Arhats Subduing Demons: Starting with The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber

Chapter 101 Do your duty
Yun Changkong and the others continued westward. The Kunlun Mountains were so vast that Zhao Min, engrossed in admiring the scenery, slowed their pace.

Anyone who comes to this majestic mountain will inevitably feel a sense of nostalgia, and Granny Jin Hua is no exception; she does not urge anyone on.

However, while the scenery of Kunlun Mountain is beautiful, it is absolutely impossible to experience it in person without a considerable foundation of internal strength.

The Western Regions are already a harsh and cold place, not to mention the strange climate of the Kunlun Mountains, which is enough to kill ordinary people.

Fortunately, Yun Changkong and Granny Jin Hua possessed profound internal strength and protected Zhao Min and Xiao Zhao, so the two women didn't feel anything amiss.

That evening, the group rested under an ancient tree.

The Kunlun Mountains are truly wondrous. Although it is still winter according to the seasons, the area is filled with a profusion of wildflowers, a delicate fragrance that is intoxicating, and the chirping of insects all around.

Suddenly, the sound of two footsteps could be heard from a mountain path. Although they were still far apart, Yun Changkong's internal strength was so profound that he could hear the sound from afar.

Before long, the two had arrived. Under the starlight, they saw an old man with a long beard, wearing a gray robe, a white belt around his waist, and carrying a load on his shoulder, walking briskly, with an old woman with white hair beside him.

Although the two were fast, their faces were covered in dust. The old man had a long, flowing beard and looked very imposing, while the old woman, though hunched over, still had bright, piercing eyes.

Clearly, the two men, despite their long journey, were still in good spirits, so they must be martial arts masters.

As the two passed by the group of people, they simply hurried on their way, never glancing at them once until their figures disappeared from sight.

Zhao Min whispered in his ear with a smile, "This old woman is amazing."

Yun Changkong said, "That old man is the real expert!"

Zhao Min said, "I can't see how capable he is."

Yun Changkong said, "He carries a load on his shoulder, which contains useful items. He can run so fast that the load doesn't sway at all. His internal strength and lightness skill are unparalleled in the world."

Zhao Min stuck out her tongue and said, "How about comparing with you?"

Xiao Zhao chuckled and said, "I heard that when Shaolin disciples first learn martial arts, they carry water straight up the mountain. Master Yun must have practiced quite a bit."

Yun Changkong revealed a hint of reminiscence and said, "Yes, back then, when I was carrying water up the mountain, I would practice for two hours every day until I could run at top speed without spilling a single drop of water from the two buckets, only then would I consider it a great success."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Min felt a pang of pain in her heart and sighed, "Your martial arts are so good, yet you've endured hardships that ordinary people can't bear."

Granny Jin Hua said, "Only by enduring the bitterest of hardships can one rise above others. You young people can't even practice for a short while before you feel it's hard. Once you leave the martial world, you think others are more skilled!"

Xiao Zhao said in a low voice, "I practiced for an afternoon and you felt sorry for me, but you can't blame me."

Grandma Jin Hua sighed.

This is why many martial arts masters let their children study under other masters; it's all because parents are reluctant to discipline their children.

As they were talking, they suddenly heard the sound of clothes fluttering and three figures rushed over. Yun Changkong glanced at them and realized that they were the three swordsmen from Xiliang whom he had seen a few days ago.

The three people stopped a few feet away from the group, and six pairs of eyes looked them up and down.

After a long pause, Ma Fatong clasped his hands in a fist salute and smiled at Yun Changkong, saying, "May I ask, brother, have you seen an elderly couple walking by?"

Yun Changkong didn't want to cause trouble, so he simply shook his head.

Before Shao Yan could speak, Ma Fatong stopped her, saying, "Time is precious, let's go!"

After saying that, he turned and left, and Shao Yan and Shao He had no choice but to follow.

From afar, Shao He said, "These people are strange. Why don't we take this opportunity to test their abilities?"

Ma Fatong said, “That zombie-faced man’s eyes were sharp and intelligent, and that old woman’s face was full of wrinkles, but her eyes were clear and bright, which was not what one would expect from someone of that age. And look at that woman dressed as a man, she is as beautiful as a celestial being. She was able to enter Kunlun Mountain safely, so she is definitely not someone to be trifled with. Why should we be fooled?”

He deliberately let the others hear him, to show that he was not someone to be trifled with.

Zhao Min listened with great admiration and smiled slightly, saying, "This fat Taoist priest has such keen insight, truly remarkable!"

Granny Jin Hua sighed softly, "It is extremely difficult to become famous in the martial arts world. Those who can become famous and still live in the world may not necessarily have extraordinary skills, but they must all have exceptional insight."

Zhao Min giggled and laughed for a while before saying, "Mother-in-law, if you can't fool others like this, why bother with all this?"

Granny Jin Hua said, "I just don't want people to see my true face. Even if others guess that I'm not an old woman, what does it matter?"

Zhao Min nodded slightly: "That's true. No one would expect that beneath this wrinkled skin and white hair lies a stunning beauty."

Granny Jin Hua chuckled coldly twice and closed her eyes.

The next day, the group continued their journey. The terrain became increasingly undulating, with rolling hills. They ventured deep into the mountains, crossed a narrow path, and just passed a stone ridge that seemed to pierce through the air.

Suddenly, a series of metallic clanging sounds came from afar, the sounds as numerous as a string of pearls.

Yun Changkong smiled slightly and said, "There's a fight going on up ahead."

Zhao Min said, "Let's go take a look!" With a sway, she floated away.

The group sped along, crossing a mountain ridge, and saw five people engaged in a fierce battle in front of a grove of trees.

Zhao Min said, "It's them."

Xiao Zhao said, "Young Master Yun, should we meddle in other people's business?"

Yun Changkong remained silent.

These five people were none other than the Three Swordsmen of Xiliang and the elderly couple.

The old couple held twelve short knives that swirled and moved back and forth in their hands, forming a dense, intricate net in the sunlight, leaving no gaps.

The three swordsmen of Xiliang were incredibly powerful, but no matter how hard they tried, they were no match for the couple and had to switch from offense to defense.

The old man was incredibly agile, wielding a gleaming short knife in each hand, and lunged at Shao Yan.

Yun Changkong thought to himself, "This old man is indeed skilled, but he can't break this Five Elements Sword Formation!"

The old man unleashed three consecutive strikes, forcing Shao Yan to retreat two steps. Ma Fatong and Shao He's longswords flashed, and the old woman shouted, followed by a series of clanging sounds.

Zhao Min was taken aback, because she couldn't figure out what technique the old woman was using, yet she was so quick to parry the attacks of both longswords.

It turns out that the old woman and her husband each took turns attacking and defending, with the attacker only attacking and the defender only defending, without interfering with each other.

Ma Fatong brandished his longsword and shouted, "The Three Talents Sword Formation: Heaven, Earth, and Man!" Shao He replied, "Lightning chases the stars, emerging from Jade Truth."

The three Taoist priests took turns stepping aside and immediately surrounded the elderly couple.

The old man wielded six short knives in each hand, rolling the knife from his left hand to his right and vice versa, as if his fingers were interlaced, displaying unparalleled skill in his attacks.

The old woman's knife flew up and down, weaving and parrying amidst the flashing sword light. Even when faced with a long sword attacking from behind, she didn't turn around, but it was as if she had eyes in the back of her head, as her short knife struck with extreme precision.

Yun Changkong thought to himself, "There are indeed many talented people in this martial arts world, but I have never seen the methods of this couple before!"

You should know that the knife in the hands of this couple was supposed to be a throwing knife, but throwing knives are supposed to be released from the hand to attack, but they were just holding it in their hands to attack, which was extremely strange and something that none of the people had ever seen before!

Granny Jin Hua sneered, "So it was all for Xie Xun. Their swordsmanship and saber techniques are more defensive than offensive, and they excel at defense. This is to counter the Seven Injury Fist!"

Yun Changkong's heart skipped a beat: "She is incredibly clever and insightful. Just by looking at their martial arts skills, she could figure out their intentions. Her insight is truly remarkable."

Zhao Min whispered, "I heard that the Golden Lion King's martial arts are superb. On Wangpan Mountain Island, he used the Lion's Roar to turn dozens of martial arts masters into idiots. With them defending more than attacking, how can they win?"

Yun Changkong said, "To unleash the Lion's Roar, one needs to channel internal energy to project the sound. However, some of them specialize in attack, while others specialize in defense. With their skill level, Xie Xun cannot defeat them with a single roar. Once their attack arrives, we must take action to defend against it."

Then one would have to divide one's internal strength, and the lion's roar, though powerful, would be rendered useless.

If one were to use the Seven Injury Fist, which contains seven extraordinary energies, it would inevitably suffer a significant setback if forced to break through their sword and saber formation. They could then launch a counterattack. This is the principle of avoiding their strengths and attacking their weaknesses.

Zhao Min asked, "Then they can defeat Xie Xun?"

Yun Changkong shook his head and said, "That's not necessarily true. What we're talking about are the principles of martial arts, but whether they can be put into practice depends not only on them, but also on Xie Xun's skill level and how well he performs."

Just like the "Great River Flows East" calligraphy, when practicing, one should naturally follow the order of "The great river flows east, its waves sweeping away all traces of the past."

But if you want to defeat your enemy, you can't follow the rules step by step. You might win by writing the character "大" (big) and then "尽" (exhausted), but if you go and write the character "江" (river), you might give your opponent a weakness and cause you to fail!

Zhao Min nodded and said, "This is the true meaning of the divine principle in Sun Tzu's Art of War: to win by adapting to the enemy's changes!"

Yun Changkong smiled slightly and said, "That's right. In the face of battle, countless soldiers are killed or wounded in an instant."

As a general commanding troops, there isn't much time for deliberation; one can only do one's best as quickly as possible and adapt to changing circumstances.

Regardless of whether the orders were right or wrong, they all meant sacrifice. They had to endure tremendous psychological pressure, and winning battles was even more difficult. Naturally, they were all extraordinary individuals.

The purpose of practicing martial arts routines is the same as the emphasis on discipline and obedience by soldiers: to become familiar with the rules so that when orders are given, they can be executed resolutely without hesitation.

After all, a moment's hesitation could cost hundreds or thousands of lives on the battlefield. When two masters clash, their moves come one after another. A moment's thought or hesitation could mean death or serious injury.

Therefore, martial arts masters don't easily make a move; in reality, those skilled in battle are not necessarily warlike. Those who constantly clamor for war and killing are often those who haven't actually been on the battlefield and lack real skill.

Zhao Min thought for a moment and said in a low voice, "Yue Fei once said that the essence of military strategy lies in the mind, and the key to its application is in one's own mind. It seems that this is also a great principle in martial arts."

"Not bad!" Yun Changkong nodded and said, "You can apply what you've learned to other situations, that's excellent, so he was also a remarkable martial arts master!"

Granny Jin Hua said, "His family's freehand martial arts are very famous in the martial arts world."

As they were talking, Ma Fatong suddenly shouted, "Stop!"

The old man gracefully retreated.

Ma Fatong stared at the knife in the old woman's hand and said, "You two practiced this martial art for that lion, didn't you?"

The old woman exclaimed, "Master Ma has quite the discerning eye!"

Ma Fatong: "I have long heard that you two have a blood feud with Xie Xun for killing your son. Are you at Bright Peak? Have you found out?"

The old woman snorted and said, "Why should we trouble you, Taoist priest, with our family matters?"

Ma Fatong chuckled and said, "The feud between Yuzhen Temple and the virtuous couple, as Yi Sanniang said, is a trivial matter and not worth risking our lives for. Why don't we turn enemies into friends and join forces to find Xie Xun?"

Yi Sanniang said, "I've never heard of Yuzhen Temple having any grudge against Xie Xun!"

Ma Fatong simply smiled and said, "No!"

Yi Sanniang's face turned cold as she said, "Our techniques, though different, ultimately lead to the same goal: to counter the Seven Injury Fist. Since Yuzhen Temple has no enmity with Xie Xun, why have you gone to such lengths to practice this sword technique?"

Ma Fatong's eyes darted around for a moment, and he said, "Yi Sanniang has a good eye! We have always admired Master Du, who is renowned throughout northern Sichuan. So we won't hide it from you. Yuzhen Temple just wants to borrow the Dragon-Slaying Saber to take a look."

Yi San Niang nodded and quickly wrote a few words on her husband's palm with her finger.

Du Baidang also extended his finger to write on her palm, and the couple talked for a while using their fingers instead of their tongues.

Yi Sanniang said, "My husband and I only seek revenge. We are willing to give our lives for it. We have no intention of touching the Dragon-Slaying Saber."

Ma Fatong said happily, "That's excellent. The five of us can join forces to go to Bright Peak, and both sides can get what they want without harming each other."

The five men then high-fived to form an alliance and discussed their next steps.

Granny Jin Hua sneered, "With such a few pieces of meat, you think you can climb Bright Peak? You're really courting death!"

Zhao Min said, "So what? Yin Susu said he told Abbot Kongwen about Xie Xun's whereabouts, and countless people broke into Shaolin Temple at night, resulting in numerous deaths and injuries. If they dared to go to Shaolin Temple, what wouldn't the Ming Cult dare to do?"

After hearing this, Granny Jinhua lowered her head and pondered, saying nothing more.

Yun Changkong couldn't help but smile bitterly: "That's the scary thing about this rumor. Some people, in order to confirm whether Xie Xun is really at Bright Peak, will inevitably sneak in at night. But the Ming Cult headquarters is not a place where anyone can come and go as they please. Once discovered, a fight will surely break out."

Where there is fighting, there are casualties, and another blood feud. If word gets out about his family and friends, it will only add another reason to besiege Bright Peak!

Just then, the Du couple and the Three Swordsmen of Xiliang finished their discussion and were about to leave when Yun Changkong suddenly leaped out and said, "Wait!"

"Ah, it's him!"

At Shao Yan's shout, the group turned to look and saw Yun Changkong had stopped a foot away. He glanced at everyone present and said, "It's best if you don't go to Bright Peak!"

Both sides had met before. Yi Sanniang snorted coldly and said, "What is your esteemed name? Are you also going to Bright Peak?"

Yun Changkong said, "Xie Xun is not at Bright Peak. This is a conspiracy. You should all go back and tell your fellow martial artists!"

Before he could finish speaking, Shao Yan immediately scoffed contemptuously, "Does Your Excellency intend to possess the Dragon-Slaying Saber for yourself?"

Yun Changkong smiled calmly and said, "I'm not trying to be mean, but the Dragon-Slaying Saber is indeed powerful. Are you all just trying to test its edge? Do you want to die even faster?"

Ma Fatong snorted angrily and said, "You brat, you're too arrogant! Old Master Du, Third Sister Yi, this kid is wearing a human skin mask, he's acting strangely. Let's take him down as well, to bolster our morale for this trip!"

With a roar, he unleashed a Comet Strikes the Moon attack, his sword pointing directly at E Changkong's chest.

Shao Yan leaped into the air, thrusting his longsword downwards, while Shao He simultaneously slashed horizontally from the left. The Three Swords of Xiliang lived up to their reputation; each of their attacks was powerful and ruthless, making it difficult even for highly skilled martial artists to parry!

Du Baidung and Yi Sanniang attacked simultaneously. Du Baidung's hand flashed with a chilling light as he swiftly aimed for Chang Kong's lower abdomen.

There's a saying in martial arts: "An inch longer, an inch stronger; an inch shorter, an inch more dangerous." Judging from the momentum of their combined attack, this is a deadly strike.

Yun Changkong immediately took a step back, flicked his sleeves, and swung them out.

With two sharp cracks, Shao He and Shao Yan's longswords flew directly into the air. The two took three steps back, their expressions changed, and they were shocked. Yun Changkong's sleeves were flexible and covered a wide area, yet they were able to brush away the two men's longswords. Such divine skill was unprecedented!

Ma Fatong and Du Baidang immediately thrust their long swords and short knives in, their movements as swift and powerful as mercury spilling onto the ground.
Yun Changkong suddenly understood the divine skill, and hooked his right index and middle fingers upwards.
The two men felt a sudden heat in their arms, took three steps back, and their long swords and short knives transformed into rainbows that soared into the sky.

Zhao Min watched with great delight, her face flushed, and she clapped her hands, exclaiming, "What a wonderful Moon Character Technique!"

Yun Changkong's move was the same hook he made in the "Great River Flows East" calligraphy piece he wrote the day before yesterday, specifically the character "月" (moon).

Du Bai was caught off guard by his strength and unleashed all five of his remaining short swords, covering all directions and targeting Yun Changkong's vital points.

Yun Changkong flicked his sleeve, and a cold light flashed like lightning, shooting towards Yi Sanniang.

Yi San Niang hurriedly swung her knife to block, but then heard a series of clangs as all twelve knives flew into the air.

But when she blocked the knife, not only did her arm become hot, but the knife also flew out of her hand. She even felt as if she had been punched in the chest, her blood rushing to her head. She couldn't help but take several steps back, her face flushed.

Ma Fatong, Shao He, Shao Yan, and Du Baidang leaped up with lightning speed, intending to retrieve their respective weapons.
Unexpectedly, Yun Changkong's sleeves billowed as if swept by a gale. With a single wave, they felt a gentle yet immense force sweep over them, making it difficult to breathe, while their bodies felt comfortable as they somersaulted backward.

As soon as the four landed, they suddenly took three steps back and fell to the ground with a thud. When they tried to get up, they couldn't muster the strength in their waists and fell backward to the ground again.

At this moment, the world was completely clear, every face was deathly pale, and large beads of sweat seeped from the top of their heads. All eyes were focused on Yun Changkong.

They simply couldn't imagine that someone could be so skilled in martial arts!
The Three Swordsmen of Xiliang thought to themselves, "The swordsmanship of our Yuzhen Temple has always been renowned. Today, the three of us, along with Du Baidung and his wife, were defeated by someone with a mere flick of the wrist! If we hadn't seen it with our own eyes, how could we believe that such a person exists in the world? Could he really be some kind of old zombie? It's all my fault for not learning to draw talismans and chant incantations in my daily life!"

Having suffered such a crushing defeat, they were too frightened to speak, and could only lament, "You only realize how little you know when you need it most."

Only then did Yi San Niang catch her breath and ask, "Who exactly are you?"

Yun Changkong extended his right hand, and with a single move, three longswords and twelve throwing knives that fell from mid-air flew into his hand. He said, "Your martial arts are not weak, but going to Bright Peak is tantamount to suicide!"

Yi Sanniang was no ordinary person either. Thinking of his ability to manipulate objects from a distance, she suddenly remembered and said, "Your ability to capture dragons and control cranes, are you Yun Changkong?"

Yun Changkong smiled silently.

Upon hearing this, the three swordsmen of Xiliang hung their heads in dejection and could not utter a single word. What was there to say when they encountered this nemesis?
Du Baidu was deaf, but he knew they were talking. Unable to discern what was happening, he frantically wrote on the ground: "Who?"

Xiao Zhao was very quick-witted and whispered, "With such high martial arts skills, why is Master Yun so interested in which martial art?"

Granny Jin Hua was also quite shocked. She had thought that even if she could win against five people working together, it wouldn't be easy! She never expected that Yun Changkong could win with just a casual move.

Hearing her daughter's words, her face immediately flushed.

She told her daughter that Yun Changkong agreed to help them because of the "Great Shift of Heaven and Earth" divine skill, but Xiao Zhao felt more and more uneasy. She felt that if she were Yun Changkong, she would never have come to suffer like this!
It's worth noting that the straight-line distance from Shanxi to Kunlun Mountain is over 2,000 kilometers, and the actual route, due to detours, may be 3,000 to 4,000 kilometers. It took them four months to reach Kunlun Mountain.

With martial arts skills like Yun Changkong's, would he really travel such a long distance because of another martial art?
Seeing that Granny Jin Hua was extremely embarrassed, Zhao Min said, "Brother Chang Kong said that there is no end to learning, so I want to broaden my horizons!"

Xiao Zhao said, "Is that so?"

Granny Jin Hua was in an awkward position, and the truth made it difficult for her, as a mother, to save face. Hearing Zhao Min explain, "It's like this, his martial arts are so high because of his unwavering desire to learn!"

Xiao Zhao nodded and said nothing more.

Yi Sanniang raised her dazed eyes and looked at Yun Changkong, saying, "With your supernatural powers, even if we practice for another hundred years, we still wouldn't be your match. It's easy for you to kill us, but don't expect us to avenge the death of our son!"

Du Baidang was renowned throughout northern Sichuan for his double hooks, and his ability to discern weapons by sound was unparalleled in the martial arts world. His wife, Yi Sanniang, was skilled with a chain spear. At this moment, the couple abandoned their signature weapons, which they had honed over decades, and practiced with these twelve short swords. The husband even went so far as to deafen himself and become mute, all in order to deal with Xie Xun and avenge the killing of their son.

Yun Changkong sighed softly, "How could I dare not let you and your wife avenge the murder of your son? It's just that Xie Xun is not at Bright Peak. This news is meant to demoralize people and cause turmoil in the martial arts world. Alas, even if you go to Bright Peak, you will only lose a few lives and still not be able to avenge your son."

Instead, we should turn back and tell our fellow martial artists not to be deceived by this news again.

Yi Sanniang chuckled and said, "This old woman doesn't have the heart of a great hero and can't control so much. Bright Peak is not your private property. We can go there if we want, what's it to you?"

Zhao Min rushed up to her, her bright eyes glaring, and said, "Speak properly, won't you listen? If I kill you all, will I still be able to avenge this grudge?"

Yi San Niang was taken aback by her retort. Looking at Zhao Min, she saw that her eyes were like clear water, and even though she was dressed as a man, they seemed to shine like pearls and jade.

Although Yi Sanniang was a wandering martial arts hero, tears welled up in her eyes when she saw him. She said softly, "What kind of behavior is this, a child who speaks so carelessly?"

Zhao Min was taken aback. Everyone knew that she was thinking about the child that Xie Xun had killed, and seeing Zhao Min dressed as a man had triggered her emotions.

Zhao Min also thought of her parents, her nose tingled, and she said, "I told you it was fake news, but you didn't believe me."

Even if it were true, once you get to Bright Summit, would they still fight you one-on-one? What's the point besides losing two more lives?

Yi Sanniang sighed and sobbed, "Ever since my beloved son was unjustly murdered by Xie Xun, my husband and I have lost all attachment to this world. My husband had his ears pierced so that we could perish together. Even if it means being torn to pieces, we would not hesitate!"

The depth of her resentment was truly astonishing.

Yun Changkong looked up at a mountain peak and slowly said, "Senior Situ, why don't you tell us about it?"

His voice was clear and resonant, yet it shook the mountains and valleys, the echo making everyone's ears buzz.

No sooner had the words left his mouth than a voice rang out: "Hero Yun's skills are indeed unparalleled and peerless!"

Suddenly, a short, stout man emerged from a mountain peak not far away, carrying a wine gourd; it was none other than Situ Qianzhong.

Zhao Min snorted, "You've been following us the whole time?"

Situ Qianzhong laughed and said, "No, I was just wandering around and happened to run into you. With such a temper, how should I address you?"

Zhao Min laughed and said, "Aren't you supposed to know everything? Take a guess."

Situ Qianzhong chuckled: "You are tall and slender, with a plump and graceful figure. You could melt away Yun Changkong's arrogance and make him willingly wear a human skin mask. I'm afraid there is no one else but Princess Shaomin of Ruyang Prince who could do that!"

Upon hearing this, Yun Changkong's face flushed, and Granny Jin Hua became even more displeased, since Yun Changkong wore the mask for her sake.

Zhao Min chuckled, revealing a smug and self-satisfied air.

Yun Changkong said, "Senior Situ, could you please tell us whether Xie Xun is at Bright Peak?"

Situ Qianzhong let out a deep, soft sigh, almost like a muttering to himself: "Everyone is drunk but I am sober, what can I do? If you speak, they will kill you. I don't have your martial arts skills, what can I do?"

Suddenly, Yi Sanniang raised her voice: "Situ the Drunkard, is Xie Xun really not at Bright Peak?"

Situ Qianzhong laughed loudly, "I, this old man, have lived a lonely life in the martial world, but fortunately everyone knows that I see things clearly."

Yi Sanniang said, "Of course!"

Situ Qianzhong said, "Whether Xie Xun is at Bright Peak or not, I have never been there and do not know, but I understand that this is a means to hope that the martial arts world will besiege the Demonic Sect. Those who have a grudge against Xie Xun are already widely involved, spanning the north and south, and with the addition of the Dragon-Slaying Saber, even the Qinghai Sect, which has always been indifferent to worldly affairs, has gotten involved, hasn't it?"

Yun Changkong cupped his hands and said, "Senior, you are arrogant and conceited, but you are also well-regarded in the martial arts world. May I ask you to spread this news?"

Situ Qianzhong laughed and said, "That's right, the same words depend on who says them. But it also depends on who they are addressed to! If it's a wise and chivalrous master like Yun, this old man doesn't need to say anything, but if it's some other rough and unruly hero, what use is it?"

Yun Changkong said, "Senior, I understand that the greatest pain in the world is for a parent to outlive their child. I am asking you to stop people like Mr. Du and Granny Yi, not those who would risk their lives for the Dragon-Slaying Saber. Do you understand?"

Upon hearing this, Situ Qianzhong was immediately taken aback. After a long pause, he bowed deeply to Yun Changkong and said, "Great Hero Yun, your single act of kindness has brought immense blessings! I will go to Kunlun Pass immediately to explain the truth to the heroes passing by, but..."

Zhao Min laughed and said, "But what? Why don't you continue?"

Situ Qianzhong said, "I'm afraid that if I say something, I might encounter someone with a fiery temper like you, and they might yell at me to fight. What should I do then? I don't have the invincible skills of the great hero Yun."

Zhao Min burst into a series of charming giggles, her laughter captivating and unforgettable.
Yun Changkong thought for a moment, then took off his sword and said, "Senior, please take my sword and spread this news!" With that, he threw the sword, which transformed into a rainbow and flew towards the mountain peak. With a clang, it stuck in front of Situ Qianzhong.

Situ Qianzhong's face lit up with joy, and he laughed heartily, "Hero Yun, you can withstand a million soldiers with a single sword! Your ambition and heroism are truly admirable!"

Yun Changkong said, "I wouldn't dare. There are always some people in this world who can't distinguish right from wrong. I hope this will be of use to you."

Zhao Min laughed and said, "Master Yun's Autumn Divine Sword is famous in the martial arts world. I dare not say whether you can withstand a million soldiers with it in your hands, but to be bold, if someone hurts you, that means they are deliberately making trouble for you. I'm afraid no one in the martial arts world today has that kind of courage!"

The group exchanged glances, thinking that with Yun Changkong as his protector, who would dare to harm him?
Situ Qianzhong suddenly dropped his playful grin and said solemnly, "Hero Yun, the Dragon-Slaying Saber has always been a source of chaos and destruction in the martial world. Since you have a chivalrous heart, you should emulate the legendary Chongyang Zhenren!"

"Master Chongyang?" Yun Changkong was taken aback.

Situ Qianzhong sighed and said, "When the Nine Yin Manual appeared in the world, the martial arts world was filled with bloodshed. It was not until Master Chongyang held the manual in his hands that the conflict in the martial arts world finally came to an end."

Xie Xun, wielding the Dragon-Slaying Saber, was coveted by everyone, but this was because he lacked the virtue to match his position and the martial prowess to surpass the masses.
Your martial arts skills are unparalleled, inheriting the traditions of the Shaolin, Quanzhen, and Beggars' Sects, making you unmatched in the world.

Only by holding this rare and divine artifact, the "Dragon-Slaying Saber," in your hands can you truly avert a catastrophe in the martial world.

Zhao Min's eyes flashed with a sharp light, her brows furrowed with murderous intent, and she shouted sharply, "Old man, do you think my brother Yun isn't hated enough?"

Situ Qianzhong sneered, "Do you think he won't be hated just because he doesn't have the Dragon-Slaying Saber?"

He was telling the truth. Even without the Dragon-Slaying Saber, Yun Changkong still inspired envy and jealousy. And the same was true even with the Dragon-Slaying Saber.

Yun Changkong nodded and said, "Your words have awakened me from my dream. It seems that I really cannot let this matter go unresolved!"

"Excellent! Excellent!" Situ Qianzhong clapped his hands and laughed, "You should have the courage to do what you're supposed to do. Even if that old man tipped you off and ran errands for you, you would do it willingly and happily!"

After saying this, he drew Yun Changkong's sword, turned around, and disappeared into the mountain peak.

Zhao Min couldn't help but chuckle and asked, "This old man looks crazy, but he also has a chivalrous heart!"

Yun Changkong sighed, "The truly righteous are often the lowly butchers!"

Just then, Situ Qianzhong jumped out again and said, "There's something I forgot to tell you."

Chang Kong said, "I am all ears."

Situ Qianzhong said, "Be careful of that beautiful girl surnamed Zhou under Abbess Miejue. She's very scheming, and Abbess Miejue is even more difficult to deal with. This is not a good match!"

Zhao Min smiled broadly, and Yun Changkong opened his mouth.

Situ Qianzhong said, "Also, don't be so lenient with everyone!"

Looking at Xiao Zhao, he said, "This little girl has slanted eyes and a wide mouth. She seems to be ugly in a unique way, but in reality, she is beautiful in a fresh and refined way. She can't fool those who have a discerning eye."

A strange light flashed in Xiao Zhao's eyes. Her eyelids drooped, she looked at her toes, and whispered, "Senior is mistaken." Her voice was hoarse and unpleasant, like a rope sawing wood.

Situ Qianzhong laughed and said, "Still pretending."

"Fine!" Granny Jin Hua snapped, "Just how long have you been following us?"

Situ Qianzhong said, "Don't pretend. Your eyes are bright and lovely, but your back is hunched and your knees are bent and you can't straighten them. In fact, you can straighten your back and hunch your shoulders. Your hands are as white as scallions. Can you really be that ugly?"

Granny Jin Hua was furious. Her hands were usually hidden in the wide sleeves of her robe, so no one could see them. This time, she hadn't brought her coral gold cane or her gold flower prayer beads. But the old man had noticed something was amiss.

Situ Qianzhong pointed at Zhao Min and said, "This girl is clever, beautiful, and wicked. She's clever in a delightful way, beautiful in a charming way, and wicked in a cute way. But she's very jealous. You're always hanging around beautiful women. Be careful not to get burned!" With that, he disappeared.

Zhao Min asked sweetly, "Is the fire burning brightly, Master Yun?"

Yun Changkong smiled sheepishly.

Yi San Niang said, "Thank you for saving me, Young Hero Yun. This is what my husband told you."

Looking down, Chang Kong saw several lines of writing on the ground that resembled dragons and phoenixes in flight, with a tree branch lying horizontally beside them.

Upon closer inspection of the handwriting, it reads: "Many thanks to Hero Yun for sparing my wife and me from bloodshed and death. However, if you find Xie Xun's whereabouts, please do not say more. Du Bai will pay his respects!"

The two men each grabbed six knives, held them horizontally in front of their bellies, pressed their left hands against the backs of the blades, bowed, and turned to leave.

When the couple attacked Yun Changkong, they were ruthless, but when they left, they used the respectful etiquette of the martial arts world.

Everyone knew that the couple greatly admired his magnanimity. After all, with his martial arts skills, killing the two of them would be as easy as lifting a finger, so why waste words?

The fact that they could have killed but chose not to is what earned the heartfelt respect of this couple who were carefree and indifferent to life and death. However, when it comes to matters that affect their own interests, their perspective changes completely.

And this is the world of martial arts!
Yun Changkong watched the couple turn the bend in the mountain pass, sighed, and, carrying Zhao Min, swayed and disappeared into the forest like a wisp of smoke. Faced with parents determined to avenge their son, what could he do but feel a pang of sympathy?
Granny Jin Hua glanced at the Three Swordsmen of Xiliang and said coldly, "It's best to keep quiet about what happened today, otherwise..." She swayed and slapped Ma Fatong on the shoulder with a bang.

Ma Fatong was suddenly jolted by an electric shock, his whole body trembled, and his teeth chattered.

Granny Jin Hua glared at the three of them and said coldly, "With such skill, you dare to try your luck with the 'Dragon-Slaying Saber'? You're quite audacious. Today, I'll spare your lives for the sake of your thick skin!" She suddenly turned around and, with Xiao Zhao in tow, disappeared like the wind.

"Who is this old woman?" Shao Yan asked, both surprised and angry. "So what if she's good at martial arts?"

Ma Fatong felt as if he had fallen into an ice cellar, and couldn't help but tremble. He said in a trembling voice, "Junior brother, go back... and tell Master and Uncle!"

Shao Yan and Shao He wanted to carry him on their backs, but felt cold all over, so they made a stretcher on the spot and went back the way they came.

(End of this chapter)