Chapter 195: 194. Seated in the Mountains, Sending Off Guests from Afar

Chapter 195: 194. Seated in the Mountains, Sending Off Guests from Afar

News from the eastern mountain range of Da Nanshan startled Ye Han and his daughter, as well as the elders of Jinchenghai, leaving them perplexed and doubtful.

Jinchenghai immediately dispatched people to investigate the situation.

Out of caution, Ye Han and his daughter did not act immediately. Instead, they instructed their intelligence network to gather more detailed information to confirm the whereabouts of Lei Jun and his master.

In fact, Lei Jun and his master, Yuan Mobai, did not split up.

They traveled together, one in the light and one in the shadows.

However, instead of heading to Gucheng Ridge in the western part of Da Nanshan, they journeyed east along the continuous mountain range.

"Master, I've found a suitable person to deliver the message." Lei Jun used a voice transmission talisman to inform Yuan Mobai, his gaze fixed on the mountains ahead.

Below the mountain cliffs, two cultivators were engaged in a fierce battle.

At first glance, neither of the combatants seemed to have any significant connection to Lei Jun.

One was a middle-aged man dressed in the distinctive style of the Southern Wilderness.

The other was a middle-aged monk, appearing to be in his forties, clad in Buddhist robes.

Although the monk was not tall, he exuded a robust and powerful aura. Unlike the ascetic monks of Yongxiang and Dexiang, his every movement suggested the immense strength of a dragon or an elephant, marking him as a true successor of the Chanwu lineage of Buddhism.

With the destruction of Putuo Temple, most of its disciples had perished, except for a handful who had been traveling outside at the time.

Thanks to the intervention of the Tang imperial family, the blame for the Northern Demon Incident did not fall on the heads of the Putuo Temple disciples.

These survivors were able to regroup and resume their activities openly.

However, the ancient temple of Putuo had been ravaged by the fierce battle and the destruction caused by the Great Empty Temple, its spiritual energy was depleted, and the land was left in ruins.

It would take years to restore it to its former state.

As a result, the survivors of Putuo Temple had no choice but to find another place to settle temporarily and reopen their mountain gates in order to recover and rebuild.

Since the new location of their mountain gate was further south compared to their original site, they came to be known as Nanputuo, or South Putuo.

With the support and patronage of the Tang imperial family, Nanputuo gradually gained a foothold over the past three years.

However, it was still far from the grandeur and influence it once held as the holy land of the Chanwu lineage of Buddhism.

The surviving disciples either devoted themselves to arduous cultivation or actively sought ways to restore the former glory of Putuo Temple.

The middle-aged monk before Lei Jun's eyes seemed to be one of the successors of Nanputuo, though it was unclear what had brought him to the Southern Wilderness region.

Lei Jun's gaze shifted from the monk to his opponent, the middle-aged man dressed in the traditional attire of Southern Wilderness.

This man was surrounded by mist-like gu worms swirling in the air, marking him as a gu worm master.

Lei Jun studied his features and felt that he looked vaguely familiar, as if he had seen his portrait before.

Any Gu Master from the Southern Wilderness whose portrait reached the Central Plains of the Great Tang Dynasty must have been a celebrated figure in the Southern Wilderness. They were all disciples of the Yanshan Dong Sect, the sacred land of the Gu Masters, and each one of them was a master in their own right.

Lei Jun recalled that this middle-aged man was named Zhao Sen.

Interestingly, he was also a personal disciple of Tian Linlong, one of the elders of Yanshan Dong.

Lei Jun nodded in satisfaction. With this development, his impending appearance and intervention would seem even more natural.

At that moment, the intense battle between the Nanputuo monk and the gu worm master, Zhao Sen, had reached its climax.

The monk wielded a vajra pestle, his body enveloped in golden Buddhist light. His movements were grand and powerful, unmatched in their might.

With each strike of the vajra pestle, hordes of gu worms were blasted into pieces.

"Compassion of the Buddha!"

The monk stomped his foot with all his might, causing the mountain rocks to crumble and collapse, sending dust and debris flying in all directions.

He then leaped diagonally, charging straight towards Zhao Sen, who was standing on the hillside.

The true successors of the Chanwu lineage of Buddhism were known for their formidable physical strength, rivaling martial artists of the same level. In some aspects, they even surpassed them. However, their speed was a notable weakness.

Nevertheless, with this leap, the Nanputuo monk shot forward at a remarkable speed, reaching Zhao Sen in the blink of an eye.

The gu worm masters of the Wu Clan and the true successors of the Chanwu lineage of Buddhism were like two extremes. The gu worm masters focused on the cultivation of the soul, often neglecting the physical body.

It was usually a taboo for a gu worm master to allow an opponent to get too close. Yet, Zhao Sen remained calm and collected, a cruel smile playing on his lips.

Suddenly, a strange gu worm appeared on Zhao Sen's headscarf, emitting a golden light.

As the charging monk swung his vajra pestle, the golden light formed a barrier, blocking his attack. The monk's face contorted with rage, his eyes blazing with fury.

From a distance, Lei Jun could tell that the strange golden gu worm Zhao Sen had summoned was not a typical defensive technique used by the gu worm sect, such as the golden armor gu.

The golden light seemed to share a connection with the Buddhist principles and concepts of the middle-aged monk.

As the golden light intensified and condensed, a semi-transparent figure resembling a Buddha appeared, its palms pressed together in a defensive posture. This ethereal figure shielded Zhao Sen, protecting him from the monk's attack.

Lei Jun looked more closely and noticed that the strange gu worm that had suddenly emerged from Zhao Sen's headscarf had a unique appearance—it resembled both human knuckles and genuine Buddhist prayer beads.

The fusion of the solemn treasures of Buddhism with the enigmatic and unpredictable nature of the gu worm sect resulted in an extraordinary creation.

Could it be a Buddhist relic? Lei Jun wondered if it had been refined by the gu worm master, Zhao Sen.

With the destruction of Putuo Temple, countless scriptures, and Buddhist treasures were scattered and lost.

Among the lost treasures were said to be the relics of many eminent Buddhist monks.

It seemed that Zhao Sen had obtained one of these relics and, in a creative twist, had refined it into a unique defensive gu worm—a relic gu.

Regardless of whether this act was right or wrong, Zhao Sen's ingenuity and talent were undeniable. It was no wonder that he had become a rising star in Yanshan Dong in recent years, garnering admiration from both the Southern Wilderness and beyond. Many believed that he would eventually attain the Upper Three Heavens cultivation level.

However, at this moment, the middle-aged monk was furious as he faced this relic gu worm.

After his vajra pestle strike was blocked by the relic gu, the monk immediately swung his vajra pestle again.

Just then, a colorful, bizarre flower suddenly bloomed between his eyebrows, growing right out of his flesh.

Amidst the eerie flowers, the spirit of the Gu worms emerged.

This was yet another type of Gu sorcery passed down from Yanshan Dong.

"It's not easy for Gu worms like the Seven Emotions Gu and the Mania Gu to have an effect on you monks."

Zhao Sen smiled and said, "Now you're giving me the opportunity."

Buddhist cultivation, especially the Zen martial arts lineage, also emphasizes spiritual cultivation, with myriad mystical powers emanating from within. Thus, their souls are resilient.

The Seven Emotions Gu, Mania Gu, and Heart Gu of Yanshan Dong directly affect the soul and mind of a person, and under normal circumstances, it is difficult to break through the mental defenses of a Buddhist disciple with similar cultivation.

The monk was currently in a state of rage due to the influence of the Relic Gu, and with his mind in turmoil, he finally gave Zhao Sen an opportunity to strike.

As one of the few remaining successors of the Mid-Three Heavens Bodhi Temple, the monk's reaction was swift.

Upon realizing the breach in his mental defenses, he immediately focused his mind and calmed his qi, reinforcing his mental guard.

His inheritance of Buddhist teachings from the sacred Bodhi Temple was also exquisite, and even without the advantage of taking the first move, he was not to be underestimated.

The monk raised his hand and gently wiped his forehead.

The motion was gentle, like a branch extending from the Bodhi tree.

Just as the bizarre Gu flower was about to take root and bloom on his forehead, it changed course and landed on his palm instead.

Then, with a flick of his fingers, the eerie flower petals trembled, and its growth abruptly halted as if it had been forcibly stopped by the monk.

The extremely fierce and forceful Vajra Subduing Demon Pillars instantly transformed into the light and agile Thousand-Hand Bodhi Palm, a profound and mysterious technique.

One technique captured the essence of the Vajra's toughness and grandeur, while the other embodied the wisdom and enlightenment of the Bodhi, both being orthodox Buddhist teachings.

With one hand, the monk suppressed the not-yet-fully-bloomed Seven Emotions Gu, while with the other, he retracted the Vajra Pillars and waved his hand through the air. Hundreds of hands seemed to open up and envelop the surroundings, aiming to capture the Relic Gu that had previously blocked the Vajra Pillars.

Although it didn't seem as forceful as the previous Vajra Pillars, it was like a Bodhi tree taking root and entangling the Relic Gu, intending to retrieve it from Zhao Sen's control.

However, Zhao Sen had already seized the initiative, and he wasn't about to let the monk turn the tables. As the monk switched to the subtle and gentle Bodhi ultimate technique, numerous black Gu worms flew out from around Zhao Sen, connecting with the Relic Gu.

These black Gu worms were blocked by the layers of Bodhi palm shadows, and instead of breaking through, they became like small abysses, voraciously devouring the golden Buddhist light.

"Spirit Devouring Gu..." The monk remained calm in the face of this development.

The Thousand-Hand Bodhi Palm was dense and seamless, with Buddhist power fusing into one, making it difficult for Zhao Sen's Spirit Devouring Gu to devour his power.

Even with some losses, the monk could still endure.

Buddhist cultivators, regardless of their lineage, were known for their enduring stamina and abundant power.

However, in addition to the black Spirit Devouring Gu, Zhao Sen released another type of golden Gu worm.

There were only a few dozen of them, but they were extremely fast and powerful, drilling through the monk's palm technique like nails piercing through ox hide.

They were the famous Golden Silkworm Gu of Yanshan Dong.

Zhao Sen's offense was a combination of toughness and gentleness, a dual-pronged approach that relentlessly assaulted the monk.

If even one Golden Silkworm Gu succeeded in breaking through, the countless other Gu worms would swarm in.

The monk's Bodhi Palm technique was indeed exquisite, guarding against any intrusion.

Normally, he could have continued to fight against Zhao Sen, looking for an opportunity to counter-attack.

But now, having lost the initiative, if he continued to engage Zhao Sen, the previously suppressed Seven Emotions Gu would flare up again.

On the contrary, Zhao Sen had the protection of the Relic Gu, putting him in an invincible position.

Although the monk was indignant that the relics of his predecessors were being desecrated, he had to admit that if he continued to fight, he would only fall further behind.

His only option was to find an opportunity to retreat, clear the Seven Emotions Gu at a later time, and then settle the score with Zhao Sen.

Unfortunately, it was difficult to escape at this moment.

Zhao Sen dispersed his numerous Gu worms, surrounding the monk on both sides.

Buddhist cultivators of the Zen martial arts lineage were not adept at movement techniques or escape arts. They would need to reach the Upper Three Heavens realm and cultivate the Buddha's divine power of 'Step by Step Lotus' to improve their situation.

Currently, surrounded by countless Gu worms, the monk found it difficult to take even a single step.

Zhao Sen smiled without pressing too hard, preventing the monk from making a desperate last stand. Instead, with the help of the Spirit Devouring Gu, he patiently and gradually eroded the monk's defenses.

"I've heard that monks of the Mid-Three Heavens, after death, have the opportunity to cremate their bodies and produce relics. I hope you won't disappoint me and contribute a relic to me later."

Zhao Sen grinned as he revealed his plans, continuing to provoke the monk's mind so that his Gu worms could more easily exert their power.

However, at this moment, Zhao Sen's heart suddenly tightened, and he felt a chill run down his spine.

Without hesitation, he summoned the Relic Gu to manifest its Buddhist light and protect himself.

Almost simultaneously, a short rod descended from above Zhao Sen's head, striking the Buddhist light.

The Buddhist light immediately trembled and shook.

At the tip of the short rod, there seemed to be a faint flickering light.

Then, it exploded with a force far beyond Zhao Sen's expectations, unleashing a series of thunderous explosions.

Even the defensive power of the Relic Gu was no match for this attack, and the Buddhist light was blasted away.

The Gu worm, resembling both Buddhist beads and bone joints, was directly knocked away by the short rod.

The short rod continued its momentum and struck Zhao Sen's body.

Cultivators of the Gu worm lineage did not focus on physical strength, and Zhao Sen's body was instantly reduced to a bloody mess.

However, Zhao Sen's life force had not yet extinguished.

The countless Gu worms swirling in the surroundings converged to form a face that resembled Zhao Sen himself, and they all spoke in unison, "Impressive move!"

The one who had made the move was none other than Lei Jun.

Holding the short rod in one hand, he took out a Zhang Huohai Infinite Fire Talisman with the other and ignited it, causing intense flames to continue assaulting the Gu worms. "Zhao Sen, is it?

"Your master, Tian Linlong, once offended my Longhushan. Today, I'm merely returning the favor."

Zhao Sen's gu worms scattered as he fled, "I know you too, Lei Jun of Longhushan! One day, I will repay you in kind!"

The besieged monk finally caught a break.

Seeing that the Relic Gu had been knocked away but was now fleeing with the other gu worms, the monk quickly gave chase.

While suppressing the re-emerging Seven Emotions Gu, he thanked Lei Jun, "Monk Ruyuan of Putuo Temple thanks you for your help, Fellow Daoist Lei."

Lei Jun replied, "There's no need for formalities, Fellow Daoist. Let's chase after that evil heretic first."

As Zhao Sen fled, his countless gu worms dispersed in all directions.

Monk Ruyuan hesitated for a moment, unsure which one was Zhao Sen's true body, before finally deciding to pursue the Relic Gu.

Lei Jun chose to go in another direction.

After slaying a few gu worms, he stopped and concealed himself within the mountains of the eastern segment of Da Nanshan.

If he had wanted to, Zhao Sen wouldn't have had a chance to escape earlier.

But Lei Jun had no intention of doing so.

He had deliberately sought to leave survivors, using these people to spread news of their whereabouts to attract the enemies lying in ambush in the western segment of Da Nanshan.

Having the news delivered by a third party lent it more credibility.

Not long after, Yuan Mobai's whereabouts were also reported in the eastern segment of Da Nanshan.

It seemed that he had received news and was on his way to meet his disciple, Lei Jun.

Soon after, rumors began to circulate that Lei Jun and Yuan Mobai had appeared together in a certain valley in the eastern segment of Da Nanshan, seemingly searching for something.

Later, there were reports of a nine-colored radiance, originating from the Heavenly Master's Robe, near the eastern peak of Da Nanshan, known as Chaoyang Peak.

The ones who witnessed this radiance were none other than members of the Witchcraft Sect, one of the major powers in South Wilderness, whose lineage could be traced back to the Sacred Realm of Lunhui Abyss.

In the past, the Witchcraft Sect of South Wilderness had been entangled with the Heavenly Master's Mansion of Longhushan.

Although Lunhui Abyss was not an enemy of Jinchenghai like Gold City Fortress, their knowledge of the Heavenly Master's Mansion was equally extensive.

After members of Yanshan Dong and Lunhui personally confirmed the news about Lei Jun and his master and their connection to the Heavenly Master's Robe, Ye Han, her daughter, and the Jinchenghai cultivators frowned upon hearing this.

Not only had Yuan Mobai and his disciple gone to the eastern segment of Da Nanshan, but there were also signs of the Heavenly Master's Robe there.

If it was a trap set by the Heavenly Master's Mansion to lure them into a trap, Ye Han had received recent news from the north that the other members of the Mansion had not left their seclusion.

The Tang imperial family was currently focusing their attention on the Imperial College and the Xiao Clan beyond the borders.

"Could it be Xu Yuanzhen?" Ye Lingxi asked softly. "Did Yuan Mobai and his disciple secretly contact her?"

Ye Han replied, "If that were the case, they would directly attack Guicheng Ridge. There's no need for such roundabout tactics."

She took out a scroll and wrote on it, "Our plan at Guicheng Ridge has failed. Contact the people from Jinchenghai, and let's go to the eastern segment of Da Nanshan together. If the Heavenly Master's Robe is truly there, we can let Yuan Mobai and his disciple escape, but we must not let them retrieve the robe."

The Heavenly Master's Robe was not only a priceless treasure imbued with spiritual power, but it also held immense significance for the Heavenly Master's Mansion of Longhushan.

It contained the complete Taoist Talisman Sect's Three Caverns and Three Realms scriptures, a legacy that was now missing since the unexpected demise of the four elders and the disappearance of the Heavenly Master's Seal and Robe. As a result, the Mansion had lost access to this vital knowledge, and the Thunder, Law, and Talisman techniques were temporarily lost.

This was undoubtedly a significant loss for the Mansion.

If not for this, Ye Han and her daughter wouldn't have used the news of the robe as bait, joining forces with the Jinchenghai experts to try and kill the Heavenly Master's Mansion cultivators.

Now that they had this opportunity, they had to make the most of it and not give the Mansion a chance to recover.

............

"Master, we can retreat now," said Lei Jun to his master as they left the eastern segment of Da Nanshan.

Lei Jun looked back at the mountains behind them, "Let's keep an eye on the news from South Wilderness later."

Yuan Mobai's face bore his usual smile, "Yes, what happens next has nothing to do with us."

To be honest, Lei Jun was a little curious about what exactly was hidden at Chaoyang Peak, the eastern peak of Da Nanshan, that posed such a threat.

Without any prior knowledge, he couldn't be sure if Chaoyang Peak held a pleasant surprise for the people of Guicheng Ridge.

He also wasn't sure if the pursuers from Guicheng Ridge would step into the range of Chaoyang Peak or if they, like him and his master, had only reached the outskirts.

But Lei Jun didn't intend to stay and confirm the success of his plan.

There was no point in lingering.

Even if they failed, it didn't matter as he and Yuan Mobai had avoided the trap set at Guicheng Ridge.

Any additional surprises would be a bonus.

So, they didn't linger in South Wilderness and instead, disappeared without a trace, making their way north.

The master and disciple didn't return to the ancestral court of Longhushan right away but instead found a place with beautiful mountains and clear waters outside Xinzhou, where they relaxed and enjoyed the scenery while waiting for news from South Wilderness.

No one knew they had left Da Nanshan.

Meanwhile, Ye Clan of Jinzhou, along with members of the Witchcraft Sect of South Wilderness, ventured deep into the eastern segment of Da Nanshan, following the trail left by Lei Jun and Yuan Mobai.

They gradually approached Chaoyang Peak, the eastern peak.

PS: 5k words per chapter

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end