Martial Arts Crossover: The Sweeping Monk of Wudang? That's our patriarch!

"How far are you from becoming a Grandmaster?" Emperor Zhengde's gaze fell on Cao Zhengchun, his tone carrying a hint of hope.

Cao Zhengchun was his top henchman and his most loyal and sharpest blade.

At this moment, his only hope is that Cao Zhengchun will break through to a higher realm as soon as possible in order to fight against Zhu Wushi.

However, the answer chilled him to the bone.

"Your Majesty..." Cao Zhengchun smiled bitterly, "From Grandmaster to Great Grandmaster, it seems like a step, but in reality, it's like the ends of the earth."

"Although this old servant stepped into the Grandmaster realm several years ago, I have yet to grasp the basics and am still a thousand miles away from the Great Grandmaster realm."

He paused, then added:

"Even if they manage to break through by sheer luck, they may not be able to secure a victory against the Iron-Blooded Marquis."

Although Cao Zhengchun was always proud and arrogant, he had to admit defeat when he learned that Zhu Wushi, the Iron-Blooded Marquis, had broken through the shackles and entered the realm of Grandmaster. The fact that Zhu Wushi was able to reach the top before him showed that Zhu Wushi's martial arts foundation was far deeper than his and that they were not even on the same level.

"If Zhu ignores this and truly intends to rebel, how should I conduct myself?"

Emperor Zhengde frowned, his tone revealing anxiety.

Cao Zhengchun was silent for a moment, then said in a low voice:

"Your Majesty, the only way out right now is to call for reinforcements."

"Go on."

Emperor Zhengde's eyes narrowed.

"The Iron-Blooded Marquis possesses astonishing talent and unparalleled combat prowess. In my opinion, there is only one person in the world who can truly surpass him."

He paused, his voice as deep and cold as iron:

"Master Zhang, the leader of Wudang Sect."

"Yes! Zhang Sanfeng!"

Emperor Zhengde's eyes suddenly lit up, and his emotions soared.

He had already heard about the news that Zhang Sanfeng had defeated Meng Chixing, the number one expert of the Yuan Dynasty and the leader of the Demon Sect, a few days ago.

He was a truly peerless figure standing at the pinnacle of martial arts, whose every move could eclipse the landscape.

"As long as Master Zhang intervenes, Zhu Wushi is no threat!"

But then, changing the subject, Emperor Zhengde frowned and asked:

"But will he help me?"

Although he was the emperor of the Ming Dynasty, he dared not force Zhang Sanfeng to serve him.

Wudang Mountain is located within the territory of the Ming Dynasty, but he knew even better—it is better to offend powerful officials than to force the immortals to rebel.

With Zhang Sanfeng around, they could also use his influence to keep Zhu Wushi in check;

If pushed too far, a top-tier grandmaster who has completely let loose might join forces with Zhu Wushi...

At that time, the throne will likely change hands.

Therefore, we must make Zhang Sanfeng willingly stand on our side.

Cao Zhengchun could not answer this question.

He didn't know whether that reclusive master would intervene in worldly disputes.

"Your Majesty, this old servant dares not say whether Master Zhang will make a move."

He slowly raised his head, his expression solemn:

"But we can try."

After a brief pause, he added:

"According to a secret report from the Eastern Depot, Zhu Wushi has been frequently contacting the Ten Generals recently, making frequent moves, and has probably begun to make plans. We must devise a countermeasure before he makes a move."

"This old servant is willing to go to Wudang Mountain in person to ask Master Zhang to come out of the mountain and help me."

"good!"

Emperor Zhengde suddenly stood up, his eyes blazing:

"Set off immediately! As long as Master Zhang is willing to help me, whatever the conditions, as long as I can do it, I will not refuse!"

He knew in his heart that as long as he could get rid of Zhu Wushi, this major threat, he would spare no expense, even if it meant emptying the national treasury!

"As you command."

Cao Zhengchun bowed and accepted the order.

That night, he quietly left the palace, taking his trusted confidants with him, and traveled day and night straight to Wudang.

……

Meanwhile, deep within the Wudang Mountains.

The Sutra Repository has three floors, including a room that has been converted into an alchemy room.

Lin Daochen stared at the nine pills that had just come out of the furnace, a slight smile playing on his lips, unable to hide his joy.

The nine Spirit Gathering Pills were all crystal clear, with glimmers of spiritual light, and the materials used in the refining process were completely undamaged.

This elixir is made from a variety of spiritually rich natural ingredients. It is a new elixir formula that he created after combining ancient formulas and repeatedly deducing them.

For this batch of medicine, he practically emptied the Wudang treasure trove of spiritual items accumulated over many years.

These mere nine pills represent the culmination of decades of accumulated knowledge and experience within the entire sect.

Lin Daochen estimated that relying solely on daily breathing exercises would take time to break through to the fourth level of Qi Refining.

However, if one swallows these nine Spirit Gathering Pills and nourishes oneself with spiritual energy, it is highly likely that one can break through to the fifth level of Qi Refining in one go!

He sealed all the pills into a jade bottle, turned around and entered the training room, where he sat cross-legged.

Take out a Spirit Gathering Pill and gently put it into your mouth.

The moment the pill entered his throat, it instantly transformed into a surge of pure spiritual energy that exploded within his body!

Lin Daochen made hand seals and channeled his energy, activating the "Yin Yang Creation Technique" to frantically absorb and refine it.

In a short while, the spiritual energy of the entire pill was completely absorbed.

Introspecting oneself reveals abundant vital energy, clear and flexible muscles and bones, and a surge in strength.

He chuckled softly, his heart filled with excitement—

Sure enough, leveling up by consuming pills is much faster than through arduous cultivation.

But before his smile faded, his brows suddenly furrowed.

A slight sense of stagnation quietly emerged.

That was elixir poison—an impurity left over from the conversion of spiritual energy. Although it was extremely subtle, he was able to detect it with keen insight.

Its existence is a fact.

"We must create an attack method as soon as possible to eliminate impurities and refine true essence."

Lin Daochen's gaze was deep and his thoughts were as clear as if carved by a knife.

If the erysipelas in the body has been accumulating for a long time and is not eradicated, it will eventually backfire.

After a brief moment of rest, he took out another Spirit Gathering Pill, tilted his head back, swallowed it, and began circulating his energy throughout his body. Spiritual energy surged into his meridians like a tide, washing away old injuries and refining his cultivation.

As the last elixir dissipated, heaven and earth resonated, and the vital energy was harnessed—

After five levels of refinement, success will come naturally.

The next morning.

He plunged into the library, flipping through ancient scrolls and Daoist texts. His fingertips brushed against the yellowed pages, his eyes burning with intensity as he pondered how to refine his bones and marrow, eliminating the dross and retaining the essence.

Time flies like an arrow, passing by silently.

Just as he was engrossed in deducing the attack strategy, a bell rang softly outside the mountain gate—

Cao Zhengchun has arrived.

Accompanied by several close followers, he arrived on clouds and went straight to Wudang Mountain.

When the news reached the main hall, Song Yuanqiao personally went out to greet them.

Inside the main reception hall, the air was filled with the fragrance of sandalwood.

"I have long admired the reputation of Master Song. Today I finally meet you. You are indeed handsome and have the air of a grandmaster."

Cao Zhengchun bowed with a smile, adopting an extremely humble posture.

This trip is to ask for a favor, and I dare not use my position as the head of the Eastern Depot to pressure people.

Song Yuanqiao smiled slightly and returned the greeting with neither servility nor arrogance:

"Lord Cao, you flatter me. My master is in seclusion, attempting to break through to the Land Immortal Realm, and is not receiving guests. I am receiving him on his behalf, and I hope you will understand."

Although the words were spoken politely, the truth was clear: even if Zhang Sanfeng had not gone into seclusion, he might not have wanted to see this powerful eunuch.

But you have to put on a good show.

The world of martial arts is not about brute force; it's about a web woven from human relationships.

"I am already overwhelmed by the honor of being greeted personally by Hero Song."

Cao Zhengchun's smile deepened, but he was secretly making plans in his heart.

After the pleasantries were over, Song Yuanqiao spoke directly:

"I wonder what brings Commander Cao to Wudang Mountain?"

Cao Zhengchun waved his hand to dismiss those around him, leaving only the two of them in the hall.

He lowered his voice and said seriously:

"To be honest, I have come here on His Majesty's orders."

He then revealed in detail that Emperor Zhengde wanted Zhang Sanfeng to help suppress the Iron-Blooded Marquis.

"If Master Zhang is willing to help, His Majesty is willing to appoint Wudang as the head of all Taoist sects in the world, honor Master Zhang as the National Preceptor, and grant him annual tributes and a constant supply of gold and silver."

The conditions offered were undeniably generous.

But Song Yuanqiao's expression remained unchanged; he simply shook his head slightly.

"I cannot make the decision on this matter; it must be decided by my master after he emerges from seclusion."

"When will that Master Zhang break through his cultivation barrier?" Cao Zhengchun pressed.

"It's hard to say." Song Yuanqiao looked out the window at the drifting clouds. "It could be three months, or it could be three years. It's a death trap; one cannot leave this place without becoming a terrestrial immortal."

Cao Zhengchun's heart tightened.

The Iron-Blooded Marquis's ambitions are obvious, and he could overturn the court at any time. How could he afford to wait three years?

His brow furrowed, and he was about to offer further advice when he suddenly felt a jolt in his heart and abruptly looked up—

At the same moment, Song Yuanqiao also glanced in that direction.

On the eastern horizon, a powerful aura surged into the sky, tearing through the clouds and shaking the void!

"What is that?" Cao Zhengchun's pupils contracted slightly.

"The Scripture Pavilion." Song Yuanqiao's lips curled up, a hint of joy flashing in his eyes. "My senior master is currently comprehending the Great Dao, and it seems his cultivation has made further progress."

"Master Uncle?" Cao Zhengchun's mind raced. "Master Zhang actually has a senior brother?"

His breath hitched, and he asked urgently:

"Master Song, may I pay my respects to your esteemed senior master?"

Song Yuanqiao was slightly taken aback, but quickly understood his meaning and nodded in response:

"Chief Cao, it's no use you going to find my senior uncle. He is single-mindedly pursuing the Dao and never interferes in sect affairs."

Cao Zhengchun remained expressionless and simply replied:

"We have to give it a try."

In this emergency, we must not overlook any possible route.

He thought to himself, "No matter how detached Zhang Sanfeng is from worldly affairs, he should at least give his senior brother some face, right?"

Inside the Sutra Repository.

Lin Daochen slowly finished his practice, a hint of joy showing between his brows.

Just now, he finally deduced a heaven-defying attack technique—the Great Dao Scripture of the Spirit Tempering Furnace.

Once this method is mastered, a natural furnace of the Great Dao will emerge within the body, capable of refining all the residual poisons from elixirs, while simultaneously tempering spiritual power and purifying true essence.

That process just now cleared away the erysipelas left from the previous drug use.

Once the poison is removed, the Qi becomes pure, and the spiritual energy condenses like mercury, allowing one's strength to quietly advance to a higher level.

More importantly—from now on, he can consume spiritual medicine with complete peace of mind without fear of backlash!

In the midst of his turbulent emotions, his aura was slightly leaked, and a sharp pressure surged into the sky, causing dust to fly everywhere in the pavilion.

As he regained his senses and prepared to continue his seclusion, footsteps sounded outside the door.

Song Yuanqiao led Cao Zhengchun in.

"Greetings, Senior Uncle."

Song Yuanqiao bowed and stepped aside to introduce himself: "This is Eunuch Cao, the supervisor of the Eastern Depot. He has important matters to discuss with my senior master."

Lin Daochen's gaze shifted slightly, landing on Cao Zhengchun: "Oh? What is it?"

Although he had restrained his aura, the life-suppressing force from the high-level cultivator was still like a mountain pressing down, causing Cao Zhengchun's heart to tighten suddenly.

"This person... is unfathomable! No wonder he's Master Zhang's senior brother!"

He had already inquired about Lin Daochen from Song Yuanqiao on the way and knew that he was a martial arts master. But even though they were both masters, he felt an instinctive sense of fear when facing Lin Daochen.

Composing himself, Cao Zhengchun stepped forward and bowed respectfully.

"Greetings, Dao Chen Zhenren. I apologize for the intrusion in visiting you today, but I have an important matter to ask of you."

After explaining his points, Lin Daochen remained silent for a moment before speaking:

"Okay, I agree."

"Go back and tell the Emperor of the Great Ming Dynasty that whenever Wudang needs to take action, just send someone to deliver the message. As for Iron-Blooded Marquis, Wudang has taken over."

Upon hearing this, Song Yuanqiao was stunned.

To his utter surprise, his senior uncle, who was usually indifferent to worldly affairs, readily agreed.

After a moment's hesitation, he couldn't help but speak, "Senior Uncle..."

"No need for further words," Lin Daochen waved his hand to stop them. "I know what I'm doing."

Cao Zhengchun, standing to the side, was overjoyed.

With Lin Daochen's words, the matter was more than half settled!

After all, even if Zhang Sanfeng goes into seclusion again, he can't possibly disregard the words of his own senior brother, can he?

No one else dared to disturb the old master's cultivation, but with Lin Daochen personally stepping in, who would dare to say no?

Moreover, this was a promise made in the name of Wudang, and when Zhang Sanfeng emerged from seclusion, he would have no choice but to acknowledge it.

"Thank you very much, Master Daochen!" Cao Zhengchun sincerely clasped his hands in thanks.

He was utterly loyal to Emperor Zhengde, and now that Wudang was willing to lend a helping hand, how could he not be grateful?

Of course, the reason why a grandmaster like him had to be humble and subservient to Wudang was ultimately because—the old master on the mountain was too powerful.

"No need for thanks," Lin Daochen said calmly. "Wudang's help wasn't given for nothing."

He paused, then slowly said:

"In addition to the conditions you promised before, I have two more requirements."

"Please speak, Your Excellency," Cao Zhengchun said without hesitation. "As long as the court can do it, I will agree on behalf of His Majesty."

Before his departure, Emperor Zhengde had made it clear that everything was open to discussion as long as it wasn't excessive.