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

The newcomer's voice was booming and full of energy, startling everyone.

Yun Changkong turned his head and saw more than a dozen men escorting several people along the street. The surrounding martial arts practitioners made way for them. The leader was an old man with a ruddy complexion. Someone whispered, "Ah, is this Old Master Wang from the Golden Saber Sect?"

"Yes, it's the Invincible Golden Saber."

Yun Changkong thought to himself, "Lin Pingzhi's maternal grandfather has arrived."

Looking at the newcomer, one could see a long, white beard flowing down his chest, each strand clearly visible, making him appear very energetic. In his left hand, he held two golden galls the size of goose eggs, rubbing them together with a clanging sound.

As for what this "golden gall" is, many older generations liked to play with iron balls, partly to exercise their fingers and partly to increase their strength.

While others were playing with iron or steel balls, the old man's were a deep, gleaming gold—you could easily call them 24k. Just the sight of those two balls crumpled in his hand exuded wealth and status, and they were twice as heavy as his iron gall bladders; they were truly impressive.

As he looked him over, the old man had already walked up to Yun Changkong and laughed heartily, "Last time I heard that Hero Yun was coming to Zhongzhou, but unfortunately, Headmaster Yue of the Huashan Sect was a guest at my residence, so I was a bit impolite. Today, Wang Yuanba is late in welcoming you, please forgive my rudeness!"

Yun Changkong smiled and said, "Grandpa Wang, you are too kind. I have long admired Golden Saber Invincible, but I have important matters to attend to and cannot pay my respects. Please forgive me."

Seeing that although he was young, Wang Yuanba possessed a truly imposing and profound presence, and was greatly pleased, he said loudly, "Everyone says that Hero Yun is a young hero who is renowned throughout the world, and that the phrase 'Invincible Golden Saber' is absolutely unacceptable, as it would be an insult to me!" He then looked at Lan Fenghuang and asked, "And this is..."

Yun Changkong laughed and said, "This is my wife."

Upon hearing this, Lan Fenghuang suddenly felt that Yun Changkong was like a great mountain, capable of sheltering her from any storm. She felt a little more at ease and thought to herself, "Fortunately, the Holy Maiden was blind to his true worth."

Lan Fenghuang was quite conflicted. She felt that although Linghu Chong was good, he wasn't good enough for the Holy Maiden. But if the Holy Maiden and Yun Changkong were to get together, it would be a different story altogether. Hearing Yun Changkong say this now, she felt relieved: he wasn't, after all, toying with her as the Holy Maiden had claimed.

At this moment, Wang Yuanba said, "This old man has long admired Hero Yun. It's an honor to meet you today. If you don't stay at my house for a year or two, that won't do!" With that, he grabbed Yun Changkong's hand and was about to leave.

Seeing his extreme enthusiasm, Yun Changkong thought to himself, "Why is this old man treating me with such respect? This can't be a good thing!"

He said, "I am deeply grateful for your kindness, Mr. Wang. However, I will be hosting a banquet at Taibai Tower on the eighth day of the fourth month to receive friends from all walks of life. I hope you will do me the honor of joining me."

Wang Yuanba laughed and said, "Today is the sixth day of the fourth month. We agreed to meet at noon on the eighth, and I will definitely be there. However, all the inns in Luoyang are already full."

Turning back, he said, "Bo Fen, Zhong Qiang, why don't you come and greet Master Yun, so that we can invite our distinguished guest to a quiet courtyard?"

Wang Bofen and Wang Zhongqiang agreed in unison and stepped forward to pay their respects.

These two men were Wang Yuanba's two sons, and Lin Pingzhi's uncles, who were quite famous in the martial arts world of Hubei and Henan. Although he admired Yun Changkong and was reluctant to bow to him, he did so because he could not disobey his father's orders.

Seeing that their temples were bulging and the tendons in their hands were prominent, Yun Changkong knew that they were skilled in both internal and external martial arts. He reached out and stopped the two of them, and smiled slightly: "I dare not do that." He then bowed to the people around him and said: "Seniors and heroes, I have some matters to attend to today. If you are free the day after tomorrow at noon, please join me and Master Wang in making time for us."

He didn't speak loudly, but the surrounding martial arts practitioners heard him clearly and cheered loudly.

These were all martial arts practitioners. When a hundred or so people spoke at once, the sound was truly astonishing, like a thunderclap in a clear sky.

Yun Changkong bowed to all four sides again and said loudly, "Thank you all for coming. Farewell." He then turned and left.

Since Yun Changkong challenged Zuo Lengchan to a duel, the martial arts world has been in an uproar. Martial arts figures from all over the land have flocked to Luoyang, whether to watch the spectacle or to lend a helping hand. As a result, Luoyang has suddenly seen a surge in people carrying swords and dressed in tight-fitting clothes.

As a local strongman in Luoyang, Wang Yuanba had no choice but to receive Yun Changkong, the instigator, whether out of consideration for the martial arts world or officialdom. However, to his surprise, Yun Changkong did not take the bait.

Wang Bofen whispered to his brother, "Such a big shot."

Wang Yuanba thought to himself, "When I saw him causing trouble in Luoyang, I thought he was just a show-off, a spoiled brat trying to flaunt his achievements. But it seems that's not the case." He laughed and said, "Young heroes are always like that!" He then led his men back to their residence.

Some are happy, some are sad; it has always been this way.

Just like the owners of restaurants and brothels in Luoyang, they were all grateful to Yun Changkong.

That is the God of Wealth.

Because Yun Changkong had brought them a generous guest, but he was also constantly worried.
These men were all fierce-looking, tall, and burly heroes of the martial arts world. They would draw their swords at the slightest disagreement, and even though the shop owner had made money, he was afraid of being harmed.

Yun Changkong and Lan Fenghuang headed towards Taibai Tower. Just as Yun Changkong had expected, the entire martial arts world was focused on Luoyang. As Wang Yuanba had said, the inns in every street and alley were bustling with people.

Lan Fenghuang laughed and said, "Big brother, you are still quite impressive. You can cause a stir in the martial arts world without even making a move. Countless people come here because of your reputation."

Yun Changkong shook his head and said, "It's not that I'm being presumptuous, but the martial world isn't just about fighting and killing; it's about human relationships and social interactions. Once we have mutual respect, we can help each other out if anything happens in the future."

They might not be after me personally, but rather want to use this platform to meet like-minded people. For example, if I ever have a conflict with you Yunnan people, and I say I know the Blue Leader of the Five Immortals Sect, would that settle the matter?

Blue Phoenix chuckled, "That's true. You know so much."

When Yun Changkong and Lan Fenghuang arrived at "Taibai Tower", Lan Fenghuang threw down a few pearls and booked the entire restaurant. At the banquet with two hundred tables, the two returned to the inn where they had stayed before.

Yun Changkong had asked the shopkeeper to reply to his letter, which the shopkeeper remembered vividly. Naturally, he greeted him with a smile and said, "Young Master Yun, you've arrived! I've been saving your private courtyard for you!"

At that moment, there were people in the inn. As soon as he said this, all the diners in the room knew that he was the famous Yun Changkong, and they all paid attention to him.

Fortunately, Lan Fenghuang was dressed in Han Chinese clothes, so no one knew she was the leader of the Five Poisons Sect.

Yun Changkong and Lan Fenghuang returned to their secluded courtyard. Exhausted from their journey, they rested early.

The next day, Lan Fenghuang went out and returned in the evening with many people. These people were all her followers, but none of them were wearing Miao clothing.

Yun Changkong didn't ask how they contacted each other.

The next day at noon, the spacious and grand Taibai Tower was packed with guests. All three floors were filled with banquets, gathering more than a thousand martial arts figures.

Although they were all second- or third-rate figures, without any top-tier experts, Yun Changkong still chatted with the person who had sent a letter of invitation to visit him.

Yun Changkong was composed and at ease, speaking eloquently and with an air of nonchalance, exuding an air of confidence and poise that seemed poised to make waves in the Central Plains.

Everyone who saw him stood out from the crowd, his extraordinary demeanor and handsome appearance captivating all who beheld him. They all wondered, "What family does this man come from? His bearing is nothing like that of someone new to the world."

At noon, Yun Changkong took his seat and began the banquet.

Just as everyone was about to pick up their chopsticks, a tall, imposing old man with a long beard reaching his belly, standing up at the head of the guest table, picked up his cup and said, "Hero Yun, I have lived in Luoyang for a long time and can barely be considered half a host."

"It should have been me who hosted the event, to treat all the heroes who wished to witness the magnificence of the Great Hero Yun, to a pleasant feast. I am truly ashamed that you have had to spend the money."

Everyone knew that this was Wang Yuanba, the "Invincible Golden Saber." In fact, given his reputation, he was not worthy of sitting in the head seat at today's banquet.

Firstly, even a powerful dragon can't suppress a local snake, and secondly, outsiders are all unwilling to submit to each other. Therefore, it was only natural that he took the seat.

Yun Changkong stood up and laughed loudly, "Hero Wang, you flatter me. This is just a small amount, nothing to worry about. If you think highly of me, please don't call me a great hero anymore; it's unpleasant to hear."

These words were spoken softly, but everyone, from upstairs to downstairs and even to the street corner, heard them clearly, as if Yun Changkong were speaking right beside them.

The top experts in the crowd were all impressed, thinking, "Truly remarkable!"

Second- or third-rate people, though they sensed something was amiss, were not surprised, because Yun Changkong's reputation was so great, how could it be just empty fame?

Wang Yuanba stroked his beard and smiled, saying, "Young Master Yun is exceptionally magnanimous; how could this old man dare to disobey?"

He paused slightly, glanced around at the room, and said, "I have been navigating the martial world for decades and have earned the empty title of 'Invincible Golden Saber.' Although the title is not commensurate with my abilities, I am confident in my judgment."

"It's not that I'm flattering you, but in the martial arts world, let alone in modern times, there are probably very few who have achieved such accomplishments at such a young age. I believe all of you distinguished guests here share this sentiment."

Upon hearing this, everyone immediately agreed.

Since his debut, Yun Changkong has not actually done many things, but what he has done has been earth-shattering.

Tian Boguang, known as "Wanli Duxing," had roamed the martial arts world for many years, harming countless women, but his life came to an abrupt end with Yun Changkong.

Yu Canghai, the master of the Qingcheng Sect, who had been famous for decades, was also thoroughly defeated by Yun Changkong. It is said that after returning to Qingcheng Mountain last year, he has never left the mountain again.

The Five Mountains Sword Sects have enjoyed great prestige for decades, but Yun Changkong managed to destroy the prestige of the alliance leader, the Songshan Sect, in Hengshan City. And now he is challenging Zuo Lengchan and Dongfang Bubai to a duel. Such a figure is only twenty years old, and naturally no one in the martial arts world can compare to him!
Some people think that perhaps if we go back a few hundred years, there are people who can be compared, but no one will argue about this, and naturally everyone agrees!
The voices of over a thousand people were deafening, shaking the restaurant.

Suddenly a clear voice said, "What invincible golden sword? It seems the rumors are false. He is just a sycophant who flatters and fawns on the powerful."

Yun Changkong looked at Lan Fenghuang, who pursed her lips and said, "I don't know."

Suddenly, the tables and chairs rattled, and a large group of people stood up.

It was naturally Wang Bofen, Wang Zhongqiang, his son, and his disciples. Their eyes were blazing with fury as they looked around. However, the voice had been suddenly uttered amidst the noise, and no one had noticed it. Now that they were silent, the voice could no longer be found.

In fact, while Wang Yuanba was speaking, someone was observing Yun Changkong. They saw that he listened to the flattery without showing any arrogance or pride, and when his speech was interrupted, he did not show any anger.

He was truly calm and collected, and many people nodded in approval.

Suddenly, a middle-aged man stood up and said, "Young Master Yun, Elder Wang, esteemed seniors and heroes, this friend who is speaking is hiding his true identity and is clearly someone who cannot be seen in public. Why should you all mind him?"

Yun Changkong didn't need to look to know that the cold laugh came from Ren Yingying. He thought to himself, "You came here to cause trouble, and you're scolding Wang Yuanba to stand up for Linghu Chong?"

As soon as the man spoke, he focused his hearing, and could perceive every sound, from loud to soft, within a hundred feet of the bustling street. He could hear every footstep and the rustling of clothes.

Sure enough, a familiar cold laugh came from a house across the street. The sound was extremely faint; an ordinary person would hardly hear it even from ten feet away. However, Yun Changkong heard it and thought to himself, "You wretched woman, you've come to sabotage me. But if I drag you out in front of everyone, wouldn't you be utterly ashamed and indignant? Phoenix will also look bad."

In a flash, he laughed loudly, "This brother is right. It seems the person who spoke up here has always been one to act without taking responsibility. If we make a fuss, she'll only gloat. Let's just ignore it."

When he said that, those members of the Wang family who had stood up naturally sat down again.

As soon as Yun Changkong said this, Ren Yingying gritted her teeth and muttered, "Yun Changkong, you're something else!"

Yun Changkong thought to himself, "Of course I'm good!" He smiled slightly and said, "Old Master Wang, it seems there's more to say. Please continue to enlighten me. If that person doesn't know what's good for her, don't worry, I'll make sure she can't save face."

Wang Yuanba laughed heartily and said, "Young Master Yun is so magnanimous and generous; I admire him greatly."

Yun Changkong laughed and said, "I wouldn't dare say that. I'm an impetuous person. I might not repay kindness, but I will definitely avenge a wrong! I have absolutely no magnanimity or self-cultivation!"

"Haha..." When everyone heard him say that, they all felt that he was not pretentious and burst into laughter.

Wang Yuanba slightly raised his wine cup and said, "Heroes of the world have long desired to see Young Master Yun's charisma. Today, please allow this old man to offer a toast on behalf of all the heroes, to express our sincere admiration. What do you all say?"

"it is good!"

"No doubt about it!"

"If we each offer a toast, even if Young Master Yun were a wine barrel, it wouldn't be able to hold it all!"

"You're ignorant, aren't you? Young Master Yun's internal strength is profound, how could he not understand the art of forcing others to drink? Even if all the wine in Luoyang were brought here, he could still drink it all!"

Yun Changkong laughed heartily, stood up and said, "You all flatter me too much. I am a shallow person with rudimentary martial arts skills. How could I possibly deserve such respect? You have come from afar, which is a great honor for me, Yun Changkong. It is only right that I toast you senior heroes."

Raise the glass, tilt your head back, and drink it all in one gulp. Then, show the glass to everyone in all directions as a toast.

Everyone present said in unison, "We dare not," and drank their cups in one gulp.

Yun Changkong sat down again, and Wang Yuanba said, "Young Master, your challenge to the Left Alliance Leader of the Songshan Sect is truly admirable and inspiring. I am sure all the heroes of the world are the same!"

"That is!"

"That is!"

"If that weren't the case, we wouldn't have come!"

Yun Changkong thought to himself, "Wang Yuanba keeps praising me without any rhyme or reason. What is his true intention?" He smiled but remained silent, waiting for what was to come.

But Wang Yuanba said, "I have heard that not only did you challenge the Left Alliance Leader, but you also told the elders of the Demonic Sect that Dongfang will surely be defeated. If you are interested, you may also attend the meeting."

This demonic cult's rampage in the martial world has shocked everyone. Dongfang Bibai, hailed as the greatest martial artist under heaven, has now gathered in Luoyang City with many people of unknown origin. It's truly a gathering of forces from all directions in the Central Plains! I wonder if you, sir, have a plan to deal with this?

"So that's how it is!" Yun Changkong suddenly realized: "No wonder this old fellow acted this way. He must be afraid that the Demonic Sect would come because of this, and his Luoyang Golden Saber Sect would be the first to suffer, losing its property and peace!"

Yun Changkong's mind raced as he surveyed the room and smiled, "I am but a novice who has not yet learned anything. As for the matter of the Demonic Sect, it should be handled by the senior masters of Shaolin, Wudang, and the Five Mountains Sword Sect. The reason I challenged them is only to see who is better in martial arts, and I have no other intentions."

Suddenly, a man in black said, "Then may I ask, Young Master Yun's challenge to Alliance Leader Zuo is not related to any grudge?"

Yun Changkong glanced at him and slowly said, "You are right. The Left Alliance Leader met with me once. To put it nicely, he intended to turn our enmity into friendship. To put it bluntly, he had other schemes and wanted to sit back and watch the tigers fight."

Whether he had good intentions or bad intentions remains to be seen; it's impossible to say for sure at this point.

Upon hearing this, everyone felt that Yun Changkong was a meticulous thinker.

At this moment, another person said, "That Alliance Leader Zuo has a great reputation, but I have never seen his martial arts skills. I wonder how he compares to Young Master Yun?"

Yun Changkong thought to himself, "Could these people all be Zuo Lengchan's shills?" He said aloud, "I once fought with Alliance Leader Zuo outside Kaifeng City, and our martial arts were about equal."

Suddenly, Wang Yuanba said, "Young Master Yun, Dongfang Bibai is known as the number one expert in the world. His martial arts must be above that of Alliance Leader Zuo. Isn't your move a bit rash?"

Yun Changkong smiled and said, "That's true. It's said that Dongfang Bubai's martial arts are unfathomable. So, whether he is invincible or destined to lose, we'll only know after the fight!"

These so-called righteous people call Dongfang Bubai's nickname "Dongfang is bound to be defeated," as if saying so would make him lose. But Yun Changkong doesn't think so. Dongfang Bubai is still glorious even in defeat.

Just then, a commotion broke out downstairs, and a hoarse voice shouted, "Isn't this a place to eat? Why won't you let me in? I didn't say I wouldn't pay for the food."

One of the waiters immediately followed up with angry shouts, as if trying to stop someone from going upstairs.

Everyone heard it clearly, but no one cared.

Suddenly, footsteps echoed up the stairs, followed by the fat shopkeeper who rushed up and reported, "Young Master Yun, there are several people at the door dressed in tattered clothes, looking like beggars, who keep saying they want to beg for alms."

Wang Yuanba said domineeringly, "Then just give it to them directly. Can't you even handle something this simple?"

The shopkeeper shook his head and said, "What Master Wang says is true, but they specifically asked for Young Master Huayun!"

The people upstairs couldn't help but look at Yun Changkong, thinking, "Could it be that he has also offended the Beggars' Sect?"

Yun Changkong laughed heartily: "Since someone actually wants to transform me, a mere mortal, let's invite them up here so everyone can meet them!"

The shopkeeper hurried downstairs, and soon coughing sounds came from the stairs, followed by loud footsteps. Two middle-aged men dressed as farmers and an old man with unsteady steps came up.

Curious, everyone looked over and saw two men, both around fifty years old, who were thin and pale.

The old man was covered in dust, as if he had suffered a lot of hardship. He was hunched over and coughing constantly, and his clothes were covered with patches.

His sparse, gray hair was disheveled and askew; his face, lined with wrinkles and covered in dust, made it impossible to tell how old the old man was.

He held a bamboo pole in his hand, on which hung a poster written in an unknown year. The cloth was yellowed and the writing was blurry. Upon closer inspection, it read, "Knowing good and bad fortune, one can understand the heavens and the earth; judging death and life, one can be good at understanding ghosts and spirits."

Everyone found it strange. The people in this building were all martial arts heroes, well-informed and experienced, and they didn't think they were from the Beggars' Sect.

Because members of the Beggars' Sect all carry cloth bags. They, however, don't have bags that are distributed in small quantities and assigned portions.

At this moment, a young man stood up and said, "If you want to beg for alms like Young Master Yun, I'd like to see what you're capable of."

He is Wang Jiaju, the son of Wang Bofen. His grandfather was just ridiculed, and he was furious. He wanted to show off his skills so that no one would dare to underestimate the Golden Saber Sect.

As he spoke, he walked over to a man, grabbed his arm, and pushed him downstairs.
The man didn't move an inch, chuckled dryly, and said, "Judging from your young age and your lack of self-awareness, you're probably not going to escape a bloody disaster."

Wang Jiaju, being young and even more impetuous, roared, "I think you're the one who'll suffer a bloody disaster!" With that, he forcefully swung his hand, and the man tumbled and fell down the stairs.

Everyone thought that this fall must have left him completely disoriented, with broken bones and tendons, and sure enough, they heard the man scream in agony.

The people upstairs burst into laughter, and the old man joined in.

Another man glanced at the diners upstairs and said, "Gentlemen, this is Zhongzhou!"

Someone asked, "What about Zhongzhou?"

The man said, "Zhongzhou is where the Shaolin Temple is located, and everyone there knows martial arts. You dare to act wildly here; you really don't know what's good for you and are asking for trouble!"

Wang Jiaju had just shown off his skills and received cheers, which made him even more arrogant. He said, "Fine, I'd like to suffer a bit!" As he spoke, he used his grappling technique and grabbed the man's shoulder.

But the moment his hand touched her, before he could even exert any force, he cried out and was thrown into the air, plummeting straight down the building. (End of Chapter)