Chapter 310: 312. Chapter 307: The Daoist Master Leaves His Name on the Book of Life and Death, the Divine Staff

312. Chapter 307: The Daoist Master Leaves His Name on the Book of Life and Death, the Divine Staff's Fate Distinguishes the True and False Li Ban Sheng 【Seeking Monthly Votes】

Hoo hoo hoo—

The strong wind kept blowing, scattering the drifting snowflakes as if they were willow catkins fluttering in a spring breeze.

Qian Yuan Dao City.

Qin Tian Observatory, a treasure tower with double eaves and dripping water.

The pristine white snow piled in a thick layer over the black tiles, even stacking so high it could not be cleared, like an avalanche on a mountain peak crashing to the ground, emitting a muffled "puff‑puff" sound.

Above the tall building.

Inside the furnace, the temperature was extreme, radiating an intensely crimson glow that warped the air.

The temperature inside the building rose, and the speed at which pieces fell on the board quickened, gradually taking on a combative rhythm.

Clack.

A crystal‑clear white piece landed on the board.

"Finisher."

"Five-in-a-Row Heart Connection."

The fatty flesh on his face quivered; Daoist Master Yue Huanglong's eyes smiled so broadly they were almost invisible, and he stroked a small tuft of beard on his chin, his gaze falling on Inspector Hong Shifo.

Hong Shifo stood up, his body trembling slightly, his hands already gripping the edge of the board, as if he wanted to lift the board and smash it onto Yue Huanglong's face.

"You despicable fellow…"

"As always cunning, beneath that smiling expression lies pure deceit."

Hong Shifo sat back down on a piece, somewhat dissatisfied, and shuffled the pieces on the board.

After researching the Five-in-a-Row formation for so many days, he was easily defeated by Yue Huanglong.

Mainly because he was caught off guard—this old chubby fellow outwitted him!

He shifted the topic to distract him, and while he was unprepared, launched a Five-in-a-Row Heart Connection!

No, it was a Five-in-a-Row Heart Punishment!

"You had Yan Jing escort Su Leibao out of Lingnan Dao mainly to keep tabs on Su Leibao, right? Your target must be the other members of the Su family… are you coveting that Buddha Earth Secret Technique of the Su clan?"

Inspector Hong Shifo lifted his tea bowl and, as if drinking wine, gulped a generous mouthful with vigor.

A few tea leaves darted into his mouth; he chewed them, and with the bitter taste, swallowed them straight away.

Yue Huanglong's plump eyes narrowed: "Inspector, you may play the board recklessly, but you cannot speak recklessly…"

"I, for the sake of the Third Prince's face, was the one who had Grand Marshal Yan Jing escort… Yan Jing's cultivation is extremely strong; that transformation into the True Martial God… I'm afraid it's about to be completed."

"Once the True Martial God transformation is achieved, he will be able to carve a mountain path through the boundless Sea of Qi, ascend the mountain road… gaining the qualification to reach the ultimate summit."

Yue Huanglong smiled.

"With such a powerful Grand Marshal protecting Su Leibao out of Lingnan… how could I possibly set my sights on the Su family? As for that Buddha Earth Secret Technique… baseless talk; I never meddle in such chaotic secrets."

"It's all the work of the Underworld, unrelated to me."

Yue Huanglong shook his head and chuckled lightly.

Inspector Hong Shifo, with tea leaves still between his lips, gave a faint smile.

"Hehe…"

"Daoist Master, you should be careful, all right… why did you go provoking the Underworld?"

Hong Shifo cast a glance at Yue Huanglong.

He and Yue Huanglong were dispatched from Shendu to Qian Yuan Dao City, sent by the court specifically to confront Lu Taibai…

They considered each other colleagues.

The Temple Guard Division, under the command of Wang Kui, focused solely on dealing with the cursed temple corpses and Xiejwu in Guiyi Miao.

They were not interested in confronting the Divine Sect.

Moreover, when Wang Kui was young, he once roamed the jianghu together with Lu Taibai, even venturing into the Sanqing Strange Gate.

Therefore, the Dàjǐng court did not send a Heaven Gate Martial Saint from the Temple Guard Division to take up the post.

Mainly because the Temple Guard Division was short on manpower.

Feng Zhiqi… although his martial talent is exceptional, he is only one step away from the mountain‑path summit…

But that step remains extremely difficult to take.

Without reaching the summit… he wouldn't even qualify to confront Lu Taibai.

Hong Shifo actually didn't want Yue Huanglong to get into trouble; if Yue Huanglong were to have an incident… he'd be left alone, truly unable to suppress Lu Taibai.

When Lu Taibai is right under his nose… doing whatever evil he pleases, what can Hong Shifo do besides pretend to play chess?

He can only choose to forgive him.

He sighed lightly, and Hong Shifo began to reminisce about his days at Shendu's Qin Tian Observatory; back then… he had so few worries, everything was overseen by the Grand Inspector.

Even the strongest at the summit must show utmost respect before the Grand Inspector.

What does he need to do?

All he needs is to play chess with the Grand Inspector daily, which makes him blissfully ecstatic.

Now that he's in Qian Yuan Dao City, Hong Shifo hasn't encountered a chess opponent as evenly matched as the Grand Inspector in a long time.

"Although I don't know what you're planning… it's best not to go too far, don't truly anger this Killing Star, old man will be changing shifts soon, so be steady."

Hong Shifo sighed.

Daoist Master Yue Huanglong, as if not hearing, smiled, stood up, clasped his fists and took his leave.

Snow drifted and fell.

Hong Shifo walked to the railing, watching the round, hearty figure strolling slowly through the snow.

He squinted his eyes.

Provoking the Underworld…

Hope it's not a case of playing with fire and self‑immolation.

……

……

Snowflakes rustled as they drifted down from the sky.

Yue Huanglong, dressed in splendid robes, broad and stout, wore an endearingly goofy smile, and was in a very good mood.

He knew that Shen Diao Ridge was in the midst of a major event, but he had no interest in going, even though Yue Weizheng had also entered Guiyi Miao, seeking to seize the Free‑will Golden Iron Divine Staff.

But Yue Huanglong actually did not have high hopes for his son.

Yue Weizheng's talent was decent, but only decent; the second opening of the Martial Saint realm was already his limit.

Aiming to cultivate into the Transforming God True Warrior and find the Martial Path Mountain Trail in the boundless Sea of Qi was basically impossible.

On Yue Huanglong's fat‑laden face appeared a sigh of regret; his bloodline was fine, but unfortunately… Yue Weizheng's mother had poor talent.

Otherwise, how could Yue Huanglong's descendants fail to even locate the Martial Path Mountain Trail?

Therefore, Yue Huanglong must make plans for the futures of Yue Weizheng and Yue Linghu.

He set his sights on the Su Family's technique that can boost one's own talent by siphoning a woman's talent: the Joyful Zen Spirit Female Siphon Technique.

This art, a Buddhist secret from the Western Regions' Buddhist lands…

Might give Yue Weizheng and Yue Linghu a chance to alter their fates.

Yue Huanglong himself would not need it, but his descendants could, and if the technique were used well…

It could become the foundation of an ancient lineage!

Just as Yue Huanglong was pondering.

Suddenly, the fat on his face quivered.

Looking into the distance, he saw a powerful, scorching surge of qi; Yan Jing, clad in golden armor with a wildly billowing red cloak, descended wielding a great halberd.

Yan Jing's expression was grim; Yue Huanglong's brows twitched slightly, "Why have you returned?"

"You didn't escort the Su Elder out of Lingnan?"

Yan Jing's face stiffened, his expression turning solemn: "Lord Dao… the Underworld's methods are bizarre; I have been blocked and cannot break the situation."

"The Underworld's Wine Sword Immortal, Golden Demon Python, and Purple Bone Demon Dragon—these three Human Pill Martial Saints—entangled me; meeting them is a divine explosion… they can't be killed, and if slain they revive…"

"I cannot rush to aid the Su Family Head; the Su Family Head… was beaten to death."

Yan Jing did not conceal anything and gave a brief account of the situation.

He grasped his long halberd at an angle, the hairs under his golden armor standing on end, his eyes swirling with intense dread: "Lord Dao… I suspect that the Underworld's Wine Sword Immortal is actually Huang Sword Wine… the Golden Demon Python is You Li Qing, and that Purple Bone Demon Dragon… might be the Princess."

Lord Dao Yue Huanglong's fatty face quivered as he slowly raised his head: "You mean… they are all already dead people?"

"They… are alive?!"

Even Yue Huanglong couldn't help but feel a chill.

The Underworld—what on earth is its origin?!

It can actually make the dead rise again…

"And become stronger!"

Yan Jing felt his voice…

as if it were trembling slightly.

Underworld…

Such an Underworld!

What exactly is its origin?!

Yue Huanglong exhaled, but with the Underworld's myriad fiends mobilizing en masse, while they killed Su Leibao, the situation of the other two Su Family squads would likely be ignored by the Underworld.

Suddenly.

Ding—ling—ling—

Yue Huanglong felt the wind and snow intensify over the long street.

His brows furrowed sharply.

Grand Marshal Yan Jing also looked up.

He saw at the far end of the street, amid the raging wind and snow, a vague figure slowly walking out; each step produced a sound like a soul‑capturing bell swaying, ringing clearly.

Between heaven and earth, echoes seemed to reverberate endlessly!

A blue robe, and a smiling cat‑face mask.

One hand swayed a bronze bell, the other cradled a jet‑black book.

The cat‑face lifted slowly, its eyes dim, like two black whirlpools.

"Ding—ling—ling—"

"Jie—jie—jie—"

Li Qingshan, wearing a cat‑face mask, had cold fury rolling in his eyes.

When Niu Mo found him and briefly explained the Su Family matters, Li Qingshan only felt his hair stand on end.

This endearingly goofy, smiling Lord Dao Yue Huanglong turned out to be so ruthless.

Most importantly…

He actually dared to slander the Underworld!

As a cat‑face member of the Underworld, he felt this appearance was an unavoidable responsibility!

"Underworld… cat‑face?!"

Yue Huanglong turned, and the endearingly goofy expression on his face instantly gave way to a hint of coldness.

In the instant his brow furrowed, the terrifying martial arts will surged down like a flood breaking free.

In an instant, space froze solid!

The raging wind and snow suddenly fell silent!

Faintly……

Faintly…… there seemed to loom a towering, massive, ancient and mysterious gate behind Yue Huanglong!

Bang—bang—bang—

Under Li Qingshan's cat‑face mask, his eyes narrowed, and he felt only……

Exhilarating——!!!

The pinnacle!

A Four‑Opened Martial Saint!!

How strong!!

He, Li Qingshan, actually dared to put on airs before such a being!

But……

Mao Lian isn't afraid!

If you've got the guts, kill Mao Lian!

Kill one Mao Lian, and there are countless more!

Li Qingshan felt the terrifying pinnacle pressure that made him tremble and unable to move.

The black Book of Life and Death he held in his hands instantly flowed with streams of warm vital energy, and Mao Lian felt he could move again!

King of Hell!

This is the King of Hell backing him up!

Mao Lian instantly felt his courage surge, his spine as hard as steel!

"Kekeke……"

"Esteemed Dao Lord, if you have the guts…… kill me?"

Mao Lian said in a low voice.

"Your sneaky, vile deeds……"

"The Netherworld can ignore them."

Hummm……

Twisted black shadows emerged one after another, hurling down skull after skull.

Those skulls were all experts from various powers big and small within Qianyuan Dao City, strong ones who had gone to intercept the Su family's squad.

Yue Huanglong naturally recognized them all.

Now those skulls all smashed into the snow‑covered street, blood staining the white‑blanketed long avenue red.

"But you simply shouldn't have……"

"Make the Netherworld take the blame!"

Mao Lian's voice sounded between crying and laughing.

"Dao Lord……"

"Your name is already written in the Book of Life and Death!"

"The King of Hell has decreed your death at the third watch—who dares keep you alive till the fifth!"

"Netherworld Mao Lian……"

"Here to see you off to the grave!"

Boom——!!!

Yue Huanglong frowned, then flicked a finger.

In an instant, the whole street's space surged with chaotic turbulence, exploding completely; the ground cracked in countless fissures, and buildings on both sides collapsed into rubble……

However.

The wind and snow continued to drift as before.

On the long street……

That mad Netherworld Mao Lian.

Had already vanished without a trace.

……

……

Boom——!!!

The thick eerie mist seemed pulled by some unknown force, continually gathering and coiling around the Divine Monkey's body.

It transformed into a colossal white python.

The white python was astonishingly lifelike, each scale utterly real, like a heavenly giant python that had just finished hibernation, stretching lazily.

At the same time.

In the distance, the enormous Guard‑Temple Curse Corpse King Magic Ape also opened its eyes; its huge eyes, like two thousand‑year‑old bronze bells, glared angrily, as if ringing a deafening sound.

"It has awakened!"

"The provocation succeeded!"

"This Guard‑Temple Curse Corpse King…… has been provoked, and the Follow‑Heart Gold‑Iron Divine Staff finally reacted!"

……

In the distance.

Numerous powerful cultivators who had been staring at Li Che's side felt their emotions surge.

Originally, everyone placed their hopes on Divine Eagle Half‑Saint Li Che, but no one expected that Li Che could not stir the Heart‑following Golden‑Iron Divine Staff, not even the Demon Ape could be provoked to awaken.

This left many with regret, especially Gongxu Jingjun, Tang Xie Jia, and Ding Zi, who had originally pinned their hopes on Li Che.

They had also resolved that if Li Che could provoke the Heart‑following Golden‑Iron Divine Staff and be chosen by it, they would spare no effort to help Li Che guard it.

In their understanding, wasn't this exactly why Sect Leader Lu Taibai established that rule?

Gongxu Jingjun, Tang Xie Jia and Ding Zi were not foolish; they believed Lu Taibai's purpose was to pave the way for Li Che.

After all, Li Che's ascension to Divine Eagle Half‑Saint relied mainly on the divine eagle statue he carved of the Six‑Ear Hell Lotus Divine Monkey Dual‑Heart Great Saint Temple Deity.

Only by comprehending the third‑layer meaning of the Temple Deity's Divine Eagle could he complete the promotion.

Therefore, both Divine Eagle Ridge and the Qian Yuan Divine Sect were confident in Li Che.

At least, Li Che had a greater chance than others to grasp this divine weapon.

After all, the divine weapon originated from the Dual‑Heart Great Saint Guiyi Miao, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Qian Yuan Divine Sect; naturally, they were unwilling to let the weapon fall into others' hands.

Even if wielding this divine weapon would bring considerable turmoil.

But with the Sect Leader Great Deity present, what fear is there?

"What a pity…"

Tang Xie Jia, his bulky frame, let out a sigh of regret.

Gongxu Jingjun's eyes flickered for a moment, also brimming with great lament.

The two of them were extremely optimistic about Li Che.

Regrettable…

Li Che now appears to have made a wedding dress for the Underworld Divine Monkey.

However, the Underworld's relationship with Xixi is excellent; Xixi, as the junior sect leader of the Qian Yuan Divine Sect, naturally improves the Underworld's ties with the Qian Yuan Divine Sect.

At least it's better than other impure forces.

Even if the Sect Leader's Lady hails from the Xuanfu Divine Sect—a great sect after all—she still has her own little thoughts and ideas…

Even if the sect master's wife came from the Profound Talisman Divine Sect, after all it is a major divine sect, it also has its own little thoughts and ideas...

The Demon Ape's movement instantly caused turmoil throughout the Strange Abyss!

The demon ape's slightest movement instantly stirred up turmoil throughout the Strange Gate!

The Demon Ape grasped the staff that resembled a heavenly pillar, slammed it onto his shoulder, and terrifying shockwaves continuously raged and intertwined, as if a blast wave surged.

Within the entire Strange Abyss, fierce winds roared and eerie mists swirled.

The massive Demon Ape rose from its seated posture, like a mountain lifting, suddenly soaring many, many heights.

Blocking the sky and sun, darkness hung in the air!

The overwhelmingly huge sense of crisis pressed in from all directions.

The Demon Ape took a step, and the entire Strange Abyss quaked.

In an instant, it appeared before the tiny, ant‑like Divine Monkey.

Those huge twin eyes stared fixedly at the Divine Monkey, as if gazing at the Divine Monkey's mask…

Those huge eyes stared fixedly at the divine monkey, as if looking at that divine monkey mask...

The Demon Ape's black fur, like spears, began to quiver slightly.

Li Che, wearing the 【Qi Tian Mask】, transformed into a Divine Monkey.

After completing the inventory inside Guiyi Miao, Li Che did not stay any longer; he also sensed the situation outside.

After finishing the tally inside Guiyi Miao, Li Che did not continue to stay; he also sensed the situation outside.

With a five‑finger grip, he completed the identity shift with the Divine Monkey.

Then, with a thought, he retrieved the broken Qi Tian Mask from the celestial board.

This Qi Tian Mask is a fragmented mythic weapon, still missing two Qi Tian Masks.

Only when three Qi Tian Masks are gathered can a complete Qi Tian Mask be formed…

However, Li Che has never had any clues to the other two Qi Tian Masks.

This Qi Tian Mask was obtained from the Divine Monkey Guiyi Miao near the weakened Qi Tian Temple's Dao‑tradition Heart Ape Temple, within the Golden Light Residence.

The other two Qi Tian Masks might be sought among the other two Dao Traditions that were stripped from the weakened Qi Tian Temple.

Those other two Qitian faces perhaps need to be sought from the other two great Dao lineages that have weakened and split off from the Qitian Temple.

Li Che pondered for a moment.

Wearing the Qi Tian Mask, Li Che, transformed into a Divine Monkey, unsurprisingly still provoked the Temple‑Guardian Cursed Corpse King.

The terrifying hierarchical pressure was almost like a mountain crushing down.

Li Che felt a slight chill in his heart.

This Temple‑Guardian Cursed Corpse King Demon Ape…

In terms of combat power, although it hasn't reached the Absolute Apex level, it's almost there.

It should have reached the pinnacle of the Mountain‑Climbing Path!

On par with Feng Zhiqi, the Temple‑Guardian Governor.

Moreover, within this Strange Abyss, the combat power the Temple‑Guardian Cursed Corpse King can exert is not weaker than a typical Absolute Apex.

In fact, the Absolute Apex is a vague concept; the three‑opening Martial Saint Mountain‑Opening Path, climbing to the summit and seeing the Heavenly Gate, counts as a martial‑path Absolute Apex.

Those who can walk the martial‑path Mountain‑Opening Path are already among the elite of the martial road.

Seeing the Heavenly Gate at the summit, how can one not be called an Absolute Apex?

The Divine Embryo Cultivator, Fourth Divine Transformation, Embryo‑Head Deity, are termed Divine‑Nature Absolute Apex.

The Divine Embryo Cultivator, Fourth Divine Transformation, Embryo‑Head Deity, are termed Divine‑Nature Absolute Apex.

In short, Martial Saints and Divine Embryos both belong to the Shedding Mortal.

The fourth realm of Shedding Mortal can all be called an Absolute Peak.

Of course, there are gaps between Absolute Peaks, and the gaps can be even larger than imagined.

Compared with Lu Taibai and others who guard the Tianmen Pass and rank among the Great Deity Register as dual Absolute Peaks… ordinary Absolute Peaks naturally shine dimmer.

In the Strange Gate, the atmosphere seemed to solidify.

Tang Xie Jia, Gongxu Jingjun, and Ding Zi's bodies were taut, staring intently at the scene, and although Lu Taibai said that this Temple Guardian Cursed Corpse King would not act, because this time it is the fate selection of the Willful Golden Iron Divine Rod…

It is the transmission of the temple deity's will of the Dual-Heart Great Sage of Guiyi Miao.

The Temple Guardian Cursed Corpse King, as a temple guardian cursed corpse, only handles the selection of the Divine Rod.

As long as no one forcibly interferes, the Temple Guardian Cursed Corpse King will not act.

Otherwise, Lu Taibai would not dare to send the many Martial Saints and Divine Embryos who have opened a Divine Transformation into the Strange Gate to die.

"Amitabha… it's about to begin."

The Wugang monk from Xiaolingyin Temple on the Xiling Road clasped his palms, his towering, explosively muscular body trembling slightly, as if a Buddha chant were humming from behind his body.

The masked Dragon Son Ao Lie of the Dragon God Clan had eyes flashing like violet mirrors.

Ji Lishou never entered, because his cultivation had long surpassed the opened Martial Saint, violating the rule set by Lu Taibai.

Knowing deeply the power of the dual Absolute Peaks, Ji Lishou dared not risk his life to test whether Lu Taibai's sword was still sharp.

The Divine Embryo Xuan Yin of Xuanfu Divine Sect, Martial Saint Gu Chuan of Tiandan Divine Sect, and Martial Saint Ning He of Seven Treasures Divine Sect—three strong ones from the Divine Sect—had blazing eyes.

The Willful Golden Iron Divine Rod…

The Grand Overseer himself declared that whoever grasps the Divine Rod will have a chance to find in Qitian Cheng that Three Purities Divine Weapon, the Qitian Mixed-Primordial Ruyi Golden Cudgel!

That is…

The Three Purities Divine Weapon!

A Divine Weapon that can move even the Absolute Peaks!

Listed seventh on the Dàjǐng Qintian Divine Weapon Register, it is a true peerless Divine Weapon!

No one remained unmoved; the Martial Saint from the Seven Treasures Sect blushed at the mere thought, extremely excited, unable to restrain his emotions.

His gaze, wildly fervent, fixed on the Willful Golden Iron Divine Rod in the Demon Ape's hand!

According to the sect leader of the Seven Treasures Sect, although this Willful Golden Iron Divine Rod is only a Fifth Elder Ascended Divine Weapon, …

It is said to be part of the Qitian Mixed-Primordial Ruyi Golden Cudgel!

And if one could obtain the Ruyi Golden Cudgel!

Ning Caishen, the sect leader of the Seven Treasures Sect, might have a chance to use this Divine Weapon to strike the Divine Tribulation!

All the strong figures from every side burned with intense longing for the Divine Weapon.

Li Che, wearing a Divine Monkey mask, slowly lifted his head.

Then he saw.

The roaring Demon Ape suddenly took on a majestic, treasure‑like appearance.

An extremely brilliant Buddha Light rose from behind the Demon Ape!

The crowd felt a slight shock, and Li Che also narrowed his eyes.

Above the Demon Ape's head, a tiny golden Divine Monkey, cloaked in a ten‑thousand‑foot Buddha Light kasaya, sat calmly atop the ape's head.

His dazzling golden eyes seemed filled with wisdom that sees through all worldly matters.

Six‑Eared Hell Lotus Divine Monkey!

Dual‑Heart Great Sage!

Temple Deity!

In an instant, everyone was startled and the name sprang to mind.

Of course, this is not a true Temple Deity.

It is more like a condensation and embodiment of a temple deity's divinity.

"Amitabha…"

The Wugang monk's eyes burned with fervor, palms clasped, respectfully offering a salute to the Dual‑Heart Great Sage.

"Dual‑Heart Great Sage… has a karmic tie with my Buddha."

The stout, robust warrior monk at this moment couldn't help but burst out a sentence.

Li Che, wearing the Divine Monkey mask, glanced at the monk.

Are the monks of Xiaolingyin Temple all like this?

That Huang Tuo master, constantly speaking, said Li Che had a tie with the Buddhist Sect, and even claimed Xixi also had some connection with the Buddhist Sect.

Obviously fearing Lu Taibai, he dared not speak openly about Xixi's tie with the Buddhist Sect…

Afraid of being pierced by a sword.

……

……

Buzz—

The surrounding dense fog rolled up.

Gradually, everyone found themselves standing among a picturesque mountain ridge of clear waters, fragrant flowers, and singing birds.

Countless spirit monkeys chattered and scampered among the trees.

Li Che, wearing the Divine Monkey mask and a black shirt, stood with a hint of reckless arrogance, his eyes flashing with sharp light.

Mount Huaguo?!

This is not Li Che's first time seeing this mountain.

Actually, his heart had little fluctuation.

Others, however, were greatly shocked, after all, they really were seeing Flower-Fruit Mountain for the first time.

"Amitabha..."

"The Two-Mind Great Sage is indeed related to that temple deity of Equal Heaven Temple, the Equal Heaven Great Sage; it is said that the Equal Heaven Great Sage was born on Flower-Fruit Mountain..."

"The Empress took refuge in the Buddhist gate."

Wugang pressed his palms together and spoke softly.

Wugang gave everyone a simple explanation, then circled back to his own view and opinion: Equal Heaven Temple indeed has affinity with Buddhism.

Everyone felt something strange in their hearts, yet said nothing; raising their gaze, they saw Flower-Fruit Mountain, and atop its summit waterfall, a golden treasure staff was planted.

The treasure staff shone brilliantly, glittering in the sunlight; vaguely, everyone only felt their eyes become dazed.

It seemed as if the treasure staff instantly transformed into multiple staffs.

"Everyone..."

"Follow-Heart Gold-Iron Divine Staff... those with affinity shall obtain it."

"You can ascend to the summit of Flower-Fruit Mountain and then have a chance to pull out the Follow-Heart Gold-Iron Divine Staff; during the climb, you may choose three climbing opponents, who will become obstacles on your path."

"One mind, two divisions; true and false are hard to distinguish, opponents have both true and false forms existing together; you need to find their true forms and defeat them to continue climbing."

"By consecutively selecting the true forms of three correct opponents, you can reach the summit of Flower-Fruit Mountain."

"Pull out the true treasure staff."

The divine monkey, clad in a cassock, sat cross-legged on a blue stone beneath the flying waterfall; its voice was kind and unhurried, amidst the birdsong and floral scent of the mountain forest, giving each person a feeling of tranquil peace.

"If you choose the false form, you lack discerning eyes and will not obtain the treasure staff."

A faint laugh issued from the Two-Mind Great Sage's mouth.

The waterfall plunged straight down, striking the azure deep pool, erupting with a thunderous roar like a startling clap of thunder, deafening.

On the great flat expanse, all was still.

Everyone had finished listening to the rules set forth by the Two-Mind Great Sage.

Their eyes involuntarily sparkled as they glanced at each other, and a strange feeling arose in their hearts.

Of course, there was also lingering doubt.

Choosing three as opponents on the mountain path…

The opponents will simultaneously possess true and false forms; discerning the true from the false and defeating the true form… will allow one to ascend the summit and pull out the treasure staff?!

Is this the opportunity selection of the Follow-Heart Gold-Iron Divine Staff?

A test of discerning eyes?!

Discerning eyes recognize the treasure staff!

Everyone looked toward the treasure staff planted atop the waterfall, the treasure staff…

At this moment it actually transformed into two!

In other words…

The genuine Follow-Heart Gold-Iron Divine Staff is hidden among these two.

As if it were a…

Grand gamble!

One needs true discerning eyes, to make four consecutive correct selections, distinguishing the true among the true and false, with no possibility of luck…

The difficulty is truly not small!

Though called an opportunity, in reality… it also depends on one's ability!

"The humble monk shall go first…"

Wugang of the Small Spirit Sound Temple smiled.

He stepped forward, his gaze like a torch, scorching as it swept over.

His gaze fell upon Li Che, whose aura was no more than that of a grandmaster, and he gave a faint smile.

"Li Che, patron, for the treasure staff… the humble monk offends."

"The humble monk's chosen three opponents…"

"Li Half-Sage, the Divine Monkey patron, and Elder Ding."

Li Che's painted immortal clone's eyes stalled; beneath the divine monkey mask, Li Che's mouth twitched as he glanced at Wugang.

Indeed, it looks like Wugang's choice is indeed the best choice…

After all, Li Che's painted immortal clone, judging by appearance, is the weakest in strength, so discerning its true and false forms is naturally easiest.

And the divine monkey's revealed strength likewise has not yet stepped into the Martial Sage Divine Fetus realm, naturally also making it an excellent choice.

Lastly, from among the varying Martial Sages, he chose Elder Ding Zi of the Primordial Origin Divine Sect, who had just broken through to the Divine Fetus realm.

One could say that the martial monk Wugang of the Small Spirit Sound Temple appears strong-limbed and simple-minded… yet in reality he is still quite clever.

But…

Beneath the divine monkey mask, Li Che's lip corners slightly arched.

This is a trap and snare set by the Two-Mind Great Sage…

Where in the world is there a free lunch?

He, Li Che, indeed appears the weakest among everyone…

But…

That is merely Li Che's painted immortal clone!

In fact…

…is false!

Since it's fake...... therefore, when choosing him Li Che as an opponent.

This means...... these people misjudged.

Unless, someone among them can see through Li Che's picture-immortal clone, which itself is a fake body.

Otherwise, once choosing him as an opponent, one is not qualified to ascend the peak of Flower Fruit Mountain and judge the true/false treasure staff.

Martial Monk Wu Gang……

Not yet having ascended the mountain, defeat is already destined.

After all, he chose the two highest-difficulty options as challenges……

Even if he truly discerned that both Li Ches were fake bodies, yet he again chose the Divine Monkey……

Now the Divine Monkey is Li Che's true body, and if Martial Monk Wu Gang wishes to continue ascending the mountain, he must defeat the Divine Monkey's true body.

But Li Che…… the blood of the Two Open Martial Saint staining his hands has not yet cooled.

Therefore.

Wu Gang's choice appears perfect……

Actually, it is the worst choice.

Li Che pondered.

The test of perfection versus awfulness, truth versus falsehood, illusion versus reality……

Is this deliberately done by the Two-heart Great Sage?

Dragon Prince Ao Lie, wearing the Star Assassin mask, his eyes flickering, also made a choice.

"Li Che, Divine Monkey, Ding Zi."

Ao Lie also made the same choice as Wu Gang.

Although the choice is the same, the process differs, and there remains a possibility of misjudgment.

Wu Gang glanced, yet said nothing more.

The Two-heart Great Sage's rule imposes no restriction against making the same choice.

And in order to ascend the peak of Flower Fruit Mountain and obtain the treasure staff, this is not disgraceful.

This counts as a reasonable use of one's own advantages.

Young Dao Master Yue Weizheng's eyes flashed, smiling, and he also made a choice: "Half-Saint Li, Divine Monkey, and Elder Ding……"

The Divine Fetus Cultivator Xuan Yin of the Xuanfu Divine Sect also made a choice like the initial withdrawal.

Tian Dan Divine Sect's Gu Chuan and Seven Treasures Divine Sect's Ning He, both Martial Saints, likewise chose Li Che and the Divine Monkey; however, the two slightly altered their third choice, selecting Tang Xiejia, who is also a Martial Saint.

After all, Martial Saints find it taxing to deal with Divine Fetuses, but against fellow Martial Saint Tang Xiejia they have confidence.

The Tang Clan is famed for Mechanism Technique; in martial prowess, they are naturally not very strong.

Li Che, wearing the Divine Monkey mask, seeing these strong ones who almost treat "Li Che, Divine Monkey" as mandatory options, couldn't help but press down on the Divine Monkey mask on his face.

Wanting to laugh, yet not daring to laugh out loud.

In the distance.

Gong Shu Jingjun, Tang Xiejia, and Ding Zi exchanged a glance; their expressions showed some struggle and conflict.

"Should we choose Li Che?"

"Forget it…… Li Che, better forget it."

"After all, we are the Elder of God Eagle Ridge……" Gong Shu Jingjun shook his head; in the end he still could not ignore favor and make a choice.

"I'd rather test what abilities this Little Lingyin Temple's Martial Monk has!"

Finally, Gong Shu Jingjun chose his three opponents: Divine Monkey, Yue Weizheng, and Wu Gang.

Tang Xiejia and Ding Zi also followed suit in making that choice.

Finally.

Everyone's gaze fell upon the masked Underworld Divine Monkey.

Li Che pressed the mask, then spread his hands indifferently.

"Wu Gang, Yue Weizheng, Star Assassin……"

Boom——!!!

After the Divine Monkey made a choice.

The entire Flower Fruit Mountain shuddered violently.

Those who had been surprised by the Divine Monkey's choice were all drawn attention.

Then they saw a mountain path paved with ancient stone steps appear before their eyes.

The mountain path stretched long, a thousand steps winding, a secluded trail leading straight to the peak of Flower Fruit Mountain, leading to that treasure staff!

Even the waterfall's spray splashed onto the steps, moistening the stone path.

"When the true is false, the false is true; when the false is true, the true is false."

"Everyone……"

"The mountain path is open; let's ascend and take the staff."

Buddha light shone everywhere; the Divine Monkey robed in a kasaya spoke gently.

The entire open flat fell silent.

Only birdsong and floral fragrance, the sound of the waterfall's cascade remained.

After a moment.

"Amitabha."

"Poor monk, I dare not decline."

A monk in gray robes, his stature towering like a mountain, Martial Monk Wu Gang pressed his palms together; his tattered cloth shoes, unstained by dust, stepped forward two paces, and he had already arrived before the newly opened mountain trail of Flower Fruit Mountain.

Like a bitter lotus flower that grows from the mud yet remains unstained, he stepped onto the stone path.

And at the moment he stepped onto the stone path.

On the clearing, Li Che, the Divine Monkey, and Ding Zi — all three — had vanished.

In an instant.

Everyone had no time to be startled before they raised their gaze.

They saw the stone path split into three sections, each with two figures sitting cross-legged; on the winding, secluded mountain trail, a total of six figures sat cross-legged.

Wugang's head, bearing nine precept scars, lifted.

With palms pressed together, he stepped onto the ladder.

Unhurried.

He climbed straight up three hundred steps.

At the three-hundredth step, he saw blue stone covered in moss; beneath the twisted ancient pines on either side, two pieces of blue stone stood left and right.

On the blue stone sat an honest, down-to-earth …

Half-Saint Li Che of the Divine Condor.

One Update, his condition recovered a bit; he'll continue writing tonight, striving to get out the second chapter as soon as possible. Thanks to everyone's support and encouragement, Lao Li will keep working hard! Asking everyone for monthly tickets, recommendation tickets, and follow-read support! Lao Li will keep bursting out updates!