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

Chapter 96 A Marriage by Moonlight
A few bird calls drifted from the distant mountains, and after they ended, the silence grew even more profound.

Zhao Min, being a princess, remained calm despite having a sword at her neck. She laughed and said, "Master, you're being too unreasonable! Are you avenging your disciple? Then why count to three and just kill him!"

Abbess Miejue snorted.
Yun Changkong sighed, "Master, even if you say it three times, or even thirty times, you still won't hear what you want to hear, and you still won't do what you want to do!"

Abbess Miejue raised her long eyebrows and laughed loudly, "You're that confident?"

Yun Changkong's eyes flashed, but his tone remained unhurried: "Do you know what I've been doing for the past three years?"

Abbess Miejue stared intently into Yun Changkong's eyes: "I know you have been studying Buddhist scriptures diligently on Wanghai Peak of Mount Wutai, meditating in a state of stagnation for three years, but why is this the result? Why can't you renounce the allure of women? Have you not heard that form is emptiness, and emptiness is form?"

"Master!" Yun Changkong's eyes were weary: "The Diamond Sutra says, 'All conditioned phenomena are like dreams, illusions, bubbles, and shadows.'"

What does it mean to say that emptiness is form and form is emptiness?

"The lustful see only beauty, the empty see only emptiness, but when I saw Zhao Min, just as the *Mahaprajnaparamita Sutra* says, seeing this light brings joy. Do you understand what I mean?"

Two lines of tears welled up in Zhao Min's eyes: "Brother Yun, I..." Her voice trembled.

Abbess Miejue and Zhou Zhiruo found it almost unbelievable.

Yun Changkong gazed wistfully at the darkness outside the window and sighed, "From the day I came down the mountain, this was never what I wanted."

Because I wanted to practice martial arts, my father said that a true man keeps his word, even unto death. I disagreed with this; I felt people shouldn't be so rigid.

Zhou Zhiruo said seriously, "Master Yun, you are wrong. One must keep one's word and act decisively. In the martial world, keeping one's promise even in the face of death is the only way to uphold chivalry! If one breaks one's word for personal gain, wouldn't one become a laughing stock?"

Zhao Min snorted, "Doesn't my brother Yun know the value of words? Do you need to tell me?"

Chang Kong smiled bitterly: "I really didn't understand before. I couldn't imagine it at all. Like when I was fighting with someone, someone said, 'You wait, I'll kill you sooner or later,' or 'Don't run away if you've got the guts,' or 'If you say another word of nonsense, I'll kill you.' In my previous understanding, these were just harsh words spoken in anger. Anyone who took them seriously was a fool!"
But here, not only do they take it seriously, but they can even draw their knives and fight to the death over a single sentence. I simply cannot understand it, let alone agree with it!
But I listened anyway, because my father was a stubborn old man who lived his whole life by upholding the principle of "honesty and integrity".

As for the Buddhist internal energy cultivation I learned, my martial arts are Taoist, and I am just an ordinary person, so it can be said that I am neither fish nor fowl.

So when someone suggested I become the leader of the martial arts world in front of the Yellow Crane Tower, I, in front of all the heroes of the world, had already made my intentions clear: I have no great ambitions, I crave comfort, and I only seek my own pleasure!
But many of you think I have high martial arts skills and can do many things that others cannot.

They all have high hopes for me, wanting me to become a great hero, like Guo Jing. My grandmother, my father, and even Shi Huolong and you, Master, are all like that!

Abbess Miejue raised her white eyebrows: "Master Guo is a man of great virtue and chivalry, dedicated to the country and its people. We martial artists should take Master Guo and his wife as our role models for life. Is it wrong to have such expectations of you?"

“Of course that’s right!” Yun Changkong nodded and said, “This world can do without Yun Changkong, but it cannot do without Guo Jing. I understand this principle better than you do.”

But I am not Guo Jing, and I don't want to be Guo Jing!

Back then, I would never have sacrificed my entire life, or the lives of my wife and children, for something I knew was impossible. I still wouldn't be that noble today!
I don't want to be that great. You all take Guo Jing as a role model simply because you see his achievements and admire him.

But I am not!

All I see is his sacrifice, and I feel sorry and heartbroken about it!
So I admire him, but I don't want to become him!

I just want to experience great joy, great light, and great freedom, is that alright?

Abbess Miejue frowned and slowly said, "Seeing great light, seeing great joy, seeing great freedom, haha, you really don't know anything! What if I were to kill Zhao Min? Would you still have that mindset then?"

"Master, please stop testing me!" Yun Changkong shook his head: "Three years ago, my cultivation was still shallow. I could tell whether someone was emitting killing intent in front of me. Let alone now."

What you're doing is simply trying to tell me that you're fearless when you're alone, but with her around, you have a weakness.
"You can use Zhao Min to blackmail me today, and so can anyone else! Those who covet my divine skills, heh heh, in this vast martial world, are there many more than just Xianyu Tong?"

He then looked at Zhao Min and said, "Including her father and brothers!"
As you said, if I'm with her, I have to face it.

Because in your eyes, she is a Mongol barbarian, while she comes from a royal family. In the eyes of her father and brothers, I am a Han dog, a southern barbarian. You want me to separate from her so as not to hinder the great cause of expelling the barbarians.

She wanted me to stay out of it and not confront her father and brothers. I understood all of that!

Yun Changkong not only has exceptionally keen vision and hearing, but also exceptional spiritual perception.

He was momentarily confused by his concern and couldn't immediately assess the situation, but instinctively he knew that Abbess Miejue wouldn't harm Zhao Min. Because he sensed no murderous intent!
Abbess Miejue closed her eyes and slowly said, "Since you knew everything, why did you still do it?"

Yun Changkong slowly said, "Master, you knew this three years ago. She is my inner demon, and the only way to overcome her is to subdue her!"

Zhou Zhiruo looked at Zhao Min and saw that her eyes were unblinking, as if she were trapped in a nightmare, staring blankly at the sky.

"Alas!" Abbess Miejue sighed, her long sword hanging down: "Just as you said, who can truly understand the nature of love? But how do you know that this is subjugation and not indulgence?"

How can you be sure she's truly sincere towards you and not just using you? The Prince of Ruyang's mansion is full of skilled fighters. If she wanted to harm you, and today's events became a reality, how would you face her then?

Yun Changkong shook his head: "You have your own understanding of her, and I have my own opinion. It's too difficult for anyone to convince anyone else."

All I can tell you is that three years is neither a long nor a short time. I didn't see how she spent it, but she waited for me at Fengling Ferry for three months, which was told to me by a member of the Beggars' Sect.

I was certain she wouldn't harm me, and besides, given her abilities, if she wanted to harm me, she wouldn't need to submit to me!

Zhao Min's eyes flashed with a hint of flirtatious intent as she inwardly blamed Yun Changkong for saying those things to them, inviting ridicule. But since things had come to this, she had no choice but to steel herself and say, "Master, you think I'm a Mongol and would be an enemy of you Han people. I'll tell you the truth, that's indeed true."

But ever since I met Brother Yun, my thinking has changed.

These past few years have been spent longing for him. I long to see him, to hear him speak, to hear him laugh, to hear him scold. I was locked up at home by my father, feeling like a withered tree, my heart as cold as ashes.

It wasn't until then that I realized I couldn't live without him.

After I ran away from home, I searched for him in Taiyuan City, but I didn't dare to stay long. So I ran to Zhongtiao Mountain and settled down. Then I went to Fengling Ferry and had someone take his portrait to me. I paid the people at the dock to keep an eye on things for me. In three months, I spent all the gold and silver I had brought with me!
I sold my jewelry. The day before yesterday, I heard news of her; he was fencing and singing with a woman. I was filled with hatred.

But somehow, I found myself standing before him, my heart pounding with excitement and trepidation, yet I feigned a cold and aloof demeanor…

Before she could finish speaking, her eyes suddenly welled up with tears.

Zhao Min refused to cry in front of Zhou Zhiruo, no matter what.

But at this moment, she couldn't hold back any longer.

Yun Changkong stepped forward and hugged Zhao Min in his arms, whispering, "Don't cry, I know you've been wronged."

But your father and brothers must have treated me even more cruelly than Abbess Miejue. This is something we must bear and face.

Hearing his concerned voice, Zhao Min pressed her face against his chest and burst into tears.

Her tears weren't just because Yun Changkong was misunderstood; she was also thinking of her father and brothers. Wasn't Yun Changkong's current predicament the same one she would have to face in the future?

Abbess Miejue and the others opposed Yun Changkong being with her, but didn't her father and brothers feel the same way?
If they appeared and gave me a choice, what should I do?
Thinking of this, Zhao Min's grievances, hardships, and sorrows poured out with her tears.

In the meditation room, Zhao Min wept bitterly, while the others, each lost in their own thoughts, pondered silently.

After a long while, Zhao Min's crying stopped.

Yun Changkong then looked at Abbess Miejue and slowly said, "Abbess, you said that martial arts practitioners take Guo Jing as their role model. In your opinion, where does his role model lie?"

Abbess Miejue suddenly exhaled and said in a hoarse voice, "Hero Guo defended Xiangyang for decades, and was praised throughout the land. When Xiangyang fell, Hero Guo and his wife both died for their country, sacrificing their lives for righteousness. What is there to say about that?"

Zhao Min snorted coldly: "Overestimating themselves, boring and shallow. What Guo Jing and Huang Rong have done is nothing more than advocating for the corrupt and incompetent Song Dynasty, causing more deaths and injuries to civilians and soldiers. What good has it done?"

Abbess Miejue's eyes gleamed brightly as she turned to look at Zhao Min.

"What a pedantic view." Yun Changkong said with great emotion, "You people have such shallow knowledge, yet you think you have grasped the truth."

Zhao Min's eyes sparkled, her cheeks flushed, and she said, "Do you think I'm spouting nonsense and are unhappy about it?"

Yun Changkong said, "That's right!"

As soon as the words left her mouth, Zhao Min's face turned deathly pale, while Abbess Miejue burst into loud laughter.

Yun Changkong said, "Abbess Miejue, you only know the surface and not the essence. If Master Guo knew that you regard him as an idol, he would be the first to be unhappy!"

Abbess Miejue was immediately taken aback.

Zhou Zhiruo said softly, "Master Yun, don't speak ill of my master like that just to avenge Miss Zhao."

Yun Changkong said, "Master, the so-called irreconcilable conflict between Han and Hu people has never held true in the eyes of Master Guo."

He treated Han and non-Han peoples equally. He had helped Temujin kill non-Han peoples, and for the sake of non-Han peoples, he used his own rewards to avoid the massacre of their cities. This also included his later return to Song territory to resist the Mongols.

It wasn't fundamentally because of their Mongol identity, but rather their actions. He only resisted fiercely because of the Mongol invasion of the Song Dynasty!

It's not about opposing Mongolia for the sake of opposing Mongolia!

What he and Chief Huang did was not for Xiangyang City, not for the Song Dynasty court, and not for those corrupt officials who held their positions without doing their jobs; it was for the benefit of the common people.

Didn't he know that the Mongols were too powerful and that he was powerless to change the situation?

No, precisely because he knows.

But he wanted to use his own blood to tell millions of people that in the face of aggression, they must stand tall and fight back fiercely.
Even though the enemy is strong and we are weak, we will never surrender.

This embodies the principle that as long as our backbone remains unbroken, my life and death are insignificant, and sooner or later someone will drive the foreign invaders out of the Central Plains. This is the reason why our Chinese nation has been able to produce countless virtuous and righteous people and stand tall despite countless hardships and difficulties.

While Guo Daxia may seem to be opposing the Mongols, he is actually upholding the backbone of the Han people and ensuring that the spirit of the Han people will never falter!

Contrary to your one-sided understanding, it's not about Han and Hu people being irreconcilable! If that were the case, the first person he would kill would be Yelü Qi! How could he possibly marry his daughter to him?
Was it because the Khitans had never invaded the Han Chinese? Or was it because Yelü Qi's father, Yelü Chucai, did not help Temujin and Ögedei invade the Song Dynasty?

It's just that times have changed. He's changed his mind. So if Guo Jing can tolerate Yelü Qi, why can't you tolerate Zhao Min?
You who claim to take Guo Jing as your role model only see his selflessness and righteousness; why don't you learn from his magnanimity?

These words were resounding and powerful. Abbess Miejue turned pale and closed her eyes.

Yun Changkong said, "You are actually just being self-righteous, thinking that you can predict everything."

But this is impossible!
If you and I can't do it, neither can Guo Jing and Huang Rong!

They created the Heaven-Slaying Sword and Dragon-Slaying Saber hoping to contribute to the cause of "expelling the Tartars and restoring our land," but what was the result?

What happened?
While the Jianghu gangs may seem to have voices against the Yuan dynasty, they are all eager to fight for the title of "Supreme Martial Arts Master" because of this thing. They are so engrossed in their struggles that they forget about life and death, and they crush each other, resulting in countless deaths and moral ruin.

You used Zhang Cuishan as an example, but was his tragedy due to his marriage to Yin Susu?

No, it was because of their greed for the Dragon-Slaying Saber, do you understand? You're saying all of this was Guo Jing and Huang Rong's original intention?
Does that mean we have to criticize him?
"If we could go back in time, we'd have to kill them, right?"

Abbess Miejue was lost in thought, her face showing sadness.

Yun Changkong continued, "Even Guo Jing and Huang Rong misjudged what would happen after their deaths. What makes you think that what you think is right and that the future will unfold as you predicted?"
I, Yun Changkong, claim to know everything in the three thousand worlds, and you may not believe me, but I am well-versed in the history and stories of the martial arts world, which is undeniable, isn't it?
But I also had some unexpected events, like today!
Even I can't predict what will happen in the future, how can you? What makes you think you can?
Based on your life experience?
But they were all failures!
Who in the world today dares to say to me that their life is successful and that I should learn from them? No one!

Abbess Miejue sighed, "Alright, go ahead, you've won." As she said this, her white eyebrows drooped.

Yun Changkong sighed and said, "Master, no one has won!"

We share the same idea; I didn't say it was wrong to expel the Tartars and reclaim our land.

The only difference is in the approach.

Both you and Chief Shi want me to be the leader, otherwise there might come a day when I can't protect Zhao Min.

But I know I'm not cut out to be a leader. I can only take care of myself. Do you understand?
If I had this ability, I would have already united the heroes at the Yellow Crane Tower gathering and killed all the Ming Cult masters. Why would I let them go so easily?
Have you noticed? You've aged so much in the three years since I last saw you.

He suddenly changed the subject, and Zhou Zhiruo and Zhao Min then began to carefully examine Abbess Miejue.

She was still tall, with a slightly hunched back. Under her small hat, sparse white hair that hadn't been shaved was visible. Her dim eyes flickered, devoid of any spirit and filled with complexity.

"Yes, I'm getting old," Abbess Miejue murmured.

Yun Changkong glanced at Zhou Zhiruo and said casually, "Master, your internal strength is profound, so why have you suddenly aged? It's because you're just like my father—too stubborn."

You have too many things on your mind.

My father hoped I would become like Guo Jing. As for you, Miss Zhou is indeed a beautiful girl, whom you adore and have high hopes for. But what have you done? What have you raised her to be?

Zhou Zhiruo's body trembled slightly.

Abbess Miejue was greatly astonished and asked, "What did I do to Zhiruo?"

Yun Changkong said, "Miss Zhou lost both her parents at a young age and became your disciple at a very young age. You love her very much, but what about her?"
The more you love her, the more she will be envied and ostracized by others!

Are there any narrow-minded disciples among your students who bully her?
Did she fetch water, do laundry, or serve others in Emei?

At this point, Zhou Zhiruo's eyes reddened.

Abbess Miejue grasped her hand, and Zhou Zhiruo murmured, "Master, Master..." Tears already fell.

Zhao Min exclaimed in surprise, "You cried too?"

Yun Changkong said, "Master, I understand even better. You know everything. How can you become the head of Emei Sect with just high martial arts skills?"
She needed to be shrewd and resourceful; that's what she was meant to go through. But you forgot, her experience was different from that of her other disciples!

She was rescued by Zhang Zhenren from the Mongol swords on the Han River. She arrived in a strange place, young and helpless, and was bullied by others. She dared not fight back.

What was that? It was like walking on thin ice. What could a little girl like her do but silently endure it?
And there's also repression!

Because she can only hide her joys and sorrows, how much of the expression she shows to her senior sisters right now is genuine?

You think it's good, right?
"At such a young age, Miss Zhou is already quite shrewd. She knows how to subtly defeat Minmin in front of her senior sisters; otherwise, how could she have lasted thirty moves?"

The more he spoke, the more grief Zhou Zhiruo felt.

Zhao Min was stunned and speechless. Recalling the fight with Zhou Zhiruo, she felt her internal energy becoming increasingly stagnant.

In an instant, all the doubts in his mind cleared up, but seeing Zhou Zhiruo lower her head and remain silent, he had no choice but to hold back. He gritted his teeth secretly, vowing to train hard in martial arts and defeat her!
Yun Changkong said, "Let me tell you, since ancient times, heroes have been willing to disregard trivial matters in order to achieve great things. Like Liu Bang, they abandoned their wives and children and disregarded their parents. Everyone said that he did the right thing!"
But I don't like it, so I can't do such a big thing.

So what's wrong with you, the sect leader, painstakingly training your disciple? But have you never considered whether this is what Miss Zhou would have wanted?

Including you and my father, Chief Shi arranged our marriage. You think that marriages arranged by parents and matchmakers are natural and right, and that we have no right to interfere!
I admit that this is how the rules are in this era!

But what about Miss Zhou?
She has to bear your thoughts, whether she likes it or not! It's like throwing a white lotus flower into dry firewood; if it suffers a great injustice one day, a small flame will erupt, and it will immediately turn into a black lotus flower.

Back then, let alone bringing glory to the Emei sect, she would probably bring shame to the entire sect!
Back then, who did you treat fairly?

Abbess Miejue's face turned from white to red, and her body swayed a few times.

Yun Changkong sighed and said, "What Miss Zhou thinks is her business, and I don't care. But my opinion is that marriage is based on freedom of choice and mutual affection. Nothing else matters!"

My father might have considered me extremely disrespectful upon hearing this, but I, Yun Changkong, through reading Buddhist scriptures, came to understand a principle.

"What's the reasoning behind this?" Zhao Min asked excitedly.

Chang Kong said, "Miss Zhou, Minmin just said you were crying wolf. Do you understand the deeper meaning behind that?"

Zhou Zhiruo was startled. Faced with Yun Changkong's eloquence, she didn't know how to answer. While she was pondering, she heard Abbess Miejue say, "To say that our Emei Sect is also a Buddhist sect, yet we still can't see through worldly affairs and are attached to worldly matters, and come to ask you for help, is just the thief crying 'stop thief!'"

Zhao Min smiled.

Yun Changkong shook his head upon hearing this: "Master, to be honest, you all don't have a deep enough understanding of Buddhism, well, to be precise, you're distorting Buddhism."

So-called Buddhist scriptures, rules, and precepts are like a leaf before a mountain, blinding ordinary people and preventing them from seeing the true meaning.

What Buddhist teachings are about compassion? What Buddhist teachings are about saving the world?
Haha, if that were the case, how could evil deeds in this world be controlled? If Buddhism were to save all beings, and everyone believed in Buddhism and abided by the rules and regulations, would there still be any people left in this world?

How about a world of nothingness?
Is everything empty?

Let me tell you, the true meaning of Buddhism lies in understanding one's true nature. Whether it's clothing, food, shelter, or transportation, there are Zen opportunities everywhere. It just depends on whether you are enlightened.
Do they really think they're different from ordinary people?

Phagpa was able to assist Kublai Khan in ascending the throne, using conquest as a form of spiritual practice and enlightenment. Many emperors and nobles were his followers. However, after his death, the monks lacked successors, becoming entangled in worldly affairs. Instead of using Buddhist teachings to restrain imperial power and benefit the people, they committed many absurd and wicked acts, contributing significantly to the Yuan Dynasty's decline and chaos.

But even Phagpa didn't expect this day!
"Master, could you have predicted the future of the Emei Sect?"

Master Miejue was disheartened by his sharp wit and sighed, "I understand. You have a profound understanding of Zen principles and are not bound by worldly conventions. I know that this woman saved your life and is also incredibly beautiful. If she were to die, you would be heartbroken."

In today's world, finding a kindred spirit is not easy. Go!

Upon hearing this, Zhao Min finally felt relieved.

Suddenly, Yun Changkong said, "Master, you also have inner demons, do you know that?"

The Arhat Subduing Demon Skill originally belonged to the Buddhist order, yet it has been incorporated into the secular world.

what is this?
This is not because I had any particularly good fortune, but because it was the intention of that high monk; it was simply the way things were.

He was a true divine monk, his Buddha-nature as deep as the ocean, transcending the distinction between Buddhist and laymen, and even between Shaolin and other schools!
Therefore, without Yun Changkong, this divine skill would still return to the mortal world, blending into the dust. That is why Master Kongwen and others said, "It is not a cause for sorrow to lose it, nor a cause for pride to gain it!"
This is not out of fear of me, Yun Changkong, but simply because I have come to understand the true meaning of the divine monk's teachings!

Abbess Miejue laughed and said, "You can understand his meaning from his voice, which shows that your divine skill has been mastered!"

Yun Changkong smiled and said, "The essence of Buddhist martial arts lies in enlightenment. That's why I haven't practiced any martial arts for more than three years, yet I've been practicing on my own. Until one day, I focused my mind and looked inward, and I felt my spirit and energy were full. A joy and satisfaction welled up in my heart, which is beyond words."

Then I understood. The essence of Zen lies in breaking through ignorance and achieving enlightenment. That's why there's a saying that even scolding the Buddha and cursing the ancestors is not forbidden.

"If you don't even have the courage to break the rules, how can you attain enlightenment? How can you see the great light and obtain great freedom?"

Zhou Zhiruo said, "So you're content to be entangled with women?"

Yun Changkong said, "Of course, when I see the lively and bright Minmin, I feel at ease and content! As for everything else, what is there to mention?"

Zhou Zhiruo scoffed, "That's all nonsense!"

Yun Changkong laughed and said, "Young lady, the difference between Buddha and demon is but a thought; let us strive together!"

Zhou Zhiruo coldly asked, "Then are you a Buddha or a demon?"

Yun Changkong said, "Neither Buddha nor demon, neither demon nor Buddha, I can be Buddha or demon if I desire it; it all depends on the advance or retreat of my mind!"

Zhou Zhiruo was immediately speechless.

It should be noted that Shaolin Temple belongs to the Chan (Zen) school, which has always emphasized "sudden enlightenment." They are not afraid to criticize the Buddha and the patriarchs, unlike the Vinaya school and other schools that are more meticulous in strictly adhering to precepts. When Xuzhu violated the precepts against lust, killing, and many other precepts, he would never have been expelled from the sect if it had not been in front of outsiders.

Not to mention that Yun Changkong is not a member of Shaolin. Although he has practiced Buddhist martial arts, the so-called Buddhist precepts are nothing but illusions to him and not worth mentioning.

Eating meat, drinking alcohol, killing, and indulging in women are all matters of his own volition; no worldly rules can restrain him from doing so!
Yun Changkong took Zhao Min's arm and walked towards the door, but suddenly stopped and said, "Master, please tell my father and Chief Shi that things in the world are often unpredictable."

Some people believe that a person's life, which lasts a hundred years, should be lived to the fullest, especially in these chaotic times. A true man should wield a three-foot sword and achieve unparalleled feats.

But I feel that conquest, slaughter, and deceit are not what I want!
Besides, life is full of disappointments, so it's better to let go than to cling to them. Things that go smoothly are even rarer, so when you do encounter them, hold on tight and live life to the fullest.

Instead of using the younger generation as tools to realize their own dreams! The position of Beggars' Sect leader may be tempting, but I don't care for it!
To reiterate, I will not refuse to do anything within my power, but don't expect to place your ideals and beliefs on me. That was impossible before, it's impossible now, and it will be even more impossible in the future!
How many years have you been mingling in this mortal world?

The world is full of all kinds of people, some cry, some laugh. There are all sorts of wonders in this vast world. The world you are in now may be nothingness!
Without your persistence, things might not turn out the way you want. Your persistence, your deep belief that sincerity can move mountains, is actually empty and meaningless!

Yun Changkong took Zhao Min's arm and disappeared.

Zhou Zhiruo saw that he was exceptionally knowledgeable and now even had the air of a master. Such a person did not love power, which was truly puzzling.

Abbess Miejue's mind flashed through memories from decades ago. It seemed that Guo Xiang, the founder of the Guo family, secretly passed down the Dragon-Slaying Saber and the Heaven-Reliant Sword because she had searched for them for many years without success. Her master had also been mediocre for decades, but the Dragon-Slaying Saber finally appeared when she wasn't paying attention.

It seems that things in life cannot be forced!
After a moment of silence, Abbess Miejue sighed, "Perhaps he only loves to cultivate in seclusion in the deep mountains, seeking freedom amidst clear springs and green bamboos. We were wrong after all."

But it's a pity that Yunhe, a man of great talent and character, could have raised him to have such a temperament.

Zhou Zhiruo said quietly, "They say like father, like son, but it seems that's not true!"

Abbess Miejue nodded: "It seems I was wrong."

Zhou Zhiruo was startled; this was the first time her master had admitted she was wrong.

……

Yun Changkong led Zhao Min out of the temple gate and saw that her face was covered with tears. He said apologetically, "It's my fault for making you cry."

Zhao Min shook her head and smiled gently, "As long as you think of me and remember me, I'm not afraid of anything, no matter how dangerous it is..."

He then knelt down and said to Xiang Yue, "You kneel down too."

Chang Kong asked, "What are you doing?"

Zhao Min felt a surge of heat in her chest and couldn't contain herself. She took his hand and made him kneel down as well.

Zhao Min said softly, "You said we are husband and wife, with heaven and earth as our matchmaker and the sun and moon as our witness. Let's make up for it today!"

Yun Changkong laughed and said, "Good!"

Under the soft moonlight, the two knelt in front of the temple!
Zhao Min gazed at the moonlight and murmured a prayer: "On this auspicious day, I, Zhao Min, from Kaifeng in Zhongzhou, at the age of seventeen, am now happily married to Yun Changkong. Our vows will last until the seas dry up and the rocks crumble. We humbly pray to Heaven to grant us blessings and protect our marriage. If anyone has a change of heart, may they be struck down by Heaven and Earth. We sincerely appeal to Heaven and Earth, and all beings bear witness."

Seeing her solemnly make her vow, Yun Changkong was also startled. Zhao Min's eyebrows and eyes were shy and her cheeks were flushed. Seeing that he was silent, she slowly reached out her jade hand and touched him: "Speak!"

Yun Changkong reached out and gently grasped Zhao Min's hand. Her fingertips were slightly cool, but they slowly warmed up the moment he held them.

Yun Changkong said, "Marriage is a major event in life, a blessing from a previous life, and a covenant to be fulfilled in this life. From this day forward, Yun Changkong and Zhao Min are husband and wife. All gather here to witness this. May all your wishes come true and may happiness accompany you forever."

His voice was deep and clear, as if washed by moonlight. Zhao Min felt a lump in her throat and her eyes welled up with tears. The gentleness of the moonlight touched the corners of her eyes and brows. She pulled Yun Changkong and kowtowed three times, saying, "Let's go!"

Suddenly, a long sigh was heard. Just as Zhao Min was about to speak, Yun Changkong suddenly said, "Let's go!" The two disappeared into the shadows as swiftly as eagles.

After running for a while, Yun Changkong finally stopped.

Both of them knew who had just sighed; one guessed, while the other knew, but they tacitly remained silent.

After all, it's better not to know; if one did know, it would truly be a grave offense.

Zhao Min was incredibly clever. She noticed that Yun Changkong mentioned his father to Abbess Miejue several times, and she guessed that Yun He was also there.

They just haven't shown up.

After all, if Yun Changkong were to show himself, wouldn't that confirm his unfilial behavior? And Yun Changkong pretended not to know, using Miejue's words to tell his father his thoughts.

Because there are many things you can say to Abbess Miejue, but you simply can't say them to your biological father.

Zhao Min thought to herself that since the facts were as they were, whether you agreed or not, she had done her duty as a junior.

Zhao Min suddenly threw herself into her arms and cried, "Brother Yun, I'm so sorry!"

Yun Changkong patted her on the back: "There's nothing to apologize for."

Zhao Min cried, "I lied to you just now."

Yun Changkong asked, "What did you lie to me about?"

Zhao Min raised her head, tears still glistening on her face, and said with a grin, "When Abbess Miejue grabbed me just now, I was terrified, but I never thought of resisting!"

Yun Changkong looked at him, not knowing what to say, and only said, "You also want to know my feelings?"

Seeing his pale face, Zhao Min choked out, "I don't know why, but hearing that you proposed to Miss Zhou always makes me sad. I just wanted to see if you were in a hurry."

Upon hearing this, Yun Changkong couldn't help but feel a surge of pity. He embraced her and said softly, "Minmin, I know that many of my past actions were indeed not proper. Alas, it's not just Miss Zhou, there's another girl too."

Back then, I was deep in the mountains, and when I finally saw a beautiful woman, I thought I could do what others couldn't. I never considered that I would unknowingly become the center of attention, and those dark past events could never be erased.

Zhao Min smiled mockingly: "Just how many lovers do you have?"

"What lover?" Yun Changkong asked with a bitter expression. "If it's just a lover, then it's not a problem. But the problem isn't that I'm a lover, but I said some things that I should have said to a lover. If she finds out we're together, she'll see it as a serious provocation on my part, and that will be troublesome."

Zhao Min snorted: "Since they're not lovers, if she causes trouble, can't you hit her?"

Chang Kong shook his head: "Not to mention that most of my martial arts skills are thanks to her, even if we were to fight, I might not be able to win!"

Zhao Min's face turned pale, and her lips trembled: "Is she even more powerful than the Purple-Robed Dragon King and Abbess Miejue?"

Yun Changkong nodded and said, "That's much more powerful. To put it simply, she might not be able to kill me, but if she wants to kill you, I absolutely cannot stop her!"

Zhao Min shuddered and burst into tears, crying out, "What kind of people have you messed with? Do you want me to die even sooner?"

Yun Changkong laughed heartily and quickly pulled her into his arms: "How could that be? How could such a master stoop to your level? I was just kidding you. Who told you to lie to me just now!"

Zhao Min harbored a secret crush on him, her heart completely devoted to him. Hearing his words, she burst into laughter through her tears, saying, "If I were lying to you, it would be because you're always flirting with other women. Besides, we're about the same age. I just don't believe there's such a formidable woman in the world who would cause me trouble. Who would win between us is anyone's guess."

Little did she know that Yun Changkong liked to provoke older people, and the woman in yellow was much older than her.

Yun Changkong couldn't explain himself at this point, so he just decided to avoid Zhongnan Mountain from now on. He had no romantic feelings for the woman in yellow; he only hoped to contribute to the expulsion of the Tartars, and assimilation was acceptable.

Zhao Min said, "Let's go back to the room and tidy up, then we'll go find them."

"Hmm!" Yun Changkong understood what she meant. Holding her soft hand, he laughed heartily, "There's no road to Penglai, but a raft can take you there. Everything else is just fleeting!"

The two returned to Zhao Min's cottage, and naturally couldn't stay still. They engaged in some intimate acts in the room, satisfying their desires. As dawn broke, they got up, washed, and tidied themselves before heading towards Xiao Zhao's courtyard.

Zhao Min only hoped that this period of time would pass as slowly as possible.

(End of this chapter)