Chapter 21
Chapter 21
The Huayan Temple’s Buddha light was protecting Zen Master Xindeng’s body. While Elder Mingjing and Azure Dragon 1 Liu Si were outside the Buddha light, they weren’t able to do anything.
However, when Song Lun suddenly made his move inside the protection of the Buddha light, Zen Master Xindeng suffered a huge blow.
He who was already injured could no longer withstand more after receiving two consecutive fists from Song Lun. The illusory Buddha lantern above Zen Master Xindeng’s head shattered.
Elder Mingjing let out a sigh and looked at Liu Si and Song Lun. “All in all, this old monk has over 40 years of friendship with Zen Master Xindeng. Now that the Golden Summit has been captured, he will not obstruct the Divine Cult’s advance. For the sake of this old monk, can his life be spared?”
Song Lun said, “As long as it doesn’t ruin the Cult Master’s plans.”
“This old monk shall undertake the responsibility and will not allow Senior Xindeng to have the opportunity,” Elder Mingjing said.
Liu Si smiled and said, “I am just afraid that Zen Master Xindeng won’t be appreciative of your kindness.”
As expected, Zen Master Xindeng, who had collapsed by the side with a dispirited expression, had lifted his palm and struck at his own skull. However, Elder Mingjing was able to restrain him before it could happen.
Zen Master Xindeng wasn’t sad or angry. His eyes were lifeless as he said, “This old abbot was blind to invite wolves into my abode. Mingjing, do you still wish for this old abbot to suffer the humiliation of being a prisoner?”
“Senior Xindeng is too stubborn,” Elder Mingjing smiled and stated.
Liu Si then walked away from Elder Mingjing’s side. “King Zhao of the Great Xia Empire. I wonder, what is his relationship with Elder Mingjing?”
Elder Mingjing replied, “Benefactor
1
may deal with him as you please.”
King Zhao was severely injured and wanted to escape, but he was obstructed by Liu Si and Song Lun. Soon enough, he suffered another serious injury.
“King Zhao doesn’t have to worry. I will not kill you either,” Liu Si said. “However, my cult wishes to find out some things from you. I hope you will cooperate.”
“Of course, it is fine if you don’t cooperate. Azure Dragon 2 will be very happy to have a martial king as a subject to test his 108 torture methods. It is such a rare chance, and he should be overjoyed.”
King Zhao had an ashen expression as he looked at Liu Si, but she had already turned and left.
Along with Song Lun, they went on to clear up the rest of the monks in Huayan Temple on the Golden Summit. Elder Mingjing remained here to watch over Zen Master Xindeng and King Zhao. No matter what the duo did, he would turn a deaf ear.
The Golden Summit was currently enveloped in the sounds of slaughter. After the protective Buddha light vanished, the Azure Dragon Hall’s elites that were laying in ambush had charged up the Golden Summit to eradicate the Huayan Temple’s disciples.
Liu Si and Song Lun returned a short moment later. Zen Master Xindeng had a dispirited expression and had closed his eyes silently.
Liu Si cupped her hands. “We are able to capture the Golden Summit all because of Hall Master Song.”
Song Lun responded, “It is nothing. This humble Song is just conforming to destiny and doesn’t dare to claim credit. Elder Mingjing is the crucial factor in our success. It is also because of Fairy Liu’s exquisite cultivation and ability to infiltrate the mountain for an ambush.”
Azure Dragon 1, Liu Si, was proficient in assassination, infiltration, and ambush. All the absolute arts that she cultivated were all beneficial for this aspect.
However, she had reached the cultivation stage of a martial king before the age of 30. Her young age was truly something that caused Song Lun to lament. The capability of the Demon Cult became more shocking as one understood more.
“It is all thanks to the two of you that I am able to infiltrate the mountain and not be detected by Zen Master Xindeng,” Liu Si smiled and stated.
Elder Mingjing placed his palms together and faced Song Lun. “Hall Master Song doesn’t have to be overly modest. If you weren’t here today, we would not have been able to capture the Golden Summit.”
The crucial part was for there to be two members on the inside. If there was only Elder Mingjing alone, if Liu Si or other Demon Cult experts appeared, Zen Master Xindeng would immediately realize that a traitor had aided the Demon Cult expert to infiltrate the temple.
The Buddha light protection of the Golden Summit could be maintained for a long period of time, and Zen Master Xindeng would be cautious and on guard against other traitors.
At that moment, it was up to Song Lun. There were suspicions on him previously, but he quickly cleansed off his suspicion. It meant that he would be greatly trusted during this short period of time.
It was a psychological trap that was simple yet effective. The Shu Prefecture’s sacred place, one of the three Buddhist factions, the Huayan Temple had been destroyed because of it.
“It is Cult Master’s brilliant plan. This humble Song is only listening to orders,” Song Lun stated.
Liu Si and Elder Mingjing were nodding repeatedly. “Cult Master is able to devise a profound battle plan and has great insight.”
Up until this moment, they were still curious as to how Chen Luoyang was able to subdue this ambitious Five Color Hall Master who wasn’t willing to serve others.
The Azure Dragon Hall’s Three Dragons on the outside didn’t know about each other’s identities; therefore, Elder Mingjing wondered if Song Lun had the same title as him. However, when Song Lun expressed that he was receiving direct orders from Cult Master Chen Luoyang, Elder Mingjing knew that Song Lun was different from him. Because Elder Mingjing was only communicating with the Azure Dragon Hall Chief. As a result, Elder Mingjing was even more curious.
“For the next part, I will have to trouble Elder Mingjing,” Liu Si looked down the mountain and said to Elder Mingjing.
There were some disciples of the Huayan Temple who had escaped from the mountain. It was obvious that they would chase after and contact Nie Hua’s group that had left earlier. However, they only saw Liu Si and Song Lun slaughtering the others, they still didn’t know of the situation with Elder Mingjing.
Elder Mingjing placed his palms together and drifted down the mountain to look for Nie Hua and the others.
The Demon Sovereign and the Sword Sovereign confronted each other. They were constantly stopping and moving off; therefore, their speed wasn’t fast. Elder Mingjing caught up to Nie Hua and the others at a rather fast speed.
Everyone was flabbergasted.
“What benefit does Song Lun have to join the Demon Cult? He can only be a Protector at best. Could any of the four Hall Chiefs or the two Envoys be replaced by him?” A martial king of the Great Xia Empire had an uncomprehending expression. “His Majesty, the Other Tribe’s Left Sage King, and the Wang Clan head are marching south. The Demon Cult’s destruction is already imminent, but Song Lun is still behaving like this? Is he insane?”
An elder with a pale and beardless face asked with a feminine tone, “How much longer can Zen Master Xindeng hold out?”
Elder Mingjing said, “The Demon Cult lured our forces away from their objective. Senior Xindeng and King Zhao are barely holding on. This old monk broke through the enemy lines to seek assistance. The situation is critical, and I earnestly request for everyone to help. Senior Xindeng has suffered injuries from Song Lun’s surprise attack. He will not be able to last for long.”
The pale and beardless Great Xia Empire’s imperial chief eunuch said to Nie Hua, “The Demon Cult demons are deceitful in many ways. They might have other schemes and have put down ambushes to kill us when we return to offer help. Can I trouble Third Sir to seek the Pavilion Lord’s opinion and to make a decision.”
Nie Hua nodded.
…
He obviously wasn’t going to see the Sword Pavilion Lord. After seeing his Fourth Junior, Nie Hua sighed, “It was my mistake to be misled by Song Lun. It resulted in suffering for the Huayan Temple.”
“If we disregard the Shu Prefecture, the Golden Summit will be captured, and we will have enemies on both sides. But if we split up our forces, it will be too weak,” the young man holding the long box said. “The only plan now is to gather our forces. Third Senior, all of you will return to resolve the Golden Summit’s problem before returning. During this period of time, I shall stay here alone.”
Nie Hua frowned.
“Our deterrence depends on our master’s famous reputation. A single person standing guard and a few people standing guard doesn’t make a difference,” the youth said. “Senior doesn’t have to worry about me. The overall situation is more important, and in order to turn the tide, we have to take some risks.”
Nie Hua wasn’t a garrulous person. He nodded slowly and said, “If that is the case, Fourth Junior please pardon me. I will return as quickly as possible!”
The youth laughed and said, “I naturally know the speed of Third Senior’s Flying Sword.”
Nie Hua and the other experts immediately headed back to the Golden Summit to offer help. However, along their way back, there were people waiting for them.
The Demon Cult’s Seventh Elder, Shangguan Song, had been waiting here while holding his breath in anticipation. He was paying attention to the distance with anxiety. He was hoping that their group would be waiting for nothing and would have wasted their time.
However, the Golden Summit had relayed a message over. Deep in his heart, Shangguan Song knew that he was probably going to be disappointed.
When the returning figures of Nie Hua and the others appeared in his vision, Shangguan Song only had one thought in his mind:
How did this happen?
But he didn’t have time to continue thinking.
“Cult Master is brilliant and has insight. Let’s make our move.” Xiao Yuntian who was enveloped in the wind appeared to have regained his composure and was first to rush out.
Zhang Tianheng laughed heartily; Wang Dubao laughed mischievously, while Hong Yan charged out without a single sound.
A group of Demon Cult experts emerged from ambush. Shangguan Song could only sigh and follow behind everyone.
Within the dragon carriage’s main hall, the only Demon Cult expert was Vajra, and he was still serving beside Chen Luoyang.
He called out excitedly, “Reporting to Cult Master, everything is as you expected! Nie Hua and those people are really rushing back! The Golden Summit has fallen into the hands of our cult!”
“Stop shouting.” Chen Luoyang used his finger to tap on his armrest. “Be quiet a little.”