After hearing no more footsteps, Qian Su asked impatiently:
"Senior brother, let's compete with them. What difference does it make if the stakes are high? Does the abbot really think we can't win?"
"That's right, Abbot, what's there to be afraid of? We're sure to win!"
"The Lesser Formless Skill is destined to be with our Buddhist sect!"
"It must be Buddha's arrangement!"
"Yes, yes, yes!"
...
Not only Qiansu, but other eminent monks of the Qian and Cheng generations also expressed their opinions, and not one of them opposed the competition.
Qianxin smiled bitterly, "Since it's a gamble, there will be wins and losses. How can there be a sure win? Do you all think that these two people from the Free and Unfettered Sect are really that easy to deal with? The Beggar Clan might have given them an opportunity precisely because they thought they had a sure win."
You all think you're sure to win, but what if you lose? Have you considered the consequences? Shaolin has been established for hundreds of years, and countless challengers have tried to take our secret techniques, but we have never allowed any outsider who coveted them to succeed.
If the Shaolin martial arts, passed down for hundreds of years, were to be won away from us in a fair and square manner, who could bear the responsibility? Even a thousand deaths wouldn't be enough for this old monk!
“What if we all share this responsibility? The Lesser Formless Skill is worth the risk. This is the Buddha’s arrangement and the test given to us by Bodhidharma. How can martial artists not have this courage? If this gets out, how can Shaolin have any face to stand in the martial arts world?” Qian Su earnestly advised.
"Abbot, there's no need to hesitate. Let's all take responsibility and work together to win the bet."
"Yes, we'll all share the responsibility!"
...
Qian Xin sighed deeply, "Since everyone wants to compete, then let's compete. But the other side is clearly asking for an exorbitant amount. They want to wager all the secret manuals of my Shaolin Temple with just one Lesser Formless Skill manual. I don't think that's enough. What do you all think is a suitable amount to wager?"
"When my senior brother asked for three unique skills before, the other party was obviously very dissatisfied and didn't even have the interest to bargain with us. If we bet less this time, they might think that we are not sincere and want to take advantage of them."
"I thought we didn't need to haggle over the bets; just meet their demands. But we could set some conditions for the competition to ensure it went perfectly. What does it matter if they gain some advantage in the bets?" Qian Su sneered.
"Uh, Master Uncle, I think we should listen to the old abbot on this matter. Even if we lose one copy of the Yi Jin Jing, it will still give Shaolin an extra layer of protection. Moreover, the value of the Seventy-Two Arts far exceeds that of the Lesser Formless Skill."
Abbot Chengyi, who hadn't uttered a single word since Wuyazi and Li Qiushui arrived, finally spoke.
In reality, the official abbot of Shaolin Temple is Cheng Yi, while Qian Xin is the former abbot who has long since retired and no longer cares about Shaolin affairs.
However, the incident of Wu Yazi and Li Qiushui challenging the entire martial arts world has caused too much of a stir, so Cheng Yi had no choice but to invite Qian Xin back to take charge.
With the arrival of Abbot Qianxin and the presence of senior monks of the Qian generation, the junior abbot Chengyi dared not interrupt. Moreover, this matter was too significant for someone of the Cheng generation to decide.
Even the devout abbot felt he couldn't shoulder the responsibility and was considering backing out.
After all, Qianxin won't live much longer, and he's not the current abbot. Even if Shaolin gets the Lesser Formless Skill and makes it flourish, that will most likely be after Qianxin passes away.
It's understandable that someone might want to play it safe, but if playing it safe ruins the game, it might not be a big deal for someone with the character "虔" (qián), but it would be very awkward for someone with the character "诚" (chéng).
Future generations will think that the Cheng generation lacked responsibility and missed the opportunity for Shaolin to regain its former glory of having all 72 Shaolin skills flourishing everywhere. The first to bear the blame is the current abbot, Cheng Yi.
Therefore, at this time, Chengyi has no choice but to speak on behalf of the Cheng family and must ensure that this bet is made.
Using only the Seventy-Two Arts as a wager was a thoughtful and deliberate decision, leaving Shaolin with a unique treasure while also satisfying the demands of the Free and Unfettered Sect to the greatest extent possible.
As expected, after the suggestion was sincerely put forward, both the senior monks, such as Qiansu, and the monks of the Cheng generation all expressed their agreement.
Qianxin nodded in satisfaction at Chengyi's sincerity. "Then let's settle the bet. Next, we should discuss how to conduct the competition. Does anyone have any good ideas?"
"If our Qian generation takes action, it will be foolproof, but it would be too much of a bullying tactic, which would invite ridicule from the martial arts world. Moreover, those two from the Xiaoyao Sect would most likely not agree to it. Therefore, only the Cheng generation can take action."
Qian Su's words were somewhat of a way of shifting blame. If it really came down to a fight, he might not even be able to beat Cheng Yi. Youth has its advantages; older people may have great internal strength, but their physical bodies are not as strong, and none of them are indestructible.
In addition, Qiansu now roughly understands Qianxin's true thoughts: some things should be left to the next generation to handle.
Qiansu has already made up his mind. After this matter is over, he will resign from his position as head of the Disciplinary Hall and take a break.
"Chengyi, as the abbot of Shaolin, you should take on this responsibility. You can decide how the competition should be conducted. Even if you suggest that we all rush in, I will support you," Qianxin encouraged.
With his hands clasped together, Cheng Yi said, "Thank you for your support, Abbot. I have already thought it through. In this bet, we will follow the example of the Kunlun Sect and the Beggars' Sect and fight with multiple people. The Kunlun Sect has the Chaos Sword Formation, the Beggars' Sect has the Dog-Beating Stick Formation, and our Shaolin has the Bodhidharma Thirty-Six Arhats Formation!"
Qian Su's eyes lit up. "If they really agree, then we're guaranteed to win!"
The eminent monks all nodded in agreement. How could they not win? The Bodhidharma Thirty-Six Arhats Formation consisted of thirty-six masters, and its power was far greater than that of two Eighteen Arhats Formations combined. How could thirty-six masters possibly lose against two people?
Qianxin frowned. "Sincerity, huh? Are you confident you can persuade them?"
"Yes," he said sincerely and confidently.
"In that case, let's send someone to call them back." Qianxin also made up his mind. To be honest, he also felt it was a pity to miss out on the Lesser Formless Skill. This Lesser Formless Skill was too suitable for Shaolin. No other sect had so many unique skills. Even if one spent a lifetime learning them all, one could not learn them all.
Soon, Wu Yazi and Li Qiushui returned to their room.
"Has Abbot Qianxin really thought this through? I'm not here to do business; I don't like haggling."
“I have already abdicated and handed over the position to a more capable person. The current abbot of Shaolin is sincere. Let him talk to you.” Abbot Qianxin said and closed his eyes.
"Esteemed sirs, we have just discussed this and have agreed to use the Seventy-Two Shaolin Arts as stakes, and we will set the rules for the competition. If you agree, we can continue discussing the competition; if not, then this matter is off, and I will immediately have someone escort you down the mountain," Abbot Chengyi said expressionlessly.
Wu Yazi pondered for a moment, "The stakes are fine, but surely you eminent monks don't intend to ambush my wife and me? If it were a sect like Kunlun, an ambush would be one thing, but Shaolin..."
With a slight smile, Cheng Yi said, "The leader of the Xiaoyao Sect is joking. In the martial arts world, Shaolin and the Beggar Clan are equally famous. Even the Beggar Clan leader personally took to the field, and with the elders surrounding them, they could not defeat the two of you. How could Shaolin dare to underestimate you?"
Moreover, the strength displayed by the two gentlemen just now far exceeded our expectations. Our Shaolin masters of the Qian generation do not wish to bully the weak in this competition. If it were a one-on-one fight, wouldn't that be tantamount to handing over Shaolin's secret techniques to the two of you?"
Wu Yazi thought for a moment, "Besides the senior monks of the Qian generation, senior monks of the Cheng generation who are over sixty years old are also not allowed to participate in the siege, and the total number of Shaolin monks participating in the competition shall not exceed thirty. What do you think?"
Cheng Yi looked troubled. “It’s no problem if they are under sixty years old. How about adding six more people? Don’t worry, there aren’t many experts of the Cheng generation in our temple. The only ones we can add are disciples of the Xin and Ling generations.”
Wu Yazi smiled bitterly, "It seems that Abbot Chengyi wants to use a formation of thirty-six people to deal with us. Well, since my wife and I have taken the initiative to disturb Shaolin for this duel, we should suffer some losses."
However, I have one more request. To prevent the loser from backing out, could we allow members of other sects to enter the temple to watch the battle and serve as witnesses?
"That's only right." With his hands clasped together in sincerity, he finally settled the bet. He was sure to win, so why was he afraid of what others might think?
"Thank you for your understanding, Abbot Chengyi. Shall we draw up a written agreement?" Wu Yazi smiled slightly.
"Someone, prepare the writing implements immediately," Abbot Chengyi waved his hand.
Soon after, news spread that Shaolin had accepted the challenge and allowed other sects to watch the battle.
The martial arts practitioners who had come to Shaolin with Wuyazi and Li Qiushui had not actually left. Even if Shaolin did not allow them to enter, they could wait outside for the outcome.
Unexpectedly, they've been allowed in again. This time it's a duel between top masters, a rare sight in the martial arts world.
Coincidentally, just as Shaolin Temple announced that outsiders could enter the temple to watch the battle, Jiang Kuang, the leader of the Beggars' Sect, arrived with Wang Jiantong and several elders.
Although the Beggars' Sect lost yesterday's battle, it still inspired respect. The Beggars' Sect is full of heroes, but Elder Xu Chongxiao was unable to come due to his severe injuries.
Shaolin has its own training ground, and it's quite large, because Shaolin also has the 108 Arhat Formation and the 1008 Novice Monk Formation to practice, but they were too embarrassed to use these two formations this time.
With everything ready, Wu Yazi and Li Qiushui arrived at the center of the training ground, where the thirty-six Shaolin monks were already in formation.
Eight masters of the "Cheng" generation, twenty-six masters of the "Xin" generation, and two masters of the "Ling" generation. Abbot Chengyi also personally participated, and he was exactly fifty-nine years old, which was one of the reasons why he agreed to set the upper limit of sixty years old for Wuyazi.
During this period, the backbone of Shaolin was composed of masters of the Xin generation, who were around forty years old. They were in their prime and their internal strength was not weak.
In comparison, it is extremely rare for two young people of the Ling generation to be selected. It is not that there are not enough people of the Xin generation, but that these two disciples of the Ling generation are too outstanding. Before they were even thirty years old, they had already surpassed some masters of the Xin generation.
"Madam, please be careful," Wu Yazi said solemnly.
"Understood. I must not seriously injure him, and even less kill him." Li Qiushui smiled slightly.
"The duel begins!" Qianxin waved his hand. Now that things had come to this, all he could do was hope that the Shaolin disciples on the field would perform well. He hoped that the Lesser Formless Skill was truly destined for Shaolin.
"Gentlemen, do not hold back! The enemy is not even afraid of the Twenty-Eight Subduing Dragon Palms, so why should we show mercy? Maintain formation, everyone attack together!" At Abbot Chengyi's command, the Shaolin monks rushed forward.
A great battle has begun...
Thirty-six against two!
Wang Jiantong whispered, "Master, if we had been as shameless as Shaolin yesterday, maybe we wouldn't have lost... Ouch."
Jiang Kuang casually flicked Wang Jiantong on the forehead, "Don't talk nonsense, just watch carefully."
Chapter 418 Fierce Battle (2-in-1)
The Bodhidharma Thirty-Six Arhats Formation is formed by thirty-six eminent monks from Shaolin Temple. It surrounds the enemy, moving like flowing clouds and water, and when it stops, it is as heavy as a mountain, making it extremely difficult for the enemy to break through.
Like a python coiling around, with its head and tail responding in unison, leaving no opening, once it starts, the momentum of its group attack is continuous and never-ending. If you try to fight this wheel-like group attack head-on, even if you are not killed, you will eventually be exhausted to death.
Abbot Chengyi immediately unleashed the Great Vajra Pestle, one of the Seventy-Two Arts of Shaolin. This fist technique is extremely powerful, on par with the Vajra Palm, and can severely injure enemies with its profound internal force. Beginners use the Vajra Pestle as a weapon, but once mastered, the fist can be transformed into a pestle, which can break the ribs of anyone hit and kill them instantly.
The other seven senior monks of the Cheng generation and other Shaolin disciples who participated in the battle also possessed the Seventy-Two Shaolin Arts, but most of them were relatively weak Shaolin Long Fist, Arhat Fist, and Eighteen Strikes of Grappling.
However, this "weaker" is only relative. These skills are relatively easy to learn and not difficult to master in the later stages. Therefore, their power is not particularly strong, but it is definitely not weak either. At least it is stronger than most martial arts in the martial arts world. If one suddenly understands and masters them to the highest level of transcendence, their power will definitely be worthy of the name of the Seventy-Two Ultimate Skills.
Furthermore, learning a less difficult skill can save time to learn a second or even a third skill. If one can master more than three Shaolin skills, even without reaching the highest level, one's strength should not be underestimated.
Of course, this method of becoming a master by accumulating unique skills will definitely take a lot of time. Young martial artists are unlikely to master more than three unique skills, and it is useless to only know some superficial skills.
In fact, most Shaolin disciples do not follow a single path, because if you want to specialize, you have to practice powerful martial arts, but the greater the power, the harder it is to master, and you have little combat power before you master it.
In order to have the ability to protect themselves, many people will also learn 'quick-learning' skills such as Shaolin Long Fist, just in case they accidentally become extraordinary in the future?
Of course, it's also fine not to cultivate such unique skills. Shaolin also has basic fist techniques, staff techniques, knife techniques, etc., and there are usually few opportunities to go down the mountain. Just keep a low profile in the temple, and you can make a name for yourself when you master the unique skill you've been studying.
Ling Chong's main skill is Shaolin Continuous Kick. Although he is not yet proficient, his natural leg strength makes his skills formidable.
Lingmen has been practicing the Vajra Palm diligently since childhood and has already achieved some success. However, because his internal strength is not yet profound enough, he has not entered the ranks of Shaolin's top masters. But he is truly the leading figure of the Ling generation in Shaolin.
It can be said that Abbot Chengyi of Shaolin sent out a team of Shaolin's most skilled fighters, so it's no wonder he was confident of victory.
However, despite the large number of people in Shaolin who know the Seventy-Two Arts, it is still far inferior to the Shaolin of the past. During Shaolin's heyday, the masters in the temple mastered seven or eight arts at the same time, and at least one of them was an extremely powerful art like Vajra Indestructible.
On the roof of a meditation room next to the martial arts arena, Jiang Kuang and Wang Jiantong sat side by side. If you want to watch this kind of group fight, it's more comfortable to sit high up. From below, you can probably only see the Shaolin people.
Wu Yazi and Li Qiushui were together at the beginning, but they were quickly separated by the Thirty-Six Arhats Formation of Bodhidharma. Abbot Chengyi led a group of Xin-generation disciples to besiege Wu Yazi, while the other seven Cheng-generation masters led the rest of the group to besiege Li Qiushui.
Once a martial arts master reaches the level of the "Xin" generation, they can no longer be dealt with by a single sweep of Wu Yazi's White Rainbow Palm from a distance. It should be noted that Shaolin martial arts mostly involve both internal and external cultivation, and most practitioners start learning martial arts from a very young age.
Of those who are currently on stage, apart from the two disciples of the Ling generation, Lingmen and Lingchong, none of the others are inferior to Wuyazi and Li Qiushui in skill. After all, their age is a factor, and ten more years of training can make up for any lack of talent.
The key point is that the Free and Unfettered Sect's motto is to be proficient in everything. Wu Yazi has spent a lot of time on things other than martial arts over the years, while the monks of Shaolin Temple do nothing but chant sutras and practice martial arts. With this disparity, no matter how talented Wu Yazi is, he cannot be much stronger than these Shaolin monks.
Of course, if we're considering the Northern Darkness Divine Art, then that's a different story.
Shaolin also has the Yi Jin Jing, which is comparable to the Beiming Divine Skill. It's just that the old man Qianqian was too stingy and didn't pass it on to other Shaolin disciples, not even the abbot. That's quite intriguing.
Otherwise, Shaolin's strength would be even greater.
If the Beggars' Sect could pass on its two ultimate techniques to the elders, Wu Yazi and Li Qiushui wouldn't have been able to inflict such a crushing defeat on them. Even if they only passed on the Dog-Beating Staff Technique to the elders, the Beggars' Sect's combat strength would have skyrocketed.