In the night sky.
A grand, majestic, and sacred aura that is imperishable exuded as the radiant yellow light rose from the Hao Tian sword, spreading out simultaneously.
The disciples and apprentices of Chen Yun, such as Zhang Qian, Lin Chen, and Mei Junyan, had relatively shallow cultivation. When they felt this vast aura, they had the feeling that the entire universe was being suppressed. They couldn't help but kneel down and prostrate themselves in worship with five bodies on the ground.
Similar to Chen Yun's disciples were the followers of the shamanic religion and some of the less advanced exorcists, all of whom showed reverence by prostrating themselves on their knees.
Niu Dali, Jiao Dao Ren, Ao He, and the like, who have achieved immortality, are relatively better off. Even so, one by one, they have all felt an immense sense of awe deep within their souls. Several times, they couldn't help but want to kneel to the ground, but managed to hold themselves up despite it, and their faces turned as pale as death.
If that's all, it's not enough to demonstrate the majesty released by the Hao Tian Sword.
Even formidable beings such as Nezha, Li Jing, Jiushou Niu Ma Luo Wang, Hei MaMa and Qi Shou Tian Nu all paled in color and trembled with reverence at the moment.
It's just the radiance of the Hao Tian Sword and the ascending aura, yet it's astonishing to such an extent!
Chen Yun genuinely felt surprised.
Although he had already known that the Hao Tian Sword, as the treasure sword of Hu Tian Di's past incarnation Hu Tian Shangdi, possessed tremendous power, he truly hadn't expected it to be so fierce.
As the radiant yellow light and the majestic aura rose together, the golden bowl created by the Mahamaya Bodhisattva's great dharma mysteriously vanished into thin air, disappearing without a trace.
This is not yet the end. The radiant yellow light continues to roll and swell upwards, expanding and covering everything.
Dimly, the entire heavens, mountains and rivers, and flow of air were enveloped in a radiant yellow glow, emanating an aura of reverence that one cannot help but submit to.
It seemed as if the owner of this aura were the ruler of all heavens and worlds.
Those under the majesty, whether they are divine or not, must bow before its authority.
Chen Yun was also enveloped in a layer of radiant yellow light, and unlike the other light, it was not thin.
The radiant yellow light on Chen Yun was extremely dense, resembling mercury, and it soaked his entire body.
The Mahamaya Bodhisattva in front of him looked at Chen Yun, who was emitting a radiant yellow light from head to toe, and his eyes had transformed into bright yellow light.
The little girl and the woman in white were all shocked and widened their eyes in disbelief.
The Mahamaya Bodhisattva was greatly surprised and exclaimed, "It's you? It's really you!"
Chen Yun naturally knew what the other person meant.
It means that the person standing behind him is the Jade Emperor.
At this moment, he had a general understanding of why the Mahamaya Bodhisattva had come to trouble him.
As expected, the real purpose of the other party's arrival was not to guide him to Buddhism, but to investigate who was standing behind him.
If a deity with a lower cultivation level, such as a heavenly immortal, were to come forward, they would not be able to probe the result.
After all, Chen Yun could go at any time to ask powerful deities for assistance.
Plus, he has figures like Nezha, Li Jing, Jiushou Niu Ma Luo Wang, and others at his side.
Generally speaking, a heavenly immortal might not withstand Nezha's manifestation of his true form or Li Jing's magical tower.
Therefore, to discover who the powerful figure behind him is, one must come with the strength to surpass that of a heavenly immortal and catch Chen Yun and others off guard, only then is there hope to learn the truth.
As for why the other party came to investigate who was standing behind him, Chen Yun was truly at a loss.
He has two guesses.
First, it is possible that Buddhism is preparing to participate in the Zhen Sheng Battle and therefore sent Mahamaya Bodhisattva to investigate the specifics in advance.
Second, in Taoist mythology, Doumu Yuanjun is the mother of Zi Wei Di and Gou Chen Di.
Now, although Mahamaya Bodhisattva has not yet become Doumu Yuanjun, there is a good chance that she has intricate connections with Zi Wei Di and Gou Chen Di, representing Zi Wei Di to probe Chen Yun's background.
Whether it's the first or second case, it's not very advantageous to Chen Yun.
Because he initially intended to hide the identity of the powerful figure behind him, waiting for the right time to strike enemies by surprise.
Now that his plans have been uncovered, the Buddhism or the side of Zi Wei Di will have some preparation in advance, making it more difficult for his side to succeed after the Zhen Sheng Battle.
These thoughts flashed through his mind in an instant.
Chen Yun knew that it was not the time to think about these matters at the moment.
His first priority was to make the Mahamaya Bodhisattva retreat.
The Hao Tian Sword will not attack the enemy unless it has been authorized by the Jade Emperor.
In other words, he is a paper tiger now, able to only defend passively and not capable of harming Mahamaya Bodhisattva at all.
However, he is a person who has always been bold and knows how to take advantage of his strengths.
Chen Yun's body was brilliant and sparkling, as he stepped forward with a cold snort, saying, "The sword in my hand is the Hao Tian Sword. If you have the heart to challenge me, I am willing to accompany you!"
The Mahamaya Bodhisattva, the little girl, and the woman in white all had expressions of indecision.
It seemed as if they were unsure of how to deal with the Hao Tian Sword, or perhaps they feared provoking the Jade Emperor.
Both of her figures glanced slightly and said in unison, "Good! Very good, Chen Yun! It turns out that behind you is the Jade Emperor. That's why you dare to take the lead in attacking Ruyue and trigger the Zhen Sheng Battle!"
Chen Yun stepped forward again, "So what?"
The Mahamaya Bodhisattva seems to be very afraid of the Hao Tian Sword or the Jade Emperor.
Upon seeing Chen Yun advance two steps forward, she actually retreated a step back.
The little girl's figure rebuked with a tense and stern tone, "Chen Pu, don't come any closer!"
Seeing the Mahamaya Bodhisattva, who had just exhibited great strength, trembling so greatly at this moment, everyone was quite surprised but also felt it was reasonable. They looked at Chen Yun with a mix of wonder and surprise.
Surprised because they truly hadn't expected that the powerful figure behind Chen Yun was the Jade Emperor.
As for feeling it was reasonable, it's because everyone knew the true identity of the Jade Emperor, who is one of the Six Emperors.
That's a true celestial being who has undergone three thousand calamities to achieve immortality and has cultivated for billions of years to reach this world.
Moreover, his previous incarnation was Hu Tian Shangdi, the supreme ruler of the heavens and earth.
One kalpa is twelve million, nine hundred sixty thousand years.
It would take much longer for a mortal to achieve the status of a heavenly immortal than for the Jade Emperor to undergo one kalpa, twelve million nine hundred sixty thousand years.
The Jade Emperor had traversed a hundred million kalpas, so it can be imagined how profound his power was and how deep his cultivation level was.
It can be said that in this world of heavens and realms, the Jade Emperor is the one most likely to become the fourth great tribulation immortal, and he is the strongest semi-great tribulation immortal under the Three Pure Ones, Three Realms, and Three Treasures of Celestial Sovereigns.
To put it simply, ordinary semi-great tribulation immortals in front of him may be as weak as Chen Yun in front of Mahamaya Bodhisattva, weak like an ant!
Of course, it was only after learning that Chen Yun had the backing of the Jade Emperor and wielded the Hao Tian Sword, that Mahamaya Bodhisattva became so terrified.
Seeing that he had scared Mahamaya Bodhisattva, Chen Yun pressed his advantage and took another step forward, the third one, saying, "If you come closer, what can you do to me?"
When he said this, he deliberately raised the Hao Tian Sword in his hand, making it look like he was about to invoke it.
Mahamaya Bodhisattva, terrified to the point of losing her composure as a semi-great tribulation immortal, retreated several steps in a row and gritted her teeth, saying, "Good! Very good, Chen Pu! Today I will let you go and not bother you anymore. You can leave……"
Chen Yun's heart fluttered slightly with joy. He was, at this moment, a paper tiger; if the other party truly intended to do something, he was actually unable to resist. At most, he could only rely on the radiant yellow light emitted by the Hao Tian Sword to protect him and prevent any harm from the other party.
Now that he saw Mahamaya Bodhisattva being frightened and wanted to let his people leave, Chen Yun naturally felt delighted.
Li Jing, Nezha, Jiushou Niu Ma Luo Wang, and Hei Ma were all greatly relieved.
Just as everyone thought that Mahamaya Bodhisattva would no longer dare to block their path.
Suddenly, the little girl's figure changed the tone of her voice and laughed in a bell-like manner, "Chen Pu, you are bluffing me!"
Li Jing, Nezha, Jiushou Niu Ma Luo Wang, and others turned their attention back to Chen Yun's face upon hearing her words.
Chen Yun's heart tightened. He truly did not expect her to see through it.
He was now in a difficult situation, like riding a tiger and being unable to get down. If he admitted that he was bluffing, his group would definitely be punished.
Therefore, he now had no choice but to bluff until the end, as it was his only chance of survival.
Chen Yun did not show any humility or admission of bluffing, instead, he laughed and stepped forward again, "Am I bluffing or not, you can come and teach me, and then we'll know the truth!"
Mahamaya Bodhisattva seemed to have really uncovered Chen Yun's "trick".
She did not retreat as she had done just now, but stepped forward instead, her tone full of arrogance, "Oh, then the Daoist will have to teach you a lesson on the power of the Hao Tian Sword!"
In her words, both her childlike figure and the white-clad figure's eyes turned into a golden color, and the golden hogs surrounding them all turned to look at Chen Yun intently.
Everyone knew that Mahamaya Bodhisattva was surely executing some unfathomable great law, but Chen Yun, Nezha, Li Jing, and Jiushou Niu Ma Luo Wang, among others, had no idea how profound a semi-great tribulation immortal's great law could be. They could not sense it at all.
However, the group did notice one thing.
What the group noticed was that the originally very dense and brilliant light on Chen Yun's body suddenly became even more dense and brilliant, as if it had been touched by some powerful force, causing a reflection of light.
As the object of protection by the Hao Tian Sword, Chen Yun naturally could sense it.
The Hao Tian Sword, though sealed and capable only of slicing immortals who are at a semi-great tribulation level or below, is not the same in terms of its defensive power.
It symbolizes the Jade Emperor's invulnerability over nine thousand nine hundred ninety-nine million nine hundred ninety-nine kalpas, immune to all methods and attacks.
As all methods are ineffective, Mahamaya Bodhisattva's previously unknown great law could not have any effect on Chen Yun.
Chen Yun continued to bluff, "Bodhisattva, you have just executed such a great law, and yet you have not been able to hurt me. You should know how powerful the Hao Tian Sword is. Since you made the first move against me with your superiority, isn't it now my turn to invoke the Hao Tian Sword and display its power?"
This time, neither the childlike figure nor the white-clad figure of Mahamaya Bodhisattva showed any expression on their faces, but internally, she was shaking slightly.
What she had just executed was not a common great law, but the power of "Law" that she had stirred up. She had tried to capture Chen Yun all at once.
To her astonishment, the power of "Law" that she had stirred up and touched the radiant yellow light emitted by the Hao Tian Sword, like a stone sinking into the sea, completely dissipated into thin air.
This left Mahamaya Bodhisattva fully convinced that the Jade Emperor had indeed given Chen Yun the "permission" to use the Hao Tian Sword.
What does this represent?
This signifies that the Hao Tian Sword, which has accompanied the Jade Emperor through nine thousand nine hundred ninety-nine million nine hundred ninety-nine kalpas of invulnerability, will truly be invoked. It will unleash terrifying power that can tear through the heavens and realms, causing their entire world to be destroyed!
Mahamaya Bodhisattva became even more terrified, but she still held a grudge against fate and feigned a casual demeanor, saying, "Then invoke the Hao Tian Sword and let me feel its power."
Li Jing, Nezha, and Jiushou Niu Ma Luo Wang, among others, turned their attention back to Chen Yun again.
Their eyes flickered slightly, as they too seemed very curious about how limitless and powerful the Hao Tian Sword could unleash.
The onlookers were all curious, but Chen Yun was secretly groaning inside.
He realized that he was just a paper tiger. If he couldn't bluff anymore, he would truly be exposed.
At this point, he had no choice but to continue bluffing, despite his fear.
Chen Yun spoke casually, "Fine, if you, the Bodhisattva, want to test the power of the Hao Tian Sword, then I will satisfy you!"
After speaking, he pretended to raise the Hao Tian Sword to mid-air, then walked around it while reciting incantations, "Chen Pu humbly requests the descent of divine power from the Supreme God. May it smite through obstacles and rout foes!"
The Hao Tian Sword showed no reaction at all, remaining just as it was before.
Chen Pu was not in a hurry, only walking around the Hao Tian Sword and chanting parts of the "Jade Emperor Sutra" as incantations: "At that time, Taishou Tianzun was in the Qingwei Heaven, within the Jade Palace of Gold Court, Seven Treasures of Mysteries, Jade Imperial Hall, and ascended to a radiant throne with countless hosts. He declared the unsurpassable Dharma Gate of Pure Essence and One True One at ease. At that time, the Jade Emperor knew that the era was about to arrive. He then raised his Six Passes' Power before the assembly and issued forth great light that illuminated all skies, unparalleled Vairocana Abode, and all realms. All trembled greatly. Ten thousand miles of unparalleled existence, all worlds were alike to transparent jade glass with no obstructions…"
To be honest, even as Chen Yun saw that the Hao Tian Sword showed no reaction at all, he was also feeling increasingly anxious in his heart.
Because if he still did not have any reaction by the end of his chanting of the "Jade Emperor Sutra," he would certainly be detected by Mahamaya Bodhisattva as bluffing!
Li Jing, Nezha, Jiushou Niu Ma Luo Wang, and Hei Ma, among others, saw Chen Yun chanting the incantations for a long time with no response. They exchanged glances and displayed a suspicious look.
Mahamaya Bodhisattva was now even more certain that Chen Yun was indeed bluffing.
The smiles on both her faces began to gradually appear.
She no longer seemed eager. Instead, she quietly watched Chen Yun "perform".
Chen Yun was caught between a rock and a hard place, so he had to continue reciting the "Jade Emperor Sutra": "At that time, the Jade Emperor divided his body into countless parts, extending to all the great celestial palaces in the ten directions. He commanded that these palaces should naturally manifest as white jade cities, gold gates, seven-treasure gardens, great halls of bright light, and seats of light... The mind is like boundless emptiness, pure within and without. It contains all things and absorbs all things. It does not allow external evil to disturb its path..."
As the "Jade Emperor Sutra" was about to reach the end, the Hao Tian Sword still showed no reaction.
Nezha, Li Jing, and Jiushou Niu Ma Luo Wang all wore a look of disappointment.
Mahamaya Bodhisattva was smiling beautifully, as if she felt she was in a winning position.
Chen Yun had no choice but to recite the final few sentences of the first chapter of the "Jade Emperor Sutra" with great care, "Hundreds and thousands of eons, without hearing the profound method. The spirits and demons enforce punishment. Born into life and death. Therefore, you should cultivate your minds to uphold the true scripture, lest it be lost. As previously said, such obstacles as these, you should each diligently eliminate them. If one obtains spiritual purity, they will transcend all hardships and tribulations; this is called the precious sutra... At that time, the fourfold assembly heard this and were overjoyed, praising it as something unprecedented."
With the last character recited, he couldn't help but sigh inwardly, knowing that he was doomed.
Nezha, Li Jing, Hei Ma, and Qi Shou Tian Nü, among others, all shared the same thoughts as Chen Yun.
Mahamaya Bodhisattva shook her head in a manner that seemed to be laughing with disbelief.
The white-clad figure had already extended her delicate fingers to retrieve Chen Yun.
Suddenly!
Heaven and earth shook, stars appeared, and vast brilliance shone.
The crowd quickly looked up.
They saw that the sky had become void, as if it had never been there.
Amidst the void, there were billions and billions of stars, emitting an endless stream of starlight.
Under the radiance of the luminous stars, a gap appeared in the void.
A stream of translucent yellow gas surged down from the enormous gap in the void, enveloping Chen Yun entirely.
Then, a voice of boundless majesty slowly resounded, "Mahamaya Bodhisattva, are you truly willing to test the power of the Hao Tian Sword?"
