Manjushri looked at the angry Buddhas and Arhats, sighed softly, and noted that with the expansion of the Buddhist Sect, it had roughly split into two factions.

One faction was relatively mild, focused on ascetic cultivation and practicing Buddhist Law, advocating the enlightenment of those with predestined ties, neither supporting nor opposing the expansion of the Buddhist Sect. Ancient figures such as Ancient Buddha Dipamkara and Amitabha Buddha belonged to this faction.

The other faction was more aggressive, constantly thinking about how to turn the Three Realms into Buddha Kingdoms, even developing forceful methods of enlightening others, utilizing the Power of Faith to stir up troubles within the Three Realms. Maitreya Buddha was a representative figure of this faction.

As for Tathagata Buddha, as long as the propagation of Mahayana Buddhism was underway, he seemed to not care about these issues, and it was for this reason that the aggressive faction gradually began to dominate at Mount Ling.

This incident made the aggressive faction restless, as they seemed to have found an excellent opportunity, a legitimate chance to seize the faith of the Daoist Sect.

But the powerful beings on Mount Ling were well aware that the Daoist Sect was not to be trifled with. The strength of the Venerated Way of the Three Pure Ones was unfathomable. Although they advocated inaction in governance, even a rabbit would bite when cornered, let alone these three Taoist Masters who were not vegetarians.

This led to Manjushri stepping forward to calm the situation, preventing the conflict from escalating.

The luminaries of Mount Ling were no fools. They soon realized that the matter was settled and gradually dispersed. However, the flames that were suppressed this time would only burn more fiercely when they reignited.

As Chechi Kingdom’s purge of the Buddhist Sect was coming to an end, Lin Fang finally decided to take another step forward, having spent quite some time in this place already.

With a few Little Monsters in tow, Lin Fang took one last look at his small courtyard, sighed softly, and felt a sudden pang of melancholy in his heart.

The Little Monsters also displayed faces full of reluctance, as they had been very comfortable in that place.

Gu Zhongtong stood in front of them, tears in his eyes, and asked, "Big Brother Lin, do you have to go?"

Their time together had allowed this orphan, who had been without the love of parents since childhood, to experience the long-lost warmth of family, reigniting warmth in his once bitterly cold heart.

"There’s no banquet that doesn’t end in this world; each person has their own path to walk. Don’t be too sad. You’re still too young, and our journey is too dangerous for you," Lin Fang comforted the sad little boy with a smile.

No longer able to contain his sorrow, Gu Zhongtong’s tears flowed like a torrent, creating a poignant scene for all present.

Little Fox quietly tugged on Lin Fang’s sleeve. However, it was as if Lin Fang didn’t feel it.

It wasn’t that he didn’t want to, but that he couldn’t. As a human, Gu Zhongtong should have his own life, not following a Monster like himself and living a precarious existence.

"Don’t be too sad. Grow up well, hone your skills, and when you truly become strong, if you still want to follow us, I will agree," Lin Fang left him with a promise.

A look of joy flashed through Gu Zhongtong’s eyes. He nodded excitedly, his mind set on growing so powerful that his fame would echo throughout the world, making it easy for Big Brother Lin and the others to find him.

As the group journeyed on, Lin Fang asked the White Ape, whose face was the picture of stoic coolness, "Can you bear to leave Gu Zhongtong alone here?"

An unusual tenderness crossed the White Ape’s face as he replied, "He needs to grow up. After all, I am an anomaly and dare not stay long in the Mortal World. As a Swordsman, one must be undistracted to become stronger."

"How come you’ve decided to follow me?" 𝑓𝘳𝑒𝑒𝓌𝘦𝘣𝘯ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝑚

"I wish to see the world, and even more, I want to test my sword against the top masters throughout the lands," the White Ape said coldly, though a fiery zeal flashed through his eyes.

"Well then, let’s set out," Lin Fang said with a smile, waving his hand as he led the group out of the western gate of Chechi Kingdom, heading westward.

Watching their retreating figures from a distance, Gu Zhongtong’s eyes welled up with tears, and he couldn’t help but cover his face and weep. After a long while, the strong-hearted child stood up, wiped away his tears, and walked back to the small courtyard without looking back, which Lin Fang had transferred the ownership of to him before he left.

Picking up the wooden sword that lay diagonally in the courtyard, Gu Zhongtong began his daily swordsmanship training. Without the supervision of Master White Ape, he didn’t slacken in the slightest. He resolved that by the time he met up with Lin Fang and the others again, he would become one of the foremost swordsmen.

Of course, Gu Zhongtong was not the only one focused on Lin Fang’s group. After seeing them depart, the three State Preceptors stationed at the National Master Mansion also let out a sigh of relief.

"It seems he truly has no interest in the prize offered by the Taoist Master," Great Immortal Lu Li said with a slight smile. He had been worried that Lin Fang might also involve himself and claim a share of the credit that belonged to himself and his brothers. Now that he saw Lin Fang leave without a backward glance, a great weight lifted from his heart.

Great Immortal Hu Li was not so optimistic. He sighed softly and said, "This man’s strength is not weak, and his vision and methods are formidable. He might have stayed away because he believes we will not succeed this time."

"Big brother is overthinking it. Don’t forget, we’re acting on the orders of a true immortal. His words cannot be false. Maybe Lin Fang is unaware of the full story and simply thinks that the Buddhist Sect is too powerful," Great Immortal Yang Li said, touching his amiable beard and offering comfort with a smile.

"Let’s hope so! In any case, we are like an arrow pulled back on the bow now. I only hope we can win favor this time around," Great Immortal Hu Li sighed, yet there was a hint of unease in his heart.

Away from the hustle and bustle, Lin Fang’s group, including Little Fox and the others, finally removed their disguises, revealing their true forms, and began to play freely in the dense forest.

Having been away from the mountains and forests for so long, they felt a bit homesick.

White Ape followed closely behind Lin Fang, cradling a treasured sword in his arms—the one Ancient Sword One had left behind, while the other had been given to Gu Zhongtong.

Looking at the scene before him, Lin Fang revealed a knowing smile.

The group continued on their journey, traveling day and night. After many days, they finally came across a wide river, its powerful waters slapping ceaselessly against the shore, creating a constant rumbling sound.

Bashan Tiger leaped up, only to come back down and exclaimed, "Boss, this river is so wide. No matter how you look, you can’t see the other side."

"There’s a stone tablet over there." The sharp-eyed Little Fox quickly spotted a stone stele not far off.

Yi Hailong ran swiftly to the stele, reading the big characters ’Tongtian River’ written on it. Below them, in smaller seal script, it said: Stretching eight hundred li, scarcely traveled through the ages.

"Boss, this place is called Tongtian River!"

Tongtian River, Lin Fang smiled faintly. Wasn’t this the place where the Goldfish Spirit, who liked to eat boys and girls, dwelled?