Martial Arts Crossover: My Wife is the Top Scholar

Chapter 426 The Return to Origin Manual, the Battle for Nine Treasures!

The Qing Dynasty attached great importance to martial arts tournaments.

Not only did he set up the arena in advance, but he also requisitioned more than a dozen mansions to accommodate the martial arts practitioners. Cao Xiong arrived in Jinzhou early and hosted a banquet for the leaders of various sects.

Cao Xiong may seem arrogant, but he is actually very meticulous. Not to mention powerful families like the Tianlong Gang, the Twelve Orders of the Universe, and the Shangwan Heavenly Palace, even small and insignificant families like the Diancang Sect, the Crane Pen Sect, and the Thousand Horse Manor received invitations.

The only sect participating in this martial arts tournament that did not receive an invitation was the Lonely Sect.

It wasn't that Cao Xiong was condescending; it was just that the solitary type wasn't suited for banquets—their fates were too unyielding.

The Lonely Sect is a sect composed of widows, each of whom has been married at least three times. The sect leader, Dugu Yisheng, has been married to more than twenty husbands, none of whom lived for more than six months.

Dugu was neither a vicious woman nor did she maliciously harm her husband. On the contrary, she was a virtuous wife who managed the household well and was skilled in needlework and embroidery. She was also incredibly beautiful. Every time she became a widow, matchmakers would come to her door to propose marriage.

Why did she become a widow?

Because she was born with a "bone-scraping knife"!
Her allure is irresistible to most people!

Most disciples of the Solitary School are like this; the more famous disciples are all in their twenties or thirties, the most charming time of a woman's life, yet they can only spend their days alone.

Cao Xiong was fond of women and could not enjoy himself without them every night. He had more than thirty wives and concubines at home, but he still felt it was not enough. He would either seduce the maids or go out incognito to pick up girls. Such a lecherous man would avoid even the solitary.

It's better for everyone if we don't invite loners.

To prevent anyone from getting carried away and losing control.

……

evening.

The Cao family mansion was filled with guests.

Li Zhaoting, dressed in a tattered Taoist robe with three or four patches, rode a spotted donkey to the banquet. The gatekeeper showed no disdain whatsoever, but instead was polite and gave him a standard smile, leaving no room for criticism.

"Master Yiyangzi of the Diancang Sect has arrived!"

"Please come in, Daoist Master. I have long admired the Diancang School's mastery of both spear and sword, as well as their skill in archery and alchemy. It is truly an honor to meet you today!"

"You're so good with words, here's a reward for you!"

Li Zhaoting handed the gatekeeper a bottle of pills.

The gatekeeper happily accepted the medicine, and seeing Li Zhaoting enter the banquet hall, he immediately opened the medicine bottle. Inside were only two pills. It was a case of wanting to show off wealth but lacking the financial means, like using a large plate to serve small dishes, using gold and jade to cover up the decline and decay of the sect.

Another gatekeeper came over, stretched out his right hand, fanned the bottle opening, and sniffed the medicine: "This is the Yellow Sprout Pill of the Diancang Sect, which can calm the mind and promote sleep."

"I can finally get a good night's sleep tonight!"

"Flattery is either about flattering the wealthy and powerful, or flattering the wealthy and powerful who are declining in status. One likes to show off their wealth to their servants, while the other likes to pretend to be wealthy!"
Those sects that are neither high nor low, neither good nor bad, are often the most stingy.

Second brother, the target has arrived!
The alliance of the four minor factions in Liaodong.

Fan Yifei, the leader of the Crane Brush Sect, has a crush on Gao Sanniang, the owner of Qianma Manor. Let's go and ask for some benefits!
Do you know how to talk?

"Big brother, just you wait and see!"

The two greeted them with smiles.

Li Zhaoting's ears twitched slightly as he overheard their conversation. He thought to himself, "There's no such thing as a good banquet! A simple banquet is enough to subdue half the experts!"
Why do you say that?
Both doormen were secret agents from the Sticky Rod Office, habitually disguising themselves as doormen, waiters, or other similar identities.

From their conversation, it can be deduced that they were fully aware of the backgrounds, habits, and even the secret crushes on the widows of the guests.

Upon entering the banquet hall, it becomes even clearer that all the tables are arranged in advance, with eight people at each table. These eight people are either allies or have close relationships. Those sects that are enemies on the surface but are actually allies are all seated back to back, which is quite unsettling.

Cao Xiong walked through the crowd with a wine glass in his hand.

He walks with the stride of a dragon and the gait of a tiger, and likes to blow his beard and glare, but every word he says is meaningful. In just a few words, he can reveal the other person's background and even their hidden trump cards.

No wonder he's the host of the martial arts tournament.

It was several times more difficult than the case file described.

The intelligence from the Imperial City Guard may not be reliable.

Perhaps, some of the Imperial City Division's branches have already been exposed, and the Red Flower Society may have hidden spies.

Li Zhaoting narrowed his eyes slightly.

Just then, Cao Xiong strode over: "This must be Daoist Yiyangzi! I've long heard that the Diancang Sect and Changchun Valley in Dali are close friends and skilled in alchemy. I wonder if you could refine longevity pills! This world is too wonderful; I want to live another fifty years!"

Li Zhaoting laughed and said, "The idea of ​​using alchemy to prolong life is nothing but a lie. If I had such abilities, I would have gone to Bianliang City to swindle people long ago. The Song emperors love practicing Taoism and alchemy, so becoming a national advisor would be a piece of cake!"

Cao Xiong's eyes widened: "So, you're saying that the Taoist priest looks down on our Great Qing! Those with real skills go to the Great Song, while only incompetent Taoist priests come to the Great Qing to try their luck!"

Li Zhaoting pretended to be intimidated, trembling as he took three steps back: "Your Excellency has discerning eyes. How could I possibly display my fraudulent methods before you?"

"A fraud? Not necessarily!"

Cao Xiong slammed his wine glass down: "Everyone attending this banquet is a martial arts master. I've heard that Master Yiyangzi's martial arts are even better than the Diancang Sect Leader's. If Master Yiyangzi is just a fraud, then what is the Diancang Sect Leader?"

The wine glass whistled as it shot towards Li Zhaoting's chest, spinning rapidly, yet not a single drop of wine spilled.

Cao Xiong's skill and inner strength were far beyond what he appeared to be. Li Zhaoting caught the wine cup lightly with a move called "Dragon Leading Phoenix" using the 108-style Flying Flower Palm technique of the Diancang School.

"Excellent wine! Thank you for the wine, sir!"

"Good! What a brilliant move, 'Rolling Floss with the Wind'! Master Yiyangzi's mastery of Flying Flower Palm surpasses that hypocritical Lin Cangfu. To gain the support of the Power Gang, Lin Cangfu has ostracized the Master. The centuries-old tradition of the Diancang Sect is likely doomed to extinction. In the end, it will be the Master who will shoulder the burden of the Diancang Sect."

Lin Cangfu, nicknamed "Diancang Yibi" (meaning "One Stroke in Diancang"), is the current leader of the Diancang School. He is greedy, hypocritical, and pretentious. Seven years ago, he joined the Power Gang and became the leader of the "Snake King," who is ranked last among the eight Heavenly Kings of the Power Gang.

The Diancang School was located in Yunnan, thousands of miles away from the Manchu Qing Dynasty, one in the south and the other in the north. Their alliance with the powerful faction was a closely guarded secret, and the two sides were openly enemies.

Cao Xiong not only knew about the internal strife within the Diancang Sect, but also that Lin Cangfu had secretly sided with the Power Gang, demonstrating his exceptional intelligence capabilities. What he said sounded like a compliment, but upon closer analysis, it was a threat—in reality, a second test.

Yi Yangzi established the Diancang Sect branch in the Qing Dynasty 25 years ago. Li Chenzhou had not yet made his debut, and Liu Suifeng was still a kid. Who the hell would side with whom!

Li Zhaoting laughed and said, "I left the sect twenty-five years ago to start my own business. I never cared about the sect's affairs, let alone take on any major responsibilities."

My family has no surplus wealth and I live in poverty. I can only travel by a spotted donkey. I can't even support myself. To support a sect would probably require me to become a bandit. Thank you for your praise, but I have absolutely no such intention.

However, if Lord Cao is willing to support me with 30,000 to 50,000 taels of silver, I can rebuild my sect's branch.

If one day the Power Gang rebels and is defeated by Li Zhaoting, I can send the Diancang disciples who have lost their home to Liaodong to work for Lord Cao.

What is your opinion, sir?

Cao Xiong sneered: "I've long heard of Yi Yangzi's uprightness, integrity, heroism, and chivalry. How come you're so obsessed with money?"

Li Zhaoting took out his money pouch, shook it, and heard the clinking of copper coins: "I still have ten copper coins. That's enough to last me three to five days on steamed buns. If I want meat, I'll have to kill my donkey. What kind of hero am I if I don't have money?"

As they were talking, Li Zhaoting flicked his finger and hid the wine cup that Cao Xiong had thrown at him inside his sleeve.

The wine glasses are made of gold.

If we replaced them with steamed buns, it would be enough to last for three months.

Cao Xiong nodded slightly and went to test others.

……

"I am Tang Jing below, greetings!"

A scholar who at first glance appeared honest and kind, but upon closer inspection was lewd and treacherous, bowed and blocked Li Zhaoting.

Fang Tangjing, also known as Bai Zhishan of the Tianlong Gang, passed the imperial examination but did not become an official. Instead, he became the most infamous lawyer in the Qing Dynasty, known as "the shadow of Su Penghai".

In recent years, the Tianlong Gang has expanded rapidly, transforming from a criminal organization into a legitimate one, vying for territory, bribing ministers, and becoming a top sect. Fang Tangjing deserves much credit for this.

"Attorney Fang, what is it?"

"I have a particular fondness for wine cups. I wonder if Daoist Yiyangzi would be so kind as to part with the wine cup that Lord Cao gave you? I would be extremely grateful."

"Attorney Fang has a really good eye!" "Because I like to rub this on my eyes. I rub it a few times a day, and it makes my eyes see through to the essence of things."

Fang Tangjing took out five silver notes.

Each one was worth one thousand taels, totaling five thousand taels.

Li Zhaoting said, "A gentleman does not take what others love. Attorney Fang's deep kindness and generosity are deeply appreciated by me!"

"Of course! Of course! My greatest joy in life is making friends. The more friends you have, the more paths you have to take!"

Fang Tangjing put away the golden cup and slowly left.

Su Penghai happened to be looking over and raised his glass.

Li Zhaoting reached out and snatched the wine cup from Lu Zhengping, the leader of the Quick Blade Sect. He then raised it to Su Penghai from a distance. Cao Xiong glanced at him and noticed that Li Zhaoting was using the Diancang School's Flying Flower Hand technique. He thought to himself that Yi Yangzi was probably desperate for money and could be bribed.

For Cao Xiong and Su Penghai, problems that can be solved with money are never a concern; only those that cannot be solved with money are worth their planning and design.

As the saying goes, even a hero can be brought down by a single penny.

In the history of martial arts, there are countless heroes who turned to the dark side because they were driven mad by poverty. Not everyone can endure poverty, especially when they are highly skilled in martial arts and can easily acquire wealth. The more they endure, the more unbearable it becomes.

Wang Dong, Guo Dalu, Yan Qi, and Bai Zhantang are ultimately a minority. They have painstakingly practiced martial arts for more than ten years and mastered profound skills, yet they live in poverty, which seems abnormal. How many people can be content with poverty?

The test against Li Zhaoting was just a small trial.

Cao Xiong's real target was the demonic sects and reclusive sects like Tianyu Palace and Yaoguang Hall, especially Yaoguang Hall, which had an ambiguous relationship with the Manchu royal family. Who knew if Zheng Chunhua was thinking of old times or wanted to cause trouble?
The position arranged for Li Zhaoting was neither a small, insignificant family seeking attention nor a prestigious one, but rather a factional alliance, such as the Liaodong Small Faction Alliance.

Fan Yifei, the leader of the Crane Brush Sect!
Feng Liang, the leader of the Azure Dragon Sect!
Lu Zhengping, the leader of the Quick Blade Sect!

Lady Gao, the mistress of Qianma Manor!

Gao Damao, the leader of the Tianchi Gang!

Meng Huangliang, the leader of the Return to the Cage Cult!

Cai Buli, the leader of the Chopsticks Sect!

Li Zhaoting snatched Lü Zhengping's wine glass, which was tantamount to slapping the face of the small faction alliance. Lü Zhengping was furious and glared at Li Zhaoting. Li Zhaoting said, "What are you looking at?"

Lu Zhengping shouted, "What are you looking at!"

Once these words are spoken, action must be taken.

Li Zhaoting casually picked up a pair of chopsticks, signaling to Lü Zhengping that he could make his move. Lü Zhengping raised his palm like a knife and slashed at Li Zhaoting's shoulder. This time, Cao Xiong was holding a banquet, and being able to participate was considered lucky. Lü Zhengping was from a humble background and dared not make a big fuss, so he stopped short of causing trouble when he made his move.

Li Zhaoting snapped his chopsticks shut, firmly clamping them onto Lü Zhengping's fingers. Lü Zhengping flipped his hand, trying to wrest the chopsticks back, but the force attached to them far exceeded his expectations. They managed to pinpoint his pulse point, causing his wrist to go weak and his five fingers to separate at the same time.

"Whoosh!"

A piece of beef was shot into Lü Zhengping's mouth.

"Chief Lü, I'm just offering you this as a token of my appreciation. I've borrowed your fine wine, and I'm returning a piece of beef to you. As the saying goes, it's better to resolve conflicts than to let them fester. How about we settle this matter?"

"Your martial arts skills are superior, so whatever you say is right!"

Lu Zhengping sat down angrily.

Cai Buli laughed and said, "Men, let me tell you the truth: in our small house and courtyard, the copper coins in our pockets can only buy two ounces of peanuts at most!"

A master can turn our roof into a manhole cover with a single kick! A master can turn our dining table into a fighting arena with a single swing! Let's eat! What's all the fuss about?

Hurry up and dig in! Isn't pork, sauerkraut, and glass noodles delicious? Aren't pig's trotters easy to chew? Why stick your neck out like a green onion, letting people crunch on it with sauce?
My old arms and legs can't compare to you young kids, so please don't drag me into this!
What do you want me to do?

Let's eat!
This pickled cabbage and pork belly smells so good!

Meng Huangliang and Cai Buli were good friends. When they were young, they were famous for performing Errenzhuan (a type of folk opera). They were known as: "With the left hand, they can pick up all the dishes from the north and south; with the right hand, they can wake up the dreamers. Meng Lao is my pillow and my chopsticks are my tools. Huangliang can dig up the universe in the pot!"

Gao Damao said, "Rumor has it that Master Meng's pillow and Master Cai's chopsticks are enough to awaken even the most beautiful dreams, and half a dish of aged vinegar can rouse the three realms! It's truly well-deserved!"

Gao Damao was also a performer of Errenzhuan (a traditional Chinese folk art form), and his fame was greater than that of Meng Huangliang and Cai Buli combined. He started learning martial arts after eating sea cucumber fried noodles at a shady restaurant. There wasn't a single piece of sea cucumber in the noodles, and the chef who made the noodles was called Sea Cucumber.

The two sides started arguing. Gao Damao was short and weak, and he couldn't beat the fat and strong cook. He suffered a lot and then went home and resolved to practice martial arts.

It is said that he received the teachings of a master and mastered a set of Tianchi Divine Palm techniques, which enabled him to establish the "Tianchi Gang".

The group exchanged a few jokes, thus resolving the minor conflict.

With Cao Xiong making such a grand display, he naturally wouldn't skimp on the food. The dishes were quite delicious, especially the braised pork with vermicelli and the pickled cabbage with boiled pork. The pork was a freshly slaughtered New Year's pig, with a rich and fragrant aroma, and it was fatty but not greasy.

Smaller families mostly formed alliances, while larger families engaged in heated debates, creating a highly charged atmosphere. In particular, the masked Tianyu Palace and Yaoguang Hall quickly became the targets of attack, with the Tianlong Gang being the first to launch a counterattack.

Su Penghai's younger sister, "Jade Flute Fairy," sarcastically remarked with a captivating charm: "I've seen it all. Other families have to showcase their talents when vying for the title of Flower Queen, but the successors of Tianyu Palace and Yaoguang Hall not only don't need to, they can become Flower Queen simply by wearing a veil, and they sell for even more than the Flower Queen!"

Ge Ying sneered: "Fairy, you misunderstand. When I go out, I like to wear a bronze mask so as not to scare others. I am naturally ugly, what can I do!"

Tie Haitang followed closely: "Hiding your head and revealing your tail, you say you are a descendant of the Heavenly Desire Palace and the Yaoguang Hall, why don't you say you are the Fairy of the Quiet Studio, the most beautiful woman in the world?"

Su Penghai laughed and said, "My two fairies, our Great Qing is about to hold a martial arts conference. Many treacherous people will come to provoke us. Unless we can verify their identity, we will treat anyone who hides their head and tail as a spy."

The Jade Flute Fairy said coldly, "I'll do it! I hate hypocritical icebergs like you the most!"

"Snapped!"

The Jade Flute Fairy was slapped.

Wang Yuyan shook her wrist: "If you dare to utter another word, I'll slap you and turn you into a demon with piercing eyes!"

Li Shengnan picked up the wine pot: "Gentlemen, we are here to attend a banquet, not to provoke you. We apologize to you all and hope you will not take offense!"

As he spoke, wine shot out of the wine jug.

Everyone instinctively used their wine glasses to catch the wine, a common practice at banquets of martial arts masters, so it was nothing unusual. Unexpectedly, the wine condensed into ice as it shot out.

When it falls into the glass, the wine turns into ice, and a layer of frost surrounds the outside of the glass. If you are not skilled enough, your fingertips will be frostbitten by the ice, and a thin layer of skin will be torn off.

Transmitting power through objects!

One of the most effective methods employed by the Demonic Sect.

This method of "transmitting force through objects" can be used in various ways. For small-scale attacks, flutes and xiao can be used as weapons. For medium-scale attacks, flying catkins can be used as weapons. For large-scale attacks, discs can be used to injure people, flying flowers can kill people, paper can be passed to kill people, and water can be splashed to strike people. However, few people in the martial arts world can achieve the ingenuity, accuracy, directness, and speed of Li Shengnan's method of "transmitting force through objects." She swept away all doubts with one move.

Authentic demonic techniques and mental cultivation methods. Even if they are not successors of the Heavenly Desire Palace, they are still powerful figures in the demonic path. Just having such a person come is a win.

Su Penghai and Cao Xiong exchanged a glance.

The two tacitly stopped testing each other.

To be precise, the probing during the banquet was stopped, and the next probing was to begin. Martial arts practitioners can disguise their identities in any way, but the traces of their martial arts skills are hard to fake. In a life-or-death situation, they will definitely use their sect's ultimate techniques.

Cao Xiong raised his wine cup and said loudly, "Heroes, you have given me face by participating in the martial arts conference. I will not mince words. I toast you all three cups."

Tie Haitang said, "We are extremely grateful for Lord Cao's hospitality. This martial arts conference in Guandong is a competition for the title of leader of the Guandong martial arts alliance. We need Lord Cao's help in all aspects. I would like to offer you a toast."

Cao Xiong laughed and said, "All of you heroes are working for the Qing Dynasty. As long as you keep to your duties and are loyal to His Majesty, you will enjoy high positions and generous salaries."

Ge Ying asked, "Lord Cao, since we've brought up high-ranking positions and generous salaries, I'll get straight to the point. I wonder how much His Majesty will reward us for winning the position of Alliance Leader?"

Cao Xiong gestured, and a handsome young man stepped forward and said loudly, "His Majesty has decreed that the leader of the Guandong Martial Arts Alliance be granted the title of Marquis of the Nine Provinces, a yellow riding jacket, the title of First-Rank Imperial Bodyguard, and the title of Royal Attendant, and is permitted to go to the Great Qing Armory to select five volumes of unique martial arts manuals."

Cao Xiong continued, "In addition, His Majesty bestowed nine treasures upon nine warriors. Those who obtain these treasures can establish their own sects in the capital. Some of these treasures contain the spiritual essence of the Dao of Heaven and Man."

Ge Ying asked, "Lord Cao, since all the heroes are here today, why not display something to motivate us to be even more loyal to His Majesty? What do you think?"

Cao Xiong winked at someone behind him.

The young man presented a brocade box containing a scroll of secret manuals: "This is the 'Return to Origin Manual,' co-authored by the Celestial Mystery Master and the Three Sounds Divine Nun two hundred years ago."

Records of their lifelong martial arts careers, including:
One Yuan Gang Qi, Prajna Zen Gong, Returning Dragon Three Styles, Five Elements Lost Steps, Bone-Penetrating Pulse Striking Hand, Heavenly Gang Finger, Guiding Yin and Connecting Yang, Soaring Through the Void, Taiyin Qi Gong, Bone-Dislocating and Acupoint-Strike, and dozens of other mental techniques, martial arts skills, and secret arts!
It encompasses both Taoist breathing techniques and Buddhist meditation and qigong, integrating all methods to achieve one unity.

(End of this chapter)