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

Chapter 879: Chapter 275: A Showdown of Foundations – The Princess Consort Wishes to Leave Dao City, But Has the Underworld Released You from the Book of Life and Death? [Seeking Monthly Ticket]

Let the Big Black Dog accompany Xi Xi on this trip?

Li Che’s eyebrows lifted slightly, a glint of brilliance flashing through his eyes.

As for the strength of the Big Black Dog, Li Che wasn’t quite sure, lacking a clear sense of its limits. However, there was no doubt—it was incredibly powerful. After all, back when Yellow Sword Wine, who had one foot in the realm of Sword Saint…

Was knocked unconscious and dragged away by the Big Black Dog without anyone noticing.

In Li Che’s opinion, the Dog’s strength… It had to at least rival that of a Martial Saint, right?

Although Li Che was uncertain about the specific content or the actual process of the Sect Master’s direct disciple assessment’s third test—the Temple Guardian Test.

Having a little more at one’s disposal is never a bad thing.

The first test evaluates talent, the second assesses character, and the third test… It essentially examines someone’s trump cards, combat power, and their experience and strategies when confronting the Mysterious Temple.

“Isn’t this a bit too much of an advantage?”

Li Che flicked off a bit of ash from his cigarette, remarking.

The shopkeeper cast a sideways glance at Li Che. “Of course it’s an advantage… But so what?”

“Are you just going to sit by and let Xi Xi suffer losses?”

“The Temple Guardian Test is meant to test one’s foundation. The Dog is Xi Xi’s foundation, so what if it’s unfair?”

“As long as Xi Xi isn’t the one being bullied, it’s fine.”

The shopkeeper said indifferently.

His words of partiality, his tone filled with indulgence—it made Li Che glance at the shopkeeper, his gaze becoming profoundly intense.

“She is my daughter…”

Li Che said earnestly.

“I know.” The shopkeeper flicked his cigarette ash dismissively, unconcerned.

“She’s not your daughter.” Li Che reiterated in a serious tone.

The sound of rainfall—

Spring Rain fell gently, forming bead-like strands that cascaded constantly off the black tile eaves.

The shopkeeper’s lips curled up slightly, forming a faint smirk.

“I know.”

Li Che did not press further. Gripping his cigarette between his thumb and index finger, he squinted as he took a deep drag. The paper around the tobacco burned as the tobacco curled under the heat, releasing wisps of smoke.

From both nostrils, Li Che exhaled twin streams of smoke, slowly letting out a deep breath.

The shopkeeper’s pampering of Xi Xi exceeded Li Che’s expectations. Then there was the Dog—indifferent to everyone else, yet utterly doting toward Xi Xi.

When it came to Xi Xi, the Dog transformed into a sycophantic lapdog. Li Che had to risk his life just to pat the Dog’s head. Yet Xi Xi could touch it whenever she pleased—even ride on its back while playing.

Surely, there had to be a reason for this?

Thinking about the tests Xi Xi faced during the Heart Test and the powerful, terrifying will that awakened from deep within Xi Xi’s soul…

Could the shopkeeper and the Dog have something to do with this?

Could it be connected to Xi Xi’s past life?!

The moment this thought arose, it surged like a boiling wave, impossible to suppress or quiet down. Li Che felt that this possibility was highly plausible.

But, he didn’t voice his speculations. Many times, breaking an unspoken mutual understanding may lead to unforeseen awkwardness.

Since the other party hadn’t explicitly revealed anything, Li Che refrained from probing further.

Moreover, the shopkeeper and the Dog truly cared for Xi Xi from the heart. With Li Che’s Star Plucking Pupil, he could clearly feel the sincerity of their emotions.

The Big Black Dog, who was currently playing with Xi Xi, perked up upon hearing the shopkeeper’s words. Its eyes brightened, and its tail began wagging.

“Don’t overdo it. Just make sure Xi Xi passes safely—remember two things: Xi Xi cannot be wronged, and the bet cannot be lost.”

The shopkeeper flicked off more ash, speaking firmly.

The Big Black Dog wagged its tail enthusiastically and nodded its head.

Then, it raised its head proudly, as if to declare:

When Lord Dog takes action, everything is under control!

…

…

Li Che returned to the Qian Yuan Divine Sect from the restaurant, holding Xi Xi under an oiled-paper umbrella, strolling leisurely through the cloud-shrouded mountain paths.

In Xi Xi’s arms, a fuzzy little black dog head poked out—its jet-black fur shimmering under the light, and its eyes blinking adorably.

It was none other than the scaled-down version of the Big Black Dog. At this moment, it looked just like a little black puppy—endearingly exquisite, chubby, nestled in Xi Xi’s embrace and nuzzling incessantly.

Li Che held the umbrella and glanced at the now-cutesy Big Black Dog in Xi Xi’s arms. Having caught Li Che’s mischievous stare, the Big Black Dog bared its teeth, raising its delicate paw angrily and swiping irritably at thin air.

It was as if issuing a warning to Li Che:

Lord Dog’s current form is only temporary!

However, compared to the formidable image of the Big Black Dog, it now fully lacked any semblance of intimidation.

Xi Xi was so overjoyed she seemed ready to burst with happiness, constantly rubbing the puppy’s head. She herself swayed her small head back and forth, even humming a little tune, her mood utterly radiant.

When they returned to the courtyard, the tiny butterfly perched on Xi Xi’s shoulder stirred, groggily awakening from its long slumber. The newly awakened butterfly made Xi Xi even happier.

With both the Dog and the little butterfly, Xi Xi felt like she was on top of the world.

“Elder Li, the Sect Master’s Wife requests Xi Xi’s presence. She intends to give Xi Xi some special training and prepare a few cards for her to face the upcoming Temple Guardian Test,” Nie Yang said while holding his sword, walking in from outside.

Upon hearing this, Li Che didn’t delay. Carrying Xi Xi, who was joyously playing with the butterfly and the puppy, he mounted a carriage and headed toward the Divine Talisman Tower.

The little butterfly, startled by the puppy’s antics, clung to Xi Xi’s shoulder without daring to move, slowly transforming back into a butterfly tattoo and disappearing.

Xi Xi stuffed the little puppy into the front of her clothes, letting its tiny head peek out.

“Papa, I’m going to find the Sect Master’s Wife and Master now!”

“Come pick up Xi Xi and the Dog later, okay?”

Xi Xi waved her hand to bid farewell to Li Che.

Li Che watched her enter the Divine Talisman Tower. Looking up, he saw the delicate figure of the Sect Master’s Wife standing on the high railing of the tower, hands behind her back.