With Boku’s flurry of strikes, his body gradually disappeared into the mountainside.

Countless fragments of rock, soil, and vegetation slid down from the mountaintop. The entire mountain seemed to shake. Even from so far away, the King and Princess Consort could feel a slight tremor in the ground.

A deep tunnel, seemingly wide enough for a vehicle to pass through, gradually appeared before them.

A trace of shock appeared on the King’s face, while the Princess Consort beside him was utterly horrified. This was a scene the likes of which she had never witnessed.

’The power to cleave mountains! This was the true power to cleave mountains!’

’Using the Arhat Golden Body to bore through a mountain in an instant—what kind of terrifying power was this?’

’Could modern weaponry really handle such a terrifying body? Could a modern army truly stop it?’

A seed of doubt sprouted in the young Princess Consort’s heart.

This young Princess Consort did not come from a prominent background, and the methods she used to rise to her position were not exactly glamorous.

In her eyes, power and wealth had once been the ultimate pursuits. And she had indeed achieved them, climbing step by step to the apex of power in the nation.

But today, for the first time, she learned that power was not everything. Above it, there was something even more awe-inspiring.

Pure strength.

The rumbling of the mountain continued for nearly a minute before slowly subsiding. Not long after, a burly, golden-skinned man walked out from the deep darkness of the cave, his body gradually beginning to change.

His bulging body gradually shrank, eventually returning to a height of around five-foot-nine. The gold on his skin faded, revealing a bronze, well-defined, and powerful physique.

Under the morning sun, his body faintly reflected the light, seeming like the most precious treasure in the world. Even the Jade Buddha in the Jade Buddha Hall—with its extraordinary origins and priceless value—could not compare.

The radiance of a person can illuminate eternity. How could a dead object compete with the brilliance of a living being?

Even with thousands of treasures, or the wealth of an entire nation, one could not trade for such a treasured body.

"Your Majesty, you have seen for yourself. The Jade Buddha Temple, and the entire Tai Lan Buddhist Sect, have more than enough power to ensure your safety."

Rajana turned, placed his palms together, and gave a slight bow to the King of Tai Lan.

The King of Tai Lan’s expression flickered. He, of course, understood Rajana’s meaning: the Jade Buddha Temple could protect him, but it could also take that safety away.

This terrifying power was a Sharp Sword hanging over his head.

"Venerable, I hope what you say is true."

"I can stay out of this matter, but I do not wish to see any accidents."

The King of Tai Lan’s expression finally calmed, and he spoke to Rajana impassively.

After speaking, he gestured to the young Princess Consort beside him and turned to leave.

Halfway there, the King of Tai Lan suddenly stopped, turned back, and looked directly into Rajana’s eyes. "Venerable, do not forget that your esteemed master also has my royal blood flowing through his veins."

Rajana placed his palms together and bowed deeply in the direction of the departing King, his eyes half-open, betraying neither joy nor sorrow.

SWOOSH!

The next moment, a figure shot over from the distance and landed beside him. It was Boku, having rushed back from the mountainside.

"He cannot control his fear and desires. He is not one of us. Sooner or later, he will fall to the side of the Demons."

"Arrogant, extravagant, and debauched, his actions are erratic. He hasn’t been on the throne long, yet look how many absurd things he’s done. It’s no wonder there are rumors among the people that the King of Thonburi’s curse on the Ban Ku Dynasty will be fulfilled through him."

Boku said softly, watching the King’s retreating back.

"The wheel of Cause and Effect turns. Who can predict its path? But as long as we are here, he will not be allowed to act recklessly. Besides, is the identity of a Celestial Demon not strikingly similar to the Rakshasa Evil Ghosts of Buddhist Sect legend? With public opinion being what it is, he would not dare to act rashly."

"The world believes the checks and balances the late King put in place for him are political, but in reality, our Jade Buddha Temple is the true shackle on the Kings of Tai Lan. We absolutely cannot allow this country and this dynasty to fall into the hands of a Celestial Demon."

"Back then, when Buddha Shakyamuni achieved the Dao, a Celestial Demon came to attack, sowing chaos in the minds of the virtuous and severing their roots of goodness. They are the great enemy of our Buddhist Sect. Throughout his life, Shakyamuni guided the world and suppressed evil. From ancient times to the present, the Celestial Demon has been our Sect’s greatest foe. How can we, the inheritors of his legacy, act as unworthy traitors?"

"Besides, you and I both know the ambition of the Celestial Demon. For the sake of all living beings in this Tai Lan Country, even if the danger is great, this is a tribulation we must face."

Rajana placed his palms together, chanted a Buddha’s name, and spoke calmly.

"What the Venerable says is absolutely right."

"However, this matter is truly extraordinary. If the Starry Sky Country really intends to make an example of us to establish their might, it will be a chaotic frenzy, like a sudden storm. We must prepare early."

Boku said with a nod.

"I have already considered this. Just last night, I contacted the various high-ranking monks throughout the country, telling them to prepare and be on high alert. If a demonic tribulation appears anywhere, a high monk will immediately rush to the scene."

"However, I am not worried about other places. I am worried about Banku."

Rajana said calmly.

"You think that if they make a move, they will choose the capital, Banku?"

Boku asked with a frown. As the capital of Tai Lan Country, Banku’s defenses were the most formidable. Besides Rajana and himself, other high-ranking monks were stationed in several other famous temples.

"The Starry Sky Country’s methods have always been to twist right and wrong, to stir up trouble. Once they act, their ultimate goal will surely be to throw our entire nation’s order into chaos. And the best opportunity for that is in Banku."

"The Ban Ku Dynasty originally came to power through improper means. Before the King of Thonburi died, he laid down the ’Curse of Ten Generations,’ prophesying that the Ban Ku Dynasty would perish in its tenth generation. The current King is precisely that tenth generation. Add to that his lack of integrity and absurd actions, and rumors are already rampant. At a time like this, if chaos were to erupt in Banku, what do you think would happen?"

Rajana said slowly.

"You mean..."

Boku understood instantly.

"Four days from now is the annual Zhengwang Festival, a day to commemorate the King of Thonburi. At that time, the entire city of Banku will be celebrating. If chaos breaks out in Banku on that day, it will undoubtedly cause massive waves. If the Starry Sky Country uses this to push from the sidelines, they could easily create opposition and incite turmoil."

"Therefore, four days from now will be the most critical time."

Rajana said.

"This disciple understands."

Boku nodded, his expression grave.

"In truth, regarding this matter, this old monk is not completely certain of success. I’m afraid both of us could be in mortal danger. Are you afraid?"

Rajana asked Boku.

"Venerable, you jest."

"At first, I practiced my Fist Technique for my family, to give them a better life. So day after day, I was fierce and violent."

"Later, I practiced my Fist Technique for myself—for honor, for fame, to realize my own ideals and worth. I saw only victory, and my Fist Technique nearly went astray."

"It was you who showed me a different world, who guided me onto the right path, who led me into the Buddhist Sect and opened up a different life for me. It was also you who told me of the higher meaning behind practicing my Fist Technique."

"It is not just to save oneself, but to save all living beings."

Boku said with a solemn expression, giving Rajana a deep Buddhist salute.

At that moment, a seven-colored halo seemed to appear behind his head, like a solemn Buddha’s aura.