Chapter 400: Xi Xi's Seventh Birthday and the Awakening of a New Dao Fruit

Chapter 400: Xi Xi's Seventh Birthday and the Awakening of a New Dao Fruit

Hooo...

The crystal-like snowflakes, translucent and exquisitely beautiful, seemed as if a deity was meticulously carving them out of thin ice.

Accompanied by the howling wind, they tumbled and fell gracefully from the leaden clouds, blanketing the dark tiles below.

The roof gradually turned white, and the dull thuds of the falling snow echoed in the ears, creating a sense of intoxication that relaxed the eardrums.

Every snowfall marked another year of growth for Xi Xi.

Xi Xi was born on a day of heavy snowfall, a difficult time that Li Che would never forget, deeply etched in his memory.

Li Che's powerful and surging blood essence had long returned to his body, and his Sleeping Dragon Elephant breathing technique had become increasingly profound as his Dragon Elephant Vajra Dao Fruit matured.

Breaking through to the third level of the Martial Saint realm and embarking on the path of ascension, Li Che's transformation was akin to the metamorphosis of a divine embryo. Each step forward on his martial path brought about a significant change.

The metamorphosis of divinity acted upon the divine embryo, while the transformation of the Martial Saint affected the physical body.

As the invisible energy field of the Martial Saint dissipated, the snow from the heavens descended, dyeing the tips of his hair and shoulders.

"Huff—"

Li Che exhaled slowly.

Xi Xi was already seven years old.

The breath he exhaled seemed like a sword of air, slicing through the deep winter chill with its white-blurred blade.

Seven years had passed in the blink of an eye.

From the time Xi Xi was a tiny infant to the present, when she was a seven-year-old girl full of mischief, Li Che couldn't help but feel a strong sense of pride.

Seven years old was a very special age.

In his previous life, children of this age would have already started primary school and begun their formal education.

It was the beginning of their true growth, when they started to acquire knowledge.

At this age, children were like fledgling eagles leaving their nests, learning to flap their wings, soar high, and explore the world.

Of course, this world was naturally different from his previous life.

However, in Li Che's heart, there was always a sense of something amiss.

After returning from the Divine Capital and breaking through to the third level of the Martial Saint realm, Li Che had become more reclusive. Aside from maintaining his identity as one of the five elders of the Divine Eagle Ridge and occasionally going to the ridge to guide the Divine Carving Masters and disciples in their art, studying the Divine Carving Skill, and researching the art of mechanisms, he spent most of his time at the Divine Sect's mountain gate, accompanying his wife and child.

Xi Xi no longer needed to stay on Tai Bai Peak all the time. Her current strength was sufficient for self-protection, ensuring her safety.

With the cultivation of both Grand Master and Divine Vision, Xi Xi's combat power was extremely formidable.

Even within the Divine Sect, she was considered a mid-to-high-level combatant. Aside from some direct disciples, few could match her in battle prowess.

Therefore, Xi Xi would spend her days cultivating on Tai Bai Peak and return to the Elder Residence in the Outer Disciple City in the evening to be with her father, savoring the delicious meals specially prepared for her by Zhang Ya.

Li Che thoroughly enjoyed this time with his wife and daughter, to the point of feeling a little indulgent and relaxed.

Indeed, enjoyment was the culprit that eroded one's fighting spirit.

Just as Li Che's lips curled up, relishing the peaceful moments that eroded his spirit, his mind suddenly stirred.

His gaze deepened.

"Huff—"

"Suck—"

With one breath in and one breath out, the energy within his body surged uncontrollably, melting the snow all over him. The airflow swirled wildly, and his eyes emitted an intensely brilliant light.

This wasn't the first time Li Che had awakened a new Dao Fruit.

His mindset was much calmer than before.

However, the excitement within him still existed, and he eagerly anticipated the new Dao Fruit. He wondered what it would be and if it would significantly enhance his cultivation and strength.

Boom!!!

An ancient and distant rumble echoed, like a mighty mountain peak covered in thick snow, and an ancient temple bell, filled with the aura of the ages, was struck with force.

The sound waves spread in ripples from Li Che's body, expanding continuously.

Thump-thump—

Thump-thump-thump—

In his chest, the Dao Fruits began to pulsate wildly.

Li Che felt his mind trembling with the thunderous roar.

Then, between his eyebrows, a mysterious vortex seemed to form, emitting a terrifying suction force. It pulled his heartstrings, causing them to fall into an endless and bizarre space.

Deep, vast, ancient, and boundless...

Like the primeval wilderness...

...

...

Boom!!!

The ancient heavens and earth shook, and the raging winds seemed capable of easily extinguishing souls. It was a calamitous wind that could annihilate deities.

As Li Che's mind calmed, his ink-black robe fluttered, and his jet-black, vigorous hair stood on end like lightning. His entire body floated in the air as he looked around.

In the distance, he saw a familiar tree standing tall, piercing the clouds, as if it could puncture the very sky.

Rustle, rustle—

However, this time, when Li Che saw the Dao Tree, he was no longer calm.

The tree was trembling violently, and with each tremor, countless branches and leaves seemed to spread out.

Crack!!!

The powerful branches of the Dao Tree lashed out, shattering space itself. The broken space, like shattered glass, reflected in Li Che's pupils.

Beyond the shattered space, Li Che saw layer upon layer of space, each like a mirror stacked upon the other.

Could there be multiple layers to the void?

The branches continued to lash out, shattering multiple layers of space, deeply penetrating them.

Incredibly fierce, the void seemed as fragile as tofu before the branches.

Li Che was astonished by this, but he was also puzzled by the Dao Tree's transformation, which was so strange.

As the transformation continued, the Dao Tree underwent another significant change, becoming even taller and more awe-inspiring than when Li Che had first seen it.

Buzz, buzz—

Countless leaves rustled, making a loud noise.

At first, Li Che didn't pay much attention, but gradually, his heart began to stir violently.

The sound of the leaves rustling together seemed like a soft murmur.

Boom—

A deafening roar reverberated in Li Che's ears.

Before him, countless strands of light began to weave together at incredible speed.

It was as if the panel was conveying a message, like the whispering of the Dao Tree.

[Bonded Child's Toddler Stage Safely Completed, School-Age Stage Unlocked]



...

[Name: Li Che]



[Bond: Li Nuoxi (Daughter)]



[Progress: School-Age (7 years old)]



[Hint: For every safe year of the bonded child's growth, the Dao Tree can bear a Dao Fruit]



...

Li Che's eyes sparkled, and his breath quickened involuntarily.

On the Dao Tree, colorful Dao Fruits began to sway wildly, making a crisp tinkling sound.

Suddenly, a leaf shook, and a thumb-sized, colorful pearl-like treasure dropped from the colorful leaves.

Li Che surveyed the entire Dao Tree, noticing the sparseness of these colorful leaves.

The colorful treasure, having fallen from the leaves, drifted gently towards Li Che, slowly radiating a brilliant glow.

Li Che reached out and took the colorful treasure, only to discover it was not a pearl, but a seed resembling a pea.

In his mind's eye, a loud bell seemed to ring.

Li Che instantly understood that this colorful seed was a reward for his daughter's safe transition from toddlerhood to school age!

Was there another reward? Li Che was taken aback for a moment. Did this mean that Xi Xi would continue to receive rewards as she grew older and entered each significant stage of development?

Puberty, adulthood?

However, this was just Li Che's speculation, as Xi Xi's growth to 100 years old, 200 years old...

1,000 years old, 2,000 years old...

What kind of developmental stages would those be? Li Che's tumultuous thoughts gradually calmed, and his gaze fell upon the colorful seed. In an instant, the seed transformed into a stream of Dao light and entered Li Che's body.

[Celestial Seed: Qilin Zhenxuyin]



A flash of golden light flickered before Li Che's eyes.

Then, like a flowing stream, countless messages rushed into his mind, filling his consciousness.

"Celestial Seed?!"

Li Che's eyes lit up.

His heart raced with anticipation, but as he was currently in the unique space of the Dao Tree, he decided not to investigate further.

Since Li Che returned, every time Xi Xi reached a new age, the Dao Tree would sway and bestow a Celestial Seed as a reward. Finally, with Xi Xi turning seven, the eighth Dao Fruit was born!

The eighth Dao Fruit descended.

The next moment, countless images flashed through Li Che's eyes like a dream, one after another.

These were the experiences of Xi Xi's seventh year, with the most prominent being Xi Xi's participation in the Peach Blossom Banquet, competing with various young dragons, and ultimately winning the title of Dragon Leader. The next most frequent image was of Xi Xi returning to the Divine Realm and diligently cultivating with a determination that surpassed any other divine child.

Her belief in becoming stronger to protect her father and mother filled Li Che with joy.

Buzzing—

The eighth Dao Fruit, as colorful as a piece of glass, floated into Li Che's hand.

It radiated a dreamlike glow.

A slight smile curved Li Che's lips.

After a year of protection, the Dao Fruit was finally obtained.

My daughter, Xi Xi, is seven years old!

The eighth Dao Fruit!

...

[Your daughter, at seven years old, is full of vitality, the Dragon Leader, with a heart for peace, has safely obtained the Dao Fruit "Emperor of Ten Thousand Demons"]



...

Colorful mist rose, enveloping everything in a dreamy haze, gradually condensing and intertwining to form dreamlike words.

Li Che's pupils dilated slightly, and his heart trembled.

The eighth Dao Fruit was beyond his expectations!

Emperor of Ten Thousand Demons?!

Li Che was dumbfounded; he truly hadn't expected it, not even a hint of it.

Was this a sign for him to transform into a demon?

Demon...

Li Che was well aware that within the Strange Temple, there existed demons in the Enigma Tower.

According to the ancient texts Fang Hanshu had shown him, there was only one description of demons: animals of the heavens and earth that were tainted by divine essence, gaining intelligence, and receiving the teachings of the temple's deity, becoming demons upon successful cultivation.

Like the Great Guardian, a mount Li Che had once seen in the eight-cornered, double-eaved, dripping water, and Heavenly Mandate Supervision's treasure tower in the Divine Capital, the Black Tortoise was also a demon.

The Dragon Deity Clan could also be considered part of the demon race.

In the Enigma Quagmire, among the various divine camps, there was one known as the [Enigma Quagmire Shrine], indicating that the demon race was an extremely vast and powerful group, whether in the human realm or the Enigma Quagmire.

Humm—

As Li Che pondered the characteristics of this "Emperor of Ten Thousand Demons" Dao Fruit, a powerful repulsive force erupted, causing him to feel dizzy and disoriented. In an instant, he found himself back in the Elder Residence.

Boom, boom, boom—

In Li Che's chest, the eighth Dao Fruit, [Emperor of Ten Thousand Demons], pulsated faintly.

However, compared to the other level 6 Dao Fruits like Dragon Elephant Vajra and Immortal Artisanry, this newly born, tender Dao Fruit appeared weak.

[Emperor of Ten Thousand Demons (Dao Fruit): The myriad beasts of heaven and earth, born as demons, the emperor of all demons, with demonic energy permeating the heavens and earth]



Humm—

Accompanying the pulsation of the Dao Fruit, its mantra slowly emerged.

Dense demonic energy of various colors intertwined, eventually transforming into a faint green mist that neither dissipated nor dispersed.

The next moment, Li Che felt a sense of dizziness, as if a sharp sound had pierced through the vast wilderness, and an incredibly powerful life force had unfurled its wings, blocking out the sun and filling the heavens and earth with demonic energy!

Terrifying!

Incredibly terrifying!

Huff, huff, huff—

Breathing out, the [Dao Fruit (Emperor of Ten Thousand Demons)]: Level 1, 0%]



"It truly is... a unique Dao Fruit. I wonder if it will help me deal with demons more easily."

Li Che's eyes sparkled.

Thinking of his upcoming journey to Heaven-Defying City, he had heard that it was occupied by powerful demon kings, making it challenging even for the Grand Guardian to enter.

However, Li Che didn't hold out much hope, as the [Emperor of Ten Thousand Demons] Dao Fruit was still in its infancy.

For the terrifying Demon King occupying Heaven-Defying City, it seemed that the impact would be minimal.

Li Che's mind stirred, and with the Dao Fruit in his chest, he began to sense the function of this newly born Dao Fruit.

"Demon Transformation" was the fundamental ability of this Dao Fruit.

Li Che was amazed to discover that the so-called Demon Transformation meant that as long as he captured a trace of demonic energy, he could activate the "Demon Transformation" ability of the Dao Fruit, thereby transforming into that demon.

However, it was merely a transformation in appearance. Of course, as the level of the Dao Fruit increased, this "Demon Transformation" ability would undoubtedly become more and more powerful!

Li Che's heart was filled with a small amount of anticipation.

After studying the Dao Fruit, Li Che's mind moved again, and the information about the Celestial Seed, the Qilin Town Void Seal, suddenly appeared before his eyes.

"This is actually a martial art... It can be understood as a martial art..."

Li Che's eyes lit up slightly.

Celestial Seed Martial Art!

The Celestial Seed Martial Art bestowed by the Dao Tree!

It was extremely profound, and Li Che felt a bit dizzy just by taking a glance at it. The vast amount of energy and blood in his body was surging uncontrollably!

Li Che's mind suddenly cleared, and with a movement of his spirit, his entire person vanished from the courtyard.

When he reappeared, he was already in Ink City.

Ink rain poured down in torrents.

Li Che's spirit trembled, his body shook with energy, and his arms spread out, revealing a wondrous phenomenon!

A hundred-zhang Golden Sea of Qi hovered above his head, spanning the sky with towering waves!

In the center of the Golden Sea of Qi, a mountain soared into the sky, piercing the clouds and causing ripples in the void!

The hundred-zhang Golden Sea of Qi and the soaring mountain were Li Che's pure martial limit phenomenon!

As the phenomenon hung in the air, Li Che, based on the information from the Celestial Seed, began to practice the martial art.

The Dragon Elephant Vajra Dao Fruit trembled, causing Li Che's martial comprehension to rapidly increase!

With his current martial talent, he could quickly grasp any martial art, even those of the Divine Seed.

However, after repeatedly practicing this Celestial Seed martial art in Ink City, Li Che found himself completely at a loss, unable to even grasp the basics!

Li Che couldn't help but feel a bit of a headache.

He didn't blame the Dao Tree, nor did he think there was a problem with the Celestial Seed martial art being too difficult.

The higher the difficulty, the greater the power it implied.

It could only be said...

That this was Li Che's problem, how could it possibly be an issue with the Dao Tree?!

...

[Name: Li Che]



[Bond: Li Nuoxi (Daughter)]



[Progress: School Age (7 years old)]



[Dao Fruit: Immortal Artisanry (lv6, 20%), Dragon Elephant Vajra (lv6, 75%), Pure Heart (LV6, 85%), Chess Sage (LV6, 20%), Immortal in Painting (lv5, 90%), Thunder Magnet Body (lv5, 50%), Dream Sage (lv3, 90%), Emperor of Ten Thousand Demons (lv1, 0%)]



...

After returning from the Divine Capital, Li Che spent an entire year immersed in cultivation.

His cultivation was focused on enhancing the maturity of his Dao Fruits.

For example, he studied the Exquisite Mechanism Beast, and his Divine Carving skill had already reached the level of Divine Carving Saint Hand.

As long as he could carve a complete Saint Hand Divine Carving, he could invoke the Saint Hand Divine Carving Tribulation Lightning and break through to the Saint Hand Divine Carving realm.

However, Li Che had not yet found an opportunity to carve a Saint Hand Divine Carving, mainly because he hadn't decided what to carve. Inspiration was still lacking.

Over the past year, the maturity of his Dao Fruits had increased to varying degrees.

Among them, the Thunder Magnet Body, which contained a trace of Divine Sky Lightning in its pure martial limit, had increased to 50%, also enhancing the power of the Prison Lightning and Divine Sky Prison Lightning Sword.

The Immortal in Painting and Dream Sage Dao Fruits had both reached 90% maturity, not far from transformation, which was the result of Li Che's efforts over the past year.

Due to the presence of three Apex beings in Ink City, Li Che had them engage in combat, causing the city to constantly shatter and heal, and through this diligent cultivation, he finally managed to significantly increase the maturity of his Dao Fruits.

In Ink City, Li Che took a deep breath.

He stopped practicing the Qilin Town Void Seal, a Celestial Seed martial art.

He directly left Ink City and returned to the Elder Residence.

Brushing off the snowflakes on his body, Li Che deactivated the Heaven-Earth Chessboard, and as the rustling sound echoed, Zhang Ya appeared, carrying a vegetable basket as she returned to the courtyard.

Zhang Ya had gone to cultivate with Elder Ding Zi, and today she had finished early and bought vegetables on her way back.

"Husband, I'm back!" Zhang Ya said with a smile.

"Today is Xi Xi's birthday, go to Tai Bai Peak to pick her up, and invite the Sect Master, the Sect Master's wife, and the Great Elder to come home for dinner," Zhang Ya said with a smile.

Li Che nodded in agreement.

Looking at Zhang Ya, his eyes lit up slightly: "Wife, your cultivation has broken through."

Zhang Ya was not surprised that Li Che could see through her cultivation; his unfathomable abilities had long become familiar to her.

She proudly raised her clean chin: "In martial arts, I have finally reached the Grand Master realm!"

With the help of the Chi Dragon Blood Peach provided by Li Che, Zhang Ya's martial arts did not disappoint, reaching the Grand Master realm.

Although her talent was average, the power of the peach was undeniable.

This was just the result of Li Che's efforts during this period, secretly sneaking into the Queen Mother of the West's Peach Blossom Orchard through the Flying Thunder Chess Piece and harvesting the thousand-year-old Chi Dragon Blood Peach.

Although the Queen Mother's Peach Blossom Orchard was far away in the Divine Capital, Li Che used the Chess Sage's Flying Star ability to teleport there, taking only a short rest in between to make the journey.

Upon arrival, he simply used the Flying Thunder Chess Piece to enter the orchard.

Unfortunately, eating too many peaches would diminish their effectiveness, but after consuming a few thousand-year-old Chi Dragon Blood Peaches, Zhang Ya's martial arts cultivation directly soared to the Grand Master realm.

Li Che took out the nine-thousand-year-old Black Phoenix Spirit Peach that he had picked from the nine-thousand-year-old peach orchard during the Hero Assembly.

"This nine-thousand-year-old peach... can help you quickly enhance your spiritual cultivation to the Divine Yuan realm..." Li Che explained.

Zhang Ya was astonished. Could a single peach create a Divine Yuan Real Master?

Of course, the divine energy contained in the peach can slowly help you break through, but you also need to cultivate..."

Zhang Ya nodded repeatedly.

"Husband, what about this nine-thousand-year-old peach... if Xi Xi were to consume it..."

"Xi Xi doesn't need it, and more importantly, if it's not her own cultivated divine energy, it will be very superficial and affect her innate divine talent."

Li Che rubbed Zhang Ya's head.

Li Che, with the support of the Dao Fruit, was unafraid of the superficial power brought by the peach.

Zhang Ya immediately understood and no longer refused, as neither her husband nor Xi Xi needed to consume the nine-thousand-year-old peach.

Since she had poor talent and didn't want to hold them back, it was only natural that she was the one to consume it.

As Zhang Ya's protector, Li Che watched as she finished eating the nine-thousand-year-old peach, and the divine energy within her surged violently.

Li Che placed his palm on Zhang Ya's back, slowly helping her to sort out the divine energy within her body, waiting for it to calm down.

Next, Zhang Ya needed to refine the energy of the peach.

However, this would undoubtedly take a long time. Zhang Ya burped and, with a smile on her face, went to prepare Xi Xi's birthday banquet.

Li Che, on the other hand, left the courtyard and headed towards Tai Bai Peak.

...

...

The freezing clouds covered the mountains, and the pure snow condensed into a beautiful sight.

The dark night sky made the mountains at the horizon seem shrouded by hazy clouds, and snowflakes danced in the air, as if freezing the hazy night sky into an icy painting.

The howling winds and swirling snowflakes filled the sky, startling the crows!

Beyond the Primordial Vortex City, on the Grand Canal.

The river water roared, not melting in the heavy snow, as if angrily roaring, with rolling waves.

The dense fog that couldn't disperse hung over the river, and because the river water was warm while the air was icy, the rising water vapor obscured the river surface.

Suddenly, the fog on the river was torn apart.

One after another, enormous black Xuan Long ships broke through the clouds on the Grand Canal.

The river water hit the ship's hull and exploded, like firecrackers going off.

Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh—

On both sides of the Grand Canal, within the dense forest.

There was a scout with surging blood and energy, sitting cross-legged on the trunk of an old tree.

Suddenly, he heard the sound of an explosion, as if the Grand Canal was roaring. The scout immediately opened his eyes.

His body trembled, and he leaped off the tree, starting to sprint through the snow, leaving no traces in his wake. He then looked towards the Grand Canal from behind a snowdrift covered by bushes.

He saw the thick fog being torn apart by a long sword.

One after another, massive objects broke through the water, accompanied by long, winding black shadows moving swiftly alongside the ships.

The scout wanted to get a clearer look.

Suddenly, a thought flashed through his mind.

He saw an old man with a missing leg on one of the ships, looking in his direction and grinning, revealing a mouthful of yellow teeth.

Damn!

The scout was startled.

Apex expert!

Without hesitation, the scout took out a bamboo tube from his bosom and pulled the fuse.

Then.

Brilliant light, accompanied by a whistling sound, tore through the night sky and soared into the sky!

Bang!

It exploded into a dazzling display of fireworks.

At the same time, the scout's flesh and blood also exploded.

...

...

"Boss and Dogzi went to Heaven-Defying City to open a shop... This year, Xi Xi's birthday, they will inevitably miss it."

Li Che sighed.

However.

When Boss and Li Che met on the bamboo raft, they had already prepared a birthday banquet for Xi Xi in advance.

They gave a six-layer lunchbox, saying that when Xi Xi turned seven, delicious dishes would automatically appear in the lunchbox to celebrate her birthday.

When Li Che returned home from Tai Bai Peak with Xi Xi, Lu Tai Bai, the Grand Master's wife Xuan Qi Sha, and other members of the Mystic Symbol Sect gathered together.

Xi Xi was overjoyed. The seven-year-old girl jumped around happily in the courtyard.

Not only was it her birthday today.

But also because, at seven years old...

Daddy and Mommy had agreed to let her go out and gain experience!

The smile on Xi Xi's face never faded.

She had heard Mu Po talk about the affairs of the martial world, and she was very curious and eager.

Now, she would soon be able to experience it for herself.

Li Che laid out the tablecloth and took out the lunchbox given by Boss. He placed it on the table, and when he opened it, there were indeed dish after dish of steaming hot food, as if they had just been cooked.

Li Che's eyes widened in surprise, and then a smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.

Boss, you're so thoughtful.

Xi Xi immediately came over when she smelled the aroma.

"Daddy, is this the birthday dish that Boss prepared for Xi Xi?" Xi Xi asked, her eyes shining.

She also missed Boss's dishes and Dogzi.

Li Che took out one dish after another.

When he took out the last dish, Li Che's eyes suddenly paused, and his gaze slightly froze.

His movements halted for a moment.

Deep in his eyes, a hint of killing intent slowly emerged.

Early or late, never on time... but they chose Xi Xi's birthday.

Li Che had already guessed whose doing it was...

Most likely, it was the work of the Grand Master, the Divine Capital's National Monk, Xie Yunsen, trying to anger him by disrupting Xi Xi's birthday banquet.

Li Che's movements only paused for a moment, and his expression returned to normal.

However, Li Che had to admit.

This Grand Master had indeed angered him.

Hmm, following the old rules, it's not appropriate for Xi Xi to see blood on her birthday.

Let's wait until Xi Xi finishes celebrating her birthday.

Meanwhile, in the courtyard, Lu Tai Bai and Fang Hanshu were brewing tea. They glanced at each other and slowly stood up.

In the ink-like night sky, amidst the countless snowflakes, a firework soared into the sky, exploding in mid-air.

It was the mechanized signal rocket made by Li Che.

The signal rocket exploded, resembling a dazzling firework.

It illuminated the entire Primordial Vortex City.

This meant...

The Divine Capital's expeditionary army had already reached the Primordial Vortex City region.

The mountain-destroying, sect-smashing army had arrived!

The second update, this chapter only has 7,000 words. This type of chapter is the most challenging to write. Please support with monthly tickets, recommendations, and continued reading! I took half a day off to update, and I'll continue with two updates per day. Thank you, everyone!

(End of Chapter)

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