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

Chapter 36 Invitation to Join

As Yun Changkong and Wang Xiaotian left Zuixianlou, they saw torches everywhere outside the building. The Tianying Sect members had already occupied key positions on land and water around the restaurant.

The two rushed out, only to see a sea of ​​people on the rooftops and streets, stretching as far as the eye could see. The glint of swords under the moonlight was one thing, but the tiny blue dots were undeniably terrifying.

Wang Xiaotian feared that Yin Tianzheng, heartbroken over his beloved son, would disregard his reputation and, with a single command, unleash a barrage of poisoned arrows.

That was truly like a fish that had escaped the net, a bird startled by the twang of a bow, pushing his lightness skill to its limit. If Shi Huolong had seen it, he would surely have said, "My disciple is actually so remarkable." Even with Yun Changkong's abilities, he couldn't help but feel that he had underestimated this kid.

Wang Xiaotian ran for more than ten miles in one breath. Seeing that there were no obstacles ahead and no pursuers behind, he finally felt relieved and said, "Damn, that scared me to death! Let's rest for a bit, my legs are a little weak." He sat down on a rock.

Seeing Yun Changkong's strange expression, he said, "Don't laugh at me. When Yin Tianzheng struck you with a palm just now, my heart almost jumped out of my chest."

He was also a disciple of the gang leader and knew that it had been extremely dangerous just now. If Yin Tianzheng had knocked Chang Kong back with a palm strike, there would have been a scene of arrows flying everywhere. No matter how high Yun Chang Kong's martial arts were, his first thought would have been to block the arrows and protect himself.

Yin Tianzheng might use a whip or other restraints to seize the opportunity to pull Yin Yewang away from Chang Kong's feet. At that point, whether Yin Tianzheng would abide by martial arts rules would be up to him. No one knew what the consequences would be, so how could he not be alarmed!

After all, no one who says they're not afraid of death actually likes to die.

Yun Changkong said, "Martial arts masters have some sense of shame, but I might not. I think it would be safer for us to leave the territory of the Sky Eagle Sect as soon as possible!"

Wang Xiaotian slapped his thigh and stood up, saying, "That's right. We two are capable of doing this kind of thing just to become famous. The Sky Eagle Sect lost a sect leader and a hall master. Yin Tianzheng keeps his word, and it's hard to guarantee that his subordinates won't use despicable means to deal with us in order to get ahead."

"Damn it, if they really poisoned us all the way, that wouldn't be fun. Let's hurry, let's get back and get that stick from my master. Then we won't be afraid of anyone who bullies us!"

Both men knew that important figures in the martial arts world cared about their reputation in public, but ordinary people were different; they would do anything to become famous. So they arrived at the canal, found a small boat, and set off that very night.

Looking at the deep, shimmering river, the two felt a sense of ease, like fish swimming in the sea or birds soaring into the sky.

Wang Xiaotian smiled and said, "Brother Yun, I must say, you are quite bold. You actually dared to cripple Yin Yewang in front of Yin Tianzheng?"

Chang Kong shook his head and said, "It's not that I'm brave!"
First, I knew long ago that since Yang Dingtian passed away, Yin Tianzheng has been arrogant and disdainful of others, which is why he refused to accept anyone else as the leader of the sect. Naturally, others also refused to accept him, which is why he created the Tianying Sect!

He is old, and with Yin Susu dead, Yin Yewang is his last hope. As long as we don't kill Yin Yewang on the spot, Yin Tianzheng won't fight us to the death!

Furthermore, the more I backed down, the more guilty I seemed. I wanted him to understand that our son was only suffering a little, but there was still hope, and that's how he could play. It was all forced out of him.

This almost backfired. I underestimated Yin Tianzheng's palm strike; it was so powerful and fierce that it nearly caused a disaster. If you had really been hit by the poisoned arrow, alas…

Wang Xiaotian snorted, "How can you blame yourself? Who knew Yin Tianzheng would suddenly launch a sneak attack!"

Chang Kong smiled slightly and said, "A father would give up everything for his son, it's just that my divine skills are not yet complete."

Yun Changkong's "Arhat Subduing Demon Skill" was only at a minor level of mastery. His skill was not yet sufficient. No matter how advanced his martial arts were, he could only unleash two or three tenths of the power of the divine skill. This is why he was unable to gain the upper hand when he clashed with Yin Tianzheng.

This is because even if a person practices the same martial art, their internal strength will be extremely different, even if the progress is the same.

For example, both Yun Changkong and Shi Potian only achieved minor success in practicing the Arhat Subduing Demon Skill, but Shi Potian's internal strength was far superior to Yun Changkong's.

It was only because Shi Potian went against the grain that he was able to cultivate the Arhat Subduing Demon Skill, a method that would normally lead to certain death. However, he was fortunate enough to find a way to cultivate his internal strength and achieve a powerful internal force. Therefore, he was able to master the Arhat Subduing Demon Skill in just one day and one night, all because things progressed naturally.

However, Yun Changkong practiced his skills by relying on the "Jade Manual," following the correct path of martial arts that combines yin and yang. He thought that his Arhat Skill was only partially mastered, and that he was no match for Shi Potian, who was invincible in the martial arts world. He also thought that the depth of his internal strength was beyond the reach of even top-tier masters. He never expected that when he exchanged blows with Yin Tianzheng, he would not gain the upper hand.

He immediately realized that his internal strength was far inferior to Shi Potian's. To win, he had to use skillful tactics. However, in a close-quarters combat, he would inevitably miss Yin Yewang.

Even if they could defeat the White-browed Eagle King, the situation would be difficult to salvage.

After all, threatening a father with his son might work, but threatening someone with Yin Tianzheng might not be so easy.

The old man was unyielding to the death, and if it really came to a fight to the death, the gains would be severely disproportionate to the risks. After much deliberation, Yun Changkong decided to back down gracefully and challenge Yin Tianzheng to a different location. This way, he could reduce the risks and also increase his reputation.

Wang Xiaotian said, "When it comes to the power of palm strikes, what martial art in the world can compare to our sect's Eighteen Subduing Dragon Palms! If I were to tell you about the move 'Regretful Dragon Soaring,' with your divine internal strength, you could definitely knock him off the building with that palm strike!"
"Haha..." Chang Kong laughed, "Brother Wang, I am deeply grateful for your kind words."

Wang Xiaotian lowered his head and thought for a while, then suddenly asked, "Brother Yun, are you confident that you can defeat the White-browed Eagle King? Don't say it's a 50/50 chance."

Chang Kong said, "It's hard to say!"

"It's hard to say?" Wang Xiaotian's eyes widened. "Brother, you wouldn't be saying you can cure Yin Yewang just to get away, would you?"

Yun Changkong laughed and said, "Even Yin Tianzheng believed it, why don't you believe me?"

Wang Xiaotian shook his head and said, "Rather than saying that Yin Tianzheng believes in you, he believes in your father and in the fact that your Yun family owes a favor to the Wudang Sect. So, let's see if you can cure Yu Sanxia. Everything will be clear by then."

"I owe you a favor!" Yun Changkong sighed softly. "Alas, I hope that my trip to Hubei will sever this debt of gratitude!"

“That’s right!” Wang Xiaotian said, “If we don’t repay the favor to the Wudang Sect, what will happen in the future? If they come out to mediate, will you listen to them or not?”
Listening to this might go against my will, but refusing to listen would inevitably earn me a reputation for ingratitude, something everyone would despise!

Chang Kong smiled slightly: "Yes, my father said that a gentleman owes favors to heaven and earth but not to people. Otherwise, if one is inferior in skill and dies in defeat, that's one thing, but if one is ridiculed for being ungrateful, one will only bring shame upon oneself for a lifetime!"

Wang Xiaotian fell silent upon hearing this. After a while, he said, "A month is enough time for you to come with me to Mount Wutai. I guarantee that my master will teach you the Eighteen Subduing Dragon Palms and the Dog-Beating Staff Technique. Not to mention Yin Tianzheng, even if Yang Dingtian comes, you won't be afraid. The Eagle Sect will be wiped out of the martial arts world. Not to mention repaying the debt to the Wudang Sect, at least you can stand tall in front of them from now on!"

Chang Kong smiled slightly: "Brother, as far as I know, the Eighteen Subduing Dragon Palms can be passed on to outsiders, but the Dog-Beating Staff Technique is only passed on to the leader. You wouldn't be asking me to join the Beggars' Sect, would you?"

"What do you mean by joining?" Wang Xiaotian asked, seeing how unfathomable he was. "Brother Yun, although you are young, you are upright and dignified, with a charming demeanor. You act with composure and skill, and your martial arts are superb. I admire you very much."

Since your father has the will to expel the Tartars, this is also the principle of our Beggars' Sect. As the saying goes, even a hero needs three helpers; without the assistance of others, no matter how capable one is, one can never accomplish anything.

Although our Beggars' Sect is not what it used to be, its foundation remains. As long as a talented leader takes charge, it can quickly recover its strength. Young heroes like Brother Yun are exactly what our sect craves.

If you join us, not only will you become a dominant force in the martial arts world, but you will also be absolutely unafraid of being besieged by the Eagle Cult if the same thing happens again. Our sect will also be honored to have you. What do you say?

Yun Changkong smiled calmly and said, "Brother, we've been through thick and thin together, so I'll be frank. Offering advice is easy, but getting things done is hard; family knows family matters best."

You've praised me to the skies, I have no idea whether you're complimenting me or insulting me.

Wang Xiaotian was about to speak again
Chang Kong waved his hand: "Where in the martial world is there such a good person as you say? Besides, people's hearts are fickle. Look at how Yin Tianzheng attacked me, that's proof enough. If Yin Yewang hadn't been subdued by me, given his status, he would never have attacked me first."

Think carefully about what Peng Yingyu said. Is it right or wrong? And can his plan be realized? He patted him on the shoulder and said, "Brother, let me give you a piece of advice: 'Ideals are lofty, but reality is harsh!'"

He then sat down cross-legged, and after a moment, he reflected on his surroundings and his spirit wandered into the vast emptiness.

Wang Xiaotian was stunned.

Since they started dating, they have discussed heroes and martial arts stories. Although their doubts remain unresolved, their friendship is now far stronger than that of others.

Yun Changkong understood even more clearly that asking for help was the hardest thing!
Asking someone for help means you have to repay them.

But there are some things you simply can't repay.

Just like Zhang Songxi's treatment of the Yun family, how could you possibly repay the debt of their entire family's lives?

If you can't figure it out, you'll feel inferior in their eyes.

Not to mention the Beggars' Sect leader asking for favors.

Therefore, although Wang Xiaotian clearly wanted him to help his master, he did so in a way that made it seem like his master was helping him, which Yun Changkong naturally did not want to accept.

While the Eighteen Subduing Dragon Palms and the Dog-Beating Stick Technique are undoubtedly martial arts masterpieces and would certainly be useful to him, they are not indispensable.

He only considered Wang Xiaotian's loyalty to his master and his willingness to risk his life with him, and decided to check Shi Huolong's symptoms first before making any further statements.

After all, Shi Huolong had ruined himself through training, and Yun Changkong's curiosity about this was greater than that about the martial arts itself.

He wasn't entirely clear about his own level of martial arts skill, and he understood even less about the problems Shi Huolong was facing.

He only ever had the problem of not being able to unleash his internal energy when practicing martial arts, but he never experienced a lack of internal energy when practicing any martial arts.

He thought that since his internal strength was insufficient and he couldn't practice anymore, and he felt unwell, he could just give up and stop practicing.

Why did you have to ruin yourself like this?
This is truly baffling!

The next morning, Wang Xiaotian found Changkong and said, "I understand. Monk Peng is right, but it is almost impossible to do. Not to mention anything else, just take my Beggars' Sect for example. We have been fighting with the Ming Cult for decades."

I heard from my master that our Beggars' Sect predecessors took away their sacred artifact from their 31st generation leader, Shi. The 32nd generation leader, Yi, came to the Junshan headquarters to demand its return, but was injured by the four elders of our Beggars' Sect and died soon after.

The thirty-third generation leader of the Yang Cult was incredibly powerful back then. My master was terrified of him coming and couldn't withstand him, so he forced himself to practice the 'Eighteen Subduing Dragon Palms' of our cult. Alas, it's fortunate that Yang Dingtian disappeared, otherwise..."

Yun Changkong was also shocked. Was the Beggars' Sect really that powerful?

Let's give the Ming Cult a good beating!
The thirty-first generation leader seized the order, the thirty-second generation leader died, and the thirty-third generation leader also suffered a qi deviation from practicing the "Great Shift of Heaven and Earth" too forcefully. As a result, Shi Huolong used him as a hypothetical enemy and also ruined him by practicing it.

Are the fates of the leader of the world's largest sect and the leader of the largest gang so easily decided?

Chang Kong laughed and said, "That makes sense. But we can't accept that all of their sect's actions are right just because Monk Peng's words are correct, nor can we assume that everything they do is wrong and everyone deserves to die just because they are a demonic sect!"
You need to be mentored by your master. If nothing unexpected happens, the position of gang leader will be yours. Therefore, you cannot be too rash in your dealings. You must have the magnanimity to tolerate wrongdoing in order to take charge of a gang.

If you keep thinking that he and I don't get along, you'll just grab your weapon and start fighting. In the world of gangsters, even ten lives aren't enough for you to live recklessly.

Sometimes we can be a little more tactful. Like this time, you offended the Sky Eagle Cult for my sake.

If they find out your identity and retaliate against the Beggars' Sect because of your personal status, what will you do? Will you be able to live with yourself?
Brother, being a leader isn't easy!

Just look at Zhang Sanfeng and you'll know!
He is the best martial artist in the world, and no one is afraid of him!

It's not just that he's reasonable; it's that he's unreasonable. People can be unreasonable even with his disciples and followers. So, tell me, can Zhang Sanfeng be invincible in the world? You've learned "The Dragon Regrets," but you haven't actually understood a single point.

Wang Xiaotian listened with a mixture of understanding and confusion. Yun Changkong had become acquainted with him, but felt that he was too dissolute, so he wanted to change his fate.

Don't let it be like the original story, where when Zhang Wuji went out to cause trouble, the Beggar Clan leader's disciple didn't even show up.

A few days later, they traveled out of Zhejiang via the Grand Canal, passing through places like Suzhou. The two enjoyed the scenery, rested, and practiced their skills on the boat.

The journey went smoothly, but Yun Changkong's name spread far and wide. His killing of the altar master, the dethronement of the hall master, and the forced coercion of the sect leader resounded throughout the north and south. Changkong and his companions could hear about it even when they were buying supplies at the boatman's.

That day, the boat arrived at the Kaifeng ferry crossing in Henan. The two disembarked, intending to go into the city for a treat.

Wang Xiaotian suddenly said, "No one has come looking for us along the way. Sigh, Yin Tianzheng is indeed a remarkable person!"

Yun Changkong laughed and said, "I always feel that you will die young if you keep acting like this."

Wang Xiaotian feigned fear and said, "No, we two brothers are the most popular in the martial arts world right now, and no one is challenging you. Don't you think that's a bit less fun?"

The two had just reached the foot of a large tree when they suddenly heard a mournful cry from the sky. It was a bird's call, and the two paid no attention to it. Then, with a "thud," something fell to the ground.

The two turned to look and saw that a swallow had landed on the ground with an arrow stuck in its body.

Wang Xiaotian exclaimed in surprise, "Good heavens, this man's archery skills are incredibly fast!"

Chang Kong swayed, picked up his bow and arrow, and saw the arrow pierce through the bird's head. He nodded: "Indeed, very fast!"

Since Wang Xiaotian himself was skilled in martial arts, and he did not hear the sound of the arrow leaving the bowstring or the wind breaking, the swallow was not shot nearby, but continued to fly after being hit by the arrow, which caused it to make this mournful cry and fall here.

The arrow pierced the bird's head, but the bird didn't even have time to die; it continued to fly before finally landing with a cry, demonstrating the speed of the arrow.

Wang Xiaotian said, "Damn it, they all kill people as a show of force, leaving knives and notes, and then they shoot a bird at us. What does this mean?"

Yun Changkong smiled and said, "Once the person arrives, you can ask him."

No sooner had he finished speaking than the sound of horses' hooves echoed in the distance.

(End of this chapter)