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

Chapter 60 The storm arises

Yun Changkong returned to the temple, but the Emei disciples were nowhere to be seen.

"Brother Yun, what happened?" Wang Xiaotian asked anxiously. "Abbess Miejue looks very unwell. She told me to find a secluded mountain forest to hide in and never go back to the martial arts world!"

"That's well-intentioned!" Yun Changkong said quietly, "I had the same thought. People say that I have both Yang and Yin within me, so it's inevitable that I'll be involved in murder and theft of scriptures. It would be very dangerous for you to be with me!"

Wang Xiaotian gritted his teeth and said, "We'll cross the Yellow River tonight. As long as you become the leader of the Beggars' Sect, you'll never be betrayed. Then who in the world will we fear!"

Chang Kong shook his head: "Brother, I really have no intention of becoming the gang leader. Besides, your master is not terminally ill. I agreed to help you cure your master, not to become the gang leader, and not for the Eighteen Subduing Dragon Palms or the Dog-Beating Staff Technique."

Wang Xiaotian's expression turned serious as he said, "Brother Yun, there is something that has been weighing on my mind, but I'm afraid that if I ask it, I might offend you."

Chang Kong laughed and said, "Speak freely."

Wang Xiaotian asked, "Have you fallen for that Mongolian girl?"

"That's utter nonsense!" Yun Changkong exclaimed, bewildered.

Wang Xiaotian smiled wryly and said, "Then why don't you want to be the leader of the Beggars' Sect?"

Chang Kong said irritably, "What does my not wanting to be the gang leader have to do with her?"

Wang Xiaotian said, “Our gang’s four elders are not necessarily inferior to the four Dharma Kings of the Demonic Sect in martial arts, and we have tens of thousands of disciples. Not to mention our wealth and military supplies, as long as we raise our arms and train them, tens of thousands of elite soldiers are not difficult to achieve. Wouldn’t it be better for us brothers to do a great thing to drive out the Tartars and reclaim our land?”

Yun Changkong was both angry and amused after being scolded. In these people's eyes, it seemed that "driving out the Tartars and restoring our land" was just a matter of saying a few words.

Wang Xiaotian said, "I only thought that woman was too strange. She even showed you mercy because she was afraid you wouldn't be able to control yourself. That's why I thought you shouldn't fall out with Abbess Miejue. Otherwise, you'd be able to pick any Emei female disciple you wanted!"

Yun Changkong said, "Sigh, if Abbess Miejue heard you say that, she would tear your mouth apart!"

"I'm not afraid!" Wang Xiaotian roared. "I can't stand by and watch a hero indulge in beauty and become a traitor despised by everyone!" As he said this, his eyes were already red.

Seeing him like this, Yun Changkong found it quite amusing and patted his shoulder, saying, "Don't worry about me. I inherited the Great Law and have long since lost all feelings for men and women. Perhaps the Void Profound Gate will be my final destination in the future."

As for the matter of expelling the Tartars and restoring our land, that is indeed a matter of righteousness, and I will do my best for it. But I cannot give up everything and my entire life for it.

Yun Changkong wasn't lying this time. He had met Zhao Min and Zhou Zhiruo, and neither of them could stir any emotion in his heart. This was definitely the path to becoming a monk.

Wang Xiaotian said with emotion: "We Han people are ten times, a hundred times better than the Mongols. If we are properly led, we will be more than capable of wiping out the barbarians."

Chang Kong chuckled.

Wang Xiaotian frowned and said, "Am I wrong?"

Chang Kong laughed and said, "Isn't it true that in war, supplies must be prepared before the troops move?"

“Yes! Everyone knows that!” Wang Xiaotian said.

Chang Kong smiled bitterly and said, "I've been telling you from the beginning that it's easy to offer advice but difficult to implement it."

You said I know everything, and that's true.

I can imagine how to ascend to the sky, how to descend to the sea, and how to destroy a city thousands of miles away.

But I can't do it!

You say the Beggars' Sect has many members, but training soldiers is a long-term plan; even without war, they still need to feed their men and horses. Why has the world been plagued by food shortages throughout history? Is it simply because of poverty? It's because of people!

Wang Xiaotian asked in surprise, "What do you mean by that?"

Chang Kong said, "It costs money to forge weapons and armor, money to provide for resettlement, and money to feed and drink. But the army is always short of money. Is it because the higher-ups aren't allocating funds?"

No, it's because during the process of allocating the funds, they were siphoned off layer by layer, and by the time they reached the army, only a small fraction remained!
Let alone officials with official positions, even low-level staff and clerks have to skim corners when writing accounts!

Wang Xiaotian, having never been in charge of the Beggars' Sect, didn't quite understand this principle and angrily asked, "Don't the higher-ups know?"

Yun Changkong shook his head: "What's the use of knowing?"

The reason why this needs to be done from top to bottom is to ensure layered supervision and prevent anyone from amassing an army and causing chaos!

Therefore, those who dare to embezzle have no one behind them and no powerful backers.

When those generals and officials got rich, they would have their relatives raise horses, and they would all pocket the money from the horses' mouths.

Therefore, to deal with this, we must consider all aspects, including whether it will have a ripple effect!

Isn't Ding Minjun a perfect example?

If this kind of person were my subordinate, could I tolerate him?

I can't stand it any longer!
But in a group, such people must be allowed to exist, because they can serve as a supervisor and urge others on. It's not like the abbot was unaware of her true nature, you understand?

Wang Xiaotian murmured, "Is this what you told me before about having the magnanimity to tolerate filth and evil?"

“That’s right!” Yun Changkong turned to look at the statue of Zaixing: “Everyone knows that General Yang is a general under Marshal Yue, but who knows that he was once just a bandit who killed Marshal Yue’s brother with a single spear!”
Only by abandoning his personal grudge could he be subdued; otherwise, how could there be a temple dedicated to him, receiving incense offerings from others?
This is telling us that to achieve great things, abandoning personal grudges and emotions is the most basic requirement. But have I done that?

Should I endure the humiliation my father suffered and the hardship of fleeing for my life simply because his Heavenly Eagle Sect resisted the Yuan Dynasty?
In truth, I knew in my heart that I should be magnanimous, let go of my grudges with a smile, and forgive and forget. I also knew that by attacking the Sky Eagle Sect, I would inevitably make enemies with the Demonic Sect, which would naturally allow the Yuan Dynasty to reap the benefits!
But I still can't do it, brother!

Thinking and doing are two different things, do you understand?

These words struck a chord with Wang Xiaotian. Did Yun Changkong's background make him forget the humiliation of his father and the hardship of his own escape?

If you can't forget it, then you'll have to become enemies with the evil cult, and there's no solution!
Wang Xiaotian sighed, "You can't blame yourself for this! Enduring humiliation and making all sorts of concessions, what's the point of practicing martial arts!"

Chang Kong said, "Your Beggars' Sect and the Demonic Sect have been enemies for generations. If I become the leader again, we will have to fight and kill each other endlessly. Do you understand?"
"And I've been telling you all along, my coming down the mountain isn't just about revenge, it's also about repaying a debt of gratitude. My purpose is to sever all ties with this worldly realm, to prevent anyone from having the right or the authority to dictate my actions or behavior according to their own ideas. Do you understand?"

Wang Xiaotian said, "But destroying the demons and resisting the Yuan are not contradictory. We can unite the entire martial arts world to destroy the demonic sect first..."

"Destroyed the Demonic Sect?" Chang Kong sneered: "It's not difficult for the martial world to destroy the Demonic Sect, nor is it difficult to destroy the Yuan Dynasty, so why is this happening?"

"Why?" Wang Xiaotian was taken aback. "Isn't it because there's no one capable of leading?"

Yun Changkong said, "You should go back and ask your master about this. I just want to tell you that a person with a brain has to consider all sorts of things."

Others may enjoy scheming, but I have no interest in engaging in such intrigues.

If it were just a martial arts world, people could have any grudges and settle them quickly, winning or losing without any regrets!

But once it gets involved in this power struggle, it's like the infighting within the imperial court, where people hide in the shadows and attack each other with underhanded tactics!

Isn't the Right Envoy of the Demonic Sect a prime example?
A scoundrel in the martial arts world actually went undercover! The Prince of Ruyang's mansion is all talk and no action; they only stir up trouble in the martial arts world from behind the scenes.

These things are annoying to think about. I'm all alone, and if any conspiracy comes along, it will eventually come after me!

But what if I belong to a gang?

This conspiracy has to fall on the gangs. For example, if someone kidnapped your master, your master's wife, and your junior sister, and demanded that you give them the Nine Yang Manual and the Nine Yin Manual, would you want me to exchange them or not?

His tone was extremely indifferent, but Wang Xiaotian sighed and said with a desolate expression, "No wonder you said that to achieve great things, one must be ruthless and heartless!"

“That’s right!” Chang Kong looked up at the sky and said, “If Emperor Gaozu of Han had surrendered to Xiang Yu because his father and wife were captured, there would be no Han dynasty!”

But how many people can be as ruthless as him and say, "Give me a share of the pie"? And how many people have the noble spirit of Xiang Yu and are swayed by his sophistry?

Brother, some things can't be learned.

It's like martial arts! Even if I gave it to you, you still wouldn't be able to learn it!
Even if I were in charge, I wouldn't be able to learn how, so I can only look after myself!

Wang Xiaotian realized that his mind was made up, and further persuasion would be futile, so he couldn't help but sigh.

Yun Changkong patted Wang Xiaotian on the shoulders with both hands: "Alright, keep up the good work."
"Let's part ways here. Once I've settled my affairs, I'll come find you and make sure your master is healed. You and he can lead the Beggars' Sect to accomplish great things. If I survive, I might help you establish yourself in the Beggars' Sect at a crucial moment. Remember, tell your master that a monk named Yuanzhen is looking for him; he doesn't have good intentions. Even if he's a Shaolin monk of the Kong generation, he'll have to be extremely careful!"

After saying this, he turned and went out. When he arrived at the temple gate, he looked up at the sky and suddenly had an epiphany. He recited aloud: "Free and unrestrained, my heart is not greedy for glory and my body is not disgraced!" After reciting, he laughed loudly several times: "Going out with a laugh, I am unrestrained, the clouds are in the West Lake and the moon is in the sky!" and disappeared.

Wang Xiaotian knew that Yun Changkong's future was truly unimaginable. His blood boiled with passion, and he wished he could follow in his footsteps. However, he also thought that his skills were not impressive enough. He couldn't even compare to a few people who were suspected of being members of the Demonic Sect. So what was the point of talking about driving out the Tartars and restoring our land?
He said, "Brother Yun, take care. I have decided to leave the martial world and practice martial arts again. We will meet again. I hope you will be safe and sound. Even if I am thousands of miles away, I will be happy for you."

"Alright, don't worry, just listen and see if this martial world can take Yun Changkong's life!" Yun Changkong's clear voice carried from afar.

When Chang Kong arrived at the ferry, he boarded a large boat and asked the boatman to weigh anchor and set sail. The boatman said that the Yellow River was swift and it was very dangerous to sail at night. Chang Kong took out a ten-tael silver ingot.

Seeing that he was carrying a sword and had given him so much money, the boatman knew he had no choice but to comply. He took the money, picked up the pole, and set off.

On this day, they arrived at the Han River ferry, intending to cross the river. The place was densely populated and prosperous, and many officials, merchants, and travelers from the east and west gathered here.

Wearing a bamboo hat and a wide-sleeved robe, Yun Changkong walked slowly. Suddenly, a man rushed out from an inn by the roadside, clasped his hands in greeting, and said, "Master Yun, I've been waiting for you for a long time!"

Chang Kong saw that it was an old man and was very friendly, saying, "Do I know you?"

The old man grinned: "Hehe, there's no other place like it for a young master as dashing as you. I've already prepared a first-class room for you."

Yun Changkong said calmly, "Who prepared it?"

The old man chuckled and said, "We couldn't possibly know who it is, because we're just doing things for money."

Chang Kong said, "Then I'm not interested!"

Seeing that the journey had been relatively safe, but now that he had arrived here and had been recognized, trouble was bound to arise, so Yun Changkong decided to leave as soon as possible.

He left, but the old man did not try to stop him.

When Chang Kong arrived at the ferry, he saw a ferry coming. There weren't many people, but there were many suitcases. A group of idlers rushed aboard, completely disregarding whether the person wanted to or not, picked up the person's luggage, carried it off the boat, and demanded money.

Along the Yangtze River, this kind of bad habit of porters is extremely rampant, and most travelers choose to keep quiet and dare not stop them.

Because even porters are organized.

Yun Changkong watched with great interest when suddenly someone said, "May I ask if you, young hero, are you Yun Changkong?"

Yun Changkong turned his head and saw an old beggar sitting by the dock, with a green snake coiled around his neck and a large black snake with white spots twirling in his hand.

Chang Kong asked, "Who are you?"

Although he knew he was in danger at every turn, he did not deny it since his whereabouts had been exposed.

The old man chuckled, stood up, and walked towards Chang Kong, saying as he went, "I am Wuming, a nobody from the Beggars' Sect..."

Suddenly, a long, majestic roar was heard. Chang Kong turned his head and looked...
The old beggar flicked his right hand, and a streak of black light flashed, heading straight for Changkong's heart.

If it were anyone else who had launched this sneak attack, they would have been caught off guard and thrown into a panic.

But Chang Kong, with his exceptional martial arts skills, was also struck by a pungent, bloody stench. He was furious. "This Beggars' Sect is truly awful these days!"

With a flick of his right hand, he pointed with his index and middle fingers, and with a hissing sound, a "thud" was heard.

The black snake fell to the ground, its head swollen, and then with a thud, it was mangled and killed on the spot. Its body, however, continued to writhe on the ground, a truly gruesome sight.

As the beggar threw out the black snake, he also scooped up a bag and swung it towards Yun Changkong.

Yun Changkong slightly turned his body, flicked his sleeve, and sent a gust of wind through his palm. With a cry of pain, the beggar tumbled to the ground and spat out blood.

Seeing the six cloth bags on his back, Yun Changkong said calmly, "I have no grudge against the Beggars' Sect. You must be after something?"

The old beggar's actions had startled the others, who turned to look in the direction of the sound. They saw a beggar spitting blood. The people on the dock felt a pang of pity upon seeing this, and someone shouted, "Why are you hitting the old man?"

Yun Changkong drew his longsword with a whoosh, its cold light blinding the opponent, who immediately fell silent.

That's just how people are!

Yun Changkong can kill without a sword.

But if you draw your sword, it will have a very strong deterrent effect!

No one will bother with this anymore.

He thrust his longsword towards Chang Kong's throat and said, "Give me a reason not to kill you?"

The beggar said in a trembling voice, "You possess the Nine Yin Manual; who in the world who practices martial arts wouldn't want to see it?"

Chang Kong said, "The reason is quite good, but you are not worthy of it!"

With that, he sheathed his longsword, kicked out, and with a clang, the sword returned to its sheath. He then turned and left.

The beggar, like a kite with a broken string, flew more than ten feet before landing with a splash in the middle of the river.

Instantly, the dock fell completely silent.

Even if they didn't understand martial arts, they knew that Yun Changkong was a ruthless star, so when they saw him walking towards the large ship, they hurriedly made way for him.

At this moment, two men dressed in water-resistant clothing stepped forward and blocked Yun Changkong's path.

One of them clasped his hands in a fist salute and said, "People say that Young Hero Yun's martial arts are unparalleled, and it truly is an eye-opener!"

"Yes, He Laosan of the Wushan Gang has harmed countless people with this Qilixing, but today he has been eliminated by Young Hero Yun. His merit is immeasurable!"

It turns out that the 'Qilixing' is a very famous venomous snake; the darker its body, the more potent its venom. This snake was so black it shone, and even the white spots on its body glittered, clearly indicating that its venom was even more potent. If it bit a vital spot, even a person with mastery of martial arts would die instantly.

Seeing their bearing and demeanor, Yun Changkong realized they were both exceptionally skilled, with the unique glint in their eyes characteristic of internal martial arts masters. He said calmly, "You two were also ordered to invite me?"

"Don't dare!"

Even though the two were skilled in martial arts, they were still shocked by Chang Kong's methods.

One of them said, "When the lord learned that the young master was going to Wudang Mountain, he prepared a large ship with fine wine, delicacies, singing girls, and beautiful women!"

Chang Kong looked in the direction he was pointing and saw a large three-story ship docked at the pier, with several brightly dressed women waving on the deck.

Chang Kong sneered, "So your master is Zhao Min?"

The man said, "We do not know the lady's given name."

Chang Kong nodded and said, "Tell her that I have high standards and don't want any of those pretty girls. If she comes to pour me wine and sing me a song, I'll gladly accept her!"

He openly mocked them, and the two men's faces darkened, their eyes filled with anger.

Suddenly, the sound of horses' hooves was heard, and five horses galloped along the riverbank.

The lead rider was an extremely burly man, resembling an iron tower. Upon reaching the ferry, he reined in his horse and asked, "Which one of you is the young hero Yun Changkong?"

His shout was truly thunderous, startling everyone.

Seeing that he was in his fifties or sixties and possessed abundant internal energy, Yun Changkong asked, "Who are you?"

The man sized him up, then leaped off his horse, clasped his hands in greeting, and said, "Please, sir, have a word with me in private."

He said he would speak privately, making it seem mysterious, but his casual words still made everyone's ears ring. It seems he had a naturally loud voice, coupled with abundant internal energy, making his voice incredibly loud.

Chang Kong frowned slightly, his cold, piercing gaze sweeping over him before he suddenly became nonchalant and said, "Speak your mind, I'm busy!"

(End of this chapter)