When a Yandere Cannon Fodder Meets a Dark, Twisted Villain - Chapter 65

Upon hearing these words, Shi Yining felt a stir in her heart as she attempted to sense the mysterious karmic connection mentioned.

Her gaze shifted lightly, seemingly skimming over the ancient pillars of the hall, the neatly arranged prayer mats, and the lotus lamps on the tables… finally, her eyes came to rest upon the towering Buddha statue in the center of the Great Hall.

The statue was fashioned from gold, its lowered eyelids filled with compassion for all living beings.

The moment their eyes met, Shi Yining’s heart skipped a beat for reasons she couldn’t name.

Almost at the same instant, Shu Mo, standing silently beside her, felt a similar pull. With perfect synchronicity, she raised her head to gaze at the statue.

Sandalwood smoke curled through the hall, but the drifting blue haze suddenly seemed to freeze in mid-air, and everything around them began to drift into stillness.

After a moment, a pair of red lights slowly ignited within the originally compassionate eyes of the Buddha.

At first, they were merely two tiny sparks, but they rapidly grew brighter.

Immediately following, phantoms of crimson lotus petals—as red as blood and as clear as crystal—materialized out of thin air around the Buddha. They bloomed silently and weightlessly, layer upon layer, forming a complete and magnificent Red Lotus, untainted by the dust of the world.

As time passed, the red light grew increasingly dazzling, transforming completely into Red Lotus Karmic Fire. It emitted a majestic aura that dyed the entire solemn hall in a crimson hue.

A moment later, the Karmic Fire detached from the Buddha’s eyes and transformed into two streaks of flowing light. Graceful and steady, they flew toward Shi Yining and Shu Mo, who stood side-by-side in the center of the hall.

This was the Heavenly Fire capable of incinerating all the sins of the world—a legendary existence that had made countless grand masters and giants of history turn pale and flee in terror.

However, facing this legendary world-burning flame, Shi Yining and Shu Mo remained rooted to the spot.

They didn’t even take a defensive stance; they simply stood there quietly, their eyes fixed firmly on the crimson lights flying toward them.

Shi Yining’s eyes even held a hint of anticipation, while Shu Mo’s expression was calm, a faint, almost imperceptible smile touching the corners of her mouth.

It wasn’t that they were ignorant of the fire’s power; rather, a strange sensation deep within told them that the Red Lotus Karmic Fire was seeking its masters and would not harm them.

Inside the hall, aside from Master Liao kong—who had long known a portion of the heavenly secrets—the other young monks were all shaken to their core by the terrifying sight.

The pressure emitted by the fire reached into the depths of their souls, causing an instinctive sense of fear and awe.

“Benefactor!” An Mu cried out in alarm, instinctively trying to rush forward, but was firmly held back by Liao kong.

An Lan moved at the same time and was likewise stopped. Having sought refuge in the Buddhist sect as a soul entity, her perception of the Red Lotus Karmic Fire’s power was far more acute than the others.

She knew all too well that unless one received the recognition of the fire’s source, any living being that touched it would instantly be consumed by the flames.

“Abbot!” An Lan’s voice trembled with extreme worry, her face turning deathly pale. “The benefactors…”

Just as she spoke, Liao kong chanted a long, low Buddhist mantra.

The sound wasn’t loud, yet it possessed the power to soothe all unease, ringing clearly in everyone’s ears.

“Amitabha. In this world, ten thousand causes and effects are intertwined. Only these two patrons possess the special destiny and providence to make the Red Lotus Karmic Fire willing to recognize them as masters. They will be unharmed…”

As the words fell, the two streaks of crimson light reached Shi Yining and Shu Mo, hovering just inches away.

The Karmic Fire shifted shape, transforming into spirit butterflies. Their wings, thin as cicada silk, naturally flowed with fiery patterns; every gentle flap scattered tiny specks of light.

They danced around Shi Yining and Shu Mo with an affectionate and nimble grace, like mountain spirits finally finding their fated masters.

Watching this strange and harmonious scene, the tension in the hearts of the monks finally began to relax.

Shi Yining reached out her hand tentatively. As if receiving a silent invitation, the spirit butterfly fluttered its wings and landed obediently in her palm.

The touch was not scorching, but rather a gentle, jade-like warmth.

At the same moment, Shu Mo made a similar gesture, and the other spirit butterfly landed silently in her palm.

In an instant, a circle of warm and soft crimson light expanded outward from them.

In the eyes of the monks, they appeared even more sacred and ethereal.

Their auras did not become chaotic due to contact with the fire; on the contrary, they became even more profound, mysterious, and transcendent.

Witnessing the fire transform into butterflies and seeing the two women’s auras merge with the Red Lotus phantoms, a glimmer of genuine relief finally crossed Liao kong’s tranquil eyes.

She pressed her palms together once more, bowed deeply, and chanted the mantra with even more prayerful intent than before.

“Amitabha, excellent… excellent… Congratulations to you both for gaining the recognition of the Red Lotus Karmic Fire. This is a blessing for the myriad spirits of the Azure Sea Realm. Finally, the opportunity to cleanse the Demon Realm and eradicate the malice born of the Heavenly Dao is clear.”

With that, she raised her right hand and lightly flicked her wide sleeve.

Suddenly, a precious pearl materialized before her.

A golden radiance instantly flooded the area, and within it, one could vaguely see countless tiny golden Sanskrit characters appearing and vanishing. It emitted a force that was upright and peaceful, yet could make all evil instinctively feel suppressed.

“This is the Myriad Mystery Evil-Breaking Pearl I mentioned earlier. It contains the merit, vows, and Buddhist power accumulated by the Thousand Buddha Sect and the Heavenly Sound Sect over thousands of years. It was refined specifically to restrain the avatar of the Heavenly Dao’s malice. Now, I grant it to you.”

Liao kong’s voice was calm and powerful. Every word reached the ears of Shi Yining and Shu Mo clearly.

A flash of Buddhist light appeared in her palm, and the Myriad Mystery Evil-Breaking Pearl drifted slowly toward the two, as if carried by an invisible force.

“I wish you both every success on this journey.”

The pearl eventually came to a steady halt in front of them, its light flowing ceaselessly.

They understood that this was not just the gift of a treasure, but the entrusting of a heavy responsibility concerning the safety of the entire realm, along with the most sincere blessings of the Buddhist sect.

Shi Yining turned her head slightly, her gaze meeting her lover’s in mid-air.

There was no questioning, no discussion, not even the transmission of a divine thought; in that instant when their eyes met, they already knew each other’s hearts in perfect harmony.

The moment she withdrew her gaze, Shi Yining’s expression turned solemn. She slowly reached out and, with a near-devout posture, steadily caught the hovering pearl.

The pearl was warm to the touch. The vast Buddhist power circulating within it cleared her mind and made her feel the weight of her duty even more.

She turned to Liao kong, bowed deeply, and spoke clearly: “Thank you, Master, for this great treasure. Mo’er and I will not fail this trust. We will do our utmost to cleanse the Demon Realm and return peace to the living beings of the Azure Sea.”

Upon hearing this, Liao kong smiled and nodded, holding a single palm up and chanting the mantra once more.

Shi Yining did not linger. After paying her respects to the monks, she and Shu Mo left the Great Hall hand-in-hand.

As they took flight and stood upon the clouds, Shi Yining tapped her finger, sketching talismans in the air and whispering several commands. Several communication talismans made of spiritual energy instantly flew out, transforming into streaks of light toward different directions.

These messages were sent to Ruo Nian, Ruo Ying, and Hu Ying.

Shi Yining informed them that they had found the Red Lotus Karmic Fire, received the Myriad Mystery Evil-Breaking Pearl, and were about to begin their move, reminding them that there was no need to continue the search.

With that done, the two figures on the clouds smiled at each other and, like startled swans, streaked across the sky toward Wuyou Forest.

The mountain wind whistled past their ears as the rolling mountain ranges and emerald forests retreated rapidly beneath them.

Shi Yining and Shu Mo flew hand-in-hand, their robes fluttering, feeling the familiar warmth of each other’s palms.

About two incense sticks’ time later, they arrived at Wuyou Forest.

Seeing their return, the gathered cultivators immediately cast glances filled with hope and inquiry.

Qin Wu had been discussing matters with several elders. Sensing two unusual auras approaching, she immediately turned around.

When her eyes met Shi Yining and Shu Mo and she felt the restrained but distinct spiritual fluctuations emanating from them, a flash of surprise crossed her eyes, followed by a realization that turned into joy.

She stepped forward quickly, her voice trembling slightly with excitement: “Ning’er… you… did you find the Red Lotus Karmic Fire?”

Meeting her master’s earnest gaze, Shi Yining smiled brightly. “It is exactly as Master suspected. During our trip to the Buddhist sect, Mo’er and I unexpectedly gained the fire’s recognition.”

Hearing this, Qin Wu exclaimed “Good!” three times. “Ning’er truly has deep providence! With the help of the Karmic Fire, we have several more chances of success against the Demon Lord!”

Shu Rong, who had been observing silently, felt the two identical, mutually resonating pure auras, and a look of reflection appeared on her face.

“I originally thought that a heavenly treasure like the Red Lotus Karmic Fire was unique as the legends say. I didn’t expect it to exist in a pair. It seems the legends were mistaken.”

Qin Wu laughed and clapped her hands. “The fire in a pair, and the beauties as a couple—this is a truly auspicious omen!”

The news of the Red Lotus Karmic Fire’s recognition greatly boosted morale, and the plans to invade the Demon Realm were significantly accelerated.

To ensure nothing went wrong, Shi Yining and Shu Mo began using their remaining time to draw talismans and set up formations…

At noon the following day, led by the three sects—Xuanqing, Yuehua, and Qishan—the remaining righteous cultivators who had answered the call gathered outside the barrier of the Demon Realm.

Over ten thousand figures in various robes, their magical treasures shimmering with spiritual light, converged into a vast spiritual pressure.

Every gaze was fixed on the dark barrier that seemed capable of swallowing everything. Hands gripped treasures tightly or gathered spiritual energy, poised for action.

Just as the leaders—Qin Wu, Shu Rong, Zhao Jing, and others—exchanged looks and prepared to give the order to attack, a thunderous sound suddenly came from the horizon, like the beating of war drums.

The cultivators looked over alertly to see a large patch of brilliant, majestic clouds approaching. Atop the radiance was a disciplined army of cultivators at the Golden Core stage and above.

The leading carriage was exceptionally luxurious, and seated upon it was the Empress of the Tiansheng Empire.

She was not dressed in dragon robes, but in a functional outfit of martial attire covered with light armor, her brows sharp with heroic spirit and majesty.

As she approached, the Empress greeted Qin Wu and the others from afar. Her gaze swept over the crowd and finally landed on Shi Yining and Shu Mo.

After a brief pause, she spoke, her voice clear and carrying across the fields: “I already know the true identity of the Demon Lord. This battle concerns the future of the Azure Sea Realm. Every living being in this world bears this responsibility. How can the Tiansheng Empire stand by and watch!”

Her words were crisp and decisive, stating her firm stance and her determination to face the calamity together.

As her voice fell, the well-trained imperial cultivators behind her echoed in unison. Their voices shook the heavens, and a majestic battle intent instantly merged into the Righteous Alliance.

In an instant, their collective power reached an unprecedented peak.

Countless eyes fell upon the pitch-black barrier of the Demon Realm. The leaders of each faction exchanged solemn glances in mid-air; no words were needed, as the decision was made in a heartbeat.

“Attack!”

As the command went out, the slaughter commenced!

In an instant, tens of thousands of attacks that had long been prepared—carrying brilliant spiritual lights of every color, sword qi, talismans, and the power of magical treasures—crashed down from different directions upon the sun-blocking demon barrier.

Deafening explosions resounded continuously, instantly drowning out all other sounds. Dazzling bursts of light erupted across the surface of the barrier, and violent shockwaves pulsed wildly outward.

At the edge of the battlefield, several extremely hidden yet powerful forces quietly joined the assault. These were Ruo Nian, Ruo Ying, and Hu Ying, hidden in the shadows. Though their sensitive identities made it inappropriate to appear openly, they provided secret assistance at this critical moment.

Relying on their keen perception, Shi Yining and Shu Mo precisely locked onto the relatively weak nodes revealed under the frantic assault. Without a word, the moment their eyes met, they knew each other’s intent.

Shi Yining raised her delicate hand, and hundreds of pre-prepared Array-Breaking Talismans flew out like meteors, landing upon the barrier. Simultaneous to her move, Shu Mo’s Eternal Life Sword locked onto the tiny fissures opened by the talismans, slashing out a sword light that spanned heaven and earth.

The timing of both strikes was impeccable, their coordination seamless as if they were of one body.

The moment the sword light and the talismans struck together, the barrier—already under immense strain—could no longer maintain its stability. After several violent tremors, a series of cracking sounds followed. Countless fissures spread like a spiderweb, instantly covering the entire barrier. A moment later, another thunderous roar erupted, and the barrier disintegrated inch by inch, turning into fly ash.

Suddenly, a drastic change occurred!

The sky, originally shrouded in dark clouds, instantaneously turned blood-red. Deep within the Demon Realm, wisps of mist churned and eventually transformed into a giant figure—cold, indifferent, as if looking down upon all living beings.

With a casual wave of its hand, the entire blood-colored firmament boiled violently, and an indescribable, terrifying pressure descended. This was not a spell or a divine ability; it felt more like… a Heavenly Punishment brought down by this world upon the creatures within its domain!

Accompanied by hundreds of thunderous cracks, blood-colored lightning fell from the sky without warning.

“Watch out!” “Form defensive arrays!”

Cries of alarm rang out from the cultivators.

“Now is the time!” Shi Yining did not hesitate for a second, instantly sacrificing the Myriad Mystery Evil-Breaking Pearl.

The pearl rose into the air, suddenly erupting with an unprecedented, brilliant radiance. For a time, Buddhist light illuminated the earth. Countless golden Sanskrit characters surged forth, instantly overpowering the blood lightning and sweeping toward the Demon Lord and the vast host of demon cultivators emerging behind her.

To demon cultivators steeped in demonic qi and burdened by sin, this treasure—which condensed thousands of years of vows from the two great Buddhist sects—was nothing short of the most lethal nemesis. Wherever the golden Sanskrit characters passed, the demonic qi dissolved completely. Countless demon cultivators let out shrill screams; those with weaker cultivation dissipated instantly, while the stronger ones were struck as if by a heavy blow, their auras withering and their combat strength decimated.

As for the Demon Lord, the churning blood-red aura around her was suppressed by the vast Buddhist light, forced back several paces.

However, the Myriad Mystery Evil-Breaking Pearl alone was not enough to deal with such a powerful foe. At that moment, Shi Yining and Shu Mo moved in perfect synchronization, summoning the Red Lotus Karmic Fire.

Under the sky, massive and gorgeous phantoms of red lotuses bloomed out of thin air, emitting a pure aura that cleansed all things and incinerated all karmic sin. The sky full of red lotuses did not scatter; guided by an invisible force, they flew together toward the powerful enemy.

The Demon Lord’s demonic qi surged relentlessly in an attempt to resist the fire. However, under the dual suppression of the Evil-Breaking Pearl and the Red Lotus Karmic Fire, her figure gradually began to turn transparent.

The Demon Lord was originally an avatar of a wisp of malice produced by the Heavenly Dao under the influence of the Nine Abyss Reincarnation Mirror. Now, as the malice was continuously purified, her strength waned rapidly.

After a few moments, she looked toward Shi Yining and Shu Mo, and the corner of her lips twitched slightly.

It was a smile.

There was no resentment, but rather a sense of liberation. As the malice dissipated, she—as a part of the Heavenly Dao—would soon return to the source.

The Demon Lord’s body gradually blurred, turning into specks of starlight that drifted high into the air. The blood-red color permeating the sky receded at a visible rate, and the evil-doing demon cultivators were executed one by one.

The vast battlefield suddenly fell into an unbelievable silence.

The expected mountain of corpses and sea of blood, the life-and-death struggle, did not happen. The Demon Lord who had shrouded the heavens and made the cultivators tremble had, under the joint hands of Shi Yining and Shu Mo, lasted only a few breaths before dissipating.

The entire process was so fast it felt surreal.

In this instant, countless gazes fell upon the two figures standing side-by-side in the center of the battlefield. From confusion to disbelief, then to shock and joy, the emotions eventually turned into awe—awe for truly powerful experts!

The cultivators had witnessed with their own eyes the vast Buddhist light of the Myriad Mystery Evil-Breaking Pearl cleansing the demons and suppressing the Demon Lord. They had witnessed the purifying divine power of the Red Lotus Karmic Fire, which even an avatar of the Heavenly Dao could not resist.

And the ones wielding these Buddhist treasures, the ones whom the Red Lotus Karmic Fire had recognized as masters, were the most famous “Favored Daughters of Heaven” from the Xuanqing and Yuehua sects.

Now, they stood hand-in-hand, announcing their closeness to the world.

Qin Wu looked at her beloved disciple, her eyes moist, her heart overflowing with pride and emotion. Shu Rong’s eyes were filled with nothing but relief.

The Empress of the Tiansheng Empire looked at the pair of lovers, who appeared like immortals under the shroud of Buddhist light, her eyes showing clear admiration. Because of providence, she had once intended to match her sixth daughter, Sheng Huan, with Shi Yining. Later, with the events of the Demon Realm, the matter was dropped; now, she naturally harbored no such thoughts.

The catastrophe concerning the survival of a realm had been safely resolved. Shi Yining and Shu Mo had won the most sincere and heartfelt respect of every cultivator present…

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