"How will we know if we don't try? Does Chief Jiang not want to die? What are you dawdling for? Husband, finish the competition as soon as possible. If Chief Jiang doesn't dare to commit suicide, then we should help him out." Li Qiushui sneered.
"Boss, you mustn't!"
"Master, don't fall for that witch's trick!"
"Master..."
The Beggars' Sect members tried to dissuade him, but they all knew that Jiang Kuang's decision was difficult to change; he had long planned to atone with his death.
"Hahaha... Jiang Kuang has failed the Beggars' Sect. How can he live on in this world? I will use my life to atone for the crime of breaking the contract!" After saying this, Jiang Kuang closed his eyes and unleashed a palm strike that he had been holding back for a long time!
"If you die, I die too! Master! Your disciple will accompany you on your journey!"
Everyone looked in the direction of the sound and saw Wang Jiantong with his sword resting on his neck.
Jiang Kuang's palm had already touched his forehead, just a hair's breadth away from killing him, but he had to stop.
"Nonsense! Take the sword away!" Jiang Kuang angrily rebuked Wang Jiantong.
“Master, I have never been so fortunate to have learned swordsmanship. Otherwise, how could I carry a sword with me at all times? Master’s kindness to me is as heavy as a mountain. How could I watch you die in vain?”
"I only regret that my martial arts skills are too weak to help my master defeat the powerful enemy. The only thing I can do is die with my master, so that I can continue to serve my master on the road to the Yellow Springs! My mind is made up, and my master's objection is useless!" Wang Jiantong said firmly.
"You!" Jiang Kuang trembled with rage. "Are you trying to make Master die with his eyes wide open in disbelief?"
With a thud.
Wang Jiantong knelt down, "If one of us must die, then please, Master, live well, and let your disciple die in your place!"
Wu Yazi frowned, thinking to himself, "What's going on here? What a tragic drama!"
Li Qiushui approached Wuyazi and whispered, "This child is the successor of the Twenty-Eight Subduing Dragon Palms. If the two of them die together, the Twenty-Eight Subduing Dragon Palms will probably be lost. In a moment, I will use the Soul Searching Technique to subdue the child, and my husband will capture him immediately. The Beggar Clan's ultimate skill will be within our grasp."
Just then, a figure suddenly walked up to Wang Jiantong's side; it was a handsome young monk.
"Amitabha... Well done, well done." Monk Jun put his hands together and bowed to the crowd.
"Who are you?" Wu Yazi wondered if this person was a high-ranking monk from Shaolin Temple. But he was a bit young, around twenty years old.
"This humble monk is merely an ordinary monk from Shaolin Temple, and has no right to intervene in your gambling match. However, I cannot bear to see Chief Jiang and this young benefactor perish, so I risk my life to stand up and speak the truth," Monk Jun said neither humbly nor arrogantly.
Li Qiushui snorted coldly, "Since you know you're not qualified, why are you still meddling in the fun? Listen to your sister, hurry back to your Shaolin Temple and we'll go visit you soon."
The handsome monk slightly raised the corners of his mouth. "Amitabha, female benefactor, your actions are so domineering. May I ask if that carefree senior is aware of this?"
Chapter 412 A Message
A carefree senior!
These words might not mean much to others, but to Wu Yazi and Li Qiushui they were like thunder!
It's obvious that this little monk knows Xiaoyaozi and has recognized their Xiaoyao Sect affiliation!
"Who exactly are you?" Wu Yazi asked solemnly. Few outsiders knew about the Xiaoyao Sect. Besides his master, the only people in the sect who dared to oppose him as the current sect leader were his senior sister and junior sister. But judging from this person's figure, he was not one of them in disguise.
Li Qiushui dared not be too presumptuous at this moment. She stood obediently beside Wu Yazi, carefully observing the handsome monk with a dignified appearance, trying to find some clues, hoping that it might be Xiaoyaozi in disguise.
The monk Jun smiled and said, "I have already told you my identity. However, you two benefactors have not yet introduced yourselves. If you can tell me the truth, then I will reveal my Dharma name."
However, I don't think your identities are important. Let's talk about this bet; there needs to be a solution. I don't think either of you are cold-blooded or bloodthirsty.
"God of Wine, Canghai has discovered a very interesting little monk. He actually recognizes the martial arts of the Free and Unfettered Sect, and it seems he even knows my master." Li Canghai contacted Hao Jiu.
"Oh, ignore him. This guy's Buddhist name is Chengcheng. He does know Xiaoyaozi, and he also has the shadow system I gave him, so he's practically one of us. However, his intervention in this matter wasn't my decision, and I won't give him any instructions to interfere with his life trajectory." Hao Jiu thought to himself, "So this Sweeping Monk was a busybody when he was young."
"I understand." Upon hearing that this person was half one of his own from the Shadow System, Li Canghai knew that this person's status was slightly higher than that of the chicken, but that was all.
Ever since learning Xiaoyaozi's Beiming Divine Skill and gaining the ability to protect himself, Chengcheng has become increasingly wild, often running down the mountain. This time, the Beggars' Sect had some big news, so Chengcheng put on makeup and came.
Of course, Chengcheng didn't want to get involved, but Wang Jiantong's unexpected actions forced him to step forward, otherwise his Buddhist heart would be completely disrupted.
Seeing that the other party was indeed a monk, and not wanting to expose their true identities, Wu Yazi's expression softened considerably. "You're right, my wife and I really don't want to commit any more killings, but this bet has already been made, and we can't treat it like a game, can we? Little Master, do you have a solution that satisfies both sides?"
“Excellent, excellent. This humble monk does indeed have a solution. It may not be perfect, but it is reasonable. I wonder if you two benefactors and Chief Jiang would be willing to listen to this humble monk’s words?” Chengcheng asked with a smile.
"I would like to hear the details." Wu Yazi had probably guessed some of it in his heart, but he was afraid that he would not be able to obtain the Twenty-Eight Subduing Dragon Palms.
"Please tell me, young monk." Jiang Kuang had also noticed something amiss. It seemed that the mysterious couple was somewhat wary of this young monk. Moreover, since the Beggars' Sect and Shaolin Temple were both in Luoyang, it was only natural that the monk would speak up for the Beggars' Sect.
"In my humble opinion, Chief Jiang has already lost this contest. According to the agreement, the Beggars' Sect should present their two ultimate martial arts techniques to these two benefactors." Chengcheng's words were astonishing.
The Beggars' Sect members immediately stirred in commotion. Could it be that this monk had come as a persuader, wanting them to obediently hand over the Beggars' Sect's two greatest martial arts techniques? This was utterly outrageous!
Jiang Kuang raised a hand to stop the Beggars' Sect members from their commotion. "Everyone, please calm down and let the young master finish speaking."
“What the young master says is absolutely right.” Li Qiushui thought to herself, could it be that this monk who knows Xiaoyaozi is here to help them?
Wu Yazi glanced at Li Qiushui and said, "Don't interrupt, let him finish speaking."
Chengcheng changed the subject, "However, the Beggars' Sect lost an elder in the competition just now. Although there are no eyes in martial arts and accidents are inevitable, Elder Zhao's death can hardly be described as an accident."
Human life is at stake, and this person cannot have died in vain. In order to give the Beggars' Sect an explanation, I propose that we deduct the Twenty-Eight Subduing Dragon Palms from the two great martial arts techniques that were originally wagered.
Of course, Elder Zhao himself also bore some responsibility for his death, so if these two benefactors agreed not to take the Twenty-Eight Subduing Dragon Palms, the matter of Elder Zhao would be over, and the Beggar Clan would not seek revenge.
If Elder Zhao knew that he sacrificed himself to preserve the Beggars' Sect's secret techniques, he would surely be able to rest in peace.
Although Chief Jiang lost the Dog-Beating Stick Technique due to inferior skills, I don't think the Beggars' Sect will blame you. So don't try to commit suicide and make things worse for the Beggars' Sect.
And this young benefactor, swords and blades have no eyes. Your master raised you with great difficulty; from now on, do not speak of life and death lightly. The right path is to diligently practice martial arts and revitalize the Beggars' Sect. Do you all agree with what I've said?
“My Beggars’ Sect fully agrees,” Jiang Kuang said, then looked at Wuyazi.
Wu Yazi sighed, "I also think what the young master said makes sense. Well, it seems that I am not destined to learn the Twenty-Eight Subduing Dragon Palms. What a pity! Let's follow the young master's solution."
Li Qiushui couldn't see through Chengcheng's true strength and didn't dare to make a move rashly. Even if this little monk didn't have any real skills, there must be a powerful figure behind him.
Perhaps the person behind the Xiaoyao Sect told him about it—perhaps his master, or perhaps his family.
In short, since this matter involves their master, Xiaoyaozi, it must be treated with utmost care. Shaolin is, after all, a major sect in the martial arts world, so it is not surprising that some people have seen Xiaoyaozi.
“Very well, Chief Jiang. Please keep your promise and hand over the Dog-Beating Stick Technique to these two benefactors to take away and study. I presume that the two benefactors said they would not pass it on to outsiders, and that should not be an empty promise.” Chengcheng nodded.
“Okay, I’ll write now.” Jiang Kuang said, tearing a piece of white cloth from his shirt, biting his index finger, and writing on the ground with vigorous and powerful strokes.
The phrase "ten fingers are connected to the heart" can be used to describe writing blood as a form of punishment. Every stroke and line inspires Jiang Kuang to strive for excellence. If he were strong enough, how could he have suffered such a humiliation today?
The Beggars' Sect members watched silently as Jiang Kuang wrote down the secret manual of the Dog-Beating Stick Technique for outsiders. They felt ashamed but also inspired to strive harder. Wang Jiantong, at a young age, had already vowed to revitalize the Beggars' Sect.
However, what Wang Jiantong was more worried about was the punishment his master would give him after this incident, and he involuntarily clenched his anus.
Soon, Jiang Kuang finished writing the blood oath and personally handed it to Wu Yazi, saying, "Take it. I hope you can really keep your word and use it only for research, and not spread it outside."
"Don't worry, Chief Jiang. After studying it, I will destroy this manual immediately. I'm sure you've already realized that I have no shortage of peerless martial arts." Wu Yazi took the Dog-Beating Stick Technique manual.
“Hmm, I believe you. The Beggars' Sect has to hold a funeral, so we won’t keep you two as guests any longer. Please leave.” Jiang Kuang gave them the order to leave.
"Then I won't bother you any longer." Wu Yazi smiled slightly, turned to the little monk and said, "Please trouble you to pass on a message to Abbot Cheng Yi of Shaolin. Tomorrow morning, my wife and I will challenge Shaolin. We hope that Shaolin will not refuse."
"Alright, this matter is settled. This humble monk will take his leave now." Chengcheng clasped his hands together, bowed deeply, slowly withdrew from the circle, and then strode towards Shaolin.
After exchanging a glance, Li Qiushui and Wuyazi immediately chased after him. She wanted to find out the identity of the little monk. There were too many people in the Beggars' Sect, so it was difficult to talk to him. Once they were in a secluded place, there would be no need for them to worry about anything.
Chengcheng walked faster and faster, heading straight for Shaolin, but the difference in skill between the two was too great. Before long, Li Qiushui intercepted him in a secluded place.
"Amitabha Buddha, may I ask what business the female benefactor has with this humble monk?"
Chapter 413 Yi Jin Jing
In the desolate wilderness, a lone man and a lone woman.
The man was full of vigor and in his prime, while the woman was graceful, beautiful, and fair-skinned.
But at this moment, it was the man who was more flustered, and he tried his best to maintain his smiling expression.
Chengcheng had sworn never to fight against the disciples of the Xiaoyao Sect. Of course, even without that oath, Chengcheng was no match for Li Qiushui now.
"Amitabha, may I ask what business the female benefactor has with this humble monk?" Chengcheng looked straight ahead, and began to understand Xu Chongxiao more and more.
"You ruined my sister's plans and you think you can just walk away? Tell me, what is your relationship with the Xiaoyao Sect? Who is your master?" Li Qiushui had made up her mind that she would not let the other party leave until he told her.
Just then, a gust of wind howled in, causing Li Qiushui's skirt to flutter wildly, forcing her to close her eyes.
An aged voice rang out, "Female benefactor, if you wish to come to Shaolin tomorrow, feel free to do so. As long as you don't kill or maim, this old monk will not intervene; let you juniors cause trouble. Otherwise, this old monk will have to discipline this unruly disciple of Xiaoyaozi..."
The sound faded into the distance, and the gale stopped. Li Qiushui opened her eyes, but there wasn't a soul in sight.
"As expected of a senior master, Qiu Shui will remember your teachings." Li Qiu Shui bowed and decisively left the place. The owner of that old voice was so skilled in martial arts that she even felt like she was facing her master, Xiao Yao Zi. It was truly terrifying!
Amidst the tall grass in the nearby ravine, Chengcheng murmured, "So her name was Qiushui. She was beautiful, and her name was beautiful, but her heart wasn't so beautiful..."
The devout old monk gave Chengcheng a sharp tap on the head. "You unfilial disciple, have you been tempted by that pretty girl?"
Chengcheng rubbed his head. "Master, I didn't. Why are you being so secretive? Are you afraid of her?"
"What a joke! Why would your master be afraid of a pretty girl? I just think it's more mysterious not to show myself." As Qianqian spoke, he suddenly reached for Chengcheng's groin with astonishing speed.
Chengcheng tried to dodge but failed, and his face instantly darkened. "Master, are you insulting me?"
"Hmm, you're quite well-behaved. Go back now, it's time to teach you the Yi Jin Jing."
Qianqian thought to himself that Xiaoyaozi's disciples had all come out to challenge the martial arts world, but his own disciples only had the ability to protect themselves by relying on Xiaoyaozi. It's true that there is no harm without comparison.
However, Chengcheng's Buddhist practice is still lacking one hurdle. If he can resist the temptation of women, he should be able to learn the Yi Jin Jing and reach a higher level.
That girl named Qiushui is so beautiful, and Chengcheng remained unmoved; she must have passed the test, right? Qianqian thought to herself.
Chengcheng was thrilled, "Has Master finally agreed to teach me the Yi Jin Jing?"
"Give it a try. Whether it works or not depends on your fate." Qianqian was also very excited. Practicing Buddhism first and then martial arts was an experiment for him. If he succeeded, it would be of great significance to Shaolin.
As night falls, the Shaolin Temple's Sutra Repository closes on time.
Qianqian, carrying the Yi Jin Jing manual, went to the back mountain with Chengcheng. After checking to make sure no one was watching, she began to teach the Shaolin martial art, Yi Jin Jing.
However, what Qianqian didn't know was that there were two other pairs of eyes watching the old and young monks' every move.
"God of Wine, isn't it wrong to steal other people's secret techniques?" Xiang Yu himself didn't come, but he sent a split soul.
Training one's mental strength is a long-term process. Xiang Yu has already made a good start, and the next step is to continuously increase the difficulty.