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

Chapter 114 Emotional Intelligence Needs Improvement
The man in blue was none other than Yin Liting, one of the Six Heroes of Wudang. He shouted, "Yang Xiao, get out here!"

Seeing his travel-worn face and the graying temples, the crowd realized he was only forty years old. Given the refined internal strength of the Wudang School, he shouldn't be in such a state.

After all, Song Yuanqiao was about sixty years old and still had black hair and beard, so it was clear that Ji Xiaofu's death had been a great blow to his spirit.

However, the story of Yin Liting and Ji Xiaofu and Yang Xiao is well-known in the martial arts world. The hatred of killing one's father and stealing one's wife has always been regarded as the two most irreconcilable deep-seated hatreds, and no one is surprised by this.

Unexpectedly, before Yin Liting's sword strike arrived, Yin Tianzheng, who was sitting next to Yang Xiao, suddenly stood up and flicked his sleeves.

His decades of skill were extraordinary. With a "hum", Yin Liting's longsword trembled, and he took a step back.

Yin Tianzheng had already blocked his way and exclaimed loudly, "Excellent! The Wudang Divine Sword lives up to its name!"

Someone couldn't help but cheer: "White-browed Eagle King, what superb kung fu!"

Some cheered, while others wore worried expressions, wondering, "Yin Tianzheng possesses such skill, yet he was utterly defeated by Yun Changkong four years ago. I wonder how much of his true strength the four great masters of Kunlun and Huashan have discovered—five or six tenths?"

Some people still harbored hopes of seizing credit from Yun Changkong, but now they increasingly felt that Yun Changkong's martial arts skills were beyond imagination.

Some people felt that if they were to confront Yun Changkong and were to fail, their wives, children, elderly parents, and their vast wealth and empire would likely all vanish.

Some even deeply regretted that they had come all this way here since they knew the Dragon-Slaying Saber was in Yun Changkong's hands.
Of course, everyone has different goals.

Seeing Yin Tianzheng blocking his way, Yin Liting shouted, "Yin Tianzheng, I only seek revenge on Yang Xiao. You'd better step aside. Why are you still protecting this lecherous scoundrel who bullies others and wreaks havoc on the world?"

Yin Tianzheng sighed, "Sixth Hero Yin, you are my fellow disciple, but I am the Protector of the Ming Cult, a fact well-known throughout the martial arts world. Today, the Ming Cult is facing a crisis; how can I not step forward?"

Mo Shenggu appeared behind Yin Liting. With his beard bristling, he shouted, "Old man Yin, if you hadn't mentioned my fifth senior brother, it would have been fine, but the moment you did, it made me furious. My third brother was crippled, and my fifth brother committed suicide. The culprits were Yin Yewang and Yin Susu."

"My master only gave you the elixir that could heal broken bones out of respect for my fifth brother and nephew Wuji. How dare you stop my sixth brother from taking revenge today?"

The reason why the Wudang Sect came was because Yin Liting's fiancée, Ji Xiaofu, had lost her virginity to Yang Xiao of the Ming Cult, which led to her death. This was the greatest shame and hatred in their lives. If they did not wipe out the Ming Cult in one fell swoop and sweep away all the evil and lewd people, how could they swallow this humiliation?
Seeing Mo Shenggu's fierce and menacing appearance, the assembled heroes realized that his words made sense.

Yin Tianzheng had never been so humiliated in public in his entire life. He knew that Yang Xiao was seriously injured and the Five Elements Flag Envoy was not injured, but neither they nor the masters in his own sect could withstand the might of the Wudang heroes. To make a move would only be to die in vain.

However, he had indeed let down the Wudang Sect, yet he had also received their favor. If he were to step down in front of all the heroes of the world, he would feel even more ashamed, his face burning with shame, and he was unable to back down for the time being.

Suddenly, Yin Yewang shouted, "Seventh Hero Mo, my sister and I did injure Third Hero Yu, but the culprit is under the command of Prince Ruyang. Yun Changkong has made it clear enough."

"Your Wudang Sect hasn't taken revenge either, and besides, my sister has already committed suicide to atone for her sins. You want revenge, is that it? Fine, come on, kill me, Yin Yewang, and don't drag my father into it!" With that, he strode out.

Mo Shenggu drew his longsword and shouted, "Fine, I'll kill you first..."

Yin Tianzheng bowed deeply to Mo Shenggu and said, "I am both grateful and ashamed of what you said, Seventh Hero Mo. However, to protect the Ming Cult today, I have no choice but to swallow my pride and comply. After this matter is settled, I will commit suicide as an apology. Is that acceptable?"

Yin Liting pressed down on his seventh brother's arm and said, "Eagle King, the grudges and grievances between our two families are really hard to sort out. Now that Fifth Brother is gone, my master doesn't want to get entangled anymore, which is why he gave you the elixir."

If we five brothers were to make things difficult for you, it would be unfair to my fifth brother. However, my hatred for Yang Xiao runs deep, and I must kill him to avenge Xiaofu! Get out of my way!

Suddenly, a woman's voice shrieked, "If you want to avenge my mother, why are you looking for my father?" Amidst the sharp rebuke, a figure rushed out and stood in front of Yang Xiao to protect him.

Yin Liting's heart pounded wildly. Seeing the woman in a yellow dress with delicate eyebrows and large eyes, he realized it was his fiancée, Ji Xiaofu. He stammered, "Xiaofu, Xiaofu, you're not dead?"

The crowd exchanged bewildered glances.

Yun Changkong sighed and said, "Does this daughter really resemble her mother so much?"

Zhao Min glanced at Xiao Zhao and smiled, "Do you think it looks like her?"

Xiao Zhao kept her eyes fixed on the field, seemingly oblivious, but her pretty face flushed red.

Yun Changkong thought to himself, "They look alike, but only about six or seven points. It's not enough to make someone mistake their daughter for their mother!"

When Yang Buhui heard Yin Liting recognize her as his mother, she stared wide-eyed and shouted, "Ji Xiaofu is my mother, but she has been dead for a long time."

Yin Liting trembled all over, tears welling in her eyes, and shook her head, saying, "No, no, you are Xiaofu."

Yang Buhui was both angry and furious. He said, "I told you long ago that my mother is dead. If you want to avenge my mother, go and kill that old thieving nun!" He pointed at Abbess Miejue.

Yin Liting said blankly, "Don't talk nonsense. Do you know who this nun is? She is Xiaofu's master."

Yang Buhui said, "Back in Butterfly Valley, that old nun ordered my mother to kill my father. My mother refused, so she killed her with a single palm strike. Brother Wuji was there at the time. If you don't believe me, ask that old nun."

With a mixture of surprise, disbelief, and regret on his face, Yin Liting turned tremblingly to Abbess Miejue: "Abbess, is this really true?"

“That’s right!” Abbess Miejue stepped forward slowly: “I killed Ji Xiaofu. She disregarded all shame and had an affair with Yang Xiao, which is already a betrayal of the sect!”
"He disobeys his master's orders and refuses to assassinate this lecherous villain. What use is such a shameless scoundrel to be left in the world?"

"No, no..." Yin Liting's mind went blank for a moment, and he said, "No..."

Abbess Miejue said loudly, "Sixth Hero Yin, for the sake of your and the Wudang Sect's reputation, I did not tell you everything and kept quiet. Why do you still remember such a heartless and shameless woman?"

Yin Liting felt a pang of sorrow in his chest, his throat tightened, tears streamed down his face, and he shook his head loudly, saying, "I don't believe it, I don't believe it, I don't believe Xiaofu would be so heartless and ungrateful to me!"

"Don't believe me?" Abbess Miejue pointed at Yang Buhui and said, "Ask her what her name is?"

Yin Liting's eyes were blurred with tears as he looked at Yang Buhui's face.
The heroes saw her say resolutely, "My name is Yang Buhui. My mother said she will never regret this."

The crowd was in uproar, all thinking: "Good heavens, what rape? It turns out they were in love, and Yin Liuxia has been cuckolded!"

This time, it wasn't just the elites from the six major sects of Shaolin, Wudang, Emei, Kunlun, Kongtong, and Huashan from the original storyline who came; they all had some sense of decorum.

There are more than twenty gangs, large and small, including the Beggars' Gang, as well as underworld figures, wandering martial artists, lone thieves, and so on.

Therefore, righteous people feel sorry for the Wudang Sect, while those with ulterior motives are simply gloating. The idea of ​​a "cuckolded faction" within the Wudang Sect has already taken shape.

Yin Liting's vision was blurry, but his ears heard everything clearly. Only now did he believe it. His mind felt like it was about to explode, and the pain was worse than death. He murmured, "No, no, it's not like that!"

With a clang, he threw down his longsword, covered his face with his hands, and rushed down the mountain. With a thud, he fell to the ground. Song Yuanqiao and Yu Lianzhou rushed out, shouting, "Sixth Brother! Sixth Brother!"

Yin Liting had already gotten up, holding his head in his hands, his eyes glazed over, and stumbled down the mountain. Everyone made way for him, and only after he had gone quite a distance did he let out a howl like a wild wolf: "No, no, no!"

Everyone knew he had been traumatized, but those who didn't understand love couldn't help but laugh at him for crying in public at his age without any shame.

Some people think that his loss of composure means that his sincere feelings have been ruined by this dramatic change. After all, he thought his fiancée had been raped, but who knew that she was willing and did not regret it. What does he, as her fiancé, mean?
If it weren't for this heart-wrenching truth, how could he, with his martial arts skills, have fallen?

Zhao Min watched Yin Liting's figure disappear and sighed, "What is love in this world that makes people willing to die for it?"

Yun Changkong shook his head: "Is this rather inappropriate?"

Zhao Min said, "What? Sixth Master Yin is so sincere to Ji Xiaofu, yet he remains unmarried even in middle age. Is he not worthy of her?"

"A sincere heart?" Yun Changkong shook his head and said, "I think it's mostly the resentment of having what he should have had but was taken away, and the trampling of a man's dignity. As for whether he himself has any unwavering and sincere feelings for Ji Xiaofu, I don't believe it."

After Yun Changkong learned about this incident in the original story, Yang Buhui married Yin Liting, regardless of Yang Buhui's thoughts. Yin Liting's acceptance, whatever his reasons, suggests he had no genuine affection for Ji Xiaofu.

How could they possibly be worthy of the vow of life and death?
Regardless of whether Ji Xiaofu regrets it or not, as her fiancé, he should kill the abuser instead of using her daughter as a substitute.

Zhao Min chuckled and said, "Everyone else respects the Wudang Sect, but I feel you're different from others. It seems like you look down on them. Is it because of me?"

Xiao Zhao said, "Miss Zhao, how could you slander Master Yun?" Yun Changkong looked at Zhao Min and said, "I do indeed look down on the Wudang Sect, and it's not because of you. It's just that in my eyes, the Wudang Sect is nothing but a fence-sitter, and everyone from Zhang Sanfeng down is like that."

It is human nature to change one's stance according to the wind, and there is nothing wrong with that. But they keep claiming to be like Guo Degang, serving the country and the people. So, where are their actions?
"If Zhang Songxi hadn't actually saved my family's life back then, I wouldn't have gone to you to steal the Black Jade Rejuvenating Ointment, nor would I have endured Song Qingshu's pent-up anger on Wudang Mountain without retaliating."

In this world, many people speak of Zhang Sanfeng as if he were a god, but Yun Changkong never had such thoughts.

A man who wanted to save Wen Tianxiang, but didn't go because his martial arts skills were not yet fully developed. At that time, he was at least thirty years old. It's understandable that his skills weren't up to par; after all, he wasn't someone with extraordinary destiny like Guo Jing, Yang Guo, or Zhang Wuji.

Yet he still told his disciples about it, which is really hard to admire.

He had said that good and evil were inherently difficult to distinguish, and that it all depended on people's hearts. However, because of Zhang Cuishan's suicide and the incident with Yin Liting, he deeply hated the Eagle Cult and the Ming Cult, and demanded that Zhang Wuji never be allowed to join the Ming Cult.

As a result of his own injury, he flattered Yin Tianzheng and Yang Xiao as grandmasters upon meeting them. However, the grandmasters he praised were struck by the Xuanming Elders with a single palm strike, causing their blood and qi to surge. They left with the words, "The Ming Cult has a great reputation, but it's nothing special!"

There could be no greater irony.

All of this led Yun Changkong to feel no respect whatsoever for Zhang Sanfeng, the martial arts master whose reputation had been exaggerated by the world. He believed Zhang Sanfeng was just like himself, and indeed most people, utterly ordinary, and aside from his martial arts skills, he was utterly unremarkable.

As for his apprentices, he couldn't be bothered to mention them!

Which one looks like a real man?
Zhao Min sighed: "In my eyes, the Wudang Sect is not worth mentioning. You are being frank enough, but I don't like to hear that."

Yun Changkong smiled faintly and said, "I know, I should say it's for you, but I hate hypocrisy, and I don't want to be hypocritical in front of you."

Zhao Min reached out and gently took his hand, saying softly, "You are invincible because you are so arrogant, but I never expected you to say on the spot that I am your wife and that you want to retire from the martial world."

Xiao Zhao looked at him with admiration: "Yes, it's truly remarkable that Young Master Yun is so indifferent to fame and fortune at such a young age!"

Yun Changkong sighed and said, "I have to say something you don't want to hear again. I want to retire, not because of your identity, nor because you betrayed your parents and have nothing left. I have to stay with you!"
Rather, I know very well that after driving out the Mongols, we Han Chinese also became Mongols. Many others still suffered; it was just that the ones enjoying the benefits were a different group.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Zhao clapped her hands and said, "I'm afraid not many people can understand what Master Yun is saying."

Zhao Min also showed joy and said, "Yes, if you Han people want to defeat us Mongols, you must unify your commands and govern your people. Then, once you gain the country, they will be the ones who act arrogantly and domineeringly. They may not be any different from us!"

Chang Kong said, "Yes, once power is in hand, orders are issued. At that time, I don't know how many people will fall into the trap of desire and be unable to extricate themselves. It's just that the Han and Mongol are different. If the Han were in power, I wouldn't want to care about any of the mess at this time. After this is settled, you and I will roam the world freely, travel all over the beautiful land, and seek a carefree life!"

Xiao Zhao said happily, "Young master, let me come with you too! I've hardly ever left the house since I was little."

Seeing the resolute look on her face, Yun Changkong said, "I know, Xiao Zhao, but there are some things I have no choice but to do. Please forgive me."

"Look! Abbess Miejue has drawn her Heaven-Reliant Sword!"

Zhao Min called out, and the two turned to look. They saw Abbess Miejue holding her long sword horizontally, coldly saying, "Yin Tianzheng, you are related to the Wudang Sect by marriage. They gave you face and endured this great humiliation!"
"But your old life was spared by Hero Yun, who entrusted you with the cause of the anti-Yuan rebellion. I cannot disobey him. Today, your Demonic Sect may be spared, but lecherous villains like Yang Xiao and Wei Yixiao must die. If you do not step aside, do not blame my Heaven-Slaying Sword for its ruthlessness!"

Yang Xiao sighed, "Eagle King, step aside! There's no need for you to interfere!"

Yin Tianzheng said loudly, "Left Envoy Yang, by saying that, you are looking down on Yin Tianzheng. Don't think that just because her Heaven-Slaying Sword is sharp, I am not afraid of her even if I am not good enough!"

She paused for a moment, then continued, "Abbess Miejue, I know you deeply resent Left Envoy Yang because of your senior brother Gu Hongzi, which shows the deep bond between siblings. Are we, these heretics, truly heartless and devoid of fraternal affection?"

Abbess Miejue coldly said, "Fine, since you are so stubborn, I will grant your wish." With a whoosh, she moved as fast as lightning, thrusting her sword at Yin Tianzheng.

Abbess Miejue's swordsmanship was extremely high. In her time, she only admired Zhang Sanfeng. She also wielded the Heaven-Slaying Sword. Even when she advanced straight into the center of the palace, her momentum was fierce and no one could ignore her.

Yin Tianzheng had no time to dodge, so he had to draw his White Rainbow Sword to parry. With a crack, the sword in his hand was cut in half.

Yin Tianzheng, who had been famous in the martial arts world for decades, was both shocked and furious. He slightly turned his body, reached out with his left hand, and grabbed at Abbess Miejue's throat.

This move was not only strangely positioned, but it also made a sound as it cut through the air, demonstrating the exquisite and powerful nature of the "Eagle Claw Grappling Hand".

Abbess Miejue was no easy opponent. She immediately changed her move, turning her sword to slash at the enemy's wrist, and then struck out with her left palm.

The force of the palm strike was overwhelming, as if it wanted to shatter him into pieces with a single blow.

Yin Tianzheng was naturally unafraid. He met the attack with his left palm, and with a loud bang, the two powerful palm forces collided, sending out gusts of wind and dust that rose within several feet.

The two simultaneously retreated several feet, their long eyebrows twitching as they glared at each other angrily.

Zhou Dian laughed loudly, "Old man with white eyebrows, you're really something! You actually fought to a draw with that old nun wielding the Heaven-Slaying Sword!"

The assembled heroes could see that the two were highly skilled and truly formidable opponents. However, since Abbess Miejue possessed the Heaven-Slaying Sword, Yin Tianzheng was naturally at a disadvantage. Therefore, Zhou Dian hoped to provoke Abbess Miejue into abandoning the Heaven-Slaying Sword.

Abbess Miejue sneered, "In your eyes, isn't the Heaven-Reliant Sword just scrap metal? What? Are you afraid?"

With that, he lightly tapped his feet and shot out like an arrow.

"Wait a minute!"

A figure shot up from outside the circle, twirled in mid-air, and landed gracefully in the center of the arena, with its back to Yin Tianzheng and facing Abbess Miejue.

When Abbess Miejue saw that the newcomer was not only swift but also incredibly graceful, and that a ragged young man appeared after his feet touched the ground, she couldn't help but stop.

Someone in the crowd shouted, "Soaring Clouds!"

Abbess Miejue demanded, "Zeng Aniu, what are you doing here?"

The person who came was Zhang Wuji, but he had helped Yin Li fight off Ding Minjun and was captured by Abbess Miejue. He called himself Zeng Aniu.

Abbess Miejue never expected that this boy would have such superb lightness skills.

Little did they know that Zhang Wuji was now vastly different from before. Since practicing the Great Shift of the Universe, he could freely utilize the Nine Yang Divine Skill he had cultivated within his body. Moreover, although he had not learned any martial arts, he had seen and heard a great deal, and could use any martial arts from any school or sect.

The saying goes, "Once you grasp one key, you grasp all others," and progress is more than just a matter of a thousand miles a day! I was just hesitating, unsure how to mediate, when I saw Abbess Miejue wielding the Heaven-Slaying Sword against my grandfather.

He knew that Abbess Miejue's swordsmanship was exquisite and her martial arts were superb. Sure enough, the Heaven-Slaying Sword was extremely sharp and cut his grandfather's long sword in half in one go. Fearing that his grandfather might be in danger, he immediately stepped forward.

Zhang Wuji was familiar with the Wudang School's kung fu from a young age and had been exposed to it firsthand. Naturally, he used the "Ladder Cloud Leap," the most famous lightness skill of the time.

Zhang Wuji clasped his hands and said, "Master, you are a grandmaster of your generation. How can you use the Heaven-Slaying Sword to fight against an old man? This is not fair!"

Upon hearing this, Yun Changkong slapped his forehead and said leisurely, "This kid may have high martial arts skills, but his emotional intelligence needs improvement. He's just creating difficulties for himself."

Zhao Min and Xiao Zhao were confused, but following his gaze, they saw it fall on Zhou Zhiruo.

She gazed intently at Zeng Aniu with her bright, clear eyes, lost in thought.

Zhao Min snorted and said, "A woman like this, Abbess Miejue must have been blind to have arranged a marriage for you."

She was frank and generous, without any affectation.

Xiao Zhao was also surprised.

Yun Changkong laughed and said, "You've misunderstood them. Nobody knows they already know each other. This is just a case of matchmaking."

(End of this chapter)