Sin Becomes a God

Chapter 13: Zhou Zhiruo Ascends the Mountain

Noticing the despondent look on Zhang Wuji’s face, Lu Renjia spoke up: “Rest assured, Junior Brother Wuji. As long as I, your senior brother, master my skills, I will definitely avenge you… Back then, Master Extinction relied on the Yitian Sword to injure my father and several of my uncles—I still remember that grudge…” “Mm… I believe, Junior Brother, that one day you will surely bring glory to the Wudang School…” Zhang Wuji said with a smile. Lu Renjia walked over, patted Zhang Wuji on the shoulder, and comforted him, “Don’t be so downhearted… You’re part of Wudang, too… The responsibility of bringing honor to Wudang can’t rest on my shoulders alone. Besides, our Grandmaster’s martial arts are peerless… He’ll definitely be able to cure you of the cold poison from the Xuanming Divine Palm…” Just then, a kind and deep voice rang out, “Qingshu, you’ve really missed the mark with that flattery… If this old Taoist could have cured Wuji, I would have done so seven years ago—why would I have dragged it out until today? The one who could save Wuji… has already jumped off the cliff right at your feet…” Pretending not to understand, Lu Renjia respectfully bowed deeply to Zhang Sanfeng before asking, “Who is the Grand Master referring to? Although that elder leaped off this cliff, given the capabilities of our Wudang School, it shouldn’t be difficult to locate his senior masters. Why don’t we simply pay them a visit, seek their guidance, and ask them to step in and save Junior Brother Zhang Wuji?” Hearing that someone could cure the cold poison of the Xuanming Divine Palm in his body, Zhang Wuji grew anxious as well. He looked at Zhang Sanfeng with desperate hope, wishing his Grandmaster would agree to Song Qingshu’s suggestion. To his surprise, however, Zhang Sanfeng shook his head. “That person’s sect isn’t hard to find—you’ve all heard of it. But even if we find it, it won’t do any good… because that person’s martial arts have been lost to history…” “Oh? We’ve heard of it too? Grandmaster, which sect are you referring to?” Lu Renjia asked, feigning curiosity. “Shaolin! No one knows that man’s name. All that’s known is that he worked as a menial laborer in the Shaolin Temple’s kitchen for thirty years, which is why people in the martial arts world call him the Kitchen Monk. Back then, the Kitchen Monk obtained a Buddhist scripture from the Scripture Hall that no one had paid any attention to—and to everyone’s surprise, it turned out to contain the Shaolin Temple’s closely guarded secret: the *Nine Yang Divine Art*!” “After thirty years of devoted cultivation, the Fire Kitchen Monk mastered the *Nine Yang Divine Art*. Back then, the abbot of Shaolin Temple tried to extract the secrets of the *Nine Yang Divine Art*, but unfortunately, he ended up angering the Fire Kitchen Monk! After defeating more than thirty Shaolin masters in a row, the Firemaster Monk escaped from Shaolin Temple… Fifteen years ago, that fellow actually came looking for me to challenge me. Who would’ve thought that after losing by a single move, he’d actually jump off a cliff… Sigh, now the only way to find a cure for Wuji is through this long-lost *Nine Yang Divine Art*…” “Wow… Did he go crazy from practicing? He only lost by a single move or technique? That’s still pretty impressive… At worst, he could just train for a few more years and ask you, Grandmaster, for a rematch. Jumping off like that is such a waste, isn’t it?” Lu Renjia sighed. Zhang Sanfeng, who was naturally cheerful, gave a helpless smile. “Who wouldn’t agree? That silly fool… Sigh, if he’d practiced the *Nine Yang Divine Art* while still a virgin, I definitely wouldn’t have been his match back then…” That a martial arts grandmaster of his caliber could praise another opponent so openly in front of his own disciple—such magnanimity was truly admirable. “Virginity? Good thing I haven’t lost mine either…” Lu Renjia muttered under his breath. Zhang Sanfeng smiled kindly. Zhang Wuji had been struck by the Xuanming Divine Palm; without the aid of the *Nine Yang Divine Art*, he likely would never have been able to practice martial arts again in this lifetime. As for Song Qingshu—undoubtedly the foremost among the third generation of Wudang disciples—he was the best candidate to carry on the Wudang legacy. Ever since Song Qingshu had come up the mountain to speak with Zhang Wuji earlier, Zhang Sanfeng had known this. Seeing that Song Qingshu was willing to stand up for Zhang Wuji,which brought great comfort to Zhang Sanfeng’s heart. “What’s the matter? Are people from the Emei Sect coming to reclaim the Yitian Sword?” Zhang Sanfeng asked. Lu Renjia nodded. “Grandmaster, your foresight is uncanny… I’ve heard that Zhou Zhiruo of the Emei Sect has already set out and is expected to arrive at Wudang Mountain in a few days…” “Hmm… Mie Jue is arrogant and tyrannical; I hope the disciples she has trained do not follow in her footsteps…” Zhang Sanfeng said softly. As he accompanied Zhang Wuji down the mountain, Lu Renjia said pointedly, “Junior Brother Wuji… I hear that Emei’s heir, Zhou Zhiruo, is peerlessly beautiful… Hmph! That old hag Mie Jue actually sent a delicate beauty to Wudang. Although my martial arts aren’t yet strong enough to avenge my father and your parents, rest assured…I, your senior brother, will certainly pull out all the stops to seduce that Zhou Zhiruo… and then cast her aside ruthlessly. That way… even if I can’t drive that old nun Mie Jue to her death, I’ll at least make her sick to her stomach… Hahahaha…” Zhang Wuji, who had yet to experience romantic affairs, blushed at the sight of Lu Renjia’s wicked plan, his innocent face turning red. He looked on enviously at his senior brother, who was not only a martial arts prodigy but also dashing and charming. Zhang Wuji, however, was afflicted by the cold poison of the Xuanming Divine Palm and could only cling to life by relying on Zhang Sanfeng—a true master of the martial arts—to infuse him with inner energy daily to suppress the poison. Neither his sallow complexion nor his stature could compare to his senior brother’s. “Th—that’s… isn’t toying with someone’s feelings a bit wrong?” Zhang Wuji asked timidly. Lu Renjia waved his hand. “What do you mean, ‘toying with her feelings’? I’m approaching her with sincerity. At worst, we’ll just part ways because our personalities don’t mesh… Hehe… Little brother, you aren’t planning to avenge your parents yourself, are you? If you want to take matters into your own hands… I’d be happy to let you have her…” “Um… well… I think I’ll pass…” Zhang Wuji said with a helpless smile. The good-natured joke had brought him closer to Zhang Wuji. Lu Renjia, smiling and leaving with composure, couldn’t help but let out a deep sigh the moment he returned to his secluded courtyard. During his earlier audience with Zhang Sanfeng, the composure and calm Lu Renjia had displayed had given way to a look of utter horror. “So this is what a先天 master is like… It’s terrifying. I couldn’t sense even a trace of his aura; Zhang Sanfeng seemed to have completely merged with his surroundings… If Feng Xifan, a mid-tier first-class martial artist, was rated as an F+ by the ‘Evil God System,’ then Zhang Sanfeng is at least an E+,” Lu Renjia thought to himself. With this in mind, Lu Renjia gained a more intuitive sense of how the strength of Xuan Kui Zhenren and the others compared. He recalled that Xuan Kui Zhenren’s sin level had reached five stars with a gold border, and he had even been rated as a C-level Ghost Tamer by the “Evil God System.” That meant Zhang Sanfeng—the undisputed master of the *The Legend of the Condor Heroes: The Demon Cult Leader* world—would have no choice but to be instantly killed if he were to face Xuan Kui Zhenren. After calming the storm raging within his heart, Lu Renjia became even more resolute in his convictions. As the saying goes, “To be charming, one must wear mourning clothes.” The appearance of Zhou Zhiruo, clad in white, truly set the hearts of these young, impetuous Taoist monks on Wudang Mountain racing and their blood surging. Not to mention that the Zhou Zhiruo portrayed by Li Zi possessed an extra touch of allure, and those eyes, sparkling with a seductive gaze, were utterly captivating. Zhou Zhiruo, with her graceful figure, entered the Wudang Zhenwu Hall with proper decorum. She bowed her head and spoke softly, her voice as sweet as a oriole’s song. “Zhou Zhiruo, a disciple of Emei, pays her respects to Master Zhang… May Master live as long as the Southern Mountains…” Zhang Sanfeng, seated upright on his meditation cushion, narrowed his eyes as he appraised this Emei disciple before him. He nodded. “Hmm… I never expected Mie Jue to have taught such a well-mannered disciple. Is your master still as hot-tempered as ever?” “I report to Master Zhang… My master has devoted herself to the study of Buddhist teachings for several years… Her cultivation has reached new heights… Naturally, she would not give in to unwarranted thoughts of anger or delusion…” Zhou Zhiruo replied softly. “That’s quite good—at least you know what a monk should and shouldn’t do! Wuji… return the Yitian Sword to your junior sister Zhou…” Zhang Sanfeng said with a smile, waving his hand. Zhang Wuji was taken aback for a moment, then hurriedly took the Yitian Sword from Zhang Sanfeng’s hand and presented it to Zhou Zhiruo. “Senior Brother, are you Zhang Wuji, the son of Zhang Wuxia of Wudang?” the shrewd Zhou Zhiruo asked in a low voice. Since Lu Renjia had warned Zhang Wuji in advance, Zhang Wuji knew full well that this delicate-looking junior sister, Zhou Zhiruo, was the target his senior brother intended to make a move on. Just as he was wondering how to respond, Lu Renjia—who had taken over Song Qingshu’s body—stepped forward, clasped his hands, and smiled, “Junior Sister Zhou is correct. This is Zhang Wuji, the orphan of my Fifth Uncle…My name is Song Qingshu… My father was Song Yuanqiao, the leader of the Seven Heroes of Wudang…” His warm, approachable smile caused Zhou Zhiruo to take her eyes off Zhang Wuji. As a disciple painstakingly trained by Abbess Mie Jue, her mission to Wudang was not only to retrieve the Yitian Sword but also to uncover the whereabouts of the Tulong Dagger. Yet compared to the sallow-faced Zhang Wuji, Song Qingyu—who could be described as a third-generation heir to a wealthy family—was far more alluring. Over the next few days, Song Qing-shu did not rush to carry out his next plan but waited patiently, like a venomous snake. As the only son of Song Yuanqiao—the leader of the Seven Heroes of Wudang—and the emperor’s designated third-generation Grandmaster of Wudang, Song Qing-shu’s private quarters were naturally far superior to those of ordinary disciples. Though simple and rustic, his residence was a standalone compound with its own courtyard. By the light of an oil lamp, Lu Renjia—whose soul had taken possession of Song Qingshu’s body—closed his eyes slightly. The “Evil God System” dialog box appeared in his mind. He tapped the “Space Wallet” option and found that, in addition to the 3,000 Sin Coins he’d obtained during his previous visit to the world of the film adaptation of *The Deer and the Cauldron*, there was also a palm-sized straw doll. With a thought, the palm-sized straw doll appeared in Lu Renjia’s hand. Looking at the straw doll in the palm of his hand, Lu Renjia murmured to himself, “Stand-in straw doll… it’s all up to you now…” The next day, when Song Yuanqiao had a temple attendant summon Song Qingshu to the Zhenwu Hall, a faint smile appeared on Song Qingshu’s face. “Is it finally about to begin? *Nine Yang Divine Art*, here I come… Zhang Wuji, don’t blame me for being ruthless! You have Zhang Sanfeng—that pillar of the martial arts world—to prolong your life, but if I can’t kill the Xuanming Elders and Cheng Kun within a year… I’ll be the one to kick the bucket first! I hope the world’s trajectory doesn’t shift too drastically…” After straightening his clothes, Lu Renjia—whose soul now inhabited Song Qingshu’s body—walked respectfully toward the Zhenwu Hall. “Qingshu… your Grandmaster is about to go into seclusion to cultivate the Tai Chi Sword…Your father and your uncles will be entering seclusion together to guard him, so for these three months, all matters great and small at Wudang are entrusted to you. As for Wuji, your master has prepared one hundred ‘Heavenly King Heart-Protecting Pills’ in advance; every night, you must give Wuji one to suppress the cold poison within his body…” Song Yuanqiao, seated upright on his meditation cushion, spoke slowly. “Your son will humbly obey Father’s orders…” Lu Renjia replied respectfully, solemnly accepting the simple gourd Song Yuanqiao handed him. Though sealed with a stopper, a fragrance that calmed the mind and soothed the spirit wafted from it. “Qingshu… Among the three generations of Wudang, Wuji can no longer practice martial arts… The future of Wudang now rests on your shoulders. Do not let us down…” Yu Lianzhou said earnestly. “Second Uncle, rest assured. Qing Shu will never bring dishonor to Wudang’s name…” That evening, Lu Renjia sent for Zhang Wuji to come to his quarters. “Junior Brother Wuji, the Grand Master is about to enter seclusion for cultivation. Regarding the cold poison from the Xuanming Divine Palm that has afflicted you, the Grand Master has already issued his instructions… This ‘Heavenly King Heart-Protecting Pill’ can suppress the cold poison within your body; please take it…” As he spoke, Lu Renjia poured a pill the size of a red date from the simple, antique gourd. Having developed a fondness for Song Qing-shu over the past few days, Zhang Wuji didn’t suspect a thing. He thanked him, took the pill Song Qing-shu handed him, and swallowed it immediately. Suddenly, a wave of dizziness washed over him. Zhang Wuji felt his tongue go numb, and his eyelids began to twitch. As the world spun around him, Zhang Wuji lost consciousness and collapsed onto the ground. “Tsk, tsk, tsk… Zhang Sanfeng really went all out… Deer antler, angelica, ginseng, cordyceps… Is this the ‘Heavenly King Heart-Protecting Pill’ or the ‘Ten-Treasure Tonifying Pill’? Mixed with a triple dose of sleeping potion… Zhang Wuji, you should be out for quite a while, shouldn’t you? Don’t worry…I won’t kill you, but I’ll be taking the *Nine Yang Divine Art* and the *Great Transference of Heaven and Earth* that originally belonged to you…” Lu Renjia muttered to himself. Just then, the icy voice of the “Evil God System” echoed in Lu Renjia’s mind. “The Chosen One has altered the world’s trajectory by twenty percent; mission difficulty has increased by twenty percent. Three unknown enemies have appeared…” Lu Renjia gave a self-deprecating chuckle. “Debts incurred in June are repaid quickly… Retribution has come so soon. Besides the Xuanming Elders and Cheng Kun, there are three more people? I wonder what kind of masters they’ll be…”