Chapter 690: Don't You Dare Come Out!
Chapter 690: Don't You Dare Come Out!
Dananzhou, the Jinguangfucheng.
On the bustling streets of Jinguangfucheng, the group of Putidao monks, clad in tattered robes, their skinny arms exposed, no longer needed to beg for Qishi huangqi from house to house as they once did.
In the Shengchao Xiayu, Xiushi and Fanren lived harmoniously together.
But now, without any initiative from these monks, the common folk had voluntarily elevated them to a high position, and many Fushang even planned to pool their money and negotiate with the Fuya to build a grand temple in the most prominent location in the city for the Thousand-Armed Bodhisattva, as a gesture of the Cangsheng's gratitude towards the old monk.
Such a simple and sincere sentiment was hard for even the Fuya to suppress.
"..."
Wushan raised his hand to stop the entourage of Chaoguan officials, and walked alone towards the city gate, gazing up at the towering Xuerou gujia before him.
He remained silent for a long time, his gaze fixed on the old monk's Canpo face.
If a Dapi Luohan couldn't even heal such minor injuries, the Putidao would have perished long ago.
"How long do you plan to sit here?"
Wushan was no longer willing to play along with the old monk's charade and asked bluntly.
The old monk remained seated with his legs crossed, eyes tightly shut, and his Baigu shouzhang palms open. Only the statue of the Thousand-Armed Bodhisattva shone with a radiant glow.
Below the statue, another young monk, holding a staff in one hand, walked out slowly. He raised his right palm towards Wushan and bowed, "I am the monk Huixin, and we meet again, esteemed Chaoguan official."
After finishing the bow, Monk Huixin slowly lifted his head. On his face, stained with dirt, was a seemingly gentle smile, but his eyes held a hint of ridicule.
It was this monk who had stopped the master and disciple outside the Zhenyao Ta.
At that time, he had been so imposing, unlike his current gentle demeanor.
However, Wushan paid no attention to the young monk. A mere Wupi Luohan was no match for a Taiyi zhenxian like himself.
Wushan calmly stared at the old monk and asked again, "How long will you sit here?"
Huixin, feeling slighted, blinked a few times, his expression turning cold.
As he lowered his raised palm, about to mock the old monk, he heard the sound of bones cracking behind him. Turning around, he saw the old monk slightly straighten his Qushe, finally opening his eyes.
His voice was coarse, yet it carried an inexplicable warmth, "I'll sit here until the demons stop attacking, and the Cangsheng no longer live in fear."
Finishing his statement, the old monk's bloody lips curved slightly, his large, deep, black eyes like a dark spring, seemed to engulf Wushan's entire body.
"Interesting."
Wushan nodded thoughtfully, licking his dry lips.
Building a temple is easy, but destroying one is difficult.
As he lifted his gaze, a murderous intent filled the old monk's eyes, "Your Putidao is becoming more and more brazen."
The old monk's actions, aside from being nauseating, could also be seen as a warning.
If they could bring the demon horde to the outskirts of the city without a sound, they could just as easily bring them into the city.
If the court were to give in and allow the construction of a Buddhist temple in Jinguangfucheng, these monks could bring demons into other large cities without temples.
Where there is a temple, there is peace; where there is no temple, there is chaos.
Anyone with a brain would know that Wushan wouldn't allow this to happen, but the old monk was feigning ignorance, clearly seeking a life-and-death struggle.
By slaughtering all the monks in front of the people of Jinguangfucheng, even if it incited public resentment, it would be limited to just this city.
Moreover, after taking action, they could use the court's name to brand Wushan as an evil demon, thus stabilizing the Huangqi.
To counter such treacherous tactics, one must respond with equal treachery.
"This old monk doesn't understand your words."
The old monk watched as Wushan's palms slowly clenched, but he remained calm, glancing at the hidden military formation outside the city, "Of course, we can leave. However, I am severely injured and have offended the demons. How can I return to the temple?"
Upon hearing this, Huixin smirked again.
The master and disciple had received the Bodhisattva's decree, not to engage in a stalemate with Wushan in the Shengchao Fucheng.
The place was under the suppression of Huangqi, surrounded by the court's military formation, and who knows how many powerful cultivators were hiding in the shadows. Last time, even the Qibao Bodhisattva almost fell to Heshan, let alone the deeper parts of the city.
Their purpose was simple.
Firstly, the Bodhisattva had been injured in Xishan Fu and urgently needed human Huangqi to recover. Secondly, it was about Wushan, and as for building a temple to control the city, two Luohan were not enough.
"I understand."
Wushan listened to these words, clearly aimed at him.
He closed his eyes, exhaled a breath of turbid air, and released his palms, "This seat will escort you back."
"Are you sure, esteemed Chaoguan official?"
The old monk gradually withdrew his smile, his eyes filled with meaning, "The journey ahead is treacherous, with dangerous mountains and rivers."
"Whether it's difficult or not, we'll only know once we set out."
Wushan responded calmly, but a hint of ferocity flashed across his expression.
The next moment, he abruptly pressed his palm.
The court officials, who had been waiting for a long time, immediately gave orders, and like a tidal wave, the military formation surged in from all directions, with the Imperial Qi following suit, taking over the city's defense entirely.
As Wushan's aura soared into the sky, it illuminated the entire city, showcasing the might of a Fourth-Grade Taiyi True Immortal! Simultaneously, a deep transmission sounded within the government office.
First, they praised the Bodhidharma Sect's chivalrous act, which drew the people of Golden Light Manor to the streets. Then, they witnessed the dense, radiant glow in the sky.
"The demon calamity has not subsided. Golden Light Manor is fully committed to exterminating demons. First, we will dispatch court officials to escort the monks back to the sect, thus expressing our gratitude for the Bodhidharma Sect's chivalry."
Such a display of immortal might undoubtedly belonged to an extraordinary master.
The court had sent out such a grand display, showing their sincerity. With the massive military formation arrayed outside, it was like a solid wall, and the white-boned figure seemed to have no reason to continue sitting idly.
The old monk said no more and slowly returned to his normal size, but his body was still covered in scattered flesh. Before leaving the realm of the Divine Dynasty, he probably wouldn't bother healing these external injuries.
The few people stood quietly outside the city, waiting for the court's messenger to send the group of monks out of the city.
They all stared calmly at Wushan in the middle, their expressions and movements identical.
Clearly, there was no malice in their entire being, but to onlookers, it inexplicably instilled fear, as if a pack of wolves were circling, waiting for the right moment.
"..."
Wushan stood straight among the crowd, his brows and eyes as usual, and even more composed and serene than usual.
However, the palm hidden in his sleeve tightly gripped the jade slip, frantically sending his aura to Yan Lanting.
But after the incident at the Demon-Subduing Pagoda, General Yan, seeing his subordinate's swollen face, finally felt at ease and began to recuperate from his injuries.
Now, with the urgent situation, it wasn't a matter of sending a jade slip to wake him up.
My General Yan!
Wushan secretly clenched his teeth, but the jade slip remained silent.
As he watched the group of monks gradually gather.
This fat man, with his large build, finally felt a glimmer of despair in his heart.
What's going on? Is Nanyang his biological son, and he's just an adopted one?
These monks were clearly setting a trap. Once they left the region covered by the Imperial Qi, who knew what awaited them outside.
It would be fine on a normal day, as Wushan was cautious by nature, and with his profound cultivation, he was well-versed in the art of self-preservation, giving him some confidence. But now, severely injured, even if he survived, it would be a miracle.
"Old man, just go to sleep! You'll sleep until you die, and your Wushen will never return!"
Seeing that there was no more time to waste, Wushan decided to break the jar and leave a curse in the jade slip, then strode out of the crowd.
"Let's go!"
In an instant, led by Xiangyun, the monks rose into the sky, heading towards the realm beyond the Divine Dynasty.
Hui Xin quietly glanced at his master, and the two shared a smile, then followed suit, riding the clouds.
In Golden Light Manor, the demon-slayers' faces were filled with complex emotions as they watched the group leave with concern.
General Yan had never liked Wushan, a slippery cultivator who seemed to lack the pride of a strong cultivator, even more timid than free-wandering cultivators. He didn't resemble a Taiyi True Immortal at all.
But as subordinates, they had a different perception.
At least under General Wushan's leadership, the territory he governed had never encountered any problems, and he never attracted unnecessary trouble, which also put his subordinates at ease.
And just like today, when faced with a problem, he didn't back down.
But this time, the hope of returning safely was slim.
"Old Master Yan is recuperating. Let's go find Elder Feng Xi, and Elder Yang! General Wushan was drafted into service, and if not for them, Golden Light Manor wouldn't have encountered this trouble!"
"Why should General Wushan bear this black pot?"
Filled with indignation, the group turned and left Golden Light Manor, heading straight out of the nine manors to seek help.
...
Not a single mistake in the first 691 words.
Dananzhou, heading west, passed through Xishanfu and reached Bajigu.
Here, one could see the edge of the faint Imperial Qi in the sky, like an evening glow in the clouds. Beyond it lay the vast blue sky.
Taking a detour through Bajigu, they arrived at a desolate mountain range.
Wushan stood at the forefront of the mountains, looking up at the distinct line between the Imperial Qi and the blue sky.
With this step, he would be completely out of the protection of the Imperial Qi.
In fact, for most cultivators, these pale yellow clouds were like bone-corroding poison. Once they entered, their power would be suppressed to the extreme.
Only the court officials and the demon-slaying envoys were accustomed to the Imperial Qi's envelopment. Within it, not only was their power unaffected, but those in high positions could even manipulate the Imperial Qi to fight enemies.
Over time, they even lost the courage to leave the Divine Dynasty.
"What are you thinking, Your Highness?"
The old monk had regained his normal appearance and was wearing a long robe. He walked behind Wushan, his voice carrying a hint of sinister undertone as he asked softly.
"Heh."
Wushan gave a self-deprecating smile. They had come all this way, and the Imperial Qi was merely a psychological comfort.
Without further hesitation, he took a heavy step forward, leading the monks out of the desolate mountain range.
Huixin chuckled softly, quietly clenching the Buddhist staff in his hand.
Just then, the monks suddenly heard Wushan's voice, laced with a hint of confusion.
"If I remember correctly, you were also injured last time."
"Who gave you the courage to think you can keep me here?" Wushan asked, his footsteps never faltering. "Do you think they can do it with those broken pieces of metal in their hands?"
The old monk followed closely behind, their conversation sounding like a casual chat: "Your Highness, you misunderstand. I'm just a mere bandit, and you are an excellent letter of recommendation. But this letter is not meant for me to deliver."
"This is getting more and more interesting."
Wushan slowed to a stop, crossing his arms: "I'd like to see who can hand me over."
The old monk responded with a smile, slightly extending his hand to point forward: "Your Highness, please take a look."
In the distance of the desolate mountain range, amidst the rising sand and dust, a tall and skinny armored figure stood with his back to the crowd, casually holding a large crescent blade upside down. Where the armor didn't cover, gray hair grew wildly.
The figure slowly turned his head, revealing a handsome wolf-like face: "I'd like to give it a try."
"This person used to be the most capable general under the Great Demon of Nanhuang. Later, by chance, he obtained our true scriptures and decided to change his ways, seeking to enter the Buddhist path."
"Our Buddha is merciful, and we intend to give him a chance to join our sect and serve the Buddha for life."
"His understanding is impressive. Not only has he cultivated the Heart-Eye Fruit Position, but he has also derived the Heart-Eye Four Symbols Sword from it, elevating himself to the realm of a Great Arhat."
The old monk calmly introduced Wushan to the figure.
However, he failed to notice that when he mentioned the two words 'Nanhuang', the fat man's entire face became expressionless, devoid of any emotion.
Wushan wanted to say something, but as he opened his mouth, no words came out.
The most tragic grudge is when the enemy, or even the enemy's soldiers, most likely don't remember that trivial matter.
Perhaps the heavens do have a cycle of reincarnation.
Look, the lone survivor from the massacre, who went unnoticed, is now being delivered to their doorstep, making it convenient for others to eradicate the roots.
Since it's their turn, what can be done?
"Sigh."
Wushan sighed, accepting his fate, and rolled up his sleeves seriously.
After all, death is death, and it's a good opportunity to show that enemy how much he has improved over the years, so others won't think he's been living a mediocre life.
He raised his head, about to speak.
But suddenly, he noticed something amiss.
Beyond the Imperial Qi, the originally clear blue sky distorted slightly.
Wushan clenched his teeth, his body tensing up. With an almost imperceptible shake of his head, he signaled to the other party not to act rashly! With his keen eyesight, he could tell that this was the effect of the Taihuo Dao Fruit.
Behind this blue sky, there was a person hiding.
However, whether it was Yelan or Shen Yi, they couldn't influence the current situation.
Moreover, the real reason Wushan accepted his fate was because of those three words: 'letter of recommendation'.
Since it's a letter of recommendation, it should be delivered to others, right?
Most likely, there were others present today besides those in front of him. With a bit of common sense, one would know that the Thousand-Armed Bodhisattva was watching from the side.
In this place far from the imperial court, not only a titled general but even a General who Guards the South, if they came alone, would likely not fare well.
Get lost!
Wushan's heart was burning with impatience, but on the surface, he maintained his calm, preventing others from noticing his anxiety.
At this thought, he finally stopped hesitating. Between his palms, a celestial light burst forth, quickly spreading throughout his body, giving him a semblance of prestige.
His entire body resembled a mountain, each step causing the earth to tremble, accompanied by thunderous roars and billowing dust.
In the face of this unstoppable attack, the gray wolf's eyes remained calm like a deep well, and his fingers slowly tightened around the hilt of the blade.
In an instant, the blade sliced through the surging celestial light like an ocean.
A puff of air escaped as the blade sank into the ground.
A few inches in front of the long blade, Wushan's body stiffened, maintaining the punching motion, his face twitching slightly.
Injured as he was, he could only exert forty percent of his strength. Under the gaze of those wolf-like eyes, his flaws were exposed, and his passion alone couldn't make up for it.
To be honest, if the wolf demon wanted to, he could have made Wushan suffer a significant loss with that strike.
But the wolf chose to strike the ground instead.
This was a blatant show of disdain.
The gray wolf calmly looked down at the fat man, and after a long while, he uttered two words from his mouth.
"Free-wanderer."
Even though they were both at the Fourth-grade realm, the other party was merely a free-wanderer, not worth mentioning.
As for himself.
He had already become a Great Arhat.
(End of Chapter)
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