Beast Tamer Ascension

Chapter 48: The Demon

At Lin Jing’s request, Elder Mo, observing their ability to withstand pressure with ease, decided to take them to the Demon-Suppressing Pagoda. The Buddhist elder’s blessing was a rare opportunity for disciples of the four sects to strengthen their mental resilience. Gaining access to it during the Qi Refining stage would provide unparalleled benefits for their future Foundation Establishment.

“Come with me. Due to the unique nature of our sect’s techniques and the second sect master’s friendship with the Buddhist elder, Beast Taming Sect disciples can enter the pagoda with their contracted beasts to jointly endure the demonic pressure and receive the blessing of Buddhist light.”

“Use your illusions to shield yourself and protect your beast. Both of you can benefit from this chance!” Elder Mo said, sweeping Lin Jing and the Pine Leaf Mouse with him toward the Clear Pool Peak of the sect. On the way, Lin Jing mused about the privileges of connections. While disciples of other sects braved the tower alone, the Beast Taming Sect allowed its members to bring their beasts along—this was excellent!

The Demon-Suppressing Pagoda, despite its name, had a concealed entrance within a serene pool, a precaution to prevent anyone from attempting to release the sealed demon.

“Who goes there?” A deep voice resounded as the surface of the pool rippled.

As Lin Jing had expected, the tower’s guardian was not human but a Beast King, emerging partially from the water. Elder Mo immediately bowed respectfully, “Greetings, Ancestor.”

“You again,” the guardian grumbled.

“Ancestor, I have brought a disciple to train in the Demon-Suppressing Pagoda.”

“Lin Jing, this is Ancestor Wang Batian, one of the sect’s guardian ancestors,” Elder Mo introduced. The guardian appeared as a massive terrestrial tortoise, its ancient presence imposing.

Lin Jing quickly saluted.

“A Qi Refining brat?” The tortoise shot a disapproving glance at Lin Jing and the Pine Leaf Mouse, then turned to Elder Mo. “Are you trying to turn them into fools? If their minds collapse under the demonic pressure, what will you do when they lose their sanity?”

“Ancestor, Lin Jing is one of our sect’s rising stars, even chosen by the Cavern Heaven. I am confident in his ability to handle this challenge,” Elder Mo reassured.

“Fine, do as you wish,” the tortoise muttered, closing its eyes. It had lived long enough to see three sect masters pass and had grown indifferent to most matters. Stationed beside the pagoda, its demeanor was thoroughly "Buddhist."

With the guardian’s consent, Elder Mo turned to Lin Jing. “One thing I forgot to mention: the pagoda doesn’t allow physical entry. Everything here is an astral projection, including your mind, soul, and intent. Physical items and treasures can’t be brought in, and high-level cultivators are barred from entering to prevent sabotage of the seal.”

“Your spells will work, but not your tools or weapons. Is that sufficient?”

Hearing this, the Pine Leaf Mouse looked alarmed at the thought of leaving behind its precious red leaves and explosives. Lin Jing, however, nodded. “It’s enough.”

As long as Thousand Transformations Illusions could be used, he could resist the demonic pressure.

“Once ready, leave a spiritual mark on this stele,” the guardian instructed. “The mark will allow us to monitor your progress. If it flashes, it indicates danger, and I’ll immediately summon your consciousness back to avoid getting lost in the pagoda.”

Lin Jing pressed his hand on the ancient stone stele, which glowed as it etched a blurry image of a small squirrel.

“The pagoda connects the four sects. Should you encounter disciples from other sects, avoid unnecessary conflict,” the guardian added. With that, the pagoda entrance opened within the pool, rippling to reveal the inverted reflection of a black pagoda.

Before Lin Jing could process it, his vision blurred as though he were drowning. When he opened his eyes again, he stood before a massive gate surrounded by black water.

The intricately carved door bore ancient symbols and runes, glowing faintly with a mysterious blue light that exuded an air of profundity and danger.

“This must be the pagoda’s interior,” Lin Jing said, reaching instinctively for his mechanical bamboo rifle, only to find his storage pouch reduced to an ordinary bag. The Suspended Gourd was similarly inaccessible.

The Pine Leaf Mouse sighed. It had already endured training without its tools in the sect, but even here, its storage pouch was sealed—this was getting unbearable. Nudging Lin Jing, it gestured for him to assume the Buddha form for protection.

“The Buddha form requires too many effects and drains too much qi,” Lin Jing replied. “A simpler Buddhist monk will do.”

With that, he used Illusionary Path Qi to craft a familiar image from his memory: a monk clad in a luxurious red-and-yellow kasaya, wearing a golden monk’s hat. One hand gripped a golden staff, and the other held a violet-gold alms bowl. His white eyebrows and beard gave him an austere, solemn presence.

“Amitabha, I am Fa Hai,” Lin Jing declared, prompting the Pine Leaf Mouse to blink in confusion. It couldn’t fathom why Lin Jing’s mind was filled with such peculiar characters.

“Let’s go,” Lin Jing said, holding the staff and beads as he pushed open the pagoda door.

He had considered transforming into Tang Monk, but that figure was famously hapless against demons and would likely falter under the pressure. To master the essence of illusion, one had to first convince oneself.

Fa Hai, the demon-slaying monk, was the perfect choice!

As the door creaked open, a demonic gale swept out, its pressure equivalent to that of a Foundation Establishment demon, almost tangible in its force. It slammed into Lin Jing and the Pine Leaf Mouse like a storm.

However, with the protection of illusion qi, Lin Jing remained unaffected. Even the Pine Leaf Mouse, after its rigorous training, resisted the pressure with sheer willpower.

Step by step, they advanced into the pagoda, where the black energy from the walls condensed into the shape of a terrifying serpent skull. Its fangs glistened as it hissed menacingly.

The hissing turned streams of water into countless venomous snakes that slithered up Lin Jing’s body. The Pine Leaf Mouse, perched on his shoulder, grew increasingly uneasy. Knowing the snakes were illusions created by the pressure, it still couldn’t help but feel its scalp tingle, especially without its trusty tools. It began climbing higher—toward Lin Jing’s bald, illusionary monk head.

“Tricks of the trade,” Lin Jing muttered, ignoring the snakes as he pressed forward. In his illusionary field, he had fully assumed the identity of a high monk. The demonic pressure couldn’t affect his mind, let alone create illusions powerful enough to harm him.

Seeing the Pine Leaf Mouse struggling, Lin Jing let out a cold snort. His monk persona unleashed an overwhelming wave of holy force, shattering the demonic energy and dissipating the illusions. The snakes vanished in an instant.

Deeper in the tower, the sealed demon roared. “Damn Buddhist aura! A bald donkey has come! Curse them! Curse them! I want to devour them!”

The demon paused, its thoughts spinning. “Wait… if this monk is so powerful, they might be able to break the seal. I must find a way to make them free me!” It schemed, its mind muddled by years of imprisonment, failing to realize it was being deceived by Lin Jing’s illusion.

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