Apart from specific items and methods, few in the world could manipulate dragon energy, even the Supervisor was powerless. How could the Tower Spirit be any different?

Therefore, Xu Qi’an, possessing a fragment of the Book of All Things, the incantation taught by the Supervisor, and bearing half the nation’s fortune, was the only being in the world capable of manipulating dragon energy.

Under these circumstances, all Xu Qi’an needed to do was be present when the Buddhist sect attempted to seize the dragon’s energy.

No one could have imagined that among the Leizhou martial artists lurked someone capable of manipulating dragon energy. Jingxin hadn’t anticipated this either, so when he learned that the Tower Spirit could guide the dragon’s energy, he believed he was assured of success.

After the dragon energy entered the fragment of the Book of All Things, it immediately devoured the small dragon within the mirror, then coiled itself in the space of the Book, transforming into a solidified sculpture, no longer moving.

In an instant, all eyes following the dragon energy focused on Xu Qi’an.

The Leizhou people wore expressions of envy and jealousy, while the Buddhist monks’ eyes were about to pop out of their sockets…

“You…” First Seat Hengyin’s face contorted in rage as he pointed at Xu Qi’an, roaring, “Heretic! Heretic! Today, you will surely die!”

This man had first injured the temple’s warrior monks, then used sweet words to incite the Leizhou martial artists, followed by summoning the Celestial Inspection Department’s artificer Sun Xuanji…

He had ambushed them in the dream world, and after escaping the dream, he had bombarded Hengyin with cannon fire.

The accumulation of all these events caused Zen Master Hengyin’s composure to shatter.

Zen Master Jingxin’s face twisted slightly, feeling as if his heart was being carved up. The opportunity and fortune that should have been his had been forcibly snatched away.

Warrior monk Jingyuan shouted, “Hand over the Buddhist treasure, and we’ll spare your life!”

Xu Qi’an sneered, “Treasures belong to those with virtue. It chose me. Does the Buddhist sect intend to rob by force? Brothers, let’s fight our way out together and split the treasure!”

Li Xiaoyun’s eyes lit up: “Do you mean that?”

The envious Leizhou martial artists also looked over.

“If I’m lying, you can behead me then,” Xu Qi’an smiled.

Liu Yun’s eyes flashed, and she shouted, “That makes sense. Let’s kill these bald donkeys first, leave the Pagoda of Six Harmonies, then we’ll split the treasure. If we can’t leave the pagoda, it’s all just empty talk.”

She was now unconditionally on Xu Qi’an’s side, repaying his life-saving kindness.

The Leizhou martial artists thought it made sense and immediately gathered around the cannon. They held weapons in one hand and raised firearms or military crossbows in the other, facing off against the Buddhist monks.

Hengyin was furious: “Who’s robbing by force here? It’s you! That dragon energy is a treasure of our Buddhist sect. How dare a crude martial artist like you covet it? If you don’t hand over the dragon energy today, don’t even think about leaving the Pagoda of Six Harmonies. Fellow disciples, join this poor monk in subduing this demon!”

He sat cross-legged on the spot, pressed his palms together, and began chanting scriptures.

The other Zen masters followed suit, sitting cross-legged, palms together, reciting scriptures.

The Leizhou martial artists’ minds shook with a “boom,” those mosquito-like voices lingering in their ears, echoing in their minds, washing away the violent qi in their hearts, making them feel an urge to “convert to Buddhism.”

In the Buddhist system, Zen masters weren’t known for their combat prowess. Their main offensive capabilities came from the “precepts” of Fifth-Rank Disciplinarians. Ninth-Rank Novices had no combat bonus, while Eighth-Rank were warrior monks, not part of the Zen master system.

Seventh-rank Dharma Masters were proficient in Buddhist teachings, able to guide departed souls and brainwash the living.

Sixth-rank Zen Masters practiced Chan meditation, fearless of external demonic invasions when meditating.

Fourth-rank Ascetics, like Ninth-Rank Novices, belonged to a preliminary rank and lacked combat bonuses.

In other words, before reaching the Second-Rank Arhat, the combat capabilities of the Zen master system were extremely limited.

This gives insight into why the Buddhist sect needed two systems. Warrior monks were more like bodyguards for Zen masters, protecting them until they attained fruition.

Thus, the alternate title for Third-Rank Vajra was: Dharma-Protecting Vajra.

First Seat Hengyin, leading the Zen masters in chanting sutras, was employing the ability of a Seventh-Rank Dharma Master—brainwashing the living.

The Sanskrit chanting resounded throughout the second level, attempting to convert the Leizhou martial artists. Except for Li Xiaoyun and other Fourth-Rank practitioners, as well as a few Fifth-Rank martial artists, the other heroes all wore twisted expressions, showing signs of resistance.

Though they hadn’t yet entered monkhood, they had lost their fighting spirit, focusing only on resisting the increasingly strong desire to become monks.

Fortunately, the disciples of the East Sea Dragon Palace were similarly affected, losing their combat ability.

Clang… Xu Qi’an calmly took out a cannon, aimed it at the Buddhist monks, pinched the fuse between his fingers, and lit it.

With a muffled “boom,” the cannon recoiled sharply, the cannonball whistling towards First Seat Hengyin.

Warrior monk Jingyuan threw himself in front of the Zen masters, throwing a punch at the cannonball. The shockwave, accompanied by flames, swept through a third of the space.

In the confined space, the cannon could unleash tremendous destructive power.

Everyone was pushed back staggering by the shockwave, their eyebrows and hair singed by the flames. The meditating Zen masters swayed back and forth, quickly reseating themselves to continue chanting scriptures.

Dongfang Wanqing snatched a precept blade from a warrior monk and dashed forward a few steps, suddenly spinning to unleash a blade strike that distorted the air.

The blade light tore through the bodies of two jianghu members, sliced across the cannon barrel, and exploded on the hard ground.

The cannon barrel was split in two, the cut perfectly even.

Yuan Yi snorted coldly. The Commander moved like a startled rabbit, taking two steps to close in on Dongfang Wanrong. In the process, he gripped the saber at his waist.

Dongfang Wanrong was a shaman. As long as he seized the opportunity for close combat, he could kill her within ten moves.

Zen Master Jingxin simultaneously pressed his palms together, locking onto Yuan Yi, and said:

“Put down—”

Bang!

A gunshot rang out as Xu Qi’an pulled the trigger, attempting to blow off Zen Master Jingxin’s dog head, interrupting his use of the precept.

Dongfang Wanqing turned and threw the precept blade. With a “clang,” the spinning blade collided with Yuan Yi’s saber, deflecting its edge.

Seizing this moment, Dongfang Wanrong summoned a spectral image, descending upon herself, granting her a physique and defense no less than a martial artist’s.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

Yuan Yi’s attacks, imbued with blade intent, rained down on Dongfang Wanrong like a storm, forcing her to retreat repeatedly, unable to parry, only endure.

Despite possessing a martial artist’s physique and defense, close combat was still the domain of martial artists.

On the other side, Li Xiaoyun wielded his long spear, entangling Dongfang Wanqing. His spear intent was like a dragon, each thrust accompanied by the shrill sound of air displacement.

“Swish!”

Dongfang Wanrong tore off a piece of Yuan Yi’s clothing, activating her curse-killing technique.

The previously vigorous Yuan Yi suddenly froze, his face paling slightly as if suffering unimaginable damage from within.

Unfortunately, Dongfang Wanrong couldn’t tear off a strand of Yuan Yi’s hair, otherwise, the power of her curse-killing technique would have been even stronger.

Before she could counterattack, a figure flashed beside her. Two blades crossed, slashing at her neck. Sparks flew, and a piercing sound echoed throughout the space.

The spectral image above Dongfang Wanrong’s head shook violently, on the verge of dissipating. A deep blade wound appeared on her snow-white neck, blood flowing freely.

“You damned monk, aren’t you going to help?” Dongfang Wanrong cursed angrily.

She couldn’t possibly fend off two Fourth-Rank martial artists skilled in close combat on her own.

Jingyuan had no choice but to join the battle, restraining the Shuangdao Sect Leader while keeping an eye on the Zen masters.

…

Inside the tower, Li Lingsu stood on the artillery platform, somewhat nervously peeking at the bead in Dunan Vajra’s hand, worried for his two little sweethearts.

As for Xu Qi’an, to Li Lingsu, what Xu Qi’an was trying to snatch was none of his concern. Success or failure didn’t matter, as long as this senior could safely exit the tower.

“Senior Sun…” Li Lingsu said, “What was that dragon energy just now?”

Sun Xuanji replied, “It is.”

After a long while, Li Lingsu received no further response.

Just as he was focused on watching the battle, having forgotten his question, he heard Sun Xuanji slowly say, “Dragon…”

What are you talking about… Li Lingsu’s mind was full of question marks.

“So amazing, so amazing!” The little white fox curled up in Mu Nanzhi’s arms, watching with great interest.

“You can see that bead from so far away?” Mu Nanzhi rubbed its head.

“Don’t rub my head, it feels weird,” the little white fox said coquettishly. “I can see it, very clearly too.”

Mu Nanzhi felt a bit envious; the distance was too great, and she couldn’t see anything.

She rubbed the little white fox’s head again. Its fur was smooth, and its touch was warm. If made into a fox fur coat, it would be perfect for wearing in this increasingly cold season.

Wait, what am I thinking? It’s still a child… Mu Nanzhi suppressed a woman’s instinctive desire for sable and fox fur coats.

“By the way, how did a little fox spirit like you end up here?” Mu Nanzhi asked curiously.

This little fox had appeared by her side out of nowhere, without any warning.

“The Queen sent me!” The little white fox answered every question, honestly and obedient.

“Queen?” Mu Nanzhi looked at it.

“Can’t say, if I say I’ll be put in the dark room,” the little white fox said sincerely.

…

Xu Qi’an silently appeared in First Seat Hengyin’s shadow. He blew out a mouthful of blue smoke forcefully, accompanied by the poison gas was the aphrodisiac gas of the love parasite, as well as the mind-altering ability of the mind parasite.

But all of these failed without exception. When Zen masters meditated, they could resist external demonic invasions.

Xu Qi’an wasn’t surprised by this, as he knew about the miraculous nature of Zen meditation. Monk Shenshu had demonstrated this long ago. The reason he made these seemingly futile attempts was to truly deal with the warrior monks guarding the periphery.

Taking advantage of the warrior monks being distracted and controlled by the love parasite, poison parasite, and mind parasite, Xu Qi’an struck out with his palm towards the Baihui acupoint on First Seat Hengyin’s head.

“Do not kill!” Zen Master Jingxin pressed his palms together and said sternly.

A look of struggle flashed in Xu Qi’an’s eyes, but ultimately he didn’t strike.

This delay allowed warrior monk Jingyuan to return with an ashen face to rescue Hengyin.

Seeing this, Xu Qi’an immediately ceased hesitation and retreated using shadow jumping.

Jingyuan had just breathed a sigh of relief when he suddenly heard a scream. He turned his head to look, his eyes nearly popping out of their sockets.

A warrior monk had plunged his precept blade into Hengyin’s chest, instantly staining the kasaya red with blood. The change happened so quickly that neither Jingxin nor Jingyuan, their attention focused on Xu Qi’an, had anticipated a traitor among the warrior monks.

That warrior monk pulled out the precept blade, grinning viciously: “You dare to oppose him, you’ll all die miserably.”

Jingyuan, with a gloomy expression, struck out with a palm, knocking unconscious the warrior monk infected by the love parasite.

“This is a love parasite, from the Gu tribes of the Southern Borderlands. Those infected by the love parasite will love the host of the mother parasite unconditionally,” Jingxin sighed.

The Buddhist monks were shocked and angry, looking at Xu Qi’an as if he were a demon.

Xu Qi’an said in a low voice, “Get up now!”

As soon as he finished speaking, First Seat Hengyin, who should have been dead, suddenly sat up. He pressed his palms together, his hollow gaze fixed on Dongfang Wanrong and said:

“Put down your butcher’s knife!”

Dongfang Wanrong’s delicate body suddenly froze, confusion flashing in her eyes.

Corpse parasite!

When he had emerged from Hengyin’s shadow earlier, Xu Qi’an had done two things while distracting the warrior monks with the poison parasite, love parasite, and mind parasite. The first was to plant the child worms of the love parasite into the body of the nearest warrior monk.

The second was to sprinkle the child worms of the corpse parasite onto Hengyin’s kasaya. After Hengyin’s death, the corpse parasite took over his body, turning him into a puppet.

Due to the limited abilities of the corpse parasite, it could only retain part of Hengyin’s cultivation, roughly at the Fifth-Rank level.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

For martial artists skilled in combat, Dongfang Wanrong’s opening was fatal.

Three blades rained down on her like a storm, causing the spectral image to shake violently, seemingly about to dissipate.

Once the reinforcement of the heroic spirit’s spectral image was gone, Dongfang Wanrong, as a shaman, would be instantly beheaded by the two Fourth-Rank martial artists. There was no other possibility.

Zen Master Jingxin’s eyes revealed a look of despair. He turned to the Tower Spirit, who had been smiling with palms pressed together, remaining uninvolved, and said gravely:

“Elder, I have only two requests: please release Nalan Tianlu, and please send us out of the Pagoda of Six Harmonies.”

Since they couldn’t win inside the tower, they might as well have everyone sent outside.

The old monk looked at Xu Qi’an and the others with a benevolent expression: “Are you willing?”

“We are not!” Xu Qi’an immediately replied. After speaking, he muttered to himself: This Tower Spirit’s temperament is truly odd.

The old monk shook his head and said, “This poor monk will not force others.”

Zen Master Jingxin’s expression changed slightly, and he quickly said, “Then don’t include them.”

The old monk nodded with a smile: “Very well.”

He immediately waved his hand, and fine golden light brushed over the disciples of the East Sea Dragon Palace and the Sanhua Temple monks.

The next moment, they disappeared from inside the tower, appearing in the square outside.

They had successfully escaped.

…

Phew! Jingxin looked around for a moment, confirming that he was indeed outside the tower, and let out a sigh of relief.

The Sanhua Temple monks showed expressions of joy, feeling a sense of having narrowly escaped disaster.

“Rong’er…”

Dongfang Wanrong heard a gentle voice from beside her. She quickly turned her head to see a semi-ethereal elderly man standing next to her, wrapped in a shaman’s robe, with white hair and beard, a weathered face, smiling gently as he gazed at her.

Her vision instantly blurred, tears filling her eyes. Dongfang Wanrong choked up and said, “Master…”

“City Lord Nalan!”

Yierbu, also wrapped in a shaman’s robe, appeared. He flicked his fingertip, producing a black bead, and said:

“Stay in this soul-nourishing bead for now. When we return to Jingshan City, we’ll have the Grand Shaman reconstruct a physical body for you.”

For shamans and Daoists who primarily cultivated the primordial spirit, as long as the primordial spirit didn’t perish, the physical body could be replaced. However, it would affect subsequent advancements due to the “mismatch” between spirit and flesh, requiring decades or even centuries of adaptation.

However, Nalan Tianlu was already a Second-Rank Rain Master, which was essentially the ceiling of his rank. Advancing to first rank would require extraordinary luck; even in several hundred years, he might not be able to advance.

“Uncle Master Dunan, this disciple has failed in his mission and could only resort to this last-ditch measure.”

Jingxin walked up to Vajra Dunan, pressed his palms together, and said with his head bowed.

Dunan didn’t speak, only staring at the entrance of the Pagoda of Six Harmonies.

Yierbu chuckled and said, “They’re like fish in a barrel now. Sun Xuanji, did you anticipate this situation?”

On the floating artillery platform, Mu Nanzhi’s delicate brows furrowed slightly: “This is bad, they can’t get out.”