Chapter 298: Ferocious Beast from the Classic of Mountains and Seas, the Chang You Primordial Spirit Manifestation, the Radiant Gem Ruler!
Alas, Li Yanchu’s Jiaoslayer was incomparably sharp, and his swordmanship was fierce and domineering, so much so that it was forcing Shangguan Jin into a frantic defense.
What a vulgar martial brute!
So Shangguan Jin judged Li Yanchu in his heart, certain he had seen through the man’s roots.
With a wave of his hand, the surrounding scene shifted. The rear mountain’s Merit Grove transformed into the grand front gates of Jinguang Temple, which was bustling with devotees and flourishing incense.
In an instant, the place was filled with clamor and bustle. His figure vanished, blending seamlessly into the throng of devotees, so much so that he was impossible to detect.
Shangguan Jin sneered inwardly, Martial cultivators may be fierce in killing, but their methods are too simple. It’s like child’s play to toy with them. Only thing is, I’ve now alerted those old bald donkeys of Jinguang Temple, my plan’s in shambles!
He was livid. Success had been within reach and just a hair’s breadth away! And now he was overwhelmed with rage[1].
Moments ago, he had assumed that this Daoist only dared to sabotage him in secret, and that he was a cautious, timid cultivator surely lacking in true strength. One decisive strike, and he would have been slain! Or at the very least, driven off. That would’ve left Shangguan Jin time to complete the unsealing ritual.
Even without the Earthbreaker Pearl, even without control of that, he could have released it and let it butcher every last soul in Jinguang Temple. But who would have thought that after charging over so eagerly, he’d find the man wasn’t some cowardly hermit... but a reckless brute who’d draw his saber and hack away without hesitation.
And the worst of it, this brute’s relentless ferocity had actually pinned down Shangguan Jin’s divine techniques, leaving him no chance to employ them. This crude, reckless, and utterly unreasonable style drew nothing but contempt from Shangguan Jin, the meticulous and calculating head of the Thousand Illusions Sect!
Then, a clear, resonant voice rang out, “The Supreme Tai Star, responding without ceasing. Expel evil and bind demons, preserve life and protect the body. May wisdom shine clear, the spirit be at peace; three souls eternal, seven spirits unbroken. Swiftly, in accordance with the command!”
It was one of Daoism’s Eight Great Divine Mantras, the Pure Heart Mantra.