Chapter 1090 - 1089: Fuhong

"Abbot!"

Even someone as arrogant as Hui Le couldn't help but humble himself upon seeing the abbot who single-handedly founded Vajra Temple. Yet his eyes were filled with urgency, eager to know how Vajra Temple would deal with Ye Qingchen.

Other martial monks and Zen Masters in the hall also joined their hands together devoutly.

Abbot of Vajra Temple.

Fuhong.

To the monks of Vajra Temple, he was a living legend, a myth!

Thousands of years ago, although Southern Heaven had many Buddhist sects, they were chaotic and unorganized, each with different Buddhist teachings and disciplines. Conflicts between them were incessant, and war raged on. It was Fuhong who advocated the teachings of no form, no Buddha, no self, speaking eloquently for three days and nights, to counter the arguments of various temple heads, and then founded Vajra Temple.

Eventually.

This small temple gradually grew to rival Taotian Palace, Cyan Flame Sect, and others, being counted among the Thirty-six Sects, all thanks to Fuhong's singular efforts.

"Abbot!"

Seeing the old monk, everyone in the hall bowed their heads in deference.

Only Fish Monk showed a hint of doubt:

"How has the abbot aged several times in just a few days? Wasn't he always discussing with the Thirty-six Sects how to deal with Ye Qingchen? Did the Thirty-six Sects refuse?"

Over these days.

The repeated losses had dealt a significant blow to this old monk.

And today, he looked even more decrepit than before, appearing as if he had wasted away to a withered trunk or bamboo stem, seemingly ready to fall over with a mere touch.

In the expectant eyes of everyone, Fuhong spoke calmly:

"I am aware of why you have come. These past few days, I've been discussing with the Thirty-six Sects on how to deal with Ye the Demon, which is why I had Fish Monk guard the Great Hero Hall."

Upon hearing this, everyone showed a hint of excitement, but before smiles could form, they saw Fuhong sigh and shake his head:

"But unfortunately, the Thirty-six Sects refused!"

"How could that be?"

Not only Hui Ming and a few others were incredulous, but even Fish Monk widened his eyes in disbelief. Hui Le stepped forward and said, "The fall of Taotian Palace is still fresh in memory, yet they refuse to face Ye the Demon alongside us?"

Fuhong continued:

"The Thirty-six Sects of the Celestial South have always shown discord. Moreover, they accuse us at Vajra Temple of attracting Ye the Demon... Why would they join forces with us to confront him?"

"Firstly, they do not wish to meddle in this matter, and secondly, they intend to watch the tigers fight from the mountain. If we and Ye the Demon fight to the bitter end, they can reap the benefits as the fisherman!"

Upon hearing this, everyone fell silent.

Indeed!

The Thirty-six Sects aren't in the same dire situation as Vajra Temple. After Ye Qingchen wiped out Taotian Palace, surely Vajra Temple would be next.

Joining forces would naturally allow them to defeat Ye Qingchen, but Ye Qingchen's final counterattack before dying might still drag several Celestial Immortals down with him. Who would be willing to face such a Demon King of Chaos for Vajra Temple?

Thus, everyone wanted to see how Vajra Temple would fare in this battle!

For a moment, the hall was filled with silence.

"Their hearts are as dark as they come!"

Hui Le clenched his fists, his eyes icy cold.

Though he hadn't witnessed the battles firsthand, he had learned of Ye Qingchen's strength from others. When still an Earth Immortal, Ye Qingchen could kill Zou Ji Dao. Now, having achieved Celestial Immortality, how terrifying must his power be?

The destruction of Taotian Palace happened just yesterday, and now it's Vajra Temple's turn!

For a while, no one in Vajra Temple said a word.

Especially knowing that the Thirty-six Sects refused to ally, intending to watch the fight from the mountain, the slim hope for salvation was utterly shattered. A sense of impending doom spread wildly among everyone.

"We shall join forces to kill Ye the Demon!"

Hui Le's gaze turned icy.

"I don't need you to act; I'm not dead yet!" Fuhong raised his head slowly, his gaze fixed on the gigantic Buddha statue ahead, "Ye Qingchen is indeed powerful, but our Vajra Temple is not a place easily bullied! And I'm still here!"

"Abbot?"

"Are you going to personally challenge Ye Qingchen?"

Everyone was shocked upon hearing this, even Fish Monk's expression shifted slightly, seeming incredulous.

Fuhong hadn't fought in thousands of years, always meditating under this Buddha statue, contemplating Buddhist teachings. Now his Qi Blood was alarmingly weak, as though a child could easily knock him down; there was no semblance of a Celestial Immortal to him.

Ye Qingchen, on the other hand, was completely different. Since his debut, he had swept through Southern Heaven, the Extreme North, and the East Sea, bringing with him a storm of blood and chaos everywhere he went. Many suspected Ye Qingchen had entered celestial immortality through killing.

Could an old monk who had been meditating for thousands of years defeat Ye Qingchen?

Everyone held deep doubts.

However.

Fuhong suddenly raised his head.

"Hahaha!"

An uncontrollable laugh shook the Great Hero Hall, causing dust and debris to fall. In the astonished eyes of Fish Monk, Hui Le, and others, Fuhong stood up!

Crack! Crack!

Sounds of joints cracking echoed, as the frail Fuhong suddenly emitted a sound like the surging of seas and rivers, signaling the flow of mighty Qi Blood!

With the flow of Qi Blood, Fuhong's body inflated like a balloon. His withered arms and legs, and lean body, suddenly expanded dramatically, growing taller as well.

In the blink of an eye.

The frail old monk, akin to rotten wood, vanished, replaced by a robust and towering middle-aged monk with sharp features and piercing eyes.

"Come!"

Before the crowd could recover from their shock, they saw him raise his hand and grasp.

Above the Great Hero Hall, the Thousand-Handed Buddha seemed to awaken from sleep, hands swiftly clasping together as if embracing the void, gradually forming the Nine Dragon Alms Staff.

With Fuhong's raising hand, the staff flew into his grasp.

Buzz!

As soon as his hand touched the staff, infinite sacred incantations resounded in the air. A myriad of Buddha lights descended, enveloping Fuhong, transforming into a golden kasaya draped over him.

Bang!

A mighty presence surged from Fuhong's body.

As godlike as Buddha!

This energy surged like tides, instantly encompassing everything within a radius of thousands of miles, seemingly all under Fuhong's control.

This power far exceeded that of a Celestial Immortal!

In the stunned gazes of everyone, Fuhong turned around, showing no attachment to the Great Hero Hall he'd meditated in for thousands of years. He stepped into the void, disappearing from sight, leaving only his voice lingering:

"Announce my challenge to Ye Qingchen, I will battle this unparalleled Ye the Demon at Putuo Peak!"

.....

Fuhong, the abbot of Vajra Temple not seen for a thousand years, challenged Ye Qingchen at Putuo Peak!

In one day.

Southern Heaven was shaken.