As a father, I just want to quietly watch you live a long life Chapter 1676 - 439: I Arrive with Heroes—How Will You Respond? Secretly Meeting the Training Emperor Xi Xi

"A reward."

"Refine it."

Li Che stated in a composed tone.

Though Gu Changqing struggled to grasp the Three Calamities and Nine Tribulations, Li Che commanded the Power of Disaster.

Bestowing the Power of the Confining God Tribulation to support his advancement proved perfectly fitting and effortless.

BOOM——!!!

Inside Mo City, Gu Changqing absorbed the violet Primordial Dragon Elephant Flame, causing his whole presence to erupt skyward.

Bursts of laughter resounded without end.

Moments stretched on endlessly.

Gu Changqing descended before Li Che, clasping his hands in a deep, eager salute: "Gratitude to you, my lord, for enabling this."

"Concentrate on pill refinement."

Li Che urged him approvingly.

With Gu Changqing and Huang Mei now ascending to the Divine Tribulation Realm, the ranks of Li Che's soul-binding divine tribulation experts swelled swiftly.

Gu Yinxuan along with the Nine Infant born from the Old Dragon God both wielded battle strength at the One Disaster Two Tribulations level.

Following them, Zhao Beidou, Gu Changqing, and Grandmaster Huang Mei all boasted power matching One Disaster One Tribulation.

On top of that, the Divine Machine Demon Ape offered might rivaling a Martial God.

A gleam of eagerness shone in Li Che's gaze toward the trip ahead to Qi Tian City.

With such mighty champions under my command, who dares challenge?

...

...

Crack! Crack!——!

A deafening blast erupted as bolts of lightning streaked across the sky, thunder booming fiercely while winter's roar tore through the heavy clouds.

That abrupt lightning burst resembled endless savage nets of electricity woven amid the heavens!

Rustle, rustle, rustle——

Snowflakes tumbled down only to dissolve into chilly winter showers, sprinkling across the mortal realm.

Along the Grand Canal.

A vessel glided to a gentle halt with a soft bump, anchoring by the bank amid the swirling mix of rain and flakes.

"Wow——!!! At last, we've made it!"

Xi Xi dashed from the hold, stretching her arms out wide, belly protruding, and let out a deep sigh of relief.

She'd swapped her vivid crimson attire for something else, her face subtly altered by clever makeup.

Thanks to the link with the Fruit of the Heavenly Dao from Within the Painting, Xi Xi excelled at disguises and face paints.

She had even concealed the looks of Yun E, Zhou Peng, and Jin Taixui.

At present, none of the four resembled their true selves.

"The map shows we've reached Jiangnan Dao, a prosperous region full of splendor, stunning landscapes, lush lands..."

Yun E cradled a fluffy white rabbit, sharing the details with Xi Xi while smiling warmly.

Xi Xi narrowed her gaze: "Yet this very place birthed the Corpse God Cult!"

Xi Xi's crew journeyed in secret since her secret was out; villains from the Corpse God Cult, killers of the Hunting God Pavilion, experts from the Heavenly Pill Divine Sect, plus countless martial artists dispatched by the Imperial Court, Divine Sects, and noble clans all hunted for Xi Xi and her allies.

The gravest dangers stemmed from the Corpse God Cult and Hunting God Pavilion. During their travels, Xi Xi clashed multiple times with the Corpse God Cult's fiends.

As they neared Jiangnan Dao, the Corpse God Cult's shadow grew ever bolder and widespread.

One Corpse God Envoy after another prowled the paths in search, and despite their masks, assaults came at them out of nowhere.

For the Corpse God Cult's monsters held no regard for the lives of common folk.

"The world beyond... it's far too turbulent."

Xi Xi gripped Yun E's hand as they leaped from the boat side by side.

A heavy sigh escaped Xi Xi, striking her now with how secure Qianyuan Dao City truly felt against the wilds outside.

Zhou Peng pulled out a pouch of silver and passed it to the ferryman.

The team pressed forward, reaching the closest town after an exhausting march.

"Luoyun City lies here, a thriving hub governed by Wenling Prefecture in Jiangzhou of Jiangnan Dao. It may not rival the prefectural seat in majesty, but it ranks as Wenling's second greatest settlement."

"Still, the defenses in this place seem awfully lax, with guards scattered thinly..."

"Checks on folks coming through the gates feel so half-hearted..."

Yun E's brow creased as she stroked the soft bunny in her embrace, a touch of confusion clouding her face.

Yet after endless days adrift on the Grand Canal, their palates had dulled like they'd sprouted beaks of birds.

They hurried into Luoyun City and settled at a cozy inn.

Yun E, unusually, polished off a second helping of rice.

They devoured their meal in a frenzy, savoring every bite with gusto.

Xi Xi rubbed her plump tummy, breathing out in pure bliss.

"Thinking about eats reminds me of the boss's cooking—it's been ages since I tasted it, and the Big Black Dog too, haven't laid eyes on them in forever..."

Xi Xi mumbled to herself, secretly yearning for those familiar comforts.

"Word is Qi Tian City has unlocked; these times are brewing with chaos!"

"True, sealed away for five centuries under Demon Race control, now our realm's powerhouses are rising to purge those fiends at last."

"Sigh, Qi Tian Temple shone so brightly in its prime... Yet today, lowly demons strut boldly through Qi Tian City!"

...

Within the inn, guests clad in martial attire swigged their drinks and swapped tales.

Xi Xi's ears twitched alertly, her eyes igniting with vivid curiosity.

"Qi Tian City..."

Yun E shot Xi Xi a look, wagging a delicate finger: "Xi Xi, drop that idea right now..."

"Qi Tian City isn't somewhere we should head."

Xi Xi fiddled with her twin upward braids, grinning mischievously: "Didn't we set out to temper ourselves? We could dip into the fray just for a peek..."

"Absolutely not."

Yun E denied it firmly, shaking her head.

"Qi Tian City guards the heritage of Qi Tian Temple, drawing seekers who are mostly Absolute Peak Great Gods or even Divine Tribulations... Not forgetting the savage demons, beasts like the Demon Emperor and Demon God, all bloodthirsty and utterly perilous."

Yun E spoke with unyielding gravity; she'd vowed to Aunt Zhang to safeguard Xi Xi properly on this outward adventure.

Xi Xi pouted her lips: "Alright, Emperor Xi Xi will let them off this once."

"Once Emperor Xi Xi gains more power, I'll charge in."

As dusk settled after their feast, a light winter drizzle blanketed the town, black roof tiles and pale walls reflecting the classic charm of Jiangnan's watery hamlets.