Chapter 403: 405. Chapter 397: Master Sect Leader, are we planning to rebel? Opening the Ten-Thousand‑zhang Qi Sea Golden Pool Mounta

405. Chapter 397: Master Sect Leader, are we planning to rebel? Opening the Ten-Thousand‑zhang Qi Sea Golden Pool Mountain Trail 【Seeking votes】

Whoosh—whoosh.

A gentle breeze blew, the bamboo raft bobbed, and the dazzling water ripples spread outward.

The calm river surface rose with specks of ripples, undulating up and down, reflecting sunlight, as if the river were strewn with crushed gold.

Li Che wore a Yanwang mask, his jet‑black hair fluttered in the breeze, his black robe clung to his body and swayed, and a flash of strange and joyful color appeared in his eyes.

His heart even let out a slight sigh of relief.

On the bamboo raft sat the long‑missed boss, and the long‑missed big black dog.

One person and one dog, in an extremely lazy posture, sat on the river, gently drifting, like a lone water‑weed in the world, feeling the unhurried breeze of the vast heavens.

The boss was elegant, seated on a small bamboo chair, legs crossed, white robes fluttering, holding a rolled cigarette; the gray smoke rose like a straight line, spiraling upward.

The breeze brushed the two strands of hair hanging on his forehead; the boss looked at Li Che and gave a faint nod.

The big black dog lying on the raft suddenly lifted its head.

The boss took the cigarette between his teeth, inhaled deeply, exhaled two streams of smoke rolling like flood dragons from his nostrils, then stubbed out the cigarette.

The raft drifted along the river, slowly arriving before Li Che and came to a stop.

Li Che was not polite; he stepped forward and boarded the raft.

The boss retrieved a cigarette paper again, pinched a bit of tobacco from his sachet with tweezers, rolled it, and handed it to Li Che.

Li Che extended a finger and lifted the black‑and‑white Yanwang mask onto his head like a hat.

He then took the cigarette, and the heavy stone in his heart completely settled.

"Long time no see, boss."

Li Che said with a smile.

On the way to Shendu, Li Che still recalled the boss and the big black dog, who on the Grand Canal lent a hand and killed a titled Old Dragon King from the Dragon God lineage.

The titled Old Dragon King was a top‑tier pinnacle existence, with quite formidable strength.

Of course, Li Che was not worried about the boss and the big black dog's strength being unsolvable.

Rather, after dealing with the titled Old Dragon King, Li Che had thought the boss would open a restaurant in Shendu, but he did not find any restaurant there.

After searching several times in a row, Li Che finally confirmed that the boss had not opened a restaurant in Shendu.

So Li Che was a bit worried.

He worried that the boss and the big black dog, because of their actions, had attracted some unsavory things.

Li Che still remembered the terrifying power he feared might be unleashed when the big black dog helped strike down the Golden Heavenly King temple deity.

The long disappearance of the boss and the big black dog truly made Li Che keep them in mind.

After all, they were old friends who had come all the way from Jinguangfu City.

"It's been a while, Xixi, are you okay?"

The boss lifted the cigarette again, but did not light it, merely holding it between his teeth.

The two of them then chatted on and off like this.

However, there wasn't much talk; after a long while Li Che would burst out a sentence, and most of the boss's words were also about Xixi's situation.

Li Che briefly recounted Xixi's affairs in Shendu.

A slight curve rose at the boss's mouth corners.

The dog on the ground perked its ears, eavesdropping on the Xixi topic.

However, Li Che noticed the dog's expression seemed a bit weary, as if over‑exerted.

Thinking of the boss and the dog disappearing so long, they must have been doing something he didn't know.

Li Che therefore asked nothing further.

Regarding the boss and the dog's origins, Li Che still has no clue, but it is undeniable that their strength must be extremely great.

It now appears the two are beings of the Divine Tribulation realm.

Even…

Far beyond the Divine Tribulation!

Because the raft was drifting on the Grand Canal, yet when the Grand Overseer was conversing with Li Che earlier, he didn't notice at all.

Given the Grand Overseer's cultivation, if he had detected the boss and the dog, he couldn't have remained indifferent.

The stronger the being, upon discovering another strong one, even if indifferent, its own aura and bodily instinct to react in opposition show it does care.

It cannot truly be as if treating air.

In other words, the Grand Overseer likely never perceived the boss and the dog's presence.

That is rather frightening.

It suggests the boss and the dog may possess an extremely advanced concealment skill.

Of course, it could also be that the boss and the dog's cultivation is not weak, perhaps even surpassing the Grand Overseer's Divine Tribulation realm, thus preventing him from detecting their trace.

He inhaled deeply, and Li Che suppressed the tremor in his heart.

Because beings as powerful as the boss and the big black dog have their own taboos.

What kind of existence could make both of them wary, and how terrifying would it be? Would such an existence also threaten Xixi?

And where would an existence that can threaten the boss and the big black dog come from?

The mortal world? The Strange Abyss? Or perhaps… the Netherworld?!

The Three Realms spoken of by the Grand Overseer?

"Hoo—"

Li Che exhaled a puff of smoke, and his mind gradually calmed.

Perhaps the Grand Overseer was not wrong.

He ought to strive to become stronger, truly achieving standing at the peak of the three realms.

Perhaps it's difficult, but one should strive for it; at least for protecting his wife and daughter, he should try.

If Li Che were an ordinary person, perhaps even with all his effort he couldn't achieve it.

But Li Che is no longer the wood-carving porter in Fēiléichéng who merely earned a few Dàjǐng copper coins by moving wood carvings for a living.

He grasps one Dao fruit after another, and has even evolved the Dao fruit to lv6 rank.

With full firepower, even top-tier apex beings can be slain!

Therefore, he is no longer ordinary.

Because of the bond between him and his daughter, he is no longer ordinary; since he is no longer ordinary, how could he resign himself to decline?

What Li Che truly pursues is a warm kang with wife and children.

But now, if there isn't sufficient strength as a guarantee, the leisurely days of a warm kang with wife and children won't last long before they are utterly destroyed, even to the point of... never recovering from myriad calamities.

"What that old man just said is correct."

Just as Li Che fell into contemplation, the boss spoke.

"You indeed need to stand at the peak of the three realms to earn the qualification to protect Xixi..."

The boss said lightly.

His voice, as always cold, never as fervent as his cooking.

"Understood." Li Che said.

"You can't even beat the dog now." The boss said lightly again.

Li Che: "..."

The big black dog gave a sideways glance, its mouth curling in a sneer, revealing sharp, gleaming teeth.

Li Che, however, could not refute; although he now erupts with seven Divine Seed martial arts, combined with the Dao Guide Dragon-Elephant Furnace and the Victorious Heaven Domain, he can slay even a top-tier apex like the Azure Dragon.

But against someone like Ji Molie, who has refined the Netherworld Fire and other Three Calamities powers, a half-step Divine Tribulation, it's basically difficult, and he would fall into a disadvantage.

Therefore, Li Che has never been arrogant.

Because he can't even beat a dog.

Hard to bear.

Li Che let out a breath.

Splish-splash…

The lone boat drifted lightly, following the Grand Canal's flow, its speed unknowingly increasing, green mountains on both banks facing each other, as if streaking lights flashed by.

Whoosh—

The wind and waves swiftly swept over, Li Che's mind relaxed unprecedentedly; after stepping into Shendu, his constantly tense nerves gradually eased.

"Boss, it's been a long time since I've tasted your cooking……"

Li Che glanced at the boss and said.

The boss's mouth twitched slightly, as if he chuckled.

Then the dog perked up, its paw slamming hard into the Grand Canal!

Boom——!!!

The water exploded instantly; in the next moment, a huge fat fish the size of a yellow ox burst forth, its scales even glowing brightly.

Its mighty demonic qi and blood surged, actually a mighty demonic beast fat fish rivaling a top Three Flowers Grand Master!

The fat fish roared, opening its mouth to reveal a mouth full of sharp teeth.

Then it was slapped unconscious by the dog's paw.

As it fell, the dog leisurely extended its delicate paw, beginning to skillfully rip open its belly…

After processing, the boss somehow procured a green bamboo stalk, instantly piercing the prepared fat fish and skewering it on the bamboo raft.

Beneath the fat fish, flames instantly ignited.

The bamboo raft sped swiftly across the Grand Canal, wind-like and lightning-fast.

Yet the rich aroma uncontrollably wafted about, lingering around Li Che's nose and mouth.

After feasting on a top Grand Master-level demonic beast fat fish banquet, Li Che almost felt as if he had swallowed his own tongue.

So delicious!

By comparison, the dishes cooked by the Imperial Kitchen chefs eaten at the Peach Banquet are nothing but dog food!

Simple ingredients, under the boss's simple cooking, actually burst forth with unimaginable deliciousness.

"Next time, bring Xixi to the restaurant; she too hasn't tasted my cooking in a long time."

The boss said lightly.

Li Che and the dog both let out a satisfied belch.

"No problem."

Li Che laughed.

"After returning to Qianyuan Dao City, I'll bring Xixi to mooch a meal."

However, the boss glanced at him.

"The next restaurant will open in Qitian Cheng; come to Qitian Cheng to find me and the dog."

The boss shook his head and said lightly.

Li Che's motion of picking his teeth with a fish bone froze, his eyes involuntarily flashing a hint of astonishment.

"Qitian Cheng?!"

"What that old man said is right; you can make a trip to Qitian Cheng… not for the sake of the people of the Central Plains, but for Xixi, you should also make the trip."

"The temple deity of Qitian Cheng has revived; like that Third Prince, it can leave a trace of divine will to help Xixi suppress a wave of the Prison Lotus Fire curse, allowing Xixi to pass the Divine Fetus Tribulation should be no problem."

The boss's words made Li Che's eyes light up instantly.

Literal: "The boss's words made Li Che's eyes instantly light up."

We need to keep meaning: "The boss's words made Li Che's eyes light up instantly."

We'll output: 【121】 The boss's words made Li Che's eyes light up instantly.

"Good!"

Just "Good!" or "Fine!" We'll output: 【122】 "Good!"

Li Che did not doubt the boss's words.

Li Che did not doubt the boss's words.

【123】 Li Che did not doubt the boss's words.

Since the boss said it was possible, it definitely was; Li Che also didn't know where this trust came from.

Since the boss said it's possible, then it definitely is; Li Che also didn't know where this trust came from.

【124】 Since the boss said it was possible, it definitely was; Li Che also didn't know where this trust came from.

"All right... we've arrived."

"Alright... we've arrived."

【125】 "Alright... we've arrived."

"Goodbye, Qitian City; I've prepared a special dish for Xixi, waiting for her."

"Farewell, Qitian Cheng; I've prepared a special dish for Xixi, waiting for her."

We need to use glossary: Qitian Cheng, Xixi.

【126】 "Farewell, Qitian Cheng; I've prepared a special dish for Xixi, waiting for her."

The boss laughed lightly.

The boss lightly laughed.

【127】 The boss lightly laughed.

Then, with a splash.

Afterwards, a splashing sound.

【128】 Afterwards, a splashing sound.

Li Che was then sent down onto the raft by a powerful force, standing on the surface of the Grand Canal rippling with waves.

Li Che was then sent down the raft by a strong force, standing on the surface of the Grand Canal rippling with waves.

【129】 Li Che was then sent down the raft by a strong force, standing on the surface of the Grand Canal rippling with waves.

The heavens and earth had already turned completely dark at some point.

The heaven and earth didn't know when, already turned completely dark.

Better: "Before anyone knew, the heavens and earth had turned completely dark."

【130】 Before anyone knew, the heavens and earth had turned completely dark.

The stars in the sky shifted, a green lantern hung on the raft above the river, its dim yellow-orange light illuminating a white robe and a large black dog.

The stars in the sky turned; the raft on the river hung a single green lantern, its dim yellow-orange light shining on a white robe and a big black dog.

【131】 The stars in the sky turned; the raft on the river hung a single green lantern, its dim yellow-orange light shining on a white robe and a big black dog.

The raft swayed gently.

The raft gently swayed.

【132】 The raft gently swayed.

Unknowingly, it drifted into the depths of darkness, leaving no trace.

Unnoticed, it drifted into the depths of darkness, leaving no trace.

【133】 Unnoticed, it drifted into the depths of darkness, leaving no trace.

Li Che withdrew his gaze, looked up, and his heart gave a slight start.

Li Che withdrew his gaze, looked up, and his heart gave a slight start.

【134】 Li Che withdrew his gaze, looked up, and his heart gave a slight start.

Because, unknowingly, he had ridden the boss's raft and had already returned to the vicinity of Primordial Dao City.

Because, unnoticed, he had been riding the boss's raft and had already returned to the vicinity of Qianyuan Dao City.

【135】 Because, unnoticed, he had been riding the boss's raft and had already returned to the vicinity of Primordial Dao City.

What a fast speed!

What a fast speed!

【136】 What a fast speed!

Though the distance was thousands of miles, it seemed as if time flowed silently, and they arrived in just half a day.

A distance of several thousand li, as if time flowed silently, yet they arrived in just half a day.

【137】 A distance of several thousand li, as if time flowed silently, yet they arrived in just half a day.

Li Che exhaled a breath.

Li Che exhaled a breath.

【138】 Li Che exhaled a breath.

Opening a restaurant in Qitian City?

Is there a restaurant opened in Qitian Cheng?

【139】 Is there a restaurant opened in Qitian Cheng?

Although I don't know why the boss would go to Qitian City to open a restaurant...

Although I don't know why the boss would open a restaurant in Qitian Cheng...

【140】 Although I don't know why the boss would open a restaurant in Qitian Cheng...

But the boss said he had prepared a special dish for Xixi, so we should definitely bring her to try it.

But the boss said he prepared a special dish for Xixi, so we should definitely bring Xixi to try it.

【141】 But the boss said he prepared a special dish for Xixi, so we should definitely bring Xixi to try it.

Of course, besides that, the deity of Qitian Temple can suppress the Prison Lotus Fire Curse within Xixi's body, which is the most important.

Of course, besides that, the deity of Qitian Temple can suppress the prison-lotus fire curse within Xixi's body; that is the most important.

【142】 Of course, besides that, the deity of Qitian Temple can suppress the Prison Lotus Fire Curse within Xixi's body; that is the most important.

He tapped his toes on the river surface.

He tapped the tip of his foot on the river surface.

【143】 He tapped the tip of his foot on the river surface.

Instantly, the calm river surface surged with tremendous waves.

In an instant, the calm river surface surged with extremely turbulent waves.

【144】 In an instant, the calm river surface surged with extremely turbulent waves.

Li Che put on the Yama mask again.

Li Che put on the Yama mask again.

【145】 Li Che put on the Yama mask again.

The next moment, his whole body shot up into the sky.

The next moment, his whole person shot up into the sky.

【146】 The next moment, his whole person shot up into the sky.

His brow trembled, and the heavenly chessboard surged upward with a roar.

His brow trembled, and the heavenly earth chessboard shot up into the sky with a boom.

【147】 His brow trembled, and the heavenly earth chessboard shot up into the sky with a boom.

Vast black energy rose up, and ink-colored rain drizzled down.

Vast black qi surged up, and ink-colored rain drizzled down.

【148】 Vast black qi surged up, and ink-colored rain drizzled down.

Ink City Fengdu appeared upon the heavenly chessboard.

The Ink City Fengdu appeared upon the heavenly earth chessboard.

Thus line: The Ink City of the Dead appeared upon the heavenly earth chessboard.

【149】 The Ink City of the Dead appeared upon the heavenly earth chessboard.

Li Che incarnated as Yama, and with a clench of his five fingers, his whole body appeared on the city tower of Ink City.

Li Che incarnated as Yama, and in the grasp of his five fingers, his whole person already appeared on the city tower of Ink City.

【150】 Li Che incarnated as Yama, and in the grasp of his five fingers, his whole person already appeared on the city tower of Ink City.

Boom——

Boom—

【151】 Boom—

Ink City landed on the bank of the Grand Canal.

The Ink City fell onto the bank of the Grand Canal.

【152】 The Ink City fell onto the bank of the Grand Canal.

The city gates burst open.

The city gates burst open.

【153】 The city gates burst open.

The people of the Primordial Divine Sect all stepped out from Ink City of the Dead.

The members of the Primordial Divine Sect all stepped out from within the Ink City of the Dead.

【154】 The members of the Primordial Divine Sect all stepped out from within the Ink City of the Dead.

Xixi followed Zhang Ya, and together with Lü Taibai's protection, they left the city; Li Che's painted immortal avatar put on the Horse Face and did not leave the city.

Xixi followed Zhang Ya, and under the protection of Lü Taibai, they left the city together; Li Che's painted immortal avatar donned the Horse Face and did not leave the city.

【155】 Xixi followed Zhang Ya, and under the protection of Lü Taibai, they left the city together; Li Che's painted immortal avatar donned the Horse Face and did not leave the city.

The crowd turned back and looked toward Ink City.

The crowd turned back, looking toward Ink City.

【156】 The crowd turned back, looking toward Ink City.

They saw a towering city standing upon the earth, and on its city tower stood figures: the Underworld Yama, Ox Demon, Horse Face, Divine Monkey, Thunder Dragon, Black and White Impermanence...

They saw a majestic city standing upon the earth, and on the city tower stood figures: the Underworld's Yama, Ox Demon, Horse Face, Divine Monkey, Thunder Dragon, Black and White Impermanence...

【157】 They saw a majestic city standing upon the earth, and on the city tower stood figures: the Underworld's Yama, Ox Demon, Horse Face, Divine Monkey, Thunder Dragon, Black and White Impermanence...

And so on, the various underworld fiends stood in diverse postures on the city tower.

And the various fiends of the Underworld stood in diverse poses on the city tower.

【158】 And the various fiends of the Underworld stood in diverse poses on the city tower.

Mysterious, unfathomable, powerful, eerie...

Mysterious, unfathomable, powerful, eerie...

【159】 Mysterious, unfathomable, powerful, eerie...

Lü Taibai's eyes glimmered.

Lü Taibai's eyes glimmered.

【160】 Lü Taibai's eyes glimmered.

Such an underworld actually managed to bring them out alive from Shendu!

Such an Underworld actually brought them out fighting from Shendu!

【161】 Such an Underworld actually brought them out fighting from Shendu!

Hum——

Hum—

【162】 Hum—

Amidst the exclamations.

Amidst the exclamations.

【163】 Amidst the exclamations.

Ink City seemed to burst into a cloud of thick ink smoke and then completely vanished.

The Ink City seemed to transform into thick ink smoke that exploded, then completely vanished.

【164】 The Ink City seemed to transform into thick ink smoke that exploded, then completely vanished.

The mysterious underworld, once again, disappeared in an extremely mysterious way from everyone's sight.

The mysterious Underworld, once again in an extremely mysterious way, disappeared from everyone's sight.

【165】 The mysterious Underworld, once again in an extremely mysterious way, disappeared from everyone's sight.

Even Lü Taibai couldn't help but slowly exhale a breath at that moment.

Even Lü Taibai, at this moment, couldn't help but slowly exhale a breath.

【166】 Even Lü Taibai, at this moment, couldn't help but slowly exhale a breath.

Xixi held Zhang Ya's hand, her eyes full of excitement and eagerness, yet also somewhat reluctant.

Xixi held Zhang Ya's hand, her eyes full of excitement and joy, yet also somewhat reluctant!

【167】 Xixi held Zhang Ya's hand, her eyes full of excitement and joy, yet also somewhat reluctant!

"When will Dad take Xixi to meet the underworld masters again?"

"When will Father bring Xixi again to meet the many masters of the Underworld?"

【168】 "When will Father bring Xixi again to meet the many masters of the Underworld?"

"Ox Ox Master, Divine Monkey Master, Thunder Dragon Master…… Black and White Impermanence Master…… Yama Master……"

"Ox Ox Master, Divine Monkey Master, Thunder Dragon Master... Black and White Impermanence Master... Yama Master..."

【169】 "Ox Ox Master, Divine Monkey Master, Thunder Dragon Master... Black and White Impermanence Master... Yama Master..."

Xixi counted on her fingers, one by one.

Xixi counted on her fingers, one by one.

【170】 Xixi counted on her fingers, one by one.

Zhang Ya rubbed Xixi's head.

Zhang Ya rubbed Xixi's head.

【171】 Zhang Ya rubbed Xixi's head.

However, soon Xixi's sorrow was shattered by the exclamations.

However, soon Xixi's sorrow was broken by the exclamations.

【172】 However, soon Xixi's sorrow was broken by the exclamations.

Yet they saw the Second Elder, Zhao Fangzhou, looking around in great shock.

Yet seen, the second elder Zhao Fangzhou, looked around in great shock.

【173】 Yet seen, the second elder Zhao Fangzhou, looked around in great shock.

"Sect Master!"

"Sect Master!"

【174】 "Sect Master!"

"We... we have returned to Primordial Dao City?!"

"We... we have returned to Qianyuan Dao City?"

【175】 "We... we have returned to Primordial Dao City?"

At that moment, Lü Taibai was startled, the heavenly and earthly souls surged forth, he looked around, and couldn't help but be stunned.

At that moment, Lü Taibai was startled, the heavenly earth souls surged forth, he looked around, and couldn't help but be stunned.

【176】 At that moment, Lü Taibai was startled, the heavenly earth souls surged forth, he looked around, and couldn't help but be stunned.

"So fast!"

"How fast!"

【177】 "How fast!"

He couldn't help but mutter.

He couldn't help but mutter.

【178】 He couldn't help but mutter.

Afterwards, a hint of severity appeared in Lü Taibai's eyes.

Afterwards, a hint of harshness appeared in Lü Taibai's eyes.

【179】 Afterwards, a hint of harshness appeared in Lü Taibai's eyes.

Let's go, hurry back to the sect!

We have completely turned against the Dàjǐng court, and the methods of that Dàjǐng State Preceptor, Xie Yunshen, will surely become even more thunderous and fierce!

We should ready the Dàjǐng court's great army, intending to trample the preparations of the Primordial Origin Divine Sect!

Hurry back and discuss with the Grand Elder, to seize control of Dao City as quickly as possible!

Xixi took Zhang Ya's hand, her eyes instantly lighting up, and she involuntarily puffed out her little belly.

Sect Master, Master!

Are we going to rebel?!

Click-clack—

Outside Shendu.

Wind and thunder followed each other, a torrential downpour poured, bean-sized raindrops smashed onto the ground and burst apart.

Therefore, the falling rainwater carried a hint of terrifying calamity tribulation pressure; even a Grandmaster could only feel their qi and blood circulation become extremely sluggish.

Nie Yang held Li Chengzhou, while Li Qing Shan carried Granny Mu on his back, circulating their qi and blood to push back the rain, not letting the rain infused with calamity tribulation aura affect Granny Mu.

Nie Yang embraced Li Chengzhou, while Li Qingshan carried Mu Po on his back; his qi and blood circulated, he pushed back the rain, not letting the rain imbued with calamitous aura affect Mu Po.

The mud on the ground was trampled, and the splashed muddy water flew up swiftly.

The four fled at breakneck speed, their speed reaching the extreme limit.

They didn't blame the Underworld's Yama for not taking them along, after all, they too were members of the Primordial Origin Divine Sect.

But they thought, the Underworld's Yama had no relation to them, so why should he bring them along?

They weren't legless, were they?

At that time, the situation was extremely dire; the Underworld's Yama being able to lead the members of the Primordial Origin Divine Sect away was already quite good, and that was probably out of respect for Li Che, this Underworld villain Horse Face.

Li Qing Shan felt bitter in his heart; he too was an official member of the Underworld.

Li Qingshan felt bitter inside; he, too, was an official member of the Underworld!

It seems someone is chasing us!

Suddenly, Nie Yang's scalp went numb; the sword in his arms abruptly trembled and hummed.

The sword intent almost involuntarily wanted to burst forth.

This indicates that the pursuer catching up is immensely strong!

This shows that the pursuer who has caught up is extremely strong!

Terrifying and oppressive qi and blood exploded with a boom; in an instant, countless raindrops seemed to be frozen in place.

Then a figure came crashing down before the four, the ground deeply dented from the impact.

Nie Yang clenched the Blazing Yang Sword in his hand, its sword intent surging skyward abundantly.

Nie Yang gripped the Blazing Sun Sword tightly, its sword intent soared to the heavens, vigorous and abundant.

A faint voice drifted out.

Nie Yang blinked in surprise.

He then saw that burly figure slowly straighten his waist, a head of golden hair flying, a pair of golden eyes as if molten fire were spreading.

Then he saw that burly figure slowly straightening his back, a head of golden hair flying, a pair of golden eyes, as if flowing fire spread.

Nie Yang couldn't help but let out a sigh of relief.

Your speed is too slow; I'll take you.

The Golden-haired Xiezhi shook its head: 'I am now my master's servant; protecting you is what I ought to do……'

The Golden-haired Justice Beast shook its head: "I am now the master's slave; protecting you is what I ought to do……"

The Golden-haired Xiezhi flicked a finger, and instantly qi and blood transformed into a golden lion that lifted the four, then began to sprint swiftly through the dense forest.

Wind-driven and lightning-fast, the speed reached the extreme limit.

It far surpassed Nie Yang's full-speed run as a Grandmaster of the Three Flowers at the Peak.

The Golden-haired Xiezhi's golden hair flew behind it, hands clasped behind its back, leisurely following them.

All the way heading toward the direction of Primordial Origin Dao City.

The Golden-haired Xiezhi guessed, his master would surely need him soon, after all, the Primordial Origin Divine Sect and the Dàjǐng court have completely turned against each other; given the Dàjǐng court's temperament, how could it possibly bypass the Primordial Origin Divine Sect and still peacefully establish itself in Lingnan Circuit?

It was like having a dagger stabbed into the abdomen that could tear the body apart at any moment.

The court naturally would want to pull out that dagger.

Yet the Golden-haired Xiezhi was in a great mood.

Because he was willing to accept defeat, after being beaten by Li Che, he originally thought he would become a force on the Dàjǐng side, possibly becoming hostile to Wu Shen Mountain at that time.

But now it seems the Primordial Origin Divine Sect is going to face off against the Dàjǐng court.

The enemy's enemy is a comrade.

In that case, aren't the Primordial Origin Divine Sect and Wu Shen Mountain comrades?

The Golden-haired Xiezhi felt that his identity wasn't too embarrassing.

The Golden-haired Justice Beast felt that its identity was not too embarrassing.

Mo City, Fengdu.

Li Che took off the Yama mask.

Now, the entire Fengdu has only him as a living person, so naturally there's no need for disguise.

Now, the entire Abundant Capital has only him left as a living person, so naturally there's no need for disguise.

★co

He took a step forward, landing on the smooth ground of Ink City; rain fell, spreading rippling circles over the pooled water, adding a touch of Jiangnan water‑town charm to Ink City.

In his ink‑colored robe, Li Che strolled through the city; numerous Binding Gods emerged from the houses, their gazes toward Li Che filled with reverence.

He resembled a king who commands death and rebirth, surveying his domain.

He pressed his two fingers together, tearing the air.

In an instant, a strong scent of blood spread.

Three corpse meatballs that Li Che had taken fell to the ground; they were the dead Azure Dragon, Vermilion Bird and White Tiger, three top‑peak Shendu Mysterious Guard commanders.

They were three capable generals under the Emperor; their deaths dealt a significant blow to the Emperor's forces.

"This is only the beginning…"

"Heavenly Pill Divine Sect Gu Changqing, Seven Treasure Divine Sect Ning Caishen, Haoran Academy Bai Bu Yi, Dragon Tiger Divine Sect Zhao Chunqiu, Bashu Sword Pavilion Gu Cheng…"

"Ji Mo Li, Xie Yun Shen, Heaven‑Scarred Earth‑Missing…"

"And… the Emperor!"

"His name already appears in the Book of Life and Death; someday his fate will be taken!"

Li Che's eyes flickered with malice.

He, Li Che… remembers!

His gaze swept over.

He spread his five fingers like a rake—

"Soul, return!"

"Binding God!"

Li Che's cold voice rang out.

In an instant.

It sounded like a wailing from the netherworld, exploding with clanking chains and a chilling aura of death spreading.

Three Binding God silhouettes materialized at once.

On the faces of the Azure Dragon, Vermilion Bird and White Tiger, struggle was evident; the next moment, as if they suddenly understood something, a relentless tremor surged in their hearts!

Their expressions were full of shock.

Like other Binding Gods, after learning the true nature of the Underworld, they were left only with horror.

It turned out… the Underworld was just one person's Underworld!

One person, that is the Underworld!

"Salutations, my lord!"

Amid the greedy, yearning gazes of the surrounding Binding Gods.

The Azure Dragon, White Tiger and Vermilion Bird, without hesitation, chose to submit.

Li Che was slightly startled; he had expected that, as three commanders wholly loyal to the Emperor, they might struggle or resist, and he had planned to feed them to the Binding Gods.

Unexpectedly, the three decisively submitted.

They felt no remorse toward the Emperor…

"Lord… we were chosen by the Emperor from youth, trained as death soldiers, subjected to countless torments and refinements, even stripped of our life souls; now that we die, it is also liberation…"

The Azure Dragon clasped his fists and said.

Li Che smiled: "Now you have become Binding Gods; there is no difference from serving Emperor Jing."

"No… there is a difference; we feel an unprecedented freedom and boundlessness!"

In the Azure Dragon's eyes, an exuberant, dazzling joy suddenly erupted.

Besides Li Che's ability to restrain them, his restrictions do not diminish the freedom and exhilaration they feel.

"Unfortunately, Black Tortoise did not come; had it arrived, our Four Symbols together could rival a half‑step Martial God!"

The Azure Dragon said.

Li Che could not help but be speechless.

"However, we know the cultivation method of Black Tortoise; we can pass it to… a certain Binding God brother, letting him become Black Tortoise and cooperate with us."

As the head of the Four Symbols' Mysterious Guard, the Azure Dragon clasped his fists and said.

Li Che, upon hearing this, showed a hint of surprise and let the Azure Dragon choose freely.

The Azure Dragon truly began to select carefully among the many Binding Gods.

He ultimately chose Long Tai as the new Black Tortoise.

Long Tai's cultivation has just entered the Saint of War realm, naturally mismatched with the top‑peak levels of the Azure Dragon and others.

However, the Azure Dragon said that once the Black Tortoise method is practiced, he will quickly ascend.

It is a kind of "pull‑up‑the‑seedling" cultivation method.

Li Che was very interested in this accelerated method and immediately had Long Tai begin cultivation.

Because Binding Gods can enhance themselves by devouring other Binding Gods…

Li Che truly feared no such accelerated cultivation.

For Binding Gods, they never fear being pulled.

After binding the three top‑peak Binding Gods, Li Che sat cross‑legged in Ink City and began inventorying their Universe Jewels.

After the inventory, the haul was actually not great…

As mindless death‑soldier commanders loyal to the Emperor, they could be called incorruptible, far cleaner than Han Sixi of the Ferret Temple.

Nevertheless, Li Che did not blame them; their incorruptibility was not their fault but the Emperor's, whose exploitation was so harsh that he treated the Azure Dragon and others as mere beasts of burden.

Li Che sat cross‑legged in the central plaza of Ink City.

"Hoo—"

Inhale—

Between breaths, the wind and currents surged.

Heaven and earth grew quiet.

Li Che slowly opened his eyes, as if golden flowing light, like rippling water, surged past.

【Name: Li Che】

【Bond: Li Nuanxi (daughter)】

【Dao Fruit: Immortal Craft (lv6, 10%), Dragon Elephant Vajra (lv6, 70%), Immaculate Heart (LV6, 80%), Chess Sage (LV6, 15%), Immortal in the Painting (lv5, 80%), Thunder Magnetic Orbit (lv5, 5%), Dream Daoist (lv330%)】

【Divine Ability Prototype: Immortal Craft·Thousand Analysis Hand, Dragon Elephant Vajra·Ascend the Tower, Immaculate Heart·Detain Divinity, Chess Sage·Great Avalanche, Immortal in the Painting·Ink Slay, Thunder Magnetic Orbit·God Thunder, Dream Daoist·Dream Butterfly】

【Divine Ability: Plucking Stars, Rosy Clouds Lift, Divine Guidance, Boundless, White Jade Capital, Prison Thunder】

【Dao Guide: Dragon Elephant Combined Furnace, Seven Apertures Exquisite Heart, Divine Craft, Heaven-Rivaling】

【Tip: For each year the bond target grows safely, the Dao Tree can bear one Dao Fruit】

The Dao Fruit panel surfaced.

Li Che calmed his mind and slowly scanned.

He was mainly looking at the Dao Fruit maturity column; the gains from this trip to Shendu were still huge.

After the Immortal Craft Dao Fruit rose to lv6, because in the Heroes' Victory Assembly battles he basically controlled the little Yinglong king in combat, gaining some improvement.

The Dragon Elephant Vajra Dao Fruit improvement was huge, mainly because he slew the Azure Dragon, Vermilion Bird, and White Tiger three top pinnacles, plus consuming the 7,000-year and 9,000-year Chilong blood peaches, which all enhanced his external tempering.

Thus, the Dragon Elephant Vajra Dao Fruit actually reached 70% maturity.

As for the Immaculate Heart Dao Fruit, it was entirely because he captured that 【Immortal Gathering Yellow Banner】 and devoured its unique energy.

Thus he directly achieved a surge, raising it to 80%!

This made Li Che increasingly yearn for the other Immortal Gathering Banners in the emperor's hands.

If he could obtain just one more, perhaps the Immaculate Heart Dao Fruit could break through lv6 and transform into lv7 rank!

An lv7 rank Dao Fruit!

Li Che merely thought about it, and felt his soul tremble slightly!

That is definitely an extraordinary Dao Fruit.

Next, the Immortal in the Painting Dao Fruit also saw huge improvement; the Ink City Lord's clone bore much attack damage, increasing the Dao Fruit's maturity; furthermore… Li Che, each time he experienced the Peach Forest's ascension, seemed to stimulate Ink City, causing Ink City to absorb an intangible power.

"It's almost there…… the Immortal in the Painting Dao Fruit is also about to reach lv6."

Li Che couldn't help but laugh.

Like a diligent fruit farmer watching the fruits he planted gradually ripen, his smile was that of a harvest.

As for the Thunder Magnetic Orbit and Dream Daoist Dao Fruits, their improvement was rather slow.

His mind and spirit gathered.

Li Che's mood was great.

However, he soon calmed down, suppressing his emotions.

He began to enjoy the fruits of this journey to Shendu.

Sitting cross-legged on the ground, the airflow around him suddenly surged, golden qi and blood explosively erupted, turning into a hazy golden blood mist, intertwining between heaven and earth!

Splash splash splash……

A golden qi and blood pool of four thousand zhang suddenly transformed into a phenomenon hovering above his head.

Amidst the splashing sounds, the golden water waves collided and exploded into billows!

Li Che suddenly opened his eyes and exhaled a mouthful of scorching hot qi.

"The energy of the 9,000-year Chilong blood peach…… has been completely refined!"

"However, let's press on with one burst!"

Li Che spread his five fingers and took out the ten-thousand-year peach plucked from the ten-thousand-year peach forest!

The ten-thousand-year peach that he had ripened from unripe via Kunlun death light!

An extremely rich fragrance continuously wafted and permeated.

Li Che opened his mouth and bit down without hesitation.

Because it was a forced-ripened peach, it was somewhat crisp, not as soft and tender as a naturally ripened one, but upon entry the juice burst forth, massive energy exploding like a bomb in his mouth, madly surging toward his stomach and intestines.

Upon reaching the four-thousand-zhang golden sea of qi, it instantly set off towering ripples!

Boom—

One ten-thousand-year peach swallowed into the belly!

Come on!

Li Che abruptly rose to his feet, golden qi and blood erupting, he clenched his fists and thrust a punch forward!

His hair, tinged with golden luster, whipped wildly, the air seeming to be pulled apart, bursting with thunderous cracks!

Li Che's eyes blazed bright, as if rolling flames surged!

His arms suddenly spread, as if energy ripples surged outward from within, driving all the rain of Ink City falling from the sky up into the heavens!

Golden qi and blood twisted and roared.

It transformed into a massive golden qi and blood divine dragon, lifelike, churning above the golden sea of qi, its horns, whiskers, and scales all present, as if real!

Then a massive golden demon elephant appeared, trampling the golden pool, sending qi and blood soaring a hundred zhang high!

Li Che's incomparably mighty martial will erupted, dragon and elephant roaring in unison, dyeing the entire Ink City in ink-gold!

Standing amidst the ink-colored city, Li Che's whole body seemed to become crystalline and translucent, as if transformed into a golden person.

The immensely powerful pure martial body began to tremble, accompanied by training.

Dragon Elephant Fusion Furnace instantly took shape!

Enveloped Li Che, as if being refined and hammered within the furnace!

Terrifying energy of the ten-thousand-year flat peach surged explosively, with Li Che using the Dragon Elephant Fusion Furnace to refine it, scattering toward the pure martial body, while enhancing the pure martial body and simultaneously expanding the qi sea golden pool.

Each expansion was an expansion of a hundred zhang!

The furnace loomed vast, immensely huge, with dragon and elephant roaring in unison.

Li Che's body floated within the furnace.

Being burned by the golden fire of qi and blood.

The qi sea golden pool continuously expanded above Ink City.

Li Che suddenly opened his eyes.

Strong martial will loomed.

He sought to find his martial path of ascent within the qi sea golden pool!

But……

Before that!

Li Che, within the furnace, had almost transformed into a pure golden silhouette!

A long whistle rang out, like an extremely sharp spear, seeking to pierce the heavens!

Ten-thousand-zhang qi sea golden pool... open!