Chapter 135: Who Said the Sect Master is Always Innocent, Li Qingshan Heavily Employs the Horse-Face

Chapter 135: Who Said the Sect Master is Always Innocent, Li Qingshan Heavily Employs the Horse-Faced

Creak!

The heavy doors of the golden temple swung open.

Nan Lihuo, dressed in a white robe, with his black hair billowing, strode out from the grand hall. The ground seemed to shrink beneath his feet as each step covered several zhang.

Yuan Bo, standing guard outside the hall, and Sang Guan Yin, who was anxiously waiting, both turned to look at Nan Lihuo as he emerged.

"Young Master."

Yuan Bo, with a fleshy sphere on his back, bowed and clasped his fists.

Nan Lihuo nodded and then turned to Sang Guan Yin, "Describe the situation in detail."

Sang Guan Yin hurriedly recounted the events of the moon phase assessment, carefully recounting every detail without any omissions.

Nan Lihuo stood with his hands behind his back, listening quietly, his face calm and gentle.

After listening carefully, his eyebrows furrowed, and a flash of sternness appeared in his eyes.

"Truly audacious."

"Using a child as a weapon, this was indeed unexpected... But it's also because Shangguan Qinglei harbored resentment in his heart, so he couldn't resist the temptation and became a tool for the Corpse Deity Sect."

Nan Lihuo spoke in a deep voice.

"Is Xixi alright?"

Sang Guan Yin nodded, "She's fine. Elder Zhang acted in time and blocked the Corpse Deity Sect's scheme, but that Seven Elements Corpse Curse Seal disappeared into thin air for some unknown reason..."

Upon hearing this, Nan Lihuo's eyebrows rose slightly, "It seems someone acted in secret. With Elder Zhang's abilities, it's impossible for the Corpse Curse Seal to disappear. Given his temperament, he would most likely draw the Corpse Curse Seal into his own body."

"Is there a hidden expert within the Divine Sect that we don't know about?"

Nan Lihuo pondered.

Suddenly, on the Golden Light Peak Plaza.

Another person rushed over, it was Liu Yang Yuan, accompanied by a cultivator from the Healing Academy.

"Reporting to the Sect Master, Shangguan Qinglei... has been killed."

"His five viscera, six entrails, flesh, blood, and meridians have all turned into blood..."

The cultivator from the Healing Academy clasped his fists and spoke in a deep voice.

As his words fell, the atmosphere around the temple became cold and severe.

Nan Lihuo's body erupted with a terrifying pressure, as if warping space itself.

"Good... What a despicable person!"

Killing and silencing witnesses...

"Master, Elder Zhu is fighting with the Openg Clan. Elder Shangguan's Primordial Seer, Shangguan Jie, is in a fierce battle..."

Liu Yang Yuan's third disciple, with his enchanting and handsome face, wore a solemn expression.

"Let her do as she pleases. She's been holding back her anger, and Xixi was supposed to join her Crimson Cloud Peak, but I intercepted her. Now, the Openg Clan has come to us."

"First, Shangguan Zhengheng, and now Shangguan Qinglei. The Openg Clan's manners are lacking."

Nan Lihuo spoke indifferently, unconcerned.

"It's good that he wasn't killed."

Nan Lihuo appeared amiable, but in reality... he was also protective.

"Who needed to silence Shangguan Qinglei?"

Nan Lihuo narrowed his eyes.

"Let's go and check on Xixi first. The Seven Elements Corpse Curse Seal is no small matter... Any influence on it will affect her for life."

Nan Lihuo spoke softly.

Sang Guan Yin nodded silently beside him.

Yuan Bo quietly retreated, disappearing into the darkness, continuing to guard the temple.

Liu Yang Yuan was sent to keep an eye on Zhu Hongdou, preventing the situation from worsening and ensuring Zhu Hongdou didn't lose control.

Liu Yang Yuan's face stiffened.

"Master, me? You want me to stop Elder Zhu?"

That was the explosive Elder Zhu Hongdou. Once her temper flared up, even passing dogs would get kicked...

Was Master serious about sending him, Liu Yang Yuan, to stop her?

Did Master no longer want him as a disciple? Liu Yang Yuan's heart was filled with reluctance, but seeing Nan Lihuo already far away, he could only grit his teeth and go.

...

...

Boom!

A soul-shaking roar reverberated.

On the Heaven and Earth Chessboard, all the Pure Heart Divine Pieces trembled and shook at this moment.

Li Che's mind and spirit fluctuated, unable to calm down for a long time.

He never expected that the Heavenly King Divinity, drawn from the Golden Temple, would be...

So hateful of evil!

Li Che hadn't even tried to use it, but this Divine Piece directly shot out, suppressing the Bone Palm.

Dissolving the death and corpse qi, it was extremely domineering, restoring clarity to the world!

"Heavenly King... worthy of being the Heavenly King, not tolerating even a speck of sand!"

Li Che laughed.

His gaze swept over, falling on the shattered Bone Palm.

The shattered bones, along with the death and corpse qi, disappeared without a trace. After the white bones vanished, it transformed into a Corpse Curse Seal.

Extremely similar to the Eightfold Corpse Curse Seal, but with a more sinister and terrifying aura, it was like a black hole, floating on the chessboard, devouring all light and heat.

The Black Gold Heavenly King Divine Piece seemed to no longer reject the remaining Seven Elements Corpse Curse Seal.

Thus, the Corpse Curse Seal hovered in the Heaven and Earth Chessboard.

Li Che hurriedly mobilized the Pure Heart Divine Pieces to suppress it.

Boom!

The Seven Elements Corpse Curse Seal was indeed more difficult to suppress and tame compared to the Eightfold Corpse Curse Seal.

The shaking and erupting black aura shattered the Pure Heart Divine Pieces one by one.

However, Li Che continuously stacked the Pure Heart Divine Pieces to suppress and slowly refine it.

Although slow, there was finally a glimmer of hope, and complete refinement and suppression were possible.

"Once I completely suppress this Corpse Curse Seal, I can make it like the Eightfold Corpse Curse Seal. When it shakes, the spreading Corpse Curse Power can detect other Corpse Deity Sect experts who have been bestowed the Corpse Curse Seal..."

"The Seven Elements Corpse Curse Seal can detect those who have received the Seven Elements Corpse Curse Seal. At that time... the hidden Corpse Deity Sect expert in the Divine Sect will have nowhere to hide!"

Li Che's eyes flashed. This was the handle he had on the other party!

The hidden Corpse Deity Sect expert within the Divine Sect, if he didn't make a move on Xixi, wouldn't expose himself and be caught by Li Che.

Li Che couldn't wait to complete the suppression and refinement of the Seven Elements Corpse Curse Seal, but in the end, he was hindered by his own insufficient cultivation.

Although Li Che's heart was anxious, he also understood that this matter couldn't be rushed.

Calming his mind, Li Che opened his eyes.

Sitting quietly in the room, he gently tapped the sandalwood table and chair, then thought of something and took out Shangguan Qinglei's Celestial Jade.

His powerful divine perception directly tore through the barriers of the Celestial Jade.

Upon sensing the contents within, he realized there wasn't much. There were no valuable items, after all, it was just a seven-year-old child's Celestial Jade.

He gave it a quick scan, checking for any clues left behind by the mastermind.

The opponent's methods were clean, leaving no traces behind.

After tidying up, Li Che stood up, his body resonating with the sound of cracking joints.

His mental state was even better than he had imagined.

"Hmm... It seems like my Divine Perception has grown stronger?"

"In the Heaven and Earth Chessboard, manipulating the Spotless Heart White Pieces and fighting against the White Bone Palm forged from death and corpse Qi, my Divine Perception has actually strengthened?"

Li Che was surprised.

It was common knowledge that the strength of one's Divine Perception was closely tied to the might of their Divine Foundation. The more powerful the Divine Foundation, the stronger the Divine Perception would naturally become.

Cultivating the Divine Foundation Realm inherently involved tempering one's Divine Perception.

The more one tempered their Divine Perception, the easier it would be to break through to the Divine Appearance Realm in the future.

But now, Li Che had discovered a way to specifically temper his Divine Perception.

"During the process of refining and suppressing the Seven Elements Corpse Curse Seal, my Divine Perception also grew stronger..."

Li Che smiled, considering this an unexpected joy from this mission.

Although he hadn't found the mastermind, he had resolved the issue of Openg Qinglei, the explosive thunder, and eliminated the threat posed by the White Bone Palm.

Li Che's mood lightened slightly.

Without further seclusion in the room, Li Che directly opened the door and left.

Li Qingshan sat in the distance, observing the Divine Appearance, his entire body exuding the pressure of the Divine Appearance Realm. He was truly just a step away from breaking through.

Seemingly sensing Li Che's exit from the room, his eyes flashed with countless intertwining electric lights, and the formidable power of evil elimination spread out in invisible ripples.

Li Che took a glance from afar, and Li Qingshan slowly retracted his aura, gradually dissipating the Thunderbolt Divine Image.

He breathed with his mouth open, and thunder roared within.

The scene was awe-inspiring.

Li Qingshan smiled and walked towards Li Che. "Is it resolved?"

Li Che nodded, understanding that Li Qingshan was referring to the matter of the Seven Elements Corpse Curse Seal. He didn't hide anything.

Knowing that he could suppress the Corpse Curse Seal and detect it was the basis of their cooperation, and there was no need for secrecy.

"However, it will take some time to completely suppress it. The Seven Elements Corpse Curse Seal is indeed extraordinary."

Li Che explained.

Li Qingshan nodded, stating the obvious: "The fact that you can suppress the Seven Elements Corpse Curse Seal has already exceeded my expectations... Take your time, remember to be careful, and don't get infected. Once infected, the consequences are severe."

Li Che understood Li Qingshan's concern.

"Rest assured, I know what I'm doing," Li Che replied calmly.

Li Qingshan looked towards the distant Seven Elements Divine Statue and said with a deep voice, "I'm almost there."

"In a short while, I should be able to break through the Divine Appearance Realm..."

"And within Golden Light City, and even the entire Divine Sect, there are probably many who don't want me to succeed."

Li Qingshan stood with his hands behind his back, the mountain breeze fluttering his clothes, outlining his figure.

"Could it be... that they'll try to disrupt things when I break through?"

Li Che couldn't help but speculate upon hearing Li Qingshan's sudden statement.

"It's certain that someone will try to disrupt things..."

"Whether it's within the sect or outside, it's the same. In Golden Light City, I've dealt a blow to the five major sects, and the five great clans are no exception."

"They are naturally the ones who least want me to break through the Divine Appearance Realm..."

"Once I achieve the Divine Appearance, their good days will be numbered."

Li Qingshan stretched lazily, appearing carefree.

Then, he lazily glanced at Li Che and smiled, "What do you think? Are you interested in lending a hand?"

"Call Horse Face... I need his sniping ability."

"If I succeed in becoming a Divine Appearance, I can offer an Eight Extremes Aura Crystal as a reward."

Li Qingshan was being generous.

Li Che was speechless. The implication was that if Li Qingshan failed or died halfway, the promise of the Aura Crystal would be void.

Although Li Qingshan might be trying to get something for nothing, Li Che's eyes flickered slightly. An Eight Extremes Aura Crystal... it was enough to convince Horse Face to take action once.

Of course, the Eight Extremes Divine Realm was indeed a valuable treasure, but it wasn't easy to obtain and was quite a hot potato.

When Li Qingshan attempted to break through to the Divine Appearance Realm, he would undoubtedly do so on Zhen Lei Peak, which meant it would happen within the Divine Sect's mountain gate.

And those daring enough to attack the Divine Sect's mountain gate...

Were unlikely to be weak. At the very least, they would be Illusory Form cultivators, and it might even lead to a battle between Divine Appearances.

Li Che began to ponder whether or not to get involved in this matter.

"Just ask Horse Face for one shot. Whether it succeeds or not, I'll pay the reward after the attempt, and then he can stop and not worry about anything else."

Li Qingshan spoke with a deep voice.

Horse Face's sniping had pierced through Shangguan Zhengheng's Cursed Copper Corpse body, and that terrifying penetrating power would even give Li Qingshan a headache.

After all, his body wasn't as tough as the Cursed Copper Corpse.

Li Qingshan also put himself in the other's shoes. If it were him, facing such a terrifying ambush...

Unless he was prepared, he might not be able to block it if caught off guard.

While death might not be certain, getting shot would definitely result in severe injuries! That's why it would be more reassuring to have Horse Face on his side.

Although Horse Face was Li Che's friend, when it came to sniping from the shadows, what if someone offered a higher price and he ended up on the opposing side?

That's why Li Qingshan wanted to talk to Li Che beforehand and secure Horse Face's availability.

"Your breakthrough will definitely be within the Divine Sect... With the Sect Master there, will there be any danger during your Divine Appearance breakthrough?"

Li Che hadn't expected Li Qingshan to be concerned about Horse Face appearing on the opposing side.

His brows furrowed, and he voiced his confusion.

Was Li Qingshan being too pessimistic?

Within the Divine Sect's mountain gate, experts were abundant, and there was even the Primordial Form Realm cultivator Nan Lihuo. Li Qingshan's breakthrough should be the safest, unless he failed on his own.

Li Qingshan looked deeply at Li Che, "Xixi was also attacked within the Divine Sect, wasn't she?"

"What makes you think I'll definitely be safe during my Divine Appearance breakthrough?"

Li Che fell silent.

Indeed, even with the Sect Master Nan Lihuo present... why would it be safe?

Li Qingshan took a deep breath, his hands clasped behind his back as he gazed at the myriad lights of the city below.

"Moreover..."

"How can you be sure that the Sect Master... is the cleanest of them all?"

Li Qingshan's words hung in the air.

Li Che's eyes suddenly narrowed, as if a thunderbolt had struck, deafening and shocking!

...

...

When Li Qingshan and Li Che returned to the courtyard, Xixi, after Zhang Ya promised to cook her braised pork, sweet and sour fish, kung pao chicken, and ten other delicious dishes, finally shook off her dejection and became lively and energetic.

She pulled Lu Chi into the small courtyard, hands on her hips, chest and little belly protruding, like an emperor looking down on her rebellious minister.

"Lu Chi, come and fight me!"

"Xixi has grown strong!"

Xixi's fighting spirit was high. Her battle with Shangguan Qinglei left her unsatisfied, as the rebellious minister had used underhanded tactics, making her feel frustrated and unfulfilled. So, she came to find Lu Chi.

Granny Mu and Zhang Ya watched from the side, somewhat helplessly, but they were relieved to see Xixi back to her lively self, knowing she hadn't been affected by Shangguan Qinglei's Corpse Deity Sect Seven Primordial Corpse Seal.

Lu Chi, with his big head, scratched his head, looking at Xixi with a mix of affection and hesitation.

"Xixi, how do you want to fight?"

"Let's agree: no traps or cannons, and no divine armaments. Just a test of strength, okay?"

Although Lu Chi was only an Inner Sect Disciple, he had been in the sect for several years longer than Xixi.

Though his talent as a Spirit Child was average, he had benefited from the Temple Deity Resonance, achieving a good level of resonance. Having been a disciple of Li Qingshan since an early age, he had remained consistent in his progress.

Now, at eight years old, Lu Chi's martial cultivation had reached the Blood Exchange Third Shift, his divine aura cultivation had reached Temperament Like a River, and he was striving to reach the Divine Foundation Realm.

Lu Chi never thought that a three-year-old Xixi... could catch up to him so quickly.

Three years old...

Xixi was only three years old!

Lu Chi recalled what his cultivation was like at three years old. Hmm...

He couldn't even control his peeing and pooping back then!

"Come on, Lu Chi, rebellious minister!"

Xixi's eyes blazed with a fiery determination, her fighting spirit high. Emperor Xixi wanted to conquer all her rebellious ministers with strength, not beauty!

Ever since Xixi had a dream where she became Emperor Xixi and her father became a rebellious minister, she, at her young age, had set a goal to become an emperor.

A butterfly landed on Xixi's shoulder, flapping its wings nervously, like a dog baring its teeth at a stranger.

Xixi and Lu Chi's peak battle never erupted.

Because Nan Lihuo, dressed in white, arrived gracefully, with Sang Guan Yin by his side.

"Master Sect Lord!"

Xixi, upon seeing Nan Lihuo, immediately retracted her fists and bowed respectfully, looking both obedient and comical.

"Xixi, come here, let me check."

"I was in seclusion and didn't anticipate this. It's my fault."

Nan Lihuo said gently.

He took a step, and in an instant, he was beside Xixi.

His fingers formed a sword point and touched Xixi's forehead. His powerful divine perception circled around and then withdrew.

"No harm done. She hasn't been tainted by the Corpse Curse Seal. Good news."

Nan Lihuo sighed in relief.

Sang Guan Yin, who had been standing beside him, also relaxed, her tense face finally easing.

If the Master says it's fine, it must be fine. After all, the Master's cultivation is at the Primordial Seer Realm, standing at the pinnacle of divine appearances, with divine perception far beyond what she could imagine.

He is on par with the Temple Governor, the Imperial Astrologer, and the Lord of Golden Light City, a great expert of the highest level!

In the distance, Li Che and Li Qingshan arrived together.

Seeing Nan Lihuo, Li Che's steps paused. Recalling Li Qingshan's suspicions, he frowned slightly.

But he quickly adjusted his mood, a gentle smile appearing on his face, identical to Nan Lihuo's.

Li Che's steps paused again, and he subconsciously touched his face.

Li Qingshan, being an experienced actor, remained calm in front of Nan Lihuo, even though he had his doubts about him.

Nan Lihuo, noticing Li Qingshan and Li Che, didn't pay too much attention. Li Che was brought back by Li Qingshan from Thunderbolt City, and their good relationship was understandable.

"Master Li, this time it was my negligence. I was in seclusion and didn't expect the Corpse Deity Sect to be so deranged as to use a child for assassination. It's truly unforeseen."

Nan Lihuo said gently, his voice giving a sense of calm and reassurance.

Li Che, however, felt very uncomfortable. Although he always smiled gently, once he wore the Bull Demon mask, he became reckless, arrogant, insane, and malicious...

Could Sect Master Nan Lihuo be the same kind of person?

Gentle... it's all just an act.

"Sect Master was in seclusion? This can't be blamed on the Sect Master. It's just the evil deeds of the Corpse Deity Sect that are truly despicable! That Shangguan Qinglei, being tempted by the Corpse Deity Sect within the Divine Sect... Sect Master, this matter must be taken seriously."

"Xixi's safety is a great concern for us as parents."

Li Che said earnestly.

Nan Lihuo nodded: "Rest assured, I will thoroughly investigate this matter."

Li Qingshan scoffed from the side: "Thoroughly investigate... is it that easy?"

Nan Lihuo glanced at him.

Li Qingshan immediately put on a smile and moved closer to the Sect Master: "Sect Master, how about letting me handle this matter?"

However, just as Li Qingshan finished speaking, a terrifying and overwhelming divine appearance aura rolled in from outside Zhen Lei Peak.

"Li Qingshan, are you trying to take over the duties of the Flowing Sword Peak Law Enforcement Hall?"

"Did you ask if the Flowing Sword Peak agrees?"

A calm voice, with a hint of coldness.

A young man with black hair flying, carrying a Radiant Light Sword that suppressed his divine aura, Elder Xu Jiuqing of the Flowing Sword Peak Law Enforcement Hall, arrived in a white robe, floating through the air.

Behind him, sword qi flowed like a stream, like chains binding a middle-aged man, as if escorting a prisoner.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end