Mahasthamaprapta's gaze gradually lost focus and turned vacant. His breathing became steady and absorbed as his mind was drawn into another world.
At his side, the Wisdom Pearl rose into the air.
The pearl shone brilliantly, its spiritual light flashing continuously as it tried to guide its master out of the illusion.
Lan Sheng spread her five fingers slightly and summoned the Illusion Mirage Pearl.
Illusory light rippled outward from the pearl in rings, strengthening her ability to construct illusions while suppressing the Wisdom Pearl's guidance.
On Mahasthamaprapta's other side, the Exorcism Bell chimed softly without pause, yet it had no effect whatsoever.
After all, what had caused Mahasthamaprapta to sink into delusion was not an evil art, but a form of guidance—one that could even be said to resemble the West's method of conversion.
Within the illusion, Mahasthamaprapta saw the near-fantastical Pure Land that the West had pursued.
An endless sea of lotuses radiated golden light, blessings shone upon all, Jieyin and Zhunti's Forty-Eight Great Vows had all been fulfilled, and Western Prosperity had reached an unprecedented height.
Golden lotuses reflected in his eyes. His expression was peaceful, and his state of mind was completely immersed.
As a follower, Mahasthamaprapta was lost in it.
The deeper he sank, the harder it became to free himself.
Outside, Lan Sheng sensed that the time had come. With a light turn of her fingers, a pale pink shortsword appeared in her palm.
This sword was named Cut Acacia. Its edge was restrained, yet beneath the light, it gave off an eerie sense of piercing straight into the soul.
Its strongest effect was targeting an enemy's state of mind.
Lan Sheng gently swung her sword, and a pale pink streak of sword light silently slashed toward the defenseless Mahasthamaprapta.
The sword light did