"Supreme Resentment! Punish!"
Mo Ban Shen was certainly not willing to sit still and wait for death! Even though the power Ji Xiang was displaying at this moment made him incredibly terrified, he had to face it head-on with a brave front!
After all, this place was connected to the luck of the divine kingdom. Even if the other party was a true immortal descending to the mortal realm, they couldn't completely kill the three of them, the supreme existences!
This was a type of great curse technique, using powerful resentment to curse and kill the target. This curse art, appearing through spoken words, carried a certain authority, as if spoken words could govern the world!
It was as if, once this terrifying spoken word was uttered from his mouth, the target of the spoken word would inevitably be cursed to death!
Their souls would be torn apart, and their primordial spirits would be infected by the curse. Endless calamities, in the form of resentment, would fill their bodies!
The ancient celestial demon energy, the golden Buddhist energy, and the cyan Daoist energy descended like a sea of clouds, clashing with this power of curse and killing.
"As long as the vengeful spirits do not perish, the divine kingdom will not perish. Since the beginning of ancient times, with the sacrifices of vengeful spirits, we have always existed. The incense offerings of the entire Shinto religion were arranged by us, and even the existence of the ghost and god path is closely related to us."
"You are definitely not someone sent by Emperor Jinmu to eliminate us!"
Mo Ban Shen's injuries had already recovered, and he spoke without showing weakness. At this moment, the curse and resentment that Mo Ban Shen unleashed, carrying the dark power of killing, originated from the void and had already arrived.
It intertwined with the divine might of the three days of demon, Buddha, and Dao, but after a moment, it was dragged out from the void. A black mist floated, carrying polluting power. Those spoken words were transformed into tangible characters and were forcefully manifested in this human world!
"How is this possible!"
Mo Ban Shen was greatly shocked to see the spoken words manifest into substance and be dragged out from the void.
The black mist surged, but in an instant, it was purified by the Buddhist energy, swallowed by the demonic energy, and extinguished by the Daoist energy. Thus, this menacing curse power, which attempted to contend with Ji Xiang, only held on for a moment against the divine might of the three days before completely collapsing and scattering. All traces of its existence were swallowed by the divine energy of the three days!
Seeing this great crisis emerge, Osaka Shen and Emperor Chōtoku, as the divine energy of the three days pursued them, dared not delay in the slightest and immediately unleashed their immense magical powers!
A stream of mirror light flowed, illuminating the dark world!
"Flesh, blood, and souls, all gather unto me!"
"Fear the forbidden law!"
The mirror on Emperor Chōtoku's body swayed, and in an instant, it reflected the appearance of all living beings in this decaying world!
Souls locked!
And then!
In an instant, the lives of all beings in the mountains, forests, lands, and decaying world were drawn out!
"Come, return to where you belong!"
"Let your hearts, souls, and flesh be sublimated, forging the continuation of the divine kingdom!"
The mirror reflected people's souls and imprisoned their spirits. If other mirrors existed here that had not been purified by Emperor Chōtoku, then people's souls could not be collected by him.
At this moment, Osaka Shen watched as tens of thousands of souls were forcibly extracted. In an instant, there were widespread laments and white bones filled the fields. The terrified screams of those people echoed, but their souls were leaving uncontrollably, and their bodies instantly evaporated as if steamed, their flesh and blood disappearing without a trace, leaving only piles of skeletons to return to the earth.
"These skeletons are left for the Land of the Yellow Springs, to serve as vessels for the ghost soldiers."
"This flesh and blood, souls, will forge the supreme barrier of the divine kingdom, for our use."
Tens of thousands of souls left their bodies, regardless of whether they were humans, ghosts, demons, or spirits. In an instant, they turned into skeletons, with no flesh or blood remaining!
The evaporated flesh and blood essence were also fully replenished into the bodies of the three vengeful spirits!
"Our subjects are with us in the same world."
On Mo Ban Shen's dark face, his eyes narrowed into slits, smiling thinly, like the terrifying ancient monsters in true myths. After receiving the sacrifices, he revealed a monstrous, satisfied appearance.
Osaka Shen's eyes, however, showed a look of sorrow, accompanied by his tragic sigh, which, like a storm, affected the minds of the world's people.
"Souls, great souls, the divine kingdom exists, the gods are immortal, and the souls are also immortal."
This terrifying, shocking, and infuriating scene unfolded before Ji Xiang's eyes in an instant. It was only when Ji Xiang looked at the living people near the Izumo Grand Shrine that he realized this.
It was not an illusion reflected in the mirror, but a large number of living people had truly been killed. Not only humans, but even those yokai, spirits, and demons had their very origins stripped away; their souls and flesh and blood had also been deprived.
At this moment, all beings were equal. Only the three originating gods of resentment stood in the world, and they declared that all that had died was like a dream. As long as they existed, then the souls of all these beings would also be with their vengeful spirits.
"The resentment of the living beings in this world will not perish, nor can it be erased by the years. While they live well, they can contribute their wishes of sacrifice to us. And when they encounter enemies like you, they become our food. This unwilling death, carrying immense resentment, will also return to us after death."
"No matter what, we will become stronger."
"This place is one with the divine kingdom. You can kill us once, twice, even a hundred or a thousand times, but you will eventually run out of power."
The three vengeful spirits all let out rampant and gleeful laughter.
Only Ji Xiang's brows were tightly furrowed.
Musashi and the old abbot were filled with shock and anger, but facing the originating gods of Shinto, they were helpless. They could only watch from afar this battle at this level, unable to approach even half a step, lest they be affected and their souls scattered.
Ji Xiang's tone was displeased: "Although I did not intend to save the people of this decaying world, as your country has become this way entirely by its own fault, killing living beings in front of me, even if I were to ignore it, the Heavenly Dao would not be blind to it."
"You vengeful spirits and hateful monsters, you have truly audacious courage to commit murder under the eyes of the Heavenly Demon!"
Ji Xiang's tone began to grow angry!
I think you completely disregard me, this Heavenly Demon!
In an instant, his fury filled him, and the ancient celestial demon energy erupted, corroding all the protective aura on the three vengeful spirits!
"Ah! This aura again!"
The laughter abruptly stopped, and the terrifying faces, a mixture of ferocity and joy, quickly turned to terror.
The screams broke through the heavens. The three vengeful spirits were incredulous! They had clearly absorbed all the wishes and resentments contributed by all living beings in the divine kingdom, and their strength had entered the depths of the immortal path. How could they be so easily penetrated by the protective vengeful aura? This was the barrier formed by their collection of all the auras present in all beings!
"Heavenly Rock Gate, swallow them!"
Emperor Chōtoku gave the order. The giant grave-mountain flesh monster raised its head and swallowed the sky. A large expanse of the sky within the universe was eaten by it, and even its aura entered the bottomless pit. It showed no discomfort!
Most of this world had fallen into darkness, but not far from the Izumo Grand Shrine, the power of the crimson divine banner still existed. Heavenly Rock Gate could not approach the crimson divine banner. Seeing this, the three vengeful spirits immediately re-energized their magic, intending to compete with Ji Xiang. Osaka Shen, meanwhile, cast his gaze towards the crimson divine banner.
"That must be a divine artifact we have never seen before! Heavenly Rock Gate swallows everything. The places it eats become a dark void. Its very existence represents the Yin aspect of the world, the embodiment of darkness, the personification of fear and terror. It is a giant monster of Izumo that only appears in the divine kingdom, and it cannot be defeated."
"But that crimson divine banner can actually block its advance, and being able to block its advance means being able to subdue it!"
Mo Ban Shen threw eight red spears from his hand and raised eight red shields to block the pincer attack of Tian Yu Yu Zhan and Tian Ye Yun Jian. In an instant, four of the shields shattered, but they immediately reformed.
He also said to Osaka Shen:
"Indeed! What did this intruder call himself just now?"
"Heavenly Demon?"
"What is that thing? Is it the demon from Buddhism?"
Mo Ban Shen and Osaka Shen were both vengeful spirit gods from ancient times. They resided in this Peach Blossom Spring of Izumo Kingdom, unaware of which dynasty or how many dynasties had changed. In the past, only one person who crossed the sea had intruded, but he had not done anything to them. That was the fleeting glimpse of the name Bōdō Shōnin appearing in this Peach Blossom Spring. They thought that across the sea was a country called Tang.
And Buddhism was transmitted from that country.
Therefore, demons also came with the Buddha. As for the strange things that originally existed in the world, those that originally had no names or meanings were given appellations like "yōma" (demons).
"What a joke, a monster from across the sea dares to compete with us!"
"Great power is not everything. Today, we will make him understand!"
Although Mo Ban Shen was vociferous, he also understood that the other party's strength was far superior to their three vengeful spirits. Their reliance was on their existence being intertwined with the divine kingdom. As long as the divine kingdom did not perish, they would be immortal and indestructible.
Emperor Chōtoku reprimanded: "Stop the pointless verbal sparring. It is by no means easy to wear down someone like this who has stepped into the realm of immortality. Even after absorbing flesh, blood, and souls, he can still be harmed. Even Heavenly Rock Gate cannot swallow this red demonic sky. Osaka Shen, if you have the ability, quickly seize that crimson divine banner!"
After speaking, he exchanged a glance with Mo Ban Shen, and the two began to manipulate their magic. Vengeful curses, curses, assassinations, Yin-Yang rotation, divine path sea of clouds—all the ancient Shinto techniques were unleashed with earth-shattering power, all to stop Ji Xiang!
"Since he is a Buddhist Heavenly Demon, I also know some Buddhist techniques! Six Paths Painting!"
Emperor Chōtoku's mirror swayed, and six mirrors manifested the scenes of the six paths. Within them, six kinds of ghostly figures floated, and a hellish world was about to tear Ji Xiang to shreds!
Mo Ban Shen also employed ancient Shinto techniques:
"Exorcism Painting!"
Spirits exorcising evil, several tall vengeful spirit black shadows appeared. The dark gods worshipped in ancient Shinto appeared in the form of divine shadows, representing the meaning of "driving away terror with terror" and worshipping "great terror."
This Exorcism Painting actually blocked the ancient celestial demon energy!
But it only blocked it for a moment!
However, Mo Ban Shen was immortal and indestructible. He actually sacrificed himself and stepped forward. His giant vengeful spirit body, along with the army of divine shadows covering the land, formed a high wall, not allowing Ji Xiang to cross forward, not even half a step!
Osaka Shen withdrew and flew towards the crimson divine banner. Sensing the demonic energy about to annihilate him, blood and flesh patterns appeared on Osaka Shen's body.
The vengeful spirit body instantly transformed into a human body, and that demonic killing aura disappeared without a trace!
"Indeed, this divine banner can invade our world, but it did not harm those ordinary mortals before. This divine banner only kills gods and demons, not ordinary people!"
"I will seize the divine banner with the body of an ordinary person!"
Osaka Shen formed a mudra in his hand and then unleashed an astonishing spell!
"Human Gate, Ghost Gate, Heaven and Earth Exchange!"
"Forbidden Art of Ghost and God Outsiders!"
A colorless space spread out, and everything in heaven and earth lost its color. Whether it was the crimson ancient celestial demon energy or the polluting black energy entwined around them, they instantly lost their brilliance. Even black and white were absent, leaving only a transparent universe.
After this universe disappeared, the magical might was erased, and everything was to begin anew!
"This divine artifact is mine!"
Osaka Shen was both surprised and delighted. Using the ancient Shinto originating art, a method passed down from Emperor Jinmu, he prohibited the flow of magical might in this world. It was like forcefully stopping an operating array, like a running machine suddenly freezing. In this instant, powerful momentum would disappear, surging anger would turn into nothingness, and even moves with killing intent would cease their movement.
Sharp swords, with their sharpened edges, would become dull. Not only would their killing be stopped, but their very existence could be further controlled!
A wildly swung sword is dangerous, but a sword placed still is safe!
Osaka Shen's giant form grasped the equally giant crimson divine banner.
And then!
The divine banner suddenly grew larger!
Ji Xiang, blocked outside the high wall of divine shadows, uttered a single word with a cold tone:
"Collect!"
Boom!
The crimson divine banner, receiving the command, instantly covered the heavens and earth. The sky that had been swallowed by Heavenly Rock Gate into darkness reappeared with light, but it was a red halo, representing the wrath of the ancient celestial demon!
Osaka Shen's form instantly twisted!
He was like a stretched noodle, instantly pulled into the crimson divine banner!
"Osaka Shen!"
Mo Ban Shen, seeing this scene, his eyes widened in fury, but the next moment, the crimson divine banner suddenly rose into the sky and pressed towards him!
The anger that had filled his mind moments ago completely dissipated. After an instant of calm, immense terror surged into his mind.
"Gone!"
Gone was the trace of Osaka Shen's existence. The power related to it in heaven and earth had vanished!
Being repeatedly killed was not terrifying.
What was terrifying was being instantly collected into that strange divine artifact, to the point where even the trace of its existence could not be felt!
"Flee!"
Mo Ban Shen suddenly lost the courage to fight to the death. Sometimes, collapse comes so suddenly!
But the divine banner grew larger and rose to meet the sky. With a momentary lapse, Mo Ban Shen was struck by Tian Ye Yun Jian. Instantly, the worldly strife and injuries were added to his body. One sword strike was like a thousand, splitting his vengeful spirit body into a hundred thousand pieces!
On the other side, Emperor Chōtoku was also struck by Tian Yu Yu Zhan!
Ji Xiang wielded the Manjushri Green Sword and split Mo Ban Shen into two from head to tail with a single strike!
The fire of wisdom burned karma!
Mo Ban Shen's eyes were filled with terror and disbelief.
Ji Xiang said faintly:
"The so-called Human Gate, Ghost Gate, Heaven and Earth Exchange, Forbidden Art of Ghost and God Outsiders, is a method studied by Taoism during the Wei and Jin dynasties."
"I am the Primordial Heavenly Demon of the Daoist sect, and you wish to control my divine abilities with inferior Daoist methods?"
"You are seeking your own death!"
The Buddhist sword swung again.
Mo Ban Shen instantly vanished into smoke. The immense resentment and flesh and blood souls all scattered into the divine kingdom, dissolving into nothingness. Emperor Chōtoku discovered that neither Osaka Shen nor Mo Ban Shen had resurrected after being killed at this moment!
"What is going on? No restoration? You cannot possess such power. No one in this world can have such power!"
Emperor Chōtoku howled hysterically, unable to accept what was happening.
Ji Xiang explained: "The ancient celestial demon energy has destroyed your foundations, and Manjushri's sword of wisdom can break all evil magic."
"Foundations destroyed, tall buildings collapse. Although there are rootless duckweed drifting in the world, how can a towering tree not have roots to rely on?"
Saying this, he pointed his sword at Emperor Chōtoku, and in an instant, the sword tip brushed above his heavenly spirit.
The fire of wisdom burned intensely, burning with great joy!
"You are a Heavenly Demon, but what is a Heavenly Demon?"
Emperor Chōtoku was somewhat deranged, having lived for hundreds of years without ever witnessing such a thing.
Ji Xiang replied: "A Heavenly Demon is the existence that kills you."
"Using evil to control evil, using killing to stop killing, using demons to control demons, this is the Heavenly Demon!"