Martial Arts Crossover: The Sweeping Monk of Wudang? That's our patriarch!

"Senior Uncle, what should we do?" Song Yuanqiao turned around and respectfully asked Lin Daochen for instructions.

Lin Daochen stood with his hands behind his back, his expression indifferent: "You make the decision yourself, I trust you."

After a moment's thought, Song Yuanqiao said, "Only the ringleaders will be punished."

His words were like knives.

It would maintain the integrity of Wudang without incurring the infamy of annihilating an entire clan. Reputable sects act with reason and principle. To exterminate them completely? That would ruin their reputation.

But could he really let those in charge, Kongwen and Kongxing, off the hook? He couldn't bring himself to do it.

So a compromise was reached—the remaining monks could find their own way out, but none of the core leaders could expect to escape unscathed.

"Great Hero Song, your kindness is deeply appreciated by this humble monk," Kong Wen replied softly.

As for his own life and death, he no longer cared. As the abbot, what was the point of living if he couldn't even protect the sect's legacy?

He slowly rose, surveyed the remaining disciples, and said in a calm yet heavy voice, "You... go your separate ways. From this day forward, there will be no more Shaolin Temple in the world."

"Those who wish to continue their Buddhist practice may enter another temple; those who wish to return to secular life may do so on their own."

When the disciples were dismissed, many people's eyes were filled with resentment and their anger was hard to quell. But they dared not move, nor could they move.

Facing someone of Lin Daochen's caliber, no matter how much hatred one harbors, it's nothing more than ants biting iron.

Lin Daochen stood on high ground, taking in the entire scene.

He knew that among these departing monks, some would surely remember this grudge and seek revenge.

But he just chuckled lightly, his heart unmoved.

It would be truly laughable if a cultivator with extraordinary comprehension were to fear the resentment of a few disgraced monks.

After the Shaolin monks were dismissed, Song Yuanqiao led the Wudang disciples into the Sutra Repository and Treasure Vault, and moved out all the piles of ancient texts, secret manuals, and cultivation resources.

Boxes of ancient scrolls and spiritual materials were carried out, and the lingering martial arts practitioners looked on with burning desire, their eyes almost burning with greed.

But it's just envy.

Lin Daochen stood there, as still as a deep pool and as imposing as a mountain, and no one dared to lay a finger on him.

After the Wudang disciples emptied the treasure vault, Kongwen, Kongxing, along with several old monks who were unwilling to leave the mountain, sat cross-legged in the main hall and set themselves on fire.

Flames soared into the sky, and fire dragons rolled, not only engulfing their figures but also burning the thousand-year-old Shaolin Temple to ashes.

The firelight illuminated the night sky, like the final chapter of an era.

Subsequently, Lin Daochen led his group on a journey back to Wudang, carrying a cart full of secret manuals and resources.

The martial arts practitioners who had gathered at Shaoshi Mountain to watch the battle also dispersed on horseback.

The horse was as fast as lightning, galloping in all directions.

As they departed, the truth and legends of that battle began to sweep the world at an astonishing speed.

When the news spread, the most shocking thing was that Wudang Dao Chen Zhenren had killed a land immortal and a land celestial being in Shaolin Temple!

The entire martial arts world trembled.

What do heroes and heroines of the martial arts world love to hear most? Masterful duels, epic battles!

The news that Lin Daochen fought Tongming and the Sweeper Monk alone and destroyed the thousand-year-old Shaolin instantly ignited the martial arts world and became the hottest topic of conversation.

In a tavern within the territory of the Great Song Dynasty.

Several martial arts practitioners sat around a table, their voices loud and clear.

"Let me tell you, not going to Shaoshi Mountain is truly the biggest regret of my life! Dao Chen Zhenren's combat power is simply heaven-defying! He first slew a terrestrial immortal, then killed a terrestrial celestial being, dominating the entire battle without a suspense!"

One of the witnesses slammed his fist on the table, his face filled with excitement.

"What a pity! I couldn't see him in person, what a loss! What a loss!"

Some people sighed with regret.

"I heard... he's even stronger than he was in the battle at Wudang Mountain?"

"More than that!" the man sneered. "Either of those two old monks who died at Shaolin this time was more powerful than Donghuang Taiyi back then!"

"Really? Tell me! I'll cover your drinks tonight!"

"Haha, then I won't be polite!"

The man smiled smugly, and then began to speak eloquently, recounting the entire Battle of Shaoshi Mountain from beginning to end.

"A terrestrial celestial being? What kind of realm is that?"

Some people listened intently and couldn't help but ask a question.

"An existence even higher than a terrestrial immortal! That sweeping monk, compared to him, makes Tongming seem like a novice!"

"Hiss... So there really are powerful beings in the world who surpass even terrestrial immortals?"

"That's why I say Dao Chen Zhenren is terrifyingly powerful! He can even slay beings of this level with his sword!"

"That's right! It's said that when he drew his sword, heaven and earth resonated, and ten thousand swords paid homage. Even my sword trembled wildly in its sheath and almost flew out of my hand!"

Those who experienced it firsthand looked terrified.

"That scene... just recalling it makes one's blood boil! Dao Chen Zhenren, the number one swordsman of this era, truly deserves the title!"

"Who dares to challenge him? Among all swordsmen in the world, who dares to look him in the eye?"

People in the martial arts world always embellish their stories, making them more and more fantastical as they are told.

In a corner of the tavern, a burly man sat quietly listening, his eyes gradually brightening, his fighting spirit burning like fire.

"The greatest swordsman in the world? Ha... Since I am a swordsman, I must go and meet him."

He got up, summoned the waiter, paid the bill, and left with firm steps, heading straight towards the Ming Dynasty.

Strangely, this man, who claimed to be a swordsman, came empty-handed, with no sword at his waist.

Similar scenes played out in various dynasties outside of the Song Dynasty.

As the rumors continued to spread, the news had long since deviated from its original form, becoming increasingly fantastical.

The most outrageous one is that Lin Daochen is not only the best in swordsmanship, but is also showing signs of becoming the "world's number one martial arts master".

Such a title naturally attracted countless eyes.

The Li Yang Dynasty, the Martial Emperor City of the East Sea.

City Lord Wang Xianzhi stood atop the city wall, listening to the clamor and discussions raging in the city's taverns.

He chuckled upon hearing this and shook his head repeatedly.

In this vast world, who can truly be called "number one in the world"?

For example, Wang Xianzhi suppressed the Jianghu of Liyang for sixty years and was known as invincible.

But he himself knew that in this world, he might not be truly invincible.

For example, the man in Tai'an City, if he were to actually fight in Liyang Capital, he knew his chances of winning were slim, and he would likely lose. But if it were somewhere else—Wudi City? That would be a different story. With the advantage of location and full confidence, the outcome would be uncertain.

Therefore, not everyone can bear the title of "Number One in the World".

However, to be able to slay a celestial being on land with a single sword strike, that Dao Chen Zhenren from Wudang is indeed quite something. If I ever enter Liyang in the future, I'd really like to meet him and see if his sword is faster, or if my hand is faster.

Wang Xianzhi's eyes brightened slightly, and her fighting spirit quietly rose.

Killing a terrestrial deity is nothing to him. But only those who can kill a terrestrial celestial being are considered true opponents.

……

Great Qin.

Deep within the palace, the lights in the imperial study remained burning.

Zhang Han, the leader of the Hidden Guard, knelt down and reported, his voice low but clear—the entire story of the Battle of Shaoshi Mountain was presented to the Emperor.

Upon hearing this, Ying Zheng's pupils contracted slightly, and his heart surged with emotion. Beyond the shock, his obsession intensified: he must obtain the "Longevity Manual"!

Lin Daochen's strength has increased so dramatically; he must have cultivated that legendary immortal technique!

"Where has Meng Tian's army reached?" Ying Zheng asked in a deep voice.

"In two more days, we will reach the border between our dynasty and the Ming Dynasty," Zhang Han replied, bowing his head.

"By my decree, this battle must be won; retreat is not an option! The Ming Dynasty must be destroyed!"

Ying Zheng slammed his hand on the table, his dragon eyes flashing with cold light.

Only by crushing the Ming Dynasty can we crush the Wudang Mountain gate with thousands of troops and seize the "Longevity Manual" from the flames!

……

In a certain city near Yang, at a tavern on a street corner.

Amidst the clamor, the martial arts practitioners were spitting as they discussed the power of the sword that destroyed Shaolin Temple.

Several people were sitting at a large table in the corner.

One of the young men, in his early twenties, listened to the commotion and turned to the old Taoist priest beside him with a smile: "Grandpa Wei, your Taoist sect has produced a formidable character this time. First, he slew a terrestrial immortal, then he cleaved a terrestrial celestial being in two with a single sword strike, and even destroyed an ancient temple that's been around for a thousand years. Tsk tsk, he's really got guts."

This old Taoist priest, known as Grandpa Wei, is none other than Wei Shuyang, the elder of the Nine Pecks of Rice sect.

He sighed softly and nodded, saying, "Indeed extraordinary. No wonder Wudang became the state religion of the Ming Dynasty; with a figure like Dao Chen Zhenren presiding over it, it truly deserves its reputation."

A hint of envy flashed in his eyes.

If the Nine Pecks of Rice Sect also had such a strong person, why did they lose their ancestral home and nearly disappear because of a single imperial edict?

But he immediately frowned and said, "However... while Dao Chen Zhenren has enhanced the prestige of our Daoist sect, his methods are far too ruthless. Forcing Shaolin to disperse and seizing all its scriptures and resources is tantamount to making a blood feud with the entire Buddhist sect. How can the other Buddhist forces let this go unpunished?"

Before he could finish speaking, a one-armed old man sitting on the other side of the young man sneered:

"Ha, what do you know, you old Taoist priest? If a swordsman is still hesitant and fearful, he might as well go home and farm! Are all of you from the Nine Pecks of Rice Sect like you? That's why you ended up not being able to protect your sect."

His tone was harsh and merciless.

Wei Shuyang shook his head with a wry smile, offering no rebuttal.

This is someone he can't afford to offend.

At this moment, the young master looked at the one-armed old man and asked with a smile, "Old Li, weren't you once the Sword God? Now, Dao Chen, the True Man of Wudang in the Ming Dynasty, is known as the number one swordsman in the world. Don't you plan to go and meet him?"

This person was none other than Li Chungang, the previous generation's Sword God of Liyang—the one in green robes.

He took a sip of his turbid wine and said calmly, "If I were at my peak, I would definitely have personally come to ask for your guidance. But now... never mind. My cultivation has plummeted, and I'm far too weak to defeat you."

A silent sigh escaped my lips.

He was once the sharpest sword in the martial world of Li Yang, believing in the sword throughout his life and never believing that anyone could surpass him. He did not believe that his swordsmanship was inferior to that of Dao Chen Zhenren in the slightest.

Unfortunately, a tragedy decades ago caused him to lose all his cultivation level and his sword intent to crumble. Now, he is no longer capable of competing with someone of that caliber.

If I could return to my peak? I'd really like to see whether he could break through all laws with a single sword strike, or whether I could sever the universe with two green snakes in my sleeves.

Upon hearing this, the young master said regretfully, "What a pity, I will never have the chance to witness a duel between the pinnacles of swordsmanship."

He paused, then sighed softly, "Just hearing about that battle is enough to make one yearn for it. I really want to know what kind of person Dao Chen was."

"I only regret that I had other important business to attend to on this trip; otherwise, I really should have made a trip to Wudang Mountain in the Ming Dynasty."

Wei Shuyang chuckled lightly, his tone indifferent: "I'm afraid the young master's wish will be fulfilled by the end of next month."

"This year's Grand Daoist Assembly is scheduled to be held at Longhu Mountain in Liyang. Someone like Dao Chen Zhenren will surely make an appearance, won't he?"

"Oh? Then I'll have to make the trip myself." The young man's eyes flickered slightly, and a smile appeared on his lips.

Upon hearing this, Li Chungang's eyes lit up, and he quietly made a mental note—Longhu Mountain is worth a visit.