Chapter 489: Celestial Ascendance

A deep, resounding boom echoed from within his chest as his heart pounded wildly.

His eyes seemed to transform, as if yin and yang, black and white, heaven and earth, and the rising sun and moon danced in endless flux.

Yet this change was subtle; everyone’s attention was firmly fixed on XiXi’s ancestral succession ceremony.

Li Che maintained a calm expression, though his smile grew ever more radiant as his mood soared.

With XiXi ascending as the head of Qianyuan Divine Sect and her Chess Sage Dao Fruit evolving, how could Li Che not be in high spirits?

Regarding the evolution of the Chess Sage Dao Fruit, Li Che fully understood the reason behind it.

It had been stalled at LV7 until, during the suppression of the Ju Xian Flag, the Cosmic Chessboard unleashed astonishing power, naturally maturing the Dao Fruit.

Thus, the Chess Sage Dao Fruit effortlessly transformed to LV7, as if long-awaited.

Casting his glance at the ongoing succession ceremony, he knew that for a grand sect, this ritual was crucial—it signified the transfer of leadership, marking the turnover of eras.

From Lü Taibai’s time to Li Nuǎnxi’s era.

Inevitably, the ceremonies grew more elaborate, filled with numerous rituals and pomp.

Although XiXi was only eight years old, she behaved with impressive composure. Clad in resplendent robes, she dutifully followed Elder Ding Zi’s instructions and performed the ritual offerings with utmost sincerity.

Li Che’s gentle smile radiated warmth and indulgence as his lips curved into a tender arc.

Next to him, Zhang Ya held his hand, her eyes brimming with joy and pride.

Isn’t it every parent’s wish to see their child succeed?

When a child excels, parents sometimes find even greater joy than witnessing their own accomplishments.

After a while, Li Che realized the ceremony wouldn’t end anytime soon. He decided to leave a Painted Immortal Clone behind and stepped into Mo City Shandu.

Inky rain fell in a cascade, swirling from the heavens.

Since Mo City remained unscathed and intact, the falling ink-like rain resembled spring water—refreshing and infusing the city with an air of poetic grace.

Inside Mo City, every dwelling housed a practitioner diligently refining the Spiritual Energy recently acquired.

Figures like Huang Mei Great Master and Su Lei Ba were devouring this energy, rapidly advancing their cultivation.

Though there was theoretically no cap to one’s mastery of Spiritual Energy—often far surpassing Li Che’s own—the task of obtaining such energy for them was no simple feat.

Thus, while they might be slightly stronger than Li Che, their superiority had limits, unless someone like Fang Han Shu were to receive a profound transmission, coupling it with abundant Spiritual Energy to break into the supreme ranks.

Outside, fierce winds howled as dark-clad robes whipped in the storm.

Li Che’s jet-black hair lashed about like streaks of black lightning.

The sound of his heart’s pounding reverberated as if igniting an expansive, thunderous drumming, resounding relentlessly like rolling thunder.

Waves upon waves of sound surged as Li Che’s eyes brightened, his Star Plucking Gaze igniting with brilliance. Both eyes shimmered with interlaced streaks of black and white light.

His spirit trembled, then was drawn in by an overwhelming pull, ushering him into the realm of Dao Tree Space.

Familiar Dao Tree Space unfolded before him; Li Che now floated in midair, his dark robe fluttering, his wild hair swirling as he gazed upon the vast Heavenly Dome with an expansive mind.

The Martial Immortal Will surged within him, yet even that felt minuscule in this realm, as if insignificant.

Above the towering Dao Tree hung numerous Dao Fruits, bursting forth with countless rays of dawn.

Soon, the scene shifted.

A starry sky spread out before him, infinite lights compressed into the span of his hand.

Within that celestial expanse, interwoven streaks gradually formed the image of a chessboard.

On the board, a figure in snow-white attire sat in meditation; each chess piece placed was like a star being set in motion—moved within the cosmos to adorn the scene.

The space buckled as chaotic currents intertwined.

Li Che’s eyes fixed upon this supreme existence, which played chess with stars as pieces, silently placing each move with profound gravity.

His heart trembled as he realized that this Chess Sage was, like all others displaying their Dao Fruits, a master of his Dao Fruit.

Yet, compared to the other Dao Fruit masters, this one felt distinctly different—had he perhaps stepped into his ninth transformation?

Otherwise, why did he feel so unique?

Using the starry sky as the board and the stars as pieces set an extraordinarily elevated tone!

It made Li Che itch with anticipation; once his own Chess Sage Dao Fruit reached its peak, he vowed to stage something equally magnificent.

Just as these thoughts surged within him, the silent chess player amid the star-scape stirred and cast a glance in his direction.

On a face hidden by nebulous features, a faint smile emerged.

In an instant, the Chess Sage delicately picked up a star, as casually as one might select a chess piece. For a moment, it seemed as if a deity had placed a move.

The chess piece blazed with endless brilliance, enlarging before Li Che’s eyes.

Li Che shuddered, awe and disbelief mixing in his gaze.

Because that very chess piece had begun to emit a dazzling blue light!

It spun like a miniature, vibrant blue star!

Li Che’s breath quickened, as if the mysteries deep within his soul were unveiled in that moment.

It was…

His homeland!

Boom! Li Che stared intently, but his vision soon exploded into a whirlwind—a boundless storm that swept through, disintegrating everything in its path.

His spirit withdrew from the image as he exhaled slowly, yet his mind remained unrestful.

These Dao Fruit masters were no ordinary beings; they were immensely powerful, almost divine.

Even among gods, they stood atop the hierarchies.

That brilliant blue star stirred tumultuous emotions within him.

Were the myths of past and present, intertwined with that star at the fingertips of the Dao Fruit master, connected in some singular way?

But Li Che lifted his head, gazing at the raging storm over Mo City Shandu.

His past was nothing extraordinary—a mere commoner.

Why him?

What secret did these overlapping legends hold?

Li Che’s thoughts swirled as interlaced black and white radiance converged into words.

【Dao Fruit LV7 – Five Transformations, Dao Induction (Heaven-Defying Half-step) Ascension, Dao Calamity (Primordial Dry and Wet Cosmos)】

Boom!

Like a divine chant that began softly before erupting like thunder, shaking eardrums as if they might burst.

Li Che felt the world turning, a dizzying sensation far surpassing simple spatial traversal.

It was as though space itself were divided into fragments and then reassembled.

Glimmering threads converged, interwoven meticulously.

Li Che’s eyes narrowed as a violent tremor rocked his mind.

The Sixth Calamity!

The sixth form of Dao Calamity power!

Primordial Dragon Elephant Flame, Primordial Void Slash, Primordial Purification Flow, Primordial Withered Branch, Primordial Demon Golden Scale, Primordial Dry and Wet Cosmos!

Li Che drew a deep breath, his eyes ablaze with an ever-intensifying brilliance.

The Dao Calamity power from his Chess Sage Dao Fruit!

As the stars shifted and the void flickered at his fingertips,

Li Che’s spirit surged with excitement—a power fundamentally different from previous calamity forces.

For this Dao Calamity involved the cosmos, the fabric of space itself!

That was an entirely different matter compared to before.

Li Che had once wondered if the primordial calamity might simply be an elemental trial, but it was not so.

【Dao Calamity (Primordial Dry and Wet Cosmos): Channeling Dao to birth Calamity, Original Heaven and Earth, Primal Spatial Calamity, Cosmos at Will】

As sounds reminiscent of collapsing voids echoed,

Li Che felt a truth vibrating deep within his soul—a chant as formidable as a great bell, making his breath quicken.

His spirit stirred, and in an instant he was drawn into the realm of Dao Calamity.

He braced himself to endure this primordial spatial calamity.

He wanted to uncover the true nature of the Primordial Dry and Wet Cosmos!

Rumbling thunder!

The force of the Dao Calamity shook him, and in the next moment, space seemed compressed into a funnel hovering over his head.

That funnel unleashed a terrifying, unyielding pull. Li Che’s form lost control, distorted with the funnel’s twisting force until, unable to withstand it any longer, he shattered.

Soon enough, the fragmented Li Che reappeared, his Martial Immortal Golden Body blazing with dazzling brilliance, his flesh unrivaled as he withstood the cosmic pull.

But after a few breaths, his Martial Immortal Golden Body began to fracture like fine porcelain,

until it finally broke apart completely.

With a sudden jolt, Li Che opened his eyes wide—there was no trace of confusion, only excitement and joy.

For he sensed that the Primordial Dry and Wet Cosmos calamity had enhanced the refinement of his Martial Immortal Golden Body.

It was as if his capacity to harness spatial power had been greatly fortified.

His spirit stirred as the summary of the Dao Calamity emerged:

【Dao Calamity: Primordial Dragon Elephant Flame (50%), Primordial Void Slash (12%), Primordial Purification Flow (12%), Primordial Withered Branch (8%), Primordial Demon Golden Scale (1%), Primordial Dry and Wet Cosmos (1%)】

Perhaps it was his steadily growing flesh that allowed for incremental gains in each form of primordial Dao Calamity.

Li Che kept a keen eye on this calamitous force, knowing it greatly accelerated the honing of his Martial Immortal Golden Body.

To reach the pinnacle of the Immortal Realm, he needed not only to absorb vast celestial energy but also to temper his body—a task ordinary strength could not achieve.

These Dao Calamity powers were just what he needed.

After toughening his flesh, it would crave replenishment from celestial energy, catapulting his cultivation to new heights.

For transcending to the Human Immortal realm, Li Che’s path was simple—divided into nine calamities.

Mastering all nine, perfecting each to 100% would mark a monumental breakthrough.

Moreover, Li Che had plans to integrate these Dao Calamity powers with his Qimen Immortal Seed—imbuing each celestial seed with one of these forces complemented by the explosive power of the Eight Mysterious Gates Immortal Seed.

A spark of inspiration lit within him, narrowing his eyes slightly.

Combining the Eight Mysterious Gates Immortal Seed with the Primordial Nine Calamities—Eight Nine Xuanyuan Skill?

A smile tugged at his lips—what a remarkable coincidence.

“I’ve finally elevated my self-created Martial Art, Myriad Transformations of Dragon Elephant, to the level of an Immortal Seed, fueled greatly by the Primordial Dragon Elephant Flame!”

Li Che’s heart glimmered with determination.

Myriad Transformations of Dragon Elephant was his signature art—a fusion of many martial techniques imbued with his own understanding of the martial way.

After its upgrade to an Immortal Seed martial art, he reformed it into the [Immortal Seed: Myriad Transformations of Dragon Elephant Furnace], merging it with the Dragon Elephant Furnace forged from the Dragon Elephant Vajra Dao Fruit’s insight.

Its potency far exceeded that of before.

Whereas its earlier release was powerful yet scattered, the new formation focused and consolidated its force.

“The Primordial Dry and Wet Cosmos power—which involves space—might even merge with the Six Desires Pure Yang Sword Technique. This Divine Seed martial art, split into six parts, could form a spatial sword formation—”

“I need to research this further.”

“But when space is in play, the battle becomes extraordinary. It might just evolve into my ultimate trump card.”

Li Che’s heart gave a determined thump as he resolved to study it thoroughly.

Though he had some understanding of the Sword Dao, it was limited.

The Six Desires Pure Yang Sword Technique was potent, yet it was still only a Divine Seed martial art—its leap to an Immortal Seed art was no small feat.

But that was no problem; he had his means.

With revelations from the Dragon Elephant Vajra Dao Fruit and several breakthrough attempts, he was sure to shatter that barrier.

Moreover, Li Che retained his complete Immortal Martial Arts knowledge—acquired from the Qitian Great Sage’s legacy of the [Battle-Winning Secret Art]—which greatly assisted his advancement in Immortal Seed martial arts.

Thus, Li Che’s future was clear:

Accumulate the nine calamities and surge into the zenith of the Human Immortal realm!

Stepping up from the Dominator Tower of Qitian, Li Che spread his arms wide. His body vibrated as terrifying sinews resounded,

while colossal qi surged into the clouds and cascaded throughout the cosmos!

Though his path wasn’t that of the nine tribulations, the potency of each Dao Calamity far exceeded that of the old disasters—ensuring his might would be unparalleled!

“Nine Heavens and Ten Earths!”

Li Che’s heart tightened.

He harbored a twinge of regret over the visions he had seen earlier.

He longed to quickly elevate his cultivation, to charge into the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths to aid Qitian. After all, Qitian’s assault in the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths was meant to secure time for Yulian and XiXi.

Vindictiveness for foes and gratitude for allies—these were Li Che’s guiding principles.

Ever since arriving in this world, he had adhered to this moral code, despite walking a perilous path.

He stood tall atop the Dominator Tower.

Li Che’s burning aura gradually quelled, as if lost in deep thought.

“Now that the Chess Sage Dao Fruit has evolved to LV7, perhaps its vision will become even clearer?”

His mind drifted back to the images relayed by the Feilei Chess Piece attached to Qitian.

He recalled what Zhou Heng, a Spiritual Energy practitioner, had said: if the Temple Spirit were to reignite its divine fire, it would lead to total annihilation—and he dreaded that sight.

Stirred, the Feilei Chess Piece trembled.

Li Che’s spirit ascended into the Cosmic Chessboard, lifting his gaze.

Instantly, the vision before him sharpened—clearer than ever, bridging the mortal realm with the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths.

In the vision, he saw the bloodstained Qitian Old Monkey, seeking shelter to mend his wounds.

Then, the image violently shook—as if an overwhelming divine force were surging through the Feilei display, chilling the heart and soul.

Within the vision—

A terrifying Buddha-like radiance coalesced into a giant hand. The void cracked under its pressure, descending in a crushing blow. In an instant, Qitian Old Monkey’s cry pierced the air as a flurry of staff silhouettes erupted, then dissipated into streaks of light.

Simultaneously, the Feilei vision dispersed.

The rustling of Li Che’s intricately patterned dark robe filled the air as his eyes glimmered and he exhaled deeply.

“Immortal Gods—”

In a heartbeat, his spirit stirred.

Leaving Mo City Shandu behind, he returned to the heights of Taibai Peak.

DONG DONG!

The ancient bell of Qianyuan Divine Sect tolled as Elder Ding Zi struck its venerable surface, while Lü Taibai escorted a solemn XiXi onto the platform of Taibai Hall.

Li Che glanced at the dignified, almost regal XiXi.

Raising his head, he watched the clouds roll across the sky, their gentle swells accompanied by the resonant bell chimes, evoking a sense of serene times.

But there was no such tranquility—only burdens borne in silence.

Li Che thought of Qitian Old Monkey in the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths and exhaled softly.

In Qitian Inner City,

a figure suddenly streaked across the sky. It was none other than Zhou Heng, his body exuding a feral aura.

Zhou Heng’s return instantly shattered the calm of Qitian Inner City.

Boom—

A terrifying aura surged, and as mystical divine patterns interwove, the unrest within Qitian Inner City was swiftly subdued.

Many of its warriors watched Zhou Heng’s plight with dismay.

Yet, Zhou Heng was formidable—a venerable expert of the Second Tribulation and Third Calamity. Though he had not reached the supreme tier, even under the might of the Supreme Demon, he was among the top fighters.

At that moment, the powerful figures of Qitian Inner City sensed an unusual aura, as if hinting at something hidden—a truth too delicate to probe, especially under the watchful eye of Xuanzhen Supreme.

Xuanzhen Supreme’s eyes narrowed as he interlaced his divine patterns, and in a moment he enshrouded Zhou Heng.

“Speak. What’s the situation?”

Xuanzhen Supreme’s voice was cold. A steely glint shone in his eyes—Zhou Heng’s disheveled state clearly signaled mission failure.

He had dispatched Zhou Heng to the Bizarre Temple at the Great Jing Emperor’s Mausoleum to secure the Ju Xian Flag for an assault on Qitian Inner City, targeting the stubborn Underworld Ghost Emperor for decisive retribution.

But it appeared something had gone awry.

“The Ju Xian Flag?”

Xuanzhen Supreme pressed, “So the Great Jing Emperor agreed to loan the flag to us, yet it was seized by bandits?!”

Even Xuanzhen Supreme could not hide his rising fury at the news.

Zhou Heng’s face was etched with bitterness as he detailed the incident.

“A Lie Shen Pavilion Assassin—absurd, isn’t it?”

“How did the Lie Shen Pavilion learn of our intention to borrow the Ju Xian Flag? Only the three supreme leaders of Qitian Inner City are privy to this!”

Xuanzhen Supreme sneered.

After a brief hesitation, Zhou Heng gritted his teeth and recounted how, during a clash with the Lie Shen Pavilion Assassin, the opponent had revealed an eerie blend of Buddha-like calm and demonic energy.

Xuanzhen Supreme’s divine patterns roiled as he processed the story.

“So that’s it—” His eyes turned cold, as if tearing through space itself to scrutinize the mysteries before him.

“Buddha calm mingled with demonic energy—Jia Lou and Tianlang Demon God Supreme? Hmph!”

Xuanzhen Supreme growled. His five fingers intertwined, summoning a massive hand of divine force that captured Zhou Heng once more, before he dashed off towards the other two supreme seats.

Even Xuanzhen Supreme was cautious; he couldn’t be certain if the other two had covertly sent agents.

“Jia Lou! Tianlang!”

“Come out now!!!”

A deafening roar resounded, shaking Qitian Inner City as all its cultivators turned pale, suffused with the overwhelming aura of the supreme power—a tidal wave of energy!

There was no doubt: something monumental had happened.

Amid a sudden turmoil in Qitian Inner City, the three supreme leaders appeared to have quarreled—a development that surprised Li Che not in the least.

At Taibai Peak, the ancestral ceremony was drawing to a close.

Li Che did not depart; once the events were settled, he joined his wife to savor the moment—a profound pride in their child’s successful cultivation.

On the platform, Lü Taibai raised XiXi’s hand high, and the potent Heavenly Dao Soul rippled outward,

spreading like a storm throughout Daocheng.

“From this day forth, the head of Qianyuan Divine Sect is officially Li Nuǎnxi!”

“May Qianyuan Divine Sect flourish for eons to come!”

Lü Taibai bellowed.

His voice crashed like a tidal wave, and the disciples of Qianyuan Divine Sect erupted in frantic cheers in unison.

Did they feel any reluctance to bid farewell to Lü Taibai?

Perhaps a bit, but not much—after all, Lü Taibai hadn’t died; he had transcended to a state of Divine Calamity Advancement, necessitating his retreat from the limelight to avoid the thrall of the nine tribulations.

That was why there was little sorrow.

And XiXi—the eight-year-old Martial Saint!

A marvel unlike any before or after!

Such a prodigy becoming the head of Qianyuan Divine Sect was a stroke of luck that would be remembered in the annals of time.

After all, an eight-year-old Martial Saint was worthy of eternal fame!

“Everyone, listen up!” Lü Taibai smiled at XiXi.

XiXi’s bright eyes betrayed no hesitation or shyness.

“I, Li Nuǎnxi, will not let you down!”

“In the future, we will be the number one Divine Sect in the world!”

Dressed in dignified finery, XiXi placed her hands on her hips, puffing out her chest with the burgeoning Martial Saint Will as fiery qi blazed like a beacon, threatening to set the skies alight.

Silence fell over Qianyuan Divine Sect for a moment,

then cheers exploded, shaking the heavens!

The ancestral ceremony lingered deep into the night; as dark clouds dispersed, the sky glowed with a luminous brilliance.

A bright moon hung high while countless stars shimmered like an ocean.

Qianyuan Divine Sect hosted a grand feast with thousands of tables, and the entire Daocheng was awash in revelry. Rare wines and exquisite delicacies were spread everywhere,

including sumptuous dishes made from prized demon beast meat.

XiXi was overjoyed, eating incessantly with sticky fingers—hardly the demeanor of a sect head.

“Take it easy—the food’s all yours. Remember, XiXi, you’re the head now! We must uphold our image,”

Zhang Ya chided softly by XiXi’s side, her voice gentle and caring.

Meanwhile, Li Che clinked cups with Lü Taibai, Lü Qiankun, Feng Zhiqi, and other prominent figures.

“A toast to you, Ah Che—you’ve given us such a wonderful daughter. We’re grateful you welcomed XiXi back from Qitian City to succeed as the head of Qianyuan Divine Sect.”

Lü Taibai poured a cup and drank with Li Che.

“Our sect sheltered us, letting us survive vast perils—

one must never forget one’s roots. XiXi was once the young head of Qianyuan; of course, she would eventually return.”

Li Che chuckled.

Lü Taibai couldn’t help but laugh in response.

“Shall we take a walk?”

Lü Taibai looked at Li Che with a complex, deep gaze.

At that, Li Che nodded subtly, his brow furrowing as he sensed something amiss with Lü Taibai.

Mid-feast, Li Che and Lü Taibai departed together, levitating and landing upon Mei Mountain.

Strolling along Mei Mountain amid a carpet of falling plum blossoms and dappled light,

Lü Taibai spoke quietly, “Ah Che—when Huang Mei Great Master died, I was lost. I once vowed that if my sword ever grew weary, it would annihilate every corrupt monk of Xiling Road.”

“After killing one Huang Mei, Xiao Lingyin Temple would breed another, then yet another—countless replacements.”

Lü Taibai’s silver hair fluttered as he plucked a plum blossom; a smile touched his lips.

“Back when I was the young head of Qianyuan Divine Sect, I once honed myself on Xiling Road. I slew many fierce monks and evil monks until Xiao Lingyin Temple relentlessly pursued me, eventually banishing me from Xiling Road—

that remains a memory I can never forget.”

Lü Taibai’s voice softened.

Li Che, his intricately patterned dark robe billowing, maintained a composed expression as he waited for Lü Taibai to continue.

“Actually—in my days before fate entwined me with the Seven Killing Arts, I once had a lover.”

Lü Taibai continued, “She died on Xiling Road, molded into a Buddhist drum—

using her very skin.”

“That’s why I despise the monks of Xiling Road. I swore that if I ever broke into the Divine Calamity, I would annihilate every monk on Xiling Road, razing even Xiao Lingyin Temple.”

Lü Taibai exhaled sharply, his sleeves fluttering as the sound of clashing sword qi echoed,

as though his very determination sought to burst skyward.

“But, previously, since I was still the head of Qianyuan Divine Sect and had vowed not to proceed before achieving Divine Calamity, I held back. Now—”

A light smile spread across Lü Taibai’s face.

“I have finally broken through to Divine Calamity—and XiXi has taken over my position as head of Qianyuan Divine Sect. With you and Old Fang’s support, I’m sure she will surpass me.”

“Therefore—”

Lü Taibai raised his hand with a decisive snap.

Suddenly, the void shattered as a flurry of plum blossoms whirled up around Mei Mountain.

Gripping the Taibai Sword, his sword light danced unceasingly, resounding powerfully.

“I plan to march on Xiling Road—

as Underworld Yama once said, there is no force in this world that cannot be slain; it’s only because my own determination isn’t strong enough!”

At Li Che’s words, silence fell for a moment.

He had once shared such thoughts with Lü Taibai, never imagining that Lü Taibai harbored such relentless resolve.

“And what of the Sect Master’s Wife? Are you willing to abandon her? Xiao Lingyin Temple is formidable. If you fall in battle—what will become of her?”

Li Che inquired, his gaze distant, as if he could see the delicate, almost miniature figure of the Sect Master’s Wife Xuan Qisha seated by XiXi.

“She will join me on the path of the Seven Killing Arts. In truth, she is happy and even looking forward to it. Once the Locking Talisman is activated, there will be no turning back—she will gradually become ever smaller,”

Lü Taibai glanced at Li Che. “She wishes to fight one last battle by my side before completely losing her memory.”

“Frankly, my adherence to the Sword Dao, my resolve to cut through Xiling Road and raze Xiao Lingyin Temple, is in part due to her.”

Lü Taibai swirled his sword casually and laughed, “She’ll perch on my shoulder, and the two of us—will create a battle of epic proportions, leaving no regrets!”

“The resurrection of the Third Prince Temple Spirit at Jin Guang Mansion will be far more solemn than anything in Qitian. As for the Third Prince Temple Spirit—they concern XiXi. I cannot aid you; in such battles my cultivation is laughably weak.”

“But if I march on Xiling Road, I might well tie down several of Xiao Lingyin Temple’s top fighters. One man may seem excessive, but it’s still an effort to protect XiXi.”

Li Che opened his mouth, but Lü Taibai merely waved him off.

He laughed heartily, his sword energy erupting.

Clad in white, he descended from Mei Mountain, his silver hair trailing as he strolled with carefree grace, songs of freedom echoing.

“I am Lü Taibai, the Killer Star of this age.”

“Ten steps and one life ends; not a trace remains over a thousand miles!”

“Hahahahaha—!”