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

Swish, swish, swish, woof woof.

The sword and flute clashed back and forth like lightning, leaving Lan Fenghuang breathless with admiration. However, after several exchanges, the two never actually touched each other, with only the shimmering green light swirling around them.

While it may seem that the two are using different techniques, in reality, they are both sharp sword moves designed to exploit weaknesses and create openings.

The "Nine Swords of Dugu" is divided into nine major styles. The "Breaking Sword Style" alone may seem to be only one style, but it incorporates the essential principles of sword techniques from all schools and sects in the world. Although it is said to be "without moves", it is based on the moves of sword techniques from all over the world.

Linghu Chong had only been studying the "Nine Swords of Dugu" for a short time and had not yet mastered it. However, the "Nine Swords of Dugu" placed great emphasis on comprehension, and Linghu Chong possessed astonishing comprehension. Furthermore, he had received explanations and guidance from a wise master like Feng Qingyang. Although he had not yet fully grasped its profound meaning, he was still able to achieve his goal.

It goes without saying that Linghu Chong defeated Cong Buqi with a single sword strike at the Medicine King Temple. Furthermore, the swordsmanship of Feng Buping of the Sword Sect was so advanced that even the Grand Protectors of the Songshan Sect felt inferior to him.

His self-created "One Hundred and Eight Styles of Gale Swordplay" was originally intended to seize the leadership of the Five Mountains Alliance, but it ended up becoming an aid for Linghu Chong to practice his moves. Not only did it deepen Linghu Chong's understanding of the mysteries of the "Nine Swords of Dugu", but it also allowed him to incorporate the profound meaning of "no moves are better than moves" into the "Nine Swords of Dugu", making the sword moves even more irresistible.

When Linghu Chong launched his attack, it was one sword strike after another, each one faster than the last, forming a seamless and continuous whole. He had truly mastered the essence of the Dugu Sword Technique.

Yun Changkong couldn't help but exclaim, "What excellent swordsmanship! What excellent swordsmanship!"

The "Nine Swords of Dugu, with no retreat" – Linghu Chong's sword moves may seem simple and unadorned, but each strike is ruthless and cunning, forcing the enemy to defend themselves. It is truly unparalleled in its unpredictability, perfectly embodying the essence of "anticipating the enemy's moves and forcing them to defend themselves."

Yun Changkong used Shaolin and Quanzhen sword techniques, his sword moving like the wind. The wind passed through the holes of his flute, producing a strange trembling sound. The orthodox and unorthodox techniques complemented each other, and the speed and slowness were perfectly balanced. He could calmly deal with and counterattack no matter where Linghu Chong's sword moves came from.

But the more this happened, the more skillful Linghu Chong's swordsmanship became, with endless and varied sword moves. After a hundred moves, Yun Changkong encountered dangerous moves one after another, feeling as if he was being tripped up.

It was only because Linghu Chong's swordplay did not follow the usual rules that Yun Changkong was trying to force Linghu Chong to abandon his sword and admit defeat, but Linghu Chong always had a way to fight back.

For example, when he encounters difficulties, he immediately resorts to mutually destructive tactics, a style of fighting that is not adopted by masters. However, Linghu Chong does not consider himself a master, and is competitive, so he draws his sword at will, without caring about anything else.

You should know that Linghu Chong was initially intimidated by Yun Changkong's reputation and filled with resentment. However, after several dozen moves, his mind became clear and empty, and his sword techniques became increasingly mysterious and unpredictable.

There's a saying in martial arts: "One hundred days to practice the knife, one thousand days to practice the spear, and ten thousand days to practice the sword." Swordsmanship is the most difficult to master.

Linghu Chong learned swordsmanship from a young age, putting in far more effort than Yun Changkong. He also saw the sword techniques of the Songshan, Hengshan, and Taishan schools carved on the cliff face of the Thinking Cliff. He always kept in mind what Feng Qingyang said: "If your sword has no moves, the enemy will have no way to break through. No moves are better than moves, which is the ultimate skill of swordsmanship." Therefore, he would casually draw his sword, not caring about the style or technique. His ambiguous and seemingly unrelated moves were beyond words.

Yun Changkong's martial arts skills are naturally far superior to Linghu Chong's. If they were to truly fight, he would only need to mix fist and palm techniques into his sword moves to easily win.

However, he insisted on attacking with only swordsmanship. When faced with the "Nine Swords of Dugu," no matter how he attacked, Linghu Chong could always find an opening.

It is known that the "Nine Swords of Dugu" become stronger with stronger enemies. Since Linghu Chong learned the "Nine Swords of Dugu", he has never encountered a master like Yun Changkong. His boundless sword intent surged into his heart.

In an instant, his sword moved like a whirlwind, sweeping across the land, truly resembling a dragon or snake darting through lightning. At the height of his mastery, he even channeled the pent-up emotions in his heart and his longing for Yue Lingshan into the intricate and wondrous techniques of the "Broken Sword Style."

His sword moves became increasingly bizarre, and he didn't care about winning or losing. Instead, he immersed himself in the way of the sword, swinging his sword casually. Before one move was finished, another had already been used. It was truly unpredictable, seemingly real yet illusory. Even Linghu Chong himself didn't know where the attack was aimed.

It seems as if one is not wielding the sword, but rather the sword is dancing on its own, and one is merely following its momentum. This is just like a great poet who suddenly gets inspired and writes freely, achieving a state of perfection without seeking skill or subtlety.

Two hundred moves passed in the blink of an eye, and Yun Changkong was increasingly alarmed as the battle progressed: "This kid's swordsmanship is so refined! Is the Dugu Nine Swords truly an unbeatable martial art?!"

Because Linghu Chong never repeated a single sword move from beginning to end, it was as if he could use these exquisite sword techniques indefinitely. Yun Changkong's swordsmanship, on the other hand, has its limits; he could break down two hundred moves entirely based on his profound foundation.

Lan Fenghuang was dazzled and deeply surprised that Linghu Chong's swordsmanship had reached such a level!

She felt that if she were to fight Linghu Chong, let alone return a single blow, she probably wouldn't even be able to withstand three or two moves.

You should know that the "Nine Swords of Dugu" is defined as "unparalleled throughout history". What does "historical and modern" mean? It means that it has been around for a long time. What does "unparalleled" mean? It means that it is superior to all others of the same kind and there is no one comparable to it.

Therefore, the "Nine Swords of Dugu" may sound like it only has nine swords, but it emphasizes the intent of the sword rather than the specific moves. It relies entirely on the user's exceptional comprehension and ability to make improvisations, creating countless variations from nothing. As a result, this swordsmanship is not passed down to anyone who is not exceptionally gifted and has extraordinary talent.

However, Lan Fenghuang also overestimated Linghu Chong's swordsmanship. The "Nine Swords of Dugu" is more effective against strong enemies; if the enemy's martial arts are not high, the essence of the "Nine Swords of Dugu" cannot be used.

Yun Changkong's martial arts skills were unparalleled in the world. Even though swordsmanship was not his forte, he was proficient in one technique and understood all techniques. Therefore, it was through Yun Changkong's guidance that Linghu Chong was able to fully utilize the profound and subtle aspects of the "Nine Swords of Dugu".

If Dugu Qiubai were to be reborn, or if Feng Qingyang were to personally appear, one would be overjoyed to encounter such an opponent.

By this point in the fight, Yun Changkong had grasped the essence of Linghu Chong's swordsmanship and said, "Brother Linghu, you are amazing!"

Although Yun Changkong admired Linghu Chong's breathtaking swordsmanship, he was not worried about his own situation at all.

If Linghu Chong's internal strength were equal to his own, he would naturally have no time to spare. But Linghu Chong is ultimately just an ordinary person. No matter how superb his swordsmanship is, once he uses his internal energy, Linghu Chong will have no chance of winning.

Similarly, Linghu Chong launched over two hundred attacks in a row, and was already feeling quite exhausted.

Yun Changkong laughed, "Take another strike of my swordsmanship." He turned and unleashed forty-nine sword strikes from seven directions, like a storm. The emerald shadows surged toward Linghu Chong like layers of waves.

Seeing figures all around him, and having never seen such swordsmanship before, Linghu Chong focused all his attention on the enemy. He spun around and drew his sword, the longsword flowing like clouds around Jade Mountain.

With a series of clanging sounds, the two exchanged forty-nine sword strikes in a rapid and fierce exchange.

Linghu Chong changed his moves within a radius of about a foot, blocking Yun Changkong's forty-nine sword strikes. The wonder of his moves impressed Yun Changkong, who was about to retreat.

Unexpectedly, Linghu Chong did not restrain his sword intent. He struck with incredible speed, his longsword turning as he delivered another thunderous blow to Linghu Chong's chest.

Yun Changkong smiled slightly, and with a sudden flick of his left hand, Linghu Chong felt his arm tremble. Yun Changkong reached out and pinched the tip of Linghu Chong's sword, then flicked it lightly.

Linghu Chong felt as if his arm was on fire, and he hurriedly sheathed his sword and leaped back. Before he could even think, Yun Changkong retrieved his jade flute and laughed loudly, "Well done, Linghu Chong! You're something else! I can't beat you!"

Linghu Chong, always acting on impulse, completely forgot the Dugu Nine Swords when facing an enemy, becoming less bound by his original swordsmanship. After a sword fight, he cleared away all his pent-up feelings. He was already impressed, and at this moment, he was slightly out of breath.

Hearing him say this, I felt even more admiration and respect for him. I cupped my hands and said, "How dare I? If Brother Yun were to truly fight me, Linghu Chong would have died ten times over."

Yun Changkong laughed loudly: "This is not the same thing. I am indeed inferior to you in swordsmanship. In the past, Dugu Qiubai wanted to be defeated but could not find one. The Dugu Nine Swords are indeed extremely powerful. In particular, your 'no moves are better than moves' essence is integrated into it, making it even more powerful."

Judging solely by swordsmanship, in this world today, perhaps only Feng Qingyang could defeat you. I accept my defeat wholeheartedly!

In contrast to Linghu Chong's thoughts, Yun Changkong was researching the meaning of "no moves are better than moves" in the "Nine Swords of Dugu".

Because even the "Nine Swords of Dugu" has moves, so what does "no moves" mean? Now he understands that "no moves" does not mean there are no moves at all, but rather "no set pattern," that is, no combination of moves. It is not bound by the sword moves of any particular school, and its attack methods are flexible and varied, with a wide range of fighting styles.

If you don't know how he'll fight, you naturally won't know how to counter his moves.

It is known that all martial arts techniques, no matter how ingenious or clever, can be countered and dealt with. If it comes from the left, block it from the right; if it attacks from the front, retreat. However, the person who makes the move in a sword technique does not know where the move is going, and the opponent is even less likely to know. Because they do not know where it comes from or where it is going, it is difficult to dodge or parry.

Since any block might be a mistake, in a battle between experts, if you make a mistake, do you think you can survive?

Linghu Chong had also heard Feng Qingyang talk about Dugu Qiubai, and he was filled with admiration, saying, "So Brother Yun already knew the origin of my swordsmanship!"

He promised Feng Qingyang not to tell outsiders, but if others guessed, he wouldn't deny it, which wouldn't break his promise.

Lan Fenghuang chuckled, "Young Master Linghu's swordsmanship is superb. I truly admire you. No wonder you blinded fifteen people with a single sword strike."

Yun Changkong said, "Not many people have seen the Dugu Nine Swords, but many know about them. Your master knows about them."

Linghu Chong sighed after hearing Feng Qingyang mention this: "Speaking of defeating opponents with no moves, my grandmaster uncle said he had only ever seen three masters who had no moves in his life. Brother Yun, you are very knowledgeable, do you know who they are?"

Yun Changkong smiled slightly and said, "I don't know either. But the so-called 'no moves are better than moves' doesn't mean there are no moves at all. It just means that one is no longer bound by the original rigid routines, and the person following them is flexible."

At this point, the practical application of this martial art had reached a level of complete mastery.

Of course, only masters can grasp that level of understanding. Just daydreaming without taking concrete action is just wishful thinking. Your ability to comprehend this level and integrate it into your swordsmanship is truly remarkable.

Linghu Chong laughed and said, "Brother Yun, you flatter me too much!"

Yun Changkong shook his head and said, "This is not flattery, and you don't need to be modest. The principles of martial arts in this world are not secrets; who can't understand them?"
But the difficulty lies in applying these principles to martial arts. That's why the saying "grass, trees, bamboo, and stones can all be used as swords" represents the pinnacle of martial arts. So how do you achieve that? That's the real challenge!

Linghu Chong laughed heartily, "Brother Yun's martial arts are superb, and he is a free spirit. Unlike me, who only knows how to brag. I once told Cheng Buyou of the Sword Sect at Mount Hua that I could use any grass, tree, bamboo, or stone as a sword. It was truly laughable!"

He bowed in return and said, "Gentlemen, today's battle has been a great satisfaction to me. Farewell!"

Yun Changkong said, "Leaving Luoyang with them is not a good choice!"

Linghu Chong said, "I need to tell my master and mistress about Zuo Lengchan's conspiracy so that our sect can be prepared."

Lan Fenghuang laughed and said, "I think you're just reluctant to part with your junior sister, aren't you?"

Upon hearing this, Yue Lingshan's image reappeared in Linghu Chong's mind.
The thought of his junior sister caused Linghu Chong a pang of pain in his heart. He thought, "Even if my junior sister ignores me, I only see her once a day. Even if I only see her back or hear her voice, it's still good. Besides, she hasn't ignored me."

Observing the situation, Yun Changkong suddenly asked, "Brother Linghu, do you hate Lin Pingzhi?"

Linghu Chong was taken aback, then shook his head and said, "Junior Brother Lin has suffered a great tragedy, and it is a miracle that he is still alive. He still has a chivalrous heart, so how could I hate him!"

Yun Changkong smiled faintly: "So, you just want to watch Miss Yue become someone else's wife? Watch her become a wife and mother while you are all alone, enduring endless pain."

Upon hearing Yun Changkong's words, Linghu Chong felt a lump in his throat and his eyes sting with tears. He knew that being with his junior sister would only increase his suffering, but he couldn't bear to part with her. He knew his life was nearing its end, and as long as he was with Yue Lingshan, even if he died, he wondered if she would be saddened if his body lay before her. He said, "This is my life, Linghu Chong's life."

Yun Changkong glanced at him and said, "There are plenty of good women in this world, why do you have to be hung up on just one? You're just making trouble for yourself."

Linghu Chong frowned, a hint of pain flashing in his eyes.

Lan Fenghuang's eyes flashed with anger as she shouted, "Young Master Linghu, you're so pathetic! She doesn't have feelings for you, yet you go out of your way to make yourself miserable. If you like Junior Sister so much, why don't you just kill your rival with a sword and take her away? You can run away with her and live a long and happy life. You won't even die a peaceful death like this!"

Linghu Chong said calmly, "As long as my junior sister is happy, I'm willing to do anything." After saying that, he turned and left.

Yun Changkong laughed and said, "You really are a Casanova, but you need to go to Shaolin Temple to treat your injuries as soon as possible!"

Linghu Chong frowned: "I am a disciple of the Huashan Sect, how can I ask the Shaolin Temple for help! And why should they use their sect's supreme martial arts to save my life?"

Yun Changkong chuckled and said, "You're such a Casanova, I'm impressed. But I have something for you. Take it to her, and she'll love you just as much as you love your junior sister. Then you'll have your life, your martial arts, and the beauty—that's the real joy of life!"

Linghu Chong said, "Death is inevitable for everyone. It doesn't matter whether it's sooner or later. How could Linghu Chong do something so unjust!" With that, he turned and disappeared.

He was devoted to Yue Lingshan; he would not give up on her until she married.

Yun Changkong and Lan Fenghuang saw it clearly. Lan Fenghuang snorted, "This man is really crazy."

Yun Changkong laughed and said, "Such a loyal and righteous man would be a good match for any of you girls. Don't you like him? Why are you scolding him for being unworthy?"

Princess Lan Fenghuang chuckled, "If he treated me like that, that would be wonderful. But look at him, he treats my junior sister like that. What do I have to do with him? He's always thinking about other women. What's the point of having him? If I liked him, wouldn't I be a fool? Princess..."

Yun Changkong laughed loudly and said, "Just because you don't like it doesn't mean others don't."

Lan Fenghuang suddenly became serious and asked, "You just said you'd give him something, something about a savior beauty, what do you mean?"

Seeing her serious expression, Yun Changkong found it quite amusing and said, "Don't you think your best friend would fall head over heels for him?"

"How could that be!" Lan Fenghuang shook her head and said, "His heart is only for his junior sister, how could the Holy Maiden possibly like him?"

"Impossible?" Yun Changkong smiled slightly: "This Holy Maiden may seem aloof, but she is actually warm-hearted despite her cold exterior. Moreover, she lacks a sense of security, so the more Linghu Chong loves his junior sister, the more she likes him. Because she feels that there is no other man in the world who is as loyal and righteous as her, she would gladly cut off her own head for him!"

Lan Fenghuang was stunned for a moment, then couldn't help but burst out laughing: "What you said makes sense, the Holy Maiden is indeed that kind of person."

He paused, staring at Yun Changkong with great suspicion, and asked, "How do you know so much about the Holy Maiden, knowing that she is cold on the outside but warm on the inside? When you mentioned betting with me before, were you referring to Linghu Chong?"

"Indeed!" Yun Changkong laughed, "The so-called Holy Maiden is mysterious in other people's eyes, but in my eyes, I know what she's going to do the moment she bends over. As long as she sees Linghu Chong, she'll definitely fawn over Yue Lingshan just like Linghu Chong fawns over Yue Lingshan. Tsk tsk, interesting..."

Lan Fenghuang quickly stopped him, saying, "Stop talking nonsense! If this gets to the Holy Maiden's ears, how will I ever face her again..."

Before she could finish speaking, a clear voice rang out, saying, "Phoenix, I know you still have me in your heart." (End of Chapter)