Chapter 491: The Ascension of Supremacy

Fang Hanshu is about to challenge the Supreme Realm!

Li Che watched with anticipation, for a Supreme cultivator embodies undeniable confidence – a trump card for the Underworld.

Against the myriad forces of Bizarre Temple, such power ensures one is no longer at a disadvantage.

The Supreme Realm is a transformation achieved by condensing the Great Dao Divine Pattern, intuiting the essence of the Dao, and merging with Heaven and Earth – a metamorphosis reached only after mastering the Dao’s profundities.

It represents an existence of absolute supremacy, rivaled only by the gods.

Li Che’s mood soared as autumn rain cascaded and harsh winds roared; countless stars, undeterred by the rain, poured down and enveloped Fang Hanshu.

The starlight swirled like intermingling, twisting flows of radiant energy.

Rumbling—

One Great Dao Divine Pattern after another snaked like divine dragons, tumbling and shaking the void as if fissuring reality itself.

Fang Hanshu’s robes billowed wildly, and an ominous pressure from multiple realms emanated from him, rippling out into the fabric of space like undulating waves.

Li Che’s ink-black robes fluttered in the wind, his eyes gleaming as a brilliant golden light burst forth from the Mud Pellet on his brow.

A pillar of light surged into the clouds, tearing open the brilliance of heaven and earth!

The Cosmic Chessboard unfurled, enveloping everything and isolating the aura of Fang Hanshu’s Supreme breakthrough.

To breakthrough the Supreme Realm, one must return to the mortal world or the Bizarre Temple – breakthroughs within the Minor Cavern of the Heavens are impossible.

For the Dao within the Minor Cavern is incomplete – the same goes for Mo City Fengdu.

Thus, Fang Hanshu must break through directly in the human realm.

Otherwise, he would have linked with Li Che long ago and shattered through Mo City Fengdu unnoticed.

The Haoran River roared, and once Li Che isolated it with the Cosmic Chessboard, no trace of its aura remained.

Fang Hanshu nodded and sat cross-legged, entering a state of cultivation.

He practiced Spiritual Confinement – yet not in a simple form. Having inherited a Supreme’s consecration, his foundation in Spiritual Confinement now surpassed all of Li Che’s previous practitioners.

Different cultivators of Spiritual Confinement exhibit varied styles.

For instance, Xie Yunshen orchestrates fate itself, gathering the vital energy of mountains and rivers.

Likewise, Gu Yinxuan is a natural alchemist with unparalleled sensitivity toward concocting poisons.

Each practitioner’s unique talents together forge the might of the Underworld’s heroes.

Li Che also sat cross-legged, his brow’s flesh splitting as the Star Plucking Gaze radiated brilliance while he observed Fang Hanshu’s breakthrough.

He watched Fang Hanshu’s Supreme charge with intense focus, his mind quietly filled with contemplation.

To him, challenging the Supreme might yield abundant insights and further advancement.

So Li Che remained seated, silently witnessing Fang Hanshu’s ascent.

The understanding of the Three Calamities was the essence of the Supreme – following them were three tribulations, each a tier of supremacy with varying degrees of power.

Rumbling—

The overwhelming convergence of divine might and Dao essence surged rapidly.

Throughout Qitian Outer City, the density of divine energy skyrocketed; even Li Che’s isolation by the Cosmic Chessboard couldn’t completely conceal the sensation from a discerning eye.

Yet Li Che paid it no mind.

He had rushed over purposely to serve as protector for Fang Hanshu’s Supreme breakthrough.

Even if it posed little threat, his presence was reassuring.

Furthermore, the Cosmic Chessboard’s barrier meant most wouldn’t notice, minimizing any external impact.

Fang Hanshu rose, flipping through the pages of his Sage Book.

A divine pattern seemed to erupt at his brow as majestic Dao essence cascaded down from the vault of heaven, intertwining to form a unique divine pattern in the cosmos.

Li Che’s glance fell over it, and he fell into deep thought.

This was the Great Dao Divine Pattern – a form of energy that only a Supreme could wield, born from comprehending the ultimate Dao and merging it with the cosmos.

It was a higher-tier force; yet a Supreme only mastered one type of divine pattern. By engraving patterns onto the Calamity Wheel, the wheel would transform into a divine platform…

Upon this platform, divine fire would be ignited – attesting to the path of the enlightened divine.

Every step in cultivation followed a traceable path, yet few could complete it.

Rumbling—

The starry river interlaced high above as the autumn rain ceased in an instant, leaving the sky stark and empty, devoid even of a wisp of cloud.

An endless cascade of Haoran energy flowed downward, enveloping the cosmos and Fang Hanshu alike.

The Great Dao Divine Pattern was now blurred – it was his very essence of Haoran Dao.

He was weaving his divine pattern with Haoran energy; despite receiving the patriarch’s consecration, he transformed that bestowed power into his own path, choosing his unique route while challenging the Supreme.

Fang Hanshu ascended skyward, suspended mid-air as countless divine lights interlaced – the epitome of condensed divinity.

All that divine energy slowly coalesced into a radiant silhouette!

“This is…”

Li Che’s eyes widened as the Star Plucking Gaze burst into an ultimate, dazzling radiance, his heart quivering.

“Ah Che, this is the Supreme Form – an adversary forged from the condensation of the Dao. To manifest the Great Dao Divine Pattern, one must shatter the Supreme Form, a test of one’s very qualifications.”

Fang Hanshu’s lips curved into a gentle smile as he spoke.

His five fingers spread wide, and in the next moment, a surge of Haoran righteousness gathered, intertwining with the divine pattern to form a Ruler.

It clashed fiercely against the Supreme Form, which was itself a fusion of divine energy and the Great Dao Divine Pattern.

Li Che’s eyes narrowed.

This Supreme Form was incredibly powerful… truly formidable!

His mastery of Haoran energy was nearly on par with Fang Hanshu’s!

If Haoran were rated a perfect ten, this Supreme Form would score at least a 9.9. To master the Great Dao Divine Pattern, Fang Hanshu must flawlessly shatter the Supreme Form and thus earn the right to harness Haoran’s power!

It was indeed a daunting task…

Even Li Che could feel immense pressure.

At first, Fang Hanshu had struggled under suppression, his body trembling under relentless assault. His white scholar’s robe was stained with blood within moments.

Spiritual Confinement wasn’t immune to bloodshed. Those targeted by Li Che’s Spiritual Confinement were as mortal as any, capable of bleeding, of flesh shattering, of dying…

Only that they could normally resurrect afterward.

Just like Li Che, who carried an endless spring of revival within him.

Frowning, Li Che observed – he couldn’t offer much help. The Supreme Form was a trial, much like the trio of calamities; even if he assisted, it wouldn’t change much.

It was as though the clash was a duel between learned men – not only a confrontation of rulers but also an exchange of sharp retorts, where words materialized into tangible force clashing resoundingly in midair.

Initially, Fang Hanshu was at a disadvantage, but gradually, perhaps adapted to the strain, he began counterattacking, slowly turning the tide and seizing the upper hand.

This was a protracted battle, the duration uncertain.

Li Che, however, remained patient, intently observing the condensation of the Great Dao Divine Pattern.

Strictly speaking, Li Che himself was hovering at the brink of the half-step Supreme.

Now controlling six forms of Dao Calamity energy – though he hadn’t undergone the three calamities – his refined Dao Calamity quality had already positioned him at the threshold of the Supreme.

He observed with clarity. Although martial cultivation as a transcendent being differed in some respects…

All Dao paths, however diverse, converge in the end!

Boom, boom, boom, boom—!!!!

Terrorizing divine might swelled like crashing waves, while Dao essence swept violently, interlacing into a storm above Qitian City.

Though the Cosmic Chessboard blocked detection, the force involved was too immense – even divine patterns appeared interwoven like clanging chains.

Thus, eventually, it was sensed.

Qitian Inner City.

The aura of the Supreme collided like raging tides. Among them, Tianlang, Xuanzhen Supreme, and the third Supreme instantly fell silent.

Rumbling—

Above the vast, sky-covering veil of Qitian Inner City,

Three terrifying silhouettes emerged. The oppressive aura of the Supreme swept out like a storm from within the city, leaving cultivators in Qitian Outer City trembling as if their legs would give way.

Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh—

Yet several Dao Calamity cultivators sensed something – the diffusion of Dao essence, the gathering of the Great Dao Divine Pattern…

“Qitian Outer City… the Dao essence is amassing, and the Great Dao Divine Pattern is intertwining…”

“Someone is challenging the Supreme Realm!”

Xuanzhen Supreme’s deep voice resonated. Behind him, the Great Dao Divine Pattern clashed, bursting forth in dazzling brilliance!

“Who is it?”

“The Underworld Ghost Emperor? Could it be that this all-but lifeless being, exhausting everything in his ascent, has managed to break through and challenge the Supreme?”

“Impossible! It’s definitely not the Underworld Ghost Emperor!”

…

The three Supremes were visibly agitated, their indomitable wills clashing and shaking space itself.

Their powerful intentions scoured the vicinity until they discovered a solitary figure seated at the gate of Qitian Inner City.

The Underworld Ghost Emperor’s head was wreathed in purple flames, his golden skull’s eyes smoldering with an eerie fire.

“Well? Ready to come out?”

“Indeed, I’m nearly spent – it’s normal for you to be tempted…”

“I’m truly on the verge of burnout…”

The Ghost Emperor sighed deeply.

Yet the three Supremes paid him no heed.

The one challenging the Supreme wasn’t the Ghost Emperor – he showed no signs of a true breakthrough. Moreover, he had only just breached the Martial Immortal stage. How could he be one?

“Send someone out to test him.”

Xuanzhen Supreme, his tone icy, ordered a second-stage Dao Calamity cultivator to probe the challenge.

Boom—!!!!

A terrifying Furnace erupted with dazzling golden brilliance, its conflagration spreading across the sky.

The Underworld Ghost Emperor’s aura surged once more as he rose from the gate of Qitian Inner City, like a deity striding forth to unleash his wrath!

With one punch, he swept everything aside.

The void shattered inch by inch. The second-stage cultivator, dispatched by Xuanzhen Supreme from within the inner city, was instantly crushed by the overwhelming force – exploding, burning, and disintegrating on the spot!

The Underworld Ghost Emperor sighed, “I’m at the end of my rope. I’ve exhausted myself. Supremes… grant me death!”

“Give me a swift end!”

Within the inner city, the three Supremes exchanged cold, piercing glances.

This man…

How despicable!

Xuanzhen Supreme’s face twitched, his anger rising at the cursed Underworld Ghost Emperor!

Now more infuriated than ever, he demanded to know why the borrowed Ju Xian Flag had gone missing.

Zhou Heng reported that the Ju Xian Flag had been snatched by a formidable expert exuding both Buddhist virtue and demonic aura – likely a powerful figure from Hei Xumi and Xie Yao Cave!

Yet Xuanzhen Supreme’s questioning of Tianlang and Jia Lou was met with outright denial.

Where, then, had the Ju Xian Flag gone?!

If he held the Ju Xian Flag, he would be able to break out of the inner city – and that Underworld Ghost Emperor…

must be ground into dust!

Explosions erupted on the spot!

An indescribable killing intent leaked from the inner city.

However, the Underworld Ghost Emperor stood firm like a monument before the gate, staving off all threats.

The three Supremes within the inner city seethed in frustration.

They longed to kill but could not, confined behind barriers… their fury impotent.

Elsewhere, the divine energy and Dao essence between Heaven and Earth coalesced and then gradually dispersed, while the Great Dao Divine Pattern steadily solidified.

Fang Hanshu’s challenge to the Supreme neared its finale.

His grasp over the Great Dao Divine Pattern grew ever more refined; at last he shattered the Supreme Form, launching a devastating counterstrike.

Then Fang Hanshu settled down in meditation, entering a state akin to sudden enlightenment.

Time ticked by.

The insights gained after breaching the Supreme Realm required considerable time to consolidate.

Meanwhile, many cultivators in Qitian Outer City sensed something amiss, rising suddenly as their eyes flickered in realization.

Before they knew it, three days had passed in a flash.

Li Che’s ink-black robes fluttered as he scanned the surroundings and sat cross-legged to guard him.

Of course, besides acting as protection, Li Che immersed his mind in Dao Calamity space, refining his Dao Calamity while elevating himself.

The Great Dao Divine Pattern was born from one’s own cultivated Dao.

Fang Hanshu practiced with Haoran righteousness, so his divine pattern was the Haoran Great Dao Pattern.

Meanwhile, Li Che pondered what kind of divine pattern his future cultivation might shape.

His thoughts wandered to the nascent immortal qi within the swirling Qi-Blood vortex formed by the Qimen Immortal Seed…

A higher-tier force indeed – his research into the Eight-Nine Profound Art was founded upon this power.

Since he followed the Martial Immortal path, his condensation wasn’t of divine patterns; perhaps it would be a Great Immortal Pattern?

…

…

Besides studying Dao Calamity, in his spare moments guarding Fang Hanshu, Li Che upgraded XiXi’s Three-in-One Mechanical Artillery.

The long-lost 【Xiangong】 Dao Fruit in his chest began to pulse vigorously.

Li Che’s fingers grew nimble as he engraved the Nine Divine Seals onto the mechanism and modified the cannonballs.

He upgraded Muduya by replacing its standard thunder pellet with one compressed by Thunder Magnetic Extreme Pressure.

This pellet, forged from Divine Xiao Thunder, was immensely powerful – a greater trump card bestowed upon XiXi.

Coupled with two peerless fierce beasts, XiXi would not flinch even against top-tier Dao Calamity cultivators.

Yet these were external aids – XiXi’s own cultivation needed to rise too.

But XiXi was only eight; how could Li Che expect too much of his daughter?

Zzzzz——

Feeling the relentless compression of the extreme pressure thunder pellet in his hand, Li Che’s dark hair whipped about, his eyes deep and profound.

A faint smile tugged at his lips.

Speaking of Thunder Magnetic Extreme Pressure, Li Che recalled his own Dao Fruit – the Thunder Magnetic Conduit Dao Fruit. Its maturity was stuck at LV6 with 90% completion; only one trigger was needed for its metamorphosis.

However, at his current stage, the conditions to harness his thunder calamity were far too strict, so Li Che could not rush matters.

He returned to upgrading XiXi’s Three-in-One Artillery.

Having promised his daughter, Li Che was fully committed.

Two days later, Fang Hanshu concluded his confrontation with the Supreme Form, mastering the Great Dao Divine Pattern as the Calamity Wheel behind him radiated dazzling brilliance with mysterious flows.

With one careless movement, an overwhelming Supreme pressure erupted from Fang Hanshu.

Fang Hanshu’s eyes opened wide – the Great Dao Divine Pattern was complete. Next came the onslaught of the third calamity!

At the moment Fang Hanshu shattered the Supreme Form, Li Che sensed it immediately.

He promptly withdrew from Mo City Fengdu, reappearing in Qitian Outer City.

The Cosmic Chessboard still loomed above Fang Hanshu’s head, while high above the Heavenly Dome, the will of the mortal realm seemed to be brewing a dreadful calamity!

Winds howled and gales raged, shredding space as if to obliterate the very essence of a soul.

Annihilating God-Wind!

Fang Hanshu’s first two tribulations had been Netherfire and Divine Xiao Thunder; now, the third calamity emerged. For many cultivators, each of these cosmic tribulations carried the stench of death.

Yet for Fang Hanshu, there was little threat.

Even with the shield of the Cosmic Chessboard, the aura of the third Dao Calamity leaked out, enshrouding Qitian City and sending shivers down every cultivator’s spine.

Inside the inner city, the three top Supremes stirred even more.

They were increasingly convinced that a strong contender was challenging the Supreme Realm in Qitian City – now, it was time to confront the calamity!

They could no longer block him.

Unless this quasi-Supreme perished in the tribulation…

Otherwise, it would be too late – he had already condensed the Great Dao Divine Pattern and shattered the Supreme Form, leaving only the tribulation to cross.

Although tribulation was extremely dangerous, for one with the confidence to challenge the Supreme, it was a risk-free step.

Whoosh—

The roaring winds gradually subsided.

The overwhelming Supreme pressure that once enveloped Qitian City vanished.

Fang Hanshu’s scholar robes fluttered, yet his heart grew unbearably heavy – burdened by the inescapable binding of heaven and earth’s will!

It was a targeted lock on the Supreme, a terrifying decree that no Supreme should appear in the mortal realm – a rule of the Dao itself.

But as Li Che’s resolve stirred, the Cosmic Chessboard roared upward, spanning the sky above Fang Hanshu’s head and severing the connection to the will of heaven and earth.

“My lord, I have not failed,”

Fang Hanshu smiled gently, stroking his magnificent beard, his mood buoyant.

“Well done.”

Li Che praised him.

The Underworld had just gained another Supreme!

With one Supreme secured, Li Che could now attempt to strike at the others!

Every slain Supreme would only add to the Underworld’s might…

Thus, Li Che’s eyes shone brightly; his heart soared. With one new Supreme, even the situation at Third Prince’s Bizarre Temple would soon be controllable.

Otherwise, facing the full force of the Bizarre Temple Pantheon’s myriad Supremes and deities would be overwhelming even for Li Che.

“I am now a Supreme of the Three Calamities and One Tribulation Realm – on par with the three Supremes in Qitian Inner City: Tianlang, Xuanzhen Supreme, and Jia Lou. They too are of the Three Calamities and One Tribulation Realm.”

Fang Hanshu remarked.

With a hint of meaning in his eyes directed at Li Che, it was clear that his breakthrough into the Supreme had awakened new ambitions.

Qitian Inner City held special significance for both Fang Hanshu and Li Che – both desired to reclaim control of it.

Thus, after reaching the Supreme, Fang Hanshu now wished to gauge Li Che’s intentions:

Would he dare to act against the Supremes…?

To challenge a Supreme one-on-one?

Impossible.

Nor was there any need for a one-against-three confrontation – that was not the way…

The Underworld had never favored a lone defiance against three; victory was always secured by outnumbering!

Victory without honorable combat is reserved only for those who earn the right to dance!

As for the impending resurrection of the Third Prince Temple Spirit, Li Che knew that the situation would become extraordinarily complex. No matter whether it was Qianyuan or his current strength, facing it would be extremely challenging.

The revival spectacle of the Third Prince Temple Spirit would surely make Qianyuan Divine Sect a target of hostility from all sides…

Li Che exhaled slowly.

For a moment, his heart brimmed with anticipation for a battle with the Supremes.

Not only because fighting a Supreme would greatly enhance the Dragon Elephant Vajra Dao Fruit,

but because Li Che’s own martial progress was already impressive thanks to divine medicinal pills. Still…

Li Che felt it wasn’t enough – he needed further breakthroughs from the Dragon Elephant Vajra Dao Fruit…

Perhaps even to reach LV8 and achieve an even greater leap!

“To strike against the Supremes…”

“Naturally – Qitian Inner City must be reclaimed and kept under our control.”

Li Che declared firmly.

His determination made Fang Hanshu smile in delight.

“But Supreme warriors are far beyond any enemy we’ve previously faced – their true depths remain a mystery.

Thus, careful planning is essential, exploiting the unique traits of the three Supremes one step at a time…”

Fang Hanshu nodded eagerly, his eyes alight with anticipation.

“My lord is right. I, too, long for the day we finally clash.”

Li Che nodded,

planning to complete the transfer of the sixth Qimen Immortal Seed before discussing the hunt for a Supreme.

In fact, Li Che also possessed a Qimen Immortal Seed Martial Art – the Martial Immortal Seventy-Two Transformations. However, it was merely a technique of disguise with little combat force.

Thus, Li Che had no intention of considering it among the Qimen Immortal Seed Martial Arts.

Regarding Fang Hanshu’s proposal, Li Che planned to research the Six Desire Void Sword Technique and, after transferring the Qimen, proceed with his scheme to hunt the Supremes…

Li Che rose, clutching the freshly upgraded pink Three-in-One Mechanical Artillery in his hand, his gaze fixed toward Qitian Inner City.

Somehow he sensed three Supreme warriors within the inner city, scanning outward as if searching for that emerging Supreme.

Yet there was no trace.

For while they dwelt in the inner city, Li Che’s isolation by the Cosmic Chessboard prevented them from pinpointing Fang Hanshu’s location.

Fang Hanshu’s aura slowly receded, and Li Che summoned a black chess piece to suppress the Supreme aura on his body.

But that was all – it only ensured that Fang Hanshu remained in Qitian Outer City, without the need to appear in Qitian Inner City like the other three Supremes.

However, in Fang Hanshu’s current state…

At best he could only remain in Qitian Outer City. Stepping into the mortal realm would surely attract ferocious suppression from the will of heaven and earth!

Fang Hanshu continued consolidating his Supreme cultivation.

Li Che left Qitian City and returned to Daocheng.

Inside the Elders’ Court,

he stepped out from the study into the courtyard.

Zhang Ya was sweating profusely in the yard while XiXi, as the sect leader, had gone to Xi Di Peak to handle affairs.

Every day, Jingguang Prefecture received urgent letters, and the situation grew ever graver. XiXi’s pout betrayed her displeasure.

Yet XiXi couldn’t wait – she was anxiously awaiting her father’s upgraded Three-in-One Mechanical Artillery.

Once the artillery arrived, XiXi planned to set off for Jingguang Prefecture!

“My husband!” Zhang Ya called anxiously as she saw Li Che leaving the study.

Even a slacker like Zhang Ya was aware of the escalating crisis at Jingguang Prefecture – rumors circulating all over Daocheng were centered on its plight.

Various powers had descended and carved out fiefdoms, completely shattering the order at Jingguang Prefecture, and powerful forces were secretly plotting to destroy its long-established prestige in Daocheng.

“XiXi might be heading to Jingguang Prefecture… they say it’s extremely dangerous now, with every faction scrambling. Even Nan Lihuo’s sect head is barely holding on…”

Zhang Ya fretted loudly.

“Worry not, my dear – I’m here…”

Li Che smiled and ruffled Zhang Ya’s hair.

“As your father, I will protect XiXi at all costs.”

Zhang Ya’s bright eyes shimmered as she nodded earnestly, completely trusting in Li Che.

After his words, her heart finally relaxed.

Li Che bid farewell to Zhang Ya and proceeded to Taibai Peak, now renamed Xi Di Peak.

Taibai Hall had been renamed Xi Di Hall.

Many elders gathered in Xi Di Hall for a meeting.

When Li Che arrived, all eyes were on him – after all, he was now the visible strongest of Qianyuan Divine Sect!

Commanding the Divine Realm Mechanical Beast, he was equivalent to an ancestral figure – the greatest support behind XiXi as sect leader.

Yet Li Che uttered no opinions during the meeting.

The final decision was that Jingguang Prefecture must not be abandoned – it had to be held. XiXi, Elder Zhao Fangzhou, Feng Zhiqi, Tang Xiejia, and other elders would head there to maintain order.

The departure was scheduled for three days later.

Li Che raised no objections and agreed to the decision.

XiXi was overjoyed, and after the meeting, upon receiving Li Che’s enhanced Three-in-One Mechanical Artillery, she leaped with excitement, darting wildly across Xi Di Peak.

“Sect Leader, please remain calm…”

Elder Ding Zi, always gentle, followed behind reminding XiXi to maintain proper decorum.

After delivering the mechanism, he cautioned her that the artillery’s might was fearsome and must be used with care.

Li Che then returned to the Elders’ Court.

He tended to Zhang Ya’s body before re-entering the study.

Gurgling…

Inside the study, the Furnace roiled and bubbled incessantly.

The maple trees in the courtyard had turned their leaves blood red, as if ablaze.

Li Che closed his eyes, then opened them once more.

The Cosmic Chessboard expanded before him.

On its surface, countless inky mists intertwined, gradually coalescing into three silhouettes of the Supremes.

They were none other than the three Supremes of Qitian Inner City.

Hei Xumi Jia Lou, Xuanzhen Supreme of the Dark Heavenly Court, and Tianlang Demon God Supreme of Xie Yao Cave!

Observing the three Supreme images before him,

Li Che’s dark robes whipped as his eyes scanned over them.

It was as if he were choosing among the three whom he could best coordinate with Fang Hanshu to ensure the hunt…

Finally,

Li Che’s ebony eyes slowly settled on the last silhouette.

It was you…

Tianlang Demon God Supreme!