The world of martial arts, the immortal swordsman in the mortal realm.

Chapter 108-123, The Promised Land of the Murong Family! The Shifting Stars and Changing Moon are in our hands! [Seeking monthly votes!]

"No, no! India is a barbarian land!"

When Bao Butong heard Lu Chen actually instructing Murong Fu to go to India to conquer the world, he finally couldn't hold back anymore:
"How can we abandon the Central Plains and side with barbarian lands?"

Lu Chen said calmly:
"First of all, because of Murong Gongzi's father's false information many years ago, which was intended to provoke a war between Song and Liao, and his recent indiscriminate killing of martial arts practitioners in the form of 'an eye for an eye,' even Shaolin Xuanbei died at the hands of Murong Gongzi's father... With all these actions, the Murong family, if not cut itself off from the Central Plains martial arts world, will at least be difficult to be accepted by the Central Plains martial arts world again."

"Secondly, the Murong family's ambitions have inexplicably been leaked. Previously, the government turned a blind eye, firstly because they were wary of Young Master Murong's martial arts skills, secondly because the matter was not exposed to the public, and thirdly because the government is full of shrewd people who probably know the Murong family's level of 'restoring the kingdom' better than you yourselves..."

Lu Chen's words were extremely impolite.

Murong Fu and the others also blushed with embarrassment upon hearing this.

Murong Bo's actions not only tarnished the Murong family's reputation but also betrayed their young master, leaving everyone speechless. As for the Murong family's level of "restoring their kingdom," they hadn't thought there was anything wrong with it before, but after Huang Rong's enlightenment, they now felt utterly ashamed just hearing about it.

Even Bao Butong can no longer say "neither yes nor no".

However, amidst their shame, their expressions were also somewhat strange:
What is the ambition of the Murong family? Has the news been leaked by "Mo Ming"?

Who exactly leaked this information?

Young Master Lu, isn't it a bit inappropriate for you to just casually say "Mo Ming"?

Lu Chen didn't care what they thought and continued speaking:

"In short, even though the government has always been dismissive of the Murong family's ambition to revive the Yan state, the news has now spread throughout the streets and alleys and become common knowledge. The government can no longer turn a blind eye and may have to start taking it seriously."

"The martial arts world is hostile, the government is serious, and the common people are even less likely to recognize Murong Yan from the Sixteen Kingdoms hundreds of years ago. The Murong family is in the Central Plains, how can there be any room for revival? Even if they forcibly raise an army, it will probably be destroyed in an instant."

These words were even more impolite. Bao Butong stubbornly tried to argue, but Deng Baichuan glared at him, so he could only reluctantly swallow his anger.

Lu Chen continued in a serious tone:

"As for Mr. Bao San's statement that India is a barbarian country, that is incorrect. India is the source of Buddhism. How powerful was the Tang Dynasty in the past? Didn't the Tripitaka Master still go to India to seek the true scriptures?"
"India also produced Bodhidharma, the first patriarch of Zen Buddhism, which shows that India is indeed a civilized country. Going to India to establish a country and become emperor would certainly not disgrace the status of Young Master Murong."

Bao Butong came up with a new point of contention:
"No, no! Going to India to conquer the world is not that easy. If India is as civilized as Young Hero Lu says, how could its national strength be weak? Even the Grandmaster Bodhidharma came from India, which shows that Indian martial arts are definitely not weak! It may well be full of masters and extremely dangerous!"

Lu Chen was confident:

"India today is even more chaotic than it was during the Sixteen Kingdoms period in the Central Plains. There are many states and no powerful nations like the Song or Liao dynasties in the Central Plains. There isn't even a small but powerful state comparable to the Western Xia."

"As for martial arts masters, in India today, not only is Buddhism in decline, but martial arts are also extremely weak. Not to mention a grandmaster like Bodhidharma, there are hardly any decent masters left."

"If you don't believe me, you can go to Shaolin and ask around. See if there is an Indian monk named 'Boluoxing' in Shaolin Temple. That Indian monk used the excuse of exchanging Buddhist teachings to spy on Shaolin martial arts, intending to steal the Seventy-Two Arts. He has been detained by Shaolin for several years."

"India, which once produced the great master Bodhidharma, has now fallen so low as to come to the Central Plains to steal martial arts. Where is there any sign of its martial arts flourishing?"

Moreover, Nimo Xing from the Condor Heroes era was known as the number one master in India, and was invincible throughout India. But where would he rank in the Central Plains?

Although Lu Chen couldn't use later events as an example, Murong Fu and the others all knew that Huang Rong, the "Little White Dragon," was exceptionally well-informed and knowledgeable about all sorts of secrets.

Lu Chen also gave people a sense of calm and reliability. His words were very sincere, and his confident demeanor was very infectious. He even pointed out the name of "Polo Star," an Indian figure.

Even the argumentative Bao Butong was skeptical, let alone the other three.

As for Murong Fu...

Although he was mentally deranged and lacked any strategy, he still had basic intelligence; otherwise, how could he have learned so many martial arts skills?

Previously, Lu Chen said that the Murong family was finding it difficult to gain a foothold in the Central Plains because of Murong Bo's actions and the "unexplained" leak of the Murong family's ambitions. Murong Fu initially resisted this statement instinctively.

But after resisting for a while, upon careful consideration, Lu Chen's words actually made perfect sense, and cold sweat immediately soaked his back.

He will never give up his ambition to restore his country.

Because that was something his parents had been constantly reminding him of since he was a child.

After his father's "death," his mother questioned him several times a day, urging him to restore his kingdom and become emperor. She had long been Murong Fu's spiritual pillar.

As for restoring the kingdom in the Central Plains, no matter how you look at it, as Huang Rong and Lu Chen said, almost all possibilities have been eliminated.

If that's the case, then if India really is...

Do not!
Lu Chen and Huang Rong are well-versed in countless secrets, and Huang Rong is like a female Zhuge Liang. Their advice must be correct!
India must have been a land of civilization, and today it must be filled with small states with no powerful nations, and Buddhism is in decline and martial arts are not flourishing!
If Murong Fu goes to India, he will definitely be able to sweep through India without any invincible opponents!
With the addition of the four main retainers and the loyal farmhands cultivated over the years, assembling an expeditionary force of about a thousand people would be no problem at all.

If, in return, they were to grant land and titles, and recruit a group of martial arts practitioners who couldn't make it in the Central Plains or who were ambitious and willing to take risks for wealth and honor, they could easily assemble a team of over a hundred skilled fighters.

With over a thousand men, led by him and his four chief retainers—all highly skilled warriors—they conquered a small state, established a foothold, and then gradually expanded, continuously annexing surrounding smaller states...

The more Murong Fu thought about it, the more reliable Lu Chen's suggestion seemed. His obsessive spirit had completely shifted towards this possibility—once he saw hope and made up his mind about establishing a country and becoming emperor, he would never change his mind.

Mentally ill people are just that persistent.

In the original timeline, he would rather kill his loyal retainers with his own hands than not acknowledge Duan Yanqing as his father.

And now.

If Murong Fu decides to go to India, then the four retainers who have already been persuaded by Huang Rong and Lu Chen will not oppose Murong Fu, but will only support him with all their might.

He had conquered the world honestly and honorably, which was a heroic feat, and his four retainers could not possibly object to it.

At this moment, Lu Chen said in a low voice again:

"India, a rich land flowing with the Ganges, gold, spices, and ivory..."

"The Song Dynasty's maritime trade is highly developed. Traveling to India now is much easier than it was for the Tripitaka Master back then. Transporting troops, equipment, and provisions by large ships is also much more convenient than a long expedition by land!"
"India should be the land promised by the Murong family. The Murong family's ambition to restore their kingdom, which they have been planning for hundreds of years, should rightfully lie in India!"

This deep voice, falling into Murong Fu's ears, was like divine music from beyond the heavens, completely shaking his obsessive and almost insane spirit.

Murong Fu took a deep breath.

India!

that place……

This is the promised land of the Murong family!

A light shone in Murong Fu's eyes.

He straightened his clothes and bowed deeply to Lu Chen and Huang Rong with utmost solemnity:
"Many thanks to Young Hero Lu and Heroine Huang for your guidance! If you two ever visit India after Murong Fu establishes his kingdom, you will be treated as royalty!"

"Young Master Murong is very kind."

Lu Chen said calmly:

"Speaking of which, Young Master Murong's martial arts are renowned throughout the martial arts world. I am also a martial arts enthusiast. I wonder if Young Master Murong would be willing to give me some pointers?"

Murong Fu was also very curious about Lu Chen's martial arts skills.

To dare to use the nickname "Heavenly Divine Sword," to dare to reveal so many secrets, and to live openly on the shore of Taihu Lake outside Suzhou without any fear of being attacked and killed... Just how high has Lu Chen's martial arts reached?
Is it as unfathomable as his and Huang Rong's wisdom and insight?

Thinking this to himself, Murong Fu smiled slightly:
"I dare not presume to offer my guidance. Since Young Hero Lu is so eager to exchange skills, how could I, Murong Fu, refuse?"

Later.

In the spacious courtyard of the manor.

Lu Chen and Murong Fu each held a sword and stood facing each other.

"Young Master Lu, please!"

"Young Master Murong, please!"

Zheng——

Amidst the clang of swords, the two drew their swords almost simultaneously, and the dazzling sword light instantly blinded the onlookers.

Two figures moved swiftly, their movements fluid and agile, displaying a constant stream of exquisite sword techniques. The clanging of swords echoed in the air, and the chilling wind of the swords emanated from several feet away, causing a stinging pain to the face.

The four retainers changed color slightly after only a few moves.

Even with their limited knowledge, they couldn't discern which sword technique Lu Chen was using.

It wasn't just the four powerful retainers who couldn't see it.

Even someone as skilled in martial arts as Murong Fu couldn't understand what kind of swordsmanship Lu Chen was using.

He felt that his swordsmanship was ever-changing, each move was casual and effortless, yet each move was incredibly powerful.

Murong Fu has already changed several sword techniques.

In addition to the Murong family's sword techniques, he also collected and practiced various other sword techniques, and used them all.

No matter what kind of swordsmanship he used, or how many unexpected moves he made, or how subtle the changes were, Lu Chen could handle them with ease.

No matter how strange or unusual the sword moves were, they could not catch him off guard. No matter how deeply hidden or secretive the subsequent moves were, they could not escape his eyes. It seemed that all the changes in sword techniques in the world were already within Lu Chen's expectations.

Is this the quality of the "Heavenly Divine Sword"?

Murong Fu grew increasingly alarmed as the battle progressed.

He even unconsciously used the "Shifting Stars" technique in his swordplay.

The sword is tough and flexible, and has the ability to "bounce back". When used in sword techniques, it can also be used to perform amazing feats.

The use of the "Shifting Stars" technique in swordplay did indeed have some remarkable effects, effectively neutralizing some of Lu Chen's attacks.

However, it did not play a decisive role.

Lu Chen quickly adapted to Murong Fu's ingenious techniques of shifting force and using the opponent's strength against them.

He had studied the Tai Chi Classics handwritten by Zhang Sanfeng.

The essence of Tai Chi Chuan, while not entirely about using the opponent's force against them, is merely one application of Tai Chi Chuan. It is not the same as the "shifting and deflecting force" technique, which specializes in using the opponent's force against them, but they do share some commonalities.

Murong Fu's use of the sword technique "Shifting Stars" was indeed a unique move, but as long as it was performed with a sword, regardless of the specific technique or hidden skill, it was all under Lu Chen's control.

Therefore, Murong Fu's use of the "Shifting Stars" technique not only failed to achieve a surprising victory, but Lu Chen also figured out some of its secrets.

After hundreds of moves, Lu Chen not only learned all of Murong Fu's sword techniques, but also gradually figured out his basic skills.

Compared to Kumārajīva, Murong Fu was far inferior.

Kumārajīva's skill and extensive martial arts made Lu Chen feel pressured. Without using his ultimate sword, Lu Chen could not break through Kumārajīva's defense and could only fight him to a standstill.

Kumārajīva could use any martial art with ease and without any trace of artifice. He could unleash the full power of any martial art in his hands, and even surpass his master.

While Murong Fu could be considered learned, his mastery of each martial art was far inferior to that of Kumārajīva.

Of course, this is not surprising.

After all, Kumārajīva was a peerless master who could discuss martial arts with Murong Bo, and he sat at the same table as the master.

Murong Fu could only sit at the children's table in front of Kumārajīva and Murong Bo.

With Murong Fu's martial arts skills, apart from using the "Star Shift" sword technique to impress Lu Chen, his other martial arts skills could not pose any pressure to Lu Chen at all.

Therefore, Lu Chen decided to let Murong Fu and the others see the true nature of the "Heavenly Divine Sword".

This would also serve to further reinforce the persuasiveness of his earlier words.

"Young Master Murong's swordsmanship is superb; I admire it. I've heard that the four retainers of the Murong family are all masters as well. Why don't we all come together?"

As they were talking, Lu Chen, who was clearly locked in a fierce battle with Murong Fu and seemed unable to free up his hands, unexpectedly unleashed four sword lights at the same time, drawing Deng Baichuan, Gongye Qian, Bao Butong, and Feng Bo'e into the fray!

In front of Tianlong Temple, the battle scene of one person surrounding the five old monks of Tianlong Temple was reenacted.

Lu Chen moved swiftly and nimbly, like a ghostly figure, leaving behind many afterimages. He single-handedly separated Murong Fu and the four retainers, preventing them from supporting each other or joining forces, even though they were close to each other. They were forced to fight each other alone!

Whether it was Murong Fu or the four retainers, they all felt as if they were caught in a hurricane. Although there were companions not far away, they all felt isolated and helpless, and could only deal with the continuous sword attacks that were like a hurricane howling and turbulent waves.

Murong Fu and his four retainers fought a bitter battle.

Lu Chen, however, remained completely at ease.

This match was much easier than when he fought the Six Meridians Sword Formation alone at Tianlong Temple, where one of the six was missing.

It was much easier than when he fought Kumārajīva alone.

After a thousand rounds of fierce fighting, Lu Chen's figure, which had been moving all over the battlefield, suddenly vanished, and he had already leaped out of the fray. He smiled slightly at the dizzy Murong Fu and the others:
"Thank you all for your guidance. My interest in today's battle has waned, so I will not keep you any longer!"

After saying this, he nodded slightly to the five people and then drifted away with Huang Rong.

He has thoroughly grasped the "Shifting Stars" technique, and this battle has been a great success. It's time to go back and carefully study it.

Murong Fu's face paled slightly, but his eyes showed no disappointment; instead, they were full of excitement.

The martial arts of "Heavenly Sword" are indeed as unfathomable as his wisdom and insight!
The name of this divine sword is no exaggeration!
Such a master must have profound meaning in every word he utters.

He said that India is the promised land of the Murong family, so it must be!

With this thought in mind, Murong Fu bowed deeply to Lu Chen's retreating figure once more:
"Murong Fu...thanks to Mr. Lu for his guidance!"

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(End of this chapter)