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

Yun Changkong followed Madam Ping into a narrow path that turned into a mountain hollow. By then, it was already dark, and the path was covered with dense grass and trees, so the moonlight could not penetrate, making it somewhat eerie to walk along.

Yun Changkong, skilled and daring, didn't take it seriously and walked for a while longer, passing by more than a dozen large willow trees.

Madam Ping said, "My house is just ahead!"

Yun Changkong heard the babbling of the stream and looked closely. He saw several tiled houses by the stream, and a light was flickering inside one of them.

As they approached, a strong voice came from inside the house: "Young Master Yun has come from afar. I apologize for not being able to greet you in person."

The voice was indeed that of the short, fat man I had seen during the day.

Lady Ping gestured respectfully and said, "Please!"

Yun Changkong clasped his hands in greeting and said, "Please!"

Before the two could get close, Tao Shixian called out, "Doctor Ping, I need to find my brother! Your wife is too domineering; she won't let me speak..."

Ping Yizhi snorted, "You're such a worry, I don't know how your parents raised you."

Peach Fairy said, "Then you'll have to ask my parents, they didn't tell us!"

Ping Yi pointed and said, "Then I'll trouble you, Madam, to hand this little rascal over to those five big rascals."

Madam Ping said, "Fine, I get annoyed just looking at that scoundrel."

Peach Fairy said, "Who wants to stay here? I don't want to see your ugly face either!"

Madam Ping said coldly, "If you dare to utter another sound, I will have your brother kill you."

Peach Immortal said, "Alright, don't talk anymore. Even if you fart again, it's still my fault!"

Madam Ping said to Yun Changkong, "Young Master Yun, you may go in by yourself." After saying that, she quickly left with the peach fruit.

Yun Changkong walked to the door with light inside and was about to knock when a voice from inside said, "Brother, come in!"

The door opened by itself. The room was small, with a candle as thick as an arm burning on the table, and a person sitting cross-legged in a rattan chair beside it.

It was that short, fat man.

Yun Changkong cupped his hands and said, "I was blind and did not know that Doctor Ping was in person. Please forgive my rudeness."

Ping Yizhi chuckled and said, "The moment I started fighting you, I knew who you were. Haha, this old man has learned a lesson in his old age; truly, heroes emerge from among the young!" He pointed to another rattan chair beside him and said, "Please sit down!"

With a flick of his sleeve, an invisible force slammed the door shut again, and he said, "You're so young, yet you possess such skill. Who is your master?"

It is worth noting that Ping Yizhi had practiced medicine for decades and was undoubtedly knowledgeable and experienced. His profound internal strength was even more astonishing to experts like Yue Buqun and his wife.

Just now, when he fought Yun Changkong, his movements were accompanied by the sound of a swift wind. Such martial arts skills must belong to either the leader of a sect or a senior master in the martial arts world. He never expected to be defeated by Yun Changkong in a single move. Ping Yizhi thought to himself and looked around the martial arts world. So young and possessing such divine skills, there was only one other person like Yun Changkong.

But the old man was proud and couldn't admit defeat, so he had to go home and let his wife take the body.

Anyone with a wife understands that there are many things that are difficult for them to do themselves, but are convenient for their wives to do.

Because women naturally have an advantage over men.

Yun Changkong laughed and said, "I don't have a master." He sat down and asked, "What brings you here, Doctor Ping?"

Seeing that he was unwilling to talk about his sect, Ping Yizhi stopped being polite and said, "To be honest, I was asked to treat someone's injuries, but I took his pulse today and this has stumped me."

I heard that you treated this person, and that you said there was no other way to treat him except with the Shaolin Yi Jin Jing and the Star Absorbing Skill. I was somewhat skeptical at first, but now I do, so I would like to ask you a few questions.”

Upon hearing this, Yun Changkong nodded and said, "Are you talking about Linghu Chong's injury?"

“Yes!” Ping Yizhi frowned. “Linghu Chong has eight different kinds of true qi in his body. He can’t expel them, dissolve them, subdue them, or suppress them. I was asked to treat someone’s illness, but the cause of the illness is related to true qi, and acupuncture and medicine can’t help him.”

In all my years of medical practice, I have never encountered such a symptom, and I am utterly helpless.

People call me the "murderous doctor," but after today, my reputation as a "famous doctor" built up over the decades is ruined. That's why I happened to hear my brother's flute music on my way home, and I couldn't hide my sadness, which is why I lost my composure. Please forgive me for this!" He then stood up and bowed to Yun Changkong.

Yun Changkong quickly stood up to return the greeting and said, "Brother, you're exaggerating. It's easy to kill but hard to save lives. It's nothing for a doctor to encounter difficult cases."

He knew that in the original story, Ping Yizhi exhausted himself trying to cure Linghu Chong's illness, his hair turned white overnight, and he died. His death, however, didn't cause a ripple in anyone's heart.

I feel sorry for this person!
"What a wonderful saying, 'It's easy to kill but hard to save!'" Ping Yizhi clapped his hands and said, "I heard you say this in Luoyang, and it really resonates with me!"
I have long heard that not only is your martial arts skill unmatched in the world, but your knowledge is also unparalleled. That is why I have taken the liberty of seeking your guidance.

If others were to witness this scene, they would be utterly astonished. Ping Yizhi has always been arrogant and disdainful of others; when has he ever uttered a word of seeking guidance?

Yun Changkong said, "Brother, you flatter me. My meager skills are hardly worthy of such praise. Rather, I would like to ask you for guidance!"

"Haha..." Ping Yizhi stroked his beard and laughed, "You can speak frankly about whatever you want, but do you know my rules?"

Yun Changkong smiled and said, "I understand killing one person to save one person, but I won't let you save people. I just want to learn about acupoints and meridians."

Ping Yizhi's medical skills are renowned throughout the world. Yun Changkong's words are like someone saying, "I want to learn some martial arts from you."

However, Ping Yizhi was not offended by these words. Instead, he focused his eyes intently on Yun Changkong's face, as if he were exploring something or deep in thought.

Yun Changkong was also somewhat nervous. He knew that renowned doctors' knowledge of meridians and acupoints far surpassed that of ordinary martial arts masters. This was the skill that would be most useful to him, but it was also the skill that Ping Yizhi relied on for survival, and it was definitely not easy to acquire.

After a long while, Ping Yizhi suddenly realized and said, "I understand, brother, you have great ambitions!"

Ping Yizhi let out a long sigh and said, "The study of meridians and acupoints is the gateway to internal strength and the linchpin of internal power. If one misdirects the acupoints and vibrates the meridians, the consequences will be either death or crippling."

Brother Yun, you're so young, yet you've already cultivated your internal energy to such a level; you must naturally be very knowledgeable. But your seeking my guidance on meridians and acupoints shows you intend to create a unique and unprecedented internal energy technique, simply to avoid unnecessary trouble!

Yun Changkong was very impressed that he had seen through his intentions in one sentence, and said, "It can't be said to be unique or unprecedented."

However, I am a martial artist. While helping those in distress is my duty, being in the martial world is a source of trouble, and it's not something I should linger in. Creating my own martial art is my ambition, and that would make my martial arts training worthwhile!

Ping Yizhi nodded and said, "That's right, that's right. The martial world is the source of all troubles. Few people have your insight. But do you know who asked me to save Linghu Chong's life?"

Yun Changkong smiled and said, "If I'm not mistaken, it should be the Holy Maiden!"

"Haha..." Ping Yizhi clapped his hands and laughed, "Brother, many in the martial arts world say you are a peerless martial artist, but your ability to predict events is even more admirable! This Holy Maiden has done me a favor; she asked me to save Linghu Chong's life. If anything goes wrong, it will be a lifelong regret for me, Ping Yizhi!"

Then his expression suddenly turned serious, and he said, "Do you know that she wants to take your life!"

Yun Changkong smiled and said, "I've heard about it too!"

Ping Yizhi looked surprised and said, "Since you know this, how dare you come here? You may be skilled and daring, but the Holy Maiden asked me to save someone and also ordered someone to kill you. You want me to learn about meridians and acupoints? Doesn't that seem too stupid? If I were you, I would kill this old man and make the Holy Maiden very disappointed!"

Yun Changkong smiled and said, "The martial world is inherently a place where the strong survive and the weak perish. It's inevitable that some young people with some power will act arrogantly and competitively. I dragged her into this quagmire of the martial world, so it's understandable that she harbors resentment. As long as her subordinates don't use any despicable means to harm me, I won't take it to heart."

As for Dr. Ping, he is Dr. Ping, and she is she; they are not the same thing. If she were the one asking me for advice, I would never, under any circumstances, use the word "seeking advice" with her!

Upon hearing this, Ping Yizhi couldn't help but think, "This man's magnanimity and breadth of mind are truly unmatched in the world; I, this old man, am far inferior." He couldn't help but sigh, "What a pity!"

Yun Changkong laughed and said, "What's a pity?"

Ping Yizhi shook his head and said, "I just heard you playing the flute, but you didn't bring out the essence of the music. Instead, it sounded like funeral music. It's one thing for this old man to cry, but if you continue playing like that, it will definitely affect your state of mind. At that time, your internal strength will be damaged and your heart and lungs will be blocked. This is not a good omen!"

Yun Changkong sighed deeply: "Senior's guidance is truly admirable!"

Ping Yizhi said, "As soon as I heard this song, I knew it was about entanglements of love and hate. In fact, it is best to stay away from women who are dull in speech, repulsive in appearance, eccentric in temperament, and irritable in nature. If one is truly unlucky and there is no way to escape them, then one can only try to tolerate them and pretend to be polite."

Listening to your music proves that your longing for women remains undiminished, and that's where your fault lies!

Besides, since she already has someone she loves, why should we, as men, dwell on someone who doesn't reciprocate our feelings? What's the point?

Yun Changkong played "The Smiling, Proud Wanderer," but because his skills and state of mind were insufficient to express the subtlety of the music, especially during the transitions, it sounded quite unpleasant. In addition, his wife looked like a shrew, so he did not argue with Ping Yizhi's words.

But the more he listened, the more something seemed off. He said, "Doctor Ping said I have someone I love. Who are you talking about?" Ping pointed to the distant sky and said, "Isn't it that person?"

Yun Changkong asked, "Which person?"

Ping pointed and said, "The person who wants to kill you!"

Yun Changkong burst into laughter.

Ping Yizhi was taken aback and asked, "What are you laughing at?"

Yun Changkong's laughter subsided, and he said, "I do miss women, but not the one you think I am."

Ping Yizhi was taken aback again and said, "If it's not that person, why are you like this? With your looks, demeanor, martial arts skills, and knowledge, what kind of woman wouldn't be worthy of you? Why are you grieving alone?"

Yun Changkong shook his head with a wry smile. He really had no way to deal with this. If she were in this world, he would dare to venture into even the most dangerous places, like dragon's dens, the imperial palace, or among thousands of troops. But she wasn't in this world, so what could he do?
Seeing that he was unwilling to elaborate, Ping Yizhi said, "But if it wasn't that person, I'm relieved. Otherwise, I was afraid you'd be jealous and do something rash if I asked you to help me!"
"Then, brother, could you please share with me again your insights from examining Linghu Chong's pulse?"

Yun Changkong laughed and said, "Brother, you underestimate me." He then recounted the process of taking Linghu Chong's pulse that day, and then said, "My insights and your views may not be the only way to cure Linghu Chong. Perhaps he is destined for good fortune, and we don't need to worry about it."

He knew that Linghu Chong and Ren Yingying's relationship was a matter of fate, and there was really no need to risk Ping Yizhi's life.

Ping Yizhi listened attentively while pondering. When he finished speaking, he shook his head repeatedly and said, "I am a famous doctor who kills people. If I can't cure people, it would be fine if my reputation is ruined. But to have it ruined by those bastards, Monk Bujie and the Six Immortals of Peach Valley, makes me furious just thinking about it!"

Yun Changkong laughed loudly and said, "You cured people before letting them kill. Since you didn't cure them, why didn't you kill them? How can you say you ruined your reputation?"

"What?" Ping Yizhi suddenly stood up, his eyes gleaming, staring at Yun Changkong, the atmosphere tense and solemn.

After a long while, Ping Yizhi suddenly slapped his thigh and exclaimed, "That's right, if I can't save people, then I won't kill them!"

In the original story, Ping Yizhi was killed by Tao Genxian's words: "You are a doctor who kills people, you can heal one person and kill another, and you can't heal anyone, so what do you do?"

This unintentional remark was a heart-wrenching statement, causing Ping Yizhi's hair to turn white within hours, and he eventually died spitting blood.

At that moment, Yun Changkong's words, "Since we can't cure people, we won't kill them!" felt as if a huge boulder had been removed from his chest, bringing him immense joy.

Seeing him gesturing and jumping around like a child, Yun Changkong laughed and said, "Doctor Ping, the ways of heaven are unpredictable, and everyone has their own destiny. Sometimes there is no need to care too much, just like your advice to me not to be attached to romantic love!"

Ping Yizhi stepped forward, took Yun Changkong's hand, looked at him intently, and said, "Brother, let's become sworn brothers!"

Yun Changkong was slightly taken aback, thinking, "What kind of approach is this?"

Ping Yizhi said, "Brother, I couldn't cure Linghu Chong's illness, and my reputation was ruined, but you saved my life."

"As long as you acknowledge me as your older brother, I'm willing to impart all my knowledge of acupoints and meridians, and even my medical skills, to you!"

Seeing his enthusiasm, Yun Changkong said, "Brother, we call each other brothers, aren't we brothers? Do we have to be like ordinary people, making mud for each other?"

Ping Yizhi laughed heartily and said, "That's right, how could worldly etiquette be set up for someone like us? Brother."

Yun Changkong clasped his hands in a fist and smiled, "Brother!"

Ping Yizhi reached out and pressed his hand down, saying, "Wait a moment, your older brother will give you a gift." After saying this, he went into the inner room.

When he came out again, he was carrying a wooden box and said, "You have to accept whatever I give you!"

Yun Changkong laughed and said, "Do you think I would stand on ceremony?"

"Great!" Ping Yizhi laughed. "Even if you don't accept it, you still have to keep it for me. Open it and take a look first."

Yun Changkong opened the wooden box as instructed, and inside were several handwritten booklets with the title "Ping Yizhi Medical Classic" written on them.

Turning the pages, one finds them covered in tiny, densely packed characters describing various ailments and their treatments.

Ping Yizhi sighed, “I have devoted my life to studying medicine and consider myself an expert. I have no children and no successors, so I kept this a secret. But this time, my reputation has been ruined by Monk Bujie and the Six Immortals of Peach Valley. I will never again call myself a ‘murderous doctor.’ I will give it to you. Whether you learn it or not is another matter. I just want to put one thing on my mind.”

Yun Changkong pondered for a moment and said, "Thank you, brother. If anyone is eager to learn and has a kind heart in the future, I will definitely find a successor for you!"

Ping Yizhi laughed heartily: "That's why I say you're my confidant. My nickname, 'The Murderous Doctor,' hehe, is a doctor's benevolence, which goes against the word 'murder.'"

If someone were to try and imitate the walk of a person from Handan (a Chinese proverb meaning someone from Handan who couldn't walk properly), it might cause some trouble. With you handling things alone, I feel much more at ease.”

Yun Changkong smiled and said, "Thank you..."

Ping Yizhi said in a deep voice, "You are not allowed to mention the word 'thank you' again!" He paused and then added, "Have you ever seen a girl in the martial arts world who is skilled at playing the flute?"

Yun Changkong thought for a moment, then shook his head and said, "Never seen it before!"

He had indeed never seen a girl playing the flute.

Ping Yizhi shook his head and said, "No wonder, what a pity!"

He said no wonder, but unfortunately, Yun Changkong was completely confused.

Just then, a young servant boy came and reported, "Reporting to the master, the wine and dishes are ready!"

Ping Yi pointed and said, "Come on, let's drink and talk!"

He pulled Yun Changkong to the next room.

The food looked like ordinary ingredients, but it was very fragrant.

Ping Yizhi was lively and Yun Changkong was unconventional. The two found themselves very compatible and chatted freely in a very harmonious atmosphere.

During the meal, Ping Yizhi suddenly said, "Brother, I have an idea, listen to it!"

Yun Changkong said, "Speak!"

Ping Yi pointed and said, "Linghu Chong has eight different types of internal energy in his body. Two of them belong to that bald monk Bujie, and six belong to those six bastards. If we could invite seven people with profound internal energy to work together to eliminate these seven different types of internal energy in one fell swoop, what do you think?"

Yun Changkong listened and remained silent for a long time.

Ping Yizhi said, "I know this is a risky and lucky move, but I'm really not willing to let my decades-old reputation be ruined by that bald thief Bujie and those six bastards!"

Yun Changkong sighed, “I understand your thoughts, brother. However, with so many people, there are many distractions. It’s not hard to find seven experts with your connections, but how can they be of one mind?”
This Holy Maiden was determined to save Linghu Chong's life and was willing to risk everything, but in the eyes of others, they did not respect and admire Linghu Chong as much as they said.

They were simply afraid of offending the Holy Maiden and losing the antidote to the 'Three Corpse Brain God Pill,' which would endanger themselves. That's why they went to such lengths to curry favor with Linghu Chong.

In reality, his flattery of Linghu Chong was a pretense; his true intention was to curry favor with the Holy Maiden. But if his own interests were threatened, and he uttered something he shouldn't, the Holy Maiden herself might kill him, let alone Linghu Chong.

Yun Changkong had the advantage of foresight and knew the nature of Ren Yingying's subordinates well. In the original story, he almost killed Ren Yingying and Linghu Chong for the sake of the Evil-Slaying Sword Manual. How could he have shown such respect to Linghu Chong when he first appeared?
Therefore, Ping Yizhi needed to find several masters who were of one mind and willing to sacrifice themselves to save Linghu Chong. If even one of them did not think this way and contributed their time and effort, both sides would suffer a bad outcome.

For example, Yun Changkong himself had considered that if he were willing to give up all his internal energy, he might be able to help Linghu Chong harmonize his yin and yang and regulate his chaotic internal energy. However, he had cultivated his internal energy for more than ten years and was unwilling to take that risk.

"Haha!" Laughter broke out again, and Ping Yizhi exclaimed, "I'm really getting senile, I don't even understand human nature as well as you do! But Shaolin would never pass on a divine skill like the Yi Jin Jing to the disciples of the Huashan Sect, and only Ren Woxing knows the Star Absorbing Skill. He's been dead for more than ten years. If Linghu Chong dies, the martial world might be in chaos!"

Yun Changkong frowned slightly: "What do you mean?"

Ping Yi pointed and said, "As the saying goes, prolonged chaos will inevitably lead to order, and prolonged order will inevitably lead to chaos. The Jianghu has been peaceful for twenty years, but how can a ruthless and ambitious person be willing to remain subservient forever?"

This Holy Maiden is a prominent figure at Blackwood Cliff. She has always been indifferent to men, but she has finally fallen for this disciple of a prestigious sect. The conflict between good and evil should be resolved here.

"If Linghu Chong were to die, hehe, I, this old man, would naturally want to repay the Holy Maiden for saving him, but it's also for the sake of the greater good. Yet, even I cannot defy fate!"

Yun Changkong smiled slightly: "Brother, you truly have the heart of a healer. However, if the Holy Maiden really wants to save Linghu Chong's life, she has plenty of ways. You really don't need to worry..."

Just then, a loud, gruff shout came from afar: "Yun Changkong, come out and face your death!"

Yun Changkong was taken aback. Who was this incredibly brave person? (End of Chapter)