As a father, I just want to quietly watch you live a long life Chapter 1537: 409: The Great Elder Sheds His Confucian Robe to Reveal the Hunting God—Go Forth, Xi Xi; Only When the Young Eagle Leaves the Nest Does It Learn to Fly...
Previously on As a father, I just want to quietly watch you live a long life...
Regardless, stationing two Sovereign Avatars within Mo City served as a double layer of security for his life.
The Sovereign Avatar donning the Bull Demon Mask was further empowered by the Dragon Elephant Vajra Dao Fruit. As the Slumbering Dragon Elephant technique was activated, its aura descended into a state of profound stillness.
Draped in a dark robe, the figure lunged forward, cutting through the darkness like a predatory goshawk taking flight before vanishing into the night.
…
…
Boom——!!!
Like a fired projectile, Li Che’s Bull Demon-masked Sovereign Avatar shot across the sky and slammed down upon the Grand Canal.
As the black fabric of his robe snapped in the wind, the water beneath him erupted, instantly vaporized by the sheer intensity of his surging Qi-Blood.
Beneath the mask, his gaze remained frigid, swirling with a subtle golden mist.
The internal resonance of the Slumbering Dragon Elephant hummed like the vibrations of an ancient bronze bell.
Since it held a Dao Fruit projection, it functioned as a secondary Dao Fruit, capable of perfectly replicating its innate powers.
In truth, this Sovereign Avatar possessed the same infiltration capabilities as Li Che’s original body.
Both relied on the specialized Breath Concealment provided by the Slumbering Dragon Elephant for stealth.
Li Che remained uncertain if the rank lv6 characteristics of the Dragon Elephant Vajra Dao Fruit could successfully bypass the senses of a Divine Tribulation Cultivator.
Nevertheless, a trial was necessary.
Boom——!!!
The Grand Canal churned violently, its waters roaring as massive plumes were sent skyward.
The Bull Demon navigated these turbulent waters, rising and falling with the rhythm of the waves.
He crossed the Grand Canal with the speed and momentum of a cannonball, yet despite the power of his movements, he remained undetected by any watchful eyes.
He followed the waterway, riding the current for eight hundred miles.
Eventually, the Bull Demon began to reduce his speed.
The encampment of the imperial court’s army had appeared on the horizon. Firelight reached toward the clouds, and disciplined ranks of soldiers patrolled the grounds, their armor reflecting a cold, stern light.
Their presence was even more rigorous and imposing than the Divine Guard Army found in Qianyuan Dao City.
From behind the Bull Demon Mask, the eyes of Li Che’s Sovereign Avatar shimmered.
However, just as he prepared to step onto the shore, he froze.
His gaze dropped to the churning depths of the Grand Canal.
Faintly, he detected a colossal, dark draconic silhouette shifting beneath the surface.
The Dragon Sons of the Dragon God Clan, allies of the court…
They were lurking within the river itself!
…
…
Han Shu Peak.
The Great Elder’s Residence.
Fang Hanshu stroked his elegant beard with a self-satisfied grin before closing the Underworld Divine Mirror.
“You little brat, you actually have the nerve to insult me back?”
“I took third place in the Imperial Examination of the Da Jing Dynasty… How could a little Cat Face hope to compete with this old man? Truly laughable.”
Since Fang Hanshu was well aware of the identity of the Underworld’s Cat Face, he was even more committed to winning their verbal sparring match.
As the Great Elder of the Qian Yuan Divine Sect, he refused to be outmatched in wit by a mere junior.
Luckily, that Cat Face had spent forever stammering without producing a single clever retort.
In contrast, Fang Hanshu had prepared hundreds of insults in various literary styles. He suspected the foolish Cat Face wouldn’t even grasp the meaning of most of his barbs.
“Cat Face…”
“Is that supposed to be one of the Evils of Earthly Hell? It sounds more like a cute pet. Hah!”
“Simply no match for me.”
“Hmm… perhaps I should acquire one of those Earthly Hell masks for myself?”
Fang Hanshu toyed with his beard, his Confucian robes swaying in the draft.
Suddenly, his expression shifted.
“Are they finally making their move?”
“As expected of the Underworld; their efficiency is… quite startling.”
“This is what a professional assassination looks like,” Fang Hanshu murmured with a chuckle.
Then, a sharp light entered his eyes.
He retrieved a Qiankun Jade, tapping it lightly with his fingertips.
A moment later, a mask emerged from the jade.
He glanced toward Taibai Peak and pursed his lips.
“So be it…”
“For the sake of Qianyuan, this old man has truly exhausted his worries.”
Spreading his fingers to grip the mask, Fang Hanshu tucked his long beard inside and slowly fitted the mask over his features.
He shed his Confucian robe, which was replaced by a deep black hooded cloak.
Buzzzz——
As he rose to his feet, the space around him fractured into geometric cubes, shattering the air.
He stepped into the fragmented space and vanished instantly.
Only his low, echoing voice remained in the courtyard, drifting among the falling snow.
“The Hunting God…”
…
…
Li Che donned a black robe decorated with an embroidered golden lotus.
He let out a long breath.
Rising, he stepped out of his study.
The courtyard was being blanketed by a heavy snowfall.
Zhang Ya stood with Xi Xi, accompanied by Jin Taixui, Zhou Peng, and Yun E. The latter three no longer had the appearance of mere children.
Only the seven-year-old Xi Xi still retained her youthful innocence.
Their possessions had already been secured within Qiankun Jades.
Nurse Momo was present as well. Sensing the children were departing for a journey, she shared gentle advice about the dangers of the martial world, recalling her own youthful dreams of adventure.
Nie Yang stood nearby, holding Li Chengzhou. The young boy watched with a mix of envy and sadness. Though Nie Yang had offered him the chance to join the training, Li Chengzhou had wisely declined.
He knew he was currently too weak and would only hinder the others.
“Is everything ready?” Li Che asked, smiling kindly.
“When you enter the world for training, you must act the part. The martial world is a treacherous place; you must be cautious and never give your trust too freely… Do not let your Cultivation level make you arrogant.”
Like Zhang Ya, Li Che offered several words of caution.
“While you can choose your own path, your father has a task for you to ensure you have a clear objective.”
Li Che patted Xi Xi’s head.
He then produced a Qiankun Jade and placed it in Xi Xi’s hand.
“Contained here are the mechanisms intended for Sect Master Shi Jian of the True Martial Divine Sect. I gave him my word, but the chaos in the Divine Capital forced us to leave before I could deliver them.”
“I want you to deliver these to Sect Master Shi for me,” Li Che instructed.
Xi Xi’s eyes sparkled at the request.
She puffed out her chest with excitement.
“Don’t worry, Dad! Xi Xi will take care of it. I’ll do a great job!”
“This is your official mission, so you won’t be wandering aimlessly like lost birds.”
“If you ever lose your way, just head toward Tongyou Land to deliver these… Do you understand?”
Xi Xi nodded vigorously, and behind her, Jin Taixui, Yun E, and Zhou Peng followed suit.
“Five years… In five years, regardless of your progress, you must return to the Divine Sect. Is that clear?” Li Che said with gravity.
Xi Xi nodded again, treating it as a sacred vow.
Zhou Peng and Yun E bit their lips. Five years… Would the Divine Sect even survive that long?
Would there be anything to return to?
Despite their youth, growing up in noble families had made them mature enough to understand the dire reality of their situation.
They realized that Elder Li and their families were sending them away to ensure the Divine Sect’s future survived.
“It is time.” Li Che took a deep breath.
“Master, should I go with them?” the Gold-haired Hou asked, unable to stay silent.
He had grown quite fond of Xi Xi during their time together.
“No. This is for training, not a leisure trip,” Li Che replied firmly.
With Li Che himself monitoring them, the Gold-haired Hou was unnecessary.
Could the beast hide its presence better than Li Che? Li Che wasn't simply letting his daughter wander off unprotected.
He could manifest at her side in an instant to ensure her safety, a protection far superior to anything the Gold-haired Hou could offer.
Moreover, the Hou was too conspicuous; his presence would immediately draw unwanted attention to the children.
“Gather around. We are leaving,” Li Che commanded.
Xi Xi and the other three huddled close to him.
Li Che’s divinity expanded, shielding them as a Thunder Chess Piece appeared in his palm.
“Mother…”
Xi Xi clung to her father’s side. As the moment of departure arrived, she couldn't hold back her emotions. Tears streamed down her face as she rubbed her eyes, crying out.
“Oh… Go now, Xi Xi… Go become strong, grow up, and make us proud.”
“A young eagle must eventually leave the safety of the nest to master the skies…”
Zhang Ya’s eyes grew misty as well.
Li Che offered a final, gentle pat to Xi Xi’s head.
Then, he closed his hand around the Thunder Chess Piece.
Space began to warp and twist.
Xi Xi’s sobs intensified as she watched the world distort, her mother’s waving figure blurring into the distance.
Her vision was lost to tears, vanishing like dust caught in a sudden gale.