Walking alone with a sword, slaying ghosts and gods

Chapter 524 The Pagoda of Merit Subdues All, the Illustrious Three Pure Ones Regain Their Names (Seeking Rewards and Subscriptions!)

At the core of the Nuwa Sacred Realm, the Doutian Platform, built from shattered star debris, floats above the void, surrounded by celestial clouds.

The viewing platforms were scattered like stars, with magnificent palaces and pavilions on them occupied by the giants of the nine human sects, the leaders of the thirty-six factions, and even distinguished guests from other realms. Their eyes were like torches, all focused on the empty platform.

The sword duel has reached its later stages. All thirty-four Nascent Soul prodigies have endured countless hardships, stepping over the desolate figures of their peers, before finally arriving at this place where fortunes can bring glory to their sects and even determine the future of their clans.

At the center of the altar, Daoist Lu Cheng, dressed in simple robes, exuded a profound and imposing aura. Beside him, a small, ancient, dark yellow pagoda floated silently, its body radiating a warm yet unshakeable bright yellow light.

Strands of ethereal energy, neither gold nor jade, descended, forming an invisible barrier that, while seemingly gentle, separated the inside from the outside into two distinct worlds.

Saving a world brings boundless merit and is a gift from Heaven. With one's personal magic treasure in harmony with it, no religion—Buddhism, Taoism, or Confucianism—can deny the value of this treasure. The major religions of humanity and even the sacred lands generally guide people toward goodness.

On the high platform, the giants of the nine sects stared intently.

An elderly Taoist priest from the Yuqing Taoist sect, with white hair and a youthful face, stroked his beard and nodded: "The universe is in harmony, and the Taoist energy endures. This is a testament to acquired merit and a glorious righteousness. This item protects the body, making it impervious to all evil and magic. Excellent!"

On the Dharma platform of Xiji Zen Temple, a dignified old monk softly chanted the Buddha's name: "Amitabha. The supreme treasure of merit is the condensation of good deeds and blessings. It guides people towards goodness and protects the righteous path, which is in accordance with the Buddha's teachings. The pagoda, black and yellow, compassionately protects the way. Excellent, excellent!"

For a time, the great leaders of the human race all gave Lu Cheng extremely high recognition for this treasure of acquired merit that protected him.

This left the five clans of cultivators in the Nuwa Sacred Realm feeling frustrated and unable to utter a single word of rebuttal.

The Pagoda of Merit, revered by all three religions! Beneath the Xuanhuang (primordial chaos), it is impervious to harm even after countless eons!
If Lu Cheng's magical artifact had been revealed from the beginning, giving the experts from various sects enough time to prepare, it might not have been impossible to break through it.

Although we respect the Way of Heaven, how few cultivators have gone against it?
However, Lu Cheng only unleashed this magic weapon during the sword battle when he advanced from level sixty-seven to level thirty-four. Therefore, even in the Earthly Immortal Realm, the nine sects and thirty-six factions did not have a good way to deal with it for the time being.

One month later, the battle between the thirty-fourth and the seventeenth took place.

Lu Cheng, a Taoist from the Taiqing Sect, encountered Ao Jun, a true disciple from Longze Cave. This sect is half-human and half-dragon. Ao Jun has cultivated to the point where he has prominent dragon horns on his forehead, his arms are covered with green scales, and he is clad in armor and wields a large spear with an incomparably fierce aura.

On the altar, Ao Jun roared as he activated his innate divine power of merging man and dragon, unleashing the Mountain-Shaking Spear, which carried immense weight and the murderous aura of a true dragon. Each strike seemed to shatter the entire world!

"Dragon King's Divine Power! Subdue the Ten Techniques, Open for Me!" The Mountain-Shaking Spear slammed into the halo hanging from the Xuanhuang Pagoda, emitting a deafening roar that shook the surrounding area and caused violent ripples in the space!

However, the primordial energy remained as immovable as an ancient rock.

Ao Jun, as if possessed by a madman, launched dozens of fierce attacks with his spear. The power to shake mountains was enough to sink continents. The light was dazzling and the sound was deafening, but he couldn't even make the Xuanhuang Qi Barrier shake in the slightest. Instead, he was shaken by the backlash, causing his arms to go numb and his blood to surge.

The defensive properties of the Xuanhuang Pagoda are extremely effective against cultivators who practice both physical and magical cultivation!
"Damn it!" Ao Jun was furious upon seeing this. He transformed into a dragon and opened his mouth to spew out the dragon clan's deadly poison, Dragon Saliva, in an attempt to fight again.

"He doesn't know when to advance or retreat." Lu Cheng had already seized the moment when he was exhausted, and a sharp glint flashed in his eyes.

A thin, hair-like, and extremely refined Five Elements Lightning Needle silently pierced through space, striking the reverse scale below Ao Jun's dragon head just before he spat out poison.

"Ugh!" Ao Jun was struck dumb, his magical power faltered, and his massive dragon-fiend magical power instantly became chaotic. He swallowed the poisonous mist that was about to spray into his mouth, and his huge body stiffened and fell to the ground, temporarily losing the ability to fight again.

During his months in the Nuwa Sacred Realm, Lu Cheng had witnessed countless experts of the same level, and his control over his own power and his grasp of battle opportunities had clearly improved.

"The victor is Lu Cheng of the Taiqing Sect!"

In this round, Jin Shayu unexpectedly received a bye, and two other cultivators were both injured and unable to fight again. As a result, Jin Shayu was promoted to the top sixteen in the Immortal Pool Sword Fighting Tournament.

This guy has a bit of destiny to rely on. His family background is better than An Xiaoyue's, and his talent and diligence are no less than hers. But most importantly, his luck is much better than An Xiaoyue's. Although their magical powers are similar, after this sword fight in the Immortal Pool, the resources they receive within the Taiqing Sect will definitely widen the gap.

One month later, the battle for the top eight from the sixteen will begin.

Lu Cheng's opponent is the Purple Mansion Divine Lord of the Jade Purity Dao Sect, who is known for his "calculation skills".

This person was surrounded by purple aura and was skilled at calculating the secrets of heaven. During the battle, he would fly and move around, trying to find gaps or loopholes in the operation of this merit treasure, and use the "Jade Purity Cave Divine Light" to accurately point out and dismantle the magic.

However, the Pagoda of Merit and Profound Yellow was a seamless whole. Even after exhausting his deductions, the Purple Mansion Divine Lord found that the Daoist aura surrounding the pagoda flowed smoothly and flawlessly, leaving no room for error. No matter how many wondrous techniques he used, they were all like mud oxen entering the sea, vanishing without a trace.

His own Daoist techniques were countered by the opponent's pagoda, and the Purple Mansion Divine Lord could not display even half of his abilities. Instead, Lu Cheng seized the momentary flaw in his deduction and unleashed a dual-attribute thunder sword that fused Geng metal and Yi wood, transforming it into a rainbow that ripped through the sky, instantly sealing off all his escape routes!
The Purple Mansion God-Lord's face turned pale. Seeing that there was no way to avoid it, he suddenly withdrew the purple aura around his body, condensing it into the shape of a tortoise shell.

"Break!" Lu Cheng shouted, and the Thunder Sword roared!

The metal element (庚金) tore through its edge, while the wood element (乙木) spread and entangled it, causing the purple tortoise shell to explode with a deafening roar. The Purple Palace God Lord let out a muffled groan, flying backward with blood spilling from the corner of his mouth.

Although he was not seriously injured by a single sword strike, his offensive and defensive techniques were all broken head-on, and the outcome was already decided.

The giant of the Jade Purity Dao Sect frowned, but he knew that the problem was not with the battle itself, but rather that the enemy's Merit Tower was simply too difficult to solve.

"The victor is Lu Cheng of the Taiqing Sect!"

In this round, Jin Shayu encountered Daoist Yunya of the Shangqing Sect and tried to use his full power again. However, Daoist Yunya unleashed fourteen water and ice attribute magic treasures, almost killing him on the spot. He couldn't even last for the time it takes to burn an incense stick, and ended up at the bottom of the list.

One month later, the battle for the top four will take place.

Lu Cheng's opponent is none other than Qiu Ruoshui, the current swordswoman of the Xuanxin Sword Sect!

This contemporary swordsman, suspected to possess the "Seven Luminaries Profound Soul Sword Body," faced the Xuanhuang Merit Pagoda with a solemn expression but no fear; instead, his eyes gleamed with sharp sword intent.

"The Xuanhuang Merit Pagoda lives up to its name. However, the path of sword cultivation lies solely in one's own heart; a single sword strike is sufficient! Fellow Daoist, accept this sword!"

On the altar, Qiu Ruoshui commanded her flying sword, its brilliance surging like a celestial river descending from the heavens, splitting into seven peerless sword beams of different colors—red like the sun, blue like the moon, blue like the morning star, crimson like Mars, brown like Saturn, white like Venus, and purple like the North Star!
The seven luminaries rotated, carrying a profound sword intent that could pierce through eternity and annihilate gods and demons, directly stabbing at Daoist Lu Cheng!
This sword strike has already reached the realm of returning to emptiness, a level of sword intent and sword energy.

Its extreme sharpness caused the halo of light falling from the Xuanhuang Pagoda to ripple almost imperceptibly before it even made contact, as if a violent conflict was occurring at the level of the rules of "defense" and "attack".

Upon seeing this, Lu Cheng's pupils contracted slightly. The Xuanhuang Pagoda beside him shone brightly and accelerated, its Daoist rhyme humming. The Seven Luminaries Sword Qi continuously impacted the light screen on the pagoda's body, emitting a sharp "hissing" sound like tearing silk. The Xuanhuang Qi was pressed inward slightly by the extreme sharpness!
Although it still failed to penetrate, this was the first time since the Immortal Pool Sword Battle and Lu Cheng had used this treasure that an attack could shake the aura of the pagoda!
'What she cultivates must be the acquired path of sharpness, where body, mind, and sword intent are perfectly integrated, truly unstoppable.'

Lu Cheng did not delay and activated his sword technique.

If we allow the enemy to continue their attacks unchecked, it's not impossible that they could break through the Xuanhuang Pagoda's defenses in the long run.

But Lu Cheng was standing at the foot of the tower; he wasn't dead.

"Yi wood draws thunder, Xuan water nourishes wood, and Li fire overcomes metal! I will break your Yinghuo and Taibai!" He did not forcefully resist the simultaneous attack of the seven luminaries, but instead drew upon the divine thunder of the five elements and used the exquisite techniques of "intercepting," "drawing," and "turning back."

Two powerful lightning swords instantly entangled with the sharpest swords, the Yinghuo Sword (red, representing metal) and the Taibai Sword (white, representing metal), forcibly weakening their sword power by using the principle of mutual restraint and generation between fire and metal and wood and fire.

At the same time, he activated his footwork technique, taking a step to reach the ends of the earth. Within the absolute protection of the Xuanhuang Pagoda, he caused spatial changes, allowing sword lights representing the sun and moon, which are the most law-like, to pierce the sky.

With this pull, a dodge, and a retreat, the Seven Luminaries Sword Technique's incomparably fierce sword formation momentum was instantly halted!
A momentary lapse occurred in the core offensive and defensive strategy!
"Impressive!" Qiu Ruoshui's eyes flashed with surprise, and she was about to change her move again.

"Sword Master, forgive me!" Lu Cheng's voice echoed in his mind. Just as Qiu Ruoshui's sword aura swirled, a sharp light suddenly gathered in Lu Cheng's eyes, and he pointed his fingers into a sword, striking out from afar.

It was not a differentiation of the five elements, but the purest and simplest Bing Fire Pure Yang Thunder Sword! The Thunder Sword was like the rising sun, instantly passing through the spatial gap created by the previous change of move, ignoring the cover of the other stars' light, and stabbing straight at Qiu Ruoshui's wrist holding the sword.

This sword strike was perfectly timed, with its power concentrated on a single point, making it a truly righteous and powerful masculine strike!
Qiu Ruoshui couldn't control her sword in time, and her protective sword aura activated instantly!

boom!
The lightning sword energy exploded, and Qiu Ruoshui's wrist trembled violently. Although she was not pierced by the sword energy, the powerful Yang lightning instantly shattered her subsequent sword momentum. Her protective sword aura fluctuated violently, and her body was shaken back several steps. Each step left a deep footprint on the indestructible star-shaped ground of the altar. Her right hand, which was used to wielding a sword, felt faintly numb.

She steadied herself, looked at her right hand, then at Lu Cheng, whose aura was steady beneath the Xuanhuang Pagoda. A complex expression flashed in her eyes, a mixture of amazement and admiration.

Qiu Ruoshui shook her head, lightly raised her fair wrist, sheathed her sword, her clothes fluttering, exuding a dashing and heroic air.

"The Daoist arts of Taiqing are profound and mysterious. Fellow Daoist Lu, I have learned of your kindness. In this battle... I have lost."

She admitted her defeat, attributing it to her opponent's control over power, mastery of space, and precise, explosive strikes. She also lost to her opponent's effortless composure after achieving an invincible position.

Qiu Ruoshui's surrender only highlighted her integrity.

Lu Cheng, with a solemn expression, returned the greeting with clasped hands: "Sword Master, you are too kind. It was just a stroke of luck."

With the sword duel at the Immortal Pool now concluded, Lu Cheng has advanced to the top four.

A month later, Lu Cheng faced off against Dao Yun, a true disciple of the Western Great Zen Temple, who was known as the "reincarnation of the Vajra Arhat."

One month later, at the Doutian Dharma Platform.

The monk Daoyun had a bronze face and a body that shimmered with golden light. He wore a patchwork kasaya, and when he stepped onto the Dharma platform, the earth seemed to freeze in shock.

Knowing the formidable reputation of the Xuanhuang Pagoda in Lucheng and realizing that a direct assault was futile, he resorted to the Vajra Indestructible Method, a technique most favored by Buddhists.

He sat cross-legged on the illusory lotus platform, hands clasped together, chanting the mantra, and in an instant: "Om Mani Padme Hum!"

The six-syllable mantra of Om Mani Padme Hum resounds throughout the universe!
Dao Yun's body shone with golden light, and a 16-foot-tall golden body, solid as a physical object, appeared, with three heads and six arms, and a solemn and dignified appearance. Immediately afterwards, layers upon layers of golden Buddhist characters bloomed and spread outward from his golden body like lotus flowers.

"Vajra Great Luo Umbrella Realm!"

"Namo Acala!" "Immeasurable Light of the Pure Land of Lapis Lazuli!" "The swastika Bodhi is unbreakable!"... With each low shout, a barrier of Buddha light unfolds, containing the immovable foundation, immeasurable light and life, and the eternal Bodhi state of mind.

In the blink of an eye, the seven layers of Buddhist light barrier, like the most solid fortress, enveloped Daoyun Monk, protecting him layer by layer. He did not seek victory, but only a draw, using the supreme defensive power of Buddhism to force a stalemate with the protective force of the treasure of merit!
"Hahaha, very well, I'll see how long you can hold out!" As soon as he finished speaking, Lu Cheng formed a sword with his fingers and pointed it into the air. It wasn't a direct attack, but rather a manipulation of the Five Elements, unleashing a torrent of lightning!
"The Five Elements of Qian Yuan give rise to all phenomena from thunder!"

In an instant, the five demonic beasts—the Purple-Scaled Demonic Dragon, the Crimson-Eyed Suanni, the Azure-Winged Thunder Roc, the White-Armored Divine Elephant, and the Ink Jade Qilin—transformed and roared, not attacking separately, but rather, under Lu Cheng's divine sense, they instantly intertwined into a massive sword net that covered the heavens and the earth!

This is not a simple lightning technique, but a perfect integration of sword intent into lightning, with each bolt of lightning containing extremely sharp and intense sword energy.

"Five Elements Thunder Domain, Ten Thousand Swords Flowing!"

The flying swords did not erupt simultaneously, but rather were connected end to end, endlessly! The first golden thunder sword struck the outermost swastika Bodhi wall of the Dao Cloud, bursting forth with dazzling metallic clang and lightning.

Crack! A tiny crack appeared.

The following Fire Element Thunder Sword immediately followed, striking the crack precisely!

The explosive flames and lightning, like maggots clinging to a bone, frantically drilled into the crack. Then came the all-pervasive penetration of the Water Element Lightning Sword, and the life-giving entanglement of the Wood Element Lightning Sword... widening the crack relentlessly.

Upon seeing this, the monk Daoyun, who was sitting cross-legged, changed his expression slightly. His body radiated even more Buddha light, and the golden light of the Pure Land of Lapis Lazuli burst forth, as if trying to mend the cracks.

However, Lu Cheng's lightning sword momentum was like a great tide, wave after wave, seemingly slow but never stopping, with its power constantly and extremely steadily accumulating.

The tiny tear that was torn open could not be healed under the continuous impact of the Five Elements Thunder Sword Intent. Instead, it spread and expanded at a visible and unstoppable speed, like a giant dike being gnawed by millions of nimble and tenacious worker ants.

Sizzle! Thud! Boom!

Second level! Third level! Fourth level!
The will of Thunder Sword Network is unbreakable, and the magical power of the Five Elements is inexhaustible.

The fifth layer of glazed light barrier was pierced by the flexibility of the Wood Element Thunder Sword, and the sixth layer of Immovable King Light was blasted apart by the Fire Element Thunder Sword with overwhelming force!

The defensive barrier in front of Monk Daoyun crumbled and dissipated layer by layer, like lotus petals being peeled open.

Time seemed to stretch out, each breach in the defense was clearly visible, and each thrust of the lightning sword was filled with power.

The monk Daoyun's face changed from bronze to pale gold, and finally turned pale, with a trace of blood spilling from the corner of his mouth.

The immense magical power supporting the sevenfold Buddha light realm was gradually exhausted under Lu Cheng's relentless, grinding flow of ten thousand swords.

This sword duel lasted for a full forty-nine days. Both sides expended enormous amounts of their spiritual energy and magical power.

Just as the seventh layer of Buddhist light, the "Vajra Great Luo Umbrella Realm," was about to collapse and its core golden body was about to appear, a fierce glint flashed in Lu Cheng's eyes, and his long-awaited peak sword strike finally erupted.

"The Five Elements unite in harmony, and the Five Elements counteract each other—the Demonic Thunder Extreme Sword!"

The five-colored lightning instantly converged, condensing into an ancient and unadorned yet imbued with the aura of annihilation. Carrying the immense momentum of the previous myriad swords flowing in succession, it was like the chaotic lightning that split the heavens and the earth, and slammed heavily onto the shaky and dim seventh layer of Buddhist light!
“Buzz—boom!!!”

Boundless light arose, boundless sonic booms erupted, and the Vajra Umbrella shattered in response! The sixteen-foot-tall golden body let out a mournful cry, instantly engulfed and shattered by the raging thunderous sword intent.

The monk Daoyun, along with the illusory lotus platform beneath him, was sent flying backward like a bronze statue struck by a giant thunder hammer. His robes were torn, his golden body dimmed, and he crashed heavily onto the protective light barrier at the edge of the altar. He was bounced back, struggled several times, but was ultimately unable to get up.

"The victor is Lu Cheng, a true disciple of the Taiqing Sect!" The divine judgment of the Saint Realm fell.

After a moment of silence, the entire hall erupted in a thunderous roar of exclamations and praises from the numerous cultivators.

Lu Cheng protected himself with the treasure of merit, remaining invincible. He then used the exquisite Five Elements Thunder Sword to layer sword energy, forcefully wearing down the defensive system that Monk Daoyun was so proud of.

This battle can be described as a classic example of one sword breaking all laws. The old monk of Xiji Zen Temple, who was in a magnificent palace, sighed and bowed with his hands clasped in respect.

Among the nine sects of the human race, only the Western Great Zen Temple belongs to the Buddhist lineage. Therefore, this sect has always maintained neutrality and does not get too involved in matters outside the mountains.

Thus, with the Xuanhuang Pagoda as its foundation and the Five Elements Thunder Sword as its edge, Lu Cheng overcame all enemies and fiercely advanced to the final stage of this year's Immortal Pool Sword Tournament.

His opponent will be the unfathomable Daoist Yunya of the Shangqing Sect, who possesses countless magical treasures. The Immortal Pool Sword Fight is only for the first place winner; the rankings for second, third, fourth, and fifth place are determined by the high-ranking masters of each sect and the spectators.

"Senior brother, senior brother! There's only one match left, only one match left! This is unprecedented in history! For tens of thousands of years, no disciple of Taiqing has ever won the title of champion of the Immortal Pool."

Lu Cheng descended from the platform on a cloud, and Jin Shayu and An Xiaoyue greeted him. Jin Shayu's eyes shone as he spoke.

(End of this chapter)