Zanxing (Retranslated)

Chapter 280 - Entering the Tower (1)

Since emerging from the Abyss of Extreme Ice, Zanxing had not encountered such a formidable opponent in the past two years.

The statue proved to possess a kind of malevolent power. The moment she touched it, her entire body became paralyzed, unable to move or release her grip. The black horns were as sharp as swords, glinting with a ghostly sheen as they thrust directly at her throat.

In this life-threatening moment, Zanxing swiftly channeled her innate force, a green imprint subtly blossoming on her forehead. The awakened Demon King’s power caused a momentary delay in the Xie Zhi’s actions. Seizing this opportunity, Zanxing exerted force with her wrist, tightening her grip on the horns to prevent them from advancing further.

A drop, two drops, three drops of bright red blood trickled from her palm down the horns and into the dark soil below.

To onlookers, it seemed as though only an instant had passed.

In the cold, indifferent eyes of the statue, a flicker of surprise seemed to appear. The next moment, a thunderous roar shook the ground, and a silver giant lion leaped forward, slashing its massive paw towards the statue at the entrance.

The lion’s paw, imbued with violent spiritual force, surged forward with overwhelming power, raising clouds of dust that nearly obscured everyone’s view.

The statue remained unmoved, standing firmly in place without being swayed by the giant beast’s paw.

Yet, Zanxing could clearly see a hint of fear fleeting through the statue’s black eyes.

Frowning slightly, Zanxing hadn’t yet fully processed this when the statue’s eyes suddenly blinked. The next moment, a blinding white light surged towards her. She looked up and heard a delighted voice nearby: “Junior Sister, you’re here too!”

The surroundings had changed. The white tower and statue were gone, replaced by a vast, circular hall. Tian Fangfang and the others were standing nearby. Meng Ying sighed in relief, and Mu Cengxiao smiled, saying, “We were worried since you took so long to come in. Senior Sister was quite concerned.”

Meng Ying gave Zanxing a gentle nod, while Tian Fangfang quickly added, “And so did Martial Uncle!”

Zanxing looked over at Gu Baiying, who was leaning against the stone wall, holding his Xiu Gu spear. He frowned at her and, upon noticing her gaze, promptly turned his head and walked deeper into the hall.

Zanxing smiled and suddenly thought of something. She quickly used a transmission talisman to contact Xiao Shuang outside: “Xiao Shuang, I’ve entered the tower. The Xie Zhi statue is a bit peculiar, so don’t come in for now.”

She pondered that, despite being from the demon race, she had committed no wrongdoing. Why was she considered ‘guilty’? Xie Zhi had clearly intended to kill her. If Zanxing hadn’t used her Demon King bloodline to resist and Mimi hadn’t intervened, she might have ended up like Gao Quan. The statue was indeed strange and challenging, so it was better not to act rashly.

Soon, Xiao Shuang’s voice came through: “But, Your Highness, if you’re alone in the tower, what if…”

Zanxing glanced at Tian Fangfang and the others and said in a lighter tone, “Who says I’m alone in the tower?”

Her senior brothers and sisters, including Martial Uncle, were all here. In terms of numbers, her side had the most people.

Outside, Xiao Shuang seemed taken aback and was still hesitant. Zanxing continued, “I feel this Buddhist tower is not quite right. It may not be an ordinary trial ground. It’s better if you stay outside to handle any unexpected situations. Also, please take good care of Men Dong. The people from the Demon Extermination Army vary in quality, and I’m worried he might suffer.”

“Understood, Your Highness,” Xiao Shuang responded, no longer insisting. “But, Your Highness, Master Mingjing has also entered?”

Zanxing replied, “Hmm?”

Zanxing noticed Mingjing’s unexpected presence and was somewhat surprised. She had heard that Mingjing had accompanied many cultivators to the tower but had never personally entered. Given his indifference to worldly matters and trials, his entrance into the tower was unusual.

“Master Mingjing,” Zanxing addressed him with a hint of curiosity, “why have you come in as well?”

Mingjing’s response was calm and measured. “Before you left, your mother entrusted me with a letter asking me to take good care of you. The Buddhist tower is dangerous, and you are the only demon race member here. I was concerned.”

His eyes held a faint, restrained kindness, like a concerned elder watching over a younger family member. The affection in his gaze made Zanxing shiver slightly. Even though Mingjing was likely older than her grandfather, the way he looked at her felt oddly unsettling. She couldn’t help but wonder if Mingjing harbored paternal intentions, though it seemed unlikely he could match up to the many who might vie for such a role.

As they exchanged these words, Gu Baiying’s gaze swept over, his brows furrowed. He cleared his throat a couple of times and slammed his spear against the ground before turning and walking away.

Zanxing noticed the commotion and turned to Mingjing. “Let’s move forward.”

Zanxing was struck by the sight of the Five-Wheel Pagoda, which appeared vast from the outside but felt rather compact inside. The tower was devoid of any visible staircases, consisting solely of a round hall. The stone walls were adorned with intricate, colorful murals depicting lions, elephants, and peacocks.

These creatures—lions, elephants, and peacocks—were auspicious symbols in the Buddhist realm, representing good fortune. As the murals were crafted by Master Jingshan, Zanxing immediately sensed a sense of solemnity from them, suggesting they carried the power of laws beyond the reach of ordinary cultivators.

She remarked to Mingjing, “It seems Master Jingshan’s cultivation is quite profound.”

Mingjing’s gaze softened. “Master Jingshan is most revered not for his cultivation but for his virtue. Many years ago, when a severe drought struck Duzhou, leaving countless dead and many more destitute, Master Jingshan extended his benevolence, rescuing thousands of people. His immense merit has become widely known and celebrated.”

Zanxing nodded in understanding. “I see.”

At that moment, a voice of astonishment came from ahead. “What is this?”

Zanxing and Mingjing moved forward, with Mimi trailing behind.

In the center of the first floor’s hall stood a circular sand platform, and on it grew a single flower. The flower had slender stems and brown veins running through its petals. It had not yet bloomed fully but gently swayed in the white tower, captivating everyone’s attention.

“What is this…?” Zanxing wondered aloud.

Mingjing answered softly, “It’s called Winter Jasmine.”

The group turned to him, curious. The monk explained, “This is the Winter Jasmine, a hardy vine that symbolizes the unyielding spirit and eternal reincarnation in the Buddhist realm.”

As Zanxing was about to ask more, the delicate flower suddenly began to tremble. Its slender petals unfurled, seemingly offering a smile directed at her.

The Winter Jasmine had begun to bloom.