Blocking the River Again

Upon the towering walls of Huangliang City, within its ancient fortifications,

All eyes turned skyward as streaks of rainbow light streaked across the horizon, dispersing in all directions.

Cultivators clad in the robes of various sects descended upon Huangliang City.

The first disciples to arrive in the Western Oxhorn Continent were naturally from the three great sects. Yet, beyond them, allied sects with close ties to these three also dispatched their own disciples to support the endeavor.

In truth, the combined numbers of the three great sects paled in comparison to the forces sent by their affiliated factions.

The chain of command for this operation was crystal clear—direct authority lay with the three great sects.

Yanyun, Daoist Yuyang, and Chu Xingchen.

Thanks to one individual’s seamless coordination, the plan proceeded without dissent—only execution.

Thus, from the moment these cultivators set foot in the Western Oxhorn Continent, their advance was swift and unrelenting.

They swept through the land, cutting down foes and scouring the terrain, leaving no room for negotiation with the Buddhist sects or the local powers, such as the Eighteen Immortal Sects.

The sword in hand and the blazing Daoist arts were Chu Xingchen’s declaration of negotiation.

Along their path, any Buddhist temple that stood in their way was dismantled; any sect that barred their advance was shattered.

If anyone had grievances, they could take them up with the united front of the three great sects.

Chu Xingchen’s own minor sect had also sent a considerable number of disciples.

Li Yingling, Li Xingtian, Chen Baiqing, Lin Luoyu, and Cui Hao.

These were the backbone of his sect, now mobilized for the cause.

Yet, they were not deployed for combat. Instead, they were tasked with managing the vast assembly of cultivators.

With their status, even the proudest factions would show deference—far more efficient than sending them to the front lines.

Before Chu Xingchen could engage in further conversation, another streak of rainbow light touched down upon the city walls.

Yanyun landed, her gaze sweeping past Lizhi before settling on Chu Xingchen as she cut straight to the point:

"We’ve reached Huangliang City. The Buddhist sects are already applying pressure. How do we proceed with the Ten Thousand Buddha Temple?"

"Word has it that Buddhist arhats and Buddhas are preparing to cross the Pudu River."

A faint smile played on Chu Xingchen’s lips as he replied:

"Did the three great sects descend upon the Western Oxhorn Continent to answer to the Buddhists? It feels like holding a supreme immortal treasure yet bowing to let others strike us."

Yanyun’s eyes remained calm.

"The three sects undoubtedly hold greater influence than the Buddhists, but they too have Transcendent Buddhas—beings beyond mortal reckoning. Push too far, and even other immortal sects may grow wary and turn against us."

"The Tianyan Sect can endure to the end, but you must consider the limits of the Mysterious Purity Heavenly Sect and the Taidao Sect."

Chu Xingchen retrieved his sword, Wanban, sheathing it at his waist without further explanation:

"Let them apply pressure. Just remember—even if we reduce the Ten Thousand Buddha Temple to a Thousand Buddha Temple, it changes nothing."

Seeing his unwavering resolve, Yanyun pressed no further. If Chu Xingchen had made this decision, he surely had his reasons. She gave a slight nod.

"Very well. I’ll lead the disciples of the three sects and the three elders to the Ten Thousand Buddha Temple."

Chu Xingchen added as an afterthought:

"Go. And remember—be arrogant. The key is to outdo their threats. If they say they’ll kill you, swear you’ll slaughter their entire lineage."

Yanyun shot him a mildly exasperated look—what did he take her for?

Without another word, she soared toward the Ten Thousand Buddha Temple, followed by hundreds of rainbow lights trailing in her wake.

Lizhi stood frozen on the city walls, staring at Chu Xingchen in stunned silence.

The Mysterious Purity Heavenly Sect—once the undisputed foremost sect in the world. The Taidao Sect—a dominant force even among the Eighteen Immortal Sects.

Now, with Buddhas approaching the Pudu River and the Ten Thousand Buddha Temple facing demolition, the words Chu Xingchen had just spoken were not something an ordinary Nascent Soul cultivator should dare utter.

Her initial impression of him had been that of a disciple from a major sect, albeit one with an approachable demeanor.

But the authority with which he issued commands now shattered that assumption.

Questions swirled in Lizhi’s mind, yet she dared not voice them.

Chu Xingchen glanced at her, then at the burly man beside her, who wore a tense expression. With a chuckle, he said:

"No need to be so stiff. We’ve shared the bond of fleeing from a Buddha together."

"The reason I’m here is because the stone-faced Xu Jin informed me of the situation in the Western Oxhorn Continent—he mentioned you as well."

"I considered bringing you a lychee as a gift, but then I thought—dreams are sweeter when tasted firsthand."

As he spoke, he retrieved a set of pristine defensive artifacts from his spatial ring. Though not the pinnacle of craftsmanship, they were considered high-grade even within the Tianyan Sect—unmatched treasures in the Western Oxhorn Continent.

"Take these. Consider them payment for the lychee I owe you. Just remember—when you visit the Central Continent someday, spread my name, Chu Xingchen, and sing praises of my generosity. Help my reputation soar."

Lizhi’s eyes widened at the dense spiritual energy radiating from the artifacts. She shook her head hurriedly, intending to refuse.

But Chu Xingchen pressed them into her hands without hesitation.

"You’re the finest lychee the Western Oxhorn Continent has to offer. Talent like yours shouldn’t be wasted. Who knows? I might need your help one day—so stay alive."

"Time is short. I can’t linger for reminiscing—there are monks seeking trouble."

Clutching the artifacts, Lizhi watched as Chu Xingchen transformed into a streak of light and vanished into the distance. She could only nod firmly and shout after him:

"Next time you need me, come find me! I won’t run away again! I’ll stand by you to the end!"

But his figure never paused.

The sky-spanning rainbow lights surged forward with him.

Lizhi didn’t understand the intricacies of the three sects’ alliance, nor the machinations of high-level cultivators. But one thing was clear—the Western Oxhorn Continent would no longer be left to suffer.

This barren land, beyond its own people, now had defenders.

Before the Pudu River.

A tall, lean figure stood amidst the raging currents, facing the golden clouds of Buddhist radiance—populated by Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and Arhats.

A Buddha stepped forward, his gaze fixed upon the man with faint streaks of white at his temples.

Silence filled the Buddha’s heart, mingled with bitter amusement.

Last time, it had been him confronting Bai Xuanling, watching as the latter grew increasingly frenzied in battle, teetering on the edge of unleashing indiscriminate slaughter. Back then, he had chosen caution.

He had assumed Bai Xuanling, plagued by inner demons, would not return.

Yet, against all expectations,

The most infamous fiend of the Mysterious Purity Heavenly Sect—Huang Miao—had come instead.

This demon’s ferocity likely matched Bai Xuanling’s, but unlike him, Huang Miao bore no inner demons. Here stood a Transcendent cultivator in his full, unrestrained glory.

Huang Miao’s eyes were calm as he tilted his head slightly toward the lead Buddha:

"Today, this stretch of the Pudu River falls under the jurisdiction of the Mysterious Purity Heavenly Sect. All irrelevant parties—disperse."

The Buddha clasped his hands together and said, "The demonic beasts of the Western Oxen Continent are on a rampage. This journey is one of salvation and relief. What, then, is the intention of the Mysterious Purity Heavenly Sect?"

Huang Miao let out a cold laugh, speaking without restraint:

"Naturally, it is also to save and relieve, lest those with ill intentions enter the Western Oxen Continent and stir further calamity."

Just as the Buddha was about to respond, an Arhat behind him relayed urgent news.

"The Ten Thousand Buddha Temple has been attacked, and the Zheng Yin Dharma Temple is also suspected to be under assault."

This was meant to be a private message.

Yet, the voice transmission of the Nascent Soul Arhat was intercepted outright by Huang Miao.

A faint smile appeared on Huang Miao's face:

"It seems the demonic tide has struck your temples. But you need not worry, juniors—your humble little temples will be safeguarded by our three sects."

The Buddha remained silent, though his expression darkened with restrained anger.