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

Chapter 49 Shameless

Everyone looked at Zhao Min, who was crying with tears streaming down her face, and exchanged bewildered glances.
Yun Changkong found it quite amusing to see his tender little face, which was clearly wet with tears, yet he still put on a heroic act of not fearing death.

But after the initial amusement, a realization dawned on him: this was a thirteen-year-old child, not the real Zhao Min. He had humiliated her this time, which was why she was determined to fight him to the death and refuse to back down.

Yun Changkong immediately laughed and said, "You said it yourself, I know your background. So you little girl are much more capable than adults. Do you think my friends and I can just walk in straight and walk out sideways when we come to visit during the day?"

You should know that what Yun Changkong just said about feeling good was not the case at all. He appeared outwardly normal, but the pain and suffering he endured were truly indescribable.

After all, no matter how wonderful the "Arhat Subduing Demon Skill" is, he hasn't mastered it yet. If his skill is even slightly lacking, it's all for naught.

Zhang Wuji had perfected the Nine Yang Divine Skill, but was just one step away from achieving it. His protective abilities were still far from what they were at the peak of his mastery. Not to mention Yun Changkong's "Arhat Subduing Demon Skill," which was far inferior to the level Zhang Wuji had reached when he first emerged from the mountain after mastering the Nine Yang Divine Skill.

His body was like a lake filled with water, normally with strong dikes and not a drop of water leaking out, but when two enormous forces rushed in, he could not hold it all at once and had to let it out freely.

It's like water can extinguish fire and earth can fill a river, but a small stream can't extinguish a raging fire, and a large amount of earth can't fill a great river.

This Ah Er was born with extraordinary abilities. He cultivated his inner strength from the outside in, forging a unique path that far surpassed that of his ancestor, the Fire-Worker Monk. It could be said that he was divinely gifted. Very few people could withstand three moves from his palms.

The Indian's "Vajra Finger" technique was already so advanced more than ten years ago that he could crush Yu Daiyan's limbs with a golden seal. After more than ten years of hard training, it has surpassed his former level. Moreover, a woman can pierce an elephant's hide with an embroidery needle because of the sharp force that attacks a single point. It's the same principle as Zhang Wuji's divine skills far surpassing those of the three Persian envoys, yet he could not resist the internal force of the bone-piercing needle.

The power of this "Vajra Finger" was so great that even the martial arts master Zhang Sanfeng was amazed. It struck Yun Changkong's vital point in the back. If it hadn't been of the same origin as the "Arhat Subduing Demon Skill" and hadn't had most of its power assimilated, Yun Changkong would have died long ago.

However, although they shared the same origin, they did not flow in the same direction. Therefore, Yun Changkong was severely struck, his true energy became scattered, and his whole body ached. He couldn't even dodge Zhao Min's palm strike. But fearing that the Xuanming Elders and others would discover his trick, he forcibly condensed his energy and restrained Zhao Min.

In reality, his claim that he could render the "Vajra Prajna Palm" and "Vajra Finger" useless was merely a bluff to buy time. Even so, Zhao Min, who was nearby, guessed the truth.

Chang Kong was calm and collected. Although he was afraid, he remained calm and composed. While talking with Zhao Min, Lu Zhangke and others, he regulated his true energy and took the opportunity to condense his energy and store up strength to prepare for his escape.

If he hadn't mastered the Arhat Subduing Demon Skill, which solidified his mind and made him immune to any external demonic influences, he would have long since suffered a qi deviation and had his meridians ruptured from multitasking.

But with a formidable enemy at his side, Yun Changkong had to both regulate his internal energy, guard against sneak attacks from the Xuanming Elders, and deal with Zhao Min, which left him extremely exhausted.

Otherwise, there are plenty of ways to force Zhao Min to submit.

But what happens after you give in?

He still has to leave; that's the most crucial point!

If he doesn't replenish his energy and master the use of his true qi, even if Zhao Min lets him go, he won't get very far. Besides, they are people who can move and can continue to chase after him.

However, Yun Changkong was distracted and could not attend to everything at once. At this moment, he felt that it was about time, so he thought of giving Zhao Min a way out.

Sure enough, Zhao Min was stunned upon hearing this. Forgetting her tears, she looked Chang Kong up and down and then burst into laughter: "So you were afraid of me, that's why you didn't dare to come. Hehe, I am so fortunate to have heard such a thing from you, great hero Yun!"

When Yun Changkong saw that she stopped crying after being praised, he felt both amused and exasperated. After all, she was still just a child. He said, "I dare not accept the title of hero. I am indeed afraid of you!"

Tell me, if I weren't afraid, I would be more than happy to have a beauty like you invite me as a guest; it would be an immense honor!

Zhao Min, with her competitive nature and self-confidence in her intelligence and wit, which she considered no less than that of men, was utterly defeated by Chang Kong today. She was inferior in both intelligence and strength. In reality, it was because her arrogance had been thwarted and she couldn't swallow her pride. When she heard him say that he was afraid of her and even praised her beauty, she was naturally delighted, but she spat and said, "You smooth talker!"
Seeing the joy on her face, Chang Kong breathed a sigh of relief. He focused his mind and gathered his inner energy. Although his meridians were in excruciating pain, they were able to function normally.

It should be noted that when he captured Zhao Min, he used the power of Lu Zhangke and Hebi Weng. The Xuanming True Qi was extremely insidious. Before he could release it, he was hit by the "Prajna Vajra Palm" and "Mighty Vajra Finger".

Fortunately, the Xuanming Divine Palm possesses both extreme yin and cold energy, and the other extreme yang energy. When they meet, there will inevitably be a conflict between them. Yun Changkong's "Arhat Subduing Demon Skill" combines yin and yang, acting as a mediator. By repeatedly urging his true qi, he gradually neutralized these three types of energy, preventing them from erupting.

As the external force dissipated, Yun Changkong's pain also lessened. Now that he could control the flow of his true energy, it was time for him to leave. He said, "Can you give me the medicine now?"

"No!" Zhao Min wiped away her tears and said, "This medicine is nothing special, but you ambushed me and held a sword to my neck. If I give in now, even though I am young, everyone will say that I, Minmin Temur, was held hostage and forced to agree to a humiliating treaty. If this gets out, how will my family's reputation be preserved?"

He said that, but in his heart he just wanted to hear Yun Changkong beg him a few more times.

Chang Kong's eyes revealed utter exhaustion, but she laughed heartily: "You're right. You'd rather die than submit. You truly are a heroine among women. I admire you!"

With a clang, the longsword returned to its sheath. He pressed his left hand against her vital point on the back, leaned close to her ear, and said, "Your Highness, you win. Your fearless act has indeed intimidated me. You guessed my condition correctly; I am indeed injured."

You guessed my thoughts perfectly. I didn't want to fight to the death with you, and you also knew I didn't want to commit the heinous crime of murdering a young girl, a crime despised by everyone.

But is it okay to spank a child for disobeying adults?

Zhao Min was shocked by his barely audible voice. Staring at the sky, her face drained of color, her lips trembling, she said, "You're so lewd..."

Chang Kong said coldly, "I risked my life to capture you and demand the two medicines, firstly to sever ties with worldly debts, and secondly to ensure a safer life in the martial world."

If you don't comply, not only will all my hard work tonight be in vain, but I will also lose my bargaining chip. This is clearly a way of telling me to die with you.

Life is above all else. In my desperate attempt to survive, what else do I care about in this emergency?
Heh, a princess has lost all respect. Even if I don't kill you, will you still have any authority in the future?
You're only thirteen years old. Don't you want to achieve something great in the future?

Zhao Min slowly said, "You're still forcing me!"

Chang Kong laughed and said, "Your Highness, now that we've come to this, you can think whatever you want. If you don't obey me, whether I spank you or accidentally scratch your face, if you want your subordinates to see you and immediately think of you being spanked by a man, or having an ugly face, then you can continue to insist!"

Zhao Min cherished her appearance and cursed Yun Changkong in her heart. However, seeing that the Xuanming Elders and the others seemed not to hear her at all, she knew that his words were directed at her alone. She couldn't help but think, "He's two-faced. His words are despicable and vile, but he still has things he wouldn't do!" Nevertheless, she cursed, "You shameless bastard!"

Chang Kong laughed and said, "This is what a true man does: outwits, not outstretched strength!"

"What kind of man are you?" Zhao Min sneered. "You're nothing but a treacherous villain!"

Chang Kong laughed and said, "If I were a true gentleman, would I dare to fight you? Do you think I don't understand that a gentleman can deceive someone with his principles?"

Zhao Min said coldly, "Fine, I agree, but remember today, or you'll regret it!"

Chang Kong laughed heartily and said, "I never regret what I do!"

Zhao Min said to her subordinates, "Bring the Black Jade Broken Joint Ointment and the antidote for the Ten Fragrant Tendon-Softening Powder."

Lu Zhangke took out a porcelain bottle, twisted off a deer antler from Lu Zhangke, and poured some powder into the bottle.

Ah San turned and ran off, returning shortly with a black bottle. Chang Kong sneered, "Just toss it gently onto the stone. Don't try anything funny."

With a flick of their hands, the two bottles landed gently on the stones beside him and Zhao Min.

Chang Kong snorted: "Although I want the antidote for the Ten Fragrant Tendon-Softening Powder, how can I know if the antidote is real or fake if you don't give me the poison?"

Zhao Min sneered, "You're really clever. Give it to him!"

Hebi Weng poured the powder out of his brush, put it into a porcelain bottle, and threw it over.

Yun Changkong tucked the three bottles into his waistband, lifted Zhao Min up, and said, "Gentlemen, once I'm out of danger, I'll release her!"

"Yun Changkong!" Lu Zhangke shouted angrily, "You've gone too far!"

Chang Kong glanced sideways at Lu Zhangke and laughed, "If we were in each other's shoes, would you release him right now?"

When asked this question, Lu Zhangke wanted to say that he would definitely not, but he couldn't bring himself to say it.

Zhao Min also said, "A person should keep their word. I promised to let you go, and I will never chase after you."

Chang Kong stared intently at Zhao Min, a half-smile on his face, appearing very kind, and said, "Miss Zhao, I need to verify whether the medicine you gave me is genuine, that's one reason."

You yourself said that women and petty men are the most difficult to deal with. If I release you now, you'll immediately have your men attack me, saying that we women are all the same as petty men, so what's the point of talking about loyalty and keeping promises? Who can I complain to then?

Zhao Min's heart pounded, because Yun Changkong had guessed right again. She had planned to say that as soon as the other party released her.

In terms of martial arts, Yun Changkong was far superior to him; in terms of strategy, all his actions were within Yun Changkong's expectations. He said sternly, "Since you suspected the medicine was fake, why didn't you say so earlier?"
"Hmph, you've been planning this all along to use as an excuse to hold me hostage and escape safely!"

Chang Kong smiled slightly, giving her a tacit approval.

As the two approached, Lu Zhangke suddenly shouted, "Take this!" and unleashed a powerful palm strike aimed straight at Chang Kong's shoulder, the force of which caused a cold wind to billow.

Chang Kong dared not meet the attack head-on, so he took a step to the side. A'er stepped forward, pushed forward with his left palm, and grabbed at Zhao Min with his right palm.

Chang Kong swiftly dodged the attack, but He Biweng struck again. Chang Kong dodged with lightning speed and shouted, "I can't quite control my inner strength. I might just turn the Princess into an idiot!" He used his true energy in these words, and his voice was like thunder.

The crowd's ears were ringing, but they saw him place one hand on Zhao Min's back, and they knew that what he said was true. At this moment, if Zhao Min were to be subjected to external force, she would not be able to withstand the residual shock.

Lu Zhangke said coldly, "Hey, you surnamed Yun, don't put on airs here. If you hurt a single hair on the princess's head, we'll tear you to pieces!"

"Fine!" Zhao Min said angrily, "Yun Changkong, you win. I'll give you the real medicine."

Yun Changkong thought to himself, "I don't care if it's Black Jade Rejuvenating Ointment or Seven Insects and Seven Flowers Ointment, I don't have time to care right now!" He said, "I, Yun Changkong, keep my word. If the medicine is genuine, I'll release the person. Now, don't follow me!"

Suddenly, he pointed his finger at Zhao Min's acupoint to silence her, grabbed her, and with a swift and unsteady movement, leaped several feet away.

With another hostage in hand and Zhao Min's words, the five men exchanged glances, hesitated, and dared not make another move. Yun Changkong, holding Zhao Min, had already leaped over several large trees.

If the Xuanming Elders and the others wanted to stop her, they could launch hidden weapons or take action, but everyone was afraid of hurting Zhao Min.

Even if it hits the sky, whether it's a hidden weapon, a blade, or a palm strike, it will still transfer to her body.

"Chase!"

They dared not stop her, but they could track her down; they couldn't let Zhao Min really disappear without a trace.

Yun Changkong, carrying Zhao Min, flew to the courtyard wall, only to find that warriors clad in armor and wielding powerful bows had already formed a circle on all four sides of the wall. Changkong's breathing became rapid, and he said coldly, "The princess is here, all of you step back!"

The men looked at each other, their expressions hesitant, clearly their morale was wavering, and they even raised their crossbows slightly.

Yun Changkong hurriedly flew over, but hundreds of soldiers surrounded the wall, holding swords and shields. One of them shouted, "You have audacity! Aren't you afraid of being exterminated along with your entire family?"

Yun Changkong lifted Zhao Min up and said coldly, "This is the daughter of the Prince of Ruyang. If she is harmed even a hair, let's see who will have their entire family executed!"

The man was stunned, and the soldiers were also at a loss.

Seeing an opportunity, Yun Changkong swayed and twisted his body, like a slippery fish, and swept through the forest of swords and spears.

At this moment, the Xuanming Elders and others also caught up. However, Yun Changkong moved like lightning, his speed astonishing. At first, when the five of them chased after him, they could still see a black shadow.

But the clouds flew through the sky, climbing trees and beams, passing through long streets and turning into alleys, changing unpredictably as they ran. In some places, the stars and moon were nowhere to be seen, and it was pitch black. Before long, the group lost track of them.

Zhao Min was held in Yun Changkong's arms, feeling his radiant warmth. Although he moved with incredible speed, he was almost always deliberately avoiding the moonlight, only wandering in the shadows, like a ghost lurking in the shadows.

She was both surprised and delighted. She knew she had met a formidable opponent, but she had learned her lesson from Cheng Kun's experience. She couldn't help but think that he was only fifteen or sixteen years old, yet he had somehow mastered such profound martial arts; it was truly astonishing.
While Zhao Min was lost in thought, Yun Changkong felt a sweet taste in his throat and his mouth filled with the metallic taste of blood. He was anxious to find a hiding place and sensed that no one was following him. He then saw a large river in front of him, its water sparkling, with a covered boat drifting downstream.

He immediately drew a short sword from Zhao Min's waist, bent slightly, and slashed out. At the same time, he leaped away.

Although the sword was made of iron, he used his strength skillfully, and the blade leaped several times on the water's surface. Yun Changkong landed, touched the blade with his toes, and the sword sank straight down, but he used the momentum to leap onto the boat.

It was late at night, and the boatman was dozing off at the bow of the boat when Yun Changkong reached out and released Zhao Min's acupoints.

Just as Zhao Min was about to speak, she saw Yun Changkong's face turn red, and his expression changed drastically, shifting between anger, joy, and dejection.
Zhao Min asked curiously, "Who are you trying to impress with this?"

Then, wisps of white steam rose from Yun Changkong's head, his cheeks bulged, and with a "plop," he spat out a mouthful of blood into the water. He swayed and collapsed onto the boat, his eyes closed, clearly having fainted.

At this moment, the boatman was also awakened. Zhao Min waved her hand and knocked him down, her eyes fixed on the sky.

She already knew that Yun Changkong was seriously injured and was just putting on an act, but when she thought about Yun Changkong's actions just now, she wondered if he was really unconscious or just pretending.
"Yun Changkong!" Zhao Min stared blankly at the sky, her expression utterly bewildered. "I know you're faking it, testing me, aren't you?"

Yun Changkong didn't make a sound. She reached under his nose and felt that he was almost not breathing. Looking at him, he seemed like rotten wood, completely lifeless.

Zhao Min's heart pounded, and she sneered, "You're so cunning, why are you pretending to be dead? I won't believe you."

(End of this chapter)