Northern Song Shaolin Temple.
Scripture Pavilion.
At this moment, a shocking scene unfolded before their eyes.
The Shaolin Temple upper echelons who had been excitedly searching for the nameless Sweeping Monk were now prostrate on the ground in utter disgrace.
Their energy wasted, faces ashen.
They seemed on the verge of death.
Not far away, two mysterious figures with powerful auras were staring at an old monk in plain robes with predatory gazes.
The three auras intertwined, locked in a battle of wills.
Puff puff puff.
Suddenly.
Three streams of blood spurted simultaneously.
At the same time.
All three were wounded.
"Two benefactors, why must you be so aggressive? Shaolin Temple has no interest in you!"
"If this continues, it benefits no one. Why not end it here?"
"Shaolin Temple has no interest in us? Haha monk, do you think Shaolin Temple can remain uninvolved now?"
"The Nine Provinces have already plunged into great contention. Whether the dynasties or the martial forces, nearly all will undergo a cleansing."
"Survival of the fittest, only the strong endure."
"Shaolin Temple is already fading. Great Master, you are a Mythical Realm Buddhist Immortal. Why remain confined to the Shaolin Temple?"
"Join us. In the future you may have greater opportunities in the God Demon Realm, right?"
"Amitabha. Two benefactors, you put this old monk in a difficult position."
"This old monk has spent his life in the Shaolin Temple. How could I leave so easily?"
"Besides, Shaolin Temple's foundation is not for you to judge."
"Shaolin Temple has endured for centuries in the Nine Provinces for a reason. No one else can decide its fate!"
"Two benefactors, please leave. Today let it be as if this old monk never saw you."
"If you dare entangle me again, do not blame my thunderous wrath!"
"Hehe monk, do you think only the two of us are involved in this operation?"
"Now before you, there are only two paths."
"One is to submit to us."
"Two is Shaolin Temple is utterly destroyed by us!"
"Your choice."
Their words barely finished, disdain twisting their faces.
Their eyes are full of mockery.
"Listen, what is that sound outside?"
"Hm? You actually sent forces to attack the Shaolin Temple?"
A wave of piercing screams echoed in.
The nameless Sweeping Monk's face changed drastically.
A terrifying aura exploded outward.
Killing intent clearly revealed.
These people had crossed his bottom line and were unforgivable.
Clearly, the attackers are a real army.
Perhaps a single person might not beat a Shaolin monk.
But a tens of thousands‑strong force attacked fiercely, if they hadn't reached the Land Immortal Realm, almost anyone could be besieged and killed.
Despite the anger of the nameless Sweeping Monk, the two mysterious men remained indifferent.
Instead they appeared to enjoy the show.
This plan was issued by top leadership.
Naturally, targeting Shaolin Temple were not only these two.
More companions would follow in waves.
The nameless Sweeping Monk, even if he becomes God Demon Realm, is insignificant.
==========.
Meanwhile.
Elsewhere in front of Shaolin Mountain.
Fully trained armies exuding murderous energy fiercely besieged Shaolin Temple.
Shocking to all.
Their leader was none other than Murong Fu, previously gone missing.
And at this moment, he was full of vigor.
His eyes gleamed with deep oppressive intent.
Years ago, the Murong Clan was destroyed. Murong Bo, his family and followers died at enemy hands.
Even Murong Bo's loyal militias were swiftly eradicated by the Song Army.
Murong Fu disappeared entirely.
Unexpectedly he had joined a mysterious force.
And been entrusted with command.
He now had an opportunity for vengeance.
His father had died at the hands of the Song Dynasty.
His hatred for the Song Dynasty ran deep.
If orders had not restrained him, he would have already sent troops to exterminate Zhao Ji and Zhao Huan.
Even though they still lived, Murong Fu now used all means to make them suffer worse than death.
Let them taste being crushed like dogs.
Alas, his greatest enemy Huang Chang was missing.
Otherwise he would tear him limb from limb.
He also despised the Shaolin Temple intensely.
The Shaolin Temple had once slighted him more than once.
Now all that counts as the worst crime.
If Shaolin Temple died, his name would resound through the Nine Provinces.
Since he cannot be ranked on the Nine Provinces Golden Ranking, he will use another way to make his name known.
In the future, if he acts, more talents might come to him.
Thinking thus made him more urgent to eradicate Shaolin Temple.
He did not doubt he could do it.
In this operation, his organization deployed Heavenly Human Realm, Mythical Realm, even God Demon Realm cultivators.
A mere nameless Sweeping Monk was no match.
"Send orders, launch the full assault!"
"This Shaolin Temple has existed too long!"
"It is vexing to see!"
"I, the main marshal, will burn the Shaolin Temple down!"
Murong Fu's eyes flashed coldly as he issued commands.
==========.
At the same moment, while Murong Fu's troops rampaged at Shaolin Temple and the nameless Sweeping Monk was entangled with two Mythical Realm men.
A thousand meters away on a high peak.
Two figures stood, overlooking the full battlefield at Shaolin Temple.
"Bad Marshal, why stop me?"
"I cannot stand by and watch Northern Song Shaolin Temple perish before my eyes."
"Great Master Tan Zong, calm yourself."
"If you act now, the effect will be minimal. You must wait for a proper opportunity."
"No. This Stitched Cloth Guard is far too reckless."
"If I do not intervene, Shaolin Temple may actually burn."
"Northern Song Shaolin Temple may have no direct ties to Tang Shaolin Temple, but they share the same Shaolin Temple lineage. In a crisis, I must act."
"Bad Marshal, do not block me again!"
"Great Master Tan Zong, you think this Shaolin Temple incident is only what it seems?"
"Surely you do not believe other dynasties will not involve someone?"
"If you intervene now, you may become a pawn of those unseen powers."
"In the end, whether you live or die is uncertain."
"If anything happens to you, who will safeguard Tang Shaolin Temple?"
"Now, the entire Nine Provinces are in chaos. Without you, Tang Shaolin Temple might well follow the fate of Northern Song Shaolin Temple."
Bad Marshal Yuan Tiangang spoke to Tan Zong, his tone dire.
Tan Zong was one of Tang Shaolin Temple's strongest monks.
Also a true Mythical Realm cultivator.
He had originally planned not to get involved in dynastic conflicts.
But could not refuse Li Shimin's earnest request.
Reluctantly he joined this chaotic Song Dynasty turmoil.
He felt that soon his own Tang Shaolin Temple would be drawn into the Nine Provinces conflict.
"What do you mean by that?"
"A scout reported that the Black Ice Platform, Dark Guard, Secret Intelligence Division, Supreme Master Mansion, are all secretly watching this battle."
"Whoever enters first becomes a pawn."
"Most likely will die and vanish from the path."
Tan Zong froze and hesitated.
He had not expected that a seemingly insignificant, even fading, Northern Song Shaolin Temple would become the focal point of all dynastic powers.
"Bad Marshal, are these really Stitched Cloth Guard?"
"They are absurdly powerful yet not under Han Emperor's control. What are their intentions?"
"And what is their goal?"
"You are the ShadowBad Marshal. You must know the truth?"
"Ha, Great Master Tan Zong. You are nearly God Demon Realm. You do deserve to hear this secret."
"These Stitched Cloth Guard are not those Stitched Cloth Guard."
"More precisely, they are the Black Cloth Guard, the espionage force built by Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty."
"In comparison to Black Ice Platform, Bad People, Dark Guard, they are no less."
"For years the Black Cloth Guard has operated in secrecy, influencing Han Dynasty affairs. Their scheme is enormous."
"Even I, the Bad Marshal, find it hard to know how many masters are among them."
"Though the Han Imperial Court now appears chaotic, on the verge of collapse."
"In my view, their threat level matches the Ming Dynasty, Vast Sea Dynasty, and Qin Dynasty."
"This plot for Shaolin Temple definitely has hidden motives."
Tan Zong frowned on hearing this.
"Black Cloth Guard? Bad Marshal, do you think their backer is some ambitious figure in the Han Dynasty?"
"Some prince plotting to seize the Han Dynasty's throne?"
"Possible. I have vetted all Liu Family descendants eligible for the throne and found none suitable."
"Either this mastermind is none of them."
"Or he is hidden so deeply that even I cannot detect him."
Bad Marshal Yuan Tiangang said coldly.
"But no matter what, this person cannot remain hidden for long."
"Others in the imperial powers are also watching closely."
"With their intelligence, no matter how deep the mastermind hides, he will be exposed soon."
"I look forward to the day he is completely revealed!"
"Ah, well then. Since that is so, I will not wade into this murky water."
"Whether Northern Song Shaolin Temple survives this deadly crisis depends on their own fate."
"I cannot risk Tang Shaolin Temple's safety for Northern Song Shaolin Temple!"
Tan Zong sighed helplessly.
The Bad Marshal showed no emotion outwardly.
But inwardly, he felt disdain.
They would never see eye to eye with these monks.
"Ranking updated!"
At that moment, the ranking in the sky pulsed with light.
A new ranking appeared.
Tan Zong's gaze burned as he stared at it.
With his strength, he should qualify for the ranking, right?
If he truly appears on it, some of his secrets may be exposed!
Not sure if that is good or bad.
[Buddhist Immortal Ranking – Rank 5]