Chapter 279 - 279 258 Spirit Mountain Bodhisattva

Chapter 279: Chapter 258 Spirit Mountain Bodhisattva! Chapter 279: Chapter 258 Spirit Mountain Bodhisattva! Inside the backyard of the residence where Tao Qingyuan from the Heavenly Patrol Bureau lived.

Lv Yuan, Tao Qingyuan, and Chen Yuan sat around a cyan stone table, its surface as smooth as if carved from jade, upon which a pot of Spiritual Tea was placed for the three to enjoy.

This was a cherished reserve from many years ago that Tao Qingyuan would not have brought out to share on any ordinary day.

Spiritual Tea was not like other things, after all, it was quite precious.

Chen Yuan had no idea how much the pot of Spiritual Tea Ye Chenbai treated him to last time was worth, but Lv Yuan said that Tao Qingyuan’s pot of tea was worth as much as a single Primordial Crystal.

In case Chen Yuan did not know what a Primordial Crystal was, Lv Yuan briefly explained its composition and value, which was not far off from what he had learned previously.

However, Chen Yuan felt that the spiritual energy contained in the tea was about the same as the pot from Ye Chenbai. Thinking of this, he gained some insight into the wealth and power of the Ascending Immortal Tower.

Back then, when Chen Yuan was still only at the Gang Condensation Realm, Ye Chenbai had been willing to let him drink the Spiritual Tea. Looking back, he realized he had taken quite an advantage.

After they finished their tea, Chen Yuan picked up the teapot and refilled the cups for the two men sitting across from him.

Tapping his fingers on the table, Tao Qingyuan glanced at Lv Yuan, who then said to Chen Yuan with a soft smile,

“This time, your reputation will truly shake Nanling Prefecture.”

Previously, when Chen Yuan was at Gang Condensation Realm, regardless of how well-known he was, the term ‘shake’ was not quite applicable. But now, Chen Yuan had slain Xu Lingtian and wiped out the Azure Flood Dragon Association,

proving the strength he possessed.

Apart from a very few individuals, who within Nanling Prefecture could stand against Chen Yuan now?

If nothing unexpected happened in the next few days, his name would be the one celebrated, and even the surrounding prefectures would be shocked by the simultaneous fall of the Azure Flood Dragon Association and the Dragon Tiger Sect.

It was nothing less than extraordinary after all.

Such forces usually wouldn’t vanish from an ordinary prefecture in over a decade, and most of them gradually decline. However, the Azure Flood Dragon Association and the Dragon Tiger Sect were different,

they were both eradicated by the same person, on the same day.

Among the fallen were also three Reach Profound experts and nearly ten Gang Condensing Martial Artists, along with over a thousand Foundation Establishment Martial Artists.

Throughout Qingzhou, those at the Reach Profound Realm were considered experts, but not figures who stood out. Besides Core Realm strongmen, there were other even more formidable individuals.

But within a mundane prefecture, Reach Profound Martial Artists could certainly be regarded as prominent figures.

“Reputation is illusory, who among those devoted to the Martial Arts would truly care?” Chen Yuan replied.

At least, he himself did not particularly care about reputation; one could only rely on their own strength, otherwise, the world wouldn’t be hiding so many old monsters.

“You’re young yet you have a stable character,” Lv Yuan commented, but then felt a disconnect recalling Chen Yuan’s previous arrogant demeanor.

That was not stable at all.

Tao Qingyuan’s brow furrowed imperceptibly as he looked at Chen Yuan and asked,

“Do you plan to take action against Gold Mountain Monastery?”

“Indeed,”

Chen Yuan admitted candidly.

Earlier, in order not to alarm Tao Qingyuan, he had focused his attention on the Dragon Tiger Sect and the Azure Flood Dragon Association, but that was no longer necessary.

Gold Mountain Monastery was isolated and vulnerable, and even if Fa Hai was strong, he couldn’t withstand their joint effort.

Lv Yuan raised an eyebrow, seemingly surprised. He hadn’t expected Chen Yuan, after erasing the Azure Flood Dragon Association and the Dragon Tiger Sect, to still be restless, now planning to topple Gold Mountain Monastery.

Tao Qingyuan, on the other hand, wore a knowing expression.

He had previously sensed it vaguely, but today Chen Yuan’s actions made it abundantly clear; anyone could see the undisguised murderous intent between Chen Yuan and Fa Nan.

That was the reason for his question.

“The Gold Mountain Monastery is not so easily eradicated,” said Lv Yuan. He didn’t ask why Chen Yuan harbored such strong animosity towards Gold Mountain Monastery; perhaps he couldn’t imagine that Chen Yuan still harbored resentment over past events.

He only thought that there must be other grievances between Chen Yuan and Gold Mountain Monastery.

“Brother Lv is right. The strength of Gold Mountain Monastery in Nanling Prefecture is unparalleled. The overall power of the Martial Monks in the monastery is unmatched by any major force in Nanling Prefecture,

otherwise, would Gold Mountain Monastery be acknowledged as the strongest force in Nanling Prefecture?”

“Moreover, the strength of Fa Hai must not be underestimated. With his Reach Profound Peak cultivation, he is recognized as the strongest in Nanling, and even holds a prestigious position in Qingzhou.”

As Tao Qingyuan mentioned Fa Hai, his expression became unprecedentedly solemn.

Lv Yuan continued,

“The Gold Mountain Monastery is not as straightforward as it seems. It comes with a background. When visiting Shangguan, he implied that the monastery is considerably entwined with a major Buddhist sect in Qingzhou.”

He didn’t specify which Buddhist sect it was, but there are only so many noteworthy sects in Qingzhou, and among them, only one belongs to the Buddhist order.

Chen Yuan took a deep breath and said softly,

“No matter how large the background, can it be larger than the Court?”

He felt that Tao Qingyuan and Lv Yuan might have some misconceptions. This world belonged to the Court, and if a force was truly that powerful, why not take over?

While Chen Yuan thought being cautious of some Jianghu forces necessary, it shouldn’t be overdone…

He did not believe that, even if he destroyed Gold Mountain Monastery, a major Buddhist sect in Qingzhou would dare to openly annihilate the whole Heavenly Patrol Bureau. That would be tantamount to rebellion.

Tao Qingyuan declared solemnly,

“You’re not wrong that the Court is indeed the most powerful in the world, but one should not underestimate some of the top sects in Jianghu. They have beings above Core Realm stationed there,

and even the Court would not provoke them lightly. Some forces, more tyrannical even than the Court itself, do not pay deference to the Court. In some places, although under the Court’s jurisdiction on the surface, they’re effectively autonomous.”

With that, he gave Chen Yuan a penetrating look.

These were problems that have existed since the founding of the nation, and while many were aware of the situation, it was fundamentally unsolvable…

“Yes, there’s more. Even the influence of Buddhist forces within the Court is not insignificant, at least… the current State Preceptor is a Bodhisattva from Spirit Mountain…” added Lv Yuan.

“Bodhisattva?”

Chen Yuan’s brow raised. Was it the kind of Bodhisattva from the myths of his previous life?

Is this world one of martial arts, or is it a world of myths?

When considering combat capabilities alone, it seemed there wasn’t much difference between the two; Chen Yuan was now capable of easily slicing through a river and shattering a boulder tens of meters high.

What about beyond that?

“This matter requires careful consideration before taking action. I know your personality, and warning you is useless, but you must be cautious and aim for a one-strike kill.

When the time comes, with Lord Jiang’s support, no one will be able to touch you,” Tao Qingyuan’s tone shifted.

His previous words hadn’t been to diminish his own spirit or inflate someone else’s, but because he saw Chen Yuan was too confident and feared he would underestimate Gold Mountain Monastery.

What Tao Qingyuan didn’t know was that Chen Yuan had never underestimated Gold Mountain Monastery. A great man once said, “Contempt your enemies strategically, but take them seriously tactically.”

Chen Yuan took a few moments to gather his thoughts before saying:

“Chen alone is not enough, but if we add the strength of two other lords and Shi Yunlong, the Gang Leader, the four of us joining forces, with over a thousand soldiers of the Military Equipment Army in support, could easily annihilate Gold Mountain Monastery.”

After hearing this, Lv Yuan looked at Chen Yuan with a half-smile:

“It’s enough to establish dominance by wiping out the Azure Flood Dragon Association and Dragon Tiger Sect. I haven’t agreed to confront Gold Mountain Monastery.”

Chen Yuan’s heart sank. He was about to say something when Tao Qingyuan interjected:

“If my memory serves me correctly, didn’t Brother Lv suffer a loss at the hands of Gold Mountain Monastery three years ago? Don’t you want your revenge?”

Lv Yuan curled his lip:

“You bastard—Chen Yuan hasn’t even mentioned it, and here you are, jumping at the opportunity.”

“It’s not just Chen Yuan’s personal grudge. According to some information I’ve got, Fa Hai is about to breakthrough. How do you think Gold Mountain Monastery will react once he reaches the Core Realm?”

Tao Qingyuan dropped a bombshell.

Lv Yuan’s face suddenly darkened, and he looked directly at Tao Qingyuan:

“Are you serious about this?”

“There’s a ninety percent chance.”

“So soon…” Lv Yuan muttered to himself.

He was well aware of the implication in Tao Qingyuan’s words. Gold Mountain Monastery is already the strongest force in Nanling Prefecture, often giving no regard to the government. What will happen once it breaks through? Wouldn’t they have to look at Gold Mountain Monastery’s face in everything?

This is unacceptable!

Chen Yuan, too, was surprised. His brow furrowed involuntarily. Preoccupied with his cultivation and search for opportunities, he had paid attention to Gold Mountain Monastery but not as closely as he might have thought, and he certainly didn’t know about Fa Hai’s preparation for a breakthrough.

Now, suddenly getting the news from Tao Qingyuan, a sense of urgency overtook him.

If Fa Hai were to breakthrough, not to mention their joint forces, even with several more allies, they would not stand a chance!

The time to act against Gold Mountain Monastery must be moved up.

“But the strength of Fa Hai…” Lv Yuan expressed his deep concern.

Even with their united forces, the chance of victory might not be great, and even a win would likely be a Pyrrhic one. Moreover, Shi Yunlong’s injuries were not light.

Would he agree to take action?

After all, his strength is currently the weakest, and so his danger would be the greatest.

Tao Qingyuan continued, addressing Chen Yuan:

“Don’t be too optimistic. Even the four of us have a slim chance of victory. And let’s not forget Master Fa Nan, the old monk, who will at least hold one of us back.”

“Unless there’s another Reach Profound master willing to help, and besides, we must also convince Shi Yunlong to risk his life.”

Chen Yuan’s gaze deepened as he reflected on Tao Qingyuan’s words. He felt that there was truth to them and that the battle must be approached with caution. Otherwise, if they failed to succeed, not only would the government lose prestige,

but they would also face Fa Hai’s retaliation.

Suddenly, Chen Yuan’s eyes lit up:

“Do you know when Lord Zhang will return?”

“Zhang Xuan…”

Tao Qingyuan’s eyelids drooped, his eyes flickering:

“It’s still uncertain at the moment, but the last message he sent back said… he’ll be back soon.”

“Relying entirely on Zhang Xuan’s return is not a good plan,” Lv Yuan raised an objection.

If Fa Hai was indeed about to breakthrough, they couldn’t wait indefinitely for Zhang Xuan — if he returned too late, they would miss their opportunity to act.

“Lord Lv, do not worry. Even if Lord Zhang isn’t back, I am somewhat confident that I can enlist the help of another Reach Profound master,” Chen Yuan’s eyes gleamed, as if he had thought of something.

Tao Qingyuan glanced at Chen Yuan, his gaze slightly sleepy, and said:

“You mean…”

————

To the subscribers in the full subscription group, some fans feel that Shi Tou is updating too late and are worried about sudden death…

I’m now gathering everyone’s opinions. Is it better to update in the early morning or around three in the afternoon? Feel free to comment below, or suggest another time.

Shi Tou will take this into consideration and may change the update schedule.