This may have been a blow to Duan Sixing, but it was not the main reason why he became a monk.
Duan Sixing's real reason for becoming a monk was to focus on martial arts, because he was recognized within the clan as having the highest talent in martial arts and shouldered the heavy responsibility of revitalizing the martial arts of the Dali Duan clan.
"The tonsure ceremony begins. Duan Sixing, let me ask you one more question: are you truly ready to abide by the Buddhist precepts and formally become a monk?" Abbot Duan Siming asked, staring into Duan Sixing's eyes.
In fact, Duan Siming was Duan Sixing's father. It must have been hard for him to bear the thought of his son becoming a monk. Moreover, Duan Sixing was qualified to succeed him, but unfortunately, their lineage was still somewhat weak.
Fortunately, Duan Sulong was a decent man. For the sake of harmony between the two clans, he agreed to nominate Duan Siming as the abbot of Tianlong Temple, which meant that Duan Siming became the official patriarch of the Dali Duan clan.
“Disciple has made up his mind and is willing to become a monk.” Duan Sixing knelt on the ground with his hands clasped together.
“Alright then, once you enter the Buddhist gate, it’s like entering a deep sea; from then on, you’re just a passerby in the mortal world…” As Duan Siming spoke, he used the Dali Duan family’s unique skill, One-Finger Divine Skill, and gently scraped Duan Sixing’s head. All the black hair fell out, and a perfectly bald head was presented to everyone.
"I, Duan Siming, the abbot of Tianlong Temple, hereby bestow upon you the Dharma name... Kurong... From this moment on, there is no more Duan Sixing in this world, only the monk Kurong. You should strictly abide by the Buddhist precepts and concentrate on practicing martial arts," Duan Siming said with a smile.
Hao Jiu raised an eyebrow. "As expected, he is Elder Kurong, the pillar of Tianlong Temple in the main story of Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils, and can also be said to be Duan Yu's master."
"His Buddhist name is Kurong. Could it be that he wants to cultivate the third ultimate skill of the Dali Duan family, Kurong Zen Kung Fu?" Xiang Yu had heard Xiaoyaozi describe the general situation of Kurong Zen Kung Fu, and after hearing it, he really had no desire to cultivate it at all.
Although this technique can also grant 'immortality,' it requires sacrificing too much. During the cultivation process, one reaches a state of complete absorption, becoming motionless like a withered tree, neither needing nor able to eat, much like an animal hibernating.
It's roughly similar to the later guiding principle that 'life lies in stillness.' Thousand-year-old tortoises and ten-thousand-year-old turtles mostly remain still, but the quality of their lives is far less exciting than the short and wonderful life of an ordinary person.
Fortunately, during the closed-door meditation of the Ku Rong Chan Gong, one's internal energy continuously increases. The longer the cultivation time, the deeper the skill becomes, and the longer one can enter a state of complete absorption in the external world. According to the vision of the ancestor Duan Siping, one can continue to cultivate in this way, and upon emerging from seclusion, one will become a top-notch master.
The only problem is that Duan Siping did not practice this martial art himself after creating it, nor did his descendants. Master Kurong was the first to try it, which shows his extraordinary courage.
"Indeed, the main cultivation method chosen by the monk Kurong is Kurong Zen Kung Fu, probably because he doesn't want the unique skill of the Dali Duan family to be lost. Compared to the Six Meridian Divine Sword, Kurong Zen Kung Fu is theoretically easier to learn, as long as one is willing to give up the frivolous world and endure loneliness."
Furthermore, I believe that the reason the Six Meridian Divine Sword is so difficult to master, besides requiring the ability to multitask, is that it also demands an extremely high level of internal energy. Perhaps Duan Siping created the Withering and Flourishing Zen Skill to assist the Six Meridian Divine Sword.
In the later stages, Duan Yu's simultaneous use of the six swords was almost like having a cheat code. His ranged attacks were unerring and incredibly powerful. In terms of attack power, only the Eighteen Subduing Dragon Palms could rival it, but the latter was far less agile and swift than the Six Meridian Divine Sword.
The Six Meridian Divine Sword's weakness is also very obvious: its internal energy is consumed too quickly. Fortunately, Duan Yu had the Northern Darkness Divine Art to absorb internal energy; otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to maintain his power for very long. But not everyone is as fortunate as Duan Yu, absorbing the power of a series of masters.
Hao Jiu suddenly thought that perhaps Duan Siping, the ancestor of the Dali Duan family, also had a strange encounter. Otherwise, how could he have such great strength at the age of forty or fifty? His internal strength must have been abnormally profound.
Fortunately, Xiang Yu's use of domineering energy to unleash the Six Meridians Divine Sword meant he would never run out of energy. All the overwhelming killing intent he had accumulated over half a lifetime of battles was transformed into domineering energy and stored within his body, and he could continue to transform it in future battles.
Furthermore, the characteristics of Haki energy allow it to be reused; a portion of what is released can be retrieved. Only the portion that is neutralized by the enemy's energy or used to neutralize the enemy's attack is truly consumed.
To be honest, since Xiang Yu started cultivating his domineering aura, the total amount of his domineering aura energy has been increasing. It's impossible to count exactly how much he possesses, simply because his cultivation level isn't high enough to control so much energy at the same time.
"I see. It seems that Duan Siping was quite a figure, it's just a pity he died too young," Xiang Yu said regretfully.
"If we can't see Duan Siping, there's still Duan Yu in the future." Hao Jiu smiled to himself, thinking that it was hard to say whether Duan Siping had even existed in this world.
After Master Kurong was ordained, only one item remained for the Tenryu-ji Grand Ceremony.
Those who knew the inside story, including Elder Fantong Duan Sulong, all turned their attention to Xiang Yu. Surely the promised benefits should be delivered by now?
If Xiang Yu goes back on his word, the Dali Duan family will suffer a great loss. They've already borrowed the One-Finger Divine Skill and the Six Meridians Divine Sword, and Duan Sulong's Black Tiger is also in Xiang Yu's hands. Crucially, the Dali Duan family won't dare easily do anything to Xiang Yu and Xiaoyaozi; they'll have to swallow their anger. However, not everyone considers Xiang Yu and Xiaoyaozi to be divine beings; many doubt Duan Sulong's words. If these two can't produce truly valuable items, a battle might be inevitable.
"God of Wine, have you chosen a shadow host yet?" Xiang Yu felt a little uncomfortable under those gazes; he didn't like owing others anything.
"I've made my selections. Duan Sulong is one, Master Kurong is another, and his son, the eighteen-year-old Duan Silian, is the third. However, I don't intend to interfere too much with their fates. The system shop will only provide one healing medicine." Hao Jiu felt that giving the three Duan family members was enough for now, and they could deal with the future later.
Xiang Yu thought there was no problem, so he spoke according to the list confirmed by Hao Jiu. However, at this moment, a discordant voice arose.
"This is unfair! Why didn't this old monk and His Majesty agree? Do you think that those two items can be borrowed at will without our permission?" Elder Duan Su shouted sternly.
Xiang Yu slowly turned his gaze to this person, "Who are you?"
The instant Duan Suyan and Xiang Yu's eyes met...
Gaa!
The newly appointed law enforcement elder suddenly collapsed to the ground, his legs twitching and his eyes rolling back...
Chapter 387 A Special Forces to Cure Dissent
Dali is a country, and the emperor should have been the supreme and all-powerful figure, but he had little say in Tianlong Temple, which was indeed a very awkward situation.
But what can you do when the Duan family of Dali is a martial arts sect?
As the most senior member of the Dali Duan family, Abbot Duan Siming certainly had a say, and the previous emperor, Duan Sulong, being the most skilled in martial arts, naturally had even more say.
The third law enforcement elder was also the emperor's biological father, so it was understandable that he was ranked first. Therefore, Emperor Duan Suzhen was really helpless.
However, after learning from her father, Duan Suyan, that a divine figure brought by Xiaoyaozi would be attending the Tianlong Celebration and distributing precious treasures, Emperor Duan Suzhen of Dali was still looking forward to it. After all, she was the ruler of a country and had to give him some face.
As a result, he, the emperor, didn't receive any of the three generous gifts!
It's one thing for Duan Sulong to have a share, but why is Duan Sixing ranked ahead of the emperor? Even if martial arts skills are given priority, why does that brat Duan Silian also get a share?
Just because Duan Siming is the abbot of Tianlong Temple, does that mean he has both a son and a grandson?
Duan Suzhen was not convinced! The Emperor of Dali was not convinced!
But before he could make up his mind to speak, his father spoke up for him first.
Duan Suzhen nodded inwardly. Under such circumstances, it was truly remarkable that her father could withstand the pressure and fight for his interests.
Moreover, it was most appropriate for the law enforcement elder of Tianlong Temple to raise the question at this time, which was much better than the emperor of Dali making the first move.
It's important to understand that in the Dali Kingdom, who became emperor was often decided by a single word from these old men. If they wanted you to abdicate, you had to. People like Duan Sulong, who didn't like being emperor and voluntarily became monks, were a minority.
Who wouldn't want to have an empire surrounded by beautiful women?
Now that Tenryu-ji has arrived, even if he doesn't want to abdicate when he reaches the age, he will have to. Even if he can pass the throne to his son or grandson as he wishes, what does that matter?
Ha, this emperor is not even as good as the grandson of the abbot of Tianlong Temple!
However, Duan Suzhen was actually a little scared. Her uncle, Duan Sulong, had repeatedly warned her not to act recklessly in front of Xiaoyaozi and Bawang, which showed that these two were definitely people that Dali could not afford to offend.
Fortunately, what his father said wasn't too outrageous. While questioning the unfairness, he also subtly mentioned the matter of borrowing the secret manual yesterday. At least in this matter, without their approval, even if the One Finger Divine Skill was borrowed, the Six Meridians Divine Sword could not have been sent along with it. This was a great achievement, and Duan Siming's family couldn't have kept it all to themselves!
However, the tyrant's question, "Who are you?" stumped the dignified elder of the Tianlong Temple. No, to be precise, he was stunned. What exactly happened?
Duan Sulong gasped upon seeing this. He was quite certain that the overlord was not angry; he had simply asked a very ordinary question. It was possible that the overlord did not remember who the law enforcement elder was.
Even if the Overlord was deliberately asking a question he already knew the answer to, and it was meant to be a reproach, Duan Suyan shouldn't be this frightened, right? He's even less frightened than that black tiger!
Abbot Duan Siming was the first to react and rushed over to help. He channeled his inner energy into Duan Suyan, who quickly regained consciousness. With Duan Siming's help, she sat cross-legged, but she was drenched in cold sweat and trembling all over, unable to utter a single word.
"Brahma! How are you?"
"Master Brahma!"
"Elder Brahma..."
Emperor Duan Suzhen of Dali stood up and asked, "May I ask Your Majesty, what exactly is going on?"
Xiang Yu closed his eyes; he didn't want to knock out another one. "Perhaps it's from being too frightened; my eyes are too big for the faint of heart."
Duan Suzhen was speechless for a moment, not knowing how to respond. She wanted to retort that her father was quite bold, but this symptom was indeed caused by being frightened. Such retribution for a single glance was terrifying. Even if it was intentional, so what?
"Hahaha... Everyone, please calm down. Let me take a look at him. He should be fine." Xiaoyaozi was skilled in medicine. Xue Muhua, the divine physician who appeared in Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils, was Xiaoyaozi's grand-disciple and had earned the title of "enemy of the King of Hell."
"Then we'll have to trouble Sect Leader Xiaoyao." Abbot Tianlong stepped aside, and the others followed suit.
Xiaoyaozi quickly and skillfully pressed several acupoints, performing a dazzling display of skill, but Elder Fantian showed no improvement, causing everyone to feel anxious.
"Sect Leader Xiaoyao, is there any way to cure him?" Elder Fantong Duan Sulong couldn't help but ask.
After thinking for a moment, Xiaoyaozi spoke to Brahma using the method of telepathic soul-searching, "Master Brahma, the Overlord has not blamed you. You have misunderstood the Overlord."
"Is this true?" Elder Brahma instantly came to his senses.
Everyone present was speechless. It seemed this person was really scared; a simple sentence was all it took to cure him!
The Emperor of Dali's lips twitched violently, and he slowly retreated to the side, knowing it was best to keep his distance at this time.
Xiaoyaozi scoffed, "Why would I lie to you? But you all seem to have misunderstood one thing. The Overlord has come here mainly to select those with good martial arts talent to bestow great treasures upon, not to reward those who have made contributions."
Moreover, what you consider merits are utterly insignificant to me, and there's no question of fairness. Anyone among you who is confident in their martial arts talent surpasses the three chosen by the Overlord can step forward; I think the Overlord would be happy to select as many as possible.”
“Excellent. Anyone who is close in age to the three I have chosen, and who can defeat or even defeat them in martial arts, will be granted a great treasure. Please challenge them now,” Xiang Yu said with his eyes closed.
Everyone remained silent. Duan Sulong was currently the number one expert of the Dali Duan family. Even without using the One-Finger Divine Skill, they could not defeat him with just swords and sabers.
Duan Sixing, also known as Master Kurong, is a recognized genius within the clan. Before he was even forty years old, he had already cultivated the One-Finger Divine Skill to the fourth rank and was about to cultivate the Six Meridians Divine Sword. If he could cultivate the Six Meridians Divine Sword before Duan Sulong, the title of the number one expert of the Dali Duan Clan would probably change hands.
Only Duan Sixing's son, Duan Silian, who just turned eighteen this year, is relatively low-key among the younger generation and has no notable reputation. Perhaps he could give it a try?
Emperor Duan Suzhen of Dali turned her attention to her son, Duan Sujie, and made frantic hints, even hinting at threats.
Having no other choice, Duan Sujie gritted his teeth, clasped his hands in a fist and said, "Your Majesty, I wish to challenge Uncle Lian, uh, I wish to challenge Duan Silian."
"Yes," Xiang Yu immediately agreed. "Who does Dionysus think will win?"
"No need to ask, of course it's Duan Silian. He is quite famous in history. He not only became the eleventh emperor of Dali, but after abdicating to his son and becoming a monk, he also became a highly virtuous monk, known as Master Benyuan. The people of the country even call him the Old Living Buddha."
At this moment, Duan Sujie and Duan Silian had already started fighting. Both of them were using the One Finger Divine Skill. At first, the two were evenly matched, but as the fight went on, Duan Sujie's stamina began to wane. His legs went weak and his back ached, and he was forced to retreat step by step by Duan Silian.
"Overlord! I demand a rematch tomorrow. I am feeling unwell today. Even if I lose, it doesn't mean my talent is inferior to his!" Duan Sujie roared.
Upon hearing this, Xiang Yu suddenly opened his eyes. "No need. You've already given it your all, but he hasn't. You've lost!"
"No! I didn't lose! I refuse to accept this! Overlord..." Duan Sujie glared at Xiang Yu, and then...
Gaa!
Rolling her eyes, another one fainted!
Hao Jiu's lips twitched violently. "Overlord, have your eyes awakened? They're so damn ruthless, they're perfect for crushing any dissent!"
Chapter 388 As long as they don't die
Because of the Elder's experience last time, everyone wasn't too worried when Duan Sujie fainted this time. They assumed it was just another accidental eye contact with the Overlord, which scared him into fainting out of fear.
In fact, by this point everyone finally understood that as long as they didn't make eye contact when talking to the Overlord, they shouldn't be intimidated. So, when talking to the Overlord, it was best to stare at his mouth.
Now that we know the cause of the fainting, we can find corresponding treatment methods.
Wow!
A ladle of cold water was splashed on Duan Sujie's face.
"Ah! Ah! Ah! I'm not dead? I'm not dead!" Duan Sujie suddenly sat up, haphazardly touching his wet face.