Chapter 313: The Clash on the Pedestal

Night had only just deepened.

Light seemed devoured by an unseen beast, leaving the world bereft of brightness.

The white snow no longer reflected any light, as if clusters of dark shadows were tumbling from the heights; the wind and snow wailed in a frenzied assault.

A carriage burst through the icy curtain of wind and snow, its distance spanning ten zhang apart.

Inside the lavish Buddha chariot, a gaze radiated with dazzling brilliance, as if its glow could drive the darkness away. Huang Tuo, usually languid like a concubine reclined in leisure, now exuded an air less befitting of the solemn Buddhist tradition and far more wanton.

But when the carriage left two clear tracks in the snow and came to a halt, Huang Tuo instantly snapped to attention.

His slender frame sat upright, head leaning slightly forward; his eyes shone like luminous pearls as a smile spread across his face, and with palms pressed together he grinned amid the swirling snow and wind.

“Amitabha…” “Li Benefactor.”

“So you finally decide not to be a coward anymore.”

“I’ve been waiting for you, nearly driven mad by the delay.”

There was a hint of unrestrained delight in Huang Tuo’s voice. As expected.

Some men just can’t handle the excitement.

Yue Huanglong, the Dao Master of Daocheng, had ordered lowlifes to stir up rumors and incite dissent in the streets – a tactic that proved effective once again.

After all, Li Che was neither a saint nor an impassive Buddha; his emotions made it nearly impossible for him to ignore the barrage of insults and humiliation without losing his composure.

The way of Buddhism is indeed adept at manipulating hearts.

Though most commoners and itinerant cultivators in Daocheng backed Li Che and the Divine Eagle Masters of Daocheng, money still held sway. Besides, with the Dao Master Residence covertly aiding, it was all too easy to toy with people’s sentiments.

Huang Tuo turned his gaze toward the carriage ten zhang away.

The carriage sat quietly, nestled within the storm of wind and snow.

On its crossbeam, master-disciple duo Nie Yang and Li Chengzhou sat with a treasured sword between them, chests out and eyes blazing, their sword aura razor-sharp.

Meanwhile, atop the Buddha chariot’s crossbeam, Wu Gang pressed his palms together; his burly figure seemed to swell, his imposing presence completely overshadowing master-disciple Nie Yang and his pupil. Even though Nie Yang was an unrivaled grandmaster, Wu Gang… was a Martial Saint!

Li Chengzhou trembled all over, his face flushed as he clutched his sword with shaking hands.

Although most of the Martial Saint’s aura was blocked by Nie Yang, even the slightest hint of that power was far beyond what Li Chengzhou could contend with now. The gap between him and a Martial Saint was like that between a mayfly and a towering mountain.

He felt so insignificant.

Yet he refused to show weakness or collapse – he had to stand firm. He couldn’t disgrace his uncle!

Hot breath steamed from Li Chengzhou’s nostrils as he gnawed through his resolve.

Suddenly.

The curtain of fabric was lifted and a long, fair hand extended out, gently settling on Li Chengzhou’s shoulder. An invisible force seemed to course through him, and in an instant the crushing pressure of the Martial Saint dissipated as if it had vanished into thin air.

Then, Li Che, clad in an inky black robe and sporting a gentle smile, emerged from the carriage. “Little Chengzhou, well done.”

Li Che patted Li Chengzhou on the shoulder to encourage him. Overwhelmed with emotion, Li Chengzhou exclaimed, “Uncle…”

“Uncle, you must prevail!”

At these words, Li Che’s smile broadened. “Ha ha ha! If you say so, then I shall win.” With that, Li Che stepped out of the carriage.

He stood on the carriage crossbeam.

His slender figure resembled a long spear.

Even the colossal aura of Wu Gang, akin to a collapsing mountain, seemed to waver ever so slightly, unable to touch Li Che. Wu Gang, with a build as mighty as an ox and eyes hard as copper bells, stared intently at Li Che.

“This man… such an indomitable will!” “Is this… the fabled Divine Condor Half-Saint?!”

“Even without reaching the Divine Fetus realm, a Divine Condor Half-Saint wields a willpower that far surpasses that of the Divine Essence realm!” Wu Gang’s martial intent began to recede as Huang Tuo spoke.

“Wu Gang, do not startle our Li Benefactor,” Huang Tuo said kindly, his face radiating compassion.

He had finally forced Li Che out; it would have been too regrettable if Wu Gang had scared him off.

Huang Tuo had long coveted Li Che and Li Nuǎnxi, envisioning them embraced by the Buddhist path. If they were converted, he would reap immense karmic rewards from Xiao Lingyin Temple’s peculiar shrine.

Li Che disembarked from the carriage as Nie Yang, sword in hand, followed him every step of the way, every hair on his body on end; the sword’s aura rang clear – the danger was palpable!

Though a Martial Saint and a prodigious Divine Fetus wielder, Nie Yang wasn’t entirely confident. But he believed that Li Che’s bold appearance here meant he had the backbone. “I’ve heard… you intend to spar using Divine Eagle techniques?”

Li Che’s gentle eyes shifted towards Huang Tuo.

Huang Tuo stepped out from the Buddha chariot, folding his palms and nodding slightly.

“As the eminent Divine Condor Half-Saint, how many levels of suppression can you achieve? You claim to be on par with the Divine Eagle Masters of Daocheng from the very depths of your cultivation…”

Li Che replied coolly, “You’re shameless indeed.”

Unperturbed by the insult – after all, a couple of jibes never hurt – Huang Tuo smiled brightly. “I’m doing this out of necessity. I only wish to challenge Li Benefactor; after all, he has turned down my challenges far too many times, forcing me to resort to such methods.”

Li Che stretched lazily and strode directly toward the pedestal.

“Come on, then. I’ve made a slight breakthrough in Divine Eagle techniques – let me witness the unique style of Xiao Lingyin Temple.”

At these words, a richer gleam of excitement flashed in Huang Tuo’s eyes.

All he needed was for Li Che to agree to the duel.

After completing the exchange of Divine Eagle intent, he was confident that his Buddhist influence would eventually sway Li Che to embrace Buddhism! Huang Tuo ascended the pedestal.

Immediately, the atmosphere around them ignited with fervor!

The Jiahu street dwellers and patrons of Daocheng, who had nearly decided to leave, suddenly grew animated at the news: Li the Half-Saint had stepped in!

News of the impending duel between two Divine Condor Half-Saints spread like wildfire, as the Divine Eagle Masters from various prominent families within Daocheng raced over.

A contest of Divine Eagle techniques between two half-saints – a rare spectacle indeed!

Members of the Zhou Family, Yun Family, as well as Gongshu Jingjun and Tang Xiejia had all caught wind of the event and hurried over.

Since the pedestal sat at the heart of bustling Daocheng, everyone arrived at once. Inside the carriage, Gongshu Jingjun and Tang Xiejia frowned. “Ah Che… how could you lose your composure and accept that baldy’s challenge?”

“With the Dao Master Residence stirring things up behind the scenes and the Su Family out of commission… is Yue Huanglong planning to band together with Xiao Lingyin Temple to suppress our Qianyuan Divine Sect?” Gongshu Jingjun’s face turned cold.

He had clearly heard all the insulting remarks circulating about.

Everyone knew these were mere provocations – reprehensible tactics indeed, but effective enough to stir emotions and tarnish Li Che’s reputation in Daocheng.

Unless Li Che appeared and faced Huang Tuo in combat…

For if he lost, his already sullied reputation would be ruined – effectively, Li Che would be rendered useless!

“Huang Tuo is a disciple of the great Huang Mei, and his master is renowned for his Divine Eagle prowess. To dare challenge Li Che is clearly bullying the weak!”

Outraged, Tang Xiejia bellowed, “Those baldies are utterly despicable and treacherous!”

On the pedestal, snow lay thickly as the two adversaries sat facing each other.

Calmly seated, Huang Tuo gazed steadily at Li Che; when it came to Divine Eagle techniques, his confidence soared. “Li Benefactor, you decide how we duel.”

Li Che replied coolly, “Let’s follow tradition — carve out our Divine Eagle forms and clash our intentions.”

This was the basic rule for a duel of Divine Eagle Masters.

Li Che’s eyes fixed on Huang Tuo as if appraising a corpse, as if determining the precise angle to strike so that the remains might be pieced back together perfectly.

Yet he thought there was no need; a punch that shattered his opponent outright would be far more satisfying.

Li Che wasn’t stirred by the slander of street thugs and hooligans.

Though there was some connection, to Li Che such gossip meant little.

He had never been petty – honest, straightforward, and magnanimous by nature.

Li Che gazed steadily at Huang Tuo.

After secret consultations with Lü Taibai, they had devised a killing plan.

One had to admit, Lü Taibai, the head hunter of Lie Shen Pavilion, possessed a remarkable knack for plotting murders; Li Che felt he had learned much. Although Li Che was professional, Lü Taibai’s many more years of experience lent him a superior edge.

Lü Taibai’s target wasn’t Huang Tuo himself, but the three-life body of Huang Mei held by him.

Though Buddhist lore claimed the Three-Life Body was immortal – as long as all aspects weren’t destroyed, it could be revived – once one was severed, reassembling it would demand immense resources and time.

And Lü Taibai’s objective didn’t stop there.

This duel was merely one part of a grander design. Admittedly, Li Che had raised some objections.

He felt that instead of dueling Huang Tuo, it would have been better to wait until after his return to Wangchun Pavilion and strike covertly. A silent suppression through the Cosmic Chessboard would have been the perfect crime.

Yet, from the perspective of their Sect Leader, it was best for Li Che to engage in this duel. Reputation was critical for the Qianyuan Divine Sect’s Divine Eagle industry. Bearing such a stain would tarnish the title of Divine Condor Half-Saint.

Li Che, for his part, did not resist.

Lü Taibai, his silver hair billowing, asked gently, “If you are to face Huang Tuo, do you have any conditions to put forward?” Li Che simply smiled, “I’m an honest and straightforward man…”

He continued, “So I think those noisy street ruffians spreading rumors could be kept quiet.” Not one to be petty, Li Che merely found their clamor irritating.

Lü Taibai was momentarily stunned; Li Che had redefined what it meant to be honest and magnanimous.

“No problem. Those behind the rumors are under Yue Huanglong’s protection. With his ruthless and domineering methods, every major faction in Daocheng appears controlled by his hand – their vicious gossip is just one of his tricks.”

“Never mind, if they must be eliminated, so be it.”

Lü Taibai remarked coolly, showing no regard for Yue Huanglong.

“But be careful when dueling Huang Tuo. Buddhist tactics can be treacherous,” Lü Taibai cautioned Li Che as if recalling something.

On the pedestal.

The two Divine Condor Half-Saints began their duel.

Huang Tuo was solemn about the contest; he aimed to convert Li Che, though he also wanted to win.

As a direct disciple of the great Huang Mei and a protégé of a Divine Eagle master, how could Huang Tuo ever lose to a wild Divine Condor Half-Saint with no formal lineage? He extracted piece after piece of five-star superior Spirit Wood from Qian Kun Jade, infusing the pedestal with an overwhelming divine aura.

His expression was more serious and respectful than ever before.

This duel was entirely different from his casual bouts with Zhou Tianshui, Yun Haiyang, and others – those trash opponents required no real effort. As Li Che had remarked, even if he suppressed his realm and restricted his techniques, he could effortlessly crush them.

Suddenly.

Having just taken out a piece of five-star superior Spirit Wood, Huang Tuo found it unbearably hot, as if glaring eyes from afar were fixed on his Spirit Wood and… his Qian Kun Jade.

Hmmm?

Following his line of sight, Huang Tuo met Li Che’s honest, steady gaze. Li Che smiled, nodded, and then looked away.

Originally, Li Che had been reluctant to take out that extremely precious piece of five-star superior Spirit Wood – one of only two he possessed, the other being the Phoenix Blood Roc’s Perched Nirvana Wood.

The other piece was none other than the Thunderstorm Dragon Blood Howling Wood, a spirit wood of the lightning element!

And as he saw Huang Tuo repeatedly withdrawing Spirit Wood from Qian Kun Jade, Li Che’s gaze shifted – no longer admiring the Buddha, but eyeing the financier! The great patron indeed!

Accompanied by a sound reminiscent of a phoenix’s cry, scorching heat spread across the pedestal, melting countless layers of accumulated snow in an instant.

Huang Tuo narrowed his eyes and smiled as he too removed a piece of Spirit Wood – as if stained with golden blood and exuding an overwhelming Buddhist radiance! “Five-star superior Spirit Wood: Bitter Sea Buddha Blood Rebirth Wood!”

Huang Tuo’s brilliant red kasaya billowed wildly, revealing beneath it a full set of divine weapons sculpted from dragon scales! A Dragon Scale Divine Weapon Carving Knife, shimmering with Buddhist light, spun at his fingertips.

As the knife descended onto the Buddha Blood Wood, Huang Tuo’s red kasaya billowed as if a fiery signal had been kindled. “Today, I invite the Buddha!”

Boom——

A majestic, overwhelming soul of heaven and earth was summoned by Huang Tuo, as if a latent embryo, its bones unfurling – the spine and chest suddenly revealed! Divine Fetus, Two Divine Transformations!

In that fleeting moment, Huang Tuo’s aura was incomparable to that of the three-day meditation on the pedestal.

It was a terrifying presence that left Zhou Tianshui, Yun Haiyang and others too fearful even to lift a carving knife!

At that moment, every Divine Eagle Master assembled in Daocheng fell into a deathly silence, suffocated by the oppressive aura. Would Li the Half-Saint prevail?!

Could he win?!

Li Che brought his two fingers together and produced the Carving Knife sponsored for free by the great patron Su Huai Ming. He struck the Nirvana Wood with his palm.

Phoenix blood blazed like an inferno, burning furiously.

Li Che raised his hand and tapped his eyebrow; flesh split apart to the sides. Star Plucking Gaze!

Countless fragments scattered infinitely!

Xiangong Dao Fruit – all-out firepower!

Li Che then ceased watching Huang Tuo’s carving. Closing his eyes and reopening them,

inside the Mud Pellet’s inner realm…

the Fa Tian Xiang Di Luminous True Primate roared with deafening fury!

The Carving Knife struck the Spirit Wood.

Ssshhh——!!!

In that instant when a chunk of raw Spirit Wood fell, it burst into flames like a phoenix feather!

It was as if a phoenix, with outstretched wings and a mourning cry, had ignited countless brilliant flames that spread like wings behind him!

“You invite the Buddha…”

“I call upon the Great Saint!”

For most of Daocheng’s commoners, the entire carving process was dull and tedious,

because they simply couldn’t understand it.

But for the many woodcarving and Divine Eagle Masters, it was an intoxicating spectacle – so mesmerizing they couldn’t tear their eyes away.

One torch after another was lit around the pedestal, instantly illuminating the night.

Crowds gathered densely at the pedestal, a sea of figures that dazzled everyone.

In the Dao Master Residence,

Snow fell thick and fast.

On the octagonal pavilion, the black tiles were completely blanketed by white snow, so much so that their color was indiscernible.

Inside the Pavilion, a stove boiled with water while emerald tea leaves swirled, occasionally unfurling and releasing an exceptionally rich fragrance. At the center sat Yue Huanglong, with Ji Li Shou, the one donning the Star Killer mask, opposite him.

Yue Weizheng came bounding out of the garden.

“Father, Li Che has accepted Huang Tuo’s Divine Eagle duel!”

Yue Huanglong responded with a nod.

The moment commotion erupted on the pedestal, his heavenly senses enveloped the scene, letting him see everything clearly.

“The Court has dispatched me here to try and subdue the growth of the Qianyuan Divine Sect. I am deeply ashamed… In facing Lü Taibai, I must tread on thin ice – but this time, I went all out.”

“Ever since a Divine Condor Half-Saint emerged in the Qianyuan Divine Sect, I haven’t felt like eating or drinking. Thankfully, Huang Tuo’s half-saint has appeared, and I can use this chance to subdue the sect’s half-saint.” Yue Huanglong said with a smile.

He then fixed his gaze upon Ji Li Shou, who wore a mask.

“Your Highness, does the Prince have any further instructions or plans?”

“You know, Lü Taibai – as one of the dual pinnacle figures of the Divine Genealogy and Heavenly Gate – has been placing tremendous pressure on me. The death of the Princess, the fall of General Li Qing… all leave me deeply ashamed and regretful. I… could not save them.”

Yue Huanglong admitted with a hint of remorse.

But the masked Ji Li Shou wasn’t deceived by Yue Huanglong’s mournful mien.

That old fox was no pushover.

The Great Jing Eleven Routes – all eleven divine clans.

Daocheng’s Qianyuan Divine Sect, with Lü Taibai holding the dual pinnacle, was highly regarded by the Great Jing Court – for Lü Taibai’s individual prowess was formidable. If the Qianyuan Divine Sect were to truly flourish…

It would spell nothing but bad news for the Great Jing.

Thus, for the Court to send forces to subdue the Qianyuan Divine Sect and confront someone like Lü Taibai, these were not ordinary men.

Yue Huanglong, rumored to be from the Divine Capital’s Yue Family,

was one of the founding families supporting the Grand Ancestor – a family of eternal repute!

Ji Li Shou naturally did not underestimate him or be swayed by his words.

Yue Huanglong glanced at the silent Ji Li Shou and furrowed his brows – this kid was truly impervious to persuasion. He sipped his tea, his eyes glimmering.

He pondered why Li Che had suddenly agreed to duel with Huang Tuo. Logic suggested he shouldn’t have.

Even Lü Taibai wouldn’t agree under normal circumstances. Though he had stirred up some thugs and petty gangs to spread rumors, such tactics held little weight.

At the level of Lü Taibai and Li Che, public opinion hardly mattered. Yue Huanglong had merely decided to give it a try – an attempt that had unexpectedly forced Li Che’s hand…

Could Lü Taibai really be willing?

After all, this was Huang Tuo – the Divine Condor Half-Saint from Xiao Lingyin Temple.

Backed by Western Buddhist lands and armed with extraordinarily persuasive methods, who knew if during the carving, Huang Tuo was already preparing to convert Li Che? Yue Huanglong narrowed his eyes, as if he’d thought of something.

The Underworld…

Li Che’s connection with the Underworld…

Perhaps Lü Taibai had allied with the Underworld?

The Freewill Gold-Iron Divine Staff had been claimed by the Underworld. According to a report from Yue Weizheng, the Divine Monkey’s acquisition of the staff and Li Che’s carved Temple Spirit Divine Eagle were closely linked. Hmm?!

Yue Huanglong’s brows furrowed and a golden glint flashed in his eyes. It seemed he had caught a hint – could Li Che possibly be the Divine Monkey?

Though, that was unlikely, for Yue Weizheng had mentioned that the Divine Monkey and Li Che had taken separate tests – they were two different individuals. But…

“We can’t rule out some top-tier body-division technique…”

Yue Huanglong looked at Ji Li Shou, set his tea aside, and said softly, “Your Highness, I think you should wait beneath the pedestal for a while.”

“Perhaps. With Li Che’s ties to the Underworld, it’s likely they will strike at Huang Tuo, and that Underworld Divine Monkey… might also appear.”

“Old Prince, if you desire the Freewill Gold-Iron Divine Staff, this might just be the perfect opportunity.”

Ji Li Shou, who had been silent until now, his eyes behind the mask flickered, and after a few measured breaths, he slowly stood up. Long Zi Ao Lie, taken aback, hurried to follow.

Yue Huanglong watched as the two disappeared into the snowy night and chuckled softly.

He poured himself a cup of hot tea and sipped contentedly.

“Let others’ forces weaken the Qianyuan Divine Sect…”

“If every day there are such straightforward men coming to assist me, it would be truly delightful.”

In Daocheng,

the snowy, stormy night was suddenly broken. In the central city area,

brilliant light tore through the dark, silent night! Beneath the erected pedestal, shadowy figures moved.

And atop the pedestal, it was as if two antithetical energies clashed! The darkness was split apart.

On the left, fiery light exploded as a phoenix descending into Nirvana spread its wings, its resounding cry nearly shaking every soul in the city! On the right, a radiant Buddhist light cascaded like a grand river from the heavens, illuminating all below! Li Che and Huang Tuo were utterly absorbed in their carving.

Both carvings had almost reached their climax!

The overwhelming divine intent roiled across heaven and earth, flushing the faces of every Divine Eagle Master red and setting them trembling, many moved to tears as if struck by the revelation of the Way!

Such a grand event – such a brilliant contest of Divine Eagle techniques! Truly a once-in-a-millennium spectacle!

Divine Eagle Masters Zhou Tianshui and Yun Haiyang sensed significant progress – perhaps in their lifetime they might even dare to challenge the half-saint title, albeit with slim chances; at least, hope now gleamed brighter than before!

“It’s done!” Suddenly,

Zhou Tianshui’s body trembled with excitement as he looked toward the pedestal and called out.

On the pedestal, the brilliance began to recede, as if entirely absorbed into the two Divine Eagles. Huang Tuo’s bald head shone brightly with a surrounding Buddhist radiance, like a thousand-watt bulb.

On the other side, Li Che’s body was enveloped by swirling fiery feathers – fragments of Spirit Wood from his carving! With a sudden gust of wind,

those fiery feathers danced around the divine wooden sculpture, the two carvings greedily absorbing the divine essence from heaven and earth. The five-star superior Spirit Wood they used contained an overwhelming divine force.

Thus the process did not last long before the aura of the Divine Eagle stabilized.

Looking on, everyone saw before Huang Tuo a half-human, six-armed Buddha statue, seated atop the Buddha platform, with compassionate brows and a serene smile that seemed capable of dissolving all suffering in a single glance.

Below the pedestal,

numerous commoners, moved by the radiant, multicolored halo of the Buddha Divine Eagle, fell to their knees in heartfelt devotion – three prostrations and nine kowtows, praying earnestly!

The sheer divine intent washed over them, overwhelming their capacity to resist such piety.

Divine Eagle Masters like Zhou Tianshui and Yun Haiyang were aghast, sensing they were being affected.

“This Divine Eagle…”

“It resembles the ‘Six-Armed Buddha Who Saves All’ – one of the top ten masterpieces of Xiao Lingyin Temple!” “Such terrifying divine intent – we cultivators nearly lost our way, let alone ordinary folks.”

“That Huang Tuo Half-Saint… he never even reached his true potential in our previous duels!” Those Divine Eagle Masters, defeated by Huang Tuo, felt an overwhelming despair.

Could the gap really be this vast?

Gongshu Jingjun and Tang Xiejia had already stepped out of the carriage, fixedly staring at the Buddha Divine Eagle carved by Huang Tuo on the pedestal, their hearts heavy. Their eyes then moved to Li Che’s carving.

At that sight… they were dumbfounded.

“What is this…?”

Even the always composed Gongshu Jingjun was at a loss. “This is…”

“An egg?!”

“It doesn’t really look like an egg – more like an irregular stone by the riverbank?” Tang Xiejia echoed in astonishment.

“Could it be… Li Che hasn’t finished carving?”

At that moment, everyone present was stunned by Li Che’s Divine Eagle, utterly flabbergasted and amazed. Divine Eagle Masters such as Zhou Tianshui and Yun Haiyang were rendered speechless, unable to utter a word.

The two Divine Eagles placed side by side made it clear who was superior!

“Has Li Che, the Half-Saint, become too nervous?” “He’s faltered a bit.”

The Divine Eagle Masters of Daocheng fell into despair.

If Li Che were to lose, then the entire Divine Eagle world in Daocheng would be utterly humiliated. “Ha ha ha ha ha…”

“Li Benefactor, if your carving isn’t finished, fear not – you can continue and we can resume our clash of intents.” Yet,

with a flourish, Li Che’s Carving Knife danced and was then sheathed.

Both his hands slid into his black robe sleeves as Li Che stood with his hands behind his back and calmly declared, “It is finished – behold my work…” “I am satisfied.”

“Very pleased indeed.”

Within Li Che’s chest, the Xiangong Dao Fruit pounded furiously!

Huang Tuo narrowed his eyes as he glanced at that oddly shaped Divine Eagle – reminiscent of an irregular river stone – a flicker of doubt stirring within him. Yet he didn’t mind.

His objective… had already been achieved.

“Amitabha.”

“In that case, Li Benefactor, let’s clash our Divine Eagle intents.” With those words, Huang Tuo spoke.

The golden-edged, brilliant red kasaya on his body whipped wildly in the wind. “Lama miya, miya, hong…”

Sounds akin to a Buddha reciting sutras rang out on the pedestal, as if the scriptures materialized and coalesced in the space between heaven and earth. With clanging sounds reminiscent of ancient bells, they interwove continuously.

Then, a burst of terrifying golden light erupted.

Before Huang Tuo, the statue of the [Six-Armed Buddha Who Saves All] suddenly blazed radiantly! A towering, hundred-meter-high ethereal Buddha image appeared!

It spanned over the central area of Daocheng!

In an instant, countless drifting snowflakes dissolved, while a white mist enshrouded the world, and the howling wind roared.

The six-armed Buddha smiled serenely with twinkling eyes, as if offering salvation to all!

With kind, compassionate eyes, he looked down upon Li Che – and upon Li Che’s so-called Divine Eagle egg. Everyone nearly lost their breath.

That terrible divine intent nearly shattered the heavens, while Li Che’s divine aura was compressed into a tight space. Li Che glanced at the Great Buddha,

and faintly sensed a golden radiance, like an affliction clinging to his body, crawling crazily into his very flesh and into the mud pellet upon his eyebrow.

“Saving me?” Li Che chuckled as he slowly crouched down.

He patted the egg-like Divine Eagle carving with his palm. “Great Saint…”

“Come forth and embrace the light.” In the next moment,

on the egg- or stone-like Divine Eagle,

countless fine cracks appeared as brilliant rays erupted from them. A thunderous explosion rang out!

Countless fiery feathers shot into the sky! The heavens trembled!

The stone shattered! And out emerged a Divine Monkey. It strode into the skies!