Chapter 576: Xiao Ya, I'm Sorry—First in the Array, Fire the Doutian Furnace to See the Qitian

Chapter 576: Xiao Ya, I'm Sorry—First in the Array, Fire the Doutian Furnace to See the Qitian

A terrifying gaze, carrying boundless pressure, descended like a vast ocean, rolling and crashing down upon Li Che's body.

It made Li Che's entire body tense, giving him a suffocating feeling.

At this moment, the barrier between heaven and earth offered no protection, easily torn apart.

Every inch of his muscles and every bit of his flesh and blood trembled!

It was Nüwa's gaze!

Li Che's scalp tingled slightly!

He looked at the Blue Ox Wooden Sculpture, which had seemingly shed its outer disguise, transforming into a graceful wooden sculpture with a human head and serpent body.

What a sculpture! The upper body was exquisitely beautiful, while the lower body exuded a sacred aura, the kind of supreme holiness that seemed to belong to the creator of this world, the one who shaped the heavens and the earth.

It resonated perfectly with the Cosmic Will!

Li Che's movements froze completely, as if he had sensed Nüwa's gaze. His hand, which had been wandering over the wooden sculpture, hesitated, unsure whether to continue or stop.

After all, touching the statue of Nüwa in front of her seemed a bit disrespectful and inappropriate...

But Li Che gritted his teeth, a determined look appearing in his eyes.

The hand that had frozen began to move again, tracing every inch of Nüwa's wooden sculpture, every strand of hair, every scale of the serpent's body...

His gaze was cold and distant, spanning the void, as the barrier between heaven and earth seemed to collapse silently.

Still touching?!

Still touching?!

A cold gaze swept over, making Li Che's hairs stand on end. The pressure from that gaze was truly terrifying and overwhelming, impossible to withstand.

However, Li Che focused on the craftsmanship of the wooden sculpture, feeling the Divine Sculptor's Dao Fruit dancing with joy.

He became less nervous.

After all, this wooden sculpture was here for people to touch, right?

If it wasn't meant to be touched, there wouldn't have been such a test in the first place. Now that he had passed the test, how could he not touch the sculpture he had won?

Since the Golden Crane King said it was okay to touch, and everyone else had tried and failed the test, while he, Li Che, had succeeded...

He naturally had to touch it thoroughly!

"Xiao Ya, I'm sorry, but my heart is pure. Everything is for the sake of sculpture!"

Li Che muttered to himself.

Buzz, buzz, buzz—

Invisible insights kept flooding his mind, causing the Divine Sculptor's Dao Fruit to tremble continuously, as if absorbing the craftsmanship embedded in the wooden sculpture.

He didn't know how long it took, but Li Che completely ignored the gaze that had been fixed on him, his mind fully immersed in the art of divine sculpture.

The gaze seemed to roll its eyes in annoyance and then slowly dissipated.

When Li Che's mind returned, the will and gaze of Nüwa had long vanished.

Li Che's tense body relaxed slightly.

Even his incredibly powerful mortal saint body felt a sense of relief at this moment.

The pressure had been immense.

But fortunately, he had withstood it and successfully completed his task.

Nüwa... indeed wasn't targeting him.

Li Che felt very good. His mind stirred slightly, and countless insights seemed to be absorbed by the Divine Sculptor's Dao Fruit, which rapidly matured.

He slowly released his hand and exhaled a deep breath.

Only then did he notice the gazes from the outside.

Sharp, piercing gazes, like cold steel knives, seemed to want to flay his flesh and blood.

Scanning the room, the most intense gaze belonged to Fu Shaoxi, the Young Emperor of the Mysterious Demon Den. He stared at Li Che as if he wanted to devour him whole!

Why?

Because Li Che's hand had touched the statue of Nüwa!

Under the watchful eyes of everyone, he had continuously caressed and wandered over the wooden sculpture of Nüwa, a desecration!

Unforgivable!

Dammit!

Fu Shaoxi's killing intent surged, his eyes almost emitting tangible murderous thoughts.

Apart from Fu Shaoxi, the other divine sculptors from the Mysterious Demon Den, including Bashe, also looked at him with fierce, murderous eyes.

Li Che's actions were seen as a desecration of their faith by the demon cultivators of the Mysterious Demon Den!

Every one of them wanted to kill Li Che!

Shi Shaogai, the Young Emperor, his eyes flickering, gripped his carving knife and stared at Li Che.

The Nüwa Statue... actually appeared!

He turned his head to look at the blurry wooden sculpture, partially obscured, but the outline of the Nüwa Statue was faintly visible!

When Li Che touched the Blue Ox Wooden Sculpture earlier, causing it to shed its disguise and reveal the Nüwa Statue, everyone had clearly seen the gaze of the Nüwa Statue.

Thus, they understood that this divine sculptor from the Dark Heavenly Court had accomplished something they had not!

"Coincidence?"

"First round, second round... every time in such a surprising way, making a stunning impact!"

Shi Shaogai narrowed his eyes, his gaze flickering, his thoughts racing.

At this moment, Shi Shaogai's mind was filled with renewed surprise.

Not just Shi Shaogai, but Ji Shaohao, who was watching from the city tower, was also deeply moved.

This divine sculptor from the Dark Heavenly Court...

Born in an ancient village of a mid-level Four Deities, how could such an ancient village produce such a divine sculptor?

How could someone possess such astonishing divine sculpting talent?

There must be something odd!

But Ji Shaohao didn't care; a certain emotion stirred within him.

As long as this divine sculptor from the Dark Heavenly Court could help him obtain a Qitian Divine Pill, Ji Shaohao wouldn't care about anything else.

Li Che, under the watchful eyes of everyone, didn't seem particularly uncomfortable.

He slowly returned to his position, where a Lower Second Saint Divine Wood floated quietly.

Li Che's fingers clenched, a carving knife falling into his hand, and he began to sculpt the Nüwa Statue based on the rapid feedback from the Divine Sculptor's Dao Fruit!

Since he had touched it, he naturally had to sculpt a complete Nüwa Statue!

He couldn't let this opportunity go to waste!

...

...

Deep within the Doutian Palace City.

Three Immortal Divine Beings sat, a seven-colored wheel slowly rotating behind them, changing in luster and form.

"Did he really succeed?"

"Is there really a divine sculptor who can see through Nüwa's disguise and touch the Nüwa Statue?"

"How did this young man manage to do it?"

...

The three immortals were greatly astonished.

After all, even if they were to ask themselves, they would have no absolute confidence in being able to see through the trials set by Nüwa and reveal the true form of the Nüwa statue!

Because Nüwa...

As the supreme ruler truly standing at the pinnacle of the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths, her strength was so formidable that countless immortals would bow down and proclaim their allegiance!

Laojun Immortal narrowed his eyes, and it seemed as if a wheel was slowly changing shape behind him.

"Interesting... To be able to see through the trials set by Nüwa, this young man must have comprehended the Heaven and Earth Ancient Rune and seen through its disguise. That's why he can do this."

"This is no easy feat, implying that if this young man doesn't die, he might have a chance to reach the immortal realm in the future! The possibility is great, perhaps even surpassing the Young Emperor!"

Laojun Immortal's voice rumbled like a great bell.

The three immortals had no doubt about this statement.

To comprehend the Heaven and Earth Ancient Rune—this was something only immortals could achieve!

For it to appear in an ordinary Divine Being was a significant sign, the implications of which were self-evident.

"It seems... Laojun Immortal will have a higher chance of successfully refining the Qitian Divine Pill this time!"

"With such a divine sculptor's assistance, the alchemy array will certainly perform at its best!"

The immortals smiled and conversed.

"But what's even more intriguing... is that this young man is so freely touching the Nüwa statue, and Nüwa hasn't shown any anger?"

"Given Nüwa's authority and will, it would be no difficult task for her to project her pressure across the barriers of heaven and earth."

It was truly peculiar!

The three immortals were filled with doubt.

Nüwa's authority was such that even they, the immortals, dared not offend her. Yet today, she remained indifferent to the desecration by a mere sculptor...

Laojun Immortal's eyes glinted. He, too, found it hard to understand. His white hair fluttered, and he smiled lightly, offering an explanation.

"Nüwa is benevolent, the mother of heaven and earth."

"How could she be angered by the touch of an ordinary Divine Being?"

"The mother of heaven and earth naturally has a benevolent heart."

...

...

Li Che closed his eyes, and the image of the Nüwa statue appeared in his mind.

The graceful figure seemed to be engraved in his mind. His chisel moved, divine energy surging and intertwining with it.

One stroke fell, and the Lower Second Saint Divine Wood, incredibly strong and hard like steel, was nearly impossible to cut!

At this moment, it was a severe test of one's cultivation. If one's cultivation was insufficient, even a divine sculptor would find it difficult to handle the divine wood.

If one couldn't cut the divine wood, how could one sculpt?

However, Li Che's cultivation was now sufficient, and he didn't even need to display it.

With a slight movement of his mind, the power of the fifth Heaven and Earth Ancient Rune he had comprehended from touching the Blue Ox Wooden Sculpture slowly released, forming a blade of energy in his palm.

It was the blade's energy, slowly descending, and the hard divine wood, like tofu, was easily cut.

The surrounding gazes converged, and all sensed that Li Che had used the technique he had comprehended from touching the Nüwa statue. They were all stunned, never expecting that Li Che could apply what he had just comprehended so quickly.

"I, the Young Emperor... will not lose!"

"No matter how peculiar you are, so what?!"

"My Black Mount Sumeru's sculpting technique is different from Nüwa's!"

Shi Shaogai exhaled, calmed his mind, and continued sculpting.

Even though he hadn't touched the Nüwa statue, so what?

That faint perception was enough for him to complete the sculpture. He was confident that his divine sculpture would surpass Li Che's!

Because... he was the Young Emperor of Black Mount Sumeru!

Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh—

The entire square fell silent.

No divine sculptor continued to walk toward the Blue Ox Wooden Sculpture; they were all immersed in their work.

Although each cultivator's perception differed, in the realm of sculpting, achieving the status of a divine sculptor meant exceptional skill.

Wood chips flew like sparks, and the divine wood emitted a resonant sound.

One by one, divine sculptures began to take shape, with intricate carving and polishing, a variety of steps displayed by the divine sculptors, a feast for the eyes!

Rumble—

Li Che's heart was completely immersed in his sculpting.

As he sculpted, the Dao Fruit of Divine Craftsmanship in his chest also gradually increased in maturity.

However, the Dao Fruit had reached the 9th level, and even with special opportunities, increasing its maturity was not easy, and the process was quite slow.

It was unclear how much time had passed.

When the first divine sculptor completed his work,

the sounds of other divine sculptors successfully completing their sculptures echoed in quick succession.

It was as if everyone had agreed to finish at the same time.

A variety of divine sculptures, each with unique postures, sat in the square, their divine auras radiating, creating a dazzling and spectacular scene.

Ji Shaohao squinted his eyes, a hint of amazement in them as he surveyed the scene.

Hundreds of Nüwa statues, their divine auras illuminating, seemed to pierce the heavens!

It was truly a breathtaking sight!

When Fu Shaoxi's sculpture was revealed, a faint shadow of Nüwa seemed to emerge, and the myriad divine auras were suppressed, becoming dim and lifeless.

Fu Shaoxi was so familiar with Nüwa. Although he hadn't touched the statue, a fleeting glimpse was enough to allow him to recreate Nüwa's form and image from his memory.

Subsequently, Ba She, Jin Mi Luo, Xuanyuan Hao, and other divine sculptors finished their work.

The shadows stretched, seemingly causing the Cosmic Will to fluctuate intensely.

However, the aura of Nüwa from their sculptures could not compare to Fu Shaoxi's.

When Dongyang Immortal's sculpture was revealed, it could contend with Fu Shaoxi's work, and the scene turned into a battle between two strong contenders!

Hum, hum, hum—

The auras of the various divine sculptures continuously clashed.

On the bronze walls, the observing cultivators' hearts surged and trembled. They knew that the results of the second round should be announced soon!

Who would score the highest?

Out of the 150-odd divine sculptors, 81 spots were up for grabs, and the difficulty wasn't too great.

However, the main challenge lay in the ranking of the divine sculptors!

Being among the top is the greatest challenge!

Shi Shaogai took a step back and began chanting a mantra. The burning flame patterns on the cicada slowly faded away.

The divine sculpture in front of him immediately shook off countless wood shavings, which fell like a sandstorm.

Then, boundless radiance erupted, and a massive, almost tangible shadow appeared, swaying between heaven and earth.

Instantly, it suppressed the spirit of the divine sculptures created by Fu Shaoxi, Dongyang Xianshou, and others.

Fu Shaoxi's expression turned extremely grim. He clenched his fists, his eyes filled with fierce determination and defiance.

Perhaps he was frustrated that his fervent devotion to Nüwa was outmatched by these people, simply because their talent in divine sculpture surpassed his.

Dongyang Xianshou sighed. Both he and Shi Shaogai had touched the Blue Ox divine sculpture, but the visions he perceived were not as profound as those of Shi Shaogai.

This difference led to the disparity in the entire wooden sculpture.

What a pity!

Shi Shaogai's gaze remained calm. After the cicada patterns faded, he looked more benevolent and kind.

In Shi Shaogai's eyes, no one was his match.

His only rival was the divine sculptor Li Che from the Dark Heavenly Court!

His gaze shifted to Li Che's carving area.

There, countless wood shavings were flying around, enveloping Li Che and blocking everyone's view, making it impossible to see what he was carving.

Shi Shaogai's gaze grew heavy.

Although he had suppressed most of the divine sculptors present, he did not feel any sense of ease.

A sharp blade of light cut through the air.

It sliced through the countless wood shavings that enveloped Li Che!

A vast and surging cosmic will erupted, like a mountain flood, bursting forth with blinding, dazzling light!

"Cosmic will?!"

The divine sculptors' faces turned pale with shock!

What kind of monster is this?!

He actually carved a divine sculpture that contains cosmic will?!

Could this divine sculptor from the Dark Heavenly Court, Li Che, already be a grand divine sculptor?

Only a grand divine sculptor, exerting all their might and pouring their heart and soul into it, could carve a divine sculpture containing cosmic will, right?

"No... it's the cosmic will inherent in the divine sculpture itself."

"It seems more like a unique technique! Not a grand divine sculptor invoking cosmic will to enhance it."

"It's different. Not a true grand divine sculptor, but a characteristic of the divine sculpture..."

"Just that the Nüwa statue carved by Li Che is too lifelike! So lifelike that it even simulates a hint of the immortal cosmic will!"

"The winner has been decided."

...

All the divine sculptors were watching closely.

The moment the blade of light cut through and the cosmic will surged forth,

everyone knew the outcome of this Divine Sculptor Conference!

The result was clear!

Boom! Boom! Boom!

The moment the cosmic will emerged, all the divine sculptures paled in comparison. Even Shi Shaogai's divine sculpture seemed to lose its spirit, falling to the ground and descending into the mortal realm!

The Golden Crane King flapped his wings, emitting countless sword auras as he gracefully landed.

His eyes shone brightly as he gazed with awe at the Nüwa statue carved by Li Che.

Behind the Nüwa statue, a seven-colored divine halo swirled!

He clasped his hands in respect, his eyes filled with fervent admiration.

Although he was the Nirvana Heavenly King of the Dark Heavenly Court, he had the blood of the demon race, and thus naturally held the demon Nüwa in high regard.

He straightened up and scanned the crowd.

"Everyone, now that the carving is complete, please move a hundred meters away from your wooden sculptures."

The Golden Crane King said.

"After moving a hundred meters away, the divine sculptures will be stimulated by the array, emitting divine aura. The divine auras will collide with each other, and the final eighty-one that remain will be the ones who advance."

"The ranking will be determined by the amount of divine aura left!"

The Golden Crane King explained the final method of determining the divine sculptures' divine aura clash.

This was a fundamental method; the divine aura clash was the most direct and clear way to determine the strength of the divine sculptures.

Li Che's feet lightly touched the ground, his black robe fluttering, and he gracefully moved a hundred meters away.

Shi Shaogai, Fu Shaoxi, Dongyang Xianshou, and the other divine sculptors also moved away.

The Golden Crane King clenched his fingers, and a sword aura shot from his palm, drilling into the ground, activating the array!

Boom! Boom! Boom!

Instantly, countless streams of light erupted. As the array activated, the divine auras from the various divine sculptures coalesced into Nüwa's shadow, beginning to collide uncontrollably!

The pressure from the array increased, and the divine auras of the Nüwa statues began to collapse.

Out of the more than a hundred and fifty Nüwa statues, only a hundred remained with their divine auras intact.

The Golden Crane King's eyes flickered, and he flicked his finger again, sending another thread of sword aura.

The sword aura merged into the array, enhancing its power!

As if a brilliant sword chant was stimulating the array.

The hundred Nüwa statues, with their divine auras collapsing, were reduced to ninety.

The Golden Crane King continued to flick his finger, sending more sword auras.

The Nüwa statues continued to collapse and explode.

When only eighty-one Nüwa statues remained, the Golden Crane King stopped his actions.

"Remember your rankings. You will receive corresponding scores, and the higher scorer will advance after the two rounds of scoring are combined."

The Golden Crane King said solemnly.

Then, he continued to enhance the sword aura.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

The Nüwa statues continued to explode. When only ten remained, the atmosphere in the arena became tense.

Everyone's breathing quickened, knowing that the real highlight was about to begin.

The key to determining the ranking of the arrayed divine sculptors was coming!

Li Che couldn't help but focus his gaze. Although he was confident in his wooden sculpture, what if the two young emperors played some tricks behind the scenes?

However, the result was somewhat unexpected.

As countless sword auras erupted from the Golden Crane King, like a tangible cosmic will merging into the array,

Li Che's Nüwa statue also emitted cosmic will to resist.

It held out until the end!

Shi Shaogai closed his eyes.

He had lost.

Fu Shaoxi clenched his fists, gritting his teeth. What's so special about this Li Che winning?

His hands had touched Nüwa herself!

On the city wall.

Ji Shaohao let out a long breath, his face breaking into a radiant smile that he couldn't suppress.

"Ha-ha-ha! We did it!"

"This second round, I’m still first! Truly incredible, this Immortal Sculptor Li Che!"

Ji Shaohao's smile was bright.

Even if there was something strange about Immortal Sculptor Li Che, Ji Shaohao didn't delve deeper into it, given that Li Che had helped him secure a qualification for the Qitian Divine Pill.

In fact,

By this point, everyone had calculated their scores.

Li Che was undoubtedly the first.

Shi Shaogai took second, Dongyang Immortal Sculptor third, and Fu Shaoxi fourth...

Even as a Young Emperor, Fu Shaoxi couldn't even make it into the top three, making his expression extremely grim. His gaze on Li Che was fierce and cruel.

His murderous intent was barely concealed!

To desecrate Nüwa was a capital offense!

Li Che cast a speechless glance at Fu Shaoxi. If Nüwa herself didn't have any objections, why should the Young Emperor of the Mysterious Demon Den care so much?

The Golden Crane King retracted his sword qi, and the Nüwa Statue Li Che had carved no longer emitted cosmic will.

Li Che didn't hesitate to collect the Nüwa Statue.

This thing was too precious, capable of enhancing the Dao Fruit of Immortal Sculptors. Li Che wouldn't leave it behind lightly.

The Golden Crane King glanced at it, his heart stirring with thoughts.

Even though it was a long shot, he had to try.

After the Ruyi Golden Staff was taken, the Golden Crane King had lost all hope. Now, he had a glimmer of hope again.

If he could obtain the Nüwa Statue from Li Che, he might have a tiny chance to break through his bottleneck.

With the two rounds of the Divine Sculptor Conference concluded, the Golden Crane King officially announced the rankings of the Immortal Sculptors.

The eighty-one Immortal Sculptors all showed looks of excitement.

"Next, the eighty-one ranked Immortal Sculptors will follow me into the depths of the Doutian Palace."

"You will have the opportunity to listen to the teachings of the Immortal Laojun and understand the array formations you need to set up."

The Golden Crane King said.

As he finished speaking, he turned to face the void.

Clapping his hands, sword qi surged forth, slowly tearing the void apart, like a tightly closed door slowly opening!

A passage extended from the tear, branching out to each of the Divine Sculptors' feet.

Li Che looked at the text formed by the Path of the Great Dao beneath his feet.

It was marked with a "1", indicating that he was the first among the ranked Immortal Sculptors.

Finally!

He had successfully secured a place in the Divine Sculptor Conference.

He could soon attempt to rescue the Qitian Temple God!

Li Che's eyes gleamed, and without any hesitation, he stepped forward onto the path formed by the Path of the Great Dao.

The enormous crack split open, like an open portal.

Endless rays of light shot out from the crack, like a dreamlike aurora at the edge of the world, incredibly dazzling!

Li Che stepped onto the Path of the Great Dao, leading the way as the first among the ranked Immortal Sculptors.

Following him was the Young Emperor Shi Shaogai, his monk's robe fluttering as he gazed at Li Che's back.

The eighty-one Immortal Sculptors followed in order.

As they passed through the crack and entered the true depths of the Doutian Palace, everyone's gaze inevitably rose.

They looked at the enormous Bronze Tripod Alchemy Furnace floating in the sky above the Doutian Palace!

The furnace bore a striking resemblance to the entire Doutian Palace City!

Or perhaps, the entire Doutian Palace City was built according to the design of this furnace!

An overwhelming aura poured down from the furnace, pressing on the hearts of every Immortal Sculptor.

Below the furnace, pillars of fire swirled like dragons, glowing a fiery gold.

All of them were Earthly Vein Fires!

They were roasting the furnace, making the lower half of it glow red, with the patterns on it coming to life!

"Heavenly Immortal Artifact, the Doutian Furnace!"

Li Che's heart trembled violently. The intense heat made the air currents swirl and rustle his black robe.

Li Che lifted his head, gazing at the floating furnace in the depths of the Doutian Palace, his voice heavy as he spoke the name.

"The Doutian Furnace is the Divine Weapon with which the Immortal Laojun attained Heavenly Immortality, one of the supreme Heavenly Immortal Artifacts of the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths, immensely revered!"

Behind Li Che, Shi Shaogai clasped his hands together, his eyes filled with fervor, and said,

"Legend has it that this furnace can refine Heavenly Immortality, and even the entire world!"

Shi Shaogai's gaze fell on Li Che.

"The Qitian Monkey Demon is now sealed within this furnace..."

"He is truly at the end of his rope, especially since the Immortal Laojun has summoned both the Heavenly Vein Fire and the Earthly Vein Fire. The union of the Heavenly and Earthly Vein Fires is the ultimate fire in the world!"

"Qitian is doomed!"

Shi Shaogai stared at Li Che, speaking each word deliberately, trying to gauge Li Che's reaction.

However, Li Che remained calm, his expression as still as a well, completely unaffected by Shi Shaogai's words.

"Truly impressive", Li Che said.

This furnace is really something!

It's really something!

If he placed it in the Great Sun Golden Crow Carriage, it might directly elevate its rank!

Seven transformations? Eight transformations? Nine transformations?

Achieving nine transformations of the Dao Fruit would be difficult, and Li Che didn't dare to hope for it.

But this was indeed the first thought that came to Li Che's mind when he saw the Doutian Furnace.

Buzz, buzz, buzz—

Suddenly,

Everyone's attention was drawn to three figures floating around the Doutian Furnace.

They were three Immortals!

With seven-colored halos on their backs, cosmic will swirled around them like a gentle breeze.

Their indifferent, emotionless, and lofty gazes swept over the eighty-one Immortal Sculptors, making their hair stand on end.

Three Immortals!

The three Immortals only glanced at the Immortal Sculptors briefly.

Then, they withdrew their gazes, lifted their heads, and looked at each other.

Their hands rose in unison.

Boom, boom, boom—

It was as if invisible palms struck the floating Doutian Furnace.

The flames below the furnace intensified, becoming almost translucent!

Li Che's eyes narrowed.

He saw the figure of Qitian darting about inside the red, translucent Doutian Furnace!

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end