she said, then raised a hand. Her delicate fingers suddenly pressed upon her brow.

A deep, resonating aura of divine energy emanated from behind her.

XiXi could only feel Yun’e transform into something chillingly pure and majestic, exuding a terrifying, soul-stirring pressure.

“Yun’e Sis—”

XiXi took a step back as she detected the presence of the Temple Spirit.

Yun’e harboured a Temple Spirit within her—a fact XiXi was long aware of.

But now, it seemed Yun’e was growing even stronger; her fusion with the Temple Spirit appeared more potent than ever.

Suddenly—

Yun’e’s eyes snapped open, her face draining of color.

Her delicate form trembled as her internal Temple Spirit wildly warned of danger.

A grave tone filled her whisper, “XiXi, call Zhou Peng and the others quickly! We must leave this city immediately!”

XiXi’s expression turned stern. She trusted Yun’e completely, knowing that only her could rein in her impulsiveness.

Yun’e gave off a paternal aura—steady and reassuring.

She summoned Zhou Peng, and even Jin Taisui stepped out from indoors; the four of them dashed out of the tavern into the dark night, sprinting for the outskirts of Luoyun City.

In the midst of the rain, darkness reigned supreme over the city.

The entire city had become an endless expanse of black.

XiXi invoked the Sleeping Dragon Elephant and Breath Convergence techniques. She even signalled Yun’e to use the Convergence Talisman she had inscribed based on the Sleeping Dragon Elephant method.

The four burst into the soaked, slick Bluestone Street, racing under the pelting rain.

But as they reached the city gate,

Yun’e quickly dragged the group into a narrow alley.

At the city gate, darkness roiled like thick fog.

Within that inky blackness, an array of soldiers clad in heavy black armor formed an impregnable barricade.

Their formation was strict and imposing, with banners flapping wildly.

On one such banner, a bloodstained character for “Ji” was emblazoned, as if dripping with blood.

Peering secretly from the alley using a hidden Breath Convergence technique, XiXi’s eyes narrowed.

“That is—”

“Ji Mo Li’s Black Armor Guards?!”

Ji Mo Li!

Aren’t they supposed to be in Jizhou, the guards of King Ping Luan?

Why are they here?!

XiXi’s heart trembled, while a faint divine mark sparkled on Yun’e’s brow.

She inhaled deeply.

“Not only that—XiXi, look at the city tower…”

XiXi looked up and saw that atop the tower, besides soldiers clad in black armor, were shadowy figures draped in black robes and hoods. Their presence filled the tower with an aura of death and decay.

“Corpse God Sect!”

XiXi gritted her teeth.

Faintly, she began to suspect something.

Meanwhile, Yun’e felt a chill down her spine.

At the forefront of the Black Armor Guards stood a figure in black mystical armor—a man who had returned from Divine Capital with Ji Mo Li, none other than Zhou Chiguo.

Zhou Chiguo, clad in armor, stood blankly as he surveyed the darkened Luoyun City.

The remaining Black Armor Guards and numerous sinister figures from the Corpse God Sect loomed at the gates, all eyes fixed on the city as if salivating over a juicy target.

Li Che bid farewell to his wife and made for Taibai Peak.

Inside Taibai Hall,

Lv Qiankun, Lü Taibai, and Fang Han Shu were already waiting.

“Has Li Che arrived?”

The three smiled warmly upon seeing him.

“Let’s set off. When the four of us travel together, there’s no need for so many formalities—speed is paramount.”

Lü Taibai chuckled as he spoke.

In the next instant, with a snap of his fingers, a resounding, metallic sword-shanty burst forth.

The Taibai Sword in his hand grew in size and width until it transformed into a ten-meter flying sword, suspended above the Grand Plaza on Taibai Peak.

Under the hazy night and drifting snow,

the four left without bidding farewell to the others from Qianyuan Divine Sect, leaping onto the flying sword. The sword’s glimmering light sliced through the sky as they sped off.

Having reached the Dao Calamity realm, Lü Taibai exuded a heroic aura, his silver hair flying and his sleeves billowing as he led the charge like a true Sword Immortal.

Lv Qiankun, Fang Han Shu, and Li Che, though less flamboyant than Lü Taibai, gathered around on the flying sword, casually brewing tea as they rode.

Meanwhile, as Li Che sipped his spirit-infused tea, his mind wandered to little XiXi’s progress. He couldn’t shake the feeling that something was amiss with the city she had traversed.

After swallowing a mouthful of the fragrant tea, the concentrated spiritual energy spread through his mouth.

Li Che glanced over at Lü Taibai, who stood proudly amid the surging sword qi.

“Master, is Qitian City truly located in Jiangnan Dao’s Jianzhou?”

“Yes,”

Lü Taibai replied without turning, arms folded, his sleeves billowing elegantly.

Li Che’s eyes sparkled. “Then let’s detour to Jiangzhou in Jiangnan Dao first.”

Lü Taibai grinned, “Jiangzhou, you say?”

Li Che added, “We’ll go covertly to see little XiXi.”

At the mention of seeing XiXi, Lü Taibai’s eyes lit up immediately.

“To see XiXi?” he murmured.

Not to mention—

Lü Taibai secretly missed XiXi as well.

Hearing Li Che’s words, he didn’t press for details but simply set off.

Lü Taibai’s anticipation soared at the thought of his treasured disciple’s admiring look when he appeared before her with his Dao Calamity prowess!

In an instant, he spun around, one hand resting behind his back and the other forming a sword gesture as he hurled forward.

The flying sword abruptly accelerated.

‘My precious disciple, your master has arrived!’