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

Chapter 66 The Tiger Falls in Pingyang
Once Yun Changkong left the riverbank, he galloped wildly, disregarding direction.

After a while, his legs felt like lead, his left shoulder felt numb and itchy, his vision became blurry, and his head began to spin.
He himself was unaware that his forehead was covered in dark black sweat, but he knew that the poison needle was extremely toxic and that he needed to immediately circulate his internal energy to expel the poison.

But with no one to protect him, he had to find a safe place; otherwise, let alone a human, even a wild beast could take him down.

It turns out that whether one is practicing superior internal skills or healing injuries with internal skills, if one focuses on introspection and ignores everything outside the body, even the slightest harm from an external enemy will be difficult to resist, and one will inevitably fail and lose one's life.

Therefore, even though Yun Changkong knew he was poisoned and that Zhao Min wouldn't harm him, he still dared not board her ship for this very reason. The Xuanming Elders could harm him without even making a move; a few hidden weapons would suffice. How could he afford to gamble with that?
Yun Changkong mustered his inner energy, his mind cleared slightly, and he ran up a hill. Looking around, he saw a dark patch in the northeast corner, which seemed to be a cliff, and he ran towards it.

He knew that small poisoned weapons like gold needles, when used to injure a person, would cause the poison to spread throughout the body via the bloodstream. In severe cases, the poison could kill instantly upon contact with blood. Running like this would accelerate blood circulation and make the poison's effects even more severe, but he had no choice.

If we don't force ourselves to find a place to expel the poison as soon as possible, and if more enemies follow, we will still die.

But because of this, Yun Changkong gradually became afraid, and kept looking back to see if anyone was chasing after him.

Soon, they reached the foot of the cliff and saw a cave. Yun Changkong immediately rushed inside. There was a musty smell inside, and the cave was covered in cobwebs and dust, so it was clear that no one lived there and there were no animals.

Yun Changkong sat down against the cave wall, immediately tore open his left sleeve, and took out a magnet. He no longer had the internal energy to force out the hidden weapon.

He pressed the surrounding skin, and with a few "ding-ding-ding" sounds, several fine needles appeared on the magnet, just like the ones he had sucked out at the dock before.

Although Yun Changkong had achieved some success in his "Arhat Subduing Demon Skill," he was not invincible with skin of copper and bones of iron. In fact, even masters of external martial arts with skills like "Golden Bell Cover" and "Iron Shirt" could only barely withstand blows from swords, spears, and fists in a critical moment.
A sharp needle like the "mosquito whisker needle" would easily pierce through the skin with a single thrust. Moreover, this was launched by Fan Yao using the power of a mechanism and mixed with his own concoction of poison. Even if the needle couldn't penetrate, as long as the tip pierced the flesh, the poison would be transmitted through the skin. Although it wouldn't take effect as quickly as when the skin draws blood, it would still be fatal.

This is why the "Arhat Subduing Demon Skill" is truly the highest and most supreme internal skill. In the critical moment, Yun Changkong protected the vital acupoints and prevented the poison from flowing in. If it were anyone else, the moment the poison needle entered their body, they would have perished together with Fan Yao.

But as soon as Yun Changkong sucked out the poison needle, he felt an indescribable pain, numbness, sourness, and itching. He couldn't even concentrate his energy, and his eyelids slowly grew heavy. One thought lingered in his mind: "Am I going to die? Am I going to die like this? No, I..." Just as he was about to fall to the side, he suddenly felt a chill in his hand and touched the hilt of the sword at his waist.

Yun Changkong suddenly let out a fierce roar, immediately drew his longsword, and with a hiss, plunged it into his left chest. With a forceful thrust, a chunk of flesh was ripped out with a thud, black blood spurting out and splattering onto the ground.

The cave was originally covered with lush green grass, but wherever flesh and blood passed, it immediately turned withered and yellow.

Yun Changkong had no time to worry about the potency of the poison. In the instant his flesh flew and blood flowed, his mind cleared, and he immediately began to circulate his energy using the "Arhat Subduing Demon Skill" technique.

It should be known that all deadly poisons travel with the blood. Chang Kong was deeply poisoned, and it was only by cutting off his own flesh to draw blood that he managed to regain his senses.

Otherwise, if one falls into a coma, the flow of qi and blood will continue, and the poison will attack the heart, inevitably endangering one's life.

Now that he has lost a lot of blood, the toxicity mixed in with his blood has also decreased significantly, which allows him to focus his mind on internal energy cultivation.

After an unknown amount of time, hot white steam rose from my head, and beads of sweat the size of soybeans dripped down, and the intense itching on my body subsided slightly.

He used his inner energy to envelop the toxins, following the energy flow path from his chest to his head, then from his head to his shoulders, from his shoulders to his arms, and then from his arms to his fingertips, from which black fluid seeped out.

Just then, a man's voice came from outside the cave: "Master, why does this smell so fishy?"

Yun Changkong had a sudden realization, but at this moment he was trying his best to expel the poison. His internal energy went astray, which could cause his injuries to be difficult to heal or even lead to his immediate death. Although he was in a state of panic, he had no way to resist it.

Suddenly, a clear voice said, "There's a cave here, go in and take a look."

Yun Changkong heard it clearly; this person was Xianyu Tong, and his body trembled involuntarily.

Knowing the man's nature, he realized this was truly a disaster. He wanted to strengthen his internal energy to expel the toxins, but the more he rushed it, the less likely it would work, let alone expelling the toxins while his true energy was already depleted.

But just then, a rustling sound was heard, and two people holding torches parted the tall grass and slipped into the cave.

The two men, dressed in Confucian robes, exclaimed in surprise, "Master, it's Yun Changkong!"

Suddenly, a soft laugh was heard, and the two separated. A man stepped out, handsome and dashing, with a warm and gentle smile in his eyes. He was none other than Xianyu Tong, the leader of the Huashan Sect.

Xianyu Tong glanced at the situation inside the cave, then looked at Yun Changkong's pale face and shiny black left arm. He understood the situation. He took the torch from a disciple and said, "Go out and keep watch. Summon your disciples and guard all directions. We must protect Young Hero Yun."

"Yes!" The two disciples turned and left the cave.

If Yun Changkong had time, he could gradually dissolve the poison by practicing the Arhat Subduing Demon Technique. But at this moment, he was in the process of practicing the technique when an uninvited guest arrived. How could he feel at ease?

When he saw the two enter the cave, he had already gathered all the poison in his left arm. Although he was weak at this time, he was no longer as weak as before. Knowing that Xianyu Tong had sent his disciple away to make it easier to do evil, he immediately channeled his strength into his right arm, waiting for Xianyu Tong to come closer so that he could kill or maim him.

However, Xianyu Tong was a man of great composure. His eyes gleamed as he scanned Yun Changkong's face, but he stood at the cave entrance without entering. He said with a smile, "Young Master Yun, I regret not heeding my advice."

Yun Changkong slowly opened his eyes and said, "Why has Sect Leader Xianyu come?"

Xianyu Tong laughed and said, "You should have listened to me. I said that the mosquito needles of the Sky Eagle Sect are extremely poisonous, and the poisons of the Demonic Sect are even more potent and highly corrosive. You must have already felt that. Sigh, what can I say to you?"

Yun Changkong took a deep breath, straightened his back, and laughed, "Yes, I regret not listening to your advice, brother!"

Xianyu Tong coughed lightly, took out a porcelain bottle from his bosom, poured out a pill, and said, "This is an antidote from my Huashan Sect. Please take it, Brother Yun."

Yun Changkong thought to himself, "If you come up and feed me the medicine, I'll just kill you!" He said, "Thank you."

Unexpectedly, Xianyu Tong didn't move at all. He flicked his finger, and with a whoosh, it shot straight at Yun Changkong's face.

Yun Changkong slightly turned his head to the side, dodging the attack, and said, "What are you going to do?"

Xianyu Tong sneered, "I have offered many kind intentions, why does Young Hero Yun always keep me at arm's length?"

His attempt to befriend Yun Changkong failed, and he knew that the other party was very wary. However, seeing that the grass was withered and yellow, he guessed that Yun Changkong was seriously poisoned. But he was intimidated by Yun Changkong's martial arts skills and dared not act rashly. He used bullets to test him. When he saw Yun Changkong turn his head to dodge, he was even more afraid. However, Xianyu Tong was calm and composed and did not show any emotion.

Yun Changkong's heart was pounding. He felt he had made a mistake; he should have refrained from dodging. However, he knew that his opponent possessed potent poison, and that martial arts masters would naturally dodge when attacked. In that instant, he didn't think much about it.

The two faced each other in silence. Suddenly, Xianyu Tong burst into laughter and said, "The supreme martial arts weapon is the Dragon-Slaying Saber. The supreme martial arts weapon commands the world, and none dare disobey. Without the Heaven-Reliant Sword, who can contend with it? You must have heard this saying before, right?"

Chang Kong said, "I've heard of it. But why are you asking me? I don't have the Dragon-Slaying Saber or the Heaven-Reliant Sword!"

"Don't you understand, sir?" Xianyu Tong laughed and stroked his beard, saying, "A dragon-slaying sword is nothing more than a sharp and precious blade; how can it command the world?"

Chang Kong frowned and asked, "What do you mean?"

Xianyu Tong said solemnly, "It is said that this knife contains a peerless martial arts manual. Once mastered, one will be invincible, able to command the wind and rain, to give and take as one pleases, to kill at will, and to slaughter anyone or any sect at will. Then one will be supreme, one's words will be law, and who will dare to disobey?"

Chang Kong knew the old man had ill intentions, but the other party was, after all, a sect leader. If he couldn't kill him in one blow, he would inevitably become the prey, and could only feign compliance. Thinking this, a sense of desolation welled up in his chest. He thought to himself, "I possess such superb skills, yet I'm either surrounded and attacked or encounter villains!"

And they're all Han Chinese!

It was the Mongols who saved him!
This world has truly gone mad!

Yun Changkong laughed and said, "I've learned something. Then you should go find Xie Xun."

Xianyu Tong shook his head: "There is a secret manual in the Dragon-Slaying Saber, but no one can verify it. Everyone is interested only because they would rather believe it than not."

However, everyone knows that Wang Chongyang once won the championship at Mount Hua, ranking first among the Five Greats and being invincible under heaven.

Yun Changkong chuckled and said, "Sect Leader Xianyu is absolutely right!"

Xianyu Tong smiled slightly and sighed leisurely, "Young Master Yun, we don't lie in front of a true person. Since things have come to this, we don't need to hide our ulterior motives anymore."

With your intelligence, you should understand that my presence here is not a coincidence, but rather a deliberate act with a significant purpose. Once you reveal the secret of the 'Innate Skill,' I will turn around and leave.

"Innate Skill?" Yun Changkong chuckled. "I want that too, but where would I get an Innate Skill for you?"

Yun Changkong naturally knew that this old guy had staged a "mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind" scenario, but some things seem complicated, but in reality they are just that simple: what you fear will come to pass!
A rope always breaks at its weakest point, and misfortune always finds those who are unfortunate. Or, one may have everything going smoothly, be powerful and have everything one wants, but a sudden twist of fate can strip away everything one is proud of. Such things happen often, and no one can do anything about it.

Xianyu Tong sneered, "You're still lying now? If you didn't know the Innate Skill, how could you have cultivated to such a level at such a young age?"
Back in the day, Wang Chongyang first studied literature and then martial arts, and was able to dominate the world. Without his innate martial arts skills, he couldn't have achieved that! No matter how gifted you are, without such divine skills as a foundation, what do you have to rely on?

Chang Kong said, "I never had any innate skills to begin with, believe it or not!" He knew that when it came to martial arts, what people wanted wasn't the Nine Yin or Nine Yang techniques, but what they learned. But at this moment, it would be better to appear a little foolish.

Sure enough, Xianyu Tong snorted and said, "You seem like a smart man, but you talk like a three-year-old."

People say you possess the Nine Yin and Nine Yang techniques, and some kind of Pure Yang Limitless Skill, which I believe is an innate skill. Isn't all this just saying your learned divine skills are too powerful? Therefore, what I want is the internal energy you, Yun Changkong, have learned; that is the fundamental essence, understand?

As he spoke, a fierce glint flashed in his eyes, and his handsome face gradually became filled with a strong murderous aura.

Yun Changkong sneered, "The dignified head of the Huashan Sect is nothing but a vicious and despicable scoundrel, yet you bear such a great reputation! Aren't you afraid of disgracing the Huashan Sect's honor?"

He wanted to provoke this man and make him come up!

"A good reputation?" Xianyu Tong remained unfazed and slowly said, "Whether we martial artists follow the righteous path, join the underworld, or even join a demonic sect, it's all for the sake of a 'reputation'."

Since ancient times, hoarding treasures has been a crime, but you've become too famous. Do you know that since you came along, we all feel like useless people who have wasted our lives? Which martial artist isn't envious of you?
Who doesn't want you to die?

Wang Chongyang knew that the Seven Masters of Quanzhen were not skilled enough. Even with the Nine Yin Manual and the Innate Skill, they would not only be unable to defeat their enemies, but would also bring disaster upon themselves. That's why he passed them on to outsiders.

You learn his martial arts, but you don't understand them.

Back in the day, Guo Jing was the greatest hero in the world, but what was the result? In Xiangyang, the Mongols sent countless people to poison and assassinate him, but he saw through their schemes and captured them all. When they fought him, they were all ganged up on! Or they would capture his wife and daughters and use the people for their own purposes.

Young Master Yun, you should understand that it's not that martial artists don't care about names, but if you do, the result will be that you hand your head over to the executioner. It's better not to have a name that's shared with you!
"Tell me, when you were eleven years old, you killed Yin Wulu. Did you think it would be fair and square with him back then?"

Yun Changkong snorted.

Even though he was unwilling to admit it, he understood that Xianyu Tong was right!
He had indeed been reckless in relying on his martial arts skills and precognitive advantage. With each victory he achieved, the world would hate him more.

This isn't him maliciously speculating about others; rather, this mentality is similar to "resentment of the rich."

Everyone knows that there is a gap between the rich and the poor in the world, and not all poor people hate the rich. But if this rich person is still "flaunting his wealth", then he must be condemned and his origins must be investigated.

Just as he became famous in the martial arts world, he broke people's perceptions every time, leading everyone to speculate about his martial arts lineage and origins!
Whether it's Shaolin, Wudang, or the Nine Yang and Nine Yin schools, they're just trying to label themselves as having an illegitimate origin, thereby ruining themselves!
The darkness of human nature is undeniable. But ultimately, this stems from a loss of humility and caution.

Throughout history, martial arts masters have come a long way. Just think of Qiao Feng at sixteen, before he even became Wang Jiantong's disciple.

Sixteen-year-old Wang Chongyang was a Zhihu user all day long.
At the age of sixteen, Guo Jing was beaten by Yin Zhiping and dealt with by the Four Devils of the Yellow River!
Sixteen-year-old Yang Guo was being chased by the Five Ugly Men of the Tibetan Border and was forced to throw Hong Qigong off a cliff.
At the age of sixteen, Zhang Sanfeng was chased by the Shaolin Temple and had to flee in a barrel, hiding in the deep mountains.

But what about myself, a sixteen-year-old?
He has clearly become the number one person in the martial arts world!
Acting too ostentatiously defied everyone's expectations, naturally attracting malice and covetousness.

But the most frustrating thing is that his own divine skill is not yet complete. He is currently practicing the "Arhat Subduing Demon Skill", but the true qi in his Ren and Du meridians cannot be connected and cannot flow through his body at will without any hindrance!
Perhaps if he had mastered the divine skill, he wouldn't have ended up in this situation.

The fact that so many members of the Eagle Sect arrived at the Han River but were not sent out by Wudang might also be due to this.

Yun Changkong had heard people compare him to Song Qingshu many times, and even said that Song Qingshu was not worthy of being compared to him!
Even if this is true, this guy is narrow-minded and relies on his father being the sect leader. His uncles and senior brothers all know that he is the next sect leader and give him some leeway. He has great power in Wudang Mountain. If he receives this news, it is not impossible for him to suppress it.

Yun Changkong reflected on himself, sighed softly, and said, "I should have exchanged five hundred moves with Yin Wufu and Wulu, and eight hundred moves with Yin Yewang."

"So!" Xianyu Tong said, seeing his deep grief and indignation, "You've brought this upon yourself."

If I were you, I would have exchanged five hundred blows with Yin Wufu and Wulu, and it would have taken me over a thousand blows to face Yin Yewang. If I had won by a single blow at the crucial moment, you would have been an unparalleled genius, but everyone would have accepted it. With Yin Baimei's magnanimity in standing up to the six major sects, everyone would have been happy to fight you.

This is what they mean by "He who does not plan for the future will have trouble in the present."

Yun Changkong was furious and sneered, "What's the point of practicing this martial art if I'm like you!"

Xianyu Tong smiled and said calmly, "Young people all care about quick revenge and love to show off their skills. This is a common problem, not unique to you."

Haha, yet how could they understand that concealing one's abilities and biding one's time is the true way to navigate the world?

You had your fill of killing tonight, didn't you? But you're also showing the world that you, Yun Changkong, are truly invincible. In the future, if you try to deal with me by using overwhelming numbers, that won't work.

Then the only option left is to take advantage of their vulnerability and poison them.

So I just watched from afar and followed.

Of course, I must also obtain your divine skills as soon as possible!
You should understand that every man loves power and beauty. I have both, but not enough, not enough of anything. That's where your help comes in. No one can be victorious forever; you should understand that now, right?

Xianyu Tong was extremely smug, which reminded him of his former fellow disciple. The other man was superior to him in both martial arts and character, and was highly regarded by the elders. But so what? He still ended up killing him!

They even framed the evil cult!

Xianyu Tong became increasingly smug as he thought about it, laughing heartily, but a cold glint flashed in his eyes as he stared at Yun Changkong.

He feared Yun Changkong but did not want to kill him. He only wanted to make him faint so that he could cut off his arms and legs from a distance and then deal with him.

This is another opportunity for Yun Changkong to make a move, so as to know the opponent's strength and weakness.

If he wasn't after credit, but only wanted to kill, he had plenty of ways to do it.

Yun Changkong thought to himself, "If I don't kill this traitor today, how can I swallow this insult!"

However, he knew that his strength was extremely weak at this moment. He had just used all his remaining true energy to force out the poison and barely managed to contain it. But if he were to attack Xianyu Tong, it would be extremely dangerous.

After all, the opponent is also a master. If one is not careful, the opponent's force will be transmitted to one's body, shaking one's true energy, causing the poison to go out of control and flow back, invading the major acupoints of the body. In that case, one will surely die without a burial place.

Yun Changkong said coldly, "Do you think I have to be controlled by you?"

Xianyu Tong smiled slightly and said, "I know my own limitations; my martial arts are no match for yours, and I'm also quite afraid of death. I'm afraid you'll fight me to the death, so I'm standing at the cave entrance, ready to retreat at any moment." He even took a step back as he spoke.
He waved his folding fan lightly: "However, I do know a little about poisons. The poison you have been afflicted with is a deadly poison that kills instantly upon contact with blood."

You used your divine skill to force it into your left arm, and wrapped the poison with your true energy. You are temporarily unharmed, and you still have the strength to fight back.

So, I didn't intend to fight you. I'm talking to you so you're constantly on guard against my sneak attacks and won't have time to force out the poison.

Given enough time, the toxins will naturally seep into your meridians. Not only will your left arm wither from the poison's effects, but you will also inevitably suffer from the toxins attacking your heart. At that point, even a celestial being couldn't save you!

Yun Changkong felt a surge of anger rising like flames; his body was burning hot, and his eyes were bloodshot, as if they were about to explode.

Xianyu Tong stared at him intently and said gently, "Young Master Yun, you must not act rashly. The Quanzhen Sect unites the three teachings to save people and help the world. It is right and righteous for you to pass on the Innate Skill to all living beings. If you cling to your skills and risk your life, it is not the act of a wise man!"

Yun Changkong and Xianyu Tong stared at each other for a long time before Yun Changkong finally exhaled and said, "Alright, I'll give you the Innate Skill!"

As he spoke, his right hand trembled as he reached into his robes, but it was too weak to carry him. He said, "Take it yourself, I really don't have the strength."

“Haha…” Xianyu Tong remained unmoved and laughed loudly: “Young Master Yun, do you think I’m a three-year-old child?”

Do you carry martial arts manuals with you when you go out?

Are you planning to wait until I get close before killing me? I used that tactic years ago!

Yun Changkong's heart skipped a beat: "This scoundrel is so cunning!"

He wanted to lure the other person close, but they just wouldn't take the bait. What could he do?

He said with great disdain, "A coward like you can become the leader of the Huashan Sect? You must be blind!"

Xianyu Tong stared at him and slowly said, “Don’t be angry. I’ll tell you today that throughout history, great men have always relied on their wits, not their strength!”
In the martial arts world, martial arts skills are only the most basic requirement; the most important thing is strategy.

Someone like you, who values ​​hatred and bloodlust so much, is destined to be someone else's puppet.

Yun Changkong looked at Xianyu Tong and said, "Alright, I'll give it to you silently, but I'm too deeply poisoned right now. I need to work hard to force out some of the poison, otherwise I'll die."

"Alright!" Xianyu Tong closed his folding fan and smiled slightly: "Then I'll cut off your right arm. You're too deeply poisoned right now. The more blood you lose, the less poison you'll be. Don't worry, the Jade True Powder of my Huashan Sect is incredibly effective. You won't bleed to death."

Yun Changkong's breathing became rapid, and he felt his heart pounding like thunder. He saw Xianyu Tong staring intently at him with a sly smile on his face.

Chang Kongxin felt his heart sink, and he exclaimed in shock and anger, "You...you...you've gone too far!"

Xianyu Tong smiled sinisterly and said calmly, "I didn't want it to be like this either. It's just that your martial arts are too high and you are too cunning. It's not impossible for you to give me a fake innate skill."

I had no choice but to do this so that I could ask you for advice anytime in the future.

"Rest assured, as the leader of a sect, I keep my word. If you tell me the true divine technique, even though you are crippled, I will take it upon myself to destroy the demonic sect and avenge you!"

Yun Changkong laughed angrily, "Could you be any more shameless?"

Xianyu Tong smiled faintly and waved his folding fan lightly: "Your martial arts are far superior to mine, but your wisdom is far inferior."

You're holding your breath right now because you want me to get close so you can kill me. I know that perfectly well, but at most you'll pretend to faint and cough up blood so I can check on you. But I won't do that. I'll use a hidden weapon to break your limbs first.

If you truly succumb to the poison and faint, I will still break your limbs. Otherwise, I won't even take a step closer. Tell me, what other tricks do you have up your sleeve? Why not just end it quickly and decisively?

"I never expected this!" Chang Kong sighed and said, "I, Yun Chang Kong, have roamed the martial world for so long, yet I have fallen into the hands of a rat like you. A tiger fallen into the plains is bullied by dogs. It is fate and destiny. What more can be said!" As he spoke, his right hand had already gripped the hilt of his sword.

With a whoosh, Xianyu Tong shot out of the cave.

　Thank you, fellow book lovers, for finally having some time.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)