The Six Great Sects and the Ming Cult were locked in chaotic battle. Between the two sides, there were no fewer than seven or eight thousand disciples—and with Chu Yang's single roar, all of them collapsed unconscious.
The assembled experts were shocked and enraged.
Chu Yang cast them a cold glance. Killing intent swept over the crowd like a biting winter gale. Among the Six Great Sects' experts present, the highest cultivation belonged to Abbot Kongwen of the Shaolin Sect and Abbess Miejue of the Emei Sect.
When faced with that killing intent, terror of death seized them. Their bodies trembled uncontrollably, beyond their ability to restrain.
Abbess Miejue gripped the Heaven Reliant Sword with difficulty, trying to draw courage from it.
"Abbess, this scholar is extremely sinister. We must proceed with caution…"Abbot Kongwen slowly walked to her side, standing shoulder to shoulder.
Abbess Miejue glanced at him—and happened to see the hand gripping his staff trembling.
Taking a deep breath, she said, "Master, judging by this scholar's age, he shouldn't be any of the Demonic Sect's Left or Right Envoys, nor any of the Four Great Protectors or the Five Scatterers."
"Let us hope he bears no ill intent," Abbot Kongwen sighed, stepping forward to fix his gaze on Chu Yang. "The Demonic Sect commits evil; all under heaven have the right to punish it. May I ask who you are, and why you intervene in the dispute between our Six Great Sects and the Demonic Sect?"
Chu Yang did not answer. He walked silently toward the Ming Cult's main hall, leaving only a single sentence before entering.
"Before I come back out—if any of you make a single move—I guarantee not one person from the Six Great Sects will leave Bright Peak alive."
At those words, the Six Great Sects' experts were all filled with outrage. Even the monk Abbot Kongwen darkened with anger.
Who under heaven dared to utter such arrogant threats before them?
"You sharp-tongued brat! Today, your Grandpa Tang will teach you what manners are!"
Among the Kongtong Five Elders, Tang Wenliang was the most hotheaded—like a powder keg ready to explode. How could he swallow this humiliation? He immediately assumed a boxing stance and charged straight at Chu Yang.
Chu Yang formed his fingers into a sword and swept them horizontally. Invisible qi surged forth, condensing into a cutting slash.
The strike was unimaginably fast. Tang Wenliang had no time to react. In the blink of an eye, he felt the world spin. When he looked again, he realized his body was still running forward.
But from the neck up, there was nothing there.
After just a few steps, blood gushed like a spring.
Tang Wenliang's consciousness faded. The final thought in his mind consisted of only four words:
Huh?I'm dead?
"Junior Brother!!!"
With Tang Wenliang's death, the remaining four of the Kongtong Five Elders were consumed by grief and rage—but none dared step forward.
Such a bizarre death was more than enough to serve as a warning.
After all, anyone capable of becoming a sect elder wasn't truly foolish.
The Six Great Sects' experts watched Chu Yang enter the main hall, and no one dared make a move—not even Abbess Miejue, Heaven Reliant Sword in hand.
It wasn't that she lacked the courage. Rather, every Emei disciple besides her lay unconscious on the ground. If she provoked this unknown terror, her disciples' lives would surely be forfeit.
Shaolin and Wudang shared the same concern.
Inside the Ming Cult's main hall, the lamps flickered dimly, leaving visibility poor.
If not for Chu Yang's exceptional eyesight, it would have been difficult to make out the Ming Cult's upper ranks strewn across the floor.
Left Envoy Yang Xiao, the Azure-Winged Bat King Wei Yixiao, and the Five Scatterers.
The Ming Cult's internal discord was common knowledge. With a great battle imminent, these people had still managed to fight among themselves.
At the critical moment of their infighting, they were ambushed by Cheng Kun, who had hidden in a secret passage, leaving them all gravely injured.
Chu Yang spotted Cheng Kun lurking in a shadowed corner, ready to strike.
Yang Xiao and the others assumed Chu Yang hadn't noticed and were about to warn him—but Chu Yang had already acted.
He extended a hand toward Cheng Kun. A terrifying suction erupted from his palm.
Universal Heavenly Attraction.
Cheng Kun suddenly found his body immobilized. Alarm surged in his heart. In the blink of an eye, Chu Yang's hand was already clamped around his throat.
"Benefactor, I am… Yuanzhen of the Shaolin Sect, not a villain. My master is the Divine Monk Kongjian!"
On the brink of death, Cheng Kun hurriedly revealed his background, hoping the mention of Shaolin's Kongjian would spare him.
But the instant his words fell, an overwhelming force crushed his neck—decisive and merciless.
Crack.
Chu Yang snapped Cheng Kun's neck and casually tossed the corpse aside like trash.
Seeing Chu Yang kill Cheng Kun, Yang Xiao and the others were instantly overjoyed.
"Good! Well killed! That dog murdered our Sect Leader Yang—he deserved this end. Heaven truly has eyes!"
"Even if our Ming Cult is destroyed today, we can at least face our Sect Leader in the afterlife!"
"Hahaha!!!"
Zhou Dian of the Five Scatterers laughed loudly, and the others, infected by his emotion, laughed along.
"Brother Zhou speaks true. To go to the Yellow Springs together with you all today is Yang Xiao's fortune."
Yang Xiao smiled warmly, casting aside the airs of an acting sect leader and speaking from the heart.
In just a few words, years of grudges within the Ming Cult seemed to dissipate in this moment.
"Are you finished?" Chu Yang asked coldly, cutting straight to the point. "Where are Li Mochou and Xiao Longnü?"
The expressions of several people changed.
Yang Xiao let out a long sigh. "I never expected my daughter's moment of compassion in saving those two would bring such calamity upon our sect. Yang Xiao is ashamed before the Ming Cult—ashamed before my brothers."
"You saved our lives, benefactor. If you only seek the Nine Yin Manual, I can retrieve it for you. But if you've come for those two, forgive me—I cannot comply."
Even at death's door, Yang Xiao remained composed, neither servile nor defiant.
In truth, Yang Xiao's stance stemmed from the fact that Li Mochou had first saved Yang Buhui during the conflict between the Ming Cult and the Six Great Sects. Only then had Yang Buhui repaid the favor by using the Ming Cult's influence to rescue the two girls.
Yang Xiao's response eased Chu Yang's heart—at least it proved Li Mochou and Xiao Longnü were not in danger here.
"Chu Yang is here to thank the Ming Cult, on behalf of my two friends."
Chu Yang clasped his hands toward Yang Xiao, then stepped forward and placed a hand on his shoulder.
Yang Xiao, slumped on the floor, instinctively tried to resist—but felt a warm current surge through his limbs. His internal injuries recovered at an astonishing speed.
After just a few breaths, Yang Xiao stood up. His qi and blood circulated smoothly, without the slightest obstruction. His entire body felt light and at ease.
Yang Xiao looked at Chu Yang in astonishment.
Chu Yang smiled. "Left Envoy Yang, may I see them?"
If Chu Yang were an enemy, there would be no need to heal him. Realizing this, Yang Xiao immediately replied, "Please wait a moment, Young Hero Chu. I'll have my daughter bring them out."
During this time, Chu Yang also healed the Five Scatterers and Wei Yixiao one by one.
Clatter—
The sound of chains dragging across the floor echoed.
Yang Xiao reappeared in the hall, followed by a group of young girls.
Among them were his daughter Yang Buhui, and an ugly girl with shackles on her hands and feet.
Behind them stood Li Mochou, tightly clutching Xiao Longnü.
Li Mochou's delicate face—willow brows and star-like eyes, once fair as frost—was now marred by several hideous scars that made her difficult to look upon.
Li Mochou had been disfigured.
Chu Yang sighed inwardly.
This girl, though reckless and having clashed with him before, had always acted to protect those beside her.
Protecting the elderly Granny Sun. Protecting the young Xiao Longnü.
As the Ancient Tomb Sect's eldest direct disciple, Li Mochou—still younger than Huang Rong—bore a burden far beyond what someone her age should carry.
Chu Yang didn't dislike her. In fact, he admired her courage.
Those scars were proof of her desperate effort to protect Xiao Longnü.
"Master Chu…"
Li Mochou remembered Granny Sun's dying words—urging her to find the man before her at all costs. That was why she had dragged Xiao Longnü here in a desperate flight.
She had only heard Mu Nianci mention that they were headed to Mongolia.
The moment she truly saw Chu Yang, the mental defenses she had painstakingly built collapsed.
Not yet fifteen, she stood there helplessly, clutching an even younger girl, and burst into sobs.
"Master Chu, this is all my fault! I accidentally leaked the news that the Nine Yin Manual was hidden in the tomb. I'm the one who got Granny Sun killed!"
"Granny Sun and you both warned me not to say anything…"
As if trying to pour out all the grief bottled in her heart, Li Mochou cried with all her strength, nearly gasping for breath.
Xiao Longnü wiped Li Mochou's tears with her small hands, babbling softly in a childish voice.
Hearing something off about her voice, Chu Yang stepped forward to examine her—and discovered her throat had been poisoned.
As his eyes slowly turned crimson, Chu Yang asked in a low voice, "Who did this?"
Li Mochou answered with just two words: "Many people."
Chu Yang took a deep breath, suppressing the fury in his heart. His expression softened as he said gently, "Don't worry. This little injury—I can cure it."
Li Mochou froze for a moment, then burst into tears again, sobbing uncontrollably.
Perhaps irritated by the crying—or worried about the battle outside—Wei Yixiao spoke up loudly, his face troubled. "Young Hero Chu, please stay here and reunite with your friends. I, this old bat, will head out and check on our brothers outside. If by fortune I survive, I'll repay today's great kindness."
Only then did the others react. Echoing similar sentiments, they followed Wei Yixiao out at a brisk pace.
Yang Xiao cast a reluctant glance at his daughter Yang Buhui, then turned and bowed deeply to Chu Yang. "I ask one more favor of Young Hero Chu—please take my daughter Buhui away from Bright Peak."
Yang Buhui immediately panicked, crying out, "Father, what are you saying?!"
"'Young Hero' sounds awkward to me. I'm just a schoolteacher," Chu Yang shook his head. "Left Envoy Yang, forgive me—I cannot agree. I still have unresolved accounts with the Six Great Sects."
"Li Mochou—come with me. Debts of hatred will be repaid."
Chu Yang took Xiao Longnü from Li Mochou's arms, then grasped Li Mochou's hand and walked toward the exit.
"Brothers of the Ming Cult, please put your grudges on hold. Let Chu Yang settle accounts with the Six Great Sects first."
"The Six Great Sects have strength in numbers. Young Hero Chu alone may suffer losses. Let our Ming Cult take the lead!"
"No need."
Wei Yixiao and the others tried to persuade him further, but Chu Yang moved like a ghost—vanishing in the blink of an eye.
Zhou Dian wiped his eyes in shock. "That lightness skill is even better than the Bat King's!"
The Cloth Sack Monk Budai chuckled, rubbing his shiny bald head. "This Young Hero Chu is truly unfathomable. Leaving everything else aside—at his age, even training from the womb couldn't make someone this strong…"
Leng Qian nodded silently, full of admiration.
"We should hurry out and back Master Chu up—so those hypocritical 'righteous' types don't seize the chance to strike!"
Yang Xiao caught up from behind and urged the group on.
"Master Chu?"
"He said he's a schoolteacher."
"What kind of schoolteacher is this powerful—and this… sinister?"
"Ha! If the teachers I had as a child were anything like Mister Chu, they'd probably have all become top scholars by now!"
"Give it a rest, Zhou Dian—don't make things hard for Mister Chu. If you were the student, he'd have changed professions long ago!"
The group burst into laughter, with only Zhou Dian wearing a thoroughly sour expression.
Yang Xiao was the first to step out of the Ming Cult's main hall. The moment he saw the scene outside, he froze in place.
The Five Scatterers and Wei Yixiao followed one after another—and each of them stopped short in shock as well.
Bright Peak was carpeted with people. At a glance, it looked no different from a field strewn with corpses.
But when Yang Xiao walked closer, he discovered that most of them had steady breathing—they were merely unconscious.
Wei Yixiao and the Five Scatterers exchanged looks. They had seen all manner of storms in their lives, yet this scene was a first.
"Whether it's our Ming Cult brethren or the Six Great Sects' disciples, none of them look poisoned… This is downright uncanny…"
Zhou Dian racked his brains, scratching his head nearly raw.
"It must be Mister Chu's handiwork," Yang Xiao said with heartfelt admiration. "No wonder he dared say he'd settle accounts with the Six Great Sects."
He didn't know how Chu Yang had done it—but awe had already taken root in his heart.
At the same time, Chu Yang stood with Li Mochou before Abbess Miejue and the others.
Abbot Kongwen, Abbess Miejue, and the Wudang Seven Heroes merely showed surprise.
But the four elders of Kongtong, Kunlun Sect's heads He Taichong and Ban Shuxian, and Huashan Sect's Xianyu Tong all wore looks of panic.
"Which of them were involved?"
Li Mochou's face twisted with venom as she pointed, one by one, at the Kongtong four elders, He Taichong and Ban Shuxian, and Xianyu Tong.
Chu Yang was a little surprised that the usually irascible Abbess Miejue had not joined them in persecuting Li Mochou and Xiao Longnü.
On second thought, it made sense. Emei's internal cultivation traced back to the Nine Yang Manual—no worse than the Nine Yin Manual—and with the Heaven Reliant Sword in hand, someone as proud as Abbess Miejue naturally disdained petty villainy.
At the end of the day, it was simply the confidence of a well-endowed lineage.
Tang Wenliang had died by Chu Yang's hand, and the Kongtong four elders already bore a blood feud with him. Seeing now how close he was to Li Mochou, they could no longer sit still.
The four exchanged a glance. Years of tacit understanding made words unnecessary.
"Move!"
Guan Neng, the strongest among them, struck first, shouting as he did.
"Everyone—this demon's martial arts are terrifying. Once he's done with us, you'll be next! Are you really going to sit here and wait for death?"
The second elder, Zong Weixia, followed close behind, fanning the flames as he charged.
Knowing they were all tied together, He Taichong and Ban Shuxian, along with Xianyu Tong, did not hesitate and joined the attack.
Abbot Kongwen and Abbess Miejue held their ground. Both were seasoned schemers, intent on testing Chu Yang's depth.
Led by Song Yuanqiao, the Wudang Seven Heroes sneered inwardly at the Kongtong elders' conduct, but bound by their alliance oath, they had no choice but to lend aid.
All told, more than ten top-tier martial artists surrounded Chu Yang alone.
Seeing this, Yang Xiao and the others couldn't help cursing the so-called righteous factions for their shamelessness.
Just as they were about to rush in to help, Chu Yang suddenly unleashed several palm strikes. At once, deafening dragon roars echoed across Bright Peak.
The terrifying palm force transformed into several golden dragons soaring through the air, crashing toward the three sect leaders with irresistible momentum.
The Kongtong four elders tried to meet it head-on with the Seven Injuries Fist. The result—every bone and tendon in their bodies shattered. All four died on the spot.
He Taichong, Ban Shuxian, and Xianyu Tong drew their swords to cut down the dragons. Their blades shattered instantly, and the overwhelming palm force snapped their heart meridians.
In a single exchange, the heads of three sects perished together.
The Kongtong four elders, who moments ago had been shouting about killing Chu Yang, now lay as cold corpses.
Beside them were He Taichong and Ban Shuxian, and Huashan Sect's Xianyu Tong.
Abbess Miejue, who had been hesitating just a moment earlier, now looked ghastly pale. Had she known this scholar was so formidable, she should have struck alongside He Taichong and the others.
Now, with seven dead in an instant and their strength halved, they were at an absolute disadvantage.
The eminent Abbot Kongwen murmured Buddhist invocations without pause, crushing the prayer beads in his palm to dust. A sheen of cold sweat covered his bare scalp.
The surviving Wudang Seven Heroes formed the True Martial Seven-Intercept Formation—but still did not dare move rashly.
"Anyone else?"
Chu Yang lowered his head and asked Li Mochou.
"These monks didn't trouble us…"
Li Mochou replied.
"In that case, aside from those who attacked just now, I won't pursue the rest."
Chu Yang shifted his gaze to Song Yuanqiao and the others.
They all shuddered, eyes blazing, bracing themselves for a desperate fight.
"Amitabha. He Taichong and the others were blinded by greed and brought disaster upon themselves. No one else is to blame. Benefactor, why must you vent your anger on Hero Song and the rest?"
Seeing that Chu Yang was not wholly unreasonable, Abbot Kongwen fell into the habitual monk's urge to preach benevolence.
"Monk—when they intervened, why didn't you say that then?"
A flash of cold light passed through Chu Yang's eyes as he said icily, "Say one more word, and you won't escape either."
Abbot Kongwen sighed deeply.
"How dare you! Abbot Kongwen is a venerable Shaolin master—how can you insult him so!"
The Heaven Reliant Sword leapt from its scabbard. A chill spread across Bright Peak as Abbess Miejue fixed Chu Yang with a frosty stare.
How could someone as proud as she tolerate Chu Yang's rampant arrogance?
With the Heaven Reliant Sword in hand, she had cut down gods and Buddhas alike in her life—when had she ever bowed her head to anyone?
"Old nun, considering you didn't mistreat them, I've already given you more face than you deserve…"
Chu Yang's expression grew colder still—his patience was running thin.
"Brat, you kill a few useless Kongtong elders and think yourself invincible under heaven?"
"Wudang's heroes, Abbot Kongwen—if this man isn't eliminated today, he'll be a mortal threat tomorrow!"
Killing intent surged in Abbess Miejue's heart as she incited Song Yuanqiao and the others to act.
"Damn old nun! Using numbers to bully one man—what kind of disgrace is that? You've lived all these years for nothing!"
"If you want to besiege Mister Chu, you'll have to see if our Ming Cult agrees!"
"You invaded Bright Peak today—don't think you're leaving alive!"
Yang Xiao and Wei Yixiao flashed to Chu Yang's side, sneering at Abbess Miejue.
The Five Scatterers arrived soon after, everyone united in fierce resolve.
"So this scholar truly colludes with the Demonic Sect! Everyone—today, even if we die here, we'll drag them down with us!"
Abbess Miejue roared in fury.
Abbot Kongwen wore a look of solemn compassion, as though ready to sacrifice himself, while Song Yuanqiao and the others looked prepared to die a righteous death.
Chu Yang shot Wei Yixiao a look of mild disgust—he was shouting the loudest, making it seem as though Chu Yang were truly one of the Ming Cult.
Catching that glance, Wei Yixiao immediately chuckled awkwardly. "I was only worried for Mister Chu's safety—please don't take offense."
"Attack!"
Abbess Miejue circulated Emei's Nine Yang cultivation. Massive inner force poured into the Heaven Reliant Sword, and its blade erupted with astonishing sword qi.
She slashed forward. The fierce sword light turned to silver radiance, crashing toward Chu Yang like a thunderbolt.
The might of the Heaven Reliant Sword was renowned throughout the martial world—no one had ever dared take it head-on!
Even Yang Xiao and Wei Yixiao instinctively avoided its edge.
Only Chu Yang advanced instead of retreating. He struck with a single palm, thunder exploding as ripples shattered the air itself, crushing the sword light outright.
"What terrifying palm force!"
The invincible Heaven Reliant Sword finally met resistance. Feeling the dreadful aura radiating from Chu Yang, fear crept into Abbess Miejue's heart.
"Those so-called cultured disciples of noble sects all love their swords," Wei Yixiao muttered to Yang Xiao. "Yet this Mister Chu—clearly a scholar—wields such monstrous external strength. Interesting…"
The Five Scatterers nodded behind him, sharing knowing smiles.
With no path of retreat left, Song Yuanqiao and the others immediately formed the True Martial Seven-Intercept Formation after Abbess Miejue struck, encircling Chu Yang with perfect coordination.
Chu Yang smiled faintly as the Rinnegan surfaced silently in his eyes.
The Seven Injuries Fist of Kongtong, Kunlun's sword arts, Huashan's swordplay—none of them were worth his notice.
What truly interested him was the Nine Yang cultivation split between Zhang Sanfeng and Guo Xiang back in the day.
Wudang's Nine Yang and Emei's Nine Yang together might not complete the full Nine Yang Manual—but they would make up most of it.
If he then used the Nine Yin Manual's general outline to extrapolate, perhaps he could fill in the missing parts.
And if that still wasn't enough—well, once Zhang Wuji showed himself, he could always be dragged out and beaten.
"The Wudang Sect's True Martial Seven-Intercept Formation truly lives up to its name—Mister Chu is actually being restrained by it…"
Zhou Dian watched Chu Yang weaving within the formation without blinking, full of admiration.
"Zhang Sanfeng truly has the bearing of a transcendent," Yang Xiao said sincerely. "To create such a peerless formation…"
"Enough praise—those two old fogies are about to gang up on Mister Chu! Are we helping or not?"
Wei Yixiao bounced anxiously in place.
"Old Bat, are you really that slow?" Zhou Dian snapped. "Didn't you see Mister Chu's attitude just now?"
"You think he needs your help? Stand aside and watch—don't provoke him."
The "Cloth Sack Monk" Budai and the "Peng Monk" Peng Yingyu spoke up at the same time, mocking Wei Yixiao.
After Chu Yang was trapped within the True Martial Seven-Intercept Formation, Abbot Kongwen and Abbess Miejue both entered the fray, lending support to Song Yuanqiao and the others.
Chu Yang was busier than ever—and enjoying himself.
Shaolin, under Abbot Kongwen, had inherited eleven of the orthodox Shaolin Temple's Seventy-Two Supreme Arts, which were worth Chu Yang's careful observation.
Across the Northern Song, Southern Song, and Ming dynasties, all had Shaolin Temples. Among them, the Northern Song Shaolin was regarded as orthodox, while Ming's Shaolin functioned more like a branch.
Outwardly united, they competed fiercely in secret.
Everyone wanted to be the "true orthodoxy under heaven."
As they besieged Chu Yang, Yin Liting of the Wudang Six Heroes kept his eyes fixed on Yang Xiao.
His fiancée, Ji Xiaofu, had been abducted by this very "demon" years ago and had since vanished without a trace.
Memories surged up. Yin Liting slipped back into madness, broke away from the True Martial Seven-Intercept Formation, and charged Yang Xiao with his sword.
"Demon! Give me your wretched life!"
"Sixth Brother, don't be reckless—return to the formation at once!"
"Liting! Calm down!"
The other five were caught completely off guard by Yin Liting's sudden departure, shocked and furious.
The True Martial Seven-Intercept Formation was already weakened by the absence of Zhang Cuishan. Losing Yin Liting reduced its power by another third.
Song Yuanqiao was frantic, calling out repeatedly for Yin Liting to return, but Yin Liting wouldn't listen, fighting Yang Xiao to a standstill.
Yin Liting's swordsmanship was solid, but without the formation's amplification he was no match for Yang Xiao, who used the first level of the Great Shift of Yin and Yang to restrain him in place.
He neither killed him nor let him go.
It wasn't humiliation—Yang Xiao simply feared that acting rashly would offend Chu Yang and disrupt the overall situation.
"Dog thief! Today I'll avenge Xiaofu no matter what!"
Yin Liting fought like a madman, slashing wildly with no form or discipline.
"Wudang's Yin Liting…"
Understanding dawned in Yang Xiao's eyes.
He finally remembered who this man was, and a trace of guilt rose in his heart.
For Ji Xiaofu—and for Yin Liting.
Yang Xiao lived freely and recklessly, but on this matter alone, he felt he had ruined both their lives.
Had Ji Xiaofu never met him, she would likely have married Yin Liting long ago and lived a peaceful life. How could she have died so young?
The moment his thoughts wandered, Yang Xiao slowed—and the red-eyed Yin Liting seized the opening, driving his sword straight into Yang Xiao's vital chest point.
Grimacing in pain, Yang Xiao grabbed the blade bare-handed, snapped it with force, then kicked Yin Liting flying.
"Father!"
Yang Buhui rushed to Yang Xiao's side, anxiously checking his wounds.
Yin Liting, lying on the ground, looked up—and froze.
He saw a face strikingly similar to Ji Xiaofu's.
In that instant, he was stunned into stillness.
In just that brief span, Chu Yang had already memorized the circulation paths of Wudang Nine Yang and Emei Nine Yang.
He had also picked up a finger technique and a grappling art from Abbot Kongwen.
Worried about Yin Liting, Song Yuanqiao and the others grew increasingly disordered in maintaining the formation. Seeing this, Chu Yang lost interest in continuing the show and broke the formation outright.
With Armament Haki coating both hands, Chu Yang seized the swords of Song Yuanqiao and Yu Lianzhou, snapped them, and hurled the broken blades at Zhang Songxi and Mo Shenggu behind them.
Whoosh—whoosh.
The fragments pierced straight through their right shoulders.
With bones and tendons damaged, Zhang Songxi and Mo Shenggu couldn't hold their swords. They groaned and staggered back.
Yu Daiyan had circled behind Chu Yang and thrust toward his back—but before the blade could sink in, it was blocked by an invisible force.
Almighty Push.
A terrifying repulsive wave exploded outward, sending Song Yuanqiao, Yu Lianzhou, and Yu Daiyan flying, blood spraying from their mouths as their meridians were injured.
After breaking the formation, Chu Yang strode toward Abbess Miejue and Abbot Kongwen.
With each step, the ground trembled slightly.
Dragon stride, tiger pace—bearing down like Mount Tai itself.
Miejue's eyelids twitched. She gritted her teeth and swung the Heaven Reliant Sword, but every arc of sword qi was smashed apart by Chu Yang's bare fists.
Brutal beyond reason.
In decades roaming the martial world, she had never encountered such a freak.
Miejue felt the urge to retreat—but so many Emei disciples lay unconscious on the ground.
"Amitabha… today this old monk was destined for this calamity."
Recalling how he had let Chu Yang walk away time and again, Kongwen nearly regretted his choices to the bone.
In the blink of an eye, Chu Yang closed to within a few steps. Miejue gathered her remaining inner strength and struck with everything she had.
The Heaven Reliant Sword was caught mid-thrust—pinched in Chu Yang's hand.
True qi convulsed violently.
Crack.
Cracks appeared along the Heaven Reliant Sword.
"No!"
If the sect's divine weapon were destroyed, Miejue would become Emei's eternal sinner. She went mad trying to wrench it free.
But the sword, held in Chu Yang's grip, did not budge. The cracks spread like a spiderweb.
Kongwen attacked, striking Chu Yang with a Weituo Palm, trying to help Miejue reclaim the sword.
Chu Yang countered with the Maha Finger he had just learned from Kongwen, severing the meridians of Kongwen's right arm and crippling it.
"Maha Finger?! How do you know my Shaolin's supreme art?!"
Kongwen clutched his ruined arm, pale with shock as he staggered back.
Seeing this, Miejue panicked—and Chu Yang seized the moment, crushing the Heaven Reliant Sword and striking Miejue's right shoulder with a palm.
The terrifying force shattered every bone in her arm.
Like Kongwen, Miejue was crippled—her arm ruined.
Had it not been for the fact that neither of them had harmed Li Mochou or Xiao Longnü, Chu Yang would have killed them outright. There would have been no need for such trouble.
"You two are finally quiet. I won't make things difficult for you—once your disciples wake, take them and leave."
Kongwen lowered his head, as if relieved. No matter what, his disciples now had a chance to live.
Miejue stared blankly at the fragments of the Heaven Reliant Sword. The sword was broken—and so was her Dao heart.
Chu Yang turned to leave, Li Mochou carrying Xiao Longnü as she followed behind him.
"Oh, right—please pass a message to Zhang Zhenren of Wudang. Tell him to come to Bright Peak in person and take away these unworthy descendants of his."
Miejue shuddered in shock.
This man wasn't satisfied with defeating them—he actually intended to challenge Zhang Sanfeng?!
"You brat—don't think that beating us makes you invincible. Zhang Zhenren is no ordinary man. Compared to us common warriors, he's on a completely different level. If you dare set your sights on him, your end won't be pretty."
Chu Yang sneered. "Old nun, you'd better think carefully—if Emei didn't have you protecting it, what do you think would happen to all those delicate, beautiful young girls in your sect?"
Abbess Miejue immediately shut her mouth and said nothing more.
That evening, Abbess Miejue and Abbot Kongwen left Bright Peak in disgrace, taking a large group of disciples with them. As for the disciples of the other sects that had lost their leaders, they also received warnings from the two and hastily withdrew.
Only the disciples of Wudang Mountain remained, encamped at the foot of the mountain, unwilling to leave as they quietly awaited their patriarch, Zhang Sanfeng, to come and reclaim their honor.
The Wudang Six Heroes were not thrown into prison. Instead, several clean, orderly rooms were arranged for them to stay in temporarily.
From the very beginning, Chu Yang had never intended to make things difficult for them. Everything was merely a pretext to lure Zhang Sanfeng out of seclusion.
Otherwise, given Zhang Sanfeng's temperament, even if Chu Yang went to Wudang Mountain to cause trouble, Zhang Sanfeng might not come out to meet him.
Unless Chu Yang were to start slaughtering people at Wudang Mountain.
But that would cross Chu Yang's personal bottom line.
So the current situation was the best possible outcome.
Huang Rong arrived at Bright Peak the next morning to reunite with Chu Yang. When she saw Li Mochou and Xiao Longnü, she burst into tears, sobbing uncontrollably.
Especially when she learned that the adorable little Xiao Longnü had been poisoned and lost her voice, Huang Rong's heart ached beyond measure.
Fortunately, Chu Yang was capable of treating injuries like theirs.
Over the next half month or so, Yang Xiao and the other high-ranking members of the Ming Cult waited on Chu Yang tirelessly, treating him with a level of deference that already went beyond repaying a benefactor.
Chu Yang knew exactly what they were after and made it clear that he would not assume the position of Ming Cult Leader.
The Ming Cult harbored grand ambitions, with intentions of contesting the Central Plains. Rather than associating with them, Chu Yang preferred returning to his small-town private school, scheming and struggling with a bunch of troublesome children.
But Yang Xiao and the others clearly had no intention of giving up, continuing to cling tightly to Chu Yang's side.
Until… Zhang Sanfeng arrived!
As rumors of the Six Great Sects' crushing defeat at Bright Peak spread ever more wildly, the entire Ming martial world fell into turmoil.
The Kongtong Sect and Kunlun Sect, having lost their leaders and failed to designate successors, descended into prolonged internal factional struggles.
The Huashan Sect fared somewhat better. After Xianyu Tong's death, the Qi Sect representative Yue Buqun, as the most senior administrator, naturally took over as sect leader.
With the righteous factions suffering a severe blow, the Sun Moon Holy Cult—also labeled a demonic sect alongside the Ming Cult—began to stir.
Long-standing doctrinal conflicts between the two demonic sects had kept them in constant strife. With Yang Dingtian gone, the Ming Cult was at a clear disadvantage; had it not been for its remote location, it might not have survived this long.
The rivalry between the two cults had once been a major reason the Ming martial world's righteous factions remained dominant.
But the Six Great Sects' campaign against Bright Peak made the Sun Moon Holy Cult grow wary.
Since when had the Ming Cult become so powerful?
Faced with a Ming Cult riding the crest of the wave, should they avoid its edge?
If the Six Great Sects could besiege Bright Peak today, they could assault Blackwood Cliff tomorrow!
With these thoughts, the Sun Moon Holy Cult began reducing its friction with the Ming Cult while gradually shifting its focus toward righteous factions that posed a threat to itself.
The first to bear the brunt were the neighboring Five Great Sword Sects.
The Sun Moon Holy Cult Leader Ren Woxing and Vice Leader Dongfang Bubai very rarely appeared together, but this time they joined forces, pointing their blades directly at the Five Great Sword Sects. The immense pressure forced the Five Great Sword Sects to form an alliance.
Even so, the Sun Moon Holy Cult swept through the allied forces of the Five Great Sword Sects with unstoppable momentum.
The Qingcheng Sect, Golden Blade Sect, and other martial forces were not spared either.
More and more righteous sects fell, plunging the populace into misery and indirectly affecting the imperial court, prompting Mongol forces to invade the Ming border.
At this critical moment, Zhang Zhenren of Wudang emerged from seclusion and went alone to Blackwood Cliff.
In just a single day, the Sun Moon Holy Cult rapidly consolidated its forces, fortified Blackwood Cliff, and shut its gates.
Rumors spread that Zhang Zhenren had comprehended a peerless martial art during his seclusion, fighting one against two and severely injuring both Ren Woxing and Dongfang Bubai.
The Five Great Sword Sects erupted in celebration.
Whether righteous martial artists or common folk, all revered Zhang Sanfeng as a living deity.
Amidst the resounding cries of "Old Immortal," Zhang Sanfeng did not pause his steps. The safety of the realm was important—but so were the lives of his disciples!
…
Bright Peak.
The Wudang Six Heroes were well taken care of by the Ming Cult and suffered no inhumane treatment. They stayed in ordinary guest rooms. After all, these men still possessed a sense of chivalry and deserved respect.
Only the sixth brother, Yin Liting, was less appreciative. Although he already knew Yang Buhui's parentage and that Ji Xiaofu had died at Abbess Miejue's hands, he still felt uncomfortable whenever he saw Yang Xiao.
Yang Buhui found some interest in this former fiancé of her mother's, but at present, Chu Yang mattered far more to her than Yin Liting.
On one hand, Yang Xiao and the others' intentions were far too obvious, gradually testing Chu Yang's patience, forcing him to use the young girl as a messenger.
On the other hand, Yang Buhui had been dazzled by Chu Yang's feat of standing alone against the Six Great Sects. Deep down, ripples had begun to form.
Having learned from past experience, Huang Rong keenly sensed Yang Buhui's budding feelings. This time, she resolved to prevent trouble before it started, keeping a strict watch and not allowing Yang Buhui to cross even half a step over the line.
During the period when the two young girls were quietly sparring with each other, Chu Yang visited Song Yuanqiao and the others daily to play chess. His room was right next to that of the Wudang Six Heroes.
Calling them neighbors would be polite; calling it surveillance would be more accurate.
Before Zhang Sanfeng arrived, Chu Yang would not allow these men to leave Bright Peak.
Through this period of interaction, Song Yuanqiao realized that Chu Yang was not as violent as he had imagined, but rather quite easygoing—like a young man next door.
This inevitably stirred Song Yuanqiao's curiosity.
Such overwhelming martial prowess was something he had never seen in his life. Barring surprises, Chu Yang stood on the same level as his master, Zhang Zhenren. Yet his master was already over a hundred years old, while the scholar before him did not look even thirty.
"Sir Chu kept us here not out of anger over our support of Sect Leader He and the others back then, but for the sake of my master, correct?"Song Yuanqiao placed a black piece on the board and asked softly.
Chu Yang placed a white piece and nodded.
Song Yuanqiao straightened his posture and asked sincerely, "May Sir Chu resolve a doubt for me?"
Chu Yang smiled. "Zhang Zhenren has been in seclusion for many years. He would not rashly emerge just because of a single sentence from me. Nor do I wish to make an enemy of the Wudang Sect. Without using this method, it would be difficult to meet him—let alone exchange techniques."
Song Yuanqiao found this hard to understand and looked at Chu Yang in disbelief. "From my observation, sir, you do not seem like a martial fanatic. Why go to such lengths to spar with my master? With your abilities, there is no need to seek fame in this way."
Chu Yang suddenly recalled his battle with the young Tantric monk in Mongolia. His gaze drifted slightly as he replied softly, "To seek the Dao."
Song Yuanqiao's body trembled.
Seek the Dao…
He recalled a sigh his master had uttered before entering seclusion.
"The strength of a martial artist lies in flesh and blood, yet human effort has its limits. The path of martial arts ultimately has an end. Now that I am old and my body declines, I have gained another insight and intend to open a new path. If successful, it will be a new martial way—climbing to the peak from the very beginning."
Song Yuanqiao let out a long sigh. "Perhaps… for my master, this too is a good thing."
Then he cupped his fists and asked, "May I ask, sir—when you and my master verify martial arts, will it be to the point and no further?"
Knowing his concern, Chu Yang shook his head helplessly. "Fists and feet have no eyes."
Song Yuanqiao's expression dimmed, and he fell silent.
Knock, knock, knock—
A knock sounded at the door. Chu Yang answered, and Li Mochou entered. The scars on her face had faded considerably, though full recovery would still take some time.
Song Yuanqiao and the others were no longer surprised. Anything connected to Sir Chu seemed normal, no matter how miraculous.
"Sir Chu, there's a kind-faced old Daoist outside. Left Envoy Yang and the others are entertaining him. They asked me to invite you."
Li Mochou glanced at the visibly delighted Song Yuanqiao.
"Master has arrived!"
Song Yuanqiao sprang to his feet.
"I've long admired Zhang Zhenren. Finally, I can meet him in person. Hero Song, you may take your brothers and leave now."
Chu Yang stepped out of the room, his face full of anticipation.
Song Yuanqiao followed closely behind, still finding it hard to believe. Chu Yang truly let them go just like that—over half a month without making things difficult for them at all.
Yu Lianzhou, Yu Daiyan, and the others also heard the news. One by one, they stepped out of their rooms and, upon seeing Chu Yang and Song Yuanqiao, followed them toward the Ming Cult's main hall.
Inside the hall.
A group of Wudang disciples who had waited at the foot of the mountain for over half a month were glaring fiercely at Yang Xiao and the other Ming Cult members.
Standing before them was a tall elderly man with silver hair and beard, dressed in a green Daoist robe.
The moment Chu Yang stepped into the hall, their gazes met.
(End of Chapter)