65: Chapter 65 Abbess Miejue, True to Her Name

The faces of the Wudang members, especially the six heroes, immediately darkened.

On the surface, Wudang and Shaolin were amicable, but in reality, grievances had been festering for a long time.

Back when the Wudang Sect was forced to relocate by the Great Yuan Dynasty, the Shaolin Temple of the Great Yuan had played a role in stirring the pot behind the scenes.

These monks really knew how to say the most unpleasant things.

Both Zhang Sanfeng and the Wudang Disciples were seething with anger inside, yet this matter was an indisputable fact.

Even Zhang Sanfeng himself admitted that early Wudang martial arts did bear traces of Shaolin influence, making it difficult for him to refute at the moment.

However, under his leadership in recent years, with 'Taiji' as its core, Wudang had long since shed the elements of Buddhist martial arts, continuously innovating and developing by fusing Daoist concepts.

Zhao Fang merely swept a glance over the assembled monks. After all, this was Wudang's territory.

If he acted too harshly, it might bring disaster upon Wudang. Not only would he fail to help, but he might also be blamed for it.

Scanning the area with the corner of his eye, he spoke in a flat tone, 'You three hiding in the shadows, aren't you going to show yourselves?'

Hmm? People in the shadows?

Zhang Sanfeng and the others immediately followed his gaze. Suddenly, a child's cry was heard: 'Father!'

Zhang Cuishan's heart leaped. That was unmistakably Zhang Wuji's voice! He shouted with a mix of shock and joy, 'Wuji, you're back?'

Yin Susu's voice trembled, 'Has Wuji really returned?'

Previously distracted by the Three Divine Monks and the Nine Bronze Men, Zhang Sanfeng, now free from interference, immediately turned his attention to the source of the voice.

'Sneaking around!'

He suddenly leaped into the air, employing the 'Cloud Ladder Ascension' lightness skill. Twisting his body mid-air, he shot towards the direction of the voice.

He saw a man dressed in Mongol-Yuan military uniform holding a seven or eight-year-old boy in his arms. The boy's mouth was covered, but he was still struggling fiercely.

Seeing Zhang Sanfeng approaching, the man tapped his left foot on the ground, intending to flee with the child. But he suddenly felt his head grow heavy, his body as weighty as a thousand pounds, his feet utterly unable to lift.

It turned out Zhang Sanfeng had silently closed in, his left hand resting lightly on the man's shoulder.

The man paled in terror. He knew perfectly well that if Zhang Sanfeng circulated his true essence, he would be severely injured if not killed on the spot. He dared not move a muscle.

'Out!' Zhang Sanfeng commanded in a low voice.

The man obeyed and walked outside. Zhang Cuishan, overwhelmed with joy, shouted, 'Wuji!' and quickly strode forward to meet them.

Seeing her child, Yin Susu could no longer stay hidden. She rushed out from the back hall of the main hall, crying out, 'Wuji, my child!'

Seeing his parents, Zhang Wuji was overjoyed and struggled even harder to break free.

'Give the child to them!' Zhang Sanfeng said sternly.

Completely restrained, the man could only obey, handing Zhang Wuji over to Zhang Cuishan.

Seeing the family of three reunited, Song Yuanqiao and the other Wudang Disciples wore relieved smiles on their faces.

However, in the rear courtyard, the completely paralyzed Yu Daiyan suddenly heard Yin Susu's voice. The muscles on his face twitched violently, and his eyes focused intently as he fell into deep thought.

How could he ever forget that voice? In an instant, a complex light flashed in his eyes—both pain and deep-seated resentment.

Outside the main hall, Zhang Yuanxi stroked his beard and muttered to himself, 'How strange.'

'Fourth Brother, what is it?' Yin Liting asked, puzzled.

Zhang Yuanxi said, 'Your Highness said there were three people in the shadows, but there are clearly only two here.' He scanned the surroundings. 'Who else is hiding and hasn't come out?'

As soon as the words fell, Zhang Sanfeng slowly spoke, 'Abbess Miejue, since you have already ascended the mountain, why hide?'

'What? Master is here?' Both Ji Xiaofu and Bei Jinyi were astonished.

Abbess Miejue?!

He Taichong's heart jolted in shock, and he blurted out without thinking, 'What is this old nun doing here too?'

Abbess Miejue was true to her name.

Her nature was resolute and decisive, yet also extremely impatient. She believed there was absolutely no room for coexistence between good and evil, and she never showed mercy when she acted. She was quite renowned within the Great Yuan Dynasty.

'Immortal Master Zhang's insight is sharp and precise. This humble nun is sincerely impressed!'

Following a crisp and clear call, a figure swiftly darted forward and landed steadily.

'Senior Sister!'

'Master!'

Seeing the newcomer, the Disciples of the Emei Sect immediately stepped forward, bowing and offering greetings.

The arrival was none other than the Sect Head of the Emei Sect during the Great Yuan period—Abbess Miejue.

Abbess Miejue gave a slight bow to Zhang Sanfeng and explained, 'This humble nun was concerned about the movements of the Mongol-Yuan barbarians and followed them here. Worried for the child's safety, I acted covertly, waiting for an opportunity to rescue him.

I did not expect His Highness to be so highly skilled, and Immortal Master Zhang's martial arts to be even more unfathomable. That is why I have now revealed myself.'

These words served as an explanation for her previous concealment. Though it sounded somewhat forced, it at least provided a pretext.

Whether others believed it or not was ultimately unimportant. She had long anticipated that even if the Wudang Sect harbored doubts, they would have to accept this explanation—unless Wudang wished to sever ties with Emei completely, this matter could only be dropped.

Who didn't know that the Wudang Ancestral Master, Immortal Master Zhang, had ties of affection with the Emei Ancestral Master? How could he easily fall out with Emei?

The favored party naturally acted without fear of consequences.

Sure enough, after hearing this, Zhang Sanfeng did not press further. Instead, he nodded and said, 'Many thanks for Abbess's kind intentions. This humble Daoist appreciates it.

Thank you, Abbess, for protecting Wuji along the way, preventing him from falling into the hands of the barbarians. You have worked hard.'

Abbess Miejue revealed a hearty smile. Her gaze swept over the three Shaolin Divine Monks and the Nine Bronze Men who were currently circulating their energy to heal. She then turned to Zhao Fangcai and asked, 'Your Highness, have you also come for Xie Xun and the dragon slaying saber, and did you injure these esteemed monks?'

Hearing this, Zhang Cuishan's family and the Wudang members immediately tensed up. Indeed, they still did not know Zhao Fangcai's purpose for being here.

If he too had come for Xie Xun and the dragon slaying saber, Wudang might be plunged into another fierce battle.

The atmosphere in the surroundings instantly grew tense.

Zhao Fangcai let out a light laugh. This Abbess Miejue certainly had her methods.

In just a few sentences upon her appearance, she had not only diverted everyone's attention, covered up her own discourteous act of sneaking into Wudang, crafted a positive image, but also made the Wudang Disciples wary of him, and furthermore, declared her stance before the Shaolin Divine Monks. Truly clever.

Zhao Fangcai looked her over a couple of times.

Although He Taichong called her an 'old nun,' Abbess Miejue did not appear old. On the contrary, she looked rather young and elegant.

She held a sharp sword, wore gray monastic robes, and appeared to be around thirty years old, carrying an air of martial prowess.

Her black hair was tied up in a bun. Her features were originally quite elegant, but the two slanting, downward-pointing eyebrows made her countenance appear exceptionally peculiar, almost reminiscent of a hanged ghost on a theatrical stage.

Especially the sharp, cold light flickering in her eyes, coupled with her taut expression, made one feel an inexplicable chill.

These few features alone greatly diminished her appearance, making it truly difficult for anyone to feel goodwill towards her.

'What a pity!' Zhao Fangcai gently shook his head.

Abbess Miejue, already somewhat displeased by his unabashed scrutiny, flew into a rage upon hearing this comment. She sharply demanded, 'What is a pity? You still haven't answered this humble nun's question. What exactly is your purpose in coming here?'

Zhao Fangcai smiled and said, 'It's a pity that with such looks, you possess such a fierce temper. It truly detracts from your grace.'