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

Chapter 148 Bet
At this critical moment, Abbess Miejue suddenly felt her arm tilt, and the palm that was about to land on her head slanted out.

It turns out that Yun Changkong did not tell the truth about Zhou Zhiruo directly. On the one hand, he wanted to save face for the Emei Sect, and on the other hand, he knew that Abbess Miejue was the kind of person who would rather die than be humiliated. If he told her everything directly, the old nun would probably choose to commit suicide, just like in the original story.

Hearing Abbess Miejue tell Zhou Zhiruo that she could no longer take care of her, and that she left without even taking the Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber, he felt that she was determined to die. That's why he followed her out and even asked her if she wanted to take the secret of the Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber, but she ignored him.

They guessed that the old nun probably intended not to create the pagoda while imprisoned in Wan'an Temple, just like in the original story.

This time it's just a different location.

Just as Zhou Zhiruo screamed and Abbess Miejue raised her arm high to strike down, she had already moved.

Yun Changkong's lightness skill had long since reached a state of divine perfection, even making the Green Winged Bat King, who was proud of his lightness skill, admit that he was inferior. He flew out with all his might, faster than an arrow. Just as Abbess Miejue's palm was about to hit his forehead, he stretched out his left hand and gently flicked her wrist, using the "Great Shift of Heaven and Earth" technique.

Abbess Miejue's arm veered off course and landed in empty space, but her will to die was so firm that she didn't have time to think. Her left elbow shot out from behind, aiming straight for Yun Changkong's "Shanzhong" acupoint on his chest.

This acupoint, also known as the "Middle Dantian," is a vital area for the heart and lungs, a crucial point in the body, and one of the most dangerous points. Even masters of internal martial arts, if injured by a martial arts expert, are often crippled even if they don't die.

With a bang, Abbess Miejue's elbow struck like a rock, causing her excruciating pain in her elbow. She stumbled forward a step, while Yun Changkong also staggered backward a step.

These two changes happened so suddenly that Zhao Min, the Purple-Robed Dragon King, and Xiao Zhao's expressions changed slightly, and they rushed forward at the same time.

Yun Changkong's face turned as red as blood as he exhaled a long breath.

It should be noted that when Yun Changkong rushed forward with all his might at the critical moment and deflected the opponent's palm force, most of his internal energy was used in these two areas, leaving his chest and abdomen relatively empty. This is also the reason why Xie Xun was able to kill the monk Kongjian with a single punch in the past.

It wasn't that he was inferior in reciting the Transformation Technique, but rather that in that instant, all his internal energy was used for lightness skills and parrying.

Therefore, when Abbess Miejue struck Yun Changkong's vital point with her elbow, even with his abilities, it was truly excruciatingly painful.

Abbess Miejue turned around, looked at Yun Changkong with slightly red eyes, tears welling up in them, and her body trembling, clearly very excited.

She had just escaped death, and all her actions were instinctive. Even with Yun Changkong's martial arts skills, he could have dodged at the worst, but in order to save her, he was struck in the chest by his own elbow.

As the saying goes, "Better to take three punches than one elbow." If I hadn't been injured, this blow could have easily injured or killed him.

He took the blow to his own chest with his elbow, which was essentially a way of dying for himself.

Zhou Zhiruo then ran in. It wasn't that she was slow to react, but rather that her internal energy was sealed, preventing her from using her lightness skill, making her slower than the other three women.

Zhou Zhiruo ran to Abbess Miejue, knelt down, hugged her legs, tears streaming down her face like pear blossoms in the rain, and cried, "Master, it's my fault, how could you die, it's my fault!"

Abbess Miejue's emotions surged as she stared at Yun Changkong, her eyes twitching a few times. Suddenly, her gaze shifted to the distance, and she sighed, "You should understand me. I have already made up my mind to die. You can save me for a while, but how can you save me forever?"

At this point, his voice became hoarse, and he choked up, unable to speak.

Zhao Min, the Purple-Robed Dragon King, and Xiao Zhao were initially furious that Abbess Miejue had attacked Yun Changkong, accusing her of being ungrateful. However, they now understood that in that instant, when someone attacked a master like Abbess Miejue, her retaliation had long become instinctive. Yun Changkong couldn't possibly be unaware of this. Since he didn't dodge, if they continued to retaliate against Abbess Miejue, they would only put Yun Changkong in a difficult position.

Yun Changkong smiled bitterly and said, "I understand very well that the most difficult and painful thing in this world is that you have encountered it, you have obtained it, but you have lost it in a hurry."

This will leave a scar in your heart, and it will hurt whenever it wants. That's how the nun is right now.

"You're determined to die, and I can't stop you, but if I see it, I can't stand idly by."

"This must have been difficult for you." Abbess Miejue sighed and said, "I, as your master, am responsible for Zhiruo's current state. This young girl is right, I am indeed a cold-blooded and heartless old woman..." She seemed to choke on her words and could no longer continue.

Zhou Zhiruo's voice was low and hoarse as she cried, "Master is very good, very good. It's just that your disciple is useless... Waaah..."

Zhao Min interjected, "Abbess Miejue, I know you have a fiery temper. Although you didn't die from that palm strike today, it was quite meaningful."

Zhao Min possesses both the charm of a delicate woman from Jiangnan and the boldness of a man in her speech.

Hearing her interject, Abbess Miejue also became interested and said, "What insightful opinion does Madam Yun have? Please enlighten me."

Abbess Miejue was arrogant and had very high standards, so for her to say such a thing meant she thought highly of Zhao Min.

Zhao Min said solemnly, "Your insight is profound, but your understanding is limited. Please take this as a suggestion, Master. Your esteemed sect's founder, Guo, is exceptionally talented. She founded the Emei sect, which is renowned throughout the world. Moreover, her parents were both chivalrous heroes who helped those in distress, upheld justice, and served the country and its people. Therefore, they are highly respected by everyone in the martial arts world."

In particular, Guo Daxia was the sworn brother of Emperor Ruizong of this dynasty, King Tolui, and even Emperor Kublai Khan had to respectfully call him uncle, showing him the utmost respect.

Therefore, when the Emei Sect was passed down to the generation of the abbess, the disciples under her command had limited talent. Although their reputation was only second to Shaolin and Wudang, their strength was far inferior to Kunlun and Huashan, and they were worlds apart from Shaolin and Wudang.

My father wanted to wipe out all the martial arts forces and had taken action against Shaolin and Wudang, but because of this relationship, no one dared to provoke the Emei Sect.

However, if the things that the nun and her disciple did were to spread throughout the martial arts world, not only would you be ridiculed, but the reputation of the Emei Sect, its founder, and the great hero Guo and his wife would also suffer greatly.

As the sect leader, you chose to commit suicide for the sake of the sect's reputation; this shows your sense of responsibility.

But nothing in life matters except death. Your resolute decision to die makes me feel both indignant and somewhat admiring.

But think about it, who here would say such things? Besides, if my husband doesn't take action, once you die, won't all your reputation and hatred become a thing of the past, vanishing like smoke?

Clearly, in your heart, reputation and hatred are things that can be discarded.

You were blinded by hatred in the past, which led you to commit wrongdoings. Everyone makes mistakes. The nun's willingness to die to atone for her past errors shows both courage and remorse. Isn't this what is meant by "put down the dragon-slaying sword and instantly become a Buddha"?

My husband often says that life is like six illusions: like dew, like a bubble, like a shadow, like mist, and like lightning. We should view it thus. You are a highly accomplished Buddhist nun; why would a mere woman like me need to ramble on?

Every word she said struck a chord with Yun Changkong.

Abbess Miejue felt relieved, as if bathed in a spring breeze, and felt much better.

Yun Changkong said, "Master, my wife is very insightful. What she said is exactly what I thought."

No one is perfect, and no one's actions in life can be entirely correct, not even Master Guo!

Since we made the wrong choice, so be it!

The Tao Te Ching says: "Misfortune may be a blessing in disguise, and a blessing may be a misfortune in disguise." There is no absolute good or bad in this world, because everything in the past has a cause.

On her way to Bright Peak, the nun had already let go of everything.

The reason Zhou was made to do that was simply because Zhang Wuji appeared, showing her his feelings for her and giving her a chance to obtain the Dragon-Slaying Saber, which led him to resort to such a desperate measure. He completely failed to consider that he was fundamentally different from Xie Xun and Yin Susu.

What you're doing is exactly the same as what the Ming Cult people call "those who achieve great things don't concern themselves with trifles," and you've completely forgotten that they are also an indispensable force in driving out the barbarians, which is exactly what you've always wanted in life.

Your forgetfulness is the very essence of what Buddhism teaches about the arising of demonic karma and heavy karmic burdens!

Upon hearing this, Zhou Zhiruo was deeply moved and stopped crying.

She remembered that on the way to Bright Peak, Abbess Miejue said that the purpose of martial arts is to help the weak and punish the strong, and to eliminate evil. She also mentioned that there was an Emei Sect a hundred years ago. Even if the sect was destroyed, a glorious journey would be worthwhile and would not be a disgrace to heaven and earth.

Abbess Miejue's lips trembled slightly. She had sent Zhou Zhiruo to seduce Zhang Wuji, a despicable and violating Emei Sect's code of conduct.

She had previously only considered Zhang Wuji a demon, and wondered why she would bother with chivalry when dealing with such a person. But these two thoughts were also extremely contradictory; otherwise, why would she kneel before her disciple, Zhou Zhiruo?

In fact, this was also a great source of confusion and conflict in her heart. Now, after hearing what Yun Changkong said, she understood that she had been blinded by hatred and was acting in the same way as the demonic sect she hated. This was how inner demons were born.

"The evil is deep and the sins are heavy!" Abbess Miejue's eyes dimmed, and she put her palms together in a gesture of respect, saying, "Amitabha, thank you for your guidance, my dear couple."

In this chaotic world, if our Emei Sect were to prioritize its own gains and losses, jeopardizing the great cause of the anti-Yuan rebellion and plunging the people into misery, even if the Emei Sect were the strongest in the world, how could we possibly live up to the patriotic and compassionate hearts of our founder and the great hero Guo Jing!

Yun Changkong smiled slightly, put his hands together, and said, "Master, life is but a dream. As the saying goes, if you cling to one thought, all things will suffer."

If you can't let go of a single thought and find complete freedom, then you can take a lighter view of worldly affairs, take gains and losses less seriously, and be more open-minded about success and failure. This is the beginning of rebirth.

The name of extinction is born of demons, so the inner demon is also a demon. Without looking back, without self-reproach, this is true freedom and liberation.

Abbess Miejue's heart stirred, and she smiled and said, "Since life is but a dream, and all is false, are your feelings for them also false?" Her gaze fell on Zhao Min, and then swept over the Purple-Robed Dragon King.

Upon hearing this, the girls all looked at Yun Changkong.

When Yun Changkong was trying to enlighten Abbess Miejue, he spoke eloquently, saying things like to take things lightly and be detached from worldly concerns. But after hearing this, he couldn't very well say that everything was empty, but that didn't stump him either.

Having read many scriptures, Yun Changkong was eloquent and said, "Buddhism speaks of the emptiness of the four elements, and Taoism also speaks of being without desires and wants, being pure and silent. I think this is empty talk and the greatest hypocrisy. It is actually a low level of learning."

As the saying goes, extreme rigidity gives rise to softness, and extreme softness gives rise to rigidity; extreme righteousness becomes reversal, and extreme reversal becomes righteousness.

Because everyone has desires and wants in life.

Just like with women, to forcibly sever all desires and emotions goes against one's innate nature. But having desires and wants doesn't mean one can act arbitrarily or unscrupulously. One should seek them ethically and let nature take its course; this is the principle of accepting fate and letting things unfold naturally.

This is also the concept of cause and effect in Buddhism.

Because human nature is insatiable, and people scheme and plot, what they obtain that does not belong to them will eventually have to be returned, and no one can escape it.

Back then, Cao Wei replaced Han, Sima seized Wei, and then the Sima clan was wiped out. In modern times, the Jin dynasty destroyed the Northern Song dynasty, and the Jingkang Incident occurred. However, when the Jin dynasty was destroyed, its fate was even more tragic than that of the Northern Song dynasty.

The Mongols rose to power, dominating the world, conquering countless nations, and engaging in endless slaughter. When Kublai Khan conquered the Song Dynasty, the last emperor of the Song Dynasty came to pay homage. His empress, Chabi, had said, "Since ancient times, no country has lasted a thousand years. It would be a blessing if my descendants did not suffer such a fate." Therefore, when Kublai Khan allowed her to choose from the spoils of war captured from the Southern Song, she took none. Instead, she was deeply saddened and devoted herself to caring for the dowager empress of the fallen Song Dynasty.

Because she saw clearly and foresight, even as a woman, she knew that her descendants would not escape the fate of Song. But it was precisely when she wanted nothing that she was most charming, and even a great ruler like Kublai Khan cherished her greatly.

This applies to both women and men. At that time, all you need to do is give a little sincerity, and you will either receive sincerity or the truth.

If you receive genuine affection in return, they will naturally reciprocate, perhaps even more so. All we need to do is open our arms and accept them.

If you gain a sincere heart but cannot reciprocate, if she doesn't reciprocate with the truth that you are not in her heart, it is still worthwhile. You can then leave without hesitation; this is freedom, acceptance of fate, and naturalness.

Those who practice Buddhism and Taoism avoid lust at all costs, establishing precepts and strictly adhering to them for fear of hindering their spiritual practice. In reality, it's precisely because they yearn for these things yet forcibly suppress them that, under certain circumstances, they erupt like a flood bursting its banks, becoming uncontrollable. This leads to the emergence of hypocrites who deceive the world, seek fame and fortune, and are the dregs of humanity.

He was very knowledgeable, and everyone listened intently. Xiao Zhao found it interesting and asked, "Then shouldn't monks and Taoists follow the precepts?"

Yun Changkong said, "Beautiful things should be appreciated. To see a beautiful woman and silently think to yourself that she is a 'beautiful skeleton' and ignore her is the greatest hypocrisy."

Whether one is a layperson or a monastic, as long as one does not indulge in lust upon seeing beauty, one can freely enter and leave, come and go as one pleases. This is the Zen meaning of cultivating Buddhism within the heart, "the body is like Bodhi, the mind is like a mirror, clouds are in the blue sky, water is in the bottle." Of course, knowing is easier than doing.

Just like understanding the principles of martial arts is not difficult, but integrating them into martial arts moves to unleash tremendous power is extremely difficult, and only one in millions can achieve it.

Like Huang Shang, the creator of the Nine Yin Manual, he originally knew no martial arts and had no master. He simply read Taoist scriptures and became a master of both internal and external martial arts, defeating the Ming Cult's envoys in a rout. The only recourse was to kill his family and besiege him for revenge, but in the end, he let go of the hatred he had held for forty years and did not kill his enemy, which led to the creation of the Nine Yin Manual.

Therefore, when I read the words of the Sixth Patriarch Huineng, "Bodhi is not a tree, nor is the bright mirror a stand. Originally there is nothing, so where can dust alight?", I do not agree. On the contrary, I feel that Master Shenxiu's words, "The body is the Bodhi tree, the mind is the bright mirror stand. Constantly wipe it clean, lest dust alight," are more in line with the true meaning of Buddhism in helping people and the world. This is because Huineng's words are merely empty rhetoric. Let alone those who practice Buddhism, even if one's own mind were truly empty and without any desire for victory or defeat, why would one need to contend with Master Shenxiu?
He simply overshadowed Master Shenxiu by using a fabricated version of his work.

Therefore, I love beauty and admire beautiful women, but I will not be obsessed, scheming, or plotting. If I gain her, I am fortunate; if not, it is my fate, nothing more!

Yun Changkong quoted extensively from classical texts and spoke eloquently. A strong sense of shyness welled up in Zhao Min's heart. Her fair and delicate face blushed as if she had applied rouge, as beautiful as a peach blossom.

She understood what he meant: he accepted her because she had thought of him, longed for him, and pursued him; if she hadn't done those things, he would never have been with her.

The Purple-Robed Dragon King was overjoyed, for she felt that instead of chasing after Yun Changkong, he was the one pestering her, a mere woman. She felt an immense sense of satisfaction.

As for Xiao Zhao, she felt a sour smell rush to her eyes and nose. She was very brave, but due to ethical constraints, she could only look on with a sigh of relief.

Zhou Zhiruo felt a mix of emotions; she felt that Yun Changkong was targeting her.

Being kind to her either earns her genuine affection or exposes the truth. She felt Zhang Wuji's kindness towards her was met with a truth she didn't want to accept: she wasn't as important as his godfather!

Isn't that exactly what was predicted?
She has nowhere to vent her frustrations.

When Abbess Miejue saw the charming and delicate look on Zhao Min's face, and the intoxicating shyness on the face of the Purple-Robed Dragon King, she was as if she were a young girl just beginning to experience love.

This made Abbess Miejue sigh, "A capable person is indeed capable. No wonder she can take Zhao Min, a Mongolian princess, and the proud and arrogant Purple-Robed Dragon King into her household together."

He can resolve matters concerning women with reason and morality, which makes him far superior to other men!

Anyway, he's much better than Gu Hongzi.

"In the end, no one can escape that day. Of those who live to be a hundred, seventy is rare." A soft, gentle voice escaped from Xiao Zhao's throat.

The tender, lingering music made Abbess Miejue tremble. She looked up and saw Xiao Zhao gazing at Yun Changkong through teary eyes. Her expression was both languid and melancholic, and her singing was melodious and winding, like clouds swirling and wind flashing.

Abbess Miejue sighed inwardly, "What a tragedy!" When she looked at the Purple-Robed Dragon King again, her robes fluttered and she vanished in a flash.

Abbess Miejue understood that her mother also knew her daughter's thoughts, but she still chose to face it.

She was much braver than I was; she truly deserved to be called the Purple-Robed Dragon King, who dared to break out of the sect.

Suddenly, after a series of cracking sounds, Abbess Miejue straightened her hunched back again, her eyes shining brightly. In the morning light, her sleeves fluttered like a golden phoenix, and she once again became the proud and arrogant Emei Sect Leader.

The true energy that Yun Changkong transferred to her merged with her own true energy, flowing freely within her body and reaching even the tips of her hair. For a moment, she felt a sense of ethereal tranquility.

At this moment, she fully understood the deepest meaning of Buddhist internal energy cultivation and the realm represented by Yun Changkong's "Arhat Subduing Demon Divine Skill".

What is meant by subduing demons?

It's not about diligent practice to subdue the poisonous demons of greed, anger, and ignorance. Rather, the more you try to suppress these demons, the stronger they rebound; it's better to guide them constantly. If your mind is impure, cleanse it regularly to keep your spirit clear.

Despite her resounding reputation, Abbess Miejue was ultimately just a woman. In her quest for the Dragon-Slaying Saber, she forced her disciple, only to suffer defeat and humiliation. To further humiliate herself upon hearing that her beloved disciple had sacrificed her chastity was a series of blows, leaving her ashamed and contemplating suicide.

However, after being enlightened by Yun Changkong and Zhao Min, and witnessing the choices made by the Purple-Robed Dragon King and his daughter, her heart, which had died once, was completely changed by Yun Changkong's Buddhist philosophy and natural imagery.

Her Emei internal martial arts, which was initially awkward and stiff, suddenly transformed into something natural, unhindered, and composed.

She realized that the day she finally freed herself from the shackles in her heart would be the day her inner strength truly reached its peak.

Yun Changkong and Zhao Min watched as Xiao Zhao sang and walked slowly away into the distance.

Yun Changkong remained silent, then suddenly noticed the mischievous smile on Zhao Min's face and asked with a smile, "What are you laughing at?"

Zhao Min suddenly became fiercely protective, playfully punching him with her small fists and saying coquettishly, "Do you think you're so great? If I didn't come to you, would you abandon me?"

Yun Changkong laughed heartily, neither dodging nor avoiding, but simply accepting the punishment.

Watching the two playfully bickering, and seeing Zhou Zhiruo staring blankly at them with a hint of longing in her eyes, Abbess Miejue burst into tears. Immediately, she bent her knees, pushed aside the golden bell and jade pillar, and knelt before Zhou Zhiruo, saying, "Zhiruo, I shouldn't have forced you. Your master was wrong. Let those vows go with the wind!"

She was a heroine, always able to take things in stride and let them go, even more magnanimous than any man. When she entrusted Zhou Zhiruo with her mission that day, she felt guilty and knelt down before her disciple. Now she knelt down again.

Zhou Zhiruo threw herself into her master's arms, bursting into tears as she cried, "Master, I... I'd rather die than be imprisoned by this heartless and ungrateful person... If I die, I won't feel so bad..."

Seeing that Abbess Miejue had let go of her hatred, Yun Changkong sighed and said, "Alright, stop trying to kill yourself. If you still have feelings for Zhang Wuji, just give him the military strategy manual once you get it. Since you've let go of your hatred for the Ming Cult, it won't be difficult for you to rekindle your relationship. I only wish that you stop hating me, that's enough."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Zhiruo felt a mixture of joy and resentment. With tears welling in her eyes, she said, "Who are you saying is trying to kill themselves? Do you just want me and Zhang Wuji to get together?"

Yun Changkong was greatly surprised and said, "What kind of logic is this?"
Zhou Zhiruo said, "So you're right? Zhang Wuji treated me like that, and I would still go to him? What kind of person do you take me for?"

Having experienced a near-death experience thanks to Yun Changkong's power, Abbess Miejue had resolved many of her inner conflicts and gained a clearer understanding of Zhou Zhiruo's true nature. She realized that Zhou Zhiruo's root was her romantic relationship with Yun Changkong. With a long sigh, she said, "Zhiruo, I saw your exceptional talent and placed high hopes on you, hoping that you could ensure the continued glory and prosperity of our sect. However, due to my long-standing enmity with the Demonic Sect, I had you seduce Zhang Wuji without considering your feelings."

The establishment of a ruler or lord always requires a person of both strength and virtue. Chang Kong saw that you demeaned yourself by claiming to be innocent and feared that you might harbor resentment and go astray. That's why he went to great lengths to keep you on Peach Blossom Island. He didn't say it, but in reality, he cared about you.

If he were truly heartless and ungrateful to you, you would have died long ago. How could your master have protected you then?
If you follow him, this sentiment of "preferring beauty to power and fame" will naturally change you within five years.

If you can't let go of Zhang Wuji, then go and retrieve the map from your sword and give him the military strategy. Yun Changkong is ruthless and heartless; if Zhang Wuji were truly loyal and devoted to you, he wouldn't care about this matter!

Zhao Min said with a half-smile, "Master, you've misjudged him. Our hero Yun is incredibly chivalrous and tender-hearted. Cheng Kun and Chen Youliang cursed him for being heartless and ungrateful, and now the grass on his grave is already quite tall."

Yun Changkong gave an awkward smile.

Zhou Zhiruo's face, as white as a lily, was streaked with tears. She looked at Yun Changkong with a meaningful gaze.

Abbess Miejue sighed inwardly, knowing that this disciple also had feelings for Yun Changkong, otherwise she wouldn't have agreed to the marriage so readily.

It's just that fate is cruel. Yun Changkong was in love with Zhao Min, which led to what happened today. If they had gotten married, he wouldn't have forced his disciple. He couldn't help but sigh, "Zhiruo, whatever decision you make, your master will no longer interfere, even if you marry Zhang Wuji."

Zhou Zhiruo said in a trembling voice, "Master, I will never forget your great kindness. But I will not go to Zhang Wuji. In his heart, his brothers are more important than me, and his godfather is more important than me. Besides, Xie Xun killed Master's own brother. No matter how unworthy I am, how can I be with him! I will not see him."

Abbess Miejue was even more certain and said, "Life is unpredictable. My affair with Xie Xun is a matter of our previous generation, so don't worry about it. Of course, if you don't want to, your master won't force you. Do whatever you want!"

Yun Changkong said, "If you two have anything to say, get up and talk. Why are you kneeling?"

Both the master and disciple glanced at him. Abbess Miejue stood up first, pulled her disciple up, and said, "So, what are your plans?"

Zhou Zhiruo looked at Zhao Min and slowly said, "I want to become a nun to accompany my master in his cultivation, but I am still not convinced. You are a Mongolian woman, and he almost died at your hands. Why are you given so many opportunities? Yes, you have sacrificed for him."

But I haven't done anything wrong, yet he treats me like the plague, as if I'm utterly wicked. This time, he even dragged me here, forcing me to stay for five years, watching him embracing women on both sides. Is this for my own good?

Seeing her looking so aggrieved, Yun Changkong felt quite helpless. Zhao Min, however, frowned slightly, thinking to herself, "Could she really be willing to become Brother Changkong's concubine? How could that be? I have to test her!"

Then Abbess Miejue said, "The matter between you is complicated and I can't sort it out either. I just hope that you won't be blinded by resentment, that you can stay with the person you love, and that you won't be bound by me anymore."

Hearing her master's sincere words, Zhou Zhiruo felt a warmth in her heart and smiled, "Yes, thank you, Master. But I plan to become a nun and stay with you for the rest of my life."

Abbess Miejue sighed, "Why do you make yourself suffer? Even if there is no Zhang Wuji in this world, there are others."

Yun Changkong said, "Yes, flowers may bloom again, but youth never returns. For a young girl to become a nun is a very difficult thing. If she meets someone she loves and wants to leave the nunnery..."

Zhou Zhiruo interrupted him, saying, "I think I've figured it out. Life is always more bitter than sweet. I've gotten used to it over the years." Her eyes reddened, and she turned away.

Upon hearing this, Yun Changkong reflected on Zhou Zhiruo's life and realized that it seemed to have been more bitter than joyful. No wonder she felt this way. He couldn't help but sigh, and suddenly felt a pain in his waist.

Zhao Min's slender hand was on his waist, and she gave it a sharp pinch. She squinted and smiled, "Your flattery backfired, didn't it?"

Yun Changkong said, "I wasn't flattering you."

Zhao Min spat, "That's just filming a beauty..." She didn't finish the sentence because the word "fart" was vulgar. She then grinned at Zhou Zhiruo and said, "Miss Zhou, actually we have no grudges against each other. The reason we've come to this point is because you don't respect me. In fact, I don't respect you either when I see you. I always want to compete with you. Today, in front of your master and my husband, let's make a bet."

Zhou Zhiruo's gaze turned slightly cold as she slowly asked, "How do you want to wager?"

Yun Changkong and Abbess Miejue exchanged a glance. They both knew that Zhou Zhiruo was gentle and weak, yet she directly asked Zhao Min how she wanted to gamble. Clearly, this idea had been brewing in her heart for a long time.

If these desires are not released, they can breed inner demons.

Yun Changkong knew that Zhao Min and Zhou Zhiruo were both outstanding women, rivals in appearance, talent, and skill. Just like martial arts masters meeting equally matched opponents, they were eager to prove themselves and had to determine who was superior.

Zhao Min laughed and said, "We come from different backgrounds, so we can't compare in terms of military strategy, music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so there's no distinction between us."

However, we've both practiced martial arts since childhood, and our last meeting in Shanxi didn't really determine a winner. So let's have another match!

Zhou Zhiruo coldly replied, "Do you think I'm afraid of you?"

Zhao Min laughed and said, "But I'm not afraid of you!"

Zhou Zhiruo asked, "Alright, how do we compete? What's the prize?"

Zhao Min said, "If I lose to you, I will submit to you from now on, and you can beat me or kill me as you please, it will all be up to you!"

Yun Changkong was about to speak.

A hint of mockery flashed in Zhou Zhiruo's eyes as she coldly said, "Others might be afraid you can't afford to lose!"

Zhao Min looked at Yun Changkong and said, "This is between us, you don't need to interfere."

Yun Changkong said, "You can have a simple competition, why make such a big bet?" Zhou Zhiruo had always kept her sharp edge hidden, and he was really afraid that Zhao Min would lose.

Zhao Min shook her head and said, "Brother Yun, I have two great hobbies. The first is curiosity. When I encounter something I don't understand, I always have to figure it out. That's how we got to where we are today. The second is competitiveness. I always want to be the best. I won't give way to any man, let alone a woman. This is my nature, and I can't change it. You should believe me and support me!"

Yun Changkong slowly said, "Alright, I'll listen to you." If he were to stop her now, it would be tantamount to saying that Zhao Min was inferior to Zhou Zhiruo, and how could she accept that?
"Very well!" Zhou Zhiruo said loudly, "If I lose, from now on I will obey your orders, Zhao Min. Not to mention living here for five years, even if I serve you as a slave for fifty years, or for a lifetime, I will be willing and will never break my promise."

"You're joking!" Zhao Min laughed. "What virtue or ability do I have to dare to let Sister Zhou serve me as a slave? However, this Peach Blossom Island was arranged by your sect's founder Guo's maternal grandfather, and it is also the place where her mother was born. In the future, I will have to bring a few maids that I am used to. You can be the manager of this Peach Blossom Island and handle all the trivial matters. This is not an insult to you as a disciple of the Emei Sect, is it?"

Zhou Zhiruo snorted coldly: "Then let's compete now!"

Zhao Min shook her head and said, "If you lose now, you might be dissatisfied and think that it's because of my husband's training. If I want to beat you, I'll make you admit defeat wholeheartedly!"

Zhou Zhiruo frowned slightly: "What do you mean?"

Zhao Min turned her gaze to the Heaven-Slaying Sword and Dragon-Slaying Saber stuck in the ground.

(End of this chapter)