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

Chapter 93 Proposal
The men were all taken aback. Their leader was always so imposing, but who knew that he would shrink in dignified presence upon seeing Yun Changkong.

Zhao Min was even more surprised. She knew that the Beggars' Sect was the largest sect in the world, with many experts in the sect. Yet, they had asked Yun Changkong to be their protector. This was something she didn't know. Yun Changkong hadn't told her!
Yun Changkong also found it strange and said, "Chief You, please stand up and speak. I have something to ask you."

"Yes!" The fat shopkeeper shuddered, got up, and bowed, saying, "I have always admired Protector Yun's reputation. I am overjoyed to have the opportunity to meet such a sage today."

He pointed at the men and said, "You are all blind and have offended Protector Yun..."

Before he could finish speaking, Zhao Min suddenly chuckled, and he was the most imposing one at that moment.

Yun Changkong flicked his sleeve and said, "Alright, don't call me Protector Yun yet. I still need to ask you why you address me that way."

Chief You said, "Hero Yun, please come to my humble abode, have a couple of cups of tea, and let me explain in detail."

He led the way, and Yun Changkong and Zhao Min followed him into the hall.

The candlelight flickered red, and the hearts of the captain and others were all shaken. It was dark earlier, and they could not see clearly, but now they saw that Yun Changkong's face was like a piece of white jade, handsome and radiant.

Zhao Min was stunningly beautiful and stood tall and graceful, possessing an aura of unapproachability. Everyone who saw this perfect couple was both amazed and envious.

You Longtu whispered a few words to a middle-aged man beside him, who nodded and then walked out.

Chief You invited Yun Changkong to sit at the head of the table, cupped his hands in a gesture of respect, and said, "I also visited the Yellow Crane Tower back then, but I was not fortunate enough to see you, and could only admire your face from afar. I remember when you, Hero Yun, defeated Yin Baimei, expelled him from the Eagle Sect, and caused the Kunlun Sect to flee in terror, and also defeated the three great monks of Shaolin."

Everyone in the martial arts world says that Master Yun's martial arts are unparalleled, the best in the land. I never imagined I would have the honor of receiving his instruction today. I, You Longtu, am truly blessed. Why don't you all pay your respects?"

Yun Changkong's name was renowned throughout the martial arts world, known to all. However, only a few had actually seen him. Several disciples immediately bowed down.

Yun Changkong suddenly realized: "That's it. How could the Beggars' Clan be missing from the Yellow Crane Tower gathering? They must have arrived secretly without showing themselves." He said calmly, "So the Beggars' Clan also arrived that day. I didn't know that. Come to think of it, it's been so long that I've forgotten."

The leader of the guild laughed and said, "It has been a full three years and six months."

Chang Kong thought to himself, "He remembers the dates so clearly, it seems he really was involved and wasn't lying to me."

Zhao Min sneered, "It is said in the martial arts world that the Beggars' Clan once upheld justice and was a powerful force in the martial arts world under the leadership of its old leader, the Nine-Fingered Beggar Hong Qigong. It was the first major gang in the Central Plains."

"At the Yellow Crane Tower gathering, the whole world came together, yet your Beggars' Sect hid behind the scenes. What were you plotting?"

The fat on the leader's face twitched a few times. Zhao Min was right.

As the saying goes, among the Beggars' Sect, the Ming Cult, and the Shaolin Temple, the Beggars' Sect is the most respected among gangs, the Shaolin Temple is the most prominent among sects, and the Ming Cult is the largest among religious groups.
The Beggars' Sect is the largest sect in the world, with countless masters and many extraordinary individuals. The only sects that can rival its strength are the Shaolin Temple and the Ming Cult, which have a long history.

Although they are not as powerful as they once were, even a centipede with a hundred legs will not die easily. They have their own pride and, apart from a few sects like Shaolin Temple, they don't care much about dealing with others.

The main reason was that their own leader had not been active in the martial arts world for many years and had a deep-seated hatred for the Ming Cult. It would be difficult to deal with him if he went there, so he did not show up to participate in the Yellow Crane Tower gathering.

You Longtu then said with a smile, "Please don't be angry, young lady. It's just that I didn't know it was Lady Zhou who had arrived. Otherwise, I would have definitely opened the door for you to do business."

Upon hearing this, Yun Changkong was immediately taken aback, thinking, "How could this be Lady Zhou?" He hurriedly said, "What Lady Zhou? Don't talk nonsense!"

Chief You laughed and said, "Hero Yun, you're testing me again. My leader has returned to the martial world and recently went to Mount Emei to propose marriage to Abbess Miejue on your behalf. This evening, Abbess Miejue and her disciples just crossed the Yellow River, and Heroine Zhou was among them. How could I not know?"

Zhao Min glanced at Yun Changkong and smiled slightly: "Hey, I say, Protector Yun, you really are a hidden master! Who is this Lady Zhou?" She pouted and turned her head away.

Yun Changkong hurriedly said, "That's nonsense, there's no such thing."

"Is that so?" Zhao Min laughed. "I don't believe anyone would dare to make up stories about the Beggars' Sect leader arranging a marriage for you."

Chief You nodded and said, "Yes, yes, how could I dare?"

Zhao Min chuckled: "Even Abbess Miejue has to give the Beggar Clan leader some face. I don't know if you can protect the Beggar Clan, but you'd be more than qualified to be her Emei Sect's son-in-law."

Yun Changkong thought to himself, "Why should Shi Huolong propose marriage to me? I learned his martial arts, but I didn't become his disciple." He glared at Chief You and said, "Speak properly to me. If you dare to conceal anything, you'll end up like this table!"

As he spoke, with a crash, a pear blossom table collapsed into pieces.

The leader of the detachment, observing the situation, realized he had made a mistake. He was drenched in sweat and said in a trembling voice, "I was telling the truth."

Zhao Min sneered, "Why are you being so fierce? Can't a person even speak?"

The leader of the You branch said, "Hero Yun, Chief Shi returned to the martial world a year ago to reorganize the gang. He used the Green Bamboo Token to summon all the gang's disciples with six bags or more to a meeting, where he discussed matters with the four elders and the gang leader. He publicly announced that you are the gang's Grand Protector, and that seeing you is like seeing the gang leader."

Yun Changkong murmured, "Why didn't they mention any of these things?"

The gang leader was taken aback and asked in surprise, "Really? Didn't you learn our gang's direct lineage divine skills, the 'Eighteen Subduing Dragon Palms' and the 'Dog-Beating Stick Technique'?"

Yun Changkong's heart sank: "What's wrong?"

The leader of the gang said, "The former is often passed on to outsiders, but the Dog-Beating Stick Technique is the gang's most treasured weapon. Even the gang leader's eldest disciple, Wang Xiaotian, has not been able to learn it. Since you have learned it, according to the gang rules, you should take over as gang leader. However, since you have repeatedly declined, the gang leader cannot go against the ancestral rules, so he specially set up the position of the gang's chief protector for you."

Zhao Min sneered: "So that's how it is. I heard that the Eighteen Subduing Dragon Palms and the Dog-Beating Staff Technique are extremely powerful. Since you've practiced them, they'll make you a servant of the Beggars' Sect. Firstly, it will boost their prestige, and secondly, it will help them avoid disasters and save their lives. What a 'Golden and Silver Palms' Chief Shi! I underestimated him."

Yun Changkong recalled the past events and realized that it was no wonder Shi Huolong had so readily revealed the secrets of the Eighteen Subduing Dragon Palms to him. He himself could only master "twelve palms," but Shi Huolong had left no secrets about the essence of the six palms he knew.

As for the transmission of Wang Xiaotian's Dog-Beating Stick Technique, it was right behind him, and he didn't even try to hide it. Perhaps, as Zhao Min said, he had already decided that if he didn't become the leader, he would become a protector; after all, the Beggars' Sect had to uphold its prestige and help it through difficulties.

Yun Changkong couldn't help but smile bitterly to himself: "There's no such thing as a free lunch." But then he thought, "But in this way, wouldn't I be being led by the nose? It's really infuriating."

But he remained expressionless and said, "Then what's your story about Chief Shi proposing marriage to Miss Zhou on my behalf?"

Zhao Min rolled her eyes at him, a look of disdain on her face, and pouted, "What's so hard to understand? Do you even need to ask? You, why did you call me Lady Zhou?"

The leader of the detachment glanced at her and thought, "This girl is so bossy, it must be her. But I offended this Protector Yun today, and this lady is still angry. I might lose a few of my seven bags."

He immediately laughed and said, “I am ignorant and do not know the profound meaning of the leader. I have only heard that the Emei Sect’s heroine Zhou is as beautiful as a fairy and has high martial arts skills. When I saw you, I had never seen such a radiant beauty in my life, so I thought you were the Emei Sect’s heroine Zhou!”
"It must be my ignorance and lack of discernment. A hero like Yun is a dragon among men; how could he only have one Miss Zhou by his side? He should be surrounded by beauties long ago; it's nothing unusual."

These words both flattered Yun Changkong and Zhao Min.

Every woman loves to be praised for her beauty, even if the other person is being insincere. She feels good about it, especially since Zhao Min was already confident in her beauty. Upon hearing the last sentence, her anger towards the man dissipated.

Zhao Min smiled and asked, "In that case, Miss Zhou from the Emei Sect, where are you staying?"

Upon hearing this, Yun Changkong felt a chill run down his spine.

The leader of the helm looked at Yun Changkong, indicating that he was asking a question.

Yun Changkong asked, "Where is it?"

He knew this matter needed to be explained clearly; otherwise, it would only lead to more trouble.

The leader of the guild said, "It's at the Guangrenwang Temple, four kilometers north of Ruicheng City."

Zhao Min smiled and said, "Chief You, what nice clothes do you have here? I'd like to take a look."

Yun Changkong and You Tuozhu were both stunned, somewhat unable to keep up with her thoughts.

"Yes!"

Seeing that Yun Changkong did not stop her, Chief You had no choice but to obey and led her into the shop.

Zhao Min selected several fine dresses, embroidered handkerchiefs, and expensive sachets, and then said, "I want to take a bath!"

"Yes!"

Someone naturally fetched water, and Zhao Min bathed and changed clothes inside the room, while Yun Changkong waited outside the door. Listening to the splashing water inside the room, his mood rose and fell with the flow of the water.

Because he wasn't stupid, he knew why Shi Huolong had proposed marriage to the Emei Sect for him!
This was because when Wang Xiaotian told him that Zhao Min was getting married, he hesitated and said that his master had not allowed him to tell him, because he was afraid that he would do something that would make him despised because of Zhao Min!

What I didn't expect was that Shi Huolong had already gone to propose marriage to the Emei Sect. As for the choice, Zhou Zhiruo, Wang Xiaotian had met her before, and he had intentionally let me choose her, which must have been said to Shi Huolong!

Thinking about this, Yun Changkong really had a headache.

She was already overwhelmed by the Purple-Robed Dragon King, but she was a woman after all, so she was easy to deal with.

Moreover, like Zhao Min, she revolves around her lover and what pleases her. Zhou Zhiruo, however, is quite different.

While lost in thought,

"Creak..." Zhao Min opened the door and came out.
She had her hair styled in a high bun, and her beauty was exquisite. She had changed into a white dress, which made her appear even more noble and elegant, with an imposing air about her.

Yun Changkong was stunned. What was going on?

Zhao Min said, "Let's go!" and moved like a whirlwind, leaving the shop.

Yun Changkong hurriedly followed.

Seeing that he couldn't persuade her to stay, Chief You whispered, "Protector Yun, Chief Shi is doing this for your own good. You must not have any dealings with the Mongolian demoness, as it would hinder our great cause!"

Yun Changkong shook his head and said, "Do you know her identity?"

The Beggars' Sect leader said solemnly, "I dare not lie to you, there is a woman who has been looking for you here for three months. Every day she has people holding your portrait at the ferry to identify you. If the Beggars' Sect did not even know this, wouldn't we be eating for nothing? It's just that everyone is considering you and has not made a move against her!"

Yun Changkong said helplessly, "Don't make decisions for me anymore."

The leader of the You faction said with a forced smile, "I wouldn't dare. If there's a next time, you can just tear out my tendons and skin me alive. But something big is about to happen in the martial arts world. I've already sent someone to inform Abbess Miejue that you're here."

What matters in the martial arts world are trivial to Yun Changkong? His biggest concern right now is to appease the woman. He glared at him fiercely and quickly followed Zhao Min.

As he stepped outside, he saw the moon shining brightly in the still of the night. Zhao Min, dressed in white, shimmered like an elf, and he was truly reluctant to part with her.

In fact, since his debut, Yun Changkong's actions have been neither entirely righteous nor entirely evil, making him unpredictable.

Whether it's Abbess Miejue, Shi Huolong, or the leaders of Shaolin and Wudang!
His martial arts skills were too high, and he did not belong to any faction!
That also means that he can act recklessly as long as he wants, which makes him far more terrifying than Zhang Sanfeng.

Even those who are on the same side as him and like him as a person want to put a shackle on him so as to restrain him and prevent him from going astray.

Yun Changkong caught up with Zhao Min and said, "Minmin, it's so late. Let's avoid any danger and not be reckless, okay?"

Zhao Min laughed and said, "You are so charming and considerate, no wonder you were able to win the heart of this beauty?"

Yun Changkong said, "You should understand that this was not my intention."

Zhao Min shook her head and said, "I don't care if others propose marriage to you. Don't you Han people always arrange marriages by parents and matchmakers? It's only natural. But I have to go and see what kind of beauty this Lady Zhou is."

Having been immersed in wisdom and strategy since childhood, Zhao Min guessed the reason: Yun Changkong wanted to be unrestrained, while the righteous path of the martial arts world wanted to bind Yun Changkong firmly to their chariot.

When the news of his marriage came out, Shi Huolong and the others wanted to cut off Yun Changkong's connection with him by arranging a marriage for him. That was fine, but they absolutely had to meet this Lady Zhou.

How can she still think she's beautiful and be a heroine like Zhou?

Yun Changkong patted Zhao Min's shoulder and said, "You actually believe an old man's flattery? Is there anyone in the world more beautiful than you?"

He knew that if Zhao Min went there with the intention of getting to know Zhou Zhiruo, something bad would definitely happen, so he naturally had to find a way to avoid it.

These two seem to be destined enemies.

Unexpectedly, Zhao Min changed into such an outfit. Why? She snorted, "I don't care, I have to see what kind of beauty this Miss Zhou is."

Chang Kong thought to himself, "This woman is really strong-willed!"

You know, any woman who hears that someone is beautiful will be more upset than if she doesn't see him in person. If she herself is a beautiful woman, she will definitely go and see him for herself and compare herself to him.

Especially since Zhao Min was overshadowed by the Purple-Robed Dragon King, she came out to cause trouble all night just to vent her anger. Who knew that she would hear Yun Changkong proposing marriage to Zhou Zhiruo? She had no choice but to go and see.

Yun Changkong grabbed Zhao Min's hand and said, "You really don't need to look. Although Miss Zhou is also a beauty, she pales in comparison to you. She's far inferior. You have to believe me!"

Suddenly, a woman's voice rang out: "Master Yun, speaking ill of my junior sister behind her back is hardly the way of a gentleman, is it?"

Yun Changkong was startled and turned around. He saw three women walking side by side along the street.

A girl in green suddenly stopped in her tracks.

Two tall, slender women dressed as nuns walked in. By the moonlight, Chang Kong could tell that they were Jing Xuan and Jing Xu, disciples of the Emei Sect.

This made him extremely embarrassed. From now on, if he ever said that someone was prettier than someone else, he would slap himself to death.

Jingxu, his face contorted with rage, shouted, "Hero Yun, who is this woman?"

Yun Changkong cupped his hands and asked, "Where is your master now?"
Zhao Min glanced at the woman in green in the distance, half-smiling and half-annoying, and said, "Brother Yun, that woman in green is waiting in the distance. Who is she? Is she so ugly that she's afraid to be seen?"

Jingxuan and Jingxu glared at her.

The woman in green walked out gracefully.

Her steps were extremely light and small, but in an instant she stopped more than ten feet away from the group!
The sunlight was so bright that her face was clearly visible. She was elegant and beautiful, and looked to be only seventeen or eighteen years old.

Upon seeing the young woman, Zhao Min felt her chest burning and thought, "This woman is exceptionally beautiful, beyond description; she is an extraordinary beauty!"

Yun Changkong felt that Zhou Zhiruo had become even more beautiful after not seeing her for several years. Her clothes were simple and elegant, giving people a gentle and quiet feeling. Not only was her beauty better than before, but she also had a more unparalleled charm.

Zhou Zhiruo glanced at Zhao Min first, then turned her gaze to Chang Kong, gave him a curtsy, and said softly, "Young Master Yun, my master thought you were still cultivating in seclusion on Mount Wutai, so he came all the way from Mount Emei to have a chat. Please, then!"

She speaks politely and gently, giving people an indescribable feeling of warmth and comfort.

Yun Changkong suddenly felt Zhao Min's body tremble slightly, as if she was unable to contain her excitement. He was puzzled, since she had just said she didn't care about the so-called marriage proposal. He clasped his hands and said, "I am very grateful for your kindness, Master. Tell her that I have other matters to attend to and that I will pay a special visit to you on my next trip to Mount Emei!"

Zhou Zhiruo's gaze shifted, and she smiled sweetly, asking, "Who is this sister to you?"

Yun Changkong was taken aback by her question.

Zhao Min snorted and said, "I am Yun Changkong's wife, the Mongolian princess Minmin Temur. You must be Lady Zhou?"

Upon hearing this, the three women from the Emei Sect changed their expressions and drew their longswords.

Jingxuan raised his long eyebrows and said sternly, "Hero Yun, do you know that the Han and Mongol peoples cannot coexist?"
Three years ago, outside Zhuxian Town, who asked my master to marry Junior Sister Zhou to you? Did that happen?

What are you doing now?

Hero Yun, I'm here to ask you again. Chief Shi of the Beggars' Sect and your father went to Mount Emei to propose marriage to my master.

"My master has already given his permission, and the whole world knows it. Yet you have been bewitched by this vixen. Where do you place your father and Chief Shi? Where do you place my Emei Sect? Where do you place my master and Junior Sister Zhou?"

Yun Changkong was completely confused.

He did indeed try to persuade Abbess Miejue to marry Zhou Zhiruo to him in the past, but wasn't that a joke? How could he take that seriously?
As for your father?
No wonder Shi Huolong went to propose marriage; it turns out Yunhe was involved too.

But how could Shi Huolong know where he was and how could he go up Mount Emei with him?

Yun Changkong's mind raced, and he suddenly realized that Shi Huolong's connection with the Ancient Tomb Sect must have been that after he left the martial world, he visited the Ancient Tomb Sect, learned about Yun He's whereabouts, and then, combined with the rumors between himself and Zhao Min, he dragged his cheap old man into doing this!
When he looked at Zhao Min, he saw her staring straight at him, her expression a mixture of sadness and despair.

(End of this chapter)