Chapter 56: Various Mysterious Arts

As the group slowly sipped their tea, discussing the plan to eradicate the demon beasts that night, Mu Yuan learned through the conversation that, apart from Yuan Neng and Yuan Jue, everyone present was skilled in wielding Flying Swords. Those two monks, though not using Flying Swords, controlled Dharma Wheels as their treasures, demonstrating immense power!

Seeing these two monks, Mu Yuan silently recited the six Buddhist Talismanic Seals. His Zhenqi circulated, gradually calming under the influence of the mantras until it formed a swirling vortex in his Dantian. The six mystical Runes manifested visibly. The moment these six seals took form, Mu Yuan experienced a sudden clarity of mind—a profound tranquility settling over him. It felt as though the mundane dust had been swept away, leaving his heart like a clear mirror, effortlessly perceiving the nature of all things!

“This Buddhist mantra truly is extraordinary,” he marveled internally. “It’s said the essence of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Daoism are distinct. Confucianism nourishes character, Daoism cultivates the core and refines nature, while the Buddhist Sect aims for pure mind perception, piercing through falsehood to grasp the true self. Their unique applications are indeed wondrous.”

Unbeknownst to him, as the Runes solidified within his Dantian, his entire aura shifted. The imposing presence faded, replaced by a serene wisdom and penetrating clarity. He became as calm and unfathomable as a venerable Buddhist Sect monk.

Although surprised, the others refrained from comment. As dusk deepened, one of the guards stood up. “Esteemed Immortal Masters, should I summon soldiers to assist?”

Ling Siyuan waved a dismissive hand, smiling. “If the beast proves weak, we’ll handle it casually. If its demonic power is truly overwhelming, more soldiers would be useless. You two officials stay seated. Our group alone suffices!”

The ten individuals promptly displayed their Divine Abilities. Some rode Flying Swords, others harnessed the wind. Radiant lights shot out of the city like a brilliant display.

Mu Yuan was eager to observe Xiao Tianyu’s skill. He saw Xiao Tianyu mounted on a broad Flying Sword, a cocoon of yellow light shrouding him, concealing the specifics but clearly indicating profound cultivation. Mu Yuan felt both shock and delight, riding the wind at the rear. Suddenly, Monk Yuan Jue drew near, clasping his hands in greeting. “Earlier, I sensed a wisp of Buddhist aura about you, benefactor. May I inquire the reason?”

Mu Yuan smiled. “Master truly perceives keenly. I once received guidance from a venerable monk who taught me traces of Buddhist Supernatural Power. Diligent practice over the years yielded modest results.”

“Oh?” Yuan Jue, with compassionate features much livelier than Yuan Neng’s, asked, “Might I know which method? Could you enlighten me?”

“Of course.” Mu Yuan nodded. “Master, observe this!” Drawing his breath to his Dantian, six Talismanic Seals suddenly emerged, flashing brilliantly in the air. They spun swiftly around him, linking together. Despite the speed, they evoked only peaceful tranquility. As they flew, a faint sandalwood scent and the sound of soft reed instruments drifted out.

“This is…” Yuan Jue stared, deeply moved by how perfectly it resonated with his training. Yuan Neng felt it too and blurted, “Benefactor! Could you impart this art? I’d be forever grateful!”

Mu Yuan smiled without replying. The surrounding cultivators inwardly scoffed at Yuan Neng’s presumption: Secret Buddhist methods weren’t freely taught. Calling him naive was charitable; clearly experienced, he appeared shrewd. Why make such a foolish request?

Yuan Jue hurriedly smoothed things over. “My fellow disciple acted rashly. I sensed these six seals astonishingly resemble my sect’s long-lost ‘Mantra of Universal Illumination’. His outburst stemmed from overwhelming surprise. If convenient, imparting this art to humble me would incur profound thanks!”

Mu Yuan calculated silently: So this chant’s heritage is impressive? I wonder what renowned techniques the Great Sun Divine Sect possesses. Bargaining for one might work. Knowing haste was counterproductive, he said, “Masters, let us focus first on eliminating the beasts. We can discuss afterward!”

Hua Xin and Jin Yun watched Mu Yuan with heightened curiosity. This peculiar young man kept revealing hidden depths: wielding Qi weapons, manipulating air for flight, mastering diverse Daoist arts, and now displaying Buddhist mantras? Truly impossible to grasp fully.

Their flight was swift. Conversation ended as they landed outside Fenghua City. Night thickened. They suppressed their Divine Abilities, appearing ordinary, channeling their senses toward the demonic aura.

While Buddhist Sect monks possessed unparalleled clarity in perception, Mu Yuan – though wielding the Mantra of Universal Illumination – remained grounded in Daoist Sect tradition. Nonetheless, Yuan Jue was first to detect it. He warned urgently, “The creature approaches! Its aura is formidable!”

Demon Beast cultivation proved far harder than for humans. Yet, their longevity counterbalanced this weakness, allowing for greater accumulation of primordial energy. Thus, beings of equivalent rank often found the Demon Beast possessed denser power, though their grasp of intricate spells lagged.

Almost immediately after Yuan Jue’s alert, a vast, imposing presence emanated from the mountains flanking the road, hurtling towards them. Mu Yuan focused: This creature is potent! Its aura rivals the Mountain Elf I faced. Exceptionally strong!

Outside Fenghua City, twin mountain ranges formed modest but strategic barriers. The demonic energy surged from the left-side mountains. Miasmic fog erupted, swallowing the once-moonlit brightness in darkness so profound they couldn’t see their hands. A chilling frost emanated, demanding caution.

A piercing shriek tore from the mountain. Sand and stones whipped into the air. Boulders the size of millstones flew indiscriminately, smashing craters into the earth.

“This beast exceeds its reported strength!” Ling Siyuan frowned gravely. The sword at his back sang fiercely. He glowed with Purplish Qi, shattering the incoming projectiles effortlessly.

“Amitabha Buddha!” Chanting the sacred name, Yuan Neng and Yuan Jue brightened immensely. Haloes expanded around their heads, forming protective domes. Pinpoints of light shot out, pulverizing the tumbling rubble.

Eagerly observing Xiao Tianyu, Mu Yuan saw him plant his feet. Earth-toned radiance coiled around him. The very ground seemed to undulate beneath him like liquid earthen waves, at times swirling up his legs only to fall back. The earth itself seemed to surge forward with his stride.

Absorbing earth energy! So, he truly belongs to the earth path. Like how my Longevity Art absorbs wood energy, Mu Yuan thought. Yet, practicing Five Elements separately creates limitations. If one mastered an all-encompassing Five Elements Art, then nothing would be beyond reach—no height, no depth, no burning sea or hidden cave—for drawing the world’s primal spirit!

Briefly observing Xiao Tianyu confirmed it: Forge Furnace Art was an earth-based path, solid and immovable, contrasting with the ceaseless flow of his own Longevity Art. Stone projectiles posed no real threat to them. As Xiao Tianyu’s imposing aura intensified, pressing heavily toward the mountain, an ear-splitting roar answered! Mountains trembled; trees swayed; rocks shattered.

To stunned stares, an enormous Demon Beast lumbered from the mountain. Shrouded in mist and swirling dust, its emergence drew sharp gasps from all ten.

This was a dragon-shaped entity, roughly ten zhang long and one zhang tall (approx. 100 ft long, 10 ft tall). It crawled on four short, thick, pillar-like legs, merely a foot and a half long, lending it an ungainly gait. Rows of inverse-pointing spines ran head to tail, layered over thick scales reminiscent of rusted metal plates fused to its hide.

Its massive head resembled a vat. Eyes like lanterns glowed within. Heavy snorts expelled thick white vapor. Four razor-sharp fangs protruded viciously. Paired with its dark-brown scales, the beast radiated savage brutality.

What immense size! Double the Mountain Elf! Mu Yuan noted internally. Its very arrival unleashed an intense bloody smell. Spying the ten cultivators, a crimson flare erupted in its eyes, radiating sheer malice without a word!

“It’s a Saber-Toothed Drake!” Ling Siyuan exclaimed. “Exactly as texts describe: colossal frame, predatory nature, and an offshoot of the Dragon Clan! Its skill remains unknown. Let me test its mettle!”

The sword behind Ling Siyuan clanged fiercely. Shedding his previous elegance, Ling Siyuan ignited with fervor. A mere flick summoned his sword, trailing violet radiance as it slashed through the air. An aura exploded from him – immense, bold, capable of swallowing mountains and rivers!