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

Chapter 47 Daughter's Heart

Upon hearing Lu Zhangke's words, Yun Changkong turned to look at Zhao Min and saw that her eyes were bright as stars, filled with anticipation.

Chang Kong thought to himself, "Hmph, you're dreaming. I'm not stupid enough to fight Lu Zhangke right now!"

He immediately shouted, "Lu Zhangke, ask yourself honestly, even if I exchanged a hundred blows with you, let alone ten, would you be guaranteed to win? You're just convinced that you have a deep bond with your junior brother and that he'll help you when the opportunity arises."

I admit that I am no match for you two elders of the Xuanming Sect. But is it truly glorious for you to join forces and defeat a young man like me?
If you're truly dissatisfied, let's find another place and time; I'll definitely be there!

Upon hearing this, Lu Zhangke's face turned from black to red. Since he admitted that he was no match for Lu Zhangke and his junior brother combined, he still saved face. He snorted, stomped on the ground, and remained silent.

However, upon hearing this, Zhao Min felt as if an unnamed fire was burning in her chest. She gritted her teeth in anger, her eyes flashing with a chilling light, and sneered, "What a spirit! What a show of power!" In her heart, she thought, "Boy, you think you're so great? Go ahead and show off your power here!"

It is well known that most women like to be praised and complimented, not to mention Zhao Min, who is clever, competitive, and ambitious. No matter who the person is, she likes to deflate their arrogance.

This can be seen from the fact that she named her subordinates, the "Eight Divine Arrows," "Zhao, Qian, Sun, Li, Zhou, Wu, Zheng, Wang," and then gave them names like A-Da, A-Er, and A-San.

What martial arts masters? They're nothing but servants before me. It all stems from her background and her abilities!

She had never experienced any setbacks before, but when she faced Yun Changkong in a battle of wits and strength, she suffered an unprecedented sense of defeat, which was already hard for her to accept. Moreover, it was in front of a group of subordinates that the princess was being held like a chicken, losing face and all her prestige!

What's most infuriating is that Yun Changkong clearly needed her help, yet he acted as if it were his right, as if he could take everything from her. This made her, who was always proud and arrogant, angrier the more she thought about it.

But when you're under someone's roof, you have to bow your head. So she looked at Yun Changkong earlier, hoping he would beg for mercy, pleading with him to give her medicine. But he remained arrogant, insisting on challenging Lu Zhangke to another duel!

Zhao Min made up her mind that she would rather die than submit!
It's worth noting that the more stubborn a girl is, the more likely she is to prefer a gentler boy, someone whose emotions can be easily swayed by her.

In the original story, Zhang Wuji was unparalleled in martial arts and power. He was a formidable figure in front of others, but in front of Zhao Min, he was completely manipulated by her and left helpless, which gave Zhao Min a great sense of satisfaction.

Therefore, Zhao Min was completely infatuated with Zhang Wuji.

The fundamental reason is that Zhang Wuji, despite being very strong, was able to humble himself and beg her. As the person being begged by the number one person in the world, the emotional value and satisfaction he felt was unimaginable and irreplaceable by others.

It's important to know that Zhang Wuji's "Black Jade Bone-Mending Ointment" wasn't stolen; rather, he suffered a setback and appeared tearful in front of Zhao Min. However, as soon as Zhao Min agreed to give it to him, he immediately beamed with joy.

Zhang Wuji's highly variable reactions are most lethal to a woman like Zhao Min, because she believes she can control everything.

If Yun Changkong were to act like Zhang Wuji, frantically scratching his head or pleading with Zhao Min, it would create the impression that even someone as powerful as him still needs to beg him!
This would make Zhao Min feel that she had not only accurately predicted Chang Kong's intentions and turned the tables, but also regained face in front of her subordinates. Taking advantage of the situation to back down was not out of the question.

Even though Yun Changkong was good at anticipating the enemy's moves, he didn't expect this little girl's thoughts. Besides, he was never the kind of person who would willingly humble himself in front of a woman. Now that he had mastered martial arts and finally managed to capture Zhao Min from among the five masters, how could he possibly bow his head?
If you know you can't beat the woman in yellow, don't even bother asking!
Furthermore, he was seriously injured at the moment, and while he was circulating his qi to regulate his breathing, he was also on guard against the several experts around him, so his mind was not as sharp as usual!
Seeing Zhao Min act all smug, he couldn't show weakness and had to humiliate them, making all her reliance vanish.

In addition, his personality is actually the same as Zhao Min's; he is more responsive to gentle persuasion than force. Therefore, he misunderstood Zhao Min's intentions: he thought that the other party's hopeful expression meant that she wanted him to fight Lu Zhangke one-on-one.

Yun Changkong's gaze fell on the gaunt old man, A'da. Seeing his worried expression, he realized that A'da had either been beaten up or had recently lost his wife and children. While secretly regulating his uncontrollable internal energy, he said, "Your name is Fang Dongbai, right? A former elder of the Beggars' Sect."

A hint of confusion flashed in Ah Da's eyes.

Chang Kong said, "Your swordsmanship and internal strength are not bad, but even if I were to have a proper sword fight with you, you might not be able to win. However, if I were to fight you to the death, I could kill you in a single move if I had the chance. Do you understand?"

Zhao Min was furious, but seeing that he was in dire straits yet still held his flag and spear high, exuding an imposing aura, she couldn't help but wonder: "Could I have guessed wrong? He wasn't injured?"

Zhao Min was incredibly clever. From the moment she slapped Yun Changkong and he didn't dodge, she knew he was at his limit and just wanted to see what he could do. This was also the biggest reason why she was so furious when she saw Changkong in dire straits and still not asking her for help.

Fang Dongbai was stunned. After thinking for a moment, he nodded and said, "That's right. Your movement technique is exquisite. You used the Heavenly Gang Fighting Step to step on my weak point. With just one move, 'One Sword Transforms into Three Pure Ones,' I will definitely not be able to withstand it!"

Chang Kong nodded slightly: "The fact that you say that shows that the friendship between the Beggars' Sect and the Quanzhen Sect still exists. What a pity!"

The crowd couldn't understand why he was lamenting that a Han Chinese with exceptional skills had become a lackey of the Mongols.

Chang Kong pointed at Bald Ah Er and the shrewd Ah San: "You two are the descendants of the former Fire-Worker Monk, aren't you? Don't you even think about how I survived two heavy blows?"

Ah Er said in a deep voice, "You have mastered the Vajra Indestructible Divine Skill!"

His "Vajra Prajna Palm" and his junior brother's "Great Vajra Finger" could shatter stone tablets and break gold and jade. Seeing that Yun Changkong was hit in the back vital spot by two external martial arts, yet remained unharmed, he was shocked. Then he remembered what Cheng Kun had said, that he practiced the Shaolin's top internal martial arts, and that's what he thought.

Chang Kong thought to himself, "If the Arhat Subduing Demon Skill were truly mastered, it might grant the power of indestructibility. Alas, I failed, otherwise, how could I be in this predicament!" He laughed and said, "The Fire-Worker Monk secretly learned a set of martial arts from Shaolin Temple back then, but it was only external martial arts. Why would an external martial arts master be defeated by an equally skilled internal martial arts master?"

This is because any powerful external martial art can be countered by a more sophisticated internal martial art; this is common knowledge in martial arts.

Cheng Kun said that what I learned was the ultimate internal skill of Shaolin, and that is indeed true. So, whether it's the Vajra Prajna Palm or the Vajra Finger that you've practiced for so many years, it's like a stream flowing into the ocean, vanishing without a trace. How could it possibly harm me in the slightest?" "No wonder!" Ah San said coldly, "If anyone else had our skill, you would have been killed long ago!"

"Perhaps!" Chang Kong laughed, "But no matter what, you can't beat me. Since I can withstand your attacks, even if we compare martial arts skills and internal strength, I can't defeat you. But exchanging injuries isn't difficult. If I strike you in the back with a palm or a finger, would you still survive?"

Ah Er and Ah San felt a chill run down their spines. This was the truth, and they didn't know what to say.

Chang Kong then looked at Zhao Min and smiled slightly, "In terms of martial arts, I am naturally far inferior to these five opponents. However, the way of martial arts is ever-changing and has no fixed rules. Just like in military campaigns, the way to win is not just about the number of troops. That is only the most basic thing. To determine the winner, one also needs the right time, place, and people, as well as the commander's strategy."

Today's battle has shown me everything. You miscalculated, and you even thought that these five people were enough to take me down. You were afraid that I would use a feint, so you told others not to come here.

You're arrogant and think yourself clever, and these five masters consider themselves top-tier figures with few rivals, yet they still managed to capture the kingpin for me. What right do you have to act arrogantly in front of me? What right do you have to be dissatisfied?

Upon hearing this, everyone was disheartened.

Zhao Min admired Chang Kong's insight, but she was also even angrier. The more shrewd the other party was, the more stupid she seemed.

Zhao Min laughed in anger, giggling, "Very well, not only is your martial arts unparalleled, but your mind is also incredibly sharp. It's truly astonishing and admirable. I'm not wronged in losing. Now, may the great hero tell me your name?"

She told everyone else to stay put, genuinely fearing that Yun Changkong, the assassin, was merely a distraction. She also knew that Yun Changkong's method was extremely dangerous; if he were entangled, or if either of the Xuanming Elders or someone else remained by her side, succeeding would be harder than climbing to heaven. Knowing his true strength, and forming an encirclement, his escape would be difficult. Yet, in that instant, he bravely withstood a heavy blow and attempted to capture her—this man was truly audacious and courageous!
But the more you act like this, the more you should bow down to me. There are millions of people in the world; she wouldn't even care if someone wanted to bow down to her!

Chang Kong smiled and said, "I am Yun Chang Kong!"

Zhao Min recognized him immediately upon seeing his face, but deliberately feigned surprise and delight: "It really is you. I've recently heard rumors in the martial world that Brother Yun has shaken the martial arts community, and I've longed to meet this young hero. Today, I can confirm that Brother Yun truly lives up to his reputation!"

Chang Kong chuckled and said, "You don't need to flatter me. Just bring the medicine now, and we'll go our separate ways."

Zhao Min's expression hardened, and she said coldly, "I admit it, you are indeed powerful and your predictions are always right. But why couldn't you dodge my slap just now? And why did you speak ill of others when my men surrounded you?"

Upon hearing this, the two elders of Xuanming and the others all turned cold and sharp, took a step forward, stood in their respective positions, and stared straight at Yun Changkong.

Yun Changkong chuckled: "What are you trying to say?"

Zhao Min said arrogantly, "I respect your martial arts and admire your thoughtfulness, which is why I didn't want to expose your bluster and weakness, nor did I want to reveal the truth that you were seriously injured and were forcing yourself to hold on while secretly regulating your breathing and internal energy. It's laughable that you don't know what's good for you and still want to put on an attitude of being in complete control. Then don't blame me!"

Chang Kong was exposed by Zhao Min, but he was not afraid. He sneered, "Whether I am injured or not, is my sword not sharp enough to cut your tender neck?"

Zhao Min gave him a deep look, then abruptly turned her head away. Everyone quickly said, "Don't do anything reckless."

Yun Changkong was also startled and moved his longsword away.

Zhao Min's fair neck was already bleeding.

Chang Kong was secretly shocked: "This is a fucking crazy woman!"

Zhao Min glared at him fiercely and said, "Yun Changkong, do you think you have the courage to burn your bridges, while I am a coward who fears death? Or is it because I am a woman that you look down on me from the bottom of your heart?"

Yun Changkong stared at her, half annoyed and half helpless, thinking to himself, "This damn thing is like a dead pig that doesn't fear boiling water, what am I supposed to do? Die with her?" He said, "Are you sick? What are you talking about looking down on you?"

Looking at his expression, Zhao Min instantly felt an unparalleled sense of humiliation. She immediately screamed, "Yun Changkong, let me tell you the truth, I would rather die than give you the medicine today, not for any other reason than your attitude towards me!"

Chang Kong couldn't help but laugh when he saw that her voice was cracking from shouting: "No, what's with this attitude?"

The more indifferent he was, the angrier Zhao Min became. She cried out in anger and cursed, "You brat, you bad boy! I invited you to my home during the day, why didn't you come?"

And they act like I'm some kind of monster, avoiding me like the plague?

She sobbed and continued, "Fine, you're amazing. You know my background, whether you're cautious or disdain dealing with a barbarian like me, that's fine too!"

But you came uninvited at night dressed in black and masked. Why weren't you careful? Why weren't you afraid of death? Why didn't you hide from me? Why didn't you run away?

You clearly need my help, so why do you act so arrogantly in my presence, always putting on an air of confidence? Don't you think you have me under control, that you're threatening my life, and that you can do whatever you want?
But what do you take me for?
Are you a puppet of the great hero Yun?
I also told you, I, Minmin Temur, will definitely disappoint you today. You want medicine? No way!
Waaah... You're just bullying me because I'm young, bullying a little girl, huh? If you have the guts, kill me! Then we'll fight to the death, one of us being the bigger one, and see who wins!

She spoke while tears streamed down her face, and after she finished, she closed her eyes, two streams of tears flowing freely, appearing completely at his mercy.

(End of this chapter)