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

Page 16

The hall was completely silent, with only the faint scent of sandalwood incense wafting through the air. All eyes were focused on Abbot Xuanci!

Chapter 52 It's too naive to think you can't learn Tai Chi.

Inside the Great Hall of Shaolin Temple, the air was thick with the fragrance of sandalwood, creating a solemn atmosphere.

As Abbot Xuanci finished speaking, the hall fell silent, the expressions of the high monks varying. Master Xuanku lowered his eyelids, his face a complex and unreadable mix of heartache for his disciple's deviation from the orthodox path and an unspeakable worry. Xuancheng, on the other hand, seemed lost in thought, the matter irrelevant to him, only his eyebrow twitching almost imperceptibly when he heard "Qiao Tian has established his own sect."

Xuan Nan, the abbot of the Bodhidharma Academy, was known for his upright and fiery temperament. His hair and beard stood on end as he broke the silence, his voice booming like a bell: "Abbot Brother! This precedent must not be set! Everyone knows that Qiao Tian's martial arts are derived from the internal energy he cultivates, and that it is inherited from our Shaolin lineage! Now he actually wants to establish a separate sect and rival our Shaolin? What kind of behavior is this! How will the martial arts community view our Shaolin? Wouldn't it make us look like we have no one, unable to even protect our own martial arts, allowing it to flow into heretical sects? In my opinion, he must be severely punished to set an example!"

Xuanji, the head of the Disciplinary Hall, also said in a deep voice: "What Senior Brother Xuannan said is very true. Although Qiao Tian is not a formal disciple, his martial arts originated from Shaolin, which is an indisputable fact. Now he has openly established a separate sect, which is indeed a sign of contempt for Shaolin. If we do not deal with it, I am afraid that many others will follow suit and shake the foundation of Shaolin."

Abbot Xuanci listened quietly, and only after the discussion had subsided did he speak slowly, his voice calm yet carrying an undeniable resolve: "Amitabha. What my fellow disciples have said is all reasonable. Qiao Tian is exceptionally talented, but his actions have indeed crossed the line for Shaolin. Though Buddhism is vast, it does not guide those without affinity; though Shaolin is large, it has its own strict rules and regulations. If we allow him to act recklessly, it will not only damage the reputation of Shaolin, but may also incite conflict in the martial world."

His gaze swept across the entire room: "Therefore, this old monk has decided that, one and a half months from now, on the day Wudang Sect is founded, the three of us—Master Xuannan of the Bodhidharma Academy, Master Xuanku of the Arhat Hall, and… Senior Brother Xuancheng—will lead a team of elite disciples from the Bodhidharma Academy to Wudang Mountain."

He emphasized his words, making each one clear: "In front of all the heroes of the world, we will ask for the reason. If they remain obstinate... then according to the temple rules, we will clean up their ranks and take back their Shaolin martial arts!"

Master Xuanku trembled slightly, his face showing even more bitterness, but he finally put his hands together and said in a low voice: Xuanku... I accept the decree.

Abbot Xuanci then turned to Xuancheng, who had remained silent, and bowed very politely: "Senior Brother Xuancheng, this journey is fraught with unpredictable dangers. Qiao Tian's martial arts have reached a transcendent level, making him no ordinary person. Only by relying on your superb abilities can we intimidate the heroes and ensure that we capture Qiao Tian without any mishaps."

Xuan Cheng slowly raised his eyelids, glanced at Xuan Ci, then seemed to gaze into the distance through the palace walls, finally saying only calmly: "This old monk obeys. However, Qiao Tian is a prodigy, unparalleled in Shaolin's history for hundreds of years, and his nature is not that of a truly wicked person. After this old monk captures him, I hope my junior brother, the abbot, will allow me to consider how to deal with him, and urge you not to make things difficult for him. This old monk has his own arrangements."

Upon hearing this, Xuan Ci was somewhat surprised that Xuan Cheng would defend Qiao Tian in this way, but he knew that his senior brother's martial arts were already profound and that he had a very high reputation in the temple and even in the martial arts world. His opinion could not be taken lightly, so he could only nod and say: Senior brother is compassionate and considers things carefully. We will follow your wishes when the time comes.

Meanwhile, undercurrents were surging in the martial arts world.

Murong Bo, hidden in the shadows, gathered information from various sources and finally confirmed that the young man in the blue robe that night was none other than Qiao Tian, ​​the soon-to-be leader of the Wudang Sect. A cold smile appeared on his lips: Stirring up trouble and disrupting the established order... this boy cannot be allowed to live! He had already begun to plan how to add fuel to the fire in this turmoil, or how to fish in troubled waters.

Starry Sea, a land shrouded in poisonous miasma. Ding Chunqiu received a secret report, filled with astonishment and uncertainty: What? That old codger isn't dead? He even took in a brat and started the Wudang Sect? He was torn between fearing the potential retribution from Wuyazi's survival and coveting the treasures and secret manuals the Xiaoyao Sect might have left behind. Finally, he grinned maliciously: Very well! I, this immortal lord, will personally go and see what tricks that old ghost and his little brat have up their sleeves! I'll take care of them all at once!

Deep within the Western Xia imperial palace, sheer gauze swayed gracefully. Li Qiushui listened to her maid's report, leaning languidly against the couch, a glint of surprise flashing in her beautiful eyes: Oh? Senior Brother!

Wudang Mountain, side hall of the main hall.

Wu Yazi leisurely sipped his fragrant tea, while Qiao Tian listened quietly to the report from Mo Yuan, the intelligence chief of Lingjiu Palace.

...In conclusion, Sect Leader, the reactions from all sides in the martial world are remarkably consistent. Most believe that the establishment of Wudang has disrupted the existing order and infringed upon their interests. According to reliable sources, on the day of the founding ceremony, over a hundred large and small forces have explicitly stated their intention to attend, including giants like Shaolin and the Beggars' Sect, as well as those with ulterior motives such as the Xingxiu Sect and the Xixia Yipintang. The situation... is far from optimistic. Mo Yuan's voice was calm, but its content was chilling.

Senior Brother Su Xinghe, who had been restless for some time, couldn't help but interject, his face full of anxiety: "Sect Leader! You...you knew this would happen, so why did you make such a big show of it? This...this is practically a life-or-death situation! Hundreds of forces have gathered, and who knows how many experts are hidden among them? What are we going to do?" He turned to Wu Yazi for help, only to see his master calmly flipping through the Daoist scriptures, as if he were detached from the matter.

Su Xinghe said urgently: Sect Leader! In my opinion, we should immediately ask our eldest grandmaster (Tong Lao) for help! Only if she comes in person, with the power of Lingjiu Palace, can we possibly control the situation!

After listening, Qiao Tian slowly rose and walked to Wu Yazi's side. His gaze swept over the worried Su Xinghe and the expressionless Mo Yuan, and his voice was calm yet carried an undeniable firmness: "There's no need to panic. Grand Master Uncle is naturally a member of the Xiaoyao Sect, but since I, Qiao Tian, ​​have taken on this matter of Wudang, I, as the sect leader, should bear the responsibility. There's no need to discuss seeking reinforcements further."

After saying that, he ignored everyone, squatted down, and skillfully examined Wu Yazi's legs, circulating his true energy to promote blood circulation.

Wu Yazi then looked up from his book at Qiao Tian and asked softly, "You... are you about to break through to the Grandmaster level?"

Qiao Tian continued working and nodded: "Master is wise. I have recently made some progress, and the bottleneck of the eighth level of the Nine Yang Divine Skill has shown signs of loosening. However, if I want to break through to the Grandmaster realm, my accumulation is still insufficient, and I still need Master and Senior Brother to lend me a hand."

"Oh? How can I help you?" Wu Yazi asked with interest.

Qiao Tian said in a deep voice: "The ninth level of the Nine Yang Technique is different from other techniques. It emphasizes 'the extreme of Yang giving rise to Yin, the balance of water and fire,' and requires extreme pressure to achieve a perfect breakthrough. Ordinary cultivation takes at least several decades of painstaking effort. If one wants to achieve it quickly, one must use extreme external pressure to forcibly open up all the acupoints in the body and stimulate potential."

He paused, then uttered a startling idea: "Perhaps several grandmaster-level experts would need to join forces to use their true energy to suppress and protect me, or… we need to find an absolutely sealed external environment that withstands immense pressure. Therefore, I propose… could we find a sturdy coffin, place me inside, and bury me several feet deep underground, using the weight of the earth to simulate that extreme condition?"

Wu Yazi was stroking his beard when he heard this, and he almost ripped it off. He choked on his tea, coughing incessantly, and looked at Qiao Tian as if he were a monster. Su Xinghe and Mo Yuan were even more dumbfounded, thinking they had misheard.

The sun rises over the cliffside platform of Wudang Mountain.

Qiao Tian stood alone on the cliff edge, his clothes fluttering in the morning breeze. His thoughts were churning:

(I have practiced the Tai Chi moves countless times based on my memories from my past life, but while the form is similar, the spirit is missing. Its essence lies in the perfect harmony between intention, qi and blood, internal strength, and the yin and yang of heaven and earth, not merely in the movements. Zhang Sanfeng truly deserves to be called a master of all time. His creation, Tai Chi, is the embodiment of the Dao. Even though I understand the concept, without decades of Daoist learning and personal experience, it would be extremely difficult to recreate its essence in this life, let alone transform it into a practical martial art with corresponding acupoints and qi circulation methods. I... am inferior!)

(However, the Tai Chi principles of Yin and Yang complementing each other and overcoming strength with softness are the guiding light for my transformation of internal energy! I don't need to be obsessed with the forms and techniques. My urgent task is to use this principle to, upon mastering the Nine Yang Divine Skill, use the Marrow Cleansing Classic and the Tendon Changing Classic as protectors, integrate the incantations of the Northern Darkness Divine Skill and the profound meaning of the Kunpeng Breathing Technique, actively guide and absorb the Yin energy of heaven and earth into my body, and merge it with the Yang energy of the Nine Yang True Qi, to achieve a complete transformation of the nature of my internal energy, reaching the grandmaster realm of Yin and Yang rotation and endless life! Only in this way can I break free from the pure Shaolin Buddhist foundation of the Nine Yang Divine Skill and forge my own path!)

(Furthermore, I need to gradually integrate the resilience of the 'indestructible prototype' and the skillful control of the 'crane-controlling-dragon' techniques, which I have already grasped, into this Yin-Yang internal force, making it both strong and gentle, and infinitely versatile. However... such a method of using internal force will probably require extremely high levels of comprehension and foundation from the practitioner, and it will be difficult for future generations to inherit its essence... Perhaps, when Master Zhang Sanfeng created Tai Chi, he felt the same helplessness when he saw that his disciples and grand-disciples could not fully grasp its spirit?)

In the east, the rising sun bursts forth, its golden rays piercing through the sea of ​​clouds.

The confusion in Qiao Tian's eyes vanished, replaced by unwavering determination. Without further hesitation, he sat cross-legged on the stone platform at the edge of the cliff, his palms facing upwards. He activated the eighth level of the Nine Yang Divine Skill at full power, his vast and powerful Yang energy surging like a mighty river. His pores opened and closed, faint golden light emanating from them, attracting the pure Yang energy of heaven and earth. He would use himself as a furnace, drawing upon the purple energy of the rising sun as fuel, to break through the bottleneck that had plagued him for so long, laying a solid foundation for his ultimate breakthrough a month later!

His aura, like a dragon soaring into the sky, made the morning on Wudang Mountain exceptionally different, thanks to his secluded cultivation. A storm was brewing...

Chapter 53 The Great Accomplishment of Magical Skills

Qiao Tian attempted to break through to the eighth level of the Nine Yang Divine Skill at the cliff edge of the main peak. He pushed his Yang True Qi to its limit, opening all the acupoints in his body to frantically absorb the pure Yang Qi between heaven and earth. Relying on the foundation laid by the Marrow Cleansing Classic and his unwavering will, he finally broke through the barrier, his True Qi becoming increasingly vast and pure, as blazing as the sun in the sky. However, although the completion of the eighth level raised his power to the peak of the Innate Realm, there was still an insurmountable chasm between him and the Grandmaster Realm of Yin and Yang harmony.

With just over a month left until the opening ceremony, Qiao Tian immediately began the second phase of his seclusion.

Inside the secret room, candlelight flickered. Qiao Tian sat quietly, his mind replaying the more than twenty fundamental principles of martial arts he had comprehended in the Bodhidharma Cave:

The indestructible resilience of Vajra, the ethereal grace of Prajna Palm, the exquisite skill of Flower-Picking Finger, the graceful movement of Crossing the River on a Reed, the controlling power of Dragon-Capturing Skill, the formless nature of Formless Calamity Finger...

Next came the unique skills of the Free and Unfettered Sect: the "Northern Darkness Divine Art," which embodies the spirit of embracing all rivers; the "Lingbo Steps," which follows the mysteries of the Heavenly Dao; the "Small Formless Skill," which has the foundation of being formless and shapeless; and the "White Rainbow Palm Force," taught by Wu Yazi, which is a technique that allows one to bend and straight as desired.

He had no intention of mastering the specific moves of every martial art, but rather of refining its core "intention" and "principle." Once he had mastered the Nine Yang Divine Skill, drawing upon the utmost Yin energy of heaven and earth to achieve a state of Yin-Yang harmony, he would integrate his understanding of these martial arts into the source of his true Qi, imbuing it with the characteristics represented by these concepts: the indestructible "ultimate firmness," the Dragon-Capturing Skill's "ultimate control," the Lingbo Steps' "ultimate agility," and the Northern Darkness Divine Skill's "ultimate absorption." This was a fundamental sublimation; once successful, his internal energy would no longer be merely pure Yang energy, but a vessel containing infinite variations, almost akin to the "Tao."

Three days before the opening ceremony, a group of people gathered in a secluded valley behind the main peak of Wudang Mountain. Su Xinghe, following Qiao Tian's request, prepared twenty specially made coffins crafted from century-old ironwood, lined up in a row. Qiao Sanhuai and his wife were pale-faced, Qiao's mother tightly gripping her husband's arm.

Qiao Tian calmly began the test. He personally jumped into the empty coffin and had it covered with soil. One zhang, two zhang, three zhang... until he was buried five zhang deep, the pressure from all directions made him feel suffocated, as if his internal organs were about to be squeezed and displaced.

“It is five zhang.” Qiao Tian leaped out of the ground and said decisively.

Everyone was horrified. Burying a living person five zhang (approximately 10 meters) underground was simply unheard of.

"Tian'er...this is too dangerous!" Qiao's mother said, her voice trembling with tears.

Qiao Tian held his mother's hand and comforted her gently, "Mother, don't worry, I know what I'm doing."

Wu Yazi sat in his wheelchair, his gaze complex: "Foolish child... This method is unprecedented and extremely dangerous."

Qiao Tian nodded emphatically: "Master, your mind is made up."

At this moment, everyone seemed to sense something and looked up. On the highest eaves of the Zhenwu Hall, a fiery red figure had appeared at some unknown time—Wu Xingyun, the Heavenly Child Granny. She and Wu Yazi exchanged glances from afar, and then both focused their attention on Qiao Tian in the valley.

Qiao Tian no longer hesitated and said to Su Xinghe, "Senior Brother, let's begin." After saying that, he resolutely stepped into the coffin.

The coffin lid was closed, and under the anxious gaze of everyone, the coffin was slowly lowered into the deep pit, where it was covered with soil shovel by shovel.

The valley was deathly silent. Qiao's mother sobbed softly, Su Xinghe and the others were so nervous that their palms were sweating, and Wu Yazi and Tong Lao raised their spiritual senses to the limit, closely monitoring the changes underground.

Inside the coffin was absolute darkness and deathly silence. The pressure from the five-zhang-thick layer of earth was all-pervasive, the air was thin, and the temperature plummeted. Qiao Tian circulated the "Turtle Breathing Technique," reducing his physical functions to a minimum, while keeping his mind clear.

He began to circulate the ninth level of the Nine Yang Divine Skill. The supreme Yang energy surged and roared under extreme pressure, while simultaneously drawing in the supreme Yin and cold energy from the depths of the earth.

The two energies of extreme yang and extreme yin collided violently, unleashing an unimaginable conflict. If it weren't for the protection of his heart meridian by the "Marrow Washing Classic" and "Muscle/Tendon Changing Classic," this attack would have been enough to cause him to explode and die.

The pain was indescribable, but Qiao Tian's will was as firm as a rock. Guided by the concept of "Tai Chi," he made the two forces rotate and transform like the yin and yang fish. Just as the balance of yin and yang, the endless cycle of life, was about to be achieved, Qiao Tian integrated more than twenty martial arts characteristics into this newly born primordial energy.

As if shackles were shattered, a series of soft sounds came from Qiao Tian's body, and all the acupoints in his body opened up, and an unprecedented power suddenly awakened.

Qiao Tian suddenly opened his eyes, no longer suppressing them, and unleashed the new true energy that had merged yin and yang and contained countless martial arts essences!

Rumble——! ! !

The ground shook violently, and the earth burying the coffin suddenly exploded. Soil and rubble shot into the sky, and a green shadow burst forth from the ground, soaring straight into the clouds.

He hovered in mid-air, his aura as deep as the sea, yet also exuding an ethereal and natural feeling. Sunlight shone upon him, as if coating him with a hazy halo. His figure was like a phantom, leaving afterimages in the air, as if several Qiao Tians were simultaneously performing martial arts, sometimes as fierce as a Vajra, sometimes as graceful as a flying immortal, sometimes as agile as a ghost—he had integrated the Lingbo Weibu (Lingbo Steps) and Yiwei Dujiang (Crossing the River on a Reed) lightness skills into his instincts, reaching the supreme realm of "the body follows the mind"!

Even more astonishingly, the pebbles, broken branches, and fallen leaves in the valley seemed to lose their gravity, slowly suspending themselves and rotating around him. This was a higher level of control over the "field," a fusion of the "absorption" of the Northern Darkness True Qi and the "control" of the Dragon-Capturing Technique. Wherever his thoughts led, all things could be drawn upon!

Qiao Tian glanced at the stunned crowd below, a broad, triumphant smile spreading across his face. He took the jade flute from his waist and fixed his gaze on a massive boulder, about half the size of a house, weighing a thousand pounds, at the entrance of the valley.

In a flash, he appeared at the bottom of the boulder as if by teleportation. With a seemingly casual flick of his jade flute, he lifted the massive boulder as if it were nothing, sending it flying off the ground! Qiao Tian held the flute in one hand, supporting the boulder, and moved with it, spinning straight into the sky. His speed was so fast that he left only a spiraling blue streak in the air!

Upon reaching the highest point, Qiao Tian's wrist trembled slightly, and a strange vibrational force emanated from the jade flute.

With a deafening roar, the house-sized boulder exploded in mid-air, turning into countless fist-sized fragments. Instead of scattering in all directions, the fragments hovered around Qiao Tian as if controlled by an invisible hand.

With a thought, Qiao Tian caused the rubble to rapidly converge, forming a huge, clear, slowly rotating Tai Chi Yin-Yang diagram in the air! At the eyes of the Yin-Yang fish, energy flowed, seemingly containing the ultimate principles of heaven and earth!

Qiao Tianqing shouted and pointed his jade flute forward!

The Tai Chi diagram, composed of countless rubble fragments, with its overwhelming momentum capable of crushing everything, crashed down like a divine punishment towards a remote, uninhabited hill!

boom--! ! ! ! !

The earth shook violently! Smoke and dust billowed into the sky! When the dust settled, the top of that low mountain was completely bare of vegetation!

Deathly silence!

Inside and outside the valley, everyone was frozen in place, mouths agape, eyes wide, staring incredulously at the god-like figure in the air.

The compass in Su Xinghe's hand clattered to the ground.

Grandma Yu gasped.

Mr. and Mrs. Qiao embraced each other, weeping with joy.

Xue Muhua's eyes gleamed as he murmured, "Sect Leader... is this some kind of divine power?"

Wu Yazi clapped his hands in amazement, his eyes gleaming with unprecedented brilliance: "Wonderful! Yin and Yang in perfect harmony, the true essence of martial arts integrated into the source of true qi! This child... has already reached a realm unparalleled by his predecessors!"

On the distant palace rooftop, the petite body of the Heavenly Mountain Child Granny, Wu Xingyun, trembled slightly before she finally uttered two words: Monster!

Qiao Tian slowly descended from the sky, the strange phenomena around him subsiding, his aura returning to its original simplicity. He looked at the crowd, smiled slightly, his voice calm yet carrying undeniable power:

With Wudang established as a sect, who dares to disrupt it?

Chapter 54 The Master deeply misses his eldest master.

Leaves and branches rustled down from the sky, leaving the valley in disarray, yet utterly silent. All eyes were fixed on the figure who had descended from the sky, his aura now calm and serene.

Qiao Tian landed gently, and the aura that had previously been terrifyingly powerful receded like a tide, replaced by a profound and unfathomable tranquility. He walked calmly to his parents first. Seeing the tear stains still on their faces and their shaken expressions, his heart warmed, and he felt a pang of apology. He bowed and said, "Father, Mother, I was reckless and frightened you."

Qiao's mother grabbed his hand and felt around it, as if to make sure her son was unharmed. Her voice was still choked with sobs, "It's alright, it's alright... You scared your mother to death just now!" Qiao Sanhuai was not good with words, but he patted his son's shoulder hard, his eyes slightly red, everything was understood without saying a word.

After comforting his parents, Qiao Tian turned to Wu Yazi and bowed deeply, saying, "Master."

Wu Yazi's gaze was intense, filled with both satisfaction and感慨 (a complex emotion encompassing both admiration and reflection). Yin and Yang swirled, and martial intent arose spontaneously... Good, good, good! Tian'er, the path you have chosen is unprecedented. As your teacher... I can no longer guide you further. How far you can go in the future depends entirely on your own destiny.

Just as Qiao Tian was about to say something modest, a clear voice, tinged with arrogance, came from above:

Hmph! He caused such a commotion that he almost lost his life!

Everyone looked up and saw that Wu Xingyun, the Child Granny of Tianshan, had somehow floated down from the rooftop and was standing beside Wu Yazi, arms crossed, her small face raised, with an expression of absolute self-importance. Her fiery red clothes swayed gently in the wind, making her youthful yet dignified face even more striking.

Qiao Tian smiled slightly, stepped forward, and bowed respectfully, "Grandmaster Uncle. Thank you for your concern."

"Who cares about you!" Wu Xingyun retorted immediately, but her gaze involuntarily swept over Qiao Tian, ​​a hint of undisguised shock flashing across her face. With her profound cultivation and keen intuition, she could best perceive the inner transformation Qiao Tian was undergoing. The brat's internal energy was perfectly integrated, fluid and free. She had only witnessed this level of mastery in a very few people, and for Qiao Tian to have achieved it at such a young age was simply unbelievable. She wondered to herself, "This little monster… how did he train like this?" But on her face, she refused to show any fear.

At this moment, her gaze finally fell on Wuyazi in the wheelchair. She deliberately pretended to be indifferent, but her slightly trembling fingertips betrayed her true feelings. Junior brother, it's been so many years, how did you... become such a mess? Why didn't you go to find your junior sister Li Qiushui? Why did you send your disciple to Tianshan to express your longing for me?

Wu Yazi had always been somewhat intimidated by his senior sister since childhood, but even he was momentarily bewildered by her words—because Qiao Tian had gone to Lingjiu Palace seeking help under the pretext that their master missed their eldest uncle day and night. Wu Yazi quickly realized it must be his good disciple's doing, and immediately forced an awkward yet polite smile, vaguely saying, "Thank you for your concern, senior sister, but… I'm still recovering from an old injury. Please forgive my embarrassment."

Qiao Tian inwardly cried out in alarm, "This is bad!" He quickly stepped forward, forcing a sincere smile before Wu Xingyun could ask further questions, and smoothed things over, saying, "Grandmaster Uncle, you may not know this, but although Master is physically disabled, he often tells his disciples that he misses the days when he practiced martial arts and discussed the world with you. Master often says that without your guidance and encouragement, he would not have achieved what he has today. With you personally assisting in the establishment of Wudang, Master is immensely gratified." As he spoke, he subtly gave Wu Yazi a wink.

Upon receiving the signal, Wu Yazi felt his face burning, but he had no choice but to bite the bullet and follow Qiao Tian's words. He tried to put on a gentle yet nostalgic expression for Wu Xingyun and said in a low voice, "Yes... Senior Sister, you've had a hard time all these years."

Looking at Wu Yazi's deep affection, and then catching a glimpse of the cunning in Qiao Tian's eyes, Wu Xingyun's heart was filled with suspicion. Being astute, she immediately guessed there was something fishy going on. This little rascal had probably used her concern for her junior brother as a pretext. But… her junior brother was right before her eyes, crippled but still breathing. And while his words of longing were feigned, the complex emotions of their long-awaited reunion were genuine. Her heart was filled with mixed feelings; she was both annoyed by Qiao Tian's deception and greedy for the warmth brought by this momentary misunderstanding. In the end, she merely snorted coldly, turned her face away, and temporarily let the master and disciple off the hook, but her words were still sharp: "Don't give me that! You two are so glib! You brat, hurry up and clean yourself up. If you embarrass the Xiaoyao Sect at the ceremony in three days, see how I deal with you!" With that, a red shadow flashed, and she disappeared, seemingly fleeing in disarray.

Qiao Tian and Wu Yazi exchanged a glance, both secretly relieved. Wu Yazi helplessly pointed at Qiao Tian and transmitted his voice into the secret passage, "You brat, I'll settle this score with you later!"

Meanwhile, a thousand miles away in Bianliang, the capital of the Eastern Capital, the morning court session was in session at the Zichen Hall of the Imperial Palace.

The vigorous and middle-aged Emperor Shenzong of Song, Zhao Xu, sat on his dragon throne, listening to the reports from his civil and military officials. When the topic turned to the movements of the martial arts world, Li Yan, the eunuch and director of the Imperial City Guard, stepped forward, holding a jade tablet, bowed, and reported in his distinctively effeminate voice:

Your Majesty, according to a secret report from the Imperial City Guard's intelligence division, a new martial arts sect, the Wudang Sect, will hold its founding ceremony in three days at Wudang Mountain in northern Hubei. Its leader is named Qiao Tian, ​​not yet twenty years old, originally a lay disciple of Shaolin Temple. It is rumored that his martial arts have reached a state of perfection, and he intends to unify the Taoist sects…

A murmur of discussion immediately arose within the hall. Many civil officials scoffed at the martial arts sects, considering them nothing more than a minor, insignificant problem.

Li Yan continued, "What's particularly noteworthy is that Wudang has widely issued invitations to heroes for its establishment. According to investigations, various forces, including Shaolin, the Beggars' Sect, the Xingxiu Sect, and the Xixia Yipintang, as well as some reclusive masters, are all interested in going. At that time, the area at the foot of Wudang Mountain will be a melting pot of dinosaurs and snakes, and a gathering of countless masters."

At this moment, an elderly minister with white hair and beard and a resolute face stepped forward and said in a booming voice, "Your Majesty, this old minister believes that this matter may be of use to our dynasty." This man was Zhou Tong, the head instructor of the Imperial Boxing Academy.

"Oh? What insightful opinion does Minister Zhou have?" Emperor Shenzong asked with considerable interest. He was determined to reform and paid close attention to any force that could strengthen the court's control.

Zhou Tong spoke eloquently, "Your Majesty, in the current landscape of the martial arts world, Shaolin and the Beggars' Sect are powerful and deeply entrenched. Although they appear respectful on the surface, they form their own independent forces, making it difficult for the court to penetrate them. Furthermore, in the border regions, the martial arts forces of Western Xia, Tibet, Dali, and even the Liao Kingdom have infiltrated, causing trouble and creating disturbances that are impossible to prevent. The Wudang Sect has risen suddenly, but its foundation is shallow, and it needs the support of the court to establish itself. If its leader, Qiao Tianzhen, is truly capable and willing to be loyal to the court, he can become an important pawn, used to balance and even restrain other martial arts forces, causing them to check and balance each other. The court can then reap the benefits, ensuring peace in the martial arts world and easing the pressure on the borders."

Li Yan added ominously that Chief Instructor Zhou was absolutely right. Moreover, with so many martial arts figures gathered, this was a perfect opportunity to order the Imperial City Guard to intensify its infiltration, ascertain the backgrounds of each faction, and identify potential threats.

Emperor Shenzong pondered for a moment, a glint of light flashing in his eyes; he was already tempted. He pursued national prosperity and military strength, and the chaotic mix of martial arts sects was ultimately a hidden danger to the court's governance.

Your two ministers' words are very much in line with my wishes. Emperor Shenzong of Song finally made the decision: Since that is the case, then we shall follow Minister Zhou's plan. Li Yan.

I hereby order your Imperial City Guard to select capable officers, carrying my secret decree, to travel to Wudang Mountain to observe the ceremony. On the surface, bestow some praise upon the Wudang Sect, acknowledging their legitimacy and demonstrating the court's favor. Secretly, closely monitor all movements, assessing the Wudang Sect's potential and loyalty. If Qiao Tian is sensible and truly possesses genuine talent, then secretly provide support, making him a sharp weapon for the court in the martial world. If he is merely a facade, or harbors ulterior motives… you know what to do.

"Your subject obeys the decree!" Li Yan bowed and accepted the order, a barely perceptible cold smile playing on his lips.

Zhou Tong also cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty is wise. This old minister will also keep an eye on this matter."