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

Upon hearing Yun Changkong's words, Hei Baizi was overjoyed. His "Mysterious Heaven Finger" skill was no less than a formidable weapon, and in hand-to-hand combat, he felt he could still fight Yun Changkong.
However, given his status as a martial arts master, he couldn't afford to pester Yun Changkong. After hearing Yun Changkong's words, he saved face and no longer cared about his earlier mistake.

Dan Qingsheng and Tu Biweng couldn't help but show surprise and admiration on their faces.

Huang Zhonggong nodded slightly and said, "It is already commendable for a young person to be humble after winning, let alone someone with your level of internal martial arts. My Seven-String Invisible Sword may not be useful, as you are probably well aware of. But such a studious attitude in you is even more rare!"

Hei Baizi, Tu Biweng, and Dan Qingsheng were all shocked. They all knew that Huang Zhonggong was a top figure in the martial arts world, with his internal strength being exceptionally strong. Before he went into seclusion, he was already rarely matched. After more than ten years of diligent training, he had made extraordinary progress. They never expected him to say such a thing.

Yun Changkong cultivated his mind and restrained his nature, never competing or vying for anything. Upon hearing this, he simply smiled calmly.

Huang Zhonggong said, "However, you just mentioned the Seven-String Invisible Sword. Do you know the reason behind it?"

Yun Changkong said, "That's exactly what I wanted to ask you."

Huang Zhonggong said: "The Book of Documents says, 'Sound depends on the tone, and pitch corresponds to sound.' Therefore, if you place two zithers separately and pluck the Gong string of one zither, the Gong string of the other zither will also vibrate. If you pluck the Jiao string of one zither, the Jiao string of the other zither will also vibrate."

When strings with the same pitch range respond to each other, this is called a response.

Therefore, my 'Seven-String Invisible Sword' does not emit invisible sword energy. Instead, it is about channeling internal energy into the instrument while playing the strings to stimulate the opponent's blood and heartbeat. Their every move and action will be controlled by my music.

My music is slow, so their movements are slow; my music is fast, so their fighting is fast. I do the opposite. How can they not be defeated?

Yun Changkong nodded and said, "That's why when I play the Xiaoxiao piece of 'The Smiling, Proud Wanderer,' I feel very awkward and uncomfortable at a certain point. My breath often gets stuck in my throat and I can't get it out. I can only adjust my breathing. Once I adjust my breathing, the melody inevitably changes."

Huang Zhonggong laughed and said, "It's the same principle. When I play the zither, I need to control my breath and energy, either by exhaling or inhaling, so that it can match the melody."

When you play the xiao (vertical bamboo flute), you naturally need proper breathing techniques. Sometimes you need to inhale deeply and exhale slowly, and sometimes you need to contract your abdomen and use the energy from your dantian (lower abdomen).

Yun Changkong said, "Therefore, I would like to ask the Great Master to pass on the Seven-String Invisible Sword to my sister so that I can learn more from her and get closer to her."

Ren Yingying's face flushed, thinking, "What a load of nonsense. If you want to get close to me, why do you have to do this?"

Huang Zhonggong glanced at Ren Yingying and smiled, "Very well, I have no successor, and I deeply feel that this 'Seven-Stringed Invisible Sword' is a unique skill in this world. If I do not find a successor, I will inevitably perish along with this old man. Follow me!"

At that moment, Yun Changkong and Ren Yingying followed Huang Zhonggong out of the hall and along the corridor to a quiet room.

The three sat down, and a boy with his hair in a bun brought out three cups of tea. Huang Zhonggong said, "My Seven-String Formless Sword combines form, spirit, intention, blood, essence, and qi into one, nourishing essence with blood, speaking spirit with form, and controlling qi with intention."

Therefore, the first step is to master music. I don't need to say much about Miss Yun's section, but to cultivate how to infuse internal energy into the sound of the zither, this is a reverse cultivation method with many dangers, so please be careful.

Because this requires not only playing the zither according to the musical scale but also maintaining normal internal energy flow, one must not be impatient for quick results or become restless, otherwise, one is highly susceptible to misfortune.

He sighed and said, "That's why this martial art really requires a gifted genius to master."

It turns out that Huang Zhonggong's Seven-String Invisible Sword is made by infusing superior internal energy into the sound of the zither, in order to disturb the enemy's mind. When the zither music is gentle, the opponent's moves will also be gentle; when the zither music is rapid, the opponent's moves will also be rapid.

However, the moves on Huang Zhonggong's zither are completely opposite to the music. His hand moves are fast while the zither music is twice as leisurely, making it impossible for the opponent to defend. Therefore, if one's internal strength is insufficient, even if one's martial arts moves are ten times better than his, one will only face defeat and death.

When such skill reaches its peak, there is no need to make any moves; the sound of the zither alone can scatter the enemy's mind, reverse their meridians, and cause them to faint, vomit blood, and die in a state of madness.

Back then, Huang Yaoshi's "The Song of the Rising Tide of the Blue Sea" was so powerful that even Zhou Botong, with his level of cultivation, couldn't withstand it, let alone ordinary first-rate masters. This was because Huang Yaoshi's martial arts cultivation had reached its peak.

Although Huang Zhonggong's cultivation level has not reached this level, he can use his zither moves and music in combination. Even if the opponent's martial arts moves are ten times better than his, as long as he cannot restrain him within a few moves, he will eventually be defeated.

Huang Zhonggong was quite proud of this, but he had no successor. Seeing that Ren Yingying's zither skills were superb and Yun Changkong's internal strength was profound, he wanted to pass on this unique skill, firstly to find a successor, and secondly to avoid owing him a favor for obtaining the Xiao Ao Jiang Hu score.

Ren Yingying stood up and bowed: "This humble woman thanks the Great Master for his gift, and will certainly study it diligently."

Time flies, and Yun Changkong and Ren Yingying stayed at Plum Manor for more than a month.

For more than a month, Yun Changkong hadn't noticed anything unusual. He thought to himself, "What's wrong? Why isn't Dongfang Bubai sending someone to kill Ren Woxing? Is he that benevolent?" Since he hadn't come, he was happy with that.

At this time, Huang Zhonggong gave a profound yet simple explanation of the "Seven-Stringed Invisible Sword." Ren Yingying, who was exceptionally talented in music, not only understood the underlying principles but also applied them with her extensive knowledge and broad thinking, achieving profound insights and showing great potential to surpass her teacher.

Huang Zhonggong was greatly pleased to have such a successor and only hoped that they would stay a little longer.

That afternoon, Yun Changkong, Ren Yingying, and Huang Zhonggong were discussing in the music room where and how to breathe and channel internal energy within the "Swordsman Music Score".

Hei Baizi rushed in, his expression strange. He was holding a scroll and said, "Brother, someone just brought me a scroll of musical score, saying it's called Guangling San."

"Oh?" Huang Zhonggong and Ren Yingying were both surprised.

Yun Changkong thought to himself, "Could it be that instead of the person who would take Ren Woxing's life, the person who would save him has arrived?"

Huang Zhonggong took the sheet music, glanced at it, and suddenly stood up, asking, "Who are they?"

Hei Baizi said, "They claim to be from the Songshan Sect and the Huashan Sect. One is named Tong Huajin, and the other is named Feng Erzhong. The one surnamed Feng even claims to be a descendant of Feng Qingyang."

"Feng Qingyang?" Huang Zhonggong murmured, "We have no connection with the Five Mountains Sword Sects. Why have they come here?"

Hei Baizi said, "They brought Fan Zhongli's 'Travelers Among Mountains and Streams', Zhang Xu's 'Freehand Calligraphy', and Liu Zhongfu's 'Blood-Spitting Manual' and other famous works, saying that they wanted to make a bet with us, saying that no one in Plum Manor could beat Feng Erzhong in swordsmanship. If he lost, he would leave these four items to us."

Huang Zhonggong said, "What if we lose?"

Hei Baizi said, "They said they came to Plum Manor seeking neither anything nor anything. They simply came to the pinnacle of martial arts in the world to test their swordsmanship against the masters of the time. If they were lucky enough to win, they would not ask for any stakes."

Huang Zhonggong took the book, flipped through it, and his expression changed slightly. He plucked a string on his zither, producing a clear, resonant sound, and exclaimed, "Wonderful! Peaceful and upright, yet also pure and exquisite." He turned to the second page, looked at it for a while, and praised again, "High-minded and elegant, with profound mysteries hidden within. Miss Yun, look, this indeed bears similarities to the score of 'The Smiling, Proud Wanderer.' Could it truly be 'Guangling San'?"

Ren Yingying glanced at it and nodded, saying, "That's right, this is Guangling San!" Then she looked at Hei Baizi and asked, "Did they say how they obtained this score?"

Hei Baizi said, "As I said, it was also obtained through tomb raiding."

Huang Zhonggong gazed out the window, lost in thought for a moment, before asking in a low voice, "Have the three of you compared yourself to them?"

Hei Baizi glanced at Yun Changkong and said, "We've already had our duels. The three of us fought against Feng Erzhong of the Huashan Sect one after another and were all defeated. His swordsmanship is probably no less than Brother Zhao's."

Huang Zhonggong smiled sadly and said, "If that's the case, then I'm no good either."

Hei Baizi said, "Brother, how can you admit defeat without competing? I don't believe that there are many young masters in this world who can defeat us."

Huang Zhonggong said to Yun Changkong and Ren Yingying, "Please feel free to chat and rest in your room later."

Ren Yingying smiled and said, "Since someone is actually a successor of Feng Qingyang, shall we watch the show?"

Yun Changkong said, "What are you watching? What if the Grand Master gets hurt while dueling with someone? We'll wait outside."

Ren Yingying had no choice but to comply and took her leave with Yun Changkong.

The two hadn't walked far when Ren Yingying transmitted her voice, "Don't you find it strange?"

Yun Changkong said, "What's so strange about it?"

Ren Yingying couldn't figure it out and pondered, "Could there be anyone else besides Linghu Chong who is Feng Qingyang's successor? Besides, how come the Guangling San is still circulating after Elder Qu obtained it from tomb raiding? Could there be another music fanatic in the world?" Yun Changkong said indifferently, "I advise you not to be so curious."

"Why?" Ren Yingying asked.

Yun Changkong did not answer and went straight back to his house.

Yun Changkong naturally guessed that Xiang Wentian and Linghu Chong had arrived at Plum Manor, but he didn't expect to run into them. However, he didn't care. They had rescued Ren Woxing, so he was too lazy to bother with them.

He sat in his room, resting with his eyes closed, when suddenly there was a knock on the door. He heard Ren Yingying outside the door say, "May I come in?"

Yun Changkong responded.

Ren Yingying pushed the door open and walked in, then turned around and closed the door behind her. She sat down on a stool in front of him and whispered, "Why?"

Yun Changkong smiled slightly and said, "Just wait one more day, and you'll find out. There will definitely be a big surprise waiting for you."

Ren Yingying frowned slightly and snorted coldly: "That Tong Huajin, it sounds like a fake name. And Feng Erzhong, who claims to be the successor of Feng Qingyang, is probably just making that up. We can't just stand by and do nothing when Plum Manor is in trouble, can we?"

Yun Changkong laughed and said, "How do you plan to manage this?"

Ren Yingying said, "These people only want to live peacefully and treat us with great respect. The head of the manor has taught them all his skills. If someone wants to harm them, how can we sit idly by?"

Yun Changkong smiled and said, "I'm glad you think that way, so remember what I said today, you must protect them."

At this point, Ren Yingying suddenly felt a pang of sadness and said, "How could I possibly protect them!"

Yun Changkong said, "Don't worry, there's a solution to everything."

Just then, footsteps were heard. Before the people arrived, their voices were heard: "Brother Zhao, Miss Yun, you have to do us a favor!" As he spoke, Dan Qingsheng had already arrived at the door.

Ren Yingying opened the door, and Dan Qingsheng grabbed Yun Changkong's hand and said, "Brother Zhao, let's go quickly."

Yun Changkong asked, "What's wrong?"

Dan Qingsheng said, "You know that someone came to the manor to have a martial arts contest, and all four of us brothers were defeated. You have to help us this time."

Yun Changkong was taken aback and asked, "How can I help?"

Bald-Brush Weng also rushed over at this time and said, "They say that no one in Plum Manor can beat that Brother Feng. You are also in Plum Manor. Quickly help me win that Freehand Calligraphy. Come on, come on, come on."

Over the past month, the group has gotten along very well, thanks to Yun Changkong's forceful and persistent efforts.

Yun Changkong couldn't refuse, so he said, "Alright, alright, I will do my best."

Bald-Brush Old Man cupped his hands and said, "Thank you for your trouble!"

Yun Changkong said, "What are you saying? Asking me for help is an honor. How could I refuse? But I'm afraid I'm no match for them!"

Ren Yingying smiled and said, "Why wouldn't I believe it?"

Yun Changkong chuckled and said, "Alright, then I'll do my best. Don't blame me later."

When Ren Yingying saw his smile, a sense of unease rose in her heart.

When the group arrived outside Huang Zhonggong's music room, they saw Huang Zhonggong and Hei Baizi accompanying two other people.

One was a richly dressed, obese, bald old man whose bald head was comparable to that of the old man with the bald pen, but his eyes shone brightly, and he was imposing and extraordinary.

The other was a tall, slender man with a mustache.
Ren Yingying was stunned when she saw him. Yun Changkong transmitted his voice and said, "Don't look at him."

Ren Yingying recognized him at a glance as Linghu Chong. Although he was dressed richly, like a wealthy man, and had a mustache, his appearance was not much different. Although she was puzzled, she was very obedient.

Huang Zhonggong laughed and said, "Brother Zhao, let me introduce you. This is Tong Huajin from the Songshan Sect, Brother Tong."

This is Feng Erzhong, a disciple of the renowned Feng Qingyang of Mount Hua. Brother Feng, your swordsmanship is truly remarkable.

Yun Changkong laughed and said, "I have always admired the swordsmanship of the Songshan and Huashan sects."

"I wouldn't dare!" the old man hurriedly replied.

Huang Zhonggong said, "Gentlemen, this is Zhao Ming, Brother Zhao, and this is Miss Yun. Let's all get to know each other better."

Feng Erzhong stared blankly at Ren Yingying. Even though Ren Yingying was dressed as a man, he still recognized her. Yun Changkong was the same, thinking, "How did they get together? And why is Brother Xiang doing this?"

Tong Huajin said, "Oh, so the other esteemed scholar of Plum Manor is Brother Zhao. I've heard so much about you." He thought to himself, "Where did this Zhao Ming come from?"

Ren Yingying thought to herself, "Linghu Chong has gotten involved with the Songshan Sect again. Our names are made up; they've never been heard of in the martial arts world. Where does this 'long-standing admiration' come from? How hypocritical!"

Yun Changkong glanced at Ren Yingying and saw her disdain. He wondered to himself, "Doesn't she recognize Xiang Wentian?" He clasped his hands in a fist salute to Feng Erzhong and said, "So you are Feng Qingyang's successor. I am honored."

When Feng Erzhong saw Yun Changkong, he was somewhat stunned. Only after hearing him speak did he clasp his hands in greeting and say, "So it's Brother Zhao." He thought to himself, "He's also here under an alias. I wonder what his purpose is?"

It turns out that Tong Huajin and Feng Erzhong are Xiang Wentian and Linghu Chong.

Although Linghu Chong was rescued and taken to Shaolin Temple, Abbot Fangzheng required him to become a disciple of Shaolin Temple and sever all ties with the unorthodox sects of the martial arts world, and to have no further connection with the Holy Maiden of Blackwood Cliff.

Unfortunately, ever since Linghu Chong met Ren Yingying, his heart had been stirred. Furthermore, he suspected she was a member of the Demonic Sect, yet she had risked everything to save the life of a disciple of a prestigious sect like himself. As a disciple of a reputable sect, how could he, for the sake of his own future and life, forget his benefactor? Was that the way of humanity?
Wouldn't that make them even worse than the Demonic Sect? He immediately thanked Master Fangzheng for his kindness and left Shaoshi Mountain.

Just then, Xiang Wentian escaped from Blackwood Cliff and was chased all the way to Henan by the Demonic Sect. He was also besieged by some disciples of famous sects. Linghu Chong admired his heroic spirit and joined forces with him to fight against the enemy. The two then became sworn brothers.

Xiang Wentian told him that he could find a way to cure Linghu Chong, and that he should not ask any questions and just follow him.

To achieve this, Xiang Wentian shaved off his beard and all his gray hair, turning himself into a bald man with a shiny bald head. He also enlarged his nose with mud and swollen his cheeks. His voice was different from before, so Ren Yingying did not recognize him.

After all, if he couldn't fool Ren Yingying, how could he fool the Four Friends of Plum Manor, who were once fellow disciples?
Of course, Xiang Wentian recognized Ren Yingying, but filled with doubt, he could only make things up. This was because, out of concern for Ren Yingying, he had never told the Holy Maiden that Ren Woxing might not be dead.

After all, Ren Yingying is Ren Woxing's daughter. If she learns of this news, she will definitely try to find out. If she makes a move, the matter will inevitably be leaked and will be known to Dongfang Bubai. Then not only her, but also Ren Woxing will surely die.

Each of them had their own thoughts, and they exchanged a few polite words.

Hei Baizi said, "Brother Tong, you said that as long as someone in Plum Manor can defeat Brother Feng, it will count. So please, Brother Feng, have a match with this Brother Zhao!"

Linghu Chong remained silent, stunned. He thought to himself, "Brother Xiang has been lying all along. What is his purpose in coming to Plum Manor with me? I suppose he wants the four manor lords to heal my wounds. But his arrangements are all very mysterious. These four manor lords and Yun Changkong are all unconventional and independent individuals. Besides, how could I possibly defeat Yun Changkong? Wouldn't this just be asking for humiliation?"

Xiang Wentian also noticed something strange and thought to himself, "Could it be that Brother Linghu knows this Zhao Ming?" He said, "Brother Feng, we are all here to make friends through martial arts. We only want to verify our sword techniques. The one who is skilled in the moves will win, and the one who is careless will lose. Your Huashan Sect's internal energy is famous in the martial arts world. If you win with your internal strength, then we will lose."

He believed that Linghu Chong's "Nine Swords of Dugu" was unparalleled, and that he could handle Zhao Ming regardless of his background. Ultimately, the Four Friends of Jiangnan would inevitably seek help from Ren Woxing to obtain the treasure, at which point their plan would still succeed. (End of Chapter)