"Hoo..."

I took a deep breath and suddenly opened my eyes, pressing down on the pounding heart in my chest!

Countless questions swept over me like a storm!

Why... Why did Master ignite the Ten-Life Buddha Fruit in the Grand Xiong Palace? Why did Master die in the Grand Xiong Palace? What did Senior Brother see when he rushed in like a madman?

This time, I don't even know how I died!

I could still hear Senior Brother's angry roar echoing in my ears:

"Demon's nest! Demon's nest! It's all illusion! Just a big dream..."

"Xiaobailong, what's wrong with you?"

Second Senior Brother tried to pat my shoulder as usual, but I dodged him like a prophet, leaving him with a look of surprise in his eyes.

I shook my head gently, suppressing the complex thoughts in my mind, and glanced at Second Senior Brother, whispering:

"It's nothing..."

After speaking, I picked up my luggage and followed Master.

Soon, we met the Great Immortal of the Golden Peak again, and this time, I ignored his trickery almost completely.

I realized that I had been naive before; there was a bigger conspiracy lurking behind me than I had imagined. Perhaps, as Second Senior Brother said, some terrifying evil spirits that had survived the Hongmeng era had taken over Mount Ling. Even the Buddha, Tathagata, might be in a state of unknown life or death.

And the Great Immortal of the Golden Peak before me was nothing more than an inconspicuous puppet.

But... What kind of evil spirit is it exactly?

It has taken over Mount Ling, and even the Heavenly Court has been kept in the dark about it?

When we arrived at the foot of Mount Ling, the two Arhats led us to the Grand Xiong Palace as they did last time.

But when they suggested that Master enter the Grand Xiong Palace alone this time, I immediately interrupted and said softly:

"Master, we used to be covered in dust. How can we meet the Buddha with such impure bodies?

"Or should we fast for three days before seeing the Tathagata?"

Hearing my words, Master's eyes showed a trace of surprise, but then he nodded thoughtfully and said to the two Arhats:

"The two Arhats, my disciple's words make sense.

"It is indeed impolite to meet the Buddha like this. We should fast first. What do you think?"

Hearing Master's words, one of the Arhats visibly showed impatience and was about to speak, but the other Arhat held him back and shook his head imperceptibly, smiling at Master:

"The monk's heart in paying homage to the Buddha is devout, so there is no need to be hesitant. Let us take you to the guest room first."

"Amitabha Buddha, thank you, Arhats."

Master folded his hands together, accepting his thanks, repeatedly saying.

I saw everything and secretly speculated in my heart.

Since we had already arrived in front of the Grand Xiong Palace, this evil spirit seemed to be surprisingly patient. Could it be that there was something on Master that it feared?

That's right, the last time Master entered the Grand Xiong Palace, he didn't come out until the third day...

If that's the case, this evil spirit doesn't seem to have such great powers. How did it manage to control the Buddha Tathagata?

Or does it have some restrictions itself?

While I was thinking about it, we had already passed the Grand Xiong Palace. I instinctively looked up through the crack in the open door, wanting to peer inside.

But what I saw made me feel a chill running up my spine! Countless Buddhas on the lotus platform were all empty-eyed, and an unknown black liquid flowed from their mouths, staring at me fixedly!

"Demon's nest!"

I suddenly remembered Senior Brother's last words, forcibly suppressing my shock, and pretended to glance away.

I was afraid that if I showed the slightest anomaly, not to mention the Buddhas in the Grand Xiong Palace, even the two Arhats in front would be enough to give us trouble!

Soon, we arrived in front of the guest room. The two Arhats seemed to have not noticed my change and smiled, saying:

"Please rest here, Venerable Monk. We will send some vegetarian meals later."

"Thank you."

Master folded his hands together and bowed lightly, his gaze slightly flickering, without saying much.

Creak!

As the door to the guest room closed, the figures of the two Arhats disappeared outside. I breathed a sigh of relief.

"Xiaobailong, what's going on with you?"