Checking in for 100,000 Years Chapter 1032: Black Water Demon

"Cang Ming, from where did your Ninth Hall procure such an anomaly?"

A composed male voice resonated from the rear of the Celestial Boat.

All heads turned.

They observed an elder in simple attire, hands clasped behind his back, traversing the void as he approached.

This elder, clad in plain clothes, was gaunt and skeletal, with sparse eyebrows, a countenance resembling a snake's head and rat's eyes, giving him a rather fierce visage.

A string of dark crimson Buddha beads adorned his neck.

"Black Water Demon!"

The instant Cang Ming saw the newcomer, his expression darkened considerably.

This Black Water Demon held a cultivation at the Third Layer of the God-Honored Realm, a minor realm above his own.

The Black Water Demon was renowned for his formidable power and ferocity in his earlier years, yet for reasons unknown in recent times, he had begun to delve into Buddhist scriptures.

This peculiar turn baffled many.

"Black Water Demon, what brings you here?"

Cang Ming's eyes narrowed as he gazed at the approaching Black Water Demon and inquired calmly.

"The Ten Thousand Monster God Temple has been creating such a significant stir for an extended period. Do you truly believe you could conceal it from me? Therefore, I too have come to ascertain what gains you have reaped within this Yin Yang Cave."

The Black Water Demon caressed his prayer beads, a pious smile gracing his lips, appearing much like an eminent monk who had achieved enlightenment eons ago.

"We have indeed acquired some spoils, naturally, but as you are aware, the Yin Yang Cave is rife with peril. Our Ninth Hall has only managed to explore this far; we are still uncertain how much further the depths extend!"

Cang Ming articulated in a low tone.

"Cang Ming, where did your Ninth Hall discover this prodigy? What Cultivation Technique does he practice that allows him to contend with those Black Bug Waves?"

The Black Water Demon's gaze settled upon Ye Yun, and he posed the question with a gentle smile.

Cang Ming: "..."

Cang Ming's features stiffened; he found himself at a loss for words.

While Gu Anran might be considered his kin, she was not affiliated with the Ten Thousand Monster God Temple.

Furthermore, her senior brother had no connection whatsoever to the Ten Thousand Monster God Temple.

His intervention thus far was purely for his junior sister's sake.

"Cang Ming, what troubles you? Has a cat got your tongue?"

The Black Water Demon chortled lightly.

"Black Water Demon, why do you not remain in your hermitage diligently studying Buddhist Law? Why must you involve yourself in the murky affairs of our Ten Thousand Monster God Temple?"

Cang Ming rebuked him with a glare.

"Hehe, I am not the sole individual who has arrived this time. A considerable number of Divine Sovereign Realm powerhouses have descended into the Yin Yang Cave. Who knows where they are currently dispersed?"

The Black Water Demon stroked his prayer beads, his eyes narrowing into a smile as he spoke.

"So many have arrived? This is dire news!"

Cang Ming's expression shifted drastically, his face becoming so somber it seemed as though droplets of water might fall from it.

Initially, their Ten Thousand Monster God Temple had intended to monopolize all the benefits; however, that ambition had now evaporated into thin air.

With the various major factions now entering the Yin Yang Cave to seize opportunities alongside the Ten Thousand Monster God Temple...

The ultimate outcome would be determined solely by individual capabilities.

"Alas!"

Cang Ming exhaled a long sigh. He had harbored fears of this very scenario unfolding, yet it had come to pass regardless.

The blame could only be placed on the excessive danger of the Yin Yang Cave, which had caused delays for too long, granting other forces the time to discover its existence.

"Palace Master Cang Ming, you need not fret excessively. With my presence, no one shall dare to lay a hand upon you..."

Addressing the Black Water Demon before him, Ye Yun declared with a smile.

Cang Ming was, with high probability, his master. Regardless of the circumstances, Ye Yun was determined not to permit anyone to bully his master.

"You are merely at the True God Realm Third Level. Though your Cultivation Technique is remarkably potent, when it comes to actual combat, I fear you will be quite helpless!"

Cang Ming sighed, managing a strained smile.

"Young brother, from the moment I laid eyes upon you, I sensed a peculiar affinity. It appears we are destined to meet..."

The Black Water Demon regarded Ye Yun, his eyes crinkling into a smile.

"Is that so? I too perceive a kindly and compassionate aura about you. You must possess exceptionally profound mastery in Buddhist Law; a truly enlightened master indeed!"

Ye Yun responded with a smile tinged with hidden meaning.

The instant the Black Water Demon materialized, Ye Yun had recognized him.

This Black Water Demon's true form was the Buddha Flame Root, one of Dragon Tree's manifestations.

This particular manifestation possessed a cultivation level at the Third Layer of the God-Honored Realm.

In the past, the majority of incarnations that the Dragon Tree Devourer had absorbed were of the Divine King Realm; extremely few reached the God Venerable Realm.

His many past lives were dispersed across the vast Divine Land.

The Buddha Flame Old Ancestor had previously mentioned that a portion of his successive existences had already embarked on the path of Buddhist cultivation.

This Black Water Demon standing before us, however, was not adorned in monastic robes. Based on his grasp of Buddhist principles, he appeared to be merely a novice, barely initiated.

"Hahahaha, young friend, your words are like the sweetest melody to my ears!"

Upon hearing Ye Yun’s commendation, the Black Water Demon felt an overwhelming sense of elation, his delight so immense that he couldn't help but erupt into boisterous laughter.

"Senior Brother, this Black Water Demon doesn't seem to harbor commendable intentions, does he?"

From the side, Gu Anran voiced her concern in a hushed tone.

"Worry not. I've also absorbed a modicum of Buddhist wisdom from your Sister Luo Ye. When the opportune moment arises, I shall engage this Black Water Demon in a profound discussion..."

Ye Yun replied with a serene smile.

"Young friend, since fate has brought us together, why not accompany this old man?

Along our journey, we can share insights and exchange knowledge on Buddhist Law. What do you say?"

The Black Water Demon boomed with laughter, extending a hand as if to pull Ye Yun along. Simultaneously.

A fearsome surge, the Third Layer of the God-Honored Realm's Super Divine Dragon Breath, descended like an unstoppable tidal wave. The majority of the Ninth Hall's disciples, who were positioned at the God Monarch and True God Realms, found themselves utterly immobilized under the sheer pressure of this formidable breath attack.

"Black Water Demon, what is the meaning of this?"

Cang Ming bellowed in fury, drawing his sword and preparing to confront him. At that very instant, a hand was placed gently upon his shoulder.

Cang Ming turned his head, only to see Ye Yun beaming broadly at him.

"Palace Master Cang Ming, I too hold a fondness for studying Buddhist Law. Perhaps I could venture to exchange a few perspectives with him? There's no need for you to trouble yourself!"

Ye Yun offered a faint smile. Without awaiting a response, and disregarding the utterly astonished Cang Ming, he swiftly ascended and glided towards the Black Water Demon.

"This..."

Cang Ming watched Ye Yun's ascent to the Black Water Demon's side, his astonishment rendering him speechless. The Black Water Demon, too, was taken aback as Ye Yun approached. He had never anticipated that this young monk, merely at the True God Realm, would exhibit such audacity as to voluntarily fly over.

Could it be that a true kindred spirit had been found?

"Fellow Daoist, the crowd here is too dense, and there are too many observing eyes. Might I suggest we relocate for our conversation?"

Ye Yun gave him a knowing wink. "Good... good!"

The Black Water Demon, momentarily dumbfounded, then erupted in joy, nodding vigorously. He conjured a gust of demonic wind and instantly vanished into the distance.

"Gu Anran, the Black Water Demon's reputation is far from savory. While your Senior Brother possesses considerable skill, if he falls prey to that wily fiend, his very life could be at stake..."

Cang Ming sighed heavily. Gu Anran's ears twitched, and a smile bloomed on her face. Just moments before, her Senior Brother had sent her a secret voice transmission, instructing her to have the Celestial Boat await their return.

Gu Anran promptly relayed this directive to Cang Ming. Helpless, Cang Ming could only comply with Ye Yun's wishes, keeping the Celestial Boat stationary. This vicinity, once the domain of the Black Bug Wave, was now remarkably serene, especially since the complete disappearance of the Black Beetles.

Merely two or three breaths later...

A dark vortex of demonic wind suddenly materialized from afar, halting opposite the Celestial Boat. As the black cyclone dispersed, two familiar figures emerged.

It was Ye Yun and the Black Water Demon, who had seemingly departed but now returned. The Black Water Demon, standing before Ye Yun, displayed an expression of profound respect under the watchful eyes of all present.

"Already back?"

Cang Ming's heart skipped a beat, followed by an expression of sheer surprise. Even the Black Water Demon, notorious for his ruthlessness, exhibited such deference to Ye Yun. What transpired in their brief absence?

Was it possible that Ye Yun's profound comprehension of Buddhist Law had managed to subdue the Black Water Demon?

"Black Water Demon, why have you returned?"

Suspecting a hidden ploy, Cang Ming's gaze sharpened as he inquired in a deep, wary voice.