Chapter 132: Xixi, the Great, Age 3, Blood Replacement, Butterflies Fluttering, You Want to Kill Me

Chapter 132: Xixi, the Great, Age 3, Blood Replacement, Butterflies Fluttering, You Want to Kill Me

A horse's neigh echoed as it galloped along the official road, kicking up a cloud of dust.

The green stone path extended all the way to the foot of the Divine Sect's mountain gate, where a towering white jade archway stood.

The mountain gate of the Divine Sect was guarded by a dedicated keeper, an old man with a cultivation base at the Foundation Base Initial Stage. He was not weak, but his limited talent had long since cut off his path to advancement.

So, he stood guard at the mountain gate.

"Money Lord, come and try this braised pork my wife made. It's definitely not inferior to the chef's skills at Cloud Fragrance Pavilion!"

Li Che smiled and took out a plate of braised pork from his lunch box, skillfully sending it floating towards the figure in the side building next to the white jade archway.

The stooped figure took the plate of braised pork, took a deep breath, and burst into laughter.

Li Che, carrying a red-painted lunch box, held Zhang Ya's hand and stepped down from the carriage. They climbed the green stone staircase and began their ascent.

Like a couple strolling along a mountain path, they were bathed in the mountain breeze and shaded by the forest.

Soon, they arrived at the Divine Sect's inner courtyard.

The courtyard was bustling with disciples from various peaks of the Divine Sect. Every month, the sect gathered all its disciples for a grand assembly to assess their cultivation progress.

Similar to a monthly exam, the assembly would rank the disciples from the same batch. Even direct disciples would participate in the ranking alongside inner sect disciples.

For example, if there were five direct disciples in a batch, each monthly exam would require at least one of them to rank within the top six. If the number of times they ranked below the top six exceeded three, their direct disciple status would become unstable, and they could be replaced by the top-ranked inner sect disciple.

Of course, one or two monthly assessments would not have an immediate impact, but if they failed to rank within the top six for more than three times, it would become dangerous.

During the annual assessment, if they were defeated, their direct disciple status could be revoked.

Additionally, during the monthly assessments, inner sect disciples had the opportunity to challenge direct disciples.

If they successfully challenged and defeated the direct disciple for three consecutive months, they could replace the direct disciple's position, even without waiting for the annual assessment.

Of course, the same principle applied to inner sect disciples. Therefore, the monthly assessments also provided opportunities for outer sect disciples to enter the inner sect, as many ambitious outer sect disciples would challenge and replace inner sect disciples every year.

However, it was rare for a direct disciple to be replaced.

Li Che and Zhang Ya arrived at the center of the courtyard, where Elder Zhang Qingzheng stood on the arena in a Confucian robe, his face stern and intimidating.

Holding a list, he called out a name, and a disciple who had entered the Divine Sect as a spirit child eagerly climbed onto the stage.

After respectfully bowing to Zhang Qingzheng, the disciple began to demonstrate his martial skills, unleashing his breath and blood to showcase his cultivation.

A set of punches was completed in just a dozen breaths.

"Inner sect disciple Liu Yue, seven years old, Meridian Opening Minor Success, Temperament Like a Lantern. You may step down."

"Next, inner sect disciple Zhang Kai."

Zhang Qingzheng nodded and then called out with a scowl.

The disciple obediently stepped down from the arena, maintaining excellent discipline. No one dared to defy Elder Zhang Qingzheng's commands.

On the spectator platform, not only Li Che and Zhang Ya but also many other spirit children's parents were seated, watching their children participate in the Divine Sect's monthly exam.

"Darling, look, there's Xixi!"

Zhang Ya, in the crowd, widened her eyes and searched, soon spotting Xixi surrounded by a group of little rascals. She couldn't help but call out happily, holding Li Che's hand.

Li Che had already spotted Xixi's location, and with his transformed Chess Sage Fruit, his perception had far surpassed his previous abilities.

With a cold expression, he nodded slightly.

Around Xixi were a bunch of boys.

There was Gong Yuanliang from the Gong family, Gongyang Xiu from the Gongyang family, and many other inner sect boys from the noble families of Golden Light City. Each of them lingered around Xixi, vying for her attention.

Li Che's expression darkened as he sat upright on the high platform, his cold gaze fixed on these noble disciples. Their intentions were clear.

They were undoubtedly following the orders of their elders to approach Xixi within the sect.

Xixi was now the direct disciple of the Sect Master of Golden Light Peak, a status far beyond that of an ordinary direct disciple. Most importantly, she was a girl.

In the eyes of these noble families, girls would eventually marry, even if they were direct disciples.

Therefore, marrying into their families would be like bringing a dowry of vast resources, and the background and power of a Sect Master's direct disciple could not be underestimated.

How could Li Che not guess the intentions of these boys?

Usually, Xixi cultivated on Golden Light Peak, watched over by her senior sister Sang Guan Yin and senior brother Liu Yangyuan. These boys had no chance to approach her.

But the monthly sect assessments were the perfect opportunity for them to get close to Xixi.

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

Zhang Ya couldn't help but laugh, "Darling, they're just children."

"What are you thinking?"

"Xixi is only three years old."

Li Che rubbed Zhang Ya's head and said, "Of course, I know they're just children, but... Children will eventually grow up! They're laying the groundwork for the future, and we can't be too careful!"

Zhang Ya couldn't help but laugh. Her husband always thought ahead and prepared for the future.

...

...

Xixi sat in a chair, her mood elated. She took a handful of sunflower seeds from her sleeve and slowly started munching on them. These seeds were brought by Shangguan Qinghong when he visited her a few days ago.

Xixi's seed-cracking perfectly matched her majestic aura as the Great Xixi. She cracked seeds while looking down at the many treacherous ministers, exuding a cool and domineering aura.

As for the unfamiliar inner sect boys surrounding her, Sister Yin Yin had told her to ignore them, treating them like buzzing flies.

Sister Yin Yin was indeed experienced!

"Xixi, is that your father and mother?"

"Xixi, come here!"

Xixi was bored out of her mind when Gongyang Xiu's soft and gentle voice suddenly reached her ears.

Gongyang Xiu was only five years old, just two years older than Xixi.

Xixi's ears perked up at his words, "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 rather displeased.

Xixi clapped her hands excitedly and jumped down from her chair, pulling Gongyang Xiu with her.

They squeezed through the crowd, running towards her parents with excitement.

"Silence!"

On the arena, Zhang Qingzheng, with a scowl on his face, said coldly.

However, upon seeing Xixi, a hint of gentleness flashed across his eyes, though it was barely noticeable.

"Go ahead."

Zhang Qingzheng said.

If it were Xixi, it would be fine, but if it were anyone else, he, Zhang Qingzheng, would definitely be impartial.

Xixi pulled Gongyang Xiu and ran up to the viewing platform.

"Mother!"

Excited, she leaped towards Zhang Ya, but in mid-air, Li Che grabbed her by the hand.

What strength did Xixi have now?

Was she planning to kill her mother to achieve enlightenment?

Xixi, caught by Li Che, began to flail her arms and legs like she was swimming in the air.

"Daddy, you're so mean!"

Xixi's chubby little face turned red with anger, completely ruining her image as the 'Xixi Emperor'.

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

Li Che pinched Xixi's little face, admonished her seriously, and then put her down.

Xixi pouted and burrowed into Zhang Ya's embrace, complaining, "Mother, Daddy is bullying me!"

Zhang Ya quickly comforted and soothed Xixi.

She took out a lunch box and offered Xixi her favorite braised pork, and Xixi, no longer feeling aggrieved, happily started eating.

Gongyang Xiu stood awkwardly, having been dragged over by Xixi, and was completely unaware of the situation.

At this moment, he felt Li Che's gaze on him, sharp as a drawn sword.

The adults were so scary...

Meanwhile, Xixi continued eating her braised pork.

Gongyang Xiu was almost in tears, feeling a pressure that a child his age should not have to bear.

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

Gongyang Xiu quickly waved his hands in refusal.

Fortunately, the true disciple assessment was about to begin, and Zhang Qingzheng called out Gongyang Xiu's name, relieving him of his burden. He ran off like the wind.

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

This year's four true disciples were Hai Chaosheng, Gong Yuanliang, Gongyang Xiu, and Xixi.

Gongyang Xiu stepped onto the stage and bowed to Elder Zhang Qingzheng before beginning his demonstration.

"Not bad, Gongyang Xiu. At five years old, Bone Tempering Minor Success, Temperament Like a Stream."

Zhang Qingzheng nodded slightly, his expression sour despite his words of approval, leaving an impression of dissatisfaction.

"Next, Gong Yuanliang."

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

After all, it was just a monthly exam, not too formal, and Zhang Qingzheng was only making simple records.

The rankings could be roughly determined based on their cultivation levels.

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

Hai Chaosheng, at seven years old, might have been inspired by Xixi's divine child talent, for after a month of hard work, he had broken through to Bone Tempering Major Success and entered the Blood Replacement stage.

This news shocked many, as a seven-year-old reaching Blood Replacement was quite rare.

"Next, Li Nuoxi."

Zhang Qingzheng called out.

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

"Daddy, Mommy, it's my turn!"

Xixi ran towards the arena.

Li Che and Zhang Ya's gazes also fell upon the arena, curious about Xixi's progress after a month of cultivation in the Divine Sect.

The next moment, Xixi moved, and a bright and clear sword cry erupted, countless golden lights flashed from her arms, like a myriad of dazzling rays rising together!

Moreover, a sound like rolling thunder echoed endlessly.

Below the arena, many inner sect disciples who were eager to challenge Xixi felt a sense of oppression, their eyes narrowing.

Qin Feng from the Qin family had long declared his intention to challenge Xixi, and at this moment, his heart felt as if it were being clenched by a giant hand.

"Blood... Blood Replacement?!"

"How is this possible?!"

Qin Feng's face turned extremely ugly as he stared wide-eyed, feeling the scorching aura of blood and energy.

His face gradually turned ashen.

He had reached Bone Tempering Major Success and was confident he could challenge Xixi, but now... his desire to challenge her had completely vanished.

In just one month, although he had reached Bone Tempering Major Success and entered Bone Tempering Perfection,

Xixi had directly reached Blood Replacement, and the gap... was a bit too big!

Was this the difference between a divine child and himself?

Qin Fenghuo's body trembled, and a hint of fear flashed in his eyes, silencing him. A sense of disappointment arose in his heart.

But this feeling of disappointment quickly vanished.

Hope remained in Qin Fenghuo's eyes: "Yes, in a year... when the Temple Deity Resonance occurs, I'll still have a chance..."

"As long as my Temple Deity Resonance is sufficient, I still have the opportunity to become a direct disciple and receive the sect's cultivation!"

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

Qin Fenghuo's thoughts turned to this, and he couldn't help but feel confident.

He was only seven years old, and his future had just begun. What did it matter if he was temporarily behind? There was still plenty of time, and he was determined to catch up with Xixi!

On the arena, Xixi demonstrated the entry-level Golden Light Branch's supreme skill, 'Thunderous Golden Light Vengeful Sword Art'.

It was dazzling and awe-inspiring, with sword energy bursting from her body and intertwining.

Even though she had just barely entered the initial stage, it still surprised many.

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

From a distance, Elder Zhu Hongdou, who was observing the assessment, couldn't help but feel unhappy. Xixi was supposed to join her Crimson Cloud Peak and become her disciple.

Unfortunately, the Sect Master had snatched her away.

"Li Nuoxi, three years old, one blood exchange, Temperament Like a River!" Elder Zhang Qingzheng announced Xixi's results.

With this, the first round of testing came to a complete end, followed by the challenges.

Inner sect disciples challenging direct disciples, and outer sect disciples challenging inner sect disciples.

Qin Fenghuo, who had previously boasted about challenging Xixi, ultimately chose to strategically withdraw.

After all, with Xixi's blood exchange, even without using hidden weapons, Qin Fenghuo didn't feel confident about winning.

"I want to challenge!"

Suddenly, everyone's attention was drawn to a corner where Shangguan Qinglei, with a sullen expression, was walking towards them step by step.

All the disciples moved away from him.

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

Shangguan Qinglei's face was sullen, and at seven years old, he seemed to have experienced too much of the world's cruelty, already understanding the ugliness of human nature.

He walked step by step onto the arena, his gaze falling on Xixi.

"I challenge you!"

Since Shangguan Zhengheng's death at the hands of Lin Xiu and Li Qingshan, Shangguan Qinglei's status in the Divine Sect had plummeted. Some disciples who knew the inside story even mocked him as the son of a Corpse Deity Sect villain.

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

He directed all his anger towards Xixi.

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

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

Elder Zhang Qingzheng scowled, giving the little brat a cold look as if he could see the anger and killing intent in his heart.

Elder Zhang Qingzheng understood Shangguan Qinglei's anger and killing intent, but he just shook his head and turned to Xixi: "Will you accept the challenge?"

Xixi did not refuse. Her eyes shone with determination as she leaped onto the arena. Fighting... she loved it!

Xixi's muscles were trembling with excitement.

In the spectator stands, Li Che stared at Shangguan Qinglei, sensing the anger and murderous intent he directed towards Xixi.

Li Che narrowed his eyes.

Shangguan Qinglei...

Was he the son of Shangguan Zhengheng?

He had almost forgotten.

To eradicate the weed, one must remove the roots.

This child...

Must not be left alive!

...

...

Old Chen puffed on his dried tobacco pipe, humming a tune as he strolled down the bustling streets of the capital city.

The city's prosperity was indeed mesmerizing, and Old Chen had never imagined that he would live in the capital city in his lifetime.

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

Xixi had gone to the Divine Sect for cultivation, Li Che worked at the Imperial Astrology Bureau during the day, Zhang Ya was occasionally at home, and on regular days, she went to Li Qingshan's Zhen Lei Peak for cultivation.

He was truly bored.

As he walked, a figure in tattered clothing approached from a distance, moving quickly. The person looked disheveled and carried a bamboo stick.

Old Chen took a puff from his pipe; this was his fellow townsman who had joined one of the capital city's three major gangs, the Beggar Gang, after arriving in the capital city.

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

"Dabao!"

"Erdan."

The two exchanged glances and smiled at each other, feeling like they had met an old friend in a foreign land.

Both of them were old now, and when they were young, they had been fellow youths training in the martial arts hall in their hometown. Now, they were both nearing old age.

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

"I've found you a job in the gang. Knowing that you've undergone a blood exchange, I spoke to the attendant, and they've agreed to give you a guard position."

"The monthly salary isn't low, twenty taels a month."

Old Chen narrowed his eyes, took another puff from his pipe, and said through the smoke, "Guard what?"

He didn't agree immediately; the capital city was a deep pond.

"Hehe, it's a good job. Do you know about the Cloud Fragrance Pavilion?"

A mischievous smile appeared on the beggar Erdan's face.

"Our Beggar Gang also has territory around the Cloud Fragrance Pavilion... The Cloud Fragrance Pavilion also hires people from our gang to do some work, mainly guarding some goods."

"If you're lucky, you might even get to see the beauties of the Cloud Fragrance Pavilion. They say that the flower leader is as white as snow!"

Erdan rubbed his hands.

Old Chen chuckled, "We're both old men. What are you thinking? You can't possibly still be thinking about that, can you?"

"Stop thinking about things that aren't possible."

However, the job Erdan mentioned was quite in line with Old Chen's thoughts.

The Cloud Fragrance Pavilion wasn't too far from Li Che's courtyard, and Old Chen had already heard of its famous name.

Although it was a place of debauchery, Old Chen was a dignified man, and the money he earned from this job would be clean.

Seeing that Old Chen had agreed, Erdan led him to the Beggar Gang's base near the Cloud Fragrance Pavilion.

A blood-exchanged martial artist finding a job in the capital city wasn't difficult.

The attendant of the Beggar Gang was dressed very neatly, not at all like a beggar but more like a wealthy landlord who was rich and greasy.

"Alright, Blood Exchange Warrior. Although your Breath and Blood is somewhat weakened, you're sufficient for guarding the goods."

"I'll have someone show you to your work location. Remember, see less, ask less, and just do your job."

"Do you understand?"

Old Chen, with a pipe of dried smoke in his mouth, smiled to show his understanding. Being an old hand, how could he not understand?

The wealthy and greasy attendant was very pleased with Old Chen's attitude, liking such seasoned old hands who knew how to behave.

Subsequently, someone came to lead Old Chen away to his workplace.

After seeing Old Chen off, the wealthy and greasy attendant's smile suddenly disappeared, and he clasped his fists toward a direction.

"This person has a remarkable relationship with the Divine Sect's Divine Child, Li Nuoxi. Gradually, I've planted a Corpse Curse Seal in his body. The Sect Lord's Direct Disciple comes down the mountain once every half year..."

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

A cold voice drifted from the house.

"A Divine Child... it's worth us taking the risk."

"The entire Ji Prefecture has become a plaything of our Corpse Deity Sect. A mere Golden Light City... how can it resist?"

"People all have desires. As long as they have desires, they cannot resist the temptation of our Corpse Deity Sect."

"A Divine Child..."

...

...

Divine Sect, Inner Courtyard.

Li Che sat on a high platform, watching Shangguan Qinglei, who was stepping forward with a sinister expression, and a hidden killing intent flashed in his eyes.

Even though Shangguan Qinglei was just a child...

A child can still pose a threat.

If he really hurts Xixi, it would be a regret for life!

However, this is a match, and with Elder Zhang Qingzheng, a Divine Appearance cultivator, overseeing, Xixi's safety is not a concern.

Moreover, with Shangguan Qinglei's cultivation, he cannot possibly threaten Xixi.

Therefore, Li Che did not intend to intervene.

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

After the enhancement of the Chess Sage Fruit, his perception of killing intent became extremely sharp.

Suddenly.

Li Che's heart stirred slightly, and a chessboard pattern appeared in his eyes.

A chess piece suddenly jumped.

It was the Flying Thunder Chess Piece he had hidden on Old Chen.

At this moment, it seemed to sense some dangerous aura and sent back a response.

Li Che's brows furrowed slightly, and with a mental command, the chess piece emitted a bright light. The light gathered on the chessboard, forming an image.

After just a moment, Li Che's face turned completely grim.

The Corpse Deity Sect!

Through the feedback from the chess piece, he perceived the Corpse Curse Power gradually accumulating on Old Chen. Although the power was not much and not strong, it needed to accumulate several times to form a Corpse Curse Seal, which was so subtle it was undetectable.

But Li Che...

Because the Chess Sage Fruit suppressed an Eightfold Corpse Curse Seal, he was extremely sensitive to Corpse Curse Seals. Even the slightest trace was like the light of the sun in his eyes, impossible to hide.

"The Corpse Deity Sect truly leaves no stone unturned. Old Chen just went to find a job, and now he's infected with Corpse Curse Power? Such subtle means are truly hard to guard against."

When the Corpse Curse Power accumulates to a certain extent, it will erupt and form a Corpse Curse Seal in an irresistible manner.

Unless the recipient resolutely resists, self-destructing their cultivation or even their life, they cannot resist the erosion of the Corpse Curse Seal.

But how many people are willing to face death calmly?

Not wanting to die and tempted by the prospect of enhanced cultivation, they abandon their beliefs and join the Corpse Deity Sect.

Li Che closed his eyes and then slowly opened them again.

He began to consider the purpose of the other party.

The first time he met Old Chen, he had unknowingly accumulated Corpse Curse Power in Old Chen's body. Targeting a Blood Exchange Warrior whose Breath and Blood was already declining must have had a specific purpose.

Convert Old Chen to the Corpse Deity Sect?

In the city, a Blood Exchange Warrior is not much, especially an old Blood Exchange Warrior whose Breath and Blood is declining. Why would they go to such lengths?

Li Che felt that the other party's target was likely still Xixi.

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

If the residents of Tinghua Alley knew, they would know that Old Chen had a very close relationship with the Li family.

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

"Corpse Deity Sect... truly despicable!"

Li Che's eyes suddenly became incredibly sharp and cold.

Even after such actions, they are not afraid?

After a month of inaction, they are starting to move again?

Or perhaps...

Not killing a major figure of the Corpse Deity Sect, they don't know pain?!

The coldness in Li Che's eyes grew, and the killing intent was unprecedentedly intense.

Seemingly sensing that her husband's expression was not good, 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 other party did not want to harm him. The Corpse Curse Power was just starting to infect him, and a good cleanse with Breath and Blood would wash it away.

Therefore, Li Che did not immediately act. Instead, he planned to follow the trail and see if he could find a bigger fish.

Then...

Let the Corpse Deity Sect feel the pain!

After calming down, Li Che's gaze fell on the arena.

On the arena.

Xixi was stretching her limbs when the butterfly-like creature on her shoulder suddenly flapped its wings.

Xixi's eyes widened in surprise...

She looked at Shangguan Qinglei, her eyes flashing with anger.

Her small body suddenly emitted a terrifying aura.

"You actually wanted to kill me?!"

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end