Chapter 316: with translation of chapter title

318. Chapter 313 You invite the Buddha, I summon the Great Sage; carve a stone and a divine monkey leaps out【seeking monthly votes】

You don't want your daughter to be taken into the Buddhist gate, do you?

The faint, echoing voice resonated within the vast, empty palace.

Li Che couldn't help but feel dazed……

How come this slightly familiar phrasing gives me a sense of déjà vu?

Li Che gave Lü Taibai a strange look; Lü Taibai, wearing that fully silver-plated mask, saw his aura undergo a complete transformation, totally changed.

Even if Li Che used the Heaven and Earth Chessboard to sense, he could not detect the aura originally belonging to Lü Taibai!

This is……

The Hunter God Pavilion's Hunter King!

Every Hunter King powerhouse of the Hunter God Pavilion is an absolute pinnacle!

But being an absolute pinnacle does not necessarily mean one can become the Hunter God Pavilion's Hunter King assassin!

「Hunter God Pavilion's Hunter King assassins…… are all personally chosen by that mysterious Chief Pavilion Master of the Hunter God Pavilion; only the Chief Pavilion Master knows the identities of the Hunter King assassins。」

「Even the Pavilion Master of a single region of the Hunter God Pavilion does not know the identities of the Hunter Kings under his jurisdiction。」

Lü Taibai saw Li Che curiously looking at his Hunter King mask and laughed.

「Hunter King assassin……」

Li Che took a deep breath; this mask was truly miraculous, actually able to shield even the aura detection of the Heaven and Earth Chessboard.

「Sect Master, how many Hunter Kings does the Hunter God Pavilion have? 」

Li Che asked curiously.

Lü Taibai removed the mask, stored it in his Cosmos Jade, shook his head: 「Quite a few……」

「As far as I know, the Hunter God Pavilion itself, pouring all resources into cultivating Hunter King assassins, has two; of course, not counting that Chief Pavilion Master。」

「Furthermore, those who rely on the Hunter God Pavilion merely to take missions and earn mercenary fees—Hunter King assassins—are also numerous, definitely over ten。」

「After all, Hunter Kings vary in strength; however, those invited by the Chief Pavilion Master of the Hunter God Pavilion to become Hunter Kings should all be double absolute pinnacle-level powerhouses。」

Lü Taibai said.

Double absolute pinnacle means both martial prowess and divinity have reached the absolute pinnacle level.

Martial way opens the heavenly gate; divinity transforms the fetal spirit into a god!

Li Che nodded, still feeling a few points of wariness toward the Hunter God Pavilion in his heart.

Lü Taibai also became solemn.

「Although the Hunter God Pavilion as a force doesn't have much sway or binding power over many Hunter King assassins, it's not nonexistent…… if the Pavilion Master truly is willing to spend lavishly, many Hunter King assassins will also give face。」

「So, don't underestimate the Hunter God Pavilion. 」

「Sometimes, some strong individuals, once they don a mask, lose all emotion; their eyes hold only profit. 」

Li Che, upon hearing this, subconsciously rubbed his fingers.

Is this about him?

Li Che felt that, wearing the Ox Demon mask, aside from his daughter and wife, his whole person became extremely cold.

? co

「I know. 」

「The mask…… is more like a vessel for releasing one's persona; one face before others, another behind…… I understand. 」

Li Che smiled.

His answer amounted to already admitting his divine monkey identity before Lü Taibai.

In fact, Lü Taibai knowing his identity really had no great impact.

Li Che could sense Lü Taibai's treasured affection for Xixi, even not weaker than his own as a father.

To Lü Taibai, Xixi is even more important than his own children.

Without even mentioning being the inheritor of the robe and bowl, simply being the junior sect master of the Qian Yuan Divine Sect proclaimed to the world is enough to make Lü Taibai spare no effort to protect Xixi.

Thus, Lü Taibai can truly be considered one of our own.

Lü Taibai's silver hair flew wildly; within his eyes, resonant sword qi raged and intertwined, his voice carrying a hint of coldness.

「You should know how many harboring ill intentions are hidden within Qian Yuan Dao City lately……」

「Ji Moli's son Ji Lishou, the Huang Tuo of Xiao Lingyin Temple…… plus the Tian Dan God Sect, Seven Treasures God Sect, Mystic Talisman God Sect, Corpse God Sect, Hunter God Pavilion…… oh, and also the Lord of Qian Yuan Dao. 」

★

「Tsk…… such a vast estate, everywhere are covetous wolves; guarding a piece of property is truly not easy……」

「If you truly obtain the Sui Xin Gold Iron Divine Staff as an elder of the Qian Yuan Divine Sect…… the situation might worsen. 」

「Now it's quite good; the netherworld took the divine staff…… dealt those guys a surprise attack; although they claim to target the Sui Xin Gold Iron Divine Staff, in reality, Ji Moli and Huang Mei's target…… is me. 」

Lü Taibai laughed.

Li Che, in the form of the divine monkey, took away the Sui Xin Gold Iron Divine Staff, truly saving Lü Taibai a lot of trouble.

「Without the Sui Xin Gold Iron Divine Staff as a pretext, Ji Moli and Huang Mei…… would not dare to act openly. 」

「Furthermore, Ji Moli is very likely to have teamed up with Huang Mei; Ji Moli's ambition…… keeps growing, and the Dàjǐng court…… cannot just sit by and do nothing. 」

「All that can be said is that what was originally a dire, chaotic crisis has become a breakthrough point thanks to you. 」

Li Che, upon hearing this, couldn't help but furrow his brow.

「Without the Sui Xin Gold Iron Divine Staff as an excuse, they wouldn't dare to act? 「

「Everything needs a legitimate cause; Ji Moli and Huang Mei still haven't reached the point of disregarding the Dàjǐng court. 」

Lü Taibai let out a light laugh.

Afterward, his smile gradually faded.

But now…… they don't dare to act, yet that doesn't mean I, Lü Taibai, will swallow my anger and endure their threats.

Perfect, before leaving Primordial Origin Dao City and heading to Shendu to participate in the Peach Blossom Victory Assembly, let's settle some troubles.

Huang Tuo's trump card has been forced out; one of Huang Mei's Buddhist Three‑World Embodiments……

As for what trump card Ji Lishou is hiding for Ji Moli, that remains unknown.

Lü Taibai looked toward Li Che.

If they don't die…… the threat to Xixi will be enormous.

Xixi is too important to me, and to the Primordial Origin Divine Sect……

Without Xixi, the Primordial Origin Divine Sect may never again find such a gifted young sect master.

Lü Taibai's tone was sincere.

Li Che took a deep breath, closed his eyes, then opened them again, as if he had just endured a grueling psychological battle.

Actually, the Dragon Elephant Vajra Dao Fruit in Li Che's chest had long been howling.

To mature, the Dragon Elephant Vajra Dao Fruit needs transformation; battle is indispensable, and one must slay strong opponents to gain maturity.

So, Li Che…… was still quite tempted.

Sect Master, you're right; as a father, I only want my daughter to grow up safe and sound, but…… there are always people who want to stir up trouble.

For my daughter's safety, I, as her father…… really ought to give it my all.

There's always someone…… who wants to push a father.

Sect Master…… what do you want me to do?

Lü Taibai burst into a brilliant smile.

Simple……

Kill.

……

……

Frosty clouds cover the ridges at night; plain snow condenses into brilliance at dawn.

Lead‑colored clouds pile up in the firmament, deep as inseparable ink; with the collapse of the Guiyi Miao, the omen seems to dissipate, the winter thunder vanishes, leaving only rolling cold winds.

Flakes of snow drift out from the leaden clouds, fluttering and dancing wildly, like flocks of dark birds.

Inside the splendid Gazing Spring Pavilion.

Within a tranquil courtyard.

Huang Tuo sat cross-legged in the exquisite and luxurious Buddhist palanquin; the bronze bells hanging at its four corners, as if struck by an invisible force, emitted dull bell‑wave sounds.

These bell waves poured into Huang Tuo's body, nurturing his injuries.

In the snow.

Wu Gang wore a gray monk's robe, his stature towering, his qi and blood mighty, standing not far off, silently guarding the palanquin.

Inside the palanquin, Huang Tuo's face remained deathly pale; after who knows how long, he opened his eyes, and the Buddha's light slowly faded away.

He coughed a few times, took out a porcelain bottle, tipped out a pill, stuffed it into his mouth, his teeth clenched and ground, crushing the pill as he continually chewed its bitter taste.

The medicinal potency spread throughout his body, nourishing his wounds.

What a Lü Taibai, what a Taibai Shaxing……

Truly, he shows no restraint at all; without my master's past incarnation, the Holy Hand Buddha Carving, I would already be a cold corpse, another soul added to Lü Taibai's sword‑toll.

Huang Tuo's face was grim, a flicker of palpitation in his eyes.

He is a veteran Two Opening Martial Saint and Two God Transformation Divine Fetus.

He couldn't even block a casual sword qi from Lü Taibai.

But this is understandable; Lü Taibai ultimately stands at the peak as a supreme dual‑ultimate master, and only an existence of his master Huang Mei Grand Dharma Master's caliber could contend with him.

He, Huang Tuo, still falls short.

Wu Gang approached, palms together: "Dharma Master, now the Follow‑Heart Gold‑Iron Divine Staff has fallen into the hands of the Netherworld Divine Monkey…… the Netherworld is unfathomable; we fear we cannot retrieve this staff for the Grand Dharma Master."

"Should we set off back to the Small Spirit Sound Temple?"

Wu Gang's tone was full of regret.

He harbors a frenzied, admiring attitude toward Huang Mei Grand Dharma Master.

He very much wants to retrieve the divine weapon for Huang Mei Grand Dharma Master.

"Back?"

Huang Tuo sat arrogantly in the palanquin, indifferently gazing at Wu Gang.

"How could we go back?"

"Netherworld Divine Monkey…… Qianyuan Dao Master Yue Huanglong has already sent over all the organized information about the Netherworld…… I've looked through it all."

"Li Nuanxi's ties with the Netherworld's myriad fiends are inscrutable, and the Divine Eagle Half‑Sage Li Che…… also has some connection to the Netherworld."

Huang Tuo said coldly.

"Who says we won't get the divine staff just because we lack affinity with it?"

"Converting Li Nuanxi might be difficult, after all she is Lü Taibai's direct disciple; though her talent and Buddha‑nature make me yearn greatly……

"Moreover, Lü Taibai will protect her extremely well; we simply have no chance to convert her."

Huang Tuo said lightly.

"However…… we still have a chance with that Li Che."

"If we could convert this Li Che, perhaps we could learn some Netherworld secrets from his mouth, and even…… thereby discover the traces of the Divine Monkey, and the method to limit the Netherworld's mysterious translocation technique."

In Huang Tuo's eyes, a cold gleam surfaced.

On Wu Gang's face, a hue of hesitation appeared.

He sighed.

"But Master... how are we supposed to convert Li Che?"

"Huang Tuo's eyes were deep like two black holes: 'Force him to compete with me in the Divine Eagle Technique; in the process, use the Buddha light within the Divine Eagle Technique to convert him.'"

"If this person had previously competed with me in the Divine Eagle Technique, I would have already converted him during the match using the reliance technique, and the Follow-Your-Heart Golden Iron Divine Staff might then have fallen into your hands."

"Li Che carved that temple god Divine Eagle for the divine monkey... He must have helped the divine monkey obtain the Divine Staff."

"Too bad... if Li Che gave you the Divine Eagle, you might be the one to obtain the Divine Staff!"

"Wu Gang shook his head, his expression saying: Impossible..."

"Thinking of the first level of that trial, where he couldn't tell real from fake regarding Li Che and thus lost, his heart felt uneasy."

"Impossible, Master... I can't do it."

"No need to doubt; there are no 'ifs' anymore..."

"Huang Tuo said calmly: 'Go find the Yuanguan Dao Master Yue Huanglong and have him help set up a Buddhist arena in Yuanguan Dao City.'"

"Then use the Buddhist arena to humiliate the Divine Eagle masters of the Yuanguan Divine Sect, find some ruffians to spread the word and humiliate them; for every match the Yuanguan Divine Sect's Divine Eagle masters lose, we will overwhelm them with the most insulting language."

"Regarding the honor and disgrace of the Divine Eagle Dao of a sect, it will surely force Li Che to compete with me in the Divine Eagle Technique."

"Wu Gang, upon hearing this, didn't say much more."

"If Li Che keeps being a timid turtle... then let the ruffians humiliate Li Che, so they dare not strive for the honor and disgrace of the Yuanguan Divine Sect's Divine Eagle path, wasting their status as half-sages of the Yuanguan Divine Sect's Divine Eagle."

"Huang Tuo's eyes were deep and gloomy."

"Yes."

"Wu Gang put his palms together and bowed in reply."

"..."

"..."

"Li Che held a lengthy private discussion with Lü Taibai in the Taibai Hall."

"No one knew what the two were secretly plotting."

"As the sky gradually darkened, the deep night accompanied by snowflakes as big as hands fluttered down gently."

"Only then did the tightly closed doors of the Taibai Hall slowly open."

"Li Che's dark robe billowed as he bowed to Lü Taibai in farewell, then he strode out with large steps."

"Father!"

"Accompanied by the clanging sound of the Prison Lotus Wind-Fire Golden Light Wheel turning, countless sparks flew as Xixi turned into a stream of light, shooting swiftly toward Li Che and crashing into his embrace."

"Now Li Che's physical body is immensely strong; this powerful impact from Xixi could not move him in the slightest."

"Xixi's heart jumped, and she instantly became nervous."

"Father... seems to be getting stronger even faster than me!"

"Li Che held Xixi, his gaze gentle, ruffling her head: 'Follow the sect leader and train well; we're about to go to the Peach Blossom Victory Assembly... Let's work hard to win a peach for your mother, let her taste its freshness and extend her lifespan.'"

"Li Che's words caused Xixi's eyes to instantly burst with ultimate brilliant light."

"It's a must! Father, rest assured, Xixi will definitely win a fragrant peach for Mother!"

"Xixi's fighting spirit soared!"

"For Father and Mother, Xixi will surely strive!"

"Xixi is truly obedient."

"Li Che smiled."

"Father, Xixi is about to break through to the Divine Appearance realm! Humph! Once Xixi enters the Divine Appearance realm, she will surely astonish everyone at the Peach Blossom Victory Assembly!"

"Li Che heard this, nodded, and said: Although Xixi is young, her cultivation speed is indeed not slow."

"After spending a while being affectionate with Xixi, Li Che then bade farewell and left."

"Xixi reluctantly waved goodbye to Li Che."

"Li Che's figure slipped into the carriage, the wheels turned, and Nie Yang drove the carriage away from Taibai Peak."

"Just as they returned to Disciple City and the carriage had just entered the city, Nie Yang, in the dim light, instantly saw a burly figure standing with hands behind his back on the main street of Disciple City."

"Nie Yang furrowed his brows, his sword intent sharp, but upon seeing who it was clearly, his heart relaxed."

"Elder Tang."

"Nie Yang reined in the carriage and clasped his fists."

"Standing there, waiting for Li Che... was Tang Xiejia."

"Li Che lifted the curtain, saw the waiting Tang Xiejia, and was slightly stunned."

"After letting Nie Yang drive the carriage back, Li Che and Tang Xiejia strolled along the snowy street."

"Actually, the two didn't talk much; Tang Xiejia merely sighed with Li Che and casually mentioned some Tang family matters."

"The Tang clan... though said to have been destroyed in the hands of the National Preceptor Xie Yunshen, in fact... it was the Dàjǐng royal family that took a liking to the Tang clan's mechanical beasts; although National Preceptor Xie Yunshen's schemes were unparalleled, causing the Tang clan to fragment, he also left the Tang clan a bloodline, so the entire Tang clan was not wiped out."

"Tang Xiejia said."

"Li Che was somewhat surprised; the National Preceptor Xie Yunshen... he had indeed heard of him, rumored to be the culprit behind the Tang clan's downfall."

"Yet Tang Xiejia actually harbored no resentment toward him, contrary to expectation."

"The Tang clan once shone in Shendu, but wanting to become a myriad-ancient clan is no easy feat; the myriad-ancient clan's tribulation, if not overcome, leads to destruction."

"Like the Su clan, attempting to break into a five-thousand-year clan also encountered their own clan's tribulation, which they could not escape, resulting in a clean annihilation..."

"Tang Xiejia sighed."

"The Su clan attempted to migrate away from Yuanguan Dao City to Shendu, but failed, were intercepted and killed, and all migrating Su clan members were slaughtered to the last."

"From Su Leibao, who had opened twice as a Martial Saint, down to women and children lacking the strength to truss a chicken, all were slaughtered."

"When the news returned to Yuanguan Dao City, the whole city was in an uproar."

"It's hard for the Tang clan to rise again, but… the Tang clan's mechanisms still have a chance."

Tang Xiejia looked at Li Che.

He raised his hand, the Heaven and Earth Jade trembled, and a piece of gold foil paper appeared in his palm, which he handed to Li Che.

"Elder Li… you are extremely skilled in Mechanism Arts; I, old man, have no chance to revive the Tang clan's Mechanism Arts, I only hope you can let the Tang clan's mechanisms once again shine brightly in the world."

Tang Xiejia's eyes shone brightly, filled with expectation and hope.

Li Che, hearing this, fell silent for a moment.

"Why not give it to Senior Tang Sanjia?"

Tang Xiejia gave a wry smile: "We brothers also wanted to, but Tang Sanjia couldn't even repair a broken, peerless Mechanism Beast… he exhausted all his efforts and still failed to fix it, so what hope does he have?"

"He has some aptitude for mechanisms, but not much… compared to Elder Li, the gap is too great."

Li Che, hearing this, lightly exhaled a breath.

Without further words, feeling the Immortal Artisan Dao Fruit wildly beating in his chest, he did not refuse and took the gold foil paper.

"I will do my best."

On Tang Xiejia's sturdy frame, his eyes softened and he gave a grin.

"Doing your best is enough."

"As for the Tang clan now…"

"What more could we possibly hope for?"

…

…

Great snow flew wildly, the night sky desolate and deep.

Li Che bid farewell to Tang Xiejia and returned to the Elder's Courtyard.

Zhang Ya sat cross-legged under the eaves, accompanied by night snow and the night wind blowing through the hall, cultivating her divinity; Li Che had prepared many divinity crystals for her.

With Li Che's current wealth, he could fully support Zhang Ya's cultivation.

Li Che did not disturb Zhang Ya.

In the distance.

Li Qingshan walked out of the kitchen wearing a green robe, carrying a basin of freshly boiled hot water, obviously intending to give Granny Mu a foot soak to warm her body.

Upon seeing Li Che, Li Qingshan smiled and nodded.

After preparing the footbath for Granny Mu, Li Qingshan left the house, sat with Li Che under the eaves to chat idly, and told Li Che about the situation of the Dao Master Yue Huanglong.

"On the Register of Life and Death, the name of Dao Master Yue Huanglong, and the records concerning him…"

"When shall we go to take his life?"

Li Qingshan's eyes boiled with killing intent.

Although he disliked the Su family, he hated even more that Yue Huanglong, for his own private gain, slaughtered the entire Su clan, leaving none alive.

Li Che, hearing this, his eyes flickered: "Since his name is on the Register of Life and Death… sooner or later we will take his life."

"It will happen; the Netherworld will claim his life."

Li Qingshan exhaled a breath, then looked at Li Che, his eyes showing a somewhat complex expression.

He knew that Li Che had now become a Martial Saint–level powerhouse.

The image of the Ox Demon blasting and killing Su Leibao on the official road, he too had seen it, his heart shaken beyond words.

"Ah Che…"

"I want to become stronger."

"Is there any way… that could make me stronger?"

Li Qingshan looked at Li Che with a hint of hope.

When facing Yue Huanglong's terrifying martial will head-on, that heart seemed to stall in boundless despair, leaving Li Qingshan feeling somewhat powerless.

Even…

Even serving as a scribe in the Netherworld, he almost didn't qualify.

Li Qingshan knew that if he continued like this, he was very likely to fall behind…

In the end, he didn't even have the qualification to remain in the Netherworld's core.

Li Che looked at Li Qingshan, his eyes growing deep.

"Want to become stronger?"

"Then… can you endure the pain?"

Li Che asked.

Li Qingshan, hearing this, gritted his teeth and clenched his fists.

"I can."

Li Che, hearing this, laughed: "All right… go back, get a good night's sleep."

"In your dream… you will become stronger."

Li Qingshan: '…'

He laughed and shook his head.

"Forget it, forget it…"

He didn't take Li Che's words to heart.

The night was deep and all was quiet.

The wind and snow wailed, falling on the black tiles and making a puff-puff sound.

Li Che sat in the study, under the dim yellow glow of an oil lamp, clutching the gold foil paper given by Tang Xiejia.

Splitting his focus, one mind researched the gold foil paper given by Tang Xiejia.

The other mind entered the dreams of Zhang Ya and Li Qingshan, custom‑making for them the Dream Boxing King's ring.

As for Li Qingshan, Li Che raised the feedback level; if he were killed in the dream, he would suffer great pain, but that pain would simultaneously transform into divine power for tempering the body.

Since Li Qingshan wants to become stronger, he naturally needs to pay a price.

As for Zhang Ya and Xixi, Li Che could not bear to let his wife and daughter suffer so much in the dream.

As long as one becomes proficient in combat techniques, even if defeated, there would be no physical pain feedback.

After setting up the dream.

Li Che pinched the gold foil paper, which recorded the combination and manufacturing method of the seals for an unparalleled mechanized beast, among other things.

This is the core technology of the Tang clan's mechanized beasts.

【Unparalleled Mechanized Beast — Thousand‑Eyed Four‑Winged Responding Dragon King】

In the chest cavity.

The Immortal Craft Dao Fruit was beating wildly.

Even with Li Che's current Dao Fruit maturity, there is no certainty of crafting this unparalleled mechanized beast.

"It seems… even the Tang clan's mechanized holy hands have never crafted this unparalleled mechanized beast, the Thousand‑Eyed Twin‑Winged Responding Dragon King!"

Li Che's breathing grew ragged, his heart completely immersed in the contents recorded in the gold foil paper.

Having memorized these contents, he began to bounce with the Immortal Craft Dao Fruit, studying them carefully.

【Dao Fruit: Immortal Craft (LV5, 42%)】

Li Che watched the rise of the Dao Fruit's maturity appearing before him.

Just studying the blueprints and manufacturing techniques a bit, he unexpectedly gained a 2% maturity feedback!

If he successfully crafts this unparalleled mechanized beast…

Li Che felt that the Immortal Craft Dao Fruit would even be raised to LV6, even LV7!

LV6 should not be the limit!

"It's so hard…"

Li Che furrowed his brows.

"However, it is possible to attempt crafting the 【Twin‑Winged Little Responding Dragon King】…"

"A half‑step unparalleled mechanized beast!"

……

……

"Dong dong dong dong dong——!"

The gong's sound exploded amidst the wind and snow; a falling flake of snow was instantly struck by the gong, shattering into white dust.

Central square of Qianyuan Dao City.

A wooden platform over three meters high was erected; almost overnight, this rather elaborate wooden platform appeared in the central area of the Dao City.

And now, this platform has stood for a full three days.

At the platform's center, a thin middle‑aged figure wearing a gold monk's robe and draped in a large red kasaya sat cross‑legged, surrounded by one wooden carving after another.

Zhou Tian shui, the Divine Eagle Grand Master of the Zhou family, his face solemn, immersed in carving the Divine Eagle, his powerful primordial spirit power permeating heaven and earth.

Meanwhile, Huang Tuo's face bore a smile; he carved with one hand, without using heaven‑and‑earth soul, suppressing the Divine Eagle's level to the same Divine Eagle Grand Master standard as Zhou Tian shui.

However, during the process of the divine intent clashing between the Divine Eagle carved by Zhou Tian shui and that carved by Huang Tuo,

the moment of collision, they exploded and shattered into pieces.

Zhou Tian shui's face flushed red as he coughed up a large mouthful of blood.

His aged body staggered back step by step on the wooden platform.

He panted heavily, hot vapor mingling in the cold air.

"Huang Tuo's half‑saint Divine Eagle skill is truly formidable…"

"But there's no need to so despise and humiliate the Divine Eagle masters of our Qianyuan Dao City, is there?"

Zhou Tian shui wiped the blood from his lip corner, speaking indignantly.

Huang Tuo slowly opened his eyes, glancing lightly at Zhou Tian shui.

"Trash is trash… In this poor monk's eyes, the Divine Eagle masters of Qianyuan Dao City are all trash; their Divine Eagle technique has lagged behind by decades, merely techniques from decades ago…"

"No innovation, stiff and outdated… Why shouldn't this poor monk despise them?"

"Although your Qianyuan Dao City has a Divine Eagle half‑saint, I have set up this arena here for three days—have you ever seen him act for your city's Divine Eagle circle?"

"Because he fears this poor monk's technique; although he is a Divine Eagle half‑saint, there is still a gap between Divine Eagle half‑saints."

Huang Tuo gave a sniggering laugh, his words full of humiliation.

Around the platform, the onlooking townsfolk and wandering martial artists of Qianyuan Dao City instantly flushed red, filled with righteous indignation.

This bald donkey is truly hateful!

Using the skill of a Divine Eagle half‑saint to humiliate the Divine Eagle masters… yet they have the nerve to spout such nonsense!

"If you have the ability… go invite that Li half‑saint to come and compare skills with this poor monk; this poor monk can suppress the Divine Eagle standard to that of a novice entering the Divine Eagle half‑saint level—how about that?"

"However, you probably can't summon him; the Divine Eagle technique of the Qianyuan Divine Sect has been suppressed by my Small Spirit Sound Temple for hundreds of years—what good would producing a Divine Eagle half‑saint do?"

"Even if you produced ten Divine Eagle half‑saints, it wouldn't change the fact that the Divine Eagle technique of the Qianyuan Divine Sect's Divine Eagle Ridge has already fallen behind…"

Huang Tuo's sniggering voice, undisguised, spread out thus, shattering the wind and snow.

Zhou Tian shui wiped the blood from his mouth corner, his eyes flickering; he is not stupid either, already having understood Huang Tuo's purpose.

Provocation Tactic!

He wants to provoke Li Che half‑saint to come and compete with him in Divine Eagle technique!

Zhou TianShui had to admit that Huang Tuo's divine eagle technique was indeed extremely high.

Even Li Che might not necessarily be able to defeat Huang Tuo……

If Li Che also lost, then the divine eagle way of Qianyuan Dao City and Qianyuan Divine Sect would surely become a laughingstock, bearing an indelible mark of shame.

What a vicious bald donkey!

Zhou TianShui was filled with indignation, yet remained silent, turned and stepped down from the platform.

In the distance, the pale-faced Yun Haiyang also exchanged a glance with Zhou TianShui.

"Don't go disturb Half-Saint Li……"

Yun Haiyang transmitted via voice.

"Rest assured, this old one still has propriety; this bald donkey…… clearly harbors ill intent."

"Forget it, the divine eagle way of Qianyuan Dao City has been lagging behind for so many years; to lag behind is to invite a beating, and we've grown accustomed to it."

Zhou TianShui sighed and replied via voice transmission.

They naturally would not go invite Li Che; although they felt stifled, unwilling, and angry, they still understood the gravity.

On the high platform.

Huang Tuo let out a scornful laugh, palms pressed together.

"Amitabha."

"The poor monk will continue to set up the platform here for a month straight; if any divine eagle master from Qianyuan Divine Sect or Qianyuan Dao City wishes to challenge the poor monk, the poor monk can suppress their divine eagle skill to match their level for a contest."

"The poor monk only seeks one defeat."

Huang Tuo scoffed.

And as three days passed, coupled with the promotion by some ruffians, the situation fermented.

The spearhead pointed directly at Li Che.

Many more felt resentful, thinking that Li Che, the sole divine eagle Half-Saint of Qianyuan Divine Sect, why does he lack even the courage to step forward!

Waves rose, surged……

The momentum grew ever more grandiose!

……

……

"How could these people act like this!"

Inside the Elders' Courtyard.

Zhang Ya's face turned red with anger, she clenched her fists, gnashing her teeth!

Her eyes were red, listening to the news sent by Sang Guanyin, Shangguan Qinghong, and others, Zhang Ya's whole body trembled with anger.

She originally did not want to care, but these people were insulting her husband!

And the more they scolded, the more unpleasant it became!

Her husband is the sole divine eagle Half-Saint of Qianyuan Dao City—how could these people dare to insult him!

"I'm so angry! I really want to beat that stinking monk to death!"

On Zhang Ya's clenched fists, veins bulged, her anger uncontainable.

"Stay calm, this is the provocation tactic."

Jiao Shaqiu also arrived, leaning on a cane, furrowing their brows, speaking in a low voice.

Under the black eaves.

Li Qingshan, whose whole body ached as if his bones were about to break from the torment in his dream, lay limp on the recliner, just like Madame Mu, gazing at the angry Zhang Ya.

Li Qingshan's lips twitched.

"That bald donkey……"

"Already has a way to seek death."

They wanted to rise from the recliner, but their whole body emitted a 'ge-leng' sound.

"Ouch……"

"Underworld Cat Face…… is exhausted."

"This dream…… is too tormenting."

"No, no, Cat Face, you must stay strong!"

……

……

Taibai Peak.

"Ah——!!!"

"Little Jinzi, don't pull me, I'm going to beat that stinking monk to death!"

"How dare you slander my father as a turtle?! I see him as the turtle, a dead turtle, a stinking turtle, a featherless ugly turtle!"

Xixi was held by Jintaishui on the calf stepping on the wind-fire wheel, her chubby little face puffed up, her angry flesh constantly twitching.

"Xixi Great Emperor, stay calm!"

Jintaishui said in a low voice.

"The old lord is right here at Taibai Peak, waiting for the old lord's handling."

Xixi angrily retracted the Prison Lotus Wind-Fire Golden Light Wheel, arms crossed over chest, landed in the snow, pouting, very unhappy.

"Little Jinzi, from now on, whenever you encounter a bald donkey, hit each one you see, got it!"

Xixi Great Emperor puffed out their little belly, ordering.

Jintaishui could neither laugh nor cry.

"Okay, okay... Calm down, old one."

"Hmph!"

Xixi furrowed her brows, unable to calm down even a bit!

Suddenly.

She looked toward the direction of Tai Bai Hall.

She tilted her head.

"Little Jinzi..."

"Dad and Sect Master, why haven't you come out again after so long?"

Jin Taisui heard that and was also startled.

Looking at the tightly closed door, he scratched his head.

"Adults' business, we kids should stay out of it."

Xixi heard that and immediately furrowed her brows: "Watch your tone when speaking to Xixi, Great Emperor!"

Jin Taisui's delicate face involuntarily showed a weathered look that didn't match his age.

Creak—

Suddenly.

Xixi and Jin Taisui hurriedly turned their heads to look.

They saw the tightly closed door slowly open.

Li Che brushed off his dark robe and walked out with a smile full of joy.

And faintly,

Xixi seemed to catch sight of the Sect Master seated in the hall, slowly putting on a shimmering silver-like splendid mask.

The wind and snow wailed, the night sky hazy.

Huangtuo glanced at the sky, rose from the high platform, slowly descended, and boarded the Buddhist palanquin that Wugang had already prepared.

He lounged on his side.

"Let's go, go back—really able to endure, able to remain unmoved after three days of humiliation."

"They say the disciples and elders of the Qianyuan Divine Sect are all full of honor, but looking now... they fall far short of our Little Lingyin Temple."

Huangtuo the monk let out a snicker.

The outer disciples of the Qianyuan Divine Sect surrounding the platform, the martial artists of Qianyuan Dao City, and the townsfolk all flushed with anger, yet faced with Huangtuo's humiliating words, they had no ability to retort.

Ding-ling-ling—

The Buddhist bells hanging around the palanquin began to emit a faint sound.

Huangtuo narrowed his eyes, and from his reclining side, slowly sat upright.

But saw,

In the distance.

A splendid carriage, pulled by dragonblood steeds, broke through the wind and snow as it came.

It stopped before the Buddhist palanquin beneath the platform.

Amidst the wind and snow, they were ten zhang apart.