Chapter 432: then translation of title, then ===GLOSSARY=== with list of named entities appearing in these lines

Patters—

Patters—

The ink‑colored rainwater fluttered across the city tower, continuously pouring down and striking the black bricks; the large raindrops resembled a brush soaked in thick ink, swinging and bursting into a black mist.

Translate: "Black-colored rainwater scattered wildly over the city tower, continuously pouring down, striking the black bricks, bean-sized raindrops like ink-soaked wolf-hair brushes flicked outward, bursting and exploding into black mist." Need to keep all info. Let's craft: "Black-colored rainwater scattered wildly over the city tower, continuously pouring down, striking the black bricks; bean-sized raindrops, like ink-soaked wolf-hair brushes, flicked outward, bursting and exploding into black mist." Ensure no extra.

Majestic, vast, and mysterious, the ink‑colored city hovered in suspension, a lattice of intersecting lines forming an endless grid that upheld this majestic city!

Translate: "Towering, vast, and mysterious, the black-colored city hovered, a grid of intersecting lines like a chessboard with endless pathways, holding up this majestic city!" Keep exclamation.

Above the city gates, the howling wind and waves spread out, pouring forth a raging gale that nearly blew the twisted, bloated face hidden in the cauldron so hard it could not open its eyes.

Translate: "Above the city gates, howling winds poured down, injecting a raging gale that nearly slapped the twisted, bloated face hidden in the pill furnace so hard it could not open its eyes." Need to keep meaning.

The city gate bore the inscription: Capital of the Dead!

The city gate bore the inscription: Capital of the Dead!

A silhouette in black robes embroidered with golden lotus sat with its back turned.

Translate: "A black-clad figure embroidered with golden lotus patterns sat with its back turned."

Heaven and earth seemed to have grown still at this moment.

Translate: "Heaven and earth seemed to fall silent at this moment."

"Kids are fighting; what business do we old timers have interfering?"

Translate: "\"Children fighting, what business do we old fogies have sticking our hands in? \""

A faint voice issued from the black‑robed figure's mouth, like an ancient monster that had lain atop the ancient city for thousands, even tens of thousands of years, inexplicably imparting a sense of oppression to the figure within the cauldron.

Translate: "A faint voice issued from the black-clad figure's mouth, like an ancient monster that had lain atop the old city for thousands or tens of thousands of years, inexplicably bringing a sense of oppression to the silhouette within the pill furnace."

This sense of oppression is inconceivable; know that for a being of his stature, only the Three Calamities and Nine Tribulations aroused by the will of heaven and earth could impose such pressure.

Translate: "This sense of oppression is inconceivable; know that for an existence at his level, only the Three Calamities and Nine Tribulations aroused by the will of heaven and earth could impose such pressure."

Who on earth is this person before me, able to impose such oppression upon him?

Translate: "Who exactly is this person before him, that he could actually bring such pressure?"

The bloated face hidden within the cauldron slowly narrowed its eyes.

Translate: "The bloated face hidden within the pill furnace suddenly narrowed its eyes."

As expected…

Translate: "Indeed……"

How could such a superb elixir of humanity possibly lack a guardian?

Translate: "Such a superb medicinal human, how could there be no guardian?"

Li Che slowly turned from the city tower, wearing an adorable ox‑child mask; back in Flying Thunder City, he had his daughter wear the very same ox‑demon mask to protect her.

Translate: "Li Che slowly turned from the city tower, wearing an adorable calf mask; back in Flying Thunder City, he had protected his daughter with the same ox-demon mask."

Now, as his daughter goes out to train, she wears a little calf mask; naturally, as her father, he too dons the ox‑demon mask.

Translate: "Now his daughter went out for training, wearing a little calf mask, so as her father he naturally… also donned the ox-demon mask."

The old ox demon protecting the calf is perfectly reasonable.

Translate: "The old ox demon protecting the calf calf is reasonable and fitting."

Li Che still clutched a divine crystal of the Three Pure Ones rank; he had been cultivating in his study, sending a thread of his mind to monitor Xixi's situation.

Translate: "Li Che still clutched a divine crystal of the Three Purities rank; he had originally been cultivating in his study, sending out a thread of mind to monitor Xixi's situation."

When a martial artist who had just opened the Martial Saint realm moved against Xixi, Li Che naturally had no need to intervene; to give his daughter experience, he naturally adopted an attitude of letting her train.

Translate: "A martial artist who had just reached the Martial Saint realm made a move against Xixi; Li Che naturally had no need to intervene, for he wanted his daughter to gain experience, which naturally required an attitude of training."

Although he constantly watched over his daughter's safety, a mere Martial Saint opener might not be enough for Xixi to handle.

Translate: "Although he constantly monitored his daughter's safety, a mere Martial Saint beginner might not truly be beyond Xixi's ability to handle."

But when the old monster hidden in the cauldron, its face twisted with ferocity, began to devour people one after another, Li Che could not turn a blind eye.

Translate: "But when that old monster hidden in the pill furnace, face full of ferocity, spoke of swallowing a person as medicine, Li Che naturally could not turn a blind eye."

For such an existence is now beyond what Xixi can contend with.

Translate: "Because such an existence is already beyond what Xixi can currently handle."

Although not his true form, he is nevertheless a genuine master who has endured the divine tribulation.

Translate: "Although not his true form, he is nevertheless a genuine cultivator who has endured the Divine Tribulation."

Li Che also learned from Gu Changqing that this oily presence hidden in the cauldron is likely the Yang Progenitor Ancestor of the Yin‑Yang Two Progenitors of the Heavenly Elixir Divine Sect.

Translate: "Li Che also learned from Ancient Evergreen that this oily presence hidden in the pill furnace should be the Yang Progenitor Ancestor of the Yin-Yang Two Mysteries of the Heavenly Elixir Sect."

The Yin Progenitor Ancestor excels at poison, whereas the Yang Progenitor Ancestor is far less conspicuous.

Translate: "The Yin Progenitor Ancestor excels at poison, while the Yang Progenitor Ancestor is far less conspicuous."

As it turns out, this Yang Progenitor Ancestor seems to have a few minor flaws.

Translate: "As it appears now, this Yang Progenitor Ancestor seems to have a slight little problem."

Within the cauldron, the oily face slightly narrowed its eyes.

Translate: "Within the pill furnace, the oily face slightly narrowed its eyes."

"Indeed, you are quite right…… children fighting, we old fogies really shouldn't meddle; it's my fault, hehehe."

Translate: "\"Indeed, you are quite right…… Children fighting, we old fogies really shouldn't interfere; it's my mistake, hehehe. \""

Inside the cauldron, the thick‑lipped face opened and closed, emitting a hehehe laugh.

Translate: "Inside the pill furnace, the thick lips of the face opened and closed, emitting a hehehe laugh."

Firelight burst forth, as if a great fire burned within the furnace, causing the cauldron to belch rolling black smoke, which then transformed into a stream of light that sped swiftly back along the path it came, fleeing toward the mountain gate of the Heavenly Elixir Divine Sect.

Translate: "Firelight burst forth explosively, as if a great fire burned within the furnace, causing the pill furnace to suddenly belch rolling black smoke, which then transformed into a stream of light, fleeing at high speed back along the way it came, rushing toward the mountain gate of the Heavenly Elixir Sect."

He had no desire whatsoever to engage Li Che in combat.

Translate: "It had no desire whatsoever to clash with Li Che."

Li Che's face beneath the ox‑demon mask was utterly cold, the corners of his lips slightly curling upward.

Translate: "Li Che's face beneath the ox-demon mask was utterly cold, the corners of his lips slightly curving upward."

"Human elixir?"

Translate: "\"Human medicine? \""

A faint voice echoed forth.

Translate: "A faint voice rang out."

Then, a terrifying killing intent surged like waves and tides, as if it could sweep across the lone river tide on the Grand Canal of Guangling Dao City, towering waves crashing, rumbling endlessly, joining heaven and earth, bearing the weight of the world's authority!

Translate: "Then, a terrifying killing intent surged like waves and tides, as if it could sweep across the single river current on the Grand Canal of Guangling Dao City, huge waves towering, rolling thunderous roars, joining with heaven and earth, bearing the pressure of heaven and earth!"

He regarded his daughter as a human elixir?!

Translate: "To regard his daughter as human medicine?!"

If Li Che did not appear, would this Yang Progenitor Ancestor bully the weak and seize his daughter to refine pills?

Translate: "If Li Che did not appear, would this Yang Progenitor Ancestor bully the weak, seize his daughter to refine pills?"

Moreover, the Ascension Pavilion within Guangling Dao City……

Translate: "Moreover, the Ascension Pavilion within Guangling Dao City…"

Perhaps this is also the work of that Yang Progenitor Ancestor?

Translate: "It is likely also the work of this Yang Progenitor Ancestor, right?"

I heard Gu Changqing say that the Heavenly Elixir Divine Sect established the Ascension Pavilion to concoct a chronic poison pill, whose purpose was simply to amass wealth and provide resources for the ancestors' cultivation.

Translate: "I heard from Ancient Evergreen that the Heavenly Elixir Sect established the Ascension Pavilion, concocting a chronic poison pill, its purpose being to amass wealth and gather resources for the ancestors' cultivation."

Thus, through Xixi's perspective, Li Che naturally also saw the wretched state inside the Ascension Pavilion.

Translate: "Thus, through Xixi's perspective, Li Che naturally also saw the miserable state inside the Ascension Pavilion."

Other divine sects suppress strange temples and their deities.

Translate: "Other sects suppress the Guiyi Miao, suppress the temple deities."

But the Heavenly Elixir Divine Sect…… chose to embrace the sect, colluding with the temple deities for illicit gain, rather than suppressing them to obtain their inheritance……

Translate: "But this Heavenly Elixir Sect… instead chose to embrace the sect, colluding with the temple deities for illicit gain, rather than obtaining the inheritance through suppression……"

This is precisely the consequence of the Great Jing court letting go, allowing the strange temples within each major sect's autonomous territories to run rampant!

Translate: "This is precisely the consequence of the Dàjǐng court letting go, allowing the Guiyi Miao within the autonomous territories of the great sects to run unchecked!"

Now, the court's stationed Temple Suppression Offices and Imperial Astronomy Bureaus have begun drafting personnel, so all manner of operations by the divine sects have emerged.

Translate: "Now the garrisoned Temple Suppression Offices and Imperial Astronomy Bureau across the court have begun drafting personnel, so all manner of sect operations have emerged."

Of course, there are also sects like the Qianyuan Divine Sect, diligent and conscientious in suppressing strange temples for the surrounding populace.

Translate: "Of course, there are also sects like the Primordial Origin Sect, diligent and earnest in suppressing the Guiyi Miao for the surrounding populace."

Rather than leave them be, they would rather relocate all the numerous strange temples around Qianyuan Dao City into the sect's mountain gate, suppressing them with the sect's sole power to display great resolve.

Translate: "They would rather relocate the numerous Guiyi Miao around Primordial Origin Dao City entirely into the sect's mountain gate, suppressing them with the sect's sole power, thereby displaying great resolve."

Yet there are also sects like the Heavenly Elixir Divine Sect that collude illicitly with temple deities.

Translate: "Yet there are also sects like the Heavenly Elixir Sect that collude with the temple deities."

Buzz—bang—

Translate: "Buzz—bang——"

A muffled roar like thunderclap, and in an instant the air seemed to ripple with layers of spreading waves.

Translate: "A dull boom like thunderclap, instantly the air seemed to ripple with layers of spreading waves."

Beneath the ox‑demon mask, his physique suddenly swelled into a hulking form, scorching qi and blood surging forth like a torrent, raging like waves; on his bare skin, black‑red hues intertwined as if forged from molten iron, while golden qi and blood wafted about, tinging his hair tips, his whole body appearing as if encircled by a halo of golden smoke.

Translate: "Beneath the ox-demon mask, the physique suddenly swelled into a hulking form, scorching qi and blood surging in torrents, surging like a tide, on the bare skin black‑red like molten iron intertwined, golden qi and blood wafted, staining the hair tips, the whole body seemed to be encircled by a halo of golden smoke."

Boom——

Translate: "Boom——"

Li Che clenched his five fingers, placed a piece on the heavenly chessboard, and in an instant accomplished a shift akin to a flying star leaping across.

Translate: "Li Che clenched his five fingers, placed a stone on the heaven‑earth chessboard, and in an instant completed a translocation like a flying star leaping through space."

He appeared on the Yang Progenitor Ancestor's inevitable path, blocking that cauldron!

Translate: "He appeared on the Yang Progenitor Ancestor's inevitable path, blocking that pill furnace!"

The heavenly chessboard stretched across, the ink‑colored city profound beyond measure; above the gate, the characters "Fengdu" flowed, as if countless souls roared and wailed.

Translate: "The heaven‑earth chessboard stretched across, the black city profound beyond measure; on the gate above, the characters 'Fengdu' flowed, as if countless souls roared and wailed."

It resembled a city symbolizing death!

Translate: "Like a city symbolizing death!"

The cauldron erupted with towering flames; the bloated face's eyes widened in fury, bellowing, "Give them an inch and they'll take a mile!"

Translate: "The pill furnace exploded with sky‑high flames; the bloated face's eyes widened suddenly, bellowing in fury: 'Greedy for more!'"

"I have already given up on the human elixir—what more do you want?!"

Translate: "\"I have already given up on human medicine—what more do you want?! \""

Within the cauldron, the Yang Progenitor Ancestor roared repeatedly, as if plunged into madness; a terrifying, chaotic will surged forth, rampant and intertwined.

Translate: "Within the pill furnace, the Yang Progenitor Ancestor roared repeatedly, as if fallen into madness, a terrifying and chaotic will continually surging forth, raging and intertwining."

Under the ox-demon mask, Li Che's eyes were utterly cold and ruthless.

I'll beat you to death.

A faint, hoarse voice echoed and reverberated.

The frantic roar in the alchemy furnace seemed as if its throat had been choked in an instant.

Boom——!!!

The black gate of Ink City Fengdu seemed, in an instant, to open like a bloody maw, completely swallowing it up.

……

……

Hiss——

Falling snow instantly turned into rainwater, twisted and burned by black flames, splashing down.

Clanging sounds rang out endlessly as the Hell Lotus Wind Fire Golden Light Wheel blazed with black fire, as if devouring all light.

Xixi's one eye was lively, the other turned pitch-black, its pupil seeming to bloom a black lotus.

The sky-reaching braid trembled; the Hell Lotus Divine Pattern on his brow glowed, and behind him the Eight-Armed Three-Headed Hell Lotus Indestructible Divine Aspect shifted dramatically, fingers splayed as if grasping a black-flame fire-tip spear, moving in sync with Xixi, tracing a crescent arc, glancing askance at Gu Chuan.

Gu Chuan swallowed the forbidden pill, now neither human nor ghost, never expecting to be driven to this state by a seven-year-old brat.

But at this moment, the pressure emanating from Xixi made Gu Chuan feel a chill in his heart.

The forbidden medicine he took drew upon the power of the temple god……

Yet the temple god's power released from the pill now, like melting snow, slowly dissipated.

A bad premonition instantly spread through his heart.

Xixi felt an unprecedented strength and vigor!

So this is what true strength feels like!

Xixi finally became strong; strength brings change!

Boom——!!!

Across Xixi's skin, hell-lotus-like patterns intertwined and spread, covering his body, his qi and blood continually strengthening, undergoing a transformation.

Just taking a step, his qi and blood surged upward; within his small frame lay the power to destroy heaven and earth, burn the void, twist the cosmos!

And the instant Xixi took a step, he vanished completely.

The airflow in midair seemed to burst in an instant into countless turbulence.

Gu Chuan let out a long whistle and an angry roar!

His heart sank to the valley floor; it was clear he might not be able to wait for the patriarch any longer.

Because he could no longer sense the patriarch's aura……

At this moment, Gu Chuan wished he could curse the patriarch to death; if he had known the patriarch wouldn't come, he would have let Xixi go, why bother provoking this little girl?

Who would have thought this seven-year-old Xixi hid such terrifying power?

Buzz—

The air trembled, as if an invisible force was transmitted; a jet-black spear shadow, like a black dragon's roar, swept past his body; Gu Chuan's mutated qi and blood throughout his body felt as if frozen, leaving no time to release……

He instantly felt a huge lotus-shaped gap appear on his body!

A long spear ablaze with black flames pierced his body; terrifying divinity and frenzied ravaging intertwined, striking his meridians throughout and severing his qi and blood.

Destroying his five viscera and six bowels, already riddled with cracks under the extreme load!

"You......"

Gu Chuan's eyes widened in terror as he opened his mouth.

Bang—!

Xixi's chubby little hand gripped the spear, giving it a violent shake, as if black flames transformed into a dragon-elephant, trampling and lashing!

Myriad Transformations Dragon-Elephant!

It can be a spear, a fist, a blade, a sword!

This is the martial art Li Che imparted to Xixi!

Now, Xixi, in her Xixi Great Emperor state, seems to have gained much insight, her mastery of the martial art becoming ever more profound!

Supremely domineering black flames blazed brightly, distorting the void, as if a black flame flood dragon emerged from the abyss, the sea, and heaven and earth!

Like a flood dragon, the beacon fires of war blazed and raged!

Gu Chuan, this martial sage, instantly threw his head back and let out a miserable, shrill howl……

Then, his entire body exploded with a boom, shattering into countless fragments burning with black flames, like tiny meteors falling from midair, blown to pieces.

Xixi Great Emperor.

Achieved the feat of a seven-year-old slaying a martial sage!

Behind Xixi hovered the eight-armed, three-headed Indestructible Divine Aspect of the Prison Lotus, single-handedly gripping diagonally the black-flame serpent spear.

One eye was extremely cold and ruthless, the other eye gleeful and jumping for joy.

Switching incessantly between Xixi Great Emperor and Erha Xixi.

"I'm so strong!"

"Xixi Great Emperor, you're really too strong!"

Xixi drew a deep breath, couldn't help exclaiming, feeling incredulous at her own strength.

However, Xixi stepped on the Prison Lotus Wind-Fire Golden Light Wheel, turning into a black streak that shot down, seizing the Qiankun Jade that flew down with Gu Chuan's corpse fragments.

This is Xixi Great Emperor's spoil of war!

The Prison Lotus divine patterns covering his body began to wriggle back to the Prison Lotus divine patterns in the upper dantian.

After doing all that, Xixi finally let out a long breath and then grasped the Flying Thunder chess piece.

"Slius, slius!"

"After killing the Martial Saint and running away, that's really exciting!"

……

……

Whooo—

The snow fell incessantly.

As the detonating mushroom formation planted by Xixi gradually settled into calm.

The wind and waves ceased to surge.

Only Jintaishui, Yun'e, and Zhou Peng had come to a halt.

Yun'e kept tightly gripping the white Flying Thunder chess piece in her palm.

Xixi had told her that she could return by transferring via this Flying Thunder chess piece, thus escaping the Martial Saint's pursuit.

But by now, so much time has already passed.

The mushroom formation exploded with a boom, and the apocalyptic aftermath was about to dissipate.

Xixi still had not returned……

It filled Yun'e's heart with deep worry—Xixi…… wouldn't something have happened to her?

Upon thinking this, Yun'e's face involuntarily turned pale, her body began to tremble slightly, as if she could hardly keep her balance.

She was somewhat worried, worried that such a huge commotion would draw the ancestor of the Heavenly Pill Divine Sect.

It is said that the sect's ancestors are all great cultivators of the Divine Tribulation realm.

If such an existence were to make a move……

Xixi probably wouldn't even have time to use her transfer means, right?!

"Yun'e little sister, don't worry, Xixi is clever and lively, she has sense, she's very smart, she couldn't possibly come to harm."

Zhou Peng, on the other hand, remained calm; understanding Xixi quite well, he spoke with a cheerful laugh.

He also leisurely stuffed two buns into his mouth.

Yun'e, however, paid him no heed.

Even Jintaishui couldn't sit still; he rose to his feet, intending to rush back toward the explosion.

He was quickly grabbed by Zhou Peng: "Where are you going?"

"Are you going back to get yourself killed?"

"I'm going to look for Xixi." Jintaishui said in a low voice.

However, just as Jintaishui's words fell.

Yun'e let out a gasp; the Flying Thunder divine chess piece in her hand suddenly vanished.

When it reappeared, it was a distorted figure gradually becoming clear.

Yet Xixi's whole person seemed to be steaming with hot vapor.

Upon returning, Xixi plopped down on the ground, and the accumulated snow almost instantly melted into a pit several zhang wide.

Xixi's face flushed red, and the divine energy and blood on her body rose and fell in undulating waves.

Xixi immediately sat cross-legged and began cultivating.

Her cultivation seemed unable to hold back, about to rise and transform.

Yun'e wept with joy, watching Xixi return, and her heart finally settled.

Jintaishui's face involuntarily broke into a smile.

Even the stubborn little fatty Zhou Peng couldn't help but let out a long sigh of relief.

……

……

Boom—!!!

Guangling Dao City!

The entire Dao city seemed to undergo a violent tremor at this moment.

The Grand Canal running through the city saw its water surface explode instantly, endless torrents pouring down as if bringing the city a howling, frantic rainstorm!

Heavenly Pill Divine Sect, the main peak of its mountain gate.

Inside a temple.

A colossal pill cauldron was placed upon the altar.

Suddenly, the cauldron began to tremble.

With a crack on its surface, a fissure appeared.

Then, a wisp of smoke seeped out from the cauldron, slowly condensing in midair into the gaunt form of an old man.

"What gall! You actually slaughtered my side's Toad-Head Cauldron!"

A fierce gleam flashed in the old man's eyes.

He floated to the temple entrance, looked up, and the world's Dao spirit instantly boiled with a rumble; leaden clouds rolled across the vast sky, lightning crackled—this was the world's will sensing the disaster aftermath after a god‑tribulation.

The old man paid no heed to the changes in the world's will; his Dao spirit swept out and instantly clarified what had happened.

His eyes sank.

His Toad-Head Cauldron had sensed the aura of a supreme human elixir, prompting him to go seize it.

As a result, he ended up implicating himself.

That ink‑black city, and the black‑clad figure seated with its back to the human world……

His Toad-Head Cauldron possessed top‑tier peak combat power—even ordinary top‑tier peak fighters might not prevail, after all…… toads are poisonous!

But……

But it was simply unable to resist and was blown apart.

"Damn it, this damn supreme human elixir… and her protector! They all deserve to die!"

On the old man's face, a mad, furious, twisted expression involuntarily surfaced.

Stomping his feet repeatedly, the entire temple seemed to shake uncontrollably.

"Die! Must die!"

"You broke my one human-head toad furnace! Damn it!"

The roar of anger rolled out like exploding thunder, booming forth continuously.

"I wish I could kill you, this human elixir, right away!"

The old man stomped his foot, then without hesitation turned back, returned inside the furnace, and thoroughly sealed the cracked opening.

From the heart.

Not disgraceful.

……

……

Boom——!

Boom——!

Wind and Cloud Explosion!

The entire Mo City trembled slightly, wave after wave of airflow like a dragon frenziedly dancing ravaged the surrounding ground, the ground instantly sank, countless spiderweb-like cracks intertwined and spread.

The terrifyingly extreme air ripples seemed to want to crush the air itself, continuously spreading, like concentric circles raising wave after wave!

After an unknown amount of time, the wind and cloud howl blew away, and the terrifying aura of vibration within Mo City gradually subsided.

In the deep pit on the ground lay a pitiful, extremely strange and twisted furnace, covered in cracks.

At the edge of the ruins, ground rubble rolled as a figure stepped down, and the rubble on the ground instantly shattered and annihilated into fine powder.

Li Che wore the ox-demon mask, arms outstretched, on his back nine major tendons suddenly tensed, as if stacking the dragon-like spine that roared skyward until it almost burst through flesh.

With a crack, the furnace shattered open……

Revealed inside was a hideous, massive figure, that of a toad-like silhouette……

What was hidden inside this furnace was actually a human-head toad.

"A clone? It seems one's will was transferred onto this human-head toad…… No wonder it's so weak."

Under Li Che's ox-demon mask, his pupils burst forth with a faint light.

No wonder this patriarch's strike didn't trigger any resonance with the will of heaven and earth, instead showing a tendency to invite calamity.

The Yang Xuan Patriarch of the Heavenly Pill Divine Sect, Li Che originally still valued him, even though Li Che's cultivation has now broken through, whether it's the Martial Immortal Golden Body or martial cultivation, both have broken through.

But facing a true great cultivator who has never suffered harm like Zhao Beidou, Li Che dare not show the slightest contempt.

After all, against such an undying old foe, a slight underestimation could become a loophole the enemy grasps and ruthlessly tears apart.

But if it's merely a clone unable to even draw upon calamitous power, then there's nothing to fear.

With a flick of his finger, a black divine-seizing chess piece swelled and twisted, taking the form of Gu Changqing.

Li Che pointed at the human-head toad that appeared from the shattered furnace.

"This is… the Yang Xuan Patriarch's human-head toad furnace; the human-head toad pill inside is a heavenly pill refined from the divine power of the toad temple god, bearing the Yang Xuan Patriarch's will, and is his avatar walking the mortal realm!"

Gu Changqing was surprised, yet hurriedly introduced to Li Che.

"The human-head toad furnace is similar to the Buddhist Three‑Lives Embodiment technique; our sect's Heavenly Pill Avatar technique derives from it……"

"However, it is far superior to the Heavenly Pill Avatar technique, after all… this human-head toad furnace bears the will of a great calamity cultivator."

Gu Changqing said respectfully.

He was also puzzled, wondering why his lord could blast apart a patriarch's toad furnace.

"So… you call this disgusting thing a medicine?"

Li Che's low voice echoed.

This human-head toad's strength is not bad, its methods are strange, but it's only equivalent to a peak absolute apex, not even half a step into great calamity.

Li Che dealt with it naturally without much effort.

Gu Changqing smiled respectfully and obsequiously: "My lord, there are four of these human-head toad furnaces, called the Four‑Direction Human‑Head Toad Furnaces; their refinement method is strange, requiring the boiling of children's essence blood… but the efficacy is excellent… it greatly aids divine cultivation, after all the temple god's divinity has been sacrificed inside……"

A flash of disgust crossed Li Che's eyes.

Although the great calamity heaven‑earth dao soul within this human-head toad pill was blasted and erased by him.

But Li Che could never take this pill……

"My lord, since you are unwilling to take this pill, could you grant it to your subordinate? I could use it as a medicine guide to refine a poison pill……"

Gu Changqing clasped his fists and bowed, speaking with utmost respect.

He desperately wanted to advance, to prove his worth before his lord.

Upon hearing this, Li Che raised his eyebrows: "Refining that poison pill… Nine‑Turn Ascending Dragon Pillar?"

"No……"

Gu Changqing laughed, shook his head, then said somewhat sheepishly: "As a pill‑refining sage… I also know a little of the poisonous way."

"I intend to develop my own poison pill……"

Upon hearing this, Li Che had no objection, waved his hand, and directly gave this human-head toad pill to Gu Changqing.

"My lord, the human-head toad furnaces are divided into four directions, each containing a portion of the Yang Xuan Patriarch's heaven‑earth dao soul will, established in the four sides of Guangling Dao City, using human-head toad pills to sacrifice and refine the elixir qi……"

"This direction's human-head toad furnace is shattered; the Yang Xuan Patriarch should have sensed it…… the young lord may be in danger."

Gu Changqing thought of something and hurriedly said.

Upon hearing this, Li Che, beneath the ox‑demon mask, his eyes flickered: "Oh? No problem."

If he truly wants to die, then let him make a move and see.

Li Che said lightly, his tone full of confidence and ruthlessness.

If that Yang Xuan ancestor truly dares to make a move, Li Che doesn't mind letting him feel what it means to be fearless in the face of the Divine Tribulation Seizing God.

Zhao Beidou, this Divine Tribulation Seizing God, has yet to make a move so far!

Gu Changqing, upon hearing this, sensed the strong confidence emanating from Li Che, and immediately realized his worries were unnecessary; he lowered his brows and bowed his head, extremely respectful.

Li Che spread his five fingers, and the Human-Head Toad Pill instantly floated over, hovering before him.

＿ttkдn＿CO

Within the inner vision of the niwan.

The Seven Apertures Exquisite Heart throbbed violently.

Like rolling thunder, the pure mind's divine nature surged forth like a trickling stream.

It washed over the Human-Head Toad Pill.

Hiss hiss hiss hiss hiss hiss—

Instantly, a shrill, mournful whistle echoed!

Slowly, a tranquil Heaven-Earth Dao Soul hidden deep within the pill drifted out, twisting incessantly, as if terrified, it sped away toward the heavens.

"I reward you."

Li Che looked at this Heaven-Earth Dao Soul of the Divine Tribulation Great Cultivator that he had captured and forced out, and bestowed it upon Gu Changqing.

Gu Changqing, seeing this, was instantly overjoyed!

"Thank you, my lord!"

Gu Changqing's Seizing God suddenly lifted its head, its eyes instantly turning scarlet, it shot up into the sky, pursuing that Heaven-Earth Dao Soul of the Divine Tribulation.

"Ancestor... I have offended you!"

He, Gu Changqing of the Underworld, today betrays his master and destroys his ancestor!

Truly fragrant.

After devouring the Heaven-Earth Dao Soul, Gu Changqing's aura actually rose steadily; this rate of increase was no slower than absorbing other Seizing Gods.

Li Che's eyes lit up slightly, as if he had opened a road to the heavens.

As it turns out, the Heaven-Earth Dao Soul of a Divine Tribulation Great Cultivator has such a use!

When Zhao Beidou was slain by him, the Heaven-Earth Dao Soul was directly annihilated; now it seems...

Waste! It's truly too wasteful!

Gu Changqing's aura surged and grew considerably; faintly, it seemed to have reached the level of a half-step Divine Tribulation.

However, Gu Changqing's cultivation was already not weak; with countless pills he could indulge in, although there was an upper limit bottleneck, he quickly reached it.

Therefore, after becoming a Seizing God, the upper limit bottleneck was opened again, allowing him to easily break through.

The half-step Divine Tribulation Gu Changqing, his Seizing God aura grew considerably.

Li Che's eyes shone brightly, as if he had discovered another path for the Seizing Gods to grow stronger.

Recently Li Che has also been quite troubled, after all, as a Seizing God's cultivation rises, its consciousness becomes clear; unless it is truly a fool seeking death, most will wisely choose to submit, seeking a chance to survive.

Therefore, other Seizing Gods have no way to increase their strength.

Like You Liqing, Su Leibao, and other Seizing Gods, they have been starving for a long time.

His gaze fell once more upon the Human-Head Toad Pill, his five fingers spread, the Pure Mind Dao Fruit throbbed, and the Seven Apertures Exquisite Heart released the pure mind's divine nature to wash over...

Instantly, a cacophony of "wawa" sounds echoed endlessly, one after another the silhouettes of maiden souls drifted out like green smoke, permeating the heavens and earth of Mo City.

Li Che watched silently.

Gu Changqing stood beside him, head lowered, not daring to speak, yet he let out a faint sigh.

The Tiandan Divine Sect, on the surface he is the sect master, his position exalted, but in reality he has little authority to govern.

The one truly governing the Tiandan Divine Sect is the ancestor enshrined in the open, Ancestor Gu Yangxuan, who set up the four-direction Human-Head Toad furnaces in Guangling Dao City.

Since the court allowed the divine sect to autonomously govern the Guiyi Miao, removing the court's restraints, Ancestor Yangxuan has completely let loose.

Compared to Ancestor Yangxuan, Gu Changqing likes and admires Ancestor Yinxuan even more, even though Ancestor Yinxuan is famed as a poison pill sage.

But at least he would not engage in the sordid practice of trading with the temple god, refining pills with children's blood.

This is also why Gu Changqing chose to ally with the court as one reason.

Out of sight, out of mind.

Gazing at the myriad children's souls, beneath Li Che's ox-demon mask, his eyes flickered dimly, as if boundless anger churned and boiled.

These children are all very tender, there are three-, four-, and five-year-olds, appearing very small and naive.

Even though they have now died and become souls, they still carry curiosity and a desire to explore the world.

"Wawa—"

"Mom and Dad!"

"Wuu wuu wuu, I want mom and dad!"

"Where did my mom and dad go?"

The sound of weeping continually echoed from these children's souls, and Li Che's eyes could not help but ripple.

Which father could endure such a sight?!

"Gu Changqing."

The ox-demon's low voice reverberated.

Gu Changqing's Seizing God, immersed in his cultivation breakthrough, upon hearing this, his joyful expression instantly retracted.

He clasped his fists in salute, exemplifying what absolute loyalty means.

He knelt directly on the ground.

Kneeling toward the countless drifting souls of children……

"My lord, such a Heavenly Elixir shall be destroyed!"

"I once was the Sect Leader of the Heavenly Elixir Divine Sect, but today, I, Gu Changqing… wish to be the vanguard!"

Li Che paid no heed to Gu Changqing, who stood with clasped hands and knelt on the ground.

After he had replaced the imperial court's army that attacks mountains and breaks sects with his own men, the Heavenly Elixir Divine Sect… would be the first to suffer the imperial court's backstab.

"Hoo—"

"Hah—"

Heaven and earth suddenly grew silent.

The sounds of wind and rain vanished completely.

Li Che spread his five fingers wide, aiming far off at the souls of these children, a hint of tenderness appearing in his eyes.

"Souls, return."

"Children."

"In Fengdu, the Underworld, live happily."

Now check each translation for fidelity: Ensure we didn't add extra info not in source.

He knelt directly on the ground.

Kneeling toward the countless drifting souls of children……

"My lord, such a Heavenly Elixir shall be destroyed!"

"I once was the Sect Leader of the Heavenly Elixir Divine Sect, but today, I, Gu Changqing… wish to be the vanguard!"

Li Che paid no heed to Gu Changqing, who stood with clasped hands and knelt on the ground.

After he had replaced the imperial court's army that attacks mountains and breaks sects with his own men, the Heavenly Elixir Divine Sect… would be the first to enjoy the imperial court's backstab.

Hoo—

Hah—

Heaven and earth suddenly grew silent.

The sounds of wind and rain vanished completely.

Li Che spread his five fingers wide, aiming far off at the souls of these children, a hint of tenderness appearing in his eyes.

Souls, return.

Children.

In the underworld, the Capital of the Dead, live happily.

Now we need to output each line with its 【N】 prefix on a single line.

After all lines, output