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

Chapter 97 The Chain Building

Time has passed, the place has changed, and it is once again Fenglingdu.

This location, situated at the bend where the Yellow River turns eastward, is a crucial transportation hub connecting the three provinces of Shanxi, Shaanxi, and Henan.
Then, a steady stream of people, young and old, carrying swords and sabers, came towards the ferry.

Several ferries kept ferrying people across the river. A little girl with a crooked mouth and slanted eyes helped an old woman with white hair and wrinkled skin, who was turning Buddhist prayer beads, towards the ferry.

A gaunt-faced man and a young swordsman with a hero's turban tied around his head and dressed in blue followed behind.

Everyone who saw them was taken aback, and they all fell silent, like gourds with their mouths sawed off.

Two people were on a ferry that was about to depart, but when four more people boarded, it was expected that at least five or six more would be carried. However, all the other passengers hesitated and waited, and even the two passengers jumped off the ferry.

Clearly, no one wanted to travel with them.

This is because people in the martial arts world know the principle of avoiding trouble, and they dare not provoke young women, monks, or nuns. These four people looked strange no matter how you looked at them, so no one boarded the ship.

The young swordsman wearing the hero's turban tossed out a silver ingot and said in a deep voice, "Cross the river!"

The boatman glanced at the crowd, pulled down the gangplank, and with a flick of his pole, the ferry, which could carry about ten people, set off with only four passengers.

These four people were naturally Yun Changkong, Zhao Min, the Purple-Robed Dragon King, and Xiao Zhao in disguise.

Zhao Min pointed into the distance and laughed, "Brother Yun, look, that's Tongguan Pass. We're going to go there and have a good time for a few days."

Yun Changkong smiled.

Zhao Min's eyes darted around: "Miss Xiao Zhao, have you ever been to Tongguan?"

Xiao Zhao asked, "Do you know Tongguan well?"

Zhao Min said, "Of course, wouldn't you like to visit the Eight Scenic Spots of Tongguan and so on?"

Granny Jin Hua said coldly, "If you want to travel and enjoy the scenery, then don't come with us."

Zhao Min pouted her cherry lips and said, "When you travel the world, if you don't know Tongguan, it's like a person who loves to travel mountains but hasn't seen Mount Tai. Don't you feel regretful?"

Yun Changkong laughed and said, "Let's cross the river first and then discuss it slowly."

Tongguan is located in Shaanxi Province, on the south bank of the Yellow River. It guards the eastern gateway to the Guanzhong Plain and has been a strategic location fought over by military strategists since ancient times.

Therefore, Tongguan Pass was built on a hillside, tall and majestic, possessing the imposing presence of a dragon coiled and a tiger crouching. The group entered the city through the north gate and found it extremely bustling. They headed towards the inn, but before even entering…

Then someone cursed, "Damn it! This Dragon Slayer Saber originally belonged to my Hai Sha Sect, but it was stolen by the Tianying... uh, the Bai Mei Sect, and then Xie Xun stole it and even killed my master. Humph, this time he'll pay for his blood debt!"

Upon hearing these words, the group immediately stopped and listened intently.

One of them sighed, "Yes, we can't afford to offend the White Eyebrow Sect, so we have to swallow this anger. Fortunately, that bastard Li Tianyuan was killed by Hero Yun, and the Sky Eagle Sect was expelled and renamed the White Eyebrow Sect."

"That was only because Master Yun left a message for Yin Baimei, otherwise how could he have the nerve to do it!"

"Hehe, what's there to be embarrassed about? Have you heard? Yin Yewang has made a comeback!"

"What? Wasn't he crippled by Master Yun?"

At this moment, a woman chuckled and said, "You may not know this, but Yu Sanxia of the Wudang Sect can walk like an ordinary person all along."

The old man Yin Tianzheng, shameless as ever, carried Yin Yewang up Wudang Mountain, offering up the antidote for the mosquito-whisker needles and seven-star nails used to assassinate Yu Sanxia years ago. In exchange, he received a miraculous medicine, which finally restored Yin Yewang to his original state!

"Hey, you think you can just let this Wudang Sect thing slide?"

"There's nothing we can do about it. Yin Tianzheng is Zhang Cuishan's father-in-law after all. Even if we don't respect him, we have to respect him!"

"Hmph, our Sea Sand Sect, Giant Whale Gang, and Divine Fist Sect—thirteen gangs in total—are not to be trifled with. This time, we'll make the Ming Cult hand over Xie Xun. Otherwise, we'll raze Bright Peak to the ground!"

"Stop bragging. Would you dare to do this without Shaolin and Wudang leading the way?"

The man lowered his voice and said, "The Shaolin monk Kongjian died at Xie Xun's hands, and the fiancée of Wudang's Sixth Hero Yin was raped by Yang Xiao. If these matters are not addressed, what kind of respected figure in the martial arts world are we!"

After listening to what was happening, Yun Changkong and his companions left the hotel and spread the word elsewhere. The story concerned Xie Xun and the Dragon-Slaying Saber!

Granny Jin Hua said, "Not only are there Mongolian troops stationed here, but also righteous and evil sects from the martial arts world, as well as both the righteous and the wicked, have branches here. Let's not delay any longer!"

Zhao Min said, "Aren't you exaggerating? What's there to be afraid of?"

Granny Jin Hua said, "This is within the sphere of influence of the Huashan Sect."

Seeing that someone was about to besiege the Ming Cult, and that their momentum was unstoppable, like Yu the Great controlling the floods, which could only be channeled, Yun Changkong made a plan in his mind and nodded slightly: "Alright, then let's leave as soon as possible. I'll accompany you on a good trip later."

Zhao Min simply didn't want Yun Changkong to listen to others. It wasn't that she was unaware of the situation; she knew that he had killed Xianyu Tong, the leader of the Huashan Sect, and that no matter the outcome, staying here any longer would inevitably cause unnecessary trouble, so she agreed.

Yun Changkong bought a carriage and let Zhao Min, Granny Jin Hua, and Xiao Zhao ride in it. He acted as the driver. The group did not want to cause trouble, so they avoided martial arts figures and took back roads whenever they saw them!

However, the path was teeming with bandits and mountain brigands. Unfortunately, they encountered Yun Changkong, and instead of robbing him, they enriched their holdings and changed their horse-drawn carriages every day.

However, this made Zhao Min feel extremely frustrated. She had finally encountered a small group of bandits and wanted to show off her skills. But Yun Changkong simply flicked his whip, and everything was resolved.

The whip struck a tree, breaking it; it hit a person, who immediately collapsed to the ground, screaming incessantly!

They tried to run away, but he threw a leaf at them, and they were all frozen in place, thinking they had encountered a god who made them dare not go east or west!
Upon entering the Gansu-Liangzhou region that day, Zhao Min couldn't help but ask, "Little Zhao, do you think he's strange?"

Xiao Zhao was stunned for a moment, then said, "What? Wasn't he with you? Why are you asking me about him!" Her face flushed slightly.

Zhao Min pouted and said, "We've been friends for a while now, can't we even have a chat?"

Xiao Zhao pondered for a moment and said, "What you said makes sense. Master Yun is indeed somewhat unfathomable."

Zhao Min asked, "What do you think makes him so profound?"

Xiao Zhao said, "I can't say for sure, but people with extraordinary ambitions will do extraordinary things. That's why Master Yun descended to earth."

She greatly admired Yun Changkong's martial arts skills, and seeing him in disguise, she knew he must have something important to do. It might not just be for them.

Zhao Min clapped her hands and said, "You're absolutely right. But I wonder if even if you go to Kunlun Mountain and get what you want, can you really atone for violating the rules?" She looked at Granny Jin Hua.

Granny Jin Hua, who had been meditating and rarely spoke to Zhao Min, slightly opened her eyes and said, "Whether it's possible or not, I have to try. If I don't try, even if my daughter and I live in seclusion, we'll still be living in constant fear. Who knows if they'll appear before us!"

Zhao Min snorted, "I just don't accept it. Why are all the rules in this world set for us women?"

You're just getting married, why are you burning people alive? What kind of evil cult is this? It's just a way to restrict us women!
"Hmph, look at those powerful men, aren't they all married with multiple wives and concubines? And what about us? It's so unfair!"

Granny Jin Hua's gaze softened as she said, "Where in this world is there any fairness? Throughout history, those who conquered the world and stirred up conflict were all men."

Their lust for power and possession is the greatest scourge of the world, and they believe it is the greatest joy in life, so they indulge in it tirelessly!

Yun Changkong, who had been driving silently, only spoke up after hearing this: "It's not that we enjoy it. It's that many people lack the wealth and power to experience this joy."

But they saw that others had once enjoyed great power and prestige, so they all wanted to emulate it.

Qin Shi Huang unified China, conquering the six kingdoms. His power and majesty were evident to all. Yet, he was a hostage in the state of Zhao, where he was bullied. After becoming King of Qin, his mother's lover plotted to harm him and seize his throne. His son, on whom he placed great hopes, held different political views and could not understand him.

His beloved son altered the imperial edict, disrupted the law and misled the country, and killed all his children. Such a tragedy is recorded in history books, but it has been overlooked, especially by those with great ambitions.

What kind of dilemma did Liu Bang face in his later years?
He wanted to depose the crown prince, but felt it was inappropriate, so he made plans for his beloved woman and son, hoping they would be safe. But what was the result?

The term "human pig" appeared.

Zhao Min snorted: "This is all due to people's arrogance!"

Yun Changkong said, "Yes, that's how people are."

In fact, in the process of pursuing everything, those people will experience all kinds of pain, such as the tragic death of loved ones, being unable to control their own lives, and being displaced and wandering. It can be said that all the great sorrows and pains that a person can experience will gather in these people!
Such things as wives and children being murdered, fathers and sons turning against each other, brothers killing each other, lovers betraying each other, and parents burying their children.

That's why we have those sentiments like "If I'm not born into an imperial family in my next life, I'll feel lonely at the top."

The sad thing is that many of us who came after them are blind to the suffering of those people, or choose not to see it. Or perhaps we think we are better than Qin Shi Huang and Liu Bang!

If I achieve great things, I will no longer suffer their pain!
This is not just due to their arrogance; it's simply because they haven't done it yet!
If we did it, we might not even see their backs before they all died.

The most ridiculous thing is that it's as if only Liu Bang had the sentiment of "A true man should be like Qin Shi Huang" upon seeing his chariot!

Zhao Min laughed and said, "That's right. At that time, countless people were watching, and countless people had the same thought. It's just that after Liu Bang and Xiang Yu stood out and established their achievements, people said that they had this idea back then! Did they dare to speak their minds back then? Weren't they afraid of being exterminated?"

Yun Changkong laughed heartily: "That's exactly the point."

There are countless people who think this way, but many of them die long before they are recorded in history!

It's just that most of those who crave power don't have any lofty ideals; what they want is the power to have the authority to make their words law and to have the power of life and death over others!
As for what I would lose or give up to gain these things, what responsibilities I would bear to acquire such power and position, and whether I could even shoulder them—none of that was taken into consideration.

Zhao Min laughed and said, "You're afraid you can't shoulder this responsibility, so you won't become the leader of the martial arts alliance, nor will you become the leader of the Beggars' Sect."

“It’s not that I’m afraid!” Yun Changkong laughed. “It’s that I know clearly that I simply can’t bear the responsibility.”

"Is that so?" Granny Jin Hua sneered, "Your humility is not like your usual self."

Yun Changkong said, "This is different. I am arrogant, and I should pay the price for it!"
But once you become a leader of the martial arts world, such as the leader of the Beggars' Sect, you can't be arrogant.

Because they elected you not so you could lord it over others or enjoy power, but so you could shoulder the greatest burdens and bear the greatest grievances of the world, to change the world as it is today!

Xiao Zhao interjected, "Master Yun, I don't know much either, but I know that facing difficulties head-on is the mark of a true man."

People have recommended you to shoulder great responsibilities and endure great hardship; you are a true hero! If you were to shirk your duties and avoid danger, it would be unbecoming of you!

Chang Kong laughed and said, "Little girl, who doesn't want to be a hero?"
But there are some heroes you're not qualified to be.

Leaving aside the distant past, at this very moment, the world should rise up in rebellion against the Yuan. Now that you're in charge, let's not even consider where to start the uprising, how many Yuan soldiers are nearby, or how you'll deal with them if they arrive within a few days of receiving the news.

Whether you lure the enemy deep into your territory or intercept them halfway, how many troops do you need to deploy, and how do you plan to fight?
How can the disputes between the righteous and the demonic factions be resolved?

As we've heard, Ji Xiaofu of the Emei Sect was engaged to Yin Liuxia of the Wudang Sect, but was forced into marriage by Yang Xiao. This was entirely Yang Xiao's fault. However, Ji Xiaofu said she had no regrets, so the Ming Cult members didn't think it was such a big mistake.

But can the disgrace suffered by the Wudang and Emei sects be changed simply because Ji Xiaofu doesn't regret her actions?

Zhao Min coldly said, "Breaking up someone's marriage is like killing their parents."

Yun Changkong said, "Yes, that makes sense. Now that you've become the leader of the martial arts alliance, how will you resolve this dispute?"
If you kill Yang Xiao, the Ming Cult will certainly not accept it.

The person in question doesn't regret it at all, so why should you?
But if you don't kill them, Wudang and Emei will still be dissatisfied. How can they unite as one if they harbor such resentment?

Zhao Min snorted and pouted, "What's so difficult about that? If it were me, I'd have Abbess Miejue, Yin Liting, and Yang Xiao fight it out and settle their scores in one battle!"

Xiao Zhao said, "You make it sound so easy. If Abbess Miejue killed Yang Xiao, wouldn't the Ming Cult hate him? Wouldn't his daughter hate him too?"
Or would it be enough for Yang Xiao to kill Abbess Miejue, Yin Liting, the Wudang Sect, and the Emei Sect to end this matter?

Yun Changkong laughed and said, "Yes, the idea that a single battle will determine right and wrong has always been just wishful thinking."

Moreover, once a person joins a group or organization, their judgment inevitably suffers, and their moral standards decline.

"Huh?" The three women were all startled. Xiao Zhao asked, "What do you mean by that?"

Yun Changkong laughed and said, "I'll tell you two stories. There was a Lu Zhishen among the heroes of Liangshan in the past."

Zhao Min said, "Lu Zhishen, the Flower Monk, is famous in the martial arts world for his Madman's Staff Technique."

Chang Kong smiled and said, "That's right. When he was a military officer, he encountered Zhen Guanxi who wanted to take Jin Cuilian as a concubine. He felt that this was coercion and shameless. He stood up for him and killed Zhen Guanxi with three punches."

But what happened after they joined Liangshan?

Leaving aside the other scumbag stories, let's just talk about Dong Ping, the Double-Gunner, who fell for Shangguan's daughter but was rejected.

After joining Liangshan, he tricked his way into opening the city gates and led his troops into the city. He did one thing: he killed the entire Shangguan family and took a woman as his wife. Such an act was outrageous and unforgivable, let alone by any hero. So when he was later cut in two, it was retribution.

As for opinions on this matter, others will refrain from commenting. But where is Lu Zhishen, the righteous officer who once intervened to stop a local bully from taking a concubine?

Zhao Min said seriously, "There's nothing we can do. He's from Liangshan, and Dong Ping is also from Liangshan. Moreover, he's highly skilled in martial arts. If we let outsiders cause discord between our brothers, it's inevitable that trouble will arise from within our own ranks."

Yun Changkong smiled and said, "You are indeed someone who is destined for great things; you have your own sense of priorities."

However, Lu Zhishen must have had inner conflicts; his moral compass clashed with his so-called grand cause and brotherly affection. Therefore, his death is particularly fantastical and romantic.

The group was deeply moved after hearing the story.

Especially Zhao Min.

Her subordinate, Lu Zhangke, had harmed countless women, but because of her status and position, and in order to rely on him, she not only had to pretend not to see it, but also had to support him.
But isn't this just aiding and abetting evil?
Yun Changkong said leisurely, "This kind of brotherhood conflicting with moral values ​​is just the most common thing for a leader."

This is also the simplest problem in an uprising.

There's a deeper level to this: once an uprising breaks out, territory and supplies are needed, which are crucial for survival and substantial profits.
Human nature is selfish, and it is inevitable that there will be struggles for power and profit, and even acts of mutual annexation. How can you prevent this?
Or, if a dispute arises, can you make a fair judgment that convinces everyone and prevents internal strife?
In this situation, you need to both contain it and maintain a balance, but people's rationality is often swayed by emotions and stances. Minmin, you should understand this deeply. If I did something with a stranger, and it was clearly my fault, whose side would you take?
Just like when you plotted against Miss Zhou, it was clearly your fault, but could I be so heartless as to scold or punish you?
It used to work, but it doesn't anymore!

Zhao Min fell into deep thought.

Xiao Zhao asked, "Master Yun, what you said is all right, but who can handle such a complicated situation? Those who can handle it are truly remarkable."

"Yes! That's why countless heroes emerge during dynastic changes, but only one can ultimately rule the country! It's not a matter of just talking or whether you're better at martial arts and can fight him!"

Yun Changkong laughed and said, "For example, if someone has enemies with all the major sects, and his parents were forced to their deaths, but he himself is the most skilled in martial arts, the best in the world, yet he is benevolent and righteous, willing to give up his personal grudges just to get everyone to work together, then what would others think if they didn't have as many enemies as him or as skilled in martial arts as him?"

"Nonsense!" The Purple-Robed Dragon King found it absurd: "Are there really such fools in this world? If they've even forgotten the revenge for their parents' deaths, what's the point of them living?"

Yun Changkong laughed and said, "You think he's stupid, but he doesn't think that way. He's willing to sacrifice himself for the greater good and is willing to suffer this injustice."

That is precisely why people like him can be admired. His leadership is a blessing for all the people.

But if I were to quell the hatred, others would say, "Since you, Yun Changkong, debuted, you have killed countless people and left hundreds of corpses, all because of personal grudges!"
What gives you the right to demand that we let go of our hatred?
What should I do?

Some people make suggestions, and no one objects, but that's because it hasn't come to that point yet; you haven't done it.

But once his interests are threatened, these issues will definitely be brought up!
If I resist, it will only lead to mutual slaughter!

If I don't fight back, and end up looking foolish and humiliated, what's the point?

Zhao Min sighed, "Brother Yun, you are truly an exceptionally intelligent person. You seem to understand and know everything."

Both publicly and privately, I don't want you to face these things. Seeing you think this way makes me feel much more at ease.

Yun Changkong said, "Minmin, don't think about whether I'm an enemy of the Mongols or not. Since ancient times, no matter whose country it was, there has always been a cycle of chaos followed by order, war followed by peace."

As for the occurrence of war, it is bound to happen as long as there is a difference in strength between countries.

When we Han people were powerful, we also made you Hu people dare not move south to graze your horses, and we also made them "lose our Qilian Mountains, so that our livestock cannot thrive; lose our Yanzhi Mountains, so that our women lose their beauty".

If we were weak, we would suffer tragedies like the Five Barbarian Invasions and the Jingkang Incident. These are not things that you or I can change!

Just you wait, we'll drive you Mongols back to the grasslands, and the fighting will continue.

On this day, the group arrived at Yumen Pass, changed into camels to cross the pass, and entered the Western Regions, where the scenery changed dramatically.

The vast desert is dotted with a few patches of green, swaying gently in the west wind, creating an atmosphere of desolation.

Looking at the vast sky and boundless land, Yun Changkong sighed and said, "I must say, those who want to besiege Bright Peak are all incredibly arrogant."

The Purple-Robed Dragon King snorted, "If you don't want to go, just turn back. Why make sarcastic remarks?"

Yun Changkong was stunned: "I didn't make any sarcastic remarks?"

Zhao Min smiled and said, "Yang Dingtian, Niu Dingtian!"

Yun Changkong then realized the problem and sighed, "I didn't mean it, really."

Zhao Min said quietly, "You may not have meant anything by what you said, but the listener took it to heart. Have you forgotten that?"

Chang Kong nodded repeatedly: "I will try not to speak in the future."

The further west they went, the more desolate the scenery became, and the weather also changed; it was scorching hot during the day and bitterly cold at night.

Knowing there would be a battle ahead, Yun Changkong would pass on his divine skills and secrets to Zhao Min every night before resting. He didn't even hide them from the Purple-Robed Dragon King and Xiao Zhao.

Zhao Min was fond of martial arts and trusted Yun Changkong, so she practiced according to his methods, but she couldn't even get the basics right. Yun Changkong had no choice but to pass on a lineage of techniques to her and also give her some pointers on what she was already learning.

There are many profound principles in martial arts that everyone knows, but the difficulty lies in incorporating them into the moves and applying them effectively.

Besides being passed down through secrets, this relies more on innate talent and aptitude; it can only be understood intuitively and cannot be explained in words.

Otherwise, if someone like Zhang Sanfeng were willing to teach, wouldn't the world be full of martial arts masters, with no less skilled ones left?
He taught me everything he knew, and there was really no other way.

After all, Yin Liting was always thinking about taking revenge on Yang Xiao, but he knew that his martial arts were no match for Yang Xiao's. He practiced hard every day, and even though Zhang Sanfeng was willing to teach him, there was nothing he could do. He could only learn about 30% or 40% of the skills.

The reason why Guo Jing and Huang Rong did not pass on the Nine Yin Manual to Guo Xiang was simply because her martial arts level at the time was insufficient to cultivate the Nine Yin Manual.

Yun Changkong possessed extraordinary talent and divine skills, so many principles could be applied in a way that seemed perfectly natural to him.

Zhao Min, the Purple-Robed Dragon King, and Xiao Zhao are all highly talented, especially the Purple-Robed Dragon King, who is a first-rate expert. However, the principles that are easy for Yun Changkong are a different story for the three of them.

Fortunately, everyone knew that Yun Changkong's martial arts were extremely high and full of hidden secrets, so it wasn't a big deal if they couldn't comprehend them.

The Purple-Robed Dragon King even studied the martial arts she learned in Persia with Yun Changkong, and even Zhao Min could offer her insights.

Once the topic of martial arts came up, the journey was far from lonely.

That night, the group rested by a water source. The Purple-Robed Dragon King and Xiao Zhao were in their tent...

Yun Changkong meditated outside and felt his true energy surging, with everything in his limbs and bones feeling comfortable. He felt that his skill had improved again.

Zhao Min, holding a water pouch, sat beside him, gazing leisurely at the night sky.

Chang Kong said, "Why don't you go and rest?"

Although he had consummated his marriage with both Zhao Min and the Purple-Robed Dragon King, Xiao Zhao was always with him along the way, so although he talked a lot, he always kept to himself.

It was late at night, and Zhao Min, feeling relaxed and at ease, finally spoke to him alone, saying, "This journey has been too peaceful."

Yun Changkong knew she was referring to his father and brother's plot to besiege Bright Peak, so he naturally had to remain calm and said, "We've encountered plenty of bandits too!"

Zhao Min paused for a moment, then looked at him with her big, dark eyes and asked, "Why did you speak up for Zhou Zhiruo that day?"

Yun Changkong said strangely, "I didn't, I..."

Seeing the awkward look on his face, Zhao Min couldn't help but chuckle and said, "So what if you said it? What's so great about it?"

Besides, you're right, she really is quite pitiful.

She, too, was used as a pawn by Abbess Miejue to achieve her own ideals. We share the same fate; if you can still turn a blind eye, wouldn't my eyes be warped?

Yun Changkong laughed and said, "I'm very happy that you think that way. I was just hoping that the girl wouldn't follow in Cheng Kun's footsteps."

Zhao Min nodded and said, "Yes, Cheng Kun wanted to destroy the Ming Cult for his love. If she were forced to do so, she would inevitably do the same."

Chang Kong told her the reason why Cheng Kun wanted to destroy the Ming Cult, and the more he thought about it, the more he felt that Zhou Zhiruo in the original story was the same as Cheng Kun.

They were all originally people with excellent reputations and high moral character, but after being heartbroken, they all became psychologically twisted.

So he nudged Abbess Miejue, hoping she would stop pressuring her disciple.

Zhao Min suddenly asked, "Who do you think is prettier, Miss Zhou or me?"

Yun Changkong's heart skipped a beat, and he said, "Why are you asking this question again?"

Zhao Min said seriously, "When did I ask that? This is the first time I've asked!"

Yun Changkong was stunned for a moment before he remembered that she had once asked him who was more beautiful, him or the Purple-Robed Dragon King, but this was the first time she had asked Zhou Zhiruo.

Bathed in the moonlight, Zhao Min's eyes sparkled, like moonlight reflecting on a cold river. Her pretty face resembled a piece of clean, smooth, white jade. She was incredibly beautiful. Yun Changkong said, "Of course, you are the most beautiful."

Unexpectedly, Zhao Min scoffed, "Where am I more beautiful than her?"

Zhao Min went to see Zhou Zhiruo to see just how beautiful she was. After seeing her, she had to admit that Zhou Zhiruo was extremely beautiful, no less so than herself.

Yun Changkong said she was more beautiful, and while she was delighted, she also wanted to know why.

If you're going to win, you have to win clearly and honestly; you can't let people fool you.

Yun Changkong thought for a moment and said, "People say that beauties are like flowers, each with its own fragrance. Minmin, you are like a peony, incomparably beautiful."

Zhao Min smiled and said, "You flatter me, Master Yun. And what about Miss Zhou?"

Yun Changkong said, "Miss Zhou, you are like a pearl orchid, giving people a sense of elegance and gentleness."

Zhao Min sighed softly, "If she were to cry again, she would be so pitiful that I would feel sorry for her, let alone this old servant!"

Hearing her say that, Yun Changkong couldn't help but laugh.

But then someone said, "Master Yun, what you're saying is incorrect."

The two turned to look and saw that it was Xiao Zhao who had come out.

She was already extremely beautiful, and now that she wasn't trying to look ugly, her natural appearance was pleasing to the eye.

Chang Kong asked, "Do you have a different opinion?"

Xiao Zhao smiled and said, "I have never met Miss Zhou, but I know that peonies and orchids are beautiful in their own way. So, where does Miss Zhao stand out?"

Zhao Min turned to look at Yun Changkong, a smile playing on her lips.

Yun Changkong looked a little embarrassed and scratched his head.

Xiao Zhao couldn't help but smile and said, "However, these two flowers don't bloom at the same time. Peonies bloom in late spring, while pearl orchids bloom in summer. If you compare the two side by side, aren't you only able to look at one and not the other?"

Yun Changkong was shocked: "Goodness, there's such a saying? I never expected that!"

Yun Changkong's analogy of Zhao Min and Zhou Zhiruo was merely a rehash of someone else's words; little did he know that it had been intended all along!
These flowers are in full bloom; not picking and admiring them would be considered impolite. However, the two flowers bloom in different seasons, which means they are destined not to coexist.

Hearing this, Zhao Min was secretly delighted, but feigned anger and said, "Fine, did you mean to compare the two of us like this? Explain yourself!"

Chang Kong smiled unconsciously and said, "Xiao Zhao is still here!"

Zhao Min glared at Xiao Zhao and said, "You're so young, be careful not to catch a cold. Go back now."

Xiao Zhao sat down on a rock and laughed, "I want to get some fresh air."

Beautiful women love to compete in beauty, and Xiao Zhao, not being an honest person, was no exception. Besides, she didn't like being told what to do. Zhao Min told her to go back, but she refused.

Zhao Min was naturally helpless against her, and immediately glanced at Chang Kong and said, "Brother Yun, then why do you like me?"

Xiao Zhao looked at Yun Changkong, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

Yun Changkong thought to himself, "Girls are really all the same, no matter how delicate and beautiful they are!" He continued, "Women in this world are naturally charming, clever and quick-witted, lively and agile, intelligent and kind-hearted, well-read, brave and resourceful, calm and elegant. Even if a woman possesses only one of these qualities, she is already a rare beauty in the world!"
But what about you? You embody all these virtues of women; how could I not love you?

Upon hearing these words, Zhao Min was naturally delighted, her beautiful face blooming like a flower.

Xiao Zhao was also surprised, thinking to herself, "No wonder he was so infatuated with this princess!"

Zhao Min wasn't unfamiliar with flattery, but when she thought about it, she realized she almost perfectly fit the bill, so she believed it. Feeling both proud and sweet, she smiled and asked, "Brother Yun, how many people have you said this to?"

"I swear to God!" Yun Changkong stretched out his hand: "I've only said this to you."

Zhao Min felt a surge of sweetness in her heart and snuggled closer to him.

Yun Changkong put his arm around her shoulder; everything felt so natural.

The way the two of them were standing at that moment seemed to be an epitome of lovers all over the world.

She looked at them with a pair of phoenix eyes, her expression filled with a hint of melancholy and resentment.

After a long journey, they arrived at a small town at the foot of the Kunlun Mountains.

For the first time in both his past and present lives, Yun Changkong arrived at the foot of the Kunlun Mountains, filled with curiosity and looking around.

"Sir, sir."

A waiter rushed out of the shop, smiling obsequiously, "Sir, judging from your attire, you must be from out of town. Come, come, try the food at our restaurant."

Zhao Min chuckled and said, "What kind of restaurant is this? Do we have to eat here?"

The waiter smiled and said, "Sir, please look up. There are three big characters on the plaque: 'Lianhuanlou.' This is the most superior restaurant within a hundred miles."

Yun Changkong said, "Great! I'm hungry right now and I'm just about to eat something."

The group entered the restaurant.

"Wang Er, tie up the guest's horse!"

"Coming."

"Please come in, sir." Led by the waiter, Yun Changkong and the three women went up the stairs to the second floor.

There were some drinkers on the upper floor, of various kinds: some looked like merchants, some like young nobles, and some like martial arts heroes.

"Sir, please sit by the window, where you can enjoy your meal and drinks while admiring the mountain scenery. Wouldn't that be wonderful?"

Yun Changkong smiled and said, "Alright." The four of them sat down.

"Sir, what would you like to eat?"

Yun Changkong thought for a moment and realized he really didn't know what to eat, so he said, "You decide, just pick the most expensive one."

"Okay, wait a moment."

A moment later, the waiter came over with a pot of tea, poured a cup for each of them, and handed it to them, saying, "Gentlemen, judging from your attire, you must all be江湖人士 (jianghu people, people of the martial arts world)?"

Zhao Min said, "Well, I guess so."

"So, you've come to Kunlun Mountain to find someone?"

"How to say?"

The waiter smiled and said, "Sir, our restaurant is called Lianhuanlou, which means 'connecting the heroes of the martial arts world.' Anyone who comes to the vicinity of Kunlun Mountain will find a place here to eat and drink."

Zhao Min raised her glass and smiled, "Really?"

"That's right," the waiter said with a smile, "It's our restaurant's signature dish."

"Signboard?" Xiao Zhao asked, puzzled. "What does that mean?"

Seeing her crooked mouth, slanted eyes, and hoarse voice, the waiter still said with a friendly expression, "Miss, please look at this banner on the wall; it's the biggest signboard."

The group turned to look and saw ink stains on the pink wall of the restaurant: "The peerless female strategist, the unparalleled Liu Gong, the most heroic Guo Daxia, who defended Xiangyang and is praised throughout the world." Next to it were several lines of smaller characters: "A stroke of genius by Zhu Changling."

Upon seeing these words, Yun Changkong couldn't help but sigh and said, "This really is the biggest signboard."

Zhao Min sighed, "What beautiful calligraphy! It's a pity that I don't know how the female Zhuge Liang, Master Liu, and Hero Guo would feel now if they knew."

The waiter said, “These are three great heroes and valiant men. The female Zhuge is Huang Rong, the former leader of the Beggars’ Sect. Zi Liu Gong first served as prime minister in Dali and later helped defend Xiangyang. The great hero Guo defended Xiangyang for decades and his whole family died for the city. His story is truly moving!”

Yun Changkong said, "You know about Guo Jing and Huang Rong, that's impressive!"

"That's right," the waiter laughed. "Everyone knows that Master Guo and his wife are determined to expel the Tartars!"

Zhao Min curled her lips and said coldly, "I didn't realize you could recognize the words on these banners."

The waiter laughed and said, "Sir, you flatter me. I am illiterate, but our masters, Master Wu and Master Zhu, require all of us waiters to learn to read."

Even after many years since Master Zhu passed away, things remain the same. If you don't believe me, let me read it to you again: "Unparalleled female strategist Zhuge Liang, unmatched Liu Gong in the world, and the most heroic of all, Guo Jing, whose righteous defense of Xiangyang is praised throughout the land."

Suddenly someone slammed their hand on the table and said, "Hey buddy, everyone knows about the female strategist and the great hero Guo, but the two beauties of Snow Ridge are as beautiful as flowers, so delicate and tender. It would be a real treat to see them!"

(End of this chapter)