Martial Arts Crossover: My Wife is the Top Scholar

Chapter 278 Sect Leader Yue of Mount Hua, Please Do Me a Favor
"You guys' worked hard!"

Li Zhaoting took out a bag of red envelopes.

"Thank you for your generous gift, Master Li."

The Butterfly City swordsmen quickly expressed their gratitude. Zhao Tianjue had been killed by Bai Wulang, and they needed to find a new backer.

Some returned to Medicine King Valley to serve as guards.

Some joined Shunfeng Escort Agency as bodyguards.

Escorts certainly don't have it as easy as bodyguards; they're exposed to wind, sun, and rain all day long, and their skin is always bronzed.

However, Li Zhaoting is exceptionally good at fighting.

With Li Zhaoting as a backer, the level of security increases several times over.

Escort agencies are a business that relies heavily on personal relationships.

Having a powerful backer will earn you respect from many people.

The most obvious example is Fengyun Escort Agency. Backed by the great master Long Fangxiao, who in the martial arts world dares to mess with them?

Tens of thousands of kilograms of gunpowder were delivered to the Ministry of Works, adding a significant achievement to Li Nanxing's record. Li Zhaoting originally planned to travel around the capital for a few days, but his father mysteriously pulled out a file and told Li Zhaoting to study it carefully in private!

"Father, what trouble have you gotten yourself into? Where does the Empress Dowager want to exile you to? How much merit do I have to perform to get you out of this mess?"

Li Zhaoting slapped his mouth. What kind of nonsense is this! It doesn't sound like human speech at all! It has a Su Shi/Su Zhe feel to it. Li Zhaoting gasped.

On one hand, he made outstanding contributions to global warming, and on the other hand, he imagined the dispute between his father and the Empress Dowager. His father was first demoted to Hangzhou, where he wanted to taste the local delicacies. After eating West Lake Fish in Vinegar Sauce, his father invented braised pork. Then he was exiled to Lingnan, where he ate three hundred lychees a day. Finally, he was exiled to Hainan, where he discovered that grilled oysters were very delicious.

My father was being demoted while writing cookbooks and poems that offended people, and he continued to be demoted!
While fighting and causing trouble, Li Zhaoting also earned merits to save his father's life, rising all the way to become the God of Arrest!

So pretty!
Seeing Li Zhaoting's winking, his sudden bursts of excitement and his occasional pranks, Li Nanxing knew that Li Zhaoting was clearly overthinking things, and the more he thought about it, the more inappropriate it became.

"I'll be promoted by the end of the year."

"What official?"

"Vice Minister of War!"

"That can't be right! I remember that the functions of the Court of State Ceremonies and the Ministry of Rites are highly overlapping. You should go to the Hanlin Academy first, and then to the Ministry of Rites. How come you are the Vice Minister of the Ministry of War?"

"I've already discussed it with the Empress Dowager!"

“I remember you supported the emperor back then.”

"The emperor acknowledges my abilities."

"You... know how to fight?"

"Do you think only warriors can fight? Strategizing and planning can lead to victory from afar. I am skilled in strategic planning. As early as the Treaty of Chanyuan, I had already laid out a deadly trap, which will be revealed this autumn."

"where?"

"You want to participate?"

“You tell me the time and place first, and I will lure away the four great constables, Lu Xiaofeng and Chu Liuxiang, in advance. In particular, Lu Xiaofeng must not be involved. This guy has a special ability: any conspiracy or plan that has been going on for twenty or thirty years will inevitably fail if Lu Xiaofeng encounters it.”

"The time will be this autumn."

“I schedule my time in advance.”

"You must study this file carefully, and make sure Suzhen doesn't see it."

"why?"

You'll understand after you read it.

Li Nanxing patted Li Zhaoting on the shoulder and left with a very sly smile. Li Zhaoting smirked as he flipped through the files. After just one glance, he immediately expressed his utmost respect to his dog father: "You really are my father!"

This file is about Meng Shentong, and it records in detail all the stories about Meng Shentong in the martial arts world, including his background and family situation. Meng Shentong had been living in seclusion in the martial arts world for more than ten years, but it was still managed to be found.

Meng Shentong was skilled at patience. He had stolen the Asura Yin Sha Technique from the Li family and had been practicing it in seclusion ever since.

Today, Meng Shentong has mastered the Asura Yin Sha Technique to the peak of the seventh level, only a hair's breadth away from the eighth level, and he could break through to the eighth level at any time.

In fact, in terms of pure skill, Meng Shentong was only two or three steps away from the ninth level of the Asura Yin Sha Gong. If he had been more courageous and diligent, he would have broken through to the ninth level long ago.

However, Meng Shentong dared not.

While the power of the Asura Yin Sha Gong is indeed formidable, ordinary people can only cultivate it up to the seventh level at most. Entering the eighth level will cause them to suffer from excessive Yin Sha Qi and malevolent Qi, leading to qi deviation and demonic possession. They must then use authentic internal energy cultivation to harmonize it.

Even someone as powerful as Qiao Beiming, known as the strongest villain in the Liang faction throughout history, suffered a backlash from his cultivation technique when he entered the eighth level, resulting in a qi deviation and paralysis of his lower limbs. It wasn't until he obtained the Hundred Poisons True Scripture and the secret manual of profound skills that he was able to break through the ninth level of Asura and achieve the ultimate state of unity between good and evil.

Meng Shentong was utterly ruined by the Asura Yin Sha Gong.

Iron chains block the river, leaving us in a dilemma of advancing or retreating.

Take one step forward, and you'll go mad.

Take half a step back, and you'll die a gruesome death.

To advance one's martial arts skills further, one must either use the orthodox Qi cultivation methods of the Xuanmen sect to harmonize the evil and malevolent energies, or obtain Qiao Beiming's inheritance and comprehend the unity of good and evil.

According to intelligence obtained by the Imperial City Guard, Meng Shentong originally lived in seclusion in the Taihang Mountains. After discovering that he could not break through the Asura Yin Sha Technique normally, he secretly went to Mount Hua.

Meng Shentong's goal is the "Purple Cloud Divine Skill".

The Purple Cloud Divine Skill is the strongest internal cultivation method of Mount Hua. It is an orthodox Xuanmen technique, profound and enduring, enhancing the five senses and removing foreign true energy. It is truly a skill that requires patience and perseverance.

As long as you practice for one day, you will reap the rewards.

Ordinary internal energy cultivation methods rarely lead to significant progress in one's physical condition by the age of fifty or sixty. Even someone as strong as Xiao Yuanshan encountered a bottleneck after thirty years of martial arts training.

The Zixia Divine Skill doesn't have this problem. Even if you practice it until you're eighty or ninety years old, your skill will gradually increase, becoming more refined, profound, and enduring. It's a standard feature for elderly people with a passion for action, and the older they get, the stronger they become.

The drawbacks are obvious.

First, one's skills are not yet strong enough when one is young, so one cannot become famous in the martial arts world with a single sword strike. One must slowly accumulate time.

Second, it requires a very high level of mental fortitude; one must maintain a calm and composed demeanor, avoid arrogance and impetuosity, and remain peaceful and calm.

The Purple Cloud Divine Skill is not like an internal energy cultivation method, but more like the method of the alchemists of the Qin and Han dynasties who lived by eating the wind and manipulating the clouds. Its essence lies not in defeating enemies, but in prolonging life.

Meng Shentong doesn't need destructive power!

The destructive power of the Asura Yin Sha Technique is sufficient!

Meng Shentong needs the authentic Xuanmen mental cultivation method. The more peaceful the internal energy, the better. If the internal energy itself is too strong, it may overpower the other energy and cause the true energy to conflict with each other.

"Huashan Sect...Meng Shentong..."

Li Zhaoting rubbed his chin.

……

"My three ladies, I have just compiled a list of things to do in the next few months. Please give me your opinions on the order of priority. Phoenix, this is related to you, so don't cause any trouble. Anyone who dares to disrupt things will be punished according to family rules."

I. Huashan School, Xianyu Tong.

Xianyu Tong started a affair in Miao territory and then abandoned me. My father-in-law asked me to deal with him, but I've been too busy lately. I'll let this guy live for a couple more years and then go back to fulfill my promise in a few days.

II. Western Regions, Sword Casting City.

When I went to Guanzhong to handle a case, Master Guo gave me some top-quality materials, along with a fragment of the Reverse Scale, which could be used to forge a sword. I needed to go to the Sword Forging City.

Third, it is still related to the Western Regions. Li Xunhuan is on a mission to the Western Regions to win over allies and jointly deal with the Western Xia. My father recommended me to the Empress Dowager so that I could be his bodyguard. We will depart for the Western Regions next month.

That's all for now.

"Ladies, what are your opinions?"

Li Zhaoting handed the timetable to the three of them, then waved and hugged Meizhu to his arms, playing with Meizhu's jade feet. Jiang Yuyan was already used to it and didn't find it strange. She stood silently behind Li Zhaoting and gently massaged his shoulders.

Lan Fenghuang said, "Let's go to Mount Hua first, wait for the delegation in Guanzhong, and then go to the Western Regions together."

Feng Suzhen said, "We're going to Mount Hua to find Xianyu Tong. Phoenix Sister will definitely be going. She's on a mission to the Western Regions, and I'll definitely be accompanying her closely. It would be a bit lonely if only Sister Wang were left. Let's all go together!"

Miss Wang said softly, "Sister, Sister Lan and I can go to Mount Hua. When we go on a mission to the Western Regions, having more people may not be an advantage, but rather a burden."

Lan Fenghuang nodded: "We have a mission this time, so it's inconvenient for us to go. We can go another time. Anyway, we can't just run away from the Western Regions, so we can go anytime."

Feng Suzhen said, "In that case, Meizhu will accompany me on my mission to the Western Regions, while my two younger sisters and Yuyan will stay home. For the time being, Lan will be in charge of all the affairs at home."

Miss Wang pointed to herself.

Feng Suzhen said, "Sister Wang, you will be in charge of the Shunfeng Escort Agency. This is our family's property. If anything happens in the future, it may be able to provide some assistance."

Miss Wang nodded seriously.

The group quickly made a decision.

There's no need to rush to set off for Mount Hua.

Escorting tens of thousands of kilograms of gunpowder home put immense pressure on Li Zhaoting, and he needed to relax and recharge.

"No one is allowed to leave tonight!"

Li Zhaoting waved and hugged the women.

Mei Zhu smiled and took out the divination tube.

Drinking games, flower-themed games, drawing lots...

Li Zhaoting had the feeling of a foolish and incompetent ruler who brought about the downfall of his country.

This is nothing more than a feast of wine and meat!
Three days later, the group set off for Mount Hua.

……

Mount Hua, also known as the Western Sacred Mountain, is elegantly called "Taihua Mountain".

The "Commentary on the Wei River" in the Waterways Classic records: "It is 5,000 ren high, and it is cut into four squares. When viewed from a distance, it looks like a flower. In ancient times, 'flower' was interchangeable with 'Hua', hence the name Huashan (Mount Hua)."

The most prominent impression people have of Mount Hua is its perilousness. Sayings like "Mount Hua is the most dangerous mountain under heaven" and "There has only been one path to Mount Hua since ancient times" have led to a great misunderstanding, making people think that Mount Hua is a towering and majestic mountain.

This is wrong.

There are five main peaks on Mount Hua.

The five mountain peaks look like blooming flowers.

The Huashan School is divided into five branches based on its main peak.

After the sword qi dispute, the Qi Sect moved to Chaoyang Peak in the east, and Yue Buqun became the sect leader.

South Peak and Luoyan Peak are of the same lineage as Xianyu Tong.
North Peak and Yuntai Peak belong to the lineage of Mu Renqing;
After the sword qi dispute, the Sword Sect moved to Lotus Peak in the west, and Feng Buping became the sect leader.

Zhongfeng Jade Maiden Peak, the main branch of Mount Hua, is the direct descendant of the Qingfeng Thirteen Styles, and the Kumei lineage resides on Jade Maiden Peak.

Each of the five branches occupies a main peak. The advantage is that it effectively reduces external enemies. It is difficult for outsiders to establish a sect on the main peak of Mount Hua, and the blessed lands are all occupied by the Mount Hua Sect.

The downside is that it can easily lead to the division of the sect. Starting with the sword qi dispute, internal conflicts have been uncontrollable. Now, they have even split up. Jade Maiden Peak is nominally the head of the main branch of the Huashan Sect, but it is difficult for it to command other branches.

People with insight saw the shortcomings and hoped to reunite the Huashan Sect and give the remaining four main peaks to reclusive masters, as hoarding them would easily arouse jealousy.

The most dangerous thing is that one day, the Huashan Sect will lose its title as one of the Seven Great Sword Sects, and everyone's sense of belonging to the Huashan Sect will drop to its lowest point, leading them to establish their own separate sects.

To put it bluntly, Yue Buqun established his own Qi Sect of Mount Hua, and Feng Buping established his own Sword Sect of Mount Hua. What could Ku Mei do? Kill them all?
The reason they didn't establish their own sect was that Yue Buqun and Feng Buping's martial arts skills were not strong enough, and they lacked top-notch masters who could keep order. Once they were powerful enough, they would inevitably establish their own sect and stop obeying the commands of Jade Maiden Peak.

Upon learning that Li Zhaoting had visited the Huashan Sect, Yue Buqun led his disciples out to greet him. It wasn't that Yue Buqun had any ulterior motives; it was simply his duty.

When guests from outside the Huashan Sect arrive, Yue Buqun is usually in charge of receiving them. There is no special reason for this; it is simply because he is handsome. Feng Buping, Mu Renqing, and Ku Mei are all ugly and easily get into conflicts with others.

Xianyu Tong was also handsome, but he was rather sleazy and lacked the temperament of Yue Buqun.

Ku Mei hates welcoming and seeing off guests. Mu Renqing has an old grudge against Li Zhaoting. Feng Buping is ugly. Xian Yutong is most afraid of seeing people from Miaojiang. The only high-ranking person who can entertain Li Zhaoting is Yue Buqun.

We can't let Ning Zhongze entertain us!

Li Zhaoting remembered a saying from a forum in his previous life.

Who is the most popular female character in "The Smiling, Proud Wanderer"? It's not the charming Yue Lingshan, nor the passionate Ren Yingying, nor even the little nun Yilin, the Five Poisons Sect leader Lan Fenghuang, or the maid Qu Feiyan...

Ning Zhongze is the most popular!

The second most popular character is Dongfang Bubai!

The former proves that Cao Cao, who inherited the spirit of the Jian'an era and admired the legacy of Cao Cao, was found all over the world.

The latter proves the influence of film and television dramas.

People certainly don't like over fifty-year-old, heavily made-up eunuchs; they like Brigitte Lin, Joe Chen, or even "He Xiangu"!
"Cao Cao is very dangerous!"

You might hear passionate shouts of "The Northern Hero, Undefeated in Chaotic Times!" while you're sleeping at night!
Yue Buqun was quite adept at welcoming and seeing off guests.

He looked at Li Zhaoting and the others with a smile.

Even dry, clichéd phrases can be made interesting.

After exchanging pleasantries, Yue Buqun asked, "I wonder if there is any important matter for you, Hero Li, in mind for your visit to Mount Hua? If you need any assistance, the Mount Hua Sect is willing to do its utmost to help."

Li Zhaoting smiled and said, "I've come here today because I have a few cases to settle with Xianyu Tong. I hope the Huashan Sect Leader will do us a favor and not make things difficult for us."

"A public case? What public case?"

"He started a relationship and then abandoned it, poisoning his savior and his fellow disciples. How will the Huashan Sect deal with such a person? I request Sect Leader Yue to open the court for debate."

"This...I..."

"Sect Leader Yue, since I dared to come, I'm betting my reputation on it, and I'm absolutely certain of success!"

“If the Huashan Sect really has such evil people, I, Yue, will take full responsibility. I will convene a meeting immediately.”

"No rush. If we don't invite a few respected elders to witness this kind of thing, people will easily say that we are using vigilante justice. I have invited a few elders and a few victims. It will probably take three days."

"In that case, I, Yue, will host you all and lead you on a tour of Mount Hua for the next three days."

"Thank you very much, Sect Leader Yue. I am deeply grateful!"

"It's only right, it's all only right."

Yue Buqun's face was full of smiles.

Xianyu Tong died, and the one who was humiliated was Master Kumei, the head of the Huashan Sect. Why would Yue Buqun care?

Yue Buqun's official identity was that of the deputy sect leader. Li Zhaoting kept calling him sect leader, which made him feel flattered and that he had seized a great opportunity.

Even if we can't bring down Ku Mei, at least we can improve our reputation and prestige among the martial arts community.

(End of this chapter)