Chapter 24: The Dao Fruit Evolves Again, the Incipient Form of a Divine Art

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"A good seed for cultivating the Divine Essence Technique?"

Li Che's eyes narrowed, but he wasn't overly surprised.

He had already thought about what made a Spirit Infant so special, and why the Spirit Infant Sect cared so much about them.

It must have something to do with divine essence.

"The Spirit Infant Sect's methods are likely to be cruel and despicable. If Xixi falls into their hands, she will be raised like livestock. Once she grows up and her divine essence is abundant, they will forcibly extract it..."

"Being a Spirit Infant raised like livestock is definitely not a good thing..."

Old Chen took a sip of wine, shook his head, and said solemnly.

That was definitely not a good thing, and Li Che knew it. That's why he had been treading on thin ice ever since Xixi was born.

Furrowing his brows, Li Che thought about how to deal with the situation, wondering how many years it would take for him to become strong enough to single-handedly destroy the Spirit Infant Sect.

With the Dao Fruit bound to his daughter, he would slowly grow stronger.

Gently stroking Xixi's head, the little girl blinked her innocent, sparkling eyes.

Old Chen exhaled, "Actually, there's a way to deal with the crisis brought by the Spirit Infant Sect."

Li Che glanced at Old Chen, his eyes showing confusion, gesturing for him to continue.

"Spirit Infants are rare, but not nonexistent. Ordinary people's Spirit Infants are pitiful, like lambs. They usually don't grow up, and are often targeted at a young age. Not only by the Spirit Infant Sect, but also by other sects that have inherited from mysterious temples, who also hunt Spirit Infants."

Old Chen's expression was serious.

"But if they can survive until the age of four, they have a chance to live."

Li Che was taken aback.

"Four years... Is there a specific reason?"

Old Chen smiled, "No, the Imperial Court will intervene."

The Imperial Court?

Li Che's face showed a hint of surprise; he had almost forgotten about the Imperial Court.

Feilei City... was basically divided among the major aristocratic families within the inner city, who held power. The Imperial Court's administration was virtually non-existent, handling only minor civilian disputes, and was generally ignored by the aristocratic families.

Old Chen took a sip of aged yellow wine and shook his head, "Don't underestimate the Imperial Court, Li. Even a dying camel is bigger than a horse. Besides, the Great Jing Empire has not yet declined. Although the Imperial Court has weakened, it remains one of the most powerful forces in the land. Even the major Divine Sects dare not ignore it."

"Feilei City is mainly remote, and the presence of the mysterious temples has isolated it, causing it to somewhat escape the Imperial Court's jurisdiction. However, it's not entirely neglected."

"Look at the current administration and court, which seem non-existent, but do the major aristocratic families truly dare to ignore them?"

"The Imperial Court conducts a screening every four years. If a Spirit Infant with divine essence is found, they are recruited and cultivated by the Imperial Court. Now, this screening right has been delegated to the major aristocratic families in Feilei City."

Old Chen glanced at Li Che as he spoke.

Li Che nodded slightly, "So, if Xixi can safely live to the age of four and be selected for her divine essence talent, she can join the Xu family to cultivate the Divine Essence Technique and receive their protection, living without worry?"

"Exactly."

Old Chen smiled.

"If the Imperial Court regains control over Feilei City, the major aristocratic families will still have to return the selected divine essence children to the Imperial Court..."

Li Che frowned, "Would the aristocratic families be willing to return them?"

Old Chen took a sip of wine, "Would the Imperial Court not understand? So, what do you think the purpose behind this policy is?"

"The Great Jing Imperial Court is not ignoring the issue, but rather too lazy to manage it. Mysterious temples have sprung up like mushrooms after rain, almost every city has one or several..."

"If every mysterious temple were to be managed, how could the Imperial Court handle it? So, they delegate the power to the aristocratic families in each city, allowing them to deal with the mysterious temples."

"These screened divine essence talents naturally supplement the aristocratic families' ranks."

Li Che was enlightened upon hearing this.

Old Chen narrowed his eyes, "Moreover, the Divine Sects also come every four years to screen for divine essence children, taking them back to their sects for cultivation. It's a competition with the Imperial Court, but the Divine Sects have higher standards. Most of those who meet the criteria are the carefully cultivated children of the aristocratic families."

Li Che, naturally unfamiliar with the cultivation forces in this world, began to understand after Old Chen's explanation.

"If Xixi can join a Divine Sect, that would be best, but the requirements for selecting disciples by Divine Sects are very high..."

Old Chen sighed and shook his head, his eyes flashing with a complex expression.

Li Che sensed a story behind his words and deliberately poured a cup of wine, holding Xixi and blinking, his curiosity burning.

But Old Chen rolled his eyes and only drank, not saying another word.

Li Che felt a bit disappointed and asked, "Old Chen, do you have any Martial Techniques for sale? If so... could you sell me a few?"

Old Chen, who had just taken a sip of wine, almost choked. 

"Do you think Martial Techniques are cabbages? Several... Martial Techniques are much more precious than skin-refining or meridian-opening techniques. Although I have some in my study, they are not many."

Li Che's eyes lit up at this, becoming even more interested in Old Chen's study.

"Martial Techniques have distinct styles. The Martial Techniques of major aristocratic families cannot be passed on directly. If you learn them, you will face retribution. Forget it... What type of Martial Technique do you want?"

Old Chen patted his chest, took a deep breath, and said irritably.

"Any type will do, as long as I can practice it... You decide?"

Li Che held Xixi, and father and daughter both smiled.

...

...

Time does not stand still, and seasons flow like a stream.

One month later.

Feilei City, Spring Wind Lane.

In a small courtyard with the doors tightly closed, the snow had completely melted. Hot air currents intertwined like dragons, shaking the loquat trees planted in the courtyard.

Li Che, bare-chested, with his bronze skin pulsating with surging blood and qi, causing a drum-like sound as it pounded against his skin, like thunder after a cloud.

Thick, dragon-like tendons emerged on his body, twitching and tightening like taut bows.

Boom!

The surge of energy burst out, instantly causing a mist of snow to rise.

Slowly gathering his internal energy and qi, Li Che opened his eyes, which flashed like two sharp blades slicing through the fog.

His tendons slowly relaxed, and his black hair flew wildly.

Putting on a thin robe, Li Che swung his arms, a smile on his lips.

His eyes narrowed, and a notification appeared.

[Dao Fruit: Dragon-Elephant Vajra (Level 1, 50%)]

He twisted his neck, and his spine creaked, exuding a powerful aura.

"In one month, I've opened nine major tendons, and the Xu Family Muscle Opening Technique is complete... Not bad, faster than expected. Indeed, everything comes down to my diligence and effort."

He raised his hand, and a surge of energy formed nine snake-like inner forces around his palm.

"The Serpent Inner Strength has reached the second level, barely able to be externalized."

"Indeed, the Dragon-Elephant Vajra Dao Fruit greatly enhances martial cultivation..."

"The [Divine Artisan] enhances my woodcarving skills, while the [Dragon-Elephant Vajra] enhances my martial talent. Good, I wonder what type the third Dao Fruit will be?"

Li Che couldn't help but look forward to the third Dao Fruit that would accompany Xixi when she turns two.

"Additionally, the mid-level Martial Technique [White Tiger Chaotic Wind Fist] I obtained from Old Chen has been mastered to a small success. This type of physical cultivation technique is truly easy for me to practice."

"However, one Martial Technique is not enough. After completing the woodcarving transaction with the Si family's young master tomorrow and receiving the gold leaves, I'll visit the market again to see if I can find another Martial Technique to enhance my offensive capabilities."

Li Che, in his thin robe, began practicing boxing in the courtyard, the wind from his punches roaring like a fierce tiger, raising countless snowflakes that melted into water and then froze upon hitting the ground.

After finishing a set of boxing, Li Che was satisfied and relaxed his energy.

The small success of the White Tiger Chaotic Wind Fist, combined with the Vajra Transformation, was incredibly powerful.

But... it's still not enough.

Returning to the inner room, he washed his body with hot water, bought a box of osmanthus cake for his wife, and returned to the woodcarving shop.

Putting on a leather apron, Li Che sat on a chair, in front of him was the "Nine-Headed Avalokiteshvara Weeping Ghost Suppressing Statue" he had meticulously carved over the past month.

Picking up his tools, the [Divine Artisan] Dao Fruit trembled slightly. He calmed his mind, entered the carving state, and focused on the final touches.

Inside the workshop, only the sound of the tools could be heard.

When the last step was completed, a golden light flashed before Li Che's eyes.

In the next moment, a notification appeared.

[Dao Fruit: Divine Artisan (Level 3, 0%)]

[Dao Fruit Level 3, evolved, gained the incipient form of a divine art: Divine Artisan·Thousand Analysis Hands]

PS: Tuesday's follow is extremely important, it determines next week's recommendation. Please support, don't hoard the book. Old Li thanks you all!

(End of Chapter)