Chapter 45: Mortal Ascension Legion

Just as Bai Shuan was on the verge of retreating, a colossal golden palm materialized out of thin air, descending upon him with incomprehensible speed.

In the blink of an eye, Bai Shuan underwent a breathtaking transformation. His body expanded in size, muscles bulging. Golden dao runes emerged from the thin air around him, and a magnificent golden sword materialized in his hand. His grip tightened around the hilt, and with unwavering determination, he raised the sword to meet the oncoming palm.

The clash between the golden sword and palm was nothing short of cataclysmic. The impact unleashed a shockwave that reverberated through the battlefield, shattering the ground beneath them. The deafening explosion that followed engulfed the surroundings, sending waves of energy rippling out for miles in every direction. It was as if the forces of heaven and earth had collided in this epic clash of power.

As the deafening echoes of the battle waned, a figure slowly emerged from the dissipating dust cloud. It was Bai Shuan, his imposing figure now hunched and battered, every step he took accompanied by a staggering wince of pain. His torn garments clung to him like a second skin, drenched in his own blood that seeped relentlessly from his mouth.

Once vibrant and alive, his eyes now held a steely determination veiled by weariness.

In his trembling grasp, the golden sword he wielded bore testament to the intensity of the strike.

Blood continued to seep from his mouth, mingling with the dirt beneath his feet as he fixed his weary eyes on the sky above. Through the billowing clouds, a figure emerged, commanding both reverence and awe.

Bai Shuan's gaze fell upon the figure's bald head, which shone with wisdom and inner peace. Yet, the serenity that graced his countenance was juxtaposed against the youthful radiance that emanated from his face. Clad in a flowing Buddhist robe, he exuded an aura of tranquility and compassion that seemed to transcend the chaos of the battlefield.

With his hands folded behind his back, the figure stood tall. Though seemingly ordinary in appearance, he looked exactly like what an ordinary monk should look like.

As their eyes locked, Bai Shuan felt a shiver run down his spine. He shifted his gaze to Xue Ren, seething with deep-rooted animosity.

Unfazed by Bai Shuan's intense stare, Xue Ren let out a heavy sigh. "Brother Bai, I've said it before, and I'll say it again: involving innocent people is simply not right."

Bai Shuan's eyes narrowed, and with great effort, he managed to utter his words. "It's quite amusing to hear such talk from a traitor like you."

A faint smile crept onto Xue Ren's face as he approached Bai Shuan slowly, step by step. "Brother Bai, Brother Bai. You have greatly misunderstood. I've always been a part of the Mortal Ascension Legion. You know how it works. It was simply a mission, nothing personal."

Bai Shuan's eyes flashed with surprise. Xue Ren, one of the most exceptional members of the Starry Sky Dao Alliance below the Dao integration realm, turned out to be a spy all along.

Soon, The figure descended from the sky and landed near Xue Ren, the latter bowed respectfully, "It's an honor to see you again, Senior Evil Warding."

Evil Warding Monk nodded at Xue Ren before turning his gaze toward Bai Shuan with a cold smile."To think that after so many years, some sinners would dare to plot against this monk. It was indeed a well-thought-out plan. If it hadn't been for our Junior Brother Xue, I'm afraid this monk would be in a dire situation."

He then shifted his gaze toward a distant place,"There's no need to hide. I can sense your presence."

As Evil Warding Monk's words echoed through the air, three figures appeared.

They were none other than Mi Ling, Chang Jin, and Li Yan.

Chang Jin was the first to step forward, appearing beside Bai Shuan. He looked at the monk with a solemn expression. "Since Exalted Monk knows why we are here, there's no need to beat around the bush. Are you handing over the Devil Warding Incense, or not?"

****

As Ji Fang, the Realm Lord, stood towering before him, Han Zhi watched him with a studied gaze.

Ji Fang was caught in deep contemplation, Eventually, breaking his silence, he uttered solemnly, "For now, it is sufficient that we have confirmed he is alive. We can put a halt to our search."

Han Zhi nodded in agreement. His mind, however, was already at some distance, caught up with another pressing matter. "And what of Mi Ling? She must have gathered substantial information about him by now. If Your Majesty intervened, capturing her wouldn't be difficult."

Ji Fang reacted with a subtle shake of his head, "It's too risky," he cautioned, leaning on his throne. "My recovery isn't yet complete. If any of the old timers discovered that I am still among the living, it could provoke unwanted circumstances."

Han Zhi's eyes flared wide, a burst of confusion etched with intriguing curiosity. "The Alliance Leader?What is the extent of his cultivation?"

Ji Fang face flashed with a knowing smile, his eyes glinting with unsaid mysteries. "Even if I were to explain, comprehending it would be beyond your grasp."