Chapter 148: This Monk Shall Deliver You

In a dark alley corner, Sun Xiao, the paparazzi extraordinaire, hid, his SLR camera capturing the scene. A veteran of the Special Network Department, he documented supernatural creatures and their battles, uploading videos to online forums, providing invaluable visual data for others.

"A humanoid supernatural. This type hasn't appeared before," Sun Xiao muttered, surprised. A forum veteran, he prided himself on knowing every documented creature. This one, however, was completely unfamiliar.

A new species?

He snapped a picture of the cockroach-like monster with his phone, logged onto the forum, and posted it. When in doubt, ask the community.

Soon, comments flooded in. Sun Xiao scrolled through them, disappointed. Mostly meaningless banter. Did no one recognize this creature?

Then, a private message. Seeing the sender's ID, he became excited. The administrator! His photo had attracted the attention of the big guns.

Meanwhile…

"I think this creature is just lost. I'll go have a chat," Li Yourong said cheerfully, approaching the cockroach monster. He examined it curiously, even patting its body. "Impressive physique! Didn't expect to find a gym rat among the supernatural. Where are you from? You're lucky you have such a cute face. That's why we haven't attacked yet. Be grateful for your looks."

"That face saved you," one of his companions muttered.

The monster's innocent appearance had lowered their guard. It was incredibly deceptive. Anyone would relax their vigilance, never suspecting any danger.

The cockroach monster tilted its head, scratching its head in a seemingly confused manner. Its innocent demeanor made Li Yourong chuckle.

"Even though you're a supernatural creature, I can't bring myself to hurt you with that face," Li Yourong shook his head. He had a soft spot for cute creatures. It was hard to resist. This monster was almost too adorable to attack.

He turned to his companions. "Let's just pretend we didn't see it. Leave Yanhai City, and live a good life elsewhere, okay?"

His companions whispered amongst themselves.

"He's too kind; he can't even hurt a supernatural creature."

"It's that cute face; he can't bring himself to do it."

Their voices were low.

Li Yourong had heard a theory from the Supernatural Analysis Team: some supernatural creatures sought peace. They were rare, and language barriers made communication impossible. Thus, the standing order was to eliminate all supernatural creatures on sight. No exceptions.

"Sigh," Li Yourong sighed. He was too kind.

Suddenly, he felt a gust of wind behind him. A large shadow engulfed him. His smile vanished, replaced by a look of dread.

He looked up. His companions' expressions were urgent.

"Prajna Palm!" Li Yourong roared, spinning around and striking out. The cockroach monster simultaneously slapped him. A loud bang echoed as dust billowed. Li Yourong was sent flying, crashing through a storefront window.

"Fat Rong!" his companions shouted in alarm.

They hadn't expected the seemingly harmless creature to possess such terrifying power. It had not only withstood Fat Rong's Prajna Palm but had also sent him flying.

They had clearly underestimated it.

The cockroach monster tilted its head again, its large, black eyes fixed on them.

"Run! I just posted its picture on the forum. Someone said it's dangerous! You're no match for it!" Sun Xiao yelled, bravely emerging from the alley.

The cockroach monster turned towards Sun Xiao and vanished in a blur.

"Look out!" a Special Department member shouted. The creature's speed was astonishing. By the time they turned, it was already standing before Sun Xiao.

Sun Xiao stared up at the monster, terrified. He had always observed battles from a safe distance. He never imagined becoming a target.

I'm going to die.

But what did it matter? Ever since he lost his virginity to that girl years ago, he had dedicated his life to documenting supernatural creatures.

Live for the shot, die for the shot. To die doing what he loved was a worthy end.

He bravely raised his camera, aiming it at the monster's face.

"Smile! Let me get a good one."

He would document this moment. He would fill in the missing data.

The cockroach monster raised its hand towards Sun Xiao. Sun Xiao stood his ground, filming. He accepted his fate. Running was futile. Why not face it head-on and capture the moment?

Bang!

Li Yourong burst from the shop, tackling the cockroach monster. The impact would have shattered a boulder. The monster merely shifted its footing.

As Li Yourong opened his mouth to tell Sun Xiao to run, Sun Xiao, without needing to be told, sprinted away, yelling, "Good luck!"

He had seen countless battles, witnessed countless deaths. Most were due to stupidity. People who were rescued but didn't run, just stood there. That wasn't bravery; it was idiocy. He wouldn't be a burden.

"No problem! Make me look good!" Li Yourong shouted, then roared at his companions, "What are you waiting for? Help me!"

His seven companions snapped to action. Another Buddhist monk, a sturdy shield, charged forward fearlessly.

The cockroach monster looked down at the human clinging to it and punched him in the back.

"Golden Bell Shield!" Li Yourong roared, a golden aura enveloping him. He wouldn't let go. His companions could use this opportunity to subdue the monster.

Damn it! He had underestimated the monster. He thought he could hold it, but now he was trapped.

Crack!

Li Yourong's eyes widened in disbelief. His knees buckled, shattering the pavement. He coughed up blood. The monster's strength was immense. It had shattered his Golden Bell Shield in one blow. A shield that could withstand tank fire!

His companions watched in horror. They hadn't expected this.

The cockroach monster raised its foot. Its thick leg, like a steroid-injected chicken drumstick, would crush him.

"Damn!" Li Yourong thought. He was done for.

"Save Fat Rong!" his companions shouted. The situation was dire. The monster's power was beyond their comprehension.

They were too slow.

The cockroach monster's foot descended.

Bang!

"Amitabha. Why so violent, demon? There is life beneath your foot. Would you crush it?"

An old monk appeared before the cockroach monster, his single palm raised like a pagoda, catching the monster's foot. He gently scooped up Li Yourong and tossed him aside.

"You need to lose some weight, son."

Li Yourong landed lightly beside his companions. Two medics rushed to his aid. He recovered quickly, his color returning.

Seeing the old monk, he exclaimed, "Master Yongxin!"

A graduate of the Buddhist Academy, he idolized Master Yongxin. Hearing that the master was stationed in Yanhai City, he had immediately requested a transfer. He saw the master often, but never this close, never saved by him personally. This was bragging rights.

Master Yongxin saved my life. Have you been saved by him?

The cockroach monster looked down at the human monk, its innocent expression finally shifting.

Master Yongxin, however, was not calm.

It's this monster.

"I see you have such a cute face. This monk shall deliver you."

Master Yongxin's hand, hidden behind his back, formed a Buddhist mudra. A golden swastika appeared on his fingertip as he thrust it towards the cockroach monster's forehead.