As a Father, I Just Want to Watch You Achieve Immortality Chapter 1676: I Arrive with Heroes—How Will You Respond? Secretly Meeting the Training Emperor Xi Xi

"A reward."

"Refine it."

Li Che spoke in a composed manner.

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

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

BOOM——!!!

In the heart of Mo City, Gu Changqing's aura skyrocketed as he absorbed the violet Primordial Dragon Elephant Flame during refinement.

Laughter rang out without pause.

After quite some time.

Gu Changqing descended before Li Che, clasping his hands in a deep, reverent salute: "I thank you, my lord, for enabling this."

"Concentrate on pill refinement."

Li Che urged him on with evident pleasure.

Gu Changqing and Huang Mei had now ascended to the Divine Tribulation Realm, swelling the ranks of soul-confining experts among Li Che's divine tribulation cultivators at a swift pace.

Gu Yinxuan and the Nine Infant, born from the Old Dragon God's transformation, wielded the might of the One Disaster Two Tribulations Realm.

Following them, Zhao Beidou, Gu Changqing, and Grandmaster Huang Mei possessed the strength of One Disaster One Tribulation.

On top of that, the Divine Machine Demon Ape boasted power rivaling a Martial God.

Anticipation gleamed in Li Che's gaze as he pondered the trip to Qi Tian City.

With so many mighty figures under my command, who can stand against us?

...

...

Crack! Crack!——!

A deafening blast erupted, bolts of lightning streaking across the darkened heavens while thunder boomed like winter's fury.

That abrupt lightning burst resembled a vast network of savage bolts weaving through the storm clouds!

Rustle, rustle, rustle——

Snowflakes dissolved into chilly winter downpour, sprinkling across the mortal realm.

Alongside the Grand Canal.

A vessel eased into the dock with a gentle bump, halting by the bank amid the swirling mix of rain and flakes.

"Wow——!!! At last, we've made it!"

Xi Xi dashed from the cabin interior, stretching her arms out broad, belly protruding, letting out a deep sigh of relief.

She'd swapped her vibrant crimson attire for something else, her features subtly altered by cosmetics.

Thanks to her bond with the Fruit of the Heavenly Dao from Within the Painting, Xi Xi excelled at applying makeup and altering looks.

In fact, she'd even handled disguises for Yun E, Zhou Peng, and Jin Taixui.

At this point, all four appeared completely transformed.

"The map shows we've reached Jiangnan Dao, a prosperous region teeming with lush landscapes, stunning waterways, and abundant lands..."

Yun E cradled a fluffy white rabbit, sharing the details with Xi Xi through a gentle grin.

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

Xi Xi's party journeyed in secrecy since her true identity had leaked; fiends from the Corpse God Cult, killers of the Hunting God Pavilion, experts from the Heavenly Pill Divine Sect, plus countless Jianghu wanderers dispatched by the Imperial Court, Divine Sects, and noble clans, hunted relentlessly for Xi Xi and her allies.

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

As they neared Jiangnan Dao, the Corpse God Cult's grip grew ever more oppressive.

Corpse God Envoys prowled everywhere in search, and despite their camouflages, assaults struck without warning at times.

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

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

Hand in hand with Yun E, Xi Xi leaped from the boat.

A sigh escaped Xi Xi's lips, striking her that Qianyuan Dao City felt like a haven when set against the perils outside.

Zhou Peng pulled forth a handful of silver and passed it to the ferryman.

The travelers pressed onward, reaching the closest town after an arduous march.

"Luoyun City lies ahead, a thriving hub governed by Wenling Prefecture in Jiangzhou of Jiangnan Dao. It may not rival the splendor of the capital, but it ranks as Wenling's second premier settlement."

"Still, the defenses here seem awfully lax, with only a handful of scattered sentries..."

"And the checks on entrants are downright careless..."

Yun E creased her brow, stroking the tiny white rabbit nestled against her, a trace of confusion clouding her face.

Yet after days adrift on the Grand Canal, their palates had dulled like weary travelers craving flavor.

With haste, they stepped into Luoyun City and secured lodging at an inn.

Rarely for her, Yun E devoured an additional serving of rice.

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

Xi Xi gave her plump tummy a satisfied pat, breathing out in bliss.

"Talk of meals 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 their company.

"Word is Qi Tian City has unlocked; these times are buzzing with turmoil!"

"True, sealed away for five centuries under Demon Race control, now our Great Vista's powerhouses are striking back to purge the fiends."

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

...

Within the inn, guests clad in Jianghu garb sipped their drinks and chatted animatedly.

Xi Xi's ears twitched keenly, her eyes lighting up with fervor.

"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 venture."

Xi Xi fiddled with her twin upward-bound pigtails, flashing a mischievous smile: "Didn't we set out for training? We could dip into the action, just peek around..."

"Absolutely not."

Yun E denied it with a firm shake of her head.

"Qi Tian City holds the heritage of Qi Tian Temple, drawing seekers who are typically Absolute Peak Great Gods or even Divine Tribulations... Let alone the savage demons there, beasts like Demon Emperors and Demon Gods, brutal and utterly perilous."

Yun E's demeanor turned gravely intense; she'd vowed to Aunt Zhang to safeguard Xi Xi properly on this outward expedition.

Xi Xi pouted: "Alright, Emperor Xi Xi will let them off for the moment."

"Once Emperor Xi Xi gains more power, I'll head there."

Post-dinner, as darkness settled, a light winter shower blanketed the city, its dark rooftops and pale walls evoking the classic charm of Jiangnan's watery hamlets.