Chapter 148: The Unbreakable Bond of the Invincible East

“This is not a fight of power levels or combat systems,” said Daoist Chongxu, his heart jolting as he watched Zuo Lengchan so strangely and decisively defeat Fang Zheng. Gritting his teeth, he stepped onto the arena and cupped his hands toward Yue Buqun. “Sect Leader Yue, for the sake of our shared Daoist lineage, please show mercy.”

“Wudang inherits the Daoist tradition of Master Zhang. When our China drove out the Yuan-Mongols and restored the nation, Wudang made great contributions. Since you and I both come from the Daoist lineage, we should spar with restraint,” Yue Buqun nodded, implying it was just an internal Daoist exchange—no fatal blows or destruction of Wudang’s legacy.

Fearing he would suffer the same fate as Fang Zheng, Daoist Chongxu cared little for his own life but greatly for the continuity of the tradition. Hearing Yue Buqun’s words, he breathed a sigh of relief and cupped his hands. “Junior Brother Yue, please.”

Daoist Chongxu did not wield a sword but took up the stance of Tai Chi. Since it was an internal Daoist sparring, it was fitting to address Yue Buqun as junior brother.

“Senior Brother, please!” Yue Buqun responded, adopting a soft fist posture.

Raising his hand to feint, Yue Buqun clashed with Chongxu in a flurry of strikes. Their exchange was light, focused on sparring rather than harm. Chongxu launched most attacks, while Yue avoided and dodged, his eyes rolling back as he deeply savored and comprehended the essence of Chongxu’s Tai Chi.

At their level, moves meant little; what mattered was the spirit behind them. Though Chongxu’s Tai Chi and Yue’s Soft Fist were fundamentally different systems, one’s strength could be honed by learning from another. In this brief encounter, Yue’s understanding of Soft Fist deepened.

The short sparring only gave Yue a glimpse of insight. For deeper comprehension, one needed long-term practice and frequent sparring. Now was not the time. With a single, empty-handed feint, Yue assumed the posture of the Bagua Wandering Dragon Palm and declared, “Bagua Sixty-Four Palms.”

A massive Tai Chi diagram appeared beneath their feet. Chongxu felt as if his body was coated in thick glue; his once effortless lightness now felt like wading through mud. Seeing the Tai Chi diagram, he was stunned: “Tai Chi Domain!”

Yue Buqun made a phantom tap in front of Chongxu, not striking him directly. Knowing Yue’s finger strength could shatter gold and jade, Chongxu gave up resisting.

“Junior Brother Yue’s skill humbles me, Senior Brother,” he admitted.

“All thanks to Master Shu,” Yue Buqun said, bowing distantly toward Yang Xin. After Chongxu stepped down, Yue used a flash step to appear beside Yang Xin.

The second match was won by Yue Buqun.

***

“After returning to Wudang, I sealed the mountain for a hundred years and ceased meddling in the affairs of the martial world,” Daoist Chongxu said, cupping his hands respectfully.

“No need for that. Wudang is the orthodox Daoist sect and must not be sealed. Instead of closing its doors, it should recruit many disciples. I hope Daoist Chongxu will widely teach Tai Chi,” Yang Xin suddenly said.

This was good news, and Chongxu could not refuse, though he had doubts. “Master, Tai Chi emphasizes spirit over form. It appears simple but is extremely difficult to cultivate. Since Master Zhang’s passing, no Wudang disciple has reached its highest realm. If it spreads broadly, I fear the varying aptitudes of practitioners.”

“No matter. My intention is not to cultivate Tai Chi masters but to use Tai Chi as a foundation for health and strength.”

“I understand. Using Tai Chi as a foundation is indeed excellent. Those with exceptional talent can cultivate it deeply. For those lacking aptitude, it still benefits health and longevity. Thank you, Master!” Chongxu expressed his gratitude to Yang Xin repeatedly.

He knew that following Yang Xin’s guidance, Wudang would flourish, and in time, people might equate Wudang with the Daoist faith itself.

***

“Best two out of three, I’ve lost. Is there still a need for me to fight?” Ren Woxing looked at Dongfang Bubai, but actually addressed Yang Xin, unwilling to accept defeat.

“Our grudge must be settled!” Dongfang Bubai jumped onto the arena. “If you win, I will no longer be leader of the Sun Moon Sect, and I will cease all involvement. If you lose...”

“If you lose, take your followers to the grasslands—to found a nation or establish a demonic cult. Whether in this life or the next, do not step foot in Ming territory,” Yang Xin finished.

“Master Yang’s wish, but my own intent,” Dongfang Bubai said calmly. Having joined the Xianyue Sect as an elder, he was on equal footing with Yue Buqun and Zuo Lengchan, so calling Yang Xin “Master Uncle” was appropriate.

Ren Woxing was delighted. Win or lose, his life was safe, and his ambitions unaffected. In truth, Ren had already decided to take his people overseas regardless of the outcome. After Yang Xin scattered the Devil-Subduing Sword Manual across the martial world, many no longer respected him.

Ren Woxing and Xiang Wentian had been severely beaten and humiliated by seven small thugs from the Seven Stars Hall, leaving a deep shadow on Ren’s heart. He had also seen the alliance of Devil-Subduing Sword cultivators organized by Lin Zhennan, numbering nearly a thousand.

In the past, few in the martial world were stronger than Ren Woxing—perhaps only three: Dongfang Bubai, Feng Qingyang, and Fang Zheng, with Zuo Lengchan a partial match. Now, many were stronger, making the Central Plains a harsh place. Thus, when allying with Shaolin, Ren planned to leverage Shaolin’s support to ascend as leader of the Sun Moon Sect and then move the entire sect overseas.

***

His destination was Fusang, where he intended to become a local overlord. But Yang Xin wanted him to go deeper into the grasslands. Ren understood then that Yang Xin was using the martial world’s power to resolve the northern grassland troubles for the Ming dynasty. Ren dared not disobey but planned to be flexible. His plan was to spend some time in the grasslands, kill a prince or destroy a tribe, then head straight to Fusang.

Yang Xin was unaware of the many twists turning in Ren’s mind at that moment. But it didn’t matter. Whether Ren stirred up trouble in the grasslands or Fusang, as long as it benefited Ming, Yang Xin would allow it.

***

The feud between Ren Woxing and Dongfang Bubai spanned decades. In some ways, their relationship resembled that between Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo Shimura in Naruto.

Both had attempted rebellion from below, though Danzo failed to overthrow Hiruzen, while Dongfang Bubai succeeded in rising. The feelings Dongfang Bubai held for Ren Woxing were complicated—it was evident from his imprisoning Ren beneath West Lake for ten years without killing him.

Dongfang Bubai could not be labeled simply good or evil; he was more a heroic figure, ambitious, decisive, and a capable leader. He remembered kindnesses for many years.

Years ago, Tong Baixiong fought fiercely to save the gravely injured Dongfang Bubai and the Seven Tigers of Ludong. Later, he introduced Dongfang Bubai to the Sun Moon Sect, enabling his rise.

Dongfang Bubai never forgot Tong Baixiong’s great debt, though after Tong offended Yang Lianting, Dongfang Bubai ultimately killed him.

Dongfang Bubai’s attitude toward Ren Woxing was also complex. He was grateful for Ren’s recognition of his talent. When Dongfang was merely a minor deputy leader in the Wind and Thunder Hall, Ren promoted him to the Left Bright Envoy and taught him the Sunflower Manual.

But the Sunflower Manual was also his downfall...