Lady, let me explain.

Chapter 79 A Sorrowful Breeze
Abbot Xuanci stepped onto the stage and clasped his hands together in prayer.

"Since all the heroes have no objections, let us proceed as agreed upon at the Heroes' Assembly. The Dragon-Slaying Saber will henceforth be under the care of Sect Leader Lin, and the Golden-Haired Lion King Xie Xun will also be disposed of by Sect Leader Lin."

A moment of silence followed. These were the terms agreed upon by the heroes in the previous meeting. Now, anyone who dared to voice a dissent would be attacked by the crowd.

Lin Yi looked around at everyone, his heart unmoved; this was exactly the scene he had anticipated.

Today's gathering of heroes has brought together the leaders of various sects, making it a veritable gathering of experts, but few of the most outstanding masters in the martial arts world have made it.

Figures like Zhang Sanfeng and the Sweeper Monk have already withdrawn from the world and are not within the scope of this discussion.

Huang Yaoshi and Hong Qigong, two of the Five Greats, are hard to come by, and Xiao Feng is also caught in a false accusation, so it's impossible for them to attend the Heroes' Gathering.

Regardless of its actual merit, the title of "Number One Martial Arts Master in the World" has been earned.

Lin Yi wasn't ashamed at all. "It's because you guys didn't come, not because I couldn't beat you..."

He raised the Dragon-Slaying Saber high and declared, "From this day forward, I am the master of the Dragon-Slaying Saber! Anyone who disagrees? Come and challenge me!"

Some people in the audience remained silent, while others cheered.

"it is good!"

"I admire you, Sect Leader Lin!"

"Supreme Martial Arts Master!"

……

Having secured his position as the master of the Dragon-Slaying Saber, Lin Yi proceeded to the next step of his plan.

He proclaimed in a loud voice: "Gentlemen, heroes, hear me out!"

Lin Yi had just established his authority and was riding high when he gave the order, and the arena gradually quieted down.

Lin Yi continued, "Everyone, for decades, the Dragon-Slaying Saber has attracted the attention of masters from all sects, causing bloodshed and chaos in the martial world. Countless capable and righteous people have lost their lives for it, which is truly regrettable."

"Therefore, today, I am fighting for this Dragon-Slaying Saber not to become the 'Supreme Martial Arts Master,' but to end this conflict!"

Lin Yi's voice carried far, shaking the assembled heroes and causing a burst of noise once again...

People in the martial arts world are inherently unruly, so how many would actually acknowledge this "supreme martial arts master"?
No one wants to be labeled "Supreme Martial Arts Master" again. Even if the various sects present reluctantly admitted it, it wasn't out of genuine sincerity.

If all the sects and factions were to jointly elect a "leader of the martial arts world," they would surely obey his orders.

The martial arts supreme who wields the Dragon-Slaying Saber is merely a figurehead, possessing no real power.

When the martial arts world elects a new leader, it's always because something big is about to happen. For example, the previous leader was chosen during a time of national crisis for the previous dynasty.

Now, the Han dynasty is surrounded by enemies: the Mongols, Western Xia, Liao, Jin, and Qing are all eyeing it covetously. Lin Yi knows that day is not far off.

Perhaps all that's needed is a catalyst, such as a major enemy invading the borders, and a prominent figure taking the lead to unite all martial arts sects and elect a leader to command the heroes...

Lin Yi wanted to shed empty titles and increase his real reputation and prestige, so that he could one day pursue the position of leader of the martial arts alliance.

The crowd was abuzz with differing opinions.

Lin Yijing waited for the situation to develop for a while before continuing:
"From now on, I am the master of the Dragon-Slaying Saber. If any heroes covet this treasure, they may openly challenge me. Do not engage in private duels, which would only increase casualties."

These words sparked various reactions from the assembled heroes.

Some people felt that Lin Yi was righteous and that he single-handedly ended decades of struggle;
Some people think he's being hypocritical, saying all that just to discourage those who want to take his knife, so he can rest easy.

Amidst the various opinions, Lin Yi said, "For hundreds of years, Shaolin Temple has been the leading force in the martial arts world and the leader of the righteous path... Therefore, before that, I will entrust the Dragon-Slaying Saber to Shaolin Temple for safekeeping!"

boom!
Upon hearing this, the assembled heroes were in an uproar.

The Dragon-Slaying Saber, which had been fought over by martial arts figures for decades, was finally obtained by Lin Yi after much hard work, only to be handed over to Shaolin Temple.
Many people even thought they had misheard.

What a magnanimous heart, what uprightness and greatness, what selflessness and righteousness!
"Sect Leader Lin, are you serious?"

Lin Yi smiled and said, "I have always kept my word and never lied. How could I be lying when I speak in front of all these heroes?"

No matter how precious the Dragon-Slaying Saber may be in the eyes of others, it is of little use to Lin Yi.

Not to mention that he has now obtained the secret of the Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber. It would be unwise for him to be coveted by people in the martial arts world for the sake of a sharp blade.

Therefore, Lin Yi chose this compromise: to confirm his identity as the master of the Dragon-Slaying Saber in front of the heroes, and then hand the Dragon-Slaying Saber over to Shaolin for safekeeping.

This way, they gain the reputation while also transferring the risk...

In the future, if anyone covets the Dragon-Slaying Saber, whether through open robbery or covert theft, they will come to Shaolin Temple and will not cause trouble for Lin Yi and the Huashan Sect.

If you're looking to keep the Dragon-Slaying Saber, Shaolin Temple is the best choice.

Although there are some people in Shaolin Temple who are driven by fame and fortune, they are generally good and their conduct is much better than that of major sects such as Quanzhen and Beggars' Sect.

Shaolin Temple could keep the Dragon-Slaying Saber and also enhance its reputation and prestige, which was a win-win situation, so Xuanci and the others naturally agreed.

A member of the Kongtong Sect shouted, "In this way, the bloodshed and turmoil in the martial world over the past few decades has finally been ended by Sect Leader Lin... Sect Leader Lin is kind-hearted, righteous and selfless, please accept my bow!"

Once someone takes the lead, the rest of the heroes immediately follow.

"Sect Leader Lin is so righteous, please accept my bow!"

"Please accept my bow..."

The heroes bowed down in unison, and Lin Yi returned the bow.

"After all this manipulation, even Guo Jing's reputation can't compare to mine, right?"

The atmosphere was lively. Under the witness of the heroes, Lin Yi handed the Dragon-Slaying Saber to Xuan Ci, immediately bringing the Lion-Slaying Heroes Gathering to its climax.

"Sect Leader Lin, what should we do with that villain Xie Xun? Please advise!" someone shouted. "Kill him with one stroke, of course!"

Mentioning Xie Xun filled everyone with righteous indignation. Amidst the uproar, a figure strode over – it was Zhang Wuji.

"Sect Leader Lin, please have mercy..."

The assembled heroes were astonished to find that someone was actually pleading for Xie Xun.

Lin Yi waved his hand and interrupted directly, saying, "Xie Xun has committed many evils, but he has no grudge against me. If I were to punish him, it would be unfair. This matter needs to be discussed by all the heroes and the high monks of Shaolin Temple!"

Xie Xun is another big problem, and Lin Yi has no reason to take it on himself; there's no benefit in it no matter what he does.

Just as Zhang Wuji was about to take this opportunity to reveal Cheng Kun's affair and clear Xie Xun's name in front of the heroes... someone suddenly shouted.

"My eyes! What's that in the wind..."

"Someone poisoned it! Who is this scoundrel?!"

"Ouch, I'm out of strength..."

Suddenly, everyone on the field coughed loudly, tears streamed down their faces, and they felt weak all over, unable to muster any strength.

Chaos erupted immediately, and people fell one by one from west to east across the large square.

Lin Yi looked at a wooden shed: "It's the 'Sad Breeze' from Yipintang."

A group of Western Xia warriors emerged, and the sound of horses' hooves rang out again as dozens of Western Xia cavalrymen galloped in.

"Oh no, it's the Tartars causing trouble!"

"Those Western Xia dogs should have been killed back then!"

Seeing Helian Tieshu and the others walk out, how could the heroes not understand? A chorus of curses erupted.

Once struck by this chilling wind, no matter how high one's martial arts skills, it was all in vain. Masters from various schools and Shaolin monks all fell to the ground.

Only Lin Yi, Zhang Wuji, and Duan Yu remained standing at the scene.

Lin Yi and Zhang Wuji learned the Nine Yang Divine Skill, and Duan Yu consumed the Manggu Toad, making them immune to all poisons.

Zhang Wuji and Duan Yu were terrified to see the heroes fall victim to their attack.

"Sect Leader Lin possesses profound inner strength, actually managing to withstand the 'Sad Breeze' of our First-Class Hall. I wonder how much of your power you still have left?"

Seeing that Lin Yi was standing still, Helian Tieshu thought he was just bluffing.

Lin Yi said calmly, "You were sent as envoys to the capital, and Shaolin treated you with courtesy and invited you to a banquet. Yet you secretly poisoned and plotted to harm the heroes. This is too despicable."

The warriors of Western Xia were not ashamed, but rather proud, and they all laughed heartily.

Now that the martial arts world of the Central Plains has gathered, Yipintang can take them all down in one fell swoop and seize the Dragon-Slaying Saber!

Helian Tieshu smiled: "Does Sect Leader Lin not know the principle that all's fair in war, and that the victor is king?"

"What a brilliant 'winner takes all' statement!" Lin Yi turned his head to the side. "Young Hero Zhang, today all the heroes are poisoned, and it is up to us to turn the tide!"

Zhang Wuji's heart leaped with joy. If he could save the heroes today, it would also atone for some of the sins committed by his adoptive father, Xie Xun. He immediately cupped his hands and said, "Please give the order, Sect Leader Lin."

"What are your orders? Only to slaughter all these Tartars!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Lin Yi leaped out and headed straight for Helian Tieshu.

The group of Western Xia people were shocked to see Lin Yi arrive so quickly and without any signs of poisoning.

"Hurry! Stop him!"

Immediately, the experts from Yipintang and the Western Xia soldiers rushed forward. Lin Yi waved his sleeve, and sword energy filled the sky!

The invisible sword energy swept across the land, and cries of agony filled the air. The first few to be hit were instantly hacked to pieces, while the rest were also seriously injured and fell to the ground, unable to fight.

The Western Xia people screamed in terror, and although the heroes were unable to move, they all cheered at the sight!

Zhang Wuji also jumped into the crowd and fought bravely.

Lin Yi used the Lingbo Weibu technique to walk towards Helian Tieshu. If any Western Xia warriors blocked his way, they would be killed with a single finger.

Within moments, the warriors of Yipintang suffered heavy losses, and Lin Yi had already reached Helian Tieshu.

He grabbed Helian Tieshu, immobilized him by striking his pressure points, and shouted, "Why aren't you putting down your weapons?"

Helian Tieshu was in a terrible state. No matter how well he planned, he could never have predicted that there would be someone in the world who could withstand the poison of Beisu Qingfeng!
Helian Tieshu's high status deterred the others from making any rash moves, and the situation was thus reversed in an instant.

"Young Master Zhang, strike their pressure points!"

"Yes!"

Zhang Wuji's lightness skill was swift, and his acupoint striking technique was skillful, causing a group of Western Xia warriors to fall one after another.

Upon seeing this, the heroes burst into hearty laughter.

"Well done, Sect Leader Lin!"

"Sect Leader Lin is truly our savior!"

"Kill these Western Xia Tartars!"

……

(End of this chapter)