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

Chapter 122 Buddha in the Heart
Whether Yun Changkong sleeps or not depends on whether he is awake or not. Originally, it was entirely up to him. However, he remembered that the Purple-Robed Dragon King had told him not to talk to Xiao Zhao. In addition, he felt that Xiao Zhao's gaze towards him was a little strange. He couldn't be sure if she was in love, but there was no doubt that she admired him.

Yun Changkong was incredibly clever; he knew that if a woman had this kind of feeling for a man, it was the prelude to her falling for him.

He had already consummated his marriage with her mother, and absolutely could not have anything with her.
Furthermore, Xiao Zhao is likely still a young girl with romantic feelings. If I don't let her see me for who I am, it might not be beneficial. I don't want the Purple-Robed Dragon King to feel embarrassed and leave without saying goodbye.

So he didn't say anything, but got up and walked out of the cave, with Xiao Zhao silently following behind him.

Emerging from the cave, they looked up at the sky and saw countless stars. A full moon illuminated the ground with a silvery glow. After walking about twenty or thirty feet, they came to a pool of clear water. Yun Changkong sat down on a rock by the pool, and Xiao Zhao came over and sat down beside him. However, she did not speak, but stared blankly at the stars in the sky.

This made Yun Changkong somewhat embarrassed, and he wondered what she was thinking.

After a while, "Miss Zhao told me that you and my mother are together, is that true?"

Xiao Zhao seemed to be talking to herself, but Yun Changkong could clearly feel her body trembling.

Yun Changkong was speechless for a moment. This was indeed a difficult question to answer.

“When I was young, I saw my mother anxious and fearful day and night. She would cover up her beautiful face and disguise herself as an ugly old woman. She wouldn’t let me stay with her and sent me to live with other people. Alas, I now understand that she had no other choice.”

Yun Changkong raised his head slightly: "Xiao Zhao, I'm sorry."

All my words can be summed up in these three words.

"Young master, there's no need to apologize. My mother is like my older sister, and she's very beautiful..." Xiao Zhao said softly, but she eventually realized that everything was beyond repair, and she couldn't help but sob.

Yun Changkong sighed, "Xiao Zhao, how old are you this year?"

Xiao Zhao choked up as she said, "I'm fifteen."

Yun Changkong thought to himself, "No wonder, she's in the throes of adolescence, easily swayed by infatuation." Seeing the tears welling up on her pretty face, like pear blossoms in the rain, he felt a pang of pity and thought, "With such a beautiful face, it seems she'll never have a smooth journey in love. It turns out meeting Zhang Wuji is the same."

He then said, “Xiao Zhao, I know that my martial arts skills are better than most people’s, and I’m not ugly either. I do have the qualities to attract women’s hearts, but you are different.”

Xiao Zhao stopped sobbing, but her face was streaked with tears as she murmured, "How come I'm different?"

Yun Changkong sighed, "You're still young, and you haven't experienced much of society. When you encounter certain people and things, you always feel that they're great, but in reality, they're not as great as you think."

“Xiao Zhao understands.” Xiao Zhao leaned gently on his shoulder and murmured, “I am not as broad-minded or as thoughtful as Miss Zhao, nor can I see as far ahead as my mother. But there are some things that Xiao Zhao understands better than they do.”

"What?" Chang Kong became interested.

Xiao Zhao said sadly, "It's all a trick of fate, it's just my own bad luck."

“Xiao Zhao…” Yun Changkong took a deep breath and sighed, “Don’t think like that. All of this is actually my fault. It has nothing to do with whether you are unlucky or not.”

Upon hearing Yun Changkong's words, Xiao Zhao knew that he and her mother had indeed consummated their marriage. Her heart ached terribly. She slowly stood up and said, "Since it's true, Miss Zhao wouldn't lie to me. I can't blame you entirely for all of this." As she spoke, she walked towards the cave, sobbing as she went.

Yun Changkong knew that it was understandable for her to feel this sorrow. He thought of Zhao Min one moment, then of the Purple-Robed Dragon King the next, and then of the Yellow-Robed Woman the next, and felt deeply embarrassed.

In addition, he was already exhausted from this gathering of heroes, and he fell asleep without realizing it.

She didn't know how long she had slept before she was drawn awake by a fragrant aroma. It was just dawn, and she saw Granny Jin Hua roasting a goat by the fire, with Zhao Min and Xiao Zhao watching her from the side.

Xiao Zhao's eyes were red, clearly she had cried for a long time last night. Yun Changkong had only one thought in his mind, which was that it was hardest to bear the kindness of a beautiful woman. He silently got up and went to the campfire, where the group shared the goat.

Yun Changkong said, "Shall we postpone our return to the Central Plains?"

Zhao Min sneered and said, "Why?"

Seeing that she wasn't in a good mood, Yun Changkong knew it was because of Xiao Zhao and said awkwardly, "I feel that my martial arts still have great flaws this time. Besides, even if I get the Great Shift of the Universe, I won't have time to practice it. Kunlun Mountain is the ancestor of all mountains, with beautiful scenery. Let's find a quiet place to study martial arts."

The girls knew his intentions. Zhao Min said, "Master Yun thinks we are all a burden to you, which is why you want to train us."

When Yun Changkong's thoughts were exposed, his handsome face flushed slightly, and he said in a low voice, "It is my blessing to have you by my side, how can you be a burden? I have really discovered a problem with my martial arts."

Granny Jin Hua said, "You and Xiao Zhao's internal strength is not strong enough, so you can't learn many of his exquisite martial arts. If you could learn some of the techniques of the Great Shift of the Universe, it would be of great benefit to you."

Zhao Min had always been extremely interested in martial arts. In the original story, she captured the masters of the six major sects and forced them to demonstrate their skills so that she could steal them. However, seeing that Xiao Zhao was crying and just arguing with Yun Changkong, she smiled and said, "Alright then!"

After the meal, the group began searching for a suitable place to live in seclusion. The Kunlun Mountains stretched endlessly, with only a few streams and patches of land. The group leaped and bounded through the mountains, traversing peaks and valleys, for several days. Suddenly, they saw a secluded valley ahead, winding gently downwards as they ascended the increasingly steep terrain.

As they entered the valley, they saw majestic mountains and a breathtaking view. Before them lay a large lake, its waters crystal clear. The valley was filled with verdant pines and bamboos, a beautiful landscape where birds sang and the forest was serene, like a paradise on earth.

A gentle breeze was blowing, making people feel very comfortable.
Yun Changkong said, "This place is very good. Let's take another look."

While searching around, Zhao Min accidentally discovered a cave. The group entered the cave and found it to be spacious with smooth walls. It was warm and cozy inside, with many blue stones that served as chairs, beds, and tables, all seemingly formed naturally.

Yun Changkong said happily, "I've had enough of the hustle and bustle of the mortal world, the clash of swords, and the bloodshed. To be able to live in seclusion in this paradise is truly a blessing!"

Granny Jin Hua and Xiao Zhao both agreed with what he said, but Zhao Min seemed thoughtful and slowly withdrew from the cave.

Yun Changkong knew what she was thinking and followed her out. The two walked slowly across the grass, and Changkong said, "This journey to the Central Plains will surely be fraught with trouble. I..."

Zhao Min sighed softly and said, "Brother Yun, we are of one mind. You must have guessed that my brother would definitely target the martial arts world of the Central Plains. You were afraid of putting me in a difficult position, which is why you don't want to return to the Central Plains. There's no need to say more. I just don't know how much longer we will stay?"

Seeing Zhao Min's thoughtfulness, Yun Changkong felt even more affection for her. He held her hand and said in a low voice, "Firstly, it is indeed as you think. Secondly, your father and brothers are both determined people. The anti-Yuan movement is not going to happen. I might be able to assassinate them, but it is absolutely impossible to persuade them to give up resistance."

Zhao Min said quietly, "But I'm afraid that in the end, it won't be able to be salvaged."

Yun Changkong said, "Minmin, you and I are husband and wife, the past is a fact, and there is nothing to think about in the future."

The main thing is to focus on the present. Eat when you're hungry, sleep when you're tired, love when you love. Don't think about the future. As the saying goes, "Before I was born, who was I? When I was born, who was I?"

Zhao Min smiled and said, "I haven't heard this before, but I can sense a profound Zen wisdom in it."

Yun Changkong laughed and said, "Yes, people are limited by their own identities and experiences. They often make themselves more tired because of their desire for external things such as hatred, wealth, fame, ambition and so on."

However, if one is not swayed by fame, fortune, status, wealth, or the opinions of others, but instead cultivates a pure heart, understanding who one is, what one wants, and what one strives for, then life becomes much simpler. This is also the most crucial aspect of cultivating superior inner strength.

Zhao Min glanced at him sideways, her eyes sparkling, and said softly, "This means 'self-sufficient,' am I right?"

“That’s right!” Yun Changkong nodded and said, “Both Buddhism and Taoism emphasize understanding one’s true nature. In fact, it’s about helping people live with clarity. That’s the most important thing. Nothing else matters!”

Zhao Min blushed and whispered, "You talk about Buddha every day, so what am I?"

Chang Kong laughed heartily: "Cultivation is in the heart, it doesn't need to be bound by any form or place. So you are my wife, it doesn't matter at all! So we're here, firstly to focus on our practice, and secondly to let Zhang Wuji and Wang Xiaotian keep busy, so I can negotiate with my father-in-law and brother-in-law later!"

Zhao Min smiled and said, "I didn't know before why you wanted to bring that good-for-nothing Wang Xiaotian along, but now I understand."

Yun Changkong laughed heartily: "He's no fool. The first time he saw you, he said you didn't look like a Han Chinese."

Zhao Min asked curiously, "How do I not look like a Han Chinese? I'm wearing Han Chinese women's clothes, how am I any different from them?"

Seeing her charming smile, her smooth and delicate chin bathed in the evening light, her features naturally beautiful, Yun Changkong was captivated by her girlish charm and said, "He said you are too fair-skinned, and that Han girls are not as fair as you."

Zhao Min chuckled: "If the Beggars' Sect joins forces with Zhang Wuji, will my father and brother really take it seriously?"

Chang Kong sighed, "Let fate decide. Anyway, I've done what I should say and do. Whether my wishes come true or not, I can't control that!"

Zhao Min pulled her hand away from Yun Changkong's grasp and said, "I need to take a good bath! You just watch me!"

There is a small pond here, surrounded by huge rocks on three sides, like a natural bathroom. Since the girl is clean, she naturally wants to take a bath.

Chang Kong laughed and said, "There's no one here. I'll go with you."

Zhao Min said, "I don't care, you just keep an eye on things."

"All right!
Yun Changkong reluctantly walked away, secretly using his divine power to listen to the sounds coming from several miles away.

After a while, no one noticed anything unusual.

But then I heard the sound of rushing water.

He hadn't been intimate with Zhao Min in a long time, and feeling restless, he secretly climbed up the boulder to peek, only to see Zhao Min looking over as well.

Their eyes met, and Yun Changkong's heart pounded wildly. He trembled involuntarily and suddenly felt a surge of heat rising rapidly from his dantian.

"Brother Yun, do you think I'm beautiful..." Zhao Min asked softly.

"Beautiful!" Yun Changkong exclaimed sincerely.

Zhao Min was undeniably beautiful. Her skin was fair and her body was voluptuous. Having practiced martial arts since childhood, even the hazy curves in the mist gave her an air of vitality.

She was beautiful and exquisite, and Yun Changkong quickly disarmed himself and went into the water.

Zhao Min said shyly and reproachfully, "What are you doing!"

Chang Kong laughed and said, "My wife and I, what do you think I should do?"

Zhao Min tried to escape, but Chang Kong grabbed her left leg. He felt her soft, smooth skin and, on a whim, grasped her foot and began to knead it. Zhao Min bit her lip, glancing at him shyly with a smile, her face flushed, and said, "I learned this from her, didn't I?"

Yun Changkong was taken aback, realizing that she thought he had learned it from the Purple-Robed Dragon King. He found it amusing. Seeing her eyebrows like ink and her eyes like spring water, she appeared infinitely shy. The soft and delicate texture in his hands, and the smooth and tender feeling to his touch, made him feel extremely happy. He said, "I need to study this carefully."

Zhao Min said with a smile, "What nonsense are you talking about? What will it look like if they see this?"

"Why would anyone look?" Yun Changkong had seen Zhao Min's naked body, but he was now particularly interested in her feet and began to examine them closely.

He saw that her entire foot was perfectly proportioned, snow-white and translucent, truly as smooth as jade and as soft as satin, without a single flaw. Her toes were tightly closed, slender and smooth, with delicate pink nails. He suddenly understood his foot fetishist friends a little better.

Zhao Min, her foot held by him, waved her right hand in front of his eyes like a claw, laughing, "Let me go!" Her left hand suddenly launched a sneak attack.

Even with Yun Changkong's unparalleled martial arts skills, he let out a "whoosh," let go, and flipped over, splashing water everywhere.

Yun Changkong was caught off guard and attacked in a vital spot. He shouted, "How dare you! You dare to plot against your husband! I will surely execute you on the spot!"

Zhao Min chuckled: "Are you willing to do that?"

Chang Kong said, "Let's give it a try!"

"do not want!"

After the couple had their little tiff, they naturally had their long-awaited intimate moments together.

Time flies, and two months have passed in the blink of an eye. Yun Changkong slowly pushed the long sword in his hand outward and said, "When this move is used, there are eight variations. You must learn them well!"

As he spoke, he chanted the incantation, his wrist swaying slightly, and the longsword drew a series of small circles.

Zhao Min and Xiao Zhao watched carefully and saw that when he slowly pushed out his moves, there were indeed many variations, but it was difficult to understand what was so ingenious about them. They could only try to memorize the incantation.

The Purple-Robed Dragon King said, "This move is in harmony with the Eight Trigrams and has the ability to complement each other and defeat the enemy. If you can master these eight variations, ordinary martial arts masters will be unable to do anything to you."

Seeing her solemn expression, the two women exchanged a glance and were both surprised: "Is she that powerful?"

Yun Changkong knew that not everyone could practice his martial arts. Only with his "Arhat Subduing Demon Skill" could he navigate dangers with ease. Moreover, Zhao Min and Xiao Zhao lacked internal strength, so even if their moves were exquisite, it would be in vain.

He pondered for two months and derived eight simple and clear forms from various schools of "Arhat Subduing Demons Skill", "Great Shift of Heaven and Earth", Quanzhen's method of overcoming strength with softness, and "Dog-Beating Stick Technique".

This is both an internal skill that can enhance internal strength and a technique for offense, defense, advance, and retreat.

Zhao Min and Xiao Zhao are both highly perceptive and have a talent for martial arts. They are also very interested in practicing martial arts. After two months of training, they have come to understand its wonders.

Yun Changkong said again that day, "I will teach you one more move!"
This palm strike subtly aligns with the three elements of Heaven, Earth, and Man, as well as the five elements of metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. However, internal energy cannot be cultivated quickly, and if you encounter a master of internal energy, even if the strike lands, it may not have any real power. Therefore, this palm strike is merely a decoy. The killing move is to use grappling techniques to seize the opponent's vital points.

In that instant, power surged through my fingertips. As long as you act according to the law, even if his internal strength is as advanced as mine, if I hadn't detected it beforehand and protected his vital points with my internal energy, I would have been subdued by you in that instant!

Zhao Min clapped her hands and said, "There is no one else who can withstand this attack."

Yun Changkong laughed and said, "That's true, but it's not easy for you to train to the point where you can fool the eyes and ears of a master. However, this is a technique that my sister Long and I created together, and it's hard for others to see through it."

The Purple-Robed Dragon King was proficient in the Five Elements and Qimen arts, and Xiao Zhao received his true teachings. During this time, she studied with Yun Changkong, and her knowledge naturally increased a lot.

Zhao Min and Xiao Zhao focused on learning, and Yun Changkong patiently taught them. Two more months passed quickly.

Of course, during these four months, while the group was busy practicing martial arts, Yun Changkong also did not forget to enjoy the pleasures of love.

Needless to say, Zhao Min and Yun Changkong were husband and wife. However, the Purple-Robed Dragon King gave Yun Changkong a unique kind of thrill.

The saying goes, "A wife is not as good as a concubine, and a concubine is not as good as a stolen one." This may not be true, but the feeling of being secretive is something that cannot be explained to outsiders.

Because you can't steal it!

Because the Purple-Robed Dragon King always spent time with Xiao Zhao, even when taking a bath, Xiao Zhao would keep watch, and Yun Changkong, despite his extraordinary abilities, was powerless to stop it. Sometimes he even thought of knocking Xiao Zhao unconscious, but just when he finally mustered the courage, Zhao Min would come and call him.

Once Chang Kong's interest waned, he lost interest as well.

That day, Yun Changkong lay on the grass, gazing at the white clouds and listening to the birdsong and insect chirps. He felt incredibly relaxed. Suddenly, he heard light footsteps approaching. He turned around and saw a beautiful woman dressed in purple. It turned out to be the Purple-Robed Dragon King.

In this valley, there's no need to pretend to be an old woman.

Chang Kong was surprised; this was the first time she had taken the initiative to come to him.

"Why are you here?" Chang Kong asked softly.

The Purple-Robed Dragon King said, "You said the nineteenth line of the seventh level of the Great Shift of Heaven and Earth is wrong, how is it wrong?"

Upon hearing this, Yun Changkong thought to himself, "Why is she asking? She's only at the second level. Could it be that she's leaving?" After a moment's thought, he asked, "What do you mean?"

The Purple-Robed Dragon King said, "What do you mean? I was just asking!"

Chang Kong said, "Are you planning to leave without saying goodbye?"

The Purple-Robed Dragon King's almond-shaped eyes were like smoke. She lowered her pretty face, as if thinking about something. After a long silence, she suddenly said in a low voice, "I can't face Xiao Zhao, but I can't help but miss you... I..." Her voice grew softer and softer until it was almost inaudible.

It turns out that although the Purple-Robed Dragon King was already middle-aged, she had practiced martial arts since childhood and had profound internal strength. Her physical functions were naturally not like those of ordinary people. Like those women in their thirties and forties, she was at her peak both psychologically and physiologically. In addition, she had tasted Yun Changkong's goodness and could not control herself.

But with Xiao Zhao there, she couldn't indulge herself, and it became increasingly torturous for her, so she wanted to leave.

Yun Changkong had no choice but to agree. He couldn't very well say that she didn't want his daughter anymore, nor did he want to force her to make a choice. So he said, "Those nineteen lines must have been deduced and conjectured by the person who created the technique. That is, the person who first created the Qiankun Great Shift technique did not reach the seventh level, so the nineteen lines of the seventh level have a fatal flaw."

The Purple-Robed Dragon King sat down: "Tell me the details!"

Yun Changkong said, "The essence of the Great Shift of Heaven and Earth lies in reversing Yin and Yang. These two energies, green and red, are completely opposite, one hard and one soft. The ability to harmonize Yin and Yang required for the first six levels is different from that required for the seventh level and cannot be calculated by common sense."

Without the corresponding ability to balance Yin and Yang, practicing these few lines will cause the true Qi to flow backward, attacking each other. One will either have their meridians burned by the Yang force or frozen by the Yin force, leading to a state of "Qi deviation and demonic possession."

The Purple-Robed Dragon King laughed and said, "Fortunately, this is originally a demonic martial art."

Yun Changkong said, "All laws in the world are neither good nor bad; they vary from person to person. All internal cultivation techniques emphasize the balance of Yin and Yang. The so-called demonic arts are merely a matter of perspective from the Buddhist and Taoist viewpoints."

From a Buddhist perspective, no martial art is above the realm of demons, hence the existence of countless martial arts techniques for subduing and exorcising demons.

In fact, the Shaolin Temple's founder, Bodhidharma, taught martial arts to his disciples so that they could strengthen their bodies and increase their energy to study Buddhism. It was just that the Shaolin monks were putting the cart before the horse.

For example, the Taoist master Chongyang also regarded martial arts as inferior. His disciple Changchunzi was the most skilled, yet he was the least favored by Chongyang because his behavior was vastly different from the principles of Taoism.

The Purple-Robed Dragon King said, "Yes, Buddhism and Taoism emphasize great wisdom and divine principles, and you seem to have understood this. Is this enlightenment?"
Yun Changkong sighed and said, "No, I'm still a little short!"

“You lie around all day, not learning to meditate like others, so naturally you can’t attain enlightenment.” Just then, Zhao Min came quickly, carrying two pheasants in her hand.

Yun Changkong laughed and said, "How can sitting in meditation make one a Buddha? That's childish talk!"

Zhao Min said, "The monks of Shaolin Temple meditate and practice Zen every day in order to become Buddhas. From what you're saying, they're doing something wrong!"

Yun Changkong stepped forward and took the pheasant, saying, "The Buddha is not bound by any form. Sitting or lying down is not Zen. How many of those who meditate and practice Zen truly understand why they meditate and practice Zen? There are many temples, but there is no true Buddha!"

As he spoke, he began cleaning the pheasant by the stream and setting up a fire to roast it.

The Purple-Robed Dragon King and Zhao Min exchanged a glance. The Dragon King asked, "How high is your martial arts skill now?"

Chang Kong shook his head and said, "I don't know."

Zhao Min said, "Then why don't we go and have a match with Zhang Sanfeng?"

Yun Changkong smiled and said, "It's meaningless!"

"Huh?" Zhao Min asked in surprise, "Zhang Sanfeng, how come he's meaningless?"

Yun Changkong said, "Zhang Sanfeng has been famous for over sixty years and is a grandmaster of the martial arts world. If I were to compete with him, whether out of respect or strength, I would have to go all out. As for losing, I don't care, and everyone can accept it."

But if he loses, his lifelong reputation and the honor of Wudang will inevitably be lost. That's secondary, though. He's too old; if something goes wrong during the process, I'll have let people down.

Yun Changkong's words were not based on confidence. From Zhang Wuji's perspective, when he met Zhang Sanfeng after mastering his divine skills, he felt that although Zhang Sanfeng was in good spirits, he looked much older than he had ten years ago. He also saw that Zhang Sanfeng had been struck by Gang Xiang's palm and was spitting out blood, so he felt that the injury was more serious than he had expected.

With his profound internal strength and exquisite medical skills, there was no one else in the world like him. This misjudgment was actually due to his overestimation of Zhang Sanfeng's physical abilities. Later, unable to break through the "Diamond Subduing Demon Formation," the Ming Cult members urged him to invite Zhang Sanfeng. Zhang Wuji, fearing for Zhang Sanfeng's safety, refused!

Given his feelings for Xie Xun, if Zhang Sanfeng were so invincible, he naturally wouldn't have had such thoughts!

He was just afraid that in order to save his adoptive father, he would implicate his grandmaster!
If Yun Changkong were to fight Zhang Sanfeng and ultimately lose, but instead exhaust the old man to the point of exhaustion like the White-browed Eagle King, then what would be the point?
The two women understood what this meant and were filled with emotion. They had thought that Yun Changkong, with his high level of martial arts, would find it difficult to adapt to a mundane life, but they did not expect that he could actually endure it. At this moment, he did not even have the mind to spar with Zhang Sanfeng.

Both women were ambitious, and seeing Yun Changkong happily washing chickens and roasting meat, they felt that the valley was such a wonderful place. If they could live here forever and never have to deal with worldly affairs, it would truly be a life like that of immortals.

Before they knew it, another two months had passed. Counting the days, the Mid-Autumn Festival had already passed. Yun Changkong said, "I need to leave the valley tomorrow."

(End of this chapter)