amaotonovel Chapter 336 Stealing Peaches and Medicine: A Difficult Task
Chapter 336 Stealing Peaches and Medicine: A Difficult Task
Chapter 336 Stealing Peaches and Medicine: A Difficult Task
Beneath the secluded, deserted cliff, where even birdsong was sparse, the only sound was the rustling of the wind through the pine branches, which perfectly masked their conversation, making it impossible for anyone else to hear.
As dusk deepened, as if it were about to completely dissolve into the boundless mountains and fields, Feng Daode dismissed his disciples, saying he had something to say to Jiang Wen alone.
Jiang Wen stood with his hands behind his back, his gaze calm. Even though he was alone at the appointment, no one could detect the slightest change in his smile.
"Sect Leader Feng, this is the third time you've run into me. The first time was in the ancient city of Minyue, when you came for the Minyue treasure and the ancient bronze sword; the second time was in Fuzhou, when you came for the Nine Netherworld Scripture and to fulfill a favor; but I wonder what your name is this third time."
Feng Daode's face remained stern, like a stubborn, unyielding bluestone that would not show the slightest weakness even if it were smashed to pieces.
He naturally knew what Jiang Wen meant.
The so-called "encounter" does not refer to an ordinary roadside meeting, but rather a scene where two parties have come for the same purpose but are standing in a subtly confrontational position. Only in this situation can the two people be sure that the "encounter" is not a coincidence, and there is no need to conceal their intentions.
"Sect Leader Jiang, you might as well speak more clearly than keep beating around the bush."
Jiang Wen clapped his hands and laughed, "Indeed, you speak your mind. I was just lamenting that half a year ago in Fuzhou, Sect Leader Feng would never address me as 'Sect Leader,' but now he seems to take the Wuyi Sect seriously—who can say that Sect Leader Feng is inflexible and unapproachable?"
Feng Daode snorted coldly.
When he first met Jiang Wen in the ancient city of Minyue, he took him for granted as an arrogant, eccentric, and unpredictable reclusive master. Such people are not only common in the martial arts world, but also numerous. However, they are not only free-spirited, but also have a free and solitary temperament. As long as they cannot band together, they will eventually find it difficult to achieve great things.
But once he arrived in Fuzhou, he discovered that Jiang Wen seemed to have undergone some kind of change. Like a rough jade about to emerge from a stone, or an ancient sword with its sharp edge about to sing, his words and actions became sharp and edgy, stirring up the already turbulent Three Mountains and Two Pagodas and almost causing the situation to spiral out of control. Unbeknownst to him, he had unknowingly reaped the greatest benefits.
Soon after, news of Jiang Wen's rising fame spread throughout Guangzhou. This was not unexpected for Feng Daode, as he had seen many such people. Whether they were sharp and outspoken or patient and waiting to strike, they all possessed an unyielding spirit and an ambition to roam the world without ever sinking into obscurity.
It wasn't until the Wuyi Mountain Martial Arts Conference that Feng Daode truly witnessed firsthand the immense turmoil Jiang Wen would stir up once he decided to enter the martial world. His use of the title "Sect Leader" was a clear indication of his high regard for Jiang Wen; even if the Wuyi Sect were to vanish one day, Jiang Wen would certainly not be just another ordinary person.
Because Feng Daode is the same kind of person.
"Sect Leader Feng, since we both have our doubts, why don't we take this opportunity to clear things up and have a question-and-answer session? If you feel that the other party is just being perfunctory, then let's part ways. At least that way, we can 'fully exchange opinions.' What do you think?"
Jiang Wen smiled and continued, "Since Sect Leader Feng is older, let the elder ask the question first. This way, Wudang will not be at a disadvantage. What do you think?"
A person's demeanor is something that is hard to define. Feng Daode's appearance is by no means top-notch, but he has an undeniable air of authority, which makes his narrow features appear even more imposing.
"Does the Wuyi Sect intend to collude with the Southern Shaolin Temple and become an enemy of our Wudang?"
Feng Daode's questions were unvarnished, unconcealed, and unhesitating; they went straight to Jiang Wen's situation and position, carrying an unavoidable menacing aura.
Jiang Wen shrugged and said with utmost sincerity, "Sect Leader Feng, Wudang and Shaolin are both leading figures in the martial arts world. I don't want to get involved in your infighting, and I can't possibly take sides for you. Is that alright?"
Feng Daode shook his head: "There are too many such forces in the martial arts world now. We cannot allow another character to be out of control."
Jiang Wen laughed and said, "Think about it again. The Wuyi Sect didn't exist because you allowed it; it was always there. If you don't allow it to exist, then the Wuyi Sect will have to side with the Southern Shaolin."
Feng Daode remained silent for a moment. Jiang Wen's decision to bring in the Jingnan Prince's Mansion was a delicate choice for people in the martial arts world, and an even more thorny problem for Wudang.
"go ahead."
Jiang Wen revealed a sly smile: "Since you have mentioned Wudang, then I shall take this opportunity to ask who in Wudang sees me as a thorn in their side—could it be Zhao Wuji?"
These words made Feng Daode pause for a moment, as if he was thinking of something, but then he shook his head and said, "Whether you believe it or not, I have already repaid the favor I owed him. Back then, Master Qingsong had given me a second chance, and I also bear some responsibility for his situation... But in my eyes, gratitude and grudges are clearly distinct."
Feng Daode's words revealed a sense of entanglement and helplessness. It seems that the past events of Wudang were complicated and could not be summarized in a few words. Feng Daode also seemed to have some resistance to Zhao Wuji's actions, but only the parties involved could probably explain the root cause.
Jiang Wen nodded slowly.
He didn't want to get too involved in the affairs of the Qingyang Sect, but he could see that it was a mess. It was unclear whether Feng Daode had become the sect leader by borrowing the power of the Qingyang Sect, or whether the Qingyang Sect needed him to control the power of Wudang. In any case, Feng Daode's behavior did have a different logic, unlike Zhao Wuji's unrestrained actions.
If Jiang Wen is a daring gambler who thinks he can win the whole game with just a few coins, then Zhao Wuji is a cunning gambling house owner who is always plotting to conquer the world. Feng Daode is more like a gambler who is rich but stingy, perhaps expecting huge returns but never willing to take any extra risks.
"Alright. Sect Leader Feng, please continue with your questions."
Seeing that Jiang Wen was no longer dwelling on the details, Feng Daode continued calmly, "Do you know how much trouble you will bring upon yourself by taking out the 'Map of the Two Commandments of the World'?"
"Sect Leader Feng does indeed know something. It's a pity that I, Jiang, know more and in greater detail. If things under the control of the martial world ever get out of hand, I don't know whether to rely on Wudang to stop it or Shaolin to suppress it?"
Jiang Wen curled his lip and glanced sideways at Feng Daode, "Oh, by the way, the great hero Yuan Chengzhi also came to Dawang Peak before. He said he witnessed the tragedy that befell Shaolin Temple. The abbot of Shaolin, along with the last few conscious monks, carried something into the Pagoda Forest Underground Palace. I heard they were going to use the Yi Jin Jing to suppress it, but no one ever came out again..."
Feng Daode's face suddenly turned ugly, his eyes fixed on Jiang Wen like a venomous snake. But Jiang Wen could tell that this was not an attack, but rather a proactive defense after being violently impacted.
If Jiang Wen remembered correctly, Feng Daode's original master, Zen Master Xingyin, only took his disciples south after that tragedy. Feng Daode was likely in Shaolin Temple during that time and witnessed firsthand the collapse of an ancient temple and a renowned martial arts family amidst endless, inexplicable fear...
"...Does the mere Wuyi Sect have such confidence?"
Jiang Wen smiled faintly and said, "It is I who have this confidence. Hey, Sect Leader Feng, this is the second question in a row. You have broken the rules."
Upon hearing this, Feng Daode snorted coldly, turned away with a flick of his sleeve, and the scene fell into an eerie silence. As dusk fell over the dense forest, it was as if some invisible creature in the sky was quietly sucking up the colors and shapes that could be discerned in the world, leaving only a chaotic mass of primordial chaos that had been kneaded into a ball.
"...Sect Leader Jiang, you risked your life to save Lu Feiqing during the chaos of the martial arts tournament the other day. I will remember this."
Feng Daode spoke first, his voice extremely low, as if trying to bury every word in the wind, "The Wudang Sect is not solely dominated by the lineage of Grandmaster Zhang Sanfeng; the lineages of Master Qiu and Master Sun also coexist. Originally, several elders in the sect who wielded swords were still fixated on the death of the Eight Immortals Swordsmen and insisted on coming to Wuyi to confront you. After all, the Eight Immortals Swordsmen were from Wudang, and their violent death in Yunnan has caused a great deal of gossip in the martial arts world. The sect must give an explanation."
Upon hearing this, Jiang Wen's brow twitched almost imperceptibly, but he didn't reply, simply waiting quietly for what was to come. He naturally knew that the deaths of the Eight Immortals Swordsmen had far-reaching implications, and if the Wudang Sect truly intended to use this as a pretext to launch an attack, the Wuyi Sect would inevitably be embroiled in trouble. He also hadn't expected that Lu Feiqing held such an important position in Feng Daode's eyes—
He even specifically mentioned that this was a favor to him, "Feng Mou," rather than from the perspective of the "Wudang Sect."
Feng Daode's voice continued to drift over: "I will take full responsibility for this matter. I will persuade the elders of all the sects to let the grudges between the Eight Immortals Swordsmen be put aside. From now on, no one in Wudang will ever use this matter to cause trouble for you and the Wuyi Sect again."
"Master Feng is of noble character."
Jiang Wen nodded slightly, his tone neither humble nor arrogant, "Master Lu has a past relationship with Hero Zhao Banshan, which means he is destined to be with my Wuyi Sect. It is only right that he lends a helping hand. Since Master Lu is willing to handle this matter impartially, Jiang Wen thanks you."
Jiang Wen understood the unspoken meaning behind Feng Daode's words.
Firstly, he would be responsible for easing tensions between the sects and minimizing any actions that push the Wuyi Sect into the arms of the Southern Shaolin Temple. Secondly, he would report the Wuyi Sect's position back to them. Since Jiang Wen had taken the initiative to shoulder these thorny issues, he would have the leverage to negotiate with them.
"Sect Leader Feng, since we've come this far, please allow me to finish asking my questions. Otherwise, it's never pleasant to suffer in silence."
Before Feng Daode could speak, Jiang Wen spoke up.
“Sect Leader Jiang is a shrewd person, so I won’t beat around the bush with you.” Feng Daode glanced around to make sure there were no eyes or ears nearby, his expression grew more serious, and even his voice became a few decibels deeper.
"The reason we, the people of Wudang, have gathered here in Wuyi is actually for one thing."
Jiang Wen's eyes narrowed slightly: "I would like to hear the details."
“A statue of an old man in feathered robes riding on clouds and treading on a blue ox.”
When Feng Daode uttered these words, his voice tightened slightly at the end, indicating that this thing was extremely important. "This statue was stolen by three tomb raiders from the Tengpai Sect. Its exact origin is unknown, but it is known for its strange and bizarre nature. It can greatly improve a person's martial arts skills and make them understand some martial arts that have been lost for many years. However, these people will eventually go crazy and kill innocent people indiscriminately, causing all kinds of tragedies."
He paused, a hint of eeriness creeping into his voice: "Those three thieves thought they'd be fine just by sealing the statue in a wooden box and leaving it in the cave. But within three days, one of them went insane, killing his accomplices before they all set themselves on fire. Then the mad thief who went on a killing spree in the bamboo forest was the one who found this statue, took it back, and secretly hid it in his room."
"We followed the clues and found this person, but it was too late."
Feng Daode's tone carried a hint of annoyance, "The relics left behind by the Sanliting Rattan Shield Gate were cleaned up by the Vajra Gate half an hour before our people arrived, and the statue was naturally taken away by the Vajra Gate as well..."
Jiang Wen suddenly realized that the strange thing hidden in the middle was actually the biggest calamity.
Therefore, the series of murders was triggered by the statues brought by the three tomb raiders. After their deaths, the statues were taken away by their fellow disciples, who then died suddenly after encountering ghosts. In the end, the Tengpai Sect hastily withdrew, naturally without taking the statues, which ended up in the hands of the Jingang Sect who were cleaning the house. This is what caused Zhou Long's ghostly madness.
"So now, has that statue been found?" Jiang Wen asked.
Feng Daode slowly shook his head: "When Zhou Long disappeared, we guessed that the statue had fallen into the hands of the Vajra Sect. However, a disciple of the Vajra Sect took this thing and suddenly disappeared in Sanliting without a trace. I ordered the Wudang Sect disciples to pursue him, which led to today's disaster."
"What is the origin of this statue?"
Jiang Wen asked in a deep voice, "Not only is it worth Wudang going to such lengths, but it's also worth the Vajra Sect risking offending Wudang to secretly intercept it?"
It wasn't that he looked down on the Vajra Sect, but under the leadership of Zhou Long, the people of the Vajra Sect could only be described as skilled soldiers; it was hard to imagine such cunning.
Upon hearing this, Feng Daode's expression suddenly turned solemn.
He pressed his lips into a straight line, and after a long while, he slowly shook his head, his tone carrying an unyielding and unspeakable depth: "Sect Leader Jiang, this matter involves a thousand-year-old secret of the Daoist sect, and I cannot reveal any further details. I can only tell you that this thing has probably 'awakened,' and that disciple of the Vajra Sect has become a mere puppet... This thing's presence outside is definitely not a blessing for the martial world. Once it completely loses control, it will surely unleash a massive storm of bloodshed."
He looked up at Jiang Wen, his gaze carrying a hint of warning: "I'm telling you this today to inform you. This matter is fraught with danger and involves far more than you can imagine. You and the Wuyi Sect are best advised not to get involved in it at all."
As soon as he finished speaking, Feng Daode solemnly cupped his hands to Jiang Wen, then turned and left.
Jiang Wen gently stroked the sword hilt with his fingertips, muttering the five words "Statue of the Green Ox Elder" in a low voice, and suddenly spoke up.
"Sect Leader Feng, please wait. Since that's the case, let's make a bet. I'll order all martial artists to stay for three days. We'll work together to investigate the clues to this statue. Regardless of whether we succeed or not after three days, we must go to the Tongtian Hall on Dawang Peak and explain everything to our fellow martial artists."
Before Feng Daode could refute him, Jiang Wen said decisively, "I know you still want to investigate the clues, but you can't just kill and take lives here without any scruples, can you? Besides, your Wudang Sect still owes an explanation to your fellow practitioners. You can't just leave this problem to me without saying a word, can you? If the statue was indeed stolen by the Vajra Sect, then the murderer is someone else. I guarantee that I will clear Wudang's name."
Feng Daode gritted his teeth. He finally understood why he had always disliked Jiang Wen. Jiang Wen's unforgiving and unreasonable attitude was truly annoying.
"Very well! My Wudang Sect will continue to investigate the whereabouts of this item. Within three days, you must ensure that none of those martial artists leave Dawang Peak. If Wudang discovers that anyone is secretly contacting this thief, or shows any signs of quietly fleeing Wuyi Mountain, then I, Feng, will be ruthless!"
The incident is about to enter its final stage!