Chapter 130: Seeing Through the Future? (Part 2)
Jiang Li gazed in the direction where Tan Wuwei disappeared, furrowing his brows.
"Jiang Sikong."
"Junior Brother."
The Mo Sect Master arrived first, followed by Gongsun Qingyue, the Heavenly Charm Demon God, Li Qinglian, and others.
Gongsun Qingyue went to support Primordial Lord Rain Master, casting a concerned glance at Jiang Li, clearly worried about his condition.
"No worries," Jiang Li smiled at Gongsun Qingyue and addressed the group, "I just didn't expect that upon our arrival, we would face such a sudden attack from the Buddha Country: three fourth-ranks and two third-grades. It was truly perilous."
Just a little more, and he would have been forced to abandon the sealing on the Drought Demon and exert all his strength.
Truly dangerous indeed.
'The most crucial part is that their timing was too precise, and her Dao Fruit Divine Power has improved.'
Jiang Li's gaze was deep, as if recalling that pure white figure from before.
Tan Wuwei's Dao Fruit has the ability to foresee the future, something Jiang Li had experienced before. But at the time, Tan Wuwei could only foresee a very short period into the future, spanning at most three breaths. But now...
'Pre-arranged layouts, one linked to another, this is no longer just two or three breaths. But during the confrontation, her foresight seemed to revert back to two or three breaths. Is it because it's difficult to divert attention during a fierce battle, or is there another factor?'
Jiang Li contemplated carefully.
A deep Qi Shu, not easily divined, was one of Jiang Li's implicit advantages, so much so that even the Great Venerable, the top Yi Dao master in the world, wouldn't dare claim to see through Jiang Li. Otherwise, Feng Manlou wouldn't have failed multiple times.
Now, someone had managed to break through this advantage, naturally catching Jiang Li's attention.
At the start of this confrontation, Tan Wuwei's Dao Fruit Divine Power might become the deciding factor in victory or defeat.
······
······
Void fluctuations, white lotus blooming, Tan Wuwei emerged from it, landing on the desolate peak.
"Bodhisattva."
Shen Hou, who had just arrived, nodded in greeting, while looking towards the sky ahead.
Wuzhiqi had flown away first, at a speed that left others dumbfounded. Guangli Bodhisattva, Weituo Bodhisattva, and Shen Hou pursued, but were far behind. Ultimately, Guangli Bodhisattva transformed into a dragon shape, carrying Weituo ahead while Shen Hou fell behind.
By the time the fierce battle on that side had abruptly ended, Shen Hou was still en route on a tiger. And before he could arrive, he saw Tan Wuwei appear.
Subsequently, the intertwined scarlet and azure Divine Light descended from the sky, revealing Guanyin, clad in white and holding a Jade Purifying Bottle, along with Wuzhiqi and two fourth-rank Bodhisattvas.
"What a pity," Guanyin sighed first, "We couldn't eliminate Jiang Li."
Eliminate Jiang Li...
Shen Hou was internally shaken.
As far as he knew, when he left the Buddha Country group, the three third-grades were still wary of both the Yuxu Temple and Kunxu Immortal Palace, with no intention of going into battle or planning to assassinate Jiang Li.
After all, that one was notoriously cunning, with the past incidents of King Shu and Zhang Zhixuan as fresh examples. Although they had the advantage, dealing with Jiang Li required careful planning, especially with the third grades of Yuxu Temple and Kunxu Immortal Palace nearby.
Therefore, despite Jiang Sikong arriving alone in Yong Province ahead of time, the Buddha Country refrained from rash actions to avoid unnecessary losses.
According to the plan, the foundation of faith was to be expanded based on the past year's work to quickly grow in strength. As long as there were enough followers, the Dharma Manifestations of Buddhist cultivators could rapidly strengthen, even driving Dao Fruit evolution.
And Yong Province was famously full of rebels, perfect for significantly expanding influence.
Yet, this unexpected action occurred just like that.
Is it because of a lack of trust, or another reason?
Shen Hou remained outwardly calm but was already feeling cold sweat threatening to break out.
"The occurrence was sudden; no one could have predicted we'd strike, not even us, who decided on the spur of the moment, yet still failed."
Noticing Shen Hou's apparent confusion, Tan Wuwei explained indirectly by glancing at him: "This new family head of the Jiang family, the growth of his power is astonishing. If we'd waited another year or so, we might have been unable to deal with him at all."
"Ahem, No-Life Bodhisattva, that renegade is not the family head." Shen Hou seized the opportunity to clarify his stance, while discreetly wiping his cold sweat.
For now, it seemed exposure wasn't imminent.
'I intended to contact Senior Brother, but now that has to be postponed,' Shen Hou mused internally.
Being undercover was like this; the disciples of Yuxu Temple only needed to focus on the battlefield and fight against the Buddha Country. On the other hand, those undercover had much more to consider. Timing for making contact or gathering information had to be carefully deliberated and handled with caution.
Hearing these words, Guanyin felt even more rueful, lamenting over the missed opportunity this time, as such a favorable moment might not come again.
Simultaneously, she glanced at the other three.
"Amitabha."
Voicing the Buddha's name, Guanyin said, "It is a fortunate matter that Guangli Bodhisattva and Weituo Bodhisattva have joined us on this endeavor. And this one here..."
Guanyin then looked towards Wuzhiqi.
At this moment, the white-haired ape's body was faintly glowing with a golden light, turning its former white fur golden. Its body appeared slightly smaller than before, possibly due to previously manifesting its Great Demon form.
Currently, Wuzhiqi looked somewhat like a golden-haired monkey.
Observing this, Guangli Bodhisattva introduced, "This is Wuzhiqi, the Huai River True God. In the battle at Liangzhou Province, he was surrounded and attacked by Jiang Li and Yuxu Temple's Yin Tulong. Although not refined by the Nine Dragon Divine Fire Cover, he had to escape through the underground water veins, leaving Liangzhou Province and reaching beyond Great Zhou, where he was encountered by Weituo Buddha Friend."
"I had with me a Buddha Artifact bestowed by an Awakened One in the past and used it to convert Wuzhiqi Buddha Friend to Buddhism." Weituo Bodhisattva added.
Upon hearing Weituo Bodhisattva's words, Wuzhiqi immediately bared its fangs menacingly, showing a fierce aura, but then touched the golden hoop on its head, its ferocity slightly subdued, and then nodded, acknowledging.
Wuzhiqi was originally an affiliated son-in-law, rising to power with the Dragon Palace's support. Despite his strength, he was not inherently rebellious, even if he didn't quite fit in with the Dragon Palace.
Being a Monster of over two hundred years, it's natural he wouldn't act impulsively like a brash youth.
Guanyin responded with a warm smile.
The return of Guangli Bodhisattva is indeed good news. Additionally, securing Weituo Bodhisattva's involvement due to Guangli Bodhisattva is beneficial.
Together with Wuzhiqi, it adds a significant advantage to our combat power.
However, further assessment is needed before revealing further actions.
With this thought, Guanyin looked towards Tan Wuwei.
Receiving the cue, Tan Wuwei nodded slightly.
"The incident was unexpected, and it was almost unforeseen that we would take action, even to ourselves," he said. "This new Family Head of the Jiang family has experienced an unimaginable growth in power."
"Cough cough,No-Life Bodhisattva, that rebel is not the Family Head."
Guanyin, still with a smile, said, "Guangli Bodhisattva, Weituo Bodhisattva, it is fortunate that you, Buddhist friends, wish to join this venture."
At this moment, the body of the white-haired ape, still glowing with a faint golden light, had turned its previously white fur a shade of gold due to its former Great monster form. Now, Wuzhiqi looked somewhat like a golden-furred monkey.
Guangli Bodhisattva's return is indeed good news. Moreover, Weituo Bodhisattva joining due to Guangli Bodhisattva is beneficial.
With Wuzhiqi added, our side certainly gains additional combat power.
However, both Wuzhiqi and Weituo Bodhisattva intend to lend a helping hand in this endeavor.
With a smile, Guanyin acknowledged them.
"The incident was unexpected, and it could be said that none of us foresaw our move, not even ourselves. Jiang family's new Family Head's strength has notably grown, even if that renegade wasn't indeed the Family Head." Tan Wuwei made a slight bow with this explanation.
"We should quickly inform Manjusri Buddha Friend about our departure and act together."
With these words, Guanyin once more wielded the Separation and Union Divine Light, saying "Rise," and the group set off again.
"""