"Hahaha... The God of Wine is right, just what I wanted!" Xiang Yu said with great joy.
Chapter 376 Shaolin
The next morning, Xiaoyaozi arrived refreshed and ready to pay his respects.
"Xiaoyaozi greets Overlord. Did Overlord rest well last night?" Xiaoyaozi said, bowing.
"Very good. No need for formalities, Sect Leader Xiaoyao. Have the affairs of the sect been arranged? When can we depart?" Xiang Yu asked.
Xiaoyaozi smiled and said, "Everything has been arranged, and we can set off at any time. If you're not in a hurry, Bawang, why don't you have breakfast first before you leave?"
"Good." Xiang Yu recalled the taste of the dishes from last night and decisively chose to listen to advice. Going to spar with the monk wouldn't make a difference if it took one more meal.
The Xiaoyao Sect is knowledgeable in everything, and cooking is one of their skills. When recording the cards, Xiaoyaozi even cooked a few dishes himself, and the taste was absolutely amazing!
The scene was absolutely amazing; the ethereal and otherworldly Xiaoyaozi was flipping the wok, the ingredients dancing in the pan like a talent show.
Hao Jiu pursed her lips. Everyone says that to win his heart, you have to win his stomach first, and Xiaoyaozi has done it.
This cannot be blamed on Xiang Yu. In fact, during the Chu-Han Contention, there were no stir-fries and various seasonings available. No matter how skilled the cook was, the food could not possibly taste very good.
The novel *Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils* is set in the Song Dynasty, a time when culinary culture developed rapidly. Even if Xiaoyaozi (the author of *Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils*) cooked himself, the taste of any dish ordered from a restaurant would far surpass that of the Chu-Han period.
After breakfast, Xiaoyaozi packed his luggage and set off with Xiang Yu.
"Overlord, let's use the Lingbo Weibu (a martial arts technique) to get to Shaolin Temple. It'll be faster that way," Xiaoyaozi said with a slight smile.
"No need, I have a faster way. Follow me." Xiang Yu said, opening an air door.
Xiaoyaozi's eyes widened instantly. "Overlord, what's inside...?"
"This is an alternate dimension. You can teleport instantly in here. Aren't you coming in?" Xiang Yu said, turning back at the doorway.
"Oh, I'll go in right away." Even though Xiaoyaozi was very knowledgeable, he was still shocked by the strange sight before him. Moreover, there was a horse and an unusually large crane in this green space.
gurgle...
The black horse snorted, greeted Xiang Yu, and then looked directly at Xiaoyaozi. After all, he was now a partner with the Shadow System, and it wouldn't be good for him to be too arrogant.
The crane, which had been lying on the ground with its head drooping, raised its head the moment Xiang Yu opened the door and stood at attention. Upon seeing Xiaoyaozi, it proudly puffed out its chest. Finally, there was someone who came after!
Xiaoyaozi glanced at the black horse and immediately guessed that it must be the legendary steed of Xiang Yu, the Hegemon-King of the West, known for its extraordinary bearing and fine steed.
However, Xiaoyaozi's gaze was soon drawn to the crane.
"Overlord, could this crane possibly carry people and fly in the sky?" Although Xiaoyaozi could also fly using the Xiaoyao Wind Control technique, it couldn't last long and consumed a great deal of internal energy.
"Alright. Get ready to teleport. I'll show you a few times first." Xiang Yu said, placing his hand on Xiaoyaozi's shoulder before teleporting forward in a flash. The black horse and the crane were already used to it and could keep up.
Xiang Yu knew the approximate location of Shaolin Temple, so after leaving the Xiaoyao Sect, he flew straight towards Shaoshi Mountain.
Xiaoyaozi had never experienced this kind of teleportation before. He was a little uncomfortable at first, but he quickly mastered the knack. Without Xiang Yu's help, he could keep up with Xiang Yu's pace. He teleported all the way, comparable to a supersonic fighter jet squadron. It only took him half an hour to reach the airspace above Shaolin Temple, where the magnificent temple was in full view.
"The Overlord's abilities are truly divine! I can see this view from high above; I have no regrets in this life!" Xiaoyaozi exclaimed.
"You'll be able to do it yourself someday, and there are even higher landscapes waiting for us." Xiang Yu thought to himself that in the modern world described by Dionysus, humans had already landed on the moon and looked down at the earth. He wondered when he would be able to reach the realm of walking in the universe.
Xiaoyaozi's heart surged with excitement, "That's true freedom!"
"God of Wine, let's begin." Xiang Yu opened an air door from below.
Hao Jiu instantly activated the fan-shaped scan, scanning the entire Shaolin Temple. As they had expected, the target system was not in the Shaolin Temple, or perhaps the other party really had the ability to evade the system's radar.
"The target isn't here; let's go down and find that monk."
"Target? We're not here to find the devout monk?" Xiaoyaozi asked, somewhat puzzled.
"What we're looking for are other systems, and the sudden surge in strength is a manifestation of the system binding to the host. Sect Leader Xiaoyao might want to think more about who else wasn't very strong before but suddenly became stronger," Xiang Yu explained.
"Is the system a god like Dionysus?" Xiaoyaozi asked, glancing at Hao Jiu beside him, who was dressed in heroic golden armor and had wings.
"Pretty much, but it might not be human. It could be a beast or something else. You've bound yourself to the avatar of the God of Wine, so you should understand the significance of the system. If the God of Wine helps you, becoming an immortal won't be difficult."
“I understand. However, our Xiaoyao Sect has been isolated from the world for many years and is not very familiar with the affairs of the martial arts world. Once the matter at Shaolin is settled, I will arrange for our disciples to go down the mountain to secretly investigate this matter.”
Xiaoyaozi originally planned to go to Langhuan Paradise in Wuliang Mountain to protect Li Canghai after finishing his business at Shaolin, but he did not expect that they flew to Shaolin. It would take Li Canghai some time to arrive at Langhuan Paradise.
“This method is feasible, but before that, let’s go through all the major sects first. You should know where each sect’s mountain gate is, right?” Hao Jiu was reluctant to scan the entire plane, but scanning each sect one by one would require a lot of energy.
In fact, Hao Jiu had already scanned the Xiaoyao Sect, not even sparing a single servant, no, it should be said that he hadn't spared a single rat or insect.
There have been previous instances where the system has chosen venomous snakes as hosts, so Hao Jiu is now using area scanning, ensuring that not a single mosquito will be missed, unless the target host is not within the sect.
Therefore, it was necessary to send disciples of the Free and Unfettered Sect down the mountain to gather information about the martial arts world and thus identify some suspects.
"Understood, subordinate." Xiaoyaozi knew that the God of Wine must have just used some kind of supernatural power to instantly search the Shaolin Temple from the air. If he was using such a supernatural power to find his target, there might not have been any need for the disciples of the Xiaoyao Sect to come down the mountain.
"Then let's go down and take a look around," Xiang Yu said, descending from the sky. "Where is that devout monk?"
"That's the Shaolin Temple's Sutra Repository. The devout monk lives there in seclusion, rarely disturbed by anyone," Xiaoyaozi said, pointing to a small building in the temple.
Whoosh!
arrive.
The air door opened, and Xiang Yu stepped out, standing on the land of Shaolin Temple.
Xiaoyaozi followed closely behind and exited the alternate dimension. "Nameless bald monk, an old friend has come to visit. Why don't you show yourself?"
Chapter 377 The Mad Monk
Xiaoyaozi flicked his sleeve and said, "Nameless bald monk, an old friend has come to visit. Why don't you show yourself?"
"Hehe, it's been many years. The Sect Leader's ability to conceal himself has improved. Being able to sneak into this place silently is something to be proud of."
An old monk slowly walked out from behind the door, carrying a broom. He swept away a fallen leaf, which then drifted and landed precisely on a pile of dead leaves in the distance—a truly miraculous feat.
Hao Jiu's lips twitched violently. It seemed that the Sweeper Monk was also of the same lineage. If he hadn't known beforehand that this person was not the one who appeared in Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils, he would have definitely mistaken him for someone else.
"It seems you've made some progress with your Yi Jin Jing. I'd like to learn from you today." Xiaoyaozi smiled slightly.
"There's no need for me to learn from you. We've already fought. Back then, this old monk was no match for the Free and Unfettered Sect Leader, and I'm even less so now. But may I ask, who is this master?"
The devout monk initially thought this person was Xiaoyaozi's disciple, but upon closer inspection, he realized something was amiss. Xiaoyaozi's position indicated that this person's status was even higher than Xiaoyaozi's, but who in this world could be higher than Xiaoyaozi? Moreover, he was so young and so exceptionally heroic.
"I am Xiang Yu, and I have come here to learn from your master's skills. I hope you will not refuse," Xiang Yu said, clasping his hands in a fist salute.
"Hahaha... You have indeed chosen a name as good as the Overlord, but you are so young. Even if I win, I am afraid I will be accused of bullying the weak. Oh well, I am too old to be a match for you. I will admit defeat." The devout monk laughed.
Xiang Yu frowned. "You are a master of this era, yet you dare not even accept the challenge?"
"Where is your shame, you nameless old bald donkey? You dare to show off your skills in front of the Overlord? You are not qualified to use the excuse of bullying the weak! Besides, although you are old, you are not yet in a state of decline. Your strength is far superior to what it used to be. Stop pretending. If you don't want to fight the Overlord, then fight me first!" Xiaoyaozi said angrily.
Qianqian's eyes widened suddenly. How could a grandmaster of the Xiaoyaozi school treat this young man with such an attitude? It was almost as if a subject would die for his master's honor, and yet he addressed this man as the Overlord. What was going on? Could it be that the Overlord Xiang Yu had been reincarnated?
"In that case, this old monk will humbly accept your offer. However, the commotion I caused with Xiaoyaozi last time was too great, and we even lost our tempers, which was quite unpleasant. Therefore, I will decide the method of this competition. What do you say?"
"No problem, I'll go along with whatever you say," Xiang Yu immediately agreed.
"You want to test your internal strength against the Overlord?" Xiaoyaozi guessed Qianqian's intention.
"Yes and no. I have recently mastered a unique skill called the Three-Foot Qi Wall. I will neither attack nor dodge. Within the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, no matter what weapon or martial art you use, as long as you, the Overlord, can break through this Qi Wall and touch me, you will win. Otherwise, I will win. What do you say?" Qianqian said with his hands clasped together and a smile.
"Alright, let's begin." Xiang Yu smiled slightly.
"A three-foot-long wall of qi? May I test it out first?" Xiaoyaozi didn't expect this bald monk to be able to create a new move. He seemed quite confident. The Overlord also had a powerful protective divine power, but judging from its thickness, it certainly couldn't reach three feet.
"Haha, the Overlord is indeed straightforward. Chengcheng, bring me a stick of incense," the devout monk laughed.
Then, nobody agreed.
Qianqian's forehead veins throbbed, and she raised her voice slightly, "Chengcheng, fetch a stick of incense!"
Then, still no one brought incense.
Xiaoyaozi suppressed a laugh, "Who is Chengcheng?"
Xiang Yu frowned. "Why don't you stop burning incense? I'll break through your three-foot-high aura very soon."
"Chengcheng! If you don't come out soon, I'm going to lose my temper!!!" The devout monk snapped his broom in two with a crack.
Creak... The door to the library opened.
A young monk who looked to be around twenty years old came out carrying an incense burner with a lit incense stick stuck in it.
“Master, you can’t suppress your anger again. Why is it that a mad monk like you can learn the Yi Jin Jing, while I, a genius with a natural Buddhist heart and innate wisdom, am still unable to attain enlightenment?” The little monk looked distressed.
Master Qianqian slowly loosened his clenched fist, adjusted his breathing, and calmed his emotions. "Chengcheng, you are jealous. This is also caused by anger."
“Master, you’ve fallen into your madness again. I was merely stating the facts. I was just about to gain enlightenment when you interrupted me. Don’t you feel any remorse? Why not pass on your skills and the Yi Jin Jing to me?”
Chengcheng put the incense burner down and continued:
"Your contest can begin. Master, do not be distracted. I see that the two benefactors over there are exceptionally brave and valiant, and have an air of otherworldly grace. If you do not go all out, either of them could kill you. It doesn't matter if you die, Master, but if the Yi Jin Jing is lost because of this, wouldn't Master become the eternal sinner of Shaolin?"
"Overlord, Sect Leader Xiaoyao, hold your hand! Let me punish this disciple who is spouting nonsense before we continue the fight!" Master Qianqian said, raising both palms and striking the little monk, clearly enraged.
"Master, please hold your hand. I know I was wrong." Chengcheng clasped his hands together, bowed deeply, and said slowly, "I am not strong enough to withstand a beating. If I die, your mantle will have no successor. Even if I don't die, I might harbor resentment and become disheartened, and turn to that otherworldly benefactor as my master."
Master Qianqian's hands awkwardly stopped in mid-air, his face contorted, and he instantly changed from a furious expression to a smiling face. "Uh, Chengcheng, you are only one step away from comprehending the Yi Jin Jing. Wouldn't it be a waste of all your previous efforts if you give up now and turn to another master?"
Master's anger just flared up, and it's thanks to your words of reminder. As for the matter of passing on skills, now is not the time. Only when your understanding of Buddhism deepens will you be able to bear it.
Furthermore, as the saying goes, appearances can be deceiving. Although that person had a refined and otherworldly appearance, he abandoned you for a broken incense burner. Your master-disciple relationship had long since ended!
Upon hearing this, Xiaoyaozi suddenly realized, "Is he the child with extraordinary bones and gifted talent from twenty years ago?"
“Exactly.” Qianqian smiled smugly.
"You've taught him to this extent? It's a complete waste of talent! If I had known this would happen, I shouldn't have given him to you in the first place! What nonsense about the master-disciple relationship ending! Chengcheng, if you abandon this bald monk now and join my Xiaoyao Sect, I guarantee you'll become a top master within ten years! My Xiaoyao Sect's unique skills are no less than the Yi Jin Jing!" Xiaoyaozi roared in anger.
The devout monk flicked his sleeve and said, “Xiaoyaozi, Chengcheng is a reincarnation of a high-ranking monk with a naturally compassionate heart. He made his choice back then. Even if you had chosen him, it would have been useless. Besides, the Yi Jin Jing is incredibly profound, far surpassing your other skills.”
"My Xiaoyao Sect's ultimate technique is inferior to the Yi Jin Jing? I'll show him who's truly stronger!" Xiaoyaozi said, striking out with a palm, the fiery red palm print carrying a shockwave aimed straight at the face of the devout monk.
Then, it stopped a foot away from the devout monk, like mud flowing into the sea, gradually dissolving into nothingness and disappearing.
"Hiss... The three-foot qi barrier is indeed quite ingenious." Xiaoyaozi said, then flicked his sword, clearly intending to get serious.
"Hahaha, as previously agreed, the trial run by the Carefree Sect Leader is over, and now it's time for Benefactor Overlord. Oh, this incense stick is burning so fast, Overlord's time is running out." The devout old monk flicked his sleeve, and the incense stick instantly burned out a bit more.