While Leo was still entangled at Blackwater Lake, events elsewhere were unfolding quickly.On the other side, Fu Yuechi and Fu Qingfeng, along with Zhiqiu Yiye and other heroes, had successfully rescued their father, Fu Tianchou. Zhiqiu Yiye had even managed to trap Captain Zuo using his immobilization technique.However, the calm didn't last long.Just after returning to Zhengqi Villa with their father, Captain Zuo managed to track them down. And worse—just like in the original story—the national teacher, Pudu Cihang, appeared as well.Pudu Cihang, known secretly as the thousand-year-old centipede demon, approached Zhengqi Villa under the pretense of spreading Buddhist compassion and resolving the matter of Fu Tianchou's kidnapping peacefully. But his intentions were anything but kind. He quickly found those hiding in the villa—Fu Tianchou, Fu Qingfeng, Fu Yuechi, Zhiqiu Yiye, and others.Even Ning Caichen was still inside, unaware of the danger.Strangely, when Captain Zuo attempted to follow them inside, he was stopped by several of Pudu Cihang's female attendants. They claimed he was too violent and should wait outside.Inside Zhengqi Villa, the atmosphere was tense."Master," Fu Tianchou said, stepping forward solemnly. "I was framed by evil people. I beg you to clear my name."Pudu Cihang, dressed entirely like a Buddhist monk, smiled faintly. "Good, good. May the Buddha be merciful," he replied gently as he passed by.But then—He suddenly pressed his palms together and began chanting the Soul-Calling Sanskrit Sound.In an instant, everyone present fell under a hypnotic illusion.Fu Tianchou dropped to his knees and began frantically kowtowing. "I am guilty! I am guilty! I am guilty!" he shouted, over and over.Fu Yuechi, Fu Qingfeng, Ning Caichen, and several martial heroes began walking forward in a daze, drawn by the evil chant.Even Zhiqiu Yiye was momentarily entranced and staggered forward.Then it happened.A few brave martial heroes who reached Pudu Cihang first were instantly vaporized by a flash of soul-devouring Buddha light. Their bodies shattered into dust—but the others still walked forward with smiles, as if nothing had happened.Zhiqiu Yiye finally snapped out of it."Not good!" he yelled. "It's the Soul-Calling Sanskrit Sound! Cover your ears, now!"Without hesitation, he began slapping talismans on those under the spell, waking them up one by one.As everyone slowly regained awareness, Zhiqiu Yiye pointed at Pudu Cihang."Who are you really? How dare you pose as the national teacher of this land?!"With a bite of his finger, he drew a character in his palm and launched a powerful Immobilization Spell at the demon.But unlike before, when the spell had immobilized a giant corpse monster with ease—this time it failed.Pudu Cihang's eyes snapped open. Dark, ancient, and filled with hatred, they stared directly at Zhiqiu Yiye.Zhiqiu Yiye gritted his teeth and pulled out a second talisman. "Wind, Thunder—Earth-Shaking Order!"A bolt of lightning shot from the talisman and crashed toward Pudu Cihang.Though impressive, it was nothing against a thousand-year-old centipede monster.With a hum, Pudu Cihang's entire body radiated golden Buddha light. It instantly shattered Zhiqiu Yiye's thunder spell and surged forward like a divine weapon.Zhiqiu Yiye barely had time to react.The golden light tore through him, piercing several bloody holes in his body."Zhiqiu!!" Fu Qingfeng, Fu Yuechi, and Ning Caichen all cried out in alarm.Zhiqiu Yiye staggered back, vomiting blood. "Cough... I'm fine!" he groaned, trying to stay upright.But things were only getting worse.Fu Yuechi's golden eyes flared open—she had entered Sage Mode.With a determined shout, she launched a pure wave of spiritual energy at Pudu Cihang.But the demon only raised his hand—and absorbed it!"What... how is that possible?" Fu Yuechi was stunned. Her most powerful move had been completely neutralized."This monster is too strong," Zhiqiu Yiye said through clenched teeth. "Only Leo can handle this.""Where is he now?" Fu Yuechi whispered, a vision of the black-robed, long-haired figure flashing through her mind.Meanwhile, Pudu Cihang spoke coldly:"Buddha is merciful... but mortals remain ignorant and stubborn.""You all deserve to be sent to the eighteenth level of hell."Suddenly, his form expanded and shifted.He transformed into a massive Golden Buddha, his body emanating a terrifying brilliance."This monster even dares to impersonate Buddha…" Zhiqiu Yiye muttered, horrified.With a flash, the giant Buddha emitted a blinding beam of golden light—an execution stroke meant to kill everyone."Everyone fall back!" Zhiqiu Yiye shouted.He didn't hesitate to put himself between the light and the others."Wind and Thunder—"He tried to retaliate with another spell.But it was too late. The light had already reached them.Zhiqiu Yiye closed his eyes, bracing for death.So did everyone else.Clang!A sudden, deafening crash echoed through the air.There was no pain.They opened their eyes in disbelief.A massive black wall stood in front of them, shielding them from the deadly golden light."This is...!!" Fu Yuechi's eyes sparkled with realization.Zhiqiu Yiye's jaw dropped.Wasn't this the same black jade Leo had used earlier to resist a talisman explosion?Fu Qingfeng and the others also remembered.And then—whoosh!A powerful presence appeared in the middle of the battlefield, black robes flowing, hair cascading down his back.It was Leo."Brother Leo!!" Fu Yuechi exclaimed with joy.Zhiqiu Yiye, Fu Qingfeng, and the other martial heroes cheered in relief.Leo, now fully adorned in his Six Paths Mode, stood at the center.A coat woven from the threads of the Six Paths clung to his figure. In his three eye sockets shone a pair of Rinne Sharingan and a central Super Moon Eye, all adorned with nine golden magatama.He gripped a Six Paths staff, which he slammed down with force.Clang!!His voice echoed out across the field."Your opponent... is me!"Behind him floated nine golden Truth-Seeking Orbs, circling like heavenly guardians.Leo, tall and powerful, stood firm in front of Pudu Cihang.The final battle was about to begin.
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