Wuxia: Start with max-level Nine Yang Divine Skill

Chapter 185 The Four Great Dharma Kings of the Snow Region (4K4)

Li Fu beckoned over the tea stall waiter who was busy wiping the table, handed him a small piece of silver, and asked.

"Waiter, those guests who left before us, did you hear what they were saying?"

The waiter took the silver, beaming with joy, and after trying hard to recall, said...

"Sir, those gentlemen didn't speak loudly, so I didn't hear them all."

I vaguely heard an older man urging the young man to eat his noodles quickly, saying that they needed to hurry on their journey and make sure to reach Zhongnan Mountain before the start of some grand meeting, otherwise it would be too late once the public trial began.

The young master seemed to complain, "What's the rush?" and said a couple more things, but was quickly dissuaded.

Li Fu nodded, thanked the waiter, and dismissed him.

"It undoubtedly refers to the public trial."

Yun Qizi's expression grew even more solemn.

"It will be too late once the public trial begins—what are Songxi and the others so eager to do before the trial starts, hiding their identities and getting ahead of the game?"

The doubts in everyone's hearts grew even stronger.

Among the Taoist schools in the north, the three most historically significant and influential are generally recognized: Laoshan in the east, Kongtong in the west, and Quanzhen Taoism, which dominates Zhongnan Mountain and is considered the leader of the Taoist schools.

Among them, Laoshan and Kongtong are ancient Taoist lineages with a history of thousands of years and profound cultural heritage;

The Quanzhen School has only been established for a few decades, but because its founder, Wang Zhongfu, also known as Chongyangzi, was revered as a Taoist immortal, its influence has grown rapidly, and it is now the de facto leader of the Taoist sects in the north.

For decades, the Laoshan Sect has focused on quiet cultivation and has not been involved in the conflicts of the martial arts world. The fact that they were invited to this public trial only shows the small number of people, with the sect leader Yun Qizi leading a few elders such as Chongling and a few capable disciples.

The Kongtong Sect is different. The sect seems to value its reputation and influence in the martial arts world more and more. Especially since the current sect leader Chunyangzi took over, the sect's inherent calm, prudent, and inactive style has faded a lot.

As his disciples traveled far and wide, their talents gradually became apparent, and their competitive spirit intensified. Rumors of friction and discord with other sects were frequently heard, and it was during this period that the feud with the Mount Tai Sect was formed.

"Rumors in the martial arts world say that the Kongtong Sect harbors some resentment towards the Quanzhen Sect, a rising star that has quickly risen to prominence and firmly established itself as the leader of the northern Taoist sects."

The Quanzhen School was established only a few decades ago, but its influence expanded rapidly because its founder, Wang Zhongfu (also known as Chongyangzi), was revered as a Taoist immortal for his knowledge of creation.

Just as this public trial was presided over by the Quanzhen School, its leading position among the northern Taoist sects has been clearly revealed.

However, in terms of historical accumulation and martial arts origins, it really can't compare with the ancient Taoist lineages of Laoshan and Kongtong.

"A junior member of a sect leads the way and commands the northern lineages. The Kongtong Sect may well harbor some thoughts of replacing him."

Could the Taishan Sect massacre have actually been perpetrated by the Dong Sect, who took advantage of the situation to kick someone when they were down and eliminate dissidents?

However, Huo Shuyan was not among the murderers at the time. Someone else was using the highly skilled Flying Rainbow Sword Technique and was mistaken for Huo Shuyan.

Li Fu's mind raced.

Or perhaps the Kongtong Sect's secret operation was aimed at self-preservation.

If the Dong Sect was indeed framed, the mastermind behind it was clearly plotting something so deep and malicious that they intended to push this ancient sect into an abyss of no return.

Faced with such a devastating disaster, with all support crumbling, we can only rely on ourselves.

The Kongtong Sect might feign grief and indignation to defend themselves, hoping to appease the public and gain sympathy, thus lulling the murderer into a false sense of security. Meanwhile, they might secretly send out their elders and elite troops to investigate the truth and gather evidence, preparing for a potential fatal blow at the conference. It's not impossible that they would take a self-preservation approach of not sitting idly by and waiting for their doom, but rather using offense as a form of defense.

"Let's go, let's catch up and take a look."

It was mealtime, but everyone was filled with doubts. After discussing it, they decided to buy some dry rations and chase after them to find out what was going on.

After all, this matter concerns a public trial and may even involve the truth behind the massacre of foreign experts and the Mount Tai Sect, so they cannot afford to be careless.

Anyway, it's on the way, we're both going to Zhongnan Mountain.

With the plan settled, the group quietly followed the path taken by the Kongtong Sect members.

The wilderness path was rugged, the woods grew denser, and the mountains began to rise and fall.

To avoid being discovered, the group followed at a distance of about seven or eight miles, until they reached a valley flanked by two mountains.

Just as everyone watched the figures of the Dongpai people disappear at the other end of the valley and were about to cross the valley, an old voice suddenly rang out from the side, chanting a Buddhist prayer. Although it was recited in the Central Plains language, it had a strange and stiff tone.

"Amitabha!"

As the Buddhist chant was uttered, figures flashed through the woods, and in an instant, more than twenty people leaped out, blocking the middle of the road and shutting out the valley entrance.

These people were dressed strangely, unlike those dressed in the Central Plains.

Among them, about ten people wore bright yellow lama robes, covered with crimson kasayas, and wore yellow rooster-comb-shaped hats on their heads. Their faces had deep features, prominent cheekbones, and light-colored eyes, making it clear that they were not from Central China.

The remaining men were dressed as steppe warriors, in leather robes and scimitars, with fierce eyes and bulging temples, clearly skilled martial artists.

"Where are you all headed, esteemed benefactors?"

A powerful alien expert suddenly appeared and intercepted them in this dangerous place where there was no village in front and no shop behind!

Li Fu glanced around and his previous guesses were suddenly confirmed to be mostly true.

"As expected, there were Mongol experts behind this."

"Lamas from the Western Regions, and Mongol warriors?"

The group, who were originally tracking the Kongtong Sect but were blocked by a roadblock, were suddenly startled and felt as if they were facing a formidable enemy.

Could it be that the Dongpai people were colluding with the Mongol Yuan dynasty?

The atmosphere on the mountain road instantly became tense.

Leading this group were four exceptionally skilled lamas, some elderly and some middle-aged, whose auras were as solid as mountains, giving off an invisible sense of oppression.

In the center was an old lama with a gaunt face and deep wrinkles. His eyes were half-open, with a restrained glint in them. He held a string of shiny black bone prayer beads in his hand. He exuded a sharp and solid aura. It was he who had just spoken.

To his left was a middle-aged lama with a towering, imposing figure, a face full of menacing features, and a fierce, savage gaze. His fists were clenched tightly, with large knuckles, as if they contained explosive power.

On the right are two people, one with a gloomy face and eyes as cold as a venomous snake; the other with a fierce and violent look on his face and an arrogant grin on his lips.

Behind these four lamas, who, despite wearing monks' robes, did not look like monks at all, were some of their disciples, who also looked out of place and more like thugs than monks.

In addition, the Mongol warriors spread out in a fan shape, effectively blocking most of Li Fu's group's retreat route.

The moment this group appeared, the air in the valley seemed to freeze instantly, and a chilling atmosphere filled the air.

"Where we go is none of your business, it seems."

What do you want to do?

Li Fu said calmly.

The Mongol experts in this group coldly scanned Li Fu and his companions. The gaunt old lama at the head of the group had his eyes fixed on Li Fu, his eyes blazing with undisguised killing intent, like a venomous dragon eyeing its prey.

"Regardless of where Benefactor Li, who unleashed the divine dragon, and the other benefactors are headed."

This road is blocked.

He held one palm up in front of his chest and spoke slowly in a stiff voice.

"This valley has excellent feng shui, with beautiful mountains and clear waters, making it a suitable burial place for all of you, especially you, Benefactor Li."

We, the humble monks, have come to see you off on your journey to the Pure Land.

These words were blunt and ruthless, indicating that they intended to keep everyone here, with Li Fu being the primary target!

Everyone was taken aback upon hearing this.

They initially thought they had been intercepted, suspecting that the Kongtong Sect had discovered their whereabouts and secretly notified their accomplices to ambush and kill them.

However, it was somewhat unexpected that the other party would target Li Fu by name right from the start.

Could it be because Li Fu was the most skilled among them and was considered the biggest threat, so he was eliminated first? But the great hero Woyun was also quite famous in the martial arts world, wasn't he?

Or is there another reason?

Faced with this blatant killing intent and targeting, Li Fu narrowed his eyes slightly, his mind racing.

This group of people seemed to be ambush him on the way, in a hurry to kill him, and didn't want him to reach Zhongnan Mountain.

"Is it because Huo Shuyan spent the night in a brothel in Yanzhou—and I am the key witness who can prove that he was not on Mount Tai at the time, and thus potentially clear my name of the Kongtong Sect?"

Could it be that the mastermind behind this has already found out about it?

Given his martial arts skills and prestige, a single word spoken by Li Fuyi at Zhongnan Mountain would be more effective than the combined words of a hundred or a thousand ordinary constables and policemen, and would also make the people at the public trial have no choice but to listen. Therefore, the key is to kill him to silence him.

—The numerous clues suddenly came together.

Li Fu looked directly at the withered old lama and said coldly, "It seems that the deaths of hundreds of innocent people in the Taishan Sect are mostly related to you lamas from the Mongol Yuan Dynasty."

"Do you intend to disrupt the martial arts world of the Central Plains?"

The withered old lama slightly raised his eyelids, but did not answer. He simply said, "Why ask so many questions of a dying man?"

"Why waste words with him? Prepare to die!"

The burly, fleshy-faced, and eccentric lama could no longer contain himself and roared like a muffled thunderclap.

He suddenly moved, truly like a mad elephant, stomping on the ground and sending stones flying. He charged towards Li Fu, his fist swinging up with a gust of wind, aiming straight for Li Fu's chest.

This punch was devoid of any fancy moves; it was pure, terrifying power. The force of the punch was so strong that it even produced the sound of thunder and lightning, demonstrating the astonishing level of external martial arts skill.

"Ha, I'll test your skills, you Tartars, and see how good your martial arts are in the western grasslands!"

To everyone's surprise, Wang Woyun, who was always a free spirit, aloof and proud, and who called himself someone who didn't like to meddle in other people's business, actually stepped forward to meet the crazy lama who was looking for trouble with Li Fu, and blocked this attack for him.

Wang Woyun's figure was elusive, like flowing clouds, avoiding the opponent's sharpness. He struck the opponent's ribs with a palm strike that was both powerful and subtle, concealing a hidden force.

boom!

The fist and palm collided, producing a dull, loud thud.

Wang Woyun felt an overwhelming force surge towards him, his arm trembled violently, his blood and qi surged slightly, and he involuntarily took half a step back.

"Good lama, your brute strength is truly remarkable, almost as heavy as a thousand pounds!"

"His external martial arts skills have reached such a level!"

He smiled calmly, circulated his inner energy, changed his palm technique, and no longer acted arrogantly, directly confronting his opponent with sheer strength.

The two exchanged more than ten blows in an instant. Wang Woyun had a slight advantage, his palms flying everywhere, enveloping the crazy lama, but he could not easily win for the time being.

The lama had thick skin and immense strength. Although his moves were wide and sweeping without subtle variations, they were powerful and heavy, and his defense was also very tight.

The monks, including the Taoist Yunqi from the Laoshan Sect, were startled.

Who is this Mongolian lama? How is his martial arts so high that he can fight against the great hero Woyun and the outcome is uncertain for a while?

And you should know that there are three lamas of equal status over there!

Seeing his companion make a move, a fierce glint flashed in the eyes of the withered old lama. He let out a low shout and leaped forward to attack.

"A swift and decisive victory, leaving no survivors!"

The cold-faced lama and the ferocious lama beside him moved at the same time, their figures floating out like ghosts, and they rushed straight at Li Fu without prior arrangement!

At the same time, his lamas and the grassland warriors shouted in unison, brandishing their scimitars, and charged towards Master Yunqi, Daoist Chongling, and the other members of the Laoshan Sect, intending to separate them.

In an instant, Li Fu was surrounded and attacked by three top lamas!

These three were clearly of high status and extremely skilled in martial arts, and would never join forces against an enemy under normal circumstances. However, in order to ensure the complete elimination of Li Fu, the key witness, they did not hesitate to set aside their status and join forces to attack.

The fierce-looking lama lashed out with his claws, aiming for Li Fu's throat, while sneering arrogantly.

"You people from the Central Plains, you have every reason to be proud that my three brothers and I joined forces to send you on your way!"

If this matter were to reach Tibet, your reputation would be enough to shake the entire snowy land!

Li Fu was surrounded by three people, with strong winds howling and claw shadows and palm prints attacking from all directions, but he remained calm and used his light footwork to move and dodge in the small space, shaking his head and saying.

"Wearing a monk's robe, yet acting like a wolf in sheep's clothing, readily killing to silence witnesses, where is there any semblance of Zen meditation or philosophical discourse?"

What does a compassionate monk look like?

A group of fake monks.

"What did you say? You're asking for it!"

Wang Woyun was engaged in a fierce battle with the fierce lama. After carefully observing his opponent's martial arts style, he gradually discerned the clues and shouted loudly.

"Officer Li, Taoist priests, please be careful!"

If I'm not mistaken, these four should be the four guardians of the Tibetan Longxiang Great Tibetan Sect. Their martial arts are each strangely powerful, so don't underestimate them!

"The Four Protectors of the Dragon Elephant Great Tibetan School?"

"It is said that the Longxiang Dazang School holds an exceptionally high position in the Tibetan snowy region, and is the number one school in Tibet, with no other school comparable to it."

Yun Qizi's heart skipped a beat, and he said.

Upon hearing this, Li Fu's eyes flickered slightly.

Even though he wasn't very knowledgeable about the affairs of the martial arts world, he had heard of the reputation of the Tibetan Dragon Elephant Great Tibetan Sect.

The term "dragon and elephant" originates from Buddhist scriptures and is often used to describe those among Buddhas and Bodhisattvas who possess great power, supernatural abilities, and strength.

The Tripitaka, also originating from Buddhist scriptures, means the ultimate treasure, encompassing all things.

The Dragon Elephant Great Treasury School was named after this, which gives a glimpse into the fierce, powerful, profound, and mysterious nature of its martial arts.

Legend has it that this sect was once the head of all sects in Tibet, and its prestige shook the snowy land.

Although it has some connection with Buddhism, its style of doing things is more like that of a powerful martial arts sect, which once suppressed many Buddhist sects in Tibet.

Later, the Mongolian National Preceptor, also known as the Mani Saint and the Buddha of the Western Paradise, Lobsang Gyaltsen, rose to prominence. With his unparalleled martial arts skills and unfathomable Buddhist cultivation, he subdued the Dragon Elephant Sect and won over many other sects in Tibet, who then revered him. In the end, he brought Tibet under the control of the Mongol Yuan Dynasty without bloodshed.

Since then, the Longxiang Tibetan School has officially entered the Buddhist order, and its disciples mostly wear lama robes.

"Could these four be the renowned Black Dragon Dharma King, Elephant King Dharma King, Great Python Dharma King, and Garuda Dharma King of Tibet?"

When Master Chongling fought with the other lamas, he discovered that they were all highly skilled in martial arts and came from the number one sect in Tibet.

He was shocked, as if he had seen a figure he had only heard of in legends.

"It seems that the reputation of you four great protectors has spread throughout the Central Plains, even though you are thousands of miles away, and you are very famous."

Unfortunately, I've never heard of it.

I've only ever heard a little about your Mongol Imperial Tutor, Luo Zhuijianzan.

Li Fu used his agility to dodge the poisonous palm that the Great Python King silently aimed at his back. In the midst of laughter, Bai Hong's palm force counterattacked.

"I've heard that your Mongolian imperial tutor is praised to the skies, and his teachings are all mystical and superstitious."

What are these so-called Western Paradise Buddhas and living Buddhas? They are all extraordinary and saintly, capable of causing people to be trapped in the cycle of reincarnation for hundreds of lifetimes with just a glance, achieving enlightenment and converting them to Buddhism.

Now it seems they weren't afraid of biting off more than they could chew.

His henchmen were nothing more than monks in disguise; their ferocity remained unchanged, their Buddhist practice was barely grasped, and they still killed with their anger and delusion!

"How dare you!"

How dare you slander a Buddhist disciple and show disrespect to a saint!