"The Great Sage Who Conquers Demons?" The attention of everyone shifted to the three strangers. The title "Great Sage Who Conquers Demons" was not one to be used lightly, especially in Wudang.
Facing the intense gazes from those around them, Xiao simply folded his arms and scanned his surroundings. This was his first time in another world, but from the looks of it, there didn't seem to be anyone here who could threaten him. His role was simple: protect Smith and follow his commands.
"After all, he is thousands of years old. It's quite strange to be called a 'little friend,'" Smith chuckled, glancing at Zhang Sanfeng. "You are Zhang Sanfeng."
"Yes." Zhang Sanfeng stood, slightly unsure of Smith's intentions. As one of the most powerful individuals in this world, he couldn't afford to take such an encounter lightly. "Who are you, and what do you want?"
"We've been sent by an entity to help you with your crisis," Smith said calmly. "Whether it's the problem with the Demon Sect, Shaolin, or the aliens, we can help resolve it."
Zhang Sanfeng remained silent for a moment, processing Smith's words. His brow furrowed as he considered what Smith was saying. "I see," he said, though suspicion lingered in his voice. "And why should I trust you?"
Smith smiled softly, his tone warm but firm. "Of course, if possible, I would like to strike a deal with you."
Zhang Sanfeng's mind raced, and a horrifying thought crossed his mind. He looked toward the Zhenwu statue, his heart sinking. Could it be?
"We don't know either. This is simply our mission," Smith continued, chuckling lightly.
Looking at Zhang Wuji lying nearby, and then glancing at Yu Dayan, who was still paralyzed, Smith added, "Of course, we can also tell you where the 'Nine Yang Magic Art' is and how to treat Yu Dayan's injuries."
"Please, sir, tell us where the Nine Yang Magic Art is," Zhang Cuishan urgently requested. He and Yin Susu exchanged a glance, then knelt before Smith, bowing in gratitude. "Please, tell us, and we will be forever thankful."
Smith did not respond immediately to their pleas. Instead, he turned his gaze to Zhang Sanfeng.
Zhang Sanfeng, seeing that there was no immediate answer, bowed respectfully. "What is it you seek from us?"
"We need a technique to understand the martial arts of this world better," Smith explained. "As for the Nine Yang Magic Art, while I know where it is, it's too far for us to retrieve it. We don't have the time."
The Seven Heroes of Wudang stared at Smith, stunned. Could this stranger be trying to steal their techniques? After all, to think that someone could be so brazen after being in this world for thousands of years was almost unbelievable. Even their master, Zhang Sanfeng, hadn't noticed Smith's arrival.
Zhang Sanfeng, sensing the tension in the air, took out a secret book from his robe. He handed it to Smith. "This is my Wudang Pure Yang Wuji Gong. If you do not mind, please take it."
Smith looked at the book in his hands and then met Zhang Sanfeng's gaze. "You are much more perceptive than your disciples," Smith said with a slight smile. "I won't be polite."
He took the book without hesitation, acknowledging Zhang Sanfeng's trust. "The Nine Yang Manual is located in the valley next to Zhuwu Lianhuanzhuang in Kunlun Mountain. There's an old ape there who guards it."
Zhang Sanfeng blinked in realization. "I thought it was somewhere else before, but now that you mention it, I think I understand."
With that, Zhang Sanfeng could almost confirm that what Smith had said was true. Despite being a top-tier martial artist, Zhang Sanfeng had no way to cure Zhang Wuji's cold poison. It wasn't that his Pure Yang Wuji Gong was weaker than the Nine Yang Magic Art, but in terms of Yang power, it simply didn't compare.
"That's great! Wuji is saved!" Zhang Cuishan and Yin Susu exclaimed, relieved. They still needed to locate the Nine Yang Magic Art, but knowing the general location brought them great hope.
"Saved? Are you referring to this child?" Hu Tao asked with a mischievous smile, hopping over to Zhang Wuji's side. She examined him closely. "Cold air in the body? That's easy to fix. Do you want me to handle it?"
Zhang Sanfeng's eyes widened in surprise. "Can you really cure the child's ailment?"
The others also looked at Hu Tao with a mix of skepticism and curiosity. She had already displayed her power before, but curing cold poison so easily? That seemed too good to be true.
Hu Tao grinned widely. "It's not hard at all! This is my first time in this world, so I'm feeling generous." She raised her Homa Staff, and vibrant fire-element butterflies danced around her. Two of them floated to Zhang Wuji's body, merging with him in a dazzling display of energy.
The onlookers were awestruck. Could such a thing really be possible? Where had this weapon even come from?
"Okay!" Hu Tao laughed as she swung the Homa Staff onto her shoulder, looking proud of herself.
Zhang Sanfeng hurried over to Zhang Wuji. He examined the boy's condition carefully, then smiled with relief. "Wonderful. Wuji is fine."
"Is it really that simple?" Smith asked, still somewhat puzzled by the ease of it all.
Hu Tao beamed. "Cold air is no match for me! This is nothing compared to the secret techniques of the Rebirth Hall, which can even cure demonic resentment! And Yu Dayan's problem? We just need to find Black Jade Ointment."
Smith nodded in agreement. "The Black Jade Ointment is a secret medicine from the Shaolin Vajra Sect of the Western Region. It's the very reason Yu Dayan is injured. I'll explain more later."
Turning his gaze toward the outside of the Zixiao Palace, Smith added, "It seems our mission target is arriving. It's nearly time to act."
Hearing this, Xiao raised an eyebrow and coolly asked, "Do we need to kill all the people outside?"
Xiao wasn't hostile to humans, but if it was part of the mission, he was more than willing to carry it out. From the look of those outside, they seemed like enemies. Xiao could sense their greed.
Zhang Sanfeng quickly intervened, his voice filled with urgency. "Please, Demon Sage, don't get upset. I'm sure we can resolve this peacefully."
Given that the cold poison which had stumped Zhang Sanfeng for so long was so easily dispelled by Hu Tao, he now had no doubt that Smith and his companions were far from ordinary. He didn't want to provoke them unnecessarily.
Smith nodded thoughtfully. "It's something we must face. We're here to complete our mission as well. The sooner we resolve the crisis in Wudang, the better it will be for all of us."
Smith motioned for Xiao and Hu Tao to follow him. "We won't go to extremes. Let's resolve this as peacefully as we can."
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