The Abbot of Shaolin Temple, Grandmaster Xuan Bin, was widely recognized as a rare martial arts prodigy. In his early thirties, he had already achieved the level of a martial arts master in terms of internal energy.
In contrast, the original owner of Wu Tao's current body, Qingyunzi, didn't reach the master level in internal energy until his late forties.
It wasn't until his sixties that Qingyunzi finally attained Grandmaster level internal energy.
Upon seeing Wu Tao, Grandmaster Xuan Shan clasped his hands together in greeting and said, "Senior Qingyunzi, is that truly you? I thought the rumors might be mistaken?"
Hearing this, Wu Tao stroked his snow-white beard and smiled, "I am old, very old, and close to death. I wanted to see the world's scenery before I go, so as not to have regrets upon my demise..."
Grandmaster Xuan Shan's face flushed upon hearing this, and he chuckled, clearly feeling a bit embarrassed.
Despite the historical animosity and occasional friction between Buddhism and Taoism, Grandmaster Xuan Shan found himself in a disadvantageous position when facing a Taoist elder several levels his superior.
Wu Tao noticed his peculiar expression, as if he had something difficult to say, and found it utterly bewildering.
Logically, even if there were any conflicts of interest or disputes between Qingyun Temple and Shaolin Temple, they shouldn't be involving an old man like him who had already retired...
Kings dealt with kings, generals with generals, and one generation with another!
He had long ago passed on his authority to his two disciples, Xing Jun and Xing Yun. Even if there were a real issue, it shouldn't concern him.
Furthermore, Shaolin Temple also had several monks over a hundred years old. If there was something to discuss, it should be them talking to him.
When things are abnormal, there must be a ghost!
With this thought, Wu Tao's heart suddenly grew alert.
His tone turned sharp, and he said, "Master, if you have something to say, speak quickly!"
"This old Taoist has other matters to attend to and cannot linger."
Grandmaster Xuan Shan's expression shifted several times upon hearing this.
After a moment, he let out a bitter laugh and said, "Originally, I should not have disturbed you, Senior. However, this matter is of utmost importance..."
"Therefore, I had no choice but to come, thick-skinned as I am. Are you aware of the tragedy at Lan Ke Temple...?"
Wu Tao understood at this point what was going on.
He nodded and said, "This old Taoist is certainly aware of this matter, for the culprits who destroyed Lan Kuli Temple have mostly been dealt with by this wandering Taoist. Only one scoundrel escaped..."
Upon hearing this, Grandmaster Xuan Shan cast a meaningful glance at the ethereal and dignified Wu Tao.
Then, he leisurely continued, "As Senior says, according to our investigation, the sword technique used in Lan Kuli Temple to slaughter the demon disciples of the Heavenly Demon God Cult was indeed your renowned skill, the Heavenly Cycle Arithmetic Sword Technique!"
"However, it is regrettable. I could have reached there before Senior..."
"But last night, I was entangled by several masked experts for several hours, and coincidentally, they were using Taoist techniques..."
"When I finally rushed to Lan Kuli Temple, I witnessed the scene, which was like hell itself. Amitabha."
Seeing the hidden meaning in his gaze and the probing nature of his words, Wu Tao felt amused.
He then let out a cold snort and retorted unceremoniously, "Master Xuan Shan, are you implying that this old Taoist is crying 'stop thief' while being the thief himself?"
Grandmaster Xuan Shan shook his head and said sternly, "That is not my intention. My intention is that the Mo Ke Divine Skill is now in your possession, is it not?"
Hearing this, Wu Tao finally realized what Xuan Shan truly cared about.
Knowing this, Wu Tao replied nonchalantly, "Indeed it is. What do you intend to do?"
Grandmaster Xuan Shan replied, "I would not dare. However, it is my duty, and I am compelled to seek guidance from Senior."
With a large stride, Grandmaster Xuan Shan's entire body sank by more than an inch. This was remarkable, considering he was standing on bluestone slabs.
Xuan Shan truly possessed profound internal energy; his Kasaya Demon Subduing Technique must have been cultivated to its peak.
...
Seeing this, Wu Tao roared, "How dare you!"
Clearly, he had not expected this bald monk, Xuan Shan, to attack so readily.
Without even a preamble before the fight, he lacked the demeanor of a true master.
In truth, Xuan Shan also had his own unspoken difficulties.
The relationship between Qingyun Temple and the imperial family had grown increasingly harmonious, with their strength and prestige skyrocketing over the decades, nearly surpassing that of Shaolin.
Having achieved a high-ranking position in his thirties, Xuan Shan was already the designated successor for the Abbotship of Shaolin Temple.
Therefore, in Xuan Shan's heart, Qingyun Temple had unconsciously become a hypothetical enemy.
Facing an "old monster" who had lived for over 120 years, Xuan Shan was reluctant to fight unless absolutely necessary.
However, for the future of Shaolin Temple, the Mo Ke Divine Skill had to be recovered. He only hoped to succeed in a surprise attack, obtain the renowned ultimate internal energy manual, and then escape quickly.
The future was long; he would find an opportunity to resolve this feud later!
Although Qingyun Temple was powerful, it was the state religion, and they would not resort to underhanded tactics like using their influence to pressure others.
Just as Xuan Shan's right fingertips were about to touch Wu Tao's chest, Wu Tao's internal energy surged, forming a protective shield akin to innate *qi*, blocking the attack.
Xuan Shan's move was intended to be a sure hit. He had meticulously calculated the angle, force, speed, and even the opponent's thoughts before striking.
However, he had not anticipated that Wu Tao, despite his age, would still possess such formidable internal energy.
A moment's miscalculation, and all his plans had gone awry.
Seizing this opportunity, Wu Tao unleashed the Heavenly Cycle Arithmetic Sword Technique. The sword energy coiled like dragons and tigers, making Xuan Shan inwardly lament his predicament.
He knew his only chance was lost.
He was keenly aware of the terrifying prowess of the original Qingyunzi in this body. One wrong step would lead to a cascade of errors, and he would have no opportunity for counterattack.
Thus, Xuan Shan gritted his teeth and decided to fight with all his might.
He abandoned defense and launched an attack, opting for a mutually destructive, self-harming style.
Seeing Xuan Shan's move, Wu Tao was startled. Engaging in a close-quarters combat with a young man in his current condition, with his old bones and frail body, would be like asking for trouble!
For a brief period, the two exchanged over ten blows, and Xuan Shan gradually began to fall into a disadvantage.
In his initial offense, Wu Tao had actually held back somewhat.
Given his current body and the reputation and character of the original Qingyunzi in the martial world, he would not kill a Shaolin monk unless pushed to the absolute limit.
This was precisely why Xuan Shan, despite knowing he was outmatched, dared to attempt a sneak attack.
...
But at this moment, Xuan Shan felt like an unintelligent beast trapped in a cage, whipped by a tamer, restricted in every way.
Despite being a monk, Xuan Shan had a rather short temper.
Before long, he became somewhat agitated.
Even though he was young and strong, if this dragged on, he would likely exhaust this old monster.
But how long would that take?
Xuan Shan's thinking was not wrong. If it truly came to that, it would take at least a thousand moves to wear down this old monster who had reached the Grandmaster level.
What worried him even more was what if this old monster before him threw all restraint to the wind...
If he unleashed his full power without regard for his own safety, wouldn't he be instantly killed?
Hesitant and constrained, a fire gradually began to ignite within Xuan Shan's heart.
The more he thought about it, the more indignant he became, and he finally unleashed his ultimate move, the "Great Prajna Palm."
With a spin of his body, Xuan Shan thrust his hands forward, and his palm energy erupted, extending more than six inches, striking towards Wu Tao!
A thunderclap rent the air!
With a deafening "boom," the sky was filled with flying debris and dust, engulfing them like a dark shroud as the palm force surged forward!
If Wu Tao were to be directly struck by this palm, given his current age, he would undoubtedly perish.
With no other choice, Wu Tao had to abandon his advantage, using the Zhenwu Sword to protect himself and block this wave of attack.
Also provoked by this junior, Wu Tao no longer held back. His sword pierced the air, its energy slashing in all directions, manifesting countless beams of sword light.
Xuan Shan again used the Great Prajna Palm, transforming into a Buddhist seal with the "Prajna Nirvana" technique to meet the attack!
Xuan Shan intended to leverage his youth to engage Wu Tao in a head-on clash, aiming to gain the upper hand.
However, facing Wu Tao's full power, he was ultimately struggling to keep up.
Wu Tao's sword technique truly pushed skill and power to their limits.
Although the Prajna Nirvana palm was potent, fast, and imposing, it was a direct, all-or-nothing attack.
Of course, whether it be swordplay, saber techniques, spearmanship, palm strikes, or fist fighting, all offensive methods are used to defeat and kill enemies.
Every move, every style, has its advantages and disadvantages.
Just like everything in this world, there are no perfect people, nor perfect things.
Every offensive method, when striking an enemy, has its unique characteristics, both advantages and disadvantages.
The pinnacle of offensive techniques is to maximize the advantages of each move while ensuring subsequent moves can compensate for previous shortcomings, even turning weaknesses into strengths.
There are always gains and losses. The reason why several of the world's supreme martial arts are renowned is their complementary strengths and weaknesses, creating an inexhaustible power.
This is the essence of offensive techniques: balancing the strengths and weaknesses of an entire set of skills at a single point, which distinguishes ordinary techniques from ultimate ones.
Therefore, Wu Tao's sword strike dispersed sword energy in all directions, leaving Xuan Shan with no escape. He could only grit his teeth and endure the blow.