The Overwhelming Annihilation Patriarch finally recovered. He completely ignored the flying swords that were shot at him and rushed into the crowd. Instantly, blood mist rose into the sky, and shrill screams echoed one after another.
In a very short moment, seven or eight cultivators were exploded and devoured by him.
The experts of Heavenly Halberd Peak shouted, "Retreat! Retreat!" The besieging cultivators scattered in all directions, filled with fear: Overwhelming Annihilation Patriarch was completely unafraid of the flying sword.
Wu Chen said, "Let's go! Remember, apart from my brother's True Illusion Sword Qi, no one else can get close to the demon. Ordinary flying swords can't withstand the demon's devouring power."
The cultivators of Heavenly Halberd Peak shouted again, "Prepare the Tower-Subduing Heavenly Thunder! Prepare the Tower-Subduing Heavenly Thunder!" The experts of Heavenly Halberd Peak, scattered in all directions, flew out of the Pagoda-Suppressing Star Ring once more.
Wu Chen, "A bunch of idiots! Why use the Heaven-Smiting Thunder at a time like this... Quick! Let's go!" He moved to the sky, staring intently at Overwhelming Annihilation Patriarch, watching for his next move.
Overwhelming Annihilation Patriarch looked up at the flying ring of shadows and couldn't help but burst into laughter. He then flew rapidly towards the cultivators gathered to the west.
The western side had the largest number of cultivators, about a hundred or so. Someone shouted, "Use Law Treasure!"
As soon as these words were spoken, the scene immediately became lively. All sorts of strange and wonderful things were thrown at Overwhelming Annihilation Patriarch. Some were shot with divine bows, some were blasted with lightning, some were fire-type Law Treasure, and some were cold-type magic Law Treasure. Even with Overwhelming Annihilation Patriarch's powerful demonic body, no one dared to force their way in.
He let out a strange cry and charged into the sky. The experts of Heavenly Halberd Peak were frantically shifting their formations when Overwhelming Annihilation Patriarch grinned and crashed into one of their bodies.
The man had no idea how Overwhelming Annihilation Patriarch had managed to break into his protective sword circle. He only felt a sudden, intense pain all over his body. Just as he let out his first roar of pain, his original body was smashed to pieces like soft tofu, turning into a mass of flesh and blood. Of course, his Nascent Soul couldn't escape either, and was immediately devoured by Overwhelming Annihilation Patriarch as a powerful tonic.
Demons obtain energy from the original body and Nascent Soul of cultivators, making them natural enemies of cultivators.
After Overwhelming Annihilation Patriarch wiped out more than a dozen cultivators, he clearly became more powerful.
The formation that the cultivators of Heavenly Halberd Peak had set up in the air was shattered by Overwhelming Annihilation Patriarch, making it impossible for them to reorganize and for them to unleash the Tower-Subduing Heavenly Thunder.
The Overwhelming Annihilation Patriarch kept emitting strange, cacophonous laughs as he chased after the panicked cultivators. Seeing that the flying swords had no effect on the demon, most of the cultivators panicked. The blood mist around the Overwhelming Annihilation Patriarch grew thicker and thicker, and with each cultivator who died, he became a little stronger, and his flying speed increased.
Li Qiang looked up at the sky and saw the Overwhelming Annihilation Patriarch, shrouded in red mist, running back and forth with a cacophony of cackling laughter. The cultivators in the air were in complete chaos, scattering about in all directions. He shook his head and said, "Sigh, a disorganized mess. Why isn't anyone taking charge... If this continues, he'll defeat them one by one sooner or later."
Divine Envoy Kaben said worriedly, "Yes! But who will take command? I didn't expect that even after suffering such severe injuries, Overwhelming Annihilation Patriarch is still so powerful... Hey! Boss, you take command!" He suddenly remembered that Li Qiang was not called Boss for nothing. He had once led a group of people out of the Black Prison and was different from ordinary cultivators.
The White-Haired Wu Chen finally made his move.
Suddenly, countless silver stars appeared in the sky, like a dazzling constellation. An invisible pressure forced the Overwhelming Annihilation Patriarch to stop involuntarily.
Wu Chen said calmly, "That's enough, stop!"
The Overwhelming Annihilation Patriarch floated in the air and said in a strange voice, " White-Haired Wu Chen? Old White-Hair! How could it be you... Hehe... Strange, how did I know?" He naturally called out Wu Chen's nickname, and he himself felt very strange, as if the other party was a very familiar person, but he couldn't remember who he was.
Wu Chen was slightly taken aback. Only a very few experts in the Cultivation Realm knew the nickname " Old White-Hair." He was now certain who Overwhelming Annihilation Patriarch was. There was only one person in the world who dared to call him "Old White-Hair," and that was Li Yuwei. However, he did not want to reveal the mystery, because it was a disgrace to the Cultivation Realm.
He said coldly, "Of the three of you, only one is a good friend of mine, White-Haired Wu Chen. It's a pity he fell victim to your cruelty. However, I, White-Haired Wu Chen, know very well that you had no choice. Stop now; you can never become Gods and Devils." Apart from Li Qiang, no one could understand White-Haired Wu Chen's words, not even the Overwhelming Annihilation Patriarch. He had completely forgotten his past life, but he understood one thing: he would never become a god or Gods and Devils. He suddenly flew into a rage, and the blood mist surrounding him abruptly spread out.
Li Qiang moved behind Overwhelming Annihilation Patriarch and, taking advantage of his rage, secretly unleashed three Demon-Extinguishing Divine Thunder. He would never let such a good opportunity slip by. His Demon-Extinguishing Divine Thunder were Overwhelming Annihilation Patriarch's true nemesis, especially the power of the Devil-Slaying Thorn, which even demons could not withstand.
The red light emitted by the Demon-Extinguishing Divine Thunder was inconspicuous, and Overwhelming Annihilation Patriarch did not dodge at all. He thought it was an ordinary Law Treasure like a flying sword. His attention was completely focused on Wu Chen, and the Demon-Extinguishing Divine Thunder quietly shot into his body.
No one thought the red light emitted by Li Qiang posed much of a threat; they all pinned their hopes on Wu Chen, one of the seven great masters of the Cultivation Realm a thousand years ago, a legendary and formidable figure.
Overwhelming Annihilation Patriarch realized something was wrong. He turned around and tried to pounce on Li Qiang. This insignificant kid was too hateful. He used the Buddha Sect method he hated most in the bottom of his heart to deal with him, and it was the most powerful one at that.
Li Qiang shouted triumphantly, "Too late! Explode! Explode! Explode!"
With his three loud shouts, Overwhelming Annihilation Patriarch was in dire straits. He roared in extreme hatred, and a large amount of blood light rose from the sky. The demon that the flying sword could not harm was blasted into a rain of flowers by the Devil-Slaying Thorn Demon-Extinguishing Divine Thunder containing the Demon-Slaying Thorn.
The first bolt of Demon-Extinguishing Divine Thunder blasted away the blood mist on his body, and the two Divine Thunder that followed severely damaged his mind and spirit.
Once the blood mist on Overwhelming Annihilation Patriarch dissipated, his arrogant ferocity immediately subsided, and his shrill howl turned into a sob as he lunged at Li Qiang without regard for anything else.
White-Haired Wu Chen, shouted, "Clumsy!" Countless silver stars plummeted down upon Overwhelming Annihilation Patriarch.
The surrounding cultivators all retreated to a distance, watching Wu Chen and Li Qiang display their divine power. They were all dazzled and secretly sighed, "The Chongxuan Sect only sent two great experts, yet they made the demon suffer greatly. They truly deserve to be a prestigious sect on Sealed Fate Planet."
Li Qiang didn't want the demonic possession to take over, the consequences of which would be terrifying. He leaped to the side, unleashing a flurry of Divine Thunder with a wave of his hand.
The Overwhelming Annihilation Patriarch was sent tumbling through the air by Wu Chen's " Heavenly Stars Return to the Flow " move, looking utterly disheveled. However, what he truly feared was the Demon-Extinguishing Divine Thunder, because it was something that drained his demonic power. Although Heavenly Stars Return to the Flow made him look quite disheveled, it couldn't harm him in any way.
Overwhelming Annihilation Patriarch desperately dodged the incoming Divine Thunder, shouting angrily, "Boy... who are you? Who are you?" He was asking Li Qiang.
Li Qiang laughed loudly, "Who am I? Anyway, I'm not your father, haha, what's it to you? Get lost!" He raised his hand and unleashed two more Divine Thunder. It wouldn't be fun to be targeted by a demon, so Li Qiang resolutely refused to reveal his name.
Overwhelming Annihilation Patriarch roared in fury and charged towards the weaker cultivators. He was eager to replenish his energy, as the energy he had just absorbed had been completely consumed by Li Qiang's Demon-Extinguishing Divine Thunder.
Li Qiang flew high into the sky and shouted, " Brother Wu! Brother Tianhong! Hold him off! Hey! Everyone else, listen up... Gather according to your sect, don't use flying swords to defend, use Law Treasure to drive away the demon, no one is allowed to be alone... no one is allowed to be alone!" He suddenly swooped down and, just before Overwhelming Annihilation Patriarch arrived, grabbed a cultivator who was flying around randomly, swung his arm and threw him into the crowd, while at the same time raising his hand and a beam of red light slashed at Overwhelming Annihilation Patriarch.
The Overwhelming Annihilation Patriarch was already dizzy and disoriented, knocked back by the Demon-Extinguishing Divine Thunder. In his remaining consciousness, he knew there was no benefit to be gained, so he prepared to escape.
Some astute observers had already discerned his intentions and cried out, "The devil is escaping! The devil is escaping!"
Divine Envoy Kaben knew that if Overwhelming Annihilation Patriarch remained on Tanbang Star, neither the Tanbang Continent nor the Western Continent would ever have peace! Thinking of this, he became even more anxious and risked everything to fly to Li Qiang's side to tell him his worries.
Li Qiang also became nervous upon hearing this. He had many brothers left on this planet, and the existence of such a terrifying demon was indeed extremely dangerous.
Suddenly, the Overwhelming Annihilation Patriarch turned around and rushed down into the ruins.
Before Li Qiang could call for help, he made a hand seal, and the Golden Lotus Jade Throne flew out, blocking the entrance to the cave. Overwhelming Annihilation Patriarch was so startled that he dodged to the side.
Li Qiang shouted, "Open!" Countless golden threads flew out from his hand and scattered down.
Wu Chen watched from above with astonishment and uncertainty. He knew that Li Qiang's move was the most famous " Ten Thousand Lotuses Bloom " of the Buddha Sect, a technique that only Buddha Sect elders could use. If Li Qiang hadn't been Fu Shan's underling and possessed the Soul-Releasing Dragon Ring, he wouldn't have believed that Li Qiang was one of their own.
On the boundless, Wild Plains plain, everything was a vast expanse of white, with glimmers of golden light shimmering within the pervasive mist. The Overwhelming Annihilation Patriarch attempted to burrow underground several times, but was repeatedly repelled. His sense of crisis intensified, and he frantically darted about in all directions.
Before long, the number of shimmering points of light increased. The cultivators in the air could see clearly that each point of light was a golden lotus, and in an instant, the entire earth was covered with golden lotuses.
Wu Chen couldn't help but sigh. He knew all too well the power of " Ten Thousand Lotuses Bloom ". He was almost certain that Li Qiang had a great connection with the Buddha Sect, otherwise he would not have been able to learn the most famous secret technique of the Buddha Sect.
There are only two ways to use the superb technique of transformation and mimicry. One is that only a master in the Leaving the Body Realm Soul stage has the ability to start cultivating it and must also be proficient in weapon crafting. The other is like Li Qiang, who, although he has never cultivated it, can control it by relying on his top-grade Law Treasure. Therefore, when all the cultivators in the air saw the golden lotuses blooming all over the ground, they were stunned.
The people of Heavenly Halberd Peak secretly rejoiced that they hadn't made enemies with Li Qiang. Just by looking at his moves, they knew that this rising star who suddenly appeared in the Cultivation Realm actually possessed a legendary Law Treasure. It was truly amazing. They really didn't know how he obtained it. Some cultivators had cultivated for hundreds or even thousands of years and still didn't have many decent treasures. It was truly infuriating to compare oneself to others.
Overwhelming Annihilation Patriarch turned his head in despair, because golden lotuses were growing rapidly all over the ground. The golden light emanating from the tips of the lotus petals made him feel as if he were lying in a boiling pot of oil. Wherever the golden light hit, the long-lost sensations of soreness, pain, numbness, and swelling would reappear in his heart. He knew that these were not real, but he just couldn't bear it.
He howled and flew back into the sky, wanting to run as far as possible. Before he knew it, he crashed into a pre-set formation. This formation was very peculiar; it was useless against anyone but demons. It was the Devil-Trapping Grand Array left behind by the Buddha Sect.
The activation of the Devil-Trapping Grand Array requires a triggering medium, which is the Ten Thousand Lotuses Bloom on the Golden Lotus Jade Throne.
Suddenly, a transparent mountain appeared high in the sky, like a Sea City, ethereal and unreal. Within it, the Overwhelming Annihilation Patriarch struggled frantically, his voice drifting from afar, elusive and uncertain. "I... will return... boy... boy! I will find you... Old White-Hair..."
The sound gradually faded away, and all the cultivators knew that Overwhelming Annihilation Patriarch hated these two people from the Chongxuan Sect.
Li Qiang said nonchalantly, "So what if I'm back? Who's afraid of you?"
Li Qiang put away the Golden Lotus Jade Throne, and the mirage-like mountain peaks of Shanghai City also quietly disappeared. Everyone knew that the Overwhelming Annihilation Patriarch had been imprisoned again, and heaven knew when he would be able to escape.
Geng Feng said with a face full of envy, " Little Madman, where did you learn all these rare things? Let Old Madman learn a little too!"
Li Qiang chuckled, "Alright, Old Madman, as long as you become my apprentice, hehe, I'll definitely teach you a thing or two."
Geng Feng kicked out and cursed, "Ugh... Bah! Dream on!"
Li Qiang flinched slightly, spread his hands, and said with a wicked grin, "Then I can't help you. These powerful techniques... well, I plan to only pass them on to my disciples, hehe."
Geng Feng followed behind Li Qiang, scratching his head and muttering angrily, "We'll see! Hey! You haven't seen how persistent this Fengzi can be. Damn it, how dare he take advantage of Fengzi..."
Li Qiang whirled around, looking at him with a half-smile, " Fengzi, what did you say? Speak up! Muttering like that doesn't sound like Fengzi."
Geng Feng was startled and blurted out, "No... he didn't say anything!" For some reason, he was a little afraid of Li Qiang.
Li Qiang nodded. "Oh, he didn't say anything..." He turned his head and chuckled, ignoring him, and quickly flew to Wu Chen's side.
Tianhong shook his head repeatedly as he watched, and then he flew up after him.
Geng Feng stood there, stunned, and couldn't help but smile bitterly. He realized he had been intimidated by Li Qiang. Recalling the moment he first met this kid, it seemed he hadn't gained the upper hand at all, always on the defensive and getting beaten up. He sighed inwardly, "This brat! Looks like I can't beat him. But, Little Madman's luck is really good. Maybe I should take advantage of him in the future." Suddenly, he had a change of heart, grinned, and said, "Hey! Little Madman!" He chased after him.
The experts from Heavenly Halberd Peak all gathered around, and Lu Chengchao introduced them to Li Qiang one by one. Then, cultivators from various minor sects came up to try and get close to Li Qiang and his companions.
White-Haired Wu Chen, remained aloof. Tianhong and Geng Feng, neither skilled in social interaction, stood aside chatting with the island lord of Buliban. Only Li Qiang and the Divine Envoy Kaben at these social niceties, greeting everyone warmly. Li Qiang, a successful businessman back on Earth, had his own set of skills in dealing with people, and soon everyone was chatting and laughing.
Geng Feng said enviously, " That Little Madman is really capable. No wonder he has so many friends. This guy is amazing!"
The island lord of Buliban laughed and said, "Hehe, that's quite remarkable. This is only the second time I've met him, but it feels like we're old friends. In the Cultivation Realm, people like him are truly rare."
Wu Chen was also surprised. He found that Li Qiang was indeed different from others. So many cultivators gathered around, which was annoying to him, but Li Qiang greeted them one by one with a smile, without showing any impatience. He treated everyone the same, regardless of their cultivation level.
Wu Chen was a little unsure what kind of person this underling Fu Shan had taken in was. However, one thing he was very clear about was that he greatly admired him.
Lu Chengchao invited Li Qiang and the others to visit Heavenly Halberd Peak, Wu Chen said casually, "Let's go another time. I plan to go back to Sealed Fate Planet; it's been a long time since I've been back. Brother, where are you planning to go next?"
Li Qiang thought for a moment and said, "I'll go to the Ladu Kingdom first, then to Heavenly Court Star. Brother, why don't you come with us? It'll be more fun with more people."
Wu Chen shook his head and said, "I prefer walking alone. Crowds are... annoying."
Li Qiang couldn't help but laugh. This guy was quite interesting; he gave off a cool vibe and had a somewhat arrogant air about him.
He laughed and said, "Alright! If you like to travel alone, then go alone. We'll meet again someday, see you on Bada Star." He never wanted to force anyone, even a cute little sea monster like the little Sea Demon, he let it come and go as it pleased.
White-Haired Wu Chen, was slightly surprised, but he liked Li Qiang's straightforwardness. He laughed and said, "Brother Fu, it's truly rare to have a brother like you. Alright, take care, brother. I'm off." He left without a word, giving everyone a slight nod. In a flash of white light, he vanished without a trace.
Tianhong and Buliban were willing to visit Heavenly Halberd Peak because they each had a sect on Tanbang Star behind them, and they wanted to establish a relationship with Heavenly Halberd Peak so that it could become a supporter of their sect.
Geng Feng was determined to keep a close eye on Li Qiang. He discovered that when he first met Li Qiang, he had already acquired a lot of treasures from the Mystic Suppression Pagoda. After they parted ways on Blackwater Island, this guy had actually obtained many more rare items, and even his power had increased significantly. Geng Feng felt that he had to follow Li Qiang so that he could share some of his good fortune.
He stood silently behind Li Qiang, pretending to look around nonchalantly.
Li Qiang said, " Divine Envoy Kaben, this is something you gave me on the Tanbang Continent. You can keep it for yourself. I won't be going to Heavenly Halberd Peak; my brothers are waiting for me in the Ladu Kingdom."
Divine Envoy Kaben accepted the item, bowed deeply, and said, "Boss, if you ever come to the Tanbang Continent again, be sure to come find me. We're good friends." He now understood what Li Qiang meant by "good friend."
Li Qiang nodded. "Don't worry, Kaben. As long as I come here, I'll definitely bother you with the _book_. I have quite a few brothers left behind on the Tanbang Continent, please look after them for me." He was still thinking about Kankanqi and the others.
Chen Zhili of the Hundred Swords Gate found Li Qiang and hesitated for a moment before saying, "Senior... this... the underground ruins... uh, I've heard there are many Buddha Sect Law Treasure left behind, and we want to go down and explore... Senior, do you think this is appropriate? Is it dangerous down there?" His face was full of hope.
Li Qiang then noticed that it wasn't just the Hundred Swords Gate members who wanted to go down; cultivators from many other sects were also eager to go. After all, this was the famous Buddha Sect ruins, and legend had it that there were many treasures inside.
Li Qiang laughed and said, "The ruins are currently unclaimed, so anyone can go down if they want. However, the inside is a maze, so be careful not to get lost. Also, everyone should be careful in some places; don't risk going if you're not confident, or you won't be able to get out once you're trapped."
Geng Feng's eyes were already shining, and he shouted, " Little Madman, shall we go down too?"
Li Qiang shook his head and said, "I'm not going down. I finally escaped from there. I'm not going. You go by yourself."
Geng Feng rolled his eyes at this, and after a long while, he finally said, "Uh, well... if I don't want to go, I don't want to go. Anyway, the Fengzi will follow you." He had a strange look on his face, and his lips kept moving, but he didn't make a sound.
Li Qiang asked, "What did you say?"
Geng Feng feigned innocence, saying, "I didn't say anything, my mouth was itching, so I just kept talking." No one else understood the subtle power struggle in their conversation.
Chen Zhili of the Hundred Swords Gate really wanted to take Li Qiang down with him, but seeing that there was no chance, he had no choice but to say goodbye in disappointment.
The crowd above the ruins gradually dispersed. The experts from Heavenly Halberd Peak led some of the cultivators who had come to the rescue eastward, while others went their separate ways. In addition, about a hundred cultivators descended from the sky into the ruins, preparing to explore and search for treasures.
A dozen or so cultivators had been standing at a distance. Only after the crowd dispersed did they fly to Li Qiang's side and perform a grand salute in mid-air.
Li Qiang stepped forward in surprise to greet them, asking, "What are you all doing here...?" He suddenly recognized two familiar faces in the group and couldn't help but smile, " Kong Hou! Kudu! It's you two! Long time no see!"
Geng Feng muttered behind Li Qiang, " That Little Madman has so many friends, wow, they're all Baldy, how amusing!"
Li Qiang knew that his use of the Golden Lotus Jade Throne had misled these remaining Buddha Sect disciples into thinking he was an elder of the Buddha Sect. However, ever since Elder Zhi gave him that ring, Li Qiang had become inextricably linked to the Buddha Sect.
Kong Hou's gaze towards him changed; it was one of extreme reverence. He said nervously and cautiously, "Senior, you... you... why did you keep this from your disciple?"
Li Qiang laughed and said, "I'm hiding something from you? What would I have to hide from you?" He looked completely innocent.
Kong Hou was so nervous that his body trembled, and he stammered, "I... you... senior! In the Grand Alliance... why... didn't you tell... you were also a member of the Buddha Sect... this..." He felt both sad and annoyed. He had clearly seen Li Qiang use the Eighteen Demon-Extinguishing Hands, although at the time he felt it was not authentic, as if he had figured it out by trial and error, so he hadn't recognized him as a member of the Buddha Sect, and had even been disrespectful to him. The more he spoke, the more incoherent he became, and finally he couldn't continue.
Kudu hurriedly stepped forward and said, "Senior, could you tell us where the sect leader and elders of the Buddha Sect have gone? Look at us..." He looked at Li Qiang, his eyes full of eager hope.
Li Qiang smiled slightly, "Everyone, there's no need to look anymore. The Buddha Sect members have already left. However, I met with the last elder— Elder Zhi. He asked me to tell everyone not to lose heart and to continue cultivating. If you need anything, I can help you." As he spoke, he showed the Buddha Finger Ring he was wearing.
The followers of the Buddha Sect are very familiar with the symbols of their sect. When Kong Hou saw the ring on Li Qiang's finger, he was both surprised and delighted. He was surprised that Li Qiang actually had the Buddha Finger ring of an elder of the sect, and delighted that a senior member of the Buddha Sect had finally appeared.
He and the group of the Buddha Sect followers bowed respectfully to the young Buddha Sect elder, although Li Qiang never considered himself a Buddha Sect elder.
Geng Feng didn't understand what Li Qiang and the group of Baldy were talking about from beginning to end, but he clearly saw that the group of Baldy had great respect for Li Qiang. He really couldn't understand what it was about this "Little Madman " that made these people so Qi Ingestion. He became even more curious about Li Qiang.
Li Qiang said, "You will come with me to the Ladu Kingdom. I will find an opportunity to teach you cultivation scriptures and some Buddha Sect Law Treasure. Try your best to learn them. By the time I leave here, you should have learned quite a bit. The rest will depend on your own efforts. Also, when you see other Buddha Sect disciples, you should help each other, understand?"
Kong Hou and his group of disciples were overjoyed.
Kudu said, "Elder, this disciple will lead the way."
Li Qiang hurriedly stopped him, saying, "Don't call me that. You can call me brother or boss, just don't call me elder. Am I that old?" He actually didn't want people to know about this. Many major sects in the Cultivation Realm had grudges against the Buddha Sect sect. It would be a real injustice to create a bunch of enemies out of nowhere.
Kong Hou knew that many people called Li Qiang" Boss" when he was on the Tanbang Continent, so he said, "Then this disciple will call him 'Boss'; it feels more intimate that way."
Geng Feng chuckled, "Hey, I'll call you boss too, Fengzi Boss, haha!" He suddenly realized that all the Baldy were glaring at him. He tossed his messy hair around, giving them a nonchalant, wicked look, as if to say, "What can you do to me?"
Li Qiang slapped him hard on the shoulder and laughed, " Old Madman, stop teasing me, let's go!"