A Snake's Trail in the Grass, a Thread in the Ashes; Shattering Stone and Startling Heaven (Part Two)

A Snake's Trail in the Grass, a Thread in the Ashes; Shattering Stone and Startling Heaven (Part Two) (8,000 words, please support with monthly votes)

"Reverend nuns, why have you come flaunting your treasures in my Earth Yin Sea instead of staying in the mountains to eat vegetarian meals and chant sutras?"

A streak of black light swept in from the north, accompanied by a low, chilling voice.

The black light darted through the air. Before it reached them, it split off a dozen or so black threads, which flew even faster over Willow Leaf Island and wrapped around the Thin Daoist like silk forming a cocoon.

Buzzz-

The four spiritual pearls struck just then, hitting the black cocoon. Buddhist light met demonic light with a buzzing sound. Ripples of magical force spread from the collision and splashed against the sea, sending waves soaring skyward.

"The Buddhist Prayer Beads Dragon Girl left behind are fine treasures. A pity her successors are so incompetent that they cannot bring out their power."

Another voice came from the black light, and a streak of spiritual radiance shot into the black cocoon. The cocoon abruptly brightened, then swelled rapidly, throwing all four spiritual pearls back.

By then, the black light had reached the Thin Daoist's side and taken human form.

He was an exceedingly handsome man, his face radiant as cold jade, his brows like distant mountains painted in ink, the corners of his eyes naturally touched with a lingering crimson tenderness. His nose was straight and high, his lips like thin blades. Now, mockery showed on his face, and the slight upward curve of his lips revealed an air of disdainful supremacy.

Once he stood still, the cocoon turned back into black threads and attached themselves to his thick, freely flowing hair.

Freed