This humble Taoist priest, Qianhe, begins his quest for immortality by slaying demons and monsters.

Having not heard her sister agree with her for a long time, Xiaoqing's resentment deepened.

As he turned from the yard into the house, about to continue complaining, he saw that his older sister looked dejected.

Bai Suzhen appeared exhausted, lacking her usual radiance and showing signs of significant weakness.

Xiaoqing felt so sorry for them.

"Sister, don't overthink it. Although Zhong Bai, that stinky Taoist priest, is annoying, Xiaoqing thinks there's some truth to what he said."

Xu Xian is just a mortal; it's unlikely you two will find happiness together..."

After Xiaoqing finished speaking, Bai Suzhen, who had been in a daze, suddenly looked up at her, and Xiaoqing, who had wanted to mutter a few more words, immediately chose to shut up.

"I'm sorry, sister..."

Taking a deep breath, Bai Suzhen shook her head.

“Xiaoqing, I’m not blaming you. Actually, what you said is not wrong. I’ve been too attached to some things. I want to repay Mr. Xu’s kindness, but no one knows what he’s thinking. Perhaps, as Master Zhongbai said, he just wants a peaceful and smooth life.”

"My sister will find out the truth about this..."

After saying that, Bai Suzhen exhaled a breath of stale air and remained silent.

Upon hearing this, Xiaoqing knew that her older sister had already made a decision, so she simply stopped pressing the issue.

......................................................

In the city of Suzhou and Hangzhou.

Inside the inn.

Zhong Bai sat cross-legged. It had been a full half month since he met Bai Suzhen and her sister.

For Zhong Bai, the past two weeks have been spent sweeping away evil spirits and demons. It can be said that nearly half of the evil spirits and demons in the vicinity of Suzhou and Hangzhou have been killed by Zhong Bai.

What remains are those who are not burdened by karma, like Bai Suzhen.

These are not enough to warrant a complete extermination...

"Sigh, it's so hard to collect demon-slaying points!"

Zhong Bai couldn't help but complain. After the Demon Extermination Panel was upgraded, it became much more difficult for Zhong Bai to obtain Demon Extermination Points. Generally, demons and evil spirits below the Nascent Soul stage were not counted, and only those above the Nascent Soul stage could obtain Demon Extermination Points.

As the saying goes, fortune and misfortune are intertwined. Although Zhong Bai felt that it was more difficult to obtain demon-slaying points than before, he was no longer tired as soon as he thought that he could cultivate the first level of the Eight-Nine Arcane Arts once he collected a thousand demon-slaying points.

It's impossible for all good things to happen to you, and Zhong Bai accepted this outcome with equanimity.

"The area around Suzhou and Hangzhou has been thoroughly searched, but I wonder if there's any chance in the Buddhist territory..."

Zhong Bai's gaze turned cold. Dongsheng Shenzhou was still a conflict zone between Buddhism and Taoism, with both sides scheming against each other. Although Zhong Bai did not want to get involved, as a Taoist disciple, he was naturally on the opposite side of Buddhism.

Since there are no evil spirits entrenched in the Taoist territory of Suzhou and Hangzhou, let's take a look at the Buddhist territory.

Without hesitation, Zhong Bai acted immediately, transforming into a streak of light and disappearing from the spot.

Jinshan Temple.

An uninvited guest arrived at a renowned Buddhist temple in the mortal realm, not just any ordinary person, but Zhong Bai.

From the moment Zhong Bai made up his mind to investigate the Buddhist-controlled area, he actually discovered some clues. The number of demons and evil spirits entrenched in the Buddhist territory was not small, and many of them were burdened with karma. However, it seemed that as long as one said "May Buddha have mercy," these demons and evil spirits could be converted.

Zhong Bai came to Jinshan Temple to see how powerful Buddhism was. If it was feasible, he would take action to kill some demons and evil spirits.

Of course, there was another thing: Zhong Bai wanted to meet Fahai from Jinshan Temple...

Zhong Bai arrived at noon, dressed in a purple Bagua robe, wearing a purple-gold crown, carrying a spirit sword, and with a smile on his face.

Although the monks at Jinshan Temple rarely see Taoist priests, it doesn't mean they can't recognize them.

Soon, news of Zhong Bai's visit reached the ears of Fahai, the current abbot of Jinshan Temple.

Standing in front of the main hall, watching people continuously offer incense and pray for blessings, Zhong Bai had no interest in actually worshipping Buddha. Instead, he waited. Originally somewhat bored, Zhong Bai couldn't help but sigh slightly after seeing the people spending money to light lamps and pray for blessings.

Zhong Bai firmly believes that the world is a giant makeshift operation.

Let alone whether those high and mighty Buddhas and Bodhisattvas can hear the prayers of these people, even if they could, what could they do?

Even the Buddhist community wouldn't bother with something if there were no benefit involved, after all, Buddha guides those with affinity...

What is a destined person? Someone like Bai Suzhen, who has the talent to become an immortal, is a destined person; someone who is even slightly less talented, like Xiaoqing, is not.

That's why Zhong Bai felt it was completely unnecessary to come and offer incense and pray for blessings. The incense offerings to all the gods and Buddhas were eaten clean, and in Zhong Bai's view, doing one or two things a year would be enough to silence the doubts of the people.

If even one out of ten thousand people who offer incense and pray for blessings has their wish fulfilled, the reputation of these gods and Buddhas can be preserved, and the incense offerings can continue indefinitely.

Of course, Zhong Bai could only complain, but he couldn't say it out loud. It wasn't worth it for him to try and take advantage of Buddhism without absolute certainty.

"Amitabha!"

Just as Zhong Bai was engrossed in watching, a Buddhist chant rang in his ears.

Zhong Bai withdrew his observational gaze and looked towards the source of the sound, where he saw an old monk in a golden kasaya slowly approaching him.

The two looked at each other, each trying to read the other's mind from their eyes.

Unfortunately, they were all old foxes, and there wasn't a single flaw in their defenses.

"I am Zhong Bai, a disciple of Maoshan. I have long heard of the Venerable Master Fahai of Jinshan Temple, whose Buddhist teachings are boundless. I am quite curious, so I have come uninvited. I hope Venerable Master Fahai will not be offended?"

Zhong Bai finished speaking with a smile, but Fahai remained completely unmoved. In terms of his state of mind, Zhong Bai felt that the Buddhist disciples were indeed quite remarkable.

"Amitabha! It turns out to be a fellow Daoist from Maoshan. This old monk greets you!"

"Haha, you're too kind, Master."

Zhong Bai didn't mince words and directly stated the purpose of his visit.

"I don't want to hide it from you, Master. I've heard that all the evil spirits near Suzhou and Hangzhou have been captured and imprisoned under Leifeng Pagoda, where they are being reformed day and night."

I am very curious. May I ask if the master would allow me to go into Leifeng Pagoda and see what the demons and evil spirits look like?

By the way, I think I also have a way to reform demons and evil spirits, but as a monk, I am reluctant to do so, and it is too difficult to reform those who are vicious and wicked.

"How about I, a humble Taoist priest, help the master?"

Zhong Bai's smile never stopped as he said these words.

However, the monk Fahai wasn't so foolish as to believe Zhong Bai's evasive words.

“Amitabha, then there’s no need. Heaven cherishes life. These demons and evil spirits have been suppressed by Leifeng Pagoda for hundreds or thousands of years. I suppose their resentment has largely dissipated. There’s no need to trouble you, Daoist.”

Zhong Bai shook his head, the smile on his face disappearing.

"What if I insist on going into Leifeng Pagoda?"

The moment these words were spoken, the atmosphere became tense. Zhong Bai looked at Fahai, and the two of them had already begun to clash.

At the height of the tension, Zhong Bai smiled faintly again.

"Master, are you unwilling?"

By the way, I've heard a little story. I heard that several hundred years ago, a high-ranking Buddhist monk was almost ready to become an Arhat and ascend to Mount Sumeru after swallowing a few pills.

However, a white snake beat him to it and swallowed the elixir. Afterwards, the monk became bloodthirsty, choosing to kill or imprison any demons or evil spirits.

Before Zhong Bai could continue, Fahai clearly didn't want his past exposed.

"Everyone knows this, and I have already let it go. Fellow Daoist's tricks have failed."

Zhong Bai shook his head; he didn't believe a word Fahai said. "How about we make a deal?"
"I'll trade information about the white snake for a chance to enter Leifeng Pagoda!"

The true intentions were revealed when the truth was finally revealed; this was Zhong Bai's sole purpose!

In an instant, upon hearing the words "little white snake," the murderous flames in Fahai's eyes intensified.

"You really knew?"

"Hahaha, that's taking a bath!"

"Okay, deal!"

"Happy cooperation!"

Zhong Bai laughed, saying that searching for demons and evil spirits all over the country was definitely not as good as going to their door and robbing them directly.

Who knows how many demon-slaying points Zhong Bai will get under Leifeng Pagoda? Anyway, he won't lose out. Let Fahai, Xu Xian, and Bai Suzhen play their love triangle game. Zhong Bai thinks as long as they don't overstep their bounds and affect the people, it's fine.

After many twists and turns, Zhong Bai and Fahai arrived at a towering stone tower.

The words "Leifeng Pagoda" are inscribed on it.

"Leifeng Pagoda is a magical artifact in Buddhism that has reached the level of a post-natal spiritual treasure for suppressing immortals."

The abbots of Jinshan Temple throughout the ages have filled the tower with the demons and evil spirits they have captured, making it no less impressive than the Demon-Locking Tower of Shushan.

I have no idea how many demons and evil spirits are hidden within.

If the Taoist priest leaves now, he might still be safe and sound, but once he enters…

First of all, I have no idea what the situation is like inside Leifeng Pagoda. If you die there, don't blame me!

Even now, Fahai has not given up trying to persuade Zhong Bai not to enter Leifeng Pagoda, but Zhong Bai has already made up his mind, so how can he back down?
"Hahaha, that's not necessary!"
"This humble Taoist priest is departing!"

Fahai's face darkened.

However, they didn't fall out in the end. Instead, Zhong Bai was allowed to enter Leifeng Pagoda at will.

From the moment Zhong Bai entered, piercing screams echoed continuously.

Fahai wanted to back out halfway, but as long as he thought that the White Snake who stole his elixir was still alive and well in the human world, he held back.

Unlike the calm outside Leifeng Pagoda, Zhong Bai began to kill indiscriminately after entering the pagoda.

Leifeng Pagoda has nine stories.

Zhong Bai accepted all comers, and the first level was basically filled with demons at the Nascent Soul stage.

In the blink of an eye, as Zhong Bai's entire body's energy and blood transformed into Samadhi True Fire, these Nascent Soul realm demons instantly turned to ashes.

First floor...

Second floor……

Zhong Bai showed no politeness whatsoever, essentially using the things that Jinshan Temple had guarded for thousands of years as his own demon-slaying point.

Time passes bit by bit...

Three days and three nights had passed when Zhong Bai emerged from Leifeng Pagoda.

Covered in demonic blood...

However, Zhong Bai didn't care much. He had gotten what he wanted, and now it was time to fulfill his promise.

Fahai has been sitting here cross-legged for the past few days and has not left.

Zhong Bai didn't care what Fahai, who was sitting cross-legged, was thinking, and started talking to himself.

"While it's far away, it's right here in front of you. That white snake, accompanied by a green snake, is right here in Suzhou and Hangzhou. If you intend to kill it, Master, you must be mindful of the lives of the common people. After all, you are a merciful Buddha!"

After saying that, Zhong Bai left without looking back.

Only a feeling of revenge gradually ignited in Fahai's eyes.

"Suzhou and Hangzhou, the White Snake Demon!"

After uttering those cold words, Fahai vanished from the spot.

Meanwhile, Zhong Bai, back at the inn in Suzhou and Hangzhou, was sorting through his gains.

Zhong Bai had a blast fighting his way through Leifeng Pagoda, but there's one thing to note: Leifeng Pagoda is no ordinary place. Towards the end, Zhong Bai even sensed the same aura as the patriarch Jinghong—a rogue immortal, or perhaps a human immortal!

Since he had already collected quite a few demon-slaying points, Zhong Bai simply stopped and left.

As for whether the deal with Fahai will affect Bai Suzhen and Xiaoqing?

Zhong Bai said this had nothing to do with him; it was just a dog-eat-dog situation. Zhong Bai couldn't wait to see Fahai clash with Bai Suzhen right now. Didn't the Buddhist sect always plot things? Fighting each other to the death? Zhong Bai really wanted to see how things would develop.

However, Zhong Bai's most pressing task right now is to focus on the Eight-Nine Arcane Arts.

Looking at his demon-slaying panel, Zhong Bai's lips curled into a bright smile.

Current Demon Extermination Points: 1108

After killing in Leifeng Pagoda for three days and three nights, Zhong Bai finally managed to collect the demon-slaying points needed for the first level of the Eight-Nine Arcane Arts.

Sitting cross-legged in the sky.

Zhong Bai took a deep breath; it was time to experience the wonders of the Eight-Nine Arcane Arts!
"Add some points to the Eight-Nine Arcane Arts!"

As soon as Zhong Bai had a thought, 1000 Demon Extermination Points were deducted, and then a powerful aura burst forth from Zhong Bai's body.

In a mere instant, Zhong Bai's understanding of the Eight-Nine Arcane Arts was like a sudden enlightenment, gradually mastering its contents. At the same time, his aura continued to rise, and in less than an hour, Zhong Bai's aura exceeded the limit of the Nascent Soul Realm.

Boom!
Dark clouds are gradually gathering in the sky.

An immense pressure is quietly descending upon the cities of Suzhou and Hangzhou.

Zhong Bai looked up, appreciating the wonders of the Eight-Nine Arcane Arts, and at the same time, he realized that his tribulation to become a human immortal was about to begin.

............................................................

In the city of Suzhou and Hangzhou, Bai Suzhen emerged from her house in a state of fear. Looking up at the dark clouds filling the sky above, a natural sense of dread welled up within her.

This is the demon race's own fear of heavenly lightning.

"Whose tribulation to become an immortal is this?"

Bai Suzhen was somewhat curious, but due to her fear of the lightning tribulation, she ultimately did not choose to enter the sky to find out.

Instead, he stood silently in the courtyard, watching the lightning about to strike.

Jinshan Temple.

Zhong Bai's tribulation was naturally within Fahai's consciousness, but Fahai did not feel dissatisfied.

But I felt a pang of sadness in my heart...

Hundreds of years ago, Fahai was already at the peak of the Nascent Soul Realm. Over the years, he still hasn't crossed the threshold of becoming a Human Immortal.

There's nothing I can do, the inner demons are still there...

Fahai was even more determined to eradicate his inner demons and kill the White Snake after Zhong Bai, who had just made a deal with him, had already faced the tribulation of becoming a human immortal.

As the saying goes, "A storm is brewing, and the mountains are full of signs of coming," Bai Suzhen, unaware of everything, is still dreaming of her future as an immortal. Little does she know that she has already been targeted by Fahai, who will descend the mountain to eliminate her inner demons once Zhong Bai completes his tribulation! (End of Chapter)