A man in the martial world, a reincarnated sword immortal.

Chapter 87 Divine Sword, this manor has been waiting for you for a long time!

The Zhong Shen Sword?

The Divine Sword?

Upon hearing this, a hint of surprise flashed in Zhong Yuan's eyes.

On their journey from Quzhou, they mostly traveled along mountain trails.

When I heard about things in the martial arts world, I never heard anyone mention his involvement with the Ming Cult.

He assumed that the Lingjiu Mountain Gathering was too close in time, and the events that occurred on Lingjiu Mountain had not yet spread throughout the martial arts world.

Unexpectedly, that person in the martial arts world had already given him a new name.

The Divine Sword!

Compared to the previous title of "Deadly Scholar," this one has more grandeur and sophistication.

However, look at the group of martial arts practitioners who have come to the Great Xiangguo Temple today.

Many of them have made appearances at Ling Jiou Mountain.

Since Sikong Xuan was originally under the command of Lingjiu Palace, it's not unreasonable that he knew about this.

Zhong Yuan paused for a moment, then said directly, "Chief Sikong, we are old acquaintances."

"I am now the Left Guardian of the Ming Cult."

Upon hearing this, Sikong Xuan's face showed a hint of surprise.

Although the Ming Cult operates in secrecy and doesn't make many moves in the martial arts world.

However, he was aware that the Ming Cult had two envoys of light under its leader.

He immediately turned to Zhong Yuan and said, "From now on, I shall address you as Left Envoy Zhong!"

Zhong Yuan nodded slightly, which was taken as acquiescence.

But Sikong Xuan immediately stopped talking nonsense, pulled Zuo Zimu aside, and whispered to Zhong Yuan, "Before, the two of us did not know your true identity, young master."

"Only now do I realize that the Left Envoy's identity is extraordinary."

"The fact that the Left Envoy forced Tianshan Tonglao to retreat at Lingjiu Mountain is already known to the masters of the thirty-six caves and the seventy-two islands."

"The Heavenly Mountain Child Granny has controlled them for a long time with the Life and Death Talisman, but now she has seen a savior like the Left Envoy."

"Everyone wants to get to know the Left Envoy."

Zhong Yuan raised an eyebrow and glanced at the group of strange people over there.

"I'm the kind of person who enjoys making friends."

Upon seeing this, Sikong Xuan's face lit up with joy, and he waved to the strange men over there.

But then a group of strange people walked over.

Among those people were men and women, handsome men and ugly women, monks and Taoist priests.

Some people wore flowing sleeves, while others wore tight-fitting clothes and short jackets.

There were also old men with flowing beards and women with high-piled hair, most of whom wore strange and unusual clothing, quite different from the people of the Central Plains. A large majority of them carried weapons, which were also mostly strangely shaped.

After those people came over, Sikong Xuan introduced them to the group.

"Gentlemen, this is Zhong Shenjian, the Left Guardian of the Ming Cult!"

Upon hearing this, those people's eyes lit up with curiosity, and they clasped their hands in a salute to Zhong Yuan.

Zhong Yuan returned the greeting with clasped hands.

"Greetings, everyone."

At this moment, an old man with a large, bald head appeared, a look of joy on his face, and asked Zhong Yuan, "I have heard of the name of the Divine Sword of Zhong!"

"Greatly astonished!"

"I never imagined that someone so young could defeat the Heavenly Child Granny!"

"I heard from Sikong Xuan that Zhong Zuoshi is confident he can cure the poison of the Life and Death Talisman."

"Is what the Left Envoy said true?"

Zhong Yuan looked at that person, then glanced at the faces of the people around him.

The masters of these thirty-six caves and seventy-two islands are all eagerly awaiting their return.

Zhong Yuan didn't hesitate and said directly, "This poison can be cured."

"But it will take time; with my current abilities, I can't do it yet."

Upon hearing this, some of the group were naturally very disappointed, but others still had a glimmer of hope in their eyes.

"Zhong Zuoshi says he can solve it, but it will take time!"

"If the Left Envoy can cure the poison of this Life and Death Talisman in my body, I, Duanmu Yuan, will obey your every command from now on!"

The big-headed old man spoke directly.

Upon hearing this, Zhong Yuan raised an eyebrow and responded with a single sentence.

"Of course, of course."

Most of these people were former mountain dwellers who held themselves in high esteem and rarely took the powerful figures of the Central Plains, such as Qiao Feng of the North and Murong Fu of the South, seriously.

However, Zhong Yuan defeated the Tianshan Child Granny, whom they feared like a tiger, so the name "Zhong Divine Sword" could be said to have earned their great respect.

Right now, even though Zhong Yuan said that he couldn't undo the Life and Death Talisman for the time being, none of them dared to utter a word of mockery.

Most people just seemed a little disappointed.

Zhong Yuan didn't take it to heart. After all, Zuo Zimu and Sikong Xuan made their choices after being forced into a corner.

They watched as those people retreated to the side.

Sikong Xuan whispered to Zhong Yuan, "If Left Envoy Zhong can truly undo the Life and Death Talisman..."

"Many of these people are certainly willing to follow Left Envoy Zhong."

Zhong Yuan smiled faintly.

"Now that you've all come to Bianliang, the capital of the Eastern Capital, is anyone still paying attention to the whereabouts of the Heavenly Child Granny?"

Sikong Xuanze said, "You can rest assured, Left Envoy Zhong."

"The Heavenly Child Granny has already led her people back to the Heavenly Mountains."

Zhong Yuan nodded slightly and asked directly, "Is your gathering here today also related to the Heavenly Child Granny?"

Sikong Xuan said, "That's natural."

"Although this conference was initiated by the Beggars' Sect, it was actually presided over by Abbot Xuanci of Shaolin Temple!"

"At the Lingjiu Mountain Conference, Shaolin Temple suffered a great loss at the hands of the Heavenly Child Granny."

"Although Lingjiu Palace is far away in the Tianshan Mountains, it poses a great threat to the martial arts world in the Central Plains."

"Therefore, Shaolin Temple invited heroes from all over the world to come here to discuss how to deal with Lingjiu Palace."

Zhong Yuan raised an eyebrow.

Some surprises.

After all, Shaolin Temple was the number one martial arts sect in the Central Plains at that time.

Xuan Ci was the leading figure in the Central Plains martial arts world back then, and was undoubtedly a righteous leader in the eyes of the righteous martial arts practitioners in the Central Plains.

But he hadn't actually given Lingjiu Palace a second glance.

As the largest sect in the Central Plains, Shaolin Temple has a deep-rooted influence in the martial arts world, and even in Zhejiang and Fujian, there are Shaolin subordinates.

For more than 30 years, the Lingjiu Palace's Tianshan Child Granny has been killing people and wiping out entire families in Zhejiang and Fujian provinces. It is impossible for Shaolin Temple not to know about this.

But over the years.

Shaolin Temple has never shown any sign of confronting Linggong.

However, after the Lingjiu Mountain Conference, Shaolin Temple suddenly decided to take action against Lingjiu Palace.

This is somewhat out of character for Shaolin Temple.

After all, Xuanji wasn't killed by Tianshan Tonglao; he only suffered internal injuries.

Is it worth Shaolin Temple making such a big fuss about?

This made Zhong Yuan suspicious of Shaolin Temple's motives.

He even thought it might be because his Ming Cult had been too prominent at the Lingshan Conference, which gave other sects a new understanding of the Ming Cult.

This is what prompted Shaolin Temple to consider attacking Lingjiu Palace.

After all, in the martial arts world of the Central Plains today, there is already a Beggars' Sect whose influence is gradually rivaling that of Shaolin.

The Shaolin Temple would certainly not want to see another Ming Cult emerge that overshadows it.

Moreover, right now.

Qiao Feng stepped down as leader of the Beggars' Sect, and the sect was already on the decline.

As long as Shaolin Temple acts as the leader and destroys Lingjiu Palace, it will restore justice to all sects and factions in the martial arts world.

The Shaolin Temple's position in the martial arts world will become even more secure.

Of course, this is just Zhong Yuan's own speculation.

As for the inside story, is that really the case?

Only the monks of Shaolin Temple know the answer.

Just as Zhong Yuan and Sikong Xuan were talking.

Over there, in front of the Great Buddha Hall, one could see...

A group of dignified old monks and a group of beggars with patched clothes appeared one after another!

Bai Lixiao, who was standing to the side, said in a low voice, "Left Envoy."

"The one leading the group must be Abbot Xuanci of Shaolin!"

Zhong Yuan nodded slightly.

Before long, Abbot Xuanci of Shaolin Temple, along with several eminent monks of the Xuan generation, including Xuanku and Xuannan, as well as several elders of the Beggars' Sect, appeared directly outside the Great Buddha Hall.

at the moment.

Many martial arts practitioners had already gathered in the large square in front of the main hall.

It looks like there are at least three or four hundred people.

at this time.

Outside the main hall, Abbot Xuanci of Shaolin Temple looked at the many martial arts practitioners and said loudly, "Fellow martial arts practitioners, we gather here today."

"We need to discuss two things!"

"Firstly, it was to discuss matters concerning Liao."

"Secondly, we need to discuss joining forces with fellow martial artists to eliminate the Lingjiu Palace of Tianshan."

"To discuss this first matter, we must mention Qiao Feng, the former leader of the Beggars' Sect!"

"This person is a Khitan—"

Zhong Yuan wasn't going to listen to Xuan Ci's nonsense. He told Zuo Zimu and Sikong Xuan that he needed to use the restroom.

Then, he left with Bai Lixiao.

As for Pang Wanchun and the four Huyan brothers, they had already dispersed when Sikong Xuan came to greet them.

Zhong Yuan led Bai Lixiao away from the crowd and did not go to the release pond immediately.

Instead, they first found a secluded spot.

Zhong Yuan said to Bai Lixiao, "Jiao King, let's proceed as we agreed last night."

"You must prioritize your own safety."

"After all that commotion last night..."

"It seems the Imperial City Guard has already raised its guard."

Bai Lixiao nodded and said, "Don't worry, I know what to do."

Immediately, Bai Lixiao headed down the corridor and soon disappeared from sight.

Zhong Yuan was about to leave.

At this moment, Duan Yu suddenly appeared from the side door. Upon seeing Zhong Yuan, he immediately greeted Zhong Yuan with a joyful expression and jogged over to him.

"Young Master Zhong!"

"We meet again!"

Zhong Yuan wanted to avoid it, but he was afraid that if Duan Yu followed and shouted, it would inevitably attract the attention of others.

He could only stop and wait for Duan Yu to arrive, then asked him, "Young Master Duan, have you just arrived?"

Duan Yu laughed and said, "After entering the temple with my father and uncle, I was thinking of going around to see how this Xiangguo Temple differed from the Tianlong Temple in Dali."

"After walking around for a while, I realized I almost got lost."

"This temple is really huge."

"Young Master Zhong, where are you headed?"

"I see the competition has already started in the square over there, young hero. Won't you go and join the fun?"

Zhong Yuan smiled faintly.

"They didn't invite me, so I'm just here to take a look. Why bother going over there?"

Upon hearing this, Duan Yu immediately agreed wholeheartedly.

"yes!"

They didn't invite my parents, uncle, or me either.

2

"I'm not going to join in that fun!"

"Young Master Zhong, why don't we take a stroll around this temple and enjoy the scenery?"

Zhong Yuan had originally intended to shake off Duan Yu, but upon hearing this, he changed his mind.

Duan Yu is the heir of the Prince of Zhennan in Dali. This identity is still somewhat useful, isn't it?

Thinking about this...

He smiled faintly and said to Duan Yu, "That's exactly what I was thinking. Let's go for a stroll together."

Duan Yu was very happy to hear this, as he felt that he, like Zhong Yuan, had a relationship with the Fairy Sister.

Those who are chosen by the fairy godmother must be exceptional.

That's why he was willing to get closer to Zhong Yuan.

If I could find the fairy sister with Zhong Yuan, that would be the best thing ever.

Zhong Yuan remained calm and wandered around the Great Xiangguo Temple with Duan Yu.

As Duan Yu walked, he muttered to himself to Zhong Yuan.

"Everyone says that Tokyo's Daishokoku-ji Temple is the greatest temple in the land, and it truly lives up to its reputation!"

"It's much more impressive than Tianlong Temple in Dali."

"Young Master Zhong, look at the wood carving on that door over there. The dragon is so lifelike, with each scale clearly defined. The craftsmanship is truly exquisite."

As he spoke, he pointed to the Vajra statue under the corridor, then scratched his head and said to Zhong Yuan, "Huh?"

"Wait, why are these King Kong's eyes so big?"

"I remember that the Vajra statues at Tianlong Temple are all half-closed. I suppose the monks from the Central Plains deliberately carved them so fiercely to scare away bad guys, so that they would be afraid that evil people would break into the temple."

When Zhong Yuan heard Duan Yu's rambling, he felt as if mosquitoes were buzzing in his ears.

After walking for a while, they saw some martial arts men dressed in tight-fitting clothes walking past in the direction of the main hall.

Seeing this, Duan Yu continued, "Why do you have to come and make a scene in this sacred Buddhist place, disturbing the monks' peaceful practice?"

"That Abbot Xuanci is something else. If he wants to hold a meeting, he can hold it anywhere else, but he insists on occupying the space of the Great Xiangguo Temple. He doesn't know anything about peace and quiet."

Zhong Yuan would occasionally respond to Duan Yu with a few words.

Not long after.

The two had already passed through many corridors and pavilions and arrived near the courtyard where the release pond was located.

Two monks were seen guarding the entrance to the courtyard.

Seeing this, Zhong Yuan said to Duan Yu, who was standing beside him, "Young Master Duan, I've heard that the release pond at the Great Xiangguo Temple is very effective for granting wishes."

"The release pond is just ahead, shall we go take a look?"

Upon hearing this, Duan Yu's eyes lit up immediately.

"Make a wish at the release pond?"

"That's wonderful!"

"I'm going to make a wish, that I can see the fairy sister again soon!"

then.

The two of them walked together toward the courtyard gate.

When they got closer...

Duan Yu was about to barge in.

The two monks raised their hands, blocking Duan Yu's path.

"Please go that way to offer incense, sir/madam."

Upon hearing this, Duan Yu immediately bowed to the two monks and said, "Brothers, I offered incense this morning!"

"I'm going to the release pond to make a wish now."

"Please do me this favor!"

The two monks shook their heads.

Duan Yu was somewhat disappointed.

Seeing this, Zhong Yuan took out some silver from his sleeve and put it in the monk's hand.

"This is none other than Prince Duan, the Prince of Zhennan of Dali!"

"We'll go in, make a wish, and then come out. Please, esteemed masters, do us this favor."

Seeing this, the two monks reluctantly stepped aside to make way.

"Then please hurry, both of you."

"If Chief Lin sees us, we'll be punished."

Seeing this, Zhong Yuan laughed and said, "Don't worry, we'll be out soon!"

immediately.

Zhong Yuan pulled Duan Yu inside.

Entering the courtyard and passing the scripture pavilion, Duan Yu said with a sigh, "I never imagined that the monks of the Great Xiangguo Temple would also be greedy for gold and silver."

"This truly defiles the pure land of Buddhism."

Zhong Yuan laughed and said, "They might not actually be real monks!"

Duan Yu was somewhat surprised upon hearing this.

"Not a real monk?"

"How did you figure that out?"

Zhong Yuan raised an eyebrow.

"Of course, you can tell by looking at it!"

Duan Yu didn't take it seriously. He looked over there and saw the Buddha statue in the release pond.

Duan Yu immediately said, "Young Master Zhong, hurry!"

"Let's make a wish!"

Duan Yu hurriedly rushed to the release pond and looked at the pond full of carp.

Duan Yu laughed and said, "This pool is well-maintained, but there's a dry well over there that's been sealed off."

"I visited Daxiangguo Temple a few days ago and heard from a senior monk that Daxiangguo Temple has a well used to lock away demons."

"That monk must have been making up lies to deceive people."

He was about to squat down and touch the blue stone Buddha sculpture in the water.

Zhong Yuan ignored Duan Yu and looked toward the dry well.

He then swept around the courtyard again, but he didn't know where the guards from last night had gone.

Just now, when I walked around the scripture pavilion in that courtyard, I did not sense anyone in the scripture pavilion.

This made him feel a little strange.

Last night the security was so tight, why are there only two fake monks guarding the gate today?

Zhong Yuan raised an eyebrow, sensing that something was amiss.

Just then, from the corridor below, Yan Xingzhou, with a somewhat gloomy expression and dressed in a purple robe, slowly walked out, holding a folding fan.

As he walked, he muttered in a gloomy tone, "The Deadly Scholar Fang Zheng?"

"The young master of the Ming Cult, afflicted by the Divine Sword?"

"This household has been waiting for you for a long time!"

Upon hearing the sound, Zhong Yuan looked over and his heart tightened. After not seeing him for several months, Yan Xingzhou's aura had become much more restrained.

"Young Master Yan."

"Long time no see!"

"It seems that Young Master Yan has been living quite comfortably these past few months!"

"They've all gained some weight."

Zhong Yuan looked calmly at Yan Xingzhou.

Upon hearing this, Yan Xingzhou gave a sinister smile.

"It's all thanks to you."

"Last night, when I learned that the Great Xiangguo Temple was on fire, I suspected that it might be people from the Ming Cult."

"Therefore, I have specifically removed all the personnel I had placed in this temple today!"

"I just want to see if your Ming Cult members will actually show up."

"I never expected to actually encounter you, the Ming Cult's [Central Divine Sword]!"

"OK!"

"That's wonderful!"

"Ever since we parted at Shuanglin Temple, I have been thinking of you day and night for the past few months!"

"I wish I could place you before my bed, so that I could admire and play with you day and night."

"Today—my wish is finally going to come true!"