Chapter 1697: Killing Formation (I)

The river surged endlessly onward.

The riverbank was blanketed with yellow-robed monks. Several squads of red-armored cavalry galloped past, sending muddy water spraying beneath their hooves. Their long whips lashed out, scattering the monks on either side.

A golden body was standing on either side of the high platform that the troops rode up to. One was crimson from head to toe and rode a fierce tiger, while the other had a benevolent face and five eyes upon his body. They let the troops pass without much scrutiny. The five-eyed Merciful One sat there blankly, his face expressionless.

Damn that Minghui!

Five-Eyed had cultivated in the north for many years. What had happened at the lake back then seemed like a dream, yet the memory had always left him on edge. For that reason, he had spent these years doing everything he could to avoid being sent south. His strength remained intact, and he had lived far more comfortably than Chilu on the other side. Today, however, he was deeply unhappy and even beginning to panic.

How could this be happening? I have to go back to the lake!

He had no great ambitions, and wished only to enjoy a life of wealth and comfort. He had no desire whatsoever to take part in something where he might lose his life at any moment.

Looking up, he saw Chilu sitting there without a care in the world, and his anger immediately flared. "Idiot!"

Chilu lowered his brows and looked at him with a sneer. "What is it... Has Fellow Five-Eyed truly grown this frightened? There are tremendous benefits to be gained from this campaign south. With our superiors bearing the brunt at the front, even if Cultivation and Martiality watches over him and we cannot slaughter him, we can still humble Li Zhouwei and seize a few Immortal Dao dharma artifacts. How is any of that a bad bargain?"

Five-Eyed glanced sideways at him and replied, "You’ve cultivated for a hundred years, yet all you have achieved is becoming hopelessly stupid. When have the good things in this world ever fallen to the likes of us? Do you think that humbling the White Qilin will allow you to rise another step in the Buddhist land? Did Maha Nuzi gain his position by humbling someone? And who did Xuwang humble to now sit above you?"

The contempt in Five-Eyed's gaze made Chilu frown as he fell silent. The two had never gotten along, but Five-Eyed had remained aloof and unscathed through several great wars, navigating each one with ease. Chilu had no choice but to acknowledge the abilities of this old senior who had survived since the Great Liang dynasty.

When cultivating in the Buddhist land, having powerful backing is what truly matters... Those without backing have even less reason to risk their lives...

He frowned in thought until a sudden commotion arose. Fierce winds swept across the high platform as a man descended upon them. Divine radiance gleamed from his armor, and he held a short-handled crimson axe in one hand.

The scars across his face twisted as Chilu said, "Great Master Minghui!"

Five-Eyed's eyelid twitched. Sure enough, that damned Minghui came flying over on a beam of light. His fair face was round and full, giving him the appearance of an accomplished cultivator who had achieved the Dao. The Maha behind him wore similar robes, though he was older and taller, and merely stood there frowning in silence.

Minghui returned the greeting with a smile. "Greetings, General Gongsun..."

This man was none other than Gongsun Bei.

General Gongsun was cordial enough and nodded, but Minghui continued, "I hear that you possess a treasure, general. With a great battle imminent, you should tell us about it... Otherwise, we may fail to understand its capabilities when the time comes and end up jeopardizing the operation!"

Gongsun Bei lightly stroked his beard. Finding the request reasonable, he nodded. "Very well!"

For a moment, nearly everyone's gaze converged on Gongsun Bei. The general held the crimson axe in one hand while raising the other slightly before him. A small platform emerged above his palm.

The platform was pale yellow throughout, seemingly formed from layers of earthen and stony qi. Though no larger than a palm, it had iron chains stretched across railings, lofty terraces rising above them, and clouds of various sizes scattered throughout, making it exquisitely intricate. Upon closer inspection, two tiny three-pronged halberds could be faintly seen planted in the circular platform at its center, every last detail of their patterns clearly defined.

Gongsun Bei sighed. "This is the [Radiant Light Separate Rite Treasure Platform], bestowed by the Pavilion of Profound Order. I borrowed it for use today. It is an exceedingly profound spirit treasure, impervious to water, fire, light, lightning, wind, sand, clouds, and smoke. Once deployed, countless rays of dawnlight fill the heavens while the Separate Rite Treasure Platform anchors the earth, trapping and slaughtering the enemy.

"When its spiritual energy begins circulating and its mystics are set in motion, driving it to the utmost will cause the short halberds upon the Separate Rite Treasure Platform to leap forth and descend like thunderbolts, shattering skulls and leaving their victims utterly senseless."

Gongsun Bei continued solemnly, "I have already tested it. It drains divine ability mana like flowing water, far beyond what an ordinary person can sustain, but its power is truly terrifying!"

"That..." Minghui grew uneasy at his description and asked, "Does it have any taboos or weaknesses?"

Gongsun Bei fell silent for a moment before replying evasively, "[Radiant Essence] is only susceptible to the usual things. I doubt fellow Daoist possesses that many extraordinary methods, so simply avoid using too much [Boundless Essence] or [Pristine Water]..."

Five-Eyed watched with growing unease, unaware that Minghui's thoughts were also racing as he stood upon the platform. Who knows what Ch'i Lanyan is plotting? Why has he mobilized such a massive force?

According to the orders from the north, a Buddhist cultivator was supposed to lead a force across the Wilderness and attack Lixia Prefecture. I have already had senior brother accept that task... He can spare as many lives as possible along the way, which should still be enough to satisfy the Great Mahayana Dharma Realm's request...

Minghui had long since made arrangements with Mingxiang. The latter would head south and create a disturbance in Lixia, remaining ready to withdraw north at any moment. They would avoid all involvement in the affairs of the lake no matter what happened.

According to the lord, Li Ximing's divine ability can handle me with ease. If I bring these two Merciful Ones along, we should be able to delay him for a while, though the lord will then have to withstand a joint assault from Gongsun Bei and Daisi... This treasure may be extremely powerful, but he has a spirit treasure of his own, so he should be able to hold out...

Besides, several people from the south should be coming to assist us...

Having quietly settled his plans, he appeared to be in an excellent mood and remarked leisurely, "Just look at this weather. It is the perfect time for a battle!"

The horse-faced Maha on the other side was ugly and gloomy-eyed, and paid him no attention whatsoever.

"You seem to be in fine spirits, Maha."

Gongsun Bei, the general of Zhao State, casually humored Minghui before turning to placate Daisi quietly, "Great Master, you have been away from the palace for many years while you were stationed in the south. Several of the esteemed clans often speak of you... They miss you greatly, and have been discussing visiting you together once you return to the palace."

Daisi had once cultivated in the Great Zhao court, and was clearly more familiar with these Great Zhao clans. He was also acquainted with Gongsun Bei, the leader of the Zhao State clans, and therefore did not brush him off.

Shaking his head, he said, "I will still have to trouble you with the affairs at the lake, general."

Minghui turned away with a faint sneer, while Gongsun Bei said solemnly, "It is no concern. I came south today under the Exalted Immortal's orders, and have naturally made preparations. There is no need to worry, great master."

Daisi secretly breathed a sigh of relief, while a chill crept into Minghui's heart, Ch'i Lanyan and the great clans must have reached an agreement over their shared interests. What other measures have they prepared this time?

Yet just as he took a step, a disturbance rippled through the great void. A snow-white dharma body appeared and descended onto the platform, manifesting as a stern-faced middle-aged monk with a group of Merciful Ones behind him.

He bowed and said, "I am Yanbai. Greetings, venerable ones!"

Minghui was greatly shaken and raised his brows to look at him. Gongsun Bei was also somewhat surprised and asked, "Great Master Yanbai? What has happened?"

The middle-aged monk pressed his palms together and said calmly, "I was ordered by Dayang Mountain to replace Mingxiang in overseeing the campaign through the Wilderness. I have already visited Xuanmiao Temple, and reported my duties to Ch'i Lanyan. He instructed Great Master Mingxiang not to return and report, but to join the assault on Moongaze Lake instead."

If you find any errors ( Ads popup, ads redirect, broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.