Sword Roaring in the Sky

Chapter 336 Heavenly Dragon Kasaya
Due to the war between the two countries, my sect has lost Zhalong Monastery, the very place where the Longzang lineage propagates its teachings. Unable to bear abandoning it, I wish to challenge you to a duel. If I am fortunate enough to win by a single move, I am willing to personally go to Zhalong Monastery to become its abbot, upholding all the laws under your rule and transmitting only the Longzang Buddhist lineage. If I lose, I am willing to obey your command: either be expelled and never allowed to enter the country again, or designate a place where I will propagate the Dharma for you.

The letter from the monk Minglun was written in a gentle and mild tone, without any hostility. However, this monk had been in seclusion at Longzang Temple since the battle for the throne and had never left the temple.

Several months ago, Minglun emerged from seclusion and first challenged Zhang Hai, defeating him in twenty-one moves. Only then did he turn to Black Dragon City and specifically challenge Sun Yanwan.

Sun Yanwan received the challenge letter, chuckled, but did not refuse.

The monk Minglun was very clever. He didn't come to demand the return of Zhalong Temple, because everyone knew that was impossible. But if he won, he could become the abbot of Zhalong Temple, which would be quite advantageous. If he lost, he would be at Sun Yanwan's mercy. He only made two suggestions: either be expelled or be allowed to build a new temple in a city controlled by Sun Yanwan.

Although he claimed to be willing to spread Buddhism for Sun Yanwan, in reality, he was vying for power with the monk Jinchan of Shaochan Temple in order to preserve the flame of Dharma transmission for Longzang Temple.

Although Sun Yanwan didn't care about fighting with Monk Minglun, she couldn't possibly agree to his request.

He immediately wrote a letter and sent it to the monk Minglun, who was on his way.

At this time, Monk Minglun had just defeated King Chongtian Zhang Hai, so he was still in Dalang territory. The Tianma Gang quickly found Monk Minglun, who was still on his way, and handed him Sun Yanwan's letter.

Monk Minglun unfolded the letter, which read: "I have already promised Shaochan Temple and made a promise to Monk Jinchan. Zhalong Temple is no longer mine, therefore I cannot agree to your request, Master. If I, Sun, lose the martial arts contest, how about we merge all the monks of these twenty-four cities into one sect, with Master Minglun as the vice-leader?"
Sun Yanwan still remembers what Kong Chan once said: "If you master the True Immovable Sword Technique, you have a chance to become a Grandmaster."

He had no reason to let the monk Minglun, who had come to him for help, go.

After reading the letter, Monk Minglun put it away, his eyes becoming even more resolute. He did not travel by carriage or horse, but instead measured the earth step by step with his own two feet, heading straight for Black Dragon City.

Since the monk Minglun was walking over, his pace was naturally slow. Therefore, Sun Yanwan received replies from the imperial court, the Songyang Sect, Shaochan Temple, and his master's family first, setting a wedding date for him and finalizing all the procedures.

All twenty-four cities under Sun Yanwan's rule were mobilized. Sun Yanwan knew very well that the marriage of a powerful lord could not and should not be kept quiet, but should be celebrated by all and the people under his command should share the joy.

Things that are usually forbidden by rules can now be done with great enthusiasm, just like many shopping malls hold anniversary sales. The celebration of opening the store is not important; what is important is to find an excuse to promote sales. Therefore, he issued more than ten "benevolent policies" in a row.

For example, it allows poor families to foster their children, who cannot afford to raise them, in Taoist temples, monasteries, or shrines of the Xuanhuang lineage. They can also send them to the Tianma Gang. Children sent to the Tianma Gang can read, write, and learn various skills.

For example, a thorough investigation of the dwellings of the people in each city was conducted. If the dwellings were too dilapidated, the Black Glue Army or the Xuanhuang Army would be responsible for building new houses and replacing them with new ones free of charge.

For example, all the lonely elderly people were taken in by Taoist temples, Buddhist temples, shrines, or the Tianma Gang, or were given jobs such as guarding the gates, which were jobs that almost anyone could do, or they were simply put to leisure to avoid loneliness.

They also set up lottery venues in various cities under the guise of a grand wedding, with prizes mostly consisting of rudimentary martial arts manuals, weapons, food, and other items.

Taking advantage of this opportunity, they promulgated the Black Dragon Code, replacing the previous Great Lang Law. It emphasized contracts and agreements, requiring both parties to sign a contract in the presence of the Black Glue Army or the Xuanhuang Army for it to be legal. Marriage, business dealings, and even various aspects of daily life were all based on contracts signed in advance by both parties, greatly reducing the difficulty of law enforcement.

Amidst her busy schedule, Sun Yanwan finally met the monk Minglun. The monk had traveled a long way, but his multicolored robe shone brightly in the sunlight. Upon seeing Sun Yanwan, he clasped his hands together and said, "Benefactor Sun is a faithful person, and Minglun is willing to obey your command."

Sun Yanwan said that he had already bestowed Zhalong Temple upon the monk Jinchan, so it no longer belonged to him. This greatly pleased the monk Minglun, demonstrating that Sun Yanwan kept his word and was not blinded by power. If Sun Yanwan had openly used Zhalong Temple as a bargaining chip, the monk Minglun's opinion of him would have actually declined.

As for the method proposed later, it was exactly what Monk Minglun wanted to do. His reason for coming to Black Dragon City was that Longzang Temple suddenly discovered that Sun Yanwan's rise was too strong. If Sun Yanwan became the master of the Great Grassland in the future, Longzang Temple, as an enemy, would have no way out. That's why Monk Minglun came to challenge them.

His ability to issue this challenge to Sun Yanwan was with the consent of Guru Alanda, and it was an official action of Longzang Temple, not a private one.

Sun Yanwan had already chosen a high platform in the most bustling place in Black Dragon City.

This high platform was originally used to store goods. The area below was extremely open, but a platform was built on top, which was suitable for various opera troupes, song and dance performances, and even various celebrations. Normally, dancers from the Kingdom of Boshi would dance gracefully here, allowing the people of Black Dragon City to stop and watch, relieving the fatigue of the day. It can be said to be a multi-purpose thing.

Sun Yanwan, carrying a large red dragonwood club, leaped onto the high platform. Monk Minglun also used the secret lightness skill passed down from Longzang Temple to float and sway onto the high platform.

The news that Sun Yanwan was going to fight had already spread throughout Black Dragon City, so the people of the city had long gathered around to watch, eager to see Sun Yanwan defeat the Minglun Monk.

The monk Minglun smiled slightly, took off his kasaya, and said, "This is the Heavenly Dragon Kasaya, a secret of Longzang Temple. It is an item comparable to a divine weapon. Would you like to exchange it for a more powerful weapon?"

"Although red dragon wood is tough, it is still just ordinary wood."

Sun Yanwan laughed and said, "No need!"

The young and handsome monk said no more. He closed his eyes, put his palms together, and spread his hands. His Heavenly Dragon Kasaya rose into the air, radiating a chilling sword intent, and descended upon Sun Yanwan.

Sun Yanwan was slightly surprised and whispered, "How come you're still only at the Innate Realm?"

Monk Minglun smiled slightly, still unsure of what Sun Yanwan wanted to say. He shouted, "I heard that Benefactor Sun has advanced to the Innate Realm, which is why I have come to challenge you."

Sun Yanwan wielded his red dragonwood staff and gently flicked the Heavenly Dragon Kasaya aside. He pondered for a while and realized that he hadn't mentioned to anyone that he had already advanced to the Grandmaster level.

Even after returning to Songyang Mountain, he didn't tell his senior master, nor did he publicize the matter in the martial arts world. Only close friends and those who had chased after Ba Tianmo and besieged the master of Jiangxue Sword Sect knew about it...

This is a bit embarrassing.

He initially thought it was a minor matter.

(End of this chapter)