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

Chapter 845: Chapter 267: Emperor Xi Xi Sets Out Again to Talent Pass, Impressing the Grandmaster – Part 4

Li Che smiled faintly, then straightened his spine, brushed off a raindrop from his Mo Shan robe, and followed Lu Qingti. They passed through the crowd, accompanied by many startled and curious gazes, heading towards the Qiankun Arch.

Under countless surprised and respectful stares, Li Che arrived at the ranks of Gongshu Jingjun and the Divine Eagle Ridge Elders.

Following that, the Divine Eagle Ridge Elders also stepped forward one by one, joining the many elders of the Qianyuan Divine Sect, aligning themselves neatly in front of the Qiankun Arch.

The Sect Master Lv Taibai stood tall in pristine white robes, his silver hair flowing freely as his gaze landed on Li Che, whose entrance into the ranks was rather remarkable.

“Elder Li.”

Lv Taibai’s eyes gleamed profoundly, a Godly Pattern visible at the center of his brow.

The corners of his lips lifted with a trace of amusement: “Not bad.”

Li Che felt a jolt in his heart, as though every Dao Fruit within his chest quivered intensely at that moment, warning him of the unparalleled danger emanating from this person before him.

Even within the Heaven and Earth chessboard’s [Equal to Heaven’s Face], the Prison Lotus Yin Divine Sword trembled uncontrollably.

Likewise, the Three-point double-edged knife embedded in his left arm quivered faintly.

Li Che took a deep breath—he couldn’t fight and win…

Facing such a being head-on right now, he certainly couldn’t win!

Even a sneak attack wouldn’t work!

Suppressing the unease in his heart, he clasped his fists and bowed: “Newly appointed Elder of Divine Eagle Ridge, Li Che, pays respect to the Sect Master.”

Sect Master Lv Taibai nodded slightly, refraining from further pleasantries.

Following that, he led the many elders to begin their ceremonial tribute to the Grandmaster.

The process of the ancestral tribute was presided over by Jiao Shaoqiu. Though meticulous, it was not overly complicated. After completing a series of rituals, each elder placed a stick of incense in their designated bronze incense burner, marking the conclusion of the act.

Not much time was wasted.

Upon completing the tribute, the elders dispersed to either side of the arch, where their designated Taishi Chairs awaited them.

Li Che was guided to one such chair, seated at the furthest end designated for the Divine Eagle Ridge elders.

Being the fifth elder, he was seated in the sixth chair accordingly.

However, among the other four aged, white-haired elders of Divine Eagle Ridge, the youthful presence of Li Che stood out, appearing vibrant and conspicuous.

Li Che turned to survey the crowd below, an oppressive sea of black faces, countless gazes fixated on him, stirring a peculiar sensation within him.

Through the crowd, Li Che noticed Xi Xi, held in Sang Guanyin’s arms. Xi Xi’s bright eyes blinked rapidly, her red-flushed cheeks radiating excitement as she waved her arms incessantly.

“Yin Yin Senior Sister, that’s Daddy! That’s my Daddy!”

Xi Xi’s voice was brimming with joy and exhilaration.

Indeed, as Emperor Xi Xi’s father, he truly lived up to the grandeur!

“Silence—”

Below the arch.

Jiao Shaoqiu, with a weathered frame draped in traditional robes, spoke solemnly and gravely, his voice resonating deeply, silencing the murmurs and whispers surging through the crowd.

“The tribute to the ancestors has concluded.”

“Qianyuan Divine Sect Sect Master Lv Taibai’s sixth direct disciple assessment will now commence.”

Jiao Shaoqiu’s resonant voice echoed through the gathering.

As his words fell.

The gathered Divine Children on the great plaza trembled slightly, their eyes reflecting profound solemnity and focus.

Amidst the tense atmosphere, the chill of the spring breeze swept over them.

Jiao Shaoqiu stepped aside.

Lv Taibai rose leisurely from his Taishi Chair, appearing without the slightest edge or aggression.

Draped in white robes billowing in the breeze, he strode to the foot of the Qiankun Arch.

His deep gaze swept across the assembly, akin to an infinite vortex, drawing in each individual’s spirit.

“This will be Lv Taibai’s final disciple. You all know that Taibai’s principles of accepting disciples remain inclusive—within Qianyuan Divine Sect, we welcome talent from all nations. No matter where you come from, if you meet the qualifications, you’re eligible to join.”

“Moreover, the final direct disciple selected today will hold the position of future Young Sect Master of Qianyuan Divine Sect.”

Lv Taibai stated faintly.

With those words.

The atmosphere over the great plaza seemed to ignite like a barrel of dynamite, nearly exploding!

No one had anticipated Lv Taibai would directly confirm this claim with his own words.

Rumors were one matter, but their confirmation was something entirely different.

“Even if…”

“This disciple of mine is not from the Grand Prospect Dynasty.”

Upon hearing this.

The spring breeze seemed to turn murderous, while spring rain became sharp and torrential!

Many tranquil carriages nearby quaked violently, their curtains flapping wildly under the impact of an unseen Qi Force.

Clearly, Lv Taibai’s statement stirred too many hearts, throwing countless minds into turmoil!

Madness?!

Lv Taibai… truly insane!

This decision was nothing short of audacious!

Should Lv Taibai truly appoint a non-dynasty candidate as the Young Sect Master, the Imperial Court of the Grand Prospect Dynasty would certainly not idly stand by.

However, among those present for Lv Taibai’s final direct disciple evaluation, non-dynasty Divine Children were a minority.

Thus, the likelihood of a non-dynasty candidate being chosen was quite slim.

Though the Dragon Maiden Ao Qingqing’s heart soared instinctively.

She felt her chances had suddenly become much brighter!

Lv Taibai paid no heed to the varied emotional responses and shifting attitudes among the Divine Children.

He scanned the crowd, his gaze akin to a serene pool of sword light, calm and unwavering.

“Hence, this direct disciple evaluation will consist of three stages: testing talent, testing heart, and the temple trial…”

“Each stage will serve as a filter to weed out candidates.”

“The first stage, testing talent, will ultimately permit only ten candidates to proceed to the next stage.”

“After the heart test stage, only three will remain for the temple trial…”

Lv Taibai spoke indifferently.

He finally revealed the long-speculated rules of the evaluation.

Immediately, the atmosphere over the great plaza heated intensely.

Eyes brimming with curiosity and intrigue, as although these rules differed slightly from Lv Taixuan’s past evaluation process, the core structure remained quite similar.

“Since my final disciple will become the Young Sect Master of Qianyuan Divine Sect, the first talent test and second heart test will be evaluated by the recently honored Grandmaster.”

As his words concluded.

Lv Taibai flicked his fingers, unleashing a burst of sword light that shot swiftly into the bronze incense burners filled with incense sticks.

It reverberated akin to an ancient ceremonial bell struck heavily.

The incense burner trembled violently as countless smoke columns were swept up by sword light, spiraling toward the Qiankun Dao Yun Plaque.

Roaring—

Above the Heavenly Dome, dark clouds gathered and a clap of spring thunder rolled dramatically!

Instantly, the Qiankun Dao Yun Plaque unleashed a torrent of concentrated Divinity, flooding outward relentlessly!

That Divinity radiated in pure white form, infused with sharp sword Qi.

Around the Mountain Gate, it spiraled ceaselessly, gradually morphing into a vortex.

“The first test, the talent test, does not impose restrictions—not bound to the Observation Skill’s Purple Aura Divinity Column…”

“Martial Arts, Divinity, Divine Sculpture, Divine Pill, Divine Talisman, Divine Weapon—these six aspects of talent can all serve as determining factors.”

“The Grandmaster will judge comprehensively.”

“Show your utmost; let your talent shine to its fullest. Be it Blood Burning, summoning the temple god, sacrificial talisman usage, burst seeds, or even cheating—it’s all permissible…”

“Don’t fret over shocking the Grandmaster…”

Lv Taibai’s white robes flapped violently in the wind, his silver hair dancing chaotically as his gaze pierced like lightning, his voice resonating with gravity.

The words thundered through everyone’s ears vividly.

Almost every Divine Child trembled utterly, their faces flushed with determination and vigor.

Completely different!

This direct disciple evaluation—completely unprecedented!

Testing talent now extended beyond merely Observation Skill or Martial Arts innate aptitude!

Wasn’t this their opportunity knocking?!

Seated among the elders, Li Che’s Mo Shan robe fluttered wildly in the fierce wind, his jet-black hair whipping around like lightning strikes.

He gazed at the vortex formed from the Divinity spiraling out of the Qiankun Dao Yun Plaque.

Within, it seemed to contain an entire Heaven and Earth realm.

Listening to Sect Master Lv Taibai unveil the rules, his expression turned somewhat peculiar.

No restrictions?

No objections to cheating?

Exhibit any method to enhance talent?

Li Che glanced at Lv Taibai.

Did the Sect Master’s wife convince him with a pillow talk…?

Or perhaps, the last time Xi Xi passed the Sect Master’s wife’s Divine Talisman test with Li Che’s unseen intervention, the Sect Master had uncovered his little trick?

These rules—weren’t they tailored for him and Xi Xi?

What kind of man could endure such trials?!

Lv Taibai stood smiling faintly.

Observing the now chaotic and roaring great plaza.

Witnessing the excitement and eagerness igniting in the eyes of each Divine Child.

Lv Taibai gently stepped back to his rightful place as Sect Master.

Gracefully seated, his white robes cascading elegantly.

“Little ones, spare no effort to show your utmost potential.”

“With your talent…”

“Amaze the Grandmaster.”