The mountain crumbled in the wake of the unleashed power, and Jokedone's face was filled with a mix of astonishment and concern. This unexpected display of dark power had triggered a deep-seated memory within Jokedone, stirring up ancient fears and legends about the Evil Shadow of Buddha.
Sarah, Kaguya, and Kenta, witnessing Jokedone's reaction and the crumbled mountain, were equally alarmed by the display of power. Their eyes widened, and a sense of unease washed over them as they tried to make sense of the mysterious incident.
Sarah and Kenta, their curiosity piqued, turned to Jokedone and asked, "What is it? What just happened?" Their voices held a mix of confusion and concern, hoping for an explanation to the sudden display of power that had shattered the mountain.
Jokedone, still grappling with the thoughts and memories the incident had stirred within him, took a moment to gather his composure. He looked at Sarah and Kenta, his expression grave. "I sensed an immense power, dark and malevolent," he said, his voice tinged with unease. "It felt... familiar, like the presence of the Evil Shadow of Buddha."
Jokedone spoke to Kaguya, his voice filled with a sense of determination. "Kaguya, take care of Sarah and Kenta for me. I need to take care of this." His gaze was focused and resolute, hinting at the gravity of the situation and the need for his intervention.
Kaguya, recognizing the seriousness in Jokedone's words, nodded in agreement. She placed a reassuring hand on Sarah and Kenta's shoulders, silently conveying her assurance and that she would look after them while Jokedone dealt with the matter at hand.
Meanwhile, Sarah and Kenta looked at each other, a mix of worry and trust in their eyes. They knew they could count on Kaguya's protection, but they also fretted about Jokedone's safety and the danger he might face in confronting the source of the dark power.
The Evil Shadow of the Buddha sat amidst the half-crested mountain, its presence exuding a dark and ominous aura. As Jokedone approached, the evil entity turned its gaze towards his direction, its expression cold and calculating.
As Jokedone addressed the Evil Shadow of Buddha as "Xi'an," the entity chuckled coldly, its eyes narrowing in recognition. "Ah, so you remember me. It has been a long time," Xi'an replied, his voice carrying a hint of mocking amusement.
Jokedone stood firmly, his resolve apparent as he faced the Evil Shadow of Buddha. "Yes, it has been a while," Jokedone agreed, his voice steady. "But I still remember the chaos and destruction you caused last time. I cannot let you continue causing harm."
Jokedone and Xi'an, both being disciples of Buddha in their own way, stood facing each other, their connection to the revered figure adding an intriguing layer to their confrontation. Jokedone, still determined to prevent further harm, spoke, "Our shared connection to Buddha makes this even more reason to stop you. He would not condone the chaos you bring."
Xi'an chuckled coldly, acknowledging their shared past. "Perhaps you are right," he said, his voice laced with a hint of mockery. "But have you ever considered that maybe I am simply following a different path, a darker interpretation of Buddha's teachings?"
With a swift motion, Xi'an materialized a Demon Dagger in his hand, its malevolent aura emanating a chilling presence. The dagger glinted in the ambient light, its blade seeming to hunger for bloodshed.
As Jokedone's anger rose upon seeing Xi'an wield the Demon Dagger, his senses also picked up the acrid scent of death and blood. The air around them seemed to thicken with the weight of his anger and the sense of violation of Buddha's teachings.
Jokedone's voice grew more stern and resolute. "You have broken the principles of Buddha's teachings," he said, his words laced with a hint of finality. "You are tampering with lives and bringing death, and that cannot be allowed to continue."
Xi'an chuckled again, unfazed by Jokedone's words. "Oh, the sanctimonious Jokedone, preaching about the violation of Buddha's teachings," he mocked, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Have you considered that perhaps the path to enlightenment is not always paved with sunshine and rainbows?"
Xi'an, with a wave of his hand, materialized a multitude of 10,000 identical clones, all bearing the same cold, determined expression. The air was suddenly filled with the echoes of thousands of footfalls as the clones lunged towards Jokedone, their dark intent clear.
Jokedone, with a focused expression, raised his hands, and the veins on his arms erupted with a glowing red light. As he smashed his fists onto the ground, immense energy surged through his body. The impact was powerful, sending tremors throughout the entire half-crested mountain. The mountain shook violently, large chunks of it crumbling and falling to the ground as his skill "Smash" unleashed its devastating force.
The clones, caught off-guard by Jokedone's unexpected move, were thrown into disarray as the ground beneath them gave way. Some clones were crushed under the broken pieces of the mountain, while others struggled to maintain their balance. The once unified attack was now scattered, giving Jokedone a brief respite amidst the chaos.
Jokedone focused his attention on the remaining clones, efficiently dispatching them as he moved closer to Xi'an. Each strike was precise and powerful, swiftly neutralizing the dark apparitions that tried to hinder his progress. Finally, having cleared a path through the clones, Jokedone stood face to face with Xi'an, his fists clenched tightly.
Xi'an, seeing Jokedone approach, a flicker of surprise crossed his face briefly before he regained his composure. He smirked, seemingly unfazed by the destruction Jokedone had caused. "Impressive," he taunted, his voice dripping with mockery. "But it will take more than a broken mountain to stop me, Jokedone."
Xi'an swiftly lunged forward, launching a devastating attack with the Demon Dagger. The malevolent blade plunged into Jokedone's chest, and the toxic properties of the weapon coursed through his body, poisoning him instantaneously. Jokedone grimaced in pain, feeling the effects of the poison spreading rapidly.
Despite the excruciating pain and the effects of the poison, Jokedone refused to accept defeat. He clenched his teeth, his expression defiant. "I will not surrender," he gritted out, his voice filled with determination. "No matter what, I will not fall at your hand. Only Kanji will have the honor of ending me."
Xi'an chuckled coldly, amused by Jokedone's declaration. "How admirable, Jokedone, to cling to your ideals even in the face of certain defeat," he taunted, a sinister smile playing at the corners of his lips. "But your loyalty to your friend will only lead to your downfall. Death is inevitable, one way or another."
As Jokedone's demeanor changed, an intense resolve welled up within him. His bottom clothing disintegrated, revealing a new aura of power that radiated from his body. His eyes gleamed with newfound determination, and he declared, "Enough is enough. I will show you the true art of the 'True Calamity'!"
Jokedone's aura flared, and the air around him seemed to crackle with energy. A golden Buddha Circle manifested in his Back, its intricate symbols radiating a brilliant light. Similarly, another circle appeared on his back, imbuing his muscles with an additional surge of power.
With a swift, powerful kick, Jokedone managed to break Xi'an's leg, but rather than expressing pain, Xi'an merely laughed darkly. "Is that the best you can do?" he sneered, unfazed by the injury.
Despite his seemingly nonchalant attitude, deep down, Xi'an seemed aware that the tide of the battle was beginning to turn against him. Jokedone's power had reached a level that he hadn't anticipated, and the damage inflicted was beginning to take its toll.
Xi'an's body, while resilient, was slowly starting to show signs of wear and tear. The broken leg and other injuries were a testament to the growing strain on his physical form.
Jokedone, knowing that the time had come to end the battle, focused all his remaining strength into a single attack. With a determined and serious expression, he invoked the power of the "Buddha Art: True Form" and unleashed a devastating "Smash" attack with all his might.
The impact of the attack was tremendous, like a divine judgment raining down upon Xi'an. The air itself seemed to shudder under the force, and the ground trembled beneath them. This wasn't just a mere attack; it was a blow filled with the full weight of Jokedone's determination and resolve.
As Jokedone's attack connected with Xi'an, the force of the impact caused a veritable explosion, decimating the surrounding forest and shaking the very earth beneath them.
But this victory came at a cost. Jokedone, having expended every ounce of his strength, collapsed to his knees, coughing up blood. The strain of the battle had taken its toll, leaving him barely able to hold himself upright.
~Next chapter "Farewell"