When he picked up the water cup, Yang Xiao’s hand was still trembling, as if it were a backlash after extre tension.
Curiously, he opened the invitation, but was surprised to find that there wasn’t a single word inside, only a blank sheet of paper.
On the back of the paper was an eerie image of a person, entirely black, sitting cross-legged on the ground, dressed in clothing resembling a kasaya, appearing to be a Buddha or Bodhisattva statue.
Strangely, the face of the statue wasn’t drawn, completely painted black. Looking at it for a long ti, it resembled a pitch-black bottomless pit.
Yang Xiao felt goosebumps on his scalp as he suddenly had a feeling that his face was ant to be filled into this black bottomless pit.
This thing was not right; Yang Xiao imdiately put the paper back into the envelope, together with the "Buddha seed," and then put it into a box specially reserved for storing magic artifacts.
Worried it wasn’t secure enough, he fetched a larger briefcase and placed the box inside.
With double insurance, Yang Xiao’s mind beca slightly more at ease.
He leaned back against the chair, taking deep breaths, adjusting his emotions.
He continually recalled his conversation with Monk Wukong earlier, in which Monk Wukong inadvertently revealed two key pieces of information.
First, Monk Wukong was not solely there to deliver a ssage; he held another invitation intended for the Exoteric Sect.
Considering the recent incidents within the Exoteric Sect, Yang Xiao had reason to suspect that the second invitation was intended for the culprit responsible for the disappearance of several elders.
Indeed, it was the Black Buddha Mother, notorious for such crafty and sinister thods, recruiting talent of dubious nature.
After scolding internally, Yang Xiao paused, only to realize he had inadvertently included himself in the chastisent.
Lately, he too seed naturally to cast himself into the role of an evil cultivator.
Shaking his head to clear away ssy thoughts, Yang Xiao continued to ponder.
Second, monts before Monk Wukong left, he clearly discovered sothing.
He ntioned his whereabouts were exposed again and complained of persistent pursuit, indicating soone was chasing him.
Thinking of the terrifying oppressive force and the blood-red light, Yang Xiao already knew who was after him.
In the territory of the Yin Temple, the only one daring to pursue the Life Demanding Monk would be the Yin Temple High Priest, soone who also happens to be the head of the Blood Sect within the Four Great Families.
This person was one of the world’s strongest seven, and a bearer of an Innate Treasure.
The intelligence Sheng Yanlin brought forward not long ago spoke of an unknown expert entering the Black Buddha Mother Sect, likely referring to Monk Wukong.
Also ntioned was the Yin Temple High Priest personally leading people to track this individual, both pieces of information now corroborated.
Honestly speaking, although Monk Wukong had ties with the Black Buddha Mother, Yang Xiao truly hoped he wouldn’t be torn apart by the Yin Temple High Priest and wished him safe passage.
After such an ordeal, sleep eluded Yang Xiao, lying on the bed, staring at the ceiling until dawn.
To avoid drawing attention, Yang Xiao went about his morning as usual, only summoning Sheng Yanlin by evening.
Nearly an hour passed before Yang Xiao saw Sheng Yanlin, who, after confirming nobody was around, mysteriously asked Yang Xiao if he sensed exceptionally strong spiritual power last night.
"I sensed it, it should be the Yin Temple High Priest," Yang Xiao replied quietly.
Upon hearing this, Sheng Yanlin nodded repeatedly, a hint of suspicion on his face, "I was summoned by Kunpa this morning, and it wasn’t just , even the two Netherworld-level elders of the Esoteric Sect remaining felt it — far stronger than Cannibal Buddha, confirming it had to be the Yin Temple High Priest."
"Yet, that power did not linger, nor did it communicate with the Esoteric Sect; instead, it continued swiftly towards the southwest."
"Who knows what the Yin Temple High Priest intends to do?" Sheng Yanlin murmured.
"He’s searching for soone, soone of the Black Buddha Mother, the Life Demanding Monk has arrived," Yang Xiao whispered.
"How do you know?" Sheng Yanlin was stunned, lifting his eyes to look at him.
Yang Xiao gave a bitter smile, taking out the briefcase, producing the invitation, "Because I saw him, he ca looking for , delivering this invitation."
Upon seeing the invitation, Sheng Yanlin’s face contorted, staring incredulously at Yang Xiao, "You... you saw the Life Demanding Monk?"
"Well, I saw him. We even collaborated once during a dostic nightmare mission, so consider it a reunion of old acquaintances," Yang Xiao sighed, uncertain if it was fortune or calamity.
"By the way, so things are best not discussed here, shall we head to my Mirror World?" Yang Xiao suggested.
Sheng Yanlin’s attention was entirely riveted on the invitation, bluntly refusing, "With here, nobody in the Esoteric Sect can eavesdrop on our conversation."
Seeing Sheng Yanlin say so, Yang Xiao felt relieved; Sheng Yanlin opened the invitation, taking out the black "Buddha seed," his eyes reflecting a hint of reminiscence.
Clearly, Sheng Yanlin knew of this item, after all, he too had been approached by emissaries of the Black Buddha Mother.
After setting down the "Buddha seed," Sheng Yanlin then pulled out the paper, and upon seeing the black Bodhisattva image, even his seasoned face changed expression.
"What’s wrong?" Seeing this, even Yang Xiao’s heart skipped a beat. This concerned him; he dared not neglect.
"Hiss—" Sheng Yanlin drew a sharp breath, shifting his gaze away, peering at Yang Xiao with a peculiar stare, as if trying to see through him.
"What? Don’t stay silent, what’s wrong? There’s no curse, is there?"
After a mont’s silence, Sheng Yanlin slowly turned the black part of the image face-down on the table, not directly answering Yang Xiao’s query, but instead questioning his understanding of the Black Buddha Mother’s lineage.
"The head of ten thousand religions, masters abound, devoid of humanity, frighteningly strong." Yang Xiao had heard this so often it was old news.
However, Sheng Yanlin was clearly dissatisfied with the answer, frowning slightly, "I’m referring to their organizational structure and hierarchy."
"That I don’t know." Yang Xiao was very honest, as he was rely a Little Apostle.
"Let’s not discuss ordinary believers, I’ll tell you about their cadre levels," Sheng Yanlin said seriously.
"First, at the lowest is the Arhat Position, ranked from Initial Fruit Arhat, Second Fruit Arhat, Third Fruit Arhat, to the Four Fruit Arhat."
"Among them, Four Fruit Arhat is also known as Nirvana Arhat."
"Let’s skip the earlier ones; the Four Fruit Arhat alone possesses mid-stage Ghost Level strength, stronger ones equating to your captured Gu Sect’s Bo Yetong."
"At this tier are the low-ranking cadres of the Black Buddha Mother Sect, with the highest population."
"Wait, is Bo Yetong only a low-ranking cadre in the Black Buddha Mother Sect?"
Having clashed with Bo Yetong, Yang Xiao knew his prowess well, surpassing mid Ghost Level, nearing high Ghost Level.
"Don’t interrupt; listen to ," Sheng Yanlin’s face was very serious.
"Beyond Four Fruit Arhat is the Bodhisattva Position. Reaching this level, they beco mid-level cadres."
"From low to high, starting with Mortal Bodhisattva, Saintly Bodhisattva, and finally Great Saintly Bodhisattva."
"Mortal Bodhisattvas possess Upper Ghost Level standards, Saintly Bodhisattvas exclusive to the Peak of Ghost Level, top-tier skirting near Netherworld Realm."
"As for those at the Great Saint Bodhisattva Position, virtually all are true Netherworld Envoys, recognized as elite martial artists."
"Even if so haven’t reached Netherworld-level in spiritual power, their actual combat power sits at this tier. These folks are more frightening, possess unlimited potential," Sheng Yanlin added quietly.
"Above this is a higher tier — the Thirteen Buddha’s sons, each one renowned in the world of martial arts, with strength rivaling mine or Yang Qianhe, enough to dominate a region."
"Above the Buddha’s sons are Three Honored Buddhas: Great Joyful Red Lotus Buddha, Half Compassion Purple Body Buddha, and the forr owner of your magic artifact, Little Holy Spirit White Buddha."
"Their strength is unparalleled, with the top-ranked Great Joyful Red Lotus Buddha stationed in the northeast, being the master of the Black Buddha Mother Sect’s northeast branch."
"Half Compassion Purple Body Buddha guards the southwest, leading the southwest branch."
"Little Holy Spirit White Buddha guards the southeast, overseeing the southeast branch."
"Above them is the Black Buddha Mother itself, its true form long guarding the northwest headquarters, echoing with its Three Demon Heads."
Pausing, Sheng Yanlin continued, "And we missed one, the Life Demanding Monk you saw last night."
"This figure is peculiar; though within the sect, he never joined it, being the only one who does not worship the Black Buddha Mother. Their relationship is more like cooperation."
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