Chapter 132: Xi Xi's Blood Replacement at Age Three, Butterflies Flutter as You Plot to Kill Me

Chapter 132: Xi Xi's Blood Replacement at Age Three, Butterflies Flutter as You Plot to Kill Me

The horse's neigh echoed as it galloped along the official road, kicking up dust in its wake.

The bluestone path extended all the way to the foot of the Divine Ancestral Mountain Gate, where a towering white jade archway stood.

The Divine Ancestral Mountain Gate had its own dedicated guards, and Li Che and Zhang Ya had already become familiar with the mountain-guarding cultivators.

"Master Li, are you visiting your daughter again?" asked one of the guards, an elderly cultivator with a cultivation base at the initial stage of the Divine Foundation Realm. Although not particularly strong, his limited talent had long since cut off his path to advancement.

Thus, he served as a guard at the mountain gate.

"Uncle Qian, come and try this braised pork my wife made. It's just as good as the chef's cooking at the Cloud Fragrance Pavilion!" Li Che said, taking out a plate of braised pork from his lunch box with a flourish and offering it to the guard.

The stooped figure of the guard accepted the plate and took a deep breath, letting out a hearty laugh.

Li Che, carrying a red lacquered lunch box, held Zhang Ya's hand as they stepped down from the carriage and began climbing the bluestone steps, heading towards the mountain.

They strolled along the mountain path like a romantic couple, bathed in the mountain breeze and shaded by the forest canopy.

Soon, they arrived at the large courtyard inside the Divine Ancestral Sect.

The courtyard was bustling with activity, as cultivators from various peaks gathered for the monthly assembly. Every month, the Divine Ancestral Sect held these assemblies to assess the cultivation progress of its disciples and rank them accordingly.

Similar to a monthly exam, this assembly tested the disciples' rankings, even among those of the inner sect. Inner sect disciples were also ranked alongside outer sect disciples, and even those of the inner line were not exempt from this ranking system.

For example, if there were five inner line disciples in a batch, each monthly exam required them to rank within the top six. If they failed to do so more than three times, their inner line status could be replaced by the top-ranked outer sect disciple.

Of course, one or two instances of not ranking within the top six would not have immediate consequences, but consistently failing to do so more than three times could lead to the loss of their inner line status during the annual assessment.

Additionally, during the monthly assessments, outer sect disciples had the opportunity to challenge inner sect disciples for their positions.

If an outer sect disciple successfully challenged and defeated three consecutive inner sect disciples, they could immediately take over their position, even before the annual assessment.

This applied to outer sect disciples as well, providing them with opportunities to advance to the inner sect. Each monthly assessment witnessed numerous ambitious outer sect disciples challenging and replacing inner sect disciples.

However, it was rare for an inner line disciple to be replaced.

As Li Che and Zhang Ya arrived at the courtyard, they saw Zhang Qingzheng, a grandmaster in a Confucian robe, standing on the arena stage with a stern expression that intimidated everyone.

Holding a roster, he called out names, and the spirit children disciples eagerly climbed onto the stage.

Each disciple respectfully greeted Zhang Qingzheng and then demonstrated their martial skills, releasing their Qi and blood essence to showcase their cultivation.

After a set of punches and kicks, lasting only a few breaths, Zhang Qingzheng announced, "Inner sect disciple Liu Yue, age seven, with minor success in bone-stretching and nature cultivation like a lamp. You may step down."

"Next, inner sect disciple Zhang Kai, please step up."

Zhang Qingzheng nodded and then called out with a scowl, "Zhang Kai, please come up."

The disciple obediently stepped down from the stage, maintaining order. No one dared to defy Zhang Qingzheng, the grandmaster.

On the spectator platform.

Among the audience were not only Li Che and Zhang Ya but also many other spirit children's parents, watching their children participate in the monthly assessment.

"Husband, look, Xi Xi is over there!" Zhang Ya exclaimed, spotting Xi Xi surrounded by a group of mischievous boys. She couldn't help but call out joyfully, tugging at Li Che's sleeve.

Li Che had already noticed Xi Xi's location, and with his enhanced perception from the lv3 Chess Sage Dao Fruit, he was keenly aware of her surroundings.

He maintained a cold expression, nodding slightly.

The reason for his concern was the group of boys surrounding Xi Xi.

Among them were Gong Yuanliang from the Gong family and Gong Yangxiu from the Gongyang family, as well as other male children from the noble families of Jin Guang City. Each of them lingered around Xi Xi, their eyes filled with admiration.

Li Che's expression darkened as he sat on the high platform, his gaze fixed on these young nobles. Their intentions were clear—they had been instructed by their elders to approach Xi Xi within the sect.

Xi Xi, as the current sect master's inner line disciple of Jin Guang Peak, held a position far beyond that of an ordinary inner line disciple. Moreover, as a female, she was a prime target for marriage alliances in the eyes of these noble families.

Marrying into their families would bring with her significant resources and the backing of a sect master's inner line disciple, a force not to be underestimated.

Li Che couldn't help but understand the thoughts of these young boys.

Usually, Xi Xi cultivated on Jin Guang Peak under the watchful eyes of her senior sister, Sang Guanyin, and senior brother, Liu Yangyuan. These boys had no opportunity to approach her.

However, the monthly sect assessment was the perfect chance for them to get close to Xi Xi.

"These boys have impure intentions," Li Che sighed, narrowing his eyes.

Zhang Ya, on the other hand, was speechless. "Husband, they're just children."

"What are you thinking?"

"Xi Xi is only three years old."

Li Che rubbed Zhang Ya's head affectionately. "I know they're just children, but... children will eventually grow up. They're laying the groundwork for the future. We can't ignore their intentions."

Zhang Ya smiled at Li Che's words, understanding his concern.

Xi Xi sat in a chair, her heart filled with excitement. She reached into her sleeve and grabbed a handful of sunflower seeds, chewing on them with relish. These seeds had been brought to her by Shangguan Qinghong a few days ago.

Xi Xi's love for sunflower seeds perfectly matched her demeanor as the Xi Xi Empress. She cracked the seeds while casting a disdainful gaze at the surrounding boys, exuding a cool and collected aura.

As for the boys around her, she paid them no mind, thanks to the advice of her senior sister, Yin Yin.

"Xi Xi, is that your father and mother?"

Xi Xi was feeling bored when she suddenly heard the milky voice of Ram Xiu.

Ram Xiu was only two years older than Xi Xi, at five years old.

Xi Xi's ears perked up at the sound of his voice: "Where? Where?"

She immediately became alert, her eyes darting left and right, scanning her surroundings.

Finally, on the high platform, she spotted her mother, Zhang Ya, happily waving at her, and her father, who was looking stern-faced.

Xi Xi clapped her hands in delight and jumped down from her chair, leading Ram Xiu through the crowd towards her parents.

"Quiet!"

On the arena, Zhang Qingzheng spoke coldly with a sour expression.

However, upon seeing Xi Xi, a hint of gentleness flashed in his eyes, though it was almost imperceptible.

"Go ahead."

Zhang Qingzheng said.

Xi Xi was fine, but if it were anyone else, Zhang Qingzheng would surely be impartial.

Xi Xi, holding Ram Xiu's hand, ran towards the viewing platform.

"Mother!"

Excitedly, she leaped forward, rushing towards Zhang Ya. However, as she was in mid-air, Li Che grabbed her by the hand.

What strength does Xi Xi have now?

Is she planning to kill her mother to prove her path?

Xi Xi's neck stiffened as if she was swimming in the water, constantly waving her arms.

"I hate you, Daddy!"

Xi Xi's chubby face turned red with anger, ruining her image as the Great Emperor Xi Xi!

"Don't ever rush towards your mother like that again! Only your father can do that."

Li Che pinched Xi Xi's cheek, giving her a serious warning before letting her go.

Xi Xi huffed and hid in Zhang Ya's embrace: "Mother, Daddy is bullying me!"

Zhang Ya quickly comforted and soothed Xi Xi.

She took out a lunch box and offered Xi Xi her favorite dish, braised pork. Xi Xi's mood brightened, and she happily started eating.

Ram Xiu stood awkwardly, having been pulled over by Xi Xi, not quite understanding the situation.

At this moment, he felt Xi Xi's father's gaze, sharp as a drawn sword.

Adults are so scary...

Xi Xi continued eating the braised pork.

"Are you from the Ram family?"

"Your hair seems a bit yellow."

Li Che glanced at Ram Xiu and said indifferently.

Ram Xiu hurriedly explained, "Uncle, let me explain... It's because I've been cultivating the Earth Elemental Divine Martial Art..."

The Five Elements Divine Martial Art is a special divine martial art formed by combining the Five Elements with the Seven Emotions.

It is slightly more powerful than ordinary divine martial arts.

Each of the Five Great Sects primarily cultivates one of the Five Elements Divine Martial Arts, complementing it with the Divine Form Technique.

For example, the Gold Rupture Sect cultivates the Metal Element and specializes in killing.

The Bamboo Grove Academy cultivates the Wood Element, the Wave Observing Pavilion cultivates the Water Element, the Heart Monkey Temple cultivates the Fire Element, and the Scorpion Sand Forest cultivates the Earth Element.

Within the Divine Ancestral Sect, they also teach the Five Elements Divine Martial Arts, and for disciples of the same rank, integrating the Five Elements can result in even higher levels of power.

Li Che nodded but remained silent, making Ram Xiu feel even more nervous. His face was covered in sweat, and his back was drenched.

So scary...

Xi Xi continued eating the braised pork.

Ram Xiu was almost in tears, bearing the pressure that a child his age should not have to endure.

"Xiu Xiu, do you want some braised pork? My mother's braised pork is the best in the world!" Xi Xi said with her mouth full, offering some to Ram Xiu.

Ram Xiu quickly declined.

Fortunately, the assessment began, and Zhang Qingzheng called out Ram Xiu's name. Relieved, he ran off like the wind.

After the inner disciples' assessment, it was time for the true disciples' assessment.

This year's four true disciples were Sea Tide Birth, Palace Yuan Liang, Ram Xiu, and Xi Xi.

After Ram Xiu stepped onto the platform, he bowed to the elder Zhang Qingzheng and then began his demonstration.

"Not bad, Ram Xiu. At five years old, you've achieved Bone Tempering Minor Success and Temperament Like a Stream."

Zhang Qingzheng maintained his sour expression, and although his words were approving, his attitude seemed less than satisfied.

"Next, Palace Yuan Liang."

The assessment of the true disciples didn't take long.

After all, it was just a monthly assessment, not an overly formal one. Zhang Qingzheng only gave a simple evaluation, and the ranking could be determined based on their cultivation levels.

In just one month, everyone's cultivation had improved significantly.

Seven-year-old Sea Tide Birth seemed to have been inspired by Xi Xi's divine child talent. After a month of hard cultivation, he had broken through Bone Tempering Major Success and reached Blood Replacement.

This news shocked many; it was indeed rare for a seven-year-old to reach Blood Replacement.

"Next, Li Che!"

Zhang Qingzheng called out.

Xi Xi stuffed the last piece of braised pork into her mouth.

"Daddy, it's my turn!"

Xi Xi said and then rushed towards the arena.

Li Che and Zhang Ya's eyes followed Xi Xi, curious about the progress of her cultivation at the Divine Ancestral Sect.

The next moment, Xi Xi moved, and a loud, clear sword cry rang out. Countless golden lights flashed from her arms, like a thousand rays of sunlight rising together!

Thunderous sounds echoed endlessly.

Below the arena, many inner disciples who wanted to challenge Xi Xi felt a surge of pressure, their eyes narrowing.

Qin Fenghuo from the Qin family had long declared his intention to challenge Xi Xi. At this moment, his heart felt as if it was being squeezed by a giant hand.

"Blood... Blood Replacement?!"

"How is this possible?!"

Qin Fenghuo's face turned extremely ugly as he stared in disbelief, but he could feel the scorching, vibrant qi and blood.

His face gradually turned ashen.

He had reached Bone Tempering Major Success and was confident in challenging Xi Xi, but now, the idea of challenging her had long faded away.

In one month, he had achieved Bone Tempering Major Success and reached Blood Replacement.

But Xi Xi had directly reached Blood Replacement, and the gap... was quite significant!

Was this the difference between him and a divine child?

Qin Fenghuo's body trembled, and a hint of fear flashed in his eyes. He fell silent, feeling a sense of defeat in his heart.

However, this sense of defeat quickly vanished.

Hope still shone in Qin Fenghuo's eyes, "After a year... with enough Temple Deity Resonance, I still have a chance..."

"As long as my Temple Deity Resonance is sufficient, I still have the opportunity to become an Inner Line Disciple and receive the sect's cultivation!"

The Qin family had prepared extensively for his Temple Deity Resonance assessment and had high hopes for him.

Qin Fenghuo's confidence surged as he thought of this.

He was only seven years old, and his future had just begun. What was a temporary setback? Time was on his side, and he was determined to catch up to Xi Xi!

On the arena, Xi Xi demonstrated the entry-level Jin Guang Peak's Upper Tier Four Imperial Armament, the Mystic Thunder Golden Light Wrath Sword Technique.

The dazzling display of power was awe-inspiring, with sword Qi permeating her body.

Even though she had just barely entered the realm, it was enough to astonish many.

Zhang Qingzheng stroked his beard in surprise, his eyes gleaming with astonishment.

From a distance, Elder Zhu Hongdou, who was observing the assessment, frowned. Xi Xi was supposed to join his Crimson Cloud Peak and become his disciple.

Unfortunately, she had been snatched away by the old Sect Lord.

"Li Nuoxi, three years old, one Blood Exchange, Temperament Like a River!" Zhang Qingzheng announced Xi Xi's results.

With that, the first round of testing came to a close, followed by the challenges.

Inner disciples challenging true disciples, and outer disciples challenging inner disciples.

Qin Fenghuo, who had previously boasted about challenging Xi Xi, ultimately decided to strategically withdraw.

After all, even if Xi Xi didn't use hidden weapons, Qin Fenghuo didn't have the confidence to win against her after her Blood Exchange.

"I challenge!"

Suddenly, everyone's attention was drawn to a corner where Shangguan Qinglei, with a sullen face, was slowly approaching.

All the disciples moved away from him.

It was as if he were a plague god, and no one wanted to get close or have any dealings with him.

Shangguan Qinglei's face was filled with sullenness. At seven years old, he seemed to have experienced too much of the world's cruelties and already understood the ugliness of human nature.

He walked step by step onto the arena, his gaze fixed on Xi Xi.

"I challenge you!"

Ever since Shangguan Zhengheng was killed by Lin Xiu and Li Qingshan, Shangguan Qinglei's status in the Divine Ancestral Sect had plummeted. Some disciples who knew the inside story even mocked him, saying he was the son of the Corpse Deity Sect's evil disciple.

Shangguan Qinglei had endured much injustice, and his anger had nowhere to vent.

He directed all his anger towards Xi Xi.

Xi Xi's family was close to Li Qingshan...

And Li Qingshan was his father's killer! The more Shangguan Qinglei thought about it, the more intense his suppressed anger and murderous intent became.

Zhang Qingzheng scowled, coldly glancing at the little brat, as if he could see the anger and murderous intent in his heart.

Zhang Qingzheng understood why Shangguan Qinglei had such anger and murderous intent, but he merely shook his head and turned to Xi Xi, "Xi Xi, I accept your challenge!"

Xi Xi didn't refuse. Her eyes gleamed with excitement as she leaped onto the arena, eager for the fight. She loved a good brawl!

Xi Xi's muscles trembled with excitement.

In the audience, Li Che stared at Shangguan Qinglei, sensing the anger and murderous intent he directed towards Xi Xi.

Li Che narrowed his eyes.

Shangguan Qinglei...

Was he the son of Shangguan Zhengheng?

He had almost forgotten.

To eradicate the weed, one must also remove the roots.

This child...

Must not be left alive!

...

Old Chen puffed on his tobacco pipe, humming a little tune as he strolled through the bustling streets of the Capital City.

The city's prosperity was indeed enchanting, and Old Chen never imagined he would have the opportunity to live here in this lifetime.

However, after staying with Li Che's family for so many days, it was time for him to find a job to pass the time.

Xi Xi had gone to the Divine Ancestral Sect for cultivation, Li Che worked at the Celestial Surveillance Agency during the day, Zhang Ya occasionally stayed at home, and on regular days, she would go to Li Qingshan's Thunder Peak for cultivation.

He was feeling rather bored on his own.

As he walked, a figure in tattered clothes approached from a distance, holding a bamboo stick.

Old Chen took a puff from his tobacco pipe; this was his fellow townsman who had joined one of the three major factions in the Capital City, the Beggar Brotherhood, after arriving in the city.

They had reconnected when they met in the city some time ago.

"Da Bao!"

"Er Dan."

The two men exchanged glances and smiled at each other, feeling a sense of familiarity in a foreign land.

Both of them were old now, and back in their hometown, they had been young men training together in the martial arts hall. In the blink of an eye, they had grown old.

They found a tea stall and sat down to chat over tea.

"I've found you a job in the Brotherhood. Knowing your Blood Exchange cultivation, I spoke to the senior officer, and he's willing to give you a job as a guard."

"The monthly salary is not bad, one silver per month."

Old Chen narrowed his eyes and took another puff from his tobacco pipe, enveloping himself in smoke, "Guard what?"

He didn't immediately agree, as the Capital City was a place of deep waters.

"Hehe, it's a great job. Do you know about the Cloud Fragrance Pavilion? Our Brotherhood also has a presence around it... The Cloud Fragrance Pavilion also hires our Brotherhood members to do some work, mainly guarding goods."

"If you're lucky, you might even get to see the beauties inside, they say that the Flower Master... is as white as snow!"

Er Dan rubbed his hands together.

Old Chen chuckled, "We're both old men, what are you thinking about?"

However, the job Er Dan mentioned was indeed in line with Old Chen's thoughts.

The Cloud Fragrance Pavilion wasn't too far from Li Che's courtyard, and its reputation was well-known to Old Chen.

Although it was a place of debauchery, Old Chen would be earning an honest living, and the money... was clean.

Seeing Old Chen's agreement, Er Dan led him to the Beggar Brotherhood's base near the Cloud Fragrance Pavilion.

A Blood Exchange martial artist, seeking a job in the Capital City, was not an easy task.

The Beggar Brotherhood's Senior Officer was dressed impeccably, not resembling a beggar in the slightest, but rather like a wealthy and well-fed landlord.

"Alright, a Blood Exchange Warrior. Although his Qi Blood is somewhat declining, he's still capable enough to guard the goods."

"I'll have someone take you there. Remember, keep your eyes and questions to yourself, just do your job."

"Got it?"

Old Chen, holding a dry tobacco pipe, smiled to show his understanding. As an old hand in the underworld, how could he not comprehend?

The wealthy Senior Officer was pleased with Old Chen's attitude; he liked these old, experienced hands who knew how to behave.

Soon after, someone came to lead Old Chen away to his new workplace.

After seeing Old Chen off, the Senior Officer's satisfied expression suddenly vanished, and he cupped his hands in the direction of a certain place.

"This person has an excellent relationship with the Divine Child, Li Nuanxi, of the Divine Sect. He has secretly implanted a Corpse Curse Seal within his body, and the Sect Master's True Disciple will descend from the mountain once every half a year..."

"After half a year, when Li Nuanxi comes into contact with this person, the Corpse Curse Seal can be transferred to the Divine Child!"

A cold voice drifted out from within the building.

"A Divine Child... worth taking a risk for."

"The entire Ji Prefecture will become our Corpse Deity Sect's plaything. How can Jin Guang City possibly resist?"

"People have desires, and with desires, they cannot resist the temptation of our Corpse Deity Sect's allure."

"A Divine Child..."

...

...

Divine Sect, Inner Sect's Grand Plaza.

Li Che sat on a high platform, observing the step-by-step approach of Shangguan Qinglei, who carried an air of profound and mysterious blessings. A hidden killing intent flashed in Li Che's eyes.

Even though Shangguan Qinglei was just a child...

The threat he brought was not to be underestimated.

If he truly harmed Xi Xi, Li Che would regret it for life!

However, this was an arena match, and with Zhang Qingzheng, a Divine Appearance Cultivator, presiding over it, there was no need to worry about Xi Xi's safety.

Moreover, with Shangguan Qinglei's cultivation level, it was impossible for him to pose a threat to Xi Xi.

Therefore, Li Che had no intention of intervening at this moment.

Sitting on the high platform, he calmly watched the challenge, but his mind had already begun planning how to eliminate this child.

After the enhancement of the Chess Sage's Dao Fruit, his perception of killing intent had become extremely acute.

Suddenly, Li Che's heart stirred, and his eyes captured a complex chessboard with intertwining patterns.

A chess piece suddenly jumped.

It was the Thunderbolt Chess Piece he had hidden on Old Chen's body.

At this moment, the chess piece seemed to sense a dangerous aura and sent feedback.

Li Che's eyebrows furrowed, and with a thought, the chess piece burst into a dazzling glow. The glow converged on the chessboard, forming an image.

After a brief glance, Li Che's face turned grim.

Corpse Deity Sect! Through the feedback from the chess piece, he sensed the Corpse Curse Power gradually infecting Old Chen's body. Although the power was not strong and would require several accumulations to form a Corpse Curse Seal, it was so subtle that it was nearly undetectable.

But Li Che...

Because he had an Eighth Apex Corpse Curse Seal suppressed within his Chess Sage's Dao Fruit, he was extremely sensitive to Corpse Curse Seals. Even the slightest trace would appear as brilliant as the sun's rays in his eyes, making it impossible to hide.

"The Corpse Deity Sect is truly insidious, with no stone left unturned. Old Chen went to find a job, and he ended up infected with Corpse Curse Power? Such a subtle method is indeed hard to guard against."

When the Corpse Curse Power accumulates to a certain extent, it will erupt and irresistibly condense into a Corpse Curse Seal.

Unless the recipient resolutely resists, even if it means sacrificing one's cultivation or life, they can resist the erosion of the Corpse Curse Seal.

But how many people can remain calm in the face of life and death?

Faced with the temptation of avoiding death and the potential for cultivation advancement, many abandon their beliefs and join the Corpse Deity Sect.

Li Che closed his eyes and slowly opened them again.

He began to ponder the opponent's intentions.

Upon first meeting Old Chen, they had secretly accumulated Corpse Curse Power within his body. Targeting a Blood Exchange Warrior whose Qi Blood was already declining indicated a specific purpose.

Convert Old Chen to the Corpse Deity Sect?

In the city, a Blood Exchange Warrior was not a significant figure, especially one like Old Chen, whose Qi Blood was already declining. Why go through such elaborate planning?

Li Che felt that their target was most likely Xi Xi.

Although Old Chen's relationship with the Li family was not widely known...

If one asked the residents of Listening Flower Lane, they would all know that Old Chen had an excellent relationship with the Li family.

The Corpse Deity Sect wanted to use Old Chen, just like the Six Desires Wooden Sculpture, to infect Xi Xi's body with the Corpse Curse Seal!

"The Corpse Deity Sect... truly despicable!"

Li Che's eyes suddenly became sharp and cold.

They dared to kill like this without fear? After a month of inactivity, they were already making their moves?

Or perhaps...

They didn't know pain unless they killed a big shot from the Corpse Deity Sect!

Li Che's eyes turned colder, and his killing intent was stronger than ever.

Sensing that her husband's expression was amiss, Zhang Ya turned her head in confusion and patted Li Che's chest.

Li Che's expression softened slightly.

Old Chen was not in immediate danger; the Corpse Curse Power had just started to infect him. With a quick Qi Blood cleansing, it would be dispelled.

Therefore, Li Che did not rush to kill him but decided to follow the trail, hoping to uncover a bigger plot.

Then...

Let the Corpse Deity Sect feel some pain!

Calming himself down, Li Che's gaze fell upon the arena.

On the arena, Xi Xi was stretching her limbs when a butterfly-like creature on her shoulder suddenly flapped its wings.

Xi Xi's lively eyes widened in surprise...

She turned to Shangguan Qinglei, anger rising within her.

Her small body exuded a terrifying oppressive force.

"You dare to think of harming me?"

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(End of Chapter)

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