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

Chapter 73 Extraneous problems
Yun Changkong looked at Song Qingshu and smiled, "Isn't Zhang Sixiaman on the mountain?"

Although he was somewhat arrogant, he was very cautious in his actions. He knew that these people were all fools and that if he told them his purpose, he would inevitably be ridiculed.

Given Zhang Sanfeng's martial arts skills and extensive social circle, he had been helpless to treat Yu Daiyan's injury for many years. If you say you can cure him, who would believe you?
It inevitably gives people the impression that you're even more powerful than Zhang Sanfeng, and that you're here to embarrass the Wudang School.

Therefore, he wanted to meet Zhang Songxi of Wudang directly. Firstly, he was a benefactor of the Yun family, and secondly, he was not a fool. He could explain things simply and also inform him about the Ruyang Prince's Mansion and Cheng Kun's affairs, which would save him some trouble.

Unexpectedly, Song Qingshu smiled slightly and said, "My grandmaster has only recently emerged from seclusion. My father and several uncles are currently receiving instruction from him. I was ordered to guard the gate, so I was unable to pay my respects to Master Tang of the Kongtong Sect and Daoist Xihua of the Kunlun Sect. I can only ask Young Master Yun for your forgiveness."

He phrased it tactfully, but it was practically saying, "I'm in charge of the Wudang Sect now. If you don't have anything important to do, you don't need to see my uncle."

Then Xi Hua Zi shouted, "What kind of reputation and status does Zhang Si Xia have? Does he think he can meet just anyone?"

Yun Changkong's eyes, cold as lightning, pierced Xihua Zi's face as he said icily, "On this Wudang Mountain, I'm giving the Wudang Sect face. Don't be ungrateful!"

Xi Hua Zi held a high position in the Kunlun Sect and possessed formidable martial arts skills, and was always known for his arrogant and domineering manner. Now, after being ridiculed and rebuked by Yun Chang Kong, he couldn't help but fly into a rage and said, "The Wudang Sect is a dignified and respectable sect in the martial world. Who in the Jianghu doesn't admire it?"

Zhang Sixia was a chivalrous hero, renowned throughout the martial arts world, and known to everyone in the Jianghu!

"Yet you've colluded with the Mongols, utterly disgracing the Yun family. Who knows if you've come to Wudang Mountain with some ulterior motive?"

Yun Changkong threw his head back and laughed loudly, looking at Song Qingshu: "Brother Song, do you think the same way as this good-for-nothing?"

Song Qingshu frowned slightly. His thoughts differed from Xi Huazi's, but they were similar. His own martial uncles were all righteous heroes, while Yun Changkong was currently neither righteous nor innocent, and was surrounded by rumors. If Yun Changkong joined the Wudang Sect, who knew what kind of gossip would spread if it were confirmed one day? How could he bear the responsibility?
"Swoosh!" Xi Hua Zi drew his sword and pointed it angrily at the sky: "You call me a fool, but everyone says your swordsmanship is superb, capable of taking seven souls with a single strike. I'm not convinced. You've come at the right time, let's have a match!"

Xi Hua Zi is still alive because he exploited a loophole in the martial arts world.

Because ordinary people can't beat him, and even if they can't stand him, they can't take him down. Those who can beat him are all people of great status in the martial arts world. To lower yourself to the level of someone with such a short temper or narrow-mindedness is simply beneath you.

Otherwise, to draw one's sword and threaten someone's disciple in front of Zhang Sanfeng would be beneath Zhang Sanfeng's status as the leader of the martial arts world, and he would not stoop to such a level!

But if it were the leader of another sect, it would be a completely different story.

Yun Changkong naturally lacked Zhang Sanfeng's magnanimity. However, since he had offended the Wudang Sect's guests, he could only suppress his anger.

"Senior brother, what are you doing?" Wei Si Niang said angrily, "We came to Wudang Mountain to pay our respects to our seniors. Right and wrong will be handled by the Wudang Sect. Your display of martial arts here is like 'showing off your axe in front of Lu Ban's door, or reading the Classic of Filial Piety in front of Confucius' door.' If Master and the Sect Leader Uncle find out, will they forgive you?"

She knew Xi Hua Zi's temperament well, and besides, Yun Chang Kong had just displayed his internal strength, proving he was no mere figurehead. If her senior brother was defeated, it would inevitably tarnish the sect's reputation. It would be better to hand it over to the Wudang Sect.

Wei Si Niang then smiled apologetically at Yun Changkong, "Young Master Yun, please don't take offense. My senior brother is a bit too straightforward. I will definitely report this to Master and Sect Leader when I get back!"

They were all disciples of Ban Shuxian, who was known as the "Supreme Leader" of the Kunlun Sect, all because the sect leader, He Taichong, was afraid of his wife.

A faint blush appeared on Xi Huazi's purplish-brown face.

He knew that everyone was a guest at Wudang Mountain, and that fighting here, regardless of victory or defeat, would be seen as underestimating the Wudang sect.

Back then, Zhang Sanfeng defeated He Zudao outside Shaolin Temple. He was his grandmaster's generation and had a prejudice against the Wudang Sect. Now that he had arrived, the Seven Heroes of Wudang did not come out, which made him dissatisfied. In addition, he felt that Song Qingshu was not much of a threat and was not afraid. However, he was afraid of Ban Shuxian, so he dared not say more.

Yun Changkong already knew that Xihua Zi was a muddle-headed person who couldn't distinguish between friend and foe. At this moment, he was on Wudang Mountain and couldn't afford to be careless, so he ignored what Wei Siniang said.

Upon hearing Wei Siniang's words, Song Qingshu knew that she was much more profound than Xi Huazi, and he had no choice but to ask. He said, "Brother Yun, although one cannot completely believe all the rumors in the martial arts world, one cannot completely disregard them either."

Everyone says that last night when you fought with the Sky Eagle Cult, the Mongol princess helped you and saved your life.

The principle that the Han and non-Han peoples cannot coexist is a matter of great principle, which inevitably aroused the hatred of Daoist Xihuazi.

"Now that Tang Sanye and everyone else are here, if Brother Yun were to simply say that the claim that a Mongolian princess has offered you assistance is completely unfounded, I would immediately inform Fourth Uncle."

His tone was gentle, yet firm.

If you don't tell me, I won't report it.

Yun Changkong thought to himself, "That's it. They believed that I conspired with Zhao Min to deal with the Eagle Sect. Now that they see me coming to Wudang Mountain, they think there is some conspiracy. It's inevitable that they will have some misunderstandings."

But then I thought about it again, and it was true that Zhao Min had helped me.

Yun Changkong knew that Zhao Min's help to him was not for good reasons. He originally thought that if there was an opportunity in the future, he would leave her a way out so that they would be even.

But if I were to admit it now, and then be exaggerated and embellished by Xi Hua Zi and the others, I would truly be a traitor!
If he denies it, there were more than just one or two people present who saw and heard Fan Yao shouting at the time. If he is accused of talking nonsense, it won't be funny in the future.

If no one believes what you say, how can you survive?
Just as he hesitated, a woman shouted, "Yun Changkong, how can you be so unreasonable?"

Yun Changkong was startled and turned around.

Everyone looked up and saw a girl dressed in light green jump out from the mountain path in the distance.

She was slender, with her hands behind her back. She was twelve or thirteen years old, with a beautiful face, arched eyebrows, graceful figure, and an air of nobility amidst her heroic spirit.

As she walked, she said, "A real man, whether to save someone or not, makes a clean break. What's there to hesitate about?"

This woman is none other than Zhao Min!

Chang Kong thought to himself, "Was it her who was spying on me just now? Could she know about my affair with the Purple-Robed Dragon King last night?"

The thought of it makes me feel awkward.

Everyone looked at Yun Changkong, then at Zhao Min, unsure of her background, and couldn't make up their minds.

Yun Changkong said, "You're really bold, how dare you come here?"

Zhao Min laughed and said, "Wudang Mountain wasn't granted to the Wudang Sect by the emperor. Do you think I would dare to come here?"

Song Qingshu frowned slightly upon hearing this, but seeing that Zhao Min was just a delicate and beautiful girl, he didn't take it seriously. He cupped his hands in greeting and said, "May I ask which elder you have come with, so that I may go and greet you?"

Zhao Min curtsied and said, "I heard that Wudang Mountain has beautiful scenery. I went to take a look by myself, but I saw that the monks were not following the rules and regulations and were abusing women. That's why I couldn't help myself. How could I trouble Young Master Song?"

Song Qingshu said with displeasure, "Our sect has always upheld its rules, how could we possibly bully a woman? I will take your childish words as innocent and not hold it against you. Now go down the mountain!"

Zhao Min smiled slightly, then glared angrily at Xihua Zi and said, "Isn't he a Taoist priest? He was just spouting nonsense. Wasn't he humiliating a woman? Quickly kneel down and kowtow, and I'll spare your life!"

Xi Hua Zi was filled with shock and anger, and shouted, "Whose child are you, little girl? Where are your parents?"

Zhao Min said, "You think you can see my master? Who do you think you are?"

Xi Hua Zi was furious. He flicked his sleeves, ready to make a move, but stopped after taking only one step. After all, the other party was a little girl. If he made a move, it would be a great loss of the demeanor of a righteous master. So he slowly lowered his hand and said with a flushed face, "Everyone says that Mongolian witches are not the only ones!"

Zhao Min interrupted, "Everyone says so? If you, as a disciple of a prestigious sect, also say so, then where are you even righteous?"
Besides, what's so bewitching about that Mongolian witch?

Xi Huazi retorted angrily, “The Mongols have occupied my Central Plains, burning, killing, looting, and committing all sorts of atrocities. What else could they be but a witch?”

Zhao Min glared at the crowd and sneered, "You want to occupy your Central Plains? When you Han people were powerful, didn't you fight the Xiongnu?"

Speaking of burning, killing, and looting, it has been inevitable throughout history as long as there is war. Bandits are like combs, and soldiers are like fine brushes. Haven't you heard of that?
Haven't you Han Chinese people massacred countless cities yourselves?
Did Xiang Yu and Cao Cao kill few people?

They are still not hailed as heroes by you?

Hmph, go and see for yourselves. The Han people call themselves a righteous army, yet they slaughter, burn, and plunder at will, even worse than the Mongols!

"Heh heh, it's just that you Han Chinese are useless, you lost your country, and you're resentful, so you only blame us Mongols!"

Her voice was soft and gentle, making it impossible for anyone to harden their heart and ignore her. In particular, the content of her speech left everyone speechless.

Yun Changkong silently channeled his inner energy, listening intently to see how many people Zhao Min had brought.

Zhao Min's eyes shone brightly as she declared, "With a sharp blade in hand, one's killing intent is easily stirred; with boundless power, filth is bound to arise. Throughout history, this has always been the case. Which strong person has not taken action against the weak?"
Did your Wudang, Kunlun, and Kongtong sects achieve their current status by defeating people stronger than themselves?

When your Tang Dynasty was weak, you signed treaties of surrender; when you were strong, you destroyed the Turks and attacked Goguryeo! Even Emperor Taizong of Song, didn't he send troops against the Khitans? Heh, you just never won. What's the difference between you and us Mongols?"

She pointed at Xihua Zi and continued, "Your Kunlun Sect is located in the Western Regions. How much of what you eat and use is bought from the Mongols? How many women has your sect leader married? What have he done that is exactly the same as what we Mongols do!" She paused, then asked, "What gives you the right to call me a witch?"

She was quick-witted and her words left no room for argument.

Seeing Zhao Min's powerful attacks, Yun Changkong thought to himself, "This woman really doesn't play by the rules. What is her purpose in coming here?"

He had just heard that, although they were high up on the mountain with strong winds blowing, there were no large groups of people moving within a mile around.

It is well known that Zhao Min was exceptionally intelligent from a young age, possessing profound knowledge in martial arts, military strategy, music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, and was determined to achieve great things. She developed a desire to subdue Yun Changkong after meeting him, and her trip to Hubei was also intended to secretly observe the martial arts tournament.

However, things in this world are often unpredictable. Zhao Min never expected that the conflict between the Eagle Sect, Fan Yao, and Yun Changkong would drag her into it. As a result, people in the martial arts world said that Yun Changkong had shown mercy for her sake, and she had reciprocated. To put it nicely, it was said that the two were deeply in love; to put it bluntly, it was said that they were having an affair.

Yun Changkong was already a master of martial arts, renowned throughout the martial arts world. Last night, she did indeed help Yun Changkong, which made her subordinates feel that she treated Changkong differently. Although they dared not say it openly, they all became suspicious and wary.

They think we risk our lives for you, offending people, and yet you try to please them. What good will come of this? This made Zhao Min extremely embarrassed. Denying it in front of her subordinates would be a loss of face and prestige, but if she admitted it, what would become of her?
Yun Changkong acts impulsively rather than according to plan, and he's thick-skinned and doesn't take things seriously. Zhao Min, however, harbors great ambitions. Because of these rumors in the martial arts world, she has suffered countless humiliations and harbors a bellyful of resentment. Knowing that Yun Changkong has obtained the "Black Jade Rejuvenating Ointment" and is coming to Wudang Mountain, she went up the mountain to have a proper talk with him. But she overheard Xihua Zi and others talking nonsense, and Yun Changkong actually let them have their way.

She had been hoping that Yun Changkong would beat up Xihua Zi, thus creating further enmity with the righteous sects, but he hadn't made a move. This made her extremely anxious, and she couldn't hold back any longer and jumped out. Song Qingshu suddenly said, "Judging from your tone, you must be the Princess who's been making such a fuss?"

Zhao Min blushed: "It is indeed me, how about it?"

Song Qingshu did not answer, but his eyes revealed a wary and hostile look as he glanced at the Taoists.

Swipe...

Four Taoist priests rushed down the mountain to check the situation.

Xi Hua Zi was already furious at Yun Chang Kong's mockery. He was proud of his status and didn't want to argue with a child. But this was a Mongolian woman. He was so angry that his chest felt like it was going to burst. He shouted, "Fine, you've come at the right time. Then let your father come and ask for her." He leaped out and grabbed Zhao Min's shoulder.

He was a hot-tempered man, but his martial arts skills were not low; otherwise, he would not have survived until now. This move was the Kunlun School's superior technique, "Three Yin Hands".

Zhao Min felt a strong gust of wind, but she didn't flinch. She just gave a slight, cold laugh: "Bullying the weak with your strength, ungrateful and treacherous!"

Her curses were still echoing in the air when Xi Huazi reached out to Zhao Min's shoulder!

But the moment they made contact, they felt a sudden gust of wind, and a large sleeve wrapped around their arm.

The one who made the move was Yun Changkong. He left room for maneuver in his attack, and Xi Huazi was able to resolve the situation by simply retreating.

But this man refused to yield and stood still. He felt a continuous surge of energy, which made him feel tightness in his chest and shortness of breath. He hurriedly tried to retreat, but it was too late. Due to the force of the lingering energy, his legs went weak and he immediately tumbled out.

Zhao Min clapped her hands and laughed, "Like a rolling ball."

Everyone knows that Xi Hua Zi is a formidable figure, but unexpectedly, he was so easily defeated when he encountered Yun Chang Kong.

Xi Huazi was already short and fat, and when he rolled on the ground, he was just like a ball rolling out of the ground!
Tang Wenliang laughed heartily. Despite his small stature, his voice was powerful and he couldn't hide his schadenfreude: "Xihua Zi, what kind of martial art is this from your Kunlun Sect?"

Wei Si Niang and a junior brother stepped forward to hold down Xi Hua Zi. At the same moment, eight Kunlun disciples flew out, wielding long swords, and quickly moved away.

The Kunlun Sect is revered as a major swordsmanship school in the martial arts world. Its disciples are all highly skilled in swordsmanship. Although their names are not as famous as those of Xihua Zi and Wei Siniang, their swordsmanship is still quite remarkable.

In an instant, the eight swords formed a sword curtain, and cold light flew around them, trapping Yun Changkong and Zhao Min in the sword light in a moment.

Six sword tips were pressed against Yun Changkong's back, with two more swords pointing at his throat and abdomen, respectively. As for Zhao Min, given her young age, they felt they had to maintain proper decorum in front of a prestigious martial arts family.

Song Qingshu and the other Wudang disciples immediately recognized that the move aimed at Yun Changkong's vital points was the Kunlun Sect's renowned "Two Elements Sword".

Xi Hua Zi shouted, "Yun Chang Kong, you actually joined forces with the Mongol Tartars to deal with me! Fine, I won't fight you today. This Daoist will no longer need to roam the martial world."

Zhao Min scoffed and said, "You still want to roam the martial world? In my opinion, finding a place to wait for death is the right thing to do."

Xi Hua Zi flicked his wrist, drew his longsword, pointed it at the sky, and said, "Show me your weapons! Today I'll show you the swordsmanship of the Kunlun Sect!"

Just now, when the eight swords moved in unison, Yun Changkong immediately saw through the situation. The eight people stood in the eight trigram positions, and their swords were drawn without any intention to harm anyone. This was clearly a matter of human relationships and social etiquette.

With Xi Hua Zi's foul mouth, our disciples must have been scolded countless times. If we don't take action, he'll go back and complain. A person who indulges his enemy will naturally be punished. But if we do take action, it'll just be a show of force, a perfunctory gesture.

Chang Kong pretended not to see it, letting the eight swords point at his vital points. He figured if they really wanted to harm him, he could easily break free. He only glanced sideways at Zhao Min: "What exactly are you trying to do?"

Xi Hua Zi shouted angrily, "What are you doing? Isn't it just that you're colluding together and plotting something?"

Zhao Min frowned, her eyes blazing with anger, and said to Yun Changkong, "Go ahead and fight them. I don't believe the Kunlun Sect is that powerful."

Yun Changkong said, "Are you really going to force me into a position where I can no longer stand against the righteous path of the martial world?"

Zhao Min shouted, "Don't you see your own situation? Did I force you? It's these people who are jealous of your talent and ability. Are you only satisfied when you're stabbed through the heart?"

Chang Kong said, "That's my business, you don't need to worry about it!"

Zhao Min glanced at Chang Kong and sneered, "Fine, it's your business. You're magnanimous and don't care. But I'm not a man, I'm a woman. What have I become? Everywhere I go, people gossip about me. I can't stand it!"

Yun Changkong sneered, "Is this my fault? If you hadn't saved Fan Yao, and I had just killed him, none of this would have happened."

Zhao Min clenched her fists, her face flushed, and said, "In front of so many of my men, you dared to kill one of my men just because of a single word. If I don't save him, how can I command respect? Who will dare to risk their lives for me in the future?"

Yun Changkong sighed: "Alright, you're right, but there are gains and losses, which is the ultimate truth of the world."

"What do you mean by gains and losses?" Zhao Min stamped her foot and scolded, "Isn't it all because of you? If you hadn't stirred up trouble in the martial arts world, making everyone either envious, jealous, or hateful, how could Fan Yao's reputation have spread so widely?"

As he spoke, he glanced around and asked, "Do they hate me? They're not as good at martial arts as you, so they want to ruin you morally?"

He pointed at Song Qingshu again: "The reason he didn't inform you or let you meet his elders is because he's not convinced by you. He thinks he's Zhang Sanfeng's grandson, so why is he inferior to you! If you were allowed to meet his elders, he would never be as good as you in his entire life. Do you understand?"

Song Qingshu's face darkened: "Miss, I only asked Brother Yun about his purpose for coming here for the sake of our family's reputation. Don't make false accusations!"

Zhao Min rolled her eyes, pouted her cherry lips, and was about to speak!
But then Yun Changkong said, "Alright, a true man knows what to do and what not to do. If you weren't so sure of who I am, you wouldn't have dared to come here alone. Alright, whatever you're thinking, go down the mountain. From now on, we're even!"

"No debts owed?" Zhao Min snorted, clenching her fists. "We had no grudges against each other. You started all of this."

Yun Changkong said, "Don't talk about having no grudges. As you said, the grudges between the Han and the Hu have not ended for thousands of years."

Zhao Min nodded and said, "If we want to be even, fine, but you have to clear up these rumors in the martial arts world for me!"

Chang Kong chuckled and said, "The mouth is on someone else's body, how can I remove it?"

"Simple!" Zhao Min chuckled. "If you get married now, no one will spread the word."

Chang Kong chuckled: "Marry? Marry whom? Marry you?"

Zhao Min spat and said, "Dream on!"

He paused for a moment and then said, "I don't care who you marry. Anyway, you're old enough to get married now. Once you're married, this rumor will be dispelled."

Yun Changkong laughed and said, "Why should I let the rumors fall apart on their own? You're a smart man, why get so worked up about such trivial matters!"

He didn't say anything harsh, so one would think this spoiled and arrogant girl wouldn't do anything, but to everyone's surprise, she buried her face in Chang Kong's arms and started sobbing.

Yun Changkong was stunned for a moment, and everyone else stared in disbelief.

They watched and listened, and they all understood that Yun Changkong and the Mongolian princess had no romantic relationship. However, Zhao Min's sudden actions puzzled them.

Yun Changkong pulled her out of his arms and said, "What are you doing?"

Zhao Min, tears streaming down her face, angrily said, "My father heard this too. He sent a message by carrier pigeon, ordering someone to take me home and forbid me from ever again venturing into the martial world. If you don't clear this up for me, I... I'll have to live as a woman from now on, sob sob..."

It turned out that the Prince of Ruyang did not want his daughter to get involved in the affairs of the martial arts world, but he could not persuade Zhao Min otherwise, so he had no choice but to agree.

This time, after Fan Yao was revealed to be a spy and after the incident with Yun Changkong, the Prince of Ruyang immediately ordered Zhao Min to return to his residence and stripped her of her power to lead the heroes. That's why Zhao Min came to find Yun Changkong.

Women are so unpredictable. She and Yun Changkong were clearly mortal enemies, but unexpectedly, the person she could think of to break the deadlock was Yun Changkong.

Yun Changkong straightened Zhao Min's delicate body and said seriously, "If that's the case, it's a good thing for you! The world of martial arts is full of treacherous people, and of course, you're no pushover either, so I'm happy to see this happen!"

He then looked at the Kunlun disciples and said, "Everyone, please make way for me."

Xi Hua Zi cried out, "How can we let the daughter of the Prince of Ruyang leave?"

Yun Changkong's eyes snapped open, gleaming with a sharp light, and he said, "Get out of the way!"

Under the pressure of his gaze, Xi Hua Zi unconsciously took a half step back. Thinking of all these people, he stepped forward again, raised his long sword, and said, "Aren't you confident in your martial arts? Just defeat the swords in our hands, and the Kunlun Sect will make way!"

Zhao Min looked at Yun Changkong, wiped away her tears, and said, "Look, you risked your life to come to Wudang Mountain just to treat Yu Daiyan's injuries, but everyone treats you as an enemy."

You can't distinguish right from wrong; you've wasted your time learning such excellent martial arts!

As soon as he said this, dozens of eyes turned to Yun Changkong.

There was surprise, anger, confusion, and a slight sneer.

Song Qingshu's face flushed red as he stared at Zhao Min and said coldly, "Do you know what you're saying?"

Zhao Min slowly said, "I told you that Yun Changkong went to Wudang Mountain to treat your third uncle's disability. Do you still dare to use your family background to make things difficult for him?"

"Ha ha……"

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(End of this chapter)