Chapter 156: Killing to Protect Life, the Heavenly Devil Old Man Appears, Slay Luo Ze, Exterminate the Buddhist Sect!

"Amitabha Buddha."

Abbot Luo Ze pressed his palms together, seated firmly in the middle of the great hall, completely ignoring Gu Jin Nian's clamor.

"Marquis."

"Your killing karma is too heavy; if Li Lengqiu did heaven-defying, reason-defying deeds, then your actions, Marquis, are surely the next Li Lengqiu?"

Abbot Luo Ze spoke, immediately chanting a passage of Buddhist scripture.

"Mahā hell, the sixfold cycle of rebirth, present karma manifests in the future life."

Abbot Luo Ze spoke, engaging in a doctrinal debate with Gu Jin Nian.

"I wield the Sword of the People's Livelihood, severing this karmic bond."

"Gu Jin Nian spoke; this was his reply."

"How to sever it?"

"The Sword of the People's Livelihood is still a sword; a weapon remains a weapon. Marquis of Heaven's Mandate, think carefully—the origin of this matter is Li Lengxin."

"He committed a wrongdoing—that is the cause. Yet after you learned of it, you did not choose to spare Li Lengxin, leading to today's events; is this not the cycle of karma?"

"If you had spared Li Lengxin back then, would there be so many troubles now?"

"Where there is a cause, there is an effect; the principle of karma is not void. Marquis, your obsession has turned into a sharp blade, which is now gradually elucidating your heart."

"You are not eliminating harm for the people; you are venting your own anger, releasing your obsession."

"Marquis, if you persist in your delusion, you will fall into demonry."

"Amitabha Buddha."

Abbot Luo Ze spoke; this time he not only refuted Gu Jin Nian's viewpoint, but also appeared exceedingly mysterious.

"It was a Brahma chant."

"His voice was strange, making people involuntarily accept it and involuntarily ponder."

"The fault lies with Gu Jin Nian."

"This is the adept of the Buddhist Sect, who splits karma, making cause into effect and effect into cause, good or bad depending solely on the other's words."

"Hummm."

"At that moment, the Tree of All Beings within Gu Jin Nian trembled, suppressing this Brahma chant, causing him to instantly break free from his meditative state."

"Almost fell under the Dao."

"Gu Jin Nian drew a deep breath, feeling a lingering fear; just moments ago, unconsciously, he had almost succumbed to the other's Dao."

"Ridiculous."

"Obstinate and unenlightened?"

"Obsession turned into a blade?"

"Li Lengxin acted wickedly, harming the people; his brother showed no remorse, instead intensifying his atrocities, slaughtering the populace."

"This is the cause."

"I killed Li Lengxin; that is the result."

"Today I slay Li Lengqiu; that too is the result."

"You speak of the karmic cycle, but I, the Marquis, believe karma has an end; killing Li Lengqiu is the final result."

"Gu Jin Nian stepped forward and voiced his intention."

"Meanwhile, in the great hall, Abbot Luo Ze was somewhat surprised; he had just employed the Buddhist Sect's divine power, the Supreme Brahma chant, which should have plunged Gu Jin Nian into contemplation, leading him to understand the way of karma."

"Yet he did not expect that Gu Jin Nian would emerge from that state so quickly, which is indeed quite extraordinary."

"However, facing Gu Jin Nian's words,"

"Abbot Luo Ze couldn't help but sigh."

"Killing one Li Lengqiu will only bring forth an even stronger Li Lengqiu in this world."

"Marquis, he has already known remorse, laid down his butcher's knife; why do you, Marquis, not lay down yours?"

"Grand Master Luo Ze spoke, still trying to persuade Gu Jin Nian."

"The reason is simple: Gu Jin Nian is, after all, the foremost Marquis of Da Xia, of exalted status; the Buddhist Sect will sooner or later take residence in Da Xia."

"There is no need to offend Gu Jin Nian."

"So he could only advise; unless Gu Jin Nian makes the first move, he would not act rashly."

"Ridiculous."

"You say I harbor a butcher's knife in my heart, but the true butcher's knife lies in yours."

"Aiding Zhou in his tyranny is the true butcher's knife; is this the doctrine of the Buddhist Sect?"

"Gu Jin Nian spoke lightly; meanwhile, his heart had already resolved its intention."

"Exterminate Buddhism."

"No."

"Marquis, you have misunderstood my meaning."

"Marquis, may I ask: you say Li Lengqiu's sins are unforgivable; I ask, when you summoned fire stones to slaughter the three-hundred-thousand strong army, that is not also unforgivable?"

"Three hundred thousand soldiers sacrificed in vain; how many families in the Xiongnu State have been torn apart?"

"When the state is thrown into turmoil, what follows is the true calamity."

"The three hundred thousand vengeful spirits still gather at Falling Dragon Plain; Marquis, how will you take responsibility?"

"Li Lengxin and Li Lengqiu have indeed erred somewhat, but the blood on their hands amounts to less than one percent of yours, Marquis."

"Does that mean the Marquis should commit suicide to atone?"

"Or is it that when others kill, their sins are unforgivable, but when the Marquis kills, it follows heavenly principle?"

"Grand Master Luo Ze, truly an eminent monk of the Buddhist Sect, with just a few simple words, has turned into Gu Jin Nian's fault."

"Really impressive."

"The Buddhist art of debate lives up to its reputation."

"On the jade carriage."

"Gu Jin Nian couldn't help but feel moved."

"The two nations are at war; I fight for my own country, yet this fellow actually places all these sins upon me."

"Moreover, his words are extremely sharp, comparing me with Li Leng Qiu."

"At first hearing, it seems true: I summoned heavenly fire stones, killing three hundred thousand; Li Leng Qiu, all told, only killed about one or two thousand—indeed not comparable to me."

"To ordinary people, they instinctively feel that Gu Jin Nian has a problem."

"After all, he slaughtered three hundred thousand."

"He slaughtered two thousand."

"Neither is good, but in comparison, Li Leng Qiu seems to have done nothing wrong."

"If embellished a bit, from a neutral standpoint, I really do have a problem."

"This is the might of Buddhism."

"Even the dead can be said to be alive."

"Gu Jin Nian felt a cold sneer in his heart, but he wasn't in a hurry; he wanted to see what this Abbot Luo Ze would do."

"However, at this very moment."

"Outside A-ta Temple, strands of black qi coiled around; these black qi were the resentful spirits of the Xiongnu soldiers, gathering from all directions, appearing utterly terrifying."

"The sky."

"At this moment, it suddenly changed: dark clouds blotted out the sun, fierce winds rose, as if heavenly punishment."

"\"Your Lordship. \""

"\"Take a good look; you already have karmic burden upon you, great calamity will befall you—your fate was sealed when you chose to slaughter the three hundred thousand strong army. \""

"\"You are the true sinner. \""

"Abbot Luo Ze continued speaking, he used Buddhist divine powers to gather these resentful spirits here, intending to exert terrifying pressure on Gu Jin Nian."

"On the jade carriage."

"When Kong Xuan saw this, his face couldn't help but change dramatically."

"\"Luo Ze. \""

"\"You are truly bold, actually using Buddhist divine powers to gather all these resentful spirits. \""

"\"You dare to lay hands on me, a later-generation sage of the Confucian Dao—are you mad? \""

"Kong Xuan understood what was happening; Buddhism deeply understands karmic retribution, possessing some strange divine abilities—these resentful spirits were summoned by Luo Ze, they are the three hundred thousand strong army of the Xiongnu State."

"With so many resentful spirits gathering, even a Martial King would have to drink hatred here."

"This High Monk Luo Ze is no longer merely trying to protect Li Leng Qiu."

"He also wants to suppress Gu Jin Nian."

"\"Amitabha. \""

"\"Gu Jin Nian, as a prince of the Da Xia Dynasty and also a later-generation sage of the Confucian Dao, you lack a heart that sympathizes with the world. \""

"\"Although the Da Xia Dynasty and the Xiongnu State could have negotiated peace, you, because you hate the Xiongnu, refused peace and slaughtered three hundred thousand troops, only then agreeing to negotiate; you have become immersed in slaughter, your butcher's knife looms in your heart. \""

"\"No matter how many faults Li Leng Qiu has, they are not even one ten-thousandth of yours, yet you do not weigh your own faults. \""

"\"However, Heaven possesses the virtue of cherishing life; this humble monk today wishes, on Heaven's behalf, to guide and transform you—if you enter my Buddhist door, I will cleanse your karmic burdens and let you rediscover yourself. \""

"\"Amitabha. \""

"Master Luo Ze continued speaking; as he said this, he walked out of the hall step by step, treading upon the void, beneath his feet coalescing a pale purple Buddhist lotus, golden light radiating around him, like a living Buddha."

"He placed his palms together, and a phantom of a great Buddha appeared, shaking heaven and earth."

"Above the firmament, those resentful spirits showed fear."

"Buddhism naturally subdues these evil spirits and demons; at this moment, Master Luo Ze, with a compassionate demeanor toward all beings, gazed upon Gu Jin Nian."

"He cast a golden bridge, intending to guide and transform Gu Jin Nian."

"\"Your Lordship, step upon the guiding bridge, become my disciple, daily sincerely chanting Buddha's name and reciting sutras; someday you will be able to cleanse your sins and return to your true self. \""

"He spoke, lofty above, his gaze toward Gu Jin Nian filled with pity, as if making a great sacrifice."

"Upon the jade carriage."

"Gu Jin Nian watched this scene, his eyes revealing a cold intent."

"\"You are even worthy to guide this lord? \""

"Just after he said this, Master Luo Ze showed no anger at all, as if he had anticipated Gu Jin Nian's reaction."

"\"If that's the case, then this humble monk can only let Your Lordship taste the pain of karmic burden. \""

"His voice fell, and the Buddhist light withdrew inward."

"Meanwhile, above the firmament, the three hundred thousand strong army of resentful spirits instantly rioted, transforming into terrifying black mist that surged toward Gu Jin Nian."

"Slaughter! Bloodlust! Agony! Fear! Screams! Roars!"

"Various emotions and sounds rang in the ears; upon the jade carriage, Kong Xuan's face was grim, yet he also spoke at once."

"\"Brother Jin Nian, quickly unleash the holy artifact; this old thing wants to put us to death—these three hundred thousand resentful spirits are clearly his doing. \""

"Kong Xuan spoke, his face very grim, not expecting Master Luo Ze to actually use this tactic."

"Using the three hundred thousand resentful spirits as a means, to cause trouble for Gu Jin Nian; if something happened to him, there would be nowhere to cry injustice."

"After all, these are resentful spirits, not Master Luo Ze directly taking action."

"Inside the hall."

"Li Leng Qiu saw this scene, his eyes full of delight; at this moment he also felt completely relieved—though at first he had indeed been somewhat anxious, seeing this scene he became completely relieved."

Amitabha.

Gu Jin Nian, the poor monk has already regretted; from now on, there will be no Li Lengqiu in this world, only regret.

The poor monk copies Buddhist scriptures, chants Buddhist texts, washes away past sins; your body is full of sins, and from you I see my past.

Come, enter the monastic life, become my junior disciple, cleanse your own sins, like me, know regret and know fault.

Li Lengqiu's voice rang out; seeing Gu Jin Nian suppressed by three hundred thousand vengeful spirits, he felt extremely delighted, so he spoke up voluntarily, wanting Gu Jin Nian to follow him into the monastic life.

These words sound fine at first, but actually they are deliberately meant to disgust Gu Jin Nian.

He took advantage and still acted innocent.

Gu Jin Nian.

Your killing karma is too heavy; what Abbot Luoze said is correct; under the support of three hundred thousand vengeful spirits, even if you are a Martial King you cannot bear it.

Gu Jin Nian, considering our acquaintance, sincerely accepting deliverance is a decent way out.

Just then, the Third Prince of Shenluo also spoke up.

He was in charge of guarding the Ata Temple; he had thought Gu Jin Nian would come with six hundred thousand troops, but unexpectedly Gu Jin Nian brought only two people, which surprised him and even earned his admiration.

However, they are not from the same country; naturally, seeing Gu Jin Nian suppressed by three hundred thousand vengeful spirits, to him this is a good thing.

So he also joined in kicking someone when they're down.

Just outside the Ata Temple.

Vengeful energy shoots up to the heavens, flooding this area, making it hard to see Gu Jin Nian's current state.

Everyone saw a butcher's knife hovering above Gu Jin Nian.

This is the divine means of High Monk Luoze, transforming Gu Jin Nian's obsession and shackles into a butcher's knife.

It manifested before everyone's eyes.

Gu Jin Nian.

Your heart's butcher knife has already appeared; if you don't awaken now, what are you waiting for?

High Monk Luoze shouted, demanding that Gu Jin Nian be brought to justice.

Heh.

Under the vengeful spirits, Gu Jin Nian feels no fear; what is this bit of resentment? He once endured the resentment of tens of millions of commoners in Jiangning Prefecture; what are three hundred thousand soldiers' resentment? 'What a slaughter of three hundred thousand soldiers.'

What heavy karma.

Luoze.

Do you really think you can rely on these three hundred thousand vengeful spirits to suppress this marquis?

Today this marquis has come merely to exterminate your Buddhist sect.

Gu Jin Nian's voice rang out.

The next moment.

A jade palanquin appeared beneath Gu Jin Nian's feet.

Boom.

Various lights shot up to the heavens, five-colored divine light surrounded this jade palanquin, and divine beasts appeared.

A true dragon coiled to the left of the jade palanquin, a white tiger stood tall on its right, a vermilion bird in front, a black tortoise behind, and a black qilin appeared above.

These are the illusory forms of the Five Direction Divine Beasts.

This light made the vengeful spirits howl continuously; the light shot up to the heavens.

The jade palanquin, made of jade stone, is crystal clear and translucent, adorned with starlight, looking splendid; it is less a palanquin and more like a treasure.

Nine-headed dragon horses appeared before the jade palanquin, each horse's hooves surrounded by netherworld fire that can burn the void and shatter heaven and earth.

This is the Immortal King's jade palanquin.

When the jade palanquin appeared.

Gu Jin Nian stepped onto the jade palanquin, like an Immortal King, with an extraordinary aura, blocking the army of three hundred thousand vengeful spirits.

Immortal Dao's supreme treasure?

When the Immortal King's jade palanquin appeared, High Monk Luoze's eyes instantly showed shock.

He never expected Gu Jin Nian to have such a divine object; for a moment his heart overflowed with joy.

It is obvious he already had the idea of taking it for himself.

Immortal Dao's supreme treasure.

This is a treasure of the Seventh Realm; how could it not move his heart?

Gu Jin Nian, although you possess an immortal family's supreme treasure, your immortal Dao cultivation is too low; it cannot protect you fully.

Take refuge in my Buddha; these vengeful spirits, this old monk will bear them for you, which also counts as merit.

To take refuge or not?

High Monk Luoze's voice was indifferent.

Under the three hundred thousand vengeful spirits, he had absolute confidence and assurance, letting Gu Jin Nian suffer a great loss.

At this moment, the terrifying vengeful spirits counterattacked, gone mad.

Faced with such a sight.

On the Immortal King's jade palanquin, Gu Jin Nian waved his hand; then the palanquin rumbled, accompanied by wind and thunder, directly moving the heavenly phenomena.

Killing to protect life.

Cutting karma, not people.

Gu Jin Nian's voice rang out.

As this voice sounded, the butcher's knife hovering above Gu Jin Nian's head instantly transformed into a divine sword.

As soon as these words were spoken, High Monk Luoze's face changed abruptly.

Others couldn't discern the meaning of Gu Jin Nian's words, but he could understand them.

This is a refutation of all his own theories.

The Sword of Cutting Karma coalesced, directly annihilating the resentful souls in the heavens.

These resentful souls were completely vaporized.

On another jade carriage, Kong Xuan saw the scene, and the admiration in his eyes for Gu Jin Nian deepened.

Killing to protect life.

Cutting karma is not cutting people.

All the twisted reasoning presided over by Luo Ze was shattered.

A strong and powerful counterattack also earned the approval of heaven and earth.

Inside Ata Temple.

Li Lengqiu saw the scene, and his eyes were filled with shock.

Three hundred thousand resentful souls vanished just like that?

Because of a single sentence, they disappeared? That's unbelievable.

These aren't ordinary three hundred thousand resentful souls; they're three hundred thousand war souls? Who on earth is Gu Jin Nian?

Not to mention Gu Jin Nian, even Shen Luo Third Prince was full of astonishment, some even doubted.

High Monk Luo Ze's complexion changed slightly.

Killing to protect life, cutting karma is not cutting people.

These words shattered everything he had said before.

However, High Monk Luo Ze didn't think much further.

He used the three hundred thousand resentful souls to suppress Gu Jin Nian, but had no intention of killing him.

The reason was simple: Gu Jin Nian possessed the Confucian Sacred Instrument, so even without uttering that sentence, he could counterattack using the Confucian Sacred Instrument.

He would just have to take a small loss.

He hadn't expected Gu Jin Nian to retaliate with Buddhist sect methods.

This is a dialectic.

At that moment, High Monk Luo Ze couldn't help but speak slowly.

"I never expected the Lord's Buddhist teachings to be so profound; truly, we are destined to be connected with my Buddha."

"What a pity, the Lord has innate Buddhist insight, yet hatred blinds his eyes. I, the old monk, truly feel compassion, and hope the Lord can convert to the Buddhist sect and lay down his butcher's knife."

High Monk Luo Ze continued, saying that since the army of three hundred thousand resentful souls could not pressure Gu Jin Nian, he would change tactics.

"A connection with Buddhism?"

"Then, Lord, let's see whether your Buddhist teachings are truly masterful."

Gu Jin Nian let out a cold snort.

In the next instant, countless resentful souls appeared, scarier than the previous three hundred thousand army.

These resentful souls shrouded Ata Temple.

They were the villagers who died in the Twelve Cities, plus the resentful souls of the ruined village.

When these resentful souls appeared, the faces of those in the temple changed, and even Shen Luo Third Prince couldn't help but frown.

No one expected Gu Jin Nian could summon these resentful souls.

"Amitabha."

"Lord, your obsession is too deep; to satisfy your inner wrath, you have summoned these innocent resentful souls to attack my temple."

"Lord, I, the old monk, give you one final chance: if you now withdraw these resentful souls, sincerely convert, admit your mistake and submit to the law, I am willing to cleanse your inner sins and recite sutras for you for twenty years."

The other's voice rang out again.

This time it's truly disgusting.

He summoned three hundred thousand resentful souls to attack Gu Jin Nian, following the Heavenly Dao; Gu Jin Nian now uses the person's own method, returns the person's Dao, yet adds to his sins—this wording is truly disgusting.

"Then I'll see what methods the Buddhist sect still hasn't employed."

Gu Jin Nian spoke coldly.

"Alas!"

Master Luo Ze sighed; in his view, Gu Jin Nian was like a newborn calf unafraid of tigers.

"Lord, you are Da Xia's first Lord, born noble, and you are also the saint of the later generations of Confucian Dao."

"These I know, but do you know that beyond heaven there is another heaven, beyond man there is another man; Confucian Dao is about Confucian righteousness, relying on poetry and prose."

"The Buddhist sect is not something that can be solved by merely moving one's mouth."

Master Luo Ze brought his words to this point; in fact, his meaning was quite straightforward.

Since the Buddhist sect's divine abilities cannot resolve it, then rely on combat power.

Indeed.

He was not wrong.

Confucian Dao can, with the aid of poetry and prose, summon celestial phenomena, whereas the Buddhist sect is different—it consists of true cultivators.

Boom.

The next moment.

Around High Monk Luo Ze, golden light, Holy Punishment's Light Shooting Upwards, a Great Buddha manifested, chanting ancient sutras, forcibly transmuting these resentful souls.

And a golden giant hand also reached toward Gu Jin Nian.

A terrifying pressure surged instantly, like a mountain pressing on the head, making hearts race.

"He is the saint of later generations of Confucian Dao; aren't you afraid? I, a Confucian scholar, will tear the face of your Buddhist sect?"

Kong Xuan's voice rang out, his eyes full of anger.

Gu Jin Nian, no matter what, is still the later saint of the Confucian and Daoist traditions; in other words, Gu Jin Nian represents Confucianism and Daoism.

The Buddhist sect's reckless move, not giving face to the Da Xia Dynasty, can be understood—after all the Buddhist sect is not a force of the Da Xia Dynasty—but not giving face to the Confucian and Daoist path leaves no face at all.

"Later saint? Not even a Great Scholar, can you still be called a later saint? Confucius' endorsement, that's Confucius' matter; our Buddhist sect does not recognize it."

"Gu Jin Nian, now you are to be judged; this old monk can forgive all your past deeds, convert to the Buddhist sect, and become my disciple."

Luo Ze, presiding, opened his mouth with a cold expression; he cared nothing for these, seeing Gu Jin Nian as having come to him of his own accord.

He did what he should and yielded where appropriate. Yet Gu Jin Nian did not yield at all; Gu Jin Nian is indeed Da Xia's First Marquis and also the later saint of the Confucian and Daoist traditions, but what of it? What does it have to do with him? He is a person of the Buddhist sect, a completely different kind of person from Gu Jin Nian.

So he does not care about these.

Of course, he also knows he cannot kill Gu Jin Nian, only suppress him; Gu Jin Nian's influence is too great, and if anyone truly struck him, many would not let them go.

Converting to the Buddhist sect and forcibly suppressing is already enough; let Gu Jin Nian sink, becoming a pawn of his.

This is his thinking.

Therefore, he now intends to forcibly convert Gu Jin Nian.

Dong.

A massive sound echoed a hundred li away.

The Immortal King's Jade Carriage blocked the opponent's attack, but the carriage trembled constantly; the opponent is a peerless master, a sixth‑realm practitioner of the Buddhist sect, already at the Arhat realm.

Such a being is unfathomable.

Even the Immortal King's Jade Carriage finds it hard to resist the opponent's assault.

"Truly a supreme treasure of the Immortal Dao, to be able to block my strike."

The opponent spoke, his eyes full of delight—yes, delight, not shock.

He wishes to claim it as his own; Gu Jin Nian came alone, which in his view is Gu Jin Nian's most foolish choice.

Yet even with six hundred thousand troops, he is unafraid.

"Luo Ze! I am Da Xia's First Marquis; how dare you treat me this way?"

Gu Jin Nian spoke, not harshly but with a mild inquiry.

"You have become demonic; this old monk is helping you transcend."

The latter spoke, his expression unchanged.

After saying this, he pressed his palms together; a gigantic Buddha statue, covering sky and sun, moved to suppress Gu Jin Nian, thereby forcibly converting him.

At this moment.

Gu Jin Nian this time completely stopped hiding.

They have already acted, and Gu Jin Nian has left the leeway he should.

In an instant.

He crushed the jade pendant in his hand; the Immortal King's Jade Carriage could still hold for a short while, now only hoping that this demonic‑path strongman would arrive quickly.

Only then.

Under the Buddha's light.

The Immortal King's Jade Carriage trembled again, its radiance shattered; at this rate, it truly cannot hold anything.

Inside Ata Temple.

Li Lengqiu was extremely excited; he wanted to see this scene, to see Gu Jin Nian suppressed and become his junior brother, so that all his resentment would vanish.

And the Divine Luo Third Prince also gladly watched, for this matter has nothing to do with their Fuyu Dynasty.

Whoever wins or loses, it is self‑inflicted.

"Brother Jin Nian, quickly employ the holy artifact."

This time Kong Xuan spoke, urging Gu Jin Nian to use the holy artifact; he bit his finger, letting blood drip as he spoke.

"I am a descendant of the Kong family, with Confucius' bloodline in my body; using the holy artifact can ensure safety."

Kong Xuan spoke; at this point he dared not be bold, nor did he want Gu Jin Nian to be bold—first preserve their lives.

Meanwhile.

Buddha Fist thundered down with the force of billions of thunder, directly striking Gu Jin Nian.

But.

At this moment.

A black demonic bird appeared in the void, directly swallowing the Buddha Fist.

The terrifying pressure vanished completely at that instant.

At that instant, senior monk Luo Ze showed astonishment; this was his full‑force strike, theoretically no one under heaven could block.

Even Gu Jin Nian's grandfather could not directly block it.

What is this?

Senior monk Luo Ze frowned, his gaze flowing through Buddha's light, directly…

The next moment, senior monk Luo Ze's face involuntarily showed astonishment.

"Heavenly Demon Elder?"

Senior monk Luo Ze's face showed disbelief, as if he had seen a ghost.

Only then.

In front of the Immortal King's Jade Carriage, an old man in black robes stood quietly.

The old man's face was withered, his body gaunt, giving the impression of half a foot stepping into a coffin, yet this seemingly dying man blocked Luo Ze's strike.

Silence.

Ata Temple at this moment was exceedingly quiet.

Everyone looked at the old man; as the light faded, curiosity filled their gazes, not knowing who he was.

The scene was quiet.

The Heavenly Demon Elder ignored Luo Ze, turned and looked at Gu Jin Nian, and his gloomy face softened considerably.

"My obedient disciple, you finally were willing to use this jade pendant."

The Heavenly Demon Elder smiled, looked at Gu Jin Nian, and said thus.

"Junior Gu Jin Nian, I pay my respects, senior."

As for this Demonic Path strongman, Gu Jin Nian knew inside that he was not to be provoked.

After all, those of the Demonic Path are certainly abnormal; a normal person would never become a Demonic Path cultivator.

"What should I call you, senior? Call you Master!"

The Heavenly Demon Elder clearly was not pleased with that address.

This time Gu Jin Nian fell silent.

Calling the other "Master" in public would only cement his link to the Demonic sect, wouldn't it?

Calling him over is nothing more than using one of the three jade pendants the Heavenly Demon Elder gave; whether he uses it or not he must still become a disciple, so he might as well use it.

"Sigh, you scholars always care about face."

"Master understands; this way, Master will not force you—let things happen naturally."

The Heavenly Demon Elder was not overly tangled; after saying a sentence, he slowly spoke again.

"Disciple Jin Nian, why do you call me 'Master'?"

"What trouble have you encountered?"

The Heavenly Demon Elder spoke, looking at Gu Jin Nian and asked.

"Answer, senior, indeed I have encountered trouble: the Buddhist sect's esoteric school, High Monk Luo Ze, shelters criminals; my disciple came to demand a person, but not only could not obtain the person, I was nearly killed by the opponent, and I hope you, senior, can uphold justice for me."

Gu Jin Nian did not dawdle, directly informing the Heavenly Demon Elder of the matter.

As soon as he said that, the Heavenly Demon Elder nodded and said.

"The thing I, as a master, enjoy most is to preside over justice."

"This matter, I, as master, will help you with."

The Heavenly Demon Elder nodded, then turned his gaze toward Luo Ze in the heavens, his expression calm, not erupting in outright fury.

"Luo Ze."

"Is what my disciple said true or false?"

He asked directly.

It was indeed puzzling; normally a Demonic sect cultivator would not reason like this—wouldn't they kill on sight?

"Heavenly Demon senior, this matter is Gu Jin Nian's fault; he came here demanding Li Lengqiu, but my temple has no Li Lengqiu, how could I give him? I gently advised, Gu Jin Nian persisted, I truly had no way, so I acted."

"But I had no intention to kill him; Buddhist disciples may not take life, that's a precept; I hope the Heavenly Demon senior can be wise."

Luo Ze spoke, he indeed harbored reservations about the Heavenly Demon Elder.

He is likely to have broken through to the Seventh Realm; even if not, he's close.

To put it bluntly, he cannot be beaten.

So be courteous.

"None?"

The Heavenly Demon Elder frowned slightly, yet Kong Xuan's voice rang out.

"Senior, do not believe; Li Lengqiu is indeed in the temple, only that he was tonsured and took the name Zhi Hui, does that count as not existing?"

Kong Xuan hurried to explain, fearing the Heavenly Demon Elder would misunderstand.

Hearing this, the Heavenly Demon Elder looked at the latter.

And Luo Ze, with a face of compassion, said.

"Amitabha, the supplicant has spoken wrongly; withdrawing into the monastic path is like gaining a new life, Li Lengqiu is indeed truly dead."

"Why can't he be given a chance to reform?"

Luo Ze spoke, still in that compassionate tone toward the world.

This time the Heavenly Demon Elder finally understood.

"Understood."

"You Buddhists really never get bored with this trick."

"Fine, I understand."

The Heavenly Demon Elder nodded, having fully grasped what had happened.

Yet the next moment.

Boom! Before anyone could react, the Heavenly Demon Elder acted at once; his speed was extreme, and he appeared directly in front of Luo Ze.

The latter was a bit slow to respond; as he tried to react, the Heavenly Demon Elder raised his hand and delivered a slap.

He struck Luo Ze hard across the face.

The slap was so powerful that everyone could hear it.

"Are you Buddhists so despicable?"

"Changing a name doesn't make one a different person?"

"Bullying others is one thing, but you still dare to bully my disciple?"

The Heavenly Demon Elder's complexion turned exceedingly grim; as he spoke, he seized Luo Ze's throat, aimed at his face, and hammered him with punch after punch, blood spraying instantly.

Below, everyone who saw the scene fell silent.

Kong Xuan couldn't help but swallow a mouthful of saliva and speak.

"Brother Jin Nian, your master is truly fierce."

Kong Xuan couldn't help but speak up.

He is the host of one of the illustrious Seventy‑two Secret Cults, one of the world's unparalleled masters, yet now he's being beaten like a dog.

Watching the scene, Gu Jin Nian didn't know what to say.

Putting aside everything else, when these demonic cultivators fight, it's hardly entertaining, but it's blunt and straightforward.

"Senior Heavenly Demon, I, the old monk, didn't know Gu Jin Nian was your beloved disciple; had I known, I would never have acted so."

After a few punches, Luo Ze was at a loss for words; all he knew was that Gu Jin Nian was backed by the Da Xia Dynasty and the Lord of the State.

Who could have imagined that the Heavenly Demon Elder, who strikes terror into all under heaven, is actually Gu Jin Nian's master?

If he had known, he would certainly have held back a bit and not acted recklessly.

"Does that mean you yourself admit to bullying my disciple?"

The Heavenly Demon Elder asked.

"No."

"I, the old monk, only wish to dispel Gu Jin Nian's resentment."

"Otherwise, a deep obsession easily leads to demonic possession."

"Oh, not that—it's just easy."

Host Luo Ze this time said something amiss.

Upon hearing this, the Heavenly Demon Elder employed a brutally cruel method: a single punch blasted Luo Ze, the host, a kilometer away, then a fierce kick drove Luo Ze into the mountain itself.

Boom—boom—boom.

The mountain rocks cracked, and terrifying sounds rang out in waves.

As the host of one of the Seventy‑two Secret Cults of the Upper Path, he had never endured such grievance.

After taking a solid, hefty beating.

Host Luo Ze seized the chance, transformed into a beam of light and vanished, returning to Ata Temple.

At that moment, his face was covered in fresh blood, and his eyes showed a ferocious glint.

He was angry! His eyes brimmed with hatred.

The Heavenly Demon Elder's beating had no effect whatsoever; its only purpose was humiliation.

At this level, even if all his bones were shattered, he could heal and recover.

That is self‑humiliation.

"Activate the Buddhist Formation!"

"Heavenly Demon Elder, I, the old monk, respect you as a strong figure of the Demon Sect, knowing your temperament is erratic and that you have done nothing that harms heaven or humanity; therefore I did not strike you, yet I never expected you to be so violent."

"Today I will let you see the might of the Buddhist School."

Host Luo Ze roared repeatedly, his eyes blazing with fury.

As his voice rang out, Ata Temple instantly erupted in terrifying light, Buddhist chants echoed, and countless Buddha statues materialized in the void, reciting various sutras.

Here, it seemed to transform into a Western Pure Land, and a Demon‑subduing Staff appeared in Luo Ze's hand.

He shook the staff, and ten Golden Dragons burst forth, shattering the void and charging toward the opponent.

"Gu Jin Nian."

"I finally understand why your murderous sin is so heavy, why your obsession is so terrifying; because you took a demonic cultivator as master, your crimes are unforgivable, your sins boundless."

He roared.

At that moment, the temple also unleashed a sky of Buddha light, slashing toward the two.

A terrifying pressure surged instantly; this was Luo Ze's strongest tactic, using the temple's power to suppress the Heavenly Demon Elder and Gu Jin Nian.

"Disciple."

At this moment, the Heavenly Demon Elder spoke calmly; facing the situation, he showed no fear, but called out to Gu Jin Nian.

"Senior, what is it?"

Gu Jin Nian felt the pressure of the Buddha light, forced himself to speak, somewhat curious.

"Today, I will show you what the number one of the Demon Path is."

The Heavenly Demon Elder remained very calm.

After saying this, he hovered before Gu Jin Nian, standing with his hands behind his back, making no extra movements, uttering no shout.

He simply extended his hand and gave a light tap.

Pop! A terrifying sound wave instantly extinguished all Buddha light, and a black demonic bird appeared in the heavens, swooping down at breakneck speed.

All the radiance was completely shattered.

The demonic bird fell, causing a hundred‑mile radius to rumble, the ground to quake, and the void to crack.

Every structure of Ata Temple cracked inch by inch, and the Buddha statues likewise fractured piece by piece.

Puff.

Host Luo Ze spat out a mouthful of fresh blood, staring dead at the Heavenly Demon Elder, incredulous.

"Have you reached the Seventh Realm?"

He dared not believe.

He also refused to believe.

Yet the opponent's mere light tap dismantled all his offensives; how could he not be shocked? How could he not be astonished?

The light faded.

A great battle was effortlessly resolved by the Heavenly Demon Elder.

Everyone fell silent.

This is the suppression of absolute power, with no doubt at all.

Yes.

The Seventh Realm.

The Heavenly Demon Elder said that the displayed power is the Seventh Realm.

But this is not his entire strength, only a part of it.

"Beloved disciple."

"How do you intend to deal with him?"

At that moment, the wind was calm, the surroundings utterly silent, and the Heavenly Demon Elder's voice sounded, gently asking Gu Jin Nian.

"Senior, just leave it to me, the junior."

Gu Jin Nian spoke.

After saying that, he rode the Immortal King Jade Carriage straight into Ata Temple.

At that moment, Gu Jin Nian stood high above, looking at the other party, his gaze full of contempt.

Feeling Gu Jin Nian's stare, Luo Ze Zhuchi couldn't help but swallow saliva, then took a deep breath and said.

"Marquis."

"Regarding this matter, I, the old monk, only wish that you not sink deep into the mire; I have no ill intent."

Luo Ze Zhuchi raised his voice; in this situation, he still kept his mouth hard.

He believed he was not at fault.

But his tone had become far too gentle.

"I, the Marquis, will ask you only one question."

"Li Lengqiu, is he present?"

Gu Jin Nian said calmly.

"Reply, Marquis, Li Lengqiu is not present; he is already dead."

Luo Ze Zhuchi still opened his mouth in the same way.

"Slap!"

A slap fell.

Gu Jin Nian's expression was cold as he said.

"I will ask you once more, is Li Lengqiu present?"

Gu Jin Nian's slap left Luo Ze Zhuchi stunned.

Then a huge sense of humiliation struck him; as a peerless master of the Buddhist sect, being struck by a junior was deeply degrading.

"I hope the devotee puts down the slaughter knife in his heart."

Even so, Luo Ze Zhuchi still firmly held his belief.

"Slap!"

Another slap.

Gu Jin Nian, standing high above, said with icy eyes.

"I, the Marquis, will ask you one final time, is Li Lengqiu present!"

"If your answer does not satisfy this heir, today I will flatten Ata Temple!"

Gu Jin Nian spoke.

At this moment, he did not bother with words; if he still answered that he was not present, then all the monks of Ata Temple shall be buried with him.

Hearing this, the latter fell completely silent.

One was Li Lengqiu.

The other was the monks inside the temple.

He hesitated.

But in the end, he gritted his teeth and said.

"Li Lengqiu is not present; he is already dead. I hope the Marquis puts down the slaughter knife."

He still said so.

But Gu Jin Nian calmly spoke.

"The slaughter knife is in your hand."

"Look down."

After saying this, Gu Jin Nian stepped over Luo Ze Zhuchi and then walked straight toward the main hall.

However, Luo Ze Zhuchi couldn't help but look down.

But it was not a slaughter knife.

It was flame.

A terrifying red flame surrounded him.

This is the karmic fire!

"No!"

"Impossible, why, why, why is the karmic fire on me?"

"Why is there karmic fire?"

Luo Ze, the high monk, roared; the next moment, the terrifying karmic fire completely surrounded him, pain reaching his soul's depths.

Karmic fire is the most terrifying thing between heaven and earth.

It is also the thing the Buddhist sect fears most.

It is related to cause and effect.

It cannot be extinguished.

But the people in the temple were each in utter shock.

They also didn't know why Gu Jin Nian's single sentence could cause Luo Ze to preside over the karmic fire affliction.

Only the Heavenly Demon Elder couldn't help but show surprise in his eyes.

He was the only one who understood.

"I didn't expect my beloved disciple to be so proficient in Buddhist teachings."

He was stunned and said.

Meanwhile, in the main hall, Li Lengqiu couldn't help but tremble all over.

(End of chapter)