Chapter 227: Familiar Combination of White-Clad Man and Dog, Understanding Xi Xi Touches Hearts

Chapter 227: Familiar Combination of White-Clad Man and Dog, Understanding Xi Xi Touches Hearts

In the embrace of an icy snowstorm, the night sky was as clear as crystal, and the world was bathed in a sparkling white.

The dim yellow light from the restaurant shone through, illuminating the white snow as if it were covered in a layer of fried breadcrumbs.

"Are you going to celebrate Xi Xi's birthday?"

The owner, with a cigarette dangling from his lips, brightened his eyes, stood up, and clapped his hands.

"No problem. There's still time. I'll cook a few dishes."

The owner's tone seemed to have lightened, and he was filled with enthusiasm.

The large black dog had already stood up, and as it pranced around, its gaze towards Li Che carried a hint of appreciation and approval.

Li Che smiled, taking the owner's seat.

The black dog paced back and forth in the snow, and snowflakes drifted down from the narrow sky above the alley.

The dog was happy, perhaps because it was about to see Xi Xi, which made it cheerful.

Li Che held a cigarette, squinting as he sat in the chair, gently exhaling smoke.

"So comfortable..."

"I wish I could live a life like this right now."

"Smoking, sunbathing, admiring the snow, and quietly watching my daughter grow up..."

"It's truly a wonderful life."

"Unfortunately... In this life, I walk on thin ice, unable to slow down yet."

Li Che sighed softly.

Opening a restaurant, having a dog, listening to the wind, watching the snow, and admiring the floating clouds—such a life would be incredibly fulfilling.

After a brief wait, the owner called for Li Che.

Li Che lifted the curtain and entered, the bell ringing out a crisp sound.

"Wow, so sumptuous!"

Li Che took a deep breath, feeling as if his nostrils were filled with endless aromas.

"Braised pork, braised pig's feet, three-fresh soup, sweet and sour fish..."

"All of Xi Xi's favorites."

Li Che smiled, his eyes softening.

"Xi Xi is the birthday girl today, so of course, we should make dishes she likes. How could we make the clear soup noodles you prefer?"

The owner said indifferently while wiping his clean hands with a towel.

Li Che's face tightened.

Owner, do you have a misunderstanding about Li Che's taste?

Does he really like clear soup noodles? It's just that you prefer clear soup noodles yourself!

Li Che brushed past, storing all the dishes in his Heavenly Dao Space.

Li Che and the owner walked out of the restaurant side by side, one in white like snow and the other in dark ink.

The snow-covered mountains were adorned with icy flowers, and the willow branches were laden with crystal beads.

The black dog followed behind the two, heading towards the inner city.

Large snowflakes fell, covering the entire Heavenly Dao City in a silver blanket, and the wide streets were almost empty, with few passersby.

Li Che, the owner, and the black dog returned to the courtyard in Liuxiang Alley.

Two carriages were parked outside the courtyard, with horses snorting warm air in the cold wind.

The falling snow covered the carriage roofs, and the horses' legs began to tremble at the sight of the black dog, but they soon calmed down.

Apparently, the black dog had restrained its aura.

Li Che had noticed this earlier, sensing the mystery surrounding the owner and the dog.

However, Li Che also realized that they genuinely cared for and loved Xi Xi. The owner, despite his cold appearance, showed warmth when cooking for Xi Xi.

As for the dog, it was even more affectionate towards Xi Xi. Li Che hadn't even patted its head...

But in front of Xi Xi, the dog was covered in her hugs, with not a clean spot left on its body.

"This is..."

Zhang Ya, Old Chen, and Mu Po were waiting in the courtyard, along with Shangguan Qinghong.

Zhang Ya looked at the owner and the black dog with confusion.

Li Che introduced them briefly.

Zhang Ya immediately smiled, as anyone who loved Xi Xi was a friend of hers.

"Let's go. Elder Jiao only gave us this evening. We should hurry."

Li Che said gently.

Uncle and Aunt, as well as Li Zhengran and his wife, Li Chunming, were already waiting.

They hadn't seen Li Chengzhou for a long time and missed him dearly.

They also wanted to take the opportunity to see Li Chengzhou, especially Li Chunming, who anxiously waited, hoping her son was doing well in the Divine Sect's main mountain. She, as a mother, constantly worried about her child.

They boarded the carriage, and the wheels tore through the snow, carrying them and the black dog towards the Divine Sect's main mountain.

At the Divine Sect's main mountain, Grand Master Nie Yang held Xi Xi was by his side, and Li Chengzhou, with a fiery gaze, followed, holding a sword and standing in a horse-riding stance.

Li Chengzhou's small eyes glowed with fire.

Xi Xi eagerly awaited, her big, watery eyes blinking rapidly, and she even jumped up and down in place.

Nie Yang's expression remained unmoved as he held Xi Xi's hand.

When the carriage tore through the snow and arrived.

Xi Xi immediately screamed, "They're here! They're here!"

"Uncle Nie Yang, I want to see!"

Xi Xi struggled free from Nie Yang's hand, her blood surging, and her tiny feet stomped on the snow.

She shot out like a cannonball!

Buzzing—!!!

Sparks flew from her feet, and amidst the raging fire, the snowstorm was torn apart.

The Hell Lotus Fiery Golden Wheel erupted from under Xi Xi's feet, dragging her body as she wobbled towards the carriage.

It was clear that she had just mastered the Fiery Golden Wheel, but she wanted to show her parents the results of her year of cultivation in the Divine Sect.

"Daddy—!!!

"Mommy—!!!"

The carriage's curtain was lifted, and Zhang Ya, her face full of excitement, watched Xi Xi approach.

Xi Xi stepped onto the Golden Wheel, which spun rapidly, and landed on the carriage. The Hell Lotus Fiery Golden Wheel retracted into her palm.

"Mommy!"

Xi Xi threw herself into Zhang Ya's embrace, and tears immediately streamed down her face.

Pouting, hot tears slid from the corners of her eyes.

She hugged Zhang Ya tightly, refusing to let go!

Zhang Ya's eyes also reddened, and she gently caressed her daughter's head, her heart filled with love.

Li Che looked at the mother and daughter with a gentle gaze, his heart stirred with emotions.

Xi Xi hugged Zhang Ya for a while before wriggling free and entering the carriage. She then snuggled into Li Che's embrace, wrapping her arms around his neck.

"Waaah... Daddy!"

"Xi Xi misses you both!" Xi Xi said with a hint of grievance.

Li Che gently patted his daughter's back, feeling a surge of tenderness as if his heart had been struck.

"Daddy will come to the Divine Sect Inner Sect to keep you company soon. From now on, you'll be able to see Mom and Dad every day, okay?"

"Okay!"

"Hook pinky promise!" Xi Xi lifted her head and confidently raised her little thumb.

Li Che rubbed Xi Xi's head and solemnly hooked pinkies with her, sealing their promise.

Xi Xi then wiped her tears with her sleeve.

Suddenly, Xi Xi's eyes lit up! "Doggy!"

She immediately spotted the large black dog lying in the carriage.

Leaping off Li Che's lap, she hugged the dog, wrapping her arms around its neck in the same way she had embraced Li Che's neck.

Li Che's tender feelings instantly hardened.

"And Boss! It looks like Xi Xi will have a delicious treat for her birthday today!"

Xi Xi's smile was radiant and happy.

Li Che shook his head, stepped out of the carriage, and walked through the wind and snow to Nie Yang's side.

He patted Li Chengzhou's head, "Your mom and dad are in the carriage behind. Go ahead."

Li Chengzhou had been holding back, but he still glanced at Nie Yang.

"Master, can I go?"

A gentle expression appeared in Nie Yang's eyes as he nodded slightly.

Li Chengzhou immediately ran towards the other carriage with delight.

The great-aunt and Li Chunming had already squeezed onto the carriage shaft, eagerly waiting.

"Thank you, Grandmaster Nie," Li Che said with a gentle smile.

Nie Yang waved dismissively, "Let's go. We're entering the mountain."

The two sat on the carriage shaft as Old Chen whipped the horses. Since they had informed the mountain guards in advance, they were not stopped.

Inside the carriage, Xi Xi played with the dog, laughing happily.

On the other side, the Boss sat quietly, calmly watching Xi Xi and the black dog play. His eyes held a gentle expression.

As the carriage passed under the Heavenly Dao Essence plaque...

A thunderous roar reverberated! The plaque, covered in snow, suddenly began to vibrate, and a powerful Dao essence seemed to surge forth from it.

Inside the carriage, the Boss glanced at the plaque.

In an instant, the plaque quieted down.

This slight anomaly went unnoticed by anyone, even the powerful cultivators within the Divine Sect Inner Sect.

The carriage galloped through the mountain path, slowly passing through the winding roads and crossing one strange temple after another.

Nie Yang sat on the carriage shaft, holding a bronze iron sword with its hilt wrapped in rags. His brows furrowed slightly.

He had specifically come to escort Li Che and the others to prevent any hostility or release of strange mists and strange pavilions from the temples along the way.

The Divine Sect's gate was not open to outsiders for long-term residence for a reason. Anyone who was not a disciple or elder of the Heavenly Origin Divine Sect would be considered a stranger within the sect. Without the sect's unique aura, they would be seen as invaders by the temple's gods.

Consequently, they would be eroded by the strange pavilions and targeted by the temple gods, who would attempt to turn them into cursed corpses.

"Today's strange temples..."

"The silence is terrifying." Nie Yang's brows furrowed, then slowly relaxed.

Silence was best; it saved him the trouble of intervening.

As the two carriages entered the inner city of the Divine Sect, they soon arrived at Jiao Shaoqiu's spacious elder courtyard.

In the courtyard, the waiting children had already run out.

Gong Yuanliang, Gong Yangxiu, Tie Shan Cai, and other children rushed out one after another.

Li Che only saw the yellow-haired child, whose hair was blowing wildly in the wind and snow.

Suddenly, Li Che's heart stirred slightly.

The Heaven and Earth Chessboard leaped from his brow, instantly enveloping the entire Outer Gate Disciple City.

In an instant, he captured two familiar auras.

On a long street within the disciple city, a quiet carriage was parked as the snow silently fell.

Inside the carriage were Su Chuyang and the Su family elder in the Embryonic Breathing Realm.

Su Chuyang seemed reluctant.

The elder, dressed in a simple long robe, calmly stroked his beard, "What are you resisting?"

"I don't like her... Elder, I don't want to go."

Su Chuyang shook his head.

As a member of the Dragon Embryo List, ranked third, Su Chuyang had his pride.

He had been pushed down by Li Nuoxi, and he was determined to surpass her. He wanted to cultivate diligently, defeat Li Nuoxi, and reclaim what he had lost.

At this moment, the elder was asking him to approach Li Nuoxi and give her gifts, even suggesting he try to develop feelings for her!

Su Chuyang refused! What good were women! They would only distract him from his Dao heart!

He, Su Chuyang, was destined to become a divine child personally taught by the sect master! He didn't want to be bound by emotions so early!

"You... fool."

The elder frowned and scolded while stroking his beard.

"Our Su family has always advocated for unions with high-quality bloodlines. The fact that Li Nuoxi is on the Dragon Embryo List is enough for you... She is sufficient as your first woman!"

"You don't need to use your emotions. Just marry her, and if you like someone else later, you can marry again... What's wrong with your brother?"

"Now, the family is pouring resources into his cultivation, and he has already entered the True Transmission List..."

The elder spoke calmly.

But Su Chuyang was stubborn.

"Elder... I will defeat her fairly and squarely and return to the third place on the Dragon Embryo List! Then I'll prove that she's not worthy of me. Moreover, I don't like her!"

Su Chuyang clenched his fists, his fighting spirit surging.

"If she loses to me, it means she's not qualified to be my woman!"

The elder leaned back against the soft carriage, exhausted.

This child was beyond help.

He let out a soft sigh.

"Useless."

"If I tell you to go, then go!"

Su Chuyang clenched his fists, feeling oppressed by the family's power at just nine years old.

With the gift in hand, Su Chuyang eventually bowed to the power.

At such a young age, he had already witnessed the darkness of power.

...

...

Li Che withdrew his consciousness, and a hint of ancient color appeared in his eyes.

With the perception of his Heaven and Earth Chessboard, he clearly heard the conversation between Su Chuyang and the Su family elder.

This elder of the Su Family, Li Che had long known his status within the Divine Sect.

He is Su Helian, an honorary elder nominally set up by the Su Family within the Divine Sect.

In terms of cultivation, he had just broken through the Embryo Realm not long ago.

The other three great families, the Zhou, Yun, and Zhong Families, all have honorary elders set up within the Divine Sect.

The Heavenly Origin Divine Sect has developed in DaoCity for so many years, and many great families have long been intertwined with the Divine Sect.

Of course, this is only limited to the Outer Gate.

The Inner Gate is the true core of the Heavenly Origin Divine Sect, and no one from the great families can be inserted into it.

However, outstanding disciples from great families can be taken in by Inner Gate elders for cultivation guidance, and that's all.

There are quite a few descendants of great families on the True Transmission List.

"Old Su Helian... coveting Xi Xi's talent and bloodline with all his heart."

Li Che's eyes turned cold.

If it were anyone else, not knowing the Su Family's ill intentions, they would likely develop a great impression of the Su Family when the first great family in Heavenly Dao City, the Su Family, sends someone to deliver gifts for their daughter's birthday.

"And that child, Su Chuyang..."

"His temperament is not bad."

However, Li Che has no good feelings for him either.

He doesn't like Xi Xi; does my Xi Xi need your liking?

Is my Xi Xi even worthy of becoming your little hoodlum's woman?

What do you deserve?!

As a father, how could he possibly bear such anger?

Wants to send gifts?

Not a chance.

Li Che flicked his finger.

Profound Magnetic Field!

Roar——!!!

In an instant, the Profound Magnetic Field locked onto Su Chuyang through the Heaven and Earth Chessboard, enveloping him entirely.

Su Chuyang was holding the gift that Su Helian had forcibly pushed into his hands, walking forward.

Suddenly, it was as if he had collided with an invisible wall, unable to move an inch.

"Hm?"

Su Chuyang was immediately puzzled.

He reached out, but there was nothing in front of him.

No divine essence, no martial dao will...

Nothing at all, why is it so hard?

Su Chuyang tried to move forward again, but was still blocked.

He was startled!

He tried to go around, only to find that an invisible wall surrounded him!

Su Chuyang refused to believe it, his powerful divine essence erupted, fiercely slamming into the air wall.

However, the divine essence passed through smoothly.

Su Chuyang was stunned, he furrowed his brows and began to charge forward, intending to rush through in one go.

Thud——!!!

A deep, thunderous sound, like a heavy iron hammer striking an ancient bell, echoed continuously.

Su Chuyang was hit by a massive repelling force, flying out and landing on his butt in the snow, the gifts scattered all over the ground, his head spinning as if he saw countless deities chanting scriptures to exorcise him.

"Su Chuyang!"

In the carriage, Su Helian saw this scene and was immediately enraged.

Su Chuyang was utterly aggrieved.

" Elder... If I say I bumped into something dirty, would you believe me?"

Su Helian shook his head in disappointment: "If you don't like it, it's fine. The Su Family has someone more suitable. Marrying a woman can bring the family's resource tilt. Since you don't want it... there are others who do."

"Strive for cultivation resources within the Divine Sect."

With that, the carriage moved, the dragon-drawn carriage crashing through the wind and rain.

Su Chuyang stood up from the snow, dusting the snow off his clothes.

" Elder, I, Su Chuyang... can become a Divine Embryo Great Deity without relying on a woman!"

...

...

Li Che did not pay attention to Su Chuyang anymore. This child's mouth was a bit foul, and his heart was a bit high.

But not to the point of death.

As for this Old Su Helian...

Marrying a woman, absorbing the talent in her bloodline, turning a good prodigy into a waste...

This Su Family, under the guise of a great family, is practically doing ghostly deeds!

Li Che naturally had no good feelings towards them.

However, with his current strength, opposing the entire Su Family was indeed somewhat challenging.

But this Su Helian, Old Su...

Staring at his daughter like this... he should be killed!

However, today is Xi Xi's birthday.

It's not suitable for bloodshed.

Jiao Shaoqiu's courtyard was vast. As a group of people entered the courtyard, Li Che saw many familiar faces.

For example, Sang Guanyin and Xi Xi's second senior brother, Bian Bian, were all there, preparing to celebrate Xi Xi's birthday.

Bian Yuanlong's body was as massive as a small mountain, his muscles bulging like steel.

In his hand was a huge, scaly monstrosity, a demon pig.

"Hehe, I specially went to the mountains outside DaoCity early this morning to hunt this demon pig. I'll process it and prepare a demon feast for Xi Xi tonight."

Bian Yuanlong said with a smile.

Demon...

Li Che's gaze fell on the struggling demon pig.

The Strange Temple's divine essence invades, the Strange Pavilion opens, and demons would run out, then combine with the animals in the world, breeding demon beasts.

Some demon beasts, after developing intelligence, can become extremely terrifying.

Like in Thunder City, according to records, it is now occupied by many demon deities. Each demon deity is not weaker than a Divine Embryo Great Deity cultivator!

"I'll go."

Suddenly, the boss, dressed in snow-white clothes, slowly came out and said indifferently.

"I'm a professional."

"Afraid I'll make something bad and disgust Xi Xi."

Bian Yuanlong: "..."

Towering like him, he looked down at the slender, white-clothed youth.

His eyes were as round as copper bells.

"You can insult me, but not my skills!" Bian Yuanlong said solemnly: "To challenge the Hero List... I often go to the wild mountains outside DaoCity to battle demon beasts and personally cook demon meat to satisfy my hunger..."

"My skills are genuinely honed."

Bian Yuanlong said solemnly.

"Oh." The boss said indifferently: "You repeat it again later."

With that, he gently took the demon pig from Bian Yuanlong's hand and walked towards the kitchen.

Bian Yuanlong scratched his head...

This person has such great strength!

Li Che naturally saw this scene and could only say that the boss truly dotes on Xi Xi. Otherwise, with the boss's laid-back attitude, how could he possibly take on this task?

Truly afraid Bian Yuanlong's cooking would disgust Xi Xi.

Xi Xi, as the little birthday girl, happily ran around the courtyard.

" Father, Mother! Look at me, these days, Xi Xi has really been diligently cultivating! I'm already a Divine Vein now!"

Xi Xi burst with vigor, demonstrating and showing off to Li Che and Zhang Ya.

"Xi Xi is about to catch up with the stinky father!"

Xi Xi clenched her little fists, excitedly.

I remember that my father was just a small Grandmaster, right?

The big black dog has been sticking close to Xixi, following her wherever she goes.

Li Qingshan also arrived, and as he walked, a domineering aura of energy surged around him, clearly indicating that he had successfully broken through to the Grandmaster realm after half a year of seclusion.

Li Che sat in a chair, chatting casually with him.

It had been a long time since Li Che last saw Li Qingshan.

Li Qingshan's eyes sparkled with excitement, and he was brimming with enthusiasm.

"Ah Che, remember to call me. I'm so powerful now!"

Li Qingshan had clearly just broken through a few days ago, and his divine energy was surging uncontrollably, still somewhat out of control.

From time to time, arcs of thunder intertwined and surged.

Li Che looked at Li Qingshan and smiled, "Good, there should be an action coming up soon... I'll call you then."

Li Qingshan and Li Che were communicating telepathically, and upon hearing this, his eyes flashed with a brilliant light.

"Who is the target?! I'll hammer his head with my one-horned hammer!"

Li Qingshan felt incredibly powerful now! Even a Primordial Grandmaster dared to confront him, although he would die with just one touch, but this newly broken-through vigor was unstoppable.

"The target... is Elder Su Heian of the Divine Sect."

Li Che grabbed a clean peach, took a bite.

Li Qingshan said, "I might still need to consolidate my energy."

"Dinner's ready."

Suddenly, a faint voice drifted out, instantly drowning out all other sounds.

A rich aroma wafted from the kitchen, and just by smelling it, one could almost see the golden, glistening roasted pig.

Droplets of thick golden juice dripped from the roasted suckling pig, falling into the charcoal fire with a sizzling sound.

This aroma captivated everyone present.

Even Elder Jiao Shaoqiu, the experienced and dignified elder, couldn't help but move his neck slightly.

The boss, dressed in white, gracefully brought out the roasted dragon pig from the kitchen.

It was placed on the dining table.

The wind and snow were blocked out, leaving only the lingering fragrance in the courtyard.

"Xixi, come."

The boss cut into the golden, oily roasted pig with a blade in his hand.

The blade sliced through the pig's light and crispy skin, revealing tender, steamy white meat.

Various dishes hidden inside seemed to overflow like jewels with radiant treasures.

The boss personally sliced the pork, cut off a pig's trotter, and scooped out a bowl of the dish hidden within the roasted dragon pig's belly, placing it in front of Xixi, who had been drooling in anticipation.

"Eat." The boss rubbed Xixi's head.

Everyone quickly started eating.

Bei Yuanlong's body was like a small mountain, and after just one bite, he couldn't stop.

"Your Excellency, please feel free to insult my culinary skills."

Bei Yuanlong couldn't even lift his head, as he kept eating.

Zhou Peng, Yun Jia, and Zhong Liuxiu also arrived.

Zhou Peng ate while shedding tears.

"I shouldn't be eating pig, but I really can't resist... It's too delicious!"

Elder Jiao Shaoqiu looked at the white-clad youth in surprise, then at the big black dog gnawing on the pig's tail.

His muddy and profound eyes narrowed slightly.

A scene seemed to overlap with his thoughts.

A white-clad man with a dog...

Elder Jiao Shaoqiu's eyes narrowed.

He thought of the temple god of the Marvelous Dao Manifesting Sage Three-Eyed True Monarch's Odd Temple.

a vertical divine gaze on his forehead...

"I'm getting old, old..."

Elder Jiao Shaoqiu shook his head and sighed.

Now, he was completely aged, and his lifespan was almost up. He could only spend his remaining days nurturing more good children for the sect.

Outside the small courtyard.

A figure staggered in, tipsy.

"Woohoo—You guys are secretly eating without me?"

Huang Jianjiu was disheveled, drunk, and stumbled into the courtyard.

Then he saw the big black dog gnawing on a pig's trotter.

Huang Jianjiu's head throbbed with pain!

"This dog... this dog..."

Huang Jianjiu stared, feeling a sense of familiarity.

It seemed familiar, as if he had seen it somewhere.

Could it be the dog meat restaurant in the east of the city?

...

...

Everyone was full.

The courtyard became quiet again.

"Mom and Dad, wait for Xixi. Xixi will get stronger soon. Once I'm a bit stronger, I can take on missions and secretly go see you!"

Xixi was reluctant to part with Li Che and Zhang Ya, but she was strong and sensible, saying, "I know that Mom and Dad sent me to the Divine Sect for my own good."

Elder Jiao had told her that once she became the personal disciple of the sect master, the Divine Sect would be at her command, and she could go wherever she wanted.

Therefore, Xixi worked hard in her cultivation, wanting to become the sect master's personal disciple!

"Xixi will go to an Odd Temple for training tomorrow..."

"So we can't stay tonight."

Elder Jiao Shaoqiu said apologetically.

Li Che and Zhang Ya waved their hands, as they saw Xixi every night, so they weren't too concerned.

Farewell to Xixi.

They left the Divine Sect's gate, and because it was late, Elder Jiao Shaoqiu asked Nie Yang to escort them, passing through the active Odd Temples within the sect's gate at night, preventing the expansion of the Odd Temple and Odd Mist due to the presence of strangers.

Li Qingshan also came out with the carriage.

The cold wind blew, and the snow was icy.

At the city gate.

Xixi kept jumping and waving.

Li Che slowly withdrew his gaze, and Zhang Ya leaned on Li Che's embrace, "Husband... Xixi has become so sensible."

"But I feel a bit heartbroken because she's so sensible..."

"Such a good daughter..."

Zhang Ya murmured softly.

Li Che's eyes were deep, and he turned to look outside.

"Yes... such a good daughter."

"So, all those who covet my daughter..."

"Must die."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end