The Martial Command Office's carriages moved slowly, stopping frequently, as Xu Xiao had been cultivating along the way, making the journey extremely slow.
This also gave people in the martial arts world the opportunity to discover their whereabouts.
The Martial Command Office has never concealed its destination. After discovering that the Martial Command Office's carriages were heading towards Shaolin on Mount Song, and that an army was also being mobilized towards Mount Song on orders, the Tongwu Mansion was finally able to make its move.
The entire martial arts world was in an uproar!
As everyone guessed, after the Beggar Clan' Sect, the largest gang in the martial arts world, disbanded, the imperial court turned its sword against Shaolin grandmaster of martial arts.
Whether they were martial arts practitioners from the Great Song, Western Xia, or Great Liao, they all flocked to Mount Song in the past few days, intending to witness this clash.
After all, this was not just a confrontation between the imperial court and the martial arts world, but a shift in the overall direction of the Great Song.
"Reporting, Your Military Command Commissioner, news from the front lines indicates that the Liao, Western Xia, and Tubo all have troops gathering on the border, likely intending to launch an attack while they are clearing out Jianghu forces within their own borders."
Since Wu 1 was absent, Wu 6, a lean man, became the person in charge of Xu Xiao's side.
"Got it. Let them stockpile it. That way, I can launch a devastating attack on their commander later."
As the highest-ranking official in charge of military affairs in the Great Song, the Military Command Commissioner required Xu Xiao to personally review all such information.
But Xu Xiao didn't care at all, which was something he had already guessed.
The things he did in the Great Song palace could not possibly remain undetected; other countries must have already guessed what was going on.
But they would never know for sure—no, they would never believe that such an invincible person as Xu Xiao truly existed.
The Great Song had always been weak in the face of several ambitious neighboring countries, and none of them wanted the country to suddenly turn the tide.
Just as Xu Xiao was about to clean up the martial arts world and reorganize his internal affairs, these external forces were not going to let such a good opportunity pass them by.
In their minds, the Jianghu forces in the Great Song were by no means weak, and if things went wrong during the rectification, they might be able to take this opportunity to take a few more pieces of flesh from the Great Song.
But this was just a dream; Xu Xiao was not one of those good-for-nothings from the Zhao Family.
Even if these countries were to launch an attack now, it wouldn't change Xu Xiao's plans.
Anyway, there's only so much to do at Shaolin; a day is enough.
After dealing with Shaolin, he will personally descend upon the battlefield to show those barbarians what true despair is.
On this day, a troop of cavalrymen dressed in black armor arrived on the mountain path outside Shaolin Temple on Mount Song. The Song Dynasty character hanging high on their backs indicated their official status.
From afar, the Shaolin Temple monks guarding the mountain spotted the cavalry, and each of them began to have doubts.
'It's here! It's finally here! The calamity for Shaolin has arrived!'
In the past two days, the next target of Martial Command Office has been Shaolin, and the monks in Shaolin Temple are also quite fearful.
Especially three days ago, tens of thousands of the Prefectural Army from the nearby prefectures had already besieged the entire Mount Song area, making it impossible to enter or leave, which made these Yamato even more fearful.
Now, these black-armored riders riding up the mountain seem to be giving prisoners in jail the opportunity to be sentenced.
"Quickly, go and inform the abbot that the long-awaited distinguished guest has arrived." A quick-witted martial monk spoke up, and several fast-moving monks headed towards the Shaolin Temple.
Not long after, just as the black-armored riders arrived at the mountain gate from the mountain path, Xuanci arrived at the gate with several high-ranking monks of the Xuan generation.
At the same time, a group of 18 the Cavalry stopped at the entrance of Shaolin Temple. The lean man leading the group sat on his horse, looking at the solemn and imposing temple gate, and revealed a cold smile.
As they climbed the mountain, they could already see the ancient temples stretching across the Yamanaka. Most of Mount Shaoshi was filled with all kinds of houses and halls, and the air was filled with the faint scent of sandalwood.
'These bald-headed thieves are just as you said, sir; they appear virtuous, but in reality, they're no different from corrupt officials.'
"Ha, these monks are truly something else. The temples on this mountain stretch endlessly, rivaling even the imperial palace. And they have so many fertile fields and tenant farmers down below to support them. They claim to be vegetarians and chant Buddhist scriptures, yet they're all plump and healthy, and still have the energy to practice martial arts. Hmph, you deserve this calamity!"
Wu 6, mounted on horseback, loudly complained to the cavalry behind him, making no attempt to hide his grievances.
Under the eaves of the temple, several Xuanci monks, including Xuan Ci, stood beneath the three gilded characters of " Shaolin Temple." They also heard Wu 6's words, and a hint of annoyance flashed across their faces.
But then he remembered that the other party represented the Great Song, so he had to suppress his anger.
The common people cannot fight against the officials. Since Buddhism was introduced to the Central Plains, it has also experienced the power of the imperial court. Whether to suppress or promote Buddhism is entirely up to the government.
What do mere verbal insults matter when it comes to preserving the Shaolin tradition?
" Amitabha Buddha, sir, I am Xuanci, the abbot of Shaolin Temple. Greetings." Xuanci, the abbot, greeted him with a smile.
" Xuanci? Isn't that the leader who led the group to Yanmen Pass and committed the massacre back then?" Wu 6's eyes held a hint of amusement.
"Haha, we happen to have a brother waiting for you at the foot of the mountain today. Hope you don't chicken out later."
In the past few days, Qiao Feng had become familiar with all the Deputy Commander who stayed by Xu Xiao's side, thanks to his martial arts skills and heroic spirit, and even called them brothers.
The identity of the leader outside Yanmen Pass was revealed by Xu Xiao long ago.
If Qiao Feng weren't a soldier, he would have disregarded orders and gone straight to Shaolin Temple to demand justice.
Of course, this is also related to the fact that Qiao Feng's adoptive parents were still alive and were placed under protection by Xu Xiao.
As long as Qiao Feng's adoptive parents are alive, Qiao Feng will remain unsheatheeded, and will not act impulsively or recklessly; he will only want to find out the truth.
" Amitabha Buddha, is it because of that matter from years ago that you've come, sir? May I go alone to settle this score? I..."
Xuanci stepped forward, wanting to shoulder everything.
Unfortunately, the Martial Command Office's arrival was not simply for the purpose of avenging Qiao Feng.
" Xuanci, is that right? What I just said was a private matter, so listen to me carefully." Wu 6 cracked his whip, his tone full of arrogance.
"By order of the Military Command Commissioner, Shaolin Temple hereby disbands all its disciples and followers, surrenders all its scriptures Daoist Canon, and confiscates all its property and land. From this day forward, monks must pay taxes and perform military service like Great Song, and shall no longer enjoy any privileges."
"Anyone who disobeys this order will be considered a traitor, and not a single one of them will be spared!!"
"Abbot Xuanci, do you understand now?"
Wu 6's White Fang gleamed in the sunlight, while the Shaolin Temple monks who heard the news were all plunged into despair, their faces turning deathly pale.
This isn't just looking for trouble, it's coming to take their lives!!