Chapter 268: Xi Xi the Great's Talent Gate Expedition, Opening the Eyes of the Founding Patriarch

Chapter 268: Xi Xi the Great's Talent Gate Expedition, Opening the Eyes of the Founding Patriarch

February 26th, Qingming.

Auspicious: Cleaning, Sacrificing, Seeking Medical Treatment, Healing, and Avoiding Other Matters.

The flowers have fallen, and the grass grows in unison. Swallows fly, and butterflies dance in pairs.

The fine rain falls in a flurry.

The ancient mountain range resembles a sleeping dragon, coiled deep within the heart of Guangling Dao City, as if monopolizing all the areas behind the Dao City.

Like a dragon spear lying across the mortal realm.

The green mountains beckon the wise, and countless horses gallop in unison.

"Dong—"

The ancient bell waves echo from the depths of the mountains.

The air twists invisibly, stirring up a breeze that tilts the spring rain, tearing through the heavens and earth.

The camphor trees on both sides of the main street of Guangling Dao City also sway in the spring breeze. Petals of the camphor flowers are knocked down by the rain, sticking to the ground dampened by the spring showers.

They are stuck to the passing carriages, all heading towards the Divine Sect gate.

The sky darkens, clouds gather, obscuring the brilliant sun behind them.

The spring chill between heaven and earth is accompanied by a hint of crispness.

The horse hooves gently land on the green stone ground before the Divine Sect gate archway, emitting a crisp sound like the ringing of an ancient bell.

Li Che holds Xi Xi, inside the carriage, where the warm temperature from the charcoal fire keeps the spring chill at bay.

Zhang Ya sits across from Li Che, today she is dressed in her finest attire, her face carefully made up, her tension visible to the naked eye.

She clenches her fists, constantly encouraging herself.

"My daughter Xi Xi will definitely succeed! She will definitely pass the examination and become the disciple of the Sect Master Deity! Definitely!"

Li Che holds Xi Xi, and the father-daughter duo stare at the extremely nervous Zhang Ya.

Zhang Ya clenches her fists and waves them at herself, giving herself a pep talk.

Xi Xi crawls out of Li Che's embrace and snuggles into Zhang Ya's arms, patting her shoulder to comfort her.

"Mother, please rest assured. Even if Xi Xi doesn't pass the examination, Xi Xi is still the disciple of the Sect Lady. She can follow the Sect Lady and learn divine talismans. Divine talismans are so cool!"

"Xi Xi is so amazing now. She can even write her name perfectly!"

Xi Xi speaks proudly.

Then, she climbs to the carriage window, standing on her tiptoes, and parts the silk curtain.

The fine, cool spring breeze and rain blow in from the window, bringing a chill.

"So many people!"

Xi Xi exclaims in surprise, then wiggles her little butt, showing no signs of tension, but rather a sense of eager anticipation.

With so many people around, Xi Xi the Great will surely have a blast today!

Nie Yang expertly drives the carriage, smoothly descending from the wide and flat road at the Divine Sect gate.

They soon arrive before the plaza.

The towering white jade archway stands tall, with spring rain accumulating moisture that drips down from its edges, forming crystal-like droplets.

The spring chill of Qingming permeates the mountain, which is already lush with vegetation, making the coldness even more intense.

However, today, before the Divine Sect gate archway, there is a bustling atmosphere.

Carriages and horses fill the area, with people bustling figures.

The vigorous vitality of the gathered crowd is like a furnace with added fuel, radiating heat and dispelling the cold.

The luxurious carriages slowly arrive, one after another, parking in front of the white jade archway at the Divine Sect gate.

Each carriage bears a distinctive emblem, indicating the identity of its occupants, either wealthy or noble.

The carriages of the Su Family, Yun Family, Zhou Family, and Zhong Family, the four top clans of Guangling Dao City, are parked in the best spots.

Following them are the carriages from the Dao Master Residence and some other luxurious ones, but their occupants' identities remain unknown.

Since only divine children can participate in this Founder's Direct Disciple Examination, the actual number of divine children taking the examination is not high.

Although the crowd is bustling, most are here to witness the spectacle.

As the carriage stops, Old Chen's "Xi Lu" signal also brings the carriage to a halt.

The oil-paper umbrella opens with a rustle, shaking off the raindrops and blocking the spring rain.

Zhang Ya, holding Xi Xi, steps down from the carriage. Li Che holds the umbrella for the mother and daughter, wrapping his arm around them.

"Xi Xi the Great sets out! Go, Xi Xi the Great is invincible!"

The carriage has just stopped.

Gong Yuanliang and Gong Yangxiu, the two lively ones, pop out of the carriage, excitedly clenching their fists high.

Xi Xi wiggles in Zhang Ya's arms, hands on hips, swaying her waist, and sticking out her little belly!

"Just wait and see!"

Xi Xi is full of confidence.

In the distance.

The luxurious carriages are parked, and divine children emerge from them, each guided by their respective clan leaders.

"Little Fatty!"

"Yun'e Sister!"

Xi Xi's eyes light up as she sees Zhou Peng crawling out of the Zhou Family carriage and the still beautiful Yun'e, excitedly waving her chubby arms.

Beside Yun'e, an elderly man with white hair wears a blue robe, glancing over at Xi Xi.

Yun'e smiles sweetly, her dimples like blossoming spring flowers, waving back at Xi Xi.

Yunhe, the head of the Yun Family, stands with his hands behind his back, turning to look at Xi Xi upon hearing her high-pitched voice.

"Little E, she is Li Nuanxi..."

"The divine child who came from the Golden Light Mansion to the Divine Sect?"

A strange light flashes in the old man's eyes.

Li Nuanxi's name has been gradually rising in fame in Guangling Dao City recently.

The Sect Lady, for the sake of her disciple, publicly suppressed Ji Maoli's Dragon Queen Consort on the street.

Additionally, some time ago, the Netherworld Bull Demon's united bet on Li Nuanxi in the Heavenly Fortune Jade Archway, ranking tenth. For a while, the name of the divine child Li Nuanxi resounded throughout the city.

"Not a bad child."

"However, this time, you are her competitor. You can't go easy on her."

"You also know this is your only chance to change your fate..."

"Otherwise, your fate will be controlled by the clan."

Yun'e's parents passed away early, and her stunning beauty and unique physique make this opportunity even more crucial.

If she succeeds in becoming the Founder's Direct Disciple, her status will rise, bringing great benefits to the clan and allowing her to control her own destiny.

But if she fails...

Yun'e's long eyelashes tremble slightly, and she lowers her head slightly, "I understand, Father. I will do my best."

Yunhe nods.

On the other side, Zhou Peng smiles at Xi Xi and waves back, while Xi Xi looks on enviously as he casually grabs a hot meat bun and starts eating.

"Xixi!"

In the distance, a tall figure emerged, breaking through the wind and rain, accompanied by a graceful figure in a yellow skirt.

They were Xixi's senior martial brother, Bian Yuanlong, and senior martial sister, Sang Guanyin.

By Sang Guanyin's side, a young man in a white robe, Sang Yu, leisurely followed, gently fanning himself.

"Elder Li," Bian Yuanlong greeted Elder Li Che with a respectful fist salute.

Elder Li Che, one of the Five Elders of Divine Sculpture Ridge, held a prestigious position within the Heavenly Origin Divine Sect.

Elder Li Che's face was adorned with a gentle smile, and he nodded.

Xixi, seeing Sang Guanyin and Bian Yuanlong, became delighted and nestled into Sang Guanyin's embrace. Sang Guanyin often took Xixi to the Golden Light Mansion, so they were quite close.

"Xixi, you must work hard! If you become the Founder's Direct Disciple, you'll have someone backing you up within the Sect!" Sang Guanyin said softly, stroking Xixi's head.)



Sang Guanyin gently rubbed Xixi's head.

Xixi immediately became spirited, puffed out her little belly and patted her chest, making a loud slapping sound.

"You can count on me, Xixi! You're so amazing now!" Sang Guanyin said, laughing lightly.

Xixi was very proud, tilting her chin upwards, full of vigor.

Sang Guanyin smiled softly.

Bian Yuanlong, standing behind them, smiled foolishly.

"Xixi, your talent and strength are beyond question, but you must also recognize your opponents..." Sang Guanyin spoke seriously.

Sang Guanyin introduced solemnly.

Xixi, hearing this, turned to look.

The young man in plain clothes had his hair tied in a ponytail. He seemed to sense Xixi's gaze and slightly raised his eyelids, revealing a handsome face like a carved axe.

"Wow! So handsome!" Xixi exclaimed, covering her mouth.

Elder Li Che, standing beside her, frowned.

Xixi, you've gone too far!

Sang Guanyin was speechless, used to Xixi's temperament. This little girl... She didn't have the gentle refinement of Elder Li, and when she grew up, she might become a rogue.

"You can't slack off just because he's good-looking! You must give it your all, do you understand?" Sang Guanyin admonished.

Sang Guanyin instructed.

"You can count on me, Sister! With such good looks, a beating will make you cry beautifully!" Xixi clenched her little fist.

Bian Yuanlong, standing behind her, rubbed his shaved head and widened his eyes.

Little Junior Martial Sister... So this is the kind of person you are?

Gongshu Wentian's hand holding the carving knife trembled slightly, sensing Xixi's aggressive gaze.

"He's Gongshu Wentian, the youngest Elder of Divine Sculpture Ridge with extraordinary talent. Is he your biggest competitor?" Sang Guanyin asked, her expression serious.

Gongshu Wentian's lips curved upwards.

For him, a five-year-old girl posed no threat.

In fact, Gongshu Wentian never considered anyone here as his competitor.

Gu He from the Celestial Pill Sect, Xuan Yue from the Mystic Talisman Sect, Ning Caihe from the Seven Treasures Sect, and even Lu Qingxuan from the Heavenly Origin Divine Sect weren't seen as competitors by Gongshu Wentian.

Gongshu Wentian was too proud.

After all, he was from the Gongshu Family.

The Gongshu Family, one of the three great ancient families, had produced the Grand Supervisor.

This saying was circulating in the world.

The ever-changing government and courts, the unchanging ancient families.

And among the three great ancient families, one was the Gongshu Family.

Therefore, Gongshu Wentian didn't consider Xixi as his competitor.

Compared to Li Nuoxi, Gongshu Wentian was more interested in her father, the Divine Crane Master, Li Che!

It was rumored that Li Che might have the opportunity to reach the Divine Crane Half-Sage realm and even obtain the inheritance of Tang's Mechanism Technique. Gongshu Wentian was extremely interested in this, and upon this thought, his carving knife moved faster, and every hair on his body stood on end.

Wood shavings fluttered and scattered, flying in all directions.

Gongshu Wentian's gaze shifted to Li Che, and a smile slowly spread on his lips.

Li Che, holding an umbrella, suddenly felt a surge of heat.

His eyes scanned the area and landed on Gongshu Wentian, whose eyes were like those of a wolf.

Gongshu Wentian raised the wooden carving in response.

That wooden carving...

Was of the Divine Crane that suppressed the Mysterious Temple's Shrine Deity, the Two-Hearted Great.

The Gongshu Family...

What was their relationship with Gongshu Jingjun?

Li Che smiled warmly, not paying too much attention.

Li Che, holding an umbrella, introduced Xixi's opponents one by one.

Gu He, Xuan Yue, Lu Qingxuan, Ning Caihe...

"This is Little Prince Lu Chi..." Sang Guanyin said, pausing for a moment, and spoke softly.

Xixi, hearing this, turned away and looked elsewhere.

Lu Chi, seeing Xixi ignore him, pursed his lips, and his eyes became calm, gazing forward.

While Sang Guanyin was introducing Xixi to her opponents, the opponents were also observing each other.

The spring rain became solemn, and a hint of tension seemed to be spreading among them.

Xixi, in Sang Guanyin's embrace, suddenly sensed a resentful gaze.

But then, an extremely luxurious carriage arrived, shattering the wind as it came. The curtain was drawn back, revealing a dragon queen consort with a cold expression and horns on her forehead.

Inside the carriage, Little Dragon Maiden and Young Dao Master's son, Yue Linghu, sat together.

Yue Linghu was handsome, and his gaze on Little Dragon Maiden seemed to glow.

Little Dragon Maiden had been pressured by the Dragon Queen Consort recently, and she knew why. It was all because of the pressure Li Nuoxi had brought upon the Queen Consort. So, Little Dragon Maiden even harbored some resentment towards Li Nuoxi.

"Little Dragon Maiden, rest assured. I'll definitely help you suppress Li Nuoxi!" Yue Linghu said with a smile.

Little Dragon Maiden, hearing this, immediately felt relieved, and her eyes became calm, gazing forward.

He liked Little Dragon Maiden's soft voice, and it made his bones feel as if they were melting. Additionally, with the task given to him by his father, Yue Linghu had already decided that Little Dragon Maiden would be the one he would marry.

Numerous Divine Children descended from the carriage, standing on the wet bluestone plaza.

Some Inner and Outer Sect disciples, dressed in sect robes, formed a perimeter, blocking onlookers from getting too close.

However, this did not deter the enthusiastic spectators.

The mountain path was almost blocked, with layers of people both inside and out.

"Dong—"

Another muffled sound, an ancient bell, rang out, resonating through the air.

This time, it was different from the previous two occasions.

It seemed to carry a sense of solemnity, rolling and surging.

In an instant, the bustling atmosphere at the sect's mountain gate plaza quieted.

All eyes turned to the mountain path, shrouded in mist and clouds.

The atmosphere in the plaza became serene.

Everyone fell silent.

The sound of spring rain pattered on the ground, like sand grains moving in an hourglass.

Suddenly, everyone's gaze intensified.

The mountain gate, with its dragon-like mountain range, seemed to come alive, shaking vigorously.

Countless clouds were torn apart.

A vast, overwhelming pressure descended from the sky.

Raindrops froze in mid-air, as if glued, suspended in the half-space.

"He's here!"

In a luxurious carriage, someone lifted the curtain, their eyes fixed.

They saw a peak covered in blooming plum blossoms.

Suddenly, a sword light shot into the sky.

Then, a figure in white seemed to ride the wind, enveloped in sword light, flying towards them, standing high in the sky.

A sense of oppression filled everyone, making it hard to breathe. The pressure spread like ripples.

This was the terrifying pressure unique to a Divine Embryo Great Deity!

Just sensing it was like facing an endless ocean.

"Lu Taibai!"

"Sect Master of Dawn Divine Sect!"

"The Fifth Rank on the Great Deity List!"

Gasps of awe echoed.

Many lifted the curtains, but the sight of that figure's sharp presence was enough to make them feel an overwhelming sense of oppression.

The Queen Consort stared at Lu Taibai, her heart stirring.

Such a majestic presence...

She had only seen it in her man, Ji Mo Li.

Su Daoling, the current head of the Su Family and a Demi-Sage of Divine Talismans, had a glint in his eyes.

"Unfathomable... After decades of seclusion, Lu Taibai is even more formidable..."

Finally, Lu Taibai, the Sect Master of Dawn Divine Sect, appeared before the eager crowd, standing high in the sky like a Sword Immortal.

"Ancestor Worship."

Lu Taibai transformed into sword light and descended in front of the Heavenly Fortune Jade Archway.

Within the sect, the First Elder Han Shushu, Second Elder Zhao Fangzhou, Third Elder Ding Zi, and Fourth Elder Ji He Shan...

One by one, the Inner Sect Elders emerged from the mountain gate, gathering before the archway.

Meanwhile, those who had been waiting outside, dressed in simple long robes, formed a procession.

Li Che watched with great interest.

Suddenly, a voice transmitted into his ears.

"Che, come up."

"As an Elder of Divine Eagle Ridge, you should be up here."

Li Che looked towards Gongtu Jingjun, the Ridge Master of Divine Eagle Ridge, waiting to make her entrance.

Behind her were First Elder Tang Xiejia and three other elderly elders of Divine Eagle Ridge.

Hearing this, Li Che handed his oil-paper umbrella to Zhang Ya and approached Sang Guan Yin, pinching Xi Xi's cheeks.

"Don't be careless. Be careful."

Li Che said, straightening his back and brushing a raindrop from his ink-robe. He followed Lu Qingti, walking through the crowd, and towards the archway, under the watchful eyes of many.

Amidst countless astonished and respectful gazes, Li Che reached the procession of Gongtu Jingjun and the elders of Divine Eagle Ridge.

Then, the elders of Divine Eagle Ridge also stepped forward, joining the elders of Dawn Divine Sect, standing side by side before the archway.

Sect Master Lu Taibai, in his white robes, looked at Li Che, who stood out with his remarkable entrance.

"Not bad."

Lu Taibai's gaze was profound, with a divine mark between his eyebrows.

Li Che's heart stirred. He felt every Dao Fruit in his chest tremble, reminding him of the power of the being before him, an unmatchable force.

Even the [Face of Heaven] in the Netherworld Chess Pieces and the Hell Lotus Flame Wheel were trembling.

The three-pointed, double-edged knife in his left arm also vibrated.

Li Che took a deep breath. He knew he couldn't win against such a being! Not even with a sneak attack! Suppressing his trembling heart, he bowed respectfully.

"Li Che, the new Elder of Divine Eagle Ridge, pays his respects to the Sect Master."

Sect Master Lu Taibai nodded, not engaging in small talk for long.

Then, he led the elders to worship the Founding Patriarch.

The worship process was overseen by Jiao Shaoqiu, not overly time-consuming. After some rituals, each elder placed an incense stick in their prepared bronze censer, completing the worship.

It didn't take much time.

After the worship, the elders dispersed, standing before the archway, where their prepared chairs awaited.

Li Che was guided to a chair, sitting at the end of the Divine Eagle Ridge elders.

As the Fifth Elder, he sat in the sixth chair.

However, among the four elderly elders of Divine Eagle Ridge, Li Che's youth stood out.

Li Che turned to look at the crowd below. Countless gazes met his, giving him a strange feeling.

He saw Xi Xi in Sang Guan Yin's arms, her eyes wide, her face flushed with excitement, waving her arms.

"Sister Yin Yin, that's Daddy! That's my daddy!"

Xi Xi was thrilled and happy.

No wonder she was the daughter of Xi Xi the Great.

"Quiet—"

Below the archway.

The aged Jiao Shaoqiu, in his simple robes, spoke with a deep voice, silencing the various noises.

"The Ancestor Worship has concluded."

"The Sixth Direct Disciple of the Dawn Divine Sect, Lu Taibai, will now begin the Founder's Direct Disciple Examination."

Jiao Shaoqiu's voice reverberated.

As his words fell,

All the Spirit Children standing before the Heavenly Fortune Jade Archway trembled slightly, their eyes solemn and a sense of seriousness emerged.

The tense atmosphere, accompanied by the chilly spring breeze, stirred.

Jiao Shaoqiu stepped down.

Lu Taibai rose from the Grand Master's chair, and at this moment, he exuded no sharp aura.

The white robe on his body billowed, and he walked beneath the Heavenly Fortune Jade Archway.

His profound gaze swept across, like an endless vortex, devouring everyone's hearts and minds.

"This will be Lu's last disciple. You all know that when Lu accepts disciples, he is unbiased and open to all. The Dawn Divine Sect embraces all talents, and regardless of your background, you are all qualified to become my disciples."

"Additionally, the last Direct Disciple I accept today will be the future Young Master of the Dawn Divine Sect."

Lu Taibai spoke calmly.

As his words landed,

The atmosphere on the plaza instantly became as tense as ignited gunpowder, almost ready to explode!

No one had expected Lu Taibai to openly acknowledge this claim.

Rumors were one thing, but having them acknowledged was another.

"Even if..."

"This disciple of Lu is not an ordinary person."

With these words,

The spring breeze seemed to turn cold, and the spring rain became fierce and powerful! Many of the carriages parked quietly shook violently, and the hanging curtains were whipped by invisible energy, fluttering wildly.

Obviously, Lu Taibai's words disturbed the hearts of many, making it hard for them to remain calm!

Crazy? Crazy indeed!

This decision was truly insane!

If Lu Taibai were to choose an ordinary person as the Young Master of the Dawn Divine Sect, the Grand Court would certainly not stand idly by.

However, among those who came to participate in Lu Taibai's last Direct Disciple Examination, there weren't many ordinary people.

Therefore, the possibility of an ordinary person becoming Lu Taibai's Direct Disciple was extremely small.

On the other hand, Little Dragon Maiden Ao Qingqing's heart stirred with excitement.

She felt that her chances had suddenly increased!

Lu Taibai paid no heed to the fluctuating emotions and attitudes of the many Spirit Children.

He scanned everyone, his gaze calm like a tranquil sword pond, unperturbed and without a ripple.

"So, this Direct Disciple Examination has three stages: the first tests talent, the second tests the mind, and the third tests the temple..."

"Each stage will filter out some people."

"The first stage, the talent stage, will determine who can enter the second stage, the mind stage."

"After the mind stage, only three people can enter the temple stage..."

Lu Taibai spoke calmly.

Finally, the highly anticipated rules of the Direct Disciple Examination were revealed.

In an instant, the atmosphere on the plaza became lively.

Many people's eyes revealed surprise, as the rules for Lu Taibai's Direct Disciple Examination had some changes compared to the past, but they weren't significant.

"Since Lu's last disciple will become the Young Master of the Dawn Divine Sect, the first stage, the talent stage, and the second stage, the mind stage, will be overseen by the Ancient Patriarch who just finished the Ancestor Worship."

As his words concluded,

Lu Taibai flicked his finger, and a sword light abruptly burst forth, smashing into the bronze incense burner filled with incense sticks.

It was as if an ancient bell had been struck.

The incense burner trembled, and countless columns of smoke were drawn up by the sword light, rising into the sky.

In the sky, dark clouds gathered, and a spring thunder rumbled!

In an instant, from within the Dawn Divine Essence Plaque, a powerful and rich divine nature, filled with sharp sword intent, erupted!

This divine nature appeared white, containing sharp sword energy.

Before the sect gate, the smoke gradually transformed into a vortex.

"The first stage, the talent stage, is not limited to observing the Auspice Divination's purple Qi divine nature pillar."

"Martial Dao, divine nature, divine eagle, divine pill, divine talisman, divine weapon, all are capital to judge your talent."

"The Founding Patriarch will give you a comprehensive evaluation."

"Show all your means, reveal your talent's upper limit. Whether it's burning blood, summoning temple deities, offering talismans, power surges, or cheating, it's all allowed..."

"Don't worry about shocking the Founding Patriarch..."

Lu Taibai's white robe fluttered, his silver hair danced in the wild wind, and his deep gaze was like lightning.

His words thundered, like rolling thunder.

Echoing in everyone's ears.

Almost every Spirit Child's body trembled.

Their faces turned red.

It was different!

This time, the Direct Disciple Examination rules were completely different!

The talent stage was no longer solely about observing the Auspice Divination's purple Qi divine nature or martial Dao foundation!

Were their talents about to be revealed?

Sitting on the Elder Hall, Li Che's ink-colored robe fluttered, and his black hair seemed to strike like black lightning, constantly flickering.

He looked at the Dawn Divine Essence Plaque, and his expression became peculiar.

Unrestricted rules?

Opposition to the rules?

Means to enhance talent, all allowed?

Li Che glanced at Lu Taibai.

He suspected that the Sect Lady had whispered into the Sect Master's ear...

Or perhaps, it was because Xi Xi had passed the Sect Lady's divine talisman test, and the Sect Master had discovered their secret.

Were these rules prepared for the Spirit Children?

They were completely tailored for the father-daughter duo!

Could Li Che withstand such a test?

Lu Taibai stood with his hands behind his back.

Looking at the plaza that could no longer contain its excitement,

At the many Spirit Children who were excited and enthusiastic,

Lu Taibai took a step, returning to the Sect Master's position.

He sat down leisurely, his white robe flowing gracefully.

"Little fellows, give it your all and show your limits."

"Use your talents..."

"Let the Founding Patriarch open his eyes."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end