Shaolin in Peril

In the midst of laughter and merriment, someone who shouldn't have been there, who was supposed to be immersed in a world of pleasure, suddenly appeared.

"Little Monk... Oh, I can't call you Little Monk anymore. You should call him Prince Consort."

Ji Boying was the first to notice the suddenly appearing Xu Zhu.

Everyone turned around in surprise.

Duan Yu, Xiao Feng, Plum, Orchid, Bamboo, Chrysanthemum and others greeted him enthusiastically.

Duan Yu, in particular, was making funny faces at Xu Zhu.

"Why is Second Brother here instead of spending the night in the Phoebe?"

Xu Zhu had been slightly frowning, but Duan Yu's Duan Yu made him blush and laugh awkwardly.

He simply sat down at the table first.

Just as I was about to speak, before I could even sit down comfortably, several beggars rushed in from the street.

Before anyone could react, he burst into the restaurant and knelt down on one knee in front of Xiao Feng.

He looked hurried and anxious.

"Chief, something terrible has happened! Shaolin is in danger!"

Xiao Feng slammed his hand on the table and stood up abruptly, about to speak but then paused for a moment.

"What business is it of mine if Shaolin is in trouble? You've mistaken me for someone else. I am Xiao Feng, not your leader!"

The beggars looked at each other, kneeling on the ground but not getting up, pleading desperately.

"Since the leader left, our Beggar Gang has been leaderless, and the elders sigh every day. The leaders have always been kind and righteous, and the brothers have long realized their mistakes. The misunderstanding in Apricot Forest was all the work of villains. We have long wanted to bring the leaders back, but we were afraid that it would delay the leaders' revenge. Now that everything is settled, there is no one else but you who can be the leader of the Beggar Gang' Clan."

Xiao Feng stood there, somewhat dazed.

Regardless of whether he wants to go back to be the gang leader, at least he felt better after hearing these words.

But Xiao Feng still shook his head.

"I, Xiao Feng, appreciate your kindness, brothers. But I am merely a Khitan. How can I possibly remain the leader of the Beggar Gang' Sect? Please, find someone more capable. Besides, even if I were the leader of the Beggar Gang' Sect, would I stand up for the Shaolin Temple?"

Xiao Feng was getting anxious because he firmly refused to accept the beggars. This place was located on the border, where there was intense friction between the two countries, and the beggars who could guard this place were all capable people.

The leading beggar glanced at Ji Boying and continued to persuade him.

"Chief, when Great Hero Ji gave us a good scolding in the Apricot Forest, we brothers felt as if we had been struck on the head with a thunderbolt, as if we had been enlightened. After you left, we went out of our way to find a few scholars to learn about books and history from them."

"Just as Great Hero Ji said, Yuchi Jingde was also Xianbei, and Geshu Han and Gao Xianzhi were also Hu people. Our Great Song also has corrupt officials and criminals who deserve to be executed by slow slicing. Although the Liao Dynasty is Khitan, it may not be without loyal and virtuous people in the country."

"The brothers have all figured it out. We who are in the Jianghu should only be judged by whether a person is loyal and righteous. People like Quan Guanqing and Bai Shijing may be Han Chinese, but they have caused more harm than the Hu people. In today's world, how many people can be compared with the leader in terms of righteousness and integrity?"

"I know that the leader is kind and righteous, and naturally he will not look down on us beggars. I only ask that the leader be magnanimous and forgive past grievances, and take back the position of leader, so that we Beggar Gang's Clan brothers can uphold justice."

These words left Xiao Feng deeply moved.

However, Xiao Feng was not such an indecisive or easily persuaded person.

"You've misjudged me. I have no interest in the conflicts of the martial world anymore. I only want to go to the borderlands to herd horses and cattle and live out my days there."

Several beggars knelt on the ground, their faces filled with distress, unsure of what to do.

Xiao Feng had extremely high prestige within the Beggar Gang. Even though it was revealed in Apricot Forest that he was Khitan, causing such a great shock to everyone, even without Ji Boying's interference, a considerable number of beggars would still be willing to support Xiao Feng.

Not to mention that Quan Guanqing and his group's conspiracy was exposed on the spot, and everyone knew that they had wronged Xiao Feng.

Especially after Xiao Feng's death, the Beggar Gang' Sect has been wielding power for some time now. Although it is still the largest sect in the world, it doesn't always speak with much confidence.

After all, although the martial arts skills of the elders were superb, they were far from being considered top-tier in the martial arts world.

Any skilled fighter who pops up at random can make the elders struggle to defeat him.

When you're out in the world, especially in a large Beggar Gang like yours with so many beggars, how can you avoid conflicts and friction with others? There will always be times when you have to fight, and if you're not tough enough, you'll always be in trouble.

Although the Beggar Gang' Sect has a large number of members and a formidable force, their Dog Beating Staff Formation is difficult for even top masters to break.

But you can't just call in a bunch of people and set up Dog Beating Staff Formation every time you have a disagreement with someone, making such a big fuss.

Let alone the Beggar Gang not being able to do it, even if the Beggar Gang could, they would really have no face to continue living in the martial arts world.

In many cases, when conflicts arose, the Four Great Elders could only exchange harsh words and fight a few rounds. Since neither side could gain the upper hand in a short time, they would stop while they were ahead, as others were still wary of the Beggar Gang's Sect's great power.

The Beggar Gang' Clan, accustomed to their arrogance, found it easy to go from frugality to extravagance but difficult to go from extravagance to frugality. Suddenly faced with this situation and repeatedly hitting walls, they naturally thought of Xiao Feng's virtues even more.

"Second brother, why did you suddenly run out after your honeymoon? Did you anger the princess and get kicked out?"

Xiao Feng chatted with Xu Zhu with a smile, and then drank another bowl of wine.

Xu Zhu has always been dull-witted and not very romantic, so his worries were not unfounded.

Xu Zhu smiled, glanced at the beggars, and shook his head.

"Meng Gu ... Meng Gu said that Shaolin Temple is in trouble. I can't stand idly by, so I ran away. I plan to go back to Shaolin Temple."

As Xu Zhu spoke, he sighed again.

The princess naturally didn't want Xu Zhu to continue having any connection with those monks.

Although Xu Zhu always wanted to return to Shaolin Temple and continue being a little monk, how could one have it all, and ultimately choose the princess?

It was under these unforeseen circumstances that the two of them fell deeply in love with each other.

Although Li Qinglu did not want Xu Zhu to be associated with Shaolin Temple, she had noticed some information about Shaolin Temple and did not hide it from Xu Zhu.

Xu Zhu, feeling worried, ran out, intending to lead the people of the Vulture Peak Palace to Shaolin Temple on Mount Song to help Shaolin Temple out of its predicament.

It's a good time to say goodbye to my brothers.

Unexpectedly, as soon as they arrived at the restaurant, before they could even bring up these matters, the Beggar Gang's Clan rushed over, wanting to invite Xiao Feng back to continue as their leader.

In particular, the members of the Beggar Gang also noticed the predicament facing the Shaolin Temple.

"What trouble could Shaolin Temple possibly encounter? They have so many masters, and their Seventy-Two Ultimate Techniques are renowned throughout the martial arts world. Who would dare to provoke them?"

Xiao Feng, carrying the wine jar, was utterly bewildered.

Everyone gave Xiao Feng a strange look, even the beggars from the Beggar Gang who were kneeling on the ground and refused to get up.

Didn't you just come knocking on their door?

Xu Zhu didn't keep anyone in suspense.

"Meng Gu said that her men discovered that Jiumozhi had received a letter and left Western Xia ahead of schedule, heading to the Great Song. They secretly overheard his conversation with the Tubo prince, and it turned out he was after Shaolin Temple."

Xiao Feng looked slightly serious.

He also exchanged blows with Jiumozhi, exchanging a couple of moves.

That Imperial Advisor was indeed very powerful.

After a brief exchange of blows, I realized I was starting to lose.

Fortunately, his second and third brothers were there to keep him in check, so Jiumozhi did not dare to act rashly.

Xiao Feng was unaware that Jiumozhi had already practiced the Shaolin Temple's Muscle Tendon Changing Scripture.

Jiumozhi's martial arts skills were not much weaker than Xiao Feng's to begin with, and he had also practiced the Muscle Tendon Changing Scripture. It was already quite remarkable that Xiao Feng could only be slightly at a disadvantage in a short period of time when fighting him. If Xiao Feng had drunk a few more jars of wine and fought for a while longer, he might have unleashed his full potential, and the outcome would have been uncertain.

Xiao Feng possesses both explosive power and the ability to fight for a long time.

According to Ji Boying's observation, although Jiumozhi's skill had greatly improved, every move he made was extremely powerful.

However, the stagnation of energy flow in certain acupoints on the body likely left behind some hidden ailments.

If Xiao Feng can withstand Jiumozhi's first burst of power and fight to the second round, they can be evenly matched. By the third round, the hidden dangers on Jiumozhi will not be enough to support him in a long battle.

"Although Jiumozhi's martial arts are high, Shaolin Temple is not to be trifled with. He can't beat them one-on-one, but four or five high monks could easily defeat him, right?"

Xiao Feng asked, somewhat puzzled, "Why are you acting like you're facing a formidable enemy?"

Xu Zhu sighed.

"It wasn't just Kumārajīva; there were seven other eminent monks. One was Zheluoxing from India, Master Guanxin of Daxiangguo Temple in Kaifeng, Master Daoqing of Pudu Temple in Jiangnan, Master Juexian of Donglin Temple in Lushan, and Master Rongzhi of Jingying Temple in Chang'an. Besides them, there were two other extraordinary monks."

"It was the Reverend Shenshan and Master Shenyin of Qingliang Temple of Mount Wutai."

"The Reverend Shenshan?"

Zhu Danchen and the others were taken aback.

Buddhism flourished in the Dali Kingdom, and the kingdom naturally paid great attention to the great masters of the land.

For Duan Yu, the people he was more concerned about were those at Da Xiangguo Temple and Pudu Temple, who all had extremely high attainments in Buddhism.

However, Zhu Danchen and his group were more interested in those with profound martial arts skills, such as this Reverend Shenshan.

"Reverend Shenshan is extremely famous in the martial arts world. He and Abbot Xuan Ci of Shaolin Temple are known as the two Arhats who subdue dragons and tigers."

Zhu Danchen hesitated slightly as he spoke.

"I've heard... I've heard that if we're just comparing martial arts skills, this Reverend Shenshan is probably slightly better. It's just that Qingliang Temple of Mount Wutai isn't as famous as Shaolin Temple, so its reputation in the martial arts world isn't as high as Abbot Xuan Ci's."

Everyone thought to themselves, if this person is the one causing trouble, then Shaolin Temple is indeed in trouble.

As members of the Buddhist community, Shaolin Temple naturally has to abide by certain rules as well.

It's one thing to besiege a Tibetan monk, but it's naturally difficult to besiege one's own people.

However, in a one-on-one fight, who could be confident of defeating this Reverend Shenshan? Many years ago, Venerable Shenshan's skills were slightly better than Abbot Xuan Ci's. Now that Abbot Xuan Ci is dead, no one knows the extent of Venerable Shenshan's skills, not to mention that there are so many eminent Buddhist monks as witnesses, and Jiumozhi and Zheluoxing are also helping him.

Especially Jiumozhi, whose martial arts skills are extremely high, is indeed a big problem for Shaolin Temple.

After listening to Xu Zhu's story, Xiao Feng subconsciously looked at the kneeling Beggar Gang Clan members.

Several members of the Beggar Gang' Sect nodded repeatedly, then pretended to answer their leader's question.

"The information is exactly the same as what our Beggar Gang brothers received."

Duan Yu asked doubtfully, "They are some eminent monks, some from India, some from all over the country. When they meet, they will just exchange Buddhist teachings. Even if they exchange martial arts, it won't be too bad. What kind of enemy are they? They are not troublesome."

Duan Yu had a good impression of the monk and naturally didn't want to think badly of him.

Zhu Danchen shook his head.

"Since ancient times, there has been no first place in literature, but no second place in martial arts. Putting aside other things, just look at the relationship Reverend Shenshan and Abbot Xuan Ci —they are in a competitive relationship..."

They stopped there, knowing they were all Buddhists and needed to save face, but everyone understood what they meant.

Xiao Feng was somewhat displeased.

"So what if the Reverend Shenshan and Abbot Xuan Ci are fighting? What does that have to do with me? I won't kick them when they're down, but do you expect me to stand up for Shaolin Temple? What justice is there in this?"

That's the point. Even if the Reverend Shenshan and Abbot Xuan Ci were to compete for the title of the best in the world, it would be none of anyone else's business. There's no question of the strong bullying the weak, or anyone doing whatever they want.

The members of the Beggar Gang' Sect quickly answered.

"The brothers have learned that the India Reverend Shenshan was brought here by the Indian Zheluoxing. It was this foreign monk who led a group of monks to cause trouble. In that case, this fight is not an internal conflict within their Buddhist sect. I'm afraid these foreign monks have some kind of conspiracy."

Xiao Feng snorted, "You keep calling me a foreign monk, you're a foreigner too."

The leading beggar quickly apologized, saying, "Although our leader is Khitan, his righteousness is known to all. These monks didn't cause trouble when Xuan Ci was alive, but after Xuan Ci died, they gathered so many people to attack us. They clearly have ulterior motives. How can those who bully the weak and kick someone when they're down compare to our leader?"

Xiao Feng didn't say anything more, but just looked at Xu Zhu.

Xu Zhu couldn't help but look at Ji Boying.

Everyone turned their heads.

Everyone's used to it. When something happens, why don't they ask the Jianghu Encyclopedia of the Central Divine arts world first?

"Does Great Hero Ji know who this Zheluoxing is?"

Ji Boying naturally knew about the monk from India named Zheluoxing.

He has influenced many things in this world.

Both Duan Yu's and Xiao Feng's family backgrounds were ruined by their own actions.

But there are also many things that are not affected by him.

Just like the competitive relationship between the Reverend Shenshan and Abbot Xuan Ci.

India monk Zhe Zheluoxing and his junior brother trapped in Shaolin Temple.

These conflicts were bound to erupt sooner or later.

When they launched their attack, it was Ji Boying who actually helped them.

In the Apricot Forest, Ji Boying killed Ye Ernian and brought her head to Xuan Ci, causing Xuan Ci to commit suicide out of shame and indignation.

This gave these people an opportunity to cause trouble.