Fairy, please don't do this!

The reason for such overwhelming success was that Gu Jinzhao not only combined the cultivation of both the Divine and Martial Paths in this sword strike, but also accumulated the [Sword Nurturing Technique] over an unknown period of time.

From exorcising the fire poison for Yue'e, to helping Si Ruoyu refine the [Red Phoenix Passion Seal], and then to absorbing Miao Tan's Emptiness Zen just now.

This rage skill has been charged to its limit; if it is not released soon, it may suffer a backlash.

This is why Gu Jinzhao said directly that the outcome would be decided with a single sword strike.

"Immovable by all laws, and unshaken by any thoughts!"

The Zen master clasped his hands together, and his whole body shone with a great light of Buddha.

The two forms that had been broken behind him suddenly vanished, merging with himself and transforming into a layer of lapis lazuli gold body that flowed with the Zen concepts of compassion and Vajra.

This is none other than Immovable Zen!

At that very moment, Gu Jinchao's sword tip touched the glassy golden body.

Ding--!

A sound like gold and jade clashing rang out.

The shimmering golden body seemed to block the sword's momentum.

"Even the Immovable Zen Master cannot withstand this sword strike!"

Gu Jinzhao's hands, gripping the sword, had veins bulging on the backs of his hands like dragons, and a fierce and incomparably powerful sword intent suddenly surged out, illuminating the night.

Click—click—

In an instant, spiderweb-like cracks appeared on the glass-gold body.

Zen Master let out a muffled groan, his body involuntarily taking a step back.

With each step back, a shallow crater would be blasted open in the hard ground beneath their feet!

As he approached the gates of the Jinglan Hall, the Buddhist light surrounding him flickered rapidly. His perfect state of mind, characterized by "Immovable Zen," was finally shattered by the sword intent superimposed with the "Sword Nurturing Technique."

Zenzi's face suddenly turned pale, and he spat out a mouthful of blood.

Just as he was about to be pierced through by a sword, a large hand landed on his shoulder, neutralizing the sword intent.

The Zen Master raised his eyes and looked at the tall figure in the square, saying calmly, "In this battle, Benefactor Gu wins!"

Gu Jinzhao bowed respectfully and said, "You flatter me!"

Chapter 228, Xiao Qingyi: Gu Qing, stay here and come up for a shoulder massage! (3K)

The Buddhist nun and the Zen disciple suffered repeated defeats, and Gu Jinchao's brilliance today has overshadowed the entire audience, with no one able to surpass him.

The faces of Emperor Yongxing's faction were ashen, especially Emperor Yongxing's gaze as he looked at Gu Jinzhao, which grew increasingly cold.

As planned, the Zen Master used the birthday celebration as an excuse to bring up the theories of Buddhism and Taoism, first inviting the Taoist Master to join the discussion.

Buddhism and Taoism are inherently incompatible, and in the end, they will inevitably turn from words to physical conflict.

At this moment, if the Zen Master, who has stepped into the half-step super grade, defeats him with thunderous force and seizes the initiative, he can demonstrate the majesty of the Zen realm and suppress the Daoist sect.

Then, riding this momentum, he forced Xiao Qingyi to personally intervene and defeat him, thus intimidating the Empress Dowager's faction.

In this way, he could take advantage of the opportunity to promote Buddhism, gradually seize the position of the state religion of the Dao realm, and finally help himself to take back the power of the court from the Empress Dowager.

The plan was flawless, but everything was disrupted by Gu Jinzhao's appearance.

First, he refuted the doctrines of Buddhism and Taoism through his words and actions, then defeated Buddhist nuns and Zen disciples, causing the situation to suddenly reverse.

Even so, there is still room for maneuver.

As long as the Zen Master makes a move, he can overwhelm the Dao Master and the Empress Dowager with his absolute strength and forcefully turn the tide.

Thinking of this, Emperor Yongxing looked at the Zen Master!

As he expected, the Zen Master stepped forward, clasped his hands together, and said, "Amitabha! The Daoist Master governs the Dao Realm, and his Daoist arts are profound and mysterious. The Empress Dowager is a peerless beauty, and her martial arts are unparalleled!"

"This humble monk dares to invite both of you to discuss the Dao at the same time, to add luster to this prosperous age!"

These words caused an uproar in the audience.

'Could the rumors be true? Has the Zen Master already reached the half-step transcendent realm?'

Suddenly, something occurred to everyone, and their eyes narrowed!

Only someone at the half-step super-grade level could have such confidence to challenge two supreme beings who stand at the pinnacle of both the divine and martial arts paths.

Upon hearing this, the Daoist Master narrowed his eyes slightly: "Since the Zen Master has such an elegant interest, how can this humble Daoist refuse?"

Xiao Qingyi slowly rose from her phoenix throne: "I also wish to experience the boundless Buddhist teachings of the Zen Master!"

With a flick of his robe, the Zen Master tore open a dark rift in the space before him, as if it were a piece of silk.

It is not empty inside; one can vaguely see the shadows of mountains and rivers, and the sun and moon revolve around it, clearly indicating that it is a small world!

Without uttering a word, the Zen Master stepped into the dark crevice.

Dao Zun and Xiao Qingyi exchanged a glance, took a step forward, and their figures appeared in front of the crack as if by teleportation, calmly stepping into it.

The atmosphere in front of Jinglan Hall became solemn.

Everyone knows that the outcome of this battle will affect the future direction of the entire Cangyue Dynasty.

Gu Jinzhao wasn't worried about Xiao Qingyi.

After all, why would this woman agree so easily if she wasn't confident?

Mu Yiren appeared beside him without his noticing and asked softly, "Gu Lang, could you tell me how you defeated the Buddhist nun just now?"

After the two of them came out of the Crystal Realm, she noticed that something was wrong.

Miao Tan, in particular, had rosy cheeks, dreamy eyes, and a hint of allure in her brows and eyes.

This posture suggests that she has just experienced a passionate lovemaking session.

Although Mu Yiren felt that there was no way Gu Jinzhao and the Buddhist nun Miaotan could have anything going on, she still felt an inexplicable restlessness and wanted to find out the truth.

Xiao Ai was indeed naturally suspicious… Gu Jinzhao’s heart tightened slightly, but his face remained calm as he slowly explained, “After my soul was absorbed into the Glazed Void Realm…”

He will recount the confrontation inside in detail.

Of course, he only mentioned how he defeated Miaotan, without revealing the subsequent events of being bound by a red ribbon and their souls merging.

Gu Jinzhao rubbed his temples, looking somewhat tired, and said, "That Glazed Void Realm is indeed powerful, directly targeting human desires and creating a multitude of illusions."

"If it weren't for my feelings for Yiren that kept my mind clear, I probably would have already succumbed to it."

Upon hearing this, Mu Yiren's cheeks flushed slightly, but her doubts remained: "Then how did you finally break through the Glazed Void Realm?"

Gu Jinzhao gazed at her with deep affection: "Using love as the sword and the two paths of divine martial arts as the blade, I broke through the prison formed by the seven emotions and six desires."

"As a result, Miao Tan suffered a backlash, becoming troubled by the seven emotions and six desires, which is why she revealed her weakness..."

He knew perfectly well that Mu Yiren had noticed Miao Tan's alluring and seductive demeanor and sensed something was amiss, which was why she had asked.

With just a reasonable excuse and some sweet words, one can dispel the doubts in a young heart.

"I see!"

As he expected, Mu Yiren pondered for a moment, but found no flaws, so she didn't ask any more questions.

Gu Jinzhao changed the subject, saying, "After a series of battles, I have found an opportunity for a breakthrough. I would like to trouble Sister Yiren to protect me!"

Mu Yiren nodded gently: "Gu Lang, break through as you wish, I will protect you!"

Gu Jinzhao immediately sat cross-legged, closed his eyes, and began to break through to the next realm!

His divine realm had been stuck at the early stage of the sixth rank for a long time, and today, with the help of the Buddhist nun and Zen disciple, he just happened to touch the barrier.

On the other side, Miao Tan also sat cross-legged, calming her chaotic thoughts.

In her mind, the scene of being wantonly humiliated by Gu Jinzhao would sometimes appear, and at other times, her other side, with her seductive eyes and spring-like gaze, would appear.

I don't know how much time has passed!

Gu Jinzhao slowly opened his eyes and exhaled a long breath.

Mu Yiren asked, "Have you broken through?"

"Mid-stage of the sixth rank of the Divine Path!"

Gu Jinzhao smiled and said, "I'll be able to catch up with Sister Yiren soon."

Mu Yiren is currently at the sixth-grade perfection level. If he increases his speed slightly and sacrifices a few more evil cultivators, he will be able to catch up quickly.

Without a doubt, his armor-layering plan was successful.

Mu Yiren's lips curled into a faint smile: "I'm already at the fifth rank!"

It turns out that smiles don't disappear, they just move on!

Gu Jinzhao stiffly raised his head: "When did you break through?"

Mu Yiren looked resentful: "Gu Lang has been busy these days, and I've been left alone in my empty room. I can only find solace in cultivation to alleviate my sense of loss."

Gu Jinzhao's lips twitched slightly!

So, this breakthrough was because he neglected her?

However, if he spends every day being affectionate with Mu Yiren, Xiao Ai will be nourished by love, and her cultivation will surely progress by leaps and bounds.

From this perspective, no matter what he does, his opponent will break through!

Sure enough, he, the male protagonist who was abandoned by the system, was no match for the female protagonist at all.

hum-

At this moment, ripples appeared in the void, and it was torn open once again.

The figures of Zen Master, Daoist Master, and Xiao Qingyi slowly appeared.

Xiao Qingyi was dressed in a phoenix robe, her demeanor still elegant and noble, though her aura was slightly weak.

The Taoist Master's robe was slightly torn, and his face was a little pale.

But the Zen master, who always seemed detached and aloof, as if looking down upon all living beings, had a slightly dim gaze.

He slowly raised his eyelids, remained silent for a full three breaths, then clasped his hands together and sighed, "Amitabha!"

"The Daoist Master's Dao follows the natural way, endlessly generating life. This humble monk has learned much from you!"

Then, his gaze turned to Xiao Qingyi: "Your Majesty the Empress Dowager's martial arts cultivation has advanced to such a high level, with both inner and outer aspects in perfect harmony, almost without any flaws. This humble monk is truly amazed."

After saying this, he led the Buddhist monks and nuns away from the palace.

Emperor Yongxing's face turned extremely ugly!

The same was true of the officials standing behind him!

The winner and loser are self-evident!

In his view, the Zen Master had already stepped into the half-step transcendent realm, and even if he faced Xiao Qingyi and the Dao Master at the same time, the worst outcome would be a draw.

But now, they've lost!

Xiao Qingyi's gaze swept across the entire room, finally lingering on Emperor Yongxing's lowered face for a moment. Her red lips curved into a captivating smile: "I am very pleased with the congratulatory gift His Majesty has presented today!"

"May your lifespan continue..."

Murder and kill!

These four words came to mind for everyone in the room.

What congratulatory gift did His Majesty send?

It's not the "Longevity Painting" used to celebrate a birthday, but rather the birthday celebration of the Zen Master tonight.

But the result was obvious: not only did they not gain any advantage, they were also repeatedly humiliated!

……

One hour later!

The Daoist Master slowly rose and bowed to the Phoenix Throne, saying, "Your Majesty, I have suffered some exhaustion from discussing the Dao today, so I will take my leave now."

"Daoist Master, please wait!"

Xiao Qingyi nodded slightly.

Dao Zun said no more, turned around and left the palace with Mu Yiren.