Chapter 145: Promises of Blood and Shadows

Old Chen wants to see blood.

This was something Li Che had promised Old Chen long ago.

Li Che had said that XiXi’s birthday wasn’t a good day for bloodshed and that another auspicious day should be chosen.

Today, XiXi’s birthday has already passed.

Old Chen’s eyes were clouded and laced with bloodshot veins—it was clear he hadn’t slept well last night.

Li Che shoved a steamed bun into his mouth and looked at Old Chen, saying, “Fine.”

He didn’t ask why.

He didn’t seek an explanation.

Because Li Che believed Old Chen’s nature was pure, his craving for blood wasn’t meant for any innocent soul.

Old Chen’s tense body suddenly relaxed.

He exhaled deeply; Li Che’s presence had become overwhelmingly oppressive.

Had one not known Li Che’s hidden identity, it might have been bearable—but knowing the truth, Old Chen felt as if a mountain were crushing him.

Ogre, huh…

He was renowned in Feilei City—a lone hero who despised evil and killed without a second thought…

But now that they had reached Jingguang City, the oppressive atmosphere seemed to echo in his ears.

In teahouses, storytellers recalled how a hero single-handedly toppled the Fisher Gang, freeing exploited laborers and restoring peace.

That’s what a hero is!

And now, that hero is right beside me!

When Old Chen first learned of Li Che’s true identity, he was stunned, his emotions in turmoil for a long time.

So it turns out…

Old Chen realized, almost without noticing, that he now had a powerful backer!

Isn’t this Ogre exactly the ally Old Chen had been counting on?

Yet after some thought, Old Chen developed inexplicable reservations and began acting very cautiously.

After all, Ogre is a master who can dispatch even divine beings as if they were chickens!

Seeing Old Chen’s unease, Li Che smiled gently and patted his shoulder, saying, “Old Chen, relax. There’s no need to be so tense…”

“I’ve always been Ah Che—that will never change.”

Li Che’s warm voice, as soothing as a spring breeze combined with the calming power of Pure Heart, made Old Chen’s tension vanish.

Yes, this kid… he was the one who once introduced him, the little laborer who cheerfully hauled wood carvings and materials for him.

Honest, simple, and sincere—he treated everyone kindly, at least in Old Chen’s eyes.

And that was enough.

Old Chen took a drag of cigarette smoke with a clack, saying, “Beggar Gang…I work for the Beggar Gang, guarding a courtyard behind Yunfang Fang.”

“At first, they told me to keep an eye only on what I was meant to, nothing more.”

“I carried out my duty with that very conviction—concentrate only on what you’re meant to see.”

“But you know, over time, I began to feel a creeping lethargy and the stench of death within me, and I knew this job was seriously flawed.”

Old Chen slowly began recounting details of his work.

“Normally, it pays only about twenty taels a month… hardly worth risking your life.”

“After feeling that stifling death energy, I planned to quit; but before I could resign, a girl escaped from the courtyard I was guarding.”

“The news lodged itself in my mind in the most damnable way…”

“It turned out that the women of Yunfang Fang all came from that very courtyard—their lives possibly confined to its walls.”

Old Chen closed his eyes, replaying the images as his heart trembled.

“That girl pleaded for help; I rescued her and sent her home… but I knew I had done something wrong.”

Old Chen sighed deeply.

“I’m too weak… even with my Blood Exchange cultivation, I’m so feeble in this world that I can’t stand firm for a moment.”

Li Che could sense the self-reproach emanating from him.

No wonder—Li Che already knew the girl’s fate, and his expression grew somber.

“I, Old Chen… have always been cowardly; back in Feilei City, I avoided trouble. That’s why I fled to the outer city’s Woodcarving Shop, hoping to steer clear of inner-city strife.”

“But even I have a conscience—just as I once intervened in matters between your family and the Lingying Sect.”

“But this time is different… entirely different. I’ve destroyed a family.”

Old Chen looked far older now; his former martial spirit seemed completely shattered.

At Li Che’s words, he nodded.

Beggar Gang…

The corpse and death energy emanating from Old Chen, clearly aimed at a target, needed no further explanation.

The Beggar Gang’s target was XiXi. Even within their ranks, masters of the Corpse God Sect lurked.

And with that, everything was clear.

Now, Li Che and the Corpse God Sect were locked in a relentless, deadly conflict.

That Beggar Gang… they too would eventually face their reckoning.

Previously, Li Che might have hesitated, worried his fighting strength wasn’t enough.

But now, there was no hesitation—he had both the power and the nerve to act.

“Corpse God Sect…”

Li Che picked up another steamed bun and took a gentle bite.

After soothing Old Chen, he laughed and said, “Honestly, I’m not some hero…”

“I’ve always just wanted to protect my loved ones.”

“I’m opposed to the Corpse God Sect because… they intend to mess with XiXi—my daughter.”

“As a father, how could I stand by?”

Li Che shook his head.

“When they bully my family, I simply can’t endure it.”

“Leave it to me.”

Li Che looked at Old Chen with deep, penetrating eyes.

Upon hearing this, Old Chen’s face showed little joy; he stepped back and bowed to Li Che.

“I owe you for this, Li Che.”

“Our relationship has become complicated, Old Chen.”

Li Che shook his head.

“But you must stay safe—if something isn’t worth doing, don’t do it. Your life comes first,” Old Chen said gravely.

He didn’t want Li Che to suffer any mishaps because of him.

Li Che signaled for Old Chen to relax, then stood up and looked over at the trio—XiXi, Gong Yuanliang, and Gongyang Xiu.

“Alright, you’ve eaten, drunk, and played enough. Now go on your separate ways and continue your cultivation.”

“Being young isn’t an excuse for slacking off.”

Li Che clapped his hands to call the trio over.

“Dad, I want another one!” XiXi blinked her big, bright eyes and raised a finger, clearly asking for another bun.

Gongyang Xiu and Gong Yuanliang signaled they were done, while Lu Chi kept shaking his head.

They were all competing to eat the buns—it was a contest, and some nearly got sick from overeating.

Only XiXi truly savored the delicious taste.

XiXi sure can eat a lot!

Li Che laughed, “Aren’t you leaving one for your mother?”

Hearing this, XiXi frowned, released the bun, and said, “Oh, right—Mom hasn’t eaten yet. I’ll leave one for her; I won’t have mine!”

“Good girl,” Li Che praised, patting XiXi’s head.

He picked up XiXi and, along with Gong Yuanliang, Gongyang Xiu, and the three little yellow-haired ones, left the courtyard.

At Golden Light Peak Grand Plaza,

Sang Guanyin took XiXi away, and XiXi skipped happily while occasionally chatting with Sang Guanyin about the unforgettable taste of buns.

After a relieved sigh, Li Che turned and headed down the mountain.

……

……

Snowflakes swirled fiercely, as large as duck feathers.

A stone pagoda clung to the cliff.

The upturned eaves of the pagoda were layered with thick snow, muffling its splendor and lending it a poetic charm.

Even the waters of the Jiulong River that flowed through the city hadn’t frozen.

After all, it was connected to the raging river outside—as if a furnace burned beneath, keeping the water warm.

Li Che arrived at the Imperial Watch’s cliffside stone pagoda, as usual to clock in, with several wood carvings ready for submission.

These days, it wasn’t Li Che carving them himself; his “Painted Immortal” clone did, and once a carving was finished, its memory merged back into him as though he had done it personally.

Shangguan Qinghong had kicked off her shoes, sitting barefoot on a chair, snacking on sunflower seeds while reading romantic tales.

The deaths of Shangguan Zhengheng and Shangguan Qinglei lifted the burden from her shoulders; from then on, she was no longer bound to the Shangguan Clan.

She became utterly carefree and lazy.

Li Che approached her and laid out all the wood carvings he was about to submit.

“Che, get efficient! You used to take half a month for one carving,” she exclaimed in surprise.

Li Che smiled, “Help me submit these, and while you’re at it, collect your fee.”

“Sure, leave it to me,” Shangguan Qinghong replied with a laugh.

This was exactly her job during shifts—submitting tasks on behalf of the Imperial Watch’s officials to save them time.

After handing over the carvings, Li Che planned to leave, return to the courtyard in Luohua Alley, and then reorganize the Beggar Gang.

But before he could exit the tower, he was called back.

It was Gong Yunli, the Junior Monitor with a broad chest, who blocked his path.

“Greetings, Junior Monitor,” Li Che said with a bow, clapping his fists together.

Gong Yunli scrutinized Li Che from head to toe, growing increasingly satisfied.

She had always favored honest, dependable, and well-behaved people—as long as they didn’t cause trouble.

Ever since Li Che became an Imperial Watch official, he’d become renowned for his uprightness.

He always acted with remarkable restraint.

Every monthly task was completed flawlessly, earning endless praise from his employers.

If one were to cite Li Che’s only flaw…

It’s that he’s simply too perfect.

“Junior Monitor Gong, have you gotten any word about the matter I requested?” Li Che couldn’t help but ask.

Gong Yunli adjusted his imposing chest and laughed, “You’ve been a third-class official for a year now; by the rules, you’re eligible to apply for the second-class exam.”

“I’ve already arranged it for you—in about half a month, you’ll be notified about the second-class official exam.”

“The exam requires registration with the Imperial Watch in Zhou City, which will send evaluators over, so it’ll take another two weeks.”

Gong Yunli explained.

Upon hearing this, Li Che felt little regret.

After thanking him, he prepared to leave.

However, Gong Yunli suddenly sprang forward, spreading his arms to block him aggressively.

“I haven’t finished speaking—why are you in such a hurry?”

The elegant Gong Yunli said in urgency.

Li Che almost lost his balance; one had to say, this Junior Monitor certainly had both a robust chest and a brain to match.

“Junior Monitor, please speak,” Li Che said with a gentle smile.

“Come with me to meet Lord Monitor.”

Gong Yunli shivered, adjusting her gorgeous robe, and instinctively stepped back.

“Meet the Monitor?” Li Che’s eyes narrowed.

“Exactly—you’ve been a third-class official for a year now. I’ve arranged for you a chance to enter a Bizarre Temple to observe its Temple Spirit. Aren’t you applying for the second-class exam?”

“Aren’t you aiming to challenge for the Nine Luminary Woodcarving Master title? To level up, you need to observe divine beings. That’s why I applied to the Monitor for a slot in the Bizarre Temple for you.”

Gong Yunli raised her smooth, fair chin.

Li Che’s eyes lit up at her words.

“Enter the Bizarre Temple?”

“Is it the Eight-Armed Furious Third Prince Bizarre Temple?”

Li Che asked excitedly.

“What are you on about?”

“Of course it can’t be the Third Prince Bizarre Temple—that’s the Four-Yu Bizarre Temple where no cultivator may enter.”

Gong Yunli replied.

“It’s one of the other two Eight-Extremes Bizarre Temples outside Jingguang City—they’ve both been conquered and now fall under the Temple Guardian Division.”

“Threat-wise, they’re in a completely different league compared to the Four-Yu level Third Prince Bizarre Temple.”

“Since they’re under Temple Guardian Division control, you must apply for permission. Without an official permit, sneaking in is a capital offense punishable by immediate execution.”

Gong Yunli led Li Che up to the upper levels of the tower.

They climbed an unknown number of flights of stairs.

Finally, they stopped before a room from which the gentle sound of an Erhu drifted out.

“Every official wishing to enter the Bizarre Temple must first meet with the Monitor, who will determine if you’re a hidden pawn of the Corpse God Sect.”

“The Corpse God Sect isn’t allowed in the Bizarre Temple because, unlike other sects, they pose a significant internal threat—not only through their numbers but also because…”

“The ambition of the Corpse God Sect is boundless—they enter the temple solely to hunt down the Temple Spirit!”

At these words, Li Che’s eyes narrowed. To hunt the Temple Spirit?

Could the Corpse God Sect really harbor such an astonishing idea?

Creak.

The door opened with a creak, and the sound of the Erhu grew louder. Li Che even felt as though the Seven-Whorl Divine Foundation within Mud Pellet Palace was trembling, its divinity momentarily out of control.

He frowned as his Pure Heart Dao Fruit pounded, its restlessness gradually subdued.

Gong Yunli led Li Che inside in a respectful manner.

The Erhu fell silent as an old man in plain clothes, seated on a stool, slowly rose.

His eyes fixed on Li Che, and in that instant, Li Che felt as though he were seen through completely.

An immensely powerful force descended upon him in an instant.

It was intangible—almost as if a true deity had manifested!

His Primordial Spirit!

Li Che’s heart tightened.

This was the Primordial Spirit that Nan Lihuo had spoken of!

It was an essential step for cultivators striving to break into the Divine Essence realm—the birth of the Primordial Spirit!

Once formed, the Primordial Spirit would enable one to traverse yin and yang, roaming the void.

Rumor had it that there were two types—yin and yang—and the Monitor was likely in the yin category.

Who would have thought the Imperial Watch’s Monitor was even stronger than Nan Lihuo?

“So you are Third-Class Official Li Che?”

The Monitor squinted at Li Che, a strange glint flashing in his eyes.

That kid…

Has he sensed it?

Has he detected the aura of his Primordial Spirit?

Otherwise, why would this kid suddenly grow so tense?

Moreover, although the Monitor sensed Li Che’s divine foundation and an incredibly robust life force, the kid appeared to be nothing more than an ordinary Blood Exchange fighter and nurturing cultivator.

His intuition told him that Li Che was definitely hiding his true power.

That’s the instinct of an old fox.

The Monitor chuckled, “I should have arranged for you to enter a Bizarre Temple to observe the Temple Spirit sooner, to elevate your woodcarving skills.”

“But old me got delayed by some matters.”

“Regarding your temple observation, I’ve already graded the papers. Once I hand you a handwritten approval, you’ll be allowed into the Bizarre Temple.”

“By the way, which temple do you want to enter? Which Temple Spirit are you aiming to observe?”

The Monitor said with a smile.

“The Four-Yu Third Prince Bizarre Temple is definitely off-limits. You can choose between the other two—one Temple Spirit, known as the “Fire-Eyed Astonished Spirit Ape Temple Spirit,” is located on Ten Li Mountain outside Xinyuan Temple.”

“And there’s another Temple Spirit—the “Iron Crutch Joyful Ascetic Temple Spirit,” whose temple is located near Jin Lie Men.”

The Monitor listed the two temple spirits like treasured heirlooms.

“Which one do you want to observe?”

Li Che recalled the introduction Shangguan Qinghong had once given him.

“I choose the Fire-Eyed Astonished Spirit Ape Temple Spirit outside Xinyuan Temple,” he declared.

Li Che clasped his fists in greeting.

The Monitor nodded, “Very well. I’ll handwrite a letter and send it to the Temple Guardian Division—results should arrive in about five days, and then an entry permit will be issued.”

“I’ll have Junior Monitors Gong and Gongyang accompany you while you observe the Temple Spirit,” the Monitor added with a smile.

Upon hearing this, Gong Yunli was immediately dissatisfied: “Teacher, why must you send Gongyang Liancheng? I’m perfectly capable on my own!”

Gong Yunli, with her flawless aura, felt that taking just one official to the Eight-Extremes Bizarre Temple should suffice—could anything go wrong?

The Monitor was momentarily at a loss, stroking his beard.

“That girl…”

“Entering the Bizarre Temple with Li Che—did you think I was worried about his safety?”

“I’m worried about you… little Gong!”

……

……

They left the Imperial Watch Tower.

Li Che donned his Bamboo Hat and dark robe, treading on snowy streets, and cast a backward glance at the tower.

But atop the tower’s railing, he saw something.

The Monitor stood there with a small stool and an Erhu hanging from his waist, smiling at him.

“So, you’ve been seen through?”

Li Che adjusted his Bamboo Hat and turned to leave.

“Maybe.”

“But being seen through doesn’t matter…”

“In these times, who isn’t a sly old fox?”

The Monitor squinted as his smile gradually faded.

Then he slowly raised the hand that had been trailing behind him, his fingers twisting together like braids as he formed a secret hand formation…

“Your fate is remarkably resilient… I nearly cramped my hand calculating it,” he remarked.

“You’re hiding it well… Could this kid be that Ogre?”

The Monitor pondered for a moment, then chuckled.

“That would make sense—only a father like that could beget a prodigy like Li Nuǎnxi,” he said, smoothing out his cramped hand.

His figure vanished in an instant.

Moments later, in a corner of the Capital,

an old man wearing a felt hat, seated on a small stool and playing the Erhu as he swayed to his music, had before him a small bowl with a chipped edge.

Life was tough—the Monitor made his living through street performance.

……

……

Li Che returned to the Private Workshop Courtyard in Luohua Alley.

The Cosmic Chessboard expanded and enveloped everything.

Then, he sat in the courtyard as his vital energy and divine essence blended into a pool of dark ink.

The Pure Heart Dao Fruit trembled, and suddenly sheet after sheet of flawless white paper—formed from Pure Heart—floated around the courtyard.

One after another, pure and immaculate, as if competing with the drifting snow.

Li Che surveyed the myriad of divine white sheets.

In the next moment, with a snap of his fingers…

Wave after wave of dark ink soared, colliding rapidly with the pristine paper.

It was as if an unseen hand was writing—the rustling sound echoing incessantly.

Moments later.

Li Che stood up, stretched lazily, then split the air with two fingers to retrieve his Bamboo Hat, the Cute Cow Mask, and the Black Robe clinging to him.

His flesh swelled, becoming as massive as a towering mountain.

After adjusting his Bamboo Hat, the Ogre reappeared in the courtyard.

Li Che snapped his fingers.

From the Unsullied Heart’s canvas, wave after wave of imposing figures emerged.

Their Black Robes fluttered in the wind and snow.

The lowered Bamboo Hats all rose at the same moment,

revealing face after face…

of the Cute Cow Masks.

……

……

Yunfang Fang.

The most decadent pleasure district in Jingguang City.

Here, women of every type—delicate, fierce, intelligent, pitiable—flourished; each variety even had its own crowned Courtesan.

They captivated numerous young aristocrats in Jingguang City.

Behind Yunfang Fang, the Beggar Gang stood—a hardly kept secret.

Moreover, besides the Beggar Gang, numerous second-generation scions from elite families—Hai, Qin, Shangguan, Gongyang, and Gong—were involved.

This was Yunfang Fang’s greatest strength, keeping various forces at bay.

Yunfang Fang, also known as Jin Fang Courtyard.

The entire courtyard was vast, its interior decorated with opulence—resplendent and a haven of decadent pleasures.

Even the Beggar Gang’s leader and the Nine-Bag Elders resided here, living in luxury.

They weren’t even really beggars—they lived more comfortably than emperors.

At this moment, inside Jin Fang Courtyard,

in the reception hall,

the Beggar Gang leader was in conversation with a Corpse God Envoy whose very presence reeked of death and decay.

“I’ve mastered the Eight Absolutes of Stunning Corpse Art. I sacrificed the lives of 365 pure, youthful maidens to finally achieve this technique.”

The Beggar Gang leader glowered at the Corpse God Envoy.

“Envoy, when will you teach me the Sixteen Absolutes of Stunning Corpse Art?”

The Eight-Extreme Corpse God Envoy replied in a low voice, “The Sixteen Absolutes are one of our ultimate techniques—but you’d need to sacrifice 1,600 pure maidens…”

The Beggar Gang leader squinted, “In this world, there are plenty of refugees; with some grain or silver, there are many who sell their daughters.”

“But 1,600 is indeed a bit too many…”

“Yet it isn’t entirely unachievable!”

Beggar Gang leader Hong Sixi laughed, “You are truly ruthless… but our sect likes pragmatists like you.”

“Have my orders for your task been fulfilled yet?” asked the Eight-Extreme Corpse God Envoy.

Hong Sixi lightly patted the table, “Chen Daba’s body has been infected with corpse and death energy exactly as the Envoy commanded.”

“Once he sees Li Nuǎnxi, that energy will transform into the Undead Curse Seal, taking root in her body to control the prodigious child.”

“But Chen Daba must have sensed something was off… he quit and hasn’t come to work for days.”

“He even secretly let a maiden, whom I intended to sacrifice for stunning corpse art, escape…”

“In the past, I would have broken Chen Daba’s legs and sunk his corpse in the Jiulong River long ago.”

“But fortunately, he’s still useful—if the Envoy’s plan requires him, then luck is on his side.”

Hong Sixi stretched lazily.

Who says beggars can’t live luxuriously? In today’s world, with cultivation and strength, even a top-tier beggar can manipulate life and death.

“Very well. Once the Undead Curse Seal on Li Nuǎnxi takes effect and we get feedback, I’ll teach you the Sixteen Absolutes of Stunning Corpse Art.”

The Corpse God Envoy stood up and prepared to leave.

Black smoke crept out from behind him like ink spreading in water.

Suddenly, the masked Corpse God Envoy felt a sharp jolt in his heart.

He saw Beggar Gang leader Hong Sixi’s chest burst into a cloud of blood mist, and with a wail, a bullet resembling a dragon’s tooth pierced through his skull.

It shattered his head like a firework.

Even though Hong Sixi hadn’t perfected his Cursed Copper Corpse and was only a novice in Divine Vision, his physical defenses were abysmally weak.

“Not good!”

The Corpse God Envoy reacted instantly.

Splat—!

His chest collapsed as bursts of copper light erupted—it was his half-mastered Cursed Copper Corpse!

Bullet after bullet, resembling dragon’s teeth, shot out in rapid succession!

Then a terrifying roar shattered the air, unleashing a massive sonic blast!

The Eight-Extreme Corpse God Envoy’s eyes narrowed beneath his mask,

as four dragon-tooth bullets pierced the same spot, finally breaching his Cursed Copper Corpse and embedding in his body.

The bullets exploded, and Bodhi Silk, like a thousand writhing tendrils, spread out, carving into his half-mastered Cursed Copper Corpse with resounding clanging.

Suddenly, a massive, imposing figure—terrifying like a black tower—appeared before him, exuding an overwhelming aura of dread!

“Ogre——!”

The Eight-Extreme Corpse God Envoy roared in a low growl, though that was all he managed.

A massive halberd swept across, forcefully severing his head, leaving his half-mastered Cursed Copper Corpse severely damaged and his defenses in ruins.

The terrifying Dragon Elephant True Might surged forth, pulverizing the Corpse God Envoy’s head!

It exploded it into pieces!

The two Divine Vision cultivators…

fell like shooting stars across the sky…

crashing down at breakneck speed!

They didn’t even have time to summon their Divine Vision defenses before death claimed them.

“If you want to scheme against XiXi, I, Ogre, will wipe you out first.”

“Go ahead, try your schemes,” came a deep, gradually rising voice.

In the reception hall, the two Divine Vision cultivators suddenly perished!

The sudden burst of divine aura and terrifying life force swept through like a hurricane.

Inside Jin Fang Courtyard, the high-ranking Beggar Gang members—busy with indulgent pleasures—suddenly felt the oppressive weight of an ominous divine rank…

Enemy attack!

Instinctively, one by one, they fled outside the courtyard like startled birds.

Several powerful cultivators attempted to take flight and break through the heavens.

However…

Just as they began to ascend, their forms froze, and an endless chill enveloped them.

They plummeted to the courtyard floor.

Because…

Above the walls surrounding Jin Fang Courtyard,

sixteen massive figures wearing Cute Cow Masks, as imposing as mountains, each carried a terrifying contraption with six giant metal pipes.

At the side of each Ogre, one or more black Muduya floated, evoking a symbol of death.

Inside the building,

Li Che gripped his Jiao Bone Wind and Thunder Halberd and casually ransacked the corpses of the Corpse God Envoy and Beggar Gang leader Hong Sixi.

Below his mask, a slight smile curved his lips.

“Unlimited Firepower.”

“Clean Sweep.”

In an instant,

Jin Fang Courtyard was engulfed by a barrage of countless dazzling golden rays!

While battling in the recommendation arena, keep reading—please support with monthly votes and recommendations! Many thanks from Old Li!