As a father, I just want to quietly watch you live a long life

Chapter 842: Chapter 267: Emperor Xi Xi Sets Out Again to Talent Pass, Impressing the Grandmaster

February 26th, Qingming.

Suitable for: Cleaning, priesthood, seeking medical advice, treating illnesses. Avoid all other tasks.

Flowers fall while grass grows anew, orioles fly as butterflies frolic in pairs.

Light rain flutters incessantly.

The ancient mountains resemble a slumbering dragon, coiled deep within Qianyuan Taoist City, monopolizing the territories behind it.

It is akin to a dragon halberd spanning the human world.

The Qingshan seem eager to converse with those of great stature, endless steeds gallop forth in streams.

”Dong——”

From deep within the mountains, the resonant toll of an ancient bell echoed.

The sound invisibly warped the air, like ripples of energy stirring a gentle breeze, tilting the Spring Rain and piercing through the heavens and earth.

The peach trees lining both sides of the Qianyuan Taoist Cityʼs main boulevard swayed gently in the spring wind, their blossoms falling petal by petal, adhering to the rain-soaked ground.

The petals stuck to hastily passing carriages as they threaded their way toward the Divine Sect.

The sky was dim, clouds densely layered, obscuring the radiant sun beyond.

Amidst the world, springʼs chill carried a cutting sharpness.

Horse hooves lightly descended, striking the green stone pavement before the Qianyuan Divine Sect Mountain Gateʼs white jade archway, producing an ancient resonant sound akin to a bell being chimed.

Li Che held Xi Xi in his arms. Inside the carriage, the furnace was glowing warmly, banishing springʼs chill from entering.

Zhang Ya sat across from Li Che. Today, she was adorned in lavish attire and delicate makeup. Her nervousness was visibly apparent.

She clenched her fists, whispering encouragement to herself repeatedly.

”My daughter Xi Xi can definitely do it! Sheʼll surely pass the assessment and become a direct disciple of the Sect Master Great God! She can do it!”

Li Che hugged Xi Xi close as the father and daughter pair stared at the overly tense Zhang Ya, which made her slightly exasperated from their gaze.

”Iʼm not talking to the two of you anymore! Donʼt you ever feel nervous?”

Zhang Ya tightened her fists, shaking them slightly.

Xi Xi crawled out from Li Cheʼs embrace and burrowed into Zhang Yaʼs arms, playfully nudging her. With surprising maturity, she patted Zhang Yaʼs shoulder to comfort her.

”Mother, please donʼt worry. Even if Xi Xi doesnʼt pass the assessment, Xi Xi is still a disciple of the Sect Masterʼs wife. I can study Divine Talisman arts with her master, and Divine Talismans are really interesting!”

”Xi Xi is amazing now; I can even write my full name without making mistakes!”

As Xi Xi spoke, a proud grin blossomed across her face.

Then she climbed toward the carriage window, stood on tiptoes, and lifted the silk curtain.

The soft, cool spring breeze and rain poured in through the window, carrying hints of refreshing chill.

”So many people!”

Xi Xi exclaimed in surprise, twisting her tiny frame with excitement rather than any hint of anxiety, eager to dive into the scene.

With so many people gathered, Emperor Xi Xi was certain sheʼd have plenty of fun in battle today!

Nie Yang, expertly maneuvering the carriage, drove steadily along the wide, smooth avenue leading to the Divine Sect Mountain Gate.

Soon, they arrived at the vast flatland before the white jade archway.

The white jade archway stood tall and imposing, droplets of accumulated water from the Spring Rain clinging to its edges, occasionally dripping down like crystals.

The lingering chill of Qingmingʼs spring cold spread throughout, and the mountain—full of flora—further amplified the icy sensation.

Yet today, before the white jade archway of Qianyuan Divine Sectʼs Mountain Gate, the scene was brimming with activity.

Endless streams of carriages and crowds bustled about.

The forceful qi-blood emanating from the gathered martial artists surged like a furnace stoked with fresh embers, banishing the chill long ago.

The luxurious carriages pulled up one by one, each halting atop the vast flatland before the jade archway.

The symbols engraved upon these carriages indicated that their occupants were undoubtedly privileged or wealthy.

The Su Family, Yun Family, Zhou Family, and Zhong Family—four top noble families of Qianyuan Taoist City—had their carriages parked at prime locations.

Next came the carriages from the Daoist Master Mansion and others, equally ornate yet with identities unknown.

Since only Divine Children were eligible to participate in the Sect Masterʼs direct disciple assessment, the actual number of participants was quite limited.

Despite the thronging crowds, most were mere spectators eager for a glimpse of the spectacle.

When their carriage stopped, the aged Old Chen maneuvered expertly, halting with a sharp ”Hee-yah!”

Rustle.

An oiled paper umbrella opened, shaking off the raindrops and keeping the Spring Rain at bay.

Zhang Ya stepped off the carriage, carrying Xi Xi. Li Che held up the umbrella for the mother and daughter, extending his arm to shield them. The family appeared harmonious amidst the hazy drizzle.

”Emperor Xi Xi shall set forth! Go, invincible Emperor Xi Xi!”

Once the carriage came to a halt.

Gong Yuanliang and Gong Yang Xiu, two lively characters, immediately popped out from their carriage, clenching their fists and shouting with excitement.

Xi Xi twisted and turned in Zhang Yaʼs arms, placing her hands on her hips, puffing up her chest proudly!

”Just you wait and see!”

Xi Xi was brimming with confidence.

In the distance.

From within the luxurious carriages now parked in neat rows, the Divine Children from various noble families began stepping out. Under the guidance of their respective family patriarchs, they lined up orderly.

”Hey, chubby kid!”

”Sister Yun E!”

Xi Xiʼs eyes lit up as she spotted Zhou Peng emerging from the Zhou Familyʼs carriage and the ever-beautiful Ms. Yun E. Enthusiastically, she waved her chubby little arms.

Beside Yun E stood an elderly man with flowing white hair wearing a cyan robe of distinction, who also glanced over.

Yun E smiled sweetly, her dimples blooming like spring waters, replying with a wave toward Xi Xi.

The Yun Familyʼs patriarch, Yun He, stood with his hands behind his back and turned his head when he heard Xi Xiʼs tender cries.

”Eʼer, is that Li Nuanxi...”

”The Divine Child who came to Qianyuan Taoist City from Golden Light Prefecture?”

The elderʼs eyes flickered with a hint of intrigue.

Li Nuanxiʼs name had gradually gained fame in Qianyuan Taoist City these past days.

The Sect Masterʼs wife had personally intervened for this disciple, suppressing Ji Moliʼs Dragon Queen Consort in the bustling streets.

Additionally, some days ago, Earthly Hellʼs Evil bet collectively at Qiankun Gambling House that Li Nuanxi, ranked only tenth, would triumph. For a time, Divine Child Li Nuanxiʼs name resonated entirely.