The Number One Archdemon Under Heaven

Mount Shaoshi, Northern Song Dynasty.

The Shaolin Temples of the Ming Dynasty, Southern Song Dynasty, and Northern Song Dynasty had gathered together. It could be called a spectacle unseen in the Jianghu for centuries.

People habitually referred to Ming Dynasty Shaolin as the Shaolin Sect, Southern Song Dynasty Shaolin as Southern Shaolin, and Northern Song Dynasty Shaolin as Northern Shaolin.

Whenever the three met in the past, open and covert rivalry was inevitable. They would choose either martial arts or Buddhist teachings and settle who was superior.

Unlike the harmony of today.

Outside of Shaolin, other sects in similar circumstances had also displayed an attitude of solidarity.

Chu Yang’s appearance had unexpectedly brought a rare air of peace to the Jianghu, which had been in turmoil for centuries.

Inside the Great Buddha Hall, heroes from all sides had gathered.

Nearly a hundred sects had come to attend the martial arts assembly. The sect leaders of nearly every sect had filled the seats, while core elders and direct disciples could only stand at the entrance and watch.

As the host, Fangzhang Xuanci did not sit in the seat of honor. Instead, he gave it to a Daoist and a martial artist.

The Daoist was Zhang Sanfeng, and the martial artist was Feng Qingyang.

As the only two senior masters who had emerged unscathed from "Mr. Chu," they were everyone’s source of confidence, and it could be said that the entire Jianghu relied upon them.

Despite being elevated to such a lofty position, neither showed the slightest joy. Instead, they looked utterly helpless.

Zhang Sanfeng and Feng Qingyang both knew very well that they had survived only because Chu Yang was not a wanton killer. If it had truly been a fight to the death, neither of them might have lived.

The only reason they had come to this ridiculous martial arts assembly was that they did not want to see this bunch of fools provoke Chu Yang and cause needless slaughter.

Zhang Sanfeng was a man of the cloth, while Feng Qingyang feared that Mount Hua Sect’s legacy would end here.

The hall was in an uproar.

The many sect leaders attending the assembly were arguing fiercely. It had only just begun, yet grave disagreements had already arisen.

The original purpose of this martial arts assembly was to negotiate peace with "Mr. Chu" and hope that he would stop his slaughter of the major sects.

Yet after seeing such a vast and imposing gathering, some people began entertaining thoughts they should not have.

Perhaps…

Perhaps they should unite and crusade against that archdemon at the height of his power?

Thus, another opinion suddenly arose within the group. They hoped everyone would take a tougher stance against "Mr. Chu."

It was just as the old saying went.

The only lesson people learned from history was that people could not learn any lessons from history.

Those proposing a crusade had generally never crossed paths with Chu Yang. Everything they knew of him was hearsay.

The ones who had truly suffered, whose mountain gates had been smashed apart by Chu Yang and whose sects had disbanded on the spot, were instead the most fervent supporters of peace talks.

Last time, he had only killed the sect leaders. If it happened again, who knew? He might truly wipe out their entire clans and sects!

Even a Mud Buddha had three parts anger, let alone a man who acted without restraint and bore the title "Demon Lord."

Who dared wager that he still had any patience left?

Seeing matters gradually slip out of control, Fangzhang Xuanci, as host, helplessly looked toward Zhang Sanfeng in the seat of honor.

"Mahito Zhang, what should we do?"

Zhang Sanfeng turned and exchanged a glance with Feng Qingyang. The latter gave a slight nod.

Then Zhang Sanfeng rose.

The hall abruptly fell silent. Not even a crow could be heard. Everyone fixed their eyes on Zhang Sanfeng. Those present were all shrewd people. They could argue all they wanted, but their attention had remained on the two strongest men.

"Hahaha, everyone, please continue. Pay this old Daoist no mind!"

Zhang Sanfeng laughed heartily and headed straight out of the Great Buddha Hall, utterly disregarding the astonished looks from the sect leaders.

Yue Buqun hurriedly stepped before Zhang Sanfeng and stopped the old Daoist. "Where are you going, Mahito Zhang? The assembly has not ended yet."

"Hasn’t the matter already been settled? Aren’t you all going to crusade against Mr. Chu and restore peace and order under heaven?"

Zhang Sanfeng feigned surprise.

"Though the sect leaders are united in purpose, we still need the support of you two senior masters…"

Yue Buqun looked embarrassed.

The reason he had become leader of the Five Mountains Alliance was that the former leader, Zuo Lengchan, had been killed by Chu Yang.

Having only just taken office, with no prestige to speak of, Yue Buqun desperately needed to accomplish something to secure his position as alliance leader. That was why he had shouted loudest for a crusade against Chu Yang.

"Support?"

Zhang Sanfeng sneered as he swept his gaze around. There were quite a few people like Yue Buqun in the crowd—ambitious wolves who disregarded everyone’s safety solely for their own reputation in the Jianghu.

"This old Daoist has lived for over a hundred years, yet I am still attached to this mortal world. I will not accompany you all to the Yellow Springs. On this day next year, I shall certainly burn more paper money for every one of you sect leaders."

After saying that, Zhang Sanfeng flicked his Daoist robe and pushed Yue Buqun aside before striding out of the Great Buddha Hall.

His words were like a bucket of cold water poured over everyone’s hearts.

Yue Buqun’s face turned ashen, and he was left speechless.

For a moment, the various sects grew anxious again, their former momentum gone.

Feng Qingyang felt the timing was about right. He leaped forward and blocked Zhang Sanfeng, who was preparing to leave. "Daoist brother, please calm down. Aren’t they still discussing matters? They have not seen how formidable that young man is, so it is understandable that they would say a few bold things."

Zhang Sanfeng nodded and remained where he stood, silently watching them as though waiting for their answer. If he was dissatisfied, they would simply go their separate ways.

Feng Qingyang did the same.

At that moment, a young monk anxiously squeezed through the crowd. Xuanci’s expression changed the moment he saw him.

The young monk was the one Xuanci had sent to contact Chu Yang. His return meant Chu Yang had already arrived at the foot of Mount Shaoshi.

"Fangzhang, Benefactor Chu… has arrived!"

Inside and outside the hall, sharp intakes of breath rose one after another.

Merely hearing that name made everyone’s scalps tingle.

The disciples whose sects had been scattered turned pale at its mention and trembled uncontrollably.

Seeing how terrified they were, disciples from the other sects who had never met Chu Yang suddenly became a little curious.

Zhang Sanfeng said gravely, "If you wish to leave the Great Buddha Hall alive today, heed this old Daoist’s advice. Do not do anything foolish!"

Every sect leader, Yue Buqun included, stiffened.

A moment later, a carriage ascended the stairs step by step without the slightest jolt, drawing the attention of disciples from every sect standing in the plaza.

"The carriage road on Mount Shaoshi ends at the Incense Hall below. How did this carriage get up here?"

"Look! The carriage wheels are floating!"

"Have you been drinking this early in the morning? How could carriage wheels possibly float… Damn it, they really are!"

"It’s a flying carriage!"

"That red horse doesn’t look ordinary either!"

A guileless voice rose from the crowd. "Master, isn’t that my Little Red Horse?"

The blind man with black cloth over his eyes said in a deep voice, "Shut up!"

Cold sweat covered the blind man’s palms and forehead. The last time his foolish disciple had vanished without explanation, they had searched through more than half of the Southern Song Dynasty before finally reuniting with him. Along the way, they had constantly heard him speak of an extraordinary man called "Mr. Chu."

They had never dreamed that the Mr. Chu in their foolish disciple’s stories was actually the same young scholar riding in that carriage!

Everyone’s eyes focused on the carriage.

A man and a woman.

The man wore a sky-blue scholar’s robe and looked as gentle as jade, while the woman wore a light-yellow ruqun dress and was charmingly pretty.

They looked like an immortal couple stepping out of a painting.

Many who had never seen Chu Yang’s face had assumed that the legendary "Demon Lord" would be a vicious-looking brute with a face full of flesh.

Now that the man himself had arrived, this crowd was no longer as tense and aggressive as before. They were as obedient as rabbits.

The crowd naturally parted and opened a path for the carriage.

The carriage stopped beneath the stairs of the Great Buddha Hall.

"What should I say? That I found what I had been searching for without any effort?"

Sitting on the carriage shaft, Chu Yang looked around and spotted many familiar faces.

Yue Buqun and the other sect leaders wore stiff expressions.

"Amitabha… We invited Benefactor Chu here today because this temple wishes to turn hostility into peace."

Fangzhang Xuanci stepped out from the crowd and descended the stairs at an unhurried pace. He stopped before the carriage and looked directly at Chu Yang.

"Monk, you are mistaken. Whether hostility can be turned into peace is not for me to decide. I am not the victim."

Chu Yang looked at him with a faint smile.

"Sigh. Then may I ask, Benefactor Chu, could you invite that Ancient Tomb Sect disciple to come out and speak? Could you give us a chance to reconcile?"

Fangzhang Xuanci’s calm eyes stared at the carriage compartment.

Huang Rong raised her brows and wrinkled her nose. "Hmph! Who wants to negotiate with you? If we were not trying to settle this once and for all, I would not have come to Mount Shaoshi even if you begged me!"

Both Huang Rong’s and Chu Yang’s words implied that they wanted to wipe out everyone on Mount Shaoshi. Many people grew uneasy and began whispering among themselves.

Fangzhang Xuanci also found the matter troublesome. He had thought that no matter how overbearing Mr. Chu was, he would show at least some restraint upon seeing so many fellow martial artists gathered here.

Who would have thought that the other man’s arrogance would far exceed his imagination?

"Has Benefactor Chu still not had enough of wiping out sects?"

"Old monk, why don’t you ask them why stealing the manuals was not enough? Why did they insist on tormenting the women and children of the Ancient Tomb Sect?"

Fangzhang Xuanci was rendered speechless. He could only turn pleading eyes toward Zhang Sanfeng and Feng Qingyang behind him.

Zhang Sanfeng stepped forward first and laughed. "Daoist friend, it has been many days. Your bearing remains as impressive as ever."

Chu Yang smiled and nodded. "Mahito Zhang seems to have made another breakthrough. Congratulations."

Zhang Sanfeng gathered his Daoist robe and saluted with clasped hands. "I must thank Daoist friend Chu for our discussion that day. Only then was this old Daoist able to advance another step."

Chu Yang waved a hand. "Mahito Zhang, save the pleasantries. If you intend to stop me today, then show me your true skills. But let me make this clear first: this time, I will not hold back."

Zhang Sanfeng pondered briefly, then shook his head. "This old Daoist knows he is no match for Daoist friend Chu. Even with Daoist friend Feng’s help, the result would be much the same. But as a man of the cloth, this old Daoist still hopes you can create less bloodshed."

Feng Qingyang echoed him. "Young friend Chu, Mahito Zhang and I do not wish to become your enemies. We merely hope you might find another way to resolve the hatred between both sides."

"I am not the victim, so it is not my place to decide with whom this hatred should be resolved. But for the sake of you two, I can let Mochou come out."

Chu Yang jumped down from the carriage and walked over to the two men.

These two old men had given Chu Yang Tai Chi Fist and Nine Swords of Dugu respectively. It counted as no small favor.

Huang Rong ducked into the carriage compartment. After a while, she emerged with Li Mochou before the crowd.

Quite a few people breathed a sigh of relief. As long as she was willing to come forward, there was still a possibility of peace talks.

"Amitabha~~~"

Fangzhang Xuanci looked at Li Mochou, compassion showing in his eyes. "Benefactor, this old monk deeply regrets the calamity your sect suffered. However, most of the chief culprits have already been executed. Only some small sects remain. Could you show mercy and spare their lives?"

"To save one life is worth building a seven-story pagoda…"

Li Mochou gritted her teeth and glared viciously at several sect leaders behind Yue Buqun. The moment she saw their faces, nightmare-like memories surged over her like a tide.

Granny Sun’s miserable death.

Little Dragon Girl being forcibly poisoned mute.

At the thought of it, Li Mochou could not stop trembling. Her eyes turned bloodshot as she said coldly, "Spare their lives? What about me?! That day, I knelt on the ground and begged bitterly, yet Granny Sun still died, my face was still ruined, and Long’er was still left mute…"

"Old monk, tell me—who spared us?!"

Li Mochou’s shrill voice echoed across Mount Shaoshi, like an evil ghost from the depths of the underworld. The bone-deep hatred within it sent chills through everyone who heard it.

Fangzhang Xuanci wanted to speak but could not. He simply could not meet Li Mochou’s resentful, venomous gaze. He could only close his eyes and assume an expression of sorrowful compassion for the world.

"Young lady! Do not act rashly. Whatever you want can be discussed!"

"Heroine Li Mochou, please, be magnanimous and spare our lives!"

"Yes, yes, Miss Li. Just name what you want. We will certainly find a way to get it for you!"

Pleading voices rose one after another. Some sect leaders even dropped to their knees and frantically kowtowed. They had heard Zhang Sanfeng and Feng Qingyang’s words earlier, and all hope had left their hearts.

Li Mochou sneered. "What I want has never changed. I want your heads."

The pleading sect leaders turned deathly pale.

"Looks like you cannot persuade the victim. That is quite unfortunate…"

Chu Yang shrugged helplessly, then turned to Li Mochou. "Identify them. See which ones they are. It would be awkward if we killed the wrong people later."

Li Mochou raised a finger and pointed at several people inside the Great Buddha Hall. The moment she did, those around them quickly scattered, leaving a vacant space.

"There really aren’t many left." Chu Yang smiled in satisfaction.

Once this matter was over, he could go home and rest properly for a while.

Zhang Sanfeng and Feng Qingyang wore bitter smiles.

"So be it, so be it. Every grievance has its source, every debt its owner. Those who bring calamity upon themselves cannot live."

Zhang Sanfeng flicked his whisk and shook his head helplessly. He led the Wudang disciples down the mountain, but before departing, he cupped his hands toward Chu Yang. "This matter has nothing to do with Shaolin. I hope Daoist friend can show mercy."

Chu Yang smiled. "That depends on whether Fangzhang Xuanci knows how to see the bigger picture."

Feng Qingyang also prepared to lead Mount Hua Sect down the mountain. Yue Buqun, who had shouted the loudest at first, lowered his head and did not dare look at Chu Yang.

"Xian Yutong, that traitorous disciple, has already been executed by young friend. The grievances between both sides can be considered settled. I hope young friend will honor his promise and not trouble Mount Hua Sect in the future."

Perhaps afraid of losing face, Feng Qingyang transmitted his words directly to Chu Yang. His tone was exceptionally amiable.

Chu Yang nodded.

But just as the two old men led their respective sect disciples away, unrestrained laughter suddenly rang out from the roof of the Great Buddha Hall.

"Heroes from all under heaven have gathered here, yet they have been intimidated by a petty demon-path villain! Zhang Sanfeng, Feng Qingyang—all of you are merely fame-seeking frauds!"

"If you do not wish to die, join me in surrounding and exterminating this demon!"

As soon as the words fell, a figure in a gray robe landed before Chu Yang. His face was covered, making his features impossible to see. His temples were streaked with gray, and he was clearly of some age.

His index finger stabbed toward Chu Yang’s throat with overwhelming force, swift as wind and thunder.

No one had expected a Cheng Yaojin to appear halfway through.

Even Zhang Sanfeng and Feng Qingyang had admitted defeat. Whose subordinate was this, to be so valiant?

Chu Yang was also somewhat stunned.

The man before him was using Flower-Picking Finger, one of Shaolin’s seventy-two supreme arts. Yet his head full of white hair showed that he was clearly no monk.

His finger force was fierce, and his cultivation was exceedingly profound. Within Shaolin Temple, he would at least rank as a chief-seat master monk.

Chu Yang frowned and struck back with his palm.

His palm blocked the gray-robed elder’s finger. Then his five fingers straightened into a claw and seized the gray-robed elder’s finger.

The gray-robed elder tried to pull away, only to find that his fingers were locked in an iron grip, impossible to free.

Crack.

Two of the gray-robed elder’s fingers snapped.

He was ruthless indeed. Not only did he make no sound when his fingers broke, he even used the chance to break free from Chu Yang’s hold.

However, after suffering that silent loss, the old man’s gaze toward Chu Yang grew ever more venomous.

"Who are you?"

As Xuanci Fangzhang looked at the gray-robed elder’s back, he felt an inexplicable sense of familiarity.

"Who I am is unimportant. What matters is that today, we must work together to eliminate evil and defend the righteous path. We cannot allow this demon to keep running rampant!"

The gray-robed elder avoided speaking of his identity.

"A coward who hides his head and shows his tail!"

Zhang Sanfeng stood upon the long stairs of Mount Shaoshi, watching the mysterious gray-robed elder with cold eyes.

"Mount Wudang and Shaolin are hailed as the twin pillars of the martial world, respected by martial artists across the three kingdoms. You, Zhang Sanfeng, are the foremost master of martial arts beneath heaven. Yet now that this demon is running wild, you stand by and watch these Sect Leaders die!"

The gray-robed elder sneered repeatedly. Upon hearing his words, quite a few people silently nodded in agreement.

They had placed their hopes on Zhang Sanfeng and Feng Qingyang, hoping that the two joining forces would be enough to suppress Chu Yang. Yet the result had greatly disappointed them.

The discussions grew louder and louder, until the crowd was practically boiling with indignation.

Zhang Sanfeng took in their expressions and suddenly felt a stifling frustration that left him unable to defend himself.

Unless these people witnessed Chu Yang’s terror with their own eyes, they would never understand why he had tried so hard to avoid battle.

Feng Qingyang had long grown weary of the world’s entanglements and stupidity, which was why he had chosen to live in seclusion. These people had successfully stirred his anger.

A trace of anticipation arose in his heart.

He looked forward to seeing their expressions when Chu Yang’s butcher’s blade fell upon their heads.

The corners of Feng Qingyang’s lips lifted slightly.

After the gray-robed elder finished berating them, Zhang Sanfeng and Feng Qingyang became targets of public criticism as well. A richly dressed young man suddenly stepped out from the crowd, handsome and imposing in appearance.

"I am Murong Fu of Gusu. Hearing what this senior said just now, I too was filled with indignation, so I could not help stepping forward to say a few words!"

Murong Fu clasped his hands toward those around him. "This senior is right. Since our martial arts are inferior to that demon’s, we should all the more unite as one. Only then can we eliminate evil and defend the righteous path."

"I’d like to see just how formidable this demon is, if even Mahito Zhang dares not make an enemy of him!"

The gray-robed elder laughed aloud and swept his gaze around. "Everyone, feel free to stand by and watch. Once Young Master Murong and I have died in battle, you may then decide whether to risk your lives against this demon or bow and scrape before him."

To the others, the two men’s actions appeared exceedingly heroic. Many were already eager to make a move and prepare to join them.

Chu Yang, meanwhile, had been observing the gray-robed elder all along. Only after Murong Fu appeared and stood beside him did he suddenly realize the man’s true identity.

"Murong Bo, you old bastard, you really know how to exploit an opening."

"Back then, you fabricated false intelligence and duped Xuanci Fangzhang into leading a group to ambush and kill Qiao Feng’s parents and family. Now you’re here inciting these idiots to make enemies of me. Tsk tsk, it’d be a waste if you didn’t go run a pyramid scheme."

Chu Yang shook his head and laughed.

The moment those words came out.

Xuanci Fangzhang and the gray-robed elder’s expressions changed dramatically at the same time.

Murong Fu froze on the spot.

The expressions of many who knew of that old affair also became exceedingly interesting.

"Murong Bo? That name does sound rather familiar…"

Zhang Sanfeng stroked his beard and fell into thought.

Song Yuanqiao, however, knew of this man. Their ages were not too far apart, and when Murong Bo’s name had shaken the Jianghu, Song Yuanqiao had already spent several years training below the mountain. The impression had been deeply etched into his mind.

Furthermore, he had heard some rumors regarding what happened at Yanmen Pass.

Song Yuanqiao walked to Zhang Sanfeng’s side and whispered a few words. A look of understanding appeared on the latter’s face.

On the other side, Xuanci Fangzhang stared fixedly at Murong Bo, completely ignoring Chu Yang’s existence. The greatest regret of his life had been the tragedy at Yanmen Pass all those years ago.

Back then, Murong Bo had faked his death, and Xuanci had placed all the blame upon himself. But now that Murong Bo stood alive before him, it was enough to prove that everything back then had been a conspiracy!

"Are you truly Benefactor Murong Bo?"

Xuanci Fangzhang took a deep breath.

Murong Bo ignored Xuanci Fangzhang and frowned at Chu Yang. How did this brat see through my identity?

"Who exactly are you?!"

As the saying went, the Vajra glared in wrath while the Bodhisattva lowered her eyes in compassion. Though Xuanci Fangzhang had chanted scriptures and worshipped Buddha for many years, he still had some fire in him.

Having hidden for a lifetime, now that his identity had been exposed, Murong Bo could no longer be bothered to keep pretending. He tore off the cloth covering his face, revealing his true appearance.

The instant Murong Fu saw his face, his body trembled as he cried out excitedly, "Father! It really is you!"

Murong Bo laughed heartily and embraced Murong Fu.

"Tsk tsk, what a loving father and devoted son. Say, where’s the other pair of father and son?"

Chu Yang looked around with great interest. A battle between two pairs of fathers and sons was far more entertaining than a martial arts assembly. It felt like watching a holographic drama.

"I had always harbored doubts about what happened at Yanmen Pass. Yet with Mister Murong dead and no proof to be found, there was nothing I could do. Now that you are standing here alive and well, it seems there is no longer even any need for a confrontation between us, is there?"

Xuanci Fangzhang clenched his Buddhist staff tightly.

"That’s right! Back then, I deliberately lured you into taking Jianghu experts to ambush that Liao family."

"Why?"

"Haha! If Song and Liao continued to remain friendly, when would my Yan Country ever have the chance to rise and restore our nation?"

Murong Bo’s eyes were bloodshot, while his tone and expression gradually turned frenzied.

Restoring Great Yan was both his obsession and his inner demon.

Just as Xuanci Fangzhang wished to ask more, cries of alarm erupted from the crowd. A towering, imposing man slowly stepped forward.

"It’s Qiao Feng!!!"

Murong Bo’s expression tightened.

The man at the center of it all had arrived.

Murong Fu licked his lips nervously and instinctively drew his precious sword.

The enemy he hated beyond measure stood right before him, yet Qiao Feng did not spare them a glance. Instead, he strode directly to Chu Yang, clasped his hands with both fists, and bowed deeply.

"This Xiao heard that Mister Chu had come here. Fearing that you might be attacked by a mob of petty men, I came especially to lend you my aid. I never expected to receive another favor from you instead. Now I truly have no way to repay you."

Everyone was stunned.

Cries of shock rose one after another.

The former Beggars’ Sect Leader, Qiao Feng, was actually that demon’s lackey?

Chu Yang had considered that Xiao Feng might return to join the excitement, but he had not expected the man to come specifically to help him.

"How has Miss A Zhu been lately?"

"Thanks to Mister Chu’s blessings, A Zhu is well. In a few days, she will leave the borderlands with me."

"You’d better not raise that FLAG. It’s bad luck."

Xiao Feng: "???"

When Xuanci Fangzhang, who had been confronting Murong Bo, saw Xiao Feng, guilt appeared on his face. He lowered his head and recited a Buddhist invocation.

"A Khitan dog and a demon really are birds of a feather!"

"Everyone, compared to these two, shouldn’t I, a Xianbei, count as no threat at all?"

"If we do not get rid of them today, leaving aside anything else, how many sects will be able to walk out of Mount Shaoshi?"

Murong Bo continued to incite everyone who bore hostility toward Chu Yang and Xiao Feng.

Xiao Feng’s intention in coming to help Chu Yang had been good, but he had failed to realize that he himself was also a magnet for hatred.

Simply by standing together, the two had practically offended every sect in the Jianghu across the three kingdoms.

More and more voices responded. Murong Bo revealed a satisfied smile, then walked to Xuanci Fangzhang’s side and said quietly, "I ask Fangzhang to consider the greater good."

Xuanci Fangzhang’s gaze was complicated, and he remained silent.

Xiao Feng stood before Chu Yang, energy coursing throughout his entire body as he prepared for a fight to the death.

Both sides stood at the ready, and battle could erupt at any moment.

"Big Brother!"

A young man dressed in a long robe, looking every bit the noble young master, forcibly squeezed through the crowd and staggered over to Xiao Feng’s side.

Xiao Feng cried out in delight, "Second Brother?!"

Duan Yu wiped the sweat from his forehead and said with a grin, "Don’t panic, Big Brother. Your little brother is here to back you up too!"

After the two exchanged a few words, several more people emerged from the crowd.

The man at the front was elegant and refined—it was none other than Dali’s Prince of Zhennan, Duan Zhengchun. The rest were his family retainers.

Xiao Feng and Duan Zhengchun exchanged looks, both wearing faintly awkward expressions.

Duan Zhengchun already knew that A Zhu was his daughter, while Xiao Feng would most likely become his son-in-law.

Because of A Zhu, Xiao Feng did not wish for Duan Yu and Duan Zhengchun to be implicated by him, so he advised, "Second Brother, you should not involve yourself in today’s matter. Hurry and leave with Prince Duan."

Duan Yu grew anxious.

Duan Zhengchun reached out and grabbed Duan Yu, shaking his head with a grim expression. Given the current situation, it truly was not something the Duan family could take part in.

Despite the tense situation, Chu Yang yawned. He lazily walked over to Xiao Feng’s side, patted him on the shoulder, and said, "You shouldn’t get involved either. Leave with them."

Xiao Feng froze.

He had just said those exact words to Duan Yu.

"Don’t make Prince Duan’s position difficult. A Zhu is his daughter, after all. He can’t possibly truly stand aside and watch. If anything happens, A Zhu will be the one who suffers."

"Besides…"

"To put it bluntly, even if everyone standing here turns against me, they are nothing but chickens and dogs—utterly vulnerable."

Chu Yang’s powerful confidence instantly infected Xiao Feng. He took a deep breath, clasped his fists, and retreated several steps. He did not leave immediately, instead standing beside the carriage like a guard.

This was the greatest concession Xiao Feng could make. He could refrain from interfering, but he had to do something to repay the favor.

Helping Chu Yang protect Huang Rong and Li Mochou in the carriage was the best choice.

"Come on, what are you waiting for? Are you waiting for me to kill every last one of you?"

Chu Yang sneered as he beckoned to the Murong father and son. After pausing, he made the same gesture in every direction.

The uproar was deafening.

Zhang Sanfeng and Feng Qingyang both wore grave expressions. They could sense the killing intent radiating from Chu Yang.

Excitement flashed through Murong Bo’s eyes. If he led the gathered heroes to kill Chu Yang and Xiao Feng today, the prestige of both father and son would reach unprecedented heights.

With such prestige, the restoration of Great Yan would be within sight!

"Everyone, kill with me!"

Murong Bo let out a long howl toward the heavens and turned into a gray blur as he charged at Chu Yang. He had decided to fight to the death and leave the fruits of victory for Murong Fu to inherit!

The crowd surged.

Those Sect Leaders who knew they would surely die followed close behind, charging after Murong Bo toward Chu Yang. Their disciples also rushed forward with red eyes.

Two of Murong Bo’s fingers had been crippled by Chu Yang, leaving him no choice but to fight with Skanda Palm. Chu Yang neither dodged nor evaded, allowing Murong Bo’s palms to strike his body.

Thud, thud, thud.

Dull impacts rang out. Murong Bo felt as though his palms had struck bronze, hard beyond belief. The rebounding force caused his finger bones and arms to ache as though they had shattered.

"I thought you might show me something interesting. I never expected you to be just as boring in the end."

Murong Bo looked up and met Chu Yang’s icy eyes, causing his heart to jolt violently.

He turned to flee, but a terrifying force of suction came from behind him.

Chu Yang seized him by the throat.

The shadow of death flooded his heart. Murong Bo could no longer remain calm. He cried out loudly for help, his hands clawing wildly through the air.

"No! Don’t!"

Crack.

Murong Bo’s body suddenly went rigid, and then his arms fell limply to his sides.

Seeing this, Murong Fu’s eyes nearly split open. "Father!!!"

In the blink of an eye, Murong Bo, who had been so arrogant just moments ago, had become a corpse. The sight caused those Sect Leaders to halt.

"Even if you stop now, you will still die."

Chu Yang smiled kindly, like the friendly older brother next door.

His words crushed the brief rationality they had regained. Their eyes reddened with blood, and they took on the air of desperate outlaws.

They charged forward one after another.

More and more people died.

Corpses piled around Chu Yang’s feet.

"If you love calling me a demon so much, I have to do something worthy of the title."

Chu Yang spoke matter-of-factly as he killed.

By the end, no one dared step forward any longer. Before the Great Buddha Hall, corpses lay everywhere and blood flowed like a river.

Someone’s weapon fell to the ground.

With a clang, everyone was jolted awake.

The remaining Sect Leaders and disciples dropped their weapons one after another, trembling as they collapsed to the ground and continuously kowtowed to Chu Yang.

Chu Yang looked at them indifferently. "Aren’t you going to eliminate evil and defend the righteous path?"

They did not dare answer. They only kept kowtowing, some smashing their foreheads bloody without daring to stop.

Zhang Sanfeng closed his eyes in pain. He had tried with all his might to prevent this scene from happening, yet things had still gone against his wishes.

Feng Qingyang sighed and turned away.

Yue Buqun followed behind him, still shaken.

Just a little more. Just a little more, and the Mount Hua Sect would have ended up like these people…

Linghu Chong carried his unconscious junior sister as he walked slowly, looking somewhat dazed.

The scenes of Chu Yang killing people replayed endlessly in his mind. He had originally wanted to stop him, but Feng Qingyang had held him tightly, leaving him unable to move.

Even if I had rushed forward, I would only have died, right?

What use was practicing swordsmanship, after all?

Linghu Chong grew more distressed the more he thought about it, his expression twisting between ferocity and pain.

Chu Yang stepped through the pool of blood and returned to the carriage, looking at Li Mochou and Little Dragon Girl, who was sleeping in her arms.

"From this day onward, all debts and grudges between you and the Jianghu are wiped clean."

Li Mochou had long since been reduced to tears. She nodded forcefully.

Before the Great Buddha Hall, blood flowed like a river.

Looking at the corpses strewn everywhere, abbot Xuanci’s face was ashen, and a trickle of blood slowly ran from the corner of his mouth.

After this battle, Shaolin Temple’s reputation would forever be tied to Chu Yang’s name.

Zhang Sanfeng wore a sorrowful expression as he silently recited a Daoist scripture for the dead.

"Those who bring calamity upon themselves cannot escape it."

Listening to the chanting, Feng Qingyang spoke calmly.

Chu Yang emerged from the mountain of corpses and sea of blood, his sky-blue robe utterly unstained.

He walked to abbot Xuanci’s side and looked at him impassively. "Although Shaolin did not act, as the host, you bear responsibility as well."

Abbot Xuanci gave a miserable smile. "As sect leader, may I alone die for this?"

Chu Yang shook his head and pointed at Xiao Feng beside the carriage. "Your life belongs to him."

Xiao Feng strode before abbot Xuanci, his cold eyes brimming with killing intent. Murong Bo, the mastermind behind everything, had already been killed by Chu Yang. If he wanted vengeance, he could only seek it from abbot Xuanci, the highly respected figure before him.

"Amitabha. Every fault, every sin, is this old monk’s alone. I only hope Benefactor Xiao will spare the other monks of Shaolin Temple. Do not forget that your master, Xuan Ku, was also a Shaolin disciple…"

Thinking of his former mentor, the killing intent around Xiao Feng suddenly weakened.

"Die, old bastard!"

While Xiao Feng was still hesitating, a black-clad figure descended from the sky and landed before abbot Xuanci, directly shattering his heart meridians with a palm strike.

Abbot Xuanci spat blood, clutched his chest, and collapsed, unable to rise again. A string of prayer beads fell from his body and shattered across the ground.

The man in black glanced at Xiao Feng, then used his lightness skill to flee the scene.

Xiao Feng snapped out of his shock and hurried after the black-clad man, the two vanishing together.

"Given Xiao Feng’s character, he might very well have spared you. Xiao Yuanshan knew that, which was why he suddenly appeared."

Chu Yang crouched down, picked up a prayer bead, and placed it in abbot Xuanci’s palm.

At the mention of Xiao Yuanshan’s name, an inexplicable light suddenly flared in abbot Xuanci’s eyes. His breathing quickened. "So that’s how it is… So that’s how it is… Evil reaps evil…"

The instant abbot Xuanci fell, many monks rushed out of the Great Buddha Hall. Some called for the abbot, some cried for their senior brother, and others shouted for their master or martial uncle.

Chu Yang stepped aside and gave the monks room. While they wailed in grief, he walked onward.

He was going to the Scripture Repository.

"Benefactor Chu, this old monk deserves his fate. Could you spare the other monks of Shaolin Temple?"

As if granted a final burst of life, abbot Xuanci’s voice became exceptionally loud.

Chu Yang nodded and continued walking.

"Little Chu, wait for me!"

Seeing that Chu Yang was about to enter, Huang Rong hurriedly jumped down from the carriage. After taking a few steps, she seemed a little uneasy and turned back with a sweet smile at Zhang Sanfeng. "Grandpa Daoist, please help look after Mochou and Long’er. Little Chu and I will be right back."

Zhang Sanfeng smiled wryly. "Miss, on Mount Shaoshi, who would still dare provoke Fellow Daoist Chu?"

Huang Rong looked around. Everyone nearby wore terrified, uneasy expressions. No one even dared meet her eyes.

These people had been scared out of their wits. There truly was nothing to worry about.

After Huang Rong passed through the Great Buddha Hall, then several corridors and a number of halls, she stopped before an ancient-looking pavilion.

Directly ahead of her, Chu Yang was speaking with an old monk sweeping the ground.

The old monk’s brows and beard were snow-white, making him appear very old. His hands gripping the broom were covered in wrinkles, like the bark of an ancient tree.

Yet those bright, piercing eyes left an especially deep impression on Huang Rong.

"Benefactor, your killing intent is heavy. You may as well visit the Scripture Repository and read some Buddhist sutras to dispel it."

The Sweeper Monk pressed his palms together.

"Why didn’t you stop me earlier? With you, Zhang Sanfeng, and Feng Qingyang together, perhaps you could have taken me down."

Chu Yang looked at him with a faintly amused smile.

"Absolutely impossible!"

The Sweeper Monk shook his head.

"Oh? Why?"

Chu Yang suddenly became a little curious.

"This old monk is dull-witted. I have comprehended the Dao in the Scripture Repository for decades and nearly mastered every Buddhist martial art. Even so, I have only barely grasped a trace of the path of cultivation. I cannot possibly be compared with Mr. Chu."

The Sweeper Monk paused slightly and sighed. "Nor can I compare with that Fellow Daoist Zhang of Mount Wudang."

Chu Yang laughed heartily. "I thought you wanted to save me too, just as you did Xiao Yuanshan and Murong Bo."

The Sweeper Monk was startled.

"Since you won’t stop me, I’ll be going in." With that, Chu Yang turned and beckoned Huang Rong over, signaling for her to enter with him.

Huang Rong immediately beamed with delight. Like a little squirrel, she skipped along behind Chu Yang.

"Mr. Chu is already a figure like an immortal. Why is he still so obsessed with mortal martial arts?"

The Sweeper Monk was deeply puzzled. He could not guess what Chu Yang was thinking.

"Because it’s interesting."

Chu Yang gave him a reason that only confused him further, then entered the Scripture Repository under the Sweeper Monk’s bewildered gaze.

A month and a half later.

The carriage returned to that familiar small city of the Southern Song Dynasty.

Pushing open the gate and looking at the sunlit courtyard, Chu Yang felt as if a lifetime had passed.

I only wanted to get a copy of the Dragon Elephant Prajna Skill, yet somehow I became a notorious devil known across the land.

After setting down their luggage, Chu Yang, Li Mochou, and Huang Rong began cleaning the rooms that had been left vacant. From now on, this would be where Li Mochou and Little Dragon Girl lived.

Cleaning was not difficult; there was only a little dust, and the courtyard outside showed signs of having already been swept.

As long as a nearby household had a child studying at Chu Yang’s private school, they would voluntarily help him with small tasks such as cleaning. Besides, Chu Yang never locked his door.

Even thieves would not come to steal from Chu Yang’s home.

For one thing, there was truly nothing worth stealing. For another, Chu Yang was a famous good man throughout the surrounding villages, praised by all, and he was also a teacher. Even thieves these days believed in a code of honor.

Once everything was arranged, dusk was approaching. There was no longer time to cook, and everyone was too tired to move, so Chu Yang took them to the restaurant they often visited.

Huang Rong was very happy. It was where she and Chu Yang had first met, so it held special meaning for her.

The scar on Li Mochou’s face had nearly healed, leaving only a faint trace. As she walked down the street and faced the looks of passersby, she could now meet them calmly.

Little Dragon Girl hid in Li Mochou’s arms, secretly observing the world around her.

In the restaurant hall, the storyteller was speaking with sweat pouring down his face. When Chu Yang and the others leaned in to listen, their expressions became somewhat strange.

"Ladies and gentlemen, do you know that a supreme demon has recently appeared in the Jianghu? No one knows his true name; he is known only as ‘Mr. Chu’!"

"This Mr. Chu is truly incredible! Even Old Immortal Zhang, the several-hundred-year-old master of Mount Wudang, was defeated by him!"

"Not long ago, on Mount Shaoshi…"

The storyteller’s gavel had yet to come down. He had delivered a long speech in one breath, while the diners listened in rapt attention, their chopsticks likewise frozen in midair.

Until…

The waiter came out from the kitchen. Seeing Chu Yang’s group, he called out joyfully.

"Oh, you’re back!"

"Mr. Chu!"

The storyteller’s voice cut off abruptly!

The gavel in his hand crashed heavily to the floor!

The diners turned around in utter terror!

Chu Yang smiled.

"Mm."

"I’m back."