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

Ren Yingying turned to Wentian and said, "Uncle Xiang, I am deeply grateful for your great kindness in saving my father. Please accept my bow!" She bent her knees and knelt down.

"How dare I!" Xiang Wentian hurriedly helped Ren Yingying up.

Ren Yingying felt a gentle force supporting her body, so she had to straighten her back and stand up.

Xiang Wentian said, "We were able to rescue the leader entirely thanks to the efforts of Brother Linghu."

Ren Yingying shook her head and said, "Young Master Linghu is chivalrous and has unparalleled swordsmanship, which is certainly admirable. However, the musical scores, chess scores, freehand calligraphy, and landscape paintings that moved the Four Friends of Jiangnan must have required a great deal of effort from Uncle Xiang."

Xiang Wentian bowed respectfully and said, "I dare not. I suspect that the sect leader is not dead, but this matter cannot be confirmed."

I was afraid that if I told you, Miss, about the deep bond between you and your father, you would definitely seek out the leader. If Dongfang Bubai's followers found out, it might be detrimental to you. That's why I kept it a secret. Please forgive me, Miss.

His expression was one of extreme fear. Ren Yingying stared at him coldly for a moment, then suddenly sighed and said, "It's no wonder you feel this way. Dongfang Bubai has treated me very well, and I am very affectionate towards him. If you had told me earlier, I'm afraid I would have harbored resentment and he would have noticed. I wouldn't be alive today. It's just that my father is determined to seek revenge on Dongfang Bubai on his own, which is a bit too arrogant."

Xiang Wentian said softly, "The sect leader is inherently competitive. He has been imprisoned at the bottom of the lake for the past twelve years. He has neither witnessed nor personally experienced the differences in martial arts skills. It is understandable that he does not believe it."

Ren Yingying bowed and said, "Uncle Xiang, we two need to persuade Father properly."

Xiang Wentian nodded and said, "If I hadn't experienced Yun Changkong's divine skill today, I wouldn't have believed that there was such a master in the world. You don't need to worry too much. The sect leader exchanged blows with Yun Changkong and didn't gain the slightest advantage. It's not hard to understand the mystery behind it. I'm sure you can discuss this with us calmly now."

Ren Yingying and Xiang Wentian both knew that Ren Woxing was extremely arrogant, with a stubborn and unyielding temperament. "Today, Yun Changkong has thwarted his arrogance, which will definitely be of great benefit to him in the future. Moreover, Yun Changkong is measured in his actions and always considers his reputation. Therefore, even though Xiang Wentian was defeated by Yun Changkong with a punch, a kick, and a claw, he still felt a sense of admiration."

It wasn't until this moment that Xiang Wentian and Ren Yingying understood why Yun Changkong disdained joining any force—because he alone was an army of thousands!

Ren Yingying and Xiang Wentian followed the direction in which Ren Woxing disappeared. After walking two or three miles, they saw Ren Woxing sitting under a big tree, his face ashen and a thick blue vein bulging on his forehead.

Ren Yingying and Xiang Wentian exchanged a glance, and Ren Yingying gently walked over and sat down next to him.

Ren Woxing clenched his fists, lowered his head, and stared intently at the ground. Suddenly, he exhaled and said bitterly, "Truly, the younger generation is formidable. I've lost again!"

Upon hearing this, both Ren Yingying and Xiang Wentian looked bewildered. "Defeat is defeat, but what does 'again' mean?"
"Father, victory and defeat are common occurrences in war, don't worry about it." Ren Yingying's voice was clear and delicate, which calmed Ren Woxing's anger.

He turned to look at his daughter and murmured, "Twelve years. I was imprisoned in the dark dungeon at the bottom of the lake for twelve years, but in a single day, I lost to Linghu Chong in swordsmanship and to Yun Changkong in internal energy. They were both just young men in their early twenties. Tell me, what am I supposed to do here?"

Ren Yingying and Xiang Wentian both knew that what martial artists cherish most is their reputation. Valuing one's reputation over one's body is a common sentiment among heroes in the martial world. This is especially true for Ren Woxing, who used to be feared by everyone in the martial world. It was truly hard to accept that he had suffered two defeats in one day.

Ren Yingying said, "Father, the Dugu Nine Swords of Young Master Linghu were created by Dugu Qiubai. I heard Yun Changkong say that this man devoted his life to studying swordsmanship, seeking a defeat but never finding one, which shows how brilliant he was."

Yun Changkong practiced Shaolin Temple internal energy cultivation. Shaolin Temple has always been a martial arts master, and its internal energy cultivation method is unparalleled in the world.

You spent twelve years imprisoned in a dark, sunless cell, and your strength has not yet recovered. Besides, you've survived all twelve years; how could you be saddened by such a small setback?

Xiang Wentian, a man of great insight, had a flash of realization in his eyes: "So it's Shaolin internal energy." He nodded silently.

Upon hearing his daughter's words, Ren Woxing realized what was going on and nodded repeatedly: "That's right, Yun Changkong is using Shaolin Temple internal energy, but it seems that his internal energy is not entirely from the Shaolin Temple lineage, which is really strange."

Seeing his furrowed brows, Ren Yingying said, "Father, don't guess anymore. Even the monks from Shaolin Temple were completely baffled after fighting him."

"How so?" Ren Woxing asked, extremely curious.

Ren Yingying then recounted the details of Yun Changkong's meeting with several eminent monks from Shaolin Temple and masters from Wudang in Luoyang.

Xiang Wentian was overjoyed and clapped his hands, shouting, "That's great! That's great!"

"Good lad!" Ren Woxing slapped his thigh, looking quite smug, his eyebrows and eyes relaxed, and said, "This kid not only opposes Zuo Lengchan, but he doesn't even give face to Shaolin and Wudang. He's got guts, he's got guts. I feel so good. Brother Xiang, why didn't you say anything? If I had known, I wouldn't have been so angry."

Xiang Wentian said, "I was imprisoned by Dongfang Bubai and escaped from Blackwood Cliff not long ago. I was unaware of this matter."

Ren Woxing smiled and said slowly, "Brother Xiang, thank you for your hard work. I misunderstood your good intentions back then. I'm sorry."

Xiang Wentian trembled and hurriedly bowed his head, saying, "I dare not. If I had not left the sect leader back then, I would probably have been killed and would never have had the chance to reunite with the sect leader."

It turns out that before Dongfang Bubai launched his attack, Xiang Wentian had warned Ren Woxing, but ended up being reprimanded for slandering others and vying for power. As a result, Xiang Wentian left Blackwood Cliff.

"Sigh, it's my fault for misjudging people!" Ren Woxing changed the subject, looking at his daughter with a hint of curiosity in his voice: "Yingying, who exactly is this Yun Changkong, and what is your relationship with him?"

Xiang Wentian knew that not many people could catch the eye of the Holy Maiden, and he was very curious.

A complex look flashed in Ren Yingying's eyes as she said, "I know nothing about him. I haven't found out anything about his family background or sect. After spending so much time with him, I still can't figure him out. As for our relationship, we're not exactly friends, and I don't even know what we are."

Ren Woxing's expression gradually turned to surprise, and he suddenly said, "Could it be that he has never shown you even the slightest... feeling?!"

Ren Yingying nodded gently.

Ren Woxing frowned, utterly puzzled, and said coldly, "Then what's the point of you following him?"

Logically speaking, with a daughter of such beauty and character, she is a first-rate woman. What man wouldn't like her? Besides, what is her social status? Yet Yun Changkong hasn't even given her an explanation for being with her!
Ren Yingying sensed her father's thoughts and said calmly, "No matter what he thinks, I have never revealed my feelings to him."

"Why is that?" Ren Woxing asked, frowning.

Ren Yingying gently shook her head, but remained silent.

Xiang Wentian asked, "Miss, forgive my intrusion, but I have heard that you and Brother Linghu had a gathering at Wubagang. What is the story behind this?"

"Linghu Chong?" Ren Woxing was stunned, completely bewildered: "What is his relationship with Yingying?"

Ren Yingying said calmly, "I only saw that Young Master Linghu was loyal and righteous, and I wanted to save his life when I saw that he was suffering from an incurable injury. That's why we had the gathering at Wubagang."

Ren Woxing said, "So Yun Changkong also knows about what happened between you and Linghu Chong?"

Ren Yingying's pretty face flushed slightly. She pursed her lips and said nothing more.

Ren Woxing understood from his daughter's expression in that instant. After a moment of contemplation, he turned his gaze to his daughter and said slowly, "Yingying, this Yun Changkong seems humble, but he's actually very arrogant! You've taken after your father. If you fall for him, you'll suffer later."

Xiang Wentian said, "Miss has a very good eye for Brother Linghu. He is chivalrous, righteous, and sincere. You can see right through him, unlike Yun Changkong who is shrouded in mystery."

He knew that Ren Yingying and Ren Woxing were of the same ilk, both being very strong-willed and competitive. Since Yun Changkong did not express his feelings, Ren Yingying naturally would not either.

Yun Changkong and Ren Yingying were essentially in cahoots.

Yun Changkong knew that Ren Yingying had been "fawning" over Linghu Chong, but had never "fawned" over him, so he would never sincerely say words like "like," "favorite," or "devoted" to Ren Yingying.

Ren Yingying was also extremely proud. She wouldn't say anything until Yun Changkong confessed his feelings. Therefore, while they seemed close, she would secretly change how she addressed him in her words.

This is Ren Yingying.

If you don't say you like me, I won't like you either.

That's how proud I am.

Unfortunately, Yun Changkong knew her pride, so while he teased her, he never expressed any affection for her.

Ren Yingying glanced at Xiang Wentian and said indifferently, "Are you saying that Young Master Linghu is my best match and that I shouldn't waste my time on Yun Changkong?"

A hint of embarrassment appeared on Xiang Wentian's face, and he sighed inwardly, "This Holy Maiden is too clever!"

Ren Woxing coughed lightly twice, then changed the subject with feigned composure: "Daughter, I've figured out many things over the past ten years, but there's only one thing I haven't figured out. You've been intelligent since childhood, so please think about it for me."

Ren Yingying asked, "What?"

Ren Woxing said, "I have been thinking quietly in the dark prison and have figured out all of Dongfang Bubai's treacherous schemes. However, I still can't understand why he suddenly launched an attack."

Originally, Dongfang Bubai was quite wary of Brother Xiang, fearing that I might pass the leadership of the sect to him. But since Brother Xiang left without saying goodbye, I also passed on the Sunflower Manual to him.

This sacred text has always been passed down from one leader to the next, originally to make it clear to them: soon I will pass on the position of leader to them.

"Alas, Dongfang Bubai is a clever man. The position of leader was clearly already in his hands, so why was he in such a hurry? Why couldn't he wait until I officially convened the headquarters and announced it to the public? Why did he insist on committing this rebellious usurpation?"

He frowned, seemingly still not understanding the matter.

Ren Yingying frowned slightly.

Xiang Wentian said, "Firstly, he can't wait, not knowing when the sect leader will officially pass on the mantle; secondly, he's worried, fearing that something big might suddenly change."

Ren Woxing said, "Actually, he has already made all the arrangements, so what is he afraid of if something suddenly changes?"

Ren Yingying said, "Could it be because of what I said at the Dragon Boat Festival banquet that year?"

"Dragon Boat Festival?" Ren Woxing was puzzled again. He scratched his head and said, "You were just a child back then, what did you say? What does it have to do with anything?"

Ren Yingying glanced at her father and whispered, "Father, it's my fault."

Xiang Wentian laughed, "Master, don't dismiss Miss as a child. She's clever and quick-witted, her ingenuity rivaling that of adults. Wasn't she seven years old that year? She was counting heads at the banquet and suddenly asked you, 'Father, why is it that every year when we drink at the Dragon Boat Festival, there's always one less person?' You were startled and asked, 'What do you mean, one less person every year?'"

Ren Yingying said, "I remember there were eleven people last year, and twelve the year before. This year, one, two, three, four, five... we only have ten left, and you immediately frowned."

Ren Woxing thought to himself, "This makes me, as a father, seem rather dull!" After a long while, he turned to look at his daughter and couldn't help but ask, "Daughter, how did you figure that out?"

Ren Yingying smiled slightly: "At that time, I just thought there were too few people. I didn't think anything else." Looking at her father, she said, "Father, please don't ask these questions. The most urgent thing now is to eliminate Dongfang Bubai. Once he finds out, he will definitely be more vigilant and will also try to harm us."

Ren Woxing composed himself and said, "You want me to agree to Yun Changkong's request?"

Ren Yingying whispered, "Although Dongfang Bubai has been deceiving everyone by saying that Father has passed away, once you reappear in the martial world, many people will probably think that he didn't kill Father and that he treated me very well. They might even say that he is kind and righteous! We are weak and powerless and can hardly change the overall situation. We can rely on Young Master Yun's martial arts."

Ren Woxing nodded slightly: "This world is inherently a world where right and wrong are reversed, and people cannot distinguish between them. They repay kindness with enmity and commit insubordination, calling it benevolence and righteousness. This has been the case countless times throughout history."

"Yingying, have you ever considered why Yun Changkong would help us? If he has no feelings for you, why would he take such a big risk and get involved in this mess?"

Ren Yingying said, "You don't believe he'll think about the idea of ​​the world's number one expert?"

Ren Woxing snorted coldly: "I've been imprisoned in West Lake for twelve years without seeing the light of day. I don't trust anyone!"

Ren Yingying said, "Does that include me and Uncle Xiang?"

"Cough, cough cough cough..." Xiang Wentian almost choked.

Ren Woxing quickly waved his hand and said, "That's not what I meant! What I meant was... Do you think Yun Changkong looks like a young man in his early twenties?"

As soon as he finished speaking, Xiang Wentian quickly stepped forward, cupped his fists and bowed to Ren Yingying, saying, "Miss, Yun Changkong speaks neither arrogantly nor servilely, and has a very imposing manner. He doesn't seem like a young man at all, but rather like a middle-aged man who has been traveling the world for a long time and has achieved great fame. He is determined to go to Blackwood Cliff, so we must be wary of this!" Upon hearing this, Ren Yingying was first taken aback, and then her heart tightened. She also realized it.

Ren Woxing said, "So he said he wanted to meet with Dongfang Bubai with us, but what if he didn't? If we go up Blackwood Cliff, it will surely cause great chaos."

If he were to take advantage of the internal strife within our sect and collude with those so-called righteous sects from within, the very foundation of our Sun Moon Sect might be destroyed by him. How could Father face our patriarch then!

Ren Yingying naturally understood that Blackwood Cliff was difficult for external enemies to attack due to its treacherous and complex terrain, but if someone colluded with it from within, the consequences would be unimaginable. Considering how Yun Changkong knew about her father's imprisonment but kept it a secret, she couldn't help but have some doubts.

“Yes!” Xiang Wentian said, “Miss, Brother Linghu’s swordsmanship is extremely high. If he cultivates the Sect Master’s Divine Skill, he will be the Sect Master’s successor. Once his alien true qi is resolved, his internal strength will increase by more than several times. He will definitely be one of the top masters in the martial arts world. With his help, I believe Dongfang Bubai will also be no match for him. There is no need to go to Yun Changkong.”

A complex look flashed in Ren Yingying's eyes as she said, "I've made an appointment with Yun Changkong to go and assess the situation. If things are going well, I'll agree to take him to Blackwood Cliff; if he's holding back, then I'll refuse!"

Ren Woxing frowned deeply, feeling extremely unwilling, but seeing his daughter's stern expression, he shook his head helplessly and sighed, "Fine, go then. It's good to settle things once and for all. What kind of nonsense is it for my daughter to follow him without knowing why!"

"Then I'm going!" Ren Yingying said, turning around and slowly leaving. Her figure gradually disappeared into the distance, and the complex expression in her eyes also disappeared.

"Hey... I'm afraid I'm about to have a grandson."

Ren Woxing couldn't help but laugh out loud. He wasn't a fool; how could he not see through his daughter's thoughts?
A moment later, two cold flames shot out from his eyes, and he slowly said, "Brother Xiang, tell me, between Yun Changkong and Linghu Chong, who is more suitable to be my son-in-law?"

Xiang Wentian was taken aback.

Ren Woxing waved his left hand: "Speak freely!"

"Yes!" Xiang Wentian pondered, "If we only consider martial arts, Linghu Chong's current skill is like a firefly's flame, unworthy to compete with the sun and moon!"

Ren Woxing nodded slightly.

"But..." Xiang Wentian hesitated, as if he wanted to say something but then stopped.

Ren Woxing looked at him: "Brother Xiang, why are you always talking like this and that? Just say what you want to say!"

Xiang Wentian said, "Linghu Chong is a disciple of the Huashan Sect. We know him inside and out. Even if his martial arts are the best in the world, he is not a threat even if he has ulterior motives. Yun Changkong is different. He seems to be a complete mystery. Yang Lianting once recruited him but was scolded severely. It is said that he was resentful and wanted to take revenge, but was dissuaded by Dongfang Bubai."

Ren Woxing gave a cold snort and said, "Thinking back to that hero Dongfang Bubai, I admired him to some extent back then." He then sighed softly and continued, "With Yun Changkong's martial arts achievements, he is indeed qualified to make Dongfang Bubai wary, but this man is still so wise and profound, which makes him extremely difficult to fight."

When Ren Woxing heard from Xiang Wentian and Ren Yingying that Dongfang Bubai favored Yang Lianting and had almost delegated all power to him, yet had not harmed Yun Changkong, it was clear that Dongfang Bubai's temperament had changed but he had not lost his rationality. Therefore, Ren Woxing was extra vigilant.

However, Ren Woxing was secretly delighted, becoming increasingly smug the more he thought about it. "With this precious daughter, my precious son-in-law is bound to be an outstanding individual. How could the Divine Cult not flourish in the future!"
Whether it's Yun Changkong or Linghu Chong, it's fine!

Neither of them has proposed yet, but it's only a matter of time. He believes in his daughter's charm.

Ren Woxing laughed again and said, "Very good, very good. Brother Xiang, who should we go find first?"

"Xue Ju!"

Ren Woxing snorted coldly: "That bastard."

While Ren Woxing and his group were making their plans, a conversation was also taking place at Black Cliff in Pingding Prefecture, Hebei Province.

This Blackwood Cliff stands proudly and uniquely, resembling a knife, a sword, or a halberd, towering majestically towards the sky with an imposing and perilous presence.

To approach this mountain, one must first cross the swift-flowing Gorilla Beach. Further north, the path is flanked by sheer cliffs, with only a narrow, five-foot-wide stone path in between. The Sun Moon Sect members guard this pass closely. This single pass is not easily breached by force.

There were three such mountain paths, and then you had to rely on a small boat on the opposite bank to cross to a shallow body of water.

Once you reach the other side, you still have to climb up a steep mountain road, surrounded by deep valleys, making the terrain extremely dangerous.

Upon arriving at the main altar, Dongfang Bubai was still nowhere to be found. One had to climb the stone steps up the cliff and pass through three iron gates, each guarded by someone who would first demand a password and then check one's waist tag.

That's not all. After entering the stone gate, you still need to use a winch to hoist the bamboo basket up to the towering cliff top.

There are three winches in total, and it takes four attempts to reach the top of the cliff, which is heavily guarded by the Sun Moon Cult.

Therefore, no matter how high one's martial arts skills are, they are absolutely no match for the infamous Blackwood Cliff of the Demonic Sect. Even though the Wudang Sect has many people and is the second largest sect in the world, Zhang Sanfeng's sword and the Tai Chi manual he wrote himself have been in the hands of the Demonic Sect for eighty years, and they still cannot get them back.

If someone were to reach the summit, they would discover a sprawling mansion nestled amidst the swirling clouds, resembling the legendary abode of immortals. A massive white marble archway bears four large golden characters: "Blessing All Living Beings," clearly indicating that the owner of this place must be ambitious and self-satisfied.

Because of a single word he uttered, a single finger he raised, or a few steps he took, the fates of many in the martial arts world were altered...

This is because the master of this place is Dongfang Bubai, the number one martial arts master in the world, who is feared by everyone.

But Dongfang Bubai, the master of Blackwood Cliff who held sway over the martial world, sat in a room adorned with flowers, facing a dressing table, holding an embroidery frame in his left hand and an embroidery needle in his right, embroidering. Calm and serene, no one could imagine that such a world-renowned and eccentric martial arts master was hiding in his boudoir, embroidering.

The sound of footsteps echoed, and Dongfang Bubai was overjoyed. He said, "Brother Lian, you've come!" He put down the bandages and stood up.

With a cough, a man lifted the beaded curtain. He wore a maroon satin leather robe, was burly, had a full beard, and looked extremely powerful and imposing. He bowed and said, "Your subordinate greets the leader."

Dongfang Bubai rushed forward, reached out to help him up, and said with a smile, "Brother Lian, don't be like this. If there's anything you need to do, just tell me quickly."

Yang Lianting looked up and said, "Master, I had a nightmare last night!"

"Nightmare?" Dongfang Bubai raised his eyebrows and said, "Tell me about it!"

Yang Lianting said, "I dreamed that Ren Woxing returned to Blackwood Cliff."

Dongfang Bubai said "Oh," and asked, "So what?"

Yang Lianting's voice was sinister: "Why didn't you kill him back then?"

Dongfang Bubai glanced at him and smiled slightly, saying, "Some people are not people you can kill just because you want to."

Yang Lianting said, "Shangguan Yunjiabu was ordered by the sect leader to go to Luoyang to find out about the duel between Zuo Lengchan and Yun Changkong, and to investigate the results. It turned out that the two did not fight."

Instead, the Holy Maiden and Yun Changkong got involved together. Jia Bu and the others respectfully invited the Holy Maiden to return to the main altar, but this little girl actually joined forces with Yun Changkong to kill all of the sect's more than a hundred disciples, and Elder Jia even went mad.

Dongfang Bubai stared at him and said coldly, "You still want to kill Yingying? She is a drifting woman who seems to have great power and influence, but in reality, it was all given to her by me. Now, I have fed her the Three Corpse Brain God Pill as you suggested. In the whole world, only I know the antidote. What trouble can she cause?"

Her gentle expression vanished, replaced by a chilling glint in her eyes. Yang Lianting trembled and bowed his head, saying, "How dare I?"
However, I think that the Holy Maiden is still young and unaware of the wickedness of people. Not long after she chatted with Yun Changkong, she met with Linghu Chong, a disciple of the Huashan Sect, on Wubagang. Who knew that Yun Changkong would actually stand up for her and kill members of my Divine Sect? I think this is probably not about romantic love, but rather for the sake of the Sect Leader.

Dongfang Bubai's expression changed drastically, and he said, "This Yun Changkong is indeed very powerful!"

Yang Lianting said, "Shangguan Yun said that Yun Changkong's eyes are warm and bright, his internal strength is extremely profound, and he is a free-spirited and decisive person, with a wild imagination, which is somewhat similar to Xiang Wentian!"

"Xiang Wentian?" Dongfang Bubai raised an eyebrow. "What news is there about him?"

Yang Lianting said, "He joined forces with Linghu Chong, a former disciple of the Huashan Sect, in Henan to fight against hundreds of disciples from our sect and other sects. Afterwards, he fled into a deep valley and there has been no news of him since!"

Dongfang Bubai grunted an "oh," and said through gritted teeth, "I spared his life last time and sent him to prison to reflect on his actions, but I never expected him to escape. It's truly infuriating!"

Yang Lianting said, "Master, the Holy Maiden is not scary, Yun Changkong is not scary, and Xiang Wentian, that traitor, and Linghu Chong, that little thief, are even less of a concern. But if they join forces and rescue Ren Woxing..."

Dongfang Bubai slowly turned around and said slowly, "You still harbor resentment towards Ren Woxing, fearing that he and Yingying will return and seize power from the Divine Sect?"

Yang Lianting looked embarrassed and turned to Dongfang Bubai, saying, "I only want to stay with the leader forever. Anyone or anything that might prevent us from enjoying peace, I will eliminate! Let's not talk about others for now. As long as Ren Woxing is alive, things could get complicated!"

Dongfang Bubai's expression was grave, and he nodded slightly: "Since Brother Lian is so worried about Ren Woxing, then you can handle it as you see fit!"

After hesitating for a moment, he said, "I spared Ren Woxing's life for twelve years and raised his daughter. That's enough for me."

However, you mustn't hurt Yingying!

Yang Lianting smiled and said, "Compared to the Holy Maiden, I am like a firefly to the bright moon, utterly insignificant. How could I dare to harbor such thoughts?"

……

The martial world is never at peace; the fighting will not cease simply because anyone has given up.

At this moment, the top masters of the Songshan Sect gathered together. A tense and deadly atmosphere pervaded the air.

The windows inside were half-closed, and moonlight streamed through the gaps onto the floor. Dust particles floated silently in the beams of light, creating a stillness so profound that even breathing could be heard.

Zuo Lengchan stood with his hands behind his back. After listening to the report, his face grew increasingly gloomy, the veins on his forehead throbbed, and his eyes were as cold as an eagle's. The oppressive aura emanating from him made the air in the room seem to freeze.

Suddenly, he slammed his hand on the table, knocking over a teacup with a loud crack as tea splashed everywhere. A furious roar followed: "Useless trash...!"

The sound was so loud that even the roof beams seemed to tremble, like a muffled thunderclap. Even the bodyguards were so frightened that they held their breath and dared not utter a sound.

At his feet knelt a middle-aged man in his forties, his forehead pressed against the ground, his body trembling like a leaf, his face filled with fear.

Zuo Lengchan gritted his teeth, pointed at him, and said, "I told you long ago that Yue Buqun is extremely cunning. You were only tasked with keeping watch, and you still managed to mess it up. What use are you?"

The man lowered his head even further, cold sweat streaming down his temples, his voice trembling as he said, "Sect Leader, please forgive me... This disciple... This disciple didn't expect that fellow to be so cunning, I just..."

Zuo Lengchan's eyes were sinister as he asked in a cold voice, "But what?"

The man trembled under pressure, his voice even softer: "This...this time it was my oversight...that Yue Buqun is too cunning. He deliberately set up a decoy. When our men saw Lin Pingzhi sneaking out late at night, they followed him. Who knew that Yue Buqun was the one lurking behind us, catching us completely off guard!"

Zuo Lengchan's eyes darkened, and with a bang, he smashed the table next to him with his palm. His face was so gloomy that it seemed like water could drip from it, and his eyes were so cold that they could almost tear a person apart.

After a moment, he took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing his surging anger, and his voice was so low that it seemed to be squeezed out of his throat: "That old fox Yue Buqun wants to reap the benefits without lifting a finger. He took Lin Pingzhi back to Fuzhou on his own initiative and let him move freely, but in reality he was waiting for Lin Pingzhi to find the Evil-Slaying Sword Manual."

He slowly walked to the window, stood with his hands behind his back, and the moonlight slanted across half of his face, the interplay of light and shadow making him appear even colder.

"Senior brother," said a thin man with a sinister face, "Yue Buqun has the advantage of being close to the source. Only Bald Eagle and White-haired Immortal might not be able to get the sword manual from Yue Buqun. Why don't we go together and strike first!"

Zuo Lengchan narrowed his eyes and said calmly, "Yue Buqun is treacherous and easy to deal with. The most troublesome ones now are those nuns from the Hengshan Sect. They are not swayed by either soft or hard tactics. What should we do?"

Tang Ying'e's gaze was cold as he said in a chilling voice, "Since that's the case, then let's destroy the Hengshan Sect."

Zuo Lengchan's expression was cold and stern. After pondering for a while, he said, "Alright, just say that the Demonic Sect is heading to Fujian to seize the Evil-Slaying Sword Manual. Our Five Mountains Sword Sect must uphold the righteousness of the martial world. Let them go to Fujian to stop them. When they encounter the Demonic Sect, the Hengshan Sect will be completely wiped out."

"Brilliant! Senior brother is indeed a brilliant strategist, with a meticulous plan!"

"If we could also deal with the Huashan Sect, that would be perfect."

Zuo Lengchan chuckled coldly: "Whether we can deal with them or not is not important. What is important is that we've stirred up another storm in the martial arts world!"
The martial arts world is now like a stagnant pool; I don't like this calm! How could I miss such an opportunity! (End of Chapter)