"The immobilizing spell didn't fail—it's just that this demonic monk is too powerful!" the ragged Daoist muttered in shock. "Run! I'm no match for him!"
With that, he formed a seal with his hands, stomped his foot, and sank into the ground, causing a mound of earth to rise and move swiftly along the surface.
Ethan Shu watched silently, somewhat amused. The mound suddenly burst open, and the Daoist emerged, looking a bit chagrined. He seemed to realize that he couldn't just leave Fu Qingfeng, Fu Yuechi, and the others to face the monk alone, so he returned to the surface.
"Run! Why are you still standing there?" he yelled, waving urgently. "This demon monk is immensely powerful. I'll buy you time!"
Fu Qingfeng, Fu Yuechi, and their loyal followers mounted their horses, but before they could dash off,Ethan Shu spoke, his voice resonating powerfully, "Amitabha! Please, calm yourselves."
Infused with the Lion's Roar of Buddhism,Ethan Shu's voice reverberated along the road, so powerful it shook everyone to their core. The chanting echoed like a wake-up call, clearing their minds and dispelling their fear.
Stepping forward with a tranquil smile,Ethan Shu raised his hands in a gesture of respect. "This humble monk is calledEthan Shu, known as Xuan Kong, and I am not a demon."
The ragged Daoist quickly returned the gesture. "I am Zhiqiu Yiye, a disciple of Kunlun Sect."
The sisters Fu Qingfeng and Fu Yuechi also dismounted and bowed respectfully. "I am Fu Qingfeng, and this is my younger sister, Fu Yuechi. Our father is Fu Tianqiu, a loyal minister of the court."
Zhiqiu Yiye squinted at the two women by Ethan Shu's side and asked, "Master Xuan Kong, but why are there two female ghosts with you?"
"Who are you calling a female ghost?" Clara Ning snapped, her fists clenched in frustration.
Serena Nie pulled her sister back, murmuring, "Sister, we really are ghosts, after all."
"Hmph! Just wait until I attain spiritual enlightenment and transform into a bodhisattva. Then let's see who dares to call me a ghost!" Clara Ning retorted, crossing her arms.
Ethan Shu smiled and raised a hand in a peaceful gesture. "This is Serena Nie, and this is Clara Ning. They may be in ghostly form, but neither has committed any acts against the heavens or caused harm. They wish to cultivate and seek enlightenment."
Zhiqiu Yiye nodded in admiration. "You truly are a remarkable monk, Master."
Unable to see the ghosts, Fu Qingfeng asked, "Master, was it them who conjured the strange wind earlier?"
Ethan Shu nodded. "It was indeed Clara Ning who raised the wind."
Fu Yuechi, visibly upset, exclaimed, "If that's so, then why did she block our path?"
"Clara Ning learned that you were heading to the execution ground to rescue your father and feared it might be a one-way journey. She was only trying to protect you,"Ethan Shu explained.
The loyal followers behind Fu Qingfeng and Fu Yuechi raised their voices in fierce determination. "We're prepared to face death!"
"That's right! We're not afraid!"
Fu Qingfeng stepped forward, her expression resolute. "Master Xuan Kong, you can hear their resolve and see their spirit. Even if saving my father is almost certainly doomed, we cannot stand by and watch a loyal minister die unjustly."
Ethan Shu raised a hand in blessing. "Since you have made up your mind, this humble monk will not stop you."
He paused, then added, "It so happens I am also heading to the capital. Perhaps we can travel together."
Fu Qingfeng, understanding the strength of his Buddhist powers, welcomed the idea of journeying with him for support. "If you're also bound for the capital, we would be grateful for the company, Master."
"Then count me in!" Zhiqiu Yiye added, stepping forward.
Ethan Shu nodded. "Let's set off together."
Fu Qingfeng hesitated. "Master Xuan Kong, and Daoist Zhiqiu, unfortunately, we don't have extra horses…"
"No need,"Ethan Shu replied calmly. "This humble monk is not lacking in physical strength."
"I'm fine too," Zhiqiu Yiye added, chuckling. "I know how to travel through the earth, so please ride ahead."
With admiration, Fu Qingfeng took hold of her reins. "Very well, let's go!" She spurred her horse into motion, and the others followed, racing down the road.
Zhiqiu Yiye, watching them gallop off, turned toEthan Shu with a friendly smile. "I'm a disciple of the Kunlun Sect. May I ask which Buddhist sect you belong to, Master Xuan Kong?"
Ethan Shu hesitated, almost mentioning the Great Hanging Temple, but instead, he replied, "The humble monk is from Hui Ming Temple."
"Hui Ming Temple?" Zhiqiu Yiye repeated, scratching his head. "Never heard of it…"
With innocent honesty, he added, "But given your profound Buddhist powers, Master, Hui Ming Temple must be a sacred Buddhist site."
"While I don't know Hui Ming Temple, I do know about the Five-Terrace Mountain in East Shengzhou, one of the major Buddhist sanctuaries," he continued, unfazed. "In fact, the venerable monk of the Five-Terrace Mountain recently collaborated with Grandmaster Baimei of Emei Mountain to create nine Golden Lotuses on the Spirit Platform, representing the righteous sects of the land."
While Zhiqiu Yiye chattered away,Ethan Shu opened his paper umbrella, ready to shelter Serena Nie and Clara Ning from the midday sun in the capital.
Just before stepping under the umbrella, Clara Ning whispered, "The little monk's friend sure has a lot to say."
Serena Nie stifled a laugh. "He seems even more honest than our little monk."
"Enough nonsense! I'm the most honest and sincere person there is,"Ethan Shu muttered, giving Serena Nie a playful glare as he closed the umbrella around the two women.
Meanwhile, Zhiqiu Yiye continued talking, undeterred. "You know, of the nine lotuses on the Spirit Platform, many have begun to wither, allowing demonic forces to grow stronger. Rumor has it the Blood Demon of the Dark Spring is about to emerge."
"The Blood Demon of the Dark Spring?"Ethan Shu
's gaze turned serious as he looked over at Zhiqiu Yiye in surprise. "Amitabha! So the Kunlun Sect sent you to rally the righteous sects?"
Zhiqiu Yiye nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, exactly."
Ethan Shu brought his hands together, giving Zhiqiu Yiye a thoughtful look. "How many sects have you rallied so far?"
Zhiqiu Yiye scratched his head, sheepish. "None… yet."
This book is provided by FunNovel Novel Book | Fan Fiction Novel [Beautiful Free Novel Book]