chsdbacks Page 44
Page 44
"Mother—!!" he roared to the sky, tears streaming down his face.
Seeing his son in such pain, Xiao Yuanshan felt deeply for him. He put his arm around his son's shoulders and said in a firm voice, "But! Our enemies are not all dead yet!"
He extended his finger, filled with boundless hatred, and pointed it straight at Xuan Ci:
"He! He's still alive! He's standing right there! This hypocritical Shaolin abbot, Xuanci!!"
"Om-!"
Like pouring ice water into a boiling oil pan, the atmosphere, which had just eased slightly, instantly became extremely tense again! All eyes were once again focused on Xuan Ci!
Qiao Feng trembled violently and turned his head sharply to look at Xuan Ci! His tiger-like eyes were instantly filled with boundless bloodlust!
An indescribable, overwhelming hatred, originating from his bloodline, erupted in his chest like a volcano!
The hatred for killing one's mother is irreconcilable!
"what--!!!"
Qiao Feng let out a mournful howl, like that of a wounded lone wolf, the sound echoing across the surrounding area! His aura surged once more, even more ferocious and resolute than before! He took a sudden step forward, standing shoulder to shoulder with Xiao Yuanshan, his gaze fixed intently on Xuan Ci, his voice hoarse yet carrying a resolute determination to sever all ties:
"The hatred for killing my mother is irreconcilable! Your son... will stand with you to avenge her!"
Upon hearing this, Xiao Yuanshan was overjoyed, his ecstatic expression overflowing. He patted Qiao Feng's shoulder heavily and exclaimed, "Good! Good boy! You are indeed worthy of being my son, Xiao Yuanshan's son! Today, my son and I will join forces to raze this Shaolin Temple to the ground and use this old bald monk's blood to appease your mother's spirit in heaven!"
The father and son, exuding murderous intent, were aimed directly at Xuan Ci! An even more brutal bloodbath was about to erupt!
The Shaolin monks' faces turned pale, and they stepped forward, forming a battle formation.
At this critical moment——
"enough!!!"
A furious roar, like thunder from the heavens, suddenly exploded! The anger and pressure in the voice even instantly overshadowed the killing intent of Xiao Yuanshan and his son!
Everyone stared in astonishment as Qiao Tian, who had been observing coldly, stepped forward! His face was ashen, and his eyes were as cold as ancient ice as he stared intently at Xiao Yuanshan!
"Xiao Yuanshan!" Qiao Tian's voice wasn't loud, but every word was like a knife. "You still have the nerve to stand here, pretending to be a loving father, acknowledging your relatives?"
Xiao Yuanshan frowned, his eyes darkening: "Qiao Tian! You helped my father and me avenge our family, and I owe you a debt of gratitude! But this is a family matter, and you..."
"Family matters? Hahaha!" Qiao Tian abruptly interrupted him, letting out a burst of mocking laughter that abruptly stopped. "You dare to mention the word 'family'?"
"Xiao Yuanshan, I ask you! In these thirty years, have you fulfilled your responsibilities as a father for even a single day?"
"Do you know what kind of life your son, the flesh and blood that 'the mother of my child' in your words protected with her life, has been living for the past thirty years?"
“It’s my parents! It’s those two Song Dynasty farmers at the foot of Shaoshi Mountain whom you treated like dirt! Qiao Sanhuai, my honest and simple father! And my mother! It was they who, with coarse rice porridge, with every grain of food they saved, and with every drop of excrement and urine they ate, raised him from such a small infant into the upright man he is today!”
"It was my master, Xuanku! It was he who taught him martial arts, taught him the principles of being a good person, and told him that 'the greatest heroes are those who serve their country and its people'! He helped him understand right from wrong and become the respected leader of the Beggars' Sect, Qiao Feng of the North!"
Qiao Tian pressed forward step by step, each word like a heavy hammer blow, striking Xiao Yuanshan's heart and Qiao Feng's already chaotic mind.
"And you? Where have you been for the past thirty years? Have you ever fed him a single meal? Have you ever bought him a single piece of clothing? Have you ever taught him a single word?"
"You didn't! You were like a rat in the gutter, hiding in the shadows, watching him grow up, watching him become famous! You had countless opportunities to acknowledge him, to tell him the truth! But you didn't!"
Qiao Tian's voice suddenly rose, like a sharp sword being drawn from its sheath:
“Xiao Yuanshan, I ask you, do you just want him to be despised by all the Song people, to be condemned by everyone, and to have no place to stand on this land where he grew up and loves so much!”
"Do you think that only in this way can he sever all ties, become like you, with only hatred in his heart, and obediently return to your side to become your tool for revenge?!"
Xiao Yuanshan's expression changed drastically, his eyes flashing, and he said sharply, "You're talking nonsense! I was... I was doing that for the sake of revenge!"
"A grand revenge plan? What a high-sounding excuse!" Qiao Tian sneered. "Then let me ask you again! Back then outside Yanmen Pass, you clearly possessed unparalleled martial arts skills, so why didn't you kill all those people on the spot to avenge your wife? What did you choose? You chose to jump off a cliff and commit suicide!"
Qiao Tian suddenly pointed at the corpse on the ground, his voice as cold as the wind:
"What? You didn't die back then!"
"Are you thinking of killing all those bastards from back then, then killing his mentor Xuanku, then killing my parents—the Qiao Sanhuai couple who raised your son—and then framing your son for it?!"
"Do you just want to watch him be abandoned, to watch him be driven to the brink of despair, to watch his hands be stained with the blood of his so-called 'benefactors' and 'relatives,' and to see him become a complete loner, a perfect tool for revenge that belongs only to you, Xiao Yuanshan?"
"And then?" Qiao Tian suddenly took a step forward, almost face to face with Xiao Yuanshan. His overwhelming aura forced even the ruthless Xiao Yuanshan to instinctively take a half-step back! He stared intently into Xiao Yuanshan's eyes:
"Then, after you take him and kill Xuan Ci to avenge this so-called 'blood feud,' do you still want to commit suicide in front of him again? Just like thirty years ago! To make him live the rest of his life in pain, guilt, and endless despair through your death?"
"Xiao Yuanshan! Tell me! Is this really the kind of filthy, despicable, and extremely selfish person you are?!"
"You keep saying it's for his mother, for revenge! But everything you've done is pushing your son to the brink of death! Pushing him into hell!"
"You don't understand love at all! You only know how to hate! You don't even know how to be a father! You've used the child his mother gave her life for as a tool to perpetuate your hatred and complete your obsessive revenge!"
Qiao Tian abruptly withdrew his finger, pointing to his own chest, then to Qiao Feng, whose face was pale and whose eyes were filled with intense struggle, and finally to Xiao Yuanshan, his voice booming like a great bell:
"Look at him! Xiao Yuanshan! Open your eyes and take a good look at him!"
"He is Qiao Feng! He is the upright and honorable Qiao Feng of the North! He is full of affection and righteousness, he has gratitude to his adoptive parents, respect to his teachers, camaraderie with his brothers in the Beggars' Clan, and chivalry towards all the people of the world!"
"These are the backbone that has kept him alive until today! These are the most precious things about him!"
"And you! You, his so-called biological father, are about to break his spine with your own hands! Strip him of all his support! Turn him into a shell like you, filled only with hatred, coldness, and emptiness!"
"you tell me--"
Qiao Tian, his voice hoarse with exhaustion, uttered his final question:
"Who do you think you are?!"
"You dare call yourself his father?!"
"You dare to stand here, posing as a victim, demanding that he destroy himself for your twisted hatred?"
This barrage of angry rebukes, like a raging storm, shattered Xiao Yuanshan's seemingly indestructible shell of revenge!
Xiao Yuanshan's face turned red and white as he was scolded, his whole body trembling violently. He pointed at Qiao Tian, his lips trembling, but he couldn't utter a single word in rebuttal.
Qiao Feng stood there, stunned, listening to his brother's heart-wrenching curses and looking at his biological father's disheveled and pale face, his mind a jumbled mess. The love of his adoptive parents, the teachings of his master Xuanku, the joyful drinking with his Beggars' Clan brothers, and the bloody hatred before him... all intertwined, almost tearing his soul apart.
Qiao Tian took a deep breath, glanced one last time at the distraught Xiao Yuanshan, turned around, grabbed Qiao Feng's arm tightly, looked at him with unwavering eyes, and spoke in a low voice with an undeniable force:
"Brother Feng, look carefully."
"Revenge is a matter of course! But how to take revenge, for whom to take revenge, and whether you are still yourself after taking revenge—that is up to you!"
"Don't let hatred cloud your mind, and don't let anyone, not even your own father, turn you into someone you despise!"
After saying that, he released his grip and stood proudly in the center of the field, his black robe fluttering in the mountain wind.
There was dead silence on the square.
Only those words that pierced the heart still echoed in everyone's mind, lingering for a long time.
Chapter 131 Congratulations, benefactor, on attaining true freedom!
Just as the echoes of Qiao Tian's earth-shattering question had barely faded, and Xiao Yuanshan's face was deathly pale while Qiao Feng's heart trembled violently, a peaceful yet seemingly cleansing Buddhist chant clearly entered the ears of everyone present:
"Amitabha--"
The voice was not loud, but it was like a gentle spring breeze, instantly diluting the tense and murderous atmosphere in the room.
The crowd looked in the direction of the sound and saw a gaunt monk in a blue robe, holding a broom, who had quietly appeared at the edge of the square. His beard and eyebrows were completely white, and his face was deeply wrinkled, indicating that he was quite old, but his eyes were gentle and clear, like those of an infant.
The eminent monks of the Xuan generation at Shaolin Temple, from Xuan Ci down to Xuan Nan, Xuan Ji, Xuan Ku, and others, all showed genuine awe and joy upon seeing this person. They all bowed and clasped their hands in respect, saying, "Greetings, Divine Monk!"
The assembled heroes were utterly astonished. This unassuming old monk was actually someone even the abbot of Shaolin Temple respectfully addressed as a "divine monk"?...
The sweeping monk merely nodded slightly in response to the monks' bows, then slowly walked to the center of the hall. His gaze calmly fell upon Xiao Yuanshan, and he put his palms together, saying, "This benefactor must be the old layman Xiao who has been frequently perusing the scriptures in our temple's library for the past thirty years."
Xiao Yuanshan trembled violently, his pupils contracting sharply. He prided himself on his unparalleled lightness skill, having remained a secretive figure in the Sutra Pavilion for thirty years, unknown to anyone in the temple. How could he not be shocked that this old monk had so easily revealed his whereabouts? He stared intently at the other man, his voice hoarse, "You…how did you know?"
"Old benefactor, your martial arts skills are truly divine," the sweeping monk praised first, then his tone suddenly shifted to a somber one. "However, you, hiding in this pavilion, first practiced the 'Prajna Palm,' then explored the 'Formless Finger of Calamity,' and then studied the 'Subduing Demon Staff Technique'... The order was orderly, but all of it pursued fierceness and brutality, seeking the essence of killing. This old monk observed that your aura was becoming increasingly mixed, with a deep-seated malevolence. Fearing that you might go astray, I placed scriptures such as the 'Diamond Sutra' and the 'Lotus Sutra' in places you frequently passed by, scriptures meant to dispel malevolence. Unfortunately, you ignored them, focusing only on killing techniques, unaware that Buddhism is the way of life, and compassion is the foundation of martial arts."
His gaze was piercing, as if he could penetrate the skin and see directly into the flow of true energy within Xiao Yuanshan's body: "Benefactor, you have been practicing Shaolin's unique skills without being able to harmonize them with the true meaning of Buddhism. Do you now feel a faint stinging pain in the 'Liangmen' and 'Taiyi' acupoints at noon and midnight, as if needles are pricking or ants are biting you? When you circulate your energy to the 'Zhangmen' acupoint, do you also feel a feeling of stagnation and cramping pain?"
Xiao Yuanshan's expression changed drastically. These symptoms were the hidden dangers that had been causing him great suffering in recent years, yet he had no idea why they were so deeply hidden. Now, this old monk, whom he had never met before, had revealed them to him as if they were his own treasures. This made him feel shocked. The overwhelming hatred and arrogance he had felt earlier were instantly suppressed by this unfathomable and profound method.
Although Xiao Feng hated Xuan Ci, he was deeply concerned for his biological father. Seeing his father's expression, he knew that what the Sweeper Monk said was true. He stepped forward, clasped his hands in a salute to the Sweeper Monk, and said in a deep and earnest voice, "Divine Monk, your wisdom is like a torch, and you have seen through the crux of the problem. Xiao Feng humbly begs the Divine Monk to have mercy and lend a helping hand to save my father. I will be forever grateful for this kindness and virtue!" His words were sincere, urgent yet composed, showing that he was genuinely worried about his father.
The sweeping monk looked at Xiao Feng, a gentle expression of appreciation in his eyes: "Benefactor Xiao is a man of deep feelings and noble character, and what is even more commendable is that even amidst the vortex of grudges, he still retains a heart of benevolence and filial piety. Good, very good."
Finally, his gaze fell on Qiao Tian, who had been standing quietly to the side.
Meeting the sweeping monk's profound gaze, Qiao Tian remained neither humble nor arrogant, cupping his hands and saying, "Master, you are merciful. As long as Senior Xiao's matter here is settled and all grudges are cleared, there is no need for you to worry about his health. I, Qiao, will take care of it properly."
Upon hearing this, the sweeping monk's eyes narrowed slightly, a glint of light flashing within them, as he carefully examined Qiao Tian for a moment.
Xiao Feng was overjoyed. He had complete faith in his brother, who believed that if he could cure the illness, he must be absolutely certain. He quickly said to Qiao Tian, "Thank you, brother!"
The sweeping monk sighed softly, no longer looking at Qiao Tian, and turned to Xiao Yuanshan, saying, "Elder Xiao, this humble monk asks you, if all those who participated in the events of that year were dead, would you then have no more attachments?"
Xiao Yuanshan said bitterly, "They killed my wife and separated my son and me for thirty years. Don't they deserve to die?"
The sweeping monk said calmly, "That's simple. In that case, I'll take care of this final villain for you today."
Having said that, he slowly walked towards Abbot Xuanci, whose face was ashen. His voice was calm but carried an undeniable power: "Abbot, today our ancient Shaolin Temple has suffered this calamity, with rivers of blood flowing and its reputation damaged. All of this is due to your reckless and ignorant actions back then. Today, this old monk will settle this karmic debt on your behalf. Do you accept it or not?"
Xuan Ci was already heartbroken and despondent. Upon hearing this, he slowly raised his head, his face filled with a complex expression of regret and calm. He clasped his hands together, bowed deeply, and said in a hoarse but clear voice, "Divine Monk, Xuan Ci knows his sins and deeply regrets the murder he committed back then, which harmed the innocent and brought shame to Shaolin. I am willing to obey the Divine Monk's judgment without any objection."
"Very well." The sweeping monk's gaze swept over the remaining Shaolin monks, his voice suddenly rising, like a morning bell striking the hearts of everyone present. "Xuanci's sins stemmed from his impulsive anger and ignorance of the true essence of Buddhism, leading to karmic entanglements that have harmed the sect. This is not the fault of one person alone, but also the result of Shaolin's long-standing overemphasis on the superficial aspects of martial arts while neglecting the foundation of Buddhism! This old monk has decided that, from this day forward, Shaolin will be closed for a hundred years! During these hundred years, all disciples must not venture into the conflicts of the martial world, but must diligently study Buddhism, uphold the precepts, and cultivate themselves. The sect will reopen only when one has attained enlightenment and realized one's true nature!"
"A hundred-year closure of the mountain?"
These words caused an uproar among the Shaolin monks, and even Qiao Tian was greatly alarmed. This action was tantamount to severing this pillar of the martial arts world from the world for a century, the far-reaching impact of which was immeasurable!
Xuan Nan said urgently, "Divine Monk! This matter..."
"Hmm?" The sweeping monk glanced at Xuan Nan indifferently, his words cut short by an invisible pressure. The old monk continued, "Martial arts are the path to protect the Dharma, while Buddhism is the vessel to ferry the world across. To be attached to martial arts is to be attached to the 'appearance of martial arts'; to be attached to the temple's reputation is to be attached to the 'appearance of fame'. Today's tribulation is the result of our deep attachment to appearances. Ask yourselves, have you truly taken to heart the Diamond Sutra's 'One should abide nowhere and yet give rise to the mind'? Closing the mountain for cultivation is not a retreat, but a severing of external ties and a return to the source. This is not punishment, but a great opportunity!"
His voice was not loud, yet every word contained Buddhist wisdom, like a gentle stream washing away the restlessness in the hearts of the monks caused by the day's dramatic changes. Reflecting on the events of the day, all stemming from past misdeeds, and moved by the supreme wisdom contained in the monk's words, the resentment and fear on their faces gradually subsided, replaced by expressions of shame and resolute determination. Xuanji, Xuanku, and others were the first to join their palms in prayer: "We humbly obey the monk's decree!" Then, hundreds of monks echoed in unison, their voices resounding through the mountains: "We humbly obey the monk's decree!"
The sweeping monk nodded slightly, then looked at Xuan Ci and said, "Xuan Ci, then this old monk will see you off on your final journey and help you break free from the shackles of karma. Are you willing?"
Xuan Ci closed his eyes, a look of relief and peace appearing on his face. He said in a low voice, "Thank you for your trouble, Venerable Monk."
The sweeping monk said no more, his eyes narrowed, and without any visible movement, Xuan Ci's body jolted violently, then with a "poof," he spat out a mouthful of dark blood, his body slowly collapsing to the ground, his breath gone. His face was peaceful, as if he had simply fallen into a deep sleep.
"Abbot!" Although the Shaolin monks were prepared, they were still overcome with grief upon seeing this scene, and their cries of sorrow immediately filled the air.
The sweeping monk slowly turned around, put his palms together, and said to Xiao Yuanshan and his son Xiao Feng, "Xuanci has already submitted to the law and repaid his debt. Elder Xiao, Elder Xiao, are you both satisfied with this outcome?"
Looking at Xuan Ci lying dead on the ground, and then at his son beside him with a complex expression, Xiao Yuanshan felt a surge of pent-up hatred, accumulated over thirty years, finally pour out, leaving him feeling empty. He sighed deeply and said to the sweeping monk, "The ringleader has been executed; this matter... is over!"
The sweeping monk turned his gaze back to Qiao Tian.
Qiao Tian looked at the lifeless Xuan Ci, and then at Ye Erniang on the outskirts of the crowd, her expression blank, as if her soul had followed Xuan Ci. Suddenly, she let out a shrill, tragic laugh, drew the dagger from her waist, and plunged it into her own heart without hesitation!
"Second Sister!" Duan Yanqing and the other four villains were horrified and rushed forward to save her, but they found that her heart meridian had been severed and there was no way to save her. In the blink of an eye, she had passed away.
Seeing the series of tragedies unfold, even with his iron will, Qiao Tian couldn't help but sigh, a profound sense of desolation welling up within him. He bowed deeply to the Sweeping Monk: "We juniors have disturbed the tranquility of Buddhism, causing Shaolin to suffer great losses. We feel truly ashamed. Once this matter is settled, Wudang will descend the mountain."
With the dust settled, the heroes and the Wudang group silently began to descend the mountain.
Kumārajīva carefully helped Xuancheng, who was sometimes muttering and sometimes laughing, back into the sedan chair, and prepared to go down the mountain with the crowd.
Upon reaching the mountain gate, the sweeping monk slowly approached Xuancheng's sedan chair.
Xuan Cheng lifted the sedan curtain and glared impatiently at the old monk: "Old monk, what are you looking at! You're blocking my way!"
The sweeping monk was not offended. Instead, he revealed a meaningful smile, put his palms together and said, "Congratulations, benefactor, on breaking free from the shackles of fame and fortune, forgetting the constraints of martial arts, and attaining true freedom. This old monk is here and truly happy for you."
As he spoke, he stepped aside to make way, his gaze fixed intently on the sedan chair carrying the mad monk, which swayed and disappeared into the dust and smoke at the foot of Shaoshi Mountain.
A noble figure in green robes, far removed from the world of martial arts, with the Buddha's teachings and the well-being of all living beings all in a single thought. A new chapter in the Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils is slowly unfolding with the addition of the Dragon Guardian Pavilion.
Chapter 132 The Jianghu is Far Away Beyond the Great Wall
The earth-shattering turmoil at Shaoshi Mountain finally settled down as the Shaolin Temple slowly closed its gates and announced its closure for a century. The landscape of the martial arts world was drastically altered, with the Wudang Sect's prestige soaring to its zenith, and the names "Qiao Tian" and "Xiao Feng" spreading far and wide, becoming legendary figures known to all.
At the foot of the mountain, the dust had not yet settled. The four elders of the Beggars' Sect—Song, Xi, Chen, and Wu—surrounded Xiao Feng, their expressions anxious and earnest.
"Chief! You mustn't!" Elder Song's beard trembled slightly, his voice heavy with sorrow. "The Beggars' Sect is going through a turbulent time right now. Chief Wang has only recently passed away. If you were to leave at this time, what would become of the tens of thousands of disciples of the Beggars' Sect? What would the heroes of the world think of us?"
Xiao Feng, clad in a worn gray robe, still possessed a dignified and imposing presence despite the fierce battles that had followed. His gaze swept over his brothers who had fought alongside him through thick and thin, a touch of reluctance in his heart, but more so a resolute determination born of a burden lifted. He clasped his hands in a respectful greeting, his voice booming yet unwavering: "I am deeply grateful for the kindness shown to me by all the elders and brothers. However, my lineage is now clear; I am of Khitan blood, and thus cannot ultimately hold the position of leader of the largest gang in the Central Plains. This is one reason. Secondly, my father is old and suffers from a hidden illness. As a son, I must serve him and fulfill my filial duty. The position of gang leader is of paramount importance; how can I, Xiao Feng, allow my own selfish desires to tarnish the Beggars' Sect's reputation and place it in such a dilemma?"
He paused, a hint of tenderness flashing in his fierce eyes, and looked at his elder brother Qiao Tian, who stood with his hands behind his back waiting for him not far away. He continued, "As for the affairs of the gang, the four elders are experienced and highly respected, and they will make their own judgments. Xiao Feng's mind is made up, so there is no need for you to persuade him any further. If we meet again in the martial world in the future, we will still be friends and brothers!"
Having said that, he said no more, solemnly handing the "Dog-Beating Stick," a symbol of the Beggars' Sect's authority, to Elder Song. He glanced deeply at his former comrades, then turned and strode towards Qiao Tian and Xiao Yuanshan. His steps were steady, showing no trace of lingering affection. The four elders, knowing his temperament and his resolute intention to leave, could only watch his imposing figure and sigh with regret.
The Wudang group had been traveling north for more than a day. On this particular day, they reached a remote mountain forest in Henan province. As dusk approached, the Wudang disciples who had been scouting ahead suddenly returned with news that they had found an unconscious girl in purple robes in the bushes at the edge of the forest. She was breathing weakly and bore Shaolin palm wounds, seemingly inflicted while being chased.
Qiao Tian approached to examine her and saw that the girl had a pretty face, and although she was unconscious, there was still a hint of mischievousness in her eyes. He took her pulse briefly and knew that although her injuries were serious, her life was not in danger.