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

Chapter 135 Settling Grudges

As Yun Changkong spoke, his eyes were firm yet gentle. The woman in yellow seemed to suddenly remember something and looked up at the moon.

Xiao Cui, Xiao Ling, and the other girls exchanged glances, each pouting, a wave of sorrow washing over them.
They had to admit that Yun Changkong was speaking the absolute truth. If Xiao Cui offered tea and Yun Changkong accepted it but then made excuses and refused to drink a drop, they would feel even more uncomfortable seeing that.

It wasn't that Yun Changkong was unaware of the dangers, but rather that he regarded them as benefactors and had no intention of being wary. Even if the tea was poisoned, he had no choice but to drink it.

Xiao Cui snorted and said, "So, you're still doing this for my girl's sake?"

In the past, Yun Changkong caused a lot of trouble because of his words, such as his engagement with Zhou Zhiruo. Although it came to an end, that arrogant young man was no more.

Yun Changkong took a deep breath and said with a smile, "I dare not say yes. I just feel that I have received a great favor from you, Miss, and I have no way to repay it. I already feel indebted to you, so it would be too inhuman of me to be wary of you!"

"Owes?" The woman in yellow glanced back at Yun Changkong, smiled, moved to his side, and asked, "Once again, owes? Just how many girls have you said this to?"

Her eyes were clear and bright, penetrating to the heart. Yun Changkong felt embarrassed by her gaze. Now that he knew Zhao Min had been captured, he naturally understood everything and said with a wry smile, "It seems you've been following me."

The woman in yellow said coldly, "You two were inseparable, and I was following behind you, but you knew nothing about it. So, I heard everything about you owing me anything, being unworthy of me, and all that crazy talk. I'd like to know how you explain that!"

Yun Changkong noticed a half-smile playing on her lips. The moonlight and her beauty enhanced her unparalleled elegance, but her eyes shone with a fierce and intimidating light.

Fortunately, Yun Changkong's internal strength and thick skin were both among the best in the world. He smiled and said, "So you're angry because of what we said? I didn't expect that!"

Upon hearing this, the woman in yellow felt as if something was stuck in her throat.

It should be noted that the woman in yellow grew up in a stone tomb, rarely seeing the light of day. The Jade Goddess Technique of the Ancient Tomb Sect has the effect of reducing worries and anxieties, preserving youth and slowing aging. Not only can she expect to live to be a hundred years old, but even at a hundred years old, her physical strength and appearance will still be no less than that of a fifty-year-old.

For women, even disregarding the power of martial arts, the mere fact that it preserves youth and slows aging is enough to make them flock to it.

However, the key to cultivating this skill lies in controlling the seven emotions and six desires, as well as joy, anger, sorrow and happiness. Therefore, Yun Changkong felt that it would be very difficult to make her angry!
The woman in yellow paused for a moment, then said, "Shouldn't I be angry?"

Yun Changkong nodded and said, "Yes, isn't Minmin beautiful?"

All eight maids felt ashamed and angry.

The woman in yellow was also taken aback, then smiled and said, "She is very beautiful."

Yun Changkong looked at her, his gaze softening: "I owe you and she a great debt, that's an undeniable fact. I've never denied it, whether in front of you or in front of her!"

The woman in yellow pondered for a moment, then suddenly helped him sit up and said casually, "So, you married that Mongolian princess because she's beautiful?"

Yun Changkong sighed, "Miss, if we're talking about beauty, you are as elegant as a fairy, like the bright moon on an autumn night, while Minmin is incomparably beautiful and charming, with an indescribable allure. You both have one thing in common: you command respect and make people afraid to look directly at you."

But for me, this is vastly different! And the sense of indebtedness I'm referring to is also vastly different!

The two women exchanged a glance, and the woman in yellow smiled and said, "Even though I know you're a silver-tongued person, I'm still interested in listening."

"You are beautiful to the extreme!" Yun Changkong sighed softly. "I am just an unambitious person. When I was young and impetuous, I was naturally very moved when I saw you, who are beautiful and kind-hearted."

What I did and said may seem abrupt and presumptuous to you, but to me, it was truly from the bottom of my heart. I just like you!
Being with you, even just talking to you, gives me a feeling that no one else can give me—a feeling of excitement, nervousness, and thrill.

Upon hearing this, the woman in yellow blushed and gave a soft snort: "Shameless!"

Seeing her shy demeanor, Yun Changkong felt a surge of warmth in his heart, but thinking of Zhao Min, he said softly, "So from the day I met you, I hoped that you would no longer have to live in the ancient tomb, and that we could watch the sunrise and sunset together and travel all over the beautiful land."

I think that any scenery would be better then, and this idea comes from the bottom of my heart.

In my eyes, this matter is far more important than anything else, such as expelling the Manchus or restoring China!

"Enough!" The woman in yellow said coldly, her eyes flashing with a sharp light. "Is this something a man should say? A woman can defeat the expulsion of the Tartars..."

Yun Changkong shook his head and said, "So, no one in this world understands me. Expelling the Tartars is an inevitable trend, a choice of history, and it cannot be changed. Even without Yun Changkong, countless others would still do it. One more or one less makes no difference. But to be able to watch the sunrise and sunset with Sister Yang, that would be absolutely unique!"

These words came from the heart, and the woman in yellow couldn't utter the words she was about to rebuke. She only felt heartbroken and her eyes welled up with tears.

Seeing how seriously he was speaking, Xiao Cui and the other maids also felt embarrassed.

Xiao Cui retorted angrily, "You talk a good game, but why did you marry that Mongolian woman? By doing this, aren't you clearly implying that my daughter is inferior to her?"

Yun Changkong was both amused and annoyed, thinking, "She's still a woman after all, how can she compare herself to others like this?" His eyes darkened, and he sighed, "This is where I feel I owe my sister and Minmin."

These words caught the girls off guard, and they were all immediately intrigued.

Yun Changkong hesitated for a moment before saying, "After I went down the mountain, I was thinking of settling my family feuds as soon as possible and returning to the mountain quickly."

Who knew the world would be so unpredictable? Many things happened that were beyond my expectations, perhaps because people's hearts are fickle.

I met Zhao Min, the daughter of the Prince of Ruyang. At first, I didn't have any romantic feelings for her, but as I experienced more, I gradually grew weary of the martial world. I was prepared to give up my promise to Yin Tianzheng at the Yellow Crane Tower, but then I remembered that my father and Sister Yang had passed on their divine skills to me so that I could contribute to driving out the Tartars. I couldn't let them down.

I did it, but I also felt extremely exhausted. When will this fighting and killing ever end?
I simply can't afford to worry about so many things, and I have nowhere else to go. I've offended many people in the martial world, and I'm afraid returning to Zhongnan Mountain would bring danger to my father and grandmother; I'm also afraid of running into Sister Yang if I go back.

I know you're a man of your word; if you say you'll kill me the next time you see me, then you have to kill me. But I was afraid I couldn't beat you, so I had no choice but to hide in Mount Wutai for a few years.

Upon hearing this, the woman in yellow laughed and said, "Are you hiding because of me?"

Yun Changkong said, "Later, I met a woman who was condemned for her wicked love, disregarding filial piety and righteousness, and willing to put an old man and a child in dire straits."

Upon hearing this, the woman in yellow and the others were all shocked, thinking to themselves, "Yes, this Mongolian woman is so deeply in love with him. If it were me, could I do the same? If she treated me like that, what would I do?"
The women were filled with uncertainty.

Yun Changkong continued, "When I first saw her at Fenglingdu, she was no longer the domineering Mongolian princess surrounded by servants; she was just an ordinary person trying to conceal her whereabouts."

When I learned that she had spent half a year in loneliness and fear, she spoke of it lightly, but having traveled the world, I knew very well the humiliation, hardship, pain, and bitterness she had endured. I felt both gratitude and pity.

She may not be as beautiful as you, nor as skilled in martial arts, but being with her brings me great peace and tranquility, because I can let go of all my guard.

At that time, seeing her every move, every smile, I, Yun Changkong, made a decision: I must not let her down, I should marry her, even if you take my past as an insult and want my life, I will still do it!
But I once had feelings for you, and this action is a debt I owe to you, and also a debt I owe to her.

These words captivated the women, who were all deeply moved and saddened by the sentiment.

The woman in yellow had a strange expression: "Is that so?" She exhaled and sneered: "For her, you're really not afraid of death?"
Seeing her expression, Yun Changkong felt his blood boil and said loudly, "It's not that I'm not afraid of death, but that I will not regret dying! I am not a hero or a romantic, but I know that one cannot have everything in life, and one cannot have both fish and bear's paw."

Marrying you was my desire, but the moment I made the decision to marry her, dying for her was a husband's responsibility and duty. Because I firmly believe she would feel the same way! That will never change!

The woman in yellow was slightly taken aback, then suddenly turned around and said, "Are these words truly from the heart?"

Yun Changkong smiled bitterly and said, "I'm not stupid. The moment I found out that I had been poisoned by the Ten Fragrant Softening Powder, I knew that Minmin was being hidden here by you. She knows everything here."

"But there's nothing I can't say. Meeting you was the greatest fortune of my life, Yun Changkong. But Sister Yang, you're like a dragon, sometimes appearing, sometimes disappearing. Only you seek me out; I don't know where to find you, and I'm terrified!"

The woman in yellow asked, "Afraid? Afraid I'll kill you?"

Yun Changkong shook his head and said, "Not only that, I am a desperado, but I, Yun Changkong, am a person with independent thought."

I originally wanted to pursue a peaceful life, but because of hatred, I had to face it. However, there was also some national righteousness waiting for me. When I went down the mountain, you asked Xiao Cui to pass on a message, saying that I should leave room for maneuver and not do whatever I wanted.

Once I entered the martial world, no one showed me any mercy when dealing with me. If it weren't for my superior martial arts skills, I would have been dead long ago. Who would have cared about me then?

Upon hearing this, the woman in yellow felt as if a huge rock was pressing on her chest, making it difficult to breathe. She wanted to argue, but she didn't know where to begin.

Yun Changkong smiled bitterly: "But there's nothing I can do. My father only managed to build a reputation in his whole life. You are also a descendant of the Condor Heroes. I'm afraid that I'll make a mistake and bring shame to the Yun family, making you look down on me. So I can only do my best to settle the grudges and grievances of the Yun family."

But only Zhao Min, when she was with me, didn't have any expectations of me. She didn't want me to become some kind of chivalrous hero! She made me understand even more that love is about giving, not possessing.

These words were resounding. After a long while, the woman in yellow turned around, slowly bent down, pressed on his chest and abdomen a few times to release the pressure points, and said, "From this day forward, our grudges are settled."

Yun Changkong was taken aback, and said, "So, your actions today are all because of what I did in the past..."

"Not bad!" A blush flashed across the woman in yellow's pretty face, but it disappeared in an instant. She said, "Back then, when you struck my pressure points, the method you used was not honorable. This is retribution!"

Yun Changkong's eyes were filled with helplessness. He thought that even though so much time had passed, she still remembered it. He said, "Okay, what about Minmin?"

The woman in yellow sneered, "She said I'm crazy. If I don't go crazy once, wouldn't I be just bearing this empty reputation?"

Hearing this, Yun Changkong felt relieved, knowing that Zhao Min was alright. He smiled wryly and said, "So you captured her just for that sentence?"

The woman in yellow glared at him and said, "If it's not for this, do you expect me to force you, Master Yun, to divorce her and marry me?"

As soon as she said it, she realized it was inappropriate, but immediately put on a solemn expression.

It is known that humans are born with seven emotions and six desires. We are happy when we are happy and angry when we are angry. This is our nature. However, superior internal skills mostly involve suppressing these seven emotions and six desires. Therefore, cultivating internal skills is a way of going against nature, and true masters are rare.

Especially techniques like the "Arhat Subduing Demon Skill" and the Jade Goddess Skill of the Ancient Tomb Sect have even higher requirements. The woman in yellow had cultivated these skills for many years and was usually calm, aloof, and detached from worldly desires. However, everything changed when she met Yun Changkong. His passionate and unrestrained nature, as well as the mystery surrounding him, made her extremely curious.

Why is he so familiar with the story of "The Return of the Condor Heroes"?
Before she could figure everything out, Yun Changkong pulled her into his arms and pinned her down.

The Jade Goddess Technique of the Ancient Tomb Sect can preserve youth and slow aging, but it requires cultivating a calm mind, reducing thoughts and desires, and achieving a state of tranquility.

However, Yun Changkong's arrival, both in his words and actions, stirred up a storm of emotions in the woman in yellow.

For example, in ancient times, men and women who loved each other could understand each other's feelings with just a few words, unlike the current custom where one must speak eloquently to express their love.

Yun Changkong's words were passionate and bold, something the woman in yellow had never seen or heard of before. Even Yang Guo back then wasn't as shameless as him.

The woman in yellow was about to disbelieve him, but Yun Changkong's words were sincere, and she naturally understood them. More importantly, she had been intimate with Yun Changkong.

She, a young, unmarried woman, was held in the arms of a young man—a feeling she had never experienced or imagined before. Later, as Yun Changkong rose to fame, his integrity, honesty, humility, and gratitude—his willingness to suffer loss himself to repay kindness—were all the most precious qualities a person could possess. This had long stirred ripples in the heart of the woman in yellow.

Women who practice the Jade Goddess Skill suppress their emotions and desires through stillness, but this does not eliminate their desires; it merely strengthens their self-control. Once a man breaks through their defenses, the desires they have suppressed will quickly backfire, and they will never forget them for the rest of their lives.

This is similar to how a master poisoner who is not afraid of poisons is almost incurable once he is poisoned; or how a strong man who is usually healthy can fall ill suddenly and suddenly become sick.

As Yun Changkong thought of these things, his heart pounded. He opened his mouth, about to speak, when he suddenly heard the woman in yellow say, "Hero Yun, don't misunderstand this time. I said before that we would meet again next time. If you couldn't beat me, I would kill you because of what you did to me. I'm not convinced of my defeat and want to have another match with you!"

Hearing this, Yun Changkong became even more certain. His mind was slightly disturbed, and he moved to get up, saying, "Don't move."

The woman in yellow pressed down on his shoulder, took out a porcelain bottle from her bosom, poured in some powder, and with a twitch of her eyes, smiled and said, "I heard from Madam Yun that the antidote and the poison are the same. If you feed the wrong one, your blood and qi will immediately surge and you will be beyond saving. Do you want to take it?"

Yun Changkong lowered his head and said, "So, sometimes, one wrong word can last a lifetime!"

He suddenly understood what the woman in yellow meant.

The woman in yellow was proud and reserved by nature, so she naturally wouldn't show it. Therefore, she said, "If your martial arts are inferior to mine, I will kill you." This actually echoed Yun Changkong's earlier statement: "If my martial arts are superior to yours, I will force myself to marry you!"

However, when Yun Changkong left Zhongnan Mountain, he misjudged the situation based on a message relayed by a maid. His subsequent fate was truly unpredictable.

The woman in yellow smiled and said, "I've never seen Yun Changkong like this before."

Yun Changkong sighed, "I have always been myself!"

The woman in yellow fed him the medicine powder, then opened her hand. Xiao Cui brought him a cup of tea, which Yun Changkong took a sip of before handing over the powder, saying, "Thank you!"

The woman in yellow's eyes dimmed. With a gentle wave of her hand, Xiao Cui and Xiao Hong walked to the edge of a clump of grass and lifted a woman up.

She was dressed simply and without makeup, her face as clear as jade, her bright and clear eyes seemed to hold the flow of a clear spring, but her tender, creamy cheeks were covered with wet marks. Who else could it be but Zhao Min?

"Yun Changkong, I must say, you have excellent judgment. She is indeed willing to give up her life for you!"

The woman in yellow gracefully walked up to Zhao Min, placed two medicine bottles in her arms, tapped her chest with her finger, and whispered, "Your courage is commendable, but your martial arts foundation is too weak. If I wanted to harm you, I could take his life with yours, perhaps without even needing the Ten Fragrant Tendon-Softening Powder!"

Zhao Min let out a breath and laughed, "That's right, I'm far inferior to you. I don't want to compete with you."

The woman in yellow turned her gaze to Yun Changkong.

Yun Changkong took the antidote and was now rapidly working to neutralize its effects, circulating it throughout his eight extraordinary meridians, his gaze fixed intently on her.

The two looked at each other, and Zhao Min smiled as she looked at Yun Changkong.

The three remained silent for a moment. Then, the woman in yellow turned to look at Zhao Min and said, "Your martial arts are excellent, but your internal energy is lacking. The Long Sky Internal Energy is not suitable for you. Would you like to learn it?"

Zhao Min asked, "What kind of internal energy cultivation?"

The woman in yellow said, "Nine Yin Divine Skill."

Yun Changkong was overjoyed; he felt like he was about to explode.

Zhao Min pouted: "I won't learn!"

Upon hearing this, Yun Changkong instantly understood that the woman in yellow had used Zhao Min's medicine and offended her, and was now seeking revenge.

However, Zhao Min's pride wouldn't allow her to accept the yellow-clad woman's favor, and she couldn't help but sigh silently.

The woman in yellow glanced at Yun Changkong and said, "I have something to ask of you."

Yun Changkong asked, "What is it?"

The woman in yellow shook her head and said, "Since you're tired of the ways of the martial world, I won't bother you any longer. Farewell!"

With a gentle wave of her sleeve, eight young girls played music in unison and darted several feet away. The woman in yellow followed, disappearing in an instant. Only the tinkling of the zither and the mournful sound of the flute drifted by.

Zhao Min shouted, "You wait, I'll get my revenge sooner or later!"

"Okay, I'll be waiting!" The woman in yellow's voice came from afar.

Yun Changkong felt a mix of emotions. He suddenly realized that it was really difficult to enjoy the blessings of having two wives!
For example, if they start fighting, whose side should I take?

Zhao Min said quietly, "This woman is quite strange."

Yun Changkong sighed, "I dare not say any more. She appears and disappears like a ghost, and it's impossible to guard against her!"

Zhao Min snorted, "Actually, the eight qin and xiao maids leading the way were just for show; they were all just for decoration. In reality, she often followed and eavesdropped."

Yun Changkong laughed and said, "The founder of the Ancient Tomb Sect liked to play the zither. The skill of Lady Yang in playing the zither and composing words is something that Master Yang once learned from the Jade Flute Sword Technique of the Peach Blossom Island Master. It has been passed down to the present day and should have been improved and changed. It is not just for show. As for the grandeur and eavesdropping, it is also a matter of being real and illusory, and illusory and real."

"Is that so!" Zhao Min nodded, then suddenly cried out, "Brother Yun, you scared me to death!" She leaped forward and pulled Yun Changkong into her arms.

Yun Changkong was sitting cross-legged practicing his internal energy when she hugged him. His head naturally felt the soft, warm, and elastic flesh. Just as he was about to tease her a bit, Zhao Min burst into tears.

Yun Changkong quickly stood up and asked, "What happened? Did they bully you?"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Min stopped crying. Tears still clung to her cheeks, but a bright smile appeared on her lips. She said, "No, not at all!" Then she covered her face with her hands and burst into tears.

Yun Changkong was at a loss for what to do when she was crying and laughing at the same time. He quickly wiped away her tears and said, "Then why are you crying again?"

Zhao Min said, "I'm just too ashamed to see you. I hate myself so much. How could I have been subdued by her in one move? I've always practiced martial arts diligently, but I never thought I'd be so pathetic!"

Seeing her crying with tears streaming down her face, Yun Changkong smiled and said, "Her ancestors were learned masters of all ages, and she was much older than you. It's nothing that you are not as good as her now."

After a long while, Zhao Min finished crying and snorted, "She still wants to curry favor with me? Is the Nine Yin Manual so rare?"

Yun Changkong replied with a smile, "Yes, my Princess Shaomin would never stoop to the level of the mere Nine Yin Divine Skill."

Zhao Min blushed and spat, "It's all your fault for getting into this mess. How did you manage to offend someone like that? You haven't forgotten about it for years!"

Yun Changkong chuckled and leaned against Zhao Min, trying to get closer to her, but was pushed away. Zhao Min said, "This needs to be made clear. It can't be another Purple-Robed Dragon King, can it?"

Upon hearing this, Yun Changkong was overwhelmed with mixed feelings and could only say, "Actually, it was because I asked her a question that caused a misunderstanding, and she started attacking me. At that time, my martial arts skills were inferior to hers, so I couldn't possibly win. When things got urgent, I ended up headbutting her chest and wrapping my legs around her arms to grab her..."

Zhao Min exclaimed in surprise, "It worked?"

Yun Changkong felt as if he had swallowed a handful of bitter herbs, and said, "I suppose so!"

Zhao Min smiled wryly and said, "Then I understand. What a pity."

Yun Changkong was stunned for a moment: "What do you understand, and what do you regret?"

Zhao Min said coquettishly, "Silly boy! It's a pity your love is destined to be unfulfilled!"

Ever since Zhao Min heard Yun Changkong's words, she has instantly become the happiest woman in the world.

Seeing her flushed cheeks, bathed in the slanting moonlight, her fair skin tinged with red, she was breathtakingly beautiful. Yun Changkong felt his throat dry and uncomfortable, swallowed hard, and said, "Then how will you make up for my loss?"

Zhao Min smiled and asked, "How do you plan to make it up to me?"

Yun Changkong scooped her up and ran out.

Zhao Min wrapped her arms around his neck, looking as if she was waiting for him to savor her.

In the quiet night, with faint starlight and pale moonlight, although the place was deserted, everyone was still afraid of attracting outsiders.

Seeing that he was running steadily, Zhao Min asked, "What did my father say to you?"

Yun Changkong said, "You're criticizing me for speaking improperly and having an unjust reputation!"

Zhao Min looked up and asked, "I've put you in this mess because of this hot potato. Do you blame me?"

Yun Changkong said, "Minmin, do you think I'm stupid and unaware of the consequences, or am I really the kind of person who starts something and then abandons it?"

Zhao Min said softly, "Brother Changkong, I know you have done your best. I will be grateful to you for the rest of my life, no matter what happens to my father and brothers."

Yun Changkong laughed and said, "That's not enough, it would take ten lifetimes!"

The two arrived at a cave, where insects chirped and water rippled gently nearby. Their pent-up passion finally erupted like magma bursting through a breach.

The moonlight is alluring, yet it eventually hides behind thick clouds, making the starry night even more quiet and gentle, but also full of vibrant life and energy.

With no more barriers between them, there's nothing they can't do.

The two forgot everything and immersed themselves in the alluring and enchanting world before them, finding the most pleasant compensation for all their fright at this moment.

It's intoxicating and mesmerizing.

Outside the cave, a soft sigh came, so quiet that only she could hear it.

She had important things to do, and ultimately felt it would be better to talk to Yun Changkong, which is why she followed him here. But when she heard this most primal sound, her heart was thrown into turmoil again.

(End of this chapter)