The giant palm descended from the heavens like a mountain pressing down, making Li Ling Su feel suffocating pressure. He couldn’t even think of running or dodging—his mind was filled only with thoughts of death. He watched in despair as the golden palm covered the sky, his pupils filled with golden light before his consciousness sank into endless darkness.
“Amitabha!”
The chanting of the Buddhist name awakened the Holy Son from his dazed state. He looked around bewildered—this was a world shrouded in auspicious clouds, with golden light streaming through the heavenly layers. Ethereal Sanskrit chanting echoed in his ears.
At that moment, Li Ling Su’s heart became crystal clear, without a single stray thought. He couldn’t help wanting to press his palms together in prayer.
“Who are you, benefactor?”
A magnificent voice rang out. In the sky ahead sat an enormous figure—a floating lotus platform as large as a small mountain, upon which sat a white-browed Arhat who seemed like a giant holding up the heavens.
Li Ling Su felt increasingly insignificant, struck with an urge to enter monastic life… This wasn’t because his will was weak—being in a Buddhist realm, facing an Arhat, it would be stranger if one’s heart remained completely unmoved. Only the most rebellious warriors could resist the reverence for Buddhism.
“This humble Daoist is Li Ling Su, Holy Son of the Heaven Sect,” he calmly revealed his identity.
While ordinary Chan masters’ precepts could be traced through their chanting, the Arhat’s precepts were formless and traceless.
“Where is Xu Qian?”
“At Green Apricot Garden in the northern suburbs of Yong Province,” Li Ling Su peacefully betrayed his companion.
“Who is with him?”
The Emotion-Crossing Arhat smiled slightly while plucking a flower, his magnificent and dignified voice echoing through the Buddhist realm without his lips moving.
“The Human Sect’s Leader Luo Yu Heng, and Great Feng’s greatest beauty, the Northern Garrison Princess Mu Nan Zhi.”
Li Ling Su spoke, not noticing the sourness that had crept into his voice.
“What did you seek to accomplish today?”
“We hoped to capture the Dragon Qi host, but unfortunately, you beat us to it,” Li Ling Su said regretfully.
“Why did he expose you?”
The Arhat asked again.
“I don’t know.” Li Ling Su shook his head, then suddenly burst out angrily: “That bastard Xu Qian is inhuman! I served him loyally and respectfully throughout our journey, yet at a critical moment he betrayed me. I should have betrayed him first. He not only has a relationship with Luo Yu Heng, but Great Feng’s greatest beauty is also his wife. Master, jealousy makes my face hateful.”
Like a devout believer, he answered the Emotion-Crossing Arhat’s questions while expressing his troubles.
The Emotion-Crossing Arhat slowly said: “Form is emptiness.”
Li Ling Su was struck as if by lightning, the jealousy in his heart dissipating like smoke. He murmured:
“Form is emptiness, form is emptiness…”
He repeated it endlessly, seemingly gaining some insight.
…
In the inn, Daoist Master Xuan Cheng summarized the day’s news: “I learned something—this Xu Qian has been to Yong Province before and seems to have deep dealings with the local Gong Sun family. Tomorrow I’ll visit the Gong Sun manor.”
After speaking, he looked at Ice Spirit Sovereign, waiting for her intelligence.
Ice Spirit Sovereign said flatly: “These past two days, Buddhist Vajra warriors have been frequently appearing with monks, wandering. They should be resting in the Buddhist realm. I haven’t found an opportunity to capture and interrogate any monks for information.”
Li Miao Zhen sat cross-legged nearby, unnecessarily summarizing: “Today, you two achieved very little.”
Ice Spirit Sovereign and Daoist Xuan Cheng gave her a cold look.
Ice Spirit Sovereign said expressionlessly: “Two years of traveling down the mountain, and you haven’t grasped the Supreme Emotionless technique, but you’ve learned plenty of glib talk. It seems secluded meditation is necessary.”
Ah, this is all Xu Qi An’s fault… Li Miao Zhen quickly shut her mouth.
One takes on the color of one’s company—when she was leading troops in Cloud Province, she was still a proper Holy Maiden. After going to the capital and associating with Xu for half a year, she gradually picked up some of his bad habits.
Just then, there came two knocks at the window.
The three Heaven Sect members looked toward the window simultaneously. Daoist Master Xuan Cheng waved his hand, and the window opened.
A sparrow flew in and perched on the table’s edge, speaking in human language: “This is Xu Qian.”
Xu Qian… Ice Spirit Sovereign and Daoist Master Xuan Cheng exchanged an expressionless glance.
For members of the Heaven Sect who lacked emotional fluctuations, this tiny detail was enough to show their inner surprise and regard.
Xu Qi An?!
Li Miao Zhen’s eyes instantly brightened, her face glowing. The uncontrollable smile that rose was quickly suppressed as she nervously glanced at her master. Seeing she hadn’t noticed, Li Miao Zhen immediately felt relieved.
“Heart Worm technique.”
Ice Spirit Sovereign examined the sparrow, performing a Daoist greeting with Daoist Master Xuan Cheng: “Greetings, fellow Daoist.”
“Greetings to you both.”
Xu Qi An resisted the urge to cup his wings in greeting, maintaining the dignity of a master. While Daoist Master Xuan Cheng and Ice Spirit Sovereign examined him, he was also observing these two Heaven Sect experts.
Daoist Master Xuan Cheng had a chest-length green beard and extremely dignified phoenix eyes, unconsciously reminding Xu Qi An of Lord Guan’s image.
Ice Spirit Sovereign was a woman of indeterminate age, possessing outstanding beauty and the unique full figure of a mature woman. Her temperament was ice-cold, like a lifeless yet exquisite puppet. Her extraordinarily beautiful face lacked expression.
As for the passionate young woman Li Miao Zhen, Xu Qi An glanced at her once before averting his gaze.
He said slowly: “Your sect’s Holy Son Li Ling Su has been traveling the jianghu with me.”
Daoist Master Xuan Cheng’s face remained expressionless, his tone cold: “Where is the wayward disciple?”
His coldness wasn’t expressing dissatisfaction—this was simply the Heaven Sect’s nature.
Xu Qi An said: “Li Ling Su was captured by a Buddhist Arhat.”
After speaking, he saw no anger, shock, or worry on Ice Spirit Sovereign and Daoist Master Xuan Cheng’s faces. The two Heaven Sect elders maintained their poker faces as always.
This made Xu Qi’an doubt his plan. Could Li Ling Su make these two Third Rank masters decide to turn against the Buddhist sect?
Daoist Master Xuan Cheng said indifferently: “Then we’ll take him back. Please tell us the details of what happened.”
Whew, you Heaven Sect people… Xu Qi An sighed in relief, pecking at his bird head: “If you don’t mind, I can come in person to discuss the details.”
Ice Spirit Sovereign replied without any fluctuation in her tone: “We await you, fellow Daoist.”
The sparrow pecked its head and flew away.
In Ice Spirit Sovereign’s clear pupils, the sparrow’s departing shadow was reflected. She withdrew her gaze and transmitted to Daoist Master Xuan Cheng: “He’s using the Heart Worm technique.”
Spirit possession of animals and Heart Worm control of animals were two different concepts. The former’s signature practitioner was the Orange Cat Daoist—when possessing a cat, the Daoist’s physical body couldn’t move. Heart Worm was more like transforming animals into avatars or controlling their thoughts and emotions.
Daoist Master Xuan Cheng nodded, adding: “His worm techniques are mediocre, not as powerful as we imagined. This person’s true cultivation should be Third Rank.”
Their previous assessment of Xu Qian had been Third Rank minimum, likely Second Rank, impossible to be First Rank. Now after this brief encounter, though it was only an avatar, for experts of their level, it was enough to see some clues.
Ice Spirit Sovereign and Daoist Master Xuan Cheng made their judgment based on Xu Qian’s spiritual fluctuations while controlling the sparrow through the Heart Worm technique.
“Knock knock!”
At this moment, there was a knock at the door.
Daoist Master Xuan Cheng called out: “Come in.”
The latticed door opened in response, and a blue-robed youth stepped across the threshold into the guest room.
Daoist Master Xuan Cheng and Ice Spirit Sovereign’s pupils simultaneously turned transparent as they activated the Heaven Sect’s “Unity with Heaven” mind technique to examine Xu Qi An.
But in the eyes of these two Third Rank Heaven Sect experts, Xu Qian appeared like an ordinary person without cultivation, showing no abnormalities.
This was the greatest abnormality.
The Heaven Sect’s “Unity with Heaven” mind technique was a method of comprehending heaven and earth and becoming one with nature. Its external manifestation was using everything around oneself.
It was also an extremely profound means of investigation.
Yet with their Third Rank cultivation, when investigating Xu Qian’s background, they couldn’t sense anything at all.
An ordinary person?
How could Xu Qian possibly be an ordinary person?
Daoist Master Xuan Cheng and Ice Spirit Sovereign nodded slightly, saying: “Please be seated, fellow Daoist.”
Li Miao Zhen’s bright eyes remained fixed on him. The Flying Swallow Heroine tried to find traces of Xu Qi An in Xu Qian but was disappointed. Xu Qian’s expression was calm and gentle, carrying the bearing of a master—composed and reserved. Meanwhile, Xu Qi An had been lively-looking, with the sharp, bold spirit of youth. *He’s playing the part well—if I didn’t already know his identity, I wouldn’t recognize him. No wonder Li Ling Su was completely fooled…* she muttered inwardly.
After Xu Qi An took his seat, meeting the cold gazes of the two Heaven Sect masters, he got straight to the point: “I’m ashamed to say that Li Ling Su’s capture by the Buddhist sect was because of me.”
He then briefly recounted how he and Li Ling Su had met by chance and traveled together, as well as the reason for Li Ling Su’s capture by the Arhat. Here he made some alterations, saying Li Ling Su had been too hasty and was lured out using the Dragon Qi host as bait.
“The Arhat was personally present. I couldn’t save him and could only watch helplessly as he was captured, nearly losing his life. It was truly tragic.”
As Xu Qi An spoke, he glanced at Daoist Master Xuan Cheng and Ice Spirit Sovereign—unsurprisingly, their expressions remained unchanged.
*You can never see any emotional changes on the faces of Heaven Sect Daoists…* Xu Qi An complained internally, his gaze lingering for a moment on Ice Spirit Sovereign’s beautiful face. *Isn’t this just like the emotionless young girls from anime in my previous life? No, an emotionless aunt.*
Daoist Master Xuan Cheng pondered for a long while: “Fellow Daoist, you and the Buddhist sect seem to be competing for the Dragon Qi.”
He was probing Xu Qi An for information about the Dragon Qi.
Xu Qi An nodded, and to show sincerity, said: “The Dragon Qi is the spirit of the dragon veins. After the Great Feng Emperor was beheaded, it scattered due to various accidents. If the Dragon Qi cannot return to its rightful place, the Great Feng Dynasty faces the crisis of destruction.”
Daoist Master Xuan Cheng nodded in sudden understanding.
Regarding the Dragon Qi, he and Ice Spirit Sovereign had discussed it several times and had roughly guessed the truth. Now receiving confirmation from Xu Qian, they were assured their guesses weren’t wrong.
Ice Spirit Sovereign commented flatly: “The Buddhist sect has always tried to interfere in the Central Plains.”
Xu Qi An seized the opportunity: “I’ve come to request your help in repelling the Buddhist sect’s Arhat and Vajra warriors to rescue the Holy Son. This would benefit us both.”
*Since when did Xu Qi An become so brazen…* Li Miao Zhen thought privately.
Daoist Master Xuan Cheng didn’t immediately agree. After a moment of silence, he said: “According to what you say, the Buddhist sect has one Arhat, two Vajra warriors, plus the Third Rank combat power from the Sky Mechanism Palace, and numerous Fourth Rank experts. How can we alone repel the Buddhist sect and rescue the Holy Son?”
Ice Spirit Sovereign then said: “This matter should be reported to the Heavenly Venerable for his decision.”
The Heaven Sect members wouldn’t be bound by master-disciple sentiment. If rescuing the Holy Son was too difficult, they would unhesitatingly choose the more reliable method—consulting the Heavenly Venerable.
Trying to motivate them to act through master disciple or sect brotherhood sentiment would be difficult.
“Wait!” Xu Qi An raised his hand. “Please hear me out before deciding… Our side also has a peak Second Rank expert, and one you’re familiar with.”
He didn’t keep them in suspense, looking toward the door and calling out: “State Preceptor, please enter.”
Ice Spirit Sovereign, Daoist Master Xuan Cheng, and Li Miao Zhen all turned to look at the door.
Seconds later, the guest room door opened again, and a tall woman wearing a veiled hat and Daoist robes entered.
She waved her hand, the door closing automatically, then removed her veiled hat.
Her face was exceptionally beautiful, with faint melancholy between her brows.
It was the Human Sect Leader Luo Yu Heng, a super expert at peak Second Rank.
Finally, some slight changes in expression appeared on the expressionless faces of Daoist Master Xuan Cheng and Ice Spirit Sovereign.
“Greetings, Sect Leader.”
The three Heaven Sect members performed a synchronized Daoist greeting.
Luo Yu Heng nodded slightly, sat down beside Xu Qi An, and said softly: “I’ll be responsible for capturing the Arhat. What you need to do is clear the obstacles for me by engaging the two Vajra warriors. No need for a fight to the death—just keep them occupied as much as possible.”
Xu Qi An added: “At that time, Sun Xuan Ji from the Bureau of Astronomy will also help.”
Daoist Master Xuan Cheng and Ice Spirit Sovereign no longer had objections. The former nodded slightly: “Do you have a detailed, thorough plan?”
Xu Qi An smiled: “No. No one knows of your presence yet—speed is the best strategy.”
Li Miao Zhen pretended not to know Xu Qian and listened silently. She looked at Xu Qi An, then at Luo Yu Heng, carefully recalling that she didn’t remember Xu having any deep friendship with the Human Sect Leader.
Outside Yong Province City, a group walked along the official road. The path was muddy, with snow mixed with mud still unmelted on both sides.
They were Ji Xuan’s team of seven, along with the Buddhist monks led by Pure Heart and Pure Origin.
Miao You Fang, having no choice, was caught up in the group, following these people as they left Yong Province City.
“Why are we leaving the city?”
The spear-carrying youth Xu Yuan Huai asked with furrowed brows.
“Because the Buddhist high monks are compassionate and don’t wish to harm innocents.”
Liu Hong Mian answered with a smile, her tone and expression mixed with mockery.
The handsome Pure Heart smiled, explaining gently: “Yong Province is densely populated. A major battle in the city would inevitably result in heavy casualties. The northern Chu Province city was leveled in a battle between Third Rank experts. Moreover, Xu Qian is a court official—he certainly won’t take the bait.”
Xu Yuan Huai said no more, seeming to accept this explanation.
Miao You Fang couldn’t hold back anymore, cursing: “If you want to kill me, just do it. I won’t even flinch—that’s what makes a true hero. But before that, at least let me die knowing why.”
He glared fiercely at Ji Xuan in front: “You’re their leader, you tell me. What did I ever do to you? Why chase me from Qing Province to Yong Province? What’s your aim? Did I sleep with your mother or your wife?”
The Banana Leaf Daoist smiled and shook his head: “Such a foul-mouthed brat. In Hidden Dragon City, just those words would get your entire family executed. Fine, since you’re curious, this old Daoist will chat with you. Boy, you’ve just reached the Sixth Rank, only one step away from Bronze Skin Iron Bones. Let me ask you, how long did it take you to advance from Spirit Refinement to Bronze Skin Iron Bones?”
Miao You Fang didn’t understand why he was asking this but answered irritably: “One month.”
The Banana Leaf Daoist asked again: “And how long from Essence Refinement to Qi Refinement?”
Miao You Fang snorted disdainfully: “I started martial arts at nine, I’m twenty-two now—you do the math.”
He actually couldn’t do arithmetic and was using disdain to cover up this fact.
The Banana Leaf Daoist continued smoothly: “Whether Qi Refinement or Spirit Refinement, even Bronze Skin Iron Bones—these all take considerable time. Yet you only needed one month to fill your dantian and develop your primordial spirit, and now divine light flickers across your body. Don’t you find that strange? Haven’t you wondered about the reason?”
Miao You Fang’s expression suddenly froze. He quickly thought of the reason and snorted: “This young master is naturally gifted and intelligent. Jealous?”
Ji Xuan turned back, laughing once: “Speaking of talent, who here isn’t stronger than you? If I’m not mistaken, your rapid advancement wasn’t due to exceptional talent, but rather a series of fortunate encounters, right?”
Miao You Fang was stunned: “How did you know?”
The Banana Leaf Daoist shook his head: “An ordinary man commits no crime by possessing treasure, but the treasure itself brings calamity. Understand now?”
Miao You Fang fell silent, brows furrowed in thought.
Suddenly, he noticed the group had stopped. These powerful individuals had halted in unison, staring ahead at the official road as if facing a great enemy.
Miao You Fang glanced around at the Banana Leaf Daoist, Liu Hong Mian, and others—all wore grave expressions. The spear-carrying youth’s eyes were bloodshot as if seeing his father’s killer. The beautiful young woman beside him had a complicated expression, biting her lip in a girlish manner.
Miao You Fang looked into the distance and saw someone blocking the road ahead.
Wearing a fluttering blue robe, the figure held a narrow-bladed long sword.