Chapter 363: The Five Divine Beasts Unleased, A Dual Dragon-Tiger Strike (Part 1)

Chapter 363: The Five Divine Beasts Unleased, A Dual Dragon-Tiger Strike (Part 1)



(A Combined Triple Chapter of 11,000 Characters)



Under Lei Jun's calm and peaceful influence, Zhang Ying and the others quickly regained their composure.

Unconsciously, everyone turned their gazes towards the once majestic mountain gate of the Vajra Temple, now reduced to ruins.

What kind of divine power and skill could achieve such a feat?

Logically, Xiao Hang, Zhang Ying, and the others had not set off too late.

Earlier, they had heard that the Dragon and Tiger Mountain's Lei Tian Shi was east of the Great River, sweeping through a large area of the Lonely Eagle Khanate cultivators.

Even if he had rushed nonstop towards the Western Regions after that, the overall time was still limited.

But within this unexpectedly short period, the Taoist Master had single-handedly broken through the Buddhist sacred site of the Vajra Temple.

Such prowess and means were truly breathtaking.

After calming down, Zhang Ying, Xiao Hang, and the others gradually began to understand the situation.

The Celestial Master's Mansion must have had a way to break the Vajra Temple's mountain-guarding formation, just like them.

Otherwise, with the Sword of Righteousness in hand, Xiao Hang could barely match a Ninth Tier cultivator, but his own sword qi would still be insufficient to break through the mountain-guarding formation led by an Eighth Tier Buddhist expert in a short period.

The fact that he dared to come here meant that he had something to rely on.

In this regard, the Celestial Master's Mansion had indeed set a precedent in the past.

The Lin Clan of Jiangzhou used the bloody facts to warn the people of the world.

However, even so, simply breaking the Vajra Temple's mountain-guarding formation would not have surprised Zhang Ying, Xiao Hang, and the others, who were accustomed to facing challenges.

Their journey here was also for this purpose.

The problem was that no matter how empty the Vajra Temple seemed, the Sumeru Vajra Sect must still have a considerable number of disciples guarding it.

Xiao Hang and the others had considered this, which was why Xiao Hang brought the Sword of Righteousness out of seclusion, despite the risks to the Xiao Clan outside the passes.

However, the best outcome they had hoped for was to defeat, repel, or rout the Buddhist experts guarding the Vajra Temple.

To completely exterminate them would undoubtedly be much more difficult.

Especially considering the possibility of reinforcements from Mount Sumeru.

However, the Dragon and Tiger Mountain Celestial Master before them had achieved this feat...

A lone cultivator had annihilated a sacred site of a sect.

And it wasn't a case like the ravaged Bodhi Temple, which was currently in a dilapidated state, desperately trying to recover its strength.

If Lei Tian Shi was a Ninth Tier expert like Xu Yuanzhen or Tang Xiaotang, then it would be understandable.

But as far as Xiao Hang and Zhang Ying knew, Lei Tian Shi was still at the Eighth Tier.

Although people often said that this contemporary Celestial Master, who had perfected the fourth layer of the Eighth Tier, should be treated as a Ninth Tier expert, when it really came down to it, the impact on people's hearts was especially profound.

"The Western Regions' Buddhist Sect seems to have kept a low profile, but there are quite a few hidden evil deeds lurking in the shadows."

Lei Jun's expression turned solemn:

"I was a little too forceful earlier, and many things here have been destroyed. However, they should still have similar items in their other branches and monasteries throughout the Western Regions.

Back then, when Senior Sister Tang was inspecting the area, they were careful to avoid attracting attention. Now that these heretic monks have incited the northern border tribes to invade, their true nature has been exposed, and their efforts to conceal their tracks have naturally weakened."

As he spoke, he held up two dharma bells: "In addition, I found these on a stone wall inside the Vajra Temple today."

Although Xiao Hang and Zhang Ying's strengths were inferior to Lei Jun's, they were both well-versed and experienced.

Since they had been ordered to come to the Western Regions, they had naturally learned a lot about the Buddhist Sect there.

At this moment, as the others stared at the dharma bells, they felt a deep Buddhist aura and a sense of spirituality. However, in the eyes of Xiao Hang and Zhang Ying, there was something amiss.

"This dharma artifact..." Xiao Hang frowned.

He glanced at Zhang Ying, and their expressions turned grave.

Lei Jun spoke, "The Four-Eyed Python Emperor of the Southern Wilderness, who was thought to have perished, was actually converted by the Sumeru Vajra Sect. He became a Dharma protector of the Buddhist Sect and broke through the limit of the 'Ultimate Body,' cultivating to the Ninth Tier realm of the Buddhist hand seal lineage."

Zhang Ying took a deep breath, "A battle of the ages erupted in Guanzhong, and I believe it must have been a confrontation between Grand Preceptor Tang and the heretic monk, Gala Tanga. There were unconfirmed reports mentioning a mutilated giant python corpse in the area. Could it be..."

Lei Jun nodded, "Indeed, Grand Preceptor Tang informed me earlier that she had slain the Four-Eyed Python Emperor, who had become a Dharma protector of the Buddhist Sect."

Zhang Ying and Xiao Hang furrowed their brows.

The other Great Tang cultivators who had come with them were mostly from the imperial clan and the Xiao Clan outside the passes, and they had remained quiet up until now.

At this moment, someone finally couldn't contain their anger and exclaimed, their face twisting in fury, "The Sumeru Vajra Sect... What are those heretic monks trying to do?"

Lei Jun raised the two dharma bells in his hand, "Breaking through the 'Ultimate Body' is not an easy feat, and I believe that such means are also extremely precious to them."

Xiao Hang slowly said, "Even if there are only a few, it is already a significant number."

"Indeed," Lei Jun agreed, "Fortunately, we made it in time."

"Has the Grand Preceptor always been at odds with the Sumeru Vajra Sect?" Zhang Ying asked.

Lei Jun's expression remained unchanged, "Senior Sister Tang hates evil as if it were her sworn enemy. Initially, it was because of the Celestial Master's seal and robe, but later, it was because she learned that the Western Regions' Buddhist Sect was refining artifacts using human lives and bones, so she has always been at odds with them."

"The Grand Preceptor's Dao heart is pure, and her Dharma eye is like a blazing torch, commanding respect," Zhang Ying praised.

"Princess Zhang is too kind," Lei Jun replied.

His gaze swept over Xiao Hang and Zhang Ying, "This dharma artifact is sinister and heretical. I will destroy it here, and I ask all of you to bear witness."

"It is a good thing for the Celestial Master to take action and eliminate evil," Xiao Hang said.

Zhang Ying had originally intended to bring the dharma bells back and leave the decision to the Empress, but after hearing Lei Jun's words, she did not object.

Lei Jun immediately raised his hand and waved it in the air.

The two dharma bells seemed to be sliced by an invisible blade, and they broke apart, releasing strands of Buddhist light.

There was no surge of spiritual energy or profound artifacts, but a unique spirituality flowed out from them before quickly dissipating, and the broken dharma bells turned to ashes.

"The Celestial Master's powers are vast, and his contributions to the country are immeasurable," Zhang Ying and Xiao Hang said together.

Lei Jun said, "Princess Zhang and Xiao Hang are too kind. In this gathering of heroes, both the Great Tang's northern border and the Western Regions are facing turmoil. The key lies in the northern border, where His Majesty will determine the fate of the empire with a decisive battle."

Xiao Hang and the others nodded, "Once His Majesty stabilizes the empire, the Great Tang will be secure."

News from Yunzhou had been arriving one after another.

As the prophecy had described, the Battle of Yunzhou had concluded with a decisive victory for the Great Tang Empress, Zhang Wantong, who had stabilized the empire with a single battle.

This was undoubtedly the most brilliant battle since the founding of the Great Tang.

At the same time, the victory was incredibly glorious.

After three to four decades of inactivity, the Empress had announced to the world that she was, without a doubt, the undisputed number one cultivator of the Great Tang at this point in time.

With Huang Xuanpu's demise, she was also currently the only Fifth Layer Ninth Tier cultivator in the Great Tang.

"Compared to Xu Yuanzhen's triumph over Huang Xuanpu back then, where he defeated a Ninth Tier cultivator at the third sub-level of the Ninth Heaven with his own third sub-level strength, the most astonishing aspect of Empress Zhang Wantong's recent battle was that she killed her opponent on the spot."

In this confrontation, not only did the Human Immortal Martial Saint, Ge Ying Han Ha Ri Ge'er of the Lonely Eagle Khanate, lose, but he didn't even have a chance to escape, meeting his end in Yunzhou.

The other top experts of the Lonely Eagle Khanate were also completely annihilated.

However...

According to Lei Jun's latest intelligence, the Empress did not continue northward, nor did she remain in Yunzhou or return to the capital, Luoyang.

Instead, she traveled lightly and, later on, arrived in the old capital, Chang'an, accompanied by Chu Yu.

This was not a reassuring move.

Before Lei Jun left the territory of the Great Tang to head for Vajra Temple, he sensed the changes in the spiritual energy of the mountains and rivers within the Great Tang borders.

Due to various reasons, as well as the recent Battle of Yunzhou, the shifts in the imperial dragon veins of the Great Tang dynasty had become more significant than ever before.

While the qi veins and dragon qi were indeed shifting towards the old capital, Chang'an, the Empress had rushed to Chang'an before the battle had even concluded, accompanied by her trusted aide, Chu Yu. This seemed to suggest that she was...

heading there to recuperate.

In the Battle of Yunzhou, Empress Zhang Wantong chose to bring the conflict to a decisive conclusion, burying Ha Ri Ge'er and the main forces of the Lonely Eagle Khanate. The price she paid seemed to be even greater than the self-inflicted damage Xu Yuanzhen suffered after his battle with Huang Xuanpu, perhaps significantly so.

Judging from the outcome of the battle, it seemed more likely to be a severe injury rather than a feigned one.

The current suspense lay in whether she could recover and, if so, how long it would take.

This battle would have far-reaching implications for the Great Tang and its people.

At the moment, it was like a giant boulder had just plunged into the water.

The ripples would spread and expand...

"Although the Vajra Temple has been breached, there are still quite a few remnants of the Sumeru Vajra Department outside."

Lei Jun said, "Among them are no shortage of demon monks from the Upper Three Heavens."

Even without mentioning the leader of the Vajra Department at the Ninth Heaven, there was more than one monk from the Vajra Department at the Eighth Heaven currently abroad.

If such figures were to spread out and act without restraint, they could cause immense destruction.

Xiao Hang and Zhang Ying both nodded, and Zhang Ying spoke, "The court has already begun to crack down on these demon monks. The Pure Yang Palace and the Xiao Clan beyond the passes will also take action."

Lei Jun said, "We might as well give them some hope of returning to Sumeru."

Xiao Hang looked up at the flickering light of the three-layered altar, "What does the Celestial Master mean?"

Lei Jun said, "I, together with Princess Zhang, Mr. Xiao, and all of you, joined forces to break through the Vajra Temple, but we have not yet obtained the method to seal the entrance to Mount Sumeru. I will temporarily stay here with the Celestial Master Seal, so I ask all of you to blockade and eradicate the Vajra Department demon monks who will come rushing here upon hearing the news."

Upon hearing this, everyone was taken aback.

Xiao Hang and Zhang Ying exchanged glances, their faces solemn and their expressions even more grave than before.

What Lei Jun said was equivalent to sharing the credit for breaking through the mountain gate of the Vajra Temple with everyone present.

In this way, when the news spread, the Vajra Department monks outside the mountain would not find the process of the mountain gate's destruction too shocking.

The entrance to the void leading to Mount Sumeru had not been completely closed off, and many would try to counterattack the mountain gate of the Vajra Temple in an attempt to re-establish communication with Mount Sumeru.

On the other hand, it would be more convenient for Lei Jun and the others to predict their actions and destinations, intercepting and eradicating them.

"The Celestial Master is noble and wise, with far-reaching plans. Xiao will respectfully obey."

Xiao Hang said solemnly, "This is a temporary measure. We will spread the news according to the Celestial Master's words for now. When everything settles down, we will set the record straight and reveal the truth."

"Mr. Xiao is too kind," Lei Jun replied. "I am merely considering the long-term welfare of the people, and a little reputation is nothing."

Zhang Ying also said, "The Celestial Master's considerations are a blessing for the common folk."

After discussing, the group immediately set about their respective tasks.

Near the mountain gate of the Vajra Temple, only Lei Jun remained.

While he made slight adjustments to the formation map and the two Nine-Grade Eclipse Day Lotus Seats, he also kept an eye on the movements of the Celestial Master Seal.

The entrance to Mount Sumeru, which was being suppressed by the True One Altar, was still restless.

Lei Jun did not move the Celestial Master Seal.

Now was not the time to make a move.

For this reason, he didn't even leave this place to return to Guanlong to assist his junior martial sister, Tang Xiaotang, in dealing with the leader of the Vajra Department.

He sent a message to Tang Xiaotang, hoping that the leader of the Vajra Department would come back here.

On the one hand, it was because the opponent possessed the treasure of the Jade Falling into the Yellow Springs.

On the other hand, now that they had completely torn off the facade and engaged in battle, he wanted to give them a severe blow.

The Vajra Temple was just the beginning.

His target was the entire Vajra Department of Mount Sumeru.

Lei Jun sat quietly with his legs crossed, silently cultivating.

The location of the mountain gate of the Vajra Temple was quite far from Guanlong.

Therefore, Lei Jun couldn't directly observe the battle situation there through the Great Circumpolar Heavenly Vision Technique.

Fortunately, Tang Xiaotang had his Heavenly Vision and Eavesdropping Talisman and the Thousand-Mile Sound Transmission Talisman with her.

Lei Jun could still keep an eye on the battle.

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

North of Apricot Mountain in Long Province.

This mountain range no longer exists.

The huge golden ball suspended in mid-air showed a tendency to expand as time passed.

Where the golden ball expanded, the mountains collapsed and even disappeared, and the forests burned and turned to ashes.

The scorching golden ball was like a sun that had descended to the lower sky, blazing fiercely.

And within the golden ball, a battle of the ages was reaching its climax.

In the vast ocean of lightning and fire, a figure stood like a Buddha statue.

His body was like vajra, and the Buddha light all over his body had completely turned azure, manifesting the Wrathful Countenance. Around his body whirled the colorless and nearly transparent yet incredibly powerful Wrathful King's Fiery Rage.

Even the surrounding golden ocean of lightning and fire was unable to break through that colorless Wrathful King's Fiery Rage, failing to invade the Wrathful Countenance of the Vajra Department leader, Gala Tanga.

In one hand, he held the Five-Clawed Vajra Pestle, a treasure of the Vajra Department. With his other hand, he performed the Earth Seal, slamming it downward.

The boundless sea of pure yang was also torn apart.

The Ninth Heaven Dharma Body realm of the Buddhist Hand Seal lineage was divided into five sub-levels: Initial Formation of Dharma Body, Achievement of Penetrating Heart, Achievement of Bodhi Heart, Cultivation of Vajra Heart, and finally, Attainment of Vajra Body.

At the second sub-level of the Ninth Heaven, one cultivates the Perfect Moon Wheel, which is only an elbow in size, inherently pure, and greatly reduces the damage that opponents can inflict.

At the third sub-level, the Perfect Moon Wheel can be expanded to cover the four directions or contracted to the size of an elbow.

At the fourth sub-level, one's body becomes as sturdy as vajra without releasing the Perfect Moon Wheel, greatly mitigating enemy attacks. Their strikes become relentless like vajra, and they can even generate the Wrathful King's Fiery Rage, although it harms both the enemy and oneself.

At the fifth sub-level, one achieves the Vajra Body, also known as the Five Aspects Manifestation, further enhancing offense and defense while truly bearing the Wrathful King's Fiery Rage.

Having reached such a realm, the Buddhist expert had basically brought the various aspects of the Buddhist hand seal lineage to perfection, excelling in every aspect. Whether it was physical offense and defense or spiritual prowess, even his movement techniques had reached an extremely high level, with almost no discernible weaknesses.

To defeat such a Buddhist expert, one would often need to possess an extremely specialized talent, reaching a level that defied the norms, in order to have a chance. It wasn't about finding a weakness in Gala Tanga's abilities but rather having an overwhelming advantage in a certain area.

At this moment, the golden ocean under the Vajra Department Leader's feet split open, and a golden divine ship sailed out as if it were cutting through the waves.

However, it, too, was stopped in its tracks by Gala Tanga's Touching the Earth Seal, unable to continue forward.

The Pure Yang Divine Ship halted its advance, but the bow of the ship emitted a vast purple light, resembling sword light and thunder, slashing towards Gala Tanga.

Gala Tanga's body twisted with incredible agility.

Great Vajra Wheel Seal - A seal that enhances physical strength and speed.

Inner Binding Seal - A seal that allows one to perceive and counter an opponent's moves.

Wisdom Fist Seal - A seal that disturbs the surrounding space.

The profound truths of these three seals manifested automatically and merged seamlessly, helping Gala Tanga successfully dodge Tang Xiaotang's thundering sword strike.

At the same time, Gala Tanga raised the Five-Clawed Vajra Pestle in his hand to counterattack Tang Xiaotang.

His Five-Clawed Vajra Pestle was a genuine treasure of the Sumeru Vajra Sect, not a mere illusion created by the slowed-down abilities of a monk from the third layer of the Eighth Heaven and above.

The Buddhist light converged on the Five-Clawed Vajra Pestle, turning it azure and manifesting the profound mystery of Vajra, capable of severing all worldly afflictions.

Moreover, on the Five-Clawed Vajra Pestle, the invisible and colorless Wrathful King's Fiery Rage condensed, transforming into a transparent blade, further enhancing its lethality beyond that of any other Vajra Department monk.

This was a supreme technique of Mount Sumeru that could only be practiced by those at the fourth layer of the Ninth Heaven and could only be truly mastered upon reaching the fifth layer.

Wrathful King's Divine Blade.

Back when the Vajra Department Leader was trapped in the Great Yin and Yang Nine Palace Immortal Formation, he had the banner of the soul of the fully accomplished Ri Shu Mountain Sect Leader, Ji Yao, in his hands. Even then, he did not dare to be careless and was wary of this blade, lest he gave the Vajra Department Leader a chance to turn the tables.

The invisible and traceless blade seemed to contain great terror within it, yet it was elusive and unpredictable, making it impossible to guard against.

But at this moment, Tang Xiaotang's eyes flashed.

The golden thunder in her eyes, resembling lightning, seemed to disappear for an instant.

In that moment, her gaze was left with a faintly discernible clarity.

Then, as Tang Xiaotang moved her body, she effortlessly dodged the Wrathful King's Divine Blade without any hint of resistance.

Gala Tanga was slightly surprised.

He had the Inner Binding Seal, which allowed him to perceive his opponent's movements and gave him the advantage in both offense and defense.

But just now, Tang Xiaotang seemed to have completely seen through the trajectory of his Wrathful King's Divine Blade.

"...Did she also perceive through the confusion illusion in space-time created by the Nine Consciousnesses earlier?"

Gala Tanga's intuition suddenly kicked in, and he seemed to realize something.

However, the fast-paced battle did not allow him the luxury of deep thought.

In just a short moment, the two exchanged several moves.

As time passed, Gala Tanga felt that his perfectly accomplished Buddhist heart was gradually becoming inferior to his opponent's.

Tang Xiaotang's perception and responsiveness to his movements were becoming more precise and acute.

At this moment, the tall woman in the purple robe with golden patterns had platinum-colored eyebrows and hair, but her eyes shone with a clear light.

Deep within her pupils, there were intricate talismans quietly shimmering with radiance, emitting a peaceful and insightful glow.

To Gala Tanga, this was a change he had never seen in her during the battle between Bashu and Nanzhao, when she had first become the Grand Preceptor.

This newly appointed Grand Preceptor of the Great Tang, who had only held the position for a few years, often fought with a bold and unreserved style due to her personality.

However, Tang Xiaotang had put in tremendous effort into her cultivation, laying a solid foundation.

Aside from Xu Yuanzhen, no one could gain the upper hand over her in terms of attention to detail.

And now, as Tang Xiaotang had reached the Ninth Heaven and gradually formed her unique ability, she had become increasingly meticulous, even as she maintained her bold fighting style.

For this unique ability, Tang Xiaotang had even temporarily halted the cultivation of other more visually striking abilities.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end