A journey through the world of martial arts

Chapter 76 The Iron-Courage God Marquis
Cuiluo Valley, a secluded courtyard
Gu Xu has been studying formations here for more than two months, and he has already figured out most of the ways to arrange and break these formations. The remaining problems will require more time to comprehend.

"It's time to leave."

Gu Xumo calculated that there was still almost a month until the ninth day of the ninth lunar month.

After leaving the courtyard, the maid led Gu Xu to the residence of the Young Master Wuhen.

"Master, you are about to leave. Why are you in such a hurry? Just stay here again in peace." Young Master Wuhen looked at Gu Xu with some regret. The other party was also a learned person, and he had benefited greatly from his discussions with him. But judging from the other party's appearance, it seemed that he was determined to leave.

"I have already troubled you for a long time, and I have some private matters to attend to. I can only thank you for your kindness."

"Since you have matters to attend to, I will not try to keep you any longer. Let me see you off."

Outside the bamboo forest, Young Master Wuhen had someone hand the package to Gu Xu, saying, "This contains specialties of Cuiluo Valley and some spiritual herbs. Consider it a small token of my appreciation."

Gu Xuxing bowed and accepted the greeting. He then mounted his horse, and Wuhen Gongzi wished him a safe journey. Gu Xuxing nodded and rode off into the distance.

Just as Gu Xu left Cuiluo Valley, Bu Xiao and his group were heading back to the capital.

Inside the carriage, Bu Xiao was resting with his eyes closed. Outside, Guo Yun received a sealed letter sealed with sealing wax. He dared not delay and dismounted to walk to the side of the carriage.

"Master Supervisor, a sealed letter with sealing wax."

"Come up"

Guo Yun carefully boarded the carriage and presented the secret letter to Bu Xiao. The latter opened the letter, read it carefully, his eyes gradually turned cold, and he snorted coldly.

"This Zhu Wushi is quite composed. If he hadn't given himself away, I wouldn't have known that such a kind face concealed a treacherous heart."

Bu Xiao sighed. Although Zhu Wushi came from a poor background, he was the only surviving younger brother of the emperor, so he naturally favored him. However, this favoritism gave rise to his own undesirable thoughts, and he wanted to rebel while the emperor was seriously ill.

I had reminded the Emperor several times before, but he ignored me. Now it seems that this was an imperial tactic, a way of maintaining balance.

"Your Majesty, please allow me to lend you one last helping hand, so that this empire does not fall into the hands of Zhu Wushi."

"Guo Yun, how much longer until we return to the capital?" Bu Xiao planned to deal with Zhu Wushi before keeping the appointment, so as to eliminate any worries.

"Reporting to the Supervisor, there are still ten days."

"This has taken too long. That little fox Zhu Wushi might have already left the palace. Send your spies to find out where he is now."

"Yes"

Seeing that the governor had no further instructions, Guo Yun got out of the carriage, sent a message, and the convoy headed north.

Wangfu
“I have already told my brother that I want to travel the world. After I leave, the Prince’s Mansion will be closed to all visitors. No one is allowed to enter. Do you understand?” Zhu Wushi looked around at everyone in the Prince’s Mansion.

"Yes, Your Highness."

Zhu Wushi nodded in satisfaction, took the package, mounted his BMW, and amidst the reluctant gazes of his concubines, rode out of the capital and headed north.

"According to ancient records, the secret manual of the Strange Hero of Tianchi is hidden in Changbai Tianchi. If I can obtain his inheritance, I won't have to worry about Bu Xiao anymore."

Just as Bu Xiao had guessed, Zhu Wushi was worried that Bu Xiao would kill him at all costs, which is why he left the capital and went to find a way to solve his predicament.

It was already August 16th, and the weather had turned cold. Zhu Wushi traveled non-stop for five days before finally arriving at Changbai Tianchi. At that moment, there was another person by the Tianchi, gazing at the water surface where the cold air was rising.

Zhu Wushi felt a chill run down his spine. The other party's cultivation was no less than his own. While he was on guard, the man saw Zhu Wushi, walked over, glanced at him, and said with a smile, "Brother, are you also here to find the secret manual of the Strange Hero of Tianchi?"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Wushi's expression turned serious, and he then smiled and said, "That's right. I heard that the Strange Hero of Tianchi lived in seclusion here in his later years. I suppose his martial arts legacy should be here. My martial arts skills are low, and if I want to make a name for myself, this is the only way."

After a pause, Zhu Wushi continued, "Your appearance is quite remarkable, and your demeanor is extraordinary. May I ask how I should address you?"

"I am Gu Santong"

"I, Zhu, will ignore this."

"Surname Zhu, brother, are you a member of the royal family?" Gu Santong put away his joking manner and became much more serious. Seeing that Zhu Wushi was dressed in Tongpai attire, elegant and noble, he was not of ordinary birth. The world still belonged to the Zhu family, so he had to show him some respect.

"I am but an ordinary prince," Zhu Wushi said politely, but his arrogant demeanor was unmistakable.

"Brother Zhu, do you mind if I address you this way?"

"It's alright. I hit it off with Brother Gu at first sight, so this form of address is perfect."

"Enough with the nonsense, Brother Zhu, if you want to obtain the secret manual, you may have heard this saying: 'Water in the sky, fire in the water, ice in the fire, and martial arts in the ice.'"

Seeing the other man's thoughtful expression, Gu Santong walked to the lakeside, looked at the misty pool water, and said, "This secret manual is hidden at the bottom of Tianchi Lake, in the Fire Cave and Cold Cave. Brother Zhu, would you be willing to go down and search for it together?"

"That is what I desire; I dare not ask for more."

"it is good"

After a brief preparation, the two used their weapons to cut through the ice in the water and then leaped into the water.

As soon as they entered the water, Zhu Wushi's expression changed. The water in this Heavenly Pool was truly cold to the bone. Even with his true energy protecting his body, he was still shivering from the cold. However, as the two continued to descend, the water around them was no longer so cold. It felt as if they were sinking into a hot spring, which was very comfortable.

After swimming for a while longer, the two finally arrived at an ice cave. Here, the surrounding water flowed past them, which Gu Santong and Zhu Wushi found very strange. After the water vapor evaporated, the two entered the ice cave and found that it was actually an ice palace. Not far ahead, there were two wooden boxes on an altar.

Gu Santong and Zhu Wushi exchanged a glance, quickened their pace, and each picked up a wooden box.

Zhu Wushi opened it and saw that the cover of the manual inside read "Indestructible Vajra Divine Skill". He was overjoyed, but when he opened the first page, his face immediately fell because it said: "Only a virgin can practice this skill".

Having already taken several concubines, it seemed he couldn't practice this martial art anymore. He glanced at it briefly and then closed it.

Gu Santong held a book called "Absorption Technique" in his hand. This book had no restrictions. After carefully flipping through it, he felt that this martial art was not bad, so the trip was not in vain.

As Gu Santong closed the manual, he noticed Zhu Wushi staring intently at him and couldn't help but ask with a smile, "Brother Zhu, do you have any guidance?"

“This person’s martial arts are no less than mine, so I can’t fight him head-on,” Zhu Wushi thought to himself. He clasped his hands in a salute and said, “Brother Gu, I’m unlucky. This martial art requires a virgin to practice. I wonder if there’s anything wrong with your manual.”

"Oh," Gu Santong was intrigued by this, and after a moment's thought, he had an idea.

"Brother Zhu, anyone can practice this Absorption Technique. Why don't we both study it together?"

"I can't accept this," Zhu Wushi declined, but Gu Santong didn't mind.

"Our meeting is fate, and this martial art shouldn't be something only I can master. Even if the Eccentric Hero of Tianchi were to be resurrected, he probably wouldn't mind having another successor."

"Then I shall respectfully comply. Brother Gu, please take a look at this Vajra Indestructible Divine Skill as well," Zhu Wushi said, quite reassured that Gu Santong had already gotten married during their previous conversation, so he naturally couldn't learn the martial arts in the book.

The two put away the manual, left the Ice Palace, returned to the water's surface, and used their true energy to evaporate the moisture from their bodies before descending into the Heavenly Pool together. They rode their horses to a town and stayed at an inn.

Zhu Wushi held the manual of the Absorption Technique and the more he looked at it, the more he felt that the technique suited him.

"It can continuously improve by simply absorbing the internal energy of others, and there is no backlash whatsoever. It is truly an unparalleled divine skill."

Zhu Wushi was quite satisfied with this martial arts style. Although his talent was not bad, he was still slightly inferior to some martial arts geniuses. After practicing this martial art, he no longer needed to work hard to cultivate. He only needed to absorb the internal energy of a few martial arts masters, and their years of internal energy would belong to him.

Thinking of this, Zhu Wushi's eyes lit up, and he couldn't help but want to burst into laughter.

"Once I master this martial art, Bu Xiao, all your power will belong to me."

"And then there's Gu Santong. This martial art only needs one person to know it," Zhu Wushi's eyes flashed with a fierce light, and he harbored murderous intent towards Gu Santong.

In another room, Gu Santong was studying the Vajra Indestructible Divine Skill.

"Zhu Wushi was thoroughly deceived. Fortunately, he didn't know that the Eccentric Swordsman of Tianchi was always unconventional and didn't play by the rules. Even on his deathbed, he would scheme against his descendants. The Vajra Indestructible Divine Skill doesn't require a virgin body at all."

If Gu Santong hadn't spent years gathering information on the Strange Hero of Tianchi and almost been fooled himself, he wouldn't have gotten away with acquiring two martial arts skills at once.

"Let's start by practicing this Indestructible Vajra Divine Skill."

After some deliberation, the two stayed at the inn for three days. On the fourth day, Gu Santong bid farewell to Zhu Wushi and returned to Pingluo Village.

"Fine, I'll get rid of him after I've mastered the technique." Watching Gu Santong depart, Zhu Wushi wasn't in a hurry to leave. He stayed in the inn to cultivate, going out every three days to capture someone and test the power of his Absorption Technique. "I still haven't practiced enough."

Zhu Wushi looked at the still breathing Jianghu man, shook his head, made a claw with his five fingers, and sucked him dry completely.

The Eastern Depot in the capital

Bu Xiao looked at the gate of the government office, sighed inwardly, and then entered the gate. At this time, San Dang Tou Pi Xiao Tian was already waiting in the main hall.

"Supervisor"

"Was something wrong while I was away?" Bu Xiao asked, taking a sip of tea.

"Reporting to the Chief Supervisor, two months ago, that mysterious expert came to the Eastern Depot's headquarters, left his name, and said he would keep his appointment on time."

Pi Xiaotian presented the portrait and booklet he had drawn beforehand. Bu Xiao's expression turned serious. He reached out and took the booklet, glanced at the portrait, praised it a few times, and then carefully looked at the booklet.

"Gu Xu seems to be a Taoist name, but there are very few well-known Taoist figures in the martial arts world these days, so he must be from a reclusive sect."

How did it feel to fight him?

"If he hadn't deliberately held back, I fear I wouldn't have lasted three moves. Moreover, his internal and external martial arts skills and agility are unfathomable. Besides, judging from the fact that he disarmed me in one move, he must also be a master swordsman. From what I can see so far, he seems to have no weaknesses."

Upon hearing this, Bu Xiao tapped the table with his finger, his expression grave. He deduced from Pi Xiaotian's words that Gu Xu was a formidable opponent. However, he then became excited. Now that his martial arts had reached their limit, being able to fight such a master before his death would make his life worthwhile.

"Has anything happened in the court lately?" Bu Xiao put aside the matter of Gu Xu and asked about the affairs of the court. During his absence from the capital, he was afraid that all those clowns had come out.

"Reporting to the Grand Counselor, several officials from the Ministry of Revenue, the Ministry of War, and the Ministry of Personnel have returned to their hometowns due to inappropriate words and deeds. Several censors and upright officials who spoke out against injustice have also passed away unexpectedly. This is the list," Pi Xiaotian said, taking out a test book from his pocket and presenting it to Bu Xiao.

"Hmm, well done. It's time for these people to take a break. They shouldn't be doing nothing but staring at our Eastern Depot all day long," Bu Xiao glanced at it a few times and then closed the book.

"How is His Majesty doing lately?"

"Eunuch Cao is attending to the Emperor, and I've heard his condition has improved recently."

"Alright, I'll go to the palace right away. Also, don't let your guard down. Especially at times like these, the court must not be in disarray, understand?"

"Yes, Your Excellency."

Royal Palace
"Your Majesty, Chief Eunuch Bu requests an audience," the eunuch said in a low voice, glancing at Cao Zhengchun.

The emperor, lying on the bed, looked a little better and nodded. Upon seeing this, the eunuch hurriedly withdrew, and a moment later Bu Xiao entered the bedchamber.

When Cao Zhengchun saw Bu Xiao, he bowed. The emperor said to Cao Zhengchun, "You may leave now." The latter replied that he would, and backed away.

The emperor and Bu Xiao talked about something in the bedchamber until the moon was high in the sky. Bu Xiao did not come out of the bedchamber. Guo Yun, the second-in-command, and Pi Xiaotian, the third-in-command, saw that the supervisor's face was somber and did not dare to ask any questions. They followed him all the way back to the Eastern Depot.

Ten days later, the emperor, who had been absent from court for a long time, announced the establishment of the Dragon Guard Manor, which was headed by Zhu Wushi and given the title "Iron-Blooded Marquis". In addition, he was granted an imperial sword and an iron certificate, which allowed him to execute treacherous officials and protect himself.

Zhu Wushi, who had already returned to the capital, received the emperor's bestowal and was enjoying unparalleled glory. When the plaque for the Protectorate of Dragons was hung, many officials from the court went to offer their congratulations.

"I watched him build a tall building, I watched him host lavish banquets, I watched his building collapse."

Looking at the newly formed Dragon Guard Manor and the spirited Iron-Blooded Marquis, Bu Xiao sneered a few times and returned to the Eastern Depot.

"Master, our scouts report that Gu Xu has appeared in a small town in Jiangnan and is now heading towards the capital. If his pace remains the same, he will probably arrive in the capital in early September."

"I understand. By the way, is Qi Yu still in Qingyan Town?" Bu Xiao asked.

"Yes, the head sergeant recently wrote that there has been some unrest in the Japanese martial arts world, and they can no longer afford to attack the nine coastal towns. The head sergeant is currently clearing out the Japanese pirates hiding in the nine coastal towns to ensure stability for the next three years."

“Good job. Let Qi Yu stay in Qingyan to oversee things. If I don’t return by the ninth day of the ninth month, Guo Yun, you should leave the Eastern Depot, go find Qi Yu, and give him this letter.”

Bu Xiao handed a three-stamped wax letter to Guo Yun and solemnly instructed him.

"Yes, Chief Supervisor," Guo Yun solemnly accepted it and placed it in his bosom.

"There are only seven days left until the ninth day of the ninth lunar month, Guo Yun. Withdraw all the archers and other troops stationed at the welcoming pavilion."

"Master Supervisor, this..."
Guo Yun's expression changed, but seeing Bu Xiao's unyielding gaze, he had no choice but to comply.

"This Daoist Gu Xu is no ordinary person; his futile efforts will only lead to his death."

Bu Xiao's eyes were firm, and he said in a deep voice, "This time, let me see what he's capable of."

Dragon Guard Manor, Secret Chamber

Zhu Wushi's face turned deathly pale. He sat cross-legged, each hand grasping a person's head. His inner strength was continuously absorbed into his body. After a while, Zhu Wushi's complexion returned to normal.

"Bu Xiao, you are truly skilled. If I hadn't mastered the Absorption Technique, this palm strike would probably have taken my life."

Three days ago, Zhu Wushi was severely injured by Bu Xiao's palm strike at the Dragon Guard Manor. His foundation was almost destroyed. If it weren't for the traps and hidden weapons in the manor, he would be dead by now.

Even so, Zhu Wushi had to absorb the energy of more than ten people before he could recover 50% of his original strength.

"Gu Santong is going to have a showdown with the eight major sects at Taihu Lake, and this is my chance."

Recalling his journey to find Gu Santong, Zhu Wushi met his wife, Su Xin, and fell in love with her at first sight. Unfortunately, Su Xin was in love with her cousin and refused to even glance at him.

"As long as Gu Santong dies, Su Xin will be mine."

On the ninth day of the ninth lunar month, Gu Xu, who had been traveling slowly northward, finally arrived in the capital. After asking around, he came to a luxuriously decorated three-story pavilion with three gilded characters on it: "Jubinlou".

It was already Chen Shi (7-9 AM), and there weren't many people inside the building. Gu Xu entered, and a waiter hurriedly came forward and greeted him warmly, "Sir, please come in."

Gu Xu glanced at him, and the waiter lowered his head and led Gu Xu to an elegant private room on the third floor. Gu Xu stood in front of the door and realized that there were already people inside.

"Distinguished guest, please come in for a chat." As the words fell, the door opened by itself without any wind, and under the candlelight, Bu Xiao, dressed in casual clothes, was sitting inside enjoying tea.

Bu Xiao waved his hand, and the waiter immediately left. Seeing this, Gu Xu stepped into the private room and waved his hand, closing the door silently.

After taking their seats, Bu Xiao poured a cup of tea, flicked his wrist, and the porcelain cup swirled toward Gu Xu. The latter smiled slightly, reached out a little, and the porcelain cup landed steadily in his hand.

"After the rain, the sky clears, and the Grand Eunuch has a fine palate," Gu Xu said after taking a sip, placing the porcelain cup on the table.

"Master Gu Xu's insight is extraordinary, I admire him." After that brief probing move, Bu Xiao's heart sank and his face became solemn. His internal energy had been transmitted to him, but it was like a mud ox entering the sea, without any response. Just how powerful was the opponent?

"I have come to this meeting for only one matter: Is it at the behest of the Grand Supervisor that the Five Poisons of Shanxi are refining the Green Silk Gu?"

"That's right, it's my idea."

"In order to refine this poison, one hundred and twenty innocent lives were lost. Does the Grand Supervisor think it was worth it?"

"Those who aspire to great things do not concern themselves with trifles. The Taoist priest is not a member of the imperial court, so naturally he is unaware of the gains and losses involved."

"I am used to living a carefree life, and if I hadn't encountered this, it would have been fine. But this matter happened to me, so who knows if it wasn't fate. No matter what the Chief Supervisor's purpose is, harming innocent lives is unacceptable, no matter how many reasons there are."

Gu Xu's eyes flashed with a sharp light as he stared intently at Bu Xiao. The latter felt a chill run down his spine and his body tensed up at the sight of those murderous eyes.

"Since you wish to avenge those who died tragically, I, Bu, am happy to oblige. However, this is not the place for sparring. Please follow me, Daoist."

As soon as he finished speaking, Bu Xiao's figure flashed and he flew out of the window, leaping far away with his light-footed skill. Looking in the direction he left, it was clearly the outskirts of the city.

After drinking the last sip of tea, Gu Xu used his lightness skill to leap and dart away like lightning, chasing after Bu Xiao.

The two walked one after the other, and after a short while, they finally arrived at a quiet wilderness.

"Daoist Master, let's make our move." Knowing that his opponent was extraordinary, Bu Xiao took the soft sword in his hand and pointed the straight blade at Gu Xu.

Seeing this, Gu Xu remained silent, slowly drawing his long sword. Under the cold moonlight, the sword was covered in frost and gleamed with a dazzling white light.

(End of this chapter)