Night Reconnaissance of Tianlong Temple

"Zhang Wuji, after learning the Divine Skill, at least left behind a note saying 'Zhang Wuji buried the scripture here.' This Duan Yu fellow's greed is just too much," Song Qingshu grumbled inwardly, and thinking of Zhang Wuji made him feel even worse.

"I seem to recall that the Fairy Sister in the scroll was completely unclothed, demonstrating the path of each acupoint," Song Qingshu thought, and a smile of understanding dawned on his face. They're all men, after all. If it were me, I'd treasure it too and wouldn't be willing to show it to others.

Since Duan Yu had already learned the North Darkness Divine Skill and Lingbo Weibu, Song Qingshu wondered if he had also learned the Six Meridian Divine Sword. Not wanting to have made the long journey for nothing, Song Qingshu decided to head to Tianlong Temple.

The Bone Forging chapter of the Nine Yin Manual could greatly speed up one's internal energy cultivation compared to ordinary people. Now that Song Qingshu possessed both the Nine Yin Manual and the Divine Light Scripture, he felt his internal energy should be sufficient to unleash the Six Meridian Divine Sword.

The people of Dali were devout Buddhists. When they heard he wanted to go to Tianlong Temple, passersby enthusiastically gave him directions. However, by the time Song Qingshu arrived outside Tianlong Temple, it was already dark.

"Nowadays, martial arts sects guard their secrets jealously. The Six Meridian Divine Sword isn't even taught to ordinary disciples of the Duan family, so there's no way they'll let me borrow it," Song Qingshu mused. Since his ability to learn at a glance was useless here, he'd have to become a "gentleman of the night." He felt no psychological burden about stealing; after all, he wasn't taking it away, just looking at it once. Could reading be considered stealing?

He circled the Tianlong Temple's outer wall, found a secluded spot, and with a light leap, Song Qingshu landed inside without a sound. He concealed his tracks as he explored, searching. Passing by Qingdu Yaotai, Wutian Realm, Sanyuan Palace, Doushuai Dashi Courtyard, Yuhua Courtyard, and Boruo Terrace, he arrived at a few pine wood houses. They were vastly different from the magnificent splendor he had seen along the way. A thought struck Song Qingshu: these were likely the very rooms where Kurong meditated.

He carefully jumped onto the roof and gently lifted a roof tile. Song Qingshu's brow immediately furrowed.

Inside, six monks sat on cushions arranged around the room, their expressions serene, their breathing long and steady. They were clearly masters of cultivation.

"This is going to be difficult," Song Qingshu exhaled involuntarily. "All six monks of Tianlong are here. Even Jiumozhi couldn't force his way in, so I have no hope."

"Since you have graced us with your presence, why not show yourself?" As soon as the monk facing the wall inside spoke, he flicked his thumb, and a surge of scorching sword energy shot towards Song Qingshu. Greatly alarmed, Song Qingshu channeled energy to his feet, broke through the roof, spun several times in the air, and landed safely inside.

"I apologize for my late-night visit to your esteemed temple. I hope the senior monks can forgive any offense," Song Qingshu said, bowing gracefully as soon as he landed.

The monks inside had already opened their eyes and were watching him, fully prepared. Zen Master Kurong still faced the wall and sneered, "Although your words are respectful, your actions are rather sneaky. May I ask the purpose of your late-night visit?"

Song Qingshu hesitated for a moment. It seemed his plan to quietly obtain the scripture was hopeless, so he had no choice but to emulate Jiumozhi. He began to fabricate a story: "Although I am crude, I have heard that your temple's Six Meridian Divine Sword is the foremost sword technique in the world. However, I recently encountered Senior Feng Qingyang's Nine Swords of Dugu on Mount Hua, and it was truly a creation of nature. I simply cannot imagine a sword technique more formidable than the Nine Swords of Dugu. I have come to your temple this time to personally view the sword manual for the Six Meridian Divine Sword and compare it with my memory of the Nine Swords of Dugu, to see which truly is the top sword technique in the world."

Upon hearing his words, the monks inside began to discuss amongst themselves. Feng Qingyang, the Sword Saint of Mount Hua, was renowned throughout the martial arts world, hailed as the greatest swordsman. The monks had long yearned to witness his Nine Swords of Dugu, and hearing Song Qingshu mention it today, many felt a desire to compare them.

Kurong remained unmoved, his voice hoarse and cold, "If you wish to witness the Six Meridian Divine Sword, why do you need to see the manual? We monks, though our martial arts may be inferior, can still grasp the superficial aspects of the Six Meridian Divine Sword. I hope you will offer us some guidance."

It seemed Jiumozhi had already visited Tianlong Temple. Song Qingshu sighed inwardly, realizing he was behind the plot. The monks subtly took their positions around the room, surrounding him in the center. He quickly forced a bitter smile. "It appears the Great Wheel Ming King has already visited your temple. The rumor that the Six Meridian Divine Sword manual was burned is indeed true. Although my visit has caused some disturbance, I have no ill intentions. I hope the compassionate monks will be accommodating and allow this humble one to depart."

The people in the room exchanged glances, their hearts filled with surprise and uncertainty. How could he know such a secret? Ben Chen, who had previously been Emperor Baoding, anxiously spoke, concerned for his nephew Duan Yu's safety: "Since you know such a secret matter so clearly, you must be connected to Jiumozhi. Please stay!" With that, he pointed his ring finger, and a Guan Chong Sword shot out.

Song Qingshu wished he could slap himself. He could have just taken his leave; why did he have to show off by commenting on the plot? Now he was struck by lightning!

Though he was annoyed, his movements were not slow. With a flash, he dodged Ben Chen's sword. Seeing Ben Chen attack, the monks inside all moved to assist him. For a moment, sword energy crisscrossed the room, the sound of piercing air like thunder.

Song Qingshu was forced into a desperate situation. Although the Six Meridian Divine Sword was formless, fortunately, he could glimpse its movements by observing the monks' sword-wielding fingers.

Since light travels in a straight line, Song Qingshu noticed the angle of each person's fingers when they drew their swords, allowing him to roughly predict where the Six Meridian Divine Sword would strike. Thus, despite rolling around on the ground in a disheveled manner, he managed to escape without serious injury, thanks to his middle school physics teacher.

"Good footwork!" Zen Master Kurong, who had not yet attacked, praised. He raised both thumbs and unleashed the Shao Shang Sword technique.

Zen Master Kurong's cultivation was indeed far superior to the other five monks. Although the other five monks had filled the room with sword energy, Song Qingshu, using the serpentine agility of the Nine Yin Manual, could not be truly harmed by them. Though Kurong did not turn around, these two sword strikes were aimed precisely at the gaps in Song Qingshu's evasive maneuvers, when his previous force had waned and his new force had yet to gather.

Because he still had to dodge the sword energy from the other five monks, Song Qingshu's evasive angles on the ground were completely blocked by Kurong's two strikes. With no other option, he had to take a risk and leap into the air.

Kurong smiled slightly, as if he had anticipated this, and unleashed two more rapid strikes. At this moment, Song Qingshu was in mid-air with no place to brace himself. If he was hit by one of his swords, he would be severely injured and captured.

Song Qingshu's expression became serious, but he remained calm amidst the panic. He stepped on the instep of his right foot with the tip of his left foot, rising several feet into the air, narrowly dodging Kurong's two strikes. He knew that if he continued to be shot at, he would eventually be hit. He quickly launched a counterattack.

He swept his left hand in a semicircle and pushed out with his right palm, unleashing the "Dragon Ascending to Heaven" from the Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms. Kurong felt a powerful surge of energy coming towards him. Having just released his sword energy, his inner breath had not yet fully recovered, and he dared not meet it head-on. He quickly got up and dodged to the side. The cushion where he had been sitting was scattered by the palm wind, and he exclaimed in shock, "Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms?"