Chapter 268: The Grand Ascension: Trials of the Divine Sect

February 26, Qingming.

Instructions: Clean, perform rites, seek medical aid, treat ailments; nothing else is necessary.

Flowers fall and grass grows; orioles and butterflies play together.

A gentle drizzle fluttered in the air.

The ancient mountain range lay like a sleeping dragon deep within Daocheng, as though it monopolized all the lands behind it.

It stood like a draconic halberd across the mortal realm.

The green hills seemed eager to converse with the wise; countless horses raced by in unison.

“Dong—”

The old bell’s chime echoed from deep within the mountains.

Its invisible force warped the air, stirring gentle gusts that tilted the spring rain, slicing through heaven and earth.

Along the main street of Daocheng, the peach blossom trees swayed in the spring breeze, their petals falling and sticking to the rain-soaked ground.

Carriages raced past, their clattering wheels hurrying toward the Divine Sect.

The sky was overcast, with thick clouds stacking overhead, obscuring the once radiant sun.

This left the spring chill to wrap around the world with a biting edge.

Hoofbeats lightly pounded the blue stone pavement before the grand archway of the Qianyuan Divine Sect Mountain Gate, sounding like the strike of an ancient bell.

Li Che held little XiXi close in the carriage as the charcoal stove burned warmly, keeping the chill at bay.

Across from him sat Zhang Ya, dressed in elegant finery and sporting delicate makeup, her face betraying a visible tension.

She clenched her fists, continuously giving herself encouragement.

“My daughter XiXi can do it! She will surely pass the examination and become a disciple of the Sect Master’s right-hand! She must succeed!”

Li Che and XiXi stared fixedly at the anxious Zhang Ya, making her feel both embarrassed and exasperated.

“I’m done indulging you both! Don’t you know how nervous you should be?”

Zhang Ya waved her clenched fist in exasperation.

XiXi clambered out of Li Che’s arms and nestled into Zhang Ya’s embrace, patting her shoulder in a mature comfort.

“Mother, don’t worry. Even if I fail the exam, I’m still a disciple of the Sect Master’s Wife. I’ll learn divine talismans from her—and talismans are a lot of fun!”

“And look—I can even write my name completely now!”

XiXi’s voice swelled with pride as she spoke.

Then she climbed to the carriage window, tiptoeing to pull aside the silk curtain.

A crisp, cool spring breeze, mixed with rain, streamed in, bringing with it a refreshing chill.

“Wow, look at all these people!”

XiXi exclaimed excitedly then wiggled her little bottom, undeterred by nerves and brimming with anticipation.

So many people! Today, Emperor XiXi is sure to have an amazing fight!

Nie Yang drove with expert precision, the carriage gliding steadily down the broad, flat road of the Divine Sect Mountain Gate.

It wasn’t long before they reached the plaza before the grand square.

A towering White Jade Archway stood proudly, with moisture from the spring rain beading at its corners and occasionally dripping crystalline droplets.

In the pervasive spring chill of Qingming, the mountains were already rife with vegetation and an added bite of cold.

Yet today, before the Qianyuan Divine Sect Mountain Gate archway, there was a steaming bustle.

Carriages and crowds moved in a flowing stream.

The fierce energy of the warriors gathered like fuel in a blazing furnace, banishing any trace of cold.

Luxurious sedan chairs rolled in slowly, each stopping at prime spots on the open plaza before the White Jade Archway.

Every carriage bore its own emblem, announcing the noble identity of its occupants.

Sedan chairs of the Su, Yun, Zhou, and Zhong families, the four top clans of Daocheng, parked in the best positions.

Soon followed the sedan chairs from the Dao Master Residence and other opulent but anonymous carriages.

Since only prodigies were allowed to partake in the Sect Master’s personally transmitted exam, very few genuine prodigies were present.

Though the crowd was immense, most had come just to witness the spectacle.

The carriage came to a stop as Old Chen shouted “Herod,” and the horses were secured.

Clatter.

An oil-paper umbrella was unfurled, shaking off droplets to keep the spring rain at bay.

Zhang Ya disembarked holding XiXi while Li Che sheltered them with an umbrella, his arm around the pair; together, they looked harmonious in the misty rain.

“Emperor XiXi marches to battle! Go, invincible Emperor XiXi!”

No sooner had the carriage stopped.

The lively duo Gong Yuanliang and Gongyang Xiu sprang from the carriage, fists clenched in excitement and shouting.

Inside Zhang Ya’s arms, XiXi wriggled playfully, hands on her hips, twisting her waist and proudly puffing out her little belly!

“Just wait and see!”

XiXi declared confidently.

In the distance,

Prodigies from all the major clans emerged from their luxurious sedan chairs, standing obediently under the watchful eyes of their clan heads.

“Hey, Fatty!”

“Yun’e, sis!”

XiXi’s eyes lit up as she spotted Zhou Peng emerging from the Zhou family carriage and the ever-beautiful Yun’e, enthusiastically waving her chubby arms.

Beside Yun’e, an elderly man with a crown of white hair draped in elegant blue attire looked over.

Yun’e smiled sweetly, her dimples blossoming like spring water as she waved back at XiXi.

Yun He, the head of the Yun Family, stood with his hands behind his back; upon hearing XiXi’s childish call, he turned his gaze toward them.

“Little E, this is Li Nuǎnxi…”

“The prodigy who came from Jingguang Prefecture to Daocheng?”

A glint of peculiar interest flickered in the old man’s eyes.

The name Li Nuǎnxi had been gradually gaining renown in Daocheng recently.

The Sect Master’s Wife had once publicly subdued Ji Mo Li’s Dragon Queen in her display for this disciple.

Moreover, not long ago, the Underworld’s most notorious villains had staked a modest tenth place on betting boards at the Qiankun Gambling Den—suddenly, prodigy Li Nuǎnxi’s name boomed everywhere.

“A fine child,”

“But remember, you’re now her rival. No slacking off.”

“You know well that this is your one chance to change your fate…”

“Otherwise, a noble’s destiny isn’t in your hands.”

Yun He murmured gently.

Yun’e had lost her parents early, and with her striking beauty and unique constitution,

if she became personally trained by the Sect Master this time, her status would soar and bring enormous benefits to the Yun Family—finally breaking free from ancestral constraints and seizing her destiny.

But if she failed…

Yun’e’s long lashes trembled as she bowed her head slightly, “Head, I understand.”

Yun He nodded softly.

Meanwhile, Zhou Peng cheerfully greeted XiXi before casually grabbing a steaming meat bun and popping it into his mouth amid XiXi’s admiring glances.

“XiXi!”

From afar, a burly figure pushed through the wind and rain, accompanied by a graceful figure in a canary-yellow dress.

It was none other than XiXi’s senior brother, Bian Yuanlong, and senior sister Sang Guanyin.

Beside Sang Guanyin, a silver-haired official from the Imperial Watch, Sang Yu, strolled along with a paper fan in hand.

“Elder Li,”

Bian Yuanlong spotted Li Che and respectfully clasped his fists in greeting.

Today, Li Che had become the Fifth Elder of Shendiao Ridge—a highly honored position within the Qianyuan Divine Sect.

Li Che smiled warmly and nodded.

XiXi’s eyes lit up upon seeing Sang Guanyin and Bian Yuanlong, and she happily nestled into Sang Guanyin’s embrace—after all, Sang Guanyin had raised her at Jingguang Prefecture, so they were very close.

“Do your best, XiXi. Once you become personally trained by the Sect Master, you’ll have a powerful backing within the Divine Sect!”

Sang Guanyin gently ruffled XiXi’s head.

XiXi’s chest swelled with pride as she patted it with a series of hearty slaps.

“Don’t worry, Sister Yinyin! I’m so mighty now!”

“I can take on opponents like Hai Chaosheng—knocking them out one after another!”

XiXi beamed, chin lifted high in defiant pride.

Sang Guanyin couldn’t help but chuckle softly.

Behind them, Bian Yuanlong grinned foolishly.

“XiXi, your talent and strength are undeniable, but you must also be clear about who your opponents are…”

Sang Guanyin said earnestly.

She pointed into the distance where a luxurious sedan chair was parked. At its head, a youth in plain clothes sat quietly, a carving knife in hand as wood shavings fell with every delicate turn, meticulously carving a divine eagle.

“He is Gongshu Wéntian from the Divine Capital’s Gongshu Family—a clan said to be even mightier than the Su Family, rumored to share blood ties with the Imperial Watch’s Grand Inspector… Your greatest rival.”

Sang Guanyin explained gravely to XiXi.

At these words, XiXi couldn’t help but glance over.

The plain-clothed youth, his hair tied in a ponytail, seemed to sense her gaze. He slowly lifted his eyes, revealing a sharply chiseled and handsome face.

“Wow! So handsome!”

XiXi covered her mouth in astonishment.

Li Che’s face darkened from the side.

“That’s enough, Yellow-Haired!”

Sang Guanyin was at a loss for words, having long been accustomed to XiXi’s unruly nature. This little girl… doesn’t at all share the refined gentleness of Old Li. She might grow up to be a tomboy!

“Don’t slack off just because he’s handsome; give it your all, understand?”

Sang Guanyin admonished.

“Rest assured, Sister Yinyin—if he’s this handsome, a good thrashing and some tears will make a pretty sight too!”

XiXi’s little fists clenched.

Behind her, Bian Yuanlong massaged his cropped hair, eyes wide in disbelief.

Young junior sister… so this is who you really are?

Gongshu Wéntian’s carving knife trembled slightly as he sensed the aggressive glint in XiXi’s eyes.

“Is she the daughter of Li Che, the youngest elder of Shendiao Ridge with an unparalleled divine eagle talent?”

Gongshu Wéntian’s lips curled into a slight smile.

To him, the five-year-old girl posed no threat at all.

In truth, Gongshu Wéntian never considered anyone present to be a worthy rival.

After all, neither Gu He of Tiandan Divine Sect, nor Xuan Yue of Xuanfu Divine Sect, nor Ning Caihe of Seven Treasure Divine Sect, nor even Lü Qingxuan of Qianyuan Divine Sect posed any challenge…

Gongshu Wéntian was simply too arrogant.

After all, he hailed from the illustrious Gongshu Family—one of the three eternal clans that birthed Grand Inspectors!

There was an old saying: the temple and court flow like water, while the eternal clans stand unyielding like iron.

And among those three eternal clans is the Gongshu Family.

Thus, Gongshu Wéntian never believed XiXi could ever be his rival.

In contrast to Li Nuǎnxi, Gongshu Wéntian… was even more intrigued by her father, the Divine Eagle Master Li Che!

Rumor had it that Li Che might one day break through to the half-saint level of Divine Eagle, perhaps even having inherited the Tang Clan’s Mechanical Art… This notion only deepened Gongshu Wéntian’s fascination.

On that thought, the speed of his carving knife quickened, every hair on his body trembling.

Wood shavings danced in the air.

Gongshu Wéntian’s gaze shifted to Li Che, and a slow, predatory smile spread across his lips.

Li Che, who was sheltering Zhang Ya with an umbrella, suddenly felt a burning gaze.

When his eyes swept the crowd, he caught sight of Gongshu Wéntian’s fierce, wolf-like stare.

Meeting Li Che’s gaze, Gongshu Wéntian raised his hand, showcasing his wood carving.

That carving…

It depicted the Temple Spirit of the Bizarre Temple suppressed by the Two-Hearted Great Sage of Shendiao Ridge.

Gongshu Family…

What was its relation to Gongshu Jingjun?

Li Che smiled warmly, not giving it much thought.

Sang Guanyin continued introducing one rival after another to XiXi.

Gu He, Xuan Yue, Lü Qingxuan, Ning Caihe…

“This is little Prince Lu Chi…” Sang Guanyin paused as she spotted Lu Chi, then whispered,

XiXi wrinkled her little nose, “Hmph! I’m not interested!”

She turned away, eyeing the other prodigies instead.

Lu Chi cast a sidelong glance; seeing XiXi ignoring him, he pursed his lips, then fixed his gaze calmly ahead.

While XiXi was being appraised by Sang Guanyin, the prodigies were also sizing one another up.

The spring rain turned somber, as a palpable tension thickened the atmosphere.

Suddenly, XiXi, cradled in Sang Guanyin’s arms, felt a resentful and intense gaze.

A luxurious carriage smashed through the rain, its curtain flung aside to reveal the cold, horned forehead and frosty mien of the Dragon Queen.

Within that carriage, the little Dragon Lady Ao Qingqing and the young Daoist heir Yue Linghu sat together.

Yue Linghu, with his handsome features, gazed at Ao Qingqing as if his eyes were aglow.

Recently, Ao Qingqing had been under severe pressure from the Dragon Queen—knowing that it was all caused by the strain Li Nuǎnxi brought on the Queen—and as a result, Ao Qingqing harbored a measure of resentment toward Li Nuǎnxi.

“Qingqing, rest assured. I’ll ensure you suppress Li Nuǎnxi during the exam!”

Yue Linghu said with a smile.

At his words, Ao Qingqing’s soft voice whispered, “Thank you, Brother Linghu.”

Her voice sent shivers down his spine, as if even his bones tingled. Moreover, having been assigned a task by his father, Yue Linghu was convinced that Ao Qingqing would be his future wife.

Many prodigies disembarked, gathering on the rain-drenched blue stone plaza.

Some inner and outer disciples of the Divine Sect in their traditional robes set up a barrier, preventing onlookers from getting too close.

Even so, nothing could dampen the enthusiasm of the casual spectators.

The mountain path was choked with people, layer upon layer, inside and out.

“Dong—”

Another deep, resonant chime of the ancient bell sounded, this time different from before.

It carried a certain gravity as it rolled across the space.

In an instant, the noisy plaza before the Divine Sect Mountain Gate fell silent.

Every gaze fixed upon the shrouded blue stone mountain path of Qianyuan Divine Sect.

For a moment, the plaza’s atmosphere became hushed and serene.

Everyone fell silent in reverence.

The pattering of spring rain on the ground resembled the soft, ceaseless sound of sand in an hourglass.

Then suddenly,

All eyes widened as though struck blind.

At the Divine Sect Mountain Gate, the mountain range curling like a dragon suddenly shuddered violently.

Countless veils of cloud were ripped apart in an instant.

A majestic, overwhelming pressure swept down, as if to subdue heaven and earth.

Endless raindrops froze midair, as if glued in place, suspended in space.

“They’re coming!”

Some luxurious sedan chairs lifted their curtains, eyes narrowing.

High above, on the blooming plum peak of the inner sect,

a sword’s gleam shot upward.

Then, as if carried on the wind in a cascade of white, a figure cloaked in white floated down, suspended in midair by the sword’s light.

A suffocating, oppressive aura spread out like ripples, suppressing all hearts.

That was the terrifying presence unique to the Divine Nucleus Great God!

Just sensing it felt like confronting a vast, endless ocean.

“Lü Taibai!”

“Leader of Qianyuan Divine Sect!”

“The peerless prodigy ranked fifth in the Great God’s roster!”

Soon, a chorus of awed gasps echoed.

Many unveiled their curtains to gaze at the sharp, awe-inspiring figure—merely his presence exuded boundless pressure.

The Princess fixed her gaze on Lü Taibai, her heart trembling slightly.

Such grandeur…

She had only witnessed it on her man, Ji Mo Li.

Suo Daoling, the current head of the Su Family and half-saint of divine talismans, darkened in thought.

“So unfathomable… decades of seclusion—Lü Taibai is even more terrifying…”

At last, the Qianyuan Divine Sect Leader Lü Taibai appeared, like a sword immortal looming high above the mortal realm.

“Ancestral Worship.”

Lü Taibai transformed into a beam of sword light and suddenly landed before the Cosmic Archway.

Inside the Divine Sect, Elder Fang Han Shu, Second Elder Zhao Fangzhou, Third Elder Ding Zi, Fourth Elder Ji Heshan…

Elders from the inner sect drifted out from the mountain gate and took their places before the Cosmic Archway.

At the same time, outer sect elders, clad in ancient robes, assembled behind them in orderly formation.

Li Che watched below with keen interest.

Then a message reached his ear.

“A Che, step forward.”

“You, as the Elder of Shendiao Ridge, must ascend now.”

Li Che paused, spotting Gongshu Jingjun waiting at the entrance, flanked by Grand Elder Tang Xiejia and the three other elderly men of Shendiao Ridge.

Soon, Lu Qingti hurried over; after a respectful greeting, he guided Li Che onto the stage.

Without a trace of reluctance, Li Che passed his oil-paper umbrella to Zhang Ya and then joined Sang Guanyin, gently pinching XiXi’s cheek.

“Don’t be complacent. Put your best foot forward,” he whispered with a smile before straightening his back.

Brushing off a raindrop from his ink-black robe, he followed Lu Qingti through the gathered crowd, all eyes of astonishment upon him as he advanced toward the Cosmic Archway.

Amid murmurs of respect, Li Che joined the formation of Gongshu Jingjun and the Shendiao Ridge elders.

Soon, the elders of Shendiao Ridge stepped forward in unison, gathering with the other elders of Qianyuan Divine Sect at the Cosmic Archway.

Leader Lü Taibai, clad in white with silver hair flowing about, fixed his intense gaze on Li Che as he joined the line.

“Elder Li,”

Lü Taibai’s deep eyes and the divine mark on his brow softened into a slight smile, “Not bad.”

A sudden chill ran through Li Che’s heart as every Dao Fruit within him seemed to vibrate violently, warning him of the formidable danger before him.

Even the Qi Tian Face within the Cosmic Chessboard and the Yulian Yin Divine Sword trembled.

The Three-Pronged Twin-Edged Blade on his left arm quivered gently as well.

Li Che drew a deep breath; he knew he couldn’t win in a fair fight against such an entity!

A surprise attack wouldn’t work either!

Suppressing the shock in his heart, he clasped his fists in salute, “New Elder Li Che of Shendiao Ridge salutes the Sect Master.”

Lü Taibai nodded without further pleasantries.

Then, he led the assembled elders in the ancestral rite.

The ritual, overseen by Elder Jiao Shaoqiu, was not overly cumbersome; once each elder placed an incense stick in their prepared bronze burner, it was done.

Time was not wasted.

After the rite, the elders dispersed to the chairs arranged on either side of the archway.

Li Che was guided to a grand chair at the end of the Shendiao Ridge elders’ row.

Being the Fifth Elder, he occupied the sixth seat.

Among his elderly peers, young Li Che’s vibrant appearance stood out vividly.

Casting his eyes downward, he noticed countless gazes fixed on him, evoking a peculiar feeling.

He saw XiXi, cradled in Sang Guanyin’s arms, blinking her large eyes, her excited little face flushing as she waved her arms.

“Sister Yinyin, there’s Daddy—there’s my Daddy!”

XiXi squealed happily.

Truly, the father of Emperor XiXi possessed undeniable gravitas!

“Silence—”

Below the archway,

the aged and withered Elder Jiao Shaoqiu, in his ancient robe, spoke in a deep, reverberating tone that hushed the murmurs.

“Ancestral worship is complete.”

“And the exam for Qianyuan Divine Sect Leader Lü Taibai’s sixth personally transmitted disciple is about to begin.”

Elder Jiao Shaoqiu’s voice echoed.

As his words faded, every prodigy on the plaza shuddered slightly; their eyes grew solemn and attentive.

A tension, carried with the biting spring breeze, descended upon them.

Elder Jiao Shaoqiu withdrew.

Rising from his grand chair, Lü Taibai strode down to the Cosmic Archway.

His deep gaze swept over the assembly like a swirling vortex, devouring every heart.

“This will be my final disciple. As you know, I have never discriminated in taking on disciples. Qianyuan Divine Sect embraces all—no matter where you come from, you have a place in my fold.”

“Furthermore, the last personally transmitted disciple I take today will become the future Young Sect Master of Qianyuan Divine Sect.”

Lü Taibai declared coolly.

At his words, the atmosphere on the plaza ignited as if explosive powder had been struck.

No one could have foreseen Lü Taibai openly admitting such a notion.

A rumor acknowledged was something else entirely.

“Even if…”

“If my disciple is not of Great Jing, then…”

No sooner had the words fallen,

the spring breeze turned fierce and the rain became sharp and unyielding!

Many stationary carriages began to shake violently, their hanging curtains whipped and tossed by invisible gusts.

Clearly, Lü Taibai’s words had unsettled too many hearts, leaving many unable to remain calm!

“Has he lost his mind?!”

“Lü Taibai… has truly gone mad!”

“This decision is absolutely insane!”

If Lü Taibai were to choose a disciple not of Great Jing as the Young Sect Master of Qianyuan Divine Sect, the Great Jing Court would never idly stand by.

Yet among the prodigies present from outside Great Jing, very few were here for Lü Taibai’s personally transmitted exam.

Thus, the possibility of someone not from Great Jing becoming his disciple was extremely slim.

On the contrary, young Ao Qingqing’s heart fluttered with excitement.

She felt her own opportunities had suddenly multiplied!

Lü Taibai ignored the fluctuating emotions and attitudes of the prodigies.

He scanned the crowd with a gaze as calm as a still pool—a sword pool, without a ripple.

“This exam will have three stages: first, the Talent Test; second, the Test of Character; and third, the Temple Suppression Test…”

“In that order, each stage will filter out some of you.”

“Only those who pass the Talent Test may proceed to the Test of Character.”

“After that, only three will enter the Temple Suppression Test…”

Lü Taibai explained dryly.

At long last, he declared the long-speculated rules for the personally transmitted exam.

In an instant, the atmosphere on the plaza grew as heated as ignited gunpowder.

Many prodigies’ eyes gleamed with anticipation—even though the rules had slightly changed from the old methods of recruiting disciples, the essence remained.

“Since my final disciple shall become the Young Sect Master, the first two tests—the Talent and Character Tests—will be judged by our ancestral founder.”

Once his words faded,

Lü Taibai snapped his fingers; a beam of sword light suddenly burst forth, slamming into the incense-laden Bronze Incense Burner.

It was as if an ancient bell had been struck.

The incense burner quivered, and countless columns of smoke surged upward, seemingly devoured by the Cosmic Dao Inscription Plaque!

Boom—

Above the heavens, thick leaden clouds gathered, and a spring thunderclap rolled across the sky!

In a flash, a majestic and dense divine aura erupted from the plaque!

This divine aura, pure white, carried the sharp edge of sword energy.

It grew into a swirling vortex before the mountain gate.

“The first stage: the Talent Test! Here, talent is not limited to the purple qi of divine aura as observed through Divination of Essence…”

“Martial arts, divine aura, Divine Eagle, divine pills, talismans, and divine weapons—each serves as evidence of your innate potential.”

“Our ancestral founder will assess you comprehensively.”

“Show us every technique in your arsenal; display the upper limits of your talent. Whether it be blood burning, invocations, sacrificial talismans, explosive growth, or even cheating—it matters not…”

“Don’t worry about frightening the founder…”

Lü Taibai’s white robes fluttered wildly as his silver hair danced in the storm. His eyes, sharp as lightning, fixed on the swirling vortex of divine energy belched forth by the Cosmic Archway.

His voice boomed like rolling thunder,

reverberating in every ear.

Almost every prodigy trembled visibly; their faces flushed with determination.

This was different!

This time, the rules of the personally transmitted exam were completely overhauled!

The Talent Test would no longer rely solely on the observation of purple qi or martial foundations!

So, isn’t this your chance?!

Sitting among the elders, Li Che’s ink-dark robe danced in the fierce wind, his jet-black hair lashing about like streaks of lightning.

He stared at the swirling vortex birthed by the Cosmic Dao Inscription Plaque, as if it had created its own little universe.

Listening to Lü Taibai’s revised rules, his expression grew oddly serious.

No restrictions?

No objection to using any means to enhance one’s talent?

Show us everything—

Li Che glanced toward Lü Taibai, wondering if perhaps the Sect Master’s Wife had whispered sweet nothings to him…

Or was it because, after helping XiXi pass the divine talisman test, the Sect Master had uncovered their little secret?

These rules weren’t meant for the prodigies at all;

they were tailor-made for father and daughter!

Which Li Che could possibly withstand such a trial?!

Lü Taibai stood with his hands behind his back, watching the uproariously excited prodigies on the plaza.

Observing these impassioned, determined, and self-assured prodigies,

Lü Taibai’s toes tapped softly before he returned to his seat as Sect Master.

Settling gracefully, his white robes flowing about him,

“Little ones, give it your all—unleash your utmost talent,” he declared.

“Let the ancestral founder’s eyes be opened by your brilliance.”

Seven-thousand Words – It seems that after tonight, double monthly votes will be granted. This month, double votes are on offer. Old Li is overwhelmed… Previously, after begging for so many votes, he suffered a huge loss. Everyone’s been hoarding their votes. Tonight, there’s yet another update. Once Old Li finishes his update, he’ll beg for more votes from everyone! Old Li thanks you all!