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

As soon as Xiang Wentian said this, before Yun Changkong could speak, Dan Qingsheng glared at Xiang Wentian and said, "Brother Tong, we brothers have been fooled by you, and you still want to deceive Brother Zhao. This Brother Feng is suffering from internal injuries and has lost all his internal strength. What do you mean by saying that the internal strength of the Huashan Sect is superior to that of the Songshan Sect?"

It turned out that Xiang Wentian deliberately displayed his internal strength at Plum Manor. Without making a sound, he stepped on two blue bricks and left two footprints, each two inches deep, as if they had been carefully carved by a sharp knife. There was not a single piece of blue brick dust around them. His internal strength was truly amazing. He also proclaimed that Linghu Chong's internal strength was superior to his. Fearing that seeking glory would only result in humiliation, the people at Plum Manor only competed with him in terms of moves, not internal strength.

Not only did Hei Baizi and the others lose their moves, but Huang Zhonggong's "Seven-String Invisible Sword" was meant to draw out the opponent's internal energy. However, Linghu Chong had lost all his internal energy and could not sense the internal energy emitted from the Yaoqin, causing the "Seven-String Invisible Sword" to become a "broken string useless sword".

However, seeing Huang Zhonggong so distraught and questioning his own skills, Linghu Chong couldn't bear it and truthfully told him about his internal injuries.

Seeing that Linghu Chong was frank about his weaknesses, essentially handing his life over to them, Huang Zhonggong and the others felt a great deal of goodwill towards him. Huang Zhonggong offered to write a letter for Linghu Chong and find Abbot Fangzheng of Shaolin Temple to teach him the Yi Jin Jing (Muscle/Tendon Changing Classic), while Tu Biweng offered to introduce him to Ping Yizhi to save his life. Linghu Chong declined, saying that it was inconvenient for him to become a disciple of Abbot Fangzheng.

However, the items that Xiang Wentian brought were truly tempting, especially since Hei Baizi was the most greedy person. Furthermore, since Yun Changkong had not gained any benefits from coming to Plum Manor, he suggested that Yun Changkong and Linghu Chong have a sword duel.

Huang Zhonggong and the others were all martial artists, and they felt that regardless of winning or losing, it was a great honor to witness the two great sword masters compete, which is why they invited Yun Changkong.

Despite being reprimanded by Dan Qingsheng, Xiang Wentian remained unfazed and said, "Brother Feng, since this Brother Zhao is so highly praised by several manor lords, his swordsmanship must be superb. Why don't you ask him for some pointers? It would be a good opportunity for us to broaden our horizons!"

Seeing Ren Yingying and Yun Changkong standing together, one cold and solemn, the other smiling, their expressions different, yet their handsome and elegant demeanor made them seem like a perfect couple. Linghu Chong felt a pang of sadness: "I was expelled from the sect by my master, all because of her. Master Fangzheng made me join the Shaolin Temple to sever all ties with her before he would teach me the Yi Jin Jing, but why didn't I want to?"
She was the Holy Maiden, second only to the leader of the Demonic Sect, commanding the orders of countless heroes. Yun Changkong's martial arts were unparalleled, feared by every sect, even the Shaolin Temple. She was a figure above the clouds. And me? I was nothing more than a lowly insect, without any sect affiliation, nearing my end, and filled with delusional fantasies.

Upon realizing this, Linghu Chong couldn't help but laugh at himself. His encounter with this Holy Maiden was truly like a bizarre and absurd dream. Now, Brother Xiang had encountered Yun Changkong in order to save him. This was fate, and it was time for him to wake up from his dream. He shook his head and said, "Brother Tong, thank you for your kindness. Life and death are preordained, and wealth and honor are determined by fate."

As he spoke, he glanced at Ren Yingying a few more times and said, "I know that this Master Zhao's martial arts are unfathomable, and I greatly admire him. Let's not compete with this sword. Brother Tong, please give these treasures to the manor lords, and let's go now."

He then bowed to Xiang Wentian.

Xiang Wentian was full of doubts, thinking that something must have happened to Linghu Chong, otherwise, how could he be like this?

He brought Linghu Chong here, saying he wanted to heal his injuries, but he didn't mention that he wanted to save Ren Woxing. At this moment, even if he wanted to inform Linghu Chong or Ren Yingying to get some information, he was powerless to do so.

Even if one wants to condense sound into a string and transmit it secretly, the lips must move slightly. If one says something shameful in front of the Four Friends of Jiangnan, wouldn't that expose the secret?

Once they realize the problem, there's no need to do anything else. Without their personal guidance, Ren Woxing still wouldn't be able to escape the heavily guarded Plum Manor dungeon.

Xiang Wentian was extremely anxious, but his expression remained unchanged. He said, "Brother Feng, although your swordsmanship is superb, if Brother Zhao could teach you a thing or two, it would be of great benefit to your future travels in the martial world. Why miss this opportunity?"

He then said to Yun Changkong, "Brother Zhao, my brother Feng has received the true teachings of Senior Feng Qingyang's Dugu Nine Swords. His swordsmanship is so advanced that it is beyond human comprehension. Don't you want to learn from him? This opportunity is rare indeed!"

Yun Changkong smiled slightly, looked at Ren Yingying, and said, "Sister, this Brother Feng is injured. Do you think I should compete in this match, or not? You can give me a suggestion."

Upon hearing this, Ren Yingying was immediately displeased and retorted in a coquettish voice, "What are you saying? Are you looking down on me?"

Yun Changkong said, "How did I look down on you? If I don't compete, I would be letting down the kindness of the manor lords in entertaining us. If I do compete, he will suffer internal injuries, and my victory would be dishonest. That's why I asked you to make a decision. It's because I was afraid you would look down on me. Yet you speak to me like that, hehe..."

Hearing his cold laugh, Ren Yingying's pretty face flushed with anger, making her even more beautiful. She said coldly, "What do you mean by laughing like that?"

Yun Changkong feigned anger and said, "You know that yourself!"

The group noticed Ren Yingying's icy gaze, filled with intense anger. Dan Qingsheng hurriedly cupped his hands in greeting, saying, "Please calm down, Miss. Business is important. If you two quarrel, won't people laugh at you?"

Ren Yingying said unhappily, "He just loves to see me make a fool of myself."

Yun Changkong sneered, "Do I need to explain what you've done?" He then glanced at Linghu Chong.

Ren Yingying's fair face flushed red as she angrily shouted, "Get out of here!"

Yun Changkong sneered: "Fine, very well!"

With that, he swayed and floated several feet away, disappearing instantly. His voice echoed from afar: "Feng Qingyang's successor, we will eventually have a battle, but not today!"

The Four Friends of Jiangnan, Xiang Wentian, and Linghu Chong were all bewildered, completely unprepared for this outcome.
Dan Qingsheng said, "Miss Yun, aren't you going to chase after them?"

Ren Yingying retorted angrily, "Why would I chase after him?"

Dan Qingsheng stamped his foot and said, "You two don't know what you're up to. You've ruined a perfectly good martial arts competition. Sigh."

Although Ren Yingying didn't know why Linghu Chong had come to Plum Manor, she trusted his character. Regardless of the reason, Yun Changkong had left inexplicably, and she wanted to find out the truth, so she rushed out as fast as she could.

Yun Changkong left Meizhuang and arrived at the West Lake. The distant mountains were like dark eyebrows, and the water shimmered like a huge piece of jade spread between heaven and earth, which truly made people feel very happy.

He naturally had no intention of fighting Linghu Chong and affecting Ren Woxing's escape, so he provoked Ren Yingying's anger, argued with her, and ran away.

Thus, the Four Friends of Jiangnan found the young couple's quarrel rather inexplicable and stopped suspecting anything. However, when Linghu Chong appeared, he had to admit that fate was indeed mysterious; even though he had changed a lot, the bond between Chong and Ying could not be broken.

Yun Changkong stood there for a while, but felt as if he was destined to be alone. No matter how many lovers he had, there was no one to accompany him. So he sat down under a willow tree, took out his jade flute, and played "The Smiling, Proud Wanderer".

The sound of the flute sometimes seemed to drift away, sometimes it seemed to come closer, blending into the willow-lined landscape, creating an exceptionally beautiful and ethereal melody.

As the melody deepened, Yun Changkong infused his true energy into the music, and gradually felt his blood and energy flow become sluggish.

Yun Changkong's heart skipped a beat, and he thought to himself, "This is the place."

Yun Changkong had always wanted to use this "Swordsman Song" as a powerful musical tool, just like Huang Yaoshi's "Blue Sea Tide Song". So while playing the flute, he tried to guide his true qi, wanting to match the rhythm of the music and also to be able to circulate his true qi freely.

Unfortunately, this piece was originally intended to express feelings, and Yun Changkong's attempt to improve it and use it skillfully was not something that could be achieved in just a few years.

Yun Changkong's understanding of music is only at a preliminary level. No matter how deep his inner strength is, it is impossible for him to reach the top in one step.

Yun Changkong practiced for a while, but felt his true energy was blocked. He knew that, just as Huang Zhonggong had said, he should not be reckless, so he stopped playing the flute.

"Why did you stop blowing?" A delicate and clear voice came from the side. Yun Changkong turned around and saw Ren Yingying standing under a weeping willow, holding a willow twig between three fingers and playing with it with a smile.

Her fingers were as pink and delicate as jade, contrasting beautifully with the emerald green willow branches, creating a vibrant spring scene. Ren Yingying herself seemed like a young girl playing with grass in the courtyard, devoid of the imposing majesty of the Holy Maiden.

Yun Changkong laughed and said, "This tune is really difficult to play."

Ren Yingying said calmly, "I do have some insights on this. Would you like to hear them?"

Yun Changkong was overjoyed and said, "Then I'll have to trouble you with your guidance!"

Ren Yingying smiled and said, "Then you have to become my disciple."

Yun Changkong snorted coldly: "It's too much trouble to become your disciple. I'd rather marry you. You can teach me to play the flute during the day and give me..." Before he could finish speaking, Ren Yingying swayed slightly, raised her left hand, and slapped him again.

Yun Changkong flicked his hand away, saying, "Once is acceptable, but never again!"

Ren Yingying was gently nudged by him and lurched several steps away involuntarily. She said coldly, "We are friends, yet you have always spoken rudely to me. Is that how a human being behaves?"

Yun Changkong laughed and said, "That makes sense, but you keep saying we're friends. Have you ever told me your name?"

Ren Yingying said coldly, "You know that already!"

Yun Changkong said calmly, "Is this the same thing?"

Ren Yingying naturally knew that this was not the same thing. The meaning of a girl telling her her maiden name in person was completely different from others knowing what her maiden name was.

Ren Yingying hesitated for a moment, then said coldly, "My name is Yingying, did you hear me clearly?"

Yun Changkong laughed and said, "No surname?"

Ren Yingying pursed her cherry lips, walked to the West Lake, and remained silent.

Seeing that she remained silent, Yun Changkong said nothing more. A gentle breeze blew by, causing Ren Yingying's dress to flutter and her hair to sway. Suddenly, she asked, "Do you know why Linghu Chong and the others have come?"

Yun Changkong said, "Guess!"

Ren Yingying turned to look at him, a smile in her eyes, and said, "Are you concerned about me saving Linghu Chong's life?"

Yun Changkong said, "Countless heroes fawn over him like cats before fish, bowing and scraping to the skies. But when they see me, they're cold and arrogant, their nostrils practically pointing to the sky. Do you think I don't care?"

"You're just saying that!" Ren Yingying snorted and said, "I'll tell you how to play this tune the moment you become my disciple!"

After saying that, he chuckled, flicked his sleeve, and sat down on a rock, about three feet away from Yun Changkong.

Yun Changkong felt that three feet was very, very far away, and for a moment he didn't know what to say. He immediately closed his eyes to rest and pondered the music.

Ren Yingying was filled with a myriad of thoughts. Linghu Chong's appearance made her suspicious. Could it be that Yun Changkong was right, and that she was indeed involved with Linghu Chong? Was this fate?
The two sat there, and before they knew it, it was getting dark. Suddenly, they heard Ren Yingying start to sob softly.

Yun Changkong opened his eyes and said, "Why are you crying again? I still prefer your unruly self, like just now, when you slapped me."

Upon hearing his words, Ren Yingying realized that she had become inexplicably weaker since meeting Yun Changkong. She would become melancholy at the slightest setback. She didn't know why, but hearing Yun Changkong's words, her heart ached, and tears streamed down her face like broken pearls.

Yun Changkong smiled slightly and said, "In my eyes, you have always been a person of resolute character. I am not used to seeing you like this. What has made you so sad?"

He spoke gently to comfort her, but Ren Yingying found it increasingly difficult to bear. Suddenly, she buried her head in her knees and burst into tears.

Yun Changkong sighed and said, "I guess it's because of Linghu Chong and me that you suffered injustice."

Ren Yingying cried, "I hate Dongfang Bubai."

Yun Changkong said, "Of course."

Ren Yingying sobbed, "I hate Linghu Chong too!"

Yun Changkong laughed and said, "Well, you treat this kid so well, and he still thinks about his junior sister. You should hate him."

Ren Yingying said haltingly, "I hate myself even more."

Yun Changkong smiled and said, "That's not right. A person can hate anyone, but they should never hate themselves!"

Ren Yingying said in a trembling voice, "I hate you the most."

Yun Changkong frowned, then relaxed, nodded slightly, and said, "Yes, I've been teasing you all along..."

Ren Yingying raised her head and said with tears in her eyes, "I hate you. I hate you for driving away Jia Bu and the others. I would be free if I returned to Blackwood Cliff and would no longer suffer in this world."

Yun Changkong's expression turned serious, and he said, "Raise your head!"

Ren Yingying, who had been sobbing with her head down, raised her head upon hearing this, looked at Yun Changkong with a blank expression and a hint of secret joy, appearing very docile.

Yun Changkong looked her over carefully and said in a serious tone, "I have to say, you look even better when you cry than when you laugh."

Ren Yingying was surprised that he could say such a thing under such circumstances, and couldn't help but laugh and cry at the same time.

Yun Changkong sighed, “I know you have a lot of grievances in your heart, but it’s better to live a miserable life than to die. Although there are bad people in this world, there are also lovable ones. Besides, you are so beautiful and in the prime of your life. To be honest, I don’t like you being like Linghu Chong, always talking about death. Believe me, your good days are coming soon.”

Ren Yingying paused, her lips parted, but she felt a lump in her throat and couldn't speak. Suddenly, she threw herself into Yun Changkong's arms and cried, "No one has ever cared about me..."

Yun Changkong was somewhat taken aback by her action.

Ren Yingying cried as she recounted, "When I was a child, I had no memories of my mother. My father was ambitious and wanted to build a great empire, so he had no time to spend with me..."

Yun Changkong thought to himself, "She lost her mother at a young age, and her father neglected her. She has never experienced the love of either parent. Sure enough, good things have not all come her way."

Ren Yingying choked back tears as she said, "When I was seven, Dongfang Bubai suddenly said that my father had passed away while away, leaving a will that he would succeed me as the leader of the sect..." At this point, she tilted her head back and said, "You've also heard Zuo Lengchan say that he and my father..."

Suddenly, she gritted her teeth and said hatefully, "My father was killed by Dongfang Bubai."

Yun Changkong chuckled and said, "Don't worry, he won't have many more good days ahead of him!"

Ren Yingying's beautiful eyes were filled with tears as she said, "Yes, I must avenge this blood debt."

Yun Changkong pondered for a moment, then said, "What if your father hadn't died?"

Upon hearing this, Ren Yingying was taken aback and said sadly, "If I am blessed by Heaven to be reunited with my father, what more could I ask for?"

Yun Changkong already secretly admired her filial piety, because in the original story, even though she liked Linghu Chong, she was unwilling to betray her father. Maintaining this principle in love was extremely valuable. Hearing this, he slowly said, "Actually, the person who came with Linghu Chong was Xiang Wentian!" (End of this chapter)