Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils: The Successor of Bodhidharma

Page 26

Inside the inn, Murong Fu and his group were in a sorry state. Bao Butong and Feng Bo'e struggled to support themselves, blood trickling from their lips, clearly suffering internal injuries in the recent fight. Wang Yuyan, her face pale, supported the ashen-faced and breathless Murong Fu. A'Zhu and A'Bi, their pretty faces even more terrified, hid behind them.

Kumārajīva stood with his fingers tucked in, his monk's robes slightly disheveled, but his aura was as imposing as the midday sun. He was smug and self-satisfied, looking at the group of so-called "talents" from the Central Plains martial arts world before him, his sense of superiority swelling to its peak.

He stepped forward slowly, looking down at the struggling Murong Fu, and deliberately spoke in a lecturing tone, "Amitabha! Young Master Murong, out of consideration for my past acquaintance with your father, Mr. Murong, and our good relationship, I am here today to teach him a lesson. I hope you will behave yourself."

He paused, then his voice suddenly rose, carrying an almost sarcastic mockery: "Your Murong clan, your ancestor Murong Longcheng, was an extraordinary talent, who created the peerless martial art of 'Shifting Stars,' renowned throughout the martial world, truly a grandmaster! Your father, Murong, was also a master of martial arts, with an extraordinary demeanor! How come in your generation, you only know how to rely on the legacy of your ancestors to do this... Hmph, seeking fame and fortune? It's one thing to be weak, but to bring women along to point fingers and criticize is utterly disgraceful to your Murong clan ancestors!"

His words were utterly vicious! Not only did he belittle Murong Fu to the point of worthlessness, but he also brought up his most respected ancestors and father for comparison, every word piercing to the heart! For the proud and arrogant Murong Fu, this was an absolute humiliation!

Murong Fu trembled with rage, his chest heaving violently. He nearly coughed up blood, his face turning from white to green, then from green to red, his eyes filled with humiliation and resentment. When had he, Murong Fu, ever suffered such public humiliation? Especially by a Tibetan monk who had so blatantly trampled on his dignity! Bao Butong and Feng Bo'e also glared angrily; had they not been injured, they would have already fought to the death. Wang Yuyan bit her lower lip, her beautiful eyes filled with tears, deeply distressed for her cousin.

Kumārajīva took in their reactions, feeling immense satisfaction, as if the pent-up frustration of the past month had vanished. He gave a final, cold snort, flicking his sleeve as if shooing away flies: "Hmph! If I ever see you again using your ancestor's name to humiliate yourself, I will not let you off easily! Get lost!"

This act of putting on airs was so convincing, perfectly capturing the ruthless and unforgiving nature of a high-ranking monk.

Murong Fu stared intently at Kumārajīva, as if trying to etch his image into his very bones. He knew he was utterly defeated today, and staying would only bring further humiliation. He stamped his foot and forced out a single word through gritted teeth: "Go!" Without looking back, he staggered out of the inn, supported by Bao Butong and Feng Bo'e. Wang Yuyan, A'Zhu, and A'Bi hurriedly followed, their backs showing utter panic and desolation.

As soon as Murong Fu and his party disappeared outside the door, Kumārajīva's arrogance vanished instantly, his change of expression so swift it was astonishing. He quickly walked to the inn's entrance and beckoned to the Tibetan warriors waiting outside. A leading warrior strode forward.

Kumārajīva loudly ordered, his tone leaving no room for argument: "Go quickly to the next town, find the best inn, and arrange the finest feast! Make sure everything is prepared perfectly, and do not neglect your senior in the slightest! Understand?"

"Yes, Imperial Advisor!" The warrior accepted the order and immediately turned to make arrangements.

Kumārajīva turned around, a fawning smile plastered on his face. He strode back to the mad beggar's table, clasped his hands together, and spoke with a hint of ingratiation: "Amitabha! Senior, the troublesome person here has left. I have already given orders that there are delicious foods waiting ahead. I wonder if you would be willing to travel with me, to see the sights and taste all the delicacies of the Central Plains? I plan to go to Wudang first, then Shaolin, which is on the way. What do you think, Senior?" At this moment, he felt as if he had clung tightly to this powerful figure, and his future looked bright.

The mad beggar picked his teeth, glanced at him sideways, suddenly frowned, lifted his dark foot and swung it, lazily saying, "Hmm... not a bad idea. But, this foot... is a little itchy again."

Kumārajīva's smile froze instantly, his expression a mixture of shock and rage, as if he had swallowed a fly. His face alternated between pale and flushed, clearly indicating an internal struggle. Ultimately, the desire for power prevailed.

He took a deep breath, as if he had made up his mind, and forced a smile that was more like a grimace. His voice was dry as he said, "I...I understand...Please sit down, senior..." With that, he resignedly squatted down, turned his head away again, pinched his nose tightly, and with his other hand trembling, slowly and painfully reached for the smelly foot, beginning a new round of "service".

Outside Tingsong Pavilion on the back mountain of Wudang Mountain.

Golden leaves from the sycamore trees drifted down gently in the breeze. Beneath the trees, a tranquil scene unfolded.

Jinzha had just finished practicing a sword technique; his movements were agile, his sword light like a dragon, and as he sheathed his sword, a few fallen leaves swirled around him. Yaoyao sat quietly on a nearby bluestone, playing the "Nine Heavens Jade Pendant" zither. Her slender fingers occasionally plucked the strings, producing a few clear and solitary notes that harmonized with the autumn wind and falling leaves. Huangshang, on the other hand, leaned against the thick trunk of a paulownia tree, holding a scroll of the Tao Te Ching in his hands, his gaze serene, as if completely immersed in the profound realm of "The Tao that can be told is not the eternal Tao."

Jinzha sheathed his sword, ran over with a grin, and unceremoniously grabbed Huang Shang's shoulder, pulling him out of his book-filled world: "Senior brother! What are you reading! All that classical Chinese stuff, so boring! Come, come, let your junior brother teach you swordsmanship, okay? You're the future leader of Wudang, how can you be so weak and helpless, not knowing any martial arts? I really don't understand, how could Master agree to let you not learn martial arts!" His tone was full of confusion.

Even Yao Yao, who was playing the zither nearby, quietly pricked up her ears. She was also very curious about what was so special about this senior brother who was highly regarded by his master but was so weak that he couldn't even kill a chicken.

Huang Shang's book was tilted by his embrace. He sighed helplessly, closed the book, and looked calmly at Jin Zha. His eyes were so clear that they seemed to reflect people's hearts: "Junior Brother Jin, do you know why you have to stand far away to see the whole mountain?"

Jinzha was taken aback: "Huh? What does this have to do with martial arts?"

Huang Shang said calmly, “It’s not that I don’t want to learn, but that the time for me to learn hasn’t come yet. All things in the world, including martial arts, have their own principles. If you plunge headlong into the circle of ‘martial arts,’ all you’ll see are moves, internal energy, and victory or defeat, like looking at a leopard through a tube, only seeing a spot. I stand outside the circle, watching you practice martial arts, watching the conflicts in the martial world, watching the workings of heaven and earth, seeing clearly why it was born, why it became strong, and why it stopped. When I truly understand these ‘principles,’ then when I look back at these ‘skills,’ perhaps I can directly point to the source and achieve twice the result with half the effort. This is why my master allowed me to do this.”

Jinzha seemed to understand but not quite, and curled his lip in disdain: "That sounds so mysterious! I think you're just lazy and making excuses!"

Huang Shang wasn't angry. He turned his gaze to the Qing Shuang sword at Jin's waist and suddenly said, "Junior Brother Jin, your swordsmanship is agile, swift, fierce, and unpredictable. But upon closer inspection, its foundation should be the result of integrating the essence of the various basic sword techniques that Master taught you and creating it on your own, right?"

Jinzha raised his head, somewhat proudly: "That's right! Junior brother is exceptionally talented!"

Huang Shang gently shook his head: "The idea is good. But have you ever thought about it? Throughout history, although many masters have emerged in the path of swordsmanship, how many have truly reached the pinnacle of martial arts and been revered as 'the best in the world' with just a three-foot-long sword? Have you thought about how you want to walk your path? Will you continue to learn from others and integrate their strengths? Or... will you find another way?"

Jinzha was speechless for a moment, stunned in place. He practiced swordsmanship with a sharp edge and talent, and had never pondered such a profound question.

Huang Shang continued, “If you can’t see the road ahead, why not look around you? Wu Xingyun’s ‘Tianshan Plum Blossom Hand’ is based on the idea of ​​incorporating all martial arts techniques into it, and is said to be able to break all laws. Why can’t your sword do the same? Why must you be so fixated on the form of a ‘sword’? If you can comprehend the meaning of ‘breaking all laws’ and integrate it into your swordsmanship, then, will your sword still be just a simple sword?”

These words struck Jinzha like a thunderbolt! He had always been immersed in the variations and sharpness of sword moves, but had never thought of improving the "artistic concept" and "philosophy" of swordsmanship! Huang Shang's words opened a completely new door for him! He was shocked and stood there, his eyes flickering, clearly lost in deep thought.

Huang Shang then looked at Yao Yao beside him, his tone much gentler: "Junior Sister Yao Yao, your zither music has already received the true teachings of Master, who combined the Northern Darkness Divine Art with the Way of Music. It is clear, cold, and captivating, combining offense and defense. You have surpassed your master."

Junior sister, have you thought about your future?

Yao Yao shook her head slightly, her brows furrowing slightly on her cool face: "Junior Sister feels she has reached a bottleneck and can no longer make any progress."

Upon hearing this, Huang Shang took out several pages of densely written paper from his bosom and handed them to Yao Yao: "These are some of my recent insights into 'divine inspiration capturing the soul' from studying the *Tao Te Ching* and the *Zhuangzi*. I've dabbled in the distinctions between 'the greatest sound is silent,' 'the sounds of heaven, earth, and man,' and the concepts of 'abandoning limbs, discarding intelligence, separating from form and knowledge, and becoming one with the Great Void.' Perhaps... they can help you break through your bottleneck. I hope you won't find them offensive."

Yao Yao took the few pages of paper, finding them incredibly heavy. She only glanced at them briefly, but was already awestruck by the ingenious ideas that combined the highest Taoist philosophy with mental attack techniques! She looked up at Huang Shang, a noticeable flicker of emotion appearing in her usually cold eyes, and solemnly said, "Thank you, Senior Brother!"

Huang Shang simply waved his hand, then lazily leaned back against the sycamore tree, reopening the "Tao Te Ching," as if his earlier discussion, which had been enough to enlighten the two genius martial artists, was merely casual conversation. Fallen leaves drifted past his hair, serene and detached.

Inside the Zhenwu Hall on Wudang Mountain.

The atmosphere was solemn yet subtly complex. Qiao Tian sat upright in the main seat, his expression serene. Below him sat Duan Zhengming and Duan Zhengchun. Although they were a prince and emperor of a kingdom, they unconsciously restrained some of their imposing presence before this unfathomable Wudang sect leader. Duan Yu stood curiously behind his father, his eyes darting around the magnificent and naturally elegant hall, filled with curiosity about the excessively young yet profoundly dignified sect leader.

After the maid served fragrant tea, Qiao Tian spoke first, his voice gentle yet carrying an undeniable air of authority:

"The Duan family of Dali, the presence of His Majesty the Emperor of Baoding and the Prince of Zhennan brings great honor to our humble Wudang. May I ask what brings you two here?"

Chapter 82 Duan Yu is unconvinced

Inside the Zhenwu Hall, the aroma of tea wafted through the air.

Upon hearing Qiao Tian's question, Duan Zhengming and Duan Zhengchun exchanged a glance. Duan Zhengming spoke first, his tone carrying just the right amount of respect: "Sect Leader Qiao is too modest. Under Sect Leader Qiao's leadership, the Wudang Sect has become as prominent as Shaolin in just over ten years, opening up a new era for Taoism and compiling the 'Wanshou Daozang' to benefit all living beings. Such achievements are truly unprecedented. My brother and I are also full of admiration."

Duan Zhengchun took over the conversation, lowering his posture even further, and stated his purpose directly: "To be honest, Sect Leader Qiao, the reason for my abrupt visit is for my son, Duan Yu." He pointed to Duan Yu behind him, who looked reluctant, "This child recently encountered danger, but unexpectedly found in a grotto deep in the mountains a martial arts manual and a stone inscription left by your sect's senior. It states that whoever learns this skill will be destined for Wudang and can enter Wudang as an inner disciple by presenting a token." As he spoke, he gestured for Duan Yu to take out the "Wudang Destiny Token."

Qiao Tian glanced at the token, nodded slightly, and said with a smile, "It is indeed a token of my Wudang sect. It is a legacy from our elders that we were able to choose Young Master Duan; it is Young Master Duan's destiny."

Upon hearing this, Duan Yu became extremely anxious. Forgetting all etiquette, he hurriedly said, "Sect Leader Qiao! This junior... this junior thinks things are fine as they are! My Dali Duan Clan has the One-Finger Divine Skill, which is enough... enough to roam the world and uphold justice! Besides, that skill absorbs people's internal energy, which is against the natural order and not what I want! If... if your esteemed sect insists on forcing it, this junior... this junior will simply find a way to abolish all this skill!" His tone was agitated, carrying the stubbornness of a scholar and his resistance to the unknown.

"You unfilial son! How dare you!" Duan Zhengchun's face turned ashen with rage as he shouted, "How dare you spout such nonsense in front of Sect Leader Qiao!"

Duan Yu, however, stubbornly insisted, "Father! Buddhist scriptures say that all beings are equal, and compassion is the foundation of salvation! No matter how high one's martial arts skills are, if one's heart is not righteous, it is all in vain! Besides... besides, Master Qiao, your martial arts are profound and your fame is known throughout the world, which I naturally admire. But... but that doesn't mean... it doesn't mean you will teach disciples." His words carried a hint of defiance and provocation, the subtext being: unless your disciples can prove that they can convince me not only in martial arts but also in reason, I will never obey.

Duan Zhengchun trembled with rage and was about to curse again when Qiao Tian raised his hand to stop him, his face still bearing that enigmatic, gentle smile, showing no sign of offense: "Young Master Duan is of simple and honest nature, so it is only natural for him to have such doubts." He turned to Granny Yu, who was standing to the side, and said: "Granny Yu, please go and call my three good-for-nothing disciples here so that Young Master Duan can 'test' them in person."

Before long, Huang Shang, Yao Yao, and Jin Zha entered the main hall. Huang Shang, dressed in a simple blue robe, had a serene expression; Yao Yao, carrying an ancient zither, was as aloof as an immortal; Jin Zha, with a long sword on his shoulder, wore a cynical smile. The three were composed and had different demeanors, yet all subtly revealed extraordinary inner strength.

"Disciples pay respects to Master." The three bowed in unison, their posture respectful. They then greeted Duan Zhengming and Duan Zhengchun, neither humble nor arrogant.

Qiao Tian smiled and said to the three men, "This is Young Master Duan Yu of Dali. Young Master Duan is devoted to Buddhism and believes that Buddhist scriptures are the foundation for saving the world. He still has doubts about our Taoist teachings. Which of you would like to come and discuss this with Young Master Duan?"

Upon hearing this, Huang Shang calmly looked at Duan Yu, nodded slightly, and spoke first, his voice clear and gentle: "Young Master Duan admires Buddhism, I wonder if you have carefully read the Diamond Sutra?"

Although Duan Yu disliked martial arts, he truly loved Buddhist scriptures, and immediately replied, "Of course I've read them! The Diamond Sutra says: 'All forms are illusory. If one sees all forms as non-forms, then one sees the Tathagata.' This is the supreme truth for breaking through attachment to self and attachment to phenomena!"

Huang Shang calmly replied, “Excellent. The Tao Te Ching also says: ‘The Tao that can be spoken of is not the eternal Tao; the name that can be named is not the eternal name.’ Nameless is the origin of heaven and earth; named is the mother of all things. Buddhism speaks of ‘emptiness,’ and Taoism speaks of ‘nothingness,’ both referring to the essence that transcends words and forms. Buddhism says ‘dependent origination and emptiness,’ meaning that all things arise from causes and conditions, and their essence is emptiness; Taoism says, ‘The Tao gives birth to one, one gives birth to two, two gives birth to three, three gives birth to all things,’ meaning that all things evolve from the Tao and will eventually return to the Tao. The paths may differ, but the ultimate goal they refer to is the same.”

Duan Yu was taken aback, and argued, "Buddha teaches compassion and universal salvation. Only by letting go of attachments can one escape the sea of ​​suffering!"

Huang Shang spoke calmly and unhurriedly: "The Tao follows nature and governs through non-action. The highest good is like water, which benefits all things without striving, dwelling in places that others disdain, thus it is close to the Tao. Is this virtue of 'non-striving' not great compassion? Taoism also speaks of 'equalizing all things,' 'Heaven and earth are born together with me, and all things are one with me.' Is such a mindset not a great liberation from the distinction between 'self' and 'other'? Moreover, our Taoist school also has a heart to help the world and save people, practicing medicine to help the needy and rescue the distressed, never seeking only personal transcendence?"

"Buddhism speaks of reincarnation and encourages people to do good!"

"The Tao values ​​self-cultivation in this life, pursues longevity and long life, and cultivates both body and mind. Living in the present, cultivating oneself and one's nature, so that one's behavior is in accordance with the Tao and society is harmonious and peaceful, this idea of ​​'the Tao values ​​life and saves people without limit' is surely no less virtuous and effective than relying on the afterlife?"

Huang Shang, drawing upon classical texts, cross-referenced Taoist thought with the essence of Buddhism, offering insightful analysis. His language was gentle yet logically rigorous, directly addressing the core issues. He did not belittle Buddhism, but rather elucidated that Taoism is equally profound and contains the same wisdom and compassion for saving and helping humanity.

Duan Yu, who was originally full of confidence because of his thorough knowledge of Buddhist scriptures, was now speechless and sweating in the face of Huang Shang's vast Taoist knowledge and exquisite debating skills.

Duan Zhengming and Duan Zhengchun, standing to the side, were utterly shocked and dumbfounded! They never imagined that this young man's understanding of Taoist scriptures was so profound! This debate between Buddhism and Taoism was so insightful yet simple that even these two outsiders found it incredibly beneficial, and they were now looking at Taoist learning with new respect! The Wudang Sect was indeed unfathomable! Even a disciple of the sect leader possessed such knowledge!

Seeing that Duan Yu was speechless, Qiao Tian asked with a smile, "Young Master Duan, do you still disagree with this 'reason'?"

Duan Yu's face flushed red, but he stubbornly insisted, "Brother, your knowledge is profound, I admire you! But... but the way of martial arts ultimately depends on the skill of the hands! Unless... unless their martial arts can surpass my uncle and father!" He calculated in his heart that his uncle Duan Zhengming's One-Finger Divine Skill had reached perfection, and his father Duan Zhengchun was also a master. No matter how miraculous the Wudang Sect's martial arts were, these young disciples could not possibly defeat his two elders who had reached the pinnacle of martial arts, could they?

“You unfilial son! You…” Duan Zhengchun was about to explode in anger again.

Qiao Tian waved his hand again and laughed, "It's alright. Since Young Master Duan still wants to test your martial arts skills, then let's stretch our muscles and bones." He turned his gaze to Yao Yao and Jin Zha, "Yao Yao, Jin Zha, you two should ask Emperor Baoding and Prince Zhennan for a few moves. Remember, stop when you've made your point."

"Yes, Master!" Yao Yao and Jin Zha stepped forward at the same time.

Seeing this, Duan Zhengming and Duan Zhengchun felt that it was beneath their dignity to fight with a junior, but they were now in a difficult situation and also wanted to see the Wudang skills. So they got up and walked to a more open area in the center of the main hall.

"Greetings, esteemed seniors." Yao Yao, cradling the Nine Heavens Jade Pendant Qin, bowed slightly. Jin Zha, still with his usual lazy demeanor, slung the Azure Frost Sword over his shoulder and grinned, "Your Highness, Your Majesty, please show mercy later!"

Duan Zhengming and Duan Zhengchun dared not be careless and waited attentively.

Suddenly, Yao Yao's slender fingers swept across the strings!

"Zheng——!"

An invisible sonic blade shot out from the air, not striking directly at their bodies, but rather slicing across the ground in front of Duan Zhengming and Duan Zhengchun, emitting a piercing whistle and kicking up a cloud of dust! It preemptively attacked, disrupting their minds!

Almost the instant the zither music began, Jinzha moved! His figure was like a wisp of green smoke, rushing straight towards Duan Zhengchun! The Azure Frost Sword was drawn, its light as cold as lightning, piercing straight for the center of the palace, simple and direct, yet incredibly fast!

Duan Zhengchun snorted coldly, gathering the power of his One Yang Finger at his fingertips, aiming precisely at the spine of the sword! However, just as the finger force was about to touch the blade, Jinzha flicked his wrist, and the Azure Frost Sword flew out of his hand, tracing a strange arc around him, avoiding the finger force, and instead slashing towards Duan Zhengchun's wrist! It was a sword released from his hand, skillfully controlled by the Dragon Capturing Technique!

Duan Zhengchun was taken aback and hurriedly withdrew his hand to change his move. On the other side, Duan Zhengming wanted to step forward to help, but Yaoyao's zither music changed again. A series of rapid notes, like invisible hidden weapons, enveloped his major acupoints, forcing him to use his One Yang Finger power to strike the sonic energy in mid-air, producing muffled "poof" sounds.

Jinzha's sword, elusive and unpredictable, sometimes soared through the air to stab, sometimes circled around Duan Zhengchun for protection. He himself, relying on his superb lightness skill, moved around Duan Zhengchun, his palms occasionally unleashing palm strikes imbued with the power of the Nine Yang True Qi. Combined with the flying sword, his attacks were like mercury flowing across the ground, penetrating every crevice! He was so engrossed in the fight that he laughed heartily, his posture unrestrained and elegant, turning the battle into a playful affair, yet each move was still fierce and deadly.

Although Duan Zhengchun's One-Finger Divine Skill was pure and sharp, he felt a sense of frustration at having no way to use his strength in the face of this unprecedented free-hand sword technique and Jinzha's agile and unpredictable movements. He was forced to retreat repeatedly and could only defend.

Meanwhile, on Duan Zhengming's side, Yaoyao's zither music sometimes soared like the clash of swords and the thunder of horses, assaulting his eardrums; other times it was low and deep like a murmuring spring, disrupting his inner energy. Furthermore, invisible sonic blades attacked from all directions, impossible to defend against. He channeled his One Yang Finger power to its peak, his finger wind hissing as he shattered the sonic blades one by one, but his mind was already largely occupied by this strange sonic attack, making it difficult for him to concentrate on anything else.

The battle became a stalemate for a time.

Just then, Huang Shang, who had been standing quietly by the sidelines as if lost in thought, suddenly spoke slowly. His voice was not loud, but it clearly reached the ears of Yao Yao and Jin Zha, who were engaged in fierce battle, like the sound of a morning bell and evening drum:

"The Great Way is all-encompassing, it can be left or right. All things depend on it for life without it refusing them, and it accomplishes its work without it possessing it."

Upon hearing this, Yao Yao's zither music suddenly changed, no longer pursuing fierce attacks, but becoming magnificent and vast, with layers upon layers of sound waves, like surging tides, omnipresent yet without any point of application, subtly guiding Duan Zhengming's finger strength and dissolving it into the artistic conception of "the great Dao is boundless".

"Nothing in the world is more yielding and weak than water, yet nothing can surpass it in attacking the hard and strong, because nothing can take its place."

Jinzha understood immediately, and the trajectory of his sword became more rounded and smooth. The sword light was like mercury spilling onto the ground, penetrating everywhere. However, he no longer clashed head-on with Duan Zhengchun's fierce One Yang Finger, but instead used softness to overcome hardness, seeking opportunities to advance, forcing Duan Zhengchun to become increasingly flustered.

"Because he does not contend, no one in the world can contend with him."

The two changed their moves again. Their attacks seemed to slow down, but they were more in sync with the natural flow of the air. Yao Yao's zither music created an invisible domain, and Jin Zha's swordsmanship was like a fish swimming in it, guiding Duan Zhengming and Duan Zhengchun's attacks into the "empty space" one by one. It made them feel as if they were fighting against the air currents of the entire hall, wasting their energy.

With Huang Shang's few words of guidance, Yao Yao and Jin Zha's cooperation became more and more tacit, and their skill level suddenly rose to a new level!

Duan Zhengming and Duan Zhengchun grew increasingly alarmed as they fought! They felt as if they were trapped in an invisible net, surrounded by the opponent's "power". Every time they unleashed their powerful One Yang Finger, it was like a stone sinking into the sea, either deflected or neutralized, making them feel so uncomfortable that they almost vomited blood!

Finally, the battle came to an abrupt end when Jinzha's sword, swift and deadly, struck Duan Zhengchun's sleeve, causing him to stumble, and at the same time, Yaoyao's perfectly condensed sonic blade silently locked onto Duan Zhengming's body.

There was silence in the main hall.

Duan Zhengming and Duan Zhengchun had complex expressions. They looked at Yao Yao and Jin Zha, who were calm and composed, and then at Huang Shang, who remained indifferent and detached. Finally, their gazes fell on Qiao Tian, ​​who was smiling. They were filled with deep shock and admiration.

The abilities of Wudang have reached this level!

Chapter 83 Fairy Sister

Qiao Tian was in high spirits, looking at his three disciples, each with a distinct air about them, his eyes filled with undisguised doting and satisfaction. Only he knew that, aside from imparting the foundational techniques and necessary guidance on principles, he had practically left these disciples to their own devices, never strictly disciplining them or harshly reprimanding them. Their achievements today were purely due to their own talent and temperament. How could he, as their master, not feel gratified and proud?

His gaze shifted to Duan Yu, who stood dejected yet still somewhat defiant, a barely perceptible smile playing on his lips. (Indeed, the "fortuitous encounter" in the grotto, the "Wudang Predestined Token," was something he had casually acquired during his travels years ago. He had found the legacy left by Li Qiushui, quietly erasing the extreme inscriptions of "Slaughter all the disciples of the Xiaoyao Sect," leaving only the pure Beiming Divine Skill and Lingbo Steps. Although he didn't particularly like Duan Yu's overly pedantic and emotional nature, he did value his inherent loyalty, righteousness, and deep affection. Therefore, he still granted him this opportunity. As for the talk of taking him as a disciple, it was mostly a joke at the time, and he hadn't expected the Dali Duan family to take it so seriously, truly regarding Wudang so highly, even bringing their son in person. This recognition from a royal family greatly satisfied his small vanity.)

"Fine," Qiao Tian thought, "a forced relationship won't be happy. Since this boy is so resistant, I'll grant him his freedom."

He was about to speak when he offered Duan Yu the title of "lay disciple of Wudang," allowing him to come and go as he pleased, as a way to establish a good relationship, bring him into the inner circle, and also to complete his friendship with the Dali Duan family.

Just as Duan Yu was being forced by his father and reluctantly preparing to go through the apprenticeship process, and Qiao Tian was about to relent and agree to the idea of ​​him becoming a "lay disciple"—

A white figure appeared at the entrance of the main hall without warning, like a ghost! It was as if she had been standing there all along, or as if she had materialized out of thin air, her aura perfectly blending with the surrounding environment, until she was revealed and noticed!

"Who?!" The one who reacted the most was Jinzha! He felt the hairs on the back of his head stand on end, and a chill ran from his tailbone straight to the top of his head! With his current cultivation level, he hadn't even noticed anyone approaching! Without thinking, he let out a strange cry and darted forward several steps like a startled rabbit before turning around in shock. The Azure Frost Sword on his shoulder was already three inches out of its sheath, and he stared at the doorway in horror.

The newcomer was dressed in a plain white gauze dress, with an unparalleled graceful figure. Although her face was veiled by a light gauze, obscuring her features, the exposed smooth forehead, her bright, clear eyes, and her swaying figure were enough to convince one that beneath the veil lay a face of unparalleled beauty.

This person is none other than Li Qiushui!

Upon seeing her, Qiao Tian felt an immediate sense of dread and sighed inwardly. This Aunt Li, knowing full well that Grandmaster Wu Xingyun disliked her, would still make a point of visiting Wudang Mountain every few years, deliberately appearing before Wu Xingyun and saying ambiguous, pointed things to infuriate him. Each time, Li Qiushui would arrive and leave just as casually, leaving behind a mess. Then, Qiao Tian could hear Wu Xingyun's unnamed reprimands echoing from the back mountain for at least three days straight. Cheng Qingshuang and Fu Minyi were trembling with fear, constantly feeling guilty, clearly being used as punching bags. They looked exactly like a long-suffering woman with nowhere to vent her frustrations!

Li Qiushui stood with her hands behind her back, revealing a pair of fair, jade-like, slender hands. She gracefully surveyed the young people in the hall, her gaze lingering especially on Huang Shang, Yao Yao, Jin Zha, and Duan Yu, who had a foolish expression.

Qiao Tian felt his eyelids twitching and cursed inwardly: This old monster is up to his old tricks again! He's so old, yet he insists on dressing like a young girl in her late teens. His figure, his demeanor... sigh!

However, no one noticed that Duan Yu, who had been dejected, was completely stunned when he saw Li Qiushui's figure and her exposed eyes. He was struck dumb as if by lightning! His mind exploded with images of the "Fairy Sister" in the jade cave of Wuliang Mountain, depicted on the scroll, her clothes barely covering her body, her posture graceful, and her appearance vaguely overlapping with the person before him.

It's her! It must be her!

Duan Yu felt a surge of heat rush to his head, his heart pounding like a drum, his ears and neck instantly turning red, and even his breathing became rapid. His eyes were fixed on Li Qiushui, as if the whole world consisted only of that white figure.

Li Qiushui seemed to sense his burning gaze. A playful smile curved her lips beneath her veil, and she let out a silvery laugh, her voice sweet and seductive: "Hehehe... How lively! Little Tian'er, your Wudang Sect is getting more and more talented!" Her gaze swept over Qiao Tian, ​​with a hint of teasing.

Helpless, Qiao Tian had no choice but to stand up, cup his hands and say, "Uncle-Master Li, it is an honor to have you here. I am sorry for not welcoming you sooner." He secretly gave Li Qiushui a wink, signaling her not to go too far.

Li Qiushui, however, acted as if she hadn't seen him. Her gaze finally fell on Duan Yu, who was stunned and blushing. She took light steps and walked up to him, looking him over with interest. Her voice was seductive: "Oh, what a handsome young man. Why are you looking at me like that? Could it be... that you recognize me?"

As she approached, Duan Yu caught a faint, alluring fragrance, and became completely captivated. He stammered, "Fairy...Fairy Sister...I...I saw...I saw your portrait in the Jade Cave of Wuliang Mountain..." He was so excited that he could hardly speak coherently.

A knowing glint and a deeper amusement flashed in Li Qiushui's eyes. She naturally knew what the portrait in the jade cave was. She chuckled and extended her slender finger, gently tapping Duan Yu's forehead (this action made Duan Yu tremble all over, almost fainting): "So it was you, little fellow, who received my inheritance? You are quite a destined person."

She turned to Qiao Tian, ​​her tone leaving no room for argument: "Little Tian, ​​since this boy has learned the Northern Darkness Divine Art and the Lingbo Steps I left behind, he's practically my successor. Look, Senior Brother Wu Yazi has you and Su Xinghe, and Senior Sister Wu Xingyun has those girls from Lingjiu Palace. I'm all alone. This boy should be personally trained by me, so don't try to take him from me." She said this half-truthfully, mostly out of amusement, wanting a new "toy," and also to annoy Wu Xingyun—look, I've found a successor!

Upon hearing that the "Fairy Sister" wanted to personally train him, Duan Yu was overjoyed. He no longer cared about being a lay disciple of Wudang or the conflict between Buddhism and Taoism, and nodded vigorously, "I'm willing! This junior is willing! Being able to follow the Fairy Sister is a blessing that Duan Yu has accumulated over many lifetimes!"

Qiao Tian looked at Duan Yu, who was completely mesmerized by his beauty and oblivious to the fact that he had stepped into a "devil's den," and couldn't help but put his hand to his forehead, sighing inwardly. His eyes were full of sympathy and helplessness as he looked at Duan Yu and spoke with a final reminder: "Young Master Duan, have you... have you thought this through? My martial uncle... has a somewhat... impulsive personality."