Chapter 132: Shadows Over the Divine Sect

The spirited steeds whinnied as they raced down the official road, kicking up clouds of dust.

The cobbled stone path stretched all the way to the foot of the Divine Sect Mountain Gate, where a massive white jade archway stood tall.

At the Divine Sect Mountain Gate, dedicated guards kept watch; Li Che and Zhang Ya were already well-known faces to the mountain’s cultivators.

“Master Li, off searching for your daughter again?”

The mountain guard, an elderly man at the initial stage of Divine Basis cultivation, wasn’t weak though his natural talent had plateaued; he had long abandoned any hope for advancement.

So he remained at the gate as its vigilant guardian.

“Here, Uncle Qian, try this red-braised pork—my wife made it, and it’s every bit as good as the chef’s at Yunfang Fang!”

Li Che grinned as he lifted a plate of pre-prepared red-braised pork from his lunch box, artfully tossing it toward a figure inside a side building by the white jade archway.

The hunched figure accepted the plate, drew a deep breath, and burst into hearty laughter.

Li Che, carrying his red lacquered lunch box and holding Zhang Ya’s hand, disembarked from the carriage, stepped onto the stone steps, and began the ascent.

They strolled like lovers along a mountain trail, bathed in the cool breeze and dappled sunlight filtering through the trees.

Soon they reached the bustling central square within the Divine Sect.

The square teemed with activity as disciples from every peak gathered; once a month, the Divine Sect held a grand assembly to evaluate everyone’s cultivation progress.

It resembled a monthly exam where even true-transmission disciples were ranked alongside the inner disciples.

For instance, in a group of five true disciples, at least six must rank in the top tier; if a true disciple fell below the top six on more than three occasions, the inner disciple occupying the first spot could usurp their position.

A couple of low scores wouldn’t matter, but missing the top six three times was dangerously risky.

At the annual assessment, a single loss could even result in losing true-transmission status.

Moreover, the monthly exam allowed inner disciples one opportunity to challenge a true disciple.

Win three consecutive challenges and the true disciple would be stripped of their title, even without waiting for the annual evaluation.

Likewise, for inner disciples, the monthly exam was a key opportunity to break into the inner circle; every year, several ambitious outer disciples managed to displace an inner disciple.

Yet true transmissions being displaced was a rare occurrence.

Li Che and Zhang Ya arrived at the center of the square where Elder Zhang Qingzheng, clad in scholarly robes and sporting a fearsome scowl, stood on the arena podium.

Holding a roster, he called out a name, prompting a divine prodigy of the sect to scurry onto the stage.

After saluting Elder Zhang with utmost respect, the disciple folded his fists and unleashed his martial techniques, his qi bursting forth to display his cultivation prowess.

A complete set of fist techniques took barely a dozen breaths.

“Inner disciple Liu Yue, age seven—Minor attainment in Bone Tempering and Yangxing Ruhe. All set, now step off.”

“Next, inner disciple Zhang Kai.”

Elder Zhang nodded before calling out the next name with his trademark stern expression.

The disciple obediently vacated the stage; the order was so disciplined that no one dared oppose Elder Zhang’s command.

On the viewing platform,

Not only Li Che and Zhang Ya, but many parents of divine prodigies watched intently as their children took part in the Divine Sect’s monthly exam.

“Husband, look there—XiXi is over there!”

Zhang Ya’s eyes widened as she searched the crowd; she soon spotted XiXi surrounded by boisterous kids. Gripping Li Che’s hand, she shouted with delight.

Li Che had already noticed XiXi’s position; her Chess Sage Dao Fruit had advanced to level three, and his perception had far surpassed his previous limits.

With a cold expression, he gave a slight nod.

Because around XiXi, a swarm of boys gathered.

Among them were Gong Yuanliang from the Gong Family, Gongyang Xiu from the Gongyang Family, and several inner disciples from Jingguang City’s elite clans, all eagerly vying for her attention.

Li Che’s face darkened as he sat on the high pedestal, his eyes fixed coldly on these noble youths—their intentions too clear to ignore.

They had undoubtedly been ordered by their family elders to secure access to XiXi once inside the sect.

After all, XiXi was now the true transmission of Golden Light Peak, a status far beyond ordinary true disciples—and she was a girl.

For these aristocratic families, a girl was inevitably meant to marry; even a true transmission was no exception.

Thus, marrying into one of these families meant a dowry loaded with resources, backed by the power of a true transmission—a combination not to be underestimated.

How could Li Che not foresee the boys’ intentions?

Normally, XiXi trained atop Golden Light Peak under the watchful eyes of Senior Sister Sang Guanyin and Senior Brother Liu Yangyuan, keeping these boys at a distance.

But the monthly sect exam provided the perfect opportunity for them to get close to XiXi.

“These boys have impure intentions,” Li Che exhaled sharply, narrowing his eyes.

Zhang Ya just smiled softly. “Husband, they’re just children,”

“What are you thinking?” she teased.

“XiXi is only three,”

Li Che ruffled Zhang Ya’s hair affectionately. “I know they’re just kids, but kids will grow up! They’re laying the groundwork for the future—a threat we must guard against!”

Zhang Ya only laughed quietly; her husband was always planning far ahead.

……

……

Sitting on a chair, XiXi was visibly excited. She reached into her sleeve for a handful of sunflower seeds and began to munch slowly—a treat brought by Shangguan Qinghong during her recent visit.

Her casual chewing perfectly matched her imperial demeanor; as she cracked the seeds, she looked disdainfully at the miscreants around her—absolutely cool.

As for the unfamiliar inner disciples flocking around her, Sister Yinyin had already advised her to ignore them, considering them like buzzing flies.

Sister Yinyin certainly had plenty of experience!

“XiXi, are those your parents?”

At five years old, Gongyang Xiu, just two years older than XiXi, piped up in a babyish voice.

Instantly alert, XiXi’s ears perked up. “Where are they? Where are they?”

Her eyes roamed until she finally spotted her delighted mother, Zhang Ya, waving from the high platform, and her stern father nearby.

Overjoyed, XiXi clapped her hands and leapt off her chair.

Grabbing Gongyang Xiu, she pushed through the crowd and dashed excitedly toward her parents.

“Silence!”

On the arena, the scowling Elder Zhang coldly commanded.

But when he saw XiXi, a fleeting tenderness flashed in his eyes—barely perceptible.

“Proceed,” Elder Zhang ordered.

As long as it was XiXi, he would let it slide; for anyone else, his iron-fisted judgement was inescapable.

XiXi dragged Gongyang Xiu onto the viewing platform.

“Mommy—!”

With an exuberant leap, she rushed toward Zhang Ya, only to be caught mid-air by Li Che’s steady hand.

What power did XiXi have now? Was this a bid to prove her worth by defying her own mother?

Once caught, XiXi flailed wildly like a fish out of water.

“Daddy, I don’t like you!”

Her chubby face flushed bright red—her majestic image utterly shattered!

“From now on, no more charging at your mother! Only your daddy is allowed.” Li Che gently pinched her cheek as he admonished her before letting her down.

XiXi huffed and snuggled into Zhang Ya’s arms, tearfully complaining, “Mommy, Daddy is bullying me!”

Zhang Ya quickly comforted her, and at the same time pulled out a plate of red-braised pork—XiXi’s favorite. In a flash, her tears were forgotten as she began eating happily.

Gongyang Xiu stood awkwardly aside, still unsure of what was happening.

At that moment, all he felt was the piercing, cutting glance of XiXi’s father—sharp as a drawn sword.

Adults, they were so intimidating…

Meanwhile, XiXi continued to savor her red-braised pork.

“From the Gongyang Family?”

“Your hair looks a bit yellow,” Li Che remarked coolly to Gongyang Xiu.

Gongyang Xiu hurriedly tried to explain, “Uncle, please let me explain… I’m practicing my soil-based Divine Martial Arts…”

The Five Elements Divine Martial Arts—a special technique combining the five elements with the seven emotions—was considerably more potent than ordinary divine martial arts.

Each of the four major sects specialized in one of these arts, often paired with their unique Divine Vision technique.

For example, Jin Lie Men focused on metal, emphasizing offense and defense.

Bamboo Forest Academy cultivated wood, Guanchao Pavilion practiced water arts, Xinyuan Temple wielded fire, and Scorpion Forest mastered earth.

The Divine Sect also taught the Five Elements Divine Martial Arts; when blended with standard divine techniques, their power soared.

Li Che simply nodded without further comment, which only heightened Gongyang Xiu’s anxiety. His small face soon broke into beads of sweat, and his back became damp with perspiration.

So frightening…

Nearby, XiXi continued to enjoy her red-braised pork.

Gongyang Xiu was on the verge of tears, burdened with pressure far beyond his years.

“Xiu Xiu, would you like a piece of red-braised pork? My mommy’s recipe is unbeatable!” XiXi asked kindly with her mouth full.

Gongyang Xiu hurriedly waved his hand to decline.

Fortunately, the true transmission exam was about to begin as Elder Zhang called Gongyang Xiu’s name. Relieved, he dashed off like a shot.

After the inner disciples’ exam, the true transmissions were confirmed.

This term’s four major true transmissions were Hai Chaosheng, Gong Yuanliang, Gongyang Xiu, and XiXi.

After Gongyang Xiu’s turn, he saluted Elder Zhang and then began his demonstration.

“Not bad—Gongyang Xiu, age five, Minor attainment in Bone Tempering and Yangxing Ruhe,” Elder Zhang declared.

Though his tone was satisfied, his sour expression suggested slight disappointment.

“Next, Gong Yuanliang.”

The true transmission tests for the four disciples didn’t take long.

Since it was only a monthly exam, it wasn’t overly formal; Elder Zhang simply recorded the results.

One’s cultivation level could be roughly deduced by their performance.

Within one month, everyone’s cultivation noticeably improved.

Seven-year-old Hai Chaosheng, perhaps spurred by XiXi’s prodigious talent, managed to break through from Minor Bone Tempering to Blood Exchange.

This news shocked many—the breakthrough in Blood Exchange at seven years old was exceedingly rare.

“Next, Li Nuǎnxi,” Elder Zhang announced.

XiXi stuffed the last piece of red-braised pork into her mouth.

“Daddy, Mommy, it’s my turn!” she declared before dashing toward the arena.

Li Che and Zhang Ya’s eyes followed her eagerly, curious about the extent of her month-long cultivation in the Divine Sect.

In the next moment, XiXi moved—a clear, resounding sword chant erupted as beams of golden light burst from her arms, like countless brilliant rays rising in unison!

Even the sound of rolling thunder reverberated continuously.

Below the arena, several inner disciples itching to challenge her felt an oppressive aura make their eyes narrow.

Qin Fenghuo of the Qin Family had long declared his intent to challenge XiXi; at this moment, he felt as if a giant hand gripped his heart.

“Blood… Blood Exchange?!”

“How can that be possible?!”

Qin Fenghuo’s face turned ashen as his eyes widened in disbelief, overwhelmed by the burning surge of qi.

His features gradually went lifeless.

He had reached a perfected level in Bone Tempering and was confident enough to challenge XiXi, but now all thoughts of challenging her had vanished.

In one month, though he had attained the perfected level of Bone Tempering, XiXi had already advanced to Blood Exchange—the gap was simply too vast!

Is that the true difference between him and the prodigy?

Trembling, Qin Fenghuo’s eyes betrayed fear and defeat as he grew silent, overwhelmed by discouragement.

Yet that despair soon faded.

A spark of hope still shone in his eyes. “Yes, in a year… with Temple Spirit Resonance, I’ll still have a chance…”

“As long as my Temple Spirit Resonance is strong enough, I can still become a true transmission and win the sect’s favor!”

The Qin Family had invested high hopes in his Temple Spirit Resonance assessment.

At only seven years old, his future was just beginning. A temporary setback now was nothing; he was determined to catch up to XiXi!

On the arena, XiXi showcased the introductory level of the superior golden light branch technique—Xuan Lei Jin Guang Sha Swordsmanship.

It dazzled and intimidated, with waves of sword qi bursting forth and intermingling.

Though she was only at the entry level, her performance already shocked many onlookers.

Even Elder Zhang stroked his beard in amazement, his eyes flashing with unexpected light.

In the distance, Elder Zhu Hongdou watched the exam with displeasure; XiXi was originally destined to become his disciple at Hongyun Peak.

Alas, she had been snatched away by the sect’s old patriarch.

“Li Nuǎnxi, age three—just stepped into Blood Exchange with a Yangxing Ruhe level!” Elder Zhang announced XiXi’s result.

Thus, the first round of testing concluded, paving the way for the challenge phase.

Inner disciples challenged true transmissions, and outer disciples challenged inner disciples.

Earlier, Qin Fenghuo who had boasted about challenging XiXi had strategically withdrawn.

After all, even without hidden weapons, XiXi’s Blood Exchange stage left Qin Fenghuo with no confidence to prevail.

“I want to challenge!”

Suddenly, all eyes turned as a sullen Shangguan Qinglei, his face grim, stepped forward from a corner.

The other disciples quickly steered clear of him, as if repelled by a plague.

Despite being only seven, Shangguan Qinglei’s grim expression and demeanor suggested he had already seen too much of life’s cruelty.

Step by measured step, he ascended the arena, his gaze fixed intently on XiXi.

“I challenge you!”

Since Shangguan Zhengheng was killed by Lin Xiu and Li Qingshan, Shangguan Qinglei’s status in the Divine Sect had plummeted. Some disciples, privy to the truth, even mocked him as the son of a miscreant from the Corpse God Sect.

Harboring deep grievances with no outlet, he redirected all his anger onto XiXi’s family—after all, they were close with Li Qingshan…

And Li Qingshan was the man who had killed his father!

The more Shangguan Qinglei stewed over it, the heavier his suppressed anger and murderous intent grew.

Elder Zhang, still scowling, cast a cold glance toward the brat, as if he could see the seething fury and lethal intent burning within him.

Elder Zhang understood all too well the depths of Shangguan Qinglei’s rage, but he merely shook his head before turning to XiXi. “Do you accept?”

XiXi made no objection; her eyes shone brightly as she stepped onto the arena, clearly relishing the chance for a fight—she loved a good brawl!

Her muscles and tendons trembled with exhilaration.

On the viewing platform, Li Che fixed his gaze on Shangguan Qinglei, sensing a murderous intent aimed squarely at XiXi.

Li Che narrowed his eyes.

Shangguan Qinglei…

The son of Shangguan Zhengheng, no less?

He nearly forgot — one must cut out the root of the problem.

This kid… must not be spared!

……

……

Old Chen, smoking his dry pipe and humming a tune, strolled along the bustling streets of the Capital.

The liveliness of the Capital was truly enchanting; Old Chen never imagined he would one day call this place home.

After spending so many days with Li Che’s family, he figured it was time to find some work and pass the time.

XiXi went off to cultivate with the Divine Sect, Li Che worked at the Imperial Watch by day, and Zhang Ya occasionally practiced at Zheng Lei Peak with Li Qingshan.

He was thoroughly bored on his own.

As he walked, a shabby figure in simple cloth clothing hurried over, clutching a bamboo stick.

Old Chen took a drag from his pipe. “That’s my old friend—he joined the Beggar Gang, one of the top three gangs in the Capital, after arriving here.”

They had met earlier in the Capital and quickly recognized one another.

“Da Bao!”

“Er Dan.”

They exchanged knowing glances and smiled warmly at the serendipity of meeting an old friend in a foreign land.

They had both grown old; once, they had been youthful martial arts trainees at the local gym, and now time had caught up with them.

Finding a teashop, they sat down to drink tea and reminisce.

“I got you a job in the gang. Knowing your progress in Blood Exchange, I mentioned it to the steward and secured you a position as a guard.”

“The monthly pay isn’t bad—twenty taels per month.”

Old Chen squinted, took another puff from his pipe, and asked, “Guard what exactly?”

He didn’t agree immediately—the Capital was full of hidden agendas.

“Hehe, isn’t it a great gig? You know Yunfang Fang, right?”

Old Beggar Er Dan grinned mischievously.

“Around Yunfang Fang, our Beggar Gang also holds territory… They even employ our folks to handle certain tasks, primarily guarding goods.”

“And if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the beauties inside Yunfang Fang. I heard the courtesan there is as white as snow!”

Er Dan nervously rubbed his hands.

Old Chen chuckled wryly. “We’re old men now—do you really think you can manage those ladies?”

“Forget all that nonsense.”

But the job Er Dan mentioned suited Old Chen perfectly.

Yunfang Fang wasn’t far from Li Che’s cottage, and its reputation was well-known to Old Chen.

Although it was a place of debauchery, Old Chen took pride in earning honest money—the money was clean.

Seeing Old Chen agree, Er Dan led him to the Beggar Gang’s station near Yunfang Fang.

A Blood Exchange martial artist looking for work in the Capital was not hard to find.

The Beggar Gang’s steward was impeccably dressed without any trace of a beggar; he looked more like a wealthy tycoon.

“All right. A Blood Exchange martial artist—even if his qi is a bit waning—is more than capable of guarding goods.”

“I’ll have someone take you there. Just remember, don’t ask too many questions; do your job.”

“Understood?”

Old Chen, pipe in mouth and smiling, indicated that he understood perfectly—after all, he was a seasoned veteran.

The well-dressed steward was pleased with Old Chen’s attitude; he valued this kind of street-smart, experienced demeanor.

Soon, someone came to lead Old Chen away to his work assignment.

Watching Old Chen leave, the steward’s luxurious features faded, replaced by a grim look as he clasped his fists and glanced in one direction.

“This man has an unusually close relationship with the Divine Prodigy Li Nuǎnxi. He may have subtly implanted the Undead Curse Seal within him. The true transmission is meant to descend from the sect every six months…”

“Once Li Nuǎnxi meets him in six months, the Undead Curse Seal can be transferred to the divine prodigy!”

A cold voice then drifted out from a nearby building.

“A divine prodigy… is worth taking every risk.”

“By then, the entire Jizhou will be subjugated to my Corpse God Sect. What can a measly Jin Guang Mansion do to resist?”

“Everyone has desires. As long as desire exists, no one can resist the allure of my Corpse God Sect.”

“A divine prodigy… indeed.”

……

……

Back at the inner square of the Divine Sect,

Li Che sat on the high platform, watching as a grim Shangguan Qinglei steadily approached, his eyes flickering with concealed murderous intent.

Even if Shangguan Qinglei was just a child…

The threat a child could pose was not to be underestimated.

If XiXi were harmed, it would be a regret for a lifetime!

But since this was an arena match with Elder Zhang overseeing, XiXi’s safety was assured.

Moreover, Shangguan Qinglei’s cultivation couldn’t possibly endanger XiXi.

So Li Che had no plans to intervene.

Seated on the platform, he calmly observed the challenge while already planning how to eliminate this kid.

With the recent advancement of the Chess Sage Dao Fruit, his sense for murderous intent had sharpened.

Suddenly, Li Che felt his heart stir, and his eyes envisioned an intricate chessboard.

One chess piece thumped audibly.

It was the Feilei Chess Piece he had hidden on Old Chen.

At that moment, it seemed to sense a dangerous aura, sending out feedback.

Li Che frowned, his mind racing as the piece erupted with a mysterious glow that converged on the chessboard, forming a distinct image.

After a brief moment, Li Che’s face darkened completely.

“Corpse God Sect!”

Through the chess piece’s feedback, he detected the gradual infiltration of Undead Curse energy in Old Chen—even if weak, it could accumulate to form the Undead Curse Seal, hidden yet unmistakable.

But Li Che…

Because the Chess Sage Dao Fruit contained within it an Eight-Pole Undead Curse Seal, he was exceptionally sensitive to even the faintest trace of it; it shone like blazing light in his vision, impossible to conceal.

“The Corpse God Sect really is everywhere. Old Chen went seeking work and ended up tainted by the Undead Curse energy? Their subtle methods are nearly impossible to guard against.”

Once this Undead Curse energy accumulates sufficiently, it will erupt uncontrollably, forming the Undead Curse Seal.

Unless the marked one resolutely resists—sacrificing their cultivation, even their life—they cannot overcome the seal’s corrosive might.

But how many would willingly face death head-on?

Fearful of death yet seduced by the promise of greater power, many abandoned their principles and joined the Corpse God Sect.

Li Che closed his eyes, then slowly reopened them.

He began contemplating his enemy’s objective.

The first time he encountered Old Chen, he sensed a subtle buildup of Undead Curse energy—an attack targeted at a declining Blood Exchange martial artist. It was deliberate.

Could they be planning to convert Old Chen into a member of the Corpse God Sect?

In the Capital, a Blood Exchange martial artist was nothing extraordinary—especially one whose qi was already waning. Why go to such lengths?

Li Che suspected the enemy’s true target was XiXi.

Although Old Chen’s close ties to his family weren’t widely known, anyone from Tinghua Alley would know that Old Chen was very well connected to them.

It seemed the Corpse God Sect intended to use Old Chen, much like that old idol of the Six Desires, to implant the Undead Curse Seal into XiXi!

“Corpse God Sect… damn them!”

Li Che’s eyes suddenly turned sharp and cold.

After all, if they could kill so many without fear, wouldn’t they be emboldened?

A month of inaction and they were growing audacious?

Or perhaps…

Without brutally eliminating a key figure of the Corpse God Sect, they wouldn’t understand true pain?!

The cold fury in Li Che’s eyes surged, filled with an unprecedented murderous intent.

Noticing his wife’s worried glance as she patted his chest, Li Che’s expression softened slightly.

Old Chen wasn’t in immediate danger; the enemy hadn’t yet planned to act on him, and the Undead Curse energy had only just begun to seep in. A timely flush of qi might wash it away.

So Li Che decided to hold back for now, following the trail to see if he could uncover a bigger conspiracy.

Then…

He would make the Corpse God Sect feel true pain!

Calming his mind, Li Che’s eyes returned to the arena.

There, XiXi was stretching, when suddenly something like a dead butterfly on her shoulder burst into rapid wing movements.

XiXi’s bright eyes widened in alarm…

She glared fiercely at Shangguan Qinglei, her emotions flaring.

“You actually want to kill me?!”

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