Chapter 44 - Unexpected Change

For a moment, everyone felt a sense of helplessness.

This seemed like an unsolvable situation. Human greed sometimes even surpasses one’s own control. The Dragon-Slaying Saber, with its own legend, was enough to tempt people. Furthermore, rumors of the Yang Gong Treasury only intensified the allure.

Legend has it that the Yang Gong Treasury was filled with countless weapons, gold, secret martial arts manuals, and even the legendary Evil Emperor’s Relic. Such a treasure trove would stir the hearts of both the martial world and ambitious court officials alike.

“The only solution now is to find traces of Xie Xun, retrieve the Dragon-Slaying Saber, and preferably destroy it in front of everyone. Perhaps this might quell the current turmoil,” Song Yuanqiao finally said after a long pause.

This might be the only way—eliminate the source of greed to gradually calm the disputes and killings in the martial world.

“The Dragon-Slaying Assembly will be held in a few days. Let’s see what plans Shaolin has then.”

Everyone was deeply concerned. If the turmoil continued, even Wudang wouldn’t be able to stay unaffected.

…

A few days later, more and more martial artists gathered in the Shaolin territory.

The Five Mountain Sword Sects Alliance arrived the day before and joined Wudang. Yue Buqun and others, after switching to the techniques created by Ning Changge, had made significant progress in their strength. Seeing the Wudang group now, they naturally showed utmost respect and looked to Wudang for guidance, which surprised the other martial sects.

Unconsciously, Wudang’s reputation rose another level.

In addition, various major forces sent representatives. Kongtong Sect, Kunlun Sect, Divine Sword Manor, Crescent Moon Villa, Emei Sect, and other renowned righteous sects all sent disciples, and even the Dragon Guard Villa under the Iron Courage Marquis had representatives, giving Shaolin ample face.

Shaolin was known as the sacred land of martial arts, with countless eminent monks and branches in various dynasties, holding a significant position in the martial world. However, the Shaolin Temple in the Ming Dynasty didn’t have a good relationship with Wudang. Early on, Zhang Sanfeng had some connections with Shaolin, leading them to believe that Wudang’s founding was stolen from Shaolin. This notion only subsided when Zhang Sanfeng ascended to the level of Heaven and Man, though it remained buried in their hearts.

In the grand Shaolin Temple hall, an impressive number of martial experts with notable reputations gathered.

Abbot Kongwen of Shaolin looked around and proclaimed loudly, “Fellow martial artists, today Shaolin has called everyone here to hold the Dragon-Slaying Assembly for the good of our Ming martial world. We are grateful for your presence, and this old monk thanks you in advance!”

His kind demeanor prompted everyone to return the courtesy.

“Abbot Kongwen, there’s no need for such words. Shaolin monks are known for their compassion. It is only right for us to gather here in response,” said the Emei Sect’s Master Jinguang with a smile.

Master Jinguang, with his impressive cultivation, represented Emei this time. Usually, it was Master Miejue who led them, but given the sensitivity of the Dragon-Slaying Saber and Emei’s Heavenly Sword, they decided to avoid suspicion and sent someone else instead.

Master Jinguang seemed quite enthusiastic.

After some pleasantries, Kongwen got to the point, “Since everyone has gathered here, I won’t beat around the bush. A few days ago, our Shaolin Temple captured Xie Xun!”

“We have invited everyone here to witness and discuss a proper resolution. How should we deal with the Golden-Haired Lion King and the Dragon-Slaying Saber?”

“We don’t want the turmoil surrounding the Dragon-Slaying Saber to continue, nor do we want the martial world to think that Shaolin is secretly coveting the saber.”

As Kongwen finished speaking, the hall erupted in chatter. Song Yuanqiao and the others exchanged glances, surprised that Shaolin had already captured Xie Xun. With this, they only needed to properly deal with the Dragon-Slaying Saber.

They observed quietly, feeling that things wouldn’t be so simple.

Clearly, Shaolin had also sensed that something was amiss.

In the shadows, secretive glances were exchanged. Not everyone shared Song Yuanqiao’s view of destroying the Dragon-Slaying Saber. Many were eager to claim it for themselves!

Master Jinguang laughed heartily, “I didn’t expect Shaolin to have already accomplished such a great deed in secret and to bring it out for everyone to discuss. Emei is impressed by such magnanimity!”

He was the happiest. If the Dragon-Slaying Saber could be destroyed, it would lose its function as a key, and Emei’s Heavenly Sword would be safe.

During this period, Emei had also faced considerable pressure.

Someone posed a question, “May I ask, Abbot, where are Xie Xun and the Dragon-Slaying Saber?”

Kongwen smiled faintly, understanding that he needed to show proof. He led the group outside the hall.

“Everyone, please follow me!”

They walked through the Shaolin Temple, crossing two squares and several halls, finally stopping under a lush Bodhi tree.

There, a large iron cage was prominently placed.

Inside it was a burly, blind man with wild golden hair—none other than the Golden-Haired Lion King, Xie Xun!

Several monks guarded the cage, and upon seeing the group, they bowed in greeting.

Xie Xun, sensing the approaching footsteps, roared furiously, “Who is it? Which Shaolin bald donkeys have you invited this time? A filthy place like Shaolin should know that I, Xie Xun, will never submit!”

Kongwen ignored him.

“Bring the Dragon-Slaying Saber.”

A monk respectfully brought forward a magnificent giant saber. Its blade was domineering, with a dragon’s mouth enveloping the hilt, exuding an extraordinary aura that left everyone in awe.

“No wonder it’s the legendary Dragon-Slaying Saber, truly extraordinary!”

Gui Hai Yi Dao from Dragon Guard Villa, a blade lover, was particularly fascinated, recognizing its exceptional nature at a glance.

It was the same for other martial experts.

But the most shocked were the Wudang group. Under the effect of the Heaven-Watching Talisman, Song Yuanqiao and the others felt an overwhelming surge of spiritual energy almost blinding them!

“What intense spiritual energy! The materials of this Dragon-Slaying Saber are incredibly precious spiritual items!”

The Seven Heroes of Wudang exchanged astonished glances.

They had seen powerful spiritual items before, like the human-sized Spirit Gathering Stone in the Five Mountain Sword Sects Alliance and the natural sword embryo brought by Yue Buqun and others. But the spiritual energy of the Dragon-Slaying Saber surpassed them both!

For a moment, they couldn’t help but breathe faster.

Such a spiritual item, if brought back to Little Martial Uncle, would make him extremely happy!

Kongwen’s voice was full of authority: “Everyone, both the man and the saber are here. What do you think we should do?”

“The saber can be either suppressed in our Shaolin or destroyed. As for Xie Xun, though he has caused killings, it was not his true intention. Shaolin wishes to convert him to Buddhism. What do you all think?”

Everyone had mixed feelings.

Shaolin wanted both the man and the saber!

It seemed they had invited everyone to the so-called Dragon-Slaying Assembly just as a formality, intending to keep both the saber and Xie Xun themselves.

Song Yuanqiao spoke up, “The saber will only bring more trouble if kept. It’s better to destroy it.”

Though he coveted the saber’s rich spiritual energy, it was currently in Shaolin’s possession, and he couldn’t just take it by force.

Just as Kongwen was about to speak, a strange laughter echoed:

“Hehehe, what sanctimonious Shaolin monks! You imprison our Ming Cult’s King and steal our treasure saber. Now you want to make the Lion King your lackey? Disgusting, I spit on you!”

“Lion King, we’re here to save you!”

Voices came from all directions.

Everyone was startled and instinctively looked around.

At that moment, a monk who had been guarding Xie Xun revealed a sinister look and swiftly opened the cage. Xie Xun, like a ferocious tiger unleashed, extended his hand, and the Dragon-Slaying Saber, in another monk’s hands, flew directly into Xie Xun’s grasp as if it had a life of its own.

With the Dragon-Slaying Saber in hand, Xie Xun’s aura surged as he roared furiously to the sky:

“Cheng Kun, you bastard, come and face your death!!”