Chapter 3: Joyfully Acquiring the Unparalleled Divine Skill

Just as Linghu Chong was about to lead his horse away, a short and deformed man with a scruffy appearance, dressed in tattered hemp clothing, caught up from behind and blocked his path

This ... ...

Hmm? Why is there none?

Master, you flatter me; I, as a junior, am truly unworthy!" Linghu Chong quickly responded with humility, "This is a personal letter from my master!"

The iron sword indeed has a majestic appearance, but unfortunately, it is too heavy. I have introduced it to several sellers, but none were particularly satisfied. Nowadays, young gentlemen carry swords more for show and to appear stylish, so the lighter, the better. Wouldn't carrying such a cumbersome piece on one's back be a burden?

Indeed, Linghu, you are a remarkable young talent, distinguished in both appearance and demeanor

Master Fangzheng sighed, saying: "Please convey to Master Yue that our Lingjiu Temple is willing to contribute to the martial arts community. I have written this letter inviting Daoist Chongxu from Wudang to ascend Mount Song with us to discuss strategies for dealing with the Demon Cult with the Five Mountain Sword Sects"

The heavy black iron sword used by the Sword Demon Dugu Qiubai is only worth twenty taels? Not to mention anything else, just the eighty-one pounds of extraterrestrial black iron alone is priceless, and you only ask for twenty taels?

Upon seeing Linghu Chong agree to go see the Iron Sword, the lecherous man smiled broadly, his eyebrows curving with delight, and hurriedly led the way, heading straight for the lair.

I am Duan Yu of Dali. In my youth, I formed a close bond with the great heroes Qiao Feng and Xu Zhu, and we became brothers. Unfortunately, my elder brother passed away at a young age. As we gradually grow old, I cannot bear to see the martial arts we have mastered become lost. Therefore, together with my second brother, I have infused our lifelong skills into this relic, leaving behind the martial arts of the three of us. I hope that those destined to receive it will use it to protect their families and serve their country, benefiting the martial arts world.

In the Zen room, an old monk with kind eyes, dressed in a plain robe, is none other than Master Fang Zheng, the abbot of Lingjiu Temple, a top master in the world of "The Smiling, Proud Wanderer." At this moment, he is praising Linghu Chong highly.

With a loud knock, the great door of Lingjiu Temple was opened, and a young monk stepped out, greeting, "What brings you here, benefactor?"

The lewd man, whose real name is Zhao Daba, is a descendant of a tomb raider who served under Cao Cao during the Three Kingdoms period. He was the most famous grave robber of his time. Later, after being injured, he returned to his hometown. Unable to bear the thought of the loss of this skill, he passed it down through generations. However, by the time it reached Zhao Daba's generation, it had completely deteriorated

This sword is quite good; I shall take it. Name your price!" Linghu Chong suppressed the excitement in his heart and spoke to Zhao Daba with a calm tone.

Linghu Chong made up his mind; it would not hurt to take a look. If it turns out to be nothing, it does not matter, but if it is true, then he would be in for a great fortune

The young master is exceptionally handsome and possesses a remarkable demeanor, undoubtedly destined to become a renowned young hero in the martial world

After leaving Mount Hua, Linghu Chong was anxious and hurried, riding swiftly without pause, and finally arrived at Lingjiu Temple after half a month

Linghu Chong slightly bowed and said: "I have an ungracious request, and I hope Master will grant it. In recent years, I have developed a keen interest in Buddhist philosophy. Lingjiu Temple is a sacred place in the Buddhist world, and I am fortunate to be here. I earnestly request Master to allow me to copy a few volumes of Buddhist scriptures in the Cangjin Pavilion, so that I may study them thoroughly upon my return to Huashan"

Master, with your compassion, I, as your junior, shall certainly convey this message to you

At the market at the foot of Lingjiu Temple, Linghu Chong, feeling dejected, led his steed with his head hung low. With the loss of the Nine Yang Divine Skill and no hope for the Yi Jin Jing, attempting to steal the Yi Jin Jing from Lingjiu Temple with his current martial arts skills was akin to seeking death. Overcome with sorrow, he could not help but let out a long howl towards the sky: "Damn it!"

The lecherous man flattered Linghu Chong profusely, then with shifty eyes glanced around before leaning in closer to Linghu Chong and said mysteriously, "I possess a precious item and would like to make a trade with you, young sir. I wonder if you might be interested"

Although this illustrated book is not a famous work by a renowned author, it is indeed a genuine ancient text and holds significant collectible value. Young master, please take a look

Fang Zheng is not afraid of Linghu Chong stealing knowledge; the scripture pavilion of Lingjiu Temple is home to many hidden dragons and crouching tigers. Countless senior masters have secluded themselves within. It is not to mention someone like Linghu Chong, who has barely entered the first-rate realm; even if Yue Buqun, who has already become a top-tier master, were to come, he would find it difficult to achieve anything.

Linghu Chong opened the box and flipped through the picture book, and was immediately astonished

The young master is truly a divine being

The lecherous man seems to have made up his mind to make this deal with wwwhetushu.comcom Linghu Chong

Do you think I, this young master, have never seen treasures? Look at your attire; do you seem like someone who possesses valuable items? I am currently in a very bad mood, do you know that? While I have not yet lost my temper, quickly get out of my sight

Master Linghu, this is the Golden Pavilion of our temple. The second floor and above contain the martial arts manuals of our sect, and one must not proceed without the abbot's permission. The Buddhist scriptures are all on the first floor, and you may select freely. There are the Four Treasures of the Study ahead for you to copy.

It is not easy to find a fool who is both immensely strong and interested in this broken sword, so how could one easily let him go. Iron cannot be sold for much, and only these young masters and wandering young heroes are willing to pay a high price for it

The lewd man Zhao Daba thought that Linghu Chong found it expensive, and immediately nervously explained: "How about I add a comic book that has been passed down along with the Iron Sword for you."

Linghu Chong is undoubtedly a top master in the martial arts world, and the Huashan Qigong is renowned throughout the land. How could he be injured by a mad horse? At that moment, Linghu Chong stepped forward, swiftly turned to the side, seized the reins of the horse, and shouted, "Stop right there!"

"At least twenty taels..." said Zhao Dabaos.

Linghu Chong examined the heavy sword closely, and suddenly his whole body trembled. His gaze sharpened, and then he fixed his eyes intently on the two elegant yet substantial characters engraved on the hilt— "Seeking Defeat"

Linghu Chong furrowed his brows and suddenly slapped his forehead, exclaiming that the Nine Yang Divine Art was originally hidden within the "Lankavatara Sutra". It was later discovered by Zhang Sanfeng's master, Jueyuan, and subsequently, Zhang Wuji found it inside the belly of a white ape in a cave. Now, Zhang Wuji has been dead for several hundred years; how could there still be the Nine Yang Divine Art in this Hidden Gold Pavilion

In order to avoid attracting the attention of those secretly guarding the Hidden Gold Pavilion, Linghu Chong first copied a copy of the "Kṣitigarbha Sūtra". After that, he casually took a copy of the "Diamond Sūtra" before pretending to be nonchalant as he also picked up the "Laṅkāvatāra Sūtra". With a heart full of tension and excitement, he opened the "Laṅkāvatāra Sūtra".

Since you say so, then I shall go to https://m.hetushu.com. Please lead the way.

Young master, how could I dare to deceive you? This is indeed a treasure passed down from my ancestors, a sword weighing eighty-one pounds. I see that you possess extraordinary strength, and you must surely be destined to have this treasure. My humble abode is nearby; why not come to my home first to examine it and discern its authenticity

The groom held immense admiration for Linghu Chong and was deeply grateful, yet Linghu Chong was in a poor mood and could not be bothered to engage. He exchanged a few brief words and turned to leave.

"Stop the damn nonsense. Did your ancestors treasure you just to be thrown in a corner?" Linghu Chong shouted, "Just give me a straightforward price!"

Young master, please hold on!

Linghu Chong fixed his gaze on Zhao Daba, his lips twitching uncontrollably as he stammered, "Comic books? Damn it, you son of a bitch, if you have the guts, bring out a few more..."

"Young master, please do not be concerned, just fifteen taels, only fifteen taels."

The young monk briefly introduced himself and then withdrew, no longer disturbing Linghu Chong as he selected Buddhist scriptures

Zhao Dabaos gambling habit was excessive, yet his skills were poor. He had nearly lost all the family possessions, and thus turned his attention to the items left behind by his ancestors. He sold off everything that could be sold, leaving only a broken iron sword and a few old wooden boxes.

Fortunately, Fang Zheng embodies the standard image of a monk, complete with a monk's robe, prayer beads, and a shaved head, adorned with a scar from his戒. If he were to have long hair like the nuns of the Hengshan Sect and wear pink clothing, Linghu Chong would probably be utterly shocked.

Certainly, please come this way, young master

"What? Twenty taels?" As soon as Zhao Dabaos spoke, Linghu Chong interrupted him, staring in astonishment.

Young master truly has a discerning eye. Today is a rare occasion to meet a noble person like you. If you, young master, spend fifteen taels to purchase this iron sword, I will gift you a few illustrated books passed down from my ancestors as well!" Zhao Dabaos gritted his teeth and pulled out two small wooden boxes from under the table.

Linghu Chong trembled as he took out two ingots of silver from his bosom and tossed them to the ground, tucked three wooden boxes into his clothing, dragged the heavy black iron sword, and staggered away slowly.

Zhao Dabaos has been fond of indulgence and laziness since childhood, leading a life of idleness and being addicted to gambling. He cannot endure loneliness, so how could he invest great effort in mastering the art of tomb raiding? Dealing with the dead is such an ominous affair; being associated with death will surely lead to inevitable losses in gambling in the future. Thus, this great profession has completely declined in this generation

My name is Zhang Wuji. In my youth, I was struck by the Xuanming Divine Palm of the two Xuanming Elders. Fortunately, I was nurtured by my master's true energy, and later discovered the Nine Yang Divine Art within the belly of a white ape. In my later years, I secluded myself on Ice and Fire Island, leaving behind the Nine Yang Divine Art and the Qian Kun Great Shift manual for those destined to inherit them

Huo Maosanzhang cast a sidelong glance at the lewd man, curling his lip and saying

I, Yang Guo, lost my father Yang Kang at an early age and was raised by Uncle Guo... The greatest pride of my life lies in my self-created Dark Soul Palm and the unparalleled sword techniques of the esteemed Dugu. The Dark Soul Palm arose because of Long'er and should also perish with Long'er, but the extraordinary swordsmanship of the esteemed Dugu should not be lost in my hands. I shall leave behind the sword manual for those destined to inherit it

The absence of anyone nearby does not mean that Lingjiu Temple is at ease with Linghu Chong. If Linghu Chong were to stray even slightly from the path, it is likely that a sweeping monk would immediately appear to deal with him in a few swift moves. Lingjiu Temple is home to many hidden talents, and it is impossible to know how many eyes are watching him from the shadows.

The out-of-control horse let out a long neigh, its entire head being pulled back, its front hooves raised high, and finally it collapsed weakly to the ground

I have thoroughly searched through the "Lankavatara Sutra" inside and out, yet I still cannot find the Nine Yang Divine Skill. What is going on? Where is the problem?

Please inform Master Fang Zheng that Ling Hu Chong, the eldest disciple of the Huashan Sect, has come to pay his respects on the orders of his master, Yue Buqun. Ling Hu Chong returned the greeting.

Before long, the young monk returned to Linghu Chong and said, "The abbot is already waiting in the meditation room. Please follow me, Master Linghu."

The sword weighing eighty-one pounds made a profound impression on Linghu Chong, who thought to himself: "It seems that the mysterious heavy sword of Dugu Qiubai weighs exactly eighty-one pounds!"

Seeing Master Fang Zheng hesitate, Ling Hu Chong quickly invoked the names of the Huashan Sect and Yue Buqun, respectfully stating: "The rules of the Huashan Sect are strict, and my master, Yue Buqun, is known in the martial world as the 'Gentleman Sword.' He has always been very strict in teaching his disciples about conduct, and I, as a junior, would never pry into the martial arts of his sect"

Then comes the detailed sword technique chart of the Dugu Nine Swords. As the eldest disciple of Mount Hua, Linghu Chong can easily discern the authenticity of the sword manual. Moreover, it is fated that Linghu Chong is destined to be connected with the Dugu Nine Swords. In the original text, he also learned these Dugu Nine Swords from Feng Qingyang.

The younger generation understands that the Cangjing Pavilion is a significant place within the Buddhist community of Lingjiu Temple, but the younger generation only needs to transcribe a few volumes of Buddhist scriptures

At that moment, a horse-drawn carriage in front accelerated and charged towards Linghu Chong. The driver on the carriage was drenched in sweat, panicking as he desperately pulled on the reins, indicating that it had gone out of control

I can't believe this, after planning for so long, I actually miscalculated the time, it's truly infuriating

"Young master, you have a discerning eye. This is a treasure passed down from my ancestors. If it weren't for the decline of my family's fortunes and the urgent need for money, I would never consider selling it..." Zhao Dabaos began to boast

Following Zhao Dabaos, I arrived at a dilapidated thatched cottage, where I finally saw the iron sword carelessly thrown in the corner. Linghu Chong grasped the hilt and lifted it; it was indeed heavy. The entire blade was a glossy black, and the edge was somewhat dull, as if it had yet to be sharpened.

Zhao Dabaos quickly retrieved a worn wooden box from under the table and handed it to Linghu Chong

"Please wait here for a moment, Master Linghu. I will go to report to the abbot right away," the young monk said, bowing as he took his leave.

The leader of the Demon Cult, Dongfang Bubai, harbors immense ambition, constantly seeking to unify the martial world. His methods are even more ruthless and cruel than those of his predecessor, Ren Woxing. In recent years, he has stirred up a storm of bloodshed in the martial world. Now, with the righteous path in decline, various sects are uniting in a common cause to resist the Demon Cult

It is rare for Master Linghu to possess such a sincere heart towards Buddha; how could this old monk possibly refuse?" After saying this, he instructed the young novice to take Linghu Chong to the Scripture Pavilion

Linghu Chong, carrying three copied Buddhist scriptures, bid farewell to Master Fangzheng. Although he secretly wished to tear the scriptures in his hands into pieces and throw them into the latrine, he had to put on a facade of ecstatic joy, feeling as if he had swallowed several flies.