Chapter 496: Bloodstained Dominion

The heavy stench of blood still permeated the air, swirling in a constant, turbulent haze.

The entire courtyard lay in eerie silence.

The Liu Family cultivators stared in disbelief, their bodies numb as if frozen by an unrelenting frost.

Their venerable ancestor… a two-stage Martial Saint! The pride of their lineage!

But…

He was executed on the spot!

Flesh exploded into bloody mist right there!

Every cultivator’s eyes bulged with shock as they focused on the little girl wielding the pink three-in-one mechanical artillery.

She was barely eight, her face still retaining a hint of youthful innocence, with chubby, bouncy cheeks and sparkling large eyes. She promised to become a beauty when grown.

But this delicate, exquisitely carved little girl was ruthlessly lethal; with one swift strike, she killed a two-stage Martial Saint!

How brutal!

The Liu Family disciples were utterly dumbfounded. As a second-tier family, their greatest strength lay in having a two-stage Martial Saint ancestor, and now that hope was instantly erased!

XiXi carried the three-in-one artillery on her shoulder, her large eyes void of any compassion, calm and unruffled.

She had survived a life-or-death trial, witnessed sin firsthand, and escaped death at the hands of a Martial Saint.

The days of mercy were long gone. She had given that Martial Saint a chance.

She had demanded that he hand over the injured disciple from the Jin Guang Branch, condemning him to lose his cultivation as well.

But this Martial Saint refused.

Tilting her head and raising her chin slightly, XiXi spoke.

Could it be…

Is this Martial Saint ancestor, the backbone of his clan, daring to embarrass our own sect to the point of failing to protect our disciples?

This Martial Saint was openly challenging Li Nuǎnxi’s authority in the Qianyuan Divine Sect!

His intentions were sinister and vile!

He was no different from the scum from Gu Chuan’s past pursuit on her behalf!

Without hesitation, XiXi pulled the trigger on the three-in-one artillery, launching a Xiangong Barrett shot that unleashed overwhelming Muduya pressure.

But her upgraded artillery—her father had said its might was fearsome—proved far stronger than she had imagined!

A single Muduya thunder pellet obliterated the two-stage Martial Saint, shattering him into nothing but bloody mist and death.

It even gave XiXi a peculiar feeling…

Like using a cannon to swat a mosquito.

“Feels a bit like overkill,”

XiXi muttered under her breath.

Her quiet murmur instantly shattered the surrounding silence!

Agonized cries!

Wails, shrieks, and lamentations…

A cacophony of sounds echoed without end!

Behind XiXi, figures like Nan Lihuo, Zhang Qingzheng, and the former elders of Jin Guang Mansion watched her with transformed, enraptured gazes.

Originally, when XiXi became the sect leader of the Qianyuan Divine Sect, they had thought it was simply her unparalleled talent that moved Lü Taibai to relinquish power.

But now it was clear that XiXi had not only enhanced her innate abilities but had also changed her approach—no longer the pushover she once was.

Nan Lihuo felt particularly conflicted; XiXi had changed so much since her days at Jin Guang Mansion!

Yet Nan Lihuo believed that change was for the better.

A trace of satisfaction shone in his eyes. This transformation would ensure that the little girl would never be bullied in the future.

After all… who in this world could dare to bully her?

Besides, XiXi had a fiercely protective father!

Nan Lihuo thought of Li Che—the man who continually defied the odds.

“Teacher Lihuo, the rest is up to you. Chase them all out—out of Jin Guang City,” XiXi commanded.

Carrying the three-in-one mechanical artillery on one shoulder, she declared,

“Jin Guang Mansion belongs to the Qianyuan Divine Sect. Whether dragon or tiger, anyone who enters must crawl!

I, Li Nuǎnxi, the new sect leader of the Qianyuan Divine Sect, have spoken!”

XiXi puffed out her chest, giving herself an approving thumbs-up.

Arrogant, domineering, utterly bold!

Nan Lihuo chuckled with satisfaction. In times like these, boldness was necessary; without it everyone would trample on you and belittle your weakness.

“Understood.”

Nan Lihuo strode toward the Liu Family residence with Zhang Qingzheng by his side.

Inside the Liu Family compound, a chorus of malicious, resentful cries erupted.

“Nan Lihuo, do you even know who backs the Liu Family?! It’s the Second Prince! The Great Realm Imperial House!”

“Qianyuan Divine Sect, you won’t be arrogant for long!”

“Jin Guang Mansion lies next to the Third Prince’s Bizarre Temple. You can’t possibly dominate it! Your Qianyuan Divine Sect lacks the qualification!”

…

The elders of the Liu Family growled lowly, eyes bloodshot.

With their Martial Saint ancestor slain, the hope of the Liu Family was utterly crushed. They were driven to madness, caring little for their pride.

“Second Prince?”

XiXi tilted her head, her eyes glinting with unspoken thoughts.

Mentioning the Great Realm Imperial House, she recalled the torment her family endured during their time in the Divine Capital.

They had been relentlessly targeted by the Great Realm Imperial House.

Her expression grew dark.

Nan Lihuo acted swiftly and ruthlessly, expelling the Liu Clan agitators; those who refused to leave were promptly executed.

After a few were killed, the Liu Family was thrown into complete disarray, their senses abruptly sobering from the grief over their fallen Martial Saint.

“Teacher Lihuo, let’s go—meet the Second Prince backing the Liu Family!”

XiXi, carrying the pink three-in-one artillery, glowed with determination and sheer arrogance.

Utterly defiant!

She remembered her father’s words: here among mortals, she was free to be as brazen as she pleased!

This trip to Jin Guang Mansion was meant to make her an overnight sensation!

“The Qianyuan Divine Sect… is no longer someone to fear,”

XiXi murmured.

After all, during the Imperial Court’s punitive campaign, both her master and her father had been forced to send her away for trial, like a dying ember of the sect.

Although matters were eventually resolved and the Qianyuan Divine Sect survived, XiXi’s impression of that time remained indelible.

She knew that the Qianyuan Divine Sect was now in outright opposition with many factions, having offended everyone necessary.

Thus, after assuming leadership, there was nothing left to fear.

For these enemies had only one simple goal: to annihilate the Qianyuan Divine Sect, to wipe it from existence!

To let its disciples perish, and to take away her father and mother, and even XiXi herself!

At that thought, vivid images of the past flooded her mind.

She recalled the scene by the forest in the Tian Dan Divine Sect, where Yun’e and Zhou Peng once leaned against tree trunks…

Such images…

XiXi refused to relive them!

Rage surged in her eyes as the swirling aura of the Hun Tian Ling erupted like a raging dragon.

Flames blazed upon her, distorting the very air.

Nan Lihuo felt the oppressive weight on his chest; even breathing became laborious. The little girl had grown to an almost unbelievable degree.

“No need—their forces have arrived,”

XiXi squinted her eyes, hefting the pink three-in-one artillery. With a swift flick of her twin braids, the ferocity in her eyes intensified.

Feng Zhiqi’s brows furrowed. His robust form exuded a powerful martial aura as his blood pulsed like a hidden Heavenly Gate!

Zhao Fangzhou and Tang Xiejia, both Martial Saints, stepped forward to shield XiXi.

In the distance along Long Street of Jin Guang City,

an opulent carriage slowly rolled in. Resplendent with gilded jewels and flowing brilliance, it was drawn by a dragon-scaled steed whose snorts mingled with the rolling, formidable aura.

The luxurious carriage halted before the carnage-ridden Liu Family compound where the stench of blood still lingered.

The carriage curtains lifted to reveal a dashing face; adorned in a python robe and crowned with a gold crown, he exuded elegance and vigor.

Whoosh!

The wind howled as his robe and dark attire danced wildly.

At his waist hung a divine weapon—a long saber that quivered with razor-sharp energy, as if ready to soar into the heavens.

Inside the carriage, another figure sat composed—a dignified elder clad in red dark attire.

The elder, sporting a pair of horns, radiated overwhelming aura merely by sitting there, exuding a ferocious display of dragon might and chaos.

Even while seated beside the Second Prince, this elder became the center of attention.

XiXi, squinting as she regarded this horned figure, tilted her head and said, “Four Seas Dragon Clan?!”

“A dragon from Dragon Island?!”

Her voice carried a hint of childish innocence—after all, she was only an eight-year-old.

The elder’s eyes narrowed into sharp, snake-like orbs as he glared at XiXi. From the little girl, he sensed an overwhelming, malignant intent!

This little girl…

Could she have inherited the legacy of the Eight-Armed Yulian Furious Third Prince Temple Spirit?!

Her aura… it was undeniably repulsive to the dragon clan!

She must be eliminated!

The elder’s eyes flashed with lethal determination!

The Second Prince, a faint smirk on his face, strode out of the carriage. Slinging a knife at his waist, he fixed his gaze on XiXi and then on the disheveled Liu Family behind her.

His smile vanished as he declared, “Li Nuǎnxi, did you not know that the Liu Family’s ancestor was once an aide under Lü Hengyi?”

“How dare you kill him?!”

XiXi tilted her head playfully, “I don’t know.”

Lü Hengyi felt a sudden choke of frustration. Faced with such childlike candor, he found himself momentarily at a loss for words.

But the Second Prince’s eyes quickly hardened.

“Since the Qianyuan Divine Sect has become truly arrogant, when did Jin Guang Mansion ever belong to your sect? Jin Guang Mansion is part of the Great Realm!”

The Second Prince, Lü Hengyi, spoke in a low, menacing tone.

He aimed to take the moral high ground; while XiXi stirred trouble at Jin Guang Mansion on behalf of the Qianyuan Divine Sect, he would retaliate for Li Nuǎnxi’s insolence, shattering her arrogance.

XiXi frowned, “Jin Guang Mansion is our very own!”

“Are you the Great Jing Emperor? Is that the best you can say?”

“I am the sect leader of the Qianyuan Divine Sect. Who do you think you are? Let your father handle it!”

With one hand on her hip and the pink three-in-one artillery slung over the other, XiXi retorted in a childish yet commanding tone.

Her words resonated with sheer authority.

XiXi was well aware that the Qianyuan Divine Sect had definitively broken with the Great Realm.

The Great Jing Court had dispatched an army to demolish their sect—if not for her father’s prowess and the backing of the Underworld’s master warriors…

the Qianyuan Divine Sect might have long been eradicated.

XiXi was furious—on the brink of homelessness, she could not bear the thought.

How dare this Second Prince confront her, claiming that Jin Guang Mansion belonged to the Great Realm!

The more she thought, the angrier she became!

“Bah! Shameless scum!”

XiXi spat at the Second Prince, her voice dripping with youthful spite.

The Second Prince stood atop the carriage, his brows furrowed.

Then a mocking smile crept across his face as he said, “Jin Guang Mansion, adjacent to the Third Prince’s Bizarre Temple, is no ordinary residence. It’s not something that the Qianyuan Divine Sect can simply control.”

“With all factions settled in Jin Guang Mansion, you expect to oust them all? Does your sect even have the power?”

He stated coolly.

“Our Liu Family ancestor was once my aide. You can’t just kill my subordinate and let it slide… You’re too young to think that, just because you ascended to sect leader, you can defy the heavens!”

“You’ll be detained for a lesson, and Lü Taibai will come to collect you!”

After finishing his speech, he turned to the elder by his side.

“Dragon God, please handle this.”

“Teach this unruly child a lesson!”

The Second Prince commanded.

The Eastern Sea Dragon God was on par with the Divine Calamity stage. Even the Second Prince had to humble himself in such presence.

Relocating Dragon Island into the Jiulong River within the Great Realm had been approved by the Great Jing Emperor. Without imperial consent, no one could achieve that feat under the weight of nature’s will.

And the Second Prince’s consort had ties with the Four Seas Dragon Clan—a connection that, though not very close, now served as his greatest bargaining chip in his bid for the throne!

“Alright, this child’s murderous intent is too thick. It’s high time we properly educated her; Lü Taibai’s teachings are clearly lacking in discipline.”

The elder spoke coolly, dismissing his sleeve with a flourish as his dark robes whipped about.

In an instant, a vast, overwhelming Heavenly-Earth Soul surged, its dragon might blanketing the entire courtyard!

Even the void seemed to solidify as countless divine essences converged to form a three-meter dragon claw, slashing through the air!

Feng Zhiqi’s expression turned ashen as he stepped forward. Exuding the aura of a Fourth-Stage Martial Saint, he moved to shield XiXi from the onslaught.

Boom—!!!

Bones crackled and popped with each strike.

Feng Zhiqi’s face flushed as if his very blood had frozen—a demonstration of Divine Calamity pressure that even the highest tier could scarcely withstand.

Not having reached the apex, Feng Zhiqi only felt an overwhelming suffocation!

Zhao Fangzhou, Tang Xiejia, Nan Lihuo, and the others beside XiXi paled in unison.

This was the current state of Jin Guang Mansion…

Any top-tier force daring to step into Jin Guang Mansion clearly had a Divine Calamity expert to back them up!

…

…

Meanwhile,

inside the most luxurious banquet hall of Jin Guang Mansion, Third Prince Lü Litong sat regally. A lavish table was laden with exquisite delicacies.

Third Prince poured himself a glass of fine wine, sipping it lightly, while behind him, Han Sixi of the Purple-Clad Diao Si quietly stood guard.

Surrounding the table were several monks in robes, their presence exuding a bone-chilling Buddha Light that sent shivers down Third Prince’s spine.

Though Third Prince despised that sacred glow, he had no choice but to ingratiate himself to these monks for leverage.

In truth, Lü Litong was unaware that these monks—etched with intricate patterns—had approached him seeking cooperation.

Faced with such a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Lü Litong was not about to let it slip; he clung to it like a final lifeline!

After downing a glass of wine, Third Prince Lü Litong smiled softly.

“My Second Brother has secured the Four Seas Dragon Clan’s support. Now it appears we’re pitted against Li Nuǎnxi.”

“This little girl—a Martial Saint at eight—is monstrously gifted. Now she rules the Qianyuan Divine Sect with overwhelming arrogance, as if Jin Guang Mansion were under her control?”

“Everyone, sit back and enjoy the show.”

Third Prince Lü Litong chuckled at the thought of a showdown between the Second Prince and Li Nuǎnxi.

News of the complete fallout between the Great Realm and Qianyuan Divine Sect had spread far and wide.

“This little girl claims she will drive out every faction from Jin Guang Mansion! Ha… she’s as fearless as a newborn calf!”

Third Prince Lü Litong found the situation hilariously absurd.

Even if Lü Taibai and Lü Qiankun, the two Divine Calamity experts, were present, they probably couldn’t match her boldness!

“Sit back, enjoy fine wine, good food, and an epic performance—it’ll be a blast!”

Third Prince Lü Litong roared with laughter.

Yet around the banquet table, the monks with their intricate patterns remained silent.

An awkward silence fell over the feast.

Third Prince Lü Litong narrowed his eyes but didn’t feel embarrassed, continuing to chuckle on his own.

Whether the Second Prince or Li Nuǎnxi ended up embarrassed, he was delighted!

To him, that was reason enough to laugh!

He glanced at Han Sixi behind him and said,

“Han Diao Si, do you find this amusing?”

Han Diao Si lowered his head and softly replied,

“It’s funny, Your Highness.”

…

…

It wasn’t just Third Prince Lü Litong in the banquet hall who was watching.

At the very moment XiXi and the Second Prince clashed, all eyes were upon them.

Within Jin Guang City, one powerful will after another surged skyward, their force almost solidifying the air as they swept by.

Forces from the Purple Mansion Divine Sect, South Sea Purple Bamboo Grove, Witch God Mountain, Da Li Wangting, and many prominent families released their divine pressure in unison.

It was as if they were all eagerly watching this grand spectacle.

After all, this confrontation might expose the true depths of the Qianyuan Divine Sect, and reveal whether Lü Taibai and Lü Qiankun would eventually show up.

Most importantly…

They were all curious to see what support Li Nuǎnxi had from the Underworld!

The Underworld…

Its name echoed like thunder. Nearly every faction in Qitian City had heard of it, and everyone knew that the Underworld Ghost Emperor was the sole Martial Immortal of his generation who sat at the gate of Qitian Inner City, blocking the three Supreme beings of the Pantheon!

Everyone was aware of the close ties between Li Nuǎnxi and the Underworld.

Thus, the burning question remained: just what kind of backing had the Underworld provided Li Nuǎnxi?

…

…

Atop Golden Light Peak,

Li Che sat silently on the Grand Master Chair. With him were the young sect member Liu Yangyuan, Elder Zhu Hongdou, and Weng Wuyou.

Also present was the ever-cheerful Monitor Hu Yingyue, casually playing the erhu.

At that very moment, as the Dragon God of the Four Seas Dragon Clan unleashed his aura, the entire Jin Guang Mansion trembled.

Elder Zhu Hongdou and the others’ faces turned grim, their expressions laden with unprecedented gravity.

“It’s the Divine Calamity aura…”

Liu Yangyuan’s face darkened as he glanced at Li Che with both awe and respect, “Elder Li… during this time, every major faction in Jin Guang City has had a Divine Calamity expert stationed. This is beyond what Jin Guang Mansion can even imagine…”

“The pressure on our branch is simply too great.”

“Junior Sister… Sect Leader… coming here to challenge so many factions—are you not worried about making enemies?”

Li Che nodded warmly.

“Yes, it will make her a target… but it won’t matter.”

Taking a sip of his hot tea—a long-lost flavor he dearly missed—Li Che continued,

“Now that XiXi has just become sect leader, she’s eager to make a mark…”

“It’s the perfect time for her to show off at Jin Guang Mansion.”

Li Che’s gentle tone surprised Liu Yangyuan.

“Elder Li… but that is Divine Calamity level…”

Li Che shot him a reassuring glance.

“Don’t worry; the little one has more tricks up her sleeve than you know.”

“Just watch as XiXi grows. She’s no longer the naïve little girl who first experienced the Temple Spirit Resonance…”

“She’s going to make the world tremble…”

For Li Che, no one in Jin Guang Mansion posed a real threat to XiXi…

Even without employing the Tenth Fury Chess Piece, her upgraded Xiangong-powered three-in-one artillery alone could handle any danger.

After all, most Divine Calamity practitioners in Jin Guang Mansion were only at the One Disaster, One Calamity stage.

Even those at the Two Calamity stage dared not act too boldly, or risk inciting the wrath of Heaven and Earth…

For XiXi, Jin Guang Mansion was not just a battleground but a stage to showcase her authority.

She might not fully understand it yet, but she trusted her father.

The secrets he’d given her were her greatest strength!

To suppress, dominate, and crush all threats against the Qianyuan Divine Sect’s Jin Guang Branch…

XiXi vowed that they would all bleed today!

Today, Jin Guang Mansion would be drenched in blood!

Thus spoke Li Che.

Liu Yangyuan fell silent at his words.

He held Li Che in awe—he admired the Divine Eagle Hand with every fiber of his being, for he had risen from a humble woodcarving shop to become a peerless force!

Li Che snapped his fingers, and the Cosmic Chessboard unfurled before them, reflecting the scenes of XiXi’s confrontation with the Second Prince…

It also showcased the moment when the Eastern Sea Dragon God struck out at XiXi…

Liu Yangyuan, Zhu Hongdou, and the others took in a deep breath.

As they witnessed a Dragon God rivaling Divine Calamity strength, the sheer pressure burst forth from the scene, causing their blood to feel as if it were turning to ice.

The display left them utterly dumbfounded.

“Ah… this is…”

“Is that… XiXi?!”

…

…

BOOM—!!!

Divine energy intertwined with the unstoppable force of dragon might, coalescing into a three-meter dragon claw. Cracks began to ripple around it with a terrifying intricacy.

Thwack, thwack, thwack—

Each strike roared with the fury of gales, tearing at the very fabric of space! Dust and smoke billowed along Long Street as ancient blue bricks shattered into powder!

Feng Zhiqi and the others felt a bright flash behind their foreheads as if a razor had pierced them—teetering on the brink of death!

Feng Zhiqi roared with fury, his eyes as if split by cracks!

Above the vaulted heavens, dark clouds roiled. As the Divine Calamity struck the mortal realm, the will of Heaven and Earth began to stir, a pressure building!

Yet for now, it was only in the windup stage. A Divine Calamity expert at the One Disaster, One Calamity stage could only exert a light touch!

Feng Zhiqi’s eyes burned with rage; he had not expected the situation in Jin Guang Mansion to be this dire.

No sooner had he arrived than a Divine Calamity expert had personally stepped in to subdue and eliminate XiXi!

“Ah—!!!”

Feng Zhiqi’s entire body convulsed; over thirty-six thousand pores erupted in bloody mist as he broke free from the Divine Calamity pressure. Clenching his fists, his eyes blazed with unparalleled intensity!

“Sect Leader, watch out!”

For the first time, Feng Zhiqi’s will shone brilliantly!

His long saber at his waist twitched in unison as he unsheathed it in a fearsome slash—a display of apex might as if summoning a Heavenly Gate!

In that moment, under overwhelming pressure, he shattered his restraints!

He took a crucial, unprecedented step.

Although Feng Zhiqi knew that this breakthrough might not matter much at a Divine Calamity level,

daring to break free and strike in defiance of the Divine Calamity was in itself a metamorphosis!

XiXi’s eyes shone brightly as she watched Feng Zhiqi struggle like a man trying to hold back a collapsing mountain. A warm surge of emotion welled within her.

Her eyes trembled with the intricate Yulian Divine Pattern. A potent Celestial Resonance burst forth, flowing madly into the pink three-in-one artillery in her hands.

Suddenly, the multitude of divine marks on the artillery revived as if awakened!

Compressed thunder pellets began rolling furiously down the six barrels, launching forth in explosive succession!

Accompanied by Feng Zhiqi’s furious roar, once he shattered the oppressive shackles, his saber swung in dazzling, sun-like brilliance, cleaving through the dragon claw’s radiance!

It was the most spectacular slash of Feng Zhiqi’s life!

Almost godlike in its power!

Feng Zhiqi felt an exhilarating freedom, a long-lost liberating surge as he struck without regret.

Even if that strike cost him his life at the hands of the Dragon God’s claw…

he was content!

For that slash was his ultimate act of defending the Sect Leader!

BOOM—!!!

The endless brilliance of his strike ripped through the air, shattering it into fragments!

Everyone could only witness a dazzling flash of saber light, as if endless lightning bolts tore through!

Then—

a thunderous, roaring dragon cry filled the skies!

Everyone beheld the resplendent saber light hacking through the void.

Soon after, the Dragon God beside the Second Prince transformed into a colossal, eclipse-like dragon silhouette, striving to soar skyward—but only reached halfway.

Massive clumps of blood mist erupted from its enormous body, accompanied by a pitiful cry.

It burst apart in midair with a thunderous roar!

Feng Zhiqi maintained his slashing stance, his dark, vigorous hair whipping wildly.

He stared blankly as dragons rose and fell…

And his saber…

Could it truly be this mighty?!