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

When Yu Canghai saw Yun Changkong actually point his longsword at his chest, a storm of emotions surged within him, but his lips remained tightly closed, as if he were pondering a choice.

He knew that a master like Yun Changkong was someone who could do what he said in front of everyone. If he were to be stubborn again, Yun Changkong would surely tremble and cause him to be disemboweled.

But to surrender now would earn him a reputation for being a coward, and he and the Qingcheng Sect would never be able to compete in the martial arts world again.

Just as he was in a dilemma, a calm and reserved voice rang out: "The moment Master Yu drew his sword, he risked his life and honor. But old age is no substitute for physical strength. The Yangtze River's waves push the old waves forward, and new people replace the old. The martial arts world has always been the domain of the young. A temporary defeat is nothing to be concerned about."

Yu Canghai secretly groaned, "What bad luck! I doubt even Liu Zhengfeng has that much influence to make this hypocrite personally come down from Mount Hua!"

Yun Changkong turned his head and saw a tall, slender scholar in a blue robe standing with Linghu Chong and Yue Lingshan.

Seeing his long, flowing beard, his jade-like face, and his bright, righteous eyes, Yun Changkong couldn't help but think, "Another Xianyu Tong!"

He clasped his hands in a fist and said, "Nameless hero, since you have won the duel, as the saying goes, one should be lenient when one can. Please be merciful!"

Yun Changkong glanced at him sideways and said indifferently, "Do we know each other? What gives you the right to talk to me?"

Just as Yue Lingshan was about to speak, the scholar waved his folding fan.

Yu Canghai said in a deep voice, "This is Mr. Yue, the Gentleman Sword Master of Mount Hua."

Yun Changkong nodded slightly: "So it's Sect Leader Yue, the Gentleman Sword Sect. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Yue Buqun, known as the "Gentleman Sword," was not only famous throughout the world and a prominent figure in the Five Mountains Sword Sect, but also a hero in the entire martial arts world. It could be said that everyone admired his character. Unexpectedly, when Yun Changkong heard this, his expression remained indifferent, showing no shock whatsoever.

For Yue Buqun, this was a rare occurrence in his life.

Little did he know that since Yun Changkong rose to fame, he had rarely encountered a worthy opponent, though he had faced numerous dangers. The real life-threatening danger, however, came from the former Huashan Sect leader, Xianyu Tong. Therefore, Yun Changkong truly wanted nothing to do with such people.

Because his cunning and ruthlessness are hidden in the shadows, yet he has a good reputation, unlike Yu Canghai, who is detestable and easy to deal with.

Dealing with this kind of person is a real headache.

If you try to play along, Yun Changkong won't bother. He'll just find an excuse to deal with you like he did with Yu Canghai, and you won't even be able to find a fault with him.

Yue Buqun, a man of deep cunning, was naturally not angered by Yun Changkong's indifference. He said, "Master Yu, you flatter me greatly. My humble swordsmanship is hardly worthy of your esteemed eyes. As for the words 'Gentleman's Sword,' they are merely a compliment from fellow martial artists, which I dare not accept."

Yu Canghai said, "The sword is elegant and noble, the king of weapons. In the martial arts world today, only Master Yue is worthy of using a sword. This old Taoist has no face to use a sword anymore!"

The group looked at each other, puzzled. What did that mean?
Is Yu Canghai also going to shelve his sword?

Yun Changkong was very impatient and said, "I don't care if you use a sword or not. I want to see the Evil-Slaying Sword Manual. If you don't hand it over today, I'll cut you up!" He lightly tapped the sword with his index finger.

Yu Canghai felt a cool sensation on his chest, and felt a liquid flowing down. He suddenly shivered and realized that his clothes were torn and his flesh was ripped open.

A half-foot-long gash appeared, and blood seeped into his chest. The injury wasn't serious, but it was enough to terrify him.

Yu Canghai was filled with emotion. He took a deep breath and said in a low voice, "I don't have the Evil-Slaying Sword Manual. The Lin family couple also said they don't have it. Since things have come to this, you can kill me if you want."

Yue Buqun stroked his beard and said, "Nameless Hero, you have really overestimated the Evil-Slaying Sword Technique. If the Lin family really had any Evil-Slaying Sword Technique, how could they have been wiped out by a few disciples of the Qingcheng Sect?"

Yun Changkong laughed and said, "You don't believe the Lin family has the Evil-Repelling Sword Manual?"

Yue Buqun shook his head and said, "I don't believe it!"

Yun Changkong laughed and said, "I don't believe it either!"

Upon hearing this, Yu Canghai immediately spat out a mouthful of blood.

If you believe that the Lin family possesses the Evil-Repelling Sword Manual, then so be it.

If you don't believe me, why treat me like this?

In fact, Yun Changkong's disbelief and Yue Buqun's disbelief are not the same thing.

He didn't believe it, meaning that Yue Buqun said he didn't believe the Lin family had the Evil-Repelling Sword Manual, which made Yu Canghai misunderstand and feel very wronged.

Yue Buqun looked at Yu Canghai: "Master Yu, I am well aware of the rights and wrongs between you and the Fuwei Escort Agency. As a junior, I should not comment on the matter of Senior Changqingzi, but your son's death is also closely related to my daughter. If you want revenge, you can also come to me, Yue."

"If you're looking for Young Master Lin, you've already killed so many people from the Fuwei Escort Agency, and you're still holding onto the Lin family couple, slaughtering them all. That's hardly befitting of a reputable family."

His righteous and stern words immediately inspired respect in everyone.

Yu Canghai looked up blankly and said, "I can release the Lin couple, but not now!"

Yue Buqun smiled slightly and said to Yun Changkong, "You used your sword to force others to submit to your power and agree to your conditions. Isn't that a gentlemanly thing to do? Why don't we all sit down, brew a pot of tea, and discuss this properly?"

Everyone saw that he not only took the initiative to admit that Lin Pingzhi killed Yu Renyan because of his daughter, but also gave both sides a way out, which was indeed the demeanor of a gentleman.

Yun Changkong sneered, "You're quite the old hand in this world. In the martial arts world, the feuds and battles are all decided by martial arts skills. Where are the gentlemen? If everyone says that gentlemen use words instead of fists, what's the point of practicing martial arts?"
"Do you think the Qingcheng Sect had the right to destroy the Fuwei Escort Agency, or was it because their martial arts were superior?"

Yue Buqun's expression was solemn, and he said in a very serious tone: "What I am saying is not about the life and death of a few people from Fuwei Escort Agency and Qingcheng Sect, but about the overall situation of our martial arts world. If we rely on force and do whatever we want without reason, I'm afraid the martial arts world will never have a peaceful day!"

He paused slightly, then said, "We have a little reputation in the martial arts world. It is our duty to set an example for the younger generation of martial arts practitioners."

Master Dingyi said in a deep voice, "I deeply agree with what Mr. Yue said. No matter how big the matter is, it can't be resolved without reason. If anyone bullies others by relying on strength, I will be the first to object!"

Master Yu, Mr. Yue said that your son's death was related to his daughter. If you continue to hold on, you will truly be bringing ruin to the reputation of the Qingcheng Sect.

"This nameless hero, you won the sword duel, and Master Yu's life is in your hands, that's beyond question. But to use your sword to poke at a person who can't move—how can that be considered the behavior of a hero!"

Upon hearing this, everyone secretly praised her, thinking, "Don't underestimate Master Dingyi just because she's a woman and a nun. What she says and does is truly remarkable! She's an outstanding and exceptional hero in our martial arts world."

Yun Changkong didn't like hearing this, but he respected the person, so he said, "Since the nun says so, I won't go too far." As he spoke, he picked up Yu Canghai's sword, and with a hiss, he tapped it on Yu Canghai's body, and with a whoosh, he stuck it into the ground.

Yu Canghai immediately felt a warm current break through his acupoints. He was both amazed and impressed by the man's skill in using the tip of his sword to release acupoints without harming his skin. He jumped up, clasped his hands and said, "Since Mr. Yue and Abbess Dingyi have spoken, this old Taoist has nothing to say. I will go and bring the Lin couple here now."

He looked up at Yun Changkong and said blankly, "I will certainly repay your kindness with a single sword strike. You flatter me." With that, he turned and left. The Qingcheng disciples followed closely behind.

Yun Changkong smiled slightly: "Hurry up, I'm still busy!" With a flick of his sleeve, he swayed a few times and boarded the bow of the boat.

He suddenly felt something was off, and when he looked over, he saw Yilin staring at him with eyes that looked like two crystals.

Yun Changkong looked bewildered and asked, "Little Master Yilin, why are you looking at me like that?"

Yilin's cheeks flushed red, as beautiful as peach blossoms, and she whispered, "My sword."

Yun Changkong walked over without saying a word, handed the long sword forward, and Yilin took it.

Yun Changkong climbed back onto the bow of the boat, gazing at the Xiang River as if completely mesmerized.

After a while, a long howl suddenly came from afar.

Yun Changkong, Tianmen Daoren, Yue Buqun and other top-notch masters all heard it.

Yue Buqun said, "Things have changed."

Top-tier experts, being proud of their status, were afraid of being accused of coveting the Evil-Slaying Sword Manual. No one followed Yu Canghai. Instead, a dozen or so people moved swiftly towards the source of the sound.

Yun Changkong couldn't help but sigh. He actually knew that the Evil-Repelling Sword Manual was in the Lin family's old residence in Fuzhou, Fujian, and he also wanted to see it.

After all, his martial arts skills had reached this level. The Quanzhen Swordplay and Shaolin Swordplay he had learned were masterpieces painstakingly crafted by martial arts masters. Whether the movements were skillful and graceful or clumsy and awkward, there were corresponding moves.

These two principles are inherently contradictory.

Yun Changkong wanted to create his own sword technique, naturally integrating the two into one. However, the more powerful one's martial arts, the more difficult it is to create one on that basis. This was beyond his capabilities.

So I wanted to take a look at the Evil-Repelling Sword Manual to see if I could get some inspiration.

Knowing that the Lin couple was facing certain death, he felt that taking the sword manual without saving them was not enough. Therefore, he chose this place to fight Yu Canghai and even prepared a boat. He hoped that in front of everyone, Lin Zhennan would say that his family did not have a sword manual. Regardless of what others thought, he, as an unorthodox practitioner, would appear to believe it without a doubt, and then let the Lin couple leave with the current, so that they could live.

But judging from the current situation, it seems there's been another unexpected turn of events.

Several top-notch experts moved with lightning speed, covering several miles in an instant. They saw dense thickets and a patch of trees that were not arranged in rows ahead. As soon as they entered the forest, they heard an old, sharp voice say, "Master Yu, are you still going to fight?"

As the group approached, they saw two dwarfs, one standing and one kneeling, facing each other in a clearing in the woods.

The one kneeling was Yu Canghai. He supported himself with his hands on the ground and gasped, "You hunchback, what are you so smug about taking advantage of someone in distress?"

Upon hearing the name "Wooden Hunchback," everyone was startled, for it was none other than Mu Gaofeng, the "Bright Hunchback of the North." He was a fat, bloated man with a high, protruding hunchback, resembling a round ball of flesh. His face was covered with white scars, interspersed with patches of blue birthmarks, making him truly bizarre and extremely ugly.

Mu Gaofeng chuckled several times, his voice like the hooting of a strange owl in the night, extremely piercing, and said, "Master Yu, ask yourself honestly, even if you are not injured, what are your chances of winning against the hunchback?"

Yu Canghai snorted but didn't reply.

Although Yun Changkong's sword strike was not fatal, it had still cut the skin. If he circulated his qi too much, blood would gush from the wound. Naturally, he was no match for Mu Gaofeng.

Yue Buqun laughed and said, "Brother Mu, why are you in the Central Plains instead of enjoying the blessings of the northern frontier?" Mu Gaofeng was not well-liked in the martial arts world, so Liu Zhengfeng did not invite him when he retired from martial arts.

Mu Gaofeng laughed and said, "So it's Brother Yue! You're getting younger and younger. What kind of Yin-Yang replenishment and rejuvenation technique have you practiced? I'd like to ask you to be my master. Please teach me."

Yue Buqun spat and laughed, "You hunchback, you're getting more and more boring. When you meet an old friend, instead of reminiscing, you spout nonsense. What kind of weird kung fu do you know now?"

Master Dingyi asked, "Mu Gaofeng, what brings you here?"

Mu Gaofeng said, "Last night, I took in a good grandson and promised to help him save his parents. But this Abbot Yu insisted on fighting me, and that's how it happened!"

Yue Buqun frowned slightly: "What grandson?"

Mu Gaofeng's gaze shifted: "My dear grandson, come out and meet people!"

From behind a tree emerged a figure—the hunchbacked boy who had been captured by Yu Canghai at the Liu residence the previous night. This was none other than Lin Pingzhi.

Mu Gaofeng laughed and said, "I, a hunchback, have no children and am not well-liked. Last night, this good grandson bragged about me a lot, and you all heard it."

It turned out that Mu Gaofeng was also at the Liu residence last night. Lin Pingzhi was afraid that Yu Canghai would discover his identity, so he followed up with his words and praised Mu Gaofeng. Mu Gaofeng was pleased to hear this and asked him to call him grandfather.

Seeing that Yu Canghai was extremely wary of this man, Lin Pingzhi knelt down and kowtowed to him in order to save his parents.

Mu Gaofeng didn't know who he was, and he wouldn't agree to anything without any benefit to himself.

He knew about Yun Changkong's appointment with Yu Canghai, and the fact that the Qingcheng Sect had challenged the Fuwei Escort Agency was already widely known in the martial arts world. While the fact that Changqingzi had been defeated by Lin Yuantu years earlier was not widely known, Mu Gaofeng knew that Yu Canghai's martial arts and knowledge were among the best in the world and that he wouldn't speak without reason. Therefore, he and Lin Pingzhi concealed their tracks and hid in the shadows.

It wasn't until Yu Canghai was defeated and brought men to take the Lin family couple away that the other experts, mindful of their status and to avoid suspicion, did not come along.

Mu Gaofeng never valued integrity, only personal gain, so he followed along, hoping to reap the benefits.

Although Mu Gaofeng possessed excellent lightness skills, he was carrying Lin Pingzhi when Yu Canghai discovered them. The two immediately began fighting. Knowing he was injured and no match for Mu Gaofeng, Yu Canghai ordered his disciples to keep an eye on the Lin couple—they were his bargaining chips—while simultaneously letting out a long howl to attract a group of experts, lest they fall victim to Mu Gaofeng's wickedness.

Suddenly, a clear voice rang out: "Master Yu, why aren't you bringing people here? What are you waiting for?"

Everyone looked up and saw Yun Changkong standing atop a large tree. Lin Pingzhi felt uneasy: "This man also wants my parents so he can seize the Evil-Slaying Sword Manual. What should I do?"

Mu Gaofeng, his voice hoarse, slowly said, "So you're also after the Evil-Slaying Sword Manual?"

Yun Changkong asked, "Do you have a problem with that?"

Mu Gaofeng laughed heartily: "What, you think that just because you defeated the Qingcheng Sect Leader, the Evil-Repelling Sword Manual is yours for the taking, and you won't allow anyone else to touch it?"

At this moment, Yue Buqun said, "Brother Mu, since Abbot Yu has agreed to release the Lin family couple, why do you have to obstruct it?"
Moreover, in the martial arts world, driven by a competitive spirit, people will stop at nothing to seize any martial arts secrets they hear about, regardless of whether they are true or false.

In truth, for masters of such stature as the Nameless Hero, Abbot Yu, and Brother Mu, it was utterly unnecessary for them to covet the Lin Family Sword Manual!

Yun Changkong knew he was just spouting nice words, so he didn't bother to pay him any attention.

Seeing Mu Gaofeng's domineering demeanor and his fierce fight with Yu Canghai, Lin Pingzhi realized that his kowtow to Mu Gaofeng was for the sake of his parents, a humiliation he was enduring rather than doing so willingly.

But upon meeting Mr. Yue, I felt a sense of righteousness about him and couldn't help but feel admiration for him.

Suddenly, Mu Gaofeng said with a grin, "Brother Yue, you have a good point. But Tuozi isn't a gentleman like you who loves to take advantage. Why would he be envious of this 'Evil-Repelling Sword Manual'?"

Everyone could hear the sarcasm in Yue Buqun's voice. Suddenly, a layer of purple aura appeared on his face. The purple aura vanished in an instant, and his face returned to its jade-like appearance, radiant and translucent.

Upon seeing his appearance, Mu Gaofeng was greatly surprised, thinking to himself, "This fellow's swordsmanship is superb; could he have even mastered the 'Purple Cloud Skill'?" He chuckled dryly and said, "I was just joking, Brother Yue, why are you angry!"

Lin Pingzhi's admiration grew even stronger. He thought to himself, "These past few days I've seen many righteous and highly skilled individuals within the Five Mountains Sword Sect. If I wish to find a wise master to help my parents, I should seek out such senior masters." With this thought, he immediately tore off the plaster from his face and ran towards Yue Buqun, loudly proclaiming, "Master, your disciple Lin Pingzhi of the Fuwei Escort Agency begs..."

Before he could finish speaking, a muffled groan escaped his lips.

In a single leap, Mu Gaofeng had appeared behind him, his arms suddenly lengthening, his fingers gripping his shoulders, pulling him close.

Seeing that Mu Gaofeng was quite bulky but moved with unparalleled agility, everyone secretly marveled, "This Northern Camel truly lives up to its name!"

Yun Changkong sighed deeply, then turned and quietly left.

This is fate.

It's also a matter of fate!

In order to save the lives of the Lin couple, he also thought that perhaps if Lin Pingzhi had not become Yue Buqun's disciple, the tragedy would not have occurred.

Therefore, after saying so much to prove to him that there are no good people in this world, and that everyone wants your family's sword manual, it is clear that he took the initiative to become your disciple, and who can stop him?
Yun Changkong is a man of easygoing nature and doesn't force things; wasting any more time here would be pointless.

Mu Gaofeng wasn't exactly a wicked person, but he was inherently cunning and greedy, and loved to take advantage of others. Lin Pingzhi blew on his clothes, which pleased him, and he was willing to do a small favor.

Upon hearing Lin Pingzhi introduce himself as the young head镖师 (bodyguard/escort) of the Fuwei Escort Agency, they realized he was a rare find and couldn't let him slip through their fingers.

When Lin Pingzhi placed that hand on his right shoulder, it was as if a large iron hook had been placed on his body, and he couldn't move an inch.

Yue Buqun suddenly laughed and said, "Brother Mu, you're quite skilled. What are you doing?"

Mu Gaofeng laughed and said, "Hunchback's tricks are far inferior to Brother Yue's. But we shouldn't trouble two masters with one matter. Since my grandson wants to become an apprentice, it's better to let Hunchback handle it."

Before he could reply, Mu Gaofeng said to Lin Pingzhi, "My dear grandson, as long as you become my disciple, I'll take care of saving your parents."

Lin Pingzhi trembled with pain and became increasingly angry, shouting, "My family has never had any Evil-Repelling Sword Manual. Even if I were to become your disciple, it would be useless."

He had already figured out why they wanted to take him as a disciple, and that's why they were after the Evil-Slaying Sword Manual.

Lin Pingzhi didn't know what the sword manual was, but since the three great masters Yu Canghai, Wuming, and Mu Gaofeng all attached such importance to it, it must be of great significance.

Mu Gaofeng laughed heartily and said, "What Evil-Repelling Sword Manual? The hunchback just saw that you have good aptitude, so you should kowtow and become his disciple!"

As he spoke, he reached out and pressed down on Lin Pingzhi's head, trying to force him to become his disciple.

You must understand that everyone in this world values ​​legitimacy. If Mu Gaofeng coveted the Evil-Slaying Sword Manual, and had the connection to Lin Pingzhi's master, he could kill or punish at will, and no one would dare to say a word.

But who is Lin Pingzhi?

He was already proud and arrogant, and was a young master whom everyone respected.

He kowtowed willingly! But if someone forced him to kowtow, what kind of person would that be? Wouldn't that be utterly disgracing his parents?
He immediately stiffened his neck and shouted, "I won't kowtow, I just won't kowtow!"

He said he wouldn't kowtow, but his body obeyed, because he really couldn't resist Mu Gaofeng's strength.

All that could be heard was the cracking of bones as he slowly pressed the head down inch by inch. The onlookers watched and all thought, "This kid's got guts!"

Lin Pingzhi gritted his teeth and thought, "Even if I die today, I will not accept this master-disciple relationship!"

But when his head was no more than half a foot off the ground, Yue Buqun laughed and said, "Brother Mu, there's no such way of taking on disciples in the world!"

After saying that, he suddenly flicked his sleeve, and Lin Pingzhi felt a slight warmth in his lower abdomen, and a force entered his body, making the pressure on his head suddenly lighten.

Lin Pingzhi braced himself with his hands and stood up straight in an instant.

Mu Gaofeng also felt a surge of immense power emanating from Lin Pingzhi's body, rushing towards his palm like a tide, making his arm go numb. He couldn't help but take two steps back, secretly shocked: "Has this old man really mastered the Purple Cloud Skill?" He looked at Yue Buqun and laughed: "Brother Yue, do you think I don't understand your thoughts? Then I'll give it to you!"

As he spoke, his left leg suddenly shot up, and with a thud, he kicked Lin Pingzhi, sending him tumbling several feet away, disappearing in a flash.

Mu Gaofeng was a shrewd man who knew Lin Pingzhi's identity well. People from prestigious families would not interfere for the sake of their reputation, lest they be accused of coveting the Evil-Slaying Sword Manual.

But since Yue Buqun made his move, the gentle internal force he just used was exceptionally pure, with an inexhaustible source of power within its gentleness. It should be the Huashan Sect's "Zixia Skill".

It is said that this internal energy technique is initially faint and subtle, like drifting clouds, but it accumulates power with remarkable resilience, eventually becoming overwhelming and unstoppable. This is the origin of the name "Purple Clouds." Mu Gaofeng had already exchanged blows with it and knew he would not gain any advantage, so he did not linger.

After Lin Pingzhi fell, he was not injured. He immediately knelt in front of Yue Buqun and said, "Disciple begs Master to accept me as a disciple. Disciple will obey your teachings and strictly abide by the rules of the sect. I will never dare to disobey your orders in the slightest."

Yue Buqun smiled slightly and said, "I saved you only because you are a filial son and have a chivalrous spirit. Your troubles today are all because you saved my daughter in Fuzhou. I had no intention of taking you as a disciple!"

Lin Pingzhi kowtowed and said, "Master, you are wise. The troubles of my family all stemmed from the Evil-Slaying Sword Manual and have nothing to do with Miss Yue. I beg you to accept me as your disciple." He kowtowed repeatedly.

Yue Buqun sighed, "If I were to take you as my disciple, people would inevitably say that I did it for your family's Evil-Repelling Sword Manual. This nameless one..." As he spoke, he looked up at Yun Changkong standing on the big tree, but he had already disappeared. He was somewhat stunned.

Linghu Chong laughed and said, "Master, this Brother Lin has a chivalrous spirit. I see that he is very sincere in his desire to become my disciple. Just accept him as your disciple. Why bother with what others say!"

Master Dingyi also said, "Yes, I think this child has backbone and is a good prospect. As for your title of Gentleman Sword, no one will think that you are after some damn sword manual!"

Yue Buqun nodded slightly: "Alright, I'll accept you. But I must first inform your parents. Abbot Yu, let's go see my disciple's parents together!"

"Thank you, Master!" Lin Pingzhi kowtowed and stood up with satisfaction.

Yu Canghai snorted, waved his left hand, and said, "Follow me!" (End of Chapter)