Sword from the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 128 Buddha and Demon Are Not Two
After Yun Caiwen finished speaking, Elder Xia, who was standing next to her, was the first to second her opinion.

No one had any objections.

The position of leader is not one that just anyone can fulfill. Even though those present are highly skilled in martial arts, they cannot guarantee that they can handle all the affairs of Xiangyang City.

Ji Yinong has clearly proven that he has this ability.

If it weren't for the changes in Nanyang, with the support of the Yin Gui faction, the Yangxing Society would have been capable of threatening the Nanyang Gang.

This season, Yi Nong endured hardship and bided his time, and it was already quite an achievement that he was able to protect himself in the vortex of the martial arts world.

He also relayed messages to reduce the losses of the Yin Gui faction and was extremely loyal to Empress Yin, which shows that he was capable of undertaking great responsibilities.

Wen Caiting pondered:

"If we bring Ji Yinong to Xiangyang, wouldn't that mean completely abandoning Nanyang? It would be much harder to get involved again in the future."

Yun Caiwen had already considered this issue:

"Now that Taoism and Buddhism have joined forces, their momentum is immense. We should avoid their sharp edge."

"Furthermore, I have heard that the Yangxing Society is being isolated by the Nanyang faction, and most likely they have already suspected Ji Yinong's identity. If they hesitate even slightly, they may end up like Qian Duguan."

Wen Caiting was persuaded by her and stopped replying.

Everyone's attention was focused on the Empress.

The elders' gazes held even more reverence than usual.

In the battle of Shayan Village, many masters from both factions and six paths died.

When fighting against both Taoism and Buddhism, seniority and relationship are secondary. If it weren't for the intervention of the Yin Empress, Bi Shouxuan would have been killed by the old bald monk in time to escape.

Empress Yin intervened and severely injured him, thus narrowly turning the tide.

The thought of the terrifying alliance between Taoism and Buddhism made everyone realize that the Yin Queen's neglect of her duties in pursuing the Evil King was insignificant.

"Call Ji Yinong over."

"Yes."

Yun Caiwen responded, and then heard Yin Hou say, "That Daoist boy has become quite something, so be careful."

Yun Caiwen nodded repeatedly.

She accepted the invitation to leave and immediately dispatched several quick-witted subordinates.

Nanyang is in dire straits right now, and she has no intention of going there herself.

The people from Cangqing Pavilion quickly dispersed, each going to deal with the mess left behind by Qian Duguan's death.

Why do you seem so restless?

Empress Yin looked at her beloved disciple, the image of that person flashing through her mind, and frowned slightly.

Before Wanwan could speak, he asked directly, "Are you thinking about Zhou Yi?"

"No," Wanwan denied outright.

The Empress Dowager's gaze swept across her face, and she said lightly:
"His skills and talent are excellent, and he has a lot of prestige in the Taoist community. Perhaps he can become the next number one Taoist. However, Ning Daoqi is very close to Cihang Jingzhai, and I think he also has that potential."

"Fan Qinghui's successor probably wants to turn him into the next Ning Daoqi."

Wanwan's face remained icy: "How could Shi Feixuan possibly succeed?"

"Oh?"

The half of her face behind the veil was remarkably calm:
“I think the two of them have grown very close. Few can resist the bewitching methods of Cihang Jingzhai. Bi Xiuxin is like that, Fan Qinghui is like that, and this successor is even more beautiful.”

Wanwan couldn't help but say, "Master, that's because you don't understand him."

Empress Yin looked at her beloved disciple, remaining somewhat silent.

“He’s not like Ning Daoqi. Cihang Jingzhai’s methods might not work on him. He’s a man of great talent and intelligence, with an unfathomable arrogance. His mind is also clever and hard to fathom. If Shi Feixuan harbors such thoughts, he will surely notice them.”

“Even if he doesn’t notice, I will remind him and make sure Shi Feixuan doesn’t succeed.”

Empress Yin sensed that she was quite different from usual, and her delicate brows furrowed again.

"You need to remind yourself even more."

Wanwan understood her master's meaning and obediently responded.

She would never speak disobey, but no one could guess what she was thinking.

"What are Master's plans regarding the coffin palace?"

Wanwan smiled and said, "That monk Bu Tan is currently at Longxing Temple in Shunyang, propagating some Buddhist scriptures that are unbearable to hear. The four senior monks will certainly not tolerate it."

"Now that the Great Ming Venerable Sect and other factions are not watching over them, this battle will break out immediately."

Empress Yin's eyes darted around, as if she were deep in thought.

After a moment, he said:

"First, we need to quell the chaos in Xiangyang. As for Shunyang, I need to go there personally."

Just one day later, a passerby with an ordinary appearance and clothes arrived in Nanyang County from Xiangyang.

That evening, the man suddenly went to visit the leader of Yangxing Society.

Ji Yinong has rarely seen outsiders recently, but he met this person.

The fewer words you say, the bigger the matter.

He left in a hurry after only taking a couple of sips of water.

After seeing the person off, Ji Yinong faced Xiangyang, his face full of admiration.

He paced back and forth in the room, clapping his hands in admiration.

"So that's how it is. All of this was part of the Holy Emperor's plan."

"The most unfathomable thing in the world is the human heart. The Holy Emperor's wisdom is so profound that he has figured out the human heart and predicted all the movements of the Yin Gui Sect."

Ji Yinong, who prided himself on his intelligence, only now understood what it meant to be a novice compared to a great master.

Xiangyang City is so important, with the Yin Gui Sect stationed there; I wonder how much it will cost to take it.

But now.
This strategically vital location has quietly changed hands.

Alright! Let Ji be the one to manage Xiangyang for the Holy Emperor.

Ji Yinong set lofty goals and emerged from his period of dormancy.

That night, he led more than two hundred elite members of the Yangxing Society and fled overnight.

Logically speaking, such a major upheaval in the city's major powers should have caused unrest.

But Yangxing Society has kept a low profile for too long, not getting involved in any major events and having no presence whatsoever.

When the old steward of the Ji family saw the leader of the association flee, he instead cried out, "May God protect us!"

The next morning, after quelling the gang's riot, he immediately took several important figures from the gang and went to the Nanyang Gang to pay respects to the abbot.

The mess left by the Yangxing Society is temporarily in Qiu Wenzhong's hands.

For Zhou Yi, this matter was not troublesome at all, but rather an unexpected surprise.

In this way, the matter of Xiangyang can be considered settled.

Xu Liuzong died on the seventh day in Xinye.

Similar to Champion City, Nanyang City also experienced a large-scale personnel mobilization.

Yang Zhen, Shan Xiongxin, Fan Naitang, Chen Laomou, and others have been very busy these past few days.

Zhou Yi finally had a moment to spare and went to Xiangyan Temple with the Holy Maiden.

"With a formidable enemy at hand, why are you beaming with joy, fellow Daoist? Have you stumbled upon something good lately?"

Shi Feixuan, dressed in a green robe, looked radiant and beautiful in the gentle east wind, making even the spring scenery pale in comparison.

She looked at Zhou Yi, a smile always playing on her thin, red lips.

Zhou Yi casually made up a sentence: "Oh, because I thought of someone."

The two walked through a corridor filled with Buddhist temple carvings.

"Who is it?"

"The wealthy young master Hou Xibai."

Shi Feixuan revealed a knowing look: "Young Master Hou mentioned this matter. He wants to discuss painting with Brother Dao and asked me to give my comments."

"Yes, that's it."

Zhou Yi pondered for a moment and said, "Please be fair when the time comes."

The saintess smiled gently, gazing at him intently: "I am always fair, but I am curious what kind of painting you will make, brother."

Zhou Yi remained mysterious and did not answer, only waiting for the arrival of the wealthy young man.

Soon, they arrived at a meditation room.

There were many martial monks around, and Master Jiechen, the abbot of Xiangyan Temple, stepped forward and chanted a Buddhist prayer.

"Abbot, this way please."

He was led into the house, and the wise master, hearing the noise, awoke from his meditation.

"Master, how are your injuries?"

Master Zhihui frowned slightly: "I have neutralized the power of the Heavenly Demon Technique, but for the next half month, I will need to nurture it with Buddhist energy and can only exert 60% of its power."

"Does the master mean to drag this out?"

"No."

The abbot was decisive: "The longer we drag this out, the greater the variables will become. We just need to rely on the abbot more."

"You flatter me. The matter of Longxing Temple is also deeply on my mind."

Zhou Yi said solemnly, "I said I would send a large army to reclaim Master Bu Tan, and I will not go back on my word. The troops in the city are already being mobilized, and we can set off tomorrow."

"Although the master is injured, please accompany him as a deterrent."

“If the people from the Evil Extreme Sect make a move, I will settle the score with them.”

“Excellent, excellent,” the wise master said, pressing his palms together. “Then I will trouble you, Abbot.”

He added:
"The Buddhist disciples who accompany me are all under the command of the abbot."

Zhou Yi readily agreed.

The holy monk's skill was indeed profound; he was able to defuse the empress's sneak attack in such a short time.

Naru Miaozi was also a martial arts master. He was ambushed by the Empress Yin and was recuperating at the Pegasus Ranch thirty years later.

The title of the Four Great Monks is not just for show.

Zhou Yi walked and pondered, and was then invited to Shi Feixuan's residence.

This is my third time experiencing the saint's tea ceremony.

We talked to her about the aftermath of Shayan Village and the latest developments of the Daming Zunjiao sect.

Then they talked about the recent changes in Nanyang City.

Finally, the conversation turned to the coffin palace.

"Although Brother Dao's three-tenths of Yuan Qi has a restraining effect on the demonic energy, the power of the several members of the Holy Extreme Sect is very high, especially Old Zhou Tan."

Her ethereal voice carried concern: "If you fight him, you must not act rashly."

Zhou Yi gently tapped the teacup:

"The four grandmasters of the Coffin Palace are awe-inspiring."

"If I were in danger, would Miss Qin come to my aid?"

The saintess replied matter-of-factly, "Feixuan will stand by your side immediately, fellow Daoist."

After speaking, the two exchanged a brief glance.

Zhou Yi smiled, but his eyes remained calm.

Disturbed by his aura, Shi Feixuan looked away first. Her heart was in turmoil, and although her expression remained unchanged, the crimson of her thin lips seemed to deepen.

She possesses a captivating beauty, like a goddess descended to earth.

Seeing this attitude, Zhou Yi's composure is something that sycophants can never learn.

He drank the tea that Shi Feixuan had just poured for him in one gulp.

He stood up to take his leave, then half-jokingly said, "Miss Qin, there's no need to see me off. Just focus on your training."

She immediately understood what Zhou Yi meant by "practicing martial arts".

After all, they had talked about those things the little demon girl had said last time.

Shi Feixuan's jade-like cheeks flushed instantly, her expression a mixture of reproach and non-reproach: "Brother Daoist."

Zhou Yi didn't turn his head, but gently shook his hand, cutting off her from what she was about to say.

A sudden gust of wind blew, and the white figure vanished in an instant.

She slowly followed for a few steps to the door, her eyes darting around, a sense of crisis inexplicably rising in her heart.

Getting any closer to him seems dangerous.

However, both the Dao Embryo and the Sword Heart were moving closer to danger.

The speed at which he refined his mind was already extraordinary.

But the teachings of the Master, which are often heard, will be engraved in one's heart during the process of refining one's mind. Once one has achieved some success, one can refine one's state of mind, and then be free from all attachments, focusing solely on the Dao.

There will never be any worldly thoughts of abandoning spiritual cultivation to stay by the emperor's side.

This is the essence of the sword manual; there is no mistake.

However, after our first meeting, I returned to Cihang Jingzhai and secluded myself for a long time, breaking through the bottleneck in my mental state and taking a big step forward in cultivating my mind.

If what Master said is true, then we should forget about it.

Unexpectedly, not only could I not forget it, but the imprint became even deeper.

He assumed it was a mistake he made during practice and felt guilty, so he didn't tell his master. He came to Nanyang this time to try to make amends, but judging from the situation, it was probably just wishful thinking.

Shi Feixuan stared at the spot where the white figure disappeared, lost in thought for a long time.

She was lost in thought and only heard footsteps very close by.

Seeing several Cihang disciples running over, Shi Feixuan composed herself with a hint of panic, unnoticed by her fellow disciples.

"what's up?"

"A letter has been delivered to the vegetarian master."

Upon receiving the letter, Shi Feixuan's expression changed slightly, and she turned to seek out Master Zhihui.
……

The next day, the sky was overcast, and smoke and dust filled the western part of Nanyang City.

"Knock knock knock~!!"

One group after another marched out of the city in orderly steps.

In addition to the soldiers who are regularly dispatched by the government to guard the city, there are also elite troops from various major forces within the city.

Although the soldiers of Nanyang had little experience in military formations.

But what's most terrifying is that they come from various factions and are all highly skilled in martial arts.

Those who understand internal strength are everywhere.

This time, only elite troops will be dispatched, which will not affect the normal operation of the city, and there are still 20,000 troops.

The large group of people headed towards Shunyang in a grand procession.

Whether they were martial arts practitioners or ordinary people, everyone was talking about it.

Nanyang City and Champion City are fighting, and the Taoist and Buddhist factions are going to fight over the Coffin Palace!

This news will not only attract the attention of major forces, but will also shake up the martial arts world.

Since the martial arts holy land attacked the Coffin Palace, its fearsome reputation has only grown stronger.

Most people only dared to talk about it, but some bold and fearless individuals went to join in the fun.
Shunyang City is located northwest of Nanyang and directly south of Guanjun City, not far from either of the two cities.

From the west side of Nanyang, you don't need to cross the river.

Champion City is located due south, and it only takes a little over half a day to get there.

Among the Nanyang army, Yang Zhen wielded a crescent-shaped blade and Shan Xiongxin carried a horse spear. Not only were they highly skilled in martial arts, but the aura they exuded at this moment made it clear that they were fierce generals who charged into battle.

Each of them led an army, advancing alongside Zhou Yi's main force.

They traveled from Nanyang to Shunyang without any supplies, so they could make two round trips without needing to rest.

At noon, the army had already seen the ancient city of Shunyang.

The city is not large, and the city walls are less than three zhang (approximately 10 meters) high. The largest and most famous place in the city is Longxing Temple, which spans the inner river.

Before the martial arts holy land attacked the Coffin Palace, Longxing Temple was a place of great prosperity.

The coffin palace survived this battle.

Fearing retribution, the monks of Longxing Temple all fled in terror.

Later, the monk Bu Tan came here and occupied the place as a Buddhist temple.

Zhou Yi stopped in front of Shunyang City Gate and glanced at the city tower. More than ten experts had already jumped up to check, but found nothing unusual.

The army that came from Nanyang easily occupied the south of the city.

At this moment, a scout came to report.

"The champion's army is already north of Shunyang City!"

The members of the Giant Kun gang, who had stayed in Shunyang for several days, also came to deliver the message:
"Master, the city has been a chaotic place these past few days, with a large number of martial arts practitioners arriving. I don't know how many forces have infiltrated."

Immediately, another scout with exceptional lightness skills reported:

"The demonic masters from the Coffin Palace have gone to Longxing Temple!"

Then seven or eight more scouts arrived, and the news kept coming.

Even Zhou Yi, with his strong heart, found it difficult to remain calm at this moment, as did Yang Zhen, Shan Xiongxin, and the others.

Upon hearing the news of the expert from the Coffin Palace, both the Taoist and Buddhist masters were solemn.

The evil sect's demonic power is renowned throughout the martial world, and many have already heard of it, some even having experienced it firsthand.

Faced with something so deadly, even masters from two major lineages dared not be careless in the slightest.

Yang Zhen rode forward: "Abbot, what should we do?"

The wise master, Shi Feixuan, Chen Changgong, Song Yinzi, Bu Chi Bu Ju, and others all looked at Zhou Yi.

"There are many demons and monsters in this city. There is great danger today. Everyone should be on guard."

Zhou Yi gave a brief reminder, then, without saying anything more, raised his hand:
"Let's set up our formation and head to Longxing Temple."

He spurred his horse on, leading the way and crossing the moat first via the drawbridge.

The army then entered the city, and the flag of Nanyang Prefecture was already hung on the high wall south of the city.

Inside Shunyang City, there were still many martial arts practitioners moving around. They stood at a distance and watched. When the army approached, they would move even further away, always maintaining their distance.

Zhou Yi surveyed the city, taking in everything. Although many people harbored their own agendas, the initiative remained in his hands.

With so many troops, even Ning Daoqi would have to give way.

Those below him were not quite aware of his thoughts and assumed that a bloody battle was inevitable today, so their eyes and actions were filled with intense killing intent.

The murderous aura emanating from the gathering of 20,000 warriors was enough to terrify anyone.

Zhou Yi naturally wouldn't reveal his true feelings.

Apart from Yang Zhen, Shan Xiongxin, and other members of the Buddhist community, no one else knew about it.

He had no desire to fight Zhu Can to the death.

Those people in the coffin palace probably didn't want to either.

Otherwise, they wouldn't have led the people from Champion City to Shunyang after receiving the challenge.

The monk Bu Tan's occupation of Longxing Temple seemed strange to outsiders, but Zhou Yi understood Zhou Lao Tan's thoughts.

Today, the coffin palace has attracted the attention of the Demonic Sect, the Buddhist Sect, and the Great Ming Venerable Sect.

If Old Zhou falls from power, these people will probably be keeping an eye on him.
After pondering all the way, we soon approached the center of Shunyang City.

Dark clouds rolled across the sky, as if two clouds had collided and were entangled by lightning, constantly churning.

"Boom~!"

A thunderclap boomed, and Zhou Yi's face was flashed with electric light.

Suddenly, a sense of crisis flashed through my mind.

He turned around abruptly, his gaze shifting away from Shi Feixuan, and looked eastward from the north-south official road.

The rooftops and huge willow trees stood there silently, without a single person in sight.

The wise master remained unmoved, and Shi Feixuan followed his gaze eastward.

She didn't see anything unusual, and seeing that Zhou Yi didn't make any comment, she didn't ask any questions.

Their attention was drawn to the view ahead.

A tributary of the Chao River flows through Shunyang, dividing the inner city in two. The inner river is about two zhang wide, and Longxing Temple is located near the deepest part of the inner river, where a tall wooden bridge has been built.

Longxing Temple is located north of the bridge.

This is the largest building in the city, now completely exposed to the public.

Because the outer courtyard wall was completely demolished, the towering ancient cypress trees at the entrance looked somewhat out of place.

In the center of the spacious altar stands a bronze bell.

Some ginkgo and cypress trees were planted around it.

Above that is the Mahavira Hall with its layered bracket sets, a single-eaved hip roof, and yellow glazed tiles.

A row of incense burners is placed behind the bronze bell, directly in front of the main hall.

Normally, this time of day is when there is a constant stream of worshippers and the incense is burning brightly.

Now, however, there is not a trace of sandalwood fragrance.

A tall, thin monk dressed in a black robe is sitting cross-legged on a lotus throne, with a Buddha statue behind him.

The Buddha statue had its eyes gouged out and its ears cut off.

In front of the senior monk sat nearly twenty novice monks, their foreheads bald, listening to the senior monk preach.

On the other side of the altar.

Numerous eerie coffins stood there, and hundreds of black-clad experts stood silently, exuding a chilling aura.

They were devoid of joy or sorrow, color or form, blending seamlessly into the environment of Longxing Temple, as if they were the true Buddhas within the temple.

"Boom~! Boom~! Boom~!"

The footsteps that shook the ancient city rang out again, and the Champion City army, on the opposite bank, stopped in unison.

With the manpower of both sides, they only need to throw their weapons into the water, and the inland river will stop flowing in an instant.

The Buddhists were both angry and incredulous when they saw the senior monk in the black robe.

The two sides faced off, while a large number of fearless martial artists came to join the commotion from afar.

"Junior brother!"

Bu Chi, one of the four Vajra Guardians of Jingnian Temple, shouted loudly.

But the monk Bu Tan continued his sermon, seemingly oblivious to his surroundings.

Zhou Yi glanced at the fierce-looking, burly man in golden armor on the opposite bank and knew it was Zhu Can himself.

However, the army of Champion City also exercised restraint and did not approach.

After exchanging glances with Yang Zhen and Lao Dan, Zhou Yi leaped across the inner river.

Regardless of which faction he belonged to, everyone could see him walking towards the coffin forest at the Longxing Temple altar.

Zhou Yi felt numerous gazes coming from all directions.

Many masters from both the Taoist and Buddhist schools in Nanyang followed suit.

The people in Longxing Temple also moved, and four figures stepped down from the coffin.

The leader was dressed in a monk's robe, short and stout, with two ghostly flames flickering in his eyes, and an incredibly powerful aura.

When he saw the Master of Wisdom, the will-o'-the-wisps in his eyes flickered twice.

When the light shifted to Zhou Yi, ghostly flames flickered in his eyes.

Emperor Ding, You Niaojuan, and Jin Huanzhen exchanged glances and looked at the old demon of the gate.

Just as Old Zhou was about to pass on a message to Zhou Yi, the two powerful figures, Bu Chi and Bu Ju, had already reached their limit and rushed forward first.

"Old Zhou sighed, 'Release them immediately!'"

After hearing this, Old Master Zhou gave a domineering laugh and pointed at Monk Bu Tan: "When has this sect master ever restrained him? What is there to say about letting him go or not letting him go?"

He looked at Bu Chi and Bu Ju.

"You two possess profound skills and can remain in the meditation room for a long time, but your level is too low. If you enter my coffin palace and comprehend the ultimate martial arts, you will immediately achieve perfect merit and become a martial arts grandmaster."

"Although you two once entered Champion City to fight and kill, I, the sect master, will not hold it against you."

The emperor's zombie face revealed a numb smile: "Junior brother is truly magnanimous."

Yu Niao Juan mocked:

“Buddhists often say that one can become a Buddha on the spot, so we give them the opportunity to become a demon on the spot.”

The wise master takes a step forward:
"The last time we met, you were all hiding and were nowhere near as dashing as you are today."

The emperor's smile vanished, replaced by a cold expression:
"Old bald monk, stop putting on airs. I heard you were seriously injured by the old witch. Whether you can leave this city today is still unknown."

In an instant, the momentum of both sides surged.

They're ready to fight at the slightest provocation.

Zhou Yi and Old Zhou exchanged a glance but remained silent.

The phrase "without delusion or fear" refers to the monk who is free from greed.

Bu Chi called out again, "Junior brother, can't you hear me?"

Finally, the demonic monk raised his head.

"I can hear it."

"Then why are you silent? Don't you know we've come to rescue you?"

He didn't want to listen to his questions. He waved his hand, and the novice monks who were listening to the lecture breathed a sigh of relief, as if they had been greatly frightened, and fled for their lives.

“The moment I open my mouth, I will advise you to get into the coffin. I also know that you are stubborn in your Buddhist beliefs and will not listen to advice.”

"Since that's the case, what's the point of saying more?"

Undeterred, he shook his head: "You're crazy."

"No, I'm sober."

He didn't clasp his hands together; his voice was deep and resonant.

"Both Buddha and demon are illusions of emptiness, therefore Buddha is originally demon. This is the true meaning of 'breaking through obstacles and revealing the truth' in spiritual practice. If you seek Buddha, you will be captured by both Buddha and demon."

"This is not about reversing the concepts of Buddha and demon, but about breaking free from attachment to the concept of 'Buddha'."

"If one clings to the image of Buddha, one becomes a demon in one's heart. True enlightenment requires transcending all duality; this is the non-duality of Buddha and demon."

The wise master, the foolish, and the fearless were all taken aback upon hearing this.

The ungreedy monk before them suddenly displayed strange phenomena.

His left eye glowed with golden light, while his right eye pulsed with demonic fire. Each of these eyes had a specific form, representing the dual nature of Buddhist and demonic cultivation methods.

He seemed to truly understand what he was saying, possessing an unconventional insight.

"Junior brother, wake up quickly!"

The wise master remained silent, but Bu Chi couldn't help but speak out.

Old Zhou sighed and took a step forward: "If you understand Fellow Daoist Bu Tan's profound truth, then you should enter my coffin palace."

"Nonsense! The truth lies right here on this staff!"

Undeterred, he lifted the heavy staff weighing over a hundred pounds, the nine golden rings on it clanging crisply.

Old Zhou sighed, revealing a disdainful expression:

"If you can make this sect master move even one step, I will consider myself defeated."

Upon hearing the sound, the Buddha was enraged. Undeterred, he instantly transformed into a fierce Vajra, raised his staff, and, having forgotten all the techniques of staff fighting, brought it down with unparalleled force.

Old Zhou sighed and reached out to grab, unleashing a torrent of powerful true energy that surged forth like a mountain flood.

The force of the staff striking down was completely neutralized by the strong wind.

His plump fingers gripped the staff with ease, giving off an air of leisurely ease and freedom, making it impossible to discern the depth of his skill, as if he possessed boundless confidence.

All the onlookers were horrified.

"A mere trick, how can it be considered a profound truth? It's an insult to the very word 'profound truth'!"

He grew angrier as he spoke, and with his right hand, he deftly pushed the opponent back, forcing him to deal with the force. Then, with his left hand, he swiftly slipped through his sleeve and struck out with a palm.

With a balance of lightness and heaviness, skillful control and explosive power, every gesture exudes the demeanor of a top-tier master.

That palm strike was incredibly fierce, its murderous aura rolling around, no less powerful than the dark clouds churning with thunder in the sky!

If one is not afraid of being defeated by Vajra in an instant, one will be seriously injured.

Just as the Master of Wisdom was about to lend a hand, Zhou Yi flashed in front of Bu Ju, pressed down with his palm, and struck the center of the evil palm. With a fierce grab, he used force to counter force, shattering the evil palm.

Instantly, his eyebrows and hair danced, and his clothes trembled violently.

The dissipating gust of wind, carrying a malevolent aura, swept wildly in all directions, causing both Buddhist and Taoist masters to feel the terror of the palm force and demonic energy.

Therefore, Zhou Yi's figure appeared even taller to them from behind.

He was like an old pine tree, firmly rooted in the raging wind, unshakable even by the old man.

Emperor Ding, Jin Huanzhen, and You Niaojuan exchanged glances, a hint of apprehension flashing in their eyes.

Sure enough, this guy is the most difficult to deal with.

Old Zhou squinted and said, "Friend, it seems your skills have improved."

Zhou Yi said expressionlessly, "Likewise."

"it is good."

Old Zhou sighed as his left hand changed into a fist. "If you have the ability to defeat me today, I will not covet your friendship and will go back with you. I will no longer concern myself with you."

"Then please."

As soon as Zhou Yi finished speaking, two invisible forces, each carrying an unwavering belief in victory, clashed together.

You Niaojuan and the others retreated together.

Master Zhihui, Chen Changgong, and others also vacated the battlefield one after another.

Many eyes were fixed on the two people walking in circles.

Their circle grew larger and larger, and the strong wind in the middle whipped up the ginkgo leaves on the altar, making them spin wildly.

Old Zhou sighed and reached out into the strong wind, grabbing two leaves and flicking them out between his fingers.

Zhou Yi made almost the same move, grabbing three pieces and shooting them with great force.

"Bang~!"

Two leaves collided and shattered into dust at a speed imperceptible to ordinary people. A third leaf, affected by the force of the collision, was deflected and flew past Zhou Laotan.

"Clang!!!"

The large bell at the altar shook and made a loud noise, causing the juice from the leaves to splatter onto the bell.

Old Zhou was taken aback, his eyes flashing with ghostly fire as he keenly detected a trace of true energy flowing through them.

The strong wind spread towards him, indicating that my strength was greater, but his true strength was incredibly refined!

Outrageous!

The purity of the True Demonic Qi is far superior to that of ordinary innate true qi, which has always been his pride. How could he lose to the Xuanmen technique?

In an instant, Old Zhou's monk robe swelled up like a sail.

With a clasp of his palms, the demonic energy emanating from his palms created a vortex of energy five zhang in diameter.

Instead of dodging, Zhou Yi advanced, his true energy swirling around his arms. As his toes touched the ground, the blue bricks shattered inch by inch, and he transformed into a blur as he closed in.

He curled his fingers into a claw and grabbed at the vortex of energy, forcefully dispersing its power.

Old Zhou leaped forward, his palms flying as he engaged Zhou Yi in combat.

The two men unleashed their energy, which swept across the ancient cypress tree, snapping a branch as thick as a bowl in two.

Old Zhou unleashed his demonic power along with his fists and feet. If Zhou Yi hadn't possessed the technique of transforming true qi into qi, he would have been stunned into a daze long ago.

While dispersing its demonic energy, he probed into the center of the demonic palm, occasionally drawing a wisp of profound true energy into his body.

As he fought, he grabbed and struck, his entire body aching and sore from the force of Old Zhou's blows.

Old Zhou sighed, "The more we fight, the more I doubt my life."

What kind of sorcery did that old demon use?!
How can such pure malevolent energy be shattered time and time again!

Damn it, let's see how long you can last!
"Eh--!"

Old Tan roared and fought with Zhou Yi all the way from the ground to the top of the main hall.

Fists and kicks flashed like shadows, true energy clashed with true energy!

Zhou Yi leaped forward and struck downwards with a palm.

Old Master Zhou sighed and raised his hand to ignite the sky. The four palms clashed, and with a loud bang, the Great Buddha Hall shook violently, and the tiles and a large section of the roof collapsed.

The onlookers were horrified, and the monk Bu Tan, who was blocking the doorway, hurriedly jumped away.

The two fought fiercely, battling their way out of the main hall, knocking down the Buddha statue and breaking the hall door into four pieces.

This ferocious fighting style shattered every blue brick that was trampled upon.

The sound of gunfire echoed continuously as the guns struck under the eaves.

All seven or eight incense burners on the wall were shattered.

Amidst the flying ash, Zhou Yi seized the opportunity to close in, his left palm slashing diagonally at Old Man Zhou's throat, while his right fist, carrying the force of frost, struck straight at his dantian.

Undeterred by the cold air, Old Zhou used his demonic energy to block and spun around to avoid it. His monk's robe swept across the donation box, and the copper coins inside flew everywhere. They were then driven into the corridor pillars by the force of the energy, each one standing upright like a dart.

Jin Huanzhen retreated to the side of the coffin forest. At first, she just watched, but slowly worry appeared in her eyes.

This old demon's methods are by no means inferior to those of the Demon General.

Seeing that he kept using his claws, although the techniques were different, the power he displayed seemed to be no less than that of the Eighteen Returning Soul Claws!

Both You Niaojuan and Emperor Ding slowed their breathing, ready to make a move at any moment.

The same applies to masters of both Taoism and Buddhism.

Feeling the terrifying demonic energy flying around wildly, such a commotion made not only Chen Changgong and Song Yinzi, but even Master Zhihui's Buddhist mind unsettled.

I misjudged
The abbot of Wuzhuang Temple was surprisingly powerful when he went all out.

Many of the people from Champion City and Nanyang City, as well as those daring onlookers, didn't even blink.

“Ding——!”

Old Zhou arrived at the altar and kicked the large bell away.

Zhou Yi stepped on the bronze bell, leaving a footprint, then spun around and kicked the bell into the air, smashing it towards the oncoming Zhou Laotan.

Old Zhou sighed and tried to drag Zhou Yi under the bell with both hands, but Zhou Yi dodged it.

"Boom~!"

The bell crashed down, and the shattered bricks and stones turned into powder that scattered in all directions, but were then suppressed by the true energy and crawled close to the ground.

He turned around and slapped the bell with his palm. Old Zhou sighed and pressed out two palms. Zhou Yi then struck with his right palm.

The violent energy was unleashed from inside the bell!

A huge loud bang!

The bronze bell shattered into pieces and exploded with a deafening roar.

In that instant, it attracted the attention of almost everyone around, and the two powerful bursts of true energy almost made the bell toll throughout half of Shunyang City!

The eyes of many masters from Buddhism, Taoism, and the Demonic Sect were fixed on those two.

At that very moment, a figure suddenly rushed out from inside Longxing Temple.

Amidst the phantom-like movements, two strands of frost-white hair seemed to flutter.

Upon seeing this person, he immediately rushed towards the monk Bu Tan.

The martial arts master who cultivated both Buddhist and demonic paths was defeated by this person in a single blow before he could even react!

Zhou Yi and Old Zhou's attention were completely drawn to it.

The two roared in unison:

"Put him down!"

Two figures rushed towards Monk Bu Tan.

Wanwan was watching the play, and she was quite fascinated by the white-clad figure who was displaying a powerful demeanor.

Unexpectedly, a sudden change occurred.
In an instant, her master beside her unleashed a torrent of killing intent, unleashing the Heavenly Demon Technique and charging out with lightning speed!
At this moment, the voices of two old monks came faintly.

"Shi Zhixuan, you really are here!"

……

(End of this chapter)