A journey through the world of martial arts

Chapter 106 The dust has settled
"Daoist Master, what about the Imperial Uncle?" The Emperor calmed himself and turned to ask Gu Xu beside him.

"Your Majesty, rest assured, Zhu Wushi is only temporarily trapped and his martial meridians are sealed. He is not dead. Ultimately, this matter still requires Your Majesty's personal judgment."

Upon hearing this, the emperor nodded and said to the stunned Cao Zhengchun, "Eunuch Cao, take Zhu Wushi to the imperial prison to await his fate."

"This servant obeys the decree," Cao Zhengchun hurriedly replied, leading a team of Imperial Guards to secure the ice sculpture with iron chains before taking it away.

Today, all the civil and military officials have essentially walked the road to the underworld. Seeing the Iron-Blooded Marquis, who held immense power and unparalleled martial arts skills, defeated and imprisoned, they were filled with fear.

Some people, seeing the emperor's composed demeanor, broke out in a cold sweat. Although they had never underestimated the emperor before, they hadn't shown him much respect either. Now that this incident had occurred, they realized that the emperor had such a capable person by his side, and they wondered how many secrets he might be hiding from them.

Thinking about this, the emperor's image in their minds became even more unfathomable.

"It seems I'll have to be more diligent in my work from now on."

The emperor glanced at his ministers, chuckled, and said, "I'm just telling you that even my own uncle can become a stepping stone for me, so what about you? This is the fate of those who obstruct me."

"Master, how are Cheng Shifei and the others? I hope nothing bad has happened to them."

The emperor said with some concern, "The battle just now was so fierce that even Cao Zhengchun lost his hand."

"It's alright. Most of the energy was directed towards the Council Hall, so Cheng Shifei and the other three shouldn't have experienced much pressure."

Gu Xu raised his hands, lifting the rubble on the ground and making it float in mid-air. Underneath the ruins, Cheng Shifei held up the energy shield to protect Haitang and the other two. Suddenly, the pressure above him decreased, and the rubble around him continued to rise. Light shone through from outside, and Cheng Shifei knew that it must be Daoist Gu Xu helping from outside.

With a deep shout, the protective aura expanded further, sweeping away all the surrounding rubble and revealing the four people in the deep pit. Apart from Cheng Shifei, the other three were unconscious.

"Daoist Master!" Cheng Shifei shouted.

Yuan Shen Zhaoying turned his head and nodded. He manipulated the rubble to fall to the side, then pulled his hands toward the pit. The four people were immediately pulled up uncontrollably. After a few breaths, the four landed safely on the ground.

Imperial physicians, who were already prepared, carried the four away and sent them to the Imperial Hospital for treatment.

With a wave of his sleeve, Yuan Shen Zhao Ying sent rubble and debris into the pit, filling it in no time.

Apart from the numerous cracks in the ground and the absence of several buildings, it would be difficult for outsiders to tell that a fierce battle had just taken place here.

Satisfied, he looked around and his primordial spirit returned to Gu Xu with a swift movement.

"Thank you for your help, Daoist Master," the emperor said sincerely, and Gu Xu accepted it without hesitation.

"Your Majesty, this matter has been settled. I will not get involved in the remaining details. However, I have a request."

"Please speak, Daoist Master," the emperor said, looking at Gu Xu. As long as it wasn't something excessive, the emperor would agree.

"I have heard that the Imperial Library houses many Taoist classics, including numerous rare copies. I wonder if Your Majesty would allow me to see them?"

"Your request has been granted, Daoist Master. From now on, you may freely enter and leave the Royal Library."

The emperor thought it was a big deal, but it turned out to be just reading books. This small favor made the emperor feel a little embarrassed, and he made up his mind to collect more Taoist books and give them to Gu Xu.

"Then thank you very much, Your Majesty. I will go and check on Cheng Shifei and the others first."

After saying that, he flashed away and headed towards the Imperial Hospital.

Inside the Imperial Hospital, Duan Tianya and the other two woke up one after another, followed by waves of throbbing pain, their brows furrowed.

"My lords, it is best not to act rashly. You have all suffered bone injuries in the battle just now."

Physician Liu held down Duan Tianya, who was trying to get up, and Gui Haiyidao, who was beside him, was also held down.

As for Haitang, she was taken to the inner room. After the examination, it was discovered that Haitang was actually a woman. After his initial shock, Physician Liu calmed down and ordered that Haitang be placed in a separate room. He then summoned two palace maids, taught them some simple methods for treating wounds, and arranged for a female doctor to come over.

"How is Haitang?" Guihai Yidao glanced around but didn't see Haitang. He grabbed the hand of the imperial physician beside him and asked urgently.

"Rest assured, sir, Lord Shangguan is fine. The female physician is treating her injuries now."

Upon hearing the imperial physician's words, Guihai Yidao realized that Haitang's identity had been exposed, but then he felt relieved.

Duan Tianya looked at Cheng Shifei and said, "Cheng Shifei, I still have to thank you. If it weren't for you, I'm afraid I would have been buried in the ground long ago."

Guihai Yidao also expressed his gratitude.

"It was just a small favor; we're brothers, after all."

Cheng Shifei, whose face was slightly pale, waved his arm wrapped in white cloth, gasped in pain, and grinned.

Duan Tianya and Gui Haiyidao were both amused by his strange actions.

Just then, footsteps sounded outside, the door was gently pushed open, and Yunluo walked into the room. Seeing the injured Cheng Shifei, she almost burst into tears.

"Tianya, Yidao, I'm so glad you're alright. By the way, where's Haitang?"

Yunlu greeted the two of them, but did not see Haitang, and her heart skipped a beat.

"Yunluo, Haitang is alright," Cheng Shifei said hurriedly, seeing her worried expression.

"That's good," Yunluo breathed a sigh of relief upon learning that Haitang was alright. She walked over to Cheng Shifei and grabbed his injured arm.

"Get well soon. There are still some parts of my Jade Maiden Sword Technique that I don't understand. You need to teach me personally."

"Mmm," Cheng Shifei said, holding Yunluo's hand with a sweet smile on his face.

Seeing this, Duan Tianya smiled bitterly to himself, while Guihai Yidao was quite amused.

"Taoist Master," Physician Liu had just left the room when he saw Gu Xu approaching. He hurriedly stepped forward and bowed. This Taoist Master was a favorite of the Emperor and could not be offended.

"How are Cheng Shifei and the others?"

"It's just some superficial injuries. Although the bones and muscles are injured, they've been treated. With a few months of rest and recuperation, I guarantee I'll be back to my old self."

"Thank you for your trouble. This humble Taoist priest will go in and take a look."

"Please come, Daoist Master. Princess Yunluo has just arrived as well."

Gu Xu nodded upon hearing this, and seeing that he had no further instructions, Physician Liu immediately led the others away.

"I am relieved that you are all well," Gu Xu said, pushing open the door and looking at the three people on the sickbed.

"Master, you've arrived. Please have a seat." Yunluo hurriedly brought over a chair and placed it beside the bed. Gu Xu thanked her and sat down.

"If it weren't for the Taoist priest's intervention, the four of us would have been dead for sure," Duan Tianya and the other two tried to get up and pay their respects, but Gu Xu stopped them with his hand.

"It's good that you're all alright. Although this matter was dangerous, after this battle, Zhu Wushi will find it difficult to cause trouble again, and the Dragon Guard Manor will be returned to the Emperor. Your arrangements will be announced soon. I wonder what your thoughts are?"

After listening, Cheng Shifei said, "Daoist Master, after my injuries heal and I meet my mother, I will propose marriage to Yunluo to the Emperor. However, I dislike being an official the most, so I will probably travel the world from now on."

Yunluo didn't say much after hearing this. In any case, she would follow Cheng Shifei wherever he went.

"And what about you two?" Gu Xu asked, looking at Duan Tianya and Gui Haiyidao.

"Master, Haitang and I plan to retire from the martial world and live ordinary lives. We no longer intend to concern ourselves with matters of the court or the martial arts world. After a life full of ups and downs, it's time to live the life we ​​want."

Thinking of his promise to Haitang, Guihai Yidao felt hopeful for the future.

Cheng Shifei and the others looked at Duan Tianya. He smiled bitterly and said, "I plan to return to my hometown to pay respects to my family and let Lang'er be recognized by his ancestors. From now on, I will no longer participate in court affairs and will live a peaceful and quiet life, watching Lang'er grow up. That will be enough for me."

After hearing the three's plans, Gu Xu understood and said, "It seems you are all truly fed up. That's fine too. Sincerity is true happiness, and simplicity is true happiness."

Duan Tianya and the others all nodded in agreement. After going through the storms, looking back, those ordinary days were still the most precious.

"Taoist Master, I wonder how my mother is doing now?" Cheng Shifei was worried that Zhu Wushi's matter would implicate her.

"Don't worry, your mother is currently staying safely at the Dragon Guard Manor."

Cheng Shifei was relieved to receive confirmation.

After exchanging a few more words with them, Gu Xu left the Imperial Hospital.

Arriving at the Heavenly Prison without any hindrance, Gu Xu looked at Zhu Wushi encased in ice. With a single palm strike, his power surged into the solid ice, causing it to crack and break apart. The prison guards, seeing this, immediately raised their weapons to prepare for battle. After a few breaths, the ice shattered completely, and Zhu Wushi stared coldly at Gu Xu.

“Zhu Wushi, Su Xin already knows the truth about what happened back then,” Gu Xu said calmly.
Upon hearing this, Zhu Wushi was dazed, his body went limp, and he collapsed to the ground, muttering, "Suxin, Suxin."

Seeing this, Gu Xu walked out of the cell and said to the jailer beside him, "Zhu Wushi's acupoints have been locked, so he cannot be used against. However, his food and drink are still normal. He should not be mistreated."

"Yes," the jailer replied, then glanced at the disheveled Zhu Wushi before following Gu Xu out of the cell.

Inside the Dragon Guardian Manor, on the table in front of Su Xin lay a stack of secret files containing confidential information about the Battle of Taihu Lake.

"It really is you, Zhu Wushi."

Su Xin stared at the irrefutable evidence in front of her with a pained expression. This man, who claimed to love her, had treated her like this behind her back. For his own selfish reasons, he had caused her family to be destroyed. What right did such a person have to say the word "love" to her?

After calming down a bit, Su Xin picked up another confidential document, which described Cheng Shifei's background and origins.

"Fei'er," Su Xin looked at the figure in the portrait and recalled Gu Santong's voice and appearance. Cheng Shifei's appearance was five or six parts similar to his.

Su Xin, who was looking through the files, suddenly heard voices outside. A moment later, Gu Xu walked in.

"Master Suxin, have you seen all of these things?"

"I am deeply grateful for your great kindness, Master." Upon seeing that it was the same Master she had met before, Su Xin rose and gave a deep bow.

"How is Zhu Wushi doing?" Su Xin asked, her feelings complicated.

"His rebellion failed, and he is now imprisoned in the imperial prison. Would you like to go and see him one last time, Layman Suxin?"

Su Xin pondered for a moment, then said, "It would be good to see him; consider it a farewell."

"I will make arrangements for the prison; Layman Suxin may go there at any time."

Looking at Cheng Shifei's portrait on the table, Gu Xu said, "Cheng Shifei is currently in the Imperial Medical Academy. If you wish to visit him, I can arrange it."

"No need, we won't trouble you with Fei'er's side, Daoist Master," Su Xin hurriedly stopped her.

Although Cheng Shifei is her biological son, she has not fulfilled her responsibilities as a mother. Now she is going to see him, but she doesn't know how to do it. She should wait until the time is right.

"Daoist Master, I want to see Zhu Wushi right now."

We'll have to meet sooner or later, so let's resolve this matter as soon as possible to put our minds at ease.

"This humble Taoist priest will send someone to escort you to the Heavenly Prison. Please."

Su Xin straightened her clothes and followed Gu Xu out of the room. Gu Xu then called a guard and asked him to take Su Xin to the prison.

Inside the prison, Zhu Wushi lay sprawled on the ground, looking utterly dejected. He heard a commotion outside, and a familiar female voice reached his ears.

"Suxin, Suxin, you've come!" Zhu Wushi immediately got up, grabbed the wooden bars of the cell, and looked at the beautiful woman in white outside.

The jailer had received prior orders to leave space for the two of them and then leave with the others.

"These are your favorite dishes and your favorite drinks. I made them especially for you. Have some."

Su Xin entered the cell, opened the food box, and placed the wine, dishes, and chopsticks on the table.

Zhu Wushi didn't dare to ask Su Xin what she knew, and pretended not to know anything. He kept picking up food with his chopsticks, his eyes greedily looking at her face.

Su Xin poured him a glass of wine, handed it to him, and said calmly, "I already know what I need to know. You've ended up like this, and I don't want to pursue anything further. From now on, we will never meet again."

"Su Xin," Zhu Wushi lowered his head, not daring to look at her. In her eyes, he was a complete failure.

After finishing the food and drink, Su Xin took one last look at him and quickly walked out of the cell.

Zhu Wushi watched helplessly as a prison door separated the two of them, and cried out in pain.

The following day, after the court assembly, the emperor ordered Zhu Wushi to be executed and gave him a cup of poisoned wine.

But before the poisoned wine could be delivered, news came from the prison that Zhu Wushi had committed suicide. After the imperial physician examined his injuries, the emperor learned that Zhu Wushi had died by exploding his meridians.

To verify the truth of the matter, the emperor earnestly requested Gu Xu to go there in person.

"Zhu Wushi is truly dead; he has lost all reason to live."

Upon hearing this, the emperor sighed deeply and looked out at the torrential rain.

Several months later, the emperor bestowed a marriage upon Cheng Shifei and Yunluo, and the two held their wedding in the palace.

After the excitement, Cheng Shifei went to a courtyard in the suburbs the next day to see his mother, and it is unknown what they talked about.

After Cheng Shifei and Yunluo got married, they rarely stayed in the palace. They traveled all over the country, from south to north and from west to east. After the Empress Dowager passed away, the two returned to the palace to pay their respects. After that, they settled down and lived with Suxin in a courtyard in the suburbs. After Yunluo gave birth to a son and a daughter, Suxin's life came to an end.

Duan Tianya ultimately did not leave. The emperor kept him in charge of the Dragon Guard Manor. Duan Tianya could not refuse, and after serving as the manor lord for five years, he repeatedly asked to resign, and the emperor finally agreed.

After leaving the capital with Lang'er, Duan Tianya went into seclusion on Snake Island and never asked about the affairs of the martial arts world again.

Guihai Yidao and Haitang finally achieved their goal, got married, and settled down in a mountain village, living a life of farming and weaving.

As for the Eastern Depot, Cao Zhengchun immediately requested the emperor to resign as the head of the Eastern Depot after Shenhou's death, but the emperor refused.

After serving as the supervisor for another three years with trepidation, Cao Zhengchun felt the time was ripe and once again asked the emperor to let him resign. This time the emperor agreed and at the same time transferred Qi Yu back from Qingyan Town to become the new supervisor of the Eastern Depot.

As for Cao Zhengchun, he left the palace and disappeared without a trace, taking with him the things the emperor had given him.

Royal Palace
"Taoist Master, are you leaving too?" the emperor asked, looking at Gu Xu.

Time had left no trace on the Taoist priest's face; he looked exactly the same as when the emperor first met him. The emperor couldn't help but marvel that he was younger than the Taoist priest, yet they looked almost the same age, or even a little older.

"Over the years, I have thoroughly explored the imperial library and learned a great deal from it. I am grateful for Your Majesty's dedication in collecting Taoist classics. Please accept these two books as a small token of my appreciation."

Gu Xu placed the two books on the table. The emperor picked them up and saw that one book had the words "Indestructible Vajra Body" on its cover, while the other book had the words "Thirteen Secrets of Swift Sword".

"Taoist Master, is this Vajra Indestructible Body the same as the one that transforms right and wrong?" the emperor asked doubtfully.

"They all originate from the same source, but the Vajra Indestructible Divine Skill can only be mastered by those with exceptional talent. I combined the Golden Bell Cover and various other schools' protective techniques to create this martial art."

"This martial art can be practiced even by those with poor natural talent; it simply requires a lot of external resources. Once you reach its peak, it's almost indistinguishable from the Vajra Indestructible Divine Skill."

Upon hearing Gu Xu's explanation, the emperor's eyes lit up. As the emperor, he possessed the wealth of the entire realm. In addition, he had worked diligently to expand the territory over the years, and he had no shortage of foreign resources. Once he could mass-produce such experts, he would no longer have to worry about his safety.

"These Thirteen Techniques of Swift Sword emphasize a single, fatal strike. As for their many subtle applications, Your Majesty can explore them at your leisure."

This sword technique was created by Gu Xu, who abandoned defense and created a killing technique. It is most suitable for assassination, but because it is too lethal, it is easy to distort one's mind. Therefore, Gu Xu specially wrote a calming mantra in the general outline of the sword technique.

After each murder, one must immediately practice the calming mantra so as not to lose oneself and to go further in life.

"I am deeply grateful for the great kindness shown to me by the Daoist master." The emperor knew the value of these two secret manuals, which were considered treasures among all the sects.

"This humble Taoist has renounced worldly life and it is time for me to return to the mountain to cultivate. Your Majesty, I take my leave now, and we shall never meet again." After saying this, Gu Xu's figure disappeared, leaving only the door open and a cold wind blowing in.

"Farewell, Daoist Master. I will not see you off."

Watching Gu Xu leave, the emperor felt very complicated. He was able to resolve the issues of the Dragon Guard Manor and the Eastern Depot so quickly and perfectly, and Master Gu Xu deserved much credit for that.

Braving the torrential rain, Gu Xu left the palace. After visiting Cheng Shifei, Gui Haiyidao, Haitang, Duan Tianya, and Wan Sanqian, Gu Xu returned to Shaolin Temple without alerting anyone and went to the Bodhidharma Cave in the back mountain.

"Master Daoist, how have you been?"

Master Liaojie looked at Gu Xu with a smile, and gestured for him to sit in the pavilion.

"Master, I'm leaving now."

"Amitabha Buddha, this humble monk respectfully wishes the Daoist master the completion of his spiritual practice."

Upon hearing this, Gu Xu looked at Master Liaojie and smiled calmly. Then, in the darkness of night, a five-colored light suddenly appeared on the back mountain. After a few breaths, the light disappeared, leaving only Master Liaojie gazing at the sky.

(End of this chapter)