Previously on Daily Intelligence System: Don't Kill Me, Honey!...
Master Jue Mie lends Chen Jie the Jade Maiden Sword, the world's sharpest blade, to break Master Kong Wen's formidable Golden Bell Shield. This move sparks outrage from Shaolin's Kong Xiang, who accuses Emei of betraying their alliance. Master Jue Mie, however, stands firm, citing Chen Jie's past life-saving grace as justification for her sect's support, willing to take full responsibility.
No, you can't be serious?
Precisely, this is the formidable advantage of Master Jue Mie. With skillful manipulation, even a casual acquaintance can be swayed into becoming a devoted follower!
Pondering this, Chen Jie surveyed his surroundings. The faces of those nearby were etched with astonishment at Master Jue Mie's audacious defiance of Shaolin.
At this juncture, Kong Xiang seethed, his voice laced with fury as he bellowed, "Jue Mie, you ancient nun, reconsider your actions! By standing against our Shaolin, you court a catastrophe far beyond the capabilities of a mere sect leader like yourself. Should this escalate, how will you face the Emei guardians and your senior sister in the days to come?"
Upon hearing Kong Xiang's admonition, the venerable nun Jue Mie responded with placid composure, "Since I, Jue Mie, have chosen to act, I shall fully embrace the repercussions. There is no need for you to attempt to intimidate me."
"You!"
Kong Xiang was consumed by rage, his eyes blazing, while Master Jue Mie's expression remained utterly unfazed. Unable to contain himself any longer, Kong Xiang roared, "You old nun have crossed the line! I shall fight you to the very end!"
With his declaration, Kong Xiang launched an attack directly at Master Jue Mie. However, just as his blow was about to land, a stern command suddenly echoed, "Halt!"
Kong Xiang froze, turning his head to behold his serene brother, Kong Wen, who admonished, "Kong Xiang, refrain from such rudeness."
Addressing Kong Wen, Kong Xiang protested, "This old nun is truly provoking! We have assembled here to eradicate evil and champion righteousness, and now she sides with a traitor! It is utterly outrageous. Brother, permit me to discipline this old nun!"
Kong Wen's brow furrowed at these words, and he stated, "Kong Xiang, do not let anger consume you!"
Kong Xiang's expression faltered momentarily, and he then uttered, "Amitabha Buddha."
Suppressed his temper, Kong Wen looked at Kong Xiang and inquired, "Are you feeling calmer now?"
Kong Xiang offered no reply. Kong Wen continued, "As I declared previously, regardless of the methods Chen Jiusi employs, so long as he can defeat me within three moves, it shall be counted as his victory. Now, even if he seeks to borrow a sword to inflict injury upon me, it does not constitute a breach of the agreed-upon rules. Why then do you seek to obstruct him?"
Upon hearing this, Kong Xiang exclaimed loudly, "But he intends to borrow the Jade Maiden Sword, the foremost sword in all the land, renowned for its unfathomable sharpness! Even you, my brother!
"Silence!"
Kong Wen declared, "I have already stated, the use of weapons does not violate the rules. What of the Jade Maiden Sword? What of the world's most exceptional blade? I shall face it!"
Kong Xiang relented, "Very well, very well, brother. Your magnanimity is truly commendable. However, even if using the sword is permissible, it is hardly appropriate for that old nun to lend it to him. She accompanied us to vanquish the Demon Sect, and now she offers the sword in battle – is this not tantamount to desertion? Should she not be apprehended and condemned as a traitor?"
Kong Xiang's temper remained as fiery as ever. Upon hearing this, Kong Wen cast a discerning glance at Master Jue Mie, whose face remained tranquil, as if prepared for any outcome.
Observing Master Jue Mie's unperturbed demeanor, Kong Wen understood that she harbored no fear, and therefore, why should she fear death itself!
Master Jue Mie was resigned to any punishment that might befall her; words seemed utterly useless at this juncture. Furthermore, the current balance among the Six Great Sects was precarious, and Shaolin would hesitate to offend Emei lightly.
After a period of contemplation, Kong Wen could only suppress his indignation.
At this moment, Kong Wen addressed Master Jue Mie, stating, "Kong Xiang's actions are not without merit. The Jade Maiden Sword rightfully belongs to Emei, and as the Sect Leader of Emei, she inherently possesses the authority to determine its disposition. She is at liberty to lend it to whomever she chooses; who possesses the standing to challenge her decision?"
"Master, please do not bear any ill will towards Kong Xiang. You are welcome to lend the sword to Chen Jiusi, and Chen Jiusi is permitted to employ it against me. In truth, I harbor a keen curiosity to ascertain the true sharpness of the world's most superlative sword!"
Kong Wen the Great Monk undoubtedly lived up to his esteemed position as the Shaolin Abbot; his bearing was peerless, prompting many to silently offer their approval. Behold, such profound broad-mindedness!
Having concluded his remarks, Kong Wen turned his gaze towards Chen Jie and invited, "Mr. Chen, I await your move!"
Master Jue Mie glanced at Kong Wen and declared, "The events of today shall be considered a debt that Emei owes to you, Shaolin, a debt that will assuredly be repaid in the future."
Kong Wen responded with a recitation of a Buddhist mantra, "Amitabha Buddha!"
Master Jue Mie then presented the Jade Maiden Sword to Chen Jie, instructing, "Take it."
However, Chen Jie took a half-step back and gestured with his hand, stating, "No, I cannot wield this sword!"
Perplexed by his refusal, Master Jue Mie inquired, "What did you say?"
"I cannot wield this sword!"
Ji Xiaohong interjected, her voice laced with disbelief, "Brother Chen, have you taken leave of your senses? Without the Jade Maiden Sword, how do you propose to defeat Master Kong Wen?"
Chen Jie addressed Ji Xiaohong, stating, "With this blade, I would stand no chance against Master Kong Wen. Not only would I fail, but I would also forfeit my honor!"
A wave of murmurs spread through the assembled crowd, their gazes fixed on Chen Jie with bewilderment.
Chen Jie continued, "Master, everyone present, I understand your kind intentions toward me. However, it is precisely because of your goodwill that I cannot bring myself to act against my conscience."
"This Jade Maiden Sword is renowned as the premier sword under heaven, possessing unparalleled sharpness. Wielding it might indeed grant me a sliver of hope against Master Kong Wen, but such a victory would be tainted by unfairness, a compromise I cannot accept."
"Moreover, by lending me this sword, the Master has deliberately courted the displeasure of Shaolin. This profound debt of gratitude, I, Chen Jiusi, shall carry forever. Yet, if I were to truly unsheathe this weapon, it would plunge the Master and Emei into a precarious predicament."
"I, Chen Jiusi, though perhaps lacking in brilliance, am not so foolish as to betray those who stand by me."
"Master, the disciples of Emei have shown me nothing but genuine sincerity. How could I possibly repay such kindness with anything less?"
With a gesture of respect, Chen Jie cupped his fists towards the Emei members and declared, "Master, esteemed elders, I thank you from the bottom of my heart! I, Chen Jiusi, will forever cherish this benevolence, but I cannot, in good conscience, employ this sword."
Master Jue Mie and the Emei disciples were deeply moved. For Chen Jiusi to willingly cast aside a potential path to victory to shield them from harm, what a noble spirit this demonstrated!
The onlookers pondered this, their attention then drawn to Chen Jie as he proclaimed, "Everyone, allow me to engage Master Kong Wen in a true duel!"
A hush fell over the crowd at his words. They watched as Chen Jie turned, positioning himself before Master Kong Wen, the representatives of various Sects behind him observing Chen Jie's resolute stance with a complex mixture of emotions on their faces.
