Martial Arts Crossover: My Wife is the Top Scholar

Chapter 538 Killing Two Birds with One Stone: Find Lu Xiaofeng to Start the Second Stage of the Mission!
The founder of Peacock Manor had a visionary outlook.

The seemingly "family disease" rules teach the younger generation to be cautious in their words and deeds, and the unique skills that take at least thirteen years to master are used to refine the character of future generations.

The Peacock Feather, the most ferocious, ingenious, and deadliest hidden weapon, not only did not harm its master, but instead became a guardian deity, allowing the Peacock Manor to be passed down from generation to generation.

Powerful weapons often come with risks.

This kind of risk is called arrogance!
Unlike martial arts techniques, the Peacock Feather technique does not require diligent study and practice. Simply aim at the target, press the button, and any person with a sound mind will absolutely not miss the target.

In other words, anyone who obtains the Peacock Feather can rise to the top and become a top master in the martial arts world.

Having power without the inner strength to control it will inevitably lead to arrogance, ultimately resulting in being consumed by power and destroyed by pride.

Most importantly, a hidden weapon is a weapon; it cannot be eaten, drunk, used for warmth in the dead of winter, or used to cool off in the summer.

If you can't defeat someone using hidden weapons, you can design something to target them. The first owner of the Rain of Pear Blossoms Needles was poisoned to death by his enemy because he was physically weak.

Perhaps it's the curse of the first master, but eight or nine out of ten masters of the Rain of Pear Blossoms Needles died from assassination. If they can't beat the Rain of Pear Blossoms Needles, then surely they can beat you?
Peacock Villa has no such concerns.

The Qiu family's direct lineage martial arts are extremely powerful. Compared to the 72 Shaolin arts, the Peacock King Spreading Wing Sword ranks at least in the top 20, and very likely in the top 15.

Even though Qiu Fengwu tried his best to hide it and never used his family's martial arts, he was still able to become a top assassin. His martial arts skills and foundation were even better than Li Qingming's.

However, his opponent was Li Zhaoting.

"Supreme Heavenly Sword" Li Zhaoting.

The lifelong nightmare of the Green Dragon Society's top leader.

Cold sweat trickled down Qiu Fengwu's forehead.

Seeing Li Zhaoting's enthusiastic expression, Qiu Fengwu knew that he had to make a move. He also knew that Li Zhaoting's promise to let him have thirteen moves meant that he would let him practice his family's secret techniques from beginning to end. Qiu Fengwu reluctantly drew his sword.

"Master Li, please enlighten me!"

"laugh!"

The sword pierced Li Zhaoting's shoulder.

Peacock Sword Technique: Autumn Rain on the Wutong Tree!

The thirteen sword techniques are interconnected and progressively advanced, and must be practiced in sequence. It takes a year to master each technique, which is used to hone the swordsman's character.

Only those who can endure loneliness, tedium, and boredom can unleash sword techniques that are as fast as lightning, unpredictable, and enigmatic, with dazzling sword energy that captivates the viewer.

Qiu Fengwu brandished his sword, scattering five-colored sword light—green, yellow, red, white, and black—the five elements' spiritual light cycling endlessly, rivaling the Five Elements Grand Array of the Yuxian Gang, each with its own strengths and weaknesses.

The Five Elements Formation of the Encountering Immortals Gang is based on "wearing down" things. As long as it is an object of the Five Elements, it can be worn down by the interaction of the Five Elements until it is ground into dust.

Qiu Fengwu's Five Elements Sword is about "washing away". The five-colored sword light cycles and refreshes, frantically "swiping" the screen. Anything that is of the five elements will have its power neutralized.

Li Zhaoting flicked his finger at Qiu Fengwu's wrist. During his time as an assassin, Qiu Fengwu's fighting style had inevitably become more assassin-like, using his wrist to generate power. His moves had become more agile, but his defense had inevitably weakened.

Although Qiu Fengwu was startled, she remained calm and quickly changed her move.

Peacock Sword Technique: Green Waves of the Curved Pool!

Peacock Sword Technique: Flowers Light as a Dream!

Two sword energies, one yin and one yang, pierced towards Li Zhaoting's shoulder. Li Zhaoting could defend against one of the sword energies, but not both, and was bound to retreat to deflect the force.

Qiu Fengwu held his breath and prepared to give chase.

Li Zhaoting suddenly separated his index and middle fingers, each finger unleashing a burst of sword energy. One finger struck Qiu Fengwu's wrist pulse point, and the other struck Qiu Fengwu's armpit.

Qiu Fengwu took two steps back and noticed that Li Zhaoting did not follow up with an attack. He composed himself and thought that Li Zhaoting's initiative to give way was a good opportunity to gather his strength. In less than the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, Qiu Fengwu once again swung his sword and launched a fierce attack. Qiu Fengwu was quite proud and did not want to use underhanded methods.

Peacock Sword Technique: Drizzling Rain Like Sorrow!

Following closely were the five sword techniques: Silver Light Snow Waves, Drifting Dust and Wind, Looking Up at the Moon and Receiving Rain, Lotus Leaves Under the Leaves, and Bright Moon Sharing its Radiance. They were as fast as lightning, like fireworks being lit.

The Peacock Sword Technique is graceful, dazzling, dreamlike, and exquisite. Every gesture is beautiful and graceful, as if painting with a precious sword.

Li Zhaoting stood firm and unmoving, his feet planted firmly, his left hand behind his back. No matter how exquisite Qiu Fengwu's attack was, he would simply deflect it with his sword finger.

The twelve sword techniques were used up quickly, but they couldn't force Li Zhaoting to take a step back, change his move, or even use three fingers. From beginning to end, Li Zhaoting easily broke the sword techniques with his right index and middle fingers.

Gao Li, standing in the distance, was completely stunned.

It wasn't because of Li Zhaoting.

Li Zhaoting's "strength" was beyond imagination; however exaggerated it may seem, it was perfectly normal in Gao Li's eyes.

What shocked Gao Li was Qiu Fengwu. He had known his friend for so many years, but he had kept his abilities hidden for so long. His swordsmanship was three or four times better than usual.

Qiu Fengwu felt no sense of chaos or disorder; the pressure from Li Zhaoting was simply too intense, making his acupoints feel suffocated.

"Peacock in full bloom!"

Qiu Fengwu roared to the sky, pouring all his life's learning and thirteen years of hard work into his final sword strike. The five-colored sword energy around him suddenly contracted, condensing at the sword's edge. The sword light first dimmed, then sparks flew, and finally transformed into a dazzling display of fire.

The trees are full of fire and the flowers are silver, and the iron locks of the star bridge are opened.

Dust followed the horse, and the bright moon followed the man.

Qiu Fengwu's move was more dazzling and brilliant than the fireworks on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month. The long sword in her hand was not laid flat and thrust straight, but rather it diverged into a dazzling and colorful sword aura with an extremely mysterious trajectory!

These sword energies resembled peacock feathers, intertwining, rotating, and swirling in layers, forming a breathtakingly beautiful yet deadly "peacock spreading its tail" composed of pure sword intent, so beautiful that it took one's breath away.

They were afraid of disturbing the unparalleled sword techniques.

The ultimate brilliance that blooms in an instant, the destructive power contained in the sword moves, the domineering power that covers all angles and seals off all life, even have the charm of the peacock feather.

The brilliance was so intense that it captivated the viewer.

Its sharpness is so great that it seems capable of tearing through space itself.

This is the ultimate secret of the Peacock Sword Technique, its power approaching that of the legendary supreme hidden weapon.

Faced with a stunning attack comparable to the Peacock Feather, a hint of...appreciation finally flashed in Li Zhaoting's eyes!
But that's about it.

Li Zhaoting remained standing there, his left hand behind his back, while he gently raised his right hand and made a few seemingly casual and light strokes in the air.

There was no earth-shattering collision, no deafening roar; fireworks are just fireworks, a fleeting moment of brilliance followed by the fading of lights.

The magnificent display of peacock tail feathers, so dazzling and awe-inspiring, vanished like a dream, emitting only a soft, mournful cry. In an instant, it crumbled, all killing intent, all light, all power, all vanished without a trace, leaving not even a change in its aura.

Qiu Fengwu was struck as if by a heavy blow, and his face turned deathly pale.

Li Zhaoting chuckled and said, "Watch closely! That's not how you use a sword. I'll only demonstrate once, so don't blink. If you miss this one, don't expect a next time!"

With a flick of his fingertip, Li Zhaoting unleashed a three-foot-long, exquisitely pure sword aura. This was the most proficient technique of the Demon Sword Clan, surpassing even the technique of condensing qi into a weapon by two or three points.

When one reaches the highest level of mastery, one can attach sword energy to an object and preserve it for a long time.

According to the historical records of the Demon Sword Clan, during Ying Shuntian's most arrogant period, he discussed Taoism with a certain master.

Ying Shuntian swung his sword across the river, cleaving the thousand-foot waterfall in two, thus demonstrating the supreme way of the sword.

A master casually brushed a piece of rotten wood into a divine sword. Ying Shuntian was greatly shocked and obediently retreated. Based on this experience, he created "Sword Qi".

Li Zhaoting swung his sword at Qiu Fengwu.

Peacock Sword Technique: Autumn Rain on the Wutong Tree!

Qiu Fengwu instinctively swung his sword to counterattack, but found that no matter what move he made, the sword tip would pierce his heart with exquisite precision, and all his methods missed their mark.

Li Zhaoting made a quick move and then left, immediately following up with the "Quchi Bibo" and "Hua Qing Si Meng" styles. Twelve sword techniques unfolded before Qiu Fengwu's eyes, with five-colored light cycling back and forth. The sharpness of metal, the vitality of wood, the gentleness of water, the heat of fire, and the weight of earth formed a whole.

It wasn't a net-like sword aura, but rather a domain that swept away all things of the five elements in the world.

Suddenly.

The domain shrinks, yet it blossoms at the tip of the sword.

Peacock Sword Technique - Peacock Spreads Its Tail!
The same starting stance, the same vibrant colors, and the same instantaneous burst of hundreds of dazzling sword energies.

The sheer scale and the perfect harmony of the sword energy made it seem as if this scene had always existed in the world, only presented through Li Zhaoting's hands. There was no question of truth or falsehood.
Qiu Fengwu's pupils trembled violently, his mind completely occupied by the illusory peacock spreading its tail feathers. Everything in the world disappeared, leaving only the dazzling golden light.

Like a peacock feather!
As the light faded, Qiu Fengwu, covered in sweat, stared at Li Zhaoting in disbelief. Li Zhaoting chuckled, "Do you know why you couldn't unleash the full power of your swordsmanship?"

Qiu Fengwu said, "I have no confidence!"

With Qiu Fengwu's martial arts foundation, he would be a pillar of any sect, at least a direct disciple. If he were to join Shaolin or Wudang, he would rank among the top ten.

How could someone like that lack confidence?

Without confidence, how can one master such swordsmanship?
Qiu Fengwu truly lacked confidence.

It's not because the peacock feathers were lost that the foundation of Peacock Manor was gone, but because the ancestral hall of Peacock Manor was painted with murals that recorded the glory of the ancestors.

When the Peacock Feather was completed, thirty-six demonic masters joined forces to attack Peacock Manor, but were all killed by the Peacock Feather. Peacock Manor established its prestige by stepping on the blood of the thirty-six demons and stood tall in the martial world.

The mural had a profound impact on Qiu Fengwu.

Using the first twelve sword moves had little effect, but when using the last move, one would subconsciously think of the thirty-six demons and the illustrious reputation of the Peacock Feather in slaying them, which would then lead to self-doubt.

Can I slay the thirty-six demons?

Is my swordsmanship comparable to that of the Peacock Feather Sword?

Even with a sharp weapon in hand, if the heart is clouded, it becomes a shackle.

The shackles weighing on Qiu Fengwu's heart were not the loss of the peacock feather, but the glory of his ancestors, which weighed heavily on him, making him unable to breathe and daring not to relax in the slightest.

There is another important point.

According to the Peacock Manor's family genealogy, the Peacock Sword Technique, when used to its fullest potential, surpasses even the Peacock Feather in power. Qiu Fengwu had never seen the Peacock Feather activated, nor had he witnessed the ultimate form of the Peacock Sword Technique, leaving him feeling insecure. That is, until he met Li Zhaoting.

Li Zhaoting used real-life examples to show him that when the Peacock Sword Technique is used to its fullest potential, its power surpasses that of the Peacock Feather.

This is the goal that Qiu Fengwu is pursuing.

With a tangible goal in mind, everything is no longer just a story recorded on a mural, but a vivid and lifelike person, giving one the confidence to practice swordsmanship.

With a solid foundation, confidence will grow stronger.

Qiu Fengwu once held this "belief".

Just now, Qiu Fengwu, out of loyalty, deliberately lost the bet. He was thinking that even without the Peacock Feather, he could uphold the family's prestige with his own sword. Unfortunately, it only lasted for a moment, and he couldn't remember that state.

"I have nothing to teach you. Go to Lu Xiaofeng and ask for your family heirloom. Don't go to extremes. Practicing swordsmanship is a good thing, but you can't give up your family heirloom."

"Senior, I feel a little lost."

Qiu Fengwu readily changed his address.

Li Zhaoting laughed and said, "Everyone in the martial arts world knows that I always carry two divine weapons with me. Do you think I rely on the advantage of these divine weapons, or is it because my martial arts skills are superior?"

"Of course, it's because your own martial arts are superb. Senior's Tathagata Divine Light doesn't need any divine weapon to assist you."

"Wrong! The sword energy is me, and the divine weapon is also me! These two are not contradictory! Similarly, it is certainly a good thing to defeat an enemy with family sword techniques, but there are thousands of masters in the world, and there will always be times when you can't handle them. Having a divine weapon in hand is far better than being empty-handed."

"This junior understands. Senior means that we should not rely on divine weapons, but we must possess them."

“You’re a promising young man! Even if the precious treasures passed down through the family for hundreds of years are only used for ancestral worship, it’s still a wonderful thing. Go buy a few jars of wine and have a good drink with Lu Xiaofeng. Lu Xiaofeng is much more generous than I am.”

"Senior, you so casually gave away the best hidden weapon to someone else. If this is not generous, then there is no generous person in the world. Not to mention that you have devoted yourself to guiding me in swordsmanship. You are truly a person of noble character."

"I'm worried that Lu Xiaofeng will get into trouble. That guy likes to meddle in other people's business, and he'll make a big enemy sooner or later."

"This proves that our predecessors were loyal and righteous."

"I'm giving you pointers mainly because you look a lot like me, a junior, and I like to teach others."

"A teacher is one who imparts knowledge, teaches skills, and resolves doubts! A few words of guidance from a senior are worth more than a thousand volumes of secret manuals."

"When did you learn to flatter and fawn?"

"I learned it from the Azure Dragon Society!"

"Don't blame everything on the Azure Dragon Society! I bet you're self-taught! You little brat!"

"You have a really good eye for people!"

"..."

Li Zhaoting thought to himself, "Are you the master of Peacock Manor or a disciple of the Starry Sky Sect?" He laughed and said, "Even if you flatter me three hundred times, I have nothing to teach you!"

Qiu Fengwu mustered his courage and asked, "Senior wants me to leave, could it be because of Gao Li? Gao Li hasn't done anything wrong, he's a passionate man!"

Li Zhaoting smiled and said, "I can see that Gao Li is not only a passionate man, but also has someone he loves and wants to leave the Green Dragon Society to settle down with his wife and children!"

Upon hearing this, Gao Li strode over: "Master Li, what are your orders? Please just say them! This cryptic banter is going to scare me to death!"

Li Zhaoting said, "Starting today, you are officially leaving the Azure Dragon Society. In return, you will protect my father-in-law for three years and serve as his steward for three years."

"Your...father-in-law?"

Is this really that puzzling?

"Master Li has many, many... fathers-in-law! Which father-in-law did you ask me to protect?"

"The Vice Minister of Revenue doesn't know martial arts and is worried that he might be killed by some hotheads, so he asked me to find some bodyguards."

What about the Azure Dragon Society?

"The Green Dragon Society's branch in Beijing is full of slackers!"

"That can't be right! I heard that the Green Dragon Society branches in Beijing and Nanjing are the most powerful, and they can collect hundreds of accurate intelligence reports every year, which are far more valuable than those from branches in other places."

"I sold all this intelligence!"

Li Zhaoting's words almost scared the two of them to death.

Gao Li: Is my ear broken?

Qiu Fengwu: My ears are broken too!

The company's top salesperson is an undercover agent from a rival company!
Who wrote this script?
What kind of bizarre thing is this?!
In fact, this kind of thing not only exists, but there are also many real-life examples. For example, in that battle between 800,000 and 600,000, the most reliable battle plan was proposed by a famous undercover agent. If the battle had been deployed according to his plan, the defeat might not have been so devastating!
The Azure Dragon Society had more than 300 branches, about half of which were destroyed by Lu Xiaofeng. Now less than 200 remain. Most of these branches are now lying low and won't cause trouble.

Tang Shiwu is a typical example of a new official making a strong first impression!

Without making a scene, it's impossible to convince the public!

Gao Li had long wanted to leave the Azure Dragon Society, but the society's methods of dealing with traitors were too cruel. Gao Li had a weakness in his heart and could only wait quietly for an opportunity.

With Li Zhaoting's assurance, Gao Li nodded in agreement without hesitation. He didn't want to be an assassin; he wanted a wife, children, and a warm bed to live a peaceful life.

In the original story, Gao Li lived in seclusion in the martial arts world, farming in the countryside with his wife. Accustomed to using farm tools, he almost forgot his marksmanship. When his enemies came to his door, Gao Li was not confident of victory and asked Qiu Fengwu to borrow the Peacock Feather.

The peacock feathers have long been lost.

This matter must absolutely not be leaked.

To keep the secret, Gao Li committed suicide by poisoning himself.

In fact, what maintains the Peacock Feather's high status is that it doesn't have any explicit combat records in the official storyline. Profiles don't count; only actual combat records count.

The Rainstorm Pear Blossom Needle suffered greatly in this regard.

When he made his official debut, his opponent was Chu Liuxiang.

In "The Seven Weapons: The Peacock Feather," the peacock feather is not a weapon; courage and confidence are the weapons.

Both Gao Li and Qiu Fengwu lacked confidence.

Unable to unleash their full potential.

When they have no worries and are full of confidence, they can unleash their full potential and be invincible.

Qiu Fengwu went to Lu Xiaofeng to complete the second stage of the mission.

Gao Li went to the capital to report to Feng Shaoqing.

Li Zhaoting yawned and quietly returned to the city.

Recruiting Gao Li is a highly profitable business.

Gao Li's family has a one-armed old man who is none other than the "Great Thunder God" who fought Qiu Yifeng back then. His martial arts have recovered to their peak, and have even improved somewhat.

Recruiting one is the same as recruiting two.

……

The assassination attempt by the Azure Dragon Society came very quickly.

The team leader this time is Ximen Yu.

Ximen Yu, known as the "Ghostly Talent," is the leader of the Qinglong Society's branch on the first day of the twelfth lunar month. After Xue Xiaoren's death, many people believed that Ximen Yu would become the leader of the twelfth month.

Unfortunately, this position belongs to Tang Shiwu.

Ximen Yu's intelligence far surpasses Tang Shiwu's, but the gap in their martial arts skills is too great. Since being defeated by Li Chenzhou, Tang Shiwu has completely abandoned the three finger gloves and has been practicing his eight times power, increasing his combat strength by 50%.

If his injuries hadn't been so severe that he couldn't fight back, Tang Shiwu would have been the one leading the team this time.

Ximen Yu couldn't beat Tang Shiwu, so he could only become the leader of the branch on the first day of the twelfth lunar month. Ximen Yu was furious about this and wanted to vent his anger.

He vented his anger on Baili Changqing.

Li Zhaoting was led away by Gao Li and Qiu Fengwu.

Ximen Yu was at least the time it takes for an incense stick to burn.

In such a long period of time, let alone killing one person, one could wipe out an entire family two or three times.

Ximen Yu is very skilled at killing.

His two henchmen were even more skilled at killing.

"The Soul Sword" Ma Feng.

His face was a ghastly bluish-white, devoid of flesh, and his nose was hooked like a vulture that preys on corpses. He was skilled with the Death Sword and a staunch fan of Gongsun Wulong.

Mao Zhan, nicknamed "Ghost Head Knife".

Mao Zhan had a long face, like a horse's or a donkey's, covered with pea-sized bumps, and his eyes were bloodshot. He was skilled at using a large door-panel cleaver.

This guy is born with superhuman strength, able to trim his nails with a cleaver the size of a door panel, and goes berserk at the sight of blood. He is proficient in the Thirteen Bodyguards' Iron Bell Cover technique and loves killing the most.

Ma Bian, Ding Gan, and Tang Ye were all originally Ximen Yu's subordinates; they are all dead.

Since they're dead, there's no need to divide the money.

Revenge is out of the question.

Ximen Yu sneered, thinking to himself that he had warned them long ago that Gao Li was problematic, but they just wouldn't listen.

The problem is coming!

Knowing that Gao Li has problems, why did you use him?
(End of this chapter)