Chapter 120: A Storm of Divine Might

Spring rain fell incessantly. A cold wave from the north had driven temperatures down sharply, ushering in a stinging early spring chill.

Beneath the wooden platform.

After a moment of silence, chaos suddenly erupted.

“Ah! My son!”

A woman in ornate attire sprang to her feet, sobbing uncontrollably as she pounded her chest and stared tearfully at Liu Changqing in the arena—reduced to tears by XiXi’s blows.

XiXi’s punch landed squarely on his midsection, causing the woman to shudder all over.

“You vile little brat!”

The woman screamed, almost charging into the arena, but within two steps she was halted by a soldier from the Divine Guard Army tasked with keeping order.

On the arena.

A man in scholarly robes, Zhang Qingzheng, cast a casual glance at the woman—a single look that instantly silenced her screams, as if the most terrifying force in the world had clutched her heart.

Even if he had held back, his divine mien was far beyond what a woman tempered by Yangxing Ruhe could endure.

Had he not restrained himself, a mere glance from Zhang Qingzheng could have shattered the divine essence flowing within her like a mighty river.

“Watch your mouth.”

Zhang Qingzheng wore a stern, scowling face.

“In cultivation duels, injuries are inevitable. If you cherish your son so much, take him home instead of sending him to my Divine Sect.”

His cold words, paired with that face so sour it could make even the Dao Patriarch seem indebted, cut deep.

The woman was instantly too frightened even to speak.

Zhang Qingzheng patted XiXi’s tiny head.

“Keep defending the arena. Not bad at all. Cultivation duels are all about victory—without it, any talk of martial virtue is meaningless.”

Though Zhang Qingzheng came from a scholarly background and was a successful candidate in the imperial examinations of the Great Jing Dynasty, he was anything but a rigid traditionalist.

He had his principles, but he cared little for the methods used in a duel—what mattered was the meaning behind it.

XiXi’s wide eyes lit up as she nodded vigorously. “Grandpa, you’re absolutely right. I understand.”

Zhang Qingzheng smiled, though in XiXi’s eyes, Grandpa’s sour expression only grew even more severe.

“Liu Changqing failed his challenge. Based on his performance, he earns a ‘C’ rating.”

Zhang Qingzheng remarked coolly, then with a casual flick of his sleeve, a gentle breeze surged up from beneath the disheartened Liu Changqing, sending him off the arena and onto the side of the silent woman.

“Mother…”

Liu Changqing’s tears plopped continuously as he sobbed in grievance.

He had underestimated her, completely taken in by XiXi’s innocent three-year-old looks!

“The child is fine. We still have a chance to vie for the inner door spots. Don’t cry; you did well enough.”

The woman helped Liu Changqing return to the viewing area.

Zhang Qingzheng’s divine presence had long since eased Liu Changqing’s injuries, leaving him with little actual pain.

Only a lingering, indelible fear remained in his spirit.

It even caused a dull, intermittent ache in his kidneys.

“That girl is truly wicked—so vicious at three years old…just imagine when she grows up!”

Though the woman was intimidated by Zhang Qingzheng, the resentment in her heart refused to subside.

Her eyes turned cold as she looked at her husband, who simply shook his head. “That little girl’s father is Li Che. Though he hails from Feilei City, he joined the Imperial Watch in the Capital and became a third-class Minister…”

“His status is not insignificant. I know your family holds considerable sway in the Capital, but don’t cross the line.”

Her husband, the head of the Liu family, now wore a grave expression. His restraint only deepened her mounting frustration and discontent.

She had believed that their son, recognized as an extraordinary prodigy, would become a true heir of the Divine Sect.

But now, everything was in vain.

Their first battle in the opening stage ended in defeat, earning him a ‘C’ rating.

“It’s so unfair. Changqing’s performance was far better; he was merely cheated by that filthy little girl!” she fumed.

The Liu family head growled, “What good is being dissatisfied? Do you think the Divine Sect’s evaluations are a joke? You can’t just redo it because you’re unhappy. At home, I indulge you, but outside, heaven and earth do not bend to your whims!”

“Stop making a fuss. The Capital isn’t like Eastern City—every word and action might bring disaster. Watch your tongue!”

For the first time, the woman saw her husband so enraged; she pursed her lips in dismay.

Yet she muttered stubbornly under her breath, “Everyone is watching the evaluations… who has time to eavesdrop on our conversation?”

The Liu family head’s expression softened. “Why worry? Changqing isn’t out of the running yet. This is just the first stage—there are two more. He still has a chance to turn things around!”

At those words, the woman’s face brightened just a little.

……

……

Li Che narrowed his eyes as he grasped his wife Zhang Ya’s tender hand, idly playing with her youthful fingers.

Yet a trace of sharpness and coldness flickered in his gaze.

“Calling everyone a scumbag, that vile little punk, such a shrew—do you think my XiXi is parentless?”

“It’s just a normal injury from a fight, yet you hold such a grudge.”

“You venomous woman!”

A storm of cold anger surged in Li Che’s eyes. Another venomous wife… already long buried and overgrown.

However, the Liu family head remained lucid and remarkably composed.

But…

He could tolerate being insulted as Li Che, but when they tainted his daughter’s honor… he simply couldn’t stand it!

Li Che’s daughter would never endure even the slightest injustice!

How heartbroken would XiXi be if she heard someone speak so ill of her?

What kind of parents are they if they cannot stand up for their child when she’s bullied?

Li Che never considered himself a paragon of virtue.

He was simply a petty man, hell-bent on protecting his daughter and avenging every slight!

To a daughter, her father will always be her hero.

Releasing Zhang Ya’s hand and patting her on the back, Li Che stood up amid her puzzled gaze, his black, imposing robe fluttering in the breeze.

He stretched lazily, then, with a calm demeanor, walked over to where the Liu family members were seated.

The woman continued to comfort the sobbing Liu Changqing in her arms.

The Liu family head sat in grim silence.

Suddenly, he froze and turned; there came a young man in a black martial robe with a gentle smile, striding directly toward him.

“It’s Li Che!”

The Liu family head’s eyes flickered with a trace of doubt.

What is he here for?

Had his daughter only just beaten his son—could this be an apology?

Yes, he must be here to apologize…

Rumor had it that Li Che was mild-mannered and timid, so he was likely here to atone for his daughter’s recklessness.

The Liu family head exhaled, stood up, and moved to greet Li Che in acceptance of his apology.

After all, Li Che’s status as a third-class Minister in the Imperial Watch of the Capital was far from ordinary.

However, as soon as he rose, he noticed something odd: Li Che’s qi erupted, and with the speed of a perfected Blood Exchange, he appeared beside the woman.

His terrifying, awe-inspiring qi surged like a mountain bearing down, or like a crouching tiger suddenly roaring!

The woman, still dazed, looked up and felt a suffocating pressure, then saw a fierce slap strike her face. The devastating blow twisted her skin and flesh, shattered her cheekbone, and flung several bloodstained teeth.

The horrific power of Li Che’s perfected Blood Exchange sent the woman crashing several meters away, while Liu Changqing, cradled in her arms, collapsed to the ground, utterly stunned into silence.

“Li Che!!!”

The Liu family head of Eastern City exploded in fury.

“You scumbag, you vile little brat… you speak so casually—as if my daughter were parentless!”

Li Che dismissed the accusation with a flick of his hand, his expression growing even colder.

In a sudden burst, the Liu family head unleashed his divine might, forcefully pressing down on Li Che. Though his cultivation had reached the nascent divine foundation refined by the Ten Du Divine Foundation, the pressure was ultimately negligible to Li Che.

However…

Li Che merely cast a cold glance his way, while Big-Head Lu Chi had quietly appeared behind the Liu family head.

The Liu family head instantly reined in his divine pressure, his face dark and sullen.

He knew that the child with the tied-up hair—the Big-Head Child—behind him was a disciple of Yangjiao Potian Li Qingshan!

He couldn’t afford to provoke him!

At least in the Capital, he was untouchable.

“Master Li, you’re so imposing.”

The Liu family head clenched his fists and said in an icy tone.

In the distance, the woman whose teeth had been shattered by Li Che’s slap was horrified, screaming uncontrollably, though her cries came out breathlessly.

“Husband, he hit me—he hit me! That wretch hit me! Ah, help me, husband!”

The woman screamed, while the Liu family head cowered in fear.

He watched helplessly as his wife was beaten, too terrified to retaliate—like an ostrich burying its head.

“I was only standing up for my daughter—to show your wife that from now on, when you insult another’s daughter, you shouldn’t do it in front of her parents…”

Li Che said.

The Liu family head, fists clenched, said nothing more, for deep down he knew his wife was at fault.

“If you insult someone’s daughter and then get beaten, don’t you deserve it?!”

How unfair!

They say Li Che is mild and timid—how can this be mild?

He is blatantly arrogant!

Yet when you think about it, it’s understandable.

After all, when it comes to Li Che’s daughter, a father might just lose his mind if she were bullied!

The Liu family head exhaled, forced to swallow his indignation.

Li Che returned to his spot, accompanied by Lu Chi.

Zhang Ya’s eyes shone brightly as she stared at Li Che, unable to take her eyes off him.

How can my protective husband be so handsome?!

Zhang Ya found herself increasingly admiring Li Che.

Hmm! Tonight, I’ll prepare a few more tendon-stretching postures to ask for his guidance!

Li Che extended his large hand to tousle Zhang Ya’s head, then sat down casually on a grand chair, his expression unchanging.

Old Chen, unsurprised by the spectacle, noted that although Li Che was known for his mild temperament, he became lethally fierce when his family was involved. Back in Feilei City, when members of the Lingying Sect targeted XiXi, even though Li Che feared killing, he did not hesitate to strike.

It was Old Chen who guided Li Che during his first kill!

So they say, don’t push an honest person too far.

When you corner an honest man, his ensuing madness is even more terrifying than that of a lunatic.

……

……

This interlude attracted many eyes, but failed to garner much genuine attention.

Most onlookers remained focused on the exceptional prodigies on the elevated arena.

With a victory secured, XiXi could opt for a break of up to half an hour. Since her bout with Liu Changqing hadn’t drained much qi, she only rested briefly.

With a flick of his divine aura, Zhang Qingzheng restored XiXi’s condition to perfection!

“Continue.”

Zhang Qingzheng swept his gaze over the remaining fourteen prodigies and said:

XiXi had defeated Liu Changqing with thunderous resolve. Though she was only three, her achievement made the other prodigies wary of underestimating her.

Her display of perfected Bone Tempering prowess was no less impressive than that of Hai Chaosheng, Qin Fenghuo, or Huang Sixiang.

This three-year-old wasn’t a pushover; she was a tough nut—extremely resilient!

Meanwhile, Gongyang Family’s Gongyang Xiu, still very young, had instead become the weak link in place of XiXi.

Gongyang Xiu was just five years old, with his cultivation apparently only at the stage of perfected Tendon Burst, not yet having reached Bone Tempering.

Unquestionably, Gongyang Xiu was challenged.

On the arena, with qi surging, Gongyang Xiu’s eyes turned red as he unleashed all his strength, displaying an exquisitely refined martial technique.

It was the signature technique of the Gongyang Family: the Qian Kun Twelve Seals.

Even at five, Gongyang Xiu had managed to master one seal, successfully initiating himself into this formidable art!

Mind you, mastering even the basics of such a technique was no easy feat!

Alas, Gongyang Xiu was defeated and tumbled from the arena.

He rose, dusted himself off, his face somber—unlike Liu Changqing, who had burst into tears upon defeat.

After leaving the arena, he returned to the Gongyang Family’s area.

“Grandpa, I’ve lost,” Gongyang Xiu said as he approached Gongyang Liancheng, bowing his head in a display of childish dejection.

“You performed quite well. Challenging Jin Ao—who is only at the initial stage of Bone Tempering and at least two and a half years older than you—you managed nearly a hundred exchanges before losing. Not bad at all.”

“He is a prodigy secretly nurtured by Jin Lie Men and has learned some of their exclusive skills… it’s no wonder you couldn’t overcome him.”

“And the Divine Sect still gave you an ‘A’ rating, didn’t they?”

Gongyang Liancheng patted Gongyang Xiu’s little head.

Gongyang Xiu was visibly comforted, standing obediently by Gongyang Liancheng, his eyes sparkling as he looked toward the arena and in XiXi’s direction.

At five years old, he had been bested.

But XiXi, at three, had triumphed over her opponent.

Although their opponents were different, one thing was clear… XiXi was incredible!

……

After a round of defending and challenging, among the five defending spots on the arena, only one changed hands.

Gongyang Xiu was unseated and replaced by Jin Ao—another exceptional prodigy at the initial Bone Tempering stage.

Now, the true talents of the defending prodigies were largely revealed after this round of challenges.

Hai Chaosheng, seven years old—his Bone Tempering is perfected!

Qin Fenghuo, seven years old—he has achieved advanced Bone Tempering!

Huang Sixiang, six years old—at the initial stage of Bone Tempering!

Li Nuǎnxi, three years old—but her Bone Tempering is advanced!

There are no pushovers here—even Huang Sixiang, at the initial stage of Bone Tempering, possessed innate divine strength that could rival even advanced Bone Tempering!

There remained five exceptional prodigies—among them, Gong Family’s Gong Yuanliang and Shangguan Family’s Shangguan Qinglei had yet to act.

Essentially, after this round of challenges, the five prodigies who successfully defended their positions and earned an ‘A’ rating would be set.

And these five exceptional prodigies had every chance to become the true heirs of the Divine Sect!

The delicate spring rain pelted down amid a suddenly gusty wind.

Shangguan Qinglei of the Shangguan Family stepped forward, his toes pointed as his qi erupted, leaping onto the arena where XiXi stood.

On the other side, Gong Yuanliang cast a deep glance at Shangguan Qinglei before moving to the arena of Huang Sixiang.

In fact, Gong Yuanliang felt that the three-year-old girl was far tougher to handle than Huang Sixiang.

Watching her defeat Liu Changqing sent a shiver down his spine.

Sinister, venomous, reserved then explosive—once given the chance, she would beat her opponent to a pulp!

That kind of opponent was truly the scariest.

His aunt, Gong Yunli, who served at the Imperial Watch, had introduced him to many itinerant cultivators—whose mere presence made his hair stand on end.

That was why he waited for Shangguan Qinglei’s move before choosing his own.

“Begin—”

The black gong was struck again, its resonant toll echoing in waves.

In the hazy rain, a gentle breeze stirred, carrying a refreshing hint of spring.

The spectators around the pedestal knew that the assessment of these exceptional prodigies was nearing its climax.

“I challenge her,” declared Shangguan Qinglei, his hair swirling as his eyes blazed with aggression. Though only seven, he looked like a teenager, with lank arms and powerful, muscular legs.

Zhang Qingzheng nodded. “Approved.”

After his words, Zhang Qingzheng gracefully exited the arena while XiXi looked up at Shangguan Qinglei.

This Shangguan Qinglei… was much more robust than Liu Changqing.

Standing nearly at 1.7 meters, the visual impact next to three-year-old XiXi was truly striking.

“I am Shangguan Qinglei. Little sister, if you lose, don’t cry.”

Shangguan Qinglei squinted and smiled; despite his burly frame, his qi flowed and condensed like a slowly winding serpent.

The clattering of bones echoed like stir-fried beans!

Perfected Bone Tempering!

XiXi clenched her chubby fists as excitement glowed on her face.

“Wretch! Kneel down!”

XiXi assumed her martial stance.

Suddenly, she recalled something and looked at Shangguan Qinglei: “Oh, you’re also Shangguan? Then what’s your relation to Sister Qinghong?”

Shangguan Qinglei’s fingers curled like hooks, sparks dancing along them. Momentarily taken aback, he sneered, his eyes flashing with disgust: “Shangguan Qinghong? Just a bastard.”

Of course, he knew who Shangguan Qinghong was—merely his half-sister.

But his mother had once told him that Shangguan Qinghong was nothing more than an unwanted bastard…

Born to a lowly servant who seduced his father, she was, in his eyes, contemptible.

XiXi’s small brow furrowed as she declared, “You must not speak that way about Sister Qinghong!”

But Shangguan Qinglei grinned broadly, “You little brat, what an honor… So you’re friends with my bastard sister? Well, that suits you—two bastards together.”

His words ignited anger in XiXi’s eyes.

Below the arena.

On the Imperial Watch stands, Shangguan Qinghong was leisurely cracking sunflower seeds. Upon hearing Shangguan Qinglei’s words, she paused briefly before resuming her snack nonchalantly.

She had long grown accustomed to the Shangguan family’s disdain for her.

Even the wives and concubines of Shangguan Zhengheng despised her more than they did her mother.

Even though an Imperial Watch official had once favored her, and she now held a secure government job, nothing had changed.

Yet Shangguan Qinghong cared little for their opinions.

Wasn’t that a kind of resignation and numbness?

……

The battle on the arena begins!

XiXi focused intently; she was determined to beat the annoying Shangguan Qinglei into tears.

Though he was Sister Qinghong’s brother, XiXi would show no mercy!

Foul-mouthed scum deserve to be beaten to death!

Bang—!

XiXi’s small body sprang into action, catapulted by the shockwave from her stomp on the arena floor at an incredible speed.

Tak-tak-tak—

Her feet pounded the ground in rapid succession as her body spun, kicking up a cloud of dust before appearing right behind Shangguan Qinglei’s waist.

Just as when she defeated Liu Changqing, her technique was perfectly repeated!

“Trivial tricks—do you think I’m some country bumpkin trash?”

Shangguan Qinglei burst into a mad laugh, twisting his waist and lowering his body, unleashing a fierce leg sweep in a wide arc aimed squarely at XiXi.

Countless arcs of lightning danced along his leg, exuding a terrifying pressure!

“The Shangguan family’s signature technique… Cang Lei Body!”

“Though it’s only at the beginner’s stage, it’s remarkably potent—greatly enhancing both physical strength and qi!”

Shangguan Qinglei’s eyes bulged as an outburst of divine power roared from him, as if a torrent surged behind him!

Yet, facing Shangguan Qinglei’s nearly suffocating counterattack…

XiXi’s eyes shone with unwavering determination, showing no hint of panic.

With a quick flick of her small hand, a miniature Muduya—firmly gripped in her fist—was flung toward Shangguan Qinglei’s chest!

Boom-boom—

In an instant, a massive explosion erupted, with blazing flames surging across the arena!

Yet, as numerous electric arcs danced and accompanied Shangguan Qinglei’s enraged roar, his whipping leg struck again with bone-crushing force!

But that little crow had, after all, bought XiXi some precious time.

XiXi roared a battle cry.

“Little Kitten, come out!”

Her fingers clenched and she punched sideways—the little ‘kitten’ her father had taught her…

It was as if a young tiger had roared!

XiXi’s punch came crashing out, aimed at Shangguan Qinglei’s whipping leg!

Fist met leg!

As if a phantom young tiger emerged behind her, a tiger claw struck at the surging electric Cang Lei body!

Thud—

XiXi’s body burst forward, then stepped back steadily with a resounding clang. She reached for the big weapon from the Qian Kun Jade she wore around her neck.

Meanwhile, Shangguan Qinglei’s leg, which he had swung out, retracted. His pants were torn, with strips hanging loose, and his leg trembled uncontrollably—as if his bones were in pain, perhaps even fractured.

A look of disbelief shone in his eyes.

“Superior martial art… Master level?”

What XiXi had just executed was the White Tiger Turbulent Wind Fist—the technique perfected and refined by Li Che!

Normally, a three-year-old would never master such an abstruse, top-tier martial art to a masterful level—it would take years of grueling practice, intense refinement, and extraordinary talent!

But…

That three-year-old XiXi, using the White Tiger Turbulent Wind Fist, had actually exhibited the budding essence of a master’s style!

Isn’t that master-level?

Not only was Shangguan Qinglei shaken; high up on the pedestal, the Divine Sect’s Patriarch Nan Lihuo, Elder Zhu Hongdou, and even Li Qingshan were stirred, their gazes growing solemn.

“Truly, masterful martial artistry?”

“A master at three?”

Li Qingshan was dumbfounded.

How could it be that in such a short time, that little girl had grown so immensely?

How had she trained during this period?

Based on what Lu Chi always said about that little girl—complaining every day and being as inconsistent as fishing for three days then sunbathing for two—how could she possibly refine a martial art to a master’s level?

To master a top-tier martial art at three…

You must be the reincarnation of a martial saint!

Below,

Meanwhile, Li Che wore a gentle smile, the corners of his lips involuntarily upturned.

To ensure XiXi had a solid trump card in this true transmission assessment and to keep her safe, Li Che used the Pure Heart Dao Fruit to balance her body while activating the Dragon Elephant Vajra Dao Fruit, infusing his insights on the White Tiger Turbulent Wind Fist into its divine essence.

Subtly, he imparted this knowledge to XiXi.

Normally, it would be extremely difficult for a three-year-old to refine even the entry level of a master martial art; reaching that level is already commendable.

But XiXi was different…

She’s got a cheat code.

Her father always gives her an unfair advantage!

The tide on the arena abruptly shifted; after a setback, the imposing Shangguan Qinglei’s momentum weakened.

Yet this also stirred up a fiercer aggression in him.

Shangguan Qinglei was well aware of his advantages—at seven, he was older, stronger, and had endurance far beyond that of a three-year-old.

If he could stall her, victory would be his!

But then, a sudden gust tore through the hazy drizzle.

Shangguan Qinglei saw XiXi grab a massive implement nearly as big as her own body.

The six dark metallic tubes, like the fangs of venomous snakes, aimed directly at him as if ready to strike.

“Sister Qinghong is your real sister! How dare you call her a bastard?!”

“You foul-mouthed scumbag…”

“Master Niu Niu said so!”

“We can use fireworks…

“to silence your filthy mouth!”

XiXi stomped her foot, and as if caught by the wind, her already untidy hair danced wildly in the spring drizzle, her clothes billowing around her.

A look of boundless excitement spread over her face; her eyes sparkled brilliantly.

“Time to set off the fireworks—!”

The true transmission storyline will conclude in the next chapter. Please support with monthly votes, recommendations, and continued reading! In this state of exposed vulnerability, collections barely rise—please help boost the votes! Many thanks from Old Li!