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

The members of the Zhengyi and Quanzhen sects clenched their fists in secret: if Li Chungang could win, Lin Daochen's invincible body would be shattered, and Wudang's reputation would be severely damaged.

Within the Wudang camp, Zhang Sanfeng stroked his beard and asked softly, "Nephew Chonglou, is this Li Chungang truly as formidable as the legends say?"

He had lived in Wudang for a long time and knew very little about the affairs of the Jianghu in Liyang; he had only heard of the name.

Wang Chonglou replied in a deep voice, "Extremely powerful."

"At the age of thirty-six, he entered the realm of a terrestrial immortal, and was unmatched in the world. He proclaimed, 'If Heaven had not given birth to me, Li Chungang, the way of the sword would have been like a long night for eternity.'"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Sanfeng's eyes flashed with a sharp light: "What spirit!"

He didn't think he was arrogant—who doesn't have a bit of pride when they reach the pinnacle of success in their thirties?

Song Yuanqiao and the others gasped in shock. Achieving immortality at the age of thirty-six? Such talent was simply defying the heavens.

Zhang Sanfeng suddenly remembered something else: "I heard that he was once defeated by Wang Xianzhi, who is now the number one expert in the world?"

Wang Chonglou shook his head: "Not defeated."

According to Wang Xianzhi himself, in the final battle, if Li Chungang had used "Sword Opens the Heavenly Gate," he would have surely killed him. However, he valued Li's talent and held back, allowing Li to break his sword.

Therefore, Wang Xianzhi has always only claimed to be second, and has never dared to claim to be first.

Zhang Sanfeng remained silent for a moment, then slowly nodded: "This man deserves the title—True Swordsmanship."

At this moment, Lin Daochen finally spoke, his tone indifferent: "Your inner turmoil is unresolved, your cultivation level has declined, and you are not at your peak. It is meaningless for you to spar with me."

He has no interest in Li Chungang as he is now.

If he's at his peak, it's worth a fight.

With a slight thought, he suddenly realized something—he actually knew where Li Chungang's inner demons lay, and even... there was a sliver of a chance to help him break through them.

Li Chungang was taken aback, and then suddenly realized that he had been so caught up in the moment that he had forgotten about this.

After a moment's hesitation, he spoke again: "Then let's just compete in sword techniques and sword intent, without using our true energy, how about that?"

Lin Daochen shook his head again: "A sword technique separated from true essence is like a bird with broken wings. Technique and power are inherently one, neither can be missing. When you return to your peak, this humble Daoist will gladly accompany you."

"Back to the top?" Li Chungang smiled bitterly. "I don't even know if that day will ever come."

Restoring our strength is not impossible.

However, the mental barrier is hard to overcome, and the path of the sword is blocked. Even with immense strength, one cannot unleash that sword strike from back then.

His problem lies not in his cultivation level, but in his state of mind. Without resolving this inner conflict, even if he regains his peak cultivation level, he will never reach the true pinnacle.

Lin Daochen's eyes flickered slightly. After a moment's thought, he said to Li Chungang, "Go to Wudi City."

"The city lord's eldest disciple is accompanied by a young girl in a green robe beside the groom. Go see her; perhaps your inner turmoil will resolve itself."

Li Chungang's expression changed drastically, and his voice tightened: "Master, what do you mean by that?"

"Heavenly secrets cannot be revealed." Lin Daochen said calmly, "You'll understand once you go."

He wasn't entirely sure—whether the reincarnation theory from the original story would still work in this martial arts world was anyone's guess. But it was worth a try. Even if it was just a psychological suggestion, as long as it could reignite Li Chungang's sword intent and bring him back to his peak, it would be worth it.

If I could actually witness the "Sword Opens the Heavenly Gate" move in person, the trip would not have been in vain.

Li Chungang remained silent for a long time, then clasped his hands in a salute and said in a calm tone, "Thank you for your guidance, Master."

"I will set off for Martial Emperor City immediately. If I truly break through to the next realm and return, I will definitely visit again to discuss swordsmanship with the True Immortal."

"Can."

Lin Daochen replied with only one word, without any change in expression.

After saying that, the two parted ways.

Those who witnessed this were all astonished.

"That's it? You're not playing anymore?"

"It's impossible to fight! I was right there and heard it clearly—Li Jianshen has fallen from his cultivation level and is not in good condition. Dao Chen Zhenren told him to find his peak condition first before we can spar again."

"No wonder..."

Everyone suddenly understood, feeling a sense of regret but also relief. After all, the real showdown always belongs to the strongest opponent.

Soon after, the crowd dispersed, and the commotion subsided.

Li Chungang returned to the viewing area and immediately summoned Xu Fengnian and his party. They set off without stopping for Wudi City.

That was the original destination; we've just moved the trip forward.

the other side.

After leaving Longhu Mountain, the Wudang group did not return to Wudang, but instead headed towards the Northern Liang King's Mansion.

This is Lin Daochen's idea.

Since we're here, let's settle the old scores while we're at it.

Although he had a white crane to take him around, the others did not have this supernatural ability, so they simply walked along with him, taking their time to enjoy the scenery of Liyang Mountain and River.

After several days of trekking, they finally arrived at the Northern Liang King's Palace.

By this time, news of the Longhu Mountain Gathering had already spread throughout the land, shaking the Liyang Dynasty and drawing attention from all sides. The Wudang lineage's prestige soared, and it was beginning to show signs of becoming the dominant force in Taoism.

Lin Daochen's name spread like wildfire, becoming known to almost everyone in the martial arts world. The title of the number one person in the world was no longer just a name, but gradually became a consensus.

Therefore, upon learning that Lin Daochen had personally led Wudang disciples to arrive, Xu Xiao, the King of Beiliang, immediately led his men to greet him with the highest honors.

After the guests and hosts were seated and the pleasantries were over, Wang Chonglou, the leader of the Wudang Sect in Liyang, spoke solemnly: "Prince Xu, I have come to your door today with something to tell you."

"The alliance between Liyang Wudang and the Northern Liang Royal Palace is hereby nullified."

"Beiliang no longer needs to protect Wudang, and Wudang will no longer provide elixirs free of charge."

"Of course, if needed, it can be exchanged for something of equal value."

Upon hearing this, Xu Xiao's face instantly turned ashen.

He never expected that the other party had come for this reason.

"Sect Leader Wang," he said in a deep voice, "this alliance was forged by our own hands. To unilaterally break it now seems far too childish."

Wang Chonglou remained unmoved: "Your Highness is mistaken."

"The alliance has no time limit and is entirely based on voluntary participation. It is reasonable and justifiable to terminate it today."

Xu Xiao's eyes turned cold, and he finally dropped the formalities: "Then—the Great Yellow Court won't be passed on to my son, Xu Fengnian?"

This is what he truly cares about.

Those medicinal resources, though precious, are nothing but dust compared to Xu Fengnian's future in martial arts.

Wang Chonglou nodded readily: "Exactly."

Xu Xiao suddenly stood up and shouted angrily, "I, the King, will not accept this!"

"We in Northern Liang can do without elixirs! But the Great Yellow Court must be passed on!"

Zhang Sanfeng coldly replied, "Impossible."

"With the transmission of the Great Yellow Court, my nephew Chonglou's life is nearing its end."

His gaze was sharp and brute-force, brooking no argument: "Use my nephew's life to pave the way for your heir? Dream on."

Wang Chonglou was his own nephew, how could he be sacrificed? Moreover, Wudang was now striving to rise to prominence and compete for the position of the leader of all Taoist sects in the world, how could they lower themselves to do such a humiliating thing?

The spine must not be bent.

Xu Xiao took a deep breath, suppressing the surging anger in his heart, and said in a deep, thunderous voice: "Sect Leader Wang, your Wudang suddenly broke the agreement. Aren't you afraid that I will once again mobilize my troops and conquer the martial world? Even if your Wudang is powerful, can you stop my hundreds of thousands of iron cavalry from marching on our borders?"

Upon hearing this, Lin Daochen, who had remained silent, merely chuckled lightly, his tone indifferent: "Can the Prince's iron cavalry compare to the million-strong army of the Great Qin?"

Xu Xiao was taken aback, then realized—this was a blatant countermeasure.

My heart sank suddenly.

He wasn't a man without confidence; his manor was full of experts, but none of them could truly hold their own against Lin Daochen. Let alone engage in combat, he probably couldn't even withstand the aura of Lin Daochen raising his hand.

If Lin Daochen really wanted to kill him, he wouldn't even have a chance to escape.

"Kill me," Xu Xiao gritted his teeth, but his voice became steady. "The iron hooves of Beiliang will surely raze Liyang and Wudang to the ground."

"If Your Highness is willing to exchange the lives of your entire family for a chance to survive for the Wudang disciples, this humble Taoist... has no objection."

Lin Daochen remained expressionless, as if he were talking about something insignificant.

Threat?

He was not afraid at all.

Xu Xiao's eyes narrowed, and he turned to look at Wang Chonglou: "Sect Leader Wang, is this also your intention?"

Wang Chonglou calmly replied, "My master has made his decision, and I can only obey."

The situation reversed instantly.

For the first time, Xu Xiao felt passive.

He was naturally unwilling to compromise, but after weighing the pros and cons, he finally realized that he had no choice but to agree.

"Is this the awe-inspiring presence of a top-tier martial artist?" He smiled bitterly to himself. "If it were any other terrestrial immortal, I might not bow down. But this person before me kills terrestrial immortals like slaughtering chickens and dogs, and even terrestrial celestial beings cannot escape death... What can I do?"

……

"Since Dao Chen Zhenren has spoken, I cannot refuse."

Xu Xiao slowly stood up, his tone regaining its composure, even though his anger had not subsided. "The deal between me and Sect Leader Wang is off."

Lin Daochen nodded slightly: "Good."

He was quite satisfied with Xu Xiao's pragmatism. He truly lived up to his reputation as a renowned general who had commanded troops for many years; he knew how to make wise choices.

"Your Highness, although the transaction is over, another deal can be discussed."

Lin Daochen took out a jade bottle from his sleeve and gently held it up. "This is a Hundred-Year Pill. Taking it will increase one's cultivation by a hundred years, which will make up for the fact that the Crown Prince of Beiliang started late."

Xu Xiao's pupils suddenly contracted.

When he first heard that Lin Daochen had refined this pill, he was skeptical. Now that he had seen it with his own eyes, his heart was pounding uncontrollably.

"Is what you say true?"

His voice was urgent, almost demanding, "Just name your price! Everything in the Northern Liang Prince's Mansion is at your disposal! Even if it's not there right now, I will risk my life to find it for you!"

Everyone knows that the King of Beiliang dotes on his crown prince the most. He's willing to risk his life for his son's martial arts future.

Lin Daochen said calmly, "What I seek is extremely simple."

"I've heard that the Tingchao Pavilion in Beiliang houses all the books I acquired during my years of wandering the Jianghu. I only need those books."

"good!"

Xu Xiao agreed without hesitation.

Lost books can be searched for again, but a single elixir that can increase one's cultivation level by a hundred years is hard to find in the world.

"good."

Lin Daochen handed out the jade bottle.

……

After receiving the pill, Xu Xiao solemnly said, "Rest assured, Master, I will immediately have someone send the scriptures to Wudang in the Ming Dynasty."

He didn't even ask if it was true or not. Given Lin Daochen's current status in the martial arts world, he would never ruin his reputation for such a small gain.

"No need," Lin Daochen shook his head. "Take me to Tingchao Pavilion, and I will retrieve it myself."

Although Xu Xiao was suspicious, he still led the way as instructed.

A moment later, the two stepped into the deep library of Tingchao Pavilion.

Then—Xu Xiao witnessed a scene he would never forget.

With a flick of his sleeve and a slight movement of his fingertips, Lin Daochen caused all the ancient books and secret records piled up in the entire library to vanish as if swallowed by an invisible force!

"A real...real person, this...this..."

Xu Xiao's tongue stammered, and his expression changed drastically.

"A mere trifle, not worth mentioning."

Lin Daochen spoke in a calm tone, as if he were merely brushing the dust off his clothes.

In reality, that storage ring was reforged from the Void Iron gifted by Emperor Zhengde, and its capacity was far greater than before. After Zhang Sanfeng and his group arrived in Liyang, resources were plentiful again, so he upgraded his personal items.

Xu Xiao was unaware of the details, but felt that it was unfathomable and his sense of awe surged.

But at the same time, he was overjoyed—how could someone with such skills deceive him with fake pills?

That century-old pill is most likely real!