Destroy Three Sects, Target Zhang Sanfeng! A Ten-Thousand-Word Chapter-Please Follow!

The six great sects and the Ming Cult were locked in a chaotic battle. There were at least seven or eight thousand disciples on both sides, if not ten thousand, and all of them fainted beneath Chu Yang’s roar.

The many experts were shocked and furious.

Chu Yang cast them a cold glance. His killing intent swept over them like a biting gale. Among the experts of the six great sects present, the strongest were none other than Shaolin Sect’s Master Kong Wen and Emei Sect’s Sect Leader, Extermination Master.

As they faced that killing intent, their fear of death made their bodies tremble instinctively. They could not control it at all.

Extermination Master gripped the Heavenly Sword with difficulty, trying to draw courage from it.

"Master, this scholar is highly strange. We should proceed with caution…"

Master Kong Wen slowly walked to Extermination Master’s side and stood shoulder to shoulder with her.

Extermination Master turned to glance at him, only to see that the hand holding his Buddhist staff was trembling.

Extermination Master took a deep breath. "Master, judging by this scholar’s age, he should not be either of the Demon Sect’s Left and Right Guardians, one of the Four Dharma Kings, or one of the Five Wanderers."

"Let us hope he does not come with ill intent." Master Kong Wen sighed softly, stepped forward, and stared at Chu Yang. "The Demon Sect commits evil, and everyone has the right to punish it. May I ask who you are, sir, and why you are involving yourself in the conflict between our six great sects and the Demon Sect?"

Chu Yang did not answer. He silently walked toward the Ming Cult’s main hall, leaving only one sentence before entering.

"Before I come back out, if any one of you makes a move, I guarantee that not a single person from your six great sects will leave Guangming Peak alive."

The moment those words were spoken, every expert from the six great sects looked enraged. Even Master Kong Wen, a monk, wore a dark expression.

Who in the world dared utter such arrogant words before them?

"You insolent brat, today your Grandfather Tang will teach you what manners are!"

The Kongtong Five Elders were all exceptionally hot-tempered, and Tang Wenliang was the worst among them. He was like a powder keg, ready to explode at the slightest spark. How could he possibly swallow this insult?

Tang Wenliang took up a fighting stance and charged at Chu Yang in great strides.

Chu Yang held two fingers together like a sword and swept them horizontally through the air. Invisible force surged forth, transforming into a flying slash.

The slash came incredibly fast. Tang Wenliang could not react at all. He blinked, and suddenly the world spun around him. Looking carefully, he realized that his body was still running forward.

Above his neck was nothing but emptiness. After only a few steps, blood gushed forth like a fountain.

Tang Wenliang’s consciousness gradually faded. His final thought in this world consisted of only four words.

Huh?

I’m dead?

"Junior Brother!!!"

Tang Wenliang’s death filled the remaining four Kongtong Elders with grief and fury, but no one dared step forward.

Such a bizarre death was enough to serve as a warning.

After all, they had risen to the position of sect leaders. No matter how foolish they were, there was a limit.

The experts of the six great sects watched Chu Yang enter the hall, yet no one dared act rashly, including Extermination Master, who held the Heavenly Sword.

It was not that she lacked the courage. Rather, every Emei Sect disciple besides her was lying on the ground. If she angered this man of unknown origins, her disciples’ lives would likely be in danger.

Shaolin and Wudang had roughly the same thoughts.

Inside the Ming Cult’s main hall, the lamps flickered erratically, leaving visibility extremely poor.

If Chu Yang had not possessed sharp eyes, he likely would have had difficulty seeing the Ming Cult’s upper echelons sprawled all over the floor.

Left Guardian of Light Yang Xiao, Green-Winged Bat King Wei Yixiao, and the Five Wanderers.

The Ming Cult’s internal discord was a fact everyone knew. With a great battle looming, these people had actually started fighting among themselves.

At the crucial moment of their infighting, they had been ambushed by Cheng Kun, who was hiding in the secret passage. All of them had suffered severe injuries.

Chu Yang spotted Cheng Kun lurking in a dark corner, poised to strike.

But Yang Xiao and the others thought Chu Yang had not noticed him. Just as they were about to warn him, Chu Yang had already acted.

Chu Yang extended a hand toward Cheng Kun. A terrifying suction force erupted from his palm.

Banshō Ten’in.

Cheng Kun suddenly found himself unable to move. Alarm bells rang in his heart, and in the blink of an eye, Chu Yang had seized him by the throat.

"Benefactor, I am… Yuan Zhen of the Shaolin Sect, not an evil man. My master is Divine Monk Kong Jian."

With his life hanging by a thread, Cheng Kun hurriedly revealed his sect and background, hoping this unfamiliar expert would spare him out of respect for Shaolin Sect and Kong Jian’s name.

But he had not expected that the moment his words ended, terrifying force would clamp down around his neck, utterly decisive.

Crack.

Chu Yang crushed Cheng Kun’s neck. Like tossing away trash, he casually flung Cheng Kun’s corpse aside.

When Yang Xiao and the others saw Chu Yang kill Cheng Kun, their faces immediately lit up with joy.

"Good kill! What a good kill! This bastard caused the death of our Cult Leader Yang. He deserved this fate! Heaven truly has eyes!"

"Even if our Ming Cult is destroyed today, we will at least be able to face our Cult Leader in the underworld!"

"Hahaha!!!"

Zhou Dian of the Five Wanderers threw back his head and laughed loudly. Inspired by him, the others also began laughing in unison.

"Brother Zhou is right. It is Yang Xiao’s fortune to journey to the Yellow Springs with all of you today."

With a smile in his eyes, Yang Xiao set aside the bearing of an acting cult leader and spoke from the heart.

In just a few words, the grudges that had accumulated within the Ming Cult for years seemed to vanish into thin air.

"Are you finished?" Chu Yang watched them coldly and asked bluntly, "Where are Li Mochou and Little Dragon Girl?"

Their expressions changed.

Yang Xiao let out a long sigh. "I never thought my daughter’s moment of softness in saving those two would bring such great trouble upon our cult. Yang Xiao has failed the Ming Cult and failed my brothers."

"You have saved our lives, sir. If all you want is the Nine Yin Manual, Yang can retrieve it for you. But if you have come for those two, forgive Yang for being unable to comply."

Even in such desperate circumstances, Yang Xiao retained his composure as he replied to Chu Yang without either servility or arrogance.

The reason Yang Xiao acted this way was because Li Mochou had first saved Yang Buhui during the clash between the Ming Cult and the six great sects. Only then had Yang Buhui repaid her kindness by using the Ming Cult’s power to save the two girls.

Yang Xiao’s attitude eased Chu Yang’s mind. At least it proved that Li Mochou and Little Dragon Girl had not been in danger here.

"Chu Yang thanks the Ming Cult for its great kindness on behalf of my two friends."

Chu Yang cupped his hands toward Yang Xiao in thanks, then stepped forward and placed a hand on Yang Xiao’s shoulder.

Yang Xiao, who was slumped on the ground, instinctively tried to resist, but he felt a warm current flow through his limbs and body. His internal injuries began recovering at an astonishing speed.

A few breaths later, Yang Xiao stood up. His blood and qi flowed without the slightest obstruction, and his entire body felt refreshed.

Yang Xiao looked at Chu Yang in delighted surprise.

Chu Yang smiled. "Left Guardian Yang, may I see them?"

If Chu Yang had been an enemy, there would have been no need for him to go out of his way to heal Yang Xiao’s injuries. Having understood this, Yang Xiao immediately replied, "Young Hero Chu, please wait a moment. Yang will have my daughter bring them out at once."

During that time, Chu Yang also healed the Five Wanderers and Wei Yixiao one after another.

Clatter, clatter~~~

The sound of iron chains scraping across the ground rang out.

Yang Xiao reappeared in the main hall, followed by a group of young girls.

Among them were his daughter Yang Buhui and an ugly little girl whose hands and feet were bound in shackles.

Behind them was Li Mochou, holding Little Dragon Girl tightly in her arms.

Several hideous scars marred Li Mochou’s beautiful face, with its willow brows, starry eyes, and skin as pale as frost, making her a terrifying sight.

Li Mochou had been disfigured.

Chu Yang sighed inwardly.

Although this girl had been reckless and had clashed with him a few times, in the end, she had only been trying to protect those around her.

Protecting the elderly Granny Sun, protecting the young Little Dragon Girl.

As the direct senior disciple of the Ancient Tomb Sect, Li Mochou was even younger than Huang Rong, yet her shoulders bore responsibilities far too heavy for someone her age.

Chu Yang did not dislike her. In fact, he rather admired her courage.

The scars on Li Mochou’s face were proof of how hard she had fought to protect Little Dragon Girl.

"Mr. Chu…"

Li Mochou remembered Granny Sun’s dying instructions that she must find the man before her, so she had fled desperately in this direction with Little Dragon Girl.

It was only because she vaguely remembered Mu Nianci mentioning that they were going to Mongolia.

The moment she truly saw Chu Yang, the mental defenses Li Mochou had struggled to build collapsed.

The girl, not yet fifteen, helplessly held the even younger girl in her arms and burst into loud sobs where she stood.

"Mr. Chu, it’s all my fault! I carelessly revealed that the Nine Yin Manual was hidden in the Ancient Tomb. I’m the one who caused Granny Sun’s death."

"Both Granny Sun and you warned me not to say anything…"

As though she wanted to release all the anguish buried in her heart at once, Li Mochou cried with all her strength until she could barely catch her breath.

Little Dragon Girl wiped away Li Mochou’s tears with her hand, making soft, childish babbling sounds.

Chu Yang found her voice strange, so he stepped forward to examine her and discovered that someone had poisoned her throat.

Chu Yang’s eyes gradually reddened as he asked in a low voice, "Who did this?"

Li Mochou said only one thing. "Many people."

Chu Yang took a deep breath and suppressed the rage in his heart. His expression softened from fury as he said gently, "Don’t worry. I can treat an injury this minor."

Li Mochou froze for a moment, then began crying again, tears pouring down her face.

Whether the crying had irritated Wei Yixiao or he was worried about the battle outside, he called out with a worried expression, "Young Hero Chu, stay in the hall and catch up with your friends for now. This old bat will take a look outside and see whether our brothers are alive or dead. If I am fortunate enough to survive, I will surely repay today’s kindness."

Only then did the others come to their senses. Saying similar things, they followed Wei Yixiao outside in long strides.

Yang Xiao reluctantly glanced at his daughter Yang Buhui, then turned to cup his hands and bow to Chu Yang. "I hope Young Hero Chu will grant Yang one more request. Please take my daughter Buhui away from Guangming Peak."

Yang Buhui immediately panicked and cried out tearfully, "Father, what are you saying?!"

"The title ‘young hero’ sounds strange to Chu. I am merely a schoolteacher." Chu Yang shook his head. "Left Guardian Yang, forgive Chu for being unable to help. There are still grudges between Chu and the six great sects that have yet to be settled."

"Mochou, come outside with me. Grudges for grudges, debts for debts."

Chu Yang took Little Dragon Girl from Li Mochou’s arms, then took Li Mochou’s hand and walked outside.

"I must trouble the heroes of the Ming Cult to put your grudges aside for now and wait until Chu settles matters with the six great sects."

"The six great sects have overwhelming numbers. Young Hero Chu is alone and may suffer greatly. Let our Ming Cult take the lead instead."

"No need."

Wei Yixiao and the others wanted to persuade him further, but Chu Yang moved like a ghost and vanished in the blink of an eye.

Zhou Dian wiped the corner of his eye and said in shock, "That lightness skill is even more incredible than Bat King Wei’s!"

Budai Monk Shuobude rubbed his gleaming bald head. "This Young Hero Chu is truly unfathomable. Setting everything else aside, at his age, even if he had started training martial arts in his mother’s womb, he could not possibly be this strong…"

Leng Qian nodded impassively, filled with admiration.

"We should hurry outside and back up Mr. Chu, lest those hypocritical righteous sect members take advantage of him!"

Yang Xiao caught up from behind and reminded everyone.

"Mr. Chu?"

"He said he was a schoolteacher."

"What kind of schoolteacher is this powerful? And this… strange?"

"Haha, if my schoolteacher had been like Mr. Chu when I was young, I would probably have become a top scholar long ago!"

"Enough, Zhou Dian. Don’t make things difficult for Mr. Chu. If you were his student, he probably would have changed professions long ago!"

The group burst into laughter. Only Zhou Dian’s face looked thoroughly sour.

Yang Xiao was the first to leave the Ming Cult’s main hall. Upon seeing the scene outside, he froze in place.

The Five Wanderers and Wei Yixiao, who followed after him, also froze one after another.

Guangming Peak was densely covered with people lying on the ground. At a glance, describing it as corpses strewn across the wilderness would not have been an exaggeration.

When Yang Xiao approached, he discovered that most of them had stable breathing. They had merely fainted.

Wei Yixiao and the Five Wanderers looked at one another. They had seen every kind of great storm in their lives, yet this was truly the first time they had encountered such a sight.

"Whether they are members of our Ming Cult or disciples of the six great sects, none of them look poisoned. This is downright eerie…"

Zhou Dian could not understand it no matter how hard he thought, nearly scratching his head raw.

"It must have been Mr. Chu’s doing again. No wonder he dared say he would settle accounts with the six great sects."

Yang Xiao sincerely admired Chu Yang’s methods. Though he did not know how Chu Yang had done it, reverence had already arisen in his heart.

At the same time, Chu Yang stood with Li Mochou before Extermination Master and the others.

Master Kong Wen, Extermination Master, and the Wudang Seven Heroes merely looked surprised.

But the four Kongtong Elders, Kunlun Sect’s Sect Leader He Taichong and Ban Shuxian, and Mount Hua Sect’s Xian Yutong all looked panicked.

"Which of them were involved?"

Li Mochou’s face was filled with hatred as she pointed one by one at the four Kongtong Elders, He Taichong, Ban Shuxian, and Xian Yutong.

Chu Yang was somewhat surprised that Extermination Master, who had always been so hot-tempered, had not joined them in persecuting Li Mochou and Little Dragon Girl.

Thinking about it, it made sense. Emei’s inner cultivation method originated from the Nine Yang Divine Skill, which was no weaker than the Nine Yin Manual. Coupled with the Heavenly Sword in her hand, Extermination Master, who thought highly of herself, naturally disdained acting like a petty villain.

In the end, it was because her sect had a wealthy foundation.

Tang Wenliang had died at Chu Yang’s hands, so the four Kongtong Elders already bore a blood feud against him. Seeing how close he was to Li Mochou, they could no longer sit still.

The four exchanged glances. Their tacit understanding from years together allowed them to know each other’s thoughts without speaking.

"Attack!"

Guan Neng, the strongest among them, was the first to strike, shouting loudly.

"Everyone, this devil’s martial arts are extraordinarily powerful. After he kills us, it will be your turn. Are you truly going to sit here and wait for death?"

Second Elder Zong Weixia followed closely behind, while also provoking the remaining sect leaders.

He Taichong and Ban Shuxian, along with Xian Yutong, understood that they were tied to the four Kongtong Elders. Without hesitation, they followed the four into battle.

Master Kong Wen and Extermination Master remained still. Both were shrewd and calculating, wanting to gauge Chu Yang’s true strength.

Led by Song Yuanqiao, the Wudang Seven Heroes disdained the actions of the Kongtong Five Elders and the others, but bound by their alliance oath, they had no choice but to offer assistance.

Altogether, more than ten top experts of the Jianghu surrounded and attacked Chu Yang alone.

Yang Xiao and the others could not help cursing the shamelessness of these righteous martial artists!

Just as they were preparing to help, they suddenly saw Chu Yang strike out with several palms. Dragon roars immediately erupted across Guangming Peak, deafening everyone.

Terrifying palm force transformed into several enormous golden dragons that soared through the air, charging at the sect leaders of the three sects with unstoppable force.

The four Kongtong Elders tried to withstand them with the Seven Injury Fist, but every bone and tendon in their bodies shattered. All four died on the spot.

He Taichong, Ban Shuxian, and Xian Yutong drew their swords and tried to slay the dragons, but their blades shattered, and the overwhelming palm force ruptured their heart meridians.

In a single exchange, the leaders of three sects simultaneously breathed their last.

The four Kongtong elders who had been clamoring to kill Chu Yang moments ago were now cold corpses.

He Taichong and his wife, along with Mount Hua Sect Leader Xian Yutong, kept them company.

Extermination Master, who had hesitated over whether to act just moments before, now wore an exceedingly grim expression. Had she known that this scholar was so formidable, she should have joined He Taichong and the others in attacking him.

Now that he had killed seven of them in succession, half their fighting strength had been lost. They were already at an absolute disadvantage.

The eminent monk Kong Wen continuously recited Buddhist chants. The prayer beads in his palm had been crushed to powder, and a sheen of sweat covered his bald head.

The surviving Wudang Seven Heroes formed the True Martial Seven-Section Formation, yet they did not dare make any rash moves.

"Who else?"

Chu Yang lowered his head and asked Li Mochou.

"These monks never made things difficult for us…"

Li Mochou answered.

"Then, aside from those Daoist priests who attacked us, I will not pursue the matter with anyone else."

Chu Yang shifted his gaze to Song Yuanqiao and the others.

Their bodies all trembled as one. They glared furiously, prepared to fight to the death.

"Amitabha. Sect Leader He and the others were blinded by greed and brought calamity upon themselves. No one else is to blame. Why must you vent your anger on Hero Song and the others, benefactor?"

Seeing that Chu Yang did not seem like an unreasonable man, Kong Wen’s habit of guiding people toward virtue flared up.

"Monk, why didn’t you say that when they interfered?"

A cold gleam flashed through Chu Yang’s eyes as he said icily, "Say one more word, and you won’t be getting away either!"

Kong Wen let out a deep sigh.

"How presumptuous! Master Kong Wen is a Shaolin eminent monk. How can you humiliate him like this!"

The Heavenly Sword shot from its sheath in fury, adding three parts more chill to Guangming Peak. Extermination Master fixed Chu Yang with a cold stare.

How could someone as proud and arrogant as her tolerate Chu Yang spouting nonsense here?

With the Heavenly Sword in hand, she had slain gods who blocked her path and Buddhas who stood against her. When had she ever lowered herself before anyone?

"Old nun, considering that you didn’t make things difficult for them, I’ve already shown you plenty of respect…"

Chu Yang’s expression grew colder and colder. His patience was nearing its limit.

"You brat, you killed a few useless Kongtong Five Elders and think you’re invincible beneath heaven?"

"Wudang Six Heroes, Master Kong Wen, if we do not eliminate this boy today, he will surely become a grave threat in the future!"

Extermination Master had developed killing intent toward Chu Yang, so she urged Song Yuanqiao and the others not to sit back and await death.

"Old nun Extermination! What kind of tactic is ganging up on the few with the many?! At your age, you’ve lived like a dog!"

"If you want to besiege Mister Chu, you’ll have to see whether our Ming Cult agrees!"

"You invaded our Guangming Peak today, so don’t even think about leaving alive!"

Yang Xiao and Wei Yixiao used their lightness skills to arrive at Chu Yang’s side, sneering at Extermination Master.

The Five Wanderers arrived soon after. Every one of them wore an expression of shared hatred.

"So this scholar really is colluding with the Demon Sect! Everyone, even if we die here today, we must perish alongside them!"

Extermination Master roared indignantly.

Kong Wen wore a compassionate expression, carrying the tragic air of one ready to sacrifice himself to feed demons, while Song Yuanqiao and the others looked prepared to die heroically.

Chu Yang cast Wei Yixiao a disdainful glance. He had shouted the loudest, making everyone think Chu Yang was in league with the Ming Cult.

Noticing Chu Yang’s gaze, Wei Yixiao immediately gave an awkward smile. "I was worried for Mister Chu’s safety. I hope you will not blame me."

"Attack!"

Extermination Master circulated the Emei Nine Yang Skill. Vast inner force gathered upon the Heavenly Sword, and the blade suddenly erupted with astonishing sword qi.

She slashed forward. The fierce sword qi became a streak of silver light and swept toward Chu Yang with overwhelming force.

Who in the Jianghu did not know the might of the Heavenly Sword? No one had ever dared receive it head-on!

Even Yang Xiao and Wei Yixiao instinctively avoided the Heavenly Sword’s edge.

Only Chu Yang advanced instead of retreating. With a single palm strike like exploding thunder, ripples shook through the air and shattered the sword light directly.

"What savage palm force!"

The invincible Heavenly Sword had finally met a setback. Feeling the terrifying aura emanating from Chu Yang, Extermination Master felt a trace of fear in her heart.

"Those disciples of famous sects who boast of being elegant scholars all play with swords. Yet this Mister Chu is clearly a true scholar, but he possesses such formidable external martial arts. How interesting…"

Wei Yixiao spoke softly into Yang Xiao’s ear. The Five Wanderers behind them nodded along, smiling knowingly.

Knowing they had no path of retreat, Song Yuanqiao and the others immediately formed the True Martial Seven-Section Formation after Extermination Master attacked, surrounding Chu Yang in an orderly fashion.

Chu Yang smiled faintly as the Rinnegan quietly appeared.

The Kongtong Five Elders’ Seven Injury Fist, He Taichong’s Kunlun Sect swordsmanship, and Xian Yutong’s Mount Hua Sect swordsmanship were all beneath Chu Yang’s notice.

The Nine Yang Skill, of which Zhang Sanfeng and Guo Xiang had each obtained a portion in those years, was quite good, however.

The Wudang Nine Yang Skill and Emei Nine Yang Skill combined might not restore the complete Nine Yang Divine Skill, but they would at least make up most of it.

If he used the martial arts general outline of the Nine Yin Manual to deduce the rest, he might be able to complete the missing portions.

If that still did not work, he could wait until Zhang Wuji revealed himself, then drag the boy out and beat him up.

"The Wudang Sect’s True Martial Seven-Section Formation truly lives up to its reputation. Mister Chu has actually been trapped by them…"

Zhou Dian stared unblinkingly at Chu Yang as he darted and shifted within the formation, full of admiration.

"Zhang Sanfeng truly possesses heavenly talent. To think he created such a peerless formation as the True Martial Seven-Section Formation!"

Yang Xiao was sincerely impressed.

"Enough praise. That old nun and old monk are joining hands to bully Mister Chu. Are we going to act or not?"

Wei Yixiao was so anxious that he practically leaped about.

"I’m telling you, old bat, your head truly isn’t clear. Didn’t you see Mister Chu’s attitude just now?"

"Does he need your help? Just watch honestly from the side, and don’t anger Mister Chu."

Budai Monk Shuobude and Peng Yingyu, the "Monk Peng," spoke at the same time to mock Wei Yixiao.

After Chu Yang was trapped in the True Martial Seven-Section Formation, Kong Wen and Extermination Master joined the battle simultaneously, supporting Song Yuanqiao and the others.

Chu Yang was having a wonderful time.

Kong Wen’s Shaolin Sect possessed eleven of the seventy-two supreme arts of the orthodox Shaolin Temple. They were worth Chu Yang’s observation.

The Shaolin Temple existed under three different dynasties: the Northern Song Dynasty, the Southern Song Dynasty, and the Ming Dynasty. The Northern Song Dynasty’s Shaolin Temple was the orthodox lineage, while the Ming Dynasty’s Shaolin Sect was more like a branch temple.

On the surface, they were bound by a common spirit. In secret, they competed against one another.

Everyone wanted to become the "orthodox sect beneath heaven."

During the siege of Chu Yang, Yin Liting of the Wudang Six Heroes kept his eyes fixed on Yang Xiao.

His fiancée, Ji Xiaofu, had been abducted by that devil before him, and there had been no news of her for many years.

All at once, scenes from the past surfaced before his eyes. Yin Liting once more descended into madness, breaking away from the True Martial Seven-Section Formation and attacking Yang Xiao, who was watching from the side.

"Devil! Hand over your dog life!"

"Sixth Brother, do not act rashly! Return to the formation at once!"

"Liting! Calm down!"

The other five had never expected Yin Liting to leave the battle on his own. They were immediately shocked and enraged.

The True Martial Seven-Section Formation had already been greatly weakened by Zhang Cuishan’s absence. Now, with Yin Liting gone as well, it was even more incomplete, its power reduced by another three parts.

Song Yuanqiao was frantic, repeatedly calling for Yin Liting to return to the formation. But Yin Liting ignored him completely and battled Yang Xiao.

Yin Liting’s swordsmanship was not bad, but without the True Martial Seven-Section Formation’s support, he was no match for Yang Xiao. Yang Xiao used the first level of the Great Shift of the Universe to restrain him in place.

He neither killed him nor released him.

It was not that Yang Xiao intended to humiliate Yin Liting. He simply feared that interfering with the battle on his own would offend Chu Yang.

"Dog bastard, I’ll avenge Xiaofu today!"

Yin Liting was like a madman. His sword strikes had lost all form, becoming nothing more than wild slashes.

"Yin Liting of the Wudang Sect…"

Understanding flashed through Yang Xiao’s eyes.

He finally remembered the identity of the man before him, and a trace of guilt welled up in his heart.

It was guilt toward both Ji Xiaofu and Yin Liting.

Yang Xiao acted unrestrainedly, but in this matter alone, he felt that he had harmed them both.

If Ji Xiaofu had not met him back then, she would likely have married Yin Liting long ago and lived a peaceful life. How could she have died in the bloom of youth?

The moment distracting thoughts arose, Yang Xiao’s movements slowed. Yin Liting, his eyes bloodshot, seized the opportunity and pierced Yang Xiao through the heart with one sword thrust.

In pain, Yang Xiao instinctively grabbed the blade and snapped it with all his strength, then kicked Yin Liting away.

"Father!"

Yang Buhui rushed to Yang Xiao’s side and anxiously examined his injury.

Yin Liting, lying on the ground, looked up. His ferocious expression instantly froze, because he saw a face strikingly similar to Ji Xiaofu’s.

He was dumbfounded.

In that brief moment, Chu Yang had memorized the circulation routes of both the Wudang Nine Yang Skill and the Emei Nine Yang Skill.

He had also learned a finger technique and a grappling technique from Kong Wen.

Because they were worried about Yin Liting, the True Martial Seven-Section Formation controlled by Song Yuanqiao and the others gradually became chaotic. Seeing this, Chu Yang could not be bothered to keep acting and broke the formation in passing.

Chu Yang covered both hands in Armament Haki, grabbed Song Yuanqiao and Yu Lianzhou’s swords, snapped them, and flung the broken blades toward Zhang Songxi and Mo Shenggu behind them.

Two sharp whistles rang out.

The broken swords pierced straight through their right shoulders.

With their tendons and bones injured, Zhang Songxi and Mo Shenggu could no longer hold their swords. They groaned in pain and retreated.

Yu Daiyan had already circled behind Chu Yang and thrust his sword at Chu Yang’s back. Before it could sink in, he felt it blocked by an invisible force.

Shinra Tensei.

Terrifying repulsive force kicked up a wave of air, blasting Song Yuanqiao, Yu Lianzhou, and Yu Daiyan away from Chu Yang.

The three spat blood in midair, their meridians injured.

After breaking the formation, Chu Yang strode toward Extermination Master and Kong Wen.

With every step, the ground trembled slightly.

He moved like a dragon and tiger, carrying the force of Mount Tai bearing down.

Extermination Master’s eyelid twitched. Gritting her teeth, she swung the Heavenly Sword, but every streak of sword qi was smashed apart by Chu Yang’s fists.

He was outrageously overbearing!

After roaming the Jianghu for decades, she had never encountered such a freak!

Extermination Master wanted to retreat, but so many Emei Sect disciples still lay unconscious on the ground.

"Amitabha. It seems this old monk was destined to suffer this calamity today."

Thinking of how Chu Yang had spared him time and again, only for him to leave on his own, Kong Wen regretted it so deeply that his intestines practically turned green.

In the blink of an eye, only a few steps separated Chu Yang and Extermination Master. She circulated the last of her inner force and struck with everything she had.

The Heavenly Sword had barely thrust out before Chu Yang caught it in his hand.

True qi violently trembled.

With a crack.

A fissure appeared in the Heavenly Sword.

"No!"

If the sect’s divine weapon were destroyed, Extermination Master would become the eternal sinner of the Emei Sect. She desperately tried to pull the Heavenly Sword back.

The Heavenly Sword remained motionless in Chu Yang’s grip, while the cracks slowly spread like a spiderweb.

Kong Wen attacked, striking at Chu Yang with the Skanda Palm in an attempt to help Extermination Master reclaim the Heavenly Sword.

Chu Yang, however, used the Great Finger he had learned from Kong Wen to sever the meridians in Kong Wen’s right arm, crippling one of his arms.

"Great Finger? How do you know my Shaolin’s supreme art?"

Kong Wen clutched his ruined arm in agony and staggered back in horror.

Seeing this, Extermination Master was thrown into complete disarray. Chu Yang took the chance to crush the Heavenly Sword and strike her right shoulder with his palm.

The incomparably terrifying palm force shattered every bone in her entire arm!

Like Kong Wen, Extermination Master had one arm crippled and became disabled.

If they had not refrained from humiliating Li Mochou and Little Dragon Girl, Chu Yang would have killed them both long ago. Why would he have gone through so much trouble?

"The two of you are finally quiet. I won’t make things difficult for you. Once your disciples awaken, take them and leave."

Kong Wen lowered his head, as though he had breathed a sigh of relief. No matter what, his disciples finally had a chance to live.

Extermination Master stared blankly at the fragments of the Heavenly Sword. The sword had shattered, and so had her martial heart.

Chu Yang turned and left, with Li Mochou carrying Little Dragon Girl behind him.

"Oh, right. Please pass a message to Zhang Mahito of Mount Wudang. Ask him to come to Guangming Peak personally and take away these unworthy descendants of his."

Extermination Master was greatly startled!

This man was not satisfied even after defeating them. He actually wanted to challenge Zhang Sanfeng?!

"Boy, don’t think that defeating us makes you invincible beneath heaven. Zhang Mahito is not like ordinary people such as us. He stands worlds apart from common martial artists like us. If you set your sights on him, your fate may not end well."

Chu Yang sneered. "Old nun, you should first think carefully about what will happen to all those delicate, pretty young girls in the Emei Sect if you are no longer there to protect them."

Extermination Master immediately shut her mouth obediently and said nothing more.

That evening, Extermination Master and Kong Wen left Guangming Peak in disgrace with a large number of disciples. As for the disciples of the other sects whose leaders had died, they too received the warning from the two and swiftly withdrew.

Only Mount Wudang’s disciples remained camped at the foot of the mountain, unwilling to leave as they silently awaited their patriarch Zhang Sanfeng to come uphold justice for them.

The Wudang Six Heroes were not thrown into prison. Instead, they were given several clean and tidy rooms for temporary lodging.

Chu Yang had never intended to make things difficult for them from the beginning. Everything had merely been an excuse to draw Zhang Sanfeng out of seclusion.

Otherwise, given Zhang Sanfeng’s temperament, even if Chu Yang caused trouble at Mount Wudang, he might not come out to meet him.

Unless Chu Yang began slaughtering people at Mount Wudang.

But that would have crossed Chu Yang’s moral bottom line.

Therefore, the current situation was the best possible outcome.

Huang Rong arrived at Guangming Peak the next morning to meet up with Chu Yang. When she saw Li Mochou and Little Dragon Girl, she cried so hard she could barely catch her breath.

Little Dragon Girl in particular was such an adorable little baby, yet someone had cruelly poisoned her mute. It broke Huang Rong’s heart.

Fortunately, Chu Yang could treat injuries like theirs.

Over the next half month or so, Yang Xiao and the other Ming Cult higher-ups waited upon Chu Yang with utmost diligence, treating him with a respect that subtly went beyond what they showed a benefactor.

Chu Yang knew exactly what they were after and made it clear that he would not succeed to the position of Ming Cult Leader.

The Ming Cult was wildly ambitious and intended to contend for the Central Plains. Rather than keeping company with them, he would rather return to the private school in the small town and trade schemes with those little brats.

But Yang Xiao and the others clearly had no intention of giving up so easily and remained stubbornly glued to Chu Yang’s side.

Until… Zhang Sanfeng arrived!

As rumors of the six major sects suffering a crushing defeat at Guangming Peak grew ever more widespread, the entire Jianghu of the Ming Dynasty fell into turmoil.

Having lost their Sect Leaders and failed to designate specific successors, the Kongtong Sect and Kunlun Sect fell into prolonged internal factional strife.

The Mount Hua Sect was somewhat better off. After Xian Yutong’s death, Yue Buqun, the Qi Sect’s representative and the most senior member of the leadership, naturally took over as Sect Leader.

After the righteous sects suffered such a heavy blow, the Sun Moon Divine Cult, known alongside the Ming Cult as one of the Demon Sects, began to stir.

The conflict over doctrine between the two Demon Sects had kept the Ming Cult and Sun Moon Divine Cult locked in constant struggle. The Ming Cult, having lost its Cult Leader Yang Dingtian, was at an absolute disadvantage. If not for its remote location, it might not have endured until now.

The conflict between the two cults had also been a major reason why the righteous forces of the Ming Dynasty Jianghu remained so strong.

But the six major sects’ siege of Guangming Peak had made the Sun Moon Divine Cult wary.

Since when had the Ming Cult become so powerful?

Faced with the Ming Cult at the height of its power, should they avoid its edge?

If the six major sects could besiege Guangming Peak today, they could assault Blackwood Cliff tomorrow!

With this in mind, the Sun Moon Divine Cult reduced its friction with the Ming Cult while gradually shifting its focus toward the righteous sects that threatened it.

The first to bear the brunt was the Five Sacred Sword Sects, which bordered the Sun Moon Divine Cult.

Ren Woxing, the Sun Moon Divine Cult Leader, and Dongfang Bubai, its Vice Cult Leader, made the rare move of leaving the mountains together, their spearhead aimed directly at the Five Sacred Sword Sects. The enormous pressure forced the Five Sacred Sword Sects into an alliance.

Even so, the Sun Moon Divine Cult swept through the allied forces of the Five Sacred Sword Sects with unstoppable momentum.

The Qingcheng Sect, Golden Saber Sect, and other Jianghu forces were not spared either.

More and more righteous sects fell, leaving the people in misery and indirectly affecting the Imperial Court. Mongolia raised its troops and invaded the Ming Dynasty’s borders.

In the midst of the crisis, Zhang Mahito of the Wudang Sect emerged from seclusion and ascended Blackwood Cliff alone.

In just one day, the Sun Moon Divine Cult swiftly withdrew its forces, barricaded itself within Blackwood Cliff, and shut its gates.

According to rumors, Zhang Mahito had comprehended an unparalleled martial art during this seclusion. Fighting one against two, he seriously wounded Ren Woxing and Dongfang Bubai.

The Five Sacred Sword Sects erupted in cheers.

Whether righteous figures of the Jianghu or ordinary commoners, all revered Zhang Sanfeng as a god.

Amid cries of "Old Immortal," Zhang Sanfeng did not pause. The safety of the realm was certainly important, but so were the lives of his disciples!

Guangming Peak.

The Wudang Six Heroes had been thoroughly taken care of by the Ming Cult. They had not suffered any inhuman treatment and were housed in ordinary guest rooms. After all, these men still possessed chivalrous hearts and deserved respect.

Only the sixth, Yin Liting, did not appreciate it much. Although he already knew Yang Buhui’s background and knew Ji Xiaofu had died by Extermination’s hand, seeing Yang Xiao still made him uncomfortable.

Yang Buhui was somewhat interested in her mother’s former fiancé, but for now, Chu Yang was more important than Yin Liting.

On one hand, Yang Xiao and the others’ intentions were too obvious, and Chu Yang was gradually growing impatient. They could only have the young girl serve as their messenger.

On the other hand, Yang Buhui had been deeply impressed by Chu Yang’s elegance as he alone faced the six major sects. Her heart had stirred with faint ripples.

Having learned from past experience, Huang Rong keenly noticed Yang Buhui’s little thoughts. This time, she intended to nip them in the bud, guarding against her strictly and refusing to let Yang Buhui cross the line.

While the two young women sparred with one another, Chu Yang visited Song Yuanqiao and the others every day to play chess. His room was right next to that of the Wudang Six Heroes.

Put nicely, they were neighbors. Put bluntly, they were being watched.

Before Zhang Sanfeng arrived, Chu Yang would not allow these men to escape Guangming Peak.

After spending some time together, Song Yuanqiao discovered that Chu Yang was not as tyrannical as he had imagined. On the contrary, he was remarkably easygoing, like the young man next door.

This could not help but make Song Yuanqiao curious about Chu Yang.

His martial prowess was the greatest Song Yuanqiao had ever seen. Barring surprises, he was a powerhouse on the same level as his master, Zhang Mahito. Yet his master was already over a hundred years old, while this scholar before him looked not even thirty.

"Mr. Chu, you kept us here not because you were angry that we aided Sect Leader He Taichong and the others that day, but because of my master, correct?"

Song Yuanqiao held a black stone and asked softly after placing it.

Chu Yang placed a white stone and nodded.

Song Yuanqiao sat upright and asked sincerely, "Could Mr. Chu resolve this doubt of mine?"

Chu Yang smiled. "Zhang Mahito has been in seclusion for many years. He would not rashly emerge merely because of a word from me. Nor did I wish to make things difficult for the Wudang Sect over this. Without using this method, I fear it would have been difficult even to meet him, much less exchange pointers with him."

Song Yuanqiao found it difficult to understand and looked at Chu Yang as though he had heard something inconceivable. "From what I have seen of you, sir, you do not seem like a martial arts fanatic. Why go to such lengths to exchange pointers with my master? With your abilities, I fear you have no need to gain fame through this."

Chu Yang suddenly recalled his battle in Mongolia against the young monk of the Esoteric Sect. He fell slightly into a daze and said softly, "To seek the Dao."

Song Yuanqiao’s body trembled.

To seek the Dao…

He recalled a sigh his master had uttered before entering seclusion.

"The strength of a martial artist lies in his flesh and blood, but human strength has its limits. The path of martial arts ultimately has a limit. Now that I am old and frail, I have gained another insight and intend to open a new path. If I succeed, it will be a new martial path, climbing the summit anew from the beginning."

Song Yuanqiao let out a long sigh. "Perhaps, for my master, this is also a good thing…"

After saying that, Song Yuanqiao clasped his fists. "May I ask, when you and my master discuss martial arts, will you stop at the proper point?"

Knowing what he was worried about, Chu Yang helplessly shook his head. "Fists and feet have no eyes."

Song Yuanqiao’s expression darkened, and he said nothing more.

Knock, knock, knock~~~

A knock sounded outside. Chu Yang answered, and Li Mochou entered. The scars on her face had faded considerably compared to before, though it would still take some time for her to fully recover.

Song Yuanqiao and the others were no longer surprised. It seemed that as long as something involved Mr. Chu, no matter how miraculous, it was only natural.

"Mr. Chu, a kindly-looking old Daoist has arrived outside. Left Envoy Yang and the others are dealing with him and sent me to invite you."

Li Mochou glanced at Song Yuanqiao, whose face was filled with delight.

"Master has arrived!"

Song Yuanqiao abruptly rose to his feet.

"I have long admired Zhang Mahito. At last, I can meet him. Hero Song, you may take your martial brothers and leave."

Chu Yang walked out of the room with an expectant look on his face.

Song Yuanqiao followed closely behind, still finding it hard to believe. He had not expected Chu Yang to truly release them the moment he said so. Over the past half month, he had not made things difficult for them in the slightest.

Yu Lianzhou, Yu Daiyan, and the others had also heard the news. One by one, they emerged from their rooms just in time to see Chu Yang and Song Yuanqiao, and immediately followed the pair toward the Ming Cult’s main hall.

Inside the main hall.

A group of Wudang disciples, who had spent the past half month at the foot of the mountain, were glaring fiercely at Yang Xiao and the other members of the Ming Cult.

Standing directly before them was an elderly man with a tall frame, silver hair and beard, and a blue Daoist robe.

The moment Chu Yang stepped into the hall, their gazes met.