Chapter 236: The Sect Lady Teaches Xixi, and the Demon Monkey Appears at the Wicked Pagoda

Chapter 236: The Sect Lady Teaches Xixi, and the Demon Monkey Appears at the Wicked Pagoda

"Good!"

The voice carried a hint of excitement and joy.

The Sect Lady, petite in stature, had a delicate and mature makeup on her face, which now displayed a hint of happiness.

Her brushstrokes were as if guided by a divine force, her penmanship incredibly sharp!

Such talent was simply that of a natural-born divine talisman master! It was hard to believe that Xixi was only five years old!

Xixi, holding the wolf-hair brush, was already close to finishing copying the entire calligraphy scroll.

This was no easy task.

Even when Xuan Qi Sha was five years old, she was probably at this level. Perhaps she might not even have been as good as Xixi, because Xixi wasn't just recognizing these characters; she was copying them in a way that was almost like painting, each stroke and line perfectly matching the rare and obscure talisman characters on the scroll.

It was a perfect reproduction!

Such talent was naturally suited for divine talisman cultivation!

"Good, good, good!"

"Jiao Shaoqiu, I must thank you for finding such a talented seedling... She has truly touched my heart."

The Sect Lady smiled.

Jiao Shaoqiu was stunned, feeling a bit dazed.

Was this still Xixi?

Was this the Xixi he knew?

No... Xixi couldn't even write her own name before.

Could it be that she was just being lazy before?

Jiao Shaoqiu felt like he had understood something. Xixi's name... she did make those gestures, and this little girl was just too lazy to write?

But this time, because it involved setting off fireworks, Xixi became serious.

Jiao Shaoqiu said that if Xixi could learn divine talismans like the Calm Wind and Waves and the Bind Immortal Talisman, she could immobilize her opponents in mid-air, allowing her fireworks to strike them.

Now it seemed...

Xixi had listened intently!

Good girl! Jiao Shaoqiu stroked his beard and smiled, the heavy burden in his heart finally lifting.

He knew he had succeeded...

Xixi had passed the Sect Lady's test and would receive divine talisman teachings from her, becoming the Sect Lady's disciple.

Of course, Xixi could also participate in the Sect Master's personal assessment!

The Sect Lady wouldn't stop her and might even encourage it.

Xixi would learn divine talismans from her, but in terms of cultivation, the Sect Lady wasn't as skilled as the Sect Master. Moreover, if Xixi became the Sect Master's personal disciple, her status within the Divine Sect would be completely different, and the resources she enjoyed would also change.

Within the Heavenly Origin Sect, due to the Sect Lady's special status, her disciples couldn't receive the Sect's preferential treatment.

They also couldn't enjoy the Sect's true inheritance benefits like the other inner disciples of the elders.

"I accept this little girl, Xixi."

The Sect Lady nodded in satisfaction.

Her standards were high, and not everyone could become her disciple.

Her status in the Heavenly Origin Sect was unique, and she lived alone, isolated from others. When she accepted Jiao Shaoqiu as her half-disciple, it was merely to repay a favor.

She didn't have high hopes for Jiao Shaoqiu, and as expected, he didn't learn divine talisman techniques.

But this time was different. The Sect Lady felt like she had discovered a divine talisman genius who might even surpass her one day!

And at this moment, Xixi...

Was filled with surprise and joy, immersed in the delight of realizing she wasn't a fool.

Looking at her hands, which seemed to have a mind of their own, holding the wolf-hair brush, she continued to copy the characters perfectly, each stroke flawless, leaving Xixi in awe.

Exclamations of "I'm so amazing!" kept escaping her lips.

Xixi's small chest and belly puffed up with pride.

Hearing this, Jiao Shaoqiu heaved a long sigh of relief, took two steps back, and sat down on the ground, beads of sweat forming on his forehead.

He looked at Xixi with a relieved expression.

Jiao Shaoqiu had long planned to bring Xixi to meet the Sect Lady.

In the entire Heavenly Origin Sect, no more than three people had the privilege of meeting this mysterious Sect Lady.

Jiao Shaoqiu was one of them, as he was the Sect Lady's former half-disciple.

Xixi's talent was evident to all, especially when she had dominated the competition in Jinguang Mansion, showcasing unparalleled talent and securing the first place in the Temple Deity Resonance.

Jiao Shaoqiu had already made up his mind then.

And now, with the appearance of the Pacification King's consort, Jiao Shaoqiu felt a strong sense of crisis.

He hurriedly brought Xixi along.

Initially, Jiao Shaoqiu had wanted to teach Xixi how to write.

But with the pressure from the consort, he had no choice but to try his luck.

And Xixi gave him a huge surprise!

"Teacher..."

"With Xixi by your side, you won't be lonely anymore."

Jiao Shaoqiu looked at the petite Sect Lady with a gentle gaze.

The Sect Lady snorted.

"That lowly dragon princess, the daughter of Ji Moli, dares to be so arrogant? If she dares to harm my disciple, I'll kill her son!"

The Sect Lady bared her teeth, her expression fierce.

Xixi had just finished copying all the calligraphy scrolls and heard the Sect Lady's words, raising her hand excitedly!

"Sect Lady Teacher!"

"Her son has already been... killed!"

Xixi exclaimed excitedly.

The Sect Lady paused.

Jiao Shaoqiu nodded with a bitter smile.

"So that's how it is... Since this old mudskipper has lost her son, it has nothing to do with my disciple."

The Sect Lady waved her hand, "I won't seek revenge since she's grieving the loss of her son."

At this moment, Xixi held the wolf-hair brush, tilting her head up, her big, watery eyes filled with anger, and her cheeks puffed out.

"Sect Lady, Teacher!"

"Ji Haihui's mother wants to capture me to be her daughter-in-law! Even though her son is already dead, she still wants me!"

Xixi spoke with a pitiful tone.

The Sect Lady appeared to be only three or four years old, but in reality, her mental age exceeded several hundred years.

Hearing Xixi's childish words and seeing the little girl's aggrieved expression, a surge of anger rose in her heart.

"Jiao Shaoqiu, is what Xixi said true?"

"That old mud loach wants my Xuan Qi Sha's disciple... to be a living widow? To arrange a ghost marriage?!"

A solemn and murderous aura instantly enveloped the surroundings, and the entire Divine Talisman Tower became icy cold, with a bone-chilling intent that seemed to pierce one's heart!

Jiao Shaoqiu, sitting on the ground, shivered upon hearing this.

He paused for a moment, then nodded.

"It's true."

"What Xixi said is not false in the slightest."

Jiao Shaoqiu was a man of facts, and the Dragon Empress Consort's appearance, with her domineering and intimidating manner, was indeed a threat. When the young prince Ji Haihui paid his respects at Jinguang Mansion, he had expressed his desire to take Xixi as his concubine. Therefore, the Dragon Empress Consort's arrival now made her intentions clear.

"Good, good, good!"

The Sect Lady walked to Xixi's side, and her small hands gently rubbed Xixi's head.

"How could my disciple of Xuan Qi Sha endure such injustice?!"

"My disciple is only five years old, and this Dragon Princess... is a vile beast!"

The Sect Lady's face turned cold.

"Let's go."

"I'll take you to vent your anger!"

...

...

Divine Carving Ridge.

Snowflakes danced in the air, sealing the land with a thousand-mile ice sheet! The dense cold air swept through the sky, as if freezing everything in its path, turning the earth into an icy wonderland.

Six-Eared Hell Lotus Sacred Monkey, the Two-Hearted Great Sage of the Witty Temple.

Witty Temple's land.

The witty fog was thick and heavy, churning endlessly, rolling and surging.

Gongshu Jingjun stood suspended in the air, his powerful soul power resembling a golden blazing sun disc floating behind his head. Aside from the golden light, there was also a boundless glow! By his side were the Trinity Grandmasters from various major forces, whom he had invited.

The atmosphere was oppressive, with howling winds! Amidst the witty fog, the terrifying treasure staff that stood erect, drawing everyone's attention and causing their breathing to quicken.

"Willful Golden Iron Staff!"

According to the Grand Supervisor, obtaining this divine weapon would grant them the opportunity to go to Qitian City and find the Ruyi Staff, the legacy of the Divine Sect that once dominated half the world!

The temptation was indeed overwhelming!

Thus, these Trinity Grandmasters stared at the Willful Golden Iron Staff, held by the giant demonic ape phantom in the witty fog, their hearts filled with longing.

Gongshu Jingjun remained unmoved.

He only felt...

Anxiety.

"The Grand Supervisor wouldn't make a mistake... If things go beyond the Grand Supervisor's calculations, everything will become unpredictable, and the danger will be difficult to assess."

"There must be someone or something that has influenced the Grand Supervisor's judgment!"

"What is it?!"

Gongshu Jingjun's eyebrows furrowed.

He began to think intensely.

Suddenly, his eyes narrowed.

"Could it be... the Elder Examination?"

"But there have been Elder Examinations in the past, which means... the influence on the Witty Temple is a newcomer?"

"Li Cheng!"

Gongshu Jingjun exhaled.

In just a moment, his mind had raced through various possibilities, and he had a vague idea of what was happening.

However, he did not reveal this.

Instead, he looked at the others.

"The Willful Golden Iron Staff's early appearance indicates that the Witty Temple's riot is about to occur."

Feeling the restlessness of the Trinity Grandmasters around him, eager to seize the Willful Golden Iron Staff, Gongshu Jingjun slightly opened his hands, his body blooming like a peacock's tail feathers.

He blocked their path.

"Everyone, the Willful Golden Iron Staff has not fully emerged..."

"It has only revealed its position."

"If we act hastily now, we will surely awaken the Temple Guardian Corpse King, and may even provoke the wrath of the Temple Deity within the Witty Temple. If the Temple Deity's true form descends, along with the anger of the mysterious and terrifying existence within the Witty Temple..."

"Then, this Witty Temple will be in complete riot..."

Gongshu Jingjun said gravely.

"A Witty Temple of the Five Elders' rank, once it fully erupts in riot, will require at least two Divine Embryo Great Deities to suppress it, otherwise, it will be difficult to quell the chaos."

The Trinity Grandmasters calmed down.

Indeed, the allure of treasures before their eyes was tempting.

However, they also needed the ability to obtain them.

Not to mention the terrifying combat power of the Temple Guardian Corpse King within the Five Elders' rank Witty Temple...

Even Gongshu Jingjun's obstruction was not something they could easily overcome.

And Gongshu Jingjun's words were not wrong.

Currently, most of the Divine Embryo cultivators in the Heavenly Origin Dao City were in seclusion, and it would not be easy to request their assistance.

The witty fog rose, accompanied by thunderous breathing sounds, as if a dense dragon of death was churning beneath it! Slowly, the witty fog swept like a mighty wave, and after crashing down, it exploded into a mist that obscured everything.

The group took a deep look, their blood boiling, and instantly transformed into crimson shadows, fleeing into the distance.

Gongshu Jingjun glanced at the Temple Guardian Corpse King, snoring in his sleep.

His entire body also retreated gracefully.

His heart trembled, and he wanted to witness what had happened during this Elder Examination.

It was all because of Li Cheng...

Influencing the Strange Temple?!

...

...

Li Cheng was unaware of what was happening within the Wicked Pagoda.

It had nothing to do with him.

At this moment, he was left with only one thought...

To carve the Spirit Enlightened Ape Divine Carving...

You want to return!

You want to come out and see this world!

Then I'll help you!

Gripping the divine weapon dagger, a massive bloodfire rune bodhi wood stump was seated on the ground, and the dagger swiftly sliced across it, cutting off a chunk of raw wood shavings!

A mighty divine energy, like a fiery dragon snake, emerged from the spirit wood, as the divine weapon tore through the raw wood.

The bodhi wood instantly turned crimson, and the rising high temperature seemed to create an invisible current within the Strange Temple.

The bloodfire rune seemed to come alive from the bodhi wood, constantly winding its way towards Li Cheng's arm.

Why was it that the higher the rank of the Divine Carving Master, the more difficult it was to achieve success?

It was because the carving process became extremely risky.

Aside from observing the temple deity, feeling its essence, and using it to improve one's divine carving skills, there were also dangers during the carving of spirit wood.

Some high-ranked spirit woods were already transformed by spirits and had attained sentience.

Even if only a piece of raw wood remained, the power contained within could still affect the divine carving master.

Thus, powerful divine carving masters were never weak in cultivation.

Su Huaiming, for example, was an expert with a perfected Golden Body Transformation.

Zhou Tian Shui and Yun Haiyang were also at this level.

Li Cheng directly relied on his powerful physical body to withstand the winding bloodfire rune.

Li Cheng's entire heart was immersed in the act of carving.

Within his chest, the Dao Fruit of Immortal Engineering, throbbed violently and palpably.

Streams of heat surged.

In the Niwan Palace between his eyebrows, the Spirit Enlightened Ape roared!

Although Li Cheng used the divine foundation as a basis to carve the Heaven-Earth Mimicking Divine Enlightened Monkey divine form, it was entirely different from carving with spirit wood in the real world.

The former had the divine essence of the Heaven-Defying Face within the temple deity, directly shaping and condensing in the divine foundation.

Li Cheng only needed to follow the steps and, once he obtained sufficient power, he could complete the carving.

However, carving the divine carving was entirely different.

Without first outlining the true form with the temple deity's essence, a single mistake could have a huge impact!

Li Cheng's entire body seemed to ignite with flames, but he chose not to suppress the bloodfire rune, allowing it to cling to his entire knife-wielding arm.

Not far to the side,

Su Huaiming's spirit wood in front of him had already been outlined into a rough shape, and as he relaxed, he turned to look.

Seeing Li Cheng's current state, he couldn't help but chuckle.

"This kid... is he overestimating himself? The bloodfire rune bodhi wood isn't that easy to carve. If his cultivation isn't enough, he'll be eroded by the bloodfire rune and become useless!"

Su Huaiming took pleasure in his misfortune.

At this moment, Li Cheng's entire being was focused, his heart throbbing.

It was as if he had merged with the rhythm of the Immortal Engineering Dao Fruit!

With each breath, his eyes blazed, and the Niwan Palace between his eyebrows, the Star-Plucking Eye, tore through the flesh, revealing golden eyes that spun rapidly!

The bloodfire rune bodhi wood, in his eyes,

Seemed to have countless lines dancing and outlining, and as these lines danced and outlined, the rough shape formed.

Li Cheng gripped the divine weapon dagger, using it as a carving knife, and the flashing blade swiftly descended, the blade sinking into the spirit wood, accompanied by sparks and splinters of light. With a tearing sound, the sharp divine weapon grated and sliced through the wood!

Scorching and burning hot, like red-hot embers, the wood shavings fell, swept by the wind within the Strange Temple.

Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh—

Scorching, burning hot...

Li Cheng felt nothing, his black hair dancing wildly.

With nimble fingers, the divine weapon dagger trembled and danced.

The knife rose, fell, and moved, like a dragon swimming in a sea of fire!

Within the Strange Temple, the mighty divine energy began to rapidly condense, and on Li Cheng's body, the bloodfire runes also increased...

His entire arm seemed to be covered in tadpole-like blood-red patterns!

Many woodcarving masters who had just entered the Strange Temple were shocked by this sight, their faces turning pale.

"He's gone mad!"

"If he continues like this... his entire person will be destroyed!"

"This is the bloodfire rune, its burning and corrosive power is extremely terrifying. Even a master... can be corroded to the bone!"

"He's gone mad! Is it worth it? To carve a divine carving, he's destroying himself, and it might even cost him his life!"

...

Not many woodcarving masters could enter the Strange Temple.

Many were already eliminated within the Wicked Pagoda.

Thus, those who made it to the Strange Temple were woodcarving masters with exceptionally high standards.

They were astonished by Li Cheng's reckless actions! However, they didn't pay too much attention to him.

It was a rare opportunity to visit the Strange Temple at the Five Elder Rank, and their primary goal was to observe the temple deity and improve their woodcarving skills from the temple deity's statue!

For a moment, the Strange Temple fell completely silent.

Only the sound of the scorching current brushing past could be heard!

Creak, creak...

The divine weapon dagger in his hand began to show signs of strain, cracks appearing, and even pits and dents from being eroded by the bloodfire rune.

Li Cheng didn't mind, and after discarding a divine weapon, he took out a divine weapon longsword from the Qiankun Space.

Swish, swish, swish—

Li Cheng stood like a horse stance in a corner of the Strange Temple, his spine straight, his entire body covered in bloodfire runes.

His eyes blazed with intensity, and under the influence of the Immortal Dao Fruit, he seemed to unleash every carving technique he had ever learned.

The angle of the divine weapon's cut, the depth and size of the Spirit Wood's mouth, the changes in the Bloodfire Divine Pattern Bodhi Wood after its tissues were torn apart—all these details were conveyed to his mind like an electric current, unfolding like a watercolor landscape painting!

Although Li Cheng held not a professional carving knife but a divine weapon longsword, his technique was exquisite, and his fingers were incredibly nimble.

He wielded the divine weapon with unparalleled skill.

Dong, dong, dong!!!

Suddenly, within the Witty Temple, many of the woodcarving masters who were engrossed in observing the Temple Deity statue felt their hearts tremble as if a terrifying force were pounding their chests.

Their hearts raced with fear.

They all turned their heads and saw that the rough outline of the statue Li Cheng was carving had emerged.

"That's... a Demon Ape?!"

"Isn't he supposed to be carving the Temple Deity?"

"How foolish. The woodcarving masters from the Su, Yun, and Zhou families are all imitating the Temple Deity in their carvings. That Sacred Monkey wearing a robe is extraordinary..."

"This young man is not carving the Temple Deity? He's carving a Demon Ape... Isn't he just messing around?"

Many woodcarving masters sighed in disappointment.

They felt it was such a pity.

Because they recognized the Five-Tier Spirit Wood, the Bloodfire Divine Pattern Bodhi Wood...

Yet, Li Cheng was wasting such precious wood!

"He's risking his life and using a Five-Tier Spirit Wood just to carve a statue that's completely different from the Temple Deity... How foolish!"

At this moment, Su Huaiming had already reached the final stage of his carving.

Although the Divine Carving Ridge Elder Examination did not restrict the subject of the carving, carving the Temple Deity was naturally the best choice.

After all, the Divine Carving would eventually clash with the Divine Intention.

How could an ordinary statue possibly withstand the Temple Deity?

"What a foolish and arrogant young man..."

Su Huaiming scoffed.

Seeing that the Bloodfire Divine Pattern had already reached Li Cheng's chin, Su Huaiming shook his head in disdain.

"It seems we won't need the family's help to deal with this young man."

Su Huaiming shook his head and began the final touches on his carving.

At this moment, Li Cheng was completely focused on his work, oblivious to anything outside the window.

As the wood shavings fell, the rough outline gradually took shape of the Spirit Enlightened True Ape's appearance.

Although it was still a rough draft, it was crucial, and its divine essence was already evident!

The clanging sounds echoed continuously as Li Cheng continued carving, and the firelight danced around him.

It was the firelight emitted when the excess wood shavings of the Bloodfire Divine Pattern Bodhi Wood were cut away!

"The fog is rising!"

Suddenly, one of the woodcarving masters exclaimed in surprise.

They hadn't been carving, but now they swiftly arrived at the entrance of the Witty Temple, their toes barely touching the ground.

In an instant, they saw the vast, slightly wild aura of the boundless earth, and at its edge, a white mist shrouded the land.

The fog was a professional term used in the Witty Temple.

Within the Wicked Pagoda, encountering the rising fog was extremely dangerous. It was best to leave the pagoda quickly or seek refuge inside the Witty Temple.

Otherwise...

There was a risk of being torn apart by the furious Temple Guarding Cursed Corpse within the fog.

The hearts of the Divine Carving masters trembled.

How...

Why did the fog suddenly rise?

At that moment, Su Huaiming let out a long, roaring laugh as he made the final cut with his carving knife.

In an instant, the surging divine energy within the entire Witty Temple was pulled and swirled madly around the Divine Carving, which bore a striking resemblance to the Temple Deity statue, about seven to eight parts similar.

"So... it was Master Su who triggered it?"

"Terrifying! Master Su's Divine Carving skills have improved again! He must have reached the level of the Five Elders Divine Carving Masters. Once the Temple Deity Divine Carving is complete, the fog will rise and fall within the Wicked Pagoda!"

Su Huaiming was brimming with confidence, his sleeves fluttering in the wind.

Hearing these words and seeing the fog outside the Witty Temple, he stroked his beard and burst into laughter.

"Not bad."

He gave himself a nine out of ten for this performance, deducting one point to avoid being too arrogant.

As a Divine Carving Master, one must remain humble.

Zhou Tian Shui and Yun Haiyang also finished their carvings, and their Divine Carvings similarly devoured the divine energy within the Witty Temple.

However, compared to Su Huaiming's Divine Carving, theirs fell slightly short.

But it wasn't by much, and there was still a chance.

Zhou Tian Shui shook his arm, which held the carving knife, and his eyes gleamed with determination. "The strength of the Divine Intent can only be known after a true clash."

Zhou Tian Shui spoke in a deep voice.

Su Huaiming was unconcerned. He already held the winning hand.

With just a glance, he knew that the carvings of Yun Haiyang and Zhou Tian Shui were inferior to his.

He was confident.

Zhou Tian Shui and Yun Haiyang fixed their gazes on Li Cheng's position.

They watched from a distance, not daring to approach Li Cheng and disturb his work.

When woodcarving masters were working, it was common courtesy not to disturb each other, a basic etiquette that was maintained even at the highest levels.

The Divine Carving statue on the workbench, carved from Bloodfire Divine Pattern Bodhi Wood, seemed to come alive between heaven and earth, its furious roar echoing through the heavens.

The sound of pounding chests was like muffled thunder!

Every strand of the flying monkey's hair was incredibly lifelike, and Li Cheng had paid meticulous attention to every detail.

"What incredible carving skills! He must have reached the pinnacle of his art!"

Yun Haiyang was astonished.

Su Huaiming narrowed his eyes, saying nothing. In terms of technique, Li Cheng was no weaker than them, even though they had immersed themselves in this art for decades or even a century.

Boom!

As Li Cheng's final stroke fell, he successfully carved a flying monkey spear.

In an instant, the temperature within the Wicked Pagoda soared, as if an extremely illusory flame had ignited.

This was the wandering Temple Deity Divine Energy in the world!

However...

The Divine Carving Li Cheng had created did not absorb this Temple Deity Divine Energy...

Instead, he clenched his hand, as if gathering the wandering Temple Deity Divine Energy within the Witty Temple into a glowing golden staff!

"Success!"

Li Cheng abruptly retreated a step, panting heavily.

His vitality seemed to have been completely depleted in an instant.

To replicate the Heaven-Emulating Earth-Resembling Spiritual Bright True Ape in his mind, Li Cheng had truly exerted his utmost effort, stimulating his Immortal Engineering Dao Fruit to the extreme.

"He actually succeeded! This young man... has remarkable perseverance! Enduring the corrosion of the Bloodfire Divine Pattern, he actually succeeded in completing the carving!"

The surrounding woodcarving masters couldn't help but admire him in their hearts.

Although Li Cheng had not carved the image of the Two-Hearted Great Sage Temple Deity wearing a robe.

Nevertheless...

After all, he had successfully carved a Divine Carving statue using a five-tier Spirit Wood as the base!

Even if it wasn't a Five Elders Rank Divine Carving, it was probably not far off.

The only regret was...

This Divine Carving was not the image of the Two-Hearted Great Sage Temple Deity.

In other words, in the Divine Intent Clash, Li Cheng had already been eliminated first.

Outside the Witty Temple, the Witty Fog waves became increasingly turbulent.

Gongshu Jingjun, along with several powerful individuals, tore through the waves and stood outside the Witty Temple.

Gongshu Jingjun's eyes flashed with a peculiar light, and after speculating that the anomaly within the Witty Temple was related to Li Cheng...

His heart trembled slightly.

When the fog waves surged within the Wicked Pagoda...

Gongshu Jingjun became even more certain of this...

There was definitely an anomaly within the Witty Temple...

And it was related to Li Cheng!

Or rather...

It was related to the Divine Carving statue Li Cheng had carved!

The wisp of Divine Energy that drifted out from the fog waves proved this point.

With this thought, his gaze immediately fell upon the Demon Ape statue held by Li Cheng.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end