Chapter 493: Gaining Ground

The three leading Arhats were utterly shaken by Xu Yang's profound abilities. In their view, the three hall masters were at the same cultivation level as Xu Yang, all having reached the highest realm below that of a deity. However, despite being at the Tribulation Transcendence Peak, there seemed to be a significant disparity in combat power.

The Garan Temple's heritage was inherently defense-oriented, excelling in enhancing physical attributes. However, in terms of offense, it was far from comparable to Xu Yang, who inherited the lineage of the Asura God.

What's more, Xu Yang now also possessed the supreme heritage of the Phoenix lineage. The power he could unleash with just a single finger strike was enough to split mountains and sever seas!

After the mountain was split in two, the central, hollow fracture zone astonishingly unleashed endless Phoenix flames. Although these flames represented only ten percent of Xu Yang's power, their effect was beyond everyone's imagination. Xu Yang had reached a height unattainable by ordinary people in a lifetime.

Upon sensing the power of the flames blazing from the chasm before them, the two leading elders beside Zhengang couldn't help but let out heartfelt exclamations.

"These flames appear to have a singular attribute, and our physical strength should be able to withstand them. However, their most terrifying aspect is their self-forming domain. If I'm not mistaken, the celestial realm corresponding to this chasm has already established a certain degree of anti-flight effect. In the short term, we have no way to break free from these restraints."

Zhengang had completely erupted in anger. In truth, Zhengang was not merely a warrior monk; he had once been almost a brutal thug. Had it not been for Master Yunhui's enlightenment, which guided him to instantly repent and embrace a new life, dedicating his cultivation talent to the righteous path, then a person like Zhengang would likely not exist in this world!

Master Yunhui had bestowed upon Zhengang a debt of gratitude for his new life. Now, with Xu Yang and Shi Lingyun identified as Master Yunhui's killers, how could Zhengang possibly swallow this outrage?

With a sudden furious roar, Zhengang's Immortal Golden Light Body erupted with incredibly dazzling golden radiance, and his eyes seemed to grow even fiercer in that moment!

"I don't care! If you won't avenge our Master, I will! What if it means falling back into the demonic path? Today, no matter the cost, even if it takes my life, I must seek justice for Master Yunhui!"

In the next instant, Zhengang's physical body suddenly began to expand infinitely. His original height of just over a meter, nearly two, instantly swelled to tens of meters, truly resembling the colossal golden Buddhist statue atop the mountain. He stood like a peerless warrior monk capable of suppressing all demons in the world, manifesting an unparalleled, domineering presence.

"Step on my body and cross, quickly!"

Zhengang prostrated himself, using his massive body to form a human bridge, creating a path for the Vajras and hall masters behind him to cross to the other side of the broken cliff.

It had to be admitted that after witnessing this scene, even Xu Yang and Shi Lingyun on the other side of the mountain were deeply shocked by Zhengang's resilient resolve.

It was important to realize that what his enormous body was blocking at that moment were the endlessly burning Phoenix flames. Although Xu Yang had not used his strongest force when releasing this power, the scorching temperature was definitely not something mortal flesh could withstand. Zhengang possessed the world's top-tier defensive capabilities, yet he could not endure the continuous agony brought by the fiercely blazing Phoenix flames.

Without a doubt, this action was an ultimate test for both his physical body and his soul.

If Zhengang's soul were to collapse, unable to endure the scorching pain of immolation, the consequences would be unimaginable. Even if his enormous body blocked the Phoenix flames deep within the chasm below, the effects of the anti-flight domain were not completely suppressed; Zhengang alone could not achieve that.

Therefore, the Vajras and the two hall masters behind him had not regained their ability to fly. They could only advance step by step, treading on Zhengang's massive body of flesh and blood, towards the other side of the cliff at the mountain peak!

Feeling the unparalleled, potent consuming power, the emotions in the hearts of the Arhats remained unsettled for a long time. They clearly understood that Hall Master Zhengang was truly desperate this time. To reclaim their Master's lost dignity, he had gambled everything.

With his actions, he had also upheld the name Zhengang, a name personally bestowed upon him by Master Yunhui.

Resilient as steel, mighty and unyielding!

Soon, Xu Yang's expression returned to calm, but deep within his heart, he was filled with profound respect for the warrior monk Zhengang.

"It seems I truly underestimated Zhengang and the unwavering conviction of these great monks. It is necessary to explain things to them properly."

Xu Yang abandoned the idea of immediately leaving with Shi Lingyun. He decided to slow things down and explain the situation to them thoroughly. Consequently, both of them ceased their movements, and soon, the Vajra Arhats and the three hall masters ascended the cliff, surrounding them.

"Your Excellency Xu Yang, we all know your abilities are unparalleled. If you were truly serious, all the monks here combined would probably not be your match. However, this matter cannot be judged solely by the strength of individuals. Your actions have offended the dignity of our Garan Temple lineage, and we must provide an explanation to the Eight Hundred Buddhist Sects!"

Xu Yang expressed understanding for the monks' thoughts; he was not an arrogant or unreasonable person. He nodded gently and looked at Shi Lingyun beside him: "In that case, Miss Shi, please reveal your Nine-Orifice Exquisite Heart."

Shi Lingyun strictly obeyed Xu Yang's command and, following his suggestion, once again released the incredibly powerful outline of her Nine-Orifice Exquisite Heart Soul. The moment the perfect Exquisite Heart Lotus Totem descended, its dazzling brilliance almost illuminated the entire valley battlefield.

Simultaneously, the soul imprint belonging exclusively to Master Yunhui appeared before the great monks.

"Amitābha!"

All the great monks present prostrated themselves in worship before the revealed soul light of Master Yunhui, chanting Buddhist names and performing the Garan Temple's highest ritual to revere Master Yunhui, who had achieved transcendence.

Xu Yang had originally thought that after this, the monks before him would calm down. However, he never expected that his concession would only give them an opportunity to escalate their demands.

"Since Master Yunhui has indeed, as you said, attained Nirvana within Benefactor Shi Lingyun, then according to my suggestion, Benefactor Shi Lingyun should remain at the Garan Temple for ten years, chanting Buddhist names daily, praying for Master Yunhui, our revered leader, and preaching scriptures and dharma to our eight thousand Buddhist disciples."