chsdbacks Page 19
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Qiao Tian remained unmoved by Xuan Nan's questioning, offering only a faint smile that carried an air of utter aloofness and arrogance.
Master Xuannan, what is Shaolin? What is a sect? Kung Fu is static, but people are dynamic. The path I, Qiao Tian, walk is the path of my own heart; what does it have to do with the walls of Shaolin Temple?
As for cleaning house...
His gaze suddenly sharpened like a knife, sweeping across the entire room:
We'll have to see if Shaolin has the ability today!
Chapter 61 The Leisurely Villa
Qiao Tian's words, "Then we'll see if Shaolin has the ability today!" were like a spark, instantly igniting the fury of thousands of martial arts heroes in the entire square!
A thunderous roar erupted! Bai Shijing, the Beggar Clan's Enforcement Elder, his hair and beard bristling, stepped forward from the crowd, pointing at Qiao Tian and angrily rebuking him: "Qiao Tian, you brat! You think you're invincible after killing Ding Chunqiu? How dare you so disrespect the Shaolin monks and all the heroes of the world! Do you really think this righteous martial world is a playground for you to play around in? If we don't subdue this rebellious scoundrel today, what face will our Beggar Clan have? What face will the righteous path of the world have!"
His words were highly inflammatory, instantly igniting the anger of many present who already harbored resentment or jealousy towards Qiao Tian. In an instant, the crowd was filled with indignation, and voices of agreement rose and fell.
Elder Bai is right!
This madman must not be let off!
Let's unite and uphold justice on behalf of Heaven!
Let him know his place!
The sound of swords being drawn was incessant, and countless hostile gazes were fixed on the lone, dark figure on the steps, as if they were about to attack him at the slightest provocation! The scene instantly became extremely tense, and the air seemed to freeze.
Li Yan, the eunuch on the viewing platform, witnessed everything. He saw the overwhelming influence of the Shaolin and Beggars' Sects, their calls to arms drawing huge crowds. His brow furrowed slightly, and he instinctively felt a sense of apprehension towards this power that exceeded the court's control. However, when his gaze returned to Qiao Tian, a complex and inexplicable sense of goodwill arose within him.
The young man, facing the overwhelming hostility and killing intent below, stood tall and straight as a pine tree, his hands clasped behind his back, atop the high steps of the Zhenwu Hall. The mountain wind ruffled a few strands of black hair and the hem of his dark Taoist robe, making them flutter. Yet, his face showed no fear; instead, a faint, enigmatic smile played on his lips. It was a calmness that seemed to regard a thousand armies as nothing, a composure that held everything in its grasp.
Wow, what a truly upright and honorable young man! Li Yan thought to himself, admiring him inwardly. He wondered how this mere nineteen-year-old had cultivated such composure. Was it just an act? Or did he truly possess extraordinary abilities? Regardless of the truth, his unwavering composure in the face of adversity was enough to impress anyone…
His mind raced, realizing this was a golden opportunity. The imperial court had long struggled to effectively intervene in the affairs of the martial world, and now that Wudang was directly clashing with behemoths like Shaolin and the Beggars' Sect, it was the perfect time for the court to intervene! A Wudang that needed the court's support was far easier to control than a monolithic Shaolin and Beggars' Sect!
He immediately turned to a trusted guard beside him and whispered rapidly: "Immediately send a secret message to Lord Zhou Tong, the head instructor of the Imperial Martial Arts Academy! Inform him that the situation at Wudang Mountain is critical, that Qiao Tian possesses immense potential, and that he is at odds with Shaolin and the Beggars' Sect. This is a golden opportunity for the imperial court to extend its influence into the martial world. Lord Zhou, you must inform the Emperor and make a swift decision to fully support Wudang!" Hmph, Shaolin? Beggars' Sect? Don't you think the martial world is your domain, and the imperial court is powerless to govern? If another Wudang were to emerge and surpass you, let's see if you'd still be so aloof!
"Yes!" The guard acknowledged the order, silently slipped into the crowd, and quickly left.
On the steps, Qiao Tian looked at the so-called heroes and valiant men in the square who were agitated and had ferocious expressions because of Bai Shijing's words. The killing intent that had been suppressed in his heart for a long time finally surged up like a volcano!
How similar this scene is!
However, in the original story, fifteen years later, it was his younger brother Qiao Feng who was besieged and killed by this group of hypocritical and indiscriminate people!
It was these people who kept talking about "righteousness" and "chivalry" who drove a great hero to betray and abandon his friends, causing him to shed his blood at Juxianzhuang!
Today, they have turned this fabricated charge and this intolerant sword against themselves!
The establishment of the Wudang sect and the rules of the martial world were no longer important to Qiao Tian at this moment. He seemed to see the despair and tragedy that Qiao Feng would face in the future, and a protective instinct from the depths of his blood intertwined with a raging rage! His hands, which were behind his back, were clenched into fists, and his knuckles turned slightly white from the force, making a soft "crackling" sound.
However, the faint smile on his face became more and more obvious, but deep in his eyes was a frozen sea of killing intent!
At this critical moment, when a great battle was about to erupt—
A long, drawn-out announcement came rapidly from the foot of the mountain, interrupting the commotion at the scene!
The messengers of the Nine Heavens and Nine Departments under the command of the Wudang Sect's Xiaoyao Villa, as well as the island lords of the Thirty-Six Islands and the cave lords of the Seventy-Two Caves, have come to pay homage to Master Qiao of Wudang Sect on the orders of the Child Granny!
Before the words had even faded, a magnificent sight appeared on the mountain path! The first thing to catch the eye was nine teams of women dressed in uniform attire, each a different color but all embroidered with the Lingjiu Palace emblem. Their steps were precise, their auras focused and disciplined; they were clearly the elite forces directly under the Lingjiu Palace—the Nine Heavens and Nine Divisions! Each division was led by a woman of extraordinary bearing, the leader or representative of that division. Their presence carried an aura of solemnity and strict discipline, far surpassing that of ordinary, disorganized martial arts rabble.
Following closely behind the Nine Heavens and Nine Departments was a fierce and ruthless force, shrouded in blood and gore—the heroes of the Thirty-Six Islands and Seventy-Two Caves! Boss Wu, Sang Tugong, Duanmu Yuan, Madam Li, Xin Shuangqing, Ha Daba, Buping Daoren, Cui Lühua… one after another, these figures, renowned or infamous in the martial world, led their elite troops, surging majestically up the mountaintop!
In the blink of an eye, more than 1,500 people poured into the edge of the square. The already crowded space was instantly filled to the brim, a dark mass that created a sense of oppression far greater than before!
These subordinates of Lingjiu Palace and the island lords and cave masters seemed oblivious to the tense atmosphere in the square. The envoys of the Nine Heavens and Nine Divisions were the first to arrive at the foot of the Zhenwu Hall steps, bowing in unison, their voices clear and respectful:
The messengers of the Nine Heavens and Nine Departments, acting on the orders of the Child Granny, pay their respects to the Sect Leader! We are ready to obey your commands!
Immediately afterwards, the people from the thirty-six islands and seventy-two caves, led by Boss Wu, knelt down on one knee, clasped their hands in salute, and the sound of their salute swept across the entire square like a tsunami:
Your subordinates (Brother Wu/Sangtugong/Duanmu Yuan...) pay their respects to the Sect Leader! We are willing to die for the Sect Leader!
The sound waves converged and soared into the sky, making the ground of the square seem to tremble slightly!
The square, which had been bustling and filled with shouts of fighting, suddenly became deathly silent!
Shaolin, the Beggars' Sect, the Imperial Court, and all the martial arts heroes who were originally eager to make a move were all dumbfounded as they watched the sudden appearance of more than a thousand people and their respectful salute to Qiao Tianxing!
This Wudang...this Qiao Tian...
Who on earth is this person?!
Just how terrifying a force is lurking behind him?!
Chapter 62 You all, come together
Qiao Tian stood atop the high steps of the Zhenwu Hall, looking down at the plaza below, where a vast, dark mass of Lingjiu Palace's nine heavenly and nine departmental envoys, the thirty-six island lords, the seventy-two cave lords, and their thousands of elite troops knelt in submission. This sudden influx of power, capable of altering the entire situation, did not fill him with smug satisfaction; instead, it stirred an indescribable warmth within him.
"Master, Grandmaster..." he murmured to himself. In his past life, everyone said that Xu Zhu was destined by Heaven and had received your two great assistance. But today, Qiao Tian truly understood that your kindness to him was as heavy as a mountain! This unreserved support, this powerful ally that appeared when he needed it most, instantly dispelled much of the murderous aura that had risen in his heart due to the surrounding enemies.
He didn't immediately respond to the worship below, but merely raised his hand slightly, signaling them to rise. His gaze, passing through the crowd, locked firmly on the directions of Shaolin and the Beggars' Sect like cold lightning, his eyes as deep as an icy pool. He had already made up his mind: if Shaolin and the Beggars' Sect truly disregarded their reputation and launched that siege today, then he, Qiao Tian, would not hesitate to stain Wudang Mountain with blood, eliminating these hypocritical and treacherous threats in advance for his future disciples! As for the accommodation of these reinforcements from Lingjiu Palace, the experienced Granny Yu and the people from the Juntian Division would arrange it in an orderly manner.
Amidst this eerie atmosphere of mixed solemnity and tenderness, an old monk with a sorrowful face and complex emotions in his eyes slowly stepped forward from the Shaolin camp. He was none other than Master Xuanku, Qiao Feng's mentor and the one who had also shown great care for Qiao Tian.
He walked to the center of the square, looked at Qiao Tian on the steps, and his voice trembled slightly, yet carried clearly:
Heaven... Heaven'er...
This familiar call caused Qiao Tian, who had been so imposing and domineering, to freeze abruptly, as if struck by something, standing there dumbfounded.
Master Xuanku clasped his hands together, took a deep breath, and suppressed his turbulent emotions. His voice became solemn and distant: Amitabha. Now, this old monk… perhaps I should address you as Headmaster Qiao.
He raised his eyes, his gaze filled with unspeakable sorrow and a hint of resolve: Master Qiao's martial arts are profound and have reached a state of perfection. This humble monk, in my capacity as the head of the Shaolin Arhat Hall, would like to humbly request to learn a few moves from Master Qiao. I wonder... if I may have the honor?
All eyes instantly focused on Qiao Tian. Everyone wanted to know how this newly appointed Wudang sect leader would face the challenge from this Shaolin monk who had shown kindness to both of them.
Qiao Tian fell silent. He gazed at the aged yet resolute figure below the stage, at the undisguised pain and helplessness in Master Xuanku's eyes. Memories flooded back—his care for his parents at the foot of Shaoshi Mountain, his meticulous guidance of Qiao Feng, his silent support for him…
After a long while, Qiao Tian let out a long and heavy sigh. This sigh contained too much helplessness, gratitude, and resolve.
He did not use his lightness skill, but instead, like an ordinary junior, he steadily walked down the high steps, passed through the automatically parting crowd, and came to Master Xuanku.
Under the gaze of countless astonished, puzzled, disdainful, or complicated eyes, Qiao Tian stopped in his tracks and then made a move that caused an uproar throughout the entire venue!
He stretched out his hands and carefully adjusted the hem and collar of his dark black Taoist robe, his movements meticulous and full of solemn ritual. Then, to Master Xuanku's astonishment, he bent his knees and knelt upright before this Shaolin monk!
Qiao Tian's voice was clear and filled with unquestionable respect as he kowtowed heavily to Xuan Ku!
This bow is to express my gratitude to my master for his compassion in allowing me to enter the Shaolin Temple, providing me with a place to live and establish myself, and imparting to me the foundation of Buddhism. Your disciple will forever be grateful for your kindness!
His forehead hit the ground with a dull thud.
Before Xuan Ku could react, Qiao Tian straightened his back again and then kowtowed a second time!
This bow is to express my gratitude, Master, for your unseen care for my parents over the years, allowing them to live peacefully at the foot of Shaoshi Mountain and escape the suffering of displacement. On behalf of my parents, I, Tian'er, thank you, Master, for your great kindness!
Another resounding slap on the head.
Then came the third kowtow!
This bow is to express my gratitude, Master, for your meticulous guidance and cultivation of Fengdi! Thank you for leading him onto the right path, for passing on your amazing skills, and for making him a righteous and upright young man! The Qiao family has received much kindness from you, and on their behalf, I thank you again, Master!
Three bows and kowtows, expressing deep affection and clear distinction between gratitude and resentment!
Master Xuanku looked at Qiao Tian kneeling before him, performing this grand ceremony, and listened to his sincere and grateful words. His lips trembled violently, and his eyes instantly reddened. He wanted to reach out and help him up, wanted to say something, but a thousand words stuck in his chest, ultimately turning into a silent sigh and slightly trembling hands. In the end, he couldn't utter a single word.
After performing the three deep bows, Qiao Tian slowly stood up. When he raised his head again, all the warmth, gratitude, and helplessness in his eyes vanished in an instant, replaced by a chilling coldness like that of ancient ice and a sharp edge like that of a drawn sword!
He suddenly looked up and laughed loudly, his laughter filled with an air of domineering pride and unwavering resolve!
Hahaha... Master Xuanku!
The laughter abruptly ceased. Qiao Tian's gaze swept over Xuan Ku, then over the entire Shaolin camp behind him. His voice, like ice clashing, resounded throughout the entire area:
You are no match for me!
If Shaolin insists on carrying out that 'cleansing of its own sect' today...
He suddenly flicked his sleeve, his aura rising to its peak, his voice booming like thunder:
Then there's no need to adhere to any江湖 (jianghu, a code of honor among outlaws) rules! You—
What do I, Qiao Tian, have to fear!
His outrageous words were like a thunderbolt from the blue!
The entire Wudang Mountain seemed to tremble under this overwhelming aura!
Chapter 63 Entering the Dao through Music
Qiao Tian's shout, "Come at me all at once! What do I, Qiao Tian, have to fear!" was like a thunderclap, making everyone's ears ring. It was also like a heavy hammer that slammed into Master Xuanku's heart.
Xuan Ku swayed slightly, his face paling instantly. How could he not understand? Qiao Tian's words, seemingly arrogant, were actually a way of repaying his past kindness in the most resolute manner! Qiao Tian was unwilling to fight his mentor, and even if forced into battle, he would find a way to avoid putting him in a difficult position. This thoughtfulness filled Xuan Ku with mixed feelings—both relief and pain—ultimately culminating in a silent sigh, his foot unconsciously taking a half-step back.
"Amitabha! Arrogant fool! Truly ignorant of his own limitations!" Abbot Xuannan of the Bodhidharma Academy, however, his eyes flashing with a sharp light, shouted sternly. He had personally witnessed Qiao Tian's killing of Ding Chunqiu and knew that this young man's martial arts had reached an unfathomable level. In a one-on-one fight, probably no one present could be certain of victory; even the unfathomable Senior Brother Xuancheng was uncertain of his chances against Qiao Tian. But precisely because of this, Qiao Tian could not be allowed to continue his "arrogance," otherwise, what would become of Shaolin's prestige?
Since you remain obstinate and spout such arrogant words, today Shaolin will act with the wrath of a Vajra, stripping you of your foundation and cleansing you of your demonic obstacles! The Buddhist path does not save those without affinity; today, let this ill-fated karmic ties be severed! Shaolin disciples, heed my command!" Xuan Nan's voice boomed like a bell as he issued the final order, "Where are the disciples of the Arhat Hall and the Bodhidharma Academy? Set up the 108 Arhat Formation!"
Amidst the deafening roar, dozens of monks wielding staffs surged forth like a tidal wave, their footsteps resounding. In an instant, they positioned themselves in a star-studded formation, surrounding Qiao Tian at the core. These monks, each with bulging temples and piercing eyes, were clearly the temple's elite. Their long staffs touched the ground, their energy flowing seamlessly, forming an invisible wall of steel, a chilling aura permeating the entire area!
Upon seeing this, the envoys of the Nine Heavens and Nine Departments, the island lords of the Thirty-Six Islands, and the cave lords of the Seventy-Two Caves were immediately aroused, and the sound of weapons being drawn was deafening as they prepared to step forward and join the battle.
"Wait, everyone!" Qiao Tian spoke loudly, waving his hand to stop the various factions of Lingjiu Palace. "This is a matter between me and Shaolin. I appreciate your good intentions, but please remain on the sidelines for now." His gaze swept over the restless Beggar Clan and those martial artists who wanted to take the opportunity to curry favor with Shaolin, a cold smile playing on his lips. "Today, I, Qiao, will face the Shaolin monks alone!" "Please—!"
The crowd involuntarily retreated, clearing a large open space in the center of the square. However, many ill-intentioned martial artists remained on the sidelines, their eyes gleaming, clearly planning to wait until the Shaolin monks had exhausted Qiao Tian's strength before swarming in and taking advantage of the situation.
Master Xuancheng let out a long, heavy sigh: Amitabha… Calamity, calamity… Although he did not wish to see this situation, as a member of Shaolin, he had an unshirkable responsibility to uphold the dignity of the sect. He took the lead, stepping into the formation and occupying the 'Yang Extreme' position. Xuan Nan and Xuan Ji followed closely behind, guarding the 'Yin Extreme' and 'Life Gate' respectively. Xuan Ku hesitated for a moment, but finally gritted his teeth and followed, firmly taking his place at the 'Death Gate'. The four most senior and powerful Xuan-generation monks of Shaolin were like four towering pillars, embedded in the key array eye of this 108 Arhats Formation! In an instant, the atmosphere of the entire formation changed drastically. The formation, which was originally like an impregnable fortress, now seemed to come alive, with murderous intent soaring to the sky and Buddhist might awe-inspiring, firmly locking Qiao Tian in the center of the formation!
A powerful aura instantly locked onto the center of the area, the air so heavy it seemed almost dripping with moisture. The martial arts heroes on the periphery held their breath, weapons in hand, waiting for the opportune moment to pounce!
Li Yan, the eunuch on the viewing platform, was now extremely anxious! He kept looking towards the mountain gate, wondering why the imperial reinforcements hadn't arrived yet. This Qiao Tian was indeed exceptionally talented, but to be so arrogant and put himself in the encirclement of four eminent monks, with thousands of martial arts practitioners eyeing him covetously, was simply courting death! He cursed inwardly: This kid is still too young and impetuous, unaware of the dangers of the martial world!
At this critical moment——
A cold snort seemed to come from the heavens above!
Everyone instinctively looked up and saw a dazzling figure in red soaring into the sky behind the Zhenwu Hall! She slammed her palms into a massive boulder weighing tens of thousands of pounds, and the boulder was propelled upwards by her overwhelming true energy! Upon reaching the highest point above the plaza, the figure in red—none other than Wu Xingyun, the Heavenly Child Granny—rolled up her long sleeves, wrapped them around the boulder, and hurled it like a pebble towards the center of the plaza, at the edge where the four Shaolin monks and Qiao Tian were facing off!
"boom--!!!"
A deafening roar shook the heavens and the earth! A massive boulder, weighing tens of thousands of pounds, crashed down like a meteorite, slamming into the edge of the open space and embedding itself deeply into the ground, kicking up clouds of dust! The boulder's landing created a perfectly clear boundary!
Wu Xingyun herself, like a crimson cloud, landed lightly atop the giant rock, standing with her hands behind her back, her red robes fluttering in the wind. Her petite figure stood atop the colossal boulder, yet exuded an aura of dominance and supreme authority! Her icy eyes swept over the crowd below, and all who met her gaze felt a chill run down their spines, instinctively taking a step back!
Grandmaster! This is definitely a master at the Grandmaster level.
However, before everyone could recover from Wu Xingyun's astonishing entrance—
"Clang—clang—clang—"
Three clear, melodious notes, yet carrying an invisible penetrating power, drifted leisurely from the depths of the Zhenwu Hall.
The music wasn't loud, yet it seemed to strike directly at people's heartbeats, plucking at the heartstrings of every master present! Ordinary martial artists only felt a jolt in their hearts and some discomfort, but grandmasters like Xuan Cheng and Li Yan had their expressions change drastically!
Li Yan's hair stood on end instantly!
Musical arts enter the Dao... directly attacking the mind and spirit... such a terrifying master has always been hidden within this great hall!
Master Xuancheng's expression was more solemn than ever before. He clasped his hands together, chanted Buddhist mantras in a low voice, and Buddhist light appeared around him. He was obviously using his internal energy to resist the intangible yet direct attack of the music.
The entire plaza was enveloped in an even more eerie atmosphere due to Wu Xingyun's demarcation and the mysterious zither music emanating from within the hall. All eyes were focused on the dark figure in the center of the plaza and the four Shaolin monks surrounding him.
A great war is about to break out.
Chapter 64 Four Grandmasters of One School
Above the plaza, the air seemed to solidify, oppressively heavy and suffocating. The confrontation between the four Shaolin monks and Qiao Tian captivated everyone's attention. The imposing presence of Wu Xingyun's massive boulder marking the boundary, and the faint yet soul-stirring sound of the zither within the Zhenwu Hall, all contributed to the tense atmosphere of impending conflict. Countless people held their breath, afraid to even breathe, their eyes fixed intently on the center of the square.
Right at this deathly silence peak—
A burst of silvery, captivating laughter suddenly came from afar. The laughter was elusive, seemingly coming from all directions, yet also ringing in everyone's ears, carrying a bewitching and enchanting power.
Everyone only saw a blur before their eyes, and a white figure appeared in their field of vision like a ghost. Her movements were extremely strange, sometimes to the left, sometimes to the right, sometimes in front, sometimes behind, as if she were creating countless afterimages at the same time, making it impossible for anyone to catch her true form. This was the ultimate lightness skill of the Lingbo Weibu, which she had cultivated to the highest level!
In the blink of an eye, the white figure had already passed through the crowd as if by teleportation, ignoring the boulder boundary drawn by Wu Xingyun, and appeared directly in the circle where Qiao Tian and the four Shaolin monks were facing off, stopping exactly less than a foot in front of Qiao Tian!
The person who appeared was a woman dressed in white with her face veiled. Although her full face could not be seen, her graceful figure, her pair of bright eyes, and the mature charm she exuded were enough to tell that she was exceptionally beautiful.
After she appeared, without warning, she flipped her jade palm, and a sharp palm force silently struck Qiao Tian's chest! This palm force seemed gentle, yet it was unpredictable and its trajectory was ever-changing; it was none other than the White Rainbow Palm Force, a unique skill of the Free and Unfettered Sect! Moreover, the force of the palm strike was continuous, and in an instant, it transformed into more than twenty palm shadows, covering all the major acupoints on Qiao Tian's body. It was ruthless, swift, and merciless!