Martial Arts Crossover: My Wife is the Top Scholar

Chapter 178 Niece, don't be fooled by Li Zhaoting

People always have a bit of a "cheapskate" streak.

After boarding the ship, Zhang Cuishan desperately wanted Li Zhaoting to believe the lies he had fabricated. However, when Li Zhaoting expressed complete belief, he felt uncertain.

Was my lie so convincing?

Ten years have passed, and the martial arts world has become so simple?
Today's young heroes in the martial arts world are all like Li Zhaoting—simple, kind, upright, and righteous young men.
I thought I would encounter a series of tests, testing Zhang Cuishan, then Yin Susu, and finally, through overt or covert guidance, secretly testing Zhang Wuji.

totally unexpected!
Li Zhaoting didn't care about the Dragon-Slaying Saber at all.

If Zhang Cuishan hadn't brought it up, Li Zhaoting would still be fishing. In recent days, Li Zhaoting had become so engrossed in sea fishing that he could hardly extricate himself, but he had only caught a few fry.

If they still can't catch a big fish, and Li Zhaoting's impatient temper gets the better of him, he'll definitely go out to sea to fish by hand. Since the fishing rod is of poor quality, they'll have to use a harpoon instead!
Li Zhaoting's nonchalant attitude left Zhang Cuishan at a loss. Having been isolated from the martial arts world for ten years, Zhang Cuishan's language, debating skills, and logical thinking had been affected to some extent, and he didn't know how to answer.

Yin Susu was no exception.

Of course, as a demonic woman from the Demonic Sect, Yin Susu didn't think Li Zhaoting was a righteous young hero; she could sense the aura of someone "of the same kind" about him.

"Young Master Li, we apologize. We were being petty and judging you by our own standards. Please forgive us!"

"It's human nature, I can understand."

"You really don't want the Dragon Slayer Sword?"

"In the martial world, there are songs and techniques for swords and sabers. The supreme weapon of the martial world is the Dragon Slayer Saber, which commands the world and none dare disobey."

If I were to wield the Dragon-Slaying Saber and order Master Zhang to impart his life's work to me, would Master Zhang obediently hand over the martial arts secrets, or would he slap me to death?
If the Dragon-Slaying Saber could command the world, why didn't the Eagle Cult, which possessed the saber, become the supreme power? Did Xie Xun benefit from obtaining the Dragon-Slaying Saber?
Who was the first owner of the Dragon-Slaying Saber?
As far as I know, the legend of the Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber has been circulating in the world for thousands of years, but the two divine weapons were forged about sixty years ago, no more than seventy years ago.

That was an era that produced a great number of talented people.

From the perspective of the martial arts world, Master Zhang's Nine Heavens True Scripture of Boundless Return to Truth allows him to step into the pinnacle of the martial arts world.

From the perspective of the imperial court, Emperor Taizu conquered the world with only a staff and two fists, and was invincible.

Where is the master of the Dragon-Slaying Blade?
Is he vying with Master Zhang for supremacy in the martial arts world, or with Emperor Taizu for the throne? If neither, what makes a mere sword capable of commanding all heroes?

In the martial arts world, it is fists that command all heroes.

In the imperial court, the imperial seal commands the entire realm.

The Dragon-Slaying Saber—which dragon does it slay?
I have never cared about rumors circulating in the martial arts world.

I only believe in my sword!
He tested his sword against the world, and became famous with a single strike.

Just like this!

Li Zhaoting flicked his finger and shot out a sword beam, blasting a large fish out of the water. Li Zhaoting quickly grabbed a net with his left hand and pulled the fish onto the deck.

"Oh ho~ Young Master Li is really lucky. This kind of fish lives in the south and comes with the ocean current. It is a rare treasure of the sea, and one is worth more than a hundred taels."

The veteran sailor in charge of navigating gave a thumbs up.

Without advanced electronic equipment and large-scale search and rescue systems, sailing is essentially a life-or-death struggle. Experienced sailors are an essential asset to any fleet; on the vast ocean, an experienced sailor is worth more than ten martial arts masters.

A veteran sailor who has lived at sea for thirty years believes in luck more than a novice, because a sailor who isn't lucky enough won't live to that age.

Seeking auspicious omens is their custom.

Everything can be interpreted as a good omen.

"Does the Old Dragon King know how to cook fish?"

Feng Suzhen handed the fish to the old sailor.

Sailors are most familiar with what's in the sea.

Leave professional matters to professionals.

"Cooking fish is my specialty!"

The old sailor took a sip of spirits with a smug look on his face.

"For lunch, we'll have fish. Uh... Yu Yan, go stir-fry some vegetables, just vegetables, no meat, and make it a little mild. Also, go cook a pot of rice porridge."

Feng Suzhen was quite considerate. She thought that Zhang Cuishan and the others had been eating dried meat and salted fish all the way and were already tired of the fishy smell. What they wanted to eat most were vegetables. Fresh vegetables were essential supplies when sailing at sea. Not eating vegetables for a long time could easily lead to sea sickness.

The most classic example is scurvy.

How can scurvy be prevented during sea voyages?
A: Store some oranges in the cabin!
Even Luffy is no exception.

The Thousand Sunny has orange trees planted by Nami.

"Young Master Li, my wife and I have been away from home for ten years. Could you tell us about the changes in the martial arts world of the Central Plains?"

"It's very lively, extremely lively. The last ten years have seen tremendous changes, with many famous martial arts heroes emerging, such as: Lu Xiaofeng with four eyebrows, and Chu Liuxiang, the master thief..."

Are there still ranking rhymes in the martial arts world?

"Of course there are: one immortal, two Buddhas, three demon lords, four supreme beings, five evil ones, and eight great leaders. The eight great leaders have changed several times, becoming stronger and stronger, and the development of martial arts has become increasingly prosperous."

"Who is this Sword Master, hero?"

"The Angry Dragon Gang, the Waves Turn Clouds."

"I wonder how many people from Wudang made the list?"

"One person on the list is enough!"

Li Zhaoting smiled with a hint of helplessness.

The Three Demons, the Four Absolutes, the Five Evils, and the Eight Hegemons are all formidable. They are either giants of the demonic path, underworld tyrants, or heretics. The proportion of righteous people is extremely small, and the one with the best reputation is the Hegemon.

Guo Bujing, Zhang Kui, Bu Shen, Guo Juxia, the Six Doors' Stabilizing Force, whose palm techniques are unparalleled.

With his powerful and aggressive "Surging Waves Palm" technique, which emphasizes offense over defense and focuses solely on attack, he boldly ascended to the top of the palm-wielding hierarchy.

His character, martial arts skills, wisdom, and experience are all impeccable. He has rarely made a move in recent years, and the number of people who want to seize the position of leader is also decreasing.

Those who want to become apprentices often have some reservations.

Guo Bujing never holds back when teaching his disciples martial arts; he teaches them everything without reservation. However, the Surging Wave Palm is based on Yang energy and can instantly mobilize all the Yang energy in the body to launch an attack, causing an imbalance of Yin and Yang within the body.

Whether it's a man or a woman practicing the Surging Wave Palm technique, neither can give birth to a son.

Unless one has extraordinary treasures like the Golden Plum Vase or the Evil Emperor's Relic to help them, or breaks through the limits of the Surging Wave Palm.

Zhang Cuishan was quite interested in martial arts anecdotes.

Having lived in seclusion on Icefire Island for ten years, spending his days fishing and hunting, he had a lot of free time. With Xie Xun, who had exceptionally sharp ears, it was inconvenient to do certain things, so he could only pass the time by practicing martial arts.

Before the martial arts tournament at Wangpan Mountain, Zhang Cuishan comprehended the "Heavenly Sword and Dragon Saber Skill" from Zhang Sanfeng's calligraphy, and was taught the authentic Wudang internal cultivation method. He lived a simple and unfettered life on the deserted island, which was in line with the Taoist mindset, and his internal strength improved by leaps and bounds.

In fact, the fact that Zhang Cuishan and Yin Susu didn't have many children wasn't entirely because of Xie Xun. Zhang Cuishan genuinely loved Yin Susu, cared about her health, and worried that she might die in childbirth.

Icefire Island is a desolate island with a harsh environment. There are no clean and hygienic delivery rooms or midwives. Even if Yin Susu is highly skilled in martial arts and in good health, she may never be able to return after repeatedly going through the gates of death.

If you want to have children, go back to the Central Plains first!
When you have nothing to do in your spare time, why not meditate and practice your breathing exercises?

Zhang Sanfeng once commented that among the Seven Heroes of Wudang, Zhang Cuishan had the highest comprehension. After living in seclusion for ten years, Zhang Cuishan's martial arts skills were not as extensive, complex, or profound as those of his fellow disciples who studied under his master, but his internal strength became increasingly refined.

A breath of pure air, a refreshing breeze that travels a thousand miles.

His potential is the highest among the Seven Heroes of Wudang.

The fleet was originally going to deliver goods to Izumo, but they found Zhang Cuishan halfway there. Should they deliver the goods first or send people first?

The problem was quickly resolved.

The Eagle Cult's fleet has arrived.

The Sky Eagle Cult is located on the top of Eagle's Nest in Xiuzhou, occupying a seaport. Its main business is maritime transport, which generates a hundredfold profit per round trip, allowing it to quickly accumulate enormous wealth.

Before Yin Susu was kidnapped by Xie Xun, the Ziwei Hall she led was in charge of finances. Yin Susu hired Du Dajin to escort her goods, and he paid two thousand taels of gold for each shipment.

Upon seeing the insignia of the Sky Eagle Sect on the bow of the ship, Yin Susu asked loudly, "The sun and moon shine, the sky eagle spreads its wings, I am the head of the Ziwei Hall, which branch are you?"

Upon hearing this, the sailors on the ship were stunned for a moment, then shouted, "Good news! Good news! The young lady is back! The young lady is back!"

An old man led his subordinates out of the cabin.

The old man's name was Li Tianyuan. He was the head of the Tianshi Hall of the Tianying Sect and also Yin Susu's martial uncle.

The other two were the leaders of the Azure Dragon and Divine Serpent Altars under Li Tianyuan, one surnamed Cheng and the other surnamed Feng.

Yin Tianzheng was busy with religious affairs and expanding his power. Yin Susu and her brother were raised by Li Tianyuan. Li Tianyuan doted on Yin Susu. When Yin Susu went missing, more than a dozen sects came to Tianying Sect to question her. Li Tianyuan was furious and went on a killing spree, which deepened the resentment.

The Demonic Sect didn't care about fighting and killing, but Li Tianyuan always felt that he had killed too many people, causing his sins to affect his descendants and making Yin Susu bear the consequences.

Li Tianyuan, who once only believed in the Buddha, secretly burned incense and prayed to Buddha, hoping that Yin Susu would return soon.

Time flies, and ten years have passed in the blink of an eye.

Yin Susu has returned, along with a son-in-law and a chubby little grandson. Even if Li Tianyuan has a thousand questions, he can only keep them to himself.

The Hua family's fleet went to Izumo to deliver goods.

Li Zhaoting returned on a ship belonging to the Eagle Sect.

Of course, the messages that needed to be conveyed during this process had already been sent out by falcons.

Li Tianyuan, being an old and shrewd man, first had his disciples from the Eagle Sect warmly entertain Li Zhaoting, and then gave all the pearls, gemstones, jade, and agates they had just acquired to Feng Suzhen. Afterwards, he pulled Yin Susu away and inquired about the Dragon-Slaying Saber.

“Niece, we’re family, so let’s not be so formal. Did Li Zhaoting ask about the Dragon-Slaying Saber? You’ve been away from the Central Plains for ten years, so you don’t know how dangerous the martial arts world there is.”

"Isn't Young Hero Li a righteous young hero?"

Do you know Abbess Miejue?

"That nun from Emei who hates evil like poison? I heard she has a grudge against the Ming Cult. Xie Xun killed her brother indiscriminately back then, and she has hated evil and heretics ever since."

"Li Zhaoting is a hundred times more terrifying than Abbess Miejue in his hatred of evil. In just one year since he debuted, the mass graves have been filled with the evil spirits and heretics who died by his sword. Even the Fire Cloud Evil God Ancient Sword Soul was defeated by his sword!"

"Ancient Sword Soul? The one who knows the Tathagata Palm? Young Master Li's martial arts have actually reached such a level!"

"The most terrifying thing is not his martial arts skills, but that he is born with evil spirits and wherever he goes, death follows. He especially likes to meddle in other people's business and help people solve cases. Every time he solves a case, blood flows like a river. He is simply the reincarnation of the Tai Sui."

Don't be fooled by his appearance.

Li Zhaoting appears refined and cultured, like a well-read scholar, but in reality, he is a madman and bloodthirsty man.

Don't believe Li Zhaoting's words.

Having roamed the martial world for fifty years, I never imagined that a name could instill fear in me. Sometimes I have doubts, thinking that Li Zhaoting was trained by the Demonic Sect to wreak havoc on the Central Plains. Yet, I also think that if Li Zhaoting were truly a disciple of the Demonic Sect, the sect would have been destroyed by him long ago!

We'll talk about this later.

Let's start by talking about Xie Xun and the Dragon-Slaying Saber.

We can't let Li Zhaoting see through our plan.

Li Tianyuan wiped the cold sweat from his forehead.

The older you get in the world of martial arts, the more timid you become.

In his youth, Li Tianyuan was a ruthless and domineering villain. Now, nearing seventy, he has grown accustomed to a comfortable life and occasionally thinks about retiring from his life of crime.

Yin Susu told Li Tianyuan all the lies she had made up on the way, which she had intended to use to fool Li Zhaoting but hadn't yet used. It was a complete set of rhetoric.

First, the ship encountered a maritime disaster halfway through its journey;
Secondly, Xie Xun died and the Dragon-Slaying Saber sank into the sea. If Xie Xun hadn't died, Zhang Cuishan and Yin Susu wouldn't have been able to live peacefully for ten years with a child.
Third, Zhang Cuishan and Yin Susu drifted to a deserted island, salvaged shipwreck debris and pots and pans, and found Xie Xun's diary in a wooden box.

Fourth, since there were no writing brushes, ink, paper, or inkstones on the deserted island, this diary could only be used as a literacy textbook to teach Zhang Wuji to read and write. The diary contained Xie Xun's martial arts insights, and Zhang Wuji thus learned some of Xie Xun's martial arts techniques.

Fifth, "Wuji" does not mean unrestrained, but rather a tribute to Lord Xinling, one of the Four Lords of the Warring States period. Since he had been stranded on a deserted island, he did not need to have many concerns.
This sales pitch is perfect.

The story is intricately linked and meticulously crafted, perfectly explaining Zhang Wuji's name and martial arts foundation, as well as the clues about Xie Xun and the Dragon-Slaying Saber. Outsiders who don't believe it can follow the ocean currents to find out more; Zhang Cuishan is willing to provide a map.

Of course, Zhang Cuishan was not a navigator and did not have professional drafting skills. When they returned to the Central Plains, they traveled on a small wooden raft and were unable to record the entire route.

The couple will not be held responsible if the map is incorrect.

Li Tianyuan nodded, not entirely believing it, but finding no flaw in the words, he continued, "Did you kill Du Dajin? He was a lay disciple of Shaolin. Shaolin and Wudang have been arguing about this for years. This matter originally had nothing to do with the Tianying Sect, but Zhang Wuxia becoming the sect leader's son-in-law should have a reasonable explanation!"

After a moment's thought, Yin Susu angrily cursed, "Du Dajin is a good-for-nothing bastard who takes money but does nothing."

I instructed him to hand Yu Daiyan over to Master Zhang, and I dealt with all the spying during the escort mission.

Du Dajin's only task was to send people to Wudang Mountain. However, halfway there, someone disguised himself as one of the Seven Heroes of Wudang, and Du Dajin actually believed him!
I tried to reason with him, but he insisted that he had handed the people over to the Seven Heroes of Wudang in an attempt to steal my money. I destroyed his escort agency, so I have no guilty conscience whatsoever.

I gave him two thousand taels of gold.

Without making a single move, he handed the person over.

There's no such thing as a free lunch!

Yin Susu felt somewhat guilty towards Yu Daiyan, but felt absolutely no guilt towards Du Dajin; instead, she was filled with resentment.

Escort agencies earn their money through hard work and risking their lives.

Two thousand taels of gold, how could it be so easy to take?
　Thank you to fellow Daoists 20240602, Ulawala, and Yiloutingtao for their generous donations.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)