A journey through the world of martial arts

Chapter 75 The storm is rising
the next day, early morning

"Master Gu Xu, the young master requests your presence."

A maid knocked on the door. Gu Xu opened his eyes, got out of bed, and opened the door.

Following the maid to the residence of the Unmarked Young Master, he was standing with his hands behind his back. Upon hearing the sound, he turned around, waved his hand, and dismissed the maid.

"Master Gu Xu, please accept Wuhen's bow," Young Master Wuhen bowed deeply, clasped his hands in a salute, and Gu Xu hurriedly helped him up.

"Young master, there's no need for such formality. Saving lives and healing the wounded is our duty. We don't deserve such a grand gesture from you. Please rise."

Upon hearing this, Young Master Wuhen still insisted on bowing before straightening up.

After the two sat down, Wuhen Gongzi said to Gu Xu, "Daoist Master, I said before that if you can cure my wife, I will definitely reward you with a generous gift. Daoist Master is a monk, so you naturally don't care about gold and silver jewelry. I wonder what you are interested in? I will do my best to fulfill your request."

After listening to Young Master Wuhen's words, Gu Xu pondered for a moment and said, "I am very interested in Young Master's array formation techniques. I wonder if Young Master could give me some pointers on array formations."

"Formation?" Young Master Wuhen was initially surprised, then laughed casually and said, "That's simple, but is the Daoist really determined to learn this art?"

Although formations are one of Wuhen Gongzi's strengths, they are not particularly outstanding compared to other martial arts such as hidden weapons and zither skills. Since the other party proposed to learn formations, he actually benefited from it.

Gu Xu nodded. The formation originated from Qimen Dunjia. When mastered to its peak, it could overturn the heavens and earth and reverse yin and yang.

Seeing this, Young Master Wuhen said, "Since you have made your decision, I will not say anything more. Please sit for a while, I will be right back."

"Please proceed, young master."

After Wuhen Gongzi left, Gu Xu ate pastries and drank fragrant tea. Before long, Wuhen Gongzi returned with four maids carrying wooden boxes.

After the maid placed the wooden boxes on the ground, she immediately withdrew. Young Master Wuhen pointed to the four wooden boxes and said, "Daoist Master, these are the various formations and methods to break them that I have collected since I began studying formations. There are thirty-six types of earth formations and seven hundred and thirty-two types of human formations."

The so-called earth formation is a formation that uses the terrain of mountains and rivers to create a superior formation. The wooden formation that Young Master Wuhen used to trap the three spiders was a simplified version of this type, but it was already quite powerful.

Human formation, as the name suggests, is a formation composed of people. Common military formations are the most common type, such as the Arhat Formation of Shaolin and the Sword Formation of Qingcheng.

Opening a box, the Unmarked Young Master pointed and said, "Daoist, please look, these are the thirty-six types of earth formations. However, many of them are incomplete; only sixteen are intact."

Gu Xu reached out and took out a book, and saw the words "Wooden Array" written on the cover.

"This was the formation I used to trap the three spiders before, but the conditions were rudimentary then, and I could only set it up hastily; otherwise, its power would have been far greater."

"The art of formations is indeed all-encompassing; even a small formation possesses such power."

Gu Xu had seen quite a few formations before, but this one was only a human formation. He needed to study the earth formation more carefully.

"Master, you may freely view these array formations, but you cannot take them out. This is a rule of our sect, and I cannot break it. Please forgive me."

"That's how it is. I'm already quite satisfied. I won't bother you any longer."

"You're too kind, Taoist priest."

Gu Xu spoke with Wuhen Gongzi for a while longer before returning to the villa. Soon after, the boxes were brought in by a maid.

“It’s time to work”

"You're too kind, Daoist Master. If there's nothing else, we'll take our leave now."

Seeing that Gu Xu nodded, the maid bowed and left the courtyard.

For some time afterward, Gu Xu devoted himself to studying formations and did not leave the courtyard except to communicate with Young Master Wuhen.

While Gu Xu was diligently cultivating his array formations in Cuiluo Valley, a major event occurred in the Qingcheng Sect, far away in Sichuan.

Qingcheng Sect, Qingmu Pavilion

"Bu Xiao, you've gone too far!" Qing Lingzi, the leader of Qingcheng Sect, clutched his chest and collapsed to the ground, blood flowing everywhere. Several elders lay dead beside him.

"Stubborn fool! Don't think the Eastern Depot doesn't know what the Qingcheng Sect has been up to lately. I've turned a blind eye to their fighting and killings, but who told you to get involved in court affairs?"

Bu Xiao lightly waved his folding fan, glanced at the terrified Qing Lingzi, and said calmly, "Kill him," before turning and walking out of Qingmu Pavilion.

At this moment, the Qingcheng disciples outside had been brought under control. Bu Xiao glanced around, closed his folding fan, and pointed.

"You, come here."

A voice reached Qingsong's ears. He carefully looked up and saw Bu Xiao staring at him. Qingsong stood up and, amidst the worried expressions of the others, slowly walked towards Bu Xiao.

"Qingsong," Bu Xiao said calmly, holding the roster.

"Yes"

"Your sect leader was unworthy of his position and interfered in court affairs. I have already killed him. Do you want revenge?"

Qingsong remained silent, and all the disciples of Qingcheng were terrified. Bu Xiao nodded in response.

"You're quite good. If it weren't for the previous sect leader being misled and misled, Qing Lingzi would never have become the sect leader based on martial arts skills and character. This position should rightfully belong to you. Your silence indicates dissatisfaction with your senior brother, but you can't voice it to avoid giving others grounds for criticism, is that right?"

Upon hearing this, Qingsong swayed slightly. Bu Xiao glanced at him and said in a deep voice, "The fate of the Qingcheng Sect is now in your hands. As long as you take over Qingcheng, I will spare them. What do you say?"

Upon hearing this, all the Qingcheng disciples and elders were overjoyed, and their eyes turned to Qingsong in unison. Several elders wanted to speak, but under Bu Xiao's gaze, they hurriedly lowered their heads.

“Alright, I’ll take the position of sect leader,” Qingsong agreed readily, expressionless.

"Very good, the Qingcheng Sect still has a smart person. In that case, I will congratulate Sect Leader Qingsong."

"Master, the search inside has been completed. These are the items found."

Guo Yun, the second-in-command, led his men out of several nanmu wood boxes. When they opened them, they found land deeds and secret letters sealed with wax.

Qingsong glanced at it and saw the sender's name on the secret letter; his pupils widened suddenly.

"Alright, with these things, our trip wasn't in vain. Let's take what we need and go. Sect Leader Qingsong, I hope you'll take good care of yourself."

Bu Xiao turned around and gave Qing Song a deep look, then snorted coldly at the Qingcheng disciples and elders kneeling on the ground. With a flick of his sleeve, he led the Dongchang men away carrying the boxes.

In less than half a quarter of an hour, only the Qingcheng Sect members remained in front of the Qingmu Pavilion. If it weren't for the heavy stench of blood still lingering in the air, who would know about the massacre that had taken place here not long ago?

After descending from Mount Qingcheng, Guo Yun, the second-in-command, said to Bu Xiao, "Lord, there is something I don't understand. Please enlighten me."

"You want to ask me why I made Qingsong the leader of Qingcheng Sect, is that right?"

"Your Excellency is wise, but I do not understand. Since the Qingcheng Sect has become involved, there is no reason for them to be easily let off the hook. Why did Your Excellency do this? I am foolish."

Bu Xiao glanced at him and said calmly, "The Eastern Depot has the capability to destroy Qingcheng, but what good would it do afterward? The Sichuan region needs stability. Once Qingcheng is gone, the martial world will be thrown into turmoil again, which will not benefit the imperial court at all."

"Qingsong is shrewd and skilled in martial arts. If I make him the sect leader, how many people in Qingcheng truly obey him? Even if some do, he only became the sect leader with my support. Once he's labeled as part of my Eastern Depot, those people won't have a good impression of him. In the long run, Qingcheng will definitely ostracize him, and that's when my other plan will begin."

Upon hearing this, Guo Yun said admiringly, "Your Excellency's foresight is truly admirable."

"Next are Diancang and Emei," Bu Xiao said. After leaving the capital, he traveled from north to south and from east to west, visiting all the martial arts sects in the world, leaving Sichuan last.

"Master, please rest for a while. You've been working so hard these past few days, it's no wonder you're feeling tired."

"Okay, let me know when you get to Mount Emei."

"Yes"

The carriage traveled slowly westward, and the journey was smooth. After three days, it finally arrived at Mount Emei, where people were already waiting at the foot of the mountain.

"Master, we have arrived at Mount Emei. Abbess Yeyu and her disciples are at the foot of the mountain."

"Oh, it seems the trip to Emei will go much more smoothly than I predicted." Bu Xiao stepped down from the carriage and led the people from the Eastern Depot forward.

"Emei Sect Leader Ye Yu and her disciples greet the Grand Eunuch," a middle-aged nun said, stepping forward to greet Bu Xiao. The Emei disciples behind her also followed suit.

"No need for such formalities, Abbess Yeyu. I'm sure you've heard of my arrival."

When Master Yeyu saw that the other party had stated his purpose directly, she was slightly taken aback, and then said, "I already know the purpose of your visit, Chief Supervisor. Emei is willing to submit. I hope that you will put in a good word for us in the court."

"As expected of Abbess Yeyu, your vision is truly extraordinary. Since that's the case, I won't say any more. You will still be in charge of Emei, but the Eastern Depot will send someone to oversee it. This person will not interfere too much in Emei's affairs. I hope you won't go astray."

"This humble nun understands, Master. Since we've come to Mount Emei, why not come up the mountain and have a cup of tea?" Upon hearing this, Abbess Yeyu felt relieved. Such a condition was acceptable to Emei.

"Very well, I've heard that the 'Snowy Mist Green' of Mount Emei is quite famous, I must try it today."

"Master, please," Abbess Yeyu gestured, and the Emei disciples lined up on both sides. Bu Xiao nodded and bowed, Abbess Yeyu followed half a step behind, a group of Dongchang agents led by Guo Yun followed closely behind, and finally the Emei disciples came last.

After enjoying fragrant tea at Emei, Bu Xiao left Emei with the respectful farewell of Abbess Ye Yu.

Watching the people from the Eastern Depot leave, a beautiful female disciple said to Master Yeyu, "Master, Bu Xiao's grand display of power in suppressing the various martial arts sects suggests that something is about to happen."

"No matter what happens, as long as Bu Xiao is still alive, our Emei Sect must not get involved in the affairs of the imperial court. Otherwise, the fate of the Kongtong Sect will be our fate tomorrow," Master Yeyu said in a deep voice as she watched Bu Xiao's departing figure.

The female disciple's expression hardened. Bu Xiao's martial arts had reached its peak. Apart from Master Liaojie of Shaolin, the leaders of other sects were all inferior to him. To suppress the entire martial arts world with one person's strength, what kind of power was that?

"Master, a message from Diancang," Guo Yun handed the secret letter to Bu Xiao, who sneered after reading it.

"Of the three sects in Sichuan, Diancang has some backbone. Unfortunately, in my opinion, this backbone is worthless. Send the order to rush to Diancang Sect. This time, I will make Diancang disappear from the martial arts world."

The chilling tone of the voice sent a shiver down Guo Yun's spine. He immediately obeyed the order, and the carriage sped off towards Diancang Mountain.

Diancang Mountain, Lingyun Palace

Song Yuan, the head of Diancang Sect, was discussing matters with four elders.

"This Bu Xiao is going too far. Our sect has already taken a step back, but he still won't give up. Does he really think he's invincible?"

An elderly man with white hair slammed his hand on the table in a fit of rage, cracking the table and showing just how furious he was.

"Elder Li, please don't get angry. The sect leader will decide everything," the black-bearded elder said calmly.

"Sect Leader, this matter must never be agreed to, otherwise the century-old foundation of Diancang will be destroyed in an instant, and how will we face the Ancestor in the future?"

"But Elder Wang, the Kongtong Sect has already been wiped out by Bu Xiao, and even Qingcheng and Emei have bowed down and submitted. How can we possibly contend with him? If we submit, there is still a glimmer of hope. If we fight to the death, it will truly be a certain death."

"Emei and Qingcheng have lost much of their former prominence in recent years, unlike our Diancang, which, under the leadership of our senior brother, has surpassed both of them in influence. Besides, we're not without backers. Does Bu Xiao really think he can ignore that person?"

The three elders argued incessantly, while the sect leader, Song Yuan, remained silent. Elder Liu, the leader, glanced at him, coughed lightly, and the three immediately stopped arguing.

"Sect Leader, please instruct us on what to do," Elder Liu said respectfully.

Song Yuan glanced at the four of them and said, "I, Diancang, will never agree to this. That person has already sent a letter, telling us to go ahead and do it. This time, we will make sure that Bu Xiao never returns."

The four men straightened up. Since the sect leader had made a decision, all that remained was to comply.

"Sect Leader, Bu Xiao's martial arts are extremely powerful, we..."

"Don't worry, that person has already sent four experts to help. These four are all elders of the previous generation, and their skills are unfathomable."

Elder Liu's expression shifted slightly, but seeing how confident the sect leader was, he didn't ask any further questions.

"Judging by the time, Bu Xiao should be encountering these four masters soon."

Thirty miles away from Diancang, in a valley, four people dressed as farmers stood at the entrance, watching the approaching carriage.

"My lord, there are four men blocking our path ahead. They seem to have ill intentions."

"keep going"

"Yes"

The carriage stopped half a zhang away from the four people. Bu Xiao lifted the curtain, squinted, and thought, "Heh, this is interesting."

Stepping down from the carriage, Bu Xiao approached the four men with his hands behind his back and said, "Deaf and mute, Golden Hook and Silver Flute, why do you four seniors, instead of cultivating in seclusion in Youle Valley, have come to wade into these troubled waters?"

The old man with the golden hook had a sallow face and carried a fishing hook on his shoulder. He said, "I have been asked to do this, so I must do my duty. Bu Xiao, you should leave. With us here, you can forget about entering Diancang Mountain."

Bu Xiao chuckled upon hearing this, glanced at the other three, and said, "Is this also what you three seniors mean?"

Mr. Silver Flute did not speak, but simply spun his silver flute. Deaf and Mute Heaven remained calm and unperturbed, paying no attention to Bu Xiao.

"I'm only saying a few words to you to save face. Since you don't know what's good for you, then don't block my way. You four old geezers, instead of enjoying your retirement, are you in such a hurry to be reincarnated?"

Bu Xiao mocked, then unleashed a palm strike, its power surging and surging, aimed directly at the Golden Hook Elder. The latter remained calm and retreated, while the other three attacked from different directions.

The three attacked swiftly, but Bu Xiao treated it as nothing. The only thing he had to pay attention to was the Golden Hook in the distance. Bu Xiao dared not underestimate the Golden Hook's unique fishing technique.

The old man with the golden hook already held the long pole in his hand, watching the four people fighting fiercely in the arena, constantly looking for an opportunity to kill Bu Xiao with one blow.

The four fought fiercely, and a strong wind swept across the battlefield. The combined attack of Yin Di and the other two was suppressed by Bu Xiao in one fell swoop. If it weren't for the Golden Hook outside, Bu Xiao would have already taken them down. But even so, it had already terrified the three of them.

"I have been living in seclusion for more than ten years, and such a person has actually appeared in the martial arts world."

Mr. Silver Flute calmed himself down and increased his strength by three points. The silver flute spun and he used a strange sword technique. The flute sound and the sword energy combined to produce a wonderful effect. The two, Deaf and Mute, used their swords in a combined attack. With this combined force, they slowly turned the tide of the battle.

Seeing this, Bu Xiao sneered inwardly. With his fair palms, he slashed horizontally and vertically, unleashing eight invisible blades of wind that attacked the three men. The force of the impact caused a tightness in their chests, and they had to take two steps back to dissipate the force.

Just as Bu Xiao was about to deliver a few more blows, a thin golden hook swung up behind him. Bu Xiao quickly ducked, and the golden hook, enhanced by his internal energy, continued to fly and circle. The other three took advantage of this opening to catch their breath.

"I'm afraid you won't make a move," Bu Xiao turned around and spun around, drawing the soft sword from his waist. He poured his inner force into it, and the straight blade instantly knocked the golden hook away. The blade then spun gently and wrapped around the silk thread.

The old man with the golden hook realized something was wrong and hurriedly tried to withdraw his golden hook. However, Bu Xiao had finally waited for him to make a move, so how could he let him go so easily? The two struggled together. Seeing this, Mr. Silver Flute unleashed several sword energies from his silver flute, all of which struck Bu Xiao's soft sword.

The sword was subjected to force and swayed incessantly. Bu Xiao seemed to lose control, and the golden hook gradually came off. Seeing that this method was effective and that Bu Xiao was being restrained, Mr. Silver Flute gathered his inner strength and sent two sword energies toward Bu Xiao's dantian and the sword.

Tianlongdiya and Buxiao exchanged a glance, their swords clashed, and they pressed forward. The old man with the golden hook channeled all his inner energy, determined to lock Buxiao down firmly.

With the combined force of the four sides, a thunderous strike was launched. Bu Xiao suddenly let out a long howl, which echoed through the valley. The four Golden Hooks were the first to be hit. Their true energy was momentarily stagnant, and with a crack, the Golden Hook silk thread snapped. The Golden Hook elder coughed up blood and flew backward.

When the two swords, one deaf and one mute, were about to reach Bu Xiao's chest, they could not advance any further. They died before the first sword slit their throats and the last blood flowed from their necks.

Mr. Silver Flute was horrified. He tried to retreat, but it was too late. Bu Xiao's ghostly figure flashed past, the silver flute broke, and the body was separated from its head.

The sword tip pointed at the old man with the golden hook, and with a light stroke, he caused him to stop breathing on the spot, his eyes wide open in death. With a flick of his wrist, the blood on the sword scattered.

“Cut off their heads and send them to Diancang Mountain.”

"Yes, Your Excellency."

Seven days later, news spread throughout the martial arts world that all 342 members of the Diancang Sect had been killed, and the perpetrator was Bu Xiao, the head of the Eastern Depot. The entire Diancang Mountain was like a living hell. As soon as the news spread, the entire martial arts world was shocked, and even the imperial court learned of it.

Censors and upright officials impeached Bu Xiao for his mass killings and demanded his dismissal and investigation. However, the emperor was seriously ill and unable to handle state affairs, so the matter had to be temporarily shelved. A few days later, the censors and officials who submitted the impeachment were found dead in their homes in bizarre ways, causing widespread panic.

Wangfu
Zhu Wushi looked at the letter that was delivered and sighed, "This Bu Xiao really doesn't want to live anymore. Before he leaves, he wants to kill all the people who are in his way, so that he can leave a clean court and martial arts world for the new emperor. My brother, I really want to know how you made Bu Xiao work so hard."

Royal Palace
The ailing emperor listened to the news from Cao Zhengchun with his eyes closed and remained silent until Cao Zhengchun left, at which point he uttered two words.

"OK"

(End of this chapter)