Villains: Starting with the Landlady

The next day, after bidding farewell to the three women from Wanjie Valley, Ling Yun rode his flying lightning rode away from Wanjie Valley.

He carried the keepsake Qin Hongmian had given to Mu Wanqing before her death, and prepared to go to the Dali Royal Palace to find Duan Zhengchun first.

Although many interpersonal relationships have changed in this world, Mu Wanqing is still Duan Zhengchun's biological daughter. It was precisely because Duan Zhengchun abandoned her after taking advantage of her that Qin Hongmian forced her daughter to wear a veil and swear a poisonous oath. Before her death, Qin Hongmian told Mu Wanqing the truth. Mu Wanqing resented her father and refused to see him. However, knowing that Ling Yun wanted to restore his kingdom, she gave him the token after much consideration.

However, according to various rumors, while the Duan Prince in this world was somewhat of a womanizer, he only ever had an entanglement with Qin Hongmian. He ultimately married Dao Baifeng because this marriage was essentially a political alliance, intended to protect the common interests of Dali and the Baiyi people (now the Dai ethnic group). The Baiyi people have a tribal rule of monogamy, and in the end, Duan Zhengchun had no choice but to abandon Qin Hongmian and marry Dao Baifeng.

However, Duan Zhengchun and Dao Baifeng have been married for many years but have no children, which seems to be due to some special reason.

The current king of Dali is named Duan Zhengming, and he is a cousin of Duan Yanqing, the leader of the Four Evils.

Duan Yanqing's father was Emperor Shangde, a former king of the Dali Kingdom. Emperor Shangde was later assassinated by a treacherous minister named Yang Yizhen, plunging the kingdom into chaos. Emperor Shangde's son, Crown Prince Yanqing, was severely wounded in the coup and disappeared. Yang Yizhen was later defeated, Emperor Shangde was dead, and Crown Prince Yanqing was missing. Therefore, the Dali officials supported Emperor Shangde's nephew, Duan Shouhui, Crown Prince Yanqing's cousin, as emperor, also known as Emperor Shangming. Emperor Shangming reigned for only one year before abdicating and becoming a monk at Tianlong Temple, whereupon his cousin, Duan Zhengming, succeeded him.

It was time for Duan Zhengming to abdicate and become a monk at Tianlong Temple. He was about to pass the throne to Duan Zhengchun, and this token might be the key to Dali sending troops to help him later.

As Hiden approached Tenryu-ji Temple, its speed slowed down.

Because his Qi cultivation technique had advanced to the level of "All Rivers Run into the Ocean," Lingyun was able to sense the aura of certain powerful individuals.

From afar, Tianlong Temple appeared to be closed to visitors today, yet it was filled with the auras of numerous powerful individuals emanating from the yellow hue. However, a unique orange-red aura stood in contrast to them.

Ling Yun dismounted, patted Fei Dian's horse, and the horse neighed and galloped away.

If I'm not mistaken, what's happening right now is the scene where Boqie Kumozhi from Sakya in Tibet asks the monks of Tianlong Temple for the "Six Meridians Divine Sword" manual.

The benefits of his maxed-out luck were once again evident; wherever he went, a story unfolded.

"I'm sorry, benefactor, Tianlong Temple has important guests today and cannot receive you at the moment."

The two novice monks guarding the gate bowed slightly to Ling Yun, who then took out a jade pendant engraved with the character "Duan".

"This is Prince Duan's jade pendant. May I enter with this?"

The two young monks exchanged a glance, then solemnly accepted the jade pendant. They found that although it had aged, it was indeed Duan Zhengchun's jade pendant, and immediately welcomed him inside.

As soon as Ling Yun stepped outside the main hall, he saw a Tibetan monk with a smile on his face, lightly flicking his fingers as he demonstrated the Shaolin Temple's signature technique—the Flower-Picking Finger—to several masters. He was dressed in simple cloth robes and straw sandals, his face radiant with a subtle, luminous glow that inspired awe and closeness in anyone who looked at him.

Judging from his appearance alone, he is definitely an enhanced version of Tang Sanzang, which is extremely deceptive.

"Master, please step aside. The Six Meridians Divine Sword is a closely guarded secret of ours, and it is not a martial art that can be exchanged for just any skill."

"This humble monk did not intend to steal the knowledge. It is only because I made an agreement with the old master Murong Bo to exchange sword manuals. After I have paid my respects to the old master, I will burn the manuals on the spot. I will never peek at them!"

However, the monks at Dali Temple disagreed, convinced that the foreign monk was problematic.

"The friendship between the master and Mr. Murong Bo is so deep that it truly moves me." Ling Yun clapped his hands as he approached from outside, but his gaze toward Kumārajīva was rather amused.

"You flatter me, benefactor. My name is Kumārajīva. May I ask your honorable name?" Kumārajīva maintained a calm demeanor and bowed slightly to Ling Yun with his hands clasped together.

"I am indeed Murong Fu. How come I did not know that you had a connection with my father?"

When Ling Yun said this, everyone present was taken aback. Even Master Kurong, who had been resting with his eyes closed, frowned, thinking to himself that there would likely be a dispute today.

"Hehe, I felt an instant connection with you just now, and I never expected you to be a descendant of an old friend. When I met your father, the young master was still very young and naturally unaware of the situation. The Six Meridians Divine Sword was a lifelong regret for the old gentleman, and I have only come here as arranged."

"You're just after his martial arts skills, why bother with this pretense, Master?"

Kumārajīva's expression changed slightly, and he shook his head, saying, "Young master, you misunderstand. This humble monk has absolutely no such intention."

"Then please return. I have important matters to discuss with Master Kurong. My father has passed away; let him rest in peace and not cause any more trouble."

Seeing that Ling Yun had sided with the Dali Temple, Kumārajīva felt somewhat embarrassed, but he did not show it directly. Instead, he lowered his clasped hands and said coldly, "Since you claim to be Murong Fu, then this humble monk will test your authenticity to prevent any Tom, Dick, or Harry from impersonating you!"

"The Buddhist temple is a place of tranquility, and I do not wish to take action here."

Ling Yun appeared to be dismissive of him, but in reality, he was wary and slowly walked towards Master Kurong.

Upon hearing this, Kumārajīva's face contorted slightly, and he then struck the young man's back with a palm strike. This move was Kumārajīva's signature technique, a flaming sword technique that used his hand as a blade, remarkably similar to the Six Meridians Divine Sword!

Chapter 236 Six Meridian Divine Sword [Bonus Chapter]

Ling Yun felt the scorching heat behind him and thought to himself, "Good timing!" He also used his palm as a blade and turned around to meet the attack!

The two palms collided, but Ling Yun's strength ultimately prevailed, and he forcefully smashed Kumārajīva away.

The Tibetan monk coughed up blood and his arms trembled. If Ling Yun hadn't held back a bit, he would probably be seriously injured and on the verge of death.

"Take their own methods against them?"

Kumārajīva only saw that Ling Yun was also using his palm as a blade, but at an incredibly fast speed. He was defeated before he could even react, and assumed that Ling Yun had also used the Flaming Blade Technique!

"It seems you are indeed Young Master Murong. In that case, this humble monk will take his leave!"

Knowing he was no match for Ling Yun, Kumārajīva fled without a word, using his lightness skill to escape the area of ​​Tianlong Temple and head towards the distance.

Ling Yun waved his sleeve. Although he had overwhelmed Kumārajīva, he still felt a lingering heat. It seemed that this Flame Blade Technique had its merits.

His reasons for holding back were twofold: first, he didn't want to kill anyone in front of the monks of Tianlong Temple; second, Kumārajīva was also a villain with A-level strength, and in the original story, he eventually lost his martial arts skills, achieved enlightenment, and became a highly accomplished monk. If he could control him and make him one of his own, it would be beneficial to the plan to restore the kingdom.

Seeing Ling Yun's handsome appearance and how he easily repelled Kumārajīva with a single palm strike, many masters of Tianlong Temple couldn't help but sigh, "He truly lives up to his reputation as Murong Fu!"

Ling Yun glanced at their inner thoughts and found it somewhat amusing. If the real Murong Fu were to arrive, he would probably only side with Kumārajīva, and would be no match for the great monk.

At least Kumārajīva could exchange a few blows with Chief Qiao, while Murong Fu was completely crushed in every way.

Ling Yun walked up to the monks, put his hands together in a gesture of respect, and the monks returned the gesture in unison.

"May I ask what brings you here today, Young Master Murong?"

Master Kurong said loudly, fearing that just after driving away the jackals, tigers and leopards would appear. Judging from Ling Yun's skill just now, even all these monks together would probably be unable to play with him a few times.

"I have met Master Kurong and all the masters." Ling Yun smiled confidently and took out the jade pendant. "I was entrusted by an old friend of Prince Duan to pass by this place and planned to come to the temple to offer incense, but I did not expect to encounter this matter."

"I see." Ku Rong was relieved and, after having the young monk accompany Ling Yun to offer incense, invited him over for a detailed discussion.

Ling Yun briefly mentioned that Duan Zhengchun had a daughter, which moved many masters. Furthermore, since Ling Yun came from the future, where Buddhist culture, though less developed than it is now, still held many concepts unheard of by people of this era. They all praised Ling's innate wisdom.

"Young Master Murong is truly destined to be connected with Buddhism!"

Upon hearing this, Ling Yun felt like he was about to have a PTSD attack. Hui Lun had said the same thing when he wanted him to go to Shaolin Temple.

Just as Ling Yun was about to say goodbye to everyone, Master Kurong suddenly took out a sword manual.

"Master, what does this mean?"

“Young Master Murong, please accept it.” Master Kurong sighed. “Although this sword manual is the strongest martial art in Dali, it is also the source of our troubles, causing chaos in our once peaceful Buddhist land, and no one can learn it.”

Upon hearing this, all the masters covered their faces in shame, for such powerful martial arts had become a hot potato in their hands.

"I have long heard of Young Master Murong's reputation, and with the noble character and demeanor you just displayed, I believe that you are the only one in the world more suitable to take him in."

"What if I say no?"

Master Kurong put his hands together and said, "Amitabha. If you do not accept it, then we can only burn it to end the karmic debt."

Ling Yun nodded and solemnly accepted the sword manual from Master Kurong. He glanced at it and quickly memorized all the contents, even reaching the beginner level.

"Although I, Murong Fu, am far less noble and selfless than many masters, I would never do the things of those foreign monks." He took out a flint and steel and lit the sword manual, watching it be consumed by flames and turn to ashes. "Murong Fu has memorized all the contents. From now on, only I will have this sword manual in my mind. There will be no other copy."

"Amitabha!"

As soon as Ling Yun left Tianlong Temple, Fei Dian ran to his side as if it were telepathy and affectionately nuzzled him with its head.

"Why is your horse so clingy?!"

Lingyun patted its big head, then mounted his horse and headed towards the Dali Royal Palace.

On his way to the Dali Royal Palace, when he reached a relatively secluded path, he stopped Feidian.

There were ambushes and tunnels ahead; if Hiden hadn't noticed and had run straight through, he risked falling off his horse. He was unharmed after falling at that speed, but Hiden would likely have been seriously injured.

“Come out, I can smell the stench of you rats in the gutter.”

Ling Yun, mounted on his horse, looked down disdainfully at the nearby woods and bushes. The danger warning had just alerted him that someone nearby intended to do something malicious to him.

"Young Master Murong, how have you been?" Kumārajīva led several powerful figures from the Western Regions out, the weakest of whom possessed a strength of B+.

"Great monk, what, do you want to take me to my grave and burn me?" Ling Yun flexed his fingers, preparing to unleash the Six Meridians Divine Sword technique he had just learned.

"No, Young Master Murong is, after all, an old friend. This humble monk will not take your life. I only wish to borrow Young Master Murong's Swallow Dock for a while."

Ling Yun snorted coldly and gave Kumārajīva the middle finger. A sword aura shot out from his fingertip and attacked him!

Kumārajīva couldn't dodge in time and grabbed a nearby Tibetan monk to block the attack. Although he had only just begun learning the Six Meridian Divine Sword, Duan Yu had posed a significant threat to Kumārajīva even after just mastering it, let alone him!

The Tibetan monk who blocked the sword died instantly. Kumārajīva was horrified and exclaimed, "Six Meridians Divine Sword? How is this possible!"

"Nothing is impossible."

With just one middle finger, Ling Yun took everyone's lives as if summoning the King of Hell, leaving behind a trembling Kumārajīva.

"Young Master Murong, I meant no harm..."

Before he could finish speaking, Ling Yun had already flashed in front of him and sent him flying to the ground with a seemingly ordinary palm strike.

Kumārajīva did not expect that Ling Yun had held back at Tianlong Temple. Now it was too late for him to struggle, and he was easily subdued by Ling Yun.

"Be a good dog!"

Ling Yun pressed his palm against his head, using mental control.

When Kumārajīva awoke again, he kowtowed to Ling Yun and said, "Greetings, Young Master Murong!"

"Go back to Turpan now, take control of your king, and send troops to help me when I need to restore my kingdom!"

"Yes, Young Master Murong!"

After saying this, Kumārajīva took the healing medicine he carried and ran towards Turpan.

This Kumārajīva was the National Preceptor of Tibet, the abbot of the Mahālun Temple, and known as the "Great Wheel King," holding a transcendent position in Turpan. However, he had previously been loyal to the king, so if he truly wanted to do something, it would be effortless for him.

Chapter 237 Princess Dao Baifeng

After Kumārajīva left, Ling Yun felt incredibly refreshed and took out a wooden dummy, firing wildly at it.

The Six Meridian Divine Sword is quite powerful, though its destructive range isn't very wide, but it still compensates for Ling Yun's lack of ranged combat abilities. While the Meteor Slash is strong, it consumes a lot of internal energy, making it unsuitable for such use, but the Six Meridian Divine Sword is different.

Ling Yunshe finally stopped panting, and unsurprisingly, the Six Meridians Divine Sword had entered the minor completion stage.

This is how high-level martial arts are. If it were a Long Fist, the proficiency level would probably be maxed out long ago, but the Six Meridians Divine Sword has only just reached the minor mastery level.

He was still quite satisfied, though. He waved to Feidian, who was hiding behind a tree, and then headed back to the palace.

This time, he was finally able to relax. Before long, Lingyun arrived at the gate of the Dali Royal Palace, where he was stopped by the guards.

"This is Prince Duan's jade pendant. Give it to him and you will know."

The guards dared not neglect their duties and left a few to watch over him. One of them, who was quick on his feet, found Duan Zhengchun reading a book in a side hall.

"This is... what I left for Hongmian back then!"

Old Duan suppressed his excitement and turned to the guard: "Who is this person?"

"He's a handsome young man, and he looks... he looks a bit like Young Master Murong!"

As members of the royal guards, they had seen portraits of many famous figures in the martial arts world. Duan Zhengchun pondered for a moment, then stood up and said, "Please invite him over... no, I'll go greet him myself!"

He was filled with anxiety, wondering how Qin Hongmian had gotten involved with Murong Fu, or if she had done something wrong that had led to Murong Fu coming to his door to blackmail her.

Because of his henpecked nature and his shrewish wife, he didn't dare to go out to find his wife, Hongmian, for almost 20 years, and he didn't even know that Hongmian had a daughter with him.

When he arrived outside the palace, he saw Ling Yun, who was exceptionally handsome in white robes, and bowed, saying, "Greetings, Young Master Murong."

"Lord Duan!"

Ling Yun returned the greeting, and then Duan Zhengchun made way for him, saying, "Shall we go inside and talk?"

"Right on my mind!"

Ling Yun followed him to the side hall. After dismissing the guards, Duan Zhengchun closed the door and then sat down opposite him.

"I wonder where Young Master Murong obtained this jade pendant."

"Lord Duan, to be honest, this is..."

As Ling Yun recounted his story, Duan Zhengchun was overjoyed to hear that he had a daughter. However, upon learning that Qin Hongmian had died, he was overcome with grief and couldn't help but shed tears.

"Oh, it's all my fault, it's all my fault!"

Duan Zhengchun pounded his chest, filled with regret, but it was all too late now.

"Where is my daughter?"

"She lives in Wanjie Valley, but Prince Duan should not go there rashly. Wanqing has a strong personality. After all, she already knows about her background. If she were willing to acknowledge her relatives, she would have come over long ago."