Who is the mantis, and who is the yellow sparrow

To obtain, one must first give

If we compare the various sects in the martial world to people, Shaolin is undoubtedly the oldest among them, akin to an elder. There is a saying, "An elder in the family is like a treasure," as elders have traditionally been regarded as wise. What is this so-called wisdom? Besides having deeper insight and longer strategies, an important aspect is a more profound self-awareness.

As for the matters that Chongxu and Linghu Chong can comprehend, could it be that Linghu Chong's ancestors and masters from back then were unable to understand? Were the predecessors and leaders of Fangzheng and Chongxu from that time also incapable of grasping them?

However, it must be said that those who revere Shaolin as their leader, the so-called righteous practitioners, may not necessarily have good intentions; Shaolin could also be considered as "being led." Regardless, since Shaolin has taken on the role of leader, it must shoulder the responsibility of organizing efforts to combat the demonic sect; otherwise, Shaolin's reputation will be compromised.

The words of Chongxu are indeed common knowledge. The foundation of the Five Mountains Sword Sect is still shallow, and their actions are too rash, making it inevitable that their base is unstable. Although they have risen quickly, their resources are still not comparable to those of Kunlun and Emei, let alone the profound and extensive seventy-two unique skills of the Shaolin Sect. Such words are rarely spoken aloud, so even though Linghu Chong found them somewhat harsh to hear, he felt as if he had received a sudden enlightenment and could not help but nod in agreement.

For over a thousand years, the martial world has experienced its share of storms and tribulations. Numerous sects, such as the Ming Sect and the Evil Sect, have risen to prominence. They are vibrant and idealistic, possessing an instinct for aggression and expansion. In a short period, their influence may overshadow that of Shaolin, but history will ultimately prove that they are merely fleeting waves, while Shaolin stands as a rock in the sea. The waves will eventually perish on the shore, while the rock endures for a thousand years.

In Chapter 30 of "The Smiling, Proud Wanderer," Chongxu says to Linghu Chong: "The Shaolin Sect has long been recognized as the leader of the martial arts world, acknowledged by all for hundreds of years. Following Shaolin, the next is Wudang, and after that are the Kunlun, Emei, and Kongtong sects. Brother Linghu, the establishment and fame of a sect is the result of countless heroes and outstanding individuals over hundreds of years, who have devoted immense effort to accumulate it. Each set of martial arts techniques is built up bit by bit, through rigorous training and refinement, and is certainly not achieved overnight. The rise of the Five Mountains Sword Sect in the martial arts world has only occurred in the last sixty to seventy years. Although it has flourished quickly, its foundation is still not comparable to that of Kunlun and Emei, let alone the profound and extensive seventy-two unique skills of the Shaolin Sect."

Confucius once said: "At thirty, one stands firm; at forty, one is not confused; at fifty, one knows the mandate of heaven; at sixty, one is attuned to the sounds; at seventy, one can follow one's heart's desires without overstepping the bounds." This means that as one grows older, one becomes increasingly aware of one's own capabilities, understanding what can be accomplished and what cannot. Wise elders thus focus on what they can do, honing their skills to the level of "following one's heart's desires."

In summary, Shaolin has an eighty percent certainty of attracting the Five Mountains Sword Sect. At that time, the Five Mountains Sword Sect was ambitious and arrogant, eagerly seeking expansion. It could withstand everything except temptation

For a long time, Shaolin has been regarded as the North Star of the martial arts world, the leader of the orthodox teachings, the banner of the forces of light, and a powerful support for all righteous factions. This is a well-known fact in the realm of martial arts, recognized by all, including women and children.

Throughout its long existence, Shaolin has witnessed the rise and fall of countless sects, just as the opera lines express: "Watching them build high towers, watching them host banquets, watching their towers collapse." Among these are many once-prominent sects that have been recorded in the history of martial arts. Shaolin is well acquainted with these ambitious fledgling sects and the ambitious individuals within the same camp, much like a courtesan who has seen countless patrons can instantly discern the beastly nature hidden beneath the facade of gentility.

The saying goes, "Haste leads to confusion, and confusion brings about change." As the old adage wisely states: "Desiring speed results in failure to achieve."

Engaging in such a war of attrition clearly undermines the interests of the Shaolin sect. Moreover, with the wisdom acquired from a millennium of practice, Shaolin should understand that sects like the Demon Cult cannot be eradicated through extermination. Both evil and benevolence stem from human nature; they are inseparable and intertwined. Without evil, where does good come from? If the Demon Cult were completely eradicated, what would become of the so-called righteous teachings? Unless humanity faces extinction, leading to the simultaneous demise of good and evil, the goal of "eradicating evil" is unattainable. If the Demon Cult were completely eradicated, what would become of the so-called righteous teachings? Unless humanity faces extinction, leading to the simultaneous demise of good and evil, the goal of "eradicating evil" is unattainable

Thus, shortly after the establishment of the Five Mountains Sword Sect, the long-hidden "Sunflower Manual," which had been absent from the world for hundreds of years, mysteriously reappeared in the martial arts community. This sparked an inexplicable wave of nostalgia. Suddenly, tales of the legendary "Sunflower Manual" were recounted everywhere, and it was hailed as the "fighter jet among secret manuals." It was said that "one phrase practiced is worth ten thousand phrases," and mastering the manual was akin to "unraveling silk and peeling away layers to drive away evil spirits, daring to bring peace to the present age." From then on, the Central Plains would no longer be unhappy, and "the Central Plains would stand up" instead of lying down. There were also claims that the "Sunflower Manual" contained secret techniques for intimate practices, allowing one to enjoy the company of ten women at night and ascend during the day. It was said that a certain elder from the martial world, who called himself Moro, had mastered the manual in his lifetime, leaving behind famous sayings that spread far and wide. Moro said: "Since practicing the 'Sunflower Manual,' my waist no longer aches, my legs no longer hurt, my training is invigorating, and my meals are delicious. Especially at night, I am no longer a disgrace, and I no longer need to remember the 'Diary of the Disgraced.'"

There is no need for Shaolin to be overly concerned about the Demon Sect. Firstly, the martial arts of the Demon Sect itself are not weak; the elders and above within the sect are all highly skilled figures in the martial world, and the martial prowess of its leader can be ranked among the top three in the world. As a political figure, the allure of martial arts secrets cannot compare to that of power. However, the "Sunflower Manual" did not enable the then leader of the Demon Sect to gain more power. (Dongfang Bubai practiced the "Sunflower Manual" to solidify his position within the sect, and the subsequent drastic change in his character is another matter.) Therefore, for the Demon Sect, there is some temptation, but it is limited; as a political figure, the allure of martial arts secrets cannot compare to that of power, but the "Sunflower Manual" did not help the then leader of the Demon Sect to gain more power. (Dongfang Bubai practiced the "Sunflower Manual" to solidify his position within the sect, and the subsequent drastic change in his character is another matter.) Therefore, for the Demon Sect, there is some temptation, but it is limited.

Compared to traditional aristocrats like Shaolin, the Five Mountains Sword Sect is merely a nouveau riche; its rise is vigorous, yet its fall is equally abrupt

To take a step back, even if Shaolin made a miscalculation, the leader of the Demon Sect, in a moment of impulsiveness, could send someone to Jiulian Mountain to seize the scriptures. At worst, he could have Monk Hongye learn from Monk Kuroyō of Tianlong Temple and destroy the sacred texts in front of the Demon Sect's followers. After all, according to the plan, this book was destined to be burned sooner or later; it was merely a matter of the plan being shelved, resulting in a wasted effort.

The ancient trees on Shaoshi Mountain have not turned into demons, but the martial arts treasures and survival wisdom accumulated over the past 1,200 years have endowed the monks on Shaoshi Mountain with not only the skills akin to those of demons but also the profound cunning characteristic of such beings. This represents the soft power of Shaolin, unmatched in the martial world.

The true "Sunflower Manual" is known among insiders to be in Putian Shaolin

Starting from the establishment of the temple during the Northern Wei Dynasty until the period of "The Smiling, Proud Wanderer," Shaolin Temple has already reached the venerable age of 1,200 years. This is undoubtedly an anomaly in the ever-changing world of martial arts. If the saying about ancient trees turning into demons after a thousand years holds any truth, then the aura of demons must be overwhelming on Mount Shaoshi, making it impossible for any monk to attain Buddhahood.

The essence of Chongxu's words can be encapsulated in a concept created by netizens, which is simply two words: Musashi. Musashi represents a form of soft power, where "a series of martial arts techniques are accumulated bit by bit, through countless trials and refinements, and are certainly not achieved overnight." Because the accumulation of Musashi is not easy, it serves as the best measure of a sect's depth. The reason Shaolin has become the leader of the martial world is that its grand architecture and numerous disciples are merely superficial; the true strength of Shaolin lies in the collection of texts in its scripture pavilion. Knowledge is power; even if Mount Shaoshi is reduced to ashes, as long as that collection of texts remains, (even if the books are gone, as long as the knowledge is preserved) no one would dare to underestimate the Shaolin sect. Furthermore, even if they reside in thatched cottages in the future, they can still rise again from the ashes. Knowledge is power; even if Mount Shaoshi is reduced to ashes, as long as that collection of texts remains, (even if the books are gone, as long as the knowledge is preserved) no one would dare to underestimate the Shaolin sect. Furthermore, even if they reside in thatched cottages in the future, they can still rise again from the ashes.

When the six major sects besieged the Bright Summit, why did the most skilled Zhang Sanfeng not participate, instead allowing the less capable Song Qingshu to act as the vanguard? Because Song Qingshu still needed to make a name for himself, while Zhang Sanfeng did not. Why did sects like Emei and Kunlun mobilize their entire forces, while Shaolin and Wudang retained significant strength? (Wudang's Zhang Sanfeng, Shaolin's San Du) This is because sects like Emei and Kunlun still needed to compete for ranking in the martial world, while Shaolin and Wudang did not; their presence at the Bright Summit was merely to add a finishing touch, or to support someone.

Shaolin is also like this. Over the course of more than a thousand years, it has come to understand that the unification of the martial world is something that no one can achieve. Anyone who harbors such ambitions will only sow the seeds of disaster. It also understands that what it can do is to establish itself as the largest sect in the martial world, and it has focused on this task, doing it exceptionally well.

Public opinion surged like a tide, and the illegal publication "The Sunflower Manual" quickly became widely known. Even vendors selling sunflower seeds in the market began to label their bags with "This sunflower seed is crafted using the secret methods of 'The Sunflower Manual', please purchase!" At that time, countless children encountered disheveled beggars on the streets, who held a greasy little booklet claiming it was "The Sunflower Manual" in exchange for the lollipops in the children's hands. As these beggars left, they would solemnly advise the children to practice diligently: "The heavy responsibility of maintaining world peace is entrusted to you." A sense of unprecedented responsibility arose, and after returning home, the children immediately stripped off their clothes to practice. As a result, they were discovered by their parents and received a thorough beating, only to find that this so-called "Sunflower Manual" was actually a collection of erotic illustrations.

For the Wudang Sect, harboring such treacherous intentions is entirely unnecessary. The martial arts of Wudang are already sufficiently rich, and the boxing and sword techniques left by Zhang Sanfeng are of quality comparable to the "Kuhua Baodian." Moreover, Wudang has formed a strategic partnership with Shaolin, and it is possible that this maneuver of "letting go to capture" is orchestrated by Wudang as one of the masterminds. Therefore, Shaolin need not worry that Wudang would covet this worthless book

On the surface, the forces of good and evil are irreconcilable; the Shaolin Temple and the Evil Cult are sworn enemies. However, in reality, Shaolin is not particularly anxious. They have encountered many sects like the Evil Cult, which are akin to nouveau riche. If Shaolin truly wished to confront the Evil Cult head-on, given the widespread presence of its disciples and its influence in the martial world, organizing a large-scale operation similar to the "Siege of the Bright Summit by the Six Major Sects" would not be difficult. However, such an endeavor would result in a thousand enemies killed but eight hundred of their own lost; there is no need to seek temporary glory at the cost of destroying a millennia-old foundation. Organizing a large-scale operation similar to the "Siege of the Bright Summit by the Six Major Sects" would not be difficult. However, such an endeavor would result in a thousand enemies killed but eight hundred of their own lost; there is no need to seek temporary glory at the cost of destroying a millennia-old foundation.

The words "Shaolin Temple" were like a bucket of cold water, extinguishing the ambitions of the majority who were eager to act. However, not everyone is deterred by these two words, such as the Wudang Sect, the Demon Cult, and the Five Mountains Sword Sect. Moreover, this Shaolin refers to "Putian Shaolin" rather than "Songshan Shaolin." For these three factions, the difficulty in taking action lies not in how to proceed, but in the decision-making phase: should they harbor such thieving intentions?

The so-called struggle between good and evil in the martial world is, in fact, merely a competition for fame and fortune wrapped in a beautiful guise. Which of those so-called heroes did not gain renown in the martial world through acts of slaughter cloaked in the name of justice? Each year, new figures emerge in the martial world, and new sects, gangs, and schools are born. Each of them seeks fame, each desires the respect or fear of their peers, thus they all require a grand stage for slaughter to justify their killings, paving their path to success with the blood of others. Each year, new figures emerge in the martial world, and new sects, gangs, and schools are born. Each of them seeks fame, each desires the respect or fear of their peers, thus they all require a grand stage for slaughter to justify their killings, paving their path to success with the blood of others

When there are too many dazzling halos, they can obscure basic common sense. Just like fifty years ago, when the entire nation fervently worshipped a certain fabricated deity, so much so that when he passed away in 1976, a considerable number of people expressed their inability to accept it. How could a god possibly die? Long live, long live, long long live! Ah, it turns out he was just a person! The same applies to Shaolin. Very few people realize that no matter how great Shaolin is, it is merely a sect within the martial arts community, and as long as it is a sect, there will be factional interests. Long live, long live, long long live! Ah, it turns out he was just a person! The same applies to Shaolin. Very few people realize that no matter how great Shaolin is, it is merely a sect within the martial arts community, and as long as it is a sect, there will be factional interests.

This historical account illustrates one thing: Shaolin has always prioritized the interests of its own sect above all else

Moreover, the reputation of Shaolin is well-known. Even if it does not strike against the Demon Sect, the Demon Sect, in its efforts to expand its influence, will still list Shaolin as its primary target. Therefore, before the emergence of the Five Mountains Sword Sect, Shaolin had always been the main force in the anti-demon coalition, engaging in several fierce battles with the Demon Sect, resulting in significant losses on both sides. At that time, the Demon Sect was in a period of ascendance, full of vigor, and thus, comparatively, Shaolin suffered even greater losses.

At that time, the most urgent concern for the Five Mountain Sword Sects was to enrich their own martial resources and strengthen their foundations

Imagine, what was the most pressing need for a fledgling sect like the Five Mountains Sword School at that time

Now, Shaolin is being forced to confront the Demon Sect in a deadly struggle, which is truly unfortunate, Amitabha, this is truly unfortunate. Shaolin finds itself in a dilemma; it must strike against the Demon Sect, yet it is unwilling to engage in a brutal fight that could lead to severe injuries.

Once again, the Demon Cult need not worry that the "Sunflower Manual" will significantly enhance Shaolin's strength, posing a further threat to itself. Shaolin's martial arts are already unparalleled in the world; it requires this broken book even less than the Wudang Sect. Moreover, Shaolin's martial arts form a complete system, and the martial arts of other sects are incompatible with it. Furthermore, the monk Hongye from Putian Shaolin has publicly declared, "We will never be the first to use the 'Sunflower Manual.'" Such political statements are not made lightly. The Demon Cult and Shaolin have been locked in a stalemate for many years and should understand that they cannot swallow Shaolin for the time being. Currently, the Five Mountains Sword Sect is rapidly rising, provocatively challenging the Demon Cult, even including the eradication of the Demon Cult in its organizational charter. This kind of threat is extremely destructive and should be prioritized as a primary target for elimination. At this moment, initiating a light conflict with Shaolin would be an extremely unwise action.

Moreover, if one carefully investigates the history of the martial arts world, it becomes evident that the notion of "Shaolin as the leader of the orthodox teachings" is fundamentally an illusion. Among the various individuals in the jianghu, the most pure and idealistic defenders of justice are those independent wanderers; next are the gangs, such as the Beggars' Sect and the Ming Sect; only then do the sects come into play, with Shaolin being the most cautious among them. From the Northern Wei period to the early Qing dynasty, Shaolin maintained a relatively decent relationship with the ruling authorities of various dynasties. In the internal conflicts of the jianghu, Shaolin appeared to be quite active, yet during times of national crisis and the peril of the state, Shaolin's stance seemed somewhat ambiguous. During the late Southern Song dynasty, at the Great Heroes' Conference at Dazhan Pass and the Xiangyang Martial Arts Conference, representatives from all walks of life participated, but where was the presence of the Shaolin monks?

At this very moment, a groundbreaking achievement occurred: the establishment of the Five Mountains Sword Sect. Even more remarkably, one of the purposes of this alliance among the five smaller sects is to eradicate the Demon Cult. This truly provides significant assistance to Shaolin. If the primary battlefield between the righteous sects and the Demon Cult can be shifted to the conflict between the Demon Cult and the Five Mountains Sword Sect, Shaolin would be able to breathe a sigh of relief, occasionally sending some junior disciples to lend support, shout a few battle cries, while the senior monks could retreat to their meditation rooms to enjoy tea.

Before the Ming Dynasty, there was no notion that "Shaolin is the leader of the orthodox teachings." The influence of Quanzhen, the Beggar's Sect, and the Ming Sect in the martial world far surpassed that of Shaolin. Later, the Quanzhen Sect was destroyed by the Mongol siege, the elites of the Beggar's Sect perished alongside Xiangyang City, and the Ming Sect produced a treacherous figure like Zhu Yuanzhang. The saying goes, "The lofty are easily lacking, the pure are easily soiled, and idealists are easily perished; nobility is the epitaph of the noble, while worldly wisdom is the talisman of the worldly." The Shaolin monk clasped his hands together and said, "Amitabha, the monk's six roots are pure, and he does not concern himself with worldly matters." After all the heroes had perished, the short ones rose to prominence, and the opportunists became the new giants. Thus, the saying reiterates, "The lofty are easily lacking, the pure are easily soiled, and idealists are easily perished; nobility is the epitaph of the noble, while worldly wisdom is the talisman of the worldly." The Shaolin monk clasped his hands together and said, "Amitabha, the monk's six roots are pure, and he does not concern himself with worldly matters." After all the heroes had perished, the short ones rose to prominence, and the opportunists became the new giants. Only then did Shaolin become the leader of the orthodox teachings.

Secondly, as mentioned in the previous chapters, for centuries the "Sunflower Manual" has been practiced by almost no one; at that time, it was merely a legend. Its appearance in Shaolin may also have been a trap, as the demonic sect would not risk everything for a mere legend