Chapter 480 - 479
The newcomer was the Great Zen Master of this temple, essentially the head of the temple, similar to the role of an abbot in domestic monasteries. Just by looking at the group of subordinates following him, one could tell they were much stronger than the four gaunt elderly men and women currently present.
The Skull Master’s right hand index and middle fingers were pressed together, shrouded in a swirl of dark Qi. Even this small cloud of dark Qi was enough to ward off anyone daring; rushing forward recklessly would only serve to confirm one’s status as a mere underling, easily annihilated with but a single breath.
"Great Zen Master, it’s not that I disregard the greater good, but someone intends to take the Buddha Bead Relics to cultivate, and I must vow to resist to the death. These Buddha Beads were seized back by my master at the cost of his life, how can we let them be destroyed by these petty thieves!"
The old woman proved to be quite resilient. Although her physical condition left much to be desired, and it was a strain for her to control the white staff, it still floated steadily in the air, not at all inferior compared to the three opposers.
The Great Zen Master rotated his prayer beads in his fingers and spoke slowly, "The four Masters are pillars of our temple. It would only benefit our enemies if we were to squabble over a single Buddha Bead Relic and mar the harmony between us. Seven days from now, the public exhibition of the Buddha Bead Relics will take place. Any mishap would be regrettable for all. Hence, I hope the Masters will prioritize the big picture."
The Black-armored Master glanced at him with a trace of disdain in his voice, "Great Zen Master, we brothers have painstakingly guarded the Buddha Beads for decades. Are you suggesting we must continue to guard them forever? Better to let my brother take them for ascetic cultivation and return them upon completion. What do you think?"
"How dare you!"
A little monk beside the Great Zen Master immediately stepped forward, rebuking the suggestion as audacious, only to be struck directly in the knee by a flick of the finger from the Black-armored Master. Though the expelled force was white Gang Qi, upon entering the knee of the little monk, it resulted in a flow of red blood. The little monk knelt on one knee, persevering without collapsing, but his face betrayed his agony.
"Little brother, you are too audacious," said the Skull Master, glancing at his disciple. The swirl of dark Qi between his fingers did not attack others, but instead flew towards his disciple, instantly exploding upon his chest, knocking him to the ground where a mouthful of fresh blood sprayed out, staining the ground red.