Chapter 562: The Strongman Appears

In a flash, the Sweeping Monk once again mobilized the true qi within his body. In an instant, three thick streams of true qi erupted from his body.

Immediately after.

These three streams of true qi directly formed a wall of qi.

This was the Sweeping Monk's strongest defensive technique: the Three-Foot Qi Wall!

As the Three-Foot Qi Wall formed, a hint of confidence appeared on the Sweeping Monk's face. In his view, although Zhu Ying was a martial arts expert of the Astral Qi Realm, as long as he had this Three-Foot Qi Wall, he could completely block the Six Meridians Divine Sword released by Zhu Ying!

One could only say that the Sweeping Monk had still underestimated Zhu Ying's strength.

Suddenly.

"Bang!"

With a massive explosion, the Three-Foot Qi Wall in front of the Sweeping Monk was instantly breached by Zhu Ying!

Furthermore.

The Astral Qi of the Six Meridians Divine Sword charged directly toward the Sweeping Monk.

Upon seeing this scene, the Sweeping Monk's originally confident expression instantly turned to panic!

Clearly, the Sweeping Monk had never imagined that Zhu Ying's Six Meridians Divine Sword could actually break through the Three-Foot Qi Wall he had deployed.

"Ah!"

The Astral Qi of the Six Meridians Divine Sword stabbed forcefully into the Sweeping Monk, causing him to let out a miserable cry!

Immediately after... the Sweeping Monk fell heavily from the void.

Upon the city tower.

Seeing this scene, Zhu Yuan璋 hurriedly praised the Zhu Biao beside him: "As expected of my imperial grandson, Old Zhu's grandson; his strength is indeed formidable."

"To think he is not even a match for Xiong Ying, even against a half-step Astral Qi Realm expert."

Originally, Zhu Yuan璋 had been somewhat nervous about Zhu Ying, but when he saw that Zhu Ying had heavily injured the Sweeping Monk with just this one move, Old Zhu's mood naturally improved greatly.

As the Crown Prince of the Great Ming, Zhu Biao also praised repeatedly: "Father Imperial, you are right. Ever since Xiong Ying entered the Astral Qi Realm, his strength has indeed increased significantly."

Both Zhu Yuan璋 and Zhu Biao had undergone martial arts cultivation, and both were experts of the Grandmaster Realm. Therefore, both Zhu Yuan璋 and Zhu Biao could naturally sense how thick the Astral Qi within Zhu Ying's body currently was.

At this moment.

In the void, for Zhu Ying himself, he also could not believe that he had broken through the Sweeping Monk's Three-Foot Qi Wall in a single move.

At this moment, Zhu Ying finally gained a certain understanding of the legendary strength of the Astral Qi Realm.

"How is this possible..."

The Sweeping Monk struggled to stand up from the ground, looking at Zhu Ying with a face full of shock. At this moment, even the gaze the Sweeping Monk cast toward Zhu Ying was filled with terror.

One must know that as one of the only two half-step Astral Qi Realm experts in Shaolin, the Sweeping Monk held an extremely high status in this [Wuxia World].

Moreover.

In previous battles, the Sweeping Monk had been invincible, with no one able to match him.

But today, for the first time, the Sweeping Monk felt fear.

At this time, Zhu Ying spoke to the Sweeping Monk from the void in a cold tone: "Bald donkey, your strength is nothing special."

"And yet you want revenge? Hmph, simply overestimating yourself."

Facing Zhu Ying's mockery, the Sweeping Monk was overcome with rage, and suddenly, he spat out a mouthful of black blood.

"You... just who on earth are you!"

To the Sweeping Monk at this moment, he knew very well that with his current strength, it was impossible to kill Zhu Ying. His only remaining doubt was why such a peerless expert had suddenly appeared in this world.

"I will tell you one more time: I am the Imperial Grandson of the Great Ming!"

Clearly, Zhu Ying did not want to waste any more words with the Sweeping Monk. Thus, in the next second, Zhu Ying directly unleashed the Eighteen Subduing Dragon Palms.

In an instant, violent winds raged in mid-air!

Clearly, Zhu Ying was getting serious.

A ball of golden true qi quickly gathered in Zhu Ying's palm, and a moment later, this true qi transformed into Astral Qi.

Suddenly!

This intense Astral Qi forcefully transformed into eighteen golden-shining giant dragons!!

One must know that when Zhu Ying successfully ascended to the Astral Qi Realm, he had once used Astral Qi to manifest giant dragons.

This time, Zhu Ying did not hold back the Astral Qi within his body.

Combined with the empowerment of the Eighteen Subduing Dragon Palms technique!

At this moment, the Astral Qi released by Zhu Ying forcefully manifested into eighteen giant dragons.

Subsequently, these eighteen giant dragons attacked the Sweeping Monk directly from different directions.

At this moment, the pressure fell upon the Sweeping Monk once again.

Seeing the eighteen giant dragons flying toward him with lightning speed, the Sweeping Monk's expression changed drastically.

In fact, he didn't even have time to think.

Because he knew in his heart that since the previous Three-Foot Qi Wall couldn't block the opponent, mere defense would certainly not suffice.

The Sweeping Monk immediately mobilized all his true qi, a layer of golden Buddhist light shining upon his body as he hurriedly performed the Shaolin ultimate technique: the Vajra Indestructible Body.

In the Sweeping Monk's view, he had to use his strongest technique to withstand the Eighteen Subduing Dragon Palms of the Astral Qi Realm.

And for the Sweeping Monk, his strongest defensive technique was naturally the Vajra Indestructible Body.

This was Shaolin's top-tier defensive martial art; once mastered, the physical body becomes incredibly hard, and ordinary attacks cannot harm him at all.

"Bang!"

A massive explosion erupted as the eighteen giant dragons slammed heavily into the Sweeping Monk's Buddhist body.

Instantly, violent shockwaves spread in all directions, and at this moment, the very earth seemed to crack.

It was incredibly shocking!

At this moment, the Sweeping Monk's body shook violently, and the Buddhist light on his body instantly weakened by more than half!

In an instant.

The Vajra Indestructible Body, formed by the Sweeping Monk exhausting his internal true qi, instantly cracked.

"Bang!!"

Another massive explosion.

This time, the Sweeping Monk completely lost his balance, falling to the ground once again, spitting out another large mouthful of blood on the spot.

After this round of head-on collision, his injuries were even heavier than before.

On the city tower, Zhu Yuan璋 watched with great interest, clapping his hands and laughing loudly: "Good! This Eighteen Subduing Dragon Palms is indeed fierce and powerful! My imperial grandson truly possesses extraordinary talent."

"To think he could beat a Shaolin high monk of the half-step Astral Qi Realm so easily at such a young age. I would like to see if anyone dares to challenge Xiong Ying in the future!"

Beside him, Zhu Biao nodded repeatedly, saying with a face full of joy: "Father Imperial is right. Ever since Xiong Ying's realm entered the Astral Qi Realm, his strength has indeed improved greatly."

"This Sweeping Monk's end has truly come today."

Meanwhile.

The battle between Zhu Ying and the Sweeping Monk attracted many spectators among the common people.

Seeing Zhu Ying injure the Sweeping Monk so easily, the discussions among the commoners gathered below the city tower rose one after another.

"My God, the Great Ming Imperial Grandson is too strong! He defeated the Sweeping Monk so easily."

"That is the Shaolin Sweeping Monk, a top figure of the half-step Astral Qi Realm, almost no one can fight him. Yet now he is being suppressed by the Imperial Grandson!"

"As expected of a member of the Great Ming royal family. Having such a person is a blessing for our Great Ming and its people."

"We used to think the Shaolin experts had extremely high martial arts, but looking at it now, even ten Sweeping Monks couldn't compare to His Highness the Imperial Grandson."

Everyone's gaze was focused on Zhu Ying in the void.

At this moment.

The Sweeping Monk quickly adjusted his internal breath and then struggled to stand up again.

He could clearly feel that his true qi was in total chaos and his meridians were severely damaged!

Through these two exchanges with Zhu Ying.

He understood that relying solely on defense would not hold; if the fight continued, he would eventually be beaten to death.

Rather than waiting for death, it was better to fight desperately.

Thinking of this, the Sweeping Monk's eyes turned fierce, and he stopped holding back.

Clearly, he had decided to fight Zhu Ying to the death.

He took a deep breath, mobilizing all the remaining true qi in his body, and even the settled Astral Qi, wrapping his entire body in a layer of deep yellow Astral Qi.

The Sweeping Monk was, after all, a half-step Astral Qi Realm expert.

Although the Astral Qi in his body could not be compared to Zhu Ying's, there was still some Astral Qi present.

This time, in order to heavily wound Zhu Ying, he did not hesitate to release all the remaining Astral Qi in his body.

Then, his palms moved incessantly as he shouted toward Zhu Ying in the void: "Today, this poor monk will let you feel the strength of Shaolin's ultimate technique!"

As the Sweeping Monk's voice fell, the Astral Qi he released formed thick waves of palm qi!

This was the Sweeping Monk's strongest martial arts technique: the Turtle Breath Zen Palm.

This palm technique could both defend and attack; for the Sweeping Monk, he would never use it unless it was a matter of life and death. Now, with the addition of Astral Qi, its power was naturally several times greater than before.

Seeing this, Zhu Ying raised an eyebrow slightly, appearing somewhat surprised.

He had thought the opponent no longer had the strength to fight, but he hadn't expected him to have this hidden card, and the palm force carried pure Astral Qi, which was indeed not to be underestimated.

However, he was not panicked in the slightest; having already reached the Astral Qi Realm, he was not afraid of the opponent risking his life.

"Die!"

With the Sweeping Monk's angry roar, the Turtle Breath Zen Palm, carrying Astral Qi, rushed directly toward Zhu Ying!

Zhu Ying also mobilized the Astral Qi within his body once again.

Suddenly.

A thick wall of Astral Qi appeared once more in front of Zhu Ying!

Although the Turtle Breath Zen Palm exerted by the Sweeping Monk was full of power, in front of this Astral Qi Wall, it was simply not worth mentioning.

"Bang!!"

Another massive explosion.

The Astral Qi Wall successfully blocked the Sweeping Monk's fatal strike!

"This... how is this possible?" The Sweeping Monk was completely panicked.

One must know that this palm strike was the Sweeping Monk's lifelong cultivation, yet it could not harm even a hair on Zhu Ying. This instantly plunged the Sweeping Monk into despair.

At this time.

Zhu Ying was also gradually losing patience.

Through the recent exchange with the Sweeping Monk, Zhu Ying had roughly learned his own strength after ascending to the Astral Qi Realm.

And now, Zhu Ying wanted to end this duel.

His expression hardened, and the Astral Qi around his body changed drastically!

The Astral Qi gradually expanded, and at the same time, the entire sky became covered in dark clouds!

It was obvious.

Zhu Ying had deployed a Martial Domain!

And it was an Astral Qi Realm Martial Domain!

The Martial Domain slowly spread out, covering the entire mid-air; within the domain, everything was under his control.

Seeing this, the Sweeping Monk's face turned pale. He knew very well that this was a Martial Domain.

Thus, the Sweeping Monk did not dare to hesitate, hurriedly mobilizing all the true qi in his body to unfold his own Zen Domain, surrounded by Buddhist light!

In an instant!

The two great domains collided with a massive boom, causing the air to vibrate violently as if it might crack at any moment.

The two domains pressed and collided against each other!

At the same time, Zhu Ying looked coldly at the struggling Sweeping Monk. He unhurriedly raised his hand and unleashed the Sorrowful Palm.

Instantly, it struck directly at the opponent's domain.

"Bang bang bang!"

It must be said that Zhu Ying's strength was still a level higher.

As Zhu Ying unleashed the Sorrowful Palm, the Sweeping Monk's domain instantly collapsed!

Simultaneously, the Sweeping Monk lost his balance again and was struck down by Zhu Ying.

The Sweeping Monk continuously spat out large amounts of blood. At this moment, he was covered in wounds and his breath was weak; it could be said that he had completely lost the ability to resist.

The outcome was decided.

Zhu Ying, expressionless, raised his hand to condense Astral Qi, intending to kill the Sweeping Monk directly.

At this critical moment, a long, lingering Zen chant suddenly came from the distance, echoing through heaven and earth!

"Benefactor, show mercy."

As the voice fell, an old man dressed in ancient monk robes slowly appeared from the depths of the void!

This person was none other than the founding patriarch of Shaolin, Bodhidharma.

Patriarch Bodhidharma lightly waved his hand, and a thick stream of Astral Qi immediately rushed forward, successfully blocking Zhu Ying's attack on the Sweeping Monk.

"Bang!"

As the two currents of Astral Qi collided, violent winds raged.

At this moment, seeing the arrival of Patriarch Bodhidharma, a glimmer of hope for survival appeared on the Sweeping Monk's face.

The Sweeping Monk hurriedly shouted: "Patriarch Bodhidharma, why have you come?"

In the Sweeping Monk's view, Patriarch Bodhidharma had been in quiet cultivation within the Shaolin Sutra Repository for decades. No matter what happened in the outside world, Patriarch Bodhidharma never appeared, nor did he ever intervene.

It was as if he had vanished from this world.

But now, Patriarch Bodhidharma had appeared in the capital of Song Province.

This was quite unexpected for the Sweeping Monk.

The Sweeping Monk said in a calm tone: "This poor monk has come this time, naturally, to rescue you. Of course, I also wish to see who exactly has broken through to the Astral Qi Realm."

At this time, Zhu Ying, who had been silent, spoke to Patriarch Bodhidharma with a look of disdain: "You are the patriarch of this Shaolin Temple? If I am not mistaken, you are also at the half-step Astral Qi Realm, right?"

"In that case, both of you come at me together."

"It just so happens that this time, I will completely exterminate your Shaolin Temple."

Zhu Ying had naturally heard of Patriarch Bodhidharma's name. It could be said that Patriarch Bodhidharma was the strongest martial arts expert in the State of Song, without exception.

Even Patriarch Bodhidharma's strength was far higher than that of the Sweeping Monk.

Although both were half-step Astral Qi Realm experts, even among the half-step Astral Qi Realm, there were differences in strength.

Without a doubt, Patriarch Bodhidharma was the superior one.

"Namo Amituofo, well done, well done."

"Why is the benefactor so obsessed with slaughter? Is it not better to lay down the butcher's knife and become a Buddha on the spot?"

As Patriarch Bodhidharma's voice fell, Zhu Ying sneered: "I hate people like you who are full of hypocrisy the most."

"The only reason you old monk came out of seclusion is because you want to kill me and then absorb the Astral Qi within my body, isn't it? Stop pretending to be so righteous."

To be fair, what Zhu Ying said was exactly Patriarch Bodhidharma's true thought.

If Patriarch Bodhidharma had not sensed a violent fluctuation of Astral Qi, he would absolutely not have come out of seclusion.

And Patriarch Bodhidharma's reason for coming this time was precisely to kill Zhu Ying and then seize the Astral Qi within his body to allow himself to break through to the Astral Qi Realm.