Royal Road
Chapter 128
Chapter 128
The Golden Buddha True Body was shattered. Zhang Sanfeng descended, his expression calm. He had no joy in defeating the Sweeping Monk, nor did he intend to kill him. His goal was to avenge his disciple, not to destroy Shaolin.
The crowd watched in awe, realizing the clear victor. Respectful gazes turned to Zhang Sanfeng and the Bi Shui Sword. Zhang Sanfeng spoke calmly, “Today, I borrowed my disciple’s sword to break your Buddha body. It’s not a fair victory.”
He didn’t hide the fact that without the Bi Shui Sword, he would have only had a slight advantage. The Sweeping Monk, sitting cross-legged, eyes closed, hands in prayer, responded, “The power of weapons is also a form of strength. Master Zhang’s talent surpasses mine. In ten years, you could defeat me without the sword.”
“Master Zhang, please, finish it. I only hope this karma remains between us and doesn’t involve Shaolin.”
Zhang Sanfeng shook his head, smiling, “You don’t need to provoke me. I’m here to settle karma, not to kill. You came to Wudang and bullied my disciple. Today, I repay the favor. If you’re not satisfied, come to Wudang anytime.”
He glanced at the deceased monks, “Their choice was their own, not mine. They could have lived.” Shaolin monks chanted in sorrow, understanding Zhang Sanfeng’s stance. He wasn’t here to kill but to settle a score.
The Sweeping Monk sighed, feeling ashamed, “It seems I was too attached.” With his Buddha body shattered, he seemed to gain clarity, recalling his two hundred years at Shaolin. Despite mostly meditating, he had cherished moments with his sect.
“Today’s karma is my own doing. Thank you, Master Zhang, for helping me see it.” He addressed Zhang Sanfeng as “Master,” a sign of respect. Zhang Sanfeng nodded, sensing the monk’s newfound clarity, his injuries even seeming to heal slightly.
“Please convey my apologies to your disciple,” the Sweeping Monk requested. Zhang Sanfeng nodded, but he hadn’t forgotten his purpose. “Today, I destroy Shaolin’s gates to settle the karma. Any objections?”
“Master Zhang, please proceed.” The Sweeping Monk, though sad, nodded. The Shaolin monks wept, but Zhang Sanfeng remained resolute. He struck with a giant Yin-Yang palm, destroying half of Shaolin.
The crowd was stunned. The thousand-year-old Shaolin was half-destroyed! They looked at Zhang Sanfeng with reverence. The Sweeping Monk, supported by his monks, bowed to Zhang Sanfeng, “Master Zhang’s teachings will be remembered.”
He then addressed the Jianghu guests, “After today, Shaolin will close its doors for sixty years, not involving itself in Jianghu matters. Please leave.” The monks, sorrowful, returned to the remaining half of Shaolin.
Zhang Sanfeng’s actions were measured, and the Sweeping Monk’s promise showed they wouldn’t hold a grudge. Zhang Sanfeng nodded, his goal achieved. Endless hatred led nowhere.
The Taiji Dao embraced both hardness and softness. With this thought, Zhang Sanfeng smiled, feeling enlightened.
However, he glanced at the Bi Shui Sword and sighed. He had relied on his disciple’s help and felt a bit awkward. The Jianghu guests were in an uproar. Shaolin, the sacred Buddhist ground, was closing its doors for sixty years! This elevated Wudang’s reputation even more.
As Zhang Sanfeng prepared to leave, the crowd bowed in respect. He smiled warmly, a stark contrast to his battle demeanor. Suddenly, he noticed the distinct robes of the Quanzhen Sect, recalling his past with Wang Chongyang and Huang Yaoshi, and smiled at the Quanzhen Seven.
“Are you disciples of Master Chongyang, the Quanzhen Seven?” The Seven, usually unnoticed, were startled to be addressed by Zhang Sanfeng.
Ma Yu, the leader, quickly replied, “We are unworthy disciples of our master. What guidance does Master Zhang have?”
Like the Wudang Seven Heroes, the Quanzhen Seven were in an awkward position. Wang Chongyang, a supreme master, had advanced to the Heaven-Man realm, but his disciples were average.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om
Zhang Sanfeng waved his hand, “No need for formality. I have a connection with your master. Tell him I will fulfill my promise soon.”
Promise? What promise? The Jianghu guests were curious, speculating about Zhang Sanfeng’s past with Wang Chongyang. Ma Yu, realizing something, glanced at the Bi Shui Sword and quickly bowed, “I will convey your message to my master!”
Zhang Sanfeng nodded, recalling how he, Wang Chongyang, and Huang Yaoshi had found Ning Changge at the foot of Mount Hua. Though Ning Changge chose him, he felt he had taken an opportunity from the others. They had agreed to visit Quanzhen Sect and Peach Blossom Island once Ning Changge grew up.
Though Ning Changge was only ten, his fame and power were unmatched. Zhang Sanfeng decided it was time to fulfill the promise, not waiting for adulthood. He wanted to clear his conscience and ensure Ning Changge’s as well.
After encouraging the Quanzhen Seven, Zhang Sanfeng left gracefully. The crowd, looking at the ruined Shaolin, felt immense respect for him. Zhang Sanfeng didn’t rush back to Wudang. He had other friends to visit and wanted to ease his awkwardness.
Ning Changge, amused, but he wasn’t in a hurry. The Buddha Relic was safe in the Bi Shui Sword.
Zhang Sanfeng’s destruction of Shaolin’s gates quickly spread through Jianghu, causing a sensation.
People marveled at his strength, having just ascended to Land Immortal and already defeating an old master, forcing Shaolin to close its doors for sixty years.
Ning Changge’s feat with the spiritual sword also became widely known. Previously needing three swords to suppress the Evil Emperor, now a single sword displayed immense power. Some speculated about the power of all four swords together, though only a few guessed Ning Changge had mastered the Five Elements Swords.
Ning Changge’s reputation soared, being hailed as the strongest below the Land Immortal realm. This title was highly esteemed, given the vast number of experts in the Nine Provinces. Wudang’s fame grew, securing its place as a sacred Daoist site, respected even by emperors.
Zhang Sanfeng’s words to the Quanzhen Seven sparked curiosity about his promise to Wang Chongyang. The Jianghu guests’ gossiping hearts were ablaze with speculation.