The Five-Finger Palm Strike of the Great Sun Tathagata that Li Yundong unleashed was a secret technique from Tibetan Buddhism, a closely guarded mystery. As he struck, his bones cracked audibly, and a pure, golden light emanated from within him, utterly devoid of any sinister aura, clearly indicating genuine transmission from the esoteric lineage.

The middle-aged monk’s heart instantly filled with dread: He had initially assumed this person was some opportunistic rogue from the cultivation world trying to exploit the situation, but unexpectedly, he was a master of Esoteric Buddhism!

Buddhism originated in India, but upon its introduction to China during the Han Dynasty, it gradually split into two branches along the journey. One established deep roots in Tibet, forming Tibetan Buddhism; the other took root in the Central Plains, evolving into the Buddhism known today in the heartland.

Although these two forms of Buddhism shared the same origin, they actually diverged in many aspects. They offered mutual courtesy in public, yet engaged in relentless, clandestine struggle, maintaining deep mutual suspicion.

During the Qing Dynasty, after the Manchus breached the passes and burned the Shaolin Temple, Central Plains Buddhism suffered devastating ruin. Furthermore, the Qing emperors promoted the idea of Manchu-Mongol unity, and the Mongols adhered to Tibetan Buddhism; the Manchus, influenced by this, saw a significant number of followers embracing Tibetan Buddhism.

Compounding this, Emperor Shunzhi of the Qing Dynasty surrendered to Central Plains Buddhism at Mount Wutai, choosing to live as a monk there, which incited intense resentment towards Central Plains Buddhism within the Qing imperial family. From the reigns of Kangxi and Yongzheng onward, the emperors and the imperial court alike rejected Central Plains Buddhism entirely, decisively aligning themselves with Tibetan Buddhism.

With the ascendancy of Tibetan Buddhism, Central Plains Buddhism faced severe suppression, thus forging a deep, bitter feud between the two.

Upon seeing Li Yundong employ a secret art of Esoteric Buddhism, the middle-aged monk secretly wondered: Could it be that a master from the Esoteric Sect has come seeking trouble?

If it were merely an ordinary cultivator looking to snatch something, the monk might have managed to scare them off with a few stern warnings. But if a genuine master from the Esoteric Sect had arrived, the middle-aged monk knew clearly: This is an enemy spanning centuries; their appearance here must signify something serious; it cannot be taken lightly!

Meanwhile, Li Yundong observed that the palm strike delivered earlier by the middle-aged monk, though appearing formidable, had crumbled upon impact. Just as his own great palm was about to overturn his opponent, the monk suddenly pushed both palms forward, releasing a ferocious Vajra image. In the blink of an eye, Li Yundong’s Great Hand Seal was shattered.

Li Yundong was also startled: This monk appears utterly unremarkable, yet he is clearly a cultivation master? How many such experts must be in this temple? While I don’t fear one alone, if there are too many, I won’t be able to handle it! No, I must conclude this quickly!

He silently resolved to end the fight fast. The middle-aged monk, aware that the temple grounds were currently open to visitors, knew that too much commotion here would attract unwanted attention; he too decided that a swift resolution was paramount.

The middle-aged monk pressed his palms together in a gassho, gripping a string of prayer beads between his thumbs and forefingers. He lowered his head and rapidly chanted an incantation.

As he began his recitation, the trees in the surrounding woods immediately began to sway, their leaves rustling and undulating like waves. The amulets hanging from the branches twisted unnaturally, their golden script blazing with light.

Countless runes within this grove emitted a dense radiance, which then swiftly transformed into thin, silken threads, converging onto the battlefield. In an instant, these threads coalesced into a powerful Arhat, standing two meters tall.

This Arhat was draped in a golden kasaya, one arm bare, gripping a vajra in both hands, his eyes wide with fury, exuding an awe-inspiring majesty. The Arhat let out a mighty roar, and the vajra in its hands shot directly toward Li Yundong’s chest.

Immediately following this, above the Arhat, an effigy of the Buddha seated in the lotus posture rapidly formed, hurtling down to crush Li Yundong.

Before the attack could even strike, Li Yundong felt as if a mountain had descended upon his head, a crushing weight so oppressive it stole his breath. He was certain that upon impact, he would instantly be reduced to dust!

Without a second thought, Li Yundong crushed the Baibao Bag at his waist. In that instant, the Seven Treasures Spiritual Fan leaped out, while the Cold and Glaring Serrated Vajra Wheel clattered onto the ground with a clang, remaining motionless.

The treasured fan immediately sensed its master was in peril and swiftly C