Chapter 136: Loving Each Other

The two were discussing exactly what they had done during their retreat after falling into the God-Forsaken Land following the ambush that day. Those major factions were truly ruthless; to avoid greater risks, they had simply abandoned those who were captured. Even the Qin people of Zhangyitian had initially intended to give up on their own, planning to pay the steep price to resurrect them later. It was unclear if the Luotian Temple possessed such means, but for now, those monks were likely done for. Unless there were individuals of high status among them, the matter would probably just be brushed aside.

After a while, Liu Yan arrived accompanied by Tian Ling. The fairy glided through the air, her skin crystalline and luminous, drawing the gaze of many; a beauty is always the center of attention wherever she goes.

"It’s the two fairies of Tianqin. Such a sight is rarely seen on ordinary days."

Some stared intently at Liu Yan and Tian Ling, their eyes filled with envy and admiration. Both women possessed peerless beauty, yet their styles were distinct: one carried the aura of a queen, stirring a desire for conquest in the hearts of others, while the other was petite and exquisite, so adorable that one couldn't help but feel a sense of tenderness for her. The onlookers had dubbed them "the fairies."

"Where is Zhou Xunchuan? Has he not returned yet?" Liu Yan’s crimson robes were like fire, and there was a flame-shaped mark on her brow—Zhou Tian remembered this had not been there before, and he suspected her unique constitution had awakened some miraculous power. She lifted her chin slightly, her voice cold and aloof; that queenly demeanor remained unchanged.

"Not yet, but he is on his way and should be here soon," Zhou Zui replied. Zhou Xunchuan was not present at the moment, as he was active on the periphery of the grand array, where scattered creatures of the God-Forsaken Land and some holy spirits could be found—just enough to satisfy his inner thirst for battle.

"Zhou Tian, I heard you brought back another woman. Truly impressive; having little sister Tian Ling isn't enough, you have to flirt with others too?" Liu Yan unsheathed her fangs, aiming a veiled sarcasm at Zhou Tian.

"How could I dare? I must be learning from you, being devoted to one person with only Zhou Zui in your heart, right, Tian Ling?" Zhou Tian wrapped his arm around Tian Ling as she walked up to him, retaliating without mercy.

Many who had been stealing glances at the two women nearly dropped their jaws when they saw Zhou Tian holding Tian Ling; few had known she was his fiancée.

"Hmph, a good-for-nothing—what right does he have to be in my heart?" Liu Yan was every bit the queen; her expression didn't flicker as she sneered.

Zhou Tian cast a side-glance at Zhou Zui, only to see him acting like a turtle drawing into its shell, closing off his senses as if he had heard nothing. Tian Ling covered her mouth to hide her giggles, her eyes curving into crescent moons. Zhou Tian scratched his head; it seemed Liu Yan had evolved and was now immune to such attacks.

Before they could dwell on it further, a high-pitched dragon roar echoed through the sky. In the distance, a golden divine dragon flew toward them. Its body spanned hundreds of feet, its muscles powerful and taut, and each scale, the size of a palm, shimmered with a chilling luster.

"It’s Zhou Xunchuan! That is his dharma image, and it seems to have grown even larger." Someone with a sharp eye recognized it immediately, causing many to change color; the growth of a dharma image signified an increase in strength.

Upon nearing, the dragon transformed back into human form—it was indeed Zhou Xunchuan. Seeing Zhou Tian, he walked over. "Haha, I knew you’d be fine." Zhou Xunchuan seemed to have just finished a battle; his golden armor was covered in scratches, with some parts even shattered.

"Third Brother, long time no see. You’ve become even more handsome," Zhou Tian said with his unique brand of greeting.

"Haha, Zhou Tian, your words always please me the most." Zhou Xunchuan laughed and walked up to the Buddhist monk Sheyin. "Sheyin, my apologies. I ran into a saint-level holy spirit on the way here and couldn't help but have a go at him, which is why I’m late."

Sheyin opened his eyes—they were incredibly clear, seemingly devoid of any impurities. "Donor Zhou, your spirit seems somewhat taxed. Shall we continue today's battle?"

"Of course. Since I've come all this way, I certainly intend to fight," Zhou Xunchuan said dismissively.

"My temple possesses a scripture with miraculous effects for nourishing the soul, and I happen to have studied it. Why don't I chant a passage for you?" Sheyin said calmly. This was not a life-or-death struggle, merely a sparring match, and he did not want anyone to say he won unfairly.

"Then I shall have to witness it." Zhou Xunchuan sat cross-legged immediately. Sheyin did not delay, closing his eyes once more. A red-gold alms bowl, ancient and simple, floated above his head, suspended in mid-air, shedding strands of Buddhist aura.

Verses of an enigmatic ancient scripture began to ring out, spoken in a strange language that defied interpretation. Yet, all who heard it felt an immediate sense of serenity in their minds.

Zhou Xunchuan’s brow glowed, his body becoming crystalline. The damage he had sustained from the battle with the saintly holy spirit began to mend rapidly. Zhou Tian, however, watched the scene with bewilderment. Weren't these two supposed to be fighting? How had they suddenly become such a loving family?

"Does this monk have some hidden agenda?" Zhou Tian asked Zhou Zui. He couldn't help but be suspicious; the sight was simply too strange.

"You're overthinking it. With so many people watching, he wouldn't dare," Zhou Zui explained.

"If that's the case, he seems like a decent person. Why is everyone else so hostile toward the Luotian Temple?" Zhou Tian asked. He hadn't seen the temple commit any heinous acts recently, so why did the other factions hold such grievances?

"It’s the sins of their ancestors," Zhou Zui said with a faint chuckle. "During the ancient wars, the fighting was intense and casualties were countless. Many healing artifacts were donated. The Buddhist realm had a treasure called the Seven-Jeweled Glazed Pool, which had miraculous effects on restructuring the body. Many powerhouses used it, but the Buddhist realm had secretly manipulated it, causing many of those heroes to convert to their faith after the war. Now, they are the Luotian Temple. Especially the Weapon State—a Heaven-level figure even converted, which is why they harbor such deep resentment toward the temple."

Zhou Tian nodded. So that was it. It was the fault of those in the Buddhist realm for their own schemes; since the Luotian Temple had inherited their mantle, there was little to be done.

During the explanation, Zhou Xunchuan had recovered completely. Both he and Sheyin stood up, their states much improved. They stretched their limbs until their bones cracked and popped. "Let's not waste any more of our fellow daoists' time. Let us begin," Zhou Xunchuan said.

Sheyin nodded, a fighting spirit finally emerging in his clear eyes.