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

Shangguan Yun suddenly felt a strong gust of wind rushing towards him, and the dishes and bowls on the table clattered. He shouted, "I mean no harm!" As he spoke, he raised his palm and swept it diagonally, taking a step back.

This move, though described as slow, is actually extremely fast; the defense is completed while the speaker is speaking. The technique is indeed superb.
Yun Changkong's palm strike clashed with Shangguan Yun's palm strike, and he immediately withdrew his palm strike.

Before Shangguan Yun could react, the whirlwind suddenly stopped, leaving only the bowls, plates, and windows trembling incessantly. Looking again, Yun Changkong had already picked up a cup of wine and said with a smile, "Elder Shangguan, you are quite skilled. I have heard that the elders of the Sun Moon Sect are all people with amazing skills. I was itching to show off my skills for a moment, please forgive me."

Yun Changkong had long regarded Dongfang Bubai as his rival and was determined to meet him sooner or later. Therefore, when he saw Shangguan Yun, who was involved in the attack on him, he wanted to test Dongfang Bubai's strength and thus gain an assessment of his abilities.

Shangguan Yun then realized that Yun Changkong was testing his martial arts skills, but his facial muscles twitched uncontrollably. He, a dignified elder of the White Tiger Hall of the Sun Moon Sect, never expected to see this day. He sensed that this man's inner strength was not only profound but also deeply controlled, far beyond what could be achieved through mere luck. He could only smile and say, "Only after meeting you do I truly understand what it means to be a hero among the young!"

Yun Changkong smiled slightly and said, "You don't need to flatter me. Let's be frank. Your Sun Moon Sect claims to be a divine sect, but it's not a sect that is unparalleled on earth or in heaven, dedicated to benefiting the people and saving lives. Calling you a demonic sect makes some sense."

Shangguan Yun laughed and said, "Let me be frank. There are indeed some wicked people in our sect who have made our sect a mess. That's why the sect leader has demoted so many old men. He wants people with real skills to join our sect and work together to make a name for themselves in the martial world."

When the Eastern Cult Leader learned that you had exposed the Songshan Sect's conspiracy in Hengshan City in front of a group of chivalrous figures, he praised you three times, saying that among all the heroes in the world today, who else could compare to you! This is why our spies throughout the sect have taken notice of you, demonstrating our sincerity in inviting Hero Yun to join our sect.

Yun Changkong laughed and said, "I know you call yourself 'The Eagle Hero,' so I'm sure you wouldn't lie!"

Shangguan Yun said solemnly, "Even if I had ten lives, I wouldn't dare to fabricate the cult leader's holy words."

Yun Changkong said, "Alright, let's say your sect really intends to recruit me. But why do you ask about my relationship with the Holy Maiden?"

"Since my debut, I have never had any interaction with this young lady. Why do you ask? If this matter cannot resolve my doubts, then let's not discuss it further!"

Shangguan Yun hesitated for a moment, then sighed, "I cannot disclose this matter."

Yun Changkong's face darkened, becoming as frosty as autumn frost. He said coldly, "Elder Shangguan, I know you are a respectable person, which is why I don't want to force you. Don't push me!"

Shangguan Yun truly felt that although Yun Changkong appeared young, his eyes contained an indescribable, awe-inspiring power, as if a Vajra had returned, extremely imposing. However, under the other party's questioning, he had no choice but to bite the bullet and say, "I have treated you with courtesy. Don't you think it is beneath your dignity to force me to do this?" He forced himself to calm his mind, gathered his strength to the fullest, and stared at the other party.

Yun Changkong gave a cold laugh: "Since you know about the events in Hengshan City, you should know that I, Yun, act only according to my own likes and dislikes. Whether you are willing or not, what do empty fame have to do with me!"

Shangguan Yun's heart sank. He wrung his hands and stamped his feet, his anxiety evident in his words. However, he forced himself to remain calm and said, "I have long heard of your great concern, Hero Yun. If it were any other matter, I would certainly tell you everything I know. But... but this matter concerns the Holy Maiden. If I were to speak out, I would surely suffer an unspeakable death in the future..."

Yun Changkong interrupted, "As long as you tell the truth, I guarantee I will never reveal it to anyone. There are no outsiders here except your people, so what are you afraid of?"

Shangguan Yun frowned slightly, thinking to himself, "How do you know that I don't have the Holy Maiden's people? This kid still doesn't know how powerful the Holy Maiden is."

Seeing his reaction, Yun Changkong realized that the matter was indeed difficult and he couldn't give a proper answer. This piqued his curiosity even more, and he said, "I've heard that you have a nickname, 'Condor Hero,' but what's with this hesitant and indecisive behavior? Or do you not trust me to speak?"

Shangguan Yun sighed and said, "With the words of Hero Yun, I naturally trust you. But since you have no connection with the Holy Maiden, why do you have to dig so deep? It will not benefit me, and it will also be detrimental to you!"

Yun Changkong was completely bewildered. He stared at him and said in a deep voice, "I understand now. You may have your reasons, but I feel there must be a conspiracy involved."

Because you seem to be recruiting me, yet you ask about my relationship with the Holy Maiden. I know that this Miss Ren is the daughter of the former leader Ren Woxing, and her status in your sect is second only to the leader on the surface. However, now the power of your sect is in the hands of the steward Yang Lianting, and the two of them are in conflict.

Therefore, if I were to have any connection with the Holy Maiden, you wouldn't be recruiting me, but eliminating me. You listened to me as I said I have no connection with her, and that's why you extended an olive branch to me, trying to recruit me, isn't that right?"

Shangguan Yun's heart skipped a beat: "This young man can see through everything with just a few words, which shows he's not a reckless fool. This is going to be difficult." He said in a low voice, "Why do you have to say it outright?"

Yun Changkong sneered, "I have no interest in your sect's open and covert struggles, but whoever spread the news that I am related to the Holy Maiden must have a conspiracy. Besides, your friends are hiding in the shadows. If you don't explain, please forgive my rudeness!"

"Haha..." Amidst the loud laughter, footsteps could be heard, and four people came up the stairs. With a whoosh, the curtain was lifted, and the four people entered the private room.

In a single glance, Yun Changkong saw that the eyes of these four people were all gleaming with sharp light, clearly indicating that they were all highly skilled individuals.

The three were elderly men in their fifties or sixties, and the other was a middle-aged woman. They were all dressed quite simply, and apart from carrying bundles on their backs, they did not carry any weapons at their waists.

One of the old men was exceptionally tall and looked extremely imposing. He glanced at Yun Changkong, then turned to Shangguan Yun and said, "Brother Shangguan, since the cause and effect of this matter cannot escape the thoughts of Hero Yun, why not simply tell us everything? Your refusal to speak out suggests that you are not entirely loyal to the leader."

Shangguan Yun snorted: "Elder Bao, my loyalty to the sect leader is as clear as day and night, and it is none of anyone else's business to comment. Since you say so, please tell Hero Yun."

The old man raised his head, staring at the ceiling, and suddenly chuckled, causing dust to fall from the ceiling.

His name was Bao Dachu, and this laugh activated his superior internal energy.

Yun Changkong flicked his sleeves, sending dust flying outside, and said, "So, you came here to show off your skills. Very well, I'd like to ask you for some pointers."

Seeing that his expression remained unchanged, Bao Dachu secretly admired him and slowly said, "Although we are not from the same sect as you, judging from our actions, we are of the same path. The reason we are able to meet here today is because of the rumors in the martial arts world that you and our sect's Holy Maiden are in love. That's why the sect leader sent us here to inquire about this."

Upon hearing this, Yun Changkong's lips curled up slightly, and a sharp glint flashed in his eyes.

He already understood: this was a complete conspiracy. With just one sentence, not only would the righteous sects of the martial arts world regard him as an enemy, but even Yang Lianting's side of the demonic sect would see him as a threat to his rule. Even Ren Yingying must hate him to death.

Yun Changkong knew that Ren Yingying, this witch, was very different from any other female protagonist. Her shyness and bashfulness in matters of the heart were not only different from that of women in the martial arts world, but even more so than those young ladies from secluded boudoirs.

Even if she was infatuated with Linghu Chong in the original story, she was still hesitant and awkward, making those who fawned over her very uncomfortable. Therefore, she must have felt a deep resentment towards him, someone she had never even met but with whom she had been rumored to be romantically involved.

After a moment of silence, Yun Changkong looked intently at the elders and said slowly, "Tell your Chief Steward Yang that I have nothing to do with the Holy Maiden. Tell him not to provoke me. Please, I'm going to eat." His voice was steady and firm.

The elders of the Demonic Sect exchanged glances, a hint of surprise flashing in their eyes, seemingly not expecting Yun Changkong to react this way.

Elder Bao nodded and said, "You are indeed a young hero with extraordinary courage and exceptional martial arts skills. However, we were just about to tell you about the rumors concerning you and the Holy Maiden..."

"It wasn't us!" Shangguan Yun interrupted, "It was Elder Bao who said it, so don't drag us into it!"

Bao Dachu sneered, "Brother Shangguan, why go to such lengths? No matter how powerful the Holy Maiden is, she is still the Holy Maiden of our Divine Sect. We are acting on the orders of our sect leader. What are you afraid of?"

Shangguan Yun said, "Aren't you afraid? Why do you have to bring us into this? Are you thinking that if the Holy Maiden finds out that you asked a man about your relationship with her, she will definitely make things difficult for you, and you'll drag Elder Wang, Elder Qin, and Elder Sang into it with you, is that right?"

These words are like a sharp sword, hitting the nail on the head.

Bao Dachu took a deep breath, a complex light flashing in his eyes, and looked at Yun Changkong, slowly saying, "Did you see that, Your Excellency? If the Holy Maiden knew that we were questioning your relationship with her, she would certainly not spare us. Therefore, even though we are elders of the White Tiger Hall, we are still afraid, despite being under the Holy Order of the Sect Leader."

Months ago, rumors about you and the Holy Maiden caused quite a stir in the martial arts world. It was only after the Holy Maiden issued a kill order that the matter was somewhat stopped. What do you think she would do if she knew you were in the martial arts world?

Yun Changkong's face was ashen as he slowly asked, "Are you threatening me?"

"How dare I?" Bao Dachu shook his head and said, "I am just stating the facts. My Holy Maiden is an incarnation of a celestial being. How could ordinary mortals dare to lay a finger on her? Those ignorant fools dare to gossip about her. They are only asking for their own destruction."

He paused briefly, then added, "But because of her order, if anyone heard that she had anything to do with Yun Changkong, they would be killed without mercy. Not only did many people die, but..."

People from all over the mountains and rivers were filled with fear and apprehension, worried that the Holy Maiden's lingering anger would not be appeased and that they too would suffer as a result.

"As the culprit, you certainly possess extremely high martial arts skills, but the group of extraordinary individuals under her command from all corners of the land are capable of using all sorts of unpredictable methods. Your only way to ensure success is to join our sect and work together as one!"

Yun Changkong smiled, poured himself a cup of wine, drank it all in one gulp, and said calmly, "You people, Miss Ren is clearly a kind, gentle, and shy girl, but in your mouths she's a ruthless female demon. For something like this, you all cower like mice before a cat. It's really a shame that the Demonic Sect made you elders..."

Bao Dachu angrily asked, "What?!"

Yun Changkong shook his head and said, "Not good!"

Shangguan Yun hurriedly said, "Be careful what you say, Master Yun. You may not know this, but the Holy Maiden is indeed broad-minded, surpassing even men. However, when it comes to matters of the heart between men and women, that is something that cannot be discussed."

Seeing his attitude, Yun Changkong thought with disdain: "This guy is not worthy of being called the Condor Hero. If Yang Guo knew, he would probably be so angry that he would come back to life." So he said: "Alright, since there are rumors in the martial arts world that I am in love with the Holy Maiden, someone must have deliberately spread this. Their purpose is to make that Steward Yang and the Holy Maiden work together against me. Once we fight, we will become enemies. We will fight to the death, and he will reap the benefits."

Such a despicable person deserves my utmost attention. I've made myself clear. Thank you for your hospitality; please leave now.

Yun Changkong had no idea why he had been targeted by the Demonic Sect, but now that he understood the situation, he immediately realized who the culprit was. Besides the Songshan Sect, who was so insidious and ruthless, there was no one else like them. Fortunately, he had been cautious and hadn't investigated too deeply from the start; otherwise, he would have fallen into their trap and made an enemy of the Demonic Sect.

Shangguan Yun nodded and said, "You should be able to guess who is spreading these rumors. The most vicious people in this world are not the evil bandits in the eyes of the world, but those hypocrites who wear the mask of justice. So join our sect, and let's work together to restore peace to the martial world. That is what a true man should do!"

Yun Changkong smiled calmly and said, "Alright, alright, I've never liked being restrained. If I were the leader of your sect, I might be able to negotiate a bit. But as someone's subordinate, I'm sorry, I have no interest in that."

The thin old man, his face as red as boiled pig liver, angrily said, "You've gone too far!"

Yun Changkong sneered, "Do the five of you want to attack all at once?"

The old man was stunned.

Shangguan Yun hurriedly said, "Elder Qin, don't be fooled."

Qin Weibang asked in bewilderment, "If he wants to be the leader, where does that leave the Eastern Cult Leader? What am I going to fall for?"

Shangguan Yun coughed lightly and said, "Hero Yun has made it clear that he has no connection with the Holy Maiden. So, the rumors that the Holy Maiden and he... are just attempts to sow discord between our sect and Hero Yun. This person is so treacherous that we should join hands. How can we fight each other and let this wicked villain succeed?"

The middle-aged woman, who had remained silent until now, suddenly said, "Elder Qin, Elder Shangguan is right. If we fight with Hero Yun, regardless of the outcome, we will have formed a feud. Wouldn't those so-called chivalrous people be overjoyed?"

Although she is not young, her voice is still quite charming and pleasant.

“Elder Sang is right, Brother Qin, don’t be impatient!” Bao Dachu’s gaze shifted and stopped on Yun Changkong. He slowly said, “You are confident in your skills and boldness, and we have nothing to say about that. But the extraordinary people under the Holy Maiden’s command are all highly skilled. They are not reasonable. Are you sure you don’t want to reconsider the suggestion of joining our sect?”

Yun Changkong shook his head helplessly and said, "You all like to boast. You packaged the Holy Maiden, a beautiful young girl, as a man-eating demon. As for the so-called extraordinary people of the Three Mountains and Five Peaks, they are just a group of slaves under your Sun Moon Sect who have eaten the 'Three Corpse Brain God Pill' and whose lives are not in their own hands."

To insist on labeling them as extraordinary individuals is nothing more than an attempt to demonstrate the power of your Sun Moon Sect. Ha! It's utterly a ridiculous joke!

The elders were taken aback when suddenly they heard, "What arrogance!" A sharp "whoosh" sounded, and a beam of silver light shot in through the window, heading straight for Yun Changkong's head. (End of Chapter)