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

Looking across the world, no one can surpass Yun Changkong in terms of the breadth of martial arts. Moreover, he is never complacent and has always been dedicated to studying the profound mysteries of martial arts, trying to return to the origin.

In this respect, he far surpasses most people in the world!
When others learn martial arts, they never consider why they need to use certain techniques or methods. They only seek to learn them so that they can kill and defeat their enemies.

Yun Changkong, on the other hand, was thinking about the principles of martial arts. He had already benefited greatly from this, and his knowledge was far beyond what ordinary people could imagine.

The internal energy cultivation and various martial arts he learned were all developed and improved upon by predecessors who founded their own schools and created their own unique styles. Mastering just one of them, even with only a minor achievement, would be enough to make one a dominant force in the world. If one were to reach the pinnacle of mastery, no one in the world could rival him.

But precisely because of this, Yun Changkong has never been defeated in a one-on-one battle since his debut, which has instilled a winner's gene in his blood and a desire to surpass others.

Therefore, several years ago, while meditating on Mount Wutai, I already had the idea of ​​fusing various schools of thought into creating my own, and I even put it into action. While meditating and gazing at the sea, I created a finger technique.

Therefore, this moment of enlightenment is not only a testament to his extraordinary destiny and talent, but also a manifestation of his ambition and a reward for his efficient learning.

At a young age, Yun Changkong was able to abandon worldly pleasures and read Buddhist scriptures extensively in the Sutra Repository of Wanghai Temple, and he could also copy Buddhist and Taoist scriptures on Zizhu Island.

He did not seek martial arts, nor strength, nor the cultivation of inner energy; he only sought to cultivate his character and temperament.

Because Buddhist scriptures and Taoist canons are not just words; they are a microcosm of the infinite vastness and infinite narrowness of human thought.

They can express the macrocosm of the world and the microcosm of a grain of sand in words, which is truly remarkable.

Therefore, Huang Shang could thoroughly study the Daoist canon, master it without a teacher, and become a master proficient in both internal and external martial arts. Some of them also became masters who promoted Buddhism and Taoism, saved all sentient beings, and were worshipped by people.

Even those with wicked intentions can become eloquent and accomplished spiritual healers.

At this moment, Yun Changkong was aroused by the mysterious celestial phenomena and activated by the "Big Dipper Formation". He connected all the profound knowledge he had learned with the four words "unity of heaven and man". His true energy surged and his spirit traveled beyond heaven and earth, wandering in the eight wastelands, completely forgetting where he was.

Suddenly, Yun Changkong opened his eyes, and two beams of light, like cold lightning, shot straight out of the window of the quiet room.

A surge of powerful and irresistible true energy swelled and took shape in Yun Changkong's chest. Without him even having to think about it, it quietly flowed along the Hand Yangming Large Intestine Meridian and the Hand Jueyin Pericardium Meridian.

The energy gathered at the Shangyang acupoint on the right finger and the Zhongchong acupoint on the middle finger. Yun Changkong felt the true energy gradually become more rounded and harmonious, transforming from fierce and sharp.

"That just now seemed to involve the meridian circulation technique of the Pure Yang Finger. Could it be...?"

Yun Changkong was shocked. Ever since he had consummated his relationship with the Purple-Robed Dragon King, if he were to use the Pure Yang Finger Technique again, he would feel a stagnation and blockage in his meridians. If he forced himself to circulate the energy, his meridians would feel a burning pain.

Today, not only does my internal energy circulate continuously using the Pure Yang Finger Technique, but my meridians also feel warm and moist.

Suddenly, Yun Changkong pointed his fingers like a halberd and thrust them out from mid-air.

There was no sound of air breaking through the wind, but a soft "thump" was heard, and a hole appeared in a tree trunk about the size of a bowl, four zhang away.

Yun Changkong glanced at his fingertips, then suddenly leaped out, his two fingers joined together, his body moving in all directions, his fingertips tracing a line across the ground.

There was not a sound of wind, but upon closer inspection, one could see that his fingertips traced a pattern on the ground that was imbued with profound charm, yet not a speck of dust was stirred up.

Yun Changkong was immersed in this wondrous realm, his body like a phantom. At times, his fingertips seemed to thrust like spears and halberds; at other times, they blocked and swept across, turning freely and smoothly, simple and ancient. Suddenly, his wrists trembled and his fingertips tapped rapidly, like playing a pipa.

He wasn't writing words; he was describing attack trajectories. With each shift of his thoughts, it was as if seven or eight shadows were galloping across the battlefield.

And from Yun Changkong’s fingertips seemed to spring forth an invisible whip of energy, sometimes fierce and unparalleled, sometimes gentle and tender, sometimes continuous and unending, sometimes light and swift.

Sometimes it is unpredictable, pointing east and going west, mysterious and unpredictable; other times it is simple and unadorned, slow and heavy.

In this unprecedented "martial arts" performance, Yun Changkong sometimes stood still like a mountain, his finger movements as graceful as flashing starlight, and at other times his figure moved about, his solemnity as if the Big Dipper were arrayed.

This practice continued until dawn, at which point Yun Changkong finally composed himself, stopped practicing, and stood at attention.

But he showed no signs of fatigue; instead, his expression became even clearer and more serene, and his countenance was solemn and dignified.

Yun Changkong took a breath and felt his true energy flowing abundantly, as if it were inexhaustible. He also felt that the true energy in his body was chaotic and without distinction between yin and yang, but wherever his divine will went, yin and yang would arise spontaneously.

Yun Changkong was overjoyed, then paused for a moment, before taking a closer look at the various tracks on the ground. Suddenly, he understood. Like lightning piercing the long night, illuminating everything, he burst into laughter, "I have finally succeeded in creating my own martial art!"

It turns out that Yun Changkong originally intended to create a piece of music like the "Song of the Rising Tide of the Azure Sea," but he failed. Instead, he created an unprecedented and unparalleled fingering technique.

At that moment, a loud shout rang out: "Big brother, you're amazing, amazing!"

Yun Changkong glanced over and saw that Qu Yang and Qu Feiyan, Liu Zhengfeng and Liu Jing were already standing solemnly in the distance.

Qu Feiyan called out, and the group came over together. Liu Zhengfeng cupped his hands and said, "Congratulations to Master Yun on your great achievement."

Qu Yang laughed and said, "I never expected that in my twilight years, I would witness the birth of a grandmaster. Heaven has truly been kind to me!"

Yun Changkong cupped his hands and said, "Not at all, not at all."

Qu Yang shook his head and said, "No need to be polite. With just this one set of finger techniques, how many people in the world can withstand it!"

Just then, Qu Feiyan squatted on the ground and shouted, "Grandpa, look!"

The group went over to take a look and saw finger holes and scratches of varying depths and shapes on the ground and trees. What was astonishing was that the edges of these marks were extremely smooth, as if they had been carefully carved by someone. And they had been watching Yun Changkong's finger strikes silently. Wasn't this something that could be impossible to guard against? Thinking this, everyone felt a chill run down their spines, yet their blood was also boiling.

Qu Feiyan clapped her hands and exclaimed, "Big brother, what's the name of this finger technique?"

A glint of wisdom flashed in Yun Changkong's eyes as he smiled slightly and said, "Without a name, perhaps the Heavenly Gang Subduing Demon Finger is more deserving of this skill!"

It turns out that he combined the Zen principles of "concentrating the mind on righteousness and being free from laws and forms" and the subtlety of "integrating Yin and Yang" from the Shaolin School's most profound and subtle "Arhat Subduing Demon Skill," along with Wang Chongyang's righteous, peaceful, and boundless martial arts philosophy, and the "inexhaustible" aftereffects of the Dragon Subduing Palm.

He also incorporated the Dog-Beating Stick Technique's feints and ingenious techniques of sealing meridians and locking channels, the "Great Shift of Heaven and Earth" to manipulate Yin and Yang, and the "Ultimate Power of Deflecting Four Ounces with a Thousand Pounds" to transform his fingertips into his own.

It enabled the finger strength to reach a sublime state of extreme hardness giving rise to softness, like a gentle spring breeze and nourishing rain, silently nurturing all things, and achieving perfect harmony and unimpeded movement.

This is also Yun Changkong's martial arts framework of "embracing all rivers and returning to oneness".

Therefore, the "Heavenly Gang Subduing Demon Finger" is not only an astonishing martial arts secret, but also reveals the magical charm of celestial phenomena, Buddhist principles, and Taoist methods.

Qu Feiyan exclaimed happily, "Big brother, not only is he the best in the world today, but no one throughout history can compare to him. Even Bodhidharma and Zhang Sanfeng are not worthy to carry your shoes!"

"You're talking nonsense!" Yun Changkong said with a leisurely gaze, "Martial arts itself has no realm, so it's hard to estimate the level. But there are always strong and weak among martial arts practitioners. Therefore, people in the martial arts world use the so-called first-class masters to judge the top figures."

Even among top-tier masters, there are varying degrees of strength. Some have simply mastered their own school's martial arts to a high degree, possessing a unique skill that allows them to roam the martial arts world with virtually no power. Without a fight between them, no one can definitively say who is superior.

However, some top-tier masters can defeat other top-tier masters with ease. This is because those top-tier masters have been studied by many people, and through countless trials and tribulations, they have developed their own unique understanding of martial arts, reaching an indescribable realm.

This can only be understood intuitively; even if he himself has reached this level, it would be difficult for him to explain this state of mind to others.

Therefore, people like them move with fluid grace, profound artistic conception, unique style, and extraordinary skill.

This also tells us that any martial art in the world that has been passed down is by no means easy, and those who have mastered it to the highest level all have their merits.

Anyone who gains a great reputation in the martial arts world must have extraordinary abilities.

You must never underestimate others just because you are skilled. Moreover, throughout history, countless masters have emerged; it's not necessarily Bodhidharma or Zhang Sanfeng who are considered the undisputed leaders in martial arts. You must remember this.

Qu Feiyan raised her lips and said, "You're just being modest, always hiding your true strength. I don't believe Yu Canghai can fight you for two hundred moves!"

Yun Changkong laughed heartily: "Feifei, I dare not say that I am hiding my true strength. In my battle with Yu Canghai, I did not exert my full strength."

However, while one can despise the enemy strategically, one must take the enemy seriously tactically, and one should not look down on others simply because one thinks one is very capable.

"You are still young. If you want to achieve something in martial arts, you must understand the fundamental principle of 'martial arts are the application, mind and character are the essence.'"

Liu Zhengfeng clapped his hands and praised, "What a fine combination of martial arts as the application and mind as the essence!"

Qu Yang stroked his beard and laughed loudly, "Feifei, you've met such a master to guide you; you'll benefit from it for the rest of your life. Why don't you thank him?" Qu Feiyan curled her nose and pouted, "I won't thank him. Don't even think about making me his apprentice."

The group exchanged smiles.
Liu Jing smiled and asked, "So what do you want to do?"

Qu Feiyan snorted, "I'll do whatever you want."

Liu Jing's face flushed, and Liu Zhengfeng and Qu Yang were also quite embarrassed. Yun Changkong said, "I haven't slept all night and I'm a little tired." He then went inside.

Qu Feiyan shouted, "I won't listen to you! If I were even a fraction as powerful as you, I would have slaughtered the entire martial world!"

Upon hearing this, Yun Changkong couldn't help but let out a long sigh, as if he could see through the long flow of time and see that woman who dared to love and hate.

Yun Changkong had initially tried to fuse all his martial arts skills into one, forgetting her, but he failed. Now, with her in his heart, his martial arts had deepened to a higher level, reaching the realm of "power following the mind, without moves or styles." But after his initial joy, he suddenly realized something.

I wasn't as happy as I had expected.

Is it because there is no one to share this moment of achievement with?
Qu Yang, Liu Zhengfeng, Qu Feiyan, and Liu Jing were not his ideal partners.

If we don't have Zhao Min, the Purple-Robed Dragon King, Xiao Zhao, or even the enigmatic Zhou Zhiruo would be fine, but we don't have any of them.

This gave Yun Changkong a profound sense of emptiness, like the morning mist over Zizhu Island, or like the "Heavenly Gang Subduing Demon Finger" he had just created, which had silently permeated his heart.

……

Snowflakes fell thick and fast, and Mount Song was shrouded in a chilly atmosphere.

That day, the three of them went up Mount Song.

As they were walking, two men in yellow robes came running down the mountain path and bowed to the three of them, saying, "Disciples of Songshan, on the orders of Alliance Leader Zuo, respectfully welcome the three senior uncles of Huashan Sword Sect!"

All three men were in their fifties or sixties, and the longswords they wore at their waists were weapons from the Huashan Sect.
A man with a sallow complexion laughed loudly, "Good, good, good, please!" He was Feng Buping from the Sword Sect.

The group headed towards Mount Song together.

After walking a few steps, several more people came running out of the heavy snow, bowed and said, "Disciples of Songshan respectfully welcome our three senior uncles to the mountain. Please."

A short man said, "Senior brother, Alliance Leader Zuo values ​​us very much!"

His name is Cheng Buyou.

A thin man said, "Leader Zuo has not had any dealings with us for many years. He has gathered us here today, so naturally he must think highly of us!"

This person's name is Cong Buqi.

"Stop talking!" Feng Buping shouted, and continued walking.

Despite being disciples of the Huashan Sword Sect, the three of them had different ideas. Cheng Buyou and Cong Buqi felt that it was enough for their senior brother Feng Buping to become the head of the Huashan Sect and for them to be able to return to the Huashan Sect.

Ke Feng was ambitious; he wanted to take over the Huashan Sect and regain the leadership of the Five Mountains Alliance.

He was merely using Zuo Lengchan.

As the group was ascending the mountain, two more disciples from Songshan leaped out, knelt down, and said, "The disciples of Songshan, on the orders of Alliance Leader Zuo, respectfully invite the three senior uncles to move to Junji Zen Temple!"

"No, no, please rise, please rise!"

"My three senior uncles, please!"

Before they even entered the Songshan Sect's territory, they heard deafening shouts of battle. Upon entering, they saw hundreds of disciples practicing martial arts in formation, displaying remarkable ferocity.

On the high platform, a yellow figure was leading the charge, wielding a sword.

Feng Buping was taken aback, as were Cheng Buyou and Cong Buqi.

"It's a great honor to have three senior brothers grace Mount Song with their presence!" Tang Ying'e greeted them quickly.

Feng Buping cupped his hands and smiled, "It is truly admirable that Alliance Leader Zuo personally led his disciples in a martial arts demonstration!"

Tang Ying'e said, "My senior brother went through the entire winter, rain or shine!"

Feng Buping laughed and said, "With the Five Mountains Alliance united, the position of sect leader is undoubtedly rightfully ours, Alliance Leader Zuo!"

The two junior brothers nodded in agreement. They also knew that to establish themselves in the martial arts world, nothing was more important than practicing martial arts.

As they were talking, Zuo Lengchan threw his weapon to the disciple standing by and went into the hall.

Seeing this, the group quietly and swiftly entered Junji Zen Temple.

The guests and hosts took their seats.

Zuo Lengchan sat on the grand chair, his aura as deep and still as a cold pool in a secluded valley, and said, "My three senior brothers, your return to the martial world and your revitalization of the Huashan Sword Sect is truly a joyous occasion worthy of celebration in the martial world!"

Feng Buping sighed, "I am ashamed, I am ashamed. Twenty-five years ago, during the battle between the sword and qi sects of Mount Hua, the qi sect disregarded friendship and used despicable means to force the sword sect's successors to either die or retreat. This time, thanks to the Zuo Alliance Leader's support, we have the opportunity to return to the martial world."

"Alas!" Zuo Lengchan waved his hand and said, "You can't say that. The Huashan Sect has been able to dominate the martial arts world for a hundred years, not because of Yue Buqun's efforts alone, nor because he could monopolize it."

“That’s right!” Cheng Buyou stood up and said, “Yue Buqun and his master have been usurping the position of Huashan Sect Leader for twenty-five years. It’s time for him to move out. Even if the three of us brothers run into Yue Buqun, we won’t be afraid at all.”

However, he possessed a reputation for righteousness and the prestigious title of "Gentleman Sword," so he earnestly requested that Alliance Leader Zuo issue the Five Mountains Command Banner to uphold justice, rectify injustice, eliminate the hypocrite Yue Buqun, and support the Sword Sect in regaining control of the Huashan lineage!

Zuo Lengchan gave a meaningful smile and said, "Let's discuss this slowly!"

The Sword Sect members exchanged glances, and Cheng Buyou exclaimed, "What...?"

Feng Buping waved his hand and said, "The successors of the Sword Sect unanimously demand that Alliance Leader Zuo unify the Five Mountains Sword Sects and assume the position of sect leader!"

Cong Buqi said, "Left Alliance Leader's unification of the Five Mountains Sword Sects is what everyone hopes for and what the people desire!"

Zuo Lengchan's expression turned serious as he looked at Tang Ying'e and asked, "Junior Brother, what do you think?"

Tang Ying'e said, "Please give your orders, Alliance Leader!"

Zuo Lengchan nodded and said, "Please pass the command flag!"

A disciple then brought out the flag tube.

Tang Ying'e drew out the command flag and held it in front of his chest.

Zuo Lengchan stood up and said, "I order Junior Brother Tang to lead Junior Brother Yue and Junior Brother Zhong, together with the Taishan Sect and the Hengshan Sect of Nanyue, to go to Mount Hua to help the Mount Hua Sword Sect reclaim the position of sect leader!"

"I obey the order of the Left Alliance Leader!"

The group withdrew, and the hall remained silent for a long time.

Zuo Lengchan turned his gaze and said coldly, "You should hide in the shadows. If Yue Buqun is driven off Mount Hua, you should wipe out the entire Mount Hua Sect and seize the Evil-Slaying Sword Manual."

"We will not fail the Alliance Leader's trust!" a deep voice replied.

Zuo Lengchan let out a long breath.

He felt that almost a year had passed, and Yun Changkong had not appeared in the martial arts world. Clearly, he was a recluse who lived a carefree life and had no distractions. He felt that a burden had been lifted from his heart.

Because this kind of person doesn't care about anything, the matter of eliminating the Huashan Sect and merging the Five Sacred Mountains Sects can officially begin on the agenda! (End of Chapter)