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

At this moment, both of the Northern Desert Bears realized that although Yun Changkong had a warm expression, he was actually hiding murderous intent. After all, making them eat human flesh was a blatant humiliation. However, they could not beg for mercy. Their bodies were uncomfortable and their hearts were bitter. The discomfort was indescribable.

Yun Changkong said calmly, "I might as well tell you, you've run into my hands today, and your retribution has come. If you know what's good for you, one of you might survive. Otherwise, I'll slice you brothers to pieces and throw your flesh into the mountains to feed the wolves. What do you say? I'll listen to your words!"

The white bear solemnly said, "You are a master of this era. Since my brothers and I are powerless to resist, and we are captured and humiliated, no one will speak well of you. What are you after?"

Everyone thought this was true; Yun Changkong's great reputation humiliated those who could not resist, inevitably leading to ridicule that he was not a hero.

Yun Changkong sneered, "What's the point? Just to have some fun!"

As he spoke, he stomped his foot, flicked his sleeve, and with a series of cracking sounds, several square bricks were shattered and sent flying straight towards the white bear.

These fragments, like sharp spikes, swarmed towards the polar bear with a whistling sound. Everyone knew that this single blow could cut several pounds of flesh from the polar bear's robust body, and they were terrified at the sight.

Only then did the elder of the Demonic Sect realize that this was indeed one of their kind, ruthless and vicious.

The polar bear was struggling to breathe and it seemed unlikely to escape the agony of being torn to pieces. Suddenly, a figure rushed out, pushed the polar bear's shoulder with his right palm, and sent him flying. At the same time, the figure rolled up his left sleeve, and the fragments seemed to flock to his sleeve like a swarm of bees.

Although Yun Changkong didn't use the "Arhat Subduing Demon Technique" with his flick, these fragments still contained true power. With a hiss, a large tear appeared in the man's sleeve, followed by a muffled groan as some pieces clattered to the ground.
The man stepped back three paces, and blood quickly stained his left shoulder.

Seeing the newcomer's incredibly fast movements, and how his flick of the sleeve demonstrated his profound internal strength, Yun Changkong took a closer look. He saw that the man was dressed in blue clothes and socks, with a thin face, a pale complexion, and piercing, fierce eyes. He thought to himself, "Could he be another one of Ren Yingying's people?"

These few moves were swift and swift, happening in the blink of an eye. Before Yun Changkong could finish his thought, Bai Xiong finally understood, and, both surprised and furious, shouted, "Night Owl, why the hell did you take so long to get here?"

The newcomer laughed and said, "White Bear, you didn't know your own limitations and almost lost your life. What do you have to say now?" As he spoke, he tapped the black bear a few times with his fingers, and the pain lessened slightly.

The white bear was a fool, but the facts were undeniable, so all he could do was snort.

Yun Changkong looked at the night owl and sneered, "You're helping this kind of person out of loyalty, so it seems you're in cahoots with him?"

Then Bao Dachu laughed and said, "Brother Yun, this Brother Ji is known as the Night Owl. It's a pity you were born a few decades too late. Thirty years ago, when people in the martial arts world talked about the 'Night Owl,' they were helpless against him. He was at the height of his power!"

The elders of the Demonic Sect all knew that this Night Owl, Ji Wushi, had been famous in the martial arts world for many years. It was said that he was exceptionally gifted, able to see in the dark as if it were daytime, and his actions were sometimes good and sometimes evil, sometimes wicked and sometimes righteous, making him an extremely formidable figure.

But Yun Changkong had no idea about his deeds. He only knew that this was another case of Ren Yingying's group of people shamelessly flattering Linghu Chong, and later betraying Ren Yingying because of the Evil-Slaying Sword Manual. He looked down on them and didn't care. He just wanted to figure out whether Ren Yingying was targeting him or whether these people were acting on their own to curry favor with her. Only then could he devise a countermeasure.

Ji Wushi chuckled and said, "Elder Bao flatters me. Compared to Hero Yun, my reputation is as insignificant as a firefly. It is truly a great comfort to meet such a sage today!" With that, he clasped his hands in a salute to Yun Changkong.

Yun Changkong returned the greeting with clasped hands and said, "You flatter me. So, is it because of that Miss Ren that you're making things difficult for me?"

Ji Wushi shook his head and said, "It's not that it's difficult, but if it weren't for the Holy Maiden's rescue, we would all be wandering ghosts somewhere! It's unbearable to look back on! Unbearable to look back on! But we are all on the same side. It's fine to spar, but why put people to death?"

Upon hearing this, everyone's expressions varied. The elder of the Demonic Sect thought to himself, "It seems this kid really does have a connection with the Holy Maiden!"

"One of our own?" Yun Changkong sneered, "Then I'd like to hear it. If you can't give me a satisfactory answer, I'll have no choice but to ask you for another lesson in martial arts."

Ji Wushi smiled and said, "The Twin Bears of the Northern Desert robbed escort agencies outside the pass and made a fortune, that goes without saying. But, Hero Yun, are you aware of your reputation in the martial arts world?"

Yun Changkong said, "I don't know, and I don't want to know."

Ji Wushi nodded and said, "Your Excellency relies on your skills and acts as you please. This is not only known to me, but to everyone in the world. Otherwise, why would you make an enemy of the Songshan Sect, a paragon of chivalry, for the sake of a traitor like Liu Zhengfeng?"

He paused slightly, then said, "You asked Liu Zhengfeng to give you all his assets. Whether you actually took them or not, I don't know. But everyone in the martial arts world says you can't distinguish right from wrong, and you're ruthless. You're like a venomous snake or a ferocious beast. No one in the righteous sects considers you an enemy, let alone a friend. Tell me, how are you any different from the Twin Bears of the Northern Desert?"

White Bear laughed and said, "He thinks he's some kind of chivalrous hero. Look at the people he associates with; they're all people that chivalrous people despise."

Yun Changkong's appearance in the martial arts world caused quite a stir. Everyone said that he acted willfully and impulsively.

Because he brutally murdered Tian Boguang, defeated Yu Canghai, and killed the three great protectors of the Songshan Sect, although it shocked the world, it was not the act of chivalry.

Although Tian Boguang has committed many evils, this is not a reason for righteous people to torture others. You can kill him, but crippling his limbs is not the way of righteousness.

As for defeating Yu Canghai, it made the righteous factions in the martial arts world dislike him, because everyone was afraid of becoming the next one.

Everyone works hard for decades to build up a reputation, and they rely on that to survive in the martial arts world. But you, a newcomer to the martial arts world, beat them so badly that they can't even lift their heads. All their lifelong reputation is ruined. Which established master would like that?
As for the three great protectors of Songshan Sect, they garnered sympathy from many people because they felt that when others went to Liu Zhengfeng, a traitor who had allied with the elders of the Demonic Sect, to clean up their own sect, the three great protectors, relying on their superior martial arts skills, quickly killed or crippled the others. This was considered unreasonable!
No one knows his lineage or background, and his actions are mysterious and unpredictable. He did a few things, and almost a year later, he suddenly reappeared.

With this style, everyone fears his high level of martial arts, but no one respects him. So when the Demonic Sect tried to recruit him, they truly believed that Yun Changkong was a promising talent for the Demonic Sect.

Ji Wushi smiled slightly and said, "Yes, the Northern Desert Twin Bears robbed the escort agency. First you robbed the Lin family's Evil-Repelling Sword Manual, then you robbed the Liu family's assets. We're all heretics, so aren't we all on the same side?"

Yun Changkong was both amused and exasperated. He said to Ji Wushi, "What a sharp tongue you have. But you are right, the so-called chivalrous way is to be strict with oneself and lenient with others."

Midway through the conversation, he abruptly changed his tone: "But since you know my style, you should understand that I, Yun, act only for the purpose and do not care about trivial matters. Whether the martial arts world admires me or ridicules me, I don't care at all. Do you understand?"

Ji Wushi's gaze sharpened, and he scrutinized Yun Changkong's face for a while before bursting into laughter, saying, "Good, very good, you are indeed extraordinary. So you insist on killing the Twin Bears of the Northern Desert, showing no regard for face at all?"

Yun Changkong said casually, "It's too good for these man-eating demons to die. There's no doubt about it. No one can save them."

"I can give you a piece of advice. They won't tell me whether this trip was their own decision or ordered by your Miss Ren. I'll ask them anyway. What do you say?"

Ji Wushi suddenly showed displeasure, gave a cold snort, and said, "You are giving me frank advice. Are you using your skills to intimidate others?"

Yun Changkong said coldly, "Think what you want, I'm just asking you whether you're going to talk or not? I'll give you another piece of advice: don't put on airs like a tough guy in front of me. In my hands, even steel can melt into water!" His eyes gleamed as he stared intently at Ji Wushi, waiting for his reply.

Ji Wushi chuckled dryly and said, "If I say I have nothing to say, will you kill me?"

Seeing his evasiveness, Yun Changkong knew they had acted on their own initiative, not at Ren Yingying's behest. It was exactly the same as their attempt to curry favor with Linghu Chong in the original story; otherwise, why wouldn't they say they were acting under orders? He smiled slightly and said, "I'm not that domineering. If you don't want to talk, you can leave now." The implication was clear: if they kept arguing, they wouldn't be leaving.

Ji Wushi remained silent for a long time before saying, "Your skills are hard-earned. I'll say a few words; whether you listen or not is entirely up to you."

Yun Changkong nodded and said, "Then I'm all ears!"

Ji Wushi coldly said, "The number of people who have received the Holy Maiden's favor is so vast that you cannot imagine her power. If you really have no connection with the Holy Maiden, then you should leave the Central Plains immediately and retire with your family."

Yun Changkong said calmly, "Thank you for your kindness. I know Miss Ren is shy, saying that she and I, a complete stranger, are mutually in love..."

Ji Wushi hurriedly waved his hand and said, "You can't say such things. You don't want to live anymore, but I want to live a few more days!" His voice trembled as he said these two sentences, clearly showing his great fear.

Yun Changkong couldn't help but chuckle. He didn't know whether Ren Yingying's intimidating aura was a result of her intentionally creating a terrifying atmosphere or something else. She was extremely skilled in internal energy and lightness skills, yet she was like a mouse seeing a cat after hearing just one sentence.

Yun Changkong continued, "I know that an innocent woman would certainly be unhappy to hear such rumors, but the innocent are innocent. Besides, this matter arose because I had a feud with someone, so she should be able to make her own judgment. Why should you be entangled with me?"

Ji Wushi sighed and said, "You don't need to test me. I'm afraid I can't tell you anything about the Holy Maiden or her affairs."

Yun Changkong snorted and said, "Then please!"

Ji Wushi asked, "And what about them?"

Yun Changkong snorted: "Man-eating demons are not considered human."

Ji Wushi turned around and said urgently, "You two, just tell me yourselves, why are you still stubbornly holding back here?"

The polar bear shouted, "Stand up to what?"

Ji Wushi said, "Your so-called cannibalism is nothing but a bluff to scare people and prevent those镖师 (bodyguards/escorts) from opposing you. Others may not know, but do you think I don't?" As he spoke, he pulled a human hand from the white bear's arms, took a bite, and said, "Is this fucking human flesh? How can you make pork look like a human hand? Damn it, you're always trying to scare people, but today you've met your match!"

Seeing that Yun Changkong's temperament was extraordinary and his martial arts skills were unfathomable, he knew that since the matter had come to this point, the Northern Desert Twin Bears would inevitably suffer greatly.

The black bear and the polar bear exchanged a glance.

The black bear snorted, "This is clearly human flesh, the kind we want to eat. Night owl, your method is utterly clumsy. Heh heh! Who would believe that?"

Ji Wushi sneered, "Fine, then as Young Master Yun said, which of you will eat whom?"

Upon hearing this, Shuangxiong immediately began to curse, but his curses were incoherent, including things like his ancestors for eighteen generations. However, he dared not openly curse Yun Changkong or Ji Wushi's ancestors, otherwise he would be unable to move and would have no power to fight back if the other party wanted to use force.

Ji Wushi smiled and cupped his hands in greeting to Yun Changkong and the others, saying, "Greetings, everyone." He then turned and left. Black Bear said, "As the saying goes, 'He who eats another's food is bound to do so.' Night Owl, you didn't eat me, so why are you so willing to do so?"

The polar bear yelled, "Night Owl, now that you've dropped so low, who the hell is afraid of me anymore? You think you can just leave like that?"

The elders of the Demonic Sect also knew that these two scoundrels had fooled many people with their rumors of eating human flesh, but now that they had revealed their true colors, their deterrent power would drop rapidly.

Yun Changkong had also considered that perhaps the Northern Desert Twin Bears, like Li Dazui, were just bluffing and pretending to eat human flesh. Now that he knew they were acting on their own initiative to cause him trouble, he lost interest in wasting time with them. Suddenly, he split his palms apart, as fast as lightning.

With two loud "thumps," the black bear and the white bear were struck by two palm strikes that missed their target. They roared, spat out blood, and collapsed limply.

No one expected Yun Changkong to make a sudden move, almost like a sneak attack.

Those watching knew that the two men had been struck by that blow, their bones broken, and they were doomed.

In that instant, Ji Wushi's robes fluttered without wind, clearly indicating his extreme anger. However, he quickly regained his composure and said, "Rumors in the martial world say they eat people. Since you know that the brothers don't eat people, why do you say this?"

Yun Changkong laughed and said, "While you can't believe everything you hear in the martial world, I killed them all based on your word alone, which is already giving you face. Aren't you satisfied? Besides, one of them threatened to tear me apart, and the other ambushed me. Do you think I'm just going to let it go like that?"

Ji Wushi nodded and said, "Alright, I admit defeat today. We'll settle this wherever we meet again!" With a flick of his sleeve, he turned to leave.

"Wait a minute!"

Ji Wushi gritted his teeth and said, "You have something else to say?"

Yun Changkong said solemnly, "Please tell your companions that I am going to settle accounts with the Songshan Sect. They should not be used as pawns. If they come to me again, the Twin Bears of the Northern Desert will suffer the same fate. Please also tell the Holy Maiden that I feel deeply sorry for the trouble I have caused her. Please ask her to restrain her subordinates. I will give her an explanation."

Ji Wushi coldly replied, "I've got it!" and quickly left.

He and the elders of the Demonic Sect were both seasoned veterans of the martial world, not fools. They understood that Yun Changkong's pursuit of the Songshan Sect was a way of telling the Holy Maiden not to bother him with this matter anymore.

Yun Changkong glanced at Shangguan Yun and the others and said indifferently, "Elder Shangguan, could you please send someone to throw these two bodies into the Yangtze River to feed the fish, so as not to trouble the nearby residents?"

Shangguan Yun responded, clapped his hands, and two men dressed as waiters rushed out, picked up the corpses of the Northern Desert Twin Bears, and turned to leave. Their skills were quite remarkable.

Sang San Niang curled her lip and said, "Why bother with all that? Just throw him in the mass grave."

Yun Changkong said calmly, "You are also following orders. We have made everything clear. I will also tell you the truth: I have no interest in any martial arts struggle."

"If you insist on fighting me by force, none of you can stop me. However, I have long heard that Dongfang Bubai's martial arts are the best in the world, and I would like to see for myself. If he is capable, please come to Henan and we will have a fair and square fight!"

He glanced at the group and smiled meaningfully, "If he has other important business and is not interested, don't send your men to find me. Keep Yang Lianting in check and don't cause me any trouble, or I'll kick out your Sun Moon Sect branches one by one. Farewell!"

The moment the words "Farewell" were uttered, Yun Changkong flicked his sleeves, causing everyone to close their eyes in shock.

When he opened his eyes again, Yun Changkong was gone.

To appear and disappear without a trace in broad daylight—this level of lightness skill is beyond description.

Qin Weibang's face turned ashen as he thought, "This kid is so young, yet he possesses such skill. If the sect leader doesn't intervene, who in the world can subdue him? We should report to the sect leader and have him crippled as soon as possible."

Bao Dachu laughed and said, "Great! He's going to cause trouble for the Songshan Sect, and we can just sit back and watch!"

Sang San Niang said, "That's not enough. We need to make sure he gets to Henan safely. What if the Holy Maiden's men cause him trouble?"

Bao Dachu took something out of his pocket and held it high. Shangguan Yun and the others were also very respectful.

It was a piece of withered, black wood, about half a foot long, with patterns and characters carved on it, which looked very strange.

Bao Dachu coldly replied, "I possess the sect leader's black wooden token, which is as if the sect leader himself were present. How dare the Holy Maiden disobey my command?"

……

With the news of the events in Jinling spreading, Yun Changkong once again stirred up a huge uproar in the martial arts world.

It wasn't because he killed the Twin Bears of the Northern Desert, but because he met with the elders of the Demonic Sect, said he wanted to settle accounts with the Songshan Sect, and even challenged Dongfang Bubai to a battle. Regardless of how others viewed it, it immediately made Songshan the focus of attention in the martial arts world.

Suddenly, the entire martial arts world was in turmoil, a storm was brewing, and the air was thick with tension, excitement, and curiosity, as everyone wondered how Yun Changkong would cause trouble for the Songshan Sect.

The entire Songshan Mountain was shrouded in hostility.

Zuo Lengchan stood with his hands behind his back, listening to Tang Ying'e's report, and chuckled coldly: "Since he's so eager to come to me, so ignorant of his own limitations, how can I refuse?"

Tang Ying'e laughed and said, "Yes, Ren Woxing. Even Dongfang Bubai, who is so arrogant, didn't dare to come to my Songshan to cause trouble. He is so ignorant of death. Let Songshan become his burial place!"

The setting sun cast its rays upon Zuo Lengchan's yellow robe, making it dazzlingly bright.

While everyone's attention was focused on Mount Song, Yun Changkong had already entered Luoyang City.

Unlike the bustling city of Jinling, every brick and tile here exudes a profound historical heritage.

The city's architecture is ancient and grand. On the streets, among the passersby, there are both merchants hurrying along and many scholars dressed in Confucian robes.

Yun Changkong first found the most prestigious inn in Luoyang, "Yougui Pavilion," and booked an entire courtyard.
After he washed up, the food and drink were delivered. The waiter bowed and was about to leave when Yun Changkong beckoned him and said, "Wait, I have something to ask you."

The shop assistant stepped forward and asked with a fawning smile, "What would you like to ask, young master?"

Yun Changkong said, "I want to inquire about the people in the city." As he spoke, he took out a silver ingot.

The shop assistant, all smiles, said, "That depends on who you're asking about, young master."

Yun Changkong said, "Old Man Green Bamboo!"

The waiter thought for a moment, then said with a bitter face, "Never heard of it!"

He knew he couldn't earn any more money.

Yun Changkong thought about it and agreed, then asked, "What about the Golden Knife Wang family?"

The waiter immediately beamed with joy and said excitedly, "I know, I know! Go out of East Street, turn left, it's the second street. There are two big stone lions in front of the mansion gate, and the smaller one..."

Yun Changkong interrupted, "Alright." He then handed the silver to the shop assistant and said, "Go and buy a bolt of white cloth; the rest is yours."

The shop assistant took the money, but couldn't help but wonder, "Is he going to hold a funeral for someone?" He was about to bow and leave when...
Suddenly, Yun Changkong said, "Hey buddy."

The shop assistant replied, "Sir, is there anything else you need?"

Yun Changkong said, "Bring the writing brush and inkstone as well."

"Yes." The shop assistant bowed and left.

With money to pave the way, the shop assistant quickly delivered the white cloth, writing brush, and inkstone into the courtyard.

Yun Changkong tore off four strips of white cloth, each three feet long, and laid them on the table. Then he prepared the grinding stone and began to write swiftly with his brush.

After writing, he waited for the ink to dry, rolled up four strips of white cloth, and when it got dark, he left the inn.

The Luoyang night market was bustling with activity, but Yun Changkong, under the watchful eyes of thousands, used his lightness skill to hang four white cloth strips on the four gate towers.

As soon as he hung one up, people would swarm around it out of curiosity.

Those with keen eyesight would see the inscription: "To all fellow martial artists: Yun Changkong deeply appreciates the vastness of martial arts. To verify what I have learned, I hereby announce that one month from now, at the summit of Baiyun Mountain, I will respectfully await the arrival of the Songshan Sect Leader for instruction in both fist and palm techniques! Yun Changkong bows respectfully!"

Luoyang is full of talented people. Even if one doesn't know Zuo Lengchan, one can still see the undeniable confidence, upright and majestic, in Yun Changkong's calligraphy. (End of Chapter)