Chapter 53: Forcing a Duck onto the Rack
At Skeleton Mountain, the atmosphere remained tense, with swords drawn and bows bent.
Luo Wuya, Ouyang Feng, and Yun Zhiqiu, all at the peak of Qi Refining, stood in a standoff, none willing to yield.
Just then, a streak of light suddenly flew in from the horizon.
As it approached, the light converged, revealing an elderly monk clad in a kasaya and holding a meditation staff. He clasped his hands in greeting toward Yun Zhiqiu.
"Poor monk Ming Chan greets Benefactor Yun."
Yun Zhiqiu nodded slightly upon seeing this and said indifferently, "‘Demon-Subduing Chan Master’ Ming Chan, I've heard of you. It seems you had some karmic connection with my uncle for a few years."
"Benefactor sees clearly."
Ming Chan smiled faintly. "In the past, when Senior Yun was seeking evil spirits in the East Sea, he once rested at my temple. I received his guidance, which led to my achievements today."
At this moment, Skeleton Mountain was teeming with various individuals. With the opportunity for Foundation Establishment at stake, not only were the Divine Martial Sect, Primordial Saint Sect, and Jade Pivot Sword Pavilion present, but also some renowned rogue cultivators drawn by reputation.
Among them, ‘Demon-Subduing Chan Master’ Ming Chan stood out as an exceptional figure, being one of the rare rogue cultivators who had reached the peak of Qi Refining.
However, it was evident that he was more inclined toward the Jade Pivot Sword Pavilion.
Seeing this, Luo Wuya, confident in having True Person Yinshan as his backup, remained composed.
On the other hand, Ouyang Feng couldn't help but frown.
After all, as far as he knew, Ming Chan was no ordinary individual.
Originally a mortal, he had devoted himself to Buddhism for three lifetimes, unwavering in his resolve.
As a result, he formed a karmic connection with the Buddhist sect, eventually inheriting the teachings of a high monk.
With his three lifetimes of Buddhist affinity, his cultivation in the Buddhist path progressed rapidly.
Moreover, the inheritance he received was the most aggressive and domineering "Demon-Subduing Chan," making him frequently engage in battles with demonic entities. His combat experience was extensive.
At the very least, Ouyang Feng knew that if he were to face him, he wouldn't be confident of victory.
"Judging by the timing, Miaozhen should be returning soon."
Yun Zhiqiu calculated with his fingers, then glanced at the already split-in-half Yun Miaoqing beside him and shook his head. "It's a pity that Miaoqing ultimately couldn't escape her fate."
"Amitabha."
Upon hearing this, Ming Chan also clasped his hands together, his face showing concern. "I hope Benefactor Miaozhen is unharmed."
"Fellow Daoist overthinks."
Yun Zhiqiu chuckled softly. "It's undeniable that the ‘Blood Garment Tower Master’ does possess some skills. He likely mastered the Demonic Sect's Profound Yin Shape Capturing Technique."
"However, since Miaoqing is already dead, Miaozhen should be safe."
"Speaking of which, this is also a matter of karma. Miaoqing stayed by that demon's side but was never violated by him. That's why she was killed by that demon today."
Ming Chan nodded upon hearing this, then looked toward the market again, his thoughts racing. He wasn't just here to make acquaintances.
More importantly, he wanted to seize the opportunity to climb the ranks of the Jade Pivot Sword Pavilion.
After all, if one could join a prestigious sect, who would want to remain a rogue cultivator?
At that moment, a sudden explosion erupted from within the market.
Seeing this, Yun Zhiqiu immediately laughed heartily. "It must be that Junior Sister has achieved great success and returned victorious!"
Before his words fell, the Heaven-Evading Sword trembled violently, its sword light bursting forth once more, tearing open the void. Then, a figure stepped out from within.
"..Hmm!?"
In an instant, Yun Zhiqiu's laughter came to an abrupt halt.
On the other side, Ouyang Feng also wore a face of suspicion, and even Luo Wuya's pupils contracted sharply, his face filled with disbelief as he looked at the figure in mid-air.
"...Lü Yang! He survived?"
"Where is Fairy Miaozhen?"
Completely ignoring the commotion around him, Lü Yang stood proudly in the air.
With a wave of his hand, the Heaven-Evading Sword, now without its original master, immediately fell into his grasp.
This was a fine treasure, and it was destined for him.
The next moment, Yun Zhiqiu transformed into sword light and arrived directly at the edge of the market. He looked deeply at Lü Yang and said in a low voice, "I underestimated you."
Lü Yang glanced sideways. "And you are?"
"Yun Zhiqiu, Miaozhen's Senior Brother." Yun Zhiqiu's face was calm. "Fairy Miaozhen's immortal path is not yet severed. Give me her true spirit; I want to send her for reincarnation."
Upon hearing this, Lü Yang paused, then suddenly laughed. "Fellow Daoist may not know, but I am a disciple of Mending Heaven Peak of the Primordial Saint Sect."
As soon as he said this, Yun Zhiqiu's expression changed drastically. "What did you do to her!?"
Lü Yang, however, paid no heed and laughed loudly. "Fellow Daoist Miaozhen is of exceptional beauty and talent. What else could I do? Naturally, I raped her before killing her!"
Yun Zhiqiu's brows furrowed, finally revealing an angry expression. "You dare to covet the divine abilities of my Sword Pavilion?"
Lü Yang remained indifferent, calmly meeting his gaze. "What can you do to me?"
Upon hearing this, a sharp killing intent suddenly shot out from Yun Zhiqiu's eyes. However, Lü Yang paid no attention, merely raising his head to look at the boundless sky.
‘Struggling... Damn it! I can't hold on anymore!’
At the moment he killed Yun Miaozhen, Lü Yang knew exactly what situation he was about to face—a collective attack with no room for maneuver!
More importantly, he clearly felt that after Yun Miaozhen's death, an invisible fate suddenly blessed him, making his thoughts clearer, his comprehension greatly enhanced, and even the bottleneck of the ninth level of Qi Refining, which had remained unmoved for a long time, loosened significantly!
Lü Yang understood well that Yun Miaozhen had to die.
‘It truly is an inescapable fate... That True Person did it on purpose! He deliberately sent Yun Miaozhen to find me, intending for her to kill me or for me to kill her!’
This was clearly forcing a duck onto the rack!
Either Yun Miaozhen killed him and was used by the Foundation Establishment True Person behind the scenes, or he killed Yun Miaozhen and took her place.
There was no third option.
Foundation Establishment True Persons—how domineering they are!?
It was precisely because he figured this out that Lü Yang had no interest in Yun Zhiqiu's threats, knowing that no matter what, he couldn't hold on any longer.
Because what that True Person probably needed was a great battle—a life-and-death battle!
Since that's the case, it's better to be straightforward!
Lü Yang sighed, looked at Yun Zhiqiu again, and then adjusted his mindset.
Thinking positively, at least this meant that the True Person valued him.
‘Not afraid of you being weak, just afraid you have no value.’
After several lifetimes of cultivation, Lü Yang understood this all too well: in the Primordial Saint Sect, only by demonstrating your value to survive do you have the right to live!
At that moment, a figure suddenly approached—it was Ming Chan.
"Amitabha."
He stepped forward and said loudly, "Benefactor Lü, you must know that you cannot escape this calamity. However, this poor monk has a method that can save you from the sea of suffering."
"Oh? Save me?"
Upon hearing this, Lü Yang glanced at him and sneered. "Then I must thank the master for his kindness. But I wonder, what is the method the master speaks of?"
Ming Chan clasped his hands together and said calmly, "Although you are deeply entrenched in the demonic path in this life, with accumulated sins hard to return from, you still harbor a kind heart. This poor monk is willing to personally send you into reincarnation. When you return in your next life, I will take you as my disciple. At that time, you may still have hope of attaining righteous fruits."
Upon hearing this, Lü Yang was speechless. "Personally send me into reincarnation... Master, you also want to kill me?"
"Not to kill you, Benefactor, but to form a karmic bond with you."
Ming Chan's face was solemn, full of compassion. "When you are reborn, this poor monk will have you serve as a menial worker in the Sword Pavilion for thirty years."
"In this way, you can cleanse your karma and cultivate the righteous path in the future."
"Righteous path, my ass!"
Lü Yang laughed loudly. "No matter how much you say, it's better to have a straightforward duel. In my Primordial Saint Sect, broken bones are the best argument!"
As soon as he finished speaking, a talisman appeared in his hand.
Return Wind Return Fire Talisman!
The next second, the talisman shattered, and Lü Yang's aura instantly returned to its peak. Without another word, he drove his sword to strike!