Chapter 61

Chapter 60: The Four Major Sects of Esoteric Buddhism

Seeing that he couldn't understand, Wang Yuyan couldn't help but smile and explained gently, "The Tibetan monk is using the Nyingma Temple's ultimate skill, 'Flame Blade.' Each time he strikes with his palm, a sharp and scorching blade of air attacks Mr. Song. As for the sword technique Mr. Song is using, it is based on the Five Mountains Sect's swordsmanship, but each move quickly transforms into another. Although I recognize each move, when combined, they form a marvelous sword technique I've never seen before."

Hearing Wang Yuyan's voice, the experience in the arena became even more intense for Jumuozhi. The opponent's every move was a simple and unremarkable sword technique, but when combined, they were incredibly exquisite. Only a master with his level of discernment could understand that the opponent was no longer using sword techniques but sword intent.

"But are they really hitting each other while moving around in the same spot?" Wei Xiaobao asked in confusion, feeling delighted inside: Dead, dead, such a beautiful voice, if she calls me 'Xiaobao husband' in the future, I would be willing to live ten... no, one year less.

"Jumuozhi's blade of air can reach several yards away. Mr. Song is using a marvelous sword technique to find the weakest points in the blade of air. Therefore, each time he thrusts his sword, he can disperse one of the monk's blade of air." Wang Yuyan's face glowed as she watched, and the duel between the two top masters deepened her understanding of martial arts. She thought to herself that she must tell her cousin about this next time.

In the arena, Song Qingshu jumped out of Jumuozhi's attack range and immediately said, "I admit defeat."

Jumuozhi looked puzzled, "Your sword technique is divine, and I haven't gained any advantage. Why do you admit defeat?"

Song Qingshu smiled bitterly, holding the wooden sword in front of him and looking at the slightly scorched blade, he sighed, "The heat from the Flame Blade is intense. If we continue, this wooden sword will likely catch fire."

Song Qingshu knew very well that his own strength was inferior to the other's. Otherwise, the blade of the wooden sword wouldn't have been damaged by the heat from the other's blade of air. If it were the wooden sword used by Dugu Qiubai, not even real flames could harm it. "Poor wooden sword, you are so unlucky to have such an incompetent owner," he lamented to himself.

"Ha ha ha~" Jumuozhi laughed, "Mr. Song's sword technique is divine, and his character is upright and honest. Truly remarkable."

At this moment, Wei Xiaobao had an idea and knew it was his turn to act. He immediately jumped out, "Since you two admire each other so much, why continue fighting? All the world is one family. Let's sit down and have a cup of water wine. Innkeeper, bring us your best vegetarian dishes."

"Sure thing!"

Hearing the innkeeper's response, Jumuozhi felt very comfortable and couldn't help but glance at Wei Xiaobao, "Judging by this young brother's attire, you must be from the Qing Dynasty, right?"

"Master, you are truly a master. I haven't even introduced myself, and you recognized me at a glance." Wei Xiaobao's exaggerated expression of admiration made Jumuozhi very pleased. Chapter 60: The Four Major Sects of Esoteric Buddhism

At this moment, Song Qingshu explained Wei Xiaobao's identity to Jumuozhi. Jumuozhi's eyes lit up, and he looked at Wei Xiaobao with surprise, "Young brother, you are so young yet hold a high position in the Qing court. I am truly impressed."

"Master Jumuozhi, as the national teacher of Tubo, you are too modest. What important matters bring you to the Central Plains?" Song Qingshu had already explained Jumuozhi's identity to Wei Xiaobao on the road.

"This dirty monk covets the Six Pulse Sword Technique of the Dali Duan family. He went to Tianlong Temple to show off his skills, was repelled by the temple's high monks, and then captured me in Jiangnan. When he discovered that Miss Wang is well-versed in martial arts, he became greedy and captured her as well. He is truly not a good person," Duan Yu said angrily.

"Mr. Duan, your words are mistaken. There must be a misunderstanding," Song Qingshu smiled faintly, "I have also visited Tianlong Temple before. Although the Six Pulse Sword Technique of the six monks is miraculous, it has many flaws. I could leave unscathed, and Master Jumuozhi, with his superior skills, could certainly do the same."

"Also," Song Qingshu paused and looked deeply at Mu Wanqing, "Miss Mu saved you all the way, and Master Jumuozhi didn't use any harsh moves against her, which shows his noble character."

Duan Yu was speechless and turned away in a sulk. Jumuozhi was even more delighted upon hearing Song Qingshu's words, "Mr. Song is truly my kindred spirit. To be honest, I came to the Central Plains to meet the great masters of the martial world and to seek an audience with the Emperor of Song to discuss an alliance."

Wei Xiaobao and Song Qingshu exchanged glances, "Tubo wants to ally with Song?"

"That's right," Jumuozhi smiled bitterly, "The Mongol forces are growing stronger and have long coveted Tubo. Our king is very worried about this."

"What is a 'Zanpu'?" Wei Xiaobao was puzzled but didn't want to say it out loud for fear of being looked down upon by Wang Yuyan, so he continued to listen patiently.

Song Qingshu hesitated for a moment and asked, "Master Jumuozhi, as far as I know, your Esoteric Buddhism's master, Phagspa, has become the imperial teacher of the Mongols, and another master, Jinlun Fawang, has been appointed as the national teacher of the Mongols. I thought the relationship between the Mongols and Tubo was good."

A hint of anger flashed across Jumuozhi's face, and he said resentfully, "Mr. Song, you may not know, but Esoteric Buddhism is a general term for various sects. The four largest branches are Nyingma Temple, Nalanda Temple, Vajra Sect, and Mantra Sect." Note: The real four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism are Nyingma, Kagyu, Sakya, and Gelug (Panchen Lama is part of this system). Considering religious reasons, I have used other names.

"Nyingma Temple, where I am from, is the oldest sect of Esoteric Buddhism. Each generation has had a close relationship with the Zanpu of Tubo. Because each generation of Nyingma Temple's people has been appointed as the national teacher of Tubo, this has caused dissatisfaction among the other three sects."

"In the past, this wouldn't have been a problem. With the combined strength of Nyingma Temple and the Zanpu, the other sects wouldn't have dared to act. However, the rise of the Mongols has given the other three sects hope. They have all sent representatives to the Mongols. Phagspa is a master-level figure sent by Nalanda Temple and was appointed as the imperial teacher by Genghis Khan."

"Jinlun Fawang is the most outstanding master of the Vajra Sect and has been appointed as the national teacher of the Mongols. He is currently assisting Kublai Khan in attacking Xiangyang."

"Sangjie, the first-generation disciple of the Mantra Sect, is now a guest of the seventh grandson of the Mongol emperor, Ali Buka."

Jumuozhi's tone was filled with worry, "These three sects plan to bring the Mongols into Tibet to destroy Tubo and make themselves the rulers..."

Upon hearing this, Song Qingshu and Wei Xiaobao exchanged glances and were secretly delighted, "Truly, we have found what we were looking for without much effort!" Chapter 61: The Legendary Courtesan Who Sells Art but Not Herself

"My sworn brother is now the most trusted person of Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty," Song Qingshu pulled Wei Xiaobao and said, "The Qing Dynasty is the only one that can stand up to the Mongols. Emperor Kangxi is currently recruiting martial arts experts. Why doesn't Master Jumuozhi come with us to Yanjing? With Xiaobao's recommendation, the emperor will surely treat you as a distinguished guest. With the Qing Dynasty as a strong ally, why should Master Jumuozhi worry about the other three sects?"

Jumuozhi was moved. He thought that if he could really ally with the Qing Dynasty, it would give him more confidence in resisting the Mongols. After the trip to Yanjing, he could also discuss an alliance with the Song Emperor. Then, the three countries could unite...

"Since that's the case, I will rely on the two of you to speak well of me to the emperor." Jumuozhi made up his mind, clasped his hands together, and bowed respectfully.

"Master, since you are busy with your national affairs, why are you still holding onto me and Miss Wang?" Duan Yu had been trying to break his acupoints, but unfortunately, his foundation was shallow. Despite his strong internal energy, he couldn't use it effectively, and in the end, he only made himself sore and numb.

"I've heard that this young master knows the Six Pulse Sword Technique, the best sword technique in the world, and Miss Wang is well-versed in martial arts. I believe the emperor will welcome you both very much." Wei Xiaobao was unwilling to let Wang Yuyan go and secretly resolved: No matter what, I will deal with you, Prince of Dali, once we return to the capital and are on my grandfather's turf.

Jumuozhi had no intention of letting them go, and Wei Xiaobao's words aligned with his thoughts, "What does Mr. Song think?"

"I have no objections," Song Qingshu turned to look at Wang Yuyan, "Miss Wang, you can rest assured. You once did me a great favor, and I will protect you."

Wang Yuyan managed a weak smile, knowing that the other party and Wei Xiaobao were companions and that her martial arts were inferior to Jumuozhi. This was the best he could do.

"Master, I heard that you have already negotiated an alliance with the Song Dynasty. Calculating the time, you should be on your way back to Yanjing. Why are you near Suzhou?" Jumuozhi asked.

Wei Xiaobao looked embarrassed, and Song Qingshu explained the encounter with the Blood Blade Elder and the threat from Yuan Chengzhi in Shandong.

Jumuozhi smiled confidently after hearing this, "With Master and Mr. Song by my side, we can go anywhere, even the dragon's lair. Sir Wei, you can rest assured."

Song Qingshu agreed, thinking that unless a master of the level of the Nameless Holy Monk personally attacked, with Jumuozhi's strong support and his own, they had nothing to fear.

Wei Xiaobao's spirits immediately lifted, feeling secretly pleased: I, Xiaobao, may not know any martial arts, but I have many strong friends, hahaha...

Mu Wanqing had long noticed the beautiful woman standing behind Song Qingshu and couldn't help but ask, "Dog... Brother Song, who is this?"

Earlier, she had heard her introduce herself as Song Qingshu's wife. Shui Sheng's eyes twinkled, and she came up with a plan. She timidly took Song Qingshu's arm and said in a sweet, cloying voice, "Brother Song, this lady... Chapter 61: The Legendary Courtesan Who Sells Art but Not Herself

"My sworn brother is now the most trusted person of Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty," Song Qingshu pulled Wei Xiaobao and said, "The Qing Dynasty is the only one that can stand up to the Mongols. Emperor Kangxi is currently recruiting martial arts experts. Why doesn't Master Jumuozhi come with us to Yanjing? With Xiaobao's recommendation, the emperor will surely treat you as a distinguished guest. With the Qing Dynasty as a strong ally, why should Master Jumuozhi worry about the other three sects?"

Jumuozhi was moved. He thought that if he could really ally with the Qing Dynasty, it would give him more confidence in resisting the Mongols. After the trip to Yanjing, he could also discuss an alliance with the Song Emperor. Then, the three countries could unite...

"Since that's the case, I will rely on the two of you to speak well of me to the emperor." Jumuozhi made up his mind, clasped his hands together, and bowed respectfully.

"Master, since you are busy with your national affairs, why are you still holding onto me and Miss Wang?" Duan Yu had been trying to break his acupoints, but unfortunately, his foundation was shallow. Despite his strong internal energy, he couldn't use it effectively, and in the end, he only made himself sore and numb.

"I've heard that this young master knows the Six Pulse Sword Technique, the best sword technique in the world, and Miss Wang is well-versed in martial arts. I believe the emperor will welcome you both very much." Wei Xiaobao was unwilling to let Wang Yuyan go and secretly resolved: No matter what, I will deal with you, Prince of Dali, once we return to the capital and are on my grandfather's turf.

Jumuozhi had no intention of letting them go, and Wei Xiaobao's words aligned with his thoughts, "What does Mr. Song think?"

"I have no objections," Song Qingshu turned to look at Wang Yuyan, "Miss Wang, you can rest assured. You once did me a great favor, and I will protect you."

Wang Yuyan managed a weak smile, knowing that the other party and Wei Xiaobao were companions and that her martial arts were inferior to Jumuozhi. This was the best he could do.

"Master, I heard that you have already negotiated an alliance with the Song Dynasty. Calculating the time, you should be on your way back to Yanjing. Why are you near Suzhou?" Jumuozhi asked.

Wei Xiaobao looked embarrassed, and Song Qingshu explained the encounter with the Blood Blade Elder and the threat from Yuan Chengzhi in Shandong.

Jumuozhi smiled confidently after hearing this, "With Master and Mr. Song by my side, we can go anywhere, even the dragon's lair. Sir Wei, you can rest assured."

Song Qingshu agreed, thinking that unless a master of the level of the Nameless Holy Monk personally attacked, with Jumuozhi's strong support and his own, they had nothing to fear.

Wei Xiaobao's spirits immediately lifted, feeling secretly pleased: I, Xiaobao, may not know any martial arts, but I have many strong friends, hahaha...

Mu Wanqing had long noticed the beautiful woman standing behind Song Qingshu and couldn't help but ask, "Dog... Brother Song, who is this?"

Earlier, she had heard her introduce herself as Song Qingshu's wife. Shui Sheng's eyes twinkled, and she came up with a plan. She timidly took Song Qingshu's arm and said in a sweet, cloying voice, "Brother Song, this lady... Chapter 61: The Legendary Courtesan Who Sells Art but Not Herself

"My sworn brother is now the most trusted person of Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty," Song Qingshu pulled Wei Xiaobao and said, "The Qing Dynasty is the only one that can stand up to the Mongols. Emperor Kangxi is currently recruiting martial arts experts. Why doesn't Master Jumuozhi come with us to Yanjing? With Xiaobao's recommendation, the emperor will surely treat you as a distinguished guest. With the Qing Dynasty as a strong ally, why should Master Jumuozhi worry about the other three sects?"

Jumuozhi was moved. He thought that if he could really ally with the Qing Dynasty, it would give him more confidence in resisting the Mongols. After the trip to Yanjing, he could also discuss an alliance with the Song Emperor. Then, the three countries could unite...

"Since that's the case, I will rely on the two of you to speak well of me to the emperor." Jumuozhi made up his mind, clasped his hands together, and bowed respectfully.

"Master, since you are busy with your national affairs, why are you still holding onto me and Miss Wang?" Duan Yu had been trying to break his acupoints, but unfortunately, his foundation was shallow. Despite his strong internal energy, he couldn't use it effectively, and in the end, he only made himself sore and numb.

"I've heard that this young master knows the Six Pulse Sword Technique, the best sword technique in the world, and Miss Wang is well-versed in martial arts. I believe the emperor will welcome you both very much." Wei Xiaobao was unwilling to let Wang Yuyan go and secretly resolved: No matter what, I will deal with you, Prince of Dali, once we return to the capital and are on my grandfather's turf.

Jumuozhi had no intention of letting them go, and Wei Xiaobao's words aligned with his thoughts, "What does Mr. Song think?"

"I have no objections," Song Qingshu turned to look at Wang Yuyan, "Miss Wang, you can rest assured. You once did me a great favor, and I will protect you."

Wang Yuyan managed a weak smile, knowing that the other party and Wei Xiaobao were companions and that her martial arts were inferior to Jumuozhi. This was the best he could do.

"Master