Zongwu: Aspiring to be the mastermind behind the scenes

Chapter 204 Yuanzhen and Chengkun, Stirring Up the Grass to Alert the Snake
"Whether the Yuan Kingdom was behind it or not, there is no concrete evidence, I am just speculating," Zhu Wushi said. "After all, these people's plan failed, but they did not leave, which obviously means they have other purposes."

"No evidence?" The emperor frowned.

Cao Zhengchun said, "Since the Marquis has no evidence, why report this matter to His Majesty?"

Zhu Wushi said, "It's better to believe something is true than not to believe it is not. Besides, regardless of whether there is evidence or not, this matter itself is a good excuse to allow the imperial court to take legitimate action to stop the six major sects from continuing to besiege the Ming Cult and relieve the Ming Cult's crisis!"

The emperor nodded: "This method is feasible."

a few days later.

The four great constables rode their exotic horses, galloping day and night until they arrived at the foot of Bright Peak.

Such a rapid march was exhausting, even for the four of them who all possessed innate cultivation. They found an inn in a nearby town and slept for a day and two nights before they could recover.

"Based on current intelligence, the only suspicious point in this incident lies with the Shaolin Temple."

In the inn room, Wu Feng said, "At first glance, it seems that Shaolin Temple was persuaded by Abbess Miejue of Emei to join forces against Ming Cult, and at the same time called on all the martial arts forces in the world to respond, which is why we have come to this point."

However, Abbess Miejue of Emei had a deep-seated hatred for the Ming Cult and had been trying to persuade other sects for many years. She had visited Shaolin Temple three times, but was rejected each time.

Surprisingly, this time, Shaolin Temple agreed.

"Senior Brother, that's true, but the reason why Shaolin Temple agreed is probably not hard to guess."

Leng Yu said, "Shaolin Temple used to be the leader of the martial arts world, but since Wudang rose to prominence, its reputation has been overshadowed by Wudang. This time, it took action to call on all forces in the martial arts world to besiege the Ming Cult. Isn't it just to show its own power and restore Shaolin's reputation?"

Wu Feng nodded: "That's true. But this reason wasn't proposed by Abbess Miejue and persuaded by the Shaolin elders; it was proposed by a high-ranking monk in the Shaolin Temple."

"Oh? Which eminent monk is it?"

"The generation name with the character 'Yuan' is Yuanzhen!"

"Yuanzhen? I've rarely heard of that name."

"He was a disciple of the Shaolin monk Master Kongjian, and he always explained profound things in a simple way, so he did not become famous in the martial arts world."

"So, he was just concerned about Shaolin's status in the martial arts world."

"Hmph!" Wu Feng snorted coldly and said, "But this eminent monk is none other than the infamous 'Cheng Kun, the Hunyuan Thunderbolt Hand'!"

"What? It's him!"

The three brothers were shocked.

"This person has disappeared from the martial arts world for many years. I thought he was dead, but I didn't expect him to have hidden in the Shaolin Temple? Hmph, it seems that this matter is indeed very strange!"

Cheng Kun, the Hunyuan Thunderbolt Hand, was already a well-known figure in the martial arts world decades ago, but his reputation wasn't particularly high.

Many martial arts factions have probably already forgotten about him.

However, the Ministry of Justice of the imperial court has detailed files about him, not to mention the Eastern Depot, the Dragon Guard Manor, and other powerful forces.

This man once took on a disciple, who was Xie Xun, the Golden-Haired Lion King of the Ming Cult.

But later, for reasons unknown, he turned against his disciple, killed Xie Xun's entire family, and went on a killing spree, leaving behind the words "The killer is the Golden-haired Lion King Xie Xun" after each murder.

Xie Xun went mad as a result, searching everywhere for Cheng Kun to take revenge, but he couldn't find him at all. So he simply killed people everywhere, leaving behind the words "The killer is Cheng Kun, the Hunyuan Thunderbolt Hand" after each murder.

The actions of this master and disciple can be described as extremely heinous.

Therefore, the imperial court had sent people to conduct a detailed investigation many years ago.

Unfortunately, by the time the truth was revealed, Xie Xun had already disappeared in a shipwreck, and Cheng Kun had long since vanished without a trace.

Therefore, the imperial court simply sealed the archives and did not pursue the matter further.

Therefore, few people in the martial arts world know the truth.

However, as the imperial court's top constables, they had specifically reviewed the files before arriving here, which is how they learned the truth.

"I wonder what happened back then that caused him to turn against his disciple Xie Xun? Is his current behavior perhaps because he feels he can't kill Xie Xun, so he's going to take revenge on the Ming Cult as well?"

The Four Great Detectives have encountered countless vicious criminals, many of whom share this idea, so it's not surprising.

Wu Feng said, "Even so, it's just a battle between martial arts factions. The key question is whether Cheng Kun colluded with the Yuan Kingdom!"

Iron Fist said, "So, our mission is to investigate this matter thoroughly?"

“No,” Wu Feng shook his head, “our mission is… to alert the enemy!”

After making some preparations, the group continued westward and arrived at the camp of the alliance of the six major sects around noon.

After a few days, the battle between the six major sects and the Ming Cult intensified.

Although the Ming Cult has advantages in resources and terrain, the six major sects have a large number of people and experts, which also gives them a great advantage.

When the masters of the six major sects put aside their pride and carried out infiltration and assassination operations, no matter how much poison or kerosene the Ming Cult used, it would be ineffective against those grandmaster-level masters.

Thus, the Ming Cult's leadership had no choice but to descend the mountain to provide support.

The two sides fought several battles around the front lines, with each side trading blows and the outcome uncertain.

Overall, however, the Ming Cult was still at a disadvantage.

After all, their numbers are limited, and if one dies on the battlefield, they can't be replaced.

However, the final outcome depends not only on combat strength and numbers, but also on the will of both sides.

Those who could enter the Ming Cult headquarters were all die-hard loyalists. Even if they all died to protect the headquarters, the Ming Cult disciples would not be afraid.

In contrast, the fighting spirit of the six major sects was not strong. Apart from Abbess Miejue, who genuinely wanted to kill the Ming Cult, the other five sects only wanted to make a name for themselves in the martial arts world.

Second- and third-rate forces below the six major sects can be said to be just here to join in the fun.

If the battle becomes too brutal and the casualties too great, these people, whose fighting spirit is not strong, will probably want to retreat.

So the final outcome is really uncertain.

Upon arriving at the camp gate, a messenger was sent to announce their arrival, and soon Song Yuanqiao arrived with a group of high-ranking members of the sect to greet them.

"Master Song, I have long admired your name, and now it is finally time to meet you."

"We have all heard of the Four Great Constables."

Inside the tent, after exchanging pleasantries, Song Yuanqiao asked, "Do the Four Great Constables have official business to attend to today?"

"Yes, it is indeed official business!"

Wu Feng said, "It is a secret that I cannot tell you. The reason we have come to this camp is because our official business involves one of the six major sects, so we have come to pay our respects."

Song Yuanqiao asked, "But who is it?"

Wu Feng turned to look at Kong Zhi, the leader of Shaolin Temple: "Master, is there a monk in Shaolin with the Dharma name 'Yuanzhen'?"

Kong Zhi said, "There is indeed such a person. He is the son of Kong Jian, my junior brother. Could it be that the official business handled by the Divine Constable is related to my junior brother Yuanzhen?"

"indeed so."

Wu Feng said, "I would like to request that Master Yuanzhen appear in person."

Kongzhi nodded: "Okay, I'll send someone over right away."

He then gave instructions to a young novice monk.

Wu Feng said, "Zhui Feng, Leng Yu, you two go with this young master."

"Yes, Big Brother."

The two turned and followed. Kongzhi frowned slightly, but ultimately said nothing.

Within the territory of the Ming Dynasty, the imperial court ultimately held greater power.

Led by the young novice, the two constables soon met Yuanzhen.

In the original novel, Cheng Kun hid in the Shaolin Temple, plotting for many years and making countless preparations.

He faked his death and escaped before the six major sects actually began their siege of Bright Peak.

But this time, the incident happened suddenly, and Cheng Kun had no time to prepare.

After all, faking death in front of a group of Shaolin monks is no easy feat.

In order to witness the destruction of the Ming Cult firsthand and to better control the situation, Cheng Kun followed the Shaolin Temple's group to the foot of Bright Summit Mountain.

Inside the tent, Cheng Kun, with a kind face and gentle features, though not young, held a Buddhist scripture in his hands, examining it carefully with a serious expression.

Seeing the three arrive, Cheng Kun remained calm and asked, "Gentlemen, have you come to see this humble monk?"

Leng Yu said, "I am Leng Yu, a divine constable of the Dali Temple. I have met Master Yuanzhen. I have come here today on official business that involves Master Yuanzhen, and I have come to invite him."

Cheng Kun's eyebrows twitched, and a bad premonition rose in his heart.

But his acting skills were superb, and he remained completely calm.

"What does this have to do with me? I have been a monk for many years and have long since severed ties with worldly affairs. What could possibly involve me?"

"This... please come with us to the main tent, and you will know."

"okay."

Cheng Kun put away the Buddhist scriptures, stood up, walked slowly to the door, and suddenly made a move, pointing a finger at Leng Yu.

He then used his lightness skill and dashed out like lightning.

Zhui Feng was shocked and immediately gave chase.

But he is only at the Innate Realm, how can he catch up with Cheng Kun, who is at the Grandmaster Realm?
Soon after, the other party disappeared.

Helpless, Zhui Feng rushed to the main tent and burst inside, exclaiming, "Senior Brother, something's wrong! Yuan Zhen has escaped!"

"what?!"

Wu Feng suddenly stood up, both surprised and angry: "How could you be so careless? Did you reveal too much and alert him?"

Zhui Feng said, "That old thief was too cunning. He attacked without saying a word. He has the cultivation of a Grandmaster and was determined to escape. I couldn't catch up with him at all!"

Wu Feng frowned immediately, then looked at Song Yuanqiao and said, "Hero Song, this matter is of great importance, but we are not strong enough and Yuanzhen has escaped. We can only humbly ask for your help. We hope that you heroes will be generous in your assistance!"

Song Yuanqiao stood up and said, "Wufeng Divine Constable, what exactly are you doing? Can you tell us?"

Wu Feng said, "To be honest, the official business I'm handling concerns the Yuan Kingdom!"

"What? Yuan Kingdom?!" Song Yuanqiao exclaimed in surprise.

There is still a certain boundary between the imperial court and the martial arts world.

When he heard Wu Feng ask for help, he knew that what Wu Feng was doing this time was probably something perfectly legitimate.

Unexpectedly, it involved the Yuan Dynasty.

Wu Feng asked, "Have you all heard of the story of the eighteen heroes of the North besieging Blackwood Cliff?"

Song Yuanqiao nodded: "We have also heard about this matter."

"Behind this matter lies the Yuan Kingdom's secret plot, and among the eighteen heroes, there is one force..."

He briefly explained the situation: "...After receiving the news, the court immediately sent people, but the dozen or so Yuan experts had disappeared without a trace. It was assumed that they had all returned to the Yuan Kingdom."

However, not long ago, they were spotted again, and the location where they were found... was near Bright Summit!
Therefore, we speculate that the siege of Bright Peak by the six major sects in the south and the extermination of demons by the eighteen heroes in the north may actually be two manifestations of the same scheme…

"Impossible! Absolutely impossible!"

The Abbess Miejue said loudly, "I orchestrated this whole thing. How could I not know the reasons behind it?"

She panicked too.

If she gets involved with the Yuan Kingdom, no one can protect her.

It doesn't matter if people die, but they will leave endless stains on the sect!
Wu Feng said, “Abbess Miejue, don’t be anxious. Your hatred for the Ming Cult is known to all under heaven. So how could the Yuan Kingdom not know? The key is that you went to Shaolin Temple three times to try to push this matter forward, but you failed each time. Why did you succeed this time?”

Master Kongzhi, I would like to know, why has Shaolin Temple agreed to this matter now after repeatedly refusing it before?

Kongzhi, a veteran grandmaster, broke out in a cold sweat under the gaze of Wufeng, a Xiantian (innate) master, and hurriedly said, "This...this is all due to my nephew Yuanzhen...no, Yuanzhen's instigation. My Shaolin Temple has absolutely no connection with the Yuan Kingdom!"

"It better be so!"

Wu Feng said, "Hero Song, now that you understand the cause and effect, would you be willing to lend a helping hand?"

Song Yuanqiao hurriedly said, "Every man has a responsibility to the nation, and besides, we have been used by the Yuan Kingdom in a conspiracy. Divine Constable, rest assured, our Wudang Sect will definitely send all its manpower to help you capture that thief!"

Kongzhi hurriedly replied, "My Shaolin Temple is one of them!"

Abbess Miejue also said, "Emei is one too!"

Other factions also offered their support.

Wu Feng said, "Thank you all for your righteousness. We four are few in number and weak in strength, but we are here with the imperial court's status. We can send a letter to the Ming Cult, stating the consequences, and guarantee that the Ming Cult will not dare to make any unusual moves during this time!"

Upon hearing this, everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

It was indeed only natural to help the imperial court deal with the Yuan Dynasty.

But they were naturally also worried that the Ming Cult would take advantage of the situation to launch an attack.

Now that Wu Feng has given his assurance, we can rest assured.

Soon, a letter was delivered to the Ming Cult's position on the opposite side.

Yin Tianzheng unfolded the letter in front of everyone and read it together with the experts.

"Yuan Kingdom? No wonder these six major sects were besieging my Ming Cult for no reason! It turns out it was those Tartars pulling the strings behind the scenes again!"

One of the Five Wanderers, Mr. Iron Crown, couldn't help but snort coldly.

Wei Yixiao nodded: "Yes, under the leadership of Left Envoy Yang, our Ming Cult has rarely caused any trouble in the martial world these past few years. Would the six major sects really send people to besiege us just because of the nonsense of a demon nun? There's definitely something wrong!"

Yang Xiao sensed the sarcasm in the words, but simply snorted and remained silent.

Zhou Dian shook his head and said, "Is there some kind of trap here?"

Yin Tianzheng put down the letter and asked, "Ye Wang, what do you think?"

Yin Yewang said, "In my opinion, whether it's true or false, it's beneficial to the Ming Cult at this time. If it's true, needless to say, we cannot let the Yuan Tartars' conspiracy succeed."

The intense fighting over the past few days has left the Ming Cult disciples generally exhausted, and the consumption of various supplies has been enormous, to the point that they are already in short supply.

If this is false, it would be a good thing for us to take a few days to rest and replenish our supplies!

"Ah."

Yin Tianzheng nodded: "That's right. In that case, let's suspend the attack and let the disciples rest. Also, have people patrol the area, and report immediately if any trace of the Tartars is found!"

(End of this chapter)