Taiyi Dao Fruit

The divine light streaked across the sky, traversing most of Yong Province, and converged with the monks of the Buddha Country.

At this moment, the monks of the Buddha Country were gradually drawing away from the Kunxu Mountain Range; from here, even East Kunxu's Yuxu Peak appeared as a tiny shadow, let alone West Kunxu.

Spanning several thousand miles, West Kunxu remained icy and snowy throughout the seasons, with perilous terrain. The route chosen by the Buddha Country for its advance differed greatly. Yet, Manjusri always kept his vigilance towards the Kunxu Immortal Palace above Yuxu Temple.

Because the Immortal Queen intended to target Guanyin, she was certainly keeping a close eye on the monks of the Buddha Country. If given the chance, she wouldn't hesitate to strike.

Though Daoist Guang Cheng from Yuxu Temple was a Sword Cultivator, his actions couldn't be as freewheeling as his sword. After all, there was the sect's foundation to consider, unlike the Immortal Queen, who was indifferent to such concerns. This woman had already made her move once, breaking the stalemate, unlike the considerate Daoist Guang Cheng.

Therefore, arrangements were made for Guanyin and Tan Wuwei to carry out an assault. Tan Wuwei's foresight in predicting the situation made her participation inevitable, while Guanyin, in terms of combat power, was actually inferior to Manjusri.

The reason for sending these two was that if the more powerful Manjusri had gone with Tan Wuwei, leaving Guanyin behind alone, the Immortal Queen would definitely act upon realizing the situation.

With both Guanyin and Tan Wuwei gone, even if the Immortal Queen noticed their movements, she would restrain her intent to act because of their third-grade status.

But this approach seemed to bring some disadvantage to the plan.

"Did it fail?"

Seeing the Separation and Union Divine Light descend, Manjusri already guessed the outcome.

If Jiang Li had been successfully slain, their expressions would not be so solemn.

"It failed,"

Tan Wuwei carefully narrated the brief yet intense battle, then summarized, "Yaoguang Breaking Army's power has advanced significantly in this year. Although we gained the upper hand, we still couldn't kill him, and even..."

She pondered for a moment, a thread of divine thought emerging from her brow to conjure a Great Sun ahead.

"Jiang Li seemed not to exert his full strength. If the battle continued, Jiang Li would transform into a Golden Crow, break through the barricade, and join Mo Xuankong. Together, they could reverse the situation. Thus, I chose to retreat first."

Tan Wuwei explained her decisive retreat.

Pursuing the battle would lead not only to the inability to kill Jiang Li but also to the risk of falling behind; consequently, retreating without delay was wise.

"Golden Crow..." Manjusri's eyes emitted golden light, his face darkening, "Indeed, this rebel has mastered the Divine Farmer's Cauldron."

Upon learning of Jiang Li's slaying of Zhang Zhixuan, Manjusri suspected that Jiang Li might have fully developed the Divine Farmer's appearance, possessing the true capability to wield the Ochre Whip and the Divine Farmer's Cauldron. He had mentally prepared for this; nevertheless, upon verification, he couldn't help but display chilliness.

Through this battle, Jiang Li was confirmed to be comparable to the third grade; with the Mo Sect Master assisting, along with Yuxu Temple and Kunxu Immortal Palace...

Despite the Buddha Country having three third-grades, it seemed like they were still challengers instead of being in control.

Though third-grades vary, quantity doesn't mean everything, but unfortunately, the Buddha Country couldn't ignore the numerical disparity now.

Manjusri clearly discerned the present circumstances but remained composed as he said, "The journey ahead is arduous, but if we overcome this hurdle, the path will be smooth. Lifeless Buddha Friend, I'm entrusting the task to you."

"I won't shirk my duty," Tan Wuwei accepted.

"Shen Hou, assist Lifeless Buddha Friend and follow her command."

"Yes," Shen Hou replied, earnest and sincere.

Next, arrangements concerning the fourth-rank were discussed.

"Leave Jiang Li to me," Wuzhiqi shouted.

The monkey shouldered the Golden Hoop staff, a faint mist emanating from him. Gold veins flashed on his White Armor, exuding fierce momentum as golden light gleamed in his eyes.

Since using a life-saving hair, Wuzhiqi's Qi Mechanism became purer, devoid of its previous mixed feel, showing signs of integration with his Dao Fruit.

"Amitabha, with Guangli Buddha Friend's help, I could manage a confrontation with Jiang Sikong."

Weituo Bodhisattva locked eyes with Manjusri, his steady tone devoid of reverence for third-grades, "The three of us will only focus on holding Jiang Sikong."

Implicitly, they won't engage in anything else.

Obviously, this leader of the Buddha Country's Dharma Protecting Divine Generals wished to minimize his involvement in Manjusri's plans.

This reaction was within Manjusri's expectations; he smiled slightly, responding, "Very well, let it be entrusted to you three Buddhish friends."

Having these three willing to stall Jiang Li was advantageous. Moreover, their reluctance to interfere with other matters suited Manjusri's intentions, alleviating concerns regarding Weituo and Wuzhiqi.

After organizing the plans, Manjusri transferred command entirely to Tan Wuwei, while he personally flew onto a Dharma Platform lifted by several Vajra Warriors, seating himself cross-legged, seemingly entering breathing control meditative cultivation.

Shen Hou wished to scrutinize Manjusri, pondering the schemes of this veteran from the Jiang family, but upon considering Tan Wuwei's astoundingly unpredictable capabilities, he restrained himself.

At such times, doing less leads to fewer errors; focusing on his duty seemed best.

Tan Wuwei straightforwardly assumed command, her strand of divine thought morphing from the Great Sun into a topographic map. Indicating one aspect of the map, she stated, "Jiang Li rode in with the Flying Island, demonstrating the prowess of the vanguard. The court's soldiers are still en route, even with Mo Sect's assisted transport, they'll need time to arrive."