Chapter 542: with translation of chapter title

A gust, as if it could plunge souls into icy stillness, blew, causing the space to ripple slightly, like a low dragon's roar brewing and churning within the enormous pool.

Make sure to keep meaning. Let's craft: "A wind, as if it would plunge souls into icy cold, blew, making the space faintly undulate, as if a low dragon's roar sounded, brewing and churning within that immeasurably vast pool."

We need to keep single line.

If the pool water were to burst, the repressed dragon's cry would erupt completely, shaking heaven and earth.

Translation: "If the pool water were to burst open, the suppressed dragon's roar would fully erupt, shaking heaven and earth!"

Beside the pool, three figures stood, seated cross‑legged, as if they carried the weight of ages untold.

And by the pool, three figures stood, seated cross‑legged, as if they bore the weight of ages untold.

Translation: "Beside that pool stood three figures, seated cross‑legged, as if bearing the vast ages of eternity."

Their grand dao markings and surging blood energy made the three figures blaze with light, impossible to overlook even from a distance, shining like a blazing sun.

Translation: "Divine markings of the Great Dao and vigorous blood energy caused the three figures to glow brightly; even from afar they could not be ignored, shining like a blazing sun."

When the three opened their eyes together, a mighty spirit tremor rose; their aura grew stronger and more fierce, their blood tinged with faint gold, roaring and shaking as they suppressed the heavens and earth.

Translation: "As the three opened their eyes together, a mighty spirit trembled, their aura grew a little stronger, their might increased, their blood energy took on a faint gold hue, roaring and shaking, suppressing the heavens and earth."

Boom—

Translation: "Boom—"

The vast heaven‑earth chessboard stretching a thousand miles instantly shuddered with a deafening roar.

Translation: "The heaven‑earth chessboard spanning a thousand li instantly emitted a thunderous tremor!"

Even in this eerie temple where divinity is blocked and blood, martial true qi, and gang qi are sealed, the three figures remain shrouded in mystery.

Translation: "Even in this Guiyi Miao where divinity was restricted and blood, martial true qi and gang qi were sealed, the three figures were still filled with mystery."

They lifted their gaze, eyes flashing like lightning, wrapped in an ocean‑vast divine fire, looking down upon heaven and earth.

Translation: "They lifted their gazes, their eyes flashing like lightning, wrapped in the vast divine fire of an ocean, looking down upon heaven and earth!"

Three immortal deities have descended?!

Translation: "Three immortal divine beings descend?!"

Li Ze's hairs stood on end; even he couldn't help but gasp.

Translation: "Li Che's hairs stood on end; even he couldn't help but suck in a breath!"

What kind of hell‑level difficulty is this?!

Translation: "What kind of hellish difficulty is this?!"

He hasn't even entered the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths, yet he encounters an existence of immortal‑spirit caliber?

Translation: "He had not yet entered the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths, so how did he encounter an existence of immortal‑divine level?"

And there are three of them at once!

Translation: "And there were three of them all at once!"

However, Li Ze quickly sensed something was off, for he had personally felt the might of an immortal spirit when the Third Prince's strange temple revived.

Translation: "But Li Che quickly sensed something was off, for he had personally experienced the might of an immortal divine spirit when the Third Prince's Guiyi Miao revived."

Then a true immortal spirit descended.

Translation: "Then a true immortal divine spirit descended."

Although it was only a descent of will, the immortal aura was unmistakable.

Translation: "Although it was only a descent of will, that immortal aura was not concealed at all."

Through the heaven‑earth chessboard, Li Ze sensed that the three figures standing beside the ancient mystic pool, though possessing immortal aura, had it completely sealed within the divine crystal in their foreheads.

Translation: "Through the heaven‑earth chessboard, Li Che could feel that the three figures standing beside the ancient mysterious pool, though possessing immortal energy, had all of that immortal aura sealed within the divine crystal in their brows, as it were."

Their aura is immensely powerful, boundlessly terrifying, as if woven from golden‑tinged blood and qi, yet the divine power within is horrifying, stored in their flesh like a world‑ending bomb ready to explode.

Translation: "Their aura was immensely powerful, boundlessly terrifying, as if woven from gold‑tinged blood and qi, yet the divine power within was horrifying, stored in their flesh like a world‑ending bomb ready to explode at any moment."

The heaven‑earth chessboard trembled, as if a will had revived; it was him sending his viewpoint back, letting Su Da, the Young Dragon Emperor, and the other bound gods witness as if they were there.

Translation: "The heaven‑earth chessboard trembled, as if a will had revived; that was him sending his perspective back, letting Su Da, the Young Dragon Emperor and the other bound gods witness it as if present."

"My lord, they are not immortal!"

Translation: ""My lord, they are not immortal!""

"But they are spirits of the Severed Dao realm!"

Translation: ""They are divine spirits of the Severing Dao realm!""

Su Da exclaimed, her voice brimming with excitement and agitation.

Translation: "Su Da shouted excitedly and fervently."

"Severed Dao spirit? Not immortal?"

Translation: ""Severing Dao divine spirits? Not immortal?""

Li Ze blinked in surprise.

Translation: "Li Che blinked in surprise."

Above the Severed Dao lies Nirvana; only after Nirvana does one become immortal.

Translation: "Above Severing Dao comes Nirvana; only after Nirvana is one immortal."

These three are so powerful they fill Li Ze with immense oppression; such a being… is merely Severed Dao?!

Translation: "These three are so powerful they give Li Che an immense sense of oppression; such beings… are merely Severing Dao?!"

They are still far from immortality!

Translation: "They are still so far from immortality!"

"That's correct, my lord! Please trust little Su Da!"

Translation: ""That's right, my lord! Please trust little Su Da!""

"Xiao Su Da, back in the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths, was a Severed Dao spirit of the Qingqiu clan in the Strange Demon Cavern; thus I am certain about these three's condition!"

Translation: ""Little Su Da, back in the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths, was a Severing Dao divine spirit of the Qingqiu Clan in the Strange Demon Cave! So I am quite certain about these three's condition!""

"These three, in the Severed Dao realm, have likely reached the peak and are already attempting to break into the Nirvana life‑death boundary!"

Translation: ""These three have likely reached the peak of the Severing Dao realm and are already attempting to break into the Nirvana Life‑Death realm!""

Su Da spoke loudly, quite excited, yet her words carried a hint of melancholy, for this was a realm she had once reached, but now she had died and become a bound god.

Translation: "Su Da spoke loudly, very excited, yet her words carried a hint of sorrow, for this was a realm she had once reached, but now she had died and become a bound god."

But soon her thoughts leapt with joy, for becoming a bound god was not bad; its potential was greater, given its undying nature…

Translation: "But she soon felt elated, for becoming a bound god was not bad; its potential was higher, after all it possessed the quality of immortality…"

"Undying and indestructible—isn't that the immortal trait?"

Translation: "Undying and indestructible—is that not the trait of immortality?"

"Roughly speaking, her bound‑god self, Xiao Su Da, could be considered half‑step immortal!"

Translation: "Roughly speaking, her bound‑god self, little Su Da, could be counted as a half‑step immortal!"

"They possess immortal aura, sealed in the divine crystal between their brows…" Li Ze frowned.

Translation: ""They possess immortal aura, sealed within the divine crystal in their brows…" Li Che frowned."

"Only Severed Dao cultivators need immortal aura as support; a Nirvana realm spirit would not be tainted by it." Su Da revealed a secret.

Translation: ""Only Severing Dao realm needs immortal aura as a boost; if it were a Nirvana realm divine spirit, it would not be tainted by immortal aura." Su Da revealed a secret."

Li Ze pondered, and his heart eased slightly.

Translation: "Li Che pondered, and his heart eased a little."

"If they weren't immortal, he'd still have a chance; but if they truly were three immortals…"

Translation: "If they were not immortal, he still had a chance; but if they were truly three immortals…"

"Even in the Jade Emperor Heaven's Strange Temple, where divinity is isolated and true qi gang sealed, Li Ze lacks great confidence to defeat an immortal and seize the Nine Dragon Myriad Calamity Qi from them."

Translation: "Even in the Jade Emperor Heavenly Guiyi Miao, where divinity was isolated and true qi and gang qi sealed, Li Che had little confidence he could defeat immortals and seize the Nine Dragon Myriad Calamity Qi from their hands."

The level of immortality is currently beyond Li Ze's reach; the gap is too vast to be easily bridged.

Translation: "The level of immortality is indeed beyond Li Che's current reach; the gap is too great, not something easily made up or smoothed over."

Immortality has become another realm of the divine spirits.

Translation: "Immortality is now another realm of divine spirits."

"A realm where one embodies heaven and earth, transcending them, belonging to the true transcendent, the Heaven‑Equal state."

Translation: "An embodiment of heaven and earth, transcending heaven and earth, belongs to the true transcendent Heaven‑Unison realm, the Heaven‑Unison realm!"

"Such beings are immensely terrifying, having lived through ages, undying and indestructible!"

Translation: "Such beings are each immensely terrifying, having lived through endless ages, undying and indestructible!"

Li Ze's eyes flickered, and he felt a measure of pressure.

Translation: "Li Che's eyes flickered, and he also felt a sense of pressure."

"Because even a Severed Dao realm is beyond what Li Ze can handle now."

Translation: "For even the Severing Dao realm is beyond what Li Che can handle now."

"The sole silver lining is that in this Jade Emperor Heaven's Strange Temple, only physical strength can be used."

Translation: "The sole good news is that, within this Jade Emperor Heavenly Guiyi Miao, only physical strength can be used."

"For Li Ze, who has just transformed and condensed a holy body, this is naturally good news—at least it gives him a chance to fight."

Translation: "For Li Che, who had just transformed and condensed a holy body, this is naturally good news; at least it gives him the qualification to fight."

Boom——!!!

Translation: "Boom——!!"

Three immensely powerful thoughts surged upward like pillars of light.

Translation: "Three immensely powerful thoughts shot up like pillars of light."

"That is the immortal divine crystal hidden in their brows, now erupting immortal aura; their immortal aura sensed Li Ze's probe via the heaven‑earth chessboard, and under counter‑detection they were moved, thus revealing their spirit."

Translation: "That was the immortal divine crystal hidden in their brows, now erupting immortal aura; sensing Li Che's probe with the heaven‑earth chessboard, they reacted, and at this moment they could not help but reveal their spirit."

Li Ze, from a thousand miles away, dispersed the heaven‑earth chessboard.

Translation: "Li Che, a thousand li away, dispersed the heaven‑earth chessboard."

He clasped his hands behind his back, his ink‑robe embroidered with golden lotuses fluttering.

Translation: "With his hands behind his back, his black robe embroidered with gold lotus fluttered."

"After pondering, he spread his fingers, tore open the fabric of space, took out a white jade mask—the Ksitigarbha mask of the underworld—and placed it on his face, adding a touch of compassion."

Translation: "After pondering, he then spread his fingers, tore open the space of heaven and earth, took out a white jade mask—the mask of the Underworld Earth Store King—and placed it on his face, adding a touch of mournful bearing."

"Then Li Ze took a step, his body shattering the air, his powerful flesh bursting with extreme speed as he strode toward the pool holding the Nine Dragon Myriad Calamity Qi."

Translation: "Then Li Che stepped forward, his whole body shattering the airflow, his powerful flesh bursting forth with extreme speed as he walked toward the pool where the Nine Dragon Myriad Calamity Qi resided."

"A thousand‑mile distance is nothing to Li Ze now."

Translation: "A distance of a thousand li was nothing to Li Che now."

"Even relying solely on his flesh, racing a thousand miles takes only a moment."

Translation: "Even relying solely on his flesh, racing a thousand li would take only a moment."

Boom——!!!

Translation: "Boom—!!"

"As Li Ze proceeded along the direction locked by the heaven‑earth chessboard."

Translation: "As Li Che proceeded along the direction locked by the heaven‑earth chessboard."

The Lingxiao Treasure Hall, like a bright lamp, guides his direction so he does not get lost.

Three venerables in Cut Dao Realm sat cross-legged by the pond; their divine thoughts surged, rushing into the clouds above, aided by Immortal Qi, they shed their mortal bodies.

After all, within this Jade Emperor Heavenly Guiyi Miao, a probe was sensed; indeed, because the Immortal Divine Crystal hidden in the brow concealed Immortal Qi, which was stimulated and aroused, only then was this probe discovered.

This made the three of them tremble in mind and spirit, their faces turning solemn.

At that moment, the three gazed at each other, their eyes deep, countless divine patterns intertwining, the Great Dao chains dancing wildly.

They stood upon the white jade steps before the Hall of Ascending Clouds Treasure Palace, their faces stern.

"Who is it?"

"Someone is probing us, yet our counter‑scouting cannot uncover the intruder's identity!"

One spoke, face solemn.

"Who could it be? The Ancient Dragon Clan, or the Extraterritorial Ancient Clan's powerhouse?"

"Because the Immortal Qi was provoked, we detected its trace……Could the opponent be an Immortal?!"

The three powerhouses spoke in turn, their voices resonant, as if overlapping, filled with eeriness.

"No! Absolutely not an Immortal—this Jade Emperor Heavenly Guiyi Miao is a Second‑Saint‑Rank Guiyi Miao, spanning the Three Realms, a special place; Immortals cannot obtain liberation, merge with heaven and earth's will, and thus could never set foot in this Guiyi Miao!"

One spoke with resonant yet firm tone.

"That may not be certain; Immortal experts are filled with marvel, and what they can achieve may far surpass our imagination!"

The three's debate did not last long.

Soon, their gazes shifted, looking toward the distance.

They saw Li Che in a black robe, hands behind his back, striding forward; his mighty flesh caused the void outside his skin to ripple incessantly.

The gazes of the three Cut Dao Realm powerhouses fell upon him without hesitation.

The Immortal Divine Crystals in their brows blazed brilliantly, radiant and vast.

Li Che instantly felt a probe of will.

However, Li Che paid no heed; his face concealed behind a White Jade Ksitigarbha King Mask, hands behind him, his whole body exuding mystery and arrogance.

That was the bearing of a powerhouse, Li Che imitating the aura released by the Lord of the Dao Fruit.

Li Che swept his gaze toward the pond emitting a soft glow; misty spiritual aura undulated, the water rippled, ripple upon ripple, making the whole pond extraordinarily holy.

It was as if countless points of light drifted down, petals falling in profusion; divine light and holy light flowed, crystal‑clear petals scattered, filling the place with marvel and ethereality.

Gurgle—

In the pool, dragon shadows writhed, filled with a mighty, surging calamitous aura.

"Sir!"

The three rose, Cut Dao aura shaking; instantly, intricate flower patterns covered their flesh.

"My lord, these are Cut Dao Marks! They are indeed Cut Dao Spirits, and they are at the peak of Cut Dao—Cut Dao practitioners, after cutting the flesh, the origin, the soul, and the Three Flowers, leave behind Cut Dao Marks, giving them a chance to assault Nirvana!"

Observing the three up close.

Su Da, in Li Che's mind, suddenly exclaimed excitedly.

Li Che wore the White Jade Ksitigarbha King Mask; his whole person appeared ethereal and unworldly; beneath his fluctuating mind, the Heaven and Earth Chessboard shrank to a speck, hovering above his head, completely isolating him from detection.

Therefore, in the eyes of the three Cut Dao Realm powerhouses, Li Che's identity and appearance could not be ascertained or seen through.

"I am… Fu Shaoxi of the Strange Monster Cave."

"I am Ji Shaohao of the Dark Heavenly Court."

"I am Shi Shijia of Black Sumeru."

Their faces were veiled and distorted by Immortal aura, making their features indiscernible.

Yet upon hearing their titles, Li Che could not help but tremble; merely hearing those names made him feel these three were far from ordinary.

Thus, Li Che's mind shook, and he directly asked Su Da.

"Hiss—!!!"

"It's really them!"

Su Da had obviously heard of those titles; her heart shook incessantly, and she let out an incredulous exclamation.

"Who are they?"

Su Da's astonished expression made Li Che's curiosity rise, prompting him to ask.

"My lord… their origins are not ordinary!"

"They come from the Three Great Divine Gods Factions, and their origins are extraordinarily remarkable!"

"Actually… this question can be answered by letting the Young Dragon Emperor respond."

Su Da said.

Upon hearing that, Li Che immediately linked to the Young Dragon Emperor's God‑binding.

After listening, the Young Dragon Emperor's God‑binding fell into boundless silence.

"It really is them……"

"My lord, they are like me—beings whose veins flow with Primordial Immortal Bloodline, and, just as I, they were nurtured by Immortals in the same era."

The Young Dragon Emperor said.

Upon hearing that, Li Che raised his eyebrows slightly; indeed, there was some similarity.

"You were nurtured in the same era as your Primordial selves? Why?"

"Immortal will—we cannot fathom it, but after the initial nurturing, the Ancestral Dragon gave me a mission: in the Ninth Divine Tide, I must attain Immortality via the Dao."

"Those three likely bear the same mission."

"Unfortunately, I had just been born when the Third Prince suppressed me……"

"My lord, do not think they are merely Cut Dao Spirits; in actual combat power, they can rival Nirvana!"

The Young Dragon Emperor's God‑binding spoke in a low voice.

In the Ninth Divine Tide, to prove the Dao and achieve immortality?

The purpose is so strong?

He must be plotting something!

Li Che's gaze grew cold and silent, the Ninth Divine Tide…

According to the information obtained from the Grand Supervisor, if the Ninth Divine Tide ends, it means the destiny of the Prison Lotus Maiden as the Heaven and Earth Executioner must come to an end, and then where will the Prison Lotus Maiden go?

Is it death, or exile?

No one knows.

The gazes of the three immortals of the Gods' camps fell upon Li Che, their vague immortal-aura faces slightly furrowed, for in their eyes Li Che paid no attention to their inquiries and self-introductions.

You should know, the three are the immortal primordial bloodlines of the three major Gods' camp forces of the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths, famed far and wide; whether great or small ancient clans, or the strong of the myriad native god villages of the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths, all know their names.

Everyone knows that throughout the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths, all factions open their resources for the three major Gods' camp immortal primordial bloodlines to charge toward immortality!

But the person before him…

After hearing their names, he actually ignored them!

There was no movement whatsoever; his aura did not rise or fall, and there was not the slightest emotional fluctuation.

He didn't care at all about their appearance!

Such a situation only has two possibilities: this person's strength is extraordinarily great, strong enough to ignore them, the descendants of the immortal primordial.

The second possibility… this person is unaware of their names, coming from a place where information is extremely backward.

If he came from such a backward place, it would basically be impossible for him to appear in this Second Saint-rank Guiyi Miao!

To be able to enter a Second Saint-rank Guiyi Miao, what resources must he command?!

He must be a top-tier ancient clan expert or a powerhouse of the three major Gods' camps!

Boom——!!!

The three refused to believe it, the immortal divine crystals at their foreheads blazed brightly, they continued to stare at Li Che, wanting to see through his mask and pierce his identity!

Rumble——!!!

Three strands of immortal aura intertwined at once!

Li Che had his hands behind his back, and all around him myriad phenomena seemed to appear: heavenly thunder exploded, lightning intertwined, clouds rose and rosy vapors glowed, the blazing sun shot up to the heavens……

Inside Li Che's chest.

The just-attained Six Transformations Chess Saint Dao Fruit beat violently, maintaining a shielding perception within a small area, far stronger than maintaining a shielding perception over a thousand li.

So, facing the probing of the three immortal auras, the Chess Saint Dao Fruit actually managed to block them outright.

In the eyes of Fu Shaoxi, Ji Shaohao, and Shi Shijia, this figure wearing a mask emanating a sorrowful compassion aura seemed like an unparalleled existence that pities heaven and suffers for earth, filled with chaos and obscurity.

It was impossible to see through; not even the immortal aura could penetrate.

It actually can shield against the probing of immortal aura?!

The three exchanged glances, their hearts surged, vigilant and solemn……

«This person bears no immortal aura…»

«It seems he must be a Nirvana Divine Spirit! And surely a top-tier expert among Nirvana Divine Spirits, an undying old one who has lived through ages! »

«Our goal is to use the Nine Tribulations Myriad Dragon Qi to charge into the Nirvana Realm! »

«If this person truly is an undying old one of Nirvana, then even in this Second Saint Guiyi Miao where divine power cannot be used, we are absolutely no match for him. »

The three exchanged a glance and completed a mental communication.

«Senior, having reached the Nirvana Realm, stepping into this Second Saint-rank Guiyi Miao, must be to seize that fleeting immortal opportunity. »

«Otherwise, with your Nirvana cultivation, there would be no need to take risks and come to this Second Saint-rank Guiyi Miao. »

«But within the Guiyi Miao, opportunities are open; we keep to ourselves, each cultivating our own path. »

Ji Shaohao of the Dark Celestial Court clasped his fists and said.

Li Che, hearing this, his heart and spirit stirred slightly.

Senior?

Heh.

It seems the shielding ability of the Chess Saint Dao Fruit's Heaven and Earth Chessboard caused these three, descendants of the immortal primordial bloodlines of the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths, to misjudge his identity, thinking he is some powerful Nirvana old monster.

Because they couldn't see through, and yet he could appear in the Jade Emperor Heavenly Guiyi Miao, a slip of judgment led their reasoning astray. Not bad.

Li Che entered this Guiyi Miao in order to find a silent way into the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths, not to battle these monstrous descendants of the immortal primordial.

If he can avoid fighting, he naturally chooses not to.

However, Li Che also understands that these three would not so easily believe his identity.

Perhaps they will still test and speculate about him.

Li Che's heart turned involuntarily as he pondered how to respond to their speculations, and… how to solidify his identity as a Nirvana Divine Spirit?

Suddenly, beneath the white jade Earth Store King mask, Li Che's lip corners curled slightly, a smile formed, and an idea came to mind.

Rumble——!!

The water pool trembled, continuously sending out ripples; the currents collided, dragon shadows flashed past, as if a dragon's roar exploded in vibration, the Great Dao's chains intertwined, ancient runes rolled within, a mighty and dreadful calamity aura brewed within, akin to a world‑ending cataclysm.

Fu Shaoxi and Shi Shijia spoke relatively little, while Ji Shaohao had much to say; beneath the visage shrouded in immortal aura, his blazing eyes fixed on Li Che.

The Nine Dragons Myriad Tribulations Qi was originally a resource they three had comprehended.

Now another person has appeared, wanting to share their comprehended Nine Dragons Myriad Tribulations Qi, which naturally makes Ji Shaohao a bit displeased.

！

«Senior, could you tell this junior which faction you come from? »

Ji Shaohao stared at Li Che.

«Among the Nirvana experts of the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths, most have reputations; we also know them, but your aura seems unfamiliar to us. »

Ji Shaohao spoke.

Li Che's ink‑black robe fluttered, and on his white jade mask a compassionate smile rose and fell.

He slowly turned his head; within his chest, the Heaven‑and‑Earth Chessboard thundered with a quake. The immortal Qi, refined after the Primordial Calamity merged with Qi Men blood, had been compressed inside his body by the Guiyi Miao; now Li Che mobilized it, letting it circulate through his pupils.

Ji Shaohao only felt a wave of depth and mystery that made his heart tremble!

The oppressive feeling brought by the Primordial Calamity startled Ji Shaohao's heart, causing a terrifying transformation!

"Dizang, have you heard of it?"

Li Che spoke lightly.

Dizang?!

Ji Shaohao was stunned, and beside him Fu Shaoxi and Shi Shaojia were both bewildered, evidently having never heard that name.

"It seems... they haven't heard... time is like a knife."

"You should go back and ask your elders; they might know."

Li Che's jet‑black hair surged, and the surrounding Heaven‑and‑Earth Chessboard seemed to reflect outward, countless starlights hazy as if a great star were falling, the galaxy rotating.

After leaving only that sentence, Li Che fell silent.

He took a step, his target fixed on the Divine Weapon Nine Dragon Ten Thousand Tribulation Qi!

That was also Li Che's purpose for entering this Guiyi Miao.

Boom—!!!

When Li Che stepped onto the edge of the pool, a soaring flash of light burst forth, leaping upward and turning into one divine sword after another, each bearing flowing intertwined divine patterns.

Each divine sword was crystal clear, piercing the void and releasing a spreading Great Dao aura!

The entire Nine Dragon Ten Thousand Tribulation Qi Pool seemed to revive, clouds steaming, a rumbling vibration erupted, the water's splintering sound like a bell's roar!

An inexplicable oppressive pressure suddenly appeared, bearing down on Li Che's body!

Boom—!!!

It was as if a mountain pressed flat onto Li Che's body; where it struck, invisible shockwaves rippled outward in concentric circles, rising and falling.

Li Che's ink‑black robe suddenly billowed, its sleeves like blade edges, cutting the airflow and tearing the pressure!

It was a Heaven‑and‑Earth oppressive pressure!

Terrifying, as if a supreme monarch stood bathing in the pool, gazing indifferently, casting a lofty gaze.

Even the mere gaze alone could bring boundless oppression!

In the distance.

Three first‑generation immortal descendants, their faces shrouded in faint immortal aura, eyes like torches, stared at the abruptly appearing mysterious strongman.

"The Nine Dragon Ten Thousand Tribulation Qi is a place where the Jade Emperor's temple god once bathed, retaining the Jade Emperor's oppressive pressure!"

"It can rival the will pressure of the Nine‑layer Heavens and Earth!"

This intruding strongman, whether dragon or worm, will be discerned soon!

To withstand such pressure, one needs not only a powerful flesh body but also an extremely robust soul!

Boom—!!!

Li Che's jet‑black hair whirled wildly, feeling boundless oppression.

The massive pressure instantly bore down, as if to crush his entire being; his spinal dragon‑bone threatened to snap, and looking down, he knelt at the pool's edge!

Dong—dong—dong—!

Within his chest, the Dragon Elephant Vajra Dao Fruit suddenly quivered violently!

As if an engine drove a fierce roar!

The Dragon Elephant rages; how can it kneel?!

His flesh trembled; every inch of flesh seemed to unleash boundless force, the holy body activated, immortal patterns flowed beneath his skin, continuously bearing this terrifying pressure!

The pressure washed his body, and Li Che felt his Dragon Elephant Vajra Dao Fruit had reached the lv8 stage, slowly increasing its maturity!

Though not much, it was still progressing!

In other words, he was using this Jade Emperor's pressure to elevate himself!

And beyond that.

Li Che's Pure Heart Dao Fruit also quivered, supporting his spiritual layer, unaffected by the pressure!

Li Che's eyes flared brightly.

He placed both hands behind his back, his spine straight, and the pool's erupting rosy clouds, Great Dao divine patterns, mysterious ancient talismans, and chaos aura surged toward Li Che.

To completely suppress Li Che!

In the distance.

Fu Shaoxi, Ji Shaohao, and Shi Shaojia, the three first‑generation immortal bloodlines, felt their bodies tremble; relying only on flesh, the pressure startled their hearts!

"This person... such a powerful flesh body!"

"The pressure of the Nine Dragon Ten Thousand Tribulation Pool must have been triggered to seventy percent, right?!"

"Even we cannot endure it for long... our flesh would shatter, the pressure would strike the soul!"

At this moment, the three's doubts faded considerably.

He must be an old immortal of the Nirvana Realm!

However, the Nirvana deity Dizang... why had they never heard his name?

Shi Shaojia pressed his palms together, a Buddha light emanating from beneath his body, resisting the pressure.

"Amitabha..."

"This person was likely born when the first Divine Tide rose; the Buddha once said the eighth Divine Tide is crucial, serving as a prelude to the ninth Divine Tide, and many sleeping Nirvana and immortal deities may awaken in this tide, preparing for the ninth concluding Divine Tide..."

"What the nine Divine Tides truly represent... we do not know, but they are certainly vital."

This person is surely the mysterious existence that has just revived during this eighth divine tide!

Perhaps it is the Nirvana divine spirit of some Ancient God Village!

Shi Shao jia said in a deep voice.

Fu Shao xi and Ji Shao hao's hearts stirred slightly, and they involuntarily nodded lightly.

They also seemed to accept Shi Shao jia's explanation.

After this round of Myriad Calamities Qi refinement ends, returning to ask the Father God should dispel the doubts; the Father God, an Immortal existing before this divine tide, will surely know the name of Earth Store!

Then we will know the origins of this Earth Store!

Fu Shao xi said.

Afterward, the three no longer spoke, continuing to stare at the scene.

But in the next moment, the expressions in the three's eyes changed.

Because, beside the Nine Dragons Myriad Calamities Pool, Li Che, who bore the terrifying pressure of the Divine Mountain's collapse, actually took a step forward with a boom.

Stepped into the pool where strange phenomena abounded, interweaving sunrise glow, divine swords, Great Dao sigil chains, and mysterious ancient talismans.

The water surface rippled with concentric circles.

Then, as if a mirror, it cracked open, the crack caused by Li Che's foot.

"Went in?!"

"Crazy! He actually dared to step into the Nine-Dragon Ten-Thousand Calamities Pool?!"

"Inside it intertwines Nine-Dragon Ten-Thousand Calamities Qi! That's a Divine Weapon of the Second Saint Rank, containing terrifying rule‑order power; he'll be ground to blood by that Qi, turned into bloodwater, right?!"

The three were extremely shocked.

"A strong one! Definitely a top‑tier strong one!"

"To bear Nine-Dragon Ten-Thousand Calamities Qi, such a flesh body must be close to immortality! Surely a Nirvana‑complete existence!"

"Earth Store... the ancient texts never recorded which faction's strong one this is?!"

The three felt a strong shock in their hearts.

But Li Che had no time to mind them.

Because after stepping into the Nine-Dragon Ten-Thousand Calamities Pool, the pool's oppressive pressure grew ever more intense, and all manner of calamity auras surged forth!

Having just placed a single foot in the pool, Li Che already felt the pressure upgrade.

Heavenly thunder roared, electric currents danced wildly, accompanied by a divine sword of interwoven order light that pierced the void and struck down hard at Li Che's flesh. In the pool, a grand scene unfolded: solar flames appeared, scorching Li Che's body, while icy streams rushed to wash over him...

Boom—

Li Che's jet‑black, sturdy hair flailed wildly!

The mortal holy body was instantly stimulated; countless golden lights interwove, the surface of his flesh bore resonant immortal patterns, dreamlike and illusory, like the snarling branches of a Dao Tree spreading!

The great dragon along his spine roared!

Above his spine, descending in order, eight odd‑gate Qi‑blood vortices emerged, immortal Qi interweaving within, and calamity force roiling inside.

"Hm?!"

Boom—!!!

Suddenly, Li Che felt the oppressive pressure on his flesh abruptly dissipate a great deal.

"Primordial Dao Calamity..."

Li Che's heart stirred slightly.

It seemed he sensed that the Nine-Dragon Ten-Thousand Calamities Qi hidden in this pool was somehow linked with the Dao Calamity within the great dragon of his spine!

Li Che stepped forward boldly, his whole being fully entering the Nine-Dragon Ten-Thousand Calamities Pool.

This great pool measured nine thousand zhang in length and width; the water churned, each drop brimming with profound power, filling the calamity Qi mechanism!

Even a single drop could slay a disaster‑god calamity, melting its flesh, steaming its blood, erasing body and spirit!

Yet Li Che already attained a certain enlightenment.

When he sensed the Nine-Dragon Ten-Thousand Calamities Qi and resonated with his own Primordial Dao Calamity...

Beneath the white‑jade Earth Store mask, a faint smile instantly appeared.

"Watch closely."

"To refine the Nine-Dragon Ten-Thousand Calamities Qi, one must go to the pool's center."

"The scenery there is uniquely beautiful."

Li Che's faint voice spread out from within the pool.

The three immortal first‑generation descendants were instantly stunned, their eyes showing oddity, even a hint of disbelief.

"Center of the pool?"

"That place is the Nine-Dragon Guarded Land, to be washed by the Nine-Dragon Ten-Thousand Calamities Qi..."

"Senior, please don't trick us into dying!"

Fu Shao Xi couldn't help but say.

"Without even a heart toward the Dao, how can you break through immortality? The Cunning Demon Cave, Dark Heavenly Court, and Black Xumi all strive to help you assault immortality, yet you lack even that sliver of Dao‑heart, still yearning for immortality? How can you contend with Heaven and Earth, imposing will upon yourself?"

Li Che's mocking voice drifted faintly.

The next moment

Beneath Li Che's feet, violet flames surged upward—it was the Primordial Dragon Elephant Flame!

The fire roiled, containing ancient runes, divine sigil chains interwoven, and it transformed into a solitary boat.

Li Che stood on the solitary boat, hands behind his back.

The solitary boat cut through the water, drifting slowly toward the center of the Nine-Dragon Ten-Thousand Calamities Pool!

Such a scene, such words……

The three immortal first-generation descendants struck by the impact were somewhat dazed.

Because, this Earth Store Senior, what he said actually seems to have some truth!

However, the three were no ordinary folk; they quickly came to their senses, their mouths twitching.

Act within your limits; if you rush into the pool in a fit of hot-headedness, you'll likely be obliterated by the Nine Dragon Myriad Calamity Qi!

Watching Earth Store Senior step onto a lone boat and charge into the pool's center……

This scene made their hearts surge with excitement.

At this moment, they developed new doubts about Earth Store Senior's strength.

They were doubting……

This Earth Store Senior, is he actually Nirvana……

Or an immortal!

Such bearing, such spirit, as if he were charging upstream on the Great Dao Long River, contending with Heaven and Earth's will for supremacy over the river—a supreme existence!

Grand spirit, grand demeanor!

"Could it be……"

"This person is actually an immortal?!"

……

Li Che is certainly not an immortal.

He recalled in his mind the scene from when he witnessed the Lord of the Dao Fruit during the six transformations of the Dao Fruit.

Through the Dream Heaven Master's Dao Fruit, this scene was projected, simulating the aura and bearing of the Lord of the Dao Fruit.

Confuse the senses, only in muddy water can one catch fish!

As for how the three immortal first-generation descendants judge him, Li Che doesn't care.

And as the Dao boat wanders toward the pool's center.

Li Che instantly felt himself merging into the Dao Tribulation Power within the Mystic Gate Immortal Seed, the resonance growing stronger!

"Could it be… that the Nine Dragon Myriad Calamity Qi is related to the Primordial Nine Tribulations?"

On the Dao boat.

Li Che slowly closed his eyes.

He seemed……

He knew how to take in this divine weapon, the Nine Dragon Myriad Calamity Qi!

Anyway, having reached the pool's center, let's give it a try; his daughter still waits for reunion in the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths……

He slowly opened his arms……

The great dragon on his back roared, nine blood‑qi vortices swirled, originally spinning forward, then suddenly Li Che opened his eyes!

The Mystic Gate blood‑qi vortex reversed direction!

Reverse‑flow vortex!

Guide over……

Myriad Calamities envelop the body!

(End of chapter)