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

Chapter 143 What Kind of Cultivation is There at This Time and Place?

Seeing Xie Xun's solemn and serious expression, which showed his sincerity, Yun Changkong no longer feigned modesty and said, "Leader Zhang, you said that the Xiongnu have not been destroyed, so how can you have a home? Then, when your sect and the heroes of the world raise an army, will you destroy the Tartars or drive them out?"

Zhang Wuji said, "Many members of our sect are of foreign descent. Even the Ming Cult originated from Persia, and the portraits of the Ming Emperor depict him as a foreign barbarian with yellow hair, a yellow beard, a high nose, and green eyes."
But since he guided us to do good and avoid evil, to bring light and dispel darkness, we worship the Venerable One and listen to his teachings.

Our religion only seeks freedom and independence, not allowing foreigners to seize our land, children, fields, and property, and we will never seize their land either. What we are doing is driving the Mongols back to Mongolia. We will not allow them to occupy the land and rivers of the Han people, nor will we allow them to be used and oppressed as slaves. Naturally, it is 'driving out the Tartars,' not 'annihilating the Tartars,' Left Envoy Yang, Godfather, Bat King Wei, is that so?"

Yang Xiao nodded and said, "What the leader said is correct. The members of the Thunder Gate of our sect are all non-Han people, including Mongols, Uyghurs, Tibetans, and all kinds of Semu people. For hundreds of years, we have lived together in harmony, sharing life and death and hardships. How can we kill all the 'Tartars' among them?"

Xie Xun said, "We only seek to work together to drive out the barbarians; we have never thought of exterminating them!"

Xie Xun's ancestors had mixed-race ancestry, and their appearance was no different from that of Chinese people, except for his long, light yellow hair.

Zhao Min sneered, "You wanted to, but can you do it? When it comes to killing, who can compare to my Great Mongol? We haven't wiped out any tribe, have we?"

Yun Changkong said, "Since the goal is to expel the Tartars and restore our land, then your sect need not worry too much about the Prince of Ruyang and his son. As long as you achieve successive victories on the main battlefield, the Prince of Ruyang and his son may still be of great help."

Yang Xiao said, "Has Hero Yun already persuaded the Prince of Ruyang to switch sides?"

Yun Changkong shook his head and said, "It's not a matter of right or wrong, but the Yuan court isn't united either. They're constantly fighting amongst themselves. I've met the Prince of Ruyang, and he's not unaware of many of the situations. If we win battle after battle on the front lines, even if they're just trying to protect themselves, it will benefit us. But if we push him too hard, why wouldn't he work for the Golden Family?"

Xie Xun nodded and said, "I understand what you mean. If we have gained enough momentum and the Prince of Ruyang has the intention to back down, Emperor Yuan will not let him go. Infighting between the emperor and his ministers is indeed of great benefit to us Han people."

Zhang Wuji clasped his hands and said, "I am ashamed, I am ashamed. It seems that we almost ruined a great plan. I am just a simple country bumpkin and I really do not know anything."

Zhao Min smiled and said, "Now I finally understand why these demons of the Ming Cult support you as their leader."

Seeing her beautiful face and clear, bright eyes, as black as night and as white as jade, Zhang Wuji couldn't help but think, "She's incredibly beautiful, just like Zhiruo's graceful charm, each with her own unique appeal!"

Thinking this, his face flushed again: "Zhang Wuji, Zhang Wuji, at this time, you ask if someone's wife is beautiful or not? Abbess Miejue called you a lecher, and wasn't she right?" He was so frightened that he dared not look anymore.

Zhou Zhiruo had naturally seen that expression before. When he saw her like that back then, her heart sank even further. She said in a hoarse voice, "Yun Changkong, if you want to kill me, then do it. Or let me go. I don't want to see your ugly faces anymore!"

Yun Changkong raised his sword, clasped his hands in a fist salute, and said, "Brother Zhang, are you sure you want me to take the Dragon-Slaying Saber?"

Zhang Wuji nodded and said, "My mind is made up. The reason why Master Guo and his wife forged the Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber was to drive out the Tartars and restore our land. I don't care about the Nine Yin Manual, but if this military strategy manual can be taken out, I wonder how many fine men can shed less blood!"

Even if Abbess Miejue cannot let go of her hatred for my adoptive father, I am willing to bear it all! Brother Yun, you may take it!

Yun Changkong sighed and said, "You are decisive in important matters, but you are really too indecisive when it comes to matters of the heart!"

Zhang Wuji turned his gaze to Zhou Zhiruo, who was standing next to Zhao Min. Under the moonlight, her face was streaked with tears, yet she remained calm and composed, exuding a sense of aloofness and cold pride.

Zhang Wuji suddenly felt as if there was an invisible high wall between him and Zhou Zhiruo.

This is something that cannot be broken or overcome; for the rest of one's life, this is all that can be done.

Zhang Wuji stepped forward, looked at Zhou Zhiruo, and stammered, "Miss Zhou, as you know, my cousin Yin is deeply in love with me. But there's something I haven't told you. I also pity her plight and once promised to marry her at the foot of Kunlun Mountain."

I didn't understand before, but looking at it today, I realize that things in this world are unpredictable and full of twists and turns. Let's all try to be more accepting of it!

Upon hearing this, apart from Yun Changkong, Zhao Min, Zhou Zhiruo, and the others were all surprised. They hadn't realized there was such a thing, and they inwardly cursed, "This honest man is anything but honest!"

Zhou Zhiruo's eyes flashed with a sharp light, and she smiled, saying, "Well, I thought you were different from that shameless scoundrel Yun Changkong, but I didn't expect you to be even worse than him. Since you agreed to marry Yin Li, you still have the audacity to provoke me. Well, Zhang Wuji, you're very good, very good indeed!"

Yun Changkong has once again earned the title of "shameless scoundrel," but he simply accepts it, since he can indeed be quite shameless at times.

Zhang Wuji remained silent for a moment, then sighed softly, "At that time, we were forced by circumstances and had no other choice!"

"What a convenient excuse of being forced by circumstances." Zhou Zhiruo had just said that herself, her cheeks flushed with anger, and she said coldly, "You learn so quickly! Alright, we've severed all ties, there's no need to discuss this anymore."

Zhang Wuji's heart pounded, and he felt a lump in his throat and his eyes sting. He almost shed tears, but for some reason, he felt a great joy in his heart at this moment, even more at ease than when he was about to marry Zhou Zhiruo. He couldn't quite explain why.

"Good! That's satisfying!" Xie Xun laughed heartily. "Wuji, a true man should stand tall and upright. If your parents knew this in the afterlife, they would be smiling in their graves! Let's go!"

Zhang Wuji took a deep breath, clasped his hands in a fist and said, "Miss Zhou, the journey of the martial world is long, and there is no need to fight for victory in some things. You are a very, very good girl, please take care!"

Zhang Wuji was a man of both good and evil, but he was not foolish. He knew that Abbess Miejue was arrogant and conceited, and that Zhou Zhiruo had also learned her tendency to always be superior. This is why she harbored hostility towards people like Yun Changkong and Zhao Min, with whom she had no real grudge. Perhaps even towards herself. It was truly a pity for her.

Zhou Zhiruo listened blankly and said, "Zhang Wuji, remember this: not everyone in this world can forget hatred like you! If you don't kill me today, I will kill you next time we meet!"

Zhang Wuji looked directly at her and sighed, "How could I bear to kill you? But the righteous and the demonic have been fighting for more than a hundred years, and so many people have died. Why can't you resolve your hatred at this point?"

Your master is stubborn, why do you have to be the same?
But if you want revenge for your sect, come at me, just don't drag others into it!

Zhou Zhiruo avoided his gaze and said softly, "Don't think that just because you possess the Nine Yang Divine Skill, the Great Shift of Heaven and Earth, and Tai Chi Fist and Sword, you can be fearless."

"I want to seize your adoptive father's Dragon-Slaying Saber, which is to unlock the secrets of the Heaven-Reliant Sword and learn the Nine Yin Manual. Then I will be invincible, wiping out all the masters of your Ming Cult, and all you wretched men who have humiliated me. I'll let you know the pain of being powerless!"

Zhang Wuji's body trembled upon hearing this, and he gasped for breath, but he didn't know what to say.

Wei Yixiao narrowed his eyes and sneered, "Miss Zhou, you have quite the ambition!"

"Do you know that my leader couldn't bear to kill you, which is why you're so fearless?" Yang Xiao chuckled slightly. "But your Emei Sect doesn't have that kind of power, even possessing the Nine Yin Manual won't help!"

Xie Xun snorted coldly: "Please tell your master that if she wants revenge, I, Xie Xun, am ready to oblige!"

Yun Changkong found this quite amusing and said, "Alright, everyone, you are all people who do great things, why are you getting into all this romantic stuff? It's really boring!"

He tucked the Dragon-Slaying Saber into his waistband and said to Zhou Zhiruo, "We can't all be together, but there's no need to be so cruel. Perhaps I, Yun, can help you resolve your troubles and settle your old grudges." With that, he put his left arm around Zhao Min's slender waist and his right hand on Zhou Zhiruo's wrist. Under the starlight and moonlight, he walked with a carefree gait, disappearing into the darkness like a shooting star.

"Brother Yun!" Zhang Wuji said urgently, "Don't hurt her."

Yun Changkong laughed and said, "Whether or not she is harmed depends on her!"

The person had vanished, but her voice still rang out. Zhang Wuji felt a sudden unease and thought to himself, "Zhiruo harbors such resentment; it is indeed my fault that she hates me, and that is to be expected. But she intends to take revenge on Brother Yun; he may not be able to tolerate it!" He almost chased after her, but then stopped in despair and just stood there blankly.

As the night flowed by, Yun Changkong led the two women back to the dock and onto the ship.

Granny Jin Hua and Xiao Zhao were worried about them and hadn't gone to sleep. When they saw the two men return with a beautiful woman, they were both surprised.

Upon closer inspection, it turned out to be a highly accomplished disciple of Emei.

Xiao Zhao looked at Zhou Zhiruo with considerable curiosity in her eyes.

Granny Jin Hua also looked at her, and suddenly smiled and said, "People say that she is a top disciple of Abbess Miejue and a beautiful woman. Seeing her today, I can confirm that her reputation is well-deserved. Madam Yun is truly thoughtful!"

Zhao Min smiled but remained silent, while Zhou Zhiruo remained as still as a wooden or clay sculpture, her eyes not even blinking.

Seeing this, the two women focused their gazes on Yun Changkong again. Yun Changkong said, "This has nothing to do with me."

Xiao Zhao then looked at Zhao Min: "Why did you bring her along? Are you really that comfortable with this?"

Zhao Min blushed and said, "I can't bring myself to say this, but Xie Xun is back. I took him out this time and we got the Dragon-Slaying Saber!"

When Granny Jin Hua heard that Xie Xun had returned to the Central Plains, she frowned. Upon hearing that Yun Changkong had obtained the Dragon-Slaying Saber, her gaze shifted, and she drew the saber from Yun Changkong's waist, saying, "Is this the Dragon-Slaying Saber, the supreme weapon of the martial arts world?"

Granny Jin Hua had long heard of the Dragon-Slaying Saber, but seeing that the saber was dark and unremarkable, she flicked her finger, and with a hum, the saber emitted a deep, resonant sound that was neither metal nor wood. She nodded in praise, saying, "People say that divine objects are inherently obscure. This silent and colorless aura is indeed extraordinary." As she spoke, she flicked her hand, and with a hiss, the saber sliced ​​across a corner of a table.

Granny Jin Hua was both pleased and suspicious. She pondered for a moment and said, "Since Xie Xun is blind, why would he give you this knife? Did you hurt him?"

Zhao Min sneered slightly, "Who told his adopted son to be such a romantic? He willingly offered up his knife for this Miss Zhou, so Xie Xun just took the opportunity to back down!"

Granny Jin Hua turned her gaze and, seeing that Zhou Zhiruo still hadn't spoken, asked Yun Changkong, "Then why did you bring her here?"

Yun Changkong asked Zhou Zhiruo, "Where is your master?"

Zhou Zhiruo was in a daze and didn't want to talk to the others, so she just didn't say anything.

Yun Changkong said, "You'd better be careful. I'm not Zhang Wuji. I won't show any mercy to enemies who want to harm me!"

Upon hearing this, Zhou Zhiruo felt a deep pain in her heart, her vision blurred, and she almost fell over, but fortunately Xiao Zhao caught her in time.

Yun Changkong felt confused and said, "Your master asked you to take the knife, so you must have a way to contact each other. She might be nearby. Let's talk about it."

Zhou Zhiruo suddenly let out a silvery laugh: "Yes, my master is nearby. You'd better kill me. If you don't, one day I will kill you first and then destroy Zhang Wuji!"

Yun Changkong and Zhao Min acted as if nothing had happened, but Xiao Zhao asked in surprise, "Why kill the young master first? Why not kill Leader Zhang first?"

Grandma Jinhua glanced at her daughter, finding the situation both amusing and exasperating.

Yun Changkong sneered, "Zhou Zhiruo, do you know why you failed so miserably?"

Before Zhou Zhiruo could speak, Zhao Min asked first, "Why?"

Yun Changkong said, "As the saying goes, even a tiger won't eat its cubs, and a woman won't poison her husband. So, Zhou Zhiruo, what kind of person have you been focusing all your attention on?"

Do you think Zhang Wuji wouldn't know about your scheming?
Let me tell you, others might not be able to see it, but Yin Li saw right through you when you fought at the foot of Kunlun Mountain. She said you were cunning and a master of deception, and Zhang Wuji knew it all.

He's just kind-hearted and quite sentimental, and very chivalrous, so you don't need to lie to him at all. He'll lie to himself and find a plausible excuse for any of your actions.

On the day of the Kunlun Mountain, Yin Li met Zhou Zhiruo for the first time. Zhang Wuji was right next to her. At that time, Ding Minjun was defeated by Yin Li. She was dissatisfied with her master's praise of her junior sister Zhou Zhiruo for her high level of comprehension and rapid progress. She believed that the future prosperity of the sect would mostly depend on her. Therefore, she wanted to make Zhou Zhiruo suffer a bit.

However, after the two women exchanged more than twenty blows, Yin Li struck Zhou Zhiruo on the shoulder with a palm strike. Zhou Zhiruo then retaliated by tearing off half of Yin Li's sleeve. Yin Li then remarked that Zhou Zhiruo was cunning and scheming.

It was only because Zhou Zhiruo appeared to have been hit that she leaned on Ding Minjun's shoulder, her arms weak, suggesting a serious injury.
In reality, she didn't reveal her true intentions. Instead, she used the "Emei Nine Yang Skill" to deflect Yin Li's hand, causing her arm to feel slightly numb. She wasn't injured at all. Yin Li, as an adversary, knew perfectly well that Zhou Zhiruo was lying and that she was cunning.

Zhang Wuji was only happy for Zhou Zhiruo at the time, thinking that Abbess Miejue favored her and even passed on the Emei Sect's treasured Nine Yang Skill to her. He completely ignored her, and was even slapped in the face by Yin Li for it.

Zhou Zhiruo swayed a few times and said in a miserable voice, "I know Yin Li is scheming and I can't hide it from her. But I didn't mean to lie to her because I didn't want my senior sister to be jealous of me. I only hate that I was blind and fell in love with someone I shouldn't have."

Yun Changkong suddenly realized: "That's it! No wonder she wanted to kill Yin Li in the original story. She must have been holding a grudge about what happened in the past and wanted to kill him to vent her anger!"

He said, "Don't talk about love anymore. What you call love is just wanting to experience the feeling of being valued and having everything revolve around you!"
You can project this feeling onto anyone, or rather, whoever gives you this feeling is your lover, nothing more.

Even Song Qingshu, whom you so utterly despise, you might be willing to be her wife. So no matter who you claim to love, you're actually only loving yourself.

Zhang Wuji may seem to have let go of you because Xie Xun did, but in reality, he was also afraid of your scheming nature. Therefore, his love wouldn't be so deep. If you were the kind of woman who only had eyes for him, Xie Xun wouldn't be able to control his thoughts.

It's like when I asked him if he would give me the Dragon Slayer Sword.

He didn't hesitate, because he held fast to his belief: in the great cause of driving out the Tartars, he was willing to sacrifice himself if fewer brothers and heroes could die. His adoptive father's thoughts didn't matter; it was just a pity you weren't that person!

Upon hearing this, Zhou Zhiruo felt her hands and feet turn ice cold. Suddenly, she felt a wave of exhaustion and despair washed over her. Tears welled up and swirled in her eyes. Suddenly, she raised her fist and punched Yun Changkong hard.

Zhao Min reached out and blocked her way, shouting, "What are you doing? Zhang Wuji may not love you that much, but you don't love her that much either. You're both equally bad. What's wrong with you?"

Yun Changkong and Zhao Min both clearly saw that the separation between Zhang Wuji and Zhou Zhiruo, seemingly due to external factors, was actually because neither of them loved the other that much.

Zhou Zhiruo looked at Zhao Min, her expression a mixture of crying and laughing: "Yes, I don't have your courage, I'm not as brave as you to bear the reputation of betraying my father and clan, but are you really happy? I don't believe it!" As she said this, tears suddenly streamed down her face.

Zhao Min smiled slightly: "Believe it or not, it's my own choice. I know that things in this world are hard to have both ways. I will inevitably suffer infamy, but I don't regret it. I will never deceive or hurt the person I love because of this, let alone use my innocence as a bargaining chip to stab him in the heart!"

Zhou Zhiruo tested Zhang Wuji's innocence, not only with Yun Changkong, but also by fabricating the story of Song Qingshu, whom she later claimed to be his wife in front of all the heroes, which finally convinced Zhang Wuji. These words were expected by Zhou Zhiruo, but they still caused her immense heartache and made her tremble. Overwhelmed with self-pity and sorrow, she suddenly felt overwhelmed with grief, her legs went weak, and she squatted on the ground, bursting into tears.

In fact, this cry was not only because she felt humiliated by Yun Changkong, Zhao Min, and Zhang Wuji, but also because of her experiences over the years. Whether it was the death of her parents, watching her father die under the swords of the Yuan soldiers, or the hardships, sorrows, and bitterness she experienced while learning martial arts on Mount Emei, all the emotions in her heart poured out with her tears.

Seeing her crying so heartbrokenly, Yun Changkong and the others had different thoughts. Zhao Min stared at Zhou Zhiruo, thinking, "Women's minds are always hard to fathom. Is she really crying?"

Xiao Zhao couldn't help but wonder: "She told Leader Zhang that Master Yun had bullied her. Was she testing Leader Zhang, or did she also have feelings for Master Yun? Is this love turned to hate?"

When Granny Jin Hua heard this, she had a different thought: "A-Li was taught by me. Since she is fond of Zhang Wuji, he must be a very good person. So it would not be a bad thing if Xiao Zhao followed him."

Her heart raced as she thought about it, and fine beads of sweat appeared on her forehead, because she knew that only by marrying Xiao Zhao off could she be with Yun Changkong without any worries.

She truly fell in love with the languid, comfortable, and wonderful feeling she had when she was with Yun Changkong.

Although the Purple-Robed Dragon King was middle-aged, her inner strength was profound, and she was at the peak of her feminine charm. Both her mind and body were at their zenith, and lust is arguably the greatest human desire, invisible and intangible. It is the most elusive and elusive, yet also the most difficult to eradicate.

Those Taoist priests and monks who have renounced worldly life can regard wealth and honor as dirt, but even if they devote most of their efforts to eradicating lust, very few of them can actually do it.

Those who can do this are extraordinary monks and Taoist masters.

After the Purple-Robed Dragon King and Yun Changkong consummated their relationship, he realized that nothing, except death, could stand between them.

To say that Yun Changkong and Zhao Min's relationship was one of romantic love, or even a deeply unforgettable one, is merely a worldly notion.

She and Yun Changkong were an intoxicating couple, because there were many things Zhao Min couldn't do, simply because Yun Changkong's internal strength was too profound for her to bear. Many times she was satisfied, but Yun Changkong was not.

This was a consensus between the two, something even Zhao Min found difficult to understand.

But Xiao Zhao stood between the two of them.

If it were any other woman, the Purple-Robed Dragon King would certainly not care if Yun Changkong had another woman.

Unfortunately, this was his own daughter, and bound by ethical constraints, no one dared to break the rules.

Yun Changkong felt the same way. If it weren't for this, he would have made a move on Xiao Zhao long ago. Who wouldn't love such an obedient and beautiful girl, let alone fall for her?

Hearing Zhou Zhiruo crying incessantly, Yun Changkong sighed, "Sigh, why are you crying again? It's so late at night, if someone hears you crying here, they'll think I've done something to you."

Zhou Zhiruo trembled with anger and couldn't help coughing. It took her a while to catch her breath before she blurted out, "Yun Changkong, cough cough... you are... cough... the biggest bastard in the world."

Xiao Zhao said angrily, "Miss Zhou, how dare you swear at me?"

Zhou Zhiruo said sadly, "I just... cough cough... I just want to curse him... I am where I am today because of him... cough cough... if it weren't for him... I would never have been humiliated like this. He is a... bastard. Yun Changkong, do you accept it?"

Yun Changkong couldn't help but retort, "I'll give in to your nonsense! It's one thing for others to call me a bastard, but what right do you have? What did I do to you?"

Zhou Zhiruo looked furious, her beautiful eyes blazing with anger. She stopped crying, caught her breath, and said softly, "You did not do anything to me, but all of this was caused by you. If it weren't for you, why would I be in this situation?"
Do you know how happy I was when your father and Chief Shi proposed marriage to my master? I've always dreamed of being a good Mrs. Yun, and that's why I hate you so much!

Yun Changkong shook his head with a smile and said, "I don't believe you at all."

Zhou Zhiruo sighed softly, her sigh containing disappointment, expectation, and a faint sadness. A melancholy that should not be present on her young and beautiful face appeared. She said softly, "Yun Changkong, I believe my appearance is not bad. Among women in the martial arts world, none can match me. My martial arts skills are not inferior to anyone among the younger generation. I am worthy of you."

But you distanced yourself from Zhao Min. However, I learned of her deep affection for you, even at the cost of betraying her father and clan; so be it. I am willing to spend my life devoted to Buddhism. At that time, I did not hate you. You know that.”

Xiao Zhao asked, "Then why do you hate me now?"

Zhou Zhiruo's sorrowful gaze swept over Xiao Zhao: "You spoke so highly of Zhao Min that day, and told my master about all the grievances I suffered on Mount Emei. I was so grateful."

Seeing you and Zhao Min get married under the moon, I was so envious. I think you are a true gentleman, and Zhao Min is so lucky to have your love and respect.

"The only thing I lack is that I only met you at General Yang's Temple in Zhuxian Town. She knew you back in Kaifeng, after all. A gentleman like you naturally wouldn't accept two women, so what right do I have to complain?"

As he spoke, his eyes sharpened, and he pointed at Xiao Zhao: "But what about her? In what way is she better than me? You flirt with her in broad daylight, you ignore me, yet you exchange glances with other women in front of Zhao Min."

At that moment, I felt like I'd been thrown to the ground and stomped on. I vowed then and there that I'd show you what I'm capable of.

Yun Changkong and the others were stunned when they heard this. Xiao Zhao blushed, not expecting it was because of her.

Yun Changkong sighed, "So that's how it is. Now I understand why you hate me so much!"

Zhou Zhiruo said angrily, "Shouldn't I hate you? I accepted that you rejected me for Zhao Min's sake. But what makes this girl better than me? Why can you disregard Zhao Min's opinion for her sake?"
This is clearly treating me like a monster; doesn't that make me angrier than if I were hit or verbally abused? Who else would I make an enemy of if not you?

Hearing this, Xiao Zhao became even angrier and shouted, "I think you've gone mad! My relationship with Yun Xiang Gong is completely innocent. I care about him, and he cares about me. It's just that you, you're so unreasonable!" With that, she turned and left.

Yun Changkong burst into laughter.

Zhou Zhiruo retorted angrily, "What are you laughing at? Don't you believe me?"

Yun Changkong laughed and said, "I laugh at how Qiao Feng, the former leader of the Beggars' Sect, ruined his reputation and committed suicide at Yanmen Pass because he disdained a woman. I never thought that I, Yun Changkong, would have such a day. This trip has truly been worthwhile!"

Zhou Zhiruo stared at him for a while, then suddenly smiled through her tears: "Xie Xun said that you don't accept me because you're afraid of death, is that really true?"

"Indeed!" Yun Changkong laughed, "I know how ruthless you are! A woman's heart is like a needle at the bottom of the sea, and you are capable of hurting your lover, how can I not be afraid?"

Zhou Zhiruo shook her head and said, "But before I went to Bright Peak and met Zhang Wuji again, I never harbored any ill intentions towards you, not even towards Zhao Min!"

Yun Changkong looked at her, then suddenly sighed and said softly, "Because it's easier to change mountains and rivers than to change one's nature. From the first moment I saw you, you were only fourteen years old, but your behavior was far too mature. I knew you were no pushover. Even if I remained a bachelor for life, even if I followed Yang Xiao's example, even if it was just a trial with you, I wouldn't be willing."

A mocking look appeared in Zhou Zhiruo's eyes as she sneered, "I never thought that someone as skilled in martial arts as you would be afraid of death?"

Yun Changkong laughed and said, "Who in this world is not afraid of death? With unparalleled martial arts skills, there are plenty of ways for people to kill him!"

A person's life and death are all about whether they have value. For Minmin, for the former Purple-Robed Dragon King, I'm gambling with my life. Even if I die, I'll be willing.

Because I succeeded, I can earn the kindness of women like them, even their lives! But with you, it's uncertain!

Zhou Zhiruo felt as if she had been punched in the chest, her heart filled with bitterness, her eyes filled with sorrow, and tears streaming down her face uncontrollably.

Zhou Zhiruo lost both her parents and became a disciple of the Emei Sect. Abbess Miejue was a cold and ruthless person, and her disciples treated her with great care, which aroused jealousy among her fellow disciples.

She understood this deeply, and over time, to avoid trouble, she buried her joys and sorrows deep inside, occasionally revealing them, but they were mostly fake. But no one understood any of this.

Until Yun Changkong appeared, he told Abbess Miejue about his suffering. From that moment on, she was both confused and angry with Yun Changkong.

What puzzles me is why she understands me so well, and what angers me is that if you understand me so well, why don't you marry me, and instead choose to marry Zhao Min?
At that moment, she didn't know what she was feeling.

When she saw Yun Changkong and Zhao Min bowing to the moon, she felt very sad and bitter.

A thousand people's love is not as good as one person's understanding; this has always been the case, not to mention Yun Changkong's dashing good looks and awe-inspiring presence in the martial arts world. Zhou Zhiruo would never become someone's concubine, and she wanted to forget this person, but this genuine affection and true nature was something even her master couldn't sever; how could she possibly let go of it?

From then on, the longing in her heart day and night eroded her youthful years.

Later, on the way to Bright Peak, she met Zhang Wuji again, the old friend who had fed her a bowl of rice and remembered it for many years. She thought it was a good thing.

However, she encountered Yun Changkong again at Bright Peak. She appeared indifferent, but inside she was flustered and anxious. When she met Zhang Wuji's gaze and saw Yun Changkong and the others looking at her, she couldn't help but feel her cheeks burning.

She didn't know what she was thinking, but when she saw Xiao Zhao, this beautiful and lovely girl, appear beside Yun Changkong, she felt extremely resentful.

Yun Changkong wasn't against accepting two colors; he simply didn't want himself!
She couldn't bear this outcome!

She hates!

She hated the injustice of fate and Yun Changkong's blindness and ignorance of good and bad!

Then she will take revenge!
But in the end, she became a laughingstock. Thinking of this, Zhou Zhiruo lowered her head and said in a soft, delicate voice, "Kill me!"

Yun Changkong shook his head and said, "If I wanted to kill you, I would have done it long ago."

Zhou Zhiruo said angrily, "You, you... if you don't kill me, I'll take my revenge on you! Zhao Min, you do it!"

Zhao Min said calmly, "Why would I kill you? You've lost completely to me, and you'll never win in your entire life. Even if your martial arts surpass mine in the future, killing me will still make you a loser!"

Zhou Zhiruo's cheeks flushed red again, and she snorted coldly, saying, "You gave up so much for Yun Changkong, yet he has other women. Don't you hate him?"

Zhao Min laughed and said, "With Brother Yun's affection for me, no matter how many women she has, as long as they are willing to serve me tea and call me 'sister,' I won't hate them!"

The affair between Yun Changkong and the Purple-Robed Dragon King happened before her, also by a twist of fate. She felt a pang of sadness, but it wasn't entirely unacceptable.

Besides, her father also had many concubines, which she had seen since childhood. It would be good to have two wives, but polygamy was not a big deal.

Seeing Zhao Min's captivating charm and alluring beauty, Yun Changkong's heart fluttered, and he exclaimed, "With a wife like this, what more could a husband ask for?"

Seeing his expression, Zhao Min was greatly pleased and laughed, "What? Isn't my wife being magnanimous and virtuous enough?"

Yun Changkong laughed and said, "That's right, you are the model of wives, no one can match you!"

Granny Jin Hua coldly said, "This woman is determined to die, so I'll grant her wish. Anyway, it's just a matter of time before that old nun Miejue punished my disciple!" With that, she dragged Zhou Zhiruo out.

Yun Changkong said, "Miss Zhou, perhaps everything was predetermined, and none of this is anyone's fault."

As a disciple of Emei, you should understand Buddhist teachings. The Buddhist scriptures say: All forms are illusory. If one sees all forms as non-forms, then one sees the Tathagata. Ordinary people fear the consequences, while Bodhisattvas fear the causes.

None of this is anyone's fault. If there is any evil cause, there will be karmic retribution in the future. You must not be attached to it.

After the two left, Zhao Min sighed and said, "This Miss Zhou is truly heartbroken today. Is it possible that she could become a Buddha or a demon in an instant?"

Yun Changkong thought for a moment: "Given her personality, if her heart doesn't die, then the Dao won't be born."

If you cannot break free from your obsessions, you will never see the light of day.

If one can accomplish one's task and leave without a trace, letting one's heart drift away with the gentle breeze, it will not be difficult to become a true sage.

Zhao Min said softly, "What if the obsession runs even deeper?"

Yun Changkong walked to the window, looked at the bright moon in the sky, and after a moment of contemplation, said softly, "The Buddha said: 'To establish knowledge is to establish ignorance; to have no knowledge is to attain Nirvana.'"

Zhao Min looked up and saw a bright moon shining in the sky. She recited: "On a moonlit night, the sound of reed pipes fills the air. Who leans on their sword against the white clouds?"

Yun Changkong gently shook his head: "The ways of the world are like cold frost, and ruthlessness is like a knife severing the heart. In the past, I was trapped in the dust and confused by illusions, but now I am forced to break free from the secluded forest. When the shackles are broken, my obsession is released, and freedom comes first, not tears."

Fellow Daoists urged me onward, my steps quickened; an unexpected event pressed upon me, deepening my resolve.

There's no such thing as a true defeat in life; what you learn is always a winning strategy.

When and what is not of worldly affairs? Where and where is there no Buddha?

Zhao Min chuckled: "What kind of cultivation is this, at this time and place?"

Yun Changkong put his palms together and said, "Amitabha, the Joyful Dharma can be practiced!" He then separated his hands, picked up Zhao Min, and threw her onto the bed.

(End of this chapter)