Chapter 488: Arhat Golden Light Formation

"Before I cast the spell, however, I'll need help from my fellow senior sisters."

As Shi Lingyun spoke, the female elders and cultivators of Ci Yun Monastery appeared one after another to support and protect her.

An incredibly pure Purple Pole formation pattern rapidly materialized beneath Shi Lingyun's feet. Above her, the brilliant purple cloud light quickly outlined a familiar scene: the silhouette of the chilling black cloud seen before.

The Nine Orifice Exquisite Mind state was incredibly powerful, indeed bringing an unimaginable boost to this location-tracking formation.

Soon, terrifying aura fluctuations emanated from Shi Lingyun. The outline of the Nine Orifice Exquisite Mind bloomed perfectly, forming an image of a nine-petaled heart-lotus. It merged seamlessly with the projected black cloud in the sky, then returned into Shi Lingyun's body.

"Found it. It's in the direction of Garan Temple."

When Shi Lingyun spoke the name, the three members of Xu Yang's team exchanged glances.

"As expected... there's really something going on with Garan Temple!"

Xu Yang turned to Long Kun and Ling Yao, saying, "You two stay here to prevent any further schemes from that black cloud. I'll feel more at ease with you guarding Ci Yun Monastery. As for Garan Temple, the two of us can go together."

Long Kun and Ling Yao showed no dissatisfaction. They had absolute faith in Xu Yang's strength. Not to mention him bringing along a Saintess from Ci Yun Monastery, even if Xu Yang went to Garan Temple alone, he would be more than enough to handle those people.

"Let's go!"

The two ascended into the sky and, carried by Xu Yang's spirit boat, rapidly approached Garan Temple.

Along the way, they remained silent, maintaining a respectful distance. In Shi Lingyun's eyes, Xu Yang seemed more like a dignified and reliable elder, despite his handsome, youthful appearance of a twenty-year-old, which might stir emotions in others. However, Shi Lingyun's mind was transcendent, her Nine Orifice Exquisite Heart protecting her soul's root, preventing her from being as fickle as an ordinary young girl.

The closer they got to Garan Temple, the colder Shi Lingyun's expression became.

"Is something bothering you?"

Xu Yang couldn't help but ask with concern. Initially, he had worried that his previous treatment for her wasn't thorough enough, but when the girl suddenly opened her eyes, their brilliant radiance assured Xu Yang that his concerns were indeed unwarranted.

"I'm just worried that Garan Temple is very influential, considered one of the foremost orthodox Buddhist sects among all eight hundred Buddhist schools. If the person who killed my master is truly hidden within this Garan Temple, how should we handle it...?"

Xu Yang, however, let out a faint chuckle, showing no sign of worry or apprehension.

"Our actions will be determined by their stance. If Garan Temple is innocent, simply uncovering the truth will be the greatest relief for both sides. But if they are indeed involved, then there will be no room for leniency. When it's time to act, there's no need for any reservations. So-called good and evil are determined by the heart; those who merely chant good intentions are not necessarily truly kind. If there is malice, even with a thousand good words, it must be eradicated."

These words greatly reassured Shi Lingyun, and her only concern seemed to vanish like clouds before Xu Yang's profound wisdom.

Soon, the two landed one after another, arriving at the vast central hall of Garan Temple.

At that moment, near the rear mountain, incredibly solemn Buddhist chants echoed, resonating and enveloping the entire forest.

"Amitabha. Honored guests, how may we assist you?"

A monk in a gray-blue kasaya appeared, bowing his head respectfully with one hand pressed to his chest.

"I want to see your abbot."

Xu Yang wasted no words, getting straight to the point. Since they were there to find a culprit, they would simply achieve their objective. Although Buddhist temples were places of pure cultivation, from the moment this incident originated from within the eight hundred Buddhist schools, no lineage could remain detached.

"Honored guests, my master is currently giving a sermon. He can only receive you after sunset."

Xu Yang chuckled, glancing at the sky. "No matter. It's still early. We can go directly to him."

The moment his words fell, the monk in front of them suddenly erupted with an incredibly powerful golden light—the Golden Light Buddha Mantra, a true transmission of Garan Temple!

The instant the mantra descended, the area within a hundred meters was enveloped in golden light, and a powerful immobilization effect latched onto Xu Yang and Shi Lingyun.

"Master, there's no need to be so polite, is there?"

The monk's expression remained calm. "As today's guardian of Garan Temple, I have a duty to deal with uninvited guests. Please forgive me."

Xu Yang chuckled. "Uninvited guests? You're quite right. Since we are here on important business, how can we wait until sunset? Do you not realize that Ci Yun Monastery has suffered a great change? Every second of delay could cost a life. Can you bear that responsibility?"

The monk said nothing more, but from his demeanor, it was clear he wouldn't budge.

The moment the monk unleashed the Golden Light Buddha Mantra, Xu Yang had already assessed his strength, realizing he possessed the foundational power of the early Tribulation Transcendence realm.

Seeing the monk lower his head without another word, Xu Yang cast aside all reservations. With a cold sneer, he stomped his foot, sending several streams of Qi surging out simultaneously, forcefully throwing the guardian monk in front of him backward.

"What great might you display, honored guest. Is Garan Temple a place where you can act so recklessly?"

Just then, a large hand from behind caught the retreating guardian monk. In the distance, eighteen golden Arhats flew out in succession, surrounding Xu Yang and Shi Lingyun in the center of the mountain pass.

"The Eighteen Arhat Formation? Be careful, this formation is said to be extremely powerful, one of Garan Temple's three most formidable secret formations."

Shi Lingyun immediately warned Xu Yang, but she only saw a sneer of disdain on his face.

"As I said, good and evil in human hearts are not absolute, and neither is the strength of power. Often, what is considered powerful by others is insignificant before me, Xu Yang."

In the next instant, Xu Yang darted like a phantom towards two of the eighteen golden Arhats.

Boom!

Two tiger claws suddenly extended, unleashing incredibly sharp, murderous energy that instantly shattered the golden protective aura of the two Arhats in front of him!

"What?! This person actually possesses such power..."

The Arhats before him were somewhat dazed. After all, judging by his face, no one would associate Xu Yang with the title of a grandmaster of his generation. But after truly experiencing the immense power emanating from him, even fewer would believe that such a face belonged to him...

"This person is too formidable! Immediately summon the temple's hall masters!"

The leader of the golden Arhats gave an order to the monk guarding the mountain gate, who immediately transformed into a streak of golden light and vanished from sight.

"Arhat Pagoda Formation!"