Chapter 315: The Monk Has Returned

As the black flood dragon's massive body ceased to show signs of life, the surrounding air seemed to freeze for a moment, then slowly began to flow again, carrying with it a certain freshness of survival after a disaster.

The four of them stood up and gathered not far away, their smiles mixed with exhaustion and relief; no words were needed in their exchange of glances to understand that the fruits of this victory were already in the bag.

"Finally... it's over." The green-robed swordsman panted, his Long Sword still retaining the undissipated fluctuations of spiritual power; he gently sheathed it, his gaze filled only with relief that the formidable enemy had fallen.

"Indeed, I never expected this black flood dragon to be so troublesome. If not for the four of us joining forces, I fear none of us could have handled it alone."

The man surnamed Liu, while checking his Gauntlet magic tool, laughed and said: "Haha, Fellow Daoist Chenfeng, we've made a huge profit this time! The black flood dragon's scales, bones, and even its blood are excellent materials for refining magic tools and pills, not to mention its potentially existing Inner Core."

The white-robed Fairy also said from the side: "Fellow Daoist Li, Fellow Daoist Liu is quite right. Our sisters' Flower Basket magic tools are damaged; it is perfect to use the dragon skin and scales to make two suitable pouches to hold the flower petals, and we also need a portion of the dragon blood."

The man fiddling with his Gauntlet said: "I, Liu Sheng, also need a portion of the dragon scales and dragon skin to repair my magic tool."

Li Chenfeng spoke up to stop the other woman who was about to speak: "Fellow Daoists Hua Kai and Hua Xie, do not be anxious. The dragon is so large, it is enough for us to use. I will use the dragon bones to repair my magic sword."

"You and Fellow Daoist Liu Sheng can just leave the remaining dragon scales and dragon skin for me; it will be enough to make a piece of magic clothing. As for the flesh and blood, we shall split it equally. How about we sell the dragon horns and Inner Core in exchange for Spirit Stones and then split them equally?"

Seeing that Li Chenfeng's plan aligned with everyone's interests, the remaining three said nothing more.

Just as the four were full of anticipation, having packed up the black flood dragon's remains and preparing to leave this place of trouble, a dazzling golden light suddenly streaked across the horizon, like a meteor piercing the night sky, yet carrying a kind of solemnity and holiness that could not be ignored.

"That monk is here again..." Hua Kai said softly, her tone containing both surprise and a trace of imperceptible wariness.

Her gaze followed the golden light, and ripples could not help but stir in her heart. The other three also stopped what they were doing one after another and turned to look at the horizon, their brows furrowed; clearly, they were surprised by the arrival of this uninvited guest.

The golden light gradually approached, revealing the figure of a monk draped in a Dharma Robe and holding a Zen Staff. His face was delicate, his eyes pure, as if he could perceive all things in the world.

It was just that the wounds on his body had already vanished without a trace.

"Amitabha, this poor monk Spirit Void has come to disturb you benefactors again." The monk's voice was gentle yet powerful, piercing the surrounding silence and making one involuntarily feel respect.

The four looked at each other; although they had doubts in their hearts, they still politely cupped their hands in salute.

Liu Sheng spoke first: "Master, didn't you just leave? What is your business coming here again?"

"After this poor monk left just now, my heart was unsettled, fearing that the black flood dragon might renege and harm you all, which would be bad, so I came specifically to confirm," the monk said indifferently.

"Seeing that your auras are unsettled, I fear that is indeed the case."

Liu Sheng laughed: "Master, rest assured, that black flood dragon will absolutely never do evil again."

Secretly, he had already begun to prepare to strike.

They were all old partners; how could Liu Sheng's reaction be hidden from the other three? After exchanging glances, they were prepared to strike once more.

Just as the monk was about to say something else, Li Chenfeng sent a blast of Sword Qi directly toward the monk's chest.

Facing Li Chenfeng's sudden attack, there was not a trace of surprise in the monk's eyes, as if he were certain he would strike. He did not dodge, but gently raised his hand, as if an invisible force were protecting him.

The sharp Sword Qi, the moment it approached his chest, was actually neutralized by a soft yet powerful aura and dissipated into nothingness.

"Benefactor, why be so impatient?" The monk's voice remained gentle, yet carried a trace of majesty that could not be ignored. "This poor monk has no ill intent, merely concern for your safety."

Seeing this, Liu Sheng hurriedly stepped forward, his Gauntlet appearing, and swung a punch toward the monk Spirit Void, laughing loudly: "Master, do not take offense. This brother of mine has a straightforward temperament; please forgive any offense. We understand the Master's good intentions, but we have our own sense of propriety and will act with caution. Master should worry about yourself instead!"

The sisters Hua Kai and Hua Xie nearby were more direct; they took out their baskets that were about to fall apart, and flower petals flew everywhere, shrouding the monk and surrounding the monk Spirit Void from all directions.

They chuckled: "A monk who comes uninvited, isn't it just because you want to share some things? Why speak so high-sounding?"

The monk Spirit Void did not get angry, but only sighed: "This poor monk had originally thought of taking a mount. Since you all have slain the black flood dragon, I ask that you return the black flood dragon's corpse so that this poor monk may conclude this karmic connection."

The bland and shameless words made the four, who had fought tooth and nail to slay the dragon, furious to the point of smoke coming out of their seven orifices.

Facing the monk Spirit Void's "straightforward" request, the four all sank their faces, and the atmosphere instantly turned murderous.

Although Liu Sheng's fist wind was fierce, upon contacting the soft aura around the monk, it was like a clay ox entering the sea, failing to stir the slightest ripple.

"Master, that is where you are wrong!" Li Chenfeng stood with his sword and continued to emit Sword Qi, but his tone still carried a bit of dissatisfaction. "The black flood dragon was slain by the four of us together; its corpse naturally belongs to us. If the Master is truly compassionate, how could you make such an unreasonable request?"

The flower petal attack from the sisters Hua Kai and Hua Xie also failed to cause any impact on the monk; the petals lost their power as they approached him and drifted down slowly.

They looked at each other, a flash of gravity in their eyes; clearly, they had not expected this monk's strength to be so unfathomable.

"Monk, your request is too excessive!" Liu Sheng said angrily. "How much effort did we put in to slay this black flood dragon? Some of us were even severely injured. You want to take away our spoils of war with just one sentence; where in this world is there such logic?"

Hua Kai maintained a trace of calm; she stepped forward, her movements not slow, and said softly: "Master, we respect your cultivation and wisdom, but please also respect our efforts and sacrifices. The black flood dragon's corpse is of great significance to us; we hope the Master can understand."

The monk Spirit Void smiled slightly, but that smile carried a bit of helplessness and compassion: "Benefactors, this poor monk is truly not coveting this black flood dragon's corpse."

"Hmph, well said!" Liu Sheng sneered. "Do you think we would believe such nonsense? The black flood dragon committed many evils and deserved to die. We killed it to eliminate harm for the people; what is wrong with that?"

"Benefactor's words are reasonable, but cause and effect are cyclical, and retribution is inescapable." The monk Lingkong shook his head and sighed. "Although the black flood dragon had faults, if I could obtain its corpse, this poor monk might be able to use Buddha Power to help it transcend the sea of suffering, which could also be considered a form of salvation for it."