Chapter 652: Taking Zhang Sanfeng to Visit a Br0thel

Song Qingshu wore a mysterious expression. “Grandmaster, trust me—you’ll live at least 200 years.”

Zhang Sanfeng was taken aback. With his current cultivation level, nearing the unity of man and heaven, he vaguely felt he might live another century or so. But how did Song Qingshu know that?

Seeing Song Qingshu’s smug look, Zhang Sanfeng couldn’t help but say, “Since you’ve brought this up, I have to remind you of something. As the saying goes:

‘A maiden of sixteen, soft as cream,

With a sword by her waist slays fools in dreams.

Though heads don’t roll, their marrow drains unseen.’

Your indulgence in lustful desires is not conducive to longevity. You should spend more time learning the art of preserving health from me.” (G: in many cultures 16 (or less) is regarded as becoming adult for w0men due to geographical and climate reasons.)

Song Qingshu smiled wryly. “Grandmaster, asking me to stay away from women like you do would be more painful than death.”

“It’s not as extreme as that,” Zhang Sanfeng replied. “As the saying goes, storing essence and nurturing Qi leads to understanding the unity of heaven and man. Look at me—I’m over a hundred years old, yet every morning I’m still as… cough, cough… full of energy as ever, even more so than many young men. This is the true path to longevity.”

Song Qingshu was left dumbfounded and gave a thumbs-up. “Respect!”

“Grandmaster, you’ve lived over a hundred years without ever experiencing the pleasures of a woman. Isn’t that a bit of a pity? Someday, I’ll take you to the largest br0thel in Yanjing, which I happen to own. I’ll find a few pure young ladies to serve you, and then you’ll know why people say, ‘A smoke after the act feels better than being a god.’…”

Seeing Zhang Sanfeng’s expression grow increasingly grim, Song Qingshu abruptly changed his tone and demeanor. “But for someone of your realm, Grandmaster, pursuing the Dao transcends worldly desires. How could you be moved by such base temptations? I merely wished to confirm my thoughts—Grandmaster, your moral integrity is truly unparalleled. To resist such temptations without the slightest wavering, you’re even more enlightened than the Buddha himself.”

Zhang Sanfeng didn’t expect him to twist his words back into praise and couldn’t help but laugh wryly. “You rascal! Where did you learn such a slick tongue these past few years? And don’t go comparing me to the Buddha—such arrogance isn’t for me.”

Song Qingshu secretly wiped away cold sweat. Coming from the modern era, he didn’t have the deep-rooted respect for teachers and elders that this world upheld. He subconsciously treated Zhang Sanfeng like a friend, which, coupled with his usual carefree attitude, led him to say such absurd things.

Relieved that Zhang Sanfeng wasn’t upset, Song Qingshu quickly explained, “Even the Buddha was nearly swayed by Mara’s temptations when he attained enlightenment. But you, Grandmaster, remained as calm as still water, unmoved even slightly. Of course, that makes you greater than the Buddha.”

Zhang Sanfeng chuckled and scolded, “Mara’s temptations are hardly comparable to your nonsense.”

After exchanging a few playful remarks, Song Qingshu suddenly recalled Zhang Sanfeng’s earlier mention of the Vajra Evil Subduing Ring used by the three Dhyana monks. Although he admitted it was tricky, his nonchalant demeanor impressed Song Qingshu. Back then, even the fully matured Zhang Wuji had been utterly defeated by that formation…

Even though Song Qingshu understood that the current Zhang Wuji wasn’t the real one—his body housed the soul of the Ming Zun—he couldn’t shake the lingering hostility toward him. Perhaps it was due to the residual influence of this body’s past.

“Grandmaster, besides the Four Holy Monks, Shaolin has Xuan Cheng, the greatest monk in 200 years, as well as Fang Zheng, who mastered the Muscle-Tendon Classic, and the mysterious young monk Xu Zhu. If they all attack together, even you might be outnumbered,” Song Qingshu said. Seeing Zhang Sanfeng remain silent, he decided to up the ante. “But none of these people worry me the most. What truly concerns me is the Sweeping Monk in the Shaolin Library.”

“The Sweeping Monk?” Zhang Sanfeng raised an eyebrow, unfamiliar with the name.

Song Qingshu quickly described the character as depicted in the original story but adjusted the details to fit the current world. Zhang Sanfeng listened with growing intrigue.

“With your judgment, if you think the Sweeping Monk’s cultivation is on par with mine, then you’re likely correct,” Zhang Sanfeng said with a worried expression. “If that’s the case, confronting Shaolin won’t be easy… Very well, you’ll come with me to Shaolin. But you must promise me one thing.”

“Whatever you say, Grandmaster,” Song Qingshu replied.

“You’re young, with extraordinary martial skills, but I’m worried you might let your emotions get the better of you. Don’t rashly make enemies of Shaolin’s monks. We still don’t know for sure if they’re responsible. If we wrong them, we’ll only benefit the real conspirators lurking in the shadows.”

This concern had made Zhang Sanfeng hesitate to bring Song Qingshu along. He still remembered how hostile the monks were during his last visit to retrieve the Nine Yang Scripture for Zhang Wuji. Though he no longer held grudges, Song Qingshu’s fiery temper worried him.

Yet, he wasn’t so stubborn as to risk facing a potential top-tier master alone.

“Don’t worry, Grandmaster. I’ll follow your lead,” Song Qingshu replied. Despite his nonchalance, he knew Shaolin already harbored deep grudges against him. He had once ruined their painstaking plans for years and had clashed with them repeatedly.

Even so, with his current abilities and Zhang Sanfeng by his side, he doubted Shaolin could pose a real threat.

The two decided to head to Shaolin immediately.

Upon learning this, Xia Qingqing and Ah Jiu wished to join them, but Song Qingshu ultimately declined. Although both women were skilled, their help would be limited in such a situation. Moreover, someone needed to stay behind to oversee the Golden Serpent Camp, and a messenger had to be sent to Li Kexiu.

Thus, Xia Qingqing was tasked with holding down the fort, while Ah Jiu delivered a personal letter from Song Qingshu to Li Kexiu. Her status as a former Ming princess underscored the camp’s sincerity.

Still, Song Qingshu doubted Li Kexiu would be swayed, given his position as a key figure courted by all sides.

Meanwhile, Ren Yingying used the opportunity to escape.

Hearing the news, Song Qingshu simply sighed and ordered his subordinates not to pursue her.

As for Ah Zi, she stayed behind to assist Xia Qingqing.

With everything settled, the old master and young disciple began their journey to Shaolin.

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