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

Although the Bian River flows gently, boats can still be seen coming and going. Yun Changkong arrived in Kaifeng and went ashore to a grand mansion. The red walls and black tiles reflected the clear sky. Although the Imperial Street was not the same as before, it still showed the layout of the past.

Because this place was once home to many high-ranking officials and nobles, and was also the former residence of "Zhao Min of Bianliang," Yun Changkong lingered here for a long, long time.

Yun Changkong thought a lot. Perhaps the feelings between men and women were really too inexplicable.

This was also the place where he first encountered a life-threatening situation.

As dusk approached, Yun Changkong turned and left.

Walking down the street, he saw shops lined up one after another, with shop assistants calling out their wares from the doors, their voices echoing through the alleys. He found an elegant restaurant, went upstairs, sat by the window, and ordered a pot of Bianliang wine and a plate of almond shortbread.

Because from upstairs, one can see the bustling crowds on the street and everything that happens there, Yun Changkong always likes to drink at the highest point.

After Yun Changkong finished his drink, he heard a clattering sound as a scholar with a square scarf worn askew, dressed in tattered clothes, walked into the shop, waving a broken fan in his right hand.

Upon seeing this, the waiter exclaimed in a panic, "Oh dear, my ancestor, you're here again!"

The scholar laughed and scolded, "You call me 'ancestor' but in your heart you're cursing me for being a freeloader. Don't worry, I'm rich today."

As he spoke, he took out a large silver ingot from his sleeve and tossed it to the waiter.

The waiter weighed the silver in his hand and said with a grin, "As long as you have money, you're my ancestor!"

The scholar rolled his eyes and said, "You dog! Haven't you heard that only those who remain steadfast in poverty and hardship and unyielding in the face of power are true men!"

The waiter said, "The usual three dishes?"

The scholar snorted, turned his gaze to Yun Changkong, and said, "Just like this young master."

He strolled over slowly, bowed to him, and said, "Young master, are you waiting for a friend?"

Yun Changkong gave him a cold look.

The man appeared to be around fifty years old, with a sallow complexion, a bulbous nose, lifeless eyes, a few sparse whiskers, and greasy clothes. His hands were outstretched, and his ten fingernails were filled with black grime. He seemed utterly useless, yet I knew this man was a master of martial arts.

Even though Yun Changkong ignored him, the scholar said again, "May I ask, sir, if I may sit here and enjoy the scenery?"

Yun Changkong turned his face to the window, no longer looking at him. He saw painted boats coming and going on the Bian River, with scattered lights shining and spreading a warm glow. He felt that although Bian City had undergone changes, it still had a profound cultural heritage, mixed with the aroma of wine and the everyday life of the people, making people feel intoxicated.

The scholar laughed heartily, sat down by himself, looked out the window, and said, "The Bian River flows gently, reflecting the ancient capital; the smoke and fire of the Zhou Bridge surpass even Penglai Island."

As soon as this line was recited, several scholars in Confucian robes at the next table, who were drinking wine in the breeze, immediately cheered.

At this moment, the scholar's Bianliang wine and almond pastry were served. The scholar poured himself a cup of wine, took a sip, and said, "This Bianliang wine is clear and transparent, with a rich cellar aroma, and is mellow, sweet, and refreshing. However, it would be a real waste if it were not served in a fine vessel!"

As he spoke, he took out a jade cup from his bosom, poured a cup, and the Bian wine was crystal clear and refreshing, with the jade green color. The combination of the two made one's mouth water at first sight.

The scholar picked up his wine cup, took a sip, and said, "During the Northern Song Dynasty, Bianjing (Kaifeng) was filled with restaurants and offered a wide variety of wines. According to Zhang Nengchen's Record of Wine Names, the Meishou and Hezhi wines of Fanlou and the Xianlao wines of Rendian were renowned at that time. Today's Bianjing wines have inherited the brewing traditions of the past and continue to innovate..."

Yun Changkong's brows furrowed with impatience as he coldly said, "I'm here because I'm in the mood; I don't need you to give me this useless lecture!"

The scholar smiled and said, "Although you are still young, you have a magnificent bearing and an air of soaring ambition. May I ask your esteemed name, where you are from, and where you are headed?"

Seeing the scholar's composure, Yun Changkong guessed that he had come for a reason and said, "My surname is Zhao, and my given name is Ruoming."

He was famous throughout the martial arts world. Although he knew that this person had come for a reason, he still gave a false name.

The scholar pondered for a moment and said, "Zhao is the first among the Hundred Family Surnames. Now that we are in Bianliang, although we do not have the prosperity of 'all the lands of the world gathering together and all nations communicating,' the name you chose is excellent."

If it contains the meaning of "like" or "as," it conveys both gentleness and humility, while also possessing a subtle, hazy charm. "Ming" signifies brightness and clarity, giving a sense of uprightness and serene understanding; paired with "ruo," it achieves a balance of gentleness and righteousness, a harmonious blend of strength and gentleness. Brother, you've chosen a wonderful name!

Yun Changkong was originally a pseudonym based on "Zhao Min," but who knew that his interpretation would have such a profound meaning? He cupped his hands and said, "Brother, your speech is quite remarkable. May I ask your esteemed name?"

The scholar waved his folding fan and laughed, "My surname is Zu. This name is too impolite. My courtesy name is Qianqiu, which means 'a hundred years and a thousand autumns'."

It turns out that Zu Qianqiu's surname was Zu, his given name was Zong, and his courtesy name was Qianqiu. He dared not reveal his ancestor's name in front of Yun Changkong.

Upon hearing the name, Yun Changkong thought, "It really is him." He asked in surprise, "What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be looking for Linghu Chong at this time?"

Zu Qianqiu was taken aback at first, then burst into laughter: "I understand, I understand, haha, I didn't expect you to know me too."

Yun Changkong said, "You came to see me? It's obvious that the Holy Maiden's people are going to fight me?"

Zu Qianqiu laughed and said, "It's too early to say that, but the people following you are not just one group; the Songshan Sect has also arrived in Kaifeng."

Yun Changkong nodded slightly: "I suppose so. So, what is your purpose in telling me all this?"

Zu Qianqiu said, "I was entrusted by someone!"

Yun Changkong gave a soft "Oh," and asked, "Who asked me to do this?"

Zu Qianqiu said, "You don't know?"

Yun Changkong laughed and said, "Should I know?"

Zu Qianqiu laughed and said, "Sect Leader Lan has made a new confidante, and her heart already belongs to someone else. Naturally, her heart is with her beloved."

Yun Changkong laughed loudly and replied, "You said you were entrusted by the Phoenix?"

Zu Qianqiu laughed and said, "Brother Yun is handsome and talented. Leader Lan is a remarkable woman in the martial arts world. I don't need to say anything more."

Yun Changkong laughed heartily and said, "Then thank you very much."

Zu Qianqiu said, "I have known Leader Lan for over a year, and I have never seen her care so much about the safety of a man. Brother Yun is truly blessed!" Then, he changed the subject and said, "It's just a pity that Brother Yun is so carefree and only cares about himself, completely disregarding the safety of the young lady. It's really not admirable!"

Yun Changkong asked, "What do you mean by that?"

Zu Qianqiu smiled slightly: "Where is Sect Leader Lan now?"

Yun Changkong said, "Isn't he with the Holy Maiden?"

Zu Qianqiu asked, "Where is the Holy Maiden?"

Yun Changkong thought to himself, "She should be going to Wubagang, how would I know?" He then said, "You shouldn't be asking me that, don't you know?"

Zu Qianqiu sighed deeply and said, "So this is the kind of person you are. Lan Fenghuang is blind." He suddenly stood up, turned around and left.

Yun Changkong said calmly, "Come back."

Zu Qianqiu coldly said, "Why did I come back? To see your heartless and ungrateful face?"

Yun Changkong coldly snorted and said, "You may not have a choice between staying or leaving."

Zu Qianqiu paused, then let out a long sigh and said, "Are you going to resort to violence?"

Yun Changkong said, "Whether or not to resort to force is up to you. You only need to make your point clear!"

Zu Qianqiu said in a deep voice, "I might as well tell you that the Holy Maiden has been summoned back to Blackwood Cliff by the Eastern Sect Leader. This matter was originally caused by you. The Blue Sect Leader and the Holy Maiden are good friends. She is determined to go to Blackwood Cliff. For her safety, shouldn't you go with her?"

Yun Changkong said in a stern voice, "What kind of bullshit theory is this? What does your Holy Maiden going to Blackwood Cliff have to do with me?"

Without me, wouldn't she have gone back to Blackwood Cliff?

Besides, she's solely focused on saving Linghu Chong's life and would obey Dongfang Bubai's orders. Stop spreading alarmist rumors!

"What a terrifying statement!" Zu Qianqiu laughed heartily. "If it weren't for your romantic nature, Yun the Great Hero, who doesn't care about what he gets and calls it carefree, then this statement would actually make sense!"

The sudden change in title was not unexpected, but the content of the words still startled Yun Changkong.

But Zu Qianqiu said, "What, you have nothing to say now? Please ask yourself, how many women in the world do you really value?"

"You don't care about her feelings, you say you're easygoing, but Leader Lan broke the sect rules for you and didn't ask for any title, yet you don't even care about her safety. Aren't you being too heartless and ungrateful, worse than a pig or a dog?"

After hearing this, Yun Changkong lowered his head and pondered for a long time without saying a word.

Yun Changkong wasn't bothered by Zu Qianqiu's comments about Lan Fenghuang; rather, he had already pondered a question through Ping Yizhi's words. In his eyes, women were repulsive, and he would avoid them if possible. Yun Changkong knew he didn't share that view.

He had thought about it while he was staying at Zhao Min's former residence.

He truly cared for Zhao Min, whether she was present or not.

But could he give up everything for Zhao Min?

For example, if he were to lose all his powers or be imprisoned for ten years in exchange for Zhao Min appearing before him, would he be willing to give that up?
He had never thought about this question before!

However, through Ping Yizhi's attempt to save Linghu Chong, he recalled how Ren Yingying willingly endured ten years of imprisonment at Shaolin Temple to obtain the Yi Jin Jing from Abbot Fangzheng in exchange for saving her lover's life. He also remembered how Zhao Min had abandoned her status as a princess for her own sake.

What about yourself?
Can I, like them, give up everything?

Yun Changkong had no answer to this question.

It's important to understand that "pursuing" and "being a simp" are different, yet people often confuse the two. Everyone wants their partner to be a "simp" towards them, but no one wants to be one themselves!
Yun Changkong is one of these types.

Everyone has two sets of standards in life: one for themselves and one for others.

Because that's human nature.
However, people hide these true natures, each putting on an air of righteousness and self-importance, and vehemently criticizing "double standards."

Little did they know that they themselves were double-standard people, and that they were simply incapable of applying the same standards to treat everyone and everything equally.

Take the principle of "a life for a life" for example. Everyone knows that if someone else kills a close relative, they must pay with their life; but if you kill someone yourself, you wouldn't want that. Or if a close relative kills someone, the principle of "a life for a life" won't apply.

But Yun Changkong doesn't consider himself a "saint," nor does he hide his thoughts, much less deceive himself. He is his true self!

Yun Changkong understood perfectly well that if he were to give up all his martial arts skills in exchange for Zhao Min, it was uncertain whether it would even be possible. Even if it were possible, he would be labeled a "simp."

Because Linghu Chong's feelings for Yue Lingshan and Ren Yingying's feelings for Linghu Chong were clearly genuine and deep, showing true affection and loyalty, they were labeled as "simps" by themselves. If they think this way, how can they expect others to think the same way?

Therefore, after Zu Qianqiu's words, he did realize that he did indeed have a serious problem with his relationships.

No matter what one thinks, how many grand principles one can use to refute it, or how one can call it being open-minded and easy to talk about, it cannot change the fact that one treats women as appendages in one's heart.

He had to admit that compared to Zhang Wuji and Linghu Chong, he was indeed a cold-hearted person.

But in this world, being loyal and righteous is like putting shackles on one's life, and after weighing the pros and cons, Yun Changkong was unwilling to do so.

For example, if I were to give up my power in exchange for Zhao Min.

That's pointless.

After all, with Zhao Min's looks and appearance, she would attract attention wherever she went. Without his skills, how could he protect her?
This is a matter of trade-offs!
There's no such thing as having it all.

Yun Changkong then said, "Even if I wish to see Dongfang Bubai, that is my personal matter. I would never go to Blackwood Cliff and risk my life for someone else! However, where is Phoenix right now?"

Zu Qianqiu was stunned for a moment, then let out a long sigh and said, "I don't know!"

Just then, a series of hurried footsteps came from the stairwell.

Zu Qianqiu asked, "Is it Zhang San?"

A voice from downstairs replied, "Yes, a guest has arrived outside. He insists on seeing Mr. Zu, saying that he has invited two guests and asks you to make the decision."

Zu Qianqiu nodded and said, "Good!"

"Master Yun, do you have any further questions? I must take my leave now."

Yun Changkong frowned and said, "I have no intention of making things difficult for you. Please tell your friends that it's best for everyone to keep to themselves!"

Zu Qianqiu smiled and said, "Now that we've laid our cards on the table, would you dare to come with me to Wangniugang?"

Suddenly, Yun Changkong's gaze flashed, fixed intently on Zu Qianqiu, and he slowly said, "Then please!" He stood up and gracefully left the shop. Zu Qianqiu followed him out.

Kaifeng is located on the eastern Henan Plain. There are no tall natural mountains in the area, only low hills.

Both were highly skilled in light-footed martial arts and quickly reached the foot of the hill.
Zu Qianqiu said, "Someone here wants to kill you. You don't have to go!"

Yun Changkong laughed and said, "Now that we're here, there's no reason for us to leave!"

Zu Qianqiu said, "Fine, you came here of your own accord. If anything goes wrong, don't blame me!"

Yun Changkong snorted.

The two ran towards the hill again.

A moment later, as they approached the mountaintop, a hoarse woman suddenly shouted, "Boy, with your martial arts skills, you think you can avenge the Lin family? That's just wishful thinking!"

But then a clear female voice said, "If he masters the martial arts of Mount Hua, he will have more than enough to avenge his parents. Who are you people, and why are you capturing us!"

Yun Changkong thought to himself, "Is it Yue Lingshan?" He looked at Zu Qianqiu and felt that something was wrong.

Just as the doubt arose, a man's arrogant voice sneered, "What a load of bull! The Huashan Sect? Could that hypocrite Yue Buqun really teach him any real skills? Lin family brat, look at the rubbish martial arts you've learned. With these skills, could you kill Yu Canghai standing in front of you?"

Yun Changkong swayed as he reached the post.

They found themselves in an uneven, open space, about ten feet in circumference, with a few pine trees growing there, and more than ten people surrounding the two.

These people included men and women, young and old, Taoist priests and Buddhist monks. In the very center of the ground sat a young girl in green, glaring angrily; it was Yue Lingshan.

Standing in front of him was Lin Pingzhi. When these people brought up things he hated, his handsome face was twisted in agony, his eyes blazing with fury, and his teeth were grinding together.

But standing before him was a tall Taoist priest, whose sinister smile remained, with an octagonal wolf-tooth hammer hanging from his waist, which looked quite heavy.

Yun Changkong, shaped like a large bird, darted several feet away, somersaulted, and landed lightly on the top of a pine tree, his feet resting on the branches, like a sparrow perched on a treetop, completely still.

He leaped silently, surveying the world from mid-air, unnoticed by others. Lin Pingzhi asked, "Who is the Daoist Master?"

The old Taoist chuckled and said, "My common name is Yu Ling."

Lin Pingzhi bowed and said, "So it is Daoist Yuling."

A monk said, "Young Master Lin, I am Xibao. I am deeply saddened by the misfortune that befell the Fuwei Escort Agency. It is a pity that the Huashan martial arts you have learned are not the proper ones."

Besides, the martial arts of the Huashan School have their limits. Even if you spend decades learning all of them, you might not be able to defeat Yu Canghai!

Yun Changkong judged that the monk appeared to be around fifty years old, with a peaceful expression. He was dressed in a blood-red robe and held a bowl and a cymbal in his hand, both of which gleamed and were clearly made of pure steel. The edges of the cymbal were exceptionally sharp, making the weapon extremely vicious.

Lin Pingzhi understood that what the others said was true. With his martial arts skills, it was simply wishful thinking to seek revenge. He muttered to himself, "Father, Mother, your son is unfilial and incapable of avenging you."

Just then, a woman said, "Young Master Lin, we have a way to help you take revenge."

Upon hearing this, Lin Pingzhi was overjoyed and hurriedly asked, "Please tell me, madam, what method do you have to help me take revenge?"

Seeing that the woman's hair was white and her face was full of gloom, Yun Changkong looked Lin Pingzhi up and down with her small, beady eyes. He rubbed his two withered hands together and said to the crowd, "We are all well-known in the martial arts world. If we are willing, the mere Qingcheng Sect is nothing to us. Hand over the Evil-Repelling Sword Manual and we will get you Yu Canghai's head."

“Indeed, Madam Zhang’s words are trustworthy!” A one-eyed woman holding a cane said, “Our Tongbai Twins, the monk and the Taoist, Brother Yan and Brother Qiu, are all renowned figures. Dealing with the mere Yu Canghai is a piece of cake!”

Beside her was a middle-aged man, also blind in one eye, holding a cane.

The two men were clearly dressed in tattered clothes, and their staffs were a bright yellow color. The staffs were very thick, and if they were really made of gold, they would be quite heavy. It was really strange.

Lin Pingzhi sighed, "Gentlemen, my family truly does not possess the Evil-Repelling Sword Manual!"

A series of cracking sounds rang out, and a burly man with long, flowing hair, dressed as a monk, clenched his fists tightly, glared fiercely at Lin Pingzhi, and angrily said, "Boy, we're trying to reason with you nicely, don't be ungrateful!"

Yun Changkong noticed that he had a crescent-shaped headband around his forehead, a robust build, broad shoulders and a thick back, and all the joints of his limbs were larger than those of an average person. He carried a pair of tiger-headed daggers curved into crescent shapes on his back; this image was practically straight out of a TV drama, resembling "Wu Song the Pilgrim"!

Lin Pingzhi said, "If my family possessed any Evil-Repelling Sword Manual, how could my parents have died?"

The one-eyed man sneered, "Martial arts manuals aren't something everyone can comprehend. Just because your father can't doesn't mean others can't. Kid, you'd better hand them over!"

Lin Pingzhi slowly lowered his head.

Just then, a middle-aged beggar laughed and said, "Looks like you're going to play with my darling!"

Two green snakes, their heads triangular and their tongues constantly extending and retracting, coiled around the man's neck and shoulders as he advanced step by step. He said to Yue Lingshan, "This little girl is quite pretty. Yue Buqun and Ning Zhongze do have some skill!"

Yue Lingshan's eyes were filled with tears.
Lin Pingzhi shouted, "If you have a problem, come at me! Don't hurt my senior sister!"

"Fuck you!"

With a slap, Yan Sanxing, the "Double Snake Beggar," kicked Lin Pingzhi in the waist.

Seeing him fly more than ten feet away, Yue Lingshan felt very distressed and cried out, "Little Linzi, you bunch of villains, my parents will not let you get away with this!"

Yan Sanxing chuckled maliciously, thrusting the snake's head forward to Yue Lingshan's face, and sneered, "Your father? Who doesn't know that the so-called Gentleman Sword is just a hypocrite? He even offered up his own daughter for the Evil-Slaying Sword Manual. He's more despicable and shameless than us. What right does he have to talk nonsense in front of us!"

Yun Changkong thought to himself, "Yue Buqun always wears his mask very well, but in the eyes of these people, he is a complete hypocrite. I wonder who he's trying to impress with this reputation!"

It's worth noting that although Yue Buqun had a very good reputation, when Ping Yizhi went to treat Linghu Chong, Yue Buqun didn't even glance at him, let alone speak to him. As for Ren Yingying and her subordinates, they looked down on Yue Buqun even more.

If this is how one perceives evil and heretical practices, then in the eyes of a master like Fang Zheng Chongxu, it is also an evaluation of being narrow-minded and having ulterior motives. As for the nuns of the Hengshan Sect, they even called them hypocrites.

Therefore, Yue Buqun's reputation as the "Gentleman Sword" was a failure in itself, because no one truly believed that he was a genuine gentleman and respected him.

Yue Lingshan was already feeling unwell when she saw the snake's head sticking out its tongue and fangs, and smelled a foul stench. Hearing this, she almost fainted.

Yan Sanxing said, "Young Master Lin, even a master like Yun Changkong is tempted by your Evil-Repelling Sword Manual. It must be well-deserved. Why don't you let us see if it is truly the world-renowned sword technique? If you dare to say no, I'll properly prepare your precious darling!"

Lin Pingzhi said, "Seniors, you are wise. If my Lin family truly possessed a sword technique that was unparalleled in the martial world, how could that scoundrel Yu Canghai have slaughtered my Lin family to the point that only one of us remains?"
Besides, if the Evil-Repelling Sword Manual truly existed, I would have presented it to my esteemed master, 'Gentleman Sword' Yue. Yun Changkong has met with my master several times without mentioning it, clearly indicating he already knows he has been deceived. Is it not unwise of you to make things difficult for us?"

Upon hearing this, the group agreed that it made sense. They reasoned that Yue Buqun, this hypocrite, would not have taken Lin Pingzhi as his disciple if he had no ulterior motives.

In order to gain the protection of the Huashan Sect, Lin Pingzhi would inevitably present the "Evil-Repelling Sword Manual" to Yue Buqun to show his loyalty to his master.

Yue Lingshan is Yue Buqun's biological daughter, so she would inevitably know something about the "Evil-Repelling Sword Manual." Therefore, this matter must be dealt with by targeting this girl. At this moment, under the guise of doing things for Ren Yingying and avenging Linghu Chong, dealing with Lin Pingzhi and Yue Lingshan is even more justifiable.

But seeing that Lin Pingzhi only said these few words, and considering that Yun Changkong met with the Huashan Sect in Luoyang, which everyone knew, and that he hadn't mentioned any Evil-Repelling Sword Manual, perhaps there really wasn't such a thing.

Yan Sanxing grew anxious and his ferocity flared. With a tremor of his hand, the venomous snake hissed and raised its head to bite Yue Lingshan.

Although Yue Lingshan was a martial artist, she had always grown up under the protection of her parents and was doted on by her fellow disciples, living a life of happiness and joy.

Seeing the venomous snake lunging at him, the fear in his heart was indescribable, and he burst into tears.

"Whoosh!" Without any warning, a slender figure broke through the air and headed straight for the snake's head.

Yan Sanxing was secretly alarmed and quickly withdrew his hand, dodging the attack.

"who?"

Everyone drew their weapons in unison, turned around, and shouted. (End of Chapter)