Repulsed

Green jade floor tiles reflected the two figures walking. Shifting, iridescent light played inside the tower, giving the sense that space was constantly warping, making one involuntarily tense. But according to Venerable Zhenru, the first level was actually without danger. At this moment, Qin Sang put away the Buddhist seal and was not expelled by the Vajra Stupa Pagoda. Walking, Venerable Zhenru described to Qin Sang the layers of seals within the Vajra Stupa Pagoda and took out some items to hand to him, all treasures helpful in breaking the seals. After careful discussion, they decided Venerable Zhenru would lead the way, with Qin Sang following behind, to first grow familiar with the Vajra Stupa Pagoda and bring out the advantage of dual cultivation of dharma and body. Thus Qin Sang produced the Gray Oriole Sword; the sword hovered in midair, swordlight showering down and surrounding them. Soon they reached the end and saw a Buddha statue. Unlike the solemn, majestic statues in temples, this statue was only of normal human height, its features lifelike, as if carved in imitation of a real monk. The monk wore simple robes, stood on a lotus dais, eyes lowered in kindness, one hand making a gesture of respect, the other grasping a crescent staff topped with nine golden Buddhist beads. Compared with the imposing crescent staff, the monk's body seemed somewhat slight, as if person and weapon were mismatched. Upon approaching the statue, Qin Sang's gaze was immediately drawn to the monk's eyes. Hard to imagine these were carved eyes; at first glance they gave a very kind impression, but upon meeting the statue's gaze, one would find the eyes seemingly containing boundless Buddhist truths, drawing one in deeply. "Real Person, be careful." Venerable Zhenru intoned a Buddha's name. The first time he entered the Vajra Stupa Pagoda, he too had been drawn in by the statue's eyes; fortunately, there were records left by the patriarchs, and he had long been on guard, breaking free in time. If one sank in deeply and could not extricate oneself, one might not lose oneself, but the mind and spirit could be unsettled, requiring a long time to calm — thus returning empty-handed before the tower conquest had even begun. Qin Sang slowly withdrew his gaze, his expression unchanged, imitating Venerable Zhenru by bowing to the statue, then sat cross-legged on a lotus dais before it. The next moment, Qin Sang felt light and shadow shift before his eyes; the statue before him abruptly vanished, replaced by two peerless beauties in sheer clothing, bewitching to the utmost, swaying gracefully as they walked toward them. Every frown and smile was full of charm, their glances amorous, figures graceful, with charms faintly visible as they moved, accompanied by boundless exquisite music, stirring desire — like the legendary Heavenly Demon Music and Dance. Anyone of slightly weaker character, seeing this, would surely rise with lustful thoughts and be unable to restrain themselves. "Real Person, please follow behind this humble monk; if you feel unwell, you may take that spirit pellet..." Venerable Zhenru's voice came, pointing to the jade bottle he had just given Qin Sang. From childhood he had kept company with green lamps and ancient Buddhas, regarding these women as skulls of rouge and powder. However, the power of the Heavenly Demon Music and Dance would grow ever stronger. Moreover, this Heavenly Demon Music and Dance was not comparable to an ordinary illusion; it tugged at the deepest desires in one's heart. By the end, even Real Person Dongxuan, if his nature were insufficient or he were slightly careless, could lose control of his mind and spirit. What the consequences of being lost here were, Venerable Zhenru did not know; the patriarchs of Jingtai Temple through the ages had all been very cautious when exploring the Vajra Stupa Pagoda. Venerable Zhenru did not know that Qin Sang was protected by the jade Buddha; this level of Heavenly Demon Music and Dance could not yet shake his mind and spirit. Qin Sang's mind was clear, but he showed nothing unusual; he said "very well," rose, followed behind Venerable Zhenru, closed his eyes, and stepped in step. Venerable Zhenru pressed his palms together, recited Buddhist scriptures, and walked forward slowly. The two walked through the Heavenly Demon Music and Dance. Licentious sounds entered their ears, stirring the heart-fire; even sealing the five senses could not block them. More and more women emerged from the shadows, the scene growing ever richer, beyond endurance to behold. Some even clung to their bodies, panting softly in coquettish voices, exhaling breath like orchids, the clammy touch as if real. Venerable Zhenru and Qin Sang did not look directly, passing through layer upon layer of illusion, finally stopping before an arched doorway. The door of the archway was transparent, like a door of light — this was the seal of the Stupa Pagoda. The moment they stood before it, the power of the Heavenly Demon Music and Dance suddenly increased severalfold. Venerable Zhenru's gaze slightly narrowed; he slapped a single palm heavily toward the archway, and with a "crack," the door of light shattered in response. The two quickly stepped through the door, and the Heavenly Demon Music and Dance instantly vanished. Venerable Zhenru glanced at Qin Sang, saw that his expression was normal, nodded, and said, "The next level is the Pool of Blood Hell." Qin Sang had already seen blood waves surging from ahead. "Splash!" Bloodwater covering sky and earth surrounded them. The Pool of Blood Hell was one of the eighteen hells in Buddhist scriptures; Jingtai Temple's name for this place was quite vivid. The water of the pool of blood carried a foul, turbid aura. Qin Sang stimulated his true qi, forming an astral shield to protect his body, blocking the bloodwater outside, and saw bloodwater filling all directions, a field of blood color. Next, Qin Sang discovered that although he blocked the bloodwater, that filthy aura could actually penetrate the astral shield and seep into his body. With the accumulation of the filthy aura, not only would flesh, sinews, and bones rot, but his true qi would also be contaminated — very terrifying. Qin Sang also operated the Vajra Heavenly Helmet Seal, but it could only weaken the penetration of the filthy aura, not completely isolate it. "Splash!" The bloodwater around them surged. The bloodwater formed evil ghosts of strange and grotesque shapes, glaring at them with hideous faces, ferociously lunging. Venerable Zhenru took out a staff at some unknown time; it struck repeatedly with cracking sounds, and the evil ghosts exploded into blood mist. Qin Sang also acted in turn, and made another astonishing discovery: each time he slew an evil ghost, he would be stained with a thread of filthy aura. "Ahead are the Ice Hell and the Volcano Hell, with similar evil ghosts. When this humble monk entered the tower alone, upon reaching the end of the Volcano Hell, a great quantity of filthy, icy, and blazing-fire auras had already accumulated within me, clashing with one another; even after entering the sixth level, my remaining strength was insufficient to continue forward..." Venerable Zhenru and Qin Sang walked side by side, slaying ghosts together, while recounting his previous experiences in detail. From the outside, the Vajra Stupa Pagoda had seven levels in all. Inside the tower there were no upper and lower divisions. Venerable Zhenru believed that the space with the statue was the first level, the Heavenly Demon Music and Dance the second level, the three great hells the third, fourth, and fifth levels, and the seal of the sixth level was the final level; if it could be cracked, they could obtain the treasure of the seventh level! But the seal of the final level had barred all high monks of Jingtai Temple from the door. When cracking the seals of the preceding levels, a residual aura would remain; with no opportunity to regulate breathing midway, upon reaching the sixth level their strength would inevitably be greatly diminished; even if they gathered various elixirs and treasures as aid, they could not break open the final level's seal. This time, with Qin Sang's help, the two would share the burden together. Qin Sang tried several treasures and Daoist arts, but none could withstand the invasion of the filthy aura; so he simply drove the Gray Oriole Sword, sword qi like a forest, carving a path through the Pool of Blood Hell. The two sped forward, pierced through the pool of blood, reached the end, and saw an archway just the same. They blasted open the archway; a biting cold wind assailed them head-on, and a layer of white frost instantly covered their bodies. The two advanced against the biting cold wind; the piercing chill constantly invaded their bodies, and despite their cultivation, both had the illusion of being about to freeze stiff. Qin Sang discovered a problem: the seals inside the tower were indeed strong, but after passing three barriers, they had encountered no mortal danger. Rather than saying they were used to block outsiders from breaking the seals, they were more like a test and trial. The high monks of Jingtai Temple through the ages believed the seventh level contained a Buddhist treasure, and this judgment was made for the same reason. Passing through the Ice Hell, the two then entered the sky-burning Volcano Hell. A field of red met their eyes; blazing fire surrounded them, as if formless fire passed through layers of defense to scorch them. Venerable Zhenru took out a piece of warm jade and held it in his mouth — this was a treasure Jingtai Temple had found after searching for many years, able to relieve pressure, and effective even in the Volcano Hell. Qin Sang's eyes flickered. Considering himself quite accomplished in the art of controlling fire, he did nothing else; he sensed the formless fire invading his body and silently operated the fire lotus, only to unexpectedly discover that the formless fire was not suppressed. After pondering for a moment, Qin Sang realized that the blazing fire in the Volcano Hell looked real, but was very likely not true spiritual fire, rather a false thing evolved from some special formation restriction. Even he and the Heavenly Eye Butterfly could not distinguish real from false; Qin Sang clicked his tongue in wonder, also exclaiming at the superb artistry. Countless evil spirits formed of fire rushed toward them in a scramble; the two carved a bloody path through fire and reached the seal. Sword and staff issued together; they shattered the seal and stepped into the sixth level! Qin Sang sensed the chaotic auras within his body; the filthy, icy, and blazing-fire auras intersected, and he had to suppress them at all times — in a short time he absolutely could not dispel them. Venerable Zhenru also sensed himself; his state was indeed much better than before, and he was overjoyed, saying, "This is the Eighteen Bronze Men Array! Our temple's patriarchs at most shattered three of them." The sixth level had no illusions; what greeted them were eighteen monks cast of bronze. The bronze monks seemed like living beings; they bowed to the two. Next, the eighteen bronze monks blurred, instantly formed an array, and raised the bronze clubs in their hands to attack them. "Swish swish swish..." An evil wind assailed them. In an instant, figures flickered around the two; they were already surrounded by the eighteen bronze monks. The eighteen bronze monks encircled them, moving swiftly. The next moment, eighteen bronze clubs appeared together above their heads, smashing down with terrifying momentum. "Amitabha." Venerable Zhenru chanted softly, raised his right palm above his head; the palm swelled enormously and transformed into jade. "Boom!" The sky-supporting giant palm met the bronze clubs head-on. He was not fighting alone; Qin Sang acted simultaneously, the Turning Altar Seal almost contacting the eighteen bronze clubs at the same time as the giant palm. One rigid, one soft — two completely different powers, cooperating with extraordinary tacit understanding; they not only drove back the bronze clubs, but under their deliberate control, the formation of the Eighteen Bronze Men Array was also affected. The next moment, Venerable Zhenru unleashed some unknown art; Buddhist light flowed through his whole body, erupted from the crown of his head, and in an instant transformed into a sky-supporting giant pillar. The giant pillar tilted to one side with terrifying momentum; some bronze monks had to raise their clubs to block. At this moment, cold light flashed in Qin Sang's eyes; suddenly a sword cry rang out, the Gray Oriole Sword appearing above one bronze monk, along with seven shadowy forms of his sword po. "Seven Po Killing Array!" "Whoosh!" Swordlight like lightning. The bronze monk could not avoid it; in the crisis, Buddhist light appeared on its body, and other bronze monks actually appeared around it out of thin air. Unfortunately the swordlight was too fast; before the bronze monk's formation could recover, it had already slashed down. "Dong!" The sound of a bronze bell resounded through the space; the bronze monk split into pieces, fragments of bronze scattered across the ground, and the other bronze monks couldn't help but pause. Venerable Zhenru showed surprise and joy; surprised by the power of the Seven Po Killing Array, and delighted that a bronze monk had been slain so quickly — something never before seen. "Fine swordsmanship!" Venerable Zhenru loudly cheered, clad in golden armor at some unknown time, rushing toward the other bronze monks like a bolt of thunder. They had seized the initiative; slaying one bronze monk meant many formation changes of the Eighteen Bronze Men Array could not be deployed, but the array had not weakened much; apparently because of the death of their companion, the bronze monks flew into a rage, their strength thus growing. However, without a tight battle formation, trying to restrict Qin Sang further was futile. Venerable Zhenru fully restrained the bronze monk array; Qin Sang patiently waited for an opportunity, each sword strike killing a bronze monk. With the passage of time, the number of bronze monks grew ever fewer. Ten, nine, eight... The bronze monks, fallen into violent rage, were individually stronger, but could not prevent the outcome of destruction. Just as the two were overjoyed and beginning to anticipate the Buddhist treasure in the tower, a sudden anomaly occurred. The remaining six bronze monks roared to the sky, suddenly hurling the bronze clubs in their hands toward the sky. "Bang!" The bronze clubs struck each other, bursting forth a mass of dazzling golden light. The six monks leaped up, merging themselves into the golden light; upon approaching the light, they seemed roasted to melting by the great sun, their bodies twisted, grotesque in form. "Boom!" Golden sun shone everywhere, golden light blazing fiercely. Qin Sang and Venerable Zhenru both changed color; they felt the terror of the golden light, as if it could melt everything. Golden light illuminated the space; Qin Sang's pale-gold skin turned golden, with the illusion that his flesh and bones were about to dissolve. Golden light was everywhere; the true treasure fragments were of no use at all. The Heavenly Eye Butterfly secretly deployed the Separation and Union Divine Light, but could only temporarily alleviate. More terrifying was that the dead bronze monks also melted one after another, merging into the golden sun; the power of the golden light continued to grow stronger. Qin Sang had not yet summoned the astral fire barrier, but Venerable Zhenru, barely holding on, could no longer persist. Moreover, Qin Sang estimated that when the golden light reached its extremity, summoning the astral fire barrier would also be of no use. He felt a deadly threat! "Retreat quickly!" Qin Sang shouted loudly; Venerable Zhenru's eyes were full of unwillingness, but he could only retreat in defeat. The moment they exited the archway, they appeared outside the Vajra Stupa Pagoda. The Buddhist treasure was within reach; no one expected such an anomaly; Venerable Zhenru sighed long, unable to help feeling discouraged — with their cultivation, it was absolutely impossible to resist the golden light. Qin Sang had been silent in thought all along; finally he proposed resting and recuperating before attempting again. One month later. The two entered the Vajra Stupa Pagoda again, but still fell beneath the golden light. "Within a short time, you and I cannot pass this barrier," Qin Sang stated firmly. Venerable Zhenru said in a deep voice: "Forgive this humble monk's presumption; may I ask Real Person to trade the 'Seven Master Buddha Seals' to our temple? This humble monk will certainly do his best to satisfy Real Person's requests." Qin Sang guessed that Venerable Zhenru surely wanted to use this Buddhist seal to hire a helper of higher cultivation. Even just the Seven Master Buddha Seals would be one thing; Qin Sang suspected it might be the dismantled Great Diamond Wheel Seal — how could it be allowed to leak out easily? In fact, he had not gone all out. Although the Vermilion Bird's spirit had not awakened, he could still barely drive the nine divine birds of the Sun God Tree. But their purpose was to seek treasure, not to kill enemies; the sixth level's space was not large, and if the nine birds collided with the golden sun, they would have nowhere to dodge. Moreover, one cannot be without precautions against others; he could not exert his full strength here. Qin Sang said after pondering: "Venerable, to speak plainly, this Daoist's Buddhist seal is not yet perfected; moreover, I feel that this seal has a special resistance to the golden light. Would Venerable be willing to wait a while longer?" If his feeling was not mistaken, once the seven seals merged, there would be a chance to resist the golden light and break open the final seal.