My Wife Is The Leader Of A Demonic Cult

Chapter 297: Chapter 297: Ghost Swordsman Becomes Famous in Pure Land (10,000-word update, seeking Monthly Ticket subscription)

Yujing City, White Pavilion Manor.

In the afternoon of February, the hustle and bustle of Jianghu and the temple were no longer present here.

Only a deathly silence remained.

The entire Yan Country knew that Second Prince Zhao Mengtai colluded with Houjin to assassinate the Crown Prince, intending to rebel. In an instant, the Second Prince’s faction scattered like monkeys fleeing a fallen tree. Regardless of whether one actually had colluded with Zhao Mengtai, everyone was now eagerly trying to disassociate themselves from him, fearing they may be implicated by ‘misunderstanding’ and suffer annihilation.

Only Zhao Xuening tried several times to visit, but was blocked by the nearby Imperial Forbidden Army, ultimately having no choice but to give up helplessly.

At this point, the entire manor was extremely quiet; one could hardly find three or five servants inside and out.

“In the end, I can only talk to you about many thoughts in my heart.”

Zhao Mengtai sat in the hall bathed in sunlight, looking at the canary he had nurtured for many years, speaking some words that meant little.

He was still dressed in splendid garments, his black hair neatly tied atop his head and set within a delicate white jade crown, with light green silk ribbons hanging from both sides of the crown.

Compared to Zhao Mengtai’s calmness, several women looked sorrowful, having washed their faces with tears for days, their eyes significantly swollen.

They were very clear about what they were waiting for.

In truth, death is not scary.

Waiting for death is the scariest.

Zhao Yunfan stood beside his mother, his large eyes also losing their usual cheerfulness and becoming somewhat blank, curious.

After a long while, he mustered the courage to ask, “Father, what are you saying to this little bird?”

Zhao Mengtai chuckled lightly, “I’m telling it a story.”

Zhao Yunfan clapped his hands excitedly, “What story are you telling, Father? I want to listen too.”

“Yunfan.”

Zhao Yunfan’s mother cautioned sharply.

“Alright, then I will tell it to you.”

Zhao Mengtai picked up Zhao Yunfan and said, “In a cold winter…”

Zhao Yunfan couldn’t help asking, “Does the story take place in this winter?”

“Yes, in this winter.”

Zhao Mengtai stroked Zhao Yunfan’s head, his eyes slightly misty, “The snow flew thickly, covering everything in silver. In one night, three feet of snow had fallen. By the next day when it was bright, there was a snowman in the snowy field.”

“This snowman, unlike others, was very afraid of the cold.”

Zhao Yunfan showed a hint of confusion in his eyes, “There are snowmen that are afraid of the cold?”

Zhao Mengtai said, “Yes, very afraid of the cold.”

Zhao Yunfan said, “Winter is naturally cold, only summer is hot.”

Zhao Mengtai slowly said, “So this snowman wanted to wait for a summer. He wanted to hear the sound of cicadas, to feel the scorching summer wind. When summer came and the weather warmed up, there would be no more cold.”

Zhao Yunfan tilted his head, always feeling that his father was talking nonsense.

Would a snowman be afraid of the cold?

Once summer comes, wouldn’t the snowman just melt away?

Zhao Mengtai remained silent, reflecting that this story was one Zhao Zhiwu often told him in his childhood.

Every time he heard this story as a child, he always found it boring and absurd.

Now, however, he often thought of it.

“Your Highness, the Crown Prince has arrived.”

At that moment, the voice of an old servant resounded at the door.

Suddenly, the entire room fell silent, the women’s bodies trembling slightly, their actions stopping.

“Take him to the Yangxin Hall.”

Zhao Mengtai put down the Zhao Yunfan in his arms, “Be good and obedient, don’t cause trouble and make Father angry anymore.”

“Yes.”

The old servant nodded upon hearing this and then withdrew.

Zhao Yunfan blinked his large eyes, “Father, when have I caused you trouble and made you angry? Didn’t you say I was your joy?”

“Joy, indeed you are your father’s joy.”

Zhao Mengtai pinched Zhao Yunfan’s cheek, straightened his clothes, and walked composedly towards the outside of the house.

Zhao Mengtai walked slowly to the Yangxin Hall, then climbed the stone steps and sat down in the topmost seat.

Before long, footsteps could be heard from outside the hall.

Following the sound, Zhao Chongyin could be seen walking in expressionlessly. There was not a single person beside him, not to mention guards, not even the Five Qi Grandmaster who used to be by his side could be seen.

The two brothers met again, and neither spoke.

After a long while, Zhao Mengtai finally gestured and said, “Sit.”

The Yangxin Hall wasn’t only similar to the Golden Throne Hall; even the chairs were very similar. At this moment, Zhao Mengtai’s sitting position and posture, as well as his tone of voice, closely resembled Zhao Zhiwu.

Zhao Chongyin spoke, “Zhao Mengtai, it’s time for your emperor dream to end.”

Zhao Mengtai nonchalantly said, “What if waking up is just entering another dream?”

Zhao Chongyin took out a porcelain bottle from his chest, then with a wave of his sleeve, the bottle landed securely in front of Zhao Mengtai.

“This is the Death Powder, a rare poison. After ingesting, it will sever your heart’s pathways within the time it takes an incense stick to burn, allowing you to leave this world without any pain.”

Zhao Mengtai looked at the porcelain bottle and started to laugh, “So, you’ve come to kill me?”

Zhao Chongyin looked at the brother who had always sought to put him to death, “Shouldn’t I?”

Zhao Mengtai toyed with the porcelain bottle, “Does Crown Prince know about my cultivation?”

Zhao Chongyin said, “The Seventh is in the One Qi Grandmaster Realm, your talents are higher than his, and you are more diligent, your cultivation is definitely only higher, not lower.”

Zhao Mengtai resembled Zhao Zhiwu; naturally, his martial arts talents were exceptional. Under the full support of the Royal Family, he was a top-notch master, it’s just that with his identity, he rarely made a move.

Zhao Mengtai sneered, “Then you dare to come to Yangxin Hall all alone?”

Now, with just one move, he could kill the opponent he had always wanted to eliminate.

Zhao Chongyin calmly said, “Why not?”

Zhao Mengtai said, “I can make a move, but I won’t.”

Zhao Chongyin asked, “Why won’t you make a move, isn’t this what you’ve always wanted?”

Zhao Mengtai pointed in the direction of the Imperial City, “What I want is over there.”

Zhao Chongyin’s eyes narrowed slightly, “Sadly, you will never obtain it.”

His words carried a hint of coldness and mockery.

“I won’t get it, do you think you can?”

Zhao Mengtai looked at Zhao Chongyin, “Yue Tingchen is a chess piece father emperor placed by my side. What about you? Could there possibly be a chess piece by your side too? You’ve formed factions for your own gain, colluding with the forces of Jianghu, has father emperor already known about it?”

Zhao Chongyin did not speak, but his expression became colder.

Zhao Mengtai continued, “Father emperor will not let you inherit the throne, and what would be the fate of a Crown Prince with considerable power but cannot inherit the throne?”

Every word was like a fine needle stabbing Zhao Chongyin’s heart.

When does speech become a sword? When you yourself think what others say is true.

Zhao Chongyin coldly said, “Are you so certain that father emperor will not pass the throne to me?”

Zhao Mengtai had died!

Who else in the Great Yan Emperor’s Royal Family was better suited to be the emperor?

None, not a single one left.

Zhao Mengtai sneered, “Actually, you should know better than anyone, why bother asking me?”

The chill in Zhao Chongyin’s heart intensified; since he was young, he was never favored. Even as the Crown Prince, it was a position established to stabilize the situation, and these years his careful, diligent comportment left no chance to depose him.

Now, with the only competitor, Zhao Mengtai fallen, his position as Crown Prince seemed even more stable, and ascending to the throne seemed just a matter of time, but was everything really as it seemed?

Zhao Mengtai pointed to the Imperial Palace, said faintly, “First, he is an emperor, and then he is our father emperor.”

Zhao Chongyin’s face had no expression, but his heart was wrinkled.

Zhao Mengtai bore a closer resemblance to Zhao Zhiwu than Zhao Chongyin; thus, he also knew this Great Yan Emperor better.

Zhao Mengtai sat up high, picked up the porcelain bottle and poured the poison powder on the ground, “Nobody in this world can kill me — not Zhao Zhiwu, not you.”

Calm, indifferent, and his facial expression was very serene.

Perhaps he had been preparing for this moment all along.

Zhao Chongyin’s pupils slightly constricted.

Zhao Mengtai clapped his hands, “Join me for one last drink.”

An old servant brought in two pots of wine — one for Zhao Mengtai, one for Zhao Chongyin.

“Good.”

Zhao Chongyin did not refuse, sat down, and poured himself a glass of wine.

“Please.”

“Please.”

The two raised their glasses and drained them in one gulp.

At this moment, they didn’t seem like brothers who were enemies, but rather like old friends who hadn’t met for many years.

“The victor is king, the loser the bandit, the difference is, I lost, thus I am the bandit.”

Zhao Mengtai sat at the head, looking at his elder brother, “If I had won, today you would be kneeling at my feet, your life hanging by a thread.”

Zhao Chongyin’s mood had recovered, “You are right, but you ultimately lost.”

Zhao Mengtai’s life’s creed was, in undertaking great matters, one either succeeds greatly or fails greatly, and there is only one outcome for a great failure.”

Zhao Mengtai’s eyes gleamed slightly, “I lost, but at least I resisted.”

He had risked the world’s condemnation by colluding with Houjin to assassinate the Crown Prince, and had even secretly tipped off the Black Ice Platform. If it weren’t for the Human Emperor’s precautions, Zhao Chongyin would have surely died on Zhong Mountain.

Zhao Chongyin poured another glass of wine, drank a sip, and said nothing.

“Actually, before I acted, I had a slight bad premonition.”

Zhao Mengtai held his wine glass, “But I already had no way out, I could only continue moving forward.”

To know that the ending is a tragedy, unable to change it, yet still having to continue, that is the greatest sadness of life.

Some outcomes are fated from the moment they joined forces; Zhao Mengtai and Zhao Chongyin could only have one survivor.

But they also did not know who would ultimately have the last laugh.

Zhao Mengtai guessed it right; once Zhao Chongyin gained power, Zhao Mengtai would be the first he wanted to kill.

He was already standing amid the waves, pushed forward by them; to stop meant death, to move was also death.

Zhao Chongyin pondered for a long time, “You shouldn’t have had ambition.”

Zhao Mengtai laughed heartily, “And what about you?”

After a long silence in the Yangxin Hall, Zhao Chongyin stood up and walked toward the hall’s exit, “You are Zhao Mengtai, and I am Zhao Chongyin.”

Seeing Zhao Chongyin leaving, Zhao Mengtai yelled, “Big brother, let them have a quick end.”

“I understand.”

Zhao Chongyin’s footsteps paused briefly before he unhesitatingly left the Yangxin Hall without looking back.

Zhao Mengtai laughed, continuing to sit in his seat drinking wine.

However, because the afternoon was too silent and the sunlight too warm, he felt somewhat lazy, so he simply closed his eyes, bathing in the long-missed sunshine.

At that moment, he set aside all his troubles, allowing his body and mind to fully soak in the warm sun.

In an instant, amidst the somewhat fuzzy drunken haze, he was awoken by the enchanting beauty of spring.

The gentle sunlight shone down, warming him pleasantly, an indescribable warmth enveloping him.

“A snowman can never wait for summer.”

Feeling the warmth of the human world, he took out the fire tools he had prepared.

Fierce flames blazed up, and while he continued to drink, he was surrounded by a sea of fire.

No one knew what was on his mind at that moment.

Perhaps it was the family affection he had always yearned for and cherished, or perhaps it was the supreme throne and power that he had constantly coveted.

All of these, including Zhao Mengtai himself, ultimately melted into the flames.

Zhao Chongyin stood outside the Yangxin Hall, with Bai Jing and a few other guards standing behind him.

At this moment, he looked at the sunlight above his head, but felt a slight chill inside.

Zhao Mengtai was set up above, but wasn’t Zhao Chongyin in a similar position?

About several dozens of breaths later, there was no more sound from inside the Yangxin Hall; soon, the crackling sounds could be heard, and quickly a vast sea of fire appeared behind them, with black smoke billowing into the sky.

The fire was intense, and it seemed as if the fire oil had been prepared a long time ago, spreading throughout the Yangxin Hall in less than the time it took an incense stick to burn.

Zhao Chongyin’s eyes were half-closed. After a long time, he opened his eyes and headed toward the back courtyard.

…….

In the Imperial Palace, inside the Ziyuan Hall.

Zhao Xuening paced back and forth continuously, her brows furrowed tightly.

Meanwhile, Zuo Biwen sat opposite her, calmly drinking tea.

They had already received the news that Zhao Chongyin was heading to Zhao Mengtai’s manor.

Zhao Xuening suddenly stopped, “Uncle, do you think my second brother can still survive?”

“It’s impossible.”

Zuo Biwen glanced at Zhao Xuening, “You were born in the Imperial Family, how can you be so naive? Do you know what it means to rebel?”

Zhao Xuening bit her lips, hurriedly arguing, “But Father never….”

She still harbored a sliver of hope—the fact that Father had always loved Second Brother Zhao Mengtai the most—perhaps he would show mercy and give Zhao Mengtai a chance to live.

Zuo Biwen spoke in a low voice, “That’s because the Emperor cannot act himself.”

The Great Yan Emperor actually seized the throne by killing Li Ping of the Great Yan and the current Crown Prince. It shocked the nation, and though he ultimately succeeded in claiming the throne, this was a disgrace that could never be cleansed.

Now, with Zhao Mengtai’s rebellion, if he killed Zhao Mengtai, what would that make Zhao Zhiwu, the Great Yan Emperor?

A man who killed his father, brother, and son would certainly become an emperor who would be infamous for ages.

And what else does an emperor desire besides supreme power, if not to leave a name glorified through the ages?

So now, Zhao Mengtai, he absolutely must not be killed.

Zhao Xuening breathed out deeply, saying, “Second Brother was really foolish this time.”

Zuo Biwen spoke in a heavy tone, “It’s more than foolish; it’s simply a path to self-destruction. You must absolutely refrain from persuading him, lest you bring trouble upon yourself.”

Zhao Xuening remained silent.

Zuo Biwen continued, “If you tried to persuade him, not only would it not change the current situation, but it might also get you involved.”

“Princess, there is a message from White Pavilion Manor.”

Just then, Zhuo Yuchang rushed in.

Zhao Xuening hurriedly said, “Speak quickly.”

Zhuo Yuchang took a breath and said, “The Crown Prince sent poison, the Second Prince burned down the Yangxin Hall and killed himself through self-immolation, and all his five sons and four daughters took the Death Powder and died. Not a single person in White Pavilion Manor is left alive.”

Zhao Mengtai had died!

And Zhao Mengtai’s entire family had also perished!

Upon hearing this, Zhao Xuening felt a chill surge up from the soles of her feet to her crown.

Even though Zuo Biwen had already anticipated such an outcome, he couldn’t help but sigh at this moment.

Such mercilessness in the Royal Family!

What did family affection account for in the face of power?

“Second Brother…”

Zhao Xuening murmured softly, tears involuntarily welling up in her eyes.

She had always treated Zhao Mengtai as her own flesh and blood brother, and Zhao Mengtai had indeed always been extremely kind to her.

Perhaps some would say that it involved certain self-interests.

But as with drinking water, only the drinker knows whether it’s warm or cold, only you know if someone is sincere towards you; outsiders cannot fathom, only oneself understands best.

Indifference!

Ruthlessness!

Zhao Xuening felt as if she had been struck hard, and she also gained a deeper understanding of the terrifying power struggles within the Imperial Family.

All brotherly affection, paternal love, before power, they are all nonsense.

“Greetings, Lord Xu!”

Distracted by these thoughts, voices came from outside the Great Hall.

Zhao Xuening and Zuo Biwen both managed to hide their expressions.

They saw Xu Qianyue slowly walk in, bowing to Zhao Xuening, “Greetings, Princess. His Majesty has not seen the Princess for a long time and misses her greatly. He summons Her Highness to the Imperial Study Room.”

“I understand.”

Zhao Xuening replied softly, head bowed.

Upon hearing this, Zuo Biwen’s heart trembled, and his expression turned somewhat unsightly.

Zhao Mengtai had just died, and now the Great Yan Emperor wished to see Zhao Xuening—did he suspect her involvement with Zhao Mengtai’s affair?

Thinking this, Zuo Biwen urgently transmitted a message, “Remember to think before you speak.”

“Uncle, I know,”

Zhao Xuening responded.

…..

The Pure Land, filled with swirling sand, everything within sight was shades of yellow.

After emerging from the ancient underground city, An Jing, through inquiries along the way, not only acquired a map of Buddhism but also arrived at one of the Buddhist holy sites—Lingtai Temple.

Lingtai Temple is the largest temple of the Lotus Sect, and arguably the primary temple of Buddhism. It was rumored that the Buddha himself preached and spread Buddhism here, establishing the religion.

In the eyes of the world, Lingtai Temple was filled with mysteries.

It was like a high monk clad in a red robe, sitting alone at the pinnacle of the world.

A dramatic life, wondrous legends, all carved intricately into the textures of the Mysterious Dao.

Like reflections fallen into the mortal world, endless sand and boundless clouds composed his countenance, and the timeless words of Buddha were his soul.

Wind, snow, scorching sun, without fading his beauty.

Butter lamp chants, lingering through the soul.

The lofty buildings in the heavens connected on the peak, surrounded by pristine palaces around the central temple.

Clouds snuggled close to it, the blue sky companioned it.

Gazing up at the historical Jade Tower, filled with legends, it became even more mysterious and elegant.

At this time, countless pilgrims made their way towards the temple above the mountain summit, their expressions filled with profound devotion.

An Jing stepped on the stone steps, making his way up towards Lingtai Temple.

Along the way, there were people in exotic clothes and many Buddhist disciples, vastly different from Yan Country not only in apparel but also in their spiritual demeanor.

Suddenly ahead, a clamor arose; a guarding Buddhist disciple at Lingtai Temple shouted, and instantly, everyone rushed uphill, their expressions filled with seriousness and anger.

An Jing, dissonant from those ascending the mountain, continued at his unhurried pace.

Soon, he arrived at the mountain gate of Lingtai Temple, where countless people had gathered.

“There’s blood…”

An Jing smelled the fresh blood in the air, frowning slightly because this site, being the primary temple of Buddhism led by the chief Bodhisattva, should not have been tainted by blood.

But now, fresh blood was indeed flowing.

Without much thought, he knew something significant had happened.

From the bustling crowd ahead, a figure appeared.

The person was not particularly tall, looking quite different from the native people, slightly bizarre, with dark skin, wielding a peculiarly shaped curved bladed longsword, garnished with sharp jagged edges; fresh blood streamed down it at the moment.

In front of him lay a corpse, a master from Lingtai Temple, whose life was claimed by a fatal knife-wound to the neck.

Behind him, a few others dressed similarly carried the unusual long knives.

Their expressions bore traces of mockery and coldness.

“They’re the Guishuang swordsmen?”

“Such quick blades!”

“Master Fa Ming died from just one strike!?”

“How audacious, to kill at our Buddhist holy site.”

…..

Dissenting voices surrounded them, filled with anger.

No matter who this swordsman was, this was Lingtai Temple, a Buddhist holy site.

Him killing here was not only a challenge to Buddhism but also to the Pure Land itself.

An Jing might not understand the discussions, but it didn’t prevent him from deducing from the subtle expressions around what had occurred.

Guishuang swordsmen had come to kill a Buddhist master.

Observing their cold expressions and the chilling blades, it was clear that the figures before him were skilled swordsmen.

After all, daring to come from Guishuang to challenge, it was enough to show that he was a top swordsman of Guishuang. Moreover, the sword technique of Guishuang carried a slightly unfamiliar eeriness, making people involuntarily vigilant.

The Guishuang swordsman placed his finger on the blade, and with a tremor of Qi force, the fresh blood on the blade was completely shaken off. His gaze swept across the discussing Buddhist people around him.

The coldness in his glance made many abruptly stop talking, involuntarily swallowing the words in their throats.

Murderous intent!

The presence of murderous intent on a master indicated that his hands were undoubtedly covered in blood.

Seeing this, the Guishuang swordsman couldn’t help but burst into laughter, using his unskilled language to say, “It is said that the Great Qin Dynasty’s ancestral land has many talented masters, but it appears that this is all but an empty reputation. I have come here and faced seven masters, yet no one could withstand my three moves. Aren’t there any real masters left?”

His arrogant demeanor made the surrounding crowd furious, but many who saw Fa Ming being killed in one move were shadowed with dismay inside.

“I will fight you!”

Just then, a roaring voice erupted.

A golden Buddhist light pierced through, pressing down on the Guishuang swordsman like a mountain.

“The head of the Xuanwu Institute, Brother Fa Du!”

Seeing the person who appeared, many in the crowd gasped in awe.

The Guishuang swordsman’s lips curled into a sinister smile, and his long sword swept forward.

A cold sword light flashed by.

An unparalleled momentum gradually surged into the moonlit night as if the void was trembling, and True Qi roared like a tumultuous tide, continuously surging.

King of Hell’s Ten Deadly Commands! The First Command, Flaying and Mutilating!

Boom!

A thunderous sound, as if to shatter the hearts of all present.

It was as if half of Lingtai Temple was enveloped by an aura of death, where in that dark, dreadful area, chilling voices echoed out.

“Thump!”

This sword actually directly broke through Fa Du’s Vajra Immortal Body.

Seeing this, Fa Du’s face showed a hint of shock, and he continuously retreated.

But soon after, a second sword surged tumultuously.

In the midst of the pitch darkness, countless lights seemed to emit dazzling holy lights, causing everyone’s hearts to tremble.

Within that eerie longsword, a blade of Sword Qi appeared abruptly.

It directly turned Fa Du in front into a spray of blood.

Hiss—!

Everyone gasped in shock.

Fa Du was the head of the Xuanwu Institute, yet he had been killed by the Guishuang swordsman with just two strikes. It should be noted that the Guishuang swordsman did not look old, indicating that he might not be of great age.

Such a mysterious sword technique!

An Jing narrowed his eyes, showing a bit of interest in this sword technique.

When this technique was executed, it somewhat resembled confronting the Fengdu of old, giving off a chilling and terrifying feeling. This indicated that the creator of this technique must have seen Fengdu, otherwise, such a similar mood could not possibly have been in the technique.

The Guishuang swordsman licked the blood off his sword and calmly said, “Didn’t they say that Fa Du was also a Buddhist genius? I see that he was nothing special.”

He wasn’t mocking, but his heart was filled with disappointment.

Rumors had it that the Great Qin Dynasty had supreme geniuses, so he came with a few of his fellow disciples.

They also wanted to see if the Great Qin Dynasty was still as powerful as it had been a thousand years ago.

Several companions of the Guishuang swordsman began to sneer, “It seems they know nothing about true talent.”

“Quick! Quickly go to the Mo Luo Hall and request the presence of our ancestor masters!”

A Buddhist master urgently exclaimed.

Lingtai Temple fell into chaos.

An Jing was still contemplating the sword technique he had just observed when a blue radiance emerged from the Earth Book.

The thought fell, and An Jing’s heart slightly moved.

Tip three: Near the host, there is a blue opportunity (a Bodhi seed born from a thousand-year-old Bodhi tree).

Blue opportunities are treasures that can directly increase strength and cultivation.

He then walked towards the rear of Lingtai Temple, wanting to explore and also take the opportunity to visit some hidden Buddhist masters to see if he could obtain secrets regarding the sealing.

The architectural style of Lingtai Temple shared some similarities with the temples of Yan Country but also had differences. While An Jing roamed Jianghu, he seldom studied maps, mostly depending on the Earth Book.

Passing through the spacious Grand Hall, he arrived at a secluded backyard where he could see two Bodhi trees.

Under the Bodhi trees was a Buddhist person, one hand holding a wooden fish and the other a mallet, calm and serene, looking at the Bodhi trees in front of him.

The person’s face was all smiles, his belly hanging and ears drooping, it was Xi Hafu.

At that moment, his whole body radiated peace without the slightest trace of cold sharpness.

An Jing, with one hand performing a greeting, started to laugh, “Master, we meet again.”

Xi Hafu slowly opened his eyes, looking at An Jing before him, puzzled, “Benefactor, have we met?”

An Jing’s smile slightly restrained, he said, “Master surely jests, we just parted a few days ago.”

“A few days ago?”

Xi Hafu shook his head, saying, “This monk has been rigorously practicing here under these Bodhi trees for three years, never having left Lingtai Temple.”

“Three years without leaving Lingtai Temple?”

An Jing was shocked to hear this and asked, “What is your Dharma name, Master?”

Xi Hafu placed his palms together in front of his chest, “Wandering Monk Xi Hafu.”

An Jing narrowed his eyes into slits, “You are Xi Hafu, then who did I see a few days ago?”

At that moment, he also realized that the Xi Hafu he had seen before gave him a cold and eerie feeling, whereas the current Xi Hafu exuded a grand and exalted aura, seeming more like a high-ranking Buddhist figure.

What exactly is going on?

Xi Hafu shook his head, “Patron, you may be deluded, what you saw was not real.”

An Jing calmly said, “It was absolutely real.”

Xi Hafu said, “Eyes can deceive.”

An Jing said, “The heart can also deceive.”

Xi Hafu said, “If you believe that everything you saw is false, then all is false. If you believe what you saw is real, then all is real.”

An Jing said, “When the real turns false, the false becomes real. From existence to non-existence, why must you mystify things, Master?”

Xi Hafu smiled and asked, “Who are you, Patron?”

An Jing said, “An Jing from Outer Heaven.”

Xi Hafu’s smile deepened, “So it was you who defeated the Exalted Vajra, no wonder you seem so young yet understand the ways of the world so deeply, truly extraordinary.”

An Jing frowned, “Master, you have not yet answered my question.”

Why are there two Xi Hafus, and which one is real?

What exactly is the Buddhist holy object?

“What you saw was just a malevolent thought of my master.”

Just then, a voice arose behind An Jing.

A monk approached, bowing to An Jing, “Poor Monk Tianyi, greetings to Patron An.”

Tianyi Bodhisattva, the foremost Bodhisattva of Buddhism and the abbot of Lingtai Temple.

“Greetings, Master Tianyi.”

An Jing also bowed in return and said, “I’m puzzled about this malevolent thought, Master. Could you enlighten me?”

Xi Hafu added, “Buddhism has its ancient methods of cultivation, passed down uninterrupted. Some secret techniques are still preserved, including the technique to sever thoughts. Previously, I was too attached to my cultivation and Dharma, hindering my progress to the Five Qi Returning to Origin. Thus, I used a Buddhist secret technique to sever a portion of my thoughts, which allowed me to enter nirvana and reach the Five Qi Realm.”

“This severed thought escaped and roamed between heaven and earth. The Xi Hafu you saw is merely my lingering attachment personified; in other words, I am what remains of that Xi Hafu, minus the attachment.”

Upon hearing this explanation, An Jing felt as if tumultuous waves were turning in his heart, “So what I saw before was Xi Hafu, and the person standing before me now is also Xi Hafu.”

Tianyi Bodhisattva nodded, “Indeed, Patron, such is the case.”

Xi Hafu inquired, “The malevolent thought has long disappeared. Where did you encounter it?”

An Jing was deeply moved and after a long pause he replied, “In the ancient underground city, Master was searching for the Buddha’s relics.”

“The Buddha’s relics!?”

Tianyi Bodhisattva looked puzzled.

An Jing nodded, “Yes, Master said it was a Buddhist holy object that should not fall into the wrong hands.”

Xi Hafu spoke solemnly, “Patron, you have been deceived. Our Buddha’s golden body is still being tributed in the Ancestor Master Hall and has never left the premises.”

A flicker of doubt crossed An Jing’s eyes, “Oh?”

Xi Hafu glanced at Tianyi Bodhisattva, “Tianyi, take Patron to see the Buddha’s golden body.”

Tianyi Bodhisattva said, “Please follow me, Patron.”

The three then made their way towards the Buddha Ancestor Hall, located beyond the Grand Hall.

The opulent and magnificent great hall was surrounded by several golden Buddha statues. In the center of the hall was an enclosure with weathered remains gleaming with golden light.

Gleaming brilliantly, these remains radiated an ancient, robust aura.

Despite being dead for over a thousand years, they still carried a powerful pressure.

Jade Bone!

And even more profound than An Jing’s Jade Bone Realm!

Both men bowed devoutly and respectfully to the remains.

Xi Hafu joined his palms together, “This is the genuine golden body of our Buddha. What, then, is this ‘Buddha’s relics’ that you found, Patron?”

Gazing at the Buddha’s golden body, An Jing felt as if struck by thunder.

So this is the genuine Buddha’s relics. What then are Xi Hafu and my own search all about?

Both accounts differ; someone must be lying. So who is lying?

Xi Hafu and Tianyi Bodhisattva, seeing An Jing silent, stood quietly beside him.

“Dong!” “Dong!”

Suddenly, the intense sound of a bell brought An Jing back to reality.

“Abbot, there is trouble!”

Just then, a Buddhist expert entered and began reporting the current events at Lingtai Temple.

Tianyi Bodhisattva said solemnly, “Patron, it seems this matter must be postponed for now.”

“Wait.”

Xi Hafu stopped Tianyi Bodhisattva, “That distinguished swordsman from Heavenly Blade is a genius of Heavenly Blade, and a genius naturally needs a genius to confront him.”

At this point, Xi Hafu looked towards An Jing.

An Jing glanced at Xi Hafu and said, “Does the master wish to borrow a knife to kill someone?”

Tianyi Bodhisattva said, “If the benefactor can resolve this matter, Buddhism is willing to offer a Bodhi Seed to the benefactor.”

An Jing pondered for a long while and said, “Besides this, I also need the two masters to unravel some mysteries for me.”

Tianyi Bodhisattva sincerely said, “Since Outer Heaven and Buddhism have already formed an alliance, I will withhold nothing and exhaust all I know for the benefactor.”

“Good.”

An Jing nodded, eager to see the strength of this prestigious swordsman.

………

In the center of Lingtai Temple’s square.

All around, silence reigned, all eyes furiously staring at the few prestigious swordsmen in the center.

At that moment, a high-ranking Buddhist monk stepped out from the crowd, clad in a red kasaya and bathed in golden Buddhist light, his presence grand and imposing; he was none other than the Exalted Vajra of Buddhism.

Although the Exalted Vajra had been defeated by An Jing during the Heavenly Martial Sect’s Buddhist-Demonic Conflict, his status in Buddhism was undeniably second only to Tianyi Bodhisattva.

The moment Exalted Vajra appeared, the followers of the Pure Land were exhilarated.

The First Vajra of Buddhism, Exalted Vajra!

The skilled experts of the prestigious group looked over, exchanged smiles, finally provoking a real expert from Buddhism.

Exalted Vajra eyed the prestigious swordsman and asked, “Is the benefactor from Heavenly Blade?”

The prestigious swordsman looked at Exalted Vajra several times, seemingly surprised that Exalted Vajra was using the prestigious language, and then said, “Heavenly Blade Chamo.”

Exalted Vajra nodded slightly and said, “Although I’ve never been to the prestigious lands, I have heard about you from the traders. They say you are a genius swordsman in Heavenly Blade, a top expert there.”

Chamo did not appear excited by Exalted Vajra’s words, his expression remained indifferent, “Indeed.”

Exalted Vajra asked, “What is your purpose in coming to the Pure Land and killing our Buddhist high-ranking monks?”

Chamo replied indifferently, “I wanted to witness the Buddhist Broken Vow Blade.”

Exalted Vajra frowned slightly. “The benefactor kills just to see the Broken Vow Blade?”

Bodhisattvas and Vajras hold different spiritual statuses, and similarly, their reasons for acting ruthlessly are different.

Exalted Vajra naturally also had killed, and his reason was very simple, to prevent others from killing.

This reason might seem strange.

Chamo pointed his eerie longsword directly at Exalted Vajra, the cold edge gleaming, and said, “You are quite powerful. I want to test my skills against you.”

The eyes of Exalted Vajra were solid like boulders, heavy and firm, unyielding, while Chamo appeared like a fierce ocean, thunder flashing within.

However, judging by Exalted Vajra’s aura, he seemed to be weaker by a third compared to his previous fight at the Heavenly Martial Sect.

This was partly because Exalted Vajra had chosen to break his own Dharma Image and regroup, and partly because he had been severely injured by the Sword Demon and hadn’t fully recovered yet.

At this moment, the strength he could display was greatly diminished, at best at the Second Qi Realm.

The aura displayed by the prestigious swordsman, however, was extremely potent.

Most importantly, Exalted Vajra was an elder expert, whereas the prestigious swordsman across him was relatively younger; whether he won or lost, there would be no advantages for Exalted Vajra.

“Master Exalted, leave him to me.”

Just then, a voice sounded behind Exalted Vajra.

Exalted Vajra turned around, somewhat surprised, “Benefactor An, how did you come to be here?”

A young man in white emerged, three longswords with distinct characteristics inserted into his back.

Although Exalted Vajra recognized him, he never expected the Ghost Swordsman to appear in the Pure Land.

An Jing smiled and said, “I came to the Pure Land this time wanting to visit Master Tianyi. Before that, I might as well help Buddhism solve a little trouble.”

Exalted Vajra chuckled upon hearing this, “Good.”

Chamo looked at the suddenly appearing An Jing and said indifferently, “Young man, my blade is very fast.”

The person before him was incredibly young, so young it was unbelievable. In this world of Jianghu, which famed name hadn’t soaked through years before making a name for themselves? This young man before him at most just set foot on his martial path.

The prestigious swordsmen all carried a hint of cold smirk in their eyes.

Chamo was the most talented swordsman of the prestigious without a peer; now the Buddhist had brought forward an even younger person, could he really be a match for Chamo?

They didn’t believe it!

They absolutely did not believe that Chamo would lose to such a young person.

Not just the prestigious ones, but even the people of the Pure Land exchanged looks, not understanding why this obviously non-Pure Land young man was brought forth.

Could he not know how formidable this Chamo was?

Exalted Vajra translated Chamo’s words for An Jing.

An Jing indifferently said, “Tell him, my sword is faster.”

Exalted Vajra smiled and relayed An Jing’s words to Chamo.

Chamo, instead of getting angry, laughed, “Let you take a few more looks at this world, remember not to blink later, because death will come very quickly.”

Exalted Vajra repeated these words to An Jing.

An Jing calmly said, “Master Exalted, please step back.”

Exalted Vajra smiled and retreated to the rear.

The head of Lingtai Temple’s Precepts Courtyard hesitated for a moment and said, “Uncle Master Exalted, that Chamo is extremely powerful. He killed Fa Ming in one move and Fa Du in two. Is this not sending the young man to his death?”

The disciples around Lingtai Temple were all secretly shaking their heads and sighing, clearly thinking that An Jing was marching toward his death.

It is not the genius that is scary, but the genius who has grown powerful.

That person is so young, how could he possibly be a match for Chamo? Chamo was also a skilled expert in his forties, not young, but a master among his generation.

Exalted Vajra was neither happy nor sad, “Do not rush.”

“Alas.”

Seeing Exalted Vajra say this, the head of the Precepts Courtyard of Lingtai Temple could only sigh helplessly.

Aside from Exalted Vajra, no one believed An Jing would survive under Chamo’s blade.

At this moment on the square of Lingtai Temple, the two stood facing each other.

Though they did not speak, sparks seemed to fly from their eyes.

Chamo’s blade was eerie and cold, and at this moment, it was still stained with fresh blood.

There was no life in his eyes, and from the time he began practicing with the blade, his master had made him kill people, requiring him to kill one person every day to call it practice.

Thus, over the years, his hands were already filled with countless blood.

Just a look from him carried a thick murderous intent.

Under the deterrence of this murderous intent, some people with weaker wills even felt fear, greatly diminishing their strength.

The sun above was obscured, casting some darkness over the whole square of Lingtai Temple.

Together with the murderous aura around Chamo, it added an even more eerie feeling.

He was a prodigy, a ghostly genius among swordsmen.

He was ranked among the top swordsmen in Heavenly Blade.

For some reason, Chamo suddenly felt a grave respect in his heart, the veins in his hand holding the blade bulging like fierce dragons, appearing horrendous.

The sunlight gradually disappeared.

Yet, neither of them moved.

An Jing did not move because he was waiting, waiting for the opponent to make a move.

And Chamo did not strike because his heart was trembling.

Looking at those calm, water-like eyes, his heart could not help but tremble.

He was a blade.

But those eyes were like a sea, a starry sky, capable of encompassing everything in this world, needless to say just a blade.

The sun was obscured, and it seemed so was Chamo’s heart.

At this moment, only darkness lay before his eyes.

A fear soaked through his heart.

His hand frantically gripped the handle of the blade, unable to endure the terrifying darkness and fear any longer; he had to split everything before him with the blade.

Rage ignited in his heart, turning into roaring waves.

Chamo was the most talented swordsman in Heavenly Blade, his Yanwang Ten Kill Orders had already reached the Eighth Layer.

It was unprecedented at his age.

His blade seemed as if it was drawn from the depths of Senluo Fengdu, its ghastly blade light born from darkness, returning to darkness, eventually seeking to break through this darkness.

An Jing remained extremely calm throughout, without any disruption or fluctuations.

“Shick!”

With a mere movement of the blade body, a resplendent meteor pierced through the darkness.

Suddenly Chamo’s world became bright, and his pupils were filled with light.

And his life faded away amidst this darkness and light.

The meteor was beautiful, magnificent.

The brilliance emitted by the meteor as it broke through the darkness was the most dazzling sight, exciting and moving.

But even the light of the meteor could not compare to that flash of sword light.

The meteor’s light was brief and intense.

The light left behind by that flash of sword light, however, could shine eternally in everyone’s hearts!

Those present suddenly felt extremely fortunate to have witnessed the glory of this sword.

And this sword was imprinted not only in their eyes but also in their minds, even in their entire lives.

“Thump!”

The spark of life in Chamo’s eyes gradually faded, and then his body and blade heavily fell to the ground.

Above Lingtai Temple, there was utter silence, not a single sound was heard.

Quiet!

Everyone seemed petrified, as if they were still not over the shock from that sword.

Only the sound of Chamo’s blood flowing added a somewhat eerie feeling.

An Jing looked towards Exalted Vajra calmly, saying, “Tell them, please send the next talented swordsman.”

…….

PS: Asking for a monthly ticket.