Lu Yuan's voice rang out, firm as ever.
He remained just as resolute and unyielding. Even though the scales had tipped once again, leaving him at a severe disadvantage, his expression did not shift in the slightest.
It was as though everything remained well within his grasp—a testament to his absolute self-confidence. This unflinching composure directly unsettled the Ji Clan Divine Son and the Eternal Divine Son. From the very beginning until now, including during their previous projection encounters, he had never once panicked, as if nothing in the universe could faze him.
The two divine sons asked themselves whether they could have maintained such calm had they been in his shoes. They truly could not have done the same. Could this be where they fell short of him?
Impossible. How proud were the two divine sons? How could they ever admit to such a thing?
The Ji Clan Divine Son immediately turned his head and spoke, "Present Buddhist Son, remember our agreement. Lu Yuan may live, but no matter what, he must never be allowed to interfere with us again in the future."
"Naturally. This humble monk has come only to guide Benefactor Lu out of the sea of suffering and into the Buddhist fold," the Present Buddhist Son replied in an even tone, as though everything was firmly under his control. "And the Buddhist path has always valued non-contention. Therefore, you two need not worry."
Indeed, he had not come to slay Lu Yuan. That was never the objective of the Present Buddha's lineage. Lu Yuan was of great importance to the Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Just as Xuan Ci had sought to induct Lu Yuan into Buddhism before, their purpose was the same, differing only in the method they now employed.
The Eternal Divine Son offered no words, choosing instead to strike immediately. Jiang Huanyun was currently pinned down, but that would not last long; the man was simply too formidable. Even against two fellow Grotto-Heaven Immortals, if a true life-and-death struggle erupted, Jiang Huanyun still possessed the strength to turn the tables. Should that happen, their hopes of dealing with Lu Yuan would be utterly dashed.
Beside him, the Ji Clan Divine Son attacked at the same time.
Even though both divine sons had sustained injuries earlier, they were, after all, among the universe's preeminent chosen prides; minor wounds could hardly diminish their combat prowess.
"Amitabha." At that moment, the Present Buddhist Son spoke as well, bringing his palms together. Behind him, the eighteen Buddhist venerables sat cross-legged on the ground and began chanting Buddhist scriptures. Surges of tremendous power began pouring from their bodies into the Present Buddhist Son.
Sensing the transformation within him, the Present Buddhist Son looked toward Lu Yuan. "Benefactor Lu, pardon my offense."
The moment the words left his mouth, he struck. His form shifted, and his entire body took on a dazzling golden sheen.
This was one of Buddhism's supreme supernatural powers: the Sixteen-Foot Golden Body. Legend had it that in this state, one's physique became indestructible, capable of obliterating stars with a single gesture.
"Very well," Lu Yuan said, uttering merely two words.
He took a step forward, and the Ancestral Dragon Breathing Method automatically surged into motion. Grotto-heavens manifested one after another, bestowing immense combat power upon him. Simultaneously, a vast expanse of starlight and galaxies unfurled behind him for reasons unknown.
At this moment, Lu Yuan had not only engaged his breathing method, but had even brought his visualization method to bear, essentially unleashing every ounce of his power. Bearing grotto-heavens upon his shoulders and crowned by a boundless river of stars, he looked like a true god.
*Boom!* An instant later, the four figures collided head-on.
A terrifying shockwave rippled out, as if threatening to tear heaven and earth apart. Lu Yuan clashed directly with the two divine sons and the Buddhist son.
At their realm of cultivation, ordinary supernatural abilities were largely useless; victory relied almost entirely on the suppression of pure, overwhelming power.
*Rumble!*
Bolts of thunder flashed across the sky. The battle between the four was truly horrific. Even within the bounds of Mount Tai, the clash set the mountains and rivers shuddering. The earth below cracked open, teetering on the verge of collapse.
Yet at that moment, intricate patterns lit up across the ruins of the Heavenly Palace on Jade Emperor Peak. Left behind by an unknown hand, they temporarily shielded the surrounding territory for ten thousand li.
With the appearance of these divine patterns, the battle among the four finally ceased to cause further devastation to the land.
Jiang Ningxian and the Heavenly Court members were astonished by this sight. They had known Mount Tai was extraordinary, but they had never imagined that the ruined Heavenly Palace would possess such a marvelous ward. Still, this was fortunate; otherwise, there was no telling what catastrophe the clash of these four titans might have wrought.
"Lu Yuan is truly terrifying, facing three divine son-level figures all on his own!"
"And one of them is the Present Buddhist Son. This is utterly monstrous."
"Who knows what the final outcome will be..."
The onlookers spectating the battle were shocked to the extreme. Lu Yuan's display of might was simply so staggering that it defied their imagination. Without a doubt, if this man continued to grow, he would inevitably become a supreme sovereign capable of reshaping the entire cosmos. The rise of the Milky Way Star Sector and the Heavenly Court would be irresistible. Now, not a trace of contempt remained in their eyes—only reverence, the profound reverence owed to the truly strong.
*Rumble!*
The battle raged on, violent waves of energy continuously radiating outward. Cracks splintered across the sky as void fissures opened and closed. From the very outset, the four-way battle had escalated into a white-hot clash, with virtually no one holding back.
Among them, the most extraordinary sight was the Present Buddhist Son. Treading upon golden lotuses with his body gleaming like burnished gold, he resembled an enlightened Buddha. Buddhist scriptures poured steadily from his lips, causing his aura to swell ever greater until it surpassed both divine sons, momentarily pressing even Lu Yuan onto the defensive.
The might of the Buddhist sect was not without foundation, especially with the eighteen venerables at his side. Though it appeared they had already funneled their strength into the Present Buddhist Son, they had not yet exerted their full might. The reason was simple: there was no need to do so just yet.
"Not bad. The three of you joining forces has indeed put some pressure on me," Lu Yuan suddenly spoke up, looking at the three peerless prodigies.
Terrifying battle intent burned in his eyes, and the golden vitality radiating from his body blazed even more vigorously. Looking closely, one could even discern a faint shade of purple woven through that golden aura.
Hearing Lu Yuan's words, both divine sons and the Present Buddhist Son furrowed their brows. The three of them had teamed up, yet he claimed they had merely put some pressure on him?
What was that supposed to mean? It was blatant disregard for their prowess!
"Still acting tough? Let us see how long you can hold out!"
"Facing your doom, yet you still put on airs!"
The two divine sons spoke one after the other, their eyes brimming with murderous intent. They were heaven-favored sons, revered wherever they went, and had never before been forced to join forces against an enemy—yet not only had they teamed up, but they still could not bring him down! They felt as though they had lost all face. Lu Yuan had to fall today no matter what, lest no one ever fear them again. Thus, they held nothing back, striking with ruthless abandon.
The Present Buddhist Son was also stirred to anger, and the force behind his blows grew heavier. The three were genuinely enraged now.
Yet what of Lu Yuan?
The longer he fought, the more exhilarated he became, until at a certain moment, the Ancient Heavenly Emperor Token within his mind underwent another sudden transformation!
Chapter 389