Chapter 53: Forcing a Duck onto a Stage

Skeleton Mountain remained in a state of high tension. Luo Wuya, Ouyang Feng, and Yun Zhiqiu—three cultivators at the Great Perfection of the Qi Refinement stage—stood in a standoff, none willing to yield an inch.

Just then, a streak of遁光 (escape light) suddenly flew in from the horizon.

As it drew closer, the light subsided, revealing an elderly monk clad in a kasaya and holding a Buddhist staff. He bowed toward Yun Zhiqiu with cupped hands.

"This poor monk, Mingchan, greets Benefactor Yun."

Seeing this, Yun Zhiqiu nodded and said indifferently, "The 'Demon-Subduing Zen Master' Mingchan. I have heard of you. It seems you shared a few years of karmic connection with my uncle."

"The Benefactor is perceptive."

Mingchan smiled faintly. "Years ago, when Senior Yun was searching for malevolent spirits in the East Sea, he rested at my temple. I received his guidance, which allowed me to achieve what I have today."

At this moment, Skeleton Mountain was a chaotic mix of various factions. Since this concerned the opportunity for Foundation Establishment, in addition to the Divine Martial Sect, the Primordial Saint Sect, and the Jade Pivot Sword Pavilion, several famous rogue cultivators had also come drawn by its reputation. Mingchan, the 'Demon-Subduing Zen Master,' was one of the most prominent among them, and a rare example of a rogue cultivator at the Great Perfection of Qi Refinement.

However, it was obvious that he held greater goodwill toward the Jade Pivot Sword Pavilion.

Witnessing this, Luo Wuya remained relatively calm, banking on the protection of Perfected Yinshan. However, Ouyang Feng, standing nearby, could not help but frown.

After all, as far as he knew, this Mingchan was no simple man.

Originally a mortal, he had practiced Buddhist piety through three successive lifetimes with unwavering resolve, thereby forming a connection with the Buddhist Sect. In this life, he had inherited the mantle of a high monk of the Buddhist Sect.

Relying on his three-lifetime Buddhist affinity, his cultivation within the Buddhist Sect had progressed extremely rapidly. Furthermore, the inheritance he obtained was the "Demon-Subduing Zen," the most fierce and domineering technique within the Buddhist Sect. Consequently, he frequently clashed with demonic practitioners and possessed immense combat experience. At the very least, if Ouyang Feng were to face him, he would have no guarantee of victory.

"Calculating the time, Miaozhen should be returning soon."

Yun Zhiqiu performed a finger divination, then glanced at the split remains of Yun Miaoqing beside him and shook his head. "It is a pity that Miaoqing could not escape her destiny after all."

"Amitabha." Hearing this, Mingchan also pressed his palms together, a look of worry on his face. "I hope Benefactor Miaozhen is unharmed."

"Fellow Daoist, you worry too much."

Yun Zhiqiu gave a light laugh. "It cannot be denied that the 'Blood-Clad Pavilion Master' possesses some skill; she must have mastered the Profound Yin Form-Shifting Method of the Demonic Sect."

"However, since Miaoqing is dead, Miaozhen should be safe."

"Speaking of which, this was also a matter of karma. Miaoqing stayed by that demon's side without being defiled, which is why she was slain by that demon today."

Mingchan nodded upon hearing this, then looked back toward the marketplace. His thoughts raced; he hadn't come here merely to curry favor. More importantly, he wanted to use this opportunity to climb the high branches of the Jade Pivot Sword Pavilion. After all, if one could join a prestigious sect, who would want to remain a rogue cultivator?

Just then, a sudden explosion erupted from within the marketplace.

Seeing this, Yun Zhiqiu laughed loudly. "It must be that my Junior Sister has achieved great success and returned victorious!"

Before his voice had even faded, the Heaven-Escape Sword vibrated violently, emitting a burst of sword light that tore open the void. Then, a figure stepped out from within.

"...Hm?"

In an instant, Yun Zhiqiu's laughter came to a dead halt.

On the other side, Ouyang Feng was equally filled with suspicion and uncertainty, and even Luo Wuya's pupils shrank. He stared at the figure in mid-air with a face full of disbelief.

"...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-Escape Sword, which had lost its original owner, immediately fell into his grasp.

This was a fine treasure; it was destined for him.

In the next second, Yun Zhiqiu transformed into a streak of sword light and arrived directly at the edge of the marketplace. He gave Lü Yang a deep look and whispered, "I underestimated you."

Lü Yang glanced sideways. "...And you are?"

"Yun Zhiqiu, Miaozhen's Senior Brother." Yun Zhiqiu's expression was calm. "Miaozhen's immortal path is not yet severed. Give me her true spirit; I wish to send her to reincarnate."

Lü Yang paused for a moment, then suddenly laughed. "Fellow Daoist, you may not know, but I am a disciple of the Saint Sect."

As soon as these words were spoken, Yun Zhiqiu's expression changed drastically. "What did you do to her!?"

Lü Yang ignored him and laughed loudly. "Fellow Daoist Miaozhen was a person of talent; what else could I do? Naturally, I had to interrogate her!"

Yun Zhiqiu's brows twitched, and he finally revealed his fury. "You dare to peer into the divine abilities of my Sword Pavilion?"

Lü Yang remained unbothered, meeting his gaze calmly. "And what can you do to me?"

At these words, a chilling killing intent suddenly shot from Yun Zhiqiu's eyes. However, Lü Yang had no intention of paying it any mind; he merely looked up at the boundless sky.

*‘Keep a low profile... Fuck! I can't keep a low profile anymore!’*

The moment he killed Yun Miaoqing, Lü Yang knew exactly what kind of situation he was facing: a collective onslaught with no room for retreat!

More importantly, he clearly felt that after Yun Miaoqing's death, an invisible surge of providence had suddenly descended upon him, making his mind clearer and his comprehension significantly higher. Even the bottleneck of the ninth level of Qi Refinement, which had remained unmoved for so long, had loosened considerably!

Lü Yang knew full well that he had to kill Yun Miaoqing.

*‘It truly was an inescapable destiny... That Perfected One did it on purpose! He intentionally sent Yun Miaoqing to find me, intending for her to kill me, or for me to kill her!’*

This was clearly forcing a hand!

Either Yun Miaoqing would kill him to serve the Foundation Establishment Perfected One behind the scenes, or he would kill Yun Miaoqing and take her place. There was no second path.

How domineering were the Foundation Establishment Perfected Ones!?

It was precisely because he had realized this that Lü Yang felt little interest in Yun Zhiqiu's threats; he knew that no matter what, he could no longer play it safe.

Because what that Perfected One likely required was a great battle—a battle of life and death!

In that case, he might as well live life to the fullest!

Lü Yang sighed and looked at Yun Zhiqiu again, adjusting his mindset... thinking on the bright side, at least this meant the Perfected One valued him.

*‘I'm not afraid of you being weak; I'm afraid of you having no value...’*

After several lifetimes of cultivation, Lü Yang understood this better than anyone: in the Saint Sect, you only have the right to live if you demonstrate the value of survival!

Just then, a figure suddenly walked up close. It was Mingchan.

"Amitabha..."

He stepped forward and said loudly, "Benefactor Lü, I presume you realize that your fate is inescapable. However, this poor monk has a method that can save you from the sea of suffering."

"Oh? Save me?"

Lü Yang glanced at him and sneered. "Then I thank the Master for his kindness. I just wonder, what is this method the Master speaks of?"

Mingchan pressed his palms together and said calmly, "Although you have fallen into the demonic path in this life and are far gone, you still possess a kind heart. This poor monk is willing to personally send you into reincarnation. Once you return from your next tribulation, I shall take you as my disciple. At that time, you may still have hope of attaining the fruits of the righteous path..."

Lü Yang was speechless. "Personally send me into reincarnation... The Master wants to kill me too?"

"It is not killing the Benefactor, but forming a karmic connection with him."

Mingchan spoke with a solemn expression, his aged face full of compassion. "Once the Benefactor reincarnates, this poor monk will arrange for you to serve as a laborer in the Sword Pavilion for thirty years."

"In this way, you can wash away your karma and cultivate the righteous path in the future."

"Your righteous path my ass!"

Lü Yang laughed loudly. "All this talk is useless; it's better to just have a duel... In my Saint Sect, broken bones are the best explanation!"

As his voice fell, a talisman appeared in his hand.

The Wind-Reversal Fire Talisman!

In 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!