Chapter 1036: Killing Formation

The river surged.

The muddy riverbank was covered with robed monks. Several squads of cavalry in red armor galloped past, splashing mud everywhere, their long whips cracking and scattering the monks on either side.

The troops arrived below the high platform. On either side stood a golden effigy: one was entirely red, mounted on a fierce tiger; the other had a benevolent face and five eyes on its body. They loosely allowed the troops to pass. The five-eyed Lianmin sat motionless, his face expressionless:

"Damn Minghui!"

The five-eyed Lianmin had cultivated in the north for many years. The incident on the lake all those years ago felt like a dream and had always made him uneasy. Therefore, for years, he had tried his best to avoid going south, preserving his full power. This made him much more comfortable than Chiluo, who was on the other side. But today, he was very displeased, even fearful:

"This is intolerable! I still have to go to the lake!"

He had no ambition; he only wished to enjoy wealth and comfort. He was utterly unwilling to engage in life-threatening endeavors. He raised an eyebrow and saw Chiluo leisurely, which infuriated him. He simply said:

"Idiot!"

Chiluo lowered his eyebrows, looking at him, and sneered:

"What... has friend Five-Eyes become so afraid? This trip south promises great benefits. With the Venerable One leading the way, even if Xiuwu is present and a massacre is impossible, humbling Li Zhouwei and seizing Immortal Dao artifacts – isn't that good business?"

The five-eyed Lianmin squinted at him and replied:

"You may have cultivated for a hundred years, but you've only cultivated utter foolishness. When has good fortune ever fallen to us? Do you think humbling the White Qilin will allow you to advance further in the Pure Land? Did that Nuszi Maha rise to power by humbling someone? Who did Xuwang humble to now sit above you?"

The five-eyed Lianmin's gaze was contemptuous, making Chiluo frown and remain silent. He had long been at odds with this person, but after several major battles, the five-eyed Lianmin had remained aloof and handled situations with ease. This forced him to believe in the abilities of this old senior who had survived since the Daliang Dynasty.

"In the Pure Land, connections are paramount... Without connections, one should avoid fighting even more..."

He frowned in thought, but then he heard a commotion. A strong wind swept across the high platform. A man descended, riding the wind. His armor shimmered with divine light, and in his hand was a short-handled red axe. Scars on his face twitched as he spoke:

"Grandmaster Minghui!"

The five-eyed Lianmin's eyelid twitched. He then saw the accursed Minghui arrive on a beam of light. His white face was round and full, like that of an enlightened master. The Maha behind him wore similar attire, appeared older, was tall, and stood silently with a frown.

Minghui returned the greeting and smiled: "Greetings, General Gongsun..."

This person was indeed Gongsun Bei.

General Gongsun seemed quite friendly; he nodded. But Minghui said:

"I hear the General possesses a treasure. With battle imminent, we should discuss it... Lest we misunderstand its workings and delay matters!"

Gongsun Bei stroked his beard slightly. He immediately found it reasonable. He nodded and said: "Good!"

At once, almost everyone's gaze focused on Gongsun Bei. The General held the red axe in one hand and slightly raised the other. A small platform emerged from his palm.

The platform was pale yellow, seemingly composed of earth and stone essence. It was palm-sized. Iron chains crisscrossed it, and a tall tower stood on it. Adorned with large and small clouds, it appeared extremely delicate. On closer inspection, one could vaguely discern two small three-pronged short halberds stuck into a circular platform at its center, every single line perfectly distinct.

Gongsun Bei sighed:

"This item is the Xiguang Branching Altar, bestowed by the Zhixuan Retreat. Borrowed for use today, it is an extremely potent spiritual treasure. It is impervious to water, fire, light, electricity, wind, sand, clouds, and smoke. Once activated, countless Xiguang rays will appear in the sky, while the Branching Altar remains on the ground, trapping and slaying enemies. Its spiritual mechanism operates, propelled by wondrous power. When pushed to its limit, the short halberds on the Branching Altar will leap out, falling like thunderbolts, shattering skulls and rendering people utterly disoriented."

Gongsun Bei said seriously:

"I have already tested this item. It consumes divine abilities and magical power like flowing water. An ordinary person cannot wield it. Its power is truly terrifying!"

"This..."

Minghui's heart thumped at his words. He asked: "Are there any taboos or weaknesses?"

Gongsun Bei was silent for a moment. He answered evasively:

"Xiqi, well, it's nothing much. Fellow Daoist, you probably don't possess many immortal arts. Just use less Xuanqi and Lushu, that's all..."

The five-eyed Lianmin watched anxiously. Little did he know, Minghui on the platform was also thinking rapidly, pondering:

"What is Qilian Yan truly scheming? Why such an elaborate commotion?! According to orders from the north, a Buddhist cultivator was originally supposed to lead people through the wilderness to attack Lixia. I've already had my Senior Brother take on this task... Taking the opportunity to harm fewer people, it also counts as fulfilling the Great Mu Buddhist Realm's request... And Minghui had already made arrangements with Mingxiang. Mingxiang would head south and cause trouble in Lixia! Always ready to retreat north, and under no circumstances get involved with the lake. According to the Venerable One's intention, Li Ximing's divine abilities can easily handle me. If I draw in these two Lianmins, delaying them for a moment or two, the Venerable One would be besieged by Gongsun Bei and Daisai. Although this treasure is extremely powerful and he also has a spiritual treasure, he should be able to hold out... What's more, several allies should be arriving from the south..."

He had made his secret arrangements. Looking quite pleased, he leisurely said:

"Look at the sky, this is a perfect time for battle!" On the other side, the horse-faced Maha, ugly in appearance and with gloomy eyes, completely ignored him.

"Maha is in good spirits."

General Gongsun Bei of Zhao casually responded to Minghui. Then, considering Daisai's mood, he whispered:

"Grandmaster has been away from the palace for many years, constantly stationed in the south. Several noble families have been talking... Missing you greatly, they await your return to the palace, discussing coming to visit you together."

Daisai had once cultivated in the Great Zhao imperial court. He was clearly more familiar with these Great Zhao noble families and had a good relationship with Gongsun Bei, the head of Zhao's noble factions. He wouldn't disregard his face. He shook his head and said:

"For the matter on the lake, I'll have to trouble the General."

Minghui turned his head with a slight scoff. Gongsun Bei said in a deep voice:

"No matter, my journey south today is by the command of the Venerable Immortal. I am prepared, Grandmaster need not worry."

This made Daisai secretly sigh in relief. Minghui's heart, however, chilled: "Qilian Yan and the various families have reached a consensus of interest. What new trick are they preparing?!"

But just as he took a step, there was a tremor in the Void. A completely snow-white Dharma body appeared, landing on the platform. It manifested into a solemn-faced middle-aged monk. Behind him followed a group of Lianmins, who bowed and said:

"I am Yanbai, greetings to all Grand Virtuous Ones!"

At once, Minghui was greatly shaken. He raised an eyebrow and looked at him. Gongsun Bei, slightly surprised, asked:

"Grandmaster Yanbai, what brings you here?"

The middle-aged monk pressed his palms together. He calmly said:

"I am here by order of Mt. Dayang to replace Mingxiang in managing the wilderness matters. I have already been to Xuanyuan Temple and reported my duties to Qilian Yan. He instructed Grandmaster Mingxiang not to return to report, but to join in the attack on Moon Glimmer Lake."

At these words, Minghui was silent for a moment. Below, the five-eyed Lianmin's scalp tingled with dread.

"So now we have Minghui, first generation of Lotus; Daisai, third generation; and Mingxiang, fourth generation. Crucially, there's also Gongsun Bei, a Purple Mansion stage cultivator... How did this person show up? Damnation!"

The five-eyed Lianmin was utterly distraught. Those under the Golden Lotus are all capable of holding back a Purple Mansion stage divine ability cultivator. Neither Daisai nor Minghui were ordinary individuals. Mingxiang was comparable to a mid-stage Purple Mansion cultivator. If only Buddhist cultivators were involved, he would still hold some hope. But with Gongsun Bei, it was a qualitative change. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say there were three mid-stage Purple Mansion cultivators. Moreover, the General held a spiritual treasure specifically designed to counter Mingyang!

He didn't care what happened to the White Qilin. What he feared was being sacrificed as a contingency plan by the Venerable One!

"If I really turn against them and act... it wouldn't help the situation much. It would likely just be a waste of my life. That Qilian fellow is despicable, making such a fuss! Lotus Temple is indeed unreliable, but it's truly strange... Qilian Yan, a mountain-dwelling immortal cultivator, a country Taoist who doesn't involve himself in worldly affairs. His previous arrangements for going south were a joke. But now he possesses such cunning? It's baffling!"

The five-eyed Lianmin was racking his brain for a countermeasure. Minghui's face showed sudden realization, and his heart sank abruptly. He smiled and said:

"We have already made arrangements for attacking Moon Glimmer Lake, with manpower ready. Daoist Qilian's concern deeply touches us, but I fear we may not have enough people on either side!"

Yanbai showed no pleasantries towards Daisai. But he had some good feelings towards Minghui due to a private agreement between them to harm fewer mortals. He didn't show it. And without hesitation, he pressed his palms together and calmly said:

"It's not about concern. Qilian Yan heard the report from Dayuang Guangyin Temple and frankly stated that Lotus Temple often acts improperly and is not fit for important tasks. He worries that Daoist Mingxiang is too focused on self-preservation and acts with duplicity."

At these words, Minghui's expression turned grim. Mingxiang's face hardened even more.

In truth, Qilian Yan had guessed correctly. These two senior and junior brothers were indeed taking advantage of the chaotic situation. But to be so openly called out was ultimately undignified. Minghui couldn't blame this straightforward person before him, but he cursed inwardly:

"Qilian Yan... that son of a bitch Qilian Yan!" He racked his brain but simply couldn't understand. And his higher status led him to different angles of suspicion: "What's wrong with Qilian Yan? Has he gone mad? His Zhixuan Retreat serves the mountain... But would the mountain wish for Li Zhouwei's downfall? How is that possible! Surely they intend for this Venerable One to proceed step by step, to attempt to achieve the 'fruit status'. Does Qilian Yan's sudden insistence on killing or harming him now serve the mountain's interests?!"

Minghui felt his brain twisting in knots, but he still couldn't figure it out.

All the cultivators had their motives. Why was Gongsun Bei, a Great Zhao imperial court cultivator, so enthusiastic about going south, and why was he so meticulously prepared? It was because Gongsun Bei cultivated Xiqi, seeking to benefit by imitating how Xiqi had once destroyed Mingyang. He also had a desire for liberation, and was therefore more interested in harming Mingyang... If it were one or two eighth or ninth generation Buddhist cultivators trying to kill Li Zhouwei, he could completely understand their desire to seize his destiny. But why was Qilian Yan joining in the fun? One must know that Wei Xuanyin had always followed the mountain's orders, using Mingyang to lure out the movements of the various Buddhist cultivators!

"Something must have made him change his mind..."

Daisai, nearby, chuckled with schadenfreude. He simply considered it a sign that the other party's scheme against him had failed. He strolled leisurely with his hands behind his back, occasionally uttering sarcastic remarks. Minghui, however, paid him no mind.

Yanbai's arrival from the south, following orders, could be said to have completely disrupted Minghui's plans. None of the cultivators were blind. Mingxiang's addition would undoubtedly bring an overwhelming change to the battle. No matter how much they held back, it would be difficult to manage! Moreover, Mingxiang didn't understand the real issue at all; once the magical combat became fierce, he would certainly not hold back!

Mingxiang's inclusion greatly improved Gongsun Bei's demeanor. He nodded kindly to the senior and junior brothers. Without delay, he said:

"I ask all of you to lead the charge. I will hold the treasure in the Void and ensure that we gain the upper hand with one strike to suppress this fiend!"

Mingxiang bowed in assent. He led the way, rising on the wind. He even felt a surge of eagerness. Minghui, however, felt utterly flustered, with even greater fear in his heart:

"Besides... once Yanbai finishes with Lixia, or is forced to retreat from the south, it's highly likely he'll come to the lake for assistance..."

Boom, boom, boom.

Loud war drums reverberated above the river. Countless battle cries rose to the heavens. A man in black stood on the riverbank, gazing into the distance at the ethereal, mountain-sized Dharma body fluctuating within the clouds and mist.

Dazzling, shimmering light poured down amidst the white mist, making the battle cries below seem even more insignificant. From within, a colossal entity extended its limbs. A holy, radiant golden head emerged, its large mouth humming:

"Mingxiang of Lotus Temple, greetings, benefactor!"

This announcement caused light to fall from the sky, colors overlapping. The man in black stood with a grave expression, hands clasped behind his back, his eyes burning with even greater killing intent.

Boom!

Two golden palms descending from the sky were bound by the vibrant, thread-like strands of Mingyang light. Li Zhouwei extended his hand, and as rolling purple flames spread, he brandished a halberd!

In just a flicker of an eye, a begging bowl emerged. Its familiar purplish-black radiance burst forth again. Karma fire billowed from it. Li Zhouwei watched, his gaze icy:

Daisai's gaze locked directly with his. He instinctively flinched slightly. Then immediately reacted with furious rage. The divine ability in his hand brightened further, and he began to curse!

"Beast! How dare you resist!"

A large turquoise and yellow umbrella spun open from behind him. The radiance of the Hundred Ridge Black Stone Umbrella resisted all the karma fire one by one. He flicked his long halberd and abruptly turned. With a clang, he pulled a golden sword from the Void.

Boom!

Mingxiang's golden artifact, having accumulated power for a long time, collided with him and surprisingly did not fall behind for a moment. Rolling purple flames spread. Golden effigies appeared to Li Zhouwei's left and right. One was mounted on a red tiger, the other had five eyes on its body; both were horrifying and terrifying. One held his long halberd, while the other activated a wondrous ability to lock down the halberd's tail.

Li Zhouwei felt the stagnating force coming from his long halberd. He immediately knew that both were from the Lotus lineage!

And at the highest point, the sky abruptly opened up. Minghui, who had been accumulating power for a long time, appeared. He held a mirror in his hand, raised high above his head. Thick, colorful divine light poured down, aiming directly at his glabella!

Li Zhouwei showed no panic whatsoever. His large hand gripping the halberd applied immense force. Golden patterns appeared on his arms, causing the expressions of the two Lianmins on his sides to change abruptly. His gaze, however, pierced through countless dust particles, directly striking Minghui's eyes.

This gaze made Minghui break out in a cold sweat. Yet, a grim smile appeared on his face.

But before he could utter a few threats, and before Daisai's cry of "Beast! How dare you resist!" could fade from the sky, a rolling sound wave, transmitted by a divine ability, followed closely behind. It continued the meaning, spreading through the Void with an ominous and venomous tone:

"Today, all cultivators are here; how can we allow you to be so arrogant!" It was indeed the five-eyed Lianmin!

This sound from the divine ability made Minghui overjoyed. He even felt a strange sensation in his heart. With mystic chants rolling from his mouth, he chuckled eerily:

"Precisely! Immortals and Buddhists are all here; you are destined to perish on the lake!" At these words, the five-eyed Lianmin silently swallowed. Gongsun Bei in the Void, however, looked displeased. He looked left at Daisai, right at the five-eyed Lianmin, then back at Minghui, wanting to speak but holding back, his brows deeply furrowed:

"These people are too arrogant... none of them are reliable! There was really no need to say that."

Boom!

A brilliant light had already flared in the Void. Dashang swept out, first pushing aside the five-eyed Lianmin. With a flick of his long halberd, he diagonally blocked the pouring colorful light!

He forcefully withstood the mighty, yet widely dispersed, Buddhist light. His gaze, cold and expressionless, shifted away from Minghui's. His Immortal Mirror had already roughly swept the Void, detecting the poised Gongsun Bei!

"Golden Feather's warning was not without reason... What a formidable formation."