Chapter 248: The Temple God's Inheritance, the Three-Bladed Saber

Chapter 248: The Temple God's Inheritance, the Three-Bladed Saber

Amidst the howling wind and falling snow, the scent of plum blossoms filled the air.

Pink plum petals gently fell onto the ground, adding a touch of mystery to the lingering eerie mist.

Following the path, one could see an ancient and enigmatic temple standing tall, its black tiles neatly arranged, with flying eaves and upturned corners, adorned with dazzling patterns that captivated the eyes.

Mystic Dao Manifesting Three-Eyed Sage Strange Shrine!

Four Virtues!

Li Cheng's gaze momentarily froze, and his breathing became slightly agitated.

This was a terrifying and mysterious shrine of the same rank as the one in the center of the Nine Dragon River in the Golden Light Mansion.

It was also the highest-ranked and most oppressive shrine Li Cheng had encountered thus far.

In fact, he had not yet stepped into the Eight-Armed Hell Lotus Furious Third Prince Strange Shrine in the Golden Light Mansion.

However, when accompanying Xi Xi in her resonance with the temple god, Li Cheng had indeed felt the terror of that temple god!

"Please, Elder Li," said Ji He Shan.

His gaze fell upon Li Cheng, and his eyes narrowed slightly.

Xi Xi's father?

A hint of surprise flashed in Ji He Shan's eyes. He knew Li Cheng, after all, as he had once sent Wei He to deliver a message, hoping to recruit Xi Xi as his disciple.

He had also sent Wei He to speak with Xi Xi's parents.

But Li Cheng had refused his offer, unwilling to let Xi Xi become his disciple.

Little did he expect that he would encounter Li Cheng in such a manner.

No wonder Li Cheng didn't want Xi Xi to become his disciple; he himself was quite capable, able to become an elder of Divine Carving Ridge...

In terms of status, the elders of Divine Carving Ridge were not much lower than the inner sect elders.

Ji He Shan's eyes flickered.

He began to ponder whether he should befriend Li Cheng, a newly appointed elder of Divine Carving Ridge, who was indeed worth cultivating a relationship with.

Divine Carving held great significance for any cultivator.

The same was true for his disciples.

The reason why the elders of Divine Carving Ridge could compare to the inner sect elders was that they controlled the flow of divine carvings.

"Elder Li, rest assured. The divine light of the Mystic Dao Manifesting Three-Eyed Sage Strange Shrine is very gentle. As long as you are not tainted by evil spirits, it will not cause any disturbance..."

"This time, the elder's inspection is actually a chance for you. If you are not possessed by evil spirits and are not a heretic of the Corpse God Sect..."

"You may even resonate with the temple god and receive the baptism of its divine nature."

"This will greatly aid you in condensing your divine image and divine essence golden pill."

Across from Ji He Shan stood a graceful woman, Huo Xiang, the Sixth Elder of the Heavenly Origin Sect.

She was also a powerful cultivator at the Divine Embryo Realm.

Amidst the gazes of everyone present, Li Cheng dusted off his ink-colored robe and wore a gentle smile.

After a slight bow to the elders, Li Cheng did not hesitate and stepped into the Strange Pavilion's Thousand Plum Path.

Along the way, the fragrance of plum blossoms filled the air.

With a calm mind, Li Cheng's thoughts were serene, without a trace of worry.

Even though he had a Corpse God Seal suppressed within his Heavenly Chessboard, he was not concerned, even if it had not been refined.

Stepping into the Strange Pavilion, it was as if he was not undergoing a test or inspection but rather strolling along a mountain path, enjoying the fragrant plum blossoms and the spring outing.

...

...

Outside the Strange Pavilion.

Gong Shu Jing Jun, Zhao Fang Zhou, and Tang Xiejia stood calmly.

One at the Divine Embryo Realm, and two Martial Saints, they were different from Ji He Shan and Huo Xiang due to the disparity in their cultivation levels.

"This is Li Cheng..." said Tang Xiejia.

Tang Xiejia's tall and sturdy figure resembled Tang Sanjiang to some extent. Beneath his bulging muscles, there was an explosive power that seemed to possess immense destructive force with every move.

"Yes, the talented junior your younger brother Tang Sanjiang favored. He even passed on your Tang Clan's Mechanical Nine Seals and the essence of the Mechanized Beasts to him..." said Gong Shu Jing Jun with a smile.

Zhao Fang Zhou raised an eyebrow, "Can that thing... be understood by humans?"

Tang Xiejia rubbed his head, his muscular back resembling an open cobra.

"I... can't understand it."

Gong Shu Jing Jun couldn't help but smile.

Two crude... martial artists.

How could such crude martial artists comprehend the Mechanical Arts, which tested one's innate talent?

"Li Cheng is very talented..."

"Not only does he have talent in divine carvings, but he also excels in the Mechanical Arts."

Gong Shu Jing Jun's eyes flickered.

"Tang Sanjiang wanted to repair that damaged Supreme Mechanized Beast, the Hundred Bone Eight-Legged Tyrant Dragon, but he couldn't do it alone, so... he pinned his hopes on Li Cheng."

"Although it's difficult, there's at least some hope. From Li Cheng's talent in divine carvings, I see potential."

Gong Shu Jing Jun spoke.

Tang Xiejia's heart stirred with excitement.

But soon, his emotions sank again.

"Even if it's repaired, what's the point? The Tang Clan... has already been completely destroyed. The Great Jing Dynasty has confiscated four of the five Supreme Mechanized Beasts..."

"Only the damaged Hundred Bone Eight-Legged Tyrant Dragon, with over 70% damage, remains. Even if it's repaired, it won't make much difference."

Gong Shu Jing Jun turned to Tang Xiejia, her eyebrows slightly furrowed.

"How can it be meaningless?"

"Don't you want the Tang Clan to rise again?"

A flash of fire seemed to flicker in Tang Xiejia's eyes...

"I want to..."

"But it's difficult."

"That person... is too strong."

Tang Xiejia's voice was low.

"If not for the Divine Master's kindness in taking us in, my Tang Clan would have perished."

Gong Shu Jing Jun remained silent.

That person who single-handedly brought about the Tang Clan's destruction...

Sitting high atop the Great Jing Dynasty's court, he was like a god or demon overlooking the world, capable of causing a stir with every move.

Even Ji Mo Li...

Would pale in comparison.

"So, what's the point of repairing a Supreme Mechanized Beast?"

"Even the combined might of the five Mechanized Beasts couldn't defeat him... What use is one?"

"Sanjiang's efforts are in vain."

Tang Xiejia closed his eyes, and the fiery light in them seemed to extinguish in an instant.

But when he slowly opened his eyes again, the fire reignited.

This was a raging and mighty martial will, unique to the Divine Warrior!

"Tang Clan... and me!"

"The Mechanized Beast may not be able to do it, but that doesn't mean I, Tang Xiejia, can't!"

Gongshu Jing Jun and Zhao Fangzhou remained silent, their gazes turning towards the Thousand Plum Road shrouded in strange mist.

They didn't say anything further.

"It's begun."

"The Three-Eyed Supreme Monarch's gaze has descended."

"Let's see if this new elder can become our colleague."

Zhao Fangzhou stretched his body, and a golden flame seemed to dance within him, distorting the air. His eyes shone with anticipation.

He had always been rather dull in terms of divine nature, but now he had heard that Li Cheng had obtained the inheritance of the Demi-Saint Divine Falcon from Elder Sun before his death...

Perhaps this could help him break through the Embryo Transformation bottleneck...

If he could also break through in divine nature, with his understanding of martial arts, he was confident... to advance another realm!

In fact, this time, Zhao Fangzhou, the Second Elder of the Inner Sect, had personally come to witness the new elder's entry assessment.

It was for this purpose.

Otherwise, it would have been sufficient for the two quasi-Divine Embryo Realm cultivators, Ji He Shan and Huo Xiang, to come.

Gongshu Jing Jun and Tang Xiejia also turned their gazes towards the figure obscured by the mist.

Although the two believed that Li Cheng, trusted by Tang Sanjia, would not be an evil person or associated with the Corpse God Cult, they still needed to see the result after the gaze of the Temple God landed.

...

...

Plum blossoms fell, and the black robe danced wildly.

Li Cheng walked with his hands behind his back, the corners of his black robe fluttering in the wind, making a soft, gentle rustling sound.

Boom!

Suddenly, Li Cheng's footsteps landed, and the strange mist within the Strange Pavilion soared into the air.

A formidable pressure emerged from within, like countless demons dancing and myriad spirits howling.

It seemed that seven terrifying spirits wanted to see through him through the mist!

Li Cheng's footsteps did not stop; he continued walking calmly, his mind and body at peace.

These spirits were trapped within the mist, unable to break free and touch him.

So Li Cheng maintained his composure.

In the air, the divine nature fluctuations became increasingly heavy and oppressive, like particles boiling, stirred by the wind, and rushing towards him.

His black hair whipped in the wind, and his eyes were calm, his black robe swaying gently, emitting a soft, slow rustling sound.

His steps were firm, without a hint of hesitation or retreat.

Everything seemed to quiet down, as if a ray of light had emerged from the ancient, strange temple, scattering the lingering mist along its path.

It was as if a single gaze had sliced through the clear air and peace.

Finally, Li Cheng stopped, his gaze rising as if meeting the other's eyes.

The gaze fell upon him, like electric snakes slithering.

In a vague and hazy moment, Li Cheng seemed to see a statue sitting high on an altar, its face obscured by a mysterious divine mist.

Its third eye was open, revealing a divine pupil, and the gaze emanated from this vertical pupil.

Wherever the gaze fell, all evil spirits were dispelled, never to thrive again!

Beside the Divine Falcon, there was also a small black dog, sitting with its long neck raised, its eyes shining brightly...

A hint of surprise flashed in Li Cheng's eyes.

In a vague way, this scene seemed familiar, as if he had seen it somewhere before.

The dim yellow light...

The handsome man...

The adorable black dog...

Li Cheng felt his mind buzzing, as if struck by the ancient temple bell atop the peak, resonating with the tides of three thousand years.

Whoosh!

In an instant, everything turned pitch black.

The surrounding plum trees disappeared without a trace.

Only an altar, a divine falcon, and a black dog remained.

Divine light slowly swept over Li Cheng's body.

Within the Niwan Palace between his eyebrows.

The Mythical Monkey God Image, with its Heaven-Earth Spirit, suddenly opened its eyes, letting out a long cry, as countless divine natures exploded!"

And apart from the Divine Monkey God Image.

The Fire-Eyed Dark Spirit Monkey, the Hundred-Turn Worried Dream Spirit Rabbit, and other temple gods trembled incessantly.

It was as if, under a single gaze, they felt the oppressive pressure of a mountain river drying up and a heavenly mountain collapsing.

Li Cheng paid no heed to the divine image fluctuations within his Niwan Palace.

In the Heavenly Chessboard.

The Corpse God Seal became more obedient, not daring to make any unusual moves. Fortunately, Li Cheng had completely refined the seal, and it was free from corpse and death energies.

Buzzing—

Suddenly, Li Cheng's suspended divine soul in the Heavenly Chessboard opened its eyes slightly, and divine light swept across.

He saw the Mythical Weapon, the Heaven-Defying Face, constantly shaking within the chessboard.

The Hell Lotus Yin Deity Sword was also rapidly shaking and quivering, with extremely sharp sword energy raging and surging.

These two mythical weapons seemed to have been shaken by the gaze of the Temple God at this moment.

...

...

Outside the Strange Pavilion, a gentle breeze blew.

The fragrance of plum blossoms filled the air.

Gongshu Jing Jun and Zhao Fangzhou, along with other powerful cultivators, swept their gazes towards the figure obscured by the mist.

The figure continued walking, and the mist on the Thousand Plum Road became denser, turning hazy as the divine nature emanating from the strange temple grew stronger.

Watching Li Cheng, who had not stopped walking and was still advancing on the Thousand Plum Road, Gongshu Jing Jun heaved a sigh of relief.

"It seems that Li Cheng's assessment should be fine..."

"His background has always been clean; he is a woodcarver from Fei Lei City, under the jurisdiction of the Golden Light City. Starting from a small woodcarving shop, he has risen to his current height through his talent and hard work."

"All thanks to his talent and effort."

"A fine young man."

Gongshu Jing Jun's eyes shone with appreciation.

When Li Cheng wanted to participate in the Divine Falcon Ridge Elder Assessment, Gongshu Jing Jun had already gathered all of Li Cheng's information.

Born and raised in Fei Lei City, he had no dark past.

Rising from humble beginnings, he displayed his divine falcon talent and continued to soar higher.

From a small town to the forefront of the prefectural city.

"To rise from a small town to his current height... you can imagine the difficulties he faced."

Gongshu Jing Jun said.

Zhao Fang Zhou and Tang Xiejia couldn't help but nod in agreement.

"Oh?"

Suddenly, a voice of surprise and doubt echoed through the air.

It was Ji He Shan and Huo Xiang, the two elders who had torn through the strange mist.

Gong Shu Jing Jun and the others furrowed their brows, and they all turned to look in the same direction.

They saw a dazzling golden light emanating from Li Cheng's body, so pure and intense that it seemed to form a pillar of light, piercing through the clouds and stirring up falling plum petals.

"This is..."

Ji He Shan and Huo Xiang were slightly moved.

Gong Shu Jing Jun and Zhao Fang Zhou were startled, and after exchanging glances, they revealed expressions of astonishment.

"Under the scrutiny of the Three-Eyed Supreme Monarch's divine gaze, the golden light is so pure... Could it be that it hasn't been tainted by any evil at all?" Gong Shu Jing Jun asked, her lips twitching.

"You know, humans have seven emotions and six desires. Even Divine Embryo cultivators, when subjected to the divine gaze of the Supreme Monarch, will reveal their inner darkness," she added.

"It's natural for humans to have a dark side..."

"But this darkness is normal. As long as it doesn't involve demonic energy, evil energy, death energy, and the like, it's not a problem."

"But Li Cheng's situation now... The golden light is pure and flawless."

"It's almost as if..."

Zhao Fang Zhou also opened his mouth in surprise.

A powerful Divine Warrior, for a moment, couldn't find the words to describe the scene before him.

Gong Shu Jing Jun finally relaxed and exhaled.

Looking at the pure golden light, a word suddenly came to mind.

"Is it... righteous or evil?"

Zhao Fang Zhou and Tang Xiejia looked over simultaneously.

Indeed, the Divine Embryo cultivators' minds were sharp and quick, able to come up with such a term.

Tang Xiejia's eyes sparkled with admiration.

No wonder Tang Sanjiang had such faith in Li Cheng. A character this pure was definitely worthy of trust!

"He's still walking forward... Is he going to walk the entire Thousand Plum Path and reach the Strange Shrine?"

Suddenly, Elder Huo Xiang couldn't help but exclaim in surprise.

Almost everyone's gaze shifted in that direction.

They watched as Li Cheng tore through the strange mist, walking steadily along the Thousand Plum Path.

His black ink-colored shirt fluttered in the wind, his back straight and proud, and under the divine gaze, a golden pillar of light soared into the sky, stirring up falling plum petals.

He seemed like an exiled immortal walking among mortals!

"If he can walk the entire Thousand Plum Path, it means his resonance with the temple god is at least ninety percent!"

"Indeed... indeed..."

"Like father, like daughter!"

"I heard that Li Cheng's daughter, Li Huanxi, achieved a ninety percent resonance with the temple god in the Furious Third Prince's Strange Shrine in Jin Guang Prefecture."

"Now, Li Cheng has also demonstrated this to us!"

"Although it's due to the absence of other competitors, having such a high resonance with the temple god..."

"Li Cheng might be able to obtain the temple god's inheritance from the Three-Eyed Supreme Monarch!"

The temple god's inheritance in the Four Virtues Mystic Shrine was indeed tempting, even for them.

Unfortunately, the temple god's inheritance often depended on the resonance with the temple god...

...

...

Li Cheng felt an intense heat in his Niwan Palace between his eyebrows.

His flesh tore open, and his Star-Plucking Eye burst forth with dazzling golden light.

He stared at the temple god.

Li Cheng couldn't make out the temple god's appearance, even though he wanted to. A layer of mysterious mist obscured his vision.

The temple god observed him calmly.

With a flick of its finger, three orbs of light floated over and settled in front of Li Cheng.

Li Cheng's ink-colored shirt fluttered, and in the endless darkness, three orbs enveloped in golden light emitted a gentle glow, offering Li Cheng a choice.

He had to choose one of the three.

Li Cheng immediately understood.

His gaze fell upon the three orbs.

Even with his Star-Plucking Eye activated, he couldn't see through the hazy light mist to discern their contents.

Li Cheng knew that it was mainly because his cultivation was still too weak.

The Star-Plucking Eye's ability would strengthen as his cultivation improved.

If he were a Divine Warrior or a powerful Divine Embryo cultivator, could he see through the divine mist and discern the temple god's appearance?

Perhaps, but... perhaps not yet.

Li Cheng stopped pondering and focused on the three orbs.

He closed his eyes slightly.

Suddenly, a long-forgotten piece of information appeared in his mind.

It was as if his entire being had returned to Flying Thunder City.

Back to that Three-Eyed Supreme Monarch's Strange Shrine outside the city.

A divine nature martial art suddenly emerged in his mind, 'Furious Monarch Three-Bladed Saber'!

Hummm—

In an instant, a dense golden light flashed, transforming into a figure wielding a three-bladed saber.

Li Cheng seemed to see himself in that figure.

Boom—!!!

Immense true aura and blood energy surged, the three-bladed saber vibrated, and in an instant, it slashed towards Li Cheng with tremendous force!

Enveloped in boundless fury, a golden light erupted, as if it would cleave the entire mountain range.

Li Cheng stood motionless.

His Star-Plucking Eye tore open.

The next moment, his fingers trembled and clenched.

Within his chest...

The Dragon Elephant Vajra Fruit pulsated vigorously.

Then, a torrent of blood energy erupted, and with his hand as a blade, he unleashed the 'Furious Monarch Three-Bladed Saber', which he had already integrated into his self-created martial art, the 'Ten Thousand Transformations Dragon Elephant'!

An extremely dazzling slash, as if accompanied by the roar of dragons and elephants!

However, the light and shadows before him swirled, and a buzzing sound filled the air. Countless saber lights exploded like a waterfall, dazzling and raging in front of him!

The saber techniques of the three-bladed saber were pushed to even greater heights.

Li Cheng's entire body resonated, his fingers clenched together like a blade, and he engaged in a thrilling battle with the increasingly terrifying figure.

The more they clashed, the more Li Cheng felt the profoundness of the saber techniques.

Was this still the 'Furious Monarch Three-Bladed Saber'? It had completely transformed.

But the divine nature martial art he obtained in that Strange Shrine in Flying Thunder City seemed to have become a seed planted within him.

And now, it was sprouting and growing!

The dragon elephant roared!

Boom!

With another intense collision, the figure before him instantly shattered into countless pieces.

Countless streams of energy raged, swirling violently.

Amidst the raging storm, one of the orbs floated quietly in front of him.

Li Cheng raised his hand and gently lifted the orb, suspending it in his palm.

The light mist continued to swirl without end.

Li Che opened his eyes, and the mist on the light orb seemed to dissipate along with his awakening.

Li Che was taken aback.

His gaze sharpened.

He saw.

The divine light had completely dissipated.

A miniature three-pronged double-bladed saber, the size of a palm, was floating quietly.

...

...

Li Che opened his eyes and found himself outside the Odd Temple.

At the end of Thousand Plum Road, the ancient and mysterious temple stood quietly, enveloped in smoke, exuding an ethereal and elusive aura.

Li Che couldn't help but feel a bit regretful.

He speculated that he had already entered the Odd Temple.

However, he failed to leave a chess piece within the Odd Temple.

If he had left a Thunder Flying Chess Piece...

H

However...

Li Che was quite elated.

Because this trip to the Odd Temple had been immensely rewarding.

The three-pronged double-bladed saber...

That three-pronged double-bladed saber!

Li Che's mind stirred slightly.

His divine soul scanned over it.

It swept through his flesh and blood.

Instantly, he discovered the three-pronged double-bladed saber hidden beneath the flesh of his right hand, seemingly fused with his bones...

...

【Divine Armament (Upper Grade Four Imperial): Righteous Thunder Evil-Slaying Three-Bladed Saber】

【Craftsmanship: ????】

【Description: A sealed mythical weapon, flawlessly crafted, with a dormant treasure soul. It can be mastered by cultivating with righteous energy and purified by profound thunder.】

【Perfect Mastery: ????】

【Secondary Mastery: One who has opened the Divine Embryo and reached the Divine Warrior level or above】

...

Huff, huff, huff—-

Li Che's breathing became heavy.

Looking at the three-pronged double-bladed saber that seemed to be fused with his bones and tendons, his heart couldn't help but tremble!

I, Li Che, finally have a complete mythical weapon!

Like Xi Xi, who wields the Purple Flame Spear in her left hand and a golden brick in her right, and has the Hell Lotus Wind Fire Golden Wheel on her feet...

Clad in divine armor, it's impossible not to be envious.

But now, he, Li Che, no longer needs to envy his daughter!

Without delving into further study, Gong Shu Jing Jun and others had already arrived, interrupting his thoughts.

"Congratulations, Elder Li, for successfully passing the Temple God's test."

Elder Ji He Shan and Elder Huo Xiang both offered their blessings simultaneously.

Their eyes gleamed with surprise and a hint of envy...

Because they saw Li Che truly enter the Odd Temple!

He didn't forcefully enter as a Divine Embryo Great Deity; he gained the Temple God's resonance and recognition before entering.

Li Che must have obtained the inheritance of the Four Virtues Odd Temple!

The inheritance of the Four Virtues Odd Temple is extremely rare...

This means that Li Che's future potential could very well be that of a Divine Embryo Great Deity or a Heavenly Gate Divine Warrior!

"Hahahaha! Excellent! Excellent! Ah Che, you've done well!"

Gong Shu Jing Jun laughed heartily, feeling extremely pleased and even a sense of vindication.

After all, Li Che is an elder of their Divine Carving Ridge. Li Che's outstanding performance naturally brings glory to the Divine Carving Ridge.

"The Four Virtues Odd Temple... it's extremely difficult to enter its interior."

"If you don't gain the Temple God's resonance, you have to fight your way through the Odd Gate to enter..."

"Throughout history, very few cultivators have managed to enter the Three-Eyed True Lord's Odd Temple... you've given us a big surprise just after joining the Divine Sect."

"The last person to enter the Three-Eyed True Lord's Odd Temple, guess who it was?"

Gong Shu Jing Jun narrowed her eyes and asked.

Li Che, now calm, heard Gong Shu Jing Jun's words and his eyes flickered. "Could it be... the Sect Leader Great Deity?"

Gong Shu Jing Jun's lips curved into a smile.

She nodded gently.

...

...

Huff, huff, huff—-

The wind and snow howled, swirling in the sky.

On the roof of the Divine Talisman Tower, the tiles were black, and the eaves curved upward.

Whoosh—

The Sect Master's Consort, a small figure, flew back from outside the tower, barefoot, landing between the pavilions.

Her delicate toes trembled slightly as she stepped on the warm floor, moving slowly forward.

In a good mood, the Sect Master's Consort hummed an ancient tune.

Suddenly, she paused.

Her entire body tensed up abruptly.

"Who?!"

With a step, a surging wave of divine energy rose from the entire tower, like a tidal wave.

Around the tower, it seemed as if ropes were breaking, and with a rustling sound, massive divine talisman banners painted on cloth fell down, completely enveloping the tower.

The light inside the tower suddenly disappeared, leaving only darkness!

Countless candles flickered.

Boom, boom, boom—

On the Sect Master's Consort, Xiao Xiao's delicate face, her eyes filled with a grave expression.

An indescribable fear, like an invisible hand, seemed to want to crush all the air in the tower, making her suffocate.

Even her spine emitted an endless glow, each vertebra shimmering with light, as if hidden divine talismans were spinning rapidly.

Who?!

Who could cause such a terrifying sense of danger?!

She couldn't fight...

She couldn't fight at all!

If she really fought, she would be killed!

Sweat beads formed on Xiao Xiao's forehead, but suddenly her eyes flickered as if she thought of something, and her delicate face turned red!

She pouted angrily!

Suddenly, the suffocating feeling vanished, replaced by a feeling like a gentle breeze.

The sound of light footsteps echoed.

A tall, slender figure in white walked out from behind a screen.

Seeing this slender figure, Xiao Xiao pouted and sat on the ground, kicking her delicate feet.

"Dead guy, you scared me to death!"

Xiao Xiao rolled her eyes, her small, delicate face showing a hint of allure.

The man had jet-black, lustrous hair and bright, piercing eyes.

H

W

"

"

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end