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

On this fine, sunny day, red lanterns hung high in front of the Liu family mansion, firecrackers crackled, and musicians played festive music.

The main hall, flower hall, and back hall of the Liu residence were truly filled with distinguished guests.

The guests attending this banquet were all famous figures from all over the country.

The Five Mountains Sword Sect has gained immense prestige in recent years, and Liu Sanye of the Hengshan Sect is the second most important figure in the sect. He is only over fifty years old this year, and his martial arts skills, energy, and reputation are at their peak, yet he wants to retire from the martial arts world.

This is something many people cannot understand, and at the same time, this willingness to retire gracefully is extremely admirable.

It's important to understand that Liu Zhengfeng's "washing his hands of the martial arts world" was not just a simple ceremony, but a declaration to the martial arts community that he would never use his fists or swords again, and would never get involved in the rights and wrongs of the martial arts world. It was as if this person had disappeared from the martial arts world.

Whether in the imperial court or in the martial world, striving for advancement is human nature, but to let go of everything is something that not everyone can do.

Similarly, Liu Zhengfeng was someone many people would try to curry favor with but couldn't, so many martial arts figures came to congratulate him two days in advance, including not only the Taishan Sect Leader Tianmen Daoren, Hengshan Baiyun Nunnery Master, and other renowned martial arts seniors like He Sanqi.

It's just like other relatives and friends, who sent countless gifts, making it lively for several days, so there's no need to go into details.

Yesterday, Yue Buqun accepted Lin Pingzhi as his disciple and led his disciples to rest at a temple outside the city for a day. Today, they arrived at Liu's residence.

Because today is the day Liu Zhengfeng "retired from his life of crime".

Liu Zhengfeng was greeting guests when he heard that Yue Buqun had arrived. He was overjoyed: "If the Songshan Sect were to make trouble for me, this gentleman who can distinguish right from wrong would be a great help to me!" He hurriedly went out to greet him and even had people entertain him with music. Needless to say, the scene was quite lively.

Liu Zhengfeng, dressed in fine clothes like a wealthy gentry, strode to the ceremonial gate. Before even reaching Yue Buqun, he bowed respectfully and said, "Brother Yue, your presence is truly an honor to my humble abode!"

Yue Buqun took two quick steps, clasped his hands in a fist salute, and said, "Brother Liu, you flatter me. Now that you've retired from the martial world and are going into seclusion, how could I not personally go to see you? It's just a pity that our Five Mountains Sword Sect has lost a heroic figure, and that the world has gained a reclusive master!"

Liu Zhengfeng smiled obsequiously and said, "I am a person who is lazy and complacent and does not seek advancement. I am truly ashamed and do not deserve such praise! Quickly, quickly, come with me into the mansion."

As they talked, the two walked toward the hall.

As they walked, Liu Zhengfeng asked again, "Senior Brother Yue, I knew you had arrived yesterday and I've been looking forward to it. Why haven't you come to my residence yet?"

Yue Buqun smiled and said, "Brother Liu, you flatter me. I had some sectarian matters to attend to, which is why I'm late. Please forgive me!"

Liu Zhengfeng was relieved. It seemed that Yue Buqun was unaware of his friendship with Qu Yang, which was why he was late. He said, "Brother Yue, what are you saying? Your presence is already a great honor for Liu Zhengfeng." As he spoke, he had already entered the hall.

Tianmen Daoist, Dingyi Shitai, and others exchanged a few pleasantries. Time passed quickly, and by noon, another five or six hundred guests arrived like a flowing stream. They were all famous figures in the martial arts world who had brought their juniors to offer their congratulations. Those who knew each other greeted each other with clasped hands and reminisced, while those who did not know each other introduced themselves.

In an instant, it became as lively as the Lunar New Year. It was truly an unprecedented spectacle, with everyone gathered together.

Of the five or six hundred people who arrived later, some were quite prestigious in the martial arts world, but Tianmen Daoist and Master Dingyi were somewhat displeased with them.

Because many people were disreputable individuals who felt that Liu Zhengfeng's association with them tarnished the reputation of the Five Mountains Sword Sect.

Many of the guests were unknown or had questionable reputations, but when they spoke with Yue Buqun, he was always friendly and unpretentious, showing no airs whatsoever. He was quite unlike his name, which suggests "unconventionality."

This convinced these people that he was a true gentleman, and that the title "Gentleman's Sword" was well-deserved!
The disciples of the Liu family directed the servants to set up the banquet, with about two hundred tables set up inside and outside the main hall, flower hall, and back hall.

Yun Changkong, wearing a straw hat, sat in a corner of the hall, looking around. He saw some people looking around and listening to some young people talking loudly.

Many young people, inexperienced and naive, are envious of Liu Zhengfeng's current status, feeling that a true man must have experienced something like this to have lived a worthwhile life.

Yun Changkong knew, however, that this gathering would serve as a buffer before the turmoil in the martial arts world.

This gathering became the trigger for the Songshan Sect's attack, but it was also a test.

This is directed not only at the Five Mountains Sect, but also at the entire martial arts world.

If the brutal methods of the Songshan Sect in the original story had aroused public outrage among the martial arts heroes, leading to the killing of all the disciples of the Songshan Sect, then Zuo Lengchan would not have been involved in the subsequent series of events.

But when he saw no such thing, he was relieved.

We can defeat them one by one.

But Yun Changkong also knew that the Songshan Sect had been preparing for this for a long time. Who knew that his methods were the same as those shown in the original story? Did he not have any backup plan to prevent others from attacking him?

Yun Changkong always felt that beneath this festive atmosphere of lanterns and decorations, there was an omnipresent murderous intent and killing intent lurking among the thousands of people.

While pondering, Liu Zhengfeng's two disciples respectfully invited Tianmen Daoist, Yue Buqun, and others to sit in the chief seats. However, no one took the seats, each declining, knowing that the chief seat was easy to sit in but difficult to command respect.

Just as the martial arts masters were declining the offer, two loud bangs were heard outside the door, followed by the sound of ceremonial guns, drums, and music. The more than a thousand people in the hall fell silent.

They all knew this was the pomp and circumstance of government officials, but today was a gathering of martial arts practitioners, so what business did the government have with it? Therefore, all the figures from the martial arts world were stunned.

Before he could stop missing her, Liu Zhengfeng went out to greet her with a smile.

Just then, Liu Zhengfeng respectfully accompanied an official in official robes as they entered. Everyone was puzzled, wondering, "Could this official also be a martial arts master?"

Upon closer inspection, however, one could see that the man was dressed in fine clothes, but his eyes were glazed over, and he had an air of debauchery about him, clearly indicating that he did not know martial arts.

The official, with his chest puffed out and belly protruding, entered the hall and stood in the center. Behind him, a bailiff knelt on his right knee, raised his hands above his head, and presented a tray covered with yellow satin, on which lay a scroll.

The official bowed, accepted the scroll, and announced loudly, "Imperial edict has arrived. Liu Zhengfeng, listen to the decree."

Upon hearing this, Liu Zhengfeng hadn't reacted yet, but the crowd of heroes were all taken aback. Some stood up immediately, while others gripped their weapons, all looking at Liu Zhengfeng, waiting for him to change his expression and shout, so they could chop this official into mincemeat!

The reason is simple: Liu Zhengfeng's retirement from the martial arts world is a matter of the martial arts world and has nothing to do with the imperial court. Seeing that the emperor has issued an imperial edict, thinking that Liu Zhengfeng has done something rebellious, the martial arts world values ​​loyalty and brotherhood. He has a friendship with Liu Zhengfeng and cannot stand idly by. Besides, he has already come here. If there really is a rebellion, he will also be a member of the rebels and cannot stay out of it. So the only option is to kill him first.

There are over a thousand people in this hall, including hundreds of skilled fighters. Even an army couldn't do anything to them, so no one is afraid of them!
Yun Changkong thought to himself, "This group of people are not afraid of the imperial court. They will fight as soon as they see things are not going well, but they are afraid of the Songshan Sect. It's really damn strange."

However, things are often just that unbelievable.

Liu Zhengfeng, beaming with joy, knelt down on both knees, kowtowed three times, and proclaimed loudly, "Your humble servant Liu Zhengfeng receives the imperial decree. Long live the Emperor!"

The assembled heroes were even more puzzled.

The official then unfurled the scroll and said, “By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: According to the report of the Governor of Hunan Province, Liu Zhengfeng, a commoner from Hengshan County, is a public-spirited and righteous man who has made great contributions to his hometown. He is skilled in archery and horsemanship and is a man of great talent. He is hereby appointed as a military officer. He will serve the court in the future and live up to the Emperor’s expectations. This is the imperial decree.”

Liu Zhengfeng kowtowed again and said, "Your humble servant Liu Zhengfeng thanks Your Majesty. Long live the Emperor!" He then bowed to the official and said, "Thank you for your cultivation and promotion, Lord Zhang."

The official smiled and said, "General Liu, from now on we are both ministers in the same court and colleagues, so there's no need to be so polite!"

Liu Zhengfeng laughed and said, "I am just a commoner. I am honored to be granted an official position by the court. This is not only the Emperor's grace, but also the extraordinary cultivation by Governor Zhou and Governor Zhang."

The official laughed and said, "You're too kind, too kind!"

They were being modest here, and Liu Zhengfeng even presented the official with a brocade bundle.

The constable was quick-witted; he stepped forward to take it, but his arms suddenly felt heavy, and he almost fell.

Those who sit at the front table here are all well-known figures in the martial arts world, and all have exceptional insight. They know that this bundle contains not silver, but gold, otherwise it wouldn't be this heavy.

The official, beaming with joy, said, "I am busy with official duties and cannot stay long. Come, come, pour three cups of wine. I will first toast General Liu to congratulate him on his appointment and promotion. His Majesty's grace is everlasting." Soon, his attendants poured the wine.

Lord Zhang downed three cups in a row, then took his leave. Liu Zhengfeng eagerly saw him off, much to the annoyance and disdain of the assembled heroes.

Yun Changkong immediately realized that officials were different from江湖人 (jianghu people): when they first came in, they called him Liu Zhengfeng, but after reading the imperial edict, they called him General Liu. After accepting bribes, they started calling each other brothers.

How can it be encompassed by simply being greedy for money?
That's fucking awesome!
Yun Changkong overheard a young man at the next table whisper, "This Third Master Liu spent at least several hundred taels of gold to thank the messenger. It seems he spent a lot of money to get the position of military commander!" A martial arts master in his thirties sneered, "Why do you care? It's your money."

People had all sorts of thoughts on the spot. After all, those who could come here were all renowned figures in the martial arts world and had never taken the government seriously. If they were afraid of the government, they wouldn't have thought of killing people the moment they heard the imperial edict, without even listening to its contents.

But Liu Zhengfeng's actions can be aptly described in eight words: "Ingratiating and greedy!" Everyone thought, "It's just a minor official position like a military officer, but look how happy you are, you're so grateful!"
Yun Changkong then heard someone speaking next to him.

"I never expected that such a famous Master Liu would behave in such a nauseating manner and even openly offer bribes. Tsk tsk."

That kind of contempt was beyond compare.

Liu Zhengfeng knew that his appearance would make him a laughing stock in the eyes of others, but he had no choice but to say, "Everyone, please sit down."

The crowd thought to themselves, "Why are you sitting here? Did I come here to celebrate your promotion and wealth?"

The assembled heroes were all somewhat disappointed; what kind of situation was this!

Liu Zhengfeng also turned his head to look and was taken aback. He saw that the central armchair in the chief seat was empty, and no one was willing to sit in the chief seat.

To the left sat the oldest member of the Liuhe Sect, Master Xia, while to the right sat Zhang Jin'ao, the vice leader of the Beggars' Sect. Tianmen Daoist, Yue Buqun, and Abbess Dingyi were also present at the lower level.

Zhang Jin'ao himself has no remarkable achievements, but the Beggars' Sect is the number one sect in the world. Its leader, Xie Feng, is highly respected in the martial arts world for both his martial arts skills and prestige. Even though the leader is not here today, everyone has to show him some respect.

Liu Zhengfeng knew that these people were all virtuous and modest, and did not wish to sit in the first seat. Since there might be unforeseen circumstances today, he did not insist that anyone take the seat.

After all the guests were seated, Liu Zhengfeng said, "Serve the dishes!"

The servants of the Liu family were immediately busy. Liu Zhengfeng's family had been wealthy for three generations, and they were incredibly rich. They had everything from abalone slices and venison to bear paws. It was a veritable mountain of meat and a sea of ​​wine, an extremely lavish feast. Such generosity was rare in the martial arts world.

These martial arts heroes wanted to wait for the host to offer them food, but Yun Changkong was not polite at all and began to eat heartily.

Yun Changkong sat unrestrained amidst the fine wine and delicacies, the rare and exotic foods. The person sitting at the corner table with him was naturally just some nobody from the martial arts world, who didn't recognize him. Seeing him pick up his chopsticks like that, they secretly cursed him for being vulgar.

When Liu Zhengfeng looked at the sky, it was already noon. His disciple Mi Weiyi brought out a large tea table covered with brocade and placed a gleaming golden basin on it with both hands.

This basin is at least a foot and a half in diameter, and given the ever-rising price of gold, it's incredibly valuable.

The basin was now filled with water. Liu Zhengfeng clasped his hands in a fist salute to all the guests and said loudly, "Gentlemen, I, Liu, am retiring from the martial world today. I'm sure you all know why. The ways of the martial world are based on loyalty and righteousness, but I have become a military officer in the imperial court. As the saying goes, 'He who eats the emperor's food must be loyal to the emperor.'"

This matter of state affairs requires adherence to the law and repayment of the emperor's favor. When the two conflict, it puts Liu Zhengfeng in a difficult position.

"Today, I ask everyone to bear witness that you will all remain my good friends, Liu Zhengfeng. But from this day forward, please forgive me for no longer interfering in the rights and wrongs of the martial world!" He said, clasping his hands in a fist and bowing to everyone.

The crowd knew he had said those words, and some thought to themselves, "Everyone has their own ambitions; you can't force them."

Some people thought, "Liu Zhengfeng, Liu Zhengfeng, your behavior today is truly a disgrace to your Hengshan Sect! Master Mo must be furious with shame, which is why I saw that no one came at all, and neither did your fellow disciples from the Hengshan Sect. They are clearly dissatisfied with you!"

Some people even thought, "The Five Mountains Sword Sect has been talking about chivalry and justice in recent years, but it turns out there are people like Liu Zhengfeng. It's only because you Five Mountains Sword Sect are so powerful that we can't afford to offend you. We dare not speak out, so we won't say anything."

Others were gloating, thinking to themselves: "What Five Mountains Sword Sects, what chivalrous sects? They kowtow as soon as they get promoted or made money. They still have the nerve to mention the word 'chivalry'? Bah!"

With each person harboring their own thoughts, the hall fell into complete silence.

In this setting, everyone should have been praising Liu Zhengfeng with words like "May he enjoy good fortune and longevity, and retire gracefully from the limelight," which would have been appropriate and reflected the most important social etiquette in the martial arts world. However, at this moment, there were at least a thousand people gathered in the hall, yet no one spoke.

How awkward is this scene? You can imagine for yourself!

Fortunately, Liu Zhengfeng and the heroes understood each other's feelings and still smiled as they cupped their hands and said, "From now on, I will never interfere in sect feuds or disputes in the martial world. If I break this oath, may this sword be my witness!"

As he spoke, he reached out and, with a clang, drew a sword from under his sleeve. With a snap of his hands, he broke the blade in two.

He casually swung the two broken swords downwards, and with two soft hissing sounds, the broken swords embedded themselves in the blue bricks.

The assembled heroes were all astonished, thinking to themselves, "The sword in Liu Zhengfeng's hand that just broke was a weapon capable of cutting through gold and jade. He just snapped it in half with his bare hand, so effortlessly. How refined his skill is! If he weren't a top-tier master in the martial arts world, who else could possess such skill!"

Liu Zhengfeng confessed everything, broke his sword and swore an oath. The handwashing procedure was coming to its final step. He was about to reach his hands into the golden basin when a loud shout came from outside the door: "Stop!"

Upon hearing the shout, everyone looked over.

To everyone's astonishment, four men in yellow robes walked in. Liu Zhengfeng's expression changed drastically, and he thought to himself, "Just as I thought!"

But he still bent down, rolled up his sleeves, and reached his hand into the water.

Just then, with a whoosh, a silver light flashed through the air, accompanied by a sharp whistling sound, and shot out from outside the door, heading straight for Liu Zhengfeng.

Liu Zhengfeng quickly retreated two steps. With a clang, the hidden weapon struck the golden basin, flying several feet away before landing with a thud, spilling water all over the ground.

Those at the front were astonished to see that the hidden weapon was just a silver needle, yet it had overturned a golden basin full of water. They were all surprised by the newcomer's skill.

All of this happened too fast. The crowd was already somewhat surprised and uncertain because of the official's arrival to announce the imperial decree. This sudden situation was like cold water being poured into a pot of boiling oil. Hundreds of people sitting at the back of the hall did not see what was happening and immediately stood up, with the clanging of swords and knives filling the air.

But as they got up and looked around, someone couldn't help but exclaim, "Huh?" and asked in surprise, "What's going on here?"

Abbess Dingyi pointed her finger angrily and said, "Fei Bin, you are extremely rude! What are you trying to do?"

As the four men entered, a tall, burly man carrying a five-colored brocade banner followed. The banner was adorned with pearls and gemstones, radiating a dazzling, lustrous light.

Those from the Five Mountains Sword Sects and those with extensive knowledge recognized this flag, knowing that it was the Five Mountains Sword Sect Alliance Leader's command flag!

This man was Shi Dengda, Zuo Lengchan's disciple. He raised the command flag and shouted, wanting to show off, but Liu Zhengfeng ignored him completely and continued washing his hands.

At this moment, a yellow figure flashed, and a person jumped down from the roof, launching a hidden weapon that overturned the golden basin.

The crowd saw that this man was in his forties, of medium build, extremely thin, with two mustaches on his upper lip. Many people recognized him as Fei Bin, the fourth junior brother of Zuo Lengchan, the leader of the Songshan Sect. His "Great Songyang Hand" was famous in the martial arts world, and he used this as his name.

Fei Bin cupped his hands and smiled, "Master Dingyi, please forgive me. I was ordered by the Alliance Leader to stop Senior Brother Liu from retiring from the martial arts world. Seeing that Senior Brother Liu was pretending to ignore me, I was afraid of disobeying the Alliance Leader's order, so I took action. It was by no means intentional."

Upon hearing this, Abbess Dingyi's expression softened: "I see. It's all the better that Alliance Leader Zuo came out to stop this. Brother Liu, we martial artists should prioritize chivalry and live freely in the martial world. Why do you need to become some kind of official?"

Fei Bin slowly said, "Raise the command flag!"

Stendhal, who was carrying the flag, immediately raised it above his head, as if afraid that others would not see it.

Fei Bin said loudly, "Senior Brother Liu, by order of the Alliance Leader, you are not allowed to retire from the martial arts world!"

Upon seeing Fei Bin appear, Liu Zhengfeng knew that Yun Changkong's words were indeed correct, and his prediction was probably accurate as well. He frowned and raised his voice, "Master Dingyi, Senior Brother Fei, Daoist Tianmen, Senior Brother Yue, when our Five Mountains Sword Sect formed an alliance, we agreed to assist each other in offense and defense, and to uphold the righteousness of the martial world. When it comes to matters related to our five sects, everyone must obey the orders of the Alliance Leader. This five-colored command flag was jointly made by our five sects. Seeing the command flag is like seeing the Alliance Leader, which is indeed true."

However, my retirement from the martial arts world today is a private matter and has nothing to do with the Five Mountains Sword Sect. Why should I be bound by the Alliance Leader's command?

He turned around, stared at Fei Bin, and slowly said, "Please tell Alliance Leader Zuo that I, Liu, have disobeyed orders and ask for his forgiveness!"

Fei Bin sneered, "Brother Liu's words are laughable. I only know that the Five Mountains Sword Sect takes it as its mission to uphold the righteousness of the martial world. Which of its disciples can disobey the leader's orders? Or do you really want to cut yourself off from the Five Mountains Sword Sect and become an enemy of the righteous path of the martial world?"

Fei Bin's words were directed at Liu Zhengfeng.

Liu Zhengfeng stared directly at Fei Bin, his face expressionless. (End of Chapter)