A journey through the world of martial arts

Chapter 154 Establishing Gods

The unusual behavior of Zen Master Miaozhi was quickly noticed by the Dharma protectors below, who hurriedly went forward to check on him.

"Buddha, how are you?"

The Vajra Monk looked at the Buddha's face, which was as pale as paper, and was very worried. Because of Gu Xu, they had already suffered heavy losses and had to close their mountain for a hundred years. During this period, they caused quite a commotion. It was only because of the Buddha's prestige that they were able to suppress it. If anything happened to him, the Demon Buddha lineage might very well fall apart.

The other monks also looked over, their expressions ranging from worry and indifference to calculation and a variety of other emotions.

Miaozhi shook his head, straightened his body, and barely suppressed his churning blood. He waved his hand, signaling everyone to leave. Seeing this, the Vajra Monk chanted a Buddhist prayer and led the monks out of the main hall.

Soon, only Miaozhi remained in the entire main hall. Looking at the empty hall, Miaozhi reached out and took out the Nine Lotus Buddhist Beads. After she offered them up, the entire hall flashed with golden light, opening all the array restrictions. Golden lotuses floated in front of her, emitting a refreshing sandalwood fragrance.

"puff"

Miaozhi could no longer suppress the injuries in his body. He spat out another mouthful of blood, his face turned ashen, his aura weakened instantly, and the Zen Buddhist light around him dimmed.

"I have painstakingly cultivated this place in Tianhua Prefecture for over sixty years, finally finding a suitable seed to convert into a demon, only to have it destroyed by another. More than half of my years of cultivation have been lost; it is truly hateful."

Miao Zhi felt extremely distressed at the thought. The black snake was also a rare species from the Nine Provinces. If it could absorb incense offerings to create a golden dragon body, he could seize its power, cultivate it into an incarnation, and master the Heavenly Dragon Scripture. Combined with his own cultivation, they could become one, and he might be able to break through to the higher realms.

Unfortunately, fate played a cruel trick. How could Anle City, which no one paid attention to before, attract the attention of the demon race? Could it be that the demon race deliberately disrupted his cultivation at this time?

"Impossible. Although our sect was forcibly sealed off by Gu Xu, given his personality, he wouldn't publicize it so openly. Could it be Lord Qingshan or Qi Feng? That's right. If we're talking about those in this world who can rival me, besides Gu Xu, there are only Qi Feng and Lord Qingshan of the Supreme Dao. However, the Supreme Dao has no connection with me. It's Lord Qingshan who's the real culprit."

Miao Zhi pondered for a moment, seemingly grasping at something, but the clues were too few, leaving him still unable to make sense of it.

"Regardless of the circumstances, Lord Aoyama, since you have provoked me, this matter is not over yet. Once the hundred-year agreement is fulfilled, I will definitely regain my face."

Filled with resentment, Miaozhi opened his mouth and inhaled at the floating golden lotus. Wisps of golden light were absorbed into his abdomen, and the originally dim Buddhist light around him began to brighten, and the Buddha's image gradually returned to its original form.

Several hours later, Miaozhi stopped consuming the incense lotus, opened her eyes, looked at the incense that had been mostly consumed, and took a deep breath.

These incense-filled golden lotuses were the accumulation of the Demon Buddha lineage over hundreds of years, originally intended for use in the great calamity of heaven and earth. However, in order to heal his injuries, Miaozhi could no longer care about what would happen next.

"Five hundred years is still enough time."

Tianhua Prefecture, Anle City, Dragon King Temple

After the three demons eliminated the black snake and the evil image, Lang Rong sent the Golden-Eyed Blood-Striped Snake to the Dragon King Temple to continue enjoying the incense offerings. At the same time, he warned it not to make any demands on the believers, especially not to use the sacrificial method of young boys and girls. If they found out, its only fate would be the destruction of its soul.

The red python nodded repeatedly. It had already gained a great benefit from obtaining this divine position. Although incense offerings could not compare to blood offerings, they were a steady stream with a longer future. Although the red python was a python and cold-blooded, it would not resist things that were good to it.

"If any believer has any problems they cannot solve, you must do your best to help them. If you are unable to do it yourself, you can send a message to us."

As he spoke, Lang Rong handed a communication jade talisman to the red python. The python opened its mouth and inhaled, swallowing the talisman. It shook its head repeatedly at Zhu Gang and the other two, its enormous snake head revealing a human-like smile.

"You'd better stay here and be content."

Zhu Gang passed down a Qi cultivation method, retrieved the Wu Sha Qian Jue Lian, and then flew towards the East Sea with Lang Rong Ying Yin, which was the place where the Wu Hai Shen, as the common people called him, often appeared.

The next morning, the Dragon King Temple was already crowded with worshippers offering incense. When the temple keeper opened the temple gates, some wealthy merchants rushed to be the first to offer incense.

"Hey, don't you think the Dragon King looks a little different?"

After kneeling and kowtowing, the man in brocade placed incense sticks in the incense burner and spoke to the fat, wealthy man beside him.

"What's different? I don't see any difference."

"I feel like the Dragon King looks much more pleasing to the eye now. Before, I always thought the Dragon King was fierce and distant, unlike this one, who seems much more approachable."

The man in brocade robes looked at the statue in front of him and expressed his feelings.

Hearing him say that, the fat millionaire looked at it carefully, and after thinking about it, he realized that it was indeed true.

"This Dragon King has received so much incense offering; who knows what changes he might have undergone? More popularity isn't a bad thing. As long as it ensures good weather and a bountiful harvest, I'll do the daily incense offerings."

The fat tycoon suppressed his thoughts, then asked for another stick of fine sandalwood, lit it, and placed it in the incense burner. His plump body trembled as he sincerely kowtowed, sending wisps of fragrance mixed with his wishes into the Dragon King statue in front of him.

Inside the statue, the red python closes its eyes and absorbs the endless stream of incense, and the color of its scales gradually deepens, with one scale already turning golden.

On the shore of the East China Sea, Zhu Gang and his two companions landed on a reef called "Qianlang Rock". Whenever the sea wind swept in, the waves rushed and surged, with waves several meters high crashing against the reef like a mountain collapsing, splashing up spray, creating a spectacular sight.

"It's already noon. If nothing unexpected happens, the cuttlefish will definitely appear. Old Wolf, get the formation ready first, and when the cuttlefish arrives, we'll catch it like a turtle in a jar."

Zhu Gang gave an order to Lang Rong, who nodded and flew into the air. He threw down four blue stone pillars into the surging sea below, which slowly sank into the sea, leaving only the tops of the pillars. These pillars surrounded the sea for dozens of miles. Then he took out an invisible net and flung it towards the sky, and strands of white light fell down.

Seeing that the "Sea-Stabilizing Pillar" and the "Dragon-Binding Net" were already set up, Ying Yin nodded to Zhu Gang and scattered the prepared "Silver Fish" into the sea area surrounded by the Sea-Stabilizing Pillar. At the same time, he summoned the "Gold-Melting Pot" and lay in ambush, waiting for the arrival of the blackfish.

Feeling the moist sea breeze blowing in his face and smelling a salty, fishy scent, Zhu Gang silently sensed the surroundings. After two hours, Zhu Gang opened his eyes and looked towards the western sea area, where a strange and powerful aura appeared, which was very likely the blackfish.

"coming"

Zhu Gang telepathically instructed the two demons to be careful and discreet, and not to let the blackfish realize that something was wrong. If it escaped, they didn't know when they would have another chance, and once it escaped into the deep sea, they would be powerless to help it.

Lang Rong also sensed a change in the atmosphere. He looked at the surging waves in the distance to the west, where a sharp horn emerged from the water, and a dark shadow was swimming rapidly towards him from below.

"Old Zhu, these sharp, spiral-shaped markings are densely packed and jet black in color; they're quite extraordinary. Could this beast have some kind of lineage?"

"It's hard to say. Even Lord Qingshan probably doesn't know much about the strange beasts lurking in the depths of the East Sea. We are deep on land, and our understanding of the mysteries of the deep sea is only superficial. However, judging from the beast's aura, although it has gathered demonic energy, it has ultimately failed to take human form. To us, it is just a large piece of prey."

Upon hearing this, Lang Rong said, "That's true, but we should still be careful. This beast seems very cautious."

Although the blackfish was getting closer and closer to the silverfish, it seemed to sense some danger and kept lingering about ten feet away from the formation, creating ripples on the water.

Just as Zhu Gang and the other two demons waited patiently for a moment, they suddenly saw a curtain of water rise in the distance and press down on the formation.

"It even knows how to test people. This beast has developed some intelligence. No wonder it has survived to this day after eating so many people. Its ability to avoid danger and seek good fortune is quite remarkable."

Seeing this, Zhu Gang snorted coldly, then reached out and grabbed something. An invisible wind rushed into the formation, forming a waterspout. A huge number of silver fish were swept up by the waterspout and headed eastward, getting further and further away from the black fish.

Seeing its favorite food suddenly disappear, the blackfish let out a muffled roar, and the water curtain it had created shattered. Amidst the splashing water, a blackfish tens of feet long leaped out of the water. The fish-beast resembled a dragon, with a single horn on its head, long whiskers on its mouth, and a tail that swayed like a dragon. Its fins flapped, condensing boundless water vapor, which transformed into water clouds, carrying the blackfish as it chased after the dragon to the east.

To take the shortcut, the blackfish went directly through the formation. As soon as it entered, the Sea-Stabilizing Pillars suddenly rose from the seabed, flashed with blue light, and formed a blue net that trapped the blackfish. The water and clouds that were supposed to be supporting the blackfish were torn apart by the formation's power. Seeing this, the blackfish knew it had been tricked. It immediately flicked its tail and tried to fall into the sea to escape with the help of the water.

However, Zhu Gang and the three demons would not give it this chance. With a single command, a white light flashed in the sky, and a magic net covered with runes descended, trapping the black fish. Trapped by the magic artifact, the fish struggled violently, causing black energy to rise and collide with the magic net's light, instantly stirring up waves and creating a misty atmosphere on the sea surface.

Taking advantage of the fact that the blackfish was trapped by the Dragon-Binding Net, Yingyin immediately manipulated the "Gold-Melting Pot". As soon as the pot opened, a cloud of red incense smoke was released and slowly eroded the blackfish's body, trying to turn it into a vessel for incense smoke.

Trapped by the formation and the magic net, and further corrupted by the incense offerings, the blackfish, incompatible with water and fire, immediately felt the threat of death. Its massive body writhed violently. Although not in contact with seawater, its inherent water power was formidable. Its body suddenly swelled, forcing the magic net to expand. In that instant, the blackfish's eyes darted around, and it spat out four black water arrows, shooting them towards the four sea-stabilizing pillars. Zhu Gang, who was manipulating the formation, saw this and reached out to grab them. He had already unleashed the Black Fiend Thousand Absolute Sword, and the four water arrows were dissipated mid-air. Seeing Zhu Gang's move, the blackfish's eyes instantly turned bloodshot, and its body swelled and contracted, causing the magic net to change accordingly. However, magic weapons are ultimately external objects, and their adaptability cannot compare to that of one's own power.

"not good"

Lang Rong, who was enforcing the law, changed his expression; he seemed to understand Wu Yu's plan.

This blackfish was trying to find a chance to catch its breath, break through the net, and sink into the sea. If it could use the water's power, it would be able to unleash its full potential, making it extremely difficult to capture it alive in the water.

Just then, the cuttlefish reacted swiftly, seizing the opportunity to change course. It raised its head, swung its tail, and charged forward, causing the net to lose its luster. Taking advantage of this moment, the cuttlefish plunged its head into the seawater. Just as it thought it had escaped, it suddenly felt a pang of fear.

Suddenly, the seawater parted to reveal the seabed. The mullet's tactic not only failed, but also drove it into a dead end.

Originally, there was still water vapor available for it to use, but now an empty space has been exposed. The restriction flashed, the Sea-Stabilizing Pillar and the Dragon-Binding Net worked together to trap the black fish tightly, while the incense-red clouds that were corroding its body were unstoppable. Without the water vapor to replenish its energy, the protective evil energy on the black fish mountain was retreating step by step, and it was about to spread to its head.

"Beware of its single horn. This thing is actually a descendant of a dragon; no wonder it has the ability to control water and create waves."

As Zhu Gang watched the lightning flickering in the blackfish's horn, he suddenly remembered seeing something like this in the records of the demon race.

“Sometimes a dragon would stir up storms and waves, its thunderous horns gleaming, and it would command the seas and raise clouds, causing countless deaths and injuries to mortals. Fortunately, the Dragon Ancestor stepped forward with his sword, slaying the wicked dragon and the East Sea, and devouring its body in pieces…”

"So that's the story of the Dragon Clan's ancestor. However, this blackfish is far inferior to the dragon about to transform into a dragon; it only possesses a diluted bloodline, and the power of its thunder horn is also greatly diminished."

Upon hearing this, Lang Rong outwardly dismissed it with disdain, but secretly he increased the force of his attack. Anything even remotely related to dragons, no matter how weak, had to be dealt with with all his might.

Ying Yin also heard Zhu Gang's message and his heart tightened. This thing was incredibly strong and had thick skin. If it weren't for the desire to capture it alive, he wouldn't have gone to so much trouble and would have killed it on the spot.

Thanks to the help of the Golden Melting Pot, incense and red clouds continuously spewed from its spout, forming several fire dragons that circled and swam around the blackfish. Each time the blackfish circled, its energy would weaken. With the combined efforts of the three demons, the blackfish was already covered in wounds in less than half an hour.

Seeing this, Zhu Gang nodded to Lang Rong, who immediately took out a crystal ball, tossed it into the air, and a pillar of blood shone on it. The pillar of blood was like a mirror, illuminating the blackfish in every detail. The blackfish spirit seemed to be frightened and hid deep in its soul.

Seeing the faint lightning horns, Zhu Gang reached out and gathered the Black Fiend Thousand Absolute Chains to surround and attract the lightning's attention, while Lang Rong chanted the true incantation, causing the crystal ball to shine with a bright blood-red light, and a powerful suction force was about to take away the Black Fish's spirit.

The blackfish kept wailing and roaring, its eyes blazing with ferocity. Since its birth, it had always bullied others, but today it was forced into such a predicament by three little insects. This was truly intolerable. Just as the blackfish mustered its remaining strength to fight with all its might, its body suddenly froze.

Wu Yu was startled to realize that her body was already enveloped in the red clouds of incense, and her vital energy was not flowing smoothly. This delay gave Lang Rong an opportunity. The suction force of the crystal ball increased, and Wu Yu's spirit could no longer resist. With a whoosh, she was sucked into the crystal ball.

The crystal ball, having received the spirit of the blackfish, dimmed its light and was retrieved into Lang Rong's sleeve.

Seeing that the spirit had been captured, Zhu Gang retrieved the Sea-Stabilizing Pillar and the Dragon-Binding Net, collected the body of the blackfish, called out to the two demons, and then returned to Anle City.

As night fell, the Dragon King Temple was brightly lit. The temple keeper had already fallen asleep. The Dragon King statue in the main hall trembled slightly upon hearing the commotion outside, and a red python appeared in the sky above the temple.

As the light dissipated, the figures of Zhu Gang and the other two demons were revealed. Looking at the somewhat different red python before them, with a scale on its tail that had turned golden, Lang Rong exclaimed in admiration, "Such a transformation in just one day! This incense-based deity-creating technique is truly wondrous!"

When the red python saw Lang Rong, it slithered over ingratiatingly and circled around him. Lang Rong found it amusing, so he flicked his finger and threw a blood-red pill into the red python's mouth. The python's head was startled, but then it realized it was a good thing and became even happier.

"Go, and cultivate diligently."

Lang Rong touched the snake's head and gave an instruction. The red python nodded, its figure flashed, and it transformed into a wisp of smoke, disappearing into the Dragon King statue.

"The Crimson Python's creation of a god is on track; it's time to move on to the next step. Are there any deities worshipped in Anding City?"

"There is only one City God Temple in Yongding City, but it is just a ghost. Moreover, the little demons below reported that the City God of Yongding secretly uses living people for sacrifice, and on the first and fifteenth of each month, he has to consume a pair of young boys and girls."

"Hmph, yet another wicked creature. Although we are gods created by humans, we do not offer human sacrifices. This fiend is truly audacious."

Upon hearing this, Ying Yin's face showed disgust. Although he was a demon, he had consumed a lot of blood before he took human form, but he had long since abandoned those things after taking human form. Hearing that a mere city god would act in this way was truly disgusting.

"Isn't this perfect? ​​He's been here for many years and must have accumulated a lot of worshippers. This will serve as food for the snakehead fish, saving us a lot of trouble. Isn't this a good thing for us?"

"Old Wolf is right, that City God deserves to die. Let him die a worthy death and make the most of him."

After speaking, Zhu Gang swept his sleeve, and the huge blackfish corpse fell outside the Dragon King Temple. The tremor startled those who were fast asleep in the middle of the night. Zhu Gang looked at the houses that were gradually brightening, called out to the two demons, and then his escape light headed towards Yongding City.

The awakened people immediately headed towards the Dragon King Temple, which was now packed with people, even more bustling than during the day.

"How come this snakehead fish is so big? Is it about to become a demon?"

"It must be a monster, otherwise why would the Dragon King punish it? Look at the wounds on its back, the five claw marks are clearly visible, it must have been the Dragon King displaying his divine power."

"This cuttlefish looks like the sea god that was once worshipped."

Upon hearing this, everyone turned to look. The old man said in a deep voice, "Indeed, this black fish bears some resemblance to that Black Sea God. Good riddance, good riddance indeed!"

The old man was of high status. When everyone heard him confirm that the fish was indeed the God of the Black Sea, they clapped their hands in delight. The God of the Black Sea was said to be a god, but in reality, he was a scourge. More than ten years ago, because of this monstrous creature, Anle City was forced to hold monthly sacrifices.

Later, they even offered blood sacrifices, causing great suffering to the people of the city. Then, for some unknown reason, they disappeared. That's when they built this Dragon King Temple to bless them with good weather and abundant harvests.

"Gentlemen, just now, at the Dragon King's instruction, this blackfish spirit was indeed killed by the Dragon King, as a way of repaying your kindness in making offerings over the years. The blackfish's flesh and blood are treasures, and you may share them. Although they do not have the effect of prolonging life, they are certainly good for strengthening the body."

As soon as the temple keeper finished speaking, the eyes of everyone in front of him lit up. However, with a cough, the old man who had spoken earlier stepped forward.

"This black carp originally belonged to the Dragon King, and it was bestowed upon us by him. In a way, we are fortunate. However, we cannot be without propriety. We must choose an auspicious day to offer sacrifices together. This fish will be the best offering. Only after the Dragon King has enjoyed it can we enjoy it. Does that make sense?"

“What Elder Song says makes sense. Temple keeper, are there any auspicious days coming up?” The middle-aged man in brocade robes stepped forward and asked the temple keeper.

"Three days from now is an auspicious day, perfect for the sacrificial ceremony."

The temple keeper secretly took a silver ingot, pretended to do some calculations with his fingers, and casually said a date.

The onlookers breathed a sigh of relief. Thank goodness, the weather is getting cooler, the fish won't spoil in three days.

After all the commotion, the enormous fish carcass was temporarily placed in Wang the rich man's ice cellar, and everyone dispersed. Suddenly, the number of letters sent from Anle City increased dramatically.

Meanwhile, Gu Xu, who was far away in Lianyun Prefecture, ended his seclusion after several days. After listening to Elder Gu's report, Gu Xu bestowed some pills upon him and then dismissed him.

There seems to be some unusual activity over the Yunmeng Great Swamp.

As his cultivation deepened, Gu Xu was able to clearly perceive the changes in the world. The Yunmeng Marsh in Nanling Prefecture was like a pot of boiling water, extremely active and conspicuous.

"Since the Seven-Star Toad needs to ingest some poison, let's head to Yunmeng Marsh."

Seeing that the Seven-Star Toad next to him had already lit up five star spots, Gu Xu immediately made a decision.

With a flash of light, they were already heading towards Yunmengze.

(End of this chapter)