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

Chapter 103 Shifting Heaven and Earth
The moon was bright as water that night, the mountain wind was howling, and the chill was intense, but Yun Changkong, with his profound internal strength, did not feel it.

He looked around from the rooftop and saw rows of houses, twinkling lights, and the sound of footsteps. Then, Granny Jin Hua gracefully landed on the rooftop.

Then the maid whispered, "Young Miss, this maid will help you wash up and go to bed!"

Yang Buhui said, "I'm not sleeping!"

Another maid said, "This maid has brought you some tea."

"If you're not drinking, get out and don't bother me!"

Yang Buhui was clearly in a bad mood, which made the maid tremble with panic, causing the teacups to clatter.

Yang Buhui retorted angrily, "Am I that scary? Why are you trembling?"

A maid said aggrievedly, "It has nothing to do with Miss. I am just naturally timid."

"go out!"

"Yes!" The two maids withdrew and closed the door behind them.

Granny Jin Hua thought to herself, "This little girl has such a temper. If I were to send Xiao Zhao to them, I wonder what they would do to her."

Yun Changkong knew that the original Xiao Zhao had been bullied terribly by Yang Buhui, who would beat her at the drop of a hat and even raise her hand to kill her.

He didn't rush inside. Instead, he hooked his feet on the eaves, rolled up the window paper headfirst, and looked inside.

The room was decorated with extreme luxury and exquisite detail, clearly a daughter's boudoir. A dressing table stood by the window, with red candles burning brightly on it, illuminating the room with a profusion of flowers, creating a magnificent and opulent atmosphere.

A girl in a yellow dress was sitting on the bed, propping her neck up in thought. Then she sighed, stood up, and paced around the room.

She appeared to be about sixteen or seventeen years old, with a pretty face. She paced back and forth, walking faster and faster, her big eyes on her round face blinking, revealing a deep sense of worry.

Yun Changkong sent a deep voice into Granny Jin Hua's ears: "Make your move!"

Grandma Jin Hua glared at him fiercely, meaning not to cause any more trouble.

Subduing Yang Buhui would be incredibly easy for her, but she had entered the secret passage before and returned empty-handed. If she were to knock Yang Buhui unconscious now, and the maid discovered it, it would inevitably attract the attention of the Ming Cult members. If they found nothing, how would they get out?
However, Yun Changkong felt that if Xiao Zhao could find the "Great Shift of the Universe" with Zhang Wuji, there was no reason why he and her mother couldn't.

Yang Buhui suddenly walked to the wall, took out a long sword, and said coldly, "You old thief, if you dare to come, we'll fight to the death!" She strode open the door and stormed off.

When Ji Xiaofu died, Yang Buhui was young and didn't understand anything. But as he grew older, he gradually recalled the events and naturally understood what had happened. His mother was killed by Abbess Miejue with a single palm strike, not by flying to heaven as Zhang Wuji claimed.

How could I not avenge the murder of my mother?
You should know that carrier pigeons are used to deliver messages every day, and many pigeons are released at the same time. If Yun Changkong and the others intercept one, it will not stop the message from being transmitted.

When Granny Jin Hua saw that Yang Bu Hui had left, she lifted the window and slipped inside. Her body was so light and agile that she didn't make a sound.

Chang Kong was dumbfounded, and couldn't help but think that everyone has their own expertise, and that the other person was much more efficient at thievery than him.

Just as she was lost in thought, Granny Jin Hua slipped into the bed curtains and whispered, "Aren't you coming?"

Yun Changkong opened the window, landed quietly, and strolled towards the bed curtains.

Granny Jin Hua lifted the brocade quilt and said, "Lie down quickly!"

Yun Changkong laughed and said, "If you have any improper thoughts, I would rather die than comply."

Seeing his sinister smile, Granny Jin Hua was filled with shame and anger, and immediately gritted her teeth and said, "The secret passage is on the bed."

Yun Changkong shook his head and said, "This Ming Cult is really wicked. They even put the secret passage on the bed." He then lay down next to Granny Jin Hua and reached out to hold her hand.

Granny Jin Hua said angrily, "What are you doing now?"

Chang Kong said, "You've been through the secret passage, but I haven't, so naturally I'm afraid."

Grandma Jinhua was truly exasperated with him. She snorted and, without knowing which mechanism she had activated, the bed suddenly shifted to the side, and the two of them fell off.

He fell several feet straight down, a thrill he had never experienced before. His heart pounded. Fortunately, he had already gathered his strength in mid-air, pressed his hand on Granny Jin Hua's arm, and spun around to stand up straight. When he landed, he was already holding Granny Jin Hua in his arms.

Granny Jin Hua angrily said, "Let me go, do you need to bother with this?" It turned out that when they landed, the ground was covered with a very thick layer of soft grass, which, although dry, could still provide enough shelter.

At the same time, a soft sound came from above, and the bed board miraculously returned to its original position on its own.

Yun Changkong exclaimed in surprise, "Such ingenious mechanisms exist in this era!" He added, "I don't even know what they look like. I'm just worried you'll get hurt. Why are you being so fierce?"

Granny Jin Hua rolled her eyes at him, broke free, and flew away. Yun Changkong chuckled inwardly and followed suit.

This was a winding passageway. Yun Changkong patted the wall to the left and right, and heard a buzzing echo from the stone walls. He thought to himself, "I wonder how much manpower and resources were used to build this secret passage. Those who built it must have been executed!"

At this moment, Granny Jinhua stopped abruptly in front of a stone wall and said, "I came here before and didn't find any mechanism."

Yun Changkong raised his hands and felt around on the left stone wall for a while. He then focused his energy in his dantian, placed his hands against the stone wall, and began to circulate his divine power.

The stone wall suddenly opened up inwards with a gurgling sound, using the center as its axis. It turned out that the stone wall was not a wall at all, but an extremely thick, huge, heavy, and solid stone door.

The secret passage was pitch black, and its contents remained unknown.

Granny Jin Hua laughed and said, "I see!"

Yun Changkong said, "This stone gate isn't a problem for you, is it?"

Granny Jin Hua chuckled and said, "Hero Yun, do you think everyone in the world is like you, invincible at fifteen? Thirty years ago, I was about the same age as Yang Xiao's daughter, and how much skill did I have?"

Chang Kong then realized that the four great protectors of the Ming Cult thirty years ago were not that powerful. Xie Xun only considered himself a top-notch master after he mastered the Seven Injury Fist. Granny Jin Hua was the youngest, so her skill was even shallower.

It turns out that the secret passage to Bright Peak is ingeniously constructed, with some places using hidden mechanisms, but this large stone gate has no mechanisms at all. Unless one has superhuman strength or possesses superior martial arts skills, it is impossible to move it.

Thirty years ago, Granny Jin Hua was able to enter the secret passage, but her martial arts skills were insufficient, so she had to give up halfway. Later, her skills improved, but unfortunately, her lung disease worsened, and she couldn't stop coughing, making it impossible for her to sneak up to Bright Peak. She had no choice but to let her daughter Xiao Zhao take the risk.

Granny Jin Hua was indeed incredibly bold. Seeing a path, she took the lead and walked six or seven steps without incident. Suddenly, she felt a light appear behind her; it was Yun Changkong who had lit a candle.
They found themselves in another long, sloping passageway, seemingly endless. After walking a considerable distance, they suddenly came to a fork in the road. Yun Changkong glanced at the path, and Granny Jin Hua's sharp eyes scanned from left to right and then from right to left. She said, "You're still wearing a mask. It's just the two of us here. Can't you take off your disguise?"

Granny Jin Hua said, "What are you doing? You've seen it before."

Yun Changkong said, "This place feels like a ghost town. I'm not so scared because I have a fairy with me."

Granny Jin Hua removed her white hair and mask, and said, "You just don't have a single proper thing to do."

Seeing her bright and beautiful face, Yun Changkong laughed and said, "Oh, I like looking at you so much that I don't act serious. Back then, how many people in the Ming Cult liked looking at you? They didn't act serious either?"

The Purple-Robed Dragon King was both angry and anxious. He stomped his foot and walked angrily toward a passage on the left, saying, "Don't talk to me about the Ming Cult people anymore. Back in the Holy Fire Hall, they all ganged up on me. I remember it clearly for the rest of my life."

Unlike ordinary women, the Purple-Robed Dragon King was always a powerful figure, with thoughts on the present, the future, and the past.

Yun Changkong said quietly, "I know you are bold and stubborn, but I just hope you can treat me the same way you treat them and not forget me."

The Purple-Robed Dragon King looked slightly dazed, a hint of reminiscence in his eyes, and murmured, "I will always remember your kindness to me. Yes, and also Sect Leader Yang, Third Brother Xie, sigh..."

She was dressed in a tight-fitting black outfit, and in the flickering lights, she was graceful and elegant, her neck skin appearing even more delicate and fair. Yun Changkong felt inexplicably melancholy.

She obtained the Great Shift of Heaven and Earth, allowing her to return to Persia to complete her mission?

But what can we do if we don't let it go?

She wasn't an unmarried girl; she was a widow.

I have no opinion on this. Even if I could persuade Zhao Min to give her a title, she would definitely not agree, lest she tarnish my and Han Qianye's reputation.

The road wound downwards, and the two saw a stone gate. They pushed it open to examine it and found many rusty bows and arrows, which were obviously placed here by the Ming Cult in preparation for defense.

Yun Changkong pushed open another stone door, revealing yet another stone chamber. Suddenly, a cry of "Ouch!" was heard, and Granny Jinhua's delicate body swiftly retreated, nestling into Yun Changkong's arms.

In this eerie and chilling stone cave, this shrill scream made Yun Changkong's hair stand on end. He was startled and unconsciously reached out to hug her delicate body. Feeling her trembling, he asked, "What's wrong?" He couldn't help but find it amusing; even this fierce woman had moments of fear.

The Purple-Robed Dragon King was stunned for a moment before smiling shyly and breaking free from his embrace.

Seeing that she had calmed down, Yun Changkong went into the stone chamber. The stone chamber was very large, and on a stone slab, two skeletons lay horizontally.

Except for a little skin and flesh remaining on his head and his long hair, all the skin and flesh on his body had turned to dust, leaving only bare bones.

However, their clothes were not completely rotten, so it was clear that they were a man and a woman.

This scene also made Yun Changkong feel a sudden chill run down his spine.

He had seen many dead people, but this was the first time he had ever seen such a skeleton. Fortunately, he knew about Yang Dingtian and his wife, so he was somewhat prepared. He muttered to himself, "Who are these two? How did they end up dead here?"

Although the Purple-Robed Dragon King left Yun Changkong's embrace, he still followed in his footsteps and stayed by his side, his gaze fixed on Yun Changkong's face, without saying a word.

She didn't know why, but she just felt at ease and content as long as Yun Changkong was there.

It's as if there's nothing difficult in the world.

Yun Changkong slowly walked to the skeletons, looked down, and saw a dagger stuck in the female skeleton's chest. Beside the male skeleton lay a sheepskin.

Yun Changkong picked it up, brushed off the dust, and found that one side was fuzzy and the other smooth.

The Purple-Robed Dragon King couldn't help but say, "This is... the Great Shift of Heaven and Earth technique..."

As soon as the words were spoken, the two locked eyes, and the stone chamber fell silent.

The Purple-Robed Dragon King sighed and said with a bitter smile, "So these are the Yang Cult Leader and his wife. Everyone said they were missing and must be dead. Some in the Ming Cult even said that I was responsible for their deaths, but I never expected them to die here! They shared the same bed in life and the same grave in death, so it wasn't in vain." He was filled with emotion as he spoke.

Yun Changkong said quietly, "I'm afraid this kind of ending may not be what Yang Dingtian wanted."

The Purple-Robed Dragon King frowned and asked, "What do you mean?"

Yun Changkong felt around Yang Dingtian's remains and said, "There's a letter here!"

The Purple-Robed Dragon King held up the candle and saw the words "To be opened by the Lady" written on the cover.

Over the years, the cover had become moldy and rotten, and the four characters had been corroded and the strokes were incomplete, but one could still vaguely see the vigorous spirit in the writing. The letter was firmly sealed, and the sealing wax was intact!
The Purple-Robed Dragon King said, "Open it and take a look!"

Yun Changkong glanced at her and said, "You once recognized Yang Dingtian as your godfather, so we can see that too?"

The Purple-Robed Dragon King tore open the envelope, pulled out a very thin piece of white silk, and read: "Madam's farewell: Since returning to the Yang Gate, Madam has been depressed day and night. I am crude and lack virtue, unworthy of your joy, and I am deeply ashamed. Now it is time for our eternal farewell, and I hope Madam will forgive me."

The thirty-second generation leader of the sect left a will instructing me to master the Great Shift of Heaven and Earth divine skill and then lead the followers to the main sect in Persia to find a way to retrieve the Sacred Flame Token. Although our sect originated in Persia, it has taken root and flourished in China for hundreds of years.

Now that the Tartars have occupied our Central Plains, our sect swears to fight them to the end and will never obey the unreasonable orders of the Persian headquarters and submit to the Mongol Yuan dynasty as our masters. If the Sacred Flame Token returns to our hands, our Chinese Ming Cult will be able to stand shoulder to shoulder with the Persian headquarters.

Now that I have just completed the fourth level of my divine skill, I have learned of Cheng Kun's affairs. My blood and qi are surging uncontrollably, and my true power is about to dissipate. I am about to return to my mortal state. It is fate, what can I do?
Now, my life hangs by a thread. I have failed the great trust placed in me by the leader of this sect, and am truly a sinner to this sect. I beseech you, Madam, to take this handwritten will of mine, summon the left and right messengers of light, the four great Dharma Kings who protect the sect, the five flag bearers, and the five wandering immortals, and to promulgate my will: "Whoever regains the Sacred Flame Token shall be the thirty-fourth leader of this sect. Until then, Xie Xun shall temporarily assume the position of leader and handle the important affairs of this sect. Anyone who disobeys shall be attacked by the entire sect."

The Great Shift of Heaven and Earth technique will be temporarily taken over by Xie Xun, and will be handed over to the new leader in the future. May our sect flourish, drive out the barbarians, do good and eliminate evil, uphold righteousness and eliminate treachery, and let the sacred flame of our Bright Lord benefit all people under heaven. May the new leader strive in this endeavor.

I will use my remaining strength to close the stone gate and remain with Cheng Kun. Madam can escape using the secret passage map. No one else in this world possesses the skill of the Great Shift of Heaven and Earth, and therefore no one else can move this 'Wu Wang' stone gate. If a hero in future generations masters it, my and Cheng Kun's bones will have decayed. Respectfully submitted, Ding Tian.

The last line is in small print: "My name is Dingtian, yet I have rendered no service to the world, nor have I achieved anything in education. I have broken the hearts of my wife and died with resentment. My arrogant words, which claim to be upright and indomitable, are truly shameful and laughable."

Following the suicide note was a complete map of the secret passage, indicating the various forks and entrances.

After reading these words, the Purple-Robed Dragon King became lost in thought.

Yun Changkong said softly, "This Sect Leader Yang had unparalleled martial arts skills and immense power, but he was betrayed by his beloved, which led to his death and the dissipation of his cultivation. In the end, he wanted to perish together with his lover, but he failed to do so. How tragic, pitiful, and lamentable."

Upon hearing this, the Purple-Robed Dragon King suddenly turned around, pointed at Lady Yang's white bones, and cursed, "You fickle and promiscuous slut, you once wanted me to marry Fan Yao. After I refused, you made the Right Envoy of Light lose face and resent Han Lang!"

"Since you married the leader of the Yang sect, he has never wronged you. He even led you into this secret passage. Yet you have not been virtuous and have caused his death..." She became increasingly angry as she cursed, and slammed her hand on the stone bed.

Yun Changkong quickly reached out and hooked her wrist.

The Purple-Robed Dragon King roared, "Release me! I'm going to kill this unfaithful slut! I'm going to..."

“She is dead!” Yun Changkong said in a deep voice.

"So what if you're dead?" The Purple-Robed Dragon King revealed a sorrowful expression: "Those who disobey the rules and do not uphold the virtues of womanhood deserve to be reduced to ashes!"

When Yun Changkong heard her say "disobeying the rules," his expression changed drastically. He suddenly grabbed her shoulders, twisted her to face him, and said, "Are you cursing yourself, or cursing Madam Yang?"

The Purple-Robed Dragon King, with his fine, pearly teeth, nibbled at his red lips, his gaze unfocused.
Yun Changkong said, "Let's not even talk about how things between us were just a series of coincidences. Besides, after Brother Han passed away, you didn't wrong him in the slightest. Why do you have to ruin yourself like this?"

The two gazed at each other silently, so close they could hear each other's heartbeats. Suddenly, tears streamed down the Purple-Robed Dragon King's face as he trembled and asked, "Tell me, will Brother Qianye hate me?"

Yun Changkong heard her voice tremble slightly and knew that because of Cheng Kun's affair with Madam Yang, Yang Dingtian had died with resentment. Thinking of her affair with him, she felt sorry for Han Qianye and was saddened by the scene.

Yun Changkong sighed and said, "Of course Brother Han will be angry, he will definitely regret marrying you!"

The Purple-Robed Dragon King gazed at the sky, his expression turning sorrowful, and said, "You think so too?"

Chang Kong nodded.

The Purple-Robed Dragon King felt a dull ache in his chest and said with a bitter laugh, "Yes, Fan Yao is dead, and my daughter is grown up. I should join Brother Qianye in the underworld."

Yun Changkong pulled her into his arms and sighed softly, "Good sister, you should understand that Brother Han is a true man. He went to Bright Peak alone. Just as Xiao Zhao said, he is a hero who faces difficulties head-on and does not shy away from danger. If you think of him like this, aren't you saying that he is a narrow-minded scoundrel?"

The Purple-Robed Dragon King paused, then murmured, "But...but, this body should belong to another, but..."

Her mind was in turmoil, and she spoke as if in a dream.

Yun Changkong sighed and said sadly, "If Brother Han really blames me, he will only blame me for being despicable and shameless for coveting your beauty. How could he bear to blame you?"

You are her lover; how can he be happy if you think of him like this? Won't he regret marrying you?

The Purple-Robed Dragon King shuddered and suddenly broke into a smile.

Yun Changkong laughed and said, "It's good that you're smiling. You're so beautiful, what's the point of always crying?"

"Who's been crying?" The Purple-Robed Dragon King pushed her away and said angrily, "You, you're so annoying!"

Yun Changkong laughed and said, "Alright, as long as you stop getting upset over other people's affairs, I'll just stop hating you." Hearing this, the Purple-Robed Dragon King's eyes became unfocused and gradually confused, and she was greatly shocked.

Suddenly recalling all the kindness Yun Changkong had shown her, the love hidden deep in her heart seemed to be awakened.

Love and desire can be completely different.

In the past, she couldn't escape the long sky because she couldn't escape desire; now it seems to be love.

After a long while, the Purple-Robed Dragon King sighed and said, "Chang Kong, I have met countless people, and I can see through their thoughts with a high degree of accuracy. But you are the only one I don't understand at all."

Chang Kong laughed and said, "What do you want to understand? If you don't tell me, how can I understand?"

The Purple-Robed Dragon King glared at her and said resentfully, "You understand nothing, but actually you understand everything."

Sometimes you're like a coward, sometimes like a warrior. Which one are you really?

Chang Kong paused for a moment, then said, "Minmin said the same thing. She said I was brave but timid. I don't know if that's true!"

The Purple-Robed Dragon King smiled and said, "Indeed, that Mongolian princess is not only beautiful and charming, but also has a clever mind. She is a female Zhuge Liang. If she were not a Mongolian noble, she would be a perfect match for you, Hero Yun."

A look of desolation and melancholy flashed across Yun Changkong's face. This matter still needs to be addressed later, but whether it can be accomplished or not, who knows?
Seeing that his expression was off, the Purple-Robed Dragon King suddenly became infinitely gentle. He slowly raised his right hand, gently stroked his cheek, and said softly, "Actually, I understand her. Sometimes, she keeps thinking that she can't be with you, but she still insists on being with you. Sometimes I hate myself too."

Yun Changkong saw that her expression seemed to be full of affection, yet also sad and unwilling; perhaps it would be more accurate to say that he was angry at her lack of ambition.

He had never seen such a look on a face before. A sudden thought struck him, and he felt a mixture of joy and doubt.

She was pleased that the Purple-Robed Dragon King seemed to have feelings for her, but suspicious that her words didn't fit her status.

For a moment, Yun Changkong didn't know what to say, so he changed the subject and said, "You should quickly memorize the Great Shift of Heaven and Earth. It's already here."

"Alright!" The Purple-Robed Dragon King smiled slightly, gazing earnestly at the sky: "I'll listen to you."

She took out a dagger and was about to cut her finger.
Chang Kong said, "Wait a moment."

The Purple-Robed Dragon King looked up at him, and Chang Kong stretched out his finger: "If you need blood, then cut me."

This further disturbed the Purple-Robed Dragon King.

The martial arts manual on this sheepskin needs to be smeared with blood to become visible.

Yun Changkong flicked his finger, cutting his index finger, and blood dripped onto the sheepskin. He whispered in her ear, "I have lost the honor of making you bleed for me, and that will never happen again."

The Purple-Robed Dragon King was taken aback at first, then punched him hard and cursed, "How could you be so wicked?"
Chang Kong laughed and wiped away the blood. The Purple-Robed Dragon King softly recited the mantra: "These are all methods of guiding qi and shifting palaces to exert force. He said that the first level of this mental technique can be mastered in seven years for those with high comprehension and in fourteen years for those with less comprehension."

Yun Changkong's martial arts skills started at an extremely high level; the martial arts techniques in the world that he considered worthy of his attention were already extremely rare. Upon hearing this mental cultivation method, he was like a child seeing a fun game, and inevitably he would try to follow it.

He had mastered his divine skills, his mind was clear and pure, and he felt his true energy flowing slowly through his eight extraordinary meridians. He had already mastered the first level.

The Purple-Robed Dragon King recited the second level, saying that those with high comprehension could master the mental cultivation method in seven years, while those with less comprehension could master it in fourteen years. If one had not made progress after twenty-one years of practice, one should not practice the third level, lest one suffer from qi deviation and become beyond redemption.

As a result, Yun Changkong thought about it and it worked again.

The Purple-Robed Dragon King read the entire manual aloud and memorized it. Unbeknownst to Yun Changkong, he had already reached the seventh level. However, some parts of the manual caused his blood and qi to churn, so he immediately stopped practicing and said, "This is not quite right."

"What's wrong?" the Purple-Robed Dragon King asked with great concern.

Seeing that Chang Kong's face had turned from blue to red just now, she knew that this was a symptom that only appeared at the fifth level. Her normal complexion showed that he had mastered it. She admired and loved Chang Kong.

Yun Changkong said, "Nineteen of the seven levels are completely unrelated and impossible to do. Such an absurd idea must have come from the person who created it. You should write it down, or it might harm someone."

He then recited all nineteen lines. The Purple-Robed Dragon King was astonished, realizing that he had already mastered the seventh level of the technique. He then carefully reviewed the nineteen lines once more.

Yun Changkong has the "Arhat Subduing Demon Skill" as his foundation, and his internal energy is abundant. He is definitely not inferior to Zhang Wuji, who has mastered the Nine Yang Divine Skill. He has passed the hurdle of internal energy, which is the most difficult to learn and the slowest to see results in martial arts. What he has been studying is how to transport internal energy to the corresponding acupoints and meridians.

He possessed countless divine skills, so he was naturally adept at this. The "Great Shift of Heaven and Earth" was actually an extremely ingenious method of exerting force, just like the "Eighteen Subduing Dragon Palms".

The fundamental principle of the former is not so profound; it simply involves first stimulating and developing the potential inherent in each person, and then redirecting and shifting the opponent's strength. The resulting transformations are so miraculous that they have reached an inconceivable level.

Even though Yun Changkong possessed many unique skills, both the Quanzhen martial arts and the Dog-Beating Stick Technique contained the method of "using the opponent's force against them".

He also felt that in terms of "using someone else's strength against them," there was no other skill in the world that could compare.

While the "Great Shift of Heaven and Earth" skill is easy to learn, reaching its highest level is beyond the reach of ordinary people.

The Ming Cult has existed for hundreds of years, producing many outstanding talents. However, only the eighth leader, Zhong, possessed the highest martial arts skills. It is said that he was able to master the "Great Shift of the Universe" divine skill to the fifth level, but on the very day he completed it, he suffered a qi deviation and died. Since then, no one has ever reached the fourth level. Yang Dingtian also reached the fourth level before dying from a qi deviation.

This set of divine skills is indeed extremely difficult. Yang Xiao, the Left Guardian of the Brightness Sect, was a top master of the Ming Cult. He had been taught the divine skills by Yang Dingtian, but even after many years, he had only mastered the second level, which shows how difficult it was.

This divine skill is based on the reversal of the two energies of Heaven and Earth, namely, hardness and softness, yin and yang. The techniques at each level vary greatly in terms of refinement and coarseness. The methods of applying force between each level are complex and ingenious, which is akin to using a sledgehammer to crack a nut. Therefore, it requires extremely high internal strength.

However, the leaders of the Ming Cult throughout the ages did not possess the powerful internal energy to match it, and they all tried to practice it but ended up having the will but not the ability.

It's like a seven or eight-year-old child trying to wield a hundred-pound iron hammer and practice exquisite hammer techniques; he'll inevitably end up with a bloody head and splattered brains.

The leader of the Ming Cult also understood this principle. However, most martial arts masters believed that "where there is a will, there is a way," and they would never admit that they were not good enough. They would never admit defeat and were determined to "conquer nature." But human strength has its limits, and that is the right way. Thus, they died with regret.

People like Yun Changkong and Zhang Wuji could reach the highest level immediately because they had enough internal energy. Not to mention the leaders of the Ming Cult, even the creator of the "Great Shift of the Universe" had not reached the level of "Arhat Subduing Demon Skill" or "Nine Yang Divine Skill". They could only reach the sixth level.

The seventh level of the mental cultivation method he wrote was beyond his own ability to practice; he merely relied on his intelligence and imagination to strive for variations. The nineteen sentences he couldn't master were precisely those that the master had erred in through mere imagination—seemingly correct but actually flawed, leading him astray.

If Yun Changkong or Zhang Wuji had a desire for perfection and refused to stop until they had mastered the technique to its fullest extent, they would have gone mad at the last moment, either becoming insane or paralyzed, or even severing their own meridians and dying.

This is precisely why Yun Changkong and Zhang Wuji always knew when to stop, deeply understanding the principle of "contentment prevents disgrace."

If it were someone else, who felt that everything should be theirs and that they had to master a divine skill to perfection, they would only end up dying with regret.

The Purple-Robed Dragon King came to the Central Plains as a young girl for this very purpose, and now that his wish has been fulfilled, he is overjoyed.

She wanted to draw blood again and recite it again to avoid any mistakes, but Yun Changkong recited it fluently.

Seeing that he had memorized it so well, the Purple-Robed Dragon King admired him but didn't care much. He placed the sheepskin among Yang Dingtian's remains and said he would bury the two of them.

Yun Changkong said, "Let's leave it at that. Maybe some members of the Ming Cult will come in and discover this place in the future."

The Purple-Robed Dragon King bowed to the two corpses, then turned and left the stone chamber.

Back then, Yang Dingtian intended to close the stone gate and perish together with Cheng Kun, but before he could act, he turned into a dream. Therefore, relying on the route shown on the map, it was ten times easier for the two to exit the tunnel than to enter. In just a few incense sticks' worth of time, they felt a blinding light ahead and burst out of the tunnel.

They were on the mountainside, and it was already noon.

Yun Changkong said, "Go down the mountain and take good care of them."

The Purple-Robed Dragon King asked, "And what about you?"

Yun Changkong slowly said, "I want to go up to Bright Peak again and have a good meeting with that Left Envoy of Brightness."

The Purple-Robed Dragon King understood: "You need to get him to order the withdrawal of all Ming Cult deployments and release all the major sects!"

Chang Kong nodded and said, "That's right. If you can't move the universe after learning the Great Shift of Heaven and Earth, it would be a real shame!"

The Purple-Robed Dragon King knew his intentions. He wanted to turn the siege of Bright Peak into a grand alliance of martial arts heroes. If the Ming Cult clashed with the righteous sects along the way, it would be difficult to accomplish.

She turned her gaze to a distant peak and said, "Then I'll wait for you there." Her face flushed slightly.

When Yun Changkong looked at the mountain peak, the snow on its summit was dazzling under the highland sun, and the ice and snow mist had a refreshing feel. Knowing her feelings, he took her hand and said softly, "Good sister, I am really happy that you listened to me."

The Purple-Robed Dragon King sighed and lowered his head, saying, "You must be careful. Yang Xiao's martial arts are inferior to yours, but he is deep in thought, cunning, and arrogant. His aloofness and arrogance are just a disguise he uses to protect himself."

Yun Changkong suddenly cupped her face, kissed her hard, and swayed away, rising into the wind like a lone black eagle.

As the Purple-Robed Dragon King gazed at her departing figure, his heart sank deeper and deeper, for her tears flowed again.

This time, Yun Changkong went up the mountain alone, no longer needing to take care of the Purple-Robed Dragon King, and also knew where the hidden sentries were.

It was truly like a shadow, flying over rocks and cliffs without touching the ground, each leap covering several meters, all without a sound.

Even if someone saw them, they would only feel a gust of wind blowing across the mountain and would not know that anyone was there. They would continue chatting or standing guard as usual.

The Ming Cult guards were completely oblivious to Yun Changkong's presence. Suddenly, they heard a quarrel, and Yun Changkong found himself in front of a large hall on Bright Peak.

Then someone angrily said, "Left Envoy Yang, do you know that the disciples of the Emei Sect are said to be getting married to Yun Changkong? So what do you mean by this person's arrival?"

Yun Changkong recognized the voice; it was Tang Yang, the leader of the flood flag whom he had met a few years ago. He landed lightly under the front window like a goose, crouched down, poked two holes in the window paper, and looked inside.

The hall was brightly lit by candles, and a man sat on the lower left side of the steps. He appeared to be around fifty years old, with a handsome appearance, but his eyebrows drooped slightly and a few deep wrinkles appeared around his mouth, giving him a somewhat aged and sorrowful look.

He remained silent and motionless, his expression indifferent, seemingly lost in thought, preoccupied with something far away. Standing beside him was Yang Buhui.

Those big eyes stared at Tang Yang, their brows revealing unwavering determination.

A loud voice said, "Left Envoy Yang, it's not that we're praising others, but Yun Changkong's martial arts are so high that even the former leader of the Yang Cult might not have been able to match him, and that was four years ago."

If he were to form a marriage alliance with the Emei Sect, hmph, by then, you still wouldn't apologize to the Five Wanderers or seek help from Yin Baimei. How could we, with only the Five Elements Flag and the Four Gates of Heaven, Earth, Wind, and Thunder, possibly contend with the heroes of the martial arts world?

Yang Xiao snorted.

Yang Buhui turned her gaze to Zhuang Zheng, frowned and said, "Uncle Zhuang, I don't like what you're saying. The old nun Miejue of Emei killed my mother, and my father didn't seek revenge on her. Yet she still won't let it go and wants to fight the Ming Cult. Instead of thinking about repelling the enemy, what kind of logic is it to come and pressure my father?"

Zhuang Zheng's eyes flashed with a cold light as he slowly said, "Don't you know how your father and mother had you? And you're still seeking revenge? Why did the Wudang Sect come here this time?"
Those things are in the past, let's not talk about them anymore. But when it comes to the survival of our sect, if you still won't bow your head, what are you trying to do?"

A short, stout man said, "Yes, Left Envoy Yang, if you say something, I think the Five Wanderers will understand. You're merely bowing to your own fellow believers; if you can preserve the foundation of our sect, that's good enough. Why are you standing here silently like a courtier?"

Seeing this, Yun Changkong found it very amusing.

Even on the verge of death, they're still arguing about that ridiculous face.

Suddenly, Yang Buhui angrily said, "In the end, it's all because you're afraid and made my father bow down and beg for help. What about the various sects of the martial arts world? What about Yun Changkong? At worst, we'll just die!"

"Ha ha……"

The chuckle was soft and delicate, but to the flag bearers and Yang Xiao, it sounded like a thunderclap in a clear sky.

They were all greatly shocked, and suddenly stood up and turned to look.

"Who?" Yang Buhui asked blankly.

"I!"

The flag bearers inside the hall were all pale-faced. Tang Yang murmured, "Yun Changkong!"

The doors of the Sacred Flame Hall were flung open as if by a gust of wind, and a person dressed in black entered gracefully.

In an instant, everyone felt an overwhelming pressure pressing down on them.

"Hey!" the fat man exclaimed softly, then suddenly jumped back and stammered, "You, how did you get up here?"

Chang Kong smiled calmly: "That's how we got up here!"

Zhuang Zheng and Tang Yang felt as if a bucket of ice water had been poured over their heads, leaving them feeling chilled to the bone.

The Ming Cult's Seven Cliffs and Thirteen Peaks are guarded by countless soldiers. How could someone sneak up there in broad daylight?

Yang Xiao gazed at him and slowly said, "Are you Yun Changkong?"

Chang Kong said, "Indeed!"

Yang Xiao asked, "What brings you here?"

Chang Kong casually said, "Order the four gates of Heaven, Earth, Wind, and Thunder, as well as the Five Elements Flag, not to resist, and to retreat to Bright Peak."

Upon hearing this, everyone was greatly astonished.

Yang Buhui was filled with rage and sneered, "You come to my Bright Peak to give orders, what gives you the right?" He pounced on Yun Changkong and struck him in the chest with his palm.

She had heard of Yun Changkong's reputation, but had never witnessed his prowess, nor did she possess the insight and composure of a master.

As the saying goes, ignorance is no excuse; similarly, ignorance is no cause for fear.

Yang Xiao, however, was no ordinary man. He understood that the saying that Yun Changkong was a peerless genius, invincible in the world, was no exaggeration. He hurriedly said, "Bu Hui, come back!"

Yang Buhui hesitated for a moment, about to retreat.

Yun Changkong pointed a finger.

Yang Xiao cried out urgently, "Have mercy!" He leaped forward, but Yang Buhui had already been struck on the Qihu acupoint by a wisp of wind and immediately collapsed. He hurriedly helped his daughter up.

Yang Buhui was terrified. She had been trained by her father for many years and her martial arts skills were not bad, but she never expected that someone could be so powerful.

Yun Changkong sneered, "Miss Yang, is this enough?"

Overwhelmed with love for his daughter, Yang Xiao, in a fit of shock and anger, immediately leaped into the air and struck down with a palm like thunder, reaching towards the clouds.

Seeing the faint blue energy flowing in his palm, Chang Kong laughed and said, "Good skill!" He then sent out a palm strike.

This palm strike is the "Sudden Attack" from the "Eighteen Subduing Dragon Palms," sudden and swift, without any warning.

Yang Xiao felt an immense force pressing down on his body, and since he couldn't change his move in time, he had no choice but to take the hit head-on.

With a bang, their palms met in a single touch.

Yang Xiao's limbs and bones seemed to separate, and he hurriedly used the "Great Shift of Heaven and Earth" to float backward like a kite, flipping on the ground to neutralize the palm force.

As soon as he got up, Yun Changkong was faster than an arrow and was already in front of him, slapping him on the forehead with a palm.

(End of this chapter)