With the arrival of Li Jing and the others, as well as the departure of the Golden-winged Great Roc and the others, the danger of Mount Fangcun was finally alleviated on the surface, and everyone heaved a sigh of relief.
At this moment, a figure arrived late and descended from the clouds. Beside him was a thin black dog. It was Erlang Shen Yang Jian.
There was a visible penetrating wound on his chest and abdomen. His injury was comparable to Sun Wukong's. However, he did not receive any treatment at this moment and allowed the blood to dye most of his clothes red.
He came before Patriarch Subhuti and knelt down on one knee. He cupped his fists and said, "For the calamity that befell the Fangcun Mountain this time, Overwave City cannot absolve itself from the blame. Yang Jian's crimes are even heavier. Please punish me, Patriarch Subhuti. I will have no complaints."
When Elder Xing Qiong and the others saw this, they also knelt down one after another.
"Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King and Zhen Yuan Daisen are your reinforcements?" Patriarch Bodhi asked.
"I rushed to the Heavenly Palace to invite Heavenly King Li, but I didn't have time to go to the Fifth Manor," Yang Jian said honestly.
Hearing this, Patriarch Bodhi's eyelids lifted slightly, as if he was somewhat surprised.
"I rushed over after receiving Young Friend Shen's message. It's just that the distance is too far, so by the time we got here, it was already too late, "Zhen Yuan Daisen explained.
When everyone heard this, they all looked at Shen Luo in surprise.
How could a mere early-stage True Immortal Realm cultivator invite an Earthly Immortal Ancestor like Zhen Yuan Daisen?
"I see."
Patriarch Bodhi nodded and didn't ask any more questions. Zhen Yuan Daisen didn't explain much either.
"Yang Jian, this old man has something to ask you," Patriarch Subhuti said.
"Ancestor, please speak," Yang Jian said in a deep voice.
"If the Mountain and River Map was in your hands today, and my Fangcun Mountain joined forces with the other sects to force our way in, how long would you be able to last?" Patriarch Subhuti asked slowly.
Yang Jian fell silent after hearing this.
Based on today's situation, Overwave City would have been annihilated long ago.
Yang Jian sighed and continued, "Junior understands Ancestor's intentions. However, Junior has forced his way here for no other reason than Innerheart Mountain not accepting disciples from the various clans of the three dimensions so as to not break the balance between the various clans of the three dimensions."
"Do you think that estrangement between the various races of the Three Realms, the mutual hostility between them, the checks and balances between them is the true path of peace? I always thought that a three-eyed guy like you would be able to see further than others. Who would have thought that you were just blind? "Sun Wukong did not hide his sarcasm.
"I still believe that Mount Fangcun's practice of recruiting disciples from the human, immortal, and fiend races while possessing the Stately Painting is inappropriate. It is of no benefit to the peace of the Three Realms." Yang Jian remained firm in his opinion.
"Yang Jian, you're wrong. The enemies of the Three Realms are not each other, but Chi You and his followers. "You've already seen what happened today. What do you think of Elder Wu Chen? How about my disciple Wukong? How about Young Friend Shen? What about this fellow Daoist of his? "Patriarch Subhuti asked with a sigh.
Yang Jian was about to speak when the Howling Celestial Dog at his feet also barked.
He was suddenly stunned. After a long while, he slowly said, "Indeed, Junior was wrong …"
"I don't think that Erlang Zhenjun is wrong. If Mount Fangcun had listened to the Heavenly Palace's suggestion earlier and handed over the Stately Painting to the Heavenly Palace for safekeeping, perhaps today's incident wouldn't have happened," Li Jing suddenly said.
"What did you say …" Hearing this, everyone from Mount Fangcun was instantly enraged.
"Old man Li Jing, as a member of the Heavenly Palace, it's best not to make any sarcastic remarks at such a time. I, Old Sun, am not lightly injured now. Otherwise, I would definitely make a trip to the Heavenly Palace with you and have a good chat, "Sun Wukong said with a cold laugh.
"Why? Am I wrong? If Mount Fangcun had not violated too many taboos, why would the other sects not be willing to come to their rescue? "Li Jing continued.
"You …" Everyone from Mount Fangcun was enraged.
However, Patriarch Bodhi raised his hand and stopped the others from questioning. He smiled and asked, "According to Heavenly King Li, should we hand over the Stately Painting to the Heavenly Palace for safekeeping?"
"That's right. It's not too late to mend the pen after the sheep are lost," Li Jing said without changing his expression.
"Since the Demons have already surrendered to the Heavenly Palace and are under the control of the Immortals, I would like to ask Heavenly King Li if the Heavenly Palace also incited the calamity that befell Mount Fangcun?" Patriarch Bodhi suddenly changed the topic and asked.
"We were indeed bystanders and wanted to make use of the Demons to force Mount Fangcun. But we didn't expect them to be so daring as to take the opportunity to reopen the Well of the Demons and Gods," Li Jing said.
"You're generous to admit it directly and not quibble at all," Sun Wukong said with a smile.
"What's the point of quibbling?" Li Jing said indifferently.
"So the Heavenly Palace doesn't intend to give Mount Fangcun an explanation for this matter?" Patriarch Bodhi asked with a frown.
"The various sects of the Immortals will give a detailed compensation plan for the losses suffered by Mount Fangcun this time," Li Jing said.
"Compensation? Mount Fangcun has suffered heavy casualties. Is this something that can be compensated? "Elder Wu Chen said angrily.
"Then what do you think should be done?" Li Jing asked.
"You …"
Without waiting for Elder Wu Chen to speak, Li Jing raised his eyebrows and said, "Whether you believe it or not, our Heavenly Palace didn't incite the Demons to do anything. We only gave a promise that we wouldn't interfere. This time, if you insist on blaming us, our Heavenly Palace isn't afraid."
"I believe that he's speaking the truth … Perhaps the actions of Mount Fangcun these years really aren't pleasing to the Fellow Daoists of the Three Realms, but the foundation of my sect is to educate without discrimination. If you want me to change this, you might as well destroy Mount Fangcun." Patriarch Bodhi wasn't very angry, but his words were domineering.
When the disciples of Mount Fangcun and the villagers of Village of Longevity heard this, they couldn't help but straighten their backs and look proud.
When Shen Luo heard this, he couldn't help but inwardly exclaim, "Good."
"If you want to continue like this, no one can stop you. However, I still hope that you can hand over the Stately Painting and hand it over to the various Immortal sects to manage," Li Jing said.
"This isn't impossible. Why don't the Heavenly Palace use the Heavenly Scroll in exchange?" Patriarch Bodhi said.
When Li Jing heard this, he only shook his head and didn't get angry.
He said, "Since that's the case, I won't say anything more. The Heavenly Palace will take the lead in investigating the Cave of Coiling Silks, Demon King's Stronghold, and Lion Camel Ridge. When the time comes, I hope that the Fifth Manor can also participate in the review."
"Definitely." Zhen Yuan Daisen smiled.
With that, Li Jing bid farewell to Patriarch Bodhi and Zhen Yuan Daisen and left first.
After Yang Jian repeatedly apologized, he also said that he would submit a compensation to Mount Fangcun. Then, he led the remaining elders and disciples back to Overwave City.
In the Bodhi Mystic Realm, only the disciples of Mount Fangcun, Zhen Yuanzi, Lu Huaming, and the others were left.
Patriarch Bodhi's back was facing everyone as he looked into the depths of the Bodhi Mystic Realm. He was silent, his figure bleak.
"Fellow Daoist Bodhi, there's no need to be sad. As the saying goes, without destruction, there can be no construction. After this incident, Mount Fangcun's philosophy will spread throughout the Three Realms. It will be of great benefit to your long-cherished wish," Zhen Yuan Daisen said.
"I overestimated myself and vainly tried to resolve the conflict of the Three Realms with my own philosophy. Instead, I implicated Mount Fangcun and caused the death of countless disciples. My sins are grave. How can I still have the face to talk about my long-cherished wish?" Patriarch Bodhi turned around, his face full of grief.
"Patriarch, don't worry. Lion Camel Ridge, Cave of Coiling Silks, and Demon King's Stronghold killed so many disciples of Mount Fangcun. This grudge will definitely be avenged in the future!" Elder Wu Chen said hatefully.
The other disciples of Mount Fangcun also had looks of grief and indignation as they swore to take revenge.
When Shen Luo saw this, he frowned slightly.
The disciples of Mount Fangcun didn't seem to understand the reason why Patriarch Bodhi treated everyone equally and recruited everyone from the various races of the Three Realms. Now that Mount Fangcun, Lion Camel Ridge, Demon King's Stronghold, and other sects were in conflict, Patriarch Bodhi's long-cherished wish would be even more difficult to fulfill.
However, no matter how good one's philosophy was, it couldn't surpass the hatred in one's heart. Mount Fangcun had suffered a great loss this time. Countless senior and junior brothers had died in the hands of external enemies. Even if the disciples of Mount Fangcun understood Patriarch Bodhi's long-cherished wish, they couldn't not take revenge.
Patriarch Bodhi sighed inwardly. Just as he was about to say something, his body suddenly trembled. Black gas surged from his face as the devilish poison in his body erupted, causing him to fall backward.
"Patriarch!" Sun Wukong ignored his injuries and rushed forward, wanting to catch Patriarch Bodhi.
However, Zhen Yuanzi was a step faster. He appeared behind Patriarch Bodhi out of thin air and waved his sleeve to support his body.
Patriarch Bodhi's eyes were tightly shut. His body trembled slightly as he fell unconscious.
"What a powerful devilish poison. This is Chi You's blood poison. No wonder it could injure Fellow Daoist Bodhi to such an extent." Zhen Yuanzi's face changed slightly as he said. He took out a golden gourd and poured out a golden pill for Patriarch Bodhi to consume.
"Big Brother, how is Patriarch?" Sun Wukong asked anxiously.
The other disciples of Mount Fangcun, as well as Shen Luo and the others, gathered around.
Shen Luo's spiritual will locked onto the Myriad Poison Chaos Pearl in the Glittering Jewel Ring. He was considering if he should take it out to help Patriarch Bodhi expel the poison.
It was just that this pearl was of dubious origin and was the supreme treasure of Girls' Village. If he took it out in public, it would cause endless trouble.
"It's fine. Fellow Daoist Bodhi's cultivation is high. I've also fed him a Jade Purity Demonic Pill. Although the devilish poison is powerful, it won't threaten his life." Zhen Yuanzi said.
Sun Wukong and the other disciples of Mount Fangcun heaved a sigh of relief when they heard that. Shen Luo also put down his palm that was placed on the Glittering Jewel Ring.
"It's a mess here. It's not convenient to treat Patriarch Bodhi. Everyone, please move outside." Elder Wu Chen said.
Zhenyuanzi nodded and was about to leave with Patriarch Bodhi.
Rumble!
The sinkhole suddenly shook violently as if there was an earthquake. The ground within a radius of dozens of miles cracked and collapsed everywhere.
At the same time, a boundless force surged up from the ground, swallowing everything. All the cracked ground collapsed downwards.
Shen Luo's expression changed drastically as he immediately flew up into the sky.
However, the force that surged up from the ground was too strong and too fast. He was also injured and his body was wrapped up by it. He couldn't fly up. It was the same for the others.
"This is …?" Zhen Yuanzi's expression changed as well. With a flick of his sleeve, his sleeve instantly became so big that it covered the sky. It tore apart the suction force from the ground and sucked everyone into it. Then, he soared into the sky.
The ground rumbled and only calmed down after a while. That terrifying suction force also slowly dissipated and retracted back into the depths of the ground. Everything returned to normal.
Zhen Yuanzi frowned. With a flick of his sleeve, everyone appeared in mid-air. When they saw the situation below, their expressions changed drastically.
The sinkhole below had disappeared without a trace. In its place was a black abyss that was dozens of miles wide. It was bottomless and their divine senses couldn't see the end. It was as if it led to the endless Nine Underworlds.
Moreover, the edges of the abyss were straight and smooth as if they were cut out by a flying sword.
When Shen Luo saw the situation before him, he suddenly recalled the dream world. He had seen a similar black abyss in the sect of Mount Innerheart. It was almost identical to this black abyss. However, this black abyss was only a few dozen miles wide while the one in the dream world was boundless, with no end in sight.
"The battle has already ended and Zhen Yuan Daisen is here. It's impossible for enemies to attack. Why would such a bottomless abyss suddenly appear here? That suction force that suddenly surged out, could it be related to the Well of Divinity and Devil in the depths of the sinkhole? "A thought flashed through Shen Luo's mind. The more he thought about it, the more he felt it was possible.
That suction force that surged out from the ground was filled with darkness and treachery. It seemed to contain a bit of demonic qi.
"What's going on? Why would an abyss suddenly appear? "The disciples of Mount Fangcun discussed.
"Don't panic. The Bodhi Mystic Realm has suffered too much impact from the battle today. The foundation of the mystic realm is a bit unstable, which is why the abyss appeared. Fortunately, the abyss is no longer expanding. When the Founder wakes up, he will deal with it. Now, I ask everyone to leave." Zhen Yuanzi turned to look at Elder Wu Chen. Elder Wu Chen took two steps forward and said loudly.
Hearing this, the disciples of Mount Fangcun calmed down.
Shen Luo saw the exchange of glances between Zhen Yuanzi and Elder Wu Chen, and he was even more certain of his guess. However, looking at the two of them, it seemed they wanted to conceal this matter, so he didn't ask.
Following this, the group left the Bodhi Mystic Realm and soon arrived at the inner sanctum of Mount Fangcun.
The situation inside the sect was even worse than before Shen Luo entered the Bodhi Mystic Realm. Less than half of the disciples of Mount Fangcun had luckily survived, and they were all at a loss. When they saw Elder Wu Chen and the others come out, they hurried over to greet them.
"Disciples of Mount Fangcun, listen well. The enemies have retreated and our sect's calamity has passed. The Founder is also safe and sound and is currently in seclusion recuperating. Everyone need not worry!" Elder Wu Chen loudly proclaimed, his voice spreading far and wide, reverberating throughout the entirety of Mount Fangcun.
The disciples of Mount Fangcun had suffered a great calamity and suffered heavy losses. Although they had seen Lion Camel Ridge and Demon King's Stronghold's disciples retreat, they were still in a state of panic and unease. Hearing Elder Wu Chen's words, they immediately calmed down and cheered.
Elder Gui and Elder Wu Chen comforted the disciples and then sent people to bring Zhen Yuan Daisen, Shen Luo, Lu Huaming, and the other fellow daoists who had come to help, away to rest.
After the other disciples of Mount Fangcun adjusted their breathing, they began to tidy up the ruined sect and the various halls.
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