Chapter 1179: Victory Buddha Reappears

Welcome.

“Me too, me too… I want to go as well!” Little Hua Hua, the bald-headed boy, blinked his big eyes, stretched out a small, chubby arm, and bounced around. He was only up to everyone’s thighs, afraid of being overlooked.

Everyone was speechless. Who would dare enter the Primordial Ancient Mine? Even the Victorious Fighting Buddha was likely risking his life this time; it was a Forbidden Life Zone.

Ye Tong quickly stepped forward and pulled him away.

“Senior Brother, let go! I want to bravely venture into the Primordial Ancient Mine and become a magnificent hero!” The little bald boy declared proudly and spiritedly.

“We’ll talk about that when you stop wetting the bed,” Ye Tong said.

Everyone burst into laughter, teasing him.

The little bald boy was immediately embarrassed. He wasn’t very young anymore, but he occasionally still wet the bed—his most embarrassing secret.

“Senior Brother, I’ll fight you!” The little bald boy brandished his arms playfully.

***

“Imperial Brother, is this true?” Ji Zi frowned. He was also in Heaven’s Village, and if the strongest evolution fluid were developed, he would be among the first to use it. His talent would allow his combat power to soar, preparing him for future challenges.

The Saint Prince nodded gravely, but a hint of worry clouded his eyes.

The Primordial Ancient Mine—what kind of place was that? Everyone who went there died. Few had dared to trespass since ancient times; it was a forbidden land revered by all.

“My uncle’s lifespan is limited; he said he wants to accomplish something now,” the monkey said in a low voice.

Upon hearing the monkey’s somber words, everyone felt a chill, a premonition of ill fortune. Was the Victorious Fighting Buddha about to fall?

Elixirs, divine marrow, and immortal medicines could extend one’s life if taken once, but they had little effect after a second or third dose. Some things simply couldn’t be repeated indefinitely.

In ancient times, the Old Saint Emperor’s prestige shook the world, and all four seas bowed before him. Besides the Divine Peach, he naturally acquired other immortal treasures, which he bestowed upon his younger brother.

The Victorious Fighting Buddha had already used some life-extending items. Therefore, even if extraordinary substances were found in this era, it would be difficult to further prolong his lifespan.

“My uncle emerged from the Divine Source over two thousand years ago. The most terrifying thing is that our clan’s cultivation method is fierce and overbearing, greatly consuming life essence—it’s a life-or-death hurdle,” the Saint Prince said sadly.

In the past, his father had lived only one lifetime. There were issues with his cultivation. Their clan’s profound techniques could shake the nine heavens, but they were too fierce, efficient in defeating enemies, yet also greatly detrimental to oneself.

“Considering his age is not low compared to others at the same cultivation level, and he cultivates such a powerful method, it’s a miracle he has reached this stage.”

People nodded. After all, this was the Victorious Fighting Saint Emperor’s younger brother, and the Old Saint Emperor had already perished!

Although the Victorious Fighting Buddha was the ancient emperor’s younger brother, with an age difference of several millennia, time was merciless, and he had already lived for an exceptionally long period.

***

“Ahem, this humble Daoist is serious. I want to accompany the Victorious Fighting Buddha into the Primordial Ancient Mine. Considering I, Duan De, have plundered countless ancient tombs throughout history, dominating the underground and sweeping all before me, I genuinely want to see if there’s any other place worthy of my entry.”

Everyone rolled their eyes, disdaining the unscrupulous Daoist.

Especially the old assassins from Heaven’s Village, who found him particularly irritating and wished they could run him through with a sword.

“I declare, the ancient tombs in the village were not stolen by me; it was that little rascal, the bald boy,” Duan De said guiltily.

“Nonsense! I had nothing to do with it, not even a copper coin’s worth!” Hua Hua protested, his big eyes darting around, fixing on the treasure in Daoist Duan’s palm.

“Dong…”

The sound of a bell, like ripples, spread slowly across the Northern Region. The Victorious Fighting Buddha had arrived; a beam of Buddhist light transformed into a golden arch bridge, extending from the western territories.

Everyone was astonished, and the ancient clans felt their hearts pound. Such power sent shivers down their spines, making them tremble involuntarily.

Even the Primordial Imperial Clans were no exception. In a past battle, the Victorious Fighting Buddha had demonstrated his invincible might, making even the great imperial clans afraid to provoke him.

“Has he broken through again? A golden arch bridge spans across, transforming tens of thousands of miles of territory into a mere foot—this is truly a transcendent and divine feat!”

“He is indeed worthy of being called the Saint Ape with divine skin and immortal bones in ancient times. It seems his realm has deepened; I hope he doesn’t cross that threshold.”

Among the Primordial Royal Clans, many feared him. What they least wanted to see was him living for a long time, as it would weigh on their hearts like a mountain.

A few Great Sages and the old patriarchs of the Primordial Imperial Clans knew that the fierce and overbearing nature of his cultivation method was a major problem. He cultivated on Mount Meru, seeking Buddhist methods to resolve and alleviate this hardship.

The golden arch bridge shone with vast expanses of immortal radiance. Many came to pay their respects, for the Old Saint Ape commanded everyone’s awe. Whether sincere or not, they at least had to bow on the surface.

The Saint Prince arrived, while individuals like the Black Emperor and Duan De had to remain hidden. Otherwise, they were too detestable; many ancient clans wished they could devour the Black Dog alive.

As for Duan De, he was no better off, having long extended his “business” into the ancient clans’ cemeteries. Now, who knew how many ancient kings were “thinking” of him?

***

The golden arch bridge slowly faded, and the Victorious Fighting Buddha stepped onto the Northern Region’s ground. He gazed at a desolate expanse of broken mountains in the distance and let out a long sigh.

That was the former homeland of the Victorious Fighting Saint Ape lineage, ruined beyond recognition when his brother passed away in ancient times. Now, no one dared to desecrate it.

Even though this lineage now comprised only two individuals, they could still awe the world. As long as the Old Monkey remained alive, this was an unparalleled great clan capable of contending with all major imperial clans.

“Uncle!” the Saint Prince greeted him.

The Victorious Fighting Buddha nodded. Behind him followed several golden-bodied Arhats and Dharma Protectors, one of whom was naturally extraordinary: tall, burly, with golden hair cascading over his shoulders, resembling a golden-furred giant ape.

Some people muttered under their breath, wondering if this might be a descendant the Victorious Fighting Buddha had left in the Western Desert.

However, a closer look quickly dispelled such notions. This was a pure human, simply born with extraordinary gifts, a Buddhist Dharma Protector with exceptional strength.

Ye Fan’s gaze froze. This was Kade, who had entered this world with him and Pang Bo, and was later taken by a Buddhist holy monk to Mount Meru.

Kade was Li Xiaoman’s classmate. Years had passed, and meeting again… things were no longer the same. Ye Fan felt a sense of melancholy. Time had changed so much. Li Xiaoman had been struck down into the Desolate Ancient Abyss by him; if nothing unexpected happened, she would have long turned to dust.

***

Many ancient clans appeared, showing immense reverence for the Victorious Fighting Buddha, daring not to show the slightest disrespect. Although he exuded radiant Buddhist light, compassion, and peace, once this Old Saint Ape grew angry, a devastating flood would surely follow.

Many were now speculating how much longer the Old Monkey could live. Many harbored a dread that this formidable fighting expert would undoubtedly clear all obstacles for his nephew before his passing, preventing anyone from harming him.

If that were the case, there would certainly be a great catastrophe, likely resulting in a sea of blood, and many major clans and experts on the land might disappear.

Anyone at odds with his clan had been living in fear lately, hoping for the Old Saint Ape’s demise, yet also fearing he would use iron-blooded methods to slaughter across the world.

“You’ve come…” Princess Divine Silkworm appeared, her expression very gentle, her ethereal purple hair partly concealing her celestial face. She was serene and peaceful, completely unlike her past assertive demeanor.

She handed the Victorious Fighting Buddha an ancient-looking token. Its patterns were faint, devoid of any luster, making it appear ordinary and simple.

“What? Is that… the token left by the ancient emperor of Divine Silkworm Ridge?!”

Some primordial giants exclaimed in shock. Even the old patriarchs of several great imperial clans narrowed their eyes; this item was of immense significance and was usually never seen!

“I once heard that the Heavenly Emperor’s Son went to the Primordial Ancient Mine with the Undying Emperor’s order, though I don’t know if he entered. Now, the ancient emperor’s token from Divine Silkworm Ridge has also appeared. Could it be that…”

Everyone began to suspect, their scalps tingling, sensing that a major event was about to unfold.

The ancient emperor’s token from Divine Silkworm Ridge was cast from an unknown metal. Its entire body was dark purple, and after millions of years, it showed no damage except for its dullness—even time found it hard to erode.

“My clan has one too,” the Victorious Fighting Buddha said, shaking his head.

“Two tokens are better than one!” Princess Divine Silkworm insisted, without allowing him to explain, and firmly placed the dark purple metal ancient token in his hand.

This journey was to the Primordial Ancient Mine. The path ahead was unpredictable. Princess Divine Silkworm had not offered the ancient emperor’s immortal robe because trying to act recklessly there would only lead to death; only the ancient tokens of predecessors could be relied upon.

“If something happens to me, please look after them,” the Victorious Fighting Buddha secretly transmitted, glancing at the Saint Prince and then at the Arhats and Dharma Protectors. This was his entrustment.

Mist appeared in Princess Divine Silkworm’s eyes. She desperately wanted to stop him but knew the Old Saint Ape’s temperament: once he made a serious decision, he couldn’t be persuaded otherwise.

***

“The Victorious Fighting Saint Emperor’s younger brother is entering the Primordial Ancient Mine!?”

This news spread like an explosion throughout the Northern Region, sweeping across the Eastern Barren Lands. It was impossible to conceal, as many eyes were on the Old Victorious Buddha.

Moreover, those watching him were of no small standing, including numerous Great Sages! Even on ordinary days, gazes constantly monitored Mount Meru, and his descent would be immediately known.

This also implicitly showed that many great clans feared him to an extreme, dreading a massacre before the Victorious Fighting Saint Ape’s demise!

The Victorious Fighting Buddha was entering the Primordial Ancient Mine. What exactly did he intend to do? This question swept through the world like a hurricane, unsettling the nerves of every powerful individual.

“Is he… trying to find a way to extend his life?”

“Or is he aiming to use this immortal divine mine to break through his current realm and take that crucial step?”

The old patriarchs of the great Primordial Imperial Clans felt immense waves of shock in their hearts. They gathered and discussed for half a day, none able to remain calm!

The entire world watched; attention from all directions converged. The eyes of all under heaven once again focused on the Forbidden Life Zone in the northern Eastern Barren Lands, causing an uproar.

“Achieving immortality, building the Dao for a million autumns, stars falling, moon withering, hearts filled with sorrow. Emperors fall after a slumber of eons, the Heavenly Court collapsed, where to wander…”

Outside the Primordial Forbidden Zone, Duan De walked along, singing a song, accompanying the Victorious Fighting Buddha forward. Even the Old Saint Ape showed a flicker of surprise at him.

Ye Fan, the Saint Prince, Princess Divine Silkworm, and others wore even stranger expressions. This Daoist Duan actually intended to go inside—his courage was unbelievably immense.

“Duan De, have a safe journey. If you meet a glorious end, I’ll burn some paper for you every year,” the Black Emperor said.

Little Hua Hua, the bald boy, shouted even louder: “Uncle Duan, Uncle Black Emperor said you haven’t left us the treasures you’ve plundered your whole life!”

“Damn it, you inherently wicked little rascal, why are you so direct? This Emperor was still figuring out how to express it more subtly,” the Black Emperor retorted, giving him a slap.

Wielding the Immortal Cauldron.