Holding Rain

Chapter 418 - 136: A Traitor Among Us

Chapter 418: Chapter 136: A Traitor Among Us


"I do not eat human flesh," the Holy Infant King declared, crossing his arms and frowning.


Jiang Li stood silently, without a word, the Five Vile Qi within him subtly pulsing; it seemed as if he scorned to answer such a question while he was concentrating on restoring the Power he had exhausted earlier.


Ashuren merely let out a contemptuous snort with no intention to respond.


Only the Rashamon, with a smile on her lips, lowered her head to gaze at the Black Water Mysterious Snake with meaningful words, "You Mountain Lord, you seem to be doubting us."


She pointed out You Mountain Lord’s intention directly.


"Both you and I are well aware of the Sect’s situation. It’s prudent to be cautious, in case one among us turns out to be a pillar of the Righteous Path," You Mountain Lord hissed with a laugh, skillfully changing the subject.


As they spoke, the commotion nearby had gradually faded away.


The Black Water Mysterious Snake followed the flow of the river and saw a small town on the riverbank, engulfed in roaring flames.


The thick scent of blood spread with the wind, and the bodies lay scattered about, some fallen, some seated.


Within a short span of time, the small town was nearly devoid of life, except for the monstrous creatures that reigned unchecked.


Demonic cultivators with strange forms were feasting on the flesh, some tearing strips of meat to roast over the fire, while a python could be seen opening its maw wide to swallow a living person whole.


Such was the demonic nature of demonic cultivators, or one might say, their beastly nature.


Demons, ghosts, and monsters are labeled as the Evil Path precisely because the evolution of their Dao Fruit embodies utter cruelty and yet is swift. Furthermore, the influence of the Dao Fruit on the mental state causes a vast majority of cultivators with a demonic attribute to succumb to temptation and tread upon the path of evil.


’Indeed, this is utterly cruel.’


Jiang Li sighed inwardly, ’Whether it’s these demonic cultivators, or myself...’


He had grown accustomed to such a scene, and though there might be a slight stir within him, it was not enough to affect his composure.


This indifference was partly because he could now control his mental state, and partly due to the hardening of his heart from witnessing such scenes too often.


He had seen similar carnage carrying out Sect missions.


And the scene before him predicted that there would be much more to come.


The Black Water Mysterious Snake did not halt its course, passing the town and slithering along the shore towards Jiangyang County.


Along the way, it slaughtered all in its path, be it human or beast, with a growing killing intent and a surge of bloodlust, occasionally punctuated by the triumphant howls.


Soon the walls of Jiangyang County came into view, the river’s current grew swifter, and a profound black aura mixed with the water, tainting it into a dark Xuan stream that rose in waves, climbing higher.


By the time it was near Jiangyang County, the waves had reached over three meters high, towering over the city walls.


"Dang, dang, dang—"


Soldiers atop the walls frantically struck the bronze gongs, and their cries of panic spread throughout the city. A field of Divine Light diffused over the city and spread across the river, creating a Divine Domain.


The County Magistrate of Jiangyang County had made his move.


Regrettably, even within the Divine Domain, a Stove God of Eighth Rank could not suppress a fifth-rank, and within the Xuan stream, the Black Water Mysterious Snake lifted its body high, coldly overlooking the entire city with its lofty gaze.


"The blood meal of this city, I shall unapologetically claim for myself."


While speaking, You Mountain Lord’s vigilance towards the four individuals on his back was at its peak, taking no heed of the happenings within the city.


A mere county was no match for You Mountain Lord alone; he found it more pressing to ensure that none of his allies were pillars of the Righteous Path rather than concerning himself with the ants within the city.


On You Mountain Lord’s back, "Li Qinglian" still stood quietly, the Five Vile Qi flowing in an orderly manner, indifferent to the external changes; the Holy Infant King’s expression was inscrutable as he crossed his arms; Ashuren remained unmoved; and the Rashamon woman was giving "Li Qinglian" flirtatious glances, seemingly interested in him.


It seemed there was no infiltrator among the allies.


"Black Water floods, wiping clean the world."


At that moment, the Black Water Mysterious Snake let out a roar, and the Xuan flow pressed down, the overwhelming might terrifying the soldiers on the walls into a frantic escape.


Just as the city walls were about to crumble, suddenly—


"Amitābha."


A Buddhist chant echoed, and a Buddha Light formed, birthing a Golden Lotus that spread a mighty wave from within, crashing into the Xuan flow.


"Bang!"


Like a tidal wave hitting the shore, countless black waves rose, engulfing many figures rushing towards the county. The blood and killing intent mixed with the wave and Xuan flow, churning into a mess and splattering blood, leaving countless demonic cultivators dead in the waves.


"Buddha Country cultivators!"


You Mountain Lord’s snake eyes widened incredulously, staring at the city walls, "How could there be baldies?!"


Indeed, he had anticipated that his plan might encounter mishaps, even preparing accordingly, but he had never imagined that a Buddha Country cultivator would appear in Liangzhou Province.


Not only was he taken aback, but so were the four individuals on his back.


’The people from Buddha Country...’


The Divination Jiang Li was performing within his sleeve was somewhat bewildering.


He had anticipated a disaster in advance, but the involvement of someone from the Buddha Country was not within his expectations.


"Amitabha."


Upon the city walls, a hemp-robed monk of withered form, with black whiskers resting upon his chin, sat cross-legged upon a lotus flower. Though he bore the visage of the mortal realm, his presence was anything but ordinary. He called out loud, "Withdraw swiftly, lest you compel this poor monk to claim your wicked demon life today."


As he spoke, the Buddha light shone resplendently, and an aura of solemnity diffused in all directions, holding its own against a black water mysterious snake, tens of zhang in size.


Inside the city, where the hearts of the people were filled with trepidation and the streets saw frantic scurrying figures, the sight of the lotus and the Buddha light inspired many with reverence. They bowed in worship towards the direction of the city walls.


And as the city’s populace bowed in worship, the lotus appeared even more brilliant, and the Buddha light more vast, illuminating all around as if shining upon the ten directions.


Every cultivator from Buddha Country was practiced in the Summoning Technique, accumulating merit and performing good deeds throughout their lives, thus drawing upon the gratitude of others to form their External Dharma Form. Now, as all the people within Jiangyang City witnessed this fierce battle and spontaneously felt gratitude and reverence, it naturally augmented the monk’s External Dharma Form, enhancing its might.


’He’s chosen a good moment,’ Jiang Li inwardly remarked, while discreetly surveying his surroundings.


The appearance of this cultivator from Buddha Country suggested two things.


First, Buddha Country had expanded eastward and even had cultivators venturing beyond the borders of Yong Province. And secondly...


naturally, there might be people from Buddha Country among us.


While he was observing, Jiang Li suddenly sensed a movement in his consciousness, catching the faintest whisper through spiritual sense.


"Elder, something’s not right."


The voice floated gently, with an undeniable allure, belonging to the Rashamon who had been covertly sizing up Jiang Li, seemingly tempted by his form.


"We have a traitor among us."


Rashamon’s words were so alarming they nearly made Jiang Li’s façade crumble.


He glanced sideways, feigning surprise, while Rashamon continued to transmit her thoughts through spiritual sense. "The You Mountain Lord repeatedly probes us, making me suspect he’s from the Taiping Sect. He’s trying to test our identities, to discern the inclinations of different factions."


If someone has more than one face, then their actions will be influenced by the powers behind them.


Those opposed to the Taiping Sect would try to prevent the You Mountain Lord’s massacre and thwart the Taiping Sect’s rising rebellion. Conversely, supporters would aid the Taiping Sect.


Identifying everyone’s identity can reveal who the enemies and allies are.


At a time when the Taiping Sect is challenging Mystic Sect, this is a matter of great importance.


Jiang Li even considered a deeper possibility... ’Could it be that all the people the You Mountain Lord gathered here might be undercovers...?’


If the You Mountain Lord belonged to the Taiping Sect, then his purpose in gathering everyone wasn’t just for slaughter but also to probe their thoughts. If that was the case, the people he had assembled were highly suspect.


Even if they weren’t undercover agents, they held potential suspicions. At the very least, they were doubted by the You Mountain Lord.


This was only one possibility, and it remained unclear whether the You Mountain Lord was indeed with the Taiping Sect. But observing the situation, it seemed, probably, maybe, not necessarily untrue.


"You say the You Mountain Lord is from the Taiping Sect, but which side do you belong to?" Jiang Li grasped at that thread of spiritual sense, inquiring in return.


"It’s not important which side I’m on. What matters is that, elder, by assassinating Yang Ji, the Young Sect Leader of the Taiping Sect, you’re destined not to be aligned with the Taiping Sect," Rashamon said with light laughter.


Jiang Li: "..."


Even the Daode Sect was unaware of this affair; it was Jiang Li who had informed them. How did this woman know?


His thoughts raced as he silently started divining Rashamon’s true nature.


However, his divination faced tremendous resistance, entirely unable to progress with mere finger computations.


Meanwhile, as the two secretly communicated, You Mountain Lord summoned the essence within him, stirring mystic currents. His serpentine form rose ten zhang high, his snake eyes shining with a greenish light like lanterns. "Curse this bald thief seeking death!"


But before he could strike, Ashuren bellowed, "Let me do it."


As he spoke, his figure expanded, his bare upper body covered with dark red color, bursting forth with searing aura, "Damn bald thief, I slaughter every one I see."


His neck swelled as a new head sprouted, muscles under his ribs writhing as two new arms stretched out, revealing a ghastly visage with two heads and four arms, replete with a murderous intent.


Ashuren seemed to have connections with the Fire House Buddha Hell, so naturally, upon seeing a person from Buddha Country, he wouldn’t show any pleasant expressions.


"Vajra Store."


His muscles swelled, veins bulged, and Ashuren stepped heavily on the head of the black water mysterious snake, dazing it as he leapt into the air. His four arms lashed out together, hurtling toward—


The You Mountain Lord!


"Ashuren!"


The You Mountain Lord roared in anger, his serpentine head swaying as he attempted to dodge the sudden assault.


Never would he have imagined that Ashuren, the warrior known for his bushy brows and fierce eyes, would turn traitor, neglecting the target from Buddha Country to strike at his own kin.


However, the You Mountain Lord’s evasion was unsuccessful. Countless fine threads enveloped him, restraining him tightly, making it difficult to break free for the moment and forcing him to endure Ashuren’s attack.


The three others on his back were quick to react; they retreated nimbly into the air the moment Ashuren’s fists flew.


"Boom!"


Ashuren’s punch landed on the You Mountain Lord’s head like a meteor from the heavens, black snake scales shattered, blood splattered, and even the bizarre threads binding him snapped one by one with the thrashing of his serpentine form.


"Rashamon!"