Chapter 575: Igniting the Fifth Ancient Cosmic Seal, He Not Only Touched Nüwa Empress but Also Caressed

Chapter 575: Igniting the Fifth Ancient Cosmic Seal, He Not Only Touched Nüwa Empress but Also Caressed

He could actually touch this Azure Ox Statue?!

What a stroke of luck!

Li Che never imagined that the rules of the second round of the trial would be so considerate!

Indeed, for Li Che, this rule seemed tailor-made. His Dao Fruit of Immortal Craftsmanship had long reached a masterful level in analyzing wooden sculptures.

Originally, using his Star-Picking Eye to observe the divine sculpture crafted by Nüwa Empress, a deity of the highest rank, would be extremely difficult. Even with the Power of the Ancient Cosmic Seal within, Li Che would not be able to see through it.

However, if he could touch it...

That would be a different story!

Once he could touch it, Li Che could directly analyze the sculpture through physical contact, using his Dao Fruit of Immortal Craftsmanship. Not only could he analyze Nüwa Empress's divine sculpting techniques, but he could also penetrate the secrets hidden within the sculpture!

However, at this moment, no one but Shi Shaokai dared to make a move. Even Fu Shaohui, another young emperor, remained still, watching from a distance with his eyes narrowed, his body exuding a torrent of demonic aura.

It seemed he wanted to see if Shi Shaokai could gain any insights by touching the Azure Ox Statue.

If it were possible, the others would not hesitate to try as well.

"Touching?"

"Since this divine sculpture is Nüwa Empress's masterpiece, how could it be so easy to touch?"

Fu Shaohui crossed his arms, his body enveloped in a chilling demonic aura, and he laughed coldly, a hint of mockery in his voice.

Fu Shaohui had truly met Nüwa Empress, though he was not a descendant of Nüwa Empress. However, as a descendant of the Immortal Sparrow Emperor, he had interacted with Nüwa Empress.

This might be Fu Shaohui's advantage!

Li Che also suppressed the excitement of his Dao Fruit of Immortal Craftsmanship, his eyes narrowing as he watched Shi Shaokai step forward toward the Azure Ox Statue.

Shi Shaokai revealed golden cicada patterns on his body, as if an ancient golden cicada was spreading its wings behind him.

His spotless monk's shoes stepped forward, causing invisible ripples of energy to spread across the ground.

The Azure Ox Statue was placed in the central area. As Shi Shaokai approached, his steps gradually slowed down.

An invisible barrier seemed to appear before him, blocking his path!

Shi Shaokai frowned, his body emitting a brilliant golden light, a vast and dense divine aura spreading around him, as if a river of the Great Dao was swirling around him, and Dao patterns one after another appeared.

His originally halted and blocked figure began to vibrate and shake, his monk's robe fluttering as if frozen, becoming extremely sharp and hard.

He forcefully broke through the barrier and continued to move forward!

Buzz, buzz, buzz—

However, even after unleashing his Dao-severing cultivation, he paused again after taking hundreds of steps forward.

The cicada patterns on his eyes trembled continuously, and a hint of pain seemed to appear in his eyes.

No one knew what he had experienced or seen.

Why was he in pain?

The divine sculptors furrowed their brows, their eyes fixed, but they could not sense what was happening between Shi Shaokai and the Azure Ox Statue!

Fu Shaohui, with his arms crossed, his explosive body covered in demonic aura patterns, seemed to have anticipated this, deeply mocking Shi Shaokai's plight.

You bald monk, pretending!

Nüwa Empress's sculpture isn't so easy to touch!

Li Che was also curious why Shi Shaokai was being hindered. What was blocking him?

However, the environment was too complex, and the will of Laojun Immortal was sweeping through. If Li Che were to use the Cosmic Chessboard to spy at this moment, he might be detected by the Celestial Immortal.

Li Che still needed to be cautious with the Celestial Immortal.

After all, even at the peak of the Qitian Pill, it could barely match the Celestial Immortal.

So, Li Che calmed himself and waited quietly. He was definitely going to try touching the sculpture, even if there were strange barriers. He must not miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to enhance his Dao Fruit of Immortal Craftsmanship!

The Jinhe King flapped his wings, countless sword auras cascading around him like a waterfall.

His face was cold and stern, his eyes coldly watching Shi Shaokai's advancing steps.

The loss of the Ruyi Golden Hoop Staff had left the Jinhe King feeling despondent, and now he saw everyone as a thief!

He had no good expression for anyone!

Rumble, rumble, rumble!

A mysterious wave of energy rippled through the air, as if the Cosmic Will was colliding.

Shi Shaokai's face turned pale, his monk's robe clinging tightly to his body. His feet, like steel nails, were planted on the ground, but he could not steady himself and was pushed back by a powerful force!

A deafening cicada cry exploded!

Behind Shi Shaokai, an ancient golden cicada seemed to spread its wings, buzzing and resonating like a sharp blade slicing through the air.

It cut through the barrier!

Shi Shaokai's face turned red, as if he were bearing a pressure far beyond his capacity.

He began to move forward again, taking step after step, truly resisting the mysterious force and reaching the Azure Ox Statue.

He separated his clasped hands, his arms trembling as he slowly extended them toward the Azure Ox Statue, trying to touch it.

Everyone's eyes were drawn to this moment.

Shi Shaokai's trembling fingers became the focus of the world.

Finally, his fingers touched the Azure Ox Statue.

The eyes of the Azure Ox Statue turned, deep and star-filled, and their gaze fell upon Shi Shaokai.

Shi Shaokai closed his eyes in pain, two streams of blood tears flowing down his cheeks.

He seemed to deflate like a punctured balloon, unable to maintain his stance.

The cicada patterns disappeared, and he stumbled backward, finally stopping with a heavy stomp.

Pant, pant, pant—

In the quiet atmosphere, only the sound of Shi Shaokai's heavy breathing remained.

Everyone around couldn't help but sigh in disappointment.

It seemed that the attempt had failed. Indeed, touching the divine sculpture of Nüwa Empress wasn't that easy.

However, Shi Shaokai had already done exceptionally well. Even though he only managed a slight touch with his fingertips, it still counted as a successful contact, surpassing many others.

After Shi Shaokai was sent back such a great distance, other divine sculptors, unwilling to give up, began to move, hoping to gain insight by touching the statue.

Otherwise, it was truly baffling to think about how to understand this Azure Ox statue, which depicted Nüwa Empress!

After Shi Shaokai was eliminated, Jin Mira also started his attempt.

However, his performance was even worse than Shi Shaokai's. He only managed to walk a hundred meters before being forcefully knocked back by a powerful impact.

He coughed up a mouthful of blood, his eyes filled with a sense of awe.

But...

That fleeting glance brought a glint of joy to Jin Mira's eyes.

He clasped his hands together and began moving toward the Second Sage Lower Divine Wood, starting to sculpt.

On the other side, Shi Shaokai also began to work with his tools. Clearly, although the touch was brief, that moment of contact might have brought unexpected gains!

The divine sculptor from the Guaiyao Grotto, Ba She, also made his move. His demonic aura surged, and he walked a greater distance than Jin Mira, but he still couldn't touch the Azure Ox like Shi Shaokai.

One by one, the divine sculptors couldn't resist the urge to try, knowing that this method worked, and they all began to approach and touch the statue.

This seemed to have nothing to do with cultivation.

For example, Dongyang Sculptor from the Taiyi Ancient Village, whose cultivation was far below that of Shi Shaokai, the young emperor, managed to walk all the way to the Azure Ox statue, reaching out and touching it slightly.

Dongyang Sculptor's face was filled with joy.

"I saw it, I saw it!"

Without a doubt, the moment he touched it, he sensed Nüwa Empress!

Though the image was vague, at least he had a direction and wasn't completely lost.

Dongyang Sculptor's success drove all the divine sculptors into a frenzy.

One after another, they tried to approach the Azure Ox statue.

However, they all failed. Apart from Dongyang Sculptor, no one managed to touch the statue like Shi Shaokai.

Xuanyuan Hao from the Di Hong Ancient Village, who was once highly anticipated, ended up performing at about the same level as Jin Mira.

"It's my turn now."

Fu Shaohui descended gracefully.

Behind him, a vast demonic aura surged, forming intricate demonic patterns covering his entire body. At this moment, the immortal sparrow emperor's bloodline within him was awakening.

Fu Shaohui's eyes were intense, filled with hope. His path to enlightenment, the Divine Weapon Yao Saint Halberd, had been taken by Dizang King, and now, his only hope rested on the Qitian Divine Pill.

This was his only chance!

So...

He had to succeed!

"Nüwa! Feel the sparrow emperor's bloodline within me, help me!"

Fu Shaohui gritted his teeth, emitting a low growl.

A deafening sound erupted, and in the next moment, countless demonic auras burst forth from his back, forming a massive bird shape!

The bird let out a long cry, flapping its wings, and an immortal aura began to spread.

Deep within the Doutian Palace City.

Three immortals with seven-colored auras rotating behind them cast their gazes.

"It's the first descendant of the immortal sparrow emperor from the Guaiyao Grotto. He's really pushed to the limit, even stimulating his bloodline."

"For this divine sculptor competition, he's really going all out."

"His enlightenment Divine Weapon was taken away. Without it, this young man has no choice but to give it his all."

...

The three immortals conversed with light smiles.

"However, Nüwa has always been impartial. This young man... relying on the immortal bloodline to perceive Nüwa's hidden techniques will likely end in failure."

Laojun Immortal spoke.

The three immortals' gazes followed suit.

Sure enough.

Fu Shaohui's state wasn't much better than Dongyang Sculptor's.

In the end, he performed even worse than Shi Shaokai, failing to touch the Azure Ox statue at all, not even managing a slight contact with his fingertips.

The main reason was that Fu Shaohui's divine sculpting skills were still lacking. Even with his bloodline, it was hard to make up for the fundamental deficiencies.

"Ah!"

Fu Shaohui was repelled and fell to the ground, his face contorted in frustration.

His demonic aura surged, like billowing smoke, twisting into the shape of a bird, spreading the oppressive aura of the immortal bloodline.

"Why?! Why, Nüwa?!"

"I am the young emperor of the Guaiyao Grotto, a descendant of the immortal demon race!"

Fu Shaohui was in agony, roaring in despair.

His divine sculpting skills were already subpar, unable to match those of Shi Shaokai and Dongyang Sculptor. To perform well in this round, he needed to touch the statue for a longer time.

But...

He received no favor from Nüwa!

After a bout of angry roars, Fu Shaohui realized that such rage was futile and moved to the Second Sage Lower Divine Wood, starting to sculpt based on the faint impressions in his mind.

Even Fu Shaohui's failure dampened the spirits of the sculptors. They no longer harbored illusions, focusing instead on trying their best to approach the statue and complete their sculptures through subtle perceptions.

On the bronze city wall.

Ji Shaohao took a deep breath, his eyes flickering.

His gaze fell on Li Che, who remained motionless.

"Why hasn't Cang Che Sculptor moved? Isn't he going to try touching it? Clearly, one must approach the Azure Ox statue to perceive the image of Nüwa Empress..."

Ji Shaohao was growing anxious.

When hope is right in front of you, it's an irresistible temptation.

Li Che's performance was completely affecting his mindset, making it hard for him to remain calm.

"He's moving! Cang Che Sculptor is moving!"

Cang Yuan, who had been watching, finally let out a breath.

Xixi's eyes sparkled, watching intently.

Zhao Yuan Great Immortal smiled and stroked his beard. "Cang Che has great talent. He wouldn't skip the touch. More likely, he's just adjusting his mindset."

"After all, after winning the first round, the second round's evaluation is crucial."

Ji Shaohao nodded in agreement.

The Sculptor Great Immortal's words made him realize the futility of rushing, and he calmed down.

Li Che’s gaze was firmly fixed on him as he moved.

In fact...

Li Che wasn’t the only one who had caught the attention of Ji Shaohao.

Shi Shaokai, Fu Shaohui, Ba She, Jin Mira, and Dongyang Sculptor from the Second Sage Ancient Village—all these powerful figures had their eyes on him.

Li Che’s performance in the first round had earned him their attention.

Everyone was curious about what this divine sculptor from the Dark Heavenly Court could achieve.

Was his success in the first round, the trial by Earth Vein Fire, just a coincidence or sheer luck?

Li Che could clearly sense the gazes of the various parties, but he didn’t care.

He walked his own path and paid no attention to others’ observations.

Besides, this trial seemed to be invisible to outsiders.

Everyone was just taking steps through the air, moving closer to the Azure Ox Statue.

Li Che was no different.

With each step, the ground trembled slightly, and invisible ripples spread out, impacting his body.

Li Che looked at the Azure Ox Statue and saw it begin to emit a faint glow.

This light formed a slight barrier.

However, this barrier wasn’t very strong.

Li Che continued to walk, and as he moved forward, the light grew more intense, and the barrier became increasingly formidable!

The light seemed almost tangible, like countless fine golden threads woven together.

But, in the midst of this light, Li Che sensed a unique sequence.

The light impacted him like soft seaweed, brushing against his body, as if a breeze was blowing, hindering his progress.

However, Li Che’s eyes narrowed, and the spiritual energy in his third eye vibrated. His divine will expanded, like an invisible hand, gently sweeping forward.

Instantly, the golden light parted like water grass.

Each golden thread seemed to respond to his will, becoming controllable.

Buzz, buzz, buzz—

As the golden light was swept aside, Li Che felt a surge of Cosmic Will.

This Cosmic Will was the true obstacle preventing him from moving forward.

However, Li Che closed his eyes for a moment, sensing the power of the Cosmic Will. Then, his eyes suddenly opened, revealing a hint of surprise.

"Nine Cosmic Seals?"

Li Che’s eyes flickered.

Yes, the power emitted by this Cosmic Will had indeed been transformed from the ancient Nine Cosmic Seals.

Li Che’s divine will surged, slowly weaving the golden light into an ancient cosmic seal he had once comprehended!

As soon as the seal was formed, the brilliant golden light from the Azure Ox Statue vanished.

A clear path lay before him, unobstructed.

If Li Che wished, he could step forward and reach the Azure Ox Statue, lifting his hand to touch it smoothly, without needing to resist the Cosmic Will’s power like the others.

Li Che didn’t need to use brute force; it felt like everything was falling into place.

However, Li Che was not satisfied.

His mind stirred, and he began to circle around the Azure Ox Statue.

It was as if an invisible thread connected the statue to his body, pulling him in a circular path.

When Li Che changed his position, the brilliant and blinding golden light erupted once more!

The familiar barrier returned!

Boom, boom, boom!

Like a tidal wave, it swept over him, pressing his black robe tightly against his body.

Li Che’s eyes shone brightly, and the corners of his lips curved into a smile.

His mind stirred again, and his divine will, like a large hand, began to carve the ancient cosmic seal he had once comprehended.

After changing his position four times and successfully carving four ancient cosmic seals, Li Che didn’t stop. His heart raced with excitement as he moved to the fifth position.

The others watched in confusion.

"What is he doing?"

"Is he circling around to find the right position and break through?"

"Ridiculous. If you can’t get in, you can’t get in. Circling around won’t help. If circling worked, I’d swallow this Second Sage Lower Divine Wood right now!"

The divine sculptors watched Li Che’s strange actions, their expressions filled with bewilderment, and some even made vows.

In fact, even Shi Shaokai couldn’t understand what Li Che was doing.

"The Cosmic Will released by the Azure Ox Statue seems to contain some kind of law and order. To get closer, you must block the order within the Cosmic Will."

"It’s not as simple as changing your position."

Shi Shaokai shook his head.

Seeing Li Che fail to move forward after changing his position five times, he knew Li Che had no hope.

Since Li Che had been blocked five times, changing positions further would be pointless.

"Ultimately, his cultivation is still too weak. While cultivation isn’t everything, it is the foundation. Without sufficient cultivation, it’s impossible to get close to the Azure Ox Statue and glimpse the essence of Nüwa Empress."

Shi Shaokai softly chanted a sutra.

He no longer wasted time on Li Che and began to carve with his chisel on the Second Sage Lower Divine Wood.

The others did the same, seemingly no longer caring about Li Che.

They believed Li Che’s failure was a foregone conclusion and that this position was his limit.

But Li Che paid no attention to the gazes of those around him.

How could they understand his joy at this moment?

Nine Cosmic Seals!

The fifth seal!

Li Che sensed it!

The technique erased by the Cosmic Will re-emerged when he touched the fifth seal, filling his mind.

Without hesitation, Li Che began to carve the fifth ancient cosmic seal on the Cosmic Chessboard!

Buzz, buzz, buzz—

Li Che’s Xian Spirit Will manifested on the Cosmic Chessboard, his fingers like knives, slicing through the void.

It was as if he were cutting through the sky, and the fifth ancient cosmic seal was incredibly powerful. Perhaps because of the cumulative effect of the first four seals, the fifth seal was even more dominant.

The fifth ancient seal, under Li Che's meticulous engraving, seemed to drain his Xian Spirit Will almost completely.

The entire Cosmic Chessboard trembled as if it could hardly bear the power of this moment.

But Li Che's black hair flew wildly, and his eyes shone brightly like a galaxy of stars!

Without hesitation, he continued to construct and engrave on the Cosmic Chessboard.

Buzz, buzz, buzz—

Before his eyes, a radiant light seemed to emerge.

This was the maturity of the Chess Saint Dao Fruit, rapidly increasing as Li Che engraved the fifth ancient seal!

[Dao Fruit: Chess Saint (Lv8, 40%)]
[40%, 50%, 60%…]

The pressure from the fifth ancient seal exceeded the limits of the Cosmic Chessboard. Under this limit, the feedback to the Chess Saint Dao Fruit was a form of tempering and enhancement.

The fifth ancient seal…

It was indeed challenging!

His Xian Spirit Will resonated loudly, as if it might shatter at any moment.

However, Li Che seized this rare opportunity and was not about to let it slip away easily.

If he missed this chance, he didn't know when he would have another opportunity to engrave an ancient seal.

This time, it was because Laojun Immortal wanted to harness the power of the Earth Vein Fire and needed to set up a divine array containing Cosmic Will. Therefore, Nüwa Empress had the power of the ancient seals engraved into the Azure Ox Statue.

So…

Li Che had to make the most of this opportunity!

The fifth ancient seal!

Boom—!!!

The entire Cosmic Chessboard seemed to be ravaged by a terrifying blade aura!

Heaven's Will Guillotine!

Mystical light intertwined and flickered, as if the Heaven's Will Guillotine that had once struck the boss had reappeared!

The entire Cosmic Chessboard was as if it had been cleaved by a terrifying blade, creating a deep, abyss-like crack!

It seemed about to collapse and shatter under this power!

Li Che's Xian Spirit Will became hazy, as if it might dissipate in the wind.

Engraving the fifth ancient seal had almost drained all the power of his Xian Spirit Will from the three realms.

Whew, whew, whew—

The Heaven's Will Guillotine hovered above the chessboard.

On it, five ancient runes glowed!

Li Che's Xian Spirit Will sat cross-legged at the Celestial Origin Position on the Cosmic Chessboard, eyes closed.

After a long time, he opened his eyes.

Five ancient runes circled around him.

…

…

Suddenly, he opened his eyes.

His gaze was sharp, as if a terrifying long blade had emerged before him, severing everything!

The golden light before his eyes instantly dissipated, everything became clear!

Li Che's black robe billowed, and his hair, black as a waterfall, fluttered wildly behind him like a cape!

Li Che stared directly at the Azure Ox Statue, a smile playing on his lips.

He took another step to the side.

Li Che's sudden movement, after a long pause, naturally drew the attention of many.

When everyone saw Li Che moving to the sixth position, they all shook their heads in silence and continued to focus on their engraving.

This show-off…

Changing six positions wasn't enough; what was he trying to do?

However…

A hint of regret soon appeared on Li Che's face.

After changing to the sixth position, the terrifying Cosmic Will barrier no longer appeared.

It seemed as if the Cosmic Will had sensed and eliminated it.

Li Che sighed lightly. There were still three ancient seals left…

Where could he find the inspiration for them?

If he had the chance, could he seek Nüwa Empress's guidance?

This thought made Li Che chuckle softly.

It was too unrealistic.

Because he was destined to stand against the immortals of the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths.

Nüwa Empress… how could she support an enemy standing on the opposite side?

Forget it.

Li Che stretched, his bones cracking.

Warm-up complete.

Li Che took another step, the sound of his firm footsteps resonating like the tolling of a bell.

Thud! The entire square seemed to tremble as if hit by an earthquake.

Shi Shaokai, who was engraving, suddenly looked up, his carving knife pausing, the cicada patterns on his eyes reappearing.

Fu Shaohui's demonic aura surged, nearly losing control, as he stared intently.

Had he broken through the barrier?

This Cang Che Sculptor had actually succeeded after changing six positions?!

Many eyes turned to Li Che.

Ba She, Jin Mira, Xuanyuan Hao, and other divine sculptors looked at him with disbelief and regret!

This couldn't be…

Changing positions could find a breakthrough?

Many sculptors pounded their chests in frustration. Li Che had found a way through such a narrow path, squeezing through!

How infuriating!

Shi Shaokai's eyes burned like golden flames, the cicada patterns blazing as he stared intently.

Li Che moved forward without any hindrance.

When he walked effortlessly to the Azure Ox Statue,

Under everyone's incredulous gaze,

He slowly raised his hand and placed it on the Azure Ox Statue.

Not just a touch with his finger, but a full palm covering it!

And…

Li Che's palm even gently caressed the statue, moving over it.

"Impossible!"

A commotion erupted around him, the noise deafening!

Fu Shaohui, the young emperor of the Guaiyao Grotto, lost control of his demonic aura, which exploded into a towering pillar!

As Li Che's palm covered the Azure Ox Statue and gently caressed it,

In his chest,

The Dao Fruit of the Divine Sculptor began to vibrate violently, unlike anything before!

The sound of a heart pounding like thunder spread out, like ripples crashing against the ox.

Slowly…

The Azure Ox Statue began to change.

It transformed into a graceful wooden statue of a human-headed, snake-bodied figure!

Suddenly, Li Che felt his heart nearly stop, as if a terrifying gaze had effortlessly torn through the barriers of the cosmos and landed on him.

Nüwa Empress!

Li Che took a deep breath.

However, his gaze froze when it fell on his hand, which was still caressing the statue.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end