Chapter 270: 271. Chapter 268: Xixi Great Emperor Sets Out Again for the Talent Pass, Opening the Grandmaster

271. Chapter 268: Xixi Great Emperor Sets Out Again for the Talent Pass, Opening the Grandmaster's Eyes

February 26, Qingming.

Auspicious: cleaning, priesthood, seeking medical treatment, curing illness; other activities should be avoided.

Flowers fall, grass grows together; orioles fly, butterflies play in pairs.

Fine rain flutters.

The ancient mountain range resembled a sleeping crouching dragon, coiled deep within Qian Yuan Dao City, as if it monopolized all regions behind the city.

It was like a dragon halberd spanning the mortal world.

The green hills seemed ready to converse with the lofty ones, and countless horses galloped in unison.

"When—"

The ancient bell's resonance came from the deep mountains.

Invisible forces twisted the air, as if raising a ripple of breeze, causing the spring rain to slant, cutting through heaven and earth.

Along both sides of the main thoroughfare of Qian Yuan Dao City, peach trees swayed in the spring wind; petals were struck down by rain, clinging to the ground soaked by the spring rain.

The carriages that raced by became linked, together heading toward the Divine Sect.

The sky was dim, clouds piled, obscuring the brilliant proud sun behind them.

It made the spring chill between heaven and earth carry a hint of sharp cold.

Hooves lightly touched down on the green stone ground before the Qian Yuan Divine Sect Mountain Gate archway, producing a crisp sound like an ancient bell being struck.

Li Che held Xixi; inside the carriage, the charcoal stove burned, the heat was quite warm, and the spring chill could not penetrate.

Zhang Ya sat opposite Li Che; today she wore formal attire, with delicate makeup, and visible nervousness on her face.

She clenched her fists, continuously cheering herself on.

"My daughter Xixi will definitely make it! She will surely pass the assessment and become a disciple of the Sect Master Great Deity! Absolutely!"

Li Che held Xixi, and the father and daughter stared at the extremely nervous Zhang Ya, making Zhang Ya feel a bit embarrassed.

"I won't bother you two any longer! Don't you know how nervous you are?"

Zhang Ya clenched her fist and waved it.

Xixi crawled out of Li Che's arms, snuggled into Zhang Ya's embrace, then maturely patted Zhang Ya's shoulder, comforting her.

"Mother, please rest assured; even if Xixi doesn't pass the assessment, Xixi is still a disciple of the Sect Master's Lady, and can learn Divine Talismans from the Sect Master's Lady's master; Divine Talismans are still very interesting!"

"Xixi is already impressive now; she can write her full name!"

As Xixi spoke, she became proud.

Then she climbed to the carriage window, stood on tiptoe, and lifted the silk curtain.

A fine, cool spring breeze and rain poured in through the window, bringing a hint of chill.

"So many people!"

Xixi exclaimed in surprise, then wiggled her little bottom, showing no nervousness at all, but rather an eager excitement.

With so many people, today Xixi Great Emperor will definitely have a blast!

Nie Yang drove professionally, the ride smooth as silk, racing down the spacious paved avenue of the Divine Sect Mountain Gate.

Soon they arrived before the Great Plain.

The white jade archway towered, its corners bearing the accumulated moisture of the spring rain, occasionally dripping crystal droplets.

Qingming spring chill spread, and the mountains already teemed with vegetation, making the cold even stronger.

However, today in front of the Qian Yuan Divine Sect Mountain Gate archway, the scene was bustling with activity.

Carriages and horses flowed like water, and countless figures moved about.

The warriors' massive gathered qi and blood surged like a furnace fed with firewood, and the chill had long been driven away.

Luxurious carriages slowly arrived, one after another parking on the flat ground of the Great Plain before the white jade archway of the mountain gate.

Each of these vehicles bore a sign indicating the status of its occupants—rich or noble.

The Su family, Yun family, Zhou family, and Zhong family—these four top‑tier families of Qian Yuan Dao City—parked their carriages in prime spots.

Then came the carriages from the Dao Master Residence, as well as some equally luxurious but unidentified carriages.

Because only child prodigies could join this Sect Master Great Deity's direct transmission assessment, the actual number of participating prodigies was not many.

Although the crowd surged, most were there just for the spectacle.

The carriage parked, and behind it Chen Lao "Xi Lu" called out, also having stopped the carriage.

Whoosh.

Oil‑paper umbrellas opened, shaking off droplets of rain, keeping the spring rain out.

Zhang Ya carried Xixi down from the carriage, Li Che held an umbrella for the mother and daughter, reaching out to gather them; the family appeared quite harmonious in the misty rain.

"Xixi Great Emperor sets out! Come on, Xixi Great Emperor is invincible!"

The carriage had just stopped.

Gong Yuanliang and Gong Yangxiu, two lively fellows, burst out of the carriage, clenching fists and shouting excitedly.

Xixi twisted back and forth in Zhang Ya's arms, hands on hips, wiggling her waist, puffing out her little belly!

"Just wait and see!"

Xixi was very confident.

In the distance.

Among the parked luxurious carriages, the child prodigies of the major families also stepped out, standing obediently under the guidance of their family heads.

"Little Fat!"

"Sister Yun E!"

Xixi's eyes lit up as she saw Zhou Peng climbing out of the Zhou family carriage, and the still beautiful Sister Yun E, waving her plump arms excitedly.

Beside Yun E, a white-haired old man in a blue splendid robe also looked over.

Yun E smiled sweetly, her two dimples blossoming like spring water, and waved at Xixi in response.

Yun He, head of the Yun family, stood with hands behind his back; hearing Xixi's childish voice, he turned his head and looked over.

"Little E, she is Li Nuanxi......"

"The prodigy who came from Jin Guang Fu to Qian Yuan Dao Cheng?"

A strange glint flashed in the old man's eyes.

Li Nuanxi's name, during this time in Qian Yuan Dao Cheng, had gradually risen to fame.

The sect leader's wife took action for this disciple, suppressing on the street the dragon queen consort of Ji Mo Li.

Furthermore, not long ago, all the netherworld's fiends placed bets at the Qian Kun Gambling House, where Li Nuanxi ranked only tenth; in an instant, the name of the prodigy Li Nuanxi resounded thoroughly.

"Not a bad child."

"But this time, you and she are rivals; you cannot hold back."

"You also know that this time…… is your only chance to change your fate."

"Otherwise, as a child of an aristocratic family, your fate is not yours to command."

Yun He spoke softly.

Yun E's parents left early; moreover, her innate beauty and physique contributed.

If this time she could become the sect leader's personal disciple, her status would rise greatly, bringing immense benefit to the Yun family, thus she could free herself from the aristocratic shackles and grasp her own destiny.

But if she fails……

Yun E's long lashes trembled slightly as she lowered her head: "Headmaster, Yun E understands."

Yun He nodded.

On the other side, Zhou Peng greeted Xixi with a hearty laugh, then, under her envious gaze, casually snatched a steaming meat bun, stuffed it into his mouth and began to chew.

"Xixi!"

In the distance, a burly figure strode through wind and rain, accompanied by a graceful figure in a goose-yellow dress.

They were precisely Xixi's senior brother Bian Yuanlong and senior sister Sang Guanyin.

Beside Sang Guanyin, Sang Yu, wearing the white robe of a junior supervisor of the Imperial Astronomy Bureau, followed leisurely, lightly swaying a paper fan.

"Elder Li."

Bian Yuanlong saw Li Che and respectfully clasped his fists in salute.

Li Che is now the fifth elder of the Golden Eagle Ridge; this position is highly honored within the Qian Yuan Divine Sect.

Li Che wore a gentle smile and nodded.

Seeing Sang Guanyin and Bian Yuanlong, Xixi instantly became happy, darting into Sang Guanyin's embrace; she had always been brought by Sang Guanyin in Jin Guang Fu, so she was very close to her.

"Xixi, keep it up! If you become the sect leader's personal disciple, senior sister will have someone to back her up inside the sect!"

Sang Guanyin gently rubbed Xixi's head.

Xixi instantly felt heroic, puffing out her little belly as her chest pattered with a slap-slap sound.

"Senior sister Guanyin, don't worry! Xixi is now formidable!"

"Against opponents like Hai Chao Sheng, Xixi can kick them down one by one!"

Xixi was quite pleased, chin raised, full of high spirits.

Sang Guanyin immediately chuckled lightly.

The burly Bian Yuanlong followed behind them, laughing foolishly.

"Xixi, your talent and ability are unquestionable, but you must also clearly recognize your opponent……"

Sang Guanyin said this very seriously.

She pointed to the distance, where a luxurious carriage was parked; on the carriage's shaft sat a youth in plain cloth, quietly holding a carving knife, constantly turning it, wood shavings falling as he carved a golden eagle.

"He is Gong Shu Wentian, from the Gong Shu family of Shendu, a great clan stronger than the Su family, rumored to share blood ties with the Supreme Director of the Imperial Astronomy Bureau…… He is your greatest rival."

Sang Guanyin gave Xixi a solemn introduction.

Hearing this, Xixi couldn't help but look over.

The plain-clothed youth, his hair tied in a ponytail, seemed to sense Xixi's gaze; his eyelids lifted slightly, revealing a handsome face as chiseled as a knife-cut axe.

"Wow! Handsome!"

Xixi covered her mouth.

Li Che stood to the side, his face darkening.

Xixi, you yellow-haired, enough already!

Sang Guanyin was also speechless; she had long been accustomed to Xixi's temperament—this little girl… had none of Uncle Li's gentle refined elegance; growing up, she might become a female hooligan.

"You must not slack off just because he's handsome; give it your all, understand?"

Sang Guanyin cautioned.

"Senior sister Guanyin, don't worry; even if he's this handsome, beating him up will surely make him look good when he cries!"

Xixi clenched her small fists.

Behind her, Bian Yuanlong rubbed his buzz cut, eyes wide open.

"Junior sister…… so this is what she's like?"

Gong Shu Wentian's carving knife trembled slightly; he faintly sensed Xixi's aggressive gaze.

"That is the daughter of Li Che, the supremely talented Golden Eagle elder, the youngest in history to become an elder of Golden Eagle Ridge?"

Gong Shu Wentian lifted the corner of his lips.

WwwTTKдNC〇

To him, this five-year-old girl posed no threat.

In fact, Gongshu Wentian never thought anyone present would be his rival.

Gu He of the Tian Dan Divine Sect won't do, Xuan Yue of the Xuan Fu Divine Sect won't do, Ning Caihe of the Seven Treasures Divine Sect won't do, and Lü Qingxuan of the Qianyuan Divine Sect likewise won't do……

Gongshu Wentian is too arrogant.

After all, he is from the Gongshu family.

The Gongshu family, one of the three great ancient clans of Dàjǐng, is the clan that gave birth to the Grand Superintendent!

There is a saying that circulates throughout the world.

The imperial court flows like water, while the ancient clans stand firm as iron.

And among the three great ancient clans, one is the Gongshu family.

Therefore, Gongshu Wentian feels even less that Xixi could be his rival.

Compared to Li Nuanxi, Gongshu Wentian…… is more interested in her father, the Divine Condor Master Li Che!

I heard Li Che has a chance to assault the Half-Saint realm of the Divine Condor, and apparently he also obtained the Tang clan's mechanism technique inheritance…… Gongshu Wentian is truly extremely interested; upon thinking of this, the speed of the carving knife in his hand becomes ever faster, and every hair on his body trembles.

Wood shavings from the spiritual wood rustled down, scattering everywhere.

Gongshu Wentian shifted his gaze onto Li Che, and the corner of his mouth slowly split open.

Li Che, holding an umbrella for Zhang Ya, suddenly sensed the scorching gaze.

His gaze swept over and he saw Gongshu Wentian's wolf-like, tiger-like eyes.

Gongshu Wentian met Li Che's gaze and raised the wooden carving in his hand.

That wooden carving……

It is a carving of the deity enshrined in the Guiyi Miao suppressed on Divine Condor Ridge—Erxin the Great Sage.

The Gongshu family……

What is his relationship with Gongshu Jingjun?

Li Che smiled gently and didn't pay too much heed.

Sang Guanyin held Xixi and introduced her opponents one by one.

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

"This is the little prince Lü Chi……" Sang Guanyin saw Lü Chi, paused, and spoke softly.

Xixi wrinkled her nose: "Hmph! Ignore him!"

She turned her head away and went to size up the other divine children.

Lü Chi slightly turned his head, seeing Xixi ignore him, he pressed his lips, then his gaze calmed and he looked straight ahead.

While Sang Guanyin led Xixi to size up her opponents, the opponents were also sizing each other up.

The spring rain grew a bit solemn, as if a hint of gunpowder spread between them.

Suddenly, Xixi in Sang Guanyin's embrace felt a gaze full of resentment.

Then came an extremely luxurious carriage, breaking through the wind and rain as it slowly approached; the curtain lifted, revealing a dragon queen consort with horns on her forehead and a face full of cold intent.

Inside the carriage were the young dragon maiden Ao Qingqing and Yue Linghu, son of the Young Dao Master Yue Weizheng, sitting together.

Yue Linghu is handsome, his gaze upon the young dragon maiden Ao Qingqing as if faintly glowing.

Ao Qingqing has been hard-pressed by the dragon queen consort lately; she knows why—it's all due to the pressure Li Nuanxi put on the consort—so Ao Qingqing also harbors some resentment toward Li Nuanxi.

It's all because of her; only because she has been indulging her younger aunt did she go mad and transfer all the pressure onto her.

"Qingqing, rest assured, I will definitely help you suppress Li Nuanxi in the assessment!"

Yue Linghu said with a smile.

Ao Qingqing, hearing this, instantly softened her voice: "Thank you, Brother Linghu."

Hearing that soft, tingling sound, Yue Linghu's mouth curled open even wider.

He loves Ao Qingqing's soft voice, which makes his bones feel limp; plus the task his father gave him, Yue Linghu has already decided Ao Qingqing will be his future wife.

Many divine children disembarked from their carriages and stood on the rain-soaked blue stone plaza.

Some inner and outer disciples of the sect, wearing sect disciple robes, pulled up a cordon, keeping the onlookers at a distance and not allowing them to get too close.

But even so, they could not stop the enthusiasm of the melon-eating martial artists.

The mountain path was almost completely blocked, layer upon layer, inside and out filled with people.

"Dang——"

Another muffled sound, the ancient bell tolling, vast and mighty.

This time, it was different from the previous two.

It seemed to carry a hint of solemnity, rolling and surging past.

In an instant, the formerly noisy square before the sect mountain gate archway fell silent.

Everyone's gaze fell upon the blue stone mountain path of the Qianyuan Divine Sect, shrouded in swirling mist.

For a moment, the atmosphere of the mountain gate plaza became tranquil.

Everyone was solemn and silent.

The sound of the spring rain pattering fell to the ground, like the faint trickle of sand in an hourglass.

Suddenly.

Everyone's eyes narrowed, feeling as if their vision were blurred.

But see, the sect mountain gate, the dragon-like coiled mountain range, seemed to come alive as it shuddered violently.

Countless clouds and mist were torn apart.

A vast, mighty pressure that swept heaven and earth descended from nowhere.

Countless raindrops solidified, as if glued in place, hanging suspended in midair.

"Here they come!"

Among some luxurious carriages, someone lifted the carriage curtain, their eyes narrowing.

Translation: "Among some luxurious carriages, someone lifted the carriage curtain, their eyes narrowing."

Among some luxurious carriages, someone lifted the carriage curtain, and their eyes narrowed.

However, they saw the Divine Sect's inner gate on a mountain peak blanketed with blooming plum blossoms.

Translation: "However, they saw that atop the mountain peak where the Divine Sect Inner Gate stood, plum blossoms were in full bloom."

However, they saw the Divine Sect Inner Gate perched atop a mountain peak blanketed with blooming plum blossoms.

We'll output: "However, they saw the Divine Sect Inner Gate atop a mountain peak covered in blooming plum blossoms."

Suddenly, a sword light shot up into the sky.

Translation: "Suddenly, a sword light shot up into the sky."

Next, it seemed as if a figure in white rode the wind, wrapped in the sword light, arriving by sword and standing suspended in the air myriad zhang high.

Translation: "Next, it seemed as if a figure in white rode the wind on a sword light, arriving by sword and standing suspended in the air tens of thousands of feet high."

Then, it seemed as if a figure in white rode the wind on a blade of light, arriving on a sword and hovering a myriad zhang above the ground.

A crushing, rank‑based pressure that left everyone feeling oppressed and short‑of‑breath spread out like ripples, sweeping in all directions.

Translation: "A rank-based pressure that made everyone feel suffocated and unable to breathe spread out like ripples, sweeping in all directions."

That was the terrifying aura unique to the Divine Embryo Great God!

Translation: "That was the terrifying aura unique to the Divine Fetus Great God!"

Merely sensing it felt like facing an endless, vast ocean.

Translation: "Merely sensing it felt like facing an endless, vast ocean."

"Lü Tai Bai!"

Translation: "\"Lu Taibai! \""

"Sect Leader of the Qianyuan Divine Sect!"

Translation: "\"Primordial Divine Sect Sect Master! \""

"The supreme figure ranked fifth on the Divine God Ranking!"

Translation: "\"The peerless figure ranked fifth on the Divine God Ranking! \""

……

Translation: "……"

Sounds of people sucking in cold air rang out.

Translation: "Sounds of drawing in cold breath echoed."

Many lifted the curtains and stared at the figure whose sharpness was fully revealed; just seeing it there evoked an overwhelming sense of oppression.

Translation: "Many lifted the curtains and stared at the sharp-edged figure; merely appearing there gave them a sense of boundless oppression."

The princess fixed her gaze on the Divine Sect Sect Leader, Lü Tai Bai, her heart trembling slightly.

Translation: "The Princess Consort stared at the Divine Sect Sect Master Lu Taibai, her heart trembling slightly."

Such an aura…

Translation: "Such an aura……"

She had only seen such an aura on her husband, Ji Mo Li.

Translation: "She had only seen such an aura on her husband, Ji Molie."

The current head of the Su family, the Demi‑sage of Divine Talismans, Su Dao Ling, his eyes darkened slightly.

Translation: "The current head of the Su family, the Divine Talisman Half-Saint Su Daoling, his eyes sank slightly."

"Unfathomable…… After decades of seclusion, Lü Tai Bai has become even more terrifying……"

Translation: "\"Unfathomable…… After decades of seclusion, Lu Taibai has become even more terrifying……\""

……

Translation: "……"

The Qianyuan Divine Sect Sect Leader, Lü Tai Bai, finally appeared before everyone who had been eagerly awaiting him, like a sword immortal standing myriad zhang high, looking down upon the mortal world.

Translation: "The Primordial Divine Sect Sect Master Lu Taibai finally appeared amid everyone's eager anticipation, like a sword immortal standing high above the myriad zhang, looking down upon the mortal world."

"Offer sacrifices to the ancestors."

Translation: "\"Ancestor worship. \""

Lü Tai Bai transformed into a sword light and suddenly landed before the Heaven‑Earth Archway.

Translation: "Lu Taibai transformed into sword light and suddenly landed before the Heaven-Earth Archway."

Within the sect, the Elders were: First Elder Fang Han Shu, Second Elder Zhao Fang Zhou, Third Elder Ding Zi, Fourth Elder Ji He Shan…

Translation: "Within the Divine Sect: Grand Elder Fang Hanshu, Second Elder Zhao Fangzhou, Third Elder Ding Zi, Fourth Elder Ji Heshan……"

One by one, the inner‑sect elders floated out from the mountain gate and gathered before the Heaven‑Earth Archway.

Translation: "One by one, the Divine Sect Inner Gate Elders emerged from the mountain gate, drifting down before the Heaven-Earth Archway."

At the same time, the outer‑sect elders who had long been waiting before the archway donned their ancient robes, stepped forward, and formed ranks behind them.

Translation: "Meanwhile, the Outer Gate Elders who had long been waiting before the archway, dressed in ancient simple robes, stepped forward and formed ranks behind them."

Li Che was watching intently from below.

Translation: "Li Che was watching below with great interest."

Suddenly, a voice transmission echoed in his ear.

Translation: "Suddenly, a mental transmission echoed in his ear."

"Ah Che, come up."

Translation: "\"A Che, come up. \""

"You are an elder of the Divine Eagle Ridge; you should come up."

Translation: "\"You are the Divine Eagle Ridge Elder; you should come up. \""

Li Che startled, looked into the distance, and saw the Divine Eagle Ridge chief, Gong Xu Jing Jun, waiting to appear.

Translation: "Li Che startled, looked into the distance, and saw the Divine Eagle Ridge Lord Gong Shu Jingjun waiting to appear."

Behind him followed the Great Elder Tang Xie Jia, along with three other elderly elders of the Divine Eagle Ridge.

Translation: "Behind him followed Grand Elder Tang Xiejia, as well as the three other elderly elders of the Divine Eagle Ridge."

Upon hearing this, Li Che saw Lu Qing Ti rush over respectfully, perform the proper rites, and guide him onto the platform.

Translation: "Upon hearing this, Li Che saw Lu Qingti rush over quickly, after performing a respectful salute, he guided Li Che to the platform."

Li Che did not hesitate, handing his oil‑paper umbrella to Zhang Ya Hou.

Translation: "Li Che had no hesitation, handing the oil-paper umbrella to Zhang Ya."

He then went to Sang Guan Yin's side, pinched Xixi's cheek, and said, "Don't be careless; give a good performance."

Translation: "He then came beside Sang Guanyin, pinching Xixi's cheek: \"Don't be careless, perform well. \""

Li Che smiled, straightened his back, brushed a raindrop from his dark robe, followed Lu Qing Ti through the crowd, and walked toward the Heaven‑Earth Archway amid astonished gazes.

Translation: "Li Che laughed, then straightened his back, flicked a raindrop from his black robe, followed Lu Qingti through the crowd, amid many surprised gazes, and walked toward the Heaven-Earth Archway."

Amid countless surprised and respectful looks, Li Che joined the ranks of Gong Xu Jing Jun and the Divine Eagle Ridge elders.

Translation: "Amid countless surprised and respectful gazes, Li Che arrived in the ranks of Gong Shu Jingjun and the Divine Eagle Ridge Elders."

Then, the Divine Eagle Ridge elders also stepped forward, gathering with the many elders of the Qianyuan Divine Sect and lining up before the Heaven‑Earth Archway.

Translation: "Next, the Divine Eagle Ridge Elders also stepped forward, gathering together with the many elders of the Primordial Divine Sect, standing side by side before the Heaven-Earth Archway."

Sect Leader Lü Tai Bai, clad in white with silver hair flowing, fixed his gaze on Li Che as he entered the line with a dignified bearing.

Translation: "The Sect Master Lu Taibai, in white robes with silver hair flying, his gaze fell upon Li Che as he entered the ranks in a conspicuous posture."

"Elder Li."

Translation: "\"Elder Li. \""

Lü Tai Bai's eyes were deep, with a divine mark on his brow.

Translation: "Lu Taibai's eyes were deep, with a divine mark on his brow."

A hint of a smile curled his lips: 'Not bad.'

Translation: "The corner of his mouth curled into a smile: \"Not bad. \""

Li Che's heart trembled slightly; he felt each of his Dao fruits violently shaking inside his chest, warning him that the being before him posed an incomparable danger.

Translation: "Li Che's heart trembled slightly; he felt that each of his Dao fruits violently vibrated at that moment, warning him that the being before him was filled with an unmatchable great danger."

Even the 【Heaven‑Earth Chessboard's Equal‑Heaven Face】 and the Prison Lotus Yin‑God Sword were trembling incessantly.

Translation: "Even the Heaven Equal Face and the Prison Lotus Yin Divine Sword within the Heaven and Earth Chessboard were trembling incessantly."

The three‑pointed, double‑edged blade in his left arm also trembled slightly.

Translation: "The Three-Pronged Double-Edged Blade in his left arm also trembled slightly."

Li Che drew a deep breath—he couldn't win……

Translation: "Li Che took a deep breath, unable to win……"

Against such an existence, he would absolutely lose if he faced it now!

Translation: "Facing such an existence, he absolutely could not defeat it!"

Even a sneak attack wouldn't work!

Translation: "Even a sneak attack would not work!"

Suppressing the tremor in his heart, he bowed with clasped fists and said, 'Greetings, Sect Leader; I am the newly appointed Elder Li Che of the Divine Eagle Ridge.'

Translation: "Suppressing the tremor in his heart, he bowed with clasped fists: \"Divine Eagle Ridge Newly Promoted Elder Li Che pays respects to the Sect Master. \""

Sect Leader Lü Tai Bai nodded, not lingering on pleasantries.

Translation: "Sect Master Lu Taibai nodded, not lingering on pleasantries."

He then led the many elders in beginning the ancestral worship.

Translation: "He then led the many elders in beginning to worship the founding master."

The ancestral rites were overseen by Jiao Xiao Qiu; they were not overly elaborate. After some rituals, each elder inserted a stick of incense into the prepared bronze censer, and that was it.

Translation: "The ancestor worship process was guided by Jiao Shaoxiu; it was not overly complicated, after some rituals each elder inserted a stick of incense into their prepared bronze censer, and that was it."

It did not take much time.

Translation: "It did not waste much time."

After the ancestral rites, the elders dispersed and took their places on either side of the archway, where prepared grand chairs awaited them.

Translation: "After completing the ancestor worship, the many elders dispersed, standing on either side of the archway, each with a prepared Grand Preceptor's Chair."

Li Che was guided to a grand chair and sat at the end of the Divine Eagle Ridge elders' row.

Translation: "Li Che was guided to a Grand Preceptor's Chair, sitting at the end of the Divine Eagle Ridge Elders."

Being the fifth elder, he sat in the sixth chair.

Translation: "Since he was the Fifth Elder, he sat in the sixth seat."

However, among the four other elderly, white‑haired elders of the Divine Eagle Ridge, the young Li Che stood out as lively and eye‑catching.

Translation: "However, among the remaining four elderly elders of the Divine Eagle Ridge with graying hair, the young Li Che stood out as lively and eye-catching."

Li Che turned his head to look below; a sea of black heads stared up at him, giving him a strange feeling.

Translation: "Li Che turned his head to look below; a sea of black heads, countless gazes shot toward him, giving him a strange feeling."

Li Che saw Xixi held in Sang Guan Yin's arms, her big eyes blinking, her excited little face flushed red as she waved her arms continuously.

Translation: "Li Che saw Xixi held in Sang Guanyin's arms, Xixi blinking her big eyes, her excited little face flushed red, continuously waving her arms."

"Sister Yin Yin, that's my father, that's my dad!"

Translation: "\"Senior Sister Yin Yin, that's my father, that's my dad! \""

Xixi was excited and happy.

No wonder he's the father of Xixi Great Emperor—he certainly has presence!

"Silence——"

Under the archway.

The aged, withered Jiao Shaoqiu, wearing a simple ancient robe, his face solemn, spoke in a low voice that echoed, suppressing all sorts of rustling sounds.

"The ancestral worship is over."

"The Sect Leader of the Primordial Origin Divine Sect, Lu Taibai, will now begin the examination for the sixth personal disciple."

Jiao Shaoqiu's voice echoed.

His words fell.

All the prodigies on the great flat before the archway trembled slightly, their eyes becoming solemn and earnest.

A tense atmosphere arrived, accompanied by the chilly spring breeze.

Jiao Shaoqiu stepped back.

Lu Taibai rose from the Grand Tutor's chair; at this moment, he had no sharp aura.

His white robe billowed as he walked to beneath the Heaven-Earth Archway.

His deep gaze swept over, like an endless vortex devouring everyone's hearts and minds.

"This will be my final disciple; you all know that I, Lu Taibai, accept students without discrimination—the Primordial Origin Divine Sect embraces all rivers—no matter where you come from, you are qualified to enter my gate."

"Furthermore, the last personal disciple I accept today will be the future Young Sect Leader of the Primordial Origin Divine Sect."

Lu Taibai said lightly.

His words fell.

The atmosphere on the great flat instantly ignited like gunpowder, almost about to explode!

No one expected that Lu Taibai would openly admit to this claim.

A rumor is one thing; having it acknowledged is another.

"Even if……"

"This disciple of mine is not a person of Dàjǐng."

Upon saying that.

The spring wind turned harsh, the spring rain became fierce and mighty!

Many quietly parked carriages shook violently, their hanging curtains lashing wildly under the invisible force.

Evidently, one sentence from Lu Taibai agitated many hearts, leaving numerous people unable to calm down!

Crazy?!

Lu Taibai……really is crazy!

This decision is truly insane!

If Lu Taibai truly chose someone not of Dàjǐng as the Young Sect Leader of the Primordial Origin Divine Sect, the Dàjǐng imperial court would certainly not stand by.

However, few of the prodigies present who came from outside Dàjǐng to participate in Lu Taibai's final personal disciple examination.

Thus, the chance for an outsider prodigy to become Lu Taibai's personal disciple is extremely slim.

Instead, Xiao Longnu Ao Qingqing's emotions surged.

She felt her chances had suddenly increased greatly!

Lu Taibai paid no heed to the fluctuating emotions and attitudes of the many prodigies.

He swept his gaze over everyone; his eyes were like a tranquil sword pond, without ripples.

"So, this personal disciple examination consists of three stages: first tests talent, second tests mind-nature, third tests temple-guarding."

"Following this order, each stage will eliminate some people."

"The first stage, the talent test; those who pass may enter the mind-nature test."

"After the mind-nature test, only three may enter the temple-guarding test……"

Lu Taibai said lightly.

Finally, the rules of the personal disciple examination, which everyone had been speculating about, were announced.

In an instant, the atmosphere on the great flat heated up.

Many eyes showed a different hue; although the rules differed slightly from those Lu Taixuan used in the past for recruiting personal disciples, the change was not major.

"Since my final disciple will become the Young Sect Leader of the Primordial Origin Divine Sect, the first talent test and second mind-nature test will be conducted by the recently sacrificed forefathers."

His words finished.

Lu Taibai flicked his finger; a sword light suddenly burst forth, striking the bronze incense burner filled with incense pillars.

As if an ancient bell had been rung.

The incense burner trembled; countless smoke pillars were swept up by the sword light and shot skyward, as if being completely drawn in by the "Heaven-Earth Dao Essence Plaque".

Boom——

Above the heavens, leaden clouds piled up; a roll of spring thunder boomed!

Instantly, within the Heaven-Earth Dao Essence Plaque, a vast and rich divine nature surged forth wildly!

That divine nature appeared pure white, containing the meaning of sharp sword qi.

Before the mountain gate, it continually swirled, slowly forming a vortex.

"First stage, the talent test: here talent is not limited, not confined to the purple aura divine pillar observed by the Observing Nature Technique……"

"Martial way, divine nature, divine eagle, divine elixir, divine talisman, divine weapon—these six aspects of talent can all serve as capital for judging your talent level."

"The Grandmaster will give you a comprehensive judgment."

"Show whatever means you have; display the upper limit of your talent—even if it's blood burning, invoking temple deities, offering talismans, exploding seeds, or cheating, it's fine……"

"Don't worry about frightening the Grandmaster……"

Lu Taibai's white robe fluttered, his silver hair danced wildly in the chaotic wind, his eyes deep as lightning, and he said in a deep voice.

The words boomed, like rolling thunder.

The sound rang in everyone's ears.

Almost every prodigy trembled all over, their faces suddenly flushed.

It's different!

This time's Direct Transmission Assessment rules are completely different!

The Talent Test no longer simply looks at Purple Aura Divinity or Martial Roots!

So doesn't that mean their chance has arrived?!

Li Che, seated on the elder's seat, his black shirt fluttered in the gale, his jet‑black, sinewy hair striking like black lightning.

He gazed at the vortex of Divine Essence woven by the Plaque of the Dao of Heaven and Earth spouting forth.

Inside it seemed to contain its own Universe.

Listening to Sect Leader Lu Taibai announce the rules, his expression couldn't help but become strange.

No rule limits?

No opposition to cheating?

Show all methods of enhancing talent, all of them?

Li Che glanced at Lu Taibai.

He wondered if the Sect Leader's Lady had whispered into the Sect Leader's ear…

Or perhaps, the last time he helped Xixi pass the Sect Leader's Lady's talisman test, the Sect Leader discovered the trick.

How could these rules be meant for the prodigies?

They are entirely tailored for the father and daughter!

Which Li Che could endure such a test?!

Lu Taibai stood with his arms crossed.

Watching the Great Field boil and roar, unable to be restrained any longer.

Watching each prodigy become excited, spirited, and confident.

Lu Taibai placed his toe down, returning to the Sect Leader's position.

He sat down leisurely, his white robe fluttering.

"Little ones, exert yourselves to the utmost to show your limits."

"Use your talents…"

"... to open the Patriarch's eyes."

Seven thousand words, seems like after tonight there will be double monthly tickets, this month actually has double tickets, Lao Li is numb… previously begged for so many tickets, lost a lot, everyone hoarding tickets, tonight there's also One Update, after Lao Li finishes blasting, will ask everyone for tickets! Lao Li thanks!