Chapter 885: Please(1+2/2)

Shanghuo County, Youxiang Prefecture, Zhao State.

Winter had arrived, blanketing the world in white. Youxiang Prefecture was once under the governance of Qinling Temple, but the temple had collapsed, leaving the region ungoverned for a time. Later, a great master returned from the South, having attained enlightenment. Driven by compassion, he re-established Qinling Temple.

This Master Liaokong, a compassionate one, had an unconventional approach. He believed that intentionally enduring suffering without studying scriptures would not effectively accumulate merit for the afterlife. Consequently, the people of Shanghuo County rarely overworked themselves or committed self-harm to die, but instead read scriptures and recited names. Thus, in winter, they no longer needed to brave the wind and snow to prove their piety, a ritual that was now omitted.

Naturally, the number of people in Shanghuo County who had ascended to nirvana had decreased in recent years. The common folk dared not resent the Buddhist practitioners, only believing themselves to be insufficiently devout. Occasionally, if they accidentally crushed a finger or broke a leg, they would be overjoyed, convinced that such suffering would surely accumulate merit.

Amidst this peaceful land, streaks of multicolored light ascended into the sky. More than a dozen Dharma Masters, accompanied by numerous cultivators, arrived on the wind. The leader sternly commanded:

"He has fled here! Search quickly; don't let him escape!"

Waves of colorful light immediately dispersed. This group of Dharma Masters and cultivators descended on the wind, searching everywhere. Despite their varied attire, clearly indicating different spiritual traditions, they had set aside their prejudices to form a unified blockade.

After a while, a golden light surged forth with a mighty roar, followed by a piercing shriek:

"He is indeed here!"

Instantly, all the colorful lights in the sky converged. From the previously empty snowy ground, a shimmering grand array materialized. A long-bearded man, dressed in Jiangbei attire, stood within the array, holding an array disc.

At that moment, his face was grim, and he seemed somewhat flustered, standing within the array.

"How could they be so fast? Brother Lin has only just begun his seclusion…"

However, upon seeing this, how could the Dharma Masters let him go? They immediately surrounded the grand array. The leader said hatefully:

"Good… good! You fiend, you have come all this way, destroying mountains and temples, ruining our heritage and monasteries. It is indeed retribution, allowing us to corner you here!"

"Although we are not from major sects, we will not tolerate such humiliation from you. Fellow practitioners, let us attack together!"

Instantly, golden light shimmered, and white energy surged. Various magical artifacts struck the grand array simultaneously, emitting a deafening roar. The man within the array staggered, frantically channeling his spiritual power. But with his meager power, how could he resist the combined might of over a dozen individuals?

"Han Li mentioned that although this array is potent, its strength lies in its concealment. It can be deployed anywhere, regardless of terrain… but it is by no means an array skilled in defense…"

The man immediately felt despair. His name was Wang Changyan, and he hailed from the Wang clan of Jiangbei. His parents had traveled north for training years ago and had disappeared.

As he grew older, his talent emerged, and he gradually became a genius of the local Wang family. It wasn't until Lin Feng swept through Jiangbei that the Wang family, including him, pledged allegiance to Lin Feng.

Upon hearing of Lin Feng's intention to travel north, he was overjoyed. He had always intended to search for his parents, but being alone, he had been unable to embark on the journey. Now, he seized the opportunity to follow Lin Feng north, serving him diligently.

However, the journey had been like encountering ghosts. They constantly encountered various demonic cultivators and regular cultivators, all of whom Lin Feng eventually defeated and killed. Upon reaching this place, seeing the increasing number of enemies, Lin Feng decided to achieve a breakthrough to the Purple Mansion realm, which would also facilitate their travels afterwards.

"But too many have come, and too quickly!"

Just a quarter of an hour later, the array disc in his hand began to flicker erratically, and fine cracks appeared, making it scorching hot to the touch.

"Bang!"

The precious array disc finally buckled under the strain, exploding into countless fragments. The shimmering grand array vanished with it, revealing a horde of enemies before him. The leading monk, his face contorted with rage, stared intently at the scene within the array and roared:

"Only you, you beast! Where is that fiend?"

Wang Changyan knew Lin Feng was in seclusion in the cave dwelling beneath his feet and refused to speak. The monk, for a moment, did not attack, but instead showed a sorrowful expression, saying tearfully:

"Ever since Mahakala's demise and the dispersion of the lineages, our small temple branch no longer wished to contend with others. Day after day, we remained in the mountains simply to preserve our spiritual tradition. Who would have thought that you despicable wretches would come here, killing people without cause, and destroying temples? What kind of justice is that!"

The others nearby gnashed their teeth. One cultivator stepped forward and sternly said:

"No need to speak further with him! Quickly force him to reveal the fiend's whereabouts!"

He then stepped forward and, in a few moves, captured Wang Changyan, whose spiritual power was exhausted. Just as he was about to strike, the heavy snow in the sky abruptly stopped. The accumulated snow beneath their feet melted instantly, replaced by a reddish flame.

"Who dares!"

From the cave dwelling beneath their feet, a torrent of red flames suddenly burst forth, surging upwards among the crowd. The Buddhist cultivators and other practitioners could not withstand this divine ability; they all collapsed to their knees, their knees cracking and their gallbladders splitting from fear.

A man in red and white armor emerged, controlling the flames. He let out a long cry to the sky, and the snow in the heavens was swept away by his power, leaving only his proudly standing figure.

"A bunch of ants dare to block my path!"

He joined two fingers and expelled a stream of flames, instantly incinerating the cultivators below. Whether it was the wailing monks or the cultivators whose sons had been killed along the way, not even ash remained in an instant. The entire fertile land, once covered in white snow, was scorched dry, its moisture evaporated, turning the soil into sand, transforming the area into a desolate desert.

"Brother Lin!"

Wang Changyan cried tears of joy, but then saw dark clouds gathering in the sky. A massive golden figure gradually materialized, half-hidden in thick, resplendent light. Its two feet rested on the clouds, treading upon a mountain of demonic figures. Behind it were a thousand hands, each holding a long staff. On its head, an jade crown shone brilliantly, within which was a human head contorted in fury.

This face was like jade, with a slightly agape mouth. On its tongue was another face, tender and delicate, with bulging, bloodshot eyes. It opened its mouth and roared:

"Fiend! How dare you massacre here!"

"I am Mahakala of the Wrathful Path, coming from a sky full of falling flowers, specifically to subdue you, demon!"

Wang Changyan was so terrified he nearly fainted.

'What kind of Mahakala is this? So terrifying, with a head growing out of its head—even a demon lord couldn't be worse!'

This magnificent display made Lin Feng frown. He observed it closely for a few moments, unable to suppress the revulsion in his heart. A sudden surge of anger arose, as if he had seen this thing long ago, causing an intense dislike. He replied:

"Mahakala your mother's head."

He immediately extended his hand and produced a shimmering red long blade. Holding it, he pointed directly at the colossal figure in the sky. Fiery red flames surged beneath his feet, and he instantly ascended.

"Fire, come forth!"

As expected of a prominent figure, he immediately produced a spirit treasure, startling the Mahakala in the sky, who almost reverted to its true form and fled. However, having accepted such a task, it could only steel itself, retrieve a precious artifact, and shout:

"How dare you, fiend, be so presumptuous!"

This colorful artifact endured for only a breath under the raging flames of the Fenhua Spirit Treasure. It barely sustained itself by relying on the Mahakala's much deeper spiritual power. As Lin Feng's lips curled into a slight smile, the artifact immediately emitted an unbearable creaking sound before exploding with a crash.

"You wicked fiend!"

Ignoring its distress, the Mahakala ascended on the wind, transforming into a streak of light and fleeing at top speed across the horizon. Lin Feng, seeing through its brave facade, laughed heartily, rose rapidly on the wind, and sped north, leaving behind only a trail of flames and a message in the air:

"Changyan, please wait a moment. I'll be back shortly!"

The flames drifted gently downwards, enveloping Wang Changyan, clearly protecting him. Wang Changyan, full of relief, sat cross-legged, filled with emotion.

"Truly formidable… to be able to pursue and fight such a terrifying Mahakala…"

After sitting for a while, his heart gradually settled. The wind and snow in the sky began to fall again. He noticed a black speck moving within the snowfall and, after some time, realized it was an old man slowly approaching, leaning on a walking stick.

He was initially concerned for the old man, but upon closer inspection, he saw it was a monk with ring marks on his head, immediately filling him with aversion. Unexpectedly, the walking stick stood firmly in the snow as the old monk pressed his palms together and sighed:

"Friend, you have come to seek your kin, have you not?"

Wang Changyan assumed he had divined this with a divine ability and, highly vigilant, remained silent. But the old monk continued:

"Your senior brother and sister came from the South years ago and experienced sudden enlightenment, gaining great renown in the Dharma Realm. Now, you too are drawn by karmic affinity, traveling thousands of miles, and fortunate to be borne by the Master's wind. This is truly wonderful."

"Friend… it is time to return to the Buddhist Land."

Wang Changyan watched him warily, but the old monk simply smiled faintly.

"I am the abbot of Damu Dharma Realm. Following the guidance of karmic affinity, I have come to receive you, fellow practitioner."

At this moment, the wind and snow suddenly ceased, and a brilliant light appeared.

The wind and snow in Shanghuo County flickered, stopping and starting, but Lin Feng had already flown far away on the wind, soaring over county towns covered in snow. Here and there, monks still looked up. Soon, the terrain grew higher, and no more monks were seen; instead, the air was filled with ethereal energy, shrouded in white mist.

After pursuing for a while, Lin Feng immediately took a small pot from his sleeve. With a puff of air, a reddish flame leaped out, growing larger as it met the wind, burning away the surrounding snow and cracking the earth.

Having had a top-grade artifact destroyed by Lin Feng, the Mahakala dared not use its Dharma body to resist. It could only throw out a few rather ordinary artifacts. However, this flame was extraordinary; with a sweep in the air, it instantly melted these gleaming artifacts into molten iron and gold, then, as if fueled, it surged towards the Mahakala's back.

Just as the Mahakala was about to traverse the void, it felt a chill between its eyebrows. The spirit treasure blade was already in the void, waiting for it to enter, ready to strike from above and catch it off guard.

Just as the Mahakala was about to traverse the void, it felt a chill between its eyebrows. The spirit treasure blade was already in the void, waiting for it to enter, ready to strike from above and catch it off guard.

"Damn it…"

Between two evils, he chose the lesser. He could only channel his spiritual power, causing streams of golden light to surge from between his eyebrows, using them to block the fierce flames behind him.

The path of Blazing Fire was unique; it landed lightly on his spiritual power and immediately expanded, weakening his entire spiritual power, as if he were immersed in layers of karmic fire. His Dharma body began to crack in pieces, rendering him unable to move.

This layer of spiritual power was pierced like thin paper. Now, the Mahakala's Dharma body, famous for its solidity, met the flames and was rapidly burned through like wax, leaving a large hole. Resplendent light flickered as it howled in agony.

'What nonsense is this about Foundation Establishment and Purple Mansion realms being less formidable than before? How can someone in the Purple Mansion realm pull out two spirit treasures and chase others down with them!'

Regardless of its injuries, the Mahakala's escape light did not cease, and it finally gained a moment to catch its breath.

But after that brief respite, Lin Feng flew closer and closer, his blazing flames almost touching the Mahakala's back. The spiritual energy in this area grew increasingly dense, and the Mahakala no longer traversed back and forth through the void. Instead, it consumed immense spiritual power to move forward in the present world, barely maintaining its distance.

Soon, as the terrain became more complex, the Mahakala immediately retracted its form, seized the opportunity to evade the flames, and transformed into a young monk with snow-white skin. He was in a sorry state, his monk's robe having a large burnt hole in the back, charred black and red.

He even retained his mortal habits, sucking in sharp breaths to alleviate the pain while lifting his robe to reveal two sections of his calves bound with white cloth, as he stumbled forward.

By now, they had reached deep into the mountains, where the faint sound of woodcutters' songs could be heard. Lin Feng gradually felt something was amiss and finally halted his steps, suddenly noticing two Daoists on a rock ahead, chatting and laughing.

The younger one, seemingly middle-aged, stood by the rock. He had a slightly long face with phoenix eyes. His attire was simple, with only six antique, ornamental small swords hanging from his waist. He bowed respectfully, appearing very deferential.

The older Daoist wore a purplish-black robe. Despite many wrinkles, he still exuded an air of immortal dignity. He gazed forward with a smile, appearing gentle and amiable.

Lin Feng stopped. The monk immediately fell to his knees, kowtowing repeatedly beneath the two Daoists with thudding sounds. The middle-aged Daoist stepped over him and approached Lin Feng, smiling:

"Master, please!"

Lin Feng frowned slightly and took a step forward. The old Daoist then jumped off the rock and cupped his hands in greeting:

"Senior, please!"

Jiangbei.

This mountain range was sparsely vegetated, covered with a thin layer of floating snow, and faced a small range of hills to the north. It was only a few dozen li from Tangjin Gate. A mere glance would reveal Tangdao Mountain to the east and the radiant Buddhist Land, reaching straight into the clouds. Many monks had even established temples and divided territories in the surrounding areas.

There were no famous mountains here, and the void was not particularly turbulent. Li Ximing silently rode on the celestial light, concealing its brilliance, and waited quietly in a corner of the void for time to pass.

The Grand Master's designated time in Jiangbei was six years and six months. The disturbances in the North were significant but hard to discern from such a distance. However, the timing was set. For the past month, Li Ximing had emerged from his seclusion early and waited hesitantly here.

His greatest concern was the Buddhist Land to the east.

Bai Yinzi's cultivation area was originally quite good, neither too close nor too far from several major sects. The only one nearby was Tangjin Gate. Being an old man of seventy or eighty, he naturally fared much worse than Xiao Yuan and others when various factions competed.

However, after the Buddhist cultivators captured Tangjin Gate and advanced south over the mountains, his location became extremely awkward, practically at their doorstep. This left Li Ximing waiting anxiously, filled with worry.

'It was hard to say earlier, but for over a month now, a compassionate one has clearly arrived nearby, making a grand display. Evidently, the Buddhist cultivators value this old man more…'

Bai Yinzi had almost no path left in immortal cultivation, having practiced abominable techniques from Qi Condensation to Foundation Establishment, achieving the latter almost purely by luck. However, Buddhist cultivators did not care for such things; his old age was fine, as entering the Buddhist Land significantly extended one's lifespan, making a little time difference negligible.

'Fortunately, it seems the Buddhist cultivators have made their arrangements, sending only one compassionate one. A single individual is nothing to fear. I'll just take the person and leave… no need for too much entanglement with him.'

With two great treasures now in his possession, his confidence was bolstered.

After waiting silently for a moment, he secretly chanted a spell, summoning the Immortal Mirror for a look. His sea of qi surged, and his heart throbbed.

"It is indeed this Bai Yinzi!"

Bai Yinzi's cave dwelling was extremely shallow and simple, almost like a small grotto on the mountaintop. The old man was seated in meditation, with a golden, sheathed precious sword lying beside him.

Li Ximing was nearly startled. He focused his gaze and realized the gold was merely the scabbard, seemingly made of some very cheap metallic stone, doing an injustice to the Dharma sword it housed. Li Ximing was nearly startled. He focused his gaze and realized the gold was merely the scabbard, seemingly made of some very cheap metallic stone, doing an injustice to the Dharma sword it housed.

And through this ornamentation, a grey longsword lay quietly within the scabbard, radiating a cool, lunar brilliance, a stark contrast to his own attire…

'Falling Laurel!'

To be frank, selling Bai Yinzi himself, along with all his possessions in this cave dwelling, would not be enough to cover the raw materials of this longsword… yet this precious Secret Profound Lunar Longsword was casually placed by the bed, as if it were an ordinary item.

'This is truly…'

Li Ximing saw clearly that this was the very sword that had appeared in everyone's minds back then!

"Good!"

His gaze shifted, resting on the end of the longsword. That spot was not empty; rather, it held a Qi Condensation treasure, seemingly woven from golden silkworm threads, radiating a shimmering golden light.

This discovery caused Li Ximing to pause slightly. He withdrew his gaze, and a guess quickly formed in his mind.

'It is indeed this one without a doubt, so it shouldn't be a mistake… The fragment should have originally been attached to the end. If the Master had taken it out, he would surely have taken the fragment with it and given it to Bai Yinzi…'

'Therefore… it's highly probable that Bai Yinzi himself, after getting his hands on it, put it away and then went to forge this scabbard. He likely found the original set of ornaments crude and inconspicuous, lacking in style, so he had a new one woven from golden silkworm thread and attached it to the sword's pommel.'

'Rogue cultivators are all very frugal. Since he put the fragment away, it's probably in his storage bag.'

He immediately turned to observe the void. In this area, there were actually two compassionate ones and one Purple Mansion True Person in a Daoist robe, all standing motionless near the mountain, waiting quietly.

"What a lively gathering…"

With the Immortal Mirror, Li Ximing knew the exact positions of the three individuals. After a careful calculation, he realized that if he descended from his current location, he would arrive simultaneously with the old nun, a speed that was not slow.

As the cold snow fell, he was deep in thought. A red light rippled across the horizon, flickering in the distance. The jade pendant in his palm suddenly shattered, crumbling into fine powder that scattered.

"The Master has gone to Luoxia!"

The breakthrough phenomenon appeared, and the jade pendant in his hand shattered almost simultaneously—it was Ning Wan's message!

Although this woman's whereabouts were unknown, and she might even be competing for resources herself, she still remembered to warn him.

Li Ximing's heart instantly cleared. Without hesitation, he stepped through the void. Brilliant celestial light rose from the mountains, appearing almost simultaneously with the phenomenon in the distant sky!

The array Bai Yinzi had set up on the mountaintop was like child's play; traversing the void was nearly instantaneous. The heavily sealed stone door of the cave dwelling was also a joke, appearing as nothing in the eyes of a Purple Mansion cultivator. Li Ximing materialized directly inside the cave dwelling.

Indeed, the cave dwelling was dimly lit, appearing meager and poor, with only a tiny, bean-sized flame flickering and a stone bed that could not be simpler.

The old man Bai Yinzi, hunched and stooped, was seated cross-legged on the bed, cultivating, completely unaware.

"Boom!"

A brilliant treasure light, almost as fast as Li Ximing, emerged simultaneously with him. On the other other side of the cave dwelling, an old nun appeared, her face compassionate but her body frail with age. She wore a grey robe, held a long string of prayer beads, and her eyes were cold, staring intently.

"Fellow practitioner, wait!"

Li Ximing and she both reached for the man simultaneously, his heart in great turmoil.

In a confrontation between a compassionate one and a Purple Mansion cultivator, Bai Yinzi would surely not survive. Although the old nun was strong, what she wanted was the person. Her immediate priority, of course, was to use all her spiritual power to protect Bai Yinzi, even at the cost of surrendering the Dharma sword, Falling Laurel.

He sighed softly, then with a slight flick, he used the celestial light to avoid the opponent's divine ability, latched onto the sword hilt, and retrieved the Falling Laurel from the bed.

His own strength was undoubtedly superior to hers. If there were only the two of them present, a single suppression from his spirit artifact would immediately bring both items into his possession upon sight. However, with two more "orioles" waiting behind, Li Ximing could only secure the sword first.

No other reason: many eyes were currently on Li Ximing. The Li family, under public scrutiny, had received news of the sword from a True Monarch and had continuously searched for illustrations of the sword, eventually tracing it to Bai Yinzi.

From beginning to end, all the families considered the Li family's search normal, entirely because of this Lunar Dharma Sword. For this, Li Ximing had even abandoned Wang Xiaoxiao's family, which could barely be explained by the relationship between the *Moon Gate Sword Canon* and the Lunar aspect. But if he didn't even take the sword and instead reached for someone's storage bag, then let alone the Purple Mansion cultivators, compassionate ones, and Mahakalas present, even an idiot would know something was amiss!

If he were to cause trouble then, there would be endless problems, and they would surely fight to the very end. However, by taking the sword, there would be ample opportunities for negotiation later!

He could only feign a joyous expression as he put the sword away, watching as her divine ability protected Bai Yinzi. Even with such subtlety on his part, the nun opposite him still looked surprised, gazing coldly at him. He could only feign a joyous expression as he put the sword away, watching as her divine ability protected Bai Yinzi. Even with such subtlety on his part, the nun opposite him still looked surprised, gazing coldly at him.

"Oh… The Li clan even abandoned Wang Xiaoxiao… This Lunar Dharma Sword must contain something!"

Li Ximing did not fear her in the slightest. He watched her calmly, for the item before him was something he absolutely had to obtain, to the point that a strong killing intent rose within him. He said softly:

"You alone cannot take him. All of you, come out."

His words served as a supplement to his previous actions. The old nun's expression showed a hint of apprehension. She remained silent, immediately forming hand seals to cast a spell, and the round beads in her hand rolled, emitting vast amounts of golden light.

"Just you?"

Li Ximing remained unmoving. The greenish-yellow spiritual ruler at his waist immediately floated up, rotating slightly in the air. Rippling, two-colored mountain and river patterns spread out, tearing through the cave dwelling's array, along with its stone door and walls, reducing them to dust. The entire cellar-like dwelling exploded outwards like a firecracker, raising a storm of dust and rock powder on the mountaintop.

"Boom!"

These overlapping mountain and river patterns resembled a blossoming greenish-yellow mystical flower, blooming atop the fine-snow-covered mountain. The True Person in the white-gold Daoist robe stood upon the celestial light, his voice like thunder, filled with killing intent:

"Do you truly believe you are a disciple of the Lotus Seat!"