A journey through the world of martial arts

Chapter 69 Freshmen
Wudang Mountain

More than ten days ago, on his way to the capital, Cangmu encountered Zhou Yan, the head of the Eastern Depot. The two sides fought, and the Eastern Depot was defeated. Later, they had to use explosives, which injured several people, before they could barely stabilize the situation.

However, he underestimated Cangmu's abilities. More than a dozen skilled fighters were cut down in the time it takes to drink a cup of tea. If it weren't for reinforcements arriving later, the ambush might have turned into a disaster.

"With Liu Xi dead, the martial world can finally enjoy some peace."

Upon learning of Liu Xi's death, Cang Mu felt reassured. With the culprit brought to justice, it was time for him, as the leader of the martial arts alliance, to revitalize the martial world.

That's why the leaders of various factions were invited to discuss the future direction of the martial arts world and set rules.

After three days of discussion, a basic framework was set up, and we'll gradually fill it in later.

After personally seeing off the leaders of each faction, Cangmu returned to the main hall and suddenly saw Gu Xu standing inside with his back to him.

"Senior," Cangmu exclaimed in surprise, taking a few quick steps and bowing respectfully.

It's no wonder Cangmu was a little excited. Since Gu Xu started teaching him, he had been communicating with him via carrier pigeons for the past few years. Although he knew where those carrier pigeons came from, he didn't dare to go there without his senior's permission.

When the senior came to Wudang last time, I became the leader of Wudang and later the leader of the martial arts alliance. Now that the senior has come to Wudang again, he must have something important to tell me.

"Cangmu, you have indeed not disappointed me. Under your leadership, Wudang has swept away the previous decadent atmosphere. Now the atmosphere within the sect has changed, and its vibrant energy is unstoppable. Very good," Gu Xu turned around and said to Cangmu with a smile.

"Cangmu owes its current status entirely to your guidance, senior. If it weren't for you, I'd probably just be an ordinary tomb-guarding disciple now."

"You've proven yourself; I'm just going along with it," Gu Xu paused, then continued, "I'm here to fulfill a promise. I was supposed to give it to you after you became the sect leader, but something came up, which delayed it for so long."

Gu Xu took a book out of his package and handed it to Cang Mu. The latter carefully took it and was startled when he saw the words "Sword Light" on the cover. After quickly flipping through a few pages, he was immediately shocked.

"Senior, this is..." Cangmu asked with an incredulous expression.

For those who practice swordsmanship, developing the sword's edge is a lifelong pursuit. Now that Gu Xu has gifted such a treasure, Cang Mu feels a sense of unreality.

"This is what you deserve, don't refuse. Liu Xi has made this martial world a mess. It's not easy for someone worthy of my attention to restore order. Naturally, I should help you develop your sword aura. It will be a trump card to protect you and prevent those martial artists from looking down on you."

"Ultimately, the future of the martial arts world belongs to the young. The martial arts world should move forward, not backward. Only with your leadership can this martial arts world have any hope. You must not let me down, understand?"

"Senior, Cangmu understands."

"That's good. If you encounter any difficulties in the future, come to Murong Manor to find me. I can still help you for the next year or two, but after that, it will be up to you." Before the voice faded, the figure had already disappeared.

Cangmu held the manual in his hand, gazing at the rising sun in the distance, his heart at peace.

Murong Manor
"Master Murong, the matter of Liu Xi is settled, and this humble nun intends to return to the South Sea to continue her secluded cultivation. I have come to bid you farewell."

"The nun wishes to cultivate Buddhist practices in seclusion, and I dare not try to stop her, but my daughter..."

Murong Wudi looked at Murong Xian with some reluctance. His thoughtful daughter was going to the South China Sea, and he didn't know when she would return.

"Don't worry, Master Murong, Xian'er will be back in the South China Sea in a year or three years at most." The South China Sea Divine Nun didn't intentionally take Murong Xian away, but because Murong Xian's special constitution required the South China Sea Fire Tongue Grass to improve.

This fire tongue grass is very delicate. Once it leaves the South China Sea, it will wither and die, losing all its medicinal properties. Otherwise, Murong Wudi would have sent people to transplant and cultivate it long ago.

"You flatter me, Divine Nun," Murong Wudi said. Though reluctant, she could not delay her daughter's treatment. After carefully instructing Murong Xian for a few moments, the Divine Nun of the South Sea took Murong Xian away.

"Stop looking, they've already gone far away," Yan Nantian said, shaking his head as he looked at his disciple's blank stare.

"There is still more than a month until the day of your duel with Yu Yan and Wu Que. Are you ready?"

Upon hearing this, Little Fish remained silent.

“I know it’s hard for you to accept right now, but there’s no turning back now. The fact that Yaoyue didn’t kill you two brothers back then was thanks to the Second Palace Master’s help and Daoist Gu Xu’s contribution.”

Yan Nantian sighed. He had just returned to the manor with Xiaoyuer when Gu Xu delivered this news to him. Not to mention Xiaoyuer and the others, even he himself was quite shocked.

"Yaoyue raised Wuque for over ten years, all for this day. If it weren't for Daoist Guxu's intervention, using the Six Ren Divine Dice as a wager, you would probably be facing fratricide today. Since Yaoyue is determined to obtain the divine skill, you must not let him succeed. As for Wuque, alas..."

Hua Wuque was in great distress. He had been in pain ever since he heard the news from Gu Xu. His master, whom he had carefully raised for fifteen years, and his biological brother, whom he had been separated from for more than ten years, were now going to turn against each other for the sake of their own interests. He really didn't know what to do.

"Young Master Hua, may I come in?" Jiang Yuyan knocked on the door and asked softly.

Hua Wuque tidied his appearance, opened the door, and saw Jiang Yuyan carrying a food box.

"Miss Jiang, please come in."

Jiang Yuyan glanced at Hua Wuque, who looked somewhat dejected, and placed a few snacks on the table.

“Young Master Hua, you don’t need to be upset. This fight is not a life-or-death struggle, it’s just a friendly match. Besides, even if something unexpected happens, neither Master Yan nor my master will stand idly by. In the end, this is just a contest between elders. Moreover, my master told me that he doesn’t really care about this fight, he just wants to prevent a tragedy.”

Hearing Jiang Yuyan say this, Hua Wuque was stunned for a moment, then secretly annoyed. He had been stuck in a rut. His master's goal was very clear: to obtain the secret manual of the "Transplanting Flowers and Grafting Trees" technique. Hero Yan just wanted an explanation. As for Daoist Gu Xu, he seemed uninterested in the bet itself and simply wanted to prove whose disciple was the best.

"Miss Jiang, are you saying that Master Gu Xu set up this bet only for my brother and me?" Hua Wuque asked, somewhat puzzled.

“I don’t know what Master is thinking, but it must be related to you and Xiaoyuer,” Jiang Yuyan said.

"Miss Jiang also wants to get involved. I wonder what your master said?"

"My mentor just told me to do my best," Jiang Yuyan recalled what Gu Xu had told her. It would be best to win, but if she didn't, she didn't need to worry about it.

"Miss Jiang's words have enlightened Wuque. As for his brother, I wonder how Master Yan has made arrangements."

Hua Wuque planned to do his best in the competition, and regardless of the outcome, he would leave the Yihua Palace.

"Let me obtain the Six Ren Divine Dice before I leave, to repay my master's kindness in raising me."

移花宫

"Sister, Master Gu Xu has sent a letter. On December 20th, at Sheng Guan Peak, three people will compete to determine the winner, who will receive the Six Ren Divine Dice."

"Alright, I've waited a whole day, that's already too long. Is Wuque still at Murong Manor?"

"Yes, Master Gu Xu said in his letter that he has told Xiao Yu'er and Wu Que about his true identity. Sister, will this have any negative consequences?"

Lianxing was worried that if Xiaoyuer and Wuque knew they were brothers, they wouldn't be able to fight with all their might, and that something unexpected might happen.

"I know Wuque's character all too well. He is loyal, righteous, and grateful. We raised him for fifteen years. I am determined to win the Six Ren Divine Dice. He knows my intentions and will definitely do his best. Just watch, after this competition, Wuque will leave Yihua Palace."

Yaoyue had watched Hua Wuque grow up since she was a child, and her understanding of his thoughts was beyond the reach of ordinary people.

Lianxing sighed inwardly as she watched her sister's scheming mind.

"Sister, get ready, we're leaving for Shengguan Peak tomorrow."

Just as Lianxing was about to leave, a maid rushed in.

"Grand Palace Master, Second Palace Master, many soldiers have arrived outside the valley, saying they intend to raze the Yihua Palace to the ground!"

Upon hearing this, Yaoyue frowned. "I didn't expect the imperial forces to arrive so quickly. Lianxing, come with me to deal with these people first." With that, she led a group of maids out of the valley.

Outside Embroidered Jade Valley
Ma Bin said to Zhou Yan, "Is this Xiuyu Valley?"

Zhou Yan flattered, "That's right, General, this is the headquarters of the Yihua Palace. I came here once with the Grand Eunuch."

Since Liu Xi's death, the Eastern Depot's status plummeted. For the sake of his future, Zhou Yan immediately sought refuge with General Ma Bin, offering him a great deal of wealth, which pleased the latter, who then took him under his command as a personal guard. "General," Zhou Yan warned Ma Bin, concerned for his safety, "this valley is full of traps and mechanisms. Many members of the Eastern Depot have died mysteriously there. You must be very careful."

"Hmm, I've heard that the two palace masters of Yihua Palace are both beauties of unparalleled beauty. Is that true?" Ma Bin turned around and asked.

"The two palace mistresses of Yihua Palace, Yaoyue and Lianxing, can be said to be among the most beautiful women in the martial arts world. However, they are highly skilled in martial arts, and General, you will probably have to put in some effort to subdue them."

"No matter how powerful they are, they are just a small force in the martial arts world. How can they stop the imperial army?" Ma Bin had never been involved in the martial arts world and looked down on these martial arts people to the core. If he hadn't heard that the Yihua Palace was full of beautiful women, he wouldn't have come.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Yan gave an awkward smile.

"General, someone has come out of the valley," a soldier reported.

Ma Bin immediately perked up. He wasn't afraid of her showing herself, but he was afraid she would hide in the valley and not come out. He couldn't set the mountain on fire, lest it cause a fire hazard.

When Yaoyue Lianxing led the group out, Ma Bin immediately spotted the two women at the front. His eyes widened, and he kept muttering something.

At Ma Bin's prompting, Zhou Yan stepped forward and said to Yaoyue, "Palace Mistress Yaoyue, normally the Yihua Palace would have remained peaceful in its territory, and the court wouldn't have pursued the matter further. However, you shouldn't have participated in the plot to murder Liu Xi, the head of the Eastern Depot. The court has ordered the Yihua Palace to be disbanded on the spot, and all those involved have been escorted to the capital..."

Before Zhou Yan could finish speaking, a leaf flew past his neck, startling him. He wiped his neck and found a trace of blood on his fingertip.

"How dare you!" Ma Bin drew his weapon, pointed it at Yaoyue, and glared angrily.

Zhou Yan is not only one of our own, but also one of the imperial court's. Yao Yue's unbridled behavior clearly shows that she doesn't respect the imperial court. The emperor was right after all; it's time to let these martial arts sects see the majesty of the imperial court.

"Kill them!" Ma Bin shouted, disregarding any pity for the beauty. The soldiers behind him immediately attacked the people from Yihua Palace, while a row of archers rained down arrows from behind.

"Retreat to the valley and activate the mechanism," Yaoyue ordered. Then, she and Lianxing shielded themselves from the flying arrows. The two fought and retreated, quickly disappearing from Ma Bin's sight.

Some soldiers were caught off guard by the traps as soon as they entered the valley, and there was some chaos for a moment, but they quickly readjusted under Ma Bin's command.

As heavy troops advanced layer by layer, boulders rolled down the road, the ground sank three feet, and sharp logs swept across, causing the soldiers' advance to slow down immediately.

The previous traps were somewhat traceable, but what Ma Bin feared most was a clump of flowers and plants in front of him. The fragrance they emitted was intoxicating, and many people had already fallen for it.

"Retreat!" Ma Bin had no choice but to order the troops to withdraw, even though he was unwilling. Otherwise, if they were really trapped in the valley, it would be troublesome. He should write a letter to the emperor and ask for permission to set the mountain on fire.

"Sister, the imperial army has withdrawn," Lianxing said, standing on the high cliff watching the departing soldiers.

"The court will not let this defeat of Yihua Palace go unpunished. Let the disciples pack up. This place is no longer suitable for us. Let's find another place to settle down."

Yaoyue herself was not afraid of the imperial court, but she had to take care of her disciples. In any case, as long as her disciples were still there, it didn't matter where the Yihua Palace was. When she obtained the secret manual of Yihua Jiemu, it would also symbolize the rebirth of the Yihua Palace.

"That leader, sister, send him on his way," Yaoyue said, her eyes filled with disgust for Ma Bin, and with a single sentence, she sealed his fate.

"Yes, I'll go right away."

Murong Manor
After Gu Xu returned to the manor, Jiang Yuyan told him about what had happened recently.

"Master, Brother Yu and Young Master Hua are both practicing their skills with all their might. It seems that a battle is inevitable."

"You're still worried about those two? Don't forget, you're going to get involved too," Gu Xu said, looking at Jiang Yuyan with a light laugh.

"Master, I will do my best."

"That's good".

Just as Jiang Yuyan had guessed, Gu Xu never intended to keep the Six Ren Divine Dice for himself. The bet was merely to make Yaoyue treat Hua Wuque well, and he would return it when the time came.

Three days later, Gu Xu received news from Hongye Zhai that the imperial army had been defeated at Xiuyu Valley and was now regrouping, determined to raze Yihua Palace to the ground. The emperor had even agreed to such a vicious method as setting the mountain on fire.

Fortunately, Consort Shu was pregnant. The monk said that one should not commit too much killing, so the emperor gave up his plan to burn down Xiuyu Valley and focused all his attention on Consort Shu, hoping that she could give birth to a prince.

"Brother Murong, it seems that the emperor's suspicion of you has not been dispelled. Otherwise, he would not have presented you with a plaque praising your loyalty to the emperor and the country. This is both a reward and a warning."

"I have a clear conscience now. As long as the Emperor doesn't target the Murong family, I will obediently act as a member of the royal family. But if he is truly ruthless, I am not without my own methods."

Murong Wudi remained calm and composed. The emperor had few heirs. If it weren't for Shu'er's pregnancy, he would have had to adopt a prince from the imperial clan to inherit the throne. Adopted princes are never as good as biological ones. Although he was unsure whether the child was male or female, at least there was some hope.

"Brother Murong, you should still pay close attention to Consort Shu. There are many schemes in the palace, and before things settle down, everything is uncertain."

“My brother and I are thinking the same thing. I have already sent a trusted confidant to Shu’er’s side, and with the pills you prepared, I don’t think anything will happen.”

"That's good. Brother Murong, would you like to attend the Battle of Shengguan Peak on December 20th?"

“Since you have invited me, my brother, I will certainly go. This is a rare and grand event in the martial arts world,” Murong Wudi replied immediately.

Although the battle at Shengguan Peak was not announced to the public, those who attended were all top figures in the martial arts world, and Murong Wudi certainly wouldn't miss it.

“My son has already started to take care of worldly affairs, so I can finally put down my burdens and enjoy my retirement.”

Gu Xu smiled but remained silent upon hearing this.

December arrived in the blink of an eye, and with only twenty days left until the Battle of Shengguan, Yaoyue personally came to Murong Manor.

"Master Gu Xu, Yan Nantian, see you again at Sheng Guan Peak."

After bidding farewell to everyone, Hua Wuque left the manor with Yaoyue.

"Yue wants to use this last bit of time to give Wuque some pointers on my martial arts style, in order to increase our chances of winning."

"Techniques are static, but people are dynamic. Trying to find ways to counter techniques is just courting disaster."

Deciphering each move one by one until one's own moves become disjointed is futile. To master them in a short time is wishful thinking, unless one is exceptionally gifted.

"What the Daoist says makes sense. Xiaoyuer has already mastered the Divine Sword Technique and the Southern Heaven Divine Fist quite well. He won't be completely defeated against Wuque. The real highlight this time is Yuyan and Wuque."

Although Xiaoyuer's martial arts skills have greatly improved, he is still slightly inferior to Hua Wuque, and the fight is only about 40/60.

"After this competition, Palace Master Yaoyue will give Jiang Feng an explanation," Gu Xu said slowly.

Yan Nantian remained silent. In fact, after so many years, Yan Nantian could not deny that Jiang Feng had indeed made a mistake back then. To put it bluntly, he was an ungrateful person who not only failed to repay kindness but also took away the people of Yihua Palace without saying a word.

But he then cut himself off from Yaoyue, leaving behind a messy account, which left Yan Nantian somewhat depressed.

October 20th, at the summit of Shengguan Peak

Yan Nantian brought Xiaoyuer, Gu Xu brought Jiang Yuyan, Yaoyue brought Hua Wuque, and Murong Wudi and his two sons, Cangmu and Tie Ruyun watched the battle from the sidelines.

Yaoyue said to Hua Wuque, "Wuque, don't disappoint me."

Hua Wuque nodded, dressed in white, holding a sword, and leaped onto the dueling platform.

On the other side, Yan Nantian patted Xiaoyuer on the shoulder and waved. Xiaoyuer, carrying Yan Nantian's sword, walked step by step to the dueling platform and looked at Hua Wuque opposite him.

"go"

"Yes, Master."

(End of this chapter)