Chapter 230: The Underworld's First Full Council, Father Unleashes Killing Intent, Heaven and Earth Fluctuate

Frozen clouds blanket the ridges, and the pristine snow at dawn solidifies into brilliance.

The night is deep as unmoving ink, hanging over the sky like an endless veil, so oppressive that it makes breathing difficult.

Snow whirls down from above in a wild spray, dancing chaotically among the world, like a flock of crows in the rain.

The carriage rolls along the official road piled up to about a foot high, swaying, carrying everyone back from the Shen Zong Sect gate to within Qian Yuan Dao City.

The night's clamor has long ended, Xixi's birthday celebration is over, meaning Xixi has grown another year.

Zhang Ya leans in Li Che's arms, silent, gloomily watching the wind and snow beyond the sky.

Xixi's sense of responsibility tugs at hearts, because she could have been less so.

In the unfamiliar setting, her most beloved parents are absent, so Xixi can only make herself responsible.

Although Jiao Shaoqiu, Sang Guanyin and others are familiar to her, they are still not the parents who can embrace everything about her.

Xixi's sense of responsibility also aches Li Che's heart.

Perhaps because she is a prodigy, Xixi is precocious, her cleverness far surpassing that of a five‑year‑old child.

Yet Li Che still feels somewhat guilty.

The carriage breaks through the snow; Chen Lao beats the reins, driving onward, his whole body coursing with Qi and blood. His cultivation in the Qi‑Pulse realm makes his blood torrential, his body scorching yet warm, allowing him to endure the cold wind and snow.

Returned to Liuxiang Alley.

The group steps down from the carriage; Zhang Ya says little, and directly begins martial practice in the courtyard amid wind and snow.

Li Che then escorts the boss and the big black dog back to the restaurant.

Chen Lao intended to see them off, but Li Che declined; the two and the dog walk toward Wai Cheng in the snowy night as if on a stroll.

"One for me."

The boss rolled a cigarette, brushed it off, and handed it to Li Che.

Li Che did not hesitate, took it, tucked it between his lips, snapped a finger, and the flame ignited the cigarette.

But the boss, lacking Li Che's nonchalance, simply took out a box of matches, snapped twice, and lit the cigarette.

Li Che glanced at the boss; the cigarette arrived, and he even had the illusion that the boss came from the same place as him.

So, after a thought, he turned his head toward the boss and exhaled a hazy plume of smoke.

"Boss, 'odd changes, even stays unchanged', what's the next line?"

The boss gave a faint glance: "Couplet?"

"Nonsense."

The big black dog, wagging its tail behind them, let out a dissatisfied snort.

Qian Yuan Dao City has no curfew, yet on a night of heavy snowfall, apart from the decadent brothels, the streets are already empty, not even a street vendor in sight.

Walking from Nei Cheng back to Wai Cheng still takes a while, but luckily Ting Lei Alley is not far from the Nei Cheng gate.

Following the main thoroughfare that runs through Qian Yuan Dao City—Qian Kun Avenue—from south to north.

"If this happens again, remember to call me; I enjoy cooking for Xixi."

Brushing off the ash, the boss said warmly.

Li Che heard this, smiled, "Every year on Xixi's birthday, I'll call you."

"Alright."

Then the boss turned and entered the restaurant.

Li Che tapped his toe, unleashing power, instantly springing back, shattering the snow, and vanished into the dark alley.

……

……

Western Camp Divine Guard.

Stationed between the mountains of the western city of Dao City, the camp is dotted with torches, their flames painting the night a blazing red.

Most of the Divine Guard are warriors; tens of thousands of them gather, their Qi and blood surging like a furnace, melting the snow in the area.

Snowflakes falling from the heavens are violently struck and shattered by the force of Qi and blood.

Screech—!!

A sharp cry ripped through the night.

High above, a white‑haired, violet‑eyed azure hawk beats its wings, soaring down like a falling meteor; as it nears the main camp, it flaps rapidly, stirring a fierce gust.

The hawk is enormous; when its wings spread, the tips are six meters apart.

Each feather is like a steel blade, razor‑sharp, brimming with immense Qi, blood, and divinity!

It is a sentient demon beast; even a divine‑steel Grand Master might not withstand its terrifying power.

You Liqing, clad in golden armor, steps out of the camp tent, accompanied by the drooping‑faced commander Long Tai.

Whoosh—

The gale whirls.

Gradually, the hawk begins to shrink, becoming smaller, and lands on You Liqing's outstretched forearm.

You Liqing takes the letter from the hawk's leg.

He pulls a Six‑Division Martial Pill from the Qian Kun Jade, feeds it to the white‑haired hawk; the hawk flaps its wings and soars away, countless wind and snow erupting around it, the beating wings instantly turning into a spray of snow powder.

You Liqing unfolds the letter and reads calmly.

The next moment, his eyes narrow slightly.

His aura changes, as if scorching flames burn out of nowhere, a strong oppressive suffocation surges instantly.

Long Tai beside him only feels a wave of suffocation.

Long Tai is startled, wondering what caused the great general's emotions to swing so violently.

Whatever stirred You Liqing's mind so profoundly is certainly no trivial matter.

Chinese: yes.

Translation: "He put away the letter, and You Liqing slowly exhaled a breath."

You Liqing put away the letter and slowly exhaled a breath.

We'll keep as one sentence.

【71】

Translation: "\"General...... \""

General...

Chinese: yes.

Translation: "Long Tai asked cautiously."

Dragon Commander, get ready and go welcome... the princess.

Translation: "\"Commander Long, prepare yourself and go receive…… the princess consort. \""

【78】

Chinese: yes.

Translation: "Princess consort?!"

Chinese: yes.

Translation: "Long Tai's heart jolted greatly."

Which princess?!

Translation: "\"Which princess consort?! \""

Chinese: yes.

Translation: "You Liqing glanced at him as if looking at an idiot."

Chinese: yes (the quoted Chinese).

Translation: "\"Who else could it be? Naturally, it's the young prince's birth mother, the dragon maiden princess consort of the East Sea Dragon God clan who married into the prince's family. \""

【90】

Chinese: yes.

Translation: "Long Tai took a deep breath, his heart slightly trembled."

【95】

Translation: "But soon, Long Tai began to have some doubts, for although the arrival of the dragon maiden princess consort was indeed a major event, it might not necessarily stir the General You Liqing's emotions like this, right?"

General You Liqing.

Chinese: yes.

Translation: "It's a bit strange……"

But Long Tai didn't ask further; as a subordinate, it's better to do more and speak less.

Translation: "But Long Tai didn't ask further; as a subordinate, speaking less and doing more is correct."

Chinese: yes.

Translation: "You Liqing frowned, glanced at Long Tai, seemingly recalling how Long Tai had protected Su Huaili, yet ended up with Su Huaili's corpse completely cold; after thinking, he snapped his fingers."

Su Huaili.

Chinese: yes.

Translation: "A gentle breeze stirred; on the distant camp's canopy, at some unknown time, a strikingly tall, imposing woman with long legs stood there."

We need to keep meaning.

Chinese: yes.

Translation: "She bore a azure longbow, as if a phoenix displayed its wings behind her."

【112】

Chinese: yes.

Translation: "\"Qingniao, you and Long Tai go receive the princess consort into Dao City. \""

【116】

Chinese: yes.

Translation: "You Liqing said lightly."

【121】

Translation: "\"The princess consort, angry over the young prince's death, has come to Dao City, likely unsettled; she brings with her the East Sea Dragon God clan's divination expert, the Dragon Turtle Chancellor, presumably intending to uncover the murderer of the young prince. \""

East Sea, Dragon God clan, Dragon Turtle Chancellor, young prince, Dao City.

Chinese: yes.

Translation: "\"Besides this, the princess consort's visit also entails another matter……\""

At that time, the princess sent an elite squad of the Dragon God clan, and the team leader was a senior brother of the princess's direct line, whose mortal body was unparalleled and possessed the combat power of a pinnacle‑three‑flower grandmaster…

Translation: "\"Initially, the princess consort dispatched a crack team of the Dragon God clan; its leader was her elder brother of the direct line, unmatched in flesh, possessing the combat power of a supreme grandmaster at the pinnacle of three flowers……\""

【128】

Chinese: yes.

Translation: "\"However…… they all died; the entire elite Dragon God squad perished! \""

Chinese: yes.

Translation: "You Liqing finished speaking."

The innate Grandmaster archer Qingniao and Long Tai both inhaled sharply in surprise.

Translation: "That innate grandmaster divine archer Qingniao, together with Long Tai, both sucked in a cold breath."

【136】

Chinese: yes.

Translation: "\"Did the Netherworld do this? \""

【140】

Chinese: yes.

Translation: "Long Tai's sturdy frame shuddered violently."

【145】

Translation: "\"Impossible…… I clashed with the Netherworld's Ox Demon; if not for his strange divine aura, I could have beaten him to death! \" Long Tai shouted gruffly."

I sensed the Netherworld's Ox Demon's strange divine aura.

Chinese: yes.

Translation: "When the Ox Demon killed Su Huaili, Long Tai also moved to block him, having clashed with the Ox Demon before."

Chinese: yes.

Translation: "Therefore, he has the most authority to speak."

Chinese: yes.

Translation: "After all, back then the Ox Demon went with the intent to kill Su Huaili, so he struck without any reservation."

The Netherworld isn't just the Ox Demon; the Netherworld… is a mysterious force.

Translation: "\"The Netherworld isn't just the Ox Demon alone; the Netherworld…… is a mysterious force. \""

Chinese: yes.

Translation: "Qingniao bore the longbow, arms crossed, spoke lightly."

Chinese: yes.

Translation: "You Liqing nodded, his eyes deep."

Chinese: yes.

Translation: "\"The Netherworld surely has an unclean connection with the young prince's death…… and also the death of the Dragon God lineage's elite squad. \""

The young prince led an elite squad of the Dragon God lineage.

Chinese: yes.

Translation: "You Liqing's eyes narrowed: \"I've heard the Netherworld exists to protect that native divine prodigy Li Nuanxi who walked out of Golden Light Prefecture……\""

Golden Light Prefecture's native prodigy Li Nuanxi.

【169】

Translation: "\"Su Huaili once said that the young prince had brought Xue Dufu to pay respects at the Golden Light Branch Sect, betting against Li Nuanxi; he lost by a single move…… Li Nuanxi boasted, wishing to take the young prince as a servant. \""

Golden Light Branch Sect's Xue Dufu and the young prince Li Nuanxi.

【173】

Translation: "\"The princess consort surely already knows this news…… this time she comes, likely also bringing anger, possibly even attributing the young prince Ji Haihui's death to Li Nuanxi. \""

The young prince, Ji Haihui, and Li Nuanxi.

Chinese: yes.

Translation: "Qingniao frowned: \"Li Nuanxi has now entered the orthodox Divine Sect……\""

the orthodox Divine Sect and the Divine Sect.

【181】

Translation: "\"Furthermore, I've received word that this Li Nuanxi, with monstrous talent, has successfully forged a Divine Foundation, entered the Divine Sect's Infant Dragon Register, ranking third, even suppressing the Su family's Su Chuyang. \""

the third volume of the Divine Sect Infant Dragon Register of the Divine Foundation, Su Chuyang of the Su family.

【185】

Translation: "\"The Su family now has designs; many of the Su family's elders have begun teaching their juniors to scheme by any means to obtain Li Nuanxi and marry her into the family. \""

the Su family elders and their junior disciples.

Chinese: yes.

Translation: "You Liqing's armor clanged as he turned and returned to the camp's interior."

Exactly… the Dragon Lady has a short temper. You two should go greet her and explain everything clearly. After all, the Qian Yuan Divine Sect is the Divine Sect of the Great Scenic Path, dominating the realm of the Path. If the princess truly causes trouble, it won't end well.

Translation: "\"Exactly…… the dragon maiden has a fiery temper; you two go to receive her, clarify the situation clearly, for the Gan Yuan Divine Sect is ultimately the Divine Sect of the Dàjǐng Dao, supreme over the land; if the princess consort truly causes trouble, it won't end well. \""

【192】

Chinese: yes.

Translation: "Long Tai and Qingniao, hearing this, immediately clasped fists."

Chinese: yes.

Translation: "Then the two shot forth, vanishing into the night."

Chinese: yes.

Translation: "You Liqing sat behind the desk, his five fingers clenched into a fist."

【201】

Translation: "\"In silence, they eliminated a squad rivaling a pinnacle-three-flower grandmaster…… just how high does the Netherworld's limit go?! \""

The pinnacle‑three‑flower grandmaster led the Dragon God squad into the Netherworld.

【205】

Translation: "\"Is the Netherworld perhaps like the Hunter God Pavilion, with a Martial Saint and a God Fetus enthroned? \""

The Martial Saint of the Hunter God Pavilion guarded the God Fetus.

【209】

Translation: "\"Netherworld, Ox Demon, Horse Face, God Monkey, Black and White Impermanence……\""

Ox Demon, Horse Face, God Monkey, Black and White Impermanence.

Chinese: yes.

Translation: "\"And who else?! \""

……

Translation: "……"

……

Translation: "……"

Chinese: yes.

Translation: "Listening Thunder Alley."

【220】

Chinese: yes.

Translation: "Independent Workshop Courtyard."

【224】

Chinese: yes.

Translation: "Li Che sat cross-legged, gripping in his palm a Fifth Elder rank Divine Nature Crystal; the vast and rich divine nature continually poured forth, seeping into the Immaculate Heart Dao Fruit, seeping into the Heavenly Law, Earthly Form Spirit Enlightened True Monkey Divine Aspect."

【228】

Chinese: yes.

Translation: "This divine aspect is constantly growing, having been carved from a Divine Foundation; it is no longer the initial crude embryo, every hair distinct, as if millions of hairs had been meticulously carved."

【232】

Chinese: yes.

Translation: "His eyes blazed like fire, golden light burning, his thick tail swaying, as if about to collapse heaven and earth."

【237】

Translation: "The Divine Aspect realm actually relies on accumulation: initial, middle, later, and complete stages; after completion, a Primordial Spirit is born, becoming the Primordial Aspect realm."

The Divine Aspect realm is divided into the Initial Stage, Middle Stage, Later Stage, and Complete; the Primordial Spirit belongs to the Primordial Aspect realm.

Chinese: yes.

Translation: "The Primordial Aspect realm is the pinnacle of the Divine Aspect realm."

Chinese: yes.

Translation: "With the Primordial Spirit born alongside, the Divine Aspect has already approached perfection; it can no longer be refined further through meticulous spiritual contemplation."

The spiritual sense requires meticulous refinement.

Now Li Che, under the support of the vast divine nature of the Five Elders Divine Nature Crystal, his Spirit-Enlightened True Monkey Divine Aspect has already reached the post-divine-aspect realm.

The completion is not far away.

And his three divine crystals of the Fifth Elder rank have been completely consumed.

A thought flickered.

……

【Name: Li Che】

【Bond: Li Nuanxi (daughter)】

【Dao fruit: Immortal Craft (lv4, 75%), Dragon Elephant Vajra (lv4, 85%), Pure Heart (lv4, 70%), Chess Sage (lv4, 70%), Painter Immortal (lv3, 80%), Thunder Magnetic Track Body (lv1, 0%)】

【Divine Art prototype: Immortal Craft·Thousand Split Hand, Dragon Elephant Vajra·Ascending Tower, Pure Heart·Spirit Bind, Chess Sage·Great Avalanche, Painter Immortal·Ink Kill】

【Divine Arts: Star Pluck, Rosy Lift, Divine Pull, Boundless】

【Hint: Each year the bonded person ages safely, and a Dao Tree can bear one Dao fruit】

……

Streaks of light interwove and flickered before his eyes, reflecting onto his pupils.

Li Che glanced at the changes in Dao fruit maturity over the past six months.

Since he began studying the upper‑rank organ beast of the Six Departments, the Blood‑Sun Nine‑Gods Vajra Ape, and also tried to fuse the high‑burst powers of Black‑White Collapse and Great Avalanche, attempting to combine the two within a Guanyin Lotus Bomb.

Thus the maturity of Immortal Craft did not increase slowly.

The Dragon Elephant Vajra Dao fruit did not improve much; mainly because over the past six months, Li Che, aside from clearing out some hidden evil sects of the Corpse God Cult concealed within the Dry Origin Dao City, had not faced any strong opponents.

Therefore the progress was inconspicuous, and advancing the Saint of War's ultimate art from the Master realm to the Transformation realm is more difficult than all previous accumulations!

Although Li Che has been constantly comprehending cultivation, up to now no Saint of War ultimate art has reached the Transformation realm.

However, the Myriad‑Change Dragon Elephant and Myriad‑Dragon Subjugating Spirit are also nearing.

"The Painter Immortal Dao fruit is also close to lv4, but the main thing is to find work; with work, the Painter Immortal's clones can improve quickly."

Opening his eyes, over the past six months all Dao fruits have seen a considerable boost.

For Li Che, these are all good news.

But the best news is that he just obtained a new Dao fruit.

Thunder Magnetic Track Body…

Though called a Dao fruit, Li Che understands it as a unique constitution that can command thunder, control magnetic fields, and even manipulate gravity and attraction.

"It requires the flesh to be baptized by thunder, accumulating thunder power…"

"But where can one obtain thunder in this deep winter?"

"Not to mention the immensely powerful Nine‑Heaven Divine Thunder… Moreover, if I were to face the Nine‑Sky Divine Thunder now, I'd probably be split into charcoal."

Li Che muttered.

Consequently, the path to advancing the Thunder Magnetic Track Body Dao fruit immediately stumped Li Che.

"Could it be that cultivating this Thunder Magnetic Track Body must wait for the right heavenly timing…"

"Winter thunder is extremely rare, spring thunder is also scarce; only during the height of midsummer do thunderstorms become frequent. Yet waiting… when will the Thunder Magnetic Track Body's maturity rise?"

Li Che frowned.

If other thunder were used to forge a living body, would that work?

He clenched his five fingers.

The mysterious golden Eight‑Treasure Thunder Dragon Staff instantly fell into his hand; his five fingers gripped it, qi and blood surged, and immediately lightning arcs flickered along the staff, buzzing as they surged into Li Che's body.

But there was no significant reaction…

"Because these thunders… originate from me, they are my own power, so they cannot be used to temper the body."

Among the people he knows… who plays with thunder?

Li Che's eyes suddenly lit up slightly,

Not to mention… there actually is one.

Li Qing Shan, oh no, dear Di Fu Mao Lian.

Li Che produced the Underworld Divine Communication Mirror and began communicating with Li Qing Shan.

While in Nei Cheng's Liuxiang Alley, accompanying Mu Grandma, Li Qing Shan's eyes suddenly brightened, his whole body trembled, and the powerful Grandmaster aura became hard to contain, raging outward.

Mu Grandma smiled at Li Qing Shan: "Finally got a job?"

Li Qing Shan was moved, a smile spreading: "My cultivation has broken through to Grandmaster; I finally keep pace with the Underworld's rhythm…"

"Mu Mu, listen, the name Di Fu Mao Lian will soon echo throughout the Dao City."

"Next time, I'll make sure to add my Di Fu Mao Lian name to the wanted notice posted at the city gate!"

Li Qing Shan stood up, his eyes sparkling.

Mu Grandma rolled her eyes: "What are you so proud of? This isn't a good thing."

"You still think the wanted notice lacks your name?"

Li Qing Shan shook his head: "You don't understand… it's a kind of recognition, a justice‑exclusive… glory!"

Since the Underworld began to make a name for itself, has it ever done any evil deeds?

All those it exterminates are worldly evils, targeting those colluding with the Corpse God Cult or its evil followers!

Isn't that exactly what Li Qing Shan longs for?

Thunder‑strike to purge evil…

Follow the justice in his heart!

That is also why Li Qing Shan constantly remembers, wanting to become a member of the Underworld, and wishes to formally join an action exclusive to the Underworld!

And now…

The opportunity is right before his eyes.

"Go…"

"Take care."

Grandmother Mu had long known what Li Qingshan was longing for in his heart.

She also knew she couldn't stop Li Qingshan.

She only hoped Li Qingshan would be safe.

…

…

On a wind‑snow night, people's hearts were cold.

Li Qingshan deliberately changed into a black night‑cloaking robe, then put on a cat‑face mask, and, following the location marked in the Underworld Divine Dispatch, hurried there.

He arrived at Ting Lei Alley, activated his lightness skill, leaving no trace on the snow, and rushed toward the courtyard within the lane.

He seemed to move stealthily, but in fact…

It had already been fully observed under Li Che's Heaven‑and‑Earth Chessboard surveillance.

Li Qingshan knocked on the door, which swung wide open; he slipped inside and immediately saw one figure after another within the courtyard.

His breath suddenly halted.

He saw the Bull Demon, whose massive body towered like a tower mountain, standing in a corner of the courtyard, wearing a low‑drawn conical hat, with powerful qi and blood intertwining.

He also saw the Horse‑Face, wearing a horse‑face mask, bearing a crimson gun barrel that radiated scorching heat—a celestial‑crafted fire‑god mechanical cannon.

There was also a figure tilting its head, donning a lifelike Monkey‑God mask, wearing a mischievous grin, wielding a mysterious golden staff that exuded a suffocating pressure across its neck, with both hands hanging on it.

Monkey‑God!

The Underworld Monkey‑God that can slay a Divine‑Steel Grand Master!

Besides, there were the obedient White and Black Impermanences standing by the Bull Demon!

Excitement…

Shivers!

Thrill!

All the Underworld fiends gathered!

The Bull Demon even informed him; this truly meant he was considered one of their own!

Li Qingshan hurriedly brushed the snow off his body, straightened his back, stepped on the soft packed snow, and entered the courtyard.

Of course, Li Qingshan also noticed a towering figure standing in the center of the courtyard, arms crossed behind its back, facing away from him.

Just a glance made Li Qingshan feel as if his very soul were being snatched away, as if heaven and earth were spinning, and his feet began to feel weightless.

Li Qingshan's heart jolted!

A new face in the Underworld?!

Bull Demon, Horse‑Face, Monkey‑God, and the Black and White Impermanences—these were all the Underworld members Li Qingshan knew.

But now it seemed the Underworld was indeed not just the few people he had imagined.

Having just broken through to Divine‑Steel Grand Master, Li Qingshan felt utterly powerless within this Underworld.

Li Qingshan stared at the figure standing in the courtyard's center; the being seemed merged with heaven and earth, each falling snowflake subtly warping around it.

Li Qingshan's eyes hardened…

This is…

Unity of Heaven and Man?!

Indeed, the Underworld does have stronger beings!

A primordial Grand Master of Unity of Heaven and Man, such a mysterious Underworld force daring to clash with the hard‑headed power of the Hunting God Pavilion—how could it not exist?!

Slowly, the massive figure, whose black robe bulged like a sack, turned around.

What entered Li Qingshan's sight was a mask—a majestic, domineering dragon‑head mask!

It is…

Beneath the dragon‑head mask were a pair of profoundly deep eyes; Li Qingshan met them once and felt countless thunders booming, as if within a storm of black clouds a azure dragon was peeking out!

"Underworld, Thunder Dragon."

A faint voice came from beneath the dragon‑head mask.

Li Qingshan exhaled, cupped his fist and said, "Underworld, Cat‑Face…"

However, under the Thunder Dragon's deep gaze, as if lightning arcs constantly flickered and surged from its pupils.

Li Qingshan's old face beneath the cat‑face mask flushed slightly.

"Underworld reserves…"

"Heard you play with thunder? Strike me."

The Thunder Dragon said lightly.

Li Qingshan was bewildered; wasn't it to act together to cause trouble?

How… how…

Boom—!!!

The Thunder Dragon gently raised his hand, and instantly a terrifyingly extreme repulsive force surged outward, as if an invisible field enveloped everything in an instant.

He held heaven and earth in his palm, controlling them at will!

Unity of Heaven and Man?!

How frightening!

Li Qingshan felt himself hurled sideways by the impact, his back smashing hard against the wall, shaking loose the piled snow on the surrounding wall.

Splash…

In his sleeve, the jet-black Goat Horn Heaven-Shattering Hammer instantly fell into his hand, which he gripped tightly.

Zizzle—

Countless bolts of lightning burst and surged forth from the earth, and the Goat Horn Heaven-Shattering Hammer seemed to become the focal point where countless bolts of lightning converged.

Li Qingshan's eyes blazed; let him experience the might of a heaven‑man‑united innate grandmaster!

Let this mayfly behold the lofty mountain!

Boom!

As he stepped down, Li Qingshan's muscles and bones trembled; his hunched frame instantly shot up, snapping ramrod straight, and a scorching-hot surge of qi and blood burst forth, like a flood dragon raging wildly around him.

One head, two heads, three heads……

Eight furious flood dragons roared in succession, eight flood dragons overturning the river!

The inner vision at his brow's cinnabar field trembled!

Manifesting the Thunder‑Shock Exorcising Vajra divine aspect!

Countless surging lightning bolts exploded outward, weaving behind him a pair of thunder‑electric wings that flapped fiercely, like a horizontal thunderbolt tearing through heaven and earth!

The Goat Horn Heaven-Shattering Hammer itself burst forth with countless flashes of lightning and thunder!

Eight qi‑blood flood dragons coiled about, a flicker of divine vigor trembled, and Li Qingshan raised the hammer—woven and gathered from countless explosive flashes, striking the courtyard's lightning—and smashed it hard at the Thunder Dragon standing with hands behind its back.

Boom——!!!

However, that hammer swung with all his might.

When it was just an inch from the Thunder Dragon's mask, it could advance no further.

As if blocked by an utterly terrifying force.

Then……

Li Qingshan then horrifiedly discovered that the lightning he had unleashed was frenziedly surging toward the Thunder Dragon's body—the Thunder Dragon… seemed to have become a black hole.

Greedily and frenziedly devouring the lightning power he had burst forth with all his might!

The Thunder Dragon flicked a finger.

An immensely powerful repelling force instantly struck Li Qingshan's body, and an invisible power ruthlessly shoved him outward, slamming him once again against the wall.

Snowflakes scattered, covering his head completely.

Li Qingshan, wearing a cat‑face mask, gave it a shake.

"Not bad, again."

The Thunder Dragon said lightly.

Li Qingshan's eyes flickered with disbelief.

Know this: the lightning within Li Qingshan possesses the exorcising power of the Thunder‑Shock Exorcising Vajra; any wicked or dark‑hearted ones will be washed away and settled!

But this Netherworld Thunder Dragon… is properly evil!

Li Che wore the Thunder Dragon mask and was actually quite pleased in his heart.

Li Qingshan's lightning struck him quite pleasantly; no wonder he's a senior of Qingshan—his technique is indeed professional.

A stir of heart and mind.

Before his eyes, flowing light flickered.

【Dao Fruit: Thunder Magnetic Orbit (lv1, 5%)】

Indeed, the maturity increased a little; though slight, it's better than nothing.

Li Qingshan also had his anger stirred; he simply wouldn't believe it……

Clenching his five fingers, countless lightning arcs surged; the thunder‑electric wings on his back flared again, and from another angle he smashed down another hammer at the Thunder Dragon!

Yet it was the same—it seemed there was an invisible barrier isolating him; his hammer could not break through, and the lightning he unleashed was utterly devoured……

Li Qingshan felt numb inside.

Once, twice, three times, four times……

Li Qingshan held nothing back, exerting his utmost.

Thud——

He plopped onto the ground, Li Qingshan panting heavily.

The Goat Horn Heaven-Shattering Hammer drooped on the ground; Li Qingshan didn't even have the strength to lift the hammer.

The hammer wouldn't budge……

No, his lightning was gone—completely drained, not a drop could be wrung out!

The seniors of the Netherworld are just different—truly formidable!

The Thunder Dragon stood in place, lightning arcs slowly crawling over his body, merging with his qi and blood; upon the terrifying Five Elements Divine Gang, the hue of lightning arcs instantly spread!

An utterly terrifying martial will rampaged forth.

Sitting collapsed on the ground, Li Qingshan felt as if he faced an ancient ferocious beast—one slap could pulverize him to bits.

Too fierce, Senior Thunder Dragon is truly too fierce……

"Hah——"

"Hah——"

Li Che's bones and joints rang in unison, as if the Thunder Magnetic Orbit were fusing with his flesh, pushing further.

His fingers trembled, lightning snakes surged, shattering the air!

A sheet of falling snow was instantly blown to ash by the lightning.

Closing his eyes, countless snowflakes fell around Li Che, swirling in a wild dance like a tornado, as if drawing upon the power of heaven and earth!

Li Qingshan stared, dumbfounded.

Suddenly.

Under the Thunder Dragon mask, the pupils suddenly opened; the terrifying invisible repelling force exploded all the drawn flying snow in heaven and earth.

Softly, white misty snow powder fluttered, scattering over every inch of the courtyard.

Thunder Dragon walked up to Li Qingshan and lightly patted his shoulder.

One Six Ministries Divine Nature Crystal was taken out and stuffed into Li Qingshan's hand.

"Recover well; promotion and raise are no dream."

The words were spoken.

"Set out."

The words were spoken.

Then, in Li Qingshan's cat-face mask, that stunned, wooden face appeared.

The Ox Demon, Horse Face, Divine Monkey, and Black and White Impermanence in the courtyard all vanished into thin air……

The vast courtyard.

Only Li Qingshan remained, exhausted and drained of thunder……

He pinched a Six Ministries Divine Nature Crystal, as if pinching gold……

Alone, he stood bewildered in the wind and snow.

He came……what the hell for?!

……

……

Heavy snow flew wildly, the night silent and deep.

On the main thoroughfare of the Lord of Gan Yuan Dao City, piled snow lay a thick layer.

Inside the luxurious carriage, lights glimmered, wheels crushed the snow, and under the pull of the Precious Blood Flood Dragon Horse, it forged through the ice and snow.

The sound of hooves falling drowned out the faint sound of snowflakes falling.

Inside the carriage.

Su family elder, Honorary Elder Su Helian of the Qian Yuan Divine Sect, sat on a soft leather chair, the charcoal stove fuming as it boiled hot water, steeping hot winter tea.

Su Helian's beard and hair fluttered; in his hand he held a stack of wedding invitations.

These were the prey the Su family descendants aimed to wed: talented girls whose guardian palace sand remained, the Su family descendants' target.

"Not bad, much better than that idiot Su Chuyang……"

"Our Su family possesses such a divine secret art that can absorb women's talent and convert it to our own; yet they still plan to rely solely on their own talent……How foolish and ridiculous."

"This Li Nuanxi, able to just forge a divine foundation, was judged by the Qiankun Dao Yun to rank third on the Infant Dragon List; such talent……extremely rare, at least a divine prodigy of a thousand feet of purple divine qi."

"With such a genius girl marrying into the Su family, at least we could cultivate another Great True Person of Fetal Breath Transformation for our Su family!"

"Others have no shortcuts and must struggle onward, but you, Su Chuyang, have a shortcut yet refuse to take it……"

"You think your talent, Su Chuyang, comes from where? Not from your father breeding with a talented girl?!"

Su Helian was truly angered by Su Chuyang, his resentment unabated.

He had given Su Chuyang a chance, but Su Chuyang couldn't seize it.

Originally he had high hopes for Su Chuyang; after all, Su Chuyang was a standout prodigy among this generation of the Su family.

Too bad, he's quite foolish.

Somewhat better talent, in Su Helian's view, is not important; what matters is obedience and knowing how to exert the Su family's function, which is most important.

Whoosh——

The carriage galloped; outside, the wind and snow's sound exploded and roared.

Suddenly.

Su Helian turned his head to glance at the tea placed beside him.

The tea rippled with a faint wave.

Su Helian's pupils suddenly contracted!

Because……

The wind sound, snow sound, and the sound of wheels turning, all suddenly vanished!

It seemed……cut off by some invisible force.

Then there arose boundless killing intent, like golden lotuses surging from the earth, covering heaven and earth!

Someone released killing intent!

Heaven and earth overturned!