Gu Zheng could feel the aura in the surroundings becoming chaotic. The originally calm sky was once again covered by yellow clouds. How could he not know that a violent sandstorm was about to arrive?
Looking at the pale and despairing little monk, Gu Zheng's heart skipped a beat. He did not have time to think of other problems. He gave Xiao Ying a look and pointed at the little monk.
Xiao Ying nodded reluctantly. She still shot out a green light from her hand. In the blink of an eye, it surrounded the little monk and wrapped him up like a dumpling.
Xiao Ying casually pulled him over and they quickly approached the sandstorm.
"Pay attention!" Gu Zheng subconsciously said as he raised his head and looked at the approaching sandstorm.
In the next moment, a ball of intense golden light rose from the ground. At the same time, a yellow tornado appeared and engulfed the ball of golden light in the blink of an eye.
After the time it took for an incense stick to burn, a huge sand hole was left in the ground. The golden light in the middle had already disappeared.
"Pei pei!"
From a tall sand dune, a small figure rose into the air and spat out the sand in her mouth.
At the same time, two figures rose up from the ground and slowly floated above the sand dune.
"I told you to wait for me. Now you've suffered a loss." Gu Zheng looked at Xiao Ying who was spitting saliva and could not help but say.
"Who would have thought that we would be buried so deep underground? How hateful!" Xiao Ying said after she finally got rid of the sand on her body.
Then, he turned his head to look around and pointed into the distance in surprise.
"Young Master Gu, quickly look! Isn't that Desert Sea City?"
Not far from them, a majestic city appeared before their eyes. It was made up of huge rocks that were at least a hundred zhang tall. It seemed to be blocking the wind that was constantly blowing in the sky.
The sand that was blown up by the wind flew towards the city. However, a layer of yellow barrier rose up and blocked them outside.
"That's right. Since we can't find it, let this sandstorm send us on a journey. However, the distance is much closer than I thought." Gu Zheng looked at the surrounding hills. They were several hundred zhang tall. If they continued to rise, they would be able to surround Desert Sea City and turn it into a valley.
Originally, Gu Zheng thought that they would have to walk a long distance. He did not expect that they would be sent directly to their doorstep.
"And this little monk, what should we do?" Xiao Ying pointed at the little monk who was still surrounded by the green light and asked, "Why don't we just throw him out and let him dry for three days and three nights? Let him stop us from coming in."
"Forget it, let him go. The other party doesn't want us to come in because they don't want to implicate us." Gu Zheng shook his head and stopped Xiao Ying's suggestion.
"Alright then, let's let him off easy," Xiao Ying muttered unwillingly.
Gu Zheng cast a puzzled look at Xiao Ying. He scanned her from head to toe, but he did not find anything wrong with her. He felt that she was a little irritable. However, she still listened to him and decided to take a closer look when he had the time.
With her childish personality, it was easy for her emotions to be affected by the outside world. He had to teach her well so that she wouldn't walk on the wrong path.
"Who are you people?!" Gu Zheng watched as Xiao Ying released the other party. When he returned, he heard a loud shout from behind him.
Gu Zheng turned around and saw several men in monk robes flying over from afar.
"Senior Brother Liao, they came from outside to pay respects to Master. The other party also saved my life. In the end, they were swept back by the sandstorm." When the little monk behind him saw the four people flying over from afar, he quickly said.
"So, that's how it is. Benefactors, I am truly sorry. We misunderstood!" When the four monks heard the little monk's words, Senior Brother Liao, who was the leader, retracted the killing intent on his face and said apologetically.
The other three behind him also put away their weapons and bowed their heads apologetically.
"It's fine. However, why did it become like this? Could there be an invasion? "Gu Zheng waved his hand. Then, he pointed at the protective barrier outside and said.
"It's a long story, but since you're all here, come back with us to see Master. Junior Brother Qing, come back with us as well. The other junior brothers have all failed, and we were worried about you, but you came back." Senior Brother Liao also sighed, and the worry in his eyes was obvious to all.
"Then, I'll have to trouble you." Gu Zheng nodded and followed the other party back to Sandsea City.
The moment they entered Sandsea City, Gu Zheng could feel the fear emanating from the entire city. Only a few people could be seen on the wide streets. Moreover, they seemed to be in a hurry. Their eyes kept darting around as if they were worried about something.
After passing through more than half of the city, they could see that there were still quite a few people here. However, it was currently desolate, as if the entire city was about to be abandoned.
Their destination was the temple at the northern end of the city. It was also the only temple in the area, and it occupied a large area.
When Gu Zheng and the others returned, there were quite a number of pilgrims coming in and out. Although they looked much better than the people outside, they were still panicking. It seemed like they didn't receive any spiritual comfort here.
After entering the temple, a faint sandalwood fragrance filled their nostrils. Many places were even shrouded in layers of white fog. Aside from some drought-resistant trees, there was not a single flower to be seen.
However, on the eaves and trees of the temple, there were some colorful strips of cloth and large red lanterns. It was a festive sight.
The entire temple did not exceed three floors. Instead, it was a row of houses. Most of the houses were made of stone, and they looked very simple.
They did not walk ahead. Instead, they circled around from the side.
"Benefactors, the conditions are a little simple. I've already informed Master in advance. Please wait for a moment."
Senior Brother Liao and the others went their separate ways as soon as they entered the not-so-grand temple. Senior Brother Liao led them to a side room and apologized to them.
"It's fine. We'll just wait here." Gu Zheng did not mind the peeling chairs.
"Young Master, I don't like this place at all. It makes me feel annoyed." Xiao Ying, who was sitting at the side, twisted her body and said to Gu Zheng.
"We don't plan to stay for long. Just bear with it." Gu Zheng thought that it was because of Xiao Ying's physique that made her uncomfortable.
Even if they were picking up scraps here, it was still a place that was presided over by a senior monk. Naturally, it had a natural restraining effect on ghosts and evil spirits.
"Alright, I really want to return to the painting." Xiao Ying muttered. She was still sitting on the chair. However, she would twist from time to time. It seemed that she was very uncomfortable.
Not long after, in less than the time it took to brew a cup of tea, a very young man wearing a red kasaya walked in. It seemed that he was not giving in to Gu Zheng.
"Grandmaster Wu Xiang!" Gu Zheng stood up and said.
Although it was his first time meeting Wu Xiang, he could sense the profound aura around him. It seemed to be the same cultivation level as him.
"Benefactor, you're too polite. I wonder what business do you have with me? As you can see, there are some unforeseen events here. I can't leave at all. "Grandmaster Wu Xiang clasped his hands in front of his chest and said to Gu Zheng.
He did not need to enter to feel Gu Zheng's aura. Since the other party was here, he must have some business with him.
"You can call me Gu Zheng. This is my Spirit Child, Xiao Ying." Gu Zheng first introduced himself. However, he was a little troubled because the other party did not look like something that could be easily solved.
"Not good, not good, Master. Junior Brother Qing, who just returned, suddenly went crazy. It seems that he has been possessed by an evil spirit." At this moment, a terrified shout came from outside. It came from afar and ran towards them.
When the voice fell, a young monk who was also strong came to the door of the house. He looked inside while panting.
"Benefactor Gu, there's an urgent matter here. I'll take my leave first. I'll look for you later." Grandmaster Wu Xiang's face changed and he apologized to Gu Zheng. Then, he turned around and said to the young monk who had just arrived.
"Qi Cha, bring the two benefactors to the back to rest first. Treat them well."
"Yes, Grandmaster Wu Xiang!" The young monk immediately nodded and said.
Grandmaster Wu Xiang hurriedly left, leaving Gu Zheng and the others behind.
"Benefactors, please rest in the back room for a while. When Grandmaster Wu Xiang has time, he will naturally inform you." Qi Cha walked forward and said to Gu Zheng and the others.
"Please lead the way!" Gu Zheng nodded and said.
"Right, why do you call him Grandmaster Wu Xiang while the others call him Master?" Gu Zheng, who was silently rushing back, suddenly asked, breaking the silence.
"I'm just an ordinary monk here. Those senior brothers are all disciples of Grandmaster Wu Xiang. Of course, they call him different." Qi Cha immediately replied.
"Can you tell me what's going on here? Everyone is dressed to celebrate, but I noticed that everyone here has a worried look on their faces. What exactly happened? "Gu Zheng took the opportunity to ask.
"Everyone here knows about this. It's so serious that they've already started discussing whether to leave this place." Qi Cha pondered for a moment before deciding to tell them. At any rate, it was not a secret. Practically everyone knew about it.
"A few months ago, we were preparing for the Buddha's Birthday Sacrificial Ceremony. Everything was the same as before. It was also a grand event that happens once every ten years. However, many strange things suddenly happened. Some citizens disappeared for no reason. Later on, even us fellow disciples mysteriously disappeared. However, not even Grandmaster Wu Xiang knows anything about it."
Qi Cha sighed and continued.
"Since then, people have been disappearing all over the city. At least one person goes missing every day, causing everyone to panic. Grandmaster Wu Xiang, on one hand, is trying to find out the truth here. On the other hand, he is also sending people out to help. In the end, the people who went out either died or were swept back. Now, some people are suggesting to abandon this place."
"It's so serious. Even Grandmaster Wu Xiang cannot find out the truth. Just what kind of demon dares to cause trouble here?" Gu Zheng was also very puzzled. No wonder his expression was like that when he came in. He was in a difficult position.
"How about this? Bring me some basic scriptures later tonight. I'll show them to my spiritual child. What do you think?" Gu Zheng saw that the sky was already dark. He decided to stay here for a few days. If there was anything he needed, he would ask directly.
"Of course, such a small matter can be done. We've arrived. Usually, many pilgrims would stay here to help with the ceremony. However, after this incident, they have all returned home. It's very quiet here."
On this side, they had already arrived in front of a row of houses. Qi Cha led Gu Zheng and the others to a slightly larger room in front before hurriedly excusing himself and leaving.
Although the room was small, it had two rooms. It seemed that it was convenient for people to sleep separately. That was quite thoughtful of him.
When night fell, Qi Cha indeed brought some scriptures over. However, there was still no news of Grandmaster Wu Xiang. It seemed that he was still treating people behind.
After Gu Zheng thanked him, he began to let Xiao Ying read the scriptures in detail.
After reading for an hour, Xiao Ying threw the book aside and complained loudly, "I don't want to read it. It's so boring. Just looking at it makes me annoyed."
"Why can't you continue reading? These are just basic scriptures. Calm your emotions and read it slowly." Gu Zheng picked up the book and glanced at it. It was basically used to calm one's mind and understand the basics of Buddhism.
"I don't want to. I want to sleep." Xiao Ying said in a muffled voice as she laid down on the bed outside and buried her head in the brand new bedding.
"Then you should rest today. Read it tomorrow." Seeing this, Gu Zheng thought for a moment and did not force her. After saying that, he went into the inner room and sat down to rest.
After a night of silence, Gu Zheng came out early the next morning. Looking at Xiao Ying who was pretending to be asleep on the bed, he placed the book on the table again.
"Can I read it later? It's useless to read it these few days. I don't understand anything." Xiao Ying who could no longer pretend raised her head and pretended to be pitiful and sad.
"No, read it now!" Gu Zheng said with a straight face. Even if you don't want to read it, you have to read it!
Xiao Ying had no choice but to float over with a sullen face. She sat down on the only table that had been left untouched. She looked at the opened scriptures and grumbled.
"I don't understand it at all!"
"If you don't understand it, I can teach it to you!"
Before Gu Zheng could speak, a clear voice came from outside. Then, Wu Xiang's figure pushed open the door and walked in.
"I've already packed up. I'll come to your place first." Wu Xiang said to Gu Zheng with a smile on his face. There was no sign of fatigue on his face.
"I don't know how it is. If I can help, please don't hesitate." Gu Zheng stood up and welcomed him.
"He's fine now. He just needs to rest for a few days. I saw that you took a few scriptures yesterday. It seems that you are interested in Buddhism." Wu Xiang pointed at the scriptures on the table and smiled.
"My spiritual child has been a little irritable these few days. I'll let him read some scriptures to calm him down." Gu Zheng pointed at Xiao Ying and said.
"I don't want to learn. I don't want to learn at all." Xiao Ying shook her head and expressed her dissatisfaction.
"Young benefactor, you have excellent spirituality. I can tell at a glance that you have an affinity with Buddhism. Here's a string of Buddhist beads. Take it with you and everything will go smoothly." Wu Xiang chuckled and said like a hawker. He took out a string of jade-like Buddhist beads. The beads reflected a green light and looked very beautiful.
When Gu Zheng heard such familiar words, he felt a sense of familiarity in his heart. He always felt that Buddhism was fated to meet anyone.
"I don't want to learn it. I don't want to learn it!" Xiao Ying shook her head even more, looking very resistant.
"The Buddhist beads only have the effect of calming the heart. Don't worry, they won't hurt you!" How could Wu Xiang not see through Xiao Ying's identity? He raised the Buddhist beads in his hand mainly for Gu Zheng to see so that he could rest assured.
After pausing for a moment, Wu Xiang threw the Buddhist beads in his hand forward and covered Xiao Ying's head.
Seeing this, Xiao Ying immediately jumped off the bench and flew to the side, trying to avoid the Buddha beads.
However, the Buddhist beads nimbly turned in the air. Xiao Ying's eyes blurred and felt a chill on her neck. She found that the Buddhist beads were already hanging around her neck.
The originally wide Buddhist beads correspondingly shrank. In the blink of an eye, it was just right around her neck, making her look more beautiful and dazzling.
"I don't want this thing. I don't want it!" Xiao Ying grabbed both sides of the beads and tried to take them off again. However, she found that she couldn't take them off, as if they were shackled on her neck.
He ran towards Gu Zheng, shouting as he did so.
"Young Master, the other party wants to capture me! Come and save me! "
Gu Zheng didn't ask Xiao Ying why she was shouting. Instead, he looked at Wu Xiang in confusion. It was impossible for the other party to do this for no reason.
At this moment, Wu Xiang's face was filled with relief. His face was filled with exhaustion, completely different from his previous spirited appearance.
At this moment, Xiao Ying, who was flying towards Gu Zheng, suddenly froze. Her eyes rolled back and she fainted. Her illusory appearance disappeared and her real body was revealed.
However, as the room flashed with light, the ghostly aura on Xiao Ying's body didn't spread out.
"Benefactor Gu, please sit down. You will know in a moment. Don't worry, I will not harm your Spirit Child. However, when the other party came here, with her special physique, she was unknowingly invaded." Wu Xiang looked at Gu Zheng and said sincerely.
Gu Zheng nodded and took a few steps to the side. However, his eyes were fixed on Wu Xiang, afraid that Wu Xiang would take Xiao Ying away.
Wu Xiang took a step forward and came to Xiao Ying's side. He grabbed Xiao Ying's arm with one hand and placed the other in front of her. With a solemn face, he began to speak.
Golden Buddhist runes were spat out from his mouth. They slowly gathered in front of him and finally formed a golden lotus.
The lotus was gently pushed by him. It slowly flew to the top of Xiao Ying's head and sank into her. At the same time, the green Buddhist beads suddenly flashed.
In the next moment, the golden lotus that had entered reappeared above Xiao Ying's head. However, the petals that were originally filled with golden Buddhist light were now tainted with black mist.
Only a small part of the entire lotus remained in its original state. It was emitting an evil aura.
"I didn't expect the other party to have accumulated so much in her body. Fortunately, I arrived in time."
At this moment, Wu Xiang heaved a sigh of relief. He let go of Xiao Ying's body and waved his hand to shatter the lotus in the air.
"Your Spirit Child is a ghost spirit body. When she came into this sea of sand, she was already infected. I discovered it yesterday. If this continues, she will become a malicious spirit. At that time, there will be no cure. Therefore, I spent the night making an ordinary Buddhist bead to suppress the evil aura in her body."
At this moment, Wu Xiang explained to Gu Zheng.
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