Beast God
Chapter 23: "The Epang Scripture"

"Others might fail, but that was the Ancestral Emperor we're talking about. When has he ever failed to accomplish what he set out to do?" Wang Lian exhaled slowly, enunciating each word clearly: "Using countless secret techniques from across the land as foundation, the Ancestral Emperor spent over thirty years creating a technique called 'The Epang Scripture'. This technique doesn't require a technique core, allows cultivation advancement without entering blessed lands, and possesses the ability to counter all other secret techniques. Even legendary-grade techniques pale in comparison—it can truly be called the imperial method among secret techniques."

Chen Guan frowned slightly. He'd never heard of any of this.

Lu Teng sneered coldly: "Never heard of any 'Epang Scripture'. If the Ancestral Emperor really created such a peerless technique, it would have spread throughout the world long ago. How could no one know about it? You're just spouting nonsense to buy time and save your miserable life!"

"What you haven't heard of merely reflects your ignorance. Ask Qin Ziyu—he must have heard rumors about this technique," Wang Lian retorted.

All eyes turned to Qin Ziyu, who pondered before speaking: "There are indeed such rumors. It's said the Ancestral Emperor studied countless techniques in the Epang Palace and created his own method. But there are no detailed records about its name, nor any accounts of him publicly using it. After his passing, no one ever saw this technique again. Whether it truly exists remains unconfirmed to this day."

"Even if this 'Epang Scripture' exists, what does that have to do with this place? You're not suggesting the Ancestral Emperor left it here, are you?" Gongsun Zhuo interjected.

"You're exactly right. The Epang Scripture is indeed on this island," Wang Lian nodded seriously, ignoring Gongsun Zhuo's sarcasm.

"Whether this technique even exists is uncertain. Even if it did, why would the Ancestral Emperor leave it on this bizarre island instead of passing it to his descendants?" Qin Ziyu stared intently at Wang Lian.

"I don't know the reason either, but this is absolutely true. When my elder was young, he accidentally came here and discovered a stone tablet left by the Ancestral Emperor. The tablet clearly recorded that the Epang Scripture was on this island. If you don't believe me, that's your choice," Wang Lian said.

"Following your logic," Gongsun Zhuo spotted the flaw in her story, "if your elder discovered this secret and could leave the island—presumably a capable man—he must have taken the Epang Scripture back already. Why would you need to come here risking your life?"

"My elder never obtained the Epang Scripture," Wang Lian explained. "It wasn't inscribed on the tablet but divided into six parts scattered across the island, each guarded by a legendary-grade Mystical Spirit. Though these spirits are only tenth rank, since only first-time visitors entering Mount Pingdu's Blessed Land on the night of July 15th can come here, collecting the complete scripture is nearly impossible."

Pausing, Wang Lian glanced toward the seven-treasure glazed tree: "If you don't believe me, examine that tree. One part of the Epang Scripture is imprinted there. You'll know I'm telling the truth once you see it."

Originally skeptical, Chen Guan and the others found Wang Lian's current claims immediately verifiable—undeniable proof would be visible.

Lu Teng immediately rushed toward the pool, whether eager to verify Wang Lian's words or with other intentions unclear. Standing at the pool's edge, he craned his neck to examine the pagoda-shaped glazed tree closely. Soon he exclaimed excitedly: "There really are characters on the tree! Though hard to decipher—looks like ancient seal script no longer in use."

Chen Guan and the other two exchanged glances. Their initial complete disbelief now wavered.

Just as they moved to examine the tree's inscriptions, a sudden scream startled them. Turning sharply, they saw the supposedly dead Water Burial Buddha had inexplicably revived, his hand piercing through Lu Teng's chest from behind, lifting the man's body into the air.

Blood gushed from Lu Teng's chest and mouth as he screamed. Though struggling desperately, his weakening movements signaled impending death.

Chen Guan quickly retreated behind Rouge, carefully observing the resurrected Water Burial Buddha. The creature now appeared even more terrifying—his originally black scales with golden lotus patterns now bore crimson markings, his grayish-white eyes turned blood-red, exuding an aura of bloodlust and evil.

With a sickening thud, the Water Burial Buddha flung Lu Teng's body against the cliff wall, the impact shattering his skull upon landing, killing him instantly. The monstrous being then devoured the still-bleeding heart in his hand in three quick bites before fixing his blood-red gaze on the remaining group, striding toward them purposefully.

Exchanging glances, Qin Ziyu and Chen Guan reached silent understanding. Escape was impossible now. Qin Ziyu raised his sword to meet the approaching horror while Chen Guan commanded Rouge to attack simultaneously, hoping their combined efforts could slay the creature again.

Though Rouge was also a legendary-grade Mystical Spirit, its lower level made solo combat unfavorable. Fortunately, Chen Guan possessed his Cheerleader's Soul talent, allowing him to provide support if needed.

While assessing the situation, Chen Guan noticed the Water Burial Buddha now lacked the bone bowl he'd previously carried. Scanning the area where the creature had lain, he spotted the crude bowl on the ground—completely empty of its blood-like contents. Realization dawned: that liquid must have prevented true death, instead transforming the creature into this enhanced state.

The resurrected Water Burial Buddha displayed terrifying improvements—strength, speed, and Primordial Energy recovery all dramatically enhanced. Qin Ziyu, who'd previously held his own alone, now struggled even with Rouge's assistance, barely managing to parry the onslaught.

The creature's scales deflected Qin Ziyu's sword and Rouge's blade like impenetrable armor, sparks flying with each collision as limbs and weapons clashed relentlessly.

Gongsun Zhuo wanted to assist but lacked the capability to intervene effectively. Meanwhile, Chen Guan noticed Wang Lian crawling stealthily toward her discarded flexible sword despite her injuries.