Chapter 493: Dad Is Here, Fatherly Love Melts the Iceberg; Someone Beats Li Che by One Step to Capture the Banner [Seeking Moon Ticke

"Dad…"

A soft cry, as if it had crossed time and years, arrived ethereally, trembling with fear, grievance and sorrow yet also cautious.

It seemed that a slight slip would cause the scene before the eyes to shatter like a moon in water or a flower in a mirror, so even the shouted voice was suppressed, holding back countless emotions, daring not to release even a moment.

That voice, laden with myriad grievances, made Li Che's heart tremble slightly.

Li Che placed his palm over Xixi's head, but Xixi tilted her head, as if she hadn't heard anything, not knowing what big sister was saying to dad.

She merely blinked; the unhappiness in her heart had already vanished like smoke, and an uncontrollable smile curved her lips, brimming with joy.

Sure enough, whenever she hesitated or faced danger, dad would appear; dad would not let her suffer. As long as dad was there, Xixi could be carefree and happy, because all her worries would be blocked by dad!

Having such a dad, Xixi thought, must be wonderful!

Xixi's mood leapt with cheers; at innocent, carefree eight years old, a age that cannot hide thoughts, she even happily hummed a tune.

However, if Xixi heard big sister call Li Che's name, she might no longer be so carefree.

It might feel as if her home had been stolen.

After all, Xixi had always believed that dad was her own dad alone.

A complex expression flickered in Li Che's eyes; hearing that "Dad" that seemed to span time and space, his mood grew uneasy.

Big Xixi…

Her experiences were perhaps beyond Li Che's imagination.

The destiny of the Heaven and Earth Executioner, the corpse mountains and blood seas Li Che had once seen, countless temple gods fearing it, the supreme of the strange palace gods' camp, deities unwilling to let the Prison Lotus Daughter revive…

All indicate that this big Xixi, in the years without Li Che, had endured far too much suffering and torment.

The egg that fell onto the black lotus platform, intending to beguile Xixi, may have once tried the same on big Xixi, but big Xixi lacked Li Che and dad's protection, so she had no choice…

She chose to accept the egg, to accept the so‑called destiny, becoming an Executioner whose hands were stained with blood, only endless slaughter, which exhausted her spirit, sank her thoughts, and left only despair in her eyes.

Li Che was curious: why did big Xixi appear?

Was it the Xixi of a past life, or of the future, or perhaps Xixi from another timeline?

But… why would a Xixi from a different timeline appear deep within Xixi's soul?

In Li Che's mind, in an instant, thoughts swirled a hundred times, he pondered much and explored much.

Finally, his gaze solidified as he watched a gust of wind sweep in, ruffling the black, long, straight hair of the girl.

"I'm here, dad is here."

Li Che spoke softly.

Hooo—

In the darkness, a black lotus blossomed.

The black‑long‑straight girl, her dark eyes roiled with countless waves, tides rising and falling.

She pursed her lips, as if from sealed memories she found the shadow of a father forgotten over long years, that shadow slowly overlapping with the figure before her.

Tears streamed from the girl's eyes; she stubbornly pressed her lips together, yet the tears flowed uncontrollably.

Even the strongest person, when given a bit of care, will collapse uncontrollably.

Li Che sighed gently, lifted Xixi, stepped before the girl, extended his hand, and lightly patted big Xixi's head as if patting Xixi's.

Cold to the bone, like an iceberg.

Meanwhile Li Che's martial‑immortal will burned bright and radiant, exuding extreme warmth.

"Xixi also must! Keep it up, big sister!"

Xixi also leaned forward, extended her palm, and gently placed it on Li Che's hand.

The scene seemed frozen at that moment, like an eternal scroll, engraved in the black‑long‑straight girl's heart, becoming an indelible picture, a pure land of the soul.

The girl's gaze, as if gaining emotion, flickered gently.

She looked at Li Che, gradually softening.

"Thank you…"

Buzz—

The dark image instantly shattered.

…

…

Taibai Peak.

Hooo—hoo—hoo—

A raging wind rose, extremely turbulent, with thunder and lightning interweaving across the firmament, terrifying divinity constantly gathering, making heaven and earth feel cramped and oppressive.

Above the sky, blood‑colored dense clouds intertwined, exuding an extreme terrifying pressure, as if the heavens themselves were enraged, rolling like waves, ready to unleash calamity that would destroy heaven and earth!

It seemed a deity behind the leaden clouds reflected an angry visage, intending to erase the blood‑colored orb atop Taibai Peak!

"Martial Saint Thunder Tribulation!"

In Taibai Hall.

Lu Taibai narrowed his eyes and spoke in a deep voice.

The members of the Qianyuan Divine Sect held their breath, standing at a distance, watching the scene, their hearts filled with endless doubt.

Xixi hasn't yet shattered that divine orb, so why is the Martial Saint Thunder Tribulation being unleashed?

Could Xixi have already broken through successfully?

Too many doubts clouded his mind; even the well‑versed Patriarch Lu Qiankun could not offer any explanation, he could not understand nor see through the current situation.

All he could say was perhaps the tribulation of the Prison Lotus Daughter is somehow different.

Rumble—rumble—rumble—!!!

A dazzling brilliance erupted from the towering heavens, turning heaven and earth into night, for the thunderlight was so radiant it drew everyone's gaze, leaving everything beyond the sight dim.

The cloud layers spread like a vortex, and within the interwoven clouds brewing terrifying lightning, a sudden boil erupted, followed by a bolt of thunder that resembled a deity hurling a spear down fiercely.

It transformed into a thunder serpent, ferocious, savage, and terrifying!

Dong—!!!

The thunder brazenly struck the Divine Sphere, and the air over Tai Bai Peak seemed at that moment to ripple in concentric waves, trembling, spreading inch by inch, then expanding into a fierce gale of roaring wind!

The surging air roared like a mountain‑toppling, sea‑rending wave!

Countless bolts of thunder exploded, carving the ground on the Great Plain into shattered, crisscrossing fissures and ravines.

The power of this thunder made Feng Zhiqi and other supreme Saints of Martial unable to suppress their trembling hearts, horrified to the extreme.

Because even when he once braved the tribulation to become a Saint of Martial, he never possessed thunder of this caliber; the gap was far too great!

Is this a mortal tribulation?

Kach—

Under the thunder's onslaught, the Divine Sphere seemed unable to bear the load, and with a cracking sound a fissure appeared.

Immediately, a wildly surging torrent of vital essence burst forth from the sphere, turning into a vast sea of vital energy!

A purple long spear burst out from the Divine Sphere through the torn fissure, and then Xixi's figure surged skyward, enveloped by countless vital energies, her qi and blood roiling like burning fire.

The Saint of Martial awakens!

The Human Pill opens, the vital essence is released, merging with the Three‑Flower Gang Qi, transmuting into a powerful Primordial Gang!

Xixi opened her eyes, her jet‑black hair streaming in the wind, two sky‑piercing braids like twin spears; her aura blazed as she grasped a spear in one hand, placed a hand on her hip, puffed out her little belly, and stood aloft, utterly brazen.

An eight‑year‑old Saint of Martial is rare among mortals; Xixi truly has the right to be brazen!

Above Tai Bai Peak, shouts rose and fell incessantly, resonating throughout, and many eyes glittered with bright amazement.

Zhang Ya also cheered; seeing Xixi break through the Divine Sphere, a hanging heart finally relaxed.

Li Che's lips curled into a smile; the Immortal of Martial's will had returned. The Flying Thunder Chess Piece attached to Xixi could monitor her condition at all times, so when it sensed Xixi's state was off, Li Che descended following the Immortal's will.

It can be said that the Flying Thunder Chess Piece played a huge role in safeguarding his daughter's safety.

Otherwise, Li Che could not protect his daughter's safety at every moment.

"Elder Li, congratulations! A tiger father, no dog daughter; the Young Sect Leader's talent is extraordinary, his martial path unrivaled—truly a fortunate event for Qian Yuan!"

Around them, elders such as Feng Zhiqi, Zhao Fangzhou and others gathered, laughing and congratulating Li Che.

It was like a child scoring exceptionally high and receiving other parents' praise; Li Che's mood was superb, his smile sincere and radiant, even more joyous than when he himself broke through to Saint of Martial.

Even the feeling of breaking through to Immortal of Martial was not as exhilarating as being praised now.

Surrounded by the crowd, the congratulations rang on without end.

Li Che, who has never liked noisy crowds, felt neither annoyed nor uncomfortable.

He looked up, watching Xixi, who, stepping on the Prison Lotus Wind‑Fire Golden Wheel, darted wildly between heaven and earth, a smile lifting his lips.

This quiet feeling of watching his daughter grow stronger.

It truly is wonderful.

……

……

Qian Yuan Young Sect Leader Li Nuanxi, at eight years old, broke through to the Saint of Martial realm!

The news swept across Qian Yuan Dao City like a storm, even spreading with greater turbulence toward all eleven paths of the Great Scene.

Eight years old, an eight‑year‑old Saint of Martial… it's almost unbelievable.

What are they doing at eight?

Probably still playing in the mud!

Yet some are already Saints of Martial at eight!

How on earth does such a monster cultivate!

Cultivating the martial path relies not only on talent but also on persistent perseverance; even with ample talent, each move still requires time to hone.

Moreover, tempering the mortal body is an exceedingly tedious task.

Lu Tai Bai watched Xixi break through to Saint of Martial, his mood dazzling; as a teacher, he was naturally overjoyed!

He seemed as if he'd drunk honey, unable to stop laughing.

Buzz—

A sword light shot skyward.

Lu Tai Bai ascended to the heavens, soaring straight up; his powerful divinity spread, stirring the Dao souls of heaven and earth, even causing the sky over Qian Yuan Dao City to shift.

Today Lu Tai Bai is undergoing a great divine tribulation, his might even greater; he naturally knows that Qian Yuan Dao City harbors many strong figures from various divine camps.

But today he is jubilant; the world says Lu Tai Bai's disciples are abnormal, none normal—now, isn't that the case?

An eight‑year‑old Saint of Martial disciple… still not normal?!

Lu Tai Bai looked up and roared with laughter, his booming voice shaking and echoing throughout Qian Yuan Dao City.

"Three days later, the Qian Yuan Divine Sect's Grand Ancestral Ceremony will commence; all are welcome to attend."

"Hahaha—"

When the words fell, the entire Qian Yuan Dao City trembled.

The great families within Qian Yuan Dao City began contemplating and preparing gifts; this matter is huge—after all, the eight‑year‑old Saint of Martial Young Sect Leader of the Qian Yuan Divine Sect is a peerless monster; offering a commonplace gift would only invite ridicule.

Moreover, to befriend the Qian Yuan Divine Sect and strengthen ties, proper gifts must be prepared.

The Qian Yuan Divine Sect, a sect with two divine tribulations, can likely rank among the foremost of the great sects within the Great Scene.

Three days is neither too long nor too short.

The entire Qian Yuan Dao City was shrouded in a boiling atmosphere, sinking into a celebratory scene.

It felt like a New Year celebration; normally, with the head of the Qian Yuan Divine Sect, Lu Tai Bai, stepping down, emotions would be sorrowful and reluctant, yet under his reign, everything seemed otherworldly.

However, the crowd cheered because Xixi, the junior heir of the Qian Yuan Divine Sect, broke through to the Martial Saint at eight years old, a peerless demon prodigy, and they rejoiced for the Qian Yuan Divine Sect's imminent rise.

Qian Yuan Divine Sect.

Plum Mountain.

Li Che's ink‑black shirt fluttered, his jet‑black, sturdy hair lashing like a divine whip, shattering the airflow with a booming crack.

With a gentle smile, Li Che strode up onto Plum Mountain; along the way, plum trees bore autumn blossoms, or rather, on Plum Mountain blossoms bloom all year, spreading a fragrance forged by countless trials.

With Li Che's current cultivation, dispelling the strange mist and locating Guiyi Miao is no difficulty at all.

A breezy sigh, the scent of falling plum blossoms.

Dotted pink plum petals drifted and sprinkled over the mist‑shrouded ground, adding a hint of mystery.

He stepped forward, setting foot in the Guiyi Miao of the Three‑Eyed True Lord of the Profound Way and Manifested Sage.

Inside the temple it was very quiet; the True Lord's divine eagle stood silently on the altar, while a slender black dog assumed a hunting stance beside the Lord.

Candles around flickered incessantly, burning dimly.

The divine eagle perched high on the altar, its features still obscured by thick divine mist; only a slit at its brow revealed a divine eye that shot out its gaze.

Li Che had once asked the master whether he was the Three‑Eyed True Lord of the Profound Way and Manifested Sage, but the master gave no direct answer.

No answer means tacit approval?

Li Che could not take that for granted; he raised his left hand, a humming vibration rang out, and in the next instant the Three‑Tip Double‑Edge Blade burst forth, which he grasped.

Back then, in this Guiyi Miao, he performed a temple‑god resonance and obtained three light orbs.

He chose the Three‑Tip Double‑Edge Blade; the divine weapon indeed gave him great aid, even in the recent Qitian Cheng battle, where it was unsealed, released divine aura, and helped him crush his foes.

So, Li Che is actually quite grateful to the Manifested Sage True Lord.

He sat cross‑legged, a gentle breeze stirring, and the whole world fell silent.

He gazed at the divine eagle for a long time, without any movement.

Li Che did not mind.

"Hoo—"

"Sss—"

One inhale, one exhale, the spirit clear.

Placing the Three‑Tip Double‑Edge Blade across his thigh, Li Che gently closed his eyes, entered cultivation mode, his mind stirred, and he entered the Dao‑Tribulation space to begin his daily tribulation crossing.

The primal Dao‑Tribulation power began to interweave around his body.

The divinity within Guiyi Miao seemed to ripple ever so slightly.

On the altar.

The divine eagle of the True Lord of the Profound Way and Manifested Sage seemed to tremble, and the mist above it tore and unraveled.

The upright‑pupil gaze reflected, as if moving slowly.

It fell upon the figure seated in meditation.

Gradually… strange…

…

Within the celestial chessboard, images intertwined.

The strange mist churned, very hazy, but because Li Che had left a Flying Thunder chess piece on Lian's body, he could capture the scene from afar, even through the mysterious gate, and see it clearly.

Li Che's martial‑immortal will constantly seized the image, his heart a still ancient well.

Naturally he intends to seize the flag, but he is looking for the right moment and must be fully prepared.

Because this flag‑seizing means he must venture deep into the mysterious gate.

Even though he now possesses martial‑immortal combat power, the dangers of the mysterious gate can still devour a martial‑immortal.

After all, within the mysterious gate, the display of strength faces few limits; even deities can reveal their shadows…

Li Che is only at the Martial Dao Immortal realm.

If he meets a Supreme Being, he will likely have to retreat.

No mistake, one verse, one release, one inside, one containment, one—look!

Therefore, Li Che must first determine who the strong opponents are on this journey.

Whether hidden strong ones exist, whether a Supreme is spying from the shadows.

Li Che greatly anticipates the Gathering Immortal Dark Flag; he wishes to master this divine weapon and pair it with the Gathering Immortal Yellow Flag.

Assembling the Gathering Immortal Flags is not easy; even the emperor only possesses the Gathering Immortal Dark Flag and the Gathering Immortal Earth Flag—just two.

Yet Li Che is undeterred; since the emperor is willing to bring out the Gathering Immortal Flags, Li Che dares to seize them!

Moreover, Li Che learned from Lian that the emperor harbors murderous intent toward the Qian Yuan Divine Sect; the emperor's other purpose in lending the Gathering Immortal Flag is to dispatch that Supreme.

Besides dealing with the Underworld Ghost Emperor, there is also a plan to wipe out the Qian Yuan Divine Sect.

"Xixi just became the head of the Qian Yuan Divine Sect; how can such a thing be allowed?"

Li Che promised to give his daughter no worries, so it would not be mere words.

Regarding the Dàjǐng court, Li Che is also making moves.

Xie Yunshen now serves as his bound deity, diligently helping to gather the qi of Dàjǐng's eleven Dao, converging into a Golden Lotus of qi.

Now the qi‑golden lotus of the Heavenly Pill Divine Sect and the Mysterious Talisman Divine Sect has been consolidated.

Grand Tutor Xie Yunshen is another confidant of the Dàjǐng emperor; the emperor plucked him from a heap of mud and sand, recognizing his talent, and has never doubted his loyalty.

The emperor even entrusted Xie Yunshen with Dàjǐng's national destiny, hoping he can complete the conquest of the eleven Dao sects, unify the world's qi, and condense a Twelve‑Grade Mountain‑River qi‑golden lotus!

That is the emperor's ambition…

It is also Li Che's ambition; the prison‑lotus curse on Xixi is powerful and unfathomable.

This time, Li Che even saw the prison‑lotus curse eroding Xixi's will, trying to make her accept the pain of parents' tragic deaths, comrades' fall, and sect's collapse, thereby darkening her into the Prison‑Lotus Daughter.

So, what does Li Che need to do to suppress these curses?

He specifically consulted Qi Tian and had a long discussion with the deity of the Guiyi Miao.

Among them he learned how to suppress the Prison Lotus curse within Xixi's body.

The deity of the Guiyi Miao wore an incomparably complex expression then; in fact, for the Prison Lotus faction they did not wish the Prison Lotus maiden to resist the power of the Prison Lotus curse.

Because only by merging with the curse's power and accepting the destiny of being a Prison Lotus maiden can one truly become the Prison Lotus maiden who leads the Prison Lotus faction.

However, accepting the Prison Lotus curse is an extremely cruel and brutal matter.

Thus, Qi Tian still revealed the method.

"Use the power of the Twelve‑grade Mountain River Qi‑transport Golden Lotus to balance the curse's force…"

Li Che slowly opened his eyes from the mysterious Guiyi Miao of the Miraculous Dao, the Manifest Saint Three‑Eyed True Lord.

Gathering the Twelve‑grade Mountain River Qi‑transport Golden Lotus is not an easy task, but for Xixi, Li Che is willing to strive.

Therefore, Li Che did not alert the enemy; at least, before the Qi‑transport Golden Lotus is gathered, Dàjǐng must not be destroyed.

Dàjǐng's national fortune plays a huge role in the Twelve‑grade Mountain River Qi‑transport Golden Lotus; it must be the final acquisition, the key to merging the eleven Golden Lotuses into one.

"Dàjǐng Emperor…"

Li Che's eyes flickered open.

In fact, behind the Dàjǐng royal family stands the Dark Heavenly Court of the Gods faction; Li Che and the court ultimately stand on opposite sides, unavoidable.

He rose, his black shirt fluttering, Li Che clenched his five fingers, took out a cute bull mask and placed it over his face.

Then, with his five fingers clenched, a Flying Thunder Chess Piece appeared in his palm, which he grasped.

His whole body vanished from the spot.

When he reappeared, he was already on Qingyun Dao, within the mountain gate of the Xuanfu Divine Sect.

Xie Yunshen was atop the sect's peak, quietly writing and contemplating his next objective.

Now, Xie Yunshen is not working to gather the eleven Qi‑transport Golden Lotuses for Dàjǐng, but is working for the lord and the junior lord.

When Li Che appeared wearing the bull demon mask, Xie Yunshen immediately sensed it, hurried up, and bowed with clasped fists.

Beside him stood Huangmei Grand Master, the head of Xiaolingyin Temple, also performing the rites.

After the Xuanfu Divine Sect was shattered, Xie Yunshen took over, and after condensing the Qi‑transport Golden Lotus, he assigned personnel to control Qingyun Dao City.

The strong scent of blood could not be dispelled.

The Xuanfu Ancestor sacrificed the entire mountain gate to obtain cultivation equivalent to one disaster and three tribulations, which many found utterly laughable.

But for a strong cultivator who sees no path, it is a desperate struggle.

It does not conform to humanity, yet it is a helpless act.

However, the Xuanfu Ancestor does not deserve sympathy; he should be killed and eradicated.

Li Che, wearing the bull demon mask, his massive body like a tower mountain, stood atop the summit, letting the wind and waves buffet him.

Xie Yunshen quietly followed behind.

"Have you thought out the next stop?"

Li Che asked lightly.

The Twelve‑grade Mountain River Qi‑transport Golden Lotus must be gathered; Li Che cannot do it alone and needs Xie Yunshen's help.

Therefore, Li Che also valued Xie Yunshen highly, even letting him swallow many bound spirits during this Divine Binding feast.

Now, Xie Yunshen, whose cultivation was originally not strong, has been forcibly elevated; he is still refining the bound spirit energy, and once he fully refines it, his cultivation may break through to the Divine Tribulation.

This is something Xie Yunshen never dared to imagine in his lifetime, because his talent was truly poor.

But Li Che gave him hope, allowing him to achieve it.

Xie Yunshen wore a scholar's robe, a silk headscarf, his feather fan gently swaying, eyes sparkling brilliantly, fervently: "Lord, the next conquest target is Xiling Dao… Xiaolingyin Temple!"

Li Che was slightly stunned, and a question arose in his mind: "Why Xiaolingyin Temple?"

So quickly to strike the top three Divine Sects?!

Zifu Divine Sect, Zizhu Forest, and Xiaolingyin Temple, these three great Divine Sects are extraordinary; when Qitian Cheng was founded, all three dispatched strongmen.

Among them, the Zifu Divine Sect has such profound foundations it is impenetrable.

That sect head, Zhang Wuji, even possesses the power of a Second Disaster Venerable.

Behind Xiaolingyin Temple stands the Western Region Buddhist Land, i. e., Hei Xumi, which also belongs to the gods' suppressive forces and should not be underestimated.

Xie Yunshen targeting Xiaolingyin Temple so early was unexpected by Li Che.

Xie Yunshen's feather fan swayed lightly: "Even the shattered Dan God Sect and Xuanfu Divine Sect, the court's massive army that slashes mountains and breaks sects, have intimidated many Divine Sects."

"Xiaolingyin Temple is located in Xiling Dao, bordering the Western Region Buddhist Land, even backed by it… and now that we have broken two Divine Sects, the intimidation exists but is insufficient; for Xiaolingyin Temple, it is still not enough to make it abandon Xiling Dao and merge into the Western Region Buddhist Land, cutting off the blade lodged in Dàjǐng's abdomen."

"But if we continue to break sects, Xiaolingyin Temple will surely sense something amiss, alert the enemy, and borrowing the Western Region Buddhist Land's power will make matters even more troublesome."

Xie Yunshen explained the pros and cons to Li Che.

Li Che nodded thoughtfully.

"Alright, then we'll follow your idea…" Li Che said with a smile, praising, and did not intervene in Xie Yunshen's conquest plan.

"Lord, rest assured, for the junior lord, I will exert my utmost!"

Xie Yunshen felt the heavy burden on his shoulders, clasped his fists and said gravely.

Li Che nodded.

After a few more words of encouragement, Li Che chose to depart; having decided to trust Xie Yunshen, he let him act, for tasks like slashing mountains, breaking sects, and gathering the Mountain River Golden Lotus, Xie Yunshen is the professional.

Three days passed in an instant.

The atmosphere in Qian Yuan Dao City grew increasingly lively, with a festive, New‑Year‑like bustle; every household hung red paper, joyous beyond measure, and lanterns were strung along the main street to celebrate the upcoming Grand Sect Transmission ceremony.

All the great Divine Sects showed respect, sending sect elders with gifts in person, giving ample face to the Qian Yuan Divine Sect.

Even the Zifu Divine Sect and the Southern Sea Zizhu Forest, the two mysterious Divine Sects, also sent gifts.

Above the Divine Sect, there were also clusters of blossoms and brocades, the decorations exceedingly lively.

Taibai Peak.

The sect inheritance ceremony was held on Taibai Peak; the representatives invited by various forces were seated in order on the spacious great plain of Taibai Peak.

Li Che and Zhang Ya, the married couple, also sat in a front position.

They were the new sect leader's parents, a status extremely honored, so their seats could not be at the back; although not the main seat, they were still fine.

Li Qingshan, Mu Popo, Chen Lao, Big Uncle and others sat farther away.

Dong—

Dong—

The bell rang like waves and tides, rippling the void, its reverberation spreading throughout the city.

The inheritance ceremony formally began under the presiding of Third Elder Ding Zi; originally, such duties were handled by Grand Elder Fang Hanshu.

But now, Fang Hanshu reopened Qitian Temple in Qitian Cheng, and Second Elder Zhao Fangzhou did not understand these matters, so Lu Taibai assigned Ding Zi to preside.

Disciples of the Qianyuan Divine Sect gathered on Taibai Peak.

The originally spacious Taibai Peak was filled with numerous silhouettes, even seeming a bit crowded.

But the atmosphere was very enthusiastic; the disciples had no complaints about the new sect leader's succession, because Xixi had the qualification.

After all, although Xixi was only eight, her martial cultivation had already reached the level of a Saint of War!

Although a Saint of War's cultivation, even when taking over a great sect, still fell short, Xixi's youth and the backing of Li Che, the once‑emerging Li Shengshou from the Protect‑Sect War, compensated.

The ceremony was elaborate, yet no one complained; such rites and grandeur are expected for a great sect's leader inheritance, and every great sect's ceremony is alike.

Because Xixi was young, many rites were trimmed.

Zhang Ya, holding Li Che's arm, watched Xixi in solemn ceremonial robes ascend the high platform, all eyes upon her, her gaze filled with pride and honor.

"Sir, our Xixi has grown up!"

Zhang Ya said softly.

Li Che smiled, "It's still early, just a little brat; even if she becomes the sect leader, she'll still be a little brat, hahaha."

Zhang Ya, irritated, pounded Li Che's arm.

Li Che's smile gradually faded; he watched Xixi, solemn as a little adult, take a slow breath and gently close her eyes.

In the next moment, only a painted immortal's avatar remained here.

And his whole being had already appeared in the Guiyi Miao as the Miao Dao Xian Sheng Three‑Eyed True Lord.

The candle flames flickered.

Li Che's expression was extremely cold and solemn.

His body trembled, massive qi and blood roiling as if flames intertwined in burning.

Li Che gave a slight smile, clenched his five fingers, and placed a cute elephant mask over his face; demonic aura surged out, completely altering his identity.

He donned a bamboo hat and swapped his golden lotus black shirt.

Originally Li Che still wanted to watch Xixi's inheritance ceremony to the end, but he had other matters to resolve.

As a father, enjoying the scene of his child receiving honor at the ceremony was important.

However, silently protecting the child's growth and snuffing out threats in the sparks was equally important.

In fact, there was originally no shortage of such moments.

But the situation changed unexpectedly, so Li Che truly could not wait any longer.

His spirit stirred slightly.

The celestial chessboard stretched horizontally above his head.

Li Che looked up; the Flying Thunder piece placed on the Grandmaster's body instantly reflected a scene of escorting the Gathered Immortal Banner within the Guiyi Miao.

In the picture…

Mysterious fog interwove hazily, yet one could clearly feel the severe atmosphere and…

Swords drawn, bows taut!

A tide of solemn killing!

It turned out to be…

Someone was a step ahead of Li Che, attempting to seize the banner!

(End of Chapter)