A journey through the world of martial arts

Chapter 9 Mountain Villa
Yu Lianzhou nodded and said, "That's good, but it's always best to be careful when you're out and about. If you need any help, just send a message by carrier pigeon." Gu Xu replied, "This disciple understands."

The next morning, Yu Lianzhou and his entourage disguised themselves as merchants and left without arousing suspicion.

Gu Xu watched his master and his group leave. After having a meal downstairs and replenishing his food, he also left, heading towards Kunlun Mountain.

Several days later, they entered the territory of the Western Regions. Hearing that this place was within the sphere of influence of the Kunlun Sect, Gu Xu did not want to cause trouble and traveled in a low-key manner. He inquired along the way and came to a huge manor. It was decorated with carved beams and painted rafters and was as magnificent as a small palace.

This is Zhu Wu Lianhuan Manor, built by the descendants of Zhu Ziliu and Wu Santong. Gu Xu came here mainly for the Nine Yang Manual and had no interest in their martial arts. If it weren't for the fact that they were locals and extremely familiar with the geography of Kunlun Mountain, he would not have bothered with such petty people.

Upon arriving at the manor, a servant stood guard at the gate. Gu Xu announced his name, and the servant, upon hearing that he was from the Wudang Sect, dared not neglect him. He led him into the living room to rest and sent someone to inform the manor lord immediately.

Before long, Gu Xu heard footsteps coming from outside the hall. Gu Xu could tell who it was just by listening to the sound. Apart from two people who were worth looking at, the rest were all mediocre.

As soon as Zhu Changling and Wu Lie entered, they saw Gu Xu. He had an extraordinary demeanor, with the air of a carefree Taoist, and they couldn't even tell how deep his skill was. Their eyes lit up.

Zhu Changling stepped forward, clasped his hands in greeting, and said, "The presence of the esteemed Wudang master is an honor to our humble abode." Gu Xu rose and performed a Taoist kowtow, saying, "Master Zhu, you are too kind. I am Gu Xu, and I have come to visit you today with a request. I hope that you two masters will not find me presumptuous."

Zhu Changling and Wu Lie exchanged a glance, feeling puzzled and worried that Gu Xu might reveal a difficult matter. If they failed to handle it properly, they would offend the Wudang Sect, and they, being outnumbered and outmatched, would not be able to withstand Wudang's wrath.

After everyone was seated, Gu Xu explained his purpose: "To be honest, my purpose in coming here is a small matter. My junior brother Qing Shu wants a white monkey from Kunlun Mountain. I happened to be traveling here, so I came to ask for your help."

After Gu Xu finished speaking, Zhu Changling and Wu Lie breathed a sigh of relief. They had previously thought that the Wudang Sect had other motives, but they did not expect it to be such a trivial matter.

Actually, this is not a simple matter. For someone like Gu Xu who is unfamiliar with Kunlun Mountain, finding the white monkey would be extremely difficult, but for Zhu Wu and his companion, it is just a piece of cake.

"Master Gu Xu, you're too kind. It's such a small matter to leave it to us. Actually, it's quite a coincidence that there are two white monkeys in the manor. Why don't we give them to Master Gu Xu? What do you think?" Zhu Changling was quick-witted after all. Seeing that the Wudang Sect had taken the initiative to approach him, he immediately had the idea of ​​befriending them.

Zhu Wu Lianhuan Manor is said to have some reputation in the Western Regions, but its geographical location is somewhat awkward. Not only is it suppressed by the Kunlun Sect, but it is also frequently harassed by the Ming Cult. If it weren't for the prestige of its ancestors, it would probably have been swallowed up long ago. Therefore, Zhu Changling plans to find a backer to solve his predicament.

Gu Xu was quick-witted and, after a moment's thought, realized that it wouldn't be a bad idea to bring Zhu Wu Lianhuan Manor under the Wudang Sect's wing. At the very least, it would expand their sphere of influence to the Western Regions, and that one benefit alone would make them worth the effort.

Zhu and Wu are both skilled in martial arts, and with the secret support of Wudang, they are strong enough to withstand the suppression from Kunlun Ming Cult. As long as their descendants are brought to Wudang for training and instilled with the Wudang spirit, they can obtain all the wealth of Lianhuan Manor without lifting a finger. However, they cannot be too hasty.

"I appreciate Master Zhu's kind offer, but it would be best if I could capture the white monkey myself to give to my junior brother," Gu Xu said, noticing that Zhu Changling's expression was a little off. "I won't let your efforts go to waste. If you don't mind, I can teach these three children martial arts for a few days," he said, pointing to the three children beside him.

Zhu Changling understood that Gu Xu was unwilling to take his benefits for nothing, and he also wanted to see how good this person's martial arts were and whether it was worth getting close to him, so he smiled and said, "It would be great if Daoist Gu Xu was willing to teach me. Bi'er, Jiuzhen, Qingying, come forward."

Three children, no more than five or six years old, slowly approached. Gu Xu could tell at a glance that apart from Wei Bi, who had some potential, the other two were mediocre and unlikely to achieve anything.

"I will trouble you for a few days. I hope the Master will pay close attention to the matter of the white monkey. Please let me know as soon as you have any news. I will be extremely grateful." Talking to a smart person is so much easier. Gu Xu knew that Zhu Changling would understand his meaning. If there was no news within a few days, he would have to leave, and it would be impossible for him to teach him for free again. Zhu Changling nodded immediately, "At least three days, at most seven days, there will definitely be a response." After saying that, he had a servant lead Gu Xu to the guest room to rest.

Wu Lie hadn't spoken until Gu Xu left, then he said, "Brother, why were you so polite to this Daoist Gu Xu? Is there some reason behind it?" Despite his impetuous appearance, Wu Lie was actually a shrewd strategist, a prime example of someone who wouldn't act without self-interest.

"Master Gu Xu comes from a prestigious family and has profound skills. Even if we cannot befriend him, we cannot afford to make him dislike us. Now that he has asked us for help, we should seize the opportunity. If Bi'er and the other two can get his guidance, we can leave a good impression and avoid detours in the future."

Hearing his brother's words, Wu Lie's eyes also dimmed. Although his brother's martial arts skills were decent, there was no one to carry on the family line. Otherwise, he wouldn't have adopted Wei Bi, who had lost both parents, when he was young, so that he could take over Lianhuan Manor in the future.

Even so, it is hard to guarantee that he will not make a wrong move in the future amidst his complicated situation. At that time, the foundation left by his ancestors will be destroyed, and how will he and his brother face their ancestors in the afterlife?

“Fortunately, we now have another path. By getting in touch with the Wudang Sect, we have hope for the future,” Zhu Changling said to Wu Lie. “Quickly send out all the people in the manor to find the place where those white monkeys appear as soon as possible. Tell me when you find them.” Wu Lie replied and immediately went down to gather people. Before long, dozens of horses left the manor.

Gu Xu was led by a servant to a sizable room with a magnificent layout. The room was furnished in a first-class manner. Not to mention the valuable antiques, porcelain and furniture, even the bedding was made of the finest silk fabrics, which showed how wealthy the manor was.

After glancing at it a few times, Gu Xu put down the package, washed his face, and then sat on the bed to meditate.

Just as night fell, Gu Xu finished his practice and got up. There was a knock on the door. "Daoist Gu Xu, the master of the manor sent me to bring you food." Gu Xu pushed open the door, and the servant carefully arranged the dishes. Seeing that Gu Xu had no further instructions, the servant withdrew.

Looking at the exquisite dishes on the table and smelling the tempting aroma, Gu Xu's appetite was whetted. After confirming several times that there were no problems with them, Gu Xu finally picked up his chopsticks.

After the meal, Gu Xu completed his daily practice as usual. He felt that the pure yang energy in his body was becoming more and more refined, and his cultivation was steadily improving. He couldn't even say for sure what stage he had reached, but he was probably a step ahead of Kong Wen.

Nothing happened that night. The next morning, after Gu Xu finished his studies, he came to the living room, where servants served him tea and snacks. A short while later, Zhu Changling and the others arrived.

Seeing that Gu Xu had already arrived, Zhu Changling quickly led the three children in. After they were seated, Gu Xu said, "Master Zhu, although I am going to teach these three children, I also need to know what martial arts they have learned so that I can teach them according to their aptitude and avoid using the wrong methods."

Zhu Changling had no doubt that Gu Xu wanted to take the opportunity to learn his family's martial arts, so he said, "Bi'er learned a set of ordinary sword techniques, Jiu Zhen learned 'One Finger Divine Skill,' and Qing Ying learned 'Orchid Finger Acupuncture Technique.'"

After listening, Gu Xu had the three demonstrate their martial arts skills. After watching, he made a decision. Zhu Jiuzhen's "One-Finger Divine Skill" lacked strength, which was not her fault, because this martial art was inherently extremely yang and strong, and women were born with a deficiency in this aspect. Wu Qingying's "Orchid Finger Flicking Technique" lacked flexibility. This martial art should be a combination of softness and strength. As for Wei Bi's swordsmanship, it was flashy but impractical. It was not bad when fighting against peers, but against disciples of major sects, it would be like showing off one's skills in front of an expert.

After realizing that the three of them were lacking in martial arts, Gu Xu said, "In the next few days, I will provide guidance to each of you on your weaknesses. I will first demonstrate a set of sword techniques, and you can observe it carefully."

Seeing Gu Xu draw his sword and leave, not only did the three children's eyes light up, but even Zhu Changling was shocked. It seemed that Gu Xu didn't care at all about being watched.

Wei Bi had heard his uncle mention yesterday that this Taoist priest was exceptionally skilled in martial arts, and today he could see for himself if he was really as powerful as they said. Zhu Jiuzhen and Wu Qingying were also watching Gu Xu intently in the courtyard.

The person in the text should be a junior brother, not a junior nephew. Thank you for pointing this out, fellow reader.
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(End of this chapter)