The Ancient Tree Spirit was exceedingly cunning, first discarding its personal weapon to feign helplessness, then enveloping itself with the power of the Prajnaparamita Dharma, abruptly closing the distance to the Fire Flood Dragon Spirit’s body, and attacking the vital points of its chest with Zen fist and palm strikes.
Never mind the inherent constraint that Buddhist Dharma and Zen power held over lesser spirits; the Ancient Tree Spirit itself was immensely powerful, possessing inexhaustible strength. A normal spirit struck by his heavy blows would surely end up with broken bones—what use was escaping the spiritual essence if the physical body was destroyed?
Who knew that as the Ancient Tree Spirit’s six fists made contact with the Fire Flood Dragon Spirit’s body, the latter exploded like a bladder full of lamp oil that had just caught fire. From the viscera to the sinews, bones, skin, and flesh, the Fire Flood Dragon Spirit’s body blew apart completely, transforming into a burst of firelight that shot outward in all directions, instantly engulfing the Ancient Tree Spirit.
The Fire Flood Dragon Spirit’s flesh melted like slagged glaze, clinging to the Ancient Tree Spirit in viscous goo, burning with a fierce tsui-mou sound. This flame was not ordinary demonic fire, neither black nor red, but rather a magnificent, pure Glazed Cyan color, radiating an untainted purity devoid of any evil aura—clearly a supreme-grade Pure Yang Heavenly Fire.
“The Flame of Wuming!” Gu Wuchen chuckled.
This was a Primordial Pure Yang Heavenly Fire that could only be refined in the southern regions of the Stars. Among the countless fires of the Cosmos, the Azure Nether Flame ranked among the top ten in terms of destructive power. Furthermore, this flame was tyrannical and ruthless, capable of incinerating all things, and it was one of the very few flames in the Cosmos vicious enough to burn Sarira.
If a Sarira could be incinerated, ordinary Zen power and Buddhist radiance were hardly worth mentioning.
The Ancient Tree Spirit let out a piercing shriek. The Buddhist light mist cultivated by its minor Dhyana Skill within its body was drawn by the Azure Nether Flame, burning fiercely as if dry kindling were alight. Since the Prajnaparamita Dharma could no longer protect its body, it could only rely on its physical form to endure the invasion of the Azure Nether Flame.
In the time it took to eat a single meal, the massive physical body of the Ancient Tree Spirit was completely reduced to ashes, dispersing as a wisp of cyan smoke.
The flames across the sky receded, and a hazy, pale-blue fire silhouette gradually manifested within the remnants. This silhouette was roughly the size of a water vat, possessing a pair of crimson eyes and a brilliantly white, gaping maw, from which streams of cyan flames constantly spewed forth, creating a truly terrifying spectacle.
The face of the Black Stone Ancestor grew increasingly grim as he muttered to himself, “So that’s what it is, a Primordial Fire Spirit. A truly rare demon!”
The Four-Eyed Immortal Lord merely smiled with greater smugness. He spoke gently, “Not just a Primordial Fire Spirit, but a rare Azure Nether Fire Spirit among them. As for the Fire Flood Dragon Spirit’s body, that was merely a vessel it possessed and occupied.”
Yinghua Ancestor smiled faintly and retracted the energy barrier. The Azure Nether Fire Spirit preened, darting up and down exuberantly for a moment before flying back to the side of the Four-Eyed Immortal Lord. Its form twisted, slowly transforming into the spectral shadow of a child no taller than three feet.
The Four-Eyed Immortal Lord casually reached out, and beside him suddenly appeared a Fire Rat Spirit glowing all over with red firelight. This Fire Rat Spirit looked around dizzily, not yet fully grasping its surroundings, when the Fire Spirit coalesced and pounced, transforming into countless trails of cyan flames that pierced directly into the Fire Rat Spirit’s core. The Fire Rat Spirit let out a heart-rending scream as its soul was devoured in the blink of an eye.
Suddenly, the Fire Rat Spirit let out a few strange, jarring laughs. It slowly straightened its body, and the magical power fluctuation emanating from it—which had previously been at the early stage of a Heavenly Immortal—had clearly surged to the peak of a Middle Stage Great Luo Golden Immortal.
The Black Stone Ancestor clapped vigorously, roaring with delight, “Marvelous, marvelous! Truly an exquisite technique! A Primordial Fire Spirit—ha! This Ancestor has humbled himself!”
Yinghua Ancestor smiled very kindly and asked softly, “Then, for the third round of the Great Luo stage, shall we still compete?”
The Four-Eyed Immortal Lord exchanged a look with the Black Stone Ancestor, both being ruthless and pitiless demon overlords. Hearing Yinghua Ancestor’s question, they both roared sharply in unison, “The victor is decided, yet you ask if we need another match!”
The Four-Eyed Immortal Lord pointed a finger, and a Mantis Spirit, at the Middle Stage Great Luo Golden Immortal cultivation, rapidly advanced, brandishing two great sabers.
The Black Stone Ancestor snorted coldly, glanced back at the demons under his command, and grinned as he nodded toward a Demon Immortal under him who practiced the Hundred Poisons Demonic Art.
This Demon Immortal, possessing an immortal bearing and an air of detachment, with a youthful face beneath white hair as if he were a true Daoist immortal, smiled faintly. He slowly flew forward, carrying a large backpack. This Demon Immortal was also at the Middle Stage Great Luo Golden Immortal cultivation, but his aura was obscure and difficult to gauge, seeming only slightly short of the Late Stage Great Luo Golden Immortal. Moreover, faint, colorful mists constantly billowed from his body, swirling within several dozen feet around him, lending him an air of profound mystery.
The black energy in the sky converged again, forming an energy barrier a hundred miles in diameter that enveloped the two demons at its core. Yinghua Ancestor worked diligently, casting several hand seals to make the barrier extremely secure—if one of the two within did not die, there would be absolutely no chance of escape.
As the two great demon overlords clashed, Yinghua Ancestor could not conceal his inner joy. He could do nothing else to disrupt the Blood Oath Battle; his only task was to work diligently on logistics, ensuring that the subordinates fighting on both sides would be utterly and completely annihilated, with not a single residual soul escaping, thus fulfilling his duty as host.
The Mantis Spirit, with its greenish face and numerous compound eyes giving it a rather ferocious appearance, let out a few sneers. The two Wind-Slicing Great Sabers in its hands, several feet long and thin as cicada wings, spun in the air for a moment, and it provocatively challenged the Hundred Poisons Demon Immortal, “Old Daoist, come here, let this great king cleave off your head! Chih-chih, this fine flesh of yours looks delicious!”
The Hundred Poisons Demon Immortal smiled and asked the Mantis Spirit, which had a small head that suggested a lack of brains, quite seriously, “Do you really want to eat me?”
The Mantis Spirit nodded seriously, drool dripping from its mouth. As a spirit monster cultivated from a mantis, its appetite was unusually ravenous.
Without another word, the Hundred Poisons Demon Immortal grabbed his left arm and yanked hard, tearing it off at the shoulder. He casually tossed his arm toward the Mantis Spirit and laughed lightly, “If you have the guts, eat it! If you don't, cut off your own head and admit defeat!”
The arm, with blood dripping continuously, drifted toward the Mantis Spirit. It looked rosy and white, quite delicate, a rare delicacy in the eyes of the assembled demons. Under the gaze of countless spirits, the Mantis Spirit unhesitatingly stabbed the arm with its great saber and rapidly brought it to its mouth, swallowing it whole.
“Excellent! Abundant immortal energy, fragrant blood essence—truly a fine haunch!” The Mantis Spirit swallowed the Demon Immortal’s arm and exclaimed loudly, “It is delicious, truly delicious! Are there any more?”
The Hundred Poisons Demon Immortal swayed slightly, and a new arm instantly grew from his left shoulder, facing the wind. He stared coldly at the Mantis Spirit, a look of mere disdainful contempt on his face.
The Mantis Spirit’s face began to decay rapidly. Soon, countless pustules erupted, bursting one after another, dripping viscous pus and blood that gave off a pungent, putrid odor.
The Mantis Spirit’s expression changed, and it shouted sharply, “Your arm is poisoned?”
The countless demons under the Black Stone Ancestor roared with laughter, their delight overwhelming. This Mantis Spirit was truly too dull.
The Hundred Poisons Demon Immortal modestly nodded to those around him, slowly turning back toward the Black Stone Ancestor with immense pride. The energy barrier had not yet been lifted, but the Hundred Poisons Demon Immortal was certain he had won this bout. He said coldly, “More than poison? It is the Immortal-Slaying Poison. Dying by this poison, you—”
The Mantis Spirit, its entire body spewing rotten blood plasma, let out a sinister laugh. It too was rapidly rotting. Suddenly, several membranous wings shot out from its back. With a flash of its crystalline wings, it arrived soundlessly behind the Hundred Poisons Demon Immortal. The two Wind-Slicing Great Sabers, without making any sound of breaking the air, pierced into the Hundred Poisons Demon Immortal’s heart like phantoms.
The sound of tearing flesh was so clear. The Hundred Poisons Demon Immortal stared blankly at the two great sabers protruding from his chest, unable even to muster the strength to turn around. One saber pierced through his sternum, while the other shot straight out through his brow.
As the Mantis Spirit exerted force, a thick, black demonic energy spewed forth from its sabers, blasting the Hundred Poisons Demon Immortal’s physical body and spirit into dust.
With a triumphant sneer, the Mantis Spirit turned back and kowtowed solemnly toward the Four-Eyed Immortal Lord from afar, bowing several times with great reverence.
The Four-Eyed Immortal Lord nodded slowly and said faintly, “Go in peace. I shall raise your family as my own children.”
The Mantis Spirit’s body instantly dissolved into a pool of foul-smelling pus and blood that fell away. Its spirit ascended with a piercing shriek. Indeed, the Immortal-Slaying Poison of the Hundred Poisons Demon Immortal was vicious; black vapors continuously arose from the Mantis Spirit’s soul as the potent toxin rapidly corroded it. In the time it took to steep a cup of tea, the Mantis Spirit’s soul was completely eroded, dispersing as a wisp of black energy.
Yinghua Ancestor smiled softly, “This round, then, is a draw... Thus, my two Ancestors, it seems Fellow Daoist Four-Eyed has won the first round!”
The Four-Eyed Immortal Lord bowed respectfully toward Yinghua Ancestor from afar, his face unable to conceal a triumphant smile. The Black Stone Ancestor also let out a few cackling laughs, nodding nonchalantly, “Very good. If I lose this second match too, must this Ancestor then subdue those two spirits to win? Heh, heh, interesting—that Primordial Fire Spirit is quite something!”
Yinghua Ancestor ignored the Black Stone Ancestor and asked mildly, “Then, in this second match, it is Fellow Daoist Black Stone who has the initiative. Either Fellow Daoist Four-Eyed first designates someone for Fellow Daoist Black Stone to challenge; or Fellow Daoist Black Stone first designates someone, and then selects an opponent from among Fellow Daoist Four-Eyed’s retinue. What say you, Fellow Daoist Black Stone?”
The Black Stone Ancestor sneered coldly, swept a glance at Yinghua Ancestor, and said plainly: “Is this Ancestor one to take advantage? Four-Eyes, let’s be straightforward—quickly send someone out. This Ancestor is waiting to crush you.”
The Four-Eyed Immortal Lord smiled faintly, his four narrow eyes filled with sharp, cold light. He pointed a finger, and a Mayfly Spirit under his command, at the peak of the Grand Unity Golden Immortal cultivation, drifted out empty-handed upon a demonic cloud.
Gu Xiechen gazed at the Mayfly Spirit with surprise. Mayflies, born in the morning and dying by night, were actually able to cultivate into an Immortal, and reach the peak of the Grand Unity Golden Immortal level—this Mayfly Spirit’s fortune was truly extraordinary.
Almost instinctively, he opened his Samsara Dharma Eye to examine the Mayfly Spirit up and down. What he saw made him gasp in horror: within the Mayfly Spirit, a ball of pure, bright cyan firelight was flickering. This cyan firelight differed from the Azure Nether Flame used by the Primordial Fire Spirit; the Azure Nether Flame was violent and destructive, whereas this cyan light was gentle and eerily cool, like the perpetual flame within an ancient bronze lamp in a ten-thousand-year-old tomb, exuding a chilling, deep aura that calmed one’s thoughts. Because of this cyan light, the Mayfly Spirit’s fate had almost vanished from the Heavenly Dao.
In other words, this ball of cyan light was an existence on the level of a Primordial Supreme Treasure. For some unknown reason, the Mayfly Spirit had refined it into its innate supreme treasure. Because the Mayfly Spirit’s physical body was weak, this Primordial Supreme Treasure controlled it, thus masking most of its trace existence within the Heavenly Dao. Only because Gu Wuchen’s Samsara Dharma Eye specialized in peering into fate and fortune could he see through the Mayfly Spirit’s mystery; ordinary divine senses would not have detected it.
Without waiting for the Black Stone Ancestor to name a challenger, Gu Xiechen laughed strangely, stepping onto a demonic wind to meet the Mayfly Spirit. While cackling bizarrely, Gu Xiechen loudly declared, “Ancestor, this subordinate is newly joined and has accomplished nothing yet. If I slay this minor spirit today, it shall earn Ancestor’s smile!”
The Black Stone Ancestor immediately laughed happily, “Honored Guest, proceed as you wish! Let this Ancestor see—”
Before the Black Stone Ancestor could finish speaking, Gu Wuchen arrived before the arrogant Mayfly Spirit. He struck the Mayfly Spirit with his sleeve, spewing forth a chilling gust of demonic wind. The Mayfly Spirit’s body instantly shattered into countless ice shards. A ball of cyan light burst forth from within the Mayfly Spirit, ready to shoot toward the sky. Gu Xiechen casually cast an imprisonment spell upon the cyan light, condensing it into a strangely shaped bronze lampstand.
As his divine sense swept over this ancient, profoundly archaic lampstand—which resembled a strange, bird-like creature standing on one leg—Gu Xiechen inwardly gave a cold smile.
The Spirit Vulture Lamp—the personal supreme treasure of the ancient Buddhist master, Burning Lamp Buddha. It was the innate artifact born alongside him from the Primordial Chaos. Now, it had fallen into the hands of a Mayfly Spirit. Heh, in the Monkey’s memories, Burning Lamp was a truly mighty figure in Buddhism. During that cataclysmic upheaval of Heaven and Earth, the cunning Burning Lamp survived completely unscathed, without even a single hair singed. This suggested that there must be some karmic entanglement behind why this Spirit Vulture Lamp appeared here.
After coughing a few times, Gu Wuchen flicked the Spirit Vulture Lamp and slowly turned to fly back toward the Black Stone Ancestor.
At this point, even Yinghua Ancestor had not managed to raise his energy barrier. Gu Xiechen’s killing of the Mayfly Spirit was too swift, too decisive; Yinghua Ancestor had no time to react. The assembled demons and spirits stared blankly at the scattered remains of the Mayfly Spirit, speechless for a long moment.
“Ancestor, this lamp seems to be called the Spirit Vulture Lamp. It is one of the Three Lamps of antiquity, containing infinite profound mysteries. Besides you, Ancestor, no one else in this world is worthy of this treasure!” Gu Xiechen respectfully presented the Spirit Vulture Lamp to the Black Stone Ancestor.
The eyes of Yinghua Ancestor’s faction of demon overlords nearly shot out flames. The Spirit Vulture Lamp? Was it truly the Spirit Vulture Lamp? Several of the more impulsive and greedy demons pulled out their innate magical artifacts, preparing to fight the Black Stone Ancestor for it.
The Black Stone Ancestor froze, then erupted in ecstasy! He laughed wildly as he reached out for the Spirit Vulture Lamp. What astonished the Black Stone Ancestor beyond measure was that this ancient, famous Primordial Supreme Treasure, one of the Three Lamps, had no restrictions left within it. As soon as his essence blood and divine soul connected with the lampstand, he almost completely refined it! With a deafening boom, a vast expanse of cyan light sprayed from above the Black Stone Ancestor’s head, illuminating the bottomless Immortal Trapping Pool so brightly that every detail was visible.
The Spirit Vulture Lamp hung high above the Black Stone Ancestor’s head, emitting boundless radiance that illuminated the void for millions of miles. Within the cyan light, drops of rain-like points of light gradually condensed, slowly dripping down from the void.
Gradually, the light points connected into lines, slipping down from the void like strung jewels. When the light points landed on the pitch-black water of the Immortal Trapping Pool, they instantly transformed into clusters of palm-sized cyan lotus flowers floating upon the surface.
An immense pressure spread in all directions. A faint, misty cyan haze flashed through the Black Stone Ancestor’s eyes. Everyone present suddenly sensed that the Black Stone Ancestor’s cultivation was skyrocketing at a terrifying rate! Refining a Primordial Supreme Treasure was equivalent to comprehending a portion of the Heavenly Dao rules within it—his cultivation naturally advanced by leaps and bounds! The Black Stone Ancestor’s previously clear form now appeared hazy, as if a drop of ink had been diffused into clear water, gradually blending with the surrounding void. Sparks of cyan light shot from the Black Stone Ancestor’s eyes. When his gaze fell upon certain demon overlords, their heads involuntarily lowered, unwilling to meet his eyes again.
In an instant, the Black Stone Ancestor’s cultivation climbed a great height. Although still within the realm of peak Great Luo Golden Immortal, he was no longer comparable to Yinghua Ancestor, who was also at the peak Great Luo Golden Immortal level.
Yinghua Ancestor’s face became incredibly ugly. His previously benevolent expression twisted into that of an old prostitute whose customer had just been stolen by a peer—his entire face contorted.
Having mastered the Spirit Vulture Lamp and experienced such a rapid advancement in cultivation, along with the sensation of merging with Heaven and Earth as if the cosmos were in his grasp, the Black Stone Ancestor almost leaped for joy. He barely managed to suppress his excited, manic state and nodded solemnly to Gu Wuchen, “Dao Lord Shattering Heaven, no matter how much trouble you stir up in the future, this Ancestor will bear it all for you!”
Gu Xiechen feigned overwhelming joy, quickly thanking the Black Stone Ancestor. That was precisely what he wanted to hear! The Black Stone Ancestor surveyed his surroundings with authority, the Spirit Vulture Lamp above his head emitting a protective, colorful Buddhist light that shielded him. This ferocious demon had suddenly become as sacred and inviolable as a Buddhist Buddha. Those demons who had drawn their innate magical artifacts intending to strike the Black Stone Ancestor hurriedly retracted them, all smiling and nodding repeatedly toward him.
The Black Stone Ancestor laughed proudly, looking at Yinghua Ancestor, whose face was crumpled in distress, and said coldly, “Four-Eyed Immortal Lord, it seems you are destined to become my concubine. Prepare the clear water well, hehe, wash your backside and await this Ancestor’s favor!”
Gu Xiechen tucked his hands back into his sleeves behind the Black Stone Ancestor and chuckled. With the notorious and ferocious reputation of the Black Stone Ancestor supporting him, acting in the future would become much more convenient.
Looking at the greenish Spirit Vulture Lamp above the Black Stone Ancestor’s head, Gu Xiechen could barely keep from bursting into laughter. While the Spirit Vulture Lamp looked like a magnificent item now, who knew what it might turn into later? He still had the Pangu Banner, the Wind and Fire Cushion, and countless other terrifying treasures in his possession that he hadn't dealt with yet. Gu Xiechen truly didn't want to provoke another lamp-wielding Buddha.
As the Black Stone Ancestor was proudly showing off, the Four-Eyed Immortal Lord’s face had turned ashen, his body trembling uncontrollably. Yinghua rushed forward impatiently, rolling up his sleeves to issue a challenge to the demons behind the Four-Eyed Immortal Lord.
“Hey, hey! Anyone coming to die? I’ve been waiting a long time, itching to kill someone!”
Yinghua had not fought anyone for several centuries, and now seeing Gu Xiechen suddenly make such a grand move, he was eager for action.
The Four-Eyed Immortal Lord stared blankly at Yinghua, then suddenly shrieked, “Kill him! Slaughter him! Smash him until his soul scatters, never to be reborn!”
Following the Four-Eyed Immortal Lord’s scream, a Snow Leopard Spirit, at the peak of the Grand Unity Golden Immortal cultivation, on the verge of breaking through to the Great Luo Golden Immortal realm, surged out on a demonic wind.
Before Yinghua Ancestor could erect an energy barrier, Yinghua rushed toward the Snow Leopard Spirit with a giggle. The Snow Leopard Spirit didn't even have time to announce its name before Yinghua smashed its body with a punch and swallowed its soul whole.
The countless demons were instantly silenced.
The Black Stone Ancestor roared with joy, while the Four-Eyed Immortal Lord’s face turned as pale as snow.
Suddenly, a soft, delicate laugh echoed from the void: “Two Ancestors, for this little girl’s sake, let today’s matter be settled?”
Following the laughter, brilliant heavenly flowers rained down from the sky, carrying a fragrant mist. Ethereal music sounded, and several Gandharva celestial maidens, holding flutes and pipas, descended from the high heavens, singing and dancing all the way.
Gu Xiechen’s old acquaintance, the Auspicious Heavenly Maiden, her face full of smiles, descended slowly, accompanied by these celestial maidens, riding on a semi-transparent golden cloud.
Gu Xiechen’s heart dropped. He hastily recalled Yinghua and, along with Siren, hid behind the Black Stone Ancestor.
Seeing someone step in to mediate, the Four-Eyed Immortal Lord hastily stepped forward. "May I ask this Daoist friend's esteemed name? Truly, this battle was never the Four-Eyed one's intention!"
Ancestor Black Stone let out a lewd, vicious laugh. He pointed at the Four-Eyed Immortal Lord and snarled, "Four-Eyes, stop your nonsense. This battle bound by the Blood Oath must conclude today. You are destined to become my servant! Heh heh! Hahaha!"
Beneath the Spiritual Vulture Lamp illuminating the scene, Ancestor Black Stone cast a greedy glance at the elegantly graceful and peerlessly beautiful Goddess Jixiang. He chuckled with a chilling "Heh heh," mockingly saying, "This Daoist friend is quite unfamiliar, but one day together, two days familiar—after a few days in the Old Ancestor's company, we'll be well acquainted! Heh heh!"
Ancestor Carbonization's expression shifted dramatically. He was simultaneously thrilled and shocked, crying out loudly, "Black Stone, do not act rashly! This is the Buddhist Protector, the Senior Goddess Jixiang!"
The Buddhist Protector, Goddess Jixiang.
All the demons and fiends present sucked in a cold breath, the way they looked at Ancestor Carbonization suddenly carrying layers of unspoken meaning.
Ancestor Black Stone merely sneered dismissively a few times. "Goddess Jixiang? So what if the Old Ancestor wants her to share his bed?"
The Goddess Jixiang’s expression changed; she shouted indignantly, "Insolent!"
A storm of heavenly blossoms spun overhead, washing the surroundings in dazzling light. Goddess Jixiang’s palm struck out toward Ancestor Black Stone.