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

It is spring.

The weeping willows droop their branches, their petals falling in profusion, and the pink peach blossoms, in particular, are a delight to behold in this warm sunshine.

Yun Changkong stepped onto Peach Blossom Island once again. The peach blossoms here were of a fine variety carefully cultivated by the master Huang Yaoshi, with a perfect balance of light and dark.

Now that the weather is fine and the peach blossoms are in full bloom, Yun Changkong's thoughts are in disarray, and he feels a sense of desolation and loneliness.

As he walked, the scenery around him changed. He saw a bamboo forest, passed a half-collapsed bamboo pavilion, and came to a quiet house that was now letting in light from all sides.

But he couldn't see a single trace of the life he had shared with Zhao Min and the others in the past.

He spent several months on Peach Blossom Island with Zhao Min, Zhou Zhiruo, the Purple-Robed Dragon King, and Xiao Zhao, allowing him to fully indulge himself. It was a time of true freedom and happiness.

But at this moment, he felt that it was all just a dream.

A beautiful dream I dare not hope for, and do not wish to wake up from.

At that moment, Yun Changkong understood what it meant to have a world in a flower and a Bodhi tree in a tree.

This isn't just talk. It's a real thing!

In fact, Yun Changkong had already guessed when he learned that this was the world of Laughing at the World, but at this moment, he gave up hope.

He had a great influence in the world of Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber, but he had absolutely no influence on the world of The Smiling, Proud Wanderer.

On this Peach Blossom Island, he seemed so close to Zhao Min and the others, yet they were so far away.

Yun Changkong climbed to the highest peak of Peach Blossom Island at noon, the place where he and Zhou Zhiruo pledged their love. But looking at the vast expanse of clear water, the peach blossoms were still there, and the seascape remained, but with whom could he share it? Even as the moon shone over the sea, he did not turn back.

Liu Zhengfeng and his daughter, along with Qu Yang and his grandson, waited outside Peach Blossom Island without entering the peach blossom forest.

Because Yun Changkong did not extend an invitation.

Qu Feiyan asked, "Grandpa, what's wrong with Brother Yun?"

Qu Yang sighed softly, "His true character is revealed in the smallest details, and his true nature is hidden in the trivialities. He is a man of great loyalty and affection!"

Liu Zhengfeng nodded and said, "It's just that in this world, his martial arts skills have masked his heart that is slowly and patiently nurtured."

Qu Feiyan asked, "Grandpa, do you think he will come with us to Purple Bamboo Island?"

Qu Yang laughed and said, "He can go wherever he wants, it just depends on whether he wants to or not."

In the eyes of those who have actually seen Yun Changkong, he possesses unparalleled and unfathomable skills, as if the only thing in the world is whether he wants to or not, not whether he can or cannot.

But Yun Changkong could only watch as the moonlight, like water, spilled onto the sea, and the waves outlined an endless silhouette in the moonlight. He was powerless to do anything else!
He just stood there, like a stone statue.

As dawn broke and a red sun burst forth from the depths of the East China Sea, Yun Changkong sighed deeply: "The myriad phenomena are called the world; the absence of a single thought is called enlightenment." He glanced at Peach Blossom Island one last time and said, "Whether it exists or not, all phenomena are empty of inherent existence, neither arising nor ceasing." He turned and slowly departed.

Although Yun Changkong cherished that dream and missed the person in his dream, he still chose to live his real life in the present.

This is a kind of helplessness, but isn't it also a kind of freedom?

After becoming friends with Liu Zhengfeng, Qu Yang had the desire to retire from public life. Liu Zhengfeng intended to find a valley in the vast Hengshan Mountains to live in seclusion. Qu Yang was willing to follow his virtuous brother's wishes. However, he was also afraid of any unexpected troubles, so he found an island in the East China Sea, where the house was fully equipped and had everything one could need.

Having incurred a deep enmity with the Songshan Sect this time, Yun Changkong naturally went to live overseas. He wanted to avoid the limelight for the time being and also wanted to learn the "Swordsman" melody, so he went with them to Zizhu Island.

Just as the entire martial arts world was in turmoil because of Yun Changkong, he seemed to have vanished into thin air.

Two months have passed, and despite the investigations of the martial arts world, there is no trace of Yun Changkong's past, and there is currently no news of him.

What about the future?
No one knows!
This is a common practice of Yun Changkong.

He always makes a big splash in the martial arts world, then disappears immediately. Once the hype dies down, and people in the martial arts world think he was just a flash in the pan, he...

Deep within Zizhu Island lies a place of exceptional beauty, surrounded by mountains on three sides and a ravine on the other. A waterfall cascades down, its waters surging like thunder, yet the pool beneath it remains remarkably clear.

Liu Zhengfeng and Qu Yang sat cross-legged on a large rock on either side of the waterfall, each holding a zither and a flute.

Yun Changkong sat inside a bamboo pavilion, with fragrant tea and fine wine on the table.

Qu Yang clasped his hands in greeting and said, "Please enlighten me, Master Yun."

Yun Changkong clasped his hands in a fist and said, "You're too kind."

Qu Yang glanced at Liu Zhengfeng and greeted him with a fist and palm salute, which Liu Zhengfeng returned in kind.

Qu Yang plucked a string on the seven-stringed zither with his fingertips.

With a tinkling sound, the zither began to play, and Liu Zhengfeng, pressing the xiao (vertical bamboo flute), began to play softly. The zither's music was peaceful and serene, while the xiao's sound was exceptionally clear and melodious.

Yun Changkong had heard Zhao Min, the Purple-Robed Dragon King, and Xiao Zhao talk about the way of the qin and xiao. Although he was not an expert, he was not ignorant either. This time, he wanted to experience the wonder of the qin and xiao. He did not need to use internal energy to calm his mind and cultivate his qi, because he wanted to let his heart move with the music so that he could feel the mystery within.

As the zither music gradually rose higher and higher, while the flute music slowly sank lower, Yun Changkong felt a sense of peace in his heart.

But all of this seems quiet yet not quiet, because if it is quiet, the sound of the waterfall is deafening, but the sound of the zither and flute is like a wisp of silk, winding and lingering, leisurely and endless.

Qu Yang and Liu Zhengfeng were both highly skilled in internal martial arts; even the roaring waterfall couldn't drown out the gentle sounds of the qin and xiao, which were refreshing and soothing. Yun Changkong relaxed completely.

Suddenly, Qu Yang swept his hands across the strings, his technique as swift as a storm, the music soaring and powerful, like a hero drawing his sword or an army charging forward, a sound of battle rising into the sky.

Yun Changkong's blood boiled instantly, and he longed to draw his sword and fight.

The sound of the xiao (vertical flute) remained gentle and graceful, like a flowing stream, but the clear and melodious sound of the qin (a seven-stringed zither) could not overshadow this xiao melody.

Gradually, the music of the zither softened, while Liu Zhengfeng stood up and his flute soared into the sky, as vast as a long wind blowing through the forest, exuding an aura of ascending to the summit and dominating the world.

In rhythm, Yun Changkong gently patted his knee with his right hand, his face displaying a myriad of expressions, sometimes joyful, sometimes kind and approachable, sometimes furious. It was exactly the same as when he practiced the "Arhat Subduing Demon Skill" years ago.

Suddenly, the sounds of their qin and xiao changed again, as if seven or eight qin and seven or eight xiao were playing music at the same time, rising and falling at will. Although the sounds of the qin and xiao were extremely complex and varied, each sound was melodious and moving.

Yun Changkong's mind was pulled up and down by the sound of the zither. After listening for a while, the sound of the zither and flute suddenly changed.

Liu Zhengfeng was in high spirits, his voice as expansive as a cascading waterfall, lofty and unrestrained, displaying a spirit that seemed to defy the heavens and earth, laughing at the sun and moon. Meanwhile, the melodious strains of his guqin were filled with a desolate and melancholic sentiment.

Yun Changkong listened with increasing fascination, patting his knees more rapidly. But before he knew it, tears were streaming down his face, and he eventually burst into loud sobs.

But a warm energy rose from his dantian, and his spirit and energy merged, flowing through the eight extraordinary meridians of his body, passing through the thirty-six gates, and ascending to the twelfth floor, repeating the cycle endlessly.

Qu Yang flicked his fingers, and with a clang, the zither music stopped, and Liu Zhengfeng's flute playing also ceased.

In an instant, only the sound of the waterfall and the weeping of the clouds remained.

Qu Yang and Liu Zhengfeng stared at Yun Changkong, weeping uncontrollably. A sense of sorrow rose in their hearts as well. Qu Yang suddenly said, "We originally intended to have fun, but we have caused Lord Yun to be sad. It is our fault!"

Liu Zhengfeng sighed, "The sound of the xiao is inherently melancholic, and when elder brother plays the qin, it inevitably evokes sorrow."

When the two spoke, Yun Changkong finally realized what was happening, stopped crying, and felt the flow of true qi within his body.

Yun Changkong focused his mind and observed inwardly, feeling his true energy flowing freely and smoothly through his meridians, as if it were about to seep out from the gaps between his muscles and bones.

It appears fierce and domineering, but it contains a gentle and enduring nature, with softness hidden within strength, like iron wrapped in cotton.

What surprised him even more was the incredible speed of the internal energy flow. It was like a gentle breeze passing through the forest without any obstruction, and even the meridians that had previously lacked the Chong and Dai meridian techniques were now warmly flowing through them. He felt completely comfortable and clear throughout his body, without any discomfort.

Yun Changkong remained silent for a long while, then understood. He stood up, wiped his face, bowed, and said, "Thank you both!"

"How dare I?" Qu Yang and Liu Zhengfeng hurriedly returned the greeting.

Liu Zhengfeng said, "Brother Qu, the fact that we were able to perform 'The Smiling, Proud Wanderer' to our fullest potential today is all thanks to Master Yun!"

Qu Yang nodded and said, "Yes, we used to think that 'The Smiling, Proud Wanderer' couldn't be perfect. We always felt that there were too many distracting thoughts in our minds, and that the time wasn't right for us to complete the piece. That's why we wanted to leave the martial arts world so that we could focus on studying it."

"This beautiful music exists today entirely thanks to the chivalrous act of Hero Yun. We will never forget his immense kindness and virtue."

Yun Changkong waved his hand and said, "You two are too kind. All of this is due to fate. If I hadn't heard this song, 'The Smiling, Proud Wanderer,' which made me cry, I wouldn't have understood the essence of this divine skill. I should be thanking you."

Qu Yang and Liu Zhengfeng looked at each other, puzzled.

Yun Changkong laughed and said, "I used to think that my divine skill had been perfected, but I only understand today that Buddhist good deeds are without form or law, without end or limit, so how can there be any talk of perfection?"

It turns out that the eighteen forms of the Arhat Subduing Demons Technique are all different, and there is a lack of two lineages of cultivation methods. Yun Changkong cultivates the eighteen forms, and whether it is joy, gentleness, or killing, he can control them with his mind and spirit.

Only in the face of heartbroken weeping can one's spirit and mind be in harmony.

Because he had never cried, let alone cried loudly.

He transmigrated to this world at the age of ten, leaving behind everything from his previous life. He didn't cry; he simply felt that since he was here, he should make the best of it. When faced with the threat of his entire family being wiped out, he fled for his life on a donkey cart, without even thinking of crying.

Later, when he encountered emotional entanglements, or even the separation from loved ones by death, he saw them as mere illusions, things that were over and done with, and he never even thought of crying.

Only today, with the abilities of an ordinary person, did he hear this piece, "The Smiling, Proud Wanderer," and feel the emotions that a person should have.

It also made him understand that the reason why the Arhat Subduing Demon Skill was missing two meridians was actually due to the principle that water overflows when it is full, and endless sorrow is the source of all sorrow. It was also like the saying, "You may try to plant flowers, but they may not bloom; you may plant willows, but they may thrive."

Yun Changkong originally intended to draw inspiration from the music of the qin and xiao to create a piece similar to "The Song of the Rising Tide of the Azure Sea," but he gradually came to understand the profound martial arts philosophy of "The Arhat Subduing Demon Skill."

It should be noted that this divine skill only has the method of circulating qi, and there is not a single written explanation of why it is so effective.

At this moment, Yun Changkong comprehended the Buddhist principles of benevolence, which are without form or law and without end. For him, this was a major breakthrough in martial arts.

Qu Yang laughed and said, "Master Yun, you were moved to tears by the last song. Do you know the name of the song?"

Yun Changkong clasped his hands in a fist and said, "I would like to ask for your guidance."

Qu Yang laughed and said, "This is the piece that Ji Kang of the Jin Dynasty played when he was about to be beheaded."

Yun Changkong nodded slowly: "So it's 'Guangling San', no wonder."

Qu Yang laughed and said, "Yes, Ji Kang is quite an interesting person. He played a tune on the zither before his execution, which was indeed very dignified. But when he said, 'Guangling San is now lost,' he underestimated the people of later generations."

He didn't compose this piece. He lived during the Western Jin Dynasty. Even if the piece was lost after the Western Jin, does that mean it didn't exist before then?

Yun Changkong laughed and said, "So you went to rob tombs?"

"Yes!" Qu Yang laughed, "I was quite unconvinced by his statement, so I went to excavate the tombs of emperors and ministers of the Western and Eastern Han dynasties. I dug up twenty-nine ancient tombs in a row, and finally found the score of 'Guangling San' in Cai Yong's tomb." He then laughed heartily, quite pleased with himself.

Liu Zhengfeng said, "This 'Laughing at the World' melody is not only the culmination of our life's work, but a large section of the zither music in it was adapted by Brother Qu based on 'Guangling San'."

Yun Changkong clapped his hands and laughed, "That's great! To be honest, I also knew of a place with unparalleled martial arts in the past, and I wanted to go tomb raiding, but unfortunately I couldn't find the entrance, so I had to give up. If I had known you earlier, it would have been much easier to find it."

"Haha..." Qu Yang clapped his hands and laughed: "Master Yun is truly a wonderful person. If others knew that I was robbing tombs for this reason, they would definitely call me a madman who has gone mad."

Yun Changkong said, "People's hobbies are different. Some people are willing to cause bloodshed for the sake of power. What does it matter if you rob a few graves for your hobby?"

Your performance was so captivating that it inspired endless contemplation and soared to the heavens. It possessed a grandeur that seemed to defy the sun and moon, reaching for the highest heavens. Even more remarkable was the harmonious duet of the qin and xiao, a perfect unity of spirit and intention. Such perfect harmony truly is a case of kindred spirits meeting like high mountains and flowing water!

Upon hearing this, Qu Yang laughed heartily and said, "Even if 'Guangling San' is exquisite, how can it compare to my and Brother Liu's unprecedented 'The Smiling, Proud Wanderer'? Even if there were another Qu Yang in the world, there might not be another Liu Zhengfeng."

Just because Liu Zhengfeng exists doesn't mean Qu Yang will exist. Even if there were figures like Qu Yang and Liu Zhengfeng, they might not have been born at the same time, met, or become friends.

It's truly difficult to find two people who are both skilled in music and internal martial arts, share similar interests, and have comparable levels of cultivation!

Yun Changkong nodded in agreement. In the original story, Linghu Chong and Ren Yingying couldn't do it either. It was because their skills were inferior to the two of them, and their hearts weren't as pure; their duet of the qin and xiao lacked the quality.

Liu Zhengfeng laughed and said, "Brother Qu, today the world has witnessed the performance of 'The Smiling, Proud Wanderer,' and you and I have played it together. Moreover, the chivalrous and righteous Hero Yun, who looked down upon the world, has heard this song. What more could one ask for in this life?"

"Me too!" Qu Feiyan burst out of the woods: "I've heard this song before!"

"Haha..." The group laughed loudly, their voices echoing through the long forest.

From then on, Yun Changkong learned the song "The Smiling, Proud Wanderer" from Qu Yang and Liu Zhengfeng.

Qu Feiyan and Liu Jing kept Yun Changkong's house spotless every day, and even cooked for him themselves.

Despite having two children skilled in martial arts, they were both willing to cook and clean for him.

Yun Changkong also has one more task to complete every day.

That is to personally transcribe Buddhist scriptures, such as the Diamond Sutra and other Buddhist classics.

What Qu Feiyan and Liu Jing did was place incense to refresh him and herbs they had gathered from the island on his desk, or grind ink for him.

When Yun Changkong was copying Buddhist scriptures, his brows were relaxed and his whole body exuded a peaceful and serene aura. The heroic spirit that had previously filled his brows with murderous intent when he wielded his sword to kill had vanished without a trace.

Liu Jing stood by, not daring to disturb them, nor wanting to disturb them; she just wanted to watch them like this for the rest of her life.

Qu Feiyan was only fourteen years old and had a lively personality. One day, she couldn't help but say, "Big brother, you can't really be studying Buddhism and Taoism so you can be a couple with Sister Yilin, can you?"

Yun Changkong smiled slightly, put down his brush, walked slowly to the window, looked at the flowing clouds in the sky with a deep gaze, and said slowly: "The path of martial arts, even if practiced to the extreme, is still just a skill. Therefore, even those who have reached the pinnacle of martial arts still seek their own path in this vast world of martial arts."

This path is not about competing in the martial world, because the martial world is vast, and new talents always emerge in every generation, with the old waves subsiding before the new waves rise.

They are seeking their own way of navigating the world.

The profound mysteries I have learned are all contained within the profound principles of Buddhism and Taoism.

Long ago, there was a martial arts master who had read through the Daoist canon and became a great master of martial arts without a teacher. However, due to the hatred of his family being killed, he hid in the deep mountains and studied martial arts for forty years in order to crack the martial arts techniques of his enemy.

But when he saw that his former enemies, whom he had never forgotten, were all dead, and that a beautiful young girl had become an old woman, barely clinging to life, he was deeply moved.

At that moment, he was elevated.

The deep-seated hatred that had been etched in his heart for forty years had become nothing.

He gave up on revenge and let go of his lifelong obsession.

The martial arts he originally created became the way of martial arts.

Because of his state of mind at that time, he incorporated the profound principles of the cycle of Yin and Yang and the interdependence of life and death into all his learning, creation, and enlightenment, thus breaking through the techniques and methods of all martial arts in the world. Therefore, he was able to make every word precious and all-encompassing, becoming the general outline of all martial arts.

This is also the Buddhist principle of "abandoning the boat and stepping onto the table to attain true reality."

In the world of Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber, Yun Changkong had killed countless people with his sword. He developed a demon in his heart and knew that excessive killing might lead him to demonic possession. However, after meeting Abbess Miejue and receiving her guidance, he went to Mount Wutai to read Buddhist scriptures, cleanse his heart, and eliminate his violent tendencies.

His treatment of the Songshan Sect at Liu Zhengfeng's house, though intended as an example of using their own methods against them, resulted in a double loss – killing a thousand enemies while losing eight hundred of his own. He killed their spirit, and in effect, he too fell into the demonic path.

After all, to devise a method to destroy another's heart and then put it into action is, in effect, destroying one's own heart. If one does not guide and clear one's mind, perhaps one day, with one's vital energy greatly depleted, one's inner demons will turn against one for some reason. Therefore, copying and annotating Buddhist scriptures is simply a way to seek a clear and peaceful world.

But Qu Feiyan and Liu Jing looked completely bewildered. They simply couldn't grasp this level of understanding.

"Excellent, excellent! Truly insightful! I admire you greatly." Qu Yang and Liu Zhengfeng entered side by side.

Liu Zhengfeng laughed and said, "No wonder Master Yun had me bring all the Buddhist and Taoist scriptures with me. With such a thirst for knowledge, it's no wonder that he was able to create his own martial arts at such a young age. He truly has the air of a grandmaster."

Qu Yang laughed and said, "It seems that Master Yun is also trying to emulate that senior who created merit by reading the Taoist canon when copying Buddhist scriptures!"

Yun Changkong laughed and said, "I study Buddhist scriptures not for any other reason, but simply to save myself."

Upon hearing his words, Qu Feiyan was shocked and asked, "What's wrong with you? Do you need to save yourself?"

Yun Changkong laughed and said, "I'm just being prepared. There are many masters in the martial arts world. If we wait until something goes wrong, it will be too late to rescue them. Ren Woxing is a prime example!"

Qu Yang was also taken aback upon hearing this, and asked, "You know about Leader Ren?"

Yun Changkong laughed and said, "I'm afraid this isn't a secret!"

Qu Yang nodded and said, "That's right. Back then, when the leader of the Eastern Sect said that the leader of the Ren Sect had suddenly died, the people in the sect did not see the body. Everyone was in a panic and said that Dongfang Bubai had usurped the position of leader. However, Dongfang Bubai killed some people, but then made the leader's daughter the Holy Maiden, making her second only to the leader in the sect."

Seeing that he not only failed to eliminate the threat completely, but also seemed to intend to let the Holy Maiden succeed as the leader, the voices plotting to assassinate the new leader gradually subsided.

Yun Changkong laughed and said, "Dongfang Bubai is a smart man. He has also practiced the Sunflower Manual. I will have to compete with him sooner or later, so I can't let myself have any shortcomings."

Qu Yang was shocked and said, "Master Yun, you must not fight with the Eastern Cult Leader." He paused and said, "Since you know about the Sunflower Manual, you must not be so rash."

Seeing Qu Yang's reaction, Liu Jing was even more horrified and asked, "Father, what exactly is this 'Sunflower Manual'? Why is Uncle Qu so afraid?"

Liu Zhengfeng said with a serious expression, "That is a martial art that has been lost for a long time and is extremely powerful. It is said that the Huashan Sect had this martial art back then, but it was taken away by the ten elders of the Demonic Sect when they attacked Huashan."

Yun Changkong laughed and said, "If it's not impressive, I won't be interested!" Then he went out.

……

While Yun Changkong was focused on his cultivation, half a year had passed in the martial world. The weather had turned cold, and the winds of change had shifted.

On the Fengchan Platform of Mount Song, Zuo Lengchan was sitting cross-legged when Tang Ying'e stepped forward and said, "Senior brother, our people have sent word that they have been searching for Yun Changkong for the past six months, but have found no trace of him. People from unorthodox sects are also looking for Yun Changkong, and many people in the martial arts world have died because of the rumors about Yun Changkong and the Holy Maiden."

Zuo Lengchan said, "Yun Changkong might truly be a recluse, only unable to tolerate Junior Brother Lu's scheme. What about the Huashan Sect's movements?"

Tang Ying'e said, "Ever since Linghu Chong of the Huashan Sect was punished by Yue Buqun for his improper conduct and betrayal of the brotherhood among fellow disciples, he was sent to the Cliff of Repentance to face the wall."

Madam Yue taught her daughter, Yue Lingshan, the Jade Maiden Nineteen Swords. Even though Yue Lingshan twisted her ankle, Yue Buqun insisted she learn the sword. Senior brother, what kind of move is Yue Buqun making?

Zuo Lengchan smiled knowingly and said, "To master the Jade Maiden Nineteen Swords, one must rely on others to teach one the sword techniques of various schools. Among the Huashan Sect, only Yue Buqun and Linghu Chong know the sword techniques of other schools."

Tang Ying'e suddenly realized, "Linghu Chong was punished by being made to face the wall, could it be that Yue Buqun would personally train his daughter?"

Zuo Lengchan snorted: "Have you forgotten Lin Pingzhi's Evil-Repelling Sword Technique?"

Tang Ying'e was taken aback and said, "That's it, Yue Buqun is making up an excuse for his daughter to practice swordsmanship with Lin Pingzhi?"

Zuo Lengchan sneered, "Yue Buqun is burdened by his reputation as the Gentleman Swordsman. He even resorted to having his daughter use her beauty to steal the Evil-Slaying Sword Technique. It's truly exhausting!" (End of Chapter)