Chapter 838: Treasure Exhausted (1+2/2)

The Buddhist practitioners in the sky stood majestically, their expressions frozen like statues. A brilliant light radiated from the golden cloud, where a colossal golden statue rested serenely in the air, its face showing neither compassion nor joy.

The cultivators on either side looked wary and fearful. The entire North Dan Island was brightly illuminated. Li Wushao frowned and retreated, clearly displeased by the heavenly radiance; his face showed obvious displeasure, and he was likely cursing under his breath.

Everyone looked towards Li Xizhi.

Li Xizhi showed no panic. He casually crushed a jade talisman, briefly assessed the situation, and then ascended into the clouds, circulating his spiritual power as he declared loudly:

"The Great Konghai Temple has made a sudden visit to my Green Pond Stone Pond. May I ask the purpose of your visit? I am Li Xizhi, Lord of the Jiutian Pavilion."

None of the masters in the sky responded. The Revered One remained motionless, while a nun, clad in a loose, black monastic robe, stepped forward with her followers, pressed her palms together, and chanted:

"My master, the Lord of Konghai Qinghan Wanli Temple, by virtue of profound destiny, has attained the esoteric path of the Five Aggregates and disseminated the wondrous scriptures of the Three Vehicles. He has specially dispatched Arhat protector, the esteemed Great Cultivator Zhuzhen, to preside over North Dan."

These words immediately caused an uproar among the cultivators of Green Pond.

The era of Buddhist cultivation is far shorter than that of immortal cultivation, and naturally, their titles are often long-winded and pretentious. Immortal cultivators enjoyed ancient golden ages, and their lineage, strictly defined to this day, grants only the title of 'True Person' for those in the Purple Mansion realm, and some foundational realms don't even have a 'Daoist' title.

This Buddhist cultivator, Zhuzhen, is referred to as both an esteemed figure and a Great Cultivator, sounding incredibly lofty. In reality, he is merely a Revered One, and many 'Grand Masters' in Buddhist cultivation are actually just cultivators at the Foundation Establishment level.

What truly shocked everyone was his last sentence: "to preside over North Dan!"

What did that mean? No matter what, Green Pond Sect belonged to the Solar Dao lineage. While there were many high-level Buddhist and Daoist cultivators in the South Sea, and the Great Konghai Temple was backed by a Mahayana, there was absolutely no justification for adopting such a demanding attitude on someone else's territory! This implied a declaration of war against Green Pond.

Li Xizhi raised his head, his eyes calm, and said in a deep voice:

"May I ask what promise the Great Konghai Temple has received, or from which True Person you received a celestial decree, to directly claim Stone Pond?"

"North Dan has not received any celestial decree from a True Person. If the Great Konghai Temple intends to seize Stone Pond while our sect's Great True Person has fallen, then I, your junior, cannot comply."

The nun in the sky responded coldly:

"With Lord Zhuzhen here, how can mere people like you have a say? Even if your Sky Pavilion enjoys a great reputation, do you expect a Great Cultivator to explain himself to you?"

Seeing her being unreasonable, not only ignoring his words but also spouting nonsense, Li Xizhi frowned slightly. He knew their intentions were hostile, as Green Pond was currently weak and certainly couldn't spare a Purple Mansion cultivator to intervene.

Just then, his wife, Yang Xiao'er, descended on a cloud beside him and said softly:

"Are all members of the Great Konghai Temple so unreasonable? I am Yang Xiao'er of the Yang clan from Yue Kingdom..."

The nun was about to speak again, but then the statue-like Revered One in the sky finally spoke, his voice deep as thunder:

"So, an imperial descendant."

His eyes were very stern, and he said coldly:

"My Great Konghai Temple has engaged in exchanges with Fellow Daoist Si, Fellow Daoist Tang, and Fellow Daoist Ning. North Dan is also a treasured land where I've discussed profound mysteries with two of those fellow Daoists... Stone Pond, moreover, is where my master attained enlightenment. After a great battle back then, the three True Persons stated that as long as they were present, Stone Pond would belong to Green Pond."

He paused slightly, then said softly:

"My master respected the Green Pond Dao lineage and promised to withdraw from Stone Pond. Now that your sect's connection with Stone Pond has ended, we have come to reclaim it."

Li Xizhi's expression darkened slightly.

The Revered One's meaning was clear: according to him, Stone Pond had been seized by Green Pond's Three Primordial Ones from the Great Konghai Temple, and now that the Three Primordial Ones were gone, they were reclaiming it.

While Li Xizhi didn't have access to all of Green Pond's historical records, he had never heard any claims within the sect that Stone Pond was seized. If such an event had involved three Purple Mansion cultivators, there would surely be some trace within the sect. This individual, even if not outright lying, was at least concealing many facts.

But the truth no longer mattered. They had already surrounded the island, clearly leaving no room for negotiation and intending to launch a surprise attack. Could Li Xizhi possibly argue this point with the Revered One?

Knowing their hostile intent, he didn't mince words and calmly stated:

"What is the Revered One's intention?"

Directly addressing him as "Revered One" was a custom in Jiangnan, evidently not common in the South Sea, and even carried a Northern Buddhist influence. The Revered One frowned, and a Sanskrit chant emerged from his mouth:

"My Great Konghai Temple does not wish to accumulate more killing karma. For the sake of True Person Zhaojing and the Yue Kingdom, take your family and disciples and leave, ceding North Dan."

Li Xizhi fell silent.

To yield or not to yield?

The formation on North Dan Island was formidable, but resisting the Revered One was clearly a pipe dream. Li Xizhi had no desire to die in loyal service to Green Pond; moreover, Tantai Jin and Ning also wished for him to preserve his life. He repeatedly weighed his options, only trying to assess whether the opponent would try to kill him.

'True Person Ning won't take long to arrive from Jiangbei, but the problem is the time it takes to notify her. I've already crushed the jade talisman to inform Tantai Jin first, but Tantai Jin might not have the courage to immediately strike the bronze bell and summon True Persons back.'

He quickly looked up and said softly:

"We must withdraw under a celestial decree from a True Person. Please, Revered One, wait a moment. As soon as the True Person's decree arrives, we will respond to you."

If Zhuzhen were to wait there, it would truly be a joke. This statement was clearly a refusal, and the golden light around the Revered One slowly flickered, indicating growing anger.

Furthermore, Li Xizhi had spent many years in the South Sea; it was impossible for him not to know the local customs. His refusal to address Zhuzhen as a Great Cultivator, instead repeatedly calling him "Revered One," only added fuel to the fire. The high-level cultivator said coldly:

"You refuse the toast, so you must drink the penalty!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the surrounding group of masters roared in unison, filling the sky with thunderous noise that shook the entire world. Li Xizhi glanced around and formed a hand seal.

A pure, radiant light descended from the sky. The masters rushed forward to press the formation, but Li Xizhi remained still. A group of luminous doppelgangers leaped out, and a dazzling colorful light ascended:

"Morning Rainbow!"

This spell, which couldn't even breach Tuoba Chongyuan's original dharma body back then, was now entirely different. The dazzling colorful light transformed into colossal beams the size of houses, scattering and dancing through the air, grazing past the faces of the masters one by one.

As this spell shot into the sky, the nun serving beside the Revered One was startled. She descended on a cloud, cursing:

"What a fierce villain! How dare you be so arrogant!"

Even Zhuzhen frowned slightly, musing to himself:

'Indeed, he is exceptionally skilled in spells... his reputation is well-earned... Fortunately, he cultivates the Radiant Mist technique; unless he joins Luoxia, his Dao path is limited... but for an Immortal True Person, he truly is a sharp sword.'

He seemed less overbearing and enraged than he appeared, instead observing with scrutiny. Seeing his demeanor, Li Xizhi felt much calmer and instructed:

"All cultivators on the island, join me in resistance!"

The cultivators immediately retreated to the platform. North Dan Island's formation was built by a master during Chi Wei's era, at the peak of Green Pond's prosperity, with five True Persons from the Purple Mansion realm suppressing it. Thus, the formation was solidly constructed. Over ten Foundation Establishment cultivators simultaneously activated their techniques, causing the grand formation to suddenly glow brightly.

However, there were more masters in the sky, and their strength surpassed that of Foundation Establishment cultivators, immediately causing the grand formation to waver. Li Xizhi stepped into the air, forming hand seals with both palms to activate a spell:

'Shield of Danxia, from light, as desired; embrace of heavy mountains, joining Nine Nether and connecting to truth... radiant mist, from where it originates...'

A six-colored light then flew from his palms, soaring like a swallow, moving outside the formation. It transformed into a rainbow mist, empowering the grand formation and spreading throughout the surroundings.

Li Xizhi's immortal foundation, which involved the Radiant Mist, excelled in escape techniques, rainbow gathering, and spellcasting. He could naturally converge rainbow mist to disorient opponents and empower an area, but he had rarely used it over the years. Upon its current activation, the masters outside the formation immediately felt their momentum weaken.

The confusing power of this radiant mist was extremely potent, and Li Xizhi's spellcasting was formidable, instantly disorganizing the cultivators outside the formation. Zhuzhen above lifted an eyelid, appearing somewhat displeased. The nun beside him immediately said respectfully:

"Great Cultivator, would you like to..."

Before she could finish, Zhuzhen had already cast a cold glance at her. Clearly, the Great Konghai Temple's side was losing face, but the Revered One seemed preoccupied with something else, his gaze lingering on the island.

He carefully observed Yang Xiao'er, seemingly confirming something. Seeing her composure and complete lack of fear, he secretly frowned. However, it was naturally impossible for Li Xizhi to hold out. The Revered One finally decided to act, merely blowing gently.

"Whoosh!"

With that single breath, a fierce gale swept across the island. No matter how powerful the radiant mist was, it instantly dispersed under the Revered One's breath, revealing the white-robed man suspended within the formation.

Li Xizhi's expression grew solemn. Seeing a group of masters closing in again, he finally placed his hand on the hilt of the long sword strapped to his back, his fair, slender fingers pressing on the jewel embedded in the sword, yet still showing apprehension.

Yang Xiao'er, standing beside him, also showed a hint of anger. Seeing her husband hesitate, she stepped forward and said softly:

"My husband, don't worry..."

The unspoken understanding between them was profound. Yang Xiao'er knew he was unaware of the situation's true origins and was worried about harming these masters, which might provide an excuse for the Revered One to pursue them relentlessly. Li Xizhi, likewise, understood that his wife had a plan.

Li Xizhi had complete trust in his wife. Over the years, he had escaped death multiple times, often thanks to his capable partner. He nodded slightly, and with a flick of his wrist.

"Clang!"

The long sword, glinting with colorful radiance, was partially drawn, revealing its pure white blade and a sharp, smooth edge with elegant lines.

Zhuzhen, who had been absentmindedly observing from above, suddenly had his eyes light up. He jolted as if struck, turning his head, and a thunderous roar erupted from his mouth:

"How audacious!"

At the same time, a bright, warm-white stream of light leaped from within the formation, splitting into two distinct yellow and white colors. Yet, the moment they materialized, each further divided into three points of light, intertwining and darting about with extraordinary agility.

'Three-Point Moon Stream!'

Only then did the many masters surrounding the formation simultaneously retreat, a heart-stopping sense of danger washing over them.

"Clang!"

A colossal golden palm suddenly materialized out of thin air, traversing the void to appear before the masters. This golden palm, brimming with spiritual power, forcefully shielded all the masters behind it.

Zhuzhen was, after all, a Revered One, and traversing the void offered too many conveniences. The six bright, warm-white streams of light were all captured, the closest one nearly reaching a master's neck, sending shivers down his dharma body and leaving a faint red mark.

All these masters felt a chill down their spines and exchanged uneasy glances.

'He almost killed someone...'

It was fortunate that Zhuzhen reacted quickly. If the Great Konghai Temple had arrived in full force, with a Revered One present, and several masters were still killed, it would be a tremendous loss of face!

In mere an instant, the golden palm barely managed to grasp the sword qi, emitting tiny, sharp, piercing metallic clangs. Yet, like a rainbow appearing after a sudden clearing of rain, intertwined colors emerged, and streaks of colorful light seemed to descend from the sky.

Li Xizhi had already sheathed his sword.

'Autumn Moon Harmony!'

It was precisely the third form of the Moon阙 Sword Canon!

Li Xizhi was over twenty years later than his younger brother in achieving Sword Qi and crossing the threshold of cultivating this sword. He only learned this sword art with the aid of the Five-Colored Profound Sword Manual. However, his talent was no less than Li Xijun's. The sword light produced by combining the Five-Colored Profound Sword Manual with the Three-Point Moon Stream created six beams, and the Autumn Moon Harmony executed on this foundation was even more powerful!

The next moment, a violent, sharp, ear-splitting friction sound erupted from within the palm. This sound was so shrill and crisp that it made the masters grimace in pain, and blood streamed directly from the ears of the monks below.

The colossal golden palm seemed to have suddenly gripped an iron nail, throwing its hand open in pain, then, as if out of rage or reflex, it abruptly raised its hand and struck the grand formation of North Dan with a single palm.

"Boom!"

The dozen or so Foundation Establishment cultivators within the formation all simultaneously vomited blood, flying backward like arrows released from a bow. North Dan's grand formation exploded with a roar, emitting thick golden smoke, and instantly became covered in fine cracks, like a glass dome struck by a hammer.

"Bang!"

A violent roar echoed from the main hall high up on North Dan, and thick white smoke surged out. Clearly, the formation disk had been shattered and could no longer hold.

Silence fell upon the scene.

"Crack..."

The grand formation of North Dan emitted a shattering sound. Neither the monks on the sea nor the cultivators on the island reacted from their daze. They weren't shocked that Zhuzhen had broken the formation with one palm; on the contrary, it would be strange if Zhuzhen couldn't break a Foundation Establishment-level grand formation with a single palm...

What stunned them was Zhuzhen's reaction of pain.

'This is a Great Cultivator from the Great Konghai Temple...'

In Jiangnan, for several centuries, there had been only one cultivator who fought a Revered One from the Foundation Establishment realm: Duanmu Kui.

Li Xizhi merely caused Zhuzhen a pang of pain; had it not been for the formation blocking the blow, he would have been instantly annihilated. Of course, he couldn't compare to Duanmu Kui, who, wielding an immortal scripture, could even beat a southbound Revered One until they bled from the head, forcing them to retreat.

But even that was under the premise of wielding an immortal scripture. Who was Duanmu Kui? He was a figure who had once dominated an era, almost single-handedly reversing the ill reputation of the Huaiyin Ghost Immortal Sect! Dominating an era was not a title just anyone could claim. Even without an immortal scripture, how many in Jiangnan could contend with him?

The current scene silenced the entire Stone Pond. No one dared to look up at the Revered One at this moment. Even Yang Xiao'er was startled, not expecting her husband's sword strike to be so formidable. She immediately clutched a talisman in her hand:

'Don't let him get enraged...'

Zhuzhen, the Revered One, slowly raised his head and examined his palm.

The golden palm was perfectly smooth, naturally showing nothing. Even if he had acted in a rush, Li Xizhi could not possibly have broken his Dharma Body or left any mark, yet he had indeed felt pain.

'It must be a sword technique capable of harming the Ascendant Yang Palace... A fine sword art...'

Zhuzhen's guess was accurate. The Autumn Moon Harmony, when struck, was immediately followed by the Three-Point Moon Stream, merging into one, simultaneously striking the Ascendant Yang, Qi Sea, and Juque Palaces. It required sword qi to be wielded. If it were imbued with a sword intent capable of severing the void, this sword technique would be even more terrifying.

'Unfortunately, the gap between him and me is too vast; it was merely a surprise.'

Zhuzhen's thoughts passed in an instant. His gaze turned to the white-robed swordsman on the island, and anger flared on his face, his voice growing colder:

"Good... good... Everyone says your single sword strike shakes heaven and earth. Truly a descendant of a Sword Immortal."

As his voice trailed off, Yang Xiao'er slowly tightened her grip on the talisman in her sleeve. Li Xizhi had already quietly given instructions, and the cultivators began to retreat. He, meanwhile, unhurriedly cupped his hands and said:

"I merely used a trick, senior. Thank you for your guidance."

The next moment, a black wind flew out from Yang Xiao'er's sleeve, but Zhuzhen's massive golden body simultaneously vanished from the air. The masters pursued the Green Pond cultivators, the formation still emitting crackling sounds of breaking, and monk-like figures, numerous as ants, quickly swarmed onto North Dan Island.

"Boom."

The colossal golden palm materialized out of thin air, grasping the black wind. With force from its five fingers, it yanked the wind back fiercely. Li Xizhi and Yang Xiao'er, caught within the black wind, both vomited blood. Yet, Li Xizhi saw Yang Xiao'er completely unafraid, simply riding the wind calmly as she whispered:

"True Person Ning has made her move."

Considering the time, Ning Wan couldn't have arrived here from the north so quickly. Li Xizhi couldn't tell if "True Person Ning had arrived" or if "True Person Ning was already here." Zhuzhen's behavior was equally strange:

'Was he temporarily unable to capture us, or was he unwilling to?'

He could only slowly lower his head, casting all thoughts aside.

No sooner had Yang Xiao'er spoken than a flurry of cold snow began to fall from the sky. A white-clad woman emerged from the void. Unlike Zhuzhen's hesitant and feigned coldness, this immortal's chill was tinged with anger:

"The Great Konghai Temple certainly puts on a grand show."

The cultivators on the scene immediately breathed a sigh of relief. Li Xizhi and his wife also relaxed. Zhuzhen secretly let out a breath, his dharma body radiating golden light as he replied:

"True Person Ning, you've arrived at a good time. Regarding North Dan, my Mahayana master wishes to discuss it in detail with you."

He stood there, golden light soaring into the sky behind him. A thin figure slowly emerged: a monk in gray robes, holding a staff.

This monk had high-set eyes, held one hand before him, and possessed a pointed chin, giving him a somewhat malicious air. Unlike the colossal, cloud-piercing Dharma bodies of the seven northern paths, he appeared like an ordinary monk. Yet, when he tapped his staff on the ground, a crisp, gentle sound rang out, and all wind and snow ceased.

Ning Wan quietly glanced at him and said softly:

"With the Three Primordial Ones fallen, you vermin have come out to cause mischief..."

An exaggerated look of joy appeared on the monk's face. He grinned, revealing white and perfectly aligned teeth:

"No matter how formidable they once were, now they are all dead, and I have become a Mahayana. The path to eternal life has just begun. This is the difference between immortals and Buddhists. What good is it to be triumphant for merely two years?"

"North Dan belongs to my temple, and naturally we will reclaim it. Fellow Daoist Ning, my temple gives your Solar Dao lineage some respect and will not harm anyone. Just return to where you came from!"

Ning Wan smiled faintly, like a spring breeze thawing ice, and her tone was gentle:

"Even if you, senior, live another four hundred years, you cannot erase the incident of Yuanwu stepping on your face, and how one talisman was enough. In the past, we didn't mention it for the sake of friendly relations between our two families, but now that the world hears of Baoqing achieving Mahayana, perhaps the story should be recounted."

This seemingly simple sentence struck like thunder. After Mahayana Baoqing's lengthy speech, Ning Wan's single remark made his fists clench tightly. His eyes gleamed with spiritual light as he suppressed his rage and chuckled:

"You bitch, you'd better look after yourself!"

Moon-Gazing Lake.

Splendor flowed through the great hall. A man in black robes and crimson garments stood before the corridor, gazing at the heavy rain on the lake, his hand casually tapping on the stone railing, appearing quite at ease.

After a while, a white-haired old man came from the other end of the corridor. This old man was thin and small, with a face full of wrinkles, and he looked like a remarkably sharp character.

He bowed respectfully when he approached:

"Reporting to the family head, the Huaihun Hall in Jiangbei... has already acquired the lands of Midong, expanding its territory by a thousand li. Many aristocratic families in Midong have already pledged allegiance to them, and their power is now growing substantially, making them quite formidable."

Li Jiangqian nodded with interest and asked:

"How did they acquire it? Did the Immortal of Capitals give Midong away? Didn't Guan Gongxiao come up with any good ideas?"

Qu Bushi quickly replied:

"Reporting to the family head, troubles arose in Midong, and several aristocratic families sided with Huaihun Hall... Daoist Bai initially refused to accept them... but these families brought news that Baijiangxi had always been the territory of the Mifan Dao lineage. Master Guan did them a favor and gave Midong away... Daoist Bai didn't touch those families either; it seems he intends to reuse them once the commotion passes."

Li Jiangqian nodded and replied:

"That's barely acceptable. Daoist Bai isn't foolish; he's just too greedy. If something were truly too offensive, he wouldn't do it. But for minor grievances, when his greed is sparked, he tends not to care much."

Qu Bushi quickly nodded and replied:

"Precisely because of this news, I heard... that in recent days, Daoist Bai also intends to reclaim Fanyun and unify Baijiangxi."

"This Huaihun Hall is more leaky than a sieve..."

Li Jiangqian sneered and replied:

"People are like that; after one or two experiences, they assume everyone is the same. My family kept a respectful distance from the Immortal of Capitals Dao. He gradually lost his fear of Purple Mansion forces, thinking they were nothing special. Seeing Chengyun and Lotus Temple fiercely fighting, unable to control the unrest in their territory, he started making his own plans."

"Chengyun Sect was also happy to fight. With the Mifan Dao lineage gathered, the existence of Fanyun became meaningless. They quickly sent all their earthly dependents away, killing two birds with one stone. They were also troubled by Buddhist Daoists and couldn't spare themselves... They became fearless."

He surveyed the situation and mused:

'Chengyun Sect is truly formidable. They clearly avoided any direct involvement in the prior arrangements, completely disentangling themselves from all matters. After all, dealing with such situations usually makes plotters apprehensive.'

Qu Bushi didn't know what he was thinking and dared not speak much. He then saw Li Jiangqian suddenly thoughtful, asking:

"Guan Gongxiao... seems to have a sister named Guan Lingdie? I heard she's quite beautiful... hmm... a Demonic Sect Saintess... Is she still in Jiangbei these days?"