Chapter 9: The Dharma Treasure 'Po Jian'

Surrounded by eight azure dragons and clusters of clouds, a floating golden city hovered in the air. The surrounding space rippled, and a crack appeared. The golden city directly flew into the crack and vanished.

Inside the city.

A million immortals were within the city. Above them were endless clouds, and they could not see outside at all, clearly there were restrictions sealing it off.

“Return to your respective camps. No one is to act without orders. Those who disobey will be executed!” The voice of the black-robed Xia Emperor boomed, resounding throughout the Eight Dragon Cloud City.

“Yes.”

The million immortals responded in unison.

Immediately, the nine legions and the legion directly commanded by the Xia Emperor all entered their respective camps, and each one behaved properly, not daring to leave the camp without permission. Everyone also understood that during battle... military discipline was strict; if the immortals moved about randomly, it would be impossible to quickly mobilize the army.

“It really is vast.” Entering the North Sea Legion camp, Ji Ning looked around. It was spacious, with countless meditation rooms, enough for a hundred thousand immortals to reside.

“Each of you find a place to rest. Do not leave the North Sea Legion camp.” Ji Ning ordered.

“Yes, General.”

The hundred thousand immortals responded in a mighty chorus, their voices shaking the heavens.

From afar, the sounds from several other camps could also be heard.

“Nine generals, come to the main hall for a meeting.” The Xia Emperor’s voice suddenly sounded in their ears.

“Senior apprentice-sister, rest first. I’ll go and come back.” Ji Ning said.

“Mm.” Yu Wei nodded. Although she had accompanied the army this time, she did not need to participate in battle at all.

Soon.

In the central main hall of the Eight Dragon Cloud City, Ji Ning and the other eight generals arrived. The Xia Emperor and the other five Celestial Immortals and True Immortals were already there.

“In this campaign, I am the commander-in-chief. I will direct all actions, and only I will know the plan.” The Xia Emperor sat above and said, “It’s not that I don’t trust you, but the intelligence-gathering methods of the Unbound Door are inconceivable. Once I tell you, the Unbound Door might obtain the information. That’s why I haven’t told you.”

Ji Ning and the other eight nodded.

“Rest assured, Your Majesty. During battle, we know the gravity of the situation.”

“Since Your Majesty is the commander, all decisions should be made by you.”

Several Celestial Immortal generals quickly said.

Ji Ning had been instructed by Patriarch Subhuti and knew the power of the Unbound Door, understanding the Xia Emperor’s difficulties. As for whether the others understood the Xia Emperor’s troubles, he didn’t know, but the Xia Emperor had explained it anyway.

“Mm.” The black-robed Xia Emperor nodded slightly, then waved his hand.

Whoosh!

Suddenly, eighteen black fleshy spheres appeared in the air, faintly covered with black fur. On these black fleshy spheres were tiny, heart-stirring golden lights, like the flesh of a powerful divine demon. Each of the eighteen exuded a powerful aura that startled even Ji Ning; they seemed no weaker than his Ananda World-Severing Sword.

“These are top-grade Pure Yang treasures.” The black-robed Xia Emperor said, “There are nine pairs in total, named ‘Po Jian’. One pair for each of you.”

“Top-grade Pure Yang?”

Everyone present, including Ji Ning, was astonished.

Even for Celestial Immortals and True Immortals, their value was astonishing. In fact, the total treasures of some Celestial Immortals and True Immortals might not be worth these nine pairs of ‘Po Jian’.

“Why haven’t you accepted them?” The black-robed Xia Emperor frowned.

“Yes.” Ji Ning and the others did not dare to be negligent. They immediately accepted them. As soon as they infused their Celestial Immortal法力, they easily refined them. Upon refinement, Ji Ning understood how to use this Pure Yang treasure.

Whoosh! Whoosh!

This pair of Pure Yang treasures ‘Po Jian’ directly merged into Ji Ning’s hands, causing his hands to instantly become like the claws of a wild beast. Thick black fur and tough skin appeared on his palms and the backs of his hands, and the tips of his fingers grew inch-long sharp nails, like blades. It was exactly like the claws of a wild beast.

“Change.” Ji Ning willed it.

Immediately, the sharp nail blade on one of his fingers rapidly transformed into a longsword. The other nail blades shortened and disappeared.

“Change.” The longsword disappeared, but a sharp blade edge appeared on the side of his palm, like the blade of a giant axe.

Axe, spear, sword, staff...

All could be transformed.

The nine Celestial Immortals tried it with great delight.

The black-robed Xia Emperor looked down and smiled: “Enough.”

Ji Ning and the others immediately stopped.

“The ‘Xingtian God’ formed by your formation has immense strength and excels in close combat. You will be engaging in close combat later, and this treasure ‘Po Jian’ is the weapon of the Xingtian God.” The black-robed Xia Emperor said, “I don’t care whether you are skilled in swordsmanship, blade techniques, or other close combat methods; this treasure Po Jian suits you all.”

Ji Ning and the others suddenly understood; it was for use when forming the ‘Xingtian God’ formation.

“But I must remind you.” The black-robed Xia Emperor said, “The Xingtian God has immense strength, but is somewhat lacking in speed and agility. Your combat methods must be more suited to the Xingtian God. Return to your camps and carefully ponder how to use the Xingtian God to maximize its power.”

“Yes.” Ji Ning and the others then withdrew.

…

In the North Sea Legion camp.

Inside the tallest meditation room at the center, which was also the general’s residence, Yu Wei was inside. Ji Ning also entered.

“How to fight?”

Ji Ning was still frowning in thought.

He recalled the feeling of controlling the Xingtian God—that powerful sensation. Ji Ning nodded slightly: “Mm, the Xingtian God is more suited for heavy weapons like giant axes and hammers, and for straightforward combat styles. It’s not suitable for agile styles.” In battle, one must leverage strengths.

If agility was lacking, trying to dodge and weave with swordsmanship would be suicide.

Fortunately, Ji Ning’s true body was a divine demon, and he had considerable insight into close combat, even knowing multiple sword techniques. He quickly settled on his combat style.

“What’s wrong? You’re back, but you’re still muttering to yourself.” Yu Wei smiled.

“Nothing, just thinking about how to fight when we engage the Unbound Door.” Ji Ning smiled. “After all, the Xingtian God is different from one’s own divine demon body.”

“Mm, then take your time thinking.” Yu Wei sat to the side with a smile.

Ji Ning nodded.

He immediately began to practice.

…

The Eight Dragon Cloud City, only a hundred zhang in size, was hidden among the clouds.

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!

Three black-armored men appeared out of nowhere, followed by the black-robed Xia Emperor. The Xia Emperor stood beside the Eight Dragon Cloud City, looking at the three black-armored men.

“Master.” The three black-armored men said respectfully.

“Mm, your mission this time is extremely important. You must set up the great formation properly.” The Xia Emperor said. “If you fail, we will have to pay a greater price.”

“Rest assured, Master.”

The three black-armored men replied respectfully.

“Go.” The black-robed Xia Emperor nodded.

Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh. The three black-armored men flew in three directions, then pierced through the void and vanished.

The black-robed Xia Emperor stood in the clouds, silently sensing the positions of his three servants.

…

Above a vast river, a black-armored man appeared out of nowhere. He stood there pondering for a moment, then threw something. A pagoda-shaped formation base flew directly into the river, sinking to the bottom and even burrowing deep into the riverbed.

…

On a towering mountain, a black-armored man appeared. In his hand was also a pagoda-shaped formation base, covered with countless complex runes. He also threw it downward. With the black-armored man’s immense strength, it smashed directly deep into the mountain.

…

Above a desolate swamp, a black-armored man appeared and also threw down a small pagoda.

…

In just a moment, nine small pagodas were set up in Baiji Commandery of the Great Xia world, each fifty thousand li away from Baiji City.

Also within Baiji Commandery.

Among the clouds, the black-robed Xia Emperor stood silently in the high sky. When he sensed that all nine pagodas were firmly in place, he revealed a smile: “One step ahead, every step ahead! Did the Unbound Door think I would rely on the Great Xia imperial capital to hold out and resist?” He had managed the Great Xia imperial capital for endless years, and it was indeed the most secure.

Now, he had only left the ‘white-robed Xia Emperor’ in the Great Xia imperial capital to preside over it, and he was not worried that the enemy could breach the capital.

But the Xia Emperor did not choose the easier path of holding out behind strong walls; instead, he took the initiative to attack.

“Rise!” The Xia Emperor willed it.

Boom~~~

In a vast river, the originally calm waters began to churn violently, the turbulence growing more intense. Then with a boom, a huge pagoda spire emerged from the water, rising continuously before finally stopping. The spire alone, rising above the water, was over ten thousand zhang high. The entire pagoda was covered with countless golden patterns, and immediately the heavens and earth began to warp, and visible ripples appeared in space.

A towering mountain began to collapse entirely, because an even larger black divine pagoda, covered with golden patterns, grew out of it.

In the swamp, a huge divine pagoda also emerged.

In an instant, an area of a million li in Baiji Commandery was entirely drawn in by these nine divine pagodas, falling under their control.

…

Inside the black city, the Unbound City, floating above Baiji City.

In the main hall of the Unbound City.

True Immortal Baiji sat at the very top, while below sat Celestial Immortals, True Immortals, and some Celestial Immortals.

“The Great Xia imperial capital is not easy to attack. The best approach is to gradually conquer the other territories of the Great Xia, forcing the Xia Emperor to become anxious and leave his lair.” Wanmo Cave Lord’s voice was deep.

“I just received news.” Qinghu Gate Lord said, “The Xia Emperor has taken out the先天灵宝 Eight Dragon Cloud City and transferred the entire army into it. But all the immortals are inside the Eight Dragon Cloud City and have no idea where they are. It seems the Xia Emperor is also guarding against us, not letting us know his movements.”

“Hum~~~”

Suddenly, space shifted.

Everyone present changed expression.

“Formation restrictions?” The black-haired, black-robed, red-pupiled old man sneered, “Didn’t you say the Xia Emperor was relying on the Great Xia imperial capital? What’s with these formation restrictions?”

“Sealing heaven and earth, preventing great teleportation, unable to pierce through the void, and even divine sense cannot probe.” Qinghu Gate Lord said softly, “This Xia Emperor is even more confident than we expected. He actually abandoned his Great Xia imperial capital and took the initiative to attack?”

True Immortal Baiji’s cold eyes held a hint of anticipation. He said coldly, “The more he jumps, the faster he dies. In the end, I am the master of this Great Xia world. Everyone, prepare for battle!”

“Woo——”

A low sound suddenly resounded throughout the Unbound City—the warning horn.

“Already attacking?” Inside the main hall, True Immortal Baiji, Qinghu Gate Lord, and the others all showed expressions of surprise. It was too fast. They had just set up the formation restrictions, and in just a short while, the enemy had already attacked!