Demon Cultivator in Abyssal Era-Chapter 431 - 220: Is There Really a Buddha? (Part 2)
As soon as the monk appeared, the people on both sides knelt down, though there were still many curious onlookers who quietly lifted their heads halfway to peep over with sidelong glances.
After all, they had never seen so many soldiers pour in at once since they were young. What had happened? Don’t they need to guard the frontlines?
In response to the Buddhist temple monk’s questioning, Liang Zhan had already thought of his excuse. He knelt down on one knee and clasped his hands in salute, saying, "Sir, I dare not leave my post without permission. I came here because there are urgent matters to report, and I have also received the Buddha’s decree."
"Oh?" Hearing this, the temple monk’s expression relaxed slightly.
Indeed, he never thought Liang Zhan would have the guts to rebel.
After all, the power of the Buddhist Sect was too strong. Even if Liang Zhan had cultivated the Martial Dao to its pinnacle, he was no match for any Buddhist Elder, much less the supreme Reincarnated Saint Monk.
Furthermore, the Buddhist Sect had many Buddhist Artifacts to protect them. Without this overwhelming difference in power, it would be impossible to sustain such high-pressure dominance for so many years.
Therefore, the monk had never seriously considered the possibility of Liang Zhan rebelling; it was merely a casual question.
Moreover, he himself was a Buddhist Elder, so he wasn’t afraid even if Liang Zhan did rebel.
Upon hearing Liang Zhan’s words, he was still somewhat puzzled: "What urgent matter is there? Why would the Buddha’s decree be passed to you privately without my knowledge?"
Liang Zhan bowed again and said, "Sir, not long ago, a large force of Hungry Ghosts invaded. Our army fought bravely but was still outnumbered. At the critical moment, fortunately, the Buddha descended and annihilated the Hungry Ghost army."
"Afterward, the Buddha decreed that we should set off immediately and lead all residents to evacuate to the main city at the fastest speed."
Upon hearing this, the Buddhist Elder suddenly displayed a look of astonishment and anger, shouting loudly, "Liang Zhan, how dare you! You actually use the Buddha’s name to privately issue military orders!"
"I think you are afraid of the Hungry Ghosts and are leading the army to escape!"
"Do you know this is a capital offense!"
Liang Zhan quickly clasped his hands and said, "Sir, I would never dare to falsely convey the Buddha’s edict. The entire army can testify for me."
At these words, the Elder’s anger intensified.
Damn, would I not know if there is a Buddha or not?
Perhaps one of the elders could deliver the Buddha’s decree, but claiming the Buddha descended is utter nonsense!
"Dong!"
He slammed his staff onto the ground, and golden chains immediately bound Liang Zhan. The Buddhist Elder shouted angrily, "Liang Zhan! You even dare to have others make false statements for you. What is really happening on the frontlines? Speak truthfully now!"
The onlookers also began to murmur softly. Although Liang Zhan held significant prestige among the people, he was still far from the level of the Buddhist Sect.
"What’s happening with General Liang? Is he really afraid of the Hungry Ghosts and fleeing during battle?"
"But these soldiers’ equipment is intact, they don’t look like they’ve been through a tough battle!"
"Could they be fleeing without a fight???"
"Damn! I knew these damn soldiers couldn’t be trusted. We work hard to feed and drink them well, and at the crucial moment, they just retreat?"
Looking at the furious Buddhist Elder in front of him and the murmuring crowd next to him, Liang Zhan furrowed his brow slightly.
He had originally thought that invoking the Buddha’s name would scare the others, but he didn’t expect the Buddhist Elder in front of him to remain completely unimpressed.
"Damn it, so these elders are really aware that there’s no Buddha at all!"
Liang Zhan inwardly grumbled.
Nevertheless, he had come prepared, and he saluted again, saying, "Sir, I have not lied. The situation on the frontlines is complex, please allow me to make a private report. If you don’t believe just my words, you can have the four Deputy Generals and the Buddhist Monitor report together."
At these words, the Buddhist Elder’s expression somewhat improved.
Although Liang Zhan managed the army well and had high prestige, it was impossible for the Buddhist Sect to tolerate him dominating the military.
The four Deputy Generals and the Buddhist Monitor came from different factions and were placed in their positions as checks. It was unlikely they would all collude with Liang Zhan in rebellion, especially since the Buddhist Monitor was typically one of the most devout believers in the Buddhist Sect, making their betrayal nearly impossible.
Thinking this, he nodded faintly: "Follow me."
With that, he turned and headed towards the temple, and Liang Zhan quickly led the others to follow.
Upon reaching the main hall of the Buddhist Sect, the Elder turned to the Buddhist Monitor and asked, "De Ping, tell me what’s really happening..."
He inquired first of his own people, puzzled about the situation. However, before he could finish speaking, the Buddhist Monitor suddenly struck with both palms, hitting him directly in the chest!
"Puh!"
The Buddhist Elder was completely unprepared for this betrayal, utterly defenseless, and coughed up a mouthful of blood as he was sent flying!
Although not a Buddhist Elder, the Buddhist Monitor, having trained extensively in secret martial techniques, was a formidable fighter. A full-force strike resulted in the Elder’s ribs fracturing and piercing into his organs!
He wanted to use his Divine Techniques, but Liang Zhan and the four Deputy Generals attacked concurrently, slashing down, severing all his limbs!
"Are you all mad?!" The Elder’s eyes were wide with disbelief as he lay there, especially when gazing at the Buddhist Monitor - he had never imagined that someone most loyal to the Buddhist Sect would betray them!
"De Ping, why...?"
The Buddhist Monitor stepped forward with a blank expression, saying, "Elder, I know you won’t believe it, but every word General Liang says is true. The Buddha has indeed manifested, and the situation is urgent. I had no time for a detailed explanation, so I resorted to this desperate measure."
"Please, Elder, give the order for all residents to pack their belongings and evacuate the city to the main city by noon."
These words left the Buddhist Elder completely stunned.
Is there really a Buddha descended???
"You all, you’re mad..."
The Buddhist Elder instinctively moved his lips to deny it, but the cold blade against his neck snapped him back to reality.
Whether the Buddha descended was true or not, the blade on his neck certainly was.
The Buddhist Elder very decisively chose to comply.
"Sound the bell and transmit my orders," he turned to a bewildered Martial Monk and said, "Follow General Liang’s instructions, don’t do anything extra, quickly go!"
"Yes!"
The Martial Monk shivered and quickly ran out.
Seeing him compromise, Liang Zhan also sighed in relief.
Just then, a sound came from outside the hall, and everyone turned toward it. A large four-winged bird descended from the sky.
Chu Xiu dismounted with Ling Feiyu.
Liang Zhan’s eyes lit up, and he stepped forward to kneel, saying, "Greetings, Divine One. I have accomplished my mission. All residents will evacuate the city by noon."
This statement made the Elder on the ground widen his eyes again, looking at the cloaked, masked Chu Xiu.
Is this the Buddha?
Who would believe this? No Buddha looks like this!
But he didn’t dare say it aloud.
At this moment, he watched as the "Buddha" approached him.
Chu Xiu glanced down at him and then turned to Liang Zhan, saying, "Have your subordinates organize the evacuation process. You and I will proceed first to the main city to meet with the higher-ups of the Buddhist Sect."
Chu Xiu had already anticipated that the pursuer’s power would grow at an alarming rate, so he couldn’t afford to waste any time. He intended to find a method for evacuation before the residents arrived at the main city, not wasting any moment.
Moreover, he needed the help of the Buddhist Sect.
On the way, he had observed that the people here were foolish and feared the Buddha more than death, which suited his purposes. If he could secure the Buddhist Sect’s help, it would greatly reduce many obstacles, but it also made the inclination of the Buddhist Sect extremely important.
In response to Chu Xiu’s words, Liang Zhan had no objections, while the fallen Buddhist Elder listened, even more puzzled.
This impostor dares to meet the Saint Monk???
But his thoughts no longer mattered.
Chu Xiu directly raised a hand and delivered a powerful palm strike that shattered the Elder’s spine, rendering him completely crippled.
Although he wouldn’t die, he would no longer be able to use mana.
If it weren’t for the task at hand, Chu Xiu wouldn’t have spared his life.
Next, he gathered Liang Zhan, the Buddhist Monitor, and several powerful personal guards and set off towards the main city without wasting any time.
The thirty-kilometer journey took only a few minutes atop the Four-winged Strange Bird.
Soon, a magnificent giant city loomed before Chu Xiu.
