NOVEL WEB Chapter 182: 182
That evening, Extinction and Kongwen left Guangming Peak dejectedly with a large group of disciples. As for the disciples from other sects who had lost their leaders, they also received warnings from the two and quickly retreated.
Only the disciples from Wudang Mountain remained stationed at the foot of the mountain, unwilling to leave, silently waiting for their patriarch, Zhang Sanfeng, to come and settle the score for them.
The Wudang Six Heroes were not imprisoned; instead, they were given several clean and tidy rooms for temporary lodging.
From the very beginning, Chu Yang had no intention of making things difficult for them; everything was just an excuse to draw Zhang Sanfeng out of seclusion.
Otherwise, given Zhang Sanfeng's nature, even if Chu Yang caused trouble at Wudang Mountain, he might not necessarily come out to meet Chu Yang.
Unless Chu Yang went on a killing spree at Wudang Mountain.
But that would touch upon Chu Yang's moral bottom line.
Therefore, the current situation was the best possible outcome.
Huang Rong arrived at Guangming Peak the next morning to meet Chu Yang, and upon seeing Li Mochou and Little Dragon Girl, she cried uncontrollably.
Especially Little Dragon Girl, the adorable baby who had her voice poisoned and rendered mute, made Huang Rong's heart ache to the extreme.
Fortunately, Chu Yang could treat their external injuries.
For the next half month, Yang Xiao and other Ming Cult high-ranking officials diligently served Chu Yang, their courtesy subtly exceeding the scope of gratitude towards a benefactor.
Chu Yang knew what they were planning and explicitly told this group that he would not succeed as the Ming Cult Leader.
The Ming Cult was ambitious, with aspirations to conquer the Central Plains; rather than associate with them, it was better to return to the small town's private school and contend with those Kuma children.
However, Yang Xiao and others clearly would not give up easily and remained stubbornly by Chu Yang's side.
Until… Zhang Sanfeng's arrival!
As rumors of the Six Major Sects' crushing defeat at Guangming Peak intensified, the entire Great Ming martial world fell into turmoil.
The Kongtong Sect and Kunlun Sect, having lost their leaders, plunged into prolonged factional struggles due to the lack of designated successors.
The Huashan Sect's situation was somewhat better; after Xian Yutong's death, Yue Buqun, the representative of the Qi Sect and the most senior management figure, naturally took over the position of leader.
After the righteous sects suffered a major blow, the Sun Moon Divine Cult, also known as a demonic cult alongside the Ming Cult, began to stir.
The doctrinal conflict between the two major demonic cults kept the Ming Cult and Sun Moon Divine Cult in a long-term state of contention. The Ming Cult, having lost its leader Yang Dingtian, was at an absolute disadvantage. If it weren't for its remote location, the Ming Cult might not have survived until now.
The conflict between the two cults was also a major reason for the strong presence of the righteous forces in the Great Ming martial world.
However, the Six Major Sects' siege of Guangming Peak made the Sun Moon Divine Cult wary.
When did the Ming Cult become so powerful?
Facing the Ming Cult, which was enjoying unprecedented prestige, should they avoid its sharp edge?
If the Six Major Sects could besiege Guangming Peak today, they could attack Blackwood Cliff tomorrow!
Thinking of this, the Sun Moon Divine Cult, while reducing friction with the Ming Cult, gradually shifted its focus and turned its attention to righteous individuals who posed a threat to them.
The first to bear the brunt were the Five Yue Sword Sects, which bordered the Sun Moon Divine Cult.
Ren Woxing, the leader of the Sun Moon Divine Cult, and Dongfang Bubai, the vice-leader, made a very rare joint appearance, directly targeting the Five Yue Sword Sects. The immense pressure forced the Five Yue Sword Sects to form an alliance.
Even so, the Sun Moon Divine Cult swept through the allied forces of the Five Yue Sword Sects with an unstoppable momentum.
Martial arts factions like the Qingcheng Sect and Golden Blade Gate also did not escape the disaster.
More and more righteous sects fell, leading to widespread suffering among the populace and indirectly affecting the imperial court, as Mongolia raised an army to invade the Great Ming border.
In this time of crisis, Zhang Zhenren of the Wudang Sect emerged from seclusion and went to Blackwood Cliff alone.
Just one day later, the Sun Moon Divine Cult quickly consolidated its forces, fortified Blackwood Cliff, and remained in seclusion.
According to rumors, Zhang Zhenren had comprehended a peerless martial art during this seclusion, and fighting one against two, he severely wounded Ren Woxing and Dongfang Bubai.
The Five Yue Sword Sects rejoiced.
Whether it was the righteous martial artists or common people, all revered Zhang Sanfeng as a deity.
Amidst the shouts of "Old Immortal," Zhang Sanfeng's steps did not falter. The safety of the world was indeed important, but the lives of his disciples were also very important!
…
Guangming Peak.
The Wudang Six Heroes were well-arranged by the Ming Cult, not subjected to inhumane treatment, and stayed in ordinary guest rooms. After all, these individuals still possessed a chivalrous heart and deserved respect.
It was just that the sixth brother, Yin Liting, was not very appreciative. Although he already knew Yang Buhui's background and that Ji Xiaofu died by Extinction's hand, he still felt uncomfortable whenever he saw Yang Xiao.
Yang Buhui was somewhat interested in this former fiancé of her mother, but currently, Chu Yang was more important than Yin Liting.
On one hand, Yang Xiao and their intentions were too obvious, which had gradually made Chu Yang impatient, so he had to let the young girl act as a messenger.
On the other hand, Yang Buhui was amazed by Chu Yang's solitary strength against the Six Major Sects, and her heart was more or less stirred.
Having learned from past experiences, Huang Rong keenly sensed Yang Buhui's little crush. This time, she would take precautions, guarding her strictly and not allowing Yang Buhui to cross the line.
During the period when the two young girls were engaging in their playful rivalry, Chu Yang played chess with Song Yuanqiao and others every day. His room was next to the Wudang Six Heroes' rooms.
To put it nicely, they were neighbors; to put it bluntly, it was surveillance.
Before Zhang Sanfeng arrived, Chu Yang would not let these individuals escape Guangming Peak.
Through a period of interaction, Song Yuanqiao discovered that Chu Yang's personality was not as tyrannical as he had imagined; instead, he was quite amiable, like a young man next door.
This made Song Yuanqiao curious about Chu Yang.
His martial arts were the strongest he had ever seen, and without a doubt, he was a master of the same level as his master, Zhang Zhenren. However, his master was already over a hundred years old, while the scholar in front of him, judging by his appearance, was not yet thirty.
"Mr. Chu kept us here not because you were angry that we helped Leader He Taichong and them, but for my master, isn't that right?"
Song Yuanqiao held a black piece, and after placing it, he asked softly.
Chu Yang placed his white piece and nodded.
Song Yuanqiao sat up straight and asked sincerely, "Mr. Chu, could you enlighten me?"
Chu Yang smiled and said, "Zhang Zhenren has been in seclusion for many years; he wouldn't rashly emerge just for a word from me. I also don't want to make things difficult for the Wudang Sect because of this. If I didn't use this method, it would probably be very difficult to meet him, let alone spar."
Song Yuanqiao found it somewhat incomprehensible, looking at Chu Yang in disbelief, "I observe Mr.'s character; you don't seem like a martial arts fanatic. Why go to such great lengths to spar with my master? With Mr.'s ability, you probably don't need to do this to gain fame."
Chu Yang suddenly recalled the battle with the young Tibetan monk in Mongolia, and his thoughts drifted slightly. He said softly, "To seek the Dao."
Song Yuanqiao's body trembled.
To seek the Dao…
He remembered a sigh his master made before entering seclusion.
"A martial artist's strength lies in their flesh and blood, but human power has its limits. The path of martial arts ultimately has its boundaries. Now that I am old and frail, I have gained new insights and plan to forge a new path. If successful, it will be a new martial way, starting from scratch to reach the peak."
Song Yuanqiao sighed deeply, "Perhaps for my master, this is also a good thing…"
After speaking, Song Yuanqiao cupped his fists and asked, "May I ask, Mr., will your discussion of martial arts with my master be a friendly exchange?"
Chu Yang knew he was worried and shook his head helplessly, "Fists and feet have no eyes."
Song Yuanqiao's expression dimmed, and he said no more.
Thump thump thump~~~
A knock sounded outside the room. Chu Yang responded, and then Li Mochou walked in. The scars on her face were much lighter than before, though complete recovery would still take some time.
Song Yuanqiao and the others were no longer surprised; it seemed that anything related to Mr. Chu, no matter how miraculous, was considered normal.
"Mr. Chu, there's a kind-faced old Daoist outside. Left Emissary Yang and the others are handling him. They asked me to invite you."
Li Mochou glanced at Song Yuanqiao, whose face was filled with pleasant surprise.
"Master is here!"
Song Yuanqiao suddenly stood up.
"I have admired Zhang Zhenren for a long time; finally, I can meet him. Grandmaster Song, you can now leave with your senior and junior brothers."
Chu Yang walked out of the room with an expectant look.
Song Yuanqiao followed closely, still somewhat incredulous. He hadn't expected Chu Yang to truly let them go just like that, without making things difficult for them at all over the past half-month.
Yu Lianzhou and Yu Daiyan also heard the news. One by one, they walked out of their rooms, just in time to see Chu Yang and Song Yuanqiao, and followed directly behind the two towards the Ming Cult's main hall.
Inside the main hall.
A group of Wudang disciples, who had been waiting at the foot of the mountain for over half a month, were glaring angrily at Yang Xiao and the other Ming Cult members.
And directly in front of them stood a tall old man with silver hair and beard, wearing a green Daoist robe.
As Chu Yang stepped into the main hall, their gazes met.
108. Chapter 108: Speaking of a Zhenren in front of a Zhenren, a Small Temple Cannot Accommodate a Grand Buddha [Ten Thousand Characters for Readership]
108.
"Master!!!"
Mo Shenggu, the youngest of the Wudang Six Heroes, was the first to cry out.
The others showed expressions of excitement.
However, when they saw the relief in Zhang Sanfeng's eyes, a wave of guilt washed over them.
"Master, your disciple has shamed you!"
Song Yuanqiao lowered his head, like a child who had done something wrong.
"Hahaha, it's good that you're alive. Don't be like Cuishan, making me, a white-haired person, bury a black-haired one. That's the best thing. As for shaming me or not, it doesn't matter at all."
Zhang Sanfeng saw that their complexions were rosy and they didn't seem injured, and his expression immediately relaxed significantly. He cupped his fists and bowed to Chu Yang, saying, "Thank you, fellow Daoist, for showing mercy!"
Chu Yang cupped his hands and smiled, "I have admired Zhang Zhenren for a long time; today, I finally get to meet him."
Zhang Sanfeng shook his head and said, "How dare I call myself a Zhenren in front of a Zhenren…"
At these words, everyone was stunned.
Even Ren Woxing, the leader of the Demonic Cult, plus Dongfang Bubai, were subdued by the old man!
He actually called the scholar opposite him a "Zhenren"!
Doesn't that mean…