When Fang Lang heard the sound of the System prompt in his consciousness, he was completely stunned.

The long-unheard prompt filled Fang Lang with great joy.

The System upgrade had taken a long time and it was finally complete!

This was extremely great news for Fang Lang that the System function was completely restored right as he was about to face the top geniuses of the demon world.

Even though he could continue to use the System while it was being upgraded, he was unable to bind to a new partner. Now that the System was fully restored, it meant that he would be able to do so.

After all, at that moment, Fang Lang would be fighting the sacred maiden and the archdevil of the demon and devil tribes. What did that mean?

That meant that the two top geniuses had appeared completely unguarded before him.

If he could bind to these two geniuses, it would be a huge bounty for Fang Lang.

Hence, Fang Lang was overjoyed.

Of course, Fang Lang was also curious to know what had been upgraded through the System upgrade.

As his mind focused, the long-awaited System control panel appeared.

Host: Fang Lang

Cultivation Discipline: Second-grade, sword-intent (fourth-class)

Level: Level 8

Experience: 0/1,000,000

Core: 36 (White)

Modified Core: 66 (Purple)

Cultivation Resource: 100 high-grade spirit crystals (use restricted to cultivation events)

Inventory: Two Grade-Rush Card Fragment, Two 5X Amplification Card, Two Enlightenment Card, Two Enchantment Card

Equipment: Instant Casting Staff

Binding Partner: Ni Wen, Jiang Linglong, Liu Bubai, Wen Ting, Wei Sheng

Sole Active Ability: Able to share 80% of the binding partner's cultivation, ability etc. The power can be stacked.

Sole Passive Ability: Able to receive rewards when completing activities related to cultivation.

[Upgrade notification: This System upgrade has activated the new Sole Active Ability.]

Fang Lang's eyes focused on the System panel and glanced across it non-stop.

Not much had changed on the System panel. The only difference was the added Active Function.

This function was extremely shocking!

To Fang Lang, the upgrade of the Active Function far exceeded his expectations and imagination. He could share the cultivation inspiration and cultivation speed of his binding partner. He could also superimpose.

Even though the cultivation level of his precious binding partners such as Ni Wen was not considered too powerful, with Fang Lang's current level, if he could superimpose all the binding geniuses' cultivation, the power and fighting ability that he could unleash would be astounding.

In other words, the System upgrade would definitely allow Fang Lang's power to increase in leaps and bounds!

Fang Lang planned to continue studying the System. However, he quickly focused his senses. He widened his eyes and looked into the distance.

His eyes met the gaze of the two figures in the distance. It was like there was an invisible smoke hanging in the air.

The sacred maiden of the demon tribe and the archdevil of the devil tribe Fang Lang previously heard their names when Master Ci Yue invited him to participate in the battle.

Master Ci Yue was extremely fearful of them and even said that there was no one in the Tang Dynasty who was a match for these two. In fact, Master Ci Yue did not have high hopes for even Fang Lang against them.

Master Ci Yue could see that Fang Lang's innate talent and power were decent. It was a shame that his cultivation was too weak. He had just advanced to the fourth-class. Even if he could advance grades through battle, it would not give him any advantage against the sacred maiden and the archdevil who possessed the divine core ability.

The atmosphere was thick and strong.

The warriors of the demon world thought that this year's Battle of the Pagodas would be a guaranteed win since they had invited the sacred maiden and the archdevil to take part.

However, now that Master Ci Yue has also invited Xuanyuan Taihua's disciple to help, the situation has changed.

Xuanyuan Taihua was a woman whose name could stir changes in the wind as soon as it was mentioned.

With her innate ability, she was able to ascend to the transcendental realm in a mere 200 years. Besides that, she single-handedly entered the demon world and managed to slaughter the devil king and the demon king!

Hence, the mention of Xuanyuan Taihua's disciple was enough to gain the attention of the demon world warriors.

The ocean waves continued to crash over the shores.

The giant turtle-like demon beast swam over, causing huge waves that seemed to shroud the skies.

The demon world warriors stood on top of the vast ocean.

Demonic energy hovered around the demon tower on the back of the turtle-like demon beast.

The demon beast floated unsteadily within the vast ocean, unable to press ahead. It stayed a fixed distance away from the buddhist pagoda as though by prior agreement, never coming into contact.

The handsome face of the archdevil dressed in black armor seemed to be filled with curiosity as he focused on Fang Lang. The veiled sacred maiden dressed in a long dress with two pointy ears was also staring intently at Fang Lang. There was a huge difference in the color of their eyes compared to humans.

As the three of them exchanged looks, fireworks seemed to burst forth from their eyes. A mysterious sense of pressure crushed down upon Fang Lang's heart.

It was an oppressive pressure that could be felt across the sky. It was a mutual response between geniuses.

"The sacred maiden of the demon tribe and the archdevil of the devil tribe" mumbled Fang Lang.

All the cells in his body seemed to vibrate slightly. They were filled with excitement and joy.

Beside Fang Lang, Fa Jiao and Fa He wore expressions of utmost seriousness. There was a solemness within their serious expression. They pressed their palms together. However, the vital energy within their bodies had already begun to flow uncontrollably!

This was an uncontrollable reflex in response to the sense of pressure.

Fang Lang tore his gaze away and turned his head slightly. He moved closer to Master Ci Yue and inhaled deeply before he asked, "Master Ci Yue, I have a small question."

Master Ci Yue pressed his palms together and turned his gaze from the demon realm warriors.

Master Ci Yue's kind features broke into a smile and said, "Please go ahead, Benefactor Fang. I will definitely answer if I know the answer to your question."

Fang Lang instantly smiled. "It's not a big question. When I met the gaze of the sacred maiden and the archdevil, I felt extremely drawn to them, as though I wish we'd met sooner. Hence, I have a presumptuous question."

"Please go ahead, Benefactor Fang," said Master Ci Yue.

'Extremely drawn to them? Wish he had met them sooner?'

Benefactor Fang's method to relieve pressure was extremely meaningful.

Fang Lang did not pay attention to the look in Master Ci Yue's eyes as he asked curiously, "What is the name of the sacred maiden from the demon tribe?"

'Huh?'

Master Ci Yue was stunned. So this was his question!? Fang Lang wanted to know what the name of the sacred maiden was? Was this a special interest of his? The sacred maiden was a foreign tribe from a different world!

They would definitely not have a good ending.

The smile on Master Ci Yue's lips faltered. He was about to speak but paused. However, he pressed his palms together and thought for a moment before he replied, "The sacred maiden of the demon tribe is descended from the bloodline of the White King, the high king of the demon world. Her surname is Bai. As for her given name, I think she's called Ling," said Master Ci Yue.

The name of the sacred maiden was unknown to most people in the Tang Dynasty. However, the All-Seeing Buddha Sect has been warring with the demon world for many years. Besides that, the Battle of Pagodas involved the geniuses of the demon world. Hence, the names of the demon world geniuses would garner special interest.

Hence, Master Ci Yue could tell Fang Lang the name of the sacred maiden.

"Bai Ling?" muttered Fang Lang.

'So that was the name of the sacred maiden?' Fang Lang's eyes twitched slightly. He would commit this name to memory.

After that, he put on a broad smile and continued to ask, "What about the archdevil of the devil tribe? What's his name?"

Master Ci Yue's bald head shone as he tilted his head to one side.

'What was this boy planning to do!? Wasn't it enough for him to ask about the name of the sacred maiden? Why did he need to know the name of the archdevil as well?'

Since they were the same gender, there should be mutual repulsion. Master Ci Yue thought that Fang Lang should just fight him. Winning would make everyone happy. If he lost, there would be no point learning his name.

However, when Master Ci Yue saw the look of anticipation in Fang Lang's eyes, he sighed and said, "The archdevil of the devil tribe is descended from the bloodline of the demon king. His surname is Chi while his name is Yun."

'Chi Yun?'

As soon as Fang Lang heard his answer, he was overjoyed. Now that he knew the names of the sacred maiden and the archdevil, he could set his plan into action!

"Thank you for answering my questions, master."

Fang Lang clasped his hands together and stood beside Master Ci Yue, ignoring the sacred maiden and the archdevil. It was as though they were slowly turning invisible.

On the other side, Master Ci Yue stopped chatting to Fang Lang. He took a step out as golden light shone out from his entire body. His robes fluttered around him as his vital energy surged like a ferocious beast roaring at the limitless ocean.

Even though Master Ci Yue's figure was stooped and small, by standing in front of that ginormous, mountain-like turtle demon beast, he managed to suppress the demon beast and fill it with fear.

A warrior with a powerful aura appeared among the warriors of the demon world. Demonic energy circulated in the air as a jet-black light enveloped the earth and completely quelled Master Ci Yue's vital energy.

The two of them battled in the skies above the vast ocean. Their powers surged but appeared to be evenly matched.

They discussed the details of the upcoming Battle of Pagodas.

Beside Fang Lang, the two monks, Fa Jiao and Fa He clenched their fists. They looked a little worked up and also a little nervous.

After all, the Battle of Pagodas would determine the future of the All-Seeing Buddha Sect. It was entrusted to them. If they won, the warriors of the demon world would withdraw their armies and the peace in the All-Seeing Buddha Sect would endure.

However, if they lost, the buddhist pagoda would topple. Without the defense of the buddhist pagoda, the warriors of the demon world would launch an attack on the All-Seeing Buddha Sect. This would endanger the lives of the All-Seeing Buddha Sect and also the common folk living in the surrounding areas of the sect.

Hence, they were extremely anxious and agitated. After all, they bore the responsibility and pressure far beyond their years.

Their gaze shifted to the side to land upon Fang Lang. They observed Fang Lang. At that moment, his eyes were shuttered and he looked as though he was deep in thought.

The young monk, Fa Jiao, hoped to chat with Fang Lang in order to alleviate the pressure. However, when he saw Fang Lang's appearance, he felt embarrassed to speak up. He could only turn around to converse with his Senior Brother Fa He.

At that moment, Fang Lang was deep in concentration.

'System, I choose Bai Ling as my binding partner,' thought Fang Lang.

'Ding! The chosen partner Bai Ling is a fourth-class, ninth-grade cultivator. The estimated binding time is a full day and night.'

Fang Lang was shocked when he heard the news. His heart fluttered. Which mastery was she a fourth-class, ninth-grade in?

At the moment, Fang Lang was a fourth-class, second-grade, sword-intent realm. In addition to his martial arts mastery and his spell mastery, he could reduce the binding time. In reality, as long as he was not binding to someone above his grade the binding time would not be too long.

'Continue binding,' said Fang Lang internally.

'Ding! The binding is in progress'

Fang Lang was not in a rush to use the Grade-Rush-Card to reduce the binding time that now stood at one day and one night.

His heart kicked into action as he stared at the archdevil from the devil tribe.

'System, I choose Chi Yun as my binding partner,' continued Fang Lang.

'Ding! The chosen partner Chi Yun is fourth-class, ninth-grade cultivator. The estimated binding time is a full day and night'

It turned out that the cultivation level of this archdevil was also the fourth-class, ninth-grade realm.

The cultivation system of the demon world might be a little different. Hence, it might not be categorized into spell mastery, sword mastery, etc. Hence, the System has generalized their cultivation level as the fourth-class.

'Ding! The binding is in progress'

The System indicated that the binding process for the sacred maiden and the archdevil was being carried out.

If he did not use the Grade-Rush Card Fragments to reduce the binding time, it would only be completed after a full day and night.

At the moment, Fang Lang's inventory was left with three Grade-Rush Card Fragments after he used the Grade-Rush Card earlier. It would be enough to cut down the time required.

While Fang Lang prepared to bind to the sacred maiden and the archdevil, Master Ci Yue and the demon world warrior's tussle finally reached an end.

The rules of the Battle of Pagodas were the same as previous years. The selection of the representative could be made at will. The last genius still standing at the end of the battle would be determined as the winner.

In simple terms, if the All-Seeing Buddha Sect genius representative could win three matches in a row and remain standing until the very end, this would mean victory for the All-Seeing Buddha Sect. Likewise, the opposite would also be true.

Master Ci Yue returned. His eyes were extremely solem.

He looked at Fang Lang whose eyes narrowed, then turned to glance at Fa He.

"Fa He, you're up for the first battle. Remember to give it all you've got."

Master Ci Yue did not speak much. Everything lay in words unspoken. This battle was immeasurably important to the All-Seeing Buddha Sect. The result of each battle was extremely crucial.

Tall and strapping Fa He clasped his hands together. He bowed slightly, wearing an extremely grim expression.

"I will certainly do my best."

Fa He has always been a meticulous person. At that moment, he seemed to become even more serious. The vital energy in his body stirred up and seemed to cause the air to fill with the sound of explosions.

As soon as he finished speaking, Fa He trembled and took a step out into the vast ocean, walking across the waves.

Huge waves rose up and roared like a ferocious beast.

There was no arena. The vast ocean was their arena and the surface of the sea was their battleground.

The sky suddenly turned dark and gloomy. It felt oppressive and deary, as though it was about to rain.

Fa He landed on the ocean surface. The ocean rippled with strong waves. However, he did not appear to sink despite standing on top of the ocean.

On the other side, the demon world representative was the sacred maiden!

They did not choose to send some other genius that was not the sacred maiden or the archdevil. Right from the start, they chose to send out the sacred maiden of the demon realm. There was no intention of concealing their trump card!

"Bai Ling of the bloodline of the White King of the demon world"

The sacred maiden wore a veil. Her skin was strangely white. Her green hair fluttered in the breeze and her blue eyes had a haughty look in them.

"Fa He of the All-Seeing Buddha Sect."

The monk Fa He did not speak much. As soon as he finished speaking, he pressed his palms together.

Bai Ling's eyes sparkled under her veil. After that, the energy on her body surged and rushed into the sky.

The sacred maiden raised her hands and clenched them firmly into fists, sending a surge of terrifying vital energy to boom out and spin around. Behind her, an enormous bird phantom appeared with its wings outstretched.

When Bai Ling attacked, she did not hold back at all.

The Battle of Pagodas was too important. Hence, Bai Ling would not go easy on her opponent!

Fa He pressed his palms together. His expression was one of utmost seriousness. He walked on top of the ocean surface. With each step, the ocean waves shook. After that, the seawater went quiet from being suppressed.

Boundless vital energy rushed out. However, it did not stir the ocean water, not even a little.

Fa He was surrounded by a thick mist of gold light that did not disperse. As he gradually wielded his vital energy, a divine light shone out of him.

He was only a fourth-class realm monk, yet he was able to send forth the divine light of the All-Seeing Buddha Sect.

He was like a Luohan surging with vital energy as he walked forwards, looking as resplendent and brilliant as the huge golden sun in the sky!

"Amitabha. It's an honor to meet you."

Fa He's eyes were bright and sparkling.

As he pressed his palms together, there seemed to be a huge buddha holding a gold bell sitting on the vast ocean.

The ocean waters appeared gold because of the endless divine light shining down from the sky.

Fa He walked across the ocean surface. He took step after step, moving like a giant bell.

"Great Buddha Gold Bell!"

The giant bird behind Bai Ling spread its wings. Her long dress and her veil fluttered in the breeze. Her sharp, pointy ears quivered slightly. Her eyes were filled with a steely intention.

Since he had been selected to represent the All-Seeing Buddha Sect in the Battle of Pagodas, this proved that Fa He was an extraordinary disciple among the younger generation.

Hence, the sacred maiden, Bai Ling did not underestimate him.

She raised her hands. The demon tribe was highly skilled in their physical strength. Their physical body was unrivaled.

However, as she did so, a white feather flew out sideways into the air, transforming into a white feather sword.

That was an extremely miraculous precious sword. Countless blade rays interweaved as they tore through the skies!

Fa He continued walking towards Bai Ling.

Bai Ling's blue eyes flashed as she swung her sword. Her sword attack seemed to be filled with energy that could slice the vast ocean apart as it swung out like a massive hammer.

Her sword attack slammed into Fa He's giant buddha. It was like a giant bird crashing into a buddha!

Boom!

A loud noise rang out that sounded like the ringing of the ancient bell in the All-Seeing Buddha Sect!

The resonant sound of the bell reverberated in all directions, causing the waves to rock violently.

Fa He's figure trembled. Blood spilled out of his mouth and nose. However, he continued to step ahead with his hands clasped together. His eyes were filled with a determined light.

As he walked ahead, the energy in his body surged like a mountainous wave!

"Amitabha. Miss Benefactor. Please go again."

Fa He's muscular body seemed to become larger as the divine light around him seemed to shine even brighter!

The sacred maiden Bai Ling's silky hair and long dress fluttered in the wind. She gripped the sword in her hand and observed Fa He, who continued to advance. She got into position once again and swung her sword.

One swing, two swings, three swings

The sacred maiden of the demon tribe did not hold back. She gave her all and swung her sword 13 times in one go!

A thousand thunderbolts exploded in unison!

In the blink of an eye, even though he had only taken three steps forward, Fa He was completely drenched in blood. He had turned into a blood man. The great buddha phantom behind him was covered in cracks!

"Good, good, good There aren't many people in the same class as me who are able to take thirteen swings of my sword."

Bai Ling could not stop herself from saying good three times, complimenting Fa He.

On the All-Seeing Buddha Sect side, Fang Lang, who had his eyes shut tight, slowly opened them and stared at the battle upon the sea.

Fa Jiao's eyes were bloodshot and his fists were clenched tightly.

Master Ci Yue sighed deeply. "The sacred maiden of the demon tribe is clearly a genius who possesses a divine core"

On the vast ocean, Fa He, who was drenched in blood continued walking until he arrived before Bai Ling and roared angrily.

The gold bell in his arms suddenly rang out.

The earth seemed to dim before the eyes of the sacred maiden.

This was the hit that Fa He desperately needed to land after crossing the sea and receiving thirteen straight sword attacks.

The Buddha Gold Bell that contained all his vital energy, energy and spiritual sense!

The sacred maid swung her sword. A flash instantly appeared on her snow-white skin. The giant white bird behind her spread out its wings like a giant hawk and suddenly soared out!

There was a loud noise that sounded like thunder on the sea!

The waves on the ocean surged relentlessly.

The sacred maiden flew out across the ocean, splitting a gutter over hundreds of feet through the ocean. The veil covering her face was torn into tatters from the force of the attack, revealing her enchanting and strange demon features.

Fa He was covered in blood and completely drained of energy. He was panting heavily like a dragon. He collapsed into the ocean surface, sending a splash of water to rise.

"Not bad."

The sacred maid gripped her white longsword. Her lips curved gently as she complimented Fa He.

The warrior monks of the All-Seeing Buddha Sect were truly powerful, especially those who were like Fa He, who did not fear death. He almost seemed to sacrifice his strength in order to land a heavy blow on her.

Master Ci Yue floated to the sea and fished out Fa He, who was completely covered in blood.

"Master, I lost."

Fa He looked ashen.

"Amitabha. You gave it your all."

Master Ci Yue did not seem to blame him at all. A kind smile hung on his face.

The sacred maiden of the demon tribe, whose core and talent were equivalent to a divine core, was practically unbeatable by those of the same grade as her. At the moment, he feared that there was no one in the younger generation of the Tang Dynasty who could beat her.

Perhaps, 200 years ago, Xuanyuan Taihua of the same grade might be able to battle her.

Master Ci Yue sighed.

He turned his head to look at Fa Jiao. The sacred maiden stood on the ocean surface leaning against her sword. She won the first round. The pressure was mounting for the All-Seeing Buddha Sect in this year's Battle of Pagodas.

Just as Master Ci Yue was about to ask Fa Jiao to head into battle, Fang Lang, who had kept his head down all this time, suddenly stretched out and yawned a couple of times. His white robes fluttered around him as a smile appeared on his face.

"Master Ci Yue. Fa Jiao is our trump card. Naturally, the trump card appears at the end"

"Allow me to fight the second battle."