Chapter 529: Model Demon Master and Monk

In the halo of the blood-colored flowers, the cultivators' faces grew increasingly pallid; they exchanged worried glances, feeling immense shock and fear at this sudden disaster.

The appearance of this flower undoubtedly intensified the dread in their hearts, making them feel an unprecedented crisis.

"This bloody energy is devouring vitality!" cried one cultivator, feeling his mana constantly draining, as if being sucked by that strange flower.

"We must act immediately, or we'll all become nourishment for that evil flower!" another cultivator clenched his Dharma Implement, voice trembling but striving to stay calm.

Longling stood before the crowd, eyes firm and sharp; though his heart was equally shocked, he knew that as leader he must stay calm and guide everyone. "Listen to me," he said, "this blood-colored flower must be a new omen of the ancient pagoda's anomaly; we must find its weakness, just as we did against those aberrations and dragon-bats before."

"But, Lord Longling, this flower's evil power seems stronger than the previous monsters—what should we do?" a young cultivator's voice carried a hint of despair as he watched the blood light continually welling from the cracks, feeling utterly helpless.

"We cannot sit and wait for death; we must take the initiative." Longling's voice was firm and powerful as he looked around, his gaze finally settling on Grand Master Huiguang. "Master, what is your view on this blood-colored flower?"

Grand Master Huiguang pressed his palms together, eyes flashing with wisdom. "Amitabha, this flower is formed from condensed evil energy; its existence defies the balance of heaven and earth, and must be purified by Buddhist power."

"Then what should we do?" Longling asked urgently.

Grand Master Huiguang pointed at the blood-colored flower: "Look at its center—that is the source of its power; we must destroy the center to stop its growth."

Longling nodded and issued the order: "All cultivators, heed my command—fire and lightning cultivators prepare to attack; we will focus our strength on the flower's center, while the others handle defense, protecting our comrades."

The cultivators immediately sprang into action, quickly forming attack and defense formations as Longling directed.

Fire cultivators gathered at the front, their palms blazing with scorching flames, while lightning cultivators gathered behind, condensing electrical power.

"Attack!" Longling shouted, and fire and lightning surged like a wrathful storm toward the flower's center.

The blood-colored flower seemed to sense the threat; its petals began to tremble violently, emitting a stronger blood-light in an attempt to fend off the powerful assault.

Yet the cultivators' assault came like a raging storm, relentlessly striking the flower's defenses.

Flames scorched its petals, lightning struck its stamens, and each attack elicited a painful groan from the blood-colored flower.

The battle dragged on; the flower's power began to wane, its petals withering and the blood-light in its stamens growing dim.

Finally, under a powerful combined assault, the flower's center was utterly destroyed; it let out a final piercing shriek, then turned into a wisp of black smoke that dissipated into the air.

The cultivators watched the blood-colored flower vanish and finally breathed a sigh of relief.

The anomaly of the ancient pagoda continued; we must stay vigilant and prepare for the challenges ahead.

Zizila……

However, after the blood-colored flower withered, the black smoke drifting in the air spread like a ghost, unchecked.

The cultivators had thought the battle was over, that their weary bodies and minds could get a brief rest, but soon they realized something was wrong.

At first, only a few cultivators stopped in their tracks, their gazes becoming unfocused, as if staring at some distant point.

Soon, more and more cultivators showed the same symptom: in their eyes they saw the person they most longed for, engaged in the thing they most desired.

Some saw long-lost family, some saw the treasure they had dreamed of, and some saw themselves standing at the pinnacle, revered by thousands.

These illusions were so real that many cultivators began to lose themselves, sinking into the fantasy unable to break free.

They either wore happy smiles, burst into joyous laughter, or silently shed tears, completely forgetting they were still on the battlefield.

Longling instantly understood: the true horror was not the flower itself, but the smoke after it withered.

She immediately became alert and shouted loudly: "Everyone be careful—this smoke is toxic; it can trap people in hallucinations and make them lose control!"

Her voice rang like thunder across the battlefield, trying to awaken those already lost.

Yet the smoke's impact far exceeded his imagination.

Some cultivators even began walking toward the illusions, reaching out to touch nonexistent people and objects.

Some cultivators rolled on the ground, as if fighting invisible foes.

Some cultivators showed extreme terror on their faces, as if they had seen something horrifying.

Longling knew that if measures weren't taken quickly, the entire team would collapse completely, and he immediately gave the order.

"All cultivators, close your eyes at once—do not look at the smoke! Seal your senses with inner strength, so you are not deceived by the illusions!"

The cultivators, hearing Longling's order, all tried to close their eyes and use inner strength to resist the illusion's erosion.

But the toxins in the smoke had already seeped into their bodies; merely closing their eyes could no longer fully block the illusion's intrusion.

Seeing this, Grand Master Huiguang immediately led the monks of Xiguangsi in chanting sutras.

Their voices were low and powerful, gradually forming a pure current on the battlefield that countered those illusions.

The power of the sutras slowly spread, and some cultivators, guided by the chanting, began to regain a semblance of clarity.

"We must find the source of the smoke and eradicate it completely!" Longling told a few nearby cultivators, nodded, and began searching the battlefield for the smoke's origin.

As the monks chanted the sutras, some cultivators began to gradually awaken from the illusion.

Upon waking, they instantly felt deep fear and shame, realizing they had nearly been lost in the illusion, and couldn't help worrying about their still‑lost companions.

"Look, the smoke is pouring out of those cracks!" a cultivator shouted, pointing at a fissure in the ground; everyone followed his finger and indeed saw black smoke steadily gushing from the crack.

Longling immediately organized a squad, preparing to venture deep into the crack to locate and destroy the smoke's source.

They knew this was an extremely dangerous mission, but to rescue their lost comrades they had to take the risk.

The squad members were elite veterans of countless battles, their eyes flashing with determined light.

They had readied various Dharma treasures and elixirs to cope with any possible situation.

Under Longling's leadership, the squad members cautiously entered the crack.

Inside the crack lay a labyrinthine underground maze, the air thick with the smell of blood and toxins.

As they went deeper, the illusions in the maze grew stronger.

They had to constantly remind themselves not to be misled by the surrounding illusions.

Longling continually encouraged the members to stay clear‑headed and rational.

At the maze's depths, they finally found the source of the smoke.

There was a huge blood pool, filled with black liquid that was continuously emitting the deadly smoke.

"It seems this blood pool is the source of the smoke. We must destroy it to halt the smoke's spread," Longling said in a low voice.

The squad members immediately sprang into action, using various spells and Dharma implements in an attempt to destroy the blood pool.

However, the blood pool seemed to possess some mysterious power, and their attacks seemed unable to inflict effective damage on it.

"This blood pool is strange; our attacks are ineffective against it!" a cultivator said anxiously.

Longling pondered for a moment, then said, "It seems we need to find the blood pool's weakness. Everyone, observe carefully to see if anything is out of the ordinary."

The cultivators began to carefully observe around the blood pool, discovering a strange rune at its center that seemed to control the blood pool's power.

"It seems this rune is the key to the blood pool; we must destroy this rune to destroy the blood pool." Longling pointed at the rune and said.

The team members immediately focused their firepower, attacking that rune. Under their combined attack, the rune began to show cracks.

Finally, after a powerful attack, the rune was completely destroyed, the liquid in the blood pool began to evaporate rapidly, and the source of the smoke was successfully cut off.

As the blood pool disappeared, the black smoke on the ground also began to gradually dissipate.

The cultivators were finally able to free themselves from the illusion, watching their once-lost companions gradually awaken, their hearts filled with relief.

Longling stood at the edge of the rift, his gaze fixed firmly on the direction of the ancient pagoda.

This battle has only just begun; there is still a long road ahead.

As the cultivators successively returned from the rift, they began to reorganize.

They knew they needed more wisdom and courage to uncover the ancient pagoda's secrets and find a way to seal it.

Under the leadership of Longling and Master Huiguang, the cultivators began to deeply study the history and structure of the ancient pagoda, seeking clues to seal it.

At this moment.

In the shadow of the ancient pagoda, the cultivators felt deep admiration and respect for the methods and wisdom displayed by Longling and the masters of Xiguangsi.

They personally witnessed Longling's calm command in crisis, as well as the magnificent sight of Xiguangsi's masters using Buddhist Dharma to oppose evil, which deeply shook their spirits.

Longling, as the leader of History Tiger City, not only possesses formidable combat strength but also extraordinary wisdom and courage beyond the ordinary.

When facing the attacks of blood-colored flowers and black smoke, he always quickly finds countermeasures, leading the cultivators to escape from the brink of death time and again.

His Light Sword is like a dawn that cuts through darkness, giving the cultivators hope and courage.

The cultivators began to gather around him, following his command, believing that as long as they follow Longling, they will find a path to survival.

And in this battle, the masters of Xiguangsi likewise played an indispensable role.

Master Huiguang, as the leader of the temple, his calm yet powerful voice, and the Buddha-light that can dispel darkness, have become a bright lamp in the cultivators' hearts.

They used the power of Buddhist Dharma to purify companions troubled by evil forces, allowing them to awaken from the illusion.

This power is not only a weapon against evil, but also a spiritual solace that gives the cultivators reason to persevere in battle even in despair.

The cultivators began to privately discuss the wisdom and courage of Longling and the masters of Xiguangsi.

Some of them began to reflect on their own combat style, pondering how they could be like Longling—possessing great strength while remaining calm in crisis and finding the key to solving problems.

Others among them developed a strong interest in Xiguangsi's Buddhist Dharma, wanting to learn more, and some even began to try studying the scriptures that can purify the mind and dispel evil.

A young cultivator approached Longling, eyes filled with respect: "Lord Longling, your calm and wisdom in battle have deeply impressed me. I want to know how you maintain clear judgment amidst such chaotic combat."

Longling looked at the young cultivator, smiling and replied: "In battle, the most important thing is to stay calm. Only by staying calm can you see the enemy's weaknesses and find opportunities for victory. Moreover, continual learning and accumulating experience are also key to improving one's judgment."

Another cultivator then asked Master Huiguang for advice: "Master, your Buddhist Dharma power is so miraculous, able to purify evil and protect our minds. May I ask how we can learn such power?"

Master Huiguang smiled and nodded, replying: "The power of Buddhist Dharma comes from a deep understanding of the world and compassion for all beings. If you are interested, you may study Buddhist Dharma at Xiguangsi in your spare time. Only with a tranquil heart can one truly grasp the essence of Buddhist Dharma."

As time passed, more and more cultivators began to learn from Longling and the masters of Xiguangsi.

They practiced Longling's tactics in battle, learning how to stay calm in crisis and how to find the enemy's weaknesses amidst chaos.

At the same time, under the guidance of Xiguangsi's masters, they studied Buddhist Dharma, purifying their minds and enhancing their spiritual strength.

These cultivators' progress is evident; under Longling's guidance, they gradually learned how to cooperate better and how to use their spells and treasures more effectively.

And under the influence of Buddhist Dharma, their minds became more steadfast, no longer easily shaken by evil forces.

The wisdom and courage of Longling and the masters of Xiguangsi have become legends in the cultivators' hearts. Their stories are sung throughout Tianji Shengyu, inspiring more cultivators to join the fight against the evil forces of the ancient pagoda.

These cultivators believe that as long as they can inherit the wisdom and courage of Longling and the masters of Xiguangsi, nothing is impossible.

In the days to come, the cultivators, under the leadership of Longling and the masters of Xiguangsi, continue to delve deeper into the ancient pagoda, seeking a way to seal it.

The challenges they face are growing ever more daunting, yet their inner confidence grows ever stronger.

They know that as long as they stand united, they can find a way to defeat evil and protect the peace of Tianji Shengyu.

This battle is not only a fight against the ancient pagoda, but also a journey of spiritual growth for the cultivators.

Under the influence of Longling and the masters of Xiguangsi, they gradually came to understand deeper levels of wisdom and courage, which will become their most precious wealth, accompanying them through every future challenge.

Tear…

In the depths of Tianji Shengyu, the upheaval of the ancient pagoda did not subside with the disappearance of the blood-colored flowers.

On the contrary, an even older and more powerful force awakened at the foundation of the ancient pagoda, bringing an unprecedented disaster.

The cultivators call it "Heaven Mound," a legendary existence that foretells the imminent arrival of a great catastrophe.

The emergence of Heaven Mound was accompanied by violent tremors between heaven and earth.

The clouds in the sky were torn apart by an invisible force, revealing the void beyond.

The earth seemed to suffer immense pain, with fissures crisscrossing everywhere, as if countless giant mouths were devouring everything around.

The cultivators could not stand firm; some were even directly swallowed by the fissures, vanishing into endless darkness.

"Heaven Mound has emerged, great disaster is at hand!" an elderly cultivator shouted in terror, his voice unusually clear amidst the chaos.

Longling gripped his Light Sword tightly, his eyes firm and sharp. He knew this was not merely a battle against the ancient pagoda, but a war concerning the very survival of Tianji Shengyu.

He shouted loudly: "Everyone, assemble immediately!"

Under Longling's command, the cultivators began to assemble in an orderly fashion, yet the power of Heaven Mound far exceeded their imagination.

As the fissures continually expanded, streams of black mist surged from the ground; these mists contained strong corrosive properties, and any living thing touched by them would quickly wither and turn to ash.

"Beware of those mists, they are toxic!" a cultivator warned loudly, his voice tinged with despair.

Longling immediately commanded the cultivators to retreat, avoiding contact with the mist. We must find a way to counter these mists, otherwise we cannot approach Heaven Mound.

Just then, Master Huiguang stepped forward, holding in his hand a Buddhist prayer bead that emitted a faint golden light. "Amitabha, let us use the power of Buddhist Dharma to purify these evil mists." His voice was calm yet powerful, bringing a glimmer of hope to the cultivators.

Wise Light Master began chanting the sutra, and the prayer beads in his hand emitted an ever stronger light.

As the sutra was chanted, golden beams of light shot from the prayer beads, shining upon the black mist.

Under the illumination of the Buddha's light, the mist began to dissipate, turning into nothingness.

"Master, how did you do that?" a young cultivator asked in astonishment, his eyes filled with admiration.

Wise Light Master smiled and replied, "The Dharma is boundless; it can purify all evil in the world. As long as we hold light in our hearts, nothing is impossible."

Under the guidance of Wise Light Master, the monks of Xiguangsi began chanting the sutra; golden Buddha light wove together above the battlefield, forming a solid barrier that blocked the mist's spread. Sheltered by the Buddha's light, the cultivators started to approach the Heaven Mound.

However, the power of the Heaven Mound did not weaken. As the fissure expanded further, low, deep roars rose from the earth, shaking the cultivators' minds.

They horrifiedly discovered that a single gigantic arm was struggling within the fissure, as if something were trying to crawl out from underground.

"Good heavens, what is that?" a cultivator shouted in terror, his voice trembling.

Longling gripped the Light Sword tightly, his eyes flashing with resolve. "No matter what it is, we cannot let it surface. Everyone, prepare to attack!"

The cultivators immediately responded; their spells and artifacts intertwined in the air, forming a powerful attack net that struck the arms reaching out from the fissure. However, the arms were extraordinarily hard, and the cultivators' attacks left only faint marks.

"These arms are too hard; our attacks can't penetrate at all!" a cultivator gasped, sweat covering his face.

Longling knew they had to find the arms' weakness. He carefully examined the arms' structure and noticed that at the joints, strange runes flickered with a faint light.

"Attack those runes—that's their weakness!" Longling commanded loudly.

The cultivators immediately focused their fire on the runes. Under their combined assault, the runes began to shatter one by one, and the arms' strength started to wane.

Finally, with a thunderous crash, the arm was utterly shattered, dissolving into countless fragments that scattered in the air.

Yet the power of the Heaven Mound did not disappear.

With the arm's disappearance, an even more terrifying aura emanated from the fissure.

Streams of blood‑colored liquid welled up from the fissure; these liquids gave off a strong foul odor, flowing across the ground and forming eerie patterns.

"These liquids are toxic—don't let them touch your skin!" Longling warned loudly.

The cultivators immediately retreated, avoiding contact with the blood‑colored liquid. They knew these liquids must be tied to the Heaven Mound's power and that a way to stop their spread had to be found.

Just then, a young cultivator stepped forward, holding a crystal that emitted a faint blue light in his hand. "Perhaps I can purify these liquids with this crystal," he said.

He began chanting a spell, and the crystal in his hand glowed with ever‑increasing intensity.

As the chant proceeded, blue beams of light shot from the crystal, striking the blood‑colored liquid.

Under the blue light, the liquid began to solidify, eventually turning into hard chunks of rock.

"Success!" the young cultivator exclaimed excitedly, a delighted smile spreading across his face.

Thanks to the cultivators' efforts, the blood‑colored liquid was successfully halted.

Yet they knew this was only a temporary victory.

The power of the Heaven Mound still brewed underground, ready to erupt again at any moment.

Longling stood at the edge of the fissure, his gaze fixed firmly on the depths below.

He knew that to truly stop this disaster, he had to find the core of the Heaven Mound.

He took a deep breath and shouted, "Everyone, prepare to go underground—we must find the Heaven Mound's core and destroy it completely!"

Under Longling's leadership, the cultivators began preparing for the subterranean operation.

They knew this would be an even more arduous battle, but they were ready; for the future of Tianji Shengyu, they would spare no cost to fight the terrifying power of the forbidden zone to the bitter end.

Earth cultivators would never allow themselves to die lying down.