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

Chapter 45: Capture Alive
It turned out that the clouds had parted and the moon was shining, its silver light illuminating the entire manor. If Yun Changkong hadn't been hiding in the tree, a patch of moonlight would have fallen to the ground. So, Yun Changkong wasn't heard by Cheng Kun, but rather seen.

This is due to both Yun Changkong's lack of experience and Chengkun's excessive experience.

Back then, Fan Yao, the Right Envoy of the Ming Cult, ambushed Cheng Kun three times. He failed the first two times, but the third time, although he managed to stab Cheng Kun with a sword, he was also struck by Cheng Kun's palm and seriously injured. It took him more than a year to recover. This shows how cunning Cheng Kun was and how profound his martial arts skills were.

Cheng Kun smiled and said, "Since you possess such martial arts skills, why not show them to me openly? Hiding your face like this is rather unrefined!"

Chang Kong sneered, "Old man, aren't you dressed like this too? Why don't you show me your face? Alright, I don't want to say any more to you. As the saying goes, a thief never leaves empty-handed. You've ruined my plans, so come and face your death!"

Cheng Kun's eyes flashed with a sharp light. "Hun Yuan Pi Li Shou" had been a chivalrous figure in the martial arts world in his early years, and was highly respected by his fellow martial artists. Later, because his junior sister married Yang Dingtian, the leader of the Ming Cult, and because of her affair, she caused Yang Dingtian to suffer a qi deviation and die, she committed suicide out of shame.

Cheng Kun's personality changed drastically, and in order to destroy the Ming Cult, he committed all sorts of despicable acts.

However, no one in the martial arts world knew about his conspiracy. Even Kong Jian and Xie Xun were not fully aware of it.

Because he feigned drunkenness to rape and murder Xie Xun's wife, kill his child, and kill Xie Xun's parents and their entire family of thirteen, yet he told the monk Kongjian that he acted unintentionally while drunk.

Seeing his deep remorse, the monk Kongjian accepted him as a disciple. In order to resolve this unintentional mistake, he was killed by Xie Xun with thirteen punches.

Xie Xun was the same; he thought his master was a wolf in sheep's clothing and that he had misjudged him. Little did he know that his master had done this on purpose, intending to make him a public enemy of the martial arts world and to draw hatred to the Ming Cult!
Why did Xie Xun always leave Cheng Kun's name when he killed someone, even though everyone later knew it was Xie Xun who did it? It's because after Xie Xun, Zhang Cuishan, and Yin Susu went to sea, Cheng Kun's name spread throughout the martial arts world. Therefore, sects like Emei and Kongtong approached the Eagle Sect to inquire about Xie Xun's whereabouts.

However, apart from Zhang Wuji and Xie Xun, no one else knew that Cheng Kun had committed this evil deed.

He had lived in seclusion for many years, cultivating himself in the Shaolin Temple as a disciple of the Shaolin monk Kongjian. Therefore, he had never been subjected to such ridicule and disdain in his life, and his eyes had long been filled with murderous intent.

"Please, sir!" Zhao Min waved her hand dismissively, looked up at the sky, and sneered, "This is my estate. I can make whoever I want leave go, and I can keep whoever I want stay. Who exactly are you to be so arrogant?"

She looked Chang Kong up and down, but although she had seen Chang Kong during the day, he was dressed in loose robes and wide sleeves then. Now that he was dressed in a more fitted style, she couldn't just match him to the person based on his height.

Chang Kong said leisurely, "Who I am is not important. What is important is that since I have encountered such a beastly and treacherous villain, I must kill him!"

Zhao Min had never seen such an arrogant person before, and she sneered.

Cheng Kun looked up at the sky and smiled, "You possess the supreme internal strength of Shaolin and the martial arts of Quanzhen Sect, no wonder you are so full of vigor and ambition."

Seeing Yun Changkong's arrogance, if he simply left, wouldn't he be being looked down upon?
It should be noted that Yun Changkong's earlier defeat of Cheng Kun and Lu Zhangke was largely due to surprise. Cheng Kun's use of the "Vajra Chant" was extremely taxing, yet he failed to knock anyone down with a single chant.

The opponent swiftly counterattacked, his attack fierce and fast. He hastily raised his palm to meet the attack, but his true strength could not be fully utilized at once, and he made a mistake. He was then forced to retreat by Yun Changkong's palm strike.

Lu Zhangke, who valued his status highly in the martial arts world and was also a martial arts expert, knew this principle well. Seeing Yun Changkong attack again, he was afraid that Cheng Kun would not be able to catch his breath and suffer in silence, so he stepped in to help. No one else would be worthy of his joining forces.

Furthermore, they knew nothing about Yun Changkong, while Yun Changkong was fully aware of their divine skills and techniques, which allowed him to effectively counter them.

In terms of true strength, Yun Changkong cannot guarantee victory in a one-on-one fight against anyone, let alone when the two of them team up!
Zhao Min was surrounded by her trusted confidants, who knew that Cheng Kun was knowledgeable and experienced. Upon hearing this, they were quite surprised.

Even Yun Changkong was surprised: "This old guy can recognize my palm technique?"

"The Quanzhen Sect?" Zhao Min looked at Chang Kong and asked in surprise, "Are you a member of the Quanzhen Sect?"

Chang Kong smiled, neither confirming nor denying.

In the past, Kublai Khan appointed Phagpa, a follower of the Tantric sect, as the Imperial Preceptor. The Quanzhen School of Taoism fought against the Tantric sect twice, resulting in a crushing defeat for the Quanzhen School. The Taoist priests were forced to shave their heads, and the Taoist temples were converted into Lamaist temples. From then on, the sect never recovered. Although the Quanzhen School still exists today, no one from it ventures into the world, not for any other reason than the shame it would bring!
Yunhe was stripped of his escort flag, had his arm severed, and swore a poisonous oath. He was still alive, yet he had no face to walk the martial world!

Not to mention that the Quanzhen Sect was once known as the "orthodox school of martial arts in the world." After suffering this defeat, the shame is impossible to wash away. How could they have the face to show themselves in the world and only invite ridicule? Therefore, the woman in yellow gave Yun Changkong and Wang Chongyang martial arts, and was not afraid of being sought out by others.

Cheng Kun shook his head and said, "Of course he's not a member of the Quanzhen Sect. How could a Quanzhen Sect member teach him such martial arts?"

Everyone was puzzled, and Zhao Min asked, "What does this mean?"

Cheng Kun said calmly, "Since Wang Chongyang founded the Quanzhen Sect, although it has a reputation for being the orthodox school of martial arts, his disciples and junior brothers have not learned the true teachings."

His innate skill, which surpassed all others in the martial arts world, was only a legend. As to how powerful it was, probably no one except the former Eastern Heretic, Western Poison, Southern Emperor, and Northern Beggar knew.

The martial arts passed down from the Quanzhen School to later generations are actually not the same as Wang Chongyang's martial arts!

Zhao Min asked in confusion, "Could it be that Wang Chongyang had a trick up his sleeve?"

“It’s not that he’s hiding something!” Cheng Kun shook his head and said, “It’s just that no one can understand the essence of his martial arts.”

If I'm not mistaken, this friend's Pure Yang Finger technique is indeed one of Wang Chongyang's signature moves. While its healing ability may not match the Dali Duan family's One Yang Finger, its power is certainly no less. Otherwise, how could he have defeated Mr. Lu Zhang and my Illusionary Yin Finger?

Yun Changkong's eyes flickered, clearly unsure of what to do. Suddenly, he sneered and said, "I must say, you do have some insight."

Everyone was deeply moved.

Lu Zhangke raised his voice and said, "So that's how it is. I was outmaneuvered by Wang Chongyang's ultimate technique. I can say I wasn't wronged!"

Yun Changkong sneered, "I've only just begun to understand this finger technique. How could it be considered a masterpiece of Master Chongyang? Don't try to flatter yourself."

Although Lu Zhangke was mocked by him, he had exchanged blows with Yun Changkong and saw that Yun Changkong's fingers were delicate and his age must be quite young. It was normal that he had not yet grasped the true secrets of the game.

But as a result, everyone couldn't help but yearn for the demeanor of the True Man Chongyang.

Zhao Min bowed to Cheng Kun and said loudly, "Thank you for your guidance, sir. Please come in now!"

Cheng Kun currently holds a pivotal position in Shaolin Temple and is of great use to her, so naturally she doesn't want him to fight Yun Changkong, lest his identity and appearance be revealed, ruining her grand plan. In the original story, Zhao Min was able to capture Shaolin Temple in one fell swoop, but without Cheng Kun secretly using the "Ten Fragrant Softening Powder," it wouldn't have been so easy.

Cheng Kun was well aware of the gravity of the situation. He had already informed the Xuanming Elders and the others about Yun Changkong's martial arts prowess, knowing that these people would surely defeat Yun Changkong. He simply smiled coldly and drifted into the forest like a ghost.

"Stop!" Yun Changkong had just taken a step when, whoosh, whoosh, whoosh, three people surrounded him in a triangular formation.

Seeing the three men approaching with formidable power—a thin old man, a bald man, and a muscular burly man—Yun Changkong knew they were all supporting characters to Zhang Wuji, like "Ah Da, Ah Er, and Ah San." A surge of arrogance welled up within him, and he thought, "Today is the day to test the results of my years of hard training!"

When Cheng Kun discovered him, he shifted his target to Zhao Min. However, he deliberately pointed the finger at Cheng Kun to lower Zhao Min and the others' guard and increase his chances of success. He then looked at Zhao Min and said, "Are you determined to make things difficult for me?"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Min's anger flared, and she retorted, "You're hiding your face, and I don't know your identity at all. There's no question of us being on holiday. In the dead of night, you sneak into my manor, swaggering around, showing absolutely no manners. Tell me, who's really making things difficult for whom?"

Yun Changkong listened and realized that the logic was indeed sound. He was still masked, and the person didn't even know who he was. This question was very suspicious. He couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed, but he was thick-skinned and said very confidently, "Little girl, Cheng Kun is full of nonsense. I'm going to settle accounts with him. If you try to set up a beam and ruin my plans, the consequences will be severe. Do you understand?"

Zhao Min laughed and said, "Although I do not know who you are, a good bird chooses a good tree to perch on. Your martial arts are superb, why not dedicate yourself to the court and serve the country? With your skills, you will surely rise to prominence and bring glory to your ancestors. Back then, the Changchun Master of the Quanzhen Sect was honored by my great-grandfather. Why don't you follow the example of your predecessors?"

When Yun Changkong heard that she still wanted to recruit him at this point, he chuckled and said, "Although Cheng Kun is a scoundrel, he did say one thing correctly!"

Zhao Min pondered for a moment and said, "What?"

Yun Changkong's face was ashen as he calmly said, "You are indeed bright and talented, and you are full of the spirit of heaven and earth. However, the officialdom is corrupt everywhere. In particular, the Mongols were only at their peak for a mere hundred years. For the sake of the Khanate, they would fight to the death!"
You should have been a sweet young girl playing with grass in the courtyard, but instead you're caught up in it all, constantly thinking about manipulating people's hearts—a classic case of degrading yourself.

Take my advice: even if your plan succeeds, it won't be worth it. Why don't we join hands and roam freely in the martial world? Even if we can't be a divine couple, we can still be carefree wanderers—wouldn't that be wonderful?

Upon hearing these words, everyone's expression changed drastically.

After all, they felt that it was only right for Zhao Min to recruit Yun Changkong, and that Yun Changkong was overestimating himself by advising Zhao Min to give up. They all looked at Zhao Min.

Just as she was about to give the order, Zhao Min looked at Chang Kong and spoke freely without any restraint.

Before he could finish speaking, Ah San angrily exclaimed, "This scoundrel is going too far!"

Chang Kong said calmly, "Big guy, someone like you, if it weren't for the number of people, I could crush you with one hand. What are you so arrogant about?"

Asan took a step forward, but Zhao Min waved her white jade hand, and Asan stepped back again.

Zhao Min flashed a few gleaming white teeth, bit her upper lip, snorted, and said, "We seem to have met somewhere before!"

Yun Changkong clapped his hands and laughed: "That's usually how lecherous men start a conversation with women. Why don't you learn something good at such a young age?"

Zhao Min blushed, her eyes like sharp scissors staring into Chang Kong's eyes, a sly smile on her face, and said, "You think I wouldn't recognize you just because you've covered your face and changed your clothes?"

But sometimes you act like a coward, and sometimes like a warrior. Is this what they mean by "great courage appearing as timidity"?

Chang Kong knew that the other party had already revealed his background, but he was not afraid. Today he was going to complete the feat of capturing Zhao Min alive. Whether he knew or not, what did it matter? He said, "I dare not claim great courage, but the world is unpredictable. How can there be a fixed plan?"
Cheng Kun was a good man for the first few decades of his life, but what kind of person did he become later? Now you're so eager to help the Mongols, who knows, you might become a traitor to the Mongols in the future..."

"Enough!" Zhao Min roared, "Someone go and knock his teeth out!"

Everyone was seething with anger and was about to ask Zhao Min to volunteer for the battle.

But just as the group turned to look at Zhao Min, a black shadow flashed, and Yun Changkong had already snatched her away.

Bald Ah Er shouted and slashed at Chang Kong with both palms. But Chang Kong's feet spun like the Big Dipper, and his palm strikes missed.

Yun Changkong slumped his shoulders and twisted his waist, charging straight at Zhao Min like a dragon. "You're courting death!" the two Xuanming elders shouted in unison, their eyes blazing with light as they unleashed their Xuanming Divine Palms.

Before the force arrived, the wind came first. The cold air became even more intense.

Chang Kong laughed loudly, "That's exactly right. You bunch of good-for-nothings are unworthy of the name of martial arts masters."

Everyone was taken aback by these words. They were all extremely arrogant individuals and did not want to gang up on each other.

As Yun Changkong said this, he spun around to avoid the opponent's palm strike, and with a clang, a white light flashed out.

The Autumn God Sword was drawn, deflecting the palm wind. He twisted his body and moved in large circles, as if he were a flash of lightning.

He knew that capturing Zhao Min amidst the encirclement of the crowd required no holding back, and he had already used the "Big Dipper Step" technique.

The "Big Dipper Formation" is the most advanced skill of the Quanzhen School and Wang Chongyang's most prized martial art. Quanzhen disciples who are taught the Big Dipper Formation must practice this lightness skill so that they can use it to compete for a position in the future.

As soon as they saw his figure flicker and disappear like a wisp of smoke, the second and third men pounced on him again, their palms like blades and their fingers like swords, fiercely attacking his vital points.

However, Yun Changkong did not take the attack at all. He spun around and moved swiftly, rising and falling high and low. The two men launched a series of killing moves, but they all just missed him.

Just then, a sharp shout rang out: "Take this!"

The sound was heard and the man arrived; the old man, A-Da, brandished his longsword and charged forward.

Chang Kong wielded his longsword with a series of flourishes, forming a halo to protect his side, and then charged out diagonally. A series of rapid clanging sounds rang out as his longsword clashed with the enemy's weapon seven times.

Using the force of the clash of weapons, Chang Kong moved like a dragon and snake, pouncing on Zhao Min once more.

These people moved with lightning speed, advancing and retreating like the wind, their attacks and defenses so swift that Zhao Min couldn't keep up. The two elders of Xuanming reacted extremely quickly, each drawing their weapons and slashing them into the sky.

Zhao Min was both shocked and furious. She had never seen the two of them use weapons before, which clearly showed that Yun Changkong's martial arts skills were truly astonishing.

In fact, in terms of martial arts skills and internal strength, these five masters are not necessarily inferior to Yun Changkong, and the Xuanming Elders are even superior.

However, none of these five people were particularly skilled in lightness skills. Yun Changkong had the best lightness skills, especially since the essence of Quanzhen Sect martial arts can be summarized in four words: "using emptiness to control fullness"!
Therefore, he often manages to dodge attacks before they even reach him.

Until now, apart from blocking a few swords from Fang Dongbai, he has not been able to fight anyone else.

No matter how skilled the five were, they had no room to use their skills.

These five top experts surrounded one person, yet they couldn't even touch his shadow—an unprecedented situation that infuriated them.

Suddenly, Lu Zhangke shouted, "Each of you guard your own territory!"

All five were experts who understood this principle. They shifted their bodies according to the five elements and watched how Yun Changkong would dodge!
Unexpectedly, Yun Changkong's purpose was to distract them. In that instant, Yun Changkong moved with lightning speed and as swift as a kite, darting between Lu Zhangke and A San.

Lu Zhangke was shocked and before he could turn around, he struck Lu Zhangke's back with a powerful palm strike.

Yun Changkong swung his palm back, and with a "boom," he propelled himself several feet forward, heading straight for Zhao Min.

With a series of sharp, swift thrusts, A'da's longsword flashed like lightning. Yun Changkong parried with a powerful strike, and with a clang, the sword struck again.
His longsword was already a weapon capable of cutting through gold and jade, and with the addition of the "Arhat Subduing Demon Skill," Ah Da's longsword was already broken. Chang Kong's longsword, like lightning, slashed diagonally at his arm.

Suddenly, with a whoosh, a streak of dark light shot out and struck Yun Changkong's longsword. It turned out that Hebi Weng had thrown his brush to save someone.

Yun Changkong sneered, borrowing the power of Hebi Weng's brush, his body tumbling, light as a cloud, floating several feet away, his sword light like a wheel, sweeping diagonally towards Zhao Min.

Zhao Min showed no fear whatsoever. She flung her hand upwards, a flash of golden light, and Yun Changkong brandished his longsword. Clang! Clang! Clang! Clang! The golden needles split into four pieces.
He switched his longsword to his left hand and with his right hand swung the "Regretful Dragon" move, sending a powerful gust of wind straight at Zhao Min.

Just then, Zhao Min flicked her left hand, and with a whoosh, a streak of green light shot straight at Chang Kong's face as she dodged away. Chang Kong was switching hands at that moment, and he simply used his right hand to deflect the hidden weapon—it was extremely easy.

However, Zhao Min's timing was perfect. Once he deflected the hidden weapon, he would not only be able to escape easily, but the five masters behind him would also intervene again.

Unexpectedly, Yun Changkong took a deep breath, twisted his body, and instead of blocking, the short sword actually cut a hole in the veil with a "swoosh".

However, Yun Changkong's right hand had already enveloped Zhao Min with his Dragon Subduing Force.

She was still running when she suddenly felt her body stop. It was as if her left and right sides were filled with extremely flexible objects, making it impossible for her to move. Terrified, her body involuntarily floated towards the sky.

With a swift, outstretched arm, Yun Changkong was about to drag Zhao Min through the air.
But as two gusts of wind swept towards him, he knew without turning around that one was a palm strike and the other a finger strike.

It was Ah Er and Ah San who attacked.

Meanwhile, Lu Zhangke, Hebi Weng, and Fang Dongbai soared into the air, summoning a gust of wind, and then arrived.

In an instant, Yun Changkong realized that his enemy's next move would be ruthless and unparalleled, and that he was already at a disadvantage, unable to withstand the successive attacks. He gritted his teeth, released the force of his palm pull, and concentrated the 'Arhat Subduing Demon Skill' on his back.

With a series of powerful blows, the Vajra Prajna Palm and the Mighty Vajra Finger struck Chang Kong's back, but Chang Kong's body, like a kite with a broken string, lunged towards Zhao Min.

Zhao Min's temperament was different from ordinary people. Even though she was being controlled, she refused to admit defeat. Just as she was about to turn around and fight back, she felt a gust of wind. Before she could react, she was already in Chang Kong's arms and flew five or six zhang close to the ground.

In an instant, the three weapons, as swift as light and mist, landed where Yun Changkong had been standing, raising dust in an area of ​​several feet in radius.

These few moves were swift and agile, the changes in moves were so fast that they could not be seen in the blink of an eye or seen in flight. They were so fast that even the enemy had to admire Yun Changkong's martial arts skills.

Yun Changkong was hit twice hard, and felt excruciating pain in his back, numbness and tingling all over his body. His true energy was also dissipated.

He hurriedly activated his divine power and quickly gathered his true energy.

Zhao Min was caught in his embrace, both surprised and angry. She glared at Yun Changkong, her eyebrows raised in anger: "You!" She slapped Yun Changkong across the face.

Chang Kong was completely defenseless at this moment, and this blow knocked off his veil.

"Insolence!" Yun Changkong finally mustered his true energy and shouted softly. Zhao Min felt a pain in her left hand as he grabbed it. She felt a surge of true energy penetrate her meridians, and her chest and lower abdomen went numb. Her whole body went limp.

All of this is a long story, but in reality, it only took a short while for Zhao Min to utter the word "you" before the five people stepped forward to attack from both sides.

Chang Kong grabbed Zhao Min by the shoulder, lifted her up, and shouted, "Anyone who comes up here again, I'll cut off her head!" His long sword was already at Zhao Min's neck.

Everyone was astonished to hear that his voice was strong and clear as ever. Upon closer inspection, they saw that Chang Kong's cheeks were flushed red and almost bleeding, clearly indicating that he had suffered a serious injury.

The group exchanged glances, all wondering if he could withstand the force of a single palm strike. They all stepped forward to approach him.

Chang Kong coldly said, "What Xuanming Elders, Eight-Armed Divine Sword, Vajra Disciples, all of them are bullshit. Hmph, these titles were earned through sieges, weren't they? If you're not satisfied, let's pick a place and fight one-on-one, and see if I can beat the shit out of you!"

He said a few words and the redness on his face faded, and he looked like a normal person again.

Everyone who witnessed this stopped thinking and remained silent despite his scolding.

They were all martial arts masters of great status, and at this moment they felt both ashamed and surprised, feelings they had never experienced before!

Ah Er and Ah San, in particular, raised their hands, already questioning their decades-long martial arts training.

In their eyes, even if Zhang Sanfeng of Wudang had taken those two blows, he would have been seriously injured if not killed, but what about Yun Changkong?
But in an instant, he acted as if nothing had happened, which is simply unbelievable!

The Xuanming Elders and other experts were shocked. Just now, Ah Er and Ah San used a strategy of attacking the enemy so that they had no choice but to come to their aid. This kid just took it head-on like that.

Having profound internal strength is one thing, but where does this courage come from?

With their skill, even if they hadn't landed those two heavy blows on the back of the head, just one would have been enough to kill or cripple the person.

Regardless of how Yun Changkong could possess such extraordinary abilities, they were too afraid to ask any further questions.

Lu Zhangke said coldly, "Release the princess, and we'll let you walk."

Chang Kong scoffed dismissively.

Hebi Weng said, "We, the Two Elders of Xuanming, mean what we say and never go back on our word!"

Chang Kong smiled faintly and shook his head, saying, "Whether you keep your word or not is your business, but you seem to have misunderstood the situation. Who's in control right now? You have to listen to me on what to do. Understand?"

Zhao Min snorted, "What are you going to do?"

Yun Changkong picked Zhao Min up like a chick and carried her aside. He sat down on a rock and said, "Two things: give me the antidote for the Black Jade Bone-Mending Ointment and the Ten Fragrant Tendon-Softening Powder, and I'll let you go."

(End of this chapter)