Chapter 423: The Fracturing of Mo City Fengdu

Whoosh whoosh whoosh—

Wind and waves relentlessly surged; the shattered bricks and debris of Mo City Fengdu roiled in the air, their scraping sounds echoing between heaven and earth.

Boom boom boom—!

His heart pounded like thunder, a roaring tempest that could not be stilled, as if the winter thunder behind the clouds itself were breaking free.

Every drop of blood raced in tandem with his heartbeat, like high-pressure water surging uncontrollably through his veins.

Li Che’s eyes sparkled brilliantly. He eagerly anticipated the birth of his first Divine Calamity Advancement Spiritual Confinement, for it was crucial to his plans – even destined to become his strongest warrior.

Thus, his high hopes and excitement for this Spiritual Confinement were entirely understandable.

Moreover, since Li Che’s own cultivation was only at the Fourfold Martial Saint level, he wasn’t entirely sure if he could successfully form a Divine Calamity Advancement Spiritual Confinement.

Fortunately, Zhao Beidou’s spiritual confinement was merely at the One Calamity, One Catastrophe stage. Had it been at the Two Catastrophe level, Li Che would have had little confidence.

Li Che’s massive body radiated golden qi like a thick fog as it burst forth from the 36,000 pores of his flesh, swirling into serpentine mists reminiscent of coiled dragons.

Both divine and demonic, his terrifying aura was matched only by the low, otherworldly murmurs of gods and demons from the nether regions.

So intense was the scene, it seemed as though time itself in Mo City Fengdu had come to a standstill!

“Soul, return!”

His open, outstretched fingers were aimed at Zhao Beidou’s corpse, now entirely devoid of life.

Spiritual Confinement!

A deep, resonant chant, like that of an old priest leaping amid a sacrificial rite on an endless barren plain, pushed open the gateway to summon the dead from the realms of shadow.

Rumbling—

An icy dread, piercing to the bone, descended in an instant!

In the next moment, the sound of freezing chains clanging echoed as one after another they snapped, as if tearing the very fabric of space apart.

Slowly, the central air over Mo City collapsed, shattering into a deep black void that stretched endlessly with overwhelming vastness!

Its end was beyond sight!

Yet these icy chains, intertwined with searing heat and an unearthly chill, melded two opposing forces together!

At the other end, the chains seemed to entangle a vague, muddled figure.

Within the shattered void, thick, inky viscous liquid poured out, its horrifying aura and stench seeping relentlessly from a swirling black mass.

Gradually, the ink-like ball began to writhe, slowly coalescing into a shadowy figure…

Amid the clamor, a robe decorated with embroidered dragons and tigers billowed in the air.

The rolling, pitch-black ink formed into a corpulent figure, yet its face was entirely devoid of features.

Li Che’s eyes narrowed slightly as he beheld the struggling Spiritual Confinement, its head emerging but with no trace of facial features—as if a mighty force had robbed it of its soul!

“As expected… another unusual phenomenon has occurred!”

“Netherworld?”

Li Che’s eyes flickered as he raised his hand to press his Pure Heart Mud Pellet against his brow.

In an instant, flesh split apart bilaterally, and a burst of dazzling golden light erupted, like a gemstone reflecting a radiant cross of brilliance.

Divine Technique – Star Plucking Gaze!

Infinite analysis, peering beyond the void into truth!

Under the perception of Star Plucking Gaze, Li Che looked toward the ruptured void.

He fixed his gaze on the back of Zhao Beidou’s inky figure…

Rumble—!!!

In a flash, it was as if blood-red lightning shattered the sky, triggering the Tongyou Divine Technique.

Soon after, Li Che saw a city gate bathed in blood-like flowing light!

Vast beyond measure, exalted among the nether, surrounded by billowing crimson dust that moved slowly as the wind caressed it!

Above that city gate, chains cascaded one after another, wrapping around Zhao Beidou’s body with a clattering sound!

The world fell deathly silent.

“Ugh—”

Accompanied by a deep, resonant sound, Li Che’s Star Plucking Gaze swept over the towering building to reveal a figure bound like a cocoon by chains.

It was…

Li Che’s Star Plucking Gaze recoiled.

Zhao Beidou’s soul!

Behind Zhao Beidou’s soul, a figure clad entirely in armor gripped the other end of the chains with all five fingers, standing atop the tower and gnawing on bones streaked with blood.

It was as if it sensed the intensity of Li Che’s gaze.

Slowly, it surveyed the scene…

Boom!!!

In an instant, Li Che’s Star Plucking Gaze receded.

The world brightened all around.

“A blood-stained city gate in the nether depths?”

Li Che frowned. He vividly recalled a similar phenomenon during the confinement of Yue Huanglong.

At that time, he had only listened to Yue Huanglong’s side of the story.

But now, he was witnessing it firsthand.

“Could this world have its own cycle of reincarnation? A passage to the nether?”

If he pursued this confinement further, would it truly clash with the cycles and the nether of this world?

The Underworld confronting the Underworld?!

Strangely…

An oppressive sensation suddenly welled up in Li Che’s heart.

He pondered for a moment.

To cease or to abandon the confinement?!

No! Impossible!

The confinement must succeed!

If he could slay his enemies with his own might, why not capture a spirit?

Li Che’s eyes shone radiantly, his resolve hardened without a second thought.

With his fingers spread wide, the Freewill Gold-Iron Divine Staff materialized instantly, its metallic blade transforming into a razor-sharp edge that plunged into the featureless head of the confined spirit.

The blade danced as Zhao Beidou’s face slowly emerged, carved by the staff’s edged knife.

“Summon the Divine!”

Spiritual Confinement coupled with Divine Summoning!

Even if sealed by the nether or forced onto the path of rebirth, return to me!

If you cannot return, then rest in peace…

Li Che was merely testing. Even a fleeting glimpse revealed the terrifying might of the nether city; given his current strength, facing it head-on would be overwhelming.

Yet he could never stand aside and forgo a Divine Calamity Advancement spirit!

After all…

Even if used to nurture another confinement, it would prove invaluable!

So, he decided to give it a try…

Li Che had stolen a confinement spirit from the nether before!

Another attempt wouldn’t hurt!

Gazing through the Star Plucking Gaze, Li Che peered beyond the void, sensing that something was amiss in this realm of nether rebirth.

Boom boom boom—

The 【Xiangong】 Dao Fruit in his chest throbbed incessantly as Li Che carved away.

In one swift motion, with the Freewill Gold-Iron Divine Staff as his chisel, he sculpted Zhao Beidou’s visage!

Whoosh whoosh whoosh—

Only the sound of snapping chains broke the air…

It was as if the chains binding the suspended souls atop the Nine Nether City had shattered in a resounding display.

Then, Zhao Beidou’s inky confined spirit gradually gained human hues, transforming into a normal man.

“Whoosh whoosh whoosh—”

Suddenly, Zhao Beidou’s confined spirit opened his eyes and gasped for breath.

A terrifying aura and soul energy erupted from his body like a raging storm, rippling through space and causing the entire city to tremble!

Even as a confined spirit, sweat beaded on his forehead.

He panted heavily.

A bewildered expression appeared on his face, followed by a long silence…

That silence soon transformed into endless shock!

Revived from the nether… his soul was forcefully recaptured!

Was this the Underworld’s method?!

Zhao Beidou looked toward the Underworld Yama, who stood before him, radiating an aura of scorching, fearsome qi.

No…

Underworld Yama?

From the messages transmitted in his mind, Zhao Beidou finally realized that his long, grueling battle in the Divine Calamity Advancement was with someone who, seven years ago, was nothing more than a raw-town laborer with no cultivation skills!

A humble mover from a woodcarving shop!

In Zhao Beidou’s eyes, he was not even worth the effort of a mere ant!

“How… How can this be…”

Zhao Beidou drew a deep breath.

His expression shifted between embarrassment and shame…

Only now did he truly understand the Underworld Yama’s claim that “Only in death does true loyalty emerge.”

He had brazenly claimed that even in death he would never be loyal – that he would instead return as a vengeful ghost to settle the score!

And now…

“My Lord!”

“I am your most loyal Zhao Beidou!”

Zhao Beidou clasped his fists, bowed deeply, and bent at a ninety-degree angle, his robe’s wide sleeves nearly touching the ground.

Devotion…

For Zhao Beidou, this wasn’t the first time.

Previously, he had willingly submitted before Underworld Yama.

Now, even after death and transformation into a confined spirit, his submission felt as natural and seamless as ever.

Having just experienced death and the terrifying nether city, his soul nearly captured, and with an impending ordeal in an endless inferno…

Zhao Beidou could only feel boundless gratitude. If he could live on as a confined spirit, why would he ever resist?

“Weren’t you supposed to return as a vengeful ghost to seek revenge?”

Li Che twirled the Freewill Gold-Iron Divine Staff in his hand, a wry smile playing on his lips.

Though sharp-witted, Li Che kept his thoughts modest.

Instantly, Zhao Beidou grew anxious and once again clasped his fists in reverence.

“My Lord, please be magnanimous and forgive your most loyal subject!”

At these words, Li Che threw his head back and roared with laughter.

Zhao Beidou, ever submissive, lowered his head—even as a Divine Calamity Advancement spirit, he found his Lord far more fearsome…

To snatch back his soul from the terrifying grasp of the nether, what incredible power that was!

Securing a Divine Calamity Advancement spirit, Li Che’s mood soared.

After so much scheming, his plan was finally coming to fruition.

Previously, he had risked everything with a Domination Clone to injure Zhao Beidou gravely – a sacrifice that had paved the way for this moment.

Though that battle had nearly left him spent, it laid the essential groundwork for Zhao Beidou’s defeat.

Flexing his muscles, he released the crackling sound of breaking bones.

As if struck by a sudden thought, Li Che looked toward Zhao Beidou.

“Old Zhao, does your Divine Calamity Advancement have any Qian Kun Jade?”

Li Che asked.

Zhao Beidou immediately understood what Li Che desired.

“My Lord, with Divine Calamity Advancement one can shatter space and even form a Minor Cavern of the Heavens. Thus, we rarely carry Qian Kun Jade personally.”

“Instead, we forge a tiny, portable Minor Cavern of the Heavens as our Qian Kun Jade.”

“For us at the One Calamity, One Catastrophe stage, carrying a Minor Cavern is unfeasible, but a minuscule cavern spanning ten zhang is manageable.”

“That, then, serves as our Qian Kun Jade.”

Zhao Beidou explained, then joined his fingers together, channeling his Dao Essence to tear open the void.

Like unzipping a zipper, the void split wide open.

As if offering a treasured item, Zhao Beidou showcased the gaping void to Li Che.

Wasn’t this technique similar to his own Qiankun Space?

After the Unsullied Heart Dao Fruit consumed the Qian Kun Jade, the ability of Qiankun Space was unveiled…

So this ability… was solely mastered by those in Divine Calamity Advancement!

Impressive…

It turned out he had grasped the divine techniques of the Calamity all those seven years ago!

Facing Zhao Beidou’s open display of treasures, Li Che was unhesitating.

After all, the confined spirit belonged solely to him!

Even Li Che’s heart raced at the sight.

This was… a Divine Calamity Advancement Qiankun Space!

Regrettably, he would never again be able to pluck a Divine Calamity Advancement Qiankun Space as easily as one would take out Qian Kun Jade – a bitter disappointment indeed.

As his mind surged, he began probing.

In doing so, Li Che’s emotions trembled violently.

A Divine Crystal the size of a clenched fist suddenly manifested in Li Che’s hand, exuding a potent surge of divine energy.

This was… a Sanqing Lower Divine Crystal!

That size?!

Li Che’s emotions boiled; his eyes sparkled brilliantly – and this was only the appetizer.

Continuing his exploration, his gaze suddenly fixed.

He sensed the aura of Dao Essence – a milky white crystal no larger than a fingernail appeared in his palm.

The crystal exuded a soothing glow, its surface etched with a single leaf.

As if solidified, the Dao Essence slowly flowed on the crystal – like mist, like smoke.

“This is…” Li Che’s heart skipped a beat.

“My Lord, this is a Dao Essence Divine Crystal. Though it is the most basic single-leaf variety, it is exceedingly rare – traded years ago by Old Zhao during the ‘Deliverance of Suffering’ held on Ling Mountain with the Ling Mountain Temple Spirit.”

Zhao Beidou explained.

“Deliverance of Suffering?” Li Che frowned slightly.

After a moment’s thought, Zhao Beidou continued,

“The so-called Deliverance of Suffering is an event arranged by the early-awakened gods of the Black Xumi camp to strengthen the ties between the Bizarre Temple and the mortal realm.”

“The closer these ties, the more Bizarre Temples break through the earth… and the more gods awaken.”

Zhao Beidou drew a deep breath.

“Not only the Black Xumi – both the Dark Heavenly Court and the Weird Demon Den employ similar methods; the Yulian Formation, however, suppressed by the three major camps, remains dormant. Even the prematurely awakened Temple Spirits from the three major camps refuse to trigger the Yulian gods’ revival.”

Zhao Beidou divulged some secrets of the Bizarre Temple – knowledge Li Che had never heard before.

Though Li Che had read countless books in Fang Han Shu’s courtyard, most dealt with the mortal realm, with few addressing the Bizarre Temple.

Li Che’s eyes brightened.

Truly, an elder’s wisdom is a treasure!

After living for over a thousand years, Zhao Beidou certainly knew many secrets.

Yet Li Che was in no hurry to ask or learn more.

After all, he had pressing matters to attend to.

“Dao Essence Divine Crystal… categorized by leaves?”

Li Che’s eyes shone.

Zhao Beidou nodded, “The leaves naturally form. In the mortal realm, there is no such thing as a Dao Essence Divine Crystal… for each crystal’s emergence signifies the collapse of the Great Dao.”

“A collapsing Dao is like withering fallen leaves – the leaf becomes the Divine Crystal…”

“And the more intricate the leaf pattern, the more precious the Dao Essence Divine Crystal!”

The correct version can be found on the 69=9+Book Forum.

Zhao Beidou exhaled, “Alas, the mortal realm’s exploration of the Bizarre Temple is scarce. The high-grade Dao Essence Divine Crystals have long been divided among the four great divine camps.”

Li Che nodded, his gaze fixed on the Dao Essence Divine Crystal in his palm, its leaf patterns stirring deep within his heart.

The 【Xiangong】 Dao Fruit in his chest pounded furiously.

“My Lord, a Dao Essence Divine Crystal cannot be replicated. Not even a prodigy like Divine Eagle Half-Immortal can reproduce its leaf pattern, for when the Dao collapses, that single leaf cannot exist in this world.”

As if reading Li Che’s mind, Zhao Beidou interjected.

Li Che glanced at him.

“It really cannot be replicated?”

Li Che’s eyes returned to the leaf as the 【Xiangong】 Dao Fruit pounded wildly within him…

“I refuse to believe it,” Li Che smiled lightly.

Clenching the Dao Essence Divine Crystal, he flicked his finger; a trail of brilliant light erupted,

and transformed into an enormous glob of flesh. The mass trembled as immense divine pressure burst forth in waves…

“This is… the Temple Spirit?!”

Zhao Beidou gasped in shock and sucked in a breath.

He turned, incredulous, toward Li Che.

What was his Lord planning?

Was he creating a Temple Spirit?!

No!

It seemed to be no ordinary Temple Spirit!

A living, breathing Temple Spirit?!

What could my Lord possibly intend with this creation? Could he be preparing to confront the divine camp of the Bizarre Temple head-on?!

That would be nearly impossible!

Li Che frowned at Zhao Beidou’s startled antics.

Flicking his finger once more, he said, “Go back.”

Zhao Beidou was instantly engulfed in a cloud of inky mist, and in the next moment, he vanished back into his tent.

Inside the tent,

National Teacher Xie Yunshen set aside his Destiny Golden Lotus and sat cross-legged on a meditation cushion, his gaze lowered as a faint glow danced in his eyes.

When the space twisted for a moment,

Zhao Beidou’s body reformed from rolling black mist, gradually solidifying,

and a smile tugged at National Teacher Xie Yunshen’s lips as he looked toward Zhao Beidou.

“Zhao Zushi… do you see? I wasn’t lying, were I?”

“Welcome to the Underworld.”

…

…

Rumble—!!!

On the Grand Canal,

waves roared and surged as white foam clashed, exploding in a thunderous burst!

In the next moment, a massive, imposing figure seated in the middle of the river suddenly opened his eyes wide.

Two sharp dragon horns, as if divine spears, pierced through the void.

“Wait!”

“Zhao Beidou’s aura has been absent for too long…”

Old Dragon God’s eyes snapped open wide; his slit pupil narrowed as a fierce glint flashed.

Bang—!

The waves beneath him exploded as Old Dragon God stood, his robe billowing, and with a single step – as if shrinking the earth – he appeared directly atop the Imperial Court’s encampment on the Grand Canal.

Gu Qianchi, training under the shield of the camp flag and sensing the lofty martial intent of the imperial soldiers, frowned as he detected the overwhelming presence of Old Dragon God.

Transforming into a streak of sword light, he materialized above the encampment.

“Dragon God, what are you up to?”

“Your display of aura disrupts the morale of the Imperial Army…”

Gu Qianchi folded his arms, his sword aura rising as he said gravely.

“I came to check on Zhao Beidou. His aura has been missing for too long; I suspect he may have fled the battlefield!”

Old Dragon God snorted contemptuously.

Gu Qianchi was taken aback – how could this be?

After all, Zhao Beidou was a Divine Calamity Advancement; even if gravely injured, retreat would be unthinkable.

Yet Gu Qianchi had indeed failed to sense Zhao Beidou’s aura, and his face darkened.

The two said no more, their eyes fixed on Zhao Beidou’s encampment.

There they saw the Yellow Brow Great Master guarding the gate.

“Amitabha. The National Teacher has arranged a grand formation to prevent the Underworld’s misfortune from eavesdropping, all while secretly conversing with Zhao Zushi…”

The Yellow Brow Great Master said with a gentle smile.

Old Dragon God squinted but paid no mind to the Yellow Brow Great Master. If a Divine Calamity Advancement from Xiao Lingyin Temple arrived, he might grant some leeway.

A spirit as insignificant as one from the One Calamity stage he wouldn’t bother.

The encampment soon flung open. National Teacher Xie Yunshen, holding four small flags in his hand, withdrew them—and Zhao Beidou’s aura of severe injury began to clearly resurface…

Gu Qianchi relaxed his brow. So that was it; that nervous little creature was nothing to be worried about.

After all, Zhao Beidou was a Divine Calamity, and as such, his dignity would never allow him to simply vanish without a word!

Old Dragon God frowned. Entering the encampment, he beheld Zhao Beidou, pale and seated on a meditation cushion, his calamity wheel leaking Dao Essence.

Seeing Old Dragon God, Zhao Beidou sneered, “Old Dragon God, who do you think you’re looking down on?”

“I, Zhao Beidou, would never retreat even in battle to the death!”

“Death? I fear nothing!”

Old Dragon God’s frown deepened as he looked disdainfully at the indignant Zhao Beidou.

“Fear death? Everyone fears death… everyone.”

Zhao Beidou glared at the departing imposing aura of Old Dragon God, a cold resolve stirring in his eyes.

“Soon…”

“Old Nidi, you too will join me soon…”

“I’ll die before you!”

“Then I shall be your senior!”

…

…

After sending Zhao Beidou away, Li Che looked at the flesh glob that had once been Huang Jianjiu’s Temple Spirit Dao Pearl.

Hesitantly, he flicked the Dao Essence Divine Crystal from his hand toward Huang Jianjiu’s Temple Spirit flesh mass.

Boom—!!!

When the Dao Essence Divine Crystal struck Huang Jianjiu’s flesh ball, ripples spread out in circles and a torrent of Dao Essence, like flowing water, was drawn forcefully out…

Gurgle, gurgle…

The Dao Essence within the crystal was quickly devoured and absorbed…

In no time, only an empty shell remained.

Clack—the shell fell to the ground and Li Che promptly retrieved it.

“My Lord… you still… need more?”

Huang Jianjiu’s fragmented will seemed to form audible waves.

“I know you’re anxious, but hold on a moment.”

Li Che shook his head. Having obtained barely a single-leaf Dao Essence Divine Crystal after capturing a Divine Calamity spirit, he had no more stock.

He couldn’t determine how many Dao Essence Divine Crystals Huang Jianjiu would need to transform into a Temple Spirit…

Thus, perhaps his craving for them could only be sated once Qitian City was about to open.

Qitian City, located at the junction of the Inner Bizarre Temple and the Earthly Bizarre Temple…

Surely there would be an opportunity to obtain Dao Essence Divine Crystals there?

Feeling the growing aura of Huang Jianjiu’s Temple Spirit flesh mass…

Li Che’s eyes shone with eager anticipation.

Swish, swish, swish—

Rain in Mo City poured down wildly, like endless inky spears piercing the heavens, exuding a stifling, oppressive aura!

Li Che toyed with the depleted Dao Essence Divine Crystal, his fingers caressing its leaf-like patterns.

In that faint moment, through one of the leaves, Li Che sensed a terrifying treasured tree – withering, decaying, collapsing…

Its trunk snapped; millions of leaves tumbled down in a crashing cascade.

Thud, thud, thud—

Suddenly, Li Che’s eyes shimmered as a deep, thunderous roar erupted from his chest, like a god standing before war drums, anger surging like tidal waves and battering outwards!

Boom—!!!

Invisible ripples radiated from Li Che’s body, surging wildly outward!

The qi in his veins churned uncontrollably as his blood reached a boiling point!

No longer holding back, Li Che cast off every restraint!

Bang—!!!

Countless streams of qi erupted from every pore, coalescing behind him into ghostly images of divine dragons and colossal elephants, towering a hundred zhang as they danced wildly amidst Mo City Fengdu!

Scorching streams of blood intertwined chaotically, like ethereal ribbons undulating around the divine dragons and elephants!

Li Che’s jet-black hair whipped about as torrents of inky rain evaporated instantly into a shroud of dark mist that engulfed all of Mo City!

“It’s done!”

Li Che’s eyes sparkled; despite their brilliance,

he stood steadfast amidst the storm, his eyes exploding with golden sparks as they danced wildly!

His skin turned almost translucent; every inch of flesh, every pore, every meridian radiated searing qi, warping the space around him uncontrollably!

In his mind, scenes of his battle with Zhao Beidou replayed ceaselessly.

“Hah—”

“Inhale—”

At that moment, even without the sudden enlightenment from the Dragon Elephant Vajra Dao Fruit, Li Che felt as though divinity itself lent him strength.

His back arched like a dragon; vortexes of blood swirled as the eighth grand spiraling vortex emerged!

Li Che roared to the heavens, his dark, vigorous hair whipping about like lightning!

His fingers clenched; his hands formed intricate seals on the barren Mo City ground, as if rehearsing a long-forgotten routine.

His eyes burned while his mind raced like a furious storm!

Boom—!!!

With his fingers spread wide and with decisive hand seals, beams of brilliant golden qi leaped forth, transforming into a magnificent, blazing golden kirin that trampled across the void!

The resounding cry of the kirin echoed like an omen of blessing throughout Mo City!

Deep within his spine, the eighth blood vortex even grew larger!

A rumbling sound, as if the vast sea were stirred into a maelstrom, filled the air!

Li Che’s entire body reverberated with cracking sounds as his Martial Immortal Golden Body was pushed to its limits – bones and flesh trembling in unison!

Yet he could even withstand unleashing the power of the eighth Qi Seed!

The raw might of the Qi Seed stayed within his limits.

Sizzle, sizzle, sizzle—

Li Che seemed to transform into a raging ball of flames, burning so fiercely that the air wavered in blurred distortion.

He opened his mouth.

Blazing waves of qi erupted, carving deep grooves into the air that took ages to mend!

Qi Seed!

Kirin Sealing Inscription – Nearly complete!

Combined with his battle against Divine Calamity and the feedback from his Dao Fruit’s transformation,

this obscure and arduous Celestial Seed Martial Art had progressed from its initial stage to near completion!

Swish, swish, swish—

Blood surged like a tidal wave.

Li Che’s face flushed red as massive, sinewy muscles spread across his Martial Immortal Golden Body like coiled dragons.

A thunderous explosion sounded at his ear, shaking as if even the slumbering gods were roused!

It was like the great bell of an ancient mountain monastery, clanged by the might of a celestial deity, its sound resonating across the vast wilderness!

A surge of heat flooded his heart.

Accompanied by pulses of golden light,

Li Che could only feel an overwhelming impact bearing down on him!

[Dao Fruit: Dragon Elephant Vajra (lv7 0%)]

Dragon Elephant Vajra!

An unprecedented—

transformation!

The fifth transformation!