Volume 1, Chapter 178: Arhat Golden Body

"If you refuse, I must enlighten you with Buddhist principles." Monk Wuxing saluted with one hand, maintaining a faint smile. 

The more Lin Yu observed, the more irritating the monk seemed. "What if I dislike your Buddhist principles?" 

"Should you reject them, I also know some martial arts. I trust you understand the wisdom of cooperation." Wuxing looked up, his false smile fading as golden light shimmered in his eyes. "Choose: hear my principles, or taste my fists. Best return the Buddhist technique to avoid conflict." 

"Dream on. This art has nothing to do with Buddhism, nor is it a lost Buddhist technique. Leave now." Lin Yu snorted. "If you can't take a hint, I know a bit of swordplay too." 

"Don't lie. I saw the Buddha light in that technique—it's definitely Buddhist. Since you're obstinate, I'll persuade you with force." Wuxing shook his head, feigning reluctance. 

As he spoke, golden light erupted from him, gilding his form. A majestic aura rippled outward. 

"Void Transformation Realm Level 1!" Lin Yu sighed. Wuxing's technique had hidden his cultivation; only now did his Buddhist pressure reveal his strength. 

In an instant, the Buddhist aura surged toward Lin Yu, who released his own pressure fully. 

Boom! 

Lin Yu's pressure shattered the golden ripple, reversing its flow. In the forest, gale-force winds uprooted ancient trees, hurling them at Wuxing. 

Wuxing was astonished. He'd thought Lin Yu a mere lucky recipient of Buddhist secrets, but now saw he was also a Void Transformation Realm Level 1 warrior. Yet as a Buddhist cultivator, he胜算 (had an edge) against peers—except sword cultivators—and could even fight beyond his realm against demons. Thus, he remained confident. 

"Amitabha!" He clasped his hands, chanting. Spiritual energy surged within him, resonating like Buddhist chants. Golden light blazed, transforming him into a golden arhat. 

Boom! 

Lin Yu's pressure vanished before reaching him, and the falling trees disintegrated like they'd been sliced by blades, reduced to powder in the golden light. 

Wuxing stepped forward as a dazzling golden blur, appearing before Lin Yu. "Receive my strike!" 

He threw a punch at Lin Yu's chest, golden light surging like a meteor. 

Lin Yu's eyes chilled. Despite his compassionate appearance, the monk struck ruthlessly. He waved a Wind Sword Intent, a cyan light slashing the golden fist. 

Bang! 

The golden fist split, exploding as the sharp剑意 (sword intent) struck Wuxing, ringing like metal. The arhat's golden body bore only a shallow cut. 

Wuxing smiled. "You've grasped Sword Intent, but my Arhat Golden Body isn't虚名 (empty fame)." 

"Oh?" Lin Yu's gaze turned cold. A cyan light flashed before him. 

"Void Transformation Realm flying sword...!" Wuxing's face fell, his expression turning grave. 

"Good eyes. This flying sword can't be a Buddhist treasure, can it?" Lin Yu sneered. 

"Once I transcend you, all your treasures and arts will belong to Buddhism." Wuxing grinned, dropping all pretenses. He chanted, opening his clasped hands to reveal a golden light that formed a lotus platform, spinning and碾压 (crushing) toward Lin Yu. 

The golden lotus doubled in size with each rotation, growing to dozens of zhang above Lin Yu—like a golden mountain descending. Terrifying pressure snapped trees and collapsed the ground, leaving only a small island where Lin Yu stood. 

"Regret now, hand over the Buddhist arts and treasures, and the Buddha's mercy shall spare you." Wuxing mocked, "But I'll cripple your cultivation and take you as a spirit beast to guard Vinaya School's gate." 

"My fate is mine alone—your mercy means nothing!" Lin Yu scoffed. The Wind Control Sword surged with wind and thunder, Water Sword Intent rolling across its blade, Thunder Intent hidden within. Merging, the sword glowed silver-blue. 

"Slay!" 

The sword howled forth as a rainbow, piercing the golden lotus. Cracks spidered across it, filled with blue light that tore the lotus apart, scattering golden fragments. 

The Water Intent exhausted, Thunder Intent surged from the sword as a silver light, slashing down at Wuxing. 

"Sword cultivator...!" Wuxing gaped as the lotus shattered. Panic filled his eyes at the oncoming silver light. Lin Yu's strength—far beyond his expectations—was that of a peerless sword cultivator! 

Golden light rippled around him as he chanted, clasping his hands, ready to withstand the flying sword with his Arhat Golden Body.