Chapter 104: The Exorcism Assembly Begins

A powerful surge of aura burst from Guanxin, and even before making a move, his presence alone radiated a pressure heavy as a mountain.

Crack

!

The surrounding bluestone ground shattered with a thunderous sound. At this time, Li Yanchu could even hear the pounding of his own heart.

A golden mark bloomed at the center of Guanxin’s forehead, and golden Buddhist radiance blazed in his eyes.

Boom

!

A massive golden hand seal, formed from blazing spiritual light, appeared. It was vast enough to blot out the sky, and in the next instant, it loomed before Li Yanchu. The glowing seal was inscribed with dense, intricate sutra text, exuding divine majesty.

Seeing this, Li Yanchu’s gaze turned cold.

Clang

! With a sharp ring, he drew his Jiaoslayer from his waist. His inner qi surged through both arms, and the fiery and piercing force of the Six Yang Force instantly flooded the weapon before he slashed out.

A saber arc, half a man tall, cleaved through the air like a thunderbolt, heading straight for Guanxin’s massive golden seal.

CLANG

!

A deafening and overwhelming sound like a colossal temple bell thundered across heaven and earth.

Thud! Thud! Thud!

Li Yanchu was forced back three paces, and his each step crashed down with enough force to leave half-chi-deep craters in the ground. His qi shield faltered, and he had nearly been overpowered by Guanxin’s golden seal.

Guanxin frowned, but didn’t press the attack. A gash had been torn open across his palm by the saber qi, and blood ran freely. Just now, in that exchange, he had come up short.

In that instant, Guanxin’s composure wavered, and he looked toward the young Daoist in disbelief.

Who exactly is this guy...?!

Whoosh!

A streak of golden light flashed by, and a massive monastic staff descended from the heavens, smashing directly toward Guanxin. Master Huizhen did not stay on the sidelines; instead, he struck decisively.

This eminent monk of Lingxi Temple was clear about gratitude and enmity, swift in judgment and action, and bore none of the usual hesitations of orthodox cultivators.

Li Yanchu was momentarily stunned, but in the next instant, he raised his saber and charged into the fray.

BOOM!

BOOM!

BOOM!

Violent waves of force surged in all directions. The moment the three clashed, it was a deadly exchange of lethal blows!

At this moment, Guanxin’s heart sank. He now had a new understanding of his “Junior Uncle” Huizhen; when it came time to kill, this monk didn’t care about seniority or decorum in the slightest!

Within just three or four breaths, Guanxin had already fallen into danger several times. Now, he was finally tasting the pain Huizhen had suffered moments ago when he had been ganged up on.

Master Huizhen showed no mercy, clearly determined to kill this so-called “rising star” of the Buddhist world here and now.

Just then, Guanxin put his hands together in a prayer seal, and an exceptionally radiant Buddhist light burst forth, forcing back both Li Yanchu and Master Huizhen. Then, he hurled a small, delicate porcelain vial to the ground.

BOOM!

As it shattered, an intense white light exploded outward, illuminating half the sky over Wei City as if it were broad daylight. At the same time, a pillar of fire shot into the sky, and a powerful explosion rocked the ground. The blast disturbed the flow of qi in the surroundings, throwing everything into chaotic disorder.

By the time everyone’s vision returned, Guanxin had vanished. Not only that, the elder Daoist who had been dueling Bai Hongtu moments earlier had also disappeared. It was as if the two had evaporated into thin air.

Seeing this, Li Yanchu frowned. That lofty monk, who just moments ago looked down upon all beings like ants, had fled without hesitation, no shred of pride or honor.

What a ruthless wolf in monk’s robes.

“Amitabha. To think we let such a disgrace to Buddhism escape...” Master Huizhen withdrew his techniques as the golden lacquer faded from his skin, his voice heavy with regret.

At this time, Li Yanchu and Bai Hongtu exchanged a look.

Tonight’s enemies... were no easy foes.

Master Huizhen turned and bowed toward Li Yanchu and Bai Hongtu. “Thank you for lending your aid tonight. I’m deeply grateful.”

Li Yanchu replied calmly, “Master, you flatter me. I happened to discover someone was planning an attack on the people of Qinglong Temple and immediately thought of you. That’s why I rushed over to investigate.”

“I see. Thank you, Daoist Master Li,” Huizhen said sincerely.

At this moment, the courtyard of Qinglong Temple was in ruins; deep craters marred the ground, and residual flames still flickered.

Master Huizhen let out a sigh. “That young monk who escaped was named Guanxin. He once hailed from Lingxi Temple, but later joined the Great Xiangguo Temple in the capital. I never imagined he would fall into the Demonic Dao and ally himself with the Bare Body Sect... Even my junior brother, Huaixin, fell victim to his hand.”

Bare Body Sect!?

Li Yanchu’s heart stirred. So that arrogant young monk from before was also part of the mysterious Bare Body Sect?

His curiosity about this cult only deepened.

What kind of organization could lure a promising Buddhist prodigy to fall into demonic practices and even kill a revered monk of the same faith?

Qinglong Temple was located in a remote corner of Wei City, though it usually enjoyed a steady flow of incense and worshippers. The great disturbance tonight quickly drew the attention of the local authorities.

After another round of discussions, Master Huizhen chose to conceal the truth about Guanxin, declaring the matter as internal to the Buddhist order. He did not publicize what had occurred.

On the other hand, Li Yanchu and Bai Hongtu quietly returned to Qingyun Temple. Just like that, the night passed without further incident.

Guanxin, as well as the immortal-looking old Daoist Master, seemed to have vanished into thin air. Days passed, yet neither made another appearance.

Soon, the day of the Exorcism Assembly arrived.

Jointly hosted by Yongxing Temple of Tong City and Jing’an Temple of Ye City, this assembly attracted not only many renowned Daoist and Buddhist sects, but also numerous eccentric martial artists and mystics of the

jianghu

.

The venue was the Liang residence in Wei City. Its master was a devout patron of Jing’an Temple, known for his piety and dedication to the Buddha.

Lanterns were hung high, and maids and servants bustled back and forth in an unending stream. The entire courtyard was lively and full of people, and it was spacious and brightly lit. More than thirty tables were arranged neatly, each one laid out with an abundance of fine wine, dishes, and fruits.

At the head of the courtyard sat two prominent tables, one of which was occupied by none other than Master Shenshan, the high monk of Jing’an Temple.

This elderly monk, approaching sixty years of age, had kindly eyes and a serene expression. His presence was composed and dignified, exuding the air of a true master.

Sitting as his equal was Daoist Master Yuanyi from Yongxing Temple in Tong City. Although Yuanyi was only fifty, his appearance was somewhat aged. Yet his gaze was razor-sharp, his chest was held high, and his back ramrod straight. The man gave the impression of a sheathed sword, and he brimmed with restrained power.

At his waist hung a longsword of ancient design, adorned with a distinctive apricot-yellow tassel, clearly marking his identity and status.

𝒻𝓇𝑒𝘦𝘸𝑒𝒷𝓃ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝒸ℴ𝘮

These two masters represented the heads of the Buddhist and Daoist sects in this Exorcism Assembly. Several other temples and sects were seated further below, based on their standing.

When Li Yanchu and Bai Hongtu arrived, most of the seats had already been taken. Both were Daoist disciples, but among the gathered crowd, they didn’t recognize anyone. Even Master Huizhen, with whom they were familiar, had not yet arrived.

Li Yanchu, ever pragmatic, chose a quiet seat in a corner without hesitation, and Bai Hongtu took the spot beside him. The two of them were very self-aware that they weren’t the center of attention here, even if this was happening in Wei City.

After sitting down, they began casually observing the other guests while sampling the fruit and pastries on the table before them. They looked completely relaxed and unbothered, as if they'd simply come to enjoy a feast, blending in like any other guests at a celebration.