272: Golden Hoop Breaks the Formation

On the obsidian long table in the Hanyue Valley Underground Palace lay a flat map of the Ten Thousand Beast Villa in the Northern Territory.

Jun Xiaoyao's fingertips traced over the 'Black Armor Giant Rhinoceros Nest' on the map, and the panel instantly displayed the nest's defensive information:

[The nest is located in the back mountain of the Ten Thousand Beast Villa. It is guarded by a three-layered 'Beast Soul Formation,' with ten Rift Wind Beasts as the Formation eyes. Yuwen Chengdu practices the 'Beast Control Heart Sutra' here year-round and can summon a thousand exotic beasts within a quarter of an hour.]

"Young Lord, Senior Sun Wukong has arrived at the perimeter of the Ten Thousand Beast Villa and is currently using the Seventy-Two Transformations to turn into a black bird, lurking on an ancient tree near the nest." Zhao Gao reported in a low voice, handing over a messaging jade talisman, "This is the footage he just sent back."

In the image projected by the jade talisman, the black bird transformed by Sun Wukong was overlooking the nest—dozens of Black Armor Giant Rhinoceroses were resting in the open space. Each was three zhang tall, their leather armor gleaming with a dark golden luster. As Jun Xiaoyao had said, the soft armor three inches below their bellies showed a faint pink color, which was their only weakness.

On a stone platform in the center of the nest, Yuwen Chengdu sat cross-legged, his body surrounded by black Beast Soul Qi, connected to the aura of the surrounding exotic beasts.

"Yuwen Chengdu's Beast Control Heart Sutra has been practiced to the seventh level," Jun Xiaoyao said, looking at the data on the panel. "He can share vision with the exotic beasts, so ordinary concealment techniques cannot deceive him. Fortunately, Sun Wukong's Seventy-Two Transformations carry the aura of the Laws of Heaven and Earth, which can shield against the perception of the Beast Soul."

I. Beast Tide Launch

Three days later, the defensive Formation of the Black Iron Mine suddenly issued an alarm. The patrolling Luowang Assassins sent back footage: billowing smoke and dust rose from the direction of the Ten Thousand Beast Villa, and thousands of exotic beasts were rushing towards the mine—led by ten Black Armor Giant Rhinoceroses, their four hooves thundering like lightning as they stepped on the ground. Behind them followed hundreds of Rift Wind Beasts, as fast as lightning, along with a torrent of countless poisonous snakes and ferocious beasts, blotting out the sky and sun.

"Young Lord, the beast tide has passed 'Duan Yun Ridge' and is only fifty miles away from the mine!" The voice of the Marshal of the Unruly came from the communication array, carrying a hoarse tone like metal friction. "The defensive Formation can hold for a while, but the Rift Wind Beasts are good at digging holes, I'm afraid it won't last an hour!"

Jun Xiaoyao tapped his finger lightly on the panel, bringing up Sun Wukong's coordinates: "Do it."

In the jade talisman image, the black bird suddenly dived down and returned to its original form when approaching the nest. Sun Wukong took out the Golden Cudgel, shook it against the wind, and it turned into a twelve-foot-long iron rod, smashing towards Yuwen Chengdu on the stone platform: "Monster! Taste my old Sun's rod!"

Yuwen Chengdu opened his eyes abruptly, and the Beast Soul Qi around him surged. The ten Rift Wind Beasts instantly blocked in front of him, their sharp claws creating afterimages as they clawed at Sun Wukong. "Dare to break into my Ten Thousand Beast Villa, you're courting death!" He formed seals with both hands, and the Black Armor Giant Rhinoceroses on the ground raised their heads one after another, exhaling white gas from their nostrils, and charged towards Sun Wukong.

Sun Wukong did not entangle with the exotic beasts. He swept the Golden Cudgel horizontally, forcing the Rift Wind Beasts back, and his figure flashed into the group of Black Armor Giant Rhinoceroses. His Fiery Eyes flickered with red light, accurately locking onto the soft armor under the belly of a giant rhinoceros, and he thrust the rod out—with a "pfft" sound, the iron rod sank in three inches. The giant rhinoceros let out a heaven-shaking roar of pain, collapsed to the ground, and stirred up dust filling the sky.

"I've broken the source of your beast tide!" Sun Wukong laughed and followed suit, specifically targeting the soft armor of the Black Armor Giant Rhinoceroses. In less than ten breaths, seven of the ten leading giant rhinoceroses had fallen. The remaining three were so frightened that they retreated repeatedly, and the momentum of the beast herd's charge suddenly stalled.

Yuwen Chengdu was both shocked and angry, operating the Beast Control Heart Sutra with all his might, attempting to recall the beast tide. But how could Sun Wukong give him a chance? The Golden Cudgel danced like a windmill, shattering the eyes of the Beast Soul Formation one by one. The Rift Wind Beasts were beaten until they howled repeatedly. Once the Formation was broken, the connection between Yuwen Chengdu and the beast herd was immediately severed.

"My beast herd!" Yuwen Chengdu's eyes were splitting with rage. He personally raised his blade and rushed towards Sun Wukong, the blade condensing rich Beast Soul Qi, actually carrying a bit of the pressure of the Land Immortal Realm.

Sun Wukong did not dodge or evade, meeting the blade light head-on with the Golden Cudgel. With a loud "clang," Yuwen Chengdu was shaken back repeatedly, the webbing between his thumb and index finger splitting. "With just this little skill, you dare to challenge me?" Sun Wukong swept his rod towards his waist and ribs. Yuwen Chengdu blocked with his blade in a hurry, but was smashed away by the iron rod, crashing into the stone wall and passing out.

II. Relieving the Mine

The leaderless beast tide lingered at Duan Yun Ridge for a moment before scattering like birds and beasts. The Luowang Assassins at the Black Iron Mine watched the retreating exotic beasts and cheered one after another—they had never seen anyone capable of defeating a thousand exotic beasts single-handedly; Sun Wukong's combat power had exceeded their imagination.

The Marshal of the Unruly stood on the high ground of the mine, watching Sun Wukong return carrying the unconscious Yuwen Chengdu, and couldn't help but cup his hands: "Senior Sun, Divine Might."

Sun Wukong grinned and threw Yuwen Chengdu on the ground: "This monster can't take a beating, yet he dared to say he could block three of my old Sun's rods?" He scratched his head, "The Young Lord asked me to bring him back, can I report back now?"

The image was transmitted back to the underground palace. Jun Xiaoyao looked at Yuwen Chengdu, who was tied up tightly, and said to Zhao Gao: "Abolish his Beast Control Heart Sutra and throw him into the Black Iron Mine to dig—let him atone for the mine he destroyed with his own hands."

Zhao Gao accepted the order and handed over another secret report: "Young Lord, the treasury manager of the Great Yan Imperial Dynasty sent people to contact The Net, saying he is willing to exchange one hundred jin of 'Star Iron' for the Crown Prince's private account book. The account book records the transactions between the Crown Prince and Haoran Academy, including the use of the essence and blood of scholars from humble backgrounds to practice evil arts."

The panel displayed the information on Star Iron: [Star Iron, meteorite iron from beyond the heavens, contains the power of stars, can be used to forge magic-breaking weapons, and has a miraculous effect on the Protective Aura of the Land Immortal Realm]. A sharp glint flashed in Jun Xiaoyao's eyes: "I want this account book. Send Li Xunhuan; it must be done cleanly and efficiently."

III. New Summoning

After handling the affairs of the Ten Thousand Beast Villa, the summoning array in the underground palace lit up again. This time, the light carried a gentle Buddha light, and the sound of a wooden fish faintly echoed in the array, completely different from the previous aura of slaughter. Jun Xiaoyao knew this was the accumulated Karma triggering a special summoning.

From the light, a figure wearing a kasaya slowly walked out, holding a purple gold alms bowl, with a compassionate face. It was Tang Seng from "journey to the west" (Note: taking his state before the pilgrimage to the west, with profound Buddhism, and combat power not fully Awakening).

[Summoning Successful] [Character: Xuanzang] [From: journey to the west world] [Realm: Late Heaven-Man Realm] [Martial Skill Cultivation Technique: 1. Great Mercy and Compassion Mantra (Perfection)—Buddha light shines everywhere, can purify evil spirits, disperse negative states, and has a restraining effect on the Demonic Path and Beast Souls. 2. Indestructible Vajra Body (Major Achievement)—Physical Body defense is extremely strong, ordinary Heaven-Man Realm attacks cannot harm him in the slightest. 3. Tightening Fillet Mantra (Special Skill)—Uses Buddha Power to bind the mind, has a miraculous effect on those with weak will (needs to be used with the Tightening Fillet)] [Loyalty: 90%]

"This poor monk Xuanzang, greets the Young Lord." Xuanzang put his palms together in a salute, his voice gentle but carrying an unquestionable power, "I have heard that there are evil arts in the world harming living beings, and I am willing to do my meager best to purify the evil Karma."

Jun Xiaoyao looked at the panel and understood. Xuanzang's Great Mercy and Compassion Mantra perfectly restrained the evil arts the Crown Prince used to Cultivate with essence and blood, and the Indestructible Vajra Body could serve as a defensive barrier when necessary—for dealing with those hypocrites of Haoran Academy who speak of benevolence and morality but actually engage in despicable acts, Buddhism is more effective than swords.

"The Crown Prince uses the essence and blood of scholars from humble backgrounds to practice the 'Soul Devouring Technique', what is your view on this?" Jun Xiaoyao asked.

A trace of compassion flashed in Xuanzang's eyes: "All living beings are equal; practicing with human blood is falling into the Demonic Path. I am willing to follow the warriors of The Net, using Buddhism to dissolve his baleful aura. If he remains obsessed and unrepentant..." He paused, "I also have methods to subdue demons."

IV. The Fall of the Crown Prince's Mansion

When Li Xunhuan and Xuanzang sneaked into the Crown Prince's Mansion, it was late at night. The Crown Prince was cultivating in a secret room, surrounded by dozens of jade bottles containing essence and blood. Black Qi swirled around, completely different from the righteous Qi of Haoran Academy, appearing sinister and strange.

"Amitabha." Xuanzang chanted a Buddha's name, and Buddha light surged from the purple gold alms bowl, instantly dispelling the black Qi in the secret room. The Crown Prince screamed, the evil arts around him were purified by the Buddha light, his internal Qi flowed backward, and he spat out a mouthful of black blood.

"Where did this bald donkey come from!" The Crown Prince was both shocked and angry, waving his hand to release several blood blades, but they were blocked in mid-air by the Buddha light, unable to advance an inch.

Li Xunhuan seized the opportunity to strike, his Flying Dagger tracing an arc and severing the Crown Prince's right arm—that was the hub where the evil arts were condensed. "It's time to settle your account."

The Crown Prince fell to the ground wailing. Watching the Luowang Assassins pouring into the secret room and the treasury manager holding the account book, he finally realized that his situation was doomed. Xuanzang walked forward, the sound of the Great Mercy and Compassion Mantra echoing in the secret room, and the remnants of the souls of the harmed scholars gradually dissipated, revealing expressions of relief.

V. New Layout of the Underground Palace

When the news of the Crown Prince's downfall spread throughout the Great Yan Imperial Dynasty, Jun Xiaoyao was in the underground palace taking stock of the harvest. The Star Iron was in storage, enough to forge three magic-breaking weapons; the Crown Prince's private account book was handed over to the Second Prince Yan Li, helping him completely consolidate his position as the Crown Prince; the exotic beasts of the Ten Thousand Beast Villa were incorporated, becoming mobile mounts for The Net; and Xuanzang's arrival added a barrier to Beyond Heaven that purifies evil spirits.

"Young Lord, Yan Li sent word that he is willing to designate three cities west of the Imperial City as the sphere of influence for The Net, with all taxes exempted, only requesting that The Net continue to support his ascension to the throne." Zhao Gao handed over a map, on which three cities were circled in red ink, all of which were prosperous places.

Jun Xiaoyao looked at the constantly rising influence value of Beyond Heaven on the panel, which had jumped from "Qingzhou Second-Rate" to "Great Yan Imperial Dynasty First-Rate", only one step away from reaching the level of the Holy Land. The energy of the summoning array was full again, and Dragon Qi faintly swirled at the Formation eye—the next summoning might bring a powerhouse of the Land Immortal Realm.

"Tell Yan Li," Jun Xiaoyao pointed his fingertip at Haoran Academy on the map, "Ascending the throne is fine, but I want the library of Haoran Academy—it hides the 'Mechanism Technique' Secret Manual of the previous dynasty, which is crucial for the improvement of the Puppets of Beyond Heaven."

Zhao Gao accepted the order and left. Only Jun Xiaoyao and Xuanzang remained in the underground palace. Xuanzang was chanting sutras to heal the injured Luowang Assassins. Under the Buddha light, the wounds of the assassins healed at a speed visible to the naked eye.

Looking at this scene, Jun Xiaoyao knew clearly that the territory of Beyond Heaven was still expanding.

And those enemies hidden in the deeper places—such as the Holy Lands that control the discourse of the continent, those old monsters of the Land Immortal Realm, will eventually become his next target.

The snow in Hanyue Valley was still falling, but the lights in the underground palace were becoming brighter, reflecting the names and forces constantly refreshing on the panel. A huge net covering the entire Imperial Dynasty was quietly tightening.