I've Arrived, Buddha

The black-robed elder brought his bone staff crashing down.

Black threads bit into Rujie's wrists, blood beading through.

Rujie let out a muffled grunt as the Buddhist radiance around him was forced back into his body.

Just then, a crisp, short peal of bells rang out from beyond the hall.

One Demon Cultivator blocking the doorway stiffened, the Dharma Artifact in his hand falling to the floor.

The bell rang a second time.

Another Demon Cultivator clutched his head and dropped to his knees at the entrance.

Si Youyou walked in from beyond the black mist, the Soul-Devouring Bell on her wrist swaying lightly.

She did not look at the black-robed elder. She looked at Rujie first.

"Still alive?"

Rujie immediately replied, "Barely."

Si Youyou said, "Didn't you say you had an affinity with Buddha?"

Rujie raised the hand bound in black threads.

"My affinity with Buddha got tied up."

The black-robed elder turned, pointing his bone staff at Si Youyou.

"The Soul-Devouring Bell."

Si Youyou stopped.

"If you recognize it, then move aside."

The black-robed elder said, "Perfect. I'll take you both down together."

Si Youyou raised her hand, and the Soul-Devouring Bell spun once against her palm.

"Try it."

The black-robed elder wasted no words and tapped his bone staff against the ground.

Black qi within the Buddhist hall rolled outward.

Si Youyou shook the bell.

As the chime fell, screams rose from within the black qi.

Seizing the chance, Rujie shook both arms and slammed the Great Sun Tathagata Seal into the black threads.

The black threads snapped.

He rushed to Si Youyou's side, taking two breaths.

"You came just in time."

Si Youyou asked, "Did you get the Buddha bone?"

Rujie covered the broken bowl tucked against his chest.

"This was requested by this humble monk."