Chapter 214: Wanfa Invincible

"After the Tathagata opened up Mount Sumeru, he built a temple in the mountain." Although the little nun in white claimed the rosary beads were tainted with the aura of a renegade Buddhist, she still turned them over and over, wishing she could pull each bead off to examine it closely.

"What happened next?" Ye Fan pressed.

"What next?" the little nun replied carelessly, yet she was meticulously handling the rosary beads.

"Of course, what happened to Sakyamuni later?" Ye Fan smiled, watching her.

"Oh, him? There was no 'later' for him," the little nun said, holding the rosary beads up to the sun and watching them intently, clearly unwilling to continue.

"How could there be no 'later'?" Ye Fan said. "Little master, Buddha once said, 'Do not speak falsely.' How can you not tell the truth?"

"Everything I said is true," the loli nun pouted, dissatisfied. She couldn't decipher the mysteries within the sarira beads. Finally, she pulled out a cluster of jade flowers and tapped them repeatedly on the beads. A fragrant aroma filled the air, and tiny rays of light, like sharp thorns, shot out, striking the sarira beads. Faint sparks flickered.

However, the six sarira beads remained unchanged. Despite the tiny rays and flickering sparks, they lay still. Ye Fan quickly intervened, saying, "What are you doing? Stop it at once!"

"I want to cut them open and see. There seems to be something inside," the little nun insisted, shaking the cluster of jade flowers, causing blade-like rays to fly and engulf the sarira beads.

"Those are my rosary beads."

"I didn't say they were mine," the little nun mumbled in response, still trying.

Ye Fan's forehead twitched. "They're not yours, and you still want to cut them open?" He quickly reached out to retrieve the rosary beads.

"Don't be so stingy! Let me look at them a little longer," the little nun said, her white robes fluttering. In her slender, jade-like palm, a hazy miniature world seemed to appear, covering the rosary beads. The Saintess of Yaoguang was surprised. "Is this the secret art of 'Universe in the Palm'?"

When Ye Fan's hand reached into the miniature world, he couldn't touch the rosary beads. He always missed them by a fraction, as if they were forever out of reach.

He smiled and reversed his hand, aiming for the little nun's wrist, attempting to seize her weakness. However, the hazy miniature world moved like a swimming dragon, appearing at her wrist and blocking his fingers again.

"Pardon me," Ye Fan said. His palm and fingers shifted, his five fingers forming a seal resembling a dragon's head, from which nine rays of light shot out. Each ray was like a celestial dragon, lunging towards the miniature world.

"Ah, this is..." The little nun was astonished.

Ye Fan's hand seal unleashed nine small celestial dragons, so similar to the Imperial Dragon Qi coiling around her elder brother that they were almost indistinguishable from the real thing. Their power was immense; they instantly surged into the illusory space in her palm, shattering it. While she was distracted, he snatched the rosary beads back.

"What secret art is this?" The Saintess of Yaoguang, who was nearby, witnessed everything clearly and was greatly surprised. Ye Fan had subtly used a lesser variation of the Killing Art, one of the Nine Secrets, transforming it within his palm and fingers. Its extraordinary power was difficult for outsiders to discern.

"Let me see them again," the little nun in white pleaded.

"Tell me what happened to the Tathagata then?" Ye Fan smiled, holding the rosary beads in his palm.

"I really don't know what happened afterward, because that name seems to have been erased from historical records; not a trace of him can be found anymore," the little nun in white said with an honest expression.

"I don't believe what you're saying," Ye Fan said, gently twirling the rosary beads and shaking his head with a smile. The little nun in white puffed out her cheeks and glared at him with her large eyes, then said, "Alright, alright, I'll tell you everything. It's nothing anyway."

"Then tell me in detail. I'm all ears."

"From then on, Buddhism had no Tathagata," the young princess of Great Xia solemnly declared.

"What do you mean?" Ye Fan inquired.

"This is a conclusion I reached after reading many Buddhist scriptures, searching through various ancient texts, and connecting all the clues. In reality, it all boils down to just that one sentence," the little nun in white said very seriously.

"Little master, you're lying," Ye Fan shook his head.

"I swear by the World-Honored One that every word I've said is true. This is the conclusion I drew after examining hundreds of Buddhist texts. Furthermore, I once asked others, and even powerful Buddhist figures sighed, saying, 'From then on, Buddhism had no Tathagata'," the little nun said, her expression insisting he must believe her.

"From then on, Buddhism had no Tathagata..." Ye Fan stroked his chin. This phrase sparked endless conjectures. What exactly happened? Was the Tathagata no longer the original Tathagata, or was Buddhism no longer the original Buddhism? Who was the one on Mount Sumeru now? The Saintess of Yaoguang was also contemplating. She knew less, but from various clues, she was gradually discerning a vague outline.

"Let me see the rosary beads again," the little nun in white extended her small hand. Ye Fan toyed with the beads, saying, "Your brother's expression changed when he heard 'Tathagata.' He knows some secrets. How could you not know?"

"What could he know? It's just that the elders instructed him not to mention that name," the little nun pouted.

"Why were they instructed that way?" the Saintess of Yaoguang asked.

"How should I know?" The little nun in white tilted her head and said, "I've read through various ancient texts in the imperial dynasty and also arrived at a conclusion: 'From then on, there was no Sakya in the world.'"

"From then on, there was no Sakyamuni in the world..." Ye Fan had many theories, but each was difficult to prove.

"Your Highness!" The guards nearby hastily bowed.

The Great Xia Prince, with his black hair flowing and tiger eyes gleaming with power, approached, his iron armor shining, nine dragons swirling around his body, exuding an imperial aura of dominion. Striding confidently, his sword-like brows slightly raised, his tiger eyes shot out divine light, clearly displeased with the guards.

"Your Highness, please calm your anger. It was Princess's order that we should not approach," the guard captain quickly explained.

"Yao Xi greets Your Royal Highness," the Saintess of Yaoguang said with a captivating smile.

The Great Xia Prince responded courteously, not showing even a hint of the airs of an heir to an immortal dynasty. He said, "Fairy Yao Xi, like the bright moon in the sky, it is truly a fortune if you befriend my imperial sister."

Ye Fan, however, did not receive such favorable treatment. The more the Great Xia Prince looked at him, the more annoyed he became, frowning and wanting to kick him away from the little nun in white.

"Immeasurable Heavenly Venerate, this humble Daoist came to deliver the Imperial Dao Heavenly Scripture. Since Your Highness does not appreciate it, I shall go find someone fated to receive it. This humble Daoist departs." Ye Fan stepped away.

"Hey, hey, Daoist, let me see those rosary beads again!" the little nun in white called out softly.

The Great Xia Prince said nothing, only glancing at his sister. The pure and elegant little nun mumbled something and found it difficult to say anything further.

The Saintess of Yaoguang also prepared to depart. She floated away gracefully, lightly catching up to Ye Fan, and said, "Daoist priest, please come this way."

"Alright," Ye Fan understood that this was an invitation from the Saintess of Jade Lake, and Yao Xi was merely relaying the message.

Passing through a unique rockery made of piled stones and crossing a small stone arch bridge over a spring, the two arrived together at a quiet courtyard.

Here, pebbles paved the path, bamboo groves stood in clusters, and a stone table with four stone stools beside it sat nestled within the trees, serene and tranquil.

The Saintess of Jade Lake was demonstrating the tea ceremony, her unadorned hands light and agile. Every movement embodied the way of nature, completely blending with the scenery. A faint tea fragrance wafted on the breeze.

"The tea ceremony skills of the Jade Lake Fairy, like her guqin artistry, are almost at the Dao realm, yet she almost never displays them. This is truly rare, indicating she clearly considers you a distinguished guest."

Yao Xi's immortal physique swayed, her skin as fair as jade and glistening. She turned back with a smile that captivated all.

Such captivating beauty naturally reminded Ye Fan of their past struggle, where her immortal, jade-like body was almost entirely exposed, a scene of infinite allure.

"Daoist priest, have you truly cultivated Dao for over three hundred years?" Yao Xi chuckled.

"I'm ashamed to say, this humble Daoist has idled away the years, living over three hundred years in vain, accomplishing nothing," Ye Fan said, reciting his Daoist title.

Yao Xi smiled faintly, her hair gently swaying, and said, "I see that Daoist priest seems to possess a young heart." Ye Fan's heart tightened. He had only been momentarily distracted, yet the other party had sensed something unusual with keen perception, forcing him to be more careful to avoid revealing himself.

"With such an unparalleled beauty as the Fairy, even a thousand-year-old elder would struggle to remain calm upon meeting her. For this humble Daoist to be slightly distracted is quite normal." The two then entered the bamboo grove.

The Saintess of Jade Lake moved gracefully, her fingers, slender as green onions, tracing elegant paths, providing a visual delight. The various tea utensils on the stone table seemed to come alive as the rich tea aroma spread, filling the air.

"Daoist priest, please have some tea," the melodious voice of the Saintess of Jade Lake came. Her unadorned hands were slender and soft as she picked up a teacup and personally offered it. Ye Fan thanked her and asked, "May I know why the Fairy summoned me?"

"You are too kind, Daoist priest. There are indeed some matters requiring your assistance," the Saintess of Jade Lake said softly.

"The Jade Lake lineage is ancient and stands at the peak. What could be beyond its resolution? This humble Daoist's abilities are limited; I fear I might disappoint the Fairy," Ye Fan said calmly, without changing his expression.

"I would like to invite you to Jade Lake."

"For what purpose, may I ask?"

"There are some mysterious, unusual stone materials that I'd like to ask you to appraise," the Saintess of Jade Lake revealed, giving just enough information to make Ye Fan's heart tremble. Those stones likely had astonishing origins.

"Couldn't Jade Lake simply cut the stones open?" The Saintess of Jade Lake shook her head. "They cannot be cut open until their nature is clear." Ye Fan became even more certain that those stone materials were extraordinary.

"At that time, it will likely be a grand stone appraisal event," Yao Xi chuckled.

"Indeed, many people will be invited to Jade Lake; many distinguished guests will arrive," the Saintess of Jade Lake replied. Undoubtedly, it would be a grand event, with many extraordinary individuals entering Jade Lake.

"Unfortunately, this humble Daoist has urgent matters to attend to and cannot spare time for now," Ye Fan declined.

"No matter. If Daoist priest has urgent matters, I cannot force you," the Saintess of Jade Lake said. Then, she took out a jade pendant and said, "However, if Daoist priest finds himself free, you may present this pendant at any Jade Lake Immortal Stone Shop in the Northern Region at any time, and they will surely guide you into Jade Lake."

Ye Fan quickly thanked her, saying, "It would truly be a great regret for this humble Daoist to miss such a grand event. Once I have dealt with my urgent matters, I will certainly pay a visit." By the time Ye Fan left the bamboo grove, the people outside had already dispersed. After he emerged, he didn't see Wu Zhongtian, Tu Fei, or the others, but he didn't search for them either, heading directly out of the city. Outside Kunyun City, brilliant light soared into the sky, and even from a distance, one could sense a terrifying aura. Ten miles outside the city, a major battle was underway, and many cultivators were flying towards it.

"The Saint Son of Yaoguang is indeed unrivaled!"

"This is too terrifying!" Many people were discussing it. Soon, Ye Fan spotted Wu Zhongtian, Li Heishui, and the others; they were all watching the battle.

Ahead, in the center of a reddish-brown plain, the Saint Son of Yaoguang stood alone, radiating golden light. He was like a blazing furnace, scorching everything around him, his powerful aura causing many to tremble. At his feet, two motionless corpses lay, both white-haired elders of great power. In the sky, three more elders were roaring, charging towards him. Alas, the entire area was enveloped in holy light, like a bronze furnace refining the world; nothing could break through it. The Saint Son of Yaoguang stood in the field like a deity.

He was impervious to all techniques, as stable as a mountain, unmoving. His radiance was too brilliant to look at directly, shining like a blazing sun.

"Boom!"

He punched towards the sky, and divine light obscured the sun, shaking the firmament. An elder charging with an aura capable of devouring heaven and earth was instantly shattered into pieces.

Another person cried out, diving down. The terrifying weapon he wielded, like a comet illuminating the sky, tore through the void and struck towards the Saint Son of Yaoguang. His combat power surged, and killing intent soared into the heavens.

Yet, once the Saint Son of Yaoguang unleashed his holy light, he was truly unmatched. Mountains and rivers trembled, scorching beams filled the sky, and the world-refining bronze furnace transformed into overwhelming holy light, piercing the firmament. The sky below was ablaze with brilliance.

"Boom!"

Radiance filled the sky, infinitely scorching. The heavens were blinding. The terrifying weapon instantly vaporized, and the elder evaporated in an instant, completely melted and gone.

As the third person charged, golden light flowed around the Saint Son of Yaoguang. His hair, like gold, danced wildly, and two golden glows shot from his eyes as he softly cried out.

"Bang!"

The powerful figure in the sky was instantly torn apart, his dead body plummeting, killed in an instant.

"This... this is too terrifying!"

"All five powerful cultivators, who had reached the third Secret Realm, were actually killed! This Saint Son of Yaoguang truly possesses divine might that intimidates his peers!"

"Terrifying! He inspires dread to such an extent. Among those of the same cultivation level, he is probably nearly invincible. The Saint Son truly lives up to his reputation as a peerless prodigy of this era."

"Even if the Ji Family has their 'Bright Moon in the Sky' and the Jiang Family has their Divine Physique, they probably cannot overshadow the invincible prowess of the Saint Son of Yaoguang. Such a figure is difficult to suppress, even for a Divine Physique."

At this moment, the Saint Son of Yaoguang truly resembled a deity. His entire body was glowing, even his hair, purifying the entire area.

His vital energy surged like boiling lava, making it impossible for anyone to approach him. He was like a bronze furnace, capable of refining the world.

"I can't stand this aura," a cultivator groaned, feeling weak all over and retreating.

"His life force is too vigorous; it almost overshadows half the sky. His vital energy is like a blade; its mere emanation can harm the souls of others."

The Saint Son of Yaoguang was indeed as they described: the blood within him was like a blade, like a rainbow, forcing everyone to retreat. Wu Zhongtian sighed, "I am no match for him. Once his Holy Light Art is unleashed, he is probably truly invincible among his peers. Such a sacred art is unparalleled in the world. Unless King Jiang's Battle Saint Art is brought forth, there's no way to contend with him."

"Invulnerable to all techniques, overwhelming holy light, refining heaven and earth, peerless in his might—he is far more terrifying than the Yaoguang Holy Lord was in his youth!"

"At present, the only one who can contend with him is probably the Great Xia Prince, who cultivates the *Taihuang Scripture*."

"Alas, King Jiang's attack-oriented sacred art has been lost forever..."