Chapter 336: The True Ape's Roar, the Heart's First Viscera, and the Divine Embryo's Formation

Chapter 336: The True Ape's Roar, the Heart's First Viscera, and the Divine Embryo's Formation

Amidst the rain and snow, the strong winds howl.

In the warmth of the cold, in the nearness of the distant!

The nine-layer Yellow Dragon Sacred Wood Treasure Ship swiftly sails on the Grand Canal, its heavy body floating on the water's surface, moving at an incredible speed, the hull slapping and occasionally splashing water to the sides.

The deafening roars continue to explode, and the wind and waves rage.

Li Che sits cross-legged on the ship, his entire body seemingly frozen, like a statue, but his black clothes flutter in the wind.

He seems to have entered a mysterious state.

Within the Niwan Palace, a profound transformation is taking place.

Numerous Golden Cores shine with dazzling brilliance, surrounding two exceptionally radiant Golden Cores—the Heavensky Earthly Sage Luminescent True Ape Golden Core and the Six Desires Lu Xuan Sword Immortal Golden Core. These two Golden Cores are evidently of a higher rank than the other Seven Emotions Golden Cores.

Regarding the accumulation of divine essence in the Golden Cores, Li Che rapidly enhances his cultivation by frantically absorbing the divine essence from the temple spirits. However, compared to the two major Golden Cores, the absorption of divine essence from the temple spirits is slightly slower for the other Seven Emotions Golden Cores.

Although many Golden Cores have reached the Fetal Breath Transformation stage, breaking through to the Divine Embryo is incredibly challenging. The opportunity is not yet ripe, lacking depth and the right conditions.

Inhale—

Exhale—

Li Che sits upright at the ship's bow, bathed in the howling wind, his mind gradually clearing.

Within his chest, the Dao Fruit of the Pure Mind beats vigorously.

The Dao Fruit related to divine essence is primarily the Pure Mind. Even now, as Li Che's daughter grows, he continues to obtain more Dao Fruits.

However, the ones that significantly aid his cultivation are the Dragon Elephant Vajra and the Pure Mind.

The former allows Li Che to unlock his martial talent, constantly improving and reaching the Martial Saint realm, even opening the Qi Sea.

The Pure Mind also offers Li Che considerable assistance in cultivating divine essence.

Nevertheless, compared to his martial arts, Li Che has always felt that his divine essence talent is inferior. Fortunately, he has gradually caught up in his cultivation of the divine essence path.

This is undoubtedly thanks to the numerous divine abilities derived from the Pure Mind Dao Fruit.

After summoning the spirits, absorbing the divine essence from the temple spirits, and then extracting the divine essence from the divine essence crystal at a speed far surpassing ordinary cultivators, Li Che has the most significant advantage in cultivating divine essence.

However, Li Che has indeed endured a long and arduous journey in cultivating divine essence.

Now, he is almost ready to attempt breaking through to the Divine Embryo realm.

What is the Divine Embryo? It is a process where the Divine Essence Golden Core transforms into a divine embryo. The embryo undergoes four divine transformations, giving birth to five viscera, four limbs, a hundred bones, and a skull...

It is like a ten-month pregnancy, but instead of amniotic fluid, the divine essence of heaven and earth nurtures the Divine Embryo.

Li Che suddenly understands, and in his mind, it's as if a grand bell is ringing.

Boom, boom, boom!!!

Divine essence spreads throughout Li Che's body, like a pool, intensely rich and vast.

His black, robust hair whips wildly, striking the void with a loud crackling sound.

The Heavensky Earthly Sage Luminescent True Ape divine essence technique is the only one Li Che possesses at the Divine Essence realm.

Although he lacks subsequent Divine Embryo techniques, it no longer matters to Li Che.

His heart moves slightly.

Within the Heaven and Earth Chessboard, the two sets of Heaven-Crossing Facial Features emit a faint glow, as if leaping out and covering Li Che's primordial spirit, which sits cross-legged on the chessboard.

Hum—

In an instant, Li Che's mind became crystal clear.

Although he didn't know the Divine Embryo Dharma, it wasn't a big issue. It was as if a divine ape opened its eyes in the depths of the unknown, gazing through the heavens at the Luminescent True Ape within the Divine Essence Golden Core, its breath resembling the rumble of thunder.

The invisible aura guided the Divine Essence Golden Core to frantically devour the divine aura, countless divine auras rushing in, flooding in!

...

...

Huff, huff, huff—

The entire Nine-Layer Yellow Dragon Sacred Wood Treasure Ship seemed to be enveloped and swallowed by the divine aura at that moment.

The numerous Divine Children on the ship couldn't help but look up in astonishment and surprise at the swirling divine aura above them!

"This... is a divine aura vortex?!"

"How can there be such a vast and rich divine aura... it's as if it's all for Elder Li?!"

"These divine auras, are they all drawn here by Elder Li? It's like he's about to break through?!"

...

The Divine Children were utterly bewildered.

Tie Shancai and Jin Taisui, with their extraordinary vision, couldn't remain calm!

"Such a vast divine aura... the Divine Essence Golden Core level can't reach this, it completely surpasses the power of the Divine Essence level!"

"This... this is going to impact the Divine Embryo?!"

Tie Shancai exclaimed in surprise.

Xi Xi's father was about to impact the Divine Embryo?!

What the heck?! Tie Shancai had been frequently visiting Xi Xi during this period, and he was quite familiar with her situation.

Li Nuan Xi, six years old, was born in Lingnan Dao Yunzhou, Jin Guangfu Feilei City!

Her father, Li Che, was just a small-town woodcarving shop laborer before Xi Xi's birth, belonging to the lowest class with no value.

After Xi Xi's birth, Li Che began receiving martial arts guidance and later obtained a divine aura method, starting his cultivation...

Although the Jin Guangfu Divine Sect had records...

Xi Xi's father had pure divine aura and was suspected to be a Divine Child...

But starting cultivation at such an old age, he was about to impact the Divine Embryo after just six years?!

What a freak!

Even with Xi Xi's talent, it paled in comparison to her father's.

Tie Shancai's face turned red, feeling a bit overwhelmed.

Jin Taisui was also at a loss. The honest, kind, and benevolent Li Demi-Saint...

Was his divine aura talent so high? No wonder Xi Xi was born with such terrifying talent!

At this moment, the other Divine Children could calmly accept Xi Xi's talent.

"Elder Li... is breaking through the Divine Embryo?"

Nie Yang stood on the ship's deck, holding his sword, his eyes filled with astonishment and disbelief.

He remembered the first time he met Elder Li; back then... Elder Li was just at the Divine Foundation stage, right?

How long has it been?

It felt like an eternity had passed!

Lu Tai Bai walked out from the upper floor, clenched his five fingers, and instantly, his sword aura spread like a vast net, helping the other Divine Children block most of the divine aura impact.

Only a slight amount of divine aura leaked out, like a gentle spring rain.

Xi Xi widened her eyes, understanding the situation, and immediately broke into a delighted smile!

She knew her father was incredibly powerful!

Even Xi Xi, who had grown so strong, couldn't defeat her father!

However, Xi Xi still needed to continue growing stronger.

Xi Xi's face lit up with two adorable dimples, and she sat cross-legged, immediately starting to circulate her divine aura method.

Buzz, buzz, buzz—

An eight-armed, three-faced Unyielding Lotus Divine Form appeared behind her.

Xi Xi began absorbing the divine aura filtered by Lu Tai Bai, gentle as a spring breeze.

The other Divine Children also snapped out of their daze, each sitting cross-legged with excitement, starting to capture the divine aura from the heavens and earth.

After all, this was a Divine Essence Great True Person undergoing the Fetal Breath Transformation, and the divine aura he stirred during his breakthrough to the Divine Embryo realm was extremely active, making it an excellent time for cultivation.

At this moment, the entire Yellow Dragon Sacred Wood Treasure Ship seemed to have transformed into a blessed land.

Zhang Ya, despite her modest divine aura cultivation, also sat cross-legged, just like her daughter, seriously capturing the blessings bestowed by her husband.

The entire ship fell into a deathly silence.

"Huff—!!!"

"Suck—!!!"

Only the sound of the ship sailing and a terrifying giant beast lurking...

The sound of their breathing was like thunder.

...

...

Time passed quickly during cultivation, and before they knew it, three days had flown by.

On the third night.

Lead-colored clouds filled the night sky, obscuring the twinkling stars.

The Heavenly Origin Yellow Dragon Sacred Wood Treasure Ship, sailing up the Grand Canal from the Heavenly Origin Dao City, finally arrived at the dock of the Ninth City in the Divine Capital.

The Grand Scenery Divine Capital was established in the central region of the Divine Capital Dao, covering an extremely vast area.

The entire Divine Capital was built upon a treasure mountain, and at the summit stood the Grand Scenery Imperial Palace Temple.

In the distance, a temple could be seen, sharp as a spear, piercing the sky. A vast divine aura pressure rolled in waves.

According to rumors, this temple was transformed from an enigmatic shrine, established by the founding emperor of the Grand Scenery Dynasty, who led a group of powerful warriors to conquer the Four Sovereign Enigmatic Shrine. The shrine's deity was then sealed by the combined efforts of the dynasty's founders.

The temple was the first city, and below it, in order, were the remaining cities up to the ninth.

The nine cities were arranged like a staircase, clearly dividing the social classes.

While the nine cities were interconnected, they were also separate. For the privileged, they were interconnected, but for ordinary people, a single city might be their entire world for their entire lives.

The Ninth City's buildings were actually quite luxurious. Although it was known as the poorest of the nine cities, the architectural quality was no less than that of the Heavenly Origin Dao City. Housing in the Divine Capital was generally very expensive.

Even a foreign Grand Master would find it challenging to own property in the Divine Capital.

Boom—

The night deepens.

The river wind rages, rippling the water's surface and creating waves.

As they approach the wharf, the water surprisingly becomes even more expansive, with the wharf's river channel meticulously constructed to be extremely wide and large. Numerous small boats are docked there, but now, they have all been moved to a distance, leaving a vast open space.

The wharf of the Ninth City is bustling with excitement, even at this late hour. The voices of the common folk struggling to survive in the Divine Capital are still clamoring, as they wouldn't miss this excellent opportunity to earn some money.

Rare and luxurious treasure ships are docked at the wharf, and those who disembark are cultivators from various Dao cities and Divine Sects.

The people of the Ninth City also know that these cultivators have come to attend the upcoming Peach Blossom Festival hosted by the Empress of the Grand Scenery. Every time this festival is held, it is a rare opportunity for the commoners of the Nine Cities of the Divine Capital to relieve their daily hardships.

There is excitement to watch, and sometimes, they may even find some bargains.

The aristocratic lords of the Upper Three Cities, if they are in a good mood, might even bestow a generous amount of gold leaves, allowing these commoners to live comfortably for a month or more.

"That's the treasure ship of the Heavenly Pill Sect of Guangling Dao! The Heavenly Pill Sect... known as the second wealthiest Divine Sect in the world! The disciples of this sect have so much wealth that even the oil from their fingers would be enough for us to fill our bowls and plates!"

"Second wealthiest? Then who is the wealthiest?"

"Of course, it's the Seven Treasures Divine Sect of Dragon Source Dao. It is said that their sect master has a divine treasure cauldron that can spit out gold leaves, making them as wealthy as a country!"

"Impressive! Is that the Mystic Symbol Divine Sect of Qingyun Dao? I heard that the female disciples of the Mystic Symbol Divine Sect are all incredibly beautiful, like heavenly fairies."

"Here comes the Vast Integrity Academy of Jiangnan Dao! These are all scholars. It is said that the top scholars in the Grand Scenery Imperial Examinations all come from Jiangnan Dao!"

...

On the wharf, the voices of the people are clamoring, and the crowd is bustling. Even the cold night wind cannot suppress the enthusiasm of the commoners of the Ninth City of the Divine Capital.

A large group of them rushes towards the cultivators who have disembarked from the treasure ships.

Some offer to guide the way, some to find inns, some to serve as servants, and some even beg for patronage...

It can be said that the people of the Divine Capital are truly desperate for survival.

Suddenly, an enormous Yellow Dragon Sacred Wood Treasure Ship slowly approaches, tearing through the thick fog of the night and docking at the shore.

Then, everyone feels an extremely oppressive aura continuously sweeping over them.

The people of the Ninth City suddenly fall silent.

This Yellow Dragon Sacred Wood Treasure Ship, in this Ninth City where their ancestors have lived for generations, is well-known to them.

It belongs to the Black-Armored Yellow Dragon Warship of King Ji Moli, one of the eight great vassal kings of the Grand Scenery!

"Is it King Ji Moli, the Pacifying King?"

"I wonder how many of the eight great vassal kings will attend this Peach Blossom Festival hosted by the court... It is said that many vassal kings have rebelled."

"It's just rumors spread by the storytellers. The most talked-about rebel king is none other than this Pacifying King, isn't it?"

"Storytellers know nothing. The fact that the Pacifying King dares to come to the Divine Capital means what? It means he wouldn't dare to rebel. If he had rebelled, would he still dare to come to the Divine Capital?"

...

The commoners whisper softly among themselves.

The ship's ladder is lowered.

King Ji Moli, clad in black armor, stands tall without a helmet. His imposing figure exudes a terrifying sense of oppression.

Behind him are four even more robust and muscular figures, wearing green-faced fanged masks.

They are King Ji Moli's four favorite sons, each with a unique pose: one carrying a pipa, one holding a long sword, one carrying a treasure umbrella...

Their postures vary, each standing over three meters tall, as imposing as small mountains, exuding an oppressive aura and a thick scent of blood, almost like a surging tide.

Unfortunately, one of his sons, Ji Lishou, has passed away, and now, one of these four sons is an imposter, disguised as Ji Moli's top disciple.

All the commoners are trembling under the overwhelming pressure, not daring to resist.

King Ji Moli's reputation is too formidable; it is said that he kills without batting an eye.

Ji Moli walks with his hands behind his back, paying no attention to these ant-like commoners. His gaze doesn't even acknowledge their existence.

"Your Highness, it's been a while."

The Heavenly Pill Sect Master, Gu Changqing, greets King Ji Moli with a bow, wearing a comfortable robe that sways in the wind.

The Seven Treasures Divine Sect Master, Ning Caishen, also exchanges greetings with him.

However, the other Divine Sect Masters do not give King Ji Moli a warm welcome.

"Hasn't the Heavenly Origin Divine Sect's treasure ship arrived yet?"

Gu Changqing narrows his eyes and smiles.

But a hint of pain flashes in his eyes.

"It's not just glowing; someone is breaking through the Divine Embryo, and the momentum is so great that they are frantically absorbing the Divine Aura."

The Mystic Symbol Divine Sect Master, Xuan Jiuzhuan, says, staring intently.

The Mystic Symbol Sage Hand is the most sensitive to the Divine Aura, as the mystic symbol is, strictly speaking, a means of manipulating the Divine Aura for personal use.

"What a huge commotion! Breaking through the Divine Embryo with such a grand display... What level of Divine Embryo is this?"

"Many of the powerful onlookers stared intently, their eyes filled with astonishment and uncertainty.

They, like Ji Moli, looked towards the river's surface, shrouded in smoke, where the waves parted.

Then, a hazy figure emerged from the endless darkness, sailing towards them.

It was the Yellow Dragon Sacred Wood Treasure Ship, appearing before their very eyes!

"That's... the Heavenly Origin Dao City's Yellow Dragon Sacred Wood Treasure Ship!"

"The Yellow Dragon Sacred Wood Treasure Ship? Isn't that the ship of the Heavenly Origin Divine Sect?"

"The Heavenly Origin Divine Sect... Someone has broken through the Divine Embryo?"

Many were astonished.

Especially on the treasure ships of the various divine sects, exclamations of surprise could be heard.

It wasn't unusual for someone to break through the Divine Embryo, but for the numerous sect leaders present, a newly broken-through Divine Embryo was not something that would surprise them.

However, when they clearly saw the young man sitting cross-legged at the front of the ship, many revealed expressions of strangeness.

Ji Moli's eyes narrowed slightly.

"Li Che."

The voice wasn't loud, but it echoed in the ears of the various sect leaders present.

"Li Che? Is he the new Divine Carving Demi-Saint of the Heavenly Origin Divine Sect? The Divine Carving Demi-Saint who defeated the Divine Carving Demi-Saint of Little Lingyin Temple, Huang Tuo?"

"It's really him... How old is he... and he's about to challenge the Divine Embryo?"

"Twenty-five? Seems so, he's only cultivated for six years, and in just six years of cultivation, he's challenging the Divine Embryo... How does he cultivate so fast? Even a reincarnated Temple God might not be this quick."

Ancient Long, Ning Caishen, Xuan Jiuzhuan, and other sect leaders' eyes revealed looks of astonishment.

Breaking through the Divine Embryo wasn't a rare occurrence.

What was rare was Li Che's youth and the brevity of his cultivation time!

When something is abnormal, there must be a demon!

The numerous powerful individuals from the Ninth City who had planned to leave all stopped in their tracks, standing amidst the night wind, quietly gazing towards the distant Yellow Dragon Sacred Wood Treasure Ship, which seemed to glow, drawing in the divine aura of heaven and earth.

...

...

"We've arrived at the Divine Capital."

Lu Tai Bai stood atop the pavilion, with Zhao Fang Zhou and Hong Shi Fo by his side. His white sleeves fluttered, and his silver hair danced in the wind.

"The leaders of the various divine sects have mostly arrived..."

With a glance, Lu Tai Bai spotted the many familiar figures standing on the wharf.

As leaders of divine sects, they had naturally met on numerous occasions, and the sects had interactions with each other.

"Indeed, the stir caused by Ah Che's breakthrough has attracted their attention... Also, cultivating for six years and challenging the Divine Embryo, even if they are sect leaders, they can't compare to him. It's only natural for them to be curious."

Lu Tai Bai spoke calmly.

Hong Shi Fo stroked his beard and smiled, squinting his eyes. After the initial shock, he now remained calm.

"I wonder how many of the eight great vassal kings will attend this Peach Blossom Festival. Ji Moli is here... The other vassal kings should also be present, right?"

As the treasure ship slowly sailed, they watched Li Che, whose divine aura grew thicker, just a step away from success. Hong Shi Fo changed the topic.

"That's hard to say... I've heard that many vassal kings are secretly plotting a rebellion. They aren't like us, sect leaders, who have the backing of our sects. Without a leader, our armies would crumble."

"As for us sect leaders... Which sect doesn't have an ancient ancestor? These ancient ancestors are like the pillars of our sects. Even if they die, it's hard to tell."

Lu Tai Bai smiled faintly, unconcerned about stepping into the Divine Capital.

The imperial court could be seen as the greatest divine sect.

The Grand Supervisor, the National Teacher, and the Governor of the Temple Affairs Bureau, though extremely powerful...

Just as Lu Tai Bai said, every sect has its ancient ancestors. If something were to happen to them, it would shake the entire Grand Scenery.

For the imperial court, maintaining the status quo and stability is the best outcome.

While the court is wary of the divine sects and always wants to curb their development, in reality, the court is only worried about another Qi Tian Temple rising.

The rise of Qi Tian Temple, occupying numerous Daoist sites, erodes the court's foundation.

Of course, the court only wants to maintain its face and prestige. If the divine sects offer a face-saving peach, it's not unreasonable."

Lu Tai Bai and Hong Shi Fo chatted casually.

Hong Shi Fo naturally understood this, while Zhao Fang Zhou, standing beside them, scratched his head in confusion. As a pure martial artist, he couldn't grasp the intricacies of their conversation.

Boom!

The Yellow Dragon Sacred Wood Treasure Ship slowly docked at the wharf.

The captain dared not shout "Dock!" because Li Che, sitting high at the ship's front, seemed to radiate light from every pore, absorbing the divine aura of heaven and earth at a critical moment.

Thus, the captain quietly docked the ship.

Thud!

When the entire Yellow Dragon Sacred Wood Treasure Ship was securely docked at the wharf.

Numerous gazes fell upon it.

Ji Moli, his four sons with their blue faces and fangs standing behind him, and the sect leaders like Ancient Long, Xuan Jiuzhuan, and Ning Caishen, all looked towards the figure sitting high at the ship's front, his skin translucent like glass.

No one from the Yellow Dragon Sacred Wood Treasure Ship disembarked.

They all quietly waited.

Suddenly, from the other side of the wharf, a commotion arose.

The sound of clanking armor filled the air as the Divine Guard, wearing golden armor, rushed from the Ninth City to form lines on both sides.

A white, crystal-like palm emerges from the palanquin, lifting the curtain, revealing a pair of bright eyes gazing upon the Yellow Dragon Sacred Wood Treasure Ship. The eyes fixate on a youth undergoing a dramatic transformation, absorbing the divine aura of heaven and earth.

A fleeting glimmer of surprise flickers in the watery eyes, but it vanishes instantly. The palanquin's interior reveals a dignified woman rising gracefully, assisted by her maidservant. She wears a veil, concealing her true appearance, except for her bright, moon-like eyes. Behind her, a red-robed Lu Chi stands motionless, like a puppet.

On the treasure ship, the disciples of the Qian Yuan Shen Zong and Dao City, excitedly running on the deck, gather at the ship's edge, looking down at the pier. Xi Xi, among the crowd, jumps up, grabs the heavy ship railing with both hands, and peeks over.

"What are they doing?" Xi Xi asks curiously, tilting her head towards the other children hanging on the railing in the same manner.

Tie Shan Cai frowns, Zhou Peng's chubby face looks strange, and Yun E's eyes reflect concern...

"It seems like a marriage proposal," says Zhou Peng.

Xi Xi is puzzled, wondering what kind of marriage proposal this is. Then she notices Lu Chi, following the dignified woman from the palanquin.

Realization dawns on the clever Xi Xi, and her eyes widen. Her face turns as red as a pressure cooker's steam!

Lu Tai Bai gracefully lands beside Xi Xi, ruffling her hair. He then observes the situation on the pier, his silver eyebrows slightly furrowed.

What is this Lady Ji doing? Suddenly, Lady Ji smiles lightly, and her clear voice reverberates through the heavens.

"Tai Bai Zong Master, welcome to the Divine Capital. I've heard that you have taken on a good disciple. My son, Lu Chi, has become acquainted with your disciple in Flying Thunder City and Golden Light Mansion. I have a favorable impression of this, so I think it's better to strengthen our relationship through marriage. Today, I've brought the three letters and six gifts, a token of my heart, to propose a marriage between our children and set up a betrothal."

"My son is the Grand Scenery Emperor's prince, and as your personal disciple, he has a noble status. I think he is suitable."

"Let's settle this matter first. In two days, I will go to the palace to request the Emperor's approval for the formal marriage proposal. What do you think, Tai Bai Zong Master?"

Lady Ji gracefully expands her luxurious clothing, a smile on her face.

Lu Tai Bai relaxes his frown.

In the large sleeves, the night wind swirls, and he speaks indifferently, "Although I am Xi Xi's master, I am not her biological father or mother. This matter of marriage should be decided by her parents."

Lu Tai Bai raises his hand, pointing to Li Che, who sits at the ship's head.

Li Che's black shirt flutters in the wind, his thick and vigorous hair curls like thunder. His vast divine aura is like a tide, irresistibly drawn into his inner world.

In the next moment, behind Li Che, a majestic and dazzling heart seems to float, like a brilliant sun. Outside the heart, a terrifying and mighty shadow of the Heavensky Earthly Sage Luminescent Ape appears! The heart's light shines brightly, and its outer wall becomes transparent, revealing a vivid heart beating within!

Thump, thump, thump—

The heart beats, and the sound waves echo like waves! The divine essence transforms, and the fetal breath metamorphosis gives birth to a new organ!

Boom, boom, boom!!!

In the sky, amid leaden clouds, thunder rumbles, and heavenly might roars! The divine embryo tribulation is brewing!

Li Che slowly opens his eyes, and a million golden rays of light burst forth from his pupils! His gaze fixes on the veiled Lady Ji, then shifts to Lu Chi in the red robe.

The look in his eyes gradually turns icy, leaving only cold indifference towards a stranger.

"This marriage proposal..."

"As a father..."

"I disagree."

This chapter was yesterday's, just completed, and today's two chapters will continue. Everyone, please vote with your monthly tickets to give Old Li some feedback. Writing is a lonely task, and your monthly and recommended tickets will encourage Old Li to continue writing! Thank you!

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end