An Unexpected Advance

--The internet went out this morning, and my phone signal was terrible. After finishing, I wrestled with it for half the day before I could upload it. Then I was late...

Golden Cicada Monk was slightly stunned by the unexpected news. Great Vajra Terrifying Bright King immediately became somewhat difficult to suppress, and his mind wavered. "How did he lose already? The wager battle has only just begun!"

Moreover, he had smoothly subdued a Demon Saint in such a short time. This was precisely when the opening situation was looking splendid. As long as he subdued the Sea-Covering Great Sage next, he could gather momentum and strike forth—in obedience, one would prosper; in defiance, one would perish. Nothing could stop him.

Little Monk Bao Xiang likewise revealed an incredulous expression. "It is said that Shi Xuan fought three alone and captured all three Demon Saints in one net within ten instants."

"This..." Golden Cicada steadied his mind, suppressing his myriad emotions and thoughts along with Great Vajra Terrifying Bright King. He gave a bitter smile. "No wonder Fellow Daoist Tian Xuan was so impatient. Did he win by swordsmanship?"

Little Monk Bao Xiang shook his head. "Bao Xiang does not know. Golden Cicada Senior Brother, you should ask Buddha Ancestor yourself. They are all near the Earth Membrane of Zhenhai Great World."

Golden Cicada nodded and patted Jiao Lie beneath him. A thick layer of black clouds immediately spread around its body as it soared into the sky, carrying Bao Xiang toward the place he had indicated.

After several instants, Golden Cicada sensed from afar that Future Solemn Buddha Ancestor and Chaos Heavenly Emperor were seated opposite each other in idle conversation. A young cultivator in an azure Daoist robe stood quietly to one side, his posture leisurely. Behind