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

Chapter 138 Real Man

The surroundings were quiet, with only the sound of wind blowing through the fallen leaves and Zhang Wuji's heavy breathing.

Zhou Zhiruo gently pushed Zhang Wuji away and said, "Brother Wuji, now you understand, right? You've forgotten about me, this ill-fated person. Miss Yin has treated you very well. It would be good if you married her and had children with her."

Zhang Wuji was in a daze.

Zhou Zhiruo sighed softly, then turned and left.

Zhang Wuji suddenly leaped forward, grabbed her hand, and asked in a trembling voice, "Who is it? Is it Song Qingshu?"

Zhou Zhiruo was slightly surprised and said, "Why do you say it's him?" Her eyes reddened and welled up with tears.

Zhang Wuji was in a state of turmoil and said, "At Bright Peak, Brother Song risked his life to confront Brother Yun for you. Such courage shows his deep affection for you. But you are in love with me. Did he do such a terrible thing out of jealousy and hatred?"

Zhou Zhiruo was furious and spat, "What nonsense are you thinking? What is Song Qingshu? Who do you take me for?"

Zhang Wuji blushed, stared blankly for a moment, and then asked, "Who is that?"

Zhou Zhiruo stared at Zhang Wuji for a long time before slowly saying, "This is the Brother Yun you mentioned!"

This statement is shocking and even more astonishing than her claim of losing her innocence.

Zhang Wuji, Zhao Min, and Xiao Zhao were all deeply shaken.

Zhang Wuji exclaimed, "You...you really mean this?"

Both women turned to look at Yun Changkong.

Zhao Min's eyes were full of cunning and mischievousness, with a hint of teasing, while Xiao Zhao's expression was complex and unreadable, clearly indicating that she was filled with doubt.

Yun Changkong was unsure whether Zhou Zhiruo's words were true or false. Upon hearing that this person was actually himself, although he was surprised, he understood why Zhou Zhiruo had framed him.

As for the shock felt by Zhang Wuji, Zhao Min, and Xiao Zhao, that simply didn't exist.

It should be known that Yun Changkong had extraordinary composure. Even if thunder roared nearby and violent storms suddenly arrived, it was nothing more than a gentle breeze to him. No matter how shocking the news was, his expression would not change. Instead, he would stick out his index finger to Zhao Min and Xiao Zhao to shush them, signaling them not to move.

Zhou Zhiruo angrily said, "You still don't believe me even at this point?"

“I don’t disbelieve you!” Zhang Wuji said urgently, “But Brother Yun is a hero of the world, how could he do such a thing? Besides, he said on Bright Peak that he was going to marry the Mongol princess, how could that be…”

Zhou Zhiruo became even angrier and shouted, "So what if he gets married? Does that mean he can't bully me? Or is it that in your eyes, I'm not as beautiful as that Mongol Tartar?"

Zhang Wuji was stunned and said, "What do you mean by that? I haven't even seen what that Mongol Tartar looks like, how can you be inferior to her?"

Zhang Wuji was speaking from the heart. He had met Zhao Min once at Bright Peak, but she was disguised, so he naturally didn't know what she looked like.

Zhou Zhiruo sighed and said softly, "You know that I was almost married off to Yun Changkong by my master."

Zhang Wuji said, "I know, but isn't that just Brother Yun's wishful thinking and delusional fantasy?"

Zhou Zhiruo said, "You're wrong. My master actually agreed."

Zhang Wuji said, "Brother Yun is a first-rate figure in the martial arts world in terms of both martial arts and character. It's nothing that Abbess Miejue is willing to help him get married. I suppose it's you who disagrees."

Zhou Zhiruo revealed her anger and scolded, "What first-rate figure? Did you intentionally facilitate this? Yun Changkong is blinded by lust, blind to talent, hypocritical, heartless and ruthless. In my heart, he is not even as good as Song Qingshu! But I still agreed!"

Zhang Wuji was somewhat confused: "Why is that?"

Zhou Zhiruo said, "He once said that I was beautiful and gentle, and wanted to marry me, but I said that I already had someone in my heart on the Han River."

You know this person; he's a man of his word, and he does whatever he wants. He can't tolerate anyone disobeying him.

So, in a fit of rage, he struck my pressure points and took advantage of me. I was powerless to resist and could only report to my master.

Enraged, my master fought him fiercely, subdued Zhao Min, and forced her to submit. However, this villain threatened to kill my entire Emei lineage if he threatened to harm Zhao Min.

My master had no choice but to marry me to him!

Xiao Zhao's face flushed red as she glared at Yun Changkong.

Zhao Min also had a smile on her face.

Zhang Wuji was even more stunned, muttering, "How is this possible?"

Zhou Zhiruo burst into tears, biting her lips tightly, and said, "How is it impossible? Do you think I, a woman, would fabricate this story? Just because I'm not a virgin, does that make it sound good?" Suddenly, she opened her mouth, covered her face with her sleeves, and burst into tears.

Zhang Wuji paced back and forth around Zhou Zhiruo, scratching his head vigorously, saying, "Zhiruo, don't cry, don't cry. How could Brother Yun be this kind of person? Is there some misunderstanding?"

Hearing this, Zhou Zhiruo felt even more bitter and angry. She gritted her teeth and said, "You only believe that scoundrel and not me? Fine, then I'll just kill myself!"

Seeing this, Zhang Wuji lost his composure, clasped his hands together, and said anxiously, "Zhiruo, it's not that I don't believe you... I... I!"

When martial arts skills reach a high level, encountering an opponent of equal skill inevitably evokes a sense of mutual respect. Furthermore, those skilled in martial arts can gain a deep understanding of others through their skills, just as literary scholars can discern a person's character from their writings.

Zhang Wuji and Yun Changkong had exchanged three blows, and Zhang Wuji knew that Yun Changkong was not only highly skilled in martial arts but also of noble character. The saying "they became old friends at first sight" was absolutely true.

However, as Zhou Zhiruo said, how could she joke about her innocence when she herself had said such things? Moreover, her hatred for Yun Changkong seemed genuine. This put Zhang Wuji in a great dilemma.

Looking at the withered branches and fallen leaves on the ground, Zhou Zhiruo felt a mix of joy and sorrow, cold and heat. Suddenly, she stood up, her body swayed, and she floated away.

Zhang Wuji assumed she was still angry with him for not believing him, and in his anxiety, he rushed up behind her like a shooting star, pulled her into his arms, and said, "Zhiruo, don't go, don't go. Even if this is true, it's not your fault. I only love and pity you. Let's go to Haozhou now and tell the Ming Cult brothers that no matter whether your master agrees or not, I will marry you!"

Yun Changkong, Zhao Min, and Xiao Zhao, who were in the trees, all felt that this man was a true hero when they heard Zhang Wuji's words!
Zhou Zhiruo felt both wronged and grateful. She said, "Brother Wuji, you don't know that Yun Changkong is a beast in human form. He has bullied me more than once. He bullied me again before we set sail. I already have a child in my belly. How can I be the leader's wife?"

Zhang Wuji stared at her intently for a moment, then suddenly sighed, "So, all this time you've been losing your appetite and weeping in front of the mirror, is it because of this?"

Zhou Zhiruo whispered, "Yes, Yun Changkong is handsome and skilled in martial arts. Not to mention, he is a hypocrite and a master of disguise. He spreads goodwill throughout the martial arts world. The most powerful sects, such as Shaolin Temple, Wudang Sect, and Beggar Clan, all admire him greatly. It's not a bad thing for me to be with him after he proposed to me."

But I have someone else in my heart. Even when I was bullied by my senior sister on Mount Emei, I always thought that compared to the suffering that person endured, it was nothing.

"The longer I suffer, the less pain that person might suffer; the longer I suffer, the less pain that person might suffer; the longer I suffer, the less pain that person might suffer; and even if, if that person's injury is incurable, and I suffer for the rest of my life, I will still accept it willingly!"

Zhang Wuji was extremely distressed, but he laughed and said, "Zhiruo, you underestimate me. Zhang Wuji is a heroic man, how could I be viewed like a common person?"
Even if you were momentarily confused, deceived by Brother Yun, and stumbled on your own, I can forgive and forget the past, especially since this was an unexpected disaster. The child in your womb is mine; it will not harm your innocence in the slightest.”

Yun Changkong thought to himself, "Good heavens, this is actually possible! Besides, what does 'falling down on one's own' even mean?"

Zhao Min and Xiao Zhao's hearts pounded. Zhao Min didn't believe it at all, while Xiao Zhao already knew that Zhou Zhiruo was talking nonsense.
If it were true that Yun Changkong had bullied her in the past, perhaps so, but when Zhou Zhiruo told her that Yun Changkong had bullied her before he went to sea and that she had gotten pregnant, she simply couldn't believe it.

Firstly, Yun Changkong had been with them the whole time, so he didn't have time to himself, and he couldn't be in two places at once.

Zhao Min cursed inwardly, "I've been with Yun-ge for so long and we don't even have a child. You think you can just fool me like that? Are you kidding me?"

You should know that practicing internal energy is actually about refining your essence into qi. Internal energy can also be called essence and qi. Therefore, the higher your internal strength, the less likely a woman is to get pregnant.

Similarly, when cultivating superior internal skills, there are often requirements to abstain from women, but engaging in sexual activity can also lead to a decline in internal strength.

That's the reason.

But to their utter surprise, Zhang Wuji was willing to acknowledge that the child in Zhou Zhiruo's womb was his. They were all filled with admiration for Zhang Wuji, feeling that having such a husband was truly a woman's good fortune.

Zhou Zhiruo leaned against Zhang Wuji's chest and whispered, "Brother Wuji, are you really treating me this well? I... I'm afraid you're just saying that to comfort me!"

Zhang Wuji laughed and said, "You'll know how good I've been to you later. I haven't even started treating you well yet."

Yun Changkong chuckled to himself; this kid's sweet talk was pretty good.

Everyone was interested in seeing what would happen next.

The forest was deathly silent, with only the occasional rustling of leaves in the breeze. Zhou Zhiruo's shoulders trembled uncontrollably. After a while, she said, "Use some medicine to get rid of this bastard for me."

Zhang Wuji said, "No. Abortion is against the natural order and will greatly harm your health."

Upon taking her pulse, there was no sign of pregnancy. However, I thought it inappropriate to ask too many questions about such matters. Although I was skilled in medicine, my expertise lay in treating injuries and poisons, and I knew very little about gynecology.

Zhou Zhiruo then said, "If this bastard is a girl, that's fine. But if it's a boy, and things go as you wish and you become emperor, do you want this bastard to be the crown prince? It's better to get rid of him as soon as possible to avoid endless trouble."

Zhang Wuji sighed, "The word 'emperor' should never be mentioned again. I am just a country bumpkin with no intention of coveting the throne. If others heard this, they would only think that I was greedy for wealth and power, and that I was doing everything I could to rebel against the Yuan Dynasty for my own selfish reasons. This would only dampen the anti-Yuan sentiments of my brothers!"

Zhou Zhiruo suddenly brushed her face with her sleeve, turned around, and stared intently at Zhang Wuji, saying, "I'm not forcing you to be emperor, but if it's destiny, you can't refuse it. You've treated me so well, so I should find a way to repay you. My master wanted me to be the leader of the Emei Sect, but if I follow you, I can't be the leader anymore. But who knows that I can't be the empress?"

Zhang Wuji laughed and said, "Your Majesty the Empress may not be as esteemed as the leader of the Emei Sect. Alright, we still have to travel early tomorrow morning. My Empress, please return to the palace and rest early."

Zhou Zhiruo's cheeks were still streaked with tears, but her eyes were full of laughter. She said, "Aren't you ashamed? Are you the emperor, or have you already become my husband? If you continue to have lingering ties with Yin Li, I won't want you anymore. Who can guarantee that you won't end up like Yun Changkong, doing many despicable and shameless things for a woman?"

Zhang Wuji looked melancholy and sighed.

Zhou Zhiruo asked, "Why are you sighing?"

Zhang Wuji shook his head and said, "It's nothing. Who told you to be a celestial being descended to earth? How can we mortals control ourselves?"

Brother Yun, no matter how high your martial arts skills are, you are still just a mortal. It's your parents' fault for giving birth to you, you are too beautiful. It's a hardship for us men!

"Don't let Brother Yun's unparalleled talent fool you; he can't win your heart, yet I'm secretly delighted!"

Zhou Zhiruo's heart skipped a beat, her cheeks flushed, and she wanted to smile, but instead said coldly, "After hearing about this, you still call him Brother Yun. Are you trying to humiliate me?"

Zhang Wuji hurriedly replied, "Yes, you big scoundrel Yun, is that alright?"

"That's right! He doesn't know what's good for him and acts recklessly; he's a damned scoundrel!"

Zhou Zhiruo followed up with a curse, feeling a surge of pleasure, and giggled.

Seeing her cheerful laughter, Zhang Wuji also burst into laughter.

The two turned the gloomy clouds and mist into smiles, which dissipated like smoke as they left hand in hand.

But this made Zhao Min and Xiao Zhao blush with shame and anger. They had wanted to lash out, but Yun Changkong held them down with his internal force, preventing them from making a sound or moving.

Seeing that the two had gone far away, Yun Changkong pulled the two women down from the tree.

Xiao Zhao felt extremely wronged and blurted out, "Young Master, are you just going to let people smear you like this!"

Seeing that she was even more excited than Zhao Min, Yun Changkong glanced at Zhao Min.

Zhao Min smiled and said, "Hero Yun, your son will ascend the throne in the future, and you will be the retired emperor. Moreover, there will be people to take care of things for you, so you won't have to do anything. Congratulations!"

She offered her congratulations, but her face was full of sarcasm and mockery.

Yun Changkong just smiled as he looked at Zhao Min.

Zhao Min retorted angrily, "What are you looking at? Are you so smug?"

Yun Changkong laughed and said, "My princess, whether my precious son is here or not depends on you, doesn't it?"

Zhao Min pouted, her beautiful eyes almost spitting fire: "This Zhou Zhiruo is truly hateful!" Xiao Zhao exclaimed, "Young Master Zhang is kind-hearted and a true gentleman. We see him being completely manipulated by a woman, yet we do nothing to stop him. What are you really up to?"

Yun Changkong smiled warmly as Xiao Zhao scolded him. He stretched out his finger, his fingertip tracing across Xiao Zhao's jade-like neck without touching her skin, only lifting a few strands of her hair, and said, "Xiao Zhao, this was a good show, but are you scolding me for Zhang Wuji's sake? That's so disobedient!"

Xiao Zhao said, "I..."

She had never been treated like this by Yun Changkong before. Her body stiffened, unsure whether to hide or not. Her emotions surged forth, a torrent of regret, shame, and sorrow.
Suddenly, he exclaimed, "You're so wicked! Zhou Zhiruo said you're a hypocrite, but I think you're heartless and ruthless. I'm going to tell Young Master Zhang!"

As she uttered that curse, her face turned deathly pale, tears streaming down her face. She suddenly turned around and rushed out like a gust of wind.

Zhao Min knew that Yun Changkong was doing this on purpose to dispel Xiao Zhao's infatuation, so she couldn't help but sigh slightly and exclaimed, "Xiao Zhao, you've misunderstood him!"

Xiao Zhao's heart sank slightly. She stopped and turned around to look at Yun Changkong, whose expression was cold. She asked, "What have I misunderstood?"

Yun Changkong stared at Xiao Zhao and said, "You've got it right. I just want to see a joke, to watch a show. I also bullied Zhou Zhiruo, so what? Who are you to tell me what to do?"

A flush returned to Xiao Zhao's pale face as she turned to turn away, but Zhao Min grabbed her and said, "Xiao Zhao may not know the past, but do you think I don't? He made a promise beforehand to Zhou Zhiruo to smear him!"

It turns out that when Yun Changkong refused to marry Zhou Zhiruo in front of Abbess Miejue, he had promised her and Zhou Zhiruo that in order to salvage the reputation of the Emei Sect, he would say that he was a toad trying to eat swan meat. Yun Changkong said that this was fine, and he didn't care about this empty reputation.

Zhao Min felt that Yun Changkong didn't care about his reputation because it was for her sake and also because he didn't care about Zhou Zhiruo. She was overjoyed, so she understood when he didn't expose her.

However, seeing how Zhou Zhiruo spoke so convincingly, about how she was rejected in her love proposals and how she was forced into it, she couldn't help but feel resentful.

Yun Changkong sighed and said, "The orchids and irises on the bank are lush and green. It's such a pity about Zhou Zhiruo."

Xiao Zhao was puzzled, but didn't dare to ask any further questions.

Zhao Min snorted, "What's a pity? It was her own choice."

Xiao Zhao noticed that Zhao Min seemed to have a happy expression on her face, but she didn't understand why she was happy after hearing about this.
Yun Changkong turned and left, reciting: "If life were only as beautiful as our first meeting, why would the autumn wind bring sorrow to the painted fan? So easily the heart of a loved one changes, yet people say it is the heart of a loved one that is fickle."

Zhao Min and Xiao Zhao exchanged a glance, then followed.

Zhao Min said, "I didn't realize you could write such a poem for her. Write one for me too."

Yun Changkong shook his head: "Don't you understand why Zhou Zhiruo did this?"

Zhao Min scoffed, "What's so hard to understand? She must have been ordered by Abbess Miejue to do something detrimental to Zhang Wuji. She was conflicted and to make up her mind, so she told a huge lie to test whether this Great Master Zhang was worth it!"

“Yes!” Yun Changkong nodded and said, “Abbess Miejue will not forget the hatred of Xie Xun killing her own brother, Yang Xiao angering her senior brother to death, and Wei Yixiao killing her disciples. But she can’t beat Zhang Wuji, so she can only place her hopes on the Nine Yin Manual. So how can she obtain the Dragon Slaying Saber and keep the manual for herself? She can only let Zhou Zhiruo use her beauty to seduce her.”

Zhou Zhiruo was deeply indebted to Abbess Miejue, and wavered between her lover and her sect, but she was bound to make a choice.

Whether Zhang Wuji was worth disobeying her master's orders was something she had to consider.

When the time came, Zhang Wuji finally realized that this lie was false and was a test for him! If I let you jump down to expose the truth, how would Zhou Zhiruo face herself?
At that time, I couldn't face Zhang Wuji, much less myself; perhaps I would have truly become a "black lotus." If I could make a perfect couple grow old together, what's a little infamy compared to that?

Even though Xiao Zhao was dull-witted, she understood what he meant, let alone that she was not stupid.

Gazing at Yun Changkong's slender and upright back, I was captivated.

Xiao Zhao, experiencing her first stirrings of love, deeply admires Yun Changkong's meticulous care, unrestrained spirit, and handsome appearance.

However, at this moment, she suddenly realized that she had never understood this man before.

Looking at Zhao Min, she suddenly understood why this woman, of noble birth, incomparably beautiful, and radiant, was so infatuated with Yun Changkong and willing to give up everything!
Yun Changkong's true brilliance lies not in his martial arts, appearance, or abilities, but in his towering, upright, and ethereal spirit. What woman could not be moved by him?

I felt incredibly guilty for misunderstanding him.

But this also made her understand even more why Zhou Zhiruo's expression when she said she hated Yun Changkong was so genuine, even though she was clearly lying. She said quietly, "I'm afraid Miss Zhou said that not only to test Leader Zhang and make him more determined, but she really hates Master Yun. That's definitely not fake, so he believed her!"

Yun Changkong's eyes flashed, and he turned to look, only to see Xiao Zhao staring blankly at him with her bright eyes. He couldn't help but laugh, "Zhang Wuji's mother told him before she died that beautiful women are the most deceitful. He just forgot about it when he met this girl. There's no hatred in him!"

Zhao Min snorted coldly and said, "This brat didn't listen to a word his mother said before she died. He wanted to be a servant to Zhu Jiuzhen and betray his adoptive father's whereabouts. He wanted to make Zhou Zhiruo the empress. He's shameless! If his mother knew, she would beat him to death!"

Upon hearing this, Yun Changkong found it amusing and burst into laughter.

Zhao Min retorted, "What's so funny?"

Yun Changkong said, "I'm laughing at your lack of understanding of Zhang Wuji. He's the kind of person who only remembers the good things people do and doesn't like to remember the bad. Besides, as he said, beautiful women are only lucky if their parents are bad; they're born like celestial beings, which naturally makes men suffer. How could he bear to treat people badly? It's just that you and Xiao Zhao met him at the wrong time, otherwise, hehe..."

"Otherwise what?" Xiao Zhao blurted out.

Yun Changkong smiled and said, "Otherwise, we might also fall for his affection and benevolence!"

"You're talking nonsense!" Zhao Min suddenly raised her hand and slapped his left cheek.

Yun Changkong was off guard with her, but when that hand came to his cheek, he instinctively turned to the side. When he turned his head, he saw that her eyes were slightly red and her expression was frightening. He couldn't help but say, "Are people talking nonsense? Why are you doing this!"

Zhao Min said coldly, "You fall in love with every girl you meet, do you think I'm that kind of person too?" With that, she walked away quickly.

But a deep sense of injustice welled up inside, and a burning sensation shot through my eyes.
Xiao Zhao coldly replied, "She's right. You're fickle and easily swayed, yet you underestimate us all." She then followed Zhao Min.

Yun Changkong muttered, "A woman's heart is like a needle at the bottom of the sea. Hmph, so petty! She gets angry so easily?"

But their anger only showed how much they cared about her, and their hearts were also filled with emotion. They immediately leaped forward and hugged Zhao Min tightly around the waist, saying softly, "Minmin, I misspoke. I just saw Zhou Zhiruo using a woman's most important virtue to force her to make a decision, and I couldn't help but think of how you gave up everything for me, which must have been very painful for you. That's why I spoke out of emotion. I never doubted your feelings for me!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Min burst into tears, bursting into sobs.

Song Qingshu accused him of indulging in illicit love and losing his true nature, while the woman in yellow, though a woman, could not disregard national righteousness.

She herself knew that betraying her parents was disloyal and unfilial, which caused her to suffer humiliation, hardship, pain, and bitterness. At this moment, it seemed that she could wash all of this away with her tears.

Yun Changkong, being from a later era, didn't care much about the Han-Mongol divide. He had once traveled to Inner Mongolia on business, where his local friends treated him to three days of drinking, leaving him completely disoriented and incoherent. On the fourth day, they left without a word. He still vividly remembered that hospitality years later. Therefore, his relationship with Zhao Min was purely intentional, without any sense of guilt.

However, Zhao Min was a contemporary Mongolian noblewoman, and her act of betraying her country, nation, and family was truly remarkable. At this moment, he not only couldn't think of any words to comfort her, but also felt a bitter feeling welling up in his heart. He could only hold her in his arms and gently pat her back.

Seeing this, Xiao Zhao felt both pity and shame. She realized that although she liked Yun Changkong, she did not have Zhao Min's courage.

Zhao Min cried for a while before she stopped crying and felt much better. She looked up and saw Yun Changkong looking at her with concern. She reached out and pinched his cheek, and said with a smile, "Brother Changkong, if Father goes back to Mongolia, let's go find Father together, okay? I miss Father and Mother so much."

She was free-spirited and loved Yun Changkong wholeheartedly. After venting her anger, she naturally didn't mind, but then she thought of her parents.

Yun Changkong nodded and said, "We must meet your parents-in-law. If Zhang Wuji really wants Zhou Zhiruo to become empress and can focus on his career, the rebel army will be even more powerful, and the day will be closer."

I also dream of galloping across the Mongolian grasslands, having a bunch of kids, herding cattle and sheep, using the clouds as our blankets and the grass as our bed, eating roasted whole lamb, drinking mare's milk wine, and holding my princess in my arms—just thinking about it makes me feel wonderful!

Xiao Zhao clapped her hands and said, "Great! I've never been to Mongolia before, I want to too..."

As he spoke, Yun Changkong and Zhao Min both looked over, and he immediately lowered his head.

Zhao Min grabbed a soft lump of flesh around Yun Changkong's waist and pinched it hard, knowing it was all over and all her efforts had been wasted!

Little did she know that it was because she couldn't bear to see her husband being wronged and misunderstood!
Yun Changkong gasped in pain at her blow, his muscles jerked, and he pulled away from her grasp. He turned and ran, saying, "I'm hungry, let's go back to the ship for dinner!"

Zhao Min chuckled and pulled Xiao Zhao along as they followed.

They had planned to rest for the night and then set sail again during the day, but suddenly the weather changed, a strong wind blew up, and withered leaves fell with the wind.

The three returned to the ship, and Yun Changkong ordered the boatman to bring a table of wine and food to the cabin. He drank and talked with Granny Jinhua, while Xiao Zhao told her mother what she had seen and heard.

Granny Jin Hua said, "Abbess Miejue's demeanor and extraordinary martial arts skills make her an outstanding figure in the martial arts world today. I once lost a move to her Yitian Sword and greatly admired her internal strength and swordsmanship."

I had considered meeting her again, but I knew that without a weapon that could rival the Heaven-Slaying Sword, it would be a waste of time. With this sword in her hand, no matter how skilled Yang Xiao, Xie Xun, or Wei Yixiao were, they would never be able to defeat her in a fair fight!

"She's using such unscrupulous means; it seems her target is Zhang Wuji!"

Zhao Min asked, "Are the martial arts in the Nine Yin Manual really that miraculous? If she practiced them, could Zhang Wuji defeat her?"

Yun Changkong thought for a moment and said, "The Nine Yin Manual is profound and extensive, and its range of martial arts is incredible. If we're talking about completely understanding the secrets of this manual, Zhang Wuji probably wouldn't be a match for him."

But even martial arts masters need to put in the effort to master this true scripture, and I'm afraid..."

"What are you afraid of?" Zhao Min asked, then slammed her hand on the table and said, "That's right, that guy surnamed Yang said that the scriptures contain a quick-fix martial arts technique that the Peach Blossom Island Master used to correct his disciple's death!"

Yun Changkong nodded and said, "That's right. With Abbess Miejue's martial arts foundation, learning quick-learning martial arts would be a piece of cake. At that time, Zhang Wuji might suffer a great loss!"

In the original story, Zhou Zhiruo defeated the entire martial arts world with her hastily mastered Nine Yin White Bone Claw and White Python Whip Technique, even though Zhang Wuji showed mercy! However, Zhou Zhiruo's internal strength was far inferior to Yu Lianzhou and Yin Liting, and how could Abbess Miejue compare to them?

Zhao Min suddenly pushed away her wine cup, stood up, and pulled Yun Changkong, saying, "Let's go!"

Yun Changkong and the other two looked at each other, puzzled.

"Where are we going?" Xiao Zhao asked, "It's so windy outside!"

Granny Jin Hua laughed and said, "Yes! Whatever you want to do, we can just stay away. Those boatmen have already been frightened by my tricks, so why bother going outside?"

Xiao Zhao understood what he meant and blushed as red as a monkey's bottom.

Yun Changkong thought to himself, "Women are so straightforward, but I like it!"

Zhao Min laughed and said, "You two, mother and daughter, can wait on the boat. But don't worry, I will never trick him into leaving, hehe..."

The mother and daughter felt a little embarrassed after she said that.

Zhao Min giggled, which amused Yun Changkong. Although he didn't understand why, he followed Zhao Min out of the cabin.

The two leaped off the ship, and Chang Kong asked, "Where are we going?"

Zhao Min said with a grin, "Want to be a notorious womanizer?"

Yun Changkong was completely bewildered: "What flowers are you picking?"

"Haha." Zhao Min laughed heartily: "The great beauty Zhou said she's carrying your little bastard in her belly, and you don't feel like you're losing out? That shows how magnanimous you are. But if you don't make it official and the Great Master Zhang finds out, wouldn't you be greatly disappointed? How could you do justice to the poem you wrote for her?"

Yun Changkong said helplessly, "Stop joking. I just feel sorry for her. I think if their time had stayed on the Han River, wouldn't that have been a blessing for Zhou Zhiruo? If they were going to part ways back then, why bring her into this vast world? I have absolutely no intention of having any designs on her."

"Fool!" Zhao Min gave him a warm smile: "You really think this is a good thing? Even if you agree, I still won't agree."

It's one thing for Zhou Zhiruo, this beautiful orchid, to use you to deceive that fool Zhang Wuji, but if she truly harbors hatred and malice towards you, then we must get to the bottom of it. You say the Nine Yin Manual is so powerful, and you're a gentleman, but one should always be wary of others!

Yun Changkong felt a chill run down his spine: "Thinking back to the scene in the original story where Zhou Zhiruo killed Zhao Min because of Zhang Wuji, could it be that she really hates me?"

In a flash, Zhao Min took Yun Changkong's hand and sped away. Seeing that the wind was strong and the weather was extremely cold, Yun Changkong picked up Zhao Min and held her in his arms.

Zhao Min was held in his arms. His true energy surged, and his masculine aura made her weak all over. But she was naturally lively and active, and she moved inside him, saying, "I'm not a delicate little girl. I have legs."

Yun Changkong held her in his arms, her fragrance faint yet palpable. Since becoming a woman, Zhao Min had become even more beautiful and alluring. With this movement, Yun Changkong suddenly felt a surge of heat throughout his body, and his desires were aroused. He looked down at Zhao Min and saw that her face was flushed, just like a delicate begonia. But thinking that he had important business to attend to, he could only restrain himself.

His lightness skill was superb, like a wisp of smoke disappearing into the night.

(End of this chapter)