NOVEL NEXT Chapter 222
The rolling Buddhist chants echoed through the heavens, shaking the earth.
Countless gazes turned toward the scene, their expressions filled with awe at the sheer might of Buddhism. With the Myriad Buddha Formation complete, the combined power of nearly twenty Buddhas was gathered into one force. Though there was some loss in efficiency, the result was still far beyond what any single Buddha could achieve.
The skies filled with radiant Buddha light, dispelling the ominous clouds that had gathered from the earlier deaths of Buddhas. The heavens were now adorned with countless visions of Bodhisattvas and Arhats.
From all directions, Buddhist mantras filled the air:
"Life is full of suffering; turn back, and you shall find salvation. Lay down your blade, and you shall become a Buddha!"
"Formless and selfless, free of anger and arrogance!"
"If I do not enter hell, who will?"
These solemn words struck directly at the souls of those present. Many martial artists froze in place, their minds flooded with memories of their past sins. Some began to weep uncontrollably, overwhelmed by guilt and regret.
Others were driven to the brink of despair, gripped by the urge to end their own lives. It was as if they had become the most vile sinners in existence, unworthy of continuing to live.
Buddhist true energy had always been adept at influencing minds. Stories of Buddhas delivering lifechanging sermons with a single word were not uncommon. But experiencing it firsthand was a harrowing ordeal.
In the Jianghu, who among them hadn't taken lives?
For demonic sect members like Zhu Yuyan and Wanwan, the effects were even more pronounced. Activating their Heavenly Demon True Energy, they shielded themselves from the Buddhist chants and retreated with expressions of disgust.
Dugu Jian also frowned in disdain.
"Such hypocrisy," he muttered. "When they kill, it's to protect life. When others kill, it's a sin worthy of hell."
Many shared his sentiment.
"Doublestandard baldies!"
Yet the overwhelming power of the Myriad Buddha Formation left them too fearful to voice their thoughts aloud.
All eyes were fixed on the massive formation in the sky, waiting to see how the Daoist Realms would respond.
### The Daoist Response
The Daoist Realms wore grave expressions.
The differences between Daoism and Buddhism were clear: one emphasized quality, while the other relied on quantity.
But there was another key distinction.
Buddhism traced its roots back to a single source: Shakyamuni Buddha. Despite their various sects and teachings, all Buddhist practices shared a common foundation. This allowed Buddhas from different traditions to seamlessly combine their powers into formations like the Myriad Buddha Formation.
Daoism, on the other hand, was far more diverse. Each Daoist Realm cultivated unique techniques and philosophies. While individual Daoists were often stronger than their Buddhist counterparts, their disparate methods made it difficult to form unified formations.
"These baldies only know one trick!" Xiaoyaozi scoffed.
The Myriad Buddha Formation was not a new concept. It had appeared multiple times throughout history during clashes between Daoism and Buddhism.
Sometimes, Buddhism used it to secure victories and bolster its reputation. Other times, Daoism managed to shatter the formation with the help of a peerless genius.
"Let's test its strength first," suggested the Old Celestial Master, his tone cautious yet resolute.
"Agreed," said Sword Emperor Jiu, his eyes gleaming with excitement.
Having recently ascended to the Land Immortal realm, he relished the opportunity to participate in such a monumental battle. The experience was invaluable for honing his skills.
The Daoist Realms exchanged glances before nodding in unison. Their gazes briefly lingered on the Five Elements Spirit Swords, which hovered in the air, radiating an aura of invincibility.
With these swords as allies, they believed they had a chance to break through the formation.
"Fools!" thundered the Buddhist Buddhas, their voices layered with divine authority.
The Myriad Buddha Formation erupted with blinding light, illuminating the collapsed remains of Emperor Treading Peak like a sacred relic. The formation's power coalesced into a massive golden palm that seemed to stretch across the heavens.
Within the palm's surface, visions of Arhats and Bodhisattvas appeared, their serene expressions contrasting sharply with the palm's oppressive aura. It was as if an entire Buddhist kingdom resided within its grasp.
Even Dugu Jian couldn't hide his astonishment.
"What terrifying power," he muttered, gripping his sword tightly as it trembled in its sheath. He could feel an overwhelming sense of danger emanating from the formation.
He knew that if he faced this alone, survival would be nearly impossible.
The crowd held their breath as they watched the Daoist Realms prepare their counterattack.
"Attack!" came Zhang Sanfeng's command.
A surge of energy erupted from the Daoist side as each Realm unleashed their most powerful techniques:
The Five Elements Sword Formation alone seemed capable of rivaling the Buddhist kingdom within the golden palm.
Even Dugu Jian felt his confidence waver as he watched from afar.
He had come here hoping to challenge Ning Changge someday, but seeing the power of these swords—operating independently of their master—left him shaken.
For a swordsman like Dugu Jian, doubt was a dangerous thing. Yet he couldn't help but wonder if his ultimate technique could ever match such overwhelming strength.
The combined might of Daoism surged forward like a tidal wave:
The Taiji Diagram spun relentlessly.
Golden lightning crackled through the air.