Chapter 441
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Translator: Ace
Chapter: 441
Chapter Title: The Time Has Come, Catch Them All in One Net!
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“Boom!”
As Perfected Being Demon-Quelling’s figure vanished, a heaven-piercing radiance shot straight into the clouds, bathing the entire Jiangxi in a magnificent golden glow.
“Amitabha.”
Within the Great Hero Precious Hall, a Buddhist proclamation rang out. A trace of urgency flickered across the face of the [Victorious Will Generating Brilliance Dharani Heaven Worldly Manifestation].
The [City Wall Earth] had lost control!
The Pure Land’s unity of countless hearts had been shattered, shaking the seal suppressing the [City Wall Earth]. This supreme position was on the verge of breaking free from the Pure Land!
‘At this point, I have no choice but to seek victory in desperation.’
With that thought, the [Victorious Will Generating Brilliance Dharani Heaven Worldly Manifestation] stopped wasting energy suppressing the [City Wall Earth]’s rampage. Instead, it turned to Perfected Being Que Xie beside it. With a stir of intent, a strand of Buddhist karma descended onto this sword pavilion Perfected Being, who now looked half-dead.
‘Desperate times call for desperate measures. No other way.’
Almost simultaneously, Prince Who Pacifies the South, Wu Tai’an from the Dao Court, appeared at his side as well. With Perfected Being Que Xie, that made two disciples in place.
‘Force open the [Earthly Buddhist Kingdom]!’
‘Even if the [City Wall Earth] goes berserk, it doesn’t matter—as long as we Buddhists claim the [City Wall Earth] in the end, the outcome won’t change one bit!’
What was the Earthly Buddhist Kingdom?
As the name implied, it was a Buddhist kingdom founded on the supreme earth position of [City Wall Earth], essentially akin to the [Underworld] in nature.
The ritual had taken in four disciples precisely to have them seek metal, drawing the other four positions to complete the five elements for the [Buddhist Kingdom]. Then, with Buddhists at the helm and aided by the World Honored One’s secret arts, they could achieve the effect of “usurping the Dao Lord position.”
Originally, the plan had been flawless.
Under the unity of countless hearts, only Buddhists could control the [City Wall Earth], and only through it could they command the [Buddhist Kingdom] once formed.
But now, things were different.
With the [City Wall Earth] out of control and the [Buddhist Kingdom] masterless, endless variables had arisen. One misstep, and the Pure Land might end up building a wedding dress for others!
At the same time, in Jiangnan, the Sword Pavilion.
“How goes it, Fellow Daoist Hongyun?”
The [Soaring Empyrean Sun-Obscuring True Lord] withdrew his gaze and chuckled lightly.
“I told you long ago—the so-called [Sword Dao Position] is nothing but a moon in the water, a flower in the mirror.”
Even so, admiration filled his face. He had guessed Perfected Being Demon-Quelling had a backup plan, but its final arrangement still left him in awe.
“With mere Foundation Establishment cultivation, this man pushed the Sword Pavilion and Pure Land to the brink, right into the Dao enemies’ trap.”
“This should make for a good show.”
At that, the [Soaring Empyrean Sun-Obscuring True Lord] wore an intrigued expression.
“What righteous path? In the end, they’re no different from our Holy Sect—biting each other over interests like dogs.”
He saw the Pure Land’s intent clearly.
Forcing open the [Earthly Buddhist Kingdom] ritual was a gamble for a True Lord, who could then excise the [Sword Dao], turning the tide.
The Sword Pavilion would surely think the same.
“Boom!”
The next moment, Lu Yang looked up at the sky, only to see the previously dimmed [Walltop Earth] blazing bright once more, gazing down directly.
Unlike the Sword Pavilion, the Pure Land at least had the [Earthly Buddhist Kingdom] ritual to stake everything on, attempting to claim metal. But the Sword Pavilion had no Golden Core seeds left; no one could seek metal and ascend. So the only option was one of its hidden True Lords!
Seeing this, the [Soaring Empyrean Sun-Obscuring True Lord] grinned at once.
“They’re panicking!”
Indeed, the Sword Pavilion was panicking!
If the Pure Land somehow excised the [Sword Dao Position], all the Sword Pavilion’s years of scheming would be for naught—they’d have to start over.
How could they allow that?
Witnessing this, Lu Yang couldn’t help marveling inwardly at how exquisitely Perfected Being Demon-Quelling had schemed, roping everyone in.
‘Even saving people was secondary!’
‘Given the Sword Pavilion True Lords’ current states, if one had to descend by burning their cavern heaven, there’d only be one candidate.’
[Heaven-Receiving Orthodox Virtue True Lord]!
This True Lord was nearing the end of his lifespan, with the lowest cultivation. Now was the time for sacrifice. For the Sword Pavilion’s grand undertaking, who else but him?
And once the [Heaven-Receiving Orthodox Virtue True Lord] forced a descent, win or lose, his days were numbered. That made it Perfected Being Demon-Quelling’s scheme to indirectly slay this old foe who had blocked his path—while also earning the Pure Land’s eternal grudge!
Layer upon layer!
Even better, no matter if the Pure Land won or the Sword Pavilion, Perfected Being Demon-Quelling wouldn’t lose. He’d achieve at least part of his goals.
If the Pure Land won and the [Sword Dao] was destroyed, he’d have avenged half a lifetime under Sword Pavilion control.
If the Sword Pavilion won and shattered the Pure Land’s unity forever, he’d have saved countless Buddhists, fulfilling his life’s aim.
‘In this scenario, it’s unsolvable unless a Dao Lord intervenes!’
With that in mind, Lu Yang looked up, a hint of anticipation in his eyes.
‘The unity of countless hearts is the Pure Land’s foundation; the [Sword Dao] is the Sword Pavilion’s must-have prize. Logically, neither Dao Lord would sit idly by.’
Would the Dao Lords act?
If they did, it’d be worth the price of admission, even in death!
“Fellow Daoist, best not to overthink it.”
On the other side, the [Soaring Empyrean Sun-Obscuring True Lord] clearly guessed Lu Yang’s thoughts and laughed.
“This incident is major, but it hasn’t crossed the Dao Lords’ bottom line.”
It hadn’t?
Facing Lu Yang’s skeptical gaze, the [Soaring Empyrean Sun-Obscuring True Lord] shook his head.
“Truly not. For the Dao Lords, their bottom line is this entire world.”
At that, the [Soaring Empyrean Sun-Obscuring True Lord] grew cryptic and swiftly changed the subject.
“With things at this stage, what’s your plan, Fellow Daoist? Care to wade into this mess? Why not join me in the [Underworld]? I can find you a position to inhabit there.”
Lu Yang’s eyes lit up at the words.
“Seriously?”
The [Soaring Empyrean Sun-Obscuring True Lord] nodded with a smile.
“Dead serious.”
‘Bullshit!’
As if I don’t know? In my past life, you fed me and the Dragon Clan the same pie. What position do you even have in the [Underworld] to give?
Recruitment was fake; luring cannon fodder was real!
With that thought, Lu Yang dropped any notion of probing further with the [Soaring Empyrean Sun-Obscuring True Lord]. No need anymore.
He rose with a flick of his sleeve.
“Hm?”
That single motion alerted the [Soaring Empyrean Sun-Obscuring True Lord] at once. He frowned instinctively, sensing a subtle shift in Lu Yang’s aura.
‘What’s he up to?’
The [Soaring Empyrean Sun-Obscuring True Lord] quickly reviewed the situation.
[City Wall Earth] out of control; Pure Land forcing the [Earthly Buddhist Kingdom] ritual. Any perfected Foundation Establishment able to seek metal across the land would flock to Jiangxi.
Meanwhile, the Sword Pavilion might force a True Lord to manifest.
In that case, what could he do?
What would he do?
Countless guesses flashed through the [Soaring Empyrean Sun-Obscuring True Lord]’s mind, each dismissed in turn. Little did he know Lu Yang’s intent was utterly straightforward:
‘If the Dao Lords truly won’t act, what do I have to fear?’
‘The [City Wall Earth] and [Sword Dao Position] are worth the gamble now—one’s a profit; both, and I can restart this life right away.’
The time had come!
Impersonate a metal position holder, and net them all in one go!