Chapter 127: News Spreads, Shocking The World
Under the influence of Hong Yuan’s righteous and vast spirit, the monks Huiming and Huizhi ultimately agreed to the plan for a public execution.
And it wasn’t just the execution of Dharma King Baosheng, but also the Red Lotus Demoness.
Although Hong Lian was already dead, the outside world didn’t know that!
Huiming and Huizhi were so moved by Hong Yuan’s determination to subdue demons and exorcise devils and eliminate the demonic aura that they wept on the spot.
Even though they foresaw that Vajra Temple would become a battlefield, they bowed down completely, without any objections.
Hong Yuan specifically lit three sticks of incense at the Buddha’s sacred image in the Mahavira Hall to inform it of the plan, and the Buddha smiled and nodded.
Vast mist flowed, encircling the four cardinal directions.
The stone door embedded in the white mist appeared and disappeared, as if unchanged for centuries.
Below the Blessed Land’s gate, Hong Yuan stood on the steps.
【 Blessed Land Dao Master （ Grey ） — Stage Six Ascendant: Hong Yuan （19） Yellow
【 Root Bone: 8/100 Yellow
【 Comprehension: 9/100 Yellow
【 Talent: Qi Flows Through the Hundred Skeletons, Clear Eyes and Penetrating Yellow
【 Martial Arts: Six Void Force Yellow
All other aspects showed no significant changes, only his age increased by one year.
Hong Yuan sighed.
He had been in this world for over four months.
From initial unease to now being among the top-tier experts in the world, he had the confidence to face anyone or any force.
Not in a hurry to leave the Blessed Land square, Hong Yuan simply sat on the steps, observing the misty world.
After a long while, Hong Yuan’s consciousness withdrew from the Blessed Land and returned to his physical body. He pushed open the meditation room door and looked out at the empty courtyard.
A sharp cold wind blew, scattering withered leaves, the icy touch spreading across his face, and crystalline snowflakes descended from the sky.
It was already the end of December.
The year was about to pass.
Hong Yuan stood with his hands behind his back under the eaves, watching the heavens and earth gradually turn frosty white. Unusually, he felt a sense of leisure and started moving. His body leaped, swift as light and fire, and he flashed out of Vajra Temple.
While he was leisurely and at ease, the great ripples stirred by the battle at Vajra Temple were just beginning to ferment.
Mingzhou Prefectural City, Longyuan Prefecture.
The chief representatives of the three great noble families stationed at the prefectural government met again.
The location of this meeting was no longer a painted boat on the Dragon Spine River, but a very elegant and exquisite waterside pavilion.
Xie Lingjun, dressed in a plain green robe, possessed a jade-like demeanor. He was playing chess with the chief representative sent by the Chen family of Jindou. Black and white pieces crisscrossed on the chessboard, like two great dragons entwined and tearing at each other, neither giving way.
The middle-aged man of the Chen family held a chess piece, his gaze fixed on the game. A smile played on his lips as he said, “I heard that nephew Lingjun suffered a setback not long ago. He targeted a Cave Abyss Alligator Dragon, and was about to succeed, but the Alliance Leader of the Town Sea Alliance picked up the profit and took it away.”
“When your Xie family members went to demand it, that person not only refused to show face but also beat up the Xie family members.”
With a ‘snap’, the middle-aged Chen man casually placed a piece. He raised his gaze, looking at Xie Lingjun’s handsome and refined face. The young man opposite him remained calm and composed.
“Uncle, your news is indeed well-informed. Even this small matter couldn’t escape you,” Xie Lingjun replied calmly, his tone indifferent.
“This is no small matter. That Alliance Leader of the Town Sea Alliance acted domineeringly, wantonly seizing the Xie family’s possessions, clearly not putting the Xie family in his eyes. Are you just going to swallow this insult, nephew?” the middle-aged Chen man said with a ‘tsk tsk’ and a sigh, feigning concern for the Xie family.
Xie Lingjun met the middle-aged Chen man’s gaze and chuckled, “Uncle, you speak the truth. This is indeed unbearable. Our Xie, Chen, and Wang families share fortune and misfortune. If my Xie family loses face, will your Chen family gain any glory? How about this, why don’t you and I join forces and send people to capture that Hong Yuan together?”
The middle-aged Chen man raised an eyebrow, about to speak, when he was interrupted by a light cough.
While Xie Lingjun and the other were playing chess, someone leaning on a railing, gazing at the surrounding scenery, slowly turned his head. It was a chief representative from the Wang family of Longyuan.
The middle-aged man of the Wang family’s gaze was solemn as he sized up Xie Lingjun and the other. He said, “Let’s leave the matter of the Alliance Leader of the Town Sea Alliance for later. If he comes to the Qionghua Festival in two or three months, we’ll naturally see what he’s capable of. If he doesn’t come…”
The middle-aged Wang man paused, his expression becoming even more serious. “In any case, our three families meeting today is not for that so-called Town Sea Alliance. Let’s discuss serious matters.”
As soon as these words were spoken, the atmosphere in the waterside pavilion immediately became heavy.
Xie Lingjun put down his chess piece, no longer in the mood to play. His brow furrowed. “Is the news confirmed?”
The middle-aged Wang man sighed, “Such a major event, how could it be false?”
“I still find it hard to believe…” The middle-aged Chen man stood up from his cushion, shaking his head with a wry smile. “That’s Vajra Temple! Four hundred years of foundation, no less than our three families. And the Red Lotus Sect also intervened, which is even more terrifying… One person fighting against seven or eight top masters head-on and winning, even a Grandmaster couldn’t do that, right?”
“Daoist Ten Thousand Calamities, I’ve never heard of this title before…” Xie Lingjun murmured to himself.
“Not before, but soon the whole world will be abuzz!”
The middle-aged Wang man said gravely, “That Daoist Ten Thousand Calamities is still staying in Vajra Temple. If he leaves, then so be it. But if he stays in Mingzhou, we will all have to consider how to deal with such a supreme master in the future!”
All three fell into thought, falling silent for a moment. Just then, a servant’s respectful report broke the silence.
After receiving permission, trusted subordinates belonging to the three families hurried in, each presenting a secret letter to their respective chief representative.
Xie Lingjun took the letter and unfolded it. His pupils immediately widened. His usually steady state of mind was shattered. One hand involuntarily pressed on the chessboard, releasing a surge of force. With a ‘bang’, a shockwave caused all the black and white chess pieces to scatter.
Following this, the other two could not help but let out gasps of surprise.
“Public execution?”
…
“Executing the Red Lotus Demoness and Dharma King Baosheng?”
At the same time, in a hidden mansion in Longyuan Prefecture, a lazy and mocking laugh echoed, filled with an unspeakable mockery. “Interesting, very interesting. The Red Lotus Sect has been causing trouble for centuries, they must have never encountered such an opponent before!”
The speaker was a man with a pale complexion and a thin build, appearing like a sickly person, around thirty years old. As he laughed, he coughed urgently a few times.
He took out a white handkerchief and wiped his mouth. Immediately, a shocking crimson stain appeared. He still chuckled, “I came on this trip for the Qionghua Martial Gathering, but I didn’t expect to encounter such an interesting event, interesting people. I really came at the right time.”
“Brother Zuo, what do you think?” the pale-faced man asked the person opposite him.
The latter was in stark contrast to him. His build was as sturdy as an iron tower, his muscles knotted, his face as hard as if carved by knives and axes. As his eyes opened and closed, it seemed as if cold lightning flashed.
The man of the Zuo surname stood with his arms crossed, his expression indifferent. “You find it interesting? I, Zuo, only find it terrifying. If the news is true, then Daoist Ten Thousand Calamities’ martial arts are truly astonishing. And such a person, we had never heard of them before.”
The pale-faced man waved his hand. “Even with so many ‘Qingfu Zi’ released, we haven’t found any information about this person. Either Daoist Ten Thousand Calamities is truly a hidden master who appeared out of nowhere…”
“Hmm, although the path of martial arts cannot be practiced in isolation, there have been precedents in the past few hundred years. Or perhaps he has changed his appearance.”
The pale-faced man shrugged. “In any case, the ones who should be worried now are not us, but the Red Lotus Sect, hehe! If their own Dharma King and Goddess are publicly executed, and the Red Lotus Sect Master doesn’t make a move, the morale will surely collapse.”
His smile was hard to conceal. He laughed, “To prevent many people from not knowing this news yet, let the ‘Qingfu Zi’ go out and spread it as widely as possible.”
Speaking of this, he suddenly seemed to recall something and looked at the man of the Zuo surname. “By the way, let ‘Qingfu Zi’ Yi Shi’er come to see us. I only learned of the unexpected gains upon arriving here and receiving reports from my subordinates…”
“That Yi Shi’er has some ability, but not much. But to think he has a promising nephew!”
Not long after the end of the year.
An explosive piece of news spread like flying snow and a passing hurricane, starting from Songyang Prefecture and spreading throughout the land in a uproar.
First, it spread throughout Mingzhou, and then, through the deliberate dissemination of many interested parties, it rapidly crossed prefectures and traversed provinces, resounding throughout the world.
Wherever the news spread, there was a surge of excitement and noise.
Everyone who heard this news was utterly astonished and found it unbelievable.
The Illuminating Envoy of the Red Lotus Sect, the Red Lotus Demoness, Dharma King Qingjing, Dharma King Baosheng, and many other top masters had all appeared. For some unknown reason, they targeted Vajra Temple, used sorcery, and burned down the Secret Treasure Pagoda with a fire dragon.
The Head of the Secret Treasure Courtyard, Huizhao, was directly burned into a human torch, and the monks of Vajra Temple suffered heavy casualties.
Originally, this should have been a dispute between the Red Lotus Sect and Vajra Temple, but as soon as the war drums began, another person intervened.
Daoist Ten Thousand Calamities!
This name was unknown until recently, but it had now shocked the Jianghu and caused a sensation throughout the world.
Before this, the most talked-about person in Mingzhou was the Divine Prison Spear Master, who rose to prominence in just a few months, killing two Microscopic Level Grandmasters and breaking through thousands of troops to establish the Town Sea Alliance.
Especially since the Divine Prison Spear Master was a young man under twenty, which was even more astounding.
But with the appearance of Daoist Ten Thousand Calamities, few people in the Jianghu mentioned the name of the Divine Prison Spear Master anymore. The trending searches were completely occupied, as Daoist Ten Thousand Calamities’ battle record was too terrifying.
Vajra Temple was a top force in Mingzhou, and one of the first-class powers in the world, while the Red Lotus Sect was truly a top-tier, world-class power.
The sudden appearance of that Daoist Ten Thousand Calamities, who directly treated both sides as opponents, should have been an extremely insane act. But in the end, Daoist Ten Thousand Calamities dealt with multiple top masters single-handedly…
Huizhi, the Head of the Disciplinary Hall of Vajra Temple, dead!
Dharma King Qingjing of the Red Lotus Sect, dead!
The Red Lotus Sect’s Demoness and Dharma King Baosheng were captured!
The Illuminating Envoy fled in disarray.
Although Huiming and Huizhi were alive, they had become a joke. Daoist Ten Thousand Calamities had killed and injured many in Vajra Temple, yet he had openly taken up residence in the temple, which was self-explanatory.
Vajra Temple had submitted.
While many nobles, influential clans, noble families, clans, and martial arts sects had yet to digest this news, even more explosive news arrived.
The Red Lotus Demoness and Dharma King Baosheng were to be publicly executed within Vajra Temple.
Amidst the surging undercurrents, many powerful figures and martial artists from various regions swarmed in, continuously heading towards Songyang Prefecture.
The Qionghua Festival of Mingzhou, originally scheduled for March of this year, was a martial arts gathering held once every three years, attracting martial artists from many other prefectures.
These people were now setting off in advance.
With Daoist Ten Thousand Calamities’ battle record, he was undoubtedly a Grandmaster-level expert, and the Red Lotus Sect was a top power that had endured for hundreds of years.
The battle between the two sides at Vajra Temple might be even more astonishing than the Qionghua Festival.
Moreover, the Qionghua Festival was held every three years, and missing it was not a big deal. However, the Red Lotus Sect acted in secrecy, and its Sect Master was hidden behind layers of fog, with almost no one knowing his true face. This battle might unveil its mysterious veil.
Within both the righteous and unrighteous paths, there were many forces that had grievances with the Red Lotus Sect. How could they not seize such an opportunity to strike while they were down?
They were not helping Daoist Ten Thousand Calamities. In fact, many forces hoped that both sides would be annihilated, as no one knew the stance of a Grandmaster who appeared out of nowhere.
Songyang County City.
Although the weather was cold, the city was bustling with activity. In a short period, many martial artists had flooded in. Everywhere in the major taverns, teahouses, and alleyways, Jianghu guests with swords and sabers could be seen.
Occasionally, disputes would erupt for various reasons, leading to fights and casualties.
Outside Vajra Temple, a large crowd of martial artists had gathered, along with many young men and women in brocade clothes, surrounded by a large number of guards, craning their necks to look.
Unfortunately, Vajra Temple had long since closed its doors and refused visitors. Even the outer courtyard had been sealed off.
Amidst the clamor, a cacophony of voices.
“Vajra Temple has such great airs! So many of us came to support them, and they’ve closed their doors?”
“Heh heh! People from the three major families have already come and submitted their calling cards, but Vajra Temple didn’t even see them. May I know your esteemed name?”
“Although the three major families and Vajra Temple are both top forces in Mingzhou, one is a noble family, and the other is a martial arts sect. Ultimately, they are different. It’s not strange for them not to meet.”
“Hmm? I wonder if people from the other two major sects will come?”
Amidst the uproar, someone suddenly exclaimed, “The Flying Rainbow Swordsman of the Flower Stream Sword Sect has arrived!”
The crowd buzzed, and everyone looked in one direction. A young man with a clean and handsome face, about twenty-seven or twenty-eight years old, carried a long sword on his back. His steps seemed unhurried, but in the blink of an eye, he was already close.
Everyone quickly made way. Nan Guyun, the Flying Rainbow Swordsman, was similar in status to Liaochen of Vajra Temple, serving as an envoy for the Flower Stream Sword Sect.
Although young, he was already a Microscopic Level Grandmaster!
Before the exclamations died down, someone else shouted, “People from the Town Sea Alliance have also arrived!”
Along the long street, dozens of people approached, all wearing the attire of the Town Sea Alliance. The one at the forefront was none other than Qing Lingzi.
Many people had strange expressions on their faces.
They thought that perhaps the Divine Prison Spear Master felt overshadowed by Daoist Ten Thousand Calamities and had come to compete for prominence. However, while the Divine Prison Spear Master was indeed formidable, Daoist Ten Thousand Calamities was even more terrifying.
Qing Lingzi’s expression was calm as he slowly approached. Songyang Prefecture also had a small outpost of the Town Sea Alliance, which was responsible for relaying information. He had rushed here after receiving the news.
However, he still found it somewhat unbelievable.
Whoosh!
Nan Guyun moved, flashing across like a clear light. In an instant, he stood in front of Qing Lingzi. His gaze was sharp, and after carefully observing Qing Lingzi for a moment, he said indifferently, “I didn’t expect that besides the Divine Prison Spear Master, the Town Sea Alliance would have another expert like you. Has your Alliance Leader Hong arrived?”
