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

Chapter 141: Cut in two
The newcomer's voice was hoarse. Zhou Zhiruo opened her mouth wide, but didn't know what to say. Naturally, it was because of Zhang Wuji.

Hearing what she just said to him was even more embarrassing for her than hearing what Yun Changkong said to her.

After all, Yun Changkong had said before that he didn't care about his reputation, but Zhang Wuji was completely devoted to her!

Zhou Zhiruo glanced at him once before turning away, only to see Zhao Min looking at her with a half-smile, full of mischief. She blushed instantly. Looking at Yun Changkong, who remained calm, she suddenly realized, "That's it! He knew Zhang Wuji was coming all along and deliberately framed me!" Thinking of this, she stared intently at Yun Changkong, her expression quite frightening.

It should be noted that Zhou Zhiruo's innate personality is proud. Even though she experienced great changes from a young age, she did not change much. She simply became more profound when dealing with people and things.

The reason why Zhao Min harbored resentment was not because there was any hatred between them, but mostly because of jealousy.

It should be understood that any proud person will have a stronger sense of jealousy than the average person, and will never be able to tolerate anyone being better than themselves in any way; this is human nature.

Therefore, what truly pained her about Yun Changkong's refusal to marry her and his choice of Zhao Min was not how much she loved Yun Changkong, but rather that such a renowned martial arts master chose a Mongol instead of her. This trampled on her pride and confidence, completely shattering her self-esteem and leaving her feeling humiliated and traumatized.

If Zhao Min loved that her lover regarded her as a celestial being and dressed up for her, then Zhou Zhiruo enjoyed that everyone was fascinated by her.

For example, when Zhu Yuanzhang and others led thousands of troops to welcome Zhang Wuji, she, as someone by his side, enjoyed such glory, which made her feel extremely gratified.

Song Qingshu was infatuated with her, betraying his master and sect; all she saw was his kindness towards her.

Han Lin'er regarded her as a celestial being and worshipped her wholeheartedly, yet she was still delighted.

She just needs to enjoy the feeling, regardless of who the object of this worship is.

This is her biggest failure compared to Zhao Min.

Because no man wants his woman to enjoy the pleasures that other men bring her, right?

Even psychological pleasure!

If so.

I admit defeat!
Then Zhang Wuji slowly walked over. In the moonlight, his eyes were lifeless. He walked to Zhou Zhiruo's side and said slowly, "Zhiruo, that oath is invalid, it really is invalid. Your master only thought that the Ming Cult was a wicked and evil sect, and that I was a wicked and shameless lecher, so she forced you to make this solemn oath. If she knew the truth, she would definitely make you cancel this oath."

Unexpectedly, Zhou Zhiruo suddenly burst into tears, wailing loudly.

Zhao Min pursed her lips, cursing inwardly, "They're just putting on an act again."

Zhou Zhiruo cried for a while, then murmured, "You don't understand, you don't understand. My master could never forget her hatred for the Ming Cult, she could never forget it..."

She sobbed for a while, then suddenly stopped, followed by a mournful laugh that gradually faded as she gasped, "Could it be, couldn't you hear? I have more than one person in my heart. I want to be Yun Changkong's wife, to love him dearly, and never be separated from him."

"Just because I thought, I thought you were long dead..." She gave a bitter smile. "Not only was I malicious, but I was also foolish and despicable, stabbing you in the heart. Just kill me."

Yun Changkong and Zhao Min exchanged a glance, and Zhao Min smiled coldly without saying a word.

Zhang Wuji shook his head and said, "Zhiruo, life is full of disappointments, but we should just be true to ourselves."

To be honest, I once had a woman in my heart. For her, I was willing to be her servant for life. But this woman didn't love me and even tried to harm me.

But before my mother died, she told me, "My child, when you grow up, be wary of women who will deceive you. The more beautiful a woman is, the more likely she is to lie." As she said these words, a dagger was already plunged into her chest. She endured the excruciating pain to give me these words of advice, but when I saw that woman, I paid no heed to her heart.

If I feel this way, it's only natural that you once had feelings for Brother Yun. I won't hold it against you, nor will I look down on you because of it.

Back then, Zhang Wuji revered Zhu Jiuzhen like a goddess. If she pointed at him with her little finger, he would go through fire and water without hesitation. But later, her charm for him vanished without a trace.

All because this was Zhang Wuji's true first love!

Most young men in the world have had such a confused first love. At that time, they were so devoted to a girl that they forgot to eat and sleep and were willing to risk their lives for her. However, this passion came quickly and went quickly. When they came to their senses later, they often couldn't help but laugh at their past infatuation.

Upon hearing this, Yun Changkong and Zhao Min exchanged glances. Zhao Min, in particular, thought that Zhang Wuji would sever all ties with Zhou Zhiruo once he learned her true nature. However, upon hearing these words, she couldn't help but admire him greatly: "This person has extraordinary bearing. In this world, I'm afraid only my husband can compare to him."

Yun Changkong felt inferior to him. He knew that if he were in Zhang Wuji's shoes, he would never have been able to accept it so calmly; he would have run away.

Zhou Zhiruo was stunned for a moment, then raised her head, her cheeks still glistening with tears, and said, "Brother Wuji, have you thought this through? You are the leader of the most powerful sect in the world. My actions today have not only insulted you, but also the entire Ming Cult. Can you still marry me?" As she spoke, her voice became hoarse and trembled with sobs.

Yun Changkong frowned, knowing that she had something on her mind again.

Zhang Wuji declared loudly, "Don't worry, no matter what, I will marry you!" He knew about Yang Dingtian's wife's affair, but he didn't care about Zhou Zhiruo at all.

Zhao Min snorted coldly: "Leader Zhang, this woman is extremely vicious. She acts all pitiful, but in reality, she's trying to use someone else to do her dirty work!"

Zhang Wuji asked in surprise, "What?"

Zhao Min said, "Is there a single word of truth in her mouth? Do you know if she's sincere or not? Leader Zhang, you betrayed your godfather's whereabouts because of Zhu Jiuzhen, and you still haven't learned your lesson? How can this be allowed to continue?"

Zhang Wuji was taken aback by Zhao Min's words, but Zhao Min continued, "You say you don't care and want to marry her, but she will surely say that you are magnanimous, but I have let you down. If people know that I am so fickle and have failed my teacher's expectations, how can I face them?"

"In this way, as long as my wife and I live, you will be a laughingstock to the world. How can you be content without killing us?"

Zhang Wuji shook his head and said, "Zhiruo is not that kind of person!"

“That’s just who I am!” Zhou Zhiruo said coldly. “Brother Wuji, let’s not even mention how Yun Changkong treated me before. Tonight, he captured me and, knowing you were listening, tricked me into saying these words. There is no greater humiliation for me than this. If you truly care about me, you should kill them and wash away this shame for both of us!”

Zhao Min revealed a hint of disdain: "My husband has always felt sorry for your plight, but I sensed your hatred for us, which is why I came to find you. Do you think we have nothing better to do?"

Zhao Min, with her keen insight, realized that Zhou Zhiruo's deception of Zhang Wuji was not merely a test of his feelings, but rather a way to sow seeds of hatred in him. However, Yun Changkong had once felt pity for Zhou Zhiruo, which was why he had brought her here to lay everything out in the open.

After all, it's easy to hide from an open gun and hard to defend against a hidden arrow.

Yun Changkong finally understood why Zhao Min wanted to capture Zhou Zhiruo and make him listen to her. It turned out that she had seen through Zhou Zhiruo's ill intentions long ago, and he couldn't help but sigh.

Even though he knew Zhou Zhiruo harbored ill intentions, he was determined to retire from the martial world, so he didn't care.

However, Zhao Min still had parents and brothers, so she naturally had to expose this enemy hidden in the shadows.

Upon hearing Zhou Zhiruo's words, Zhang Wuji felt a moment of disorientation, and for some reason, he felt an overwhelming sense of sorrow.

Having lost both her parents and become a disciple of Abbess Miejue, she possessed a strong and unyielding temperament. Ding Minjun, on the other hand, was mean-spirited. The hardships and helplessness she endured in the Emei Sect were beyond words. Yun Changkong's disregard for her was an even greater humiliation for her.

The more Zhang Wuji thought about it, the more distressed he became. His eyes suddenly welled up with tears. Despite his heart aching, he forced a smile and said, "Zhiruo, let's not concern ourselves with these disputes anymore. Let's go live in seclusion in the mountains and enjoy a peaceful life." Before he finished speaking, tears were already streaming down his face.

"Why are you crying again?" Zhou Zhiruo said coldly. "Aren't you a coward like this? I don't want you."

Zhang Wuji wiped away his tears and said, "Zhiruo, I am also very tired. My parents were forced to commit suicide because of greed in the martial arts world. My adoptive father had an unfortunate life, and his love life was also unsuccessful because of Cheng Kun. I am so afraid that you will follow Cheng Kun's path."

Zhou Zhiruo looked at Zhang Wuji, her gaze shifting between sharpness and hesitation before finally softening. She sighed softly, "Brother Wuji, I know you're good to me, but if you leave like this, how can you face the Ming Cult? Aren't you going to expel the Tartars?"

Zhao Min glanced at her, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.

Zhou Zhiruo continued, "The culprit behind your parents' deaths is the Prince of Ruyang's mansion. If Zhao Min's warriors hadn't crushed Yu Sanxia's bones, how could Zhang Wuxia have committed suicide? How could your mother have followed her husband in death? As a son, how can you not seek revenge?"

Zhang Wuji sighed softly.

But then Zhou Zhiruo said, "Why are you sighing again?"

Zhang Wuji shook his head and said, "When my third uncle was injured, she wasn't even born yet. If I were to take revenge on her for my parents' death, how would I be any different from the likes of Cheng Kun?"

After a moment of silence, Zhou Zhiruo said, word by word, "Fine, if you won't avenge your parents, then for me, for the world, will you kill these Mongol barbarians?"

Zhang Wuji said in a hoarse voice, "Why must you do this?"

Zhou Zhiruo said coldly, "If it were Song Qingshu, he definitely wouldn't ask me."

Zhang Wuji shook his head and said, "While I am not as devoted as Brother Song, I am also sincere towards you. However, this Mongolian princess is already Brother Yun's wife. As the saying goes, a woman follows her husband wherever he goes. Brother Yun helped me avenge my adoptive father's blood feud, and I have never repaid him. If I were to deal with his wife, wouldn't that be a breach of faith?"

Although I love you, I absolutely cannot do such unjust and immoral things for you.

Zhou Zhiruo was so angry that her face turned ashen, her eyes welled up with tears, and she said in a trembling voice, "Fine, fine, even you are like this. Yun Changkong doesn't care that he's been called disloyal, unfilial, unkind, and unjust for the sake of this Mongolian witch."

"But you, you keep saying you love me, yet you can't do this, you can't do that. Fine, fine, fine, if you want to be a great bodhisattva, a great saint, go ahead. From now on, we're completely cut off. After all, none of the Emei sect leaders have ever married."

Zhao Min gritted her teeth and sneered.

Yun Changkong suddenly raised his eyebrows and said loudly, "Miss Zhou, I don't know where you get this competitive spirit from. Don't belittle yourself because of a temporary setback."

Don't get upset over trivial matters, and don't punish yourself for other people's mistakes, letting unhappiness fill your life.

Here's a piece of advice: if you truly like someone, and that person happens to like you too, that's the greatest happiness. Because, in the blink of an eye, the grass turns yellow; and in another blink, life is over.

We may not have a next life, so power, wealth, and face aren't really that important. What matters is living each day to the fullest. Even if there is a next life, perhaps the passing wind won't recognize the heartbeat of the past.

He then cupped his hands to Zhang Wuji and said, "Master Zhang, farewell." He took Zhao Min's arm and turned away with a carefree air.

"Wait a minute!" Zhang Wuji said loudly, "Hero Yun, I would like to ask you for a favor."

Yun Changkong asked, "What is it?"

Zhang Wuji looked at him, his expression shifting between expectation and sorrow several times before he finally sighed, "I want you to promise me that no matter what... you will not hurt Zhiruo."

Zhao Min raised an eyebrow and said, "Did she hurt us?"

Zhang Wuji smiled bitterly, "Zhiruo joined the Emei Sect all alone; she's quite pitiful. She's not a bad person; she was just forced into a difficult position by her master, which caused her to harbor so much resentment..."

Zhao Min said, "Leader Zhang, you are the most honest and kind person in the world, but she is vicious at heart. She only has a pretty face and is good at deceiving people..."

Zhang Wuji shook his head and said, "You are really worrying unnecessarily. I don't care about the many people in the world who have harmed or offended me. Let her lie to me if she wants to. So what? As long as it makes her happy for a while, that's fine too."

At this point, Zhou Zhiruo's cheeks flushed, and her eyes were full of smugness.

Zhao Min saw everything from the front and back, but only sneered.

Yun Changkong sighed, "Brother Zhang, you really are a romantic, no wonder so many beautiful women are captivated by you. I admire you."

At this point, he looked at Zhou Zhiruo and said, "Don't think that just because someone is no longer interested in you, they won't like you anymore. You'd better cherish this opportunity, lest you regret it someday. And if there's a next time, hehe..."

Zhou Zhiruo snorted and sneered, "You stinking men are all hypocrites, I don't appreciate your kindness!"

Zhang Wuji gave a wry smile: "Brother Yun, I know Abbess Miejue's temper. She has a grudge against my godfather. If there really is the Wumu Manual in the Dragon-Slaying Saber, you should take the saber and ask her to retrieve it."

Suddenly, Zhou Zhiruo glared at her and shouted, "You want to give him the Dragon-Slaying Saber? Do you know that...?" She hesitated, unable to finish her sentence.

Zhang Wuji said, "Brother Yun, I have thought about it carefully. Abbess Miejue is determined to seek revenge on my godfather, but I will definitely help her with my life. She is also Zhiruo's master, and if things go wrong, it could provoke a bloodbath in the martial arts world, which is not what I want."

Yun Changkong sighed and said, "But have you ever considered that even if I go with the Dragon Slayer Saber, I might not be able to persuade Abbess Miejue? Perhaps she still wants revenge."

Zhang Wuji remained silent for a long time, then sighed, "Although I am foolish, I do know something about Abbess Miejue. But deep-seated hatred for the Ming Cult doesn't develop overnight. After much thought, I believe that only her death can dispel this hatred."

But I can't kill her. The Wumu Manual and Guo Jing's military strategy are useful for driving out the Tartars, so I can't ignore them. Brother Yun, just do your best and leave the rest to fate!

Yun Changkong nodded: "Alright, this matter is difficult to handle, but for your sake, I will give it a try."

Zhang Wuji clasped his hands in thanks and said, "Thank you!"

He looked towards the woods and said, "Godfather, come out!"

"A real man shouldn't act like this because of personal feelings for his children. I wish I could beat you to death!" The voice rang out like a booming bell, as if the heavens were enraged. Zhao Min and Zhou Zhiruo felt their hearts pound and their eyes dazzled. The sound was deafening, and even the trees trembled.

The two goddesses' expressions changed drastically. They turned around and saw a tall man, holding a large sword, emerge from behind a tree. He was imposing and majestic, like a god. It was Xie Xun.

Thinking back to how this person injured countless martial arts masters on Wangpanshan Island twenty years ago, he truly lived up to his reputation.

Two more figures shot out from the woods with incredible speed, but just as they were side by side with Xie Xun, they suddenly stopped, their clothes fluttering as they rose into the air. It was Yang Xiao and Wei Yixiao, who clasped their hands and said, "Greetings, Hero Yun."

Yun Changkong returned the greeting with clasped hands: "Greetings, everyone."

Xie Xun said loudly, "The Golden Lion King's many years of injustice and hatred are all thanks to you. It's just a pity that he is blind and cannot witness your magnificence."

Yun Changkong smiled faintly and said, "I'm just an ordinary person, nothing special."

Xie Xun said, "I have a question to ask you."

Yun Changkong said, "Please speak."

Xie Xun said, "Wuji said that you once told him that the Dragon-Slaying Saber contains Yue Fei's military strategies and Guo Jing's many years of experience fighting against the Mongols."

"Not bad!"

Xie Xun asked, "Then what's inside the Heaven-Slaying Sword?"

Yun Changkong glanced at Zhou Zhiruo: "Why don't you ask your daughter-in-law?"

Xie Xun shook his head and said, "My daughter-in-law is not here."

Zhang Wuji suddenly felt a pang of sorrow, thinking to himself, "What should I do? How can my godfather tolerate Zhiruo's treacherous intentions towards me? Alas, how can I tell her?"

Suddenly, Zhou Zhiruo's face turned ashen, she stumbled, turned around and left.

"Zhiruo!" Zhang Wuji cried out without hesitation, "You..."

Xie Xun shouted, "Stop!"

Zhang Wuji and Zhou Zhiruo stopped at the same time.

Xie Xun said, "Wuji, my godfather doesn't want to put you in a difficult position. Miss Zhou is a disciple of Abbess Miejue, and back then, in order to force Cheng Kun, I specifically killed powerful figures. Abbess Miejue's own brother, the old hero Fang Ping, died at my hands. It's only natural that she seeks revenge on me."

Even if she and I are not involved with anyone else, if it happens in a short while, it will be either her death or my death. How can you still be with Miss Zhou then?

A short, sharp pain is worse than a long, drawn-out one. You should wield the sword of wisdom and sever these ties of affection. I heard from Fourth Brother Wei that your cousin Yin Li treats you very well!

Seeing Zhou Zhiruo's unpleasant expression, Zhang Wuji suddenly felt a sense of relief, though he didn't know why. He said, "Father, let's not talk about this now. Give the Dragon-Slaying Saber to Brother Yun!"

Xie Xun asked, "Hero Yun, is the secret within this Heaven-Slaying Sword something that cannot be spoken of?"

Yun Changkong said, "No, I was afraid that if I told you, you would be scared and it would damage the prestige of your adopted son, the leader of the Ming Cult!"

"Oh?" Xie Xun said in surprise, "The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber are the supreme weapons of the martial arts world. The secrets within them must be extraordinary. I have some idea of ​​this. You may speak frankly."

Yun Changkong said calmly, "This contains the Nine Yin Manual!"

Yang Xiao and Wei Yixiao suddenly exclaimed, "The Nine Yin Manual?"

Even after a hundred years, they had heard of the Nine Yin Manual. Xie Xun even had the opportunity to meet the master and say that his martial arts were inferior to Cheng Kun's, unless he found the Dragon-Slaying Saber.

He searched tirelessly, unable to forget the secret, and successfully seized the sword on Wangpan Island. He lived on Binghuo Island for twenty years, but still did not understand the secret. Now, however, he heard the secret concerning the Nine Yin Manual!

As martial arts practitioners, they didn't care much about military strategy, but the invincible martial arts manual filled them with surprise and astonishment, leaving them all stunned for a moment.

Zhou Zhiruo gave a soft snort, a faint smile appearing on her face, but she said indifferently, "Yun Changkong, you have done right by my master."

Zhao Min glanced at her and sneered slightly: "Do you think Left Envoy Yang and Lion King Xie are all fools? The Dragon-Slaying Saber contains Yue Fei's military strategy, so how can the Heaven-Reliant Sword, which can rival it, be empty?"
They simply couldn't be sure what was inside.

Xie Xun laughed and said, "This Lady Yun is truly intelligent. Ever since Wuji told me that there is military strategy in the Dragon-Slaying Saber, I knew that there was also a secret in the Heaven-Reliant Sword. Otherwise, why would Zhou girl risk such a great risk to go to sea with Wuji? And why would she take care of my daily life all the time? At that time, I knew that the secret in the Heaven-Reliant Sword must be no less than that in the Dragon-Slaying Saber."

Zhou Zhiruo said, "So all your affection for me was just an act."

"An act?" Xie Xun chuckled twice. "You underestimate me! In my life, I've acted impulsively and have many flaws, but the only thing I can't let go of is this unruly child of mine."
Now that Cheng Kun is dead, our grudges are settled, and out of love for him, I don't harbor much hostility towards you. As long as you treat my son Wuji with all your heart, I won't mind giving you the Dragon-Slaying Saber.

Xie Xun paused slightly: "But although my eyes are blind, my mind is clear. Abbess Miejue's choice of you as the sect leader was truly excellent!"

Zhou Zhiruo felt a deep sorrow in her heart and gritted her teeth, asking, "What do you mean?"

Xie Xun said, "To establish oneself in the martial world and lead a sect, high martial arts skills and ruthlessness alone are far from enough. Abbess Miejue has high martial arts skills and a ruthless heart, but extreme rigidity leads to breakage. She is not a first-rate person and is not as good as you."

Your strength lies in your ability to be both ruthless and cunning, with your softness appearing overt and your ruthlessness covert. You are certainly capable of great things, so I've been wondering what methods you would use to seize the Dragon-Slaying Saber.

Yun Changkong and Zhao Min exchanged a glance, both thinking, "The Golden Lion King is indeed formidable; though blind, he saw right through Zhou Zhiruo."

After a moment of silence, Zhou Zhiruo suddenly said softly, "Thank you, Lion King. Now that you know the secret of the Heaven Sword, do you still dare to hand over the Dragon Saber?"

"Zhiruo..." Zhang Wuji still wanted to persuade her.

"Alright." Xie Xun's tone was gloomy: "Why should a man worry about not having a wife? Now that things have come to this, don't you understand how much you mean to this future Emei Sect Leader?"
Hesitation only leads to more trouble; now is the perfect time to cut ties with her decisively!

(End of this chapter)